~ 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
~ Elara’s POVThe raw pain in Rufus’s eyes softened a little at my touch. It was clear talking about his past had taken a huge weight off his shoulders, but the scars of that trauma still ran deep. And even though his confession had completely changed the course of our conversation, a small part of me couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Knowing how much he trusted me, how much he must care about me to reveal such a painful secret, made rejecting him even harder."I just wish..." he started, his voice catching, "I wish I could have explained it to him. I wish I could have made things right."I squeezed his arm gently. "You can't change the past, Rufus," I said quietly, "but you can choose how you move forward. Don't let this define you."He looked at me, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. But even as I offered him comfort, my own situation felt even more complex. There I was, encouraging him to move on, to find happiness, while I was about to shatter his heart by rejecting h
~ Rayel’s POVDisoriented, I blinked blurry eyes open. Darkness surrounded me. How long had I been out? I muttered to myself. That was the second time I had lost consciousness. Panic started to bubble up, but I forced it down. I needed to focus. What was wrong with me? My body ached, and a dull weakness lingered.Pushing myself up, I stumbled towards the familiar glow emanating from where I had left my phone. My vision spun a little, but I persevered, finally collapsing onto whatever surface I had found my phone on. With trembling fingers, I dialed Boris's phone number. The phone beeped as it dialed, each ring echoing in the silence like a hammer blow. The phone barely had a chance to ring before a voice crackled through the receiver. Boris picked it up as if he had been waiting for my call, his voice laced with concern even over the speaker."Boris," I croaked, my voice weak and raspy.He must have heard the tremor in my voice because his concern intensified. "What’s wrong? Are
~ Hazel’s POVMy blood was practically boiling. I ripped open Rayel's room door, expecting to find him lounging about, only to be met with an empty space. Frustration clawed at my throat. "Where's the Alpha?" I barked at the guard stationed outside, his face stoic as ever."He left with Beta Boris, Your Highness," the guard replied, his tone as flat as a board.That did it. Left with Boris? After I specifically requested to see him at the dining hall the previous night? It felt like a slap in the face. Stomping back to my room, I slammed the door with a bang that rattled the pictures on the wall. "Don't let anyone bother me!" I yelled at my maids, who flinched at my outburst. Alone at last, I flung myself onto the bed and burrowed under the duvet, the anger simmering in my gut.How could he do this? There I was, trying to play matchmaker, set him up with Daciana, hoping they would click, and he went off with Boris instead. Was I some kind of fool that he could play anyhow he wanted
~ Hazel’s POV Before Rayel could react, I locked my lips against his and started kissing him. The kiss was slow at first but when he started reciprocating the kisses, the kiss became more intense and the room was filled with my moans. He took charge and I wanted more of him. He placed his arm around me and I felt the rush of helplessness, the sinking yielding, the surging tide of warmth that left my limp. He pulled away from me, stared at me for a while before bending back my head across his arm and kissed me, softly at first, and then with a swift gradation of intensity that made me cling to him as the only solid thing in a dizzy swaying world. His insistent mouth was parting my lips, sending wild tremors along my nerves, evoking from my sensations. And before a swimming giddiness spun me round and round, I knew that I was kissing him back again. I lifted myself up on my toes, and his face came down at the same time. His lips were soft, softer than before, but there was a hard des
~ Rayel’s POVI barked at Boris to leave the pack's doctor out of it. My whole body still felt like it got hit by a truck, but then he tried to calm me down explaining that calling the doctor was the smartest move. Apparently, I wasn't just sore anymore, I was getting worse.“I said I don’t have to see a doctor, just get me some painkillers or something, I'll be okay,” I managed to say."Alright, Your Majesty," he said with a hint of worry in his voice. As he turned to get me the pain relievers, I forced out another request. "Actually, forget the room entirely. Take me to the grand hall. There is no way I'm staying here stewing in this pain and waiting for Crazy Hazel to waltz back in. Knowing her, she will be like a fly buzzing around my head until she gets what she wants. And let me tell you, Boris, I am in no mood for that kind of a fight right now,”He acknowledged my message and groaned, I threw on some fresh clothes. With Boris steadying me, we shuffled out of the room and towa
~ Elara’s POVRufus and I chatted for a while, and I was happy I could lift his spirits. Then, out of the blue, he surprised me with an invitation. He asked if I wanted to join him on a trip to the city the next day. I was thrilled. I was getting stir crazy at his place, and it felt like ages since I had been out and about in the bustling city."Absolutely, I would come with you" I beamed, my smile practically splitting my face in two. Rufus's chuckle at my reaction warmed me even more. "Good one," he said, "Although, it is getting a bit nippy out here. Maybe we should head back inside?"I couldn't agree more. Nodding eagerly, I let Rufus help me up. Back inside the cozy cabin, I drifted towards the bed while Rufus settled onto the couch. Excitement bubbled in my chest. This trip to the city would be my first adventure outside the forest since arriving at Rufus's place. But a flicker of nervousness snaked its way in too. The thought of bumping into Rayel put a bit of a damper on my
~ 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