MasukPrince Killian strode over to Evangeline and Andromeda, a conquering hero rooting out the rot.“I want these two removed and detained until I complete my own investigation.” He shot another glance at me, smirking. “I do not want them tainting the presence of my mate another second. When they are removed, we can really begin.”Their protests started and ended within the same breath when the prince directed his frightening gaze back at them. He towered over their shaking forms, a sentinel of justice as the guards dragged them from the Great Hall, kicking and struggling. Silence followed, a brief reprieve for my nerves and the tension that remained in the room.Killian clapped his hands once, loud and sharp, before settling atop the Alpha’s dais.“Now, shall we get to the bottom of this?” His cold, calculating eyes softened, a mischievous grin curving his lips as he settled back in the chair. “I can practically smell the confusion rolling off everyone here. So, let’s start with questions.
The room went silent.All eyes shifted and locked on me. I barely registered them. The gawking, pale faces of the various pack leaders, servants, and power-hungry leeches were, for once, the least of my concerns. Instead, I fought to restore my equilibrium. The Lycan Prince just upended my entire world.Evangeline blanched on the bench, her fingers digging trenches into the wood. “That’s not true! I'm Alpha and Luna Snow's only child! Their only daughter! She’s just some… some orphan.” She spat the word as if it left a bad taste in her mouth, her face scrunched in disgust. “That girl is nothing! You’re betrothed to me!”Her whining, nasal protests ended abruptly as a loud crack sliced through the air. Prince Killian's hand glided through the air so fast and powerful that no one had time to react when he struck her. We could only watch as he sent her sprawled to the stone floors, his shadow swallowing her whole as he stood over her trembling form.“You will not speak of my mate in such
A long sleepless night ended at dawn.Well, not entirely sleepless. I managed to doze a bit towards the end. But every time I drifted deep enough to dream, I heard my mate's growl, and a spike of dread jolted me awake. The moment I finally relaxed enough to really rest, a knock on the door summoned me to breakfast in the Great Hall.In all my years as an omega servant of Snow Pointe, I know I served hundreds of dignitaries and guests their meals in their guest chambers. Why on earth were Alpha and Luna Snow so hell-bent on forcing me to dine with them for every meal?!With a grumble of sleep deprivation and frustration, I dragged myself out of bed, changed into jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, and combed my hair until it was smooth. I took a quick glimpse in the mirror. The benefits of being a healthy Alpha, my reflection didn't look like I was exhausted and plagued by nightmares. In fact, I was the perfect picture of strength and vitality."Good. I don't want anyone pestering me with t
The second I pushed through the tree line, Arya growled and demanded out. And I was more than happy to relinquish control.I'll burn off the anxious energy; you keep connecting as many dots as you can, she declared, shifting into the front of my consciousness. Most of the time, we shared equal control in wolf form. After mastering the shift under Leon's tutelage, it became second nature. But she knew I needed a break, and was gracious enough to lead the way through the trees.The shift was seamless, from two legs to four in three steps. Then? Nothing but the wind in our fur and the sound of the night in our ears. We moved like a shadow through the trees, her massive black form weaving effortlessly through trunks and over vines. I'd never run the perimeter around Snow Pointe before, but Arya moved with confidence, as though she'd memorized the route before.The half-moon hung overhead, lighting the way in dappled beams through the trees. Cool, crisp wind cut through the night, carrying
For the first time since arriving at Snow Pointe, I went unbothered during the night.The scene Evangeline caused in the Great Hall must have left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. No one knocked on my door, asked about my preferences, or came up with excuses to see me for themselves. No half-assed apologies or trite remarks about my "triumphant" return. It was peaceful.But in the quiet, my thoughts grew louder.There was obviously something going on with Evangeline. Her "horrible illness" and "sudden, miraculous recovery" after a single treatment didn't sit well with me. After all, if she was truly as poorly as the doctor claimed, wouldn't her recovery process have slowed significantly, as well? An ill wolf cannot regenerate as quickly and completely as a healthy one.I imagined that was why the imposter worked so hard to keep me ill and weak during my time in isolation. If she could keep me separated from Arya for long periods of time, I wouldn't have been able to regain my health an
"I..." Evangeline's voice grew strained as she glanced in her father's direction. His silent anger palpable, making the air at the table unusually dense."It's fine, Lady Evangeline. Water under the bridge," I continued, offering a small smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "What kids say and do cannot be held against them. Especially after the ordeal you've gone through with your health. I, of all people, understand your suffering."Luna Alena stiffened beside me. I hadn't meant it as a dig at her, but the truth has a way of cutting everyone responsible for its silence."I am happy in my home, and the treatment has seemingly done wonders for your recovery. A single vial and you're well enough to join us for dinner," I remarked, turning my attention to the feast. "Perhaps I'll be out of here sooner than three weeks, Alpha Damon."A deep growl rumbles in his chest at my suggestion, but I couldn't pinpoint whether it was frustration or anger. It didn't matter. Evangeline, once again,
Not long after Gabe left, I did just what he said and drifted back off to sleep. However, the sleep was nothing like what I’d experienced before.Back in Snow Pointe, dreams were rare. Occasionally, something nonsensical and random slipped through the void of nothingness. But most nights met me wit
For the first time, Arya took total control. My consciousness drifted to the back as my body bent and burned with the transformation. Black fur covered my pale skin, and long claws grew from my hands. By the end, I barely fit in the basement.Ah... finally. Are you okay, Auri?Her voice was so loud
"Scrub those pots. When you're done with that, you're to serve Alpha Snow and Luna Snow their supper in the Gathering Hall. Lady Evangeline Snow will be taking her supper in her room." Delta Hester's stern voice barked her orders down at me, her voice rough. "Be sure not to spill anything this time
***5 Years Ago***"I need you to lie back for me."Dr. Andromeda's soothing voice washed over me. same as always. I lay back on the infirmary bed, my legs stretched out straight in front of me, eyes trained on the painted ceiling.Once upon a ti







