For the first time since she was brought in, Keegan regarded her. He surveyed her with a detached intensity, his gaze lingering on her form like she was a curious artifact rather than a person.Still clutching the bloodstained knife, he moved with a predatory grace towards a rough-hewn table across the room. The dim torchlight cast flickering shadows that danced on the damp walls, adding to the oppressive atmosphere."How was your stay in the dungeon?" He casually asked like it was a place she was meant to be. Sheera clamped down tightly, the metallic tang of fear clinging to her tongue.Why was she even in his room? Was he going to slit her throat as well?"F... Forgive me, Alpha. I apologize for upsetting you earlier on." She managed to say. Keegan was backing her now. Taking up a strap of cloth from the table, he meticulously wiped off the blood stain from his blade, then started walking in Sheera's direction. A lump formed in Sheera's throat, and she swallowed it with a dry ras
"I am Sheera. I was uh..." she paused, realizing from his expression that he knew who she was already from her name. "Are you Prince Ulric?" She questioned. Ulric confirmed her thought with a nod. And quickly, she dipped her head in respect. Somehow, she'd known. Perhaps it was the air of nobility that clung to him, or the faint resemblance he bore to Prince Malkar.He seemed young, though, no more than a year or two her senior. And unlike Keegan and Malkar, there was a hint of warmth in his eyes. Ulric reached for another arrow, nocked it on the bowstring, aimed, and released. The arrow found its target with a satisfying thud. An amused chuckle warmed his voice. "Where did you learn archery?" He looked at Sheera again who smiled at the memories of her mother. "My mother is a hunter. So am I. We've been doing this our whole lives." A light dawned on Ulric, and he gave a sharp nod. The reason he was out there, shooting at made up targets was because he needed to clear his head
Sheera was a prisoner of her own terror. Even as night fell, cloaking the Fortress in its inky embrace, and she knew it was time to go the Alpha's chamber, she found it difficult moving her legs.the memory of what she had done sent a fresh wave of panic crashing over her. The image of the Keeper's lifeless form sprawled on the floor played on an endless loop in her mind.It was unreal for her to had behaved that way. So unreal for her to possess such strength and anger - one that was enough to defeat a Keeper, and...and kill him!She was haunted! It was her first kill as a wolf, and by the moon, the air seemed to stick in her throat. It was forbidden to take the life of another without reason. What if the Keeper's death is traced to her? What if they don't believe she had only been defending herself? How does she even explain herself being in his room? It was foolish of her to had followed him. Her breaths were shallow and quick as she struggled to pull herself together. She need
Keegan had just finished having a warm morning bath. Dressed in his jewelry - encrusted attire, he sank into a chair and let out a deep sigh that came from the depths of his soul. He had a court meeting in a very short time. But as he stayed seated on the chair, he found it so difficult moving a step. He could almost feel the sun-warmed stone beneath his feet, the gentle caress of the breeze against his face. A serenity unlike any he'd known in years washed over him. Every muscle in his body unclenched with pure relaxation seeping into his very bones. If only he didn't have so much responsibilities, he could sleep the whole day. Keegan couldn't fathom where this sudden sensation came from. But what he did know was at what point it started. It happened the previous night right after he had gotten off on the new maiden. It was wild that anyone could ever feel that way after intimacy. However, he waved it aside as a blessing from the goddess. It didn't take too long before his bli
Keegan had a busy day going in and out of the courtroom. When you ruled almost the entire North, a lot of challenges was bound to happen on a daily basis. If it didn't have to do with terrestrial dispute, it would be hunting woes. Or internal conflict. Or partners trouble. Or betrayers. It was a never - ending list. In addition, he had a very pressing issue which he discussed with his Pack Council. Over the months, there have been reports of young wolves being abducted from their homes. It always happened when the wolves were alone and vulnerable. And it was an issue that'd been a burden to Keegan and the Pack. However, they finally received some information on the whereabouts of the wolves. It was said that they were being held hostage in a Hamlet far away from the North. Keegan and the council members discussed the issue extensively and came to a conclusion that they were going to attack the Hamlet to rescue the wolves. And considering the intensity of the abduction, Keegan dec
Sheera and Tabitha were in her room, eating some chips Tabitha had come with. Earlier that day, Tabitha had come in to check up on her. She brought Sheera some hot tea and advised her to bath with very warm water to ease the pain in her legs. In addition, she provided her with some lim'ma herbs to prevent conception. Now, by evening, as they sat in the room, chit-chatting, Sheera was already a little relieved. She was talking to Tabitha about coming to assist in the kitchen from time to time. But Tabitha was against it, insisting Sheera should enjoy the comfort of the Fortress and not bother herself simply because she was bored. "The name of the woman we answer to is Rena," Tabitha said. "She is very strict. And I doubt she shall pay any heed to your suggestion.""But why? It's not like I was brought in here as someone special. I am barely a...""Who else have you seen being the Alpha's 'plaything' Sheera?" Tabitha rolled her eyes. "Few have even laid eyes upon the Alpha's chambe
True to his words, Sheera didn't leave for several hours. She laid in his bed, face down and her breath shallow. Her lower body throbbed with a relentless ache, she feared she'd lack the ability to walk when the Alpha finally releases her to go. He was at his balcony, covered in a black robe and drinking wine from a silver goblet. His hand was tightly wrapped around the goblet as he took in the last drop. Then, he glared it at it and held it with such force like he wanted to crush it. Sheera shivered when she heard him come into the room. She heard the sound of the goblet dropping with a hard thump before his approaching footsteps reached her ears. She wanted to run away. Get down from the bed and leave the room. But she knew that would be disastrous. Unless she runs out of the Fortress, she'll be imprisoned and punished. And if she 'did' run out of the Fortress, the Alpha would come after her family and have them punished severally. Despite how hurt and scared she was, she knew
Kalaril flanked Keegan as they approached the assembled horses and Warrior Hounds. There were fifty Warrior Hounds and each had a horse and weapon to themselves. Of course, they could run faster than the horses if they were in their wolf form. But the journey ahead of them was a long one. Eventually, they'll need to shift and rest at nights. Their clothes would be torn by the time they've shifted back to human form, leaving them to roam naked - which wasn't a thing a lot of them appreciated. Unless there was an emergency. That was the reason horses were their trip partners. Kalaril had a little discussion going on with the Alpha even as they reached the horses and warriors. The Warrior Hounds - like their name - were highly trained and skilled fighters of the pack, meant and always ready to go to war. They always received special treatment in the pack while spending most of their time training. And they were never bothered for any reason until it was war time. Keegan had hundreds
In all her life, Odessa had never heard anything more shocking—more unnervingly alarming.Releasing the arrows, Thessaly sent one sinking into Odessa's shoulder, and the other piercing her thigh. Odessa crumpled to the ground with a painful grunt, the rough forest floor biting into her knees."How does it feel, Mistress?" Thessaly's voice dripped with venom, the title 'Mistress' twisting cruelly off her tongue. "It feels like death, doesn't it? This is the pain you wished upon a pregnant woman. Anyway," she strode forward, her movements casual, as though she strolled through a field of flowers rather than toward her dying foe. "I will not blame you. I was indeed, an obstacle in your way and I'd have done the same. I have done worse."Odessa shook her head. The pain was fierce but not as scorching as it should have been, and something in her guts told her it had to do with Thessaly. "This whole time," the words were strained. "It was you...""Yes, dearest." Thessaly got close enough t
Odessa and Thessaly rode side by side, their horses' hooves muffled on the mossy ground. Once they reached a small clearing, they dismounted, each taking their bow and arrows in hand."You know, as much as I enjoy this hunt, Odessa, I still find it strange that you wouldn't let the Keepers or even a maid come with us," Thessaly remarked, her eyes sharp and scanning the shadowed trees ahead with her arrow aimed.Odessa was only a few feet from her, her own gaze darting around the surroundings. "We are being watched all the time, Thessaly. Don't you miss this? Being able to roam freely without the fear of being watched and judged?"She heard a crackling twig and turned swiftly, only to find a lone squirrel scurrying into the underbrush. She exhaled, lowering her bow."Don't worry, we're strong. We can defend ourselves. And even if you are unable to because of your condition, I'll protect you." Odessa added with a smile.Thessaly laughed. She lowered her bow to touch her round belly. "Th
Sheera and Morginna retreated to a quiet alcove beside the garden.Morginna had instructed the guards make sure no one disturbed them.She returned to Sheera with the cup of water she'd asked for, sitting next to her on the bench."Thank you," Sheera muttered, drinking from the cup, the cool water soothing her parched throat.They were calmer now, although it had taken time and tears to reach this peace.Sheera's burden was slowly being replaced by relief—relief that that she had found her mother.Elke was right. She felt lucky that she did come from her. The woman was strong, beautiful, smart, brave. It was rare to see such qualities in a woman.Sitting next to her, inhaling her edible scent... it was like a dream come true."I still can't believe it's true," Morginna shook her head, staring into the distance. "I had to leave Howling Ridge after giving you to that woman. The Alpha of Howling Ridge then—Alpha Samael—was a very ruthless one and was desperately looking for me because he
The whispers from the people grew louder, all of them amazed at her audacity.Morginna rose her brows, tilting her head."Please," Sheera added. "It's very important." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears now, one that Morginna noticed."Quite the nerves," Morginna muttered.Seconds passed. Sheera held her breath, starting to think the woman wouldn't grant her request."Everyone out!" She commanded, her voice revealing a veiled anger.The people scurried out, whispering and casting curious glances over their shoulders as the grand hall emptied.****†****†****†HOWLING RIDGE****†****†****†"This is not a good time, Thessaly. He's resting and believe me, you wouldn't want to bother him." Kalaril spoke calmly to Thessaly as he guided her away from Keegan's quarters.There was a maid following closely behind, holding a tray of treats which Thessaly had brought to offer the Alpha."I understand," she sighed wearily. "I just wish things were different. It's obvious Sheera took his heart wi
"Where do you come from, Sheera?" She laid emphasis on the name, drawing it out as if to measure its worth.Sheera wondered if she could as well hear the racing of her heart."Thalentis," it took Sheera a heartbeat too long to respond.For an odd reason, she held the woman's gaze, not looking away even though it was like staring into the depths of the sea.Thalentis was one of the villages she'd come across. She'd spent several weeks there and had contemplated staying there due to the good acquaintances she made."Thalentis," The Governess repeated, her eyes lowering to other parts of her body. Slowly, she began pacing. "I have been there. The river was one of my favorite places to be. It's water was sparkling and...." she sighed. "There was always something so peaceful about it."Sheera cocked a brow. "Is that so, Governess? Because the Thalentis that I come from, the river is not so sparkling. It's one of the major concerns of the people. Majority of the time, we have to rely on rai
There was a gathering in the hall. The grand hall was a breathtaking architectural marvel that commanded attention from the moment one stepped through its towering entrance. It sprawled out in every direction, its lofty ceiling seemingly reaching for eternity.At the far end of the hall was a grand throne made of dark wood, inlaid with silver. But there was no one on the throne.Sheera saw a woman, standing before two men. The others gathered around, as if witnessing the scene.There were a lot of people in the room, but the woman before the men... there was something about her. And in that instant, Sheera knew she was the Governess.She was a striking figure, exuding an aura of both beauty and authority. Her hair was colored orange and flowed into silken waves down her back. Her skin had a warm, sun-kissed glow, enhanced by a sprinkle of freckles across her high cheekbones.Despite her beauty, it was her sharp emerald eyes that truly commanded attention—intelligent and shrewd, they s
"What is wrong, Sheera?" Ravyn took her hand, finding her mood worrisome.She blinked rapidly, her lashes damp with a sudden intensity as she forced herself back to the present.By the moon, she needed to pull herself together. Anyone could answer Morginna. She wasn't the only Sheera in the world. Once, she had seen someone in Howling Ridge bearing Naya's name. That didn't make them the same person."I'm—I'm sorry. I was—" She cleared her throat. "Let's just go."She continued walking, her pace faster now. Ravyn caught up with her. "Do you know the Governess?""No! Of—Of course, not," she replied too quickly. "The name, it just—It used to be my late sister's name. My younger sister. Hearing it again just...you know?" She chomped down on her inner cheeks. Her heart wouldn't stop pounding."Oh. Sorry for your loss, Sheera.""It's fine. Can we just move faster?"She suddenly wanted to reach home and bury herself in the pillow. She was shaking now.Morginna. The name wouldn't stop ringing
Her tender moment was shattered by the door suddenly creaking open. She jumped. It turned out to be Ravyn who was coming in with a tray of sweets."Don't you knock!?" She snapped, quickly putting the shirt away into her bag."I do. Forgive me. This is my sister's room and I'm used to entering without knocking."Done stuffing the shirt away, she straightened up, her brows crinkling. "You come into your sister's room without knocking? What if—""I have been seeing them naked since the day they were born. Don't worry, it means nothing to me now."Sheera scoffed. Well, she never had a brother, so she couldn't relate."I brought you some treats," He set the tray down on the table. "Hope you enjoyed the food?""Yes. Thank you—for all these," she gestured around the cozy room."Oh, it's fi
"Get off me, you rat bastard!" She cursed, writhing beneath him. He was too strong. Gods, she needed her powers. "Rat bastard?" He laughed hard. "Now, that's a foul mouth. One that I like."He was about tearing off the fabric of her dress when someone struck him from behind. Sheera had seen the person coming and when the strike was successful, she sighed in relief. "Son of a... By the beard of Odin!" Her assailant groaned painfully, his hand clutching the back of his head as he scrambled off Sheera. Turning around, dread replaced the lust in his eyes. It was a young man, holding a wood, not looking a bit fazed but disappointed."Again? You're doing this again?" He asked with a heavy sigh.Sheera's assailant, now trembling, cast a nervous glance before turning back to her rescuer. "I—I—It's not what you think. We were just... me and her, we were just—you know?""Spare me your empty excuses. You can take it up with the Governess. She’ll be quite eager to meet you come tomorrow,"