—JASMINEI stand there, paralyzed, as the medical team storms into the room like a SWAT team, rushing to Denzel's side. He's lying on the floor, unconscious, and they quickly scoop him up and whisk him away to another room. I'm still trying to process what just happened, my mind reeling with questions and my hands trembling on my sides. I mechanically trail behind the medics, my feet moving on autopilot, but I'm quickly stopped by two servants who step in front of me, exchanging awkward glances. "I'm sorry, Lady Jasmine," one of them says, their voice firm but apologetic. "But you're not allowed in there. This is a private matter”A private matter?“What—I say but swallow my words. I'm taken aback, my calm demeanor faltering for a moment. I want to ask why and demand to know what's going on, but something holds me back. Maybe it's the stern expression on the servants' faces or the sense of unease in the air. Whatever it is, I nod reluctantly and turn away, heading back to my fo
—HADESThe minute the sun stretches out of the horizon, its warm rays pouring over the world like a golden elixir, I'm greeted by a knock on my door. I rise from bed, the softness of the knock and its familiar rhythm against the wooden door telling me it's Alison. Her timing is impeccable, as always.As I swing my legs over the side of the bed, preparing to start my day, Alison pushes the door open and walks in, her presence commanding attention. She's dressed in all pink, a bold statement that screams confidence and determination. Her hair is slicked back in a tight, sleek style that accentuates her facial features, making her eyes sparkle like diamonds."I'm ready," she glares at me, her voice firm and resolute.I mumble a "Good morning to you too" in a sarcastic response, finding it amusing that she's already prepared for the paternity test. It's almost as if she's eager to prove a point, to validate her claims. But I know better. I know she has something up her sleeve, a hid
—HADES.-I’m about to blow myself up. Denzel grew up in Maple Orphanage, a place that was still unknown by that name at the time. He was a part of it before it gained its reputation before it became the institution it is today. But despite his history there, no one recognizes him. No one remembers him, except for one person - Cedrick. And even Cedrick doesn't recognize him as the person he is today, but rather as someone from his past who he thinks is dead. This is beyond interesting, and disturbing at the same time. The fact that Denzel's existence was seemingly erased from the memories of those who knew him, except for one person who believes him to be deceased, raises more questions than answers.Just as I am about to speak, a maid bursts out of the door of the Terrace and announces the doctor's arrival. I sigh and turn to Ezra, who gives me an encouraging nod. "It's okay," he urges me. "I'll be here. You can go and confirm if that child is yours." He offers me an assuring
—JASMINE ..-It's been five long days since Denzel's sudden collapse, and I've been counting every moment, eager for answers. As a member of his pack, I'm naturally curious about his well-being, but my concerns have been met with silence. Rosemary has been tight-lipped about Denzel's condition, and my attempts to coax information from her have been unsuccessful.I've tried every approach, from gentle prodding to calm, rational inquiry, but she's refused to budge. Frustrated but not defeated, I've focused on my own little family, spending quality time with my babies and marveling at their rapid growth. Their teeth are all out and they’re muttering more words than I can ever conclude now. Three days ago, Azrael mumbled mama, and I flew over the moon.But that passed and I’m still not over the fact that something horrible could be wrong with Denzel.Just as I'm lost in thought, a knock at the door breaks the silence. I expect it to be Rosemary or another pack member or Enora to be
—HADESAs promised, Doctor Klaus hands me the paternity test results earlier than expected, and as I gaze at the paper, a scoff escapes my lips, transforming into a satisfied smile. I feel it. I know it. I've been waiting six agonizing days for this moment, and the result is more than worth it. I shouldn't have let Alison fool me. Now, all I need is a break between our marriage, and then I can get Jasmine back. How hard can it be?I turn to Ezra, who watches me with a knowing glint in his eye. It's as if he knows exactly what I'm about to ask, so he simply nods in anticipation. I smile, feeling a sense of camaraderie with my trusted friend."Good," I say under my breath, my mind racing with the possibilities.Without hesitation, Ezra and I leave the pack house and hurry to the council meeting I've called. The room is filled with curious faces, all wondering why I've summoned them. I take in the glares and glowers, my heart pounding with hunger and anticipation."I want to propos
—HADES contd.I leave the council meeting, feeling a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment wash over me. Though the Council has not yet revealed its decision, I know I have gained the upper hand in this situation. By sharing my story and revealing the truth about Alison's deception, I have taken control of the narrative and set the stage for my next move.As I walk out of the meeting room, I feel a sense of relief take over my every being. I know that I will have to spend a day or two with Alison, pretending to be the dutiful husband bc the council wants me to be until they make their bloody decisions, but I am confident that it won't be long before she is out of my life for good. And once she is gone, I will be free to reunite with Jasmine and our children.The thought of seeing them again fills me with excitement and longing. I miss my family, and I am eager to be reunited with them. I know that it won't be easy, that there will be challenges but I am ready for whatever comes
—HADES I'm exhausted, both physically and emotionally, as I sit beside Alison's sleeping body. Her hand is finally bandaged, and her skin has turned a pale, almost white color. She's lost a lot of blood, but thankfully, she's receiving IV fluids now. Her wounds will take time to heal, and she'll be in a lot of pain when she wakes up. But I guess that's Alison for me- stubborn and determined, even in her self-destruction.I sigh for what feels like the hundredth time, feeling trapped and helpless. I'm sick of her tantrums, sick of her manipulation, but I'm not a bad person, so I can't just leave her. I'm stuck in this toxic cycle, and I don't know how to escape.As I gaze at her sleeping form, I think about the consequences of her actions and chuckle bitterly to myself. If she dies, it won't be on her, but on me. It could spark an uprising, and I'll lose my position, and everything I've worked for. I can't let that happen.But it's not just about power; it's about Alison herself.
—JASMINEIt's been a day since Denzel's return, and that feeling of him being an entirely different person still lingers heavily.I think to myself as I sit at the breakfast table, staring blankly at my food.Now we're having breakfast, and I just can't help it anymore. It feels like playing pretend. Like a life, you just can't seem to reach into and get into your senses that you're real or not. I don't know. It just feels like I'm being controlled.The only thing keeping me sane is that I am watching my babies grow. They're saying more words now, like "no" and "hey," and at least I know they're real.I stare at my food, the scrambled eggs and toast blurring together on my plate. I don't mind if it goes stale. I don't even care if I eat it at all."You're not eating?" Denzel points out, his voice breaking the silence."I know," I nod, my voice barely above a whisper.Denzel looks at me, concern etched on his face. "Jasmine, what's wrong? You've been acting strange since I got back."