♦Raphael’s POV♦ “Where did you find this?” I asked as George and I moved swiftly through the dimly lit dungeon. The disgusting smell of mold, decay and damp earth hit my sensitive nose, but it didn’t move me as it did months ago. I had gotten used to it after numerous trips there. “Around the same place, we found the last one.” George replied. A small growl slipped out of my lips, and my fist tightened. It was just less than a week since we saw the last one, and we’re seeing another again. They were becoming too frequent. At most, we saw two of them twice a month. I didn’t like it. It didn’t bode well for the safety of my park. If someone was hurt by them and words got out, it would create an uproar, which was the last thing I needed. I wanted the people of Evercrest to keep living under a sense of security, even if it was turning into an illusion. A loud, gruttal growl, snarling, and the rattling of metal echoed against the wall as we walked deeper into the dungeon. We came to

♡Arielle’s POV♡ “You know me?” My brows furrowed, and the rest of my attention left the woman for the man scrutinising me. He looked around the same age as Raphael’s father. He had black hair with one or two strands of grey, and his eyes were dark brown, almost black. He was tall, almost as tall as Raphael, and had a good build that showed off his strength. “I doubt you do. I never grew up around alphas, so if I ever meant you, I would remember.” It was absolutely impossible that he knew me, but the certainty in his eyes remained, fueling my doubt. “You may think that, but I’m sure that I know you from somewhere. You’re face is quite familiar, but I can’t quite place it.” Alpha Killian said as he took another step towards me, and on instinct, I took one back. Raphael stepped between both of us, acting as a shield and blocking me from his uncomfortable stare. He really didn’t need to protect me from Kilian, but I was grateful for it. His persistence was preying on my nerves. I didn

♦Raphael’s POV♦The orchestra’s beautiful melody began, filling the temple, and all the guests rose from their feet. The large door swung open, revealing Arielle, standing in a beautiful white wedding dress.A white veil was over her face, and a white bouquet of flowers was in her hand. My eyes widened, and a soft red colour painted my cheeks. The world faded in the background, and it was just us in the universe.She walked down the aisle, following the beat of the music with perfect grace. She was dazzling, like a goddess. I thought she couldn’t get more beautiful after seeing her in her engagement dress, but… wow. She was just… wow. In the next few minutes, she was going to be my wife. My Luna, my queen. Mine.My heart pounded in my chest, and a warm feeling washed through me. That beautiful, smart, and sassy young lady was going to be mine. Even though it was going to be for five years, she was going to be all mine. I couldn’t stop my lips from curving into a smile. And who knows,

♡Arielle’s POV♡“Arielle. Arielle, wake up.”Raphael’s voice and gentle tap on my shoulder stirred me out of my slumber, much to my annoyance. I remained still, hoping he would think I was sleeping or get the hint that I didn’t want to wake up.“I know you’re awake. The rhythm of your heartbeat and breath changed the moment you did.” He whispered, and there was a depression beside me on the bed.‘Curse his supernatural hearing ability.’ I almost swore aloud. I wanted to tell him how creepy he was listening to my breathing, but that was just me being petty and bitter.“I-I… I d-don’t want to w-wake up.” I grumbled, almost surprised at how hoarse and shaky my voice was. I didn’t want to wake up. Every inch of me hurt and felt far heavier than I could lift. My head pounded, and cold rocked my bones as they clattered. All I wanted was to sleep till all the pain in my body disappeared.“You need to wake up to eat something and take your drugs.” Raphael replied, and his fingers brushed a s

♡Arielle’s POV♡ ‘It hurts; every part of my body hurts. Make it stop. Make it stop.’ I whimpered, squeezing my eyes shut like it would stop the harsh pounding in my head. My eyes stung, and tears threatened to pour from them. I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t cry out for Raphael because my mouth seemed heavy, and I couldn’t stand up because blinding pain rocked through every cell in my body. I couldn’t even curl into a bean to conserve heat. I just laid sprawled on the floor, trembling from the bitter cold and in more pain than I had ever been in my life. “Arielle!” Raphael gasped, and it sounded so blurred out that I wasn’t sure if he was actually beside me or if my brain was hallucinating to comfort me. An earthy, woody scent filled the air, telling me that he was indeed by my side, and I was gently lifted from the floor. I snuggled into his chest, soaking in the comfort and warmth he gave me. “Are you hurt?” He asked, and I slowly opened my eyes and stared into his. “N-no,” I