CINZIA POVThe rich tones of charcoal and burgundy welcomed me as I stepped into the room. Pausing by the door, I surveyed my surroundings, anticipating something different, at least. Raphael's mysterious nature had never hinted at such extremes.The room, spacious enough to be called a dining room, was illuminated by eight candles strategically placed in each corner. Despite the chandelier overhead, the candles served as the primary light source. A mahogany table dominated the center, adorned with silver candelabras and a bouquet of blood-red roses as centerpieces.While I knew I wasn't alone in the room upon entering, Raphael was nowhere in sight. If he intended to arrive late, he shouldn't have urged me to come earlier. Surprisingly, I had beaten him by a few minutes, thanks to Rhea's insistence on hurrying me along."Cinzia," his voice cut through the quiet room, and I spun around to find him, his hand reaching for my arm. "Come," he urged, materializing before me."Raphael," I m
CINZIA POV"Let everything go up in flames!" a voice bellowed, jolting me awake.The loudness ripped me from slumber. I blinked away the haze from my eyes as screams filled the air. Slowly, I climbed down from the bed, moving towards the open window. Peering out, my breath caught as I saw women and men from our pack in frantic motion.Upon closer look, I realized they weren't just running; they were being chased. And the truth dawned on me. We were under attack!The door to my room flung open, and I let out a shriek. I clutched the curtain, using it as a makeshift barrier against whoever was entering. My grip tightened on the flower vase resting on the window sill, poised to defend myself.As my ragged breathing eased, I met the wide-eyed gaze of my mother. She was breathing rapidly, each breath quick and shallow."Mother," I started, moving towards her. "What's happening?"She shook her head and let out another quick breath. Was this an asthmatic attack coming on?Diana Aetos, my moth
CINZIA's POVTWO DAYS LATERTears welled up in my eyes as I gazed upon what used to be the palace of the Royal Wolf Tribe. It was all reduced to rubble.No Alpha, no Luna. Even I, the lone daughter of the Alpha and Luna, couldn't fathom what was happening, let alone control a crowd that had lost hope.It felt surreal, something I hadn't anticipated. I had cloaked myself in a fantasy world to shield myself from the harshness of reality until now.The world seemed cruel, snatching away my parents without a second thought. And now, I was already held captive. Perhaps, my fate mirrored theirs – to be slaughtered. I didn't know for certain, but that was how it felt as rough hands pushed me forward.I grunted, shaking off my captors."Are you alright, princess?"My handmaiden, Rhea, tried to come to my aid, but one of our captors restrained her, delivering a harsh slap to her cheeks. They even spat on her face, threatening her life if she dared approach me.I bit my lip, fighting back the te
CINZIA POVI was thirsty.It had been two days since our capture, and I hadn't had more than a sip of water. I supposed I should count myself fortunate, as the others hadn't even had that chance.As a server passed by, I swiftly snatched a glass, hoping for a reprieve. I downed its contents in a single gulp, only to wince. It wasn't water.My throat burned, and I gasped, scanning the expansive hall for something to ease the pain creeping toward my chest. I had never tasted a glass of wine in all my years, but the it had looked inviting and much more like water."Thank goodness," I mumbled, my fingers closing around a sealed plastic bottle of water resting on a nearby table tucked away in the corner.I released a sigh of relief as I drank, then tossed the empty bottle into a nearby dustbin, my gaze once again scanning the room.I couldn't fathom how long we – the other captives and I – had been confined to this hall but I sensed it was growing late.I remained ignorant of the reason beh
CINZIAA hundred million drachma?!Who would bid such an outrageous amount on me? I didn't know who had done so, but I was relieved when the hand gripping the strap of my gown released its hold.The room fell into silence until a microphone dropped close to where I stood. I could sense the astonishment in everyone present, a feeling I shared. Nonetheless, I was grateful to step off the stage.As soon as I entered the room, I met Rhea once more. I ran into her embrace and let out a sigh as my arms tightened around her."I'm so glad you're safe. I was worried about you," she said, her hand gently caressing my hair."I am safe," I affirmed."What happened?"My mouth opened, but no words came out as Jerome barged into the room."You're really lucky, aren't you?!" He yelled, his hand shooting out to grab a fistful of my hair. He wrapped it around his hand and yanked.I groaned, "What's your problem? Are you trying to pull my hair out?""I'd happily do that if I could," Jerome sneered, a wid
RAPHAEL POVA DAY LATER“Majestic Alpha, we managed to secure the princess,” Johnson, my loyal bodyguard and a Delta in my pack, reported.He bowed, his head lowering to his knee. I stepped out of the shadows, remaining concealed behind the curtains. I tapped my chin and nodded. “Very well, ensure she is received with courtesy.”“But there is an issue, Sire…” Johnson stammered. I noticed his knuckles, now white, against the tiled floor, his hands trembling.He was the most adept werewolf in The Blood Lust Pack, and encountering difficulties in his tasks was a rarity.“Speak,” I urged, raising my brows.“The princess insists she won't leave unless accompanied by her maid. Both were part of the same bid, and a dispute is brewing as they refuse to release the maid…”“She stated that?” I asked, a wry smile tugging at my lips.It was the first time I'd encountered such defiance in a vulnerable girl. It was an anomaly, and I must admit, it intrigued me. Most women I encountered begged to be
RAPHAEL POVA few hours later Delicia left, a shrill cry sounded making me wince."Let go of me!"Rubbing my temple, I squinted as the door to the throne hall swung open, revealing my prized possession. She was shoved inside, landing with a thud on the sapphire rug in the center of the room.I clenched my hands and shot a glare at Johnson and the other guards. Even in the dim light where I sat, I suspected they caught my reaction, given their trembling."Sorry, sire... We didn't mean to be rough..." Johnson bowed, and I waved off his apology. "This is the princess," he added before hurrying out of the room.As soon as he left, my gaze returned to the girl, and I sighed. Almost instantly, my throat tightened.That strange feeling resurfaced, the one she had stirred in me the first time at the auction house. My heart pounded, and I clenched my fist as a new fragrance, different from what I was accustomed to, filled my nostrils.I couldn't quite pinpoint it, but I suspected it was a blend
CINZIA POVTalking back seemed to earn me the harshest punishment I'd ever received.I didn't understand why I did it, but the slap I received felt uncalled for. Still, I couldn't bring myself to fight back, not that I hadn't wanted to. Any thought of retaliation was swiftly dismissed by the Hybrid King.This king, shrouded in mystery, had yet to reveal his face. It was infuriating. He'd left the bitch in charge of me, and she was making sure I experienced hell. And this was only my first day in the palace. Receiving punishment felt entirely unwarranted.I shuddered to think about what might happen on my second day, and the one after that."Put this on!" Delicia's voice cut through the air, even though I was standing right next to her. She seemed to prefer yelling. I grabbed the clothes she had knowingly tossed onto the floor and dusted them off.Raising them up, I couldn't help but grimace. It was a khaki shirt paired with a knee-length skirt in the same material. It looked dreadful,
CINZIA POVThe rich tones of charcoal and burgundy welcomed me as I stepped into the room. Pausing by the door, I surveyed my surroundings, anticipating something different, at least. Raphael's mysterious nature had never hinted at such extremes.The room, spacious enough to be called a dining room, was illuminated by eight candles strategically placed in each corner. Despite the chandelier overhead, the candles served as the primary light source. A mahogany table dominated the center, adorned with silver candelabras and a bouquet of blood-red roses as centerpieces.While I knew I wasn't alone in the room upon entering, Raphael was nowhere in sight. If he intended to arrive late, he shouldn't have urged me to come earlier. Surprisingly, I had beaten him by a few minutes, thanks to Rhea's insistence on hurrying me along."Cinzia," his voice cut through the quiet room, and I spun around to find him, his hand reaching for my arm. "Come," he urged, materializing before me."Raphael," I m
CINZIA POVI swallowed hard, eyes widening along with my mouth. I felt like a fish out of water, but I didn't care. The hybrid king wasn't what I expected.He was visible, but I could barely see his face—it was wrapped in a large yellowish cloth. Only his anthracite eyes and straight Grecian nose were visible, along with his rich golden skin.I couldn't understand why his face was covered, and I recalled my earlier speculation. Maybe he was hideous, or perhaps those he had harassed left permanent scars. I tried to imagine scars running across his face, but all I saw was an overly attractive man despite the scars.My eyes reluctantly moved from his compelling eyes to his skin, inked with tattoos. I couldn't read them, but they might represent his pack and other things. In my world, packs were identified by tattoos and badges.A large thunderbolt adorned his chest with lightning above it against a cloudy sky. His muscles were toned, and they flexed as if he purposely did so for my admir
CINZIA POVI bristled. "Who does he think he is, coming in here and commanding everyone like we're his loyal subjects?"I yanked the towel from the closet handle, wrapping it around my hair before heading to the vanity chair."He's the king, child," Rhea said.She had rejoined me after the king had left to finish bathing me.Plus, she'd warned me about how to talk to him, but it was irritating. How was I supposed to converse with a jerk who hid behind curtains, never wanting to be seen?Maybe I shouldn't care about his appearance, but I did. After all, he bid on me, and I needed to ensure he seemed sane.Right now, he didn't talk like a sane person, leaving me with only his appearance, which I believed I'd never see."I'm a princess too, Rhea. Don't forget that. I shouldn't be treated any way people feel like.""He doesn't recognize that. No one does here. You're not in your pack anymore. Your title as a princess is just something on your arms."Rhea pointed to the trident with a crown
RAPHAELI pushed Delicia away from me. Her eyes widened as she curled on the ground. Grabbing a curtain, I tossed it over her, saying, "I don't want to see that.""Is it because of that wretched-looking bitch? You never had any problems seeing me in nothing. You've really changed, and I don't think I like the new you, Raphael," Delicia remarked.I scoffed, glaring at her. "I changed? I believe you mean you changed because you were never this way!""I didn't change. You are trying to push me away and have rejected me because of her," Delicia yelled."That's because we can never have anything together. We're not mates. You're not mate material," I said bluntly, though harsh.I paced to the window, sticking my head out. "Fuck it!" I growled, then stared back at her."Why are you trying to make my life miserable? What do you want from me? Did Mom ask you to do this?"I walked up to her, gripped her shoulder, hoisted her up, and shook her. "Tell me, what the hell did she give you? Any brib
RAPHAEL"I'm sorry, sire!" Rhea jumped when she saw me by the curtain. I had made my presence known, and she hastily turned her back to me with her head bowed."I'll leave and return later. I didn't realize it was time," she said."No," I replied, my eyes still fixed on Cinzia's beautiful face. She looked back at me, but I could tell she didn't know exactly what I looked like."I'll be back," I assured. "Dress her in the finest attire, fit for a princess."Rhea nodded and bowed. I walked to the door, stealing a final glance at Cinzia. I hoped she was worth my time, as I couldn't keep searching endlessly for signs."Goodness, who do people think they are? That they can simply walk into your private space and issue commands just because they believe they're superior or godlike?"I overheard Cinzia mutter before I left the room. Without saying it, I knew she was trouble, and I wasn't sure I was ready for that.As soon as I reached the throne room, Johnson stammered, "Sire..."I looked at
RAPHAELMy most cherished possession."Ours," my wolf declared, and a fleeting smile crossed my face before it turned into a frown.I tilted my head as the maid grasped her hair, and I let out a sigh."He's on his way," the maid informed."Who?"I didn't realize she was just as clueless. Despite all the hints the maid had dropped, my prize didn't seem to be catching on, and I didn't know how much longer I could linger in the shadows.I had been in the room even before the maid's arrival, having instructed her to prepare the princess. For once, I found myself acting without a clear purpose, a rare departure from my usual calculated approach. It felt strangely impulsive, even for me.But then, I allowed my wolf to take the reins, guiding me here. I didn't protest even when I realized I was trespassing.I knew it was an invasion of privacy, and I shouldn't be prying. She was about to bathe, and I should leave as soon as possible, but I couldn't help myself.Even though I was in the room,
CINZIA POVWe were gathered in the throne hall.By "we," I meant everyone I saw there, including myself. I turned to my side, finding Rhea standing beside me. With a smile, she extended her hand towards me, and I returned the gesture, giving it a gentle squeeze."I heard you were transferred," She said. Raising my brows, I waited for her to explain. She shrugged and said, "Rumors spread faster than you can imagine."I giggled and nodded. I hadn't expected gossiping here. I thought that was exclusive to the Royal Wolf Tribe. Even as a lowly slave, as Delicia had referred to me, I still managed to make people talk.The hall was quiet, but I sensed a presence. I believed it was none other than the hybrid king. The curtains rustled, and I inhaled sharply, feeling a tingling sensation at the back of my neck.Frowning, I stared at my sweaty palms. Then, I turned to Rhea, who was beaming with a bright smile. She wasn't the only one. Everyone around me seemed to share her joy. It was as if I
RAPHAEL POV"Cinzia..." I mumbled — such a precious name for a rare gem. Her name suited her perfectly.I wondered if her parents saw her as the moon goddess before giving her such a name. The name also struck a chord, and I tried to recall where I had heard it.The name of a distant Werewolf pack came to mind, but I wasn't certain if she was the one. I hadn't conducted a background check on her; it was only because Nikolai desired her that I bid on her in the first place.However, asking her about her story seemed awkward. I never inquired about someone's background because it felt irrelevant. The only thing I sought in a prize was possession and the warmth of their presence in my bed.I glanced towards the entrance as the door to the throne room swung open. Johnson strode towards me, halting a few feet away. He knelt on one knee, head bowed."She's settled in, sire. Is there anything else I should attend to?""Her maid should be with her. Also..."I trailed off, turning my gaze upwar
RAPHAEL POV"Reserve the finest room for the princess, my newest acquisition, and let her stay there," I instructed Johnson, who nodded with a slight bow. "Very well, sire."I paced back towards the curtain, turning as I sensed Delicia's presence in the room. My hand instinctively went to my temple, massaging it. I wondered if she was here to unleash another outburst like earlier. I preferred not to lose my temper, which happened rarely. But Delicia had a way of disrupting my peace.As much as I relished the sight of her, I didn't appreciate her fiery temperament. She approached me, her voice laced with frustration. "You plan to set her free? I thought I was the only one you desired.""Delicia," I muttered, pouring a generous amount of champange into a flute glass."I thought I was enough!" She reiterated, this time with force. "Yet you keep bringing in more women. I've been patient, but this is too much!""Silence!" I thundered, exhaling through my nostrils, narrowing my eyes.Delicia