I knew my first instinct was to push Cretheus away as we would still know each other, but I couldn't find myself doing so. It felt like a magnetic pull between us, unable to be parted from each other. I also knew that he was here to console me because of the nightmare I had, but I was here now, unable to back out.And it was hard to deny our mate bond, especially how our bodies infused together. Not only that, but the sexual attraction between us had escalated quickly now that it was just the two of us here in the same room. I hated to admit that I could no longer keep myself away from him. Right now, all I wanted was to be with him. It was the same feeling whenever I was with Thaddeus and Theodore. And just by kissing Cretheus back with the same fervor, I had proven that I also wanted him.Cretheus' tongue kept fighting with mine, infusing and playing as if he wanted to dominate me, but I was not the person who would back down so easily, and I wanted to prove that I could do the s
"I'll see you again once this casualties had been settled down, huntress. Alright?" That was Cretheus' words as soon as he pulled me outside and hide in the dark. Tomorrow was supposed to be our departure to help about the gathering of the arrival of the two monarchs from the Waevalon Kingdom. Biting my lower lip, I nodded my head and hugged him, my wolf was already missing him. Because we had strengthen our mate bond, and I was not wearing any incantation jewelry, my feelings for Cretheus intensified and so was he.Ever since that day we marked each other, I couldn't deny my feelings for him. It intensified and on par of what I felt for Thaddeus and Theodore."Yes, but I still hate you for removing me from being your apprentice." I couldn't help pinching his skin, making him irk.Cretheus cleared his throat softly. "I'm sorry. I was out of my mind, but I have been working on taking you back." His expression softened as he caressed my cheek while looking at me lovingly. "I will make
I was told that being in front of the Moon Goddess' altar with your mate was supposed to be the most joyous moment of your existence. It was said to elevate you to the highest summit of a mountain, impervious to any natural calamities that might occur."Lord Severin de Rosa, do you take Lady Kasumi Azai to be your wife, to share in all of life's joys and sorrows, to be your faithful and loving companion, now and forevermore?"But how did I end up in a circumstance where I had to marry someone who wasn't my mate?"I do, Your Eminence."Gripping the flower bouquet to a tight recoil from Severin's reply to Priest Paule's question was enough to shatter my whole being. It was as intense as a hurricane that destroyed a whole town and as impenetrable as the brick wall."And to you, Lady Kasumi Azai..."As my name was being called, my heart beat furiously in my chest as though it wanted to break free and shatter into pieces.How did I end up being used as a pawn in a political marriage to bri
"Do you even need to come near my study hall, Kasumi?" Severin asked and tugged my arm, almost splitting my limbs in half. Irritation fluttered in the air, suffocating me to the core. "Didn't I tell you already? I—""Did you even think I have the choice?" I asked in a raspy whisper, wary of the other students passing by. Fixating his gaze on him was a mistake, clamoring a geyser on his expression that I almost ran away from him. "I was told to keep my relationship with you!"My uncle was the one who ordered that! I wanted to add. My cousins relayed that message to me, feeding me with insulting words to tune off my breaking point.Being betrothed and married to this man always made my stomach churn upside down, shoving me to the deepest sullen spring, unable to abscond from its boiling arch. It was sickening that he was in my presence."Not in this royal academy, idiot!" Severin looked like he wanted to strangle me.He and I would never get along, even though we had been married for th
"I heard the royal academy will hold a ball this annual foundation day."My eyes were fixated on my meal, and I had to pursue Madeline, the current Luna of the Blazing Winter pack and Thaddeus' wife, who opened up the focal point of being enrolled or working in the royal academy. I was sitting across from her, so it was easy to match my gaze on her."I heard from Severin that this year's theme is a masquerade party. Is that true?" Madeline asked with a tone that sounded like the melody of the birds chirping first thing in the morning, gazing at Thaddeus sitting by the edge of the table as the usual setup since he was the head of the House of de Rosa.Thaddeus pierced the luscious and tender medium-rare meat on his plate. Each slice and friction of the knife between the plate served anticipation, prolonging a little before scrutinizing the meat."Yes, the student body organization confirmed that this year would be a masquerade party," he replied earnestly while his eyes were on his pla
"Marquis de Rosa, I am happy to be of assistance!" Lady Claire, the notorious seamstress of the capital's aristocratic society, welcomed us with a smile that seemed as warm as the freshly brewed tea after she curtsied before him. "How may I help you, my lord?"Thaddeus removed his hat, gliding a beautiful smile that could have a stunning effect on others. "I am here to get my tailored outfit and for her." He gestured his hand to get Lady Claire's attention to heed on me."Oh, I see." Lady Claire nodded before curtsying in front of me. "Please to see you again, Lady Kasumi. I hope you still remember me."I nodded, smiling. "The pleasure is all mine, Lady Claire." I felt the turmoil in my stomach flushing out of my body when she spoke to me with a respective tone. "And how could I forget you since you were the one who made my dazzling wedding dress, Lady Claire?"I still remember how intricate the tailored wedding dress she made for me was.The wedding dress at that time was shimmering
I was busy admiring my necklace in front of my reflection in the vanity mirror when my eyes flew towards Severin, who had just left the bathroom from taking a bath and saw what I was doing.His lips curled into a scowl as he gritted his teeth. The furrow of his eyebrows and the squint in his eyes revealed his obvious disapproval.His reaction made my eyebrow arch before I spun myself to face him, following him to the wardrobe through gazing at him. "Did you know? I found my necklace again." I tried to initiate a conversation with him since I knew very well that he never expected me to have the necklace again. "The odds are in my favor, no? I did not think that I would ever find my necklace again."My words reached Severin's ears as he slammed the wardrobe door. "I should have thrown it back to the lake when I had the chance..." he muttered. But that was barely a whisper. He intentionally made me hear it as soon as his eyes flung a slap of death in my direction."Boo-boo... You are not
"How do you like your tea, Kasumi? Is it bitter or...?"My eyes pierced at the cup of tea that was served to me earlier. My finger was only tracing the brim of the cup before gazing up to meet her gaze after tasting the tea she had brewed.The scent of citrusy floral-like orange tea filled my nostrils, and a tangy and tart aftertaste played in my mouth. I told that to Madeline with a gentle smile plastering on my lips, letting out this heavy weight that kept on fitting me."I am glad that you liked earl grey tea." Her slender fingers wrapped around the sultry cup. "That is Severin's favorite, in case you are wondering."A mere mention of my husband's name flipped the mood as I felt this gnawing feeling starting to eat me. It suddenly made me lose interest as soon as she said that."I will keep that in mind," I said in a cheerful tone, pertaining that Madeline was trying to impose upon me that I must dutifully fulfill my marital status.However, deep inside, if I were to serve Severin