MasukAuroraI could feel the glare on my back up until we reached home.Our arrival had drawn many eyes, so I tried not to think about the dissatisfaction that showed briefly on Alaric’s face at the start, or anything concerning that woman.Instead, as soon as we walked in through the foyer and were greeted by the head maid and my personal maid, I handed my bag containing books and documents to my maid.“Send these to my study. I will be there soon to organize,” I told her.Then to the head maid, “Have lunch sent up to my son’s room.”Seraphina jumped in eagerly, “I will make lunch for him, don’t worry–”“I appreciate your efforts,” I didn't even bother looking at her as I cut in. “But Asher has to be on a strict diet for now to prevent any issues from popping up. Here,” I handed the head maid the list, which I had kept in my pocket. It had been compiled with help from Elder Miriam, with specific preparation times and varied recipes including those same healing herbs that had been in his m
Seraphina’s POVWhat the hell was she doing?My frustration welled up in my chest. The dark energy I infused into my fingertips had nowhere else to go.The poison within that boy was already weak, and I had hoped to strengthen it with a bit of my powers, but this woman just had to intercept me.My eyes flashed with a glint as I watched Aurora pat Asher’s head. She pulled him into her arms.“His hair needs some brushing. You don’t mind, do you?” she asked but was already stroking his head gently, arranging his strands into something more well-kept. I could sense her essence in her, she was like light, pure, unfiltered, raw. I felt hungry just gazing at it. And as Asher was pulled into her space, that light enveloped him, weakening the poison further.“Can it not be done later?” I spoke up.Something told me I had to interfere. Asura was coiled around my chest, tightening with each passing second. It hurt and my smile became more fixed the longer time passed.Aurora only glanced at me w
Aurora’s POVThe day finally came for Asher to be discharged.I had avoided going back to see Alaric during this time.News had filtered in, not rumors. But actual news, from both Eva and Elder Miriam, and also Lyra who was more in touch with the current gossip than I was.Eva had not met me directly since I asked her to help me befriend Seraphina. She had made contact. But she had taken precautions. She didn’t share meals with her, because I ended up informing her that Seraphina was a poison master. I had also given her a sachet to keep on her at all times, just in case. I wasn’t sure if Eva believed me but the next time she sent me a message, she had just returned from having lunch with Seraphina at a neutral meeting hall, a chance encounter she engineered to increase their friendship. It was easier because Eva was a known socialite and had invited other noblewomen from the Shadowpine Pack who wanted to befriend ber as well. And Seraphina seemed to enjoy the attention that being a p
Alaric’s POVThe meeting hall was full of murmurs. I presided over it, with Alpha Eric of the Kyrian pack and Alpha Xavier supporting.“Thank you all for coming,” I stood with my wine glass in hand, surveying the hall. My voice was loud enough to carry through to everyone, but still controlled, still calm. “I’m sure there doesn't need to be any explanation about what we are here for.”“The rogues,” Alpha Eric said. “And their methods.” I nodded.Alpha Jason of the Gale pack shifted, casting a look around before rising to his feet.A wave of murmurs started as soon as everyone noticed him. It was obvious why. After all, Alpha Jason was a rogue leader once, and this was the first time the Gale Pack had ever participated in such proceedings.“I have to say that we might be overestimating the skill of the rogues,” Alpha Jason was straightforward when he talked, the only quality in which I liked. “Or their ability to disrupt our packs. We don’t need to put too much effort into destroyin
Aurora’s POVMy words made Eva raise a neatly trimmed brow at me.“Right,” her brusque, sardonic tone didn't reduce one bit. “And how do you intend to ask her?”“Not me,” I pointed at her. “You.”Eva’s confusion increased and I could see her brows knitting together so much it nearly formed one line. I nearly rolled my eyes at her. Sometimes she could be so deliberately obtuse, it was infuriating.“Oh by the Goddess,” I huffed. “You’re going to ask her.”“And… HOW would I do that? I don’t even want to ask about the WHY, either,” Eva told me.“You befriend her, and ask her. You’re here for the next couple of days,” I began to explain. “And you can easily get closer to her and ask.”Eva looked like she had a lot of things to say to that plan.“Why do you want to involve me with your schemes, Luna? Don’t tell me you have no one else to ask. You cannot involve a third party. Or fourth party, or whatever,”She sneered. “I don’t want to be a part of your marital issues.”“What’s your problem?
Aurora’s POV"Hey,wait up, Luna,” a familiar voice piped up behind me as soon as I exited the meeting hall.I didn't need to turn around to know it was Eva, and I pursed my lips, pausing in my steps as she caught up with me.Her heels clicked on the stone streets, like music to my ears.“What are you in a tizzy?” Eva surveyed my expression. She still held one of the champagne glasses in her hand, even though now, we were more than a couple of meters away from the hall.Frowning at the glass I replied, “You didn't communicate to me all this time. And you expect me to answer you?” I asked with a brow raised.She scoffed, flipping her hair back.“Come on, don;t be upset. I was really busy,” She sipped her champagne, taking my hand and tugging on it. “Come, we have a lot to talk about.”I wasn't angry at her, not really.I was angry at myself.I was angry that i still had 9 days to handle things in this packI was angry that I had let Alaric’s actions affect me. Deep inside, even when you
Aurora’s POVI had no idea what Alaric wanted to say, so I waited, wondering if this was about his darling Seraphina or something else.“Don’t act like that,” he started with before cutting himself off and taking a deep inhale.“Act like what?” I questioned, pretending to not understand.“Like I wa
Alaric’s POVI had to admit, watching her hold her own like this was like seeing a musical performance. I listened to the Elder's whispers, my senses taking in every minute expression, not saying a word in defense or to chastise her.I was going to let her play this role to the end.This was the fi
Aurora’s POVThe next morning, as soon as I finished dressing up, I got a knock on the door. To my surprise, as soon as I opened the door, I saw a guard, bearing the crest of the Council.My heart skipped a beat but I tried my best to remain calm. Why was the Council coming to me?The Elders and I
Aurora’s POVI wiped my hands after the entire process was done, and exited the bathroom, only to see Elder Miriam take out two books and hand them to me.“What;s this?” I asked, curious but at the same time afraid of the answer.“This one is on runes and spells, those enchantments that could eithe







