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:My cell's chilly and dank stone walls had grown to feel like an old friend that I had to accept even though I had never asked for it. I was walking down the same wet floor, counting breaths, and following the same lines in the cracks every day. It had been months, not just weeks. I had been disoriented. I still had hope, though. I had persuaded myself, at least, that I hadn't.Then Derek showed there, just as he always did, walking into my small area with firm, steady steps. The creak of the door opened, but it was not the sound of liberation. Not quite yet. It was the sound of someone who was just not quite there, but wanted to think he could grant it. Despite trying to hide it with his normally composed manner, he stood straight in front of me, his face tense with worry. His demeanor hardly fooled me."You're handling everything so well," he said in a quiet voice that seemed almost melancholic, as if he thought I would be more devastated than I actually was.I gave him a
DEREK’S POV:As I swung into the back seat of the convoy, the engine hissed like a beast under the hood. There was already Annalise sitting in the centre with a cigarette hanging between her fingers and her knees crossed. The leather and metal of the armoured vehicle blended with the strong tobacco odour that permeated the inside. Her piercing emerald eyes showed no emotion as she cocked her head slightly, silently accepting my arrival.After a beat, she murmured, "Help yourself," pointing to the little bar embedded at the rear of the exotic car located across from me in a low, nearly humming voice. In the dimly lit space, a variety of spirits bottles gleamed, but my attention was drawn to the crystal decanter she was holding. She was already filling two glasses with something strong and dark.For a moment, I pondered whether it was prudent to drink at this time. Vera was on the line, King Sylvester was breathing down my neck, and every minute that went by only made me feel more and m
The gentle hum of the convoy's engine filled the quiet between Annalise and me as we rode the remainder of the trip. My pulse pounded in my ears, and my hands were still shaking from whatever cocktail she had given me. Sylvester, Vera, and the twisted woodland were all too real and visceral in the hallucination I had just had. I looked to see what she was thinking, but Annalise's eyes were locked on the road ahead, and her demeanour was as unreadable as ever.The convoy soon slowed, and I sensed the car veer slightly off the main road. Outside, the desolate horizon gave way to towering, imposing buildings, their neon lights glimmering in the darkness like beacons. The caravan arrived at a sleek, low-slung structure that appeared to be a club. The pulse of lights flashed sporadically, creating shadows that danced in the darkness like wraiths, as music throbbed softly through the walls.With ease, Annalise glided out as the door opened. Even though the fog in my head had mostly gone, I
DEREK'S POV:My body felt heavy and my muscles ached like I had been dragged through hell when I woke up, confused. My mouth felt as dry as a desert, and my head ached. I looked about, blinking against the faint light coming through heavy curtains. It was a hotel room with cream walls and soft carpets, yet the air had a slight scent and cigarette odour. When I sat up and saw that I was only wearing my boxers, my bewilderment turned to fear.Pushing my way through the club, attempting to get away from the suffocating commotion, the flashing lights, and the tightening embrace of bodies, was the last thing I remembered. Then again, nothing. An empty canvas.I noticed a shadow move close to the window. There stood Annalise, silhouetted against the dim light of the metropolis outside. With a cigarette dangling from her lips and a camera in one hand that flashed menacingly in the low light, she was leaning nonchalantly.I made an effort to collect my thoughts, but the mental haze would not
As though the weight of the world didn't bother him, Ryan Myers entered the room with a chilly, uninterested expression. I kept a careful eye on him, attempting to hide the rage seething in me. He was a few steps from me, and in the dim light of the room, his towering figure was a shadow. He fixed his emotionless gaze on mine."Derek," he uttered, his tone steady but threatening. "Queen Annalise should be avoided. You'll escape any... unpleasant repercussions if you follow instructions.”I said nothing at all and continued to stare at him intently, searching for any hints. The air was different today, even though Ryan had always been one of the more erratic ones. It wasn't your typical bluster. No, it seemed like a far darker event was about to happen.He stepped forward, and I smelt his aroma, a subtle blend of iron and leather. He had no intention of negotiating. He had an ultimatum to deliver."Insubordination is not tolerated by the Luna," he continued, maintaining his cold tone.
DEREK'S POV:With a snarl that echoed around the room, Bowlser sprang out of the shadows. He looked horrific, a hideous hybrid of beast and man. His enormous frame seemed to throb with unadulterated, animalistic strength, and he was at least eight feet tall. His muscles bulged and rippled with each movement, and his skin was a mottled grey. There was a wicked thirst burning in his red-glowing eyes. Sharp fangs glinted in the low light, and clawed claws flexed as if ready to tear flesh.My entire body tensed in anticipation as I tightened my fists. My blood was getting hotter, and I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins. As Bowlser stepped closer, his heavy feet making the floor tremble, the room around us seemed to contract, the walls pressing in. I heard nothing but the thunderous pounding of my own heartbeat for a while, and then he suddenly charged.For something so big, his speed was astounding. In a matter of seconds, he was on me, swinging his huge arm in my directi
I woke up with a nagging discomfort that spread across my entire body and the acute sting of an IV in my arm. The sick bay smelt of antiseptic mixed with something metallic, and the chamber was cold and sterile. I tried to concentrate on the ceiling, but my vision became blurry. Eventually, the fight, the pandemonium, and the pain all returned to me. A nurse was adjusting something on the IV stand while the middle-aged, graying-haired doctor fussed over the machines.I attempted to move, but the tubing—no, the restraints—held me in place, and my arms felt like lead. I wanted to talk, but it took a minute to get any sound out of my throat, which felt like sandpaper."Where am I?"The doctor gave me a quick look before turning back to the screen of the electrocardiogram that bleeped incessantly. “Derek, you're in the sick bay at the castle. You were severely beaten.I blinked many times in an attempt to clear my mind of the haze. "What happened?"With a gentle tone, the nurse remarked,
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