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
TRISTAN’S POVI leaned back in my chair, staring at the map of the Pack’s territories spread across the desk before me.Everything I planned came together perfectly just like I wanted. I knew all along that Kael’s younger brother was wrongfully accused, he never committed any of the crimes he was charged with.I had known the truth about the case from the beginning but I had leaned back and allowed the situation to play out so I could determine how loyal General Kael was.It wasn’t just a test of Kael’s investigative skills—it was the ultimate test of his family's loyalty to the pack and my reign.A shadow of doubt had always rested on Kael’s family because of their dark history. Years ago, they had been implicated in a betrayal concerning the former ruling pack and since then their family has been under scrutiny.Kael had passed the test and I was relieved to find that his loyalty lies with the pack, with this investigation he proved his determination and devotion to the Night Fall.
ISABELLE’S POVI rose up from the sofa with narrowed eyes, slowly stalking towards him, my expression hardening.I crossed my arms over my chest, our eyes locked in a heated gaze. “I saved your brother just as I promised I would. And now it’s time for you to honor your end of the deal we made.”Kael didn’t immediately respond, falling silent. He broke away from my gaze, his eyes flickering around the room, anywhere but at me.His usual calm composure was cracking, and I finally started to see the man underneath. I tilted my head, studying him carefully. I wasn't going to give up until he agreed to honor his end of the deal. He made a promise to me and he has to keep it.“Kael?” I pressed my voice firm as I took a step closer towards him. “So do you really plan to break your word? We both know you’re not that kind of man, or am I mistaken, General?”His younger brother, standing nearby was watching us intently, his eyes filled with confusion.He looked at me with wide eyes. “What deal
ISABELLE’S POVThe air was crisp and cold as I stepped out of Kael’s residence, the confidence I walked in with already cracking ever so slightly. I had laid all my cards on the table, pressed him for a response and did everything I could to make him give in but Kael remained silent and that haunted me. Would he agree to my bold request? My wolf remained calm, hardly bordered by the situation.‘Just wait,’ she murmured. ‘He’ll come back to you.’I took a deep breath as I slid into the car, wrangling my fingers in my lap with nervousness. I was trying to believe her and wait but it was harder than it seemed.I returned to the villa in a dark mood, storming through the halls, ignoring greetings till I got into my room and slammed the door hard behind me.I Ieaned unto the back of the door, anxiety building up within me. I gave myself a second before I swallowed hard, pressing my cold hands to my face.‘Just wait.’ My wolf echoed in my mind, her voice calming me down a little. I leaned
ISABELLE’S POVThe silence in the room was charged with electricity, and thick with tension. Kael stood at the center, his head bowed slightly, his gaze avoiding mine.Every single muscle in his body was taut and rock-hard. He finally looked up at me, his dark eyes smouldering, a dark storm brewing behind them. I watched him with a predatory smile, savouring the power coursing through me at this moment.“Kael,” I whispered, my tone soft yet filled with command. “You’re not going to keep me waiting, are you, are you going to honour your promise?”He looked down at my words, lowering his head, I held back a chuckle at his sudden shyness. This strong soldier, the general of the army that led wars and invasions, suddenly became shy in my presence. For a moment, I imagined he would reject me and bolt, but instead, he clenched his jaw and held his ground. I arched my brow at his reaction, my dark smirk deepening.Unable to hold back any further, I leaned in, close enough for my lips to g
ISABELLE’S POVThe room was buzzing with tension, thick enough to cut through with a blade. My hands rested on Kael, my heart was pounding uncontrollably in my chest.Red hot passion burned under my skin, urging me to lean into Kael's arms but I willed myself to hold back.His dark molten gaze bore into mine, a slight frown marrying his features. We hadn’t moved an inch since he leaned in and I turned away.My wolf was restless, practically growling in my mind with confusion. ‘Why are you hesitating? Look at him. He’s ready, you should take this opportunity and claim him.’But I remained frozen, my mind firm. I barely managed to restrain myself from giving in to the burning desire to let Kael kiss me but a single thought lingered at the back of my mind.I just couldn’t let this moment end up as something fleeting and impulsive. My plans and relationship with Kael need more than just passion at the moment. I needed him to be utterly devoted to me completely, beyond lust or affection.A
ISABELLE’S POVKael’s sudden dominance stunned me. His hands wrapped tightly around my body as he scooped me off the ground and into his arms.His palm cradled my face with a protective look that sent shivers down my spine, and when he leaned down and whispered into my ears, I instantly shuddered with need.He held my head like a beast and leaned down, his lips capturing mine. My heart surged as his lips plunged into mine, hot and needy.The world around us ceased to exist when he plunged, my lips parting for him. His kiss wasn’t just heated—it was consuming, like a fire raging with passion burning through my skin.My wolf purred, growling in approval. This kiss was different from any other I had experienced before. Kael’s sudden intensity started something within me, a fire I couldn’t put out even if I wanted to. My arms instinctively reached around him, threading my fingers through his dark short hair and pulling him even closer.When the kiss finally broke, our foreheads pressed t
ISABELLE’S POVI stood in stunned silence, the weight of Kael’s confession slowly sinking in. He suddenly declared wanting to propose and I was caught off guard. I never anticipated his feelings for me to run so deep, nor had I expected such displays of affection from the stoic general.My wolf sighed deeply. ‘He’s sincere, Isabelle.’ She whispered to me.I closed my eyes for a second, her fingers wrangled together as anxiety clawed at me. I was still very unsure of what I could say to him now.Kael just asked me to wait, to let him prove himself on the battlefield before making our bond official. How could I explain to him that I couldn't marry anyone in my condition? How could I tell Kael that I have been cursed by the moon goddess to have multiple mates?I watched him, his expression strained as he waited for my response, but I knew I couldn't tell him the absolute truth.Finally, all I could manage was a quiet sigh. “Let’s wait and see,” I whispered, avoiding his eyes.My wolf g
ISABELLE’S POVRyker sped through the road, the wind hitting my face hard and then I was back home, I got down from his motorcycle and turned to him still on his bike.I could still see the restraint in his gaze and how he blamed himself for what happened as he drove away.“I'm a full grown woman, Ryker, I take full responsibility for all my actions. You should know nothing was your fault.” I assured him.His gaze flickered over mine with a curt smile. “Yes, Princess.” He whispered.“Thank you,” I whispered back.He gave me a single nod before he started the bike, fixed his helmet and froze off.Once he was in the distance, I turned around and stormed back into my chambers, my face flushed red with frustration. The events of the day kept playing in my mind like a haunting memory, each moment only making me angrier. I slumped onto the lounge chair and gestured for my maid to enter.“Do you know what kind of day I’ve had?” I began, my voice tired but sharp. “First, I get kidnapped by s
ISABELLE’S POVAxel remained tied to the bed, his golden eyes filled with defiance as he stared at me. I couldn’t help but admire his composure. He had nerves of steel, not even shaking or threatened by my position of power over him, and I leaned back unto the rickety table, twirling the dagger in my hand.“You know,” I began, straightening and walking towards him slowly, my tone light but with a dangerous edge, “for someone who’s in such a position, you are remarkably calm. I wonder… would you rather die a traitor or live as my loyal servant?”Axel’s brows furrowed, his jaw clenching tighter. It was very clear he hated the idea but I wanted to keep aggravating him to keep him talking so I could get any kind of information.“I’m being very nice and offering you a way out of this mess you got yourself in” I continued, my voice dripping with mock innocence. “Swear your loyalty to me, and I might just plead on your behalf when the soldiers arrive to take you away.” I smiled sweetly, tho
ISABELLE’S POVMy heart was pounding loudly like a drum in my chest, and a jolt of adrenaline coursed through my veins as the man loomed over me, his golden eyes blazing with a dangerous glint. I stared at him as the air between us charged with tension, our breaths mingling from how close we were as he leaned into me. We were so close I only had to lean in an inch for his lips to touch mine.My wolf reassured me in a low growl. ‘He’s not our mate,’ she warned. ‘But he’s dangerous. Be smart, Isabelle.’His grip tightened on my wrist, his strength almost unbearable against my already delicate red and raw skin. Panic surged within me, but I was no fragile princess. With every ounce of courage, I acted on my instinct without thinking of hesitating—lunging forward as fast as I could, I leaned into him and bit down hard on the side of his neck. My teeth sunk in until I could taste his blood on my tongue.He hissed in pain and immediately released me, his hands holding his shoulder. “You l
ISABELLE’S POV“Where?” I asked, my voice steady despite the panic bubbling inside me as I gripped the steering tight.“A motel. Outskirts of town. And don't ask any questions,” he snapped, leaning back in the seat, the dagger still resting on his lap, a silent reminder if I wanted to act smart.The drive was tense and silent, with my mind racing to assess my situation. The man's face was not familiar, and was not one I could easily place in the pack. Yet as I watched him from the corner of his eyes I noticed he bore a resemblance to the black-haired woman spy Ryker described earlier during his search.He was definitely the spy Ryker and the soldiers were searching for, and he was somehow manipulating his appearance. My wolf growled again, warning me to be very careful with this strange man.The drive was short and we soon arrived at the motel, the man leaned in close, palming his dagger, his voice soft but filled with authority and threats. “Check-in. Use a fake name. Smile like yo
ISABELLE'S POVThe streets suddenly started buzzing with noise and tension as guards in armour rushed past me. I frowned at the sudden change but Alan was already packed and waiting for me. I made to follow him when a familiar voice cut through the chaos.“Princess? What are you doing here?”I turned to see Officer Ryker, my former law teacher and the pack officer standing just a few feet away from me. His tall frame and stern demeanour were a huge contrast to the sudden panic and chaos on the streets.“I was just helping a friend,” I replied, keeping my tone casual. “What’s going on?”“We’re searching for a spy,” he explained, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd around us as he spoke. “It’s not safe for you to be out here,” he said sternly.Without waiting for my response, Ryker gestured for the armoured guards to continue the search and suddenly took my arm in his. “I’ll escort you back home.”Though I wanted to refuse, I knew I couldn't argue with Ryker, his expression was already
ISABELLE 'S POVMy maid approached me with a hesitant expression when I was at breakfast the next day. From her expression, it was obvious she figured out something about Mara. “Your Highness, I have news about Mara,” she said, her voice low.I immediately set down my teacup, gesturing for her to follow me back to my room as I rushed up the stairs. Once we were in my chambers and the door was shut behind us, I turned around bursting with anticipation.“While I watched, Mara snuck out and left the villa in the middle of the night,” she reported. “I couldn’t track where she went, but she returned just before dawn.”I raised an eyebrow, my wolf growling faintly in her mind. ‘I told you she's hiding something,’ she whispered with conviction.“I’m not surprised,” I replied calmly, though my thoughts were scrambled as I tried to figure out what was happening. I could expose Mara now, but that would tip my hand way too early and I wouldn't be able to find out the whole truth about her iden
ISABELLE’S POVMy heart was still pounding as I walked out of his door, I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away.When I finally returned to my villa my wolf’s voice echoed in my mind. ‘Alan might turn out to be another Kael,’ she mused, with scepticism.I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. I let out a low groan, hating the situation I was in right now.‘Alan isn’t like Kael,’ I whispered back, though a part of me wondered how Kael would react if he ever found out the truth about me and our relationship.My wolf chuckled knowingly, but I shook off the thought. ‘I’ll come clean when the time is right,’ I told myself, trying to convince both my wolf and my own heart.It was still too early to tell Kael about the moon goddess curse, I don't know how he would react but I knew it wouldn't be easy.My thoughts were interrupted when I approached my villa and I spotted the tall and peculiar servant I had bumped into earlier walking past the garden.Mara, I remembered the name. S
ISABELLE’S POV“It went smoothly,” I replied with a smile, as I took my seat beside him.Tristan’s sharp eyes didn’t leave mine. “And the negotiations?”“An absolute success,” Rowan answered smoothly. “The Shallow Land Pack has agreed to all our terms. The tribute will be arriving just next month.”Tristan nodded with satisfaction, but his focus remained on me for some reason. “Good. And what of the General?” he asked suddenly. “Did you keep your distance?”I blinked, caught off guard by the question. I hesitated for a second, shooting a glance at Rowan not sure how to answer the question.Before I could speak, Rowan stepped in. “You have nothing to worry about, Alpha. I’ll personally ensure that General Kael stays away from the princess from now on.”Tristan’s expression softened, though a flicker of doubt remained and then he nodded.I felt a surge of irritation at his questions and Rowan’s quick agreement only added to my frustration. I ate my meal in strained silence, suddenly lo
FREYA'S POVThe air in the delegation's camp was thick with tension as I reached forward and angrily dragged the treaty document towards me. My hands were trembling as I pulled out a pen and hovered over the paper with a mixture of rage and humiliation.The whole table was watching me with bated breaths waiting for my next move. It was the last thing I wanted to do but I forced myself to keep my composure.As I finally penned my signature on the document, my gaze shot up and landed on the princess with a glare. Princess Isabelle had won this round, but I was definitely not someone to accept defeat easily.“We’ll return home immediately,” I announced as I dumped the pen and rose up. I faced my envoy and delegates with a steely gaze. “The tribute must be ready by next month to honour my brother Tristan. And I want no mistakes.” Isabelle said.I whipped around towards her, my eyes burning with barely restrained rage. She held my gaze as she leaned back in her chair with a sly smile.I l