"I thought I told you to note this face?" Her voice was dangerously low. "I told you I could show you mercy, as well as bring you doom. The audacity! You presume to ridicule me? Do you really think you'll be any match for me if I decide to make your life doomed?"Sheera held her gaze, her eyes betraying no fear.A moment passed. Odessa took some steps back. "Get down on your knees and beg for forgiveness. Only then will I forgive and forget your foolishness."It sounded like a joke to Sheera. Obviously, the proud mistress was used to people bowing to her. Kissing her feet.Were they ignorant to the fact that hunters were fearless beings? They must've mistaken her initial politeness and respect for cowardice.The only person that could make her shudder even without uttering a word was the Alpha. He was naturally dominant, her fearlessness was no match for him."Why should I do that?" She feigned a concerned look. "It is I who has been struck twice by you, yet has not retaliated. If tha
The words sounded foreign to Keegan. It's been years since he last heard of it. And that was because there was hardly a reason to make use of it. It never happened. "It's hard to believe in something that never happens," he answered curtly, passing a cold stare at Kalaril. "You know it happens. Just rarely."Keegan's eyes darkened. "What are you playing at, boy?"Kalaril was tempted to laugh. Keegan only used 'boy' on hm when he intentionally wanted to get on his nerves. "I have heard a thing or two about it. And from your experience with Sheera, it looks more like....""Don't you dare," Keegan cut him off, shaking his head slowly and showing his threat. Schooling his agitation, he added after a moment. "She is nothing to me. It is all in my head and I am positive I will get over her with my mind in it. So far, I have survived a week.""Barely," Kalari added. He was the only one that could drag words with the Alpha without risking a blow to his face. Or worst. Keegan's gaze grew
A long time passed with Sheera sitting alone. As much as she tried to push them away, thoughts of the Alpha wormed their way into her mind. The last time he'd summoned her was a week ago, and while a part of her felt a wave of relief, another, a smaller, more shameful part, couldn't help but feel a flicker of…curiosity. Despite her annoyance to the the humiliation and pain of their forced encounters, a tiny, traitorous part of her 'missed' it. Sheera hated the foolish part of her that missed such moments filled with nothing but her own pain. He was a cruel man, and she should be happy he was avoiding her. What felt like an eternity passed before her mother and sister finally returned, their faces alight with joy."Oh! Madam Nailah is simply delightful! I haven't had such a delicious meal in ages," Naya gushed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You are truly lucky to be here, Sheera. The Fortress is magnificent!"A frown creased Sheera's brow. "Lucky, you say? Would you like to
Sheera frantically asked around for Nailah's room until she found it. Barging into the room, she found Nailah by the window. Surprise flickered across her face at the sudden intrusion."Mene! That was startling," She exclaimed, her hand flying to her chest.Sheera, her face pale from how much she'd been crying, rushed towards the woman and clung to her arm like a drowning sailor grasping at a life raft."Madam Nailah, you need to help me. I...I don't understand what's happening. The Grand Luna suddenly showed up with some Keepers and took my mother and sister away. They found some of her gold jewelry in my sister's bag, and the Grand Luna insists a maid saw them entering her chamber. But they didn't, did they? All they did was dine with you. They wouldn't... They couldn't have gone anywhere else!" Fresh tears traced a path down her cheeks, her voice laced with a frantic desperation.Nailah stared intently at her until she finished. Slowly, she turned away, her expression unreadable.
Keegan finished late from the courtroom. He desired rest, but the unease in his body stopped that from happening. Just as it had been for the past two days. For three nights, he'd not been able to get an hour of sleep. Initially, when he started abstaining from Sheera a week ago, he could fall asleep after tossing for a long time. But two days ago, it grew worst. Images of her tormented him. He felt the tease of her hands all over him and yearned to feel them physically. The middle part of him was painfully hard, always. Aching for her. His eyes wanted to see her. His nose wanted to sniff her - her chamomile scent. His lips wanted to feast on her skin. And his hands, they wanted to do the cruelest things to her. In a good way. He'll be damned if he hadn't been tempted to summon her just so he could bury himself deep into her and never withdraw.By the moon, he was losing it. But he wanted to keep fighting. Although, the word wasn't so strong in his head any longer. But if there w
"Why do you think your mother is incapable of theft?" She went on. "Is it because she is a Grand Luna? She has so many riches and doesn't need more? Do you think a lot of riches is enough to stop one from theft?"It happened fast. Keegan's hand sliced through the air and connected with her face.The force sent her reeling, but she didn't fall. Her hand itched to cradle her stinging cheek, but she forced it down as she looked back at Keegan with blue, glistening eyes. "Why do you think we have corrupt Alphas? Corrupt Princes? Pack Councils? Leaders who exploit members!?" Her voice was filled with even more agony. "Do you think they lack gold? Riches do not stop one from stealing! You know what does? Morals! That is something my mother taught my sister and I. That is how we have survived despite being ostracized by the Pack for years! If you believe your mother is incapable of theft, it isn't because she has all the riches. It's only because she has morals. And as much as you trust her
Sheera didn't notice when she took a cautious step back. It was puzzling that the Alpha would come to her room himself. "Greetings, Alpha,," she dipped her head in a clumsy attempt at composure. Walking pass the Keepers, Keegan stepped into the room. Sheera took more retreating steps, creating a enough distance between herself and him. Now that her brain was in place, she pondered over her foolishness from the previous night. How did she even get the balls to challenge him in that manner!? Surely, she had been out of her mind. No. Being out of her mind was no reason to behave that way. She was... above foolish.Keegan had his hands locked behind his back as he walked in with slow relaxed steps. His gaze swept the room with chilling detachment. Then, his eyes met hers.Sheera still had that warm heat between her legs. But the fear Keegan instilled in her was enough to numb it. No words were spoken between them until Sheera thought it wise to mend the bridge she had so recklessly
"I said I do not want this! What is wrong with you!?" Odessa yelled, shoving the serving tray of sauced vegetables to the floor.The maid had the upper part of her body lowered, her hands clasped in front of her as fear drained the color from her face.It was the second meal Odessa was being served. Yet, none of it seemed to be what she wanted. "I apologize, Mistress Odessa. Please, forgive me." The maid said, sinking into a deep curtsy.Odessa was beyond angry. She stomped her foot on the floor before stalking to her ornately carved dresser, leaving the maid to mop up the mess."You need to calm yourself," Her mother's voice came from behind with a weary resignation. "Do not tell me to calm down, mother!" She snapped, her eyes glaring daggers. Looking at the mirror, she itched her face irritably. Why in Hades will it not stop itching?"I wanted them to suffer. He overrode the Luna's order for her sake. How could he!?" Her hands dropped from her face as she frantically searched her
Sheera was pouring wine into a goblet when, compelled by some ill-fated urge, she glanced at Keegan. It turned out to be the biggest mistake she made that day.The moment she found his silver eyes locked on hers, a sharp current jolted through uer, electrifying the air between them. Her hands quivered, and the wine spilled over, staining the tablecloth crimson."What in Hades!? Are you blind!?" The offended council member barked, pushing his chair back in anger.Sheera gasped, immediately scrambling to wipe the spill."I am so sorry. Please, pardon me." She pleaded, her voice edged with panic.The man continued to curse until Sheera was done wiping it.Her heart drumming in her chest, she turned to leave with the others."Get me the head maid," Keegan's voice cut through the room like a whip, freezing everyone.He spoke to the servants, but none in particular.With their heads lowered, the servants whirled around to him.His tone devoid of warmth, he continued. "One of you isn't suppo
True to his words, Sheera's life was never the same after the rejection.She was evicted from her room and sent to live in the servants' quarters. Now, she worked tirelessly with the servants, eating only when they were supposed to.Unlike before when she'd get bored being in her room all day, she barely had the time to take a rest now.The mate bond was gone. The constant pull to be near him, the sexual urge, the connection that one pulsed through her veins - they were no longer there. All that remained was a hollow gnawing pain that festered deep within her, accompanied by an overwhelming sadness that weighed on her every step.Her life had become a shadow of its formal self, and it was pathetic.Sheera suspected the Alpha had ordered the Head maid to make her life as miserable as possible. Because by the second day, she was swamped with endless tasks. From working the fields, doing the laundry, scrubbing the floors and serving meals, there was no end to the chores assigned to her,
Sheera never expected a visit from Kalaril the following day.When he appeared at her door, she assumed he was there to summon her to Keegan's chambers, not until he requested to come in."Is there something you need, Beta?" She asked, clearing the table of her books, trying to make the room look less clustered.Kalaril was strikingly similar to Keegan - Sheera thought. Broad-shouldered, strong, handsome, and cold, with a gaze that could pierce through steel.He took his time, scanning the room, as though searching for something hidden before fixing his eyes on her."I only have a question," he leaned casually against the table. "I am aware you're fated mates with the Alpha. What I do not understand is why you're rejecting him."Sheera's heart stuttered, her gaze falling to the floor. Had the Alpha confided in him?"He didn't need to say it directly for me to know you rejected him," he said the words like he could read her mind.He picked up a small figurine from the table, turning it
Coating her hand with his, he gently lowered it from his shoulder. "You should get some sleep."Just as he released her hand the door burst open. His scent wafted through her nose even before she laid eyes on him, and her throat ran dry in an instant.Her hands instinctively moved behind her back as she stepped away, her heart begining to hammer in her chest.Keegan took his time entering the room, his eyes fixed on Ulric. He wore no heavy regalia, appearing as he often did when preparing for bed. It was a simpler look, and in truth, it was the one Sheera loved most on him."Alpha," Ulric dipped his head.Keegan was silent, his demeanor more guarded than usual. Sheera noticed he didn't just look cold, but quiet. He seemed different tonight.Praying he stays quiet, Ulric nodded at Sheera before leaving.As the door closed behind Ulric, Sheera's heart sank into the pit of her stomach. She kept her gaze glued to the floor, until she heard him walk toward her.A small gasp slipped from he
Sheera never thought it was possible to feel her heart seize beating, but in that moment, she did. The world around her seemed to stop.For a full minute, she couldn't breath, couldn't think, and simply stared at Keegan like he held her very life in his hands.Her freedom...It was the one thing she's always craved. If he could truly free her, she and her family could go away to a place where her kind was accepted. She could finally live the life she's always wanted.Yet...why did it hurt so much thinking about it? How could she leave him now?But how could she also stay? He couldn't be serious about wanting to accept her. Gods, no...Tears welled up in her eyes.Oh, if only it wasn't so complicated! She'd have said yes to him without blinking. But how could she now, when she was different? When he'd kill her if he
Keegan's words came as a shock to Sheera. The thought of walking with him, side by side, was something she'd never dared to imagine. Keegan, one he other hand, felt a twinge of pain. He'd promised to reject her after the Peace Festival. And he didn't know if that was the reason he had kept his distance, avoiding her for the past two days. Keegan was not one to go back on his words. And now that she was before him, the time had come. he was going to do it. He was going to reject her. They walked out of the Fortress. The path they took wound down to the outskirts, where the wilderness stretched out in a vast, untamed expanse. Eamon and Wulfric tailed behind them, keeping a long distance. Sheera's heart fluttered nervously within her chest, thumping in an unsteady rhythm. She was walking with Keegan! Like she was someone.... important. The whole experience felt surreal, almost dreamlike, but also undeniably lovely. For the first time, she didn't see him as the cold-hearted monster w
Malkar and Ulric reached the woods a day after they set out on the journey. While Ulric was completely disturbed by Malkar's plan, he didn't have a choice. And neither did his brother care.He blew the rhythmic whistle, but she didn't step out. Ulric knew she was around but was still in hiding after seeing Malkar."She won't come out. Not when she's seen you," he turned to Malkar and said, frustration lining his voice.Malkar grinned. He knew he needed to be careful around her. It was just one of him, so it'd be easier for her to harm him if she wanted."Hello, witch. You can come out, I mean no harm. I simply want us to talk." He announced.Suddenly, the ground stirred beneath his feet. It took him by surprise, making him frown. But it only lasted for some seconds."Okay... message received," he lifted his hand in mock surrender. "I know you are angry. But h
Keegan rubbed his brow. Zandov wasn't giving him what he'd hoped for. Nothing was working to his advantage. "Do you think it's possible to miss a scent?" Kalaril asked, his eyes trained on Zandov. A frown marred the witch hunter's face. "Do you think it's possible you can walk past a corpse and not smell its rot? Would you fail to sense death when it stands before you? There - you have your answer." His voice was laced with scorn, as if insulted by the mere suggestion of failure. "Recall the last time I spoke to you," he continued, turning to Keegan. "I told you I had caught a whiff, but it vanished as quickly as it came. This time, I sensed nothing. So, if this witch possesses something that shields her from me, she didn't need to rid herself of it to use her powers."Keegan's jaw tightened. "Now, how is it possible? Is there something strong enough to render a witch completely invisible to you, Zandov?""I wish I had answers. But something serious is at work here.""Do you think
A storm of panic crackled through the Fortress. Heart-wrenching cries ripped through the air, Bara's family being inconsolable.The festive drums had sputtered and died. Where laughters had danced on the breeze, only howling echoes remained.They were gathered in Bara's room where his corpse laid, already ashen and stenchy. His mother rolled and wailed on him, willing him to come back. His father, tho not shedding a tear, boiled with grief and rage.Keegan's heart ached from the sight before him. It was the first time in decades that something had truly shaken him to the core."Who did this!?" Alpha Sebastian turned on Keegan, his eyes blazing with fury. "My son went to bed a healthy man, Keegan. What is this madness!?"Keegan remained still, but his face exposed the deep pain he felt.His eyes studied the body ok the floor