The old physician nodded knowingly. "I had a feeling that something was bothering you," he said. "You know you can always talk to me, Alex. Whatever it is, I'm here to help."Alex hesitated for a moment, unsure if he was ready to confide in the old physician. But then he realized that he needed to talk to someone, to share his worries and fears beforethey consumed him."You're right," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have been feeling...insecure, like something bad is going to happen."The old physician nodded, his expression understanding. "It's not uncommon for those in positions of power to feel that way," he said. "The weight of responsibility can be heavy."Alex nodded, grateful for the man's understanding. "I just don't know what to do," he said, feeling the weight of his worries heavy on his shoulders.The old physician placed a hand on Alex's shoulder, offering comfort. "You don't have to face this alone, Alex," he said. "There are people who care about you and wa
The old physician sat on the balcony, gazing at the castle as his thoughts drifted to Alex and Rose. He knew their relationship was complicated, yet the love they shared was genuine. Alex lacked compassion, and the physician was the only one who had any influence over him. He had promised to care for Alex until the end. He had nothing left to lose. When the physician entered his room, he hesitated before pulling out a box from under his bed. He decided against it, not ready to relive the memories, both happy and sad, that it contained. He downed two glasses of water, as if he had just finished running, and looked around his messy room, avoiding the furniture covered in cobwebs and dust. After dropping his small bag, he went out to the balcony. He asked one of the maids to clean his room before he visited Rose, hoping she was still in the slave quarters. The maid confirmed she was.The physician sighed, his mind returning to Alex and Rose. There were so many layers to their relation
The old physician’s POV:I needed to speak to Rose and try to help her in any way I could. I can not bear the thought of her suffering alone, especially knowing what she had been through.As I made my way towards the slave quarters, I couldn't help but think about the complexities of the heart. I know that love and attraction were powerful emotions, but they could also be incredibly complicated and difficult to navigate.I hope that I could help Alex and Rose find a way to overcome their pasts and build a brighter future together. I know that it wouldn't be easy, but I believe in their strength and resilience.When I arrived at the slave quarters, I was struck by the conditions that I saw. The living quarters were cramped and dirty, and I could see the suffering and pain in the eyes of the slaves. There have not been any improvements and Alex doesn’t care.I know that I needed to do something to help them, but I am also aware that I can’t do it alone. I would need the support of other
Beatrice spoke with fervor, her hands gesturing wildly as she described the many atrocities committed by the Alpha King, Alex. She spoke of his tyrannical rule, the taxes he imposed on the people, and the way he had kept her father imprisoned for months on end.Hubert’s POV:As I listened to her, I could see the passion in her eyes, the way her voice rose and fell with each word. It was clear that she held a deep hatred for the Alpha King, and I could tell that she was hoping to find an ally in me.I listened carefully to everything she said, nodding along in agreement where I could. But I was careful to keep my own opinions to myself. I knew that Beatrice was passionate, but I wasn't sure if she could be trusted just yet.For now, it was best to keep my plans to myself. I knew that Beatrice was loyal to her father and that she wanted nothing more than to see him freed from his prison. But I wasn't sure if I could trust her with the bigger picture.As Beatrice finished speaking, she l
As George was in the washroom, Daphne couldn't help but confront Glenda about her cruel prank. She asked her why she had to do that to George, to which Glenda responded with a stretched face as if to say "are you serious?".Daphne continued, saying that it wasn't funny, but Glenda saw through her pretense and called her out on it. Glenda didn't feel the need to justify her behavior, stating that she didn't need a reason to pester George and that he shouldn't even be there.Daphne quickly came to George's defense, pointing out that it was their grandmother's choice to invite him over and that Glenda couldn't do anything about it. However, Glenda didn't seem to care about what Daphne had to say and even joked about letting George finish the hazelnuts because they were delicious.Daphne was taken aback by Glenda's callousness and lack of empathy. She couldn't understand why her sister would want to hurt someone like that. She knew that George wasn't perfect, but he didn't deserve to be t
He went back to his room and started thinking about his own problems.He missed his home, Atlantic kingdom. He knew that the witches were a regular threat to his kingdom, but he also knew that he couldn't run away from his patriotic heart.As he was lost in his thoughts, he heard a knock on his door. It was Daphne. "George, are you okay?" she asked with concern. "I'm fine," he replied, trying to sound confident. "I know it's not easy for you to be here, but we are happy to have you," Daphne said with a smile. George was touched by her kindness. He realized that he had been so self-centered that he had forgotten that there were people who cared about him."Thank you, Daphne. I appreciate it," George said with a smile. "And I'm sorry for what happened in the kitchen. I didn't mean to cause any trouble." Daphne smiled and patted his shoulder. "It's okay, George. Glenda can be a handful sometimes, but she means well. Just ignore her when she's being difficult."George nodded and felt gr
The dining table was warmly lit with candles as hearty laughter and pleasant conversation filled the air. George sat observing Daphne and Glenda in amusement as they interacted so kindly with him, a stranger they had recently met. He thought to himself "Witches aren't really bad as they seem although some chose to be". Glenda remarked "Hmm,you see...Daphne he’s already eating up". George chuckled "You're absolutely a wonderful cook". Yet he wondered how swiftly Glenda had changed her formerly unpleasant disposition towards him. In the back of his mind, he was honestly taken aback; Glenda had always been hostile and aggravating, so the sudden transformation in her behavior left him puzzled. Though happy about it, he couldn't deny his surprise. The tranquil night surroundings added to the coziness of the intimate dinner. Gentle candlelight danced across the walls casting shadows that moved with the flickering flames. Outside,an occasional night bird call broke the inky sil
George smiled at Daphne and Glenda, still marveling at how this unexpected turn of events had taught him so much about magic beyond spells. "This night has truly changed me," he said softly. "Before I met you both, I saw the world in black and white. But now I see the countless shades of grey in between, and the beauty that lies within them." "Wisdom comes not just from books, but from opening our hearts to the world," Daphne replied. "And sometimes wisdom finds us in the unlikeliest of places." "Like a chance dinner with a stranger," Glenda added with a smile. George nodded. "A stranger no more. I feel I have gained not just two new friends this night, but also sisters of the heart." Daphne's eyes shone with affection. "And you have given this weary witch a reminder of hope. That goodness still exists, if we only open our eyes to see it."Glenda put her arm around George. "Prejudice and fear cloak the world in shadow. But courage and compassion can light the way forwar
To my readers,As you turn the final page of this book and set it down, I want to express my deepest gratitude for sharing this story with me. Reading is a solitary act, yet one that connects us to each other across continents and cultures. By opening the cover of this book, you invited me into your thoughts and dreams for a few precious hours. You gave me the gift of your time and imagination, for which I am forever grateful. Through these pages you have laughed and cried, hoped and feared alongside my characters. You have travelled to unfamiliar places and met interesting people, all from the comfort of your own home. I thank you for joining me on this journey, for your insights, empathy and willingness to see the world through new eyes. Writing this book has been a labor of love for me, but without readers it would simply gather dust on a shelf. You have brought these characters to life simply by caring about their stories and journeys. And for that, I cannot thank you enough.
Rose’s POV:Five years have passed. I watch my son Jeremy play in the sand, giggling as Glenda and Daphne act as his aunties and George as one of his uncles. I sit on the porch remembering Alex, Jeremy's father and Charles, his kind uncle. I don't know what the future holds but I chose peace. "When you choose peace, be ready to say a lot of goodbyes," I often think.Jeremy looks at me, smiling. Then his eyes turn from blue to bright green. I gasp in shock. "Come here, Jeremy," I call to my little son. "You're safe under my love," I whisper. Alex is a lycan and I am half werewolf, half witch. The prophecy has long passed, yet here sits a child of two worlds. Jeremy cuddles close. I stroke his hair, thinking of the journey that brought us here. I thought I was fleeing my past, but it followed me in this precious child. Glenda comes to the porch. "All okay, Rose?" she asks, looking from me to Jeremy. I smile. "More than okay. This is where I'm meant to be."She hugs us both. "Family
George POV:I had made camp for the night and was sitting by the fire when I heard a sound in the bushes. I saw a frazzled young woman had collapsed unconscious. As I reached her, a lunar birthmark shone luminously on her back - this must be the girl I've sought for so long, the prophecy told of! I turned her over and gasped. "Isn't this Alpha King Alex's mate?" I hesitated, unsure what to do. But as I tried to leave, she grabbed my hand weakly and pleaded, "Please help me." I could not leave her so I took her in, building up the fire. When she awoke, I gave her food and water. The next day we set off towards Hazelwood together. As we walked, I felt honored to be helping fulfill the prophecy at last. Soon we came to a junction where my friends Glenda and Daphne greeted us. "George, still don't know the safest route to Hazelwood I see!" Glenda joked. "Very funny," I replied. "This is Rose. Rose, these witches will help guide us home." Daphne smiled warmly at Rose. "You're safe w
"Rose?" Charles whispered, stepping out of the shadows.I breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God you're here," I whispered back. "I was starting to worry that you wouldn't make it.""Calm down, Rose," Charles said in a comforting voice. "We must leave quickly now." Charles led me to the mysterious hidden door and handed me a book he wrote about our family. "I will make sure to tell my unborn child about you,his Uncle," I vowed through tears. "Will you return?" Charles asked, his voice filled with emotion. "I'll make sure my unborn child knows his roots and father," I sobbed hard, thanking Charles for his love and care. "You must go now, Alex will be back from hunting soon," Charles said as we said our goodbyes, hoping we would meet again.I followed the secret passageway that Charles showed me, escaping from Alex's castle at last. Every minute I stayed was a minute too long, carrying Alex's cub but treated so cruelly. As I hurried through the passage, I rubbed my still-flat belly
Rose’s POV:"The biggest coward of a man is to awaken the love of a woman without the intention of loving her.”After a week. The cold floor felt harsh against my knees as I scrubbed the chambers floor. My stomach churned again as a wave of nausea hit me. I swallowed hard, resisting the urge to vomit. I had to hide this from Alex, I didn't know how he would react. He had been so distant this past week, barely looking at me let alone touching me. The tender love I thought was blossoming between us seemed to be fading away. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks and I wiped them away angrily. What did I expect? I was just a slave, a plaything for him to use as he pleased. But I had started to hope for more. I thought he cared for me. Now I felt like a fool.My mind was troubled with dark thoughts as I worked. If things continued this way, I would have to find a way to escape. I couldn't bear much more of this. I needed to speak with the old physician, the only friend I had here. We hadn't ta
Alex’s POV:I had to go to my older brother Charles and tell him about Rose. It was difficult to admit, but I had to confess that she was the one. The prophecy was real. I stormed into Charles’s study, fuming with anger. “Why didn’t you tell me about Rose? That she is the one the prophecy foretold? I have fallen for the enemy!” Charles looked up calmly from his book. “I wanted you to find love, brother. Rose is special, she is your soulmate.”“She is meant to destroy me!” I slammed my fist on the table. “This is my life at stake. My kingdom. And you see me as the tyrant Alpha King that needs to be overthrown?”Charles sighed. “The kingdom needs change, Alex. Peace. Someone like Rose could help you become a better leader. A better man.” “I rule Atlantic with force to keep order. There is no room for peace,” I growled. “There has been no peace since you divided the packs. Became king after Josiah's treason. Mother would not have wanted this life for you, Alex."I glared at Charles.
George packed his bag slowly, lost in thought. Three weeks and he would be gone from this place. The events of the Christmas party played over and over in his mind. He had stayed quiet, not wanting to draw attention to himself. But now he knew it was time to leave. He had come back to Atlantic for one reason - to find the lunar girl, the prophecy girl. Yet after all this time, he was no closer to the truth. Meanwhile, those accused of crimes were being punished without mercy. Alex's werewolves terrified him. Part of him still wanted to fulfill the task he had been given. But the risk seemed too great now. Better to return to Hazelwood and the simple life he knew there. His hand touched the old coin in his pocket, the one that was supposedly tied to the lunar girl's destiny. He had held onto it all this time, a symbol of the mission. But now, it felt heavier somehow. A reminder of a duty abandoned. He sighed and zipped his bag shut. Three weeks and he would be gone, returning
Rose’s POV:I left the party and went outside for some space. I sat down with my wine, frustrated. After a few minutes, I noticed a small box carefully placed next to my seat. I picked it up and untied it. Inside was a card that said "Happy Birthday little sis." I was stunned. Could it be from the brother I thought was gone? I looked around to make sure no one was watching and opened the card. "You've grown up to be so pretty, stay happy. I'm watching over you little sis," it said. Tears streamed down my cheeks. When I looked up, I caught a glimpse of a figure in the distance fading into the night - it was the black cloak person who had helped me before. Could it be my brother? I blamed myself for not realizing it sooner. Just the other night, I had stood close to him..."Rose!" Lebotha called harshly, walking over with her daughter Lisa. I quickly wiped my tears and stood up tall. I was not the girl Lebotha used to bully.As things were about to get heated, Alpha King Alex appeare
Rose POV:I took a deep breath and looked around at my surroundings. The castle was truly beautiful, though its beauty could not chase away all my doubts. Alex's words and gifts were kind, but I still wondered if he truly understood the pain he had caused me. As I wandered the hallways, I saw Alex approaching with a smile. "Good morning, Rose. I hope you are settling in well."I replied politely,"Good morning, Alpha. Thank you for your hospitality."He chuckled."Please, call me Alex when we're alone. There is no need for such formality between us." I nodded slowly. Over the next two days, Alex showed me great kindness. We took walks in the castle gardens and he told me stories of his childhood. Alex even arranged for us to ride the royal horses out on the trails surrounding the castle.As we rode side by side, Alex's horse came closer to mine."You look radiant today, Rose. I love seeing you smile." I could feel my face flush, but I tried to remain guarded. "Thank you, but do you trul