Isabeau's POV“You are a shame to this Pack and we'll pray that someone like you will never be born again." "You're a curse to this world, Isabeau. You brought calamity on Stellan and you will do the same to everyone who ever dares to come close to you.""Do you really think you can run away? You can't escape this fate, Isabeau. You've been marked for death. Your ending is set in stone, you can't escape it. Slowly but surely, the time draws nearer for you to free the world of your existence….."My eyes snap open, and I gasp for air as I wake from the vivid and unsettling dream that cruelly plagued my mind. I feel a tap on my shoulder and flinch."Isa, are you alright? Is something wrong?" My mother asks, her voice dripping with concern.I look from her to the three other women in the room and I instantly understand the situation."I'm fine, mum. I just had a nightmare." I speak monotonously, still trying to recover from the horrors of the night."Today is your special day, Isa, it's

Isabeau's POVKing Stellan turns back to face me, his eyes searching mine as if to confirm my sincerity. "Are you sure about this, Isabeau? Once we begin, there's no turning back."I nod, taking another deep breath, steadying myself. "I'm sure."And with those words, our fate is sealed, bound together by a pact that holds both promise and uncertainty. King Stellan smirks approvingly, he takes my small hand in his large ones, sending light tingles down my spine. "A wonderful choice, dearest," he says, his possessive tone surprising me. "Well then, It's time to let everyone know who you truly belong to."I try to tame the blush that rises to my cheeks at his words. I nod at him, and try to steady my nerves as we re-enter the hall where my mating ceremony was supposed to be taking place. The attendees are all gathered in groups and clusters, all gossiping about the drama they had just witnessed minutes ago.The room falls deadly silent as people notice our return. At the front right

King Stellan's POVAs my royal carriage sets in motion towards my home, the gentle sway and the rhythmic sound of hooves on the ground create a soothing ambiance that calms my thoughts and brings a type of ease that is getting harder to find each day. I can't believe that I actually did it. I came to the Moon Rise Pack and stole Isabeau away from her groom. Ever since I met her, she's all I've been able to think about. Time and time again, I try to ignore the heat that ignites in my chest when memories of her plague my mind but there's only so many times I can lie to myself.Using the protection of my secret as an excuse, I made her that deal but the truth is, I just want to satisfy my selfish desire to see her. I really can't understand it. How did it come to this? How is it that I, who's never looked at a woman with passion, desires a complete stranger so much? There's just something about her that pulls me in. I can't pinpoint it but she fills me with warmth and familiarity- Like

King Stellan's POVI snap my fingers, and immediately four smartly dressed maids appear at my non verbal command. "These are your royal handmaidens. They are here to serve you with anything you desire. They will be at your beck and call 24/7," I explained to her, indicating the women with a nod. "Listen to me, all of you," I address the maids, my voice commanding as they bow their heads and listen attentively."This woman here is going to be my Queen so you must address her with the utmost respect. Treat her as you would me because the slightest mistake will not be forgiven." I warn."Yes, your Majesty." They all chorus, their heads still bowed."We've just arrived from a long and exhausting journey so I want you to attend to her accordingly. Bathe and dress her in an attire fit for the soon to be Queen of this kingdom." I order and they concur.Isabeau glances at the maids, a mix of surprise and hesitation evident in her eyes."Um…. Your Majesty, they really don't have to. I'm fine

Stellan's POV"I believe my daughter, Allegra, is the most perfect candidate to be your queen. She is beautiful, well mannered, of noble birth and most of all, a Lycan.” Arlo lists out and the other members hum in approval, it's starting to seem like one big conspiracy.My body freezes as I realize that if I don’t tread carefully, I might lose this battle.....and lose her.I should have expected it, I should have seen it coming. His words are a blatant challenge to me, carefully disguised as expectations of my position. Whoever said being King is easy needs to think again.‘You know I’m right. What will you say now?’ The look in Arlo’s dark eyes seems to say to me.As soon as Arlo mentioned the idea of me marrying his daughter, Allegra, I'm pretty sure my heart skipped a beat as I felt a wave of dread wash over me. Arlo has placed me in a dangerous position; a choice between my promise to Isabeau and my duty to my people.I have absolutely no reason to reject Allegra; neither can I po