Ethan: The sound of distant laughter echoed through the halls, accompanied by the faint voices of workers busy at their tasks. My jaw tightened as I paced around my chambers, my boots striking the polished floor with sharp precision. Every corner of the Palace was being adorned for the coronation and wedding celebration. My brother’s coronation. His wedding. To her. I stopped near the window, shoving my hands into my pockets as I stared out at the sprawling grounds below. The flutter of servants carrying garlands, the sound of music rehearsals in the distance—it all grated against me. This should have been a day of relief, of finally shedding the burden of being Alpha and stepping into a quieter role. But not like this. Not with Lianna at the center of it all. The idea of her standing beside Edward, wearing the crown, and being called Luna again—it churned my stomach. She didn’t deserve it. Not after everything. Not after me. The door creaked open behind me, but I
Lianna: The morning of my wedding felt like stepping into a dream I wasn’t sure I wanted to have. My chambers buzzed with activity. Women floated in and out, carrying trays of food I couldn’t stomach and fabrics I’d already approved. "Hold still, Lianna," Ingrid said, pinning me with a sharp look as she worked on my hair. "I am still," I muttered, though the truth was my hands were trembling slightly. Ingrid arched a brow, but her lips quirked into a knowing smile. She didn’t comment, just kept weaving the delicate silver chains through my braid. They glimmered faintly, a nod to the moon, as was tradition for a werewolf wedding. The dress lay spread out on the bed, an intricate blend of white and silver that looked more like something from a fairy tale than a reality I was about to step into. Layers of soft, shimmering fabric cascaded like water, while intricate embroidery in the shape of crescent moons and wolves ran along the bodice. "Do you think I’m making a m
Lianna: The temple courtyard was alit with the soft glow of the soft lights to imitate the moon, the air thick with the mingling scents of incense and the delicate perfume of jalapeño. Edward’s hand was firm around mine as we descended the marble steps, the whispers and murmurs of the gathered crowd a constant hum in the background. In all honesty, it was a bit overwhelming. I’d always known the weight of being tied to an Alpha King, but nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of this moment. Dignitaries and Alpha Kings from far and wide had been invited, each one more powerful and intimidating than the last. And now, as Edward and I made our way down, they swarmed like moths to a flame, eager to catch his attention. "Edward!" one of them called out, stepping into our path with a broad smile. He barely spared me a glance as he extended a hand to Edward. "It’s been too long." Edward released my hand with a quick squeeze, turning to greet the man. "Alpha Gregory,
Edward: The temple air still lingered in my lungs, a mix of incense and the faint earthy undertone of old stone, but my thoughts were far from the ancient halls and the Alpha Kings I had entertained. My mind was with Lianna. Seeing her earlier, draped in white and gold, had left an impression on me that even the most pressing discussions couldn’t erase. She’d always been a woman who carried herself with a quiet dignity, someone who knew how to command respect without raising her voice. Today, though, there was something different about her—a radiance that went beyond her outward beauty. "Your Luna is quite the spectacle," one of the Alpha Kings’ wives had commented earlier, her voice thick with condescension. "She’s a woman of strength," I had replied, my tone steady. "She’s been through more than you could ever imagine and come out stronger for it." They hadn’t expected me to defend her. Their silence, though brief, was telling. Lianna had never been a source of sha
Lianna: I woke to the soft morning light filtering through the heavy curtains, my mind still groggy from the events of the day before. My first thought was of the wedding—how surreal it had all felt, like watching someone else’s life play out from a distance. The vows, the people, Edward… It felt like a dream, albeit one I couldn't escape. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the Palace stirring to life. I turned my head slightly and stared at the empty space beside me. Of course, Edward wasn’t there. He had his own chambers, a luxury afforded to us only because we were in the Royal Wing, far from the prying eyes of others. I rolled out of bed, my silk robe brushing against my skin as I tied it loosely around my waist. Just as I reached for the door to grab a glass of water, a knock startled me. When I opened it, Ingrid stood there, a bright grin on her face and a plate of cake in her hands. “Good morning, Mrs. Alpha King,” she teased, stepping inside without w
Lianna: The morning sun streamed through the wide glass windows, casting a warm glow over the sprawling gardens just beyond the walls. I paced the length of the sitting room, my fingers gripping the edge of a clipboard filled with notes. My nerves were eating me alive, though I’d perfected the art of looking calm and composed over the years. Today would test that skill more than ever. The tea afternoon with the ladies of the Pack. The words alone felt heavy, loaded with expectations I wasn’t sure I could meet. For days, I’d been preparing for this event, fussing over every detail. And yet, with each passing hour, I felt less ready. The dining hall where the maids were setting up was bustling with activity. Tables draped in fine lace were adorned with delicate floral centerpieces—roses, lavender, and sprigs of baby’s breath arranged in porcelain vases. Trays of finger sandwiches, tarts, and cakes were being placed on tiered stands alongside ornate teapots. Everything looked pe
Lianna: The air was warm, and fragrant with the scent of flowers and freshly brewed tea, but I felt none of its charm. I sat stiffly among the women gathered in the garden, their laughter ringing hollow in my ears. The tea party was going well, by all accounts. The tables were immaculate, the food perfect, and the games entertaining enough for the guests. But no one seemed interested in speaking with me beyond faux polite acknowledgments. I sipped my tea, my fingers tight around the delicate porcelain cup, and glanced toward the far side of the garden where a group of women were deep in conversation. Their voices were low, their expressions animated, and their laughter seemed to mock me. I wished Ingrid were here. She always knew how to make me feel at ease, how to bridge the gap between me and others. But I couldn’t keep depending on her for everything. I had to stand on my own as Luna. The games began shortly after the tea had been served. A servant brought out a set of
Edward: Negotiations had been dragging for days, and I was no closer to an agreement with the Vampire King than when we started. Every proposal I presented was met with polite refusals, thinly veiled insults, or counteroffers so ludicrous they might as well have been jokes. Resources, territory, military alliances—I’d put everything on the table, carefully sidestepping the topic of marriage between my brother, Ethan, and the Vampire Princess. It wasn’t that I thought it was a bad idea in principle. Politically, it made sense. But Ethan wouldn’t go along with it willingly, and the thought of forcing his hand didn’t sit right with me. So I focused on other options, trying to find a way to satisfy the King without binding my brother to a loveless union. The idea that things were going to go bad weighed heavily on me as I returned to the Palace. The sun was dipping low in the sky, casting long shadows over the gardens where Lianna’s tea party was in full swing. My thoughts drifte
Edward: The days had a peculiar way of stretching and condensing, leaving me caught somewhere between my duties as Alpha King and this strange sense of distraction that Lianna had recently become. It wasn’t intentional—at least, that’s what I told myself. Watching her grow into her role as Luna, seeing her ease into the people’s lives with each passing day, was oddly satisfying. She was finding her footing, though in the most unorthodox ways. It started with horse riding. It seemed like every day now, she was at the stables. I’d hear her laugh echo across the meadow or see her returning with Alistair and Ingrid, her cheeks flushed with exhilaration. I’d watch from my study window, the way her energy seemed infectious. Even the stable hands were more cheerful since her daily visits had become a routine. And she seemed to revel in the attention she was getting. She would show them tricks on the horse, then ride off with pride. Sometimes, she would jump into it with such daun
Lianna: The feeling of freedom and joy coursing through me as I rode the horse today was something I hadn’t felt in ages. It was like I’d reconnected with a part of myself I’d forgotten existed. The wind in my hair, the rhythmic gallop beneath me, and the sheer exhilaration of it all had lifted my spirits in a way nothing else could. Alistair had been unexpectedly good company too, his knowledge of the trails and lighthearted banter making the ride all the more enjoyable. He’d gone out of his way to ensure Ingrid and I were comfortable, and I couldn’t help but notice his attentiveness—his eyes lingering just a second too long, his smile a bit too warm. As we rode back, Ingrid leaned toward me, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. “He likes you, you know.” I shot her a sideways glance, feigning indifference. “Don’t be ridiculous.” She smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, come on, Lianna. The man practically lit up every time you looked his way. You must have no
Edward: The elders had left hours ago, and I sat in the grand meeting hall, watching as the firelight cast shadows against the walls. My mind rallied around with everything we had discussed—the war, Ethan's refusal, the impossible choices ahead. Each thought was like a heavy stone pressing against my chest. I leaned back in the chair, running a hand through my hair. Thinking won’t solve anything, I told myself. The answers wouldn’t magically appear no matter how long I sat here and brooded. What I needed was clarity, and perhaps… a distraction. Lianna’s face came to mind almost instantly, the memory of her tears and avoidance from last night made me feel bad. I’d given her space, knowing it was what she needed, but now I wondered if it had been the right thing to do. Decision made, I stood, adjusting my jacket as I strode purposefully out of the hall. The palace corridors were quiet, save for the occasional echo of my boots against the marble floors. When I reached her cha
Lianna: I sat at the small table by the window, nursing a cup of tea as the soft aroma of the leaves filled the air. Ingrid was seated across from me, her lively chatter cutting through the silence. I could feel the remnants of last night's emotions still tugging at my heart. I couldn't shake off how I had acted at the restaurant. I hated that I had lost control. Edward had been nothing but patient and I hadn't even cared. “I feel so guilty, Ingrid,” I said, pushing my tea cup away and resting my chin in my hands. “I shouldn’t have acted that way to Edward. I was out of line. He’s got so much on his plate, and I added it.” Ingrid, ever the practical one, gave a dismissive wave. “Lianna, you’re overthinking. Edward knows what’s going on. He’ll understand when the time is right for you to apologize. Right now, you’ve got to let him deal with his pack matters. He’s been buried in that stuff ever since last night, so you’re better off letting him be.” I let out a long sigh,
Edward: I couldn’t keep the thoughts from swirling in my head as I sat there in my chambers, staring at the fire crackling in the hearth. The weight of it all pressed down on me—Ethan’s refusal to marry the Vampire Princess, the looming war, and the uncertainty that gnawed at my very soul. Ethan had always been stubborn, but this… this was something else entirely. I’d done everything to try and make him see reason. We had no choice, I kept telling myself. There was too much at stake. But Ethan didn’t seem to care. All he cared about was the throne, and that was something I wasn’t willing to relinquish. He may have been the first to take the throne, but I had worked for this. I had earned this place. I was the first born Alpha King, and nothing, not even Ethan’s refusal to honor his responsibilities, would take that from me. But the people… they feared a war. They would not tolerate it. Every day felt like a countdown to something catastrophic. I could feel it in my bones—t
Lianna: The silence in the car was suffocating, but I couldn’t bring myself to break it. My hands were clenched in my lap, fingers trembling as the drunken man’s words replayed in my mind. His voice echoed over and over, each vile accusation slicing through me like a jagged blade. Why would anyone think such? While msrried to Ethan, I barely saw the light of the day. I barely went out. My presence was barely shown outside enough for people to know who I really was. Was it Freya? Or had the maids who hated me even while I was treated awfully spread the news? Because that seemed to be the only reason that made sense to me because the hate was becoming too much for me to bear. Edward’s voice broke through my thoughts, calm and steady. “Lianna, don’t let that fool get to you. He was drunk, and his words meant nothing.” I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. The weight in my chest was too heavy, pressing down until it felt like I couldn’t breathe. I looked down at my lap and fought b
Edward: The atmosphere of the restaurant was welcoming enough, but it did little to soften the icy glares and hushed murmurs that followed us. I noticed the way the people stared at Lianna, disdain etched on their faces, their whispers heavy with judgment. It was infuriating, but I kept my composure. Let them look. Let them murmur. She deserved none of it, and if they couldn’t see her worth, it was their blindness, not hers. Lianna, however, seemed unaffected. She sat across from me, her shoulders straight, her chin lifted just enough to command respect without appearing aloof. When the waiter placed our dishes in front of us, she thanked him with a polite smile. Her poise, her grace—it was undeniable. I leaned forward, resting my arms on the table. “Does it bother you?” I asked softly. She raised an eyebrow, her fork hovering over her plate. “Does what bother me?” I nodded toward the room. “The stares. The whispers.” She shrugged, though there was a flash of somethi
Imogen: The room was suffocating. Ornate drapes danced across the walls as the wind blew, but they couldn't hide the rage being poured out beyond the door. My father's voice boomed, deep and sharp, startling me. "Insult after insult! HOW DARE THEY?" I paced from one end of my chambers to the other, fingers gripping the folds of my velvet gown. Each outburst of his fury made my heart race, not from fear of him, but of what his rage would lead to. The letter from the werewolf Pack was, in his eyes, nothing more than a slap in the face. And truthfully, I understood. But some part of me… some selfish, foolish part of me felt they deserved it. The disrespect they had shown my father couldn't be ignored. Still, my head was filled with other thoughts. Ethan. His name was like a bitter taste on my tongue. He had rejected me. Rejected my hand, rejected the union that could have mended this ever-growing rift between our kind. I stopped pacing and sank into the plush chair by the win
Lianna: Dinner with Edward. The thought alone was unnerving. The man had the uncanny ability to make me feel small and significant at the same time. As I adjusted the loose curls framing my face, I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this outing. Dinner at the palace was routine, predictable even. But tonight? Tonight was different. Edward waited for me at the bottom of the grand staircase, his posture effortlessly regal. He had a small smile on his face. "You look beautiful," he said as his eyes swept over me, lingering for a moment longer than I was comfortable with. "Thank you," I replied, my voice quieter than I intended. "So, where exactly are we going?" He smirked, the corners of his lips tilting in that maddeningly smug way of his. "A restaurant in the heart of the Pack's village. Thought we could use a change of scenery." I frowned slightly. "Why not just have dinner here in the palace? It's more private, less… complicated." Edward chuckled, the sound