Lucien’s POVThe air was thick with tension as I walked into the palace, my men flanking me on either side, dragging Rhea and her father along. My father sat on his throne, his imposing figure framed by the high-backed chair. His sharp eyes immediately snapped to me, narrowing as he took in the scene before him.“What is the meaning of this?” my father demanded, sitting up straighter, his voice echoing across the chamber. His gaze moved to Rhea, then to Mr. Luke, his confusion evident.“This, Father,” I began, my voice cold, “is the truth unfolding before your very eyes.”He frowned. “The truth? What are you talking about, Lucien? And one whose orders did you arrest a noble man, my friend!”Of course, I had expected him to pretend to know nothing, but there was no getting out of this, not even for him.“Your friend of course, I always wondered why you two seemed so close and why I was never told anything about the details of Mael’s wedding to Aurora, but now everything is clear to me,
Author’s POVThe council chamber was steeped in a tense silence as Alpha Lucien stood before the elders, his authoritative presence commanding their attention. The room was lined with somber faces, each elder leaning forward slightly, waiting for his words.Lucien cleared his throat, his voice steady and filled with conviction. “Weeks ago, I stood before this council and requested time to prove my mate’s innocence. Aurora was accused of crimes she did not commit. Today, I bring forth evidence that not only clears her name but exposes the web of deceit that has plagued us all.”The elders exchanged cautious glances as murmurs filled the room. “And what evidence do you have, Alpha Lucien?” one of the elders asked.Lucien turned, motioning for his men to step forward. They brought Rhea into the chamber, her head lowered but her expression defiant. Gasps filled the air as the elders recognized the young woman who was supposed to be dead.“This is Rhea,” Lucien declared, his voice ringing
Crew stood in the center of the room his face pale and lined with guilt. All eyes were on him, waiting for the confession that would either condemn Aurora or exonerate her.Crew hesitated, swallowing hard as if gathering the courage to speak. His voice, when it finally came, was soft but clear. “Aurora didn’t kill Alpha Mael. She’s innocent.”The council chamber erupted into murmurs. Aurora’s breath hitched, and her eyes widened in disbelief. Lucien took a step forward, his sharp gaze fixed on Crew, silently urging him to continue.“I was part of it,” Crew admitted, his hands trembling as he glanced at Mr. Luke, who glared at him with venom. “I was part of Mr. Luke’s plan to seize power. I didn’t know how far it would go, but I stayed quiet when things spiraled out of control.”“Explain yourself!” one elder demanded, his voice firm.Crew nodded, his shoulders slumping as if a great weight pressed down on him. “When the King came to ask for Aurora’s hand in marriage for his son Mael, M
Aurora’s POVYou would think I would take a day to have a good rest after I had just been acquitted of such voluminous charges, but no, I had matters of reconciliation and appreciation to attend to.I found Crew in the far wing of the house; my father’s house, tossing clothes into a weathered duffel bag. The room was sparse, with only a small bed and a single chair pushed into a corner. He looked up when I entered, his expression a mixture of surprise and wariness.“Aurora?” His voice cracked slightly, as though he hadn’t expected to see me. “What are you doing here? Don't worry, I will leave in a few minutes” he said quickly, wearing a sorry face.I stepped into the room, my hands clasped in front of me. “I wanted to talk to you before you left.”He blinked, then gave a bitter laugh. “Didn’t think you’d want anything to do with me after everything I did.”I stood firm, meeting his gaze. “That’s exactly why I came. I need to say thank you.”He froze, the shirt he was holding slipping
I adjusted the placement of the silverware one last time and nodded to myself, satisfied. Tonight had to be perfect for Aurora. I Planned to take the next step with her today“Alpha,” Aria’s voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see her standing at the doorway, her expression uneasy.“What is it?” I asked, straightening my posture.“You have a guest,” she replied hesitantly. “Miss Nathalie.”I froze. I hadn’t spoken to Nathalie since Aurora’s name was cleared and the truth about Rhea and her father was revealed. Part of me had hoped I wouldn’t have to.“Where is she?” I asked after a moment.“In the study,” Aria said softly.I sighed and adjusted the cuffs of my shirt. “Thank you, Aria. You may go.”As Aria left, I steeled myself and walked to the study. When I entered, Nathalie was standing by the window, her back to me. She was as poised as ever, but there was an unmistakable tension in her stance.“Nathalie,” I greeted, keeping my tone neutral. “I wasn’t expecting you.”She tu
Aurora’s POVFireflies danced in the cool night air, their light flickering like stars that had descended to the earth.I stood in awe, taking in the sight before me. A small clearing had been transformed into a magical dining area. A low wooden table, surrounded by plush cushions, was set with delicate silverware and a feast that looked straight out of a fairytale. The faint scent of wildflowers and pine lingered in the air.“Lucien…” I whispered, unable to believe he had done all this.He stepped closer, his warm smile illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns hanging from the branches. “Do you like it?” he asked, his voice low and tender.I turned to face him, my heart swelling. “It’s beautiful. I don’t even know what to say.”“Just say you’ll stay,” he replied, taking my hand and guiding me to one of the cushions. “Tonight is about us.”I sat down, watching as he poured wine into crystal glasses. There was something different about him tonight, a vulnerability in his eyes that I ha
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
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
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