23At dawn the next day, I prepared myself and snuck out of my room to go meet up with Kane at the stable, I hadn't told anyone about my plan, not even my father or Luka,While I trudged down the road to the stables, the searing pain in my sides reminded me that I was not healed and yet I was planning another journey, and intending to ride on a horse to an unknown place, with the hope of rescuing my cubs. I could not dare to sit idly by while children were out there somewhere.‘Mama is coming, babies, I'll do whatever it takes to rescue you both and be reunited with you! I swear this by the moon goddess’ I soliloquized to myself, wincing against the pain at my side, My booted feet made crunching noises on the graveled ground with each step, I hurried my feet to move faster, despite the pain in my stomach and the nerves that coursed through me.I was not prepared for the sight that greeted me when I finally walked up to the stables, I stared unwittingly at the sight before me; my fath
24SerenaI strode purposefully towards the stables, my anger fueling each step. Behind me, I heard Maximus let out a frustrated growl. "Let her go, sire," said Luka calmly. "She will not be deterred. But neither can we allow her to rush into danger alone.""Then go after her, and do not return without her," snapped Maximus. "Ensure no harm comes to my daughter. And you-" He turned to Kane. "If anything should happen to her, you will answer to me."Kane nodded solemnly. "You have my word, Alpha."I had just reached the stables when Luka caught up to me. "Princess, please wait."I whirled to face him, eyes blazing. "Have you come to drag me back in chains? I will not be coddled or controlled like a helpless cub."Luka held up his hands peacefully. "I mean you no harm. But nor can I stand idly by while you rush headlong into peril. Your father cares for you deeply, as do I." He took a step closer, voice softening. "Let me accompany you, if only for the sake of easing their worries. I s
SERENA'S POVThe spotlight illuminated the runway as I confidently strutted down in my carefully selected outfit. I was a student and part-time model, and tonight I was showcasing a wardrobe collection. The anticipation of the audience fueled my excitement, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.But then, disaster struck. As I reached the middle of the runway, my dress suddenly slipped off my shoulder, leaving me half-naked in front of the cameras. Gasps and laughter erupted from the crowd, and my face flushed with embarrassment. I hurriedly tried to cover myself, my cheeks burning with humiliation."Look at her! She can't even keep her dress on!""What a joke! I guess she's not as confident as she pretends to be!" "Someone get her a stylist! She clearly needs some help!"I quickly made my way backstage, my heart pounding in my chest. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt the weight of the embarrassment wash over me. How could this have happened? I thought. My sister, Nathalie
SERENA'S POVAs soon as I proclaimed that he was my mate, the whole room fell silent. In the next moment, I heard footsteps, and I looked around in surprise to see several men emerge from the shadows. Their expressions showed surprise, and I wondered why they had suddenly appeared. It was clear that they were elders of the Pack.I turned my gaze to the Alpha, who had been focused solely on me, ignoring the intruders."Alpha..." I called out, joy swelling in my heart. Suddenly, my heart, once filled with pain and sadness, overflowed with joy and love for the man before me. He was a gift from the Universe, my destined partner."You? My mate?" The Alpha spoke up, and I nodded. My heart skipped a beat as his voice resonated through the air. It was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. Sebastian, my ex-boyfriend, couldn't hold a candle to him. Now, I had found my mate, and I could finally experience unconditional love. I would no longer have to fear heartbreak. Deep down, I felt grate
SERENA'S POVDarkness enveloped me as I was led through the sterile and cold corridors of the prison. The air was stagnant, and the dampness clung to my tattered clothes. My mind raced, and I couldn't shake off the humiliation and pain inflicted upon me by the one who was supposed to be my partner.As the heavy steel door screeched open, revealing the dimly lit cell, I stumbled inside, my hands still covering the remnants of my dignity. The cold concrete floor greeted me, and I shivered, feeling the chill seep through my skin. The door slammed shut, and I was left alone in the suffocating darkness.Hours passed, marked only by the echoes of distant footsteps and the occasional jingling of keys. The cold, harsh reality of my situation sank in, and I found myself contemplating the events that had led me to this wretched place.The sound of approaching footsteps snapped me out of my reverie. The dim light from the overhead lamps outside the cell revealed the silhouette of a guard. He car
KANE'S POVThe first rays of dawn filtered through the window when I awoke from my restless slumber. My mind still reeled from the events of the previous night - the night I had cast Serena aside for the final time.Rolling over with a groan, I expected to find a warm body next to me, as I often did. But instead, I found only cold, empty space. The previous night's dalliance had already slipped away unnoticed. As I rose from bed and slipped into a robe, an uneasy feeling nagged at the edges of my thoughts. Something felt amiss, but I chalked it up to the lingering effects of a night spent drinking away my frustrations. My suspicions were confirmed when I paid a visit to Serena's old cell, now deserted. Word soon reached me - she had vanished under the cover of darkness, disappearing without a trace. I summoned my head guard Markus."Any word on the whereabouts of the slave Serena?" I asked. Markus frowned. "Not since the night she vanished, Alpha. It's like she evaporated i
CHAPTER 5: KANE'S QUESTKaneThe Lycan King's departure created a heavy silence in the big room, making me realize the importance of my new duty. I stood motionless for a moment, grappling with the gravity of the situation. Serena, the mate i rejected, was now my main concern.Turning on my heel, I immediately set out to gather my most trusted warriors. The early morning light made long shadows on the walls as I walked to the pack's meeting hall. The pack felt uneasy when I arrived, and you could feel the tension in the air."Beta Garrett, Lucan, assemble the others," I ordered, my voice slicing through the quiet like a blade. "We have a Lycan princess to find."Beta Garrett, a seasoned tracker with scars mapping his face, nodded solemnly. "We'll need every nose we have, Alpha. The snow's made a mess of things out there."Beta Lucan, ever the strategist, chimed in, his brow furrowed. "We must consider that she may not be on foot. She could have found other means to flee."I rounded o
CHAPTER 6: SERENA'S JOURNEYSerenaThe moon hung high in the night sky as I stumbled through the forest, the icy wind biting at my exposed skin. I had been on the run for weeks, seeking refuge from the horrors of my past. The ache in my body mirrored the pain in my heart, a constant reminder of the betrayal I had endured.As I pressed forward, the sound of distant footsteps reached my ears. Panic surged through me, and I veered off the path, seeking the shelter of the trees. The voices grew louder, and I strained to catch their words."Did you hear about that slave who escaped from Kane's pack?" one voice whispered, tinged with a mix of curiosity and pity."Yeah, the one who was treated like dirt. Can't blame her for running." replied another, the words sharp with judgment.I huddled behind the thick trunk of a tree, my breath catching at the mention of Kane's name. The villagers continued their conversation, oblivious to the fact that the escaped slave they spoke of was mere feet awa
24SerenaI strode purposefully towards the stables, my anger fueling each step. Behind me, I heard Maximus let out a frustrated growl. "Let her go, sire," said Luka calmly. "She will not be deterred. But neither can we allow her to rush into danger alone.""Then go after her, and do not return without her," snapped Maximus. "Ensure no harm comes to my daughter. And you-" He turned to Kane. "If anything should happen to her, you will answer to me."Kane nodded solemnly. "You have my word, Alpha."I had just reached the stables when Luka caught up to me. "Princess, please wait."I whirled to face him, eyes blazing. "Have you come to drag me back in chains? I will not be coddled or controlled like a helpless cub."Luka held up his hands peacefully. "I mean you no harm. But nor can I stand idly by while you rush headlong into peril. Your father cares for you deeply, as do I." He took a step closer, voice softening. "Let me accompany you, if only for the sake of easing their worries. I s
23At dawn the next day, I prepared myself and snuck out of my room to go meet up with Kane at the stable, I hadn't told anyone about my plan, not even my father or Luka,While I trudged down the road to the stables, the searing pain in my sides reminded me that I was not healed and yet I was planning another journey, and intending to ride on a horse to an unknown place, with the hope of rescuing my cubs. I could not dare to sit idly by while children were out there somewhere.‘Mama is coming, babies, I'll do whatever it takes to rescue you both and be reunited with you! I swear this by the moon goddess’ I soliloquized to myself, wincing against the pain at my side, My booted feet made crunching noises on the graveled ground with each step, I hurried my feet to move faster, despite the pain in my stomach and the nerves that coursed through me.I was not prepared for the sight that greeted me when I finally walked up to the stables, I stared unwittingly at the sight before me; my fath
22SerenaLight pierced my eyes as I awoke in the healer's chambers some time later. My side ached fiercely but the wound had been stitched. King Maximus sat at my bedside, worry etched onto his face."You foolish girl," he rasped. "I told you war was no place for an untested ruler. Look what your arrogance has wrought!" I tried to speak but he silenced me. "Save your excuses. From now on you will obey my rule without question, do you understand?"Shame and disappointment weighed on me as I nodded weakly. The healers rushed to apply soothing salves, but no medicine could ease the failure in my heart. I had disobeyed my father and led our troops into peril without due care. Though the orcs had been routed, at what cost to myself and kingdom? I could only pray I had not compromised our security through rash action and inexperience.My body ached as I drifted in and out of consciousness. When finally I awoke again, the events of the battle came flooding back - our forces clashing with
21Serena's PovThe ride north passed in a blur as our troops made haste. Each moment brought me closer to my first true test as commander. Luka rode beside me, his calm presence soothing my nerves. "The border is near," he said. "Whatever awaits us, know that I have faith in your leadership." I nodded gratefully, though my doubts remained. Too soon, the frontier came into view - and with it, signs of war. Plumes of black smoke rose from burning farms in the distance. My heart clenched at the suffering of innocents caught in this conflict."The orcs have breached the border," Luka said grimly, breaking the silence. "We must engage them swiftly before they advance further."I nodded, steeling my resolve. "Form ranks and charge on my command." With a blast of horns, our Lycan cavalry surged across the plains. As we approached the battlefield, the vastness of the enemy force came into focus - a horde of orcs, pillaging all in their path. As we drew nearer, the vast orc army came int
20SerenaMy heart raced as Luka's lips met mine tenderly. All thoughts of duty and rumors fled my mind, lost in the gentleness of his kiss. Too soon, he pulled away, gazing down at me with questions."Princess, I did not mean to overstep. Your duties and station..."I silenced him with a finger to his lips. "Please, say no more of duty right now. In this moment, I am but a woman seeking comfort in troubled times. And you have been the kindest of companions these past days."Luka gazed at me with such tenderness it made my breath catch. "There is no one I would rather stand beside as you weather life's storms, my princess. But I would never presume or compromise your position in any way."I smiled softly. "Then do not think of status or station for now.""Princess, we must be cautious. Your position demands it, and I would never endanger you." I knew he spoke wisdom, yet in that moment all I wanted was to lose myself in his embrace. "Please Luka, just a little while longer. No one
19SerenaRigel sputtered, caught off guard. But another bowed respectfully. "Forgive us, Your Highness. Old Rigel speaks out of turn."I held up a hand. "No need for apologies yet, friend. I welcome honest counsel, however gruffly delivered. Now Rigel, share your views - but choose words carefully."Rigel eyed me warily. "With respect, Princess, you've yet to face true hardship. War is no place for delicate sensibilities."I arched a brow at Rigel. "Pray tell, what do you know of my hardships?" I asked calmly. Rigel shifted, clearly unaccustomed to being questioned. "With respect Princess, I meant no offense. It's just that war ain't no place for a lady." "Is that so?" I replied evenly. "Then enlighten me, Rigel - what defines a lady, if not her character?"Rigel opened his mouth then closed it, at a loss. I pressed on. "You assume I am weak or delicate because of my title, my birth? Things over my control. But you should rather judge me for those within - my character, convictions
18SerenaFrozen in place, my pulse thundered in my ears while my mind raced. Had all my guards disappeared into the night, leaving me defenseless? As the figure turned, a familiar face emerged from the shadows. "Kane!" I breathed in horror and rage. "What are you doing here? How did you get past the guards?"He took a step toward me, hands raised in a gesture of peace. "Serena, please. I just want to talk."I backed away, hand groping behind me for anything to use as a weapon. "You've said more than enough. Get out before I call for help!"Kane sighed in frustration. "Will you not listen to reason? I know what you must think of me, but the past is the past. We were happy once." Another step forward prompted a matching step back from me. "Happy?" I spat. "You made my life a living hell! Give me one good reason I shouldn't end you where you stand." His eyes flashed dangerously in the lamplight. "Because whether you like it or not, we are bound. I am your mate."My fingers closed aro
17SerenaThe week passed in a flurry of preparations for the ball. As word spread, RSVPs poured in from neighboring kingdoms. I whiled away my hours in fittings, selecting the finest silks and jewels from the royal treasury for my gown. As the week passed in a flurry of preparations, I found my thoughts often drifting back to Kane, no matter how I tried distracting myself. Alone in my chambers in the evenings, I would sit holding Thomas and Evelyn's delicate silver necklace, tracing its teardrop moonstone pendant with my fingertips. May their gentle souls rest peacefully. Memories of their kindness when they took me in after Kane cast me out would flood back, bringing a fresh wave of grief and loneliness. I recalled nights sitting by the fire as Evelyn tended to my wounds, her gentle hands and soothing voice like a mother's. Thomas teaching me to read by the afternoon light streaming through the windows. Their love and acceptance had been my saving grace in the darkness that foll
16SerenaI walked beside Kane in stiff silence, barely containing my fury. How dare he approach me after everything? My hands balled into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms. The royal gardens came into view, bursting with colorful blooms. I spun to face him, eyes ablaze. "Well? You have your five minutes. Speak before I change my mind and call the guards." Kane held up his hands placatingly. "Serena, I know you have every right to despise me. But please believe that I'm here only to help find our pups."A bitter laugh escaped me. "Our pups? You lost any claim to call them yours the day you told me that my unborn child was a bastard." My voice rose as pent up rage and hurt bubbled over. "Do you have any idea what I went through after your rejection?!" Tears pricked my eyes but I refused to let them fall. "I was heavy with your cubs and had nothing - no home, no family, no means to provide for them. I nearly died giving birth alone in the wilderness because of you!"Kane