Veronica’s POVI have lived many lives for other people.There was this crave for approval that has always weighed on my shoulders. I have always felt like people tolerating me is only conditional. I have to be useful and I have to offer something to them so that they would keep me around. I don't know where it started. I don't know when it could end, I still carry it with me until today.Back when my father was still alive, our relationship was okay. We were a bit closer before Jadeline and Ruby. Somehow we stopped being as close after his second marriage.I didn't wanna harbor anything against him. I liked that I would have a mother around and a sister too. But after all this, sometimes I wonder whether he just wanted to replace my mom and me.During his second marriage, father became busy with pack matters I still cannot fully understand back then. All I know is that it was important to him. So important that it consumed his time.I wanted to enter that world of his. That's why eve
Veronica’s POVHome sweet home— or so I’d like to say.The entrance to the Eviera territory was decorated with an arch. There were a lot of people around, guests from the other packs and more. They probably invited everyone in the North. It's a tradition. An Alpha and Luna’s wedding must be grand. It tells the status of their pack and their political power at the same time.It almost takes me back to my first wedding. The decorations are quite exactly the same, it's a little unnerving if I dwell on it.Somewhere in the back of my mind, a voice whispers in me that it's as if the only thing they changed this time was the bride.Sebastian’s arm around my waist tightened and pulled me back from my observations. He leaned towards my ear and whispered, “You okay?”I leaned on him and hummed, “Hm, yeah. I’m doing good.”I didn't reciprocate his gaze and it's not like he can meet mine with what I’m wearing. I had to hide my identity for now, since the wedding had a short window of waiting for
Veronica’s POVThe wedding march sounded like a funeral song during both times I stood in front of the chapel door.In Eviera, there is a church where weddings of the Alpha and Luna are always to be held. It was a tradition in the pack so naturally, this is where the ceremony will happen. While standing outside, my mind keeps going back and forth between the past and the present.My first wedding was filled with nothing but a sense of duty. My hand was stiff around the bouquet, back straight with how tight the corset of my gown is. I had a veil over my face. I could only take deep breaths back then, calming myself and convincing myself that this is for the best. I want to do this.“Make me proud, Veronica.”Mother, as I used to call her, and her words kept on echoing in my mind in each passing second the walk to the altar came near. Standing here now, at the same spot, felt like deja vu. It’s like a parallel time of the nerve-wracking experience. I am less nervous now. It is ironic,
Veronica’s POV “Did I make you proud, Mother?” The question pierced through the tense air at the chapel. The guests and audience were feeding on the drama unfolding right before their eyes. But this is all between us. I turned to Sebastian for a second before meeting her stunned eyes again, “I traded for a better husband and a stronger Alpha,” I tapped my hand on his chest and beamed at her. The worst thing for them is that it was true. There is no Alpha in the North that could match Sebastian. He is in his own league. She has always wanted to use me for power and status, make me climb the ranks and bag a good Alpha that would benefit her. I just surpassed her expectations this time. I wonder what she must be feeling right now, “It’s all thanks to you.” Jadeline was lost for words. It all came down to her at once. I bet her mind is racing, trying to grasp this situation. Ruby is still deeply confused and humiliated. I think she might cry in frustration. Meanwhile Colton hasn'
Veronica’s POVLife in Helios became easier and harder at the same time after we got back from Eviera.The pack welcomed our arrival— or just Sebastian, actually. It’s an etiquette when their king is back.They were a bit more civil to me now. Not entirely accepted by the majority but less skeptic than last time. I’m sure it's probably because they heard how Sebastian treats and dotes on me.Apparently word gets around really fast here. By night time of our first day back in the territory, the wedding shenanigans were known to the whole pack. Lots of rumors have been swirling around.I wasn't sure how they would judge me for it. Whether it made my reputation better or worse, I had no time to overthink it.Even if I was still elated by everything that transpired in Eviera, and how it all fell to my favor, I knew I couldn't stay too complacent.One thing I know about Jadeline is she bites back, harder.She wouldn't just give up. I have to be ready.But again, I currently don't have any
Veronica’s POV The wedding day arrived in a blink of an eye. I was sitting in front of the mirror while the servants were rushing to get me ready. Someone was putting makeup on my face and styling my hair. It was a busy day for everyone. Big event too, especially for the entire Helios pack. The other night, I knew the Rozeiros family arrived. I asked Sebastian about it when we met for breakfast the morning after. “Your family is here?” I interrogated before taking a sip from my morning coffee. I saw him halt for a split second before he continued eating like he didn't hear it even if I noticed he did. He acted lost while not meeting my eyes, “What?” “I heard the trumpet last night,” I said with a stoic expression. Something doesn't feel right. “Ah,” he was still looking at his plate. He knew he couldn't deny it now, “Yeah. They heard about our wedding,” he shrugged before continuing to eat. He still doesn't look my way. “Of course, you'll be getting married so they'd know
Veronica’s POV The reception was festive and lively. The entire Northern continent celebrated with us. Sebastian and I sat close to each other. He had his hand on my lap as I leaned to him. I'm getting more and more comfortable in his presence. Well, he is now my husband so that should be normal… right? Nothing to overthink about. Yeah, okay. That's right. This is normal. This is not wrong. I can give myself this. And if I crave something greedier whenever he touches me, that's only mine to keep. The banquet was elegant and gorgeous. It was able to accommodate a great amount of our guest list. I heard there were even some attendees from the West, East, and South too. Naturally, there were a lot of faces I didn't know. But of course, there are also those I am very familiar with. Ruby and Colton were lining up to greet us at our table that was situated in front and on a stage of the venue. Because of our status, we're not the ones to go around the tables to thank our guests. The
Note: The following chapter contains explicit adult content.* * * * *Veronica’s POVEverything happened in a blink of an eye. One second we were still at the reception, next thing I knew, I was in his arms inside his master's bedroom.His chambers were dark and there were only the two of us. Alone. It was utterly silent in the night. I imagined this room to be bigger and surely it is. Yet it still somehow feels cramped. Like it’s closing in on us, trapping us into a space where we have no choice but to close the distance between our bodies.“Hey,” Sebastian whispered. His voice sounds so
Third Person’s POVTwo sides were holding knives hidden behind their back, waiting for their opportunity to strike.Helios and Eviera meet to settle their accusations with each other. They were convening and presenting their side at Eviera’s territory.Alpha Sebastian, Luna Veronica, and their Beta, Eamon together with a few of their aides accompanied them to the gathering. The officials from the Parliament arrived earlier than them.Naturally, murmurs from the crowd of spectators filled the tense air at Eviera.“Luna Veronica really is targeting Eviera, doesn't she?”“She's going against the mother who loved her so dearly.”“Oh it's because she's married to the Alpha of Helios—that’s why she has the guts.”“Clearly Alpha Colton and Luna Ruby are failing as our leaders though.”“We are just getting caught in their personal mess.”Veronica was used to such comments. She knows how fickle the adoration and respect from her former pack members are. She has been a subject of it on lots of
Veronica’s POVNews spreads fast in the Northern continent. The whisper of scandal had grown into a storm.Controversies are a big deal especially for packs who aim to climb to the top. It opens opportunities to sneak in and ally with the stronger clans. If you pick the right side, it might just do you great favors in the future.Helios is power; thus, it is always the right side.“There are two more packs who have sent a letter stating their cooperation in allowing the investigation for the missing Lady Jadeline of Eviera around their borders,” Isolde reports to me. “They’d be informing us as soon as they find any clues.”I nodded in satisfaction as I sip my tea, looking out at the view of my garden. I’m not able to visit it a lot until recently and it has been blooming now more than ever.I placed down my cup on the table and smiled towards Analynn who took the empty cup from the table. “Is Luciana and Rowan back? Are they in the meeting chambers already?” I asked.Keldor, who's ve
Ruby’s POV“This is all your fault!” I flinched at Colton’s voice booming inside our bedroom chambers. He was pacing back and forth in anger.I squirmed where I was standing. It's been hours since Veronica and her husband, the Alpha of Helios, paid us a visit just this afternoon.Eviera had been in chaos since then. Colton, especially, couldn't contain his anger. I didn't like it when he's like this.All that wrath has to land somewhere… and I’m always at its receiving end. Just like right now.“How can you be so useless and not know anything about your mother's whereabouts, huh? You should at least know that!” He was flailing his hands while glaring at me.“But of course, you don't know anything else! Like always!” His veins were showing in his face, his canines bared now as he growled at me.I cowered in fear and his dominance. I felt so small as he continued chastising me.“It's just your mother and your stepsister’s reputation that even made you a Luna of this pack,” he gritted o
Veronica’s POVI remembered in Eviera, back when I was still the pack’s Luna… even after being crowned, I still felt the need to prove myself and earn the throne. I cannot afford to tarnish my name. All I focused on were my duties; I’m not exactly an outgoing person. They used to say that I’m too stoic or serious. Perhaps because I cannot afford failure. It’s instilled in me while growing up.Colton hated that. And it was Ruby’s edge over me. It was one thing she was better at—being pleasant, warm, and bubbly.“You instructed the general to stop the scouting outside our borders?” Colton yanked me after the meal. I could feel the heavy eyes of the servants around us sneak glances.I’m not sure if it was a good thing that he dragged me to the more isolated part of the hallway.“You're gripping me too tight,” I gritted out and tried to shrug his hand off me until he was the one to harshly let go of me. “It wasn't me,” I added and looked at him while rubbing my arms from the pain of his
Trigger warning: This chapter containers implied harassment. Read at your discretion.**Veronica’s POVThe chamber was immediately in chaos. The atmosphere inside was filled with their panic.I remained beside Sebastian, poised and composed, while the elders of the pack—the ones who once easily discarded me despite all the work I did for them—watched from their carved wooden chairs.Colton sat at the head. His lips were curled in a neutral line, but his eyes flickered with disdain. At his side, Ruby, looked as fragile and sweet as ever amidst her obvious alarm and confusion.I don't know if it's because I've seen her true colors now but it was easier to see through her acting. Either that, or she's losing her only talent.Sebastian told them in detail, “During our kingdom’s recent investigations, we discovered remnants of dark magic—traces that led us to a disturbing truth.”I continued his explanation, “We discovered planted obsidian shards: enchanted, corrupted, and powerful—was fo
Veronica’s POVIt feels like I have lived a hundred lifetimes since I last stepped in Eviera.My previous visit was during Colton and Ruby’s wedding, which was cathartic when I look back at it. It's also when I first made my move against them.Time passes by so quickly. A lot of things happened.“Eviera is not expecting and accepting any guests—” the guard of the borders didn't finish his words when he realized the crest of our carriage.Then, we pushed the curtains of our window away to speak with him.“Alpha Sebastian of Helios,” he greets and then locks eyes with me. I think I’ve seen him around before, when I was still queen of Eviera so I understood the shock of his reaction, gulping in my presence.I guess my bad reputation in the pack remains.“L-luna Veronica of Helios,” he greets me too.The other guard beside him moved so that they could bow together to us. I assumed this second guy was a superior of his.He then tells us, “I apologize for the rudeness Your Highnesses but ha
Veronica’s POVRevenge won’t give me peace but it will give me satisfaction.I killed Jadeline with my own two hands. If I wasn't that corrupted before, I'm forever tainted now. So I chose to see it through to the end.At least then, I’d have my conclusion. I could really shed the skin of my past without any attachments. I’ve done the worst anyway, might as well finish the job.“Remind me to not make an enemy out of you,” Sebastian gave me an amused smirk as he leaned on his chair.I raised a brow at him and grinned. “Like you’re not as diabolical.” He only responded with a hearty laugh.Perhaps the reason why we belong together is we accept the darkest, ugliest parts of one another.Today, I’ve made up my mind on how we can close this chapter of our lives—the ritual, the demon, the curse, and Jadeline. It took me some time before I could come up with something that covers all the tangled webs left behind. It's not wise for the truth to leak. A lot of people, even other packs and t
Sebastian’s POV“Veronica?” I called out in the darkness of the night. I patted her side of the bed and it was empty.I got up in haste, eyes glowing to check the surroundings and instantly stepped out to look around. Then, I remembered our mating bond.With that, I sensed her presence easier than before and I knew exactly where she was. What she's feeling and if she's okay. My feet brought me to the open balcony of our chambers.“There you are,” I murmured, only feeling relief when I really saw her in the flesh, despite the bond we share.Lately, I’ve known fear. Perhaps this is the result of recent events. I don’t think I’d ever forget what fear is anymore. She was wrapped in a silk robe, the breeze brushing her skin as she stared over the moonlit horizon. Her scent was carried by the wind, calming me in a way no other ever could.Her silhouette looked breathtaking. “Ah, yes. Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up,” Veronica answered, looking at me over her shoulder with a smile.I’v
Veronica’s POVNothing happened.Or at least, that’s what we told the rest of Helios when they started coming back to the territory. We spent the last few days cleaning the traces of the ritual and the chaos that happened while also recovering from our wounds and letting reality sink in.Tonight was a starless evening. The moon was hiding behind the clouds and the storm has calmed down into a soft chilly winter. The wind stirred my clothes, carrying a refreshing breath of air. The sound of the nearby falls could be heard.I was standing by the river’s edge, somewhere near the altar from nights before. I watched the raft float away from me, in the center of the stream, the crackle of the flames consumed the wrapped body that lay atop of it. There were no flowers, no offerings, no runes etched into the wood. Just the body—hers— and the silence on an ordinary wooden plank.It had been five days. Five days since I killed her with my own hands, with the blade she gifted me, because of the