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
Sixty eightRafe's words drifted through the grand hall, becoming a mere background hum to the chaos of my own thoughts. I stood there, feigning attention, while the echo of my mother's warning reverberated inside my head. The Crimson kingdom was on the brink of terrible danger, and somehow, I was the one with the task to save not just our realm but Rafe himself. What powers did she believe I possessed? Did she know of my protection powers? Was it foresight turning into my dreams or some weird magic stirring within me? "Freya, aren't you excited?" The bubbling enthusiasm in Addy's voice cut through my raging thoughts like a dagger. Her eyes sparkled with the thrill of impending adventure, oblivious to the turmoil in my stomach."Are you ready for the trip to the city?" she asked, her words tumbling out in a rush as she clasped her hands together.I managed a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes, and nodded. "Of course," I lied smoothly, my gaze briefly wandering to where Rafe stood.
Sixty nine*Freya* Connor and I stood at the far end of the hall, far away from Rafe but it felt like he was close by. I tried not to look in his direction. Tried not to feel his eyes on me because I didn't want him to know I was thinking about him. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of letting him know how much he affected me. But it was too late; our eyes locked, Rafe's piercing gaze holding mine in a vice grip. As he approached us, The air crackled between us, charged with an energy that spoke of unspoken words and unfinished business. The tension was a living thing, stretching, reaching, wrapping around us both, binding us in silent acknowledgment of what simmered beneath the surface.With every ounce of willpower I possessed, I broke the connection first, tearing my eyes away as I dipped into a curtsey. "Alpha Rafe," I said, my voice betraying none of the chaos that whirled within me. As I straightened up, the moment broke like ice underfoot, and I steadied myself ag
Seventy*Freya*Heat crept into my cheeks, scorching the coolness of my pride as I watched Rafe's retreating back. The echo of his footsteps mocked me, a steady rhythm that reminded me of my humiliation. I was acutely aware of every pair of eyes boring into me, piercing through the flimsy armor of my composure. My heart throbbed with indignation, yet beneath that fiery cloak of shame, something else flickered—a dangerous spark. I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms, and silently swore retribution. Rafe had overstepped a boundary, turning our personal conflict into public spectacle, and for the way had just kissed me in front everyone especially when i challenged him, he would pay dearly."I need a moment," I murmured to Connor, my voice barely above a whisper. He nodded with a concerned furrow knitting his brow, but I couldn't afford to be swayed by his worry. Not now. I needed solitude; I needed to steel myself against the anger brewing within me.My chambers awaited as I
Seventy one*Freya*I walked into the vehicle climbing aboard, I scanned the rows of plush seating, noting that many were already filled with eager passengers. My eyes locked onto the space I had intended to claim as my own, only to find Rafe seated beside it, his presence commanding even in repose. What the hell was he doing here?!His close proximity sent a jolt through me, a mix of irritation and an undeniable surge of something more primal. The Alpha king, resplendent in his own right, sent a look that reached out to me, whispering of temptation and danger alike. For a moment, I hesitated, caught between the desire to flee and the inevitable acceptance of my fate.Drawing in a breath, I steadied my resolve. With slow, measured steps, I made my way toward the vacant seat, past the curious glances of others, until I stood before Rafe, our future as uncertain as the clouds above us.My feet seemed to betray me, carrying me closer to Rafe with every reluctant step. The tension between
Seventy twoI stepped down from the vehicle, my hand gripping Alpha Rafe's firm arm for balance. As my feet touched the cobblestones, a roar of cheers erupted from the massive crowd filling the bubbly town square. I gasped, shocked by the sheer number of people who had turned out. Crimson kingdom banners flapped in the breeze as men, women and children craned their necks to catch a glimpse of us."They're here for you, for all of you," Rafe said close to my ear. His warm breath sent a shiver down my spine despite the summer heat. "The people want to see their future Queen."Kelly, Jessica, Aurora, Addy and I made our way to a raised platform in the center of the square, waving and smiling at the cheering throngs. Excitement buzzed in the air, the anticipation palpable. As we ascended the steps, the crowd began chanting."Freya! Freya!" some called out. My heart swelled at their support. It felt surreal to think I had actual fans. I was extremely excited and thankful that Rafe had give
Seventy three*Freya*"Hello, Freya, it's me. It's Daniel."The voice was like a bolt of lightning, jolting me back to a time before the palace, before Rafe. I forced my eyes open, blinking away the tears, and found myself staring up into the concerned face of Daniel Stonecrow, my old coworker from the villa."D-Daniel?" I croaked, my voice hoarse from the smoke and the screaming. "What are you doing here?"He offered me a tight smile, his eyes scanning our surroundings for any sign of danger. "I heard you were going to be here today, and I wanted to see you. But we need to get you somewhere safe. Can you stand?"I nodded, gritting my teeth against the pain as Daniel helped me to my feet. The world spun around me, and I clung to him for support, my heart pounding in my ears. As we stumbled away from the chaos, I couldn't help but wonder what had caused the explosions, and whether Rafe and the others had made it out unscathed.Please, Goddess, I prayed silently, let them be alright. Le