Seraphina I felt scattered, making it difficult to think clearly about the people I truly cared about. If there’s any chance to prevent this war, count me in. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to end it. I guess that’s why Alexander decided to send me across the globe, but the pain of being so far away from him is almost unbearable.I deeply regretted all the time I spent being angry with him, holding grudges, and even considering ending things. With Xandriel always looming, it felt like true happiness was just out of reach.I was constantly feeling sick, perhaps due to the relentless anxiety that had plagued me since Alexander brought me home. This wasn’t just ordinary sickness—it was a fear of losing everything and the deep pain that accompanies it. As I wrapped the plaid tightly around myself and contemplated my sense of desperation, the grounds of Alexander's estate seemed like the only sanctuary for solitary reflection. But the more I thought about the war, the more I doubted ou
Seraphina Alexander and I had been spending our nights together ever since the marking, but the thought of having a child had never even crossed my mind. “I’m sure he’d expect it to happen, but Xandriel did the same thing to you just a week before,” he said. I felt a twinge of unease at the comparison. Going from being a prisoner to Luna in my own life felt like something only fate could explain. I remember being pursued by Xandriel when I turned 18—it felt like the most thrilling thing in the world back then. I was surrounded by over fifty guys with wandering eyes in the place we called home. As more unfamiliar women began to fill the rooms, the sense of being overwhelmed only grew. I didn’t bother finding out much about them; it wasn’t really my concern. I’ll never forget my first visit to Xandriel’s house—the walls had cracks and the floorboards were covered in faded tapestries.I found myself in the dining hall, a space that had clearly seen its fair share of fancy dinners. I too
Seraphina As Xandriel hurried down the stairs, I stumbled over dirt and rocks, each step a painful struggle on the uneven ground. A couple of warriors and guardsmen followed closely behind, their presence a grim reminder that Xandriel's cruelty extended far beyond his own actions. When he grew tired of dealing with others, they were more than eager to step in and take charge.I was abruptly placed on a cold, unforgiving table, my wrists tightly bound above me. The metal's chill was a harsh shock against my skin, a stark contrast to the intense heat I’d felt moments earlier. Defeated, I surrendered to the situation, knowing that I would be living with the consequences of this moment for the rest of my life.Xandriel turned to his cruel doctor with a casual air. “Administer the siolachadh poison, but make sure the bana-bhuidseach stays alive,” he instructed, his tone devoid of empathy. I glanced to the side, watching my arms tremble uncontrollably. The line of men standing against the
Seraphina I used to believe that every inconvenience, whether it happened to me or someone else, was entirely my responsibility. “Hey, what’s the plan?” I asked, trying to mask my anxiety.“Don’t sweat it. I’ve got everything taken care of. Just get ready for the party,” Alaya said with a reassuring smile. “I’m sure Jeremiah is just as excited as you are!” I managed a faint grin, though my voice felt constricted, strained from holding back tears.The pain in my temples was relentless, pounding in sync with my racing heart. I wasn’t really in the mood for a party, but I knew I’d have to go along with it to please Alexander. I was exhausted from feeling scared and constantly bracing for the worst, but my body felt like it was holding me captive, unwilling to let go. Alaya gave me a friendly smile and a gentle pat on my shoulder before casually exiting through the door. I let out a shaky breath, leaning heavily against the wall for support.A pang of jealousy gnawed at me as I watched o
Seraphina The skirt had a cool, handmade look with intricate detailing. I didn't really deserve all those fancy things and special treatment. Who knows how much Alexander splurged on that. I plopped down on the bed, sighing as I gazed at it from across the room. I was nervous about the party and the unexpected information I had to keep from Alexander. "Why did I agree to this?" I muttered, fidgeting with the hem of my skirt. It felt like I was in way over my head, and the pressure was starting to get to me. I stood down the hall from the ballroom, trying to collect myself. It felt like I was stuck in the deep end of a pool with no shallow areas in sight. His pack seemed like a tight-knit group, and I had no idea how I'd fit in. I hadn't experienced their lifestyle—I usually just wore men's clothes or rags, never fancy dresses. "Deep breaths," I whispered to myself, clutching my hands together. "You can do this."Alaya helped me put on the dress, making sure I had the right underga
Seraphina "Alexander is like a cherished treasure to me, almost like a son," Darius continued, his tone softening slightly. "This business could really use his help. We'll stand by his side in this war to clear your names, and then he will be mine again. It's important to be cautious about letting other people get too close, or they could have a lot of power over Alexander. I'm not a fan of this relationship, just like Zen. Watch out, you're putting Alexander at risk. He doesn't have room for a Luna in his life."I tried to keep my expression neutral, but inside I was fuming. "Just who does he think he is, playing these games with people’s lives?" I thought, my mind racing with a mix of anger and concern."So, you came here to apologize, huh?" I clenched my teeth and pushed him in the chest, trying to create some distance. I could tell they were not good people, but his threats shocked me even more than when I first met him. "Seriously? Do you honestly think I'm not aware of that alr
SeraphinaI needed a break. I stepped onto a balcony, swinging open the French doors to let the refreshing night breeze cool me down. The sudden chill was a relief. Wow, I hadn’t realized how worked up I’d gotten in such a short time. These events just weren’t my thing. From here, I could see the lake, the shadowy treeline, and the garden wilting as the frosts arrived. When I first got here, all I wanted was to leave, but now I’d do anything to stick around."Hey, I’ve never seen a pretty face like yours around here before." A guy around the same age as Alexander approached me with a creepy grin. He was new to me—definitely not someone I’d seen at the football game. He casually swirled a glass of sparkling rosé champagne in his hand, the moonlight catching its glittering bubbles. "Hey, Bella?"I tensed, my hand gripping the railing as I turned to face him. The unsettling grin on his face made my skin crawl. …"Sorry, I'm not getting it." It was really annoying when Alexander's men, a
Seraphina"You're looking absolutely stunning, like seriously, wow!" His rough hand casually played with a strand of my hair, hoping for a reaction that he wouldn't receive. I shut my eyes, my mind pulling me back into the past, showing me a younger version of myself who would have obeyed this man without hesitation, fearing for my life. My heart pounded in my chest, and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the memories of my past, as if they were happening all over again."Hey, back off!" I growled through clenched teeth as he pressed himself against me, invading my personal space and even trying to search through my skirts with his hand. Panic surged through me, and I felt my hands ball into fists. "Dude, if this is a sneak peek of what life would be like in Greece, I'd rather just stick to defending myself here, on my own turf.""So, you're saying that no woman would want to be in my bed, except for you?" He held onto my chin firmly, and I couldn't help but retaliate by spitting
As Frederick closed in on Zion, his eyes burned with a fierce desire for revenge. The effects of the sickness still lingered, fueling his rage. “I’ll get you, you traitor!” Frederick roared, his voice echoing with anger.Zion, though fully aware of the gravity of the situation, fought not just for his own survival but for the peace they all desperately sought. “Anastasia only needs you, Frederick!” he pleaded. “Don’t let your anger destroy everything we’ve worked for!”Just as Frederick was about to strike, a voice cut through the chaos. “Hey, hold up!”Anastasia stepped between them, her eyes a mixture of sadness and resolve. “Frederick, come on!” she called out, her voice trembling with a blend of fear and determination. “We need to find another way.”But Frederick, driven by rage, didn’t even glance her way. His focus remained fixed on Zion, and he ignored her plea.Desperate to reach Frederick, Anastasia called out again. “Frederick, it’s me! It’s Anastasia!” Her voice was laced w
“She’s with Zion,” I said casually, watching his face change as fear and anger flashed across his features.“Who is Zion?” His confusion was clear, and I could see that talking about my sister was only making things worse. My hesitation to be completely honest had led us here, but I had to face the consequences.“Xandriel’s kid,” I explained. The fear in Frederick’s eyes was unmistakable. The gravity of the situation was sinking in.Frederick’s frustration flared again. “Are you serious?” he demanded, his voice rising. “Where are they?”“Hey, Frederick, let’s just hang tight,” I said, trying to calm him. “We’ve got a plan, and I’m confident it’s going to work. You’ve got to trust me on this one.” To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I believed myself, but Victor was our last hope. If this plan failed, it would be the end of the line.“I’m here to lend a hand and sort this out,” Frederick pleaded as I removed the final sensors from him, triggering the beeping monitors once more. Despite his
“You’re not feeling well,” I said nonchalantly, not even bothering to look at him. It was like fate had led us to this moment. It was wild to think we’d end up here, but it felt like it was meant to be.Frederick let out an exasperated sigh, clearly uncomfortable. “I’ve never been sick,” he said, sounding both frustrated and bewildered. The bed creaked as he shifted, and the sheets rustled around him.“Hey, there’s a first time for everything. Just chill,” I advised, watching as he struggled to sit up. To my surprise, he actually listened, though it was clear the pain was taking its toll. “You’re not the strongest, but that’s totally fine.”“I can’t be weak,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, as he noticed the IV tubes snaking into his arms. The sight of him, once a formidable Warrior, now so vulnerable, was unsettling.I was still angry as he said, “You would either be this way or dead.” The room fell into a heavy silence as he stared at me, his expression one of confusi
When Darius mentioned dinner plans, Zion grabbed my arm and pulled me away, his urgency almost making me forget we were pretending. As we walked down the hallway, Darius called out, “This party is going to be one for the books!” I clung to Zion, gripping his wrists for support. My mind raced, trying to take in my surroundings in case things went wrong. Zion guided me into a bedroom and closed the door behind us, marking the end of what felt like an interminable journey.“Hugo,” I breathed, my anxiety spiking as I turned to face Zion. Hugo seemed like a real threat to our plans. “Nah, Zion, I just can’t—I really can’t.”Darius’s voice was reassuring as he said, “I won’t let him lay a finger on you, Anastasia. You just have to trust me.” He mentioned a dinner with friends to celebrate Victor, just as Zion had said. “Just gotta get through dinner, and our armies will be here.”I shook my head slightly, grabbing Zion by the shirt. “Can’t stop him. He’s a force to be reckoned with.” Hugo
“Oh, it’s for Frederick,” I said casually. His name stumbled awkwardly off my tongue. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I wished we could just be together as we should be—he was the only one I truly loved. We started this journey together. When Frederick wakes up, I’ll be gone, and I have no clue how he’ll handle that.Zion’s curiosity piqued, “How do you do this? Despite everything that’s happened, you still think it’ll get better?” He seemed to have his own scars, a hint of betrayal in his voice.“One day, there’s gotta be a light in the dark,” I replied, trying to stay hopeful. “I didn’t come all this way just to stop now.”Zion placed his hand over mine on the middle console, a casual gesture but one that held a lot of weight. “You good to go? Can you trust me?”“Yeah, I don’t,” I admitted. Looking back, trusting him seemed like my only option. Tomorrow could be a game-changer for Frederick. It’s funny—never thought I’d be the one to take down Winona. Many had tried before me an
“I’ve got a couple of things to mention,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “My aunt Margo gets away with it. Frederick keeps his distance. I don’t want him anywhere near them.” I gave a nod to indicate that was settled.“Yeah, I agree,” Zion said, casually crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. “He won’t be waking up for a few days. Diego has enough power to keep him out for a while. Can we wrap this up?” His casual demeanor masked the gravity of the situation as I paced back and forth in front of Nereus, discussing our sneaky plan.“I can work as quickly as you need me to, sweetheart,” Zion assured, though the term of endearment stung. I felt a pang of guilt for going behind Frederick’s back while he lay unconscious, the weight of my actions heavy on my conscience. “This is our only chance. If we mess this up, we’re all going to end up six feet under on that Winona farm. This is our one shot, so we’d better not blow it.”“So, what’s the game plan?” I asked, trying to f
Curiosity nudged me as I trailed behind Diego and the others. “Do you think he’ll remember anything he did while the wolf was in control?” I asked casually, my voice barely above a whisper.“No way,” Jamie replied. That was the answer I’d hoped for. The thought that he wouldn’t remember my lies or the sting of the needle brought a small, bitter relief. Still, the guilt gnawed at me for causing him pain. Cassius stayed close, a quiet presence as we watched Frederick being carried down the hallway.“You did the right thing,” Cassius said softly, as if sensing my turmoil. But something felt off. The pain of betrayal cut deep, a raw ache I had never experienced before. The treachery felt like a knife twisting inside me.“I wish it didn’t hurt so much,” I whispered, trying to shove the painful memory aside. Suddenly, Nereus burst back up the stairs, blocking our path.“Hey, Anastasia, you might want to come downstairs,” Nereus said, his voice tinged with unease. I shot a look at Cassius, w
Eventually, footsteps roused me from my restless sleep, guiding me to the other side of the bedroom door. When Frederick walked in, I let out a sigh of relief. The deep concern I felt for him was overwhelming, and I could barely stand it."I swung by Diego's office first, but you weren’t there," Frederick said casually, loosening his tie. I closed my eyes, trying to ignore the nagging thought of that ring sitting untouched in the desk drawer."I'm feeling much better," I said, forcing a smile. If he’d been paying attention, he’d have seen through the lie."I noticed that," he remarked, unbuttoning his shirt with a relaxed air. I shifted restlessly on the bed, trying to play it cool and hoping he wouldn’t catch on."Where have you been?" Frederick chuckled as if it was the most ridiculous question. "I got a bit concerned when you weren’t around when I woke up.""I left Rollo to take care of you," I said, watching as he turned away. He placed his rings on the desk and reached for two ne
I tread carefully, trying to avoid rushing and risk encountering more trouble at the cellar stairs. The silence around me was eerie, and I kept my eyes sharp, scanning for any sign of danger. My mind flitted to the idea of calling my dad, but I hesitated. I didn’t want him dragged into this mess, fearing he might try to drag me back home. Maybe it was pride, or maybe it was the fear of his interference.Then there was Estelle. I thought about her growing up, reaching her prime, and hoped she’d never have to rely on her body like I had. It was comforting, though, to see her following in her father’s footsteps in her own way, even if it wasn’t ideal."Anastasia?" I heard Nereus’s faint voice. I picked up the pace, jogging towards the sound. As I rounded the corner, I saw the boys restrained in separate corners, but Nereus was the only one awake."Nereus?" I knelt beside him and quickly worked on untying the ropes burning his wrists. They smelled strongly of wolfsbane. "What did those pe