𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘Dark haunting malevolent gold eyes flaked with raw carnal hunger, a taste for blood and the dark abyss swimming within its gaze could not go unnoticed. The chilling sight of crimson blood dripping from its elongated canines, it's gaze telling tales of death, men that have fallen just by one powerful jab from it's jaw. This beast was one of darkness, fueled by a drive to kill, conquer, devour and leave no witnesses to the scene. Unforgiving claws coated with what could only be the shredded skin of it's victims. And those eyes, like a hurricane, a tornado swallowing everything in its path. Destructive, quick and merciless. Wiping everything out in just one instance. Everything had been reduced to ash, dead bodies and blood splattered across the grounds, it was a gruesome scene. I felt a chill run down my spine. I had no idea where I was but it felt oddly vague yet familiar. It looked like a battlefield but there was no life in sight. The air was dense, smoke clouded the s
Writer's POVTurning around Audrey looked herself over in the mirror as she stood on the stool. She looked.. Different to say the least. When Penelope and Ruby had told her she would be getting dressed in their traditional attire she definitely didn't expect it to be so.. Exuberant. It was gorgeous yes but it looked like something a queen would wear but that was exactly what they wanted her to look like , enough to convince the elders she was fit for the role. But everything felt a bit overwhelming she couldn't deny. It was all happening so fast, she still hasn't gotten over her dream from earlier and now she would be placed on a pedestal and scrutinized by people she had never met and by eyes she could only assume would be pointing out every flaw and dimple on her. As she looked over the designs on the back of the dress she couldn't help but notice that her crescent moon shaped birthmark that was once faint looked more prominent and visible. Now it was more evident, every stroke an
𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘"I'm really glad you're doing okay Orchid" I smiled, holding her hands in mine I squeezed them gently, expressing my gratitude. "You're going to be at the feast right"She grinned nodding excitedly, "Of course I am. I won't miss it for anything. I have been in bed for far to long now, I'm sure the high spirits will loft my mood" she winked at me and I raised a brow at her to which she just turned to take a seat at the foot of my bed. "You ladies are going to be accompanying her grace to the feast tonight, everyone should be on their best behavior, I mean it" Faye's strict glare was sent to us all but mostly at Greer although I couldn't blame her. Greer had this mischievous snug look on her face like she was planning something. "Greer pay attention" Ruby pulled Greer's ear and she whined, massaging her probably already throbbing ear. "I am, I am" she repeated nodding her head in false understanding. "It'll be a full palace tonight, all the kitchen maids have been runni
AUDREY"Where is Astrid?" I asked once I met the rest of my ladies. "Right here" I heard her voice from beside me, turning I met a smile on her lips. She had two cups of wine in her hands as she came in for a group hug. "Hey, how was your trip?" I inquired with a smile on my face as well. I wasn't really interested to be honest, anything to take my mind of the fact that I almost wet myself just from Darius touching me. "It was good, good. I'm back now and I wanna know everything that happened when I was away" she grinned excitedly, passing me a glass of wine. I took the cup and smiled at her in appreciation. "Well Audrey's life is officially over the elders are here today and I over heard what they said to her" Greer started. My eyes widened and almost immediately my cheeks bleached a deep red tinge, "So basically the maids have been um.. Hearing their activities and spilled everything to the elders and now they are expecting a little heir very soon" she squealed and everyone join
AUDREYI sat here, nervously fiddling with my fingers as I stared at the door waiting for Darius to just walk in. I couldn't help but feel restless now, all these preparations had left me feeling angst. None of them were aware of what happened at the dining hall, Darius could still be angry and everyone knew what happens when Darius was angry. It was like a hurricane let loose. Maybe he was just held back talking with the people of the table that supported Sir Williams and all of them were being banished from court. You're over thinking Audrey! But what if what they said was true? I hadn't thought about it, as hurtful as their words were they did hold some truth in it. I wasn't a werewolf, I was human and Darius was a werewolf. It made sense they would oppose, it was out of the ordinary but didn't that make it wrong? Was it wrong? It definitely didn't feel that way but I could see how it looked that way to others especially when said human was going to be their queen and they were ex
AUDREY{MATURE THEME}I called out to the little child as he seemed to disappear the further into the shadows he went. He had lead me to this seemingly dark cave, the sounds of his sobs echoed, bouncing off the walls and making my heart squeeze. I wanted to hold him and ask what the matter was but I couldn't seem to find him now. Taking careful steps I heard a soft feminine voice whisper, "Over there" It was vague but I got the directions and turned a corner to see the little boy's battered and bruised form cuddled in on himself in a corner. His shoulders wracked with sobs and his body shook violently. He didn't look to be wearing any clothes but something about his presence felt familiar. I could feel this deep ache in my heart as he continued to cry bitterly. I stepped fowsed, careful not to startle him but a snap came from below my shoe and he stilled. Glancing down there was a broken branch under my foot that had caused the noise upon breaking. I looked back up to see the boy t
DARIUSI watched with glee as my little one searched through my many compartment of clothing, trying to find the right attire for my meeting with the Jigalians. Honestly I couldn't careless about my appearance, I intended to keep the encounter short and quick so I could get back to her as soon as possible before I would loose my mind. She had no idea how in love I was with her. How every little thing she did made my heart beat faster, when her cheeks would bleach a pink tinge because she was embarrassed, or how she would frown when she didn't like something, how she always managed to be the light everywhere she went. It was no surprise to me how fund of her majority of the castle was. I loved seeing her make new friends and meet new people, the glow on her face when she would interact with them always made my day. I wanted her to always keep smiling and never have any reason to shead a single tear. But I wasn't ignorant, I knew not everyone approved of her presence in my life and she
Astrid paced back and forth in her room restlessly as she watched the door, expecting the maid to come in at any time. She bit her nails nervously as she shifted her weight from foot to foot in anticipation. Immediately the door was pushed open she was quick to lunge towards the poor maid snatching the sheets from her hands. She wasted no time in spreading it open across the floor, her eyes searching for something but when she didn't find it she let out a breath of relief. "Pick it up" she instructed the maid who had been watching the scene confused and a little disturbed but she did as told. "Are you sure you didn't see any blood stains anywhere else in the room" Astrid asked eagerly but the maid shook her head in the negative. Satisfied with her answer Astrid pulled out fuce gold coins from her purse and pressed it into the maids hands, sending her off with one command "Don't tell anyone about this" with that she shut the door, not giving room for enquiry. A triumphant smile stret
What was that? Did I imagine all of it? "Please come my lady. It will displease the Grand Duke if you go home so early, it is only my duty to be a good host"Elara eyed Sawyer's outstretched hand, an internal battle ravaging her mind. She looks up at me, seeing my confused and disturbed expression she could read the questions all over my face. After weighing her options she decides leaving with Sawyer was better than staying to speak to me about what just happened. So Elara places her hand in Sawyer's and he leads her away to the boats. I let my eyes linger, knowing very well how stiff and uncomfortable Elara was. She did not wish to go but she still followed the Marquese. I followed behind, settling near the shores of the pond. The Marquese aids Elara in getting into the barge with him, they sit face to face, their close distance unsettling me. The boat begins to row away from the shore giving the two some good distance away from Ryker. Sawyer watched Ryker's eyes trail on
Tents littered the grounds, nobles of different calibers crowded together, talking, socialising with drinks in hand and lips full with chatter. The gossip mongers and mamas had their own designated spot watching the young courting couples walk about, some boarding barges on the pond. Meanwhile the daughter of the Grand Duke stood far from the crowd, conversing with her cousin while Ryker was on his way with their glasses of sherbet. As he approached the two finely dresses ladies he could not help but watch in admiration as Elara laughed, her smile blocked by her fan in hand. Bad etiquette it was, to laugh so loudly with open teeth but laugh she did and the worry free, joyful chime of her laughter brought warmth to Ryker's heart. He hands the two ladies their cups, standing beside them while they gossip he took in the view. All these high class, wealthy people attending these parties under the pretense of socialising instead they only attend these to discuss each other's
As I watch him wield his sword, his muscles ripple beneath his skin like waves on a turbulent sea. Every swing, every parry, every thrust reveals a symphony of strength and agility. His torso twists, his arms flex, and his legs coil with power. His chest heaves with each labored breath, drawing my gaze to the sculpted contours of his torso, his body, accentuating the broad shoulders, the chiseled abs, and the sharp lines of his adonis belt. Sweat glistens on his skin, like dew on a summer morning, inviting me to trace the paths it takes as it trickles down his face, neck, and chest. His eyes burn with focus, his jaw clenched in determination. Each movement unleashes a fresh wave of desire within me. I crave to feel his warmth, to taste the sweat on his skin, to be enveloped by his strength.His sword slices through the air, a blur of steel and deadly precision. Yet, all I see is him – the warrior, the protector, the beautiful, battling form that stirs my soul.My heart pounds in
She stuffs her duffle bag, making sure not to forget any of her anklets or jewelry. The veiled dancer always came prepared for days like these, to sneak out of the manor under one excuse or the other but this time would be different. Ryker would be part of her and Augustine's plans to get her to the party undetected and slip her out the same way. It was risky, very risky but the veiled dancer had personally been invited to this party. Ryker stood there, watching her pack her costume while Augustine made sure she did not forget anything behind, "Your back up dancers will be waiting for you at the party, they are dressed the same way as usual. The moment you get there do not forget to stay out of sight till it's time for your performance, immediately after you need to leave""Yes Augustine, I know all this" Elara reassures her, making sure she was ready to leave as soon as possible. Fowler was occupied, out of the manor thankfully so she was free to leave without much suspicion. The Gr
𝐑𝐘𝐊𝐄𝐑 I make my way through the residential quarters of the manor, feeling the curious, scrutinizing gazes pricking at my skin from every corner. The guards spared me more than second looks as I came up to the door one of the giggling maids was kind enough to point me to as Elara's door. Immediately I took notice of the scarce amount of guards in this area, normally along the stretch of the quarters more than 10 guards graced the halls, but here there were about 3 guards that switched posts, neither of them nearing the princess's chambers. Probably something they were forbidden from doing, that may have been what warranted the judgemental glares I got on my way here. I cleared out the lump in my throat, inhaling a deep breath as I brought my knuckles to the door, ready to do the gentleman thing and knock at the lady's door. 3 times would be fine right? Not to eager, not to rude. Just knock, do it! I mentally scolded myself but for some reason my body wasn't aligning wit
I could feel there was something wrong going on here. Did the Duke know that his daughter was the infamous veiled dancer? The way her metallic blue eyes dimmed, her gaze casted low with timidity while she seemed to shrink beside her father. She looked like such a different person than she was when she was so elegantly dancing, she was beautiful, breathtaking, fiery, her passion for the art seeping through every pore and enchanting every person. Her presence cast a spell, leaving everybody gaping. But just now she was quiet, smaller, the burning inferno that seemed to be part of her eyes had vanished. I kept my lips closed, watching as an older noble man walks in, his attire strikingly similar to the Duke's but significantly less adorned to show his lower rank. His eyes met mine, his cold stare laced with malice. I was taken aback, wondering what it was about me he already didn't like. He walks to the Duke's side, "My Lord Duke" he greets, standing right next to him. Then
The five market days moved passed in a flash. I kept to my word and made father a new set of kitchen knives, risking a few of my fingers in the process. Before I could register what was happening, father had begun packing my things in the cloth bag I had come with. He looked worried and concerned but he would never tell me that he did not want me to leave, he believed he would be holding me back. Gently he places my bags in my hand and I could hear the hooves of the horses arriving at the door, Commander Tanner was here. Before father could speak I interrupted, "Wait" I rushed to the work shop and brought out the clothes I had bought from the market place. I had to sneak out at night so he wouldn't see them. I presented them to him. He stood there, silently taking them in "Why did you?"I smile wolfishly, "So you can hold onto them till I get back. I will take the bee gloves you got me and my sandals, they will be better than any I could buy""How did you hide them?""I kept th
This veiled dancer, no one where she comes from?" I question, slipping on my sandals: yet another gift father had kept for my return. He had handed it to me like it was no big deal and he probably wanted me to treat it that way but of course I did not. I would get him a new set of clothes before I left for my new duties. I hurry after father as he walks ahead, insisting if we didn't hurry all the good stools would be taken. For an old man he was moving fast, "Nope, not a single person has seen her face so they can't trace her identity or lineage to any of the states"How conspicuous"Hurry up lad. The townspeople have prepared a feast after in your honor so it'll be quite a shame if we arrive late" We get to the small sitting arrangement made in the middle of the town. Little stools sat in a circular manner so no one would obstruct the people behind them. There was a space in front which I could tellw as reserved for the dancers. The scene reminded me of my old life, when we would ha
~ Ryker"Er, what is all the noise about? One cannot get a peaceful day in this town anymore" Mr. Rae grumbles, approaching the loud crowd that had gathered in front of the market place. Maybe they had caught a thief? I haven't witnessed any action around here, the quiet was becoming deafening but why this now when I wish to retire? Maybe I should move to a more desolate place. Hm, the young lad would probably refuse, if I move where would he come to when he returns? A sad smile wore his lips at the thought of Ryker. He must be getting such good training and living his life, why tie him down to an old fool like me? Mr. Rae got to the growing crowd and stood, trying to peel at what the fuss was about. Suddenly he heard a voice, one he could identify anywhere, despite his failing ears"Thank you for the very warm welcome townspeople. I missed you all dearly as well but I must be going to see my fa-" just then his voice stopped. Ryker looked into the crowd, the unmistakable smell of