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Seeds of Discord
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2024-11-23 03:16:14
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Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย Shifting Perspectives
Ameliaโs POV:The crisp morning air bit at my cheeks as I walked toward the training grounds, Snow pacing impatiently in my mind. Her energy buzzed through me, a strange mix of excitement and frustration. I knew she wanted outโwanted to stretch her limbs, feel the earth under her paws. I sighed, rolling my shoulders. Sparring with Lena in wolf form wasnโt something I was exactly looking forward to, but I needed the distraction. Anything to push thoughts of Lucas out of my head.โFinally,โ Lena called out, already in the clearing. Her low-cut hairstyle made her hazel eyes look sharper, almost predatory. โTook you long enough. I was about to start without you.โI raised a brow, forcing a smirk. โYouโre that eager to lose?โShe barked out a laugh, shaking her head. โCocky. I like it. Letโs see if you can back it up.โWithout another word, I let Snow take over. The shift came quickly, almost second nature nowโthe snap of bones, the heat rushing through me, and then the grounding sensation
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-26Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย The Proposal Trap
Ameliaโs POV The faint morning light filtered through the tall windows of my office, spilling onto the polished desk littered with stacks of documents. I leaned back in my chair, pinching the bridge of my nose as fatigue clawed at me. My head ached from the relentless hours of work, but I couldnโt stopโnot when so much depended on me proving my worth. As the Crown Alpha Princess, I had a role to fulfill, and I was determined not to let anyone see me falter. Snow stirred in my mind, her presence muted but constant. Youโve been at this all night, Amelia, she murmured, her tone a mixture of concern and irritation. โI know,โ I whispered aloud, my voice barely audible in the quiet room. โBut I canโt afford to make a mistake.โ The treaty proposal for Alpha Marlonโs southern border expansion lay before me, its contents revised over and over until every word felt burned into my mind. This wasnโt just about diplomacyโit was about showing the council, the palace, and even Lucas that I wa
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-29Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย Reunion of friends
The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow over the palace as I stood by the grand entrance, my heart fluttering with excitement. Snow hummed in the back of my mind, her energy a reflection of mine. My best friend, Ivy, was finally here. After weeks of palace duties, endless proposals, and navigating my complicated arrangement with Lucas, Ivyโs presence felt like a breath of fresh air.When the grand double doors swung open and Ivy stepped inside, my heart soared. She looked radiant, her chestnut curls bouncing with each step. Her hazel eyes sparkled with excitement, but the moment she spotted me, they softened with warmth.โAmelia!โ she cried, dropping her bag to rush toward me.โIvy!โ I laughed, closing the distance between us and pulling her into a tight hug. Her familiar scent of lavender and honey wrapped around me, grounding me in a way I didnโt realize I needed.โYou look amazing,โ Ivy said, pulling back to study me. โBut tired. Theyโre working you too hard, arenโt they?โ
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-11-30Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย Do I Trust Him?
The sound of footsteps echoed in the quiet as Ivy swung open the door, her cheerful expression freezing at the sight of Lucas standing in the hallway. His presence, as always, seemed to command the space, even in silence. His dark eyes flicked past Ivy and locked onto me.โI need a moment with Amelia,โ he said, his voice steady but clipped.Ivy glanced over her shoulder at me, her brows knitting together. I could see the question in her eyesโDo you want me to leave?I gave her a tight nod. โItโs fine, Ivy. Iโll meet you in the dining hall later.โShe hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside. โIโll see you in a bit,โ she said, casting Lucas a wary look before heading down the hallway.The door clicked shut behind her, and the room suddenly felt smaller, as though his presence was sucking the air out of it. I folded my arms across my chest, meeting his gaze with as much resolve as I could muster.โWhat do you need?โ I asked, my tone sharper than I intended.Lucasโs jaw tightened, and
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-02Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย Foiled by Fate
Ameliaโs POVI walked Ivy back to her chambers, promising weโd head to dinner together later. Her face lit up with excitement the entire way. Seeing her this happy made my heart lighter than it had been in days.As I stood outside her door, watching it click shut, I couldnโt help but smile. Ivy was in awe of everything here, and I didnโt blame her. Her chambers were grander than anything weโd ever seen growing up, with carved furniture that seemed alive and a chandelier that caught the light like diamonds.โI still canโt believe this is my life,โ sheโd said, spinning in place to take it all in.โGet used to it,โ I had replied with a laugh, though deep down, I wasnโt sure I had.The smile faded as I walked back to my own chambers, my thoughts shifting. The moment I closed my door behind me, the tension crept back in, winding itself around my chest. I leaned against the cool wood for a second before pushing off and heading to the window.Lucas. His name hovered on the edge of my mind, r
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-04Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย Storm on the Horizon
Sabrinaโs POVThe door slammed behind me, the echo ringing through the lavish halls of my chambers. I didnโt care who heard or sawโI was seething. My blood boiled as I stormed deeper into the room, tearing at the necklace around my throat and flinging it across the room. It clattered against the vanity, the delicate chain breaking as it fell.โItโs not fair!โ I screamed, yanking at the drapes, sending a vase crashing to the floor. The shards sparkled mockingly up at me, only fueling my rage. I grabbed the nearest cushion, hurling it toward the fireplace.Lucas. Always Lucas, standing by her. Protecting her.It should have been me.I kicked a stool out of the way, breathing heavily as my thoughts spiraled. That wine had been perfectly placed, the servant perfectly directedโyet somehow, it had all gone wrong. And not only did it go wrong, it backfired so spectacularly that I was the one humiliated.My hands curled into fists. Amelia. That simpering, wide-eyed little imposter. She should
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-05Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย Accidents Happen
Ameliaโs POVI woke to the soft glow of morning light filtering through my curtains, the gentle calm of the palace whispering promises of a peaceful day. But something in me felt off, an uneasiness I couldnโt shake. Snow had been restless all night, her presence a sharp edge in the back of my mind.We need to stay alert, she said, her voice clear and firm.โFor what?โ I whispered as I stretched, sliding out of bed. โEverything seems fine.โSnow didnโt answer, but her silence carried a tension that set my nerves on edge.After a quick wash, I dressed simply in a loose tunic and leggings, something comfortable for moving about. Today, preparations for the upcoming hunting festival would likely be in full swing. Lena and Cassidy informed me about the hunting festival. It's an event that basically shows off your wolf and skills, especially the male wolves. The unmated ones. I didnโt know much about what was expected of me yet, but anything to distract me from the creeping dread would help
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-07Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย Into The Woods
Ameliaโs POVThe palace courtyard buzzed with excitement as the hunting festival began in earnest. Wolves of all sizes and colors moved about, some already in their wolf forms, their sleek fur catching the sunlight. The air carried a heady mix of anticipation and primal energy.I lingered near the edge of the gathering, my nerves tugging at me. Snow was unusually quiet, her presence simmering just beneath the surface of my mind.Youโll be fine, Ivyโs voice broke into my thoughts through the mind link, her tone cheerful. She was beside me, her grin as bright as the sun overhead, her auburn hair glinting in the light.You sound awfully confident, I replied, forcing a smile as I glanced at her wolf form.Thatโs because I am, she shot back with a playful tone. Itโs just a hunt, Amelia, not a battlefield.Snowโs voice cut through my thoughts like a knife. Nothing about this is friendly. Stay alert.I frowned but kept my thoughts to myself.Lucas stepped into view, and the noise in the cour
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-12-09
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Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย A Dance with Distraction
Lucas POVThe night felt endless.I twirled Sabrina in time with the music, barely paying attention to the dance itself. My movements were precise, effortlessโthe product of years of formal trainingโbut my mind was elsewhere.Sabrina, however, was fully engaged. She smiled up at me, her grip on my shoulder lingering longer than necessary as we moved together.โThis reminds me of the first time we danced together,โ she mused, her voice laced with nostalgia. โDo you remember? It was at the Crescent Moon gala, just after weโโShe let the words hang, waiting for me to acknowledge them.I didnโt.I barely spared her a glance, my focus drifting back to the one person I actually cared about tonight.Amelia. Iโd rather be dancing with her again. The way our body move together. Her soft hand on mine. The bliss that creeped onto her cheeks. She was stunning. Even across the room, she stood out in that midnight blue gown, its fabric catching the light like the night sky. But it wasnโt just how
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย Into His Arms
Ameliaโs POVMy mind felt like it was swimming through thick fog, the heat overwhelming my senses. Mind-link. I needed to reach someoneโLucas, Lena, anyone. But no matter how hard I tried, the haze clouded my thoughts, making it impossible to focus.Snow, help meโฆ I pleaded.IโIโm tryingโฆ she panted weakly. The heat was affecting her just as much as it was affecting me.I stumbled, gripping the edge of the table for support just as the door creaked open.Panic surged through me as I turned, my breath catching when I saw who stood there.Alpha Dorian.I recognized him instantlyโone of the young Alphas Iโd spoken to earlier. I had disliked him on sight. The way his eyes had lingered on me too long, the way he had smirked when I spoke, as if he was undressing me with his gaze. And now, that same gaze was locked onto me, but this time, there was something darker in it.He took a slow step inside, inhaling deeply.My stomach dropped as I watched his pupils dilate, his eyes darkening as his
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย A Dangerous Heat
Ameliaโs POVThe sound of applause still echoed through the grand ballroom as I stood there, my heart racing from the dance with Lucas. My body still tingled from his touch, the warmth of his hands on my waist lingering far longer than I wanted to admit. For a fleeting moment, it had felt like a dreamโlike we were something more than a contract, something real.But the moment shattered when she appeared.Sabrina.Draped in an emerald-green gown that hugged her curves, she approached with all the confidence of someone who believed she belonged by Lucasโs side. A false, sugary-sweet smile painted her lips as she placed a delicate hand on his forearm.โLucas,โ she purred, tilting her head just slightly. โDance with me?โI stiffened. She didnโt even acknowledge my presence, as if I were nothing but a shadow in Lucasโs world.Lucas hesitated, his gaze flickering to mine. My chest tightened, but I forced my face to remain neutral. I refused to let Sabrina see me falter.Not wanting to cause
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย A Dance in the Spotlight
Ameliaโs The warmth of Lenaโs laughter eased some of the tension in my chest. Being around my friends always grounded me, reminding me that I wasnโt alone in all of this.โEthan really had the nerve to approach you?โ Lena scoffed, shaking her head. โThe audacity of that man.โCassidy smirked. โShouldโve thrown your wine on him.โAmy, ever the calm one, placed a hand on my arm. โYou okay?โI exhaled, swirling the wine in my glass before nodding. โYeah. I handled it.โLena snorted. โGood. If he comes near you again, Iโll handle it.โTheir presence was comforting, but I couldnโt ignore the way eyes followed me around the ballroom. Whispers trailed behind me, some admiring, others filled with skepticism. It was expectedโLucas and I were still under scrutiny. Some didnโt believe our union was real, while others simply didnโt think I belonged at his side.I straightened my shoulders, refusing to let their doubt shake me. I wasnโt just standing here as Lucasโs wifeโI was here as the Luna of
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย An Unexpected Ally
Ameliaโs POVThe shock of seeing Luna Lara standing before me made my breath hitch. Of all the people I expected to be my mysterious ally, she was not one of them.โLuna Lara?โ I whispered, disbelief coloring my tone.She smiled, her expression calm and composed. โYouโve got questions,โ she said softly. โAnd I have answers.โThereโs a long pause and she stare at me a knowing glint in her eyes. โYou look surprised, Amelia.โI was. But as the initial shock faded, I realized maybe I shouldnโt be. Luna Lara had helped me beforeโat the boutique, when she exposed Sabrinaโs schemes. She had stepped in when she had nothing to gain from it. And yet, that was exactly what unsettled me now.She wasnโt from this kingdom. She had no real reason to be invested in my affairs. So why was she helping me?โWhy?โ The question slipped out before I could stop it.Luna Lara tilted her head slightly, as if she had expected me to ask. Then, she sighed, a soft, almost wistful sound. โBecause I see a glimpse o
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย The Alpha Ball
Ameliaโs POVI stood in front of the mirror, my fingers lightly tracing the delicate embroidery along the bodice of my gown. The emerald-green fabric shimmered like the leaves of the palace gardens after a rainstorm, and it fit me perfectlyโa stark contrast to the chaos swirling inside me. The stylist had insisted this color would bring out my eyes. I stared at my reflection and had to admit, she was right.Not that it mattered. The gown, the jewels, even the flawless braids in my hairโthey were all just a mask. Tonight wasnโt about beauty or elegance. It was about survival.The Alpha Ball. Just the thought of it sent my pulse racing. Everyone who mattered in our world would be here tonightโthe alphas, the lunas, the councils, the powerful families. Every handshake and glance would carry hidden meanings. And then there was me: Amelia, Lucasโs wife in name only. A contract. A secret.I smoothed the gown over my hips, trying to steady my nerves. Tonight, I had to be perfect. Polished.
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย Ethanโs Ambition
Ethanโs POVThe conference room was stuffy, the hum of voices blending into a dull roar around Ethan as his pack discussed the logistics of their upcoming strategies. Ethan sat at the head of the table, his gaze locked on Mark, his beta, who was going over final preparations for the Alpha Ball and pack affairs during his absence.But Ethan wasnโt paying attention. His mind had drifted far from the table and the mundane discussions about patrol schedules or supply runs. He couldnโt stop thinking about the Alpha Ball, couldnโt stop imagining the scene that awaited him when he arrived.Amelia.Her name burned in his mind like a brand. No matter how hard he tried, he couldnโt suppress the image of her standing beside Lucas, her head held high, the picture of grace and strength. It made his blood boil, the muscles in his jaw tightening until it ached.โYouโve no one to blame but yourself,โ Magnus growled in his mind, his wolfโs voice a sharp jab against his already frayed composure.โSheโs
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย The Weight of Anticipation
Ameliaโs POVThe palace garden stretched before me, a quiet oasis where I could breathe, though my thoughts were anything but tranquil. The sun was soft this morning, filtering through the leaves and casting shifting patterns on the cobblestone path. It shouldโve been peaceful, but my mind felt like a restless storm.I walked without direction, brushing my fingers against the cool leaves and blossoms that lined the garden paths. Despite the beauty surrounding me, my thoughts kept pulling me back to yesterdayโto the boutique and the moment Luna Lara revealed Sabrinaโs schemes.I could still hear her calm, confident voice as she exposed the truth. My chest tightened at the memory. The gratitude Iโd felt in that moment had been overwhelming. Sabrinaโs plan to humiliate me could have succeeded if not for Luna Lara stepping in.Iโd thanked her before leaving the boutique, my words barely scratching the surface of how much her intervention had meant to me. But the aftermath of it all still
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Brideย ย ย The Weight of Suspicion
Lucas POV The trial had been over for days, but I couldnโt shake the uneasy feeling it left behind. Something was offโboth Kurt and Maxwell were too calm, too assured of their positions. Amelia had noticed it too, pointing out the glances they exchanged during the proceedings. She was right; Iโd seen it myself. They werenโt just accusedโthey were calculated, like men with a hidden plan.I sat at my desk, leaning back in my chair as I tapped my fingers on the armrest. My gut churned with suspicion, my mind replaying every moment from the trial. Every word. Every look. Every lie. Maxwell and Kurt werenโt just covering for each other; they were playing a larger game, and I needed to figure out what that game was before it cost us more than we could afford.Ameliaโs voice echoed in my mind, her concerns still fresh. She had seen it in themโsomething cold, something dangerous. The fact that she noticed it before I did gnawed at me. She wasnโt just observant; she had a sharpness to her tha
