ISABELLE'S POVAlan’s cheeks were still flushed and red as I broke into a soft hearty laugh, breaking through the silence and nervousness. “Relax Alan, I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” I said lightly, with a dismissive wave. “I admire your artwork and advanced skill. I was hoping you could…maybe tutor me.”Alan blinked, caught off guard by my sudden request. “Tutor you?” He echoed, raising his eyebrows. “I didn’t even know you could paint.”I shrugged, my lips tugging into a faint smile. “Painting is like a hobby to me, but I’d like to learn more from someone as talented as you,” I responded.For a moment, Alan watched me closely, narrowing his eyes, probably trying to figure out if I was actually serious. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly dropping his mug on the wooden table with a thud.“I... I’d be happy to teach you. But are you sure you want to do this? Painting takes a lot of time, patience and focus.”“I have a lot of time on my hands and I can focus,” I replied simply
ALAN’S POVA few days passed, but I couldn’t stop thinking about that strange woman. The memory of her standing up for me against the blonde woman was etched in my brain, filling me with warmth and also a hint of confusion. I just couldn't understand why she would go out of her way to protect someone like me who was well beneath her. And what troubled me most was the unexplainable attraction I felt towards her.When she was near, it felt like I couldn't control myself, like there was an invisible force leading me to her.My wolf stirred within him, a voice soft yet insistent. ‘Perhaps she is our mate.’ He hinted.I shook my head frantically, trying to push the spiralling thoughts away. It wasn’t possible. A woman like her—strong, confident, and surely from a prestigious family—couldn’t be destined for someone as lowly as him. But the possibility clung to me, igniting a dangerous hope. I couldn't help but fantasize that maybe she likes me too, and she could feel the pull.I stopped m
ISABELLE’S POVThe woman’s brother finally seemed to grasp the gravity of the situation. His face paled as rushed forward and tried to calm his sister, whispering harshly for her to stop and think. Yet, she ignored him only growing even more hysterical. She hurled insults at me, her voice echoing through the large courtroom.“You think you are untouchable just because you have a noble title!” she spat. “I know what you are, you are nothing but a spoiled brat!”I raised an eyebrow at her, unfazed by the outburst even as her brother struggled to hold her back. I turned to glance at Ryker, who now wore a dark and thunderous expression.“Enough,” Ryker snapped, his voice sharp and commanding. He signaled the guards. “Restrain this madwoman.”As the guards started slowly closing in on her, Nora fought back hard, her arms flailing wildly around her, but the guards were stronger and we'll build and quickly subdued her. Her brother glanced nervously, his eyes darting between Ryker and me, c
RYKER’S POVAs they left the confinement room, Ryker observed Isabelle’s composed demeanour. Most people, even seasoned officials, would emerge shaken from witnessing the devices designed to enforce justice. But Isabelle was different. She seemed almost... intrigued.“Lady Isabelle,” I began cautiously, my deep voice echoing slightly in the hallway. “You didn’t flinch in that room. Were you not afraid even for a single second?”She turned to me, her lips tugged in a small confident smile. “Why would I be afraid? I have never committed a crime,” she responded, holding my gaze steadily. “Really,” I muttered with a hint of amusement, a little taken aback by her straightforwardness.“In fact, the presence and existence of those tools and that room in our judicial system only reassures me. They help ensure that justice prevails and deters crime and wrongdoings.”I was stunned for a moment and utterly speechless. I had never expected such an insightful response from the princess. Most p
TRISTAN’S POVI sat in my study swirling my scotch in the glass and staring out the window. I couldn’t help but smile wryly, thinking about Isabelle's pursuit of love—or what she thought love was. She had always been dating and when she set her sights on something, she wasn't going to let go until she had exactly what she wanted. I guess General Kael’s rejection hadn’t stopped her at all; instead, she’d simply redirected her attention to Officer Ryker.“Stubborn as ever,” I muttered under my breath, shaking his head, with a dry chuckle.But my amusement was suddenly clouded by concern. Ryker was no ordinary man. He had a famous reputation for hard discipline and his rigid reverence to rules, he was a very difficult figure to impress or charm. Isabelle’s usual tricks would never work on him. And I was worried about how much she might push herself to get his attention.Later that evening, I sent out a private message to Ryker, asking him to meet me at the palace. When he arrived, his
RYKER’S POVI glanced up from my notes, and I noticed Isabelle dozing off again at her desk, my sharp gaze softening. Her head was resting against a stack of books, her breathing slow and steady. For someone who had boldly claimed she was ready to wake up early everyday to follow the schedule, she seemed very unprepared.“Lady Isabelle,” I called out firmly, but she didn’t stir, her eyes remained shut as her chest rose and fell softly.I approached her, hesitating for a moment before gently nudging her shoulder. “Wake up.” I whispered Instead of waking up, she murmured something barely audible and then turned and leaned against my arm, her head settling there as if it were the most natural thing in the world.She mumbled some inaudible words sleepily and then she was dozing off again.I froze, my body stiffened. I tried to gently pry my hand off from beneath her head without waking her. But she only snuggled closer, her soft breaths brushing against my skin.For two hours, I stood t
RYKER’S POVI stared at Isabelle in utter shock, her confident confession hanging heavy in the air between us. Her words were bold and direct, cutting through my usual stoic defences like a sharp blade.“I’m here because of you,” she said and I couldn't get her voice out of my head.It wasn’t just her words but the way she said them—with so much sincerity and brashness—that managed to throw me off balance. For the first time in so many years, I was not sure of how to respond.For a man like me, used to control, logic and order, the raw emotion I could feel in her voice left me almost speechless. My wolf growled, urging me to respond and acknowledge the feelings stirring deep within me. But I just couldn’t, I needed to leave.I was flustered under her prying gaze, my face turning a deep shade of red that spread down my neck.I took a step back, “I... I need to review a case file,” I blurted, stumbling over my words as I quickly retreated.Without waiting for her reply, I spun on my he
ISABELLE’S POVI turned around, only to find myself face-to-face with Beta Rowan. He had a dark scowl on his face, but his stern expression immediately softened when he saw Matilda still lying helplessly on the floor.Before I could say a single word, she scrambled off the ground and rushed towards him to stand behind his towering figure, clutching his arm and casting a wary glance back at me with an innocent expression.Rowan watched the scene with confusion, his gaze flickering between us. His frown deepened when he looked down at Matilda behind him.“What’s going on here?” Rowan asked, his deep voice filled with concern as he looked between both of us.Matilda, looked up at him with her doe-like eyes, “I-It’s nothing, really. Princess Isabelle was just... pressuring me.” she said, her voice trembling.Rowan's eyes whipped back towards me, a deep frown marrying his features. I could see the questions in his gaze, wondering who to believe.I can't believe Matilda would go as far as l
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