LOGINThe cool glass of the vanity pressed into my lower back as Cade’s grip tightened on my wrist, his fingers like iron bands cutting off my circulation. His eyes were bloodshot, rimmed with a manic desperation I had never seen in the five years of our marriage."You aren't going anywhere, Risa," he rasped, his breath smelling like whiskey and the bitter tang of adrenaline. "I’d rather burn the North to the ground and die in the ashes than watch you walk toward him. You think a royal decree changes what’s mine?""You're insane, Cade! Get your hands off me!" I shouted, my voice echoing off the marble walls. I swung my free hand, the palm of my hand connecting with his cheek in a sharp, stinging slap. His head snapped to the side, but he didn't let go. If anything, the blow seemed to snap the last thread of his restraint.He lunged again, pinning me against the mirror. I felt the cold glass against my scalp as he caged me in with his body, his weight crushing the breath from my lungs. I str
The music swelled into a low-string melody that seemed to vibrate through the very soles of my feet. Kael’s hand was steady, as he held my waist, his other hand enveloping mine with a firm grip that felt less like a dance and more like a pact binding both our souls.The ballroom was a blur of shimmering fabrics and pale, shocked faces. The gasps from the crowd were audible, a collective intake of breath that hung in the air. I could feel the heat of a hundred stares on me, some judgmental, some envious, all bewildered. The whispering started almost immediately, a low, buzzing sound that threatened to drown out the orchestra."Look at me," Kael’s voice was a low command, barely audible over the violins.I hesitated, my eyes darting toward the edge of the floor where the Alphas stood like frozen statues."Only at me," he repeated, his thumb tracing a slow circle on the small of my back.I turned my gaze to his, and for a moment, the room vanished. His eyes were filled with a terrifying
The Grand Ballroom of the citadel was a large hall of light and lethal intent. Thousands of floating candles flickered against the black glass walls, reflecting the shimmering gowns and stiff military tunics of the realm's elite. The air was thick with the scent of lilies and the sharp smell of high-level tension coming from everyone in the room.They were all dressed beautifully, but the tension was clear as everyone murmured and gossiped about what the king might do this time, but as for me, my gaze was sharp as I couldn't wait for him to get me out of the forsaken marriage. Cade stood beside me, his hand clamped firmly around my waist possessively and I didn't push him away. To any onlooker, it was a romantic gesture of a couple. But to me, it felt like a shackle. He had spent the entire evening acting as if the explosion in our suite had never happened, his face a polished mask of arrogance as he tried to push my feelings as unimportant."Smile, Risa," he hissed under his breath
As I left the room, I walked straight to the security wing. I had no idea how I was supposed to meet the man I wanted to, so I could only ask for help from the people who knew how. As I walked, I didn't feel the harsh wind biting on my skin, I only felt the weight of my father’s legacy slipping through Cade’s treacherous fingers. Every step I took was a nail in the coffin of my so-called marriage.I reached the massive, silver veined doors of the King’s private sector. This wasn't the guest area, it was the nerve center of the realm, guarded by the Royal Sentinels. These are men who looked more like statues of black armor than living breathing wolves.I didn't hesitate as I marched up to the lead guard, a man whose helmet visor shimmered with a golden interface."I am Luna Risa of the North," I said, my voice projecting a cold authority I hadn't known I possessed. "I am requesting an immediate private audience with the High King. It is a matter of sovereign security and the illegal l
The heavy doors of our villa slammed shut behind me and my blood was roaring, as I remembered the Lunas' mocking laughter and the weight of Cades betrayal. I marched straight into the study, the scent of expensive wine and paper hitting my senses. Cade was there already and he was leaning over his tablet, his face illuminated by the blue glow of the screen, he looked like he was concentrating on something probably important. He didn't even look up as I entered, though the sheer force of my presence must have vibrated through the floorboards."You’re late for the briefing," he said, his voice flat and clinical. "I have already coordinated with the Western Alphas for the trade routes. We need to make sure we are…""How much did you sell them for?" My voice was rough as I stared at him. The silence that followed was thick enough to choke on. Slowly, Cade looked up, his expression didn't flicker with guilt, instead, it settled into a defensive sneer. "I don't know what you’re talking ab
The heels of my shoes struck the polished tiles of the long corridor with a sharp snap that echoed my rising anxiety. I had slipped out of the Council Chamber before the first Alpha could even draw a breath to complain about Kael’s new security mandate. I couldn't stand the smell of their suppressed fear a second longer, it was annoying to watch grown ass men act like toddlers.I reached a quiet alcove overlooking the mist-shrouded valley and pulled out my phone. I had a missed call from Axel. I hit the callback button immediately and he picked up on the second ring."Risa, thank the goddess you called back," his voice was low, "I’ve been monitoring the server logs from the Northern terminal back home. Things look... wrong. How are you holding up at that place?""I'm surviving, Axel," I said, leaning my forehead against the cool glass of the window. The mountain wind howled on the other side, muffled and frustrated. "But Kael just announced a unified security policy. He’s taking over
"I am honored, Your Majesty," I said, my voice projecting just enough to reach the ears of the surrounding nobles. I didn't look at Cade, though the heat radiating from him was enough to burn. "It is a rare privilege to wear jewels from the royal household. They are... remarkably fitting." Kael le
I felt the heat of a hundred stares prickling my skin as everyone watched us in shock. I could already hear the whispers starting, but Kael somehow drew my attention back to him."The music is far too beautiful to waste, don't you think?" Kael said with a smile plastered on his unbelievably handsom
The last of the cars rolled down the gravel drive, their head lights fading as the guards shut the gates. I stood on the entrance, my feet aching in the silver heels as I let the sudden silence sink in. My soul felt like it had been scraped raw and left bare for the whole world to see. I had spent
It was the night of the ball and I was supposed to be getting ready. Two boxes sat on my lounge and I stared at them, weighing my options. Cade had gifted me a pale gold gown for the ball like he said he would. It was undoubtedly beautiful, but I guess I was way too stubborn to swallow my pride







