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
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.
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
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 POVThe surface of the water broke through with a huge splash as I was plunged into cold darkness.My lungs burned like they were being pricked by icy needles as I tried to scream. I kicked frantically fighting against the powerful tides, my body sluggish in the cold water. The current pressed down on me, tightening its hold with every second I spent gasping for air.I struggled hard, my arms flailing above me but it was no good. I was going to drown.Just as the thought ran through my mind, a strange warmth spread through my chest through to my whole body.I felt like I was being pulled hard, away from the depths and into… a dream.I opened my eyes slowly, blinking from the sudden blinding light. I found myself standing in a fog-covered field, alone. I stumbled forward in confusion. Where am I? And how is my dress dry?“Welcome, Isabelle.”I whipped around in fear as a shiver ran down my spine. My eyes widened as I searched for where the voice was coming from.Standing a
ISABELLE’S POVI sat up in shock and my back immediately straightened. I glanced around the room and clutched my head in frustration. “I’m doomed!” I shrieked, feeling the weight of my wolf’s words slowly sink in. I am going to die.“If you’re still fixated on Rowan, you’re just wasting the time you have. The clock keeps ticking and when the time is over you will die” my wolf replied.I bit my lip, fear clawing at my heart, my mind drifted to Beta Rowan, his devastatingly handsome face and green eyes, his confidence and intelligence shining through every command. That was what I admired most about him—his sharp mind and wit. I knew what people in the pack whispered in secret when they thought I couldn't hear them. They all call me the lazy and foolish princess and the only reason I was protected was my brother. And Rowan was the opposite of that, he had raw power in his mind.“Isabelle,” my wolf’s calm voice broke through my thoughts. “With your looks and your status as a princess, y
ISABELLE’S POVI stood by my window, watching as snow fell thick and heavy, blanketing the grounds in pristine white. My maids rushed around me, changing me out of my dress and brushing through my tangled knots.My mind was racing with the ordeal of today. I could still feel the presence of my wolf in my mind even when she was silent.My maids carefully dropped a fur-lined coat over my shoulders, sweeping my hair to the side.I turned around to face the mirror, my eyes inspecting every part of my figure. I looked up above my head, nothing was there but empty air but I knew the truth. There was a timer over my head and when the time ran out, I would die.Desperation clawed through me as I silently begged the goddess for the next target to appear or I would turn the pack upside down to find the person myself. My maid walked between me and the mirror sliding hand warmers onto my hands. I broke away from my thoughts and turned towards the door to leave for the palace.A chill ran throug
ISABELLE’S POVAs I climbed onto the grand palace steps, a surge of warmth spread through me, even in the chilling cold. My gaze stayed fixed on the figure kneeling in the snow. I cast a glance at the guards standing stiffly at attention by the double doors. “Who is that man kneeling in the snow?” I asked, brimming with curiosity.The guards stiffened, and one answered, “That's the pack Zeta, General Kael. He was originally stationed at the border to defend the pack, but he recently returned.”My wolf’s voice echoed in my mind as she pranced around. “This is your chance. Go and introduce yourself.”I considered her suggestion, my gaze flickering back to the figure but I had other priorities right now. One thing first, I thought, pushing down the strange warmth in my chest as I walked into the palace beside Rowan.The huge doors closed with a loud thud behind us and we approached the throne room silently.My brother's face lit up as he saw me, his usually stoic expression breaking
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