Lahat ng Kabanata ng BONDED TO THE CURSED ROGUE ALPHA.: Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

Draven's POVPain woke me before the sunlight did not the sharp kind that kind had become familiar years ago.This was the dull ache that settled beneath my ribs after every battle, a constant reminder that no matter how many enemies I defeated, the one living inside me never truly lost.I opened my eyes to the familiar ceiling of infirmary someone had cleaned the blood from my armor.I pushed myself upright as a dull pull shot through my side where the wound had been stitched outside the room, I could hear the castle waking as boots echoed across the corridors.I reached for the bandages wrapped around my ribs someone had changed them recently.The memory returned before I could stop it as a pair of careful hands fingers brushing against my shoulder.My hand froze.Warm? I frowned. I had never felt warm not in years ever since the curse claimed me, I couldn't feel anyone's touch but for one brief moment I had actually felt her.I shut my eyes."Ridiculous." It was because the curse ha

Draven's POVThe council chamber fell silent the moment I entered.Twelve Elders including my father at the head of the table.Evelyne sat beside her father, hands folded neatly in her lap. Everyone was waiting as I remained standing."Speak." Elder Rowan cleared his throat."Your Majesty, the physicians have delivered encouraging news.""I've heard.""The curse reacted.""Which means Lady Ashina may finally be the answer." Another elder leaned forward."Then we must begin the trials immediately. The kingdom has already waited long enough."As Murmurs of agreement spread through the chamber."The next full moon is approaching.If she survives the first ritual, we proceed. If she fails..." Another elder finished calmly, another she wolf will be selected." No one in the room reacted.They spoke about replacing women the same way they spoke about replacing broken weapons as my fingers tightened against the armrest.Elder Marcus noticed."Your Majesty?""I said she will not undergo the ritu

Ashina's POVThe thought struck so suddenly it stole the air from my lungs as his face was only inches from mine close enough for me to notice the tiny scar beneath his jaw to feel the warmth of his breath brush against my cheek as the rest of the world seemed to disappear.Move, Ashina.But my feet refused to listen as his silver eyes searched mine, unreadable as ever but yet there was something different buried beneath the cold Something he seemed to be fighting.Then his gaze flickered to my lips. The movement lasted less than a second.It was enough as Heat rushed to my face before annoyance quickly replaced it.What is wrong with you?I straightened my shoulders still refusing to let him see even a hint of uncertainty."If you're trying to intimidate me," I said evenly, "you're standing a little too close." His jaw tightened for a moment, I thought he hadn't heard me.Then without warning he took a step backward as the distance between us returned.The strange pull that had wrapp

"I'll stay." The words left my mouth before I could take as He simply studied me for a long moment, as though trying to decide whether I truly understood what I'd just agreed to."So be it." Then he gave a single nod as his voice was as calm as ever.He walked past me without brushing my shoulder as he reached the chamber doors and slid the heavy iron bolt into place. The metallic click echoed through the room.My heartbeat stumbled as the sound shouldn't have frightened me but It did because locked doors meant there was only one way out now and that has to be through him."The last chance has passed." He turned to face me."I noticed." He didn't respond Instead, he removed the black leather gloves from his hands and placed them carefully on a nearby table.Couldn't he feel anything?The thought of what was about to happen didn't even bother him at all? I searched his face for fear, or doubt but nothing only those unreadable silver eyes."You still have time to explain," I said una

Draven's POVThe room was silent as ashina lay motionless on the floor where she'd collapsed for the first time in years. I couldn't hear the curse.My eyes remained on her as she didn't move.A familiar thought crossed my mind.Another one?Every woman before her had collapsed eventually and for a brief second I simply stood there. The curse had finally done what it always did.My jaw unclenched without another word, I bent down and lifted her into my arms. She was lighter than I expected."...Open the door." The guards entered immediately as their eyes flickered towards Ashina then towards me no one spoke and one dared ask questions."Summon the physician” I walked past them.The palace had already begun preparing for tomorrow night's gala as servants hurried through the corridors. The moment they saw me they stepped aside as their silence followed because of the unconscious girl in my arms.I ignored every stare."My Alpha." Evelyn appeared from the opposite as she immediately low