MasukEmily’s POV “Yes,” I said, still trying to make sense of the strange taste lingering stubbornly on my tongue.“Really? I didn't notice that. Let me check.”I hesitated, then handed her the bottle.But before she could even check it, a branch snapped somewhere deeper in the forest.The sound cut through the moment instantly.Reality of where we were snapped back.“We're still in a hunting zone.” Scarlett shifted slightly, wincing but steadying herself regardless.“I can still move,” she added before I could even bring up her arm. “Don’t worry about the injury. We finish the hunt first… then we worry about victory scars.”“No. You need to…”Another rustle from the trees made my words die halfway out of my mouth. Something heavy moved through the undergrowth. Then a deep, dangerous grunt followed.I stiffened instantly.“Scarlett…” I called slowly, my eyes sweeping the shadows between the trees. “Did you hear that?”Her face drained so fast my stomach tightened.One second she looked a
Emily’s POV A sharpened timber came crashing down so fast my body barely processed it.There was no escape.I ducked reflexively, throwing my hands over my head like that would somehow stop several hundred pounds of wood from crushing me.A hard shove slammed into my shoulder and I hit the ground sideways.Then–THUD.The impact shook the ground beneath us.I slowly opened my eyes, chest pounding violently.“Heavens…” I breathed, realizing I was still alive.My eyes darted around wildly, still struggling to process what had happened.Scarlett was on the ground, clutching her arm. Blood seeped between her fingers.Holy moon–“Scarlett!”I scrambled toward her immediately.She had pushed me out of the trap’s path… and taken part of the strike across her arm instead.“Oh no… no, no…”I dropped beside her.“Let me see.”“I’m good.”“You’re definitely not!” My voice came out sharper than I intended.She let out a strained laugh that sounded more like a pained breath.“I thought you never
Emily’s POV Unlike Irene, who was cool-headed and reserved, Scarlett was too forward for my liking. Even Linda, with all her outspoken energy, still felt easier to tolerate than her.Too much talking. Too much closeness. Too much this, too much that. Too much everything!I had given her several subtle cues any normal person would have picked up on and backed off from to save their dignity.But no.She didn’t get them. And she wouldn’t stop prying into my personal life.“I was so shocked when the King said you were his mate,” she said again for what had to be the millionth time. “I mean… I used to wonder why he was so attached to you.”Instead of engaging her, I deliberately picked up my pace, trying to catch up with the rest of the team.She didn’t get the message.She matched my pace effortlessly.“You know… most of the maids used to say behind your back that you seduced the King, judging you unfairly and…”“And I’m pretty sure you were one of those gossiping,” I snapped at last.S
Irene’s POV She was the same girl I had seen in Alpha Darius’ past vision… the one who had received a vial of poison meant for the late King’s meal.Fear struck me instantly.If she had been bold enough to poison a king… then what would stop her from hurting Emily?I remained hidden until Sharina led her away…probably to give her further instructions.The moment they disappeared, I immediately searched for Emily.But she was with the King in his tent.I couldn’t reach her.I waited, hoping for an opportunity before the hunt began.Moments later, when I finally spotted her again, I still couldn’t get close. She remained near the King.Unless the King ordered otherwise, or a high-ranking wolf issued an instruction, no one was permitted near him. And calling Emily away from his side?That would be a death wish… unless she walked away on her own.Frustration churned inside me.I tried signaling her.Gestures. Hand waves. Needless movements. But she didn’t even glance my way.When the Kin
Emily’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
Emily’s POV I stood there, blinking against Sharina’s unyielding cold gaze, my mind struggling to process what she meant.Malric stepped between us, pulling me firmly to his side. “You know the consequences of threatening anything that belongs to me,” he warned, his lycan aura pressing Sharina and
Malric’s POVI watched the girl as she spoke. She was hiding something. I could sense it. But I would find out soon enough, and when I did, it had better be something worth sparing her life for.“I hear you’re a hybrid. What about your parents?”“They’re… dead, Your Majesty.”“I’ll have that invest
Malric’s POV “Robert!” I roared as I barged into the infirmary, Emily cradled in my arms.He rushed over as I laid her on the bed. She clutched my hand weakly. “Please… spare the child,” she whispered.I knew she meant the girl I’d seen with Lucien. If she had caused this harm to my mate, I’d show
Emily’s POV I was still contemplating the best decision when I heard voices.“Please…they'll kill me.” The girl ran and hid herself behind the small rock I sat on, curling into herself.“Where did that little devil run to?” My head snapped toward the sound. Two men stepped out from the trees.My







