LOGINThere was a sudden crash, then the unmistakable shatter of glass.Kimberly shot upright in bed, heart hammering. Another crash followed, closer this time, echoing through the halls of the packhouse. Then came the alarm bell three short rings, a pause, then three more the signal for breach inside the perimeter.She was already moving before her mind caught up."Martha’s wing," she whispered to herself, throwing on her jacket and sprinting out the door. The corridor lights flickered red.Gabriel has still not returned, in his absence it's her responsibility to keep Martha safe."Guards!" she called, voice sharp and commanding. "Guest wing — now!"Two warriors fell in beside her, weapons drawn. She caught the acrid scent of smoke , faint but unmistakable.When they rounded the corner, chaos met them head-on. The corridor to the guest wing was a storm of noise- growls, metal, splintering wood. Kimberly saw a body fly across the hallway, slammed by another’s kick."Protect the Luna!" som
“I can’t protect her anymore.” Gabriel’s voice was cold, echoing off the office walls as he gripped the phone tighter. "She’s not a guest anymore, she’s a problem." Kimberly stood near the door, arms folded, silent but watching the storm build behind her husband’s eyes. "Yes, Your Majesty," Gabriel continued, jaw tight. "I’m aware she’s your daughter, but this is beyond a misunderstanding. She’s been crossing every boundary possible." A pause. The voice on the other end was low, indistinct — the Lycan King’s tone calm but heavy. "No," Gabriel snapped. "It’s not a question of hospitality. It’s about respect. My mate—my Luna—has been humiliated under her roof because of your sister’s actions. I won’t allow it again." He exhaled sharply, trying to reel his temper back in. Kimberly took a small step forward, her hand brushing his arm. "Gabriel…" she murmured, but he didn’t look at her. "Yes," Gabriel said finally, tone clipped. "You’ll send someone to collect her then? G
"Kimberly?" Gabriel’s voice broke the heavy silence as he entered the dimly lit bedroom. The only sound was the faint hum of the chandelier fan, its light turned off, leaving the room draped in darkness. He smiled faintly, loosening the top button of his shirt. "Oh, playing mysterious tonight, are we?" he murmured, his tone teasing. A soft silhouette sat at the edge of the bed, barely visible through the darkness. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulder. Gabriel’s voice dropped lower — playful, intimate. "You know, keeping the lights off won’t stop me from finding you," he said, stepping closer, his boots silent on the carpet. She didn’t move. He chuckled quietly. "Silent treatment too? Alright, Mrs. Carnby, you win. I’ll make you talk another way." He reached the bedside, resting one hand on her shoulder. Her skin felt warm, but the scent — something was wrong. He leaned in, whispering softly near her ear, "You smell… different tonight." Still no response.
'I have to be alert about Martha. The stunt she pulled on Gabriel’s Birthday clearly showed her intentions. She is trying to steal my spot.' Kimberly thought to herself. She had tried to be kind after the incident, especially since Martha was still recovering from her arm injury. But the woman’s constant presence was becoming unbearable. Every time Kimberly turned around, Martha was there — smiling too sweetly, speaking too softly, hovering too close. This morning was no different. Gabriel sat in his study, looking over reports. Kimberly was curled on the couch nearby, flipping through the latest patrol records. Martha entered quietly, wearing a pale blue dress that flowed when she walked. Her bandaged arm was neatly wrapped, but her other hand carried a tray of tea and biscuits. "Alpha, you’ve been working since dawn again," she said softly, her voice gentle. "You should take a break." Kimberly’s pen paused mid-line. Gabriel didn’t look up from his papers. "Thank you, Martha.
Kimberly’s fingers rattled against the locked door again and again, panic creeping into her chest. Her heart leapt. 'He’s here. My surprise… I have to get to him…' A soft knock at the door startled her. "Miss Kimberly? Are you alright? I heard banging from your room," a maid’s voice asked timidly. Kimberly turned, cheeks flushed, hair falling into her face. "I… I’m fine. Just… locked in." She ran a hand through her hair, trying to steady her voice. The maid unlocked the door quickly and Kimberly came out. "Have you seen Gabriel? Where is he?" The maid hesitated, frowning. "I… I saw him heading upstairs with Martha, Miss Kimberly." Kimberly froze. Her chest felt like it had been punched. "With Martha? Upstairs…?" Her voice trembled. 'No… no… she can’t… she wouldn’t…' Without another word, Kimberly bolted down the stairs, ignoring the maid’s concerned call. Her boots echoed on the steps as adrenaline surged through her veins. She needed to get to the rooftop — to see if
It's Gabriel’s birthday, but Kimberly has not wished him yet. He has been waiting for his lovely wife to wish him."Morning, Luna," he said softly, smiling at her. He is hoping that she will remember anyhow. "Morning," Kimberly replied lightly, forcing a casual tone. Inside, she felt a pang of guilt. 'He must be thinking that I forgot his birthday… but it’s going to be worth it.'Gabriel’s eyes flickered briefly — a shadow of disappointment crossed his features — but he didn’t speak. Kimberly knew he noticed. She always did."I’ll be at the pack council later," he said, standing and grabbing his coat. "Busy day."Kimberly nodded, masking her nervous excitement. "Of course… good luck."As soon as Gabriel left, the real work began. She took a deep breath and headed to the rooftop of the packhouse, carrying boxes, ribbons, and a stack of colorful lanterns. The city beyond was bright and alive, but here, in the calm of the rooftop, she had a perfect blank canvas.She set to work immedia







