MasukSharina’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 “Sharina…”“What?” Sharina cut in before Malric could finish. “You’re going to tell me to take another horse, right?”Malric remained silent, but his arms tightened around me.“I’ve endured it all. Goddess knows I’ve tried.” Her voice sharpened. “You frolicking with your maid… do you know how the other maids will look down on me?”“Being a future queen isn’t the same as being queen,” Malric said, his voice vibrating against my back. “And the other maids? Tell me which one of them has ever dared cross their boundaries around you.”Sharina scoffed, folding her arms.“Really?”“Ride Blaze,” Malric added. “You always enjoyed riding him when you were younger.”“I can’t ride.”“I’ll ask…”“I’m only riding the one you're riding,” she cut in defiantly. The silence that followed didn’t need words to announce the tension already brewing between them.“I… I can ride with someone else,” I quickly offered.Malric deliberately tightened his hold around me.Sharina’s eyes hardened.“A
Emily’s POV We got ready for the royal hunt.I didn’t know exactly how these things were usually done, but one thing I did know?This was going to be fun.Well… aside from my actual reason for wanting to spend a night in the woods.Malric had mentioned the hunt would take place within the royal hunting grounds, so everyone was preparing accordingly. The royal doctor came along, along with a few guards, attendants, and maids.To my surprise, Malric announced we’d be travelling by horse.“Horse?” I muttered under my breath.“That’s how it’s always been.”I turned. Irene stood beside me, adjusting her gloves.“Oh… you’ve attended one before?”“Twice,” she said.Then she grimaced.“And the second one almost cost me my arm.”My brow furrowed. “What? Why?”“It’s hunting.” She shrugged as though that explained everything.Which… it absolutely did not.“A maid lost her life once. Another got badly injured.” She paused. “Unintentionally.”I stared at her.“What?”“It’s never really anyone’s f
Malric’s POV I wasn’t blind to Emily’s subtle change. She didn’t make it dramatic like last time when she’d searched for flimsy excuses to escape me, but I knew something was off.I rolled out of bed, prepared for morning training, and made my way to her door.I knocked.No reply. I could feel sh
Emily's POV “I’m sorry about this, Emily,” she said, worry threading through her voice.I inhaled slowly, forcing myself to compose my expression before turning to her. “It’s not a big deal,” I said, offering a smile…if it could be called one.Of course, even someone her age knew it wasn't real. S
Emily’s POV I spotted Sarah from afar, and I could tell she was heading straight toward us.“Her name is Sarah,” I said. “I don’t know much about her…but I know that she's close to the king”I waited for Piper’s response, but none came. So, I glanced to my side.She was gone.“Where did she go?” I
Emily's POV What in the moon’s name…was that?There were reddish veins bulging around her eyes, like lightning streaking across her skin. Her eyes… the pupils had vanished, leaving only white.My stomach dropped.Almost immediately, her face returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.“Emily.”







