Delia's POVI thought I would be afraid to see my father again, but when he actually appeared in front of me, I only felt an overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity."Delia."He stood there, his features still familiar, but his expression so distant. The gaze that was always filled with disgust and indifference in my memories now became incredibly complex.Why was he contemplating? Was it because he witnessed the girl he once felt disappointed with now becoming a member of the royal Lycan family? Or did he think I shouldn't stand in the werewolf temple?Having successfully passed the Queen's test and received the blessing of the moon goddess, I thought I could face any question without fear. However, in the presence of my father, my calm demeanor was disturbed."Perhaps you should address her as Your Majesty. After all, she is our Luna."A deep voice sounded, and it was filled with authoritative pressure. At that instant, when I heard those words, my wolf howled joyfully in my mind.Kral!
"What?" He narrowed his eyes, and a hint of caution flashed in his gaze.I smiled and faced the crowd, unaffected by their stares. "Elder William, or perhaps I should still address you as my teacher. Do you remember teaching me about the meaning of loyalty to the royal family?""Of course," he replied."I can swear upon the Moon Goddess that I have devoted my love and loyalty to my mate, His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Kral," I declared.Rising from my seat, I disregarded the expressions of those around me and looked at the elders with a knowing smile. Catherine's previous actions had made it clear that someone had already known my secret.But Kral's insistence and Bernice's death made it impossible for them to proceed with their plans, so they had to postpone our wedding through the queen's trial."Based on your understanding, any love acquired through betrayal or deception does not deserve loyalty. I agree with your viewpoint. If you believe my father is hard proof of my inability,
Kral's POV"Who else dares to challenge my queen?" I exclaimed, consumed by a raging fire that burned away my sanity. Seated upon my high-backed chair, I gritted my teeth and uttered those words with anger.Familiar crazy coursed through my veins as the image of a black wolf howling invaded my mind. The primal urge to shift surged like a scorching flame, engulfing my heart. Sinister shades of red crawled into my eyes, fueled by a bloodlust that once again boiled within me.Veins bulged on my arms and neck, and my hands, now shifted into wolf-like claws, involuntarily clenched, eager to rend and destroy.I craved blood! The red, flowing kind, permeated with the pungent scent!The figures before me, dressed in white garments, looked upon me with a mix of fear and disdain. They cowered behind sharp spears, yet I could perceive the darkness beneath their fearful facade, tainted by disgust and contempt.Tear them apart! The desires within me clamored.Fragments of dark memories surged fort
Alen's POVWhat?! I could hardly believe what I was seeing. According to the normal effects of the medication, Kral would remain unconscious for at least one night to fully recover. And yet, Delia was by his side, and she was not doing anything particularly special, but Prince Kral awakened from his state of frenzy.I wasn't the only one taken aback. Wiliam and August had solemn expressions, a glint passing through their eyes, understanding why Kral had always chosen Delia to be his queen.One might say, she truly lived up to the legendary White Wolf reputation. With her innate healing powers over werewolves, her ability to heal Kral was even more astonishing after they became mates."K-Kral, Your Highness?" One of the elders trembled, clearly shaken and somewhat disoriented by Kral's sudden return to sanity."It is indeed me."Kral's sharp eyes scanned the faces of the crowd. His gaze seemed condescending, as if looking down from a higher place.Delia, in her White Wolf state, had in
Catherine's povSlap!Slap!Slap!With each sound, another whip mark was left on my body. In the darkened room, I knelt on the frigid floor, surrendering to the relentless lashes that tore my clothes apart."Does it hurt?" My father, Elder William, asked me in the darkness."Not at all." I clenched my teeth, biting my lips until they bled. I heard myself utter the response, and words escaped through the parting of my lips.Pa!The whip struck my back, releasing my father's wrath. It coiled like a venomous serpent, devouring my nerves, causing involuntary tremors to course through my body."Catherine," my father's voice descended from above, "I need an explanation."Struggling to steady my near-collapsing body, I maintained my silence, steadying myself.In obscurity, nothing was visible, yet my sense of touch grew acute. I felt my father lifting my chin with the whip, the sweat on my face gliding and moistening it.Gazing at my father's blurred silhouette in the darkness, I mustered a
Bud's POVIn the dimly lit underground dungeon beneath the palace, I held a lantern and opened the heavy door of the cell. Inside, I saw several warriors with scarred bodies and they were tossed into a pile of decaying straw.One person's clothes were stained with dried brown blood. His hair was caked with dust. I could no longer recognize his former appearance."How is he?" I asked."General, he has passed out from the pain. The doctor administered basic treatment and expects him to regain consciousness tomorrow," a soldier answered respectfully."I understand. You can leave now.""Yes, General."As the candle flame flickered, the soldiers departed the cell in an orderly manner. The cramped room became somewhat more spacious. I gazed coldly at the face resting on the straw. With my sword, I brushed the hair aside. I recognized a handsome, vaguely familiar visage.Lancaster.Wow, what a coincidence, we met again, I thought, mocking.My sword tip glided slowly down, slicing through his
Catherine's POVI sat at the vanity by the window, gazing at the roses outside.Even in the darkness of the night, the castle remained beautiful. The roses bloomed passionately, their beauty undiminished by the arrival of the night."Snap," I reached out to break a flower. I looked at myself in the mirror, placing the rose into my hair. The fragrance wafted to my nostrils, but my eyes were cold."Smile, Catherine," I commanded myself in my mind.In the mirror, the muscles at the corners of my mouth slowly tugged, forming a smiling expression. It reminded me of the woman who always smiled in my memories."Catherine, smile," her words echoed in my ears. I felt as if my mother were still alive, her words lingering around me.My mother possessed long, red curls. Her exquisite lips were constantly adorned with a smile. She had a pair of black eyes, resembling mysterious gemstones. When she glanced down at me in her embrace, her eyes shimmered like stars in the night."My Catherine, my darl
Catherine's POV"Ding!"The black armor clashed against my bed, producing a crisp sound."Who would have thought the cold-hearted General Bud would lie on my bed like a hungry hawk?"I straddled his waist, facing Bud's hot gaze, slowly unbuttoning his clothes until his chest was exposed.As I touched something hard between his thighs, Bud suddenly sat up, gripping my shoulders."Catherine, are you... really sure about this?"He strained to suppress his voice, his facial muscles twitching, and his eyes flickering with struggle.His hands met mine and I felt his calluses from training. They're radiating burning heat.I almost burst into laughter. We were already lying in bed, and he thought I was joking?I remained silent, slowly leaning over."Open your eyes, Bud. I want you to see how I'm going to 'eat' you."A sensual warmth enveloped my face.My face descended towards his lower half. Through the fabric, I traced the shape of his aroused member with my tongue.Saliva wetted his pants