After Amani had finished bathing, Maggie and Penelope dressed her in a ceremonial robe. Maggie had concocted a traditional tea specifically crafted for first-time shifters to drink. The tea was infused with a medley of herbs known to soothe the senses and alleviate pain. The first shift was notorious for its brutality, often described as so agonizing that every Lycan wishes for death during the transition. With resolve, Amani downed the tea in a single gulp."Are you ready?" Maggie asked, gently taking the empty cup from Amani's hand."I don't think I'll ever be more ready than I am right now," Amani replied with a heavy dose of apprehension in her voice.Penelope stepped forward, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Things are about to change for the better, my lady. I can feel it."Amani pulled Penelope into a tight embrace. At first, Penelope froze, unaccustomed to being hugged by someone of higher status. But soon, she reciprocated the gesture, a genuine smile gracing her face. Sensing
Amani woke up alone the next morning in Maggie's room, her head throbbing from a long night of relentless tears. But nothing ached more than the pain she felt in her tortured heart. As she sat up in bed, reflecting on the events of the previous night, she couldn't help but feel like a complete failure. She couldn't help but wonder if her parents were still alive, would they have worn the same disappointed expression as Malakai had. She was relieved that she would never have to see that look from her father; it would have surely been the death of her.The humiliation she felt was indescribable. A crowd had gathered to witness her long-awaited transformation, only for it to never happen. King Zander's words echoed in her mind, and she reluctantly admitted he had been right about her all along. She now believed she was nothing but a mistake, and perhaps it would have been better if she had never been born. And Malakai, he too saw her as a disgrace, at least that’s what reflected in his e
When Amani returned to her chambers, she meticulously searched through all of her clothing. Her frustration grew as she realized she only had expensive gowns and dresses. What she needed was something comfortable, suitable for traveling. Just as her agitation reached its peak, a knock on the door startled her.Opening the door, she was relieved to see Penelope and Steven standing there. They were right on time to bring her breakfast and tidy the room."Come in... both of you," Amani said, beckoning them inside.Amani closed the door behind her and locked it, taking in a deep breath. "Penelope, Steven, I need your help."They exchanged questioning glances, concern etched on their faces by her troubled demeanor."Of course, my lady," Penelope responded softly. "Whatever you need, we'll be more than happy to assist you."Steven nodded in agreement, ready to lend a hand.Amani hesitated, unsure of how to express her unconventional request. It was far from a simple favor like fetching tea
The entire Royal Council was in an uproar when Malakai revealed his intention to attempt to mark his wolf-less mate."Your Highness," one of the council members spoke up, "no she-wolf has ever received a mate mark without first shifting. The Lycan and the wolf both have to accept it; everyone knows that. Marking your mate binds not only your soul to hers, but the souls of both wolves. Without your mate's wolf, we cannot predict the consequences. It could be excruciatingly painful if she doesn't have her wolf to accept it and brand the mark.""I understand this completely," Malakai asserted, "but Amani is the strongest she-wolf I've ever known, and I know you all can agree with that sentiment. We all know she shouldn't have survived Jax's attack, but she did. She has strong, resilient Lycan blood, the blood of an Alpha. If there is any chance that marking her can awaken her wolf, then I have to try."“There is still the matter of her being barren, Malakai,” the King pointed out.“We do
Amani headed towards the stables, instructing the three servants to go ahead of her. This way, nobody would be able to inform Malakai that she had been seen with them before her disappearance. To outsiders, it appeared as if she was simply taking her usual daily walk. Daniela was well versed with all matters concerning the stables. Steph would often ride the horses and bring Daniela along with her, so she was well aware of the stables' cleaning and feeding schedule. She knew there was a small window of time between the two tasks when nobody would be present. Additionally, Daniela was familiar with the guards' shifts and how long it took them to complete their rounds before returning to the stables. Amani confidently stayed on route, reassured by Daniela's knowledge that no guard would cross her path.Upon reaching the stables, Amani hurried inside and swiftly changed into the clothes provided by Steven and Penelope. Meanwhile, Penelope and Steven patiently waited behind the stables
Not only was Malakai acutely aware that Amani was missing, but he had also become completely unhinged. He had ordered a thorough search for her throughout the palace, with all the guards tirelessly combing every nook and cranny. Not stopping there, he had even dispatched his own patrol to venture beyond the palace gates. He left no stone unturned in his efforts to find her, spreading the word far and wide about her disappearance and emphasizing the urgency of her safe return. To sweeten the deal, he put forth a generous reward for anyone who could bring her back unharmed.As he followed her elusive scent, it took him on a meandering path throughout the palace, tracing her every step and lingering presence. The frustration mounted as he found himself going in circles, until a more distinct aroma of hers caught his attention. It beckoned him, growing stronger and stronger, until it guided him to an unexpected location - the stables. Despite the overpowering stench of horse dung, Amani'
When the guards brought Daniela to Malakai, she immediately dropped to her knees, bowing before him. Malakai's gaze bore down on her, but Daniela kept her eyes fixed on the floor, refusing to meet his intense stare."Why were you at the stables this morning?" Malakai's voice cut through the silence, demanding an answer.Daniela remained silent, her head still bowed in submission."The Prince is asking you a question, Slave!" Phineas barked, his impatience evident.Malakai shot Phineas a warning look, silencing him with a mere glance. Phineas meekly lowered his head, understanding the gravity of the situation.Returning his attention to Daniela, Malakai's voice grew colder and more menacing. "Your entire story about Steph was nothing but a diversion, wasn't it? I am well aware that you were in the stables with Amani this morning. You will either give me the information I seek or face severe punishment."Still, Daniela remained stubbornly silent, trembling on her knees, her gaze fixed u
The next morning, Amani awoke to find Robert unloading merchandise at one of his stops. Glancing around the wagon, she noticed that it was practically empty, with just a few items remaining. Robert informed her that he only had one more stop to make, which was as far as he could take her. This last stop lay just outside of Blackclaw territory, offering a clear path to the border. Although Amani would have to walk about ten miles alone, Robert assured her that there were no Royal Guards patrolling that area.Just before reaching his final stop, Robert let Amani out of the wagon. He kindly provided her with fresh water and bread for her journey. Filled with gratitude for everything he had done, Amani bid him farewell, expressing her heartfelt appreciation. With a final wave, she set off along the path that led to the Rogue Border.The journey proved to be a long one, and Amani paused only briefly to rest along the way. Her determination pushed her to minimize any wasted time, urging her