ARIAThe dinner had ended on a sour note, leaving me both annoyed and perplexed. King Zavier’s perception of me was entirely baffling. His piercing eyes, which seemed to see right through me, had lingered just a moment too long, and his dismissive comments about my abilities had stung more than I cared to admit. I pushed the thoughts away, trying to shake off the frustration that clung to me.Everyone left the table till it was just us. I glared at him wondering why a woman had to only take a stroll. It wasn't even something significant.Anyone could take a stroll, at least I was grateful he even let me walk with my legs. He could also ask the guards to carry me on their shoulders if he wanted.That was something someone else would appreciate but not me. I liked being busy. If I kept up with the way he wanted things to be, I'd be useless soon. And I didn't want that for myself.“Aria,” he called my name softly, his eyes piercing into mine as though he was trying to read me.I looked
ARIAI woke with a start, a feeling of elation coursing through my veins. My wolf, Celine, had had the most restful sleep in weeks. Her excitement was palpable, a giddy sensation that made my heart race.“Our mate will love us properly,” she whispered in my mind, her voice filled with eager anticipation.I rolled my eyes, though a small part of me couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. The idea of having a mate who would cherish and protect me was alluring. Yet, I couldn't afford to lose myself in those dreams. There were more pressing matters at hand. Things I needed to handle on my own.Pushing aside my mixed feelings, I focused on my plan. Celine stirred, sensing my resolve.“Why are you so determined to train, Aria?” she asked, concern tinged with curiosity.I took a deep breath, ready to explain my reasoning once more. "My superpowers won't develop if I don't hone my other skills. We need to be strong, capable of defending ourselves.”“But what about the king?” Celine's tone w
ARIAThe healer's words echoed in my mind, confirming what I had suspected: everyone else knew about the upcoming ball except for me. I sat in my chamber, staring out the window, my thoughts everywhere. The maid entered, carrying a tray with afternoon tea.“My lady, tea,” she said.“Thank you, please just drop it on the table. I'll take it later.”She did as she was told but said, “Please do take it now, my Lady. It tastes better when it's hot. Cold tea isn't right.”I smiled at her. “Thank you Beatrix. I'll take it before it gets cold.”“Very well, My lady,” She said and bowed.“Beatrix,” I called, halting her footsteps.She turned around, “Yes, Lady Aree. Is there something you need?”I took a deep breath, deciding to ask her directly."Is there going to be a ball in the palace?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual.The maid hesitated, her eyes darting away. "Yes, Lady Aria, there will be.”"Why wasn't I notified?" I pressed, a sense of unease growing within me.She shifted uncom
ZAVIERThe cold water cascaded down my body, each droplet a welcome distraction from the constant whining of my wolf. He was restless, agitated, longing to be closer to our mate. I tried to ignore him, focusing instead on the physical sensation of the shower.How stubborn were wolves? Sometimes I wished I could silence him but he was too loud, too dominant to be shushed.“We need to be near her,” my wolf pleaded, his voice a persistent whisper in the back of my mind.“Didn't you feel her fear?” I countered, hoping to quell his urgency. “She gets scared whenever I'm close to her and I don't wanna come off as a pervert.”‘Then do something to please her, something gentlemanly.” he urged. She needs to know we care and we love her.’I clenched my jaw, the steam from the shower rising around me. Being the most powerful being in the country, I was not accustomed to pandering to anyone, not even my own mate. This was new and uncomfortable territory for me.I couldn't do more if she didn't gi
ARIAI spent most of my days practising my superpower. It worked mostly when I was scared but whenever I wasn't, it took longer to activate.Today, I managed to stay invisible for a full three minutes which set a new record for me. I praised Celine and she seemed really excited for me. I felt a sense of accomplishment but also an overwhelming anxiety. I dared not venture too far from my chamber, lest someone notice my absence.As I wandered the palace corridors, invisible, I noticed unfamiliar faces carrying giant cases. Curious, I followed them, my heart racing with both excitement and wonder.Whatever was in the gold case would be important because I never got to see these people all the time.Still invisible, I followed them with a speed as I tried to keep up with their pace.We climbed up the stairs till we got to the breeders quarters. They delivered the cases to the breeder candidates, who were busy selecting clothes and makeup for the upcoming ball. Il stayed outside their roo
ZAVIERI was in the midst of training, my muscles straining with each precise movement. The head of my warriors, General Darius, approached me with a solemn expression. His report on the training progress over the past few weeks was thorough, but my mind kept wandering back to Aria. Her recent encounter with one of my warriors still irked me.“Your Majesty,” Darius began, “the warriors have shown remarkable improvement. Their skills—”“Excellent,” I interrupted. “But remember, Darius, keep the warriors from wandering around the palace after they get off duty.”Darius’s eyebrows knitted in confusion, but he nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.”He had no idea my order stemmed from that incident with Aria. I couldn’t risk her safety or the rumours that might spread. It was better this way.“I have another mission for you,” I continued, shifting the topic. “Guard the ball with utmost diligence. Select the most faithful warriors for duty that night.”Darius looked intrigued. “May some warriors tak
ARIAI had experienced my share of uncomfortable moments, but this one was by far the most awkward and nerve-wracking. The grand ball was fast approaching, and I was desperate to get a glimpse of the breeders' preparations. I had heard rumours about their elaborate rituals and was curious to see if they were true. However, my curiosity had led me to a perilous situation– I had been caught spying.The breeders’ room was filled with she-wolves meticulously preparing for the ball, each one more stunning than the last. Their gowns shimmered under the soft light, and the air was thick with the scent of various perfumes. I had been hiding behind a partially opened door, trying to absorb every detail, when I felt a cold chill run down my spine. One of the she-wolves had noticed the door was ajar and was approaching to investigate.Panic surged through me. I knew I had to act quickly. Summoning all my strength, I focused on my ability to become invisible. It was a skill I had been honing for
ARIA“Gotcha!” Someone said, causing me to shriek out and I saw the she wolf that had been in the room earlier, blocking my path. She crossed her arms on her chest and eyed me.“It was you wasn't it?”I retreated and turned away to flee when she caught me by my arm. I had to give credit for that. She had super speed. “What do you want from me?” I demanded.She grabbed my arm and dragged me somewhere private and free from spying eyes. “You do know why I'm after you. Don't play dumb. You look like a really smart kid.”I frowned when she regarded me as a kid. “I'm an adult,” I said.She stared at me with interest and her eyes gleamed with mischief. “I know, sweetie. I'm just teasing you cause you look really tense right now.”“I was spooked by someone I don't know, you don't think I'll let my guards down, do you?” I inquired, gazing into her beautiful brown eyes.“I'm Aaliya,” she said, stretching out her hand. “And I'll like to know more about the woman that disappeared in my face.”I c
ARIAFor months I stayed inside fearing to come outside. Not because of my bulging belly I couldn't hide anymore but because of the accusations. The rumour of Aaliya’s child loss and the king's first heir had spread like wildfire.Aaliya had spiralled into madness after losing her baby. She became angry, blaming both Zavier and I for her loss and deep down, I bore the guilt. The first and last time I visited her, she had lost control.Her once-beautiful features were twisted with grief and rage. “You took everything from me!” She had screamed, snatching a pair of scissors from her drawer.I ran back, dodging her and pleading with her. “Please don't Aaliya, I'm sorry.”“If you hadn't run off he wouldn't have come after you and my child would have still been alive. That's all you wanted isn't it? You get pregnant and I lose mine.”She had thrown the scissors but Artemis had come just in time to get me out of there. Aaliya had been taken to the clinic and it was suggested that it was be
ARIAAt the first light of dawn, I moved quickly through the palace, my heart pounding in her chest as I kept looking behind my shoulders.The air was cold, the kind that clung to your skin and made you feel alive. I had secured a few of my belongings under my cloak and the pressure made it difficult to walk but I didn't stop. Not this time.“My lady,” One of the guards called, causing me to halt in my footsteps. How did they camouflage in the dark cause I could swear I saw no one.“Flynn,” I say, turning around with a fake smile plastered on my face.He stepped out of the dark, his Armour glistening in the moonlight as he took a bow.“You dropped this,” he said and gestured to the pink scarf in his hands. Oh shit! He must've seen it fall from under my clothes.“Thank you,” I said nervously as I gingerly took it from him. “I barely even realised.“Where are you headed so early my Lady? The palace is still asleep,” he said, eyeing me suspiciously.“I want to take sparkles for a race an
ARIA Panic surged through my veins, my body going cold despite the warmth of the atmosphere and the heat of his gaze on me.“Why didn't you tell me about the child, ARIA?” He demanded, his voice low but dangerous.My eyes widened and my breath hitched in my throat. How did he know? Who had told him, could it be Artemis? No– I was in the damn clinic. The doctor must have had me tested. My mind screamed for me to run, to get away from him and everyone but rather I couldn't move. Couldn't speak.“Answer me! “ He growled, his voice growing impatient by the minute.“I… I don't—” I stammered, taking a shaky step backward but my legs felt heavy and slow like I was trying to walk through quick sand.Before I could move again, his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist firmly and pinning me against the wall. His hold wasn't painful, but it was enough to stop me and make me feel trapped. “Don't lie to me Aria,” he warned, an edge of pain to his voice. “Don't you dare lie to me.You're carrying my c
ZAVIERFor weeks, I tried to adjust to the changes around me. Aria barely had dinner or breakfast with me. She was always reserved, and I barely caught a glimpse of her. Aaliya had made me bring most of her things to my room because she needed my attention and believed it formed a bond with the baby. I was exhausted by her constant presence, but all I wanted was for her to have the baby, nurse him for three months, and then I’d pay her off to leave.I missed Aria terribly. She never came out of her room, and when she did, it was only for brief moments. I saw her from afar sometimes, but often, she seemed to disappear entirely. The palace felt empty without her presence. The betas, who used to be lively and engaging, had become more quiet and reserved since Irish left. They barely told me things or joked with me anymore. I considered bringing Irish back, knowing she always made Aria happy and that would please the betas.One morning, while having breakfast with Aaliya and my betas, Ari
ARIAWhen I woke up, a shadow loomed over me. Startled, I jerked up to see Artemis towering above my bed. "Get off!" I yelled, and she jumped back, her eyes wide with fear."Sorry! I was just—" she stammered."What were you doing?" I demanded, sitting up fully."I was checking your temperature," she explained, trying to compose herself."Why?" I narrowed my eyes. "Are you gay or something? Look, I’m not homophobic, but I’m not interested in women.”Artemis burst out laughing. "No, no. I was genuinely checking your temperature. You seemed unwell.”I frowned. "I caught you staring at my lips."She took a deep breath and stared at me. "Why were you drinking last night, Aria?”I threw my hands up in exasperation. "Why is everyone trying to be my parent? And did you forget the rules? Stay out of my business.”"Drinking is unhealthy for you," she replied calmly. "You need to be careful, especially now that you’re early.”"Early?" I repeated, confusion clouding my mind. "What do you mean by
THIRD PERSON POVAria woke up to an empty room. Artemis was gone for now, and for that, she felt a wave of relief. It wasn’t that she hated her, but she couldn’t get used to someone new. She relished the solitude for a moment before deciding to start her day.After a quick shower, she realized most of her clothes were still in Zavier’s room. With a sigh, she wrapped herself in a robe, letting her dripping wet hair rest on her shoulders, creating a messy trail down her back. She called for her maid, Beatrix.Beatrix entered the room with a smile. "Good morning, my lady. What do you need?”"I need you to get my things from Zavier’s room. Most of my dresses are at his and my undergarments too," Aria said, trying to sound casual.Beatrix paused, her smile faltering. "Okay my lady. Are you coming for the event today, my lady?”Aria raised an eyebrow. "What event?”Beatrix looked at her, a little confused. "The celebration for the king’s expected child.”Aria felt a chill run down her spine
ARIAAs soon as I made myself invisible, I slipped out of the palace, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to find Onyx. He was the only friend I had left. The only one who hadn't been driven away by Zavier. My mind raced with thoughts of Irish's departure and the unbearable loneliness that seemed to grow every day.Onyx agreed to meet me in our secret space, a hidden alcove in the forest where we used to train together. When he arrived, his face lit up at the sight of me, but I noticed he was keeping a ridiculous amount of distance."Onyx," I called softly as I made myself visible. He looked relieved to see me but still stayed a few steps back."Aria," he said, his voice warm but cautious. "It's good to see you. What's wrong?”I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. "Irish left. The king made her go.”He nodded, as if he had expected it. "I figured it would happen. The king is removing everyone you're close to, Aria. That's why... that's why I've made up my mind too.”"What do you
ZAVIERHer fiery gaze burned deep holes into my skin, causing my stare at her to waver. She was hurt but there wasn't a thing I was willing to do about it. I detested the way everything was.She needed to learn and with Irish around, she wouldn't. Irish needed to leave for her to live in understanding. Irish didn't teach Aria bad values but if she offended, she knew the healer would always take her in and then she would see no reason to apologise for her wrongdoing or learn from her mistakes.She approached me, picking her steps carefully. “I hate you Zavier.”“I know, and that's okay,” I said and gripped her wrist in my fist. “I've asked the guards to move most of your things to her bedroom so that way, you'll feel more connected.”“You are a sadistic fucker,” she cursed but I could hear the pain in her voice.My eyes followed the long queue and came in contact with Irish. She flashed me a bright smile and waved at me. My heart clenched but I nodded at her.After Irish left, I watche
ARIAIrish stormed into the room with tears rolling down her cheeks. I jumped from my seat in a shock and rushed to her, wondering what had caused her to elict tears.“Irish,” I said, rushing to her side. “What's going on?”Before she had the chance to say a word, her door was forced open with a force that made my heart skip a beat. Three guards walked in with an ugly look on their face. They didn't spare me a glance. Instead they walked up to Irish and began to yell at her to pack up.“What is wrong with you?” I screamed at them at the top of my lungs.Still, they pushed her hard against the wall and began to scatter the room. I couldn't wrap my arms around what was going on. I rushed to the guard who was constantly hitting her and threw myself at him. I was fueled by anger and frustration.“Leave her the fuck alone,” I screamed, punching him hard in the face even though I knew one sing of his arm was all I needed to end up in bed.“Stay out of this, Aree,” Irish whispered, blood tri