Lily’s POVIt was already the start of spring and the flowers and trees were already in full bloom. Using the exit of the tunnel that led out into the forest, I went to gather some flowers and herbs to create some perfumes.Eight and half months had passed with a blurry speed and I was already a few days away from when I shall bring to this world, my beautiful babies. I needed to prepare the scented perfumes for them and one for Clara.She was insistent on getting a similar perfume to mine. I was hesitant because of Marcus's sense of smell, but then a long time had passed already. He must have forgotten what I smelled like.After gathering all I needed and was about to go back inside, I felt a discomforting contraction in my lower abdomen. I stopped walking for a bit and waited for the contraction again but nothing came.I began to walk, and then the contraction came again with the same intensity. I felt so weak that I had to find a rock to sit on.Looking at the flowers and herbs sit
Shawn’s POV Spring was my favorite season because it was the season where flowers bloomed the most. We all loved it because we got to see the mother in her fullest element.She was a natural when it came to plants, flowers, and herbs. Lily loved watching her, we all did. But she made it a habit of teasing me about loving plants like a girl. But when Sean joined in, she stopped.Sly sister.I smiled and decided to concentrate on getting a good night's sleep. But no matter how much I tried, sleep refused to come.A few minutes later, I lay on my bed still tossing from one side to the other. I closed my eyes as tight as possible hoping sleep would come but once again it evaded me.“You don't have to force it if it does not want to come,”Startled by his voice, I jumped on my bed and turned to face him.“How long have you been sitting there?” I asked Martin. He sat at the foot of my bed. His legs were curled up beneath his thighs.“I have been here long enough to hear you mumble some wor
Shawn's POV “Name another price, Shadowvale,” I said.“Give me some spells that would further heighten our vision. I want it to glow like yours,” Shadowvale demanded.Such a greedy barbarian.“Fine. I will do that once we get back into the camp, but from now on, she will always be mine,” I said.“Not so fast there wild cat,” Shadowvale interrupted with a wave of his hands.“What?” I asked.“Do it now before her eyes, so she knows there are witnesses to her freedom being tied to you,” He replied.I looked at him and knew at once that, that was not his intent. He just wanted to secure his vision. What he does not know now is that after now, if he increases his vision once more, they may never have their normal eyesight.I began mumbling some words and raising my hands. As I spoke, my eyes were tightly closed and I maintained a level of focus. When I was done, I opened my eyes, and their visions were all activated.“Done,” I said and without waiting for their comments, I grabbed her and
Leila’s POV Waiting on Marcus has to be the spell that witch Lily left behind. I have been waiting for Marcus for the past thirty minutes and he was yet to arrive. It was already bad enough that he stopped having breakfast in his chambers since Lily left. He was avoiding me like a plaque but did well to conceal it. Sitting on his sofa, I took a sip of the warm milk in front of me as my mind took me down memory lane. After I got the seal done, I presented it to my father. “When you go into her room, cast this spell and it will illuminate for you to see what happened the last time she was in the room,” Father had instructed. He forged Marcus's handwriting and using the seal on it, the letter became a letter that must be honored by all of Marcus's underlings without question. Taking my father's spells with me, I went back to Lily's room and presented the letter to the guards and without waiting for their approval, I went into the room. As I stepped inside, I made sure the do
Shawn’s POVThe afternoon sun filtered weakly through the thin fabric of my tent as I sat cross-legged on the worn mat, my eyes closed, and my breathing steady.Meditation was supposed to bring peace, to center the mind and spirit. But today, peace was as elusive as the morning mist.What's with the noise outside?The Blood Moon Pack, with their howls and shouts echoed through the camp as usual. I wondered why they would not rest for once, but got no fulfilling reply.I tried to block out the noise and focus on my breathing, but the noise seemed to grow louder and more insistent. With a sigh, I opened my eyes and rose from the mat.“Meditation would have to wait,” I mumbled to myself.I stepped out of my tent and into the glaring afternoon light, blinking as my eyes adjusted. I turned to see Martins muttering some spells and looking undisturbed by the noise around him."Martins," I called, and he turned to me with a bright smile."Shawn! Done meditating already?" he asked, his eyes tw
Marcus’s POV I stood by the window of my chamber, staring out at the thundering skies. Dark clouds gathered in the sky and released heavy rain droplets on the earth.It was the middle of the Spring, a time usually marked by gentle breezes and blooming flowers, not fierce storms. I need to see my parents, they might have a hand or know the answer to it.With a sigh, I turned away from the window and made my way to the throne room.If my guess was correct, then they would be gathered there discussing their next course of action.My parents, the king and queen, would never hesitate to conjure up rain just to gain great power and influence. So if anyone knew what was causing this unnatural weather, it would be them.As I entered the throne room, I saw them seated together, deep in conversation and not in their usual conjuring positions.Their expressions were serious, but not particularly troubled, which gave me pause. Could they be behind this storm?“King Adonis, Queen Laurent," I gree
Lily’s POV This morning was beautiful and I had planned to get some flowers before coming back to prepare myself for when Lily would arrive. But labor had started already.We had thought it would begin towards afternoon or evening, but it came when we least expected it.“Oh babies, bear with Mother a little while longer,” I pleaded as I made my way back into the tunnel. “Aunt Clara would soon be here please,”The pain was unbearable, each contraction ripping through me like waves crashing against a rock. I lay on a makeshift bed in the small, hidden room of the tunnel, waiting desperately for Clara to arrive.I cried out as another wave of pain hit, clutching my swollen belly. "Clara, please hurry," I whispered, my voice barely more than a croak.The memory of my mother flashed before my eyes, her calm, steady hands helping other women bring their children into the world.As a child, I had watched in awe and fear, unable to understand the strength it took to endure such pain.I was a
Lily’s POV The tunnel suddenly felt dark and damp, a place that was earlier just cozy and warm, now felt inhabitable. I lay on the bed with my eyes closed trying to reason things through. Fiona, also lay wrapped in a cloth beside me, her tiny cries resounding in the tunnel. Clara knelt beside me, her face pale but determined. "Lily," she said softly, her eyes full of concern. "What do you think we do? Should I give up on myself?" My heart pounded with anxiety. "I can't risk your life, Clara," I said, my voice trembling. "We can't risk it. We need to distract and take him away from the village." Clara nodded, her expression resolute. "What do you want me to do?" "Think of an animal," I instructed. "Any animal you can think of right now." Clara hesitated for a moment before responding. "A cat. I saw a white cat in the village earlier today." "Perfect," I said, closing my eyes and focusing on the image of the cat. I reached deep within myself, tapping into the hidden power
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