Olivia's pov. As I examined my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but sigh. I had become used to wearing a mask every day, never letting anyone see my face, but it had become such a big part of me that I had started to forget who I was without it. The delicate lace mask that covered half of my face seemed to mock me, a constant reminder of the secret I harboured and the danger that loomed if anyone was to ever find out who I really was."Olivia, are you ready?" My handmaiden's voice interrupted my thoughts, causing me to jump slightly. She stood at the door, her eyes filled with concern as she watched me carefully adjust the intricate design of the mask."Yes, I'm ready," I replied softly as I turned to face her. "Let's not keep Victor waiting."Together, we made our way down the corridors of the palace, the soft rustle of silk skirts echoing around us. As we approached the grand hall where Victor had told me to meet him, I felt a familiar knot form in my stomach. It had been
I waited in my room trying to steady myself. The ball was starting in just a few minutes and I couldn't shake the nervousness that had been eating away at me all day.Standing there adjusting the delicate lace on my royal blue silk dress, my heart raced at the thought of seeing him again after all these years. The mere mention of his name sent shivers down my spine, igniting a whirlwind of emotions within me.there was a light knock on my door. I straightened my mask one last time, making sure it was securely in place before opening the door to find Beta Allen standing there, looking handsome in his tuxedo."you look absolutely stunning," Beta Allen said with a warm smile, his eyes admiring my dress."Thank you, Allen," I replied, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks."Shall we?" he said, offering me his arm. As we made our way down the grand staircase, the sound of music and laughter grew louder, signalling that the ball had already begun. My heart pounded in my chest as we were about
Alexander povI heard the familiar click of heels approaching my office. Without looking up, I knew it was Rebecca. She had a way of making her presence known without even saying a word."Alexander," she purred as she barged into my office, taking a seat on my desk as if she owned the place. "Are you going to Alpha Victor's ball? And would you like to go with me?"I stood up, walking away from her and towards the window, not wanting to be near her. "I am going," I replied curtly, not bothering to turn around. But I'd rather go alone."She got up off my desk coming over to me trailing her finger across my chest. “Oh, come on just think of all the fun we could have.”I pushed her hand away, not wanting her to touch me. "I said I'm going alone," I said, my voice firm. Since Olivia died three years ago, I hadn't been able to bring myself to even think about finding another mate.Rebecca smirked, undeterred by my rejection. "Suit yourself, Alexander. But you'll be missing out on all the ex
As I stood there, trapped between Alexander and Allen, I could feel the tension crackling between them like electricity. Their eyes locked in a deadly stare, neither willing to back down.Suddenly, Victor's voice cut through the silence like a knife. "Allen, you need to take your wife to your room," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.Allen hesitated for a moment, his jaw clenched tight. But after Victor gave him a stern look, he finally nodded. But before Allen could take another step, AlexanderLunged forward, his hand outstretched to grab me. Victor quickly stepped in between us, blocking his path."Enough, Alpha Alexander," Victor said sharply. "I think it's time for you to leave."Alexander's eyes narrowed as he glared at Victor, but he backed down. As he turned to leave, I felt myself start to relax.But just as I thought it was all over, a sudden force knocked me to the ground.Before I could even process what was happening, I found myself struggling against
I couldn't sleep that night, my mind consumed with worry for both Alexander and Rebecca. Dragging my tired body out of bed, I got up, got dressed, and put on my mask before heading out to see Victor to make sure both Rebecca and Alexander had left.But as I descended the staircase, my heart skipped a beat when I saw Alexander standing in the foyer, deep in conversation with Lidia. My steps faltered as I tried to make sense of what I was seeing. Why was he still here? And why was he talking to Lidia of all people?Stepping behind the wall, I peered around it, trying to watch them to see what was happening. As I strained to hear their conversation, my heart raced with anxiety. But just as I was about to make out their words, a sudden touch on my shoulder made me jump in fright. Whirling around, my eyes widened in shock as I came face to face with Allen."Olivia," he whispered. "What are you doing here?"Clearing my throat, I looked around nervously, trying to think of something to tell
Alexanders povAs I watched Fay walk away, my heart pounded in my chest. I couldn't believe what my wolf had done, taking control of me and making me hug her. I felt a mix of embarrassment and anger swirling inside me as I clenched my fists."You idiot!" I growled under my breath, glaring at the empty space where Fay had just been. "What were you thinking?"My wolf chuckled darkly in response, its voice echoing in the depths of my mind. "Oh, come on now, Alexander. You can't deny that you enjoyed it," it taunted.I wanted to deny it, but I knew my wolf would not be cheated by me. Your inner wolf is the one who knew you most. I desire to touch her and kiss her, I can cheat anyone else, but my wolf always knew how much I wanted her.Since the first time I met Fay on the ball, I just couldn't let her go. Except that she was my fated mate, the mate bond linked both of us, but there was also something else that caused me could remove my eyes from her.She was gorgeous, like a burning fire
Olivias pov I was lost in the words of the ancient text when Allen came walking into the library. "Olivia, Victor wants us to meet him out front. He says there's some business in town we need to take care of," he informed me.I sighed, closing the book reluctantly as I followed Allen out of the palace. As we stepped outside, a chill ran down my spine when I saw Alexander standing there with Lidia by his side. My heart skipped a beat as he turned to look at me, his eyes piercing through mine.I quickly looked away from him, not wanting to exict my wolf any more than she was. Victor approached us, his expression serious as he addressed me."Fay, I know you're busy with the twins, but we can't make a royal visit to the village without you," he said apologetically.I nodded, understanding the importance of visiting the village. But deep down, I wished Victor hadn't invited Alexander to come along. "I understand," I replied softly, forcing a smile despite the unease in my chest. "Let's g
What happened in the village had all the pack members talking, and not in a good way. I knew I had to do something about it, so I went to find Lidia, hoping she would listen to me and see that having Alexander here wasn't a good idea. I went to her room and knocked on the door.Lidia opened the door with a scowl on her face. "What do you want, Fay?" she spat out."I need to talk to you about Alpha Alexander," I said softly.Lidia rolled her eyes. "Oh great, another one of your ridiculous theories about him?""He's causing problems within the pack," I insisted. "He's not good for you."Lidia laughed sarcastically. "And who are you to decide that?”I took a deep breath, trying to keep my cool. "I just want what's best for the pack and you. And after what happened yesterday in the village, the pack members aren't happy.” Lidia crossed her arms defensively. "You're always making everything about you, Fay. Maybe it's not Alpha Alexander causing problems. Maybe it's you."My heart sank at
Olivia's povI knew Ethan was trying to muster his courage. His hands trembled slightly as he thumbed the edges of the box, cooling his earlier confidence. Finally, he opened the box, revealing a stunning ring. The large moonstone at its centre caught the light, casting an ethereal glow that seemed to shimmer with life."Olivia, this ring has been in my family for hundreds of years," Ethan said, his voice tinged with reverence and nerves. The raw honesty in his eyes touched me deeply.“It’s beautiful," I murmured, genuinely captivated by the artifact's majesty and the legacy it represented.Ethan went red-cheeked, the usual bravado he donned so effortlessly slipping away. "I was wondering if you would…" He paused, his words stumbling over one another like a landslide. I waited, offering him patience and a soft smile of reassurance.After a moment, he cleared his throat and started again. "I mean, I'm here to ask for Lidia's hand in marriage. I haven't seen Victor yet, but he'll under
alexanders povThe anticipation that pulsed through my veins was far stronger than any battle I'd waged, any beast I'd fought. Tonight was the night Olivia and I would affirm what we already knew in our hearts: that we were meant to be together. Our bond had withstood countless trials, and now it would be sealed under the moonlight with the people we loved.Despite the day’s beauty, echoes of concern lingered. Red flags flew in my mind every time I thought of Reed. His absence was like a splinter under my skin—a constant irritation that could not be ignored. But tonight was not about him. Tonight was about Olivia, about our family, and about the life we were building together.The palace was bustling with excitement. People flitted about, preparing for the evening’s festivities. I had instructed everyone to keep the atmosphere relaxed yet festive. Even though she opted for a simple ceremony, Olivia deserved a night filled with joy and laughter.Maneuvering through the busy rooms, I fi
**Olivia's POV**I took a breath, the pleasant scent of roses filling my nose. The garden was alive with nature's symphony, a perfect backdrop for what could be the most significant day of my life. Alexander had already set to arranging everything needed for our moonlit wedding. Tonight would be magic.I left the garden, excitement twirling within me as I ventured toward the dressmaker to see if she had anything that I could wear tonight with such short notice. I noticed there was no time for me to have something made, but I didn't care. The dress was not important; marrying my mate was the only thing that mattered. My footsteps echoed softly off the cobblestone path, each step a rhythmic countdown to becoming Alexander’s wife.As I approached, the gentle hum of early morning activity filled the air. People were setting up stalls for the evening's festival, laughter mingling with the scents of freshly baked goods. We hadn’t had a true celebration in so long; spirits were high, and eve
Reed’s POVThe damp air clung to my skin as I hunkered down in the grimy drain pipe, its confines offering an unwanted intimacy with persistent, rank odours. Though suffocated by shadows, this location was my asylum, for now, a perfect vantage point to observe their kingdom’s every move—without being observed myself. They should be celebrating their victories, echoing the laughter of conquerors throughout the kingdom, but instead, silence hung heavy, a ghostly whisper of unrest and anticipation.An eerie thrill coursed through me as I contemplated my slow, methodical plan for Lidia and Victor.Their names, like promises, formed stepping stones towards Olivia and Alexander, ultimately leading to the ultimate destruction of their spirit. Each one taken was a piece stripped away from their false sense of security.Lida would be first. Her face haunted my mind, but soon, it would be snuffed out by shadows she couldn’t escape. Olivia idolised her, and losing her would weaken her along with
**Olivia’s POV**Morning light peeked through the ornate curtains, wrapping softly around the room. Slowly blinking awake, I stretched, only to find Alexander’s side of the bed empty. My heart sank slightly at the absence, but it was quickly quelled by the knowledge of his duties. Besides, our life since the battle had seldom allowed us to lay in bed together.I sighed, throwing off the warm covers and swinging my feet over the edge, ready to face the day. After getting dressed, I tied my hair back into a loose ponytail, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Today felt different; in a good way, I held no worries in my heart anymore.Making my way down the elegant staircase, the sound of laughter filled the air. It was the twins, no doubt causing their usual joyful chaos. I smiled to myself, relish in the simple, beautiful moments of motherhood.Before I could reach the dining hall, Lidia appeared at the end of the corridor. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” she called out, her grin wi
Reed’s POVThe forest was quiet, the only noises the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. My leg throbbed with every stride, the pain a consistent companion during my escape, but it fueled my resolve rather than diminished it. I leaned heavily on my makeshift crutch, every step deliberate, every breath a challenge overcome.How long had I been on the run now? Time was a shapeless blur, marking moments only by the exhaustion that weighed on my bones. The elders’ guards pursued me tirelessly, and Alexander’s as well, all seeking my head. I had played my cards poorly, underestimating the strength of my enemies and overreaching my ambition—or so they thought. Maybe there was truth in it. Perhaps I needed this moment, this fall, to truly measure the darkness within me and to harness it against those who wronged me.I knew Olivia had what I needed to rise again—her power, her essence. Once she recognised that we were meant to be, she would come around. I could almost f
Alexander’s POVThe grand palace gates opened before us, the magnificent structure standing as a testament to our return and the resilience we'd found within ourselves. As the carriage came to a stop, I watched as Olivia took in the scene. Her gaze was both wistful and hopeful, a blend of emotions she wore eloquently.“Daddy, can we go play?” Liam’s eager voice brought my attention back to our lively twins, who were practically vibrating with excitement.“Yes, but be careful,” I chuckled, unable to resist the buoyant energy only children possessed. "Stay within the gardens."With a flurry of giggles, they bolted off, leaving behind an iridescent trail of joy in their wake. Olivia stood beside me, a serene presence amidst the chaos. I watched her eyes follow the twins, a softness etching across her features.The warmth of the sun bathed us, the golden glow amplifying the sense of homecoming that swelled within my chest. “It feels so good to be home,” Olivia murmured, her head finding a
Alexander’s POVThe carriage rolled over the crest of the hill, unveiling the sprawling kingdom beneath us. My heart felt a gentle release, the homecoming marking the end of turmoil. Olivia sat beside me, her presence as comforting as the view before us. The twins, Liam and Sarah, bounced in their seats, their excitement contagious. After what felt like an eternity of darkness and trials, being home seemed like a new dawn.“We're home,” Olivia said softly, her voice like a soothing melody that wrapped around the world, infusing it with warmth and love.I looked over at her, my heart swelling with a gratitude I couldn’t quite express in words. Her smile was like the sun piercing through the overcast sky of our past struggles. “Yes, we are,” I replied, feeling the tensions of the past slowly slipping away.The twins burst out of the carriage the moment it came to a halt, their laughter echoing around us as they raced toward the palace. Their footfalls were light against the ground, a st
Reeds povI didn't know how long I had been trapped in that cave with the witches' burnt and rotting bodies. Everything was a blur, and my mind struggled to piece things together, only fragments passing through every now and again like echoes of a fading nightmare. I vaguely remembered their chants, the strange words resonating in a rhythm that seemed to align with the throbbing pain in my leg. Natasha lay nearby, her eyes open but unseeing, a haunting reminder of what happened when the moon's light came through that cursed cave.As the days passed, the fog obscuring my thoughts began to lift. My survival instincts took over, pushing me toward a gruelling reality: I needed to escape, to move before they found me.With grim determination, I dragged myself from the darkness of the cave, the memory of Natasha and the others burning in my mind. I felt disconnected from the world around me, hollowed out and raw from the loss of my leg. Pain lanced through me with each movement, a constant