Chapter 29: Her Voice"Say... Amaris. If I may ask... why are you alone in this forest?" Captain Lysander asked, holding his fishing line steady as he waited for a bite.The question caught Amaris off guard. She paused, trying to gather her thoughts, and managed a small smile. "Well... uh..." she began, stammering as she searched for the right words. She clearly wasn't comfortable sharing her story.Lysander noticed her hesitation and waved a hand dismissively. "Ah! Never mind. You don't need to answer. I'm just curious, that's all. It's not every day you see a pregnant woman managing all of this by herself. You're stronger than most," he added with genuine admiration.Amaris chuckled, warmed by his kindness, though she knew she could never reveal the truth. She couldn't possibly tell him that she was carrying the king's child. That knowledge could lead to all sorts of complications, especially for a loyal knight sworn to protect the throne."What about you, Captain?" she asked, shift
Chapter 30: Save His Majesty"Captain! Captain Lysander!" Amaris called as her voice echoed with urgency. The soldiers halted, all eyes turning toward her. Lysander immediately spun around, recognizing her voice and rushed to meet her while worry began creasing his brow."What is it, Amaris? Has something happened?" he asked, his eyes scanning her face for any sign of distress.Amaris gestured toward the sizable pile of provisions left in her yard. "Captain, you've left so much here—far more than I could possibly need. Look at all of this meat, and... supplies? You all need it more than I do, especially with the journey ahead," she protested, shaking her head in disbelief."Please, Amaris," Lysander replied gently, trying to reassure her, "accept it. You've given us more than we can repay, and we couldn't in good conscience leave you without provisions."Just as she was about to respond, a metallic clatter sounded through the clearing, silencing them both. Lysander whipped around, ins
Chapter 31: Walls CrumblingAmaris wiped her brow, feeling the exhaustion set in as she tied the final strip of cloth she could salvage from her worn clothes into a makeshift bandage. Her hands were trembling, not only from fatigue but also from the urgency to keep Alaric alive. She took a cup of water from her bedside and gently reached forward, intending to help him drink. But before her hand could even brush his forehead, Alaric's fingers shot up, gripping her wrist tightly.The sudden grasp startled her, her breath catching as she looked down at him. His eyes cracked open, clouded with pain and disorientation, the cold intensity in his gaze momentarily making her heart race. He didn't seem to recognize her, and she braced herself, calling softly, "Alaric... can you hear me?"His eyes shifted, struggling to focus, but the blank stare softened as his vision cleared. Gradually, a look of realization dawned, melting the coldness in his gaze and filling it with wonder. "Amaris..." His
Chapter 32: VoiceAlaric's smile softened as he took Amaris' hand in his, his touch gentle yet steady. His thumb traced slow circles over her knuckles, as if reassuring himself that she was truly there beside him."I have missed you dearly..." he began, his voice low and filled with a quiet intensity that sent a shiver through her. "When I gripped my sword during the battle, all I thought about was when I'd be able to hold your hand again. Every strike, every breath—I counted the moments until I could return to you.""And when the nights grew cold, when I lay alone beneath the stars... I'd close my eyes and imagine your warmth beside me, the way you'd curl close, as if you'd shield me from the world itself." His fingers tightened slightly around hers, and Amaris could feel the strength of his longing in that simple gesture.His weary eyes brimmed with emotion, never leaving hers as he continued, "I'd think about your laughter, the way it brightens even the darkest of my days. I though
Chapter 33: Cries of A Sorrowed HeartAmaris stirred awake. Her body was heavy while her mind was still in a daze. A strange ache throbbed in her heart, and her head spun with fragments of her last memory—the blinding golden light, the howl of the wind, and Alaric's desperate voice calling out to her, his hand reaching but never touching. Her heart clenched as reality slowly settled in, seeping through the fog of her mind. She opened her eyes fully, and dread washed over her as she recognized her surroundings.She was back in her room.The familiar walls seemed to mock her. It was stark and cold compared to the warmth of the cabin she'd just left. Panic clawed at her chest as she took it all in. Her heart pounded with a painful urgency. She scrambled upright, and in her haste, her hand brushed over her belly—still rounded, still carrying the child that should not have followed her here. She was still wearing the dress she'd worn that last night, when Alaric had promised everything goo
Chapter 34: The King's CommandDays bled into one another as Alaric searched relentlessly for Amaris. He scoured every corner of his kingdom, leaving no village, no remote hideaway untouched. He sent spies beyond the borders, into distant territories and neighboring empires, each returning with empty hands and haunted expressions. It was as though she had vanished into thin air, leaving not even a shadow behind.The only thing tethering him to sanity was the ring he'd secretly slipped onto her finger as a silent promise he thought would last forever. When she disappeared, the ring was all that remained—a cold, silver band resting on the very spot she had been taken from him. He carried it with him constantly, gripping it until it felt as though he could imprint her memory into his skin.As he sat on his throne, staring down at the ring with hollow eyes, the doors burst open. A group of his men entered and immediately fell to their knees in reverence. They didn't dare raise their head
Chapter 35: TwinsSelene looked at her reflection on the tinted glass, hardly recognizing herself in the modern dress she'd pulled from her closet. It felt strange to be back in her usual clothes, especially after everything that had happened. The dress gently fit over her belly which constantly reminded her that she was carrying Alaric's child, even though it seemed impossible.How could this be real? Alaric and his world had only existed in the pages of a book. But here she was, back in her own world, with part of that life still with her. She rested a hand over her stomach, feeling both amazed and determined. Her connection to Alaric was real, and she couldn't just let it end this way.She needed to find the book's author. Whoever had written it held the answers, and maybe even a way back. But the author used a pseudonym, making the search difficult.Still, she wouldn't stop until she found them. She'd look through every library, every publisher's list if she had to. Somehow, she'd
Chapter 36: The Summons "Your Majesty." The hall echoed with the synchronized voices of those kneeling before Alaric with their heads bowed low in reverence.Alaric's gaze swept over the gathered assembly. His piercing eyes took in the collection of mages, summoners, and mediums from across the kingdoms. But one figure in particular captured his attention—a tall, cloaked man with an air of both mystery and authority. It was Zavian, the rumored wise wizard who practiced both the light and dark arts.The mage who noticed the king's eyes fixed on him, smirked and rose to his feet, breaking the rigid conformity of the others."Your Majesty, my king," Zavian began with a rich, calm voice, laced with a tinge of amusement. "It has been many years since we last met. You were but a child then."Alaric's jaw tightened. The wizard's reputation preceded him—an enigma of immense power, bound by no kingdom and loyal to none save his own whims. That made Zavian's presence here all the more intrigui
Chapter 90: Happily Ever After?Five Years Later "Luna! You can't catch me!" Lucian's voice rang out as he dashed through a group of guests, narrowly avoiding toppling a tray of drinks."Oh, yes, I can!" Luna shot back, her face flushed with determination as she lifted her skirts slightly to run faster.The Clarke estate was alive with the sounds of joy and celebration. The grand ballroom were adorned with delicate garlands of flowers and shimmering drapes. Blue and pink ribbons intertwined across the space, signifying the shared celebration for the twins, Lucian and Luna.Two grand cakes sat at opposite ends of the room—one decorated with stars and moons for Lucian, and the other adorned with flowers and butterflies for Luna. The twins, now five, were darting around the room like a storm as their laughter echoed.Selene stood near the refreshment table with her hand resting protectively over her growing belly. Her floral dressed flowed gracefully around her, though it was tailored t
Chapter 89: Second LifeThe Elysian Empire was a land of grandeur, steeped in tradition and hierarchy. Its people were not only divided by their noble ranks but also by the unique genders bestowed upon them by nature itself. The six genders—male and female alphas, male and female betas, and male and female omegas—shaped the very fabric of their society. Each bore distinct roles, and though unity was idealized, inequality and prejudice often thrived beneath the surface.Alphas were leaders, strong and dominant by nature. Male alphas often held positions of power, while female alphas were just as capable, known for their strength and determination. Both experienced ruts, intense periods when their instincts took over, driving their need for a mate.Betas were the steady, dependable ones. Male betas were the merchants, builders, and thinkers, while female betas were skilled at solving problems and keeping peace. Unlike alphas and omegas, betas didn't have ruts or heats, which made their
Chapter 88: ForgivenessAs Claudia approached, Alaric's expression hardened. The relaxed warmth he'd displayed moments ago vanished, replaced by the icy demeanor he had perfected from his past life. He stepped forward, positioning himself subtly between Claudia and Selene. His sharp gaze bore into her as though dissecting her every move."Damian. Selene.""What are you doing here, Claudia?" Alaric's tone was cold, cutting straight to the point.Claudia stopped a few feet away, her grip on the bouquet of hydrangeas tightening. She met his gaze, though her confidence faltered slightly under the weight of his stare. "I came to—""To what?" Alaric interrupted, his voice dripping with disdain. "To dredge up more chaos? Or to play the victim again?"Claudia flinched as the harshness of his words hit her squarely. She glanced down at the flowers in her hand, her shoulders stiffening. "I didn't come to cause trouble," she said quietly but her voice clearly wavered out of guilt.Alaric's brow
Chapter 87: Blue HydrangeasThe atmosphere at the garden party was cheerful. It brimmed with the warmth of the midday sun and the vibrant hum of people's laughter and chatter. The estate's sprawling yard was alive, dotted with tables adorned with bright, freshly picked flowers and a spread of delicious food. The smell of roasted meats, buttered rolls, and fruit tarts lingered in the breeze, adding to the cozy ambiance.Under the shade of a grand oak tree, Selene sat comfortably with Luna in her arms. Her baby girl's tiny fingers occasionally reached for Selene's long, wavy hair. Nearby, Noah crouched to entertain Lucian, waving a brightly colored napkin in front of him. The baby's soft giggles were contagious, drawing smiles from everyone present. Mrs. Callaghan sipped her lemonade with a look of satisfaction, while Mr. and Mrs. Weaver chatted animatedly about the twins' resemblance to their parents.Alaric stood slightly apart while his watchful eyes scanned the joyful scene. His typ
Chapter 86: Family and Friends"Are you ready, grandma?" Noah's voice called from the living room sounding mildly impatient. He stood near the window with hands tucked into his jacket pockets, peering out at the sleek black car idling outside.Mrs. Callaghan, bustling in the kitchen, replied without turning. "Patience, Noah. You don't rush a visit."Noah chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I'm not rushing. I'm just saying we shouldn't keep them waiting too long. Alaric doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who likes delays."Mrs. Callaghan paused with a smile tugging at her lips. "You're not wrong there. But don't forget, Selene invited us because she wanted to see us. No need to act like we're meeting royalty."At that moment, the door creaked open, and Mr. and Mrs. Weaver entered, both holding small wrapped packages. "We're set," Mr. Weaver announced, adjusting his scarf. "The driver's already got our bags. You about ready, Callaghan?""Almost," Mrs. Callaghan replied, placing the la
Chapter 85: ConquestThe usually calm and orderly floors of Clarke Industries had transformed from all the frantic activities currently happening. Employees rushed through hallways with files and folders. Their shoes clicked against the polished floors, while maintenance staff scrubbed every surface as though their jobs depended on it—which, in their minds, they did. The hum of printers, the frantic tapping of keyboards, and the occasional bark of instructions created a symphony of barely contained chaos.After a month of Alaric's absence, the announcement of his return sent ripples of panic and urgency through the company. The CEO's reputation for ruthless perfectionism preceded him, and every employee, from executives to interns, was painfully aware that even the smallest oversight could spell disaster for their career. To many, this day felt like a final exam they were unprepared for, and failure wasn't an option.Arthur stood at the center of the storm. His composed demeanor and s
Chapter 84: TestifyClaudia's bedroom was dimly lit and the heavy curtains were drawn to block out the light from outside. She sat on her chaise lounge, staring blankly at the glass of wine in her hand, swirling the deep red liquid absentmindedly. The once-polished and pristine young woman now looked worn, her elegant appearance marred by days of worry and sleepless nights.The door to her room suddenly burst open with a loud crash, making her jump. The glass of wine slipped from her fingers, shattering on the floor as her father, Mr. Yves, stormed in. His face was twisted with fury as his usually composed demeanor completely unraveled."You testified against me?!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the room. "Are you stupid?! Do you have any idea what you've done?"Claudia stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "Dad, I—""You've destroyed everything!" he interrupted as his hands trembled and pointed an accusing finger at her. "Everything I built, everything I worke
Chapter 83: The Light and The Moon"Are you sure you're alright after whatever Arthur rudely said to you earlier?" Alaric asked, his concern evident as Selene carefully leaned back against the headboard.Selene let out a soft chuckle and exhaled. "He was rude and mean... but I don't think he meant any harm. I'm more worried about my babies. We left them behind at Mrs. Callaghan's. It's—"Before she could finish, a knock on the door interrupted her, followed by Arthur's voice from the other side. "Mr. Clarke, you have visitors."Alaric who momentarily forgot about his expected visitors, spoke without hesitation. "Let them in."The door opened slowly, and Arthur stepped aside as two men entered, each accompanied by a nurse. In their arms were two tiny bundles, wrapped snugly in soft, warm cloths. Arthur had thoughtfully suggested removing the newborns from their incubators so the mother could hold them freely.Selene's breath hitched at the sight, and tears instantly welled up in her ey
Chapter 82: Twins"What do you know?" Alaric finally asked, confused and suspicious.Arthur smiled solemnly. "I knew. From the moment you returned and spoke to me, I could tell that you were different. The way you carried yourself, the way you spoke—it was as if someone else had taken his place. Damian was my young master, and I knew him better than anyone."Selene's breath hitched, and her gaze darted between the two men. "Then why... why didn't you say anything?" she whispered.Arthur sighed deeply, his hands clasped behind his back as he straightened. "Because I knew the truth wouldn't change the situation. Damian Clarke was already gone. I saw his body myself the day he fell unconscious in his own home."Alaric's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"Arthur hesitated for a moment before continuing, his tone heavy with regret. "Damian's death was no accident. It wasn't illness or stress as it appeared. He was poisoned."Selene gasped, her free hand covering her mouth. Alaric's grip o