DEREK'S POV:This isn't where I belong. Although my gut told me that this was a bad idea, I was unable to stop myself. Indeed. I kept thinking about her, confined in that jail as a result of my actions. I could always see the treachery in her eyes when I closed mine. The way she stared at me after I turned my back on her and picked Amelia’s side.My hands were shaking and my heart was pounding as I moved through the chilly, stone corridors of the dungeon beneath King Sylvester's castle. Down here, the atmosphere was different; it was thick and stifling, the kind that would suffocate anyone who lingered in it for too long.There was an issue with the sentient guards. They were always like that. They processed every word and every command and cross-referenced it with their database of directives, making it impossible to outthink them. Yet I had a plan; it might not be a strong one, but I had one.The two guards at the door to her cell turned to face me when I got there. For a brief mome
DEREK'S POV:It was a blur walking home. Thoughts raced through my mind, outweighing even the chilly night air that slashed like razors. Indeed. I kept thinking about her, imprisoned in that castle and under Sylvester's control. None of this was fair to her. My heart raced as I thought of her being shackled and how I had let her down, and I balled my hands. As I got closer to my home, each step felt more significant and served as a reminder of the agreement I had made. The chance I was taking to overthrow King Sylvester, the one who had robbed me of everything.However, the issue went beyond revenge. It has to do with her. Everything was always about her.The cracking sound of the wood didn't really disturb my trance as I pushed the door open. The only light in the otherwise gloomy house was the dim moonlight that filtered through the windows. My home was a modest, lonely place that reflected my life as it had become. After entering, I sank into the chair by the window and began to go
VERA’S POV:Just before sunset Lorna arrived, looking as calm as ever, but I could see the strain in her posture. She never wasted time on small talk, and I liked that about her. I had no desire for pointless chatter. The events of the last few days had left me reeling, each one more ridiculous than the last and driving me ever closer to the brink of sanity, which I was barely hanging onto.Lorna replied, "King Sylvester wants to see you," but her eyes flickered warily towards the guards stationed immediately outside my cell. I studied her for a moment before nodding. Fighting it was pointless, for the time being anyway.The cold stone under my bare feet served as a stark reminder of the chains that shackled me, even though they weren't real, as we made our way through the dimly lit hallways of the castle. The guard positioned in front of us maintained a neutral expression with his eyes fixed front, but I was aware that his quiet did not imply disinterest. Each individual in Sylvester
DEREK'S POV:For several hours, I had been stationed outside the castle door, feeling the chilly wind pierce my flesh through my clothes. It was getting closer to night, and I was always nervous about the silence that comes with it when it gets twilight. However, this anxiousness wasn't the typical kind that comes from watching over King Sylvester's stronghold's borders. There was something unusual about tonight. I was unable to pinpoint it exactly.Above me, I could see King Sylvester, in all his regal haughtiness, walking back and forth while speaking with Ryan through the enormous windows of the castle's opulent foyer. The monarch had the broad shoulders and silver-threaded hair of someone born to reign. Ryan, on the other hand, I never trusted. His sly, analytical eyes always seemed to be working extra hours, taking in data that he could utilise to his advantage. Their features were barely visible through the shadows created by the enormous chandelier above them, as they appeared
We exchanged a challenge as the emerging black werewolf's eyes met mine, a silent promise that only one of us would survive this. The beast, bristling in rage, lunged at me faster than any regular werewolf should have been able to, and my heart hammered against my rib cage. I was overcome by instinct and barely avoided its savage fangs as they slashed through the air where my chest had been only a few moments ago.I got up quickly and squatted down, preparing to jump. Even though it wasn't my first encounter with a marauder, this one seemed unique. He moved with precision and calculation. He was more than a feral beast and more of an apex predator – a vicious one at that.And I was his victim.I shot forward, my claws outstretched, going for his throat, and a snarl tore from my throat. However, he moved too quickly. He moved to the side without any difficulty and quickly brought his claws down on my side. His claws tore through skin and fur, and I felt pain shoot through my body. I st
Sims's boots crunched on the gravel courtyard path as he fell into step beside me as I made my way back from the cells. His stillness carried an unsettled weight, an underlying strain to his normal stoicism. As we passed, I could feel the other guards' eyes on me and hear their respectful murmurs. But to me, it was all meaningless. My thoughts were exclusively focused on Vera.Finally, with a quiet voice, Sims added, "King Sylvester wants to see you." I was aware that we would be meeting. No one had overlooked my achievement.I looked at Sims; his countenance was as blank as usual, but I was getting used to it. He was stoic, yet there was a sense of loyalty in his actions, a begrudging respect for me, a loyalty to the King. He had fought with me, witnessed the carnage, and now that we had won, I could feel that respect growing. It didn't alter the fact that I detested the person I had turned into while working for King Sylvester.We arrived at the courtyard. The high stone walls of th
As soon as I entered the bar, I saw Ryan's well-known silhouette. He was sitting where we usually sat, facing the door with his back to the wall. When he noticed me, he lifted his hand and his lips curled into a tiny smile. Even though my heartbeat was steady and slow, my mind was racing with ideas as I walked over. I was meant to feel relieved, even elated, but instead I felt tense.Ryan remarked, "You made it," as I walked up and he kicked out the chair across from him. "I was beginning to fear that you wouldn't arrive.”I nodded as I sat down. "It is finished."He signalled the stewardess, who practically slid over, her motions so graceful and poised they made me think of a dancer. She gave me a tumbler of whisky, the amber liquid glistening in the low bar light. Quietly, I thanked her and returned my focus to Ryan.In a toast, Ryan lifted his glass to my elevation. I returned the favour, but the atmosphere was sombre rather than joyous. Our glasses clinked, the sound barely audibl
DEREK'S POV:I was heading to the training fields when a thin little lad with a weak voice and fretting eyes caught me.He said mildly with an undercurrent of urgency, "Lady Annalise requests your presence,”I followed him through the stone passageways of King Sylvester's fortress, feeling my stomach twist into knots. Although Annalise and I had never had a private meeting, her influence was as strong as it was dangerous. When she talked, the King's council paid attention, and when she walked into a room, something changed. She had asked for me, and I couldn't get rid of the impression that it wasn't just a polite request.The boy came to a halt in front of the sturdy door of Annalise's chamber. He nodded and rushed out of sight, leaving me standing in the dark hallway light. After a brief pause, I gently knocked.She said, "Enter," in a calm yet firm tone.The smell of incense filled the room, strong and confusing. With her back to me, Annalise stood by a window, appearing as a shado
VERA'S POV.I was passing through the castle's walk way, in a room in saw Sylvester and uncle Ryan, they seem to be discussing something quite serious. I decided to hide and eavesdrop their conversation. They were talking with their voices barely above a whisper, but the castle was really quite so it wasn't difficult for me to listen. My heart raced as Rayn just delivered a news that would change things. I could sense the urgency from his voice and I felt a pang of anxiety.“There's an urgent meeting in Cadora pack and all the alphas must be present. You'd be two weeks away my king” I eavesdropped as Rayn told my husband.He also handed a piece of paper to him and he read it thoroughly.“We're to leave early tomorrow morning” Rayn continued and Sylvester nodded his head...“I've to be away for two weeks Vera, there's an urgent meeting I have to attend”. Sylvester told me as we lay on our royal bed almost ready to sleep.I didn't say a word because he was the king, it's one of his du
VERA'S POV.“Congratulations ma’am, You're four weeks pregnant with twins” the doctor said, stretching his hand for a handshake.“Ohh, really? Did I hear you say twins doc!” I asked in confusion, shaking his hands.“You heard me right,” the doctor smiled, handing my results to me.“Thank you so much” I said with a smile.….As I stepped out from the hospital, cool breeze refreshed my skin. I felt so delighted owing to the fact I was carrying a set of twins. I imagined how the look on Sylvester's face would be when I break the news to him. I placed my hands on my belly, I'd gone expecting a simple confirmed of pregnancy, I'd thought I was just pregnant with a child, but to my greatest surprise it's not just a child.. but two children! The news was still swirling in my mind, I was indeed so delighted and I concluded I'd spill the beans to Sylvester very soon, but not now though. This revelation turned my world into a fairy tale.As I started my walk home. Each step felt heavy, filled b
VERA'S POV.The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow across our room. I lay there, listening to the distant sounds of the pack stirring. A sense of unease settled in my stomach, a feeling that something was off. It wasn’t long before the heavy footsteps of the pack members echoed through the halls, their urgency palpable. My heart raced as I heard them call for Sylvester.I quickly dressed and made my way to the great hall, where the clan gathered. The air was thick with tension, and I could see the worry etched on the faces of our people. As I entered, I caught sight of my husband, King Sylvester, standing tall and commanding, his presence both reassuring and terrifying. The pack members were breathless, their words tumbling over one another as they reported the sighting of powerful werewolf intruders trying to claim our lands.A chill ran down my spine. The thought of intruders, especially powerful ones, sent waves of fear crashing over me. I had seen the dev
DEREK'S POV.As the weeks went by, Amber and I found ourselves paired up for a project. We were to create a set of matching mugs, and I was both excited and nervous. I could feel the weight of my memories with Vera pressing down on me, but Amber had a lightness that was hard to resist. She would often catch my eye and smile, her enthusiasm infectious. “Come on, Derek! You can’t just press the clay down like that! You have to give it some love!” she teased one afternoon, her laughter ringing out like music. I found myself smiling back, despite the tumult of emotions swirling inside me. “Thanks for the correction, miss tutor” i said, teasing her back.Our pottery sessions turned into something more. After class, Amber would often invite me over to her place, where she’d whip up something delicious in the kitchen. I couldn’t remember the last time someone had cooked for me, and it felt nice to be cared for, even if just a little. “Do you like pasta?” she asked one day, her hands busy
VERA'S POV.---As I stepped into the grand hall of the castle, the air was thick with anticipation. Today, I would meet Uncle Ryan, King Sylvester’s personal adviser. I had heard whispers about him—how he was not only intelligent but also quite handsome. My heart raced as I approached the ornate door, my mind swirling with thoughts about what this encounter would bring. When the door swung open, I was greeted by a warm smile that instantly put me at ease. Uncle Ryan had an aura of kindness that made the vastness of the hall feel cozy. His deep, expressive eyes sparkled with intelligence.As I walked through the marble corridors, the sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the ornate decorations. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging here, yet there was still that lingering feeling of being an outsider. I was King Sylvester's Luna, after all, but the weight of that title often felt heavy on my shoulders. I took a deep breath, reminding myself of the
VERA'S POV.As I sit in front of the mirror, the soft glow of the morning sun spills into the room, illuminating the delicate strands of my hair and the sparkle of the jewels adorning my neck and wrists. King Sylvester has outdone himself again. The diamond necklace he gifted me last night is breathtaking, a cascade of light that dances with every movement I make. I can’t help but smile at the thought of his face when he saw my reaction. He loves to spoil me, and I adore him for it.Every day feels like a fairy tale. Breakfast in bed, luxurious spa treatments, and the most exquisite gowns to wear to our evening gatherings. Sylvester’s affection is wrapped in every gift, every gesture. It’s as if he believes that material things can shield me from the world’s troubles. But beneath the surface of this opulence, I feel a growing weight in my chest, a heaviness I can’t quite shake off. I glance at the clock, realizing that I’ve spent too long admiring my reflection. Sylvester will be her
VERA'S POV.“I'm introducing you to my friends and other members of the park today” Sylvester had told me early this morning when I woke up.“Huh” I was confused.Knowing I was a very shy type and I hated congested places.“Don't worry baby, they'll all like you and you'll too” he assured me.Deep down, I was disturbed but I didn't let it show, in other words not to prolong things.“Alright then” I said.I took a shower, washed my greasy hair. Wore a loyal Luna's gown. I looked beautiful in the gown, as I stood on the giant mirror admiring myself.Then Sylvester walked In, he was dressed already. His dress sense was part of the reasons I fell for him, he knows what fits him so much and he always looked stunning in them.“My angel,” he said, smiling at me.“Your beauty radiates, even the sun can't relate” he praised me.“You’ll never stop flattering me”I answered.“Of course not, baby” he replied.…The lights flickered and pulsed around us as we entered the club, the music thumping in
DEREK'S POV.The pottery class was a strange mix of excitement and anxiety for me. I had signed up on a whim, hoping to find a new hobby to distract myself from the memories of Vera. As I shuffled into the studio, the scent of clay and paint filled the air, mingling with the soft chatter of my classmates. That’s when I saw a lady. She was sitting at a wheel, her long hair cascading down her back, and her hazel eyes sparkled with a kind of warmth that instantly drew me in. We were paired for a project, and as we worked together, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between her and Vera. The way she focused on her craft, the laugh that escaped her lips when she made a mistake—it all felt familiar yet refreshing. It was as if I was meeting a new side of something I thought I had lost forever. “What's your name?” I'd asked her.“I'm Amber, what's yours?" she said, smiling at me.“Umm, Derek,” I replied.“Such a nice name” she complimented.And I just smiled. No doubt Amber was a
DEREK'S POV.I stood at the edge of the park, watching the leaves dance in the gentle breeze. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the sun casting warm rays that painted the world in golden hues. Yet, despite the vibrant surroundings, a heaviness settled in my chest. Today was the day I had decided to let go, at least for now.Vera had been on my mind constantly. The way her laughter lit up a room, how her eyes sparkled with mischief, and the warmth of her smile had all woven themselves into the fabric of my thoughts. But I knew I had to step back. Our relationship had become a tangled web of emotions, and I was indeed tired of feeling like a puppet, pulled in different directions by her indecision. “It was time to let her be, to give her the space she needed, even if it felt like tearing a piece of myself away”. I said to myself.“I’ll let her be,” I whispered. The words feel foreign yet liberating. I had spent countless nights contemplating my feelings for her, wondering if I was