Leila's POVI stared at all the greedy faces of the courtroom members and knew then that my plan was working perfectly well.“What price would that be?” King Adonis asked.The fish in the vase were not ordinary. The oils from the fish could replenish dead cells in the body, causing the person to have fresher skin and it also could enhance the sense of smell of the person.I turned to look at Marcus, then tried to make my smile as warm as could be, so it would be convincing enough.“I just want to be wedded to Marcus already,” I said and made a little tear slip down my cheeks.Maureen walked behind me and passed me a piece of cloth to wipe them away. “Thank you,” I said amidst sobs.I stole a glance at Marcus. He looked angry and frustrated.Maureen was right after all. After we left him at the entrance to the mansion, we noticed Smithson walking over in the same direction as him.Maureen had tapped me and said, “Sister, I perceive trouble, and Lily,”I frowned at her words because I k
Lily's POV“She lives in the wet housing district, not far from here. It's a bit run-down, but don't let that fool you. She's very powerful and very discreet. You'll need to knock on the door and wait for confirmation before entering. She values her privacy and security above all else,”Clara's voice kept echoing in my mind and I knew I had to get to action. As I looked at Fiona and Raymond preparing the perfumes and healing potions for the travelers we would meet today, I wondered if they could hear my thoughts at the moment.“Yes mother,” Raymond spoke up. I looked at him surprised.“I thought it was Fiona with that ability?” I asked.“No Mother, we share a lot more than you can think of,” He replied, moving his body childishly.“So, since you can hear my thoughts, both of you know and understand that we need to get help right?” I asked and waited patiently for their responses.“Since it's getting you so worried, I'm okay mother,” Fiona replied understandingly.I smiled and ruffled
Lily's POV I watched the man jumped down from the horse he was on. He looked strangely odd for a werewolf of the Twilight Ridge pack, but his runes bore him witness to his membership. “Who are you?” I asked defensively as I gathered my kids behind me. “Come on now,” The man said as he raised his hands to ruffle his brown hair as he briefly closed his eyes, relishing in the activity he was doing. “I promise I won't bite,” He added and winked at me with his almond-brown eyes. I could not believe the sight before me. The man had freckles on his face, was slim, and was really funny-looking. Most members of the Luna Crest Pack had brown hair, just like Leila and her father. But this man also had dark runes along his arms. I had learned to be wary of Twilight Ridge werewolves. “That doesn't answer my question,” I replied sternly. “Leave us alone,” Raymond said, peeking from behind me. I hushed him to stay put. “You know what? Forget it. We have perfumes and potions for sa
Shawn's POV Planning had begun with an immediate effect. We had a full moon coming in the next four months. I wanted to lay siege on Mistwood Creek then, but I could also not sit still and do nothing till then.“Shawn,” I turned as I heard Martin's voice.“What is the update?” I asked, eager to know the state of affairs in Mistwood Creek.Early in the morning, I had sent some guys to go in and report the state of affairs back in Mistwood Creek to me.I wanted to go there myself, but Martin offered to go there instead. Looking at him, I could tell something was wrong but he acted well composed.His smile felt a little forced.“There seems to be some internal strife among the royalties,” Martin relayed.“How serious?” I asked.“Very serious. Smithson, King Adonis's favorite knight was arrested because he insulted Marcus's mate who turned out to be the only slave he ever took on,”I felt something gnaw tightly at my intestines. Who was Marcus's mate and slave? “Who is this mate and sl
Shawn's POVI got down from my horse and helped Martin down too. We walked closer towards what looked like a giant grave and truly it was.“Is this not a wicked act?” Martin asked, looking into the grave and then at me.I didn't know.I didn't feel like it was a wicked act. It felt like it was done as a remedy to harm already done but what I did not understand was why I felt drawn to a huge grave.“Let's go,” I said hoarsely.I didn't particularly appreciate how I felt and wanted to leave the place as soon as possible. But just as we turned to go, I noticed a separate grave. It looked a little bigger than a grave for one person and around it were flowers grown all around it.I felt that strong pull again and walked, void of my volition to the grave. I stood over it and ran my hands over the flowers.Like a lightning shock, I felt a ripple effect course through my fingers from the flowers, and my mind became messed up.It's been a while since I had this attack, but here it was. Smithso
Leila's POV My mood had not been in its very best state. More maids seemed to be disappearing into thin air daily. Some I know of, some because of what they heard I did.I never really cared in the first place and I still don't care about it now. Worse still, my cover was blown. It would be pointless to keep on acting the part.Marcus had always known I was acting, but now he's got proof of it.If he decided to call off the engagement on that grounds, he would be granted his appeal and I could not allow that. I was already this close and cannot back down now.“Are you still worried about what to do?” Maureen asked as she presented me with a glass of water to drink.“I should know what to do but I don't and that's more annoying than being ignorant,” I replied after drinking the glass of water.“Do you want some food?” Maureen asked as she collected the glass from my hands.I looked at her and understood what she meant. Going down that path would leave the mansion with no maids.“Not
Shawn’s POVWe sat and ate in silence. After a while, the meal was fast coming to its end, but we were yet to see any sign of his sister. The cook's assistant came around to clear our table.“Thank you,” I said as she took out the last bowl from the table.“The sky is fast turning dark,” Martin said, his demeanor already looking downcast.“Don't give up just yet. She may be busy, I'm sure she'll come around,” I said in a bid to keep him motivated.“Since you believe so, I will believe it too,” He replied. I nodded and leaned back into the seat. I also hoped to know what kind of person his sister was. He does not understand why she was willing to give up her brother's freedom in exchange for hers and left him there for four years.I closed my eyes to take a little nap, while Marton was going through a book. His constant flipping of pages distracted my sleep.“Hey, can you keep it low?” I bellowed.“Sorry,” He replied in a hushed tone.I blinked my eyes open at him, but I met his atte
Leila‘s POVI had expected the show to be over by now, but they kept bickering back and forth like babies, spreading their emotional blah in the air.“I don't know what to think anymore Maureen,” The little boy replied coldly.“Great! This is where the fun begins,” I said, regaining my excitement.That loser with the boy had messed with my feelings but that's all gone now. I could feel the boy's dark energy surfacing and it made me excited for what was to happen.“I'm your mother and I only did you good by allowing you to bond with your father,” Maureen replied.I laughed with glee at the sight, but I could feel that young man trying to meddle with things.“Then why did you deceive me all along?” The boy asked.“Because you were pathetic and too pitiful. Don't come looking for me again!” Maureen shouted.“I hate you!” The boy screamed as he exploded in anger. The air around him was now crimson red.“Is it done?” I asked Maureen.“Yes Sister,” She replied.Great! The spell has been bro
Shawn's POVThe grand hall of the beautiful mansion was bathed in the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows.I sat in a chair close to where Sean and Clara sat. Marcus was about to be crowned King of the Wolves.“If you need anything tell me okay,” Clara said as she checked where I was wounded."Hmm, thank you, Clara,” I replied.Thanks to Lucas, I got more preferential treatment from Clara.The hall was filled with members from the four packs. The Twilight Ridge werewolves, led by Marcus, and Luna Crest led by a little girl who I barely knew. The Silvershade pack is led by me and the Bloodmoon pack is led by Shadowvale.Finally, all the pain, struggles, and fighting have been put behind us. As I scanned the room, my eyes landed on Marcus, standing tall in front of the hall.Beside him stood Lily, his marked bride, her eyes bright with happiness. Their children stood with them, looking around with wide-eyed wonder.The ceremony began with the eldest seat, s
Marcus’s POVTime passed in a blur and we have been having a happy season and time together. Every morning was beautiful to behold and every night was as peaceful and pleasurable as I had imagined it.Finding Lily was like I finally found my missing rib.My official coronation was the next day and I had lots of preparations to make, as well as make a courtesy visit to the villages and each pack.“What are you thinking so much about, my love?"I rolled my eyes. “Don't ever say that again Winston else I'll cut off your tongue,"“What? I was only trying to bridge the gap since she's out with Clara," He replied.“You should do that as your chubby self, rather than mimic your queen," I replied, faking anger.“Fine, I'll shut the door after me and send word to have her come back,” He replied, also feigning vexation.“Silly man," I said and we both laughed.By noon, we were all complete for lunch. It was beautiful to have the mansion this lively.“Mother, Aunt Clara taught me how to create w
Lily's POVDamn! I have been such a fool.I ran without considering where I was going. The pain was just too much to bear. I had pushed Marcus away despite my growing attraction to him because I also blamed him for everyone's death.But he was the one only trying to clean up his father's mess. “Arrggh!" I yelled into the sky.I don't know how or why, but it started to rain. The rain started as a drizzle, but it quickly turned into a downpour. I stayed in the rain and cried.Each step I took splashed through the forming puddles, and the cold rain soaked me to the bone. I barely noticed.“Lily, wait!” Marcus’s voice called out behind me. I didn’t stop. I couldn’t face him, not after everything I’d done.The memories of our past and the hurt I must have caused him played in my mind. I kept walking, but Marcus caught up to me, grabbing my arm and spinning me around to face him.“Lily, please, talk to me,” he said, his voice filled with concern and desperation.I yanked my arm free, the a
Marcus’s POVI stared around the room and noticed Lord Darkwood's absence and instantly knew that Leila was a distraction from where the real harm was occurring.I turned to Shawn, our eyes meeting for a moment. “We have to find a way through,” I said, my voice low and urgent.He nodded, his expression determined. “I will use my powers, while you support me.”We turned back to the barrier, our combined strength hammering against it. The air crackled with energy, the barrier shimmering under our powers. But it held firm, refusing to yield.Leila watched us, her smile never faltering. “You can’t win, Marcus. This is my game now.”But I refused to accept that. I dug deep, summoning every ounce of strength and determination I had. I thought of Lily, of Raymond and Fiona. I couldn’t fail them.With a final, desperate effort, we pushed against the barrier. There was a blinding flash of light, and suddenly, the barrier shattered, sending us tumbling forward.I scrambled to my feet, my eyes l
Marcus’s POVMy journey back to Mistwood Creek felt longer than I expected it. As I arrived at the villages, the clamor of battle was deafening.I noticed the full moon's glow on my skin and despite it being dark, I could spot all my runes. My fangs were out and so were my claws.I felt energy surge through me and my senses heightened. The tangy smell of blood and dust filled the air and I could make out the faint smell of cedarwood and flowers.I took out the vial and gulped everything down in one go, before proceeding in the direction of the mansion.I was going to find Lily and my kids no matter what.Arriving at the first gate to the mansion, I noticed Shadowvale and his men transformed back to their human form and whatever was left of my knights hurried behind me.“I told you Marcus, I would be back," Shadowvale said with a cold sneer."And I think you should be on your way out right about now,” I replied coldly.Shadowvale laughed and his men joined him. "Do I look like Shawn to
Shawn's POVMartin and I finally made our way out of the village just as the sun was about to set. The sky was colored with hues of orange and purple, and I could see the moon beginning to emerge, just as I was feeling my wolf gradually taking over me.As we passed through some parts of the village, I noticed some doors hung off their hinges, and debris littered the ground. Villagers with fearful expressions hurried past us, whispering frantically among themselves.“What happened here?” Martin asked, his voice hushed as we took in the scene.“Shadowvale,” I muttered, my jaw clenched. “He must have been here.”Martin's eyes widened. “We need to move quickly, Shawn. He was not supposed to attack the villagers.”“It's the full moon’s effect," I replied blankly. “Let's hurry up to him nonetheless,"The further we went, the more signs of destruction we saw. It was clear that Shadowvale had left his mark, and the villagers had suffered for it.“Damn him,” I cursed under my breath, fury boil
Leila’s POVWalking out of the throne room, I made my way back to the townhouse with haste. Lucas had proven to be so much of a headache.He was supposed to be an easy nut to crack, but he proved himself to be smarter than I made him to be.I had gotten Lily back and left instructions with the dark sorcerers of Luna Crest to make sure that Lucas didn't see the light of day.As I approached the townhouse, I saw Maureen waiting for me at the entrance, her face was pale and lacked any form of the usual excitement."Sister," she called out, in a flat and emotionless voice. “We need to hurry,” She said with a tone of indifference.I knew that who would still be feeling offended about Smithson's death, but there was nothing I was going to do about it.“Why is that?" I asked as we made our way inside the house.“There have been some little disruptions in the lower parts of the village and it was only a matter of time before the full attack began,” She replied coldly.I knew what that implied
Lucas's POV Looking at Leila's retreating back left me writhing in anger at her audacity in turning back on her words. I should have known better anyway, once an evil witch, always a wicked witch. I looked away from Leila and her flowing black veil and rested my eyes on the helpless Lily being carried away by the men who were with Leila. "Make sure she is not conscious," Leila instructed them. "The kids?" One asked. "Leave them as they are. Lucas already did that," She replied and turned to face me. Her dark men who surrounded me seemed to be there to restrict me from doing anything reckless, rather than execute me from the plan. "What happened to your integrity, Leila Darkwood," I asked her angrily. "I don't have one, Lucas Hawthorne," She replied with a sinister smile. "I actually don't have all day to spend here chit-chatting with you, so I will go ahead with my question," She knows who the hell I am. I searched her as she spoke and gauged the strength of the men
Marcus’s POVI was still doubtful of her innocence in all this, but for Lily's sake and Grayson's sake, I would give her the benefit of the doubt."Start speaking," I demanded, my voice echoing off the walls.She looked up at me, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "How is my father?"Really?"Stop playing games with me," I snapped, taking a step closer. "You’ll meet your father if you tell me what I need to hear."Clara seemed to hesitate, her gaze dropping to the floor. After a long moment, she sighed and looked back up at me. "Shadowvale is planning an attack on Mistwood Creek."I felt a surge of anger and concern. "Fair enough," I said. “But that's not all I want to hear and you know it,"“I'm sorry King Marcus, but I don't know who that whirlwind belonged to," She shook her head and I could feel her genuine flow of emotions.“Is there anyone you suspect might be after them?" I asked.“Apart from you, that would be Lucas. He wants the kids, Raymond and Fiona, dead and…” She paused.The