Von We strode into the rogue territory, surprised by the quietness that greeted us.“It’s too quiet.” One of the men said, stating the obvious.“They are expecting us,” I responded. “This is all just a decoy.”The minute we crossed the gates, the wind shifted, and before we could take another step, the sound of arrows flying in our direction collided with our ears. "Shields!" I barked, my voice thundering. My men raised their shields in unison, a trained wall of defense snapping into place just as the arrows rained down.The rogues didn’t relent, they kept the arrows coming and we didn’t back down, we shoved our armor in front of us as we kept moving forward.The minute the rogues were all out of arrows, they moved in our direction.Their guttural roar rose as they charged with their blades in their hands. My men placed their shields aside and just like that, the fight began. My men responded with coordinated blows, slashing through enemy lines with so much force.I turned sha
RaeBlood pounded in my ears as I watched Khan raise the blade above Von’s head. My breath caught in my throat. Everything inside me screamed to move, to scream, to do something—anything. But I couldn’t. I was trapped. The rogue's blade was still grazing my neck. I felt the sharp sting as it nicked my skin, but I didn’t care. My eyes were fixed on Von. “No—Von, please,” I sobbed, struggling against the grip that held me. “Don’t do this! I’m not worth it!” Von’s gaze shifted to me, and he looked so calm despite the blade hovering over him. “You’re worth everything,” he said, in a soft voice, and with a warm look in his eyes.The tears streamed down my face like rivers. My chest heaved with the weight of emotions running through it. “I’m sorry,” I choked. “I’m sorry that all I did was hurt you. I should have stopped Jace. I should’ve never—” He chuckled, a very low bitter sound that seemed to echo around the throne room. I wondered what he found funny and I guessed Khan wond
Rae Von stood tall atop the heap of fallen rogues, blood still wet on his armor. In his right hand, he held Khan’s severed head. “We have conquered our enemies!” Von’s voice rang out across the smoldering battlefield. It was deep and thunderous. “We have stopped the rogues from terrorizing us, bringing them all to their end !” A wave of cheers erupted from the guards, their cries echoing over the now-silent rogue territory. Von’s eyes, however, remained hollow for a moment, and when I stared at him, I saw how deeply he was affected by Jace’s death. “Though we have won this war,” he continued, raising Khan’s head high for all to see, “we have lost a brother. Jace… will never be forgotten. His courage lit the path to our victory. Let this day be marked with both glory and mourning.” The cheers quieted to solemn nods. Von slowly stepped down from the mound of corpses, Khan’s head still gripped in his hand like a grand trophy. He turned to his men. “Carry Jace’s body. With honor.”
VonWe returned to the palace after Jace’s burial, the afternoon sun was already taking its place in the sky. Rae moved slowly, her arm wrapped gently around Anna’s trembling shoulders. I watched them disappear down the corridor, Rae murmuring soft words I couldn’t hear.I turned, and Normani was suddenly there, and the look in her eyes made me realize that she was about to lecture me.“I don’t want to hear it,” I muttered before she could open her mouth. “No lectures tonight.”She shook her head. “I wasn’t going to. I promise.” Her voice was softer than usual, and it sounded a bit weird. “I just… I wanted to ask how it happened.”I didn’t answer right away. I walked toward the wine shelf in the corner of the grand hallway, pulled out a bottle of wine, and poured a generous amount into the glass. The crimson liquid rippled as I set the bottle back.“He saved me,” I finally said. “Twice. Once from Khan. And again when that bastard rogue came at me from behind.”She was quiet for a sec
Von A soft knock stirred the silence of the study. I didn’t lift my head from the papers scattered across the desk as I spoke. “Come in,” I said slowly. The door creaked open gently, and then my eyes landed on Rae. She stepped inside, barefoot, dressed in a pale silk robe that clung to her figure. Her hair was still damp, a few strands sticking to her neck. She looked like she’d stepped out of a dream and into my reality. “Is this where you plan to spend your morning?” she asked. I set my pen down and leaned back in my chair. “What’s wrong with that?” She tilted her head. “Everything. Your wife is missing you.” I raised a brow. “I was with her last night.” “That isn’t enough,” she said, walking toward me. “She needs you now.” She reached my side, and I looked up at her, letting the silence stretch between us. “Do you want me to take you here?” I asked, in a firm tone. She didn’t speak at first. She only leaned down, her lips brushing the shell of my ear. “Yeah,” she whisp
RaeI followed Anna to the pack graveyard, the sound of the car engine was the only sound between us. She sat beside me, clutching a small bouquet of hibiscus flowers in her lap. It had become a ritual for her—visiting Jace’s grave every morning since the burial. At first, I thought it would help her heal. But as the days passed, I started to worry. Her eyes had grown hollow, her movements slower, her voice softer—like a ghost trying to find its place among the living.“Are you okay?” I asked gently, not wanting to startle her.She didn’t look at me. “Yes. Why are you asking?”“I just want to be sure you are… really okay.”“I am,” she replied too quickly, then looked down at the flowers in her hands. “Do you think hibiscus is too strange for a grave?”I tilted my head. “I don’t think the type of flower matters, Anna.”“Maybe I should’ve brought a white rose. It signifies peace. Or a red one—love.” Her fingers trembled as she rearranged the bouquet on her lap. “I don’t know.”“Anna…”
RaeThe morning light spilled through the curtains, reflecting over our tangled limbs. We hadn’t moved all day. Von lay beside me, his arm lazily draped over my waist, his lips trailing along my shoulder like he was trying to memorize the shape of me. "Von, you have a visitor," I murmured, nudging him gently. He didn't respond with words. Instead, he pressed his mouth lower, and his warm lips brushed against the curve of my breasts.I let out an involuntary moan which became high-pitched seconds later. Von finally freed me giving me a devilishly smile. "Why are you ignoring me?" I asked though it came out more breathless than annoyed. "I’m giving you a reason to stop reminding me," he said, and he leaned forward.His tongue found its way to my breasts again, and he took turns circling my nipples until I arched into him. A sharp knock startled me. However, Von didn’t flinch. He remained in that same position."Your Majesty," the guard called through the door. "Your guest is
RaeThe kitchen smelled like warm vanilla and cinnamon. But even the sweet scent of freshly baked cupcakes couldn't lift the weight in my chest. My arms were crossed against my chest as I leaned against the doorway, watching Anna move around the kitchen. She was stirring something in a glass bowl, humming softly under her breath until she finally turned and caught my eyes.“Why do you look so moody?” she asked, setting the bowl down and wiping her hands on her apron.I sighed and shrugged. “I hate that Von is gone.”Anna arched a brow. “It’s only for three days. You’ll survive.”“That’s not the point.” I pushed off the wall. “Why did that Alpha Aloha or whatever—from Claw Deck Park have to organize an alpha-only meeting? He’s such a jerk.”She laughed and I didn’t find what I said funny. Anna noticed I wasn’t amused and her laughter seized.“You need to look on the bright side of things.” She said. I rolled my eyes. “There’s no bright side.” “Come on, we get to spend time together.
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