AUTHOR'S POV. I ran out of the room immediately, my heart hammering loudly in my chest, I swallowed hard leaning on the back of the door, closing my eyes for a brief moment. What was wrong with me? This was too early, this had never happened before…at least not until the full moon day. Ava opened the door immediately, I turned back, and my eyes widened in alarm as I stared at her frozen. She stared at me for a while, before reaching for my hand, a mixture of shock and curiosity etched on her face. “Arthur, what happened to you? Did you have a nightmare?”I remained silent, my mouth open slightly as I stared at her, my mind drawing a blank, I didn't want her to know the truth but how long could I keep my darkest secret from her?“Come,” she instructed, closing the door behind her. “Let's go for a walk.”“Why?” I suddenly asked, my deep voice sounding like a child. She turned to me, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Well, I also used to have nightmares growing up, Anna told me to
ARTHUR'S POV. The days felt longer than ever, each one filled with fear, it seemed like time decided to move faster or skip a day. Today was the full moon, the day Ava’s fate would be decided. If she could change into her wolf form, she would survive. If not… I didn’t want to think about that.I paced the castle halls early in the morning, unable to sit still. I was really worried. Ava insisted that she wanted to prove herself to the pack but what exactly does she want to prove? That indeed she was an impure wolf or she cast a spell on me?Ava was just so stubborn, I still don't understand how I can't control her at all and why does she makes things difficult for me. My heart tells me that I fell in love with her because she was different but that is just nonsense…she clearly has a choice to save her life but no, she wants to probe herself. Fuck, at this point, I knew I was in for a big trouble. I looked at the palace walls, brushing my fingers on the wall lightly, memorizing tha
ARTHUR'S POV. The full moon shone brightly through the high, narrow window of the dungeon, casting long shadows over the cold stone walls. I woke up with excruciating pain, it felt like my body was about to rip to pieces. It was my wolf, fighting to be free. I glanced around, but no one was there. Elena dared to attack me, has she gone mad too?I looked at the chains, trying to break free but I couldn't, I felt weak. Elena must have drugged me with wolfsbane, she knew it wouldn't kill me but a particular dosage was enough to weaken me…for a while. “Elena,” I yelled, my voice echoing in the dark chamber. Immediately the door creaked open and she walked in. She looked at me for a while. It was almost as though she was scared, well she should be, because immediately I got out of there, I swear I would teach her a lesson. “Arthur,” she said, walking closer but stopped just out of my reach. “What do you think you are doing?” I snapped, the chains clinking as I lunged forward. “You
AVA'S POVThe night was cold and the wind made me shiver as the full moon shone brightly, the hoot of owls was heard in the distance and sometimes howls were also heard. The elders stood in a circle around me in the forest, their sharp eyes on me. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it would leap out of my chest. This was the moment of life and death, a small leap could lead me to my death and it could also save me. I took in deep breaths staring at the moon, my hand clutching my bulging stomach as I closed my eyes. “Moon goddess,” I whispered. “I have never doubted you in my life…you are a mother, please hear my cry and protect my child…that's all I ask.”“Ava,” I heard Anna's voice, I slowly opened my eyes, and she stared at me with a faint smile, her eyes glistening with tears.Lady Eleanor sat on the side, watching me closely. Her smirk cut through me. I knew she was more than happy to be here to witness my fall. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes to block out the stare
Ava's pov.I stood still, my legs shaking as I glared at Arthur. I actually did it, I shifted into my werewolf form, I have been trying to even do a howl ever since I knew I was a wolf and I still couldn't do it but now I actually did it…I changed into a werewolf. I glanced around, everything seemed new, I could hear the hammering heartbeat of the people around and the flapping of wings from a long distance, my eyes were sharper and clear…almost too much. “She shifted,” someone whispered, breaking the silence.I barely had time to think about what they’d said because Arthur, or rather his wolf, shook the dirt off him and turned to me. His golden eyes glowed, but they weren’t the eyes of the man I knew. They were filled with something dark. He stared at me, clearly he didn’t recognize me.Before I knew what was happening, the beast lunged forward. I moved in time, leaping to the side as his claws swiped through the air where I had been standing. A deep growl came out of me, surpr
Arthur’s POVI woke to a dull ache in my head and my back felt like I had been carrying a big load all through yesterday and torn apart and then stitched back together. As my vision cleared, the first thing I saw was Ava sitting beside me. Her face was streaked with dried tears, but her eyes sparkled with relief when they met mine.“You are awake,” she whispered, a faint smile appearing on her lips. “What… what happened?” My throat was dry, my voice shaky. “When you told me that you became the devil wolf during the first full moon, you didn't tell me that you actually turned into a beast,” she joked. “Did I hurt you?” I questioned grabbing her hands to inspect her body. “Almost,” she shrugged. “But you didn't.”“Ahh,” I growled in pain as I clutched my head, the memory of last night flooding back, hitting me like a storm. I closed my eyes, guilt gnawing at me. “Did I hurt anyone?”She shook her head. “Charles tried to stop you. Amelia too. But they’re fine, just a few scratches.
AVA'S POV. I sat on the couch, my fingers nervously tracing the rim of my teacup. Across from me, my mother sat in an armchair, the steam from her tea curling into the air.Her sharp eyes, usually filled with locks on me as she studied me. Goodness knows what is going on inside her head.“So do you want to talk about last night," I said, breaking the awkward silence darting my eyes from Anna and my mother. “I must say, I am shocked,” she said at last, her voice tinged with pride. “You have finally gotten your lost wish, you shifted, Ava. After all these years… you have become a wolf.”I gave her a small, shy smile. “I did.”For a moment, she said nothing more, her expression unreadable. Then, leaning forward slightly, she asked. “People said it was abnormal for an impure wolf to shift…” I paused, turning to her, and locking eyes with her. "It seems that your restless teachings paid off.” “Okay,” she blurted out waving her hand before dropping the teacup on the table, she turned to
Arthur’s POVThe warm glow of the desk lamp spilled across the dark surface of my desk, lighting up the mess of papers, maps, and notes on the table. I glanced at Charles who stood near the tall window, staring out at the moonlit courtyard with his hands behind his back, a small smile playing on his lips. “Everything is almost back to normal,” he muttered, inhaling deeply. Before I could respond, the door creaked open and Aaron, my Gamma walked in. “My Lord,” he bowed as soon as he got to the table. “My apologies, I got the message late.”I exhaled deeply, nodding my head as I leaned back on the chair. “Ava is safe now, so that's what matters at the end.”He adjusted his sleeves, looking uneasy.“Give me the report,” I commanded, locking eyes with him. “There is a report right?” I frowned. Aaron stepped forward, his tone grim. “Well, my men and I have been secretly combing the town and the palace. We have checked all the elders' and servants' houses as requested but nothing has l
Arthur’s POVThe drive back to the palace was almost difficult. My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly as I bit my lips. My mind was clouded with different thoughts, and my heart going through different emotions all at once. I felt guilty, sad, confused, heartbroken. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Lady Eleanor’s face. She had been everything to me, she was there for me when I lost my parents, and she was also there for my mother when my mother was alive. “Fuck,” I cussed, slamming my fists on the steering wheel, my breath heavy.By the time I reached the palace gates, the sentinels rushed to me informing me of the urgent meeting. Inside, the elders were waiting, seated in the council chamber like judges ready to pass sentence. Their stern faces were etched with disappointment and disapproval. “Arthur,” an elder began, his voice filled with venom. “This tragedy cannot be ignored. Lady Eleanor’s death is a direct failure of your leadership.”“I am fully aware of the g
Arthur’s POVAs soon as I got the message about Lady Eleanor's death, I stayed frozen for a moment, unable to believe it.I couldn't help but feel guilty, wondering if it was my fault for chasing my aunt out of the palace. She was the only person acting as a parent to me, how could I be so careless as to chase her to her death?I wasted no time, I headed straight to the estate, driving as fast as I could that I almost got involved in a car accident.When I arrived, I met reporters crowded at the gates, I drove in immediately, asking the guards to shut the gates. The last thing I wanted now was reporters filming get body. I got out of my car, scanning through the place, I saw the Gamma talking to some men and suddenly my fists clenched as my eyes sighted Ava. “Ava,” I barked, rushing to her. She had a lot of explaining to do.She was standing in the corner, clutching her bag like the bag was the one holding her life. Her face was pale and her eyes filled with fear as she breathed he
AVA'S POV.The taxi stopped in front of Ravenswood Estate, the tall iron gates casting long, eerie shadows on the gravel path. I clutched my bag, taking in deep breath, I was feeling very anxious and I wasn’t sure if it was because of nerves or the morning sickness.After paying the driver, I stepped out. Watching the taxi drive away before walking towards the gate. Fortunately, the guards at the door recognized me and didn't ask any questions. They let me in immediately.As I walked along the long path, leading to the grand door. I noticed a little girl playing in the garden. It was Mina. I approached slowly, careful not to annoy her. She was known for having anger issues. “Hello,” I said softly, crouching down to her level.She stopped playing and turned to face me, Her giggles disappeared and her wide eyes narrowed as she glared at me.“You’re the bad lady,” she said suddenly. “What do you mean, Mina?” I asked, my brows furrowed in curiosity.Why was I even asking? Mina neve
AVA'S POVThe morning light slipped into the room, soft and golden. Arthur’s arm rested over me, warm but a bit heavy, his breathing steady. I lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling, trying to calm the storm inside me but the morning sickness only added to it. I knew what I had to do. But Arthur could not know. If he found out, he would stop me…maybe even lock me in the palace if he thought it was for my safety.Carefully, I moved his arm and slid out of bed. He opened his eyes for a brief second, his brows furrowed in curiosity. “Where are you going?” He demanded staring at me. “Well, I have to meet my mother this morning, she is in her room,” I stuttered avoiding his gaze.He stared at me for a while, studying my expression while I prayed silently for him to let me go without having to answer his questions.He nodded turning to the other side, I quickly walked to the bathroom and took my bath.I moved to the wardrobe and chose a plain, dark dress and a simple cloak. I wa
AVA'S POV. I watched Lady Eleanor step out of the palace, the maids walking behind her, rolling out her bags. She barks orders at them to hurry up while she walks slowly like a snail. I am just glad her episodes are over. I took in deep breaths, forcing the biggest smile I could offer, before walking up to her. “Lady Eleanor,” I called gently, waiting for her to respond but she didn't.She paused, turning her head slightly but not fully facing me. I stepped closer until I could see her expression, she was filled with rage. I swallowed hard, flickering my eyes away. Hope I wasn't the one who got her angry. I certainly wish I wasn't the one that got her all worked up. “I wanted to say…” I hesitated, clasping my hands nervously. “I hope you can forgive me. And I hope you find peace and happiness in the new mansion Arthur arranged for you.”Her lips curled into a faint, turning to me. “Peace, you say? You’re too kind, Ava.”“It’s not kindness,” I said softly, meeting her gaze. “It’s
Arthur’s POVThe warm glow of the desk lamp spilled across the dark surface of my desk, lighting up the mess of papers, maps, and notes on the table. I glanced at Charles who stood near the tall window, staring out at the moonlit courtyard with his hands behind his back, a small smile playing on his lips. “Everything is almost back to normal,” he muttered, inhaling deeply. Before I could respond, the door creaked open and Aaron, my Gamma walked in. “My Lord,” he bowed as soon as he got to the table. “My apologies, I got the message late.”I exhaled deeply, nodding my head as I leaned back on the chair. “Ava is safe now, so that's what matters at the end.”He adjusted his sleeves, looking uneasy.“Give me the report,” I commanded, locking eyes with him. “There is a report right?” I frowned. Aaron stepped forward, his tone grim. “Well, my men and I have been secretly combing the town and the palace. We have checked all the elders' and servants' houses as requested but nothing has l
AVA'S POV. I sat on the couch, my fingers nervously tracing the rim of my teacup. Across from me, my mother sat in an armchair, the steam from her tea curling into the air.Her sharp eyes, usually filled with locks on me as she studied me. Goodness knows what is going on inside her head.“So do you want to talk about last night," I said, breaking the awkward silence darting my eyes from Anna and my mother. “I must say, I am shocked,” she said at last, her voice tinged with pride. “You have finally gotten your lost wish, you shifted, Ava. After all these years… you have become a wolf.”I gave her a small, shy smile. “I did.”For a moment, she said nothing more, her expression unreadable. Then, leaning forward slightly, she asked. “People said it was abnormal for an impure wolf to shift…” I paused, turning to her, and locking eyes with her. "It seems that your restless teachings paid off.” “Okay,” she blurted out waving her hand before dropping the teacup on the table, she turned to
Arthur’s POVI woke to a dull ache in my head and my back felt like I had been carrying a big load all through yesterday and torn apart and then stitched back together. As my vision cleared, the first thing I saw was Ava sitting beside me. Her face was streaked with dried tears, but her eyes sparkled with relief when they met mine.“You are awake,” she whispered, a faint smile appearing on her lips. “What… what happened?” My throat was dry, my voice shaky. “When you told me that you became the devil wolf during the first full moon, you didn't tell me that you actually turned into a beast,” she joked. “Did I hurt you?” I questioned grabbing her hands to inspect her body. “Almost,” she shrugged. “But you didn't.”“Ahh,” I growled in pain as I clutched my head, the memory of last night flooding back, hitting me like a storm. I closed my eyes, guilt gnawing at me. “Did I hurt anyone?”She shook her head. “Charles tried to stop you. Amelia too. But they’re fine, just a few scratches.
Ava's pov.I stood still, my legs shaking as I glared at Arthur. I actually did it, I shifted into my werewolf form, I have been trying to even do a howl ever since I knew I was a wolf and I still couldn't do it but now I actually did it…I changed into a werewolf. I glanced around, everything seemed new, I could hear the hammering heartbeat of the people around and the flapping of wings from a long distance, my eyes were sharper and clear…almost too much. “She shifted,” someone whispered, breaking the silence.I barely had time to think about what they’d said because Arthur, or rather his wolf, shook the dirt off him and turned to me. His golden eyes glowed, but they weren’t the eyes of the man I knew. They were filled with something dark. He stared at me, clearly he didn’t recognize me.Before I knew what was happening, the beast lunged forward. I moved in time, leaping to the side as his claws swiped through the air where I had been standing. A deep growl came out of me, surpr