Mag-log inI arrived at the palace in what they called a car, a luxury only the Alpha possessed in the entire kingdom. Over the span of just three years, things had advanced so rapidly. I wondered what era we were entering now. Perhaps these cars would soon fly, I rolled my eyes at the absurd thought.My personal maid, Elizabeth, bowed her head as she entered my room. Ryan would be back tonight to perform his duty as a husband. It always felt like a routine obligation rather than an act of love, which was no surprise, considering there wasn't any. How could the Moon Goddess mate me to someone who felt nothing for me?Sighing, I stepped into the bath, opting for privacy rather than letting Elizabeth assist. She could handle arranging my underwear while I had some time to myself. Afterward, I walked out wrapped in a bath towel, using another to dry my damp hair.I sat at the vanity table as Elizabeth took over drying my hair, and I applied my scented lotions. I had infused my bath with extra
“You seem quite lost,” Darla said. She was a noble lady, the daughter of one of the most respected elders in the land, and a very close confidante of mine. We had hit it off two years ago during another one of these tea parties, on a day Hertz was running a high fever and refused to stop crying. I couldn't just ignore my son to attend a silly gathering filled with shallow chatter about men, fashion, and royal drama. Once Hertz fell asleep and his fever broke, I finally made my way to the party late. Upon my arrival, the disdain on their faces was palpable, partly because I had kept them waiting, but mostly because a former maid from another kingdom had somehow become their Luna. Darla broke the suffocating tension by stepping forward and welcoming me warmly. Her influence across the realm was immense, as she was renowned for being the kingdom’s very first female general. None of the noblewomen dared say a word against her. Well, none except Lila, who believed the en
Mary’s POVIt had been three whole years, yet Ryan still barely looked my way. I did everything impeccably, praying for even a stray glance, but just like everyone else in this castle, he treated me like I was invisible. Only a few people ever made me feel seen, especially Irina and her family. She was loved across all the lands, a woman so deeply admired that even Ryan treated her with genuine respect.I walked toward Ryan’s chambers. Even if he refused to offer me affection, I still had to fulfill my duties as his wife.“Am I even doing my duties well?“ I muttered under my breath.I couldn't even give Ryan an heir. Hertz was the greatest gift Lindsey had given me, at least I had someone to hold in the midst of my despair.“Your Highness,” I called out, stepping into the room as the maids helped him dress. I hated watching them smooth his clothes, they always got too handsy, throwing sly smirks in my direction. The sheer audacity.“Is there something you want, Mary?” he asked, straig
Irina's POV Three years. It had been three years since the coronation, since the gunshot, since I had almost died. Three years of healing, of learning, of building a life I had never dared to dream possible. Little Liam ran into my arms, his dark hair flopping over his forehead, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Aunty!" He said excitedly, wrapping his small arms around my neck. You heard that right. My very own sister was pregnant even before Lena slumped and died. She had been carrying Liam for weeks without knowing it. Too focused on the drama, on Edward, on the chaos that had engulfed us all. Edward had been agitated when he found out. I had never seen him so flustered. Liam was just like his dad—stubborn, intense, with a quiet watchfulness that belied his age. But he was also sweet, in his own way. He brought me flowers from the garden, insisted on "helping" me cook, and threw tantrums that shook the castle walls when he didn't get his way. "Liam, be careful with your
Katherine's POV Edward held my waist and pulled me closer to himself. His face buried in the crook of my neck, nibbling, biting, leaving marks that I was very sure would be visible for days. My breath hitched. My knees went weak. Should I just faint? Then he removed his head and stared at my sister, his eyes held cold fury. "She's mine," he growled possessively. The crowd around us had gone quiet. Everyone was paying attention now—nobles, servants, guards, all watching the King of the Vampires stake his claim. I saw the color drain from Lena's face. Her mouth opened, then closed. Her hands trembled at her sides. "I don't think so." Irina's voice was steady, unyielding. "She's not your property. What better guy than the guy her loving sister and wise grandfather approve of?" I got the feeling she was spurring him to do something. Pushing him toward a decision, a confession, a final choice. Edward ignored her, his eyes fixed on me. "Is that true, Katherine? Is Orion here?" He lo
And from what I felt, Ian was aroused. His lust was evident in his eyes, dark and hungry.I blushed, especially when he said in my mind: We should have a little escapade after this, buttercup.Damn.We turned to the public, smiling widely. Our hands were clasped, our bodies pressed together. I was pretty sure Ian was thinking of ways to just take me inside his room and make me moan his name.I looked over at Katherine. She was genuinely smiling at us while clapping. Avon said something and she was laughing, her blue eyes shine so brightly.I smiled at that.Edward glanced at them, but his face didn't give away what he was thinking.After the marking, we went straight to the reunion. This was where everyone wanted to show off their partners—dancing, laughing, celebrating.I saw Edward walking calmly toward Katherine. He took her hands in his, interlacing their fingers, and locked eyes with Avon for just a second, a silent challenge, a claiming.I was pretty sure Katherine had been gett







