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’s POVOlivia's form was fluid and powerful. I watched her replicate the movements I had drilled into her, every strike and counter flowing as they should. She was a natural, though she bore the weight of her struggles with remarkable grace."Olivia, keep your stance wide, always ready to pivot," I called out. As she adjusted, her eyes met mine, burning with fierce determination.It had been a taxing few weeks—teaching Olivia, managing my duties as Alpha, and wrestling with trying to find out more about the spirit wolf. More often than not, the nights bled into mornings. The few hours of sleep I managed were fragmented and restless.My thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of one of my guards. His footsteps were hurried, his face etched with urgency. The sight of him caused a knot of worry to tighten in my stomach."Alpha," the guard began, his voice low. "Cassandra has just arrived in your kingdom."The air around me seemed to freeze. I had hoped for more time, but the
Alexanders povAs the guards tightened their grip on Cassandra, her eyes flickered up to meet mine. Desperation speared through her gaze, but I did not waver. Not this time."Alexander, please," she began, her voice trembling. "Don't lock me away. I was once the Luna of this pack. I deserve better than this."I turned my back on her, my voice a cold decree as I addressed the guards. "Take her to the dungeons."The guards moved to escort her away, and Cassandra's pleading turned to shrieks that echoed across the courtyard."Please, no! You don't understand!" she screamed, her voice cracking under the strain. "I was tricked! I can explain everything! Don't do this!"The members of my pack halted their activities, drawn in by the spectacle. Murmurs spread like wildfire among them, and I could feel the unity of my pack hanging by a thread, ready to snap under the weight of the chaos Cassandra was creating.Whispers intensified, and doubt and confusion rippled through the air like a dark w
Rebecca's POVI had lost track of time months ago. The damp, cold air of the dungeon felt like a second skin, and the chains on my wrists had long since rubbed my flesh raw. For four relentless months, I had wallowed in regret, anger, and fleeting hope. The rattling of iron keys was an ominous precursor to the presence of another soul, however unwanted.I heard footsteps in my darkened corner, half hidden from view. The faint murmur of voices outside my cell drew nearer and grew louder. My pulse quickened. Visits were rare, and they never bore good news. Then, the cell door next to mine creaked open, and my eyes widened.A veil of disbelief wrapped me. Was that—? No, it couldn’t be. But as the figure stepped into the cell adjacent to mine, the unmistakable presence of Cassandra stood before me. My shock turned into uncontrollable laughter, sharp and bitter against the silence. Had I finally gone mad? Was my mind playing cruel tricks on me?"Rebecca," Cassandra's strained and desperate
Olivia's POVNo matter how hard I tried, I couldn't focus on training. My mind kept drifting back to Alexander. With everything going on, especially now that Cassandra was back in the kingdom, my worry for him was a knot I couldn't untangle."Olivia, are you ready?" Ethan's voice brought me back to the present."Sorry," I said, shaking off my distraction. "I need a break."Leaving the training grounds, I made my way through the palace corridors, my heart heavy with concern. I knew Alexander would be in his office, likely buried under a mountain of responsibilities. The kingdom's troubles weighed on him, and he was the stubborn man that he was, rarely asking anyone for help.As I approached his office, the large oak door was slightly ajar. I hesitated for a moment, peeking through the crack. Alexander sat at his desk, head bent low as he scribbled on a parchment. My heart ached at the sight; the weight he carried was visible in the tension of his shoulders and the furrow of his brow.Q
Cassandra's POVThe cell walls seemed to close in around me, a suffocating blend of stale air and despair. I paced back and forth, my fingers grazing the cold, rough stone as if trying to draw some semblance of power from the dungeon’s ancient darkness. The guards had brought me here swiftly, their laughter still echoing in my ears, mocking my proclaimed title of Queen Luna. Rebecca sat across from me, her eyes vacant but occasionally flickering with a sharp, calculating gleam. Her presence was a constant reminder of our shared fall from grace.I clenched my fists, trying to quell the rage bubbling within me. How had it come to this? I had been abandoned by Reed, the man who once swore eternal allegiance and was now mocked by mere guards for my rightful title! The betrayal cut deeper than any blade could. The cell's dampness seeped into my bones, amplifying my sense of isolation and despair."Queen Luna," I muttered under my breath, my voice cracking with the weight of the title.Rebe
Olivias povI reached my room in a flurry of motion, the urgency pounding in my veins, and slammed the door shut behind me. My heart was a relentless drumbeat, each thud a resounding reminder of what I needed to do—find Sarah, free the dragons, and somehow escape. But I was just one person amidst the turmoil."Think, Olivia. Think," I murmured to myself, pacing the confines of my chamber. Outside, the chorus of panic escalated, every scream an echo of a city on the brink of collapse. The knowledge that they were searching for Sarah and that I couldn't help gnawed at me, a relentless torment.Suddenly, the door flew open, and there stood Elijah, his emerald eyes wide with urgency. "Olivia, come on! I have to get you out of here. Alexander’s army is approaching the city walls.""No," I protested, a firm resolve anchoring me to the spot. "I can't leave without Sarah."Elijah stepped closer. Desperation was etched on his features. "It’s not safe for you. My father will use you as a pawn i
Victor’s PovThe harsh chill of the dawning day crept through the forest as our army settled in the shadows of the Dragon Kingdom. Our journey had been gruelling, each step laden with the weight of expectation and desperation. We had pushed ourselves to the very edge, and now, waiting on the border, the tension crackled like static in the air around us. I was restless, every fibre of my being reaching out, praying for Alexander's swift arrival.I couldn’t shake the image of Olivia and Sarah from my mind. The need to bring them back consumed me with a fire that could scorch the earth beneath my feet. My sister was strong—tougher than anyone I knew—but I also knew the storm she was caught in. And then there was Sarah, innocent and pure, needing protection in a world full of shadows and claws.My thoughts were interrupted when a scream echoed from the periphery of our camp. "Dragon!"I spun around, senses snapping to attention, the word needle-sharp on my consciousness. The men around me
Olivias povI should go back to my room and return to the role of the compliant captive they expected me to play. But something deeper pulled me, a shimmering thread of fate weaving through the subterranean labyrinth beneath the palace. My steps were quiet as I ventured deeper into the cool embrace of the tunnels, the echo of my footsteps a constant reminder of the possible dangers ahead.The tunnels were a refuge, a secretive network that whispered tales of long-forgotten secrets. I navigated through the shadows, an innate guide leading me further into the depths. My gut twisted with hesitation, but I could not ignore the growing vibration in the air, a song of urgency beckoning me.Just as I considered turning back, a sound floated through the darkness, hushed but unmistakable. The distant clang of metal, a rhythmic symphony that drew me towards it despite every nerve screaming for caution.I crept forward, each step pulling me closer to the source until a thin line of light pierced
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