Olivias povThe city had seen its share of victories and losses, so many events that had changed us all. But now, as I prepared for the journey back to Alexander's kingdom, I felt a complex mix of emotions—relief and anticipation.Settling into the plush seats of the carriage, I took one last lingering look at the cityscape disappearing behind us. Its towering buildings and winding streets felt like a chapter being closed. "We’ll be stronger for it," I whispered to myself.The twins couldn't contain their excitement. “Mummy, what's Daddy's kingdom like?” Sarah asked, eyes wide with curiosity, while Liam leaned in closer, eager for every detail.“Oh, it’s magical,” I replied with a smile that belied the nervous flutter in my stomach. “It’s filled with woodland trails, lush meadows, and crystal-clear streams. You both are going to love it.”Their chatter filled the air, making the journey feel almost light-hearted. I exchanged an amused glance with Alexander, who smiled back. As the twi
Alexander's POVSilence wrapped around us like a heavy blanket, amplifying the rhythmic sound of Olivia's breathing beside me. The day had been long and emotionally exhausting, but tomorrow held the start of Olivia's training, and we both needed rest. Yet, as much as I tried, sleep eluded me. My mind was a tangled mess of memories, worries, and unanswered questions.With a resigned sigh, I carefully extricated myself from the bed, trying not to disturb Olivia. Her face was serene, bathed in the soft moonlight filtering through the thin curtains. For a moment, I stood there, simply observing her peaceful slumber, and a smile crept onto my face. In sleep, she looked so innocent, unburdened by the responsibilities that weighed on us both.Silently, I crossed the room to where my travel bag lay. Digging through its contents, I pulled out a book I had brought with me from the city. The leather cover was worn, its pages yellowed with age—a relic, much like the secrets it contained. Settling
Alexanders pov Later in the day, the training grounds buzzed with activity. Warriors and pack members milled about, preparing for another day's work. But today, all eyes were on Olivia.She stood at the edge of the clearing, taking a deep breath as if drawing strength from the earth itself. I watched her closely, pride swelling in my chest. This woman, once considered weak and wolfless, was now a formidable force.Olivia squared her shoulders and began her training with a fierce determination. Each move was precise, every attack a testament to her newfound strength. She pushed herself harder with each passing minute, her resolve unwavering.I rolled off the training grounds' stone slab, my eyes tracking Olivia as she maneuvered around her opponent. In a flash, I was on my feet, striding across the field with purpose. A strong and imposing guard held a padded shield in front of Olivia. His presence served as a reminder: Olivia may have strength, but she lacked technique.“Stand down,”
Olivia's PovUsing the magic had drained me far more than I cared to admit. Each fibre of my being felt stretched thin, taut like a bowstring ready to snap. But this newfound power was worth every ounce of fatigue. It was the first time I'd harnessed such magic, and I believed earnestly that practice would only make me stronger. I kept the tiredness to myself, not wanting to worry about anyone.Lidia approached with wide eyes brimming with awe. "That was amazing, Olivia!" she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.I smiled, though I could sense a tightness behind her words, a shadow lurking just beneath the surface. "Thank you, Lidia," I replied. "But is everything okay? You look like something's on your mind."Lidia hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "Yes, well, I— I was wondering if maybe I could train as well. Learn how to fight and defend myself, too."Her request didn’t surprise me. I knew why she wanted this—because of what Derek had done to her
Olivias pov We started making our way back toward the training grounds. I felt a surge of determination and renewed energy. The forest had always been my sanctuary, a place where Aura and I could truly connect without the distractions or pressures of our kingdom.Approaching the clearing, I saw Lidia heading back toward the palace, her shoulders slumped. She looked defeated. Quickly, I told Alexander, “I’ll be right back,” and darted after her. “Lidia! Lidia, wait up!”She stopped, turning around slowly, her face marked with frustration and despair. “What happened?” I asked as I caught up to her, genuinely concerned.Lidia shook her head. “I was stupid to ever think I could learn how to fight. It's hopeless.”My heart sank. “Why do you say that? You were doing well.”She laughed bitterly. “No, I wasn’t. I was awful. I can’t do anything right. Everyone around us is so skilled, so strong. What am I compared to them?”I placed a hand on her arm, trying to offer comfort. “Lidia, it take
Olivia's POVThe next morning, with a renewed sense of purpose, I prepared for another day of training. As I stepped into the training yard, the first rays of sunlight casting a warm glow across the grounds, my eyes scanned the field for Lidia. I spotted her near the edge, half-heartedly swinging a practice sword, her movements sluggish and uncoordinated.Her face was a mask of determination, but it was clear she was struggling. I walked over to her, my heart heavy with concern. "Lidia," I called out, trying to catch her attention.She turned, her eyes clouded with frustration. "Olivia," she acknowledged, her voice flat. "I'm not sure I belong here."I shook my head. "You do belong here. But I think we need to find out where your true strengths lie."She looked at me sceptically. "And how do you propose we do that?"I held out my hand, hoping to offer a lifeline. "Let's take a walk. I have an idea."Curiosity flickered in her eyes as she set the practice sword aside and followed me ou
Olivias povWe both thanked Alexander and exited the office, relief washing over us like a cool breeze. As we walked back to the training yard, Lidia's steps were lighter, and her demeanour more relaxed. For the first time in days, I saw a genuine smile on her face.Back at the training grounds, the preparations for my training with Alexander were underway. The soldiers lined up, their disciplined faces betraying curiosity and excitement. Alexander, now back in his usual commanding mode, directed them with authoritative precision."Alright, everyone, we’re here to test Olivia’s limits. We’ll start with the basic bouts, and then Ethan will challenge her," Alexander announced.The first soldier, a burly man named Garret, stepped forward. We bowed to each other in respect before the fight began. His attacks were strong but predictable. Seeing his movements in slow motion, I easily dodged and countered, using my agility to keep him off balance. A swift kick to his legs had him tumbling to
Alexander’s POVWiping the sweat from my brow, I glanced around the training grounds. The soldiers had started dispersing, murmuring amongst themselves about Olivia's performance. My gaze drifted to her, catching the flicker of exhaustion masked under a brave face. She was undoubtedly a force to reckon with, but she still had a long way to go.After ensuring everyone had left, I turned to Olivia. "You pushed yourself hard today," I said, softer than usual.Olivia leaned against a wooden post, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "Felt good to test my limits. But I know I have more to learn."I nodded. "You do. But don't underestimate your progress. You're extraordinary, Olivia." I couldn't hide the admiration enveloping my voice.The twins, Liam and Sarah, came rushing over, their energy infectious. “Mum, you were amazing!” Liam exclaimed, eyes wide with enthusiasm.Sarah hopped in place. “Can we learn to fight like that someday?”Olivia laughed, her weariness briefly forgotten as sh
King Nicholas's POV Moonlight slithered through the narrow, arched windows of my throne room, casting the cold stone walls in a sinister, silvery sheen. I leaned back on my throne, a wave of unease tightening its grip around my heart. It had been years since I felt something of this magnitude, a dark premonition that whispered of power and peril. The death and birth of dragons were as predictable to me as the cycles of the moon. Yet tonight, something extraordinarily vile had stirred. My gaze fell on the intricate crystal ball perched on a pedestal beside me, its surface shimmering malevolently. It held the presence of a new dragon. The vision held me in a thrall of dark fascination. Gradually, a figure began to coalesce within its depths—a young woman with blonde hair and features hauntingly familiar. I inhaled sharply. She was the spitting image of Everly. "Impossible," I hissed into the cold emptiness of the room, my voice echoing off the high stone walls like a malevolent spiri
Olivia's POV The days turned into a blur of sleepless nights and anxious mornings, where every moment felt like a ticking bomb ready to explode with the twins' next unpredictable outburst. But amidst the chaos, a fragile sense of routine began to form, stitching together the threads of our new, complicated life. One afternoon, the sun shone with an almost mocking brightness, its cheerful rays at odds with the worry and fear inside. The twins were playing in the garden. Their giggles filled the air as they ran around chasing one another. Alexander had gone off to do something, leaving me alone with my thoughts as I watched over the children. "Catch me if you can!" Sarah's voice rang out, her laughter dancing on the wind. Liam, not one to be outdone, sprinted after her, his tiny legs moving as quickly as they could. “I’ll get you!” I smiled, feeling a rare moment of peace settle over me. These snippets of normalcy were precious. I leaned back into the wooden bench, trying to savou
Olivia's POV In the days that followed, the twins and their new abilities pushed us to our limits. I had time to get used to the fact that our children were different, but poor Alexander was thrown right into it. He did amazing when he wasn't with the children. He was reading books, trying to learn as much as he could, not just for himself but for us. We stopped having anyone but ourselves look after the twins, and we couldn't risk others finding out about them and my secrets. Some days were normal, and we didn't have many problems besides from, and we didn't have many problems besides the usual toddler chaos and the scales that would appear on them. But other days, well, they were a test of everything Alexander and I thought we knew. One morning, as the children played in the living room, Sarah accidentally set one of her dolls ablaze. I rushed over quickly, putting it out, something that had been happening more often. "Sarah, sweetie, you need to control your breaths," I said ge
Alexander's POV I was shocked by what she said to me, but it didn't scare me or make me see her differently; if anything, it made me see her as stronger. It was a lot to take in. I had always believed that dragons were just things in bedtime stories, not real, and if I hadn't seen Sarah breathe fire with my own eyes, I never would have believed it. Olivia led me to the library. I told her that I needed to know everything that she knew so I could help her and the children with this. “These were my mother's,” she explained as she pointed to diaries sitting on the desk in the library. Her voice tinged with both reverence and sorrow. “She documented everything about her life, from meeting my father to understanding her dragon heritage.” Watching her trace the worn cover of one diary with delicate fingers, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe. Olivia, this incredible woman who carried the weight of two worlds on her shoulders, is now opening up her past to me. She began to speak, weav
Olivia's POV Once Sarah has calmed down, I realise the urgency of the moment. Alexander needs answers, and I have to provide them. I whisper softly to Sarah, “Go inside with Liam, sweetheart. The maid will take care of you.” Her tear-streaked face looks up at me, still unsure but trusting. I wave at our maid, who quickly ushers the children inside. As the door closes behind them, a heavy silence lingers in the air. My heart pounds so hard that I wonder if Alexander could hear it, too. This is it. There’s no going back. “Alexander,” I begin, my throat dry and my voice shaky. “I... I’m a hybrid. And so are the children. We're half-wolf and half-dragon.” For a moment, he just stares at me, his eyes filled with confusion and disbelief. I could almost see his mind working, trying to make sense of what he just witnessed and what I just confessed. “I... I didn’t know,” Alexander finally says, his voice hushed and thick with emotion. “You’re a hybrid... a wolf and a dragon? How is that e
Olivia's POV A week has passed since Alexander's heartfelt proposal, and I couldn't be happier. The twins have loved every second of having Alexander around, and seeing them happy has made my heart fuller. But I still need to tell him about being a hybrid. I've been trying to figure out how to do it. The thought of revealing it to him scares me. What if he sees me differently? What if he can't accept our children and me for what we truly are? I shake off the fears and remind myself that honesty is key to our relationship's success, and I wanted this to work so there couldn't be any secrets between us. The sun dapples the garden with patches of light, and the twins' laughter echoes around us as they play chase with Alexander. Watching them try to tackle Alexander to the ground brings a smile to my face. I'm amazed at just how fast he fits into being a dad and how they have taken to him. “Catch me!” Liam yells as he runs past Alexander, and Sarah clings to his leg. Alexander's lau
Alexander's POV The walls of Victor's castle loomed taller as we approached. I wasn't meant to be returning with Olivia, but the thought of being separated from her and the children was unbearable. My kingdom could wait; my heart could not. As soon as we stepped inside, Victor's eyes locked on mine. I could tell that he knew about Olivia and me's agreement to be together. "Alpha Alexander," he called, motioning for me to follow. His voice was calm, but I could sense the storm brewing beneath his composed exterior. Word gets around fast in packs, and I knew that it was only a matter of time before he confronted me about Olivia. Olivia looked up at me, smiling, but I could still see the worried look in her eyes. “I'll go check on the twins,” she said as she squeezed my hand before letting go and leaving. I followed Victor into his office, and the door shut behind us with a heavy thud. The room was dimly lit, only the late afternoon sun casting shadows through the window. Victor wal
Olivia's POV Kneeling down on the ground, I gently placed the bouquet of flowers I had picked from the village when I left the miller's house on Cassandera’s grave. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the butterfly hairpin she had gifted me when we were children—one of the only kind things she had done to me. I held it in my hands for a second, running my finger over it as tears prickled my eyes. I placed it down with the flowers, hoping it would bring her peace.Closing my eyes, I let my memories wash over me—most of them were horrible and painful, but there were some that brought a smile to my face when we were young before she learnt to hate me. "Rest in peace, Cassandra," I whispered. "I'll always love you."Standing slowly, I wiped away a stray tear and took a deep breath. This was the final part of my past that I needed to let go of, and I made a promise to myself as I walked away from her grave that I would no longer hold on to the pain and suffering. I would no longer let t
Alexander's pov As I stood up there and announced Rebecca's fate, my voice echoed in the solemn hall. “I, Alpha Alexander, find you, Rebecca, guilty of the death of our late Luna Cassandra Miller and framing Olivia Miller for her death, as well as the crimes you committed in Alpha Victor's kingdom, and I sentence you to death by beheading.” The room was heavy with silence, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone present. Rebecca's eyes, once filled with deceit, now showed nothing but pure fear. I could feel the tension in the room as the sentence hung in the air. My gaze shifted to Olivia, standing in the corner, her face a mask of composed sorrow and a hint of relief. Her resilience never ceased to amaze me. Watching her as the guards took Rebecca away. Olivia turned and walked out, the hem of her dress dragging lightly across the floor. I wanted to follow her, to comfort her, but my feet felt rooted to the spot, responsibilities chaining me where I stood. Moments late