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
Olivia's POV The weight of the past few days pressed heavily on my shoulders as I made my way through the opulent hallways of the Moonstone Hotel. Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow on the polished marble floors, but their beauty did little to soothe my frayed nerves. Every step felt like it reverberated with the secret I held. I had killed Alpha Derek, and Cassandra, now imprisoned, could expose me to the elders at any moment. My heart pounded in my chest as I approached Alexander's suite, my pulse quickening with every step. I knew what I had to do; I had to tell him my fears. Before Cassandra could speak, we needed to go to the elders ourselves. I knocked softly but with urgency, my mind racing. The door creaked open, revealing Alexander's tall, imposing figure. His intense green eyes softened as he saw me. "Olivia," he greeted, his voice a soothing balm to my fraught nerves. "What's wrong?" I stepped into the room, closing the door behind me. "Alexander, I need to talk to y
Alexander's POV The second day from the last. The city lights shimmered against the approaching dusk as I walked Olivia home. Her laughter echoed in the evening air, sounding like a melody that soothed the restless beast inside me. It was a sound I hoped never to part with. "Thank you for walking me back," she said, casting me a warm, sincere smile. "Of course," I replied, my voice steady but laced with unspoken fears. As we strolled side by side, I couldn't ignore the warmth of her hand in mine. My fingers grazed over the symbol etched on my skin, and suddenly, it burned—a cruel reminder of the impending full moon ceremony and the unanswered questions gnawing at me—questions I needed resolved if I were to protect Olivia and our twins, Liam and Sarah. As we reached her hotel, I felt a wave of unease. We entered the lobby and took the elevator, the silence between us filled with electric anticipation. Finally, we stood outside her room. "Well, this is it," I said, the words tastin
Olivia's POVOne day before the full moon ceremony. The warmth of the bed and the rhythmic rise and fall of Alexander’s chest beneath my ear brought me a comfort I hadn’t felt in what seemed like an eternity. The world might be spinning with threats and turmoil, but wrapped in his arms. I felt cocooned from it all. Every muscle in my body, so used to tension, found peace in his arms. For once, the insistent hum of worry that usually plagued my thoughts was silenced. As I drifted into sleep, a familiar scene unfolded before me. Two white wolves glistened against the backdrop of silver moonlight, their fur almost ethereal. They circled around me, their eyes holding a wisdom I yearned to understand. This dream was no stranger to me, but tonight, there was a palpable urgency to it. The wolves' eyes met mine, and suddenly, I felt as though I was standing on the cusp of understanding something huge. Their gaze pierced through the veil of sleep, bringing with it a rush of emotions—fear,
Victor's POV The soft morning light filtered through my office window, casting a warm glow over the wooden furniture. I sat behind my desk, fingers drumming anxiously on the oak surface as I awaited Lydia’s arrival. The weight of the conversation I was about to have with her had been pressing on my mind. The door creaked open, and Lydia stepped in, her eyes guarded but curious. “Victor, you wanted to see me?” she asked. I nodded, gesturing for her to take a seat. “Yes, Lydia. There’s something important we need to talk about.” She moved cautiously, sitting down across from me. It had always pained me to see the rift between them, a rift that I knew stemmed from misunderstandings and old grudges. Today, I intended to set things right. “Lydia,” I began, taking a deep breath, “I want to talk about our past, about our father.” Her eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms defensively. “What about him?” I could hear the bitterness in her voice, the same bitterness that had spoiled her
Olivia’s POV As I stood there, watching Alexander bond with Liam and Sarah, a whirlpool of emotions churned within me. My heart was full. I thought of the path that led us here—a journey punctuated by heartbreak and healing. Seeing Alexander with the children was a new beginning, one I’d longed for. Alexander glanced over at me, his eyes filled with unspoken gratitude and a depth of emotion words couldn’t capture. For a brief moment, our souls intertwined through that look. Tears prickled my eyes with tears of happiness. "Olivia, do you want to join us?" Alexander's voice seemed to pull me back to the present. The children glanced at me, their innocent eyes filled with curiosity and welcoming warmth. I smiled, walking over to sit beside them. Sarah immediately handed me another doll while Liam resumed his focus on his puzzle. "Mummy," Liam began, his eyes wide and curious, "Are you okay?” I took a deep breath and nodded, reaching out to ruffle his hair. "Yes, darling. I'm more
Alexander pov As I made my way down the corridors, my heart pounded in my chest. I had faced countless battles and perilous situations, but nothing compared to the nerves fluttering within me now. I was about to meet my children—Liam and Sarah—two souls I had longed for yet had never met. My palms felt clammy, and I could feel my pulse drumming in my ears. When I reached the hallway, Olivia was already there, pacing slightly. She turned as soon as she heard my footsteps and walked over to me, taking my hand without a word. Her touch was comforting, helping to steady my racing mind. I wanted to meet my children so badly, but Olivia's desire to do it so fast caught me off guard. We reached the door, and she paused, looking at me with a smile that held the weight of so much unsaid. "Are you ready?" she asked softly. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my beating heart. "As ready as I'll ever be," I responded, my voice barely above a whisper. Olivia opened the door and led me in
Alexander's POV The moment I saw Olivia standing at the edge of the ballroom, it felt like time itself paused. The red dress she wore seemed almost like a mirage, a whisper of the past conjured into the present. Memories of nights long gone surged through my mind—her laughter, our kiss that night. I froze, mesmerised by her beauty, when she turned around to look at me, a smile played on her lips, and her eyes bored into mine. The air seemed to crackle with unspoken words and bottled emotions. I could feel my heartbeat echoing in my ears as I watched her from across the room. She looked like a dream, a vision I had conjured up during sleepless nights spent longing for her. Slowly, I began to walk towards her as if drawn by some unseen force. Each step felt heavy with the weight of our shared past. Our eyes stayed locked together. The crowd around us buzzed with conversation and laughter, but all I could hear was the sound of my own breathing, punctuated by the rapid thump of my hear
Olivia's POV Standing in front of the mirror, I took in my reflection. The red dress clung to my frame. It was very similar to the dress I had worn before I ran away from Alexander's kingdom. I brushed a tendril of hair away from my face, a smile spreading across my lips as butterflies swirled inside me. This night was important; I wanted Alexander to see me. My heart beat fast and unevenly as I fastened the delicate clasp of my necklace and took one last look at myself. The smile that graced my lips felt genuinely hopeful as I made my way out of the room and down the staircase. The air was charged with anticipation, and the gentle murmur of guests echoed through the grand hallways. As the ballroom doors swung open, I stood there for a second, scanning the room, taking it all in. My eyes landed on Victor and Lidia standing over, talking to some people. I made my way over to greet them, the excitement building within me, anxious to find Alexander. "Olivia, you look stunning," Victo
Olivia's POV I spent the night tangled in my sheets, thoughts of Allen and Alexander colliding in a restless tumult. My mind was a storm of worry and fear. I'd given instructions to one of the palace maids to notify me the second Allen was seen. I had to be prepared. I needed to steel myself for the conversation, imagine what I'd say, how I'd react—anything to avoid being caught off guard. Morning broke with the usual palace bustle, and I pushed my scrambled nerves aside as I dressed for breakfast. I didn't take in much of what was going on around me; everything felt muted compared to the anxiety gripping my heart. Just as the last fork clattered down onto a plate, the maid hurried in, her face painted with urgency. "Princess Olivia, Allen is here. He’s looking for you," she said breathlessly. My heart dropped into my stomach. The moment I had dreaded was here. Nodding to the maid, I rose from my seat, feeling a cold shiver run through my spine. I made my way to the front of the p
Olivia's POV I hadn't been able to stop thinking about what happened between Alexander and me. My feelings for him had grown stronger than I ever thought possible. Every moment we spent together, I felt them growing stronger. But wanting to be with him scared me. I could see that he had changed from the cruel man he once was, but what if it didn't last? And how was I going to handle things with Allen? The last thing I wanted was to hurt him. The kingdom bustled with excitement as preparations for the victory ball got underway. Victor had decided to let Alexander stay on for the celebration, a gesture that filled me with both hope and fear. I found peace in the twins' room, watching them play, their laughter soothing my troubled thoughts, and I didn't want to let them out of my sight, not after fearing that I would never get to see them again. "Mommy, look! I'm a bird!" exclaimed Liam, running around with makeshift wings strapped to his back. "Me too, me too!" cried Sarah, gigglin
Olivia's POV Seeing Victor was a relief. I hadn't allowed myself to think too much about him while we were in the snow forest, and I couldn't. I looked over to Lidia, who was standing behind him and stepping around Victor. I throw my arms around Lidia, catching her off guard. “It's so good to see you, Lidia. Thank you so much for looking after the twins.” Lidia stood frozen for a moment before awkwardly patting my back. “It's nothing,” she murmured, her terse tone showing her discomfort. She pulled away quickly, a forced smile on her face. “I’m just glad you’re… both okay.” I gave her a warm smile before turning back to Victor. "Victor, I need to tell you something," I said. Victor’s eyes narrowed with concern as he held my gaze. "What is it, Olivia?" I took a deep breath, the memory of the mysterious woman resurfacing in my mind. "Alexander and I... we fell from a cliff and ended up in the Snow Forest," I started, my voice steady but low. I told him everything besides what I had
Victor's POV My body screamed at me with pain as I slowly opened my eyes. Each blink felt like lifting a mountain. Groggily, I took in my surroundings, I was back in the palace. Immediately, my gaze fell upon Lidia. She was slouched in a chair by my bedside, her eyes red-rimmed and worn. She looked up as she heard me stirring, and relief flooded her face. "Oh, thank God you're awake!" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of joy and exhaustion. "Victor, you had us all so worried." "Lidia," I croaked, my throat raw and dry. "What happened? How did I get here?" My mind struggled to piece together the fragmented memories—the rogues, their menacing grins, the fight ... "You were attacked," Lidia explained, her voice trembling slightly. She leaned closer, taking my hand in hers to offer some comfort. "Rogues surrounded you. But you fought them off. The guards found you passed out and badly injured, trying to make your way back to where Olivia was tending to the wounded. You've been uncon