Chapter Thirty-Five: We're In This Together Kiara, at the age of twelve Kiara POV: I twirled around in my knee-length red dress, giggling. I was twelve years old and a pre-mature scholar but the joys that these simple things like dressing up as a princess always warmed my heart. As always, Auntie Meg had done a great job; she made my hair in a waterfall braid and even put on some blush and nude lipgloss. It was the first time I had done makeup. Cathy always wanted me to do it, but I was always scared I would look bad; even today, I was hesitant. If it weren't for my uttermost trust in auntie Meg, I would never let her put anything on my face. As for the dress, it was a gift from Rex's mom: a congratulatory gift for my warrior scholarship. Over the years here, whenever I missed mom and dad back home, the former luna queen and the alpha king always stepped up, making me feel special. Whether taking a walk with the former luna queen or taking me shopping alongside Rex, they always
Chapter Thirty-Six: Aiden and Me Kiara, at the age of Fourteen Kiara POV:"Is this what we taught you, Kiara? Could you hurry up and pin him? What's taking so long." I heard one of my warrior instructors grumble from the sidelinesI huffed! He was more distracting than helping. "What's the wrong cupcake? Can't even get a hit in?" Said Aiden, wearing his coacky smirk Goddess! I wanted to punch his teeth as much as I adored the guy. "You got this, kiki. Focus on your pressure point." I heard Rex and JJ yell from the other side of the sparring circle. Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes for a second, I calmed myself down and focused on Aiden's movements. Over the years sparing with him, I had picked up his weak points and tactics. I knew when he tapped his right foot he was about to punch on the left side. I punched his right side in the hope of him shielding with his left hand, and he took the bait. Sliding my foot under his legs, he lost his balance which gave me enough t
Chapter Thirty-Seven: You Need To Be Responsible Kiara, at the age of Fourteen Kiara POV: Taking a deep breath and calming my nerves down because of the whole drama with Aiden and Rex, I opened the door and went inside. The scent of musk that I had picked up as their familiar scent invaded my nose and had me forgetting about the whole drama at the field for a few minutes. However, the happy, calming moment I was having was gone when I looked up and locked eyes with the twins, and I swear on everything sugary, they were pissed. Perfect! I didn't even do anything this time. Honestly, I sometimes felt like they had it out for Aiden and me. I may be getting ahead of myself and assuming that what happened downstairs was the reason for the attitude. But I could bet on my scholar standing; it was about that. Even if they were in different multiverses, these two knew everything and anything that Aiden and I did. At first, I was like, maybe they were protective friends, elder broth
Chapter Thirty-Eight: This Can't Be Fixed So Easily Kiara, at the age of Fourteen Kiara POV: I was running down the corridor when I suddenly bumped into someone, but before I could fall, I was held by a pair of arms. Aiden's pine tree scent wafted through my nose as a fresh stream of tears escaped my eyes. I grabbed him around his neck and cried. Why were the twins so rude to me from time to time again? What have I ever done, or what have they ever had a chance to hear that gave them the right to accuse me of something I'm not constantly? How could I like someone like that when they both did nothing but ridicule me nowadays? What was so wrong with being friends with Aiden and the other guys but not JJ and Rex? And, back then, they didn't even like JJ; I was a kid then and hadn't picked up their attitude towards him, but now when I look back, it's blatant as day how much they didn't like him either but couldn't say anything as they had no grounds and we were children. "K
Chapter Thirty-Nine: Forgive Us Kiara, at the age of Fourteen Kiara POV: I could see Aiden open his mouth from the side of my eye to say something that would get him in trouble probably. As harsh as Beta Tim and Gamma Chris were to everyone, they were not like that with me. They were exceptionally friendly and ensured I was protected and safe, which I found weird because I wasn't related to them in any way plus, being friends with the prince wouldn't grant this behaviour since they were the harshest on him and JJ didn't get any special attention like me despite being the only other friend Rex had. Aiden used to mess with me and said they probably liked liked me. Yeah, we were close, but they were like my older brothers. The feelings I had for Beta Tim and Gamma Chris were nothing like I had for the twins, which were, as we speak, breaking my heart. Before Aiden could spew some nonsense and land himself in trouble, I spoke up, grabbing Gamma Chris's attention. "Lead the way, G
Chapter Forty: Dream Come True Kiara, at the age of Fourteen Kiara POV: Confused about what to wear as king Kayden and Jayden hadn't told me where we were going, I went with a simple pink dress that fell a little above my knees with white sneakers and did my hair in a ponytail. If there was one thing, more like who, I absolutely missed during my time here in the castle was auntie Meg. She was a second mother to me, she always had my clothes out and did my hair, and now that I have to do it myself, I'm always second-guessing whether what I choose is nice or not. I was scared I would either go too girly with my still lowkey obsession with Disney and bright colours or go completely tomboy because all I have done over the years was spend time with guys around me. I was broken out of thought when I heard a knock on the door. Then it slowly opened, but no one came in. "Can I come in?" I heard Beta Tim say Yelling a yeah, the door opened, and both beta Tim and Gamma Chris stood smi
Chapter Forty-One: Warrior Scholarship Final Test Kiara, at the age of fifteen Kiara POV: I bounced on my toes as I waited in the changing rooms to be called out for my turn. It was finally here, the day we would see if our hard work, tears, bloodshed and effort would pay off. Three years had once again flown by, and we were at the end of the warrior scholarship. I still remember coming back to the castle after my scholar's scholarship. It had been three years since this whole thing started, six years since I started considering the castle a home far away from home and most notably, six years since I met the alpha kings, who no doubt I had the biggest crush on now. Growing up, I always thought they were my best friend, but as time progressed and they started to show up more, my feelings grew, not to mention the trip they took me to Disney land last year. It would be ingrained in my memory forever. I still dreamt about that day, how they smiled at me, how they looked at me, the t
Chapter Forty-One: Warrior Scholarship Final Test Part Two Kiara, at the age of fifteen Kiara POV: I groaned as I got my from the ground; my opponent, whatever her name was on the floor. I winced as I touched my face; I could feel it swelling up, not to mention the blood that was dripping from my forehead, making it hard to see. The girl had done a number on me. Not to mention how persistent she was. I legit think we fought for a solid hour. She packed punch after punch as I dodged and blocked them; I had gotten a few hits in as well to make sure I wasn't the only one branded in black and blue. She had a big cut running from her cheek down to her chin with multiple bruises on her body as I did. She was still trying to get up, but there was no point, I had already won, and Gamma Chris had already announced me as the winner. I winced as I tried walking towards the changing room. I could see JJ and Rex trying to get to me, but Beta Tim stopped them. They seemed pissed off, I
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