Alora POVSomeone throws the curtains open in my room, and I squint against the morning light. I did manage to fall asleep, but it feels like it was only moments ago. My eyes struggle to stay open.”Good morning, Princess," Evanora chirps happily.I must say her attitude does not match her appearance. She is shrouded in dark robes, and the black on her fingertips is spreading up her hands.“Good morning," I sigh.She tips a glass with purple liquid to my lips. I don't bother to fight. Even though it is bitter, I know it will help me move. I swallow it down and wait. I start by wiggling my toes, then my feet. Soon, my whole body is free of the magical prison."How much longer do I have to drink this?" I ask, sitting up in the bed."That is a question for the traitor," Evanora tells me."Of course it is," I groan.Stretching my arms around my back, I pull loose the strings of the corset. It pulls free, and I am finally able to take a deep breath.I fling my legs over the edge of the be
Leonidas POVAs I look down into her bright blue eyes, she is practically begging for me to kiss her, and Goddess knows I want to, but she doesn't deserve to be rewarded for being a brat. She will learn to be compliant, or I will break her until there is no fight left in her.She has stepped away from me, assuming that she has won this round. But I never lose.“Are you prepared to come down for breakfast?" I ask calmly.She places her hands on her hips, and her full lips are pressed into a thin line. "I said no.""Suit yourself," I say, stepping in her direction.Her eyes are wide. She is backed into a corner and has no escape. She tries to dodge as I reach for her, but she is not fast enough. Grabbing her around the waist, I toss her over my shoulder.Alora screams in protest as I march from her room. Her tiny fists slam against my back, and a string of profanities spew from her mouth."I see the traitors did not fail to give you the vocabulary of a sailor. Not very lady like," I tea
Alora POVAlfred lays a warm cloak over my shoulders and ties it carefully around my neck. His eyes don't look into mine as he readies me for our little excursion. I get the feeling he is scared of me.While his attention is elsewhere, I take the time to look at him. He is the complete opposite of the Lycan King. He smiles a lot, and when he does, his blue eyes sparkle.Blonde hair falls messily in his own face. It is not brushed or styled. He is large and muscular, like the Lycan King, but there is a softness to his touch. He is careful where he touches me. He is always respectful.If anyone were to convince me that not all lycans are monsters, it would be him.He finishes tying my cloak and stands back to look at me. "Are you warm?""Yes," I reply. "Can we please go outside now?"Alfred smiles, and the corners of his eyes wrinkle. He rushes to the main door and flings it open. The cold air hits me in the face. It stings, but I step outside anyway. The air is fresh, and I inhale dee
Alora POVSabrina leads me to a different wing of the castle. I didn't think it was possible for it to be more elaborate, but I was wrong. Giant statues of wolves line the hallways, and it feels like their eyes are watching me as I move.We stop in front of a large wooden door. It is covered in carvings and words in a language I have only seen once before."Regina castri," I read the words, running my fingers over the wood.I stare at Sabrina with wide eyes. "How many women have stayed in this room?""Just you," Sabrina responds bitterly. "You awoke before it was finished.""Why would this room be completed for me?" I ask."That is not a question for me," Sabrina whispers. She opens the door and ushers me inside. A massive bed is sitting in the center of the room. It is the largest bed I have ever seen and a fluffy navy blue quilt is on top.Several bookshelves line the room, and they are filled with books. I place my hand over my mouth to stop from squealing with excitement. I have
Leonidas POVI open the door that connects our rooms and the scent of vanilla swirls around me. I should have known she would be here. Strolling into the room, I walk past Sabrina and into my closet."Why are you here?" I growl.Sabrina steps into the closet. My eyes roam over her naked body, but I remain unaroused. While I look at her I try to remember why I brought her into my bed to begin with. She is conventionally attractive but not anything special. There is a tiny pout on her lips and she dangles her silver cuffs from the tips of her fingers."Your Highness," she whispers seductively. "It is Friday night. I always come to you on Friday nights.""Not anymore," I grunt.Her eyes fill with fake tears. "Have I done something to displease you?""You have lost your appeal," I respond harshly. It is how I have dismissed all of the other she-wolves before her, but apparently Sabrina is here to fight for her position as my mistress. She drops the silver cuffs to the ground and sto
Alora POVThere is a heavy weight on my chest making it difficult to breathe. Panic fills my veins. This is a new symptom. Perhaps my lungs are becoming paralyzed like the rest of me. Why isn’t the potion Anila gave me wearing off?As I spiral inside my mind, a snore makes my eyes fly open. Squinting against the morning light shining into the room, I see a massive head lying on my chest. I choke back the scream building in my throat, and the arm that is wrapped around me tightens. Whoever is sleeping on my chest groans loudly and lifts their head. Leonidas yawns loudly and smiles at me. “Good morning.” I can no longer hold back the scream. It belts from my lips, and Leonidas jumps from the bed. My eyes shamelessly travel down his body, and another scream builds, but I am stunned into silence. The man is naked. There is not a scrap of clothing on him. When I come to my senses, I open my mouth to scream, but Leonidas straddles me on the bed and covers my mouth with his ha
Alora POVThe man ruffles his hair in an attempt to hide his ears, but it is too late. I have seen what he is. He turns from me and tries to leave the stables, but I chase after him. “Wait,” I beg. “I am not supposed to talk to you,” he mutters under his breath. “Why not?” I plead. “Does the Lycan King not know what you are?” “It is because of what I am that I cannot talk to you,” he whispers. He races up the hill to the castle, but I refuse to accept his departure. “Please,” I beg. He spins around so quickly that he almost knocks me over. His hand wraps around my forearm and stops me from tumbling to the ground. His grasp is firm, but he does not hurt me, and his eyes are laced with concern.“What is your name?” I ask curiously. Waiting until I am steady, he lets go and exhales an uneasy breath. “My name is Elric.” “Elric,” I repeat his name. “I am Alora.” “I know who you are,” he groans. “I need to go.”“Wait,” I call after him again. “How did you get through th
Leonidas POVOne Hundred Years AgoThe sound of skin slapping together fills my dark room. The lycan woman bent over the edge of my bed has her face buried in the pillow to muffle her screams. I have spent years trying to woo this one into my bed. She was hard to catch, but now that I have her, it is kind of disappointing. As hard as I try, I can’t even remember her name. She is utterly forgettable. With my cock deeply inside her, I still find my mind wandering. I can already tell there is no release for me on the horizon, and I grow tired of fucking her. As I pull out, she whimpers at the loss of my touch, but if I touch her for one more moment, I might be sick to my stomach.She looks back with a frown on her face. “Are you okay, Sire?”“Leave,” I hiss through my teeth. She looks hurt. Her large brown eyes brim with tears, but to her credit, she doesn’t let them fall. She steps in my direction, but I step back. I don’t want to give her hope.Suddenly, the door to my bedr
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
Alora POVThe dress Ivy gave me fits as if it were made for me, but it doesn’t help me feel comfortable in it. I might as well be in my bra and panties because that is all it covers. Maybe if I had grown up in the Fae Realm, I would have been comfortable with this type of clothing, but I didn’t, and I don’t. Ivy places my hair over my shoulder, smoothing it down. “You should hide this.” “Why would I hide a mark put there by my mate?” I scoff. She presses her lips together in a thin line. “He is not your mate.” “He is,” I defend myself. “It has been centuries since a Fae was mated to a Lycan. It didn’t end well.” “Are you speaking of Morgan?” I ask. Ivy stiffens. “I shouldn’t be talking to you about this. Let’s get back to the party.” “Will my mother be there?” “No,” she hisses. “Stop asking questions.” I huff in frustration as Ivy quickly exits her room. Not wanting to remain alone, I chase after her. The stone pulses in warning against my skin. I am in
Alora POVThe Fae King is marching through the flowering field. His strides are long, and I have to run to keep up with him. The added weight of the wings on my back, coupled with my injured ankle, I am falling behind. The Fae King is annoyed, but he does slow down. “What are you wearing?” He snaps at me. “Your wardrobe is hardly befitting of a Princess.” I roll my shoulders back. “I wear what makes me comfortable.” “Your mother will not approve,” he scoffs. “What about you?” I reply. “Do you not care how I look?” “You are the least of my concerns,” he grumbles. His lack of concern hurts. This man is my father, after all. Does he not care for me at all? He glances over his shoulder and rolls his eyes at me. “It is disrespectful to let your wings drag the ground.” “Oh,” I say, using muscles I didn’t know existed to lift them off the ground. “I don’t know anything about this realm. What should I call you?” “King Estes will do,” he replies, annoyed. I regret making m