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
HAZELI find myself standing in the middle of a dense forest, and the air thick with the metallic scent of blood. My senses are assaulted by the sight of mangled bodies which look like they were thrown across the forest floor, their limbs twisted at grotesque angles, their lifeless eyes staring into nothingness. I stumble backward, my stomach churning with nausea as I realize that the bodies belong to my old fellow pack members, the maids and the head taskmasters. The sight is too much to bear, and I feel bile rising in my throat as the horror of it all threatens to overwhelm me. What kind of sight am I looking at? But then, it feels like I’m then drawn by some unseen force, and so I find myself drawn toward the center of the clearing where a figure stands amidst the carnage. It's a creature, tall and scary, with blood red eyes that seem to pierce through to my soul. Of course, this is just a dream. I sigh in relief. No matter how much those people hurt me, I will never stoop t
ARNOLDAfter days of relentless, unending research and sleepless nights, I finally come to a decision. "Sir, we know the last hunt that we put you on was not as successful as we had hoped but things are starting to get a better feel." One of the medical researchers said. "I know, you guys tried your best to get a good feeling about it and it was great for me. " I say patting him on the back, giving him the approval that it seemed like he needed. I knew it is the right time, the right time to reach out to Ethan and update him on the situation here at the Serene pack. He deserves to know the truth, no matter how bad it may be. I sit down at my desk, a sense of urgency coursing through my veins as I begin to compose a letter to my brother. The words flow easily, fueled by a mixture of determination and desperation. I don't know how he is going to take it, I hope he takes it well, I trust him.-"Dear Ethan,I hope this letter finds you well. I apologize for the silence these past
ETHANI stare at the letter in my hand, the words blurred by the tears welling up in my eyes. Arnold has written to me again and once again I can only imagine how concerned he is for our pack's well being, and for Hazel. Even his handwriting shaky, and the thought of the possibility of my brother needing my help but not asking for it crosses my mind. I can't help but feel a pang of guilt in my chest. Arnold has always been the responsible one, the one who shoulders the burden of leadership with grace and determination. And here I am, thousands of miles away, unable to offer him any real assistance in his time of need. Just to stay out and try my best to look out for both our kingdoms. But I can't dwell on my own shortcomings. Arnold needs me to be strong, to support him from afar as he faces the challenges that threaten the survival of our kingdoms, because anything that affects his kingdom affects mine too. I wipe away the tears from my eyes and keep myself strong for the task ah
ETHANI have felt a great amount of negative emotions in my lifetime. Loneliness, anger, shame, regret, but the fear that has overcome me is something that I cannot express fully in words, or even fathom to begin with.I had to leave Hazel, and return to my kingdom to address the issue that has been threatening to take over, as the illness is not something that is happening between that one pack. This was something that we thought— we hoped, would be under control. Arnold had assured me that he would ensure that it would be under control on a few weeks at most, and then return. He didn’t return, and the situation only became worse. I grit my teeth in annoyance as I wonder why some of the inhabitants of our kingdom do not like to listen to simple instructions. For this disease to spread so far, it only means that some werewolf or a group must have found a way to sneak into the affected pack to spread. And that must have been after the law was made for no one to go into the place les
ETHANI am sitting at my desk, with a pen in my hand as I can only think about what is going on in the kingdoms. I decide to write a letter to Arnold, letting him know about the situation.The weight of responsibility is pressing down on my shoulders now more than ever, and it is not helpful to know that every word I write could mean the difference between life and death for our people. “Dear Arnold.” I start, the words flowing from my mind to the page. “I hope this letter finds you well, and that you’re doing better than last time. I didn’t want to disturb you, but it’s important, and I fear the news I bear may not make you very happy.” I pause, my frown deepening as I consider how best to let him know what is going on without causing unnecessary panic. “The illness continues to spread and people have died, not just in your kingdom, but in mine and the others.” I write, my hand trembling slightly in spite of my efforts to remain steady. “The symptoms are becoming more severe, a
ARNOLDAs I stand at the window of my given chambers, gazing out at the kingdom I've sworn to protect, a heavy weight settles in my chest. The spreading illness, the fear in my people, and the thought of Hazel's safety weigh heavily on my mind. I know I cannot stand idly by any longer. With a deep breath, I make the difficult decision to return to my kingdom.The journey back is fraught with worry and anticipation. I wrestle with my thoughts as I leave, but deep down, I know it's the right choice. Hazel needs me, and Ethan cannot face this crisis alone. And to be honest, neither can I. Once I get home, I take in a deep breath and the familiarity of the palace grounds brings a bittersweet comfort, only, there is no time for sentimentality. I find Ethan in my study, poring over maps and scrolls with a furrowed brow. "Ethan." I say, my voice betraying my anxiety. "We need to talk." He looks up, his expression going from shock to excitement as he hugs me and asks me about everything
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