Seventy twoI stepped down from the vehicle, my hand gripping Alpha Rafe's firm arm for balance. As my feet touched the cobblestones, a roar of cheers erupted from the massive crowd filling the bubbly town square. I gasped, shocked by the sheer number of people who had turned out. Crimson kingdom banners flapped in the breeze as men, women and children craned their necks to catch a glimpse of us."They're here for you, for all of you," Rafe said close to my ear. His warm breath sent a shiver down my spine despite the summer heat. "The people want to see their future Queen."Kelly, Jessica, Aurora, Addy and I made our way to a raised platform in the center of the square, waving and smiling at the cheering throngs. Excitement buzzed in the air, the anticipation palpable. As we ascended the steps, the crowd began chanting."Freya! Freya!" some called out. My heart swelled at their support. It felt surreal to think I had actual fans. I was extremely excited and thankful that Rafe had give
Seventy three*Freya*"Hello, Freya, it's me. It's Daniel."The voice was like a bolt of lightning, jolting me back to a time before the palace, before Rafe. I forced my eyes open, blinking away the tears, and found myself staring up into the concerned face of Daniel Stonecrow, my old coworker from the villa."D-Daniel?" I croaked, my voice hoarse from the smoke and the screaming. "What are you doing here?"He offered me a tight smile, his eyes scanning our surroundings for any sign of danger. "I heard you were going to be here today, and I wanted to see you. But we need to get you somewhere safe. Can you stand?"I nodded, gritting my teeth against the pain as Daniel helped me to my feet. The world spun around me, and I clung to him for support, my heart pounding in my ears. As we stumbled away from the chaos, I couldn't help but wonder what had caused the explosions, and whether Rafe and the others had made it out unscathed.Please, Goddess, I prayed silently, let them be alright. Le
Seventy Four*Freya* "I won't give up," I promised, my voice trembling but determined. "I'll keep fighting, for as long as it takes. For Rafe, for my friends, for everyone I love. I won't let them down."Daniel smiled down at me, his eyes shining with pride and admiration. "That's my girl," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "You're stronger than you know, Freya. And we'll get through this, together. I promise."As he spoke, I felt a flicker of hope kindle in my chest, a tiny spark of light amidst the darkness. I clung to it like a lifeline, letting it guide me back from the brink of oblivion. And as I drifted off into a fitful sleep, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I would face them with courage and determination, secure in the knowledge that I was not alone.*****Rafe* I opened my eyes with a start, my heart pounding. Where was I? I glanced around frantically, taking in the unfamiliar room. Sunlight streamed in through a small window, illumina
Seventy Five*Rafe* The moment we stepped out of the room, I was greeted by a sea of faces, my people gathered in the courtyard, waiting for me. Men, women, children - all looking to me for guidance, for reassurance in the midst of this devastating attack. Pride swelled in my chest, momentarily overshadowing the fear and anger that had taken root. They were here for me, loyal to the end.I stood before them, allowing my gaze to sweep over the crowd. "My friends," I began, my voice carrying across the hushed gathering. "Today, we have suffered a grievous blow. An enemy who is unknown at the moment, has struck at the very heart of our kingdom, shattering the peace and security we hold so dear."A murmur rippled through the crowd, expressions of fear and anger mirroring my own. I held up a hand, and silence fell once more."I come to you now not just as your Alpha, but as a man humbled by your unwavering loyalty, your courage in the face of this adversity. And I make you this solemn vow
Seventy six*Rafe*I ran towards the voices crying for help despite Connor calling me back. I dropped to my knees beside them, my heart breaking at their suffering. They were human, fragile and innocent, caught in a war they didn't understand. I reached out, my hands trembling as I tried to assess their wounds."Rafe," Connor said softly, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Their injuries...they're too severe. There's nothing we can do."A sob tore from my throat as I gathered the girls into my arms, their small bodies shaking with pain and fear. I knew Connor was right, but I couldn't accept it. I couldn't let them die, not like this.blood. "Please, help us," the older one begged, her voice ragged with pain. "It hurts so much." I reached out to stroke her singed hair. "Shh, it's going to be alright. I'm going to help you." But how? Medicine and bandages would do little for wounds this severe. Only one option remained - the bite. It would heal them, but at the cost of their humanity.I
Seventy seven*Freya* I blinked my eyes open, grimacing at the pounding in my head. As my vision cleared, a familiar face came into view, hovering over me with concern etched across his features. "Daniel?" I croaked."Freya! Thank god you're awake," he exhaled, relief washing over his expression. Ignoring the aches wracking my body, I pushed myself up and flung my arms around him. He wrapped me in a tight embrace as a few tears escaped down my cheeks. We stayed like that for a long moment, holding each other close. Daniel had been my rock working together at the villa, always there with a joke or helping hand. I owed him my life for rescuing me from the chaos after the bomb ripped through the town square. As we pulled apart, Daniel searched my face. "Why did you leave without telling me or Morgan? We were worried sick when you disappeared."I sighed, dropping my gaze. "I'm sorry, truly. It was an impulsive decision. I just couldn't take one more day of my parents treating me lik
Seventy Eight*Freya*"Do you truly love him?" Daniel asked me quietly, interrupting my thoughts. "The Alpha? Or are you just with him as an escape from your parents and that life?"I paused, considering it. My feelings for Rafe had snuck up on me, catching me by surprise. But there was no denying the depth of them now."I do love him," I said with conviction. "I know it seems sudden, and at first, I couldn't stand Rafe. He was so strict and severe. But as I got to know him, I saw his true heart. His selflessness, his strength, his devotion to his people."I thought of all the times Rafe had been there for me, even rescuing me from danger. The way my heart raced when he was near. "Somehow, when I wasn't looking, that initial dislike turned to respect. Affection. And then a love so intense it almost frightens me sometimes." I shook my head in wonder. "Rafe challenges me, supports me, protects me. With him, I feel I can face anything.""He'd better treat you right," Daniel said fiercel
Seventy Nine*Freya*I couldn't believe we were Finally together. It was surreal. I thought about how I’d been scared that something bad happened to him. I melted into Rafe's strong embrace, my heart soaring with joy and relief. His muscular arms wrapped around me protectively as he lifted me off the ground, holding me safe against his broad chest. All the fear and chaos of the bomb blast faded away now that I was back in his arms where I belonged."Freya," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I was so worried. When I couldn't find you after the explosion..." His words trailed off as he set me down gently, his ice blue eyes roaming over me as if to reassure himself I was really here. Behind him, Connor stood silent and smiling, watching our reunion.I barely registered their presence, my entire being focused solely on my alpha. Rising up on my toes, I threw my arms around Rafe's neck and crushed my lips to his in a searing kiss. He responded with equal passion, his mouth movin