Ryder’s POVThe tension in the air crackled like electricity as I faced Morgan, his malevolence palpable and infectiously threatening. Abbie, still crouched over the king, was a mixture of shock and panic, her wide, terrified eyes flickering between Morgan and me as though we were two storms about to collide.“Why did you let her go?” I demanded, stepping forward, my heart pounding as adrenaline surged through me. “What if she—”“Don’t you get it, Ryder?” Morgan cut me off, voice low and dripping with contempt. “Eliza is a distraction. She’s nothing but a pawn in this game—one that I can sacrifice if it means achieving my true goal. I’ve wasted enough time tiptoeing around her precious royal status. It’s time to show everyone who truly commands the power in this realm.”I clenched my fists, anger flaring inside me. Morgan’s arrogance had always grated on my nerves, but this—this was reckless. “If you think you can just run amok without consequences, you are sorely mistaken.”His laugh
Eliza’s POV “What’s he talking about, Ryder? What truth? What happened to my father?” I demanded, desperation clawing at my throat. Morgan chuckled, a cruel amusement dancing in his eyes. “What a fool you are, Princess Eliza,” he sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. Confusion surged in me, fueling my anger. I wanted nothing more than to know my father was safe. “Has your wolf returned to you yet?” Morgan taunted, laughter spilling from his lips. He stood there, looking down his nose at me as if he were some kind of god. In truth, he was nothing but a greedy and very cruel fool. “You know, Ryder isn’t who you think he is,” Morgan cackled, as if the joke were the highlight of his day. I scowled at him, disgust filling my gaze. His words were meant to hurt, but I caught Ryder's gaze, and for a moment, I wished he would just silence this loser once and for all. “What do you mean?” I asked, disbelief coloring my voice. Ryder’s expression twisted with anger. “Are y
Rylan's POV "I felt a connection there still, Mother. Why did I feel something when she rejected us as her mate? What is going on? I cannot think clearly with this." I blurted out as I paced the room. My head hurt from all the unanswered questions whizzing about. I needed clarification. How could being so close to Eliza and feeling a spark when she touched my arm make me feel like something was still there? When we returned to the castle, Eliza had run off to find her father. I understood she was worried about him, but I could not hide my disappointment that I didn't get to talk to her properly alone. My mother and I waited in one of the many rooms downstairs. It was quieter than usual, but I was too busy to think about it.My mother stood up and approached me; she placed a hand on my shoulder and told me to calm down. It was hard to calm down when I felt this way. "She accepted your wolf. Her world did not agree with the rejection, and whatever that is with Ryder, I don't know. You
Rylan’s POV The urgency pulsed through my veins like wildfire, igniting a sense of purpose within me. I could feel my heart racing at the prospect of the chaos my father had unleashed yet again. His manipulation of Morgan was another twisted thread in his web of deceit, and I knew I had to intervene before it spiraled completely out of control. I grabbed Daniella by the shoulders, my grip firm yet steady. "Where is Morgan? Where are they?" I demanded, needing to know the exact location so I could formulate a plan. The thought of Eliza caught in the middle of this mess fueled my determination. Daniella's eyes flickered to my mother before returning to me. "They're in the east wing of the castle – the old training room. Theron and Prince Alex are trying to reason with Morgan, but… Rylan, if your father finds out you went in there—" "I don’t care," I interrupted, my voice steel. "My priorities are clear. Eliza needs us, and I will not abandon her again ever." My mother’s hand envelo
Eliza's POV My eyes fluttered open as I realised I was lying on a soft and very comfortable bed, and somebody was calling out my name continuously; it felt distant. I tried to sit up, but someone pushed me back down, and I heard different voices. "Princess Eliza, please remain still. My name is Doctor Henson, and I am here to assist you." A deep voice said, and I could only nod in response. "What has happened to me?" My head hurt badly, and I felt sick, but I had no recollection of what must have happened to me. "Princess Eliza, do you not recall anything?" I could hear the concern in his voice as I shook my head. "No, I don't remember anything. Tell me what happened. Why am I here?" I demanded to know. Doctor Henson exchanged a glance with another figure at the foot of the bed. I could sense their hesitation, and that unsettled me even more. I squinted against the harsh brightness of the overhead lights, trying to make out their features. The room w
Rylan’s POV “Right. But how?” Theron replied, his brow furrowing as he calculated our options in the tense atmosphere. The darkness swirling around my father was noticeable, a living entity reflecting his rage and malice. He was really under something strong. Before I could respond, the energy crackled, sending a shockwave throughout the room. Morgan shrank further into the wall, his eyes wide with terror. I could see the desperation in them, echoing my fears.“First, we need to contain him,” I said, pointing to my father. “If he’s distracted for just a moment—”“I won’t let you take him!” my father bellowed, his voice reverberating, making the air tremble. “You are all just pawns in my game, and I will not lose!”“Then let’s make sure we play a different game,” Theron muttered, shifting into position. “Grayson, Prince Alex, take Ryder away from here, but don’t let him out of your sight. We need to question him later.” Theron snarled as Ryder was pulled away with Prince Alex and Gra
Eliza’s POV Morgan? The mere mention of that name sent a chill coursing through my veins. He was a dark shadow in my life, a malignancy that threatened both me and my father. What had he done now? “Father, Eliza. You’re awake. I’m here now.” My brother appeared looking relieved at the sight of me and father together. He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tightly I thought I was going to pass out. “I’m ok.” I assured him but I didn’t understand why I couldn’t remember certain things. “What has happened?” I gripped my father's arm, uncertainty knotting in my stomach as I glanced at my brother, seeking reassurance in his gaze. But his expression was grave, weighed down by a burden I couldn’t yet comprehend. “Princess Eliza, please try to stay calm,” Doctor Henson urged gently, his voice steady but tinged with worry. “You’re not as strong without your wolf to heal you. You fainted and your memories are going to come and go. You need some rest to see how you will f
Rylan’s POV “Rylan, let me go!” he shouted, desperation and fury colliding in his voice. “You don’t know what you’re doing! Do you think you’re saving your pack? You’re only dooming them!”“Enough!” I roared, the wolf inside clawing for release as I pushed back against his energy. “I will not allow you to hurt anyone else! You’re the one who’s a danger to this family!”With one last push, we wrestled him out into the open air, the storm raging around us. The rain poured like a cleansing wave, the cold biting against my skin. We had him now, but his darkness clung to us like a suffocating mist.“Do you think this is over?” my father hissed, laughter mingling with the rain. “You are merely children playing at a game you do not understand. I will return stronger, and you will regret this day!”“Talk all you want,” Theron snapped, holding my father in an unyielding grip. “We’re the ones in control now.”Galloping thunder rumbled above us, and for a moment, I felt the ground shift beneath
Eliza’s POV As I spoke those words, a fire ignited within me—a fierce resolve I hadn’t known I possessed. The weight of my lineage pressed down like a mantle, but it no longer felt like a burden. I couldn’t afford to be weak, not when the stakes were so high. “What do I need to do?” I repeated, this time my voice unwavering. Rylan’s eyes narrowed with a mixture of pride and concern. “We’ll start with the basics. You have to learn to channel your emotions. Fear can be a powerful ally if you guide it, but it can equally ensnare you if you let it. You’ve felt what happens when you’re afraid, haven’t you?” I nodded, remembering the way I had felt Yelda’s presence gripping my heart like ice. “I can’t afford to feel like that again.” “Exactly,” Rylan said, his gaze unwavering. “You have to embrace every part of yourself—the light and the dark. Together, they will make you stronger.” Rio stepped forward, his expression shifting from anger to solidarity. “We can help you push t
Eliza’s POV The weight of their words pressed down on me, a heavy shroud of confusion and betrayal. “So Yelda really was just using me?” I managed to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. Suddenly, a cold chill swept through the room, making the candles flicker as if a draft had burst in from an unseen passage. My heart raced, recalling how Yelda fed off my power. Who knew how long that had been going on? I clenched my fists, but not out of anger; it was profound fear — fear of my own abilities and who might exploit them again. “She was manipulating you, Princess Eliza,” Rylan said, his voice steady amidst the chaos of emotions swirling within me. “Crafting a façade that made you vulnerable. We recognized it just in time.” “What did you do?” I confronted them, rising from my seat, the chair scraping painfully against the floor. “Did you hurt her? Did you kill her?” “She’s not dead,” Rio interjected quickly, his brows knitted. “She’s sealed, but her spirit lingers—un
Eliza’s POV I woke up with a start and sat upright. Looking around me, I quickly realised I was back in my room. But how? The last thing I remembered was looking at Yelda and hearing my name called. My mates? How did I get back here? I couldn't remember, but my head hurt like hell. Raising a hand to rub my head, I glanced at myself in the mirror and frowned. I had to find Rylan and find out what had happened to me. Where was everyone? Suddenly, the door flew open, and there stood Bernard, the bodyguard my father had insisted I should have to keep me safe. “Where is everyone, and how am I back here?” I demanded to know from him; I strode towards him and pushed him hard against the wall, causing him to tumble and a look of shock on his face. “Princess Eliza. Wait a moment. You’re not thinking straight.” He stuttered as I rushed out of the room and ran down the hall to where I knew my father and brother would likely be. I stormed into the room and saw my father with Theron and Lar
Rylan’s POV With that command roaring from my lips, we sprang into action. I led the charge, muscles coiling as I surged forward, driven by an intense need to protect Eliza. My heart raced wildly, pounding a mantra of urgency as I darted from the shelter of the bushes towards the stranger and Eliza. "Eliza!" I shouted, my voice slicing through the tension like a knife. She turned, eyes wide in surprise, but a fleeting moment of shock fell across her features before the cloaked figure moved closer to her, positioning herself as a barrier. "Stay back!" the woman hissed, her voice like cold steel against my resolve. I skidded to a halt, heart pounding in my chest as I gauged the situation. Eliza hesitated, caught between fear and instinct. My brothers fanned out beside me, forming a protective barrier as we faced the two figures. "Rylan, we have to be careful," Enzo warned, his eyes scanning for any threats. “We don’t know what she’s capable of.” "I don’t care!" I shot
Rylan's POV "Hey, bro. Where is Eliza?"Rio appeared at my side, and I felt annoyed that he had interrupted me. I wanted to have a moment with Eliza alone. "She will be back in a minute." I hissed at my brother, who blinked in confusion. "But where did she go? You shouldn't have let her disappear; anything could happen." Rio continued to say. I rolled my eyes and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. “Look here, I said she was fine and she will be back in a minute. What do you want her for anyway? You were dead set against her at first.” I grunted. "Back off, Rylan. Her father is asking for her and Bernard is coming to get her." Rio snarled, lashing out and scratching the side of my face. Enzo and Ed rushed over, pulling the two of us apart. "Boys, what are you doing?" our mother shouted as she and Theron strode towards us. Their disappointment made my anger boil even more. "I was just—" I started to explain, but the words caught in my throat when I saw the fury in her e
Eliza’s POV As the words hung in the air, a bittersweet weight settled in my chest. I cast a lingering glance at the familiar surroundings, memories flooding my mind—yet the thought of leaving it behind was surreal and painful. “Let’s go, then,” I said, straightening my posture as determination seeped into my bones. “But I need you to promise me something.” I fixed both Yelda and Dorian with a fierce look, channeling my anxiety into a fierce resolve. “Promise me you’ll do everything in your power to protect them while I’m away. I need to know they’re safe.” Yelda stepped forward, her expression earnest. “I swear on the ancient bonds of the coven that we will keep watch over your loved ones. They will not face any threat alone.” “And if anything happens—if they’re ever in danger—” I added, my voice trembling slightly, “promise me you’ll bring me back. I won’t let anything happen to them, not while I can still fight.” Dorian’s eyes shone with sincerity, his voice steady an
Eliza’s POV “Wait, who’s coming?” I pressed, my voice filled with urgency as Dorian stepped closer, his expression tense. Yelda looked to me, but something about her demeanor felt different—shrouded in gravity as if she carried burdens deeper than I ever knew. “Yelda, what is this?” I exclaimed, a wave of anxiety flooding my chest. The air felt thick with unspoken words, and I clung to the hope that they both recognized the chaos looming at our doorstep. “It's time for you to return to the coven, Eliza. It’s no longer safe here,” Yelda answered, her tone leaving no room for argument. “But what about my family? What about Rylan and my quadruplet mates? They need me here!” I protested, my heart racing as I thought of my family’s faces and the bonds we shared. “It’s not safe,” Yelda insisted, her gaze piercing into mine, an unyielding shield against my desperation. “I’m telling you this for your own good. Something dark is on the rise, and staying here only endangers you a
Eliza’s pov As Rylan pulled me closer, enveloping me in his warmth, the laughter of our friends faded into a blissful white noise. His fingers brushed against my arm, sending sparks of electricity racing through my veins. In that moment, all seemed right with the world, and I allowed myself to lean into his embrace. Just as I began to lose myself entirely in his touch, a light flickered in the corner of my eye. It was brief, almost imperceptible, but it pulled me toward the shadows at the periphery of the gathering. My instincts flared, and I instinctively turned away from Rylan, curiosity tugging at my heart. “Hold that thought,” I whispered, stepping back. Rylan's brow furrowed, a mixture of confusion and concern evident on his face, but I was already moving toward the gathering of trees that bordered the clearing. “I will be back, just give me a moment.” “Where are you going?” he called after me, but I didn’t stop to answer. My pulse raced as I navigated the dimming garde
Eliza’s POV I froze at Theron's words, the weight of his warning hanging in the air like an ominous cloud. His tone was calm, but the intent behind his words sent a shiver down my spine. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. He took a step closer, lowering his voice further, as if the very walls could hear us. "I know you have faith in Yelda, and she has helped us—but we must remember what she is. Witches have their own agendas, and trust can be a fragile thing. We don’t know her story, her past. She could still be playing us." “The stakes are too high,” Theron continued, his eyes searching mine for understanding. “Morgan was dangerous, and if there are others like him out there, we can’t afford to let our guard down. What if Yelda isn’t as loyal as you think?” His words echoed in my mind, awakening doubts I had barely allowed myself to consider. Yelda had always seemed genuine, her wisdom guiding us when we needed it most. But what if Theron was right