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 EIGHT-WILHELMINA-The morning was delightful, with no clouds in the sky and the sun shining brightly. It was a beautiful day. To add the final touch to the fantastic day, everyone was eagerly anticipating the Moon Goddess' Ball tonight. I couldn't contain my excitement.Not only was this my debut as the Gravemaw Hounds' future Luna, it was also a chance to solidify my alliances. Trisha had extended invitations to all the neighboring packs, and even some nobles from the Lycan Empire were expected to attend.A sof
CHAPTER EIGHT-WILHELMINA-It had been a few days since I had confronted Boris about his decision to take Severa as his second wife. I was tired of his selfish decisions. He could do as he pleased with me, but I didn't want him to put another woman through the same pain and suffering I was about to endure.I was well aware that my threats to him were bold, but they were also completely genuine. I was determined to destroy Boris. He would pay for all the pain and suffering he inflicted on me, Severa, and our families.Bei
CHAPTER SEVEN-LEON-Her eyes widened ever so slightly, a tiny crack in her otherwise pristine facade. "A divorce," she echoed softly, the gravity of my words sinking in. "Is that what you believe the solution is?""Yes." I said, standing firm in my decision. "I cannot and will not allow you to harm our children with your twisted ideologies. It ends here, Trisha." The words hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension building between us.A sardonic chuckle slipped past her lips as she turned back to the window, he
CHAPTER SEVEN-LEON-Despite being aware that Hiro would be fully healed by tomorrow, I left him in the care of the manor's salutary. His confession had left me reeling, a whirlwind of emotions spinning within me. Betrayal, anger and fear crept into my heart like unwelcome guests. I had always been aware of my wife's deceitful tactics to achieve her desires, but I never could have fathomed the idea of manipulating her own daughter into a relationship.Why would Trisha do something like this, I thought. She had alway
CHAPTER SEVEN-HIRO-But then, suddenly, amidst the deafening roar of my pain and fear, a new sound punctured through the chaos - a growl. It was primal, animalistic, the sound of a beast cornered and threatened. I thought it was Boris, but then I realized it was someone else. Boris ceased his assault."What do you think you are doing?" It was our father. The voice was like a whip crack in the silence that followed. My father stood at the doorway, a terrifying silhouette against the flickering hallway lamp. His eyes, icy and hard, were locked onto Boris, his tall frame rigid
CHAPTER SEVEN-HIRO-The rough, calloused hand on my shoulder felt like the icy hand of death itself, a chilling reminder of the power my elder brother wielded. Boris's grip was unyielding, his eyes as cold as the winter. My heart thumped wildly in my chest."What were you thinking, Hiro?" he growled, steering me down the corridor with a firm grip. "What did you think you could accomplish, getting in the way of our mother's plans?" His voice echoed ominously off the cold walls.
CHAPTER SEVEN-ERIS-When the dinner was finally over, everyone excused themselves, heading off in different directions. Kinnison and I escaped to the sanctuary of the estate's moonlit garden. The air was thick with the scent of radiant azaleas, blooming roses, and honeysuckles, a perfect backdrop to our quiet conversation.Underneath the glowing moonlight, Kinnison held my hand gently, his touch as soft as the petals of the flowers surrounding us. With each breath, I took in not only the fragrant perfume of the blossoms but also his sweet, familiar scent that was now interw
CHAPTER SEVEN-ERIS-I noticed Boris's sly grin from across the table. His eyes twinkled mischievously as they met mine; he knew something, something I didn't understand. The scent of citrus became stronger, clouding my senses, making me feel like I was floating on an orange sea. Where is that smell coming, I thought.Looking around the table, I met Prince Kinnison's gaze. His icy eyes were no longer filled with unyielding coldness but softened, like the first light of dawn breaking across a frost-laden fiel
CHAPTER SEVEN-ERIS-In less than twenty minutes, the dinner would start, and I had spent the past hour and a half preparing with the maids. My mother checked in occasionally to ensure my appearance met her expectations.The silver-gray dress I was wearing, adorned with threads of gold, was chosen by mother herself. It hugged my figure and perfectly highlighted the dark shade of my hair and the yellow color of my eyes.Each time, her eyes scrutinized every detail, from the dress I wore to the way my hair was sty