LOGINMagnus POV
I stepped into my chamber with Adrian behind me, giving me a report of recent rogue attacks on an outpost village in the south. I was barely listening. My mind was elsewhere, curious to see if my mate had awoken from her illness. But when I opened the door, the room was empty.The bed was cold. The blankets were thrown aside. And her scent lingered in the air, fading but still intoxicating."Where is she?" I muttered, my voice low and dangerous.Aria POVOh no. No, no, no, no, no.This wasn't what I wanted. I stared at the King in shock as murmurs spread through the room like wildfire. Why did he announce to everyone that I was his mate? That wouldn't make things easier for me. In fact, it would make everything so much worse.My mind raced with all the terrible possibilities. The other slaves would see me as a spy. Or worse, a spoiled princess who had indeed hoarded all the food. They would think I was getting special treatment because I was the King's mate. They would hate me. They would target me. They would whisper behind my back, spreading rumors.I glanced at the soldier beside me. His eyes were wide, his face pale, and his hand clenched around his weapon. He glanced at me before looking away with a quiet scoff. I didn't even want to see Thomas and Nothai's reactions.I looked at the fortress steward. He was glaring at me, hi
Magnus POVI sat in the large meeting room, the council gathered around me like vultures waiting for scraps. The most powerful members of the entire territory were here to discuss recent findings, but the commotion from the courtyard had interrupted us minutes ago. Shouts. Crashes. The unmistakable sound of violence.Now I sat waiting, my fingers drumming against the oak table, my patience wearing thin. I just hoped my mate wasn't involved. She was small, fragile, still recovering from her illness. She couldn't possibly be at the center of this chaos.At least, that's what I told myself.Adrian stood by my side, his arms crossed, his expression sour. "I'm willing to bet that woman is behind this," he muttered, his voice dripping with suspicion.I shot him a sharp look. "Accusing someone without evidence is a bold claim, Adrian. One I don't take lightly.""It seems our Ga
Aria POVI followed Thomas and Nothai to a large hallway where the midday meal was being served. My eyes widened at the sheer size of it. I had expected something bland and meager, but it seemed the King even ensured the place where the slaves gathered was well maintained. The architecture was impressive, with high ceilings and sturdy stone walls that spoke of careful construction.I admired the wall, running my fingers through the intricate designs carved into the stone, when Thomas chuckled and tugged me forward."If we aren't fast enough, we might have to wait for the next batch," he said with a grin.We gathered in the line, collecting our meals. I stared at the mix of portions on my tray. A variety of vegetables, a piece of bread, and a cup of deer broth on the side. It was more than I had expected.We finally sat at a designated table. It felt strange to be in a room filled with men, but the place was so welcoming that I felt myself
Aria POVI woke the next morning to find myself in a new, simple chamber given to me by Magnus. The bed was soft, and the blankets were warm, and for a brief moment, I let myself forget the nightmare of the past few days. I was still lost in the comfort of the bed, trying to push away the memories, when the door to the chamber slammed open with a violent crash.I shot up, fear gripping my heart like ice. I clutched the blanket to my chest, my pulse hammering as I met the face of that stupid Gamma. Adrian. I hated him so much. He clearly didn't trust me, and now he had barged into my room without a care.He leaned against the threshold, arms crossed, his sharp eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. "Hey, wake up. Time for your morning punishment, slave," he mocked, his voice dripping with contempt.I blinked, my mind struggling to catch up. "Punishment?"Adrian laughed, the sound cold and hollow. "What, because you're the
Magnus POVI watched her stop shaking, her body still tense but her struggles finally ceasing. I lifted her easily, cradling her against my chest. Adrian's face was conflicted, his gaze filled with evident guilt for manhandling a pregnant woman. He may act like a hardened soldier, but he had a soft spot too, buried deep beneath his loyalty and duty.I carried her back into the fortress, commanding my men to keep watch as I took her to my chamber. I set her down gently on the chair, standing across from her with my arms crossed. Adrian stood by my side, still alert, still watching her like she might attack at any moment.A maid rushed in with a bowl of warm broth, setting it on the table before retreating quickly. I dragged it closer to Aria, pushing it toward her with a firm look.But she didn't eat. Her rage was written on her face, her lips pressed into a thin line as she refused to even look at the food."The baby needs nutrients," I s
Magnus POVI stepped into my chamber with Adrian behind me, giving me a report of recent rogue attacks on an outpost village in the south. I was barely listening. My mind was elsewhere, curious to see if my mate had awoken from her illness. But when I opened the door, the room was empty.The bed was cold. The blankets were thrown aside. And her scent lingered in the air, fading but still intoxicating."Where is she?" I muttered, my voice low and dangerous.Adrian stepped forward, his eyes already scanning the room. His hand instinctively went to his weapon, his body tensing as he noticed the empty bed. "She's gone. She ran."Before we could move, Elara walked in carrying a tray of food."Please, Aria, you must-" She cut herself off when she noticed the empty room, the tray dropping from her hands and crashing to the floor. Her eyes went wide with panic. "She was here! Where is she?!"I remained calm, but my wolf was paci







