"You came for the truth, and I'm being gracious enough to tell you!" Lian Xiu snapped his fingers, unleashing spirit strings that wove around the room, causing tiny particles of rocks to coagulate into moving pictures. The images emulated faces Luca was familiar with. And visions Arlen had long forgotten due to trauma. Lian gave himself space from the visitors. He was about to perform a technique that earned him his reputation as the now-twisted Whispering Jade. He could fish out anyone's past, and dig out people's greatest flaws. Lian Xiu's heart tickled with delight as he was about to unveil a shameful secret that ruined the peace in Slora.Years Back - DamarisA caravan arrived at the King's Castle with treasures and livestock. Scores of people abandoned their duties, dying to get a peek at the strongest alpha of their time. A hunter who made men weak in the knees at the mere sight of her double-edged blade."We're here, my liege." A warrior knelt as the soon-to-be head of the Br
Ellen would host Pandora when her husband had to break an appointment or leave before time. They went on long walks, picnics and canoe rides. Pandora's jovial personality and reckless adventures were just what Ellen needed to escape the monotonous life within the Castle. They even inspired her to share tales of her own- of when she was not yet Theoden's property. Pandora confirmed how much the Queen trusted her after earning the pet name, 'Dora.' "The Princess seems uninterested in my proposal. I might as well return to my Kingdom and search elsewhere," Pandora opened up one day. Having an interest in someone else had wanned down her efforts to pursue the Princess of Damaris. As much as she adored Ellen, she wanted to stay friends with Theoden. "Roxanne hates the thought of her family planning her life," Ellen glanced at Pandora. "If you want her to take you seriously, you'll have to go to her- woman to woman.""How do I achieve that when she won't even meet me?" Pandora's eyes fli
It was raining. Servants covered their heads, skipping past the guards who had to remain at their posts. There would be many sneezing and coughing by nightfall if the downpour did not cease soon. Pandora remained indoors, finding rest in that compulsory leisure time. Zariah did not despise a nap, and Pandora did not deny her that right at that hour.Pandora had rid herself of her leather and silver armour, wearing a long-sleeved blouse coupled with a pair of brown pants. With the way she held her hair back, one could easily mistake her for a handsome man. After staring out of the windows for too long, sketching in a hand-sized book, Pandora fell victim to her thoughts. Things were moving smoothly with Roxanne Beaumont since their date, and she could not deny her intelligence, but Pandora was more consumed by her interest in the Queen.The alpha pulled out of her seat when someone entered her room without permission. She was going to rant, as no one but Zariah would do that, but her wo
Ingram Five weeks after Pandora had departed from Damaris, an invitation arrived from Sutcliffe. The Prescotts were celebrating the King's birthday. It promised to be a festivity not to be missed. "Your cabinet has approved of this trip. If we set off in two days, we'll reach Sutcliffe in time for the festivities," Zariah sat across from Pandora, reviewing land deeds and new projects she had been tasked to oversee. Pandora displayed no enthusiasm. Three of Theoden's messengers had approached her castle with veiled threats and messages. She had exercised patience and dismissed them from her kingdom to maintain peace. The Beaumonts were also invited to the upcoming celebration, and it was no surprise that Pandora wished to avoid it. "I understand your desire for isolation, but there could be many benefits to attending. Imagine a huge, stunning castle lodged in a beautiful valley. It's made of smooth, shiny stone and has tall towers with colourful flags. To get inside, you cross a bi
"You insolent fool! How dare you play such cheap tricks on my future Queen!" Zariah's eyes blazed with anger, her deep voice echoing through the hall, sending chills to those present.Caesar struggled to regain his composure, humiliated by his actions. His face turned crimson, and his confidence waned."It's alright, Zariah. It was an accident," Pandora stood tall, attempting to diffuse the tension in the room. She scanned the crowd for Roxanne but realized she had already left."No, Your Majesty, please permit me to teach this idiot a lesson," Zariah insisted, her determination unwavering. But Pandora dissuaded her from doing so.With all eyes on him, Caesar found himself speechless and defeated. He made a hasty retreat, his dignity in tatters.Later, after the banquet, Caesar, determined to make amends, sought out Pandora. He was met with resistance from the guards at the door, but with their leader's intervention, they let him through.Caesar found Pandora without her heavy armour
Ingram When Caesar set foot in Ingram, he couldn't help but feel powerless. His brother's mother had played a decisive role in convincing the King to accept Pandora's proposal. Once again, Caesar found himself downgraded to a mere pawn, a piece that could be traded or cast aside for the highest bidder. Whenever Pandora made her presence known, his emotions boiled over with anger and helplessness. On the other hand, Pandora seemed to derive amusement from his desperate attempts to evade her, often goading Caesar with her commands. She took delight in witnessing the proud alpha struggle to conceal his frustration each time she intentionally encroached upon his day. ***** After a long debate with her father's cabinet, Pandora finally found peace in her room, free from interruptions- except for Zariah, who seemed ready to vent her grievances. "You need to end this absurd proposal before it's too late," Zariah had nothing positive to say about their guest. "Mhmm," Pandora would only
Her fingers curled around his hand, tightening with each jolt as the carriage crossed the bumpy road. "Caesar, don't fall asleep. Look at me," Pandora's voice was a soothing drizzle after the tempest.But the storm was far from over. There was a festering corpse lurking within Caesar's gut. Pandora rallied all the healers she could find in Sidioak, but their efforts yielded little hope. The best course of action was to reach the capital. To prevent the rapid spread of infection, she cast a spell to infuse Caesar with spirit energy, keeping him alive.A messenger rode ahead to prepare the physicians. After another day fraught with fear and despair, they finally arrived at the royal infirmary. Letting go of Caesar's hand was one of the hardest things Pandora had ever done. What if he needed her to be there? What if he didn't make it? Nevertheless, she had to leave the room so the healers and physicians could help.Zariah rushed in as Pandora paced anxiously in the courtyard. "How did it
Caesar's recovery brought immense relief to everyone in the palace. To celebrate this victory against an untimely death or turning into an evil spirit, Pandora organized a feast in his honour, inviting everyone in the capital who wanted to share in her joy.Caesar didn't think it was necessary but saw it as a send-off party since he planned to return to Candor soon. Pandora had also moved back to her room, which made him a little bitter, but he could not complain.A day before the feast, Pandora secretly slipped into Zariah's room. "I need a favour," she said. Zariah was clueless, but when she heard Pandora's request, it was as if her prayer had been answered.Zariah locked her friend in and summoned a particular group of individuals whose services were rarely utilized in the palace."The physician has taken him off his medication. You should be happy," Zariah remarked as they waited.Pandora had a different view on that subject. "But he's so cute when he's lost his mind," Pandora mus
Axel barged into his father’s tent as the troops waited for orders to march. “Father, perhaps you should reconsider this war. I spoke to Lady Maren… It seems Luca is already in Ingram.” Theoden adjusted his outer robe. “And she knows this because?” “Luca came to her. He was with Rufus Loughty and David. We can’t proceed without considering their safety.” “You’re mistaken. This gives us even more reason to take down Ingram.” “Father, I beg you, let’s approach this with caution. What if my brother was right and the real culprit wasn’t Arlen? If the other kingdoms lose their heirs, all of this will have been for nothing.” “I forbid you from mentioning this to Zavian. Claude’s son has always been a rebel at heart-it’s not my concern if he gets caught in the fire.” “And Luca? Are you going to doom him as well?” “Think of the people who have died because King Caesar and his son are still alive! Your brother has been brainwashed, Axel. Once that family is dead, we’ll finally be
"Master David, your brother must be very proud of you," Zariah said, clearly impressed by David's wittiness. David chuckled. "Haha, thank you, General, but my brother thinks I’m a wimp." Zariah smiled at the alpha. "Clearly, he’s blind. Stick close to me for the time being. You might learn something new." Her eyes lingered on David for a moment before shifting to the couple in the room. "Arlen," she began, "You will help the citizens hide and use the dead to steer those armies as planned, but not away from the main city. Instead, toward it, closer to Kraken Mountain. If we can get through to the kings, we can offer them the real criminal who burned down their towns to appease them." Arlen’s heart clenched. "What?" Zariah continued as if she hadn’t noticed his distress. "Your father is meeting with the council as we speak. He’s waiting for me to give the final word because he trusts me, as you should. This is my decision. While your ghouls draw the armies towards the coastal
Arlen had summoned only Zariah to his quarters, but she arrived accompanied by Rufus, David, and Nathan. "They wanted to help," Zariah shrugged casually. Arlen glanced at the people now gathered around his table, silently calculating how to keep them safe when the time came. "This is insane, Arlen. You'll be outnumbered," Zariah said, shaking her head. Arlen met her gaze steadily. "The aim is to save as many lives as possible. By the time the clans reach the main city, I’ll have hidden our people. I need two-thirds of our men to make sure my father and uncle are well protected." "And then what?" Zariah asked sharply. "You’re setting us up to fail here." "With all due respect, General, let him finish," Luca interjected, squeezing Arlen's hand. The quiet gesture conveyed his unwavering support. Even if Luca didn’t fully agree with Arlen’s methods, he had no intention of abandoning him. Zariah exhaled silently, her arms folded as she studied the pair. With a slight nod, she
KelletTheoden sat among the circle of leaders, listening to their strategies for the upcoming war when the news arrived. Ingram's border was falling apart. The announcement shifted their battle plan entirely. Instead of laying siege to a fortified city, they would be strolling in with minimal resistance."I hear there are mortals within the walls. Do we evacuate them and deal with the undead?" someone asked.Theoden’s voice was firm. "No. Every man and creature within that place is no ally of ours. They are foes. We must wipe them out.""Are you certain about that?" Zavian interjected, raising a brow. "Wouldn’t it be wiser to focus on the main target - capture the nation as a whole, rather than burning it to the ground? Cut off the head, and the body will fall."Theoden’s gaze sharpened. "King Zavian, the first time we marched against Ingram, we underestimated its strength - its people. That misstep cost us dearly. And while we succeeded in bringing down Pandora, here we are again, c
"I didn’t do anything, Uncle. They left on their own," Arlen mumbled, pouting. Claude sighed heavily, the little one’s stubbornness wearing him thin. This wasn’t the first time Arlen had driven servants away - he had a habit of summoning ghouls to torment them. Just days ago, the previous batch of servants was found in a ditch full of rotting animals. Now, the castle staff lived in fear of the young prince, who acted as though every abandonment was their fault. Queen Basma was the only one capable of reining Arlen in. She had tried reasoning with him but her influence was fleeting; sooner or later, the next set of servants would meet unfortunate fates. One day, Claude returned home with a boy about a year older than Arlen. Julius had been rescued from a group of human traffickers. Julius was a broken soul. His body shrank away from the slightest touch. He spoke to no one and preferred hiding in corners to lying in a bed. It was clear he had endured unimaginable trauma. Claud
By the time Reed realized he had been used- again- it was too late. Julius gently set him on a shabby bed of hay, crouching beside him with an expression of childlike curiosity. "Are you feeling better?" he asked, patting Reed’s head."What happened? What time is it?" Reed groaned, pressing a hand to his throbbing temple. He tried to get up but found his legs numb and unwilling."Wait, don’t try to move. You're still recovering," Julius said, pressing him back down."How could I sleep so deeply? My men… the carriage…" Reed’s voice was dazed, his words scattered.Julius dismissed Reed’s fragmented concerns, believing him to be rambling. "It’s alright, Owen. This will be the last time I take your energy, I promise." He leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss across Reed’s lips.Reed’s brow furrowed as he pulled away. "What did you do, Julius?"Julius’ smile faded. "What are you implying?""What did you need my energy for?"Julius’ face hardened. "If you must know, I collapsed the fog at the b
"Did you miss me?" Arlen asked as Luca thrust into him for what felt like the hundredth time."Every hour, every minute… every second," Luca replied, voice thick with longing."Then kiss me harder. Show me the depth of your despair," Arlen cooed.Luca held Arlen close as if he could disappear at any moment. The memory felt lucid, almost unreal. It was harder for him not to bury himself deeper. It was in an alpha's nature to bite and knot his cherished omega, and Luca was nearly numb with excitement as Arlen wrapped around him like a vine, making desperate, teasing sounds that ignited every instinct within him."Arlen, if we keep going like this, I might fall into a rut.""That's not... fair," Arlen murmured between breaths.Luca lifted his gaze to meet Arlen’s. "Is this not to your liking?""No, that's not what I meant. I have to claim you, Luca.” Arlen averted his eyes, his voice dropping to a whisper. “What if you woke up and changed your mind?"With a steady rhythm, Luca pressed g
Arlen led David to the guest quarters, leaving him in the care of capable servants. He then continued along a different path, Luca close behind. Every now and then, Arlen glanced back with a smile, ensuring that Luca stayed close. As they neared a large compound, Luca presumed the inevitable meeting with his father-in-law was approaching. He braced himself. It was unlikely to be a pleasant encounter given their family history, but it had to happen. The structures of this place felt different from the cold, mechanical landscape of Damaris. The statues here were immense, fearsome, and far removed from the serene ones back home. Guards stood at every corner, their expressions stern and lacking any warmth. For Luca, walking side by side with ‘the’ Arlen Braddock still felt surreal, and yet his heart was overwhelmed with love. When they entered a large room, the doors shut behind them with a quiet snap. Luca turned at the sound, only to notice a faint blue hue glowing over the ex
For a moment, Arlen studied Luca’s face as if caught in a daydream, focusing on all the features he longed to touch- his eyes, ears, cheeks, lips. Luca, however, stood motionless, like an old tree rooted in place.But Arlen dropped to his knees. Luca clenched his fists as he struggled to find a way to redeem himself. The sight of Arlen touching his feet, as though a lowly servant, made Luca feel like the monster Rufus had always claimed he was. It was a sharp reminder of the blind hatred he’d harboured for over a decade before their paths had crossed. “I should’ve told you the truth. I tried, but…” Arlen’s voice was frail. Somehow he couldn’t shake the fear that Luca had come to end his life. His heart sank further when Luca hesitantly pulled his feet away. However, Luca had other other plans. Arlen watched, confused, as the alpha knelt, lowering himself until their eyes were level. His breath caught when Luca’s forehead dipped to touch the hem of his robe. “Forgive me, Your Highn