Lucien's PovSo much had happened in such a short time. And the world in my eyes now felt different. I couldn't believe how many people had died and how many lives had been lost. Donovan; a pioneer of the chaos was now dead too. And I sat here on this upturned log silent… as the wind blew by gentle yet heavy. Subtle yet forceful. The nature of the weather similar to the nature of my emotions. Tossing yet dragging. Weightless yet burdensome… The broom in my hands now feeling like a sword. Like a blade. Like a weapon. The same ones that were sent through the hearts of innocent people… And unknowing souls… And all because of what?...Was it because of love?... And was it really?... Was all this conflict and destruction really necessary?... And all because of the thirst for power and love for control and desire?... Avery was still in my heart even though far away. I still thought about her, and I still felt something for her… Stella was a choice of fate not a choice of want. But I was
Lucien's Pov“Well if you have none, why don't you just make one?...” The words rang in my ears in a hollowed whisper. I felt the weight of it completely wash over me. And as I walked back to Silverwood I could hear my father's voice and feel his presence, almost like he was there and walking right beside me. While I was at the temple I heard his voice too. I heard his tone. It was soft and mild. Not rough and commanding as it usually was. It was encouraging… and I needed that source of encouragement… I didn't have a family anymore. At least not anyone that I felt drawn to, or trusted, or even believed in. I walked back to Silverwood now not being able to wait to see Avery again. I had stared at her when I walked past with Donovan's dangling head in my hand. And I'm sure the sight must have frightened her or disgusted her. Or made her think ill of me. And I didn't want her to think ill of me… I walked with more effort even though my legs were tired. The thought of burying Donovan a
Avery's povI stood there amongst the others. Like a lone sheep amidst other sheep just like it. Everyone around me, including me stood vulnerable. Even those who thought they were strong had become vulnerable too. The conflict and aura of death had humbled everyone. As everyone knew it could've been them… And it could've been anyone of us… The losses counted could've been on any side. The tears were still rolling, and families were still reeling from being broken and losing a loved one. I stood amongst the rag tag group of survivors and people still standing. My eyes holding back tears at the shock of it all— the way death had swooped down over everyone like a hawk and taken everyone with their mental helmets removed and emotional swords sheathed. I stood there like a little tuft of cloud floating amongst napalm skies, and I sobbed slightly as I hadn't experienced anything like this…I rested over on a pillar and leaned all my weight against it for support. As anything less would've
Avery's PovThe crowd in front of me gasped as if they were witnessing an execution. And the executioner had just brought down the axe. The way it resounded across the room and sent chills up my spine. I was already on my feet and I quickly rushed forward—my flat heels clicking as I reached them. The guards themselves seemed frantic as their voices quaked in yelling for assistance.“Get the Alpha some water!” one boomed.“Don't just stand there, you imbeciles!” the other yelled. “Clear a space, step back, give him breathing room!”The shocked crowd were too shocked to move. And the guards had to shove them aside to pass. The children were scared and ran to hide in the corner. While the parents and onlookers were made to move and found themselves on the floor. The guards held Lucien between them and his head dangled as they moved. I stared worried beyond my senses as I feared the worst. He didn't seem responsive at all. As his face looked pale and his body hung between the guards like
Avery's PovI reached the end of the hallway and turned right. The decor immediately transforming in this direction. The walls lined with variegated designs yet in one color pattern. The chandeliers were single holder with three candles. Suits of amor lined in front and beside them and then statues. One of Lucien himself and one of his father and mother. Her pose was different from theirs but Lucien and Alpha Hawthorne the same. Like father, like son. I glanced at their carved expressions as I walked past them and Lucien’s face was the only one that stuck out to me the most. His face on the statue holding a confident smirk. The same confident smirk he always had. The same confident smirk that drew me in into joy when I found out he was my mate. And the same confident smirk he had when he had already rejected me but still wanted to use me for his pleasure…I glanced at the statue and the expression stuck in my head. It annoyed me that he was so self-absorbed and self fulfilling, even i
Avery’s PovLucien laid there with his skin looking almost ash. The dust ridden roads outside now matching his color. He looked cremated and his entire outlook made me burst into tears. As I couldn't stand the sight and I couldn't look him in the eyes. I laid there on the floor sobbing. As he looked weak and lifeless. The fire in his eyes was gone. The energy and aura I once saw in them now distant and unseen. I was just too shocked to comprehend it. It was a sore sight for emotional eyes. As he looked already far beyond. He seemed to have already given up the ghost and like it was only his body that was left to quiet down. I raised myself up slowly and tried not to fall back down as I reached my hands towards his face. I tried to hold him. And I tried to wake him up. I brushed my fingers across his lips and ran my hands through his hair as I tried to feel something. And I tried to make him feel something. I wanted to pass some life into him. I closed my eyes and tried to steady my
Lucien’s PovI didn't understand what was happening. I didn't understand what I was doing in my chambers? And I didn't understand why Avery was right beside me? The room was too dark for comfort and I was worried something had happened between me and her? Maybe I was dazy and confused because she had laced my drink and had her way with me?... There were so many thoughts and they were all running around fighting and struggling for the light of truth and I couldn't concentrate or focus. The rush of thoughts making my head keel over with a growing migraine.“You need some rest…” I heard her say again now. Her voice soft and solemn. The concern in her tone visible.“You were sick but now you're better. Your skin was pale and I feared you were gone to leave us. But I'm glad you're well…”I frowned now and turned to her. A sharp pain shooting from my head down to my feet as I did. And my eyes creasing in response as I tried to replay the words she just said. I felt her hands in mine and the
Avery's PovThe guards came in at the worst time possible. As I thought they wouldn't arrive until I left and I was just about to. But now they were standing at the door suited in armor with a woman standing in between them. Their feet stopping abruptly as they noticed me. The two guards with their helmets off and their faces creasing into confused frowns as their eyes fell on me. I froze immediately and my heart jumped to my mouth. As the guards didn't count two steps before they suddenly drew their swords. The sound of iron skidding against iron echoing around the room. And my anxiety shooting through the ceiling.“Step away from the Alpha!” The first guard boomed. “You are the witch sent to kill him aren't you?” the second one altoed. His voice as hoarse as a grater. Their combined volume making me shiver and their weapons drawn making me gulp saliva.“I'm not a witch please…” I begged, falling to my knees. There was no use arguing and there was no use trying to rationalise that I
Lucien's Pov Walking down the aisle was one thing I never imagined I would do. The thought of walking down a path lined with roses and a red carpet, and holding someone in my arms beside me that I promised to love and care for, seeming like a foreign concept. It felt weird to think that I had finally been humbled. And that I had finally been brought to my knees to consider love as anything more than erotic pleasure. It still felt strange to me that I had actually gotten here. To this point? And a part of me really felt proud.I never thought I would get here and I never thought I would actually get married… I had feared I would end up living and dying as hedonistic. But I guess miracles happen, and this just happened to be mine. I was happy even though I was a bit confused and tepid. I looked courageous and smug but I was still scared internally. I feared my old habits would come back to haunt me. And I worried I wouldn't be the best husband for Avery… She was a beautiful soul and ho
Avery's PovTwo months later The crowd had gathered for the festivities and the courtyard was full of life. The entirety of Silverwood had been called for this occasion and everyone with ears had heeded the call. The streets were lined with people, stalls and activity. Musicians filled the streets with instruments and sounds. Some of the stalls filled with ale and the people were aloof and afloat. Food was bountiful. As steaks rolled over fires and men sold rottiserie chicken and smoked seasoned salmon over counters. The energy all around contagious. No single soul lost or sad or broken. Everyone, irrespective of class or status had come and were happy. All needs were met and all wants provided. It had been two months now and the town of Silverwood had gone from chaos and fighting to peace and tranquility. The people had reached a calm and began rebuilding. The torn ties, the distrust and the loss. The grieving families had been supported and helped to move on. Everyone was slowly an
Luciens's PovI held her in my hands and I just couldn't contain the feeling. The rush of energy I felt inside and the lightness in my head. Her body was soft and her motion was gentle. I held her close and she sighed quietly; her soft moans driving me crazy as we held each other. I didn't know I could feel this way. And I didn't know I could feel so in love. The state I was in wasn't one of lust or to have her in bed. I held her in my arms now and the only thing I wanted was to have her there. The only thing I wanted was to hold her close and hold her forever…Avery was everything and Avery was beautiful. Her hands around me as she tried to sink into my skin. I could feel her getting closer and edging closer. I could feel her wanting to close the gap and want to be near me. I could feel her energy matched mine and that she wanted me as much as much as I wanted her. The sparks lighting up and almost written in the skies. I really didn't want to let go but I had to. I didn't really wan
Avery's PovI woke up now in a gasp. My breathing heavy as I glanced in every direction frantically. I shot out of the chair or bed or whatever I was resting on and got up to my feet. I turned every which way, my eyes swinging from one side of the room to another. Then shooting up to the ceiling to see if what I had seen in my dream wasn't a dream. And if it had been real…It felt too real not to be and I deeply hoped it wasn't just hallucinations. As I looked up at the ceiling to find the carved statuettes but instead I saw a blank ceiling made of wood. I looked around for the white dress. With the veil and the mannequin? But I saw nothing. And now I quickly turned to look for Lucien. To see him maybe in the suit I had seen him in. To see his hair, and to see him smiling wide at me the way I had seen him. With the box in his hand. To hear his voice and hear him explain how he wanted to marry me. And how he had made plans for the wedding. And all he needed was a yes…But I turned arou
Avery's PovI woke up confused and I didn't know where I was at first. I struggled to open my eyes and also to keep my vision steady. My eyes opening slowly like curtains and my body feeling weird between my legs. I felt a sharp pain in my hips and I could feel my thighs quake slightly. I looked down at myself to see that I was in robes?... I looked up and I didn't recognise where I was. The room in front of me is different from the one I remembered. The design different from the room I last saw myself in. The windows were wide and open, the curtains were drawn to the sides to let in light. And I found myself on a bigger bed. The sheets very soft and delicate in my hands as I rested on it with my palm, turning my head sideways trying to figure out where I was.“Rise and shine princess…” I suddenly heard a voice call. And I frowned and turned slowly. My head still hurting slightly and my legs strangely weak and tired. I managed to complete the turn and I was surprised to see Lucien stan
Stella's PovIt just didn't feel right… and it just didn't make any sense. Yet it was all my reality… After all these years of hatred. To only come to realise I was hating my own blood?... That I was hating what I was supposed to love, and loving what I was supposed to hate?... The thought of being abused and used without even realising it made me shiver. I had been lied to so long and so well I couldn't even tell the difference. The lines between what was real and what was false blurring together into one vague absolute. I just couldn't believe the wool had been pulled over my eyes for so long. I had been blinded and led like a sheep and I thought I knew what I was doing? I thought I was right? I thought I was fighting for a good cause?... That my intentions were justified, and the allies were the enemies while the real enemies were actually the allies. I had gone against sensible reason and veered off wildly, and now it made me question my own self?... To believe that I was this
Lucien's PovI pulled out as she convulsed and came all over everything. The sheets and her dress was soaking wet and her hands by her side with her mouth open in a gentle sigh. She had quickly reached climax in just a few strokes and I wondered if I was that good or she was just very invested in the moment? Or even worse, she was just faking it?... I climbed off and let her lie there. I buckled my belt back in place and released a sigh myself. The moment short but the feeling mutual. Avery was a beautiful being, and down there she was tight. I was surprised at how I flowed through in and out seamlessly. Each stroke leaving her moaning loudly and gasping in short bursts. Her body jerking at every motion, her fingers gripping my legs, trying to hold on, and trying not to pass out. Trying not to let the rush send her unconscious. Her moans soon turned into cries, her eyes wet as it was seemingly too much for her. I wanted to stop but each time she moaned I only went deeper. Her cries ac
Avery's PovI was glad I had seen this coming. I was happy to have seen this beforehand and prevented it. As the guards came in now just at the exact moment. The guards came in now just at the exact time Lucien would have been deep inside me and too far gone to cover up and rationalise. I was happy I held myself accountable; and held myself accountable for both our reputations…As the two guards now stood at the door with several clothes in hand, all of them folded and all of them in the shape of dresses. With different colours and different designs. I stood there frowning in confusion as they stood with their hands out and their waist slightly bent in a saluted pose. Their chins raised and their heads high.“We have brought the clothes sire…” The leading guard called. “The one you asked for, for the benevolent lady of yours…”And the guards tone surprised me. His aggressive voice had gone down a baritone lower. And he now sounded more like a butler than a guard. And the way he talked
Avery's PovI held his hand and he closed his eyes again. This time relaxing and not trying to pull away. He let my palm touch his and then closed his eyes. The exchange of energy making him ease into calm and his legs suddenly twitch. I saw his feet move slightly and then again. Before he opened his eyes and then let go. Immediately moving himself forward and getting out of bed, standing on his feet and turning around. “Being paralysed is a curse really…” he smiled, staring directly at me. His perfect teeth showing in full view. He looked suddenly refreshed and revitalised. The look on his face far from someone who was just sick.I smiled back at him not knowing what else to do. I watched him spin on his heels and click his feet in a hopscotch. He had suddenly lost his stern austerity and now was as giddy as a horse… “Are you okay Alpha?...” I asked now, frowning with my head down slightly. But he only turned towards me with his smile growing bigger. “Never been better, and thank