Alexander’s POVThe grand palace gates opened before us, the magnificent structure standing as a testament to our return and the resilience we'd found within ourselves. As the carriage came to a stop, I watched as Olivia took in the scene. Her gaze was both wistful and hopeful, a blend of emotions she wore eloquently.“Daddy, can we go play?” Liam’s eager voice brought my attention back to our lively twins, who were practically vibrating with excitement.“Yes, but be careful,” I chuckled, unable to resist the buoyant energy only children possessed. "Stay within the gardens."With a flurry of giggles, they bolted off, leaving behind an iridescent trail of joy in their wake. Olivia stood beside me, a serene presence amidst the chaos. I watched her eyes follow the twins, a softness etching across her features.The warmth of the sun bathed us, the golden glow amplifying the sense of homecoming that swelled within my chest. “It feels so good to be home,” Olivia murmured, her head finding a
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
**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 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**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
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 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
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
The witch's words hung in the crisp night air, a prophecy unravelling as energy surged through me. I struggled, ensnared by the torrent of power and pain cascading through my body. My wolf howled within, caught between elation and rage, always yearning for control."You betrayed us!" I roared my voice a mixture of fury and fear as I attempted to lurch toward her, my limbs betraying me. The forest spun around me, dizziness mixing with agony, every muscle clenched in a relentless vice."Stop it," I demanded, collapsing onto my back, the ground cold and merciless beneath me. The witch remained silent, her gaze a paradox of detachment and unwavering resolve. My breath was coming in sharp and painful as if I were breathing in fire. My heart was pounding in my chest like at any second it would explode.As the world faded to darkness, echoes of my past life surfaced like spectral wraiths. My father's face hovered before me, eyes, once so fiercely resolute, now filled with regret. I remembere
Alexanders povI sat cross-legged on the cold earth, eyes shut tight as a battle raged in my mind. Days had slipped away, each one filled with the witch's strange lessons on meditation that left me hollow and irritable. This was not the training I'd imagined. I needed to be fighting, using my strength to prepare for the inevitable clash with King Nicholas that would save Olivia and Sarah, not sitting still like a stone.My resolve slipped, and frustration bubbled over. "This is useless!" I snapped, eyes flying open. "The power will never come."Nearby, the witch remained calm, her voice a gentle breeze against the storm within me. "You keep letting your wolf overtake you, Alexander.""My wolf is strong! It is what will kill the bastard who took my daughter and mate!" I retorted, the growl of my words echoing in the stillness."Again," she instructed, ignoring my outburst. Her unyielding patience stung like salt in the wound of my anger.I glared at her, but desperation won over pride.
I sat on the edge of my bed, my fingers gently tracing the intricate patterns of the golden and white dress. The dress shimmered in the light, its elegance speaking of a world I had yet to fully comprehend. A soft knock interrupted the thoughts that swirled in my mind. "Come in," I called as I stood up and smoothed the fabric of my dress, anticipation twisting in my stomach. Elijah stepped into the room, his presence an unexpected comfort. He paused, eyes lingering over the dress before meeting mine. "You look beautiful," he said softly, the sincerity in his voice wrapping around me. "Thank you," I replied, a flutter of unexpected warmth unfurling in my chest. We left the room together, walking through the halls of the palace in silence before stepping out into the kingdom—a place still shrouded in mysteries I longed to uncover as we wandered through the bustling streets. Yesterday, it had been nothing more than glimpses, but today, I made sure to take in everything around me, s
The tension in the room was clear as Elijah planted himself firmly before me, creating a barrier between me and the king I so desperately loathed. He was unwavering, his presence a silent vow of protection. Our roles seemed to reverse as he, the supposed pawn of his father, became my shield. “Move, Elijah,” King Nicholas commanded, his voice a rumble of irritation and disbelief. The air crackled with the intensity of his order, the authority behind it a palpable force. “No,” Elijah replied, his tone tempered with a surprising strength and calm. “This is no way to get her to agree to our marriage.” Nicholas glared down at me, eyes simmering with disdain. “I don’t care if she agrees or not. She will marry you either way,” he declared, each word a testament to the unwavering grip he held over what he considered his kingdom. “Father,” Elijah countered, his voice rising with urgency. “She would be more useful to you if she does so of her own accord. Imagine what could happen if people
Olivias PovReturning to my room after the night’s expedition into the tunnels, my thoughts churned like waves in a storm. I needed to internalise the pathways, the routes that could one day be our salvation, weaving a silent rebellion against King Nicholas. Each curve and corner etched into my memory was a thread in a tapestry of freedom I would one day unravel with Sarah. My pulse still quickened at the echo of his voice in those dark hollows, Nicholas's tyranny seeping through the kingdom like a poison. Now, seated on my bed, I awaited the morning routine of a guard bringing breakfast—a charade of civility amidst captivity, one I had to manipulate to my advantage. The heavy door creaked open, and a guard entered, his face a mask of indifference as he carried a tray. I rose, determination tightening my spine. "I need to speak with Elijah. Immediately." My demand was clear and unwavering. His silence was the falling of a gauntlet, and he moved as if I were invisible, stepping arou
The night hung heavy in the air, wrapping me in a cocoon of silence that accentuated my solitude. The portal had vanished, leaving the forest serene yet eerily empty. I turned in a slow circle, the towering trees surrounding me like silent sentinels guarding ancient secrets.All around me, shadows danced, cast by the ethereal glow of the moonlight filtering through the underbrush. I shifted uneasily, my heightened senses picking up the subtle rustling of leaves and the whisper of unseen creatures moving in the dark. I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation as if the very air was charged with energy waiting to be unleashed.Then, a voice broke through the silence, clear and resonant, calling my name. "Alexander."I whirled around, my heart leaping in my chest as a figure stepped gracefully into a shaft of moonlight. Her hooded cloak flowed like water around her, and with a slow movement, she reached up and pulled the hood back. The sight of her sent a shock through me—a woman w
The soft crunch of leaves underfoot marked our journey through the dense forest. The symphony of chirping crickets and the faint rustle of nocturnal creatures created a haunting yet soothing backdrop. But my thoughts were far from the serenity surrounding us, caught instead in a relentless loop of urgency and frustration.Hours had slipped by since we began this trek, each passing hour a new knot of tension coiling within me. The sense of time slipping through my fingers like grains of sand was maddening. I cast a glance at Tinsley, her expression unreadable as she navigated the underbrush as though it understood her silent command.“Just a little further,” she murmured, her voice a gentle reassurance that erased none of my impatience. It wasn't enough. The thought of Olivia and our children, their lives tethered to the whims of a tyrant, burned in my mind like a branding iron.“Tinsley,” I barked, the restraint in my voice unravelling. “If I shift into my wolf form, I can carry you.
Alexander's POV The sun hung low as I approached the palace gates, an ominous silence filling the air. There, waiting with a posture that promised a steadfast determination, stood Tinsley. Her silver hair caught the fading light, a beacon against the encroaching dusk. “Are you ready to make this journey to the magical land?” she asked, her voice both soothing and filled with the gravity of the impending quest. Her words resonated with the weight of destiny and the urgency of our plight. I nodded, the resolve firm within me, though uncertainty lingered like a shadow at the edge of my thoughts. Just as we began to move forward, a familiar voice shattered the fragile calm. “Daddy, wait!” Liam’s voice reached me like a lifeline, pulling me back from the precipice. I spun around to see my son running toward me, his little legs moving with desperate urgency. My heart clenched painfully, each beat echoing with his cries. Lidia trailed behind, her voice gentle but firm as she called, “Li
Olivias povI moved forward towards the voice. The tunnels bent and swirled around me, a labyrinth that seemed to stretch into infinity. I called out again, gentler this time, "Hello? Is anyone there?" My voice felt tiny in the vast darkness, threading through the heavy silence. Suddenly, I caught a whisper—a voice faint yet persistent—a single word that seemed woven from the air. "Olivia..." I hesitated, feeling a tremor of both hope and fear. That voice, so distant yet unmistakably real, beckoned me with a familiarity I couldn’t ignore. My grip on the wall tightened, anchoring me as I ventured further in, letting the whisper guide me. The passage narrowed, its cold stone brushing against my arms as if ushering me onward. I heard more voices then, a soft scuffle mingling with the breeze that funnelled through the maze. Despite the chill, determination warmed my skin and coaxed courage from my bones. Ahead, a glow illuminated the gloom—a flickering light that pushed back the shado