Alexanders pov. I couldn't shake the image of Fay's fully healed hand from my mind as I made my way to Victor's office. I had never seen anything like it before. We healed fast, but not like that, and the fact that there was no scarring when there should have been left me with so many questions. If Wolfban was in the wine she spilt on herself last night, then her hand would take longer than normal to heal, and it would have left scaling behind. And the fact that she had children as well had my mind going crazy.As I entered Victor's office, he motioned for me to take a seat. His stern expression told me that this meeting was not going to be pleasant."Alpha Alexander," Victor began, his voice cold and authoritative. "Beta Allen has informed me that you were in a part of the palace where you are not allowed. If you ever disobey my orders again, I will have no choice but to remove you from my kingdom.""I'm sorry, Victor. It was just a misunderstanding. I got lost and ran into Fay. I a
Alexanders povBut I knew better than to disobey Fay's wishes. There was a reason she kept her face hidden, and I needed to respect that I couldn't let my wolf take over here even if I did want to see her face and had come so close to seeing it already today. So, instead, I shielded her from the view of the others while she fixed her mask."Are you okay?" I asked softly as she stood back up, readjusting her mask.She nodded, a hint of gratitude in her eyes as she glanced at me. "Thank you."Before I could reply, my attention was drawn to the guard getting up off the ground. Anger boiled within me as I marched towards him, grabbing him by the throat and pinning him against a tree."How dare you lay a hand on the princess and accuse her of such things!" I growled menacingly, my voice filled with fury.The guard sputtered and struggled against my grip, fear in his eyes. But I held firm, unwilling to let him go. Every inch of me wanted to rip his head clean from his shoulder for what he h
Olivia's povAllen led me away from the garden. I could feel my inner wolf, Aura, whispering in my head. "Our mate saved us," she repeated over and over. But I pushed the thoughts away. As soon as we were away from everyone, Allen turned to me. “I don't want you near Alexander again”, he stated firmly with a hint of jealousy in his voice.I raised my eyebrows at him, unsure of where this was coming from. “I don't want him near me, but if it wasn't for him, then I would have been attacked by that guard.”“Well, if you'd just done what you meant to and kept your nose out of things that don't concern you, then he never would have had to save you.”I felt a surge of anger rising within me at his words. How dare he speak to me in such a way. Allen had never talked to me like this before, and I wasn't about to stand for it now.I squared my shoulders, meeting his gaze head-on. “Excuse me?” I spat, my voice laced with defiance. “This does concern me. It's my family's business, and I'm just
I slowly made my way down the stairs, each step feeling like a hammer to my head. The pounding in my temples was relentless.As I reached the bottom of the staircase, Victor appeared before me, his face etched with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, his brow furrowed with worry.I forced a weak smile and nodded. "Just a headache," I muttered, rubbing my temples in an attempt to ease the pain. "They seem to be getting worse and lasting longer than normal.”Victor's expression softened as he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry about anything today," he said gently. "Just go rest in your room and rest. I'll send the doctor in to check on you."Before I could respond, Alexander approached us with Lidia by his side. As he drew nearer, something strange happened - my headache began to go away as if his presence had some soothing effect on me."Are you alright?" Alexander asked, his eyes filled with genuine concern.I stood there dumbfounded, unable to tear my gaze away fro
My heart started to race in my chest as I looked up at Alexander's eyes boring into me. I gasped in surprise at his sudden appearance. He studied me intently, his expression unreadable."Fay," he said softly, his voice sending shivers down my spine. "What are you doing here all alone?"I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "I could ask you the same thing," I replied. "Are you following me?"Alexander's lips quirked up into a small smile. "Following you? No, Fay. I just happened to be in the area."I narrowed my eyes at him. "And what about Lidia? Shouldn't you be out at the lake with her right now?"He chuckled softly, taking a step closer to me. My heart skipped a beat as he did. I could never forgive him for what he did to me, but it was hard not to feel something when he was around for so many reasons, the main one being that he was my mate. "Why are you so concerned about where I should be, Fay?" he asked teasingly.I swallowed hard, feeling my cheeks flush with em
We met with the maid’s family. My heart ached for them as they mourned their daughter's death. I decided that I wasn't going to bring up that we thought she was involved with the attempted poisoning at the palace. They were hurting enough without me adding to that. I left Alexander in the village and made my way back to the palace, knowing that I would have to face Allen. Walking into the palace, my heart raced. I don't know why I was worried about talking to Allen. I hadn't done anything wrong.As I walked through the main doors, I could feel Allen's intense gaze on me before I even saw him. He was standing by the stairs, waiting for me. "Fay," Allen's voice was cold and stern as he approached me. "What were you doing with Alexander?"“I went to the village to talk to the maid's family, and while I was there, I ran into him.”His jaw tensed as he glared at me. "You know how dangerous he is. You can't be associating yourself with someone like him.""I have to go talk to Victor," I s
Alexander pov I was in the middle of reading when Lidia burst into my room, her eyes wide with panic. "Alexander, we have a problem," she said frantically.I set my book down and looked at her, concern etched on my face. "What's wrong?" I asked.She took a deep breath before speaking. "Fay caught me with Ethan," she confessed, her voice trembling. "If she tells Victor, everything could be ruined."I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "You need to be more careful," I scolded gently.Lidia let out a frustrated growl before glaring at me. "I don't know what you see in her," she muttered bitterly. "If you saw what she was hiding under her mask, you would be running for the hills."I didn't care what Fay was hiding under her mask. There was something about her that drew me in like a moth to a flame, and it was more than just our mated bond. "She reminds me of someone," I admitted quietly.”And when I'm around her, a part of me that has been missing feels complete."Lidia rolled her ey
As the doctor rushed Fay off to the emergency room, Allen turned to me with rage burning in his eyes. He grabbed me by the collar and slammed me against the wall, growling, "You did this."I felt a surge of rage coursing through me as I pushed him off and held him by the throat. "You should have been a better husband," I spat out, my own fury matching his. "She deserves someone so much better than you. And if she dies, I'll make you wish you were never born."“Enough!” Victor yelled, making us both turn to look at him. “My sister is in there fighting for her life. If you want to kill each other, go do it somewhere else.”Allen's hands clenched into fists, his eyes still burning with anger. "She wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for you," he seethed. He tried to push me off him, but I was much stronger than him.“I said that's enough, Allen”, victor yelled again. I let Allen go, stepping away from him taking a deep breath to try and calm myself but keeping my glare on him. “If y
Olivia's POVMy heart raced as I took in the sight of the garden, the flowers a stunning blend of colours beneath the glowing moonlight. Every detail had been crafted with care, each petal, each whisper of the breeze, all speaking of the love that had brought us here. But none of it mattered more than the man standing before me.Adjusting the dress that flowed around me like liquid silk. Victor and Allen flanked me, both looking incredibly proud and supportive, but their presence felt like a blur, fading in comparison to the figure at the end of the aisle: Alexander.When my eyes met his, everything else melted away. The crowd, the world—everything faded until only he remained. There he was, waiting for me, his face a mixture of longing and awe. My heart swelled with emotions that couldn’t be put into words. No part of me felt nervous. Everything just felt right.For so long, I had fought the love that bloomed between us, but tonight, under the stars and in the presence of our family,
Alexander's POVI stood before the mirror, adjusting the pristine cuffs of my shirt, the faintest tremor of nervousness threatening to disrupt the calm exterior I fought so hard to maintain. My reflection stared back at me—sharp jawline, hair perfectly styled, the weight of responsibility etched in my gaze. But beyond the Alpha that I am, I saw the man who was about to marry the woman of his dreams for the second time, but this time, I would not take her for granted. I would treat her the way that I should have from the start.My chest tightened as I ran a hand over the collar of my suit. Everything was perfect. The flowers, the guests, the setting. But all I could focus on was the one thing that had eluded me for far too long—the realisation that this was the life I had always wanted yet failed to see for long, and I hated myself for that.A soft knock at the door drew my attention, and I turned to see Ethan standing in the doorway, his usual confidence absent, replaced by something
Olivia's povThe shop door chimed softly as we entered. The dressmaker, a kind older woman with an eye for detail and warmth to match, greeted us with a beaming smile. Bolts of exquisite fabrics lined the walls, their colours are vibrant, each one telling its own tale. I knew the one I held within my heart today—a tale of love, resilience, and hope.Lidia followed me closely, her earlier doubts seeming to melt away amid the excitement of the shop. "I’ve been waiting for this," she confessed softly, leaning closer as she took in the palatial display of elegant gowns. "Getting to see you in your wedding dress is like a dream."We approached the mirrored dais, where an array of wedding dresses awaited—each one a masterpiece of lace and silk and dreams sewn into reality. As I stepped upon the dais, emotions welled within me, teetering precariously on a tide of sentiment and expectation. I reached for a gown gently, fingers trailing over the delicate beadwork, feeling the promise imbued w
Olivia's povI knew Ethan was trying to muster his courage. His hands trembled slightly as he thumbed the edges of the box, cooling his earlier confidence. Finally, he opened the box, revealing a stunning ring. The large moonstone at its centre caught the light, casting an ethereal glow that seemed to shimmer with life."Olivia, this ring has been in my family for hundreds of years," Ethan said, his voice tinged with reverence and nerves. The raw honesty in his eyes touched me deeply.“It’s beautiful," I murmured, genuinely captivated by the artifact's majesty and the legacy it represented.Ethan went red-cheeked, the usual bravado he donned so effortlessly slipping away. "I was wondering if you would…" He paused, his words stumbling over one another like a landslide. I waited, offering him patience and a soft smile of reassurance.After a moment, he cleared his throat and started again. "I mean, I'm here to ask for Lidia's hand in marriage. I haven't seen Victor yet, but he'll under
alexanders povThe anticipation that pulsed through my veins was far stronger than any battle I'd waged, any beast I'd fought. Tonight was the night Olivia and I would affirm what we already knew in our hearts: that we were meant to be together. Our bond had withstood countless trials, and now it would be sealed under the moonlight with the people we loved.Despite the day’s beauty, echoes of concern lingered. Red flags flew in my mind every time I thought of Reed. His absence was like a splinter under my skin—a constant irritation that could not be ignored. But tonight was not about him. Tonight was about Olivia, about our family, and about the life we were building together.The palace was bustling with excitement. People flitted about, preparing for the evening’s festivities. I had instructed everyone to keep the atmosphere relaxed yet festive. Even though she opted for a simple ceremony, Olivia deserved a night filled with joy and laughter.Maneuvering through the busy rooms, I fi
**Olivia's POV**I took a breath, the pleasant scent of roses filling my nose. The garden was alive with nature's symphony, a perfect backdrop for what could be the most significant day of my life. Alexander had already set to arranging everything needed for our moonlit wedding. Tonight would be magic.I left the garden, excitement twirling within me as I ventured toward the dressmaker to see if she had anything that I could wear tonight with such short notice. I noticed there was no time for me to have something made, but I didn't care. The dress was not important; marrying my mate was the only thing that mattered. My footsteps echoed softly off the cobblestone path, each step a rhythmic countdown to becoming Alexander’s wife.As I approached, the gentle hum of early morning activity filled the air. People were setting up stalls for the evening's festival, laughter mingling with the scents of freshly baked goods. We hadn’t had a true celebration in so long; spirits were high, and eve
Reed’s POVThe damp air clung to my skin as I hunkered down in the grimy drain pipe, its confines offering an unwanted intimacy with persistent, rank odours. Though suffocated by shadows, this location was my asylum, for now, a perfect vantage point to observe their kingdom’s every move—without being observed myself. They should be celebrating their victories, echoing the laughter of conquerors throughout the kingdom, but instead, silence hung heavy, a ghostly whisper of unrest and anticipation.An eerie thrill coursed through me as I contemplated my slow, methodical plan for Lidia and Victor.Their names, like promises, formed stepping stones towards Olivia and Alexander, ultimately leading to the ultimate destruction of their spirit. Each one taken was a piece stripped away from their false sense of security.Lida would be first. Her face haunted my mind, but soon, it would be snuffed out by shadows she couldn’t escape. Olivia idolised her, and losing her would weaken her along with
**Olivia’s POV**Morning light peeked through the ornate curtains, wrapping softly around the room. Slowly blinking awake, I stretched, only to find Alexander’s side of the bed empty. My heart sank slightly at the absence, but it was quickly quelled by the knowledge of his duties. Besides, our life since the battle had seldom allowed us to lay in bed together.I sighed, throwing off the warm covers and swinging my feet over the edge, ready to face the day. After getting dressed, I tied my hair back into a loose ponytail, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Today felt different; in a good way, I held no worries in my heart anymore.Making my way down the elegant staircase, the sound of laughter filled the air. It was the twins, no doubt causing their usual joyful chaos. I smiled to myself, relish in the simple, beautiful moments of motherhood.Before I could reach the dining hall, Lidia appeared at the end of the corridor. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” she called out, her grin wi
Reed’s POVThe forest was quiet, the only noises the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. My leg throbbed with every stride, the pain a consistent companion during my escape, but it fueled my resolve rather than diminished it. I leaned heavily on my makeshift crutch, every step deliberate, every breath a challenge overcome.How long had I been on the run now? Time was a shapeless blur, marking moments only by the exhaustion that weighed on my bones. The elders’ guards pursued me tirelessly, and Alexander’s as well, all seeking my head. I had played my cards poorly, underestimating the strength of my enemies and overreaching my ambition—or so they thought. Maybe there was truth in it. Perhaps I needed this moment, this fall, to truly measure the darkness within me and to harness it against those who wronged me.I knew Olivia had what I needed to rise again—her power, her essence. Once she recognised that we were meant to be, she would come around. I could almost f