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
Sixty seven*Freya* "Rafe is in peril... the Crimson kingdom sits on the edge of grave danger, dear Freya..."The whisper slithered through the darkness like an invisible force, chilling me to the bone. Its tone was hollow, sending cold dread down my spine. Turning around in the void, I tried to look for the source, but found only enveloping shadows that seemed to mock my confusion and fear. I seemed to be hallucinating a lot more now which disturbed me. "Where am I?" My voice sounded small, almost consumed by the pressing silence that followed the ominous voice. The air itself felt thick, as if charged with an unseen presence. My heart raced, a frenzied rhythm against my ribs. Rafe—how could he be in danger? And the Crimson kingdom... what exactly was coming our way? And why was I the only one being warned of this?A sudden jolt, and my eyelids flew open. The scary shadow realm vanished, replaced by the familiar darkness of my own chambers. My chest heaved with ragged breaths as I
(Epilogue)*Freya*I gazed down at my beautiful baby boy, Adonis Jackson, as he slept peacefully in his little cot. His tiny chest rose and fell with each breath, and his delicate eyelashes cast shadows on his rosy cheeks. My heart swelled with an overwhelming love that seemed almost too much to contain. Little Adonis was more than just our son; he was the living, breathing symbol of the love Rafe and I shared. Our love had been powerful enough to shatter a hundred-year-old curse, freeing the Crimson Pack from mystery and hatred.As I watched him, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. The Crimson Kingdom had known nothing but peace since Rafe made me his Luna. The people adored their baby prince, showering him with so many gifts that every corner of our home was filled with tokens of their affection. Soft blankets, carved wooden toys, and tiny garments embroidered with symbols of protection surrounded us.A smile tugged at my lips as I thought about my friends. Addy, my dearest
Chapter 119*Freya*"Rafe..." I managed to whisper, my throat dry and raw. The sound was faint, but it sliced through the oppressive silence like a knife.He looked up slowly, almost as if he couldn't dare to hope. His eyes were red-rimmed, his face a mask of anguish. The moment our gazes locked, something inside him seemed to snap."Freya?" His voice cracked. He stared at me, disbelief mingling with desperate hope. "Yes," I confirmed, my weak smile growing stronger under his intense scrutiny. "I'm here.""She's alive! She's alive!" Rafe's scream echoed off the walls, a sound filled with pure, unadulterated joy. He leapt to his feet and pulled me into a bear hug, his strong arms wrapping around me so tightly that I could barely breathe—but I didn't care. I was home."Thank you, goddess," he murmured fervently against my hair, tears soaking the strands. "Thank you for bringing her back to me."Before I could respond, the door burst open. Addy, Aurora, Connor, and even Jessica—who rare
Chapter 118*Freya*I opened my eyes, but all I could see was an abyss stretching endlessly before me. I felt weightless, drifting further and further into the void until a sinking realization hit me—I was dead. The last memory seared into my mind was of Rafe's anguished face as he cradled me, his hands pressing against the wound at my neck, trying to stop the life from flowing out of me. I had died in his arms, leaving behind the love of my life. The thought of Rafe alone, broken by grief, pierced my heart more painfully than the blade ever did. I hoped, desperately, that he would find the strength to move on without me.As I continued to drift, an unseen force suddenly stopped my movement. Panic surged through me as I tried to push forward, but it was as if invisible hands were holding me back. Then, I felt it—a soothing presence, warm and calming, wrapping around me like a gentle embrace. I turned, and there she was. My mother stood before me, radiating a light so pure, it seemed t
Chapter 117*Freya* The crimson pack is cursed. His words still hung tightly in the air. The shock was evident in people’s faces. I was shocked as well, but there had to be a reason for this. "Listen to me, all of you!" Rafael's grip tightened around my neck, the knife cold against my skin. His voice rang out with a sinister authority that sent shivers down my spine. "The only way to break this curse is for me to become your Alpha King. Then, and only then, can we all find our true mates and live in peace and harmony."The room was thick with silence, every eye flicking between Rafael, Rafe, and me. The confusion on their faces mirrored the turmoil in my heart. Rafe's jaw was set, but his eyes betrayed the uncertainty gnawing at him.I stared at Rafe expectantly, waiting for him to say something. After what seemed like forever, Rafe finally raised his head up and tuned to everyone facing him."Do you want Rafael Kingston," Rafe's voice broke through the tension, each word measured a
Chapter 116*Freya*"I said Release her, Rafael!" I shouted, my voice cracking with urgency. Rafael's eyes narrowed into slits of pure malice as he glared at me, his lips curling into a snarl. Jessica, wide-eyed and trembling, seemed too shocked to move at first."Freya, you don't know what you're getting yourself into," Rafael growled, his voice low and dangerous."Don't I?" I challenged, stepping closer despite the fear clawing at my insides. "I know you've been blackmailing Jessica. I know everything, and I'm going straight to the Alpha king."The moment my words registered, Jessica broke free from Rafael's grasp, stumbling backward until she collided into me. Her body shook like a leaf in the wind, her fingers gripping my arm with desperate strength. I could feel her terror seeping through her skin, raw and palpable. My heart ached with pity for her, despite everything that had transpired between us."Your days at this palace are over," I declared, meeting Rafael's furious gaze h
Chapter 115*Freya*I sat alone in my chambers, the morning light filtering through the heavy velvet curtains. My mind couldn't help but wander back to the night before with Rafe. A blush crept up my cheeks as I thought about the way he had touched me, held me close, and whispered sweet things in my ear. He had taken me to heights I never thought were reachable, making every nerve in my body sing with pleasure. The memory of his hands on my skin sent a shiver down my spine, and I hugged myself tightly, feeling an overwhelming surge of love for him. Out of all the girls, he chose me. The thought made my heart swell with happiness.But then, Jessica's face flashed across my mind. I bit my lip, wondering how she was faring. Even if she hated me, her wellbeing still mattered to me. After a few moments of deliberation, I decided that I would pay her a visit. Maybe we could mend some fences, or at least reach some understanding.Determined, I crossed over to my wardrobe and selected a simpl
Chapter 114*Freya*As I pulled away from Daniel, a sudden wave of nausea hit me like a storm. My vision blurred, dark spots dancing at the edges. The room tilted, and I clutched my stomach, feeling as though the floor was being pulled out from under me."Freya?" Daniel's voice echoed in my ears, distant and distorted. I tried to focus on his face, but it swayed like a ship in turbulent waters."Alpha Rafe! Come!" I heard him call out, panic threading through his tone."Freya!" Rafe's voice was the last thing I heard, urgent and filled with worry, before everything went black.***When I opened my eyes, the world came back in fragments. The first thing I saw was the doctor leaning over me, his face a mask of concentration. I blinked, trying to clear the fog from my mind.“Freya” A familiar voice, soft and pleading, called out my name. I turned to see Rafe, his usually stoic face now etched with fear, standing next to Addy and a small group of people. Their eyes were all fixed on me, f
Chapter 113*Freya*I stood in the grand courtroom, my eyes fixed on Rafe as he commanded the room with his presence. The whispers of the crowd faded into a dull hum as I focused on his every move. He looked every bit the Alpha king, proud and regal, his posture exuding authority and strength. My heart swelled with love for him, and I silently prayed that nothing would come between us again. I took a deep breath and raised my head up to meet his waiting gaze. He was so far away but it felt like he was right in front of me. I didn't want him to do what he was about to do but I knew that he had to. He was the king and it was his responsibility.The heavy wooden doors creaked open, and the murmur of the crowd grew louder. Two guards marched in, dragging Kelly between them. Her hair was disheveled, her usually sharp eyes now downcast and filled with shame. She looked like a shadow of her former self, the weight of her actions pressing down on her shoulders."Bring her forward," Rafe comma
Chapter 112*Freya*Rafe's face went pale, his eyes widening in shock. He stood silent for a moment, processing the words that had just come out of Clara's mouth. The room seemed to hold its breath with him."Clara, if what you speak is the truth, Then I swear to you, I never authorized such an action," Rafe finally said, his voice heavy with sincerity and incredulity. "I have never given orders to imprison anyone without cause, especially not during the hunt last year. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I promise you, I didn't know.""You're lying!" Clara's voice cracked as she cried silently, the tip of the knife trembling against my skin. "Please, Clara," Rafe continued, stepping forward cautiously, his hands open and empty. "I'll punish my Gamma for what he's done, but you must let Freya go."Tears streamed down Clara's cheeks, mingling with her rage and sorrow. For a split second, the agony in her eyes mirrored the turmoil in my heart, a twisted reflection of pain and injustice.