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 POVThe warm sunlight streaming through the windows of the small cottage highlighted the joyful atmosphere of our little family's lunch gathering. Kevin, Astrid, Apollo, and I sat around the wooden table, laughing and chatting as we savored the delicious meal Sophia, my boss at the bakery, had packaged for us in a box as a token of her benevolence. Kevin, ever the attentive listener, asked the twins about their morning's adventure, and they eagerly shared stories of their exploration of the nearby woods. I smiled, watching my children's faces light up with excitement, feeling grateful for this peaceful moment amidst the chaos that had been brewing in our lives.As we finished our meal, Kevin's expression turned serious, and he leaned in, his voice low. "I have some news," he said, his eyes locking onto mine. "I received a message yesterday from my guys, I mean my childhood friends back at the castle. It seems that Sylvester, Uncle Ryan, and Sigurd are at war, each vying for co
(VERA’s POV)The guards watched in awe as the two men fought on, their swords clashing in a flurry of steel and sparks. It was a duel for the ages, a battle of strength and skill that would only end with one man standing.As the duel raged on, it seemed that neither man could gain the upper hand. They were evenly matched, their swords striking each other with a force that sent shockwaves through the air.But slowly, Sigurd began to gain the advantage. His sword sliced through Briggs' defenses, striking him with precision and skill. Briggs stumbled backward, his eyes wide with fear as he realized he was beaten.And then, in a final, desperate bid to turn the tide of the duel, Briggs lunged forward, his sword flashing in the light of the throne room. Sigurd parried the blow, his own sword striking Briggs with a force that sent him crashing to the ground.As Briggs lay there, his eyes wide with shock and pain, Sigurd stood over him, his sword raised for the killing blow. And with a swift
(VERA’s POV)As the two armies clashed, the battle raged on for hours. Sigurd fought bravely, his sword slicing through the enemy ranks with deadly precision. Grimbold fought by his side, his axe swinging in great arcs as he cut down anyone who dared to get too close."Sigurd, we need to push forward!" Grimbold shouted above the din of battle. "We can't let them gain the upper hand!"Sigurd nodded, his eyes scanning the battlefield. "I see Uncle Ryan's standard," he said. "Let's make a push for it. If we can take out Uncle Ryan, we might be able to break their morale."Grimbold grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Let's do it!" he shouted, charging forward into the fray.As they fought their way through the enemy ranks, Sigurd and Grimbold finally reached Uncle Ryan's standard. But to their surprise, Uncle Ryan was not alone. He was surrounded by a group of heavily armed guards, who looked like they would stop at nothing to defend their leader."Uncle Ryan, you're a hard man t
(VERA’s POV)But the woman's next words were ominous. "However, the lion will not last as the king of the jungle," she said, her eyes glinting with a knowing light. "A new power will rise, and the balance of power will shift."Sigurd's face was set with determination. "I will not let that happen," he said, his voice firm and resolute. "I will fight to the death to defend my kingdom and my people."Meanwhile, Sylvester was experiencing a terrifying dream. He saw himself choking in his own blood, his eyes bulging out of his head as he struggled to breathe.Sylvester woke up with a start, his heart racing with fear. He was drenched in sweat, and his sheets were tangled around his legs."What's wrong, my lord?" Victor asked, rushing to Sylvester's side.Sylvester's face was twisted with fear. "I had a dream," he said, his voice shaking. "I saw myself choking in my own blood."Victor's face was expressionless. "It's just a dream, my lord," he said. "It doesn't mean anything. It could be a
(VERA’s POV)They knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but they were ready. They were ready to fight for their freedom, for their rights, and for their very lives.As the three leaders - Sylvester, Sigurd, and Uncle Ryan - began to gather their forces and prepare for war, the kingdom was thrown into chaos. The people were caught in the middle, unsure of what the future held or which leader to support.The air was thick with tension, and the sense of unease was palpable. Everyone knew that war was coming, and no one knew who would emerge victorious.As the darkness gathered, the kingdom held its breath, waiting for the battle to begin. But for now, the three leaders simply watched and waited, in full guard and alert, each one waiting for the others to make the first move...******As the days passed by, the tension in the kingdom continued to build. Sylvester, Sigurd, and Uncle Ryan were all gathering their forces, preparing for the battle that was to come. One man sought to pu
(VERA’s POV)Sigurd nodded, his mind racing with thoughts and strategies. "I agree," he said. "Let's gather as much information as we can and then make our move."The room fell silent, each of Sigurd's allies lost in their own thoughts. They knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but they were ready. They were ready to follow Sigurd into battle, to fight for their freedom and their rights.As they sat there, a loud noise echoed through the castle, followed by the sound of shouting and clashing steel. Sigurd's eyes snapped towards the door, his hand on the hilt of his sword."What's going on?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.Grimbold got up and went to the door, peeking outside. "It's Goro and his men," he said. "They're attacking a group of rebels."Sigurd's face was grim. "It's starting," he said. "Sylvester's making his move."The room fell silent, each of Sigurd's allies lost in their own thoughts. They knew that the battle was coming, and they were ready. They were ready
(VERA’s POV)But little did Sylvester know, the tide of public opinion was beginning to turn against him. More and more people were beginning to see him for what he truly was: a cruel and ruthless tyrant.And as the resistance continued to spread their message of hope and freedom, the people of the kingdom began to rally behind Sigurd and his allies.***Sylvester's face was twisted with rage and desperation as he paced back and forth in his throne room. His guards and Victor stood before him, waiting for his orders."We need to crush this rebellion once and for all," Sylvester spat, his voice venomous. "I want you to round up every suspected rebel and throw them in the dungeons. I want you to make examples of them, to show the people what happens when you dare to defy me."Victor nodded, his face expressionless. "Yes, my lord," he said. "We will see to it immediately."Meanwhile, Sigurd and his followers were busy making their own plans. They knew that they had to act quickly, before
(VERA’S POV)The guards and advisors nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination. Sylvester smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction and power."I want you all to know that I will stop at nothing to crush our enemies," Sylvester said."I will use every trick in the book, every tactic and strategy at my disposal. And I will not rest until Sigurd and his followers are defeated and destroyed."The guards and advisors cheered, their voices echoing off the stone walls of the throne room. Sylvester smiled, feeling a sense of pride and power.But as he looked out at his loyal followers, Sylvester couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was a traitor in their midst, someone who was secretly working against him.Sylvester's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with suspicion and paranoia. He knew that he had to be careful, that he had to watch his back at all times.And so, with a sense of caution and unease, Sylvester began to make his
(VERA’s POV)He knew that eliminating Sigurd wouldn't be easy. He was a strong young warrior, hefty and known for winning wars. Someone who was called Sigurd the hound by his kinsmen because of his ferocity at taking down opponents. He was well-liked and respected by the people, and he had a loyal following among the guard. But Sylvester was determined to crush him, to eliminate him as a threat to his rule.As he paced, Sylvester's eyes fell on a large map of the kingdom that hung on the wall. He studied it intently, his mind racing with strategies and tactics.He knew that Sigurd would likely gather his allies and prepare to defend himself. But Sylvester was confident that he could outmaneuver him, that he could crush him and his followers once and for all.With a cold, calculating smile, Sylvester continued to pace and plan, his mind consumed by his desire for power and revenge.Meanwhile, in a secret underground chamber deep in the heart of the kingdom, Sigurd was gathering his own