Raina's POVTears were in my eyes. I could not describe the feeling. My heartbeat was quick, and I felt weakened by relief and joy. Tears began streaming down my face when I looked at what was happening. I exhaled.The house was being cleaned, and my family participated in the renovation. My parents were set free, and my siblings were there.Alisia was the first to see me."Raina!" she squealed. She looked healthy and prettier than ever. Old Town had favoured them, and Tristan had taken care of them. She rushed towards me and hugged me. I cried, shedding tears of relief and joy. Peter joined in the hug."Thank you, Raina. Thank you for everything. We wouldn't have been set free if it weren't for you. Thank you," Alisia said, and Peter broke the hug."How many more years of service did that douchebag take for this? Because with him, something has to give, and he is too hateful for his own good," Peter said with disdain for Tristan. He was right to be angry; he never did anything to
Raina's POVMy mother and I walked into the woods behind our property. Tristan and I used to hunt in those woods when we were teens. It was so simple back then, with no complications. All we thought about and cared about was each other. Back then, in our heads, we believed it would be simple and that we would indeed get all that we wanted.We made our promises confidently and spoke the word carelessly. If only we had known that fate wasn't in our hands and that there were forces beyond our comprehension that held the cards. Would we be here today? Would things have turned out this way? Probably not, But I guess I will never know."How are you feeling now?" my mother asked me while we were away from home. She had healed me from the poison, so I knew it was normal for her to ask."I am better," I said, and she stopped and looked at me. She studied my face and sighed."I am sorry, I am so sorry. None of this would have happened had Daniel and I not forced you. We hurt that boy deeply, bu
Raina's POV I returned to the pack house, feeling a mix of shock and joy. The news of my condition was both surprising and uplifting. As I placed my hand on my lower belly, a smile spread across my face. I lay down on the bed in Tristan's room, giggling as I imagined the kind of mother I would be. What seemed like a terrifying situation for my mother was a blessing to me.I couldn't help but wonder how Tristan would feel about it. What would he say? How would he react? He had promised me he would fix it, whatever that meant. But I knew keeping this from him would be wrong. My mother was mistaken about that. It was secrets like this that had led Tristan to where he was now.I thought about everything Jenifer had said to me and laughed softly. The Rains wouldn't get their wish after all. I didn't know what their deal was with Tristan, but I doubted Natasha would get more than what she had right now. With that realisation, I buried my face in Tristan's pillow, inhaling his familiar scent
Raina's POVIt seemed my mother's words had triggered something in Jenifer because her face contorted with fury. Jenifer clenched her fists, her eyes burning with anger. "Well, well, well, I see Tristan decided to take pity on you and your pathetic husband. How were your slave days, by the way?" Jenifer asked, and my mother smirked at her. "Educating," she said, and Jenifer kept her smirk with a condescending look. "The tables have turned, Ellie. You and Lisa are nothing now," Jenifer said, and my mother laughed. "Just like your daughter has been competing with mine, you haven't failed to disappoint, Jenifer. You still hold a grudge that Darius and Daniel did not fancy you. Irvin was a third choice. I hope you are happy, though. It seems you have somehow moved up the ladder. Your daughter is Luna in her head," my mother said, pouring herself a cup of tea. Jenifer stood silent, visibly stunned. What was my mother implying? And what was with her new attitude? "Oh, I forgot. Her neck
Tristan's POVThe journey to Renhall was not taken lightly, but it was a necessary step. The invitation came as a surprise, yet I couldn't disregard it, knowing the assassins who targeted Raina were in the King's service. Though I didn't believe the King was the mastermind—he had nothing to gain—I needed to get close to him to uncover the truth.As the youngest among the kings, it was expected that I make courtesy visits to my peers before they came to me. Yet, preoccupied with identifying my foes, I had overlooked this custom. I made the risky decision to leave Alec in charge of Stormhowl's affairs during my absence, preferring to have Jared and his men at my side for protection against potential betrayals. I could only hope Alec would manage without causing issues.I also felt anxious about the gift I had chosen for Raina. I was uncertain whether she would appreciate it, but I believed it was time to start mending our strained relationship. Reuniting with her family felt like the ri
Tristan’s POV Jared was the person at the door, and we decided to go on a stroll to discuss our plans. The purpose of our visit was to learn about Renhall's King's association with the assassins who had attacked Stormhowl. I needed to know if it was connected or not. "I have men in Cavebridge now. We will get information as needed," Jared told me through our mind link as we walked down the hallway. "The palace is beautiful. I hope King Rufus would not mind the little gift I brought," I said, allowing listeners to be thrown off and not make it seem as if we had other intentions. We planned to reserve the true communication to mind-linking only. "King Rufus would like the gold and bronze you brought him, Your Majesty," Jared said, and I nodded, walking with my hand behind my back, head held high, and nodding at the sight with approval. As we continued our stroll, Jared and I took in the details of our surroundings. The grandeur of Renhall's Cavebrige Palace was undeniable, with its
Tristan’s POVNatasha wasn't quite herself throughout the event, and we both remained sitting at the high table reserved for the kings. Only two kings were in attendance: the King of Renhall, who was the host, and myself, the King of Ironclaw. The others had said it was short notice, and King Rufus wasn't angry. In fact, he said he was most eager to meet me.He danced with Natasha while I danced with his wife, and then I danced with Natasha. She took liberties with me, resting her head against my chest and moving as if we were two people in love. She drew a lot of attention towards us, and I didn't like it, but I bore it. After the event, King Rufus requested to have a private meeting with me, which I believed was the reason he had invited me. I even suspected I was the only King he had invited to the event. I knew I would soon find out the truth.As the evening progressed, I followed King Rufus to his private chambers. The grandeur of the palace continued to impress, but my mind was
Tristan’s POVKing Rufus’s suggestion intrigued me. It was a potential solution that could benefit all parties involved."That could work," I said thoughtfully. "If Ironclaw can develop its infrastructure with the help of the other regions, we can ensure a steady flow of raw materials while also boosting our own economy." "Precisely," Rufus agreed. "We must work together to find solutions that benefit everyone." "Collaboration is a good idea, but I want to know why this wasn't an option before. I can see that Renhall is very well developed, and I know the same is true for other regions. I also know that King Darius has properties in every region, yet it doesn't seem like he had any say in the matter." I said, and he frowned at me, but I continued to speak. "You have called me here to give me orders on how to run Ironclaw for the benefit of others. You have spoken to me as if I am your subordinate. As much as I do not take offence, I am aware this should be a conversation between equ
Raina's POVTwo Year LaterThe new trade law indeed favoured our people; there were jobs and new processing plants and factories under construction in Ironclaw. All illegal business activities were discontinued in Ironclaw. People that had left in search of greener pastures had returned. The other regions were not impoverished as the dead kings had feared, but wealth was evenly distributed, and more opportunities were created. The Nighthowler territory was being built, and it was almost completed. Former Nighthowlers emerged from everywhere to come home, and Tristan built his palace there. It was nothing big but a semblance to the type of home he promised to build for me while we sat at the lake when we were teenagers, and he promised me the world. We had recollected most of our promises and fulfilled the ones within our capacity.One of the most surprising things that happened after the battle with the evil kings was finding out that Alisia and Dean were fated. What were the odds
Raina's POVEverything had happened so fast, and somehow, the fear we might not survive had dissipated as we realised we were all fortunate to keep our lives. Luna Lisa was rushed to the hospital, but my mother said she would be fine. While Tristan discussed with the allies of the other royal families that had helped us take down the Kings, Dean walked to me to talk. It was an inevitable discussion, and I didn't know what angle it would take, but I braced myself for it. Clutching the robe around my body, I waited for him."Hey," he said, and I looked at him. We hadn't spoken since he woke up, and to think Alisia and I were the ones that found them."Rainy," he said, calling me how he referred to me often."I guess fate never lies," he said, and I looked at him. His eyes had a sadness and longing that I knew I could never alleviate."I never got to thank you for saving me and my mother. Alec told me how you and Alisia risked your lives to save us. I am grateful," he said, and I nodded.
Tristan's POVAmidst the chaos, my mother's wolf, a regal silver beast, went after King Lucian. She was a blur of fury, her claws and teeth tearing through his guards. Lucian's mottled brown wolf tried to fight back, but my mother was relentless. She bit down on his neck, and with a savage twist, she snapped it. Lucian's body crumpled to the floor, lifeless.Alec and Jared fought together, a formidable pair. Abel and his men tried to hold them off but were overwhelmed. Alec's powerful jaws crushed skulls and severed limbs, while Jared's speed and agility made him a blur of death. Abel's wolf fell beneath their combined assault, his body torn apart.The battle raged on, brutal and bloody. Some enemy wolves tried to escape, but the exits were barred. They were trapped, forced to face their doom. Ian Braxon and the rest of the Ironclaw alphas fought with savage grace, their wolves cutting through the remaining guards and assassins.Dean's wolf, covered in blood, finally brought down King
Tristan's POVThe air in the banquet hall grew thick with tension as I signalled for the doors and windows to be shut. The heavy thud and clatter echoed ominously, and I saw the flicker of realisation in the eyes of King Lucian, King Rufus, and King Oswald. Their arrogance had blinded them to the trap they had walked into. The time for pleasantries was over. Tonight, their reign of terror would end.Dean and our mother stood among the guests, their disguises blending seamlessly. Their eyes met mine, and a silent understanding passed between us. Our allies within the royal families were poised to act. The alphas of Ironclaw, Ian, Braxon, and their men were ready. The plan was in motion.King Lucian's laughter died in his throat as I bared my teeth in a feral grin. "Welcome to Ironclaw, gentlemen," I said, my voice dripping with menace. "You will not leave this hall alive."The assassins, led by Reuben and Abel, moved swiftly to protect the three kings and their families. But we were r
Tristan, POVThe day of the event was finally upon us. We positioned our men about the place, and the banquet hall was prepared.The Ironclaw alphas arrived at the venue, and soon, the three kings and some of their family members were around. Our moles, and hopefully the future kings, were there, too. There was a look of arrogance in King Lucian's eyes. King Rufus was friendly, but I knew he didn't mean well either. King Oswald was unreadable, but it didn't matter. We were still going to carry out our plan. Their reign of terror would end tonight.The kings brought us gifts and sat at their tables with their wives. Raina and I were there too. I noticed King Rufus's eyes linger on Raina. She was looking stunning. Some effort was made in her beautiful cream seductive gown. That showed cleavage and skin. She was a walking temptation. Her lips were red, and her eyes were ice blue. Her dark hair made her skin a lot paler. They had never seen such beauty, and she was mine. King Oswald's han
Tristan POVWe were still talking when my mother decided to grace us with her presence. The entire place was silent. It wasn't news anymore that she was a true Knight and not my father, as they had all expected. She was still royalty. It is in her blood."And while you are at it, I want my pound of flesh from Lucian. He was the one who started this nonsense. His father had agreed to improve on the trade deal. I remember the day his father and mine signed the agreement, but Lucian was too greedy. When he came into power, he knew how much he would lose in revenue and couldn't have it, so he instigated the other three against Ethan. Randolph did not join in and was shunned and excluded for that purpose. They frustrated Ethan's effort and finally used Darius and some of you to silence the man. Then, soon, when Darius realised he wasn't being treated as an equal, he decided to rise above his station. They sent the enclave to keep him in check since they were the ones that placed him there.
Tristan POV I woke up in the morning energised and ready to face the future. Alec had reached out to his friend in Renhall, and we had a plan. Dean also contacted a family member of King Oswald. I couldn't believe my brother was helping me. Instead of working against one another, we were working together. He promised to gather his own men. Although Dean was lazy with responsibilities, he was a good fighter. He just didn't like fighting, but I noticed something had changed. There was a maturity and new resolve in him. He had the look I had in my eyes now. I guess we were even somehow. The alphas arrived in the morning and were shocked to see Dean and me working together. I introduced Dean to them in his new Royal capacity, and they were happy. Ian was the most happy. Braxon was pissed to learn about the cottage in the woods at his border. I honestly did not think he was a traitor, knowing that many illegal activities were being perpetrated in Irconclaw; the kings had their goons ev
Raina's POVI didn't leave Elisabeth until the evening. We ate together, and I kept her company. My mother and Mrs Lana, former Delta's wife, came to join us. Dean never showed up, but Jared told me Tristan was with Dean. I guess they needed the privacy and time to mend their nonexistent relationship. Hopefully, they would get it right this time. When it was time to return home, I heard Tristan's voice in my mind."Join me at the lake, Blue Eyes," he said, and I felt butterflies. I always looked forward to spending time with Tristan. Having missed him since his mother and brother were found, I was glad to finally have him to myself now that they were awake.I left Elsiabeth's house and headed to the lake. I contemplated dressing up first but was too eager and headed to the lake instead. Upon getting there, I was surprised. Tristan was on a picnic mat with a basket, staring at the still water that reflected the shape of the full moon. His profile was handsomely illuminated by the m
Raina's POVLearning that Dean and Luna Elisabeth had pulled through and had woken up made me both glad and worried at the same time. Glad that they were fine, worried about the trouble they might cause. I know it would be impolite not to pay the former Luna respect. So I bought a flower and headed to King Darius's house, where I knew they were staying. Luckily for them, Tristan had kept the place clean, so it wasn't in disrepair, and Luna Elisabeth could easily move in. I bought her a bouquet of white carnations and a box of pistachio cookies, her favourite. This time, I watched them pack the cookies in my presence and seal the pastries in the box. I can't have risked my life to save the woman only to serve her poison. Knowing how she was and what she had gone through gave me a new level of respect for her, but I was still not over how she threatened me to be with Dean. I guess I would always have that grudge against her. It was understandable; after all, it ruined my life.When I g