Reyna The landing of the private jet is surprisingly smooth, and as the wheels touch down, my heart flutters with anticipation. What else lay in store for me to marvel at? As we stepped out of the private jet, the sight that greeted us was nothing short of awe-inspiring. “Wow…” I trail off when I set my eyes on Malachi’s castle in front of me…well if you could call it a castle! The castle stands tall and majestic, with the outer walls made of an enchanting, shimmering glass material that seemed to change colours in the light, creating an iridescent effect that catches the eye from every angle. Thin spires stretch out towards the sky, and odd spherical chambers are situated in front of the castle, each chamber bathed in an odd blue light. Trees of vibrant colours as far as the eye can see, giving it an ethereal glow. Malachi slips an arm around my waist and leads me outside. I can sense the excitement radiating from him, which is odd, since this is his kingdom. “Welcome to my kin
Reyna As we sit together in his living room, Malachi embraces me tightly, and I try to feel at ease as I listen to the gentle and calming beat of his heart. But it doesn’t work… I can still hear the moment the high priestess’ heart stopped. “She died because of me,” I whisper, clutching onto the lapel of Malachi’s coat. “Why did she die? What did I do?” “Shh, beautiful, it wasn’t your fault,” he says in a soothing voice as he runs his fingers through my hair. “She did what the Goddess called on her to do; nothing was your fault.” It doesn’t make me feel any better, none of it does. I groan as I settle deeper into his embrace and choose to ignore everything else. Cassian has gone off somewhere to call on someone, and Rune is on the opposite side of the room, brewing something. Right now I know I am being forward by sitting in Malachi’s lap and being this intimate with him, but being this close to my mate seems to be the only thing keeping me calm right now. He doesn’t mind either
ReynaThe woman's accusation makes my heart drop in my chest, but Malachi seems to be completely unfazed as he rolls his eyes. “Pardon me, beautiful,” he says and scoops me into his arms before he places me on Rune’s lap and gets to his feet. “I need to go and sort this out.”Rune wraps his arms around my waist and from the chocolate smell permeating the air, I know he’s trying to scent me to calm me down. What the heck is going on? Who is this woman?Malachi stalks towards her, and I see her flinching. “What do you think you’re doing here, Annabella? Did your father not speak with you about this?” he says in a low voice bordering on a growl.The blonde woman, Annabella, takes a step back as Malachi advances on her. “I, uh… yes, he did—”“Then why are you here? I explained to your father that this marriage cannot go ahead because I have met my mate. The Goddess’ will comes above duty,” he says in that same menacing tone, and even I get a shiver up my spine. “It’s okay, darling,” Run
ReynaMy head is still hazy from my interaction with all three Alphas and thankfully they’ve given me a few minutes alone. To be honest, everything in me is telling me to not hold back with them because they’re my mates, but there’s still an apprehensive voice in the back of my head.The voice that tells me these Alphas will hurt me if given the chance.Granted, I don’t know them that well yet and there must be secrets they’re hiding from me like Malachi’s fiancee. But I feel like falling headfirst into this without thinking could be a bad idea. I’ll be giving these men everything in me. How do I know they’ll do the same? A mate bond isn’t absolute, look at what Aiden did to me after I gave myself to him. Breathing out a sigh, I get to my feet and slowly pace Malachi’s bedroom. He had a few things to deal with, Rune had to give orders to his men and Cassian needed to inform his mother of what was happening.How Malachi is searching for an island for me so the three of us could stay
ReynaAfter spending dinner with the three Alphas and getting to know them a little better, I am now in a guest bedroom for the night before we leave for Cassian’s kingdom. Malachi has no more living relatives. After he was born, his father was so adamant Malachi would rule over everyone that he didn’t bother to have more. That’s quite an ambition to put on a little boy and to be honest, I get where Malachi’s confidence comes from now. Now I’m laying under plush covers in a king-sized bed, wearing nothing but a pair of panties and a tank top, wondering how I got here. A week ago the only thing I was looking forward to was the Hallowed Bond Ball and how it would change my life for the better. I just didn’t expect it would change in this way… I just wanted to escape the life I grew up in.As I followed Malachi, Cassian, and Rune throughout the day I couldn’t help but replay their words over and over in my head. Queen. Luna. Theirs.Titles I’d never dared to dream about, positions I
ReynaAs the jet’s engines muted down, I cautiously step onto the metal staircase, instantly feeling the temperature drop. The cold air at high altitude nips at my face, a contrast to the cosy and luxurious atmosphere inside the plane with its soft leather seats and champagne. I can’t resist looking out into the distance, where Cassian’s castle stands tall.“Welcome to my kingdom, Reyna,” Cassian says proudly from behind me, his voice resonating with pride.The sight in front of me takes my breath away. It’s a fortress that stretches across the valley like a metallic creature. There is nothing inviting about it. It stands cold and resolute; a symbol of the warfare that thrives in this kingdom.“Wow…” I whisper, unable to tear my gaze away from the intimidating structure.“You can see why Cassian is called the Warmonger; he developed every modern weapon we have today. Both for our world as well as the humans across the seas,” Malachi says with a grin. “After he killed my father, we wer
ReynaI used to think dinners with my step-mother and step-siblings were bad, but this was before I became Cassian’s mate and had to mingle with his sisters.Queen Deana was delightful as usual, but both Cassandra and Cleo were utter bitches toward me throughout the morning. Now we’re seated having tea and cakes together, and I can feel the hatred emanating from those two.I don’t understand it. They’re beautiful women who even have the same Alpha Blue eyes as Cassian. What could they possibly hate me for?“So, Reyna dear, tell us about yourself,” Queen Deana says, asking me the worst question at the worst time. “I know Alaric is your father, but he had you working as a maid the evening Cassian Sighted you?”Restrained giggles erupt from Cassandra and Cleo and now I wish the ground would swallow me whole. Queen Deana shoots them angry glances and they immediately stop, but I can see the glee on their faces.“Well, yes. I do not know my mother, and my father refused to tell me anything
Reyna I gasp at the person standing at the foot of my bed, pulling the covers over my naked body. Fear stabs through me as I wonder what she could want, but then she shakes her head, and my eyes narrow. “Cleo? What are you doing here?” She puts a finger to her lips to tell me to stay quiet and walks towards me. “I wanted to apologise to you for my behaviour today. What my sister said was…it was awful,” she whispers. “I just wanted to make it clear to you.” I frown as I look at her, not understanding. “You both continued to insult me, making me feel like I don’t deserve Cassian—” “That’s not me, I promise!” she says in a hushed tone and sits on my bed. “I’m fine with you being his mate; he’s the happiest he has ever been since he became King and everyone can see it! It’s just…” She trails off her last sentence and laces her hands together on her lap, sighing and hanging her head. I don’t know why, but I feel uneasy with her silence. “Cassandra… she has an unhealthy obsession with
As the vibrant festival rages around them, filled with music and laughter, Rhiannon stands slightly apart, her gaze fixed on the group that forms the cornerstone of her new life. There, amidst a crowd of revellers, her three mates and three fathers converse, a symbol of newfound peace and acceptance. The speeches have been made, and the collective acceptance of Rhiannon’s unique bond with her dragon mates has marked a significant milestone in their lives. While her brothers, Micah, Rhys, and Caelum, maintained a facade of politeness, their underlying discomfort was palpable. Rhiannon understood their protectiveness; they were her older brothers, after all. It was their instinct to shield her, yet here she was, needing no protection from the men they were wary of. From the corner of the gathering, she noticed Soren engaging Caelum in what appeared to be a serious yet respectful discussion. The way Caelum’s posture shifted, easing from stiff disapproval to reluctant acknowledgment, s
RhiannonStanding on the soft sands of our island, the sound of the waves gently crashing against the shore sets a calming backdrop. I watch the sky anxiously; waiting for the small aircraft that’s bringing my parents to our home. Soren had extended the invitation to our island as a gesture of goodwill and trust. Despite the turmoil of our last encounter, I feel a budding hope that today will mark a new beginning.Sensing my unease, Soren squeezes my hand reassuringly. “They’ll see. Everything’s going to be alright,” he murmurs, but I can tell he’s just as anxious.The plane touches down with a soft whirr, and my heart skips as I see my parents disembark. My mother spots me and immediately rushes over, her arms wide open. As she wraps me in a tight embrace, tears well up in my eyes, and soon we’re both crying, holding each other after the painful uncertainty of the past weeks.“Oh, Rhiannon,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. “I’ve been so worried, so scared!”My fathers s
IvarSpeaking to Rhiannon about reconciling with her parents did not go as planned, so we’re taking things into our own hands.As we fly toward the secluded meeting spot, the weight of the upcoming discussion presses heavily on my mind. Gavriel, Soren, and I shift back into our human forms just as we land, slipping into sweatpants for a semblance of normalcy as we prepare to face Rhiannon’s fathers: Rune, Malachi, and Cassian.The tension is palpable as we approach them. Rune, always the silent type, gives us a nod, while Malachi’s expression is guarded, his temperament more volatile. Cassian, known for his strategic mind, watches us with calculated interest.“We appreciate you meeting us here, without Rhiannon,” I start, my voice steady despite the churn of emotions inside me. “There’s something important we need to discuss.”Malachi crosses his arms, his brow furrowing. “And what’s so important that Rhiannon couldn’t be here?”“It’s about her,” Soren interjects, stepping slightly fo
RhiannonAs I feel the fabric of the blindfold tighten gently around my eyes, Ivar’s warm breath tickles my ear. “Trust me, Rhi. You’re going to love this,” he whispers, his voice a soothing blend of mystery and reassurance.“Where are you taking me?” I ask, half-excited, half-anxious as he guides me by the hand. Each step crunches softly underfoot, the unmistakable scent of the forest growing stronger with every breath. My heart races, not just from the blindfold and the unknown, but from the anticipation of whatever Ivar has planned.“Just a little further,” he teases, his usual light-hearted chuckle making it harder to fret about where we’re going. “You don’t always need to see the path to enjoy where it leads.”Despite my nervousness, I smile, squeezing his hand. “If this is another one of your cooking experiments, I swear…”He laughs, stopping us both. “No cooking this time. I promise.” He leans in, kissing the side of my head gently. “Okay, ready?”The anticipation is a knot in
SorenCircling the island, I stretch out my wings, feeling the wind rush through my scales as I survey the boundaries of our territory. It’s a routine patrol, but today, my mind is restless, preoccupied with thoughts of Rhiannon. Since the disastrous meeting with her parents, there’s a heaviness in her that I feel deep in my bones—a shared ache, thanks to the mate bond, that tells me her heart isn’t just bruised, it’s shattered. She puts on a brave face, dismisses it with a wave and a joke, but I know better.Shifting back to my human form with a practised ease, I pull on a pair of shorts just as I see her approaching. The sight of her—in a simple white cotton dress, barefoot, her hair catching the light of the setting sun—tightens something in my chest.Before she can say anything, I close the distance between us, pulling her into my arms, and kiss the side of her head—a gesture of comfort I hope she can still find solace in. “How are you doing?” I ask, though the answer is written
RhiannonThe cold shock of being torn from Soren’s embrace cuts through me, my screams shattering the stillness as I reach out for him, for any of them, only to find my hands grasping at empty air. The ground rushes up to meet me, and as I scramble to my feet, my eyes lock onto my parents, standing a few feet away, their expressions a mix of concern and something darker.“What have you done?!” I shout at my parents, staring into their faces, searching for some hint of remorse, of understanding. “Why would you do this?”My father, Cassian, stands firm, his expression a mask of regret and resolve. “We did what we had to, Rhiannon. They took you from us and we had no idea if this was a trap or not. We’re just taking you back.”“Taking me back?” I echo, incredulity sharpening my voice to a cutting edge. “You call this a rescue? I chose to be with them!”My mother reaches out, her touch meant to soothe, but it only fans the flames of my anger. “Darling, please, try to understand. We’re ju
GavrielIn our war room, the atmosphere is charged, a blend of anticipation and underlying tension. The response from Rhiannon’s parents has arrived, a beacon of hope amid the uncertainty that’s shrouded us for so long. They’re willing to meet, a first step on the treacherous path towards peace. Rhiannon is asleep, unaware of the developments, and here we are, planning every detail of our departure tomorrow, prepared for every eventuality, even an attack.“I can’t believe they actually agreed,” Ivar comments, leaning back in his chair, the nonchalance in his voice not quite reaching his eyes. He’s been off lately, the usual lightness of his wit shadowed by the weight of our situation. “This is good, right?”Soren, leaning heavily against the table, runs a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. “Yeah, willing to meet or set a damn trap. We can’t rule anything out.”He’s right. Our isolation, by choice and circumstance, has always been our strength and our vulnerability. Now,
Rhiannon Sitting across from Ivar, Gavriel, and Soren, I’m completely nervous and out of my depth. We’re about to discuss something that could change the course of our lives forever. “We need to talk to my parents,” I start, diving straight into the heart of the matter. “And I mean really talk. Not through messages or mediators, but face-to-face, on neutral ground.” Ivar leans forward, his usual carefree demeanour taking a backseat to the seriousness of our discussion. “And what’s to stop them from launching an attack when we meet? Neutral ground or not.” Gavriel, silent up to this point, adds, “They’re not known for playing fair. We can’t afford to underestimate them. Security is a concern. We don’t know if your parents will come alone or bring an entourage. We have to be prepared for anything.” Soren, who’s been quietly listening, finally speaks up. “And there’s the matter of trust. We’re asking them to meet under a flag of truce. After everything, that’s asking a lot.” I can’
IvarStanding by the window, the early morning light painting the horizon in shades of gold and crimson, I find myself lost in thought. Last night we discovered something that turned our world upside down—Rhiannon is mated to all three of us. It’s a revelation that seems to defy logic, yet here we are, bound by fate, or perhaps the gods themselves, to be the bridge to peace between our worlds.For the first time in what feels like forever, there’s another person in my life I find myself genuinely caring about, willing to lay down my life for. Glancing back at the bed, seeing her there, tangled in the sheets, nestled securely between Soren and Gavriel, a smile unwittingly finds its way onto my face. It’s a sight I never imagined I’d see, yet it feels right, as if all the pieces have finally fallen into place.Soren stirs, the shift in the room drawing him to wakefulness. He joins me by the window, his presence solid and reassuring. We both stand there for a moment, taking in the sere