جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 50

EVELYNHis word struck me like a lightning, snapping me sharply into the cruel reality. For a moment, I was completely paralyzed. The intensity of his obsidian eyes showed that he meant every word he’d said, and as he stared through me, I had an impulse to submit, stronger than I’d ever felt before.It was more than just desire. It was an animalistic need for him to mark me, to make me his, so that I could be relieved of any other thoughts.Mark, as a sign of possession, was sacred among wolves. One claiming the other, declaring the rest of the world that the bearer of the mark belonged to no one else. A werewolf could only be marked once in their lifetime, unless the one who marked them died.I supposed many women would be more than happy to be marked by the Alpha King, but not me. Never me.Though he had made it clear that I was his property, I could still dream of release – so long as he hadn’t marked me. I could still yearn for the moment when he grew bored of me and forgot me.But

EVELYNI pictured the dress I’d worn that night—a soft, delicate thing my mother had inherited from her own mother and renewed by an excellent seamstress who had woven thousands of crystals and precious gems into its skirt. I was the center of everyone’s attention, but that wasn’t what I wanted. I fidgeted absently all night, hoping the time would pass quickly.Cole was supposed to meet me right before the ceremony, before the midnight bell struck to announce my maturity, and before the doors to the wedding hall opened—where Jack would be waiting for me.So, I couldn’t raise suspicion. I paced, feigning interest and anxiety about the coming wedding. I lied, pretended to be enthusiastic when Jack came to see me. I told him how much I was looking forward to it. I waited for the cue from Conner—he was supposed to come and bring me to Cole.But he never came, not until the wedding had already begun. I walked into the hall, debating whether I should simply be honest and call the whole thing

COLEBefore night fell, I arrived at Anastasia’s private sitting room.She was lounging on a double-seated chaise, her eyes half-lidded with lazy elegance. Several attendants knelt on the carpet around her, each bearing a tray—an array of sweets, tea, and wine arranged meticulously atop them.Her personal maid stood just behind her, and the moment I stepped across the threshold, those sharp eyes found me. She leaned close, whispered into Anastasia’s ear, and at once Anastasia’s eyes fluttered open.“My dear son, you’re here. I thought I’d be waiting much longer,” she purred, smiling. She gestured at the single armchair beside her without bothering to shift her posture, still reclining, as if the world moved only for her.I approached and slouched into the chair, letting my gaze roam around the room for a moment.It had been a long time since I’d last come here. I remembered it was around the time when Anastasia had just married my father and moved into the palace. She’d been young then

AIDENI stared back at him in surprise, shocked and unsure of my next words.A death zone?I was anxious to hear his explanation and dreaded the following investigation that now certainly had to happen.Windsburn Island was mainly for condemned prisoners, but it was not meant to be as bad as he implied. His grave expression told me that there was truth in his warnings, but I had to find out what was happening here, personal safety or not. I was the King’s Guard.My mission was to keep the Alpha King safe from potential enemies, and if the old man’s words were true…The Foxes themselves could be enemies.“My name is Aiden,” I introduced myself, wishing at once I had provided a different name to further my disguise.Thankfully, my given name was fairly common, so I knew it wouldn’t amass any suspicion, and since most knew me as Sir Moran, it seemed like my choice would be just fine.The old man studied me for a moment, surprised at my response, and his thick eyebrows creased for a momen

AIDENI couldn’t find the right answer for the little girl, no matter how much she wanted it. How could I bear the tell Emma the truth? She was just a child.Thankfully, before I could muster up a reply, Charlotte returned and immediately asked her youngest child to help her make lunch.Emma protested a little but ultimately did as she was told.Little was said after that, and when Steven finally returned, the meal was ready. Or at least what constituted a meal around here.Charlotte placed a few pieces of stale bread and a bowl of soup in front of me and then took a seat on one of the armless chairs. The food didn’t smell too appetizing, but Charlotte had worked hard with what resources she had, so I accepted my portion gratefully.“Thank you,” I said, and then I caught Steven smiling at me. I rose at once, and as I did, Evelyn’s father drew me into a tight hug and patted me on the shoulder.“You look great, Aiden,” he said and my eyes started to burn at once.Years ago, before I wen