Drake struggles against the hold of the stranger. He tries to slip his head through the man's arm, but the grip is only tightened, choking him further. He reaches to his left side to grab his dagger, but he is yanked back, his arm flailing."I told you," the shadow seethes, "Not to even try.""Unhand me," Drake commands, annoyance bursting in his chest. Who does this man believe he is?"You're used to giving orders, aren't you, Prince Drake." The stranger's breath is hot against Drake's ear causing a shiver to shoot down into his stomach. He grimaces at the stirring in his chest as his name is spoken."Milord," Junet gasps as she enters the tent. She opens her mouth once more, to scream, but another figure appears behind her, a long black robe enshrouding his features."Rowan, that is enough. I believe you have made your point," the new stranger growls out. His teeth glint in the fire light, his eyes flashing yellow."Are we really going to be working for such a weakling," the ma

Eliana's entire body shuts down, her heart bleeding from the betrayal. There is a hole in her chest, nausea building up into her throat."Selma," her voice cracks, dry tears lighting her eyes on fire.The maid snorts harshly, almost rolling her eyes. She takes a step closer to the two women."We must go," Alma hisses to Eliana, grabbing her arm and pulling. "We need to get out of here."The Princess refuses to budge though, her wide gaze still on Selma."Did you really hate us that much?" She swallows a second wave of tears.Curling her lips, the handmaid softly shrugs, "You should not even be alive. Humans and Pivurlions should never be together.""Princess," Alma urges as she notices movement behind the throne, "Let's go."Eliana holds herself together, but only barely. The woman before her, who has raised her from infancy, has never truly loved her. "Why. . ." she clears her throat, "Why pretend?"Selma huffs, "Like I said before, I had very limited resources to accomplish

"Jasper, where are we going," Evyn sighs running his hand through his hair.The boys are resting near a grove of dried up bushes. A town stands half a mile away, the noise of the villagers reaching them on the breeze."Back home," he responds gruffly. His brow is in a constant state of tenseness. There is a rough shadow of a beard forming on his jaw."What are you going to do when the chief comes after you? He knows where the cottage is."Jasper remains silent for a moment, staring off at the village. He watches a group of children run circles around one another. They are all giggling, their cheeks coated in dirt. His shoulders relax at the thought that the Climont soldiers had not reached this far inland yet. He thinks of Drake and wonders how many citizens he must have killed on his way to Zaline. He may be betrothed to Eliana, but he is still a Climont Prince. He has blood on his hands. Jasper's heart twists as he imagines Eliana standing at the altar, hand in hand with Drake. N

Eliana takes in a quivering breath, trying to calm her terror as the large doors to her castle are pulled open and the crowd of rebels and Climont soldiers scream out their lust for her demise. She bites down a sob, clutching at her overweight chains as dread washes over her, tightening her muscles. Two burly men flank her, matching every step she takes down the stairs. Her gaze sharpens and she clears her vision more by blinking away her tears.Her heart aches for Jasper. With every movement she makes, descending from the castle, a noose is tightening around her organs. Soon it shall be around her neck, and she will be gone from this world. If only she had told Jasper from the beginning who she was. Surely he would turn his back on her, but it would be for the best. She would not be feeling this pain right now. All she cares for, now with her father gone, is to see her mate one last time.As Eliana surveys the crowd, eyeing every man and woman that has betrayed both her and her fath

Eliana's heart jumps into her throat. Jasper. Is he here? She takes in a deep breath and on the very edge of the bombardment of scents, is the pure bliss of lavender. She holds herself up, refusing to fall into her relief. How will he be able to save her?The soldiers come running through the entryway, their swords at the ready. A majority ride horses with the Climont colors glinting proud. Before Eliana can set her gaze on Jasper, several waves of wolves pounce into the courtyard, slaughtering dozens of rebels.Drake has brought werewolves? "Eliana, run," Evyn barks out at her from the ground.She blinks as she glances over at him, processing his words. "Oh, of course." She thinks before picking up her heavy chains and stumbling to the steps. As she takes the first one, Selma screams, lunging at her. The Princess does not have time to even cry out in terror as they both freefall off the platform. Eliana closes her eyes, preparing for the pain, but instead she lands into a strong