Rae I stood in the hallway, my back pressed against the cold stone wall, watching Von emerge from the room. I had been watching him all night—watching as he returned, watching as he carried Normani in his arms, watching as he disappeared into the guest room with her. And now, here I was again. Watching him leave. His sharp gaze locked onto mine, his eyes narrowing. “What are you doing here?” I swallowed the lump in my throat, my hands curling into fists at my sides. “Is this your plan?” My voice wavered slightly, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. Von’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?” I stepped forward, my pulse hammering. “You’re trying to replace me, aren’t you?” His jaw tightened. “And what if I am?” My breath hitched. “You’re not even trying to fix things.” He let out a bitter chuckle. “Fix things? There’s nothing left to fix, Rae. You betrayed me.” “I’ve been trying to explain to you that it was a mistake!” My voice rose, as I spoke. “I never meant to hu
Von“I felt no pleasure fucking you that’s why I stopped,” I said, with an emotionless tone. “I couldn’t stop thinking about what you did.” I watched as Rae’s face changed. The smile vanished from her eyes. She looked like she wanted to speak but she stopped herself.I didn’t stare at her for long. I walked away without looking back.The moment I stepped into my room, rage overtook me. My hands slammed down on the desk, scattering papers, toppling ink bottles, and sending books crashing to the floor. The loud thud echoed in the room, but it wasn’t enough to ease the storm inside me. I was furious. Furious at myself. Furious at her. I had let her in again. Let her touch me, let her words burrow under my skin. I had wanted her—I still wanted her—and I despised myself for it. “Damn it,” I growled, raking a hand through my hair. “What was I thinking?”A knock sounded at the door. “Your Majesty, is everything alright?” The guard’s voice was hesitant. I didn’t answer at first, sti
Rae“You know you didn’t have to hurt him!” Normani’s sweet tone changed and saw Von tense beside her. She looked like if she was given the chance she would stick a dagger in my throat.“Von is a good man, and he always has been and it’s too bad that you don’t—““Normani don’t!” Von stepped in and I furrowed my brows. “Let her speak!” I said out loud. “You don’t need to protect me. It’s not like you care how much anything affects me!”“Obviously I don’t!” Von clarified. “And I also don’t like the idea of being cut up in any drama. That’s the only reason I’m stopping her.”His hardened tone softened when he turned to look at Normani. “Let’s go!”“I really want to give her a piece of my mind.” Normani protested and Von shook his head. “She’s not worth it!” He dragged her along with him, and I watched as he tried to coax me as they walked. His hands slid down her back in a slow manner. Some minutes later, Normani’s hardened face softened.I sighed turning to look at Anna.“Are you alr
Rae “You look distracted.” Anna’s voice tore through my thoughts and peered at her. I was in her room, as usual, hiding myself from Von and Normani. “I’m not!” I finally said. “I have been speaking to you for the past ten minutes and you didn’t even blink or move it’s like your mind is elsewhere.” She was right. My mind was elsewhere. I was thinking about Jace’s words. It kept ringing in my head and I could feel myself caving in. I didn’t know what to do. I have thought of a way to handle this situation without having to be involved but there was no way out. “See?” I heard Anna say, and I pulled myself out of my thoughts. “You’re doing it again.” “No, I’m not.” “You didn’t blink for two seconds.” “I think it’s normal not to blink all the time.” I pointed out. Anna sighed. “Just tell me what’s going on. I want to know what’s up with you.” I was about to speak but I stopped myself. Did I really want to tell Anna that I had an encounter with Jace? I didn’t know how she woul
Rae“This is it!” I said to myself as I made my way down the palace entrance. The cloak I wore covered my head, shielding me from any preying eyes.I turned back staring at the palace building which stood tall behind me. I didn’t feel like leaving but I knew I had no choice.“Miss!” A voice called my attention, and I raised my head to see one of the guards.“This way!” He instructed, pointing to the gates and I followed him closely behind. I was hoping I didn’t get spotted but after the incident that happened, I doubted that even if I did Von would care.He might even tell the guard to set me free and let me do whatever I wanted.I stopped my thoughts immediately after we arrived outside, turning to look at the guard who was helping Jace.“Follow the path that leads to town!” The guard instructed. “Jace would meet you halfway.”I nodded and then I picked up my step. The moonlight was my only guide, through the darkened path. However, the minute I got into town the streetlight light
Von “Are you sure you can stay alone?” I asked Normani as I walked her to her room. The sky had darkened and we spent the entire day touring around the pack. It was more of Normani’s idea. She wanted to see places she visited while growing up. “Don’t start teasing me!” She cooed. “I’m just stating facts.” As I said those words Normani rolled her eyes. “Good night von Dax!” She stepped into her room and I furrowed my eyebrows. “Don’t forget to lock your door! The boggy man might pay you a visit.” I joked, and she stuck out her tongue before locking the door. I headed down the hallway, and the second I crossed Rae’s room. My heart did a 360. I hated the fact that she still had power over me. I turned my face away, heading to the room. My sleep wasn’t peaceful, and a loud banging on my door jolted me awake. For a brief moment, I thought it was Normani, but when I swung the door open, I was met with Anna’s worried face. I frowned. “What do you want?” She looked slightly
Rae I let out a slow breath as I watched the morning sky take over. It had been three days since my escape—three days of living with Jace on the outskirts of the pack, hidden in the forest where few dared to venture. The air around me was chilly, carrying the scent of damp earth and morning dew. I stood outside our small shelter, letting the sunlight warm my skin.“You’re up,” Jace’s voice startled me. I turned to see him stepping out from the trees, his dark hair tousled by the wind. “Yeah,” I responded, watching as he stretched his arms. “I’m heading out,” he said. My brows furrowed. “Where to?” “I’m sneaking into the pack.” At that, my entire body stiffened. “Why?” “To see if I can get any information about Von,” he said casually as if he wasn’t about to put himself in danger. I frowned. “Why can’t you go at night? That way you wouldn’t get sighted.” Jace shook his head. “I can’t. I have other plans.”“Like what?” I asked in a curious tone.Some men are headin
Von The sound of the door opening, caused me to look up from the files on the desk. My eyes landed on Normani who had a worried look on her face.“They told me I would find you here.” She pointed out.“The guards?” I asked and she nodded.“Is something going on Von?” Her voice rose seconds later, I pulled my eyes from the desk and placed it on her.“Why do you ask?”“Just look at you. You spent the entire day locked up in the study and from the look on your face, it seems you haven’t slept.”“I’m just attending to some really important stuff.” I lied and I hoped she wouldn’t sense it but the way she was staring at me made me realize that maybe she could actually see through my lies.“Is she the reason why you have locked yourself here?” Normani asked and I furrowed my brows.“I’m not bothered about Rae.” I spilled out more lies. “She’s the last thing on my mind.”She didn’t look convinced and I didn’t know what to say to make her believe my lies.Normani didn’t say anything for a whi
Von The sound of the crowd's cheers echoed through the gate, as I raised the artifact in my hand. “I have found a way to end the curse,” I repeated.“To save us all!” I continued. “This would wipe off the pain and suffering we have endured.”“Our lives shall once again be filled with joy.” They continued to cheer me on but their joyous voices faded behind me as I turned my back on them, my heart hammering in my chest. I needed to see Rae. Now.“The Luna has given birth,” Roy said as I stepped through the entrance. His voice was calm, but the weight of his words brought me to a halt. I looked at him in disbelief. “What?” “It’s a girl,” he added, smiling. I didn’t waste a second. My feet carried me up the stairs like the wind was at my back. When I opened the door, I saw Rae—cradling the child in her arms, her face bathed in soft light. My breath caught in my throat.She looked up at me with tired eyes, and then down again at the tiny baby bundled against her chest. I moved c
RaeI stood in front of the mirror, my hand hovering gently over my stomach. My skin was stretched, round, and tight.I rubbed my hands round my stomach and I smiled, but the smile didn’t last. It had been four months since Von had left. Four months since I had last seen him. I never got to say goodbye. The thought still ached deep inside me. I wished I had listened to Anna, wished I had stopped him or at least spoken to him before he left, but I didn’t. I let my emotions take over and eat my mind.Behind me, a voice broke the silence. “Are you okay?” Anna’s voice was soft. I turned to face her and nodded slowly. “I’m fine… I was just thinking. The baby’s almost here.” She stepped closer, worry written all over her face. “Are you scared?” I hesitated before answering. “I’m worried. Not for myself… for the baby.” Anna furrowed her brow. “Why? The baby will be born into a better world—once Von returns with the artifact.” “That’s what scares me,” I whispered. “What if they
Von The distance between Rae and me grew day by day. And I didn’t try to close it. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I understood why it was happening. This was too much for her to process—there was too much pain involved. She needed space, and I wasn’t going to force my presence into a storm she hadn’t calmed yet.So I kept to myself, locking the emotions away and burying my mind in strategy. Every hour was spent thinking, reading old texts, flipping through scrolls.I was searching for any solid thread that could lead to the artifact the seer spoke of. I wanted to be sure that it was real and just something that was made up, when I finally found an old book that documented old artifact I was happy. So it exited. As I closed that book, I made my decision. I was going to find it. And I wasn’t going alone.Landon was coming with me.The idea settled like steel in my bones. I dragged myself out of bed, the morning chilly air biting at my skin as I stood before the mirror and
Von I was torn between two options—go after Rae or deal with the information that the guard just delivered to me.My feet itched to chase her down the servants’ quarters, and to make her feel better… but duty pulled me in the other direction.Roy was already a few steps ahead, and I followed him down the corridor, my gaze still locked on the hallway Rae had disappeared into.“He told you he found a witch?” I asked, my voice sharp.Roy nodded without looking back. “Yes, Your Majesty. Said he found her near the valley.”“And you believe that nonsense?” I pressed, picking up my pace.“What do you mean?” Roy glanced back at me.“Do you really think he found a real witch? Or is this just some random old woman he picked up to fool us again?” My tone was filled with suspicion.Roy hesitated. “I… I don’t know. He seemed sure of her. That’s all I can say.”I didn’t push him further. I clenched my jaw and kept walking, letting silence carry the weight of my thoughts. Landon was a snake—one wh
Rae I stared at Anna in disbelief, my lips parted but no words coming out. I couldn’t believe what I just heard. I felt like I was in a nightmare. I managed to pull myself out of the haze staring back at Anna. “You’re saying… I have to die to save the kingdom?” My voice cracked as I spoke, and my legs felt unsteady beneath me.Anna gave a slow nod, her eyes filled with sadness.“I don’t understand,” I said, forcing myself to stand. “Why me? How am I the reason for the curse?”“I don’t know, Rae,” she replied gently. “But Von might. He’s been keeping everything to himself. I think he knows more than he’s saying.”I shook my head. “This can’t be real. I refuse to believe it.”My heart pounded in my chest. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. The walls were closing in. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind, crashing into each other. I didn’t want to cry, but tears burned behind my eyes anyway.Anna stepped closer. “Please calm down. Landon’s looking for a witch. He believes there might b
RaeThe dim light crept into view, it was blurry and soft at first, like a distant memory trying to settle into focus. My head felt heavy, and my body… foreign. I blinked a few times, trying to ground myself in the space around me. Everything was unfamiliar. I was disoriented. My arms ached, and when I looked down, I noticed wires—tubes—stripped across my body. I couldn’t tell if they were for healing or restraint.Then suddenly I heard soft sobs which broke through my haze.I turned my head, and my eyes landed on Anna. She was hunched over in a chair across the room, her shoulders trembling. Her voice cracked as she muttered to herself, “I think I’ve made a mistake… I shouldn’t have let him go…”What was she talking about? And why was she crying?“Anna…” My voice came out hoarse, it was low and if she wasn’t sitting close by. I was sure she wouldn’t have heard it.Anna’s head jerked up after those words left my lips. Her eyes widened like she’d seen a ghost. “Rae?” she gasped. T
VonThe moment, I saw Landon move I halted my steps, trying to figure out where he was heading. He directed his horse towards the side of the river while he rested on one of the stones. He was facing me now, but because of the trees I was well hidden and I couldn’t be easily detected. I kept watching, waiting for the opportunity when he would finally turn his back. Eventually, he did, and just as I was about to launch myself at him, my horse let out a sharp, loud snort.Landon jerked his head up and during that moment his eyes found mine. I wondered if he had seen me, but the moment I saw him reach for his horse I got the answer to my question.Landon pulled his horse out of the river in one fast move, climbed onto the saddle, and kicked hard. The animal responded instantly, racing through the shallow water, splashing and tearing through the trees.“Landon!” I growled, then yanked my reins.I mounted quickly and dug my heels in. My horse moved forward, its hooves digging into the t
VonI stared at Anna with a coldness that could freeze fire. My eyes locked onto hers, searching for answers, for some kind of remorse, but all I saw was silence. Her lips stayed pressed together, and it was clear she wasn’t planning on explaining anything anytime soon.My anger ignited. It roared up from my chest like a beast unchained. I hit her against the cage once again.“You dare remain silent?” I growled through clenched teeth. “You set him free and you stand here with your mouth shut like it means nothing?”Her gaze flicked to mine, and finally, she spoke in a soft tone. “Even if I explain things to you… you’ll never understand.”I scoffed, tightening my grip. “Did he promise you something? Huh? Is that it? Did Landon feed you some sweet little story?”“No,” she snapped back. “He didn’t promise me anything.”I let out a humorless laugh. “Then why? What in the hell made you think this was a good idea?”She yanked her arm out of my grasp. “Because he said he wants to help this c
Von The night had arrived.I sat in my chambers, wide awake. My sword rested beside me on the table, a sharp glint catching the flicker of torchlight from the wall. I hadn't slept, not even for a second. My instincts told me tonight would be the night they'd try it—the traitors among my guards. Anna’s warning had been clear, and my men were ready. My loyal guards were stationed throughout the palace, hiding in shadows, crouched in corners, armed to the teeth.I paced slowly across the room, boots echoing faintly against the stone floor. Then—just as I paused—came the sound. A low grunt. Then another. It started outside my door. The fight had begun.I moved quickly into the shadows, pressing my back against the cold wall. I could hear the scuffle grow louder. Then came footsteps rushing toward my chamber. Someone was coming for me.I didn’t move.I waited.The door creaked open. I saw the silhouette step in, sword drawn. He didn’t see me. He thought I’d be asleep.He took three step