Raven POV Raven. Alpha Ansel seeks your presence.”“No.”After two hours —“Raven, Alpha Ansel requests you have lunch with him.”“No.”After four hours —“His Majesty demands your presence, or he said he would come and drag you himself,” the maid said, her cheek stained with pink like she’d been blushing for hours.“Argh! Get out!” I shouted, my voice ripping through the room.The door shut quickly, the sound echoing against the high ceilings. After my last outburst, my room was changed. Again.It was bigger. More luxurious and more suffocating.I didn’t know the reason for the sudden change in them, but it was both unnerving and annoying.I paced like a caged animal, my fingers brushing against the silk drapes, the carved gold headboard, and the velvet cushions stacked neatly on the bed. Everything screamed royalty.I wanted to rip it all apart.“Raven.”“What…” I spun around, ready to bite the maid’s head off — but stopped in my tracks.Ansel.He stood in the doorway, tall and immo
Raven’s POVDuck, punch, punch.I could feel sweat trickling down my back, my muscles screaming with each movement. My breath came in short, ragged gasps, but I kept going.Bend, kick.I grinned, feeling a small rush of pride. Maybe I wasn’t as bad at this as I thought.That was until I tripped on a stone, and I fell flat on my butt.A deep, attractive laugh echoed behind me.I turned around, rubbing my sore backside, as my heart stumbled.Rowan.He stood a few feet away, arms crossed, my mate is the epitome of beauty. But it wasn’t his posture or his otherworldly beauty that made my breath hitch— it was the rare, genuine smile on his face.My wolf stirred, humming with happiness at being close to her mate, even one as confusing as Rowan. He was ice and fire all at once — distant yet close; I can't forget the way he took care of me after Kelvin's brutality.And for just a second, I swore I saw longing in his eyes before it disappeared, buried beneath that wall he always kept up.“What
Raven POV Rowan,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.He stood with his back to me, chest rising and falling like he was trying to steady himself. But the air between us is heavy and suffocating. I couldn’t look away from him, from the way his fingers twitched like he wanted to reach for me but was fighting the urge.I should’ve stayed quiet. I should’ve let him walk away.But I didn’t.“Look at me,” I pleaded, my voice trembling.He turned slowly, and when his eyes met mine, I sucked in a sharp breath.Like he was at war with himself, like touching me had unravelled something he couldn’t shove back into place. He then shifted the table, his hand shooting out to grab my face. His fingers pressed into my cheeks, not hard enough to hurt but enough to make my heart slam against my ribs.“You don’t know what you’re doing to me,” he growled, his voice low and raw.Before I could answer, he crushed his mouth against mine.The kiss was brutal — just the way I like it. His lips devoured m
Rowan POV I slammed the door to my room, my chest rising and falling with heavy breaths.How could I be so careless?I pressed my back against the wood, sliding down until I was crouched on the floor, my hands tangled in my hair. I could still feel Raven’s fingers brushing my skin, the shock in her eyes when she saw the marks.I never should’ve let her get that close.Lifting my shirt, I traced the scars again — those cursed lines that stretched like blackened veins across my torso. They pulsed, as if alive, as if reminding me they were part of me now. A stain I could never scrub clean.My wolf growled low in my head.She’s our mate. She should know.“No,” I muttered, slamming my fist against the floor. “She doesn’t need to know this.”I stood up, ripping my shirt off and throwing it aside. Looking at my reflection in the mirror on the wall, reflecting a body that no longer felt like my own. I used to take pride in my strength and my power as an Alpha. But now? All I saw was a broken
Rowan POV Using the mind link, I summoned my brothers, urgency lacing every word. They were by my side less than five minutes after I arrived back at the palace, their eyes sharp with concern.Ansel was the first to speak, stepping closer. “What’s wrong, Rowan?”I dragged a hand through my hair, still catching my breath. “Something is wrong. There’s a section of the forest that’s… dead.”They exchanged glances, confusion written across their faces.“Dead how?” Asher asked, folding his arms.“I mean devoid of life. No sound, no scent of animals, nothing. The ground is blackened, and the trees are rotting from the inside out.” I shook my head, the image burned into my mind. “It felt… wrong.”Ansel frowned, rubbing his jaw. “That’s odd. We haven’t had any fires, and if it were a sickness in the plants, it wouldn’t spread that fast without us noticing.”Asher paced, his fingers twitching like he was ready for a fight. “It could be sabotage. A rogue pack trying to weaken our territory.”I
Rowan POV One by one, the Alpha leaders of the surrounding packs filed in, their footsteps echoing against the stone floor. The torches lining the walls flickered, casting jagged shadows across their hardened faces — warriors, leaders, people who ruled their lands with iron wills and sharp claws.I sat at the head of the long table, together with Ansel and Asher. My brothers — my equals. Each of us Alphas, each of us carrying the weight of our bloodline differently. Ansel sat rigid as a blade, every muscle coiled, ready to strike. Asher leaned back, eyes half-lidded but watching everything.The room settled into a strained silence as the last seat filled.Alpha Gabriel from the Shadowblood pack leaned forward, the scars on his face twisting as he frowned. “What’s the meaning of this meeting?” he asked, voice rough like gravel. “I don’t leave my pack to chase rumours.”I rested my elbows on the table, lacing my fingers together to steady myself. “This isn’t a rumour,” I said, voice
Raven’s POVThe palace was suffocatingly quiet.I didn’t know what the council meeting was about, and honestly, I didn’t care. I wasn’t a Luna. I wasn’t even close to being one — not when my so-called mates refused to claim me. I was just… here. Stuck.But Kelvin would be attending the meeting, and that alone was enough to make me feel like my lungs were collapsing.I pressed my forehead against the cold stone wall of my room, closing my eyes tightly as my chest heaved.I can’t see him. I can’t face him.The memories of his pack made my body flinch involuntarily — the sharp crack of the whip, the cold floor of the cell, the way he’d call me his queen right before he punished me for imaginary sins.It made me sick.I stayed curled up in my room for what felt like hours, but the silence outside started getting to me. The palace was never this quiet.Eventually, my legs started moving on their own. My wolf, Ara, whined in distress, begging me to stay hidden, but curiosity and dread pulle
Raven POV Asher slammed Matthew against the stone wall so hard that the entire hallway shook.“I am a monster,” Asher hissed, his fingers tightening around Matthew’s throat, claws half-extended. “And if you ever speak to her again, I’ll show you just how cruel I can be.”Matthew choked, clawing at Asher's wrist, but Asher didn’t budge. His body radiated pure rage. I felt sick.“Asher, let him go,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.He didn’t even flinch.“Asher, please.”His grip loosened slightly, but he didn’t release Matthew. Instead, he leaned in close, his voice a low, venomous promise.“You’re lucky she’s here,” Asher growled. “Because if she weren’t, I’d rip you apart and leave your body in the rotting part of the forest for whatever creature wants to feast on you.”Matthew coughed as Asher finally let him drop, collapsing to the floor in a heap.I stepped back, my hands trembling as I watched Matthew try to catch his breath.I should hate him. I should feel nothing but
Raven POV I gasped, caught between the overwhelming heat of their touch and the raw energy vibrating through the bond.Asher’s chest pressed against my back, his breath warm against my ear as he growled low. I could feel the evidence of his arousal against me, his grip tightening slightly as though the bond had taken hold of him too.“You drive us mad, Raven,” he whispered, his voice rough with need.Ansel was in front of me, his hands exploring every inch of my skin like he was memorizing me—claiming me. His lips trailed from my jaw to the other side of my neck, the spot opposite where Asher’s mark had already burned. I felt him pause, his tongue swirling gently, and then—another sharp bite.My body arched into him, a soft cry escaping my lips as the pain turned quickly into that same addictive rush of pleasure and power. The second bond ignited something deeper, something ancient. My whole body pulsed with it like a tether, pulling me even closer to them.“I’ve got you,” Ansel m
Raven POVAfter an hour of dancing and drinking, the music faded into a gentle hum, and the last of the guests were led to their rooms to rest for the night.Those who belonged to the pack quietly retired to their own homes, laughter and chatter slowly dying down under the soft glow of moonlight.“Come with me,” Asher said, his voice was deep and steady as he extended his hand toward me.I hesitated only for a second before placing my hand in his. He led me gently, his touch felt warm and secure. We walked in silence down a narrow, flower-lined path that I’d never seen before.The further we went, the more the air seemed to shimmer with something ancient and sacred and so beautiful I couldn’t put a name on it. Where exactly is this place?And then I saw it.The garden.It was like something from a dream.Glowing flowers bloomed under the moonlight, their petals looking like delicate glass, shifting in color with the light.Some shone with soft purples and blues, others had radiant, fi
Raven POV We kept walking until I spotted Ansel.He stood tall at the far end of the hall, speaking to a few nobles. The moment his eyes landed on me, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “My queen,” he said, taking my hand and brushing a soft kiss across my knuckles. His voice was smooth, teasingly low. “You look radiant tonight.”“Ansel,” I said quickly, not letting his forced charm distract me. “We need to talk.”He arched his brow. “Talk about what? Tonight is your coronation. Stay, enjoy it. The people are still in awe of you—and afterward, we still have the mating ritual to complete.”“Mating ritual?” I echoed, blinking. The word pulled me out of the storm in my mind.He smiled again, that soft glint of possessiveness flashing in his eyes. “Yes. You’re Luna now. You must bear our mark. It’s tradition… and law.”I hesitated, then shook my head gently. “Ansel, that can wait. Kelvin was here.”His smile vanished in an instant. The shift in his expression was sharp and deadly
Raven POV “Hello, Queen.”I froze.My heart leaped into my throat as I stumbled back, nearly tripping over the hem of my gown.“Kelvin?” I whispered, dread sinking its claws into me. “What are you doing here?”My hands trembled uncontrollably, the memory of my time with him flashing like lightning behind my eyes. The pain. The fear. The darkness. And now, he is here… in the heart of my new life.“And don’t call me that,” I added, my voice sharper, though it shook.He smirked, stalking forward like a predator who already knew the end of the game.“But you are a queen now,” he said mockingly, eyes glinting as they scanned me from head to toe. Quite literally, it seems. The crown suits you, Raven. Though I must say—”He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper.“—you wear it like a child playing dress-up.”I glanced around, trying to see if anyone was nearby. The corridor was empty—silent except for the faint echo of laughter and music from the ballroom.“Don’t bother,” he sai
Raven POV After that, we were ushered into the dance hall.The music floated in the air like incense, sweet and thick, wrapping around me like a net I couldn’t escape. My fingers twitched at my side. The weight of the crown on my head didn’t compare to the stares pressing on me from all angles.Then he stepped forward.Asher.He moved like a shadow wrapped in silk. Elegant, sharp, and utterly unpredictable.His hand slid into mine before I could process the shift. His fingers were cool, but they sparked something in me—something I didn’t like admitting.His eyes found mine, and for a moment, he just looked. There were no words. No movement. Just watched me, as if peeling back everything I had tried to build tonight.Then he smirked. “You wear power well,” he said, his voice as smooth as wine. “But you’ve always had it, haven’t you? This is just everyone else catching up.”I swallowed hard as he pulled me into the dance. Unlike the others, he didn’t wait for the music to carry us. He
Raven POVAfter the final fitting, the room became a whirlwind of activity as the stylist entered, ready to transform me into someone unrecognizable.She approached with a calm yet efficient demeanor, her hands moving with practical precision.The delicate fabric of the gown had already been set aside, but I could feel the weight of it in my mind as I prepared for the next steps.She guided me to a chair in front of the mirror, and with a soft smile, she began to work on my hair.She sectioned my hair into layers, her fingers gliding through the strands with the gentleness of someone who understood the value of each strand.I could feel the tension in my shoulders begin to ease as she carefully twisted, curled, and pinned, creating an elegant updo that framed my face perfectly.Each curl seemed to fall into place as if it were meant to be.The design was intricate, yet it had an effortless elegance that made me feel both royal and delicate, the way a Luna should feel.Once my hair was
Raven POV When I woke up the next morning, Rowan was already gone.He’d held me through the night, and I was grateful for that—more than I could ever say. I still felt the echo of his warmth wrapped around me, like his presence had settled into the fabric of the room, anchoring me. Because of him, I felt more grounded today. Steadier.The ache in my chest hadn’t vanished, but it was quieter now. Bearable.I rose slowly and made my way into the bathroom. The hot water soothed the stiffness in my body as I bathed, washing away the heaviness of the night before. I brushed my teeth, combed through my tangled hair, and stood in front of the mirror for a moment, just breathing.The girl staring back at me wasn’t the same as yesterday. I looked more composed. But my eyes—they still held too much.I was almost done dressing when a knock came at the door.“Come in,” I called, tugging at the last strap of my gown.Maria peeked her head in, her usual nervous energy buzzing beneath her calm ex
Raven POV After hours of clothing fittings, dance lessons, and being told how to behave, I was finally allowed to leave. And thank the goddess for that—because I already felt like I was going to explode. Stepping outside, the moon hung high above me, full and bright, casting silver light across the palace grounds.A cool breath of air kissed my skin, and for a brief moment, I was grateful to be alone.I wandered through the gardens, trying to clear my head, to push everything out of my mind. The flowers here were always stunning—vibrant, fresh, and untouched by the decay spreading across the land. It was one of the few things I genuinely loved about this place.I bent down to touch a blossom, its petals soft as it seemed to sway in my hand. I kept walking until I came upon a quiet clearing, the grass smooth and bathed in moonlight. I sat down, and all the emotions I’d been holding in—fear, frustration, sadness—spilt out at once.I didn’t even realize I was crying until I felt the
Raven POV The halls blurred around me as Maria led us through winding corridors. Her arms were full of the fabric, sketches, and pins we picked on the way to the testing room—her words were rushed and clipped. She didn’t ask how I felt about any of it. No one did.The Fae Queen walked beside me, calm and composed, like she already belonged there.They took us to a private chamber. Gold-framed mirrors. Velvet seats. A long platform in the middle surrounded by glowing lanterns. It looked like something out of a dream or a nightmare—I couldn’t tell which anymore.Maria motioned for me to stand. “We’ll clean you up first. Then dress. Then crown fitting.”“Crown fitting?” I muttered under my breath, but I stepped onto the platform anyway.The Queen came closer, reaching up to gently brush a streak of dirt from my cheek. “Let them fuss,” she whispered. “Let them see your power." Even if you don’t feel it yet.”I blinked fast, swallowing the knot in my throat. “I don’t want to be anyone’