~ Hazel’s POVMy heart pounded in my chest as I slipped out of the hidden passage. It wasn't my first escape from the palace, but that didn't make it any easier. I knew exactly which twisty corridors and secret doors to take to avoid the usual guards. Relief flooded me as I finally emerged from a dusty service entrance, blinking in the sunlight. But just as I thought I was in the clear, disaster struck. A shout erupted from the courtyard. Rayel was taking care of the intruder and everyone, of course, went running to see the commotion. Perfect. Now, thanks to the whole "intruder-and-Rayel-show," everyone was on high alert, making my escape that much more obvious. Talk about bad timing! But I was able to leave the palace without getting caught. I quickly walked away from the palace and then brought out my phone from my back pocket. I went through my contact and then sent a text to Alpha Dolph, my secret lover. Hey, let’s meet up at our usual placeI hit the sent button and I knew th
~ Rayel’s POVI watched as Zeeb was dragged out by the guards. He was manhandled out of the courtyard. He disappeared in a flurry of shouts and thrashing limbs and then I turned my attention back to Farkas. Calling out his name again made me recall that I had heard the name before. The name echoed in my head and I was sure I’d heard it somewhere.I stared at him silently and then Boris walked up to me, asking if I was okay."I'm okay," I mumbled to Boris, "but the name Farkas... I think I knew someone with that name."Boris's brow furrowed even deeper. "Actually, Your Majesty," he said carefully, "Farkas is also the name of Elara's stepfather."My breath hitched. Elara's name sent a fresh wave of sadness crashing over me. But I pushed it down. There were bigger things to deal with at that moment.I turned back to Farkas, who was watching me intently. "You seem relieved Zeeb's gone," I said. He gave a small nod. "He deserved it."He was so grateful to me for punishing Zeeb and then tol
~ Elara’s POVI got right up in Rufus's face or maybe more like his chest and he nearly shoved me off! He looked super jumpy, all jittery and on edge. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with him and why he was so nervous."Rufus, are you seriously okay?" I asked him, totally freaking out 'cause he seemed so freaked.Rufus snapped a curt "I'm good" at me and bolted out of the room faster than a greased cheetah. I chased after him, but poof, he was gone like a magician's trick. My brain went into overdrive. Did I say or do something wrong? I wracked my head but came up with nothing.The room felt like it was closing in on me. Every creak of the floorboards sounded like Rufus returning, but he wasn’t. Time seemed to crawl as I paced back and forth. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I checked the clock – it was way past dinner time. Panic started to gnaw at me. Grabbing my phone, I switched on the flashlight and, completely forgetting it was dark out, I charged out into the forest to
~ Rufus’s POVElara's tumble onto my chest sent a jolt through me. My face flushed hot, and for a second, I felt like shoving her off me, but I clenched my jaw and stopped myself from doing so. Without a word, I bolted. I needed air, space, anything to get Elara out of my immediate range. I raced out the house and plunged into the woods, the trees quickly swallowing me whole. Her voice calling my name faintly registered, but I pushed on, deeper into the green maze. My head throbbed, and I had to sort through the jumble of emotions before I could even think about facing her again.The giant oak tree cast a cool shadow as I slumped down at its base. My mind was stuck on Elara, and how to slam the brakes on these growing feelings. Confessing everything felt too soon, too scary. Lost in thought, a gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, and sleep drifted over me like a wave.A sudden gust of wind ripped through the trees, jolting me awake. Darkness had smothered the forest. Panic surg
~ Rufus’s POV I was silent for a while when I heard Elara’s question and then I recalled how I had unintentionally killed a friend of mine with my powers at the hospital some years ago. It was another excruciating feeling I had after Dolph’s incident and I wasn’t over it yet. Richard was my best friend when I was in medical school. We were roommates and we did most of our things together. We attended lectures, seminars and even did our assignments together. We were so close that some people even joked we were a couple. It wasn't like that, though. I was definitely ahead of him in school, always explaining the tough stuff he didn't quite grasp. He came from a rich family, but he wasn't afraid to roll up his sleeves and work part-time with me to help make ends meet. That's the kind of friend he was. We were like brothers, really. Even though I was older, Richard reminded me a lot of my own younger brother. He had that same spark of curiosity, always wanting to learn and explore. It ma
~ Hazel’s POVAlpha Dolph stared at me like a lion eyeing its dinner. He licked his lips, which wasn't exactly helping my heart rate."It's getting late," I said, trying to sound calm. "I need to get out of here before someone sees us,”Dolph gave me a sad puppy dog look. "Just a little longer, Haz, then you can go.""I really need to go," I pressed, a little playfully. "Wouldn't want Rayel to find out about our little secret, would we?""Hold on," he chuckled, pulling me closer. "If Rayel finding out means I get to keep you all to myself, then maybe it's not such a bad thing,”I swatted his arm playfully. "Don't be ridiculous, Dolph,” I stood up and started to change. He couldn't resist following suit, wrapping his arms around me from behind as I slipped on my clothes. He nuzzled my neck, inhaling my scent, and then trailed kisses down my arm."Maybe I should just come over to your territory, steal your husband from his fancy throne, and make you queen of mine," he murmured between k
~ Rufus’s POVRichard and I watched in shock as the patient grabbed a scalpel; a sharp knife used in surgery right off a nurse. He waved it around wildly and shouted, "Get me a doctor now, or someone's gonna get hurt!" Fear was etched on his face, and his voice trembled. It seemed clear he was desperate and terrified, probably confused too.“I need to get out of here!”The woman who came with the guy cautiously approached him, her voice laced with soothing concern. "Hey, hey, it's alright. See, right there? The doctor you wanted, they're coming. They'll take good care of you, just put that thing down, okay?"But her words seemed to have the opposite effect. The man's fear turned into anger. His grip tightened on the scalpel. "Don't you tell me what to do!" he roared. "You got me all messed up in this mess, and now you think you can just boss me around? No way!"The situation escalated further. The man's shout boomed through the room, "Adulterer!" Panic surged through everyone as he wi
~ Rufus’s POVRichard was a mess. Blood slicked his skin and clothes, a horrible crimson stain spreading with every ragged breath. Panic clawed at my throat, but I shoved it down. I wasn't going to let fear cloud my judgment.Scooping him up, I screamed for help. The room, which moments ago had been filled with frantic movement, seemed to freeze. All eyes snapped to Richard, and a jolt of energy surged through the frozen medical staff. Doctors and nurses surged forward, a wave of purpose crashing over their initial shock.Gently, I laid Richard on the nearest bed. There was no time for niceties. With trembling hands, I ripped away his bloodied clothes, exposing the gruesome wound. It was a gaping gash, deep and angry, spewing crimson like a broken faucet."We need supplies, now!" I barked at the nurse closer to me. My voice, ragged with fear and adrenaline, cut through the tense silence. Thankfully, she didn't hesitate.Moments later, she shoved a tray overflowing with bandages, gauze