Sebastian’s POVMy mind has been restless, torn over this marriage. I know why I must do this, and I do not regret my choice. Yet, the thought of being bound to Crystal was unsettling.She was as beautiful as they say, aye, but there is no bond between us. No fire. No thread that ties our souls together. We share nothing.And still, I do not understand why she longed for me. We met when we were younger, just as Ara and I did. But unlike Ara, she met me when I was already a man, no longer a boy. She was always smiling at me, always watching.Her brother, however, bore hatred for me. He despised that women favored me over him. If only they knew I was marked. None would even dare to set their eyes upon me.I let my thoughts run wild. What else could I do? Crystal sat so close, giving me no room to breathe.She was an Omega, her scent strong. She releases her pheromones on purpose, thinking to ensnare me, to make me desire her. She was mistaken.Only one scent calls to me.Ara.Her fragra
Sebastian, full of wrath and fury, stepped forth.Ara flinched, fear clawing at her heart. What would he do to her?"How dare you try to flee from me!"She took a step back.But ere she could move further, Lewis strode forth, standing before her like a shield.Sebastian halted, his gaze dark and piercing. "And who are you, to stand between me and mine servant?"Lewis stood firm. "One who deems it right to protect those who need it."A low chuckle left Sebastian’s lips. "You dare steal what is mine and yet have the gall to speak back?""Aye, and I have naught to fear."Sebastian’s glare darkened. His fists curled like a beast ready to strike.Ara, fearing for her saviour, stepped in. "Forgive me," she said, her voice unsteady. "I should not have acted out of turn at the feast. I shall return.""Huh?" Sebastian’s brows furrowed. "Lift thine head and look at me."Ara trembled but obeyed, lifting her gaze to meet his. Yet, in the blink of an eye, Lewis seized her arm and pulled her to him
My eyes grew wide when I heard those words from him.Was he still playing tricks on me? I pulled away.“What kind of trick is this!”“You seem shocked. Calm yourself. I would not play a joke on you. I speak with honesty. Are you ready for it?”I chuckled. “I am nothing to you, aye. What is this? I know you would never leave that princess for me.”“You do not know until you try.”“Oh, please. I would not waste my time.”He raised his brow. “I never knew you had such low faith in yourself.”“Low faith? Do you think I have such a gift as faith? You took that from me.”“And I give you a new hope.”“Tsk. Stop. The one who could help me, you tried to kill him last night.”“Last night?”“My savior.”“Ah, you mean a day ago.”“A day ago.”“Aye, you have slept for a day. Lucky for you, you have not been locked away. Vaxar seems to be searching for you. She thinks you are lazy.”“And whose fault is that?”“Are you blaming me?”I swallowed hard. His voice did not sound kind. “Nay.”“Aye, now bac
“Lewis, I think thou wert hasty in casting off our wedding. What if Sebastian turneth his heart? I cannot lose him, thou knowest this well.”Crystal held tight to her brother, whom she had sought in his lone hut, far from others.He had not looked for his sister’s coming, truth be told, he wished to see none. His thoughts wandered oft to Ara.Since the happening, she was like mist—seen no more.“Do you hear me, brother?”“Hmm?”Crystal scowled, seeing his mind was elsewhere.Lewis sighed and drew near.“Forgive me. Yet I deem it wise that thou and he come to know one another. Then, his heart will turn kind to you.”Crystal let out a breath, not taken by his words. She sat upon the wooden bed, arms folded.“He doth not feel as I do. Perhaps he seeth me as a sister still. I know not what path to take, brother. When he asked for my hand, I was full of joy. But seeing him now, the look in his eyes… I fear I dream a dream he shareth not.”Lewis sat beside her.“Speak not such. You are the f
Ara's POV"Here she comes, the princess. She is finally here… almost naked."Vaxar's voice cut like cold wind.I turned, startled. I had not noticed—I was near-naked indeed. My thighs showed, bare to the wind. Shame took me, and I covered myself with trembling hands.The maidens giggled behind covered lips. The guards stared, their eyes dark with want.Then Vaxar raised her nose and sniffed.“Something burns,” she said.I turned quick, heart pounding.“Nay…”My hut. A pillar of smoke rose into the sky.“Ahhh! There is fire!” a maid screamed.“Guards! What do you wait for?!” Vaxar barked like a wolf. The guards obeyed, running toward the flames.But it was too late.The fire ate all. My bed. My blankets. My little chest of things. All turned to ash.I stood behind them. Silent. Ashamed. Awaiting judgment.Vaxar’s voice rang sharp.“Whose hut was this?! Who lit the fire?!”All eyes turned to me. I felt their gaze, heavy as stone.“So it was you,” Vaxar said, stepping near. “Why am I not
Ara's POV“It is not possible,” I said low. “I have not held bow nor arrow for long now. I am weak. This is not the way to win a man’s heart. I need him to fall for me—not to think of me as one brave enough to flee after.”She let out a long breath. “You do not understand. The one who wins the trial may ask the jael—the chieftain—anything. Even… to spend the night with him.”My heart jumped. “Huh?” I said, voice small. Heat rose in my cheeks. Spend the night with him? It would not be the first… yet it still felt like the first. It had been long.I cleared my throat. “I did not know of such a game.”“Of course you would not.”But I could not push away the strange feeling in my chest—the look in her eyes. Nia, the sweet little girl, now looked at me like a wolf. A fierce fire in her stare. Someone who seeks revenge.I wished to know the truth behind her help. She could have walked past me, left me to freeze in the rain. But she did not.“I know you spoke your reason for helping me,” I s
The man I once called saviour—he was no saviour. He was not what I thought. He was the brother of Sebastian’s betrothed. A twist I did not see.After the strike across my cheek, my eyes blurred, yet my ears did not fail me. I knew the voice that rose for me. And in that moment, I was glad.I dared not say his name aloud. If Vaxar knew, I feared death. Aye, I was fooled.Vaxar called him by another name. A name I had never heard. Not Lewis, not Raphael—who was he truly?At first, I thought it a mistake. But then I saw her—his sister. Colder than Vaxar, crueler still.Her voice was sharp with hate. She looked at me with scorn. Why such hate? She knew me not, yet hated me.Lewis—or Raphael—he stood for me once more, but his sister silenced him. He obeyed her like a dog to a master. I was punished again. But my heart did not break. I swore then—I would win Sebastian’s love. No matter what.So I defied Vaxar with my own will. I sought Nia. I begged for her aid.“What must I do
Note: Events in this story are fictional and do not reflect actual Viking history. (900 AD – Before the Separation of Kingdoms) In the year 900 AD, before the Norse kingdoms split apart, there was one kingdom feared above all, Vikron. Its warriors were brutal. Their culture, violent. Yet, they were united. And at the center of that unity stood one man King Ragnor, named after the god of thunder himself. Ragnor led with blood and fire. His people raided distant lands, conquering village after village. The world feared them. No army dared to stand in their path, especially with the presence of The Elite Alpha, warriors said to be unstoppable. During the time of their greatest glory, King Ragnor introduced something new: a game of bravery. A game to find a mate. It was said, whoever won the game could ask anything of their Jael—the ruling council of elders and warlords. The people welcomed the game. It became tradition. But from this tradition… came destruction. During the
A man burst into Ragnor’s chamber, haggard and nearly out of breath.“My king, wake up!”The king stirred, annoyed by the intrusion. He turned, pulling the sheets over Hulda beside him.“How dare he wake me? What could be more important than my rest?” he growled.The man dropped to his knees, bowing low. “Forgive me, my king, but there is urgent news.” His eyes flicked toward Hulda, who had pulled the sheet from her head and now sat up.Ragnor noticed the glance and stood, covering himself. He stormed over and grabbed the man by the neck.“You fool! You dare lay your eyes—!”But before he could finish, the chamber doors slammed open again. More men entered, swords drawn—aimed not at Ragnor, but at Hulda.Ragnor let go of the man and turned sharply.“What is the meaning of this?!” he barked.One warrior stepped forward. “My king, stay away from her. She carries ill intentions toward you.”Ragnor’s face twisted with fury. “What madness is this?! Who dares accuse her?! You enter my room
Past.. 1000 AD Notice: Sensual content ahead, read with caution. Hulda faced off her enemies head on. She fought vigorously and defeated many of the participating. After long battle. Hee emerged victorious. King Ragnor couldn’t hold back his excitement. Finally no one could come between them. They could finally be together. No options, since she won the heart of them audience. VIKRON… King Ragnor’s room. The torches flickered low in the royal room of king Ragnor. Casting long, dancing shadows across the stone walls. The air was thick with the scent of spiced wine and the heady perfume of desire. King Ragnor permitted for the servants to service his room. Make it look attractive and surreal. The servants did as they were told. Collected the finest perfumes and wolves skins. The wooden bed covered in fur. White. He stood by the arched window, his broad frame silhouetted against the moonlight, his green eyes emitting such eagerness. His heart pounding as the heavy w
The horse kept talking about remembering and stuff i couldn’t comprehend. His voice unfamiliar, feminine. His gaze unnervingly still watched me with eyes too knowing to belong to an animal. "Remember your past, Ara. That is the only way to win Sebastian Knight’s heart." he said like he knew my purpose of being in the game. I wondered. “How did..” “As I said earlier, I am here to help nothing more. You need to remember the memories you have chosen to forget” Its voice was smooth, like wind through the trees, yet it sent a shiver down my spine. I blinked hard, squeezing my eyes shut. “This must be a dream” I muttered to myself. This is a dream. It has to be. When I opened them again, the horse hadn’t moved. “What memories, are you in my dream or maybe I am still dreaming” “Listen to me I don’t have much time Ara” He knew my name and called it once more. “I am here to help” “I don’t even believe in you,” I muttered, more to myself than to it. The horse exhaled, a sound al
In the ash-gray dawn, wind whispered through the trees like spirits speaking in lost tongues. “We need to split,” Franco whispered. “I disagree,” Rose said, eyes sharp. “Same here,” Ara nodded, her voice low like thunder before the storm. But their words shattered, for steel clashed ahead—two groups, charging, roaring, blades singing. The fight was wild. Not one soul gave ground. They fought like beasts. But one side had to break. One did. When the blood mist cleared, only three walked from the wreck—silent, breathless. Franco, Rose, and Ara watched, horror in their eyes. Franco once held a sword like a king held a crown. But those days were behind. He had crawled to Brago’s side, left battle for politics, and now his blade arm was slow, soft. He would not survive hand-to-hand. “They failed, like the others,” a voice rang. Freda. She stepped through smoke and bone, flanked by wolves—Alphas and Betas, fierce, fanged, loyal. Ara raised her hand, gesturing to Rose a
Ara’s POV The gods must still look upon me with some favor—for I had not drawn attention. Not yet. But the forest screamed. I could hear the cries of others in the distance, sharp and raw, carried by the wind. And worse… I could smell them—dormant Alphas. Their scent was sour, primal. Disgusting. Still, I had no choice but to bear it. I pressed crushed herbs to my neck, masking my scent. An Omega must hide, not shine. I gripped my bow tight. The string hummed softly. No close combat—I’d lose before I even had a chance to strike. Then… footsteps. Quick, heavy. I ducked behind a thick tree, breath tight in my chest. From behind the branches, I saw her. A woman—tall, sharp-eyed. Black hair like nightfall, eyes like a frost sea. Her voice was silk and steel. “Slay as many as you can,” she said to the two men beside her. “And your reward shall be a night with me.” A cruel grin touched her lips. I recognized the first man—an Alpha with a dark tattoo etched across his arm. I had
NOTICE: Sexual abuse and high violence scenes read with caution. The forest sprawled like a burial ground, thick with shadows. Over three hundred participants swarmed beneath its canopy, hunting and hunted. Alphas unleashed pheromones to assert dominance. Omegas wielded charms to survive, while Betas scrambled for scraps of safety. Some had formed temporary packs, though alliances frayed like rotting thread. Soon, even comrades would turn on one another. fanco trudged beside Rose, though “teammate” was too generous a term. Rose’s defiance crackled like static. “You shouldn’t have followed me here,” Rose snapped. Franco scanned the trees, jaw tight. “You think I wanted to? Stay close.” “If you’re so reluctant, then leave! I’ll make a fine feast for the Alphas.” Franco whirled on him. “I’m sick of this act. Being Brago’s favorite doesn’t mean I’ll cater to your whims.” Rose barked a laugh. “His favorite? Who does he summon every night? He fought to keep you out
Ara's POVI stood again in the arena of blades, where blood-soaked earth remembers all who dared step within. The stench, sharp as a broken promise, struck my senses.It was just as I remembered—the cries of the crowd, the roar of warriors.But this was no homecoming.I alone bore bow and arrow. No sword. No axe. No iron fang to clash with theirs. They laughed then, and they laugh still. Fools. Or maybe it is I who was fooled.I thought it a game. A test of bravery. Not this. Not death in the dirt.And him—Sebastian. I dared not meet his eyes. Shame is heavier than any shield.What fool enters a war of blades with feathered sticks?Would I survive long enough to make my plea? Would he remember me when I fall—if I fall?I shook the thought like snow from my shoulders. Of course he would. He is to be wed soon. And I—what am I but a fallen leader of a broken village?He is loved. And he loves them in return. His people. His duty. Not me.But when he spoke , Gods, when he spoke my
Gargath stood tall, troubled by Vaxar’s strange stillness. Her eyes did not storm, her voice did not rise. She made no quarrel with Sebastian for allowing Ara to join the sacred games. And to Gargath, this was not right. He stepped forward, his voice low but steady. "Vaxar… have I asked a foolish thing?" She smiled, cold and knowing. "Not foolish, Gargath. Just amusing. You see me as the villain if I agree, and still the villain if I do not." His eyes narrowed. "You've done something, haven’t you? I know you, Vaxar. No realm in all the nine worlds would find you pleased for Ara’s joy. You hate her. We all know it." Her face hardened. "I do not hate her. I bear her no ill." "Oh, spare me that tale," Gargath snapped. She stepped closer, her voice a whisper meant to strike. "Would you have me raise sword against the Alpha himself? You all would rise like a pack of wolves and tear me down. I wasn’t prepared for that… not yet." "Then why send Crystal to the maidens i
Present.. Two days ago.. Ara's POV I chose to walk the path of the brave. One day remained before the Bravery Games began, and the fire within me burned with unrest. Nia, my only tether to kindness, had been good to me. After I left her home last eve, she led me to a sacred grove where I could sharpen my skill with the bow. The morning passed slowly, and I waited for Vaxar to tire of mocking me, forcing me to labor beneath her cruel gaze. Sebastian was gone—again. Of course, he vanished when I needed him most. Was it truly coincidence? I doubted it. He gave them power—power to break me. Yet his presence, when near, still held warmth. A bitter warmth that wrapped around my throat like a noose. Why did he hate me so deeply? He slaughtered my kin. He named my father murderer. The truth haunted me. I craved it. Needed it. Not just to soothe the ache in my heart, but to forge the revenge I would one day exact. Perhaps one still lived. Perhaps not all was lost. “Focus, Ara,” Nia