Lianna: The fire in the hearth crackled softly, its glow barely reaching the shadows pooling in the corners of the room. Lianna sat curled against me trembling ever so slightly as I cradled her in my arms. My hand rested against the smooth curve of her back, fingers tracing slow circles, but I knew the comfort was fleeting. She wasn’t the type of woman to be soothed by an embrace alone. She finally spoke. “Edward… this feels wrong.” I tightened my grip, pressing her closer. “I know.” She lifted her head, her eyes clouded with a fear she rarely let surface. “The war just ended, yet here we are again, on the brink of something we can’t even name. And this… this might be worse.” I exhaled slowly. I hated that she was right. She had always seen things as they were, never sugarcoating reality. And what was our reality now? A palace filled with the dead and dying. A sickness creeping through our walls like a shadow with no name. Lianna’s fingers traced over my fo
Lianna: I hadn’t closed my eyes since yesterday, and now, as dawn broke through the darkness outside, the pack was in disarray. Everything was getting worse and it wasn't even up to two days yet. What the hell was going on? I sat on the edge of the bed, gripping the silk sheets between my fingers as my jaw tightened in frustration. I could hear guards rushing through corridors, their voices rising in urgency. Something was wrong. Very wrong. And yet, here I was, locked away like some fragile thing that needed to be protected. Edward had ordered me to stay inside, and had even placed guards at the door to ensure I wouldn’t leave. The thought alone made my blood simmer with anger. Ingrid sat across from me, wrapped in a blanket. Her skin was damp with sweat. The fever had plagued her all night, yet she looked slightly better now—still pale, but more alert than before. She watched me carefully, her tired eyes fighting to stay awake . “You’re burning a hole th
Lianna: The moment we stepped into the hospital, I noticed the shift in atmosphere. Everything felt hauntingly different. It was overpowering, carrying the pungent scent of antiseptic, sweat, and something far worse—the unmistakable stench of death. The halls were filled with people. Some crying, some groaning in pain, others lying still in death. The soft wails of grieving families, the coughs of the sick. It all made me sick. My stomach twisted at the sight of a woman kneeling beside a stretcher, clutching the lifeless body of what looked like her mate, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. Ingrid exhaled beside me, a shaky breath that barely masked her distress. “You were right to come here.” I pressed my lips together, my jaw tightening as we moved deeper into the chaos. “I act on impulse,” I admitted, keeping my voice even, “but it’s never been the wrong course—just the wrong person running with me.” Ingrid gave a weak chuckle, but there was no rea
Freya: I lay sprawled on my bed, silk sheets cool against my bare skin, as I listened to the endless shouts from the palace corridors. The cries of the sick, the hurried footsteps of frightened servants, the urgency in the voices of the guards as they struggled to maintain order—it was all delicious. I bit down on my lower lip, suppressing the grin that threatened to stretch across my face. The outbreak had begun the moment they carried Alistair’s corpse away. What they didn't know was that his lifeless body was nothing more than a vessel of decay and disease. I imagined the horror on their faces when the first symptoms appeared, the way their hands trembled as they reached for their swords—useless against an enemy they couldn't fight. And while they ran in circles, desperately trying to contain the inevitable, I had locked myself away, safe. Dipping my fingers into a small porcelain jar, I scooped out a thick, herbal-scented ointment and smeared it over my wri
Edward: The garden was meant to be a surprise. A hidden sanctuary built just for her. I ran a hand along the smooth bark of an ash tree, inhaling the crisp scent of damp earth and the faint, lingering aroma of night-blooming jasmine. The air was fresh, cool from the recent rainfall, carrying a hint of petrichor that made the entire garden feel untouched and sacred. Lianna would have loved it. I had imagined showing it to her last night, watching her expression shift from curiosity to wonder as she took in the stone pathways, the soft lantern glow, the intricate carvings on the wooden benches I had designed myself. But instead, she had learned the truth—about Alistair’s death, about the heartbreak that I hadn’t wanted to burden her with. I chuckled to myself, shaking my head as I lowered onto the stone bench near the fountain. She had been furious with me. A true Luna through and through. Even when I would have preferred to take control, to handle everyt
Lianna: I stormed into my chambers, slamming the door behind me. My hands trembled as I paced from one end of the room to the other, in my mind, an endless loop of that scene—Freya in Edward’s arms, her head buried in his chest like she belonged there replayed in my mind. My stomach twisted. It doesn’t matter. I told myself that over and over again. It meant nothing. Edward hadn’t initiated it. He wouldn’t— But why did I care? I clenched my jaw, running a hand through my hair. I feel nothing for him. That had been my truth for so long, my shield against the truth I was running from. Although he was kind to me, he was still the brother of my ex-husband and there was a contract binding our agreement. But the moment I saw Freya touching him, something inside me snapped. A knock sounded before Ingrid walked in, her presence familiar, grounding. The moment I saw her, the words tumbled out before I could stop them. “I saw Edward hugging Freya.” Ingrid rai
Lianna: The corridors felt colder than usual and the ambient lights cast elongated shadows against the stone walls as I made my way back to my chambers. My boots echoed softly, the sound swallowed by the vast emptiness stretching ahead. I tried to push down the tightness in my chest, the dull ache that had settled there ever since Edward stormed off earlier today. I had made a mistake. I should have never suggested something so thoughtless—something that would push him away. But I had, and now, I was paying for it. I was so lost in thought that I nearly missed the figure leaning lazily against the stone archway ahead. Freya. The dim lighting cast an eerie glow over her face, sharpening the cruel amusement in her icy blue eyes. She tilted her head slightly, the movement almost feline, her lips curling into a slow, knowing smile. "Rough day, Your Highness?" she purred, voice dripping with false sweetness. I didn’t stop. I didn’t even acknowledge her.
Lianna: I told myself I would do everything to win Edward’s forgiveness. I had to. I couldn’t let this stretch into another day, couldn’t let him stay mad at me—not like this. Not when the distance between us felt like a chasm I might never be able to cross. As I stood before the mirror, I smoothed my hands over the fabric of my gown, one Edward had always admired. Deep crimson, rich as the finest wine, with delicate gold embroidery tracing its edges like fire licking at the hem of a candle. The bodice hugged my figure, the off-the-shoulder sleeves leaving my collarbones exposed—the way he had always said he liked. I reached for my perfume, dabbing the fragrant oil along my wrists and neck, the scent of jasmine and bergamot wrapping around me like a familiar embrace. Ingrid watched from where she reclined on my chaise, one brow arched in amusement. “You do realize dressing up won’t magically make him forgive you, right?” I threw her a look. She wasn't helping matters r
Lianna: Breakfast settled into an almost eerie quiet after Edward put Mariel in her place. A perfect, beautiful silence. I could sense Mariel’s wounded pride and Ethan’s resentment. Across the table, Mariel kept her head down, chewing mechanically and likely plotting new ways to make my life miserable. I didn’t care. She had bigger problems now. Like figuring out how to exist in a world where Edward no longer catered to her whims. I, on the other hand, looked positively radiant, cutting into my fruit with a pleased little smile. I didn’t say it, but I was reveling in the fact that Edward was the one who had humiliated Mariel instead of me. Not because I couldn’t have done it herself, but because Edward’s words had an impact that mine never would. Mariel could handle my hatred, but Edward’s indifference? That was a death sentence. Ethan was the only one not enjoying the moment. He was practically vibrating with anger, stabbing his food like it had personally offended h
Lianna: I had never felt this regal in my entire life. Every step I took down the long, gilded hallway was a declaration of self confidence. The maids paused in their duties, their gazes trailing after me with open admiration. The guards, usually stoic and detached, offered subtle nods of acknowledgment, their respect barely hidden behind their trained expressions. A smirk tugged at my lips. I was reveling in it, and why shouldn’t I? After the hell I had endured, the bruises I had earned, the blood I had shed, this moment, twas mine. Even with the dull ache threading through my joints, the soreness reminded me of my victory. I felt good. No, better than good. I felt untouchable. And if the gods were feeling particularly generous, Mariel would be waiting in the dining hall, seething, and barely keeping her composure as she drowned in the bitter taste of her own defeat. The thought alone nearly made me hum in delight. I pushed the grand doors open and stepped inside,
Lianna: Blood crusted against my skin, dried and flaking, but I walked through the halls like a queen. Warriors, maids, even the high-ranking guards who rarely acknowledged anything outside their turned to watch me pass. Some wore looks of shock, others admiration. A few dared to speak, their voices hushed but awed. "You fought like a beast, Luna." "I didn’t think anyone could beat that woman." "I knew she was strong, but this? This was something else." I smirked, head held high, spine straight despite the ache creeping into my muscles. Even with bruises blooming across my skin and blood drying on my lip, I felt untouchable. Behind me, Ingrid sighed heavily. "You are absolutely impossible, do you know that?" I chuckled, not slowing my pace. "I do, actually." She groaned in exasperation, quickening her steps to match mine. "Why, Lianna? Why did you do that?" I tilted my head, pretending to think about it. "Hmm... the thrill of battle? The sa
Edward: I'd woken to an empty bed. I stretched my arm across the mattress, my fingers meeting nothing but the lingering warmth Lianna had left behind. A slow smile tugged at my lips. She’d been up early. Again. It wasn’t surprising anymore. For weeks, she’d thrown herself into combat training, each session more intense than the last. I’d heard the whispers—about her skill, her sheer strength, how she was no longer just a woman learning to fight but a warrior in her own right. It amused me. It pleased me. She was taking this seriously, proving herself to everyone who thought she couldn’t. I leaned back against the pillows, stretching my arms over my head, allowing the quiet of the room to settle over me. Today was a court meeting day, which meant a long morning of listening to people complain about things I barely cared about. But at least breakfast would be worth it. I’d see her then. Maybe tease her a little. Chuckling to myself, I swung my legs o
Lianna: Pain. Sharp, searing and unrelenting moved through me as Mariel targeted my solar plexus. My body was screaming, every inch bruised. Blood spilled from my nose, staining my lips with its metallic taste. But I didn’t care. I had felt worse. The blows Mariel landed on me were nothing compared to the fire burning in my chest, the sheer fury fueling my every breath. She thought she was winning. She thought she had me down. Fool. I could hear the gasps, the shifting of feet, the numerous worried eyes on me, but they were background noise. Even Ingrid’s worried face barely registered in my mind. Edward stood at the sidelines, arms crossed, his jaw locked so tight I thought his teeth might snap. But he wasn’t stopping this. He couldn’t. Mariel smirked, her lips split at the corner, blood smeared along her cheek. “Look at you,” she sneered, rolling her shoulders, preparing for another round. “Flat on your back. You should be used to that by now.” I tasted i
Lianna: I woke tangled in Edward’s arms, and if it were another day, I would have gone back to sleep and enjoyed the comfort of his arms. But I’d had enough of lying still, enough of waiting for someone else to make the first move. I wasn’t going to be the woman who watched things happen to her anymore. Not today. Careful not to wake him, I eased out of his grasp. His hand slid down my side before falling away completely. I held my breath, pausing to be sure he stayed asleep. For a man who carried entire kingdoms on his shoulders, he looked annoyingly peaceful. I slipped out of bed, feet silent on the cold floor. The chill bit at my skin as I pulled on my training clothes—black leggings, a snug sleeveless top, and bandages wound tight around my wrists and knuckles. My boots were next, worn leather creaking softly as I laced them. I dragged my hair into a braid, tying it off with a sharp tug, and then slid out of the room without a sound. The hallway was empty. Eve
Lianna: I woke up to silence, the kind that draped over everything like a heavy wool blanket. Imogen’s soft snores were gone. She must have retreated to her room a while ago. Good for her. She had the sense to sleep through this misery. I, on the other hand, had the misfortune of being conscious. And thirsty. So damn thirsty. I swiped my palm across my face, grimacing at the stickiness on my skin from dried tears. No glass of water on the nightstand. Of course. No maid hovering about with one either. Why would they? I was supposed to be the Luna. Supposed to be cared for, respected. But it sure as hell didn’t feel like that tonight. With a muttered curse, I swung my legs over the bed, my bare feet hitting the cold marble floor. The chill bit into my skin, but I welcomed it. Pain was better than… this hollow ache inside. Wrapping my arms around myself, I padded toward the door. It creaked slightly as I eased it open and slipped out into the dim corridor. The palace
Edward: The moment Lianna’s breathing evened out, I rose from the edge of the bed and straightened. Her back was to me, her shoulders tight even in sleep, like she was bracing for another blow that wouldn’t come. Carefully, I pulled the covers higher over her bare shoulder. I stood there for a long minute, watching the gentle rise and fall of her back. My jaw clenched tight. None of this should’ve happened. Mariel never should’ve stepped foot in this house. And now, because I hadn’t dealt with her the moment she crossed my gates, Lianna was in this bed trying to convince herself I wasn’t another mistake. That wasn’t going to happen again. I shoved my hand through my hair, flexing my fingers to shake off the restless itch under my skin. I walked out, shutting the door behind me with a controlled click. Ingrid straightened from where she stood outside, but I waved her off before she could speak. “Stay here,” I ordered, and she nodded without protest. The cor
Ethan: The moment Edward stormed out of the room, I exhaled slowly and leaned back in my chair. My fingers tapped lazily on the stem of my wine glass as I watched Mariel standing there like she’d just been gutted. Honestly, I’d never loved a moment more. She blinked fast, like she was fighting tears but too damn proud to let them fall. That alone made me sit up straighter, lifting my glass to my lips as if I were toasting the disaster that had just unfolded. Mariel’s gaze slid to me, burning with something between frustration and grief. “Don’t say anything, Ethan,” she bit out, her voice tight, like it scraped her throat just getting the words out. “I swear, I can’t take it from you right now.” I smiled slowly. “Relax. I’ve got absolutely nothing to say.” I tilted my head, studying her with an idle curiosity I didn’t bother masking. “Just… wondering why it ended the way it did. Edward’s never exactly been chatty about you. Or anything, really. Guy’s tighter-lipped