Celine POVKing Thorne breaks the silence, his voice deep and resonant. “State your case.”Sebastian steps forward, his shoulders squared and voice steady. “Your Majesties, my son, Prince Joseph, has found his mate—a werewolf who is now carrying his child. However, she has fallen gravely ill, and we have discovered that her condition is not a natural one. She has been cursed using these flowers.” He gestures toward the shimmering blooms on the table, his words heavy with the weight of truth.Queen Nymia’s sharp gaze fixes on Sebastian, her tone calm yet laced with steel. “And who would cast such a curse upon the Princess? What motive lies behind this cruelty?”Sebastian’s expression hardens. “Her own mother.” The words hang in the air like a thunderclap. “She sought to end the bloodline. The curse was designed to kill her daughter if she ever became pregnant, ensuring that neither she nor her child would survive.”A ripple of murmurs spreads among the council members, their usually st
Celine POVThe tension in the chamber feels almost suffocating, the atmosphere thick with the gravity of what’s at stake. Queen Nymia’s sharp gaze lingers on me, her eyes searching for something beneath the surface. She finally leans back in her ornately carved chair, her wings shifting slightly as she considers our request, her expression as unreadable as stone. King Thorne sits beside her, his face drawn in a mask of solemnity, the lines around his eyes deepening with every second of silence that stretches between us.“It is clear that the situation you present is urgent,” Queen Nymia begins, her tone deliberate and steady, though it carries the weight of uncertainty. “But we cannot ignore the broader implications of granting you the flower. The curse that afflicts this werewolf princess—this sickness of madness—has the potential to ripple far beyond what you seek to cure. If the madness spreads, unchecked and unbroken, it could bring devastation to countless innocents. Should we pr
Celine POVQueen Nymia sits poised, her expression a mask of calm, but I can see the flicker of thought in her shimmering eyes. King Thorne leans forward slightly, his fingers steepled as he listens to the low murmurs of the council. They speak softly, their words almost inaudible, but the atmosphere is charged with their unspoken fears and what-ifs.Joseph remains kneeling, his shoulders hunched under the burden of his desperation. His golden eyes, filled with unshed tears, dart between the council and me, silently begging for salvation. Dolton stands at my side, his hand resting lightly on my back, grounding me, his quiet strength seeping into my trembling frame. Sebastian, as ever, is calm and composed, though the set of his jaw betrays his impatience.“I’ve never heard them deliberate this long,” Dolton murmurs beside me, his voice low, meant only for me. “They’re taking this seriously. That’s a good sign.”I nod, though I can’t shake the sinking weight in my chest. It’s not just
Celine POVThe stillness stretches on, each second heavier than the last, until finally, she nods—a slow, deliberate motion that feels like a judgment passed.“Very well,” she says, her tone regal and firm, yet tinged with reluctant acceptance. “We said we would grant you the flower, and we will but heed this, Celine—the weight of this decision is yours to bear. If you succeed, you will have our eternal gratitude. But if you fail, know that the lives lost and the chaos wrought will rest squarely on your shoulders. The blood of the innocent will stain your hands if the madness is not broken.”Her words land like a physical blow, cutting deep, but I hold my ground. My chin lifts, and I nod, meeting her challenge with steadfast determination. “I accept that responsibility,” I reply, my voice firm. “I will not fail.”Queen Nymia inclines her head, a gesture of acknowledgment tinged with finality, and motions to a fae attendant standing near the altar. The attendant, clad in flowing robes
Sebastian’s POVThere’s a shift between us, subtle but undeniable, and it gnaws at me. Celine is drifting further from me and closer to Dolton. On the surface, it feels like there’s no reason for it, but deep down, I know better. There is a reason—it’s me.Lately, I’ve been buried under the mountain of evidence we’ve gathered against the werewolf king. I’ve spent hours pouring over the details, dissecting every word, every scrap of information, trying to piece together a strategy. Meanwhile, Celine and Dolton have had all the time in the world to reconnect. I told myself I was giving her space to be with him, knowing how much she missed him. She spoke of him often before he joined us, and I could see the longing in her eyes whenever his name came up. So, I stepped back. I thought I was doing the right thing.But now, I fear I’ve pushed myself to the periphery of her world. I’m there at night—when we’re together—but even then, it’s not the same. Dolton is there too, and it doesn’t feel
Sebastian POVI feel like a teenager again, fumbling through the unfamiliar terrain of being with someone I care about. Celine leads me through the Fae Kingdom, her hand warm in mine, her steps light and carefree. The vibrant bustle of the marketplace surrounds us—the air filled with the scent of sweet blossoms, the hum of laughter, and the soft glow of bioluminescent plants. We stop at a small food truck tucked into a corner of the market, its modest appearance at odds with the grandeur of the kingdom around us.I watch as Celine chats animatedly with the vendor, her voice light and cheerful as she orders us burgers. It’s not the kind of food I’d normally go for—my meals are usually plated with a precision worthy of their exorbitant price tags—but there’s something refreshing about this. Something human.She hands me a burger, grinning, and we begin walking. The uneven cobblestone streets guide us past stalls overflowing with wares both mundane and magical. As we eat, she talks, her
Sebastian’s POVWe arrive back at the hotel, and I immediately notice Dolton’s absence. The guards at the door mention that he went out for a walk, which gives us time alone. My eyes instinctively drift toward the stack of files on the desk. The King in me itches to dive back into them, to continue piecing together the puzzle of the werewolf king’s crimes. But tonight, I push that impulse aside. It’s not the files or the investigation that needs my attention—it’s Celine.As I step into the living area, I see her curled up on the sofa, scrolling through movie options with a relaxed air. The glow of the screen lights her face, highlighting the soft, delicate features I’ve memorised but rarely take the time to fully appreciate. Her movements are unhurried, her body language serene, and for a moment, I simply stand there, taking her in.She looks up at me, her lips curving into a small, curious smile. I know she’s wondering what’s on my mind, why I’m standing there like a statue instead o
Sebastian POVAs we sit there together, I realise that this is what I’ve been missing. Not the grand gestures or the fiery passion—though those are important too—but the quiet moments. The stolen minutes where the world fades away, and it’s just us. Moments where I can let down my guard, not as a King or a protector, but as a man who loves her more than anything.She catches me watching her, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. I know I must look ridiculous, staring at her instead of the screen, but I can’t help it. There’s something about these quiet moments that feels more real, more precious, than anything else. It’s as if I’m seeing her for the first time, noticing every detail I’ve overlooked in my endless quest to protect and lead.She isn’t doing anything extraordinary—just watching a movie beside me. But for me, it’s everything. It’s the way her chest rises and falls with each breath, the slight adjustments she makes to get more comfortable, the way she sighs soft
Celine POVAs the moon rises higher in the sky, I stand by Sebastian, my heart heavy but resolute. This night may have revealed treachery, but it also proved the strength of the bond we share—and the lengths we will go to protect each other.“Dolton’s fine. He went inside with Jonathan. They’ve agreed to keep their distance for now.”“He’s okay?” I ask again, needing reassurance.“Yeah,” he confirms. “He’s just frustrated with himself for standing so close to the edge after Tatsuya had already threatened him. And annoyed that he m
Celine POVOne moment, everything was fine. The next, Tatsuya appeared out of nowhere, stumbling forward and knocking into Dolton. I didn’t think—I just reacted.It was exactly like the vision I’d seen before, the one where Dolton fell. And I knew, deep in my core, that he hadn’t yet mastered flying.So I shifted and jumped.The air rushed around me as Luperca surged to the surface, my body transforming mid-dive. I caught Dolton just in time, my claws gripping him securely as I fought to stabilize us. The terro
Sebastian POVTheir conversation halts as we approach, and they all bow respectfully.“King Sebastian, Queen Celine,” one of the men greets, his tone formal but warm. “It’s an honor to stand before you both.”“Thank you,” Celine says with a polite smile, her voice steady despite the weight of the attention on her.I gesture toward the man. “This is Duke Eldrin. He oversees the northern territories and has been a staunch supporter of the crown.”“A pleasure to meet you, Duke Eldrin
Sebastian POVWith Celine’s hand securely in mine, I guide her back to the main hall. Her hand feels warm, a grounding presence in the whirlwind of the day. Leaning in, I kiss her softly—our final kiss before stepping back into the spotlight, where every moment will be under watchful eyes.“I announce King Sebastian and Queen Celine, the Dragon Royals, for their first dance!” The herald’s voice rings out, and the grand doors before us swing open.We step out into the hall, the room filled with the hum of anticipation. All eyes are on us, the sea of nobles and dignitaries falling silent as they wait. I glance at Celine and catch the f
Celine POVI glance around, noticing something odd—there are no male guards nearby. The tradition is stricter than I realized. The closest male guards are stationed far down the hall, their distance intentional. It’s as though an invisible barrier has been placed around me, a reminder of the ancient customs dictating this day.As I approach the grand hall, the ornate doors are pulled open by two female attendants. My breath catches as I step inside. The room is magnificent, every surface gleaming with gold accents and sparkling chandeliers. The crowd is vast—lords, ladies, and dignitaries from every corner of the kingdom gathered to witness this union. Their eyes turn to me, murmurs of admiration and awe ri
Celine POVI spend the evening with Nischola, who reassures me that the baby is thriving. She also helps me practice the wedding dance, and to my relief, she claims I picked it up quickly and performed well.I hope she’s being honest because the thought of messing up in front of the entire kingdom tomorrow is mortifying. Yes, the entire kingdom—the wedding is being broadcast live. There’s no hiding from anyone.After a few hours, I return to my room, seeking solitude. I slip into a warm bath, letting the water soothe me. Closing my eyes, I try to relax, but my mind refuses to co
Sebastian spins around, his expression stormy. “You were told to stay quiet and not get involved,” he snaps at Celine.Celine opens her mouth to retort, but Sebastian raises a hand to cut her off. “Because of your actions, he likely won’t speak now. We’ve lost any chance of getting the information we need.”He’s not wrong. Nylex had talked because he was confident he could escape. Now, knowing he’s bound indefinitely, he has no reason to cooperate.“I was trying to help!” Celine fires back, her voice tinged with frustration.“Help how?” Sebastian challenges, his tone sharp.Celine falls silent, unable to answer. She wasn’t trying to help; she was angry, and she wanted to challenge Nylex. Sebastian hadn’t been in any danger—Nylex’s words, though meant to torment him, were under control.“He was behind the fog,” Celine argues defensively.“And it was resolved. He wasn’t actively doing anything when you interfered,” Sebastian counters, his voice tightening with frustration.I rub my face
DoltonI’ve shifted into my dragon form, and for once, Julius isn’t resisting. No doubt it’s because without this, Celine would be at greater risk. We’re currently seated in a cell directly across from where Nylex will be held.Celine is dressed in old, worn clothes, with a hood pulled low to conceal her face. Our conversation is hushed, knowing that once Nylex arrives, we’ll have to act the part of guard and prisoner. Normal topics are off-limits—his hearing might be sharp enough to pick up even the quietest whispers.“Are you absolutely sure about this?” I ask again, unable to shake my unease. I have to give her one more chance to reconsider. This plan makes me uncomfortable, and the risk feels too high. If Nylex senses her identity, things could spiral out of control before we even get him into the cell.“I’m doing it, Dolton,” she replies with fierce determination. Her tone leaves no room for argument. I nod, accepting her decision. There’s no point in trying to change her mind an
Celine POVWhile walking, I scan the journals in my hands, searching for any mention of Shadebind. Frustratingly, I find nothing.“Careful,” Jonathan’s voice startles me, and I look up just in time to see him standing in front of me. I nearly walked into him!“Sorry,” I mumble, clutching the journals. “I can’t find anything about Shadebind or how to remove it. It only explains how it’s cast.”Jonathan nods knowingly. “What you need is Arcane Severance," he explains, and I realize my mistake.Quickly scanning through the pages again, I find the spell. It’s shockingly simple—far too easy, considering its power and purpose.Casting the spell takes only a moment, but my thoughts are consumed by what lies ahead. I’ll have to ensure Sebastian agrees to let me be present when Nylex is locked in the cell.When I finish, I step back and nod. “It’s done,” I say. “Now, let’s speak with Sebastian.”Before we can move, a servant approaches with a small bow. “Your Majesty, you need to choose a dres