Mag-log inAyla's POVMy anger was a living fire in my veins, burning hot and bright. I didn't walk to Maddie's chambers paying no attention to Wren's pleas. I stormed through the castle halls like a wildfire. My feet pounded the stone floors so hard the sound echoed. Servants saw me coming and jumped out of my way, their eyes wide with fear. I didn't bother knocking. I pushed her door open so hard it slammed against the wall with a loud crack.Maddie was sitting at her fancy dressing table, brushing her long hair. She saw me in the mirror first, and a smug smile spread across her face before she even turned around."Luna," she said sweetly, putting down her brush. "To what do I owe this visit? You usually don't come to see me.""Where are my weapons?" My voice was low and dangerous, like the growl of a beast.She turned slowly in her chair, that smile never leaving her face. "Oh, those dangerous things? I had them removed. For your own safety, of course. A Luna shouldn't play with swords and k
Ayla's POV The guards dragged Sylvia away, her screams echoing through the great hall. "You can't do this! I'm a Luna! Caius! Do something!" Caius finally stepped forward, his face red with anger. "Release her! She is my mate!" I scoffed inwardly. Mate, my ass. Thorne turned a cold glare on him. "She attacked my mate in my hall. She stays where I put her." The two Alphas stared at each other. The whole room held its breath. No one moved. No one blinked. Finally, Caius looked away first Thorne turned to the crowd, his voice strong and clear. "The festival continues! Music, please!" The musicians began playing again, a little shaky at first. People slowly went back to dancing and talking. But the whispers filled the air like buzzing bees. I could hear them all around me. Did you see that? Alpha Caius couldn't protect his own Luna. The Dragon Queen stood up to her. Alpha Thorne defended his mate. He really does care for her. I stood tall, my heart beating fast with satisfact
Ayla's POVI stood near the refreshment table, watching Caius from across the crowded room. His face was still flushed red from the questions I had asked him earlier. He kept smoothing down his fancy shirt and looking around the room nervously, like a trapped animal. Sylvia stood glued to his side, whispering sharp, angry words into his ear. She was trying to make him feel better, but it clearly wasn't working. He looked more uncomfortable with each passing moment.After a few minutes of this, Sylvia suddenly broke away from him. She marched right through the crowd, her eyes fixed on me. When she reached me, her face was tight with anger."What was that little performance all about?" she demanded, her voice shaking with rage. "Those questions? You deliberately embarrassed him in front of everyone!"I took a slow, calm sip of my drink, not letting her see how much pleasure this gave me. "I was just making friendly conversation," I said smoothly. "If he felt embarrassed by simple questi
Ayla's POV The music filled the great hall, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I moved across the polished stone floor, my body flowing with a grace that felt both strange and familiar. Veylara, my dragon, guided my every step and turn. Small flames danced at my fingertips without burning anything. My eyes glowed with a golden light that made everything look magical. People watched with open mouths and wide eyes. They had never seen anything like this before. I could feel their amazement like a physical thing in the air. For the first time since coming to this palace, I felt truly powerful. Truly seen. Then it happened. During a spinning move, I turned toward the crowd near the back of the hall. And there he was. Caius. He stood tall and proud, just like I remembered. That same cold, handsome face. That same arrogant way of holding himself. And right beside him, clinging to his arm like she owned him, was Sylvia. The she-wolf who had ordered the other maids to whip me. The
Ayla's POV The morning sun warmed my face as I walked through the castle grounds. Everywhere I looked, there was happiness and celebration. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze while the smell of roasting meat made my stomach growl. People were laughing, children were running, and musicians were playing happy tunes. I smiled to myself. Today was the day. Today I would see Caius. Today I would show him that the woman he threw from a cliff was now a queen. I walked through the crowds, watching everything. People bowed as I passed, but their eyes were friendly today. The festival mood had made everyone happy. Then I saw Maddie walking toward me with a nasty smile on her face. "Well, well," she said, looking me up and down. "Aren't you looking too peaceful well too bad you won't be wearing that fancy white gown for the festival." I stopped walking and stared at her. "What do you mean?" She leaned closer, her voice a poisonous whisper. "Let's just say your special dress had a li
Ayla's POV The castle had become so busy and loud. Everywhere I looked, people were running around. Servants were hanging bright colored banners on the walls. The air smelled so good with roasting meat and fresh bread. Eren found me watching all the work, her face full of joy. "My Queen! The Festival is almost here!" she said, almost dancing with happiness. "So many packs from everywhere are coming to visit! There will be so much food, and music, and dancing all night long..." When she said "packs from everywhere, Caius might definitely be coming." I felt a cold smile spread across my face. My heart beat faster with a dark kind of happiness. He will see we survived, Seris said her voice full of excitement. He will see we became strong and powerful, but unfortunately not as Ayla. "Will most packs be here?" I asked Eren, trying to sound calm and not too interested. She nodded quickly, her eyes bright. "Oh yes! All the big important packs were invited. Even the Bloodfang Pack from







