LOGINEVAN'S P.O.V.His scent still lingered in the air and in the place where he had been standing, crying for me. The moisture of his tears lingered on my thumb, and I ached for more. Yet, I stood here and told him I was honoured to be his friend. I stood here and accepted the last thing I wanted because I was scared and stupid, and because I knew that it was the only way.I turned. Alpha Cole was bringing out ingredients, gently arranging them in that meticulous way he always did. I would never tell him that I knew he used those little bowls since back then when he still used to cook, or that I knew how much he hated to cut and that was why I was here in the first place."Let me help," I said, grabbing the knife before he could. Because he always got injured using knives, and I couldn't risk it. His fingers were far too pretty. His blood far too valuable."Do you have anything you want to eat?" Alpha Cole asked, his voice still low and carrying the tinge of the tears he had just let out
ALPHA COLE'S P.O.V I leaned on the nearest wall once the door behind me closed, my heart ramming into my chest. I thought I was ready. I thought I could hear it.But I stood there, and I looked at those eyes and those hands, and the memories of Beta Ian's body being lowered filled my mind, and I couldn't do it.I almost asked, hell I wanted to. I wanted to ask why she did it. Why she did it. If there was, perhaps something I could hold on to in justifying the fact that I am still so madly, so helplessly, desperately in love with her. Despite knowing that Beta Ian died by her hands. Despite knowing that Evan looks at me through the lens of a liar.I took in a deep breath, my eyes slowly opening. I didn't have much longer before dinner, and once again, like the coward, I realized I was, I filed it away again. I probably should have gone back in there. I should have asked her anything, even if her redemption was that she may have possibly felt a bit of remorse for doing it. Between I a
SELENA'S P.O.V I walked back into the quarters, my eyes skimming the place. It was clean, evidence that someone had been there to clean it out after we left for Waning Moon. I closed the door behind me and walked in further, my hands gently touching the surfaces of everything. If there was a chance that Sylvia could have planted something in there, the best thing that could happen was for it to be discovered by my hand first.I finished my inspection. There was nothing off. Maybe it was one of those omegas. I got out of the robe I was wearing and stepped into the shower, my eyes closing as the water hit my skin. My mind immediately drifted to Amanda. Maybe I could sneak out and see her for a bit?Alpha Cole's trust in me has definitely heightened since Waning Moon, and maybe I can come up with a lie more believable this time. But with Alan's presence in the palace so new, it would feel too fishy if I started running around.I let out a small breath. I missed my daughter so fucking
ALPHA COLE'S P.O.V The drive back was almost stiffling. Evan was driving now, instead of the whoever the driver had been before, and we were both excruciatingly silent. Like he hadn't held me in times when I was falling to pieces."How about..." I started, my voice a little rough. "Let's stop by for groceries."He didn't look back. "The palace pantry is stocked, Alpha."I bit down on my lower lip. "Are you still angry with me?"He slowed down the car a bit but made no move to look at me. "It was partly my fault. But I am more disappointed that you thought I would want her to disappear when I know just how much she makes you happy."I watched his back, and my chest tightened with emotions that I don't think I have truly felt ever since he stepped into Ian's role.I leaned back, sucking in a sharp breath."You... you are just as noble as Ian. I did not doubt that you would keep her safe and...""You are still comparing me to him," he said, as the gates of the palace opened, and he drov
SELENA'S P.O.V I woke up to the sound of incessant knocking on the door. My brows furrowed as I turned. The room was dark, the drapes drawn, and the only evidence of Alpha Cole was his signature scent.I sat up slowly, my eyes still squinted from sleep, my body warm from the sheets. Who could it be? If Alpha Cole was gone, there was a very negligible chance of Evan being here and an even smaller chance of him looking for Alpha Cole since he always knew where Alpha Cole was.Who could it be?I got out of bed and started towards the door, but froze midway. Alan. Alan was appointed beta. Could he be here?The knock came again, and I tightened the robe around me. Even if it was Alan, I knew just what he was capable of. I walked to the door and opened it, ready to confront Alan.I came face to face with Sylvia, and I gave a small sigh, my eyes rolling."What are you doing here?" I asked, blocking the door, my body language enough for her to know that she was absolutely unwelcome.She took
ALPHA COLE'S P.O.V The cars were arranged by the time I got out of the palace. Evan was notably missing, but that little insect, Alan was standing closest to my personal car, his hands folded in front of him.I stopped, taking him in. He had changed into a full suit, his eyes thin as he met mine.I gave a small smile, then walked the two steps it took to cover the distance between us. He took half a step back, and my smile only widened.Without a word, I gently fixed his tie, my hand tightening it just enough till he turned a bright red."Your eyes down," I whispered. "There is a hierarchy here, and you are beneath my shoe."He maintained his gaze for a second longer. I could see the moment realisation kicked in, and whatever nonsense had been drilled into him by the seer and Isaac came to mind."Yes, Alpha," he said, then lowered his gaze.I let him go, then turned and got into the car, the door closing after me.The drive to the massive troop barracks was a slightly long journey. T
SELENA'S P.O.V"Something is definitely happening in the meeting," an omega whispered furiously as she passed the dignitary quarters.I immediately sat up, my brows furrowed. I had barely been able to sleep ever since leaving Alpha Cole's room and then the discussion with that man, Evan, and the fa
ALPHA COLE'S P.O.V Selena. Selena is in my palace.My eyes thinned as I looked between the women in the dungeon and the soldier still lying unconscious outside. He had been carefully tucked away, and he had a single hit to the side of his neck. Like the edge of a dagger.That was Selena's signatur
SELENA'S P.O.V The dance troupe proceeded to the palace, and I joined, quickly learning their chants as we made the short journey to the palace.Soon enough, the palace loomed in front of us. I stopped for a second to catch my breath, my chest heaving. I still knew the palace like the back of my h
SELENA'S P.O.V I cleaned out the guns and daggers, laying them out on the floor in the room. I stepped back, my eyes taking in the weapons. Most of them were my hunting gear, as I have had no use for weapons in five years.The sun was already coming up, and tomorrow would be the full moon festival







