Aria's POVThe urge to climb down from my horse ate at me the moment I sighted the mansions gates. We had been riding for more than thirty minutes now and my feet's were beginning to ache in the stirrups. The way that I had positioned my legs seemed to reduce the blood flow coming to my feet and it made sitting still pretty uncomfortable. Adjusting my position provided little relief and I could not ask for us to stop so that I could take care of my discomfort, not when the gates were already in sight. The only thing that I could do was try to sit still and grit my teeth, waiting through the pain as we slowly reached out destination. However, every thought of discomfort disappeared the moment I sighted Ma Levine rush out of the compounds gate. I smiled in relief, thinking that she had run out to meet us. My smile fell as I saw her take a sudden turn. "Where is Ma Levine going to?" Ryder asked and I turned to face him. He too seemed to have noticed the head housekeeper's sudden turn.
RYDER'S POV My thoughts were immediately disrupted the moment I saw Ma Levine run out of the compound's gate. I drew the reins of my horse, halting our ride as I watched the facial expression of the old wolf slowly morph to horror as she turned her attention to the path down to her left. 'Something's wrong,' Otis, my wolf, said to me as I watched the she-wolf run down the path that she had turned to. "Yeah," I said with a small grunt, a small frown falling on my face as I continued our riding. "Something is wrong." I felt Aria's shift to me as I said this. I made to turn to her but then stopped after I sighted two maidservants run out of the compound gate too. They both turned their head to the direction that Ma Levine had taken and a look of horror fell upon their face. Before I could call them, they ran down the path that Ma Levine had followed."W-what... what is happening?" Aria asked, fear and anxiety in her voice as she turned to me. I kept my eyes on the path the two maids
Ryder's POV"Ryder?" she muttered, her feet's fixated on the ground and her eyes following the bloodied cloaked body in my arms as I approached her. "What happened?" "Ma Levine found her," I said to her as I reached Aria, the weight of the cloaked she-wolf pressing heavily against me. "She is loosing a lot of blood and..." I paused and looked at Aria, a small frown forming on my face as it suddenly dawned on me that she wasn't with John. "What are you doing here?" "I didn't want to let you go out alone," Aria answered me, her stare pinned on the body in my arms. She looked up from the she-wolf to my face and continued, "I was scared for your safety." "And you think it's you who can protect me?" I asked, the tone of my voice rising as anger began filling me. "Where is John?" I looked up with angry eyes, searching for the old wolf. "I thought I asked for him to get you to the compoun--""You asked that he take the horses to the stables," Aria answered, cutting me short before I could
Aria's POVI twisted the knob of the door to Ma Levine's room and pushed it open. The wooden frame groaned in protest as I pushed it open, it's creak resounding through the room. After making sure the door was open enough, I moved to the side, allowing Ma Levine to walk in. "You're sure you don't have any injuries, Ma Levine?" I asked the head housekeeper as I entered the room, turned and closed the door behind me. I turned to face her and found her heading towards her bed, her movements slow with a small limp and her hands placed on her side. "You look like you might need some treatment," I said to her after receiving no reply from her. Ma Levine turned to face me, a weary smile on her face. "No need to fret or worry yourself, Luna Aria. It was just a little trip," she reassured me, waving her hands dismissively at my concerns as she sat down on her bed. "I was too caught up in the tension when I saw the bloodied she-wolf that I didn't notice the small rock that was in my path. I t
Hudson's POVMa Levine ran towards the cloaked wolf but before she could reach them, they fell from their horse to the ground. It was then that I sighted a large dark stain on the side of their cloak. My eyes widened as I recognized what it was.It was blood.Ma Levine immediately rushed to the cloaked wolf and laid by their side. She then gently raised their head and placed it on her lap, the blood on the cloaked wolf smearing over her peach colored dress in the process. My eyes were still on the head-housekeeper when I caught the sound of hushed voices coming from the gate. I switched my attention towards the sound and sighted two maidservants running out of the compound gate and down the path that Ma Levine had followed. One held in her hands a bowl of water and the other a small rag.After watching the duo reach Ma Levine, I immediately switched my focus back to my step-brother who was still riding towards the gate. I looked down at the bloodied body on top of the mare that John
Hudson's POV"The elders are in the meeting room and they are calling for your presence, Prince Hudson," Madam Theresa said with a small smile on her face as she slowly approached me. "Didn't the maidservant they sent tell you?" I cursed under my breath as I glanced back at the door. Turning back to Madam Theresa, I smiled and said, "she actually did come tell me." "Oh, okay," Madam Theresa said with a small nod. She gestured to the meeting room and asked, "are you coming?" "Well... well, I actually--" My words were suddenly cut short as a chatter from outside caught the attention of everyone in the hallway. All eyes turned to the door as the chatter suddenly increased. I growled inwardly. "What is that noise coming from outside?" Madam Theresa asked, the smile on her face suddenly morphing into an expression of confusion. "What is happening?" "I... I think it's just the King arriving," I said quickly, as I turned to the head-chef, hoping that my words would cause her to be disi
Ryder's POVI adjusted my shirt, tugging at the collar and pulling down the shirt as I walked down the corridor leading to one of the mansions back doors. I passed by many servants, nodding in response to their greetings as each busied at their stations. I finally reached the back door, the wooden panels of it's frame polished to a shine. The servants really were doing their job.With a deep breath, I pushed the door open, it's hinges creaking loudly, revealing the small garden outside. I stepped out of the corridor, my eyes closing a bit as I suddenly got hit with rays from the sun. "Didn't know it would be this sunny," I muttered under my breath as I stepped into the serene oasis. My steps were muffled on the lush green grass beneath my feet and the sound of rushing water from within the garden added a beautiful ambience to everything. I ignored the scene though and instead turned down the winding path that led to the compounds infirmary. As I walked, I couldn't help but feel une
Ryder's POV I pushed the door opening and it's hinges creaked as it opened, revealing the inside of the room. Shelves filled with bottles of potions and different body parts hung lined the walls and tables with different surgical items stood at each corner of the room. To an outsider, this place might look like hell, a place only a mad man would stay, but to us, it was our infirmary, the one place we could go to cater for our injuries. Two she-wolves stood beside a bed, it's sheet bloodied, with both of the she-wolves at each side of it. They seemed to be focused on the bloodied body atop the bed as they spoke to themselves in hushed tones while sharing surgical supplies from a nearby tray. The healer, a tall, lean wolf with beards that seemed to glow white, stood at one of the tables at the corner of the room with his back against me. He took seemed to be focused on what was on the table as his hands riffled what looked to be a surgical tray while he shouted orders at the two she-
Ryder’s POV“Hudson!!!" I growled as I stood from my hiding place. My voice boomed across the valley, echoing off the cliffs as I emerged from our hiding place, my daughter cradled safely in my arms. "You're fucking doomed." Hudson's expression twisted into a mix of surprise, anger and confusion as he saw me. The reality of what was happening then hit him as he saw my warrior wolves jumping out of the shadows and rushing out towards he and his guards. It took a lot of fighting and the loss of some of my warriors but we were finally able to bring down all of Hudson's wolves and also subdue him. As they chained him too, I walked over to him, holding my daughter close to my chest."Hudson," I said, my voice filled with disappointment as I stared at him. "All the while you showed me evil, I trusted you like a brother. Only to have you betray me by attacking me and kidnapping my daughter." Hudson didn't give me a reply as he glared at me with rage in his eyes. I could see that he had no
Ryder's POV"I.. I actually am happy that you've finally coke back to me," Aria said as she smiled for the first time since our son's adoption. I still marveled at how perfect her teeth were. "And I am happier that you took my back," I replied, extending my hands to her. As I caressed it, I stared into her eyes and smiled. "I really, really am happy." The entire room seemed to be light up as Aria softly laughed. It was a sound I so much missed.Suddenly, her smile dissipated, a slight frown replacing it. I squeezed her hands softly and scooted closer to her. I didn't need anyone to tell me why her mood had changed. "Do not worry, Aria. I would comb the breadth and depth..." I was cut short by a loud knock on the door. Laying kisses on her forehead, I got up from.the bed and walked to the door. "Who is it?" I asked, a hint of frustration in my voice as I placed my hands on the doorknob. "It's Harold, Prince Ryder," came a familiar voice. I grunted and opened the door to see who it w
Desiree's POVI quickly collected the horse from Jason, ignoring the questions he was asking me. Quickly, I mounted the horse and whipped the reins, causing it to sprint out of the compound. I quickly turned my horse down the path that I knew led to the small shed Hudson had gone to. I kept on whipping my horse, not wanting to waste any time. I needed to get there fast if I really wanted my plans to work.It didn't take too long for me as I finally took notice of a familiar row of sunflower along the pathway I rode. It has been planted a year earlier by some servants as instructed by Hudson. It had started drizzling, but the ray of sunshine remained firm and colourful. I recalled the stores told to me when I was little that when such was happening, it meant the moon goddess was punishing a pack for sins that they had committed towards her. I didn't believe sigh anymore. I finally reached the small gate leading to the shed and saw a guard standing by it. He sighted me and quickly wi
Desiree's POVMy heart raced as I rushed through the compound gate. I needed to inform Ryder about my findings.I quickly surveyed the surrounding path, and after seeing no one, I moved towards the palace. I had not notified anyone about me leaving that mansion and I knew if Hudson was to learn about that, he would be suspicious of me. I didn't want to drag any attention to me so I reduced my pace, walking stealthily into the mansion. It wasn't until I overheard a maidservants telling the other that Hudson had ridden to his shed in the woods that I finally relaxed. As I walked, I thought of what would happen once I told Ryder the good news I held for him. I wasn't too concerned about what he would do though. I was much more concerned about what Aria would do. She had promised me that she would pack and leave the moment her stupid child was found and that was what I expected from her. If she did, I'd finally have Ryder to myself. Upon arriving at the palace, I received the referenc
Desiree's POV"We were ambushed and... they kidnapped my daughter," Ryder explained to me, his voice cracking a bit. I could hear from his tone that he was pained and angered by what had happened to he and Aria. Why wasn't he thinking about me? Aria and Ryder had arrived not up to an hour ago and Aria had retreated to her room to cry her eyes out. Ryder had decided to come to his study to think and luckily, I was waiting for him. His conversation though was not one I was expecting to be having with him. "Do you know who took her?" I asked, pretending to be concerned, even though deep down, I was filled with anger. "Was there any clue left behind by the wolves that may lead us to her?" "I... I don't know," Ryder admitted, frustration evident in his voice. He grunted and ran a hand through his hair as he shook his head. He looked down at the drink I had brought for him and I could see in his eyes that he wanted to take it. "But... but I have to find her. I lost Aria once. I can't be
Ryder's POV We had long begun our journey in silence, the only sound filling the air being the sound of our horse's hooves trotting softly against grass and the racket our carriage wheels made as it made it's way through the forest. The children too added to the list as they played and laughed loudly. Apart from all these, the carriage seemed silent. My gaze turned to Aria, a sense of guilt filling up within me as I stared at her. She had turned to the window and was staring at the passing trees. It was obvious that her mind was somewhere else and I wondered what it was that she was thinking about. Was it me? Was she having regrets?I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. I just didn't know what to say. Taking in a deep breath, I turned from her and began tapping my feet on the floor restlessly, trying my best to muster my courage."What is it?" I heard her say and I quickly turned to her. Her gaze had not left the window."Look, Aria, I'm... I'm really, really sorry," I sa
Ryder's POVThe morning came as quickly as the night went by and the rays of sun did more than wake me up, it also brought back bad memories. Memories of how I had treated Aria when all she had ever done was care for me, memories of how I should have heard her out a bit more, or protected her regardless of not knowing the origin of her pregnancy. I was nothing without her and her leaving ended up being undoubtedly detrimental to me. How did i not see that until now? But then, i probably did and decided on being more in denial. Due to the fact that it was already late yesterday, Alpha Kael had asked that I slept in before leaving with Aria. It wasn't something I wanted as it itched me to take Aria back home but I couldn't say nom He had taken me to my room, insisting that I don't sleep with Aria. I couldn't blame him. He was her father after all.I slowly sat up from bed, my right hand travellimg to my eyes as I began rubbing them to get them free from the haziness that had ensued th
Hudson's POVI walked out of the mansion and turned towards the path that led to the stable at the back. Sure enough, I found Jason there, attending to the horses inside. He was so focused on what he was doing that he didn't notice my presence.I made to enter the stable but then stopped as I sighted a a clump of horse dung at the front. I looked down at the ground and saw that there were a lot surrounding the area. I wasn't sure I wanted to have my shoes get stained with any. Taking a step back from the stable door, I called out to Jason from outside. "Jason," I shouted as I shoved my hands into the pockets of my jean trousers. "Jason," I called out again after seeing that he had not heard my first call.Jason looked up, startled, and turned to the cabin door. He sighted me standing outside and immediately wipes his dirty hands on his jeans before walking slowly to the barn door. "Alpha Hudson," he said as he bowed his head low. "Is there any problem, alpha?" I gave Jason a small n
Aria's POVRyder stared at me for a few moments before rushing towards me. I dropped my kids to the ground in fear, thinking he was going to attack me but, to my greatest surprise, he enveloped me in a tight hug the moment he reached me. I didn't know what to do so I just stood there motionless as he began whispering words of apology. "I'm sorry, Aria," he whispered as he placed his head on my blossom. "I really really am so sorry." I didn't know what to say or do at that moment. What was he sorry about? And what was he even doing here in the first place? I heard the shuffling of feet behind me and turned slightly to see my father stand from his throne and begin to walk towards I and Ryder. He was confused but had not reacted to Ryder's sudden hug. I assumed it was because I wasn't protesting that he kept cool. "What is happening here?" he asked with a frown on his face as he paused at the last step of the podium on which his throne sat. "Prince Ryder," he called out to Ryder and I