LOGINSerene’s POVI stared at it for a long moment, my chest rising and falling.Remember why you are here, Serene, I scolded myself silently, my fingers tightening around the paper. You are not here to be Lucas's plaything or Kyros's damsel. You are here to unlock your past and fight for vengeance. I slept fitfully that night, tumbling into a dark, feverish nightmare that started in a forest. I was running through it on bare feet, my heart drumming frantically while trying to find a way out of this maze. The trees were black and gnarled, looking like something straight out of a horror story. Ahead of me was a majestic white wolf, its silver eyes gleaming as it looked back at me, beckoning me to follow.I ran after it, breathless, until the dark forest suddenly dissolved into the courtyard of the royal palace. Except… the palace was burning. The sky above was dark red, and thousands of flying arrows rained down like clouds.People were screaming and running for help. The heat scorched
Serene’s POV"It’s either poison or whoever attacked you was battling with something severe," I said, looking up at Kyros’ pale face.He cursed under his breath, glaring at the venomous veins spider-webbing across his abdomen. “Am I going to die? This looks really bad-”“Don’t panic,” I chided sharply, slapping my hands against his to stop their shaking. “Let’s do what we can to manage it, but make sure you see a doctor after this.”He bobbed his head frantically. “Yes, ma’am.”I grabbed the tweezers and a bottle of spirits. “This is going to sting,” I told him, but he motioned for me to continue. I sighed and poured the spirits directly over the wound.He winced and cursed as the alcohol hissed against his skin, throwing his head back while he muttered unintelligible words. With careful movements, I scraped away the infected skin, applied the salve, and bound his abdomen tightly with a fresh bandage.When I finished, I stepped back, wiping my brow with the back of my forearm. "There.
Kyros’ POV"To my room," she replied without breaking her stride or turning around. "The royal infirmary is monitored by the King's head physician.” She finally looked back at me. “Do you really want the king receiving an official report that you came in with a wound after raiding the hideout?"I opened my mouth to counter, but snapped it shut. She was right. Lucas would use any official medical record as leverage or an excuse to pry into me. We stopped outside a door near the east wing. Serene pulled a key from her pocket, unlocked the latch, and pushed the door open, pulling me inside before quickly locking it behind us.I stepped into the room and halted, scanning the space in surprise.The chamber was far more beautiful than anything usually assigned to palace attendants. The soft afternoon light streamed in through a wide glass window, illuminating a four-poster bed draped in silk bedsheets. A floor-length mirror, a settee, and a small drawer for her clothes. "Not bad, wildca
Kyros’ POV"General," Lucas said smoothly, leaning back in his chair. "I received word that your army raided an illicit establishment in the capital this morning.”I stiffened, lifting my head to cast him a suspicious glance. I hadn’t even drafted a report yet; how did he find out so quickly?“I want a full breakdown of the operation." He said, keeping his gaze fixed on me.I swallowed my irritation and lowered my head into a bow. "It was a routine sweep of suspected mercenary safehouses, Sire," I replied, keeping my voice clipped and professional. "We apprehended the suspects and secured several documents currently under review."Before Lucas could respond, a soft laugh echoed from the entrance of the study.Eloisa Brandon walked into the room, wearing a gown of pale blue satin, followed by a maid carrying a tray loaded with pastries and tea."Lucas, darling!" Eloisa purred, completely ignoring my presence as she walked straight up to the King's desk. She set a small porcelain plat
Kyros’ POV The morning sun was completely choked out by gray clouds as my team gathered at the mouth of the alley. Twenty soldiers stood behind me in silence, their dark clothes blending into the shadows.Beside me, Raven's eyes were fixed on the rotting door of the two-story building ahead. John had returned earlier than planned from his scouting and reported that the lead this time was correct.So I had rallied the team as early as possible, and now here we were… everything had to go perfectly."All entry points are sealed, General," Raven whispered, "John's scouts confirmed high activity inside and more than a dozen men."I nodded and turned to face the rest of the squad. “We’re going in.”We moved as one and Mikhail stepped forward, kicking the door down with his leg. The door flew open and crashed inside."Stand down and throw away your weapons!" I roared as we plunged into the building.Inside was absolute chaos. The warehouse had been converted into an illicit gambling den. D
Kyros’ POVRaven leaned both hands on the table, staring down at the crimson cross marked on the map. We had gotten intel that the hideout for the mercenary group that attacked the king was here, but my junior commanders were divided."We spent three weeks chasing these same guys because of a 'reputable' intel, General,” he said, pointing a finger at the map. “If we march out based on another rumor, we’ll look like fools and waste resources we can't afford to lose.""A fluke doesn't mean the intel was wrong, Raven," Mikhail countered, crossing his arms over his chest. He gestured with a leather-gloved hand toward the tavern reports piled on the floor. "The mercenary group behind the attempt on the King’s life isn't sloppy, and I’m sure they’re leaking false locations deliberately to throw us off.’John snorted from where he was sitting. "Or it means they're playing us like wooden pieces on a board," he said, idly sharpening his dagger. "I say we send a scouting team of four men firs







