HAZELUsually, when I am given a day off, I use it to sleep in, or maybe take a walk around the kingdom for my leisure, but today is different.I put my hair up with a ribbon and tie it in place, wondering if my questions would ever stop. I have tried so hard to return to those strange dreams after the last one, but all my attempts have been futile.I know that I tried to make myself think that the dreams do not matter, and that people have weird dreams all the time, but there’s something in me that wants me to try to do more research and see what this is all about.It’s my day off for the month today, and I know a woman who can help me with what I need to know.“Hazel!” I hear the voice of the taskmaster, and I know that does not usually mean anything good for me, but I just turn around to answer him.“Where do you think you’re going?” he thunders, and his eyes seem to be shooting flames.“It’s my day off today, beginning from this month. It’s marked on the roster too,” I tell him sim
HAZELIt's already dark now, and I'm wondering if I should have spent the night at Ladia's. The way back is empty— sure, it has always been empty, but it looks even more sinister now. And I can hear the low cries of different animals, which I know I won't be strong enough to fight if they come out to me.I hear rustling in the bushes at the front, and no matter how silly I can ever be, I have heard enough stories to know not to go any further than I already am. There could be a wild beast, or even worse waiting in there for me to dare to pass through.A shudder passes through my spine as I think about the wolf that was chasing me in one of my dreams. Only, this time it's real life and I cannot sprout wings to fly to safety.I turn back and start walking away quickly. The fear that if I run, I'll alert the instincts of something bigger than me and cause it to chase me keeps me walking at a steady pace until I get back to the cottage. "I was expecting you," Ladia says with a smug look o
HAZELI’m enjoying my free time looking outside and watching insects move, perching on the flowering plants in one of the gardens when I hear some of the assistant taskmasters say something about how happy they are to see the kings. Kings?Maybe the word slipped and he meant to say king, I think to myself and continue with my leisure activity.“Because why will the kings be coming here?” I mutter, feeling sick to my stomach.I get up and go inside, not wanting to be reminded of any of the kings in particular when I hear some people whispering about the kings.“The kings are coming!” one girl squeals.“Which kings?” the other one asks.“The twin kings! They are so handsome!” The first one sighs dreamily, and I find myself rolling my eyes in annoyance. “Bold of them to call my mates handsome,” I mutter, hating the jealousy under my breath.I can’t talk about them to anyone else in the first place, because there is no one to talk to about my mates, and secondly, it’s a complicated thing
HAZEL“I didn’t bump into you. I walked past you, and I even said excuse me!” I try to defend myself to this random girl before moving on, and Cathy happens to be coming towards us and she hears the remarks that the girl made.“Oh, our darling Hazel? She thinks that she’s too good for anyone, princess, and on top of all that, she rejected the king.” Cathy puts her hands on my shoulder and smiles like a creep.“That’s her problem because the kings are coming here to see my uncle and I will charm my way into their hearts!” the girl who claimed that I bumped into her says, and I wonder why she’s telling me all this.“Okay, but that’s not my business.” I turn around to leave, but Cathy pushes me back.“You can’t be rude to her. Apologize for insulting the king!” Cathy says with a sneer that I want to smack off her face.“And for bumping into me!” the girl says, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes.“I’m sorry for what you said I’ve done,” I say simply and walk away from them. Their combine
HAZELPRESENT DAYWord had reached us earlier that the visit of the kings would be delayed for a while due to some issues. We weren’t told how long— in fact, we were not really told at all. We just took it as a word of gossip and followed it along regardless. We also were not told why, and for a brief second, my gut clenches as I think of the king being held back because he has to see a woman that he fancies. My jealousy turns into anger as I remember his suggestion, asking me to be his mistress.“Waiting for your king?” a maid comes up to ask me, and I am surprised because they seem to have ostracized me before this.“No, and he’s not my king,” I reply begrudgingly.“Alright, whatever you say. Let’s just hope that they solve the problem of the rogues because we are tired of having them deal so much damage to so many packs.” My blood runs cold and I turn to her. “Rogues? They have not entered our pack, have they?”The maid shakes her head as her brows creases in a frown. “I don’t kno
HAZELThe girls had stopped picking on me in public, and everything was going smoothly for me until I decided to reach out and help. Luna knows no one asked me to, but I was trying to do a kind deed.However, when the maid called me out saying that all I wanted was for someone to join my sad and lonely life, it stung a bit.And that was because she was somewhat right. I obviously do not like seeing people being picked on, and seeing her getting bullied that day made me want to stretch out to her, but I also felt hope.So yes, I also had selfish reasons, but who can blame me? Nobody wants to be lonely all the time, and I am always being left out. It has always been this way, but it became worse when the Kings came into my life.My head threatens to burst as I remember the unnecessary humiliation I suffered that day. Maybe I will just stick to helping only myself.“Is that how you manage to finish all your work in record time? Because you’re a witch?” A girl walks up to me, and her unifo
HAZELI’m left shaking after speaking to the taskmaster, and I have been doing nothing all this while but hiding out in my room, as the stares from the girls are not something that I can bear in my current position without wanting to cry.I know that the taskmaster did not try to look for jobs for me, and facing facts, even if he had, I would not have anything at hand to do, because the entire pack members seem to hate me.I go into the bathroom and turn on the water, remembering that I fell asleep in a pool of my tears on the ground and didn’t take a shower the day before.Every inch of my skin crawls, and it’s like my own body is repulsed by itself. I scrub my skin until it’s raw, but it still feels like I’m covered in a blanket of negative energy. I scrub it a bit more vigorously, and my skin tears like a piece of paper, but I don’t stop because I need to get every disgusting bit of my filth off me.Not just the outer filth, because that was washed out a long time ago, but I’m stil
HAZELI shift uncomfortably in my position and notice how beautiful everything looks, instead of focusing on what they have to say about me. It’s definitely nothing that I have not heard before.They don’t come up to me. I wait for so long for a few of them to come up to me, taunt me, and beat me up, but none of them do that. They just give me dirty looks like synchronized robots, and I shudder due to the impact of their gazes.“What are you guys looking at?” I ask them weakly, and they start to giggle, but nobody bothers to give me a reply to my question.“Who does she think she is?” I hear one ask.“Did you see the way she walked in here just like she owns the place?” another asks.“It’s her audacity for me. It looks like she wants to start practicing her witchcraft in public now,” one accuses me.Tears fill my eyes and I can’t take all of this anymore. I just want to exist in peace and even now, that is a problem?“I’m not doing this here,” I mutter and get up, making sure to give t
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