ETHANAs I lie in bed, the dull ache in my chest, a steady reminder of my weakened state. It is better for than the way I was feeling hours ago. I could barely even feel anything that wasn't pain, but thankfully, I am way better. I can't help but feel grateful for Hazel's presence by my side. She's been my lifeline these past few days, nursing me back to health with care, and in the most tender way possible. I know Hazel, I know her too well to know that if I were to be sick, I would probably have died with her trying her best efforts. But, the Hazel that has been taking care of me for the past few days, that Hazel is different. I have never seen this side of her, and I don't think Anthony has either. I watch as she moves around the room, her movements graceful and precise, she tends to my needs, almost as if she had worked as nurse before. I stare in shock at her movements, each step ringing purpose. She checks my temperature, fluffs my pillows, and brings me warm broth soup to
ETHANArnold is still nowhere to be found. He's been gone for what feels like an eternity, traveling and exploring who knows where. While I miss his presence and the banter we share, his absence has given me the opportunity to focus on other aspects of my life. And one of those aspects happens to be Hazel. She's been by my side ever since I fell ill, taking care of me with a tenderness and compassion that I never expected from her. As she tends to me, I find myself drawn to her in a way that I can't quite explain. There's something about her strength and resilience that captivates me, something that makes me want to get to know her better. And so, I decide to take a chance and ask her out. I find her in the garden, tending to the flowers with a gentle touch. She looks up as I approach, a curious expression on her face. "Hey, Hazel." I greet her, trying to keep my nerves in check. "Do you have a moment?" "Sure, Ethan." She replies, setting down her gardening tools and turning
HAZELI've been avoiding Ethan for the past few days, ever since our second date. It's not that I don't want to see him or spend time with him, but I can't shake this overwhelming feeling that's been building inside me ever since we kissed. It's like my heart has a mind of its own, and it's racing ahead of me, skipping steps and leading me straight into dangerous territory. I've been telling myself off for feeling so much for Ethan. After all, we've only known each other for a short time, and we're still getting to know each other. But every time I see him, every time he smiles at me or brushes his hand against mine, my resolve crumbles, and I find myself falling deeper and deeper into this whirlwind of emotions. I feel I should put some distance between us, give myself time to sort out my feelings and figure out what I want. But every time I try, something pulls me back to him, like a magnet drawing me in. It's frustrating and exhilarating all at once, and I don't know how to make
HAZELWaking up next to Ethan is not something that I ever thought that I’d be able to do for a while, but apparently, I can’t predict the future. When I raise the covering, I’m only clad in my underwear, and Ethan is still fast asleep next to me, wearing only his shorts. A chill runs through my mind as I wonder what we must have been doing to be dressed like this. That’s when the events of last night rush to me. I was so happy that I even drank strong wolf alcohol, something that I never thought that I would ever do, and that must have been what led this to happen. But I honestly don’t remember having sex with Ethan, so I make the decision to ask him if we had done anything when he wakes up. Ethan’s handsome face tempts me to give him a good morning kiss, but considering all the stress he went through because I was drunk, I decide not to do that, in case it wakes him up from his much needed sleep. I tiptoe out of bed and make my way to my suite where my maids help me scrub up and
HAZELI wake up to the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a warm feeling and glow into the room. I am not ready to wake up yet but with the intensity of the rays of sunlight, I realise that a lot of time must have passed.Stretching my legs, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me as I remember that it's the weekend, a time for relaxation, fun and sleeping in. Rolling over, I see Ethan still asleep beside me, his features softened in the gentle morning light, sometimes I wonder why he looks like that when he sleeps, like a cute baby, but when he is awake, he is all macho macho.With a smile growing on my lips, I slip out of bed, careful not to disturb him. Padding barefoot across the cool hardwood floor, I make my way to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greets me as I enter, enticing my senses and pushing me further into the world of non sleepers.I set out my ingredients to make breakfast. As I prepare breakfast, I can't help but feel a gre
ARNOLDI have been away from my kingdom for a few weeks now, and all I can think about is Hazel. How is she doing? This is her first time being in the castle while I’m away. Does she miss me? Is she getting along well with my brother? So many unanswered questions. “Sir, the alpha of the Serene pack has requested to see you in your suite, he says that it is an emergency.” One of my guards tell me, and I nod. “Where is he now?” I ask. “He just showed up unexpectedly, and he’s currently outside.” The guard tells me and I ask him to bring the alpha in. “Your majesty.” The alpha bows. “I know that I should have planned this out earlier with you, but there’s no time. My people are dying.” Alpha Sands says.- As I look over the beds in one of the hospital rooms of the Serene pack, I’m overcome with sadness. Sands had come over to tell me that a few days ago, some of his people had fallen ill, and while they had been taken to the hospital, nobody really said much about it. Bu
ARNOLD It has been days since I arrived at the Serene pack, and the situation hasn't improved. In fact, it has worsened. The illness that is currently plaguing the pack members is more severe than we initially thought. After much deliberation, we decide to involve the medical experts. After consulting with medical experts and conducting extensive research, it's become evident that we're dealing with a deadly ailment, a strain of virus that spreads rapidly and has a known cure, but like anything, the cure is very scarce. "So, what are you telling me? They are all going to suffer like this till they die? No form of help or solution?" I ask with a heavy heart. "We have no other option. The cure will not likely not be found, a search for it will just be effortless and stupid. No benefits from that." The chief of the Medical experts tell me. The gravity of the situation weighs heavily on my shoulders. Lives are at stake, and time is of the essence. I can't afford to sit idly by
ETHANThe pictures and memories lurking last night went on pretty late and now my back hurts. No one tells you this but getting old sucks. Hazel fished out pictures of Arnold and I since we were little and to be honest, it didn't go how I expected it to go. I have asked our parents for the pictures and they lied about it, knowing Arnold, he would not steal it. I was hoping to be bitter and act like an asshole but Hazel's presence, her grace and her beautiful demeanor did nothing but uplift my spirit. I was all smiles when it happened. "Acting king Ethan, your attention is needed." Hazel's voice fills the room as she walks in with a tray of food.As the days have been passing by steadily, filled with adventures and bonding moments with Hazel. "So, what exactly do you want us to do to pass up time?" I fall into the couch, letting the softness take me in. "Okay, first things first, we will cook and eat. After a properly eaten food and rest, we will go to the arcade and play
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