a's

lowly, reflecting on how my life had changed in the blink of an eye. Just days ago, I had been a maid in Ronan

der why Darius had brought me back. What did he want from me

Darius had shown me yesterday, I rounded a corner and fro

ed, her eyes gleaming with malice

o project confidence. "I'm her

the King's 'request.' Don't think for a second you belong her

r, "but we know the truth. You're nothing but a disgrace to this pa

wounds I thought had healed. Before I could respond,

g. Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over me, and I

ng fatigue. My limbs felt heavy, and a dull ache settled

ri

ing, his brow furrowed with concer

ompose myself. "I'm fine, Your

g my face. "If you're not feeling well, you s

haps too quickly. "I'm ok

entirely convinced. "Very well. Come with

the pack's operations. After the tour, he turned to me. "

ensive, I cou

or me to sit. "How are you doing a

look at him. His expression was one of sincere c

ine, my king,

said, his voice filled with remorse. "I was drunk a

dn't speak. Darius approached and hugg

me in broadcasting it, her voice dripping with mockery as she recounted the scandalous revelation. My

wn on me, each breath a struggle against the rising tide of panic. The thought of facing Darius, the Lycan King, wi

espond, the door creaked open, revealing Darius standing in the doorw

stepping into the room.

yes as I extended the test results toward him. He took the

f than to me. His expression was unreadable, a

voice barely audible. "I di

nd reaching out to gently lif

bracing myself

aid softly. "Surprise

e pulled me into his arms, h

t," he whispered into

he scorn of the court and shielding me from the venom of my step-family. He announced

and me grew stronger, forged in the fires of adversity. And as I felt the first flutt