Alpha Damon’s lips curve into a subtle smile as his gaze lingers on the lush floral arrangements he personally adorns on the patio where he will stand with Princess Lana for the marking ritual. In the lineage of the Blackthorne family, marking a mate is an unusual act. The profound connections—spiritual, emotional, and magnetic pull of attraction—developed through marking a mate, and the corresponding clinginess from the marked mate is considered a departure from the traditional beliefs of strength in his family. “Is that a smile I see on your face, Alpha?” He hears a familiar hoarse voice raise a question behind him, and he turns to find his cousin, Declan, a step away from him. Damon clears his throat, shifts in his stance, and glances around to see that some Pack member has arrived to help out in the preparation. “Where are the Elders? I made myself clear that I want every eye that can see to witness the marking ritual.” He asserts in a cold indifferent voice. Declan looks at hi

Fourteen To [the One above],I write this letter to admit my failure to complete the mission entrusted to me. My plans took an unexpected turn and Alpha Damon has agreed to release her back to her Pack, a decision I couldn't prevent. I will send a letter when I confirm the day she’s leaving— The door creaks open, startling Sera. She glances at the door, and attempts to hide the letter, but the door swings open and Lohan barges in. His unfocused eyes betray the urgency of his message. “Sera, you need to hear this,” he exclaims breathlessly. Sera sighs and looks up from her incomplete letter, concerns etching her features. “What happened, Lohan? Don't tell me the maid failed too.”He takes a moment to catch his breath before speaking. “The maid injured Miss Hart but she was attacked with a freaking huge lampstand by the Red Pack Princess from behind. She’s currently receiving treatments from the Pack’s Healer. What should we do?”Sera’s grip on the quill tightens as the gravity of th

Alpha Damon senses a sudden tightness in his trousers as a rush of emotions—fear, pleasure, excitement, and confidence—displays on Princess Lana's pretty, now healthier, face. Now that she no longer looks malnourished, and his energy flows through her veins, she appears too appetizing for him to keep his gaze away.“Did you mark me with the intention of enhancing my pleasure when you eventually sleep with me?” Lana questions directly, regaining her composure after being momentarily enthralled by his earlier natural claim.An evil glint flickers in the Alpha’s eyes after he listens to her words. “That’ll be for the best, I believe.” “Will it be for the best? What about me? Do you hesitate to think for a moment if I don't want this?”Damon’s laughter ripples through the air, a dark and ominous sound that vibrates in Lana’s ears. As he strides closer, a menacing aura envelops him, and his piercing gaze locks onto hers. “You don't want to live?” he questions, his tone carrying a weight o

LanaThe dining room exudes the delicious aroma of freshly cooked dishes, each carefully prepared for the Hart family dinner by Celia, their housemaid.With my unsolicited help, a large, barbecued wolfsbane-infused chicken takes center stage at the table, surrounded by side dishes—mushroom risotto, roasted vegetables, and a savory stew with chunks of tender boar meat that I heard from Celia that Phillip hunted a day ago.I sit at the head of the table as the royalty in their midst, glancing around at the new faces I met today before my eyes fall on Katarina, who’s sitting right beside me.She can’t eat solid food yet, but she insists on joining the dinner, so I put together a nutritional liquid concoction to aid her liver’s healing process. I took advantage of Grand Healer Hart’s healing garden, to seize some dandelions and artichokes, and add garlic and honey to the blend. Silence shadows the dining as we begin to enjoy our meal. Unlike back in my house where laughter reverberates wi

“You promised the wizard would only take a little of my blood, but when you left, she ordered him to drain me.” Princess Lana hesitates for a moment before she points an accusatory finger directly at Sera.Alpha Damon’s penetrating gaze shifts and narrows on Sera as he processes Lana's acquisition. “Fetch me the wizard, right away!” He suddenly commands, and the madness in his voice sends an unsettling shiver down Serafina's spine.“Before you die, let me tell you a secret. I got to be Alpha Damon’s first mate because of your scent.” She recalls her taunting last words to the Red Pack Princess and she shivers as slowly rises from her seat.“You know I will never do that, Damon. We left immediately after taking a bit of her blood, “ Sera asserts confidently as she approaches the duo. She's aware that if Lana had overheard her last words, she would have confronted her by now. So, she stands her ground, prepared for whatever comes next.As Sera embraces the impending confrontation, her