LOGINRiley’s POVAxel watched my frozen expression, his smirk softening into something almost persuasive."Come with us to the rogue territories, Riley," he said, his tone turning surprisingly quiet and gentle. "There are thousands of people in the outer lands who know the name Veilwalker. They revere you. You could build clinics that no king could ever shut down, saving lives without having to hide in the dark."He took a step closer, gesturing toward the shadowy pine forest behind him."Your grandmother understood it," he added smoothly. "She knew the royal family and this Full Moon Pack were rotten to the core. She supported our cause because she saw what Soren’s world does to people like us. Out there, we don't care about noble bloodlines or royal status. We take care of our own."My head was spinning, my brain fighting against the quiet logic in his words. For a fraction of a second, the image of a life away from the palace's toxic politics and fake smiles felt like air to a drowning
Riley’s POVThe hall erupted into pure, violent chaos. Screams of terror echoed off the high marble walls as Axel's rogues swept through the room like shadows, their weapons flashing as they attacked the noble guards.Fear turned into white-hot, furious rage in my chest. He lied to me. He had used my desperation, my trust, and my betrayal of Ezra to launch a slaughterhouse ambush.I dodged a stray bullet, grabbed a fallen guard's silver dagger from the bloody floor, and sprinted straight toward Axel."Axel!" I roared, my voice cutting through the sounds of gunfire and breaking glass.Axel turned, effortlessly blocking a guard's sword before driving his boot into the man's chest. He looked at me, a wild, wicked smirk tearing across his face."You lied to me!" I screamed, lunging at him with the dagger. "You said you were going to save the prisoners!"Axel caught my wrist in mid-air, his grip like a steel vise. He twisted my arm, forcing me to drop the blade onto the marble tiles, and p
Riley’s POVThe grand banquet hall was suffused with blinding golden light and noisy laughter, but to me, it felt like a bloody execution chamber.Tonight was the eve of the public executions. King Soren had gathered all the noble pack leaders, high officials, and military generals for a massive feast—a dual celebration for my mother’s pregnancy and a terrifying show of power to intimidate anyone thinking of rebelling.I stood near the main banquet table, dressed in a suffocating silver silk gown. My mother had dragged me down here early, forcing me to play the part of the dutiful, perfect royal daughter."Smile, Riley," Everly whispered through her teeth, her hand lightly resting on her slightly swollen stomach as she waved at a passing Alpha couple. "Everyone is watching us tonight. You look like you're attending a funeral."That's because I am, I thought bitterly, my eyes darting nervously to the grand grandfather clock ticking against the marble wall.8:45 PM.In just fifteen minu
Riley’s POVMy pulse hammered frantically in my ears. I squeezed the edge of the door, forcing my voice to stay level."It's just lavender and sage oil," I stammered, holding my breath. "I was using a reed diffuser to help me sleep."“It didn’t smell like scented oil. It’s more like—”I cut him off sharply as my heart pounded in my chest. “Are you here to search my room, Prince Ezra? Because if that’s the case, I’d like to close the door and go back to sleep now.”Ezra lingered for a second, his dark eyes sweeping over my face before he seemed to relax slightly. He reached out, his broad hand catching the frame of the heavy oak door before I could swing it shut."Wait. I didn't come here to search your room, Riley," he said softly, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "I came to talk about tomorrow morning's execution."My stomach instantly twisted into a tight knot. "What about it?""I know how you feel about those people," Ezra continued, looking down at me with a rare, vulnerable softn
Riley’s POVMy heart nearly leaped out of my throat, slamming violently against my ribs like a trapped bird.I froze, the cold sweat on my back instantly turning into ice.But I had prepared for this. I knew taking this risk in his room meant I needed a backup plan—a lie so sweet and believable that it would blind him.I quickly slid burner phone into the deep pocket of my silk robe, clutching the small wooden object I had kept hidden in my palm all night.Slowly, I turned around to face the doorway.Ezra was standing there in the dim moonlight, leaning against the doorframe. His dark hair was messy, his eyes narrowed as he stared at me through the shadows, his expression unreadable and icy."I asked you a question, Riley," he said softly, stepping into the room. "What are you doing at my desk in the middle of the night?"I swallowed the lump of sheer terror in my throat, forcing my hands to stop shaking. I held out my hand, opening my palm to reveal a hand-carved wooden pendant resti
Riley’s POVI stood in the dark, carpeted hallway outside Ezra’s private suite, my hands sweating so hard I could barely hold my phone.I knew I couldn't just knock on his door and walk in. Not after the huge fight we had in the garden, and definitely not after I slapped him. If I wanted to get inside his room to look for those patrol maps, I had to swallow my pride and pretend I was coming to apologize.I took a deep breath, forcing my trembling legs to move forward. But right as I reached the heavy mahogany doors, my heart nearly stopped.The door was slightly cracked, and a thin line of warm light spilled onto the floor. I watched in total horror as Viola slipped inside and closed the door softly behind her.My feet froze. It was well past midnight. What was she doing in his bedroom at this hour?A wave of intense nausea hit me. Part of me wanted to turn around, run back to my room, and cry under the covers. But I couldn't. Axel’s warning rang in my ears: if I didn't get those maps
Riley’s POVMy eyes widened a little, stunned.I never thought that warrior would pick me as his opponent.Not because I was scared of him. But warriors and healers aren’t even on the same playing field when it comes to strength or combat skills.Like Danica once said, healers are usually protected
Riley’s POVWhat?I could barely believe what I just heard.Ms. Bright just said I was in Ezra’s team?But that couldn’t be right. Something’s wrong!For a second, the entire field was completely silent. Then chaos erupted. Everyone started whispering to each other, some girls even screamed. Everyo
Riley’s POVOlivia’s face went white.“N-No! Wait—” she shrieked as two of Ezra’s men strode toward her.They didn’t hesitate for even a second. One grabbed her by the arm. The other reached for her shoulder like they really meant to drag her all the way back to the blasted camp and toss her into t
Riley’s POVCamila’s alliance took a brutal hit.Even from the ridge, I could tell they were finished for the day. The ones who managed to escape were half-dragging, half-carrying each other through the trees. Some were limping. Some were bleeding so badly their clothes were soaked dark.And right







