ISABELLE’S POVAlan looked away, his voice barely audible. “You are clearly of noble descent. And I'm just a struggling painter trying to make ends meet. We are from very different worlds.”For a moment, I stared at him and didn’t know what to say. Hearing such words from Alan touched me more than I expected.“You’re wrong,” I spat out, my voice sharp and firm. “Alan, you’re one of the most confident, most talented people I have ever met. Our worth isn’t defined by titles or wealth.”Alan’s eyes flicked up to meet mine, and for a moment, there was tense silence between us.I leaned in closer to him, our warm breaths mingling in the air between us. “I don’t care about status or wealth,” I whispered, my voice gentle and tender. “Those things don’t matter to me.”His face turned a deeper shade of crimson, his body trembling beside mine. I giggled softly, and I couldn't resist leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss to his cold cheek. Alan froze, his heart pounding loud enough for me to he
ISABELLE’S POV“You think you belong here?” one of the women at the head of the circle sneered. “With such an ugly dress? Did you sew it yourself?”The circle erupted in laughter. “Honestly, the audacity of some ugly paupers to show up to the palace New Year banquet in nothing but rags.”My blood boiled as I watched the scene unfold.My attention remained fixed on the group gathered near the bushes. At their centre stood a tall slender woman, with dark luscious hair, her voice sharp as she mocked a plainly dressed girl clutching a necklace.“You dare bring this cheap trinket to a royal ball?” she sneered, yanking the necklace from her hands.The girl in the middle held her head up high despite the humiliation and mocking. “That necklace was my mother’s. Please return it,” she asked calmly, although her voice was shaking with emotions.The bully's lips curled into a cruel smile as she held the necklace up with one finger. “Why would I return this trash to you?” She mocked.“Please, d..
ISABELLE’S POVThe murmurs instantly ceased, and a line cleared amongst the crowd as they quickly stepped aside for me to walk past all bowing in unison. I walked in with a tiara that accentuated my royal bearing, but as I stepped inside, I could feel Rowan's presence right behind me.I quickened my pace, to put some distance between us, but I could still feel him trailing close behind me, his presence frustratingly too close.I threw a sharp glance over my shoulder, my voice low but firm. “Why must you follow me everywhere?”Rowan smirked, unfazed by my question or my demeanor. “It would be improper for me to distance myself from the princess, don’t you think?”My wolf snickered, clearly irritated by his cockiness.I quickened my pace, determined to shake off the rumours that my entrance with Rowan would soon spark. I could feel the eyes of the crowd boring through us, I knew they would soon start gossiping about us being back together.I needed to escape him so I quickly strode tow
ISABELLE’S POV The intensity of his sharp look sent a chill down my spine, but I refused to let it show one bit. Instead, I cocked my head at him, arching my eyebrow and maintaining my composure.My wolf didn't stay quiet. ‘Told you meddling in his affairs wouldn’t end well. He seems furious. Are you satisfied now?’ she growled with disapproval.‘He’ll get over it,’ I shot back inwardly, not backing down for a second.Tristan stepped forward, his eyes darting between us, he could already sense the rising tension in the room and let out a light chuckle to diffuse it. “Then let’s forget about it,” he said, dismissing my proposition with a wave of his hand.The crowd began murmuring once again, their tones shifting.“It seems the princess has truly moved on from the Beta,” someone remarked.“Yes, she wouldn’t have proposed it otherwise,” another agreed.Once Matilda stepped away, the crowd eased up and dispersed. Rowan shot me one last look before he also turned around and walked away
ISABELLE’S POVI arched my eyebrows, tilting my head towards her. “And what is this matter that must be addressed?” I asked incredulously.I could see the envy shining in Tania's eyes and the clear irritation under her skin as she looked at Lila. She was going to find a way to bring her down at any cost, even if it meant lying.Her dark gaze shifted to Lila, her eyes narrowing with clear disdain. “This girl owes me something—an item that rightfully belongs to me. The necklace around her neck.”The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Tania with full attention. My expression hardened, and my wolf growled softly in my mind. ‘This girl’s arrogance knows no bounds.’ She snapped.I took a deep breath to remain calm, and then I cocked my head and asked, “And how does the necklace Lila is wearing suddenly belong to you, Lady Tania?”Tania straightened, clearly thrilled her plan to humiliate Lila seemed to be working. “Her necklace is a delicate piece, silver with a sapphire pendant. Lila
ISABELLE’S POVMy breath caught in my throat, but I quickly masked my reaction. “I am doing nothing of the sort, Rowan. I’m simply acting with what I see and observe. Perhaps you should do the same.”His eyes darkened, and his expression tightened. “Do you actually believe that I have any intentions towards her?” He growled, his frustration evident in his clenched jaw.Swallowing my unease for his closeness, I squared my shoulders. “Yes, Rowan. I do. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like some time alone without you following me around.”My heart was pounding from the tension between us, heavy and charged, but I refused to look down and walk away.His words hung in the air, heavy and dark. I stared at him, my mind racing. Why had he been waiting for me? What did he mean by what he was saying?Gathering my composure, my gaze flickered over him cautiously, “Tell me exactly why you were waiting for me?”His piercing gaze met mine and he stepped even closer, till there was only a single inch
ISABELLE’S POVThe night was silent, the window still wide open and cold wind breezing into my roomI lay sprawled across my bed, a romance novel balanced in my hands.I was slowly humming a song, the faint glow of the lamp casting a warm halo over the room. I lit the fireplace to keep the chills away. The wildfire filled the room with comforting heat.I was lost in the words of the novel when my wolf suddenly stirred, waving her tail. ‘Someone’s here.’ she whispered, alert and eager.The book fell out of my hands and I instantly sat up, my gaze fixed on the billowing curtains.For some reason my heart was racing wildly in my chest, my throat suddenly dry.Before I could react, a shadow leapt gracefully through the open window and slid across the room towards me. I bolted upright, my hand on my chest, until I saw the familiar silhouette of General Kael. He landed on one knee, his head bowed slightly.Even in the dark he looked dashing in his all-black battle gear, his hair tousled f
ISABELLE POVThe figurine sat cold and sharp in my hands, its smooth lines and intricate details showing me just how much effort Kael had put into crafting it for me. My fingers gently brushed over the carved wolf’s howling face, and I couldn’t help but smile. “It’s beautiful,” I whispered to myself. “He must have spent so many hours working on this.”My wolf huffed and puffed with pride. Clearly sated by Kael's gift.I was still lying on my bed, the novel I was reading long forgotten, glancing toward the window. The night was quiet again, save for the occasional howl of the wind. Kael had left as promised, leaping out of the window with the same grace as when he entered. Despite my teasing, I felt a pang of regret seeing him go. Moments after he disappeared, I was startled by the door creaking open, and my maid stepped in carrying a canvas draped with a cloth.“Your Highness,” she began, holding out the gift, “this arrived earlier. It seems to be a gift from the artist Alan.”My
ALAN'S POVThe moment the announcement was made, a cold wave of shock hit me. I knew I was talented, I had always believed in my abilities as an artist. But the thought of the public voting, of their opinions holding such weight in the competition, was enough to make me question everything. My hands become clammy, his heart drumming in my chest. I shut my eyes tight as the public watched the paintings and chose the winner.This was it, the last moment for my dreams to come through. I took a deep breath as the hall went silent again.Master Levi's voice rang out, slicing through the ringing in my ears and my nervousness. “The winner of this year’s art competition is Artist Alan!”The applause was deafening, followed by loud cheers, the gasps of approval.It was all overwhelming for a moment.I suddenly felt the floor shift under me, my legs now unsteady as I collapsed back onto my seat. I clutched my chest, barely able to breathe. The world around me blurred for a minute as I stood up
ISABELLE’S POVI was restless in the villa, pacing my room and unable to keep still. Today was the art competition and I knew Alan would be in the heat of it right now.Not knowing what was going on there was almost driving me crazy. A knock echoed in the door and my maid walked in with a tray for my lunch.I nodded in response as she walked in and bowed. I stared at the plate for food as she set it gently on the table.But I had no appetite, not when my stomach was churning with anticipation.“I need you to go to the royal arts competition and report back to me all that's happening there,” I ordered.My maid paused on her way out of the door, her wary eyes landing on me before bowing and stepping out.I wrangled my hands in my lap as I waited for her to return. My heart was pounding loudly as I heard her footsteps on the stairs and then the knock on the door of my chambers.I tore the door open and dragged her to it. “Tell me!” I urged.“Your Highness, the competition is going smooth
KAEL’S POVThe prison was grim as I strode through the halls, impatient to be back outside under the light of the sun and away from the thick stench.Suddenly the walls went alive with the sounds of agony. Guttural screams echoed off the stone walls, each one filled with pain and begging.As a warrior and a general I had already steeled myself against such sounds, but today, these screams made me pause in my steps.It was a woman’s scream—raw and broken.I turned my head toward the direction of the noise. I had come down here just to oversee Axel’s torture and make sure he broke, but now, I was strung with curiosity that led my steps into the depths of the prison. The warden who was leading me through the walls shot me a wary glance but said nothing as he followed.As I got closer to one of the isolated cells and the sounds, the scent of rot and dampness only grew stronger in the air.The iron bars of the cell were wet with moisture, the single torch in the corridor casting shadows.
KAEL’S POVI felt a slight tremor under my skin as I strode out of the pack hospital. My conversation with Rowan played on my mind.I hope he got my message loud and clear because I wouldn't want him getting between Isabelle and me. Now that she is with me, I would like to keep her as mine.I pushed the thought back as I remembered Tristan’s last command. I need to pay the spy Axel a visit.The prison reeked of blood, sweat, and decay as the warden led me through the halls.The air hugged thick with the metallic stench of pain and suffering, and the dim torchlight in the warden's hands was hardly enough to light the long dark hallways. I strode through the narrow corridor, my boots echoing against the cold floor. The guards standing at the door of his cell gave me a salute as I waited for the warden to unlock the heavy iron door.As the gate screeched open, I stepped in leaning down to get through the low bar.Once my eyes adjusted to the low light, I saw Axel slumped against the woo
ISABELLE’S POVThe dim candle cast long shadows across the stone walls of the bathhouse, as I stared down the person standing in front of me. Her body was rigid as she took another step out of the shadows, her piercing gaze fixed on me, but I could see the slight tension in her shoulders. She was trying to hide it, but I knew.“You don’t look pleased to see me,” I said, leaning casually against the bathtub. I trailed my fingers over the marble top, looking away from him.She let out a loud exhale, crossing her arms. “I never expected you to be so bold,” she admitted. Her eyes flickered to the exposed skin, my neck down to my collarbone, “Are you not afraid that Kael will discover… us?”I let out a loud laughter. “Afraid?” I repeated, tilting my head with a sky smile. “And why would I be afraid?”She narrowed his eyes at me, and I could see her hands curl into fist. “Because if he finds out, it won’t end well for either of us.”My smirk deepened. “Oh, you misunderstand everything. Ka
ISABELLE’S POVThe morning light streamed through the tall windows of my chambers, as I stirred in the silk sheets. The heat from last night still lingered in the air. I turned with exhaustion, my movement sending tiny shocks through her muscles and my mind playing a reminder of Kael’s hands on my body, his lips tracing wet kisses along my skin.A gentle knock on the door pulled me away from the memories as I quickly sat up, pulling the sheets closer to my body.“My Lady,” my maid's soft voice called through the door.One of my maids stepped inside, a basin of warm water in her hands. Her cheeks flushed red with heat as her gaze landed on the scattered bed and my naked body was barely covered by the sheets.“What do you want?” I murmured, stretching my hands over my head lazily.She quickly averted her gaze, setting the basin down on a nearby table. “General Kael tended to you this morning,” she said. “He cleaned your wounds and ensured you were comfortable before leaving.”My lips
KAEL’S POVI could feel the light of dawn seeping through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the princess's chambers. I stirred awake, my body still warm from the lingering heat of the Isabelle sprawled beside me.I looked down at Isabelle, lying asleep against me, her dark lashes resting against her cheeks, and her breathing slow and even. Something tightened in my chest from the sight of her, so calm and vulnerable in her sleep.For a moment, I just watched her, memorizing every detail and feature of her face. The way her lips were slightly parted, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the faint bruises along her collarbone. I reached out without thinking, my fingers trailing over her skin, before pulling back. I carefully pulled the blanket up, making sure she was well covered.I wanted to stay. But I couldn't.I quietly slipped out of bed, slowly shrugged my clothes back on and cast one last glance at Isabelle before I left.Once I was fully dressed, I slipped through th
ISABELLE’S POVThe warm steam hung in the air, wrapping me in heat as I leaned against the edge of the bath. Kael stood across from me, his body stiff and his shoulders tense as if he wanted to run away at any moment. I smirked at his obvious discomfort, finding his hesitation cute."You look like you're preparing for battle, General." I teased, lazily running my fingers across the water.Kael let out a sharp breath. "I don't think we should be doing this, princess." He whispered I raised an eyebrow, my eyes shining with amusement. "And yet, here you are."He hesitated for a moment then he shook his head with a defeated chuckle. "You’re relentless.""I would prefer you use the term determined."He laughed his chest rumbling with the low sound and I used the moment to move closer to him, As I closed the distance between us, Kael tensed slightly but still, he didn't pull away. I suddenly turned around, slowly prying the straps of my dress over my shoulder.He let out a gasp, but coul
ISABELLE’S POVThe air between us was heavy with tension as I stood over Axel with a sly smile. “You need to start talking right now,” I muttered.He looked up at me, his body shaking with rage. I could see he desperately wanted to hurt me, raising his hands towards me with force but the chains held him back.His face was pale from blood loss, but his eyes were locked on mine, flashing with warning and danger.“You think you can endure this, don’t you?” I murmured, “you really think I would let you die so easily and escape your punishment for your crimes?”“There's nothing you can do to make you tell you anything.” He snarled.I chuckled, a low sound that echoed through the room. “You are telling me everything you know.” I was warned.He smirked, but I could see his eyes falter when I pulled out the same poisoned arrow he fired and tried to use to assassinate me.The tip was still stained with Rowan's blood and I didn't bother to clean it. I want him to suffer his same crimes.I trail