MikaTraveling in the cold was one of the worst parts of living in the middle of nowhere, but it was nothing compared to knowing your only brother and your closest family were in trouble because he was his usual good self. One would think that being a good person was guaranteed to grant someone a good life of goodness, but it was the complete opposite. We suffered for our kindness.But people like Celine made it worth it. A while ago, I didn't understand why Neil was willing to get killed to protect her. When he told me the story of Celine saving our youngest sister when she came to visit before we sent her to live far away, my heart suddenly went out to her.I knew she was a true soul and nothing like what everyone said about her. I lived with her for a while and I didn't see the vile murderer they spoke about. I hoped she was okay. I felt terrible for leaving a heavily pregnant woman on her own, but I knew she was safe.Neil would freak out when he heard. He cared deeply for Celine,
KaidenDamon was not around to help me, so a manservant helped me head up onto the roof, for the second round of the rituals. These past few fours made me realize how much I took being a wolf, an Alpha king, for granted. I hardly ever felt physical pain, but this was running me into the ground.I only hoped I was prepared for this next ritual. I did promise to do whatever it took to find her and I was ready to. Sheila was discussing with Mirena when I got there, and the minute she saw me, she rushed to my side, her gaze softening. “Aw Kaiden, you look extremely weak. After this, I would have to give you a hot water bath therapy.” she beamed.I studied her face, and her appearance, noticing something was different. I warmed up to seeing her. How did that happen? How did I feel comforted in her presence?She saw me study her face and her smile disappeared as she seemed to remember something.“Oh, if your mate allows that is. I may be your wife, but I know where we stand.”“Your Highnes
SheilaThe sight we were met with when we entered Neil’s dungeon was that brought a smile to my face.Mirena had told me her plan the moment she captured the bastard’s sister, but I had my doubts, making up my mind to pick the pieces if it didn't work.It worked perfectly. Neil was frozen as we got in, his eyes pinned on his sister, empty col,d and unshaken. Instead, he stood rigid, his jaw clenched so tightly I could see the muscles twitching beneath his skin.Good.Mirena walked forward, her smirk triumphant. She knew exactly what she was doing."Nothing to say, Neil?" she taunted, circling him like a predator. "No threats? No clever retorts?"Neil didn't move, but I saw the flicker in his eyes. Anger. Desperation.His sister was barely conscious, slumped against the chain, her breathing labored as she struggled to heal against the torture she went through protecting Celine. It was almost poetic. She and Kaiden going through the same pain for opposite reasons. Kaiden to find her, Mi
KaidenPain.It pulsed through my veins like a fire. Since the ritual was over, I was no longer bleeding, but since the wound cut way too deep, it was taking my already weak wolf forever to heal since I already used up all my energy level.To breathe hurt, to think hurt, to even exist hurt.But I refused to let my pain stop me from going to claim my bride and ripping Neil apart when I saw him.A loud groan left my lips as I struggled to transform into my wolf, hoping that would speed up the healing process. I gripped the sheets hard, tears falling onto the bedsheet as I dealt with blinding pain, and failing miserably. My wolf couldn't come out, and I was stuck on the bed like a pathetic little bitch.But I refused to allow Celine to see me like this. I had a lot of making up to do and I needed to be healed for that.Taking in a deep breath, I hoisted myself off the bed only for my legs to buckle beneath me.I caught myself on the nightstand, sharp gasps leaving my lips as another wave
CelineMy water broke. Pain.It ripped through me so suddenly, knocking away the oxygen in my lungs. A sharp gasp left my lips as I felt the warmth run down my legs, soaking my thin dress.My heart stopped. No. Not now. Not when I was still alone.I let out a shaky breath as I pressed a hand to my belly. The baby shifted as if sensing my fears. I clenched my jaw, blinking away the fresh batch of tears. I couldn’t afford to panic.I couldn't, because I was alone, and no one could help. I had to give birth to this baby, alone.“Okay, Celine. You can do this.” I encouraged myself as I whispered the words into the empty room, my voice trembling as I pressed a shaky hand against my belly. This time, I was unprepared as a contraction tore through me, sharper this time, and my knees buckled underneath me, causing me to fall with a cry.Tears burned my eyes. My body trembled.I was alone.Completely, utterly alone. And it was all my fault. I should have never let Neil sneak me out. But beca
Not now. Not when I was still so weak. Not when my baby had just entered this world.The door rattled again, and I hurriedly searched the whole room for the escape hatch. I can't believe he found me. But as much as I loved him, I couldn't let him take me.I committed treason twice, there was no way they wouldn't take Arienne away from me and I would rather hide for the rest of my life than let my little light go.“Open up this door in the name of the king!” The rattling continued but I hurried my actions as I placed Arienne on the floor beside me as I struggled to open the hatch despite the burning in my limbs.The door was beginning to give out, the locks giving out under the force of their kicks.The latch finally opened and I carried Arienne in my arms and crawled through the dark hole the latch led to. The gravel and sand dug into my knees and elbows as I struggled to crawl with a baby and indescribable pain, but I refused to be caught.But my face paled as I got to the end of the
KaidenThe minute I woke up, the pain was the first thing I felt. Was I not supposed to be healed now? Mirena was clear, after the ritual, I should be healed.But I pushed it away as I remembered. Celine. I had to know if they had found her.A groan left my lips as I tried to sit up, the pain making it almost impossible.“Kaiden.”I heard Sheila’s voice from the corner of the room, and for the first time since I woke, I checked my surroundings.I huffed as she walked towards me, and helped me into an upright position. “Help me up,” I commanded. “I have to see if my men are back.” Sheila hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. “You’re in no condition to–”“I don’t care,” I snapped, uninterested in her persistent badgering. “Help me up.”She sighed but reached for my arm, letting me lean on her as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. I held down a groan, my fingers gripping the sheets so tightly as the pain doubled.“You’re too stubborn for your good,” she muttered, adjusti
KaidenMirena stood before me, her eyes white as she cast the spell to confirm.She was taking too long. My patience was wearing thin. My wolf was bloodthirsty, its rage distracting me completely from the cuts on my chest.IIt's been fifteen minutes since Mirena started searching for her ‘Soul in the void’, and I was done waiting.“Fuck it, I am leaving.” I turned on my heel, my body tense, ready to shift if it meant reaching the cliffs faster.“Kaiden be patient, she's almost done-” Sheila started to go after me but a growl from me silenced her.“Do not forget your place, Sheila.” Sheila stiffened, her gaze falling to the floor. I started to leave but a gasp from Mirena had me freezing in my steps.“I cannot sense her, your highness.” Her solemn voice reached my ears, and in a split second, everything was a world away.I turned, my breathing paused, my heart hammering against my ribs. "What did you just say?" Mirena’s glowing eyes faded back to their natural color. "I have searched
Kaiden “What are you looking for, Lina?” I asked the minute she stepped into the room. She froze, her eyes wide, almost as if she was a deer caught in the headlights, which in this case she was.The minute I stepped into the room I noticed the chest I placed in a strategic position had been moved, confirming my theory. Lina was looking for something, and I had to know what it was.“W- what?” She stammered, before clearing her throat, “I’m not looking for anything your highness.” She lied through her teeth.My jaw clenched as I looked out the window. I was beginning to finally see the good in someone and then it had to be a spy. Another liar. And after what I’ve been through, I hate lies. Pushing down my frustration, I turned to her. She was in her usual maid uniform, the floral skirt and the damn mask, but I was done with all the anonymity of her whole existence. She was apparently not to be underestimated. “What if I find out you are looking for something?” I met her gaze. “Wha
Celine“Kaiden wait.” An alpha called out and my heart jumped out in shock as i felt their presence just feet away from me.I knew Kaiden was headed to breakfast with the alphas. And the minute i heard, i snuck bak into his roo to search the whole place carefully. But i realized it was a waste o time, and i was going to have a better shot finidng whereever the key ma be from the meeting they were having, so i hid behind some flowers in the garden close to the dining room to listen.But all i could see were egotistic alphas that only craved power. But as Kiaden tood up abruptly and left before i could run away, i just had to hold my breath aand hope he doesnt find me.Last night was strange… After Kaiden slept off, his hand in mine, all i could think off was or conversation. Kaiden thought i was dead. Yes i knew the possibility of them thinking i was dead was high since i disappeared out of nowhere was high, but i thought since Sheila was in power, he wouldnt care if i was dead or not.
Chapter 118Kaiden “You should have killed that bastard Orion once and for all, King Kaiden!” Van protested the minute he and the other Alphas under my kingdom stepped into the dining room to see me and discuss the next competition.There was a day interval between each competition for instances like my injured waist to heal before another tsking competition. However, thanks to Lina's wound-treating skills, I was healed the minute I woke up this morning. I appreciated it because it was a sign of weakness to be injured as the king, and these Alphas were ready at any minute to take up my post and to show they are superior to me the minte they see me down.Lina. The maid I could not seem to figure out. Her similarities to Celine were overwhelming, but I did not want to dwell on them for too long. It seems that I was just missing Celine, and it would be wrong to move on with someone who only reminds me of her, and not someone I care about for herself. So pushed her away to the back of
CelineKaiden did not wait a second more as he was escorted out of the arena, but I noticed the pain in his gaze as he struggled to keep moving forward. He was limping on his right side, blood dripping from his knuckles, the wound on his side gaping, soaking through the fabric of his shirt.The Alphas and the healers rushed to his side to help him, but he shrugged them off and did not allow anyone to help him. “He's hurt, and he's not letting anyone help him,” Tasha whispered beside me.The noise of the arena roared in my ears as I watched him disappear through the corner of his room. Without thinking, I pushed the bodies away and followed him.I know I came here on a mission; I know he's not supposed to know anything about me till I succeed in that mission, but I had to make sure he was okay. The hallway was empty when i got there, and the guards in front of Kaiden’s room stopped me from entering, his eyes stern as he looked down at me. “The king said not to let anyone in.”“What
CelineKaiden did not wait a second more as he was escorted out of the arena, but I noticed the pain in his gaze as he struggled to keep moving forward. He was limping on his right side, blood dripping from his knuckles, the wound on his side gaping, soaking through the fabric of his shirt.The Alphas and the healers rushed to his side to help him, but he shrugged them off and did not allow anyone to help him. “He's hurt, and he's not letting anyone help him,” Tasha whispered beside me.The noise of the arena roared in my ears as I watched him disappear through the corner of his room. Without thinking, I pushed the bodies away and followed him.I know I came here on a mission; I know he's not supposed to know anything about me till I succeed in that mission, but I had to make sure he was okay. The hallway was empty when i got there, and the guards in front of Kaiden’s room stopped me from entering, his eyes stern as he looked down at me. “The king said not to let anyone in.”“What?
I shot to my feet. My whole body trembled. “Stop—” Tasha glanced at me in shock, before grabbed my wrist, stopping me. “Thought you were immune to his charms but see you at the edge of your seat.” She smirked at me.“I just hate when people cheat that’s all.” “He’ll be fine.” But even she sounded unsure. My heart pounded painfully against my ribs. Kaiden staggered, his breaths ragged. I could see the pain in the way he held himself, in the stiffness of his movements. But he didn’t fall. He didn’t stop. Kaiden lifted his head, his dark gaze locking onto Orion like a wolf who had just chosen his prey. A slow shiver ran down my spine. Orion charged again. This time, Kaiden let him, not doing anything to avoid the attack, making me nervous for what he planned. At the last second, Kaiden twisted, grabbed Orion by the scruff of his neck, and threw him straight into Darius. The two wolves crashed to the ground in a heap of limbs. The arena exploded into cheers, but I barely he
CelineThe first competition was The Grand Hunt, the first brutal test of skill and survival.The rules were simple:Hunt down the marked beast before anyone else.Avoid the hidden traps scattered throughout the forest.Outrun, outfight, or outsmart rival competitors trying to take you down.The first to bring the beast’s head to the podium wins.Sounds easy? It’s not. The beast wasn’t just any animal, it was enhanced with magic, making it faster, stronger, and deadlier. The forest itself was enchanted, filled with tricks to throw hunters off course.This wasn’t just about strength. It was about instincts, strategy, and knowing exactly when to attack, or when to hide.Each team of Alphas led by the king were to enter into the forest through three individual entrances, and they were allowed to arm each other, but none of them were allowed to kill.Kaiden stood in front of his Alphas, some changed into wolves, and some in human forms, just like the other kingdoms. Kaiden’s kingdom was
CelineThe next morning, i was up and serving Kaiden as soon as possible. The hunting competitin was starting today and it was his first, his brother being the one who used to attend before. I knew this because Anya and i used to be close, before Sheila happened.I knew he might be nervous. He was silent when i entered, and hours after i prepared him for today, so i thought of lifting his spirits with a tea.“Here, your highness,” I said, placing the steaming hot cup of tea on his desk. “This should help you with your tasks for today.”He barely glanced at the cup, focusing on the documents in his hands. “I did not ask for tea.”I almost rolled my eyes, but I stopped myself. “Yes, I just felt it should help. You seem a bit tense, and I thought you might need it.”He turned his attention to the cup, then to me, his eyes searching mine.“Thank you. Seems we have a caring one here.” He said, a ghost of a smile on his lips.I chuckled nervously, sliding my hair out of my face. “No, it's j
Celine“Ugh, I heard some maid got to be the King’s maid even before the darn list came out! And it’s the hot one, not the other married ones.”The room was in a frenzy as soon as that was said, and I groaned, changing into our evening uniform.The list was out, and almost all the girls hated that they were not assigned to the king and were actively hunting for the girl who was the maid. I hated to admit it, but a part of me was overjoyed that no other maid had been assigned to Kaiden. They were ready to take advantage of the fact that he came without a Luna, and that did not sit well with me.Where was Sheila anyway?And why did Kaiden request I be his maid? Was he suspecting me? Of course he was; he caught me eavesdropping on their important meeting. I just had to make sure I stayed out his way, and found the key before anything. I had to be extra careful with my identity. I could not risk anything coming between me getting my mother back.But how do I handle myself being in the s