MANY YEARS BEFORECirce moved gracefully through the ancient orchard, the scent of ripe apples permeating the air. The boughs bowed under the weight of the luscious fruit, a vibrant tapestry of red and green against the backdrop of the enchanting woods. Her movements, though deliberate, carried a certain tenderness as she selected each apple with a careful touch.Little Liam, still in the early years of his life, trailed behind her with wide-eyed wonder. His tiny hands reached out in curiosity, eager to grasp the bounty that hung temptingly from the branches. Circe turned to him with a soft smile, her gaze a mixture of maternal love and a profound sadness that lingered in the depths of her eyes."Look, my sweet Liam," she cooed, lifting a perfectly ripe apple from the tree. "This one is for you."She gently placed the apple in the small hands of the child, who held it with a mixture of innocence and fascination. Circe, in that tender moment, could not help but feel a surge of love fo
As we retreated from the courtyard, Liam's countenance revealed a mixture of exasperation and resolve. "Daliah, my love, I apologize for the intrusion." he said, his eyes locking onto mine with a reassurance that spoke of unwavering commitment.We moved in unison, a silent understanding passing between us. As the courtyard faded behind, the tumult of questions and skepticism dissolving into distant echoes, Liam and I found a secluded alcove where the sunlight filtered through stained glass, casting a warm and comforting glow.In that private moment, Liam and I found sanctuary from the prying eyes and relentless questions. The weight of our shared secrets, the enigmatic prophecy, and the looming curse hung in the air, but the connection between us served as a source of strength.With a tender glance, Liam's grip on my hand tightened, conveying a reassurance that transcended words. The world outside our shared cocoon blurred into insignificance as we turned towards each other.In the ha
My hands delicately trace the contours of her bare back with a mixture of affection and reverence, creating an intimate connection that transcends the physical embrace.She asked me for simple things, but that she knew would be pleasurable for the moment. I love this woman for showing me what she wants me to do, for making it clear that she learned how to teach.I rise, holding Daliah in my arms, and lay her on the canopy bed. Suddenly, I find myself above her, witnessing the delicate lace and billowing curtains of the canopy that frame the bed. While she keeps her arms wrapped around my neck, her eyes remain gently closed, as if every detail of the room dissolves into the shared moment between us.After a few seconds in this position, she opens her beautiful blue eyes, which are now dark with the excitement of the moment we have just experienced. I can not hide a smile when our eyes meet."Hi." I whisper.I tighten my arms around her waist and our bodies are necessarily closer. So I
I turn towards Liam's side, half-expecting to find him there, a mere figment of my imagination. But the emptiness prevails, and the hollow ache in my chest deepens.In the dimness, the room feels like a cocoon of solitude, and a sinking realization settles within me... I am alone.The moonlight casts eerie shadows across the floor, and the flickering candle flames seem to dance with a melancholic tune. A soft rustle of fabric catches my attention. The elaborate tapestries lining the walls, once vivid with tales of our shared journey, now hang motionless, telling a silent story of absence. The room, once filled with the warmth of shared moments, now echoes with the hollowness of solitude.I move across the room, my steps cautious as if not to disturb the lingering echoes of our connection. The door opens into the corridor, revealing a desolate stretch that seems to stretch infinitely. "Liam?" My voice breaks the silence, calling out Liam's name, but there's no answer.Seeking solace,
"I was too occupied at the time to discuss this agreement," Liam confessed, and I sensed the weight of responsibility in his words. "So, my beta, Daniel, went to Minerva in my place." The room seemed to hold its breath, each word carving a path through the shadows."The deal took longer than we anticipated," Liam's eyes conveyed a depth of complexity, "and Daniel had to stay in Minerva. It was during his absence that I found you. I got married."The confession hung in the air, a tapestry of emotions woven into the silence that followed – a revelation that stretched beyond the boundaries of politics and alliances.The words hung in the air, each one a sharp edge cutting through the tension in the room. Liam's confession echoed with a weight that seemed to alter the very atmosphere."About Vallen... Vallen was my scribe at the time, and she went with Daniel to Minerva," Liam admitted, his eyes holding mine in a moment of transparency.A wave of questions surged within me, demanding cla
"Get up, my queen. You need to start preparing for the Spring Festival!""Diana, my dear, what's all this about a spring festival?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes.With a warm smile, Diana replied, "Your Majesty, the Spring Festival is a joyous tradition in our kingdom. it is a celebration of renewal, where the people come together to revel in the beauty of the changing season. We honor the blooming flowers, the return of warmth, and the promise of new beginnings."As she spoke, Diana moved about the room, selecting garments for me to wear. "This year's festival holds particular significance, given the challenges we face. The people look to you for guidance and strength, and a festive gathering could lift their spirits. it is an opportunity to show unity and resilience in the face of adversity."I nodded, the weight of my responsibilities as a ruler settling upon me. "Very well, Diana. Let us make the Spring Festival a beacon of hope for our people.
As day turned to evening, the festival preparations reached their culmination. The courtyard, now adorned with vibrant decorations and bustling with activity, bore the fruits of meticulous planning. As the final rays of sunlight bathed the scene, Allan and I decided to dismiss the merchants, acknowledging their efforts with gratitude."Thank you all for your hard work. The festival promises to be a grand celebration, and your contributions have made it possible," I announced, and with that, the merchants began to pack up their stalls.Turning to Allan, I gestured towards the castle. "You've done well, Allan. You may retire to your chambers and rest. Tomorrow is sure to bring new challenges."Allan nodded appreciatively, expressing his gratitude before making his way towards the castle. As I stood alone in the now quiet courtyard, the weariness of the day settled in.Just as I contemplated retiring for the night, Elder Marco approached. "Your Majesty," he spoke with a tone of genuine
it is as if he waits for me to fall asleep before slipping away!Staring at the ceiling, I am not truly seeing anything interesting. Then, I hear heavy footsteps ascending the stairs. I know it is not Diana; her steps are light and unhurried, and she wouldn't be here so late at night.I hold my breath, refraining from making any noise that might disrupt my hearing. The footsteps draw closer to the door, and the next sound is the slow turn of the doorknob. I gaze at the door, anticipation building in the quiet of the night.In this moment, I realize that my day has been dull since the moment I woke up. From the first minute of the day, I had to make choices for the Spring Festival. Meanwhile, my mind was preoccupied with the impending arrival of Vallen and Daniel. In other words, I have not had peace throughout the day.I had lunch without someone needling me from across the table. I took a shower alone. I sat and made choices befitting the queen that I am. But none of it left me truly
His apology cut through the silence like a knife, piercing straight to the core of my wounded heart. And as I looked into his eyes, filled with genuine remorse and regret, I felt a glimmer of hope flicker within me — a fragile beacon of possibility amidst the darkness of our shared pain."I understand," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the sound of our surroundings. "But I need you to understand, Liam. I need to feel like more than just a possession, like more than just someone to be protected. I need to feel like your equal, your mate."His gaze never wavered as he reached out, his fingers gently brushing away the tears that stained my cheeks. "You are more than that, Daliah," he assured me, his voice filled with a quiet resolve. "You are my everything.""I was so afraid of Drake and Drew. Please, Liam, don't make me afraid of you," I pleaded, the words spilling from my lips in a desperate rush.Liam's expression softened, his gaze filled with understanding and remorse as h
With that final revelation, he vanished into the embrace of the trees, his form swallowed by the ethereal blue mist that had accompanied him throughout our encounter. And I watched him fade into the distance.With a heavy heart, I turned my gaze to the fallen bodies scattered amidst the shadowed depths of the forest. I approached Allan's lifeless form, his once-vibrant spirit now stilled by the cruel hand of fate.Gently, reverently, I lifted Allan's body, cradling him in my arms with a tenderness born of comradeship and brotherhood. With each step, the weight of his sacrifice pressed heavily upon me, a silent reminder of the cost of our struggle.With a sense of purpose, I began the solemn journey back to where we had left the horses, the rhythm of my footsteps echoing the steady beat of my heart. Through the dappled light of the forest, I navigated the winding path, each step a testament to the bond that had bound us together in life and now in death.**I passed through the imposi
With a renewed sense of purpose, I lunged forward once more, my jaws snapping at Drew's throat with a ferocity born of desperation.In that moment, as our fates collided amidst the moonlit shadows, I knew that only one of us would emerge victorious from this savage duel. And as the scent of blood and the taste of vengeance filled the air, I vowed to fight with every fiber of my being until the bitter end.With a primal snarl, Drew attempted to retaliate, his own wolf form bristling with fury. But I was a wolf of unmatched strength, fueled by a burning determination to emerge victorious. With a swift and powerful movement, I deflected his attack, my jaws closing around his throat with a vice-like grip.Drew's eyes widened in shock and desperation as my razor-sharp teeth tore through flesh and sinew, rending his throat with a savage ferocity. A guttural, choked cry escaped his lips, but it was too late. The life force drained from him in a crimson torrent, his body collapsing limply t
Blood mingled with the damp earth, painting the ground crimson as fallen soldiers lay strewn among the twisted roots and tangled undergrowth.With every swing of our swords, the metallic clang of steel reverberated through the air, drowning out the desperate cries of the wounded and the dying. But the enemy was relentless, their numbers seemingly endless as they surged forward with reckless abandon. I gritted my teeth against the pain in my leg, pushing through the agony as I slashed and parried, my mind consumed by the primal instinct to survive.The clash of weapons was deafening, the air thick with the acrid scent of sweat and fear. I felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins, driving me onward even as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm me.Blood sprayed in all directions, painting the trees and underbrush with gruesome splatters of crimson.Beside me, Allan fought with equal ferocity, his face contorted into a mask of primal rage as he dispatched our foes with lethal p
"In there," I directed my gaze towards the imposing silhouette of the castle. "Rests something more precious than our lives combined," I said, a sense of determination underlying my words. "Protect her at all costs," I ordered, the weight of responsibility heavy in my tone.A collective nod rippled through the soldiers, their resolve mirrored in their eyes.With a swift motion, I mounted the white steed, the tension of the impending peril coursing through my veins. Beside me, Allan took his place upon the gray horse, his posture reflecting the gravity of our mission.As we set off into the night, the looming darkness seemed to swallow us whole, our fate intertwined with that of the precious life we vowed to protect.We plunged deeper into the eerie embrace of the dark forest. The oppressive atmosphere was palpable, thick with the wizard's malevolent magic. A suffocating fog clung to the air, shrouding our path in a veil of uncertainty, while the damp ground squelched ominously beneath
I woke up the next day to the melodious sounds of birds. As I opened my eyes, I realized I was alone in Liam's room. The doors and curtains were carefully closed. I got up and walked to the balcony door, only to find it locked with no visible key. I changed my clothes and attempted to open the main door leading to the hallway, but it was also securely locked."Hello?" I exclaimed, bewildered. Hearing the sound of locks being undone, a soldier finally opened the door."Good morning, Queen," he greeted."What is this? Was I locked in?" I questioned, incredulous."These are the king's orders," the soldier mumbled, seemingly confused.Surveying the hallway, I noticed the presence of so many guards that I couldn't count them. A strange sense of confinement began to set in, prompting me to question the reasons behind Liam's decisions.Each closed door echoed with a stifling silence, and the guarded expressions of the inhabitants heightened the palpable tension that clung to the air. The
fear."If the wizard intends to strike at me, he knows precisely whom he has to target: you," he explained with a grave expression. "Get dressed. I need to consult with Allan, and you're coming with me." Liam's tone brooked no argument as he spoke, and I couldn't shake off the sense of impending danger that hung in the air.**A few minutes later, we found ourselves in the regal expanse of the throne room. Morphez, Allan, Liam, and I stood together, the gravity of the situation etched on our faces, as we faced the imminent threat that loomed over the kingdom."I can't believe it. I couldn't imagine the jewelry would be worn so soon," Daniel said, blaming himself."I hoped that wouldn't happen. The wizard wasn't a problem I wanted to deal with right now," Liam murmured, running his hands through his hair."It was my fault. I was busy exchanging barbs with the elk Marco, and I wasn't thinking about the problems that the stolen jewels would bring us," Daniel sighed, throwing himself into
Then, in a jolt, I awoke, my heart pounding erratically, still echoing with the remnants of the overwhelming nightmare.In the dimly lit room, an eerie silence filled the air. The slightly open doors drew my attention to the balcony, veiled by closed curtains. Behind the drapes, a shadowy figure remained motionless.An unsettling tension pulsed through me as I cautiously stood up, compelled by the mysterious presence on the other side of the billowing curtains. The room seemed to shrink, amplifying the irregular thudding of my heart. Each step intensified the unseen force, creating an ominous atmosphere that quickened my breath.The anticipation reached its peak as I approached the balcony, the room saturated with a blend of dread and curiosity. The curtains, like ethereal dancers, swirled, hinting at the enigma beyond. Shadows played tricks, conjuring images of a phantom suspended in time.Summoning courage, I parted the curtains. A gasp caught in my throat as the balcony revealed
Liam, seated on the throne, observed the unfolding scene with a measured gaze. His eyes flickered between me and the elders, gauging the atmosphere. The quietude was pregnant with unspoken implications, and it fueled the unease that pervaded the room.As the seconds ticked by, the elders seemed to come to a collective understanding. A nod from Elder Marco signaled a reluctant acceptance of my perspective, though skepticism still lingered."Very well pointed out, queen. Now tell me, why does the invader want to get our attention? You suggest that, first, he invaded the kingdom, then he killed Elder Krew. Lastly, he broke into my room and stole the jewels of wizard containment. What does the invader want?" Marco asked, leaning forward and staring at me threateningly."I do not..." I began, but Daniel's voice resonated with urgency, cutting through the air:"The wizard's containment gems?" Daniel practically shouted."Yes, beta. The jewels that were stolen were Magdar's jewels," Marco re