TheoThe night was still, the moon providing a pale, otherworldly light for the massive stony structure of the palace belonging to King Ares. The darkness stretched long fingers across the walls, and for a moment it seemed as if the house itself was alive, warning of some evil that lurked within. Cyrus and I climbed the walls in the best way we could so that no sound could be heard from our feet as we glided up the walls. We tried to be unseen; like wraiths moving through the darkness. The faint voices of the guards in the distance echoed through the air and slowly dissipated into nothingness but the sound of our own breaths and the squeak of boots as they slid across the ground.As we approached the window of the king, I looked at Cyrus again, he had clenched his jaw and his eyes gleamed as if he was preparing for a battle. We were to perform at great speed and accuracy since the objective of the whole mission was at risk. I made sure to anchor the grappling hook to the ledge before
CallistaFor what had seemed to me an eternity I had been standing outside my father’s door knocking continually, my heart pounding with a crazy beat of fear and expecting the unknown. The muffled voices coming from within had ceased, and a new sound had taken their place – the grunts and groans of an actual fight: the screeching of the table legs, the rustling of the clothes, and a clatter of something pouring to the ground. The cries of my father for his guards were what led me here, cries that sent a shiver down my spine.The cold marble floor of the palace felt colder, colder than it had some moments ago; it was as if the building harbored ill intentions toward me. The flame of the torches in the corridor crept and flickered on the walls, it was a frightening experience as if I was in a dream. A feeling that I could not stand the tension of any longer. I mustered all my energy and finally pushed the door in. It broke off its hinges with a snap; the sound reverberating around the c
**Theo**“Where is she?” Cyrus’s voice was a low growl.Larog looked up, feigning ignorance. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about, Alpha.”Without warning, Cyrus lunged forward, grabbing Larog by the throat and lifting him off the ground.“You know exactly who I’m talking about,” Cyrus hissed, his grip tightening. “Where is Agnes?”Larog blinked for a moment before his face twisted into a smirk. He started to laugh and the sound was unpleasant and eerie. “I’m afraid it is too little too late, Cyrus,” he said with a sneer.And with these words, his body changed, bones popping and muscles twisting. Everyone in the room stared in shock as Larog transformed into a man who looked horrific. He was a thin sickly creature that had hives all over his skin that posed pus.In one swift, vicious blow, Cyrus raised his sword to kill him, silencing the shapeshifter’s laughter. A sudden hush fell upon the chamber, palpable and oppressive as the body fell to the ground. “Theo,” he ord
Callista's POV The flights of stairs and long corridors appeared gloomier and less inviting as I walked back to my chambers. I had just witnessed what baffled me—my father’s craziness, the blood on his neck, and the corpses of the guards outside his door. It was obvious something had happened yet he was lying to me. He always did that and it annoyed me every time. My father was very secretive and barely included me in anything that had to do with this pack. He treated me like the stereotypes surrounding a princess's life.Before going in, I stopped for a moment because there was Larog inside her quarters awaiting my arrival. The lights in the room were turned low and Larog was seated on the bed with apparent nonchalance. He tried to smile, but it died off the moment he noticed me frowning at him.“Castilla," he murmured in a low voice. "What is wrong? Is everything alright?"His calmness annoyed me so I scowled and sat down at the edge of the bed. “My father was in his bedroom toni
AudreyI stood in the dimly lit room, where the torches were slowly crackling and shedding their light on Agnes as I stared at her with complete satisfaction in my heart. She cried out loud, and her screams resonated in the room, a sweet tune that made my heart melt. It kindled the evil in me and I loved the feeling of it. I was enjoying every single moment and every second of pain I was able to bring on her.Agnes was thin, and her body shivered under the chains; her eyes were filled with anger and undiluted hatred which only served to make me more brutal. Her fiery red hair was untied, and it fell on her pale face like a halo. I smiled at how pitiful she looked. Agnes was bringing my dreams and fantasies to reality...Suddenly, Agnes roared out primally. Her eyes had turned a deadly red colour and her rage could not be contained. She bared her teeth at me and suddenly, her bones began to snap and shift tearing her clothes. Her belly elongated, fur appeared on her skin and she became
**Cyrus**My anger was now a combination of a burning flame, an unquenchable fire that had reduced me to what an ordinary human being was like. I was not meant to feel such a flood of emotions but when it came to her, things were just different. I had still not found Agnes and the feeling of failure pressed down on me. I could feel non-physical walls closing in on me every passing minute I knew she was not safe. There were no more leads to chase down in Ghysem of in the Southern Pack. No more angles to pursue and yet, the answers remained as elusive as a wisp of smoke. I was now hoping to find Agnes, mother, maybe she was a person who would be able to give me information about where Agnes was.If her daughter was powerful, she had to have some sort of power within her. I ventured out with a sorrowful heart, yet my will to work was strong due to my determination even if my heart felt hollow. I journeyed to the land of humans and if felt like it had been since forever I had come here.
Cyrus"Where is he by the way?" I asked as I got to the door. I had been in such a haste that you had forgotten to ask where to find his office."The office at the end of the corridor," she said. "If he's not there then you can wait for him here.""Thank you." A thought crossed my mind just then. "Where's your brother?""He's..." She shrugged, trailing off. "I don't know, playing with a group of boys maybe."I smiled sadly at her and shook my head as I walked out of the room. The aura around her was plain loneliness. I knew it was terrible for her not to be able to talk to her twin about certain things because he was not going to understand.With one last sigh, I walked down the corridor hastily till I got to a black wooden door. Without knocking, I opened it.The office was a dimly lit room with dark curtains. A lantern that stood on the table was the only thing providing light for one to see a messy pile of papers and documents everywhere. The smell of old dusty papers and fresh ink
"Never mind," I muttered, rolling up the painting. This wasn't something ordinary for the layman to understand. "Why is Gertrude with you?""Gertrude?" Picasso asked, confusion appearing on his face. "What Gertrude?""Gertrude, the little girl that was here. Agnes sister.""As I have said to you before, I do not know Agnes and there's no Gertrude. The only little girl here is my daughter— hold on, did she tell you her name is Gertrude?"I raised my eyebrows at him and said nothing. He continued. "She must have told you her name is Gertrude. She usually tells that to strangers just like the man here the other day.""How interesting," I mumbled. Gertrude had told me that she was the only one who remembered what had happened. Picasso's words only confirmed my suspicions that Agnes's mother was more powerful than anyone knew. Could she have possibly bewitched so many people? "I'm sure it was for safety reasons," I smiled. "What an intelligent young child you have raised.""I suppose," he
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