We were also required to make a vow to the crown never to shapeshift to confuse. That had been many years ago and at a time when the Alpha was still fresh from mourning his beloved Luna. It had been unbelieving then that the Alpha could extend an olive branch to us while in grief. When I received the letter requesting the Alpha's help, I heeded the call without any reluctance. It was very likely that I lose my life on this errand but if not for the king I would have been burnt to death many years back or lived as a fugitive like the shapeshifters that had escaped to the South and were now being exploited to commit crimes. As I strutted the narrow corridor I heard someone call my name. I froze thinking that I had been caught already. “Tom?” the tone of the voice however did not suggest any malice or I'll intent, it was almost friendly. “Tom?” I turned around slowly and there she was; a lady who had given me hell many times in the past, the beautiful lady Audrey. I almost scoffed a
Theo's POV It was the crack of dawn already and we had just crossed the border to Ghysem. We had been extremely lucky not to have gotten caught and I hoped that my visit would remain undetected. As we journeyed towards the palace I knew I had to tell Lord Salmon about his nephew. “Claudius is really in Ghysem? Are you sure? What are they trying to achieve by…” “I have had a long night, Lord Salmon, if you don't mind,” I said cutting him off. It was better to wait until we were within the confines of the palace before telling him that his beloved nephew had died a long time ago and he had been deceived yet again by another shapeshifter. When we reached the palace I led him straightway to a secret room that was only known to me and Cyrus. “Stay here. The enemy is not aware that you are here. If they find out, it will complicate things,” I explained and he nodded. Despite his refusing help earlier I could see that his features had sagged in relief as he sat down on a chair. I went
Eunice POV “Hello friend?” the voice startled me and I almost broke the cup in my hand. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant surprise to see Agnes. “Agnes! You look good. I see you took my advice, no?” I said in response to her greeting. “Your advice?” she quipped and I looked back at her confused. It was then I noticed that something felt off about Agnes. She was the same; same hair, same eyes, same nose but she was different. Agnes never had that arrogant look in her eye but perhaps that came with being the king's woman. It was not official. It probably would never be because the werewolves hated to admit that they sometimes listed after humans whom they considered beneath them. Cyrus was different though. Since I had started working at the palace he had bedded a couple of humans but they were all princesses from distant lands and the relationships never lasted more than a fortnight. Agnes was different. She had lasted more than two weeks in the Alpha's bed but she was not recognised
Agnes' POV Audrey was back. She had a smug look on her face and a smirk on her lips. She had dragged me out of my cell much earlier and it was difficult to pretend that I was still the human she had brought here. It was hard to fake being without sufficient strength to resist the men who had dragged me across the floor to her little torture chamber. “I am curious, really, Cyrus will find out soon that you are gone. Will he come here himself? Will he send someone? Will he give up his throne? How much do you think he loves you?” this was obviously amusing to her because she had a bright smile on her face. I wonder how I had missed this in my previous life. Had Audrey always been this way? Or had she changed after my death? “I am waiting for an answer you bitch!” she said as she slapped me hard in the face. I pretended that it hurt when it did not hurt at all. I was no ordinary werewolf but one bonded to the Alpha so I shared his strength. “I am just a human slave, I have no idea
Cyrus' POV “Your Majesty, we only do what is required of us, we are…” but he did not get to finish his sentence before he collapsed to the ground clutching his chest. I had expected that I would not get any valuable testimony from the shapeshifters but I had not expected to have so many of them here. They had to be at least a quarter of my entire officials and they were not from Ghysem. They had been recruited by someone from the South pack. “Theo, what do you say we do? huh?” I asked my right hand although my eyes were on Larog. I had to credit him for his good acting skills. He did not even seem unfazed by what was happening. “Burn them and I suggest we start rooting shapeshifters not registered in the palace. It might be that we are breeding traitors,” came Theo's response. “What do you suggest Larog?” “I agree with Theo. There may be more shapeshifters than we think.” “But it would not solve anything. We'll root them out only for them to be replaced. We need to find out who
“We still need to figure out what to do with all of them,” Theo reminded us. I looked at the crowd of shapeshifters in the temple with us and back at Larog. I wanted to gauge how much of a loss this would be to him but he did not seem to be affected by it. I knew he was pretending though because he was tapping his small finger against the pillar closest to him. However, I could also tell it was not enough to disrupt his plans. “We should burn them. They are worthless criminals…” “Larog, how can you be so…” one of them started to say and before either I or Theo could react Larog had cut his head off. “What was that about? He knew your name?” I quipped. I was not surprised but I acted like it. “Do you think there's a shapeshifter impersonating you? You could be in danger. We should have you here, protected in the palace just to be…” “I am fine. I have been a spy all my life. I can handle someone impersonating me, it could even turn out to be an advantage,” was his quick response.
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
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