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
Veronica's POV:I turned on my heels and hurried to my room, eager to find solace within its familiar walls. With a dismissive wave, I dismissed my lady-in-waiting, craving a moment of solitude to gather my thoughts. I sank into the plush couch as a sigh escaped my lips, a mixture of relief and exhaustion intertwining within me.As I tried to calm my racing heart, my phone chimed, its sharp notification cutting through the silence of the room. I glanced at the screen, seeing Lucas' name illuminated. He requested my presence at the training ground for a conversation. Uncertainty washed over me like a tidal wave. Should I meet him? Should I engage in another conversation that may further complicate the already tangled web of emotions?After a moment of contemplation, a surge of determination coursed through me. I needed to confront Lucas, to express my thoughts and feelings without hesitation. I wouldn't be a pawn in his game anymore.I rose from the couch, slipped my phone into my poc