*Dante de Gallo*The soft buzz of my phone jarred me awake from a much-needed slumber, its persistent vibration cutting through the quiet of my apartment. I squinted at the screen's glare, and my heart sank just a little when I saw the name flashing back at me: King Lorenzo. My father rarely called directly unless it was crucial, and given the timing, I could only imagine what awaited me on the other end."Great," I muttered, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I swiped to answer."Dante," my father's voice boomed through the speaker, resonant and commanding, slathered with the kind of calm authority only a king could possess. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything of great importance."I sat up, propping myself against a pile of cushions. "No, Father. I'm just enjoying some downtime. How are you?"
*Poppy*The heavy and thick air, with an impending storm, mirrored the turmoil swirling within me. I stood in my small, dimly lit room, the shadows creeping along the walls like specters. My heart felt like a stone, sinking deeper with each heartbeat. The news of Logan and Allegra's engagement had hit me like a tidal wave, sweeping away the last remnants of hope I clung to.I paced the floor, tracing the lines of the wooden planks beneath my feet, my mind racing. Despite knowing the political necessity of the union, a part of me couldn't help but grieve. I could feel Iris, my inner wolf, prowling restlessly within. She had always been drawn to Logan and Gunnar, their energy calling to the very core of her existence. I hadn't even realized how deeply that connection ran until now when it had been so c
*Logan*I stood by my chamber window, the first light of dawn filtering through the curtains and casting a warm glow over the room. The weekend had been long and quiet, filled with contemplation that turned into restlessness as I wrestled with my thoughts. I hadn't expected being alone to feel quite so heavy; every tick of the clock echoed in the silence, amplifying the uncertainty that gnawed at me.My mind drifted to Allegra, her vibrant laughter and fiery spirit dancing through my memory like sunlight on water. We had shared so many tipsy adventures, whispered secrets in the dark, and forged a bond in both joy and strife. But, as I had pondered through the weekend, a heavy thought settled: Was I truly ready to take the next step? The prospect of engagement loomed over me like a shadow, tugging at my heart while my mind hesitated.I sighed, pi
*Logan*The palace was unusually quiet without Allegra's vibrant presence. The sunlight poured through the wall windows, casting long shadows in the empty corridors where laughter and chatter once filled the air. I had spent the day contemplating the weight of her words, the lingering implications buzzing in my mind. With her away at the spa resort for the weekend, I was left alone with my thoughts, grappling with decisions that felt earth-shattering.As evening approached, I found myself wandering toward the grand dining hall, a familiar sound of laughter drawing me in. My brothers were already seated, their banter echoing in the vast chamber, a reminder of our unwavering brotherly bond. The tension coiling inside me urged me to seek their counsel, to share the storm brewing within me.
*Logan*The crisp morning air filled the palace as sunlight poured through the grand windows, illuminating the ornate halls that echoed expectations and unspoken words. I paced the marble floor of my room, the weight of my thoughts consuming me. I had spent countless hours wrestling with my feelings for Allegra, trying to ignore the turmoil that was becoming increasingly harder to evade. The butterflies I once cherished now felt like a storm churning in my chest, pulling me under with every fleeting glance at her.Allegra had awoken on this particular day with a glow that made her appear ethereal, her laughter brightening even the darkest corners of my mind. We had shared breakfast on the terrace, the air filled with the scent of fresh pastries and blooming flowers, yet an unspoken rift had lingered throughout our time together. I watched as she talked animatedly about some festival planning for the upcomin
*Logan*The palace's lush gardens were alive with the colors of spring, their fragrance drifting on the gentle breeze. It was here, amid the vibrant blooms, that Allegra and I found our sanctuary. A week had passed since our return, yet it felt like time had stitched together a tapestry of stolen moments and intimate whispers. Each encounter crackled with a youthful excitement as if we were teenagers navigating the thrilling waters of first love.I walked alongside Allegra, our fingers intertwined, echoes of laughter bouncing off the marble pathways. I marveled at how her smile could light up even the dimmest corners of the grand old palace. With every shared glance, I felt the butterflies in my stomach take flight, exhilarating yet terrifying all at once. Allegra was a tempest of emotions, her joy infectious, filling the warm air between us.But though everything appeared pe
*Poppy*I have been back in Autumn Pack for several days now, and the new routine of my life felt almost like a dream - one I had yearned to return to for so long. Each morning began with birds chirping and the gentle rustle of leaves outside my window. Together with Gemma, we could rise to share breakfast with Daliah and Arthur, whose warmth enveloped me like a comforting embrace.Dante's presence had rapidly become a part of my daily life. He was attentive and kind, always finding ways to make me laugh, whether by sharing a silly joke or reminiscing about adventures he wished to embark on. Our connection deepened in ways that both intrigued and frightened me; he would reach out to tuck a stray hair behind my ear and offer his hand as we walked through the woods, fingers grazing softly against each other. The lightness of our interactions often left me breathless, a mixture of exhilaration and fear floodin
*Poppy*When we finally arrived at the Autumn Pack territory, the sun had just dipped below the horizon. The familiar scents of pine and earth enveloped me, and with every step closer to the pack house, I felt a mixture of emotions swell within me. It had been far too long since we had walked these grounds, yet it felt like coming home.As we approached the front steps of the large, welcoming house, the door swung open, revealing Daliah and Arthur - a couple who had been pillars of strength and warmth throughout my life. The years may have added silver to their hair and deep lines of wisdom to their faces, but the joy in their eyes remained youthful and vibrant."Poppy! Gemma!" Daliah exclaimed, her arms wide open as she rushed to embrace us."Daliah, it's so good to be back," I squeezed her tightly. A wave of relief washed over me; this was th
*Poppy*I stood at the courtyard's edge, my heart racing as uncertainty knotted my stomach. The vibrant garden colors around me felt muted compared to the swirling emotions within me. The time had come for me to face Andrew and Amara to deliver the news I had wrestled with for days. I could no longer ignore the call of my heart, the longing for home, and the necessity of returning to the Autumn Pack.Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the large stone archway that led into the main hall. Inside, Andrew and Amara were conversing, their expressions serious. I knew precisely what they were whispering about, and the weight of that knowledge settled heavily like a lead upon my heart as I faced this agonizing decision. How could I walk away when their home was cloaked in such a shroud of sorrow? The air was thick with grief, and I felt the aching pull of my reluctance. Blaze was gone, his suffering mercifully at an end, yet the relief felt like a cruel taunt i