CHAPTER SIX-THORIN-My eyes fluttered open, the soft glow of morning sunlight trickling in through the window. I squinted, my eyes taking a moment to adjust to the light. The room was filled with the smell of fresh linen and something herbal - sweet yet subtly bitter. My body felt heavy but in a different way from before; like a deep, restful lethargy rather than the paralyzing grip of poison. I tried to sit up, and to my relief, I found it considerably easier. My limbs felt sluggish but obedient to my commands.The memory of last night hit me in waves. Rashida. The Nightsh
CHAPTER SIX-THORIN-I had been residing in the Lycan Empire palace with Antonio and the rest of the imperial family when Boris Gravemaw had contacted me, informing me of my mamá's sudden collapse at work. She was immediately taken to the hospital. My heart clenched as Boris detailed her condition. She had received a diagnosis of brain cancer. How long had she been dealing with this illness? Why hadn't she confided in me earlier? Did she even realize the extent of her condition, I thought. My mind was in
CHAPTER SIX-THORIN-A month had passed since my return to the Gravemaw Hounds, and most of my days were spent at the hospital with mamá or fulfilling my duties as the Delta. Despite her failing health, mamá had kept her promise. She fought with all the strength she could muster, surprising even the doctors who attended to her. Yet, everything felt heavy; the colors of the world were drained and replaced with shades of gray. My dreams were filled with memories of my
CHAPTER SIX-THORIN-I paid no attention to their comments and turned to look at the woman. She seemed strangely familiar, and then it clicked. It was Severa Greymane, and an old friend from school.When I transferred, I struggled to communicate with others because my English skills were still developing. But Severa, who happened to speak Spanish, quickly became one of my few friends. She even helped me improve my English speaking abilities."Severa," I mumbled worriedly. "Are you okay?"
CHAPTER SEVEN-WELDON-"Enough!" I shouted, but my voice was drowned in the cacophony of raised voices.The room reeked of tension and pure outrage. Thorn and Boris appeared ready to break out into a physical altercation, while Matus and Elder stood inches away from each other, engaged in a heated argument. Parella and Trisha were engaged in a heated dispute, hurling insults back and forth. Severa stood tearfully behind Thorin."Silence!" I hollered, my voice echoing off the walls in a harsh reverberation. Start
CHAPTER SEVEN-BORIS-The door closed behind Weldon and Thorin, leaving me alone with Wilhelmina. Her red eyes bore into mine, unblinking, and for the first time since I had known her, she seemed taller. Stronger. Like an indomitable force. The sight of her, unwavering, made a strange sensation flicker in my chest."Mina, you didn't mean that, did you." I said. My statement sounded more like a command, which it was, rather than a question. But there was an unexpected worry underneath my tone."I did," she held m
CHAPTER SEVEN-KINNSION-It had been a hectic day. I spent the entire night in my office, trying to complete my tasks before I had to depart for the wedding taking place in the Gravemaw Hounds' territory. Now, as dawn streaked the sky, I found myself battling the relentless fatigue. I rubbed my temples, trying to clear my head.A few days ago, we received a letter from the Luna Mother of the Gravemaw Hounds. It was addressed to me, Antonio, and Alina. The wedding was in three days, but Alina and I were departing later this afternoon to ensure all the preparations for our arr
CHAPTER SEVEN-KINNSION-The flight to the Gravemaw Hounds' territory was uneventful, with the exception of Alina's constant chatter about her new boyfriend, Ronan Dukes."He is the most divine person I've ever met!" Alina gushed. "His eyes are the color of the moonlit sky and his smile could light up even the darkest room. And that's not even mentioning his sense of humor!""Alina," I smiled tiredly. "That's all very lovely, but I'd really like to take a nap before we arrive. I haven't slept since yesterday nig
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-As we moved further away from the council room, I finally broke the silence and elaborated on the situation. "Thorin, keep your distance from Boris. I don't want him discovering that Severa has left her mark on you."Thorin, normally stoic and composed, swallowed at my words. There was conflict in his eyes, a stormy sea of fear and longing. "If you didn't want him to know it was me, why did you tell him?"I paused, feeling my gaze linger on Thorin's visibly anxious expression. "It will make him para
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-Weldon and Thorin exited the room first. I trailed behind them, but paused at the doorway and looked back at Luna Mother and Boris."Also, just so you're aware," I added, drawing their focus. "Due to the ongoing investigation, all ceremonies will be suspended until further notice."Boris leaped up from his chair, his anger evident on his face. "How dare you?" he roared. "I am to be married tonight! Do you expect me to cancel the wedding?!"
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-I raised a skeptical eyebrow and asked, my gaze turning icy. "And who do you think is the mastermind behind your beloved cub's strings?"The Luna Mother let out a deep sigh, her frustration evident in her rising voice. "How am I supposed to know?" she asked, shaking her head. "I'm just making assumptions here."Before I could ask any more questions, she fixed her cold stare back on Weldon. "You mentioned Wolf's Bane, did you not? Are you talking about the unfortunate incident where the Luna
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-We walked into the manor. The servants were bustling around us in a chaotic yet coordinated manner. However, I couldn't ignore the palpable tension that hung in the air, likely due to the commotion outside which they had undoubtedly heard and seen."I shall tell my mother and father of what has happened," Lady Basia announced. "Good luck with confronting Boris.""Thank you, Lady Basia," I replied, dipping my head in acknowledgment. Her gaze was steady but I could see the concern in her eyes
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-It wasn't long before we arrived at the Alpha's Estate. As we approached the estate, I could see that there was a disturbance unfolding near the grand entrance of the manor. Outside, the Alpha Father and a group of servants were gathered around a young man who appeared to be enraged. They were trying to calm him down."Sh*t," Weldon mumbled, his brows furrowed."It's that your brother?" Thorin asked, his voice full of concern.
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-I gazed out the car window, replaying the events of the previous night in my mind. The spot where Wilhelmina had bitten me was concealed beneath the fabric of my shirt, but the fierce heat of it seemed to radiate outwards like a beacon.I didn't sleep a wink last night. My mind was full of thoughts about Wilhelmina, replaying her touch, her seductive whispers in my ear and the sensation of her teeth and lips on my neck.Every time I closed my eyes, I found myself subjected to vivid images o
CHAPTER TEN-WILHELMINA-I woke up in the early hours of the morning, greeted by sunlight. As I slowly opened my eyes, I shielded them from the bright rays. I looked around the room. This wasn't any bedroom I recognized. Where am I, I thought confused. I felt the mattress beneath me move slightly, and I turned my head to look at the other side. Severa was fast asleep, her breathing calm and steady. I'm not alone. If Severa is here, we must be-, I thought.
CHAPTER NINE-ANTONIO-Unexpectedly, the car came to a sharp halt. The abruptness of the stop forced us apart. We panted heavily, flushed and disoriented from the sudden interruption. My shirt was half unbuttoned.I shifted my gaze out the window and was greeted by the sight of a dense grove of towering pines. In front of our car stood a charming two-story farmhouse, crafted from a beautiful mix of timber and stone. Next, I focused on Thorin and Severa. Just like me, Thorin had his shirt unbuttoned and there were smudges of lipstick all over his neck. Severa was leaning against him,
CHAPTER NINE-ANTONIO-We quickly fled the manor, making our way outside. Thorin directed us towards his vehicle. It was a sturdy bronze jeep."Careful with her, Thorin," Lady Basia instructed as Thorin climbed into the backseat with Severa on his lap. He was careful, not once jostling her too much."Of course, Lady Basia," Thorin responded, his voice barely above a whisper. He settled Severa down onto the backseat. Her head lay on his shoulder while her body curled up against him. Thorin was absentmindedly stroking Seve