I sat on the high stool and stared at the hairpin that had brought disaster. It lay on the kitchen island, wrapped in a cloth, still stained with blood. I sighed and looked at those gathered around me—Vincent and the maids.“My queen, I know it was unintentional, but please don’t dwell on it. King Elijah will be fine,” Vincent said.So I should be able to relax after stabbing Elijah, even if it was accidental? I don’t understand why he suddenly collapsed and is now unconscious.Vincent even had to call Bishop, and together, they tended to Elijah until his condition began to settle.What shocked me the most was learning that the hairpin contained silver—a poison deadly to our kind, second only to wolfsbane.I couldn’t wait to see Elijah now, even though Bishop had been watching his condition. How could I not panic even more?Tears fell again as I cried in silence. I never wanted to hurt Elijah despite the pain he often caused me. Deep down, I felt like the worst person in the world.“M
"My king! Stop!"Vincent quickly pulled Elijah's hand from my throat, and Bishop dragged me back. We all felt Elijah's fury, and it was terrifying. Even in his weakened state, his presence was overpowering."Please, my king. Calm down," Vincent pleaded, his voice strained.Elijah exhaled, then let go of Vincent's hand. We all breathed a sigh of relief as his anger seemed to subside."She tried to kill me," Elijah said in a flat tone, pointing at me. "Why are you still allowing Delilah to be here?""It was an accident, my king," Bishop defended. "Queen Delilah was only defending herself.""By stabbing me with a silver object?""Queen Delilah didn't know."Elijah struggled to sit up on the bed with Vincent's help. I stood frozen in fear as he fixed me with an intense gaze. But I shrank back next to Bishop, too afraid to approach."Your hand isn't hurt, Delilah?" Elijah asked suddenly.I shook my head. "No, my king.""Then how were you able to hold the object without hurting yourself?"I
“Ugh!”I grimaced as Delilah’s hips accidentally landed on my stomach wound. She gasped and quickly shifted, kneeling beside me with a look of concern and panic in her eyes.“My king, I’m sorry,” she squealed.“It’s all right,” I replied, not wanting this damned wound to ruin the heat between us. I didn’t care about her accidental stab; I figured we’d call it even if I could “stab” her all night in return.I cupped Delilah’s neck and pulled her face close to kiss again. I wanted to hear her moan, to feel her writhe beneath me until she had nothing left to give. She returned my kiss with even more passion, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. I gently pushed her back, making sure she was comfortable as my hand found her breast, squeezing slowly but firmly.Her body rose, her heavy-lidded gaze sending my thoughts reeling. I moved down and kissed her deeply before taking her breast in my mouth, making her moan louder. The sound was beautiful and made me want more.I bit, sucked, until
I was relieved Elijah wasn’t angry, but his face had been somber lately. I didn’t know what was bothering him, though I was afraid it was because of what I’d said a few nights ago.Yes, those words... I told Elijah that I loved him.He hadn’t responded that night or said anything, even though we’d had such a wild, unforgettable night together. But now I began to question my own words.Was it too much?I knew it wasn’t just Elijah’s influence; it was all me. And now I regretted it. A slave like me loving a king. How foolish!“Queen Delilah?” Vincent’s voice startled me.I turned and gave him a smile. “Hi, Vincent. I was just admiring the garden’s beauty,” I said quickly.“Of course, my queen. If it brings you peace.”“What is it, Vincent?”“King Elijah would like to see you in his office.”Elijah wants to talk to me? That’s unusual.Usually, he bursts into the room and starts yelling.I nodded and got up, walking to Elijah’s office with Vincent at my side. When we arrived, Vincent open
Kat and Flo helped me with my makeup and hair. This time, my hair was styled in a simple chignon, but I felt it was missing something."Should I add a pin?" I asked them both."Well... there is a beautiful pin that would look lovely on you, my queen," Kat quickly opened the accessory box. It was a flower pin that would go perfectly with your outfit.I shook my head. "I want to wear the white pin—the mysterious gift."They both gasped, obviously startled and even took a step back. I took the cloth-wrapped pin from the drawer and placed it on the vanity."My queen, this is dangerous." Kat's face turned pale. "Why are you wearing it?""I think now is the time to wear it, to find out who sent it."I tucked it carefully into my bun. It was perfect."Queen Delilah, please don't be so careless. If King Elijah finds out, he'll be furious," Flo pleaded.I knew that Elijah almost lost his life because of that pin. He would be outraged if he knew I was wearing it to a tea party as if nothing had
All I could do was sit on the edge of the bed, sobbing and holding Aunt Disa's hand. She was still unconscious, just exhausted, but seeing her look so worn and battered tore at my heart."What happened to you, Auntie?" I whispered desperately.Dark thoughts crept in. If Aunt Disa was like this, what about Dad? After I disappeared, did Tracy and Benson treat my father horribly?"Delilah?"Elijah's voice startled me. I turned to see him standing in the doorway. He came in and patted my shoulder gently. "Let your aunt rest, Delilah."Even though I didn't want to leave, I obeyed Elijah. We walked out of the room, and Elijah held my hand."Is your aunt on your mother's or father's side?" Elijah asked."My father's younger sister. My birth mother didn't have anyone left in the pack."Elijah just ran his hand through my hair. "She'll be fine. Don't worry."I nodded, looking at Elijah. "Is it okay for her to stay here temporarily, my king?"Elijah looked over. "She can stay as long as she nee
Dinner in the dining room rarely happens, and tonight, I have to eat there with Aunt Disa—and, of course, Elijah. Aunt Disa looks much better and seems cheerful because Elijah invited her to dinner. Elijah mostly listens to Aunt Disa's stories while I remain silent."The situation in the pack doesn't seem to be going well," Elijah comments. "You can stay here until things are settled there.""My king, I know this is bold," Aunt Disa pauses, "but may I ask for your favor?""How can I help you, Disa?""Could you fix what's happening in the pack? So that Delilah can return and become Luna for Jeremy." Aunt Disa sighs. "They love each other. Jeremy and Delilah are fated to be mates."I noticed Elijah's cold gaze turn to me and then back to Aunt Disa. Suddenly, I felt uncomfortable, like I was betraying Elijah, but at the same time, it felt like I was cheating on Jeremy."Delilah will not return to your pack, Disa. She is already part of mine," Elijah says firmly.Aunt Disa is visibly shoc
“It seems we need to meet with Elder Bishop soon about...” Elijah paused, “...the anomaly that’s happening to you.”Elijah’s words made me nervous. Do I have some kind of disease, or could this be a curse? I felt a wave of worry.“This isn’t a curse, is it?” I asked quietly.Elijah shook his head. “No, Delilah. But I can’t be sure until we talk to Elder Bishop and find out the cause.”“You’re not going to do anything to me, are you?”Elijah shook his head again. “Of course not. I just hope Elder Bishop can come up with an explanation.”I gave a weak nod. “All right, then, my king. Thank you.”“Try to calm yourself.”“I am calm; I want to check on Victoria.” I sighed. “Oh dear, I feel so guilty. Can I see her and apologize? I didn’t mean to hurt her, my king.”“No need.” Elijah tilted his head slightly toward me. “What for?”“But...”“I’ve already asked Vincent to dismiss her. She won’t be your tutor anymore.”Elijah stood and walked to the window, opening it wider. The late afternoon