War Begins: Return Of The Heiress Novels & Stories

​"I don't want her ruined. I don't want her sued. Find her, and bring her to me alive." ​The war had officially begun.

Ernest's POV I stepped through the grand doors and was welcomed by the sound of laughter, chatter, and the clink of glasses. Grandmother had told me this would be a night to remember. Grace Wellington’s return ceremony. Just the thought of her name stirred something in my heart. I hadn’t seen her in years, but I’d been counting every single one, waiting for the day I could stand before her and say everything I’d been holding back. Tonight, I told myself, would be that fateful night.

At that moment, she felt the ground should open and swallow her. She had never been embarrassed all her whole life. She lifted her head up and when her eyes came in contact with his, her fists clenched. His gaze was mocking and intimidating and if she didn’t need his help, she would have mocked him with words. “What’s all this fuss for by the way?” She asked, pointing at the helicopters. “Don’t want to be caught in traffic.” As Harry replied, his gaze was fixed on his Patek Philippe grandmaster chime wrist. “How can I help you, Mrs Zara? I can’t waste another minute standing here with you.”

"Maybe I couldn't come because I'm sick from being pregnant? And yes, thank you so much for her taking care of you!" "You're supposed to be a strong warrior! How can one pregnancy make you this delicate?" He finished his rant and hung up in anger. I couldn't help but sigh. He seemed to have forgotten he wasn't always like this. Right. I'd been away from home too long. I was starting to forget my own last name. I picked up my phone and dialed a number I hadn't called in ages. "Beta Hayes, book me a flight for tomorrow morning. I'm going back to Crimson Ridge pack."

As I searched for the perfect fit, I heard her call my name. “Leah?” I turned around, “yes?” “If you're not back by one, don't bother returning. You won't survive the aftermath.”

Killian turned to me, cupped my cheeks, and kissed me hard—urgent, claiming, terrified. “Live for me, Aria.” My heart cracked open. “Come back to me,” I whispered. He pulled away reluctantly, eyes burning. “Always.” Then he shifted—massive jet-black fur, glowing red eyes—and sprinted toward the northern gates with a roar that shook the stone beneath my feet. The war had begun. And the prophecy of the Lost Heir… Had just awakened. Aria’s POV

And there, in impeccable gold cursive, lay the death sentence of my tranquility: “Aaron has the honor of inviting you to the marriage of his daughter, Maia April, to Warren West.” The world spun. I felt my stomach churn as the bitter taste of bile rose in my throat. I sank into the sofa, the invitation trembling in my hands like a dry leaf. This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a declaration of war. It was the last piece of a malignant puzzle that I had been too stupid to foresee. Warren hadn’t given up. He had simply changed tactics. He no longer needed to kidnap me on a roadside if he could enter through my family’s front door as a legitimate heir.

Because the prophecy was shifting. Accelerating. Seraphina had returned. And the war had truly begun.

A blinding flash of light split the sky open as three dark figures appeared in the air above the villa, Ariel, Melanie, and Stefan appeared before us. Ariel’s voice boomed like thunder. “The time for celebration is over,” she declared. “The war has begu n.” All around us, the air shimmered with power. Jade stood beside Kieran, eyes blazing with determination. Kieran’s voice was low but firm. “Then let it begin.” And just like that, the night of joy turned into the dawn of war.

Behind her, Damien emerged from the shadows, a gun in his hand, his face cold with rage. "No!" Isabella scrambled to her feet. "Damien, no!" But Damien wasn't looking at her. He was looking past Margaret, at the figure emerging from the warehouse behind her. Helena Vance. Her gun was still smoking. "I'm sorry," Helena said, her voice flat. "But I couldn't let her hurt you. Not again." Margaret fell. And the world went dark.