~ Elara’s POV "Remember that whole fight with Ashley's guard? Did I, uh, look like some kind of scary beast out there? Did I perhaps freak you out a bit?"Rufus's question hit me like a ton of bricks. Here was the guy who single-handedly took down Ashley's goons, looking at me with this worried frown, like he was the one who needed saving. It didn't make any sense. Sure, when I first saw him unleashing all that power, it was a little scary. He moved like a lightning bolt, taking down those guards faster than I could blink. But after that initial shock, a weird mix of feelings took over. Part of me was still jittery, seeing this raw power firsthand. But the other part? Well, the other part was kind of…impressed.I stared at him for a moment, replaying the scene in my head. There he was, a whirlwind of rage and power, taking down Ashley's hulking guard with surprising ease. It was both terrifying and exhilarating to watch. A chuckle escaped my lips before I could stop it."Monster?" I
~ Rayel’s POVCurled up on my bed, memories of Elara flooded back. The ache of missing her was sharp. Seeing Daciana, who looked so much like Elara, ripped the scab right off my heart.Meanwhile, I knew Hazel must be fuming. I stormed out when I was trying to apologize, acting like a jerk. I need to find a way to stop these constant fights. But everything she does just reminds me of Elara, making it impossible.My frustration mounted as I marched back and forth in my room. How could I move on from Elara and stop these fights with Hazel? It felt impossible. Elara was like a permanent fixture in my head. Dejected, I slumped back onto the bed.Suddenly, the door burst open and Hazel barged in, her face stormy. "What was that about?!" she shouted, voice tight with anger. "You stomped out in the middle of apology, then practically embarrassed me in the presence of Daciana?!”Hazel exploded again. "What the heck is your problem, Rayel?!" she shrieked. "Why can't you just accept Daciana a
~ Rayel’s POV I was so furious when I saw Daciana on my bed. Blood pounded in my ears as I saw what she was putting on. When I asked her what she was doing in my room, her reaction was like a splash of cold water on a bonfire, it only made the flames of my anger burn hotter. She flinched, then dropped right to the ground, begging for forgiveness. She swore she never meant to come to my room , that she was just doing what Hazel told her to do.I locked eyes with her, a heavy silence pressing down. Fury simmered in my gut, but something stopped me from unleashing it all at once. With a growl, I barked an order for her to stay put and stormed towards the bathroom. Slamming the door, I took a deep breath, trying to clear your head.The cold tile felt good against my hot skin as I splashed water on your face. While the cold spray calmed my burning anger, a dark thought wormed its way into my mind. Memories of how I treated Elara surfaced, a twisted plan forming. I imagined pushing Dacia
~ Rayel’s POVA triumphant smirk played on my lips as Daciana's eyes welled with tears. My cruel intentions had worked; her face twisted in a mixture of hurt and betrayal, exactly as I had planned. With a surge of adrenaline, I yanked her off the bed, the room tilting with the sudden movement.Then I mounted her. My hands clenched around her shoulders, the fabric straining under my grip. I could see the frantic hope flicker in her eyes, a silent plea I ignored. Just as my fingers grazed the zipper of her dress, a wave of nausea washed over me.The image of Elara flooded my mind and my grip faltered, the strength draining from my hands. Daciana, swift as a startled cat, twisted free and scrambled back, clutching the rumpled sheets around her.I watched as she pushed me off her and rose from the bed, her movements stiff and formal. Without a single glance in my direction, She bolted for the door, leaving it swinging wide open. I slumped back on the bed, a cruel smile plastered on my fac
~ Daciana’s PovMy face burned like fire, tears stinging my eyes. Mingan, the head maid, stood at my doorway, her eyes narrowed like a viper's."What was that for?" I stammered, voice barely a whisper."That's what you get for getting all high and mighty after a night with the Alpha!" Mingan screeched. "Think you're too good to do your chores now?"My jaw practically hit the floor. "Slept with... the Alpha...?" I sputtered, my voice barely a squeak. There was no way this was real. My mind raced back to leaving Alpha Rayel's room that night, remembering the weird looks some of the maids gave me. Now it all clicked.I flicked my gaze to the other maids huddled behind Mingan. Their eyes were like daggers pointed right at me. It was like a scene from a bad soap opera; they were definitely the ones who cooked up the juicy lie. A wave of nausea washed over me. Not only was I getting blamed for something I didn't do, but it was this horrible rumor. Disgust churned in my stomach.The words g
~ Daciana’s POVMy jaw hit the floor when Luna Hazel said what she did. Fury boiled inside me. I shot to my feet and screamed, "I'll get out of this place no matter what! I won't be stuck here!"Her eyes narrowed. "Just try it, Daciana," she hissed. "You think your little escape plan won't come back to bite your mother in the you-know-what?"I roared back, "Don't you even think about hurting her! You lay a finger on Mom, and I won't sit back anymore!"That's when her hand connected with my cheek again, another burning slap. The world spun for a moment, the sound of my own heartbeat pounding in my ears.“Don’t you dare yell at me!” She yelled out.Luna Hazel's words hit me like a ton of bricks. "And on top of everything," she sneered, "you are to grace Alpha Rayel’s bed until I get whatever it is I want. And just to make sure you don't get any funny ideas, my personal guards will be keeping an eye on you every seconds."Her face contorted into a mask of pure nastiness. Tears welled up
~ Daciana’s POVAlpha Rayel was the absolute last person I wanted to bump into, especially not when he looked like he could erupt like a volcano. He stomped closer, his voice echoing through the garden as he repeated his question. "What. Were. You. Doing?"My mind went blank. One minute I was enjoying a stolen apple, the next I was facing the furious Alpha. "I, uh..." I stammered, my brain scrambling for an explanation that wouldn't make me sound even more guilty.Alpha Rayel grabbed my arm, a bit too roughly, and yanked me out of the peaceful garden. "This place is off limit!" he bellowed, his voice tight with anger. "Don't you ever set foot in here again!"Shaken but strangely relieved, I mumbled an apology and scurried back towards my room, the guards flanking me like watchdogs. Honestly, I was just happy he hadn't thrown me in the dungeon or something. Back in my room, I collapsed onto the bed, my mind racing. Everything was so messed up, but at least I had a little peace, for now
~ Hazel’s POVAfter confirming that Daciana and Rayel spent the night together, I made sure Daciana knew I was in control. After that not-so-pleasant chat and warning, I placed two of my guys outside her place to keep an eye on her. I instructed them to keep an eye on her movements and report to me if she did anything suspicious. Feeling like a winner, I strolled back to my room. A craving hit me for something spicy, so I called in a maid. "Tell the kitchen to whip up some super spicy food," I instructed, feeling pretty pleased with myself. But then, the maid just stared back at me, like she couldn't quite figure me out. "What's wrong with you?" I asked her, my good mood vanishing faster than smoke. I glared at the maid, trying to figure out if she was messing with me.Instead of getting flustered, she just kept looking at me with wide eyes,almost...excited. Then, it came out in a rush: "Congratulations!" She even gave a little bow, which only made me more confused."Congratulations
~ 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