"I will go get the cure your Highness, but I will need my assistant to stay with His Majesty to ensure a stable condition". Maxwell said."Alright!". Zeke's Mom said but Zeke refuted it immediately,"No Mom!". "What do you mean no?". She asked him with a confused expression on her face, it was then I realized she didn't want Nicholas dead."Why would a mere servant get to stay with his Majesty?! Mom, think of what will happen if the word gets out, Father would be ridiculed". Zeke said."But_". Maxwell was about to speak but I signalled for him to keep quiet."That's right but_". Zeke's Mom said worriedly before Zeke cut in,"Don't worry Mom, I will keep checking on Father okay?". He assured and I internally rolled my eyes. "Alright". Zeke's Mom nodded before turning to Maxwell, "Go get the cure, I will be expecting you after a week, worry not I will reward you greatly!". She said making the other physicians jealous.Maxwell smiled and bowed, "Thank you, your Highness, I won't disapp
I went silent for a while and he said, "I would love to take your silence as a yes again...but then again it is not possible ". He then proceeded to sleep.I gritted my teeth and said, "You have not answered my question "."Hold on_ You are serious about this!". Maxwell said in shock and sat down."I want to awaken my wolf, Maxwell, tell me how". I said almost like I was pleading."You how hard we tried to activate just one side of your blood then, I have no idea how to awaken the wolf of a hybrid like you... But the old friend I told you about at Blood Moon pack, I'm sure she will be able to help you". Maxwell said and I sighed."Do you have a mate?", I asked him."No... I have not found her yet, but then again how can I find her when I'm in this empire filled with filthy vampires". Maxwell said and I could feel the pure disgust in his voice."Then what does it feel like to meet your mate?", I asked.Maxwell chuckled nervously before saying, "I don't have a mate I have not experience
Then why are you crying?". Ruby asked and I turned away from her to wipe my eyes."I'm not crying... Something just flew into my eyes", I said with a smile.Ruby didn't say anything even though she understood everything, she just nodded and said, "My lady I will go prepare your bath"."Sure", I nodded and replied and she left carrying the box in her hands.ETHAN'S POV6:00 AMI put on the servant uniform and the mermaid necklace with a smile on my face, I just can't wait to see her... I just hope there will be time to take this camouflage off."Your Highness, Should we get going?", Maxwell asked as he put on his brown bag."Yes", I replied but then the door suddenly opened and Natalie came in."Natalie?! Why are you here?", I asked."Greetings your Highness, Her Highness sent me here to give you this...", She said and brought out a white envelope. I collected it and examined it, seeing the paper was empty I understood Mother used the secret paper coated in milk to hide the content
I couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for my little goddess. Despite the challenges she faced, she remained strong and determined, earning the respect of those around her through her courage and skill. I couldn't wait to see her and let her know how much I admired and missed her.We continued our journey towards the North Wing, the anticipation building with each step.Finally, we arrived at the entrance to the North Wing and I noticed the subtle change in the environment, the air got thicker making it hard to breathe, if I had not put on this disguise I could have passed through it easily but now I'm just a weak vampire.Maxwell brought out a yellow stone from his bag and the thick air dispersed revealing a different world. We were welcomed by a woman with kind eyes and a warm smile. She bowed respectfully to Maxwell before addressing him."Welcome, Rinn Maxwell. The great witch Agatha is expecting you. Please come in." She then led us to a cottage.Maxwell nodded and steppe
"I'm sorry my little flower 'sniff' I just can't help it 'sniff', I feel like a huge rock has been lifted off my chest". Aunt Agatha said and my expression changed."Why are you saying this Aunt? It's not like you are the one who made me blind in the first place ". I said to comfort her but unexpectedly her body immediately went stiff and she withdrew her hands from mine.Seeing the dreadful expression on everyone's face I asked, "What is wrong?".Aunt Jasmine patted my hands as if telling me to calm down but I can't because I don't understand what is happening! I don't understand why Aunt Agatha and everyone is acting so strange."Agatha, don't hide it from her any longer, let it all out". Aunt Jasmine said and I turned to her, "Tell me what? What are you all saying? What is going on?!". I yelled frustrated. I'm sorry for keeping you in the dark all this time after I tell you this if you end up hating me it's fine... I'll gladly accept it, just don't start too far from me okay, you k
"Now I see why my Mother loathes you_". I said and took in deep breaths. I finally understand why Mom despise the idea of me always coming here... But isn't she being too inconsiderate?Aunt Agatha lowered her head as she cried silently. I held her hands tighter and said, "I don't agree with her though, you don't deserve all this! The blame, the hatred... You don't deserve it, you did all you could to save your friend and her child, no one should be condemned for that no matter what! Thank you for saving me...". My voice softened as I tried so hard to restrain myself from bawling out in front of everyone, I have an image to maintain.Aunt Agatha raised her head and I caught a glimpse of the mix of emotions swirling in her silver orbs, shock, surprise, confusion, happiness and finally regret.I gently raised my hands and dabbed her teary face with my sleeves, "You have carried that burden alone for good seventeen years... It must be horrendous". Before I knew it she embraced me tight
I stood there, observing the intense exchange between my Selene and Agatha, my heightened senses catching every word of their conversation. Agatha seemed apologetic, but I couldn't discern the reason behind her remorse.Lost in my thoughts, I was jolted back to reality by Selene's I calmly reached for the mermaid tear necklace around my neck and pulled it off. As I was engulfed by a purple cloud, it slowly dissipated, and through Selene's eyes, I confirmed I was back to my normal self in a prince's robe."Mate!" Selene's wolf growled, then her growl softened into a low whine, and her cute tail waggle made me chuckle. She approached me slowly, and I was more than ready to embrace her. Before I knew it, she shifted to her human form, catching me off guard as she threw herself into my embrace.Suddenly, it felt like the whole world disappeared, and it was just the two of us. I wrapped my hands around her bare skin and pulled her closer."I've missed you," I murmured into her ear, my voic
Gently, I scooped Selene up into my arms, her slight frame feeling fragile against my chest. With careful steps, I carried her to a nearby tree, its sturdy branches offering a haven for her rest. Cradling her in my embrace, I settled beneath the tree's comforting shade, her head resting against my shoulder.As Selene slept peacefully, I couldn't help but admire her delicate features, softened in slumber. A strand of hair had fallen across her face, and I tenderly brushed it aside, my touch light and reverent. The gentle breeze whispered through the leaves above us, a soothing melody to accompany our tranquil moment.Leaning back against the tree trunk, I held her close, feeling the steady rhythm of her breath against my chest. The weight of her trust settled over me like a warm blanket, reassuring me of our bond and the depth of our connection.In the quiet of the forest, I allowed myself to simply be present with Selene, relishing the intimacy of our shared solitude. Time seemed to s
Blood. Smoke. Screams.The battlefield was chaos incarnate. A blur of blades, claws, and death.Hybrids surged in waves—dark, snarling creatures with eyes glowing like cursed embers. They didn’t tire. They didn’t retreat. Every time one fell, three more took its place.My sword tore through flesh and bone, spirit energy pulsing with each strike, but still they came.“Selene, left!” Ethan shouted.I spun just in time to see a hybrid leaping at me, its claws ready to rip into my side—but Ethan’s blade was faster. It slashed through its midsection, black blood splattering across the ground.Our backs met.Our rhythm was a deadly dance—swing, duck, parry, strike. Two hearts. One beat. One blade.We moved as one.He covered my blind spots. I watched his flanks. The battlefield bent to our pace, enemies falling with each pass. The sky thundered above us, ash raining down like cursed snow.Across the field, Ruby’s arrows flew like guided lightning—each one landing with deadly precision. Eira
The ringing in my ears faded into screams and the pounding of terrified footsteps. I pushed myself off the ground, my heart thundering as my eyes searched through the smoke and flames."Selene!" I heard him before I saw him—Ethan’s voice tearing through the chaos like a blade.I turned just in time to see him rushing toward me, dust and worry etched into every line of his face. I ran to him without thinking and threw myself into his arms. He caught me, holding me like I was air and he’d been suffocating."Are you okay?" he asked, his voice raw, desperate.I nodded quickly, trying to mask the shaking in my limbs. "Help the children," I whispered against his chest.He nodded without question and turned away, already barking orders and shielding the small ones caught in the confusion. I spun around, grabbing a dazed woman by the arm and guiding her behind the larger tents for cover. Another explosion sounded, this one farther away, but no less terrifying.My eyes darted around the crowd.
“I should get ready,” I said, brushing my fingers gently down his cheek.He nodded but didn’t move to let me go. “I’ll walk you back.”We walked hand-in-hand regardless of the eyes on us, the soft grass cool beneath our feet, until the lights of the pack grounds began to shimmer ahead of us, little orbs of amber and gold floating through the air like fireflies. Music thrummed faintly in the distance—drums, flutes, laughter, and the sweet scent of roasted honey fruit and grilled spice meat drifted through the air.The Night Festival had begun.He left to get ready while I also prepared.By the time Ruby came to get me, I had already changed into the dress Imara picked for me—deep emerald green with silver threads woven through the fabric like whispers of starlight. It flowed around me like mist, soft and regal.“My lady,” Ruby breathed as she fixed the last flower in my hair, “you look breathtaking.”I gave her a small smile and nodded. “Thank you, Ruby.When we arrived at the heart of
"My lady, you have not had rest since you left your room this morning—you look pale," Ruby said, her voice laced with concern."My lady, just let us do the rest," Eira chimed in gently.Imara gave a small, firm nod beside her.I smiled at them, warmth blooming in my chest. Their loyalty… it always amazed me."Thank you for your care," I said softly. "I’m fine. You all can go and prepare for the night festival." I paused, glancing at Ruby with a knowing look. "Let me know when it’s almost time.""Yes, my lady," they said in perfect unison before walking off, leaving a quiet hush in their wake.I turned and made my way back to Serene Lake.And then—I saw him.“You’re back,” he said, and just like that, the tension in his shoulders melted. His eyes—those deep, storm-touched eyes—lit up like a dawn I could only dream of.I smiled, a real one this time, from somewhere deeper than my bones. I nodded, and before I could say a word, he was already on his feet, wrapping me in his arms.His hug
The second I saw her—her long silver robes flowing like moonlight, her steps slow but full of purpose—I broke composure and ran.“Aunt Agatha!”I threw my arms around her before I could stop myself.She felt thinner than I remembered. Her once-strong frame now felt like delicate twigs beneath soft velvet. Her scent was familiar, earthy and warm, but there was something different—fainter, like a flame struggling to stay lit.She stood stiffly, but her hand reached up and gently patted my hair, the motion careful, calming.“My little flower,” she murmured.I pulled back just enough to look into her face. Her eyes, once sharp with mischief and magic, were shadowed by fatigue. Her cheeks were hollow, her skin pale beneath the soft lines of age and wisdom.“Aunt Agatha, are you alright? You look unwell.”“I’m alright, little flower,” she said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.I didn’t believe her. But I nodded anyway.Now wasn’t the time to argue.“I need the barrier strengthe
SELENE'S POVEthan is right—nobody is ever truly ready for war.The thought echoed in my mind, sharp and undeniable.His words hadn’t just settled in—they rooted themselves in my chest, heavy and unrelenting. The truth of what was coming was no longer some distant threat. It was here. And it was hungry.But my fear wasn’t about war alone.It was about him.My mate.My Ethan.My heart clenched painfully as the image of him flickered in my thoughts—his eyes dimmed by something that did not belong to him, his voice edged by a force older than memory. I had felt it myself… when I touched him. A shadow, ancient and relentless, coiled beneath his skin.And now I understood.Iris’s fear hadn’t been overblown or dramatic—it had been real. And now, it was mine too.But there was something else… something I could control.I could suppress the darkness within him—still, it, quiet it as a mother calming a violent storm cradled in her child’s soul. I couldn’t remove it… not yet. But I could hold i
The moment I swore those words, the air around us snapped—charged, alive. The wind stirred unnaturally, rustling the trees in a sudden gust. A strange pulse rippled through my chest like a silent drumbeat.Then came the burn.Subtle at first—like static crawling beneath my skin—but it quickly intensified. My breath caught. A pressure built inside me, raw and ancient, tightening around my lungs.But I didn’t let go of her.Not yet.I ground my teeth and forced myself to stay calm. I wouldn’t show weakness. Not in front of her. Not when she needed my strength.But I felt it—something inside me shifting. Unfurling. Watching.A presence that did not belong.I drew in a sharp breath and finally released her, rising to my feet. The earth trembled beneath me, only slightly, but I felt it. Power thrumming just beneath the surface of my skin. My hands were shaking, not from fear—but from the sheer force of what was clawing its way to the surface.“Selene...” I turned from her, holding out my h
I clenched my fists so tight that my nails dug into my palms. The words came out in a low, jagged rasp, each one heavier than the last. "A force on par with the celestial realm. The maker of the mutated hybrids that terrorized our realm... and the human realm. The dark overlord." The weight of those words seemed to settle over the room, thickening the air, and I could feel my chest tightening as if the mere mention of that name might bring terror to it."Alexander the First," Alpha Lucas completed, his voice colder than usual. His expression matched the gravity of the situation, something I'd seen before—a reflection of deep worry masked by controlled composure.But then my gaze turned to Selene, and everything in me stilled. She was sitting there, poised as always, her fingers curled around her teacup with quiet elegance. There was no sign of shock, no flicker of fear, nothing that should've been there when faced with such a threat. She was... calm. Too calm.And then she smiled.It
Natalie’s knock was soft, almost timid. "Your Highness, Alpha Lucas summons you." Her voice pulled me from the wreckage of my thoughts. I stood slowly, my limbs aching, my mind a haze of guilt and regret. The room still reeked of her scent—faint now, like a ghost clinging to the edges of my soul. I opened the door, and Natalie stood there, her expression tight with worry. Her eyes darted to the blood on my sleeve—I had missed a spot. "Find Claudio," I said quietly. "Tell him to please check up on her." She gave a small nod and turned without a word. I shut the door and leaned against it for a second, exhaling shakily. My heart thudded dully against my ribs. I didn’t want to face him. I didn’t want to face anyone. Not when my hands had nearly taken everything from me. I dragged myself into the bathroom. The mirror above the sink was cracked—mocking me with jagged reflections. I couldn’t even look into my own eyes. I washed my face in silence, scrubbing harder than necessar