“Straighten your back. You have a terrible posture! Draw your breath and hold your stomach.” The old lady's judgment rained over me, and I held my breath, and my nails dug into the back of the chair as she tried to squeeze my organs out with that dreadful corset. I’ve decided to play nice by the rules here, but this old hag is making it hard! “Nobody likes a woman not capable of taking care of herself! Remember, you must show yourself to be delicate, graceful, and beautiful. That’s all you have to do is suck it up! Even for a human, you are poorly maintained!” She whispered the last part, and I gritted my teeth as the corset dug into my ribs. “Be polite, interested, and smile. For goodness’ sake, smile! Not pout like a spoiled little brat!” I gasped for air just as she managed to tie shut the corsage as tight as she wanted it. That inhuman thing made it hard to breathe! It didn’t even do me any favors! I looked like a stuffed sausage! “Why? Why is all this so important? Why shoul
I buried my face in a pillow and cried. No, I screamed as loud as I could while the tears stained the pillowcase. I’ve never felt so humiliated or so on display like tonight. I was a dressed-up mare at the market! The old lady who dressed me was in the room all night, keeping an eye on me with two other servants. They stood against the wall like they were just decorations while we were eating, drinking, and discussing what could be changed with me and how much effort it would cost them. My skin was touched and smelled. I was turned around and studied from all angles. What I ate, how much, and how I ate it. How I held my glass wrong, the sips I took too big. My hair is too dry, my skin is too pale, and my eyes dull. I seemed uneducated, thin, and had a temper. My ass to flat, I’m a little too short, and my breasts could be bigger. Anger, hatred, and self-loathing swirled in my stomach. Like I was going to be sick. I never cared about others thought of me, but this was awful. They brok
Toke`s POV The old man took charge after that. The alpha in him never subdued, even if he stepped down. He sent my father to reach out to the Fae king. He was to talk to him, figure out what happened and where she was. Not under any circumstances was he to tell Eir was or could be my mate. With a wicked grin and wink, he also reminded him that he no longer had the authority to make any deals, wage war, or anything. Of course, it also has a strict message not to reveal anything about the title switch. Meanwhile, I followed behind him like an obedient little dog over to the old Volva`s tent. Yes, I said tent. I had no idea how old this woman was, but she had always been here and never wanted to switch her little tent for a house or cottage. I remember when we were young puppies, we used to bet on who dared to go closest. The hides that made her tent were dark and aged but still thick and solid. There was always smoke coming out of the top of the tipi-shaped tent, a sweet smell, and we
She had left without another word last night. I'm not sure if she finally understood. I meant every single word without even feeling bad about it or what. I peeled off the makeup layers, the dress, and that goddamned corset. It had red and sore marks on my skin next to the red stripes after the cane. I wanted to crawl under the covers and hide from the world, but I decided to regain myself. I made myself a steaming hot bath and burned away all the nasty looks. The hurtful words and shame I felt. It all followed the water down as I unclogged the bathtub. I felt better, more like myself. I was nobody’s doll, and no one, fay or not, would ever treat me as one again! I managed to calm myself with that thought, that determination. That tomorrow will be different. I’m not here to play dress-up doll; didn’t they say they needed to win my favor? Then, we need to change things a little. I slept badly. Dreams of two black wolves, one drowning in blue flames and smirking fay, flooded my head. I
Fuck, fuck! I’m an idiot! I quickly changed direction as I ran. Small branches broke over my head, and something swished through the leaves, so I stepped aside and changed directions once again. With both hands, I held up the heavy, long dress, which was already dirty and drenched in mud! Someone spilled red wine on my blouse and pants just before I went hunting. I didn't think much of it before now! My feet slid along the mud covered ground as I did my best to avoid a massive bush but ended up stumping right through it. Some small thorns ripped my skin and dress’s skirt. I pulled on it, swore, and continued. "Come out, come out wherever you are! Not so, though, now are we? " His voice rang out through the threes, followed by both of them laughing. I had looked so forward to this hunt; the sun was shining, and the birds were singing in the lush green threes as I stepped out into the thick forest. My date was waiting there, and for once, there was a genuine smile that tugged on my
"Be quiet.." Someone whispered behind me, but I couldn’t determine who it was. My ears were ringing; my whole head was throbbing and aching. I tried opening my eyes, but they were too swollen. The memories flashed back into my mind, and I started to wiggle and struggle. "Shush! Don't make a sound; I’m getting you out of here! " I felt like I should remember the voice, but I didn't manage to place a face or name on it. All I wanted was to sleep, sleep, or cry. It didn't matter; I'd had enough, and right now, right now, everything hurt. "It’s Astor. I’ve placed a glamor shield before you; it will buy us some time! But don't make a noise!" He whispered in my ear as he struggled to loosen my hands. "The sound waves will disturb the shield, possibly break it. There! Follow me!" He took my hand, and I held it so tight my finger hurt. Don’t leave me here! It was a silent plea. My feet were shaking, and I still didn't see a thing! My eyes were as good as glued shut. My face felt like it
Toke`s POV. Fury ran as a black lightning bolt between the threes. He heard her scream. That silent sound traveled with the air through the dense forest, but his sensitive ears snapped it up. Rage exploded in his chest, and I gave him all control. He didn't even care that the others fell behind us as he bolted. The closer we came, the more evident her smell became. Her sweet voice sounded so different. That usually so feisty and sassy mouth sounded scared. And I didn't like it one bit! The panic and fear I've been feeling the last couple of days manifested deep inside my chest. She was hurt. What had they done to her? The desperation to see her again had been eating me up alive! His eyes zoomed in, and there she was! My heart skipped a beat, but the rage darkened my vision, too. Her nose was bloody, blue, and yellow. Her eyes were swollen and blue. She had a long dress on that probably was white at one point. Now, it was stained with mud and dirt. Torn up, blood stains on her slee
Elisabeth/Eir´s POV It was terrible, awful. It played over and over again in my head like a bad dream. I watched as they kicked Astor in the stomach, face, and back. Over and over again, I heard bones break, how he choked on his own blood. Nothing I did helped. I screamed, tried to jump their backs, hit, and kicked. They threw me away like a dirty rag doll before that final punch in the face made my vision blur. I remember he wanted to throw me down the river fall. I remember fighting, clawing at the ground, kicking, and screaming. But still, I was dragged closer and closer to that roaring waterfall. Suddenly, everything turned black. A surging pain hit me right in the face, but after, there was only numbness. Caught in a dark slumber, I heard the sound of my own heart, my ragged breaths, and I heard how my lunges squeaked with each breath. The air around me smelled sweet and metallic, and I could hear the screams and shouts far away. Like I was a captive in my sound wall, protected
Chapter 2 of book 2. Queen of KingsThe reaction was immediate, and no matter what I told myself, I lost control of it even before it started. My heart dropped; it felt like I was pulled back into an alternate reality where I watched the Fay march through the pack´s village. Sound and shapes faded out around me as I felt an unbearable need to cry. My chest started aching, my heart raging against my rib cage, and a lump threatened to suffocate me as I struggled to swallow. It was a real-time fight-or-fight reaction, but they conflicted with one another, crashing inside me as my body began to run. All I could think of was my kids. I forgot all about Eir; there was no room for anything else as my feet carried me in a rush between small cottages and houses. Are they okay? Still with Arcane? They are fine! Of course, they are! But still, all I saw was their small little faces, crying and calling out for me in desperation. Calling for their mom, and I wasn’t there! Irrational, it is irratio
Chapter 1. of Book 2. Queen of kings.Three years later.Maya´s POV.“Stop that!”“I don’t like it!”“I don’t care! Stop being such a baby, Arcane; stand still and try it on! Dressing you is worse than dressing the kids! And they have the ability to turn into wet noodles whenever I try!”"Is it really necessary? It feels like you’re trying to hang me!""Oh, stop the whining! It’s just a tie!""From what I’ve seen, nobody dresses up with something tied around their neck if they’re not going to hang! This is unnatural! Do you even think she will do it this time?"I paused, let my hands fall, and watched with a plain face as Arcane ripped that poor tie off him like a burning curse etching on his skin. I wanted to yell at him, and I wanted to hit him, but I knew it wasn’t fair. He was right, after all. It had been over two years already, and three times, Eir and the Dragon had prepared for the Royal mateing ritual and every time, she had found a reason to back out of it.There was no longe
Amon/ Dragon King´s POV.The deep-rooted frustration and disrespect faded the second he laid eyes on her. Dragon vision zoomed in, and his wings had stretched as he lowered his head and aimed. Everything was different now, and everything had changed. Why? I’m not sure, but I will figure it out. Her sob-filled laughter danced over the dark field yet again, and I wanted nothing more than to relish in this feeling. A quest for later, I thought to myself, right now, all I need is here. All I need is her.For once, I understood her. I hated to see her cry, and my heart felt pain with each heartbeat. But she cried while smiling, cried while laughing. I’ve never seen such love between two creatures, the way they fight joy, pain, heartbreak, and love. Because Maya, the lost Valkyrie, acted just the same as she did. Despite all the darkness that tightened around both girls’ hearts, love and happiness shone through just by seeing one another, and I think that is the only thing that kept me sane.
"Oh shut up, Hades, you know you love me."Nida winked at him before shifting her focus back to me, and to my surprise, the beautiful snake-like woman smiled at me with a beaming smile. Her white teeth looked unnaturally white, and her sharp canines glinted in the light. Deadly, stunning, and mythical. Nida was not someone I had expected to meet ever again and to be frank, I had no idea how to react. I should hate her, and she worked with Loki. But then again, she never did me anything wrong. Not really. To my surprise, Hades mumbled and looked down to the side, giving Nida all the space she needed without hesitation. I heard him beside me, still mumbling uncoherent words like a scorn teen.A cold but delicate little hand with long nails gently lifted my chin."Don’t let him sour your mood, little human. He is an expert at sulking. I mean, he beat the most skilled, spoiled, and stubborn toddler I’ve ever met anytime."I couldn’t help it; her voice was so cheerful, and I felt drawn towa
Eir´s Pov.She had long and thick brown hair in soft curls over her shoulders. Sparkling blue eyes, her skin was pale, but she had miniature roses on her cheeks. With a beaming smile, she looked nothing like I remember her. Blinking slowly, once, twice, and then three times. But she was still there, so healthy and... normal? Yes, normal. This couldn’t be real, but I couldn’t help myself; I had to talk to her!“Mom?”“My little Elly girl! Look at you!”Her hands reached out for me while she walked up. I couldn’t stop looking at her, and she was so different. But I still could not accept it, even when all of me knew and wanted to take it. Accept her, smiling at me! Wanting to hug me! So, of course, I just stood there, gaping, unable to move a muscle.“You grew up, baby girl, I’m glad. ““ I… Who are you?”“You know who I am, Elly! This is like I always told you: In the next life, Elly! In the next life. Well, technically, we are between, but who cares for the details!”Her smile faltered
Maya´s Pov.“WHAT DID YOU DO!?”The beast split into two men, both running straight for me, screaming. I could see the hatred, the evil, and their accusation pierced my skin. But I couldn’t react to them, could acknowledge their presence. All I saw was her, her white wolf, lying lifeless on the cold and dirty ground. Fur drenched in blood burned patches from my sword up her front leg where it had hit the bracelet.Shouting and cussing, words meant to hurt, bounced off the walls all around me. Tew and Arcane stopped them, curling them to the ground with no mercy or gentle touch. But I could feel even their eyes on me. The doubt, the shock, and the accusation they so desperately tried to hide. My sword fell to the ground, and the clang of metal against stones echoed down the darkness, over and over until the sound died out.“I didn’t kill her, I didn’t kill her…. I DIDN’T KILL HER!”A whisper I had no control over, a chant meant to convince myself. It didn’t work, and I didn’t hear mysel
Oh, goddess, was I wrong! I wanted to run and leave this incredible, horrifying darkness so many times, but Hades held me back. Took my hand and led me forward or held me back; eventually, we slowly walked down the narrow, black stone tunnel, filling my head with whispers. Stories about how they died, their last memories, their lust for revenge and despair. All through the hall, desperate cries of a baby echoed all around us. It was horrible, full of pain and fear, and despite not being used to babies, all I wanted was to pick up this poor soul and comfort them. But just walking there, not doing anything, made my heart shatter, my chest ached, and tears streamed down my face while walking silently.I clinging to Hades’ hand like it was the only lifeline I had, and I am not sure I will ever be able to forget this. I don’t know if I will ever stop hearing the poor baby crying in utter desperation. I can’t explain this feeling, cannot explain how this sound haunted me, pained me, and tore
“Anja? How the hell can you call that thing something so casual?!”“Because that is, or it was her name at the beginning.”We had finally stopped, sitting down in the pitch-black depths of the cave. The cold stones bit my back as I leaned against the cave's walls, pressing my knees up against my chest.“All lost souls, detached or roaming spirits, end up here. When she did, she was a woman like you. I am not sure what she was, but the legend says she was a shifter, but there are many stories about what kind. However, they said she was a greedy woman, sly and conning, and that she would use any means necessary to get what she wanted or felt she deserved. Nobody knows how she obtained the fallen dragon, but somehow, she did, but she did not anticipate the cost of her greed. There is nobody she can complain to, nobody that can change her faith, so as the years passed, her spirit became part of the skeleton. Together, they are now one; together, they collect all lost or wandering spirits a
*Mumbling* Goddess me, what an annoying sound! *Louder mumbling* A voice, a familiar voice at that. Do I really know people with such an annoying voice? “WAKE UP!” The shouting cut straight through the fog and mumbled and yanked me out, leaving me confused and annoyed at the same time. My eyes were soar and dry, making me blink several times before managing to make sense of the scenery around me. Still, it was so dark, and it all felt so strange. Surreal. The air was neither cold nor warm; it just kind of was there—no wind, but no wind still. No fresh air, no dense old air, heck, I'm not even sure there is air here. However, I am still breathing, not struggling. I feel no pain, no relief, just an immense void inside of me. “You took your time! Hello? Do you hear me? “ His voice was too loud, too close, and sounded so irritated and impatient that it rubbed off on me. Blinking desperately now, I tried to see him, remember him, but my head worked so slowly. Damned, did I drink last