CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-The silence in the room was replaced by gasps and whispers, a sea of wide eyes staring at me in disbelief, as if I was a mirage in some barren desert. But the loudest sound was the pounding of my heart in my ears, beating like a wild drum against my ribs. His intentions were clear from the start; his warning the day before was a foreshadowing of this plan. But I wouldn't fall for his manipulative offer, especially after already turning him down once.I pulled my hand away, crossing my arms. "Boris," I began, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me.As I was once again preparing to decline Boris's advances, a voice shattered the tense silence in the room."Oh how wonderful!"All eyes turned towards the entrance, silhouetted in its archway stood a woman of formidable stature— Trisha Gravemaw, Boris' mother. A woman in her late fifties, clothed in a dark green dress that hugged her tall and lean figure. Her presence was powerful, commanding respect from eve
CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-As the cheers and howls resonated through the grand hall, I stood beside Boris, my gaze fixed on the crowd. His arm snaked around my waist possessively, his grip tightening with each cheer. Fear and dread pooled in my stomach, but I forced a serene mask onto my face. I was Luna now, an Alpha female of the pack, whether I liked it or not.My gaze fell upon my father, his expression filled with worry and concern. Though the mirthful cheers echoed around him, he remained stoic, his eyes locked on mine, echoing my turmoil. Leon sat beside him, trying to maintain a façade of confidence while his eyes, too, mirrored anxiety.I tried to offer a reassuring smile, but it fell flat.Once the applause subsided, Boris leaned into me—a chilling reminder of my new status—and whispered in my ear. His warm breath fanned against my neck, making my stomach churn with unease. "You have made the right choice, Wilhelmina," his voice coated with a smooth confidence that did nothing
CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-Hours later, the sun had set, and I finally made it back to my house. Trisha's lessons had been grueling. She spoke at length about diplomacy, patience, and leadership. About strength without arrogance, about compassion without weakness. Her words echoed in my mind as I opened the front door.The living room was occupied by my father, mother, Weldon, Dermon, and Raina. They all had concerned expressions on their faces, filled with worry and anxiety."Wilhelmina," my mother's voice quivered as she rose from the chair, her eyes scouring me for possible signs of distress.I forced a smile, one that would hopefully mask the turmoil swirling inside me. "I'm fine," My voice echoed throughout the quiet room, bouncing off the wooden walls and heavy curtains. For a moment they didn't respond, their eyes so deeply engrained with worry that my return seemed to make no difference.Dermon hastily rose from his seat, "You aren't fine. The look in your eyes and the tone of y
CHAPTER THREE-WILHELMINA-Nearly a week had passed since the disastrous meeting. I spent my days alone in my room, trying to heal my wounded ego. The image of Boris' cruel and mocking expression, replaying the humiliating defeat over and over again. Trisha, my future mother-in-law, had been busy telling everyone that I was Boris' Luna and that our wedding was to be arranged in the near future. Just the thought of spending the rest of my life with Boris made me feel sick.I had never felt so trapped in my life. The suffocating pressure of what was being planned for me, the c
CHAPTER THREE-WILHELMINA-Severa and I ventured further, the subtle perfume of flowers filling my senses as we entered our local park. A cobblestone path wound its way through fields of vibrant green, meticulously maintained beds of flowers, and towering trees that provided a comforting canopy overhead. The park was a world away from the gloomy confines of my room, bathed in the gentle glow of the evening sun.Families were scattered about, children played games while their parents watched fondly from benches. A slight breeze stirred the leaves and ruffled my dress, bringin
CHAPTER THREE-WILHELMINA-I sat listlessly at my vanity, staring at the vase of red roses my soon-to-be husband had sent. The flowers stood tall and proud, their petals unfurling like a lover's promise, but they offered her no solace. The reality of my situation seeped further into my mind as the fresh scent of the roses tainted the air, reminding me of the prestigious life I would soon be entangled in. My heart throbbed within the cage of my ribs, akin to a bird desperately trying to escape its confines.M
CHAPTER THREE-WILHELMINA-The following day, the sun began its ascent and its rays peeked through the parted curtains, illuminating the opulent suite. I rose early, my sleep having been restless and disturbed. The room, although majestic in design with its high ceilings and lavishly draped windows, felt empty and too large for one person to inhabit. The ornate furniture was made of rich mahogany and the bed was luxuriously dressed with velvet quilts and silk pillows that were fluffed to perfection. On the walls, priceless art hung in ornate frames that told stories of battles won and lost, of love found and squandered.
CHAPTER THREE-WILHELMINA-My morning at Gravemaw Manor passed in a blur of silk and lace as Trisha meticulously oversaw the fitting of my wedding dress. Despite the excitement that was supposed to accompany such preparations, a growing sense of unease gnawed at me. All the while, Boris' words hung over my head - a dark cloud poised to pour.When the gilded clock in the corner chimed two, I excused myself from Trisha's relentless scrutiny and made my way to Boris' office. The servants moved like wraiths around the manor, their hushed whispers echoing through vast corridors as I pass
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-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