VonI was running. The cold wind bit into my skin as I dashed across the forest. I was tired but I didn’t stop and then looked down at my hands. I noticed they were drenched in blood. At first, my hands were empty and bloody but the next time I glanced at it. I noticed a body was in my hands.How did that happen? It was dark around me and hard to see who the body belonged to but despite being unaware of who it was I kept running like someone who was being chased.“Help!” I shouted into the void. “Somebody, help me!” But there was no answer. No one came. I stumbled, and my knees nearly buckled under the weight of the person in my arms. My heart pounded violently the minute I crossed a turning and the dark clouds above me turned bright.What was going on?The minute that thought settled in my mind. I peered down at my hands once again. It was during that moment I realized who the body belonged to.It was Rae. Her lifeless body hung limp against me, her face was pale, and blood
RaeI exhaled slowly, rubbing my temples as I watched Anna sip her tea. The small café carried the scent of dried herbs and fresh pastries. But despite the comforting atmosphere, my mind remained on Von. Anna glanced at me over the rim of her cup, her brows slightly furrowed. “Okay, you’re clearly distracted.” She set the cup down and leaned forward. “What’s going on?” I sighed. “Von has been acting really strange lately.” “Strange how?” I swirled my tea, watching the leaves float to the surface. “He’s here, but at the same time, it feels like he is not here. It’s like his mind is always somewhere else. He has become obsessed with the border. He has visited there for the past three days. Suddenly he doubled the security, and guards followed me everywhere. Did you see how hard it was to leave the house? Jace wouldn’t have let me go if I hadn’t convinced him I was taking a driver and wouldn’t be gone too long.” Anna rested her chin on her hand, considering my words. “Maybe he’
Von “The coast has been clear for the past three days, Your Majesty,” one of my men reported. “No sign of rogues?” I asked, gripping the steering wheel tightly. “None.” I exhaled, but the tightness in my chest didn’t ease. “Still, be on the lookout. If you spot any rogue trying to break through the border, inform me immediately.” He nodded, and without another word, I turned the key in the ignition and drove off. Every day for the past three days, I had made this drive to the borders, checking security, and reinforcing patrols. It had become my daily routine, but the real reason I kept coming back was because of Rae. My dream still haunted me. Every night, it was the same nightmare.Blood on my hands. Rae, lifeless in my arms. My screams echoing into nothingness. I didn’t know what had killed Rae, but in every dream, she appeared lifeless.I had to protect her. I couldn’t let it happen. So I doubled security. Strengthened defenses. I did everything in my power to pro
VonI walked toward my car, with Rae cradled in my arms. But as I moved, my eyes caught something that sent a fresh wave of rage tearing through me. It was a bite mark. It wasn’t just any mark—it was deep and vicious and I knew it was from one of my pack members. My Luna was beaten and bitten by the people who were supposed to serve and respect her. I stopped in my tracks, my whole body shaking. What had my pack become? When had they turned into this? Was this the kingdom I fought for? The people I had bled for? The feeling of a hand against my arm pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see Anna. I didn’t even realize that she was following me.“What do you want?” I asked in a rough tone.She was part of the people that made this horrible thing happen to Rae. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I shouldn’t have let her step out. I should have—” I cut her off with a glare. “You have no right to speak,” I snapped. My voice was quiet, but the venom in it couldn’t go unnoti
RaeI woke up with a sharp gasp. The jeering voices. The rough hands dragging me across the dirt all replayed in my head. I bolted upright, my heart hammering against my ribs.I could smell herbs and medicine, and it took me a moment to realize I was back in the palace. I wasn’t on that hill anymore. I was safe. But how did I get here? Anna. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, ignoring the ache that pulsed through my limbs. I had to find her. Had she been the one to bring me back? Or had it been Von? I pulled on the nearest robe and stepped out into the hallway, my bare feet cool against the polished floors. The palace was quiet, the servants moving about in hushed tones.As I moved through the corridors, my ears caught the sound of a raised voice. The voice belonged to Von. Without hesitation, I followed the voice, my steps growing faster. When I reached the throne room, I halted my steps.Jace and Anna stood side by side, their heads bowed in front of Von, w
Rae I decided to speak to Jace about the whole Von issue I knew he would have answers, but there was one problem though, I haven't seen him since the incident. Jace was always at the border. Von was still angry at him and felt this was his little way of punishing him. I didn’t bother questioning von about his actions because I knew he would end up feeding me with lies.Anyways Jace would go to the border during the early hours of the day according to Anna’s observation.So I decided to wake up very early. It was the only way I could catch up with him. I found Jace at the entrance just as he was preparing to leave the palace. His sword was strapped to his waist, and he happened to be armored up. "Jace," I called after him. He paused, turning to face me. His expression shifted as he took an exaggerated bow. "My lady," he said dramatically. I rolled my eyes. "You just had to be extra, didn’t you?" "I'm merely paying respect to the Luna," he replied with an easy grin. "We
Rae I woke to the sound of movement only to see Von getting dressed.“I thought you were going to stay with me today,” I said as I adjusted myself on the bed."I can’t. I have an important meeting with the councilmen," he said, fastening the last button on his crisp shirt. I didn’t need to ask him what meeting. I knew the reason behind the meeting. He was going to address what happened at the market, and more importantly, he was going to pass his new law to the pack. I sat up, the sheets pooling around me. "Von… just don’t overreact, okay?" He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "I’m only doing what needs to be done, Rae." I sighed, hoping that he wouldn’t do anything crazy. After he left, I made my way to the maids’ chambers, where Anna and I often spent time together anytime Von left. She was coming out of the bathroom when I walked in, but as soon as she saw me, her face lit up.“I thought your little honeymoon was going to continue.” She said shooting me a smug l
RaeAs the car neared town, I could hear the shouts echoing through the streets. People were yelling, their voices filled with anger and fear. The town felt like a battlefield, with pack members pushing against the guards who stood like an impenetrable wall around the center of the commotion. "Pull over," I ordered the driver, in a firm voice.He hesitated for a moment, glancing at me as if second-guessing whether he should obey. But one look at my determined expression, and he gave in, slowing the vehicle until it came to a stop. I stepped out and immediately felt the heat of the situation but what caught my attention first was Von. He was standing in the middle of the street, flashing the people one of his cold gazes, and beside him—on his knees was Luigi whose hands were tied behind his back.There was also blood dripping out of his nose and his face looked like it had received thousands of blows.I was a bit confused. Why was Luigi in that position? I thought all Von want
Von The distance between Rae and me grew day by day. And I didn’t try to close it. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I understood why it was happening. This was too much for her to process—there was too much pain involved. She needed space, and I wasn’t going to force my presence into a storm she hadn’t calmed yet.So I kept to myself, locking the emotions away and burying my mind in strategy. Every hour was spent thinking, reading old texts, flipping through scrolls.I was searching for any solid thread that could lead to the artifact the seer spoke of. I wanted to be sure that it was real and just something that was made up, when I finally found an old book that documented old artifact I was happy. So it exited. As I closed that book, I made my decision. I was going to find it. And I wasn’t going alone.Landon was coming with me.The idea settled like steel in my bones. I dragged myself out of bed, the morning chilly air biting at my skin as I stood before the mirror and
Von I was torn between two options—go after Rae or deal with the information that the guard just delivered to me.My feet itched to chase her down the servants’ quarters, and to make her feel better… but duty pulled me in the other direction.Roy was already a few steps ahead, and I followed him down the corridor, my gaze still locked on the hallway Rae had disappeared into.“He told you he found a witch?” I asked, my voice sharp.Roy nodded without looking back. “Yes, Your Majesty. Said he found her near the valley.”“And you believe that nonsense?” I pressed, picking up my pace.“What do you mean?” Roy glanced back at me.“Do you really think he found a real witch? Or is this just some random old woman he picked up to fool us again?” My tone was filled with suspicion.Roy hesitated. “I… I don’t know. He seemed sure of her. That’s all I can say.”I didn’t push him further. I clenched my jaw and kept walking, letting silence carry the weight of my thoughts. Landon was a snake—one wh
Rae I stared at Anna in disbelief, my lips parted but no words coming out. I couldn’t believe what I just heard. I felt like I was in a nightmare. I managed to pull myself out of the haze staring back at Anna. “You’re saying… I have to die to save the kingdom?” My voice cracked as I spoke, and my legs felt unsteady beneath me.Anna gave a slow nod, her eyes filled with sadness.“I don’t understand,” I said, forcing myself to stand. “Why me? How am I the reason for the curse?”“I don’t know, Rae,” she replied gently. “But Von might. He’s been keeping everything to himself. I think he knows more than he’s saying.”I shook my head. “This can’t be real. I refuse to believe it.”My heart pounded in my chest. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. The walls were closing in. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind, crashing into each other. I didn’t want to cry, but tears burned behind my eyes anyway.Anna stepped closer. “Please calm down. Landon’s looking for a witch. He believes there might b
RaeThe dim light crept into view, it was blurry and soft at first, like a distant memory trying to settle into focus. My head felt heavy, and my body… foreign. I blinked a few times, trying to ground myself in the space around me. Everything was unfamiliar. I was disoriented. My arms ached, and when I looked down, I noticed wires—tubes—stripped across my body. I couldn’t tell if they were for healing or restraint.Then suddenly I heard soft sobs which broke through my haze.I turned my head, and my eyes landed on Anna. She was hunched over in a chair across the room, her shoulders trembling. Her voice cracked as she muttered to herself, “I think I’ve made a mistake… I shouldn’t have let him go…”What was she talking about? And why was she crying?“Anna…” My voice came out hoarse, it was low and if she wasn’t sitting close by. I was sure she wouldn’t have heard it.Anna’s head jerked up after those words left my lips. Her eyes widened like she’d seen a ghost. “Rae?” she gasped. T
VonThe moment, I saw Landon move I halted my steps, trying to figure out where he was heading. He directed his horse towards the side of the river while he rested on one of the stones. He was facing me now, but because of the trees I was well hidden and I couldn’t be easily detected. I kept watching, waiting for the opportunity when he would finally turn his back. Eventually, he did, and just as I was about to launch myself at him, my horse let out a sharp, loud snort.Landon jerked his head up and during that moment his eyes found mine. I wondered if he had seen me, but the moment I saw him reach for his horse I got the answer to my question.Landon pulled his horse out of the river in one fast move, climbed onto the saddle, and kicked hard. The animal responded instantly, racing through the shallow water, splashing and tearing through the trees.“Landon!” I growled, then yanked my reins.I mounted quickly and dug my heels in. My horse moved forward, its hooves digging into the t
VonI stared at Anna with a coldness that could freeze fire. My eyes locked onto hers, searching for answers, for some kind of remorse, but all I saw was silence. Her lips stayed pressed together, and it was clear she wasn’t planning on explaining anything anytime soon.My anger ignited. It roared up from my chest like a beast unchained. I hit her against the cage once again.“You dare remain silent?” I growled through clenched teeth. “You set him free and you stand here with your mouth shut like it means nothing?”Her gaze flicked to mine, and finally, she spoke in a soft tone. “Even if I explain things to you… you’ll never understand.”I scoffed, tightening my grip. “Did he promise you something? Huh? Is that it? Did Landon feed you some sweet little story?”“No,” she snapped back. “He didn’t promise me anything.”I let out a humorless laugh. “Then why? What in the hell made you think this was a good idea?”She yanked her arm out of my grasp. “Because he said he wants to help this c
Von The night had arrived.I sat in my chambers, wide awake. My sword rested beside me on the table, a sharp glint catching the flicker of torchlight from the wall. I hadn't slept, not even for a second. My instincts told me tonight would be the night they'd try it—the traitors among my guards. Anna’s warning had been clear, and my men were ready. My loyal guards were stationed throughout the palace, hiding in shadows, crouched in corners, armed to the teeth.I paced slowly across the room, boots echoing faintly against the stone floor. Then—just as I paused—came the sound. A low grunt. Then another. It started outside my door. The fight had begun.I moved quickly into the shadows, pressing my back against the cold wall. I could hear the scuffle grow louder. Then came footsteps rushing toward my chamber. Someone was coming for me.I didn’t move.I waited.The door creaked open. I saw the silhouette step in, sword drawn. He didn’t see me. He thought I’d be asleep.He took three step
Von The room was quiet except for the steady ticking of the clock on the wall. I had taken my position at the edge of the bed, my hands resting on my knees, the weight of everything pulling at my chest. Anna stood by the door, her brows furrowed, her lips pressed in a tight line. “Are you going to speak or not ?” I asked, my voice hoarse from lack of rest.She stepped closer, looking over her shoulder like she was afraid someone might be listening. “I don’t know if you are ready to hear this.”I sighed. Nothing else would surprise me, for the past few weeks I had watched my life go for bad to worse to wise. I knew nothing she would say would make a difference in my life.“Just say it, Anna!” I tried to keep my voice neutral trying not to lose my cool.“They’re plotting to kill you, Your Majesty.” Anna finally said.My eyes narrowed. “What do you mean by that?”“I overheard the guards talking with a few locals,” she said, her voice low. “They’re working together. They want to overt
Von The deaths in the kingdom had not stopped. Every day brought another body, another cry for help. And in the middle of all that, the truth I had learned clung to me like a second skin. Rae—no, Rose—was my sister. That revelation shattered something in me. It was like a rope had snapped. The very bond that once tethered me to her had been sliced clean through.I no longer looked at Rae the same. Her smile, her voice, the warmth in her eyes—it all haunted me now. I dared not to think of our memories, the feeling of me thrusting into her, the sound of her calling out my name. It felt like a nightmare. I forced myself to think of something. It wasn’t easy and to make things worse I started having dreams. Horrible, violent dreams. In them, I killed her over and over. Sometimes with my hands. Sometimes with a blade. Sometimes I just watched her die, unable to stop it. Every time I closed my eyes, those dreams returned, more vivid and terrifying than the last. Sleep no longer gave m