Chapter Seventy-Five: We'll Be More CarefulKiara POV:The rest of the morning flew by in a whirl of lectures, discussions, and debates. The topics ranged from intricate inter-pack politics to leadership strategies, each requiring my undivided attention and analytical thinking. Through it all, Riley was a constant by my side, assisting me, guiding me, and easing the whirlwind of information that was my day.By the time the large clock in the council chamber struck twelve, I felt my energy wavering. The intensity of the day, coupled with the emotional tumult of the morning, left me yearning for some solitude, a moment to catch my breath. As the council members began filing out of the room, I turned to Riley, curiosity edging into my tone. "So, what's the plan for lunch?"Riley's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Why don't we head to the garden?"Confused but eager for a change of scenery, I agreed. Together, we walked through the vast, polished halls of the castle, leaving behind
Chapter Seventy-Six: Night Time Shenanigans Kiara POV:The grand library - an emblem of elegance and wisdom that stretched beyond my years. Madam Faye, my guide through the convoluted labyrinth of diplomatic relations and pack politics, stood in the backdrop of archaic books and velvety drapes. Her tall, lean form and silvery hair commanded respect, while her penetrating emerald eyes held an irrefutable authority. She was an embodiment of experience and wisdom, with her aura conveying tales of navigating through the treacherous seas of political stratagem."Your majesty," Madam Faye called. Her voice layered with a graceful firmness that only those seasoned in the art of diplomacy could master, "Your recovery brings solace to our kingdom's collective anxiety." She saidAcknowledging her sentiment with a nod, my mind, however, was elsewhere. It was precariously balancing on the edge of uncertainty and fear, hovering over thoughts of Aiden and the fate of the Black Fang Pack. The con
Chapter Seventy-Seven: Be Careful Kiara POV:From the elevated balcony of the castle, I observed the vast courtyard below. The early morning sun streaked the sky with hues of orange and pink, but the beauty did little to alleviate my distress. My gaze was fixed solely on Jayden and Kayden as they prepared their warriors for the journey to Black Fang. The tightness in their faces and the urgency in their gestures betrayed the seriousness of the situation.The whispering rumours of Black Fang's sudden emptiness hung heavy in the air. It was a known territory, yet its sudden desolation made it a haunting enigma. The entirety of a proud and fierce pack vanishing without a trace? It defied all reason.A soft touch on my shoulder drew my attention. JJ, with a reassuring smile, said, "Hey. They've always come back, right? Don't worry."I nodded slowly, taking a shaky breath."It's not about their strength or that I doubt their capabilities. They're the alpha kings for a reason. It's just..
Chapter Seventy-Eight: Why Would You Do This? Kiara POV: I slowly stirred to consciousness, momentarily caught between the comforting tendrils of sleep and the harsh clarity of reality. For a brief, blissful second, I felt the soft embrace of my familiar bed beneath me. But as the haze of sleep lifted, a sense of unease crept over me. My eyes fluttered open, taking in the extravagant space around me. The ceiling was a vast expanse painted with meticulous golden frescoes that told stories of ancient legends and myths. Their sheer detail almost made them seem alive; the characters were depicted dancing in the light of the magnificent crystal chandelier that hung centrally, its glow bathing the room in a gentle luminance. The walls were clad in a rich cerulean velvet, adding depth and luxury. An opulent, four-poster bed, which I lay on, was draped with silken sheets and plush pillows, though they offered no comfort to my restless mind. Yet, despite all the luxury, a chill ran down m
Chapter Seventy-Nine: We Screwed Up! Kayden POV: The room was a whirlwind of chaos as Jayden, Tim, our Beta, and Chris, our Gamma, scoured over every shred of information. Maps were strewn across the table, various locations circled and crossed out. Screens filled with data flickered as we searched for any clue, any hint that might lead us to Kiara.I felt lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty and fear. Our bond with Kiara was there, but distant. I could feel her, but I couldn't reach out to her. I couldn't hear her thoughts or soothe her fears. That emptiness was unbearable."Why would she disappear like this? And where's the Black Fang pack?" Tim's voice was laced with confusion and concern. "We've searched their territory and found nothing, not even a trace. It's as if they've vanished.""I don't understand any of this," Jayden added, his face pale with worry. "Kiara wouldn't just leave without telling us. Something's wrong. Something's happened to her."Chris was busy hacking int
Chapter Eighty: I Need To Get Out Of Here Kiara POV: The cold, unyielding room stretches out around me, the glamorous decor a stark contrast to the emptiness I feel inside. Chandeliers glint above, the light catching the jewels, but their sparkle only seems to mock my bleak situation. The rich drapes, lush carpets, and exquisite furniture all feel like a cruel joke, a trap set to lure me into a nightmare.A full day has passed since Aiden took me hostage, each minute dragging on, the silence of the room weighing heavily on my soul. Food and water appear every few hours, silently delivered by unseen hands. I pick at the meals, my appetite gone, the taste of betrayal lingering in my mouth.Betrayal. That word has been haunting me, taunting me with the reality of my situation. How could Aiden, someone I thought I knew, turn out to be like this? And Riley, my friend... How could she have done this to me? It's a wound that cuts deep, the pain of it lingering long after the shock has wor
Chapter Eighty-One: I Need To Get Out Of Here Part TwoKiara POV: I'm staring at the drab walls, lost in thought, when the door creaks open. I turn, expecting to see Aiden's smug face, but my blood freezes when I see Riley instead. The very sight of her fills me with a cocktail of emotions - anger, betrayal, confusion, disbelief."Riley?" I choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. "What... what are you doing here? How could you do this to me?"She looks away, unable to meet my eyes. "You wouldn't understand, Kiara. You have everything. Your mates love you; they'd do anything for you. You'll never know what it's like to be in my place."My mind reels, trying to process her words. Yes, my mates love me, and I would do anything for them, but what she's done is incomprehensible."I'd do anything for my mates," I say, my voice firm but tinged with confusion, "but not this. I'd never kidnap someone else's mate for them. How could you, Riley? How could you do this to me, to us?"Riley's
Chapter Eighty-Two: Can You Help MeKiara POV: The room's oppressive air weighs heavily on me, a tangible reminder of my captivity. The walls are bare, with no adornments, just like my life now — devoid of joy and freedom. I've been trying to formulate a plan to escape, playing out different scenarios in my mind, but every thought only spirals into despair.A creak of the door interrupts my restless contemplation, and Aiden strides in, holding a tray of breakfast. I study his face, trying to discern any hint of emotion, but his eyes are inscrutable, a mask hiding his thoughts."Good morning, Kiara, my sunshine," he says, his voice smooth, betraying nothing of his true intentions. "I hope you're hungry."I force a smile, determined to play my part. "Thank you, Aiden. But, you know," I begin, feigning a nonchalant tone, "I was thinking maybe we could eat downstairs. In the dining room?"He freezes, eyes narrowing. "Why?" A single word hangs heavily in the air, a challenge.I swallow