~ Hazel’s POVI was jumping for joy when Beta Boris told me he found a new breeder for us. I couldn't believe it. To be sure, I grilled him with questions. "Is this person reliable? What's her name? Is she even from our pack?"Boris coughed a little nervously before calming me down. He assured me this lady was someone we could trust, and also, she was one of us.Boris went on to explain that the girl wasn't that old yet. He said she was a good kid who lived with her mom. Apparently, she had a rough start, losing her dad when she was young. But Boris reassured me that her mom did a fantastic job raising her.Hearing this, curiosity got the better of me. "Can I meet her? Where is she staying?" I pressed him.Boris scratched his head. "We're getting her a room ready in the palace, but it's not quite finished yet. That's why she won't be here right away,” This made my eyebrows furrow. "A room in the palace? But what about Elara's old room? Isn't that empty?" I asked him.Boris's next wor
~ Hazel’s POVLooking around the whole environment, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The environment was neat and beautiful. I stared at Beta Boris waiting for the response to my question. He cleared his throat and then explained to me that Daciana Lupe was actually from a poor background. But Rayel, in a move that surprised everyone, gave him some amount of money to get them a comfortable place before she was taken to the palace."And he was behaving as if he doesn't care," I muttered to myself, clenching my fists. How could he be so nonchalant after doing this?” I muttered to myself when I heard what Rayel did.“ He actually did that not out of indifference, but to compensate her mother," Boris explained.With a curt nod to Boris, I said, "Lead the way." He followed silently. The heavy oak door swung open with a groan, revealing a warmly lit interior. A woman, her face lined with the passage of time but her eyes sparkling with a youthful vibrancy, stood at the center of the room. It wa
~ Hazel’s POVAfter giving out the order to show Daciana to her room, with that, I turned and headed for my own chambers. Just as I was about to sink into my comfy chair and unwind after the intense day, the maid came to my room. But instead of returning alone, she had Daciana and her two hefty bags in tow."There seems to be a bit of a problem, Your Majesty," the maid began hesitantly. "I took Daciana to Elara's room like you instructed, but apparently there's been a change of plans,”Her words sent a jolt through me. "A change of plans?" I echoed, a frown creasing my forehead. "What do you mean?"The maid shifted nervously under my gaze. "Well, the door to Elara's room seems to be locked, and Alpha Rayel was the one who gave the order out and according to Rhoda, I was told that another room has been prepared for Daciana."My blood ran cold. "Rayel?" I growled, anger flickering in my eyes. My sudden outburst made Daciana flinch. She probably hadn't seen this side of me before, and i
~ Elara’s POV Rufus sat there deep in thought, a frown creasing his forehead. I nudged him, but he didn't even flinch. The forest was getting colder, and I shivered. I really wanted to find someplace warm, but I couldn't just abandon Rufus in the woods, especially since I had no idea what dangers might lurk on the way back home, not after what I encountered earlier. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place; freezing with Rufus or braving the forest alone. I shouted his name again, "Rufus! Rufus!", but it was like I was talking to a wall. Finally, I gave his hand a good shake. That did it. He jumped, startled, and his eyes flew open. He looked awful, like someone had kicked his puppy. "What's wrong?" he mumbled, finally noticing my worried expression. “I should be the one asking such questions,” I said to him. "What's wrong with you?" I shot back, looking so concerned. "You look like you lost your best friend,” I added. He mumbled something that sounded like "fine," but it w
~ Elara’s POV"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked, concerned, creasing my brow as I looked at Rufus. He shuffled his feet and avoided my gaze."There's something I need to talk to you about, Elara," he finally mumbled."Of course," I said, patting the space beside me on the bench. "Sit down. Whatever it is, you can tell me."He sat down hesitantly, his brow furrowed in worry. "I just... I don't want this to come as a shock, or like I was taking advantage of you," he stammered.My curiosity was piqued. What on earth could he be so worried about saying? I muttered to myself.Taking a deep breath, he blurted it out. "Elara, I love you!"The words hung in the air between me and him. I froze, surprise washing over me. I hadn't expected that confession.~ Hazel’s POVAfter I ordered the maids to get Daciana ready for dinner, I headed to the kitchen to figure out the dinner menu. I wanted to make sure it was extra special, so I decided to cook all of Rayel's favorite dishes. It wasn't just going
~ Hazel’s POVMy feet felt glued to the floor in front of Rayel's door. I pounded on it with my fists, screaming his name, demanding he open up. But he wouldn't budge. Fury burned through me, so hot I almost ripped the door right off its hinges. Then, I slammed on the brakes. “Breathe,” I told myself. “Just breathe,” I said to myself a bit. I couldn't believe I had let him manipulate me.My anger was still raw, and with a frustrated yell, I lashed out with a kick at the door. It probably didn't even faze Rayel, but it sure felt good in the moment. Stomping back to the dining hall, I found Daciana already there, digging into her food with a puzzled frown. Swallowing my rage, I plastered on a smile and joined her. She gave a small smile back, and I forced myself to ask about the food, anything to sound normal. "Delicious, right?" she said, thankfully oblivious to the storm brewing inside me. I waved to a nearby maid, who hurried over with a plate piled high with food. Trying to focus on
~ Rayel’s POVDinner with the new breeder Hazel brought in? No way. I had no intention of attending the dinner party with the new breeder Hazel brought to the palace. My stomach churned, not just from anger, but from a strange sense of betrayal. What infuriated me even more was when Hazel decided to house this Daciana in Elara's room. That room held a special place in my heart. I had considered the room sacred, holding the if not really the beautiful moments with Elara, the room had the memories we shared together and I was so angry when Boris told me that Daciana was occupying the room at the moment. The news felt like a double punch. Elara's room, a sacred space, was invaded by Daciana, blissfully unaware, taking the residence. My anger flared hotter than a dragon's breath. I had spent the entire day fuming. From the moment I woke up to the unwelcome news about the new breeder, Hazel's smug face, and then the dull ache blossoming in my stomach, it felt like the world was conspiring
~ Elara’s POVRufus's sudden confession left me speechless. The whole world seemed to hold its breath. I couldn't believe what I just heard. But then, seeing him all flustered and fidgety, I knew his words were genuine. Just as I opened my mouth to reply, he fumbled a bit and turned back to me.Rufus scurried inside before I could even get a word out. "Don't worry, take your time!" he called back, flustered. Looking at him dash through the door, I couldn't help but smile. He was adorable, like a shy puppy with a tail wagging a mile a minute.But then his words hit me. Technically, any girl would be lucky to have Rufus. He was kind, thoughtful, basically a walking dream come true. Heck, I even used to wish Rayel acted more like him. He treated me with respect, remembered my favorite things, and always knew how to make me laugh. He was practically perfect in every way.But as much as Rufus seemed like a dream come true, my heart just wasn't in it. The truth was, I had never seen him as
~ 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