The glow surrounding us seemed to pulse in time with our heartbeat, a symphony of energy that spiraled in a way I couldn’t understand. I felt myself being drawn deeper into the light, my thoughts clouded, my instincts urging me to pull away, to fight–but I couldn’t.
M
For a moment, I wondered if it was the full moon’s magic, or if Bianca’s power was somehow pulling me under. thoughts scattered as the light grew brighter, enveloping us completely.
I blinked, my vision swimming as the moonlight intensified. The world around me was spinning, and I cou barely make sense of what was happening. My mind screamed to run, to break free, but every inch of my body was frozen in place, trapped by the overwhelming pressure of the ritual.
And then, as suddenly as it had begun, the light started to fade.
I gasped for breath as the world slowly returned to normal, the blinding radiance dimming. But I wasn’t alone. Bianca stood beside me, her eyes wide with something I couldn’t quite decipher. The crowd around us was silent, their eyes wide with awe as they stared at the two of us
An alpha’s voice broke the silence. His tone was grave, commanding. “It has happened,” he said softly, his gaze
lingering on Bianca. “The moon has spoken.”
The crowd erupted into applause, their voices filling the night air as they cheered and congratulated the royal family But despite the excitement, something gnawed at the pit of my stomach. The ritual had worked, yes–but why did it feel wrong?
I turned to look at Raegan, meeting his gaze for a brief moment. His eyes were unreadable, his expression tight. He was watching me, but I wasn’t sure what he saw. His silence spoke volumes, and I felt a chill run down my spine. 16
Third Person’s POV
The kingdom buzzed with excitement as preparations for Princess Bianca’s coronation reached their peak. Banners of silver and gold adorned the streets, noble families traveled from far and wide, and commoners gathered to glimpse the kingdom’s newfound jewel–the lost royal daughter. The ritual had solidified her position, and the DNA test had been the final nail, leaving no room for doubt. Bianca was the true princess, or so the kingdom
believed
Inside the grand halls of the royal palace, however, a different story unfolded.
Remi strode down the marble corridor, her hand instinctively resting on her growing belly. Her knight’s uniform,
once a source of pride, now felt like a suffocating reminder of her dwindling status
“You’re late,” a sharp, familiar voice echoed down the hallway.
Bianca leaned casually against a pillar, her dress glimmering with royal embroidery. Her once–calculating demeanor had transformed into something sharp and unrelenting. Power suited her in the worst way possible.
“I wasn’t aware you’ll be here, Princess,” Remi replied flatly.
Bianca stepped forward, her heels clicking against the polished floor. “I wasn’t aware you had the audacity to
speak to me in that tone. Should I remind you of your place, knight?”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Remi said, her voice steady despite the rising heat in her chest.
Bianca’s lips curved into a venomous smile. “Oh, Remi. How brave of you to act as though you’re respectable when you’re nothing but a packless she–wolf. You know what? You should leave the order. No–better yet, leave the
palace entirely.”
Remi’s jaw clenched, her wolf stirring beneath the surface. But she reined it in. Losing control wouldn’t help her now. “I’ve sworn an oath to protect this kingdom and its people. I won’t abandon that just because you told me so.”
Bianca’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t make me laugh. How can you be a royal knight with your current status?” She glanced pointedly at Remi’s stomach. “Perhaps I should have you reassigned to kitchen duty. That seems more appropriate for someone in your situation.”
Remi took a step forward, her voice dropping to a low growl. “The knights doesn’t judge people by status. I’m strong enough to be one.”
The tension in the air was palpable, the kind that only two wolves could create. Bianca’s wolf bristled, but she quickly masked it with a cold laugh. “Oh, don’t flatter yourself. Your strength doesn’t faze me at all. If you ever think of using that on me, you’ll immediately drop dead before even shifting”
Before Remi could respond, heavy footsteps echoed down the hall. Laurent appeared, his expression grim.
“Princess,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Is there a problem here?”
Bianca’s smile returned, this time sweet and innocent. “No problem at all, Laurent. I was just reminding Remi of
her responsibilities”
Laurent’s gaze flicked to Remi, his emerald eyes softening for a moment before returning to Bianca “Your Highness, I think we both know Remi doesn’t need reminding She’s one of the most capable knights in the order.”
Bianca’s eyes flashed with irritation, but she maintained her composure “Of course How silly of me to forget”
righter of the Alpha
She turned on her heel, her skirts swishing dramatically as she walked away.
Once she was out of earshot, Laurent let out a sigh and stepped closer to Remi. “Are you okay?”
Remi crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. “I’m fine. Just the usual insults. Nothing I can’t handle.”
“You shouldn’t have to handle it,” Laurent said, his voice low and earnest. “She’s out of line.”
“She’s royalty now,” Remi muttered bitterly. “She can do whatever she wants, and I just have to take it.”
Laurent’s wolf growled softly in his chest. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”
Remi looked at him, her expression softening. “Laurent, don’t-”
“I mean it,” he interrupted, his eyes blazing with protective fire. “You’ve been through enough. And with the baby coming… You shouldn’t have to deal with her.”
She sighed, a mixture of frustration and gratitude swirling in her chest. “I appreciate it, but don’t trouble yourself,
Laurent
He reached out, his hand brushing against hers. “I’ll still try”
For a moment, Remi allowed herself to feel the comfort of his presence. But reality quickly set back in. She pulled her hand away.
She gave him a small smile before walking away, her mind racing with everything she had to do. Money was tight, and her options were limited. She needed to secure a future for her child–a future far away from every evil people’s reach.