I WATCHED as the devil took a step closer to me, as his predatory and hungry eyes raked over my body. The air between us suddenly felt hot and thick. And when he was finally in front of me, he didn’t waste any more time to hold me. Blade’s big hands cupped my hips and pressed me into the hard length of his body. Just like that and a rush of fire flared throughout my core. Then and now, only this man could make my body melt with just his eyes, with just his hands. And Blade was very much aware of that. This kingdom had never allowed me to feel any sense of belonging but strangely, each time I’m in Blade’s arms like this, I felt like I’d found a place to belong. How about him? Was there even a tiny chance that he felt the same way? I wish there was a way to know the devil’s heart. But I couldn’t ask. I could wage my own war now. I could handle hundreds of wolves and maybe deal with vampires, but I could never have the courage to ask something outside the deal Blade and I had made.

MY WOLF howled for the countless time. I didn’t know this could happen to me again. I didn’t know that after three years; I could break again. It happened too soon. I was not prepared.For the past days, I searched for Blade and his knights. They were not in the castle. And no servants had seen them. I went to the house where I used to live outside the kingdom. I had the key, Blade had given me a spare key, but none of them were there. The only traces they left were the documents stating that Blade was giving his properties to me and that he was setting me free.My role is over here, Katniss. You got your revenge and I’ve retrieved most of my energy. I had already burned the blood contract. It was interesting doing business with you.P.SDon’t cry, my beautiful wolf. You have made it this far. You are a queen now. Always hold your head high. Do not let your crown fall again. The knights said they will be cheering for you.Yours,BladeThey vanished just like that. But before that, the

(Katniss)HOW time flies. In the past, meeting Chester’s eyes was enough to give me butterflies in the stomach, now it gives me a stab wound in the heart.I heard the rumors. He was now divorced. The newly-selected members of the Council immediately granted his request while I was away searching for Blade. Not that it would matter even if I was present since I had given them the authority to decide about the trivial matters and I considered his marriage one of them although Chelsea did call and give me a heads-up.The Council was still fond of Chester after the sacrifice he did for the kingdom.After seeing the agony in his eyes, I wanted to try forgiving him. After all, Chester did defend the kingdom with all his might. He may not be genuine to me, but his loved for the people remained genuine at least. But looking at him like this reminded me of the day he ran so far away from me, of how he ignored my hand when I tried reaching out to him.

“THIS sword symbolizes your strength and devotion to the kingdom. With the blessing given to me by the goddess, I, Katniss Valenciaga, your Alpha Queen, bestows you, Chester Reynolds, this sword with a hope and prayer that your body will be as mighty as this sword.” I took the sword from Chelsea and threw a glance at Chester who was still kneeling on the ground. The coronation ceremony was followed by the awarding of the warriors. “Chester Reynolds, you may now rise and accept Her Majesty’s blessing,” Lord Apollo announced. Chester rose. I placed the sword over his left shoulder and over his head, an indication that I am giving him my blessings before handing it to his hands. His name was carved in the steel. Chester may have the biggest contribution in defending the border but the truth remained. His parents plotted the revolution against the Valenciagas. From a council member during the Lancasters’ reign, Chester had been demoted that’s why he was the last to be rewarded although

AFTER so long, it took us this moment to understand why humans were into cameras so much. Me, too. I wanted to capture this moment, too. This was a rare sight of a devil pining for a woman. And we all could guess who the culprit was for this particular bug. The hybrids did their best to contain their laughter. I even saw Felipe suddenly turning his back from His Grace. He punched himself on the face just to stop himself from laughing out loud while I bit my lower lip and tried hard not to blink so I could focus on the conversation. The fire died when His Grace evaded our eyes. “Blade Marshall’s mana: optimum level,” Khal said through the mind link. “His fighting skills? Optimum level. Without a doubt,” Felipe added. “Intelligence: optimum level,” Drake butted in. “No one could beat His Grace’s wits.” “Looks? Of course, optimum level as well,” I said. After a while, we scratched our heads when we realized