Olivia's povI slowly opened my eyes, the room spinning as I tried to focus. My head was pounding, and my vision was blurry. As my surroundings started to come into view, I saw Victor sitting next to my bed, his expression filled with worry."Victor," I croaked out, my voice raspy from sleep or maybe something more sinister.He jumped up at the sound of my voice, relief flooding his features. "Thank God you're awake. You scared me."Confusion clouded my mind as I tried to piece together what had happened. Why was I in this state? And why did Victor look so terrified?"What happened?" I managed to whisper, fear creeping into my heart as I tried to work out what had happened.Victor leant forward, taking my hand in his, his grasp tight and comforting. "You were attacked, Olivia. Do you remember anything?" he asked.I furrowed my brow, trying to recall the events that led me here, but my mind was blank. I shook my head slowly, feeling a sense of dread wash over me as I realised I couldn'
Alexanders povThe library was quiet, and the only sound was the soft rustling of pages as Ethan flipped through a book. I sat across from him, trying to focus on the words in front of me, but my mind kept drifting. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through me, causing me to double over in agony."Alpha? What's wrong?" Ethen asked, rushing around to me.Before I could answer, a scream pierced through my head, echoing loudly and making me wince in pain. My wolf growled, urgent and insistent. “Mate!” It whispered urgently inside my head. “She needs you.”I pushed myself up from the table, ignoring the protest of my muscles as I rushed towards the door. Fay's screams taking over every inch of the palace, each one sending shivers down my spine. I needed to get to her to make sure she was okay.But as I reached the door where her cries were coming from, two guards stopped me from going inside. They stood in my way, their expressions stoic and unwavering."Let me through," I growled, my voice lac
Victor's face softened slightly, a hint of sympathy flickering in his eyes. "She is alive," he said finally. "But she is not in a good way."I let out the breath I was holding, relief flooding through me at Victor's words. "Can I see her?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Victor's expression hardened once again as he shook his head. "I'm sorry, Alexander," he replied. "But I can't allow that. Fay will have no visitors until we know what is wrong with her and we find the person who attacked her.""What can I do to help?" I asked, desperation creeping into my tone.Victor's gaze bore into mine, his eyes cold and calculating. "Find the person responsible for this," he said firmly. "Bring them to me so they can be punished accordingly."I nodded, determination coursing through me as I stood up straighter. "Consider it done," I declared.I turned to Ethan, who was already at my side. "Find them," I instructed him. "And bring them to me."Ethan nodded in understanding before rushin
Olivia's povThe medication they gave wore off fast, and the pain came rushing back in waves, each one more intense than the last. It felt as though my head would explode at any minute. Tears streamed down my face as I winched in pain, gripping onto the bed as if it were the only thing holding me here. “Please make it stop”, I begged again.The doctors began giving me stronger and stronger medication, trying everything to stop the pain. Some would give me a few seconds of relief, where others did nothing at all. Everything they tried failed. Victor stood by my bedside, his face etched with worry and frustration. The doctor spoke softly to him, their words barely reaching my ears as I focused on trying to breathe through the agony."We need to figure this out soon," the doctor said, concern lacing his voice. "The medications are becoming less effective, and if we don't find a solution, she may not make it."Victor sighed heavily, sinking down into the chair next to me. He ran a hand th
Alexanders povThe sounds of Fay's screams filled the palace. I couldn't take it anymore. Her pain was like a physical weight on my chest, crushing me with each agonising cry.I paced the room, fists clenched in frustration and anger. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing while Fay suffered. I had to be there for her. She needed me.I made my way to Fay's room. As I approached her door, I could hear her screams growing louder and more desperate. It was like a knife twisting in my gut, knowing she was in such agony.Leaning against the wall outside her room, I closed my eyes and whispered a silent plea for Fay's pain to end. The sound of footsteps approaching made me push myself off the wall, and I opened my eyes to see the doctors emerging from her chamber.My heart pounded in my chest as I watched them leave, leaving me alone with the haunting sounds of Fay's suffering.I took a deep breath, reading myself. I knew I had to look strong going into that room. I reached out and grasped
"She's okay", the doctor yelled from behind Victor.The doctor's words went unheard by Victor. I could tell by the look on his face that he was so consumed by rage that nothing was going to stop him from attacking me. As he stood over me, his fist ready, I braced myself for the impact.But just as Victor's rage reached its peak, a voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Victor, stop."I looked up to see Fay sitting up in her bed. Victor froze at her words, his fist still suspended in mid-air inches away from my face."I'm okay," Fay continued. "He didn't hurt me. He stopped the pain."Victor turned around to look at his sister, his expression softening as he took in the sight of his now healthy sister. Without another word, he rushed over to Fay's side, leaving me lying on the ground.I picked myself off the ground, dusting off my clothes and getting ready to leave the room, now that fay was okay i didn't think she would want me here."How did he do it?" Victor asked."I don't kn
Olivia's pov“We can't trust him to be left alone with her.” Allen's voice became louder and more desperate as Victor, Alexander, and Allen spoke about what needed to be done to keep me healthy. “This was a peaceful kingdom before he came along.”I could feel the tension in the room as Allen voiced her concerns about Alexander being near me. I knew he was just trying to protect me like he has always done.Victor tried to calm Allen down, reminding him that Alexander being close to me was only temporary and as soon as they could work out what was wrong and how to stop my pain. I could sense Alexander's frustration as he stood silently, his jaw clenched tight. I reached out for his hand, needing the comfort of his touch to soothe my aching head.I watched as Allen paced back and forth, his fists clenched in frustration. Victor stood up from his chair and placed a calming hand on Allen's shoulder."Listen, I understand your concerns," Victor said soothingly. "But we have to trust Alexan
The only thing that has helped with my pain has been being close to Alexander. As much as I hate it, I am thankful to him for staying by my side all the time. We walked through the palace halls, Alexander walking a few steps behind me as we made our way to the front of the palace, where Victor and the others were waiting for us so we could go to the funeral for the murdered maid. Victor had told me that he didn't think it was a good idea for me to go, but I had convinced him that it would be worse if I didn't. As we approach the spot where I was attacked, a sudden scent hits my nose. Rosemary. I stopped dead in my tracks, and I closed my eyes, letting my mind go back to that day.I heard footsteps approaching from behind, and Aura growled, telling me she sensed danger. I turn around just as someone lunges at me. I fight back with all I have. Something falls to the ground, making my attacker try to grab whatever it is as they do. I reach for the mask that they are wearing to rip it f
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