Lylah stood frozen at the male's intimidating look. Her throat felt try but she forced her words out.“I’m sorry for...” He cut her off.“What is your name, and why did you plan on intruding this place, despite being aware of the dire consequences?” His voice was icy, making her stomach twist.Lylah drew in a deep breath, sounding polite. “Lylah Greystone, my Lord, and I'm here to find my sister.”A beat of silence passed.“Greystone?” Lucas frowned, a flicker of recognition in his gaze that gave Lylah a little more confidence. “You're an alpha's daughter?”“Yes. My older sister was sold to the Citadel.” Lylah's voice slightly trembled as she nodded. What if Lady Gelena was right? What if her sister was truly dead?That would truly break her heart, she wasn't sure she'd be able to handle that kind of news. “Arianna... is that her name?”Lylah's eyes flickered with hope. This man knew her sister? “Yes... yes, Arianna is her name. She is average height, with long black hair and these
Valkyrie noticed the tension radiating from the King. She followed his gaze and saw Arianna speaking with the slave master. Anger rose in her chest.She had purposely walked with the King to show Arianna who truly belonged by his side, but her efforts were slipping away. Why was the King staring at her?Determined to divert his attention, she spoke up."Shall we—""I'll head back to my chamber," Duncan cut her off and walked away.Valkyrie's gaze snapped back to Arianna. That girl annoyed her for no good reason.Then a thought crossed her mind, and she smirked. It had been a while since she taught that bitch a lesson—now was the time.•••••••••By evening, Arianna was done with all her work. As she started to head to her chamber, a maid approached her."The King summoned you."Sighing, Arianna turned toward the King’s chamber instead, her mind still reeling from the scene of the King with his betrothed earlier that day, wondering why he wanted to see her tonight.Was he going to show
Kill her?For a mere slave?Valkyrie's eyes widened in shock at the King's words. They echoed over and over again, each repetition feeling like a brutal stab to her heart.Her pulse thundered.Why?But that question was shoved to the back of her mind as the King squeezed harder."You've been overstepping your boundaries far too often, Valkyrie, and I’m growing tired of your theatrics. You are neither Queen nor ruler here." His eyes darkened further, and Valkyrie’s wolf whimpered under the intensity. "Do not overstep your bounds again."Blood trickled down Valkyrie's lips. She was slowly losing consciousness and sanity at the same time.Just when she thought she might die in the King’s brutal hold, his hand released her, and she crumpled to the floor.She coughed, only making her throat burn even more. With her head lowered, her vision turned red.Her body trembled violently from the pain and the pressure of her chest.Only then did she remind herself—she was only chosen to be the King
{NEXT MORNING}Lylah's head snapped up at the aroma of a meal drawing close. A maid appeared at her cell with a tray of food.Lylah's stomach growled in response.The guard unlocked the gate, allowing the maid to step inside.Even though Lylah was starving, she was surprised that the handsome Lord had actually ordered food to be brought to her.The maid gently placed the tray before her. It was the same maid who had brought her food when she was still confined in the room. The man gave her a knowing shake of head before leaving the cell.Lylah drew the meal closer and took a bite."I thought Mr. Handsome Lord was going to starve me to death as punishment," she mumbled with her mouth full. "I guess he's not all grumpy after all."She took another bite, nodding as the flavors spread in her mouth. "Tasty, but not like the one at home..." Her gaze turned serious. "I'm going to execute my plan tonight. I just hope I don’t end up dead before I see Aria."She took another bite, strategizing
'To ascend your father's throne, you need to have a mate. You're to marry him, then we'll crown you as the Luna of the pack.' Arianna’s eyelids fluttered open, the elder’s words echoing in her mind. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, the makeup artist having done a flawless job. Clad in the most beautiful white gown she had ever seen, Arianna couldn’t help but feel a wave of nervousness wash over her. It was her wedding day. Her parents had died two years ago, devastating both her and the pack. With no male heir, Arianna, as the eldest daughter, was chosen to lead. But to be crowned, she had to marry. They believed it would strengthen the pack. Last year, on her twentieth birthday, the ball ceremony had been held, under the full moon. It was a grand event where wolves met their destined mates. Arianna remembered standing nervously in the corner, watching the scenes unfold. Then, suddenly, she caught a scent—strong, intoxicating, and utterly overwhelming. It melted
Arianna watched as the first guard approached, crouching beside her. Painful whimpers escaped her throat, soft yet filled with agony."End her and bûrn the body." She couldn’t believe those words had come from Kael’s mouth. The man she had given her heart and body to was a traitor, and she was just a pawn to his own game of stealing the throne? The thought made her heart clench even tighter.“All my life, I’ve wondered what it would feel like to kill a highborn. It’ll be a marvelous feeling, I suppose. Now, I finally get the chance, thanks to Alpha Kael,” the guard sneered, licking his lips, his eyes gleaming with bloodlust.Arianna shut her eyes, more tears streaming down her face. She was slipping into darkness, her strength fading quickly. Her breathing was labored, and she knew her condition would worsen if she didn’t do something about the wound Kael had inflicted.“But today isn’t the day for that,” the guard added, and Arianna’s eyes fluttered open in confusion.What?The seco
One moment, her life was perfect: a loving father, a respected pack, a devoted sister, and a mate who cherished her. But in the blink of an eye, everything shattered.The man she loved betrayed her, rejected her, and ordered her death. Fate twisted, and she was sold, branded a traitor. Now, her life was no longer her own.Arianna nervously fidgeted with her dress. The carriage was silent, thick with tension, as they head to an unknown destination. She could feel the guard's gaze on her, making her skin prickle with unease.Time dragged as the man asked the guards questions, none of which made sense to her. Her eyelids grew heavy, but fear kept her awake. Eventually, exhaustion won, and she drifted into sleep.The carriage stopped abruptly, jolting her awake. Realizing she had doze off, she inwardly scolded herself."Are you hungry?" The man's voice pulled her attention. His expression was unreadable."No," Arianna lied, but her stomach growled, betraying her. Their eyes met, and she k
Arianna's heart raced even more as she stood paralyzed, the King's warm breath brushed her skin, his finger trailing up to her neck and collared it in a possessive manner.She didn't like this, didn't like the heat starting to spread through her body.Was he going to hurt her? She had heard of ruts and the uncontrollable desire that came with them-the periods of intense, primal urgency that not even the most civilized of her kind could resist.His nose buried his nose into the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply, as if her scent intoxicating. He then let out a low, throaty groan of satisfaction."Take your clothes off, get on the bed, all on four." His voice rough and thick with command, making her nerves tense.Arianna gritted her teeth, her eyes shut. "P...please," her voice came out like broken waves. A guttural growl of warning followed, an angry one that made her shiver.Left with no choice, she turned and took a few steps away from him, her legs weak with fear. His pair of golden
{NEXT MORNING}Lylah's head snapped up at the aroma of a meal drawing close. A maid appeared at her cell with a tray of food.Lylah's stomach growled in response.The guard unlocked the gate, allowing the maid to step inside.Even though Lylah was starving, she was surprised that the handsome Lord had actually ordered food to be brought to her.The maid gently placed the tray before her. It was the same maid who had brought her food when she was still confined in the room. The man gave her a knowing shake of head before leaving the cell.Lylah drew the meal closer and took a bite."I thought Mr. Handsome Lord was going to starve me to death as punishment," she mumbled with her mouth full. "I guess he's not all grumpy after all."She took another bite, nodding as the flavors spread in her mouth. "Tasty, but not like the one at home..." Her gaze turned serious. "I'm going to execute my plan tonight. I just hope I don’t end up dead before I see Aria."She took another bite, strategizing
Kill her?For a mere slave?Valkyrie's eyes widened in shock at the King's words. They echoed over and over again, each repetition feeling like a brutal stab to her heart.Her pulse thundered.Why?But that question was shoved to the back of her mind as the King squeezed harder."You've been overstepping your boundaries far too often, Valkyrie, and I’m growing tired of your theatrics. You are neither Queen nor ruler here." His eyes darkened further, and Valkyrie’s wolf whimpered under the intensity. "Do not overstep your bounds again."Blood trickled down Valkyrie's lips. She was slowly losing consciousness and sanity at the same time.Just when she thought she might die in the King’s brutal hold, his hand released her, and she crumpled to the floor.She coughed, only making her throat burn even more. With her head lowered, her vision turned red.Her body trembled violently from the pain and the pressure of her chest.Only then did she remind herself—she was only chosen to be the King
Valkyrie noticed the tension radiating from the King. She followed his gaze and saw Arianna speaking with the slave master. Anger rose in her chest.She had purposely walked with the King to show Arianna who truly belonged by his side, but her efforts were slipping away. Why was the King staring at her?Determined to divert his attention, she spoke up."Shall we—""I'll head back to my chamber," Duncan cut her off and walked away.Valkyrie's gaze snapped back to Arianna. That girl annoyed her for no good reason.Then a thought crossed her mind, and she smirked. It had been a while since she taught that bitch a lesson—now was the time.•••••••••By evening, Arianna was done with all her work. As she started to head to her chamber, a maid approached her."The King summoned you."Sighing, Arianna turned toward the King’s chamber instead, her mind still reeling from the scene of the King with his betrothed earlier that day, wondering why he wanted to see her tonight.Was he going to show
Lylah stood frozen at the male's intimidating look. Her throat felt try but she forced her words out.“I’m sorry for...” He cut her off.“What is your name, and why did you plan on intruding this place, despite being aware of the dire consequences?” His voice was icy, making her stomach twist.Lylah drew in a deep breath, sounding polite. “Lylah Greystone, my Lord, and I'm here to find my sister.”A beat of silence passed.“Greystone?” Lucas frowned, a flicker of recognition in his gaze that gave Lylah a little more confidence. “You're an alpha's daughter?”“Yes. My older sister was sold to the Citadel.” Lylah's voice slightly trembled as she nodded. What if Lady Gelena was right? What if her sister was truly dead?That would truly break her heart, she wasn't sure she'd be able to handle that kind of news. “Arianna... is that her name?”Lylah's eyes flickered with hope. This man knew her sister? “Yes... yes, Arianna is her name. She is average height, with long black hair and these
{NEXT DAY}Four days ago, she was filled with joy—so much joy that one could see it clearly in her eyes.However, as the days passed, Valkyrie grew restless.“His grace is busy.”“He is in a council meeting.”“His grace wished not to be disturbed.”It was utterly frustrating!Was he so busy that he didn't even give her a chance to be with him or dine with him?Hell! Every part of her missed him; every fiber and nerve screamed and burn for his touch, yet he never summoned her.Four days ago, he had given her his word that he was going to announce her as the Luna of the Citadel soon, so why? Why hadn't he call for her yet?“All done, princess,” her maiden’s voice resounded.Valkyrie’s eyes flicked open to the mirror, gazing at her reflection. She was clad in her finest dress: a golden long velvet, off-shoulder, revealing her smooth skin.Her makeup was stunning, with jewelry matching her calm, composed self. Today, she would face the king no matter what.With steps filled with purpose,
'Finish what we started.''She is your slave, why the hell aren't you taking her?''You're fucking hungry. I'm hungry!'Duncan's brow furrowed deeply. The warm water surrounding him did nothing to calm the raging storm inside."Stay still, Ash. Retreat," Duncan growled at his Lycan, but it only made things worse.His Lycan, Ash, stirred even closer to the edge, restless and relentless. Every veins in him had hot blood running through them.'Take the goddamn slave!' Ash roared louder. Duncan felt a loud bang in his head.Claws extended, scraping against the edge of the bathtub. Duncan's eyes squeezed shut as he tried to suppress the beast within.That night at the lake, he had wanted to take her right there but decided to test the limits of his Lycan. To see if his inner wolf would crave another—perhaps Valkyrie or even one of the females who would do anything to be on his bed.Just any female other than her.But no.Ari.A sharp pain pierced his abdomen, and when Duncan looked down,
"She hasn't eaten, my Lord," said the maid who led Lucas to the door."You may leave," he said to her, and she bowed before taking her leave.Without knocking, Lucas opened the door, his eyes landing on the small female curled up in the corner of her room.Her arms were wrapped around her folded knees, face buried between them, with her hair spilling over her back and arm."If you're starving yourself to avoid questioning, then you're completely wrong, little wolf."Slowly, Lylah looked up at him without a word. Her eyes were red and swollen—she had been crying."Where am I? And who the hell are you?" she asked in a croaky voice, laced with pain and anger.Lucas raised a brow, clearly not expecting such a curt question from her. Her elbow concealed part of her face, but her gaze was sharp.He walked further into the room. "Who am I?" His voice cut through the air like a blade. "I'm the one who decides whether you walk out of here alive or not."Lylah’s eyes narrowed. "You're the one w
King Duncan watched as the slave hesitated.Her trembling hand reached for the rope that held her clothing. She let it slide down, revealing delicate skin illuminated by the moonlight.Just as he expected, his Lycan beast rose to the surface with a guttural sneer. Mine.Shutting his eyes, he drew in a deep breath to keep his Lycan at bay.'Not now. Stay still!' Duncan scolded. The beast reluctantly obeyed, retreating into the recesses of his mind.“Leave them,” Duncan said sharply when she reached for the rest of her undergarments. “Get in.”Heat crept onto her cheeks as she nodded. His eyes never left hers. Not once.Swallowing, she stepped into the water. The warm temperature relaxed her tense nerves a little.It had been forever since she had a warm bath, and this water was so satisfying.She hadn’t realized how much she had missed this—such a simple comfort.“How does it feel?” Duncan’s voice cut through the quiet.It was surreal to think she was in a lake with the King, and he wa
Brigid locked the door, brought out a large ancient book, and went to sit beside Arianna. The book had a fine silver leather cover, with the title written boldly."Tales of the Realms," Arianna read aloud, the words stirring a strange feeling in her chest."Echoes of the Forgotten Ages," Brigid added, reading the small subtitle beneath it. "This is going to be interesting.""And we're going to be in big trouble if Selene finds out about this," Arianna muttered."That makes it fun. You'll get used to it, friend," Brigid winked and opened to the first page. "I'll read first."Arianna nodded, a small smile on her face, her expression filled with excitement."Long ago, there existed two realms, separate yet intertwined: the Moon Realm and the fiery land of Pyrrhos...” Brigid started.“The Moon Realm, ruled by the Moon Goddess Seluna, was a place of eternal serenity, Seluna’s chosen warriors, the Lycans, were powerful beings born to guard the sacred balance of their realm. They were nearly