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 that’s because everybody’s 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: “Do you think something went wrong? What newlyweds their age would sleep in separate rooms?” Marta: “I’ve heard royals tend to be that way.” Hart: “Yes, but this is not a castle, and they are not royals. They are two souls who found each other. They shouldn’t be apart barely days after their wedding.” “Where are you taking that?” Urvi stopped one of the maids carrying up a breakfast tray. “To Master Julius,” the girl said. “Put it down; that’ll be my job until I say otherwise.” 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 can’t save everyone. Let’s 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
The sun had graciously reclined when the rains cleared. The servants stared at the cellar doors in anticipation, half scared and confused. There were no signs of their masters' return. Hart manned up, volunteering to go out there to check if the monsters were gone. A few others agreed to go with him, armed with pitchforks and any hard, swingable objects they could find. They spread out through the compound, careful and afraid. It was a slow journey until they made it to the main gates. Their hearts lurched when there was a sudden bang. Hart hesitated, wanting to be sure these were not more fierce corpses. "Is anybody home?!" There was a thick voice, more alive than dead. Against the others' suggestions, Hart clung to his weapon and approached. He slumped against the door, relieved to find the king's men had come. They received the much-awaited news: the situation had been tamed. When the guards inquired about the owners, Hart explained that they had gone out during the a
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