~ Rufus’s POVStaring out the window, the gloomy sky felt like a giant, grey frown. It hit me then that it wasn't just bad weather. Somehow, it felt linked to Elara's labor. Like a weird message from the universe saying things were about to get...different. Panic jolted me awake, and I raced back inside, the pieces clicking into place. I saw Elara and her face was etched with pain, sweat beading on her forehead compared to how I left her earlier. It was clear she was still in the thick of it, struggling to bring the little one into the world.Elara's pulse hammered like a drum solo in my ears. Her voice, usually so strong, was barely a whisper. "Did you figure it out?" she rasped, worry etched on her face. I hurried to her side, squeezing her hand. "Hey, hey," I soothed, forcing a calm I didn't quite feel. "It's okay, we'll get through this together. Listen, I think I understand what's going on. Your labor...it's not exactly typical."Elara's eyes widened for a moment, surprise flick
~ Rayel’s POVThe stomach ache just wouldn't quit, even after I swallowed those meds. It felt like an angry badger was tap-dancing on my insides. Then, whoosh! Out goes Boris like a shot. A few minutes later, he was back with Chan, the pack’s shaman. I figured Boris must have filled Chan in on my belly woes because after a quick bow my way, Chan crouched beside me. His face was etched with concern, his eyes flickering with the wisdom of years spent healing folks in the jungle.He closed his eyes, furrowing his brow in concentration. For a moment, the only sound was the low hum escaping his lips, the words tumbling out in a language that danced on the edge of my understanding. Then, with a final exhale, he opened his eyes, their depths seeming to hold the secrets of the jungle itself. He studied me intently for a beat too long, before finally speaking. "Congratulations, Alpha Rayel," he said, bowing his head low. His words hung heavy in the air, a shock that sent a jolt through both B
~ Hazel’s POVThe thunderstorm was freaking me out. The sky went dark so fast, and the thunder sounded like angry giants stomping around. Then, something even weirder happened. I was peeking out my window to see what the crazy weather was all about, when I swear I saw Boris and Chan sneaking into Rayel's room. But that wasn't the strangest part. Seeing the shaman just hanging out in the palace made me wonder what was going on. Like, what in the world was a shaman doing all the way here?Curiosity was gnawing at me. Why was Chan sneaking into Rayel's room during this crazy storm? Just then, I left my room to confront them and as I was about to ask Boris what was going on, he managed to distract me. He didn't exactly spill the beans about what was happening, but he tried to calm me down with some vague promises like "everything will be alright." Yeah, right. Boris’s words did the opposite of calming me down. It was like trying to soothe a crying baby with a lollipop – sure, it migh
~ Elara’s POV"Elara, it's okay," Rufus soothed, his voice gentle as he reached out to take my hand. "You don't have to talk about him if it's too painful." He squeezed my hand reassuringly.I realized I might have been a bit harsh. Here I was, snapping at Rufus when he was simply trying to understand. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to calm down. "I'm sorry, Rufus," I mumbled. "You don't deserve my anger." With a shaky voice, I began to explain my story. "I only knew my father for a short while. Then, one day, he just… disappeared. Vanished without a trace." The memory still stung, leaving a raw ache in my heart. "I never knew why he left, or where he went." Rufus listened intently, his expression filled with empathy. The words tumbled out of me, choked with tears. "He just left," I continued, "left me and my mother alone. And because of that, she ended up…" Your voice trailed off, the pain of the past raw and exposed. "A terrible man," I whispered, tears finally spilling
~ Rayel’s POVMy mind was racing. Elara had kept my child and herself a secret, and I couldn't understand why. I was fuming mad and at the same time was excited. Just then, Chan cut through my anger, explaining the whole confusing situation about my child’s birth in a way that was easy to understand. It felt like he was untangling a big knot of questions I had.“This child of yours possessed an enormous power, Your Majesty. The power he possessed was a blessing from heaven but can also be a curse for him,” Chan explained to me.“What did you mean by that?” I asked, looking so serious. I couldn’t believe that I was finally going to be a father and with the good news, Chan was still trying to spoil my mood with the word “curse” again. “Explain to me better what you mean by your last statement,” I ordered him.“The thunderstorm and the change in the color of the sky says it all, Your majesty.Chan' brow furrowed. "Well, Your Majesty," he continued, "powerful people sometimes cause stran
~ Rayel’s POV“Let’s spring into action to find her and my child,” I added.“Yes, Your Majesty,” Boris acknowledged my message.“But why did Elara fake her own death?” Boris asked again, looking so confused.“We will find out when I see her.”I watched as he left the room again. I went to my wardrobe to get changed, feeling so excited to reunite with my long lost mate and my child again.~ Elara’s POVDespair washed over me as Rufus spoke. My father, the key to protecting my child? It felt like a cruel joke."There has to be a reason he vanished," Rufus pressed gently, trying to reason with my anger. A part of me acknowledged he might be right.Memories flickered – my mother's voice, soft and reassuring. She always said my father shouldered his burdens, never abandoning his family without a fight. But rage had clouded my judgment, twisting those cherished memories into accusations.Could I have been wrong? The thought gnawed at me. Shame flared hot. I had been so consumed by fury, I h
~ Elara’s POVRelief washed over me as Rufus agreed to train me. The dream, once a confusing memory, now felt like a spark, a potential key to protecting my child."Thank you, Rufus," I said sincerely, my voice thick with emotion. "I can't express how much this means to me."He offered a reassuring smile. "Think nothing of it, Elara. We're in this together." With a nod, he rose and headed towards the kitchen, likely to get me some food.Left alone, I cradled Dolph close, his tiny fingers clutching at my shirt. His big, inquisitive eyes seemed to hold an unnerving wisdom, staring deep into mine. A shiver ran down my spine. Was it just my imagination, or did he seem to sense the turmoil within me?A wry smile touched my lips. Maybe he did. But even if the world seemed to be crumbling around me, I wouldn't let it break me. For Dolph, I would find my strength. For Dolph, I would unlock the power within.Dolph continued to nurse, his eyes wide open and locked on mine. I couldn't help but
~ Elara’s POV I clutched the vial Rufus handed me, a warmth radiating through the glass. "So, what's next?" I asked, barely containing my eagerness.Rufus, his posture straightening, met my gaze. "The vial can reignite the ember within you," he explained, "but it's just the first step. To truly fan it into a flame, we need a plan."His next words surprised me. There were no cryptic chants or gestures he instructed me to perform. Instead, he outlined a series of practical steps:"First," he said, his voice dropping to a low hum, "we need to quiet the storm within. Meditation can help. Find a quiet corner each day, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Imagine yourself like a still lake, emotions just ripples on the surface. With practice, the whispers of your intuition will become clearer."A flicker of hope ignited within me. Meditation wasn't some ancient ritual, it was something I could do.Rufus continued, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "Next, we need to train this newfound
~ Rayel’s POVPanic clawed at me as Elara’s mental link flickered, replaced by a terrifying image,a dark cave.“She is in danger!” I yelled out. Every ounce of self-preservation melted away, replaced by an urge to protect her.The fragmented images Elara had sent were enough. Mountains, a cave entrance. It wasn't much, but it was all I had. Barking orders to Boris, I rallied my most trusted warriors. We rode with a desperate urgency, the rising sun painting the sky a bloody red that mirrored the turmoil within me.Hours bled into one another as we traversed treacherous terrain. Doubt gnawed at the edges of my determination. Had I reached in time? Then, a flicker of hope. A plume of smoke rising from a clearing in the distance.I felt energetic, so I urged my men forward. The scene that greeted me was a tableau of chaos. Elara, battered and bruised, was surrounded by Darach's men. Her defiance, even in her weakened state, ignited a fury within me hotter than any fire.Before I coul
~ Elara’s POVThe trek with Rufus towards my father's supposed location had been arduous. Days blurred into nights, the dense canopy offering scant sunlight. Rufus remained by my side, my keen senses constantly on alert. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the trees thinned, revealing a desolate mountain range.A shiver ran down my spine as I spotted a dark, gaping maw nestled at the base of the highest peak. It couldn't be. The cave. The one from my connection with my father.Fear warred with desperation. Taking a deep breath, I linked with my father once more. This time, raw, agonizing screams reached me.“ My father, It was him,” I told Rufus.Heart pounding a frantic tattoo against my ribs, I scrambled down the rocky slope, Rufus hot on my heels. The stench of damp earth and something metallic filled the air as we reached the cave entrance. A low growl rumbled from within, sending shivers down my spine.Ignoring the fear, I pushed past the ragged curtain concealing the entra
~ Rayel’s POV"What?!" The scream ripped from my throat, a guttural roar of fury. Ignoring the guards and the stunned look on Hazel's face, I lunged at Dolph. He may have been chained, but that wouldn't stop me. My fist connected with his jaw again, a satisfying blow that carried the weight of my wrath."How dare you!" My voice was a low growl, laced with a dangerous edge. "They're not pawns in your twisted games! You lay a single finger on them, and you'll regret the day you were born!""Rayel!" Hazel cried, her voice thick with hurt and betrayal. Clearly, the sight of me attacking her lover had shaken her.But before I could even process her reaction, she did something that sent a fresh wave of shock through me. Hazel, the woman I thought I knew, knelt beside the now-wincing Dolph and began to help him up. Her touch, gentle and concerned, was a stark contrast to the coldness she had shown me earlier. "Is Elara still alive?" Her voice, laced with a desperate urgency, was directed at
~ Rayel’s POVPushing myself off the bed, a newfound determination coursed through me. The anger might still simmer beneath the surface, but it was overshadowed by a fierce longing for Elara and my son. I wouldn't give up. I would find Elara and my son, no matter what it took.Just then, the door creaked open. It was Boris. Relief washed over me, maybe he had news about the retrieval team."Your Majesty," he announced, his voice a welcome sound in the tense silence. "I've done as you ordered. The guards are heading towards Alpha Dolph’s pack as we speak."I nodded curtly, a flicker of appreciation for his swiftness. But before Boris could launch into whatever he was about to say, I cut him off. Hazel's name was a raw nerve, and I couldn't bear to hear it right now. "Don't mention her," I rasped, my voice tight. "Just find Elara's stepfather. I need to talk to him."Boris's brow furrowed in confusion. "Elara's stepfather? What about him?" It was clear he didn't understand my plan, but
~ Rayel’s POVMy heart shattered into a million pieces. Years of love, devotion, poured down the drain. The woman I thought I knew, the woman I had built a future with was a stranger. The truth, a bitter pill coated in sugar, sat heavy in my gut."You... love someone else and have never loved me?" My voice barely rose above a whisper, the words scraping against my raw throat.Hazel scoffed, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Loved? Please, Rayel. It was never love. It was convenient. A way to pass the time." The coldness in her voice sent a fresh wave of nausea crashing over me."And now you want out?" I managed, the question laced with a desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, this was all a twisted joke.Hazel's smile returned, but this time it was devoid of warmth, a predatory glint flashing in her eyes. "Exactly. And wouldn't it be a grand gesture of your love to let me go quietly? A final act of selflessness before I return to the arms of someone who actually deserves me."
~ Rayel’s POV I was speechless, staring at Hazel. She wasn't making things easier. Hazel got up and walked closer to me, clearly frustrated."You're being such a jerk, Rayel! Why are you acting so mad? I told you I was pregnant, and you believed it even though you knew I can't have kids. Why are you getting mad at me now?” Hazel demanded, her voice laced with anger.Frustration bubbled over. "Seriously, Hazel? You can't even apologize?" I exclaimed.Hazel scoffed. "Why would I? I bent over backwards for you, remember? You should be thanking me, not throwing a tantrum."Her lack of regret made my blood boil. "That's unbelievable, Hazel! You don't get to play innocent here. Taking responsibility is grown-up stuff, and you're failing miserably! I hate it when people don’t take responsibility for their actions!” I said. The air hung heavy with accusation after Hazel's scoff. "Take responsibility for my actions!" she spat, her words dripping with misplaced blame. I managed a smile, thin
~ Rayel’s POVMy jaw clenched as I spotted the woman. She was heavily pregnant, her face pale with exhaustion. As soon as she saw me, her eyes widened and she immediately dropped to her knees."Who are you?!" I demanded, my voice firm but not angry.Her voice trembled as she stammered, "Y-Your Majesty... I'm..." Sweat beaded on her forehead despite the cool air.She took a shaky breath, finally calming down a bit. "My name is Ares," she revealed in a small voice."Ares," I repeated, trying to place the name. It didn't ring a bell. My gaze swept across the room again, taking in the changes. Gone was the bare and dusty space I remembered. Now, comfortable furniture filled the space, along with a surprising amount of good food stocked in a nearby cupboard. My eyebrows furrowed. "And why are you here, Ares?!”My tone was accusatory and it was clear I wanted answers.“Ares! Who exactly are you and what are you doing here?!” I asked again.“Luna Hazel… can explain… that,” she stammered.“Wh
~ Rayel’s POV A memory surfaced. My father had once mentioned a room that belonged to his grandfather. They hadn't gotten along, and after my grandfather's passing, my father had ordered the room sealed and untouched. This, I realized, was the very same room.The room's pristine condition was a stark contrast to the dust and neglect I had expected. Curiosity gnawed at me. I crept closer, reaching out to push on the doorknob. It wouldn't budge, it was locked. But from the inside!Confused, I rapped on the door. "Hello? Is anyone there?"A woman's voice, laced with surprise, echoed back. "Who is it? Are you Luna Hazel?"I heard her footsteps approaching the door, but it remained firmly shut. When I didn't answer, the footsteps stopped.Something wasn't right. I pushed against the door with all my strength. It creaked open a sliver, revealing a glimpse of a cluttered room and... a woman.The sight that greeted me was a shock. A heavily pregnant woman stood there, her eyes wide with alar
~ Elara’s POV Rufus knelt down, and a moment later I heard the happy gurgling of my son. Rufus had brought him out, a tiny scrap of peaceful normalcy in the midst of the chaos. Dolph munched on his food with a single-minded focus that mirrored my own training sessions. It was almost comical, the way he would get so engrossed in eating he'd fall asleep right after, as if sensing the importance of the task at hand.A surge of fierce love washed over me. I would find my father. Not just for myself, but for Dolph, to create a safe and secure future for both of us. Fueled by this newfound determination, I devoured my food, ready to tackle another grueling training session. The road ahead was long, but with each passing day, I felt myself getting closer, not just to unlocking my powers, but to reuniting with my father.Days bled into weeks as I trained relentlessly. Rufus pushed me hard, but I never faltered. Then, one day, it happened. With a final, grueling exercise, Rufus finally manage