Jaselyn's POV
After the hearty family dinner, Rion and I retreated to our room, the rich, lingering aroma of the meal still in the air. Rion looked exhausted, the weight of his new responsibilities as Alpha clearly etched into his features.
As he began to unwind, I watched him with concern. “So, how did your first day go?” I asked, trying to mask my worry with a light tone.
Rion sank onto the edge of the bed, rubbing his temples. “It was a marathon. I had back-to-back meetings, strategic discussions, and a constant stream of problems to solve. There’s so much more to this role than I realized. I’m trying to keep everything in line, but it feels like I’m just barely keeping my head above water.”
I nodded empathetically. “I can imagine it’s a huge adjustment. I spent the day making sure everything was running smoothly here. With the news about the baby, there were a lot of arrangements and adjustme
TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter and the next, for better lack of words, are pretty dark. I won't spoil much just.... prepare yourselves.Jinu's POVI staggered into my room in the servant's quarters, every muscle in my body aching from the long day. The small space felt like a sanctuary as I shed my maid outfit, each piece of fabric falling to the floor with a soft thud. The prosthetic fingers I wore were removed with a careful touch and placed on the dresser. I let my hair down, the length of it cascading down my back. It had taken months to grow this long, and now it almost reached my waist.Standing before the mirror, completely naked, I ran a hand through my hair and took in my reflection. It pleased me how much I resembled Ziarre now. It was crucial if my greatest desire was ever going to come true. Every detail mattered, and looking like Ziarre was one step closer to achieving that goal.I moved to the bathroom, the coolness of the tile sending
Jinu's POVIt began on the day I killed Ziarre. The betrayal and rage that surged through me as I felt the cold steel of the thumb screw severing my fingers was both a punishment and an awakening.Each cut was excruciating, the blade slicing through flesh and bone with a precise brutality. The pain was immediate and overwhelming, an intense burn that radiated through my nerves. Rion’s face, contorted with fury and disdain, was the last thing I saw as I writhed in agony. His eyes, cold and merciless, bore into me as if to strip away every bit of humanity left within me.In the aftermath, the hatred I felt for Rion was all-consuming. It drove me to the brink of madness, turning every thought into a dark obsession. I envisioned scenarios where I could make him suffer as I had, where his pain mirrored my own. But the more I dwelled on these thoughts, the more I began to see a different kind of desire emerge from the hatred—a twisted, depraved
Jaselyn's POVWatching Jinu as he approached the dining table, I felt a swell of both hope and anxiety. Since Rion had finally agreed to let Jinu become part of our family, I had moved him from the servant's quarters to one of the main rooms in the palace, just three doors down from ours. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to me. Jinu had worked hard to better himself, and I wanted him to feel welcomed and accepted.Dinner had become something of a family tradition since my pregnancy was revealed. It was our time to come together, share our lives, and offer each other support. I looked forward to the day when Rion would finally let go of his anger and open his heart to Jinu. I truly believed they could become friends in time.As the maids arranged the plates and set out the silverware, I noticed Jinu approaching the table with a nervous air. He seemed somewhat out of place, and it reminded me of Ziarre. I understood his apprehension—he
Rion's POVI stormed away from the dinner table, my entire body thrumming with rage. The mere presence of Jinu was a poison to my system, his smug face and arrogant attitude making my blood boil. I hated that I had to sit next to the traitor, to endure his incessant attempts to rile me up. The feel of his hand on my thigh was like a brand, and the urge to snap his neck right then and there was almost unbearable. But I had promised Jas I would behave, and that promise weighed heavily on me now.As I made my way to our room, I could feel the disgust rising in my throat. The thought of Jinu touching me, even in such a minor way, was revolting. I needed to wash off the filth, to cleanse myself of his touch. Stripping off my clothes, I stepped into the shower and let the scalding water pour over me, hoping it would wash away the memories that were now flooding my mind.Ziarre's death replayed in my head like a broken record. Her frail body hooked up to machines
Rion's POVI signed off the last document of the day with a sigh of relief, feeling the weight of responsibility lift slightly from my shoulders. Handing it to Rafayel, I watched as he scanned it quickly, his eyes moving methodically over the lines of text. He gave a satisfied nod, signaling his approval."Thank you, Alpha," Rafayel said, looking up from the paper with a respectful gaze."You're welcome," I replied, glancing at the wall clock. It was just 3:15 PM. My thoughts drifted to Jaselyn, and a smile crept onto my face as I imagined her waiting for me, her presence a comforting and energizing thought. "I think I'll spend the rest of the day with Jas." I mumbled to myself, excitement building in my chest.Rafayel's voice interrupted my reverie, bringing me back to the present. "Alpha, Gamma Erik is training some new recruits. He'd like you to come and take a look, ensure everything meets your standards. We have a specific training regimen, and
Jaselyn’s POVFour months had passed since Rion and I found out about my pregnancy, and I was now twenty weeks along. The journey had been filled with more surprises than I could have ever imagined. One of the biggest surprises was Jinu. He had turned out to be an exceptional assistant. I noticed that he was so much like Ziarre in many ways. His attention to detail, his quiet yet attentive presence, and his dedication to ensuring everything ran smoothly were all reminiscent of Ziarre. We had become good friends, often spending hours talking about anything and everything. It was almost easy to forget that he was the boy who had killed Ziarre.But something felt...off. Jinu was always around, following me everywhere except at night when I joined Rion in our bedroom. His presence had become a constant in my daily routine, from morning meetings to afternoon strolls. He was often with us during the day too, and I had started noticing how Jinu looked at Rion. It wasn&r
Jinu's POVI couldn’t believe it. Twins. She’s having twins. The news burned inside me like a wildfire, searing through my insides, consuming me with an inferno of rage and jealousy. Every word I heard felt like my chest was being torn apart, the flames licking at my heart with every beat.I hate her happiness, every single smile that lights up her face, every laugh that escapes her lips. But more than that, I despise that she’s the reason for Rion’s joy. Every time I see his eyes light up when he looks at her, it feels like someone is driving a dagger deeper into my heart. The thought of them together, their happiness shared, makes my blood boil.For the past four months, being around her has been like breathing through a straw—suffocating, unbearable. Each day felt like I was drowning, gasping for air while being pulled under by the weight of my own hatred. I had to become her perfect aide, adopting Ziarre’s mann
Jinu's POVThe Peace Ball was in full swing, the Grand Hall filled to the brim with Pack members. Laughter and merriment echoed off the walls, creating a symphony of joy that reverberated through the opulent space. The Pack was dressed in their finest, an array of elegant dresses and sharp suits that glittered under the grand chandeliers.The air was thick with the mingling scents of expensive perfumes and colognes, an intoxicating blend that heightened the festive atmosphere. Jewels sparkled on wrists and necks, catching the light, and the shimmer of silks added a fluid grace to every movement.I watched from the shadows, my heart pounding with anticipation. Everything has been going perfectly with my plan so far. My eyes scanned the room, taking in the carefree smiles and the celebratory toasts, while my mind replayed the pivotal moments leading up to this point.Jaselyn, like the fool she was, had handed the drugged wine to Rion without a s