Tanya’s POVI am curious to see the owner of the voice and I peer towards the door. A very pretty young woman enters the hall, and she is not alone. Her arms are intertwined with an equally handsome man and they look like a very lovely couple. They both exude a majestic and noble aura and I am very certain that they are either Royalty or Nobility. My suspicion is confirmed when the crowd suddenly bow their head very low and part ways for the couple to pass through. They are flanked by bodyguards with a few maids and servants trailing behind them.“The First Prince, Eric and his fiancée, Lily,” a servant yells and almost immediately, everyone genuflects, everyone except Marco and I. I don’t understand what is going on and I am certain that Marco, as the Second Prince and the most powerful Lycan in the kingdom is not obligated to genuflect.“You can all rise,” Eric says in a rich, smooth, baritone voice that I am certain can charm lots of women. The whole crowd rises while Eric and Lily

Lily’s POV“Well, that was an unexpected twist,” Brandon says, sitting back into the leather armchair. I walk around the lounge room at the back of the auction house like a lion pacing in a cage.“I’m sorry, is this supposed to be amusing? We had a deal!” I hiss at him. The whole point of paying Brandon was for him to get close to Tanya. How did that scrawny little nobody end up arm in arm with Marco?Brandon examines his hands, absently picking at the dirt under his fingernails. “The situation changed,” he mumbles. “It’s not personal, Lily; it’s just business. You know how auctions work, right? The prize goes to the highest bidder. You paid me well, but Alina paid me better.” “If you betray me-” I start, but he cuts me off and moves swiftly towards me before I can muster a threat. “Careful, little lady. I wouldn’t want you to break a nail. Nobility is such a delicate thing,” he whispers, his breath tickling my ear and making angry heat rise to my cheeks. “If I betray you, there’s

Tanya’s POVI can’t move fast enough as I race to get ready after work. Excitement courses through me, and I can’t wait to see Marco. The note said to meet him at the Dumonet, which is one of the fanciest restaurants in the capital. I stop by Marco’s townhouse and rummage through the new wardrobe. I’m still not used to having so many expensive clothes to choose from, and it takes me a few minutes to pick out an outfit I think my husband will like. I chose a red a-line gown, the same shade as the bouquet he sent for me. It has drooping sleeves of scarlet chiffon, a delicately fitted waistline that swoops into flowing ruffles, and pleats that resemble petals. The red fabric contrasts my snow-white skin, and I tie my sleek black hair into a graceful half-updo, pinning one of the roses from the bouquet into my hair. I try not to think of Marco’s lips as I quickly apply a soft, rosy shade tint over my nervous smile. I can only hope to look as lovely as a flower for him. When I arrive at

Tanya’s POVThe howling continues, each guttural roar more pained than the last. I know Marco told me to stay in my room no matter what, but his tortured cries pierce my soul and reverberate deep within me until I can’t take it anymore. I open the door of my room, hesitating in the hallway for a moment as my concern for Marco wars against fear and uncertainty. Finally, I reach his room, but when I knock on the door, there’s no answer. Every few minutes, there’s another pained howl, and the silence in between is just as alarming. His room is locked from the inside, and the door won’t budge when I struggle with the knob. Desperation intensifies my need to reach him, to help him. I look around until my eyes land on a decorative candelabra on the hallway counter. Another anguished howl snaps me into action, and I instinctively grab the candlestick and slam it onto the doorknob. It takes me a few tries until I manage to knock the metal hard enough that the lock gives in, and I’m able to

Tanya’s POVThe moment the door swings open, I’m struck by a variety of delectable scents. My eyes widen as I step inside and take in the sight of the quaint space in the attic. The room has been refurbished with a large desk and several shelves full of equipment and ingredients. There are several copper and glass distillation stills, as well as various tubes, beakers, and droppers. The shelves are lined with jars of dried herbs, barks, and resins. There are also vials with a variety of solvents and oils. The equipment and materials here are brand new and sophisticated, only of the highest quality. The smells that fill the air are so delectable that my heart skips a beat. Marco has even provided a few blank journals for me to record different formulas and take notes. It’s not just a hobby room; this is a fully stocked laboratory for me to create perfumes and potions. The little apothecary shop he’s made for me right in his townhouse is a dream come true. This space is perfect for m