Lily's POVI turned around in a slow spin, taking in my surroundings. Leila's hand was suspended in the air, while her father was just a step away from putting his hands on her shoulder.She was angry and the way her brown hair flew with her brown eyes widened in fury. Her father looked more frightened than he was intimidating.“Mother,” Raymond tugged at my hands.Tears flowed down my eyes. “What did you do?” I asked him.“It wasn't me, mother,” He replied and turned towards Fiona.I turned and noticed Fiona lying on the ground weak and in tears. I ran towards her and held her up. “Fiona,” I called out slowly.I looked at Raymond and he had this fear in his eyes. I pulled him closer. “Nothing is going to happen to your sister alright, we just need to get her home,” I said to him as I kissed his forehead and held him close.“Can we go home now,” Fiona muttered slowly.“Fiona!” I screamed out of excitement. “Oh my baby, I'm so glad you are alright,” I said amidst tears that fell ceasel
Shawn's POV“What did you just say?” Shadowvale asked.He did not look surprised nor did he look angry. He was expressionless and indifferent. Almost unfeeling, but his question gave him away.“My sister is my mother,” Martin repeated his words in more clear terms.“How did you get that information?” Shadowvale asked with a tone of indifference.“She told me herself. My spell is broken,” Martin replied boastfully.It felt like he was trying to get Shadowvale angry on purpose. He was clearly poking at Shadowvale's old wounds.He was heartbroken when his bride left him and the only hold he had over her turned out to be his son.Shadowvale suddenly burst out laughing. “Is that a new trick you learned in Mistwood Creek?” He asked amidst his laughter.This doesn't look good.“Shadowvale, or should I call you Father?” Martin replied. “I don't know how you feel, but turns out I'm half wolf and half witch and they must have been scared of my capabilities and spellbound me,”“That's enough Mar
Leila's POV“What happened?” I asked.Before making a direct accusation, I needed to be sure he was the one. I could see something else in Smithson's eyes. Alongside the hatred, I could sense fear and jealousy.“He walked in just as we were about to leave your room,” Maureen said.I turned to look at her. She was a witch and was more powerful than Smithson was, I could not read through her and she knew that.“Why do I feel you both are hiding something from me?” I asked.“You can trust that we are not hiding anything,” Maureen replied again.She looked me in the face and I watched her eyes for any sign of deception but there was none.I sighed. “Let's go. I need to get changed and see my Father,” I said.They nodded and we made our way up to the balcony leading back into my room. Just as our feet landed on the balcony, I saw Marcus standing at the doorway leading down the hallway where my room was.“What are you still doing here?” He asked.“Why are you insulting me, Marcus? Am I not
Marcus's POVMy anger had reached its limit as I stormed out of my wing and went straight towards the northern wing.My father would not plead guilty to the release of Smithson, only he had the authority to do so.As I approached the council hall, I was met with grumbling court advisors. “Master Marcus,” they greeted.“What is going on here?” I asked coldly.No one was saying anything. They all backed away and refused to speak. I was already agitated as it was and their actions only infuriated me the more.They were mostly elders of the Twilight Ridge pack. Most of them were in their prime and had contributed to the growth of our pack, adding to how much respect we were given as a pack.But I needed answers.“Speak!” I barked at them with strength from my beast.“Master Marcus,” I heard Winston call as he hurried to my side.“About time you resume your duties,” I said coldly to him.“I… I'm sorry Master Marcus, I did not know you had returned,” He said shakily.I ignored him and retur
Lily’s POV Sauntering along the outskirts of Mistwood Creek, we barely said a word to each other. I held Fiona in my arms, while Clara helped me with Raymond. We walked quite a distance away from the mansion before the silence that hovered above us was finally broken. “Do you think he will be alright?” Clara asked as she suddenly paused walking. “Don't worry too much about it Clara, old man Grayson will be fine,” I replied. Grayson knew he was sick and was on the brink of death, but I was choosing to believe his promise over the true state of his health. She nodded silently. I looked over at Raymond who was hanging peacefully on her shoulder and smiled warmly. “He must have been so tired to fall asleep so soon,” I said. “Yeah, I guess,” She replied. “The sun is already setting, do you think we can make it to Crimson Valley before nightfall?” Clara asked. “We don't seem to have so much of a choice here you know,” I replied. Clara squinted at me. “Do we not?” I noticed t
Shawn’s POVWalking into the tentroom, Martin carried a bowl of hot water with some herbs in it. He walked over to me and placed the tray with the bowl on the table. “What was that about?” He asked as he walked up to me.“Pass me the bowl,” I said to him.He looked at me for a few minutes before walking back towards the table. He gave me a bowl of water and I gulped down the tangy liquid.“That was quick for something that hot,” Martin said as he took the tray out of my hands.“Thank you, Martin,” I said and eased myself under the bed covers.He dropped the tray on the table before returning his attention to me. “Is that it?” He asked as he noticed me preparing to sleep.“What do you want me to say?” I asked him with my eyes closed.“Anything,” He replied.“How about, goodnight,” I said.“Come on Shawn, that is definitely not what I meant and you know it,” He protested.I ignored him and pretended to be asleep. There was no point in repeating the same things we discussed earlier just
Leila’s POVThe council hall was thrown into a state of utter silence at my response. It sure blew them off their feet.“What?” I asked, passing glances at them. “Can't handle my kind gesture?” I asked, fixing my eyes on Marcus.He sure was a man with much beauty, from his fine black eyes to his finely thin lips.He was well-built and had a firm chest. His black hair tousled just perfectly, enhancing his facial glow.Tsk, tsk tsk. Such a shame he would not make it as “Alpha King Marcus.”“Stop giving yourself undue credit, Leila Darkwood. You only know better than to go against my will,” Marcus bellowed.“What?!” I exclaimed.Did he really think I would have lost a case against him? I only was listening to my Father's instructions, because save that, I would have shown them that my authority overruled their Council.“Leila Darkwood, you are openly displaying acts of insubordination and contempt towards the members of this court!” The presiding elder roared.I did not want things to ge
Marcus’s POV Leaving the council room, I was barely able to control my anger. I had stormed out of the council hall in haste, so as not to meet that sly fox with her witch. I was disgusted by her person, by what she stood for, and most importantly, disgusted at the fact that my father, King Adonis would put up with their unruly behavior and demands in exchange for some witchcraft powers, spells, and whatever else he needs from them. “What now?” Winston asked as soon as we arrived at my chambers. I turned and looked at him and for a moment I was lost for words. I had thought that in addition to breaking off the engagement, there would be a heavy punishment that would be given to Leila for all the atrocities she committed, but there was none. “There is someone I need to meet, then I will head to Crimson Valley. Something there made my glowing rune glow brighter,” I replied. If I could not get Leila permanently out of the picture, I needed to get Lily back to my side as soon as
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