Ethan:
The room was an inferno of indulgence. Haunting melodies filled the vast hall, a blend of violins and guttural chants that vibrated through the air, sinking deep into the bones. Flickering crimson lights bathed everything in a surreal glow, amplifying the setting. Vampires and werewolves mingled in precarious harmony, but the tension was like a taut string waiting to snap. My nose crinkled at the metallic tang of blood that hung heavy in the air. Goblets of it were passed around freely, their deep red contents swirling like forbidden nectar. Vampires sipped greedily, their lips stained with the essence of life. Some even dipped their fingers into the liquid, tracing languid patterns on the pale skin of their companions. It was revolting, barbaric, and I struggled to keep my face neutral. Beside me, Edward appeared completely unaffected. He was seated with the same regal ease he brought everywhere, his golden goblet filled with what lookeLianna: The weight of the pack's affairs bore down on me the moment Edward left. The council elders sat around the grand hall, their stern faces scrutinizing me as though searching for a crack in my composure. I kept my back straight, my gaze unwavering, though my nerves coiled tightly within. This wasn’t a role I had ever wanted, but it was one Edward had entrusted me with. And I wouldn’t let him down. Ingrid stood at my side, her presence a steady pillar of strength. When I faltered, her subtle nods reassured me. When someone interrupted me or questioned my authority, she stepped forward with that sharp tongue of hers, silencing them with a mix of wit and intimidation. “Luna Lianna has spoken,” Elder Aldric declared firmly when one of the younger wolves tried to argue against my decision regarding resource allocation. His defense of me was surprising, but I wasn’t naïve enough to believe it was rooted in respect. The elders’ loyalty lay with Edward, and for now, that loyalt
Edward: The air in the dim corridor was thick with the scent of damp stone and faint traces of aged blood—a reminder of where we were tonight. My steps were cautious, measured, as I followed the shadow ahead of me. The woman in the crimson dress moved with practiced grace, her every gesture a calculated performance meant to deceive anyone watching. To them, she was just another indulgence of mine, a concubine caught by my charms and unable to leave my side. If only they knew. She turned into a secluded alcove, waiting for me to catch up. Her golden eyes gleamed in the flickering torchlight, her lips curving into a wry smile. “You’re late,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the silence. “You’re impatient,” I retorted, scanning the corridor behind us to ensure we weren’t being followed. “And reckless. Someone could have seen you waiting here.” “Relax, Edward. You play your part, and I’ll play mine.” Her confidence grated on my nerves, but I couldn’t afford to l
Freya: The maids’ giggles grated against my nerves as I stood at the edge of the kitchen. I’d asked for tea—just tea—and yet here they were, dawdling, whispering, throwing glances at me as though I were some ridiculous figure of amusement. One of them, a girl with an unremarkable face but too much confidence for someone of her stature, turned to me with a smirk. “I’m sorry, Lady Freya. We’re a bit behind. Perhaps you could fetch it yourself?” The audacity of her words hit me like a slap. My nails dug into my palms as I forced myself to remain composed, but the boiling anger beneath my skin was almost too much to contain. “Perhaps you could fetch me your resignation,” I spat, my tone venomous. She merely shrugged, her smirk widening, before turning back to her work. I felt the air around me shift—other maids pausing, watching, waiting for my reaction—but I turned on my heel and stormed out. If they thought they could challenge me, t
Lianna: The morning light filtered through the curtains of my chambers as Ingrid entered, balancing a tray with her usual grace. She set it down on the table beside me, the porcelain teapot steaming gently. I inhaled deeply, my body immediately relaxing and going fully awake. “Chamomile and lavender,” she said, pouring the golden liquid into a delicate cup. “Calms the nerves, sharpens the mind. Perfect for someone who has to deal with the drama of the court.” I smirked, wrapping my hands around the warm cup. The tea’s floral aroma wafted up, soothing my senses as I took a careful sip. The bitterness of the chamomile balanced by the subtle sweetness of the lavender made for a comforting combination. Ingrid flopped into the chair across from me, her sharp blue eyes dancing with mischief. “Speaking of drama,” she began, “you’ll never guess what I heard this morning.” I raised an eyebrow, already bracing myself for one of
Lianna: The open fields stretched endlessly before us, bathed in the warm amber of the setting sun. The horses’ hooves beat a steady rhythm against the earth as we rode, the cool breeze brushing against my face and tousling my hair. I felt alive, free. Alistair, riding beside us, seemed calmer now. The tension that had clung to him earlier had eased, but there was still a shadow in his eyes, one I couldn’t ignore. Ingrid, as blunt as ever, turned to him with a knowing smirk. “So, Alistair,” she began, her voice dripping with mischief, “care to tell us why Freya was hanging around you earlier?” He stiffened visibly, the reins in his hands tightening. “Nothing’s going on,” he said quickly, his voice a little too defensive. Ingrid raised an eyebrow, glancing at me as if to say, See? Something’s definitely up. I chose not to press him further. Instead, I let the silence settle, focusing on the scenery around me. The vast fields were dotted with wildflowers swaying gently in
Lianna: I took my time, more than usual, as I prepared for dinner. It wasn’t just any evening—it was Edward’s first night back, and I wanted to look every inch the Luna Queen I had become. My reflection in the ornate mirror revealed my determination as I reached for the rosewater-infused cleansing oil, massaging it gently into my skin. The delicate floral scent calmed my nerves, grounding me in the moment. After rinsing, I applied a light cream with a faint shimmer that gave my skin a subtle glow, like the moonlight itself had kissed me. My hair came next—long, cascading waves that I pinned delicately with golden combs adorned with emeralds, matching the deep green gown I had chosen for the evening. The dress was a masterpiece, crafted from silk that clung to my figure before flowing into an elegant train. Golden embroidery, delicate as spider silk, traced the bodice and cuffs, giving it an ethereal quality. I adjusted the plunging neckline, knowing it was daring but tasteful
CHAPTER 58 Lianna: The cool night air kissed my cheeks as Edward extended his hand to me. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a soft silver glow over the garden path. It was almost surreal how quiet the world felt—just the two of us and the distant hum of crickets filling the silence. “Shall we?” he asked, his voice smooth and inviting. I hesitated, glancing at his outstretched hand. A walk in the garden, he had said. Innocent enough on the surface, but nothing about Edward ever truly felt innocent. Still, I slipped my hand into his, ignoring the warmth that shot up my arm when our skin touched. The garden was breathtaking, with sprawling hedges, fountains trickling softly, and modern lanterns glowing with a soft, bluish hue. This wasn’t just a garden—it was a haven, an escape from the chaos of the palace. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt so at peace, yet Edward’s presence had a way of stirring something deep inside me. “You’re quiet,” he said, breaking the sil
Lianna: Fucking hell. What just happened? The air between us was filled wwith something unspoken as we pulled away from the kiss. I didn’t know what to say or how to breathe properly. My heart raced, and I was certain Edward could hear it pounding in the quiet of the garden. “So,” I started awkwardly, my voice barely above a whisper. “The garden… it’s, um, nice. But it could use some work.” Edward blinked at me, clearly caught off guard. “The garden?” “Yes.” I cleared my throat, desperate to break the tension. “The arrangements are a little chaotic. The roses are too close to the lavender, which completely overpowers their scent. And don’t get me started on the color schemes. Whoever designed this had no sense of harmony.” His lips quirked up in amusement. “No sense of harmony, huh? I didn’t realize you were a garden critic.” I crossed my arms, warming to the topic. “It’s not criticism. It’s an art. You can’t just throw flowers together and hope for the best. Every colo
Lianna: The morning light was shy, barely bleeding through the velvet curtains when I cracked my eyes open. I didn’t need a clock to know what day it was. My chest already felt like it was caving in. The air hung heavy, saturated with that stale chill that often preceded sorrow. A mourning fog rolled outside our window like some prophetic omen, brushing ghostlike tendrils across the glass. Edward hadn’t moved beside me. His breath rose and fell in shallow waves, his hand still loosely curled around mine like he feared I’d disappear in my sleep. I shifted slowly, brushing a thumb over his knuckles. We were going to banish his brother. I sat up and pulled the duvet around me, the fabric swishing softly against my bare skin. My toes hit the floor with a shiver, the marble tiles beneath me as merciless as the decisions we had to make today. My robe hung at the edge of the armchair, still draped from the night before. I sl
Freya: The night felt too loud for how quiet it was. Crickets whined in the grass like tiny, angry violins, and the wind kept slipping through the cracked wooden shutters, brushing cool air against my bare arms like an unwelcome ghost. I was lying in the dark, staring at the ceiling like it held the answers I’d been chasing in circles. My bed creaked with the slightest shift, the old mattress groaning beneath the weight of my body. I shouldn't have come back here. I shouldn’t have returned to this house. I shouldn’t have ever listened to her. My chest ached. That tight, slow burn of regret that started somewhere beneath my ribs and dragged itself up to my throat like it had claws. I reached up and rubbed the heel of my palm against my eyes, trying to stop the tears that had already found their way to my pillow. My face was warm, wet. I could taste salt. My breath shuddered on the exhale. “I didn’t want this,” I whispered into the room, voice barely audible over
Edward: The eggs Tarantino made were, as he warned me, an absolute disaster. But the bread was warm, and it was good enough to make me forget about the burnt rubber taste of the eggs. We ate in silence, only the scraping of silverware and the occasional sip of coffee filling the air. My mind wasn’t exactly on the food anyway; it was stuck on the conversation we’d had earlier. Tarantino was right, of course. Everything happens for a reason. I could hear the words repeating in my head, like a stubborn echo bouncing off the walls. But as much as I wanted to believe him, that sentiment did nothing to ease the weight in my chest. Nothing could change the fact that I was sending my brother into exile, to a life without the Pack, without me, without any of the privileges that came with being a royal. But I couldn’t just let the sorrow flood over me, not in front of Tarantino. Not in front of the only person who still seemed to see me for more than just my title. So I swallowe
Edward: The drive was long, and Harvey wouldn’t stop humming that off-key tune under his breath like he was trying to win some invisible award for irritation. I didn’t say anything because well, silence stretching between us felt safer than opening my mouth and letting all the tangled thoughts spill out. My jaw ached from clenching it too tight. My nails had dug half-moons into my palm by the time we pulled into the small, quiet Pack territory that felt like the world had forgotten it. “I remember this place being a dusty excuse of a town,” I muttered, eyes flicking over the paved roads and fresh buildings. “Now look at it. They have actual sidewalks. I should’ve sent Ethan here for humility training.” Harvey chuckled but didn’t comment. Smart choice. It’d been years since I last came here. I was just a boy, clinging to my father’s hand while he laughed and pointed at the bakery with the awful scones and the house with the broken weather vane that somehow never got
Lianna: The palace had never been this quiet. Not even during the former Alpha's father’s funeral, when the halls were draped in black silk and everyone spoke in whispers like mourning had a volume limit. No. This silence was different. It hung in the air like a mist, curling around the columns, sliding under doors, seeping into my skin like cold. I sat on the balcony, elbows on the marble balustrade, chin resting against the back of my hand. My eyes drifted somewhere beyond the courtyard, past the rustling hedges and the guards stationed like statues, to a place I couldn’t name. The sky was pale and slow today, the clouds dragging their feet like even they couldn’t be bothered to hurry. A soft breeze combed through my hair, lifting strands across my face, and I didn’t bother to tuck them behind my ear. Ingrid was beside me, her legs propped up on the ornate table, scrolling through her phone like it held the cure to this numbness
Ethan: The moment Edward’s footsteps faded from the dungeon, I felt my chest constrict. I was alone. And not in the usual way where I sought solitude; this time, I felt like I was suffocating. I collapsed to my knees, the cold, damp floor seeping through the thin fabric of my clothes, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. My tears came in torrents, hot and bitter, an unforgiving reminder of everything I had lost, everything I had thrown away. There was no one left to blame but myself. I didn’t even care how pathetic I looked at this moment. All I wanted was the sting of reality to fade, even if only for a second so I could catch a sense of monetary relief. The memories of my life before all this pain before Freya, before Lianna, before the twisted path I had walked flashed through my mind like a parade of ghosts. I remembered how everything had been so simple back then. It was supposed to be me and Lianna, always. We had a bond, a bond that nothing could break, or so
Edward: The echo of my boots against the marble hallway was all I could hear as I stepped out of the study, my hand still clenched from how tightly I’d been gripping the edge of the desk moments ago. My jaw ached from how tightly I was clenching it, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. Not now. I told myself I wasn’t going to interfere. I promised Lianna I wouldn’t. But promises made in the eye of a storm rarely stand when the wind changes. And gods, it changed. The moment the elders started screaming over each other like a pack of senile hounds, all clamoring for blood, I had to shut them up. I didn’t even remember raising my voice until the silence hit. Until they all turned to me, and I, like a damn fool, spoke the decree. Now my baby brother would be banished to the Drekavac Hollow, and somehow, my voice had sealed it. The air grew colder the deeper I went, but I barely noticed. My fingers brushed the stone walls out of
Edward: My journey from the courtroom to my study was a tumultuous one. I fought back tears I hadn't shed in years. Hell, I fought the urge to turn on my feed and go back to the court to change my mind over what I had said concerning Ethan, but that was futile. The judgement had been made and as bad as it made me feel, I had to be rational. I had to embrace reality and see Ethan for who he really was beyond my brother. I slammed the door behind me harder than I meant to. The sound echoed off the tall bookshelves like a gavel dropped by the gods. I’d always found comfort in this room. In its silence and its order, but today it felt more like a cage than a sanctuary. I could easily just step back out and take a walk or even go horse riding, but I knew it wasn't going to take away that terrible misery that was keeping me company right now. Which meant running away from whatever I was feeling wasn't the cure to my pain. I ran a hand through my hair, pacing a
Lianna: The air in the hall was suffocating, tight, pressing against every corner of my skin like the heat of a blacksmith's forge. The walls of the courtroom seemed to close in the moment I stepped in, hand in hand with Edward. I could feel his grip tighten slightly, almost imperceptibly, as our eyes fell on the man seated at the center of the gathering. Ethan. His gaze landed on us and didn’t waver. But I saw it. That subtle shift in his posture. The way his spine straightened, like the presence of our united front had finally forced him to understand that his days of immunity were over. Good. I wanted him to feel that fear. I wanted him to sit with it. We took our seats as murmurs spread through the chamber. Some voices were hushed, others hissed outright with emotion. The elders looked especially tense. Some wwr already whispering amongst themselves, robes rustling as they fidgeted, eyes darting between one another. An elder rose. He was tall and lean, his