Chapter Seventy: Party Night Part Two Kiara's POV: With a final glance at our reflections, we trooped out of the room, our high spirits echoing through the halls. As we made our way toward the SUVs parked outside the mansion, I noticed the added presence of several guards. Their stiff postures and alert eyes suggested they were here for more than just casual accompaniment. "Alpha Kings' orders, Luna," one of them explained, noticing my confusion. "They requested we accompany you tonight." I nodded, a feeling of warmth flooding me. Even while occupied, my mates had made sure I was safe. Though a tiny part of me felt a pang of annoyance for their overprotective nature, the larger part was touched. They cared, and that was all that mattered. A short drive later, we arrived at our destination. In front of us was what appeared to be a shimmering curtain of light suspended in the air. I blinked, captivated by the sight. It was mesmerizing, to say the least. This was the portal, a gatewa
Chapter Seventy-One: Something's Not Right! Kiara's POV: The music had become the pulsating heartbeat of the club, the bass thumping in sync with the adrenaline coursing through my veins. For two hours, we lost ourselves in the rhythm, dancing without care, surrendering to the raw, unfiltered joy that the night offered. Cathy, Riley, and JJ were a whirlwind of energy on the dance floor, their vibrant spirits contagious. Sweaty and breathless, we laughed and swayed, our bodies moving in rhythm with the entrancing beats. The music was a hypnotic siren's call, and we were happy sailors lost in its intoxicating rhythm. Eventually, the relentless pace started to wear on me. My body, still not fully recovered from the day's trials, began to protest the continuous exertion. So, I decided to take a break, telling everyone that I needed a minute and another drink. I usually didn't drink that much, and the last time I got drunk was almost a year ago, but tonight was about having fun, and it
Chapter Seventy-Two: What Happened?Kiara's POV:Dipping in and out of consciousness was a weird sensation. It felt as if I was floating in a vast ocean, the surface glimmering with the touch of sunlight just a little out of my reach. Each time I nearly broke through, it danced away, teasing me, tantalizingly close yet so far. My senses were muted, my thoughts garbled, but I was vaguely aware of the fact that I was not alone.The first thing I heard was a voice, a comforting and familiar sound that pierced through the heavy shroud of darkness. "Sweetheart," it resonated, each syllable drenched with a cocktail of emotions—despair, urgency, fear. Kayden.I’d know his voice anywhere. The gentle baritone brought a sense of familiarity in the midst of my confusion. It called out to me, urging me to wake, to respond.Another voice joined in, softer yet firm."Kiara, we need you to open your eyes, love." Jayden. His voice, usually so steady, was laced with an undercurrent of anxiety. It re
Chapter Seventy-Three: I Can't Be In Bed All DayKiara's POV:Underneath the well-illuminated chandelier, I sat quietly ensconced between Riley and Cathy on the lavish comforter that adorned my bed. The heady mix of antiseptic and the fresh scent of blooming roses from the nearby vase permeated the room, each a sharp contrast to the other – one a grim reminder of my recent brush with danger, the other a testament to the love and concern that surrounded me.My heart pounded a syncopated rhythm, the echo of my mates' overbearing insistence on rest still resounding in my mind. Their concern was as real and solid as the room around me, their voices a constant melody in my mind. And yet, it felt smothering, suffocating, their protective instincts tightening around me like a well-meaning yet unwanted cocoon.Running my fingers through my tangled locks, I shifted my gaze to the ornate mirror, catching sight of my reflection. The girl looking back at me bore a haunted look, her skin paler tha
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 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