"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
ETHAN'S POV"No wonder I felt your orbs were familiar, I must say your disguise is top notch I couldn't even detect it". Selene said while working the mermaid tear necklace with her hands."Courtesy of a friend". I replied and she looked at me."If I'm not mistaken, this is the legendary mermaid tear, this friend of yours is a mermaid?". She asked with jealousy evident in her voice.I chuckled softly at her observation, her playful jealousy evident in the slight pout of her lips. "Well, let's just say my friend has some connections," I replied, a hint of mystery lacing my words as I met her gaze with a playful twinkle in my eyes.Selene arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Connections, huh? Sounds intriguing," she remarked, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes as she continued to work the mermaid tear necklace between her fingers.I couldn't help but be captivated by her adorable expression, her playful banter only adding to her charm. "Oh, it's intriguing," I replied, a smirk
"Sel, Stay where you are I'm coming_". I heard Mum's voice through the mind link, instinctively I pushed Ethan away."What's wrong?" Ethan's voice was laced with concern, his golden red eyes reflecting the worry etched in his expression."Hide! My mother!" I blurted out, scrambling to my feet and hastily adjusting the soft silk robe draped over my shoulders.Ethan's hand tightened around my waist, pulling me close. "I have to go now, my little goddess". His voice, low and seductive, sent shivers down my spine, awakening sensations I had never experienced before. I met his gaze, drowning in the depths of his eyes, and whispered, "I'm going to miss you."With a tilt of his head, Ethan kissed me passionately, his embrace firm as if trying to imprint every moment onto my skin. "Believe me, I'm going to miss every part of you, my goddess," he murmured against my lips.A blush crept across my cheeks, heat rising as I struggled to form coherent thoughts. "I will send letters, I promise," h
ETHAN'S POVAs I made my way back to the border, Maxwell awaited my return, his demeanour instantly deferential upon catching sight of me."Your Highness, what kept you so long?" he inquired, a hint of concern in his voice."I had pressing matters to attend to," I replied tersely. "Let's proceed."With a nod, Maxwell opened the portal, and I stepped through, arriving at the gates of the empire."Your Highness, they remain unaware of our expedition beyond the empire's borders," Maxwell assured me, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "I've ensured all traces have been erased.""Excellent," I remarked, a faint smile playing on my lips. "And my mother?""She is safe, Your Highness," Maxwell reported promptly. "Under Nivian Natalie's watchful eye, she is well protected.""And the antidote?" I inquired, my gaze unwavering."It's prepared," Maxwell confirmed, producing a dagger laced with the life-saving substance. "A single stab to the heart, and he will be revived instantly."I accepted t
With a steely gaze, I met Zeke's defiant stare, my lips curling into a chilling smile. "Let the games begin," I declared my voice a low, menacing growl that echoed through the courtyard.Without a moment's hesitation, Zeke and his soldiers lunged forward, their movements quick and coordinated. But they were mere pawns in the face of my superior strength and cunning. As Zeke launched a ferocious attack, I effortlessly sidestepped his blow, my reflexes honed to lethal precision.With lightning speed, I retaliated, each strike a calculated display of my dominance. My silver sword and razor-sharp claws sliced through flesh and bone with ruthless efficiency, leaving a trail of fallen soldiers in my wake.Despite his valiant efforts, Zeke was no match for my prowess. With a single, decisive blow, I disarmed him, my blade poised threateningly at his throat."Give up, Zeke," I growled, my voice dripping with menace. "There is no escape from your fate."But Zeke, stubborn to the end, refused t
As I made my way back to my quarters, my mind buzzed with the events of the day. The taste of victory still lingered on my lips, mingling with the metallic tang of blood that coated my skin. Beneath the surface, a storm raged—a tempest of emotions and desires that threatened to consume me.As I entered the dimly lit corridor leading to my chambers, I sensed a presence waiting for me. My mother stood there, her expression unreadable, with Natalie, the Vivian dancer, by her side."Mother," I called out to her, my voice cool and composed.She rushed to me, her concern palpable as she took in my blood-stained appearance. "Are you hurt?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper."Not at all, Mother," I assured her, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips. "This blood is not mine."Her relief was palpable, but beneath it lay a mother's worry, a fear for the safety of her son. "Ethan, I know you have your reasons for your actions today," she began, her words measured yet tinged with reproach.
Veins bulged along my arms and neck, their pulse erratic, as if liquid fire coursed through them. My breaths were shallow and ragged, each one a struggle against the growing weight pressing down on my chest. The transformation clawed at me, demanding control, but I refused to yield. My trembling hands gripped the desk like a lifeline, but even that began to splinter beneath my strength.“Not now,” I hissed, my voice low and desperate as I clenched my teeth against the pain. My vision blurred, the room warping as the migraine clawed deeper into my skull. It felt as though my head would split apart, the pressure building to unbearable levels.“Not now!” I growled again, more forcefully, my fangs fully extending, and my voice echoing with a monstrous undertone that wasn’t entirely my own. My fingers dug into the desk, carving grooves into the wood as I clung to the only anchor I had left: Selene.Her image burned in my mind, her smile, her voice, her scent—a fleeting reminder of sanity.
"What a lovely way to start my day," I muttered with a rare smile, carefully holding Selene's letter. Her familiar scent of grapes and lavender still lingered on the paper, driving me crazy.Just as I began to read it again, a knock at the door disrupted the peace of the moment. My smile faltered slightly, but I immediately recognized the faint scent of metals; it could only be her."Come in, Natalie," I said without looking up, my voice calm but firm.The door creaked open, and Natalie stepped inside, her graceful movements and steady demeanour as composed as ever. She was one of the few in the empire who dared approach me unannounced. Her sharp eyes scanned the room before settling on me, and a faint smile tugged at her lips."Good morning, Your Highness," she greeted, her tone polite but laced with curiosity. "I see you've received something… interesting."I folded Selene's letter, "What is it, Natalie?" I asked, keeping my expression neutral. I wasn’t in the mood for small talk, n
ETHAN'S POVThe clash of swords rang in my ears, but my mind wasn’t in the fight. Every movement, every swing, every parry felt hollow, mechanical. I could tell Valdemar, my sparring partner, was growing frustrated. His strikes became sharper, more precise as if he was daring me to retaliate with the ferocity I was known for.But I didn’t. My thoughts were elsewhere—on her.Selene.She hadn’t replied to any of my letters. I’d sent so many, each carefully crafted yet desperate, hoping for some sign that she was okay. The silence gnawed at me like a huge rock was placed on my chest.“Crown Prince Ethan!” Valdemar’s sharp voice cut through the haze in my mind. His blade hovered a hair’s breadth from my chest. I hadn’t even registered his approach.My eyes narrowed, meeting his steely gaze. “What?” I snapped, my voice cold as ice.“You’re distracted,” he said bluntly, lowering his sword. “If this were a real fight, you’d be dead.”I sheathed my blade with a deliberate motion, the scrape o
"Sel," Claudio began, his voice steady but heavy with concern. "The celestial power sealed within you is breaking down. Your body can withstand it, but it will take time—and a lot of meditation—to adjust. As a result, you may experience temporary blindness whenever you tap into the celestial power."His words struck me like a thunderclap, silencing the thoughts racing through my mind. I swallowed hard, my voice trembling as I asked, "You’re saying every time I use the celestial power, there’s a risk of losing my sight?"Claudio nodded solemnly, his eyes meeting mine. "Yes. Today, I was able to cast a rejuvenating spell to help you find balance. Without it, you would have been without your sight for at least twenty-four hours.""A whole day…" I repeated, the weight of his words settling over me. I forced a sad smile, trying to mask the growing unease in my chest. "Well, that’s not as bad as I thought." I hesitated, glancing down at my hands before whispering, "For a moment, though, I t
My heart dropped again at my own words, the weight of them crashing down on me like a tidal wave.The darkness pressed in, thick and suffocating, wrapping around me like an old, cruel companion I had hoped to never meet again. It was the same as before—the endless void, the familiar feeling of weakness and helplessness. My body froze, unresponsive, while my mind spiralled into a panic."My lady!" Ruby's voice broke through the oppressive silence, sharp and filled with worry. I could hear her footsteps rushing toward me, the faint sound of paper rustling as the writing materials were pushed aside.My trembling hands rose to my face, my fingers brushing over my eyes. I blinked—once, twice—but the darkness remained. My chest tightened painfully as dread clawed its way up my throat."I… I don’t understand," I muttered, my voice barely a whisper. My words trembled as much as my hands.Ruby knelt beside me, her hands gently cupping my shoulders as she shook me lightly, trying to draw me bac
I didn’t want to make them worry again, so it seemed best to head back to my quarters. And yet, my heart ached with anticipation to read my Mate's letter. Just the thought of it warmed me in ways I hadn’t realized I needed. "I’ll send word to them," Ruby said, her voice steady, and I nodded in agreement. Hand in hand, we made our way back to my quarters. As we arrived, I noticed the six wolves guarding the gate. I recognized them instantly. They sensed my presence before I could even speak, their deep, resonant howls filling the air in unison. The sound was a song of reverence, a celebration of my return. Their fur shimmered under the moonlight, their eyes glowing with recognition as they stood in their full, imposing forms. The moment I approached, they howled again, softer this time, as if acknowledging my return. Their joy was palpable, and it lifted my spirits more than I could have imagined. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, warmth flooding my chest at the sight of th
"Oh, what would I do without you?" I asked, shaking my head, the faintest trace of amusement in my voice.Claudio grinned, his confidence shining through as he replied without missing a beat, "Nothing."I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound breaking through the lingering tension like sunlight piercing through storm clouds. He joined in, his deep chuckle blending with mine, and for a moment, the heaviness of everything we faced felt a little more bearable."You’re insufferable," I said, still smiling."And yet, you’d be lost without me," he teased, his tone light but his gaze warm and steady.I rolled my eyes, but my smile didn’t falter. "I hate that you’re right.""Get used to it," he said with a wink, leaning back against the nearby tree.As the moon continued to cast its soft glow over us, I realized that no matter how hard the road ahead would be, I would always have Claudio by my side. I silently thanked the Moon Goddess for our friendship.But then, a prickle of unease crawled up
Mother taught me sword dance because I had no other hobbies except fighting, she didn't want me to grow with only fighting in my head so she taught me sword dance, a unique way of combining violence and peace, the best way to relieve and express myself, it's a pity I have been too busy with the Hybrid attack I forgot about it.Claudio waved his hand, and a drum appeared in his hands; he sat down calmly, ready to beat it. I smiled happily; it has always been like this: he drums, and I dance.Excitement surged through my body the minute his hands started to beat the drum majestically. Dum Dum Dum Dum Dum.With my twin swords in hand, I let the rhythm guide me, each beat coursing through my veins like a long-lost melody. I moved gracefully, my feet gliding across the earth as if I were dancing on air. The blades became an extension of myself, slicing through the wind with precision and elegance, their sharp edges catching the light of the moon.I twirled, leapt, and spun, the sound of C
My ears perked up at the mention of this, "Mundonile", I muttered, Father nodded and continued, "Yes, Mundonile, Legend says it has the pure essence of the moon goddess herself, Agatha said if we could find it, then your mother could be healed and she will be able to conceive", Father paused again, he took in deep breaths and continued, " On hearing this news I was overjoyed along with the pack, I sent wolves out to find it but our efforts were fruitless, I went to all the clans on the search of it but still no good news, worry gripped me I thought maybe the flower is just a legend after all in the past decades no one has ever seen or used it, I started to lose hope, just then I realized I have searched the whole of the supernatural realm but not the mortal world, so I went to the mortal world and I found leads to the flower, the Hunter Family, Mundonile is their Family Heirloom, passed down from generations to generations ".My eyes widened in shock on hearing this, "Hunter Family?!