Kavan POVI loathed it."My father spoke, his voice consciously impartial, to Kavan." "I was surprised to see you here."I stood up, making my face show no emotion. I could express the same sentiment. This is not a place for non-military personnel.Autumn flinched at the word, and a small, mean part of me was pleased.My father's eyes hardened. "We were just leaving. Come, Autumn."He placed a hand on her lower back, guiding her past us. As they passed, Autumn's eyes met mine for a brief moment. There was something in them—fear? Defiance? I couldn't tell. I looked away."Your Majesty?" Marcus's voice was tentative. "Shall we proceed?"I noticed that I was not moving, with my fists tightly closed by my hips. I made them unwind, disregarding the pain in my hands from digging my nails."I said yes with a clipped voice." "Let's finish this quickly."The small interrogation room was bare, with bright fluorescent lights glaring above. As I entered, the slaver, chained to the table, widened
Autumn POVAs Mathias led me away, I found myself unable to resist sneaking another look at Kavan. He was tall and authoritative, and he stood there with a face that showed no emotion. He looked past me as though I were invisible, treating me like a mere object. A sudden, sharp pain pierced through my chest, catching me off guard. I forced myself to swallow, attempting to suppress it."Autumn ?" Mathias's words interrupted my train of thought. "Are you okay?"I agreed silently, unable to trust my own words. If I were able to, what could I possibly express? Did his son's lack of warmth affect me? Did I feel a mysterious attraction to him that I couldn't understand? Was I frightened, bewildered, and directionless?Mathias examined me briefly, his eyes gentle yet probing. He was as tall as Kavan but had a wider build on the shoulders. His hair was a combination of salt and pepper colors, he was well-groomed, and he had smile lines around his eyes. He exuded a relaxed confidence that drew
Autumn POV"There, now," she said with a calming voice. "Shall we go and get you a cup of tea?"I agreed, appreciative of her peaceful demeanor. While she hurriedly made tea, I gradually started to unwind. The fear subsided, leaving fatigue behind.Mrs. Potts came back carrying a hot mug and placed it in my hands. The heat penetrated my bones, anchoring me."Okay," she said, sitting down in the chair opposite me. "Are you interested in discussing what occurred?"I paused, then carefully placed the mug on the surface. My hands gestured, creating the symbols I had mastered many years before."I have been mute," I signed. "Since I was a child."Mrs. Potts was surprised at first but then became more understanding. "You are familiar with sign language," she said, mimicking my hand movements.I nodded, relief washing over me. Finally, someone I could truly communicate with."I learned years ago," Mrs. Potts explained, her signs fluid and practiced. "My nephew is deaf. Now, tell me about th
Autumn POVI stayed up all night, watching the moon create long shadows in my room. The choice in front of me felt heavy, bearing down on my chest as if it were a tangible object. Whether to be identified or not. To commit myself to this group and to this location. Addressed to Kavan.His expression lingered in my thoughts, icy and aloof. His touch, scent, and intense gaze all mixed together in my mind, creating a confusing and alluring sensation. How can I deal with this feeling of being drawn to someone? This attraction to a man who regarded me as insignificant?As the initial rays of morning began to filter through my window, I abandoned all hope of sleeping. My thoughts moved swiftly in never-ending loops, my mind in a frenzy. I needed something to divert my attention.When I walked in, the kitchen was silent and motionless. Cookware dangled from shelves, shining in the morning sunlight. I ran my fingers across the sleek surface, inhaling the traces of yesterday's cooking.The act
Autumn POVThe idea brought a genuine smile to my face. I nodded eagerly, already reaching for containers.While we prepared the food, Mrs. Potts continued to talk constantly, replacing the quietness caused by Kavan's dramatic departure."Do not fret about him," she said while closing a pancake container. Under his icy exterior lies a kind heart. It just requires some time to get comfortable with others.I arched my eyebrow, doubtful. Mrs. Potts laughed quietly."I am aware. I am aware. It is difficult to comprehend at this moment. I have been acquainted with that boy since he was a baby. Being himself, he has had to be strong. Just because he can't learn to be kind as well.I thought about what she said as we completed the packing. Is it possible that there is warmth hidden beneath Kavan's icy demeanor? Was Mrs. Potts perceiving what she desired to see in the young boy she had assisted in bringing up?One hour later, I arrived at the entrance of a tiny cabin located on the outskirts
Autumn POVI quickly left Kavan's office, my heart beating rapidly in my chest. His touch stayed on my skin, a phantom feeling I couldn't get rid of no matter how quickly I fled. My inner wolf whined, feeling mixed up and wanting something that I couldn't—wouldn't—identify. The fresh pack connection pulsed in my thoughts, a continual memory of the recent event.I kept going until I got to my room, slamming the door shut and leaning on it. I was breathing rapidly and unevenly, with short gasps. I had to relax and ponder. However, each time I shut my eyes, Kavan's face appeared in my mind, and I could feel the warmth of his body against me.I vigorously shook my head, attempting to dispel the thoughts. This was not included in the plan. It was not possible for me to be distracted at this moment.However, when I turned and began to move away from the door, I discovered that I was not the only one present.Mathias was standing by the window, his face brightening up when he caught sight of
Autumn POVThe dining room gleamed. Crystal chandeliers threw sparkles across polished silverware. I sat across from Mathias, the table between us a vast expanse of white linen. The room was too large, too grand. It made me feel small and insignificant.Mathias lifted the decanter; his movements were smooth and practiced. "More wine, my dear?"I shook my head. The rich food sat heavy in my stomach. I didn't need alcohol to muddy my thoughts. Not when every moment here felt like walking on a knife's edge."You barely touched your food," Mathias said, his brow furrowing. "Don't you like it?"I nodded, forcing a smile. The roast was tender, and the vegetables were crisp. But each bite tasted like ash. How could I enjoy a meal when every second was a lie?Mathias poured himself another glass. The ruby liquid sloshed against the crystal. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes bright. Too bright. "You're too kind," he said. He reached across the table, his fingers brushing mine. I fought the
Autumn POVKavan's eyes narrowed. In two strides, he crossed the room. I scrambled to my feet, but he was faster. His arm shot out, caging me against the wall. The heat of him seeped into me, his scent wrapping around me like a physical thing."Interesting," he said. His voice was soft and dangerous. Like the whisper of a blade being drawn. "It seems you can speak after all."I swallowed hard. My mind raced, searching for an explanation. Any explanation. "You must have heard my voice in your mind," I said weakly. "The mate bond--""Don't lie to me." Kavan's eyes flashed gold, a wolf rising to the surface. "We both know that's not how it works."I lifted my chin, anger overriding fear. "Fine. I can talk. What of it?""What of it?" Kavan's laugh was without humor. It scraped against my nerves like sandpaper. "You've been playing us all for fools. Why? To seduce my father?""Seduce him?" I sputtered. The accusation was so absurd that I almost laughed. "I would never--""No?" Kavan leaned
All did not sit well with me seeing Autumn become so flirty with my dad. I knew she had to be up to something, but I could not quite wrap my fingers around it yet.After my dad and she left, I was worried, and I decided to follow my instincts to go check up on her. I knew something bad was happening, and I could not just stay by and think about it.“Sunny, I have to go now. I will be right back,” I said. “Where are you going, Kavan?" She asked. “No, you don't have to worry; I will be right back in no time,” I responded. “Okay, I will be waiting for you here. Do not take too long,” she added. I faked a smile and left, heading to my dad's room.I could hear someone screaming and shouting from his room, and I knew all hell has finally broken loose; he must be trying to force himself on her again.I banged at the door, and I slammed the door open. My hunch was right. The sight in front of me was so gruesome, as I could see my dad on top of Autumn, trying to force himself on her.“What do
MATHIAS’S POV Autumn was being flirty with me, and she made it so obvious to everyone. I was sure she did not know if Kavan was being serious about Sunny or not, but I believed him either way."Mathias, can we go to your room, please? I feel like spending the night with you,” she said. Kavan looked stunned when he heard her say that and was looking at her for some sort of explanation; she ignored him and was persistent in going with me to my room.I took the opportunity and grabbed her waist, gesturing her to my room and leading the way. Oh yes, finally!” I said. I was filled with excitement as I beamed with smiles all plastered on my face. Autumn was trying to make Kavan regret his decisions by getting him jealous of me. Either way, I was enjoying it, so I did not bother to think much of it.“Kavan, I think we should go too. We have told dad what we came here to say,” Sunny said, almost dragging Kavan away. Kavan did not want to leave as he continued staring at Autumn, waiting for h
AUTUMN'S POV Marcus dragged me by my hair and forcefully started kissing all over my body. I felt so disgusted as I struggled to pull him off me. His grip on me was too tight, and I was unable to get him off. At this point, I was screaming and shouting, hoping someone would hear and come to my rescue. This was not the first time Mathias had tried forcing himself on me.The last time was when Kavan luckily came to my aid. Mathias had dragged me from Mrs. Potts room to his room and tried molesting me. I was trying to fight my way out, but his grip on me made it so difficult and hard to leave. I could hear banging at the door, and Kavan suddenly slammed the door open. He came to my aid again, and I knew he had a hunch about this earlier because he knew I would not willingly go to Mathias’s room unless I had a plan. “What do you think you are doing, dad?” Kavan said, pushing his dad off me. “Why are you here?” Mathias responded. “Shouldn't you be with your pregnant wife?” he added. “W
AUTUMN'S POV I was being flirty with Marcus, and I made it so obvious to everyone. I did not know if Kavan was being real with the pregnancy with Sunny, but I suspected it to be only an act to get his dad deceived."Mathias, can we go to your room, please? I feel like spending the night with you,” I said. Kavan looked stunned when he heard me say that and was looking at me for some sort of explanation. I ignored him and was persistent in going with his dad.Mathias took the opportunity and grabbed my waist, gesturing me to his room and leading the way. Oh yes, finally!” Mathias said. He was filled with excitement as he beamed with a smile all plastered on his face. This was part of my plan and also to make Kavan feel a bit jealous about it. I could see the jealousy all over his face, and he was very terrible at hiding it.“Kavan, I think we should go too. We have told dad what we came here to say,” Sunny said, almost dragging Kavan away. Kavan did not want to leave as he continued st
MATHIAS’S POV “You have always been selfish, Mathias; you have never truly cared about me or my feelings,” she said, trying to gaslight me. “Me selfish? How dare you say that to me?” I responded. “That is the truth; why don't you want to accept that fact?” she added, trying to instigate me to respond. I knew all she was doing and just played along with her tricks.“You are lucky, Autumn, that I am in a good mood, or else you know what I would have done to you,” I responded. “What haven't you done, Mathias? I still remember vividly how you raised your hands on me,” she said. “I cannot believe you would do such to me,” she added. “I did not mean that, Autumn, and you know that, you keep pushing me to the wall,” I responded.She was about to respond back at me, but then Sunny and Kavan suddenly showed up and told me that they had something to tell me..Kavan saw me and Autumn already there; it was as if she wanted to leave, but I was stopping her from leaving. Kavan and Autumn looked at
AUTUMN’S POV “You have always been selfish, Mathias; you have never truly cared about me or my feelings,” I said, trying to gaslight him. “Me selfish? How dare you say that to me?” Marcus said. “That is the truth; why don't you want to accept that fact?” I added, trying to instigate him to respond. “You are lucky, Autumn, that I am in a good mood, or else you know what I would have done to you,” he responded. “What haven't you done, Mathias? I still remember vividly how you raised your hands on me,” I said. “I cannot believe you would do such to me,” I added. “I did not mean that, Autumn, and you know that, you keep pushing me to the wall,” he responded.I was about to respond back at him, then Sunny and Kavan suddenly showed up and told Mathias that they had something to tell him.Kavan saw his dad and I already there; it was as if I wanted to leave, but he was stopping me from leaving. Kavan and I looked at each other briefly before we avoided each other's eye contact. We had to ma
KAVAN'S POV Sunny and I went to look for my dad. We had gone to his room after revising for the plan I told her already. “You know what to do, right?” I asked her. “Yes, I do,” she responded. "Okay, give me an example; express yourself,” I added.“No, it is not needed. I will do that when I see your dad,” she said. I did not argue with her and just nodded in response to her. We first went to my dad's room to see if he was there, but he was nowhere to be found."Dad,” I said, knocking softly on the door. “Are you in there?” I added. “Maybe he is not in the room,” Sunny said. “I guess too; let's go to the balcony or the dining hall,” I added. “Let us go to the balcony first,” she responded, and we both left and headed to the manor's balcony.There we saw my dad and Autumn already there; it was as if she wanted to leave, but he was stopping her from leaving. Autumn and I looked at each other briefly before we avoided each other's eye contact. We had to make it look like we got betrayed
MATHIAS'S POV “Did he catch you hiding?” Kavan asked her. She responded and told him that I did not, but I noticed her presence. “He did not see me; I made sure to hide very well,” she responded to him. “So when they both left, I came out of my hiding spot and quickly went to Mrs. Potts room, and then, I think, after a few minutes, he also came by to check up on her,” she added.“Did you try leaving when you saw him?” Kavan asked her. "Yes, I did try to leave, but he held me back,” she replied. I was spying on Kavan and Autumn and also listening to their conversations. After some while, I got bored of it and went to the library to cool my head off. After some minutes there, I asked a guard to request for Marcus to come to the manor. “Hey you, come here,” I said, sighting one of the guards I saw. "Yes, sir,” he responded. “I want you to call Marcus for me, get in touch with him, and tell him that I want to see him at the manor right now,” I said. “Okay, sir,” he responded and left.
AUTUMN'S POV I do not owe you any reply, Marcus.“ I responded to him. “Why can you not get that you are just a tool for Mathias? He is never going to trust or actually love you like his son; you are just doing this for nothing. Are you blind to see that?” I added.“Shut up,” he said. “You are working so hard for him, but when he is done using you, he is going to leave and dumb you without even looking back at all,” I responded. “Who asked for your opinion, Autumn? Why can you not just keep your mouth shut?” He fired back at me.“You don't own me, so I can speak and give my opinions whenever I want to,” I said. “You are not the boss of me, and you cannot control me, scumbag,” I added. I have had it enough with both him and Mathias; people have been calling me names, but I have just decided to keep calm all this while, but now I am so tired of it, I cannot take it anymore.“Since you are done barking Marcus, how about you leave?” I said. “I already told you to mind your business,” he r