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Alexander My vision tunnels as I collapse to the floor of the Great Ballroom, the crystal goblet shattering beside me. Cold fire races through my veins, a painful contradiction that feels like being simultaneously frozen and burned from the inside out. Every nerve screams in protest as something fundamental inside me begins to tear apart.Through the haze of agony, I hear my father's roar of rage, see guards surging forward, feel the collective shock rippling through the assembled dignitaries. But most clearly, I see Selene's face above me, her perfect mask finally slipping to reveal complex emotions—determination, regret, and something that might be remorse."Only I can save him," she announces to the horrified crowd, her voice carrying with practiced authority. "The prophecy has been set in motion. The ritual must be completed tonight, or your heir will die."The betrayal cuts deeper than the physical pain. Despite my suspicions, despite all the warnings, some part of me had hoped s
Alexander’s Alpha Half"And if I refuse to participate in this binding?" I ask, already knowing the answer."Your participation is not required," Krell informs me with cold precision. "Only your essence is necessary. The ritual binds power to power, bloodline to bloodline. Your conscious cooperation is irrelevant."We emerge into another chamber I've never seen before, clearly prepared for ritual purposes. A circle of silver powder marks the floor, surrounded by candles and ceremonial objects arranged in patterns I don't recognize. Moonlight streams through a circular opening in the ceiling, illuminating the center of the circle where two smaller rings intersect.Selene stands by the circle's edge, her expression carefully neutral as she completes preparation of some aromatic substance in a silver bowl. She still avoids meeting my gaze directly."You can't seriously support this," I say to her, straining against my captors. "Destroying half of someone's essence—you know that's wrong. W
Alexander’s Healing HalfMiles away, in a hidden chamber of the Old Tower, I open eyes that feel newly formed. My body seems insubstantial, glowing faintly with healing energy that defines my edges rather than solid flesh. I am Alexander, yet not fully Alexander—only the healing half, separated from my Alpha essence by Selene's ritual.Lyra kneels beside me, her hands passing through my semi-translucent form as she tries to help me sit up. Elara stands nearby, her violet eyes wide with the shock of seeing her brother literally split in two."It was Selene," I explain, my voice softer than my normal tone, gentler without the Alpha undertones that usually ground it. "The potion they gave me triggered the splitting. I—I'm only half of myself now.""Your Alpha half," Lyra says, understanding immediately. "They've kept it for the binding ritual."I nod, feeling strangely calm despite the dire circumstances. Without my Alpha nature, emotions like rage and fierce protectiveness are muted, rep
Alexander’s Healing HalfI navigate through the ventilation system, drawn inexorably toward the East Wing and the ritual chamber where my Alpha half struggles against forced binding. As I approach, I can sense the powerful energies being channeled—ancient magics that seek to override natural bonds, to force connections where none should exist.And at the center of it all, my other half—my Alpha essence—fighting with characteristic determination against the violation being committed against him. I feel his recognition as I draw nearer, his desperate relief at the prospect of reunification, his warning about the ritual's advanced state.I emerge from a ventilation opening near the ceiling of the ritual chamber, my semi-translucent form likely invisible to those focused on the ceremony below. What I see confirms our worst fears: my Alpha half kneeling within a silver circle, restrained but defiant; Selene opposite him, her expression conflicted; Vega chanting words of binding as moonlight
Lyra The taste of failure burns bitter in my throat as Elara pulls me through hidden passages away from the chaos of the failed ritual. My fingers still tingle from where they passed through Alexander's fading form—his healing essence scattering like mist at dawn, his Alpha half dragged away to some "secondary location" I have no way of finding."We need to keep moving," Elara urges, her voice tight with suppressed panic. "The Northern delegation will be searching the entire palace."I follow mechanically, the amulet cold against my chest where moments ago it burned with silver fire. The connection to Alexander—to both halves of him—flickers like a candle in strong wind, growing weaker with each passing minute."We failed," I whisper as we descend a narrow staircase hidden behind a tapestry. "He's fading, Elara. I can feel it."She glances back at me, her violet eyes fierce with determination that reminds me painfully of her brother. "We haven't failed yet. We disrupted the binding ri
LyraThe amulet pulses more insistently now, almost burning against my skin. Acting on instinct, I press it directly against the largest spiral carving on the cliff. For a breathless moment, nothing happens. Then, with a sound like distant chimes, silver light spreads from the amulet into the carving, illuminating hidden patterns that connect across the entire wall.The rock face trembles slightly, and a section slides inward to reveal a narrow passage leading into darkness."The Cave of Whispers," Elara breathes, awe evident in her voice.Dominic quickly fashions torches from branches and cloth in his pack, lighting them to illuminate our way. The passage beyond the entrance descends steeply, carved steps worn smooth by the passage of feet long ago. The air feels strangely alive, currents moving in patterns that don't follow natural drafts.As we descend deeper, I become aware of sounds just at the edge of hearing—whispers that seem to form words in languages I don't recognize yet som
SeleneThe mountain paths twist through rugged terrain as I lead our unlikely band toward the Northern stronghold. Dawn's pale light filters through pine branches, illuminating faces set with determination and lingering suspicion. I can feel their eyes on my back—especially Lyra's, whose silver thread connection to Alexander pulses with an energy I can almost see despite not having her gifts.This journey should have been my triumph—returning to my homeland having secured the Lycan heir's essence for our ritual. Instead, I lead his true mate to rescue him from my own people. The absurdity of it would make me laugh if the stakes weren't so deadly serious."We need to move faster," I announce, pausing at a switchback. "The second ritual will begin precisely at moonrise. Vega's nothing if not punctual with her ceremonies.""And we should trust your assessment, why exactly?" Dominic asks, his hand never far from his sword hilt. As Alexander's Beta, his loyalty remains unwavering despite ev
Selene Dominic springs to his feet, sword half-drawn. Elara rises more slowly, her eyes assessing the newcomers with uncanny perception."Lyra?" a male voice calls, and a tall man steps forward from the group. His eyes widen in recognition, then narrow dangerously when his gaze shifts to me. "You!""Kieran," Lyra says, relief evident in her voice. She stands, moving toward him before stopping awkwardly halfway, as if suddenly remembering the complexity of their relationship in light of her bond with Alexander."What is she doing here?" Kieran demands, pointing at me with unmistakable hostility. "This is the woman who led the attack on our settlement—who hunted you personally through the forest.""I know," Lyra acknowledges. "But circumstances have changed. She's helping us reach Alexander."Kieran's expression darkens with disbelief. "Helping? After what she did? After what her people are still doing? We've been tracking Northern movements since the attack—they've taken someone to the
Alexander A knock at the door interrupts my thoughts. "Enter," I call, expecting another messenger or council member.Instead, Kieran stands in the doorway, hesitating at the threshold as if unsure of his welcome. "Your Highness," he greets formally. "I was told you wanted to see me?"I blink in surprise. "I hadn't sent for you yet, but your timing is perfect. Please, come in."He enters cautiously, his posture suggesting he's bracing for confrontation. I realize with sudden clarity how rarely we've interacted without Lyra present, how much tension still exists beneath our carefully maintained civility."The moonflower essence is secure in the reliquary," he says, clearly assuming this is about the ritual. "Queen Sage confirmed the potency exceeds expectations.""Good," I nod, "but that's not why I wanted to speak with you." I gesture to the chair Dominic recently vacated. "I have a proposition that requires your particular expertise."Curiosity overcomes wariness as he takes the off
Alexander"They found her, but she's not exactly rolling out the welcome mat."Dominic drops a report on my desk, interrupting my third attempt to write a diplomatic response to the Northern territories. I've been staring at the same paragraph for twenty minutes, my mind constantly drifting back to last night with Lyra."Vega's niece?" I ask, pushing aside the draft to read the new report."Karina," he confirms, dropping into the chair across from me. "Lives in a tiny settlement called Blackstone Ridge at the edge of the Northern territories. Our messengers found her, but she told them—and I'm quoting directly here—'to go fuck themselves and the royal horses they rode in on.'"I can't help but laugh. "Sounds like she inherited her aunt's charming personality, if not her politics.""She's a healer," Dominic continues, "which makes her refusal more complicated. She's not just rejecting royal authority; she's rejecting what she sees as interference in healer business."I lean back in my
Lyra "I'm glad," I tell Kieran, meaning it despite the complex emotions churning beneath. "That you have someone to talk to."He looks surprised, then grateful for my response. "It helps," he admits. "Figuring out my place here, now that everything's..." he gestures vaguely, "different."The word encompasses so much—our relationship, our community's situation, our very identities shifting in this new context. I reach across the table to touch his hand briefly."Some things aren't different," I tell him. "You're still important to me, Kieran. That hasn't changed."His eyes meet mine, conflict evident in their green depths. "Just important in a different way now."I can't deny the truth of this observation. Before I can respond, a palace page appears in the doorway, bowing slightly when he spots me."Healer Lyra, Prince Alexander requests your presence in the royal study. He says it's regarding tonight's ritual."Kieran withdraws his hand from beneath mine, the moment broken. "You shou
Lyra The royal sanctuary glows with morning light filtering through its glass walls, illuminating Queen Sage as she tends to rare plants with her own hands rather than delegating the task to servants. She looks up as I enter, a knowing smile touching her lips."Lyra," she greets warmly. "You look well this morning."Something in her tone tells me she's perfectly aware of why I might look "well," and I feel heat rise to my cheeks again. "Thank you for inviting me, Your Majesty.""Sage, please," she corrects, setting aside her gardening tools. "At least when we're alone. We're family now, after all."The casual acknowledgment of my place in her son's life—in the royal family—leaves me momentarily speechless. I've been so focused on the complications of court politics that I hadn't fully considered the simpler truth: I've gained not just a mate but a family connection.I kneel beside the spiral pattern of silver-blue blooms she’s tending, assessing their condition with a healer's eye. "
Lyra Sunlight streams through the curtains, painting warm patterns across the tangled sheets. I wake slowly, momentarily disoriented by unfamiliar surroundings before memories of the night flood back. The weight of Alexander's arm draped across my waist anchors me to both the present moment and the significance of what passed between us.I study his sleeping face, softer in repose than his usual royal mask allows. Dark lashes rest against cheeks still bearing faint marks where power surges manifested during our separation. The bond between us pulses with contented warmth, stronger and more stable than it's been since the temporary healing at the Cave of Whispers."You're staring," he murmurs without opening his eyes, a smile curving his lips."Just making sure you're real," I reply, surprised by the vulnerability in my own voice.His eyes open then, violet depths focusing on me with an intensity that makes my breath catch. "Very real," he assures me, pulling me closer. "And not going
KieranMira and I sit in silence for a while, watching stars appear one by one in the darkening sky. The distant sounds of palace life—guards changing shifts, servants carrying out evening duties—remind me how far we are from the simplicity of our forest home."I slept with someone else," I admit suddenly. "After Lyra left with Alexander that first time. One of the refugees from the northern settlement."Mira raises an eyebrow but doesn't interrupt."I thought it would help," I continue. "Thought maybe if I could just be with someone else, these feelings would fade or change or..." I shake my head. "It didn't work. Just made me feel worse, actually.""Because you were using them to try to forget Lyra," Mira points out. "That never works.""I know that now." I run a hand through my hair in frustration. "Gods, I'm a mess.""Yes, you are," she agrees with characteristic bluntness. "But that doesn't mean you can't figure your shit out."A sudden flush of anger rises in me. "Easy for you t
KieranThe palace gardens are annoyingly perfect—every shrub precisely trimmed, every flower arranged in meticulous patterns, like nature couldn't be trusted to look good without human interference. I find a secluded bench beneath a weeping willow, as far from the manicured beds as possible, and drop onto it with a heavy sigh.It's been two hours since I quietly slipped out of my chambers, unable to stay there any longer. The thin walls did little to muffle the sounds from Lyra's room, each soft gasp and whispered endearment like a knife twisting in my chest. I knew this was coming—hell, I practically pushed her toward the prince—but knowing something will hurt doesn't actually make it hurt less when it happens.I lean back, staring up through willow branches at the darkening sky. At least the stars look the same here as they do back home. Small comfort, but I'll take what I can get."Thought I might find you out here sulking."I don't need to look to recognize Mira's voice. She's bee
Alexander I’ve spent the entire day in bed with Lyra in my arms and I’ve never been more at peace. As twilight deepens outside the windows, we lie tangled together in comfortable silence. My fingers trace idle patterns on her bare shoulder while her head rests on my chest, directly over my heart. The bond between us hums with contented warmth, stronger and more stable than it's been since the temporary healing at the Cave of Whispers."The power surges have stopped," I observe quietly, realizing I haven't experienced a single manifestation since we came together.She props herself up on one elbow to look at me, her hair falling in a curtain around her face. "The intimate connection strengthened the bond's stability," she explains, unable to completely suppress her healer's analytical tendencies even now. "It's not permanent healing, but it's significantly reinforced the temporary measures."I can't help but laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Only you would provide a tec
Lyra The morning light is a soft intrusion, warm on my eyelids and tangled limbs. I wake in the circle of his arms, the night before replaying in vivid, lingering bursts. My body is a symphony of aches and satisfaction, reminders of just how thoroughly bonded we have become.I shift slightly, feeling the press of his skin against mine, and my breath catches at the heady intimacy of it. He murmurs something in his sleep and pulls me closer, as if even unconscious he can't bear for there to be any distance between us. The memory of our first night together blooms in my mind, a kaleidoscope of sensation and emotion.I remember the way he groaned my name as I collapsed against him, spent and breathless, the echo of our shared release reverberating through the bond."Does it hurt?" he asked.It had, but not in the way he meant. The stretch of him inside me was so overwhelming, so intense, but exquisitely good, and the moment I adjusted, it was as if my body couldn't get enough."More," I