Lianna:
The faint tug at my scalp as the maid removed the last pin from my hair brought me back to the present, but my thoughts remained disturbed with Edward’s words from earlier. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my hair spilling like dark rivers over my shoulders, and wondered for the hundredth time what had caused his brashness. His tone wasn’t just firm—it was biting, almost accusing. I turned the conversation over and over in my mind, but every attempt to make sense of it felt like chasing shadows. Was he jealous of Alistair? The idea was absurd, yet it made slight sense why he would. Or perhaps he didn’t want me spending so much time away from the palace, giving people a reason to gossip. That seemed more like him—calculated, always concerned about appearances and the Pack’s perception. I sighed, brushing my fingers through my loose hair. “Enough of this,” I muttered under my breath. Dwelling on it wouldn’t change anything, and hoLianna: "I'm surprised to see her here," someone whispered. "Isn't she supposed to be doing something else? Like looking pretty for him in bed? I heard she's really good with bed sports." A laugh followed and I blocked out the voices. I wasn't going to let them get to me. The way they stared at me was almost suffocating, but I refused to let it show. My chin remained high, my expression neutral, though every fiber of my being felt the reluctant acknowledgment the people offered me. They bowed, stiffly and without warmth, their respect given not to me, but to my title—Luna of the Pack. I told myself I didn’t care. They could stare, whisper, and judge all they wanted. It wouldn’t change the fact that I stood here, beside Edward, where I intended to remain for a very long time. This was my place, whether they liked it or not. Still, the coldness in their gazes pricked at my resolve. I noticed the subtle way they avoided meeting my eyes, how their murmurs seemed to quiet whene
Edward: The memory of her smile haunted me well into the night. How she had gone from sharp-edged and defensive to bright-eyed and teasing during dinner was something I couldn’t unravel. Lianna was becoming unpredictable in ways I couldn’t predict or control, and the realization left me restless. Throughout dinner, she kept the conversation lively, steering away from anything remotely serious. Her jokes had been sharp and well-timed, pulling laughter from me even when I’d planned to remain stoic. She had a way of disarming me, of peeling back the discomfort I didn’t realize I was holding. I wanted to apologize for how brash I’d been hours ago at the court and how I should have spoken to her with respect. I wanted to apologise for what I said about her riding with Alistair, but just as I was gathering the courage to broach the subject, she’d risen from her seat, her chair scraping softly against the floor. “It’s been a long day,” she said, yawning and offering me a polite s
Edward: The royal entourage stood ready outside the palace, the sleek, black cars gleaming under the early morning light. Guards lined the pathway, their expressions blank, their movements precise. I strode toward the lead vehicle, my steps measured and my thoughts precise. Behind me, Ethan trailed, mumbling under his breath. “This is ridiculous,” he grumbled, his tone dripping with disdain. “I shouldn’t have to go anywhere. Especially not there.” Beside him, Freya clung to his arm, her tear-streaked face turned up to him in desperation. “Ethan, you don’t have to go. Please, don’t go. This isn’t safe. This isn’t right.” I turned back to them, fixing Freya with a firm gaze. “It must be done. You know that. Ethan’s presence is crucial, and so is mine.” Ethan sighed heavily, shaking off her grip. “I’ll be back, Freya. Stop making a scene.” Reluctantly, she stepped back, dabbing at her eyes with a lace handker
Freya: I stood on the porch, my nails digging into the wooden railing as I stared at the fading trail of the royal entourage. Ethan was gone, and with him went the fragile control I’d painstakingly built. The thought of him traveling to the Vampire Kingdom churned my stomach, a mix of rage and dread clawing at my insides. He was going to see her—Imogen. The infamous Vampire Princess with beauty so captivating it was said to leave men breathless. And Ethan? He was weak. A man who could barely resist a fleeting temptation, let alone the allure of a creature like her. I paced back and forth, my gown swishing against the ground as I tried to keep my thoughts from spiraling. But it was no use. The image of her—perfect, radiant, unattainable—burned in my mind. What if he fell for her? What if he forgot everything we had, everything we’d built? The porch creaked beneath my heels as I turned sharply. “No,” I hissed to myself. “He won’t. He can’t.” But I knew better. I’d heard t
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 looke
Lianna: 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
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.