Victors povThe rain pelted against the window of my office, harmonising with the relentless ticking of the clock on the wall. Minutes turned into hours, and a gnawing anxiety began to creep into my thoughts. Olivia and Allen should have arrived at Oceanside by now, and I hadn't heard a word from them. A feeling of unease settled deep within me. Letting out a loud sigh, I got up from my desk and left my office to find out if Olivia had called yet.I found a guard just outside my office. "Has there been any word from Olivia and Allen?" I asked, my voice betraying the worry I tried to conceal.The guard hesitated briefly. "No, Alpha. They haven't called. They're probably taking shelter from the storm."I nodded, trying to accept the guard's reassurance, but something inside of me wouldn’t settle. "Inform me the moment you hear anything," I ordered, turning to leave.Suddenly, shouting erupted from outside the palace walls. The doors burst open, and a figure stormed in, drenched and breat
Alexander's POVReaching the top of the cliff left my muscles screaming in agony, but it didn't matter. Every breath I took felt like a reminder that time was slipping away. Gently, I laid Olivia on the rocky ground, cradling her head. Her skin was so clammy and pale, much too cold. I pressed my lips to her forehead and whispered, my voice trembling, "Please stay with me, Olivia. I can't lose you. I love you."My plea hung in the air as if begging for a miracle. I knew I couldn't afford to waste another second. Biting back my overwhelming sorrow and pain that overtook every muscle in my body, I scooped her up, cradling her frail body against my chest, her head resting just beneath my chin. Liam stayed close to me, his small hand clutching the hem of my shirt. His eyes, wide and filled with fear, kept glancing at his mother's still form, searching for any sign of life.Making my way back through the caves, my body screaming at me to stop, I pushed forward. My own pain meant nothing to m
Alexander's POVThe ride back to Victor's palace was a blur, a whirlwind of tormented thoughts and smothering despair. My mind could only fixate on Olivia, her pale face flashing before my eyes every time I blinked. The journey felt both agonisingly slow and brutally fast; I remembered nothing of it, only the consuming fear and guilt that overtook my soul.As the carriage finally groaned to a halt, I flung the door open and bolted towards the palace, ignoring the startled looks of the guards. My legs moved on their own. I needed to be with her. Every heartbeat chanted her name, propelling me faster and faster down themaze-like corridors.Rounding the corner, I saw the door to the infirmary. Relief surged through me like a tidal wave. Just as quickly, it was dashed to pieces. The doctor emerged, wiping sweat from his brow, his expression unreadable."Where is she?" I shouted, my voice raspy and edged with panic."Alexander, you can't see her yet. We're still—" The doctor's words were c
Olivia's POVAm I dead? The thought floated aimlessly in my mind as I seemed to walk through an endless expanse of darkness. There was no sound, no light, just the oppressive weight of nothingness pressing down on me. Finally, I pushed open a heavy door that appeared out of nowhere. On the other side, it was blindingly white. Squinting, I took a few cautious steps forward. It took me several moments to recognize where I was: Alexander's palace. My heart skipped a beat as realisation dawned. I had been transported back in time to two months after I had married Alexander.It was a time drenched in sorrow, for it marked the anniversary of my sister's death. The memory washed over me with painful clarity. I looked around at the room where we were holding a grand memorial for her, one that I had put together for her, pouring every ounce of my effort into making it perfect. I could still see the mournful faces, hear the soft whispers of condolences, and feel the overwhelming weight of grief
Olivia's POV The memories kept on coming, leaving me more confused than ever. My head felt as though it was going to explode along with my heart. I didn't know how much more of this I could take. Standing in the corner of the kitchen I watched myself making Alexander yet another plate of food. The kitchen smelled of freshly baked bread, creamy soup, and spicy grilled vegetables—aromas meant to wrap him in warmth and comfort. But he never touched any of it. My heart clenched with each meal I saw thrown away untouched, each discarded plate a silent rejection.I watched myself as I arranged the food perfectly on the plate, swallowing the lump in my throat. The Olivia I saw, the Olivia from the past, was trying so hard, pouring love and effort into every dish. But he never saw it. Or rather, he refused to see it. His heart was still with Cassandra, whose shadow loomed over every corner of this kingdom.I stepped back to watch the painful scene unfold, my chest tight with a sorrow that ne
“Please, I can't take any more of this,” I begged.The memories continued their relentless assault on me, each one a jagged piece of my past cutting deeper than the last. Standing in my old bedroom, I felt like an unwelcome visitor in my own life, a distant ghost watching my past self navigate through nights filled with loneliness and days heavy with silent judgments.I let out a loud sigh as I threw into yet another unwanted past moment, I saw myself getting ready for dinner at the palace. Olivia from the past appeared in the mirror in front of me, eyes tired from the weight of expectations and a heart heavy with confusion. A knock on the door snapped past me out of her reverie. It was the maid holding a delicate box.“Madam, Alpha asked me to bring this to you,” she said, opening the box to reveal the most beautiful necklace I had ever seen. It sparkled with an elegance that seemed almost otherworldly. My past self gasped, her fingers trembling as she touched it.“Where did this come
Alexander's POVI glanced at the clock on the wall, its minute hand crawling with agonising slowness. Liam sat next to me, his small hand gripping mine so tightly. The feeling of his hand on mine reminded me I was still here, still waiting for her."How much longer?" Liam whispered, his eyes never leaving the closed door."I don't know, buddy," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "We just have to keep waiting."Hours passed in a silent torment. Every time a nurse or doctor walked by, my muscles tensed, hoping they had news. Liam shifted restlessly next to me, his young face contorted in worry. I wished he would never have to know.The door to the operating room finally creaked open, and a doctor stepped out. He looked exhausted, his face lined with shadows of a sleepless night. My heart pounded in my chest as I leapt to my feet, holding my breath."How is she?" I blurted out, my voice cracking.The doctor sighed, looking down at his clipboard before meeting my eyes, his expressi
Alexander’s POVThe room was dark, the only light coming from the soft glow of the monitors surrounding Olivia's bed. I sat beside her, my fingers intertwined with hers, refusing to let go as the days bled into one another. My body was numb, every muscle aching with the strain of holding onto hope.I've sat by her bedside every day for the past month. The twins came to see her every day. The more I saw them, the more I understood why she did what she did. She did it out of love for them, and I could never hate her for wanting to keep our children safe, even if she was keeping them from me. I'd thought about it a few times, telling them that I was their father, but then it dawned on me: who was I to disrupt the only sense of normalcy they had in their lives? They had grown up believing Allan was their father, and he had treated them as if they were his own. How could I be the one to destroy that?One late night, as fatigue weighed heavily on my eyelids, the room suddenly felt colder. My
Olivia's povThe shop door chimed softly as we entered. The dressmaker, a kind older woman with an eye for detail and warmth to match, greeted us with a beaming smile. Bolts of exquisite fabrics lined the walls, their colours are vibrant, each one telling its own tale. I knew the one I held within my heart today—a tale of love, resilience, and hope.Lidia followed me closely, her earlier doubts seeming to melt away amid the excitement of the shop. "I’ve been waiting for this," she confessed softly, leaning closer as she took in the palatial display of elegant gowns. "Getting to see you in your wedding dress is like a dream."We approached the mirrored dais, where an array of wedding dresses awaited—each one a masterpiece of lace and silk and dreams sewn into reality. As I stepped upon the dais, emotions welled within me, teetering precariously on a tide of sentiment and expectation. I reached for a gown gently, fingers trailing over the delicate beadwork, feeling the promise imbued w
Olivia's povI knew Ethan was trying to muster his courage. His hands trembled slightly as he thumbed the edges of the box, cooling his earlier confidence. Finally, he opened the box, revealing a stunning ring. The large moonstone at its centre caught the light, casting an ethereal glow that seemed to shimmer with life."Olivia, this ring has been in my family for hundreds of years," Ethan said, his voice tinged with reverence and nerves. The raw honesty in his eyes touched me deeply.“It’s beautiful," I murmured, genuinely captivated by the artifact's majesty and the legacy it represented.Ethan went red-cheeked, the usual bravado he donned so effortlessly slipping away. "I was wondering if you would…" He paused, his words stumbling over one another like a landslide. I waited, offering him patience and a soft smile of reassurance.After a moment, he cleared his throat and started again. "I mean, I'm here to ask for Lidia's hand in marriage. I haven't seen Victor yet, but he'll under
alexanders povThe anticipation that pulsed through my veins was far stronger than any battle I'd waged, any beast I'd fought. Tonight was the night Olivia and I would affirm what we already knew in our hearts: that we were meant to be together. Our bond had withstood countless trials, and now it would be sealed under the moonlight with the people we loved.Despite the day’s beauty, echoes of concern lingered. Red flags flew in my mind every time I thought of Reed. His absence was like a splinter under my skin—a constant irritation that could not be ignored. But tonight was not about him. Tonight was about Olivia, about our family, and about the life we were building together.The palace was bustling with excitement. People flitted about, preparing for the evening’s festivities. I had instructed everyone to keep the atmosphere relaxed yet festive. Even though she opted for a simple ceremony, Olivia deserved a night filled with joy and laughter.Maneuvering through the busy rooms, I fi
**Olivia's POV**I took a breath, the pleasant scent of roses filling my nose. The garden was alive with nature's symphony, a perfect backdrop for what could be the most significant day of my life. Alexander had already set to arranging everything needed for our moonlit wedding. Tonight would be magic.I left the garden, excitement twirling within me as I ventured toward the dressmaker to see if she had anything that I could wear tonight with such short notice. I noticed there was no time for me to have something made, but I didn't care. The dress was not important; marrying my mate was the only thing that mattered. My footsteps echoed softly off the cobblestone path, each step a rhythmic countdown to becoming Alexander’s wife.As I approached, the gentle hum of early morning activity filled the air. People were setting up stalls for the evening's festival, laughter mingling with the scents of freshly baked goods. We hadn’t had a true celebration in so long; spirits were high, and eve
Reed’s POVThe damp air clung to my skin as I hunkered down in the grimy drain pipe, its confines offering an unwanted intimacy with persistent, rank odours. Though suffocated by shadows, this location was my asylum, for now, a perfect vantage point to observe their kingdom’s every move—without being observed myself. They should be celebrating their victories, echoing the laughter of conquerors throughout the kingdom, but instead, silence hung heavy, a ghostly whisper of unrest and anticipation.An eerie thrill coursed through me as I contemplated my slow, methodical plan for Lidia and Victor.Their names, like promises, formed stepping stones towards Olivia and Alexander, ultimately leading to the ultimate destruction of their spirit. Each one taken was a piece stripped away from their false sense of security.Lida would be first. Her face haunted my mind, but soon, it would be snuffed out by shadows she couldn’t escape. Olivia idolised her, and losing her would weaken her along with
**Olivia’s POV**Morning light peeked through the ornate curtains, wrapping softly around the room. Slowly blinking awake, I stretched, only to find Alexander’s side of the bed empty. My heart sank slightly at the absence, but it was quickly quelled by the knowledge of his duties. Besides, our life since the battle had seldom allowed us to lay in bed together.I sighed, throwing off the warm covers and swinging my feet over the edge, ready to face the day. After getting dressed, I tied my hair back into a loose ponytail, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Today felt different; in a good way, I held no worries in my heart anymore.Making my way down the elegant staircase, the sound of laughter filled the air. It was the twins, no doubt causing their usual joyful chaos. I smiled to myself, relish in the simple, beautiful moments of motherhood.Before I could reach the dining hall, Lidia appeared at the end of the corridor. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” she called out, her grin wi
Reed’s POVThe forest was quiet, the only noises the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. My leg throbbed with every stride, the pain a consistent companion during my escape, but it fueled my resolve rather than diminished it. I leaned heavily on my makeshift crutch, every step deliberate, every breath a challenge overcome.How long had I been on the run now? Time was a shapeless blur, marking moments only by the exhaustion that weighed on my bones. The elders’ guards pursued me tirelessly, and Alexander’s as well, all seeking my head. I had played my cards poorly, underestimating the strength of my enemies and overreaching my ambition—or so they thought. Maybe there was truth in it. Perhaps I needed this moment, this fall, to truly measure the darkness within me and to harness it against those who wronged me.I knew Olivia had what I needed to rise again—her power, her essence. Once she recognised that we were meant to be, she would come around. I could almost f
Alexander’s POVThe grand palace gates opened before us, the magnificent structure standing as a testament to our return and the resilience we'd found within ourselves. As the carriage came to a stop, I watched as Olivia took in the scene. Her gaze was both wistful and hopeful, a blend of emotions she wore eloquently.“Daddy, can we go play?” Liam’s eager voice brought my attention back to our lively twins, who were practically vibrating with excitement.“Yes, but be careful,” I chuckled, unable to resist the buoyant energy only children possessed. "Stay within the gardens."With a flurry of giggles, they bolted off, leaving behind an iridescent trail of joy in their wake. Olivia stood beside me, a serene presence amidst the chaos. I watched her eyes follow the twins, a softness etching across her features.The warmth of the sun bathed us, the golden glow amplifying the sense of homecoming that swelled within my chest. “It feels so good to be home,” Olivia murmured, her head finding a
Alexander’s POVThe carriage rolled over the crest of the hill, unveiling the sprawling kingdom beneath us. My heart felt a gentle release, the homecoming marking the end of turmoil. Olivia sat beside me, her presence as comforting as the view before us. The twins, Liam and Sarah, bounced in their seats, their excitement contagious. After what felt like an eternity of darkness and trials, being home seemed like a new dawn.“We're home,” Olivia said softly, her voice like a soothing melody that wrapped around the world, infusing it with warmth and love.I looked over at her, my heart swelling with a gratitude I couldn’t quite express in words. Her smile was like the sun piercing through the overcast sky of our past struggles. “Yes, we are,” I replied, feeling the tensions of the past slowly slipping away.The twins burst out of the carriage the moment it came to a halt, their laughter echoing around us as they raced toward the palace. Their footfalls were light against the ground, a st