AURELIA’S POVThe grip on my mouth was iron, stealing the scream straight from my lungs. I writhed beneath him, thrashing against the sheets, my nails clawing at his arm, but the intruder didn’t budge. His strength was terrifying—unyielding.My heart hammered violently, every instinct screaming at me to get away.I kicked, shoved, twisted my body in every direction, but it was like fighting against a wall. The heat of his body pressed over mine, his hand still clamped across my lips. My chest ached from holding in the muffled cries, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of surrender.Then, his voice broke through the chaos. Low, rough, commanding.“Stop struggling. We are going to get married anyway.”I froze. For a heartbeat, the words didn’t register. Married? My thoughts stumbled over themselves, confusion twisting into shock. What marriage? What is he talking about?My mind reeled. Was this some cruel game? Had Father sent me here for this? No one had told me anything, no one h
AURELIA’S POVThe gates of the Obsidian Fang Pack rose before us like carved obsidian stone, jagged and unyielding, crowned with silver etchings that caught the fading sunlight. Wolves—massive and disciplined—lined either side of the entrance, their armor gleaming, their gazes fixed ahead with military precision.For a moment, I forgot to breathe.This was one of the oldest packs, with roots older than most kingdoms. Its legacy pulsed in every stone, every banner draped in black and silver, every torch that burned with controlled fire. The air itself seemed heavier, as if weighed down by centuries of dominance.Beside me, Seraphina straightened her back and tilted her chin up, her golden curls cascading perfectly down her shoulders. She wore pride like it was stitched into her gown, and the guards’ eyes flickered to her as if she were royalty. And perhaps she was—Father’s favored jewel, she looked like she knew she will impress everyone.And me?I was the shadow at her side. The daugh
Aurelia’s POVThe walls of the once-grand citadel seemed to shrink with every passing day, as if the very stone was ashamed to house us. There was no warmth here anymore—only cold drafts that crept under my skin, reminding me of the truth everyone else refused to say out loud. We were no longer the royal family. No longer respected. No longer feared.In a way, it suited me. I’d learned to find comfort in being invisible. Once, I had been the daughter of the Alpha King—a title that drew eyes and expectations. Now, I was merely the daughter of an Alpha, and the world had stopped looking.The title Alpha King had been stripped from my father nearly a year ago, and with it, the gilded façade we lived behind. Allies scattered like leaves in a storm, trade lines severed overnight, and every smiling mouth that once called me princess now turned away as if my existence was an inconvenience.Father called it“a temporary setback.”Mother called it “an embarrassment.”And my sister, Seraphina… we
THIRD PERSON’S POVThe sun poured golden light over the sacred grounds of Blackwood, bathing the valley in warmth and brilliance. A gentle wind rustled the petals of wildflowers that lined the aisle, and the distant sounds of a violin danced in the air, soft and nostalgic.The ceremonial field—once a place of war declarations and battle strategies—had been transformed into a haven of love and peace. Today was no ordinary day. It was a celebration of new beginnings, of healing and unity.A new bonding ceremony.Olivia stood beneath a sprawling arch woven with fresh vines and phoenix-feather decorations, her dress flowing gently in the breeze. Her hand rested softly over her slightly swollen belly, where the tiny heartbeat of new life thrived. Her other hand was held by Dominic, who looked at her with unwavering tenderness, his other arm resting protectively behind their twin children.Noah and Aria stood just ahead of them, both dr
OLIVIA’S POVThe ceremony had ended hours ago, but its warmth still lingered in the hallways of the castle. The cheers, the applause, the dancing—they were all now fading memories wrapped in golden dust. The night sky hung heavy with stars, like blessings scattered across the heavens just for us.I walked along the moonlit balcony, the cool wind brushing my hair away from my face. The silence was calming, but it didn’t last long.Strong, familiar arms wrapped around my waist from behind.“Shouldn’t the king be entertaining the remaining guests?” I asked with a soft smile, leaning into his chest.“I’ve spent the whole evening entertaining them,” Dominic murmured into my ear, his voice low and rough. “Now, I want to spend what's left of this night with my queen.”My heart stuttered, even though I’d grown used to his affection by now. But tonight... it felt different.Turning around in his arms, I looked up at him. His eyes weren’t guarded or calculating. There was no hesitation, no guil
OLIVIA’S POVThe ceremonial hall glowed with celebration. After Dominic’s oath and the acceptance of the allied packs, the mood lifted. Music echoed through the golden arches—sweet, tribal melodies mixed with the beating of drums and strings, igniting a rhythm that coursed through everyone’s bones.Wolves, Alphas, Lunas, warriors, and elders—everyone danced. The hall was alive with joy and laughter. The usually stoic Alpha leaders were swaying with their mates, warriors were twirling their partners, and children ran between legs, howling in delight. The air shimmered not just with magic, but with a rare kind of peace.When the drums changed rhythm and the flutes dipped into a haunting melody only known to the oldest packs, a hush fell across the room. It was time for the Ritus Unitas—the Unity Ritual Dance, a tradition passed down by the first Alphas. A sacred dance performed by the leaders of a pack to represent balance, strength, and the bond between mates.Dominic found me in the c