Ari"Well, how do you like it?" Maddie looked at herself in the mirror. Her face lit up after seeing the braided hair crown sitting on top of her head. She was very pleased with the way I did her hair. Indeed, the elegant hairstyle made her look regal and queenly. She looked like a modern-day princess."It was awesome! The Queen of hairstyling, indeed!" Maddie exclaimed. She showed her utmost appreciation by cuddling me. "I bet the Jarl of Ironflame Pack would find it difficult to resist me with this hairstyle," she added afterward."I'm sure he would," I commented as I finished her look with a pink blush on her cheeks."You really are the best, sis! Thank you for doing this for me."I smiled widely upon hearing her praise. My younger half-sister, Maddie, had a huge crush on Jarl Kristoff, the crown alpha of Ironflame Pack, despite having only heard about him through stories circulating on the continent. Ironflame was the largest and most powerful pack in the Northern continent, and
AriSensing my discomfort, Kristoff continued with his speech, trying to clear out any confusion. I wanted to comfort Maddie, but Kristoff's hand didn't let me go."Father...Alpha Eirik...people of Moonshadow pack..." Kristoff started to address the crowd. "I am here to announce that I have found my mate." He then turned to me and smiled. "Ari Rosenberg."“No,” Maddie whispered, refusing to believe everything she heard. “Ari is your mate?”“Yes,” Kristoff smiled, confirming. “Ari is the other half of my soul and the woman am planning to marry soon,” Kristoff said firmly gazing in my direction with a smile on his face. "No! It can’t be! I was supposed to be your wife, not her! She doesn't deserve to be your mate because she doesn't love you!" Maddie was hysterical. Our father tried to pacify her but to no avail. I saw some of Kristoff's men alert themselves, yet Kristoff motioned them to stop.My heart ached as I saw my stepsister cry in despair. She looked at me with hate and uttered
AriLike any other she-wolf in the world, I looked forward to the day of my union with my mate. And finally, after years of waiting, my dream was fulfilled.As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but tear up as I saw myself in my white wedding gown. It was hard to believe that the hope I had clung to for so long, the hope of finding someone who would love me just as I had always dreamed, was now a reality. Kristoff was more than a dream; after today, he would be my new reality.I recalled the way Kristoff had found me, in my pitiable state where my parent's bloodline had already defined me long before I was born. I had thought I would never bring honor to my father, who cherished me more than I could have asked for. Kristoff made me believe in the existence of fairy tales, that he was the prince destined to love me for who I was, not for what my genes dictated. I couldn't wait to begin my eternity with him, the wolf to whom I would willingly surrender my heart, my life, and my sou
AriMy eyes widened in disbelief as the air seemed to get sucked out of the whole surround. I rushed to my father's side, my heart pounding as I held him close, feeling warm liquid dripping onto my hands. Dad was coughing in shock and confusion, completely unaware of why this betrayal was happening.Tears streamed down my face, and I couldn't help but scream in frustration, confronting the people responsible. "Why? Why on my wedding day?" I couldn't fathom the cruelty of their timing.I saw the Ironwolf raise his hand, and his men moved to separate me from my father.“No! Let me go! Dad!! Dad!!” I protested, but the men holding my arms were deaf to my pleas.“Let my mate go!” Kristoff demanded, but his men refused to listen. Fueled by anger, he rushed to his father's side, demanding answers."What's the meaning of this, father? It's our wedding! Why did you allow this to happen?"But the Ironwolf didn't offer any explanations. He simply nodded to his men, providing an unspoken command
Kristoff "Let me go!! DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU'RE DEALING WITH!!!" I shouted at the men who were detaining me. They remained silent, completely ignoring my demands. This only fueled my fury, as they intentionally ignored my authority as a Jarl. "Are you out of your mind!? I am a Jarl—the future Alpha of the great Iron Flame pack! How dare you ignore my commands!" I raged on, desperately trying to make them see reason. One of the men finally responded with a calm voice, "We are well aware of who you are, Jarl Kristoff. Nobody here disagrees with everything you have said. However, our loyalty still lies with the Ironwolf and our pack. It is our duty to bring you back to the Ironflame safe and sound, just as your father wants." I screamed out of frustration, "BUT HAVE YOU REALIZED IT IS MY WEDDING DAY!!? You have ruined the most precious day of my life!!" Their silence continued as they dragged me away, leaving me feeling devastated and helpless. It was supposed to be a joyful day, a fai
Kristoff"Why, father," I stammered, my heart heavy with a mix of anger and confusion. "Why did you do it? Why on the day of my union with my mate?"There, I had finally said it. I was now confronting the Ironwolf, demanding an explanation for the events that had unfolded. My fists were clenched, and my breaths came out in labored bursts as I tried to control the overwhelming surge of emotions rising up inside me.But instead of responding, he took a deep breath and implored, "Can you calm yourself first, son?""Calm myself?! After everything you've done?!” I had never raised my voice to my father, but I had reached the limits of my patience. “I want to see my bride, and NOTHING CAN STOP ME!"I strode past my father, my determination unyielding. In that moment, I had shown a level of disrespect I had never displayed before. As I approached the door, my heart raced, each beat echoing the urgency of my desire to see my bride. However, before I could reach the door, a deep, visceral roar
Ari"Can you still walk, Lady Ari?"Igor's concerned voice cut through the weariness that clung to me like a heavy cloak. The silver shackles on my hands weighed me down, making every step a struggle."Yes, Igor. Please, focus on your mate. I'll manage," I replied, my voice carrying the fatigue of a long journey. I tried to pose an “okay” smile, but Igor was not convinced.“Are you sure, my lady?”“Yes, Igor. I am fine. This is nothing compared to what they did to my father.”Jackie and Igor exchanged glances, sympathy etched on their faces. My supposed dream had twisted into a nightmare, and the endless walk drained the last ounce of hope from my soul. The forest, once full of life, now seemed like a place full of sad memories. Every tree cast shadows that told stories of our freedom that we lost.Barefoot and broken, we moved along the captive path. The cold ground sent shivers down my spine. The shackles on my hands made a clinking sound with every painful step, cruelly reminding u
Ari As I saw Seraphina emerging from the shadows, my heart raced. Anger filled me, and my breathing became rough. My eyes were locked on my evil stepmother, and my body moved as if it had a life of its own. Seraphina smirked at me, intensifying my stirred-up feelings. My body shook from too much anger, and I had never felt this angry before. I stepped forward, about to say something—something I should have done a long time ago, but at the last minute, Jackie grabbed my arm to stop me. Jackie knew I couldn't hold my anger any longer, so she quickly leaned in and whispered something in my ear. "Stop, Lady Ari. I understand your feelings, but it's not the best time for it. We are in a very bad position right now. Lashing out at Seraphina will only make it worse." I turned my face to Jackie's worried expression. "Please, Lady Ari, listen to me just this time." I took a deep breath and stepped backward. Jackie held me, protecting me from a possible assault. Seraphina approached the s
AriThe battle was over, and Sigurd and Seraphina had lost. It’s strange how hunger for power can lead to such downfall. No one expected Sigurd to betray us like this; his loyalty to his brother was always unquestionable. But jealousy is a powerful force. Beta Sigurd chose power over family, and he paid the ultimate price. Now, with his death, peace has returned, though not without the sacrifice of brave souls during the battle.After the civil war, the high council wasted no time in delivering justice. I watched as they sentenced one of the main instigators of chaos among us.“Your treachery and treason are beyond punishable,” one of the council members declared, addressing Seraphina. “In the name of the great Ironflame, and in honor of the late Alpha, the great Ironwolf, I hereby declare your fate.”They readied Seraphina’s sentence, taking into account the child she carried.“You, Seraphina Rosenberg, will be pardoned for 9 months due to the baby you carry. However, until you give
AriThe sky was cloudy, mirroring the melancholic vibe we all shared. With the late Alpha's family, my hands and feet were tied. We faced the crowd of Ironflame, who did nothing but throw us their pitiful stares. I couldn’t blame them for not acting. After all, what could they do to help us against the usurper?We never saw it coming. We never expected that the calm, collected, and timid Beta harbored such extreme resentment for his older brother, enough to kill him and blame his nephew for the crime. It was beyond his character, or perhaps we were just blinded by his pretentious facade. His betrayal was unexpected, and it was the most painful for the Alpha family. Being from the same blood made the deception the most bitter pill to swallow.I turned my gaze to Beta Sigurd. Beside him stood Seraphina, the temptress who might have orchestrated everything. I didn’t know how their alliance started, but one thing was for sure: their alliance was a force to reckon with. I smirked, seeing m
KristoffAfter that escape, Ulric led me to a place not far from the capital. It was a land called Stelar, which used to be a hiding place of rogues in the past. When we arrived, I saw some of the warriors from Skagi. I recognized some of them who had accompanied us when we went to fetch a cure for Anika in the Canary District.They all nodded at us as we approached. Ulric turned to me, urging me to eat first. Then, he thanked each of his men. At that point, there was no denying that my brother inherited our father’s bravery and charisma. Ulric was one capable leader, no doubt. He was every bit of Ironwolf that wasn’t present in me. I also couldn’t help but remember how he had stepped up to protect Ari on multiple occasions. In his presence, I felt useless and insecure.I ate my soup unenthusiastically, lost in my thoughts. Then, I felt Ulric’s hand on my shoulder. He was also carrying a bowl of soup and ate beside me. I couldn’t help but ask.“Why did you save me? If you let me die,
KristoffFinding myself in such a dire situation was beyond anything I could have imagined. Though my feelings toward my father were complex, I never once entertained the thought of taking his life. Despite our differences, I loved and respected the Ironwolf, just as I did the rest of the Ironflame. Now, as I gazed upon his lifeless form, a profound sense of pain gripped my heart. If only I had accepted his apology before his untimely demise—that was my sole regret as I faced this trial of death."TRAITOR!" "MURDERER!" “HOW COULD YOU KILL YOUR OWN FATHER?”These accusations echoed through the crowd, I felt a wave of despair wash over me. This was once a place where cheers for my name resounded, but now it brimmed with rage and condemnation for a crime I did not commit."Kill him now!" the crowd clamored eagerly, their eyes filled with contempt and disgust.But amidst the cacophony of accusations, there were voices of reason and support."Jarl Kristoff could never do that, you fools!
KristoffAfter Ari and Ulric left, the Ironwolf turned to me, his expression softened in a way I hadn't seen before. It unsettled me, so I turned to leave the council room. But he followed, calling after me with a tone I couldn't ignore."My son..."I quickened my pace, hoping to escape his reach, but he caught up, his words chasing after me."Forgive me for everything, my son."I ignored him, my anger simmering as I walked faster. But he persisted, grabbing my arms to halt my retreat."Kristoff! Wait..."Reluctantly, I stopped and turned to face him, my frustration bubbling to the surface."For what reason, Father?! Have you suddenly realized you have a son who needs you? It's too late for that now."I tried to break free from his grip, but he held firm, his voice pleading with sincerity."I'm sorry... It took me too long to understand. I'm sorry for interfering in your love for Ari."His words ignited a fiery rage within me. Without hesitation, I raised my fist, my anger overpowerin
AriMy heart pounded fiercely in my chest as I sat among the esteemed members of the Ironflame council, the weight of their scrutiny bearing down on me like a heavy cloak. Beside me, Ulric's reassuring presence provided a semblance of comfort, his gentle touch and supportive gaze grounding me amidst the tension.With a steady hand, Ulric pressed mine, offering silent encouragement that spoke volumes in its simplicity. Grateful for his unwavering support, I drew strength from his presence, finding solace in the solidarity of our friendship.Suddenly, the Ironwolf's attention shifted to Ulric, his question hanging heavy in the air like a palpable force. "What’s your plan now, Ulric? Everyone knows about your child already."Ulric bowed respectfully, his response measured and deliberate. "Of course, father. It is time to marry Ari and reinstate her status as a high-ranking she-wolf in the Ironflame."The Ironwolf's approval came swiftly, his words a testament to Ulric's worthiness. "Very
KristoffOpening my eyes that morning felt like lifting a heavy burden, each movement carrying the weight of the painful events that had unfolded. I rose from my bed with a sense of resignation, drained of energy and enthusiasm. Every breath I took seemed to sap what little life remained within me, leaving behind only emptiness and pain.A deep breath drew the attention of my spirit wolf, Ivar, who reached out to me with concern. "Are you alright, my friend?"But I couldn't find the words to respond. I was tired, tired of existing in a world filled with nothing but agony and unfulfilled desires. I slipped into a depressive state, the weight of my emotions crushing me under their relentless weight."Perhaps make yourself busy… or learn to have a proper talk with anyone you trust about this… I could be the one you need. You can suppress this emotion while working, Kristoff. It will affect your name," Ivar offered, his words tinged with wisdom and concern."Do I look like I care anymore?
AriAs we journeyed back to Skagi, the weight of the recent events pressed down on us like a suffocating fog. Ulric remained stoic, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery, while Lady Aleria's concern was palpable in the tense silence. I, on the other hand, couldn't quell the restless turmoil within me. My mind raced, haunted by the fear of almost losing my baby, a terror that gripped me tightly.Upon our return to Skagi, the floodgates of my emotions burst open, and I collapsed under the weight of it all. Tears streamed down my face as I choked on sobs, feeling the overwhelming burden of guilt crushing me."Oh, please forgive me for the chaos I have caused you," I managed to utter between sobs, my voice trembling with emotion.Lady Aleria's expression softened as she rushed to comfort me, her arms enveloping me in a warm embrace. She dismissed my self-blame with gentle reassurance, placing the fault squarely on Seraphina's shoulders."None of it is your fault, Ari. Everything happened
KristoffAs the commotion settled, I rushed to the Alpha Mansion, my heart pounding with worry for my mother. Bursting into her room, I found her in tears, hastily packing her bags. Anika, her eyes filled with concern, turned to me as I clenched my fists, anger bubbling up at the sight of her distress.My nostrils flared with frustration, directed both at Seraphina and my father for once betraying my mother. Disappointment welled within me as I watched him approach her, his voice tinged with false concern."Where are you going, Joanna?" His words dripped with insincerity, and my mother shot him a withering glare."Does it matter to you? I think not." Her voice was sharp, filled with the pain of betrayal. Anika hurried to assist her as she continued packing, and I fought back the urge to confront my father.But he persisted, reaching out to touch her, only to be met with her fierce rejection. "Do not touch me, you fool!" Her voice echoed with defiance, and I could feel the tension crac