Novel-novel oleh Sunny Leah

—ELEANOR.-Before I can even explain, before I can even speak on the folded note crushed in my hand like a flame I’m trying to smother, Arthur snatches it from my fingers.He doesn’t ask. He just takes it.My breath halts, suspended in my throat as I watch him unfold the paper— slow at first, then faster, more agitated. And then his eyes catch the words and so does everyone else’s behind this.He doesn’t say anything at first. But his jaw clenches.He spins on his heel, facing the curious semi-circle of onlookers who’ve gathered me since the bathroom incident. Their faces are a mixture of worry, suspicion, and good old-fashioned curiosity dressed in diamonds and tailored suits. Arthur’s hand trembles, just slightly, as he holds the note up like a scroll.His voice is sharp when it finally cuts through the room. “Who did this?”The silence that falls is louder than any gasp.He reads the words aloud, his tone taut with controlled rage:“You deserve this?” He scoffs. “Some people need

—ELEANOR~The bathroom walls feel like they’re shrinking.My fingers are numb from gripping the metal doorknob, the damn thing refusing to budge no matter how many times I twist or pull or knock against it. I can’t even hear the party music anymore— just my breathing. Too loud. Too fast. Too close to breaking.It’s way too cold in here and I can’t take it. While the party is warm and has heaters every where the bathroom feels like the bottom of the ocean.I press my palm against the door and rest my forehead there, trying not to panic. I’d been knocking earlier, softly at first, then with more urgency, even calling out when I heard someone pass. But each time, footsteps faded away. I walk back into each and every one of the bathroom stalls hoping I’d find something, anything to help me break the door.Who the hell locks someone in a bathroom?I don’t need to guess when I see a note in the last bathroom stall, a small note placed atop of the toilet’s golden tank, looking like it was

—ARTHUR.-The party thrums around me, music swelling again now that the short performance interlude has passed, but I barely hear it. My thoughts are still wrapped around her.Eleanor.The way she sat behind that grand piano just minutes ago, skin glowing under the chandelier lights, fingers grazing each key with a grace that made everyone in the room sit up straighter. Even me. Especially me.I hadn’t expected that.I’d known she could play, of course. She teaches, I’ve known about it casually, like knowing a person’s favorite color. But tonight…Tonight she looked like a different version of herself. Or maybe not different—just free. Like she’d shed every layer of constraint our marriage wrapped around her and finally exhaled.And God, was she radiant.I lean against one of the tall cocktail tables, drink untouched in my hand, and scan the crowd distractedly. Vanessa and Handel are still chatting away with guests, glowing in their usual grandeur, but my mind keeps drifting.Back t

—ELEANOR.~*~All I can hear now is the hush of silk gowns shifting in chairs, the delicate clinks of silverware being set down, the occasional clear of someone’s throat.And then nothing.Silence.A suffocating one.I inhale— slow, deliberate— trying to remember what my hands used to feel like before the accident. Brianna’s smug smile lingers in the back of my mind.But I push her out.I think of something that fits this setting. Something classic. Something real.My fingers move— almost automatically—as I begin the haunting, familiar notes of a famous classic everyone should know.The first movement. Soft. Melancholic. Devastating.The first three notes echo like raindrops in the stillness.My heart pounds in my chest.The weight of a hundred eyes press into my back.But then— I find it. That still place. The old rhythm. Like I’ve slipped through time and into something that once loved me, and then I see my students and I’m reminded of the joy I get from playing.I smile briefly.M

—ELEANOR.-“I wish we could have something raw,” Vanessa says, swirling the wine in her glass as her voice dances over the table, “something classic—not another cover trying to force instruments to make it seem classic.”Her words float in the air like a challenge, one that ripples across the faces of the guests. I finally lift my gaze from the untouched food in front of me and look at Arthur.He’s already looking at me.No—watching me. His gaze is heavy, like a presence pressing into the space between us. It doesn’t waver, doesn’t flicker away when our eyes meet. It bores into me like he’s trying to read something buried in the marrow of my bones.His lips twitch into a faint, nearly imperceptible smirk. That little curve. It’s dangerous. It’s not sweet— it’s knowing.And before I can fully register the heat rising in my chest, Handel chuckles— a deep, wheezy sound that startles everyone into glancing his way.“Can’t keep your eyes off your wife?” Handel says, grinning with that smu

—ELEANOR.-“Fancy meeting you here.”Brianna’s voice cuts through the air with a falsely innocent sweetness, the kind that makes your skin crawl. She offers a sheepish smile, her eyes glinting with something too sharp to be kindness. It’s the kind of smile that peels back like a mask. Polite, but vengeful underneath.My fingers nearly curl into themselves, a raw instinct to shield the soft places she used to puncture with her words.Arthur tenses beside me. He doesn’t hesitate—he steps forward, creating a subtle but firm barrier between me and her. Protective. Commanding.“What are you doing here?” he asks, voice low and edged, already tired of the game she’s trying to play.Brianna halts, her expression snapping like a branch underfoot. Her anger simmers just beneath the glossy surface of her carefully done makeup. She raises a perfectly arched brow and fixes her piercing gaze on him.“What do you mean by that?” she scoffs. “I’m my father’s daughter. I’m a Brown, Arthur. Of course I

12YEARS LATER JASMINE—-.The kitchen bustles with activity as servants scurry about, their hands moving swiftly to prepare for the evening's festivities. The clock ticks closer to dusk, and the pressure mounts to complete the decorations before our party guests arrive.I lend a hand where I can, expertly arranging a centerpiece of fresh flowers. Hades burst into the room, Jason perched on his broad shoulders, giggling uncontrollably."You'll make him throw up again," I warn, eyeing Hades's energetic swinging."Aw, he likes it," Hades replies, grinning mischievously, as he makes another sweeping arc."Mommy, I love it!" Jason squeals, his tiny hands grasping Hades's hair.I shake my head, concealing a smile. "If you throw up, don't expect me to come to your aid."Jason's face sets in determination. "I'm four. I can help myself."I chuckle inwardly, recognizing the stubborn streak he inherited from Hades. Jason's words echo his father's confident tone, a miniature replica of the man w

—JASMINE-Stepping foot in Silvermist feels surreal, like a dream I've longed to awaken to. The word "home" echoes through my soul, resonating with a depth I never knew I craved. Every step carries me closer to a sense of belonging.As I wander through the pack's grounds, a somber atmosphere envelops me. The usual bustle seems muted, with fewer pack members in sight. Some may be busy with their daily routines, but the scarcity of familiar faces weighs heavily.My heart quickens, anticipation building as I approach the main pack house. I've yearned to hold my children close, to see the spark in their eyes. And Hades...my mate, my rock.The pack house comes into view, its wooden facade weathered to a warm, golden brown. Smoke drifts lazily from the chimney, carrying the scent of warmth and comfort.I push open the door, and a sense of peace washes over me. I'm home.After weeks of navigating the unfamiliar city, I'd finally found my footing. The initial disorientation and panic had g

—HADES.-I trudge back to the Silvermist pack's main house, weighed down by the crushing burden of defeat. The familiar scent of home and family offers little comfort, as the ache within me grows with each step.Until now, I hadn't grasped the depth of great sadness. The hunt, once fueled by determination and hope, has yielded nothing. No sign of Jasmine, no hint of Denzel's whereabouts. The abyss of uncertainty gapes wider, threatening to consume me.As I enter the pack house, my gaze falls upon Enora and Ezra, their hushed conversation halted by my arrival. Their eyes, attuned to my emotions, widen in concern.Ezra, one of our pack's strongest members and a trusted ally had opted to remain behind, watching over Enora and our children while I pursued the hunt. His presence provides a sense of security, allowing me to focus on the search.Now, as Enora and Ezra take in my worn, defeated appearance, they sense the outcome without needing words. Their expressions mirror my despair."

JASMINE.-I'm so cold, my body numb and trembling. Hunger pangs gnaw at my stomach, and my throat feels parched, desperate for a drop of water. The night is wearing on, and I've lost all sense of direction.The convenience store manager's words echo in my mind: "You're miles away from Maple." The reality hits me like a ton of bricks. I'm stranded, alone, and scared.This place is unfamiliar, its streets twisting and turning in ways that make no sense. I don't know how to navigate these dark alleys and deserted roads.Fear creeps in as the streetlights cast long, ominous shadows. Every sound makes me jump – the rustling of leaves, the distant hum of a car, the creaking of trees.Denzel's face flashes in my mind, his cruel smile etched in my memory. He's a monster for bringing me here, for tearing me away from Maple and everyone I love.My hand instinctively goes to the cut on my chest, the pain still throbbing. Infection is a constant fear, and without Lira's healing touch, recovery w

—HADES.-Denzel's minion leads us to the outskirts, just as he promised. But I should've known better. The guy's a total liar. This is a setup, a trap.Denzel's goons are waiting in the warehouse, ready to pounce the moment we step foot inside.But I'm on it. I brought my pack here to track down Jasmine, not to get caught up in Denzel's twisted game.As their alpha, I prioritize their safety. "Fall back!" I yell.My wolves obey instantly, falling back as I unleash the full fury of my inner beast. Adrenaline surges through my veins, fueling my fight response. I become a whirlwind of teeth and claws, taking down Denzel's wolves with swift and deadly precision.With each swift kick, I send opponents crashing to the ground. My bites are targeted and merciless, crushing bone and sinew. My claws slice through fur and flesh, leaving ravaged bodies in my wake.These amateur wolves, thinking they could take me down? It's almost laughable. My strength surpasses theirs by a landslide, honed fro

—JASMINE-“You’ve fucked me up” Denzel begins.“Now come closer”I move closer to Denzel, my body betraying my will. His hand reaches out to claim me, his touch looming like a dark specter. The night air thickens, cold and oppressive, as if conspiring against me.Alison seethes behind me, her rage palpable. "Stop this madness, Denzel!"Denzel's smirk twists into a snarl. "Shut up, you filthy traitor. I'll deal with you when I'm done with her.""Traitor, says the traitor himself!" Alison spits, her voice venomous.Hunter joins the chorus of outrage. "You deceived us!"Denzel's laughter sends shivers down my spine. "I didn't deceive you. You're both just blind fools. It would've been nicer to claim one of your bodies."His words drip with malevolence, and I feel a surge of revulsion.I turn to face Alison, our eyes locking in a silent understanding. She wore the cursed necklace around my neck; she could free me.Alison's gaze flashes with recognition, and I turn back to Denzel."Now le