HAZELThe guards roughly escort us down the narrow, dimly lit corridor. Ethan and Arnold walk beside me, and on their faces, their expressions are grim and u can’t point out any other emotion save for anger. We're being taken to a new part of the castle, a place Hunter has reserved for those he wishes to break. That’s what he told us, at least. Nothing will break me, however. The air is heavy with despair, and the sounds of distant cries echo off the stone walls. I shudder, wanting to clutch one of my men’s arms for support, but I can’t, as I’m in shackles. The realization sinks in that we're not just prisoners, we're going to be deliberately placed where we can witness the suffering of different people. “They're trying to break us.” Arnold says in a low voice, muttering under his breath, his voice tight with anger. “They won't succeed. As far as we are concerned, brute better off forcing the walls to speak.” Ethan replies through gritted teeth, his gaze fixed ahead. The g
HAZELThe cell is cold and silent after Hunter's departure, save for the faint breaths of Amber who seems to have fallen asleep already. Leaning against the rough stone wall, I close my eyes and trying to find some inner peace. I think of my people, of the strength I must find for them. As I drift into sleep, a soft, silvery light envelops me. I open my eyes to find myself standing in a beautiful, moonlit area. The air is fresh, filled with the scent of night blooming flowers. A gentle breeze stirs the leaves, and the peacefulness of the scene washes over me. Yes, I’m home. “Hazel.” A soft, melodious voice calls. I turn to see a radiant figure approaching. She is ethereal, with long, flowing hair that shimmers like moonlight and eyes that seem to hold the universe within them. “Moon goddess.” I whisper, bowing my head. “Is it really you? You look a bit different today.” She smiles, causing a warmth spreading through me, like she’s giving me her energy. “Yes, Hazel. I can l
HAZELAs I wipe the sweat from my forehead, the strain of exhaustion pierces every muscle in my body. My breath comes in ragged gasps, but I push myself harder, and each strike echoes through the silence of the prison room. "One more time," I whisper to myself as I adjust my stance on the ground. “For the kingdom."I've been at this for hours, but I can't afford to stop. The future of our kingdom rests on my shoulders. I must make sure that Hunter, who has been pillaging our lands and people, must be defeated. If I fail to do so, everything we have been fighting to protect will crumble."Focus, Hazel," I mutter, steeling myself against the creeping fatigue. I can't let thoughts of failure seep in. Not now.I move forward, imagining Hunter's cold eyes staring back at me. I need to be faster and stronger. I need to be better than him in every way. My arm trembles and I nearly lose my footing. I clench my teeth and force myself to keep going. "You can do this," I say, trying to convinc
HAZELThe moon hangs high above us, casting a silvery glow over the prison courtyard. It's a cold, quiet night, and it’s just perfect for what we have planned. Ethan, Arnold, and I huddle together in the shadows, whispering our final preparations among each other."We move quickly and silently," I remind them. My voice is barely above a whisper as I add, "Hunter can't know what's coming."As Ethan nods, the determination he feels is evident in his eyes. "We'll take out the guards first. Arnold, you disable the alarm. Hazel and I will handle the gate."Arnold gives a curt nod. "I’ve studied the guard patterns. If we time it right, we can get past without raising suspicion."As I glance around, the familiar sense of dread in me mingles with resolve. The dream is my beacon, and it guides us through the darkness. "For the kingdom," I whisper, feeling the words strengthen my resolve more and more."For the kingdom," they echo back.We move as one, just like a silent force against the nigh
HAZELHunter lunges at me, his claws slashing through the air, but I dodge with fluid and precise movements. The moon’s energy guides me through every step as I move forward."You're strong," Hunter admits. His strikes are becoming more frenzied now. "But strength alone won’t save you.""It’s not just strength," I retort as I dodge his attack. "It’s resolved. It’s the will to protect what matters."The battle rages on. Hunter’s attacks are relentless, but I counter each one with strength and determination. I can feel the moon’s light growing stronger as it illuminates the path to victory."You can’t win," Hunter growls. Desperation is already creeping into his voice."I can and I will," I say. My sword is now glowing with the moon’s ethereal light. "For the kingdom. And for my people."With a final, powerful strike, I drive my sword into the ground. The moon’s light erupts from the blade, engulfing Hunter in a blinding glow. He howls in agony as the light surrounds his dark form.A mo
HAZELElder Rowan nods. "Agreed. The witches have always been our allies. We should invite them to join our council and have a say in our future."The council members murmur their agreement, and Elder Miriam speaks up. "I’ll send word to the witches immediately. We should arrange a meeting as soon as possible."As the meeting progresses, we discuss various plans and strategies to rebuild our kingdom. We talk about resources, the redistribution of land, and the establishment of new laws to protect our people. My suggestions are met with approval, and it’s clear that the council trusts my vision.By the time we adjourn, I feel a sense of accomplishment. We have a plan, and with the council’s support, we can move forward. As I leave the Great Hall, Ethan and Arnold flank me. their presence has always been a thing of comfort and today is no different. "You did great," Ethan says. His voice is filled with admiration for me."Thanks," I reply, smiling at him. "But there’s still so much to
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
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
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