Dawn broke over the werewolf kingdom, casting the castle in a soft amber glow as life stirred within its walls. Sarina, wrapped in the guise of Princess Elara, moved through her new reality with purpose, though every step she took reminded her of the dark power simmering beneath her skin. In these marble halls, her ambitions were hidden behind Elara's practiced gentleness, but the path she intended to carve was far from innocent.
She had no time to waste. Her encounter with Rian had been a reminder of how close she was to being unmasked. Though she had quelled his suspicions for now, his lingering gaze and the warmth he offered her were already becoming a distraction. Still, she felt confident she could turn his affections to her advantage. After all, Rian was a trusted figure in the king's inner circle, and his access would prove invaluable.
But today, Sarina's attention was set on her next step: ingratiating herself with the king and gaining his trust. She had carefully studied Elara's habits, piecing together a routine that was equal parts charm and careful diplomacy. The princess often spent mornings in her father's study, assisting him with correspondence, bringing news from the court, and maintaining a close bond that ran deeper than most realized. Sarina had to mirror that closeness — it was her clearest path to the Eclipse Stone.
When she arrived at the king's private study, she hesitated for a moment outside the heavy wooden door, aware that every gesture, every breath, would need to echo Elara's familiarity with her father. She knocked lightly, allowing herself a moment to breathe before stepping inside.
The king looked up, his gaze softening when he saw her. "Elara," he greeted warmly, gesturing for her to join him. He wore the dark robes of his station, his crown resting on a nearby stand, a symbol of his rule and the power he held. Sarina was no stranger to kings, but this one was unlike the weak, corrupt rulers she had encountered before. His aura exuded strength and wisdom — traits that made him an obstacle she could not easily dismiss.
"Father," she replied, adding a hint of warmth to her voice. The word felt foreign, almost uncomfortable on her tongue, but she managed to infuse it with enough familiarity. She took a seat across from him, glancing down at the scrolls strewn across his desk. As she looked at the sprawling lines of ink, she felt the strange pull of genuine curiosity. The affairs of a kingdom were not what she was used to studying, but each document here could reveal opportunities, weaknesses — any edge she could use to her advantage.
The king leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze seeming to search her face. "You've been quieter than usual, Elara. Are you feeling well?"
Sarina forced herself to hold his gaze, masking the discomfort that stirred within her. She needed to turn this questioning into trust, to build a rapport that would ensure he never doubted her.
"I've been thinking about our people, Father," she replied softly, recalling Elara's gentle manner and words. "I've heard there are tensions with the border villages. Do we have enough resources to protect them?"
The king's expression shifted, surprise mingling with admiration. He nodded thoughtfully. "You've grown wise, Elara. I see the way you care for our people, and it reminds me of your mother. She, too, was deeply connected to this kingdom and its people."
Sarina felt a flicker of unease at the mention of the queen, a figure she hadn't yet fully researched. But she took it as a cue to ask more, to build on the memories she would need to embody.
"Tell me more about her," she urged, adopting a gentle curiosity.
The king's face softened as he leaned back, lost in thought. "Your mother was my strength and balance. She believed that a ruler must have both wisdom and compassion to guide their people. She would walk the villages herself, speaking to the people, hearing their concerns." He smiled, almost wistfully. "She had a way of inspiring loyalty, a gift I see in you as well."
Sarina nodded, feigning understanding while her mind worked furiously. She realized now that the queen's legacy was more deeply ingrained in the family than she'd anticipated. If she could embody even a shade of this woman's spirit, the royal family might see her as the true heir. She was already weaving a new persona, one as graceful as it was deceptive.
Later that evening, after she had dismissed the handmaidens from her chambers, Sarina allowed herself to drop her smile, the gentle facade giving way to her true, shadowed self. The day's events swirled in her mind as she sat by the open window, gazing out over the kingdom.
Every interaction was a delicate thread in her web of deception, each one designed to bind her closer to the royal family, but she knew the biggest threat to her plan was still Rian. He was as observant as he was skeptical, and she could sense he wasn't entirely convinced by her facade. His loyalty to Elara ran too deep, and that, she realized, was the flaw she could exploit.
Tomorrow, she would turn her focus on Rian. She would have to become the Elara he trusted — and maybe even loved.
The following morning, Sarina found herself in the training yard, where the royal guards were honing their skills under the watchful eyes of their captain. She watched them from a shaded corner, her gaze roaming over the impressive display of strength and skill. Then she caught sight of Rian, his tall figure unmistakable among the others, moving with a graceful intensity as he sparred with one of the younger guards.
A glint of sweat lined his brow, and his movements were fluid and precise, his body a testament to years of training. He seemed lost in concentration, every swing of his sword deliberate, every step calculated. Watching him stirred something unexpected within her, a sensation that was both unnerving and exhilarating. Rian's strength was not just physical; his unwavering loyalty and sense of duty were equally powerful. He was, in every way, a formidable ally — and a dangerous threat.
She waited until his training session ended and approached him as he was sheathing his sword, feigning an expression of interest and admiration.
"Rian," she called softly, her voice carrying just enough warmth to catch his attention. He turned, his gaze meeting hers, and for a brief moment, she thought she saw a glimmer of surprise in his eyes.
"Elara." He inclined his head respectfully, though his stance remained guarded. "I didn't expect to see you here."
Sarina offered a gentle smile, one she hoped conveyed Elara's fondness for him. "I came to watch. You're quite skilled, Rian. The kingdom is lucky to have a protector like you."
His lips quirked into a small smile, though she could see his suspicion lingering. "Thank you, Princess. Your words mean a lot."
She took a small step closer, letting her gaze linger on his face, trying to create a sense of intimacy. "I know you're someone my family trusts deeply, Rian, and… I want you to know I feel the same."
He hesitated, his expression flickering between wariness and something softer. Sarina could see the conflict in his eyes, the way he weighed her words, perhaps even wanted to believe them.
"You've always been there for me," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's good to know that I can count on you."
Rian's gaze softened, the tension in his posture easing just slightly. "You know I would do anything to protect you, Elara," he replied, his voice tinged with a sincerity that almost made her feel a pang of guilt — almost.
Sarina smiled, letting her hand rest lightly on his arm. It was a simple touch, one meant to convey trust and closeness, but she felt her heart race, a sensation she had not anticipated.
"Thank you, Rian," she murmured, her words carrying more weight than she intended. For a moment, the world around them faded, and she was aware only of his presence, his steady gaze, the warmth of his hand where it lightly touched hers.
But she quickly pulled back, reminding herself of the game she was playing. This was a tool, a means to secure his loyalty. And yet, as she walked away, she couldn't help but feel the lines between her deception and something real beginning to blur.
For the first time, her confidence wavered, a small crack in the armor she had built around herself. She told herself it was just another step in her plan. But as the day wore on, she couldn't quite shake the feeling that her connection with Rian might become the one piece of her disguise that could either save her — or unravel her.