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
Veronica’s POVToday is our fourth day at the Culling Tournament and they are holding a hunting convention in the afternoon.It has been two days since the incident of the dead body happened. I think more people are becoming less alarmed and worried about it. It's like nothing happened. The restrictions are implemented and that's all there is to it. The glamor of the occasions for everyone is effective in distracting them. They said that the corpse is yet to be identified although rumors say that the Holy Parliament just doesn't wanna reveal it. I’m also very curious about the truth of the crime but I decided I can’t do anything about it nor does it actually concern me.I know it's pretty selfish. But I already have a lot to worry about.The same goes with everyone who is here in Metropolis. They change their attention easily to the next thing when it’s not something personal to them. It’s an innate characteristic that one cares more about their own skin than others.After all, the C
Note: The following chapter contains explicit adult content.* * * * *Veronica’s POVMy husband is a proud man. He holds power and strength that rivals no one. He holds his chin up high.Yet the king that everyone reveres kneels before me.“Someone might come in,” I said with a gasp as I pulled his hair in my grip. Sebastian’s head was in between my thighs as he was on his knees in front of me, one of my legs hoisted on his shoulder as he worked below. His lips and tongue worshiped my womanhood like it would be a sin not to, a blasphemy to stop. I hit my head on the post behind me, finding my balance with my weakened limbs.My mind was foggy but I still managed to utter what’s bugging me, “I-Isolde and Analynn could come back here any moment,” my voice was breathy and shaking, but he didn’t listen. I continued, “Eamon too—”Those words were what made him halt in his endeavors.Sebastian quickly stood up, towering over me as he bowed a little to inch closer to my face. Then he utters
Veronica’s POV“Well, aren’t you happy?” I teased Sebastian who couldn't put away the wide grin on his face.Our little ‘show’ in the tent was quite… successful, if there's one way to put it. When we got out after fixing ourselves and to join the second part of the convention, we came across Colton at the same time.His lingering glares, beet red face, and sour expression with the way he stomped away from our direction was pretty telling that he heard it. He wasn’t even able to mask his hatred like usual where he pretends to be formal and nonchalant about it, shoving people out of his way much to their shock.My crazy husband laughed out loud, even in Colton’s presence, like a child celebrating making another kid cry home. He was definitely a bully, still is, actually.“His face was fucking priceless,” Sebastian continued to laugh at the memory, “I should’ve taken a photo and framed it.”“Okay, calm down,” I told him and faked a serious expression, “Don’t go leaving me for him now.”H
Veronica’s POVThe Preliminary Hunt exclusive for newly converted rogues is much like other hunting competitions— except that the beasts and creatures hunted must be kept alive. The participants were given magic chokers personalized with assigned colors to each clan as their marking tools for their hunt.The winner will be decided by the highest points accumulated during the given time. Each beast has an assigned point in them depending on their species so it really doesn't depend on quantity. The hunts will be offered to the pack they represent and the pack can decide whether to take in the offerings or not.The hunt had already started hours ago. We had interacted with other packs earlier to pass some time as waiting for the event to end is also an opportunity to socialize. Sebastia
Veronica’s POVMetropolis became livelier than it ever was. Everyone was celebrating the capture of the culprit.Apparently it was an uninvited rogue who disguised himself as one of the participants and sneaked in. The parliament was criticized for such a mistake but everyone moved on quite easily too.“Do you want a fury?” Sebastian asked from behind me as I was feeding and cooing the small creature in its cage, “We can buy that one.”I turned to him with a look of disbelief in my face as I crossed my arms over my chest, “What am I gonna do with a fury?”He shrugged, “It can be a pet.”“You do know that it can grow up to 70 feet, right?” I squinted my eyes at him.He laughed and said, “You can handle it.”I rolled my eyes at him and decided to leave feeding the youngling.Today is the highlight of the Culling Tournament. The main hunting competition will take place today— the Royal Hunt.In the morning, there will be a showcase for the beasts and creatures that were not taken in from
Veronica's POVNolan terrifies me a bit.I have come to this realization recently. At first, I thought he was the easiest Rozeiros to read and get close to. After all, compared to his siblings, he's more cheery and outgoing at first glance, even welcoming and chill.However, getting to know them more, he's actually the most mysterious out of the five. And this is coming from someone like me who is usually adept at observing people.While Rowan is stoic, Declan is apathetic, Luciana is intimidating, and Sebastian is aggressive— Nolan is fickle. You cannot fully predict him.One moment he's nice and laughing, then suddenly he's menacing and scary. He seems to know a lot of things and hide many secrets too.“What do you want?” I asked, a bit more vigilant than I wanted to protray and stepped back, making sure there is distance between us. Nolan smiled wider, as if he noticed my intention and thoughts.“Can't I just drop by to check on my favorite sister-in-law and catch up?” He tilted h
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