Raven's POV I looked at Ansel and what I saw wasn’t my mate.Not anymore.His eyes, once fierce with pride and ambition, now glowed with a corrupted red. His presence, once commanding, now reeked of something darker. Twisted and tainted.The mating bond between us pulsed with foreign energy…which felt wrong. I knew this power. I had felt it in the depths of my nightmares, in the shadows of my captivity.It was Morgan.Somehow, somewhere, she had sunk her claws into him. And I didn’t have the time to wonder how deep the betrayal ran…or what he had given up for this twisted alliance...because the creatures were already upon us.I gripped the hilt of my sword, its weight familiar and grounding in my hand. It shimmered with ancient runes… it serves as a source of comfort, and now, my only shield against the chaos surging toward me.And I knew, deep down, this battle wasn’t just for survival.It was for the kingdom. For my child. For my soul.I drew my sword and moved to stand beside R
Rowan povI don’t remember the last time I felt this weak.Every breath I take feels like a war waged inside my chest, and the damn healers keep muttering under their breath like I’m already halfway in the grave. I can feel the slow decline occurring. My body is betraying me, bit by bit.But I’m not ready to die.Not when Raven needs me. Not when the kingdom is still hanging by a thread. Not when Ansel is circling the throne like a vulture, and the council is sniffing for blood.If I saved Raven from Morgan, I would be content to die in her arms.But now I’m desperate.I’m desperate to love her.I’m desperate to live.Three days have passed since the council meeting. The next one… Raven will be summoned with us to make a choice.It isn’t fair to place the crown's weight on her shoulders when she already carries so much. But then again, the kingdom was never prepared for triplets with the same mate.At first, I was worried about who would care for Raven if I died. The thought haunte
Gwen POVToday, the brothers will be summoned by the council to finally make a decision concerning the kingdom. And honestly? It’s about time. Things are still in shambles. There is no clear leadership, tension in every corridor of the palace, whispers among the guards…, and even the air feels uneasy.I don’t mean to sound like a snob, truly, but part of me wishes I had a council meeting of my own to attend…one that concerned my kingdom. But mine… mine is still in ruins. My people are scattered across lands we no longer control, stripped of their homes, their pride, and their peace. I couldn’t protect them from Morgan’s invasion. I can’t help the ache that settles in my chest whenever I think of what they must be going through. The suffering. The fear.And the worst part? I don’t know how to fix it.I don’t know how to be a queen to people I can’t even reach.“Why do you look so blue?”I turned at the sound of the familiar voice, finding Elisha walking toward me with his usual c
Asher’s POVSince bringing Raven back from the Hollow Valley, I’ve been forced to confront a part of myself I’ve long tried to ignore.For a while, it was simple…I wanted her, yes, but mostly because of what she represented. The throne. The Power. A future carved in my image. I’d told myself I’d be a better king than Ansel, more capable, more balanced. And maybe that’s still true. But lately… It feels wrong to look at Raven and see only a path to power.She’s more than that. God, she’s so much more than that.She stood before Morgan and survived. She carries the next heir and still walks like a storm wrapped in silk. To reduce her to a crown or a womb is not just foolish; it’s a disservice to everything she is.But knowing that doesn’t change the storm brewing in my chest.Because Ansel isn’t fit to lead. He’s reckless, emotional, and too hungry for control. And Rowan—Rowan is dying right before our eyes. None of us say it, but we all feel it. The way his strength fades, the qui
Ansel POVI haven’t been able to quell the growing anger simmering in my veins. Every time I look at Raven, surrounded by praise and blind loyalty, I feel the rage tighten like a vice around my chest.She’s being reckless…utterly, maddeningly careless.All this talk of prophecy, of destiny, of being a goddess sent to save us… I’m tired of pretending to care. What use is a prophecy if it gets her killed before she even understands what she’s meant to do?Morgan is still alive. Her army is vast and merciless. If she descends upon us, Raven won’t survive…Not in her current state, not with that child in her womb. She should be hidden, protected, mine. But she insists on playing the heroine. It’s infuriating.All she needs to do is stay by my side and bear the heir this kingdom needs. That’s her only duty. Her only real purpose.But no. She keeps defying me. Acting like her choices matter more than mine. And what’s worse? My own brothers, Rowan and Asher,…they’ve turned their backs o
Raven POV By the time I woke up, Rowan was already gone. I don’t know why that hurt me so much—maybe because I wasn’t ready to let go, even for a moment. The daylight spilling through the window told me the morning was well underway, so I forced myself out of bed.I slipped quietly down the hall to my room and drew a long, hot bath, hoping the water would soothe my restless thoughts. Today, I planned to go into town to see the people, to stand before them, and to be their symbol of hope. I wasn’t sure what words to say, or how to lift their spirits, but if just my presence could help, then I was more than willing to show up.After a short while, Maria, my maid, came in to help me get ready. I was grateful—her gentle hands and calming presence were exactly what I needed. She styled my hair beautifully, weaving delicate braids and soft curls that framed my face perfectly. Paired with the flowing dress, she helped me into, I looked almost ethereal, as if I belonged to another worl