Veronica’s POVDays have easily passed by in a blur.“I must say, I enjoy seeing you this enthusiastic,” Sebastian chuckled from behind me.“Well, it is my first time outside of our continent,” I answered, before sparing him a glance over my shoulder as I beamed at him, “Like I really am in a new land right now!”I couldn't control the evident glee in my voice. I know I seem like a child opening her holiday presents with the way I am acting but this does feel like one. Also, I am pretty comfortable gushing this way in front of him.“Oh, it’s so beautiful here Sev!” I jumped a little as I turned to look out the giant windows again and watch the bustling streets below.From where we are, the view shows the entrance and the crowd with their daily activities. I have seen creatures I have only heard about or read in the books. There was a centaur and even dwarves. I never thought I would actually see one.I looked back at Sebastian again who was walking towards me as I asked, “Can we tour
Veronica’s POV“I don’t even know what I’ll do with all this,” I bit my nail as I stared at the stacks of boxes and lines of bags delivered in our room in the hostel, “I knew I shouldn’t have splurged. This is a waste of money,” I sighed.While shopping with Luciana earlier, I was aware that we’re buying almost a bulk per store and gods, did I lose count of how many establishments we visited. Seeing it piled up like this is overwhelming.“Nah,” Sebastian stood a step behind me, hand on the low of my back as he eyed the goods in front of us, “You don’t have enough things of your own as a queen if you ask me. Others of lower names have grander things than you,” he adds, “Honestly, I would’ve bought
Veronica’s POVNew Helios was really almost the exact copy of Main Helios.I stepped out of the carriage and took in my surroundings. It was also a pretty vast territory on its own but it was definitely smaller than Main Helios. We arrived early in the morning and have purposely not announced our advent to the pack members aside from Sebastian’s siblings. Just on cue, the familiar voice called to us, jogging in our direction.“Sister!” Nolan greeted with that wide mischievous smile on his face. It has been a while since I last saw him and I’d say his playful attitude, albeit mostly teasing, is always a breath of fresh air amidst the overwhelming Rozeiros.He opened his arms and tried to lean in for a hug while I laughed a little at his antics, “Welcome to my turf!”“Get your hands off my wife Nolan if you still want to keep them,” Sebastian pushed him away with a frown.Nolan gave him a blank stare, “Is this how you treat the king of this land?”“You are not the king of this land,” S
Veronica’s POV“Are you sure you’re gonna be okay here?” Sebastian asks, holding me by my waist, as I fix the collar of his shirt, “You can come with me if you want. I’d really love you to be with me,” he said and groaned, “I hate going to these things.”I chuckled at his whining, “No, it’s fine,” I smoothed his collar and beamed at its perfect state. Then I looked up to explain to him,“We have a lot of things to do and so little time. The harsh winter is fast approaching so we have to complete all our transactions for the ongoing preparations. We have a large kingdom depending on this. Let’s make use of our time to the fullest.”He sighed but gave me a smile, “You’re wonderful,” he praised and kissed me on my forehead, “I knew you had to be my queen,” he declares with pride, cupping my cheek and making them blush.“Yeah right,” I rolled my eyes playfully, hands on his chest and I teased, “Lucky you, huh?”Sebastian just laughed and buried his head on the crook of my head, breathing
Veronica’s POVI believe I was more of a hunter than a queen.Or at least that was what I thought when I was younger. It’s not like I dreamt of becoming a full-fledged hunter but more so the fact that hunters travel the most in packs. I have always wanted to step out into the world. I wanted that kind of freedom.However, fate has different plans for me.“I think you should take a carriage or even just a steed, Veronica,” Rowan told me with firmness as he followed me, “Also, we have some guards here in addition–”“It’s fine,” I told him with a smile and pointed at my two personal guards that were only a few feet away from us, “I’ll take Isolde and Soren with me.”Rowan sighed, “This is still uncharted territory even for your elite hunters.”“We won’t be long, I promise,” I stopped just before the entrance to the clearing that connects New Helios to the nearby mountain’s vast forests. I look at the large looming trees ahed, just as tall as the ones found in the North. I turned to him a
Sebastian’s POV“It will always point towards the one closest to their heart.”It sounded like just another swindle. I held the compass in my hand, inspecting its intricate carved design. The compass is made of real gold. I can sense that the antique description about it is authentic. The claims of being enchanted, however, I was still contemplating.All I know is that it captured my attention. I remembered Veronica and her dreams of going out into the world. She has a traveler’s heart despite being confined in one place, one duty, all throughout her life. I think she would like this thing.Whether it is truly enchanted or not, it didn't matter. It looks pretty and it works as a normal compass too so she'll have use for it either way.“Alright, I’ll take this one,” I placed the compass on the glass display cabinet and pushed it towards the vendor.The woman smiled as she took it, “You made the right decision, Your Highness.”For a brief second, I squinted at her comment. That was sort
Veronica’s POVWhen I opened my eyes, it felt like I had gone back in time.I felt the shackles in my hands and feet. The same familiar wolfsbane coursing through my veins, even with the taste of silver this time. I hyperventilated during the first few minutes of realizing I was back at this very situation.Gasping for air loudly, I did my best so that my mind would not crumble. I cannot lose myself. I tried to breathe slowly.I reminded myself that I have gone through this once. I can survive again.I have to survive. I must survive.This can't be the end for me.If I have to claw my way back up from hell again, I will do so. Not even death can stop me.Calming a little after a long torturous moment, my eyes scanned the place I am at. There are no windows. It wasn't a cell, there weren't bars or anything.I tried recalling what happened. I was in the woods. I separated from Isolde and Soren to take a breather. Someone appeared. A masked man. And then there were others, carrying weap
Veronica’s POV I don’t know how long has passed since they had me locked up. I lost count of the days. All I am sure about is that I have been stuck in this dark place for a long time. There’s nothing to really tell the time. It makes me feel insane. Not to mention, I haven’t eaten since I arrived here. They just give me some water every now and then. One glass. I realized it must be one per day which means that I might have been here for around three days already. They visit and monitor me occasionally; as if I can actually do something in my weakened and shackled state. Gareth was here this time. He had a file as he picked on his nails. He was sitting a couple of feet from me. Then, there was the church bell sound. Again. It rings three times a day from my observation. I assume it was a marker of some sort. Three times. Morning, noon, night. It's most likely for prayers. It has been the second time I have heard it so it must be noon. The church, based on my hunches, is most
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