Rylan’s POV “Rylan, we have a visitor,” Ed announced, causing me to look up in surprise. I glanced at the clock and frowned. “Who would that be?” I sighed. We were not expecting anyone, that I recalled. “Hello, boys.” the colour drained from my face as I stood up in disbelief. I watched my mother’s face transform from anxious to resolute as she stood there with Theron, Prince Alex, and Grayson, the weight of their presence palpable. The tension in the air thickened, setting my nerves on edge. “Mother, what are you doing here? How did you get out? I thought you were being held at the kingdom.” I turned my attention to Prince Alex, but he tutted at me and then let out an irritated growl, which caused my mother to flinch. “Rylan, there’s no time to explain that, there's something very urgent that you need to know,” my mother said, glancing at Alex again nervously this time, her expression suddenly serious. “It’s about your father.” My heart sank. “What about him?” “H
Rylan's POV"Daniella, get out of here and stay with the others." I gestured for her to move it and she did as she was told, quicky scrambling away. "Eliza, stay there. I won't let you out of my sight and I will protect you."Morgan's laughter echoed in the dimly lit basement. "You think you can take me on? You're just a pup, Rylan. You are nothing without your brothers beside you. Your wolf could never be whole without them." he taunted, even as I charged toward him, adrenaline surging through my veins.How could it be that this had been the role model that I had spent my entire life looking up to and wanting to impress? The sight of him made me sick to the pit of my stomach."You are nothing, father. You think you are powerful? You have nothing left and nobody to do your dirty work for you." I growled angrily. He sidestepped me with practised ease, disappearing into the shadows like a coiled serpent preparing to strike. I could hear Eliza's panicked breathing behind me, but my focus
Ryder’s POV I walked through the corridors and came across Abbie. She had been close to Eliza, and I decided to ask her questions thoroughly. I noticed that she seemed nervous in my presence. I smirked at the sight of her, my eyes taking in every inch of her body. For an omega, she looked pretty good. Her curvy figure turned me on, the things I could do with her. She could be my play toy. Eliza was stunning, but she wasn't anything special. She was boring underneath all that royalness. Abbie fidgeted under my gaze, her hair cascading over one shoulder as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.“Ryder, I—I don’t know where they went,” she stammered, her confidence dissolving like sugar in hot water. “Please, you have to understand. They’ve been through so much lately. They needed some space.”I chuckled, leaning closer to her. “Space? In a palace filled with guards and watchful eyes? That doesn’t sound very smart, does it?” I caught her gaze, and the fear and intrigue in h
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
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