Cyrus' POV I received the note from Tom with much joy. I had penned my response at once and sent it as I understood the urgency of the situation. Fortunately, Theophilus had come to visit his father so it was not hard to confer on the next step. “I have sent a note telling them that their deaths shall be staged. I do not understand Audrey's intention for sending them here nor do we have the time to decipher that. I believe the best thing for us to do is to stage their deaths,” I explained once I had gathered them together.“Their deaths? I don't like it. How shall my father reappear into society if he is to be dead now?” questioned Theophilus. “The Alpha has sent them a note already; we need to discuss how the deaths shall be staged. We have just you and Theo to help stage their deaths. I suggest you pretend to be a robber and fire some shots and make some threatening sounds to scare passersby,” suggested Lord Salmon. “How do we account for the bodies? I am certain Audrey will hav
Disclaimer: This chapter contains sensitive content. Larog's POV I had been waiting for news all day to know what had happened to Lord Salmon. I hoped that the plan would go according as planned but I was to be proved wrong because nothing went as planned. Instead, I received a letter from Audrey informing me that Lord Salmon had died in a robbery on the night he had been sent to Ghysem. The letter threw me into a rage of fury. Now there was no way we could snatch the bridge contract from Theophilus. That was not completely through however, we could still kidnap Theophilus and render him unable to do the work, or better still we could incapacitate him. We could make him lose function in his legs in a terrible accident or lose his sight. I smiled as different ideas came to mind. All hope was not lost then; we still stood a chance. I wrote a note to Audrey reminding her to send Agnes to me posthaste and ensuring that nothing happened to her on the way.I could not afford to lose A
Larog's POV I had to return to Ghysem however as I could not delay my plans any further. As I approached Ghysem I saw mourning candles burning in the street and there were chrysanthemums littered everywhere as though a great lord had died. Everyone was also clad in black and I began to wonder what had happened. I also felt off because I had on a blue tonic and this elicited raised eyebrows although, no one paid much attention to me. As I neared the palace, all became clear to me. The pack was mourning the death of Lord Salmon. But why? If anything he should be regarded as a criminal. This deeply angered me but I was going to get my answers when I entered the palace.When I entered the palace I saw a procession of people waiting at the entrance. I asked my coachman to ask what was going on. He returned a few minutes later. “The palace has been shut up; they will not admit anyone today,” he said. “Well, you tell whoever is there that it is I that has come and I have urgent business
Theophilus' POV“We would give you two privacy,” Cyrus had said as he and Theo exited the room. When it had been only us my father said, “You are no child Phil; one day you were going to mourn me.” “It was not supposed to be today or tomorrow or even next year! Why didn't you say something when you had been brought back to Ghysem? What type of sickness is it?” I said, my voice infected by tears. “Son, do not cry over things that you cannot…” “It is not too late, I will get Cain. There was even a heart surgery done for Lady Asher. You can get help and if Cain cannot help there are other options. I made some friends abroad; there's a really great physician in…” “Phil! My time is up; I may not even make it till tomorrow. I would just like us to spend my last hours reminiscing about the good times, okay? Can you do that for me?” he had asked, his tone pleading. “Father, you…” I broke into sobs. “Let us pretend that you have spent eight moon seasons alive and Isabella, Oh! beautiful
Agnes' POV I had given up hope that I could escape Larog when he returned to the room in a fit of rage. He had levied several accusations against me but I had remained quiet. I could see that he was pissed but he had not hit me as much as I had expected. He continued to fail on top of his voice that he attracted the attention of the management and someone had to come and ask what was happening in the room. He has cooked off after that. He went out after that and when he returned this time he ordered me to enter the wooden box and too tired to resist him, I complied. As soon as he had shit the lid of the wooden box, the lid was open again but this time not by Larog. At first, I had been certain that someone had found out that he was trafficking a person, and as this was a human colony, the threat would be taken quite seriously except he could provide documents that he had bought me as a slave. I would not put it past him if he could provide such evidence. I believed that he would ha
“His corpse is still fresh; his soul still very present with us, he should be allowed to attend the wedding,” responded Lord Marshall. “Attend the wedding? You want a corpse to attend the wedding?” I quipped. It was sad that my father had died but I could not imagine bringing his corpse to my wedding. It was not because I cared much but rather for the sake of my bride. “It is not just a corpse it is your father that we speak of,” returned Lord Marshall. “I know but Moana deserves a proper wedding,” I voiced. I knew that although she was present she may be unable to voice her discomfort so she would not seem disrespectful to her father but I cared little for showing him any respect and l would like it if my wife-to-be communicated her discomfort rather than just following through with any decision. “It would not be a proper wedding if my father-in-law is not in attendance,” said Moana. It was the first thing she had said at the start of this meeting. I gave her a strange look. Had
Agnes' POV I could not move no matter how hard I tried; at least not until I felt the strange man had left completely. I was now alone with the green lantern and I could not comprehend what I was supposed to do. It was at that moment I could hear Cyrus’ reaching out to me from the depths of his mind but for some reason I could not fathom I could not answer his call. It was as though something in the air was suppressing me. I tried to leave the spot that I had been stuck on and this time I made progress. When I had gotten close enough to where the green lantern had been dropped by the strange man I saw that there was a hut within reach and suddenly I felt the overpowering need to sleep. My bones felt sore and my muscles began to cramp so I entered the hut and behold there was a bed. I was transported to Dreamland right away. I was back to simpler times when Cyrus did not exist either as my master or my mate. I was seated on the floor while my mother was seated on a chair braiding m
“We have been waiting for a while now. What does he call you? His right hand? You should go tell the Alpha that we need to see him,” Lord Robert commanded me.I was not offended. The fact that I was so close to the king coupled with the fact that I had no noble background or connections made me a constant target for vile words especially when Cyrus was absent. I had known Cyrus had disappeared into his room earlier so I went there straight away.I knocked and waited for him to either open the door or tell me to come in but I got no response. I knocked again but all remained quiet from inside. I started to worry that something had happened to Cyrus so I pushed the door open but it was empty. I saw another door in his room that had been left open and entered but there was no Cyrus. I checked all over the palace for all the possible places Cyrus could be but he was nowhere to be found. This was strange because in all the time I had been his right-hand man he had never disappeared w
It had been two years since Cyrus and Agnes got married in the enchanted garden. Their love had only grown stronger with each day. The palace was always filled with laughter and joy, all thanks to them. This morning, the sun shone softly, making everything look golden and magical.Agnes, with her big pregnant belly, was relaxing in their bedroom on a comfy chaise lounge. She was gently rubbing her belly, feeling the little kicks and movements from inside. They were both so excited to meet their twins soon.Cyrus walked in and immediately noticed Agnes. Despite her being tired from the pregnancy, she still looked beautiful. He went over to her, knelt down, and kissed her belly tenderly."Good morning, my love," he said softly. "And good morning to our little ones."Agnes smiled, her eyes sparkling with love. "Good morning, Cyrus. They've been really active this morning."Cyrus laughed quietly and put his hand on her belly. "Seems like they're eager to meet us."He gave her belly one la
The day of the wedding dawned with a golden glow, as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a warm, ethereal light over the palace grounds. The garden, which had been the site of Cyrus’s heartfelt proposal, had been transformed into an even more magical place. An archway covered in climbing roses marked the entrance, their petals a delicate blend of white and blush pink.Rows of chairs draped in ivory fabric lined the pathway leading to the grand gazebo, which was adorned with cascading flowers and soft, billowing curtains. The air was filled with the intoxicating scent of jasmine and lavender, mingling with the sweet fragrance of roses. Lanterns hung from the trees, their light flickering gently in the morning breeze, adding a touch of enchantment to the setting.Inside the palace, Agnes stood before a full-length mirror, her heart fluttering with excitement and nerves. The seamstress had outdone herself with the gown, creating a masterpiece that made Agnes fe
Cyrus has decided he was going to propose to Agnes and this time not as Agatha, but for who she really was; Agnes. Every detail had been meticulously planned. The garden, a secluded and serene spot within the palace grounds, had been transformed into a romantic haven. Lanterns hung from the trees, casting a soft, golden glow, and a pathway of rose petals led to a small gazebo draped in sheer, white curtains. The sound of a gentle stream nearby added to the enchanting atmosphere.Cyrus made his way to the garden, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Theo, walked beside him, offering silent support. They exchanged a brief nod before Theo slipped away, leaving Cyrus to await Agnes's arrival.Cyrus had informed Eunice, Adrianna, and a few other ladies of his decision. So the ladies had deceived Agnes there was going to be a tea in one of the palace gardens. Only for those with high class. Eunice had told Agnes that she was only heading the other slaves in prepari
Theophilus stood at the edge of the clearing, observing the scene before him. The war had left this part of the kingdom in shambles, but now, with peace restored, the arduous process of rebuilding had begun. The air was thick with the scent of earth and freshly turned soil as workers unearthed the entrances to the underground shelters where the people had sought refuge during the conflict.He walked through the village, greeting the townsfolk who were emerging from their subterranean hideouts. The once desolate and war-torn area was now a hive of activity. Men and women toiled side by side, lifting beams, hammering nails, and repairing the damage. Children, their faces smeared with dirt, played amidst the construction, their laughter a hopeful sign of better days to come.Theophilus paused at the entrance of one of the larger shelters, admiring the ingenuity and resilience of his people. The structure, hidden beneath a thick layer of earth and foliage, had provided safety and refuge d
Lady Asher's screams echoed through the dimly lit chambers of the southern palace, the sound waves reverberating off the stone walls. Sweat drenched her body, soaking through the linen sheets as she clung to the bedposts, her strength waning with each contraction. The midwives hovered around her, whispering words of encouragement, their hands steady and practiced as they guided her through the agony.The air was thick with the scent of herbs—rosemary and lavender—mingling with the coppery tang of blood, a primal smell that signaled new life. King Ares paced outside the room, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anticipation. His footsteps echoed down the corridor as he awaited the arrival of his heir. The southern palace was bathed in moonlight, casting an ethereal glow over the proceedings.The night air vibrated with tension as the kingdom held its breath, awaiting the cry of the newborn prince. And then it came—the final cry, piercing the night. King Ares rushed inside, hi
The days passed in a haze of stolen moments and whispered promises, each encounter between Ashlynn and Ares leaving her breathless and yearning for more. Her heart ached with the weight of her secret, the burden of hiding her true feelings from the world.But on a day before she was to return to Ghysem, she realized something was amiss. Her monthly blood flow had not come, and a subtle queasiness had taken up residence in her stomach. Her heart pounded as she sought out Ares, her feet carrying her to his chambers with a sense of urgency.She found him poring over maps and documents, his brow furrowed in concentration. The scent of parchment and ink filled the air, transporting her to a world of ancient tales and forgotten lore. He looked up as she entered, a smile lighting up his face, illuminating the room."Ashlynn," he said, standing and crossing the room to embrace her. His arms wrapped around her, warm and reassuring, holding her close as if he'd never let her go."What brings yo
Lad—Ashlynn,” she said in a shaky voice, her words little more than a breath. She originally had meant to say her title, Lady Asher, but there was something about the warmth Ares was giving her that made her change her mind.Ares' eyes were shown in delight. "A beautiful name for a beautiful young lady!" he exclaimed, awed by her queenly form. Her midnight locks flowed down her back like liquid ebony, highlights of chestnut shimmering in the light. Her emerald eyes were so deep, it felt as though they could look into his very spirit.Their talk had flowed along easily, as water flows along a gently inclined plain. They had said nothing for hours.Not only did Ashlynn possess ravishing beauty, but her intellect, her passion for art, and the gentle strength she exuded intrigued Ares. Her laughter was music to his ears.Ashlynn was intrigued by the layers of Ares’ personality- his intelligence, his underlying kindness beneath his mantel of dominance, and the faint glimmer of vulnerabilit
A sad smile graced Lady Asher's face. She took in a deep breath and then wiped a nonexistent tear as her mind floated back to her younger days.The tension of the war that had separated the North from the South had eased up a bit. It was not forbidden for citizens of Ghysem to venture into the South or vice versa. It was during the winter, and Lady Asher Ashlynn's husband had been sent on an errand by the king.Life was beginning to bore her, and she did not want to feel like a burden to her friend, who was queen. Usually, she would spend her whole day with her best friend, but her friend had duties to attend to, and she often felt like she was in the way.Ashlynn had seen the whole of the North, and her curiosity often made her wonder about the depths of the South. When she was a teenager and the war had happened, she had lived in the North all her life, and her dreams of visiting the South were crushed.She did not have any children, so there was nothing to stop her. It was the perf
Soldiers had been dispersed all over Ghysem and the south which has now become a part of Ghysem. They had sent word to other neighboring packs in the West and East so there was no place for Lady Asher to hide. Each day was spent in anguish and constant nightmares for Cyrus. He kept seeing himself hanging from the ceiling with a black veil on his wrist. Other times, he would see Agnes; her face contorted in pain as she swung from the ceiling, a black veil tied around her wrist and anytime he cut the rope, trying to save her it would be too late.He would end up bringing down a lifeless body.Then he would wake up, covered in sweat and panting heavily like he was fighting a physical war. Tonight was one of those nights Cyrus was drenched in his sweat. His breathing was ragged and then his hands shaky with fear. He felt around the bedside table for a lantern and a match, then struck it to flame the lantern. He sat up properly this time and looked towards where Agnes lay, to be sure she