Olivia's POVAs Alexander and I approached the towering gates of our palace, One of the palace guards hurried towards us. His steps were quick and purposeful, and as he reached us, his face showed more than just the usual seriousness. “Alpha,” he began, bowing his head. “Catherine Miller is here. She wishes to speak with both of you.”I saw Alexander’s shoulders tense. He let out a heavy sigh, opening his mouth to speak. But I gently placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. “I’ll talk to her,” I said softly.Alexander hesitated, his eyes searching mine for a moment before nodding. “Go and see the children,” I continued, squeezing his arm for reassurance. “I’ll handle this.”“She’s already seen her daughter,” Alexander said, his voice weary.“I know,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “But it’s hard to turn your back on your own blood. It’s not Catherine's fault that Cassandra did all those horrible things.”Alexander gave a resigned nod and turned to make his way to the children’s playroom.
**Cassandra’s POV**Chains clanked as I adjusted, the cold metal biting into my wrists. The dungeon's darkness pressed down on me like a suffocating weight, but even in this despair, I held onto a sliver of hope—Reed would come for me. Each footstep down the corridor made my heart race, anticipation gripping my soul, but they had always led to disappointment. The resolve in me was slowly eroding.Suddenly, a different sound echoed through the stone chamber—footsteps I couldn't mistake. My heart lifted briefly, but it sank just as quickly when I saw the familiar figure before me. It wasn’t Reed. It was my mother."Mum?" My voice cracked with the strain of days of disuse."Cassandra," she breathed, rushing to my side. Her appearance stunned me. It hadn't been long since I last saw her, but she looked like she had aged years in mere days. Her usually bright eyes were clouded with worry and exhaustion. I hated that I was the one coursing all of her pain, and for the first time, I wished t
Cassandra’s povI took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I had to say. I knew this was my last chance, and if Alexander didn't hear me out or believe me, I would never get another. "Alexander," I began, my voice wavering slightly, "I know I've made terrible mistakes. But my parents... they love me, and I've hurt them enough. I need to make things right."His eyes flickered with a mix of scepticism and something else—maybe a sliver of curiosity. "And why should that matter to me?"I swallowed hard, choosing my words carefully. "Because I have information that could help you. If you promise to show some leniency during my trial, I’ll tell you everything."Alexander's lips curled into a mocking smile. "I don’t make deals with people like you."I took a deep breath, knowing that everything hinged on what I was about to say. "Alexander, I understand your mistrust. I've done terrible things, but there are things you don’t know. Reed," I paused, trying to gather my courage, "Reed is my
**Alexander's POV**I stood there in sheer disbelief, ice gripping my heart as I watched Cassandra convulse on the ground, blood pouring from her nose, mouth, and ears. Her screams of agony cut through the silence, echoing in my ears with a haunting resonance."Guards!" I bellowed, my voice cracking with urgency. "Get the healer! Now!"Cassandra’s body arched with another spasm, her face contorted with unimaginable pain. The room seemed to spin, darkening as I tried to make sense of her sudden collapse. My thoughts hammered relentlessly, circling back to our last conversation.She had just been telling me that Reed was her mate, and then this—I couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and helplessness bubble inside me. The name "Reed" reverberated through my mind, tinged with bitter loathing. What had he done to her?In the distance, swift footsteps heralded Olivia's arrival. She burst into the room, her eyes landing on Cassandra with horror. "Alexander, what happened?" she asked, her vo
**Olivia’s POV**Catherine clung to me as if holding on to the last fragment of hope she had. She was shaking, her tears soaking through my shirt. I held her tighter, my heart breaking for her. No one should ever have to feel the pain she was experiencing, the unbearable sorrow of losing a child, regardless of the mistakes they made.“Olivia,” Catherine sobbed, her voice barely a whisper. “Why did this happen? How could she die like this?”I had no answers. All I could do was give her the comfort of my presence. “I’m so sorry, Catherine. We’ll find out what happened, I promise.”The healer waved for the guards to help him take Cassandra’s body away. They handled her with great care as if hoping it would ease the pain of Catherine watching her daughter’s lifeless form being taken from her. The healer mentioned he needed to examine the body to understand what caused such a sudden, violent death. It was the least we could do for Catherine to ensure that Cassandra’s death was not in vain.
**Alexander’s POV**The morning of the trial arrived, and it felt like the weight of the entire world pressed down on my shoulders. I hadn't slept at all last night. Cassandra's death kept replaying in my mind, the look of fear and pain on her lifeless face haunting my every thought. Despite the restless night, I knew I had to push through. Today, Rebecca's trial would come to an end, and I needed to focus.Walking into the grand hall, I was greeted by the solemn faces of pack members. Rebecca’s father stood at the front, waiting with a few others. I took my seat, feeling the tension in the air grow as Rebecca was brought into the room, her wrists bound with chains.Her father stepped forward, a desperate edge to his voice. “Alpha Alexander, my daughter is not guilty of killing Cassandra. She has been through enough. Please, show her mercy.”I glanced between Rebecca and her father, the weight of my responsibilities crashing down on me. “Rebecca had every intention of killing Cassandr
**Olivia's POV**I stood there in shock, Alexander’s words echoing in my mind. "Luna Queen." He hadn’t discussed this with me beforehand; the announcement had taken me completely by surprise. I looked down at Liam and Sarah, who were beaming with joy. Their father’s announcement had evidently filled them with pride and happiness.Alexander, sensing the mix of emotions radiating from me, gently excused us and began leading the way back into the palace. With each step, the crowd's buzz slowly faded into a distant hum, swallowed by the palace walls.Once inside, the grandeur and quiet of the palace offered a contrast to the frenzy outside. I turned to Alexander, my brows furrowed in both confusion and concern. “Alexander, you didn’t have to do that,” I admonished, my voice gentle but firm.Alexander turned to me, his eyes softening as they met mine. “Yes, I did, Olivia,” he said tenderly, taking my hands in his. “You’ve been my strength and the heart of this pack, even when you didn’t ho
**Reed’s POV**The harsh smell of decay lingered around the palace grounds where Derek’s old relics were being sorted. The Moonclaw Pack members were adjusting to my rule, but today, the air held an unusual tension. I could feel it coiling around my mind like a snake ready to strike; today, Alexander made his choice on Cassandra's fate. My attention was jarred back to the present by the sound of hurried footsteps echoing off the cold stone floors.“Alpha Reed!” A guard’s voice interrupted my thoughts.I looked up, my eyes narrowing as the guard approached. "What is it?"He hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. "A wolf from Alexander’s pack has a message for you. He insists on delivering it personally."My interest was piqued, and I nodded. "Bring him in."Moments later, Kane, a rugged-looking wolf from Alexander kingdom I had paid to be my loyal spy, entered, his eyes wary but determined. He bowed slightly before speaking. "Alpha Reed, Alexander has sentenced Rebecca to ten years of worki
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
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