Se connecterEmily’s POV Sharina stepped forward, composed and deliberate, folding her arms as her gaze slowly swept across the gathering crowd.There was a brief pause…just enough for the air to feel heavier.“As you’re all aware,” she began smoothly, “this royal hunt also serves as part of the kingdom’s pre-bonding protocol for the King and his chosen Luna…which is why his attention should not be compromised by an unranked female at his side.”“Sharina,” Malric cut in sharply.But she didn’t stop.“As the future queen,” she continued, her hand lifting toward me without hesitation, “I find it improper for a maid to remain glued to the King’s side during such an event. It sends the wrong message to the pack. I believe werewolf law upholds proper boundaries and decorum.”A few murmurs rippled through the crowd.“Stop this nonsense at once, Sharina.” Malric said.“Is it nonsense, my King?” Sharina asked calmly, tilting her head slightly as if genuinely puzzled rather than offended. She turned towa
Emily’s POVIf I said I didn’t notice Malric’s struggle, how he was trying to hold himself together, I’d be lying.It wasn’t subtle. The weight in his gaze lingered too long… It made it hard to breathe properly around him.Like something that used to flow freely… now held back by an invisible barrier. Restrained.I wasn’t feeling it as intensely as whatever was happening to him, but it was enough to remind me that I wasn’t unaffected.Maybe it was the dizziness I had been feeling that dulled my senses, or maybe I was just forcing myself to ignore what I already understood—but I still felt it.When I was done eating, Malric handed me a tonic.I made a face after the first sip.It was bitter.Horribly bitter.I turned to him. “I can’t take this.”“It’s specially brewed. You’ll need it.”I reluctantly gave it another attempt, squeezing my eyes shut as I downed it.Warmth slowly spread through me afterward, chasing away most of the dizziness clinging stubbornly to my body.By the time I
Sharina’s POV(A few hours ago.)I thought marking the Lycan King would at least make him understand the simple, obvious truth—that he would never have that wolfless slut.That I was the only one worthy of standing beside him.But it only made everything worse.Watching him carry her… in front of everyone… straight into his tent…My fingers curled into fists.For the first time, tears threatened to fall because of them.I knew I was beautiful…and this wasn’t me trying to flatter myself. I wasn’t weak. He even believed it was only my bond that could save him, so why wouldn’t he just leave that useless thing alone?Why did he keep choosing her?“Rina,” his beta’s voice cut through my thoughts.I didn’t bother hiding my irritation. “What?”His face softened, his eyes slightly red from restraint as well.I had seen that look too many times—gentle… fatherly.I really wished he was truly my father, and not the gambler I was born to… the man who had ruined my life and taken from me the most
Malric’s POV“What does it look like I’m doing?” I answered her question with mine as I unbuttoned her ruined dress.“You can’t keep this on,” I added firmly.She had insisted it was the meal that made her throw up, so I had already mindlinked the kitchen staff to prepare her something light and suitable.“I can do it myself,” she said, attempting to push my hands away.I didn’t let go.She tried again.I still didn’t budge.She released a frustrated breath and rolled her eyes, finally getting the point. The glare she shot me afterward was almost routine at this point.Amusement tugged at my lips despite myself.When I finished the buttons, I slid the dress off her shoulders.Her chest rose sharply beneath the white lace bra, and for a moment, I forgot what I was doing.My gaze hardened… and lingered.She shifted deliberately, snapping me back to myself.Right.I exhaled and continued, stripping the ruined dress away completely.A matching white lace set clung to her hips.A low hiss
Emily’s POV After the warning hidden in Sharina’s stare, I knew one thing — I had to stay alert.Not wanting to stand around looking useless, I joined the maids helping with the smaller tasks while the men handled the heavier work.The he-wolves worked quickly, driving stakes into the ground and hauling thick canvas upright between heavy wooden poles.Within minutes, the empty clearing began transforming into a royal hunting camp.The king’s tent rose first at the center.Large.Dominant.And impossible to miss.Dark fabric embroidered with the royal crest stretched across its frame, somehow carrying the same intimidating presence as its owner.Very Malric.Lucien’s tent was pitched beside Malric’s, similar in design but lacking the king’s almost terrifying dominance. Still, his tent was hardly any less intimidating.Separate tents were prepared for high-ranking wolves — Theodore, department heads, and a few trusted royals.Sarah hadn’t accompanied us. Apparently, she remained at the
Emily’s POV The way Theodore was looking at me right now was far scarier than helpful in any way.His brows had drawn together slightly, his eyes fixed too intently on my face. Like he was searching and expecting to find something there.I might have accidentally said something Sharina used to say as a child.Because these memories I kept seeing… they didn’t feel like mine.They felt borrowed. Like it was Sharina’s.“How did you know that rhyme?”His voice sliced through my spiraling thoughts.I blinked, my fingers tightening instinctively around the fabric of my dress.“Uh… I… I just said it.”Judging by the look on his face, it was obvious he wasn’t convinced yet.“That was a personal rhyme I made for Rina when she was small,” he said slowly. “Even the nickname you mentioned… Ember.”His gaze lingered on me far longer than comfortable.Moon help me.I forced out a scoff, waving a dismissive hand as though the entire thing amused me.“I had a friend who used to call me Ember,” I lie
Emily’s POV When I stepped outside, I ran into the slender woman who had sat beside Alpha Dax at the table the night before.Despite the early hour, her makeup was flawless, her jewelry heavy and bright. She carried the unmistakable presence of a Luna.She smiled warmly when she noticed me. “Do y
Emily’s POV It took a moment for my brain to boot that I should check one of his bags. I rushed to them and rifled through the first bag frantically, but found nothing.Time was slipping away. My fingers trembled as I grabbed another bag.I didn’t realize Malric had quietly closed the distance whi
Emily's POV “My lord, whenever you’re ready, the table will be set for dinner,” Dax said. Then hurried out with the servants who brought in the mattress. The door shut behind them, leaving only Malric and me.My throat tightened. Aside from his intimidating presence, staying close to Malric alway
Emily’s POV The car slowly pulled away, the castle shrinking behind us as the highway stretched ahead. I tried to catch fragments of conversation between Malric and Theodore, hoping to understand what this trip was about.From what I could piece together, Malric planned to confront Kael, the vampi







