Veronica’s POVToday I am going out on a hunt and my prey is the untrusting, oblivious Keldor.With the help of Sebastian, we have organized a small event in Helios. The pack will be gathering at the central clearing of the territory for the occasion. I initiated a fun hunting contest, not a big deal but still a competition and I will be joining. The participants will be the pack hunters from the rookies to the regulars. I couldn’t invite the seniors and elites because it wouldn't be wise to take them away from their tasks just for this little affair.“You’re very gutsy for this,” Sebastian commented with amusement in his voice, a hand on the low of my back as we arrived at the meeting grounds. “I could never predict you,” he whispered behind my ear.I turned to look up at him and asked lightly, “You don’t think I can pull this off?”“No,” he gave me a serious look and added, “I know you can pull this off,” he emphasized his words. I couldn’t help but beam at his confidence in me. I
Veronica’s POVMy first hunt was when I was eight years old.Usually, young werewolves make their first hunt around the age of eleven under the supervision of their pack elders. All werewolves are trained to hunt to survive the wild and become a functional member of the pack. However, I didn't exactly follow the normal process.It was a very cold winter during that time, I remember the snow covering the entire territory and we were all advised to stay inside. Father was absent and I had no idea where he was which was weird because everyone should be home. It also happened during the timeframe when we were slowly growing apart. I didn't know it at the time, though. All I knew is that I felt neglected and I wanted attention. I craved for my parent.Back then, I was confused of the change that is slowly unfolding in our family. I might not be able to understand what was happening but I noticed it. I remember asking Jadeline one time,“Where’s Father? Why is he not around lately?” My you
Veronica’s POVI have never truly stepped outside into the world before, my entire life was within the territory of my former pack.My days were dedicated to serving the Eviera clan, I had no time to explore further or even simply travel. I was always busy and my interests revolved around wanting to prove myself to people around me. I have never thought about wanting to discover more, too. I was focused on a tunnel vision.But as I looked out the window and the passing breathtaking view outside, I felt some sense of new regret for the first time.We were in a carriage on the way to the venue of the Culling Tournament. We have crossed outside the borders of the North and it was my first time leaving our side of country.I’ve seen a lot of new places and I realized just how big the world is while I was sinking into my sense of responsibility and duty all of my life.There was a waterfall that I see from afar. It was gigantic and eye-catching even from a distance. The running waters get d
Note: The following chapter contains explicit adult content.* * * * *Veronica’s POVI am a prim and proper person. I have aced my etiquette lessons at a young age and I follow rules. I’m prissy and prudish. I don’t do unmannerly things. It’s just not how I live my life. So if someone would’ve told me that I will be making out heatedly inside a cramped carriage on the way to an important business event, I would have called them insane.Because this is insanity.Sebastian’s wandering fingers slipped under the fabric of my skirt and stroked my legs upwards to my thighs, taking his time feeling me while our lips remained locked in a torrid kiss. My hands were on his hair and his nape to pull his face closer to mine while his other hand wrapped around my waist to keep me in place as I was cornered beside the window of the moving carriage.His open mouthed kisses that set my skin to fire traveled from my lips to my jaw, nipping and licking, continuing his onslaught to my neck and throat.
Veronica’s POV I wanted to jump off a cliff and hide from the world after I came down from the haze. I swear I am not usually this stupid and impulsive. It’s just that Sebastian has this ability to make the best and worst versions of myself, that I didn't even know existed, come out. I can’t believe we really did it in a moving carriage! I have truly lost my mind, oh god. Just when I have earned some respect in Helios, rumors of me doing their Alpha, in such a scandalous manner, would get out. This is bad. This is so bad— I was breaking down while biting on my nail. “What is it?” Sebastian suddenly asked beside me. We fixed ourselves to the best we could and he grabbed my hand to take it away from my nibbling. “Huh?” I glanced at him, quite disoriented. I couldn’t help but notice his torn up vest from my claws earlier. Another evidence of what we just did. I finally met his searching eyes. “You looked bothered and anxious,” he pointed out with a stern voice. I sighed and replie
Veronica's POV Soon enough, we arrived at Metropolis, the venue of the Culling Tournament, by afternoon as initially estimated. I looked around in amazement as I take the new environment in. I have seen otherworldly things in my life, even familiar to some spells myself, but I have never seen anything as magical as Metropolis. A large arc at the end of the bridge we crossed welcomed us at the entrance of Metropolis. There were soldiers lined up and a crowd of people cheering and greeting newcomers like us. We were led to a higher trek where the tournament and the palaces that will be our place of stay for the week are located. The path going stop was breathtaking with a lush mountain view with different kinds of flowers, trees, living vines, sparkling waters and even magic dust in the air. It was something that was very wonderful to see up close. “Oh my gods,” I gasped out loud and glanced at Sebastian who had his arm snaked around my waist beside me, “This place is out of the wo
Sebastian’s POVI am no saint. I don’t have the longest patience in the world and what little control I have is slipping every second.“You can’t cause trouble here, Sebastian,” Eamon warned as he observed me with keen eyes. He rarely calls me by my name ever since I was crowned as the king but now that he used it, means he is speaking as a friend, not my Beta at this moment, “That is not smart.”I clenched my jaw as I continuously clicked on the fountain pen I was holding. I’m barely keeping it together and had his words pass through one ear to the other. I don’t think I could hear anyone out.I knew she had a husband before me— it was never a deal breaker. Still, it doesn’t mean that I like the idea or the reminder. Especially when she still cares about him. I don’t care if it’s just hatred or abhorrence, I want all of her emotions to be about me. Ugly feelings or not, I don’t want to share it with anyone. She’s mine now, I shouldn’t even be dealing with this.“I’m itching to snap h
Veronica’s POVIt was the first night since our wedding that Sebastian didn’t sleep beside me.It shouldn’t bother me as much. Perhaps I just got used to his presence and how he has always been around. I know I shouldn’t feel anything more than curiosity. After all, we’re not exactly a loving couple who got married because we’re so in love with each other. It’s more of a marriage of convenience. I know that. The rational part of my brain knows that.Yet I still couldn’t ignore the unsettled feeling of the ache in my chest. I lay awake on our bed, tossing and turning. Sleep wasn’t visiting me no matter how many damned sheeps I counted.The thing is, my mind is loud. It’s not really good for me to be left alone with my thoughts. I run miles every second with the worst conclusions and overthinking that clouds my brain when given the chance. This is one of those very annoying instances.He didn’t speak a word to me after our disagreement earlier. I haven't even seen him since then. I was
Veronica’s POVEamon is the last person I’d suspect of being the traitor.Sebastian seems to think the same, probably with more conviction than me. After all, Eamon is his Beta and best friend. They go way back, even before I entered the picture. Also, as the Alpha, he's the one who chose his right hand man and if he picked Eamon, that speaks on how much trust he has on him. Especially for someone like Sebastian who is distant with most people.“What do you mean he's missing?” There was a snap in his voice as he asked Declan, “How can that happen? Where did you go?”“He said he had a lead,” Declan glanced at me and I was reminded why Eamon was not in Helios in the first place.Right. I was the one who gave him that task.“So naturally, as he briefed me during our journey, I followed his plans,” Declan continued, “We traveled to the West to meet a witch.”“A witch?” Sebastian’s eyebrow raised and you couldn't paint the anger in his face, “You knew better than to trust a witch!”A witc
Veronica's POVI didn't sleep a wink and I haven't talked to Sebastian since yesterday.He also didn't attempt to initiate any conversation. I'm not sure whether I like that I had the space I needed or dwell on the fact that he didn't reach out. I can't even understand my emotions anymore.“The investigation will commence in the chambers of the Sun Council later this day, Luna,” Isolde spoke with more formality than usual behind me.I remained staring at myself in front of the mirror while Analynn silently brushed my hair. I have very evident dark circles under my eyes. We slept in separate rooms last night. One of the perks of this big palace.“Your presence is being asked by both the officials of Helios and the Holy Parliament for the upcoming interrogation,” Isolde continued, “But this morning, they want to have a meeting about the events with your required attendance.I didn't respond right away. I knew I couldn't avoid this, though.This is a grave matter and as the queen, as mu
Veronica's POV“Is it true?” I asked Sebastian once we closed the doors of our chambers as he paced inside the room in silence.The representatives of the Holy Parliament agreed to remain waiting at the great hall but they did not retreat their soldiers and insisted on staying until we cooperate.I watched him, his back was on me and he stood by the big windows of our bedroom, staring outside in deep thoughts.I had a hunch since he stormed out without outright denying it.From what I know about him, he would've been firm in sending the officials out and chastising them if those accusations are indeed baseless. Also, I don't think they would've risked pointing fingers at someone with his political power if they don't have a strong evidence.But I would prefer he tell me that I'm wrong.“I'm asking you, Sebastian,” I spoke again when he still did not respond and stopped just a few steps behind him, observing his actions.Then I asked once more, my tone sharp and demanding, “Is it true
Note: This chapter contains flashback with some violent scenes.**Sebastian’s POVThe murder at the Culling Tournament— I still remember that night vividly. ‘Should’ve killed the bastard’My wolf told me in grit as we left Colton unconscious behind us. I ignored his provocations and just continued walking away.It was getting late in the evening and it took everything in me to not end that loser’s life right then and there. It's honestly a miracle.‘Teach him a lesson! He was messing with what’s ours!’I clenched my jaw and closed my eyes to heave a deep breath before I shook my head off to tune out my protesting inner wolf.Keeping him at bay is challenging when I could barely hold my normal self back. We desire for the same thing.I wanted to do it. I really do. But Veronica might hate me after. That's something I cannot live with.We're already fighting right now and it's pissing me off how Colton is the reason for our first fight. The idea that she still cared enough for him to
Veronica’s POVThe moment I opened my eyes, I felt empty inside.“Are you okay? What ha—” I pulled Sebastian by the neck and hugged him tight. His hand automatically wrapped around my waist as he settled on the mattress while I cling to him.It feels as if I am in mourning all over again. The emotions are complicated, of being able to finally talk to my mother after years of her death but only the woman that she was before I was in her life. She felt so close and so distant from my grasps all at the same time.Also, finding out that I have been used my entire life by the person I have loved, and still somehow do, is overwhelming.I feel so lost and tired.
Veronica's POV“What do you mean about being the chosen one?” I stared at her dumbfoundedly as my heartbeat started to quicken.This is among my worst fears. The weight of the responsibility of being a Crysmorra.Victoria stared at me for a long minute, as if trying to gauge me. I must've looked very shaken right now.She sighed and gave me a sympathetic smile. Something tells me that she understands how overwhelming this feels, for someone to be told about being the chosen one. After all, she preceded me.“The Nine Servants of the Moon Goddess were maidens selected to be conduits of her holy presence to our world,” she explained, “By time, they were considered as saints in other scriptures too.”Victoria paused, as if recollecting her own knowledge, “We’re supposed to be sacred servants and not meant to join lycan packs but the initial pledge was broken and thus, during the course of centuries, the Nine Servants became unknown to most, remaining as stories barely passed on through do
Veronica’s POV “I'll be here when you wake up,” Sebastian squeezed my hand while assuring me and I squeezed it right back. “Thank you,” I told him with relief in my voice. For some reason, I feel a little bit scared. My emotions have been quite unsteady lately. I think all the overwhelming events are taking its toll on me now. “Sure,” he gave a tight smile and his voice dropped low as he uttered, “Just come back to me, okay?” I have no other place aside from the one that belongs with him— is what I wanted to say. But I simply nodded, “Yeah.” After that, I closed my eyes and started forcing myself into a deep slumber. After our late talk last night, we have decided that I should give a try to contacting my mother. It has never crossed my mind. Maybe because she has turned into more of a figure in my past life, the younger years that seem so distant to me, than an actual person. She has become something unreal. Victoria seemed so much like a figment of my fantasy. But she is
Veronica’s POV “I think Jadeline was a rogue from the Helios pack,” our chambers fell silent and Sebastian slowly looked up to me from where he was kissing my chest and shoulders. We locked eyes with one another and broke the trance we were at. Okay, I could've dropped this to him in a better way. He slowly pulled back from how he was hovering on top of me and I remained laying on the bed, fixing my slipping top while he had a scowl on his face. “This is not what I had in mind for a pillow talk,” he grunted in evident frustration. “I'm sorry,” I bit my lower lip and sat up too. My eyes glanced at the clock inside our room. It's late in the evening already. I stared at Sebastian who was annoyed that I interrupted our time together. However, I have racked my brain for any other possible conclusion and it always comes circling back to that outcome. It's bothering me and I unknowingly blurted it out. “Gods, Veronica,” he looked at me in disbelief, “We were just making out and you
Veronica’s POV“The saintess tears necklace,” I read from the page of the archived books, “It is said to carry the souls of each generation of the servants.”I looked at Sebastian who was staring at the illustration I was pointing at. It was the exact copy of the necklace he had gifted to me.“You have great luck. I can't believe you found this!” I exclaimed in astonishment, holding the necklace up and examining it.This just answered why I seemed to have a fascination about this particular jewelry. I wasn't imagining the way it felt so right and closer to me.Sebastian stood straighter and put his hands on his hips before staring at me, “I won't call it luck,” he mutters.I tilted my head in confusion at his response.He gave me a serious expression and elaborated, “I think the necklace found its way back to you,” he turned the book around and pushed it to me, tapping on the excerpt from a page.It reads:‘The pendant, a manifestation of the muses’s souls, seeks its next owner— one wi