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
Warning: Some graphic descriptions*****Veronica’s POVI can’t believe I would say this but— I hope Colton is not dead.The coincidence is too much for my suspicions to be unfounded. Call it instinct but I don’t believe that this is a simple matter. Someone’s dead. No one would randomly kill at a place like Metropolis where people of power have gathered. There’s something more to this. I wish I was really just overthinking. I hope I am wrong.Maybe it was too cruel of a thought but I don’t want Sebastian to be behind something like this more than I actually worry about Colton’s life.“I would like to ask everyone to please calm down and head back to your chambers while we get to the bottom of this,” a lunarian servant said in a loud voice followed by guards lining up to have the crowd step back from peering at the gruesome body.I don’t even want to dwell on what I saw. The body was in pieces, head obviously pulled off the rest of it by the way the skin was torn. Limbs and insides w
Veronica’s POVThe Culling Tournament resumed as planned during the third day.No one was allowed to leave Metropolis despite many objections from different packs. Everyone is a suspect in the crime while an investigation is being conducted. We were all questioned yesterday and the supposed events were halted. Despite this, the Holy Parliament decided to continue with the tournament as a declaration of their confidence in security. Mages arrived last night for added security and they also dispersed their highest ranking individuals to guard the place. Somehow it eased the tension and assured most of the guests.Sebastian said that he was with Eamon last night and they went out for a run after he cooled his head off. He had some preys to show and a testimony of a lunarian guard to back up his alibi. I also had a strong story to back me up with the servants and a few werewolves from other packs as my witness when I had dinner in the common hall yesterday. We were cleared off any suspic
Veronica’s POVContrary to my usual scheming, today I decided to take a break and enjoy being in Metropolis for the mean time.“Sebastian can you help me with the lace? I can’t reach it,” I asked and looked at him from his reflection in the body-sized mirror. He was sitting on the couch behind me, legs spread and leaning his head on his hand as his hawk-like eyes watched me intently.He stood up after I called him and walked towards me. I dropped my hand to my sides as he bend a little to grab the laces of my corset. I watched him furrow his brows and do it.Then I reprimanded, “No, lace it up! Not untie it!” I turned to him with a sharp look and yanked the laces from him.Sebastian’s face broke into a wide smirk, he knows what he was doing. I should’ve known better that this man is not right in the head!His hand held my waist on both sides as I try to tie my lace on my own again. He met my annoyed gaze in the mirror in front of us as he teased, “Aw, but I think this is made to be re
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