LARA's POV The sun barely peeks through the forest canopy above, but the day has already begun. I walk with my chin up and my steps poised. The train of my long, black gown trails behind as I move. This is the Luna's signature outfit. A symbol of power. Or a symbol of submission. It depends on who’s looking. Finn and Timothy flank me on either side, both armed and ever-watchful. My royal babysitters. "I never thought I’d wake up and see you in full Luna regalia," Timothy quips. "Yeah, well, enjoy it while it lasts," I reply. We’re heading to what they call the "Outer Grounds" —a training field where younger wolves are taught to fight, snarl, and basically tear each other to shreds with etiquette. I’m supposed to observe, bless the new trainees, and offer a few words as Luna. It’s all part of my "duties." Not that anyone actually listens to what I say. The moment I speak, it’s like the air forgets to carry my words. The villagers are lining up in front of me, holding baskets o
LARA's POV The beast towers over me. This is it, a voice whispers inside me. This is how you die. You never got that law degree or visited home to see your parents. My vision begin to blur as he presses harder on me. And then— Thwip... a small hiss, like air escaping a balloon. The wolf jerks, muscles spasming. His eyes go wide, then glassy. His body sways, before collapsing beside me. My heart races, limbs shaking. I want to scream, but it's trapped in my throat. What in the world just happened? It takes a second before I realize I'm no longer pinned. That I’m still alive. And standing over me… Is David. I see a tranquilizer gun in his hand and he bends to carry me in his arms. "Someone, get a chair," he orders. He sits me in a comfortable chair, then kneels beside me. "Are you hurt?" he asks gently. "N-No. I’m okay." My voice is shaking more than it should. "You’re sure?" Not replying, I glance at the tranquilized werewolf. As it turns back to its human form, I watch,
LARA's POV. Chains on the wall, blood stains on the floor, skulls of God-knows-what piled up in a corner. Of course, this is the best place to spend my honeymoon — in a dungeon. A terrifying one that makes me sick to my stomach. But David moves through this place casually... like it's his second home, and not, you know, the creepiest, darkest hellhole. He doesn’t talk. Doesn’t pause. Just keeps walking like he’s done this a thousand times — and probably has. A chilly smirk graces his lips. His smirks rarely mean something good. He can probably feel my fearful gaze on him. His silence always comes with a sharp-toothed surprise. With David, the moment you feel safe is the moment you should start running. The fuck?! My loud scream splits the silence, and startles David. He freezes mid-step, eyes snapping to me in concern. "What's the problem?" The problem? Okay, I'll tell you the first problem. My ex best friend threw me out of our apartment. Into the thundering storm. Then, y
LARA's POV The Great Fire of Rome is known as the most devastating blazes in history. Emperor Nero himself set the city on fire... just so he could build a fancy palace on the ashes. Don't quote me, though; I read it once on a sketchy conspiracy forum. But I’ve always wondered why no one who lived through that fire ever wrote a book about it. No How I Escaped the Roman Flames memoir. Now I know why. They were too busy trying to survive. Writing a fucking book was the last thing on anybody's radar. The great fire of Rome raged for 6 days and destroyed almost the entire city. Can you imagine that? Well, fuck that fire. The one I just escaped was ten times hotter, twenty times fiercer, and more dangerous. It's a miracle that I'm alive. I should write a book. The title would probably be... "Miss Lara, you're the King's wife! If he saw you with the commoners, he'll probably skin us alive!" Misrella shrieks dramatically, when she sees me. The evacuation zone is packed with the i
LARA's POV "Lara, you're not a sacrifice," David explains to me in a urgent whisper. "The people will perform a quick Luna ritual on you. Then, you'll be back in my bed, alive and healthy." Back in his bed?? Please. I'd rather walk on hot coal, barefoot. "How do you expect me to trust you when all you do is lie?!" I retort, anger crawling up my neck. "I'm in love with you, Lara! For 400 years, I have searched for my Luna. Immortal, invincible, but empty. Dated several women, but none of them were the one. Every full moon I prayed the mate-bond would call someone to me. You were the answer. And now that I have you… I won't hurt you." "I don't believe that. He said you were going to kill me!" "He?" I watch his pupils shrink, his irises go blood-dark. The change is instant. "Who's he?" David growls. But he knows. He knows who I mean. I expect him to throw a fit, and begin a bloody hunt for Leo, right then and there. But surprisingly, the look on his face is not one of a monst
Leonardo's POVA castle under the damn forest. I'll admit, it's genius. Hidden in plain sight, buried where no drone or satellite would bother to peek. If it weren't built by the maniac called Daevid, I’d even call it beautiful.But tonight, this genius fortress will burn.The second I jump out of Lara’s window, I drop into the shrubs below and run through the grasses. The adrenaline in my veins makes me forget that I haven't eaten or slept in two days. I can't afford to rest. Not when the girl I love is about to be sacrificed like a lamb on a golden altar.Finally, I reach the hillcrest overlooking the hidden ravine. Roman is already there, pacing beside the others in the shadow of the trees. His pack are scattered in clusters, sharpening their blades and adjusting disguises. The forest groans with terror.Roman glares the second he sees me. "Where the fuck have you been?!"Liam—ever the loudmouth—leans on a tree and smirks. "I’ll tell you where he’s been. Off to visit his Luna-sacr