MARA'S (MARCELLO) POVMy heart pounded in his chest as Princess Isabelle stirred awake, her sharp gaze piercing through the dark right to me. I felt sudden panic as my gaze met hers, my heart pounding in my chest. For sure I have been exposed.I knew Isabelle had been very suspicious of me and now she has caught me sneaking out of the room. My brain scrambled for an answer to her questions as she narrowed her eyes to me.“I…I” I started but the princess suddenly leaned back onto the bed and then her eyes slowly fluttered close.I let out a deep breath of relief, my hands clutching my chest as my breathing evened. I stood in the same spot for a few seconds watching the princess sleep until her chest rose and fell softly.I let out a low breath to steady my breath and finally twisted the door knob and silently slipped out of the room. I tiptoed carefully through the dim hallway, my every move calculated. Now the risk was too much and I can't afford to get caught.The cool night air br
AXEL'S POVMy muscles ache painfully by the time we arrived at the safe house hidden deep in the forest at the south border of Night Fall pack. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth.My arms fell limply by my side as Marcello dragged me through the door. Once we were in, he gently laid me on the small bed in the corner.I clutched the stab wound with a deep scowl. I had already lost so much blood I could hardly see clearly, cold sweat dropped down my face as I grunted in pain.“Are you okay?” Marcello asked, his voice tinged with concern.“I need to get stitched up,” I grunted, gritting my teeth in pain. Marcello rushed through the shed to help and returned with a white gauze, a needle and a bottle of gin.I took a deep swig of the gin before he lifted my shirt to reveal the deep cut still bleeding.I hissed, taking another gulp of the alcohol as he started cleaning the wound and then stitching it up. Once he was done, Marcello rose, pacing the small, dimly lit room
ISABELLE'S POVMy chambers were lit with a single candle as I settled back onto my pillow. I took a deep breath, a smile playing on my lips as I recalled the events of the night. Mara's unusual behaviour recently only confirmed my suspicions. Her weird glances, the stiffness in her movements, and the way she was always not comfortable around me were all too telling.I intentionally fell back asleep last night so she could sneak out and slowly reveal her true identity.Tristan had listened to my concerns and arranged secret protection for me and also tailed her wherever she went.My wolf stirred,’ Mara is far from ordinary, Isabelle. Her aura carries the scent of your mate. Yet, her true identity is hidden.’The moon goddess must be playing with me now. Was this her way of testing my resolve, mating me with someone whose identity is a secret? Punishing me for something I can't understand?I pushed the thoughts aside as my gaze landed back on Mara with a mischievous glint in my eyes,
ISABELLE'S POVI watched Mara over my glass as I ate breakfast. Her behaviour was becoming more erratic, and I couldn't wait for her to break. I kept on switching my behaviour towards her from cold detachment and then being flirty the next second, with each shift I was getting closer to finding out who she was.My wolf kept me in line, keeping me patient as I watched all of Mara's movements. She would reveal herself eventually; all I needed to do was watch and wait.After breakfast, I slipped on a shawl over my head and headed to the palace. I needed to speak with Tristan. The grand halls of the palace loomed over me, the sunlight streaming in through high windows as I approached Tristan's throne room. He rose and greeted me warmly as I stepped through the double door, though his expression was strained and serious.“What have you found out?” He grunted as I got closer.It was clear the situation with the spy and Mara was weighing down on him."She's not just a maid," I stated firm
ISABELLE'S POVI looked up to face Levi, the air around the table suddenly heated up..My wolf immediately stirred a low growl echoing in her mind. This is it. It’s over. The internal scream of my wolf mirrored my panic. Levi stared at my hands wrapped in Alan's, his eyes clouded with confusion.My heart pounded as Levi kept staring and now, I could see the wheels turning in his mind. His gaze landed on the necklace I was wearing around my neck, a gift from Kale before he left for war. "Would you join me for a meal?" he asked, his tone polite but firm. "I’d like to catch up."I hesitated a moment, but Alan squeezed my hand under the table. I slowly nodded, knowing I had little choice since he was already there. Levi settled on the other chair at the table, the air heavy with tension and unspoken questions.As we all sat, Levi leaned forward, his eyes searching mine. "So, what is your relationship with Alan?"The question hit me like a punch to the gut even though I was expecting it.
KAEL'S POVThe door slammed shut behind me, and I could still hear Levi's warning in my mind.His words puzzled me and I couldn't understand what he meant but I needed to go to Isabelle now.After she left the camp, I couldn't bear her absence and the fact that she left with Beta Rowan.The last few days she lingered in my mind and I couldn't hold it back anymore. I gave clear commands to the soldiers and returned home.As I arrived at her villa, my blood was humming with eagerness to finally see her. Her maid answered the door when I knocked, a hint of surprise in her eyes as she greeted me with a polite smile.“Good evening,” I replied warmly. “I want to see the princess.”“Yes I know, but the princess is out right now.” She replied. I couldn't stop the disappointment that flickered across my face, but I quickly masked it with a curt nod."Would you like to wait in the princess's living room, sir?" the maid asked.I hesitated, my mind urging me to leave and return later. But the th
ISABELLE'S POVI returned home in silence, my mind swirling with the situation of my relationships with Kael and Alan. The maid beside her, however, turned to her with a hesitant smile. "You know, Princess," she teased with a knowing look, "it’s interesting how you rushed back to see Kael when you were just with Alan. One might think you have a favourite."I laughed lightly, "I guess I am a heartless woman," I murmured under my breath, shaking my head at my situation. The weight of my choices lingering in my chest.When we finally arrived at the villa, I stepped out of the car and approached the entrance , the door. My heart was racing in my chest as I thought of Kael waiting for me in my chambers.But my eyes caught movement in the garden, I narrowed my eyes and noticed Mara in the garden, trimming branches and leaves. Her presence suddenly reminded me of the tension I had left behind. She turned around and greeted me with a polite nod, but I brushed past her without a word. I coul
ISABELLE'S MAID EMILY'S POVMy gaze scanned Mara for a moment as she walked back to the princess's room.I couldn’t shake the sense of unease I felt with her sudden shift of behaviour. She was a very lazy maid and made sure to avoid work in the villa.So it was completely out of character for Mara to personally care for the Princess' needs, especially something as simple as delivering tea to her room. She was normally indifferent about such matters, and seeing her trying to forcefully get into the Princess's room felt off. My instincts screamed at me that something was wrong, and the thought of the tea being poisoned crossed my mind.My mind spun as I watched Mara get closer to the door. I was determined to protect the princess at all costs, I rushed through the corridors, my heart pounding as I got closer to the princess’s chambers, Mara was by my side also edging to get into the room.But when I pushed open the door, I paused in the doorway, watching the scene before me with shock.
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