e day. She was too tired and upset to move forward with any of the plans for exploration. She carelessly slid the veil off her body, dropping it on the

eaded but better .it was every bit soothing on warm summer nights. Her eyelids felt heavy, so she let them rest. Sleep was clouding her mind, and she was slowly slipping away into its haze. "Nova," a voice echoed in her ears-a voice she hadn't heard before today, one she was longing to hear. Her heart began beating erratically,after a few deep breaths. She curled and turned to her side, clutching a pillow She had made a resolution not to talk to His Highness until he had apologized to her properly, but he saw it all crumble the moment she heard his voice. "Beloved", are you asleep?" The voice called again, and this time the Omega answered. "Your Highness," Nova replied, breathless. The smooth voice rang in her mind like sweet honey; it felt as if one of the missing pieces finally fit into her. "Would you rather sleep?" His Highness asked with gentleness in his tone, as if he felt he would scare her away if he were any louder. Gone was the confidence, from his voice that was present when he had uttered that one sentence to Nova when the omega had arrived-I won't hurt you this time.' ] His words were slippery as if he were intoxicated. No, I'd rather listen to Your Highness than fall asleep," Nova uttered with a smile, disbelief in her senses. She feared she was dreaming that his Highness had finally reached out to her. She adjusted her head on the pillow, as if that would help her listen to the conversation happening in his head properly. " Call me Zane," he said. "Call me by name, my beloved." Nova's breathing hitched, She felt it was hard to even utter a word. No one knew of the ruler's true name except his mother the moon goddess; werewolves called him the first King, and they addressed him as the progenitor, but no one had ever had the privilege to even know, no less utter, the ruler's true name. Zane gave him his name. River felt overwhelmed, but wasn't this how It was supposed to be? She was glad that they were finally communicating, but it hurt that the other was drunk. She wondered if the king would remember that they talked when the morning came and if he would still allow her to call him by his name. Zane, too, was in his lonely bed. The right side of the bed was left empty for his one and only companion. He's never allowed anyone to sleep there, and he never would. His official robes were still on him, his long raven hair messily splayed out on the bed, but he couldn't care less. -"...Zane" Nova finally whispered, even if it's just for this moment, she would bask in it. Zane, on the other hand, felt emotions so great. For the first time in his existence in the mortal realm, someone called him 'Zane. His mate had called his name in devotion, even after everything that happened. Even when he had ignored her for years, shut her out, and hurt her When she was young, he was scared he would hurt her more. He didn't deserve his belo