Veronica’s POV“Basti!” The girl whose name is apparently Drisella jumped to hug high around the neck in a high-pitched excitement.I couldn't help but raise a brow at what I was witnessing.Basti? Is she referring to Sebastian?Huh. Interesting. For all his supposed out of this world reflexes and instincts, he didn't dodge that sudden hug. Sebastian pulled away from the hug while I remained on the side because I had to step back when she suddenly threw herself to him.That hug lasted a second longer than my liking, too.And maybe I became invisible at some point of this unexpected encounter. Because the woman, definitely around our age, just started yapping.“It's been a while! Did you get taller when I wasn't here? Also you look thinner, have you been eating? You know I’ve always said you should eat—”“Yeah, yeah,” Sebastian surprisingly managed to get a word in despite her continuous remarks that no one asked about. He glanced at me and I only met his eyes with a blank face.He tu
Veronica's POVEveryone loves Driselle, it's like she's the homecoming queen.It's been two days since she arrived and while I haven't gone out to actually have a chance to interact with her, she's the talk of the entire kingdom so it didn't matter. I hear about her a lot.It was ironic.The Helios people have been barely tolerating me after the coronation. I gained more genuine respect after the small hunting competition last time but that was it.Perhaps I am at fault too. I don't try to be a warmer Luna to them, I was busy with my personal stuff too. Also, it has always been my problem. At Eviera, people saw me as strict and unapproachable. I couldn't shake off that habit even here.Deep down, I know I'm not required to be loved here. That wasn't what I was seeking in the first place. To be honest, all I saw Helios for was an opportunity and power. I shouldn't be so sensitive and hypocritical about this.However, it still left a bitter taste in my mouth.“Be honest,” I said and loo
Veronica’s POV“What is happening here?” Sebastian repeated when no one answered for a long time. It was obvious that he didn't like that, his aura was domineering, everyone flinched under his gaze.He turned to me for a reply, “Veronica?”I was cornered.I knew it would be bad for me to be the one to respond because of how the situation looks like. But Driselle continued her little sorry act.Even if I try to act like I care about Driselle now, it would seem that I was only doing it since Sebastian was here. Ignoring her would mean I was secretly mistreating her and was keeping it from Sebastian but it was the easier choice right now.Going in blind, I’m not sure if she has other aces up her sleeves if I prolong our current encounter. I have to step back first and think about this thoroughly.I gritted my teeth.I guess she won this round.With a neutral dismissive expression, I told Sebastian, “Nothing.”His stare lingered for a second. His reaction is very important too. If he rea
Veronica's POVIn a game of chess, you always have to stay ahead.To predict her every move, I had to get into the mind of my opponent. This wasn't my first rodeo with a person like her so I could read her like a book.It's tricky to pull off though.In a shocking plot twist, however, I had the most unexpected ally to aid me in my plans.“I must say, I like the version of you that's full of grudges,” I smirked at Eamon and gave him a teasing glance. I used to feel awkward and formal with him before, especially when he's so distant but since our conversation the other day, I discovered how much he loves to talk shit about other people.This man, while silent, has a really sharp tongue.Really becoming clear how he managed to become Sebastian's friend. These two definitely agree on a lot of things.“I don't have a grudge against her,” he replied in a monotonous voice that would almost not give away the lengths in which he can run his mouth.“Oh, drop it,” I rolled my eyes at him, arms
Veronica's POVThere are only three things I needed to know about Driselle for my plan.One. She is not a sane person. No same woman would make up an entire story and personality her whole life just to gain people's approval. That girl is unstable mentally, might be worse than Ruby.Two. She is obsessed with Sebastian and the throne that comes with marrying him. Based on our limited interactions, she has deluded herself to think she has a chance with him and is determined to turn that into reality.Three. Given the two aforementioned reasons, she wouldn't have left Helios if she didn't face a setback or had a problem so incriminating that she has to distance herself for years.I am certain of these things.Driselle thinks she can predict me but she chose the wrong opponent when it comes to dissecting people. It's what I do, it's my thing.She will never see what's about to come her way. It put a smile on my face.There's also one final detail crucial to this— no one is truly loved by
Veronica's POVHuman nature craves for vindication.It is a hunger that sits on the pit of the stomach, begging to be unleashed. An ugly thing that is tangible through despair.So it wasn't surprising that it was all it took for Nyssael to pick herself up and join hands with us.“Wh-what is she… why is she here?!” Driselle exclaimed in panic, standing in her seat with a scandalized expression.I smiled at her reaction. It's exactly what I wanted out of her.I am in our chambers, watching the dinner through a crystal ball. Isolde, Analynn, and Eamon were watching with me.It's like witnessing a circus curated specifically for my entertainment.Sebastian turned to her with a nonchalant face, feigning ignorance, “Ah, the Sun Council decided to let her go.”“What?” Her voice was loud, echoing inside the dinner hall. Suddenly, her sweet soft girl image is forgotten in the wind. There's only trepidation in her mind as she blurted out, “But she's a criminal!”Nyssael chuckled at Driselle’s b
Veronica's POVThe public deliberation of the reopened case starts today.It's not only the Sun Council that we have to convince, we also need the entire Helios pack to believe us.After all, without the people's favor, even if I manage to throw her in jail, I'd never truly win.In the back of my mind, I have considered that perhaps I was taking things exaggeratedly. Sure, she was rude the first time we met and I know how she schemed to make me look evil for the rest of the kingdom but aside that, there wasn't any life-threatening matter she did to me. I barely even know her.I could argue that it isn't my fault she had some dirt in her that I dig up and it could bring justice to someone else who she wronged but I'm not that much of a hypocrite to pretend I didn't do this for my personal intentions.Some sick and twisted part of me is glad to have this squabble between us like it's just merely a game to me. If it was the Veronica of the past, she wouldn't even act on it and always ch
Veronica's POVI have officially lost my mind.It was a spur of the moment reaction as I took a swan dive off the balcony. My mind was just filled with adrenaline and it's all I could think about at that second.Maybe it was the anger, the frustration, and just wanting to quickly get this over with.Also, I hated that Analynn was involved in this petty squabble for the throne or for a man. I don't want anything to happen towards the people I care about.My schemes and moves are all mine. If I get karma for it, I will take it on my own without letting anyone take a hit for me.On the other hand, while crazy and dangerous, I knew how this would spiral to my favor. It'll be bad but not really life-threatening.“Oh my god!” I heard a voice yell in horror. It was so loud that my head was ringing. Ah, that could also be because I hit the ground.The person, whoever that poor witness is, shrieked so loud once they recognized me, “Luna Veronica?!”My head was spinning. My vision is blurry. I w
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