Novel & Cerita Acotar Winter Court

"It does sound better than here.” "I know so," Cedric replied. "This mating ceremony. The crowning of your Luna. These aren’t things to be done boxed in by traffic and glass towers. They deserve to happen where the Winters line began. Where it belongs." Silas was quiet for a beat, then nodded. "You’re right. It’s time." Cedric raised his glass slightly. "Then let’s bring everyone home." Outside, the snow kept falling, quiet and constant, as if the land itself waited for their return.

“I didn’t even know you two were dumb enough to show up at my wedding. If anything, I'm truly hoping you wouldn’t come. Seeing you two only ruined my beautiful night." Winter didn’t look provoked at all. That calm, regal indifference, paired with her crown, her flowing veil, and the white gown that made her look ethereal, was enough to shred the last of Crystal’s restraint. Winter didn’t only look like a Queen. She looked like a goddess. And Crystal hated her for it. Winter glided past them without sparing another look, her posture so serene it made Crystal want to claw her eyes out. Kallias didn’t even move until Winter vanished around the corner. His eyes were glued to her.

Winter said, and before she could say anything else, a servant announced the arrival of Hector. Winter turned away from Raphael and wiped the tears that were ready to take a stroll out of her eyes. “Your Majesty,” Hector greeted Raphael and continued, “The court nobles have arrived. It’s time to start the meeting.” His eyes landed on Winter, who was wiping the tears from her eyes and turned her back at him when she noticed his gaze at her. “Very well,” Raphael said and looked at Winter, “I will deal with you when I am done with this. Don’t try to leave my chamber until I come back,” he instructed her in a firm tone, and left with Hector.

*Aaron* I don't know about you, but waking up next to someone as extraordinary as Winter can do funny things to a guy. Today, I felt like I was plugged into an energy grid or something. I woke from deep sleep, blinking against the golden rays pouring through the window, only to find Winter still lost in her dreams, her red hair swirling around her like a fiery halo. For a moment, I just sat there, taking in the sight, wondering how someone so ethereal could exist in my world. The tattoo on my chest—a northern star—seemed to pulse in sync with my heartbeat, thrumming with the same energy I felt when I marked her.

Soon, old scandals resurfaced, banks withdrew loans, partners abandoned ship, and reporters besieged the mansion. Kirk updated me. "Richard blames it all on Olive, saying she colluded with outsiders to drain the company. Liam and Neal have cut ties with the Winters and are being hunted by Richard's enemies." I paused on a page—an equity certificate for a biotech company my mother owned. In my past life, Richard had obsessed over it but couldn't unlock its technological secrets. I closed the file. "Time to let him know what it feels like to lose everything." Three days later, the Winters Group declared bankruptcy.

I never doubted for even a second that the two of them would always be there for me. Now as I stand on the same edge, just six months later, I am without them both. Wilder, because of a horrible twist of fate, was forever taken from me. Wyatt, though, he is gone from me and it's my own damn fault. Over the last two week, ever since Thanksgiving, it's been colder in my house than the December wind outside. I look down at the light dusting of snow, that is so rare in Alabama and I could almost believe it's a sign from Wilder. “You thinking about jumping?”

NIKOLAI I’m trusting aunt Hyacinth to deal with whatever it is she doesn’t want me to worry about and come back home and come back to her family, but I’m only trusting her for a few days. The same few days that Tara needs to get better. The moment she can walk with her legs again, we’re going to find those men. I’ll make sure they know what it’s like to mess with family. “Aren't you going to eat something?” Winter asks and I snap my head in her direction. “Who's cooking?” it’s a stupid question. She told me she was going to prepare dinner for everyone so the maids could have the rest of the day off. “I’m sorry, I meant what’s cooking? I quickly correct.”

I was certain tonight I was going to be crushing two hearts. The knock sounded on the front door as I headed down the stairs of the grand entrance to the pack house. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow through the windows. Just a few more hours and we would all know the truth. One of Katie’s men opened the door and in walked Winter looking heart stoppingly handsome for a fleeting second. I wished there was a possibility that we might actually become mated. ‘Mr Perfect,’ and I.

“We’ve received a warm welcome from three courts so far—the Frost Court, the Celestial Court, and the Ember Court.” The three most powerful ones after Twilight. That alone gave weight to our cause. “However,” he continued, voice darkening, “we received a rejection from the Verdant Court.” Of course. Malchor sighed, pushing back in his chair. “They’ve always been a prideful bunch. Loyal to Kyante’s father to the end. Even now, that court still clings to the old dynasty.” “And if they still revere her bloodline,” Seraphim added, “they’ll never fight against her. Even if it kills them.”

I cut her off, “and no, I will never fall in love with Killian. I know what I want, and it’s definitely not Killian.” She stared at me disbelievingly before she sighed and said, “I hope so because I will definitely skin you alive if I see you romanticizing him.” I nodded. Well, we’ve already done more, but I’m taking memory and information to my grave. We went silent as Winter tapped on her phone. “Oh my God!” Winter gasped. “What is it?” She shoved her phone in my face. “THE ANNUAL LEGACY THORNE CHARITY DATE AUCTION. I’ve heard so many stories of this event. Can’t believe it’s this upcoming Friday.”