King Desmond’s POVInside the study room, the air smelled faintly of cedar and ink while I, the Lycan King, leaned back in my leather chair, tossing a silver pen onto a half-signed contract. I already felt exhausted after reviewing and signing countless reports since early morning.After a while, I heard the familiar click of Jude’s shoes against the marble floor that broke the silence.“Your Majesty,” Jude greeted with a slight bow as he opened the door and stood before me. “Princess Geline has arrived at the palace.”I could only sigh, not even the slightest surprise. After what happened at her party that spread like wildfire around the palace, her coming in here was only a matter of time.“She’s early. And angry, I presume?”Jude made an expression. “Seething, actually, King Desmond. She’s waiting outside. Impatiently, if I may add,” he uttered, pointing at the door.Chuckling, I asked with confidence, “Let me guess. This is about Elena again?”He hesitated for a while before noddi
Elena’s POVThe next day, just like what I said to the Duchess, I went back to the palace to pay the Grand Princess a visit.Wearing another uncomfortable set of maroon dress and heels, I sat on the back of the car with the windows down, letting the fresh air calm my nerves before we arrived.As soon as the car was parked in front of Princess Geline’s mansion, I looked at it and couldn’t help but feel only coldness despite the beautiful mid-morning sun gleaming on it.Grabbing the wine box from the armrest, I opened the door and walked out of the car.“Zara, stay in here. I’ll go alone,” I ordered with my palms up as soon as I saw Zara about to open the passenger’s door and follow me.I didn’t know how long I would stay in there. Knowing the Grand Princess’ personality as she showed in the party, it might take longer as she’s harder to handle than the Duchess. For sure, Zara won’t be able to come inside with me either. And I wouldn’t want her waiting outside the door for too long.The
Elena’s POVThe day after the party, I woke up in a good mood, especially after having that night's conversation with Deacon. However, that mood was instantly ruined the second I went down to the dining room for breakfast.“Princess…” Jayden loomed over me from behind just as I was about to take a mouthful of waffles into my mouth.I wouldn’t have minded it if it weren’t for the cautiousness laced in his voice.Sighing from the foretelling trouble I was feeling, I placed down my fork and slowly looked at him with raised brows. “Shoot. Hit me with whatever bad bullet you got in there.”Raising up his phone, he shook it a little to make an emphasis before giving me a sheepish smile and a cautious look. “I just… received an email from the palace. Duchess Dianne is asking for your presence… again.” He opened his eyes and met my empty ones, that’s filled with disbelief.After the stunt she pulled off after the party. I’m not quite sure if seeing her would be the best thing to do, especial
Glenda’s POVI sat behind Luna’s desk, my name and title engraved neatly on the plaque, completely erasing any trace of Elena ever being here.The room was quiet, almost too quiet. Just a sterile workspace littered with a computer set and stacks of documents I could barely understand. The silence didn’t feel peaceful; it felt empty.After reading through a few financial papers that made no sense to me, I leaned back in my chair, utterly exhausted.“This isn’t going anywhere!” I shouted, slamming my hands on the desk in frustration.I couldn’t believe Elena had actually managed to play the obedient slave to this pack, acting like she belonged in this place. And now I was expected to follow suit? Like hell I would.These paperwork, these politics—it was all a pain in the ass.What made it worse was how none of them even appreciated the effort. The moment I walked into this pack, they praised me like I was the perfect replacement for Elena, the saviour of their pride. But now, with one t
Bryson’s POVI stood frozen, my breath caught in my throat as her voice pierced the silence.“What?” I asked, pretending to be shocked at her ridiculous words.“Don’t lie to me!” she snapped, her voice cracked with emotion, her temples throbbing with anger. “Every time things fall apart, you look at me like I’m a mistake. Like I’ve been tainted. Like I’m trash because I’m not innocent anymore. Like…”Her chest heaved, her breath ragged. She looked like she was being dragged back to that cabin, to the horror we both tried to erase. Her fists clenched at her sides as if holding herself together.“Stop…” I murmured, my eyes flickering to her forehead. Despite the thick concealer and her new hairstyle—a curtain of bangs meant to hide the scarred reminder of her past—I still struggled to look at it.And she knew that.She was right. I did avoid looking. I told myself it wasn’t intentional, but deep down, I knew better. Every time I saw it, I remembered the pain, the blood, the betrayal… an
Bryson’s POVI’d spent the entire day knee-deep in site inspections, back-to-back meetings, and chasing down investors to fill the financial hole left in the pack—only to be hit with a frantic message from one of the servants.Your mother fainted.The words sucker-punched the breath right out of me.With my heart pounding in my ears, I rushed home like a madman. The double doors of the estate banged open under my force, slamming against the walls as I charged inside.Everything was chaos.Servants and omegas bustled across the hall, shouting over one another while hauling bowls of water, cloths, and herbs. It looked like a war zone.I didn’t even pause to ask questions. My feet carried me upstairs, my breath catching as groans and shouts grew louder.Then I saw the door—her door—barely closed.I slammed it open.“Bryson! Finally, you’re back!” Julie stood up from beside the bed and hurried toward me, her face pale and frantic.“What happened?” I demanded, voice sharp, eyes locked on m