“They took the bait,” Daryn whispered. Aluxious straightened, his fists clenching as he suppressed a growl. His emotions conflicted. They sent Freya to a remote village under his rule that was far away from Stobia, the elven kingdom. Now that she was taken it only proved the influence the elves had over the region. “I don’t like this.” His best friend and beta looked down at his feet that dangled from the cliff. They were once at the Selene mountain top, overlooking the villages. “He won’t hurt her.” Aluxious forced a breath. He rested his hands on his knee. Though he no longer held any romantic feelings toward Freya, she was still a friend. “How can you be so sure?” Daryn’s gaze met him. He wasn’t. But one can hope. “She’s leverage.” “She’s like family,” Daryn stressed. “I don’t like this.” Aluxious put a hand on Daryn’s shoulder. “I know.” “Was it really necessary?” Every measure he took to protect his people

The lycan castle of Selene stood tall with the Selene peak in the background. The afternoon sun scorched his skin. Moon pulled the hood over his face, his calculative gaze accessing every citizen that walked past him. Some acknowledged him with a curt nod and moved away from his path, the others didn’t bother. The village bustled with everyday activities. Women chattered eagerly with their neighbors. The words queen, curse, and pregnancy resonated in his ears. A group of men gathered to play some stupid board game with a drink in their hand. The castle had no fortress-like Stobia or Barrmount. Villages and farms surrounded the castle. They had a village square, where people accumulated to sell their goods. He expected Aluxious to erect a wall around Selene when he ascended the throne, however, the lycan showed no interest in it. Perhaps, it was because they were wild beasts themselves. They needed no protection from the ones that lived the forest like the oth

“Useless Nymph!” Freya simmered with fury. “You can’t even bring yourself to finish a simple task.” Flora’s thin lips trembled. Her rosy eyes, wide and full of tears stared at the furious lycan as she huddled in the corner where she was thrown earlier. She dared not to avert the gaze to check her aching shoulder. Her breath came out in pants as she curled her five-inch frame appearing smaller. “Please… Appease your anger, Your Majesty.” Her shaky voice was barely audible above the growls resonating across the room. She squeaked when Freya lifted her and carelessly tossed her across the room. “I want to kill you,” she hissed. “But killing a little thing like you would bruise my ego. You worthless piece of shit!” Flora covered her mouth, afraid her sobs would attract more beatings. She tried to get up, but fell down. Someone pulled her away. Cradled in a warm embrace, she let her tears fall. The hands that carried her dropped her softly on a flowerbed.

Reyna couldn’t have been happier than she was as she sunk into her mother’s embrace. “I missed you,” Reyna sniffled. She hadn’t realized how much she missed her mother until she saw her in person. The last time they met wasn’t under good circumstances and she was busy fighting her father. The moment her mother walked into the room, she had attached herself to her like a koala. “I’m glad you’re here.” “Me too, sweetie.” Her mother rubbed her back fondly. Reyna relaxed more, the pent-up tension and worries ebbing away at the tender touch. A mother’s touch had the power of healing like no other. “I know you wanted me in Barrmount, but Saber told me to trust him and come to you. I’m glad I listened.” Reyna nuzzled her mother’s neck, inhaling the calming scent. “I owe him,” she mumbled. “It’s good to have someone I can trust when I’m most vulnerable.” She released her mother and led her to the bed, making her sit before occupying the spot beside her. “I was starti

They came at night, just like they came for his uncle and the others. Moonlight filtered through soft white curtains in the corridors, drowning everything in a silver glow. Three silhouettes advanced swiftly, their movements only a blur to mortal eyes. Their poisoned blades slit the throats of unsuspecting guards, leaving lifeless bodies in their wake. When they approached the royal chambers, one of them paused and lifted a hand before approaching the door. To their surprise, the door was slightly ajar no movements coming from the inside. The assassin in the front motioned his hands in a positive gesture as he pushed the door wide with little to no noise. His eyes found his target sound asleep on the bed. The alpha’s chest barely moved, his steady beat of heart the only sound in the entire chamber as they approached. His dark hair fanned out on the white pillows and silk sheets pooled around his waist. The assassin lifted his blade, getting ready to deliver t