Ella - POV "What's wrong, babe? You seemed distant and anxious yesterday. Is it the pressure from your new job?" James's worry was apparent in his attempt to break the silence. "James, I've been meaning to tell you this for a while," I paused, and James took my hand to soothe me. When I looked up at him, I saw concern in his eyes. "I'm working with Darcus Miller, my ex-boyfriend. He's the CEO of the company." The slight tightening of James's grip on my wrist and the raw emotion in his eyes pounded my heart. I didn't want to stress you when you were on the verge of getting a promotion. "You're leaving that company tomorrow, Ella." James's stern tone made me shiver; I'd never heard him sound like this before. "I can't. Mr. Miller manipulated the contract against me," I spat out. James's eyes grew colder, and I was frightened to see such an expression on his face. "We'll take legal action against him, Ella. I can help you terminate the contract by paying off the amount due under its

James - POV I walked alongside Ella's father, clutching a fishing rod. However, my thoughts were elsewhere, tumbling rapidly after hearing Ella's admission that she's been working with her ex-boyfriend. I was sure that Darcus had been nearby that day. The fact that I recognized his magic today made me believe it was his unknown magic I had previously sensed. Aisha symbolized the dragon aristocracy, and Darcus, with his potent abilities, had the bearing of a dragon king. This revelation shed light on Ella's recent fascination with the supernatural. Was it possible that Darcus had discerned my true identity, despite the measures I had taken to cloak my energy from foes? If that were the case, Darcus might be planning to reveal my identity to Ella. I couldn't help but wonder why was Darcus trying to drive a wedge between Ella and me? This suggested one of two possibilities: either Darcus still harbored feelings for Ella and sought her back, or Ella was his mate. However, I'd never hear

Ella - POV "Of course, let's go, Babe. We're done here." Wrapping my arm around him, James graced me with a radiant smile that fluttered my heart. Why was he so irresistible? Darcus remained impassive, devoid of any visible emotion. As James's hand settled on mine, it returned my attention to him. We left Darcus behind, his watchful gaze prickling at my back. "Ella, you're mine." A voice echoing Darcus's tones resonated in my head, causing me to halt abruptly. James shot me a confused and concerned look, trying to figure out why I'd stopped. Turning around, I saw Darcus was already out of sight. "I just had a strange feeling, James; I just..." His expression deepened with worry. A wave of weakness swept over me, causing my knees to buckle. Quickly reacting, James caught me around the waist, stopping my fall. "Don't worry, Babe. I'm here. We're going home so you can rest." Confusion whirled inside me as he lifted me in a bridal carry to the car, securing me gently in the passenger s

Darcus - POV "Your Majesty, the search team has found no trace of our former king yet. However, as soon as I receive an update from the team, I will immediately notify you, Your Majesty," she said calmly, her voice belying the rage in her eyes. My glare caused her to straighten her posture. How dare she express anger toward me when she is at fault? "I need more knights to get to work so I can find my father and bring him home safely," I ordered. As a sign of acceptance, she bowed her head, and some royal aristocrats noticed the tension between my mother and me, while others were baffled by what was happening. "I believe we can adjourn the meeting, and we will inform you all as soon as we have further information," I added. The royals left the court, and I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "I think you should take a nap, Your Majesty, since you haven't slept the entire day," Mr. Henry said from my left side. "I can't sleep at all. I'm going to find my father and bring him home

Darcus - POV After spending an hour talking with Henry and taking a brief moment to relax, I embarked on a search for my father, accompanied by a group of knights. Henry joined me on this journey. As we passed through villages, I couldn't help but notice the apprehension in the eyes of the villagers, who had likely realized the significance of the imperial Knights being near their homes. "We have scoured every secluded area, including the desert building, but there is no sign of King Ladon, your Majesty," Henry informed me, sharing the reports received from the knights dispatched by my mother to search for my father. I pondered for a while, growing increasingly concerned about my father's whereabouts. If he had been kidnapped, I would have expected to receive a ransom letter by now. The thought of an enemy attacking my father sent a wave of anxiety through me. "Is it true that my father went to the meeting with the wolf realm alone?" I asked suddenly, prompting Henry to turn his a