Congratulations on reaching Chapter 20 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉. Thank you for coming this far; I really appreciate it, and I hope you have been enjoying it. Tell me what you think; I would love to hear from you, and don't forget to give those gems. Shout out to Self-love, you're truly an amazing person. I'm grateful for your help. 😘😘😘 Thank you, Lilly and Barbara Blake, for your comments. I appreciate them. Thank you also, Annette Sprick, for giving me my second gem. It made me really happy. See you guys in the next chapter. XOXO 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
♡Arielle’s POV♡‘Son?!’ My amber eyes stared into the familiar green ones on an unfamiliar older woman’s face. I didn’t need a soothsayer to tell me who she was. Raphael’s mother. I knew I was going to meet his family soon, even though he kept dodging the issue, but I never expected it to be like that. “How long have you been dating him? Why did you stop him from telling me?” She scowled, digging her fingernails deeper into my cheeks. I winced and grabbed her wrist, trying to pull her hand away as gently as possible, but the woman had a titanic grip. “Stop acting like a barbarian, woman. You’re going to hurt her.” A masculine voice commanded from beside her, and a pair of hands grabbed hers and pulled her away from me. I stumbled back, rubbing my sore cheeks. I hoped her assault wouldn’t leave a mark. “How dare you call me a barbarian?!” “I won’t call you one if you aren’t behaving like one.” My gaze took in the duo standing before me, bickering back and forth. For some seconds,
♦Raphael’s POV♦ “Where did you find this?” I asked as George and I moved swiftly through the dimly lit dungeon. The disgusting smell of mold, decay and damp earth hit my sensitive nose, but it didn’t move me as it did months ago. I had gotten used to it after numerous trips there. “Around the same place, we found the last one.” George replied. A small growl slipped out of my lips, and my fist tightened. It was just less than a week since we saw the last one, and we’re seeing another again. They were becoming too frequent. At most, we saw two of them twice a month. I didn’t like it. It didn’t bode well for the safety of my park. If someone was hurt by them and words got out, it would create an uproar, which was the last thing I needed. I wanted the people of Evercrest to keep living under a sense of security, even if it was turning into an illusion. A loud, gruttal growl, snarling, and the rattling of metal echoed against the wall as we walked deeper into the dungeon. We came to
♡Arielle’s POV♡ “What is this?” I asked, eyeing the box Raphael held at me. “A set of necklaces and earrings.” Raphael replied, and I rolled my eyes. I could obviously see what was in the box, and they were beautiful too, but why? “I know what it is, but what I mean is why? Why are you giving this to me?” “Because you’re my fiancée. It is proper culture for a man to give a gift to his fiancée on the evening of their engagement party.” He shrugged his shoulders and stared at me like it was common knowledge. “Fake fiancée, Raphael. I’m your fake fiancée.” I stated, having the urge to sigh and rub my temple. Why was he constantly trying to make our relationship seem real by acting like it was? It was all an act for crying out loud. Had he forgotten he was paying me to marry him? “You don’t need to give me an engagement gift because what we’re doing is all an act. The only thing you’re supposed to give me is the ten million and a mansion, as stated in the contract. Finish.” He reach
♡Arielle’s POV♡ “You know me?” My brows furrowed, and the rest of my attention left the woman for the man scrutinising me. He looked around the same age as Raphael’s father. He had black hair with one or two strands of grey, and his eyes were dark brown, almost black. He was tall, almost as tall as Raphael, and had a good build that showed off his strength. “I doubt you do. I never grew up around alphas, so if I ever meant you, I would remember.” It was absolutely impossible that he knew me, but the certainty in his eyes remained, fueling my doubt. “You may think that, but I’m sure that I know you from somewhere. You’re face is quite familiar, but I can’t quite place it.” Alpha Killian said as he took another step towards me, and on instinct, I took one back. Raphael stepped between both of us, acting as a shield and blocking me from his uncomfortable stare. He really didn’t need to protect me from Kilian, but I was grateful for it. His persistence was preying on my nerves. I didn
♡Arielle’s POV♡“Oh, it’s you.” I said, rising up from the fountain and dusting any stray dust that could have clinged to me off my skirt.She looked more mystical standing in the night.“I saw you sitting alone here, and so I decided to speak with you. I do hope I’m not intruding on your quiet time.” She said, gliding closer and stopping right in front of me.“No, you’re not. I was feeling a little but choked in there, so I decided to get a bit of fresh air.” I replied quickly so she wouldn’t leave, though it didn’t seem she was planning to.Raphael had said not to talk to her, but I couldn’t help it when she was smiling at me with the warmest of smiles.“You’re not used to this kind of life, are you?” She asked, taking a seat on the fountain.“No, not really.” I confessed and sat beside her. “Is it that obvious?”I hoped it wasn’t. It wasn’t the kind of reputation I would like to have, for the sake of Raphael. I was going to be an Alpha Lord’s wife, and it would be a disgrace if the
♦Raphael’s POV♦The orchestra’s beautiful melody began, filling the temple, and all the guests rose from their feet. The large door swung open, revealing Arielle, standing in a beautiful white wedding dress.A white veil was over her face, and a white bouquet of flowers was in her hand. My eyes widened, and a soft red colour painted my cheeks. The world faded in the background, and it was just us in the universe.She walked down the aisle, following the beat of the music with perfect grace. She was dazzling, like a goddess. I thought she couldn’t get more beautiful after seeing her in her engagement dress, but… wow. She was just… wow. In the next few minutes, she was going to be my wife. My Luna, my queen. Mine.My heart pounded in my chest, and a warm feeling washed through me. That beautiful, smart, and sassy young lady was going to be mine. Even though it was going to be for five years, she was going to be all mine. I couldn’t stop my lips from curving into a smile. And who knows,
♦Raphael’s POV♦ “Arielle!” I gasped, racing towards her, and my arms caught her before she crumbled to the floor. I placed my arm under her legs and carried her in a bridal style, pressing her trembling form against my chest. Heat radiated off her skin, and beads of sweat ran down her furrowed brows. ‘How had her temperature risen in just a few seconds that I let go of her?' “You! Call Doctor Joan immediately.” I snapped my gaze at one of the two servants who was gaping at us, and he sniffed at my voice. “While you get me a small towel and a bowl of water, tell the others that not a single soul must hear about what happened here. Got it?” They nodded and rushed to do my requests. My gaze went back to Arielle, who was trembling in my arms, and a choking, suffocating feeling gathered in my chest. My heart clenched, and I winced at the sharp pain there. A nagging voice rang in my head, telling me that it was my fault that she was sick. That I rushed the entire marriage deal. But it
♡Arielle’s POV♡“Arielle. Arielle, wake up.”Raphael’s voice and gentle tap on my shoulder stirred me out of my slumber, much to my annoyance. I remained still, hoping he would think I was sleeping or get the hint that I didn’t want to wake up.“I know you’re awake. The rhythm of your heartbeat and breath changed the moment you did.” He whispered, and there was a depression beside me on the bed.‘Curse his supernatural hearing ability.’ I almost swore aloud. I wanted to tell him how creepy he was listening to my breathing, but that was just me being petty and bitter.“I-I… I d-don’t want to w-wake up.” I grumbled, almost surprised at how hoarse and shaky my voice was. I didn’t want to wake up. Every inch of me hurt and felt far heavier than I could lift. My head pounded, and cold rocked my bones as they clattered. All I wanted was to sleep till all the pain in my body disappeared.“You need to wake up to eat something and take your drugs.” Raphael replied, and his fingers brushed a s
♡Arielle’s Point of View♡ ~Three weeks later~ “I can’t believe it’s finally time for you to go.” I said to Liana as we stood in the garden. I smiled at her. It was a bittersweet smile. It had been three weeks since our battle with Killian, and the dust had settled. The issue had been reported to the counsel of the Elds, with Liana standing as our witness, and they had accepted that Killian was a terror to the world and so his death was justified. Raphael had also been crowned the Alpha of all Killian’s former territories and had taken full control of them. The territories weren’t in the best conditions since, well, Killian was a tyrant and was more concerned about his belly and body. Rules were being removed, edited, and added to establish order and justice. “Time flies indeed when you’re not looking.” She smiled back at me, hers the same as mine. At least I knew she felt the same way. I didn’t want her to go. We had bonded over the few days that she had been with us. She h
♡Arielle’s Point of View♡“After so many decades of leaving in fear of him, he’s finally gone. You killed him. Thank you, Ari.” She sobbed, throwing her arms around my shoulders and pulling me into a big hug. “I-I’m so happy. I’m really, really happy.”“It’s alright.” I smiled, patting her back. When was the last time I held her? I couldn’t remember, but I was glad I could finally do so.“And I’m so sorry for everything I did to you. All the terrible things I said and did. I’m sorry for keeping the truth a secret and for disowning you. I’m really sorry. I wish I could turn back time and undo them. I’m really, really sorry.”“I forgive you, mom. And I’m sorry for putting you through all the stress.” I hugged her tighter. We held each other for a few seconds until she let go of me.“Are you ok now, mom?” I asked as she wiped her face.“My chest feels tight and empty at the loss of Killian, but I’ll manage.” She sniffled.‘Oh, I forgot that fated mates are heartbroken when the other dies
♡Arielle’s Point of View♡“What? I’m not the one who makes the rules.” George shrugged like he hadn’t just said the lamest joke in every realm.Had he hit his head during the battle? It was the only reason I could think of that would make him talk crazy.Me, leader of Killian’s territories?! Nonsense!“You’re crazy.” I glared at him. Oh, I got what he was doing. He was pulling my legs.“He’s not, actually. That’s how alpha politics work.” Raphael said. “Whoever can defeat an alpha lord to death or make them abdicate their position becomes the new alpha lord. You killed Killian, so that means you are the new um… Alpha Lord of all his territories, Moonshade, Jannah, Ilios, Tempest, and Rlyoid.”“You’re kidding me right now?” I gawked at him.“No, I’m not.” He chuckled, joy and pride glowing in his eyes. “Congratulations, Alpha Lord Arielle. I’m so proud of you.”Absolutely not! Big no! Capital letters n and o. NO! I was not going to be the alpha lord of any territories. Could I even be
♡Arielle’s Point of View♡A loud, creepy shriek echoed from possessed Killian as he dropped to the ground. I took a step back, watching him convulse and writhe like a worm. Tendrils of red and orange smoke rose from him, twisting in the air as he shrank back to his normal human size.“Curse you, you damned infernal creature!” Hellstring cursed, floating over him. Pitch black eyes, full of hate and malice, glared at me, and I trembled at the large monster.“I will end you!” It raised one of its large hands, claws out, ready to rip me apart.A shining gold chain coiled around its wrist, stopping it from descending on me.“What?!”“You shall not harm her,” Liana commanded, pointing her sceptre at him and more gold chain coiled around its body.“Let go of me, you glowing pest!” Hellstring roared, thrashing against its bind.“Return you foul beast. Return to the abyss where you rose from.” Liana chanted, and the green vortex reopened.Horrifying screams rang as the demons that had slithere
♡Arielle’s Point of View♡They were going to die.A few minutes that felt like torturous hours had rolled by, and the battle was looking grim and not in our favour.The other alphas that were fighting with Raphael were sprawled in different corners of the room, unconscious and riddled with life-threatening wounds that even their super-healing abilities couldn’t quickly heal.I was at the edge of our protective dome, watching the whole thing while my mom was pressed against the wall, trembling from fear and cradling Brielle in her arms.My heart pounded as I watched Raphael collide with the ground in a heap of blood and fur. Possessed Killian lunged at him, claws out, ready to rip him apart, but Liana flew and stood before him. Light flooded from her sceptre, sending him flying to the broken ritual altar.“Is that the best you’ve got? I could do this all day.” He chuckled as he bounced back to his feet. The burns on his fur from the blast healed the next second. There wasn’t even a sin
♦Raphael’s Point of View♦`We will once we’re done with Killian’s alphas. Stay safe.``I will.` Arielle replied through the mind link.My lips let out a small sigh of relief as I knocked one of Killian’s alphas unconscious. He slumped to the ground, transforming into his man form and lying there unmoving like most of his comrades. Only a few of them were still standing but, they would soon fall like the others.`Liana’s wings have been freed. Let’s end this battle now and get inside.` I mind-linked to all those that fought with me as another enemy lunged at me.`Yes, alpha!` They replied.The battle pressed on, and though Gordon’s and my alphas had the upper hand, the enemies were still a lot. Much more than I expected—the benefit of having more than one territory under ones command. It didn’t give them an edge over us, but it still made the battle long. Far longer than I wanted.I wanted to be by Arielle’s side. I wanted to protect her, but I couldn’t until I had cleared all the obst
♡Arielle’s Point of View♡“Finally.” Liana laughed, her voice full of more life and energy than I had ever heard. The light burned brighter, radiating her joy.“No. No. NO!” Killian screamed, and I giggled.`Arielle? What’s going on? We can see the light.` Raphael’s worried voice rang through my head.`We got it! My mom got Liana’s wings! You guys can come inside now.`‘She got it! I can’t believe she got it! It was all a ploy after all.’ I smiled as I used my arm as a shield for my face from the light. The demons shrieking was deafening but music to my ears. Serves them right. Sadistic creatures.So it was all a trick. Her words, the action, and that kiss—it had all been an act to catch Killian off guard. And it worked perfectly. He didn’t suspect a thing, and neither did I. I was just as fooled as he was. There was no slip in her act, no hiccup, and no break in her façade. Just perfection.Pride bloomed in my chest. My mom was a wonderful actress.`We will once we’re done with Killi
♡Arielle’s Point of View♡“Mom?!” I rasped as I saw my mom rush towards us.Was I really seeing her, or was the pain making me delirious?“How? How did—never mind. I know that thing helped you.” Killian snarled at Liana, who was curled up and whimpering on the floor.I wasn’t imagining her. She was really there. Why? What was she doing? Why was she with us? Was that what Liana had up her sleeves? My mom? No! He would hurt her!“M-mom, get a-away.” I forced myself to say as I struggled and squirmed in his grip.“Oh, shut up.” He clicked his tongue, lifting the dagger.“No, please don’t hurt her.” She gasped, falling on her knees in front of him and bowing her head to touch his shoes.“M-mom no.” I struggled harder in his grip, trying to break free so I could raise her up.My blood boiled in my veins. She couldn’t grovel at his feet like a slave. She couldn’t grovel to that monster. I could never accept it.“Tell your daughter to stop struggling else…” He brought the tip of the knife cl
♡Arielle’s Point of View♡ The large pentagram at the centre of the room glowed with familiar green magic, then turned fiery orange and black and morphed into a portal, letting out an ominous aura and the stench of death. Loud, deranged shrieking echoed through the room, shaking the building from its foundation, and I crumbled to the ground. But I couldn’t keep my eyes off the creepy portal. A hoard of howling and crackling smoke-like creatures rose from it. They were molten grey and grotesque, with eyes that were piercing red, and they reeked like rotting corpses. The room suddenly turned too cold, and the air was too thin. I didn’t need to be told what they were to know what they were. I had seen them a lot in Agnes’ books to not miss them. Demons. A multitude of them were flying over the portal like a dark cloud with fire in it. ‘Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid.’ I chanted to myself, hoping it would magically make what I felt disappear. It didn’t. Liana had warned me abo