Aurora’s POVI couldn't sleep a wink after my encounter with Lucien. My whole body felt numb, so I just lay on the cold floor.The sun shone directly into my eyes, but all I did was stay there, enjoying the warmth. It helped calm me.Now that the moon was gone, I could think straight, but that didn’t exactly make me feel better, because I realized I had hurt Nathalie badly. She deserved it anyway, but that didn’t mean it made me feel any better.Plus, Lucien had said a lot of hurtful things too, so we were even.I finally opened my eyes to look at the sky, and it was so beautiful—unlike my life."I'm so sorry, Lena," I muttered with a heavy heart as I cradled myself.My whole body was curled up into a ball as I lay there.The pattern of footsteps brought my consciousness to alert.It wasn’t just one person’s footsteps, and this piqued my curiosity.The door burst open, and I held my breath as three men entered the room. The only one I recognized was the man in the middle.I didn’t wan
Lucien’s POV"You've been staring at your meal for a long time. Aren't you going to have breakfast?" Arnaud asked with a frown.His posture was straight as he stood by my side. I noticed he’d been hovering more than usual. Even though I thought it was nothing, a part of me felt something was off.I placed the fork down as the food nearly made me gag. Food was the least of my problems at the moment.A lot was going on.I pushed my chair back, and it made a creaking sound as I stood up. The napkin I’d placed on my lap earlier was returned to the table."I've lost my appetite," I said with a frown.Arnaud was by my side as I strode out of the dining hall. The next thing on my mind was to go to my study, but I suddenly stopped in my tracks when I passed Aurora’s room.After the confrontation with Nathalie, I’d just gone to my room because I was too mad to do anything."Alpha, is everything alright?" His voice held a hint of concern.I sighed, remembering that Aurora was probably still loc
lucien povThe words made my jaw tighten with curiosity. It had been a while since we’d spoken, and after Aurora got entangled with the Elders, he suddenly wanted to talk. I knew exactly what he was going to say, and it made a frown form on my lips.With a grunt, I shook Arnaud off my arm. As far as I knew, he was a traitor. He had betrayed my trust, and the Moon Goddess knows if anything happened to Aurora, I wouldn’t spare him.He tried to hold on to me, but I was fast enough to avoid his touch again. It made my skin crawl in the worst possible way.“Alpha Lucien, please think about what you’re doing,” Arnaud’s voice came out in a plea that wasn’t exactly pleasing to my ears.“Tell me one good reason why I should listen to anything you say. Or maybe this is your plan—to stall me here so those old wolves can murder an innocent woman.” I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief.His gaze locked with mine, and then he exhaled.“You and I both know that’s not why you’re so agitated, so eag
Aurora's POVThe elder leaned closer, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He was relishing my pain as if it were his favorite snack. What a psychopath.A part of me wondered if the rest of the elders were like this.Well, they did want me dead, so I’d already gotten the answer I was looking for."Stop trying to fight it, because it will only make things worse. All you have to do is confess, and I will make it stop."My vision blurred so badly that I couldn't see anything. It was like I was in a trance.But the pounding from my head told me otherwise. It was like my head was splitting in half.The sweat was already seeping from my pores. The drumming sound bubbling from my chest made the veins on my head bulge out.It was like I could see my life force slowly leaving my body."Please stop. Please... I beg you," I gasped, my voice coming out in harsh breaths.No matter how much air I took in, it never seemed to be enough.I couldn't breathe.The elder noticed my eyes flickering, so he
Lucien's POVNo matter how hard I hit the brakes, the car wasn't going fast enough for the pace I needed, especially with how bad the traffic was today.Could it be that nature didn’t want me to save Aurora?My eyes darkened with anger. Screw nature—I’d save my mate, whatever the cost.My phone started buzzing, and I didn’t even bother to check who it was. I already knew it was my father. He’d been calling nonstop since I left the house. A part of me wanted to know why he was calling; it could be something important or something concerning the pack, but I didn’t care. She was more important right now.The pack could wait, but not Aurora.Unfortunately, my father had a knack for being persistent, and he didn’t stop. He just kept calling and calling.I closed my eyes and clicked my tongue. This old man was relentless and would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.Finally, I scooped the phone from the seat where I’d placed it and reluctantly answered the call.I held the phone a few in
Lucien’s POVArnaud, that traitor, I grumble inwardly. So he was working for my father after all. How could I not see that?"And what did your informant tell you?" I ask casually.My father leans back, adjusting his posture as his fingers meet in a prayer-mantis style."Hmm." He purses his lips together."He said a lot of things, but I need to hear them from my son first before I make my decision. The boy I raised knows how to make the right decisions, so I'm sure this is all probably just a misunderstanding." He grins, amusement shining in his eyes, but I find nothing funny.If there was anything this discussion made me feel, it was anger, though I didn’t let it show. It was best to keep things natural.The door opens, and one of my father's servants walks in. I notice a glimmer of happiness in his eyes.My brows arch as the servant places cups of tea in front of us.I have to admit that this was unexpected. Just as quickly as he entered, the servant disappears from sight, closing th
Aurora's POVMy knees were folded together as I clamped my hands over my legs, attempting to hold myself together.The aftermath of the session with the elder was still making my head ring. My whole body was still shaking from the side effects. What kind of gift will give some the liberty to torture others. I was yet to understand that part but who could question the judgement of the moon goddess. From time to time, my eyes darted over to the opening just up ahead. It was a small one, but it was enough for me to tell that the sun was slowly going down.Each passing second was a reminder that I might not live to see tomorrow.Even though I wanted to live so badly.I closed my eyes, tapping into my subconscious so I could talk to Lena. I didn’t just want to hear her — I wanted to see her.It was dark at first, but the moment I saw her, everything brightened.She was my safe space. I dropped down to her side and clamped my arms around my wolf. It felt good to be buried in the thickness
I kept my expression tight as I put on a brave face. Breaking was not an option at this point. They were not going to see me fall apart.My hands were clammy as I waited, my gaze flicking from side to side as I examined the people before me. Slowly, disappointment began to creep into my chest. A part of me was really hoping to see Lucien again. Since he wanted me dead, the least he could do was actually look me in the eyes as I met my end. But he wasn’t here? Now that I gave it some thought, ever since Arnaud brought me here, I hadn’t seen him.My resolve hardened as I narrowed my eyes, then dropped them to my hands bound with chains. My hands had never been delicate and soft like my sister’s, who was the true definition of a soft and feminine lady. Staring at what had become of me made me regret every choice I’d made that led to this moment.Life was governed by choices, and all my life I just happened to make the wrong ones... else I might not be in this condition.A loud creak from
Aurora’s POVThe rustic warmth of the cottage filled me as soon as I entered, but it didn't do much to calm the churning uneasiness in my gut. Even though there was a strong smell of wood smoke and herbs in the air, I still felt out of place. I glanced about the room, admiring the shabby furniture and the shelves brimming with odd jars and bottles.With her eyes crinkling at the corners, the old woman near the door was observing me with a gentle grin. I felt a knot tighten in my chest despite her friendly manner. I stepped back a little, now wondering what I had gotten myself into.With a voice like a comforting salve, she whispered softly. "You don't need to be afraid, dear." "You can trust me."I crossed my arms defensively and scoffed. "Trust? That's hilarious. I always get let down by the ones I trust."The woman's face changed a little, as though she realized how serious what I had spoken was. "My dear, life isn't always black or white. Finding the truth sometimes requires navi
Lucien’s POVAurora's eyes strayed to the papers scattered on the table as she completed her breakfast. The warmth of the morning sun fighting against the shadows of her past made it clear to me that she was still absorbing the changes taking place around her. Her protective manner, which she wore like armor, revealed her innocence. It evoked a deep-seated desire in me to shield her and lead her away from the shadows.As I looked at her and brushed a few hairs out of her face, I could feel the gentle hum of worry rising in my chest. "Is it truly required? However, I feel fine. She made an uncomfortable change. "Your body isn't strong enough to heal itself." It will take some time, but you will feel it. Or do you enjoy suffering? My voice was firm yet full of suspense as I inquired."No." She murmurs."Good."She nodded, but there was a trace of nervousness in her eyes. The metallic clinking of the keys on a hook by the door filled the silence as I reached for them.I tried to ligh
Aurora’s POVThe sun was peeking through my window and I could feel the warmth on my skin which made me twirl in my sleep. Even though I didn't want to admit it. It felt good to be... I would have said home but I knew it was only a matter of time before I'll leave. There was no reason to get too attached to the place But a part of me still hoped.I twirled my head in my pillow again and the softness wrapped around me unlike the cold dam prison cell. I stretched, feeling an ache in my limbs, but a good one, like my body was finally remembering comfort. It was a bit disorienting, to say the least, lying here, bathed in the gentle morning sunlight streaming through the window.There was no cold draft, no musty smell or scratchy mattress. Just clean sheets and the soft morning air. How quickly I'd forgotten what a bed truly felt like. A quiet sigh slipped from my lips as I relished in the warmth and the peace that, for one moment, felt real.But something or should I say someone caught
Lucien’s POVI stared at the document lying on my desk. It was an ugly thing, and it stood for responsibilities that would follow me to the ends of the earth. These were one of the responsibilities I had to carry along with me as the alpha of my pack. Some would say it was a wonderful thing. But I knew better. Caged with so many responsibilities that I wouldn't be able to think straight. Your ability to make personal decisions would disappear because no matter what you have to put the pack first before everything else. Even before your own feelings and emotions. Because of the recent drama my work load kept piling up, I clicked my tongue leaning forward. Each page I signed out of habit, almost unconsciously as if on autopilot, while my head was immersed in something entirely different, something more profound than weariness. After what felt like days, I let go of the pen and rubbed the space between my brows in an attempt to calm my thoughts – if only for a moment.And then I tur
Lucien’s POVAs I left her room, each step down the corridor kept getting heavier than the last. Her words ringing in my ears, cutting through my chest sharper than any blade. “You don't believe in me.” I shook my head in despair. Something had changed and I could feel it. If it was in the past I wasn't going to be bothered but now I am really worried. I was worried about how she was. The things she'd say. It was all getting too much but I was her mate. It was what was expected of me. As her mate, it was my obligation to protect her. It was my duty to stand by her. But now I was not exactly sure if I was sorely acting because of duty. My head was beginning to hurt from the too many thoughts that were probing at the back of my head. I blinked rapidly. Then slowly anger burned beneath my skin, twisting with a frustration I could not even name. She told me she didn’t trust me, and no matter how much I wanted to shrug it off I couldn't. I wanted her to look at me. To trust me but
Aurora's pov“You wanted to hurt her?” His voice was laced with an edge of misbelief. His gaze was filled with an expression I couldn't quite understand. It was filled with an intensity that pinned me in place. “Aurora, do you even understand what you are saying?”*I clenched my fists as I took a shaky breath. “I know exactly what I am saying. I was so mad and I wanted her to feel it. I wanted her to understand…So had to.”“To understand what?” he cut me off and his eyes flashed with disappointment. I didn't mind, even my own father thought I was a disappointment. “That you wanted to kill someone?”A bitter laugh ripped from my lips, surprising even myself. He shook his head with tight jaws, as he unconsciously pressed the ointment harder than necessary on my wrist causing me to bite down on my lip. The pain began to flare up in my chest. “It hurts,” I muttered through gritted teeth.“I'm Sorry,” he murmured as his grip relaxed. I could feel the frustration radiating off him.
Aurora's POVI curled up on the bed, moving away from him. Trust had always landed me in huge trouble, and I wasn’t going to be fooled like that again.Neither of us said anything as Lucien tucked his hands into his pockets."I’ll get the ice and ointment for your injuries," he muttered in a low tone."I’ll heal. I’m a werewolf," I hissed, looking away from him and hugging myself tighter.I expected him to leave, but he didn’t. Instead, he let out a frustrated sigh."Your healing might not kick in because your body is weak. We need to treat the wounds so they don’t get infected."I wanted to protest, but I just closed my mouth and buried my face between my knees.His footsteps faded with light thuds until I couldn’t hear them anymore.I lifted my head from my knees and felt relieved. At least he is gone now.His last question rang in my head, causing my shoulders to slump.Then my face twisted into a sinister frown.How could he ask me to trust him after what he did? After he chained
Lucien's POVAurora was really driving me insane with her behavior. I had just saved her life, but she didn't seem to care.I knew it wasn’t entirely her fault because of the lie Arnaud told her.She believed I was the one who handed her over in the first place. A lie that would have been cleared up if she’d just listened to me—but she didn’t. Today was clearly not a good day. It had been one hell of a day.The moment I parked in the garage, she unlocked the door and quickly slid out.She was treating me like the plague, avoiding me at all costs, and it was infuriating.I wasn’t used to this new development.A sigh escaped my lips as my hands lingered on the wheel. My gaze shifted over to where she was, and my heart grew heavier when I saw her struggling to walk properly.It broke my heart as I wondered what kind of torment those elders had put her through.I heard her wince in pain, and I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt, pushing the door wide open.She was pushing me to my limits.“A
Aurora's POV:After the chaotic scene at the council, I was genuinely surprised that they let me live. Especially after Nathalie's father was so adamant about having my head today. But thanks to Lucien, I was spared because no one could challenge the authority of an Alpha.My back rested carefully against the seat as I stole a glance at the man by my side. His expression no longer held the warmth, care, or concern it had earlier.His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, and he kept his eyes locked on the road. The air was filled with an awkward silence as neither of us attempted to start a conversation to break it.What could I possibly say?"Thanks for saving me after practically delivering me to the elders to meet my end"? There was no way I could say that to him.Even though he saved me, I was still mad at him.I wanted to feel grateful, but a part of me didn’t want to acknowledge what he did, because Lucien was unpredictable. He could be so many things all at once.Sometimes,