Chapter Eighty-Six: Ceremony Part ThreeKiara POV: As the door closes behind Aiden with an almost palpable finality, I turn to Riley, who is hunched over, her whole body quivering. Her face, framed by her dishevelled brown hair, is marred by the unmistakable flush of humiliation and heartbreak. Each tear that falls from her eyes seems to carry the weight of a lost dream, of a love painfully unrequited. I catch her eye for a moment, and in that brief connection, I see a whirlwind of regret, guilt, and desperation."I'm so sorry, Kiara," She sobs, her voice a shaky timbre reverberating through the tension-saturated room. She falls into my arms, her frame trembling like a leaf in a storm. I feel her wet tears soak through the fabric of my dress, each droplet a physical manifestation of her despair. "I messed up. I messed up so badly, and this isn't what I wanted. Goddess, what have I done?"I hold her, not because I've forgiven her, but because I know the hellish turmoil that love, es
Chapter Eighty-Seven: Run! Run! Run!Kiara POV: The celebratory moment is shattered as abruptly as it began; a distant alarm pierces the silence, reverberating through the air with a sense of impending doom. My ears perk up, and Riley's eyes widen in sync with mine. The shrill sound is immediately followed by an uproar, a cacophony of howls and shouts echoing from the BlackFang territory we just escaped. It feels as if the very land behind us is convulsing in outrage."Damn it, they've found out," Riley hisses, her words tinged with a desperation that mirrors my swirling emotions. "They've sounded the alarm; the whole pack will be after us soon."My heart, which had just begun to untangle itself from the tight knot of anxiety, coils back into a fist. I can feel it pounding, each thump an urgent reminder that we're far from safe. The scent of damp earth and leaves fills the air, but underneath it all, carried by the wind, I can detect the far-off scents of wolves—angry, determined wol
Chapter Eighty-Eight: Captured, Again Kiara POV: My paws dig into the damp forest floor as I race forward. The scent of rich earth and decaying leaves fills my nostrils, but above it all is the ethereal aroma of freedom, so tantalizingly close. I can practically taste it. I'm meters away from the kingdom borders, so close to summoning help for my fallen sisters to avenge their cruel fate. It's this determination, this primal thirst for justice, that propels me onward. But then, a new scent drifts into my range, mingling with the smell of the forest in a way that makes my heart drop like a stone in water. It's something dark, something overpowering and foreign. My ears twitch as the sound of heavy, thudding paws fills the air, drowning out the other natural sounds of the forest. My fur stands on end; my instincts scream at me that something is dangerously amiss. Confusion clings to me for a heartbeat—just long enough for the terrifying realization to crash over me like a tidal wav
Chapter Eighty-Nine: What Are You Doing Here? Part OneKiara POV: My eyes flutter open, greeted by unfamiliar surroundings. The room is an opulent display of old-world elegance, adorned with rich tapestries and intricate carvings that hint at a long, storied history. But its luxurious trappings do little to comfort me. Panic seizes me as the events leading up to this moment crash over me like a tidal wave: the forest, the Lycans, the numbing blackness. I leap out of the lavish bed, a knot of dread tightening in my stomach, and dart toward the window. My hands grab the handle and pull, but it doesn't budge. It's locked. Just as I'm about to succumb to a wave of despair, a voice from behind interrupts my spiralling thoughts."Don't be afraid. You are safe here."I spin around to find a woman standing near the doorway, and my breath catches in my throat. She is, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Her beauty isn't the flashy kind that demands attention but the se
Chapter Ninety: What Are You Doing Here? Part TwoKiara POV: My heart pounds in my chest as Queen Elara leads me through the massive doors into the Lycan throne room. Despite her reassuring presence, the room intimidates me. It's a sprawling space filled with dark mahogany and adorned with various artifacts and weaponry, a testament to centuries of Lycan history and prowess. Towering statues of Lycan warriors stand sentinel, their stony gazes seemingly watching my every move. The thrones at the room's far end, made of intricately carved dark wood and inlaid with gemstones, look less like chairs and more like ancient monuments to power.As we step further into this grand space, I notice the Lycan who had captured me in the forest. He stands like a fortress next to an imposing man. The man is stunningly handsome, with hair as dark as a raven's feather and eyes like glowing embers—eyes that command your attention. His physique is both athletic and regal, his demeanour one of calculated
Chapter Ninety-One: ReunitedKiara POV: My heart is a frantic drumbeat in my chest as the doors to the throne room burst open in an explosion of splintered wood and metal. The charged air is immediately filled with the cacophony of growls, howls, and snarls as wolves flood the room, leaping onto the Lycan guards. Claws meet fangs in a blur of frenzied movement and fur, painting a scene of absolute chaos.And then I see them. Rex and JJ, their wolf forms unmistakable even amidst the turmoil. Rex, a colossal beast with fur as dark as obsidian, is engaged in a ferocious bout with Eamon, one of the triplets. JJ, silver as a moonbeam, darts and sways with Faelan in a dance as old as time.Gamma Chris, a hulking wolf with a coat like burnt charcoal, and Beta Tim, a svelte, agile creature with a russet-coloured pelt, face off against their Lycan equivalents. The air is electric with the intensity of their clashes, every swipe of a claw or gnashing of teeth an explosion of pent-up aggression
Chapter Ninety-Two: What Is The Faith Of BlackFang? Kiara POV: The atmosphere in the room is so dense that I can feel it pressing against my skin. King Alistair's proposal hangs heavy in the air, like an unspoken oath that could either mend or further divide two long-feuding worlds. My heart races as I lock eyes with Kayden and Jayden, and I can feel their emotional turmoil blending with mine, sending waves of uncertainty and apprehension through our mental link. 'What do you think?' My mental voice quivers as I send the question through the link. My mates' eyes widen almost imperceptibly, and their mental voices echo in my head. 'It's a monumental decision, Kiara. We're not just speaking about alliances; we're talking about flesh and blood, a future generation,' Kayden's thoughts weave into mine, laced with caution and a sense of gravity. 'And what about freedom? The freedom to choose a mate, to fall in love naturally with her fated mate? Are we robbing our future daughter of
Chapter Ninety-Three: Justice! Kiara POV: There's a quiet tension hanging in the air, a silence so loud it's nearly deafening. We've encamped just outside the boundaries of the BlackFang territory, under the cover of the dense forest that serves as a natural demarcation line between our worlds. The foliage above us rustles softly, a night symphony orchestrated by a wind that seems to carry the weight of our collective apprehensions and fears.Jayden, Kayden, and I stand on an elevated patch of land, looking down at the tableau of soldiers and warriors—both wolf and Lycan—preparing for the operation. Their faces are etched with a steely resolve, a far cry from the brotherly banter and laid-back demeanour that usually characterize our ranks.King Alistar's sons—Eamon, Faelan, and Declan—are with us, engrossed in a last-minute strategic discussion. The five of them huddle around a compact, portable table where a hastily drawn map of BlackFang territory is displayed. A collection of sma
Chapter Ninety-Seven: When Dreams Become Reality: The End!Kiara POV: My mind reels from the chaotic amalgam of the last 48 hours. It feels like a tornado had swept through our lives, leaving no corner untouched by its tempestuous winds. The kitchen had been a war zone, filled with the scent of burning pastries and a cacophony of squabbling caterers. The garden, the intended venue for the ceremony, had transformed into a floral battlefield where petals and thorns were the weapons of choice. Our usually disciplined musicians were discordant, hitting off-keys and false notes as if possessed. Tailors had made multiple trips for last-minute adjustments on suits and gowns. Yes, every conceivable disaster waiting to happen was on the cusp of unfolding. It was a miraculous brand of chaos that could only herald an extraordinary event—my wedding, to be precise.I look at myself in the floor-length, ornate mirror that Cathy had insisted on placing in the bridal room. The room itself is a cozy
Chapter Ninety-Six: Marry Us!Kiara POV: Life at the castle has shifted into a complex tapestry of laughter, challenges, and newfound responsibilities. Each day, I've steeped myself deeper into the nuances of being a Queen—mastering diplomatic dialogues, poring over historical scrolls, and even learning how to use my unique gifts to lead different packs.` Despite the intensities of my royal transition, the weight of the Aiden fiasco hangs like a dark cloud in the periphery of my thoughts. We've dealt with it as a united front, dishing out the raw brutality of Lycan justice, yet the uneasy feeling it sparked remains. But the castle seems to have moved on—everyone fully engrossed in their daily chores, secret conversations, and sporadic laughter that echoes through the corridors.Or so it appears.A discordant note has struck the otherwise harmonious rhythm of the castle—particularly with Kayden and Jayden. Both have been increasingly jittery, their eyes often meeting in what looks li
Chapter Ninety-Five: Retribution For AidenKiara POV: Life has a funny way of fooling you into thinking you've walked in a straight line, only to circle you back to where you started. One week. That's how long it had been since I came back. Three days since the medical ward released me, their diagnostics said I was fit to re-enter my everyday life. And just like that, it was as if I had never left.My mornings were as uproarious as ever. Rex, JJ, and I had resumed our relentless banter that would often escalate into full-blown, albeit harmless, verbal duels. Just this morning, Rex had pulled a face that was a comic blend of concern and mischief. "Your Highness, are you sure you're still equipped for royal duties? Being away must've dulled your royal snark."JJ chimed in, nudging Rex aside as he smirked. "Yeah, Kiki, we've gotta ensure our queen can still kick our asses on the regular, you know?"They seemed the same, but I sensed an added layer of protectiveness in their teasing, a
Chapter Ninety-Four: You're Home and SafeKiara POV: As consciousness edged its way back into my mind, I found myself wrapped in a cocoon of muffled voices, their words indecipherable but their tones unmistakably concerned. Among them, I could clearly distinguish Kayden's and Jayden's voices; they had a unique cadence that my heart recognized even when my mind was clouded. I couldn't help but let out a soft giggle at their anxious muttering; they were fussing like two mother hens over their single, most prized egg.I felt a gentle pressure on my hand. Someone—probably one of my mates—was holding it as if it were a fragile piece of glass. As much as I loved the feeling, I couldn't resist the temptation to open my eyes and rejoin the world I'd left behind, even if only briefly.When my eyelids finally fluttered open, the sight that met me was overwhelming in the most beautiful way. Gathered around my bedside in what looked like a well-furnished, softly lit infirmary room were the faces
Chapter Ninety-Three: Justice! Kiara POV: There's a quiet tension hanging in the air, a silence so loud it's nearly deafening. We've encamped just outside the boundaries of the BlackFang territory, under the cover of the dense forest that serves as a natural demarcation line between our worlds. The foliage above us rustles softly, a night symphony orchestrated by a wind that seems to carry the weight of our collective apprehensions and fears.Jayden, Kayden, and I stand on an elevated patch of land, looking down at the tableau of soldiers and warriors—both wolf and Lycan—preparing for the operation. Their faces are etched with a steely resolve, a far cry from the brotherly banter and laid-back demeanour that usually characterize our ranks.King Alistar's sons—Eamon, Faelan, and Declan—are with us, engrossed in a last-minute strategic discussion. The five of them huddle around a compact, portable table where a hastily drawn map of BlackFang territory is displayed. A collection of sma
Chapter Ninety-Two: What Is The Faith Of BlackFang? Kiara POV: The atmosphere in the room is so dense that I can feel it pressing against my skin. King Alistair's proposal hangs heavy in the air, like an unspoken oath that could either mend or further divide two long-feuding worlds. My heart races as I lock eyes with Kayden and Jayden, and I can feel their emotional turmoil blending with mine, sending waves of uncertainty and apprehension through our mental link. 'What do you think?' My mental voice quivers as I send the question through the link. My mates' eyes widen almost imperceptibly, and their mental voices echo in my head. 'It's a monumental decision, Kiara. We're not just speaking about alliances; we're talking about flesh and blood, a future generation,' Kayden's thoughts weave into mine, laced with caution and a sense of gravity. 'And what about freedom? The freedom to choose a mate, to fall in love naturally with her fated mate? Are we robbing our future daughter of
Chapter Ninety-One: ReunitedKiara POV: My heart is a frantic drumbeat in my chest as the doors to the throne room burst open in an explosion of splintered wood and metal. The charged air is immediately filled with the cacophony of growls, howls, and snarls as wolves flood the room, leaping onto the Lycan guards. Claws meet fangs in a blur of frenzied movement and fur, painting a scene of absolute chaos.And then I see them. Rex and JJ, their wolf forms unmistakable even amidst the turmoil. Rex, a colossal beast with fur as dark as obsidian, is engaged in a ferocious bout with Eamon, one of the triplets. JJ, silver as a moonbeam, darts and sways with Faelan in a dance as old as time.Gamma Chris, a hulking wolf with a coat like burnt charcoal, and Beta Tim, a svelte, agile creature with a russet-coloured pelt, face off against their Lycan equivalents. The air is electric with the intensity of their clashes, every swipe of a claw or gnashing of teeth an explosion of pent-up aggression
Chapter Ninety: What Are You Doing Here? Part TwoKiara POV: My heart pounds in my chest as Queen Elara leads me through the massive doors into the Lycan throne room. Despite her reassuring presence, the room intimidates me. It's a sprawling space filled with dark mahogany and adorned with various artifacts and weaponry, a testament to centuries of Lycan history and prowess. Towering statues of Lycan warriors stand sentinel, their stony gazes seemingly watching my every move. The thrones at the room's far end, made of intricately carved dark wood and inlaid with gemstones, look less like chairs and more like ancient monuments to power.As we step further into this grand space, I notice the Lycan who had captured me in the forest. He stands like a fortress next to an imposing man. The man is stunningly handsome, with hair as dark as a raven's feather and eyes like glowing embers—eyes that command your attention. His physique is both athletic and regal, his demeanour one of calculated
Chapter Eighty-Nine: What Are You Doing Here? Part OneKiara POV: My eyes flutter open, greeted by unfamiliar surroundings. The room is an opulent display of old-world elegance, adorned with rich tapestries and intricate carvings that hint at a long, storied history. But its luxurious trappings do little to comfort me. Panic seizes me as the events leading up to this moment crash over me like a tidal wave: the forest, the Lycans, the numbing blackness. I leap out of the lavish bed, a knot of dread tightening in my stomach, and dart toward the window. My hands grab the handle and pull, but it doesn't budge. It's locked. Just as I'm about to succumb to a wave of despair, a voice from behind interrupts my spiralling thoughts."Don't be afraid. You are safe here."I spin around to find a woman standing near the doorway, and my breath catches in my throat. She is, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Her beauty isn't the flashy kind that demands attention but the se