MasukAuthors note: Hey everyone, apologies for the late update, I had to take a break to rest.Ivonne's POV Elara didn’t answer my question right away.We stood in the corridor outside a building I assumed was the library, with the gemstones still flickering softly against the stone walls, and for one terrifying second, I thought I had pushed too far.“Elara…?” I asked again, my voice quieter now.She still didn’t move.My chest tightened. “I’m sorry If I brought the topic up too soon. If that question is too hard to answer right now then you don't need to —”She finally turned around.Her eyes were glossy, but not with tears. With what appeared to be memories as she began speaking.“I loved my cousin Chelsea so so much,” she said slowly. “More than anyone outside my mother.”I stayed silent, giving her space.“She was half Lycan,” Elara continued. “Which on this wretched realm meant that after her noble mother died, she was practically forced to live in the northern continent so that she
Ivonne's POV I stared at Athena as my mind tried to process everything she’d just said about the realm being vulnerable and Hector having to protect it.Since I couldn't let him face this alone, I decided to take initiative. “So…” I finally said, breaking the silence. “What can we do as women to help protect the realm?” Athena’s lips pressed together before she answered. “We can only pray to the goddess to help the men And we can emotionally support our partners if the attacks ever happen.” I blinked. “That’s it? Pray and talk to our partners when our people are probably being killed? I don't understand. I thought Lycans are powerful?""We are, but Lycans in this realm prefer to stick to their predetermined roles and rules." Elara shifted beside me, already looking uncomfortable. I frowned. “Wait. You mean… we’re truly not talking about helping them fight?” There was a strange pause, the kind that made me know my answer before anyone even spoke. Elara cleared her throat. “Ivon
Ivonne's POV I sank slowly into the armchair beside a large wide window, I was still a little nervous from the surprise of seeing all these proud Lycan noble women bowing to me. “Okay,” I said with a small smile. “Everyone, please… sit down.” The women hesitated for a second, like they weren’t sure if they were allowed to, which only made me more uncomfortable. Viera leaned on her brothers as she lowered herself into a chair, Elara followed, then Athena, sitting straight and dignified like always. Hector was still standing near the door, arms folded, his expression tight in that way I’d learned meant something was bothering him. “I’ll be right back,” he said suddenly, turning to Sevrin. “Come with me. We need to handle something.” My brows knitted together. “Is there a problem?” He paused, just for a second too long. Then he walked back to me and brushed his thumb over my knuckles. “Don’t worry about it. Just… talk with them. I’ll be back.” That didn’t make me feel be
3rd povElder Marcellus moved like a shadow under the pale glow of the moon, his heart hammering in his chest. Every step was calculated, silent, careful not to scrape a stone or knock over a stray object that might give him away. The corridors of the Lycan realm were quiet, save for the occasional distant snore or shuffle from a guard, but he knew better than to trust the night. Hector’s vigilance had tightened after Ivonne’s ordeal; guards patrolled more often, more strategically, and it made even a simple stroll treacherous.Marcellus’s palms were slick with sweat as he pressed himself against the cool stone walls, darting a glance down the hall. A guard’s shadow stretched across the corridor ahead.Damn it.He froze, holding his breath, and timed his movement with the guard’s passing. The sentry’s eyes scanned methodically, but Marcellus let his noble rank shine through—subtle gestures, a tilt of his head, a feigned calm. The guard hesitated, recognition flickering, and then with
IVONNE’S POVI woke to the soft morning light streaming through the palace windows, warm and golden, brushing over my face. My head rested on Hector’s chest, the rise and fall of him steady and comforting. I blinked a few times, trying to process the calm after the storm of the last few days.“Good morning,” Hector murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple. His voice was still thick with sleep and relief. “You finally decided to wake up.”I smiled, still groggy, and snuggled closer. “Morning… feels… good,” I mumbled, yawning.Before I could fully enjoy the quiet, a soft knock echoed from the door. Hector’s arms tightened around me, and he groaned. “Who could that be this early?”“Maybe it’s important,” I said, attempting to sit up.“Not so fast,” Hector said firmly, gently pushing me back against his chest. “You’re staying right here. I won’t let anyone see you half-asleep like this.”I huffed, feeling both annoyed and secretly grateful. “I’m fine! I can get up.”“Nope,” he replied, arms
IVONNE’S POVWhen it started getting dark, Hector led me back to the palace, and I couldn’t help but marvel at how different everything felt. Even though we’d been here before, today the place seemed warmer, softer somehow. The corridors were quiet, but the air hummed with… respect?We reached our room, and he ushered me inside. A light dinner had been prepared—bread, fruits, cheese, and some honeyed meat. It wasn’t fancy, but it looked inviting, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I didn’t care about appearances.As I stepped in, I noticed something odd. The Lycans—those who usually eyed me with suspicion or outright hostility—were bowing as we passed. Their expressions weren’t wary or jealous; they were smiling. Even a few bowed very low respectfully as if acknowledging something I had done.I stopped in my tracks, confused. “Hector… why are they… smiling at me? and Bowing so low?”He smiled, leaning down to kiss my forehead. “Stories of what you did have spread, Ivonne.







