~ 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
~ Elara’s POVI gripped the edge of the car seat, my knuckles white. As the cab weaved through the city streets, a knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. Every neon sign, every flicker of movement in the throngs of people, felt like a potential glimpse of Rayel. To me, the city which was once a place of vibrant energy, felt like a kaleidoscope of fear.Rufus, probably sensing me distress, reached for my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "Elara," he said gently, his voice a steady midst of my worry. "You're safe with me. Rayel wouldn't dare show his face here, not even his guards,”His words were like a soothing balm. I squeezed his hand back, a flicker of hope rekindling in my chest. Slowly, I allowed my gaze to drift out the window. And then the city began to reveal its magic again.Towering buildings, bathed in the soft glow of the sun, scraped the sky. Streets teemed with life, a balance of honking cabs, chattering pedestrians, and the rhythmic beat of music spilling from ope
~ Elara’s POVMy jaw practically hit the floor when Rufus asked his question. "Ready to give me the response to my proposal, Elara?" "Proposal?" I stammered, my mind scrambling. The vibrant colors of the restaurant seemed to fade, replaced by a dizzying blur. Before I could even form a coherent response, he surprised me again."Hey, no pressure," he said quickly, his smile strained at the edges. "If you need to think about it, that's totally fine. No rush at all,”The truth was, I did have a response, a tangled mess of emotions churning in my stomach. But the words wouldn't come. How do you tell someone you care about them deeply, but not in the way they want? Guilt gnawed at me, a heavy weight settling in my chest. The playful banter that flowed so easily all during our meal time felt awkward at that moment, a forced lightness to a heavy situation.As if sensing my discomfort, Rufus started telling jokes, one after another. They weren't knee-slappers, but they were his way of t
~ Elara’s POVRufus's gaze held mine, an intensity that both warmed and flustered me. My mind raced, searching for a way to break the spell. Stealing a glance at the darkening sky, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind."Hey, remember you mentioned a hidden park earlier? I'd love to see it," I said, my voice a touch too eager.Rufus blinked, seemingly surprised by my sudden change of subject. "The park, yeah," he said, a thoughtful frown creasing his forehead. "Are you sure you're up for it? We've been on our feet all day, and with…your condition, you might be tired,”"Don't worry about me, Rufus," I said, trying to sound chipper. "Remember when you were always nagging me to get some exercise? Well, consider this payback,” I winked playfully. "Besides," I added, placing a hand on my still-flat stomach, "four months pregnant means I need to stay active, right?"Rufus wasn't convinced. He furrowed his brow, his gaze lingering on my face with a mixture of concern and protective
~ ELARA’s POVThe day's excitement seemed to finally catch up to me. Rufus and I left the storytelling gathering and found a chair to sit on. I leaned back on the chair, letting out a content sigh, but Rufus noticed I wasn’t quite myself. A gentle shiver ran through me, and he saw a slight frown crease my forehead as I gazed upwards.Without a word, he reached over and draped his coat around my shoulders. The warmth instantly enveloped me, and I turned to him with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Rufus," I said, my voice a little softer than usual due to the cold.Rufus simply returned a small smile. "No problem," he said. A comfortable silence settled between you for a moment. I snuggled deeper into the coat, the warmth chasing away the last bit of chill."That was a really fun tour," I finally said, breaking the quiet. "Yeah, it was pretty cool," Rufus agreed. "Though, next time maybe we'll pick a tour that doesn't involve so much walking." He chuckled, nudging me playfully with his sh
~ Elara’s POVA heavy silence descended after my words, thick enough to cut with a knife as I told Rufus that I was ready to give him the response to his proposal to me . His hopeful expression faltered, replaced by a flicker of sadness in his eyes."Oh," he mumbled, the word barely a whisper. I could see the disappointment cloud his features, and my heart ached for him. I reached out and placed a hand on his arm in a comforting gesture."Rufus, listen to me," I said softly. "You're an incredible person. You're kind, strong, and incredibly talented. Being here with you has been amazing, and I truly value our friendship."He gave a small nod, but his gaze remained downcast.But," I continued, taking a deep breath, "feelings can't be forced. And as much as I care about you, it's not romantic love. I like you a lot, but it's more like a really good friend kind of like."I knew my words might sting, but honesty was the only way forward."Does that make sense?" I asked gently.Rufus remain
~ Elara’s POVI was glued to my phone when Ashley interrupted me, letting me know she was finished with Rufus. I politely said goodbye, ready to get back to my phone, but then Ashley threw me a curveball.She wanted me to walk her to her car, which apparently was parked outside the forest.I wanted to decline at first but then with her situation and remembering the fact that she was Rufus’s client, I decided to be nice and walk her out.Ashley was practically skipping with joy after I agreed to walk her out. She told Rufus, to stay put, which made me a little nervous. I was about to blurt out that walking back alone through the forest freaked me out, but Rufus cut me off.He said something about me being in "safe hands," and I was totally confused. That was, until I stepped outside and BAM! There were, like, five big security guards standing around.Whoa! Now it clicked what Rufus meant by "safe hands." Those guys looked like they could wrestle a wolf and rogue and win. Ashley must h
~ Elara’s POVMy mind raced, replaying Ashley's words over and over. "Rufus?" I finally managed, my voice barely a whisper. "You... Do you love Rufus?"Ashley puffed out her chest, a strange mix of defiance and insecurity flashing in her eyes. "Yes! And he's mine!”My mind reeled, piecing together Ashley's outburst. "So you slapped me because you thought Rufus and I were... together?" I clarified, the question laced with disbelief."Yes!" she spat back, her voice tight. Clearly, the idea rattled her more than she cared to admit. "And what's more," she continued, her voice gaining volume again, "I want you to leave his place immediately!"Just as I was about to retort, a voice cut through the tension. “And who are you to tell her to leave?” Rufus said as he approached us."Rufus!" I exclaimed, surprised to hear him approaching from behind. Apparently, he has been following us at a distance, unseen by us and unheard until that moment."Rufus!" I blurted out, surprised to see him sta
~ 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