VonThe morning air was filled with the scent of freshly turned earth and wilting flowers. The funeral was nearly over, but grief still clung to the mourners like a heavy fog. I stood by the side, watching as Heron knelt before Calister’s grave, gently placing a bouquet of white lilies onto the freshly packed soil.Heron had always been a man who kept his emotions hidden, but today, there was a glint of something in his eyes—satisfaction, perhaps? I wasn’t sure. When he finally straightened, his gaze locked onto his wife and I watched as they embraced each other. Then he turned to me.“I hope you haven’t forgotten our deal,” he said quietly, his voice low enough that only I could hear. I sighed. I had been replaying Rae’s words in my head all day. It pestered me like a wound that refused to close. “I haven’t,” I muttered, my voice colder than I intended. Heron smiled. “Good. Now I need answers.”“I—“I paused thinking of what to say.Was I meant to agree?Rae didn’t want me.
Rae The sound of the door creaking open pulled me from my restless sleep. I blinked groggily, adjusting to the dim light of the room, and my gaze landed on Von. My breath stopped. He was being dragged in by one of the guards, his face bruised and bloodied, his shirt torn and stained with sweat and dirt. “I can handle myself,” Von grumbled, dismissing the guard with a flick of his hand. His voice was hoarse, but his pride remained intact. The moment the guard left, my entire demeanor shifted. I rushed to him, my hands instinctively reaching out to support him. “Von, what the hell happened to you?” I demanded. He let out a bitter chuckle, wincing as he settled onto the chair. “I caused this,” he muttered, his swollen lip barely moving as he spoke. “I did this because of you. Because you don’t love me.” I flinched at his words, my stomach twisting in guilt. “Von, that’s not true—” “Isn’t it?” he interrupted sharply, shaking his head. “You made me believe there
Von I stepped back into the grand hall, my heart pounding as I was feeling a bit nervous and happy at the same time. I couldn’t believe I was finally going to marry Rae. As I faced the crowd the energy in the room was filled with anticipation. I was sure everyone was expecting to see Alia but they would be shocked by what was going to happen next. Clearing my throat, I let my voice echo across the space. “There has been a change of plans,” I announced. “The Moon Goddess has granted me a second chance—to be with the one I was always meant to be with.” Murmurs rippled through the crowd. They grew louder with each passing second. I guess some were already trying to piece together the truth before I even said it. “I will not be marrying Alia,” I continued, my gaze sweeping over the room. “She has chosen to pursue her own destiny, and I could not be prouder of her. She sought a life beyond what was planned for her, and she deserves the freedom to chase it.” The weight of m
VonI was running. The cold wind bit into my skin as I dashed across the forest. I was tired but I didn’t stop and then looked down at my hands. I noticed they were drenched in blood. At first, my hands were empty and bloody but the next time I glanced at it. I noticed a body was in my hands.How did that happen? It was dark around me and hard to see who the body belonged to but despite being unaware of who it was I kept running like someone who was being chased.“Help!” I shouted into the void. “Somebody, help me!” But there was no answer. No one came. I stumbled, and my knees nearly buckled under the weight of the person in my arms. My heart pounded violently the minute I crossed a turning and the dark clouds above me turned bright.What was going on?The minute that thought settled in my mind. I peered down at my hands once again. It was during that moment I realized who the body belonged to.It was Rae. Her lifeless body hung limp against me, her face was pale, and blood
RaeI exhaled slowly, rubbing my temples as I watched Anna sip her tea. The small café carried the scent of dried herbs and fresh pastries. But despite the comforting atmosphere, my mind remained on Von. Anna glanced at me over the rim of her cup, her brows slightly furrowed. “Okay, you’re clearly distracted.” She set the cup down and leaned forward. “What’s going on?” I sighed. “Von has been acting really strange lately.” “Strange how?” I swirled my tea, watching the leaves float to the surface. “He’s here, but at the same time, it feels like he is not here. It’s like his mind is always somewhere else. He has become obsessed with the border. He has visited there for the past three days. Suddenly he doubled the security, and guards followed me everywhere. Did you see how hard it was to leave the house? Jace wouldn’t have let me go if I hadn’t convinced him I was taking a driver and wouldn’t be gone too long.” Anna rested her chin on her hand, considering my words. “Maybe he’
Von “The coast has been clear for the past three days, Your Majesty,” one of my men reported. “No sign of rogues?” I asked, gripping the steering wheel tightly. “None.” I exhaled, but the tightness in my chest didn’t ease. “Still, be on the lookout. If you spot any rogue trying to break through the border, inform me immediately.” He nodded, and without another word, I turned the key in the ignition and drove off. Every day for the past three days, I had made this drive to the borders, checking security, and reinforcing patrols. It had become my daily routine, but the real reason I kept coming back was because of Rae. My dream still haunted me. Every night, it was the same nightmare.Blood on my hands. Rae, lifeless in my arms. My screams echoing into nothingness. I didn’t know what had killed Rae, but in every dream, she appeared lifeless.I had to protect her. I couldn’t let it happen. So I doubled security. Strengthened defenses. I did everything in my power to pro
VonI walked toward my car, with Rae cradled in my arms. But as I moved, my eyes caught something that sent a fresh wave of rage tearing through me. It was a bite mark. It wasn’t just any mark—it was deep and vicious and I knew it was from one of my pack members. My Luna was beaten and bitten by the people who were supposed to serve and respect her. I stopped in my tracks, my whole body shaking. What had my pack become? When had they turned into this? Was this the kingdom I fought for? The people I had bled for? The feeling of a hand against my arm pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see Anna. I didn’t even realize that she was following me.“What do you want?” I asked in a rough tone.She was part of the people that made this horrible thing happen to Rae. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I shouldn’t have let her step out. I should have—” I cut her off with a glare. “You have no right to speak,” I snapped. My voice was quiet, but the venom in it couldn’t go unnoti
RaeI woke up with a sharp gasp. The jeering voices. The rough hands dragging me across the dirt all replayed in my head. I bolted upright, my heart hammering against my ribs.I could smell herbs and medicine, and it took me a moment to realize I was back in the palace. I wasn’t on that hill anymore. I was safe. But how did I get here? Anna. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, ignoring the ache that pulsed through my limbs. I had to find her. Had she been the one to bring me back? Or had it been Von? I pulled on the nearest robe and stepped out into the hallway, my bare feet cool against the polished floors. The palace was quiet, the servants moving about in hushed tones.As I moved through the corridors, my ears caught the sound of a raised voice. The voice belonged to Von. Without hesitation, I followed the voice, my steps growing faster. When I reached the throne room, I halted my steps.Jace and Anna stood side by side, their heads bowed in front of Von, w
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