Caspian sucked in a sharp breath, the pressure pressing down on his neck made it hard for him to even breathe. Heavy smoke evaded his nostrils and he coughed, his eyes shot open. His head pressed against the pillow as he gasped, locking eyes with the figure above him.Caspian's hands grabbed onto the figure's, whose face was hidden behind a mask and slowly, be started to pry his hands off. The figure's eyes widened and he pressed down even more but it was useless. Caspian was much stronger, he pulled his hands away like it was nothing and then with a single punch, threw the stranger off the bed. The man landed on the ground with a loud thud, got up and started to take several steps back.Caspian jumped off the bed, his sight was greeted with dark smoke and he saw more seeped in from under the door. Around him, the walls were burning, and so was Caspian's blood. He approached the man whose eyes were now wide with disbelief, confusion swirled in them.'How was this possible?' the man wo
Caspian hated having to ask the same question a second time. His lips trembled as he tried to control the urge to rip this man's head off there and then. He needed the man alive— at least till he got whatever information he wanted and he'd get that today— no matter what it would cost him. The heat in the room scorched his skin, everywhere he looked, fire razed but Caspian didn't care. He didn't care if he would burn here today, he had to know the truth. He had waited so long for this day and now that it was finally here, he won't step out without the traitors name on his lips. He had ripped off one of the man's arm already and his grip on the second one tightened till he felt the satisfying crack of bones and the man's scream for mercy"Who asked you to kill me?" Caspian asked again, not letting go even though the man asked him too. He saw the man shook his head"I– I can't tell you that, i– I really can't– they'll kill m— Ahhhhh!!" An ear piercing scream escaped the man's lips when
"That was how it all happened, that's how I came to know Uncle Onyx was behind my attack" Caspian ended his narration, his eyes fluttered open and landed on the two men in front of him. The curiosity in their eyes died down now, and were replaced by anger instead." So that's how it happened" Aeon was the first to speak up. He was the one who asked Caspian the one question which had been on everyone's mind all this time. Aeon left to go get Xylah as Caspian had ordered. He had been on the mission when the unfortunate attack on the prince's life happened."I'm sorry your highness" Raphael apologized "I really shouldn't have left you alone, even though you had asked me to. What if something has happened?" His voice had a hint of worry. He too had to leave the prince all alone, undefended as per his wishes but it almost cost them dearly. Raphael made up his mind never to agree with Caspian concerning his safety ever again. "You both should stop worrying about me now, I told nothing woul
It's been days since Xylah was brought to the palace, locked up against her will and forced to remain in this room which she had started to consider hell. Everyday brought the same routine.Waking up each morning, having a shower, knocks on the door, maids bringing her a fresh set of clothes to put on, another set of maids bringing in her breakfast, not answering any of Xylah's questions whenever she tried to talk to them, and then scurrying off as quickly as they came. Then came lunch and then dinner and dessert.It was the same thing every single day since she's came here. They were always escorted by that same tall man who had brought her here from Greg's pack. Xylah later found his name out to be Aeon.At first, Xylah had attempted to make friends with at least one of the maids but they all seemed to be scared of something— or someone. They never spared her a glance and always walked with their heads bowed, so talking to them was a waste of time. Then she tried talking to Aeon too
The more Xylah walked, the more lost and confused she became. Everything looked the same as she walked,hiding whenever she heard a sound and running again when the coast was clear. There wasn't much to hide from though, as this part of the palace was extremely empty — quiet and dark.What sort of place was this quiet? It seemed abnormal. Were they really planning to kill her or something? Otherwise, why would she be brought to such a place?The thought of it made her shudder. She needed to escape this place at all costs, but how? Xylah sighed and stopped to catch her breath.Sudden yells and marching footsteps made her ducked behind a bush. Some men rushed past her, they headed for the direction she was coming from. It seemed they had discovered she was missing already."Oh shoot!" She cursed silently and waited till the last man was out of her sight before she stood up and tiptoed towards another direction. Unfortunately, she ended up stepping on a twig, it snapped in two, making her
As the men surrounded Xylah, her feet moved as took several steps backwards. She didn't stop till she felt her back hit the wall. There was no means of escape now. She was definetely done for.The men in the middle gave way for another man to walk up to her. He stood in front of her and shook his head "Did you really think it was a good idea to run away? Do you think you can escape from here?""You can't go anywhere, not without orders" The man added. Xylah recognized him to be Aeon. Xylah pursed her lips "You have no right to keep me here""I'm just carrying out orders""What stupid orders?!" Xylah snapped "I had only agreed to come with you because you threatened Greg's pack!""I was just stating what would happen if they fail to comply with the royal orders" Aeon justified."Orders! Orders!! Orders!!!" Xylah barked "To hell with the royal orders!""What sort of stupid order has a woman forcefully brought and locked in a room against her consent?!" Xylah glared at him "No" She shoo
Caspian lifted himself over the windsill and landed inside his room effortlessly. Darkness greeted his vision as he crouched and tiptoed in, trying his best not to alert the guards who were guarding his bedroom door. He was not supposed to be out and roaming about as it was almost the day of his coronation but he had something important to take care of hence he snucked out.Caspian's eyes had just taken a few steps when the room's lights were turned on, bright light flooded his vision causing him to shut his eyes immediately. His eyes opened and he was taken aback by the sight of Raphael standing a few feet away from him."Where are you coming from, your highness?" Raphael look of disapproval on his face. Caspian was caught red- handed, he straightened up and cleared his throat."What are you doing here?" He asked with a frown."I knew you would sneak out even though I had pleaded with you not too. I even stationed more guards outside yet you decided to jump the window?" Raphael could
Xylah sat on her bed reading one of the books she had been given to pass away time when she heard a knock on her door. The knock came again and then after the third, the door was pushed open and in stepped Aeon. Her disapprovingly eyes glared at him as he walked up to her."What do you want?" Her voice came out sharper than she intended. Her attention returned back to the book in her hands, she didn't want to see his face.Aeon cleared his throat. He could see how displeased Xylah was to see him, it was as expected "I bring you good news, Miss Xylah" He watched Xylah's ears perked up but she refused to look up "His highness has sent me" He added. This time, her eyes met his."What does he want?" She closed the book roughly "Isn't snatching away my freedom enough? What more do you need from me? My life?""His Highness," Aeon ignored her and continued "His Highness wants me to let you know that you'll no longer be locked up in here""What?" Xylah exclaimed, her eyes popped open in surpr
Epilogue"The long awaited day has arrived dear viewers," The female reporter smiled brightly at the camera "We've just been informed that our dear Queen has gone into labor and a little prince is expected soon. The whole world is in anticipation and we're sending our hearts, prayers and heartfelt wishes to the Royal family. We wish the Queen nothing but a safe delivery"Caspian walked back and forth, his eyes darted towards the closed door every now and then. The whole of the chambers was dead quiet save for the constant screams and cries coming from behind the door and the loud thudding of his heart.His heart pounded against his chest so fast, he was sure it was going to explode any moment. He still couldn't believe what was happening— his wife, his queen, his mate was finally in labor.Caspian had waited for this day ever since that night and now that it was finally here, he didn't know why he felt this nervous. A fear nagged at his being, one that refused to go away no matter ho
Xylah sat in front of her dressing mirror, dressed in all white and a veil over her head, a single tear flowed down her cheeks. Today marks the third month after Caspian's day and today, everything was going to change for her. She was getting married, again. And to whom? Sire Onyx himself. Xylah recoiled at the mere thought of marrying Caspian's uncle but she was helpless, just like she was on the night she stabbed Caspian.The whole city had gone into mourning after his body had been found cold the next morning. The cause of death was said to be a stab in the heart with a silver knife. Silver was lethal to all werewolves— it took their lives like it meant nothing.Investigations had been carried out but Sire onyx ofcourse got the case closed. Days passed by and Caspian was soon forgotten, he was but a useless prince after all.Xylah shook away the thoughts and took a long sigh as she's escorted out of the room.' Today was going to be a long day' She thought, clutching the small kni
Xylah slowly made her way to the dinner room flanked by her attendees. It's been days since her meeting with Sire Onyx Xylah had tried really hard to forget all about it but having to see him everyday was a constant reminder on its own. The royal family had this tradition He had given her time and his eyes held the same amount of warning whenever it met hers.Today was no different, the moment Xylah had stepped into the dinning room, her eyes met his Onyx's first. A disapproving look crossed his face. Onyx had already given her the instructions on what to do and was expecting the results for days now. Xylah couldn't bring herself to just do it.She sat in her place at the table, opposite her husband and looked everywhere but at Onyx. She felt his eyes bore into her soul as the kitchen maids serve breakfast. Xylah made it a mental note to eat quickly, excuse herself and hurry out of here before Onyx was done. She didn't want him to trap her like he always did the rest for the day.Ch
You.." Jane growled the moment she reached Xylah."Oh, mothe—" Xylah barely had the chance to complete her words when a heavy slap.lamded on her cheeks, the sound resounded across the entire drawing room. Two amidst who stood there gasped at the same time Xylah did."Mother?" Xylah called out in shock, a hand to her cheek."I am not your mother!" Came Janes harsh growl "Don't u ever call me that you filthy bitch" she barked, the veins on her forehead Popping. Xylah has seen Jane angry so many times but this was the first time she was seeing her like this. She looked mad, almost possessed. She looked up at the maids who stared at them in shock."Leave us" She simply said and they nodded almost immediately before scurrying out of the room. Jane humped "You must be enjoying yourself are you not? You must be so happy after ruining my daughter's life!""But what did I do?" Cykah had no idea why so much anger was being directed at her. she hadn't done a thing."Everything!" Jane yelled and
"Come now, let's go" Ian said finally releasing her from the hug" We don't have much time left as it is"His hands held hers as he pulled her along and of course, Xylah's feet betrayed her, they trotted after him mindlessly as they headed for the door. It was only when she saw him open the door that her heart started to race.She can't do this, she can't go with Ian. His life was already on the line and if they leave like this, then—No, Xylah swallowed. She wanted nothing more than to run as far away from here as possible and start a new life with her mate, of course. But she knew she couldn't do that."I can't come with you!" She used all the strength she had left to scream those words, stopping Ian dead in his tracks. He turned to look at her, his eyes filled with questions."Xylah?" His voice broke as his grip on her loosened. Xylah used that opportunity to free herself."Yes Ian I'm sorry but I can't come with you""But why? Wh–""I don't owe you any explanation" her jaw tighten
Ian stopped on front of Xylah's door, his hands raised as he dropped a soft knock on the door"Xylah?" He called out, his voice even softer "Are you in there?" He asked. It was a stupid question ofcourse, as she most certainly was in there. She couldn't go anywhere else.Moments later, he heard the shuffling of feet and the door being unlocked before it was pulled open, the face of his mate coming into his view. The smile on Ian's face disappeared the moment he saw her."Xylah?" A small frown made it's way up his face. "What's wron—" she didn't let him complete his sentence as she crashed into his arms without warning.Whether or not Ian was taken aback, Xylah didn't know because she felt him wrapped his arms around her a moment later. The familiar sparks were sent running across her body again, it felt like she was electrocuted but not bad electrocuted, electrocuted in a good way. Xylah closed her eyes, it felt oddly comforting.How grateful she was he didn't say anything through ou
Xylah returned to her room devastated after her discussion with Aeon and Raphael. They had given her an ultimatum knowing fully well which one Xylah would pick. With a heavy heart, Xylah obviously ended up picking the latter— to save Ian's life.Xylah would endure anything, but she couldn't tolerate a single scratch on Ian. He was her friend and savior, he had given her a new life, chose to hold her hand when others didn't and above all, Ian was her mate.She couldn't let any injustice come to him when it was her fault after all. The reason they had both snuck out was for her to enjoy some fun time.As she collapsed on her bed , face first, she couldn't hold back all of the tears threatening to fall, all of them came down in a huge stream. Her bedcovers were stained in no time as Xylah cried. She cried and cried, her body racking with powerful sobs yet she didn't even try to stop them. She let herself cry her sorrows away.Xylah couldn't believe how unfortunate she was. Just yesterday
Xylah took a step back, the surprise and shock on her face was evident as she watched the grown up man drool and mumble some incoherent words which she couldn't understand at all. She watched him burst into laughter and pointed at her while an idiot which made her gasp.It looked like she was the only surprised one because the other two men in the room looked ok as if nothing had happened– as if all was just normal to them.Xylah now understood why everyone refered to him as the useless prince. Horror washed over her as she wondered what could've turned such a fine man into something as dreadful as this?He had beautiful ocean blue eyes, accentuated by thick black lashes, a long and perfect nose sat on his face.Xylah could swear she had never seen a finer man all her life. His features were enough to make one drool but he was drooling instead?She watched the prince pick up a piece of salad from one of the bowls on the table and bring it up to his face. He blew on it, then sniffed it
'You're getting married to the prince tomorrow'Those were the only words that kept repeating themselves over Xylah's head as she walked down the long hall leading to the dining room.The hallway she walked in was adorned with gold paintings and intricately carved sculptures and the whole floor was covered with a red carpet, which contrasted with the long dark pink gown she had chosen to wear.On a normal day Xylah would have been looking around, at the paintings and designs curiously and marveling at how beautiful they were but that day was not just today. Her mind was filled with so many thoughts, it was so jumbled up that she had a hard time time knowing what was what.Earlier, she had chosen a pretty decent pink gown and decided to wear it to her meeting with the prince. She allowed her hair to fall down in her natural waves and didn't see it necessary to do any makeup or anything of the sort as she was going to meet the prince.Xylah was just going there to finally see this "pri