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
Olivia's POVAs I opened my eyes to the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains, the emptiness beside me was impossible to ignore. Alexander hadn't come to bed last night. My heart sank a little, a gnawing worry taking root. He had told me he had some things to deal with, but I had assumed he would return before morning.With a sigh, I pushed the covers away and got dressed in my training gear. My reflection in the mirror looked determined but worn, echoes of the night's restlessness reflecting in my eyes. Brushing my fingers through my hair, I tried to shake off the unease. Aura stirred within me, lending her strength as always.Stepping outside, the air was crisp and invigorating. I made my way to the training grounds, hoping to find some solace in the routine. As I approached, I saw Alexander standing there, his tall figure unmistakable against the rising sun. He was holding a bow, his posture both regal and weary."Good morning," he greeted, closing the distance between
Cassandra's POVThe air in the dungeon was a cold, malevolent breath, wrapping around me like a shroud of despair. The walls of my cell were stained with the darkness of forgotten screams, the stones themselves etched with the silent marks of countless betrayals. Time had lost meaning here; days and nights blended into a seamless, suffocating haze. My world had constricted to this cage of shadows, but within its confines, my resolve had only sharpened, turning into a blade honed by vengeance.A steady drip from the ceiling marked the passing seconds, each one adding to the weight pressing down on me. How long had it been? Days? Weeks? Months? Time crawled slower than the decay infecting the grimy floor. Yet, amidst the suffocating despair, a singular, fierce light of vengeance kept my spirit from breaking. Reed's unfinished rejection was a wound still festering, a beacon that kept my heart beating in sync with the rhythm of revenge.The ominous echo of footsteps shattered the oppressi
Alexander povI stood frozen, every nerve on edge, as the dragon's words settled into my consciousness. "Olivia... sent you?" I asked, my voice rough from disbelief and residual anger. The fire of my power still simmered beneath the surface, a silent reminder of what I could unleash if deceived."Yes," the dragon replied, its voice gentle yet resonant, carrying an undeniable aura of truth. "She needs your help. Nicholas plans to wed her to Elijah. This union will strengthen its hold on the lands and unleash chaos if not prevented. You must hurry."The weight of the revelation sank deep into my bones. Olivia, trapped in a web of political alliances, her freedom and the lives of those we both held dear hung in the balance. My insides churned with urgency and something more profound: fear."What about Sarah?" The question slipped from my lips, underpinned by the kind of desperation that only the thought of losing one's child could elicit.The dragon dipped its head, eyes filled with a pe
Alexanders povThe first thing I was aware of was the cold, hard earth beneath me. My eyelids felt like lead as I slowly opened them. Everything swam in and out of focus, but I could make out a figure cloaked in shadow standing a few feet away. The witch. Memories, jagged and disjointed, crashed through my mind—an explosion of light, the sheer force of something ancient rushing through my veins, then nothing."What happened?" My voice was hoarse, a whisper against the silent forest."You unlocked the power that is rightfully yours," the witch said, stepping closer, her voice steady with an ominous edge.I pushed myself into a sitting position, feeling the shift within me, the power thrumming with an intoxicating pulse. "I thought you betrayed me," I admitted, confusion lacing my words.The witch moved with grace, retrieving a flask of water from her side. She knelt next to me, offering it. "Trust is earned, Alexander," she murmured, watching as I gulped down the offering. The water wa
Olivias povThe walls of my room felt like they were closing in on me as the door slammed shut, locking me inside. I banged on it, my fists sore and desperate, my voice echoing down the corridor as I pleaded. "Please, let me out! I need to find Sarah!"But only silence answered, leaving me stranded in a sea of helplessness. My heart ached with the weight of my fears for Sarah, who needed me more than ever. Scores of emotions surged within me—fear for her safety, anger at being held captive, and a determination that refused to be extinguished.Pausing, I drew a deep breath and sank down onto the bed, my mind scrambling for ideas. The outward corridors were off-limits, guarded and patrolled. But the tunnels—those twisting passages below the castle—were different. I could navigate their depths and sneak past the patrols to find Sarah. My heart pounded as a flicker of hope ignited within me. Rising swiftly, I crossed the room with renewed purpose and pried open the small trapdoor hidden
Olivias povThe walls of the castle seemed to echo with suppressed tension as I made my way down to the dining room, guards flanking my every step. It was a relief to know that in mere moments, I would see Sarah. The anticipation was a warm tide against the cold grasp of King Nicholas's palace. I pushed open the grand doors, and there she was—my daughter. Her eyes brightened as she caught sight of me. With a thrilled squeal, Sarah darted across the room, wrapping her small arms around me as I knelt to embrace her. Her warmth filled the void, a reminder of why I fought so hard against the king's oppressive regime. Elijah stood to the side, a quiet pillar amidst the tension. I looked up and offered him a grateful smile. “Thank you so much for this,” I said, my voice wavering with the weight of withheld emotions. He nodded, his eyes reflecting a shared understanding. “Anything for you both.”The king's stern voice pierced through the tender moment. “Sit,” he commanded, his tone brooki
King Nicholas povSeated on the throne, I watched Sarah play, the golden light of dusk casting a warm glow around the throne room. As she moved, her laughter filled the air, a melody that I was reluctantly coming to cherish. She was a bright, brave little girl, spirited and innocent—qualities that stood on precarious grounds in my world. Sarah toddled toward me, her tiny hands closing around a toy dragon, its wings chipped from wear. Every part of me wished for Olivia to finally accept my son, Elijah, for the wedding to occur, intertwining our destinies and stabilising my empire before those insubordinate wolves could rally their pitiful excuse for an army. True, they were no match for my dragon legion, which was the pride of my reign, but quashing their rebellion would be another needle in my side—a distraction I could ill afford amid rising tensions. anyone with dragon blood belonged here not out there tanted by the rest of the world. As if summoned by my thoughts, the heavy oak d
The witch's words hung in the crisp night air, a prophecy unravelling as energy surged through me. I struggled, ensnared by the torrent of power and pain cascading through my body. My wolf howled within, caught between elation and rage, always yearning for control."You betrayed us!" I roared my voice a mixture of fury and fear as I attempted to lurch toward her, my limbs betraying me. The forest spun around me, dizziness mixing with agony, every muscle clenched in a relentless vice."Stop it," I demanded, collapsing onto my back, the ground cold and merciless beneath me. The witch remained silent, her gaze a paradox of detachment and unwavering resolve. My breath was coming in sharp and painful as if I were breathing in fire. My heart was pounding in my chest like at any second it would explode.As the world faded to darkness, echoes of my past life surfaced like spectral wraiths. My father's face hovered before me, eyes, once so fiercely resolute, now filled with regret. I remembere
Alexanders povI sat cross-legged on the cold earth, eyes shut tight as a battle raged in my mind. Days had slipped away, each one filled with the witch's strange lessons on meditation that left me hollow and irritable. This was not the training I'd imagined. I needed to be fighting, using my strength to prepare for the inevitable clash with King Nicholas that would save Olivia and Sarah, not sitting still like a stone.My resolve slipped, and frustration bubbled over. "This is useless!" I snapped, eyes flying open. "The power will never come."Nearby, the witch remained calm, her voice a gentle breeze against the storm within me. "You keep letting your wolf overtake you, Alexander.""My wolf is strong! It is what will kill the bastard who took my daughter and mate!" I retorted, the growl of my words echoing in the stillness."Again," she instructed, ignoring my outburst. Her unyielding patience stung like salt in the wound of my anger.I glared at her, but desperation won over pride.
I sat on the edge of my bed, my fingers gently tracing the intricate patterns of the golden and white dress. The dress shimmered in the light, its elegance speaking of a world I had yet to fully comprehend. A soft knock interrupted the thoughts that swirled in my mind. "Come in," I called as I stood up and smoothed the fabric of my dress, anticipation twisting in my stomach. Elijah stepped into the room, his presence an unexpected comfort. He paused, eyes lingering over the dress before meeting mine. "You look beautiful," he said softly, the sincerity in his voice wrapping around me. "Thank you," I replied, a flutter of unexpected warmth unfurling in my chest. We left the room together, walking through the halls of the palace in silence before stepping out into the kingdom—a place still shrouded in mysteries I longed to uncover as we wandered through the bustling streets. Yesterday, it had been nothing more than glimpses, but today, I made sure to take in everything around me, s
The tension in the room was clear as Elijah planted himself firmly before me, creating a barrier between me and the king I so desperately loathed. He was unwavering, his presence a silent vow of protection. Our roles seemed to reverse as he, the supposed pawn of his father, became my shield. “Move, Elijah,” King Nicholas commanded, his voice a rumble of irritation and disbelief. The air crackled with the intensity of his order, the authority behind it a palpable force. “No,” Elijah replied, his tone tempered with a surprising strength and calm. “This is no way to get her to agree to our marriage.” Nicholas glared down at me, eyes simmering with disdain. “I don’t care if she agrees or not. She will marry you either way,” he declared, each word a testament to the unwavering grip he held over what he considered his kingdom. “Father,” Elijah countered, his voice rising with urgency. “She would be more useful to you if she does so of her own accord. Imagine what could happen if people