Emily's POV “You know you can always use the Beta to get what you want.”“I know,” I said, “But if Jacob suspects his Beta in the slightest, wouldn't he have his head? It's best for me to finish him off by myself rather than get someone else in trouble. And besides, if I kill Jacob myself, only me would share the glory in that. It will also make me feel a sense of justice considering what he did to me in the past, as well as the former Luna, Lyla.”“Thank you for remembering her even though she betrayed you.”“It's all in the past now,” I said. “Right now, all we need to worry about is moving forward.”“Right. By the way, Luna, where's Fayne? Didn't he come here with you?” Melissa asked.I sighed. “Well, Fayne is dead.”Her eyes widened. “Why what happened?”“It's a long story,” I responded.“Please tell me about it,” She said.I nodded at her.“Could you please get me something to eat, first? I'm really tired.”“Oh, my bad, I forgot that you just came back and would like some rest.”
Fayne's POV When I woke up, I felt something weird in my insides. I looked at the bed that I was on and sat up on the bed.“Where is Emily?” I wondered out loud.A small smile appeared on my face as I remembered how we'd make love previously. It was something that I could never get out of my head no matter what.I was about to leave the room when I noticed something on the side of the bed. I walked over to it and saw that it was a bowl that consisted of tools to disember something… or someone.It finally clicked. Beth gave me a bowl to drink previously and after drinking, I became like this. I touched my stomach, wondering exactly what she put in it.I rushed to the living room only to see Beth sitting on a stool, relaxing.“Beth,” I said.The moment she turned to me, I saw shock, surprise and fear in her eyes, all at once.“Fayne, h-how are you still alive?” She started to stumble back as I walked forward towards her.“What do you mean, how am I still alive? Did you poison me?”Bet
Fayne's POV “I don't know the full truth, Fayne. But I do think Emily cared for you, just not in the way that you might have expected.” Beth told me.“I saved her once in the past. I don't know if that's why she agreed to marry me.” I said, running my fingers through my hair in exasperation.Beth helped me stand up, then she said, “It'll be best if you stay here and I help you heal. I am also willing to pass onto you, all of my knowledge on herbs as long as you become my disciple.”My eyes widened. It was a good offer but I didn't care about it. All I wanted to know was the truth. Did Emily truly love me? Or did she only marry me to trick me? Or was it because she thought I would die?This answer was only one I would get if I asked her in person.Goosebumps covered my skin as I remembered how our bodies had mesh onto each other’s so effortlessly. All of that, was it all a lie keeping me stuck?“Fayne,” Beth shook me awake, causing me to come back into face with reality.“What?” I sa
Fayne's POV “Fine,” Beth responded with a smile on her face. “From now on, you are my disciple.”“Yes ma'am,” I bowed my head in respect and she walked over and patted me on the head.“Go on and have some rest, I'll go reboil the water and prepare to heal you.” Beth said and walked out of the room.I sighed and sat up on the bed, breathing deeply.The only person on my mind right now was Emily but I had to focus to be able to go back to her.***When Beth came back she had a deep look on her face. She was carrying a bowl of hot water that smelt different. “What did you put in the water?” I asked her, “It smells weird.”“Oh, you'll know all about that but in the meanwhile, strip.” She told me.I did as she said and she began to put needles in my body. I winced but I took on the pain without a single word of complaint.Then she pressed the hot water into my skin and I let out a loud cry. I felt like I had just been hit by something pepperish.“Take the pain like a man, Fayne. The amou
Fayne's POV “Sure, I read about it.” I said and she gasped while staring at me regretfully.“The human using demonic abilities would be bound to die a painful death if the power is unleashed at a maximum percentage.” I said and she nodded.“Exactly. Any human using demonic abilities is bound to die painfully. Why would you want that for yourself? Fayne, right now, you're a healthy human. You can find somebody else to love you. You can also earn a living for yourself by learning medicine and herbs. Why would you want to live a life of absolute torture?”“From what I read, a human using demonic abilities doesn't mean he or she gets to live a life of absolute torture.”“It is torture. Using too much abilities that is not naturally inclined to humanhood is torture.” She said.“I don't look at it that way, ma'am. You have no idea, I am willing to do anything as long as I have my wife back at my side.”Beth sighed. “Are you sure that you love her?”“What do you mean?” I said, feeling offen
Emily's POV Melissa walked into my room with a tray of food.“Melissa,” I said cautiously.She placed the food on the table and smiled at me.“The Alpha's Beta would like to talk to you.” She said and I nodded.“About what? We've never gotten that close to have a good conversation.”Even though I spoke casually, I was secretly curious as to what he wanted to talk to me about.“I don't know but he's waiting down the hallway for you.”“Hmm,” I said thoughtfully. I got up from my bed and Melissa said, “Won't you like to eat first before going?”“I don't want to keep him standing there for long.” I said.I looked at my reflection in the mirror and smiled. I looked very well.Melissa opened the door for me and I stepped out of the room.I walked down the hallway only to see Jacob's Beta standing with his hand at his back. He looked dignified and refined in his body posture but not as dignified and refined as Fayne. I wondered to myself. Why was I thinking about Fayne now? He was dead. I
Emily's POV “I don't believe we've met,” I told her and she nodded, “No, Luna, this is the first time.”“I called you here for an important discussion.” I said.“I submitted the report to the Alpha's desk about the shortage of medical supplies for the deceased in Galahad pack clinic.”“Exactly. Let's talk about it.”Melissa brought forth a chair and the woman sat in front of me.“I want a cut in the budget. We'll use a new technique to preserve the deceased.”“But how, Luna?”“We'll use natural ingredients to form formaldehyde. I think it'll be best in the preservation of the corpse.”“The ingredients remain the same, Luna. We cannot cut costs. The final moments of a corpse is important for the nearest generation.”“I understand.” I said. “But we do have to cut costs.” I said firmly. “I remember that Donovan pack has Formaldehyde as well as some embalming fluids for corpse. I'll contact them for some.”Even though my brother Matteo was no longer on my side, my father was going to coo
Emily's POV “Link, I'll put you in charge of transporting the Embalming fluids and formaldehyde.”“Yes, Luna.” He went to his knees and I nodded.“Wait here.”I went to the treasury and brought out 50,500 worth of gold. I went back to the office where Link was sitting and gave him the boxes. “Transport these to Donovan's pack. Make sure the Alpha receives it.” Then I tossed the bag containing 500 gold to Link and he caught it in his hand.“That's five hundred worth of gold. Make sure you take care of the transportation and ensure nothing out of the ordinary happens.” I said and Link nodded calmly.“Yes, Luna.”“You're dismissed.”Link started to leave with the boxes and all of a sudden, he halted in his steps and whispered.“If only you were the Alpha, you'd have my loyalty.”I pretended to not hear and watch Link walk out the door.I inhaled deeply. Looking around the office that I was in. It felt so right like it was perfectly made for me.Next, I heard a knock on my office and wh
Emily's POV The truth of his words sat heavily between us. I didn't confirm or deny it.“You read me too well,” I said.“Only because I’ve spent every waking second trying to.”His words should’ve unnerved me. Instead, they warmed something inside me that I hadn’t allowed to feel in a long time.That night, I couldn’t sleep.Not because of nightmares. But because I was starting to crave the quiet presence of a man I once saw as a threat.Over the next few days, he made it worse—in the best way.He brought me coffee in the morning. Not just any coffee. The kind I liked—black, strong, with a hint of cinnamon. He never asked how I took it. He just knew.One night, during a strategy session, I was so tired I nearly fell asleep mid-sentence. Fayne didn’t say a word. He took the papers from my hands, led me to the chair by the fire, and wrapped a blanket around my shoulders. His hand brushed my cheek so briefly it might’ve been a ghost of a touch—but I felt it for hours after.I started fi
Emily's POV The silence between Fayne and me had grown roots—thick, winding vines that curled between glances and swallowed every word we didn’t say.Weeks of brushing past each other. Weeks of watching him from across the training field, his arms slick with sweat, his blade catching sunlight like it had something to prove. Weeks of pretending that I didn’t notice the way he stood a little straighter when I approached, the way his gaze never dropped until I made it.But I felt it.All of it.And I hated the ache of not knowing what lingered behind his quiet loyalty. Or worse—what lingered in me.Tonight, I couldn’t take it anymore.It was late. Most of the pack was asleep. Only the night guards remained, posted at the perimeter under a silver-stained moon. I moved through the stone hallways with purpose, each step echoing like a heartbeat down the corridor.I stopped in front of his room.The door wasn’t locked. I pushed it open without knocking, just as I always did when I wanted to
Emily's POV "And if he turns on you?" Link stepped closer. "Will you wait until your throat is already slit before you believe me?"I stared at him for a long moment. He was right in many ways. Link had always done the dirty work—without asking questions, without demanding praise. But tonight, he wasn’t just looking at me like his Alpha. He was looking at me like I belonged to him."Is that what this is?" I whispered. "You’re jealous?"His jaw tightened. "I’m not a child, Emily. I don’t get jealous. I get dangerous."His words weren’t a threat. They were a promise.I moved past him to the window, needing space, needing air. Outside, the pack grounds lay quiet under the weight of the night. I could see the training fields where warriors used to train under Jacob’s rule. Where I now held court."You’ve always had my loyalty, Link," I said quietly. "But you don’t own me."He was behind me now. I could feel the heat of him, the restraint in his breath. "Not yet."I turned sharply, our fa
Emily's POV The silence hung, suffocating and electric. I stood above Rosie, chest heaving, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. My knuckles throbbed, my limbs ached, but I stood tall. Victorious.Rosie looked up at me, blood on her lip, her pride cracked and leaking through her gaze. And yet—there was something else in her expression now. Something unfamiliar.Respect.The crowd still held its breath, eyes darting from me to Rosie and back again. They were waiting for someone to speak. Waiting to see if the new world we just stepped into would break them... or lead them.Rosie shifted onto one knee, then the other. Slowly, deliberately, she bowed her head to me.“I yield,” she said, voice rough but clear. “Alpha Emily.”The words echoed through the clearing like a bell tolling across a battlefield.A few gasps broke the stillness. Then, like falling dominoes, the rest of her warriors lowered their heads. Submission. Unity.I should’ve felt triumph. I should’ve smiled. But
Emily's POV The night stretched on like a blade, its sharp edge pressing against my nerves. Sleep was a distant thought, scattered like ashes to the wind. My mind raced, thoughts tangled with fear, determination, and something darker, something that tasted like revenge. I stayed in my room, pacing, my fingers clenching and unclenching. Fayne’s words echoed in my head, and for once, his voice sounded like something more than irritation. It was concern. Desperation. But I couldn’t afford to let it sway me. Not now. Before dawn broke, I slipped from my room and made my way to the training hall. The air was cool, fresh with the scent of rain that hadn’t quite fallen. It was the kind of crispness that made your lungs ache with every breath. The hall was empty, silent but for the quiet creak of the wooden floor beneath my boots. I didn’t want witnesses. Didn’t need anyone to see the way my hands trembled or the ragged edge of my breathing. I grabbed a training dummy, tossing it
Emily's POV “She’s on the eastern border. Brought at least a dozen of her warriors with her.” Melissa’s eyes were wide, panic trembling in her voice. “She’s demanding to speak with you. Alone.” “Alone?” I scoffed. “She must think I’m a fool.” “It’s a trap,” Fayne said, stepping forward. His presence was both reassuring and maddening. After our argument, his loyalty still felt uncertain, a phantom thread swaying in the wind. “She’ll try to catch you off guard.” “I know.” I met his gaze, my own fury barely contained. “But she’s challenging my authority in front of the pack. If I refuse her request, I’ll look weak.” Fayne’s jaw tightened. “So, you’re going?” “Yes.” “I’ll go with you.” His words were iron-clad. “No.” I shook my head, my voice firm. “If she sees me bring you, she’ll think I’m too afraid to face her on my own. This is a test, Fayne. And I’m going to pass it.” His expression twisted with frustration, but he didn’t argue. Melissa, however, looked ready to lau
Emily's POV Fayne remained by my side, his loyalty unwavering. Or so it seemed. But as the days crept by, I couldn’t ignore the way his eyes lingered on me, as if searching for something beyond my words. His fever had broken, but something else had shifted in him, something I couldn’t quite grasp. One afternoon, I found him in the training grounds, slashing through wooden dummies with a ferocity that bordered on madness. Sweat slicked his skin, his breaths ragged. “Fayne,” I called out, my voice slicing through the air. He stilled, knife held loosely in his hand, eyes glazed over with whatever war raged in his mind. “Emily.” His voice was hoarse. “I was just... preparing.” “Preparing for what?” I stepped closer, my gaze sweeping over the wreckage of splintered wood. “For whatever comes.” His gaze flicked to me, something wild and desperate gleaming in his eyes. “You’re surrounded by enemies, Emily. Rosie. The pack members who doubt you. They’ll all come for you eventually
Emily’s POVThe pack house was buzzing with urgency as Melissa rallied the warriors. Shadows danced across the walls, their movements feverish and uncertain. But I couldn’t afford to be uncertain. Fayne walked beside me, his presence a steady anchor despite the chaos. His loyalty was unwavering, but it only fueled my resolve. I couldn’t let him down. I couldn’t let anyone down. When I reached the front gates, I saw her. Alpha Rosie, standing tall and formidable, flanked by her warriors. Their eyes gleamed with challenge, a restless energy crackling through the air. I stepped forward, head held high, my voice cold and unyielding. “Alpha Rosie. You’ve returned sooner than expected.” Her gaze swept over me, a cruel smile twitching at her lips. “I wasn’t satisfied with our last conversation. So I’ve come for answers.” “Answers?” I folded my arms over my chest. “I told you the truth. Jacob is dead. It’s time you accept that and move on.” Her eyes narrowed. “Move on? You think I
Emily’s POV We walked back in silence, the forest thick with the crisp bite of morning air. Fayne’s fingers never left mine, his grip steady, as if he feared I might slip away if he loosened it. Maybe he was right. Maybe I was still clinging to that old version of myself—untouchable, unbreakable. But his warmth seeped into me, a promise I hadn’t realized I’d been craving. Melissa was waiting at the pack house entrance, her brows drawn tight with worry. When she saw us approaching, her expression melted into relief. “Thank the stars.” She rushed over, eyes darting between us. “I was about to send a search party.” “I’m fine,” I said, my voice stronger than I felt. “Fayne’s fine. We’re…” I glanced at him, hesitating. “…we’re good.” His smile was small but genuine, a flicker of something unspoken passing between us. Melissa’s gaze narrowed, suspicion creeping in. “You sure you’re okay, Fayne? You look pale.” “I’m alright,” he replied, though I could see the fatigue etched i