ISABELLE’S POVThe night was silent, the window still wide open and cold wind breezing into my roomI lay sprawled across my bed, a romance novel balanced in my hands.I was slowly humming a song, the faint glow of the lamp casting a warm halo over the room. I lit the fireplace to keep the chills away. The wildfire filled the room with comforting heat.I was lost in the words of the novel when my wolf suddenly stirred, waving her tail. ‘Someone’s here.’ she whispered, alert and eager.The book fell out of my hands and I instantly sat up, my gaze fixed on the billowing curtains.For some reason my heart was racing wildly in my chest, my throat suddenly dry.Before I could react, a shadow leapt gracefully through the open window and slid across the room towards me. I bolted upright, my hand on my chest, until I saw the familiar silhouette of General Kael. He landed on one knee, his head bowed slightly.Even in the dark he looked dashing in his all-black battle gear, his hair tousled f
ISABELLE POVThe figurine sat cold and sharp in my hands, its smooth lines and intricate details showing me just how much effort Kael had put into crafting it for me. My fingers gently brushed over the carved wolf’s howling face, and I couldn’t help but smile. “It’s beautiful,” I whispered to myself. “He must have spent so many hours working on this.”My wolf huffed and puffed with pride. Clearly sated by Kael's gift.I was still lying on my bed, the novel I was reading long forgotten, glancing toward the window. The night was quiet again, save for the occasional howl of the wind. Kael had left as promised, leaping out of the window with the same grace as when he entered. Despite my teasing, I felt a pang of regret seeing him go. Moments after he disappeared, I was startled by the door creaking open, and my maid stepped in carrying a canvas draped with a cloth.“Your Highness,” she began, holding out the gift, “this arrived earlier. It seems to be a gift from the artist Alan.”My
KAEL'S POVI sat still in the dimly lit command tent, I could still hear the whispers of restless soldiers outside. In my hand, I clutched the silver necklace Isabelle had given me before I left for battle. The delicate chain slipped through my fingers as I traced the pendant’s intricate design. Her sweet scent still lingered faintly on it, filling my chest with longing even though I tried hard to suppress it.“Focus,” I whispered to myself, tucking the necklace back into the pocket beneath my battle-worn armour. Right now my duty demands my full attention, and my personal desires and longings would have to wait.The Shallow Land Pack’s surrender was very critical to strengthening our hold over this region. Once we finally had power over them, our pack would definitely be feared and respected amongst other packs.Two nights ago, we managed to capture the enemy Alpha, a victory that shook the Shallow Land Packs army to its very core. But their total surrender was still not fully gua
FREYA'S POVI paced angrily in my tent, replaying the humiliating defeat by General Kael just moments ago. My pride as a warrior and a princess had been shattered in front of all the soldiers. But beneath all my frustration and anger towards the General, my curiosity was still piqued.General Kael wasn’t like anyone I had ever met before. His strength, his indifference, the cold sharpness in his gaze—all of it fascinated her in a very weird way. He was like a puzzle and I was determined to solve him. The sound of celebration and cheering from the Night pack camp only heightened my anger and frustration, then I made up my mind. I rushed through my tent and tossed on my fur cloak, then I slipped out of my tent and headed toward the big fire and noise.The huge campfire burned brightly, illuminating the Night Fall pack soldiers as they drank and laughed. I remained in the shadow and moved through the crowd unnoticed until I finally spotted Kael sitting alone at the edge of the celebrat
ISABELLE POVThe morning was unusually cold as I was jolted awake by my maid's hurried voices. The sun had barely risen, as they pulled the covers off my body. I groaned and buried my face into my pillow to avoid the sudden light, but the maids were absolutely relentless.“Princess, you must hurry,” one of them said softly. “The convoy is ready, and Beta Rowan awaits outside.”The mention of the convoy and Rowan quickly brought me back to reality. I quickly washed up and dressed in my travel attire. I was wrapped in a heavy cloak to shield myself from the chills as I stepped outside.Rowan was standing near the convoy, his expression calm but sharp as always. Despite it being still dawn and so early, he looked completely alert.Noticing my sleepy state, Rowan gestured to a smaller, more comfortable car. “This is for you, Princess. So you can rest during the journey.”I was a little shocked by his thoughtfulness as I walked past him. I nodded and climbed into the car without protest.
KAEL POVThe messenger walked in with a sealed letter and handed it over with a bow.Once he was gone, I tore through the envelope and flipped the paper open.I paced the length of my tent as I read the contents, unable to hold back the excitement bubbling inside me. The word of the message echoed in my mind: The princess and Beta Rowan will arrive in the camp very soon.I didn’t need to ask which princess they referred to. It could only be Isabelle.“Prepare the camp for the arrival of the Beta and the princess” I ordered sharply. “I want everything perfect. Make sure her tent is warm, the bedding is comfortable, and the kitchen is stocked with her favourite dishes. Nothing at all should be out of place.”My men exchanged glances, puzzled by my sudden burst of energy. I knew I was known for my stern and calculated demeanour on the battlefield.One of his lieutenants, a warrior, couldn’t seem to hold back his curiosity. “General,” he started, “why are you so eager today? You’ve never
ISABELLE POVAs our convoy moved further to the border and closer to the battlefield, the sun became harsher leaving the cold behind.The thick winter air had been quickly replaced with warmth. I had to shed heavy heavy-lined furs I had been wrapped in for weeks, and chose a lighter dress that swayed with the breeze.Rowan remained very attentive to me throughout the journey, he offered his coat during the cooler nights and always made sure I had a comfortable place to rest. His care was consistent, and that was all the maids gossipped about. In the evening, as we got even closer to the battleground, the envoy paused by the road so I could get down and rest.I stepped out of the car and smiled, taking a huge whiff of the warm spring air.I watched the horizon, marvelling at the beauty of nature around us and then in the distance I suddenly spotted a figure. At first, I thought it had to be one of the guards, but the silhouette moved with a familiar confidence that made my heart inst
KAEL POVI watched as their car disappeared in the distance, my jaw clenched tightly. I tried to push the thought away and focus on the journey ahead but even as we continued, whispers around me started with faint murmurs, but soon enough, the officials turned the rumours into a storm.So much Speculation about Isabelle’s supposed feelings for General Kael spread like wildfire through the cars.I tried to ignore it but they only got louder. I overheard two guards muttering nearby."Do you think she’s leaning toward Beta Rowan?" one asked.The other shrugged. "She used to chase after him. Maybe she’s decided to leave him for the General."My hands curled into tight fists, my wolf growling within me. The thought of Isabelle being drawn to Kael made something dark twist deep inside my chest.“Enough!” I barked, my voice cold and sharp as I whipped around towards them. The guards immediately snapped to attention, bowing to me.“You will not gossip about the princess,” I warned, in a deadl
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