EMMA'S POVI wake up huffing and puffing, my body sweating from the terror of the appalling nightmare. Turns out laying on a King size bed and being surrounded by gold isn't a guarantee to peaceful sleep. I have had terrifying nightmares before, but none was as chilling as the scene that jolted me awake from my sleep. My heart is still pounding hard from the frightening dream. It felt so real. I can't help worrying that it may be a warning of what I will happen to me in future. I know it was just a dream, but I saw my life being taken to lift the curse. My arms and legs were bound to the wooden table I was laying on so that I wouldn't escape. Ethan's parents and my sister stood aside watching. They all grinned deviously as a soldier with a ruthless look stepped forward, a sharp, shimmering blade in his muscular hands. I let out a scream as he raised it high up in the air then brought it down on my chest. I am quite relieved to see that it was a dream, but I may have actually scream
ETHAN'S POV I feel strangely more refreshed than usual after spending the night sleeping beside my mate. Her heavenly scent was so lulling that I couldn't resist the urge to pull her closer and bury my nose into her neck. She was fretful at first, but she slowly relaxed and slipped back to sleep. She seemed grateful that I was there despite our infelicitous past. I imagine the nightmare had left her shaken, her body was quivering as I settled in the bed beside her. I was relieved when she managed to fall back asleep on her own. I watched her beautiful face for half an hour after waking up earlier than usual to make sure she has a personal servant that we can trust to prepare her breakfast. We will soon be parting ways because I need her to be somewhere safe before the day of atonement. And I want her to have someone truly loyal and caring by her side. The woman I chose used to be my nanny when I was a child, I felt closer to her than to my parents. I am sure she will care for Emma
EMMA'S POVI move my thick hair sideways as Ethan places the most stunning of necklaces around my neck and clasps it at the back. The mirror in front of us reflects my adorned neck and the shimmering necklace makes me look like a refined, noble woman.I have never worn jewelry before. I don't plan on adding more as that would make me look overly spangled like many royal women. The necklace has a unique design, three diamonds shaped like three stars and a crescent moon hang at the front while the rest of the beads are made of silver and are quite tinny. I think I can always wear it, with any dress. "You look stunning." My mate compliments as I turn around to face him. I believe his words, but guess who always looks more breathtaking . . . him. He never needs to wear anything or style his hair in a certain way to look like beauty personified. "Thank you for this. I am not a fan of jewelry, but I like this one." I say with a genuine smile. He has given me more gifts since I arrived h
EMMA'S POVI stand to take a deep breath as my back has started aching. The beautiful lady in the room turns away from the long mirror on her spacious bedroom wall and shoots me a cold glare. I just got done with washing my parents huge bundle of dirty laundry, now I have to clean my sister's room. She is of course wondering why I am not done already so I can get the hell out of her sight. She will soon be the Luna of our pack and nothing could be more disgraceful to her than having a wolfless, unwanted sister.I hesitantly resume my work as she makes her way out, her shinny black heels clicking against the hard floor."You can come to the party. But you better dress well or my mate will have you thrown out for looking like a beggar." She mutters while sidestepping the mop I am using to clean the room.I look up with a gaping mouth, wondering if I am really the one she was addressing. Two maids wait for her at the door, ready to escort her to the pack house. She obviously wasn't talk
EMMA'S POVMy palms starts to sweat as I approach the huge palace gates. The silver paint makes them shine bright under the glare of the setting sun."What do you want here?" One of the two guards standing in front of the huge gates scoffs when I halt in front of them. Seems like every member of our pack knows my infamous face. I am sure they wouldn't be so rude to any other guest."You should let me in, my sister said I can attend the party." I say in a firm voice.The two guards frown. I have no doubt that they think that I will be a source of embarrassment for their pack. They however can't turn me back as long as my sister said I can attend her party.I really plan to act noble, not just for me but for my sister as well. She is risking both her relationship and reputation just so I can enjoy the party like everyone else. I wouldn't want to disappoint her.No one would think she would care that much for me. I too thought the same until she invited me. Knowing that she still cares m
ETHAN'S POV"If you don't go right now that entire family will be dead by dawn!" My father's beta, Griffin, warns in a voice fraught with apprehension, like people dying in our Kingdom is something new."My blood isn't enough to save everyone." I snort in annoyance.Sometimes I feel sick of being the all-time saviour. And even more tired of carrying burdens I didn't invoke. Just because I carry it all so well, doesn't mean it isn't heavy. I would gladly shake it off if it were the kind of burden that can change shoulders. But it's like a load tied to my back, only my death can wipe it away.I keep wondering how less ominous my life would be if my father's greed for endless land and infinite wealth had not brought an horrendous catastrophe upon the Kingdom and me. While he achieved all that he desired, it came with a tremendous cost, a curse that keeps taking countless lives of our people.He raided weak packs and murdered innocents to create the vast and wealthy Kingdom he rules now.
EMMA'S POVI should have walked this journey a long time ago, but I stupidly waited until my own family betrayed me and things got this ugly. Now my feet feels sore and my bones ache from running.I had hoped to have crossed the borderline before nightfall, but it's already dark and I am several metres away from the visible line of bonder posts.While taking this path made my journey a lot longer, avoiding trouble with the pack soldiers that patrol the border at night was more important. Getting caught leaving the pack before being officially banished would earn me a prison sentence. But I was sure I would safely cross to the other side using this path because it's so close to the famous and mysterious Goldenheart Kingdom.No one expects an attack from the massive Kingdom and there are no rogues that live within its borders. My guess is our pack soldiers do not patrol this area much because it's so close to the golden posts that mark the borderline of Goldenheart Kingdom.Even in dark
ETHAN'S POVShe looks pretty enough to win a beauty contest despite the dirt and bruises on her face. I knew my mate would not be ordinary, but I didn't expect her to have the features of my childhood fantasy Princess, including a pair of big eyes that make her look like the most innocent soul on earthShe looks like a powerless angel that ended up in a messy situation. But I know that faces can be deceivingI cannot know who she really is until she wakes up and tells me. I cannot just assume that her angelic looks are a perfect reflection of her character just because I feel spellboundI wasn't ready to find her now. I am supposed to give up my life soon to lift the curse, having a mate that needs looking after complicates everythingI have the overwhelming urge to embrace her tightly and promise her the world while I breathe in her delightful scent. But I will not always be here to look after her. It's best if I restrain myself from showing her any affection at all so that she won't