Finally, the judge spoke. “Mr. O’Neal is that all.” “Yes, judge I have nothing farther for this witness.” Mr. O’Neal squeaks out as he rushes back to his seat. Standing up, Mr. Anderson walks to me with a box of tissues but not before motioning to the judge first. I didn’t even know I was crying but then again, I kind of felt numb. Being careful as I reached forward to take some, I used both hands and then gently wiped my face. Still ensuring my wrists were covered the entire time. “Ms. Cogswell I won’t keep you, but I do need to ask you two questions.” Mr. Anderson says as he backs up. “Ms. Cogswell what is your middle name?” At first, I’m stunned as this is the second confusing question, until I’m reminded of the paperwork the Judge showed me. At that I announce, “Isla! My middle name is Isla!” Mr. Anderson smiles as he steps to the jury box and asks his next question. “Have you been in contact with
---Lucy’s POV--- *Shit! Shit! That was terrible.* I think as we are led into a room right off the main entrance. Jumping out of Mr. Hawkyns arms I race across the room to Meri who is crying. “I’m ok Meri! Look, I’m unhurt. I did as you asked and stayed next to him.” at the last part I whisper it to her as I hold her close. Her arms are around me and squeezing me as she wets my shirt. “We can’t stay here we need to move!” my alpha says as he gets on the phone. I don’t listen to them as I take in Meri and focus on her thoughts. It’s a risk but right now it’s warrant. *Na how is this part of your plan?* Meri demands of Nadia. *Girl this is why I wanted you to rest and let me forward. Our haters are not going to just hand themselves over when they see you. They are going to fight and won’t care who gets hurt. So please just relax and follow the plan from now.* Nadia explains so gently. I’m beyond surprised at how gentle she is wi
---Miguel’s POV--- To say the past several days or even week have been a cake walk would have been a grave understatement. The only thing I can say is that we caught the alphas, and the rogues disbanded in response to it. Though the king ordered teams to hunt them down and bring them in to be questioned. But we didn’t stay to see what happened. The King decided the alphas of the packs could handle the aftermath, especially since it was their members who were put in harm’s way. Though Alpha Seth tried to grill Meri when he got her to the house, RJ wasn’t having it. Alpha Seth did stay around so he could speak with the king and Alpha David about the aftermath of the courthouse. The real surprise came when the judge, Judge Mathews, or for me Elder Andy of my mom’s coven. I have met him several times, but I didn’t know he was a judge or that he was overseeing this case. Yeah that was a surprise but he just clapped me on the back and asked ab
---Merida’s POV--- So, a lot has changed starting with my location. I am now living in a castle, in a huge room that shows one of the mountains of the islands of Crysthalle, on Crusillia island. And I even got a puppy, a pug to be more precise. I named her Ladybug and am being taught how to care for her and train her. Lady Rowana says it will help me in building my confidence and showing her how will I lead. Will that was Na’s interpretation of it, as Lady Rowana just told me I had a month to show my skills. Not that I understand a thing of what she was asking of me. But Na told me to agree, and Sarah was nodding her head to agree, so I agreed. Though what floored me was I was to help the Head Maid with her chores for the next 2 weeks as everyone else went to training to learn how to fight. Yeah, that sucked to be once again separated from everyone else. Though I was ok that Mr. Bell wasn’t here, as he had to stay behind and help with th
I didn’t move a muscle as I looked from her to the big cat. I had met him earlier in the week and learned that he wasn’t like the other War cats. In fact, he didn’t have a handler, as he refused to submit to anyone but my father. That’s why he was made a War Cat of the castle, as he was very good at recognizing who was welcomed and who needed to be watched. That’s how Lucinda explained him to me before telling me his name. And what a name it is. He is called Maniac as you never know what he is thinking or will do. Only he hasn’t hurt any staff of the castle and just scares people if they act up. He has scratched a few people, but Lucinda said they were asking for it, but beyond that everyone just kept their distant from him. So yeah, waking up to him nestled in my lap was a shock. The first day here Lucinda let me pass out the treats to the War Cats, as long as the guests didn’t see and plus, I had the handler’s permission. Which they all did. But M
I wasn’t sure what to do, as no one was in the foyer. But one hope was to get attention from someone and maybe help. “That was really stupid little girl.” the guy growled as he stood up and shook the dust off his clothes. Shit he was a vampire and from his clothes and the room he found me in front of, he was one of the guests. I know he couldn’t be a council member as they were in a meeting right now but maybe one of the assistants. *There was no way I could fight him off or get him to wait until someone arrived. Help!* *Girl those pompous asses don’t care for others who aren’t in their coven. They would rather face the consequences then wait to hear anything. We need to do something.* Na rumbles, I barely listened as I watched the guy step to me, as he looked me over. “Your not a regular here. Who sent you to spy on us?” he questioned. I wasn’t sure how to answer that as why would he think I was a spy. “You should answer me before I dec
---Sarah’s POV--- I was seething as I watched the vampire council argue about Meri’s intentions. How I know they will choke when they learn the truth! As any relationship or good graces, they were hoping to build with the Princess when she is found, just got destroyed. Though I really don’t see that Barbas ever being friendly, he’s always causing issues. He doesn’t like anyone who he sees as below him. Yet he doesn’t understand that he has no power, him being Councilor Sylvia’s beloved is all show. She is the one infatuated with him and made him her beloved when her true beloved was killed in the last war. That vampire was strong and respected, he died protecting a town full of people and he didn’t expose his nature or the mission that was happening nearby. In fact, Steven says his sacrifice and courage that day ensured the mission and that we won that war. Though the thing that gets me is that Councilor Sylvia got her seat in honor of him.
---Ericson’s POV--- To think my little apple could be so stubborn, especially when she’s hurt. Only it was the fact that she was determined to see to Maniac that I relented and assisted her. And when I say assisted, I mean I picked her up and carried her to the other side of the room and held her as she fussed over the flea-bitten annoyance. Though it was his response to her that really shocked me. That overgrown menace just rolled his eyes at her as he let her touch him and kiss him. Sharing a look with my king, who patiently watched, we waited till the vet said that’s all he could do. Not that he could do anything, as Maniac refused his touch or treatment. “Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.” Meri suddenly said. The vet, seeing no harm in it started to instruct her, while we assisted as she was still not allowed to move her left arm. Before long Maniac was patched up and licking her as she spoke to him, “Ok, ok! Now you rest as Steven
---Merida’s POV--- “Please Lucy I just want to hear.” I begged as Lucy tried to leave my room for the tenth time since I asked her. “Meri I really didn’t want to tell you, as you’re going to be worried.” She says. I am scared she’s going to run before I get her to talk so I grip her shirt with both hands and yank her to my bed. “Lucy, you promised to spend your last night with me, and I just want to know what really happened after you left the courthouse that day.” After looking at me for a moment, she finally collapses on my bed. “I don’t know why you want to know now. It’s been months since then and everythi
---Zander’s POV--- Rubbing my eyes, I look around but it’s dark, though I know my sister isn’t here. Hearing raised voices, I figured dad was back, except mom sounded scared and was pleading, why would she be pleading when dad is here. Plus, I can’t hear my sister. Sister wouldn’t just stand by and listen, she would be comforting mom or yelling at whoever was stressing her. Getting up I crawl across the floor and look down into the house. I see mom struggling with someone I’ve never seen before but as he moves to the door that’s when I notice sister. He has sister in his arms and he’s trying to leave with her, but it’s sister’s reaction that scares me. For there is no reaction (she’s not hitting him, smiling, crying or even scowling) she’s just holding onto his shirt with a blank look and empty ey
---Merida’s POV--- It had been another long day. More trying to remember my past lives and how to control the flow and influence on this life, not that it always worked. Let alone did I have a reminisce every day or today at that. Not that my teacher believed me. He believed I was blocking myself from remembering. Then again, I really missed Mr. Bell, but he couldn’t be my teacher, and I wanted to be treated like any other person. So yeah, I had been enrolled into the local Crysthalian School. *Girl it’s not you, he thinks someone is holding us back.* Nadia finally speaks up after several days of just standing by and watching. *Who does he blame?* I asked as I settled in bed and hope sleep will come
---Zander’s POV--- It’s been a year since I left the coven and found my new home. This restaurant and these people. I really shouldn’t get comfortable but looking around the table at everyone, I just want to live in the moment. This right here is what I want. And I’m hoping to never go back to that hellhole. “Hey Zan, you ok?” Ma asks me as she passes the green beans to me. “Yeah, I’m perfect Ma, just realizing it’s been a year since you took me in and gave me a home.” I said as I took the green beans from her and placed them aside. Then turning back, I hugged her. “Thank you!” “Oh Zan, your welcome.’ Ma choked out. I knew she
---Merida’s POV--- I was so surprised when the first ‘CRACK’ and boom lit up the sky. I’ve never seen fireworks, as I was always left home or busy doing something. My former parents always had their reasons, and I think it was to keep me out of view. But here on an island, with a castle in the distance and a beach under my feet, I wasn’t hiding. I was hiding who I was but not physically. Everyone here knew my name and welcomed me with smiles or hugs. Smiling as I watched the fireworks, I was surprised once more when my dad appeared next to me. “So, is it everything you imagined?” I could see the ‘Little Sea’ part in his eyes, as he smiled down at me. Looking around I was surprised to see the staff had gathered around us and was blocking us from the nobles that were standi
---Sarah’s POV--- The night dragged on as I waited for my chance to run but I didn’t know what had been planned. The king making his appearance almost a half an hour after the ball started or that he ended up picking me as his princess for the night. A total shock and it also meant I had to dance with a few councilors or their sons. My mom kept appearing in my line of sight and telling me to smile. I would have punched that last son in the face, if Ericson hadn’t approached and stole me away. “Are you better now Sarah?” Ericson whispered in my ear. I tried really hard not to let the shiver run down my spine. But I just couldn’t help but fall for him. Nodding my head as I just knew my voice would cra
---Merida’s POV--- It was disheartening to hear that Crispin wouldn’t be at the party, but I did understand. Though where I got the ideal of my wanting a dance with him or asking for a raincheck. It was embarrassing especially since Lu and Mi not only heard but saw his reaction. I was so happy that Sarah reacted and pulled him away. “OK tomato lets go, or are you hopping for Crispin to come back and swipe you off your feet?” Mi asked as he adjusted the sleeves of his shirt. Punching him in the arm, as I walked past, I picked up my shawl and wrapped it around me. “Shut up Mi.” “Meri you can’t blame Mi, your still red in the che
---Sarah’s POV--- Today was the ball and I was really upset. Because of my family’s standing I had to attend the ball, but my mom promised I could leave after the first dance. What my mom didn’t know was, I was going to skip out during the first dance. No one would notice me or even care, though that meant I would miss the first hour or so of the beach party. Meri did a really good job on the party and put a lot of work to make this year great. The staff were really excited, and I didn’t blame them, as I was excited too. I even had my other outfit hidden downstairs by Lucinda. Though she also was hiding spare clothes for Jenn, Jayla, Cora, and my brother. Except I don’t think my brother is going to be able to leave.&
The following days sucked but I was busy, so I really didn’t have time to think or dwell on anything. I was helping with making decorations and assisting Lucinda in the fine details of the beach party. Then again there was a lot to sort out after the incident with the noble girls. From the clothes that went missing, to the destroyed items, a lot had to be replaced or fixed. Then again, my dad has been even busier, as all the councilors had many questions. Plus, he had to explain why he brought outsiders, mainly me, into the castle. Mr. Bell was around for a few days and even took time to talk with me. ~(*o*)~ ~(couple days ago)~ ~(*o*)~ Walking around the fourth floor of the library, I really took i