(Violet’s POV)The palace glittered like a dream built to break people.Even from the outside, it shimmered in the winter air, all gold filigree and glass towers, as if daring the moonlight to outshine it. Lanterns lined the winding steps. Guards in black and silver flanked the great marble archways.When the car door opened, I adjusted the fall of my gown——Deep crimson silk, fitted tight through the bodice, the skirt sweeping out like a firestorm.Its off-the-shoulder sleeves clung delicately to my arms, and a sheer silk shawl, nearly translucent, was pinned high across my neck with a golden brooch.A beautiful illusion, one meant to draw the eye. But it wasn’t for fashion.It was for the scar.The one at the base of my neck. The burn left by a forced rejection mark. A wound carved by a bond that should’ve been sacred.I never let it show.I stepped out, the shawl catching in the breeze. Ronan saw me—and stilled.His breath caught.“...Violet,” He looked stunned, like he hadn’t seen
(Violet’s POV)That was one of the rare moments we had an honest conversation.*~Three years ago~The intense pain spread from the mate bond. My wolf howled in agony. I curled up in the corner of the bed because of the pain.I didn’t call for him, but Luc still came.It was a rainy day. But he seemed to have just returned from being out—something I should have expected, as Luc would occasionally go out and return with the scent of blood on him—but at the time, I didn’t notice, or perhaps I simply didn’t care.Lucian looked a bit surprised when he saw me. He walked over and embraced me. My body felt hot, as if I had entered Heat. Then we sex.After I started feeling better, I noticed that it seemed like he had brought a stone with him when he arrived.A pendant. No chain. Just a stone.“Moonstone?” I asked, curling against the pillow.He nodded.“It’s rough,” I said. “Unpolished.” “That’s the point.” He rubbed his thumb over the surface.“My mother used to say clarity doesn’t come in
(Violet’s POV)The room leaned in as one.Everyone was waiting for my response.The truth is, not only do we know each other, but we also slept together—for three whole years.“No,” I said softly, the word ash on my tongue. “We’ve never met.”Forgive me, my goddess. But if I told the truth, my traitorous heart would crack my ribs open before Lucian could lift a finger.Lucian was surrounded by others again, but I noticed that he seemed to glance at me for a moment.The girl’s shoulders slumped, her hopeful smile dissolving like sugar in rain. As she melted back into the crowd, a murmur rippled through the nobles—half relief, half voyeuristic disappointment.I had already stepped out from the center of the crowd, and we stood at the edge of the hall, speaking softly."True, even Lady Violet couldn’t possibly know the Lycan King.""He’s such a mystery. If he’s visiting the Werewolf Pack, why not go directly to the capital, instead of coming to a small city like ours? I honestly thought
(Violet’s POV)"Ten million. You should leave now—my husband is coming back today."As we were both climaxing, Luc's fangs instinctively neared my neck, but I pushed him away.We can kiss, we can have sex, but we can never mark each other. Especially in this moment — because he was just my call boy.Luc raised an eyebrow, his muscular upper body still bare, revealing his flawless muscles. "I thought you'd want to go for another round like usual. "He grabbed my hand, making me feel his heated chest muscles. His beautiful golden eyes looked down at me, his voice laced with temptation."...Not one more time? Let your husband go away. One more time, and I'll tell you a secret of mine..."He seemed to have made up his mind, pausing for a moment before saying, "A secret that will surprise you."My call boy was the most handsome man I had ever seen, far beyond my husband. His cock and skills were also impressive, always driving me out of control.As he spoke, he looked down at me. I’ll admi
(Violet's POV)After kicking Ronan and Elara out of the house, I had a good sleep.When I woke up, I combed my hair in front of the mirror. I turned around and glanced at the reflection, seeing the ugly, jagged scar-birthmark on the back of my neck.It looked like the kind of mark usually found on a rejected wolf. But Ronan and I were first mates, and I had never experienced rejection. So it's just a strange birthmark.I sighed and covered it with a turtleneck. Then, I went downstairs, expecting a response to my divorce petition.But the rejection letter glowed at the top of my inbox like a slap in the face.“Petition for marital dissolution denied. Further appearance required in court.”No explanation. No sympathy. And right beneath it… another notification.The medical report.I already knew. Still, something bitter and masochistic made my fingers tap it open.“No improvement. Infertility persists. Ovulation nonviable under current hormonal suppression. Cause of symptoms: betrayal o
(Violet's POV)I froze.That photo... the figure in the photo, it looked so much like my call boy, Luc.Luc.It couldn’t be.The lawyer kept talking, “A ruler who rose from blood. Silent. Ruthless. Brilliant. He has no mate. No queen. And lately, no patience for werewolf drama. But... if you could get in front of him…”“Why would a man like him be in such a small town? ”I asked."I don't know," the lawyer wiped his sweat and said. "I’ve heard that the Werewolf Court has been planning a marriage alliance with him. Maybe that's why he came...?"The lawyer had said Lucian was reclusive, rarely seen—more specter than sovereign. He’d disappeared from the public eye years ago, only to emerge drenched in metaphorical blood, his enemies dismantled and the throne finally his.He is a cruel, bloodthirsty man. Heartless and indifferent. Never Smiled.I suddenly felt a sense of relief.My call boy Luc is a passionate man. He always smiles and hugs me, never hesitating to say sweet things.Lucian
(Lucian’s POV) I don’t like to brag about myself, but I am undoubtedly one of the most powerful beings on this continent.In my past life, countless ladies admired and revered me. No one dared show me disrespect, and those who did were swiftly cast into the hell of blood. It was because of this that I became the Lycan King.Yes, Me,The Lycan King.And now, I’m locked in a tiny waiting room!This is the first time in my entire life I’ve ever been locked in a room—especially by a woman!No one else would dare do this to me, expect her!I gritted my teeth and knocked on the door of the waiting room, but I could feel the door being pressed from the other side, as if someone was warning me to keep silent. This only fueled my anger.I heard shouting from outside the room—Ronan, her husband, arguing with her. Then, she reached out through the mindlink— —“Stay.”I nearly laughed.I told you, you will regret this, Violet.(Violet's POV)“What was that?” Ronan asked.I clenched my jaw.“Lips
(Violet's POV)What is he talking about?I watched Luc walk away with the man in the suit, my mind swirling with confusion."He’s just supposed to be a call boy," I muttered to myself. "Was I wrong about him?"The photo of that man who looked so much like Luc flashed through my mind again. But I quickly shook my head—there was no way he could be the Lycan King.For the past three years, I'd often been driven to the brink by the agony of the mate bond, seeking solace in Luc at the house where we... connected.He had always been there, living in that same place. If he were truly the Lycan King, that would have been impossible.Maybe his new sugar mommy is some big shot. That would explain his sudden confidence.I pushed the messy thoughts aside and turned to leave the lounge.The courtroom was packed again when I reentered. Ronan was seated at the front, posture relaxed, one arm slung across the back of the bench like he was waiting for a latte, not a life-altering ruling.Elara was nex
(Violet’s POV)The room leaned in as one.Everyone was waiting for my response.The truth is, not only do we know each other, but we also slept together—for three whole years.“No,” I said softly, the word ash on my tongue. “We’ve never met.”Forgive me, my goddess. But if I told the truth, my traitorous heart would crack my ribs open before Lucian could lift a finger.Lucian was surrounded by others again, but I noticed that he seemed to glance at me for a moment.The girl’s shoulders slumped, her hopeful smile dissolving like sugar in rain. As she melted back into the crowd, a murmur rippled through the nobles—half relief, half voyeuristic disappointment.I had already stepped out from the center of the crowd, and we stood at the edge of the hall, speaking softly."True, even Lady Violet couldn’t possibly know the Lycan King.""He’s such a mystery. If he’s visiting the Werewolf Pack, why not go directly to the capital, instead of coming to a small city like ours? I honestly thought
(Violet’s POV)That was one of the rare moments we had an honest conversation.*~Three years ago~The intense pain spread from the mate bond. My wolf howled in agony. I curled up in the corner of the bed because of the pain.I didn’t call for him, but Luc still came.It was a rainy day. But he seemed to have just returned from being out—something I should have expected, as Luc would occasionally go out and return with the scent of blood on him—but at the time, I didn’t notice, or perhaps I simply didn’t care.Lucian looked a bit surprised when he saw me. He walked over and embraced me. My body felt hot, as if I had entered Heat. Then we sex.After I started feeling better, I noticed that it seemed like he had brought a stone with him when he arrived.A pendant. No chain. Just a stone.“Moonstone?” I asked, curling against the pillow.He nodded.“It’s rough,” I said. “Unpolished.” “That’s the point.” He rubbed his thumb over the surface.“My mother used to say clarity doesn’t come in
(Violet’s POV)The palace glittered like a dream built to break people.Even from the outside, it shimmered in the winter air, all gold filigree and glass towers, as if daring the moonlight to outshine it. Lanterns lined the winding steps. Guards in black and silver flanked the great marble archways.When the car door opened, I adjusted the fall of my gown——Deep crimson silk, fitted tight through the bodice, the skirt sweeping out like a firestorm.Its off-the-shoulder sleeves clung delicately to my arms, and a sheer silk shawl, nearly translucent, was pinned high across my neck with a golden brooch.A beautiful illusion, one meant to draw the eye. But it wasn’t for fashion.It was for the scar.The one at the base of my neck. The burn left by a forced rejection mark. A wound carved by a bond that should’ve been sacred.I never let it show.I stepped out, the shawl catching in the breeze. Ronan saw me—and stilled.His breath caught.“...Violet,” He looked stunned, like he hadn’t seen
(Violet’s POV)"…You don't want to?" Ronan furrowed his brow.Sharing a man with my sister—of course, I didn't want to.But the act was still ongoing, so I didn't show any resistance. Instead, I gave him a soft wince and pulled back just enough to suggest delicacy.“It’s... not a good time,” I whispered, voice tinged with embarrassment. “My cycle started.”His mouth twitched in disappointment, but I saw it—the flicker of understanding, the half-done math in his head.“Oh,” he said, drawing his hand away. “Of course.”“I’m sorry,” I added gently.“I wanted to be close, too. I still… I still care about you, Ronan.”His chest rose slightly, pride blooming across his expression like sunshine cracking through clouds. He wanted to hear that. He needed to hear that.“I never stopped,” I said, letting my lashes fall, soft as a storybook wife. “I just got scared. Everything with the court, and Elara… I thought maybe you didn’t want me anymore.”He stepped closer. “That’s not true.”I looked up
(Violet’s POV)“She’s my mate, Elara. We’re married. Whether you want to recognize it or not.”Ronan’s voice held that familiar weight—measured, regal, persuasive. It was the tone he used at council meetings, the tone that made allies bow their heads and adversaries hesitate.The same tone I used to believe in.“And if this news spreads—if people think our union is unstable—it reflects on all of us. On our bloodline. Our pack. Do you really want to see your name dragged through scandal?”It sounded like Elara crying.“No—don’t lie. I can see it! Why else would you keep defending her?”“You don’t love me. You never did. I destroyed my sister for you—I gave you everything, and I still don’t have you.”The door creaked as I opened it, letting the scene snap into reality like a trap.Ronan’s expression softened. He reached for her, rubbing her shoulder like a guilty lover trying to make peace with his conscience.Beside him, Elara dabbed delicately at her eyes with a scrap of lace that pr
(Violet’s POV)“What? Your call boy is actually…?!”Cathy‘s shriek bounced around the speaker of my phone like a shrill battle cry.I winced. “Yes. Keep your voice down.”“I’m on the damn phone, Violet! What voice is there to lower?”She had a point.Still, I rubbed my temple, pacing the length of the balcony outside my study. Wind tangled in my hair, but I barely felt it.Lucian. My Luc. My call boy.The Lycan King.It still didn’t feel real.Cathy kept going, of course. “Holy shit. I remember the night you two first slept together—you told me you were arguing and then randomly jumped him because you were both weirdly keyed up.”I coughed. “That’s not exactly how I phrased it.”“Close enough.” She clicked her tongue. “And it was a full moon, right? You were fuzzy, he was fuzzy. You probably thought it was just the bond acting up again.”I didn’t answer.Because that part was true.She softened a little. “But V, seriously… why would he keep being your call boy after that? I mean—he’s
(Violets p.o.v)The room was so silent, I could hear my heartbeat.Every part of me wanted to scream.I wanted to shout yes—that I wanted the divorce, that I wanted freedom, that I wanted to walk out of this courtroom with fire on my heels and my head held high.But not like this.Not if it meant giving her things away.Not if it meant surrendering the last pieces of my mother to a man who had never even asked about her.The judge looked at me expectantly. “Lady Violet? As it stands, your divorce case cannot move forward. Do you object?”Lucian was watching me.I felt the heat of his stare from the throne, cool and assessing, like he expected me to finally bend. To finally play the game he was baiting me into.I stood up slowly.All eyes turned.Lucian leaned forward slightly, and I saw it—just the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth.He thought I was about to do it. To kneel. To beg.But I smiled instead.“No, Your Honor,” I said clearly. “I respect the court’s decision.”"...
(Violet P.O.V)I couldn’t move.I couldn’t breathe.Lucian—Luc—was sitting on the damn throne.Not lounging on a penthouse couch or tangled in my silk sheets, but high above me, wrapped in velvet and iron and power, with golden eyes that looked through me like I was just another case file in a pile he couldn’t be bothered to care about.My Luc was warm. Rough hands, quiet mouth. Always patient when I was cold. Always there when the bond screamed from Ronan’s betrayal.No. No, this has to be wrong...?!A murmur rippled through the room. One of the soldiers flanking the steps stepped forward, narrowing his eyes at me.“Do not disrespect the King,” he snapped. “Bow properly or be removed.”I was still kneeling, but I’d looked too long. Too directly. Lycan protocol demanded submission. Not awe.“I didn’t mean—”He raised a hand, stepping closer.“She’s new to the court,” he growled. “Let her learn with lashes—”“Enough.” Lucian’s voice cut through the chamber like a blade, lazy but firm.
(Violet's POV)What is he talking about?I watched Luc walk away with the man in the suit, my mind swirling with confusion."He’s just supposed to be a call boy," I muttered to myself. "Was I wrong about him?"The photo of that man who looked so much like Luc flashed through my mind again. But I quickly shook my head—there was no way he could be the Lycan King.For the past three years, I'd often been driven to the brink by the agony of the mate bond, seeking solace in Luc at the house where we... connected.He had always been there, living in that same place. If he were truly the Lycan King, that would have been impossible.Maybe his new sugar mommy is some big shot. That would explain his sudden confidence.I pushed the messy thoughts aside and turned to leave the lounge.The courtroom was packed again when I reentered. Ronan was seated at the front, posture relaxed, one arm slung across the back of the bench like he was waiting for a latte, not a life-altering ruling.Elara was nex