Veronica's POV:It was getting dark and after I spent an hour crying out my heart, I headed back to my room. As I got into my room, I walked into the bathroom and slumped into the bathtub, and sank into the warm water that seemed to briefly wash away my sorrows. I couldn't believe that Lucas could betray me in such a way. I loved him with every fiber of my being and offered my body to him on a platter but he chose to be with Matilda, a mere pack warrior.Anger boiled in my stomach as I recalled the events of the day. I blinked away the tears from dropping. I have cried a lot today and I was having a throbbing headache. I heard a soft knock on the door but I felt too numb to lift myself from the bathtub. I had found solace in the little confinement of the bathtub and I wasn't willing to leave yet."Who's there?" My voice croaked. Somehow, I expected it to be Lucas. Despite how much he hurt me, I still wanted to see him again and maybe hope that he will apol

Matilda's POV:As I clung to Lucas in the branch of the sycamore tree, the darkness of the dense woods enveloped us. Our naked bodies pressed close, seeking comfort and solace in each other's arms. We had been caught in a moment of passion, but now we were hidden, waiting, listening.Footsteps approached, and my heart pounded in my chest. Lucas and I exchanged worried glances, our breaths coming out in shallow gasps. We strained our eyes to see through the darkness, and as the figure drew closer, I recognized him - Parrish, Lucas' friend.My grip on Lucas tightened as we watched in horror. Parrish was dragging a smaller guy by the scruff of his neck. I could barely make out the guy's face, battered and bruised from the blows Parrish was landing on him at intervals. Parrish suddenly transformed into his wolf form, his fur bristling with rage, and the smaller guy followed suit. The two wolves circled each other, growling and snarling, their eyes gl

Veronica's POV:"Veronica, I've been waiting for this moment," he said softly. "You know how much you mean to me, and I would be honored to be your mate."Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile back at him. His words filled me with a sense of reassurance and happiness."But, Veronica," Lucas continued, his tone serious. "I want you to be sure about this decision. It's not just about tradition or duty. It's about love, and being with someone who truly makes you happy."I appreciated his honesty and sincerity. I knew that Lucas cared for me deeply, and I had always felt a strong connection with him. But at the same time, I couldn't ignore the nagging doubt in the back of my mind."I understand, Lucas," I said softly. "I do care for you, but I want to be sure that our feelings are genuine and not just influenced by the expectations of the festival."Lucas nodded understandingly, and I could see the sincerity in his eye

Veronica's POV:As I walked into the palace sitting room, I immediately sensed something was off. The Queen, Lucas, and Chloe were all huddled together, whispering in hushed tones. They looked up in surprise as I entered the room, and I could feel their eyes boring into me."What's going on?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light."Veronica, dear, we were just discussing some palace matters," the Queen said, trying to sound reassuring.I wasn't convinced. "Is everything alright?" I pressed, my heart beating a little faster.Lucas finally spoke up. "Veronica, let's go talk in your room."I nodded, grateful for the chance to speak to him alone. As we walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but feel a knot forming in my stomach. What could they have been talking about that they didn't want me to hear?Once we were in my room, I turned to face Lucas. "What's going on?" I asked again, my voice barely above a whisper.Lucas hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "Veronica, I don't

Jason's POV:True to Henry's words, Veronica was in the Nightshade Pack. I was surprised to find Veronica Brooks- the same girl I rejected as my mate- standing in front of me. Not as a random human being but as a princess of the Nightshade - the biggest and strongest werewolf pack.Without thinking, I called her name without adding honorifics. She was taken aback by my words. It was as though she didn't recognize me or my parents. My mom and Dad on the other hand barely recognized her. She looked heavenly and breathtakingly beautiful - a sharp contrast to her former appearance.I'm sorry, have we met before?" She asked, trying to keep her tone neutral.My Dad glanced at me, his eyes shooting lasers at me and I quickly composed myself."I'm sorry, I guess I mistook you for someone else. I apologize," I said, bowing briefly.Veronica stood there staring at me, unsure of what to say. "Uh mmm. It's fine. I've met a handful of people who've mistaken me for someone else," she stuttered nervo