Cyrus' POV “They tell me you have found a heart for me. I thought we had run out of prisoners who were matches for me?” Lady Asher was a unique woman. She was best friends with my grandmother when she had been alive and the two were such a unique peer that they were suspected to have a relationship beyond friendship. They managed to shock everyone by marrying twins, identical ones. “Well, grandmother what can I say? Your current heart no longer loves me I think that I may as well give you another that can,” I replied her jocally and we both laughed. “Your Majesty, the news about… Lady Asher,” Theo tipped his head in her direction when he saw her. She huffed and looked away. I gave Theo a nod and he left us alone again. “Theo has proven he is family, why won't you accept him?” I questioned her. Lady Asher was as traditional as one could get. She had not liked me playing with the son of the head maid when I was a boy. Where my parents had cared little for the company I kept, she ha
Adrianna's POV Life was such that everyone moved on eventually. When Agatha had been in a coma before her death, I had wanted her to do anything that would let us know that she was still with us. I would sit by her side for ours and hold her hand whispering into her ear for her to squeeze my hand even a little. She never did and eventually even the faint pulse that had given us all hope soon stopped. I had harbored a crush on Cyrus back then. He had been all I could think about and when I would see my friend walk into the room with the Alpha, it broke my heart. When Agatha had become deathly wounded and lay unconscious in the clinic I had prayed for her recovery even going as far as promising to stop liking Cyrus. I realized the minute she had been pronounced dead how futile my promise had been. Even during that time of mourning my feelings had never waivered. I had still wanted Cyrus and soon realized there was no need to fight my feelings. I felt no guilt for seducing Cyrus. E
Adrianna’s POV “Theo?” When I opened my eyes I saw Theo seated by my side. “You're awake. I will let the Alpha know,” he was about to stand up when I held his hand to stop him. “What happened and where am I?” I asked confused. The last thing I remember was me becoming unconscious at the market. What was he doing here now? How had he found me and what did he mean by the Alpha? “You were stabbed; I happened to be there just in time to…” “What were you doing there?” I quizzed. “It's… I'm just glad nothing happened to you. Do you know who hurt you?” he asked me. “What?” the question startled me a little bit. “Adrianna?” “No… no, I have no idea,” I returned shaking my head to emphasize my no. I had to be mute about this. Saying anything could put my sister in trouble. Then it occurred to me. I had been stabbed by someone that had been sent by my sister. Did that mean my sister had meant for me to be killed? *+*+*+*+*+ Audrey's POV “How did it go? Did she accept the offer?” I h
Theo's POV Things had been so busy that I had not had time to interrogate the guard I had captured at the Southern pack. It was obvious Adrianna had no plans of telling on her sister and we did need solid evidence to accuse Audrey. If we could do that, we could open an investigation into all of Audrey’s friends and then perhaps stop the war before it started. “I know someone who might be able to give us the testimony we need,” I said, turning my attention to Cyrus. “What's that supposed to mean?” Adrianna asked, startled. “You are going to remain here until I feel it fit for you to leave,” said Cyrus. “No, no. I must leave now. You cannot keep me here. I have done nothing wrong,” Adrianna replied, visibly agitated. “You have done nothing wrong but your life might be in grave danger. The Alpha has good reason to keep you here,” I told her. “No, no, I…” “Let us talk elsewhere Theo. You said you had to tell me something?” quipped Cyrus. “Of course,” I was staring at Adrianna hop
Agnes' POV “You've been lying to us this whole time, right?” said Audrey. She looked very angry and it made me wonder what her anger was about. “What are you exactly? huh? Tell me, what is your damn relationship with Cyrus? Why is he not going crazy looking for you?” she looked as though she was losing her mind. I had thought that she had resolved to torture me to death when she had discovered that Cyrus was not bothered by my disappearance. “I am a slave,” came my weak response. She stared at me intently and slapped me hard across the cheek. The slap would have been enough to dislocate a human but I was much more than that. “That did not hurt?” she quipped, startled that I had not even flinched at the impact of her slap. I was a strong werewolf. When I had lived as Agatha I had been stronger than most of Cyrus' top war officials. I had great strength and resilience; it was hard to defeat me or make me cower in pain. She punched me seeing that I only looked at her. She did not g
Theophilus’ POVIt had been a long time since I had been home. I was so close to the border and already my mouth watered in anticipation of the food and local beer, the beer especially. I had traveled to several places while acquiring knowledge and none of them had beer as good as the one brewed in Ghysem.I missed my father, the practical Lord Salmon who had taught me to appreciate the moment. He had taught me to enjoy the simple things of life and I had lived my life abroad that way. I had never done anything to suggest that I came from money or that I was the son of a nobleman but I had remained as though I had very little and that way I had made good friends and valuable relationships.Although it felt good to return to the splendor of my birth.“Theophilus? You do not travel with company?” Theo's voice startled me.“Theo? My good man,” I said as we drew into a bear hug.“Welcome home, master Theophilus but I would have missed you. I had expected to see you with an entourage,” rem
Larog's POVI could not entrust anyone else with the task I had set out to do. Cyrus had sent me to the human colonies east of Ghysem to check out a possible alliance of the humans with vengeful shapeshifters. This, to me, was a golden opportunity to create a distraction from the South pack which seemed to be of much interest to Cyrus. If I could convince Cyrus that the humans were indeed responsible for providing refuge to the werewolves, then he would not suspect in the least that his real trouble was located in the South.There was another reason I wanted so badly to enter this place. It was because, for a very long time, many upper-class noblemen were dissatisfied with the fact that we had a human colony so close to us, yet we folded our arms and watched them increase in number. Regardless of their number, they were no threat to the werewolves but many felt that we should inhabit their land and make them into our slaves. I held this view also. The humans were largely not aware of
Larog's POVI had come to scout the location of my interest. As of now, Jarrow was not a very popular town but in the space of weeks, it was about to become one of the most interesting areas in these parts. I was going to make sure of it. I traveled to another part of the town that was secluded from many members of the country. It was the black market where all manners of things were sold; things that would not even turn up in a werewolf market. Humans might be feeble creatures but they were no less wicked than us. In my opinion, they were capable of more cruelty than we werewolves.I arrived at my destination. It was a nondescript building in the middle of nowhere that appeared to all the world as a barber's shop but the cutting that was done inside the building went beyond just hair. This building was the office of one of the darkest and most fearsome black market traders in the human world. His name was Picasso.I knocked once; then thrice and then once. The door was opened to me a
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