The tension was palpable. Everyone waited in silence, anxiously anticipating Ashlee’s safe return from the “den of the devil.” Cassandra’s mind raced, but she was certain of one thing.

Her husband might wound Ashlee with his words, but he would never hurt her physically. After all, she is the Luna now. And Radulf loves his son’s happiness too much to cross that line, even if he doesn’t show it.

Ashlee’s eyes darted from one antique to another, admiring the collection. These were all old sculptures, a refined hobby of Kyle’s father. It was flattering, in a way. Radulf observed how Ashlee was genuinely interested in his rare and cherished hobby.

“You may sit, Miss Queen.” He said sarcastically, rolling his eyes at Ashlee. He was annoyed that she hadn’t shown him proper respect.

“Surely, your highness.” Ashlee replied with a mocking tone. She didn’t take sarcasm well, and if anything, she had a knack for delivering it right back.

“Did your parents not teach you any manners?” Radulf asked, though he already knew her family history. Still, only Kyle and Esyn knew the darker secrets of Ashlee’s past.

“Let’s see,” Ashlee raised her eyebrows, gracefully taking a seat on the couch. Morning light flooded the room as Radulf opened the curtains wide. “My mom’s dead. My dad was never around, and I don’t know anything about my grandparents. My school was horrible. So, no. They didn’t teach me ‘M,’ from manners.” She curled her lips into a thin line, offering a false smile to emphasize her response.

She was getting on Radulf’s nerves. Little did she know, she was playing with fire. And Radulf had no idea he was arguing with someone even his son couldn’t defeat.

“I see. Anyway, if you intend to live as part of this family, you’ll need to learn some proper etiquette for your rank. If you truly believe you’re a queen, shouldn’t you act like one?” Radulf gave her a cold look. She froze for a moment but knew she had a counter for everything.

“According to my understanding, I already do, because queens certainly don’t tolerate disrespect.” Ashlee shot back, her blood beginning to boil. The argument was growing more intense.

“Such ignorance,” Radulf huffed. They were arguing like children—one old enough to know better, and the other young enough to act beyond her years.

“At least I have some,” Ashlee scoffed, folding her arms across her chest.

“You mean I don’t? Do you even know how much older I am than you? At least show some respect for your elders.” He growled, his patience finally snapping.

“I’ll show respect if I’m respected.” Ashlee stood her ground. She was growing stronger with each exchange. Perhaps it was the fact that Kyle was by her side, providing the strength she needed. “But what am I supposed to expect from someone who can’t even appreciate their own child?” She added, the final blow.

Radulf’s temper finally snapped. “What do you even know about our family to make such judgments?” His cold, ice-blue eyes locked on hers.

Ashlee sighed, “This is my family too. I think I know enough to come to that conclusion. No parent should subject their child to horrors and difficulties.” Her thoughts drifted to the conversation she had with Kyle the other day about his father’s cruelty.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

Was she being ridiculed because of him?

“I would never do that.” Radulf growled, clenching his fist.

“But you did. Kyle was just a child when you sent him to your enemies, only for him to return covered in blood.” She finally let it all out—the resentment she felt for Kyle’s father, on behalf of Kyle.

“What?” Radulf was stunned by her words. He had no idea how badly his son had been hurt in the wars.

“You’re acting as though you don’t even know what you did to your own son. You should at least be aware that you’re the reason he suffers from sleepless nights.” Ashlee’s words were heavy as she stood up, preparing to leave.

But suddenly, she felt a shift in her heart. The empathy she often felt for others lightened her thoughts. She turned back to Radulf, who was still in disbelief over what he had just heard.

‘Maybe I was too harsh.’

She stopped and returned to her seat, sitting across from him. She wondered if there was a chance for normalcy here. Kyle’s eyes often showed just how much he longed for his father’s approval—his desire to be the strongest. He had never wanted validation from anyone but Radulf.

Maybe now was her chance to do something for Kyle, in return for everything he had sacrificed for her. He had endured so much, including countless injuries while trying to protect her.

“Did you really not know about it?” she asked, needing to be sure.

“Of course, I didn’t. If I had, why would I have allowed him to go through that?” Radulf’s voice was full of remorse.

“Well, you still have time to make it up to him,” Ashlee said softly. Radulf gazed at her, curiosity lighting his features. Ashlee shrugged. “I never had a dad, but if I did, I would have wanted his approval above all else. I’m sure Kyle feels the same way.”

Meanwhile, Hagatha choked on her drink. “This stupid girl!” she cursed under her breath. Her blood boiled as she watched Ashlee attempt to fix everything.

“What the hell is she doing? She just needs to lay low and keep quiet!” Hagatha hissed, pacing around in frustration.

Brennus cawed, trying to calm Hagatha. He knew she wasn’t supposed to get angry now. They still had too much to accomplish.

“I know! I know! Shut up! I know this is not the time!” Hagatha yelled at Brennus, irritated by his constant cawing.

“But this stupid girl! She needs to stop! I can’t even put a spell on her for this. It’s getting frustrating!” She snatched some dried leaves and pressed them to her eyes, collapsing onto the couch.

“I can’t deal with this nonsense right now! How can she be so naive?” she muttered, grinding her teeth in irritation. Brennus cawed again.

“I fucking know! I know she’s young.” Hagatha hissed once more, trying to push her anger aside.

Collin and his pack remained on high alert, keeping their eyes trained on the Warbite mansion. Especially Collin, who had his attention fixed on the human inside.

Since the moment he had seen Ashlee by the lake, he felt an undeniable pull to her. But he never imagined that meeting her would change his feelings so quickly.

“It’s been a while. You’re still staring,” Zoe, one of Collin’s strongest she-wolves and pack healer, spoke, her voice laced with concern. She had been the one to help Diana when Heather poisoned her with wolfsbane.

“Huh?” Collin snapped back to reality. “Oh, it’s nothing. Just keeping an eye on anything unusual going on inside their house.” He shrugged it off.

Zoe knew it wasn’t just that. She understood Collin better than anyone. After all, she had been in love with him for years, even though they were never meant to be.

And she could see that whenever Collin spoke of Ashlee, his eyes softened. He seemed excited and almost… happy.

Collin walked away, leaving Zoe behind to guard the perimeter. Zoe was upset but not overly so. She understood her place. She could never win his heart, no matter how much she wished it.

“You should at least tell him,” Ryan, Collin’s beta, spoke gently. He knew about Zoe’s feelings for Collin.

“I don’t want to make things awkward,” Zoe replied, hiding the hurt in her voice. She knew Ryan could see through her facade.

“Then change your focus,” Ryan suggested with a slightly sad smile.

“What do you mean?” Zoe frowned in confusion.

“Look around. There are plenty of strong, maybe even handsome men, who would love to be with you.” Ryan’s words hinted at something deeper, but Zoe didn’t catch it. She sighed and nodded, knowing that was the reality she faced.

Ryan too was unmated. He had been in love with Zoe long before she fell for Collin, and it pained him to watch her heart break.