Chapter: 87CHAPTER EIGHTY- SEVENIVY’S POVThe cold wind whipped off the black river below, but as I walked toward the edge of the granite overhang, the heavy heat radiating off Aiden made the air warm enough to breathe.He didn't turn around until my boots stopped on the wet stone right beside his.Alex was already heading back toward the forward patrol line, his posture lighter, the dark tension between the two men finally dissolved. Aiden watched him go for a brief second before his golden eyes shifted down to me."He offered you an escape on the trail," Aiden rumbled softly, his voice a low vibration that carried over the rushing torrent below. "And you told him no. You trust me that much?""I told him people would die if I ran," I replied, pulling my damp cloak tight around my shoulders as I looked up at his sharp jawline. "You don't matter that much, Aiden."A dark, dangerous flicker of something intense as hurt passed over his features. He reached out, his large fingers lightly catching t
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-31
Chapter: 86CHAPTER EIGHTY- SIXIVY’S POVThe mountain path was a brutal, relentless nightmare of mud, jagged slate, and freezing fog. For thirty-six unbroken hours, the Northern army pushed vigorously without establishing a formal camp. Aiden set a punishing pace, driving the warhorses through the narrow midland passes where the mountain winds howled fiercely. Behind us, Commander Gleb’s inquisitors rode in rigid, silent formation, their visors reflecting the grey twilight.Every muscle in my body was filled with exhaustion. The bandages under my shirt were damp save for Aiden’s jacket protecting my breast from visibly showing, the cold seeping straight into my bones, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the suffocating paranoia clawing at my mind.Every time Kaelen rode near me, offering a quiet word of encouragement or checking the straps on my saddle, my stomach churned with a sickening wave of revulsion. I kept seeing that gold signet ring resting inside his coat, the stylized three
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-30
Chapter: 85CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVEIVY’S POV"Standing at the gates," I repeated under my breath, the words cold on my tongue.Aiden stepped between me and the main entrance, immediately, his frame instantly throwing me back into his shadow. The raw, violent emotion that had torn through him moments ago locked down behind a mask of a cold, terrifying expression."Stay behind me," Aiden ordered softly, his hand reaching out to grab his leather weapon belt from the table, buckling it around his waist in one smooth motion. "Kaelen, open the doors."The iron bar groaned as Kaelen pushed the double doors inward from the corridor. He stood at the entrance, his silver-and-black uniform spotless, his brown hair perfectly styled, and his expression completely unbothered and unfazed. His silver eyes flicked over Aiden, then drifted over his shoulder to look at mee standing near the open chest.For a second, a sharp and calculating look flashed in Kaelen's gaze, a flash of interest that vanished so quickly I
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-29
Chapter: 84CHAPTER EIGHTY-FOURIVY’S POVThe heavy silence that followed his vow was deafening. The words hung in the cold air in the moonlit war roomI would rather watch this entire world burn to ash than allow them to lay a single finger on you.I stared up at Aiden, my breathing shallow, my mind spinning violently. He was still pressing me against the cold oak table, his rock-hard frame pinning mine, his large hands holding my wrists above my head. The raw, terrifying intensity in his golden eyes wasn't fake. There was no calculation behind his stare right now. I could only see a dark, unhinged obsession that had consumed him entirely."You think that excuses it?" I choked out, my voice trembling with a mixture of hatred and intense confusion. "You think telling me you have changed your mind saves my people? The inquisitors are already riding, Aiden! The High Council has the coordinates you gave them!""The Council’s major strike force doesn't move until the eclipse begins," Aiden growled so
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-27
Chapter: 63CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREEIVY’S POV.The heavy iron bolt clicked into place outside the door, locking me back into the dim silence of the tower room.I stood rooted near the edge of the mahogany desk where Aiden had left me, my hands trembling as I pressed my palms flat against the cold wood. My lips were still burning from his kiss, tasting faintly of spiced wine. The lingering scent of rain and cedarwood hung thick in the air. I wiped my mouth hard with the back of my hand, a wave of self-loathing washing over me. I hated him few seconds ago and al he could do was come close enough for all of my resolve to drop.“You are disgusting and cheap, Ivy" I said to myself, while I paced back and forth.He thinks he’s winning. He thought that by holding me against him, by showering me with dark, protective promises in the midst of a mini makeout while keeping me isolated from Alex and Kaelen, he could overpower me. He wanted me dependent. He wanted me so consumed by his toxic, unhinged presence t
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-26
Chapter: 62CHAPTER EIGHTY TWOIVY’S POVThe world seemed to lose all sound. The howling wind outside the bay window, the crackle of the hearth, the loud sound of my own rapid pulse all dissolved into a cold, noiseless environment"Aiden," I repeated, my voice barely a whisper this time. It felt like a sharpened blade was tearing through my chest.Every question he ever asked me, every late-night interrogation in his war room. The way he probed into my childhood, the way he demanded details about the space where I grew up, the specific paths, the mountain passes, the strange traditions of my people, the reasons behind my inability to shift into a wolf. I had thought he was just always trying to break my spirit, and put me in a foul mood. He was playing a dark, twisted game while gathering information."Ivy," Professor Valerius said softly, stepping closer, hands hovering near my trembling arms as if afraid I would break down into pieces. "You must keep your composure. If the Alpha King notices a
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-07-25
Chapter: 10CHAPTER TEN.IVY’S POVA sharp knock at the door was the only thing that saved me from the suffocating weight of Aiden’s gaze. I didn't wait for him to speak. I slipped away from the bed, my skin still prickling where he had pinned me, and heaved a silent sigh of relief. He met the guards halfway, their voices dropping into hushed, urgent tones. “An emergency assembly," Aiden said, his eyes suddenly shifting from the intense heat earlier to a cold, detached golden color. He paused at the door, his silhouette blocking the light. "Don’t play smart, Princess, I'll be back.” He left before I could even find my voiceI heaved a sigh of relief.The announcement for the emergency came before sunset.They gathered us in the central hall, rows of bodies packed tightly, shuffling feet against the stone floor, inaudible whispers travelling through the air. No one knew why we had been called, but curiosity could be seen in the eyes of everyone, tension was palpable in the air.I stood somew
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-04-15
Chapter: 20CHAPTER 20RAIN ANDREA RIVERTON Prophecy or not, we were still students of Kingsbury High. It didn’t matter what we knew, or who we slapped. Attending classes was non-negotiable. Especially when they involved training. We were going to die one way or another, better to put up a good fight.“I am pleased to see some more familiar faces from the remaining aspirants the first trial didn’t wipe out.” Professor Bengal raised his chin. Hands behind the back of his robe, Dr Zia stood behind him like she always had been. “Do not rejoice yet, you still have three more to survive and win.”Three.Total of four. Not three like the Acolytes had done, Or as Aunt Eloise had in her time. Four. “Why does everything about our set have to be fucking different?” Nazeera frowned. Lix stood next to us with her Kitsune blade tugged in an X shape behind her fight gear.“Right?” Lix sneered. “It’s like they are trying to get us killed on purpose.” Professor Bengal continued. “You have today and tomorrow
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-04
Chapter: 19CHAPTER 19RAIN ANDREA RIVERTONShivers trailed down my arms in waves as I looked up to his tall frame. There was no surviving the rage that was in his eyes.“I have to cover my fish,” Nazeera said and walked away without waiting for a response.What in the world of betrayers?“I have to go help her cover her fish.” Leon hurried along. My eyes widened at how fast they were to betray me. Leaving me with this raging monster in front of me. But I couldn’t blame them, I’d do the same.“It wasn’t intentional.” I frowned, turning fully to him.“Do you even have any idea of what you have done?” His eyes flashed.Kai was angry. Murderous even. The hallway was empty, most students were in class already and I was in danger. “I kept it safe!” I shot at him. “I tried to, at least.” He scoffed, silver eyes blaring into mine. Suddenly, his ears twitched and he grabbed my wrist forcefully. Electricity passed through my veins and straight into my brain as he pulled me towards him, my face going to
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-04
Chapter: 18Chapter 18RAIN ANDREA RIVERTON“Ward nine, section five members have always been first in Kingsbury. So it would be absolutely wrong for me to say I am surprised.” Councilman Omen said with hands behind his back in high prestige. I could see the resemblance between Kamari and Ivella with their father. Were they as fucked up as he was too? Did he take the key? Did Nazeera take it?“Good job, once again.” His eyes scanned the hall.Our formation of three was behind our flags as always. Wards three and six stood beside us. “Your second trial comes in three days.” “Three days?” Voices were raised in protest, “We barely survived this one.” My brows squinted as I stared at Omen. Whatever his soul was made of, it was so dang obvious mine hated it. “Why the rush?” Naz mumbled beside me. “Aunt Eloise’s dairy stated we had at least two weeks to rest before the next trial.” I still didn't trust that she didn’t take the key. But I couldn’t accuse her if I didn’t witness it myself. Besides,
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-04
Chapter: 17If you are reading this, it means your first trial went well and you are still breathing. I am proud of you. You’ve always been a smart girl, Rain. Pay attention to details, patterns, and things that repeat themselves. And at the same time keep an eye on the council. And always remember. Once is a coincidence, and twice is a pattern. ~A GUIDE TO SURVIVAL AT KINGSBURY HIGH, GIFTED TO RAIN ANDREA, RIVERTON. FROM ELOISE RIVERTON (section5) ~ Chapter 17 RAIN ANDREA RIVERTONHome. Sweet. Fucking. Home. Well, maybe not exactly my idea of home, but at least I was back in my room. No corset. No long gowns. No cupcakes. And certainly, no Kai Malek. The slight movement from the other end of the room reminded me that Nazeera was still my roommate.Taking a deep breath, I let the sleep wash over me.***“Do you think you are worth anything? Do you think your father would find excuses to travel every time if you were so worth it?” Mother’s voice pierced through my ears, my little legs s
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-04
Chapter: 16CHAPTER 16RAIN ANDREA RIVERTON“It’s time,” Kamari stated. Each of us on either side of our beds was already dressed in our fight gear. My hair was packed in a high ponytail and two strands braided on either of my checks. Seconds later, we were pulling up to the tower to the meet-up spot Ward nine had picked. Lix moved from one foot to another with worry in her eyes. Naz? She wore a scowl more than half the time, I could barely read a thing out of her.I cleaned my sweaty palms over my gear. I was going to survive. My name was not going to be added to the death board.“Divide yourselves into groups of five,” Kai ordered. Unlike us, he wore a round-neck black top that highlighted his muscles. Only his pants were the school fight gear. “After tonight, we will either win or barely make it out with our lives. Because then, it will be obvious what we came for. I can guarantee that Aldamar will not let anyone leave alive.”“With our number and the guards we will have to kill, would he
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-04
Chapter: 31Chapter 31SOPHIE"I've been waiting for you, girlfriend," Jaxon said, dramatically pressing a palm over his heart. "As soon as I saw your text, I couldn't look away from my girlfriend's message.""Yeah, yeah. Let's just get this over with already," I muttered, pushing the office door open.Jaxon followed me inside and shut the door behind us."What did you say we were looking for again?" he asked, while I rushed straight to the desk, digging through the spots I hadn't been able to check this morning."Didn't you read my message?""I only took a happy glance at it and sent a quick reply," he teased, leaning against the edge of the desk. "After all, it's super rare to get a text from my girlfriend."I wished I could punch him in the head, but my fist would probably break before his skull did. "We don't have much time. I need to find my report... the one I wrote the last time the magazine team was here.""Oh," he said."Please help me find it," I begged.He smirked at me, but smoothly t
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-01
Chapter: 30CHAPTER 30SOPHIEAfter the long, tense ride back to the Beckham estate, I stepped out into the chilly air, clutching Ace's heavy black jacket tightly against my chest. I looked back at Maddie through the passenger window."I'll be back in twenty minutes," she said. "So we can head to the hockey practice together."I gave her a quick nod and watched her car pull out of the driveway.The entire ride home, Maddie’s eyes had been glued to me in the rearview mirror, practically burning with a million questions about what had happened between Ace and I, why he had boldly and tightly held my hand.What was I even supposed to tell her? That Ace and I almost... kissed? For the second time? Even though Ace kissing anyone was a myth?Heat rushed straight to my face despite the freezing breeze. I let out a long, shaky breath, trying to force my hammering heart to settle down.I pushed the front door open and slipped inside. Just like Maddie said, I only had twenty minutes to change before headin
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-01
Chapter: 29CHAPTER 29 SOPHIE I flinched hard, jerking away as I looked up.Ace.I blinked the tears out of my eyes to make sure I wasn't hallucinating, but it really was him standing right beside my desk."What... what are you doing here?" My voice came out shaky and thick from crying."What do you think I'm doing here, Sunshine?" He muttered, eyes the softest shade of silver as his head tilted down at me.I didn't even know he had come to school today. Hockey players barely came for classes... But... why was he in detention with me?There was no teacher capable of sending the Team Black's star player to detention.I glanced over at the teacher, but she was still glued to her phone screen. She didn't even notice him walk in, or maybe she was just pretending not to see us.I looked back up at Ace, who placed a hand on my desk. "You're obviously not supposed to be here. No one sends Ace Beckham to detention."The edge of his lip lifted slightly in an amused smirk. But as his eyes dropped to
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-01
Chapter: 28CHAPTER 28SOPHIEIt was the first time I’d ever been handed a real party invitation. Throughout my nerdy life, I was always the girl who got left out, unless Maddie managed to sneak me in somewhere.I flipped the card my co-worker at the cover shop gave meds, staring at Landon’s messy handwriting detailing the time and location.Would I even be okay going to this? I didn’t know anyone there, except him.I sighed, setting the invitation down on my nightstand. The soft slap of the card hit the wood, and my mind instantly slammed backward to Ace... and the solid, burning weight of his hand on my ass.A violent blush scorched up my neck to my face. I slammed my hands over my eyes.Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.Ace Beckham’s hand. On. My. Ass.I buried my face deeper into my pillow, trying to drown out the memory, but it replayed on a loop. A sudden, forbidden pulse throbbed straight between my legs, sending a slick, aching wave of heat to my core.My body remembered everything... the heat radiating
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-01
Chapter: 27CHAPTER 27ACE BECKHAMIt had been hours since I caught Sophie hiding in the coach's office. I didn't believe a single word of her pathetic lie.I took a sharp corner across the ice, dodging three players before sending the puck straight to Kyle. He caught it clean."Nice pass, Captain!" he called out, pushing toward the goal as the defense closed in.I watched him, but my mind was completely somewhere else. It was stuck on how close I had been to losing my mind with Sophie pinned against that wardrobe. The girl drove me to absolute madness. Just her breathing near me was enough to wreck my control.When I had her trapped, watching her plump lips stumble through those lies, all I wanted was to spin her around, push her flat against the wood, and fuck her hard until she was screaming my name.Shit.I pulled my visor out, running a heavy hand through my wet hair. Sophie Fane was going to be the death of me. My grip tightened on my hockey stick as I remembered how hard I had grabbed her
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-01
Chapter: 26CHAPTER 26SOPHIESophia? Was he referring to someone else?Of course not, you idiot! I thought my infiltration into the coach's office was a total success, but Ace knew I was here the entire time.I pressed my palms tighter against my mouth. Maybe he doesn't. If I stay completely still, he’ll just leave and...The wardrobe door yanked open with a sudden snap.I shrieked, pulling my hands from my mouth to cover my face. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I was so busted.I parted my fingers just enough to peek through. Ace stood over me, tilting his head, his dark silver eyes boring right into mine through my damn fingers."Want me to carry you out?" he asked.I quickly dropped my hands, trying not to stare at his stupidly handsome face. How on earth did he know I was in here? I hadn't made a single sound.I shook my head and scrambled out of the wardrobe. I took two steps into the room before the wardrobe door slammed shut behind me, making me jump out of my skin.Ace moved like lightning, blocking o
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-01