LOGINLESSON IN POWER (Isabella's POV)The air in the training grounds was thick with tension. Lucas had invited me to spar, but not just to fight—to learn. Jax stood to the side, watching intently as I squared off with Lucas. His presence was more of a reminder than anything, a symbol of the real power that lay within this pack. And now, it was my turn to prove I could handle it."Are you ready?" Lucas asked, his voice calm, almost amused, as he cracked his neck.I nodded, feeling a surge of nerves rush through me. "Let’s do this."He smirked, his eyes glinting with a dangerous gleam. "Don’t hold back," he said. "If you want to control your aura, you need to learn how to control your body first."I didn’t need any more encouragement. I lunged, testing him, but Lucas sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and controlled. He wasn’t even trying yet."You’re too slow," he teased, his voice low as he moved behind me, his hand brushing my shoulder as I spun to face him. "You’ve got power
WHISPERED APOLOGIES (Isabella's POV)The hallways of Frostveil felt quieter than usual as I walked through them, the soft click of my boots against the stone echoing in the stillness. There were fewer whispers now, fewer glances that lingered a second too long. It wasn’t that they accepted me fully, but the cold weight of their distrust had softened. I walked past a group of servants who normally would have exchanged whispers behind my back, but this time, when I caught their eyes, they merely nodded. A small gesture, but it felt like progress. For once, I wasn’t the outsider. I wasn’t the enemy.The kitchen smelled of fresh bread and herbs, a comforting scent that made me feel less like a prisoner. I walked toward the laundry room, my footsteps lighter than they had been in days after my public trial. Then I saw Grace.She was an older maid who had helped me in the bath a few days ago. Her gray hair was tied up neatly, and her hands moved deftly as she sorted the linens. When she
TRIAL BEFORE FROSTVEIL (Isabella's POV)The training grounds buzzed with tension. I could feel it in the air, heavy and thick, like a storm about to break. The warriors were gathered, their eyes focused on me, some curious, some skeptical, and a few downright distrustful. The Council had called for this. I knew why. They needed to see me, to judge me, to decide if I was worthy of being here, of being his.I stood with Lucas beside me, feeling every bit the outsider. The weight of their gazes pressed down on me, but I didn’t flinch. I had learned to survive much worse than disapproving stares. But I had to admit, this felt different. Here, in Lucas’s world, with his pack—there was more at stake than just my own survival. This wasn't like the time when it was just between us and the council or when I had to face part of the pack in the dining hall.This was different. Almost intimidating.“Isabella Evergreen,” the voice of Elder Toren rang out, firm and commanding. “Before you can tru
AURORA MEETS STORM (Isabella's POV)The training grounds were bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the dirt and stone. The air felt cooler here, the scent of pine and earth grounding me.I stood beside Lucas, unsure of what to expect. His eyes were steady, focused. I could see the resolve in his stance, like he knew what was coming. But I didn’t. Not completely."You ready?" he asked, his voice a steady anchor in the stillness.I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "What exactly are we doing?"He glanced at me, his expression softening. "We’re going to connect—your wolf and mine. I want you to try partial shifting, just enough to calm your wolf down."I hesitated, unsure. The wolf inside me had been restless ever since I arrived in Frostveil. It was as if she knew something I didn’t. She pressed against my skin, urging me to do more, to give in, to let her take control."I’ve never done it before," I admitted, looking at my hands. They felt too
A BARGAIN OF TRUTH (Lucas’ POV)I motioned for Isabella to sit at my desk. She hesitated, her eyes flickering over the space as if she was unsure. I didn't want her across from me. I needed her closer, not just physically but emotionally. I wanted her to feel like she wasn’t just a guest in this strange place, but a part of it.She finally sat down, her back straight, hands folded neatly in her lap. I could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers twitched as if they wanted to reach for something but didn’t know what. The letter was still on the desk between us, but neither of us touched it. I leaned against the desk, eyes on her. "I should have warned you before," I started, my voice quiet, even though my thoughts were anything but. "About what you're stepping into with me."She looked up at me, her green eyes sharp and searching, like she was looking for the truth behind my words. "You’ve never had to warn me," she said, her tone flat, but I could feel the weight of
LETTER FROM THE PAST (Isabella's POV)I barely noticed the knock at the door. I was sitting on the edge of my bed, my mind drifting for what felt like hours, torn between the weight of what I had survived and the strange, dizzying tenderness Lucas had shown me since I arrived in Frostveil.The guard entered without ceremony, a thick envelope clasped in his hand. It was sealed with the crest of Silvercrest."From Silvercrest, my lady," he said with a stiff bow, setting the letter down on the table before me.A chill crept up my spine. I didn’t need to ask who it was from. Damien. The man who had destroyed me, and the one who still haunted every step I took, even now.I stared at the letter, my pulse quickening. The gold wax seal seemed like a cruel joke now—something meant to bind me to a past I could never escape. It felt like a trap, but I couldn’t look away.Not when I was finally starting to believe I had a future—one where I could be more than a shadow of his wrath.My hands trem







