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
Lucien’s POVThe door was sealed shut, and I had no idea how to open it. I didn’t have the keys.My first instinct would be to smash the door into pieces, but because of the wolf’s bane my father gave me, I was out of strength.No matter how many times I jiggled the lock, it wouldn’t open.My legs began to tremble as I fought to keep my balance. The whole room started to spin as my pupils dilated.The sharpness of the pain closed in on me, causing my chest to feel tight.It was happening again. The more I fought the urge to gag, the more it increased.My knees buckled, and they dropped to the ground as ragged breaths escaped from my lips.My palms pressed against the cold floor, a cool sensation spreading through my hands. At least that part of my body felt cold, unlike the rest of me, which felt as though it were on fire.“Urgh!” I groaned, squeezing my eyes shut.A ragged breath left me, and a roar ripped from my chest.I wasn’t supposed to fight it, but I couldn’t just lay there, k
Lucien entered the room quietly, the soft sound of Aurora’s muffled sobs piercing his heart. She sat curled up in the corner of the bed, her hands clutching a pillow tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. The sight of her like this made his chest tighten. He approached slowly, kneeling down beside her.“Aurora,” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Why are you still crying?”She looked up at him, her red-rimmed eyes filled with guilt. “I just... I feel awful,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “I banished my sister, Lucien. My own flesh and blood. I didn’t want to do it, but I had no choice. I feel like I failed her.”Lucien sat down beside her, pulling her gently into his arms. “You didn’t fail anyone,” he said firmly, his tone soothing but resolute. “What you did wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Sometimes, the right choice feels like the hardest one to make.”Aurora leaned into his chest, letting his warmth and strength comfort her. “I just wish things wer
Aurora walked out of the dungeon, the cold, damp air clinging to her like a second skin. Her steps were heavy, her emotions even heavier. As she stepped into the hallway, she was startled to see Lucien waiting for her. The moment their eyes met, his expression softened.“You didn’t need to come here,” Aurora said, her voice trembling as she quickly wiped at her damp cheeks. “I could handle it on my own.”Lucien straightened, his amber eyes filled with a quiet intensity. “I know,” he replied, his voice low and steady. “You’re the strongest person I know, Aurora. But even the strongest people need support at times.”The words pierced through the emotional wall she had tried to build around herself. Without a second thought, she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. His arms enveloped her, firm and reassuring.“I don’t know what to do,” Aurora whispered, her voice muffled against his chest.Lucien rested his chin on her head, his voice a
Author’s POVThe cold air of the dungeon wrapped around Aurora as she descended the stone steps, her heels clicking against the hard surface. A guard followed close behind her, silent but watchful. When they reached her father’s cell, she turned to him and waved her hand dismissively.“You can leave now. I’ll handle this,” she said.The guard hesitated, his eyes scanning her for a moment. “Are you sure, Luna?”“I said I’ll handle it,” she replied firmly, not sparing him another glance.With a curt nod, the guard retreated up the stairs, his footsteps echoing faintly until the heavy door at the top creaked shut.She turned back to face the man sitting on the cold stone floor behind the iron bars. Mr. Luke, her foster father, looked up as she approached. His once-commanding demeanor was now replaced with weariness. He managed a faint smile.“You look well,” he said, his voice hoarse.Aurora remained silent, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She stood there, unmoving, her expressi
Aurora’s POVI pushed open the heavy door to Lucien’s office, stepping inside with a teasing smile. He was seated at his desk, scribbling something onto a parchment. The sight of him so focused, his brow furrowed slightly, sent a warm feeling through me. I cleared my throat dramatically.“I heard I’ve been summoned by the almighty Alpha,” I said with a playful tone.Lucien looked up, a grin spreading across his face. “Indeed, Luna. You’ve been called for a matter of utmost importance.” He chuckled. “Please do sit.”I rolled my eyes and leaned against the doorframe. “Oh? And what could be so important that you needed to summon me?”I was genuinely curious to know why he sent for me at the house, he could have waited till he returned home tonight, or was he missing me a lot?Silly me! I have been emotional a lot these days and I have no idea why.He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “The dungeon guard informed me that your father—Luke—has requested to see you. Apparently, he
Aurora pushed open the door to the packhouse and stepped inside. The scent of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, but it did little to calm her nerves. She didn’t make it more than a few steps before Lucien appeared from the hallway, his expression dark.“Where have you been?” Lucian demanded, his voice low but sharp. “I’ve been searching for you everywhere.” he sounded pissed and that made her wonder if something happened.Aurora stopped in her tracks, knowing she had to tread carefully. “I was following a lead on the recent threats we have received,” she admitted. “Something I thought might help us.”Lucien crossed the space between them quickly, his towering presence both comforting and intimidating. “A lead? And you didn’t think to tell me? Do you know how dangerous it is out there right now?”“I can handle myself, Lucien,” she said firmly, meeting his gaze. “I’m not some helpless damsel. I’m a Lycan.”He huffed, running a hand through his dark hair. “You’re also my mate,
The weight of leadership was beginning to settle heavily on both Lucien and Aurora. Their days were filled with council meetings, decisions about the kingdom's future, and ensuring the pack's stability. Yet, an undercurrent of tension had started to ripple through the land.Lucien stood on the balcony of the castle, his sharp gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The murmurs of unrest in a neighboring pack had reached him earlier that morning, carried by a trusted scout.“Rogue wolves,” he muttered under his breath. The thought of enemies circling when his kingdom was still finding its footing made his jaw tighten. His wolf, Kol, stirred within him, growling softly in agreement.“You look like you’re preparing for battle,” Aurora’s voice came from behind him, soft but laced with determination.He turned to face her. She looked regal yet approachable in her simple gown, her Lycan features making her seem otherworldly under the golden light. “I might be,” he admitted. “There’s unrest brewi
The air buzzed with anticipation as the pack gathered in the grand courtyard of the palace. Wolves from allied packs had also traveled far and wide to witness this historic moment—the crowning of Alpha Lucien and his Luna, Aurora.Lucien stood tall at the center of the platform, dressed in ceremonial black and gold robes that accentuated his commanding presence. His piercing eyes scanned the crowd, landing briefly on Aurora, who was approaching the platform with a grace that made his heart swell. She wore a flowing gown of deep emerald green, her head held high as the elders escorted her to his side.Elder Doran raised his staff, signaling for silence. The murmur of the crowd ceased instantly, and all eyes turned toward the Alpha and his mate."Today," Elder Doran began, his voice strong and reverberating through the air, "we witness the dawn of a new era. The leadership of this pack passes to a new Alpha King, a leader who has proven his strength, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to
The great hall of the council chamber buzzed with tension as the elders assembled. The air was heavy with the weight of their decision, one that would shape the future of the pack. The King’s failing health had left them no choice but to convene, and the murmur of voices echoed off the stone walls as they deliberated.Elder Doran, the oldest and most respected among them, struck his staff against the ground to call for order. “Brothers and sisters, we gather today at a critical juncture. The King’s health has declined beyond recovery, and our pack cannot endure this uncertainty any longer.”The room fell silent. Each elder exchanged solemn glances, understanding the gravity of the moment.“We must act,” Elder Nalia said firmly. “The Alpha King has served us well, but his time has passed. The pack requires stability, strength, and leadership.”Elder Doran nodded. “It is clear that Lucien, as the rightful heir, must ascend to the throne. His leadership has been tested, and he has proven
Author’s POVThe royal chambers were cloaked in an uneasy silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of fabric as maids moved quietly about their tasks. The once-mighty Alpha King lay on his grand, ornately carved bed, his once-proud features now gaunt and pale. The trial and the truth it had unearthed had taken a toll far beyond what anyone had anticipated. The air in the room was heavy with the mingling scents of herbal remedies and despair.The royal physicians gathered near the door, speaking in hushed tones. Their faces bore the same somber expression—a silent acknowledgment of the inevitable. One of them, an elderly man with graying hair and deep-set eyes, stepped forward to address the council members waiting outside the chamber.“The King’s condition is grave,” he began, his voice steady but laced with sadness. “His heart and spirit have been deeply wounded. The mental and emotional strain has weakened him beyond recovery. I’m afraid… there is little we can do.”The words