Elara's POV “She’s playing a game,” I said flatly, folding my arms as I stopped and stared at the barred entrance. “She must be. This is all some twisted scheme, I guess.” Damian leaned against the wall, breathing heavily. “Maybe. But she took a bite of the bread, Elara. That wasn’t for show. And for the record's sake, maybe she's just changed. After all, the man she's loved and trusted all her life killed her child.” Damian might be right but that doesn't change the fact that he is always quick to always believe whatever he saw without critical analysis. I frowned, chewing on my lower lip. “You think she regrets everything now? That she’s… what? Redeeming herself?” Damian shrugged. “It doesn’t matter what she wants. We need to focus on one thing—getting out of here. And taking back what’s ours before Kael ends our lives.” I turned sharply toward the cell of the other Elders, most of whom were slumped against the walls, weakened and barely speaking. “How?” I asked. My voice was
Lyra’s POV The palace was quiet this morning, too quiet. The cheerful atmosphere that was usually here when Damian was Alpha had already vanished into thin air. Kael was still snoring in the royal chamber. Passed out drunk again, his crown probably rolling around on the floor somewhere. And his whores, still snoring by his side. He didn’t notice I was gone for most of the night. Didn’t know that I helped Gomez slip past the North Gate using a secret passage that hadn’t been used in years. Gomez had showed it to me, saying Alpha Cadman had built it for purposes like this. Didn’t know that I faked a pass and bribed the outer guard with jewelry from the queen’s vault. Didn’t know that the only reason his “Day of Cleansing” might never happen… was me. A few times, I was attempted to drive a silver dagger into his heart, but I decided against him. Such death would be too merciful for him. And definitely, it would turn out to be a hassle because the Rogue king would definitely come f
Lyra's POV After what feels like eternity, I finally stopped crying, wiping my tears with the napkin she handed me. “I finally understand what Elara must have felt. When her child died. I was so evil that I killed her baby. And now…” I couldn’t even finish the sentence. My throat choked on every word as regret and guilt surged through me. “You’re not a bad person,” Clara said softly, squeezing my hands. “You just lost your way. And it's not too late to do what's right.” “Well, I’ve found it now,” I whispered. “And it’s time to choose a side.” She managed a small smile at me. “I will carry out your orders. Thank you for doing this for Luna Elara.“ I nodded slowly. I watched her as she walked out of the room. When the door clicked shut behind her, I wiped my face, stood up shakily, and threw on a robe. ______ The kitchen was half-empty when I arrived. I walked in unnoticed, picked out some bread, fruits, and a water jug. I asked the maid on duty to bring more food—and wrap it
Two days later. Lyra’s POV The palace was dead quiet… but my thoughts were screaming at me. I sat in my room, propped up by pillows, still weak from the surgery. My body ached, but not half as much as my heart. The hollowness in my womb was a reminder I couldn’t escape. The child—our child—was gone. And Kael… he didn’t even flinch. Didn't even think about it. He just acted like it was a pet that we lost. How ruthless could he be? And he thinks that because I have been so overly ambitious of being Luna, I was going to let my child go? He thinks that the damn throne is more important than my proof of motherhood? I had wanted to keep that child save, bring him to this world for myself because I needed someone to love and cherish and someone who will love me in return but he had taken that away from him. I won't let this slide. I swear to the gods that I'm going to rip him apart myself. Now, it's time for payback. I wrapped my arms around myself, swallowing past the lum
Author's POV Elara's heart skipped a beat, fear gripping her. Her father was still recuperating. He might really die if he was traumatised again. “You bastard!“ She spat through gritted teeth, her body shaking with unrestrained rage. “Don't you dare touch my parents, or else I'm going to kill you myself.“ “How are you going to do that?“ He sneered, his voice mocking. “Stop being delusional. I'm the one in charge now.“ Then he roared, “Take them.“ The guards obeyed without question, dragging them away as their screams and curses echoed behind. Kael rose slowly. His eyes narrowed on the crown glinting on the velvet cloth beside the throne. He picked it up… and placed it on his head, crowning himself as the king of the Cadman Pack. The pack members watched him quietly and were forced to bow before him. The room fell silent, and then he whispered: “Bring me to her.” ––– The infirmary was quiet. Lyra hadn’t stirred in hours. Her face was pale, her hands limp. She hasn't woken up
Author’s POVThe Next Day.Alpha Damian and Luna Elara couldn't sleep all through the night. Their minds were swirling with different thoughts, especially that the warriors had returned empty-handed with no sign of Kael at all.Few times, they would go out and walk around the palace, keeping watch and ordering the guards to keep searching. Elara had it worse. The moment she closed her eyes, it would look as if she was being strangled by some unseen forces. She couldn't shake off the strange feelings that something drastic was going to happen.By the time it was morning, the Elders private army already gathered around the kingdom, guarding and preparing for whatever it was to come. The afternoon was peaceful. Damian ordered that the army return back to the kingdom, since it was sure that the throne was Kael's target.Night fell heavy over the Cadman Palace like an omen.A strange silence loomed in the air, too thick, too still—as if the very moon was holding its breath.By 9 P.M., Ka