ISABELLE’S POV Something about his presence stirred me. My wolf already intrigued.He looked like he'd been plucked right out of a painting, his features refined and simply perfection.“Are you alright?” I asked, my voice calm even as my heart skipped a beat.My body flushed with the same sensation I felt when I first laid eyes on Kael, a natural physical attraction I couldn't deny.Alan straightened, his pride untouched despite the humiliation. “Thank you, Miss. I’m fine.” He replied smoothly, with a graceful bow.I narrowed my eyes at the wealthy man, who seemed to take pleasure in tormenting him. Hiding a secret smirk, as I decided to put on a whole performance.With theatrical flair, I suddenly collapsed to the ground with a loud thud, gasping for air and clutching my chest like I was going to faint.l cried out, my voice trembling with false distress "The owner’s cruel words have caused my heart to falter,"The crowd gasped in shock as they watched me. Alan rushed over to help
ALAN’S POVThe bell of the cafe jingled as I stepped outside right after the strange woman.The cold wind hit me hard as I walked through the door, a stark constant from the casual warmth of the cafe.I straightened my back, still reeling from the confrontation inside. I followed her, her quick footsteps echoing on the sidewalk until she stopped at a quiet corner of the street, and whipped around to face me. I was a little taken aback just like before by her beauty, her clear blue eyes and plump lips. I stared at her, still very surprised that such a distinguished-looking young lady would go so far as to stand up for a homeless beggar that she hadn't met before.Her expression was calm and filled with determination as she held out the pouch of money Cain gave her towards me.“What–?” I questioned, narrowing my eyes at the brown leather pouch, swelling with coins.“Take it,” she said firmly.I shook my head, taking a step back away from her. “No, I certainly do not want charity,” I mu
ISABELLE’S POVI leaned back on the car, my eyes flickered the cafe's building, I turned to Kael and Rowan, “This café doesn't seem as simple now.” I muttered. “ There’s a very high chance it’s somehow tied to Pack officials. We’ll meet again tonight to investigate further at the clubhouse. I need to rest now.”With that I slammed the car door, settling into the comfort of the leather seats. “To the villa.” I ordered the driver.As the car's engine roared to life and we pulled out of the cafe's parking lot, I took a deep breath, shutting my eyes. I had survived too many close calls today and now I was finally safe. I could relax, and ease up my shoulders. I needed to take a deep long rest, I can't neglect myself, not after I barely escaped alive, now it was time to treat myself better.‘And the men? Kael, Rowan... Alan?’ My wolf asked.“I’m not worried about anything, in fact I had too many in my mind,” I replied with a smirk.‘To become memorable and linger in a man's thoughts, you
ISABELLE’S POVI pushed past them and lounged on the plush sofa, observing the awkward tension radiating from Rowan and Kael as they stared at me.They both stood still, on their guard, they looked unsure of what to do in a club. I gestured for them to sit down, patting the cushions on my sides with a sly smile.“Both of you need to relax and let go,” I teased. “You’re making it very obvious to everyone watching, you’ve never been to this sort of place.”They hesitated for a second, their eyes flickering over me with wariness before they crossed the distance and settled at my sides.Their warmth engulfed me, my body on high alert from their closeness, their distinct scents mixing in the air.Rowan sat stiffly, his expression slowly easing into something almost playful yet his eyes remained sharp and calculated. “Darling, it seems you’re quite at home here.” For a split second, the sudden pet name caught me off guard, and I faltered, my eyes snapping towards him.He looked a bit more
ISABELLE’S POVThe night air was brushed cooly against my skin and face as Rowan, Kael and I burst through the doors of the club. We stood outside the dimly lit club, after barely escaping the subtle traps Lyra spun inside for us.There was something about her that threw me off, the small change in her expression when I mentioned Casper. It was the tiniest movement and if I wasn't watching her closely I would have missed it.But I pushed that thought aside for now, as I turned around to face the two men, my eyes narrowing.“What,” I began, crossing my arms over my chest with a stern glare, my expression hardening, “was the meaning of what happened back there?” I questioned, tilting my head with raised brows.They both sputtered, their brows raised at me. They exchanged a glance filled with confusion before Rowan spoke up.“What do you mean, Isab–” Rowan started but I cut him off.“You know exactly what I'm talking about.” I growled. “I'm talking about the whole drama back there and
ISABELLE’S POVMy eyes were wide as I studied Alan's lean figure, I couldn't help but notice just how he had changed since our first encounter. His once-worn appearance and tattered clothes have been replaced with a clean suit jacket, his hair clean shaven.He flashed his teeth at me, his usual confidence radiating off him.I glanced back at the breathtaking painting and then to the whole of his stall. “So,” I asked, gesturing at the paintings, “how did you end up here in this stall, selling art?”He flashed me another warm smile, his gruff voice steady. “Well, thanks to your help the last time we met. And with the money, I managed to rent this stall. It’s still small and humble, but it allows me to make a living doing something I love.”My wolf stirred with approval and self satisfaction. ‘I knew there was something I saw in him, he's not someone easily defeated or knocked down.’ She mused.I nodded slightly as I picked up the vibrant landscape painting I had been admiring, the st
ISABELLE’S POVI tilted my head, trying to hide my amusement, as Kael's face flushed crimson. “Why are you so concerned about me? Don’t tell me you’ve grown attached.” I asked.Kael straightened, his voice stiff and formal. “I’m just worried about your safety, Princess. If anything dangerous were to happen to you, I know my entire family would bear the consequences.”The corner of my mouth twitched with annoyance, the smile dropping from my face. This was always all about duty, nothing more. “You’re such a stubborn fool,” I snapped back, spinning on my heel and walking back to the car, my chest heaving with anger.Kael scrambled after me, his footsteps heavy on the concrete sidewalk as he trailed me back to the car, slipping into the passenger seat with guilt clouding his features. “I'm sorry if I annoyed you, Princess, I apologise for my manners.” He said in a hushed whisper. But I wasn’t going to let him off so easily. I turned to face him, my eyes narrowed into slits “You’re not j
ISABELLE’S POVI walked straight to the palace, striding through the palace halls with a stern expression, my footsteps echoing on the polished marble floors. I ignored the glances the guards gave me as I made my way to the palace throne room.When I walked my brother was lounging on his throne, his sharp blue eyes lighting up when his eyes met mine.“Ah, little sister,” Tristan greeted, his tone laced with playful sarcasm. “I heard how you have been so busy lately.”I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at him, clearly unimpressed. “And what do you mean by that?” I asked.He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the arm rest. “ I'm just very pleased to see you finally putting your talents to use. Perhaps I should even reward you for your great efforts.”“I don’t need anything,” I retorted quickly, with a dismissive wave.Tristan smirked, clearly enjoying himself at my expense. “No? You would not even accept recognition for saving a homeless painter at a coffee shop?”I froze, my expr
ISABELLE’S POVThe morning light streamed through the tall windows of my chambers, as I stirred in the silk sheets. The heat from last night still lingered in the air. I turned with exhaustion, my movement sending tiny shocks through her muscles and my mind playing a reminder of Kael’s hands on my body, his lips tracing wet kisses along my skin.A gentle knock on the door pulled me away from the memories as I quickly sat up, pulling the sheets closer to my body.“My Lady,” my maid's soft voice called through the door.One of my maids stepped inside, a basin of warm water in her hands. Her cheeks flushed red with heat as her gaze landed on the scattered bed and my naked body was barely covered by the sheets.“What do you want?” I murmured, stretching my hands over my head lazily.She quickly averted her gaze, setting the basin down on a nearby table. “General Kael tended to you this morning,” she said. “He cleaned your wounds and ensured you were comfortable before leaving.”My lips
KAEL’S POVI could feel the light of dawn seeping through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the princess's chambers. I stirred awake, my body still warm from the lingering heat of the Isabelle sprawled beside me.I looked down at Isabelle, lying asleep against me, her dark lashes resting against her cheeks, and her breathing slow and even. Something tightened in my chest from the sight of her, so calm and vulnerable in her sleep.For a moment, I just watched her, memorizing every detail and feature of her face. The way her lips were slightly parted, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the faint bruises along her collarbone. I reached out without thinking, my fingers trailing over her skin, before pulling back. I carefully pulled the blanket up, making sure she was well covered.I wanted to stay. But I couldn't.I quietly slipped out of bed, slowly shrugged my clothes back on and cast one last glance at Isabelle before I left.Once I was fully dressed, I slipped through th
ISABELLE’S POVThe warm steam hung in the air, wrapping me in heat as I leaned against the edge of the bath. Kael stood across from me, his body stiff and his shoulders tense as if he wanted to run away at any moment. I smirked at his obvious discomfort, finding his hesitation cute."You look like you're preparing for battle, General." I teased, lazily running my fingers across the water.Kael let out a sharp breath. "I don't think we should be doing this, princess." He whispered I raised an eyebrow, my eyes shining with amusement. "And yet, here you are."He hesitated for a moment then he shook his head with a defeated chuckle. "You’re relentless.""I would prefer you use the term determined."He laughed his chest rumbling with the low sound and I used the moment to move closer to him, As I closed the distance between us, Kael tensed slightly but still, he didn't pull away. I suddenly turned around, slowly prying the straps of my dress over my shoulder.He let out a gasp, but coul
ISABELLE’S POVThe air between us was heavy with tension as I stood over Axel with a sly smile. “You need to start talking right now,” I muttered.He looked up at me, his body shaking with rage. I could see he desperately wanted to hurt me, raising his hands towards me with force but the chains held him back.His face was pale from blood loss, but his eyes were locked on mine, flashing with warning and danger.“You think you can endure this, don’t you?” I murmured, “you really think I would let you die so easily and escape your punishment for your crimes?”“There's nothing you can do to make you tell you anything.” He snarled.I chuckled, a low sound that echoed through the room. “You are telling me everything you know.” I was warned.He smirked, but I could see his eyes falter when I pulled out the same poisoned arrow he fired and tried to use to assassinate me.The tip was still stained with Rowan's blood and I didn't bother to clean it. I want him to suffer his same crimes.I trail
ISABELLE'S POV I leaned in, as I heard Rowan’s weak voice calling my name, my brow furrowed, not sure if I had heard him. His mouth moved again, forming my name faintly on his lips, and for a moment, my heart fluttered in my chest.I stared at him, his dark hair falling over his face and his eyes still shut tight. And for a second, I let my heart wander, my heart fluttering. But I couldn’t let my mind go far, so I quickly pushed the thought aside. ‘Don’t be ridiculous, Isabelle. He’s delirious from the fever.’ My wolf murmured.Rowan’s breathing became steady as he slipped back into unconsciousness, but I remained at his bedside for a moment longer, my expression calm. I let out a deep breath, brushing off the strange emotions stirring inside my chest. The sound of footsteps broke the silence in the room. I turned around to see Kael entering the room, his eyes looked tired but he walked in with his usual confidence.“You’ve been by his bedside the whole time,” Kael teased, his lip
MARCELLO’S POVI stayed hidden in the shadows, my eyes sharp as I watched the chaos near the city gate. The guards all stood around the princess, their weapons drawn and ready to attack.From this distance, I couldn't hear what they were saying but it was obvious what was happening. Axel’s desperate suicide attempt had been stopped, his dagger pushed out of his hands by General Kael. The guards moved swiftly, holding Axel to the ground, and the sound of his bones breaking under their force made me in pain.I watched Axel writhe in pain, his body lying lifeless on the ground.For a moment, I pushed forward to save Axel and get him out of this mess. Even though I didn't agree with his plan to kill the princess, he was still a valuable ally in our mission in the Knightfall pack. But I paused in my steps, I knew it would be almost impossible to get him out. Kael and their soldiers surrounded Axel, leaving no room for escape. To act now would be very foolish, and I wasn't ready to throw
AXEL’S POVThe tension in my chest tightened as I crouched watching over the city gate. I narrowed my eyes as I watched General Kael as he approached the princess’s carriage. Even from this distance, I could see the way Kael’s shoulders relaxed in the princess's presence.My face settled into a deep scowl as the general that conquered the Shallow Land pack army shuddered as the princess took his hand.From the angle, I could see his expression melt when she took a step closer. The fearless warrior who had led NightFall forces to crush mine, wrapped around her finger. How could a man who was so strong and decisive bow so easily to the spoilt and proud princess?My gaze darkened as I returned my focus to the princess. She held Kael's hands to her lips and kissed them.My breath hitched as she pulled her hair away from her face and I could finally see her side profile. I didn't notice it at first, but now I am certain. Her straight posture, the way she carried herself— she acted just li
AXEL'S POVI crouched low on the rooftop, the cold stone pressing painfully against my knees. The cool morning wind bit into my skin, but I stayed frozen in position.Chills crawled into my skin but I shook my head. I can't leave this position after I have been waiting for her for so long.From this distance, I could see the city gate and the road leading out of the pack's borders. I adjusted my position, making sure my bow and poisoned arrow were steady.Through one eye, I spotted the princess's carriage, the woman I spent days tracking finally in front of me. She slowly stepped out, and stood near her car, speaking to a man. Even though I couldn't see her face from this angle, it was obvious who she was from the extravagant dress and the maids standing all around her.Her golden hair flowed down her back, covering the side of her face. I adjusted again till the tip of my arrow was aligned perfectly with her form.“This is it,” I muttered under my breath, my heart racing as I shook
AXEL'S POVI rushed through the club still pulsing with anger. Marcello was on my heels following me around.“Axel, you need to drop your plan for revenge, you can't kill the princess.” He ordered.I clenched my jaw, facing away from him. “Okay!” I spat out. I could see him falter at my admittance, narrowing his eyes. “I just need to get my bow and arrow.” I continued.He watched as I took the weapon and left the room. The cold night air bit at my face as I burst out of the club's back door.The princess was not going to get away with this so easily, no matter what Marcello said I was going ahead with my plan.I stood concealed among the trees near the princess's villa. I adjusted the hood of my cloak, settling down and adjusting my weapon.Marcello’s refusal to kill the princess only made me more angry, but I wasn’t one to give up easily. I didn't need any help, I can do this all by my side.My hand tightened around the quiver slung over my back, my mind was entirely focused on my mi