As I was about to turn around and walk towards the bathroom door, the room door flung open and Talon walked in.My body froze immediately our eyes met and I could see that he was as shocked as I was. But he wasn't alone and I was grateful that they were women. They held clothes and some other things that I was too distracted to identify.I rushed to pick up the towel which I freely allowed to fall to the ground and hugged it together. If only I picked it sooner, I would have stopped this awkward situation from happening in the first place.If there was anything I wished for it to happen right now, it would be for the ground to open up and swallow me immediately. Just last night, Talon asked me to strip in front of him and I refused and now... Now I had just given him a full view of my naked body without any reason whatsoever.Talon took a few steps towards the room. I watched his lips open and shut almost immediately -- as if he had something to say but didn't know how to say it."I u
"I can see that you are trying to be a potential," Riya said to me while eyeing me with disgust."Potential? I don't understand what you are talking about. What does that mean?""It means that you are trying to reap where you did not sow. He only met you last night or should I say you met him last night and then you get to sleep in his room? Do you want to become his woman already cos I don't see that happening around here?" She folded her arms over her chest and I knew there and then that we were in for a heated conversation. A conversation that I wasn't ready for."Is this what this is about? I thought Talon said that Ascot treats their guests benevolently?" I asked her though I admit that I got a little too bold right there.Riya scoffed, glancing at the ceiling before shifting her stare at me. "He is already telling you about Ascot. I wonder what else you guys discussed. Well, he isn't wrong about that. We treat everyone well, guests or no guests but we have no tolerance for trans
Chapter 24 (Exercise)TANIA's POV..."Pardon?" I wanted to be sure that the words I heard him say were authentic words."Why? Does it sound hot?" Talon smirked again and my goodness, I could feel my feet wobbling from just staring at that curve on his lips. "Let's go outside and help you get sweaty."Oh, was that what he meant? Here I was interpreting it wrongly."Okay," I replied shyly."Shall we? Ladies first," Talon gestured towards the door and I went before him.while he followed from behind.We continued that way until we reached the grand floor and still, I was still in front. Shouldn't he be the one at the front while I follow from behind? Or better still we can walk side by side."Don't you think you should lead the way while I follow you from behind? How am I supposed to know where we are going?" My insecurity got the better part of me and I thought that it was only appropriate that I tell him. I was so damn uncomfortable with him being behind me. What was worse was that he w
TANIA'S POVThe beautiful white Wolf ran towards us and stood just beside Talon who bent on one knee and caressed its head. I stared at the white wolf lovingly from where I was even though I was still scared to touch it -- I hadn't yet forgotten the little experience I had in the forest before Talon saved me. That was the first time that I was getting attacked by a wolf and now that experience was definitely something that was going to stick with me for a long time -- there was just no way that I would see all Wolves the same way again.But yeah, Nia was gorgeous. She wasn't the first white wolf that I have seen. I mean, I am a white wolf myself so I get it, the gorgeousness is in the color."Alright Nia, we have a little assignment for you," Talon told her before getting up on his feet and throwing his gaze at me. "You are going to race against Tania here or should I say that she is going to race against you. Whichever one it was," he commented, a smile curving out from the corner o
I grunted as I realized that I had been defeated by the animal and as I struggled to get up to my feet, I saw the feet of one standing in front of me. That wasn't Talon for sure and as I lifted up my head to look at the person, I saw that his hand was stretched out to me."You did well, lady," he said to me. "Let me help you," urging me to take his hand and I did.As I got up, I stared at the man and muttered a "thank you" to me. He didn't in any way seem familiar to me and as a matter of fact, I was sure that I didn't meet him at the dining room last night but damn, he was gorgeous(though not as gorgeous as Talon)."Most guests that arrive at Ascot usually fail before they reach the finish line but you did," he commented, it was as if he was even praising me. Praising me for my downfall I guess."No I didn't," I sighed as I cleaned off dust from my dress. "I almost got to it but I fell," there was nothing more painful to me than the fact that I was just a few steps away from the finis
I somehow found it crazy that I was already getting acquainted with Talon faster than I imagined. It was not even up to a day that I met him but I already found myself getting close to him and opening up freely to him unlike the me that I knew.In Crescida, it was just me and a few maidens that got along or should I say that I got along with. Communication was somewhat difficult in Crescida due to our status as slaves. We were limited to different things and even with that, some of us managed to make friends and act like nothing serious was going on. I didn't even bother talking to my male counterparts except when needed. I have never even laughed with the opposite gender before or made any of them laugh but here I was with Talon, being so free with him as if we had known each other for a very long time.We reached the infirmary and it had some similarities with the one at Porthove (just before it was ruined). I had no idea what the infirmary at Crescida looked like because we were fo
Talon hushed the moment I mentioned that the kingdom that I ran away from was Crescida. I could see deep lines form on his forehead and his brows crease inwardly. It wasn't like I was expecting a good reaction from him -- after all Crescida was nothing to write home about, so I understood the frustration and the confusion written on his face but there was something else about him during this time... I couldn't place it but it was more like a reaction due to familiarity than a reaction due to what he has heard about them."Talon, are you okay?" I asked him as I was simply concerned about him, especially with the way that he was silent during the subject matter."Yes I am. I am just surprised. I have heard a lot of bad things about that place and I'm wondering how you survived there. How long have you been there for?""7 years. I have been there for seven years," I answered. Even my words sounded heavy in my mouth. 7 years was such a long time but it felt different saying it to Talon a
We arrived at a place that seemed desolate and abandoned. The compound was neatly cleared out though but the silence in that place was enough to make somebody go deaf. I wondered if there was anyone around that place as I followed Riya still from behind. I wanted to ask her about the place but I convinced myself to chill for a while and see what she is up to first.It was an open space with no gate whatsoever, and at the end was a small house made with bricks. Behind was laid out plants and trees but they didn't look like they had anyone that could be attending to them.I was already getting nervous. Could it be that Riya brought me to a place with no form of life or sound of man's existence? I hoped not. I could no longer hold it together again. My questions were itching to escape from my lips and why not? So I inquired from her."Umm... Where is this please?""Oh, this is where you are going to be staying from now, Tania," Riya answered with a sly smile on her face."What? I don't
Tania's POVAs the golden sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft, ethereal glow upon the magnificent palace grounds, the day of our enchanting wedding had finally arrived. The air was charged with an electric anticipation, and the moon hung high in the night sky, ready to bear witness to the union of our hearts.The palace, adorned with intricate carvings and adorned with delicate moonlit tapestries, stood as a symbol of our ancient heritage. Towering columns lined the grand hall, their surfaces adorned with vibrant flora and intertwined silver vines. The scent of wildflowers and pine wafted through the air, adding an intoxicating touch to the mystical atmosphere.I stood at the entrance of the grand hall, my bridal gown flowing around me in shades of moonlight. The fabric shimmered with silver thread, mimicking the celestial radiance of the night sky. Delicate moonstones adorned my hair, cascading down like cascades of stardust. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant how
Tania's POVOh, Talon," I whispered, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. His words resonate deeply within me, unraveling the layers of pain and sacrifice he had endured. The weight of his past struggles became palpable, and I realized how profoundly he had suffered for the sake of a kingdom that was not his own. Talon's selflessness and unwavering determination painted him as a true embodiment of love.Without hesitation, I enveloped him in a tender embrace, seeking to provide solace and comfort. Tears welled in my eyes as I realized the magnitude of his sacrifice and the pain he had carried silently. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret for my initial overreaction, for not taking the time to hear his side of the story. If only I had known that it was my own kingdom he had fought to protect, I would never have fled from his side.With a heavy heart, I uttered an apology, the words pouring forth with sincerity. I expressed remorse for not giving him the chance to share his
Tania's POVFor the first time in seven years I felt like I belonged. Crescida, a land which was my worst nightmare before, had become a place similar to home. All these were made possible because of our determination to get things right and I am grateful for it.Talon and I strolled through the kingdom of Crescida, the cobblestone streets beneath our feet echoing with each step. The bustling marketplaces and lively taverns slowly faded into the background as we ventured beyond the familiar paths. Tall stone buildings and intricately carved archways lined our way, whispering tales of the kingdom's storied past.As we wandered, the ambiance shifted. The air grew cooler, carrying with it the scent of moss and damp earth. We followed a meandering path that led us away from the town, guided by the whispers of rustling leaves and the distant sound of flowing water.Soon, we found ourselves ascending a rugged mountain, its slopes adorned with ancient trees and lush vegetation. The hike was
Tania's POVI could hardly believe my eyes as we breached the gates of Crescida. The sight that awaited us in the city square was heart-wrenching and ignited an inferno of rage within me. There, in the center, stood Talon, my lover, the leader of Ascot and beacon of hope for my people's freedom, bound to a stake, his body marked by cruel lashes. The crowds jeered and mocked, reveling in his humiliation. How could they do that to their own?Fury surged through my veins, and I sprinted towards Talon, my heart pounding in my chest. "Tania," he called out but I ignored, my sole focus was only to free him. The ropes that constricted him strained against his struggles, a twisted symbol of his captivity. I drew my blade with a determined hand, slashing through the ropes that held him captive. Each cut felt like a strike against the tyranny that had oppressed our people for far too long.As the ropes fell away, I cradled Talon in my trembling arms, my hands a mixture of anger and tenderness
Tania's POVAs I emerged from the dark confines of the dungeon, Matilda's frail form leaned heavily against me. Her face was pale, etched with exhaustion and the torment she had endured during her captivity. With each step, I supported her, guiding her towards the haven of safety that awaited us—the Pack's house.The journey seemed endless, the weight of responsibility resting upon my shoulders. Matilda's breathing was labored, a testament to her weakened state. Yet, determination fueled my every stride. The Pack's house was our destination, a sanctuary where Matilda could receive the care and support she desperately needed.As we approached the house, the chaos that unfolded within its walls became apparent. Shouts reverberated through the air, punctuated by the occasional crash. Fear coursed through my veins, gripping me with uncertainty. What had transpired in my absence? I hope nothing has happened to Talon nor any member of the Pack? Just as my worry reached its peak, I caught a
Tania's POVI have never experienced true satisfaction upon accomplishing a feat. Although I anticipated that defeating Dolph would drain every ounce of my energy, I was proven wrong. The intervention of the Moon Goddess made the task surprisingly effortless, and now it was time to rescue Matilda from that dreadful room. However, before I could proceed, I needed to neutralize any potential dangers lurking within the house, whether they were servants or guards. There was one particular guard who had caught me snooping around the enigmatic door during my previous visit. He presented a potential threat, and it was imperative that I eliminate him swiftly and decisively. Additionally, I was determined to leave no stone unturned in my quest to ensure Matilda's safety and bring an end to the chaos that Dolph had caused.I swiftly snatched the keys from Dolph's side, urgency pulsating through my veins. With no time to spare, my sole mission was to rescue Matilda and reach the Pack house with
Tania's POVI spent an entire day desperately searching for any means of escape from the confines of the room where Matilda and I were being held captive. Matilda had repeatedly warned me that there was no way out, and her words echoed in my mind. After all, she had endured this grim existence for months, devoid of even a glimpse of sunlight. The absence of any windows in this room intensified our suffering, making it a tangible and agonizing experience.This was the pivotal moment, the crossroads where I confronted the choice that would define me. I could either succumb to my doubts and accept the role of a feeble Luna, forever relying on others to rescue me from trouble, burdened by the weight of my kingdom and the fragility of my love. Or I could embrace my inner strength, beseeching the Moon Goddess to unleash the power within me and illuminate a path through this dire predicament.With unwavering resolve, I chose the latter. I made the conscious decision to embody strength and re
Tania's POVI stood alone in a desolate place, the air heavy with an eerie silence. A haunting groan, filled with agony and despair, pierced through the stillness, sending shivers down my spine. I could feel its reverberations deep within my soul, a mournful cry that seemed to echo from the very depths of darkness.As the anguished sound resonated around me, I strained my senses, focusing intently to determine its source. The groan seemed to seep from the very fabric of the environment, as if it were a whispered secret carried by the wind. Was I truly alone in this forsaken place? Could there be a dangerous entity lurking nearby, much like the dreaded Loon, its presence suffusing the air with malevolence?Fear crept up my spine, its icy fingers tightening their grip on my heart. My instincts urged me to find something, anything, that could serve as a weapon against this unseen threat, be it a Loon or any other ominous presence. I sought solace in the tangible, grasping for a means to
Tania's POVAs my mind grappled with the surreal nature of it all, a nagging thought crept in: could this be nothing more than a figment of my imagination? Were my ears truly attuned to reality? Alpha Dolph's words echoed in my mind, stirring a whirlwind of doubt and confusion. Could his shocking revelations possibly be true? Did he truly orchestrate such a nefarious scheme? The sheer audacity and implausibility of it all made it difficult to accept, and yet, the evidence seemed to point in that direction.The Scouts, who had been dispatched to oversee the border, lingered in my thoughts. Their deaths now took on a chilling significance, an ominous clue that had eluded my grasp until now. The cryptic letter, with its enigmatic message, served as an eerie prelude to the events that followed. The brutal attack on the Pack house, a once-secure sanctuary, shattered any remaining doubts and left me reeling with the magnitude of Dolph's deceit.As the puzzle pieces began to fit together, a