I observed the shadows created by the dim light flickering along the stone walls. Even though I still had scrapes and bruises from the fight, the pain got better every day, and I started to feel stronger than I had anticipated. I could feel it swelling inside of me, coiling like a snake waiting to strike, but at first it was gradual, like a trickle. It was this increasing intensity that kept me up at night. My body was recuperating more quickly than it should have, with flesh repairing and bones knitting.It was more than simply the physical recovery, though. There was another stirring, something primordial, something perilous.I listened to the distant echo of footsteps while lying on the bed and gazing up at the ceiling. There was a lot of noise in the castle, including whispering and power plays. Vera, like myself, was stranded somewhere in the middle of it all. With every thought of her, the veins in my arms throbbed, and I tightened my fists. I needed to reach her.The door opene
Derek’s POVThe air was thick and damp, a cold that clung to my bones and gnawed at my skin, reminding me every second of where I was. The dungeon. It reeked of mildew and rusted metal, a place long forgotten by most and designed to break the strongest of men. But I wasn't just any man.The guards dragged me in, their grip firm but wary. They’d seen the way my wounds were healing, faster than they expected, and it made them nervous. I could see it in their stiff movements, the way their hands clenched tighter around their weapons every time I so much as twitched. Good. They should be nervous. Because no matter how deep they tried to bury me, I’d claw my way out.One of the guards shoved me, hard enough to make me stumble. I caught myself, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me fall."Think you're something special, don’t you?” he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Well, let's see how special you are down here. No light, no one to hear you scream."I met his gaze, r
VERA’S POV. When I woke up, I found myself in the palace’s sickbay. My body was really weak, and very heavy. I was weighed down by an invisible load. My eyes, still struggling to open, and my mouth, as dry as the Sahara desert. On my knee was a crisscross of gauze and bandage somehow restricting the movement of my leg.Well, I blinked trying to clear the heaviness from my eyes. The sickbay's walls now felt strange and unsettling to me. I tried to remember how I got here, then instantly the event displayed crystal clear in my memory. I remembered been attacked by werewolves in the forest. I recalled been rescued by the king. How he fought and risked his life for me. My heart melted.“Oh Vera, you're awake!” My thoughts were interrupted by a castle maid. There was a tray which contained a clean towel in her left hand and on the other was a bowl of water. I smiled feebly at her, trying to sit up. “Ouch” I cried. Seems I forgot I had an injury.“Easyy” the maid said dropping the tr
DEREK'S POV.I found my way out of the palace with the help of Sims, the castle's chief guard. Though I still feel weak, I was quite better. I sat in my abode lost in thoughts. What about Vera? I pondered. How is she doing? What is she doing now? I hope she's safe. I thought to myself. I couldn't even grasp a single reasonable thought, my brain felt like a tangled web of confusion.I need to see Vera regardless, she must know the truth, she must know I didn't do anything and that I'm not a bad person, she should know I really love her. “What should I do? No, that's wrong. Wait, maybe…. Ugh!” Outside, morning freshness veiled the valleys. The weather's gentle breeze soothed my soul. A knock was heard on my sitting room’s door. I walked up to the door to see who It was. “My guy,” James greeted, stretching his hand anticipating a handshake.James was my childhood friend, we were really close and we both were known for causing mischiefs in the pack when we were young. As we were grow
DEREK'S POV.I stood there waiting till King Sylvester went back into the castle. When he eventually did, I headed to where Vera was sitting.As I walked towards her, I began to doubt myself . My palms grew really sweaty, and my legs felt heavy and difficult to lift. But I know I must reassure Vera of my love and show her that my love is unwavering and unchanging. She still looked as beautiful as she was, if not more beautiful. As I walked to her I admired her eyes and smile. Vera was a goddess and I couldn't afford to lose such beauty.Vera looked up at me, she seemed surprised. She didn't look excited seeing me. Instantly I started having double thoughts but I went on still.“Hey love, happy to see me?” I said smiling. “What in heaven's name are you doing here Derek I thought you escaped from the castle already” Vera said with a rather serious tone. She didn't just say this to me, did she? What has come over her? I thought. I stood, confused on what to reply. She has never spo
Derek’s POVAs I climbed the last few steps, the air grew fresher, carrying a hint of the world outside. Freedom was close, and the thought pulsed in my veins, giving me strength. The dungeon had felt like death itself, but now, I was just a few steps from reclaiming my life, my power, and, most importantly, Vera. The thought of her was the only thing keeping me grounded, the one flame that hadn’t been extinguished in the darkness.At the top of the stairs, I peered down the dim corridor stretching in both directions. I had no clear idea where they’d taken Vera, but I wasn’t going to leave without finding out. I moved silently, hugging the walls, the chill of the stone against my skin. My senses were sharpened by adrenaline; every sound, every shadow registered in my mind.It wasn’t long before I reached the lower prison cells, but they were empty, rows of abandoned cells with nothing but darkness inside. Panic started to prick at the edges of my mind. She had to be here somewhere the
Vera’s POVThe days had blurred together in this suffocating chamber. I’d lost track of how long I’d been kept here, under constant watch. My world had shrunk to these four walls, a prison as stifling as any dungeon. I felt like a bird trapped in a cage, able to see the world but never touch it.Most of the time, I sat by the window, watching as the light shifted with each passing hour. Today was no different. I leaned against the cold glass, my eyes unfocused on the night sky, my mind drifting to thoughts of Derek. His face, his voice, the way his presence made me feel safe. But now, separated and powerless, all I could do was hope he’d find a way out, that he’d escape the chains Sylvester had forced on him.A soft whisper carried through the stillness, so faint I thought I’d imagined it. I froze, heart pounding as the voice came again low and almost ghostly but familiar in a way that sent a shiver down my spine. It sounded like Derek’s voice.Without thinking, I bolted to the door a
VERA’S POV.I looked helplessly staring into thin air, lost in thoughts as I've always been in this cell as a captive. Days turned into weeks and I haven't stopped thinking of ways to get out of this hell, though it's all seeming impossible but giving up isn't in my option either.The brutal pain I felt increased daily as I swore to escape from this dungeon by all means. I cried! I thought about how things has been all this years for me.I could feel the change of climax as the wind blew and found its way inside my cell through the high slots. The weather seemed foggy and misty. The wind blew weightless and inanimate objects in the cell where I sat lethargically, still lost in deep thoughts.My notions were cut short, I could hear footsteps coming towards the cell's direction. Soon the door sprang open. It was Annalise she stood at door post smiling cringly. Opening the door and standing by the entrance I could feel the cool breeze from the entrance into my cell.In her hand was a cig
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