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
ROWAN’S POVShe hesitated for a second, biting her lower lip. “She’s already invited me, hasn't she? Maybe... maybe it’s time I stopped seeing her as my enemy. I don’t think she hates me anymore.”I studied her closely through the mirror, my brows furrowed. Matilda had always been timid, hiding behind others. But deep down, I knew she wasn't a bad person.“Well then, I guess I'll come with you,” I said after a moment.Matilda smiled faintly. “Thank you, Rowan,” she whispered.Despite my calm exterior, I was feeling a strange tension gnawing at me. Something was disturbing me and—it was Isabelle. For some reason I couldn't explain, I also wanted more interactions with her. Ever since she suddenly stopped clinging to me or chasing me, I couldn’t shake the unease I was feeling in my gutIt was as though I lost something without even realizing it.ISABELLE’S POVOnce I left the supermarket, I went straight to Alan’s modest home with the groceries I bought. My mind still wandered briefly
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