Veronica's POV:My heart raced as I made my way to the throne room, my mind racing with thoughts of who could have stolen the crown and also why the king was suddenly requesting my presence. Where did Lucas go while I was asleep? Did he steal the crown or did someone else sneak into my room while I was asleep and steal the crown?My mind swirled with thoughts as I walked through the hallway that led to the throne room. I could see the heavily armed guards standing at each pillar of the hallway, casting intimidating glances at me as I walked.I got to the front of the throne room and took deep breaths before turning the door knob. Stepping into the brightly illuminated room, I saw my father seated on the throne, his imposing figure exuding confidence and authority. The queen sat beside him calmly, her hands crossed over her lap and her piercing glassy eyes bored into my skin. I swallowed hard and took a few calculated steps into the room."Good evening, Your Highness," I greeted, genuf
Matilda's POV:I was surprised to find Lucas standing at my front door in the night. My eyes scanned the area to be sure that nobody had seen Lucas walk up to my house. He had the usual boring expression on his face and he tilted his face to the side but his usual smug smile was missing and I knew outrightly that something was wrong."Lucas, what…what are you doing here? You're supposed to be busy in the palace," I stuttered, my voice barely above a whisper. Lucas didn't budge, instead, he stood transfixed at a spot, his eyes lazily scanning my scantily clad body. I had just rushed out of the shower to answer the door."Can I come in?" Lucas said, his voice sounded deep and his facial appearance looked sullen."Sure, come in," I muttered, stepping aside to let him gain entrance into my house. He didn't utter as he walked into the sitting room and sank into a cushion. "Lucas," I called out as I sat down on the armrest of the cushion and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "What'
Jason's POV:The festival ground was bustling with life and I watched excitedly as the members of the crescent pack arrived at the Nightshade Pack. As I walked around the festival ground, my heart sank as I couldn't find Lucas or Veronica anywhere. Thoughts of them together, wrapped in each other's arms, fueled the fire of jealousy within me. Unable to bear it any longer, I decided to head back to the palace and search for them there.As I entered the palace, a strange silence greeted me. The palace seemed deserted as I entered, the grand halls echoing with a haunting silence. The absence of voices and laughter only intensified the turmoil within me. It was as if the entire world had conspired to heighten my unease. The only signs of life were the vigilant palace guards, their watchful eyes surveying every corner.As I reached the door, a mix of anxiety and curiosity consumed me. My heart pounded in my chest as I approached the door, anticipation mixed with trepidation. I hesitated fo
Jason's POV:My instincts kicked in, urging me to remain vigilant. I slowed my pace, my muscles coiled, ready to defend myself against any threat. The amber eyes glowed with an eerie light, locked in a silent challenge. We stared at each other, the tension between us palpable, as if time stood still.A low, rumbling growl escaped my throat, a warning to the lurking danger. I refused to back down, unwilling to show any sign of weakness. The red eyes remained unyieldingWith cautious steps, I approached the source of the piercing gaze. The eyes belonged to a formidable adversary, a creature of the night. Its dark silhouette blended with the shadows, making it difficult to discern its full form. A formidable opponent, challenging me in my wolf form.Locked in a primal standoff, I could feel the tension crackling in the air. We were both creatures of instinct, driven by the desire to protect and survive. The eyes held a mysterious depth, a challenge that I was prepared to meet head-on.Wi
Jason's POV:"Jaso, I know that you feel guilty about what you did to Veronica but you can't claim the princess is your mate simply because she has a striking resemblance with Veronica Brooks," Dad said, his voice laden with concern. I rarely see my father speak this softly and it made me feel suspicious.What exactly is going on within the walls of this palace?"Dad, I am your son. I am an alpha and I know my mate when I see her. The princess of Nightshade pack is my mate and I'm not going to stand by and watch her being manipulated by her stepbrother," I fumed.My dad rubbed the crease that was beginning to form on his forehead as though he was contemplating what to say. His gaze was intimidating but I knew this was my last chance to reclaim my rejected mate."Jason, why are you so desperate to claim Veronica as your mate? You already rejected her as your mate so why the sudden change of heart? Remember you said that you need a Luna who is bold and strong like your mother," Dad paus
Veronica's POV: I sat and listened to Jason give me unsolicited advice. Honestly, I tried hard to not get mad but the least I could do was keep a fake smile on my face to avoid making the atmosphere awkward. The moment my eyes caught the image of Lucas, I jumped on my feet, withdrawing my hands from Jason's soft grip, and began walking toward Lucas. I had a lot of questions on my mind that were begging to be answered. First, I need to know if Lucas took the crown – even though I hoped that he'd be the one with it and I also wished he wasn't the one who stole it. Importantly, I wanted to ask what he was doing with Matilda last night and what her last statement meant. "Hey, Lucas," I said, walking up to him and closing the distance between us. He turned around to meet my gaze and I could see a glint of annoyance in his eyes, the boring expression clearly written over his face. "Veronica, how are you feeling now," Lucas' voice croaked as he stared at me in surprise. He gave the palace
Veronica's POV:Exhausted both physically and emotionally, I entered my room and closed the door behind me. The weight of the upcoming decision hung heavily in the air, filling the room with unease. I walked towards the bed, feeling the softness of the mattress beneath my fingertips, beckoning me to surrender to its embrace.Laying down on the bed, I stared up at the ceiling, my mind buzzing with thoughts and emotions. The events of the day played on repeat in my mind, the intensity of the moments with Lucas still fresh in my memory. Doubt gnawed at the edges of my consciousness, intertwining with the flickering flames of desire that still burned within me.As I closed my eyes, I allowed the weariness to seep into my bones. The room fell into silence, interrupted only by the steady rhythm of my breath. In the midst of the quiet, my thoughts became a jumbled mix of hopes and fears, uncertainty and longing.I couldn't pinpoint the exact moment when sleep overcame me, but I found solace
Veronica's POV:My father's words hung in the air, a command that brooked no opposition. With a flicker of dread, I nodded in submission and rose from my seat. The eyes of the council members and the queen followed us as we made our way out of the grand dining hall, a silent procession to a private domain.The palace hallway, once bustling with activity, now seemed hushed and still as my father led the way. Each step I took felt heavy, laden with a mix of uncertainty and anticipation. The walls of the palace seemed to close in on me, an invisible pressure squeezing at my chest.We arrived at my father's chambers, a place that held both comfort and unease. The room, adorned with regal furnishings and shelves lined with books, enveloped me in a sense of familiarity. However, my father's stern expression reminded me of the seriousness of the situation at hand."Sit," my father commanded, gesturing towards a plush armchair in front of his intricately carved desk. I complied, taking my pla
As I stood there, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, I noticed them – my foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, and my long-lost brother, Henry, standing among the crowd. It had been years since I last saw them, and I never imagined I would reunite with them under these circumstances. But there they were, their faces etched with a blend of emotions, just like mine.As I reached them, my foster mother, Mrs. Brooks, was the first to react. Her eyes welled up with tears, and before I knew it, she was in my arms, hugging me tightly. "Veronica, my dear girl," she choked out, her voice trembling with emotion. "We never stopped thinking about you, never stopped loving you. We're so sorry for what happened."Tears welled up in my eyes too, but I quickly blinked them away. "I know, Mom," I whispered, using the title that had always felt right for her. "I understand. Life had its way of pulling us apart, but I'm here now, and that's what matters."My foster father, Mr
Veronica's POV:The palace corridor stretched before me, its grandeur a constant reminder of the responsibilities that now rested on my shoulders as the Luna of Nightshade pack. Yet, despite the regal surroundings, an uneasiness gnawed at my heart, a magnetic pull I could not ignore. The mate bond with Jason, my first mate and Alpha of Crescent pack, was too powerful to suppress any longer.With a deep breath, I made my decision. It was time to visit Crescent Pack and meet with Jason, to confront the feelings that had been tugging at my soul since the day of my coronation.As I stepped outside the palace, the cool breeze of the evening greeted me, carrying the scent of the forest and the promise of a new beginning. My entourage, including Draco, my ever-loyal companion, and a group of trusted guards, accompanied me on the journey.The path to Crescent pack was familiar, as it was the same route I had taken before, but this time, it felt different. Emotions surged within me like a torr
Veronica's POV: As Malia lay crumpled on the floor, her once formidable presence reduced to a broken figure, a solemn silence fell over the throne room. The weight of her actions hung heavy in the air, and the kingdom braced itself for the consequences that awaited her.My father, Tyler, the lycan king, stood tall and resolute, his voice ringing out with authority. "Malia," he declared, his tone laced with disappointment, "you have betrayed the trust of this kingdom and tarnished the honor of our bloodline. Your actions have brought pain and darkness upon this kingdom. For your crimes against the crown and its people, henceforth, you are stripped of your royal title and sentenced to the dungeons."Malia's once haughty demeanor had crumbled along with her monstrous form. She lay on the floor, broken and humbled by the events that had transpired. "Take her away," my father commanded.With his command, the guards swiftly moved forward, their grip firm as they encircled Malia and hoiste
Veronica's POV:The lycan king turned to Malia, his gaze piercing and stern. "Malia, you will have the opportunity to defend yourself, to address these accusations. But if they are proven true, there will be consequences.""Yes," I interjected, my voice steady but resolute. "I have proof, Father. I have gathered evidence, witnesses who can testify to the truth of my words."With a determined expression on my face, I turned to Melissa, my trusted lady-in-waiting, and beckoned her forward. With a graceful step forward, Melissa presented a small voice recorder in her hands, its sleek design gleaming under the palace's golden light. I held my breath, knowing that the contents of that recorder held the key to unraveling the web of deceit that had ensnared us for far too long.Turning to the lycan king, I spoke with unwavering resolve, my voice projecting strength and conviction. "Father, it is time to shed light on the darkest corners of our kingdom. Melissa has captured conversations, con
Veronica's POV:I could swear that Lucas was beyond shocked to see me standing before him. The look on his face resembled that of one who had seen a ghost just a few minutes ago."Vee… is… is that really you?" Lucas stammered as the expression on his face shifted from shock to a mixture of curiosity and disbelief. A victorious smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I drew near, and leaned in close to Lucas, my voice a mere whisper that only he could hear. "I've returned to reclaim the throne," I breathed, a touch of mischief dancing in my eyes.The words hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in intrigue. Lucas's expression flickered between astonishment and intrigue, the weight of the revelation sinking in. I could almost taste the anticipation that radiated off him, mingling with the lingering sparks of our past.But before our silent exchange could continue, the grand doors of the throne room swung open, revealing the imposing figure of Tyler, the lycan king, accompanied by Malia
Lucas' POV:I walked briskly through the corridors of the palace, my mind preoccupied with the matters discussed during the council meeting. The council meeting had just concluded, and I was making my way toward the solitude of my royal chambers when I heard my mother's voice calling out to me."Lucas, dear, we need to talk," she said, her tone both gentle and firm. I turned around, my brows furrowing in confusion, and walked back to where she stood."Of course. What is it, Mother?" I asked, curiosity tinged with a hint of confusion. There was a seriousness in her eyes that made me wonder what could be so important.She smiled warmly. "Let us talk in the privacy of the royal chambers. There's something we need to address."She motioned for me to follow her, and we made our way to the familiar doors of the royal chambers. As we entered, the air grew still, and the air of the room seemed to grow thick. I took a seat, my mother joining me, her expression composed yet filled with a sense
Veronica's POV:The room was filled with a bittersweet ambiance as I carefully folded and packed our belongings, preparing for our journey back to the palace. Draco stood by, watching quietly, his eyes betraying a tinge of sadness as he observed me gathering our things.I folded a few clothes and placed them neatly in the suitcase, my mind racing with memories of our time together in this cozy home. It had been a place of solace and love, where Draco and I had built a beautiful life for ourselves and Zoey.Draco's voice broke the silence, filled with a mix of longing and restraint. "Veronica, are you sure about this? Leaving everything behind?"I turned to face him, a bittersweet smile gracing my lips. "Draco, I've thought long and hard about this decision. It's not easy, but I can't ignore the call of my responsibilities any longer. The palace is where I belong and it's about time I go back and reclaim ownership of the throne."His gaze softened as he reached out, his hand brushing a
Veronica's POV:As the months passed, my determination to master and control my wolf form grew stronger. I spent countless hours in the secluded clearing behind our house, surrounded by the tranquility of nature, honing my abilities and exploring the depths of my newfound power.On this particular day, the sun bathed the clearing in a warm golden glow as I stood at the center, my focus solely on the task at hand. My body felt energized, ready to embrace the challenges that awaited me.I took a deep breath, the crisp scent of the forest filling my nostrils, and closed my eyes, allowing the sounds of nature to envelop me. With each inhale and exhale, I envisioned myself tapping into the primal energy that resided within, ready to be unleashed."Focus, Veronica. Trust in yourself," I whispered to myself, my voice carrying the determination that burned within me.I began with a series of stretching exercises, my limbs moving fluidly as I prepared my body for the intense training that lay
Veronica's POV:As the werewolf lunged toward Zoey and me, a surge of unfamiliar energy coursed through my veins. Time seemed to slow as I felt a profound connection to the primal instincts within me. My eyes, once filled with fear, now blazed with a fiery crimson hue. At that moment, I knew I had tapped into a power I had never before experienced.Before my very eyes, my human form began to shift and contort. With a deep breath, I closed my eyes, surrendering myself to the forces coursing through my body. I felt a peculiar sensation as if an invisible force was pulling and molding my very being. My heart pounded in my chest, matching the erratic rhythm of my breath.Suddenly, my bones began to shift and crack, contorting under the strain of an unknown power. Waves of agony coursed through me, mingling with a strange mix of fear and exhilaration. I tried to understand the inexplicable transformation that was overtaking me, but my thoughts were drowned out by the overwhelming intensity