Eighty seven*Rafe*I silently watched Freya, my heart heavy with sorrow and fear. She lay on the bed, her skin as pale as the moonlight that filtered through the window. Her breaths were shallow, her pulse weak. I felt utterly helpless, watching the life drain out of the love of my life with each passing minute.There had to be something more I could do, some way to save her. But my mind was empty, my thoughts jumbled and confused. And then it hit me. Like a bolt of lightning, a name came to me.A name I had hoped never to utter again. A name that tasted like ashes on my tongue. A name even Connor wouldn't approve of.But did I have a choice? With Freya's life hanging in the balance, I knew I had to make a decision. And so I spoke it, the name that would probably change both our lives."Sersia," I whispered. My voice trembling.Connor's head snapped up, his eyes flashing with disbelief and undisguised horror. "You can't be serious," he hissed. "That witch is dangerous! Rafe. She was
Eighty eight*Rafe*I stared at Freya's still form lying next to me, my heart clenching with anguish and fear. Her slender body had been shaking violently just moments before, seized by whatever dark magic was attacking her very life force. But now she was unnaturally still, her chest barely rising and falling with shallow breaths. I couldn't stand the sight of her so still and pale, like a porcelain doll that had been drained of all life. It was my fault, I knew, that she was lying here on this bed, fighting for her life. I had put her in this position with my doubts, allowing her to be targeted by the other ladies. I knew Freya was under the pressure to give me an heir. I wished I had not put her in such a position "fuck it!" I yelled angrily. But I couldn't let myself give into the guilt and self-pity that threatened to consume me. I had to focus on helping her, finding a way to save her before it was too late.Gently, I brushed a strand of dark hair from her ashen face, my finger
Eighty Nine*Rafe*I was still unnerved by the fact that my thoughts were not safe but I tried not to let it show. Sersia wasn't fooled because her smile widened at my confusion, her expression almost pitying. "I have my reasons for being here, reasons that are none of your concern. Now, do you want me to save your precious lady or not?" "Yes." I answered frustratingly."And you do know that...with every favor, comes a price?" That infuriating smile was back on her face. She knew that she had us where she wanted us and she was enjoying it. What could she possibly ask from me?I swallowed hard, pushing down my pride and the countless questions burning on my tongue. There would be time for answers later, after Freya was safe."Yes," I said hoarsely, my voice barely above a whisper. "Please, save her. I'll do anything."The witch's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she turned back to Freya, her gnarled hands hovering over my lady's body. "Anything," she repeated softly, the word hangi
Ninety*Rafe*Sersia began chanting in a language that sounded ancient and powerful. The air around us seemed to shift and crackle with energy as she drew symbols and runes into the air with her hands. Sersia's chanting grew louder and more intense, her hands moving in intricate patterns as the magic flowed through her and into Freya.Beside me, I could see the fear in Connor's eyes, but he stayed still, trusting me to protect Freya.And then it was my turn. Sersia turned to face me, her voice booming as she spoke the words of the ritual. I bared my teeth and prepared to bite into Freya's neck, knowing that this was the only way to save her.I leaned down, my heart pounding in my chest as I brought my mouth to Freya's wrist. Her skin was cool and clammy beneath my lips, and I could feel the faint thrumming of her pulse, slow and weak. I hesitated for a moment, my fangs grazing her flesh, before I closed my eyes and bit down.The moment my teeth pierced her skin, a burst of energy expl
Ninety one *Freya*I stared at Rafe, his muscular frame lying still and unconscious on the bed I had just woken from moments ago. I studied his still form. He looked so peaceful. Like he was in a deep deep slumber. But he was unconscious. And I was the reason for it.Tears streaked my cheeks as the events of the past night came rushing back to me. Someone had tried to kill me, to end my life with poison. And Rafe...brave, selfless Rafe...had saved me. He had burst into my room, finding me collapsed on the floor, the poison already ravaging my body. When they realized I had poison inside of me, Without hesitation, he had sealed his mouth over my poisoned wrist, sucking the venom out, taking it into himself. He had sacrificed his own wellbeing for mine.A sob wracked my body as I reached out a shaking hand to brush a lock of dark hair from his feverish brow. His skin was pale, sheened with sweat, his breaths shallow and labored. I had never seen him look so vulnerable, my strong, fear
Ninety two *Freya*Rafe looked so vulnerable lying there, his handsome face unnaturally pale, dark lashes fanned out against his sculpted cheekbones. Tears prickled my eyes as I stared at him.I'd always found him breathtaking, but now, with the knowledge of what he'd risked for me, what he'd sacrificed, he'd never seemed more beautiful. Or more beyond my reach.Rafe was everything I'd ever wanted. Strong, brave, compassionate. A true leader who inspired loyalty in all those around him. His people adored him, and with good reason. He always put their needs before his own.And this time, he'd put my life before his. The king of the werewolves had bargained with his mortal enemy, spilled his own blood, all to save a lowly, wolfless nobody like me. I didn't deserve his selflessness. Especially not when my very existence apparently posed a threat to him and everyone else I cared about. But I couldn't stop myself from needing him, like I needed air in my lungs and a heart beating in my c
Ninety threeI turned back to Rafe, my hand still clasped tightly in his limp grasp. Bending down, I pressed a tender kiss to his feverish forehead, silently willing him to wake up. To come back to me. I couldn't help but feel like I was losing him. Like he was slipping away from me while I stood helpless by his bedside.I absentmindedly stroked his silky hair. I didn’t know how I knew but I had a feeling he would open his eyes soon. I glanced at the side mirror and registered my disheveled look. I couldn’t let Rafe see me like this whenever he woke up. I needed to take sometime to get myself together. I dropped a soft kiss on his forehead. "I'm going to freshen up," I whispered, my voice catching in my throat. "But I'll be right back, my love. I promise."With a heavy heart, I started to pull away, to force myself to leave his side. But suddenly, shockingly, I felt Rafe's fingers tighten around mine, refusing to let me go.I froze, my breath catching in my chest as I stared down at
Ninety four*Freya*I stared out the window of my chambers, my thoughts swirling with memories of Rafe. How he had singlehandedly saved my life last night. The way his strong arms felt around me, his dark blue eyes gazing into my soul. I couldn't stop thinking about last night, how he had selflessly risked his own life to save mine when that poison coursed through my veins. My heart clenched at the thought of almost losing him. The memory of last night consumed my mind, the way he had fearlessly put himself in harm's way to rescue me from the venom coursing through my veins. He had sucked the poison out with his own mouth, taking on the danger for me. My heart twisted at the thought of almost losing him, my savior and protector. The scene replayed in my head like a vivid dream, each detail etched into my mind - the frantic beating of his heart, the beads of sweat on his brow, the determined set of his jaw. I couldn't shake off the overwhelming gratitude and love I felt towards him, my
(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.