LOGINA sudden chill crawled down Elara's spine. Goosebumps erupted across her skin as an uneasy feeling settled deep within her chest. It was as if invisible eyes were fixed on her, silently observing every move she made. Her head snapped around, scanning the almost empty hallway. Someone was watching them. The unsettling sensation refused to leave. Beside her, Lucien immediately noticed the shift in her expression. His body instinctively tensed as he stepped closer. "Elara," he called softly, his emerald eyes narrowing with concern. "What happened?" She hesitated before answering, still searching the shadows. "I... I felt someone's gaze on us." She forced out a nervous laugh, attempting to brush it aside. "Maybe I'm just imagining things." Lucien wasn't convinced. He knew his mate well enough to recognize when she was genuinely disturbed. Without another word, he took another step toward her. Instinctively, Elara stepped back. His brows furrowed. "You're certain someone was w
The moment Elara pushed open the chamber door, she froze. Her eyes widened in utter disbelief. What... ? Right in front of her chamber, seated on an ornate regal chair, was Lucien. He was asleep. His head rested against the high back of the chair, his arms folded loosely across his chest, and despite his composed expression, the awkward angle of his body made it painfully obvious that he hadn't slept comfortably. A sharp ache settled in Elara's heart. But along with the concern came a wave of irritation. She had specifically told him to rest. Out of everyone in the palace, Lucien needed sleep the most after everything he had endured. Yet instead of listening, he had chosen to spend the night outside her chamber like a stubborn guardian. This impossible man... Careful not to wake him, Elara walked toward him with feather-light steps. Every movement was slow and deliberate, afraid that even the faintest sound would disturb his precious sleep. As she reached him, her gaze shif
"Father..." Leo whispered, the word barely audible as it slipped from his trembling lips.But Kael had already stepped outside the chamber.Without turning back.Without offering comfort.Without sparing even a glance at the son he had just shattered.The heavy chamber doors closed with a dull thud, and the sound echoed through the silent room like a final verdict.Leo remained frozen where he stood.Every word Kael had spoken replayed endlessly inside his mind, each sentence cutting deeper than the last. His hands flew to his head as he squeezed his temples tightly, shaking his head as if he could force the voices away.But they wouldn't stop.They kept coming.Again.And again.And again.The mighty beta who could slit a man's throat without hesitation, who never flinched in battle, who carried himself with unwavering pride...was nowhere to be seen.In his place was a broken man.A devastated man.If anyone were to see him now, they would never believe he was the same Leo feared acr
Kael stood frozen in the doorway. For a moment, he couldn't process the sight before him. Leo looked utterly shattered. His silver eyes were swollen and red from crying, tears still clinging stubbornly to his lashes. His usually neat hair was a complete mess, strands falling across his forehead. His lips were swollen, and faint marks stained the skin of his neck. He looked exhausted, devastated...like someone had ripped his heart out and left him standing. "Father..." The word barely left Leo's lips. Kael's gaze slowly shifted past his son. At the end of the chamber, near the bed stood Theo. The Alpha wasn't even looking at them. His back was turned, shoulders slumped beneath a burden that seemed far too heavy for one man to carry. The personal royal guard who always stood tall now looked broken. A dangerous silence settled between the three of them. Without saying a word, Kael stepped forward. His hand shot out and wrapped tightly around Leo's wrist. "Father, wait...."
"Then let's end this." Leo's words rang in Theo's head like a spell. For a heartbeat, silence followed. Then Theo moved. In one swift motion, the Alpha threw the blankets aside and climbed out of bed. Before Leo could react, a firm hand wrapped around his wrist and yanked him forward. A startled gasp left the Beta's lips as his back slammed against the cold stone wall. Theo caged him there instantly. His hands gripped Leo's shoulders tightly, preventing any escape while Leo struggled against him. "Have you completely lost your mind?" Theo roared. The force of his voice made Leo flinch. "Do you even hear yourself? Do you know what nonsense you're spouting right now?" The room seemed to shake with Theo’s anger. Leo's breath hitched. He lowered his gaze, unable to meet those furious golden eyes. Never...not once in all the years they had known each other... had Theo raised his voice at him like this. And that terrified him. "Leo." Theo's voice dropped into a dangerous growl
Heavy breaths echoed through the chamber as Theo captured Leo's lips once again, drawing him into a kiss that left the Beta utterly breathless. Leo's hand pressed weakly against Theo's chest, an attempt to create even the smallest distance between them. But the Alpha merely caught his wrist with ease, holding it firmly above Leo's head. A muffled whimper escaped Leo's lips. The sound snapped Theo back to reality. His eyes widened slightly before he immediately pulled away. Leo gasped for air, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he struggled to steady his breathing. Guilt flickered across Theo's face as he gently rubbed circles against Leo's back. "Easy, stormy," he murmured. The chamber fell silent except for the sound of their uneven breaths. A single tear had gathered at the corner of Leo's eye from the overwhelming intensity of the moment. Theo's expression softened instantly. Reaching up, he carefully brushed it away with his thumb. The tenderness in that simpl
The cool night breeze brushed against Elara's face as she stood alone on the balcony. She closed her eyes, allowing the gentle wind to wash over her, carrying away the stress, fear, and uncertainty that had been suffocating her for days. For a brief moment, she felt at peace. But peace never stay
"No, actually, on a serious note, why are you sending Leo here?" Elara asked, finally pulling Lucien out of the awkward silence that had settled over the room. Beside her, Lyra immediately straightened. "Yes! I want to know too," she chimed in, curiosity practically dripping from her voice. Luci
"Wait, isn't that a little too casual a way of announcing something this huge?" Lyra exclaimed dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. Beside her, Leo nodded in agreement. "Seriously. You just dropped that like you're talking about the weather." A few chuckles echoed around the room. Theo
The throne room fell into a heavy silence. No one dared to speak. The only sound that echoed through the vast hall was Lucien's strained breathing. Unaware of her own actions, Elara gently brushed her thumb across Lucien's clenched knuckles. The small gesture did more than any words could. Lucie







