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Caged Hearts

Author: Zee Wesley
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-19 00:21:43

CALANTHA

“‘You think my distance is cruelty? No, my love. It is mercy. To love me is to walk willingly into the dark, and you... you were made for the light.’”

“Pain bloomed in her eyes. Pain he put there. She didn’t believe him, not yet. But she would. He would make sure of it. Because loving her meant letting her go before she realized that monsters like him didn’t get happy endings.”

With those final words, our literature professor closed the book in his hands and looked up at us.

"So, let’s talk about the protagonist of The Caged Heart," he said, setting the book aside. "Was he right to push the heroine away? Was he protecting her, or was he just being selfish?"

"He was absolutely being selfish." I blurted before I could stop myself.

A few heads turned in my direction, and from the corner of my eye, I saw Kaiden glance my way too.

I forced myself not to look at him, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. Maybe I had answered too impulsively. But something about the book felt to
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  • Stealing the Heart of the Lycan King   The Art of Presenting

    CALANTHAThe maids returned to my chamber an hour later, keeping to their words. They bathed me gently in the large tub, filling it with rose petals, lavender flowers, and those soft, fizzy bath bombs that made everything smell like a garden in bloom. Around the tub, they lit scented candles and burned incense, letting the calming scents fill the whole space. It was peaceful, relaxing, and honestly made me feel like a goddess.While I soaked, they gave me a full pedicure and manicure right there. They scrubbed the bottoms of my feet until they were smooth as a baby’s, and I couldn’t help but giggle when it tickled.Once the bath was over, they wrapped me in soft towels and dried me off with such care it felt like a ritual. They rubbed in scented oils and rich body butters that made my skin shine and glow, soft and silky to the touch. Then they added a light layer of glittering body oil that shimmered under the lights. I looked and smelled like something out of a dream.Then came the

  • Stealing the Heart of the Lycan King   The Queen’s Gifts

    CALANTHAI walked Eloise and Nyx out of the packhouse as the sun began to set. Once we got to the parked car, I pulled Nyx into a tight hug.“I’ll get to the bottom of this. I promise,” I told her firmly. “I don’t care how powerful your aunt is. I’m the Luna, and I’ll use every bit of that power to make sure she pays for everything she’s done to you.”“Thank you, Cal.” Nyx whispered with a faint smile as we pulled apart. Her eyes were still red from all the crying, but she didn’t look as broken as before. At least, that was something.“Look at you, Luna Calantha,” Eloise said with a proud smile and from where she leaned casually against her car, arms crossed. “Hard to believe you were that clueless little Luna not so long ago. I’m proud of you.”“Shut up.” I said with a roll of my eyes, and we all laughed.I stood there for a moment, watching them get into the car. They waved at me as they drove off, and I waved back, a small smile tugging at my lips.With a soft sigh, I turned around

  • Stealing the Heart of the Lycan King   A Struggling Friend

    CALANTHA“Guys, don’t you think the Lycan King changed his mind because of my warning?” Eloise asked proudly, her voice light as she helped me unpack clothes from my bag.“Oh please, don’t flatter yourself,” I replied, laughing. Eloise joined in, both of us giggling.We were in my new chamber. I was standing with Eloise while Nyx sat quietly on my big king-sized bed, helping with the clothes too. I had called them over the moment Kaiden told me I would be returning to the packhouse and reclaiming my role as Luna. He had even moved me into a new chamber—bigger, closer to his, and just as grand as his own. It truly looked like a room fit for a queen.Still, everything felt surreal. It took me forever to believe this was really happening. Even now, I was struggling to take it all in. I was back in the packhouse, being treated better than ever. Really unbelievable.“I still can’t believe it,” Eloise said, shaking her head. “I’m just glad Kaiden finally stopped running from his feelings

  • Stealing the Heart of the Lycan King   Acceptance

    CALANTHAAs soon as the limousine stopped, Bradley stepped out and opened the door for me. I didn’t move right away. I just sat there, confused and unsure.Was this a mistake? Did Kaiden really tell them to bring me here? Or did Bradley misunderstand him somehow? Because this was honestly the last place I expected to be.“My Luna?” Bradley’s gentle voice pulled me out of my thoughts.“Sorry.” I murmured and finally stepped out of the car, my heels clicking softly against the stone path as I landed on the packhouse grounds.I looked around slowly, taking in everything. The place felt strangely familiar—almost like coming back home. Even though it never truly was my home, something about it felt oddly comforting. Maybe I had grown used to it during the short time I had lived here.The packhouse was alive with movement. Servants rushed around, decorating and preparing for the upcoming tournament. My brows pulled together slightly. Was that why Kaiden brought me here? To help out?As I k

  • Stealing the Heart of the Lycan King   A Surprise

    CALANTHAA COUPLE OF HOURS LATERI let out a frustrated sigh as I stood in front of the full-length mirror, staring at the dress I had on. It was a long, thin spaghetti strap dress. Simple, not flashy—but somehow, it still felt like too much.That was what bothered me. I didn’t know if I was overdressed or underdressed for wherever Kaiden was taking me.He had messaged me earlier, telling me to get ready because his guards were coming to pick me up. When I asked where we were going, he only said it was a surprise.And now, here I was, stressing about what to wear without having a clue what the occasion was.With a groan, I turned to my closet and began searching through my clothes again, for what felt like the hundredth time. Finally, my hand stopped on a floral, flared dress that ended just at the knees. A small, relieved smile appeared on my face.This was perfect! Not too plain, not too fancy. Just simple, stylish, and elegant.I quickly changed into it, tied my hair into a loose,

  • Stealing the Heart of the Lycan King   Ezra

    KAIDENTHE NEXT DAYAfter rounding up my meeting with the elders about the tournament plans, which was now just around the corner, Bradley and I decided to take a walk around the packhouse to check how the preparations were going.Inside the grand hall, the chandeliers had been replaced with floating orbs of flame, glowing softly in warm, shifting colors. Servants moved around quickly, still making final touches to the setup. I nodded to myself, pleased with what I saw.As we walked further, Bradley signaled a maid over with a flick of his fingers. She was carrying a tray of pastries and walked over gracefully, bowing her head before us. Bradley picked up one of the pastries—a hot cross bun—and shoved it straight into his mouth. Then, he grabbed two more before motioning for the maid to leave. His cheeks were full as he chewed noisily.I gave him a look of pure disgust, which slowly turned into a glare as he held one out to me with an awkward, guilty smile.“No, thank you.” I said, l

  • Stealing the Heart of the Lycan King   Thirsty for Revenge

    CROSSAfter walking Calantha back to her apartment and making sure she was safely inside—even though she clearly didn’t want me to—I left again. This time, I drove. The place I was heading to was far, and walking wasn’t an option.It took nearly thirty minutes to get there. I parked in front of an old building deep in the woods. There was nothing else around. Just towering trees and the silence of the night pressing in. Most people would be scared to be here, but not me. I had lived like this before, alone and hidden for three long years during exile. Plus, this place wasn’t new to me.As I walked toward the building, I noticed glowing eyes watching me from the shadows. The coven’s security. They didn’t move until they were sure it was me. Then one of them stepped forward and opened the heavy doors.Inside, the room was wide and dimly lit. A few young men and women in black sat on worn-out couches. Their faces were hard. Their bodies were bruised, arms and legs in slings. Others, no

  • Stealing the Heart of the Lycan King   Exposed

    CALANTHA “Oh gods…” I breathed out, rushing to Cross. He was on the ground, trying to push himself up even though blood was still flowing from the stab wound in his side.I dropped to my knees beside him, my heart pounding with fear. His face was pale, and I could hear how hard and uneven his breathing was.“You can’t get up yet,” I said quickly, reaching out to steady him. “You’re still bleeding.”He winced but didn’t stop trying. His hand pressed over the wound, trying to slow the bleeding.“How did you even know I was here?” I asked, frowning in confusion.“I was out for a run,” he said between heavy breaths. “I saw you… I’ve been behind you this whole time.”“Oh.” I whispered, guilt sinking into my chest. Just like the other night he had escorted me home from the food stall to make sure I was safe, he had done it again tonight.He interrupted my thoughts. “Let’s go already.” He said, pushing himself up again.But I didn’t move. I just stared at him.This was my fault. He was hu

  • Stealing the Heart of the Lycan King   Intruders 2

    CALANTHA I didn’t know how long I stood frozen, locked in a silent staring match with the group of masked intruders.But I was the first to snap out of it. Without even thinking twice, I turned and ran.“Stop her!” One of them yelled, and the rest immediately started chasing after me.My heart pounded hard in my chest as I pushed myself to run faster, my legs burning with effort. I just needed to get away, and make it back.But of course, I wasn’t fast enough.“Get back here, you little…” I felt someone grab the back of my hoodie and yank it. The hood slipped off, and panic flooded me. I twisted and struggled, trying to break free, but the man flung me aside with ease. I hit the ground hard, scraping my hand. A sharp pain shot through me, and I let out a low grunt.“Who the hell are you?” I demanded, backing away on the ground as the group circled me. They all wore black, their faces hidden behind masks, their eyes cold and cruel.“The Luna,” the one who had shouted earlier said as

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