Alexanders povI approached my office. Cassandra and Rebecca's parents stood at one side: Nathan Miller, with his hardened frame and tired eyes, and Cassandra's mother, Cathrine, who had an aura of fragility wrapped around her. Opposite them were Rebecca's parents, cloaked in equal parts grief and sceptical hope."Alpha," Nathan greeted me, his voice strained but respectful. "Thank you for meeting us."I nodded, my mind racing through the issues at hand, the complexities forming a tangled web around Cassandra's return. I walked over to Nathan, and he held out his hand for me to shake. "Come into my office," I said before turning to Rebecca's parents. “I will be with you shortly.”They followed me into my office, taking a seat across from me. Nathan exhaled deeply, exchanging a glance with his wife, who tightened her grip on his hand. "We never thought we'd see Cassandra again. The news of her being alive... it was a shock. But now, we find ourselves asking—you have her in the dungeon
Cassandra's POVThe dungeon was a living nightmare. The cold of the stone walls seeped into my skin, and the dampness in the air made it hard to breathe. The darkness seemed to claw at me, a brutal reminder of my captivity. My heart thudded in my chest as I screamed, “Let me speak with Alexander! He has to hear me out!”My cries echoed down the narrow corridor, unanswered. Panic gripped me; I had to make Alexander understand. “Please,” I yelled again, my voice cracking with desperation.Rebecca, who was in the cell next to mine, got to her feet, her eyes full of annoyance and rage. “Will you just shut up?” she screamed back, marching over to the bars that separated our cells.“He's not going to listen to you. You've lost any right to mercy,” she spat, her voice laced with years of pent-up anger and hatred.I narrowed my eyes and walked over to the bars as well, facing her. “How dare you tell me what to do? You are nothing," I hissed, my voice dripping with venom. “You're just jealous
Olivia’s POVThe garden was a sanctuary, a pocket of peace within the ever-busy kingdom. The sun cast a warm, golden hue over the vibrant blossoms, creating an atmosphere that felt almost magical. I sat on a stone bench, watching Liam and Sarah chase each other around the neatly trimmed hedges. Their laughter filled the air, a melody that lifted my spirits.Beside me, Lidia was telling me all about her progress in learning how to be a healer. Her eyes sparkled with newfound confidence, a sight that warmed my heart more than I could express."I've finally mastered the basics," Lidia said, her voice filled with pride. "The head healer says I have a natural talent for it. It feels so rewarding, knowing I can help others."I smiled, glad to see this side of her. "I'm so proud of you, Lidia. Healing is a powerful skill."She nodded, her expression sincere. "Thank you, Olivia. It means a lot coming from you. I have to admit, I never thought I'd enjoy learning medical skills, but now... it f
Olivia's POVThe miller's house stood tall and silent, its weathered facade a stark reminder of the countless memories etched into its walls. As I stood before it, my heart ached with a mixture of dread and determination. This was the place I had once called home, but it was nothing more than a repository of pain I had buried deep inside of me. I was not the same person anymore. I had come alone, feeling a compelling need to confront these ghosts without anyone else's support.I took a deep breath, my hand trembling slightly as I raised it to knock on the door. The wooden surface felt coarse under my knuckles, a tactile reminder of the years gone by. The sound echoed hollowly.The door creaked open after a moment that felt like an eternity, revealing Nathan. His face bore the marks of age and worry, his eyes reflecting the burden of years. "Olivia," he greeted."Nathan," I responded, struggling to keep my voice steady. "May I come in?"For a moment, he hesitated, his eyes searching mi
Olivia's POVAs I walked through the hallways of the castle, each step echoed louder in my mind, reflecting the storm of emotions swirling within me. Finding my way back to the garden, I hoped to draw some strength from the sight of my children. I yearned for the simple, unquestioning love they provided.Finally, I saw them—Liam and Sarah—chasing each other around the rose bushes, their laughter piercing through the dark cloud that had settled over my thoughts. And there was Alexander, standing with the grace of a king yet playing with a spirit as free as the children's. His tall frame moved effortlessly, a sense of joy untouched by the weight of his responsibilities.I stopped a few feet away, just watching. Their happiness was contagious, but today, it struggled to break through the fortress of pain I had built around my heart. The recent revelations about my mother had twisted a knife in old wounds.My thoughts wandered to the pain my mother must have felt leaving Victor behind, the
Cassandra's POVI hadn’t given up yet. My voice, raw and hoarse, still broke through the silence of my prison. Bound by cold, unyielding chains, I strained against my restraints.“Let me out!” I screamed, the walls absorbing my desperation. My pleas bounced back to me, unanswered, each echo a cruel mimicry of my captors’ indifference. No one turned a head; no one even cast a glance my way.The dungeon door creaked open, a whisper that sliced through my cries. One of the guards peered in, his eyes shifting to meet mine with a mixture of pity and irritation.“Quiet down," he barked, stepping further inside. "You have a visitor."Hope surged within me, a desperate spark. Could it be Alexander at last? But as the guards brought in the visitors, my heart plummeted. The flicker of hope extinguished, leaving a void I hadn’t felt for years. It wasn’t Alexander. It was my parents.My breath caught in my chest. It felt impossible to breathe. I hadn’t let myself dwell on them too much over these
Olivia's POVThe library's quiet ambience welcomed me as I quietly pushed the door open. Sunlight bathed the room, casting a warm glow on the dusty shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. I chose a secluded corner by the window, settling into a cushioned chair. Today, I had taken a break from training to collect my thoughts and pen a letter to Victor, one that felt more significant than any battle I'd fought.Pulling out parchment and a quill, I stared at the blank page, my heart growing heavier as I gathered my thoughts. Memories of my conversation with the Millers swirled in my mind, disjointed yet vivid.They were not kind to me, but reluctantly, I couldn't ignore the role they had played in my growth. They had unknowingly steeled my resolve and hardened my will, turning a weak, wolfless girl into the strong woman I had become.I dipped the quill in ink, allowing the memory of that encounter to flow onto the paper as I slowly began to write._"Victor,__I have learned much a
Olivia's POVAlexander, Liam, Sarah, and I made our way to a secluded corner of the northern woods. It was where my mother was buried—a place of solace and heartbreak, wrapped in the ancient embrace of a grand old oak tree.As we approached, my footsteps slowed, and my heart pounded in my chest. The scent of pine and earth surrounded us, but suddenly, I felt rooted to the spot. I could see my mother's name delicately carved into the old tree. Tears welled up uncontrollably in my eyes. It was Nathan's doing; I knew beyond a doubt. A lump formed in my throat as silent gratitude filled my heart.“Mummy, look! Someone wrote grandma’s name!” Sarah’s excited voice pierced through my emotional whirlwind.“Yes, sweetie,” I whispered, trying desperately to keep my composure. My hands trembled, and I knew everyone felt the waves of grief rolling off me. Alexander's steadying presence beside me was like an anchor, but even so, I faltered.Alexander gently placed his large, comforting hand on my
Alexanders povThe wind whispered across the battlement, carrying a chill that dug deep into my bones. I stood at the wall encircling the city, my army of loyal wolves poised silently behind me. The air was tense, suffused with the anticipation of what was to come. I contemplated the wall with an acute awareness of what lay on the other side: the city that held Olivia and Sarah.Saphira had left to go find Tinsley and inform her of what was about to happen. She had gone inside the kingdom walls to get out as many people as she could who did not want to fight for the king. We couldn't wait for her to return. We had to strike now before Olivia was forced to marry King Nicholas's son. “Get me your king!” I shouted up to the guards standing motionless atop the wall. The defiance in their silence was a simmering challenge that only stoked my resolve further.Out of the corner of my eye, a sudden flicker—a glint of deadly intent—arched toward me. Instinct and adrenaline merged, and without
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