Mag-log inLilaIt’s strange how the smallest sound, like the brush of quill to parchment, can fill a room with thoughts.The palace beyond our chambers is silent now, its pulse softened to the rhythm of domestic life. I can hear faint laughter drifting through the open balcony doors: the twins chasing each ot
DamonSomewhere below, laughter spills faintly through the gardens: high, bright, unguarded. The twins again, playing well-past their bedtime but I don’t have the heart to call them inside.I walk the long hall that leads from the council chamber to our private suite, the torches low, their flames s
Every tree leans toward the wind, every leaf trembles like it recognizes us.Ruby hums beneath my ribs, her joy is an endless echo. Faster, she urges. The world will wait for us to slow down later.So we run.Zane’s golden form stays just ahead, his stride long and sure, the light from the moon catc
LilaI could feel it in the stone beneath my bare feet, in the calm rhythm of the sentries’ hearts beyond the gates: the kingdom was in a time of peace.I slipped through the eastern corridor, skirts gathered in one hand, the cool floor pressing against my soles. When I reached the stables, I found
The crowd quieted instantly as she lifted her hands over the flame. The moon above flared brighter, its light spilling across her skin like liquid light.This was her kingdom. Our kingdom. I realized it had never really been mine alone.LilaThe fire crackled, alive and breathing. Its gold bled into
DamonThe air burned cold and clean beneath the full moon.From the dais, I could see the courtyard stretch endlessly below; lanterns hanging from the ramparts, petals scattered across stone, banners of every Pack rippling in the silver wind.Wolves, healers, and warriors stood shoulder to shoulder.
LilaElite Group. Evaluated under direct observation. His Majesty will serve as Primary Judge.Even in ink, it felt like a trap.This was supposed to be Elena’s strength. She was bred for this kind of thing, literally. Diplomacy, negotiation, and political cunning disguised as grace. Not me. I was b
“I know,” I snapped. Then softened. “I know.”“But you’re going to anyway, aren’t you?”I nodded “I have to.”She didn’t argue. Just nodded, slow and reluctant. “What are you going to say?” she asked.“I don’t know yet.”We spent the rest of the afternoon in companionable silence. And by nightfall,
Damon“You may go.”I was done listening to Elena confirm everything that I finally convinced myself might not be true. But I should’ve expected it. I should’ve known better than to let myself feel anything for a candidate.Elena nodded and left my study the same way she entered. Resigned. Like she
Vanessa gasped, obvious to my ear it was too loud, and completely forced. “Oh no! Lady Elena, I’m so clumsy!”I looked down at the mess spreading across my bodice, breath caught in my throat. Someone nearby stifled a laugh. A servant hesitated, unsure whether to intervene.Emma stepped forward fast.







