~ Hazel’s POVI scurried out of the palace like a shadow, changing my clothes for something less recognizable to Dolph in our secret spot. Reaching the fancy doorway, I rapped my knuckles nervously. The door creaked open, revealing Dolph.But he wasn't dressed. Surprise flooded my face, hot and prickly. Before I could even stammer a question, he swept me into a hug. His arms were like iron bands, and his whispered words tickled my ear, "I can't believe you're here. I've missed you so much."I tried pulling away from his embrace but he was too strong for me. "Dolph, we need to talk, now!" My voice came out shaky, but the urgency couldn't be hidden. Even trapped in his hug, I glared up at him.His smile faltered for a second, but then he squeezed me tighter. "Hey, easy there, Hazel. Relax. You snuck out to see me, didn't you? Must mean you missed me a little, huh?""Dolph, this isn't funny!" I snapped. He chuckled,"Come on, lighten up. We can talk later. Right now," he leaned in close

~ Daciana’s POVMy eyes fluttered open, and a jolt of surprise shot through me as I checked the time. Only an hour had passed since I drifted off. Exhaustion clawed at me, but sleep stubbornly refused to return. Tossing and turning like a leaf in a storm, I realized sleep was a lost cause.Craving fresh air to clear my head, I stumbled towards the door. But as I reached for the knob, a sight stopped me dead in my tracks. Hazel's guards, the same ones who shadowed her every move – stood vigilantly outside my room.My heart thumped a frantic rhythm against my ribs. Privacy felt like a distant dream. Even if I begged them to look the other way for a few minutes, I knew it would be a fruitless effort. These guards were as loyal as guard dogs, and the thought of them watching my every move filled me with a suffocating sense of claustrophobia.Feeling trapped and more restless than ever, I retreated back into the confines of my room. Sleep was out of the question, and with Hazel's watchful

~ Rayel’s POVAfter barking out orders to Boris, I took a deep breath to steady myself. I had instructed him to gather all the soldiers at the training ground and call an emergency meeting with the council members. The weight of the situation pressed down on me. Boris acknowledged my commands with a sharp nod and hurried out of the room. The silence that followed felt heavy with anticipation. A wave of nausea washed over me as I slumped back in my chair. The dull ache in my stomach intensified, a reminder of my declining health. Initially, Dolph wasn’t a match for me even though he was also a powerful Alpha but I was so concerned about my health. Concern gnawed at me, a nagging voice urging me to prioritize your health. Ignoring the protests of my body wasn't an option, not with war on the horizon. I reached for the vial of medication again, downing a few more pills, I closed my eyes, desperately hoping for some rest to clear my head and steady my body.Just as I drifted off, the do

~ Daciana’s POVA frown creased Hazel's brow. "How dare you question me?" she snapped, her voice sharp.Taken aback by her sudden defensiveness, I flinched slightly. However, the suspicion that had been brewing since I saw her secretive behavior the night before wouldn't be easily dismissed. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up, a chance to gain some leverage."I just saw you…" I started, placing the basket of snacks I was carrying onto the table with a soft thud. "Yesterday night. You were sneaking back to your quarters after…well, after what?" I tried to sound as if I was accusing her.The look on Hazel's face went from annoyed to full-on icy. "How dare you?" she said again, but this time her voice was cold and dangerous. There was a definite chill in the air."Oh," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "that means my guards aren't doing their jobs properly, does it?" Her glare could have curdled milk.My stomach lurched. Big mistake, confronting her like this. I could

~ Daciana’s POVA wave of nausea washed over me as I regained consciousness. My entire body throbbed with a dull ache, a constant reminder of the brutal punishment. Slowly, I pushed myself up on my elbows, wincing at the sharp protest from my muscles.As my blurry vision cleared, the horrifying scene from before the blackout came flooding back – the guards being tied down, the agonizing blows, my own desperate screams. But something was different. I wasn't outside anymore. I was back in my bed, the familiar comfort of my own quarters surrounding me.A flicker of movement caught my eye. There, by the doorway, stood the two hefty guards who had delivered the punishment. My breath hitched as my eyes landed on the guards. The memory of their imposing figures during the punishment sent a fresh wave of fear through me. I flinched back instinctively, my sore muscles protesting the movement.Turning my head with a groan, I saw a maid bustling around my bedside, applying soothing salves to m