All Chapters of Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

When Jerome had departed, Lillian released a sigh, her features weary with apology.“I beg your pardon on his behalf,” she said softly. “He is the village chief, and ever wary of strangers. His caution stems from bitter memories, our people have suffered much in years past.”Cedric gave a slow nod, his expression unreadable. “I understand his burden. He merely seeks to guard his own.” Then his eyes turned toward the still form lying upon the cot. “And how fares her health?”Lillian followed his gaze, a faint smile blooming on her lips. “The girl has endured more than any soul ought to,” she said. “But to have taken that first step, to rise against her fear and strike down that man… it speaks of a spirit that stirs within her. A spirit of fire.”He murmured in agreement, “Aye. She is stronger now than when I first found her.”“She is,” Lillian said, nodding. “And where do your travels lead next, Cedric?”He hesitated, the lines around his mouth deepening as he pondered. “I seek the Anc

Miriam and Vargr – The Stables"Miriam," He said, striding with purpose toward the stables."You cannot leave," she called after him, urgency heavy in her voice. "You know not how long he has lingered in our midst. You must not confront him alone."Vargr closed his eyes briefly, as though bracing himself against the weight of what must be done. “I must,” he murmured. “It was I who cast him into slumber. If he has gone to Lena himself then he has dwelled near long enough to learn of our secrets.”He turned to her fully, his gaze iron-bound. “Stand before the Elders. Stall them as long as you can. And above all, ensure the Luna remains ever in your sight. She must not be left unguarded.”Without awaiting reply, he mounted his steed, the leather saddle creaking under his weight. Miriam stepped closer, her hands clenched tightly at her sides.“Be wary, Vargr,” she said softly. “I shall see to it that all proceeds without disruption from this end.”A wind rose then, sudden and unnatural,

A cry tore through the silence of the night shrill, agonized, and unrelenting. It rose from the highest tower like a lamentation to the heavens. The storm raged in answer, lightning split the sky in jagged flashes, thunder rolled with fury, and rain lashed the narrow windows like a thousand desperate fists.Within the birthing chamber, heat clashed with cold. The hearth-fire blazed, yet the ancient stone walls held a chill no flame could banish. Braziers burned with pungent herbs meant to soothe pain and ward off evil, but they could not smother the sharp, metallic scent of blood that hung heavy in the air.“She’s weakening,” whispered one maid to another, her voice quivering with fear.On the bed, the laboring woman writhed, her body caught in the relentless grip of another contraction. A scream tore from her throat, a raw, ragged sound that seemed to shake the very walls. Her linen gown clung to her, soaked in blood and sweat. Her lips were cracked, her skin pallid, and her damp ha

He reached for her hand, his touch warm, grounding.“My lord…” she began, her voice barely above a whisper, flinching at the formality.He held her gaze, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. “It’s Cedric Ashbourne Everhart,” he said gently. “When we are alone, let titles fall away.”She nodded obediently as he swept an arm around her waist, drawing her to him in one fluid motion. Her hands found the curve of his neck, fingers curling there as her legs wrapped instinctively about his hips. With practiced ease, he lifted her, carrying her across the room until her back met the cool stone wall.His hand rose to her hair, smoothing it back with reverent care, his touch a tender contrast to the fire that burned in his eyes. Then, with a growl softened by desire, he claimed her lips—fierce, consuming, and utterly without restraint.She moaned softly into his mouth, his breath mingling with hers as his hand wandered lower, seeking her warmth with reverent intent.A gasp slipped

A day passed, and no food came. Her stomach writhed in agony, hollow and aching, while the child within her seemed to drain what little strength she had left.To make matters worse, it was high summer—the sun scorched the earth, and no rain had fallen for months. The heat clung to her skin like a curse.Tears slipped silently down her cheeks."I cannot lose you too... I cannot bear to lose you, my child," she wept, her voice no more than a hoarse whisper in the suffocating air.She had endured much—more than most could survive—but for her unborn child, she would not yield. She could not.“Luna…” came a voice, soft as the wind and barely above a whisper.She thought it a trick of the mind, a cruel echo of memory. No one had addressed her by that title in many moons.“Luna Lena,” the voice called again, this time accompanied by the faint clinking of metal.Her eyes fluttered open, weakly.Beyond the bars, a figure cloaked in shadow crouched low. A woman.With immense effort, Lena crawled