[ Elena ]The next morning, after being dropped off at school, I didnโt go inside.Instead, I slipped into a corner, pulled a hoodie over my head to hide my identity, and hailed a cab. As I climbed in, I clutched my backpack tightly against my stomach, nerves twisting inside me as the car pulled away from the curb.I couldnโt believe I was skipping school for this.But this was important.As the cab rolled to a stop in front of my fatherโs house, I hesitated.The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror and I handed him the fare. He drove off, leaving me alone in front of the place I once called home.I stared at the house, my backpack still clutched close and my heart pounding against my ribs.Memories flooded my mind โpainful, suffocating memories.The way they had made my life a living hell. How they had turned me into a slave in my own home. And even now, after I had escaped their clutches, they still wouldnโt leave me alone.I swallowed the lump in my throat and took a de
[Elena]By the time I reached the packhouse, Tamara was already waiting at the entrance, pacing anxiously. The moment she saw me, she rushed forward, grabbing my hand in a firm grip.โMy Luna, where have you been? The Lycan King has been searching for you everywhere,โ she said, her wide eyes filled with worry. If someone didnโt know better, they would think we had been close for years. โHe even sent for you at school, but you werenโt there.โโHe sent for me at school?โ I repeated, feeling my stomach drop. A sudden wave of unease washed over me โnot because he wanted to see me, but because he had expected me to be somewhere I wasnโt.Or maybe I should be more concerned about the fact that he had gone to such lengths to find me. That meant whatever he needed me for was serious.I pulled my hand free from Tamaraโs grasp, forcing myself to remain calm as I met her worried gaze.โDo you know why heโs looking for me?โShe shook her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.โWas he angry?
[Elena] The guards did not lay a hand on me, but the cell itself did. It was a wretched place โdamp and suffocating with the air thick with the stench of decay and something long forgotten. A single, pathetic window sat high above, barely allowing a sliver of light to seep through, casting eerie shadows against the cold, stone walls. With a deep sigh, I leaned back against the cold, rough wall and slid to the floor. My face was streaked with dried tears, but I wasnโt angry at Nikolai for locking me up. If anything, I was surprised this was all he had done. Knowing him, I had expected far worse. Nikolai didnโt take betrayal lightly, and stealing from himโeven for a good reasonโwas still a betrayal. I stayed in that cell until nightfall, my body growing weaker with every passing hour. My throat burned with dryness, and my stomach twisted in hunger. I had eaten nothing all day. I had left the packhouse without breakfast, spent hours with evil Valerie, and then ended up here, aban
[Nikolai] โElena!โI ran to her slumped, unconscious body, my heart pounding harder than ever before. Panic seized me as I dropped to my knees, pulling her limp form into my arms.Her face was pale, too pale, and my chest tightened painfully. My breaths came in short, sharp bursts as fear gripped me.โGuards!โ I roared, my voice echoing through the walls.Within seconds, they rushed in, bowing their heads before me. My glare was sharp and my jaw clenched in rage.โWhat the fuck happened to her?โ I demanded through gritted teeth.The guards exchanged nervous glances, their eyes darting between me and Elena. Beads of sweat formed on their foreheads, and they looked like they could piss themselves at any moment.โM-My kingโฆโ they stuttered in unison before one of them finally spoke up.โWe have no idea, my king.โ Their heads remained bowed, fear evident in their trembling voices.I wanted to tear them apart, to snap their useless necks for failing to protect her. But right now, Elena wa
NikolaiA bright ray of sunlight hit my eyes, pulling me from unconsciousness. Blinking against the harsh light, I raised a hand to shield my face and slowly pushed myself up from the grass beneath me.My heart clenched as my eyes scanned my surroundings.I was here again. Back in this place. This nightmare I knew too well. A memory that had haunted me all my life. A past I could never escape.โGet up already! Donโt be a lazy ass!โA familiar voice rang through the air, softening the ache in my chest even as it deepened the wound.I turned toward the sound. The sunlight faded just enough for me to see โherโ riding toward me on a horse, her golden hair flowing like silk in the wind. She was breathtaking. Effortless grace and strength in every movement. And that warm, teasing smile... it always left me powerless.As she neared, I quickly rolled out of the way to avoid being trampled, then got to my feet. She laughed, a sound like music, as she slid off the horse and ran toward me.Befo
ElenaWhen I woke up the next morning, I didnโt expect to find myself in Nikolaiโs chamber. My eyes blinked against the soft morning light as I took in the familiar walls, confusion settling deep in my chest.Frowning, I slowly sat up. The pain from last night was still there, but it wasnโt as sharp. It was dull now, a lingering ache rather than the unbearable torment it had been.How did I get here?I tried to piece together everything that had happened. Nikolai had ordered his guards to throw me in the cell. Francesca had tormented me. Pain and thirst had drained the last of my strength. And then darkness.But now, I was here.In the room of the same Lycan King who had locked me up.Did he find me unconscious and bring me here? Why? And if he wanted to help, why not send me to the healing wing instead of his personal chamber?A soft groan left my lips as I ran a hand through my hair. My fingers brushed against something unfamiliar, and it was only then that I realizedโฆ that wasnโt w
Elena As Nikolai and I stepped into the throne room, I never expected the โimportant guestsโ he mentioned to be Valerie and my father. But what shocked me even more was the state they were in. They were kneeling on the floor, hands bound, their clothes disheveled as if they had been roughly handled. Two guards stood behind them with stone cold expressions on their faces. I frowned in confusion.What had happened? What offence had they committed?โSit.โ Nikolai said as we reached the thrones.I hesitated, glancing down at the joggers and oversized top I was wearing. If I had known we were coming here, I would have changed into something more appropriate. It felt wrong to sit on the throne dressed like this.โSit,โ he repeated, his gaze locked onto mine.Forcing a small, thin-lipped smile, I obeyed, lowering myself onto my throne while he settled into his own beside me.From where she was kneeling, Valerie shot me a hateful glare. I still wondered what all of this was about.โElena,โ
[ Elena ]The Moon Mating Gala was just two days away, and the entire pack was buzzing with preparations. The academy had gone on a short break, giving everyone time to get ready. Young girls were beginning to fill the streets, shopping for dresses and accessories, hoping to shine their best at the grand event.I had never attended the Moon Mating Gala before. It was reserved for the elite girls of the pack โthe daughters of high-ranking wolves, or at the very least, the most beautiful ones. The gala was a tradition where newly mated wolves, chosen during the last full moon festival, had their first official dance. They would present themselves before the Lycan King and Queen, along with other honored guests.And yet, here I was โnot just attending, but standing as the Lycan Queen. Me. The girl who had never been considered worthy of an invitation. Funny how life could change so quicklyโฆ even if my position was only temporary.I had promised myself I would enjoy this moment and not l
[ Elena ]The Moon Mating Gala was just two days away, and the entire pack was buzzing with preparations. The academy had gone on a short break, giving everyone time to get ready. Young girls were beginning to fill the streets, shopping for dresses and accessories, hoping to shine their best at the grand event.I had never attended the Moon Mating Gala before. It was reserved for the elite girls of the pack โthe daughters of high-ranking wolves, or at the very least, the most beautiful ones. The gala was a tradition where newly mated wolves, chosen during the last full moon festival, had their first official dance. They would present themselves before the Lycan King and Queen, along with other honored guests.And yet, here I was โnot just attending, but standing as the Lycan Queen. Me. The girl who had never been considered worthy of an invitation. Funny how life could change so quicklyโฆ even if my position was only temporary.I had promised myself I would enjoy this moment and not l
Elena As Nikolai and I stepped into the throne room, I never expected the โimportant guestsโ he mentioned to be Valerie and my father. But what shocked me even more was the state they were in. They were kneeling on the floor, hands bound, their clothes disheveled as if they had been roughly handled. Two guards stood behind them with stone cold expressions on their faces. I frowned in confusion.What had happened? What offence had they committed?โSit.โ Nikolai said as we reached the thrones.I hesitated, glancing down at the joggers and oversized top I was wearing. If I had known we were coming here, I would have changed into something more appropriate. It felt wrong to sit on the throne dressed like this.โSit,โ he repeated, his gaze locked onto mine.Forcing a small, thin-lipped smile, I obeyed, lowering myself onto my throne while he settled into his own beside me.From where she was kneeling, Valerie shot me a hateful glare. I still wondered what all of this was about.โElena,โ
ElenaWhen I woke up the next morning, I didnโt expect to find myself in Nikolaiโs chamber. My eyes blinked against the soft morning light as I took in the familiar walls, confusion settling deep in my chest.Frowning, I slowly sat up. The pain from last night was still there, but it wasnโt as sharp. It was dull now, a lingering ache rather than the unbearable torment it had been.How did I get here?I tried to piece together everything that had happened. Nikolai had ordered his guards to throw me in the cell. Francesca had tormented me. Pain and thirst had drained the last of my strength. And then darkness.But now, I was here.In the room of the same Lycan King who had locked me up.Did he find me unconscious and bring me here? Why? And if he wanted to help, why not send me to the healing wing instead of his personal chamber?A soft groan left my lips as I ran a hand through my hair. My fingers brushed against something unfamiliar, and it was only then that I realizedโฆ that wasnโt w
NikolaiA bright ray of sunlight hit my eyes, pulling me from unconsciousness. Blinking against the harsh light, I raised a hand to shield my face and slowly pushed myself up from the grass beneath me.My heart clenched as my eyes scanned my surroundings.I was here again. Back in this place. This nightmare I knew too well. A memory that had haunted me all my life. A past I could never escape.โGet up already! Donโt be a lazy ass!โA familiar voice rang through the air, softening the ache in my chest even as it deepened the wound.I turned toward the sound. The sunlight faded just enough for me to see โherโ riding toward me on a horse, her golden hair flowing like silk in the wind. She was breathtaking. Effortless grace and strength in every movement. And that warm, teasing smile... it always left me powerless.As she neared, I quickly rolled out of the way to avoid being trampled, then got to my feet. She laughed, a sound like music, as she slid off the horse and ran toward me.Befo
[Nikolai] โElena!โI ran to her slumped, unconscious body, my heart pounding harder than ever before. Panic seized me as I dropped to my knees, pulling her limp form into my arms.Her face was pale, too pale, and my chest tightened painfully. My breaths came in short, sharp bursts as fear gripped me.โGuards!โ I roared, my voice echoing through the walls.Within seconds, they rushed in, bowing their heads before me. My glare was sharp and my jaw clenched in rage.โWhat the fuck happened to her?โ I demanded through gritted teeth.The guards exchanged nervous glances, their eyes darting between me and Elena. Beads of sweat formed on their foreheads, and they looked like they could piss themselves at any moment.โM-My kingโฆโ they stuttered in unison before one of them finally spoke up.โWe have no idea, my king.โ Their heads remained bowed, fear evident in their trembling voices.I wanted to tear them apart, to snap their useless necks for failing to protect her. But right now, Elena wa
[Elena] The guards did not lay a hand on me, but the cell itself did. It was a wretched place โdamp and suffocating with the air thick with the stench of decay and something long forgotten. A single, pathetic window sat high above, barely allowing a sliver of light to seep through, casting eerie shadows against the cold, stone walls. With a deep sigh, I leaned back against the cold, rough wall and slid to the floor. My face was streaked with dried tears, but I wasnโt angry at Nikolai for locking me up. If anything, I was surprised this was all he had done. Knowing him, I had expected far worse. Nikolai didnโt take betrayal lightly, and stealing from himโeven for a good reasonโwas still a betrayal. I stayed in that cell until nightfall, my body growing weaker with every passing hour. My throat burned with dryness, and my stomach twisted in hunger. I had eaten nothing all day. I had left the packhouse without breakfast, spent hours with evil Valerie, and then ended up here, aban
[Elena]By the time I reached the packhouse, Tamara was already waiting at the entrance, pacing anxiously. The moment she saw me, she rushed forward, grabbing my hand in a firm grip.โMy Luna, where have you been? The Lycan King has been searching for you everywhere,โ she said, her wide eyes filled with worry. If someone didnโt know better, they would think we had been close for years. โHe even sent for you at school, but you werenโt there.โโHe sent for me at school?โ I repeated, feeling my stomach drop. A sudden wave of unease washed over me โnot because he wanted to see me, but because he had expected me to be somewhere I wasnโt.Or maybe I should be more concerned about the fact that he had gone to such lengths to find me. That meant whatever he needed me for was serious.I pulled my hand free from Tamaraโs grasp, forcing myself to remain calm as I met her worried gaze.โDo you know why heโs looking for me?โShe shook her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.โWas he angry?
[ Elena ]The next morning, after being dropped off at school, I didnโt go inside.Instead, I slipped into a corner, pulled a hoodie over my head to hide my identity, and hailed a cab. As I climbed in, I clutched my backpack tightly against my stomach, nerves twisting inside me as the car pulled away from the curb.I couldnโt believe I was skipping school for this.But this was important.As the cab rolled to a stop in front of my fatherโs house, I hesitated.The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror and I handed him the fare. He drove off, leaving me alone in front of the place I once called home.I stared at the house, my backpack still clutched close and my heart pounding against my ribs.Memories flooded my mind โpainful, suffocating memories.The way they had made my life a living hell. How they had turned me into a slave in my own home. And even now, after I had escaped their clutches, they still wouldnโt leave me alone.I swallowed the lump in my throat and took a de
[ Elena ]As soon as the lunch bell rang, I bolted after Ronan and Celeste, weaving through the crowded hallway and nearly knocking into other students. I mumbled apologies as they cussed after me.I caught up with Ronan and Celeste just as they were about to enter the cafรฉ with their friends.โHey! Waitโฆ can we talk?โ I grabbed Celesteโs wrist with pleading eyes. She let out a bored sigh, then glanced at Ronan and the others. โYou guys go ahead. Iโll be there soon.โOnce they left, she yanked her wrist free โnot too roughly, but enough to make her point. Folding her arms over her chest, she fixed me with a cold, piercing stare.โWhat do you want, traitor?โI flinched inwardly. I knew that was what they were going to think of me now.โIโm sorry.โ I said, licking my lips as I struggled to find the right words. The speech I had rehearsed in my head was suddenly gone. I felt exposed and vulnerable. โItโs not what it looked like.โโOh, really?โ Celeste arched a brow. There was disbelief