AYRA'S POVSunlight speared through the gap in the curtains, painting a mocking stripe across my eyelids. I jolted awake, heart hammering a frantic rhythm against my ribs. A quick glance at the ornate clock confirmed my worst fears – I was late. Leaping out of bed, fur bristling with panic, I scrambled into my designated training attire – a simple white tunic and breeches that felt far too restricting compared to my usual hunting attire. The bathroom was a blur of frantic splashing and hurried combing. Reaching the main hall, I skidded to a halt, lungs burning. Nana, the ever-present head advisor, stood by the grand staircase, her crimson robes stark against the pale marble floor. Her face, usually creased in a genial smile, was now a thundercloud. "Princess Ayra," she began, voice laced with icy disapproval, "punctuality is a cornerstone of leadership. A Luna Queen arrives early, not fashionably late." Shame burned through me. "I apologize, Nana. I overslept. It won't happen aga
VESTA'S POVA groan escaped my lips as I shifted on the plush couch, the throbbing in my ankle a constant, unwelcome companion. Three days cooped up inside was enough to drive anyone insane, and apparently, I wasn't anyone. Boredom gnawed at me like a persistent rodent. I flipped through a magazine for the hundredth time, the articles blurring together in a meaningless collage.A knock on the door startled me. "Come in," I called out, tossing the magazine aside.The door creaked open and Diana, poked her head in. A wide grin stretched across her face as she held up a plate piled high with cookies. "Freshly baked chocolate chip," she announced, her voice dripping with delight. "Thought you could use a little pick-me-up.""Diana, you shouldn't have," I protested weakly, but a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. The girl was a baking fiend, and her cookies were legendary.She sashayed in, her eyes twinkling. "Nonsense, Lila. A sprained ankle is no excuse to miss out on life's little
AYRA'S POVSweat beaded on Ayra's forehead, clinging to the strands of hair escaping her braid. The merciless midday sun beat down on the courtyard, turning the flagstones into a shimmering mirage. Her back ached from the endless laps Nana had made her run earlier, and now, forced into stillness, a peculiar mix of boredom and prickling irritation settled over her."Patience, child," Nana rasped from beneath the shade of a nearby willow. The crinkled corners of her eyes, perpetually half-closed, seemed to mock Ayra's discomfort. "A Luna Queen must learn to endure. Not just physical discomfort, but the scrutiny of everyone around her. You will be watched, judged, and whispered about."Ayra gritted her teeth, forcing a smile onto her lips. "Of course, Nana. I understand."Her gaze drifted across the courtyard, landing on Lucius. He stood by the training grounds, his broad back turned to her. A shiver, not entirely from the heat, snaked down her spine. He hadn't recognized her. Not yet. In
VESTA'S POVThe air crackled with unspoken words, thick enough to choke on. Dom stood before me, his jaw clenched tight, his stormy blue eyes a whirlwind of emotions. Silence stretched between us, taut and heavy, until he finally exploded."Lila," he growled, the use of my fake name sending shivers down my spine, "I can't keep doing this."My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drum solo in the sudden quiet. "Doing what, Dom?" I forced a lightness into my voice that felt brittle and unconvincing even to my own ears.He took a frustrated step closer, his frustration palpable. "Pretending. Pretending that I don't care about you, that your laugh doesn't make my heart skip a beat, that seeing you walk across the room doesn't steal my breath away."My breath hitched. Denial wouldn't work anymore. The truth, a tangled mess of emotions, clawed its way to the surface. Dom deserved honesty, even if it hurt him."Dom," I began, my voice barely a whisper, "it's not that simple.""Isn't it?"
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POV"Nana," I call out, my voice echoing in the vast chamber. The old sage shuffles forward, her steps steady despite her age. "I need to speak with you."Nana's comforting presence eases the tension coiling in my chest. She knows me better than anyone, perhaps even better than I know myself."What troubles you, my king?" she asks, her voice a soft murmur."It's my wolf," I admit, the words heavy on my tongue. "Knight still eludes me, and I fear I may never regain my full strength."Nana nods sagely, her wrinkled face a mask of understanding. "Perhaps it is time we seek outside help. The witch healers of the witch town have knowledge beyond our own."I consider her words, weighing the risks against the potential benefits. In the end, I have little choice. My kingdom cannot afford a weak ruler, especially in these uncertain times."Arrange for them to come," I command, my tone brooking no argument. "But let it be done discreetly. I cannot afford any rumors spreading."Nan
VESTA'S POVI wake to the warmth of Dom's embrace, a contented sigh escaping my lips as I snuggle closer to him. His arms tighten around me, pulling me impossibly closer as if he never wants to let me go. But I know better than to get too comfortable. My life has never been one for settling down.As the sun begins to filter through the curtains, Dom stirs beside me, his movements slow and languid. He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead before reluctantly releasing me from his embrace."Morning, Lila," he murmurs, his voice rough with sleep."Morning, Dom," I reply, my tone light and playful. "Sleep well?"He nods, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Like a baby. How about you?"I grin up at him, mischief dancing in my eyes. "Oh, you know me. Always restless."He chuckles softly, the sound like music to my ears. "That's one of the things I love about you."My heart skips a beat at his words, a warmth spreading through me that has nothing to do with the morning sun. But I
AYRA'S POVThe air hung heavy in the training arena, thick with the scent of sweat and exertion. Ayra, clad in worn leather training gear, moved with a deadly grace, her movements a blur of controlled fury. Today, the anniversary of her sister's death, grief gnawed at her like a hungry beast. Every thrust of her practice sword, every swift dodge, was a silent prayer for vengeance.Across from her, Elara, a seasoned warrior with a reputation for ferocity, mirrored her movements. But for Elara, it was just another training session. For Ayra, it was a desperate attempt to channel the storm raging within.The wooden blades clashed, the dull thud echoing through the arena. Elara, surprised by Ayra's uncharacteristic aggression, stumbled back a step. Ayra pressed her advantage, unleashing a flurry of attacks, each strike fueled by a year's worth of simmering hatred.Elara, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tempo, struggled to defend herself. Ayra's blade sang through the air, a blur of
VESTA'S POVI paced back and forth in the changing room, the nerves fluttering in my stomach like a caged bird desperate for freedom. Today was the day of my test to join the warriors of the pack. The air was thick with anticipation, and everyone around me seemed so serious, so stern. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the straps of my training gear nervously.Just as I was about to lose myself in a whirlwind of anxiety, the door creaked open, and in walked Dom, his presence immediately calming. He wasn't part of the judging panel, but seeing him still eased my nerves a bit."Lila," he said, his voice filled with pride as he approached me, "I just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. You've worked so hard for this, and I have no doubt you're going to kick some serious ass out there."I managed a shaky smile, my heart swelling with gratitude. "Thanks, Dom," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. His words were like a lifeline, anchoring me in a sea of unce