Chapter Seventy-Four: It Was You!Kiara POV:A guttural sound, filled with pure hate and a raw kind of betrayal, ripped through Christian's throat as she struggled to regain her composure. The woman's knuckles turned white as she clutched her reddened throat, her narrowed eyes shooting venomous daggers my way.Despite the deep-rooted fear that reeked from her trembling form, there was a commendable defiance in her gaze, a steadfast resistance that - had it been under any different circumstances - would have impressed me. It was a sad waste of spirit to be wielded in such malice, such selfish ploys.Drawing a shaky breath, she lifted her chin, an uncanny mask of contempt set on her distorted features. "You were supposed to be dead!" she spat out, her words as sharp as shards of broken glass. Her eyes glowed with a triumphant, albeit unhinged, light, revelling in the shock her confession sent across the room.There was a brief pause. The air grew thick with the gravity of her revelati
Chapter Seventy-Five: We'll Be More CarefulKiara POV:The rest of the morning flew by in a whirl of lectures, discussions, and debates. The topics ranged from intricate inter-pack politics to leadership strategies, each requiring my undivided attention and analytical thinking. Through it all, Riley was a constant by my side, assisting me, guiding me, and easing the whirlwind of information that was my day.By the time the large clock in the council chamber struck twelve, I felt my energy wavering. The intensity of the day, coupled with the emotional tumult of the morning, left me yearning for some solitude, a moment to catch my breath. As the council members began filing out of the room, I turned to Riley, curiosity edging into my tone. "So, what's the plan for lunch?"Riley's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Why don't we head to the garden?"Confused but eager for a change of scenery, I agreed. Together, we walked through the vast, polished halls of the castle, leaving behind
Chapter Seventy-Six: Night Time Shenanigans Kiara POV:The grand library - an emblem of elegance and wisdom that stretched beyond my years. Madam Faye, my guide through the convoluted labyrinth of diplomatic relations and pack politics, stood in the backdrop of archaic books and velvety drapes. Her tall, lean form and silvery hair commanded respect, while her penetrating emerald eyes held an irrefutable authority. She was an embodiment of experience and wisdom, with her aura conveying tales of navigating through the treacherous seas of political stratagem."Your majesty," Madam Faye called. Her voice layered with a graceful firmness that only those seasoned in the art of diplomacy could master, "Your recovery brings solace to our kingdom's collective anxiety." She saidAcknowledging her sentiment with a nod, my mind, however, was elsewhere. It was precariously balancing on the edge of uncertainty and fear, hovering over thoughts of Aiden and the fate of the Black Fang Pack. The con
Chapter Seventy-Seven: Be Careful Kiara POV:From the elevated balcony of the castle, I observed the vast courtyard below. The early morning sun streaked the sky with hues of orange and pink, but the beauty did little to alleviate my distress. My gaze was fixed solely on Jayden and Kayden as they prepared their warriors for the journey to Black Fang. The tightness in their faces and the urgency in their gestures betrayed the seriousness of the situation.The whispering rumours of Black Fang's sudden emptiness hung heavy in the air. It was a known territory, yet its sudden desolation made it a haunting enigma. The entirety of a proud and fierce pack vanishing without a trace? It defied all reason.A soft touch on my shoulder drew my attention. JJ, with a reassuring smile, said, "Hey. They've always come back, right? Don't worry."I nodded slowly, taking a shaky breath."It's not about their strength or that I doubt their capabilities. They're the alpha kings for a reason. It's just..
Chapter Seventy-Eight: Why Would You Do This? Kiara POV: I slowly stirred to consciousness, momentarily caught between the comforting tendrils of sleep and the harsh clarity of reality. For a brief, blissful second, I felt the soft embrace of my familiar bed beneath me. But as the haze of sleep lifted, a sense of unease crept over me. My eyes fluttered open, taking in the extravagant space around me. The ceiling was a vast expanse painted with meticulous golden frescoes that told stories of ancient legends and myths. Their sheer detail almost made them seem alive; the characters were depicted dancing in the light of the magnificent crystal chandelier that hung centrally, its glow bathing the room in a gentle luminance. The walls were clad in a rich cerulean velvet, adding depth and luxury. An opulent, four-poster bed, which I lay on, was draped with silken sheets and plush pillows, though they offered no comfort to my restless mind. Yet, despite all the luxury, a chill ran down m
Chapter Seventy-Nine: We Screwed Up! Kayden POV: The room was a whirlwind of chaos as Jayden, Tim, our Beta, and Chris, our Gamma, scoured over every shred of information. Maps were strewn across the table, various locations circled and crossed out. Screens filled with data flickered as we searched for any clue, any hint that might lead us to Kiara.I felt lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty and fear. Our bond with Kiara was there, but distant. I could feel her, but I couldn't reach out to her. I couldn't hear her thoughts or soothe her fears. That emptiness was unbearable."Why would she disappear like this? And where's the Black Fang pack?" Tim's voice was laced with confusion and concern. "We've searched their territory and found nothing, not even a trace. It's as if they've vanished.""I don't understand any of this," Jayden added, his face pale with worry. "Kiara wouldn't just leave without telling us. Something's wrong. Something's happened to her."Chris was busy hacking int
Chapter Eighty: I Need To Get Out Of Here Kiara POV: The cold, unyielding room stretches out around me, the glamorous decor a stark contrast to the emptiness I feel inside. Chandeliers glint above, the light catching the jewels, but their sparkle only seems to mock my bleak situation. The rich drapes, lush carpets, and exquisite furniture all feel like a cruel joke, a trap set to lure me into a nightmare.A full day has passed since Aiden took me hostage, each minute dragging on, the silence of the room weighing heavily on my soul. Food and water appear every few hours, silently delivered by unseen hands. I pick at the meals, my appetite gone, the taste of betrayal lingering in my mouth.Betrayal. That word has been haunting me, taunting me with the reality of my situation. How could Aiden, someone I thought I knew, turn out to be like this? And Riley, my friend... How could she have done this to me? It's a wound that cuts deep, the pain of it lingering long after the shock has wor
Chapter Eighty-One: I Need To Get Out Of Here Part TwoKiara POV: I'm staring at the drab walls, lost in thought, when the door creaks open. I turn, expecting to see Aiden's smug face, but my blood freezes when I see Riley instead. The very sight of her fills me with a cocktail of emotions - anger, betrayal, confusion, disbelief."Riley?" I choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. "What... what are you doing here? How could you do this to me?"She looks away, unable to meet my eyes. "You wouldn't understand, Kiara. You have everything. Your mates love you; they'd do anything for you. You'll never know what it's like to be in my place."My mind reels, trying to process her words. Yes, my mates love me, and I would do anything for them, but what she's done is incomprehensible."I'd do anything for my mates," I say, my voice firm but tinged with confusion, "but not this. I'd never kidnap someone else's mate for them. How could you, Riley? How could you do this to me, to us?"Riley's
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