AQUA
The next morning, I woke up with the ability to barely breathe. My body protested against the lack of oxygen. My wolf must have sensed the danger before I did, because when I woke up, I discovered that my claws were out as I struggled against the pressure on my neck. My eyes whipped open to see Gunnar's angry face looming over me, his hand wrapped around my throat. I instinctively tried to get him to loosen his grip but the difference between our strengths was too much, just like an ant trying to push a mountain. “P-Please spare me,” I released a strangled grasp. I could feel my energy waning as my consciousness started to fade. Panic set in when I realized I could die like this so I kicked my legs against the sheets frantically, desperate to be set free. Gunnar was naked from head to waist, his eyes cold and lifeless as he spoke to me, “How dare you steal my wolf energy? Who sent you here to sleep with me?” “But I thought you were the one who requested me!” I protested, confusion coating my voice. I had no idea why he was this furious but his current deposition scared me so I added, “You said you wanted a third-tier submissive virgin wolf so they sent me here instead!” “A virgin?” I nodded, pointing to the blood-stained sheets underneath us. “Yes. I only came here because you requested me from my alpha.” Gunnar suddenly released me and backed up while accessing the sheets. His face turned pale when he sniffed out the scent of blood. He came down from the bed and started wearing his clothes quietly. Seeing him like that, I was slightly relieved that he had decided to drop the issue until he barked, “Hello, is anyone there?!” A few seconds later, Leon burst into the room,his eyes landing on my naked skin. I flushed under his stare and grabbed the sheets to cover myself while Gunnar growled warningly. When Leon’s eyes went to him, he said, “Summon your alpha, Keegan for me. Tell him we have an important issue to discuss.” A while later, I found myself dressed and bound. Every nerve in my body was alight with tension as I knelt in the center, the eyes of the pack burning into me. My heart pounded in my chest, echoing in my ears like a war drum. “Keegan,” Gunnar addressed the older alpha while pointing at me. “You knew the reason why I stayed in the Wind Ridge pack was to avoid females during their mating heat season, yet you sent a third-tier submissive wolf to my bed. Explain yourself.” Keegan's eyes widened in surprise as he looked between me and Gunnar. “I have no idea what you're talking about. I never sent anyone to you.” My heart skipped a beat at his words. I parted my lips to speak, but a throbbing headache hit me, silencing me once more. Gunnar turned to me, the temperature around us dropping several degrees as he asked me, “You lied to me?” “No, I didn't!” I shake my head in denial. My eyes land on my lover who is standing beside Juliette, his true mate. “Leon, say something. Tell him the truth, you are the one who sent me there saying that he requested me!” Everyone’s eyes turned to him, silently asking him for the truth. Leon cleared his throat and declared, “I have no idea what she is saying. I never met her last night because I went hunting with Alpha Keegan, and I only arrived this morning.” “That’s a lie! You said that Gunnar requested it from me!” I struggled against the persistent headache, my voice hoarse with pain and regret. “No, I didn't!” Leon shot back, staring at Gunnar. “Alpha Keegan can vouch for me. Besides, everyone knows I'm a mated male. Why would I be with her at night when I could be with Juliette instead?” I slumped back in defeat as murmurs of approval from the pack spread through the air. His words stung like venom, paralyzing me momentarily. How could he betray me like this? The one who had sworn to stand by my side, now the one condemning me. The truth hit me again when I looked over at him, watching him stare at his mate with love and adoration. It was a look I knew so well, because he used to look at me the same way. Leon never planned to leave Juliette, or the position his marriage with her would bring him. He lied to me, and used me. Juliette, who had been staring at me with a triumphant smile, suddenly stepped forward and said, “Alpha Gunnar, now that you know the truth, please feel free to kill this tramp whenever and however you like. That's what she deserves for accusing a mated male like this!” Her words spurred the rest of pack mates gathered around me, drawing out their shouts of agreement. Soon, I felt a shoe hit me from behind, causing me to cry out in pain. More footwear kept coming as they threw them at me. Tears of humiliation and shame trickled down my cheeks. The fact that no one believed me hurt me very deeply but still I whispered, “B-But I'm innocent…” The insults from the crowd poured into my ears until I nearly sank into the crowd. I had suffered a lot of things with the lowest rank but this was the first time I was being punished for a crime I didn't commit. “Are you all done?” The crowd instantly fell silent. My wolf cowered within me as a domineering energy surged into the room. The pressure was overwhelming, nearly forcing me into unconsciousness. I bit my lips hard to endure the searing pain. When it suddenly stopped, I felt warm liquid trickling down my ears and nose. I wiped the blood away with my sleeve as Gunnar stood up from his seat and stared at the crowd. “All of the details are not yet clear so I am postponing this trial for three days,” he announced. Something about him changed, enough to make everyone gasp and turn pale. He turned to Keegan and continued, “The next time we hold this trial, I want a clear explanation about this case. And I want nothing but the truth, do you understand me?” Keegan's jaw tightened as he lowered his head, “Yes, Your Highness.” “Good. Everyone's dismissed.”AQUA The morning sun streamed through the high windows, casting golden rays across the marbled floor of my house. I sat still on the cushioned bench while the maids moved around me, adjusting my clothes and applying soft touches of makeup to my face. I stared at the mirror, amazed by the stunning transformation right in front of me. I wore a long, blue gown with my hair styled into a soft bun. The fabric was soft as silk, and there were crystals sewn into the bodice and sleeves. There were also similar crystals planted at the corner of my eyes, my plump lips painted red. Kianna gasped. “Aqua, you look perfect. I can't wait for Gunnar to see you like this.” “I'm sure he would be happier to take these clothes off you.” Another lady chimed in. A faint blush spread on my cheeks as I tried to endure their endless teasing and giggles. The week had been a very stressful one, but dear moon goddess, I was ridiculously happy. After the finishing touches were done, the ladies pla
GUNNAR On the night of the death duel, I arrived at the venue as River instructed. There was a red moon tonight, fueling my strength and bloodlust as I stepped on the ridge. As I had expected, River was waiting for me with a dark expression. “I have to admit I didn't expect you to be there.” “Well, I asked my little friends to help me get rid of your friends stationed at the south of the forest,” I smirked. “You wasted a lot of lives trying to ambush me, River. There's no way you can ever be an alpha of a pack.” River sneered. “Why should I settle for that measly position when I can be the Alpha King instead? I'm sure Aqua would be delighted to be by my side as the Luna Queen.” Anger swelled in my chest when he mentioned my mate. “Where is she? Tell me where the fuck you kept her, you sick motherfucker.” I demanded. Instead of replying, my challenger gave me a triumphant smile because he knew he already had me. “Why don't you stop worrying about my woman and start worr
GUNNARA few days later, my deputy commander visited the florist shop with a letter. The moment I saw the seal on the envelope, I left my daughter with Mr. Wang and walked to the hallway to open it in private.It was from River Kincaid, accepting my challenge with certain terms that nearly made me bark with laughter.First, he demanded that the venue be shifted to the forest near his family's house. The second one was that we were to fight in our wolf forms, and the last was to come alone. No hidden weapons. No schemes. No backup. Although I had planned to engage River in a fair fight, I changed my mind once I realized he wouldn't do the same. I had no intention of losing this challenge because everything I held dear depended on the outcome of this match.My throne. My family. My mate.There could only be one victor after this match, and that person must be me."Is there anything I can do to help?" Colin, my deputy commander, asked. After disappearing for a few days, he finally looke
AQUA A few minutes later... “Ah!” My cheeks burned like fire after enduring a hard, ruthless slap from Hannah. I should have known she did not stay behind to chit-chat, but I didn't expect her to boldly torment me. After replacing my bonds with silver cuffs, Hannah stood from the bed and ran a hand through her tousled hair. “I can't believe you are going to marry River.” She scoffed lightly as she walked towards the window. “You know I always knew there was something wrong with that man. He looked just like a lamb in a wolf's clothing.” Anger bubbled in my chest when I heard her words. It took me less than a second to realize these were not my emotions but my wolf's. Because somewhere in her mind, she still harbored some kind of feelings for this psychotic douchebag. And it made me angry because I was pretty sure my fiancé, Gunnar, was risking his life to save us. A metallic taste flooded my mouth, so I spat it out. “What can I say? We are technically wolves, so it's not really
AQUAI had a dream.I found myself in a garden. The scenery was so ethereal yet so real as the silver moonlight bathed my figure. I stood barefoot on the dewy grass, staring down at the short white dress I was wearing. Where sent hell was I? What was this place?Just when I was about to explore the place, an intriguing sight caught my attention. A wolf emerged from some leaves, approaching me with golden orbs. My breath hitched as I stared at the black, furry animal. That's when the reality of the situation hit me, so I quickly stepped away from it.“Oh, dear moon goddess,” I gasped, covering my mouth. “You can't be real, Saint.”The wolf still looked the same as he did back when he died. His shiny black coat was stained with blood that came from a gaping hole at his side. He stopped for a moment, assessing me quietly to see if I was okay. Slowly, I went on my knees and spread my arms wide. The wolf immediately closed the distance between us and rested his muzzle on my shoulders wh
AQUA After searching the house for three hours, the guards finally gathered in front of River's room. At this point, they seemed very tired yet didn't dare slack off due to River's threat to murder their families if they didn't find me.“Sir, I don't think that woman is in this house. I mean, we have searched every nook and cranny of this place, but we still haven't found her.” One of the guards complained to the captain. “How about we hit the streets and see if she's hiding in a friend's place?”The captain sighed and rubbed his face, frustration etched on each line. “The boss said he would search outside. Besides, the CCTV cameras never showed her leaving the premises, which means she's hiding somewhere.”I released a silent groan when I tried to move. My muscles were screaming for relief, but I chose to ignore it, forcing myself to remain still. I should have gotten out of the house when I had the chance, but I was too afraid that I would get caught again. A wave of nausea sudden