Veronica’s POVDuring my first marriage, it was my stepmother who decided everything about my wedding.Whether it was my gown, the flowers, the theme, the cake, and even the invited guests. I had no choice but to follow her anyway. I didn't want to start any issues back then and I wanted her to be happy. After all, I went through that marriage for her. Just to please her. Because she told me it is what's best for our family.I still regret it until today.“I think I’ll pick the off-shoulder sweetheart neck gown,” I bit my lower lip as I pointed to the design shown to me. “Wonderful choice, Miss!” The lady smiled at me and bookmarked the page.Browsing the catalog was overwhelming and I was so indecisive. All the gowns were beautiful, I wish I could wear them all at least once. Although I just kept that last thought to myself. If Sebastian gets wind of it, it might start giving him ideas of holding a wedding over and over until I have worn everything shown to me.I almost laughed to m
Veronica’s POVI prepared myself for some disapproving reactions from the Helios pack.It just makes sense that they would be wary of me and might even dislike that I was chosen. I guess it didn't really sink in to me as much outside my awareness because I was in a bubble of people who respect and like me here. I was under Sebastian’s protection.Now that he is not around, I could notice a bit of resentment and grudges towards me.Of course they cannot act on it though, especially as I am guarded all the time. Maybe this is why Sebastian fully assigned Isolde and Soren to me.It started as subtle as a slightly askewed plate on the dining table. Barely noticeable that I simply thought that it was a mistake. After all, the dishes served to me were perfect and with a lot of choices. I was dining alone. Isolde was out checking the staff and people that would accompany us to Eviera tomorrow. Soren was tasked to inspect the carriages we will use while Analynn prepared my clothings and other
Veronica’s POVI have lived many lives for other people.There was this crave for approval that has always weighed on my shoulders. I have always felt like people tolerating me is only conditional. I have to be useful and I have to offer something to them so that they would keep me around. I don't know where it started. I don't know when it could end, I still carry it with me until today.Back when my father was still alive, our relationship was okay. We were a bit closer before Jadeline and Ruby. Somehow we stopped being as close after his second marriage.I didn't wanna harbor anything against him. I liked that I would have a mother around and a sister too. But after all this, sometimes I wonder whether he just wanted to replace my mom and me.During his second marriage, father became busy with pack matters I still cannot fully understand back then. All I know is that it was important to him. So important that it consumed his time.I wanted to enter that world of his. That's why eve
Veronica’s POVHome sweet home— or so I’d like to say.The entrance to the Eviera territory was decorated with an arch. There were a lot of people around, guests from the other packs and more. They probably invited everyone in the North. It's a tradition. An Alpha and Luna’s wedding must be grand. It tells the status of their pack and their political power at the same time.It almost takes me back to my first wedding. The decorations are quite exactly the same, it's a little unnerving if I dwell on it.Somewhere in the back of my mind, a voice whispers in me that it's as if the only thing they changed this time was the bride.Sebastian’s arm around my waist tightened and pulled me back from my observations. He leaned towards my ear and whispered, “You okay?”I leaned on him and hummed, “Hm, yeah. I’m doing good.”I didn't reciprocate his gaze and it's not like he can meet mine with what I’m wearing. I had to hide my identity for now, since the wedding had a short window of waiting for
Veronica’s POVThe wedding march sounded like a funeral song during both times I stood in front of the chapel door.In Eviera, there is a church where weddings of the Alpha and Luna are always to be held. It was a tradition in the pack so naturally, this is where the ceremony will happen. While standing outside, my mind keeps going back and forth between the past and the present.My first wedding was filled with nothing but a sense of duty. My hand was stiff around the bouquet, back straight with how tight the corset of my gown is. I had a veil over my face. I could only take deep breaths back then, calming myself and convincing myself that this is for the best. I want to do this.“Make me proud, Veronica.”Mother, as I used to call her, and her words kept on echoing in my mind in each passing second the walk to the altar came near. Standing here now, at the same spot, felt like deja vu. It’s like a parallel time of the nerve-wracking experience. I am less nervous now. It is ironic,
Veronica’s POV “Did I make you proud, Mother?” The question pierced through the tense air at the chapel. The guests and audience were feeding on the drama unfolding right before their eyes. But this is all between us. I turned to Sebastian for a second before meeting her stunned eyes again, “I traded for a better husband and a stronger Alpha,” I tapped my hand on his chest and beamed at her. The worst thing for them is that it was true. There is no Alpha in the North that could match Sebastian. He is in his own league. She has always wanted to use me for power and status, make me climb the ranks and bag a good Alpha that would benefit her. I just surpassed her expectations this time. I wonder what she must be feeling right now, “It’s all thanks to you.” Jadeline was lost for words. It all came down to her at once. I bet her mind is racing, trying to grasp this situation. Ruby is still deeply confused and humiliated. I think she might cry in frustration. Meanwhile Colton hasn'
Veronica’s POVLife in Helios became easier and harder at the same time after we got back from Eviera.The pack welcomed our arrival— or just Sebastian, actually. It’s an etiquette when their king is back.They were a bit more civil to me now. Not entirely accepted by the majority but less skeptic than last time. I’m sure it's probably because they heard how Sebastian treats and dotes on me.Apparently word gets around really fast here. By night time of our first day back in the territory, the wedding shenanigans were known to the whole pack. Lots of rumors have been swirling around.I wasn't sure how they would judge me for it. Whether it made my reputation better or worse, I had no time to overthink it.Even if I was still elated by everything that transpired in Eviera, and how it all fell to my favor, I knew I couldn't stay too complacent.One thing I know about Jadeline is she bites back, harder.She wouldn't just give up. I have to be ready.But again, I currently don't have any
Veronica’s POV The wedding day arrived in a blink of an eye. I was sitting in front of the mirror while the servants were rushing to get me ready. Someone was putting makeup on my face and styling my hair. It was a busy day for everyone. Big event too, especially for the entire Helios pack. The other night, I knew the Rozeiros family arrived. I asked Sebastian about it when we met for breakfast the morning after. “Your family is here?” I interrogated before taking a sip from my morning coffee. I saw him halt for a split second before he continued eating like he didn't hear it even if I noticed he did. He acted lost while not meeting my eyes, “What?” “I heard the trumpet last night,” I said with a stoic expression. Something doesn't feel right. “Ah,” he was still looking at his plate. He knew he couldn't deny it now, “Yeah. They heard about our wedding,” he shrugged before continuing to eat. He still doesn't look my way. “Of course, you'll be getting married so they'd know
Trigger warning: This chapter containers implied harassment. Read at your discretion.**Veronica’s POVThe chamber was immediately in chaos. The atmosphere inside was filled with their panic.I remained beside Sebastian, poised and composed, while the elders of the pack—the ones who once easily discarded me despite all the work I did for them—watched from their carved wooden chairs.Colton sat at the head. His lips were curled in a neutral line, but his eyes flickered with disdain. At his side, Ruby, looked as fragile and sweet as ever amidst her obvious alarm and confusion.I don't know if it's because I've seen her true colors now but it was easier to see through her acting. Either that, or she's losing her only talent.Sebastian told them in detail, “During our kingdom’s recent investigations, we discovered remnants of dark magic—traces that led us to a disturbing truth.”I continued his explanation, “We discovered planted obsidian shards: enchanted, corrupted, and powerful—was fo
Veronica’s POVIt feels like I have lived a hundred lifetimes since I last stepped in Eviera.My previous visit was during Colton and Ruby’s wedding, which was cathartic when I look back at it. It's also when I first made my move against them.Time passes by so quickly. A lot of things happened.“Eviera is not expecting and accepting any guests—” the guard of the borders didn't finish his words when he realized the crest of our carriage.Then, we pushed the curtains of our window away to speak with him.“Alpha Sebastian of Helios,” he greets and then locks eyes with me. I think I’ve seen him around before, when I was still queen of Eviera so I understood the shock of his reaction, gulping in my presence.I guess my bad reputation in the pack remains.“L-luna Veronica of Helios,” he greets me too.The other guard beside him moved so that they could bow together to us. I assumed this second guy was a superior of his.He then tells us, “I apologize for the rudeness Your Highnesses but ha
Veronica’s POVRevenge won’t give me peace but it will give me satisfaction.I killed Jadeline with my own two hands. If I wasn't that corrupted before, I'm forever tainted now. So I chose to see it through to the end.At least then, I’d have my conclusion. I could really shed the skin of my past without any attachments. I’ve done the worst anyway, might as well finish the job.“Remind me to not make an enemy out of you,” Sebastian gave me an amused smirk as he leaned on his chair.I raised a brow at him and grinned. “Like you’re not as diabolical.” He only responded with a hearty laugh.Perhaps the reason why we belong together is we accept the darkest, ugliest parts of one another.Today, I’ve made up my mind on how we can close this chapter of our lives—the ritual, the demon, the curse, and Jadeline. It took me some time before I could come up with something that covers all the tangled webs left behind. It's not wise for the truth to leak. A lot of people, even other packs and t
Sebastian’s POV“Veronica?” I called out in the darkness of the night. I patted her side of the bed and it was empty.I got up in haste, eyes glowing to check the surroundings and instantly stepped out to look around. Then, I remembered our mating bond.With that, I sensed her presence easier than before and I knew exactly where she was. What she's feeling and if she's okay. My feet brought me to the open balcony of our chambers.“There you are,” I murmured, only feeling relief when I really saw her in the flesh, despite the bond we share.Lately, I’ve known fear. Perhaps this is the result of recent events. I don’t think I’d ever forget what fear is anymore. She was wrapped in a silk robe, the breeze brushing her skin as she stared over the moonlit horizon. Her scent was carried by the wind, calming me in a way no other ever could.Her silhouette looked breathtaking. “Ah, yes. Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up,” Veronica answered, looking at me over her shoulder with a smile.I’v
Veronica’s POVNothing happened.Or at least, that’s what we told the rest of Helios when they started coming back to the territory. We spent the last few days cleaning the traces of the ritual and the chaos that happened while also recovering from our wounds and letting reality sink in.Tonight was a starless evening. The moon was hiding behind the clouds and the storm has calmed down into a soft chilly winter. The wind stirred my clothes, carrying a refreshing breath of air. The sound of the nearby falls could be heard.I was standing by the river’s edge, somewhere near the altar from nights before. I watched the raft float away from me, in the center of the stream, the crackle of the flames consumed the wrapped body that lay atop of it. There were no flowers, no offerings, no runes etched into the wood. Just the body—hers— and the silence on an ordinary wooden plank.It had been five days. Five days since I killed her with my own hands, with the blade she gifted me, because of the
Veronica’s POV “What’s the point of breaking the curse if I lost him?” The three siblings were standing around me as I knelt beside Sebastian’s body. Nolan said that from what he read, if the obsidian crystal reacts to him, that means that the demon’s host still lives—and yet minutes dragged on with no signs of him waking up. Luciana said it was time to accept it. But I can’t. How could I? I looked at the dagger I was still holding. My vision became blurry thinking about the life I took with it. I’m still soaked in their blood. His blood… At that moment, I was seriously thinking of ending my life, to follow him—to feel the pain I’ve caused him. But isn't that an easy way out for my sin? The punishment best suited for me is to live with the guilt and loss forever. “Veronica, you did what you had to do,” Luciana told me, hand on my shoulder. “Sebastian asked for it. There was no other way.” I replied with nothing. My grip on the hilt tightened. I felt another taste of anger in
Third Person’s POVUnder the red moonlight, is the sight of the tragedy.Three figures emerged from the woods, all with barely healing injuries. Snow crunched beneath muddied boots, the sound cutting through the strange stillness that hung tensed over the clearing.The moonlight has returned, seeping little by little through the clouds, no longer veiled by the eclipse. Midnight has passed. The moon’s soft glow fell upon the ruined ritual circle—blood-soaked stones, broken altar, and the scent of black magic long burnt out. In the center of it all, slumped on the ashen ground, the Alpha—Sebastian lay unmoving. And beside him, his queen, Veronica, knelt, her trembling hands covered in blood… of not just his and her own.She wasn’t crying. Not anymore.Not after she has already poured all of her tears out.A sharp whistle broke the air.Veronica looked up sharply, eyes narrowing—guarded.From the edge of the forest, cloaked in shadow and exhaustion, the Rozeiros siblings came to light
Warning: Graphic depiction of violence.**Veronica’s POV“You think I can’t do it?” All I was seeing was blood and darkness as I stared at her. I didn’t have anything to direct the angry emotions I have but I remembered that if I trace the root of every problem I had, it would lead back to her… and I was reminded, woken up from drowning through the pain, to see my wrath again—the reason why I went through everything.Revenge. Revenge on Jadeline.The one who has wronged me most.“If there’s one thing I’d do tonight… I will kill you!”I lunged. A single, brutal movement.The dagger pierced Jadeline’s side.Jadeline gasped softly, her mouth curling into something between surprise and peace. She didn’t dodge even if I knew she could’ve, regardless if she was shocked or not.She just—laughed. And smiled at me, “There she is…”“My golden child.” Her hand reached to touch my face. “My dearest Veronica.”Her words made me angrier. I felt disgust crawl through my skin. I grabbed her arm an
Veronica’s POVThe searing pain of Sebastian's mark settling on my skin was the most warmth I felt since this all began.I was silently crying—mating bonds may sting at first but it should be pleasurable after it seals. However, because Sebastian was stabbed and losing his life, I had to feel that same sensation too due to our new connection. I stared at him lying in front of me. As if just in slumber. Or perhaps that was just denial.“No… please,” I whispered, brushing strands of matted hair from his blood-slick face. “Didn’t you feel the black smoke leaving your body? I—I saw it… That’s the shadow right? It's gone so… you can come back. You wanted to stop it from taking you as a vessel and becoming too powerful, right? It’s gone now… you should come back too…”I choked up a sob and shook his body, “There is no way you die like this! With just a dagger! That dagger wasn’t for you! It shouldn’t be for you—no… I… how do I live with your death?” There was still no response. He remained