ReynaThe weight of a thousand parchment scrolls felt lighter than the responsibility of planning this wedding. Here I am, standing in the grand hall of our island castle, neck-deep in swatches of silks, fragrant candles, and colour-coded guest lists. The countdown had started—less than a month until the wedding. With every tick of the clock, my pulse seemed to race faster. I’d always dreamed of this day, but the reality was nothing like my fantasies. It wasn’t just a wedding; it was a convergence of powerful Alphas from across the kingdoms, including the elemental Alphas from beyond the sea.It was the stuff of legends, or nightmares, depending on how I felt at any given moment.And then there was Pyrra. That insidious voice that had once been a part of me, was now an ever-present threat lurking in the unborn life within me. Between her past betrayal and her current menacing silence, I had enough dread to fill an ocean. But the wedding planning? That was an entirely different beast
ReynaThe sun cast its golden rays through the sheer curtains, illuminating the room with a warm glow. I sat on a plush armchair, scrolling through the final checklist on a tablet. Food tasting—done. Security measures for the Alphas—done. Music selection—done. The list went on, but with each checkmark, I felt a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Every item ticked off was a step closer to my wedding day—a day that, despite its overwhelming enormity, was finally coming together.Just as I was relishing this tiny moment of calm, I heard a knock on the door.“Come in,” I call out, setting the tablet aside.The door swung open, and a servant stepped in. “Luna, Queen Consort Deana has arrived.”My ears perk up at this, and I place the tablet down before getting to my feet.“Thank you. Please, have her meet me in the garden. I’ll be right there,” I say. I feel a mix of excitement and apprehension at the thought of her arrival. Would she approve of all the wedding plans?I take a seat acro
ReynaToday’s the day. The day I've been planning, dreading, and yearning for has finally arrived, and I'm caught in a whirlwind of emotions that I can’t quite describe. I stand in front of a tall mirror, watching as Amina adjusts the last of the delicate silver pins in my hair. My hands shake ever so slightly, and my reflection looks back at me, equally jittery. Deana’s heirloom glints at my neck under the moonlight, giving me just a little more confidence.“Deep breaths, Reyna,” Amina reminds me, her fingers finishing their work with a final flourish. “You’re going to be spectacular.”“Or spectacularly awful,” I murmur, half-joking, half-serious. It’s no small ceremony—Alphas from all across the kingdoms have travelled to be here, not to mention the four elemental Alphas from beyond the sea. The stakes are astronomical.I leave my bridal chamber, feeling the weight of my long, flowing gown with its intricate lace and beadwork. Amina hands me my bouquet, now elegantly bound in soft
ReynaThe back garden space behind the castle was alive with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of laughter. A canopy of twinkling fairy lights crisscrosses the sky, imitating the stars. The tables, adorned in deep purples, crimsons, emerald greens, and royal blues, stood out majestically amidst the lush greenery. Candlelit lanterns float in the air, illuminating the space in a soft, otherworldly glow. It feels like a vivid dream, suspended in a realm between reality and fantasy.The moment we stepped into the enchanting space, we were greeted by a chorus of cheers and applause. While we greet well-wishers with smiles, our hands entwined, a sudden bellow pierces through the festive atmosphere.“MATE!”The word echoes through the air like a sudden clap of thunder, causing everyone to stop in their tracks. The cry echoes through the air, and as I turn my head, I catch sight of Elemental Alpha Boreas of the Frozen Throne, his eyes locked on Amina. The crowd erupts into whisper
ReynaI pull at the straps of the harness and grin to myself, knowing exactly how Malachi’s face will look when I walk out wearing nothing but this. We’re back on our island home now, while our guests are staying over at Queen’s Court for the night. Although we’ve already claimed each other on our first full moon together, I still wanted this night to be special.Besides, I’m not only their mate now, but their Luna.I look down at the three intricate bands on my ring finger, and my heart soars. I didn’t think I could feel any happier than this. My protector, my heart and my soul– I am now irrevocably theirs.Taking a breath, I walk outside the castle to meet them, knowing tonight will be even more intimate than our first time together. The moon is radiant tonight, casting its silver glow across the secluded garden behind the castle. I should feel elated, overjoyed even, but instead, a strange sense of trepidation envelops me.I’ve fought beside these men, seen them in their most unt
ReynaI wake up, my eyes adjusting to the morning light filtering through the curtains. For the first time in what feels like forever, my mind is blissfully free of worries, even the dark shadow of Pyrra that’s been haunting me. I turn my head, taking in the sight of Cassian, Rune, and Malachi, all asleep, their faces relaxed in the tranquillity of early morning. I turn my head to look at my mates still deep in slumber, their faces serene. Last night with them felt different, more primal, as if they were claiming me anew. Every inch of my body aches, a reminder of how all three of them made me feel worshipped last night. An overwhelming sense of gratitude washes over me, settling in the deepest corners of my heart. These men are my rock, the calm in the midst of life’s relentless storm.Slipping out of bed without disturbing them, I drape a robe over my shoulders and walk toward the balcony. The door creaks open, yielding to the soft touch of dawn. As I step outside, the sea breeze
ReynaI can’t hold it in. A scream tears through me, raw and gut-wrenching, slicing the tranquillity of the morning into jagged shards of reality. My voice rips through the air, a desperate cry for something—sanity, forgiveness, a rewind button to undo whatever horror I’ve just wrought.Malachi and Rune burst onto the balcony, their faces twisted in confusion and growing horror as they take in the scene: my bloodied hands, Cassian’s limp body, and the ever-rising plumes of my purple flames surrounding me like malevolent spirits.Rune’s eyes lock onto Cassian and, without a word, he dashes over to check his pulse, his hands trembling as they make contact with Cassian’s wounded flesh.“Reyna, what happened, love?” Malachi’s voice is choked, tinged with worry and the bitter sting of impending dread.I look at him, my eyes wild, and instinctively envelop my hands in swirling purple flames. “Stay back, Malachi,” I warn, my voice tinged with hysteria. “I don’t know if I’ll hurt you too!”In
MalachiMy boots strike the floor in rhythmic echoes that boom through the empty corridor, the sound a physical manifestation of the turmoil inside me. The walls of the corridor seem to close in, much like the walls of dread and confusion closing in around my thoughts. Reyna is gone, and this time I’m not sure if we can get her back.As I pace back and forth outside Cassian’s hospital room, I can’t help but feel trapped in a swirl of emotions at war with each other — fury at Pyrra, guilt for not being able to protect Reyna, and a relentless, gnawing worry for Cassian. The air clings to my skin like a heavy, oppressive blanket, carrying the weight of my heartache and dread. I can’t shake the image of Reyna, her flames wild like her eyes, filled with a despair so deep that it swallowed her whole. Could I have stopped her? My mind races in futile circles, endlessly replaying that last moment when she looked at me, her eyes so full of love and so devoid of hope.What if she becomes the