เข้าสู่ระบบOne word refused to leave my mind.Eclipse.It followed me from the dungeon. It followed me along the corridor. It followed me right back to my chambers.I've heard that word before.Many years ago.Long before Aria.Long before I knew anything about the Nullifiers or bloodlines or how my curse responded to her presence.I heard it once in a prophecy.A prophecy I've never fully comprehended, I opened the door to my chambers immediately I got there.Aria was sitting by the window. She turned around immediately. "There you are."I nodded.Her gaze shifted towards my face. "Something happened."Not a question.I walked past her to the bookshelf."What are you looking for?""Something."She frowned. "So helpful."I ignored her.My fingers brushed against the books on the shelf.Records from old times.Treaties between different kingdoms.Books on curses.Historical texts.Nothing.I turned to another shelf.Aria stood up. "Draven.""I recall writing something.""What?""A prophecy."She
Aria woke up early.She always did.Despite everything that happened last night, I watched her wake up beneath the covers as the first light of the sunrise appeared through the windows.She stayed motionless for a moment. Then her eyes opened, and she looked at me. "You're awake.""I've been awake."Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Did you sleep?""Enough."I didn't.She knew it.I could read it from her eyes. But she didn't say anything. Instead, she got up and covered herself with the blanket."Where are you going?""To the dungeon."She looked confused. "The men?"I nodded. "I need answers."She looked uneasy.I took her hand. "I'll protect you," I said, giving her my word."I know."I kissed her forehead. "Wait here until I come back."She nodded.I left the room. But I kept the image of her scared face with me all the way to the dungeon.The first thing I noticed when I entered the place was the smell of blood. My guards stood outside of the cells.Three men had been captured. Two of
Draven's POVI didn't sleep.How could I? Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Aria being dragged into the darkness. I saw the man's hand on her waist.I heard her calling my name.That was the part that I kept remembering.Not the fight.Not the knife.Not even the fact that three people had been able to get close enough to her without noticing.It was the sound of her voice.Fearful.Calling for me.I never want to hear that sound again.I stood in front of the windows in my chamber, looking into the darkness beyond the palace grounds.Behind me, Aria was sleeping.At least, I hoped she was.I insisted she stay in my chambers tonight.Not because I wanted to imprison her.Because I couldn't bear the thought of leaving her unprotected once again.The door opened softly.My beta entered. "My King."I turned. "Report.""The three attackers are alive.""Good.""The two wolves have regained consciousness.""And the human?"My beta's expression hardened. "Still refuses to talk."I nodded. "
Deep growling filled the darkness.Not human.Not ordinary.My heart began pounding in my chest. The man holding me tensed. Somewhere behind us... Steps sounded.Slowly.Carefully.Incredibly calm.Draven.Considering the silence that ensued...They did too.I couldn't turn around immediately.I couldn't. I was completely frozen and happy he had heard my voice and that he had sensed that something was wrong.The footsteps stopped.Then I heard his voice. "Hands off her," he thundered.The winds rushed at the sound of his roar, the trees and leaves shook at the sound of him.Draven's voice didn't tremble, he didn't have to tremble. There was enough strength in his voice to make the air heavier.The human finally released me and I stumbled.I turned.Draven stood a few feet away. I had never seen Draven like this. His face was empty.Too empty.His eyes were dark red and some sort of menace rested below them.He moved his attention from me to the men.The two wolves had already crouched
Draven's POVAs soon as Kael disappeared inside the doors, I looked at Aria. She was still watching him leave.I didn't say anything.Neither did she.I approached her and pulled her into my arms.She didn't resist. Her body relaxed against mine, and I hugged her tightly. For a while, we both remained silent.I wasn't mad at her.Not even slightly.In fact, it was I who was mad at myself for letting Kael get to me so easily.However, watching him stand there, talking to her, made me realize something.A piece of Aria would always belong to Valemont.Not because of Kael.Because of Leo.Her son was the heir of another kingdom.Her former kingdom.And no matter how much I wanted to deny it, there would always be a connection. I gently laid my chin on her head. "Are you okay?"She nodded into my chest. "Yes."I didn't believe her. "You don't need to lie to me," I said.She stepped back a little bit and looked at me. "I'm not lying." Her eyes were tired. "I'm just thinking about a lot ri
Kael's POVI was moving towards the door when I heard footsteps following me. I turned around when I realized that Aria remained seated in her place.Did she change her mind?I turned around and saw the Alpha king approaching us.My entire body froze.He moved in the chamber without hurry and his eyes immediately caught Aria's eyes. However, there was something else in her face that caught my attention.She relaxed a little bit.Something I could see in her eyes as a result of the attention I had fixed on her.There was a warm smile.She was smiling warmly and I was unable to stop myself from feeling that strange twist in my stomach.The Alpha king stopped beside her. "Are you alright?" He asked her.Aria nodded. "I am fine."His eyes went to her face and I saw that he was trying to make sure that for himself.I could see them.Too closely.There was something intimate between those two, which could not exist between acquaintances.Or an Alpha king and his subject.It could not...Som







