SOULBOUND: Forbidden Hearts

Minutes turned into an hour as she remained engrossed in the book before her. The text chronicled the history of Wolfstadt and how it had risen to become the powerful kingdom it was today.

The kingdom's origins were traced back to the Elysian hero Severus Adalwolf, who, along with his trusted companions, laid the foundation for Wolfstadt. Together, they built the four great cities that now defined the kingdom: Rose, Lady of the Valley, Bougainvillea, and Chrysanthemum City. Each city was further divided into regions, each contributing unique strengths that helped the kingdom flourish.

The capital, Rose City, served as the heart of nobility. It was where the aristocrats resided, and its streets were lined with the finest establishments, from grand academies to opulent markets. Rose City was divided into three regions: Gardenia, Jasmine, and Marigold.

Lady of the Valley, the second major city, was a bustling coastal hub. As Wolfstadt's main center for trade, it connected the kingdom to the rest of Azalia's kingdoms. Merchant ships from distant lands docked in its harbors, bringing with them exotic goods and invaluable resources. The city was supported by two vital fishing regions, Azalea and Anemone, whose thriving industries provided sustenance and trade goods for the kingdom.

The third major city, Chrysanthemum, is the agricultural and mining powerhouse of the kingdom. It is divided into two distinct regions: Poppy, known for its vast farmlands and thriving agricultural output, and Dahlia, home to the kingdom's richest mines. Together, these regions form the backbone of Wolfstadt's resources, supplying both food sustenance and materials essential for trade and military development.

Lastly, there is Bougainvillea, renowned for its expansive fields of Wolfsbane flowers. These fields are a vital resource for the kingdom, as Wolfsbane serves a variety of purposes. It is commonly used as a sedative during heats and ruts, ensuring the well-being of the population, while its potent properties make it an effective weapon for neutralizing formidable enemies.

She closed the book with a soft thud, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. She placed it carefully back on the table and stretched out on the sofa. The reading had taken a toll on her. Her eyes burned from focusing so intently. I'll continue tomorrow, she thought, letting her body relax against the cushions.

As her eyelids began to droop, she was startled by the faint sound of a door clicking open. Her heart leapt, and she jolted upright in alarm. Without thinking, she slipped off the sofa and crouched behind it as her breath caught in her throat.

Her wide eyes darted toward the door as it slowly creaked open, the sound seeming to stretch in the silence. Panic surged through her, and she scrambled to her feet, darting behind the heavy curtains by the window.

From her concealed position, she peeked out cautiously. A figure stepped into the room, their shadow stretching across the floor. Her chest tightened as recognition dawned—it was the king.

Her thoughts raced. Why is he here? What's going on? She pressed herself against the wall, the tension in her body coiling tighter with every passing second as she watched him move further into the room.

It felt as though her cover had been blown when the king spoke.

"Who's there?" his voice rang out, his tone was sharp and venomous enough to cut through the silence.

She froze as his piercing golden eyes locked onto her hiding spot. She instinctively wrapped her arms around herself as her body trembled uncontrollably with fear. The intensity of his gaze was suffocating.

"Ah," he said curtly, his tone indifferent yet laden with authority. "It's you."

Her heart raced as he began to approach, each step was dangerously slow and unhurried. The closer he got, the more she tensed, her instincts screaming for her to flee. But then, as the moonlight filtered through the curtains and illuminated him, something unexpected happened.

She was mesmerized.

The glow caught on his raven-black hair, making it shimmer like polished obsidian. His sharp golden eyes gleamed with an otherworldly light, their intensity both terrifying and captivating. He moved with a grace that seemed almost unnatural as his flowing robe failed to completely conceal the powerful physique beneath. Every detail about him exuded an air of dominance and raw strength, and despite her fear, she couldn't tear her eyes away.