**Lucien's POV**"Zora, how much longer do we have to endure this?" I asked, my voice strained with exhaustion. "I can't handle working in this mine any longer. We barely get any food and are worked to the bone. We need to escape." I had reached my limit, tired and famished after long hours of grueling labor. I couldn't take it anymore and needed to escape. I knew that Zora had been thinking of a plan to get out of the mine, so I decided to confront her.Zora looked at me with a steely gaze, her expression unreadable. "Lucien, you need to be patient. I'm thinking of a plan, but it's not easy. Escaping from this mine is dangerous, and we need to be careful."I shook my head in frustration. "I understand that, but I can't keep working like this. We need to leave, and soon."Zora sighed, her eyes softening slightly. "I know it's hard, Lucien. But we can't just leave without a plan. We need to be smart about this. And besides, I have another reason for staying."I raised an eyebrow in s

**Elora's POV**After they passed out, I gestured for the guards to pick them up and return them to the dungeon. When they had done that, I addressed the people before they dispersed.“May I ask a question, Elle?” Damon requested and I nodded.“Go ahead.”“What exactly did Lucien and Zora do to you? I know they did the wrong thing by having sex when they were supposed to be working but I have a feeling there is more to this punishment they're receiving.” He inquired and I scoffed.“I don't think I owe you any explanation, Damon.” I answered coldly and he smiled.“I know but I'm just curious. You're acting like they've done something terrible to you in the past.” He insisted and I sighed.“You do not know half of it. Well, I think you've overstayed your welcome. It's already late, so you can leave.” I drawled and walked away.“That was harsh.” Ava, my wolf scolded me.“He was poking.” I replied, trying to justify my attitude towards him.“Because he cares about you. He wouldn't have as

**Damon's POV**I woke up the next day feeling happy and content with myself. The time I spent with Elora last night still looked like a dream to me.I smiled as I watched her sleeping peacefully. Her hair fell on her face, making her look even cuter than she already did. As I stared at her, her eyes fluttered open and she sat up.“Good morning, mate.” I greeted and she covered her face.“Don't talk to me. I can't believe we did it.” She groaned and I chuckled.“This isn't the first time, Elora.” I teased her, but she shook her head.“This one was different. You cunning man, you said we should make babies!” She snapped and hit my shoulder, causing me to chuckle.“Are you trying to tell me that you didn't like it?” I asked and she covered her face.“Stop it.” She blushed.“I know you loved it. Should we go for an early morning quickie?” I asked and she brought her hands down.“No!” She snapped, and before I could hold her, she rushed down from the bed and ran into the bathroom.“I'm co

**Author's POV**“Luna, you've got to do something. We all woke up this morning to see dirt in the water again. The people are thirsty with no water to drink. They can't bathe, either.” A man out of the people there complained.Elora had gone to the throne room that morning, only to be met with crowds of angry pack members. The water they all used had been contaminated, and they had no idea how it happened.Those at the source had told them everything happened at midnight. They woke up the next morning to see that the water was already polluted, and before they could stop distributing it to the people, it was going to take some time.Elora sighed and looked at Damon. She was so confused and didn't know what to do. She had asked them to take care of it the first time and now, there was trouble again.Damon cleared his throat. “I think we have to find out who's doing it first. It could be one or two people.” He said.“How are we going to find them?” Elder Brent asked, his eyes narrowing

**Zora's POV** “I heard she locked the elders in the dungeon today.” Lucien said to me while we were having breakfast.I sighed. “Well, I think she became a Luna to deal with everybody then, including her father's cabinet members.” I commented.“What are we going to do?” Lucien asked and I left my food to look at him. “What do you mean?” I asked.“I know she's coming for us next. Something tells me she isn't going to stop here with us. She might lock us up in the dungeon if we don't do something.” He expressed his concern and I sighed.“I thought of the same thing, Lucien and I came up with a plan.” I smirked and pulled him close then whispered into his ears.His eyes widened and he beamed. “Oh my goodness, that's a good idea. But how are you going to carry it out? We are not allowed in the kitchen.” He complained.“Do you think I would come up with a plan without finding out a way to go about it?” I glared at him. He nodded with a smile and I focused on my food. I wanted to eat to m