Fifty nine*Freya* The hunting games was about to begin but I had no idea why I had this endless feeling of unease coursing through my body. I turned to study the faces of everyone around. They were all excited and ready to jump into the woods. I stood in the crowd, my heart sinking as I saw Rafe step up onto the platform. His dark eyes scanned the crowd gathered before him, not even pausing on me for a moment. "The hunting games begin in a few seconds!" Rafe's deep voice boomed out. "Here is the instruction. Three golden rabbits have been released into the woods. The first pair to capture one will be the winners and receive a special prize. Then the second and third pair will receive a consolation prize." His lips curled into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. I had no idea why but he looked like he was upset about something. My stomach twisted. I had been so sure Rafe would choose me as his hunting partner. He had publicly announced that I was his favorite and I was the only o
Sixty The butterflies were stuck in the back of our minds, it was like they controlled our minds. I wanted to see more of them, to know where they were taking me. Then something inside me rang with an urgency that wrenched me away from the influence of the magical creatures. With a supreme effort of will, I dragged my gaze away, shaking my head to clear the cobwebs. This was wrong. Butterflies didn't glow. And there was something we needed to do, something important..."Connor!" I called, my voice sounding muffled and far away. "Connor, snap out of it! It's not real!"But he was lost to me, stumbling deeper into the swarm with a hypnotized smile on his face. Panic rising in my throat, I lunged forward, grasping for any part of him I could reach. My fingers closed around his wrist and I yanked him back with all my strength. "Connor! Snap out!" I yelled again, but he didn't listen. He was still lost. That was when I realized what I had to do. Connor was still dazed, stumbling alon
Sixty one*Freya* Connor and I stood before the roaring crowd, our hands intertwined, my heart pounding with exhilaration and disbelief as Rafe's deep voice rang out:"The winner of this year's royal hunting games, the one who tracked and captured the elusive golden rabbit... is none other than Connor Turner and Freya Hadid!"Cheers and applause surged around me. I felt my cheeks flush and a shy smile spread across my face as Connor and I made my way up to the podium where Rafe waited, his eyes fixed intently on me. As I curtseyed before him, Rafe extended his hand, holding a crimson wax-sealed letter. "Congratulations, Connor, Freya. You've proven your wits and skills today. This letter holds a special message for you - but patience. It will unseal itself come midnight."My fingers trembled slightly as I accepted the mysterious gift. "Thank you, King Rafe. It's an honor." Connor and I said in unison. I raised my head up and our eyes met and held. I searched his gaze, trying to dis
Sixty two*Freya* I couldn't stay here and allow my stepsister to walk all over me. I turned to leave, my vision blurring with unshed tears, when Rafe's voice stopped me in my tracks. "Kelly, leave us."The room fell silent, the tension so thick it was almost suffocating. Kelly whirled around, her eyes flashing with anger. "Excuse me your highness?"Rafe met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "I said, leave us. I need to speak with Freya alone."Kelly's face contorted with rage, her fists clenching at her sides. She glared at me, her hatred palpable, before silently storming out of the room, slamming the door behind her with enough force to rattle the walls.And then... it was just us. Rafe and I, alone in the stillness of his chambers. I could hear my own heart pounding in my ears, feel the weight of his gaze upon me. The air between us crackled with an electricity that was both exhilarating and terrifying.Rafe broke the silence first, his voice low and controlled. "Why are you h
Sixty three *Freya* Kelly's hands clamped down on my shoulders like evil vices, her nails digging painfully into my skin. I struggled against her grip, trying desperately to break free, but it was no use. Kelly was stronger than me, fueled by a rage that seemed to give her inhuman strength."Kelly, stop!" I cried out, my voice high and panicked. "What are you doing?""What I should have done a long time ago," Kelly hissed, her face inches from mine. "Getting rid of you, once and for all." My heart froze in fear and shock. Kelly wanted to kill me. She wanted to push me off the balcony. "Rafe!" I screamed on top of lungs, hoping Rafe would somehow hear my voice. With a sudden, violent shove, she pushed me backwards over the balcony railing. I screamed as I fell, my arms flailing uselessly in the air. The world spun sickeningly around me, the ground rushing up to meet me at a dizzying speed.I felt a sharp, searing pain as my head cracked against the balcony railing on the way d
Sixty four*Freya*I blinked my eyes open and stared into pitch blackness. A chill ran down my spine as an eerie silence pressed in around me. This had to be another one of those bizarre dreams."Hello?" I called out, my voice swallowed by the darkness. "Is anyone there?" Only the sound of my shallow breathing echoed back. I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling very alone and vulnerable in this strange void. Where was I? And how did I get here? I tried to recall where I was before I appeared here, but my mind was completely blank. A gust of icy wind blasted against my skin, nearly knocking me over with its force. Tendrils of my hair whipped across my face. I had to get out of here, fast, before something terrible happened to me in this nightmare world. My heart racing, I started running blindly forward, my feet pounding against unseen ground. The howling wind grew stronger, threatening to lift me off my feet. Desperately, I searched the blackness for any sign of escape o
Sixty five A flicker of fear burned in my heart at my mother’s words, but it was quickly overshadowed by a fierce determination in my heart. I would not let anyone stand in the way of my happiness, my destiny. "I won't give up, Mom. I'll fight for what's right, for the Kingdom, and for the love I and the Alpha king have."She nodded, pride shining in her eyes. "I know you will, Freya. You have a strength within you that even you have yet to fully realize. Trust in it, and in the love that surrounds you, even in your darkest moments."I hugged her tightly, memorizing the feeling of her arms around me, the scent of her hair, the warmth of her love. In this moment, I felt invincible, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. "I won't let you down, Mom. I promise."She smiled, and in that smile, I saw a reflection of my own heart – full of love, hope, and an unbreakable spirit. "You could never let me down, my darling. I’m certain you will face every obstacle with the courage I know
Sixty six*Freya* "How are you feeling?" His voice reverberated in my mind. Even though he was standing right in front of me, it felt like we were miles apart. Memories of him with Kelly suddenly flooded my mind, igniting a surge of anger within me.Rafe wasn't fully mine yet. He was the Alpha king and had plenty of women vying for his attention. So why did I always feel so possessive and jealous when I saw him with other women? How did he bring out this side of me?I ignored his question and turned to Addy, who was by my side watching our exchange. "Addy, how long have I been unconscious?" "This is the third day, Freya. The doctor said it could take more than a week, but luckily you're awake! I can't even describe how relieved I am. I was so scared..." her voice trailed off before she could let out a sob. "It's okay, Addy. As you can see, I'm perfectly fine." I replied softly, trying to comfort her. She came closer and embraced me tightly. We stood there for a moment, forgetting