Lila"As you know, only ten of you will be advancing to the next stage of the selection." The steward’s voice was smooth, almost theatrical, as if he enjoyed drawing out the suspense. "Nine names will be announced first. However, there is one final girl, the only one chosen from a northern pack."A
DamonElena’s tear-streaked face twisted something in my chest. It was a faint, almost imperceptible discomfort, but it was there. I ignored it, clenching my jaw as I reminded myself why.She only looked like her. That was all.Natalie’s face haunted my memories, and for a moment, as the light glowe
LilaDamon’s grip lingered for a moment longer than necessary, his fingers a vice around my waist. I could feel the strength behind them, the restraint he was forcing upon himself."I have a curfew," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady. "If I’m late, I’ll be scrubbing toilets for a week."Damo
LilaThe man’s lips curled slightly as he studied me. "It seems you still don’t know," he mused, tilting his head. "But that’s alright. All you need to know is that you will definitely be chosen."I stiffened. The certainty in his voice sent a ripple of unease down my spine."Why do you say that?" I
"Allow me to introduce you to Lord Theron," Isabella said with a saccharine smile. "A nobleman of quite high status."Theron stepped forward, his sweaty hand reaching towards me. "Would you do me the honor of a dance, my dear?"Every instinct screamed no. I had seen him pawing at some of the other w
LilaI could feel every gaze in the ballroom pressing down on me as Damon extended his hand. Every woman in the room was watching, some with barely concealed envy, others with outright hostility. It was a silent chorus of judgment, expectation, and resentment.Swallowing hard, I slid my hand into hi
LilaThe moment Damon spoke, the room erupted in shock. Gasps, whispers, and even a few barely concealed curses filled the air.A one-on-one match with the Lycan King was unheard of. At least surviving one was unheard of.I could feel the weight of dozens of eyes snapping to me, their expressions a
– Your mother’s condition has worsened.The words hit like a blade between my ribs. I went completely still.Do as you’re told, or she won’t get the care she needs.My hands trembled with barely restrained rage. Seriously? We had a deal, Alpha.Henry didn’t even bother denying it. I’m ensuring you d
Damon I hated these events.But tonight, I was expected to play the gracious host. So, I nodded. Smiled. Let my eyes move from one noble to the next.I greeted alpha pairs from the east and dignitaries from the coastal Pack lands, spoke in tones that made them feel important while Zane snarled quie
We stood in our assigned places like jewels on display—gowned, graceful, every hair pinned to perfection.I smoothed my skirt with one hand and forced myself to smile as the first of the Alphas entered the hall.There were so many. Too many to count without appearing distracted. Nobles from the sout
LilaBy the next morning, I wasn’t just recovering, I was reentering.Word had spread quickly through the palace that I would be returning to the selection. Not everyone said it out loud, but I saw it in the way people looked at me—like I was a ghost they hadn’t expected to see again.Some with resp
Moonlight spilled across the stone paths in silver sheets, turning hedges into shadows and marble into bone.I hadn’t planned on coming out here specifically, but something in me was restless, and I followed it down the hallways until the air turned cool and the world opened wide.Damon stood near t
LilaThe ache was dull today. Manageable.It nestled behind my ribs like something leftover from a bad dream—present, but fading. I sat propped against a stack of pillows, the sun filtering through the high infirmary windows in long gold slants.Outside, I could hear faint voices in the hall, the oc
LilaI woke to the sound of my heartbeat in my ears, too loud in the quiet room. For a moment, I didn’t know where I was.The ceiling above me blurred and shimmered, the beams twisting in and out of focus like they were underwater. My throat was dry. My skin too warm.I blinked slowly, once, twice,
Her voice was too even; in the way I’d seen soldiers get to make it through the worst of things.“My father couldn’t bear the scandal of pulling her out of this selection due to pregnancy. Or at least that’s what I assume. So I was his only option to not breaking the agreement. Send Lila, the bastar
DamonThe rogue sat chained to the iron chair, arms draped like he was lounging at a tavern instead of bleeding in a locked interrogation chamber.He was cocky. Smug. The kind of wolf who mistook survival for power. The guards flanked him on either side, but he barely seemed to notice. His lip was s
LilaI woke to the sound of my own breathing. Shallow. Steady. Alive.The air smelled like rosemary and smoke, the faint tang of antiseptic salve lingering just beneath it. My body was a patchwork of ache and numbness, like someone had stitched me back together with cold thread and firelight.I didn