Leonidas POVI am helpless as I watch Alora leave my room. I should go after her, but Anila is blocking my way. The light around us flickers, and the hag before me transforms into the young woman I knew so many years ago. Her blonde hair and freckles have been restored and there is not a wrinkle to be found on her skin. I had forgotten how beautiful she was.Her trick almost works. I almost melt under her smile and forgive her, but I am not as naïve as I was a century ago. “Move,” I warn her. “You could have chosen me,” she growls. “That night at the ball. You could have chosen me.” “Is that what this is about?” I scoff. “I was never going to choose you. Even if I wanted to, my father would have never allowed it.”“I killed him for you,” she snaps. “Apparently, you killed him for you,” I scoff. “I tried to take matters into my own hands,” she sneers. “But you found me too quickly. The spell was meant to kill her, but I made a mistake. I let her turn eighteen. It is
Alora POVWarm water splashes me in the face as Leonidas joins me in the bathtub. At first, I am too stunned to speak. He is sitting fully clothed in the water with me and doesn’t seem phased at all. “Your Highness,” I whisper in shock. “Don’t call me that,” he growls playfully. “King Leonidas,” I correct myself. He inches closer to me. “Don’t call me that either.” “Leonidas,” I chance calling him by his name. He cups my face with his hand and stares into my eyes. The electricity between us is almost unbearable as it lights up my skin. My body is urging me to push him away but pull him close to me at the same time. As the war within me rages, Leonidas continues to get closer. “Sire,” I whisper. “You have on your clothes.” His lips are so close his breath fans my face. “Would you prefer I was naked?” “Yes,” My words betray me. “Wait…” But the damage has been done. He stands in the water and begins stripping off his clothes. He peels each item from his body an
Leonidas POVAlora is everything I love and hate. She is fierce and beautiful, but she is so stubborn. She would rather stand in her own way than let me show her happiness. If she would only let me, I would shower her with affection. Instead, she would rather let her smart mouth stir up my anger. One day I will show her what that pretty little mouth is made for, but for now, I need to find a way to get that fucking stone from the Fae Realm. I round the corner of my hallway, and Alfred is waiting for me. “Why is Anila dead on your bedroom floor?” “Have someone clean that up,” I respond, stepping around him. “You didn’t answer me,” he growls.“Why do you care about what I do with my witches?” I muse. “Because your decisions will doom us all,” he hisses in a low voice. “Why were you in my bedroom?” I snap back. He visibly bristles. “I was looking for the Princess.” A snarl rips from my lips. “I thought I told you to stay away from her.”Alfred has the audacity to laugh.
Alora POVI grumble under my breath while I get dressed. He may have commanded I come down for dinner, but he didn’t say I had to wear a fancy gown. I stand in front of the array of dresses and look for the perfect one to piss him off. My eyes keep flickering toward a blue beaded gown. It is beautiful, but not what I am looking for. After mulling it over for too long, I decide I should be dressing for myself, not for Leonidas, and it would be a shame to let something so beautiful go to waste.I pull it out of the closet and strip down to my undergarments. An uneasy feeling washes over me, and I feel as if I am being watched. Wrapping my arms around myself, I spin around, but there is no one there. Dragging in an uneasy breath, I try to push my nerves aside. I step into the dress quickly, pulling it up over my shoulders to cover myself. It takes longer than it should for me to tighten the corset myself, but once I am finished, I am pleased. The blue is the exact shade of
Alora POVThrough an unspoken command, the guards grab Alfred by his arms and drag him out the front door of the castle. The one who stepped up to help me glances over his shoulder. His eyebrows are furrowed together with concern, but he doesn’t stay to make sure Leonidas’s lycn doesn’t hurt me. Alfred is thrashing and screaming, but his threats fall on deaf ears. I can’t take my eyes off Leonidas’s lycan. The beast steps in my direction, but I don’t feel afraid. His massive arms wrap around me, and he carries me upstairs.The beast pushes the door open to the king’s rooms and sets me on the ground. He disappears into the adjoining bathroom, leaving me in the middle of the floor. There is a loud crack that sounds like bones breaking. Finally, the fear I have been pushing away crashes down on me. I fall to my knees and hide my head in my hands. My tears coat my cheeks and drip onto my gown. I have a fleeting thought that I am ruining the beautiful dress, but I can’t seem to
Leonidas POVOne hundred years agoThe ball my father threatened to hold is tonight. When I told him I had no plans to attend, he threatened to kill Anila. With Evanora at his disposal, he doesn't need Anila. Her sole purpose is to be used as a bargaining tool. Father knows I will not risk her life.There is a weak knock on my door. Her cinnamon scent wafts through the door, and I race to answer it. Swinging the door open, I can't wipe the look of concern off my face."Mother," I sigh. "You should be in bed."She is pale and unsteady on her feet. The years she has spent enduring my father's abuse have taken their toll. She is dying. The constant betrayal of the mate bond is more than her body can take.Even in her weakened state, she saves a smile for me. "I was hoping to walk with you before the ball.""Do you have the strength?" I ask, not bothering to hide my worry."For this, I do," she replies cryptically.She reaches for my hand, and I hold hers gently. We walk hand in hand thro
Leonidas POVI have not held a woman’s hand since the day my mother died. I had avoided the action because it reminded me of what I lost. Holding hands with Alora brought back a part of me I didn’t know was missing. I could not protect my mother, but I will protect Alora until my dying breath. Her hand feels so delicate in mine, and a possessiveness washes over me. As we wind through the castle halls, I know I will kill anyone who tries to hurt her again. I open the door to the dining room and Evanora is sitting in her usual seat. The table has been cleared, but she is waiting for me. “You will need a new Beta.” “Not now,” I snap at her. “Fine,” she hisses as she gets to her feet. “Don’t forget the stone.” As she walks past Alora, Evanora flips her hair off her shoulder to get a better view of the mark on Alora’s neck. She looks pleased with herself, but she doesn’t comment on it. Leading Alora through the dining room, I take her straight to the kitchens. The Ome
Alora POVI don't remember if I have ever seen spring, but here I am in the middle of a flowering field. The sun on my skin is a strange warmth. I have gotten so used to the bitter cold of winter."Hello," a soft voice calls to me.I spin quickly, casting my gaze on a beautiful woman. I do not know her, but she seems familiar. The way her eyes wrinkle when she smiles reminds me of someone."I have been watching you," she says.I glance around myself." I don't know where I am.”"I brought you here," she tells me. "I thought it would be better than the bitter cold of the Lycan Realm."The kindness of her voice draws me in, and I move closer to her. "Do I know you?""You do not," she smiles. "I am Morgan."I look at her with great curiosity. Her fingertips are free of magic remnants. I cannot be sure, but I don't think she is a witch. Chocolate brown hair hangs loosely down her back. She tucks a strand behind her ear, and I see its pointed tip. She looks Fae, but there is something diff
Alora POVElric is chasing me down the hallways of the castle, quietly pleading for me to stop and return to my room. He is trying to tell me how Leonidas will kill him if anything happens to me, but I ignore everything coming out of his mouth. My mother did not bestow her powers to me so I could hide in a dark room of the Fae castle and let men do all the work. She gave me her powers so I could restore the natural order of things. I hate to admit it, but I might need his help. Spinning around, I look him in the eyes. “Where can I find Estes?” He looks away and shuffles his feet. “There is another party in the castle tonight. He is probably there with Ivy.” I look him up and down. There is a sneer on his lips. He cares for my aunt, but why? Then I realize how blind I am. “She is your mate.” His teeth grind together, and his jaw locks. “Yes.” “Interesting,” I mutter. Then I step closer to him, studying his features carefully.Suddenly, it feels like I am transported i
I want to offer an apology for the delay in updates. One of my children has an illness she will be dealing with for the rest of her life. Just know that I am doing my best to try to keep up with updates. Until things calm down a little, I am going to aim for 3-4 updates a week. Hopefully, when the smoke clears, I will be able to finish up this story. I know some will view this as an excuse, but I have to put my family first. I do hope you will stick around for the end of this story. Solange Daye
Alora POVI am back in the flowery field where I met Morgan, only this time I am alone. The grass is taller than it was, and the trees have changed shape. It is like many years have passed since the last time I was here. Wading through the tall grass, I let my fingers graze over the tips of the blades. It is a strange feeling. I know it is one I haven’t felt before, but it doesn’t feel foreign. There is a small river just ahead of me. I sit down, dip my feet into the water, and am surprised at how warm it is. Little minnows come nibble at my toes, and I giggle out loud. I know this is a dream, but it all feels so real. “This is the life I wanted for you,” a soft voice makes me jump. Spinning around, I see myself. No. That can’t be right. “Are you my mother?” It is the same question I asked Ivy. Only this time, I am more sure of the answer. She smiles sadly and sits beside me. “I wish I had been a better mother to you.” “What happened?” I blurt out. “Because
Leonidas POVEverything is ready. The castle is buzzing with excitement. I didn’t think Alora touched the hearts of many people in her short time here, but even the Omegas have stepped up to fight. The consensus is clear. Alora belongs in the Lycan Realm, even if she is a Fae. The moon is full tonight in both realms. I was eager to leave last night, but Lobo talked some sense into me. We will be stronger if the moon is on our side. Hopefully, the Moon Goddess will look down on our plight and take mercy on us. Traveling into the Fae Realm without permission is dangerous. Sending Elric ahead to find Alora and get her to safety was the most important part of the plan. I do not think I could live with myself if she ended up in harm's way. She may have magic, but I don’t believe she knows how to use it yet. It was foolish of me to keep her away from Elric. He could have taught her things that I could not. It was selfish. I was too afraid of losing her to one of her kind, bu
Anila POVTwenty-one years agoI keep my eyes focused on the ceiling as King Estes thrusts in and out of me. I have been fucked thousands of times over the centuries, but none of my lovers have been this boring. His methodical movements are enough to put me to sleep. I stifle a yawn and recite spells to keep myself from drifting off. Finally, he grunts loudly and stills within me. I put a fake smile on my face when he looks down at me."You are one of my more enjoyable lovers," he smiles."The feeling is mutual," I lie through my teeth.Clumsily, he climbs off me, and I groan uncomfortably. I thought Fae Creatures were supposed to be graceful. King Estes is anything but. I am confused about how he managed to convince this entire realm to follow him blindly. He is not fit to rule this realm, much less both, but that is his goal."Have you decided on a disguise?" He asks.I snort with laughter. "This is my disguise."He scowls at me but continues, "I will take the child from Fauna toni
Vesper POVI'm not supposed to be here. It has been my only rule growing up, but things aren't adding up. If Alora was truly stolen from the Fae castle, why isn't Father more excited to see her? This is the only place I could think of to come for those answers. I am not sure my mother knows the whole truth. Knocking on the weathered door in front of me, I wait for her to respond. Someone is shuffling inside, and the door cracks open. A pair of icy blue eyes peer out before the door opens the rest of the way.I've never seen my mother's sister before. I have heard rumors of her beauty, but I never thought much about them. All Fae creatures are beautiful. It is part of our allure, but looking at Fauna is blinding. Even in this moldy, damp room, wearing rags, she is stunning. Not even my mother can match her beauty. There is only one that could rival her, and that is Alora.I sigh heavily as the truth hits me. It is because they are the rightful rulers of this realm. That is why my f
Alora POVThe familiar scene of the cabin is laid out in front of me. The three sisters are gathered around the cauldron in the fireplace. Kaia and Elaine are huddled together, trying to put as much distance between them and Anila as possible. They have just had an argument. Kaia and Elaine always separated themselves from Anila when she lost her temper. My eyes are drawn to Anila. She doesn’t look like the Anila I remember. She is lovely and youthful. Her blonde hair hangs loosely down her back in wide curls. I only recognize her by her milky white eyes, which are narrowed on Elaine. "Tell us the truth, Anila," Elaine shouts. "We joined you in good faith. Now you are asking us to do the unthinkable."Kaia is holding a child close to her chest. Tears are streaming down her cheeks. "I won't do it. I don’t care what you have seen.""You have pledged your lives to me," Anita snaps. "You would be nothing without me. You will do as I command.""I am not killing a child!" Kai
Alora POVThe night seems to drag on forever. I have backed myself against a wall so no one can approach me from behind. So many men and some women have dragged their fingers along my skin, hoping to be my mate. Thankfully, none of them are. I wonder how they will feel when they find out that their lost Princess is mated to a lycan. My shoulders are sagging by the time the Fae begin to filter out of the party. The morning sun is beginning to peak through the windows, and I am utterly exhausted. I search for someone to tell me where I am supposed to stay, but Ivy has reluctantly disappeared with the King. She glanced over her shoulder as he led her away. I could see the remorse in her eyes from across the room. The room is empty, and it would appear everyone has forgotten I am here. I slide down the wall and draw my knees to my chest. I never expected to be treated like an outcast among my own kind. In the Lycan Realm, aside from Leonidas’s enemies, I was treated kindly.
Leonidas POVThe little blonde fae is strung up by her arms in the dungeons. I don’t usually torture women, but if she doesn’t start talking soon, I might have to make an exception. Bruno twists the lever until her feet dangle from the ground, but she doesn’t look afraid. She is wearing the same stupid smirk she was when I found her in the castle halls. I am quickly losing my patience, and I strike her across the cheek. Blood flows down her flawless skin, and I instantly regret my actions. I should have at least called down a woman to the dirty work. I close my eyes and gather myself. I can’t afford to lose my temper. Not when there is so much at stake. “How did you get here?” I demand to know. Her laughter is melodious. It rings like a song in my mind, and I have to resist the urge to release her from her chains. But my lycan flashes Alora’s face in my mind, and I am able to break free from the spell. Bruno isn’t so lucky. The more she laughs, the more he sways on