Scarlett’s POVMy heart skipped a beat as the voice echoed through the night, piercing the fragile veil of silence. Panic surged within me, threatening to shatter my resolve. Without hesitation, I dove into the nearest bush, burying myself in its leafy embrace. I held my breath, praying that the darkness would cloak me from prying eyes.A guard approached, his steps heavy with weariness. His companion walked beside him, their conversation muffled by the distance. They passed just a few feet away from my hiding spot, their voices a mere whisper on the wind."There was someone in the bushes," the guard said, his voice laced with suspicion.His companion chuckled, a tired sound tinged with disbelief. "You're just tired and sleepy, my friend. It's playing tricks on your mind."The guard sighed, his weariness evident. "Maybe you're right," he conceded. "I can't wait to get back home. This place drains the life out of me."His words resonated within me, igniting a flicker of empathy. Even t

Scarlett’s POVMy heart raced as I watched the soldier's reaction to the empty cage. His frustration was evident in his exclamation, but it didn't reveal his true intentions. Was he expecting to find me there? Or was he simply following orders to investigate the cage?As conflicting thoughts swirled in my mind, caution became my guiding principle. I couldn't afford to reveal myself prematurely, not when my safety and the safety of those I cared about hung in the balance. I needed more information, a clearer understanding of this soldier's allegiances.Keeping my distance, I retreated further into the shadows, observing the soldier as he inspected the cage. His brow furrowed with a mixture of confusion and concern. It was clear that he had expected to find someone inside. But who? And why?My curiosity gnawed at me, urging me to step forward, to confront him and demand answers. But reason tempered my impulsive desires. I couldn't let emotions cloud my judgment. I had to be cautious, to

Scarlett’s POVThere, hidden among the shadows, a figure emerged—a woman with eyes filled with compassion and a determination that mirrored my own. The stranger rushed to my side, offering a steadying hand and a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos."I saw you fall. We need to get you to safety," she said, her voice laced with urgency. Her words resonated with my own desire to escape this perilous situation, and without a moment's hesitation, I grasped her outstretched hand, allowing her to help me to my feet.Gripping the woman's hand tightly, I allowed her to guide me to the safety of the nearby bushes. My breath came in shallow gasps, and the pain in my abdomen intensified with each step, threatening to overwhelm me. But the woman's presence and her unwavering determination gave me strength, fueling my resolve to survive.As we reached a secluded spot, she swiftly gathered a handful of large leaves, motioning for me to crouch down and remain hidden. I complied, grateful for the cover t

Soldiers—countless soldiers—poured out from the underbrush, armed to the teeth and surrounding us. How had I been caught off guard? I scanned our surroundings, searching for an escape route, but it was too late. We were outnumbered, surrounded by an enemy force that seemed to materialize out of thin air. Panic gripped me as the soldiers closed in, their eyes filled with malice and their weapons gleaming with deadly intent. Our comrades fought valiantly, but the sheer number of adversaries overwhelmed us. Chaos erupted, the clash of steel and screams of agony filling the air. I fought with all my might, swinging my weapon in a desperate attempt to hold back the tide of attackers. But they were relentless, closing in on me from all sides. My comrades fell one by one, their lives extinguished in the blink of an eye. Fear mingled with sorrow, fueling a burning rage within me. "Stand strong!" I shouted to those who remained, my voice strained with both defiance and desperation. "We will

Scarlett’s POVElara's question hung in the air, her surprise evident on her face. I nodded, confirming her assumption. "Yes, Elara. I am the wife of Marco, the Lycan King."She gasped softly, her eyes widening with a mix of awe and reverence. "The Lycan Kingdom... It is the second most feared kingdom, known for its power and might. To think that you are the queen, that you have faced such trials... I am honored to have you here in my humble abode."I reached out, gently touching her arm to halt her attempted prostration. "Elara, there is no need for such formalities. What matters now is not my title or position, but finding a way back to my husband and our people. I am grateful for your kindness, but my priority lies in reuniting with Marco and ensuring the safety of our kingdom."Elara nodded, her expression a mix of understanding and determination. "Of course, Scarlett. Your journey is of utmost importance. I will do everything in my power to assist you, to help you find your way b