CEDRIC’S POVThe journey back to Elgin proved to be a grueling one, with the heavy snowfall in Dowin slowing our progress. Despite Venus's initial hostility, he had graciously provided us with a carriage, which had allowed us to take shelter at his manor the previous night.As I rode in the carriage, Marci noticed my chapped lips and handed me a luxurious fur coat. "My Lord, please wear this," he suggested. I gratefully accepted, wrapping the coat around me. The extra layer of warmth was a welcome relief.Given the simplicity of our carriage – deliberately chosen to avoid drawing attention to ourselves – there wasn't enough space for me to lie down. I stretched my legs out as far as I could, trying to get comfortable.Hours passed, and the carriage continued to move steadily along. Marci dozed off, his head bent forward. As the temperature rose, I shed the fur coat, no longer needing its warmth.I leaned forward, calling out to the coachman, "Hey, how much longer before we reach Elgin
CEDRIC’S POV It's been two days since I rescued Emmeline from the dungeon, but to my surprise, she still hasn't woken up. The physician suspects poison, but strangely, she couldn't find any traces of it. I've kept Emmeline in my room, refusing to let anyone near her. I just can't trust that someone won't try to harm her.Just then, Alfred, my personal guard, interrupted my thoughts. "My Lord, Beta Colima is in the lounge, insisting on seeing you today."I've been avoiding my aunt, unsure if I can control my temper after what she did to Emmeline. "Tell her to leave," I instructed Alfred. "I'll see her when I'm ready."Alfred hesitated, his eyes narrowing as if there was something he wasn't telling me. "Speak, Alfred!" I commanded."Alpha Anthony Robbins of the Moonlight Pack is with her," he revealed."What!" I exclaimed, alarm rising within me. Why would my aunt invite a member of the Council to my manor without warning me? I dismissed Alfred, instructing him to inform our guests th
EMMELINE 'S POV It had been days since I'd woken up, and my recovery process had taken longer than expected. I suspected poisoning due to the prolonged recovery time, but since no one had entered the dungeon after the guards locked it, I doubted my theory.Now back in my room in Lord Cedric's chambers, I felt relieved to no longer be under constant surveillance. "Lady Emmeline," Juliet said, bowing as she set the tray on the table.I smiled, turning to her. "Please, Juliet, just call me Emmeline. No need for formalities."Juliet let out a sigh of relief. "Thank the goddess! Calling you Lady Emmeline makes you seem old."I burst out laughing at her words. Only my parents and Nima had ever called me by my name; everyone else had addressed me as Lady Emmeline since childhood.Since my return to my room, Juliet had been serving me more often, and we'd grown acquainted. She wasn't a bad company, and I found her pleasant.Juliet helped me out of bed and handed me a cup of cinnamon tea, my
CEDRIC'S POV I settled into my throne, listening intently as Marci read out the message from Lord Carlos. The annual Blood Moon festival, a grand ball where supernatural creatures of Elgin mingled, was to take place tomorrow night. And I was invited."Why would he invite me?" I asked Marci, curiosity getting the better of me. As a rogue wolf, I was deemed a disgrace to the goddess and never received invitations to such ceremonious occasions.Marci folded the scroll, his expression thoughtful. "I'm certain he's up to something." I sighed, rubbing my forehead. It was too early for this headache.Marci's eyes widened as if a thought had struck him. "Why don't you ask Ava?" My frown deepened at the mention of her name. "And why would I do that?"Marci's tone was matter-of-fact. "We all know Ava fancies you, but she'd never admit it because you're a rogue." I shook my head. "I won't ask her anything. She's obviously spying for her father.”Marci opened his mouth to counter my words, but a
EMMELINE 'S POV Since July's revelation about a traitor collaborating with the witches of Archane, Lord Cedric had been on high alert. Secret investigations were underway to avoid alerting the culprit. Elara helped me fix my hair, noticing my somber mood. "Why so gloomy?" she asked. I merely sighed, bound by Lord Cedric's warning to keep July's words and identity confidential. Rumors in Dogar hinted that blood witches, like July, were highly sought after for their unparalleled strength. Many coveted ownership of them. As Juliet entered with a tray of food, July followed closely behind, her cold, intimidating gaze unsettling me. "Here's your food, Emmeline," Juliet said, hastily departing to attend to Mistress Colima's summons. July sat beside me on the bed, earning a deep frown from Elara. "Don't you have any respect for the mistress?" she asked. I calmingly touched Elara's hand. "It's fine; we're all... friends." But calling July my friend felt odd, given the chilly aura surroun
EMMELINE POV I felt a cold gel on my vagina and I closed my eyes tightly, Cedric pulled me into a passionate kiss as he gently rubbed my clit. “Ahh…Master” I moaned into his mouth as I rotated my waist on his finger to get more friction. Cedric kissed my eyes, “open your eyes Em, I want to see the erotic look on your face.” My eyes fluttered open at his request, Cedric removed his fingers from my clit making me whine in protest. Cedric left the bed and walked to the wardrobe. I sat up when he brought out a box. The wooden box was opened with the keychain on Cedric's neck- I have never noticed the wore those. My breath hitched when I saw whips, robes, blindfolds, paddles and some things I didn't know. Cedric was really into this kind of lifestyle, I grabbed the bedsheets in panic when he walked back to me with the box in his hands. “Don't be frightened mate, I have no reason to want to hurt you,” Cedric whispered in reassurance when he noticed my panic. I bit my lips
CEDRIC’S POV“My lord,” Marci called out to me, making me snap out of my thoughts, I frowned at him. “What is the problem this time?”Marci bowed respectfully, “I apologize for disturbing your rest but there are things that require your attention.”I rubbed my forehead in annoyance, “speak up Marci! I don't have all day.”Marci handed out a letter, “this is from lord Venus.”I quickly snatched it open;“Lord Cedric the council are highly disappointed in your refusal to attend the Annual blood moon festival a week ago. It has earned you more enemies as Lord Carlos suspects you have an alliance with a powerful alpha which is the only reason you are so proud. Be careful and watchful, I will contact you again if need be. Yours sincerely, Lord Venus”.I squeezed the letter in anger and threw it out the window. How could I forget about the Annual blood moon festival?“Marci!” I growled, “why was I not reminded about the festival?”Marci swallowed h
EMMELINE'S POV I sat by the window, lost in thought, as I silently watched the guards and maids go about their day. My mind was consumed by the recurring thought of my mate, Cedric. It was no secret that he'd been avoiding me. For an entire week, I hadn't seen him, received no message, no nothing. The silence was deafening, and I couldn't help but feel used.Like a delicate flower crushed by a careless hand, my heart felt bruised and battered. I'd given myself to him, surrendering to the primal desires that burned between us. But now, I felt like a common whore, used to satisfy his sexual desires rather than cherished as his mate.Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I gazed out the window, the beauty of the day a stark contrast to the ugliness I felt inside. I'd asked for this, I reminded myself. I'd known that Cedric was a complicated, brooding man. But a little care, a little kindness, wouldn't have gone amiss.The dark circles under my eyes were a testament to my sleepl
*******Devlin's POV******I paced the room, jaw clenched in rage. It had been three days…three excruciating days…since Emmeline disappeared, and there was still no trace of her.Had she run away?Or worse… had someone taken her?But that didn’t make sense. My pack was tightly secured. No one could breach the territory without my knowledge. Still, the silence around her disappearance was maddening.“Alpha Devlin, the Council Leader is here to see you,” Belle announced as she stepped into the room.What does that old man want now?“I’ll be there,” I muttered, and she bowed before leaving.With a deep frown, I fixed my hair and schooled my expression, forcing on my infamous smile—the one that made people believe they were always in control.When I arrived at the courtyard, he was already there, standing with that ever-present glint of amusement in his eyes.“Greetings, Uncle,” I said smoothly, bowing with calculated grace. “Why go through the trouble of traveling so far just to see your
*******CEDRIC POV******I sat in my office, deep in thought. Emmeline didn’t know that I knew about Devlin’s baby. I wasn’t sure why I hadn’t told her, maybe the words just felt too heavy to say.Since she tried to escape, the security around her room had been increased. Her leg was also chained to the bed.“My Lord,” Grace bowed as she entered, a frustrated look on her face.“What is it?” I asked.“Mistress Emmeline has refused to eat anything since she arrived,” she replied.I sighed, rubbing my temples. It had been two days of her starving herself. What was she trying to achieve with this?“Have you sent Elara in?” I asked. Since Elara was her friend, I thought she’d be the best person to convince her to eat.Grace shook her head. “It was no use… Emmeline smashed the food against the wall.”Was she trying to kill the baby?I waved her off. “I’ll handle this.”She bowed and left. I adjusted my clothes as I stood and made my way to Emmeline’s room. After taking a deep breath, I pushe
*****AVA’S POV*****I hurried back to my room the moment I heard footsteps near the door; I’d been eavesdropping on Cedric.My chest tightened. Santos Gray is innocent. Those words kept echoing in my head. How could that be true?My father and the rest of the Council had conducted a full investigation. All the evidence pointed to Santos. Unless… there was something my father hadn’t told me?But what stung the most was Devlin. How could he betray me like this? He saved that wretched girl, knowing full well what the Master's orders were.I bit my lip, pacing the room. I had to act. Cedric would toss me out the moment Emmeline returned to full strength. I could feel it.But what could I do? I couldn’t risk trying to kill her again. Cedric would be watching her like a hawk now.Just then, the door burst open and Mario stormed in.“Do you ever knock?” I snapped.He didn’t answer, just sighed and walked further in. His cheek was swollen, his lip split and bleeding. Someone had clearly rough
******Emmeline's POV*****A sharp pain throbbed at the side of my head as I stirred awake, my body aching with every movement. My stomach twisted uneasily as I opened my eyes—familiar walls, dark furniture, and the faint scent of cedar.Cedric’s room.I was back in the manor.My hands trembled as I tried to piece it together. The last thing I remembered was Marci… taking me from Devlin’s pack. He must have brought me here.But why?So Cedric could continue his emotional torment? So I could serve out my punishment like some chained prisoner?The door creaked open. Grace stepped in, carrying a tray. “I suppose you’ll be hungry now,” she said, her tone unreadable.I didn’t respond. Instead, I moved to sit up only to be yanked back by cold metal around my wrist. My right hand was chained to the bedpost.“What the hell is this?!” I screamed, yanking at the chain until the skin around my wrist reddened with strain. Panic and rage surged through me. “Release me now!”“You’re hurting yourself
***CEDRIC POV****I paced my room in silence, my footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor. When Marci told me my mate was with Lord Devlin—Ava’s cousin, I was outraged. I should’ve known. Of course Ava was behind it. Who else could’ve orchestrated something so twisted?I ran a hand through my hair, restless. Marci had told me to be patient, to trust him. He promised he’d go to Dogar and bring Emmeline back safely. But now, two days have gone by with nothing but silence. No word, no message…The waiting was unbearable. It gnawed at my nerves, Something wasn’t right.The door creaked open, the sound snapping me out of my thoughts. Ava stepped in without a word, her presence immediately souring the air. She didn’t look at me. She just walked in like she belonged here and sank onto the edge of the bed, perfectly at ease.I frowned, rolling my eyes as I clenched my fists by my sides. I had to keep it together. Letting my anger get the best of me could trigger the shift—and tha
*****EMMELINE'S POV*****“Hey, are you okay?” Belle asked as she touched my forehead. I nodded, leaning against the wall and panting heavily.I felt so tired, even though I had just woken up from sleep — rest never seemed to be enough lately.“I’m fine, Belle. You’ve asked that question three times now,” I teased weakly.She walked over and took the shovel from my hands. I had insisted on helping her plant flowers since I had nothing else to do.“You should go inside and rest, Matilda. You don’t look so good,” Belle said, her tone serious.“I’ve been resting for days, Belle. I can help you,” I insisted, reaching for the shovel again.But Belle shook her head firmly. “I mean it… you look burnt out.”“But I can…”“No. Don’t even argue or I’ll call Alpha Devlin,” she warned, tossing the shovel to the ground. She motioned for me to go.Belle being serious was a rare sight, but the command in her voice reminded me that she was still a Beta.I glared at her and stomped off toward the pack h
******EMMELINE'S POV*******The pack was silent as each member said their final goodbyes to Skylar. The physician claimed she died from blood loss.Belle gently pressed her arm against mine, offering quiet comfort as I stared at the coffin. I couldn’t find the words.We weren’t friends, but I would never have wished her dead. The image of her, lifeless in a pool of her own blood, had haunted me for days. It was almost impossible to forget.“May the goddess accept your soul,” I whispered as I sprinkled a handful of sand over her coffin, then stepped away.I sat on the balcony, watching the others say their final words. It felt pathetic, thinking about how she died.Luna Maya had said Skylar fell from upstairs, possibly slipped because the floor was wet. But I didn’t buy it.Something happened… someone…“Here,” Devlin said, handing me a bottle of water.“Thank you,” I murmured, chugging it down. I hadn’t even realized how thirsty I was.He took the seat beside me. “How are you holding
I opened my eyes with a loud yawn, feeling like every bone in my body had been shattered into a thousand pieces.A wave of exhaustion weighed me down, heavy and suffocating.Then it hit me—the shift.The transformation in the woods last night.But... I was in my bed. In my room.Had it all just been a dream?The throbbing pain coursing through my body told me otherwise.The door creaked open, and Grace stepped inside carrying a glass of water.“I figured you’d be awake by now,” she muttered, setting the glass down on the table beside me.Before I could even sit up, Marci pushed the door wider, Colima slipping in right behind him.“Are you okay, Cedric?” Colima asked gently, making her way to my bed and sitting down at the edge.“I feel... okay,” I croaked out, my throat dry and raw. The simple act of moving sent a fresh wave of aches through me.Seeing my struggle, Marci stepped forward and carefully helped me sit up against the headboard. “Here, my Lord,” Grace said, handing me the g
*****EMMELINE'S POV*****For days, I had been hiding in my room, too embarrassed to face the pack after being caught in such a compromising position with Devlin.The shame gnawed at me, but even more pressing was the fear — fear that Skylar might go back on her word and expose me.Quentin had been the one bringing me food, making sure I didn't starve.When I heard a knock at the door, a smile tugged at my lips. It was about the usual time Quentin brought lunch.But my smile faltered the moment I opened the door and found Luna Maya standing there, Belle grinning mischievously at her side.I flushed in embarrassment as I stepped back to let them in."Greetings, Luna," I said, bowing respectfully.Luna Maya waved off the formality with a warm smile. "How are you feeling today?"I had lied and said I was sick to avoid everyone. Now, caught off guard, I mumbled, scratching the back of my head,"Uh... better.""Wonderful," she said, her eyes bright. "Because tonight, the pack is hosting a h