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, bre
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, bre
Freya: The bed felt colder tonight, not because of the chill in the air but because of the emptiness beside me. I pulled the covers tighter around my trembling frame, the echo of Ethan's words stabbing into my chest like shards of glass. "Look at you, Freya. You’re plain. You’ve always been plain." I squeezed my eyes shut, but the tears spilled over anyway, hot and relentless. My nails dug into the soft fabric of the duvet as the memory of our fight replayed itself in my mind, a vicious loop of anger, accusations, and bitter laughter. He never answered me. Not once. Instead, he deflected, twisting everything to make me the villain. Do you think I wanted this? Do you think I wanted you? Yes, I had made mistakes—slept with men I had no business being with—but Ethan? He was no saint. Yet, somehow, I was always the one drowning in guilt, always the one clawing for his affection while he threw daggers at me. A soft creak from the door jolted me, and I wiped at my face hur
Edward: The cold air of the night pricked my skin, its crispness biting at my skin as I strolled through the palace grounds. It was strange that even I could feel cold at all. Sleep had been elusive, a shadow I couldn’t catch, leaving me restless. My mind spun with strategies, contingencies, and the idea of responsibilities that refused to lessen as time passed. The sound of gravel crunching beneath my boots was a steady rhythm, one that couldn’t drown out the chaos in my thoughts. Ethan’s decision to marry Imogen had been a calculated move, but I knew it would ripple outward, driving Freya into a frenzy. She was predictable in her unpredictability, and I had no doubt she would act out. Anticipating this, I had stationed Elias, one of my most trusted guards, to watch her. Elias wasn’t just any guard. He was a shadow in the truest sense, a master of concealment. He could shift his form into darkness itself, rendering him almost invisible. His heartbeat was so faint it was impe
*CHAPTER 62* Lianna: The sharp sound of the door swinging open startled me so much that I instinctively leaned into Edward. His grip on my arm was immediate, firm yet steadying. My heart pounded in my chest as the guard stepped into the room, his face shadowed by urgency. Edward’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “What is it?” he asked, his tone low and commanding. The guard’s breaths came in ragged gulps as if he’d been running for miles. “My lord,” he began, bowing his head slightly, “the woman… she seemed intimate with the man. It wasn’t just a meeting.” My eyebrows shot up, confusion swirling in my mind. Woman? Man? Who were they talking about? My gaze darted to Edward, whose face had darkened, his jaw tight. “Anything else?” Edward asked, his voice calm, though I could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface. The guard shook his head. “No, my lord. That’s all I could gather.” Edward dismissed him with a wave, and the guard slipped ou
Lianna: The morning light crept into my room through the sheer curtains, bathing everything in a soft glow. But instead of feeling the usual pull to start the day, I remained tangled in my sheets, staring at the ceiling. There was a tightness in my chest, as if the events of last night had left a weight there, pressing down into my chest with every breath. I turned onto my side, pulling the blankets closer. Maybe if I stayed here long enough, the day would pass without me having to see Edward. I wasn’t sure I could face him after the awkward exchange in the kitchen. The thought of his probing eyes, his knowing smile, made my stomach twist uncomfortably. With a sigh, I let my eyes close again, convincing myself that another hour—or two—of sleep would do me good When I opened my eyes again, it was to the sound of the door creaking open. I blinked groggily as Ingrid’s familiar figure entered, her sharp eyes narrowing as they landed on me. “You’re still in bed?” she asked,
Freya: I woke up tired. Really tired. My head ached, a dull throb that came from a night of restless plotting and sneaking about. I shifted in bed, the silk of my nightgown cool against my skin. Beside me, Ethan was still asleep, his chest rising and falling in steady rhythms. I smirked faintly, brushing a strand of hair off his forehead. He had no idea what I’d done last night. The ether—an odorless, potent concoction I’d acquired through some very specific means—had kept him in a dreamless slumber. Even now, his face seemed unusually pale, and there was a subtle tick in his jaw. When he finally stirred, his eyes fluttered open, bleary and unfocused. He groaned, bringing a hand to his temple. “What’s wrong?” I asked, feigning concern. He sat up slowly, his movements sluggish. “I feel… strange,” he admitted, his voice rougher than usual. “My head feels heavy, and it’s like I’m moving through water. Even my limbs feel slow.” I leaned in, resting a hand on his arm.
Edward I straightened my shoulders as I stepped back into the grand ballroom. I was extremely uncomfortable. I didn't want to be here right now but I shoved it aside, forcing a smile as my presence was immediately noticed. A few of the Alpha Kings, already deep into their drinks, raised their goblets in greeting. “Where the hell did you disappear to?” Aldric slurred, eyes gleaming with mischief. “I swear, you just ran off with your Luna in the dead of night. Don’t tell me you finally have a romantic bone in your body, Edward.” Laughter rippled through the group. I smirked, letting the teasing roll off my back. They had no idea what I had just seen, the bodies I had left behind. The last thing I needed was anyone suspecting something was wrong. “I had to show her something,” I said, taking a slow sip of my drink. “Something private.” I let the insinuation hang, and they roared with amusement. Aldric clapped me on the back, nearly spilling his wine. “Didn’t kn
The royal vehicle travelled down the dark roads as the rain drummed against the roof loud. It was silent inside and I sat motionless, staring at nothing, my hands clenched in my lap as I fought the grief clawing its way up my throat. The thought of Alistair’s death made my chest heavy, and no matter how much I tried to steady my breathing, the dread inside me only grew. Edward sat beside me. His presence was somewhat comforting even if I was mad at him. He had tried once go reach for my hand, but had pulled away. “Lianna,” he said softly. I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. The lump in my throat was too thick and my emotions were too raw to speak. I didn't want to sound brash. The thought of Alistair—his lifeless body the sheer wrongness of it—made my eyes brim with tears. A sob tore its way out of my throat before I could stop it, and then another, until I was shaking, unable to hold it in anymore. Edward stiffened beside me. I knew he wanted to comfort me, but he also k
Lianna: “Is that so?” The curious lady asked. Freya nodded and glared at me. “I wouldn't be speaking to her if I were you.” I excused myself before she could say anything else, and slipped away before anyone could see how uncomfortable she made me. If they had, they would have believed her truth. I needed space to think, to breathe. I left the party and hurried toward the courtyard, away from the party. Ingrid, who saw me leave, hurried after me. “She’s just trying to get to you,” Ingrid’s voice came as she appeared beside me. I turned to face her, forcing a weak smile that crumbled the moment her eyes met mine. “I’m not worried about her words,” I managed, my voice hollow. “It’s what she might do next.” Ingrid hesitated, her gaze faltering. The way she pressed her lips together made me suspect something had already gone wrong. “What is it?” I demanded, my voice sharper than intended. “It’s nothing—” “Don’t lie to me,” I interrupted, stepping
Freya: (Earlier That Day...) I paced my chambers, my heart pounding with every step I took. The walls seemed to close in on me, the dim light of the candles casting long, flickering shadows that danced like sinister spirits mocking my anxiety. Ethan had been gone for days. Not a word, not even the faintest whisper of his whereabouts. It was unlike him to go silent, especially when we were so close to victory. We had planned everything so meticulously—feeding the Vampire King lies, manipulating his rage to ignite a war that would leave Edward vulnerable. And with Lianna out of the picture, Edward’s weakness would be his undoing. Ethan was supposed to eliminate her or, at the very least, reduce her to a pitiful slave at the mercy of the vampires. Her absence was meant to disrupt Edward’s balance, leave him open to attack. That was our plan. Yet, here I was, pacing like a caged animal, drowning in unease. I could still hear Ethan telling me that everything would go smoothl
*CHAPTER 96* Lianna: The maids hovered around me, their hands deftly fastening the golden clasps of my gown. The fabric was rich against my skin—soft, silken, and impossibly luxurious. It felt foreign, this regality, like I was playing a part I had yet to fully understand. The mirror reflected an image I barely recognized. My hair was woven into an intricate braid crowned with delicate gold pins that sparkled beneath the flickering candlelight. My gown flowed elegantly around me, the deep emerald fabric cascading in perfect waves to the floor. It was Edward’s favorite color on me. He hadn’t said it aloud, but I’d caught the way his eyes lingered whenever I wore it. “You look breathtaking, Luna Lianna,” Ingrid teased, her voice dripping with playfulness. Her eyes sparkled mischievously, the corners of her lips curled into a knowing smile. “Edward won’t be able to keep his hands off you tonight.” “You’re impossible,” I muttered, but the butterflies in my stomach dan
Lianna was safe. Alive. The image of her standing amidst the crowd, her face a blend of shock and joy as they bowed to her, was seared into my mind. She was finally receiving the respect she deserved. My chest swelled, a warmth spreading through me, unlike anything I’d felt before. It was pride—raw, overwhelming pride for the woman who had been scorned and ridiculed yet still stood tall. My footsteps echoed through the grand hall as I made my way to the throne room. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of cedarwood and incense, lingering from the victory rites performed earlier. The sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows, casting hues of crimson and gold across the polished marble floor. I ran my fingers along the intricate carvings on the throne’s armrest before seating myself. It felt different this time. The weight of the crown didn’t feel as heavy as it usually did. The elders stood before me, their faces solemn, expectant. Their robes were pristine, e
*CHAPTER 94* Lianna: The cheers were deafening as we returned to the palace. From the elders standing tall in their ceremonial robes to the youngest servants peeking from behind pillars, every soul was gathered, their faces painted with relief and gratitude. The air smelled of incense and wildflowers, a tribute to the victory they celebrated. I could hear the distant drums from the pack’s village, the rhythmic beats echoing joy. Edward walked ahead, his posture regal, his aura commanding. They called him the victor, the hero who ended the war. Their chants reverberated through the courtyard, praises flowing freely. But he lifted his hand, silencing them all. His eyes found mine, softening before he spoke. “It wasn’t me,” his voice rang clear, firm. “The one who stopped the war and saved countless lives is Lianna.” A hush fell over the crowd. I heard the whispers that began to grow within the crowd. Disbelief hung in the air like a heavy fog. An elder stepped forwar
*CHAPTER 93* Lianna: The battlefield had settled into an eerie calm. Blood soaked the earth, the metallic scent thick in the air, but the war was over. Wolves and vampires stood together, dazed, some still gripping weapons they no longer had reason to use. I took a slow breath, my chest rising and falling with residual energy. The power that had erupted from me still hummed faintly beneath my skin, but its intensity had faded, leaving behind exhaustion and something else—peace. For the first time in what felt like forever, there was no need to fight. Turning to the gathered warriors, I lifted my voice so that all could hear. "There will be no more war," I declared. "No more bloodshed. We have been deceived, but that ends today. From this moment on, we will choose peace over destruction. No more grudges. No more senseless fighting. We end it now." For a moment, silence stretched across the battlefield, as if my words needed time to settle into their bones. Then, slowly, w
*CHAPTER 92* Lianna: Darkness had a mentally draining side to it, one that could drive you to madness. It pressed down on me, cold and suffocating, curling around my limbs like shackles. I had stopped trying to fight it. What was the point? I was going to die here. The walls of the dungeon were damp, the stone beneath me rough and unforgiving. I had lost track of time—hours, days, maybe even weeks. It didn’t matter. My body was weak, my spirit drained. The first few days, I had tried to cling to hope, had told myself that Edward would come, that someone would find me. But now? Now, I just waited. For death. For anything that would end this torment. Because I knew no one was coming to save me and the earlier I embraced reality, the better for me. A faint sound echoed from the corridor, the slow, deliberate steps of someone approaching. I didn’t bother lifting my head. It was either food or another round of torment, and I didn’t have the strength to care.