LOGINThen he reached out, resting a firm hand on my shoulder.“You don’t have to carry it alone.” That was harder to hear than any criticism because it meant something I did not often hear.“I am not alone,” I said.His gaze sharpened slightly.“No?”“Who stands with you, then?”The question lingered longer than it should have. For a brief, dangerous second, Gina's face crossed my mind, her dark eyes and steady gaze standing out in the shadows of memory.Soft dark eyes with a steady gaze, having a perpetual defiant look even when silent.I shut down the thought immediately. It was irrelevant and complicated, but still somehow connected to the situation.“My warriors,” I answered.It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth either.He studied me quietly for a long while, like he knew something but chose not to press.“Ver
POV CalebThe throne room never truly slept, even at this hour, when the rest of the palace softened into shadows and hushed corridors, this place remained… awake.I have had meetings with Father at various hours of the night.As Lycans, we were more nocturnal than even wolves, so it was not surprising to see some of his attendants still moving around at this time of hour.I stepped through the towering doors without hesitation, the guards parting instantly. The moment I crossed the threshold, the weight of it settled over my shoulders.Not unfamiliar, just… heavier tonight. Perhaps because my mind was not entirely here.A mistake. One, I corrected immediately.Focus Caleb.The throne is elevated beneath a vaulted ceiling of carved stone and glass—ancient symbols etched into every surface, glowing faintly under embedded lighting that pulsed like a slow heartbeat.Seated at the center
POV CalebI felt it.A strong compulsion dragged my wolf senses; it hit me like a shockwave, sharp and undeniable, pulling straight through my chest before I understood what was happening or thought of my own reaction.I was halfway through removing my jacket to rest for the night when Trey surged forward violently.Her.The word wasn’t spoken. It was felt to my marrow, urgent and insistent. Something’s wrong. My body moved before my mind caught up, so I didn’t question it. One moment, I was in my chambers, and the next, I was already moving through the palace corridors, fast.The guards stepped aside instinctively; they didn’t dare ask because something in my expression must have told them—This was not the time.The pull grew stronger the closer I got. It was not just instinct or curiosity. More of something deeper and primal, like a taut, unbreakable thread leading straight to her.My heart pounding fiercely, I opened her door, not bothering with the courtesy of knocking.POV: Gina
“Does that mean you have claimed me? That’s what other maids are saying,” I said softly to explain.In this place, to be 'claimed' was more than just gossip. Everyone knew it meant a kind of unmistakable bond—part social standing, part something older and stranger, like a mark only certain senses could detect.The word carried weight, whether it meant protection, ownership, or something wilder lurking underneath like the one the queen had hinted at.His eyes locked onto mine for a while, then he replied. “No.”His answer didn’t sound convincing. I watched him closely and saw his eyes flicker, losing focus for a moment. He tilted his head just a little, as if he was listening or sensing something I couldn’t see.“What?” I asked, curious. His focus snapped back to me.“You felt that too,” he murmured. The ember in my chest flared faintly in response. “I don&rsq
He walked in, fresh from training. Sweat still clinging lightly to his skin, his dark hair damp, and his shirt half-buttoned like he hadn’t bothered finishing the task.He looked raw, fresh, and powerful. I was sucked into his presence. The room reacted instantly. “Welcome, Your Highness.”All voices sounding at once like students in an assembly ground. I bowed my head slightly, just enough to fit in. I had no desire to be noticed or singled out, but I guess I was too hopeful.I could sense his gaze moving across the room, assessing everyone. Then he paused on me, just for a fraction of a second, but it was enough because that same pull strengthened, an innate awareness between us, it seems to recognize him.“What is she doing?” he asked calmly. One of the senior maids, the one who mocked me before, stepped forward.“She is assisting where needed, Your Highness.” An obvious lie. His forehead crinkled in a frown, but His gaze didn’t leave me.
POV: GinaLater at night, I couldn’t sleep. The palace was quiet as it usually was, but my senses felt too raw, still reeling from the chaos of the day. Every distant footstep, every breeze against the window, kept me on edge.Beneath it, I could sense a low hum inside me like something was vibrating my blood beating extra in my veins. I pressed my palm against my sternum. “Stop,” I whispered to myself.Nothing changed physically, but it kept me anxious, so I started walking the length and breadth of my new room. I don’t know if it’s the change in rooms that has kept me on edge like this, but I cannot sit still.It's late, but I needed to be outside, to take in a bit of fresh air. I know I could get in trouble for this, but I could not help myself, so I stepped out.I didn’t go too far. I know the guards in this section are more rigid than in my previous quarters. Soon, I found myself in a quiet garden. It was beautiful. It seemed this garden was a round-the-clock space because I cou
POV: CalebTrey had reacted before my brain did; I had simply forgotten where I was at the moment. Seeing her wrist in another male’s grip had gotten antsy and restless. I am still stunned by my action, though I do not regret it.The truth is, I had been aware of her presence the moment she stepped
Next, I’m standing in an unfamiliar forest, the trees are enormous, their trunks silver-veined and warm beneath my palms as my hand rests on the bark of a tall tree.The ground is soft, with moss that glows faintly blue, lighting my path without shadows.I take a deep breath, allowing the earthy sce
I could not move my limbs, and I felt drained...“She is so weak, just take her back,” Madam Istrell said in disgust, turned around, and left me with a guard.The guard carried me on his shoulder like a bag, lifting me effortlessly out of the room. I noticed Lila stayed behind. Probably to clean up
I looked at the brown mahogany door she stopped at. There was a label on it: The Internal Affairs.The place looked creepy. I shivered, unable to shake the sudden feeling of dread running down my spine.She opened the door to a long, narrow chamber lined with reinforced glass panels and metal fixtur







