HarlynI glanced up, catching a glimpse of an unusual glow in Stefan’s eyes, which had me curious. I intended to get closer to him for a better look, but before I could, he swiftly excused himself and vanished from the room. Yet, I was sure of what I saw.It reminded me of the radiant hues that dance in the triplets’ eyes when their emotions surge beyond control. This particular glow was unfamiliar to me until I witnessed it as the pups got older: Stefan mirroring Isaac’s fiery red. Thorin’s eyes are an icy blue, and Lotta’s golden yellow. But why did Stefan share this trait with them?This weird similarity begged the question: what did it mean? I had never seen anything like it before, and even Wayne was baffled. Despite our efforts to understand the pups’ unique characteristics, we remained clueless.The lack of answers left me uneasy, prompting a troubling thought. Is Stefan the one with answers about why their eyes are different? As much as I didn’t want to speak to him, he must k

HarlynStefan stands before me, and I can sense I am annoying him. I feel angry at him, though, and I'm not entirely sure why, so rather than ignoring it, I use it and taunt him.“Yes, that; now you can stop playing dumb and acting like you have no memory of it,” he snaps, and I almost laugh.“I wasn’t playing dumb, Your Majesty. I honestly forgot about it.” Pausing, I smile at him. “Isn’t that what you wanted? This wretch to forget about you and leave you alone?” I watch as his eyes widen at my words.He was expecting a weak, pathetic Harlyn. Sure, I can’t just walk away and dismiss him, but I can undoubtedly use words to taunt him. Hate builds within me, and it's an unusual feeling. Something I can't squash.“Is that all, Your Majesty? I must see the Princess,” I say before turning to leave.His hand snaps out and grabs mine. Again? That is twice in one day he’s touched me.“No, you’re not going anywhere,” his voice echoes, commanding my attention again.I meet his gaze, and there i

HarlynHolding the phone to my ear, I felt a rush of warmth flood me as Wayne’s voice filled the line.“Wayne,” I greeted him, unable to suppress the smile that tugged at my lips.“Harlyn, how are you doing, my Luna? I hope you’re not getting bullied.” I can hear the worry in his tone.“No, I am not getting bullied. Things are well,” I assured him. The internal struggles I have threaten to betray my words. I can't have him worrying about me, not when he has his own pack to lead and protect.“Are you sure? You sound defeated, my love,” he says.“I promise. I think I am just getting worn out from the long day,” I admit. My heart aches at the thought of him worrying for me. Especially when he is so far away, and I can't reassure him except with words.There was a pause on the other end of the line.“Wayne, is everything okay? You are unusually quiet,” I ask, my concern mounting with each passing second. He's too quiet, and I don't like that.“I miss you, Harlyn. I don’t know if I can stay

StefanI stand by the table and look at the Earl.“What do you propose?” I ask, knowing that he will have some suggestions.I watch as he rolls out the maps. “The wedding is tomorrow, and it’s too late for us to go now. This is where they got through; currently, the soldiers on the second defence wall are holding up,” he explains.“So we send more soldiers to ensure no one else can get through,” I suggest, and he nods in agreement.“The plan is to ensure the soldiers are there and stop them from breaking through the second defence. After the wedding, our top soldiers and I go and push them back out of the kingdom.” He explains the plan while marking out the areas on the map.“Send reinforcements to the west,” I order, and he looks at me in confusion. “When we send more soldiers there, they will think we took them from another point, so reinforce the next closest one.”I watch as he nods in agreement. “Good plan. I will get it sorted. The soldiers can easily hold off the rogues until af

HarlynThorin has gone to dance with my mother, and now Lotta is dancing with me. The atmosphere is alive with joy and celebration. I’m even more delighted because my father and Stefan are nowhere near me. They haven’t been present at any part of the wedding since after the ceremony.“Harlyn.” I turn, hearing Samuel’s voice, and my arms instinctively wrap around him in a tight embrace. I’m so glad I got to watch him marry.“I’m guessing Thorin told you about the plan?” He asks, waiting for my reply.“He did. We’re going to the palace for the night?” I ask, seeking confirmation.Samuel nods. “Yes, but not tonight. Things are still going well at the wall. The rogues aren’t getting through, so we’re not leaving until tomorrow.”I relax at his words; it gives me time to prepare for everyone’s inevitable questions when they realise the pups are mine. Right now, amidst the festivities, no one seems to suspect.“So tomorrow?” I inquire.“Yes, it just felt wrong to leave tonight, even if the