My footsteps echoed through the stone corridor, each footstep matching the pounding of my heart. The council room loomed ahead, its ornate wooden doors a silent sentinel guarding my fate. Beside me, Elroy's face was a mask of concentration. His brow was furrowed in thought but I knew better than t
Until a stern voice broke through the noise. "I concur with our Luna." My head snapped towards Elroy, my eyes widening in disbelief. I had truly believed he would be silent before the council, but he stood tall next to me, his posture resolute. My heart fluttered involuntarily. "Our laws are not
Elroy’s POV Olivia's shoulders were set, her jaw clenched as she strode past me into the council chamber. She didn’t even give me the chance to reassure her, and that made me uneasy. She just must not have seen me open my mouth, I reasoned. I tried to ignore that nagging feeling that said otherw
Olivia’s POV The musty scent of old tomes swirled around me as I settled into my favorite spot in the library's far corner. I spread my notes across the worn oak table, determined to lose myself in the investigation and escape the whirlwind of emotions Elroy had stirred up. It was the way Elroy
Elroy's fingers traced the curve of my spine, sending shivers through my body as he undressed me. I closed my eyes, determined to enjoy this. Think of it as giving yourself a reward for your victory today, I thought to myself. Sex didn’t have to mean anything. "You're incredible, Olivia," Elroy
My body was tired enough to demand sleep, though, so at least I wasn’t laying awake all night. Still, I woke up early and extricated myself from Elroy's embrace. I couldn’t stand the mess anymore, and what the shower didn’t wash away the bidet would. Sadly, by the time I was done Elroy was awake
I squinted at the files in front of me, the lightning outside casting dancing shadows across the room. The musty scent of old books filled my nose as I hunched over the heavy oak table, surrounded by stacks of records and case files. "I thought investigating crimes would finally get me out of this
Astor's steely eyes bore into mine, challenging, daring me to look away. But I held his gaze, my jaw clenched and shoulders squared. The air crackled with tension as we faced off in silent combat. Seconds stretched into an eternity. My heart pounded, but I refused to show weakness. Finally, Astor'
The incense stick sparked to life with a hiss, its aroma weaving through the air of the Ruby Room. I settled onto my knees, the rough carpet biting into my skin, and closed my eyes. Smoke curled like ethereal tendrils, carrying my silent prayer upwards."Great Moon Goddess," I murmured, choking on a
I wanted to pull until the hook ripped out, taking whatever traitorous chunk of me it wanted as long as it was gone. It was like an infected limb, but nothing I did seemed to force the amputation.What was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just let this go? She was just a healer, someone I’d never even
Elroy’s POVThe effect of those words was immediate and indescribable. More than guilt, or shame, or horror—it was something that howled through me like a hurricane, ripping me apart and leaving ragged, bloody holes. My body could feel it, and it was as real as any cracking bone.My ears rang. My vi
Elroy’s POVToday had been exhausting. Fighting the council always was, but it had been worth it. We’d shown them the ugly truth, the one they’d denied far too long, and hopefully got some of them to rethink their roles a little.And there was Olivia.Goddess, she was incredible in there. Seeing her
Her reassurance was a gentle wave that smoothed the jagged edges of my doubts. I smiled at her.“I know,” I reassured her. “But I’m coming off of a manipulative relationship where I was always to blame, of course those thoughts are going to come to my head. I know it’s not my fault, and it’s not his
In spite of the exhilaration of our victory, they day had to go on. The duties were never-ending, and after going out for a celebratory late lunch, Elroy and I had to return to our separate tasks.I wanted to do something nice for myself, after that stressful experience, and I realized there was som
My fingers brushed the cool wall for balance as I navigated away from the council chamber, every muscle in my body crying out for release from tension's unyielding grip. Elroy stood close at my side, helping guide me. I could tell his protective instincts were flaring as he saw my tiredness setting
I pulled myself back in, allowing my aura to recede just enough to give them room to breathe. I was fucking furious, and it felt like there was lava in my veins, but it wasn’t time to erupt. Not yet.The tension in the chamber was palpable, the air thick with the scent of unease as the council membe
I kept my voice steady, in spite of the quaking in my chest. If they knew I was nervous they would pounce on me."The White Paw Initiative will serve as a secondary response system, focusing specifically on crimes against Omegas,” I explained. “It will not be a police force, and instead focus on gat