ALPHA LUCIUS’S POV The corridors of the palace echoed with the sound of my footsteps as I made my way to Vesta's chambers, a sense of anticipation gnawing at the edges of my consciousness. I had returned from my journey with a singular purpose in mind: to find her, to confront her, to make sense of the turmoil that raged within my heart.As I stepped into her room, a chill crept down my spine, the absence of her presence a stark reminder of the emptiness that now consumed me. The air hung heavy with silence, broken only by the faint rustle of fabric as I moved through the room in search of any sign of her.But she was nowhere to be found.Frustration bubbled up within me, a volatile mixture of anger and confusion that threatened to consume me whole. With each passing moment, the walls of the room seemed to close in around me, suffocating me with the weight of my own uncertainty.Leaving her chambers behind, I made my way to the training grounds, a sinking feeling settling in the pit o
[Letter from Rose to Lucius] My Dearest Lucius, I hope this letter finds you well, though I fear it may bring you discomfort and pain. It pains me deeply to write these words, but I cannot continue to suffer in silence, burdened by the weight of my unspoken emotions. I find myself at a loss for words, struggling to articulate the depth of the anguish that now consumes me. Each passing moment feels like an eternity, a relentless reminder of the shattered dreams and broken promises that now lie scattered at my feet. I still remember the first time our eyes met, the spark of recognition that ignited within me, lighting the path to a love I believed to be true and enduring. But oh, how swiftly those illusions crumbled beneath the weight of reality, leaving me adrift in a sea of uncertainty and despair. You came into my life like a tempest, sweeping me off my feet with promises of passion and devotion. I surrendered myself to you willingly, my heart laid bare before you, vulnerable and
VESTA'S POVI lay on the cold stone altar, surrounded by the flickering flames of the candles that illuminated the dimly lit chamber. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, a heady mixture of sage and lavender that filled my senses as I braced myself for the ritual ahead. The witches, with their ancient knowledge and mystical powers, prepared to perform the rites that would free me from the bonds that tethered me to Lucius.The lead witch, her eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light, approached me with purpose. Her hands moved deftly, tracing intricate patterns in the air as she began the ritual to remove the mark that Lucius had branded upon my skin. I gritted my teeth against the pain, feeling the searing heat of the magic as it worked its way through my body.The room seemed to blur around me, the edges of my vision darkening as waves of agony washed over me. I clenched my fists, willing myself to endure, to survive the torment that threatened to consume me whole. Each moment
ALPHA LUCIUS’S POVMy beta, Marcus, brought me another letter from Rose. I could feel the weight of it in his hand as he approached me. "Your Grace, another letter from Lady Rose," he announced.I waved a hand dismissively, irritation prickling at my senses. "Read it aloud, Marcus," I commanded, resigned to hearing her desperate pleas once more.Marcus cleared his throat before beginning, his voice steady as he recited Rose's words. "My dearest Lucius, I beg of you to reconsider. Come back to me, my love. I cannot bear to be without you," he read, his tone tinged with a mixture of sympathy and annoyance.I gritted my teeth, the familiar surge of frustration rising within me. Rose's incessant pleas grated on my nerves, a constant reminder of the mess I had made of things. "Continue," I ordered, though every fiber of my being longed to be rid of her words.Marcus obliged, reading through Rose's letter with a detached efficiency that belied the turmoil brewing within me. With each word, t
VESTA’S POVI stepped into the bustling compound of the Northland pack, my heart racing with a mixture of nerves and excitement. This was it, a fresh start in a new place. As I was led to meet the alpha, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for the lie I was about to tell. But desperate times called for desperate measures."Ah, you must be Lila," the alpha greeted me warmly, his voice resonating with authority and kindness. "Welcome to our pack. We're glad to have you here."I offered him a bright smile, trying to hide the nervous fluttering in my stomach. "Thank you, Alpha. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of your pack."He nodded, his gaze probing but accepting. "You mentioned you came from another pack. What happened there?"I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves. "It's a long story, Alpha. My mate passed away, and his brother took over the pack. He didn't want me around, so I had to leave."The alpha's expression softened with sympathy. "I'm sorry to hear that, Li
ALPHA LUCIUS’S POV The absence of Vesta's presence in my mind sent shivers down my spine, a sensation I hadn't experienced before. It was as if a part of me had been ripped away, leaving behind an emptiness that I couldn't bear to acknowledge."Knight, can you feel her?" I asked, my voice laced with a hint of desperation as I turned to my loyal wolf, hoping for some semblance of reassurance."No, I can't sense her," Knight replied, his tone tinged with frustration and unease. "It's like she's vanished into thin air."I clenched my fists, the realization of Vesta's absence weighing heavily on my heart. How could she have disappeared so suddenly, leaving behind nothing but an empty void in her wake?Knight's agitation only seemed to intensify, his growls reverberating in the confines of my mind as he blamed me for our mate's disappearance. He accused me of driving her away, of pushing her to the point where she felt she had no choice but to leave."Enough, Knight!" I snapped, my voice e
VESTA’S POV I strolled through the bustling pack grounds, the sounds of laughter and chatter filling the air around me. It was a vibrant community, alive with the energy of its members, and I found myself drawn to its lively spirit.As I passed by the training grounds, Beta Dom fell into step beside me, his easy smile a welcome sight. He had become a familiar presence in my life, a steady companion amidst the tumult of change."Good morning, Lila," he greeted me warmly, his voice tinged with genuine affection. "Ready for another day of training?"I returned his smile with a playful grin of my own. "Always ready, Dom," I replied, my tone light and teasing. "But first, let's grab some breakfast. I hear the cooks have outdone themselves this morning."Together, we made our way to the pack dining hall, the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food wafting through the air. The hall was alive with activity, pack members bustling about as they prepared for the day ahead.As we settled into ou
ALPHA LUCIUS’S POV I paced the confines of my chamber, the weight of anger heavy upon my shoulders. The relentless turmoil within me seemed to grow with each passing moment, an insatiable hunger gnawing at the depths of my soul. The training grounds offered no solace, no respite from the tempest raging within."Release the prisoners," I commanded, my voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Bring them to me."The guards hesitated, uncertainty flickering in their eyes, but they obeyed nonetheless. Four men emerged from the depths of the dungeon, their faces etched with a mixture of fear and determination. They knew the stakes, knew the price they might pay with their lives.The first man stepped forward, his stance defiant despite the shackles that bound him. He was an alpha, a traitor to my kingdom, imprisoned for his crimes against the crown. His eyes burned with a fierce determination, a silent challenge echoing in the air between us."Let the duel begin," I intoned, my voice de