ISABELLE'S POVI raised the bow, my aim wavering slightly. The people tied to the posts whimpered as I pointed my arrow dangerously close to them.“I don’t think they’re enjoying your game, Princess,” Kael remarked, his lips brushing against Isabelle’s ear.“Perhaps they should’ve thought of that before insulting me,” I replied sharply.Kael hesitated behind me, his fingers tightening around the bowstring. He released my hands and with a deep breath, I instantly released the arrow without thinking. It whizzed through the air, striking my target with insane precision. A guttural scream erupted from the woman as she crumpled, clutching her crotch in agony.Loud gasps and shock rippled through the gathered soldiers, their faces suddenly paling.I placed a hand over my mouth, feigning shock at the hit. "Oh, dear," I said with exaggerated innocence. "It seems my aim was a little off. I apologize, that looks like it hurts."I held my hand over my mouth to hide my wide grin and then turned
KAEL'S POVAs Isabelle replied to my questions with cryptic words, she swirled around and returned to her tent.I shook my head in confusion, my expression darkened. My wolf was restless, demanding answers about what happened to Isabelle. Without delay, I returned to the campfire and ordered my men to drag the Shallow pack members to my tent.By the time they arrived, one of the followers who had extensive injuries, was already lifeless and limp dragged along like dead weight. The sight didn’t faze me; my focus was on the other survivors, still trembling in fear.Freya stormed in behind them with Rowan, her fiery temper blazing as she confronted me. “This is outrageous!” she shouted.”Why would the princess do such things to my pack members.” I ignored her rantings and watched as the soldiers set down the last person.“These people need medical attention, not further torment!” she raged.I turned slowly to face her, my tone cold. “They will receive absolutely nothing until I learn th
KAEL’S POVOnce the bodies had been dragged out of my tent, I watched the soldiers as they cleaned the mess on the floor.Then one of the princess's maids appeared at the door of the tent with a hesitant expression. She had slipped into my quarters and approached me.I waited impatiently as she whispered. “The princess requests your presence in her tent,” she said, bowing slightly before vanishing into the shadows.I hesitated, glancing at the soldier's cleaning and the stack of reports on his desk. The hour was late, and Isabelle shouldn't be summoning me at this time. Still, I knew I would not question her orders. Adjusting my tunic, I left my quarters and made my way toward her tent.The camp was quiet tonight, nobody was sitting by the bonfire and the only sound in the air was the soft murmur of guards on patrol. Longing and anticipation clawed through me as I approached Isabelle’s tent, the warm glow of lanterns illuminated the fine fabric, casting delicate patterns against the
KAEL’S POV.My jaw tightened. “She is,” I replied curtly, already irritated by Rowan’s intrusive presence. Rowan tilted his head, his gaze steady. “And how is she adjusting to the camp? It’s been a stressful time for the princess. I assume she’s handling things well?”My wolf stirred uneasily, sensing something beneath Rowan’s questions. There was a hint of defensiveness in his voice, a note of concern that felt too personal. My instincts sharpened, and a strange thought crossed my mind—what if Rowan’s interest in Isabelle was more than it seemed?“She’s stronger than you think,” I said coldly, my eyes narrowing at his expression. “I don't think she needs your concern.”Rowan raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I wasn’t implying she did. But as the Pack's beta, I must ensure her well-being.”I stepped closer, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Her well-being isn’t your responsibility alone.”Rowan’s expression didn’t falter even for a second, but I notice
FREYA'S POVThe air in the delegation's camp was thick with tension as I reached forward and angrily dragged the treaty document towards me. My hands were trembling as I pulled out a pen and hovered over the paper with a mixture of rage and humiliation.The whole table was watching me with bated breaths waiting for my next move. It was the last thing I wanted to do but I forced myself to keep my composure.As I finally penned my signature on the document, my gaze shot up and landed on the princess with a glare. Princess Isabelle had won this round, but I was definitely not someone to accept defeat easily.“We’ll return home immediately,” I announced as I dumped the pen and rose up. I faced my envoy and delegates with a steely gaze. “The tribute must be ready by next month to honour my brother Tristan. And I want no mistakes.” Isabelle said.I whipped around towards her, my eyes burning with barely restrained rage. She held my gaze as she leaned back in her chair with a sly smile.I l
ISABELLE’S POV“It went smoothly,” I replied with a smile, as I took my seat beside him.Tristan’s sharp eyes didn’t leave mine. “And the negotiations?”“An absolute success,” Rowan answered smoothly. “The Shallow Land Pack has agreed to all our terms. The tribute will be arriving just next month.”Tristan nodded with satisfaction, but his focus remained on me for some reason. “Good. And what of the General?” he asked suddenly. “Did you keep your distance?”I blinked, caught off guard by the question. I hesitated for a second, shooting a glance at Rowan not sure how to answer the question.Before I could speak, Rowan stepped in. “You have nothing to worry about, Alpha. I’ll personally ensure that General Kael stays away from the princess from now on.”Tristan’s expression softened, though a flicker of doubt remained and then he nodded.I felt a surge of irritation at his questions and Rowan’s quick agreement only added to my frustration. I ate my meal in strained silence, suddenly lo
ISABELLE’S POVMy heart was still pounding as I walked out of his door, I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away.When I finally returned to my villa my wolf’s voice echoed in my mind. ‘Alan might turn out to be another Kael,’ she mused, with scepticism.I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. I let out a low groan, hating the situation I was in right now.‘Alan isn’t like Kael,’ I whispered back, though a part of me wondered how Kael would react if he ever found out the truth about me and our relationship.My wolf chuckled knowingly, but I shook off the thought. ‘I’ll come clean when the time is right,’ I told myself, trying to convince both my wolf and my own heart.It was still too early to tell Kael about the moon goddess curse, I don't know how he would react but I knew it wouldn't be easy.My thoughts were interrupted when I approached my villa and I spotted the tall and peculiar servant I had bumped into earlier walking past the garden.Mara, I remembered the name. S
ISABELLE 'S POVMy maid approached me with a hesitant expression when I was at breakfast the next day. From her expression, it was obvious she figured out something about Mara. “Your Highness, I have news about Mara,” she said, her voice low.I immediately set down my teacup, gesturing for her to follow me back to my room as I rushed up the stairs. Once we were in my chambers and the door was shut behind us, I turned around bursting with anticipation.“While I watched, Mara snuck out and left the villa in the middle of the night,” she reported. “I couldn’t track where she went, but she returned just before dawn.”I raised an eyebrow, my wolf growling faintly in her mind. ‘I told you she's hiding something,’ she whispered with conviction.“I’m not surprised,” I replied calmly, though my thoughts were scrambled as I tried to figure out what was happening. I could expose Mara now, but that would tip my hand way too early and I wouldn't be able to find out the whole truth about her iden
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