Selena’s POVWe made our way to the kitchen. The kitchen staff was always a great source of information, so we figured we'd ask around and see what we could learn.As we entered the kitchen, we saw Kayla and Jesse preparing a large pot of soup, and they both seemed to be in good spirits. We approached them, and Ana asked, "Hey, have you guys heard anything about the exiled prince Zander?"Their faces wrinkled in fear and disdain, but just as they were about to go off on the prince, Alfie, the head chef walked in. He must have overheard our conversation because he spoke up immediately, "Excuse me, ladies, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation."We turned to face him, curious to hear what he had to say. "What do you know about Zander?" Ana asked.The chef let out a deep sigh before he began, "I've been working in this mansion since Ezra was just a young alpha. I was here when Luna Thea gave birth to the twins. And let me tell you, Zander was the sweetest, kindest little p

SELENA’s POV He rose from where he was seated, taking his ceremonial dagger from where it was hanging in a sheath at his waist.My heart dropped into my stomach as I saw the glint of silver the moment he unsheathed the darker.Silver. Not again.Silver was practically nothing to him as the only thing that was lethal to him was nightshade.He twirled the dagger around his hands with reckless abandon as his guests stayed quiet, wondering how the twisted prince would deal with such 'insolence.'He came to a stop in front of me and I fell at his feet, my forehead touching the ground."Please, Alpha. I beg you to not humiliate me in such a manner.""Humiliate you?"I could hear the smirk in his voice adding to my fear and wariness.I could already imagine a thousand and one things he intended to do with that dagger. I could already feel the cold metal slicing into me. The sound of his laughter echoes in my ears, taunting me and reminding me of my helplessness. The eyes of the court are a

ZANDER'S POVI'm consumed by a need for revenge, but I know I can't act recklessly. I need to plan carefully, there are sentinels here willing to risk their worthless lives and that of their families at the expense of saving Tristan, because he was their current alpha.I need to gather allies, convince the elders, the people, take back the title and make sure I have everything I need to take him down. But one thing is for sure, Tristan will pay for what he's done to Selena. I turned to face him. I remembered growing up he was always cunny and my mum would always warn him about his attitude and tell me to be watchful of him, then, I thought she meant I should watch over him but now I know she meant I should watch out of him.She saw the darkness in us before we even knew it was there and right now. I understand why it appeared so. My heart was sinking thinking about my mum but this wasn't a time to show weakness. I turned and faced Tristan who must have gotten over his shock because

LALEH’S POVI watch as the guard walks in with the elderly man, Theodore. Tristan immediately turns to face him with anger blazing in his eyes. I can see the veins bulging on his neck as he demands an explanation for what happened.“I want all the elders to be removed from the council, call for another council, and have it that Zander’s banishment isn’t lifted”Theodore stands tall, his face calm despite the fury emanating from Tristan. "I'm sorry, Alpha," he begins. "But as an elder, it is not my place to interfere in matters of pack leadership."Tristan scoffs, "Not your place? You're on the council, Theodore! You're supposed to be advising me, not sitting back and letting my brother and his pack walk all over us."Theodore stays composed, "I understand your frustration, Alpha. But we have to respect the traditions of our pack. The decision to pardon Zander was made by the council as a whole, not by me alone. I was the only one that in fact stood against it"Tristan grits his teeth,

SELENA'S POVMy heart is racing in my chest, pounding against my ribcage like it's demanding to be set free. My hands are clammy with sweat and I can feel the water bottle slipping through my fingers. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, but it only makes me feel more self-conscious. Why am I feeling like this? I've talked with guys before, so why is the thought of talking to Zander and giving him a freaking water bottle making me feel so hot and embarrassed? My mind is racing, trying to come up with an explanation for my sudden physical reaction.Ana is cheering me on, but I can barely hear her over the sound of my own heartbeat. I know I need to keep going, but every step feels like a monumental effort.I squeeze the water bottle tightly, using it as a physical anchor to keep myself grounded. I know I can't let my nerves get the best of me, but it's easier said than done. I take another deep breath and force myself to keep moving forward, one step at a time. Maybe if I