♦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 POV♡ “Just kidding.” Raphael winked at me, and I swore I would have head-butted him if I wasn’t bundled like an oversize worm. “Don’t mess with me that way. You got my hopes high for nothing.” I scowled—the only thing I could do to show him my annoyance. I had been scowling too much since I woke up, but that was his fault. He was messing with me. “Oh, so you’ll be interested if there’s something in it for you.” He snickered. “Of course, why won’t I be? You’re going to lose after all, so I’m very interested in what I would get when you do.” I rolled my eyes. He was going to lose the bet and it was only common sense I gained from his disgrace, but since it was a joke, I was no longer interested in the silly challenge. “It really isn’t needed since I know I’m going to cook you a dish that is going to blow your mind away. What you really need to be worried about is the peck you would give me.” He said, picking up the napkin on the tray beside the half plate of chicken soup
♡Arielle’s POV♡ ‘It hurts; every part of my body hurts. Make it stop. Make it stop.’ I whimpered, squeezing my eyes shut like it would stop the harsh pounding in my head. My eyes stung, and tears threatened to pour from them. I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t cry out for Raphael because my mouth seemed heavy, and I couldn’t stand up because blinding pain rocked through every cell in my body. I couldn’t even curl into a bean to conserve heat. I just laid sprawled on the floor, trembling from the bitter cold and in more pain than I had ever been in my life. “Arielle!” Raphael gasped, and it sounded so blurred out that I wasn’t sure if he was actually beside me or if my brain was hallucinating to comfort me. An earthy, woody scent filled the air, telling me that he was indeed by my side, and I was gently lifted from the floor. I snuggled into his chest, soaking in the comfort and warmth he gave me. “Are you hurt?” He asked, and I slowly opened my eyes and stared into his. “N-no,” I
♡Arielle’s POV♡A primal howl ripped through the night, and I rolled to my side like I had been doing for some minutes. Beads of sweat ran down my face, and I let out a small, breathy groan. The full moon has come, and from the beastly sounds I heard, Raphael had transformed into a werewolf. I had gone to bed before he did and done what he had told me to do, but I had suddenly woken up with a disturbing feeling all over my body.Another howl rang, and I rolled again, kicking the thick duvet off me. Cold’s bitter hands gripped me, and I shivered at the frigid temperature, but at the same time, I was hot. Like being baked alive. I wanted to strip down to nothing from the intense heat, but I couldn’t because I also didn’t want to freeze to death.Something was wrong with me, and it wasn’t the sickness. It was something else. I could feel it under my skin and in my bones. Small blitzes of current ran through me, throwing my system off balance. My heart thumped faster than it was supposed
♡Arielle’s POV♡ “What are you doing?” I hissed, hiding how I really felt behind a bitter scowl and hard glare. My heart banged harder than I liked, and blood rushed to my cheeks—thank the moon goddess for my dark completion that hid my blush. “Why were you pretending that you were sleeping?” Raphael asked, dragging his thumbs on my wrists, and the subtle gesture almost made me melt. I hated how I was reacting to him. I hated, really hated, how close he was to me. How his breath fanned on my face, how his body was warm and inviting. How his scent filled and fired up all my senses; how I was trapped under him; and how his hands were pinning mine over my head. I hated it all. And one thing I hated the most was that I liked it. I couldn’t deny that I liked the intimacy. If it were any other guy I would have already kicked him in the nut, but with Raphael, I couldn’t. I couldn’t because, as much as I hated to admit it, I enjoyed him breaching my space. The small connection that had ne
♦Raphael’s POV♦ Thick awkwardness hung in the air as Arielle and I sat to eat breakfast at the dining table. It irked me, but it was expected after the intense position we found ourselves in an hour ago. She hadn’t said anything to me since then, except when she muttered a small thanks as I served her oats. She just stared at the plate, taking very small spoons and avoiding my gaze. I wasn’t surprised as to why, though I missed the simple conversation we had as we ate or as I fed her when she was weaker. But I couldn’t blame her. She had offered herself to me, and I turned her down, bruising her ego. She probably thought I didn’t want her or didn’t find her attractive, but she was so wrong. The moon goddess knew I wanted her really, really badly. I wanted her then, and at the moment we ate, I still wanted her. I wanted her sweet kisses, her soft feminine body, and her hot gasp and moan that turned me hard just at the thought. If she looked at me with the same hunger and lust glow
♡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