ATTICUSAs I stood there, my heart pounded in my chest, and every nerve in my body ignited with an overwhelming hunger.The gown fell away, cascading to the floor in a pool, revealing her naked back—smooth and flawless. My breath hitched as she turned to face me, her eyes a mixture of lust and challenge. The curve of her hips drew my gaze downward, the soft contours of her body, the hairless valley between her flawless legs igniting a fire inside me that I have been fighting so hard to contain for the past two weeks.I couldn’t help but take in every detail of her body that begged to be touched; the way her waist tapered into an enticing curve, the gentle swell of her breasts and obvious hardness of her nipples, the delicate line of her collarbone. I was mesmerised by the sight before me, the way her body seemed to beckon me closer, daring me to give in to the primal desire that coursed through my veins.Hold yourself back, Atticus. Don’t fall for this again. I chided myself.“Attic
HERAThe morning light spilled softly across my vanity, catching in the strands of my hair as Anisha carefully pulled the comb through it. But my mind was somewhere else—still back in that room with Atticus, still pressed against that wall as he plummeted into me with hunger. My folds began to moisten but not in the same way my heart fluttered despite myself, an unwelcome reminder of feelings I’d sworn to keep buried. I knew he felt something too, a pull neither of us seemed able to control, though he tried with everything in him to resist. And I understood why. To him, I was still the villain of his story, a constant reminder that he lost his wife. Despite everything I’d done—every effort I’d made to prove myself as anything but the villain in his story—he still couldn’t see me any other way.And yet, I was as much a victim as he was, manipulated just as he also was, a pawn, like him, in someone else’s game. If only he could see that. If only he’d see me.I barely registered when
HERABen strolled in, his presence filling the room effortlessly. His gaze settled on me, a charming grin spreading across his face as if he only walked in just to brighten my day."Lady Hera," he greeted, his voice warm, almost mischievous. He hardly spared a glance in Anisha’s direction, his attention fixed entirely on me. Anisha took the cue and slipped quietly out of the room, offering a polite curtsy before she closed the door behind her. Ben stepped in further, his eyes holding that familiar spark as they settled on me.“Lady Hera?” I repeated, my eyebrow raised slightly in surprise. “You’ve never called me that before.” I smirked. He shrugged, an easy grin forming. “Well, you’ll soon be the First Lady and Luna, won’t you?” He folded his hand across his chest, leaning against the wall beside my vanity. “Figured it’s time I start calling you properly.” I let out a small scoff, sensing the light tease behind his words. “Properly?” I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “I’m not su
ATTICUSMy pen scratched across the invitation cards as I signed, the strokes quick and sharp, every word looking more detached than the last. My eyes scanned the reports from the other packs, but I barely saw them. My thoughts kept drifting, like a current I couldn’t swim against, always leading back to her. Hera. She was in my head, thoughts of her raging like a storm I couldn’t silence, even though I’d promised myself she wouldn’t matter.And that was the truth, she shouldn’t matter. I gritted my teeth, setting the pen down for a moment. Rachael had been the only woman I thought I’d ever feel anything for, but Hera—she was something else. She wasn’t supposed to affect me this way, shouldn’t have been able to claw her way under my skin. She was supposed to be a means to an end, nothing more, and even she knew that.We were supposed to just use each other to get what we want. Me, the throne, and her, revenge on the people that conspired against her and had her kicked out of Shad
HERAThe palace was buzzing with energy as I made my way down the corridors, Anisha trailing just a step behind, taking note of every correction I had to make concerning the wedding and coronation preparations. Everything had to be perfect, and it was my duty to make sure it was—even if my mind was somewhere else entirely.We stopped in the main hall, where a small group of caterers waited with plates of cake slices lined up on the table for tasting. They straightened as soon as they saw me walk in. I walked up to the table, looking at all the cakes. “Which flavour would you like, my lady?” one of the servers asked, gesturing to the neat line of miniature cakes on the tray.I glanced over the selection, catching sight of chocolate. The rich, dark swirls called to me and I leaned closer, picking up a piece of the chocolate cake. The taste was rich and decadent, melting on my tongue, and for a fleeting second, I felt a flicker of happiness. “Chocolate,” I murmured, savouring it.My
ATTICUSThe scene outside my window felt like a thorn in my flesh, one I couldn’t seem to ignore. I have been watching Hera out in the garden from the window of my study for more than twenty minutes, watching the way she shot arrows at the target, a deep scroll crossed over her forehead. But it had changed.Hera was now wearing that beautiful smile of hers that I hardly see, and there, right by her side, was Ben. The way she’d rushed to him, her arms slipping around his shoulders, the ease with which he held her in return—it dug under my skin like ice.Why the hell was he back? He should’ve been halfway across the mountains by now. The time he went was strategically planned for weeks, and nothing short of a blizzard would’ve delayed it. I turned from the window, jaw tight, just as Kai stepped into the study.“Why are you back?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended. Kai paused, sensing the edge in my tone.“A snowstorm,” he said, steady as always. “Hit out of nowhere, block
HERAThe grand hall where the reception for the coronation and wedding will be held was buzzing with activity as decorators hung drapes of deep crimson and gold. I watched them closely, nodding here and there, making slight adjustments to placements. The scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air, adding a softness to the atmosphere that did little to calm my nerves after the last few days.I was acting like the perfect trophy Luna even though I was anything but. It was beginning to get exhausting to play this part. I just can’t wait for the wedding and coronation to come and go, so that I can go back to my life.That’s if I even survive it. Just as I was about to oversee the floral arrangements, a commotion near the doorway caught my attention. Lilith had arrived, her presence commanding as always, chin held high and eyes flashing with annoyance. The guards moved immediately to block her path, crossing their arms and positioning themselves like an unmovable wall.“Out of my way,”
ATTICUSThe fresh air hit me as I stepped into the garden, but it did nothing to dispel the tension coiling tight in my chest. Just up ahead, Hera and Ben strolled along the path, Hera laughing at something he must have said. Her laughter was soft, light, that carefree sound that I’d only heard a handful of times… and never directed at me. It was like hearing something forbidden, something meant for someone else—and that only made it worse.But then she noticed me. Her laughter faded, replaced by an uneasy look as her gaze met mine, and for a split second, her mood shifted entirely. She seemed… conscious, guarded, the brightness in her eyes dimming. The swift change hit me like a punch to the gut. I forced my gaze to remain steady, though the twist in my stomach tightened. Her smile faded because of me.I ignored Ben’s raised eyebrow, as he looked me over with that easy, unfazed expression. It made my irritation increase even more.“Hera,” I said, my voice low and clipped. “We ne
HERAHis hand shot up, gripping my neck tightly, choking me as he grunted against me. “Repeat what you said about Ben,” he challenged, his voice low and brimming with dominance. “I dare you!” He growled.I opened my mouth to answer, to throw another taunt his way, but he didn’t give me the chance. He slammed into me, his hips crashing against mine, hard and fast, knocking the breath from my lungs and shattering any thought of resistance.Oh shit!I couldn’t stop the moan that slipped out.His grip around me tightened as he began to pound into me, each thrust raw and angry, claiming every part of me, filling me so completely that it felt like he was branding himself into me, leaving no space for anyone else.“That’s right,” he chuckled darkly, his voice dark and laced with satisfaction as he thrust harder into my pussy. “Ben could never be man enough, not like I am. And you know it, deep down that no other man will fuck you so good like I am right now.”Each word was punctuated by a
HERAMy mind was racing, every rational thought scattering like ash, yet I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t pull myself back, couldn’t pry myself off him. I was supposed to be furious at Atticus, to despise him for the way he made me feel so unimportant, so insignificant. How he doubted me at every turn, pushing me away as if I were nothing but a complication to him. Yet here I was, kissing him like he was the air I needed to breathe.What the hell was wrong with me?His hands were on my waist, fingers digging in as if he couldn’t bear the thought of letting me go. His mouth was relentless, heated, moving over mine with an intensity that left me trembling. It wasn’t gentle or soft; it was hungry, wild, and so damn raw that I felt every ounce of his anger, his frustration, his need—all of it, consuming me. His lips pressed firmly, his tongue sweeping over mine in a way that made me feel as if I were about to come undone right there, pinned between him and the wall.A quiet whimper escaped
ATTICUSLilith smirked, taking her time to run her gaze between Hera and me, clearly savouring every second of the tension she just caused.This might not have been why she came here, but she was definitely thrilled by the fact that Hera walked in on us too close for comfort. “I’ll let you two… talk,” she said, her voice smooth as silk. With a knowing look in her eyes, she backed out of the room, her heels clicking out of the room and her smirk lingering in the air like the trail of cheap perfume. The door shut, leaving Hera and me in a silence so thick I could choke on it.Hera’s eyes bored into mine, fury flashing in every line of her face. She stood tall, arms crossed, lips pressed in a tight line as we locked in a silent battle of wills. I was the first to speak, voice sharp."How’d you get out of the room?” I demanded, trying to keep my tone steady.A harsh, humourless laugh escaped her, and she shook her head, her expression twisting in disbelief. “That’s what you’re worried
ATTICUSI stormed down the corridor, fists clenched so tightly my knuckles ached. My mind was spinning, torn between anger and the raw, biting jealousy that had clawed its way up my throat the second I walked into Hera’s room and saw them together. I couldn’t unsee it—Ben leaning toward her, close enough to… He was going to kiss her, and she was letting him.Fuck! I ran my fingers through my hair. I have never felt this twisted in my life, and all over a woman. But this wasn’t just anyone—it was Hera. She was the last person that should make me feel this way, but yet, here we are!For the life of me, I couldn’t shake the image of her with Ben, the two of them close, almost kissing if I hadn’t walked in. And then his smug, arrogant face when I threw the first punch, and he just smiled, pushing every single one of my buttons, daring me to lose control. He enjoyed the fact that I unravelled, proving his long standing claim that I hated him. For the first time, I’d actually hit him.
HERA“Can you believe him?” I threw my hands up in the air. “He tells me to stay away from you like I’m some child he can control. One minute, he’s distant and cold, and the next, he wants to pull me in like nothing’s changed. It’s… it’s infuriating.”Ben and I were in my chamber, sitting by the fireplace, Ben simply watching me as I vented, that smile of his plastered on his face.“What?” I frowned at him, crossing my arms. “Why are you smiling?”He didn’t look fazed at all, his grin only growing. “Because it’s kind of endearing, how passionate you get about things. Even when you’re pissed off, you look…” He hesitated, as if searching for the right word. “…beautiful.”I blinked at him, caught off guard. Then a small, nervous laugh bubbled up from deep within my chest, surprising even me. “You’re ridiculous,” I muttered, shaking my head, though I couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at the corner of my lips. Ben chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “I’m glad I could make you laugh, especia
ATTICUSThe fresh air hit me as I stepped into the garden, but it did nothing to dispel the tension coiling tight in my chest. Just up ahead, Hera and Ben strolled along the path, Hera laughing at something he must have said. Her laughter was soft, light, that carefree sound that I’d only heard a handful of times… and never directed at me. It was like hearing something forbidden, something meant for someone else—and that only made it worse.But then she noticed me. Her laughter faded, replaced by an uneasy look as her gaze met mine, and for a split second, her mood shifted entirely. She seemed… conscious, guarded, the brightness in her eyes dimming. The swift change hit me like a punch to the gut. I forced my gaze to remain steady, though the twist in my stomach tightened. Her smile faded because of me.I ignored Ben’s raised eyebrow, as he looked me over with that easy, unfazed expression. It made my irritation increase even more.“Hera,” I said, my voice low and clipped. “We ne
HERAThe grand hall where the reception for the coronation and wedding will be held was buzzing with activity as decorators hung drapes of deep crimson and gold. I watched them closely, nodding here and there, making slight adjustments to placements. The scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air, adding a softness to the atmosphere that did little to calm my nerves after the last few days.I was acting like the perfect trophy Luna even though I was anything but. It was beginning to get exhausting to play this part. I just can’t wait for the wedding and coronation to come and go, so that I can go back to my life.That’s if I even survive it. Just as I was about to oversee the floral arrangements, a commotion near the doorway caught my attention. Lilith had arrived, her presence commanding as always, chin held high and eyes flashing with annoyance. The guards moved immediately to block her path, crossing their arms and positioning themselves like an unmovable wall.“Out of my way,”
ATTICUSThe scene outside my window felt like a thorn in my flesh, one I couldn’t seem to ignore. I have been watching Hera out in the garden from the window of my study for more than twenty minutes, watching the way she shot arrows at the target, a deep scroll crossed over her forehead. But it had changed.Hera was now wearing that beautiful smile of hers that I hardly see, and there, right by her side, was Ben. The way she’d rushed to him, her arms slipping around his shoulders, the ease with which he held her in return—it dug under my skin like ice.Why the hell was he back? He should’ve been halfway across the mountains by now. The time he went was strategically planned for weeks, and nothing short of a blizzard would’ve delayed it. I turned from the window, jaw tight, just as Kai stepped into the study.“Why are you back?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended. Kai paused, sensing the edge in my tone.“A snowstorm,” he said, steady as always. “Hit out of nowhere, block
HERAThe palace was buzzing with energy as I made my way down the corridors, Anisha trailing just a step behind, taking note of every correction I had to make concerning the wedding and coronation preparations. Everything had to be perfect, and it was my duty to make sure it was—even if my mind was somewhere else entirely.We stopped in the main hall, where a small group of caterers waited with plates of cake slices lined up on the table for tasting. They straightened as soon as they saw me walk in. I walked up to the table, looking at all the cakes. “Which flavour would you like, my lady?” one of the servers asked, gesturing to the neat line of miniature cakes on the tray.I glanced over the selection, catching sight of chocolate. The rich, dark swirls called to me and I leaned closer, picking up a piece of the chocolate cake. The taste was rich and decadent, melting on my tongue, and for a fleeting second, I felt a flicker of happiness. “Chocolate,” I murmured, savouring it.My