ARIAThe night of the ball had finally arrived, and even from my room, I could tell that everyone was out there, enjoying the festivities.The sound of music wafted through the air, making me wonder what it would be like to be there amidst the laughter and the melodies. Zavier hadn't returned that night, and though I knew he didn't want me to feel bad, I couldn't feel worse than I already did. The guards had informed me the previous day that he was going to be occupied.I sat by the window, which overlooked the garden. It was beautifully decorated with fairy lights, lanterns hanging from the trees, and colourful streamers that swayed gently in the breeze. The flowers seemed to glow under the soft lights, creating a magical atmosphere. It was almost like a fairytale happening before my eyes, and I watched in envy as carriages pulled up, each one more ornate than the last, delivering elegantly dressed guests.Tonight, the Alpha would choose his breeder, and the thought of it filled me w
ARIAI stared at him, wishing I could give in but the king wouldn't want that and he was my mate. I had to respect that even though I longed for it. I shook my head. “I'm sorry onyx, but I can't.”“Just for a little while?” He proposed. “Everyone's at the ball, won't it be wrong to seclude yourself yet again?”“Some other time,” I said pleadingly.“I don't know when I'll see you again,” he admitted. “Please, just this once.”I hesitated, glancing around. It would be boring to go back now and I needed a distraction. “Alright, but only for ten minutes,” I agreed, trying to keep my voice steady.“That's fine with me,” he said with a smile and took my hands in his and led me into the ballroom. I clung closely to him, trying to blend in with the people to avoid being singled out by anyone.We found a quiet corner and as we sat, I scanned the room. Aaliya looked happy and I badly wanted to peel off the happiness from her face. She gazed into Zavier's eyes with a longing and the thoughts of
ARIAZavier's eyes darkened with a mix of frustration and desire. He grabbed me fiercely and with a desire. I swatted his hands away. “Do not touch me.”“Don't,” he said. “You don't want to do this.”“Or what?” I snapped and was about to walk away before he grabbed me fiercely and pressed me against the wall.“Don't you listen?” I yelled, trying to escape from his grasp.“Keep that attitude away,” he warned, staring into my eyes with a passion and anger I couldn't fathom.I scoffed. “You don't tell me what to do, Mr.”“I'm the king and the Alpha and you're going to keep this attitude away,” Zavier said.The more I thought about the women he had been with, the more frustrated I felt. All I wanted was to get away from him.His nose grazed along my collarbone while his hands moved with a possessive energy and he pulled the towel away. I froze for a second and stared at him with big eyes as my heart thumped loudly.“Fuck,” I whispered, desperately trying to get away from him. My eyes sca
ARIAI must have dozed off a little but my eyes sprang open the moment I felt a dip in the bed. It was Zavier. He got in next to me and pulled me closer to himself. I pressed my body against his and let the warmth of my skin soothe his cool skin.As his hands wrapped around mine, I felt him shift back a bit. “Are you awake?” he called softly.I kept mute and leaned closely against him. “Aria,” he called my name softly and carefully. “I know you're awake, so answer me.”“Yes I am,” I admitted and turned around to face him so this time we were extremely close and our knees were touching. “I'm sorry for pushing you away.”He smiled softly and pushed back my hair away from my face. For a moment we said nothing and when I was tired of looking into his eyes, I broke the contact. He tilted up my chin. “Meet my eyes please.”“It gets weirder by the minute,” I pouted.He caressed the curve of my hips and sent chills down my spine. “You don't have to be sorry. You're just new to this, that's a
ZAVIERThere was no going back now. I stared down at her, her confidence taking me aback. I pulled off my shirt and flung it to a corner of the room while I asked her permission again. She nodded at me, urging me on, her eyes full of passion.I latched my lips on hers and parted her legs once again, sheating myself in between her while the scent of feminine hygiene clouded my senses.“You're beautiful,” I whispered in amazement as I gazed at her beautiful body. Her body was a work of art made by the finest artists and was made to be displayed in the museum but the moon goddess was so generous to make her my mate and not an artefact.I kissed her neck, trying to get her to relax. I needed to explore her passion, to make her comfortable with me. I trailed kisses to her collarbone and I could hear her breaths come in quick pants. I found her breaststroke and cupped, while my mouth worked on her pink nipples. I took the buds in my mouth and flicked my toungue around it and bit gently.She
ARIA“Am I hurting you sweetie?” He asked as he paused at the entrance and I shook my head.I didn't want him to stop but I knew he would if I told him I was in deep pain. “I'll go in slowly. I will take my time,” he assured me and I nodded.He looked down and slowly pushed in and I cried out this time, trying to use my willpower not to push him off me. Why was pleasure so painful? Why did it have to be so tough?He kissed me on the cheek and forehead, then on the lips. He sucked my nipples as he slowly entered and I cried out the more, trying to keep the tears that pricked at the corner of my eyes away.“I'm sorry,” he whispered and waited for my muscles to relax. He waited for me to get comfortable and without bracing me for what's next, he thrust deep into me, causing the tears to fall free.My muscles clenched around him and I heard him pant slowly and his eyes closed as he relaxed. Nah, this was Celine's fault. The pain was intense but so was the feeling of him inside me. He went
ARIAThe feeling of waking up to sunlight on floorboards and birds chirping and the scent of nature was ethereal. I stretched in bed, feeling sore all over before opening my eyes.I rubbed my eyes and glanced around me, taking in the feeling of being awake and alive. I was all alone as always, the king was not in bed and I was getting used to not having him by my side almost every morning.It felt good, I felt good except for the throbbing pain in my thighs. It felt as though I had been tied to pillar posts with my legs stretched wide open.–Maybe you did.“What?” I asked slowly as I tried to understand what Celine was about this morning. –last night was amazing. Look, you're a woman now. You were passionate and he even called us terrific.I furrowed my brows in confusion as her words sank in. “What are you talking about?”–You forgetful being!The king's scent and the lingering fragrance of our night together filled the room and the bedspread. It finally occurred to me what she was
ARIAI stared at her in devastation. “Is there no way it can be avoided?”She shook her head. “I guess you don't know much about mate bonds, do you sweetheart?”I shook my head, “not really. I only know a few and I think they're the most common ones.”She faced me. “After making love with your mate and he has marked you, now he can mindlink you. Most times there wouldn't be privacy. Your partner can read your mind without your permission sometimes and that's the one that scares me the most, like, spare me some privacy.”I chuckled lightly as a scowl appeared on her face. She grinned. “That one sucks but that's not all. You'll feel the need to be around them often even if you can't tolerate their sight. You'll be too protective and excessively jealous.”I thought about Zavier. He was already protective of me and slightly jealous. I couldn't imagine what monster he would be now, the good one or the dangerous one.“It's quite romantic though,” she said as she oiled my skin, preparing my
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