Rhys PovI searched for Mara in the dark, my hands stretched out before me. "Mara! Answer me!"Suddenly a faint cry echoed through the darkness. "Rhys! Over here!" Mara called out.I rushed towards the sound, my heart racing. As I reached Mara's side, I felt a surge of relief."Are you hurt?" I whispered, pulling her close.Talia's laughter grew louder, and the lights flickered once more before they became steady.The scene before us was chaotic. Tables overturned and the sound of shattering glasses filled the air.Just then James and the security team burst into the room, surrounding Talia.Talia stood in the middle of the disaster, A mischievous smile across her face."You can't stop me, Rhys," Talia yelled. "Tonight, the castle will burn and Mara will pay for stealing Rhys from me.Mara's grip on my arm tightened, "she has lost her mind, Rhys."I held Mara close, My eyes locked on Talia. "Not tonight, Talia. not ever."With a nod, James and his team moved to apprehend Talia. But as
Rhys PovThe day of the masquerade ball had finally arrived, and the castle was filled with excitement. But beneath the surface, tension lingered.In the security room, I gathered my team, including James and Emily. "Tonight is the night. We need to be vigilant." I told them with all seriousness.James nodded. " We've increased patrols and stationed guards at every entrance.""I've reviewed the guest list. Everyone has been identified." Emily added."That's very good," I said, my eyes scanning the monitors displaying the corridors. " Talia will try something. Let's be ready."As the sun dipped, the house transformed into a whirlwind of color and music.Masks glinted in the candlelight and joyous laughter echoed through the halls.I nodded, my eyes scanning the monitors displaying the castle's corridors. "Talia will try something. Let's be ready."Mara appeared in a silver color gown, smiling beside me. "You look handsome, Rhys."I smiled back, adjusting my black domino mask. "You're s
Mara's PovLast night's passion with my husband, Rhys still lingered on my skin, but the memory of Talia's actions lingered heavier. Her attempts to reclaim Rhys were exhausting.I needed a little bit of distance.Yara's warm smile greeted me as we strolled through the gardens. "Another night out, away from the castle's drama?" She asked."I need it," I confessed, linking my arm through hers. "Talia's games are suffocating me."Yara's eyes rolled. "Well, you need to forget about her and enjoy the moment."We watched the stars together, our laughter echoing through the night air. For a few hours, I forgot Talia's manipulations.But the tension lingered beneath the surface."Yara, do you think Rhys still has feelings for Talia?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Yara's expression turned serious. "Mara, Rhys chose you. He loves you."I nodded, but doubts crept in.As the night wore on, we stumbled upon a small hall. Inside, the fire crackled, and the music was raw."Let's go in,"
Mara’s PovThe next morning, I woke up with the thought of Talia, determined to confront her and hear what she had to say.I found her in the garden, amidst some staff. I approached them and called out to her.“Talia, we need to talk,” I said, my voice firm and calm.Talia smiled at me, mischievously. “Mara, how delightful. I’m happy to see you this morning.” She said, pretending to care like she always does.We walked a distance from where she was, the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled the air."Leave Rhys alone," I demanded, my patience worn thin.Talia's laughter was a cold, mirthless sound. "You think you can keep him? You're just a temporary distraction." She said, Her word’s piercing through my heart. My hand clenched into fists. "I've had enough of your lies Talia." I yelled at her, my eyes filled with anger and my hatred for her.Talia's eyes flashed. "Ask Rhys about the promise he made to me," she yelled. "The promise he broke."I took a step closer to Talia
Mara's PovDays passed, and the tension escalated. Talia's allies began to abandon her one after another, sensing the power shift.One evening, I attended a charity gala, Yara by my side.The event was a triumph, our charity's work gaining recognition. But as I mingled with guests and had fun, I sensed Talia's presence.She stood across the room, her eyes fixed on me. A cold, mysterious smile spread across her face. I refused to let her intimidate me.Yara noticed my tension. "Mara, what's wrong?" she whispered."Talia," I replied, my voice barely audible.Yara's gaze followed mine. "Ignore her," she advised. "You're doing a good thing and the world is proud of you."But Talia's gaze lingered on a challenge. Rhys showed up beside me."Mara, I'm so proud of you," he said. "Don't take Talia's presence personally and continue to do what you're doing.My heart melted."Your parents would be proud wherever they are," Rhys whispered, his hand finding mine."Thanks for the encouragement my l
Mara's PovRhys' werewolf form enveloped me in a warm, protective embrace. We ran beneath the full moon, the forest alive with magic.Our bond strengthened with every step, every heartbeat. As the night wore on, Rhys led me to a lakeside.The lake reflected the moon's gentle light. Rhys shifted back to his human form, his eyes shining."Mara, I love you," he whispered, his voice trembling. I smiled, my heart overflowing."I love you too, Rhys." Our lips met, the kiss triggering a spark of passion within us.The world around us melted away, leaving only us. In the end, we lay entwined, bathed in moonlight.Talia's malicious words seemed distant, insignificant. Rhys' love and devotion had silenced my doubts.But as the first light of dawn crept over. A figure watched from the shadows.I could see the hatred blooming in her eyes and in less than a second she disappeared into the darkness.Rhys' gaze met mine, his expression bold. "Mara, we'll face whatever comes next, together."I nodded
Mara's PovI took a deep breath, Yara's words echoing in my mind. "Trust Rhys, trust yourself, and trust the moon." Her firm faith in me and Rhys had uplifted my spirit.I walked into the castle, determination in my soul. No more running. No more doubts.I was fighting for my man. As I entered the doorway, I went straight to Talia's room only to see the door open. I called out to her Buh there was no answer. The room was empty.A shiver ran down my spine. Where was she? What if she's with Rhys? My heart raced. I quickened my pace, reaching Rhys's room.The door creaked open. My heart sank at the scenario in front of me.Talia lay beside Rhys, her arms wrapped around his neck, with her head resting on his shoulders. My instincts screamed.This can't be happening, what am I seeing? Is this real? Talia's arms wrapped around Rhys's neck.Her hands were in his hair, My heart shattered into a million pieces.How could he? After everything we've shared. Everything we've been through?Rhys ho
Mara's PovThe echoes and loud noise from my shout woke Rhys up from sleep."MARA!" Rhys shouted, awake. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, confusion etched on his face. "What...what happened?" he asked.Talia, still lying beside him, smiled sweetly. Her words still echoed in my mind. I shook with rage."Ah Rhys darling, you're awake, Talia said, smiling sweetly at Rhys.Rhys gazed at Talia, confusion spread across his face, he then turned to face me."Mara, what….? Rhys began.I froze where I stood a few inches from the door, anger and hurt rushing within me."You and Talia!" I accused. My voice shaking, "I saw you! She was all over you!"Talia's smile grew brighter. "Rhys was just tired, Mara," she said. "I was helping him relax."Rhys' face darkened. His expression changed from confusion to alarm."That's not true, Talia," he growled, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "You took advantage of me."Talia's eyes widened."Advantage?" she repeated. "I was just being a Nice."Rhys st
Rhys's eyes were locked onto Mara’s irises as she held onto her silver flowing dress, with a soft smile creased on her face as she walked down the stairs.He couldn't help but stare at how beautiful she looked, walking down the stairs, graced in her beautiful silver dress.She was truly breathtaking, with her long red hair wrapped around in long waves with a small ribbon placed right on top. Her well-defined juicy lips with the upper lip almost in the shape of a heart that lingered a sweet, caring smile painted with deep crimson lipstick, and her pinkish cheeks and small apart little freckles all came into view when she came up close to Rhys. The space between them slowly closed up as the music by the garden sort of increased when he grabbed her by the hand.“You…” Rhys stuttered, staring into her eyes unable to look away. He’d slowly gone lost in them. Just when she etched closer, he leaned forward whispering into her ears. “You look so beautiful,” He said, with a smile creaesd on
Rhy’s POV Two rogues came barreling in. They were running right for me as I ducked taking both rogues down to the floor in seconds making sure to have them both wounded.I watched both rogues squirming on the floor as they clenched their throats and then I knelt on the floor and started shifting, seeing that I was slowly getting outnumbered. I stepped forward and then grabbed one of them stepping over top of him. And then I bared my teeth into his flesh, growling, forcing a permanent hole as I had him killed instantly as the others stood by watching the scene. A lot of rogue men hurried my way, coming in groups of four, and twos headed in my direction.My eyes for some annoying reason, slowly had its color changed under the influence of me being completely angry over the fact that she was being taken away by Giovanni and I was getting attacked by some unknown rogue men.“Where the hell are they coming from?” I scowled, trying to make my way through angry rogue men as they attacked.
RHYS POVMy knuckles gripped the steering wheel, turning white as I imagined all the ways I'd kill whoever must have done this.I wanted to make sure his death was so agonizingly painful that when I was done with him, he'd be begging for the blessings of death.Lost In my thoughts of torture, I didn't notice how much time had passed. I recognized the area immediately and felt relief pour through me as I neared the motel.I pulled up to the garage, squinting through the dark as I hopped out of my car. I walked close to the building, holding up my flashlight in the air.As I walked into the building, I realized there happened to be no locks on the door. I had my foot against the door, and in seconds the door creaked open.I flashed my light in the direction of the dark, knowing down my guts that it was somewhat dangerous being out here all alone. But I didn't care…Mara was all I cared about.I trudged further into the dark, with my eyes locked on the empty hallways up ahead. I wondered
Rhys POVI watched Talia walking out of the mansion quietly, a couple of days later. Her movements seemed quite suspicious as she hopped into her zooming off.I couldn't stand my Wolf from growling at the thought of her knowing something about Mara’s disappearance.I decided to follow her to find out where she was headed. The fact that I could have her whereabouts tracked by her scent made it quite easier.She took about four turns and then into an unknown part of the city before stopping in front of a bar. A bar is known only to be visited, by rebellions.“What the hell is she doing here?” I whispered to myself as I parked a few meters away from her, making sure to take full cover.I peeped through the rearview mirror of my car and saw that there was a black Benz parked behind me, blocking me from driving out. I lowered my head, to avoid being caught in the game.My eyes widened in shock at the realization of whom it was that had stepped out of the car.The one man I never imagined I
RHY’S POV I had my head lowered as I rummaged through the papers on my desk. I tried extremely hard to focus but the conversation from a couple of weeks ago with Yara, kept whirling in my head. “Go on,” My voice was short and my eyes never left the stack of papers. Ignoring the fact that I’d been on one paragraph for the last couple of hours. “We’ve already upped patrol on the border, but still no sign of her,” Dante spoke up, distressed all over his face as he stared back at me.“I'm open to more orders,” He added, as I leaned back in the chair keeping my eyes low.“We stay on the course, we stay scouting, we have to keep searching,” I said frustratingly.“We can't be sitting ducks, we have to do something—” I grimaced but then paused, the minute I realized I was beginning to over react.It had been a couple of months since she’d suddenly disappeared. A couple of months since we had dinner together and a couple of months since I’ve seen her smile.“Perhaps we could send out a few
Rhys's Pov.Yara's words pierced through my heart. "Rhys, listen to me. Mara would come to me if she needed help. She trusts me."Something stirred within me. A spark of hope."Mara would come to you?" I repeated.Yara nodded. "Of course, She has no one else."No one else? The weight of those words crushed me. Mara's isolation, Her loneliness, My failure.But Yara's next words ignited a fire. "Rhys, Mara didn't come to me. She didn't leave you."I felt a glimmer of hope, A chance. "Mara's still out there, in Giovanni's custody," I whispered.Waiting For me. Waiting for me to find her. To make it right.Yara's grip on my arm tightened. "Find her Rhys, Make it right."Determination coursed through me. I'd find Mara. Explain everything. Prove my love, With newfound purpose.Yara's warning echoed in my mind. "Remember, Rhys, Talia's a snake. Has been always will be," she said.I nodded, determination etched on my face. "I'll be careful," I said.Yara's eyes narrowed. "Careful isn't enough
Rhys's PovI was left all alone at home. I paced through the darkness of my bedroom with bottles of Alcohol in both hands.Mara's note echoed in my mind. "I thought our love was stronger.""I thought you loved me." "I was wrong."Talia's words sliced through my haze. "Rhys, I'm here for you."Her hand touched my shoulder. I shrugged it off. "Leave me alone, Talia," I screamed at her."Rhys, please—""Get out!" I roared.Talia's eyes widened. "Rhys, I just want to help.""Help?" I sneered. "You've done enough."My anger boiled over. "You and your games, Your lies, Your manipulations."Talia stepped back. "Rhys, I'm sorry—""Sorry?" I laughed harshly. "Sorry isn't enough."I stood, swaying. The room spun.Talia's face blurred."Get out," I repeated. My voice cracked.Talia hesitated. Then turned and ran.The door slammed shut, I collapsed onto the couch.Whiskey spilled from my hand. Mara's face haunted me. Her smile, Her laughter, Her tears.My regret suffocated me. Why hadn't I told h
Rhys povI couldn't shake off the feeling that Talia was involved in Mara's disappearance.Her manipulations knew no bounds. But what if she'd played me from the start?A sudden memory flashed in my mind.How Talia had approached me with Her offer."I can work as a double spy for you and Giovanni," she'd said."I'll feed him false information while keeping you informed."Her expression was somber. "I have something to tell you, Rhys," she'd said."About Giovanni?" I prompted.Talia nodded. "And my involvement," she saidI gestured for her to continue."It all started months ago," Talia began. "Giovanni approached me, charming and persuasive, He promised me wealth, status, and power.""And you believed him?" I asked.Talia's eyes dropped. "I did. I thought he could offer me more than you could, Rhys."More than I could? The words stung."But then I realized..." Talia's voice trailed off."Realized what?" I asked."That I was just a tool," Talia said, her voice barely above a whisper."
Rhys POVI pulled into the driveway, exhausted from the trip.Finally home, finally, I'll be able to make things right with Mara.But as I entered the house, a sense of unease crept in within me."Mara?" I called out. But there was no answer, I frowned.Where was she? Where could she be by this time?I searched the house but I couldn't find her.'Maybe she wasn't home, or maybe she must have gone to her friend's place' I thought.But Mara wasn't the type to leave the house without letting anyone know.I checked our bedroom, and there was no sign of Mara and to my greatest shock, Her luggage was gone.A shiver ran down my spine. "Mara?" I called again, louder this time.But only silence replied. Panic set in.No! She wouldn't leave, Not like this, Not without talking to me.Fear gripped my heart. Where was she? Was she safe? Where could she be? The orphanage?The questions consumed my mind. I grabbed my phone and dialed Mara's number.Voicemail, Again, And again. I was so scared that p