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
Warning: Graphic depictions of violence*****Veronica’s POV“Mother wants to marry our house into the family of the Alpha,” I remember a younger Ruby, back when we were little girls, telling me about it in the past.“Do you want to get married, Nica?” she asked me after with the pure innocence of a child. To the mind of a ten year old me, the concept of marriage is not something I fully understand, “Maybe,” I simply replied with a shrug as we stared at the fire of the fireplace, sharing a blanket draped around us, “Everyone gets married, I think.”“I wanna marry the best man ever,” she exclaimed with a toothy grin, “And he will love me!” Ruby turned to me and asked once again, “How about you?”I may have lightly contemplated it during that moment. The words that came out of me were, “I want to marry someone who will always be with me,” a desire I had from a young age after losing someone in my life as I added, like a wish and a plea, “Forever.”“But isn’t that already given if you m
Sebastian’s POVI stabbed the flag bearing the Helios crest to the flesh of the dead troll I just killed. Once I had it jabbed on the skin, a glowing light circled on it, counting its points for the tally.I stood straight from where I was crouching and sensed my surroundings. There was adrenaline seeping through my veins as I geared up for my next victim. It's been a while since I last hunted so I have so much energy to burn.My senses told me of the nearest prey, miles from where I am. I instantly lunged through the woods, dashing and dodging the trees. All I could think about is another kill I am about to have— as if it’s an itch that won’t go away no matter how much I scratch it. The feeling was both exhilarating and frustrating.I s
Warning: Graphic depictions of violence*****Sebastian’s POV“Sebastian, it’s already dead,” I heard Eamon saying, he sounded so far away even if I know that he is just behind me. My dilated eyes were zeroing in thrusting my long claws deep through the scales and body of the serpent I was holding in chokehold to the ground.I have lost count on how many beasts I have slaughtered as a way of quenching some of this swirling madness that I feel under my skin. It didn’t help calm me down but it at least stopped it from escalating more.My wolf was lashing out inside me but I refused to shift. I know that I will lose myself in this state if I shift into my lyc
Veronica’s POVI am most afraid of loneliness— I don’t know if it was rooted from a tragic loss during my childhood or being neglected at a young age. I fear being left behind.And it was the exact horrible and sinking feeling that enveloped me when I was imprisoned after my dethronement.I remember the overwhelming emotions when it happened. I wasn’t sure if I was thrown into a living nightmare. Imagine living your entire life for the very people who turned their back to you. My eyes were dry from sobbing it out, the chains and the wolfsbane that they injected me were nothing to the pain that weighs my heart.I was captured the same night when they found me with the virren moonstone and directly sent me to the prison of Eviera. It was weird that a Luna like me wasn’t given an initial prosecution before they locked me up because that's how things should be processed. I tried reasoning that to the men who were dragging me, screaming and yelling but they didn’t bother to listen. Colton
Veronica’s POVSebastian has been acting weird since the Royal Hunt.As expected, Helios took first place in the recent competition. We had a thousand points gap from the second place which was the Xarim pack from the West. The amount of kills actually shocked everyone, some said that it might be the highest number of kills in the Culling Tournament ever. I’m not sure how true that was but there was something different in my mind. I noticed a difference in Sebastian’s behavior.He became too quiet and unreadable since he got back from the woods. Usually, he has a lot of quips and sarcastic remarks already but he didn't say a word. He was just silent. He seems to be in deep thoughts.I didn't try to push it and ask him as I can feel his guard up. Despite many things bugging me. The smell of wolfsbane in him and his frantic eyes. They glowed red for a long while, even when he wasn't using his abilities anymore. I’m not sure what happened because, weirdly, he was not displayed much for t
Veronica’s POVEverything happened so fast.The moment the signal was given, they were on attack right away. They lunged towards the other at the same time with their claws and blows clashing. It was hard to follow their hand to hand combat because of how quick their reflexes and movements were. They expertly dodge and defend against their opponent’s assault.It went on for a bit until Sebastian landed a hard jab to Gareth’s ribs, the latter curling to his stomach for a quick second because of the impact. I think there were some bones cracked.“That’s gotta hurt,” I winced while Eamon, as unexpressive as he usually was, grinned at my side. Now it makes sense to me why he’s best friends with Sebastian. These two are both thriving in violence.My attention went back to the duel, Gareth was currently receiving the consequences of his slip up earlier. Sebastian gained the upper hand and he was not letting it go. I could be wrong and it’s not like I’ve seen Sebastian fight a lot before but
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