LOGIN“My death-defying bride.” Regaleon’s eyes darkened. His gaze dragged over her slowly before returning to her eyes. “You return from the brink of death… only to ogle?”His lips curved, amusement crossing his expression lightly. “I wonder… was death truly so lacking that you return for a more satisfying view? Was it worth it?”Lillia swallowed hard, her face burning with shame, cursing at the reaction his low deep vibrating voice dealt her body as it rolled off smoothly with his warm breath splashing across her face. “I—I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Memories from the banquet rushed through her mind in brutally painful fragments, but none of them helped her now, not with the way his gaze lingered on her like he could peel through every lie she tried to hold together.The intensity with which he watched her was so strong that the room around seemed to blur out of Lillia’s view until there was nothing but oblivion left. An oblivion with just one constant in it. And she could
When Lillia became fully aware of her surroundings, she immediately sat up with urgency, her senses snapping into place all at once. And the first thing she realised was that this was not her chamber. So where was she? Her fingers twitched against the sheets as her gaze drifted downward. They were a dark shade of grey silk, smooth beneath her touch and cold, much like the ceiling above. As a matter of fact, everything in the room carried that same cold, dark and controlled tone.Instead of the soft cream curtains that filtered light gently into her chambers, these were heavy black drapes, drawn just enough to allow thin blades of sunlight to cut through, casting long shadows across the room rather than warmth.Every piece of furniture was placed with purpose, from the broad, imposing bed she sat upon, to the polished surfaces that reflected just enough light to reveal their presence without drawing attention. Even the air felt different. It was still and grounded, carrying a quiet
It was always a different tale. For everyone who had fought with death, and lived to tell the story; it was always a different experience—terrifying. Peaceful. Saddening. Rush. There also were never many who had kicked death in the teeth, and lived to tell the story unscathed.They were called death whisperers, because they were never the same again. One way or the other, their souls bore a mark, having escaped the tight grip of death. And for them, it is said that one way or the other, sooner or later, death would come for what it was owed.Perhaps, death had come for Lillia, and once again, she had snatched her soul right out of its grip. She had stared it in the face and kicked it in its teeth.That could never have been said for the woman she used to be, and even as she sunk deeper into the black waters, slipping into unconsciousness, and into the darkness until no trace of her remained at the surface… She did not fight it.Everything had once been loud, and this does not refer to
A low and dangerous chuckle escaped Lillia’s lips, and as her eyes returned to the place she last saw Amelia, one word followed. Agreed!The warmth within her exploded, the powerful force scattering the entities she could now see as shadows without a form, before propelling her forward with an immeasurable speed. As she moved, Lillia’s eyes drifted downward, eyes widening as she caught the reflection cast by the light of her glow in the waters below. Fenris was huge and beautiful, matching Lillia’s speed and pace toward Amelia, her large furred tail swished powerfully, piercing silver eyes like Lillia’s, glowed. Fenris… Lillia’s words escaped with a breath that echoed and instinctively, she reached out her hand towards the reflection. The moment slowed.When Fenris’ eyes met Lillia’s, a large silver fur covered paw pushed out immediately and touched Lillia’s hand. Then, Fenris disappeared, and almost in an instant, there was a shift.When Lillia’s hands clamped around Amelia’s a
Lillia’s eyes widened. I will pour all my energy into you so you can survive. You can live for us, and even if I am not here anymore, I know you will be alright. No—don’t you say that. Don’t you dare give up on me. A tear rolled out of Lillia’s eyes as her vision began to blur. Her fingers stiffened on Amelia’s hand, fingers digging into skin. She could now see the world in slow motion, the chaotic fight Amelia had while slowly killing her, the wide grin Amelia had on that did not reach her blank stare. She saw the people that fought to save her, the horrified and desperate expressions her maidens had as they struggled again and again. Images began to flash in her eyes, her father—his death. Her rejection—running through Clearwater forest, the cold bite of the cliff as she fell. Regaleon’s deep dark eyes—the blinding pain from his blade. And now Amelia’s blank gaze. I cannot die like this—No!!! Lillia gritted her teeth. Even though she could barely breathe. Even though her str
“You are the dark magic user and your governess is a Gypsy.” Lillia shouted, her voice rolling out with thunderous authority as her cold presence exploded. She stood tall, head raised high as she glared at Briar Rose's shrunken figure that seemed to fold in on itself. “You are a murderer. You committed countless murders of innocent maidens, and attempted murder… thrice. And you sit at this table and call me shameless? How dare you?” “Who do you think you are to shout at my granddaughter—” “She is the Queen, Luna of Wolfsbane! What audacity did your granddaughter have to harm my daughter and the Queen?” Elder Blackwell shot up too, his eyes bloodshot as he fired back at Elder Montclair, and the palpable tension bled into chaos. “She is not my Queen. She is never our Queen!” That was Elder Greyson. “Then you would rather a murderer become Queen? Treason! Completely and utterly treason—” “My granddaughter is not a murderer—how dare you— you black foreigner.” Suddenly—amid the hea







