MasukEvelynTwo Years LaterThe gardens outside the palace were alive with late-spring blossoms, their perfume carried on a gentle breeze to fill my nose, as my daughter’s laughter, bright and bubbling, carried across the lawn. I watched her reemerge into view, weaving through the rose bushes as she chas
Evelyn The throne room of my father’s palace had never looked so magnificent. Banners in silver and deep royal blue draped from the vaulted ceilings, fine designs embroidered into every piece of fabric. Torches burned in golden sconces, their flames reflected in polished marble floors. The air carr
Logan Two Months LaterThe room was awash with candlelight from the hundreds of candles lining the space. They collectively cast their amber glow on the stone walls, giving our surroundings a soft appearance.Laughter and music poured through the air, filling every corner with celebration. Tonight
LoganThe tavern was alive with laughter. It felt like everyone else there had something to celebrate as well.Around us floated the sound of clinking glasses and the scent of roasted meats wafting through the air. The scene was incredibly jovial and a far cry from the war councils and court politi
“He loves her,” I said quietly, though the words sounded fragile echoing against the empty walls of the throne room. “And you would punish him for it.”“Love is only worth so much,” my father said, the warmth of a moment ago gone. His eyes hardened. “A ruler must make decisions based on what is best
EvelynThe throne room always felt too large. It had been so long since I had been inside the vast, sprawling space, and even then, it had been filled with others for my brother’s princely coronation ceremony when he was fourteen. But now it was just us, my father and I. There weren’t even guards in
As the ball neared its end, many of the Alphas in attendance began the traditional gesture of offering flowers to the women they admired. It was a tradition I had almost forgotten about—a way of expressing interest or respect during the mate ball. I hadn’t expected to receive any flowers, but to m
I smiled politely, though the compliment caught me off guard. “For now, I’m loyal to the royal family,” I replied. The conversations continued, and to my surprise, I found myself becoming the focal point of the salon. Several Alphas who had paid attention to me during the Mate Ball approached, sho
I flinch at the title. “Why didn’t you tell me who you were? That you were the former Royal Healer? That you were living—like someone else entirely?”Her laugh is brittle. “What difference would it have made? So you could look at me like I was a threat instead of a shadow?”“That’s not fair.”“Isn’t
(Evelyn’s POV)I heard Logan’s question: “Who are you?” The venom in his tone made me pause, but before I could respond, my brother stepped in, his voice calm but deliberately provoking. “Looking for Evelyn, I presume?” he said, his lips curling into a smirk. “She’s tired and going to bed.” I







