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
Alexander’s POVThe air was thick with the scent of pine and the weight of unspoken grief. Olivia, Victor, and the twins had come to honour her mother's memory, and I felt an overwhelming urge to rush to her side, to hold her as she poured her heart out. But something inside me knew this moment was hers to claim.From the edge of the clearing, I watched Olivia kneel before her mother's grave. Her once formidable form was now bent, her sobs resonating through the stillness of the forest. Liam and Sarah were picking wildflowers nearby, their laughter a stark, innocent contrast to the emotional storm reverberating around us.My instincts screamed at me to run to her, but I stayed rooted to the spot, sensing that she needed to confront her demons alone. She had traversed a long, painful journey from a wolfless girl to the resilient woman she was now. This was her final battle with her past.Suddenly, movement caught my eye. Victor emerged from the shadowed tree line, his face a reflection
The gentle hum of the wind rustled through the castle gardens, carrying with it the scent of blooming jasmine and fresh earth. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the kingdom, painting everything in warm, honeyed light. The Dragon Kingdom—our kingdom—was at peace.A week had passed since the final battle. A week since Nicholas had fallen, his tyrannical reign brought to an end. The scars of war still marked the land, but already, hope had begun to weave its way through the people, through the dragons, and through my own kingdom. Rebuilding had started, and with it, the promise of a future unshackled from fear and a united front between not only ours and their kingdom but also many others.And today… today was the day that I finally got to marry Alexander.The wedding had been a quiet affair, just as I had wanted—just those we loved, those who had stood beside us through the trials that had nearly torn us apart. The great hall had been filled with the laughter of
A bright glow surrounded me, cradling me like a guardian made manifest. It was the magic from deep within, awakened not by mere survival but by love—a force transcending the corporeal bounds defined by the fight.The descent slowed, the air holding me in a delicate dance with the elemental magic coursing through my veins. It whispered assurance and a promise returned in kind by the beating heart of the earth itself.As I alighted softly upon the weathered stones of the courtyard, strength and weariness meshed in a delicate balance. The energy wrapped around me, a cocoon of gentle power that ebbed almost tenderly, returning me to the ground with undeniable grace.The world righted itself, the battlefield, once a stage of cacophony and chaos, hushed into a stunned silence, witnessing the impossible shimmer into reality. A breath—my second chance drawn from the earth—and I stood, steady and whole.I looked up to see faces of disbelief switch to ones of hope. Alexander's strides carried h
Olivias povMy warning echoed in the air, but it was already too late. Behind Elijah, the king’s dragon surgeon moved with terrifying speed, its spear-like tail ready to strike. Everything seemed to slow as the scene unfolded—a cruel dance of shadow and flesh, friend and enemy caught in fate’s grip.Time froze as the dragon’s tail pierced Elijah’s back, ending the moment in brutal finality. Pain and realisation filled his face, his emerald eyes widening in shock. His body crumpled forward, silent in the tragedy he had become a part of."No!" The word tore from my throat, breaking the heavy silence that settled like a shroud. But through my horror, an undeniable truth took shape with each heartbeat—Nicholas’s greatest betrayal wasn’t just in his violence but in the cold decision to sacrifice his own son for power.As Elijah fell to his knees, Nicholas grinned—a wicked smile that could freeze the ocean. He waved the horn, the sound still ringing in my ears, and in that moment, his inten
Olivia's PovThe sky was painted in shades of crimson and smoke, and the battlefield lay beneath me, a chaotic tapestry of combat and valour. Riding Saphira, my trusted dragon, I felt an unprecedented harmony between us. Her thoughts intertwined with mine, weaving a tapestry of mutual understanding and unity. Together, we were a force of nature, an extension of one another as we dove and soared through the fray.Saphira’s roar resonated inside me, a declaration of war that echoed the battle’s ferocity. Her muscles coiled beneath my legs, and we twisted through the air, engaging our adversaries with a synergy that brought out the raw power within us. Each strike was fluid and precise—a dance of strength and strategy that blurred the lines between rider and dragon. Riding Saphira, I felt a strength I’d never known, as though every heartbeat was in sync with the rhythm of destiny itself.Through the din of clashing swords and bellows, Saphira's voice sizzled like lightning in my mind. *O
Alexander's POV The battlefield pulsed with chaos, a vast symphony of metal clashing and figures weaving through a smoky haze. I fought with a focused intensity that came from the core of my being. Each movement was purposeful, and each turn of my blade was meticulously calculated. This was more than a war of physicality; it was a contest of spirits fueled by love and vengeance. All around me, my pack surged forward like a tidal wave, wolves overcoming soldiers with primal ferocity. As I caught a glimpse of Olivia soaring overhead on a dragon's back, a wild joy lit me from within. Her presence was like a beacon, a promise that drove me onward, deeper into the heart of conflict. My attention was wrenched upward by the tumultuous struggle above. There, in the sky, dragons twisted and turned in an aerial ballet of might and desperation. King Nicholas and his son, Elijah, battled with a fury that seemed to rend the sky itself. Nicholas's dragon fought with savage intensity, every swi
Elijah's povThe clamour of the battlefield swelled around me, punctuated by cries and the clash of steel. My heart was a tempest, torn between my loyalty to my father and my love for Olivia. I had never intended to become a pawn in this war, but here I stood, bathed in conflict, with my mind spiralling around the impending chaos. As I left Olivia's side earlier, my frustration boiled over into the tense air. "Cease this madness!" I cried out to the guards, their movements a blur of aggression around me. "These people are not our enemies!" Laughter erupted in response, sardonic and cruel. "The King has spoken, not you, Prince Elijah. We fight until death unless he says otherwise." Disdain twisted within me—a serpent rearing its head. Their insolence, their mindless obedience to Nicholas's bloody decree, was galling. But I knew why they refused me. I wasn’t their king, merely a shadow cast by my father’s ambition, a prince wearing false armour. The world spun with futility. Seeking
The ground was approaching swiftly beneath me, a swirling mass racing to meet my descent. Every instinct screamed that this was a mistake and that the leap would surely be my undoing. But even as fear clenched my heart, the dragon's scale in my grip pulsed with a warmth that banished doubt. One hundred meters above the earth, however, a shadow loomed. The first dragon I had saved soared to my rescue, swooping beneath me with a grace that defied the chaos of my fall. Relief erupted within me as I landed on its broad back, a breathless gasp escaping my lips. Holding tight to the rough, warm scales, I murmured, "Thank you."The dragon's powerful wings flapped, beating a defiant cadence against the tumultuous winds. It rose into the sky, a guardian taking flight, and together, we soared, the kingdom unfurling beneath us as a tapestry of vibrant life and teetering conflict.As if in a dream borne aloft, hundreds more dragons began to appear, majestic and fierce, emerging from the shadows
Olivias povI raced through the tunnels with a sense of urgency so intense it felt like a physical force pushing me onward. My breaths were ragged, each inhalation a struggle as I navigated the labyrinthine passages beneath the kingdom. My mind was a whirlwind, and though my plan was half-formed at best, I knew the dragons were my destination—their strength would be paramount in the battle to come.As I emerged into the dragon chamber, the oppressive air filled my lungs, heavy with the scent of fear and confinement. I couldn’t afford to hesitate, even as my heart pounded with the weight of what I was about to do. There they were, magnificent creatures tethered by chains, their eyes pools of ancient wisdom and unfathomable pain.The sight of the three guards was like a cold splash of reality, snapping my senses into sharp relief. The lead guard shouted, “What are you doing here? You can’t be here!” His voice echoed menacingly through the chamber, but I was beyond fear.Panicking would
Alexanders povThe moment we scaled the wall, chaos erupted like a storm unleashed upon the city. The guards, mere specks below, shouted commands in a futile attempt to contain the inevitable. Before anyone could react, a deafening roar sliced through the pandemonium, and the dragons descended, dark silhouettes against the dawn sky. Each dragon was a testament to terror and power, their scales shimmering with malice as they perched above the city. Fire erupted from their jaws, slicing through the air like molten spears, incinerating everything in their path. The city seemed to collapse inward upon itself, screams of horror mingling with the crackling of flames. Yet, amidst the chaos, my objective remained clear. I needed to reach the palace and confront Nicholas, ensuring he could never threaten Olivia or Sarah again. Victor and the others would search for them, but I would end this once and for all. As we pushed forward, defenders surged toward us, their weapons drawn with the con