Alen's povThe sky was overcast, thick clouds covering the horizon, as if they were about to descend upon the earth at any moment. On the walls and gates of the imperial city, soldiers exchanged signals using red banners adorned with emblems.Before long, a dull rumble sounded, and long planks were lowered. Hundreds of neighing horses crossed the makeshift bridge over the moat, and the massive army set off from the imperial city.Prince Kral rode ahead of me on his horse. His black cloak billowed in the wind, like an unfurled banner. Royal guards protected the carriage that followed behind. Despite his esteemed status, Kral chose not to ride in the carriage; instead, he was on horseback, appearing like a general.I followed beside him. His black hood concealed his face, and the cloak obscured his figure. All I could see was his silvery-gray armor and short sword.The vanguard of our forces led the way, occasionally sending back messengers to report on the progress. The horses galloped
Delia's POV"Knock, knock!"I heard two knocks on the carriage door. Before I could even respond or grant permission for the person to come in, the door swung open.Prince Kral stood before me, holding a plate in his hands. The aromas wafting from the freshly prepared dishes were enticing and delightful. Although I hadn't felt hungry initially, the scent of the food caused my stomach to betray me with a quiet rumble.Feeling a tad embarrassed, I quickly took my hand to my stomach, attempting to muffle the sound. But it was too late. Prince Kral had already caught wind of my stomach's protest. I saw a subtle curve at the corner of his lips, and a playful glint in his eyes. This only deepened my embarrassment, and I could feel my cheeks burning."Delia, I suppose you must be hungry," Prince Kral stepped into the carriage, placing the food before me. He then closed the carriage door behind him, sealing us in. "It's dinner time now, and I've come to share this meal with you."The carriage
Delia's POVPrince Kral's commitment sounded enchanting, and I wanted to trust him. However, considering the recent string of events — the enigmatic figure in gray, the pilfered pearl necklace, and the intermittent dreams— all of this cast a heavy weight upon me.Unless these matters were resolved, even if Prince Kral arranged the most extravagant wedding ceremony, my heart would remain unsettled. Despite these thoughts, facing Prince Kral's earnest promise, I hesitated to dampen his spirits. Hence, I merely nodded and replied, "Your Highness, I'm eagerly looking forward to that day!""Delia…"Prince Kral seemed on the brink of saying more, but at that very moment, a light knock sounded on the carriage door."What is it?" Prince Kral turned his head, his impatience apparent."Your Highness, there's a matter I need to report to you…"Recognizing the voice as belonging to a soldier, I seized the opportunity and gave him a gentle nudge. "Your Highness, you should attend to your duties. I
Vivian’s POVConfronted with my inquisitive question, Albert's crimson lips curved upward. Though I couldn't glimpse his eyes, I was almost certain he awaited my verbalization of this query."Because I'm using a unique flute, only witches can perceive my melody and werewolves are incapable of detecting it," Albert silently approached me, his presence virtually devoid of sound. He raised his hand, a flute nestled in his palm, "Vivian, this is for you."I didn't desire anything from Albert, yet his voice seemed to wield an enchanting power, coaxing me to extend my hand.In a state of uncertainty, I found myself grasping the dainty flute. It was no thicker than my fingers and hardly longer than theirs. The flute's surface was icy cold, akin to Albert's own frigid touch.Only upon touching the chilled surface did I seem to awaken from a trance. I recoiled, stepping back, eyeing Albert warily, "No, I can't accept your offering.""Why?" Albert countered."Because I don't know you!" I recoll
Vivian's POVConfronted with Delia's reluctance to leave with me, I was already feeling disheartened, and now Alen was speaking to me in that tone! I understood that what he said was true, but I wasn't ready to admit it. He now seemed like a teacher scolding a child, and I was that naive child in his eyes."I don't want to talk to you anymore," I slipped my hand into my pocket, trying hard to put on a nonchalant façade, "I'm heading back to sleep."As my left hand slid into my pocket, I came into contact with the flute Albert had given me. I realized I couldn't let Alen discover the existence of this flute, so I clutched it tightly, keeping my hand still in my pocket."Vivian, it's getting pretty late. Please allow me to walk you back to the carriage," Alen turned his head and gestured in the direction of the camp.When Alen had finished speaking, he began to walk toward the campsite. I followed closely behind him, just one step away."Vivian, I'm still having trouble understanding wh
Vivian’s POVAlen and I maintained a distance—neither too close nor too far—as we made our way back to the campsite, him walking ahead and me following behind.When we arrived at my carriage, Alen stood beside it, waiting for me to catch up. As I approached, he dropped a cold remark, "Vivian, we're here. Go inside and get some sleep."After delivering those words, Alen didn't even bid me a good night. He simply turned and walked away.Watching his departing figure, my emotions, which had just started to settle, plunged once again into a pit of turmoil."Sigh…"I let out a long sigh, attempting to release the pent-up frustration within me. However, despite several sighs, the discomfort still lingered. I shook my head slightly, forcing myself to stop dwelling on the matter.I climbed onto the carriage, opened the door, and slipped inside. After shutting the door, I removed my coat and placed it beside the bed.Lying down on the carpet, I recalled the techniques my master had taught me t
Vivian’s POVAfter what felt like an eternity, the lingering kiss finally came to an end. Alen released my lips, his watery eyes fixated on mine. Despite the conclusion of our kiss, he didn't release my hands; instead, he tightened his grip on them, holding on even more firmly.At that moment, my legs were so weak that standing seemed like a challenge. I relied on Alen's embrace for support. Gradually, as I felt strength returning to my legs and my balance improving, I gently pushed him away and uttered, "Alen, let me go.""Are you still considering running away?" Alen didn't immediately release me. Instead, he sought an assurance from me, saying, "I'll only release you if you promise me you won't flee."As much as I hesitated to comply with such a demand, I knew that if I refused, Alen would hold onto me without letting go. So, for the time being, I had to make a concession. "I... I won't run."My hesitant words didn't escape Alen's notice. He let go of me with a displeased expressio
Delia's POVAfter days of arduous travel, we finally reached the vicinity of the Red Moon Pack.Given the uncertain circumstances, and with a sense of caution, Prince Kral directed us to establish our camp just outside the borders of the Red Moon Pack.We were to wait until our scouts had gathered intelligence on the situation within the pack before proceeding with our next move.Setting up the camp took most of the day. By the time everything was in order, evening had descended upon us. Prince Kral issued the command for everyone to gather in a large open space.Having received the summons, I joined the assembly in the clearing.Torchlights were arranged around the perimeter, casting their glow to dispel the encroaching darkness. Among them, a platform was positioned to one side, appearing to be intended for speeches and addresses."Delia." Just as my gaze was wandering, Prince Kral appeared by my side. He extended his right arm, silently inviting me to loop my arm with him. "Walk wi