Veronica’s POVIt was the first night since our wedding that Sebastian didn’t sleep beside me.It shouldn’t bother me as much. Perhaps I just got used to his presence and how he has always been around. I know I shouldn’t feel anything more than curiosity. After all, we’re not exactly a loving couple who got married because we’re so in love with each other. It’s more of a marriage of convenience. I know that. The rational part of my brain knows that.Yet I still couldn’t ignore the unsettled feeling of the ache in my chest. I lay awake on our bed, tossing and turning. Sleep wasn’t visiting me no matter how many damned sheeps I counted.The thing is, my mind is loud. It’s not really good for me to be left alone with my thoughts. I run miles every second with the worst conclusions and overthinking that clouds my brain when given the chance. This is one of those very annoying instances.He didn’t speak a word to me after our disagreement earlier. I haven't even seen him since then. I was
Warning: Some graphic descriptions*****Veronica’s POVI can’t believe I would say this but— I hope Colton is not dead.The coincidence is too much for my suspicions to be unfounded. Call it instinct but I don’t believe that this is a simple matter. Someone’s dead. No one would randomly kill at a place like Metropolis where people of power have gathered. There’s something more to this. I wish I was really just overthinking. I hope I am wrong.Maybe it was too cruel of a thought but I don’t want Sebastian to be behind something like this more than I actually worry about Colton’s life.“I would like to ask everyone to please calm down and head back to your chambers while we get to the bottom of this,” a lunarian servant said in a loud voice followed by guards lining up to have the crowd step back from peering at the gruesome body.I don’t even want to dwell on what I saw. The body was in pieces, head obviously pulled off the rest of it by the way the skin was torn. Limbs and insides w
Veronica’s POVThe Culling Tournament resumed as planned during the third day.No one was allowed to leave Metropolis despite many objections from different packs. Everyone is a suspect in the crime while an investigation is being conducted. We were all questioned yesterday and the supposed events were halted. Despite this, the Holy Parliament decided to continue with the tournament as a declaration of their confidence in security. Mages arrived last night for added security and they also dispersed their highest ranking individuals to guard the place. Somehow it eased the tension and assured most of the guests.Sebastian said that he was with Eamon last night and they went out for a run after he cooled his head off. He had some preys to show and a testimony of a lunarian guard to back up his alibi. I also had a strong story to back me up with the servants and a few werewolves from other packs as my witness when I had dinner in the common hall yesterday. We were cleared off any suspic
Veronica’s POVContrary to my usual scheming, today I decided to take a break and enjoy being in Metropolis for the mean time.“Sebastian can you help me with the lace? I can’t reach it,” I asked and looked at him from his reflection in the body-sized mirror. He was sitting on the couch behind me, legs spread and leaning his head on his hand as his hawk-like eyes watched me intently.He stood up after I called him and walked towards me. I dropped my hand to my sides as he bend a little to grab the laces of my corset. I watched him furrow his brows and do it.Then I reprimanded, “No, lace it up! Not untie it!” I turned to him with a sharp look and yanked the laces from him.Sebastian’s face broke into a wide smirk, he knows what he was doing. I should’ve known better that this man is not right in the head!His hand held my waist on both sides as I try to tie my lace on my own again. He met my annoyed gaze in the mirror in front of us as he teased, “Aw, but I think this is made to be re
Veronica’s POVToday is our fourth day at the Culling Tournament and they are holding a hunting convention in the afternoon.It has been two days since the incident of the dead body happened. I think more people are becoming less alarmed and worried about it. It's like nothing happened. The restrictions are implemented and that's all there is to it. The glamor of the occasions for everyone is effective in distracting them. They said that the corpse is yet to be identified although rumors say that the Holy Parliament just doesn't wanna reveal it. I’m also very curious about the truth of the crime but I decided I can’t do anything about it nor does it actually concern me.I know it's pretty selfish. But I already have a lot to worry about.The same goes with everyone who is here in Metropolis. They change their attention easily to the next thing when it’s not something personal to them. It’s an innate characteristic that one cares more about their own skin than others.After all, the C
Note: The following chapter contains explicit adult content.* * * * *Veronica’s POVMy husband is a proud man. He holds power and strength that rivals no one. He holds his chin up high.Yet the king that everyone reveres kneels before me.“Someone might come in,” I said with a gasp as I pulled his hair in my grip. Sebastian’s head was in between my thighs as he was on his knees in front of me, one of my legs hoisted on his shoulder as he worked below. His lips and tongue worshiped my womanhood like it would be a sin not to, a blasphemy to stop. I hit my head on the post behind me, finding my balance with my weakened limbs.My mind was foggy but I still managed to utter what’s bugging me, “I-Isolde and Analynn could come back here any moment,” my voice was breathy and shaking, but he didn’t listen. I continued, “Eamon too—”Those words were what made him halt in his endeavors.Sebastian quickly stood up, towering over me as he bowed a little to inch closer to my face. Then he utters
Veronica’s POV“Well, aren’t you happy?” I teased Sebastian who couldn't put away the wide grin on his face.Our little ‘show’ in the tent was quite… successful, if there's one way to put it. When we got out after fixing ourselves and to join the second part of the convention, we came across Colton at the same time.His lingering glares, beet red face, and sour expression with the way he stomped away from our direction was pretty telling that he heard it. He wasn’t even able to mask his hatred like usual where he pretends to be formal and nonchalant about it, shoving people out of his way much to their shock.My crazy husband laughed out loud, even in Colton’s presence, like a child celebrating making another kid cry home. He was definitely a bully, still is, actually.“His face was fucking priceless,” Sebastian continued to laugh at the memory, “I should’ve taken a photo and framed it.”“Okay, calm down,” I told him and faked a serious expression, “Don’t go leaving me for him now.”H
Veronica’s POVThe Preliminary Hunt exclusive for newly converted rogues is much like other hunting competitions— except that the beasts and creatures hunted must be kept alive. The participants were given magic chokers personalized with assigned colors to each clan as their marking tools for their hunt.The winner will be decided by the highest points accumulated during the given time. Each beast has an assigned point in them depending on their species so it really doesn't depend on quantity. The hunts will be offered to the pack they represent and the pack can decide whether to take in the offerings or not.The hunt had already started hours ago. We had interacted with other packs earlier to pass some time as waiting for the event to end is also an opportunity to socialize. Sebastia
Veronica’s POVWe blended in the chaos.“Stay close to me,” Sebastian whispered as he looked back over his shoulder and pull me behind him.The hired rogues are not to spare us. They just know someone paid them for this ambush but not really who it is; so that when things ever gets revealed, it would be hard for them to point at us. It was a clever detail that Sebastian came up with, clearly has experience with this.“Where are the guards?!” I heard Ruby’s voice among the chaos, clutching her gown. “Why didn’t we see them coming?!”Colton growled low, frustrated.With a low horn—one stolen from the old pack's own armory, the sound echoed in the territory. Flames erupted at the eastern barricade first, catching the guards unaware. Screams pierced the air, and mayhem broke loose in Eviera. “They’re using our own signals—someone had to give them that knowledge. Maybe a traitor,” Colton gritted out as he tried fighting off some of the attackers in the chambers.Sebastian and I, together
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