Alexander's POV The moment the dark wine spilled across the table, I knew I had to maintain my composure. Every interaction with Cassandra recently had been laced with suspicion, her every move calculated, her motives always hidden beneath a veneer of charm. I had hesitated allowing her into such close proximity, but I needed to gather conclusive evidence. Tonight, it seemed, was the climax of her duplicity. "Ethan," I ordered, not bothering to turn my head, "get the Elders here immediately." From the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan bow slightly before he disappeared to execute my command. Cassandra’s grip around the glass tightened, and her face paled ever so slightly—a sure sign she was rattled. I caught her trying to edge away, but my hand shot out, grabbing her forearm. Rage simmered under my skin, threatening to break free. “Where do you think you’re going?” I demanded, my voice a low growl. Her eyes met mine, filled with a mix of defiance and fear. “Alexander, let me go,” sh
Cassandra's POV The chains clanked loudly as I was dragged forcibly, each metallic clatter echoing my growing despair. My wrists chafed painfully within their iron bindings, already raw from previous struggles. The guards' indifferent faces showed no sign of compassion as they flung me into the cell and slammed the door shut. "This is a mistake!" I screamed, my voice cracking. But my cries bounced off the cold stone walls unanswered. The hall on the other side of the bars fell silent except for the sound of footsteps retreating into the distance. I fell back against the grimy wall, sliding down until I was sitting on the cold floor. My pulse thrummed with anxiety as I closed my eyes and reached out through the bond that connected me to my mate. "Help me, please," I whispered into the tenuous link that tethered us together. But there was nothing—no comforting response, no warm reassurance. I was met with a void, a black hole where I should find solace. Panic clawed at my insides, b
Alexander’s POV I sat in my room, replaying the night over and over again. If I hadn’t had my suspicions about Cassandra, then tonight could have had a very different ending. The aftertaste of betrayal lingered bitterly in my mouth as I stared at the ceiling, my mind swirling with rage and regret. A sudden knock on the door snapped me from my spiralling thoughts. I rose, every movement calculated, fuelled by my tension. As I opened the door, I found Olivia and Lidia standing there. “Is everything alright?” I asked cautiously, sensing an unspoken urgency between the two of them. Olivia’s eyes softened slightly. “Everything is fine, Alexander, but Lidia and I need to talk to you. May we come in?” I stepped aside, allowing them to enter. They took a seat, the heavy air between us thickening with unspoken words. I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling clinging to my spine. Once we were all seated, I looked at Olivia expectantly. “What’s this about?” Olivia cleared her throat, casti
Alexander's POVFour days until the moon ceremony. The dawn was breaking as I strode purposefully toward Cassandra's cell. The chilling air felt heavy with unspoken words and unresolved issues. I didn’t want to be here, but I needed answers. She had manipulated and deceived me, and it was time for her to face the consequences. If she could be honest for once, maybe—just maybe—I'd argue for a lighter sentence. But the kindness in me was quickly dwindling. The guard nodded at my approach and unlocked the iron door, the hinges creaking as if they, too, voiced their objections to my presence. I walked in to find Cassandra huddled on the floor, looking as if the weight of her actions had finally crushed her spirit. She lifted her head, eyes wide, and whispered, “What do you want, Alexander?” "I'm here for answers," I said, my voice cold and devoid of emotion. "If you tell me the truth, Cassandra, I'll make sure your punishment is kinder than what awaits you otherwise." Her eyes da
Olivia's POV The gentle hum of the cafe offered a stark contrast to the storm raging within me. Seated by the window, I stared out at the bustling street, trying to organise my thoughts. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the delicate scent of pastries. It was a warmth that contradicted the cold reality I was about to face. My fingers traced the rim of my coffee mug as I waited for Reed. My heart quickened with each passing second, performing an intricate dance of guilt and resolve within my chest. I knew what had to be done: I had to tell Reed the truth. A soft chime signalled the arrival of a customer. My breath caught in my throat as I watched Reed walk through the door, his tall frame moving with deceptive ease. His eyes scanned the room until they alighted on me, a small smile curling his lips as he approached. "Olivia," he greeted warmly, pulling out a chair and sitting across from me. "Reed," I managed, my voice just above a whisper. His
Cassandra's POVSitting on the cold, hard floor, I closed my eyes as memories of my baby flashed through my head. I never intended to hurt my flesh and blood. And the images of my mate appeared in my mind. He would come for me. He had to. I let my mind trail off with memories of the past.Past memories. The garden of Alexander's kingdom was a paradise of vibrant blooms and sweet fragrances. I sat on the cool stone bench. I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of the morning sun cascade over me. The Alphas' meeting was in full swing inside the grand hall, a gathering Alexander deemed crucial for forging alliances that could strengthen our pack. His authoritative voice echoed occasionally, distant yet unmistakably commanding. Lost in my thoughts, I almost didn’t notice the scent that wafted through the garden—a tantalising aroma, earthy and electrifying, like rain on parched earth. My heart began to race, pounding erratically against my ribs. The air seemed to crackle with an invisible
Cassandra's POV The days that followed became a blur of stolen moments and secret rendezvous. Each encounter with him felt like a forbidden dance I couldn’t resist. Alexander's kingdom was our stage, every shadowed corner and hidden alcove a backdrop for our growing connection. The risk of being discovered only added to the intoxicating allure of our meetings. Weeks turned into months, and my deceptive double life began to take its toll. The guilt of sneaking around behind Alexander's back gnawed at me, but the pull towards my mate was too strong to ignore. Every touch, every whispered promise filled the void inside me that Alexander could never reach. But it wasn't just about passion; it was the undeniable bond that bound us, transforming my very essence. One night, the weight of all my secrets and lies became too much to bear. I felt the nausea hit me like a wave, and my heart thudded with anxious anticipation. My mind reeled with the possibility of what was happening inside me.
Cassandra's POV The next day, I told Alexander that I wasn’t feeling well, needing to set my plan into motion. His brow furrowed with concern, but he didn't question me. I watched him leave, my mind already turning over what needed to be done. Today was important for different reasons. With my departure imminent, I couldn’t pass up the chance to relish Olivia's pain one last time. I called for her, expecting her arrival any moment. Moments later, Olivia entered my room. Her expression was guarded, wary of whatever cruelty I might unleash upon her. And why wouldn't she be? Over the years, I revelled in her suffering. "Olivia," I began, a venomous smile playing on my lips. "Come closer. I want to see those pretty eyes filled with fear." She approached slowly. Olivia stood before me, her hands clenched at her sides. I could see the effort it took for her to control her emotions. "What do you want, Cassandra?" she asked, her voice steady despite the tremor in her gaze. I leaned bac
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
Olivia's POV"Olivia, please, rest a bit more," Alexander entreated gently, echoing the concern etched into every line of his face.I shook my head, feeling a vibrant energy coursing through me. "I can’t, Alexander. I’m fine. There’s something I need to tell everyone," I insisted, leaving no room for argument.He hesitated, the protector within him battling his respect for my strength and autonomy. He nodded finally, prioritising my needs, even as the remnants of his worry shimmered in the space between us. "Alright," he conceded, a soft smile breaking through the storm.With a sweep of the moment, new resolve firmed my steps as I dressed, each garment a shield of confidence and renewed purpose. As I moved with care not to wake the twins, the thrill of life seemed to pulse through my veins.Word of my rise had spread quicker than wildfire, and as I stepped out, taking in the warmth of the morning sun, I found a vast sea of faces waiting. Their collective expectation hummed in the air,
Olivia's povI watched as Selene turned to leave, her steps light and deliberate as though she floated. My heart clenched, a surge of questions and emotions compelling me to follow. “Wait, please! I still have so many things to ask you,” I called out, my voice catching in the chilly air.She paused, turning back toward me with a serene smile that held the weight of ages in its curves. "When we meet again, I will answer all that you have to ask, but I hope that is not for many more moons," Selene promised, her eyes twinkling with ancient wisdom.The promise in her words was comforting yet bittersweet. I nodded, grappling with the sense of finality that lingered in the moonlit air.“It’s time for you to go now. There are many hearts missing you dearly. Go celebrate your victory.” Selene said, bowing her head slightly.Before I could reply, she seemed to dissolve into the starlit sky, vanishing as if carried away by the winds of time. The scene around me darkened, the picturesque world s
Olivia's povMy gaze drifted over the shimmering expanse of the ocean, a melody of thoughts threading through my mind. Despite the beauty surrounding me, an invisible weight tugged at my soul, reminding me of the battles still to fight and the loved ones I needed to protect."what will happen next with those witches?" I asked, turning my head to meet Selene's serene eyes. "Will they continue to stir up trouble?"Her expression remained calm, yet there was a flicker of something—satisfaction, perhaps—in her gaze. "The witches have become prisoners of the moon," she replied, her voice a soothing lull yet imbued with undeniable authority. "Their struggle against you exhausted their magic, leaving them weak and confined."As Selene spoke, she gestured gracefully as if painting the air with her fingertips. With a subtle wave of her hand, the sand at our feet swirled upwards, cascading around us like a whirlwind. The scene shimmered into existence, vivid and real, enveloping us in a world s
Alexander's POVOlivia's fragility lying on the hospital bed. Her skin was pallor that seemed out of place for someone as vibrant as her. It felt as though she was caught between realms, her spirit elsewhere while her body remained beside me.Liam and Sarah refused to leave her, their small forms locked in, fighting off the claims of sleep as they nestled at her side. Their presence, though reassuring, brought an ache to my heart. How do you explain to a child the cruelty of the world that places their mother in such a vulnerable state?They were brave, our twins. Sarah clutched Olivia's hand tightly, refusing to let go, while Liam focused his will on staying awake, his eyes fixed on his mother more intensely than his years should allow. I had tried more than once to coax them back to the hotel with Allen, believing they needed rest, but their connection to Olivia was fierce and unyielding.Victor stepped into the room, his usual confident demeanour replaced by cautious hesitation. He
Olivia's POVThe vast expanse of sand stretched before me as I followed Selene's lead, each step further removing the haze between dreams and reality. The salty aroma of the ocean filled my senses, an intoxicating blend of freedom and nostalgia. We walked side by side, accompanied by the rhythmic lullaby of the waves, until we reached a large rock overlooking the infinite ocean.“Sit with me, Olivia,” Selene suggested, settling upon the ancient stone. Her presence brought solace. Her words whispered truths that calmed the storm within me.I lowered myself beside her, the cool rock grounding me in this surreal yet comforting world. Together, our gaze captured the horizon where the sea met the sky, a seamless union as eternal as the forces guiding me.For a while, the symphony of nature wrapped us in silence, a shared understanding passing unspoken between us. Finally, the question clawing at my heart found a voice. "Will I ever see my family again?"Selene turned her gaze upon me, the
Olivia's POVA blinding light penetrated my closed lids, and I instinctively squeezed them tighter to ward off its impertinence. The sound of waves mingled with my heartbeat, which thudded loudly against my ribs in question. Where was this place? I cautiously opened my eyes, squinting against the unfamiliar brightness. As I sat up, the world wobbled, and I blinked to clear my vision. My surroundings took on shape—the sand beneath me warm, the air tinged with salt and freedom, yet stark in its refusal to reveal any hints of familiarity. "Where am I?" I murmured, my voice lost amidst the symphony of crashing waves and whispering winds.A voice from behind me answered, gentle yet commanding, "Do not worry, my child; you are safe."My senses jolted to alertness, instincts primed for confrontation. I spun around, my heart a wild drum, only to lock eyes with the most ethereal figure I'd ever seen. A woman stood there, her silver hair cascading like moonlit waterfalls, her skin luminous, and