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
Chapter 64SheilaKaiden going rabid was not in my deck of cards, but that was not my worry. I did not even care for that, as I fought to contain my joy.But I couldn't show it right now, not when everyone was here, trying to make sure I was okay and safe.“The king has gone mad with grief.” Lord Vaughn sighed as he ran a hand on his face. “We cannot hide this from the whole kingdom. They already knew Something was going on with the guards rushing to and fro the past few days. They will start to ask questions and–”“Is that all you care about? The King’s reputation? He lost his mate and heir and the first thing you mention is that crap?” Damon interrupted Lord Vaughn, his eyes blazing with anger.Lord Vaughn’s face reddened. “No, not at all, Beta. What I am trying to say is–”“No one gives a shit what you want to say or what you feel you mean. I do not want to hear any reputation shit from you or any other council member until the king is fine. Tell the kingdom whatever you want to te
SheilaI wished I could save the memory of the blood on his face draining so I could watch it on a loop."You’re lying," he ground out, his voice scratchy and filled with hatred. "You always lie."A chuckle left my lips as I watched him desperately try to act like he wasn't scared that I was telling the truth."Oh, but this time, I'm not," I cooed, my fingers lightly trailing over the cold iron bars separating us. "Ask anyone. She’s gone. Kaiden lost his mate and heir in one fell swoop. " I let my smirk widen. "You should know, Neil, I always win."Neil stiffened, his eyes widening as he realized I was not lying. He stood to his feet and rushed towards me, his eyes blazing with anger.“You are lying. No, I mean no one, is that evil!” he yelled, pulling violently on his chain. “You deserve to die!” Mirena stepped forward, stretching out her hand to push me behind her to protect me, and her other hand outstretched.“I could cause you unimaginable pain if you do not step back this insta
[pChapter 66KaidenI didn't know how long I spent at the edge of the cliff, frozen and cold, unsure how to survive after everything I had lost. It was almost pointless to live when everything worth living for was gone. I lost count of the number of hours I spent at the edge, numb and unfeeling, staring into the abyss below, imagining how it must have felt in their final moments.A child born into this world just to be painfully taken away from it. I just knew she did everything to protect him. I wish she didn't run… I wish she didn't back me into a corner with the circumstances of Anya’s death, never fully telling me the truth.I wish she trusted me.No, I would never know what happened to Anya, or why she refused to admit she killed her, or how she killed her without a weapon. I wished I knew why doubted Celine could murder Anya. I wish I was more careful. If I was, my mate wouldn't have been taken from under my very nose. I always let everyone down, and I hated myself for that. I
Celine A gasp left my lips as I jolted awake, scrambling up from the bed I lay on in shock. I took in oxygen greedily, my throat scratchy from the dryness. My heart pounded wildly against my ribs, my body trembling from something I couldn’t yet understand.Where was I? I couldn't recognize the room I lay in. It looked like a room in the palace, but far nicer.My eyes widened as the realization set in that I was in a strange place, the last thing in my memory being the Dark soldier saving us, then opening a porta beneath my feet, and then.. a wild gasp left my lips as I shot up to my feet.My Arienne was no longer in my arms. Panic bloomed wildly in my chest I scored the whole room, my body trembling.“My baby. Someone took my baby!” I cried as I ran to the door, but before I could yank it open, it opened from outside and three women in uniform entered, their eyes wide with shock, and Arienne in one of their arms.“Your Highness! We didn't know you would wake up so early–” I didn't
Chapter 68CelineBridgette and Evelyn led me toward a private door to a bathing chamber, the air inside filled with the scent of lavender and honey. A grand bathtub stood at the center, steam rising from the water in iit It was the most luxurious thing I’d ever seen, the tub plated with gold and marked with markings.“You don’t have to worry, my lady,” Evelyn placed an assuring hand on me, as she sensed my hesitation. “The water here does not burn. It soothes, restores, and replenishes your strength.”I swallowed and nodded, stepping forward. As if they had rehearsed it a thousand times, Bridgette and Penny helped me remove the tattered remains of my dress, their hands gentle and soft I was too exhausted to feel embarrassment. Instead, I focused on the warmth that seeped into my bones when I sank into the water.For the first time in what felt like years, I let myself breathe. No running. No suffering… Just peace.I felt Evelyn put fragrant oils into my hair, her touch so careful it
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
KaidenThe minute I saw the island, I knew Damon would do anything to be here right now.Luckily for the maids, I did not bring my pig of a beta.The maids were all lined up, and they bowed as I was led into the Castle meeting room. The head maid walked up to me and gave me a bow. “Your highness.” She batted her eyelashes suggestively at me. “Well come.”My gaze schemed over her as the Alphas arrived one by one. I took a seat at the head of the long table, leaning back as the room filled with voices and footsteps. The Alphas greeted each other, exchanging nods and brief handshakes before settling in.Alpha Van sat to my right, his sharp gaze scanning the room. “Let’s get this over with,” he muttered. “We all know why we’re here.”Damon had briefed me on every Alpha and what the Alpha Competition was a front for. The competition held, yes, the prisoners were just as important, but not to us. It was a bigger story entirely, our only job being to hold the key.He also told me the brief o
CelineShould I reveal myself to Kaiden?No. What if he still held a grudge against me for Anya’s death? I touched the ring in my pocket. Would a simple ring convince him or change his mind?A sigh left my lips as Tasha and the other maids chatted as the other Alphas arrived.“I want to serve the king. Maybe he would like me to give him a massage or something.” The maid next to Tasha muttered, and my gaze snapped to her. I didn't want to say anything, but jealousy brewed within me. Tasha chuckled. “He seems so strict. We would have to wait till they were done with their meeting before knowing who we were assigned to. I also would love to show him what I can—”I shut her off, not wanting to hear the rest of that sentence. A meeting. If I could get close enough, I may be able to hear just what they may be talking about, and if there would be a hint to help me with this mission.”The minute all the Alphas stepped into the castle, I knew I had to leave the line of maids to find out more
CelineZeke did not come to see me off. It did not matter because I knew he was going to be listening so he could know when I am in danger.A part of me wished we did not have to leave things the way they were, but Deep down, I knew I was making the right decision. He would always have a space in my heart, but he could not take Kaiden’s space.“Please be careful, Celine.” Father hugged me. “ Are you sure about this? That place... It’s not just dangerous, Celine. It’s a nightmare. There’s a reason no one comes back from there.""I don’t care," I said, my voice unwavering. "She’s my mother. If she’s still alive, then I have to go. I won’t abandon her."He let out a sigh. “If you are in danger, don't forget your training. And call out to Zeke. Hee would answer.”“I would,” I said, holding the strap of my bag tight as I turned to Evelyn, Bridgette, and Penny, who carried Arienna in her arms.“My baby girl.” I cooed at my innocent baby who had no idea I was leaving and she was not going
KaidenI stared at the invitation in my hand. The quadrennial Alpha Hunting Competition, an event that was held every four years, one I had never attended, was starting today, and I was meant to participate, having never gone before. My brother went when he was Alpha, but ever since he died, it did not feel right to take his place.But I had to; I was King, and it was part of it. And to quote Damon, “quit being such an emo, and step out the palace for once.”Ever since we caught Sheila and Neil said the things he had said to me, it was hard to forgive myself for all the destruction to my life, that was all my fault. But I was done sulking. The divorce with Sheila was finalized, and the kingdom accepted the apology I gave tem. The pack was being rebuilt again and the first time in five years, things felt good again in the kingdom.Celine would want me to live again. And this competition seemed like the best way to do so.It sure would be fun to kick the ass of other kings and Alphas,
Zeke’s words caused me to freeze as I stared at him. “What? Pathetic?”"You’re just making excuses because you’re scared to choose me." Zeke’s eyes were filled with pity as he looked at me as if I was a weak, wounded animal."He begged for your love, and you think that means he loved you? No, Celine. He begged because he hated the idea of losing. That’s all you’ve ever been to him. A prize he didn’t want anyone else to have." He took my hand in his. “Let me love you so I can show you what love truly is. Let me, Celine. Does it have to be Kaiden?”I stared at him through tears as he asked me the question I had asked myself every night since I found out I had feelings for Zeke.Why not him? Why not Zeke, who made me believe I could be stronger? Why not Zeke, who protected me? Why not Zeke, who made me reach my full potential?Why not Zeke, who wanted to be with me and who had a space in my heart?I opened my mouth, but no words came. My heart clenched as I looked at him. His eyes were p