VALERIA"I hope to count on your power, Prince Zarek, because this fusion won’t be easy. Many will oppose it," Aldric stated seriously."Don’t worry, King Lycan. I know very well how to handle rebels. In fact, I need to expand my army—much, much more," he replied with a sinister chuckle that sent a shiver down my spine."Now, onto the next matter of the day—what’s our plan to defeat that son of a bitch, the Specter King? Because I think we all understand that door won’t hold forever. And this time, I’m not hiding like a fucking rat," Zarek added."And I’m not handing over my woman or my daughter under any circumstances," Aldric growled low, pulling me closer to him."And Gabrielle will not keep mutilating herself," Quinn growled in response as well. "Love, how much time do we have?"He looked at my mother, and we all followed suit, a trace of fear in our eyes."The remaining Selenia power… I think it can hold for about 20 to 25 years. No more than that," my mother confessed with a fur

8 MONTHS LATER…ALDRICI was reading over the latest agreements for the Nocturne Realm, seated in the library.That was the official name proclaimed for the fusion of the two former kingdoms I now ruled.I, who had never wanted any responsibilities to begin with, ended up as King of everything.But for my queen and my little princess, I would chain myself to whatever was necessary.Lowering my head, I pressed a kiss to the soft black hair of my mate, who dozed against my chest, sprawled along the plush sofa.I set the papers aside and reached down to caress her now-large belly.The moment was drawing near, and my connection with our daughter was growing stronger and stronger.As soon as my fingers touched Valeria’s skin, I felt a flutter beneath my hand, pulling a smile from me."My beautiful pup, soon I’ll meet you. Your daddy is dying to see you and hold you in his arms."I extended the thought through our bond, and the movement beneath my fingers intensified, stretching the skin of

ALDRIC"No, no… My little girl will be fine. Goddess, please… Let my mate and my pup be safe."I begged, extending my bond toward my daughter, urging her to come into the world."She’s here! She’s out!"A cry—loud and strong—rose above Valeria’s painful screams, shaking our hearts.I saw them wrap a tiny figure in soft white blankets. Dark, jet-black hair peeked out, standing in stark contrast to her pale skin."Your Majesties, here is your little princess. Congratulations, my Queen," Valeria’s friend—who was now Dave’s mate—approached, cradling her in her arms.I didn’t know what to do. My hands were sweating, trembling. This felt so unreal."I have no strength, Aldric… Hold her against my chest," Valeria murmured weakly, her voice barely a whisper as they continued tending to her, cleaning between her legs.Juliette gently passed me the bundle, and as I took her into my arms, the knot in my throat tightened—my eyes burning red with unshed tears.Carefully, I placed her against my ma

SIGRID"What is this? Oh, fuck—" I huffed, staring at what I had grabbed in my rush.I wanted to smack myself.They were blueprints for a magical artifact—one that allowed you to enter someone’s dreams, leave messages, commands, or even torment them with their worst nightmares."What am I supposed to do with this now? Sneak into Dave’s dream and mess with him for a bit?" I muttered, considering it—but then discarded the thought with mild irritation.All that effort for nothing.He had let me read every single one of his books—except this one. And curiosity was eating me alive.What the hell was so forbidden about these writings?I walked toward the hidden well deep within the forest—always shrouded in dark mist, a place no one dared to enter, standing at the very edge of the palace’s borders.Years ago, I had created a teleportation spell here—one that allowed me to instantly travel to my father’s lands.My eyes landed on a cluster of black lilies. Mom loved them.So, I started pickin

SIGRIDThe carriage came to a stop, and I heard Grimm greeting some men, followed by the sound of iron gates opening, and then we were on the move again.I pulled back the curtain with my finger, where a massive emerald ring gleamed, and immediately, the guards lowered their heads in respect.We passed through mighty walls that granted access to a city filled with villas, stone, and wooden houses.The streets buzzed with life, the aroma of food mingling with the shouts of merchants calling out their wares in the market.All the cultivated fields and everything within these walls belonged to the fief of the De La Croix family of sorceresses.Three sisters: the eldest and current head of the castle, Morgana De La Croix; the middle one, Drusilla De La Croix; and the youngest, the woman whose consciousness I kept imprisoned while I occupied her body with my primordial spirit—Electra De La Croix."I want to rest. No one is to disturb me."I gave my orders and moved forward, following the m