Rhys POV. At the head of the long table, my fingers held the edge so firmly that my knuckles had become white. Though today they felt alien, as though they belonged to strangers instead of the soldiers who had faithfully served me for years, the faces before me were familiar. "Whereis he?" My voice was a low, hardly under control snarl. Avoiding my eye, the men moved uneasily in their seats. No one said. The chamber was silent, broken only by the sound of the hearth fire cracking. My patience was faltering, the rage boiling just under the surface. Eric was standing next to me, his eyes frigid and his posture perfect. He said nothing; his presence was sufficient to inspire dread. Though he understood this was different, we had fought through fights together, confronted threats side by side. Cench vanished, and I guessed someone in this very room knew more than they were revealing. Rising in voice, I said, "I asked a question." "Where is. Cench?" Still, nobody answered. Their eyes re
Rhys POV. The room's tension was so strong it felt as though the air itself was choking. Standing at the door, Winifred had a stiff posture and a mix of terror and will. Every eye in the room turned towards her, and I felt the tension wriggling across my soldiers. They were rightfully anxious; Winifred was not someone to discount. I motioned for Eric to step off, telling him I wanted to tackle this on my own. He paused, his brow wrinkled in concern, but finally nodded and retreated to give me room. The other men stayed seated, their eyes flitting between Winifred and me as they watched what would happen. "Speak," I said, my voice firm yet with a slowness that suggested coldness. "You have broken off my conference. This ought to be well worth it. Winifred inhaled deeply, her eyes fixed on me as she moved farther into the space closing the door behind her with a gentle buzz. She moved with the grace of someone who had spent years negotiating perilous waters, yet she could not quite hi
Felza’s POV. A sudden knock on the door shocked me from my thoughts. My heart shot into my throat, but I pushed myself to remain calm by downing the fright. “Come in," I murmured, my voice steady but every inch of me shaking. The door creaked open, and a young woman with hands squeezed together in front of her and eyes downcast came inside. Her basic attire revealed her to be among the housekeepers; her auburn hair was neatly braided back."Miss Felza," she whispered gently, her voice little above a whisper. "I came to deliver new towels." For a time, I looked at her and tried to recall whether I had seen her before. She seemed young, maybe a few years younger than myself, yet her attitude attracted my eye—a subdued strength. She kept her eyes down and moved quickly to replace the old sheets with the fresh ones she carried. "Your name is: What is?" Though my mind was already running ahead, wondering if this was the friend I so sorely needed, I enquired, attempting to sound casual.
Felza’s POV. “Felza, you shouldn't have come," she urged quickly. If Marcus discovers...," "I know," I said, cutting her off, my voice shaking even as I tried to remain cool. But I had no options. You claimed to have something vital to share with me. Clara hesitated, looking over her shoulder as though she expected Marcus to show up out of the dark at any moment. "There's talk among the servants," she said gently, her voice almost above a whisper. "Talk about Marcus and his activities. The things he intends to do. I got shivers running down my back. "What kind of items?" Clara inhaled deeply, her hands shaking as she held the edge of her apron. "He's not what Felza looks to be. More hazardous than you could ever fathom is he. And those within the mansion wish to see him toppled. My heart pounding, I fixed her eyes. Oversaw? Who would venture to challenge Marcus? Fear flashed in Clara's eyes. "There is a group resisting here. Years of preparation have gone towards waiting for the i
Felza POVStealthily I made my way to the room of Marcus study. I reached tfor the door knob, squeezed it and the door creaked softly as I pushed it open, the dark room looming before me like a beast waiting to devour its prey. I hesitated for a moment, listening for any sound that might signal someone’s approach. But the mansion was silent, as if holding its breath.Taking a deep breath, I slipped inside, my heart pounding in my chest. The study was just as I remembered—richly decorated with heavy curtains, a large oak desk, and walls lined with bookshelves. But tonight, it felt different. More menacing.My eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of the documents Sebastian had mentioned. My mind raced, trying to remember his instructions. "There’s a hidden compartment in the desk," he had told me. "It’s the key to everything."I moved cautiously toward the desk, my footsteps muffled by the thick carpet. The air was thick with tension, every sound amplified in the stillness. I k
Felza’s POV. Marcus had just left the room, but his last words still made my heart beat fast. I had never been more on edge. Every nerve in my body was telling me to leave this dangerous game behind. But I still couldn't. Marcus knew what it was now. He knew I wasn't just looking for something personal. He was trying different ways to catch me red-handed as a game. I almost got away with it this time, but I won't be so lucky next time. I am aware of. In my room, I leaned against the cold stone wall to help me keep my breathing in check. Sebastian would be here soon. Even though I had already told him what happened, our short chat showed how worried he was. I was looking for a plan, something better than sneaking back into Marcus's office. It was not enough for me to just hope. When the door finally opened, Sebastian slid in with a worried look on his face. He answered in a low but firm voice, "Tell me everything." As I talked about meeting Marcus, I nodded and leaned on the edge
Felza’s POV It was impossible to forget Eric's cold look or Rhys's angry words from before. Their doubts were like a dark cloud over me, casting long shadows that I couldn't get away from. Rhys didn't believe in me.Not precisely. And Eric... his admonition was unambiguous: "You'd better start talking, Felza." Not yet. Not able to. Now, though, my heart hammering in my chest, I questioned whether that had been a mistake as I stood before Marcus' study door. My only chance was the passageway. Sebastian had urged me we had to keep on, regardless of the threats ahead. And so here I was once more, slinking around the estate, heart pounding as I grabbed for Marcus' study door handle. Now, it felt different. This location felt alive with danger, as though every shadow was watching and waiting for me to fall. It was not only full of secrets anymore. I hesitated for a bit then touched my hand to the cool wood. Suppose this were a trap instead. Suppose Marcus was already on the other sid
Felza’s POV. The line kept going through my mind. Rhys, one of our pack members has betrayed us. His eyes looked like they went right through me, as if I were the one who had been lied to. But I wasn't. It wasn't me who was against Rhys. Was mine? With my heart racing, I stood there as the stress in the room got too much to bear. Rhys looked at Eric and me while he closed his mouth and clenched his hands together. His eyes asked the same thing, even though he didn't say anything. Was I the traitor's agent? Felza, The last thing Rhys said was in a low, angry voice. "Did you keep something from me?" What he said was very sharp. It was really hard for me to come out. Still, it wasn't because they hated them.Survival was what it was here. I battled to construct a reply and my breath stuck in my throat. Though I could not let it out, the truth was a tempest inside me ready to explode. Not at the moment. Not as desired. "I'm not the traitor," I said, my voice faltering. Rhys, you reall
Rhys' POVWithout Felza in the pack, our room became empty. The memories we've had here played before me like a movie, and as I walked further, my heart broke when I saw a familiar ring right next to our mirror.I picked it up and tightened my grip around it, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill. At this point, I was starting to regret chasing Felza away. My heart longs for her, my soul as well, I badly want to see her, just to check if she is alright. I placed the ring in my pocket before leaving the room. It was almost midnight. Maids were returning to bed, generals to their respective homes, but Lisa was making a meal in the pack's kitchen. I strolled inside, covering my nose due to the distasteful scent in the air, “Lisa, what on earth are you doing?” I frowned, pulling her away from the pot, “Everyone is retiring to bed. Why are you cooking so late and why are you even here?” My gaze landed on Kiera who stood a few meters away, her gaze fixed on a book in her hand
~Felza’s POV~With every step, I could tell the rogue was getting closer, nearer, I could feel it in my bones. Placing my dagger forward, I walked in circles, scanning the forest, but I saw nothing. The growls became louder, but there was nothing in sight. Just when I was about to leave, I sighted four rouges walking towards me, their canines dripping with blood. I swallowed hard, taking a few steps backwards, frightened for my life. Taking a rogue or two isn't a problem, but taking on four would kill me. I stood no chance against them. I tightened my grip on my dagger and ran with everything in me, and if I was running in circles again, I desperately prayed to the moon goddess to give me another chance at life. As I sprinted through the forest, panting hard, the growls and snarls became louder, their heavy paws snapping twigs as they kept on chasing me. I increased my pace, running as fast as I could to survive this trial. It wouldn't speak well to be killed in the forest by rouge
~Felza’s POV~In the most humiliating way ever, I was forced to accept Rhys' decision. For the past hour, I've tried to believe he had a reason for sending me away, to believe it wasn't his intention to make love to Lisa, but after his judgment in the throne room? I could tell every feeling he had for me had disappeared into thin air. After the morning meeting, I retired to my room and cried out loud, sobbing as I packed through my things. Staring at my ring one last time, I took a sharp intake of breath before placing it beside our mirror.While I walked across the hallway with a small bag, I stumbled into Kiera whose eyes were tear rimmed as well. “Felza, oh my God” she whimpered, enveloping me in a tight hug, “I can't believe he would do this to you.” Her scent enveloped me, giving me the warmth my body desperately craved for. Dropping my bags to the ground, I wrapped my arms around her waist and sobbed quietly, “I don't know, Kiera.” Rhys had told me something extremely differen
~Rhys’ POV~Felza has never looked so hurt, so broken and so devastated. She stared at me, her eyes filled with so much pain and misery. Her expression made my heart ache, my whole system fighting so hard to ignore her tears. Earlier that day, I'd barged into Lisa's room to claim her as my mate.Seeing the smile on her face made me cringe, but at least, Felza would be safe from her clutches. Chasing Felza away didn't gladen my heart, but it was the only way to keep her safe. I flipped my attention to her and hardened my heart, “Felza, stop pleading with me.” “Rhys, what you're doing is wrong.” She sucked in a breath, closing her eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks. Hell, that expression of hers could drive me insane. I badly wanted to hold her, comfort her, tell her it was all a lie, but Lisa and Sebastian's plans would proceed. I swallowed hard, averting my gaze, “What I'm doing is right. My mate deserves to stay with me. I can't reject her for you.” “So you want me out of here?
Felza’s POVThe sun shone brilliantly the next day, more like it could tell my bright mood. Rhys, my mate and husband, chose me over his destined mate. After discussing with Kiera for hours, I still couldn't get over the fact that Rhys chose me. It was something I never expected, something I never imagined. I'd thought Rhys would plead with me to accept her into our pack, but he was willing to take her away for my sake. Nothing in this world could explain how happy I was. I woke up without Rhys by my side. I'd thought he went for his usual morning meetings, but as I walked across the hall, I was surprised to hear small groans coming from Lisa's room. My mouth fell open, my eyes widening as I tried to process what I'd just heard. There was a man in there; soon, Lisa's small moans filled my ears, followed by familiar groans.I wrapped my fingers around the door knob, hesitant, but I pushed the door open, wanting to know why Lisa was cheating on Rhys. However, upon getting in, I was al
~Rhys’ POV~The air was getting chilly outside, and It was getting darker as well. The day was slowly coming to an end, but I couldn't get Lisa's kiss off my mind. The scene kept on replaying like a movie, seizing my breath and filling my heart with guilt. I pushed the door open, taking slow strides into the room. Shuffling sounds filled my ears, telling me that someone else was in the room. Felza turned the shower off and stepped out in a small towel, “You're back.” she smiled, staring at me like nothing's ever happened within the past few days. I swallowed hard, returning the not so fake smile, “Yeah, had a few meetings with the generals. I'm exhausted.” I walked towards the bed and sat down calmly, “Where have you been?” “With Kiera.” she walked towards the closet, picking a few clothes to wear, “she's my companion lately.” she added, before returning back into the bathroom. I weaved my hands through my hair and sighed, “You know you can always dress in front of me, I mean, you d
~Felza’s POV~These past few days? They've been hell. Apart from the fact that Lisa became the star of the pack, this nauseous feeling wouldn't let me be. It becomes worse with each passing day, and for once, I wished I had the power to grant wishes. Kiera became my only companion as I gave myself quite the distance from Rhys. Seeing him only makes my heart ache, and the fact that he hasn't made a decision is even more annoying. He was hurt by my actions, I could tell, but I was hurting too, maybe even more. A mysterious girl came from nowhere and tore home and pack, leaving no breathing space for me. Since I wasn't Rhys' mate, the whole pack seemed to regard her more and cast me aside. Rhys wasn't saying anything about it, I could only guess that he doesn't care about it. Everything was happening so fast, and I feared that my wildest dreams, my terrifying nightmare, would eventually come to reality. Spending a whole day with Kiera became my usual routine. With her, I started to
~Rhys’ POV~Days passed by in the blink of an eye, and Felza became slightly distant. She was there whenever I needed her, but she was just off, strange and distant. I miss her like hell, I miss her warm smile and sincere words. Right now, Felza is only a shell of herself, broody and quiet. And Lisa?She became everyone's favorite in just a matter of days. Pack warriors, no, everyone is talking about her. Lisa is kind, sweet and wise. The perfect example of a Luna, but that spot was already taken. No matter what she does, she would never end up on Felza's spot. I just have to keep going on for her.I combed my hands through my hair as I walked down the hallway, searching for Felza. After a very stressful day, seeing her face would be enough to help me relax. However, after searching for a while, Felza was nowhere to be found. As I walked further, soft whispers echoed in my ears, slightly loud due to the still air. My brows were deeply furrowed as I stepped closer, but I was surprise
~Felza’s POV~For several minutes, I've been staring at the door, hoping that Rhys would stroll inside to apologize, but it never happened. Seconds passed by, minutes passed by and now hours, but Rhys never came knocking at the door.Drawing my limbs closer to my body, I buried my face in my hands and cried out loud. There was a heavy feeling in my throat, my whole body filled with pain. Everything seemed hard to believe, hard to comprehend. The soft click of the door filled my ears as Rhys strolled inside, his familiar cologne hitting my nose. Raising my head slowly, I met his gaze, guilt swirling in his green eyes, “Felza.” He walked towards me, placing his hands on my shoulders, “Why are you crying? Hey, I'm still here.” Still here? How ridiculous. A soft chuckle escaped my lips, my shoulders trembling as I stared at him, “You’re still here?” I swat his hands away, moving away, “You hesitated, Rhys. You chose her over me. You embarrassed and humiliated me.” “Felza.” He drawed, a