Elena POV The soft ray of sunlight flashed through the tall balcony window, brushing gently over my face and announcing the arrival of morning. I stirred slightly, blinking the sleep from my eyes, wanting to sit up, but the heavy weight of a familiar arm tightened around my waist, holding me in place as though I would suddenly vanish if he let go. Hmm…... Lykan’s voice was still hoarse with sleep, vibrating against my shoulder as he pulled me closer. Isn’t it too early to leave your husband all alone in bed? A small laugh slipped past my lips, even as my heart warmed instantly at his words. Really? I muttered, looking over my shoulder to catch his sleepy face. So you’ve turned to little Cael now? You suddenly need me to stay in bed with you too? He didn’t let go. Instead, he lifted his head a little, eyes sleepy but sparkling as they met mine. I’m more than Cael, he replied in that playful, teasing tone that always made my chest flutter. He even winked at me, and despite mysel
Dino’s POV The deeper we rode into the northern wilderness, the more I realized why most wolves would rather confront their enemies than embark on this journey. The night here was different, thicker, almost alive. The wind carried stories that were not meant for the faint-hearted, and each step my horse took seemed to echo across a barren, endless land. For hours, we rode in silence. Even the horse rider beside me had stopped humming that lighthearted tune he’d been singing when we left. His hands trembled slightly as he held the reins, though he kept trying to steady himself every time our eyes met. I didn’t blame him; I was scared, too. But I couldn’t show it. A king doesn’t tremble before the dark. We’re almost there, I said firmly, even though I wasn’t sure we were. Just keep moving, the black mountain shouldn’t be far from this ridge. He nodded. Yes. We pressed on. But after another long mile, the road vanished underneath us. The path was swallowed by thick, unforgivin
Lykan's POV Most times, it's best to choose peace over a storm, but tonight, peace felt distant. Elena had broken down completely after that heated exchange with Mira. I had watched her yell, watched her emotions spiral out of control, and then watched her crumble like a tower shaken to its core. Something was haunting about seeing the strongest person you know, your Luna, your queen, fall apart from within. She was trying to stay composed, but the silent sobs had given her away. I didn’t say a word as I bent down and carried her in my arms, holding her like something fragile, something precious. Her tears soaked through my shirt, warm and heart-wrenching. I walked us to our room, shutting the door quietly behind us. She still hadn’t stopped sobbing. My Luna, I whispered as I sat on the edge of the bed with her in my arms. No response. My beauty queen, I said again, hoping the warmth of those words would soften her. But she still said nothing. Instead, she slowly raised her hea
Lykan POV I carried Cael gently in my arms, his little head pressed against my chest. His breaths were soft, calm, and innocent. The hallway to his room was silent, the torches along the walls flickering quietly like tired sentinels keeping watch. All around us was stillness, but my mind was nowhere near still. Too many things were happening at once: Elena’s fragile reunion with Sophia, the growing tension in the air, and now, Mira. Cael stirred slightly when I laid him on his bed. A faint smile showed on his face, as though he were wrapped in a peaceful dream. I brushed my palm through his hair and adjusted the blanket over him. Sleep, little warrior, I whispered. You’ve seen enough for today. I waited for a few more seconds until I was sure he had settled completely. Then I stood, exhaled softly, and stepped out of the room, closing the door with a gentle click. As I made my way back to our chambers, my steps were steady but my thoughts were racing. Elena had be
Evelyn POV The ride back to the palace felt longer than any journey I had ever taken, even though the road was familiar and the horses moved swiftly. No one spoke, not a single soul. The sound of hooves striking against the cobblestone should have been comforting, but it echoed like a distant omen, casting a suffocating heaviness over us. Even the wind seemed to have lost its voice. No laughs, no sighs, no casual remarks from the guards. Just silence. A dreadful, unsettling silence. I kept staring out the carriage window, watching the trees blur past in endless shades of green, but my thoughts were miles away, hovering over one person. Dino. I could still see his back as he honored his promise to leave for the Black Mountain. Brave, determined, but painfully alone. He didn’t even look back. When the palace finally came into view, I expected the tension to ease a little, but if anything, it only grew thicker. The moment we stepped through the gilded gates, Lilian began pacing.
Elena’s POV After the reunion in the courtyard, after the laughter that had briefly masked the raw emotions lingering between us, I guided Sophia inside the palace. The moment we stepped through the large golden doors, the cool air wrapped around us like a quiet relief. She looked exhausted, not just in body, but in spirit, her eyes heavy, her shoulders weighed down as if every step cost her more strength. I didn’t lead her to the grand sitting hall, nor the council chambers, nor the royal garden where guests were often entertained. No, I took her to one of the guest chambers down the quieter wing of the palace, a place where words could be spoken without a hundred ears straining to hear. When we entered, I closed the door softly behind us. The room was simple but warm, cream drapes pulled back to let in the pale afternoon light, a neatly made bed with fresh linen, and the faint scent of lavender from the oil burners. Sophia moved hesitantly to sit on the edge of the bed, her fin