Elaine’s POV As I moved through the crowd, I could feel the weight of their stares. Most of the guests kept their distance, retreating as far as they could while still maintaining the illusion of mingling. Their whispered conversations and furtive glances followed me, but I held my head high, my expression composed and unbothered.Some of them tried to glare at me, their eyes filled with judgment and disdain. It was almost laughable. They had no idea how powerful I truly was now. I felt a surge of strength coursing through me, a power that none of them could comprehend or challenge.Occasionally, a brave soul would approach, offering polite, if strained, greetings. I responded with a courteous nod, my demeanor regal and unwavering. I was no longer the scared and desperate girl they thought they knew. I had been reborn, and my newfound strength radiated from every pore.In one corner, I saw a group of elders huddled together, their eyes occasionally darting in my direction. They w
Elaine’s POVI sat at the bar, nursing my whiskey and watching Leah storm off, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see my father, Elder Thorne, standing beside me with a concerned expression.“Elaine,” he said softly, his voice cutting through the noise of the celebration. “Are you alright?”I managed a small smile. “I’m fine. Just... adjusting.”He nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. “I know this isn’t easy, but you’re strong. Remember that.”“I will,” I replied, appreciating his reassurance more than I could express.Thorne squeezed my shoulder gently. “I need to speak with a few people, but I’ll be nearby if you need anything.”“Thank you,” I said, watching as he walked away to mingle with the other guests.A moment later, Orlo, Killian’s best friend, approached me. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with an easygoing demeanour that contrasted sharply with the tension around us. He leaned against the bar, studying me with curious eyes.“Elaine,” he began, his tone casu
Killian’s POVI couldn't tear my eyes away from Elaine and Orlo as they moved gracefully across the dance floor. Anger simmered beneath my skin, each step they took together feeling like a deliberate provocation. Orlo had always enjoyed testing my limits, but this was different. This was personal.Elaine, in her elegant black dress, exuded a confidence that seemed to taunt me. Her every movement was poised and assured, a stark contrast to the Elaine I remembered. Now, she stood tall and unbothered, commanding attention and respect, while I stood on the sidelines, seething.Orlo caught my eye, his expression annoyingly amused. He knew exactly what he was doing, and the satisfaction in his gaze only fueled my rage. He spun Elaine around, her laughter ringing out softly, and I clenched my fists at my sides."What the hell is he thinking?" I muttered under my breath. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of jealousy and frustration swirling within me. Orlo's audacity to cozy up to Elaine,
Elaine’s POV The journey back home felt interminable, every step heavier than the last. Exhaustion clung to me, not just from the night's events but from the emotional turmoil that had been my constant companion. I crossed the threshold of my home, the weight of it all seemed to settle more deeply on my shoulders. The powerful feeling that had surged through me earlier now felt hollow, leaving me adrift and unsure.I dropped into a chair, the silence of the room pressing in around me. Despite the strength coursing through my veins, a deep sense of loss gnawed at me. It wasn't just physical fatigue; it was a profound disorientation, a feeling of being untethered. I'd come back to this world with a burning desire for revenge, but now, sitting here alone, I couldn't shake the feeling that my purpose was slipping through my fingers. That I don’t know my real purpose after all. The Moon Goddess had promised so much, had shown me a path and then... nothing. Since waking up, she had been
Elaine’s POV The maids in my father's mansion were a breath of fresh air in an otherwise suffocating existence. Unlike the nobles and elders who couldn't look at me without suspicion or disdain, these women saw me as a person rather than a prisoner.They were mostly a few years older than me, their youthful energy and genuine kindness providing a stark contrast to the hostility I'd faced elsewhere. It didn’t take long before I found myself spending more time in their company, seeking solace in the ordinary, everyday tasks they performed around the house.This afternoon, I found myself in the kitchen, where the maids were bustling about, preparing for dinner. The smell of freshly baked bread and simmering stew filled the air, wrapping me in a comforting embrace."Elaine, would you like to help us with the vegetables?" asked Sarah, one of the maids. Her brown eyes sparkled with warmth, and she handed me a knife and a basket of fresh produce.I smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Sur
Killian’s POVThe first chance Leah got to see me after the coronation, she stormed into my study with a face twisted in anger. I had been busy setting things right before school resumed, focusing on my duties as the newly crowned Alpha King. But now, I had to deal with Leah's inevitable complaint."Killian," she snapped, slamming the door behind her. "I need to talk to you about Elaine."I sighed inwardly, trying to maintain my composure. Leah had been a constant thorn in my side lately, and her relentless obsession with Elaine was starting to wear on me. "What is it now, Leah?" I asked, my voice steady but tinged with impatience."She shouldn't be here or even free," Leah said, her eyes blazing with fury. "She was supposed to be dead. We all know she's dangerous and a murderer. Why is she still alive and roaming free?""Elaine is under investigation. I won't make any decisions until I have all the facts. Besides, her being alive isn't something we can control. The Moon Goddess had
Elaine’s POV Getting to know Feyre, my wolf, was both exhilarating and daunting. Her presence within me was a constant reminder of my new identity, and her guidance was a comforting, albeit strange, experience.I walked back to my room after my conversation with my father, I decided to try and connect with Feyre more deeply. Sitting on my bed, I closed my eyes and focused inward, trying to reach her."Feyre?" I called out tentatively."I'm here, Elaine," she responded, her voice calm and reassuring. "What do you want to know?""Everything," I admitted. "What it's like to be a wolf, how to control our powers, how to navigate this new world.""We will learn together slowly but surely," she said. "I am a part of you now, and together, we will become stronger. Trust in me, and trust in yourself."Before I could ask more, a knock on the door interrupted our conversation. My father's voice followed. "Elaine, could you come to my study again?"Sighing, I stood up and made my way to his stud
Killian’s POVI stood in my spacious, well-organized closet, the weight of my responsibilities as the new alpha king bore down on me. I didn’t have the zeal to return to school, but I knew it was necessary. My brother had managed to finish his studies while fulfilling his duties as alpha king, and I needed to set a similar example for my people.I reached for a pair of dark jeans first. The denim was soft but sturdy, providing the comfort and durability I’d need for a long day. They fit perfectly, neither too tight nor too loose, striking a balance between casual and sophisticated.Next, I chose a shirt. I opted for a crisp, white button-up. It was a timeless piece that conveyed a sense of authority and elegance without being overly formal. I rolled up the sleeves to just below my elbows, giving it a more relaxed, approachable feel. The white contrasted nicely with my skin and complemented the dark jeans, making the whole outfit look effortlessly put together.For footwear, I picked