The day went by without any trouble for Layla. That was because she had stayed indoors since finishing her training with Elena. Elijah advised her not to venture outside just yet; there were still things they could work on indoors. While Layla appreciated this idea, it seemed like she might be avoiding meeting the pack members.Her bathwater had been prepared for her before she returned to the king's room, along with a dress. It wasn't a dress she would have chosen for herself; it would have exposed her body and revealed her scars. So, instead of wearing the dress, she went to the wardrobe and selected something else, replacing the provided dress. Afterward, she dried her hair and tied it up softly on top of her head to keep it out of her way.Shortly after she finished getting ready, there was a knock on her door. It opened to admit Lisa, who brought her a meal. The two women stared at each other without a word. Lisa moved into the room and placed the tray on the table. She stood up

ANNABELLE'S POVI was in Layla's room, going through her stuff, searching for something she had asked to be kept private. It was all part of my big surprise for her. I spotted her comb, which would serve the purpose.That's when I heard the door open. Who could it be? I sniffed the air and recognized the scent. Layla entered the room and went to open the window, while I discreetly slipped the comb into my dress. Our eyes met, and I couldn't help but give her a mischievous smile. The shock on her face was worth it, as she clearly hadn't expected to see me in her old room."Annabelle," she called, her voice slightly trembling from the surprise of finding me there.Was she really alone? I didn't believe that for a second. Someone was likely waiting outside the room for her. "Hello," I responded, waving casually."What are you doing here?" she asked me, a hint of irritation in her tone."I prepared this room for you, have you forgotten? I have every right to be here since you won't be ne

The day passed quickly, and Layla once again found herself in the king's room with Elijah. They were going over her lessons when Elijah suddenly stood up from his seat and looked toward the door. Layla stood up slowly, wondering what was happening."What is it?" she asked."The king is back," Elijah replied.Before Layla could react, the door opened, and Demetrius walked in, with Lucas following closely. Layla's gaze was fixed on her mate, and she couldn't believe it. She had been waiting for this day, and now he was here. She wondered what she should do or say, so she just stood there and watched him. Elijah bowed to Demetrius."Welcome back, Alpha," Elijah said, breaking the silence."I see everything has been going well," Demetrius said, his eyes focused on his mate. She looked good, with more color returning to her face. His wolf was howling with joy at seeing his mate again."We will leave you two now," Lucas said, bowed, and left the room with Elijah, leaving Layla alone with her

Layla saw Elijah talking to Annabelle, his tone tinged with anger as he scolded her for nearly causing harm to the Luna. Annabelle had no excuse to offer and displayed no remorse for her actions. She simply shrugged and told Elijah that Layla needed to be vigilant at all times, as it was the responsibility of a good Luna. Sick of eavesdropping on their conversation, Layla quietly slipped away, avoiding being noticed.As she wandered, she crossed paths with Demetrius, who was inspecting the competitors. Layla considered dodging him before he saw her, but it was too late. He turned and grasped her hand, preventing her escape.“I still want to do this,” Layla told him before he could speak. She knew he was going to attempt to persuade her not to participate in the fight. She had learned from the best and wanted to put to use all that Elena had taught her.“You're not strong enough,” Demetrius cautioned her.“Elena said I'm good to go,” Layla replied, although she wasn't entirely convince

DEMETRIUS' POVI got ready to head to the south border; it was already late. What was Jarod thinking, coming here at this hour? I shifted into my wolf form after giving Elijah and Elena orders to watch over my mate. I wasn't about to leave her unprotected for a minute. With Red at the door, I also instructed Elijah to ensure the entire pack was well-lit. I left for the border to meet this unwanted visitor. From what I could gather, he would be the suspect behind most of the attacks on other packs, but there was no solid proof to hold against him for now, so I couldn't persecute him.When I arrived, I shifted back into my human form and made my way to where the Jarod was waiting. He stood up when he saw me approaching. I counted the men with him, twenty in total. That likely meant he came in peace, but I wasn't going to jump to any conclusions just yet. We were able to see with our wolf senses, but as the light faded, we would need to illuminate the camp area. I didn't want Jarod to s