Emmeline's POV “Wow, you look stunning, my lady,” July complimented as she handed me a mirror. I smiled when I saw my reflection – the makeup and dress perfectly complemented my face. “I love it, thank you so much, Elara,” I said, excitement radiating from my voice as Elara retrieved the mirror from me.It had been a while since I'd dressed up so elegantly without a special occasion, and today I decided to treat myself.Plus, Elara had done an incredible job. “It's my job, and I'm delighted to help,” Elara replied, her warm smile filling the room. I nodded in acceptance as they both left me to my thoughts.I walked to my closet, my fingers tracing the edges of the pendant I'd bought for Cedric days ago. A pang of longing hit me as I thought about how I hadn't had the chance to give it to him yet. It had been almost two days since we'd last spoken, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was okay. He must be really busy with pack business, I told myself, trying to shake off the feeling
Cedric POVI sat in the courtyard, my annoyance simmering like a pot about to boil over. It had taken my aunt two agonizing days to return with the Warriors, and now I was faced with the devastating news of their ambush. The weight of their losses settled heavily on my shoulders as Beta delivered the grim report."It happened unexpectedly, and before we could all flee to safety, three warriors were unfortunately killed," Beta said, her voice laced with regret.Marci's face twisted in anger and grief. "Because of your carelessness, three pack mates lost their lives! As a beta, you're really failing in your job." His words cut deep, and I could see the pain and frustration etched on his face.Colima's eyes flashed with defensiveness. "Shut your mouth, you mutt! I went to Dogar to get help, and I'd do it all over again if I had to." Her voice trembled with emotion, and I could sense the turmoil brewing beneath her surface.Marci's anger didn't dissipate. "Okay, then where the hell is th
CEDRIC POVI stepped into the dungeon, the dim lighting and July's terrified gaze fueling my determination. Grace held her hair, pinning her in place, while Marci stood beside me, his torture equipment at the ready."Let's get to the point," I said, my voice low and menacing. "What are you hiding?"July's eyes flashed with defiance, but I saw the fear lurking beneath. "If I tell you, they'll kill me," she whispered.My anger flared, and I seized the hot charcoal iron, applying it to her thighs without hesitation. July's screams pierced the air, and I felt a twisted satisfaction, but it was tempered by a growing unease. Was I crossing a line?As July's tears streamed down her face, I sensed her resolve crumbling. "Look at me!" I growled, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll kill you here without remorse, July."Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of desperation. I leaned in, my curiosity piqued. "How did Grace miss whatever you're hiding?"July looked at us before sh
Emmeline's POVThe news of July's death spread like wildfire after her body was cremated. I had requested that her ashes be given to me, feeling it was the least I could do to lay her to rest. Though I still grappled with the secrets she took to her grave, she was once my friend.Standing by the river with Elara, I gripped the box containing July's ashes tightly. "You go first," Elara muttered, her voice cracking with emotion.I nodded and stepped forward, opening the box. I fetched a handful of ash and spread it across the river. "You were a mysterious girl, full of life and welcoming," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know why you did what you did, but I forgive you, July."As the wind blew the ashes further away, my calm exterior hid the turmoil brewing inside. It was hard to believe July was truly gone, but the ashes in my hand were a harsh reminder.Elara scooped out a handful of ash and cast it into the river. "You've always wanted to be free...now you are." H
Emmeline's POV It’s been a week since July's demise, and the manor has been uneasy ever since. I could barely see my mate because he’s always in town attending countless meetings.The women and children are back from Dowin, and nobody knows when the witches will decide to attack again.I didn’t know who spread the news of how July was killed, but it created more panic and unrest. If the witches could kill someone in such a guarded dungeon, then we are all just walking dead.The worst part is, after the latest discovery of my father's involvement with the witches, the pack members practically ignore me now. Elara, my only friend left, is still mourning July’s death, so I gave her weeks off duty.I sighed as I slapped the ink on the paper harshly. I was tired of being cooped up in my room all day but too scared to leave.A knock on the door broke my reverie, and I looked up from my painting. "Come in," I muttered, noticing the door was already open. Grace entered with a tray of food, a
EMMELINE'S POV "Nima!" I exclaimed, tears of joy streaming down my face as I threw my arms around her. She held me tightly, her familiar scent and warmth a comfort after so long. "How did you survive?" I asked, my voice muffled against her shoulder. "I saw them kill you..."Nima's gentle touch soothed my frazzled nerves as she stroked my hair. "It was a miracle," she whispered. "I'm alive and well." I pulled back, my eyes brimming with tears, and smiled at her. "I'm so happy you're alive."Nima's gaze softened as she lifted my chin. "What are you doing here all alone, Emmeline?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. I hesitated, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me. "I'm a concubine," I admitted, the word feeling bitter on my tongue. "I serve in the Rogue King's manor."Nima's expression darkened, her eyes flashing with anger. "Rogue King?" she spat. "I heard you'd been punished for your master's deeds, but I never thought they'd reduce you to this." Her words stung, bu
CEDRIC POV The days flew by, and Emmeline's words still lingered in my mind. I'd searched everywhere for Juliet, but she was nowhere to be found. I rubbed my forehead, frustration etched on my face as I gazed out the window. Ava had set up another meeting with the Council, and I'd decided to go alone. Bringing Marci would only expose the pack's weakness.A knock on the door broke my train of thought. "Come in," I said, and Emmeline entered with a warm smile. She was recovering well, but still limped slightly. "Greetings, my lord," she said, bowing slightly.I frowned, chuckling fondly. "Why so formal, mate?" I asked, pulling her close. She fit perfectly in my arms, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I'd been tense all day, but her presence soothed me.Emmeline shrugged as she kissed my jawline, her new found obsession, “nothing my lord.”I laughed at her sarcastic reply, but my eyes lingered on hers, searching for any sign of what was really bothering her. She seemed evasive,
EMMELINE'S POV Since Cedric's return from the council meeting, a dark cloud had seemed to follow him everywhere. His mood was palpably bad, and I could tell the meeting hadn't gone as he had hoped. Every time I tried to pry into what had happened, he would brush me off, telling me he would handle it. His evasiveness was starting to make me question our bond as mates. Was I just imagining the connection we shared? His attitude left me feeling uncertain and a bit frustrated. Just then, Elara's voice cut through my thoughts, and I realized I had zoned out again. "Did you hear anything I just said?" she asked, her brow furrowed in concern. I shook my head, feeling a bit embarrassed at my lack of focus. Elara's expression turned incredulous. "I've repeated myself three times!" she exclaimed. I offered her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Elara. I just have a lot on my mind." Elara's gaze lingered on mine, and she asked softly, "Still thinking about July?" Her question was gentl
EMMELINE'S POV I stared out the window with a soft smile. Ever since Cedric’s confession, I’d been in such a good mood. It felt like the goddess had finally taken pity on me… or maybe, just maybe, I’d finally redeemed myself.Grinning, I dipped my brush into the paint again and brought it to the canvas. I’d been working on a portrait—one of Cedric and me by the lake. I couldn’t shake the look on his face when he told me he loved me. It had etched itself into my memory so deeply, I had to capture it.I was so lost in thought I didn’t even hear the footsteps until there was a knock on the table beside me. I jumped slightly and rushed to move the painting.I carried it to the inner room and quickly draped a sheet over it. I didn’t want anyone seeing it—not yet. It felt too personal, too precious.When I turned around, a smile stretched across my face at the sight of Cedric standing in the doorway, holding a tray of food.I raised a teasing brow. “A lord bringing food for this lowly con
EMMELINE'S POV Since Cedric's return from the council meeting, a dark cloud had seemed to follow him everywhere. His mood was palpably bad, and I could tell the meeting hadn't gone as he had hoped. Every time I tried to pry into what had happened, he would brush me off, telling me he would handle it. His evasiveness was starting to make me question our bond as mates. Was I just imagining the connection we shared? His attitude left me feeling uncertain and a bit frustrated. Just then, Elara's voice cut through my thoughts, and I realized I had zoned out again. "Did you hear anything I just said?" she asked, her brow furrowed in concern. I shook my head, feeling a bit embarrassed at my lack of focus. Elara's expression turned incredulous. "I've repeated myself three times!" she exclaimed. I offered her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Elara. I just have a lot on my mind." Elara's gaze lingered on mine, and she asked softly, "Still thinking about July?" Her question was gentl
CEDRIC POV The days flew by, and Emmeline's words still lingered in my mind. I'd searched everywhere for Juliet, but she was nowhere to be found. I rubbed my forehead, frustration etched on my face as I gazed out the window. Ava had set up another meeting with the Council, and I'd decided to go alone. Bringing Marci would only expose the pack's weakness.A knock on the door broke my train of thought. "Come in," I said, and Emmeline entered with a warm smile. She was recovering well, but still limped slightly. "Greetings, my lord," she said, bowing slightly.I frowned, chuckling fondly. "Why so formal, mate?" I asked, pulling her close. She fit perfectly in my arms, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I'd been tense all day, but her presence soothed me.Emmeline shrugged as she kissed my jawline, her new found obsession, “nothing my lord.”I laughed at her sarcastic reply, but my eyes lingered on hers, searching for any sign of what was really bothering her. She seemed evasive,
EMMELINE'S POV "Nima!" I exclaimed, tears of joy streaming down my face as I threw my arms around her. She held me tightly, her familiar scent and warmth a comfort after so long. "How did you survive?" I asked, my voice muffled against her shoulder. "I saw them kill you..."Nima's gentle touch soothed my frazzled nerves as she stroked my hair. "It was a miracle," she whispered. "I'm alive and well." I pulled back, my eyes brimming with tears, and smiled at her. "I'm so happy you're alive."Nima's gaze softened as she lifted my chin. "What are you doing here all alone, Emmeline?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. I hesitated, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me. "I'm a concubine," I admitted, the word feeling bitter on my tongue. "I serve in the Rogue King's manor."Nima's expression darkened, her eyes flashing with anger. "Rogue King?" she spat. "I heard you'd been punished for your master's deeds, but I never thought they'd reduce you to this." Her words stung, bu
Emmeline's POV It’s been a week since July's demise, and the manor has been uneasy ever since. I could barely see my mate because he’s always in town attending countless meetings.The women and children are back from Dowin, and nobody knows when the witches will decide to attack again.I didn’t know who spread the news of how July was killed, but it created more panic and unrest. If the witches could kill someone in such a guarded dungeon, then we are all just walking dead.The worst part is, after the latest discovery of my father's involvement with the witches, the pack members practically ignore me now. Elara, my only friend left, is still mourning July’s death, so I gave her weeks off duty.I sighed as I slapped the ink on the paper harshly. I was tired of being cooped up in my room all day but too scared to leave.A knock on the door broke my reverie, and I looked up from my painting. "Come in," I muttered, noticing the door was already open. Grace entered with a tray of food, a
Emmeline's POVThe news of July's death spread like wildfire after her body was cremated. I had requested that her ashes be given to me, feeling it was the least I could do to lay her to rest. Though I still grappled with the secrets she took to her grave, she was once my friend.Standing by the river with Elara, I gripped the box containing July's ashes tightly. "You go first," Elara muttered, her voice cracking with emotion.I nodded and stepped forward, opening the box. I fetched a handful of ash and spread it across the river. "You were a mysterious girl, full of life and welcoming," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know why you did what you did, but I forgive you, July."As the wind blew the ashes further away, my calm exterior hid the turmoil brewing inside. It was hard to believe July was truly gone, but the ashes in my hand were a harsh reminder.Elara scooped out a handful of ash and cast it into the river. "You've always wanted to be free...now you are." H
CEDRIC POVI stepped into the dungeon, the dim lighting and July's terrified gaze fueling my determination. Grace held her hair, pinning her in place, while Marci stood beside me, his torture equipment at the ready."Let's get to the point," I said, my voice low and menacing. "What are you hiding?"July's eyes flashed with defiance, but I saw the fear lurking beneath. "If I tell you, they'll kill me," she whispered.My anger flared, and I seized the hot charcoal iron, applying it to her thighs without hesitation. July's screams pierced the air, and I felt a twisted satisfaction, but it was tempered by a growing unease. Was I crossing a line?As July's tears streamed down her face, I sensed her resolve crumbling. "Look at me!" I growled, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll kill you here without remorse, July."Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of desperation. I leaned in, my curiosity piqued. "How did Grace miss whatever you're hiding?"July looked at us before sh
Cedric POVI sat in the courtyard, my annoyance simmering like a pot about to boil over. It had taken my aunt two agonizing days to return with the Warriors, and now I was faced with the devastating news of their ambush. The weight of their losses settled heavily on my shoulders as Beta delivered the grim report."It happened unexpectedly, and before we could all flee to safety, three warriors were unfortunately killed," Beta said, her voice laced with regret.Marci's face twisted in anger and grief. "Because of your carelessness, three pack mates lost their lives! As a beta, you're really failing in your job." His words cut deep, and I could see the pain and frustration etched on his face.Colima's eyes flashed with defensiveness. "Shut your mouth, you mutt! I went to Dogar to get help, and I'd do it all over again if I had to." Her voice trembled with emotion, and I could sense the turmoil brewing beneath her surface.Marci's anger didn't dissipate. "Okay, then where the hell is th
Emmeline's POV “Wow, you look stunning, my lady,” July complimented as she handed me a mirror. I smiled when I saw my reflection – the makeup and dress perfectly complemented my face. “I love it, thank you so much, Elara,” I said, excitement radiating from my voice as Elara retrieved the mirror from me.It had been a while since I'd dressed up so elegantly without a special occasion, and today I decided to treat myself.Plus, Elara had done an incredible job. “It's my job, and I'm delighted to help,” Elara replied, her warm smile filling the room. I nodded in acceptance as they both left me to my thoughts.I walked to my closet, my fingers tracing the edges of the pendant I'd bought for Cedric days ago. A pang of longing hit me as I thought about how I hadn't had the chance to give it to him yet. It had been almost two days since we'd last spoken, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was okay. He must be really busy with pack business, I told myself, trying to shake off the feeling