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-ANTONIO-Kinnison and Alina had departed for the Gravemaw Hounds territory yesterday afternoon. I hadn't received any updates from them yet, but I assumed they were preoccupied with formalities or other matters.My father informed me that I would depart for the Gravemaw Hounds' territory the next morning, accompanied by Lady Basia, Count Gaius, and Countess Gaius. Since I was courting Lady Basia, it made sense for me to travel with them instead of Kinnison and Alina. I was opposed to the notion, but t
CHAPTER EIGHT-ANTONIO-The plane landed. It was the afternoon when we touched down in the territory of the Gravemaw Hounds. I could see the sprawling territory through the rectangular windows. The sight was simultaneously beautiful.We disembarked, descending onto the concrete tarmac. Standing outside the plane were Kinnison, Alina, and four werewolves. Two of them looked to be in their twenties, similar in age to myself and Kinnison. The other two were older, probably close in age to Count and Countess Gaius.My eyebro
CHAPTER EIGHT-WILHELMINA-The highly anticipated Moon Goddess's Ball would begin in a few hours. I had been at the Gravemaw Mansion all day, working with Weldon, Dermon, and Severa to get everything ready for the event. I saw this event as an opportunity to strengthen my alliance, and what better way to begin than by gaining the loyalty of the servants.It wasn't just about the prestige, or the networking opportunities. It was also about showing my strength, my capability as the future Luna. Servants were the eyes and ears of any establishment, their loyalty paramount.
CHAPTER EIGHT-WILHELMINA-In an hour, the Moon Goddess's Ball will begin. I had been inside the luxurious Luna's suite, preparing for the grand event with Severa. Estrada and a few other maids were present, aiding us in the room. She had been assisting me in putting on the elegant ballroom gown.The gown was made of the finest silk from the eastern realms, its intricate details embodying the crescent moon and stars through precious gems. It was soft, flowing, and the color of the reddest roses. I surveyed my reflection in the grand mirror, the gown hugged my figure perfectly, accen
CHAPTER EIGHT-WILHELMINA-The mansion doors swung open, the presenter kicked off the introductions for each guest as they made their way inside. They all came forward to shake hands with Thorin first, followed by Weldon, then the Luna Mother and Alpha Father. Finally, the guests made their way over to Boris, Severa, and myself for introductions. Once the guests had finished introductions, a servant would escort them to the magnificent ballroom.Everyone who entered shook hands with Boris first, their faces carefully polite. Next, it was my turn. Rather than following Boris'
CHAPTER EIGHT-WILHELMINA-Just as he closed the distance, I placed my free hand on his chest, stopping him in his tracks. My heart pounded against my ribcage like a drum's urgent beat, its rhythm chaotic and wild."Antonio," I murmured, my voice trembling with the weight of what I was about to say, "We can't..."He froze in place, his warm breath caressing my lips when he exhaled. His eyes held my reflection in them, fluttered shut for a moment as he absorbed my words. When they reopened, I saw a flicker of pain, quickl
CHAPTER EIGHT-ANTONIO-Wilhelmina's vulnerability, her raw honesty, touched something primal within me. It was my instinct to protect, but as her mate, it was my duty to stand by her side, sharing strength and courage in equal measures."You could never fail, Wilhelmina," I said firmly, my fingers curling tighter around her cheeks, my gaze locked onto the sheen of trepidation in her eyes. "Because even if you falter, even if you stumble, it won't be a failure. It will be a learning, a stepping stone toward becoming the leader your pack needs."
CHAPTER EIGHT-ANTONIO-Weldon took a deep breath. "Wilhelmina never liked Boris," he began, looking out over the balcony's edge to the darkened garden beneath us. "But Boris has always had a fascination with my sister.""So it was Boris who pursued this arrangement," I said more as a statement than a question."Ever since they were children," Weldon continued, "Boris was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He'd follow her around, always trying to impress her with his petty accomplishments. He never understood that my s
CHAPTER THIRTEEN-WILHELMINA-From the window of Weldon's car, I observed the plane taking off in the distance. Severa was leaving with Maria, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Arnet. It would be some time before I saw them again. Weldon had suggested that I go with them, but I quickly shut down that idea. I was done being a helpless damsel; I would fight my own battles, with or without men by my side, even if one of them happened to be Antonio.Boris and Trisha were my adversaries. It was their actions that led me to this predicament, and now it was up to me to find a solution. A
CHAPTER THIRTEEN-BORIS-The arrogant Lycan actually believed he could steal my woman away from me! Who did he think he was? Just some pompous prince? That didn't mean anything to me!I stormed through the halls of Gravemaw Mansion, my fists tightly clenched. The servants wisely stepped aside as I made my way past them; they knew not to interfere with my seething rage."Boris," a familiar voice called out from around the corner. It was my mother. Her expression was unreadable as usual. "Follow me. We need to tal
CHAPTER THIRTEEN-SEVERA-Thorin kept his promise and brought me back to my family's home the next day. The drive there was quiet, both of us lost in our thoughts. I knew he could sense my anxiety.Thorin looked at me, his brown eyes softening. "Severa, you'll get through this," he murmured, placing a comforting hand on top of mine that was clenched on my lap."I know," I responded, trying to smile at him.My gaze dropped to his neck, where I had le
CHAPTER THIRTEEN-WILHELMINA-Maria and Severa stood close together, their arms locked. I stood before them like a shield, savagely determined to protect them at all costs."What do you want, Remus?" I asked.His laugh was a cold echo in the room, chilling me to my bones. "You're not naive, Wilhelmina," he chuckled. "You understand why I'm here. The Alpha demands the return of his fiancés.""We aren't going anywhere," I said, my voice low and threateni
CHAPTER THIRTEEN-WILHELMINA-It had been roughly a week since we uncovered that Trisha was responsible for the manipulated feelings between Prince Kinnsion and Eris, utilizing a Potion of Charm, while also pressuring Estrada into creating said potion.Antonio, Weldon, and Thorin had confronted Boris and Trisha about their criminal activities, sparking the beginning of an investigation. Antonio had also revealed our mate bond to them during the confrontation.Antonio warned us that there were spies from the Lyca
CHAPTER TWELVE-ERIS-We were now aboard a plane, en route to the Lycan Empire. The group consisted of myself, Hiro, Princess Alina, Kinnsion, Nora, and Estrada. The tension inside the aircraft was palpable, the air felt thin and suffocating, the silence echoing louder than the hum of the plane's engines.Hiro had originally been sitting across from me, but he eventually moved to sit across from Princess Alina. The two of them were now murmuring quietly to each other.Nora and Estrada were situated far from us, each engr
CHAPTER TWELVE-ERIS-Exhaustion consumed me. My head throbbed and my body felt like it had been run over by a truck. Even my emotions were worn out. It had been two days since Mrs. Arnet cured both Kinnsion and myself of the Potion of Charm. I could still remember the sensation of being cured so vividly.A cooling wave washed over me, erasing the shimmering illusion that had once trapped my mind. I remember looking into Kinnsion's eyes, seeing his love for me dwindle. Our love wasn't real. It was manufactured by a potion, by magic, nothing more. It left a hollow feeling in my heart
CHAPTER TWELVE-HIRO-Prince Antonio then turned to me. "Hiro," he said in a more gentle tone, "could you please explain how you came to be in the basement of the Alpha's Estate?"A slight chill ran down my spine as I nodded in agreement. I took a deep breath and began recounting the events that unfolded, starting from our mother's order to Eris and I."It all began a few days ago when Prince Kinnsion and Princess Alina came to visit," I explained. "Our mother commanded us to use the Potion of Charm to make them fall in
CHAPTER TWELVE-HIRO-Glancing around, I could feel the tense atmosphere in the room. Everyone seemed to know something that I didn't. I turned to Eris. She seemed uneasy, her usually flushed cheeks now drained of color. "What's going on?" I asked, bewildered by the sudden shift in mood.Eris remained silent, her gaze fixed on Prince Kinnsion. Her eyes glimmered with pain and sadness.Prince Antonio let out a heavy sigh, then turned back to me. "This could mean your father is involved in your brother's and mothe