She bent down to my level and with considerable force grabbed my leash. I could see her reading the inscription on the leash. She hissed and said, “interesting, you're the Alpha's pet and here you are unscathed.” I did not react to anything she said and although I would never admit it, I was beginning to feel anxious to have Cyrus come for me. Whoever this woman was I did not like her or whatever intentions she had for me.“You're pretending like you do not hear me. You do not fool me, you low life…” she had her hand raised to hit me and I closed my eyes in anticipation of the slap but it never came. I began to relax when I heard, “Your Majesty!” I opened my eyes and saw that Cyrus had held her hand midair before her palm could land on my face. Standing behind Cyrus was a displeased looking Adrianna and an even more irritated Theo; I returned my gaze to the ground. “You knew she was mine, didn't you Audrey?” quipped Cyrus in a hostile tone. “Your Majesty, I… she was misbehaving,
The enemy was making too much progress, and by enemies, I meant my treacherous brothers and their armies, who had turned against me like the snakes they were. When my father, the great King Arnold, had died, I had expected a peaceful handover of the throne, as I had been chosen by the Priestess Vienna to become the next king after she received a vision from the moon goddess. But my older brothers, Koldis and Kendrick, were consumed by ambition and greed, their hearts blackened by the desire for power.As I fought for my life, the heads of my loyal soldiers lay scattered around me like seashells on a bloody beach, their eyes frozen in death, their mouths agape in silent screams. The rain poured down mercilessly, drumming against my armor like a thousand tiny stones, adding to the chaos and confusion. The battlefield was a sea of mud and blood, with men screaming and clashing swords in every direction, the sound of steel on steel ringing out like a deadly symphony.Agatha, the first wom
I tossed and turned on my bed continually. The horror of the day's events kept replaying in my mind like a bad movie. From how someone was executed for his crimes by being eaten alive by a beast, and then the way Melanie had been auctioned off and sold to the creepy Lord Albert.The werewolves were mean creatures and I hated them. As I pondered on these things, the door to the room in the slave quarters I was in opened and someone came to tap me, handed a note and disappeared as quickly as they had come.I stood up silently, so as not to wake up the others in the room. When I got to the corridor, a torch on the wall was lit so I used that to read the note. The king needs you in his chambers now!It was pretty late so I could not help but wonder if it was a trap. What on earth would Alpha Cyrus need me for at this time?I didn't want to go but I knew that if I didn't, it would cause complications between Cyrus and I. He would pu
And he fell asleep again. +*+*+*+*+“What are you doing here?” he asked. His voice sounded weak like he was tired from a long run. “You sent for me,” I responded with a bow.“I sent for…” and he began coughing. I was by his side the next second and when I placed my hand on his forehead I could tell that he was sick, very sick. I guessed it must have been why he had been hallucinating earlier. “Your Majesty, I shall send for the physician,” I said but before I could leave he held my arm.“Just inform Theo, you don't know where the physician is,” it was surreal to hear his voice sound so hoarse and weak; I suddenly felt pity for him. “I wouldn't know where…” “He'll be outside,” he responded weakly. I left the Alpha's room and Cyrus was right, Theo was standing guard outside. Without a word he pushed me aside and stepped in. “I will get your physician here,” said Theo.
Cyrus' POV I could see the slight shock on Agnes' face clouded with fear. That was a good thing; I wanted her to be afraid. I did not like her stubborn spirit. It seemed to me that she was yet to understand the severity of the situation she was in as a human living among werewolves. She was too free-spirited and said whatever came to her mind. “You care too much,” Theo remarked.I could not deny it anymore. I did care a great deal about Agnes. I was constantly worried about her safety yet I had my suspicions about her. What if she betrayed me like those humans that Agatha had died trying to save? I looked at her eyes. They were clearly like the ocean on a calm day; they were not the eyes of betrayal; there was no evil intent in them, yet these things were not written on the forehead or etched in one’s eyes. “She will remain by my side, Theo. If you see her wander about on her own do as you please with her,” I had m
"May I see you for a bit?" Theo opened the door without knocking. "Of course," Cyrus said, stepping forward. "Is it urgent?""Not exactly.""Okay then, what is it?""I'd prefer this to be a private discussion," Theo sighed. Cyrus gave him a long and hard look before the two men finally stepped out of the room. "She's not your wife," Theo said to Cyrus once they were out of the room. From the way his voice sounded, I knew he was quite annoyed. "She can't be with you all day.""She's my slave," Cyrus remarked. "I should not be sending someone to call for her if I need her so it's best she's in my room.""She's sleeping in your room now?" Theo scoffed. "Seriously?""Theo, you need to loosen up on this," I heard Cyrus give an exasperated sigh. "When I first brought her here, you seemed to like her.""Not until she started brainwashing you.""She's not brainwashing me," Cyrus said. "Good
Dawn had broken a long time before I woke up. The harsh sun filtered its way through the slit in the curtains, prying my eyes open painfully. A splitting headache disturbed my senses so I was forced to roll away from the sun's direction. I stood up and yawned, looking around me. Cyrus was not in the room but there was a note on the bedside table together with a meal and a strange looking concoction. You had a fever this morning, drink this so you can get well and be sure to finish your meal. Make sure you do not step a foot outside this room, I'm sure the memories of the arena are still fresh in your mind.I shuddered, remembering the arena, and walked towards the door. It seemed to be bolted from the outside. I wondered how I was going to have my bath this morning but when I turned the back of the paper, a short note said. Your daily essentials are in my bathroom, use it.Sighing, I walked to the very large bathroom and took my bath very comfortably. It was very different from the
Cyrus' POV"Your Majesty!" Agnes appeared flustered by my presence, the smile that had been on her face was wiped off immediately and she appeared to be nervous. She stood up immediately and put her hands behind her back, twirling the paintbrush behind her. "I... I apologize... I had nothing to do and...""That wolf, what... Inspired it?" I was looking at a painting of Agatha. I began to wonder if it was witchcraft or if she just had a gift. Was it possible she had met Agatha before she died?I knew Agatha had related a lot with humans but it had been many years ago so there was no way she could have met Agnes."I don't know," she stammered. "I just... I just started painting and…”“And?” I stood there stupefied and kept looking from the wolf on the canvas to the human slave I had bought. “It's just a painting, nothing inspired it,” she responded with a casual shrug. I checked her face for something that would tell me she was lying but there was nothing. There was no way she had dibs
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