IRISHAs the days passed, I watched Aria closely. She was still grumpy and distant, but there was a determination in her eyes that hadn’t been there before. Since the king was barely around, she hardly slept in his bedroom, rather she spent time in hers.She continued to sneak out, training with Onyx in secret. I admired her strength and resolve, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of impending disaster.One evening, as I was heading to Aria’s chambers with a fresh pot of tea, I heard voices again. This time, it wasn’t an argument, but a low, intense conversation. I hesitated at the door, listening for a moment.“I can’t keep doing this, Onyx,” Aria’s voice said, filled with frustration.At the mention of his name, I grew worried. Aree had the guts to bring a man to her bedroom? Was she nuts? What if the king decided to check on her?“You’re getting stronger, Aria,” Onyx replied. “But you have to be careful. Zavier is not a fool. He’ll notice if you’re not careful.”“I know,” she said, s
THIRD PERSON POVClaude had been entrusted with many tasks during his time in the palace, but delivering urgent news to the king was always the most nerve-wracking. This time, panic was etched on his face as he hurried through the corridors. He reached the king's office, his mind racing, and in his haste, he forgot to knock.Zavier was in his office lost in his thoughts, staring blankly at a document on his desk. The sudden intrusion startled him, and he looked up with a scowl. "Claude, what is the meaning of this?" he demanded.Claude's face was flushed with fear. "Forgive me, Your Majesty," he stammered as he approached cautiously, "but it's urgent.”He looked up, his expression unreadable. "Speak, Claude.”He swallowed.“If you don't have anything to say, you could leave. I hate this disgusting habit of yours. Have you suddenly forgotten how you talk?!” He lashed.Claude was taken aback but he knew the king was angry. “Aria... she's in the hospital.”Alarm shot through Zavier. He h
ZAVIERI woke up with a start, my vision blurry as I tried to make sense of the chaos around me. The first thing I saw was Zavier, his fist crashing into Onyx’s face, over and over, blood splattering with each blow. Onyx’s face was already a mess, his features barely recognizable. Zavier was shouting, demanding answers, but I could barely hear him over the pounding in my head.“Zavier, stop!” I screamed, my voice hoarse and desperate. “Please, stop!”Zavier paused mid-punch, his chest heaving with fury. He turned to look at me, his eyes wild with anger and concern. Slowly, he let go of Onyx, who slumped to the ground, gasping for breath.The room was silent except for Onyx’s labored breathing and the rapid thudding of my heart. Zavier’s expression softened as he looked at me, but the anger was still simmering just beneath the surface. He stood up, wiping the blood from his knuckles, and approached my bedside."Aria," he said, his voice softer but still edged with frustration. "How are
IRISHCallister’s lips were warm and soft against mine, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in the kiss, in the feeling of his arms around me. I grabbed his head in the process of deepening the kiss and he leaned it and began to fumble with my buttons.I leaned into him, deepening the kiss. He let out a low growl and pinned me to the bed with his body, his fingers caressing the insides of my thighs. But then, as always, thoughts of Aria crept into my mind, and I found myself pulling away, my heart heavy with worry.Callister frowned, his dark eyes searching my face. “What’s wrong, Irish? You’ve been stressed lately. Is something bothering you?”I forced a smile, trying to brush off his concern. “It’s just work,” I said, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears. “There’s a lot going on right now.”Callister noticed my silence and took my hand. “What’s on your mind?”I shook my head. “It's nothing, I promise. Mood swings, perhaps.”He didn’t look convinced. “Is it about Aria?” h
ZAVIERI lingered in my office, drowning in the endless paperwork and decisions that came with being king. It was easier to stay here than to go back to Aria. Her presence both comforted and distressed me. I loved her deeply, but her recent behaviour left me frustrated and angry. How had things gotten so out of hand?Aria had been my sweet girl, but within weeks of being in the kingdom, she had become agitated and reckless. She didn’t listen to anyone, not even me. How was I supposed to lead when my mate was constantly challenging my authority? I didn’t want to be a tyrant, but Aria made it difficult. Every conversation turned into a fight, and I craved peace at home. The pack's demands were already a heavy burden.I slumped back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. The thought of running away had crossed my mind more than once. I was losing my sanity and couldn’t remember the last time I slept properly.A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Come in," I called out, trying t
ARIAI needed a break. After spending so much time in my office, the invitation to an event was a welcomed distraction. My betas, Claude and Callister, accompanied me, and I felt a small sense of relief at leaving the confines of the palace. At the occasion, we were given a VIP section, a perk of my status as king. The finest wine flowed freely, and although I drank quite a bit, I remained sober, my mind too restless to succumb to the alcohol.I tried not to think about Aria or the turmoil between us. Instead, my thoughts wandered to my family, the duty I carried as king, and the immense weight of responsibility. I turned to my betas, seeking reassurance. "Am I doing a good job as king?”Claude nodded earnestly. "You're doing a lot, Zavier. Don't be so hard on yourself.”I laughed softly, but the sound was hollow. "That's a lie, Claude. I'm not doing a good job. I'm failing. Everything is falling apart.”My betas exchanged worried glances. They could see the cracks in my facade. Calli
ARIAI woke up early, though I wasn’t sure what time it was exactly. The moon was still visible, though not glowing, and the sound of crickets filled the air. I glanced over at Zavier, still asleep beside me. He had pleasured me last night, leaving me to deal with my own lingering desire. Demon.I was glad he could finally sleep. He looked so peaceful, yet the dark circles under his eyes and his pallor worried me. He had been drinking, and I had never seen the king in such a state until yesterday. How many bottles had he Fakenham? Did he drink because of me or the pressure of the kingdom?I touched his forehead gently I hoped he wasn't sick. He looked preety, so pretty I could paint a portrait of him and put it in our bedroom. Being with zavier was enough to let me know how much I missed him and wanted him around.I slipped out of bed quietly and went to the bathroom. When I returned, I was startled to find Zavier sitting up, wide awake. I could swear my wolf had left my body. "Your
ARIAThe morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Today was the day I could finally leave the palace grounds again. The thought filled me with a joy I hadn’t felt in weeks. I had promised Zavier I wouldn’t misuse this privilege, and though he wasn’t entirely convinced, he was willing to trust me again. His trust meant everything to me, and I was determined not to let him down.I jumped out of bed, my heart racing with excitement. After a quick shower, I slipped into a simple yet elegant dress. It was a soft lavender colour, with a fitted waist and a flowing skirt that swayed with every step I took. I wanted to look beautiful, but not overly done. Today was about feeling free and enjoying the outdoors.“Beatrix!” I called out as I made my way to the kitchen. Beatrix, the head maid, turned and smiled warmly at me.“Good morning, my lady. You seem particularly bright today,” she said, her eyes twinkling.“I am, Beatrix. I’m going out to the garden wit
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