Dean’s POV
I’m somewhat dumbfounded by the coincidence. More so when the old wizard’s prophetic orb flashes and swirls with smoke tinged in black and gold. I watch the old man rest his hands against the ball, and as I’ve seen many times before, his eyes go completely white, as he starts to speak with a voice weighed down by gloom.
“The curse has not left you Dean Tullus, it has only been subdued,” my brows narrow in displeasure, but I don’t speak just yet as Leonard continues, “It is only when you declare your love to her with full honesty, that your curse shall be cured. This is salvation, as well as punishment.”
Leonardo shakes himself awake and out of his trance, wide eyes blinking at me. I only glare at the ball with growing distaste, as victory once again slips out of my grasp.
It seems absurd that someone as strong and powerful as me is expected to fall in love with someone so weak. It makes little sense, and there is nothing logical about it. Power breeds with power.
Moreover, it seems impossible that I’d lose all my power so suddenly. My gaze turns to the other two beside me, about to suggest we research into how this could happen. Until suddenly, the words coming out of Tyler’s mouth become muffled. And then silent. And then I can no longer hear at all.
It’s like the world around me has been deafened. Before I can express this sudden deactivation of one of my senses, a voice rings out loudly in my head.
“Moon Goddess, please help me! Please give me a savior in this desperate time of need.”
This cry for help repeats itself in my head like a broken record player, growing louder and louder with each time it’s replayed. Something draws me away from where I’m stood. My mind goes fuzzy and is dispelled of all other thoughts other than the concept of movement.
Move.
Move.
MOVE.
It’s like one of my insanity episodes but slightly different. It’s like I’m being summoned somewhere, there’s a purpose behind it. I turn to Tyler immediately, knowing something I can’t control is about to happen.
“Find me.”
________________________________
Harper’s POV
“They wouldn’t banish me…. Would they?” I absentmindedly kick rocks in my way as I plod along the way to home. Or what I hope will still be my home. My heart wrenches at the mere thought.
“Oh god!” I wail, “What if they do? I’d surely be lunch for the wereleopards and werebears with my feeble body and weak mind.”
‘Or a snack for other rogue werewolves…’ Sara’s comment only sends me spiraling further in doubt, imaging myself being laid down on a massive silver plate. I’d be roast dinner with a side of mash potatoes and vegetables. And they’d turn my blood into gravy! Oh God!
Before I can contemplate it further, a snap of a twig catches my attention. My eyes shoot up to see several rogue werewolves standing in the distance. Some in the wolf forms, some not, as they focus on me.
I swallow nervously. “Do you think they’re robbing me for my beauty or my money?” Sara can only shrug with unease as I add, “I mean, if they’re robbing me for my beauty, then maybe it’s not impossible for me to sacrifice a little…”
I barely finish my sentence when one of the wolves beelines for me, with his accomplices in tow. He rushes at me with vicious intensity, jaws parted wide to show a sharp row of teeth.
While I’m frozen, Sara’s instincts kick into gear: “Stop that nonsense. Run, run, run! Run as fast as you can! Otherwise, we will end up as roast dinner!”
Sara awakens me from my paralysis, forcing my body to spin and dart in the other direction. I sprint as fast as I can, but I am no match for any werewolf, let alone one in their wolf form. I can hear his heavy paws eating up the ground and gaining on me, his growls growing lower with every second.
I realize I’ll have to use the only advantage I have in this life. My magic…
I have kept it a secret from everyone since there is no record of werewolves ever having magical abilities. I always wonder if this is the Moon Goddess’s way of compensating for my immense weakness. But wait…
The Moon Goddess is not associated with magic… maybe it’s Merlin the Mage! But does Merlin associate with werewolves? Ugh, I don’t know! Whoever seems to be helping me, I’ve got magic somehow!
The only trouble is, is that my magic is flawed. Of course it’s flawed… unpredictable even, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve also barely had much chance to learn about my abilities, besides the few spells I had read in the library.
With my fear ignited, I suddenly feel my magic rouse from its usual hibernation. My hands tingle with expectation, and a soft hue of lavender light dances from one fingertip to the next. My magic represents itself as a beam of light that I could direct with hand movements.
Spells differ in their method of casting, but the problem is, I’ve never learnt any attack spells, they never seemed of any importance before!
Hence, when a flash of purple light bolts out of my hand, instead of blasting the wolf away as would have been useful, it turns the canine’s fur from a dark brown into a flashy girlish magenta! Probably from the time I wanted to turn my dress from green to pink…
Oh no…
I try again with another hulk who’s still in his human form. But instead of an attack spell colliding with his shoulder as I hope for, it redirects to his hair. Suddenly, a bunch of hair explodes out into a brand-new hairstyle, fitted with bangs and two elaborate French braids! I now recall the time one of the little girls wanted me to do a complex hairstyle on her…. I might’ve cheated….
Ack!
I try one last time on another one of the rogues, hoping a leg shot would be more successful…
Nope.
The spell snaps his trousers undone and disintegrates the material, leaving the rogue now running around with his pale white meaty thighs on show, with only his underwear left.
That spell was for one of my bullies… no good for me now, is it?
This can’t have gone worst; they are all clearly humiliated by what I’ve done. As I’m running, I try to once again cast another spell, but the purple essence of my magic only spasms, sparks and fizzles like a lighter that’s run out of fuel.
________________________________
I’m desperate to flee the situation, but in my panic, I stumble over a tree branch and tumble to the ground with an audible thud. The hulks easily catch up to my position, towering over me with devilish smiles.
My situation appears hopeless. Is this truly the end for me? ‘Sara, what do we do?’
‘I don’t know! I don’t know!’ Her cries mirror my heartache, and again and again I try to awake my magic, thrusting my hand out at the rogues in hopes that some light will extend.
But nothing happens, and the rogues laugh at my absurd actions.
Eventually, all I can do is fold my hands in desperation, praying for some miracle, hoping that there’s a kind hero who’ll come to save me.
“Moon Goddess, please help me! Please give me a savior in this desperate time of need.”
I wonder if my plea will remain all but a hopeless wish. But just then, a large masculine figure flashes across my line of vision. Like a graceful predator, he leaps down from a tree and smashes the ground down below as he lands in an effortless crouch.
My savior.
Harper’s POVI’ve never seen someone so undeniably handsome. Sure, there are pretty people in the world. But this man is utterly gorgeous!His dark raven hair flows down to his shoulders. Every muscle in his back is prominent through his shirt as he defensively stands in the way. Toned legs, strong arms… and when he turns to look at me, sharp bone structure matches his piercing gray eyes.Am I drooling? I hurry to wipe away my presumed saliva from my lips in utter embarrassment, but the man has little time to focus on me. Although the rogues were startled at first by my savior’s surprise entrance, they’ve now adjusted themselves, and continue to press forward towards us.“How come it’s you again?” the man finally turns to me and sneers, acknowledging my presence.I look at him in confusion, I’ve never met this stranger, I would have remembered meeting someone so handsome. But he does not question my puzzled look, instead he turns back to the rogues that taunt him and me.I do wonder
Harper’s POV‘Although he looks very handsome and is our savior, he doesn't seem quite right in the head…’ I internally say to Sara.When faced with the stranger’s unexpected and strange declaration of which is a “marriage proposal”, I stare at him with immense confusion and disbelief. I must shake myself out of my daze before finally responding to him.“I’m very grateful to you for saving my life, but…but I don’t believe it’s very appropriate to make such a request when we’ve just met.” I state.I try to simply and politely decline his request, however with the look that sprouts upon his face, you’d think I have chastised him to the highest degree. He scoffs, appearing astounded through a smug half grin, and raised brow.“Darling… do you know who I am?” he states pridefully. “I’m the Lycan King!”I stare at him blankly as he reiterates, thinking I don’t understand. “You know, the most powerful Lycan that ever lived? Come on girl, how can you refuse Lycan King Dean.”‘Oh, he definitel
Dean’s POVHarper is nothing like her family. And although I maintain a blank expression, my wolf and I both mentally frown at the contrast. Harper’s bubbly nature and broad beaming smile are nothing like the drab, ugly frowns that her stepmother and half-sister have on.Her father lacks all her softness as he storms up the path towards us, seething in fury. “You good for nothing idiot! I told you to do whatever it took to stay within those castle walls!”I see Harper succumb to her father’s rage, as if she has dealt with it many times before. “Just this once child, just this once could you have listened to me? I asked you one simple thing! To stay in that goddamn castle.”“But… but I do listen to you father-”“Shush girl, do not speak when your father is speaking,” her mother interjects, allowing her father to continue his malicious brigade.“You never do as I say! And now you will deal with the consequences by being expelled from my pack!”I watch the fear line her eyes with fresh t
Dean’s POV“Why did you suddenly mind link me to change the instruction I was meant to announce? There's no such thing as a maid selection competition. I came here to find you and announce the punishment placed on the Mystic Grey Pack,” Tyler says, perplexed.“Well, just organize one now.” I say with a casual air.But Tyler clearly isn’t comfortable about the change of plans, and sighs, “So what about you? I’ve found you now, come back with me, the old wizard is worried.”I shake my head sharply, already having decided what would be my plan of action. “No. I’m going back to Harper’s pack for a little while.”I witness both surprise and skepticism ignite in Tyler’s eyes as he questions me further. “You don’t really have a crush on her, do you?”I try to interrupt his absurd train of thought, but my Beta continues, “You altered the order, deciding to suddenly come up with this maid competition that doesn't even exist, and now you want to stay with her?”I scoff at his clear line of ques
Harper’s POVWith the little boy’s words, the people around me awaken from their trance, coming to their senses with words of praise, complimenting me on how pretty I look. I’m puzzled about how to feel about all of this, the attention is overwhelming, my fingers play with the material of my dress in hopes of quelling my anxiety.All my life I have been made fun of for my bland appearance, and suddenly, I’m being celebrated… Butterflies flutter around inside me, and I shyly smile in response to their kind words. I’m sure that my face is probably red as well, but I can’t help it. This is all new to me.Trying to avoid the hundreds of eyes upon me, I go to reach for the one thing that encompasses a sense of normality, my glasses. I pick them up, about to put them on in hopes that once I can see my surroundings again, things will return to normal.Just then, my hand is halted in its pursuit of calming my unease, a strong masculine hand rests upon it, slowly untwisting the glasses out of
Harper’s POVWith a quick click of the button, I blackout the torch in fright, and grab Dylan’s hand unconsciously. My eyes scan our surroundings, desperate for a place to hide. Even in darkness, the moon shines a soft light that I’m thankful for, and it illuminates a small pit near where we’re standing.“This way.” I whisper, pulling him towards the descending ground. It's damp, muddy and overwhelmed with weeds, but it will do. However, I make it but an inch till I’m lugging what feels like a boulder, unmoving. I turn back to Dylan, confused by his lack of haste.He frowns. “A King does not cower,” he grumbles quietly, clearly talking to himself.“Dylan, we must hurry!” I stress in a hushed voice.But the man seems caught up in his own thoughts, “What the hell. This is madness.” I watch him expel a defiant huff, running a hand through his hair trying to contain his frustration as he continues muttering. “I do not live in a shabby cabin. She shouldn’t be living in a shabby cabin. No o
Harper’s POVAlthough Dylan’s encouragement yesterday had induced confidence in me to stand up to Erin last night. Today I feel frail, gazing into Dylan’s serious gray orbs. Leaving me wanting to retreat like a balloon, escaping a child’s hand and fleeing into the atmosphere.I’m aware that the maid selection competition will involve testing skills in cooking and housework, which I am decent at. However, in the werewolf world, your rank matters heavily and your rank is classified by strength.I therefore fear there’ll be a test of strength. And as an alpha who is weaker than an omega, there’s no way my strength will carry me through the test. Not to mention, I haven’t shown an ounce of talent in learning those offensive attacks!I’m doomed!I’m fully aware of Dylan’s eyes on me, and eventually he interrupts my spiraling thoughts with his voice. “Where's all the confidence I saw within you yesterday Harper?”I swallow hard at his imposing presence, lowering my gaze sadly to finally exp
Harper’s POVI’m completely astonished by the fact I’ve just used the spell from the small note that Dylan dropped. And it generated that much power? This is insane.But I don’t have time to further comprehend what's just happened.Clearly, my spell cast and forceful attack have only enraged the bear even further. The forestry in the distance is physically thrashed about, implying movement from the bear. It rushes out again and towards me in more furious rage.Hoping twice is the charm, I try to use the spell again. But nothing expels from my fingertips. I can sense that my magic has been drained. I’m at a loss for what to do now. I’m completely exposed with nothing to defend myself with.Fear churns my gut as I suddenly feel hopeless. In the end, I close my eyes, timidly lifting my hand in a faint attempt to protect my face.I sense the large predator approaching, and I wince as a claw swipes across my arm. But that's all I feel. I’m confused, and I’m still afraid to look. But eventu
Third POVDean stares wide-eyed at his surroundings. Just a moment ago he was just getting out of his lovely hot shower, having only thrown on a bathrobe. And now, he stands speechless in the middle of town. He runs a hand through his hair trying to quell his astonishment. However, all makes sense when his gaze lands on Harper. He sighs.She summoned him…Harper on the other hand is overjoyed by Dylan’s presence, and curiously inquires as to why he is here. When he fails to respond immediately, she jumps with excitement, answering her own question. “Oh, I know! You must have come because you were worried about me!” her chubby cheeks only accentuate her smile as she continues to ponder on his entrance.“But wait, isn’t the competition site restricted to contestants only? How did you even manage to get in?” Faced with Harper’s innocence, Dean can only snort in response. Instead, he turns to look at the kitchen door, and then back at his virgin mate, asking nonchalantly. “So, what proble
Third POVAfter regrouping her mindless minions, Erin directs them to follow the scent of the weak damsel that threatens her position. Erin would see to the collapse of Harper’s existence, if that is what she has to do to gain the glory and prestige promised to her by family right.Harper deserves none of it.Erin leads the way, walking with devilish intent. You’d think she is dressed for a fashion show and not a cooking event. But her mother made sure she was always prepared to be viewed by possible suitors.And today is no exception. Erin’s glistening long blonde hair is meticulously styled into a complicated braid. All intertwining into one thick strand that falls down to her waist. She wears a stunning, luxurious winter sweater, and sharp, brown leather thigh high boots settle over her pants and tie the look together.Flicking her hair over her shoulder, the blonde eyes the surrounding field with a grin, speaking to herself, “Even if I don’t do anything to her. There’s no way she’
Samuel’s POVDiscovering that the pendant on Harper’s chest had transformed into a clover was a riveting find. It meant that my carefully designed plan to aggravate the bear and lure it near the pack that day had worked. I’m one step closer to avenging and resurrecting my love.The game has begun.Or maybe, the game began the moment Harper and Dean met.And my darling Felicity. It won’t be long now. Soon, we will be reunited… and all will be right in the world.Gazing down at my hands, I concentrate hard on the ruby gem resting in my palm. Watching the gem glow, soothing me with its presence. And with the promise that it will unlock Harper’s first seal. All that is left to do is ensure that the misguided Harper naturally obtains the ruby during the second round of the maid competition.Which I also have a perfect plan for.Just in time. I internally say to myself, while beholding a contradicting gentlemanly smile as Erin approaches me. Playing into my mild manner disguise, I softly pa
Harper’s POVIt’s Christmas Day! And well, it's the same as the last really. My family has completely forgotten I exist since they are so busy catering to guests. And I haven’t received any gifts. Dylan also disappeared for the day, saying that he has something to deal with. Trying not to dampen the Christmas spirit, I decide that I’ll head to the business district to entertain myself.I put on my only, but favorite pair of bright green winter boots. They're extremely worn out, but I can’t afford another pair. And I love these tremendously. I throw on a wooly jacket, grab my bag and head out.It really didn’t matter that I hadn’t received any gifts, couldn’t buy any, or wouldn’t get to spend the day with family. Just arriving in the business district, I’m surrounded by all things festive! And that's more than enough to make my day.The air is joyous and spectacular, as snow graces every rooftop and every pathway. Snowflakes trickle down from the sky, as festive music warms my soul. I
Harper’s POVThis is insane!My hands press against my breast, as if trying to capture my heart in case it bursts out of my chest from how hard it’s pounding. Aware that I am now able to fully wield my magic because of the sudden power surge. I cautiously try again, slightly doubtful if this will really work.But I have to try… Taking in a deep breath first, I outstretch my hands again, aiming at the trees and branches that I am in dire need of. Releasing my breath, consistent beams of light leave my hands. They travel towards the needed pieces of wood, acting like saws, they cut down the branches with ease. Pieces of wood fall all around me, ready for use.I drop my hands in a gasp. Astounded by what I’ve just accomplished!But I don’t have time to waste. I hurry to grab all the pieces and rush back to my assigned room. Still not comprehending much of what I just did, my legs feel like jelly. So I jog back like a baby deer still learning how to use its legs, the pieces of wood loudl
Dean’s POV“The King is majestic and masculine. Not a monster.”But my protest goes unheard, as she just continues to mindlessly stick her photos upon the wall. It doesn't help my frustration when she adds, “How are you so sure? You’ve not seen the King’s face either! He could actually have four eyes, and I’ve even drawn one less.”I try my best to control my eyeballs from glaring out, only releasing an exasperated sigh at this pointless conversation. There's clearly no point arguing with her!Just then, I receive a mind link from my Beta informing he has some information. “Your Majesty, the old wizard and I found evidence that there used to be a very rare and mysterious werewolf pack whose members were capable of using magic!”How interesting…My eyes glance over Harper in inspection as she is none the wiser, whilst Tyler continues speaking. “However, this pack has already been exterminated…”I frown. But then how and why does she remain? “And a new prophecy has emerged from Leonardo
Harper’s POVThe numerous eyes on me remain haunting, and I do my best to ignore and act as confident as I can externally muster. But no one knows that I’m actually so, so nervous!!!My back aches from trying to keep it straight, and my arms are sore from forcing them to remain stiff at my sides. All I want to do is cower inwards, but no, I wouldn’t lose momentum now, because I promised Dylan!After providing my registration sheet, I stand on the side of the stage alongside the other registered participants. Watching as father gives his final speech of the day. And as he does so, my mind flickers back to what feels like hours ago.5 minutes ago… “The registration ceremony will be over in 5 minutes.” The statement from Dylan has me jolting in alarm. I’ve been gasping for air on the side of the pool, drenched and wet. I blink myself awake, “Oh yeah… oh my god, yes! Yes! The registration ceremony!” I echo his words but with a considerable amount of embarrassment attached.I find myself
Harper's POVI feel completely dysfunctional, like a woolen sheep battling heatstroke. Fire scorches through my body while sweat dampens my skin and makes my dress cling to my breasts. It’s as if I’ve fallen into heat!My heart rapidly pounds against my chest as I brace my back against the door. Despite being locked, the man that has been chasing me continues to bang against it with clear intent to get in.Bang, Bang, Bang. My body throttles with each terrifying knock, knowing that it won’t take long for him to break through the wooden barrier. “Moon Goddess. Please protect me from harm. Save me!”As if the room hears my plea, one of the large windows unlatches with a sudden jolt. Thrusting open to allow an intense gust of wind into the room, bringing with it a dashing figure that leaps inside with spectacular ease.It’s Dylan! And suddenly, he’s all I can think about.The male stares at me with a considerable look of indifference. Completely unaware that my mind is spiraling out of
Harper’s POVI’m completely astonished by the fact I’ve just used the spell from the small note that Dylan dropped. And it generated that much power? This is insane.But I don’t have time to further comprehend what's just happened.Clearly, my spell cast and forceful attack have only enraged the bear even further. The forestry in the distance is physically thrashed about, implying movement from the bear. It rushes out again and towards me in more furious rage.Hoping twice is the charm, I try to use the spell again. But nothing expels from my fingertips. I can sense that my magic has been drained. I’m at a loss for what to do now. I’m completely exposed with nothing to defend myself with.Fear churns my gut as I suddenly feel hopeless. In the end, I close my eyes, timidly lifting my hand in a faint attempt to protect my face.I sense the large predator approaching, and I wince as a claw swipes across my arm. But that's all I feel. I’m confused, and I’m still afraid to look. But eventu