ARNOLDEthan nods, his expression serious. “There might be someone nearby who saw something. We have to try. This is just a clearing, but I can see activity up ahead.” I consider his words for a moment, weighing the risks and rewards. It's a long shot, but at this point, we're running out of options. We have to try anything and everything if we want to find Hazel. “Alright.” I say finally, my voice heavy with resignation. “Let's ask around.” We leave the clearing behind, our footsteps echoing through the darkness as we make our way deeper into the forest. The air is thick with tension, our senses on high alert as we search for any sign of someone who might be willing, as people immediately turn around when we call to them. It makes no sense, because we are dressed the way they are, yet, they’re ostracizing us. “Do you think anyone will talk to us?” Ethan asks, his voice barely above a whisper. I shrug, my mind racing with possibilities. “I don't know. But we have to
HAZEL The cold stone floor is my only comfort. I curl up, my body aching from the beatings and the chains that bite into my wrists and ankles. I’ve lost count of the days. The room is dark, the only light coming from a small window high up on the wall. I shiver as the door creaks open, knowing what’s coming next. “Wake up, mutt!” One of the captors yells, kicking me in the ribs. I gasp for breath, the pain sharp and immediate. They pour dirty water over me, and I feel it soak into my clothes, the smell making me gag. They do it for no reason, just to see me suffer. I can hear their laughter, their cruel jokes about how weak and pathetic I am. “Please.” I whisper, my voice barely audible. “Please, stop.” But they don’t stop. They never do. I can feel the drug they injected me with earlier start to take effect. It’s a special kind of poison, one that makes my wolf lose control. My body begins to shake, and I can feel the shift coming, my bones cracking and reshaping. I try to
HAZELBut for now, I endure. I survive. I wait. The door swings open again, and the creaking sound starts sending chills down my spine. This time, they bring another injection. I recognize it immediately, it’s the clear liquid that means more pain, more loss of control. I try to fight, to pull away, but they hold me down, the needle piercing my skin. “No, please!” I scream, but it’s useless. The drug enters my veins, cold and sharp, spreading through my body like wildfire. I feel the change start, the familiar, agonizing shift as my bones crack and my skin stretches. I can feel the liquid entering my blood stream. “Watch her!” One of them says. “This is going to be fun.” My vision blurs, and I can feel the wolf taking over. But this time, something’s different. The pain is worse, sharper, and I realize with horror that the child inside me is at risk. I try to hold back the shift, to protect my unborn baby, but the drug is too strong. I howl in pain as my body contorts for t
HAZELThe cold stone floor is my only comfort. Days blend into nights, and pain blurs into more pain. I drift in and out of sleep, my dreams filled with memories of freedom, only to wake up to this nightmare. I hear the door creak open and my body tenses, bracing for another round of beatings. I don’t bother to open my eyes. I know what’s coming, it’s going to be the same thing. “Get up!” The leader’s voice cuts through the silence, and I hear footsteps approaching. I’m ready for the kick, the punch, the usual routine of pain. The silver around my neck, and maybe the injections might come again today. But nothing happens. Instead, I hear murmurs and soft voices that I’ve never heard before. I force my eyes open and see three women standing in front of me. One of them is the maid who showed me kindness before. “What’s going on?” I manage to whisper, my throat dry and sore. The leader steps forward, his eyes cold and cruel. “You’re going to be cleaned up. Our king wants to
HAZELI say nothing, my eyes fixed on the ground. I can’t bring myself to look at him. “Answer me!” He snaps, his voice sharp. I lift my head, meeting his eyes. “I’ve been better.” I say, my voice steady and sharp in spite of how scared I currently am. He chuckles, and it is a disgusting, low, menacing sound. “I see you haven’t lost your spirit. Good. I like a challenge.” He leans forward, his eyes boring into mine. “Tell me, have you learned some manners yet?” I swallow hard, my heart pounding. “Why are you doing this, Hunter? What do you want from me?” He laughs again, a cruel, mocking laugh. “You really don’t get it, do you? This isn’t about what I want. This is about showing everyone that no one defies me. Not even you. And I told you that I would get you eventually, and here you are.” I feel a surge of anger. “I rejected you, Hunter. You’re the one who tried to force yourself on me!” His face darkens, and he stands up, walking towards me. “Rejected?
ARNOLD The air in the Kingdom of the South feels thick with tension and anger. My heart pounds in my chest, and my fists clench at my sides as I think about Hazel. She’s out there somewhere, and she needs us. She needs me. Ethan and I exchange a glance, and I can see the same fury in his eyes. Hunter. The name burns like acid in my mind. He’s the one who took her. He’s the one who’s making her suffer. “We have to find her, Arnold.” Ethan says, his voice tight with rage. “I know!” I reply, my jaw clenched. “And we will. I swear it.” We push our way through the crowded marketplace, our eyes scanning for any sign of Hunter’s men. The Kingdom of the South is a maze of narrow streets and bustling activity, but we don’t have time to be distracted. Every second counts. Suddenly, a group of women rush towards us, their faces filled with grins as they try to sell things to us. One of them, a young woman with dark hair, holds something out to me. “Wait!” she calls. “You need to see
ETHAN It is obvious that Hunter has kidnapped Hazel now, but Arnold and I literally had to break into his palace, but we couldn’t even do anything. Hunter was nowhere to be found, and there was no sight of Hazel. “And if he kidnapped Hazel, where do you think they would be?” Arnold asks, and I feel a chill down my spine. Hunter could be tormenting Hazel by now, and there was nothing we could do about it. I punched the wall and the skin on my fists split painfully, but that was not even enough to mask what I was feeling inside. The pain is nothing compared to the torment of imagining what Hazel might be enduring. “How could he not be in the palace? Then where is he?” Arnold mutters, sighing. We have stormed through every room, overturned furniture, and questioned every guard we encountered, but there was no sign of Hunter or Hazel. Arnold mutters, pacing back and forth. “Then where is he?” “We have to think, Arnold,” I say, trying to calm myself. “Hunter must have a pla
ETHAN“Well, well, well.” He says, his voice dripping with malice. “If it isn’t the mighty kings come to rescue their precious queen.” I grit my teeth as my grip tightens around my sword. “Where is she, Hunter? We know you have her.” I demand, my voice steady in spite of the anger burning inside me. Hunter laughs, a cold, mocking sound that sends shivers down my spine. “Oh, she’s here.” He says, gesturing to a door at the far end of the chamber. “But whether you’ll ever see her again depends on how cooperative you are.” I exchange a glance with Arnold, a silent understanding passing between us. We’re in this together, no matter what. And we’ll do whatever it takes to save Hazel. There is a lot of bad blood in the room as Hunter's guards surround us, their weapons drawn and ready for a fight. Arnold and I exchange a nod, silently communicating our readiness to take on whatever they send our way. They have no idea who they’re dealing with. Without hesitation, the guards charg
HAZELThe days following the twins' recovery are filled with a deep sense of relief and gratitude. Zena and Kamila, who were once pale and weak from the poisoning and curse, are now thriving with renewed energy. Their smiles shine throughout their nursery and their light shines through and lifts the spirits of our kingdom.Arnold and Ethan watch over them with vigilant eyes, and I can feel their relief as we witness our children return to their normal selves. We gather as a family in the evenings, sharing meals and stories, cherishing each moment like a precious gift.One evening, as we sit together, basking in the warmth of our living room, with Zena and Kamila nestled between us, I make a vow out of fierce determination and love."I promise," I begin. My voice is steady despite the emotion that threatens to overwhelm me. "That I will protect you both with everything I have. No harm will ever come to you again."Arnold looks at me with trust and agreement in his eyes. Ethan nods in a
HAZELThe decision weighs heavily on my heart as I stand before the cell where my former taskmaster is held, shackled, and guarded. His eyes widen in fear as I approach, and his voice trembles with desperation when he speaks."No, please!" he pleads, his voice cracking. "I didn't mean for this to happen!"I meet his gaze firmly with my hands clenched into fists at my sides. "You poisoned my children," I say through gritted teeth. Each word I say is laced with fury and pain. "You will help us save them. That’s the final part of the ritual required for them to heal completely."The taskmaster recoils, and his face is pale with terror. "I… I don't know how," he stammers."You know more than you're willing to admit," I retort. My voice is low and dangerous. "And if you don't cooperate, I will make you regret every moment you spent plotting against us."With a wave of my hand, the guards unlock the cell and drag him out into the harsh light of day. His protests fall on deaf ears as I lead
HAZELOutside our suite, the pack house buzzes with tension. Alphas from packs send healers and messages of support. Members of our kingdom stand vigil, their faces filled with worry and grief. Days turn into nights, and the passage of time is marked only by the faint ray of hope that refuses to die. And then, finally, there’s a little change. Kamila’s fever breaks first, followed by Zenas’s, but their bodies remain weak.Relief floods through me and tears of gratitude blur my vision as I embrace them. "We made it," Arnold whispers hoarsely as his hand finds mine."We're not done yet," Ethan adds. "We still have work to do."The twins' recovery marks a turning point, but the scars of betrayal still run deep as questions linger in our minds. Who orchestrated the poisoning, and why? How could we have missed the signs? In the days that follow, we strengthen our security measures, monitor every meal, and go through our alliances. The maid remains locked in the dungeons, and right now,
HAZELAs the sun climbs higher in the sky, the packhouse buzzes with activity. Decorations are hung, tables are set, and guests begin to arrive from all around the kingdom. The twins are pulled away for last-minute meetings and greetings, leaving me a moment to breathe.As I stand on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, I watch as the people of our kingdom gather. Children chase each other through the grass, elders sit in quiet conversation, and warriors exchange nods of respect. This is our family, our home.A hand on my shoulder brings me back to the present. It's Arnold. There’s a soft expression on his face."Are you ready for this, Hazel?" he asks quietly as his gaze searches mine.I meet his eyes with a smile as I feel the weight of responsibility but also the strength of our bond. "We're ready," I assure him, knowing that together, we can face whatever challenges lay ahead.With that, we join the festivities, celebrating not only the coronation of the twins but also the unity
HAZELThe days pass and I bask in the comfort of motherhood and preparation. Each moment is filled with the gentle cooing of Zena and Kamila and the careful planning for the upcoming coronation. I find solace in the quiet moments with our daughters, even as decisions about the coronation swirl around us.Ethan and Arnold are diligent in their duties, and they consult with advisors as they attend to the needs of the kingdom. Meanwhile, I’m consulted on matters that require my approval, from the design of my coronation dress to the arrangements for the ceremony itself.One afternoon, as I nurse Zena and Kamila, I review sketches and fabric samples spread out on the table before me. "This one," I say, pointing to a sketch of a dress adorned with intricate embroidery. "I think it’s perfect."Arnold leans over my shoulder as he studies the design with a thoughtful expression. "It’s beautiful," he agrees softly. "Just like you."Ethan nods in approval too, and I can see that his eyes are
HAZEL"Hazel!" Ethan’s voice cuts through the darkness. It’s filled with fear and urgency. He and Arnold spring into action, and their faces are filled with confusion as they rush to my side."What’s happening?" Arnold asks. There is panic in his tone. I struggle to speak, but the pain I’m feeling makes talking impossible. Another wave of pain crashes over me. It’s stronger this time, and I cry out again, unable to contain the agony that rushes through my body.And then, as I try to stand, there is a sudden rush of warmth between my legs. It’s the unmistakable sound of my water breaking. The realization hits us all at once in the midst of the chaos."The baby," Ethan whispers. His eyes are wide with disbelief. "The baby is coming."The room fills with movement as Ethan and Arnold spring into action. Arnold dashes to gather towels and blankets while Ethan goes to call the pack doctor.The pain grips me in relentless waves, and each contraction pushes me closer to motherhood. Through t
HAZELThe sun hangs low in the sky, and it casts a glow over the serene water of the lake on the outskirts of the pack. Ethan, Arnold, and I spread out a blanket under the shade of a towering oak tree, and the gentle breeze brings the scent of wildflowers and pine to us."This is perfect," Ethan says with a contented sigh, as he settles down beside me. "This is just what we needed. A break from everything."Arnold nods in agreement as his eyes look over the peaceful scenery. "It’s been too long since we’ve had a moment like this."I smile as I feel a sense of peace settle over me too. "I couldn’t agree more."We unpack the picnic basket. It’s a simple but rich spread of assorted sandwiches, fruits, a pitcher of lemonade, and a jug of cool water. Ethan pours us each a glass of lemonade. It’s moments like these, where we can simply be together, that remind me of everything we’ve fought for and everything we have to look forward to.As we eat, laughter fills the air, mingling with the di
HAZELEthan’s face hardens. "Can you break it?"Seraphina nods. "I can try. But it will take time and energy. We need to act quickly."She begins to chant. Her words are ancient and melodic. I feel a cool breeze wash over me, soothing the fever that rages within. But it’s a struggle, and I can see the strain on Seraphina’s face.Ethan and Arnold watch with their hands clenched into fists. They’re helpless, and unable to do anything but wait and hope. I want to reassure them, to tell them that I’ll be fine, but the words get stuck in my throat.Time stretches on, and each second is just like an eternity. Seraphina’s chanting grows louder, and more urgent. I can feel the dark energy being drawn out, as it fights against her power. It’s a battle. I can sense it but I don’t fully understand it.Finally, with a final burst of energy, Seraphina’s chant reaches its climax. There’s a flash of light, and the dark energy dissolves, leaving me weak but free. The fever breaks, and I collapse back
HAZELPreparations for Ethan and Arnold’s coronation begin immediately. Despite the kingdom’s recent turmoil, there’s a sense of urgency and excitement in the air. The Great Hall, which still bears the scars of battle, is now buzzing with a different kind of energy. It’s filled with hope and renewal.The maids bustle around and they work diligently to transform the hall into a fitting venue for the coronation. It will be a modest ceremony because of our limited resources, but its significance cannot be overemphasized. This coronation represents a new beginning for our kingdom."Hazel, these are flowers that were requested for. What do you think?" one of the maids, Elara, calls out to me. I join her, and together, we arrange the wildflowers into simple yet elegant bouquets. Their vibrant colors bring a touch of life to the otherwise somber hall."They are beautiful," I say, breathing in the floral scent. "They remind me of the strength of our people."Elara smiles, and her eyes reflect