VALERIAHe bites my thigh viciously and drags me beneath his body, controlling me mercilessly.I try to resist, to call for help, my hands clutching my stomach, trying to protect my pup, but his claws, like deadly weapons, pierce my skin, tearing apart my small, vulnerable body.I have to raise my arms instinctively when his sharp claws aim for my face, and I scream in agony as a deep wound slices across my cheek from my forehead.Leaving my belly exposed, he struck our child."Nooo, not the pup, please, Dorian, not my son!"Tears poured endlessly from my eyes as I begged him, but his canines tore through my flesh, and his claws dug into the depths of my insides with chilling cruelty, seeking to rip out the life growing inside me.I don’t know how long this agony lasted—I sobbed, pleading as long as I could speak.The pain in my entire body was unbearable, but worse was the pain in my soul, bleeding and shattered.I was discarded on the ground like trash, on the edge of a precipice, m

VALERIA His entire demeanor screamed, I'm the damn master of everything here, the absolute ruler.I immediately lowered my head, trembling.It didn’t matter that I lacked an inner she-wolf— the power radiating from that man felt like it could suffocate you, crush your soul, and he wasn't even standing that close to me.He was a Lycan, the superior species of werewolves, the ultimate evolution, and I was almost certain this was the most powerful of them all—Aldric Thorne, the Lycan King."Sasha, take out the trash and make sure my next personal maid isn’t a scheming whore, or she'll lose more than her head," his deep, cold, and intimidating voice echoed, followed by the sound of footsteps retreating."This is a disaster. That's the fifth one in two months. I don’t know what goes through these girls' heads. I warned them," the housekeeper muttered as she approached, pulling a small vial from the dead woman’s hand."Another one who tried to drug the King with an aphrodisiac. Idiot. I'll

VALERIAI summon courage from a place I didn’t even know existed and turn around, trying to keep the basket from shaking too much in my trembling hands."S-Sir… the towel… I can replace it with a fresh one. I'm sorry for mentioning it, it was just… just a harmless conversation…"I had no idea what else to say, my heart pounding wildly as he took a step closer, his shadow enveloping me completely.He was a giant, dominating every inch of space around me.A wall pressed against my back, cutting off any chance of retreat."Answer my question, Valeria. Don't try to be clever." He suddenly snatched the basket from my hands, moving it aside with ease while stepping even closer. That basket had been my only shield of defense!"Do you prefer being around another Guardian? Perhaps the handsome Quinn? You were practically dazzled staring at him."The danger in his voice was unmistakable. I didn’t understand why he was so angry—I hadn’t even said anything!"No, Sir. I… I’m honored to be your mai

VALERIAA strong scent of wine assaulted my senses, making me feel slightly dizzy.My senses were dulled, and for some reason, my body began to react as if an unbearable heat was consuming me from within.A heavy steel and wood door blocked my path.From the other side, I could hear growls and sounds like something or someone scratching the walls or the floor."Aaggrr..." Upon recognizing the King's voice for a brief moment, I finally decided to enter—perhaps he was in trouble.However, I wasn’t prepared to find him naked and nearly unconscious, kneeling on the hard stone floor.His hands were restrained above him by heavy steel rings anchored to the ancient wall, and thick chains held him captive with powerful, rusted shackles around his wrists.The King's breathing was labored, as though he were enduring intense pain, and his muscular body was drenched in sweat.His red hair hung damply over his face, which was tilted downward, obscuring his features in the dim light."Sir!" I ran t

VALERIAIt’s not like I have much to pack.On the bed, I make a small bundle with a few old clothes you’ve donated to me and, most importantly, the money the King gave me.That’s all I have to survive.Shielded by the night and the darkness, I wander through the corridors, glancing around fearfully, clearly intending to escape.I reach the kitchen and search for the back door—obviously, I won’t risk leaving through the main entrance.When I glance at the counter where the King’s meals are served, a surge of anger rises in my chest.Why would they do something like this?Who could be so cruel as to send an innocent woman to certain death?The maid who helped the one who cut her hand is my main suspect—the one who had the opportunity while I was distracted.Perhaps both of them are working together.I step out into the inner courtyard and run toward the gate where the carts with supplies and goods enter.The forest welcomes me—dark and menacing. It’s frightening, and I have no idea wher