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Caesar remained deeply in love with Pandora, despite their struggle with infertility. He found it somewhat amusing as she subjected herself to unconventional treatments, enduring hardships in the hope of having a child. The treatments imposed restrictions on her usual activities, leading Caesar to move back to his quarters, allowed to see the Queen only on days appointed by physicians.The potions took a toll on Pandora, weakening her physically. Despite her attempts to downplay the effects, it was clear that her mental health was deteriorating. While depression was common among omegas, it was rare among alphas.For Caesar, the years together passed like a fleeting moment, but for Pandora, it felt like an eternity of unfulfillment. Amidst their personal crisis, the world itself was crumbling.Slora teetered on the edge of collapse. The plague spread uncontrollably, claiming the lives of Kings and Queens, and leaving behind leaders ill-equipped to handle the crisis.Candor, too, faced
Caesar turned the castle upside down, his heart pounding as he searched for his missing mate. Nine agonizing days had passed, and the torment of not knowing Pandora's whereabouts gnawed at him. "It's confirmed; the Queen was with Ellen Beaumont the last time she was seen," Zariah reported to Caesar. "That woman never fails to amaze me," Caesar grumbled, his restlessness palpable. "I did advise both of you to kick that leech out, but you're too busy being diplomatic and merciful to do what needs to be done," said Zariah. Caesar sighed. "Where do you think they could be? Did they abscond, or are they in Damaris?" "Pandora is not foolish enough to abscond. I fear the latter. I will send more men as soon as possible." "I'm coming along." "No, my King. Stay- in case they return," Zariah said. Taking an emotionally sensitive King on a mission to find his mate, who might be with her past lover, could only lead to disaster. Caesar's suspicions weren't far from reality. Ellen and Pandor
Years later, Ingram's capital basked in the brightness of spring. The sun illuminated the city, and the air was filled with the melodic tweets of birds engaged in their mating songs. The kingdom, swarmed by the undead, had found peace as citizens, migrants, and those who had overcome the dark times lived harmoniously.However, within the castle walls, trouble brewed. The Queen, her eyes filled with madness and lips etched in a thick frown, stormed toward the quarters of the Prince. Caesar followed closely behind, aware that Pandora's anger had reached its boiling point. "Where is he?" Pandora's gaze remained fixed ahead, her fists clenched at her sides."The Prince is in his room. General Zariah managed to calm him down," a servant reported, bowing halfway.The doors swung open, revealing Pandora's determined entrance. Her son cradled against Zariah's chest, received soothing head pats, his blood-red eyes blinking at his enraged mother."Mother," Arlen said, sitting up and rubbing hi
CandorRufus found himself in his father's seat, head hung low, eyes glued to the ground, fist pressed to his lips. As the acting King until further notice, he struggled to focus on his duties."This is not funny at all. Where could that idiot be? Is he safe? I swear I'll lose my shit if that moth hurts him." Rufus' mind was not his own, often arrested by thoughts of his naive cousin. The more he tried to push away this sick feeling of worry, the more transparent his feelings for Arlen became. He did not like the possibility of Arlen being courted by another alpha, much less someone Arlen desired. Rufus could not take it.But losing Arlen was not the only problem in his life. His mother's nagging was driving him crazy, and then there was the omega his father supposedly arranged for him."Where do you think you're going?" Basma's frown turned to astonishment as her son fled the throne room like a puppet on strings.Rufus needed a breather, and there was one place he wanted to hide. Arl
All Arlen did was obey. He followed Luca to Colverdale's capital, to a silent compound where they were welcomed by strangers. Strangers who groomed him for the coming ceremony. "This will look divine on you, Master Julius," the entourage smiled at Arlen as they assembled different outfits to choose from. "An eastern robe will hide your figure but leave an inviting mystery for your groom," one said. "No, that garment is too heavy for his delicate physique. A harem dress is light and airy. It would fit him so well. He can wear his beautiful hair down," another argued. Arlen did not mind. He was used to being told what to do. Moreover, these people only meant well. "They are lovely, but I do not wish to be treated as a woman. I am still a man." Arlen was soft-spoken. The atmosphere was awkwardly quiet for a minute. But a woman rekindled their spirit by suggesting another outfit. "I might know just the thing you need." Her appearance gave off the feeling that she had been doing this
"Luca..." Arlen felt an ominous shudder as his mate continued to play with his body. 'I am not ready,' a chant resounded in his head. Beaumont took out his wet fingers. The penetration was smoother, but it didn't change the ache that came with it. Arlen's voice trembled. An awful energy was growing in his belly, and he knew it wasn't right. "It'll only take a moment. Trust me, everything will be alright," Luca whispered occasionally, his chest enlarging as he moved. "No. Please stop...you're scaring me." Arlen dug his claws into Luca's arms. Luca groaned. The wound was not deep but seeing those claws in his flesh surprised him. Luca was used to his omega in human form. He forgot that 'Julius' was a beastman. "I'll be gentle," Luca dismissed Arlen's concerns and pressed onward, determined to see the plan through. Arlen began to fight his emotions. He squirmed and pushed, trying his best to escape Luca without inflicting serious damage. But that was a foolish risk. Luca's pheromone
The head servants had little to do around the house. Everything was in order, and their new lords were not demanding. The kitchen, however, would forever be busy. But thatās because everybodyās got to eat. Marta, Hart, and Urvi were not blind to what was happening. They sat in the kitchen, gossiping as always. They were thrilled about living with their new Masters, but things were turning sour too quickly. Urvi: āDo you think something went wrong? What newlyweds their age would sleep in separate rooms?ā Marta: āIāve heard royals tend to be that way.ā Hart: āYes, but this is not a castle, and they are not royals. They are two souls who found each other. They shouldnāt be apart barely days after their wedding.ā āWhere are you taking that?ā Urvi stopped one of the maids carrying up a breakfast tray. āTo Master Julius,ā the girl said. āPut it down; thatāll be my job until I say otherwise.ā Urvi drove her away. She then went into the storeroom and brought out a set of herbs to brew.
Luca caught Arlen mid-air, landing lightly on the roof while Arlen demanded to be released. "This is why I told you to stay home," Luca grumbled. "I would have a better shot at it if you stopped hounding me around. I do not need your help!" Arlen barked in his partner's face. Earlier, he felt a burning sensation spreading in his chest. It caused him to lose sight of his surroundings - which nearly cost him. Zavian soldiers were yet to arrive, and the people were in a panic. No one was safe in their homes. The undead monsters had no qualms about breaking down buildings to find prey. Luca had a plan. Taking down the biggest threats would ease the pressure, but Arlen chose to digress. "No. That will be messy, and you canāt save everyone. Letās lure the ghouls out of town. Then we can finish them off," Arlen proposed, believing this idea was the better option. Luca: "How do you suggest we do that?" Arlen: "Blood spells. I will be the distraction while you-" Luca: "No." Arlen: "Thi
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 Reedās 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, donāt try to move. You're still recovering," Julius said, pressing him back down."How could I sleep so deeply? My menā¦ the carriageā¦" Reedās voice was dazed, his words scattered.Julius dismissed Reedās fragmented concerns, believing him to be rambling. "Itās alright, Owen. This will be the last time I take your energy, I promise." He leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss across Reedās lips.Reedās brow furrowed as he pulled away. "What did you do, Julius?"Juliusā smile faded. "What are you implying?""What did you need my energy for?"Juliusā 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 minuteā¦ 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 Arlenās. "Is this not to your liking?""No, that's not what I meant. I have to claim you, Luca.ā Arlen averted his eyes, his voice dropping to a whisper. āWhat 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 ātheā 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 Lucaās 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 heād harboured for over a decade before their paths had crossed. āI shouldāve told you the truth. I tried, butā¦ā Arlenās voice was frail. Somehow he couldnāt 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 Lucaās forehead dipped to touch the hem of his robe. āForgive me, Your Highn
Naturally, Rufus and the others followed the royal family closely after the celebrations with the people, but they couldnāt get too near due to the barricades of soldiers. Seeing this, Rufus suggested an alternative. āWe need to separate my uncle from that imposter.ā David: "But how do we do that? There are so many guards around that jerk. Did you notice heās gotten taller since the last time we fought him? And his voice-ā "Focus, David!" Rufus snapped. Luca cut in, āRufus, go after the King. Leave the imposter to me.ā Rufus nodded at the logic. The King would recognize him easily. āIn that case, go with David. Nathan and I will follow the King.ā *** Zariah took Arlen under her wing after the main event, leading him to mingle with their subjects. Believing there was no danger, Caesar did not object. Arlen wore a solemn expression as the celebrations continued. Earlier, his speech had lightened the atmosphere, making the people feel important and remembered. They laughed and c
Arlen approached his fatherās study. Caesar was obsessed with having his wifeās ghost roaming about, but when Arlen mentioned someone else as the source of his troubles, Caesar listened."Son, be honest with me. Why is that slave still alive?""Heās not a slave, Father. Heās my best friend, someone I consider a soulmate.""Well, what about your mate? Do you dote on this Julius more than them?""Not that kind of soulmate. Julius and I share a bond that even I canāt break- the kind that would make him do anything for me without hesitation.""Like trying to kill your uncle? Do you think he wouldāve stopped there?""He wasnāt himself," Arlen said with a sunken voice."Then maybe you donāt know this Julius as well as you think you do.""Youāre not listening to me. I exploited my best friendās loyalty. I recklessly tainted his soul with demons. He tricked you because I made him that way.""And you still havenāt learned your lesson. You cannot put one man- a beta, above Ingram." Caesar shook
Arlen sat under the pavilion with Zariah, working on his speech for the upcoming festival."Thatās terrible, toss it out. You can add this line to the last one... Come on, kid, didnāt you learn anything from me?" Zariahās tone was firm."This isnāt like dealing with omegas, Aunt," Arlen sighed, already bored with his first duty as Prince."Of course it is! The people need to believe you're committed to your role. Youāre an omega- hasnāt anyone ever said something that made you feel special?" It turned out Zariahās nagging could be worse than Basmaās."How would I know? My mate... he barely says anything sweet. Heās the stiffest alpha youāll ever meet.ā āWorse than your father?ā āFar worse!ā Arlen stressed. āHalf the time, he said I was trouble. On lucky days he expressed how much he wanted to keep me by his side." Arlen blurted, then paused, realizing he might never hear Luca say those words again. "But I canāt say that to my subjects."Arlen refused to reveal the identity of his ch
Reed could not accept reality. A new Arlen Braddock had replaced the one he knew. He was astonished that this was the servant his person nearly killed him for losing.As a high-ranking warrior, the men guarding Julius' cell allowed him to pass without questions.Reed's hands went around the metallic bars. "Is it true?" His usually gentle voice sounded scratchy. Sitting on the floor at the far end, Julius answered without looking at him, patiently drawing secret symbols. "I am not my master," he said."Then who are you?""It would be best if you were disgusted by me," Julius chuckled under his breath."I meant what I said. Even if you were not a noble, I'd still stand by you." Reed pulled on the bars, stating to whom his allegiance belonged. That did surprise Julius. He looked at the alpha, and a laugh burst out of him. "Hahahaha, did I bewitch you too much?"Reed unlocked the prison door and entered, his footsteps heavy and hasty. "Can you look into my soul and tell me what we had was
Julius tried the same trick on Arlen twice, using pheromones borrowed from his special pet, but it failed. Arlen's mind had grown stronger. "Master Arlen, I-" He gasped, peering around for the weapon he dropped. He gathered himself and quickly dashed for it, but Moon intentionally rolled away, making his attempt useless.'I'll distract him. Run, you fool!' Sephire screamed, right before leaving Zariah's body.āSephire, donāt!ā Julius watched in horror as his guardian opposed his maker.Sephire, unbothered by the consequences, did not hold back. Arlen caught her by the neck. "There is nowhere to run," he said, sinking his hand into her skin.Julius felt the impact of losing one of his demons. He slumped in a corner, trying to salvage his last strength. Even then, he could not take his eyes off Sephire. For once he got a better glimpse of the woman whispering into his ears. Her maniacally soothing voice was befitting of her frame. Despite the scales covering half of her face, Julius sa