~Damian~ Sitting on the dirty and dusty cell floor, my nostrils were filled up with awful smells, I could hardly breathe fresh air. But this was the least of my worries. I was worried about Cassie. I kept asking myself so many questions, and I craved answers. โIs she worried about me? Will Lucian allow her to pay me a visit? Is she and the baby okay?โ Heaving a deep sigh, I inhaled a bountiful amount of foul smell, causing me to sneeze heavily. I shook my head weakly and shut my eyes. Lucian had lost it already, and I didnโt even know what to do next. While my eyes were shut, my ears picked up the sounds of footsteps approaching. The footsteps sounded familiar, though I wasnโt exactly sure who it was. I sprang to my feet and moved closer to the cell gates, anxiously waiting for whosoever it was to show up. All of a sudden, I heard a voice call my name. โDamian?โ It was Saraโs voice. And before I could reply, she found my cell and our eyes met. โSara? What are you doing down h
~Cassandra~ I headed to Lucianโs chamber with so many thoughts running through my head. How were we supposed to handle the situation on ground? I knew Lucian wasnโt his best self, but I still needed to talk to him about Damian too. I hated that Damian was locked up in a cell for no reason. Getting to his chamber, I walked in and met him pacing at the cover of his study. โLucian,โ I called, but he ignored me and kept pacing. I heaved a sigh and moved closer to him. โCan you stop pacing? Youโre making me dizzy.โ I retorted, causing him to abruptly stop. โWhat do you want?โ He asked in a cold manner, keeping his gaze off me. โWhat are we going to do now? I donโt understand what has come over these people anymore. Are we not going to do something?โ I asked worriedly, and he scoffed, finally looking at me. โWhat do you want me to do, huh? I know you all are happy with how everything is going. You donโt have to pretend like you are worried.โ He responded and continued his pacing aga
~Lucian~ โWe want another king! Give us another king!โ The persistent voices of the people pierced the door of the hall where they were, hitting my earbuds mercilessly. Shaking off the fear that began to rise in me, I occupied my mind with the words that I had planned to say to them. I kept repeating the words in my head as I walked into the hall. The voices of the people multiplied greatly when they saw me, and it seemed like if I wasnโt very careful, they were going to pounce on me. Even though guards surrounded me, it didnโt seem like enough protection. I raised my hand, hoping to see if they still had little regard for me, and I wasnโt disappointed. The roaring and murmurings stopped instantly. โThank you,โ I uttered in a loud voice before I proceeded to what exactly I wanted to say. โGood evening, people of this kingdom! Your complaints have reached my ears, and I think itโs only fair that you let me share my own side of the story too, donโt you think?โ I asked, and I got a
~Sara~ After making sure we were very far from the kingdom, I stopped running. Damian also stopped and turned to look at me. โWhatโs wrong? Why did you stop?โ He asked, our chests rising and falling due to our intense breathing. โI need to go back. No one can know I snuck out with you. But I need you to keep going. Donโt look back.โ I warned him, and he nodded. โRemember your promise, Sara. You promised me youโd help Cassie too.โ He retorted, and I gulped hard and nodded slowly. โYes, I will.โ I lied. How was I supposed to help her? My father got her already and there was no going back this time. Only the gods could shift the death lurking around her. โOkay. Thank you, Sara. Iโll be in the house you prepared. Bye.โ He uttered as he took to his heels again. Watching him leave, a relieved sigh escaped my lips. I was so glad I could save him from my parents. He had been so nice to me and I wasnโt going to take it for granted. I had described the path to our former kingdom to him,
~Bernard~ I headed back to the palace after Cassandra opened her eyes. Before I fetch Lucian, I need to do one more thing. I needed to convince the people that I was the right king for them. After that, I need him to come in front of the people and renounce his throne to the people. Hopefully, he was going to cherish his life and that of his wife so that that would happen. Getting back to the palace, I saw the people were beginning to exit the building. They still murmured things to each other nonstop. When some of them saw me, they diverted their attention to me. โWhere were you, Mr. Bernard? We expected you to be in the hall too so that you can support our claims. You were the one that told us everything that has been happening. Why didnโt you show up?โ One of the elderly men spoke up. โYes, that is true. You should have been there to call him a liar to his face. How do you prove to me that youโre the one we want when you were absent?โ Another woman added. โRelax, everyone. I
~Cassandra~ I felt disgusted as Bernard exposed his tobacco-damaged teeth when he smiled. I should have always suspected him. I should have always known that something was so fishy about them. How they came into our lives was pretty suspicious. But who could have imagined it would turn out like this? Damian came into our lives the same way, and heโs one of the reasons Iโm still fighting to stay alive. โWhat do you mean by that? What games are you trying to play, Uncleโฆโ โI told you Iโm not your uncle! Call me Bernard! And Iโm playing no games. This is reality. The earlier you realize that the better for you.โ He disrespectfully cut Lucianโs short, letting him choke on his own words. In awe, Lucian turned to look at me, and I shook my head, feeling so bad for us. โFine. If youโre not my uncle, then can you please tell me who you are?โ Lucian retorted, trying to keep on that bold, masculine look, but I could perceive that this layer was pretty thin. He was going to lose it any m
~Damian~ Getting to the house where Sara told me to hide in the meantime, I wasnโt at rest. Something felt so wrong, but I found it so hard to figure it out. I couldnโt stop thinking about Cassie and the palace as a whole. What was going on? Was it a good idea to run off in such a heated moment? Shouldnโt I have taken Cassie along with me? That guilty thought and part of me kept resurfacing. And I couldnโt help but feel bad. It was like I ran away from the problem that was looming around those I love. I felt like a coward. Heaving out a deep sigh, I raised my head and stared at the ceiling, thinking about what I was going to do next. โIf Cassie doesnโt get here in the next forty-eight hours, then I have to return to the palace. Hopefully, Lucian wonโt ask for my head on a platter of gold.โ While I was lost in thoughts, trying to cook up my next big plan, a knock came on the door. Surprised and excited, I sprang to my feet and ran to the door. โCassie?โ I called, opening the d
~Sara~ โI hired Sara and Agatha to act like my family so that we could execute our plans better. The fact is, I am single, but I wonโt mind having your wife as my queen when I inherit the throne.โ Bernard uttered with a smirk. โGo f**k yourself.โ Lucian spat angrily. I couldnโt look them in the eyes because I knew they were disappointed, and they hated me already. I kept my head lowered as I let my guilt taunt me. โI think Iโve done enough talking. We need to get down to business.โ Bernard uttered. โNow to youโฆโ He added, making his way back to the bed where Cassandra lay. โYour life is tied to whatever Lucian wants.โ He uttered, raising his hand to touch her hair. โDonโt you dare touch her!โ Lucian growled, causing Bernardโs hand to hang in the air. โI hate you,โ Cassandra mumbled, staring at him in a disgusted manner. โWell, I never liked you. So here is what we are going to do. We are going to match down to the kingdom right now, call everyone together, and then youโll anno
~Cassandra~ ~After A Year~ โGood morning!โ I heard Zoeโs loud voice from my slumber, causing me to tighten my eyes in discomfort.โWake up! I have good news!โ She continued talking in a loud voice and even jumped on my bed, forcing my eyes open. โShhh! Youโll wake Darian up!โ I mumbled, hastily throwing a glance at the baby bed that was placed not so far from my bed. He was the first person I was concerned about. โRelax, Cassie. Damian and Lucian are playing with him already. He woke up and began to cry so they took him away before he could wake you up.โ Zoe further explained, and I raised my eyebrows. โOh. Iโm sorry. I didnโt realize he wasnโt here. I was up all through the night because he kept wanting to eat.โ I grumbled, lifting my body off the bed and sitting up. โWell, for the tenth time in three months, welcome to motherhood,โ Zoe answered, causing me to smile. Three months ago, I conceived and gave birth to Darian. Everyone in the kingdom was happy. We finally have such
~ Lucian ~ When we got closer to the palace, I realized that the people who had left before had arrived again. Bernard must have sent some of his people to summon them. Deep down, I wanted to break free and teach him a lesson, but somehow, I felt extremely weak. I was a Lycan, why wouldnโt I summon the wolf in me? While tied to the church, I tried too hard to reach that locked-up power inside of me, but it was so hard, I couldnโt even brush the surface. It wasnโt really surprising because I never really used that part of me. I never found any reason to, and now it seemed like it was gone. Like my Lycan power was dead completely. I also couldnโt believe I chose to trade my throne for Cassandraโs life. At the point of death, I realized I still loved her and saw her as my wife, regardless of everything that had happened between us. The soldiers that went with us were armed and more in number compared to the guards at the palace. I knew they had no chance right from when I set my ey
~Sara~ โI hired Sara and Agatha to act like my family so that we could execute our plans better. The fact is, I am single, but I wonโt mind having your wife as my queen when I inherit the throne.โ Bernard uttered with a smirk. โGo f**k yourself.โ Lucian spat angrily. I couldnโt look them in the eyes because I knew they were disappointed, and they hated me already. I kept my head lowered as I let my guilt taunt me. โI think Iโve done enough talking. We need to get down to business.โ Bernard uttered. โNow to youโฆโ He added, making his way back to the bed where Cassandra lay. โYour life is tied to whatever Lucian wants.โ He uttered, raising his hand to touch her hair. โDonโt you dare touch her!โ Lucian growled, causing Bernardโs hand to hang in the air. โI hate you,โ Cassandra mumbled, staring at him in a disgusted manner. โWell, I never liked you. So here is what we are going to do. We are going to match down to the kingdom right now, call everyone together, and then youโll anno
~Damian~ Getting to the house where Sara told me to hide in the meantime, I wasnโt at rest. Something felt so wrong, but I found it so hard to figure it out. I couldnโt stop thinking about Cassie and the palace as a whole. What was going on? Was it a good idea to run off in such a heated moment? Shouldnโt I have taken Cassie along with me? That guilty thought and part of me kept resurfacing. And I couldnโt help but feel bad. It was like I ran away from the problem that was looming around those I love. I felt like a coward. Heaving out a deep sigh, I raised my head and stared at the ceiling, thinking about what I was going to do next. โIf Cassie doesnโt get here in the next forty-eight hours, then I have to return to the palace. Hopefully, Lucian wonโt ask for my head on a platter of gold.โ While I was lost in thoughts, trying to cook up my next big plan, a knock came on the door. Surprised and excited, I sprang to my feet and ran to the door. โCassie?โ I called, opening the d
~Cassandra~ I felt disgusted as Bernard exposed his tobacco-damaged teeth when he smiled. I should have always suspected him. I should have always known that something was so fishy about them. How they came into our lives was pretty suspicious. But who could have imagined it would turn out like this? Damian came into our lives the same way, and heโs one of the reasons Iโm still fighting to stay alive. โWhat do you mean by that? What games are you trying to play, Uncleโฆโ โI told you Iโm not your uncle! Call me Bernard! And Iโm playing no games. This is reality. The earlier you realize that the better for you.โ He disrespectfully cut Lucianโs short, letting him choke on his own words. In awe, Lucian turned to look at me, and I shook my head, feeling so bad for us. โFine. If youโre not my uncle, then can you please tell me who you are?โ Lucian retorted, trying to keep on that bold, masculine look, but I could perceive that this layer was pretty thin. He was going to lose it any m
~Bernard~ I headed back to the palace after Cassandra opened her eyes. Before I fetch Lucian, I need to do one more thing. I needed to convince the people that I was the right king for them. After that, I need him to come in front of the people and renounce his throne to the people. Hopefully, he was going to cherish his life and that of his wife so that that would happen. Getting back to the palace, I saw the people were beginning to exit the building. They still murmured things to each other nonstop. When some of them saw me, they diverted their attention to me. โWhere were you, Mr. Bernard? We expected you to be in the hall too so that you can support our claims. You were the one that told us everything that has been happening. Why didnโt you show up?โ One of the elderly men spoke up. โYes, that is true. You should have been there to call him a liar to his face. How do you prove to me that youโre the one we want when you were absent?โ Another woman added. โRelax, everyone. I
~Sara~ After making sure we were very far from the kingdom, I stopped running. Damian also stopped and turned to look at me. โWhatโs wrong? Why did you stop?โ He asked, our chests rising and falling due to our intense breathing. โI need to go back. No one can know I snuck out with you. But I need you to keep going. Donโt look back.โ I warned him, and he nodded. โRemember your promise, Sara. You promised me youโd help Cassie too.โ He retorted, and I gulped hard and nodded slowly. โYes, I will.โ I lied. How was I supposed to help her? My father got her already and there was no going back this time. Only the gods could shift the death lurking around her. โOkay. Thank you, Sara. Iโll be in the house you prepared. Bye.โ He uttered as he took to his heels again. Watching him leave, a relieved sigh escaped my lips. I was so glad I could save him from my parents. He had been so nice to me and I wasnโt going to take it for granted. I had described the path to our former kingdom to him,
~Lucian~ โWe want another king! Give us another king!โ The persistent voices of the people pierced the door of the hall where they were, hitting my earbuds mercilessly. Shaking off the fear that began to rise in me, I occupied my mind with the words that I had planned to say to them. I kept repeating the words in my head as I walked into the hall. The voices of the people multiplied greatly when they saw me, and it seemed like if I wasnโt very careful, they were going to pounce on me. Even though guards surrounded me, it didnโt seem like enough protection. I raised my hand, hoping to see if they still had little regard for me, and I wasnโt disappointed. The roaring and murmurings stopped instantly. โThank you,โ I uttered in a loud voice before I proceeded to what exactly I wanted to say. โGood evening, people of this kingdom! Your complaints have reached my ears, and I think itโs only fair that you let me share my own side of the story too, donโt you think?โ I asked, and I got a
~Cassandra~ I headed to Lucianโs chamber with so many thoughts running through my head. How were we supposed to handle the situation on ground? I knew Lucian wasnโt his best self, but I still needed to talk to him about Damian too. I hated that Damian was locked up in a cell for no reason. Getting to his chamber, I walked in and met him pacing at the cover of his study. โLucian,โ I called, but he ignored me and kept pacing. I heaved a sigh and moved closer to him. โCan you stop pacing? Youโre making me dizzy.โ I retorted, causing him to abruptly stop. โWhat do you want?โ He asked in a cold manner, keeping his gaze off me. โWhat are we going to do now? I donโt understand what has come over these people anymore. Are we not going to do something?โ I asked worriedly, and he scoffed, finally looking at me. โWhat do you want me to do, huh? I know you all are happy with how everything is going. You donโt have to pretend like you are worried.โ He responded and continued his pacing aga