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 didn't have enough time to comprehend what was going on. The pain from her body and suddenness from Keegan's actions clouded her reasoning. Her ragged breaths echoed in the stillness, each one a desperate plea for calm as her gaze ascended to the vast canvas of the sky.Next thing, Keegan dipped into her field of view. Rough hands cupped her face, then a disconcerting sensation – the press of fabric against her eyes, blotting out the light.What?Sheera's brows pulled together in a frown as he tied the blindfold to the back of her head. By the moon! Was he going to...She wouldn't deny her naked body had continuously ached for him even while he stroked her. Caused her pain. She felt slick moisture between her thighs and was irritated with herself for being so aroused for a man as cruel as he was. How could she feel 'anything' for him even while he caused her pain?Trying to hold onto the grudge in her heart, she attempted to blindly move away. But firm hands gripped her thigh
His voice filled her with nothing but dread. He delivered one particular thrust that seemed to touch the very doors of her womb. Sheera's cry was different this time, her hands reaching out to hold onto anything. Expectantly, the only thing they could find were Keegan's clothed shoulders. He wasn't completely undressed.Yet, there she was, completely naked and blindfolded beneath him."Where should I touch, Sheera?" The question came again. She moaned deeply, not knowing if it was an effect from her name on his lips again. His hand moved along the surface of her sore skin again, threatening to press. "This?""No, please...!" She shuddered. "Then, show me."Another tear rolled out from her blindfold. What was he doing to her? Why...She feared he'd torture her wounded skin if she didn't provide him with an answer. Panic turned her blood to ice, then sent it boiling hot with a surge of adrenaline.Shallow breaths escaping her, she withdrew one of her hands from his shoulder and gui
Sheera's brows crinkled in surprise. "Why?"Suddenly, Elke smiled, letting go of the necklace. "Never mind, my dear."She rose to her feet with her bag and other belongings. "Do not forget to heed my advice. And if you need anything else, your friend knows where to find me." She glanced at Tabitha who acknowledged with a nod. Letting a smile, she vacated the room. "You should lay down," Tabitha assisted Sheera who did so with a grunt. She took a deep breath. "I think you should care less for Kalaril. He stood back with the others and did nothing while the Alpha led me away." Her voice was tight with grudge. "He is not different from him."Cold washed over Tabitha at the mention of the name. She waved it off as quickly as she could with a nervous laughter. "There was only so much he could do, Sheera. The Alpha's decision can never be argued," she muttered. "They are the same. The Alpha said him and Kalaril use to have other victims when he was prince. They are both as dark as the
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
When Ulric returned to his room that night - after spending some time with Sheera - he was caught off guard to find Malkar already inside.Although, his brother paying him visits wasn't entirely strange, it was peculiar for him to wait around in his absence. Stranger still, Malkar stood right in front of Ulric's dresser, his back turned."Brother?" Ulric called, trying to mask his surprise. Malkar didn't move."Do you need..." his words faltered as Malkar finally turned around, revealing what he was holding.Ulric's eyes dilated when he recognized what Malkar held. No... By the good moon, it couldn't be.Calmly, Malkar looked at the bracelet in his hand, the one Ulric had foolishly left on his dresser before leaving."What is this?" Malkar questioned, his voice thick and stern.Ulric forced himself to maintain composure. No one knew it was gifted to him by Zytha. And no one had to know. To everyone else, it was just a simple bracelet, nothing more.He plastered on a smile. "It's a bra
At dawn, Keegan and the visiting Alphas went hunting. The Festival was happening the next day, and the air was already thick with the spirit of celebration.Keegan thought it'd be nice exploring the woods with them. And they did have fun.By the time they returned to the Fortress at midday, they'd amassed a bounty of six games in total.It was noon by the time they returned to the Fortress. They'd been able to get over six games in total. The Alphas of the West chatted blissfully about it."The woods surrounding my Pack have nearly withered away. I might have to move in here with you, Keegan," Sebastian jested."Do not be such a betrayer, Sebastian. I already have that plan in mind," Cyrus added with a grin, adjusting hjs leather braces.Keegan was a man that was hardly humoured by others, but he allowed himself the briefest of smiles at their remarks, his us