Author's POV “Remember you said there must be a reason why I approached you?” Astrid reminded Adams, looking down at him with a pleased smile.After all, she has got what she wanted already. She had her own plans all along. Kept it from Kaira as well.She didn’t just want to help Adams gain power; she wanted something much bigger as the process of helping Adams will bring her what she wanted.She wanted her daughter, Harper, to live a healthy life once again. Who had been cursed because of Astrid’s careless experiments with dark magic, and the sickness had clung to daughter for centuries. To save Harper, Astrid needed a human’s pure heart. But that wasn’t all. The sickness couldn’t just disappear, it needed a new host. And Adams, desperate for power, was the perfect choice.That is to say, human was part of the ritual needed to make the transformation happen. It was only the blood of a human needed, but Astrid took Alan's heart also. To give her daughter, and transfer the sickness
Kiara’s POVI sat on my bed, staring blankly at the wall in front of me. My plan had failed miserably, but that wasn't the end.This was part of my miserable days. And my good days are coming.Those thoughts consumed me, making me feel empty. The silence in my mind was louder than any scream I had ever heard. I wasn’t crying, nor was I angry. I just felt… nothing.The knock on my door startled me, but I didn’t move from the bed, nor did I acknowledge it. Whoever it was could leave for all I cared. I wasn’t in the mood to entertain anyone.The door creaked open despite my silence, and I turned my head slightly. My breath caught in my throat when she entered.“Hi.” She smiled mischievously, looking at me as if she had been looking for me. I sat upright with my mouth agape.“Who… are you?” I asked carefully, to be sure that she was the one. Yet, she didn't respond and only grinned widely.I blinked, trying to process what I was seeing. “You… you’re Harper?” My voice came out hoarse.S
Emily’s POVIt felt like I was sinking into darkness, pulled deeper and deeper into a void I couldn’t escape. I whimpered, trying to open my eyes, but it was as though my body wasn’t mine to control. The air around me felt heavy, suffocating, and every attempt to speak was swallowed by silence.A tear slid down my cheeks as I groaned in discomfort. I fisted on the bed, my knuckles turning white as I continued to groan and turn painfully.The overwhelming anguish that filled my heart, and the excruciating pain that came after his claws pierced my neck, everything danced together, making it difficult for me to breathe. I barely registered a hand that was on my shoulders, pressed gently but firmly as the hand tried to steady and pull me back to reality.I wanted to scream, wail before water was splashed on my face. I jolted up from sleep instantly, letting out a loud gasp.“Emily!” Called an impatient voice beside me. The voice owner sat on the bed with me, held my hands and looked at
Emily's POV “I'm warning you, put me down now!” The more I growl, the more his grip on me tightened. It was uncomfortable for me with my head being upside down.“Don't struggle, I'm not letting you go.” He growled back silently. I gritted my teeth, continue hitting his butt.He will surely get tired.I was about to continue yelling at him to put me down when he suddenly blared.“Mason!” He called as we entered the main arena. I calmed down a little, wondering what was going on. He sounded angry.“Your majesty!” I heard Mason's voice shortly after with his approaching running footsteps. I badly wanted to look, but I couldn't.“Bring Harper to me right here.” He ordered, and my eyes twitched in surprise. What is he trying to do?“Continue to do your business and let me go. I just woke up and I MIGHT PUKE!” I tried to make him understand as struggling. But he turned his deaf ears to me.“I'm here.” I heard a voice. That was Harper.I could feel Jack turning to her, and his arms loosene
Emily's POV “That's not for you to say!” Harper interjected promptly before anyone could digest my words.“And you shouldn't have stepped in here!” I fired back.“I helped you.”“A witch like you will surely have a motive. I didn't ask for you, so don't expect a prize for it.” I spat at her with a glare.Her presence alone was riling me up.“Wait. Wait. Wait.” Lady Elena cut in, sounding confused. I exhaled a sharp breath, tucked my hair behind my ear as I continued to heavy deep breaths.“Who is Alan?” She questioned, and I turned to her. She looks lost and confused.Kiara's mouth was agape, and Jack still looks the same.“Was he the specimen you were talking about?” Harper didn't respond to Kiara's question, but kept looking upset.“I knew about everything.” Jack spoke up and my brows raised in disbelief. His hands were fisted behind him, before his gaze found mine.“I knew that he wasn't dead. Or maybe it was a guess but my instincts were right all along.” He added, and I couldn't
Jackson’s POVI gazed at Emily, and for a moment, my resolve wavered. Her eyes were wide, filled with disbelief and something I couldn’t quite place—pain, maybe? Fear? I forced myself to look away. If I stared too long, I might lose the cold mask I had worked hard on to appear being aloof.She deserved so much more than I had given her. That much I knew. But knowing didn’t make it any easier to face her.Taking her to the human world wasn’t just a plan; it was my last-ditch effort to fix things, to help her regain her memories and give her a chance to find herself again before Harper jumped in before I could.If I couldn’t be what she needed, at least I could take her to the other seers, where she belonged. That was my redemption. At the very least, I've embraced the fact that I'll get killed by her. But her interpretation of the prophecy made me face-palmed inwardly, I've messed with her and accused her wrongly. Twice.Still, a selfish part of me wanted to make new memories with h
Emily’s POVJack led the way to my room upstairs, I refused to say a word to him. Because I still don't get why I've to be here.Entering the bedroom, the room felt too quiet, too big. I stood near the door, my arms crossed, before turning to Jack who just shut the door behind him.“Why are we here ?” My voice was calm, but inside, I was anything but.He leaned against the door, his hands shoved into his pockets. “Being in the palace will distract my mind from you, that's why we're here. Also….” He paused. “I brought you here to help you find your way back to the other seers.” His tone was flat, distant. I frowned, “What's the supposed to mean?”“Mason and Zaza haven't stopped looking for Gianna. Once she's found, you're free to leave with her.” He asserted, avoiding my eyes.His words stung, and I don't know why. I should’ve been happy, relieved, even that I would finally be free of him. But hearing those words from him casually made me feel something cold stabbed my chest.Trying
Emily’s POVI woke up to the faint clatter of plates. My head was still heavy from sleep, and for a moment, I just laid there. After a few seconds, I rose up from the bed.I found Jack with a tray of food, a smile on his lips.“Good morning,” he greeted, walking into the room and brought the tray of food closer to me.“You didn't knock on the door to ask for my permission before entering,” I said, raising an eyebrow as I crossed my arms, trying to keep my tone even despite the irritation bubbling within me.“I brought you breakfast.” He said instead.I adjusted my position on the bed when I heard him, blinking at him. His kind gesture doesn't suit his demeanor in anyway, besides, I don't like the fact that his face was the first thing I saw this morning.“I didn’t ask for it.” I said flatly. He sighed, setting the tray on the bedside table. “You’re just recuperating, and yesterday's journey…”“When did you start worrying about me?” I interrupted him. He kept gazing at me without resp
Annabelle’s POV I stirred in my sleep, feeling strange as if a weight had lifted off my chest, yet my heart ached with something I couldn’t fully grasp. Then, in an instant, memories came flooding back—everything I had forgotten, everything I had done. The past ten years crashed into me like a violent wave, stealing my breath as I fluttered my eyes opened. I sat upright, clutched the sheets, my hands trembling as the realization sank in. Oh, God. What have I done? I thought tears welling in my eyes already before a soft knock pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. My throat tightened. “Come in,” I whispered, barely recognizing my own voice. The door creaked open, and Adams stepped inside, his eyes downcast, as if he were afraid to look at me. My chest clenched at the sight of him—so much thinner, his once-proud stance now slumped, his hair slightly disheveled as if sleep had long abandoned him. He held a tray of food in his hands, gripping it so tightly his knuckles turne
Author's POV“She doesn’t remember you at all?” Jack shook his head. Madison frowned deeply, arms crossed as she listened to Jackson after he explained to her that Emily had woken up but doesn't remember him. “She looked at me… it was like I was nothing.” His voice cracked slightly, but he pushed through. “Why? Why doesn't she remember me?” He asked, his tone pleading. She had looked him in the eye, completely blank, as if he were a stranger.Madison sighed, rubbing her temples. “It could be the aftereffects of Harper’s mark. We don’t know exactly what it did to her mind.” She paused before adding, “We need to test this. Bring Mason and Zaza. Let’s see if she really remembers them together with me.”Jackson hesitated. He wasn’t sure what he was hoping for. If she recognized them, it meant she was still herself—just without him. But if she didn’t remember them either, then he had to face the terrifying possibility that Harper had changed her forever.Regardless, he nodded. “Alright
Jackson's POV It had been two long, agonizing months. Every day since Emily fell into that coma, I felt as if I was drowning in my own guilt. Sitting beside her motionless body, I dabbed her forehead with a wet cloth, my hands trembling. Her pale face made my chest ache in ways I couldn’t put into words. Tears streamed down my cheeks freely. I didn’t bother wiping them anymore. What was the point? Every moment replayed in my head, the way she had sacrificed herself for me again without a second thought. That image of her collapsing haunted me. I reached for her hand, clasping it tightly in mine. “Please, Ann,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Please wake up. I miss you so much.” My lips brushed against her knuckles as I choked back a sob. “You promised to give me a response to my apology once everything is over. But you're not here with me to see it, my love. I need you... please.” The weight of my mistakes crushed me every second of every day. If I could trade places with he
The moment Emily smashed the crystal ball against the ground, the yard erupted in chaos. A blinding light consumed everything, its intensity forcing everyone to shield their eyes. She staggered backward as an overwhelming surge of energy left her body, her knees giving way beneath her. She collapsed to the ground, her vision blurring as she fought to stay conscious. “Ann!” Adams’ voice cracked as he saw her fall. His heart pounded in panic, but his body refused to cooperate. Bound to the tree and weakened by the poisoned blade, he could only watch helplessly. Harper let out a blood-curdling scream, her hands clawing at the air as she fell to her knees. A thick, black substance oozed from her mouth, her once confident smirk replaced by pure agony. Beside her, Alan mirrored her pain, convulsing violently as the same dark energy poured out of him. Adams clenched his teeth, forcing his gaze away from Harper and Alan to focus on Emily. His instincts screamed at him to get to her, but
Jackson’s POV The sight of Alan standing before me was like a blow to the chest. I could barely believe my eyes. Someone I thought I had lost forever was here, alive, breathing, and yet... there was something wrong. His eyes were dark, hollow, and devoid of the warmth I remembered. "Alan," I managed to say, my voice thick with disbelief. "Is it really you?" He didn't answer. Instead, he smiled-a cruel, empty grin that sent chills down my spine-and before I could react, he dragged a sharp knife across my chest. "Goddess!" I hissed in pain, stumbling back. My hand instinctively went to the wound as warmth spread across my skin. “Alan, stop! What are you doing?" He didn't stop. His movements were quick and deliberate, like a predator closing in on its prey. I dodged as he lunged at me again, the knife narrowly missing my side. “Alan, listen to me!" I pleaded, trying to catch his wrist. "We need to talk. This isn't you-” But he wasn't listening. His entire focus was on one t
Emily's POV I stood inside the tent, pacing back and forth. My heart was restless, and my mind kept wandering to Adams. I had tried to focus on the little things around me, but nothing helped. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his face, heard his voice, and imagined the mess he was walking into. I paused by the entrance, listening carefully. His retreating footsteps reached my ears, and I couldn’t help but whisper a prayer. Moon Goddess, keep him safe for me. Help him fight his battles and come back unharmed. But a part of me kept nagging: was I really doing the right thing by staying behind? Should I have pushed harder to go with him? The tent was too quiet, and my thoughts were too loud. I flopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling, but my mind wouldn’t stop racing. Where was he now? Was he okay? Suddenly, I heard footsteps outside. My heart jumped, and I immediately sat up. The sound was faint, almost careful, like someone was trying not to be heard. My chest tightened, an
Jackson’s POV I stood outside the tent, staring at the flap as it fell shut behind Emily. She glanced back at me one last time before going in, and my chest tightened at the thought of leaving her here. But I didn’t have a choice. Releasing a shaky breath, I turned on my heels, pulled out my phone, and dialed Zaza. His voice came through almost immediately. “She’s there,” I said, glancing back at the tent. “Make sure she’s safe. Nothing happens to her, Zaza. You hear me?” “Understood,” he replied calmly. “I’ll make sure of it.” I exhaled, relieved, but my mind was already racing to the next problem. “And Kiara?” “She hasn’t left the location,” Zaza confirmed. “Same place as before.” “Good,” I muttered, hanging up without another word. I headed back to where I had parked my car. I dialed Mason this time, and he picked up after the first ring. “Meet me at the location I'll sending the address you to you.” I got his affirmation before disconnecting the car. As I slid the phone
Emily's POVI sat quietly in the passenger seat as he drove us along a winding road surrounded by towering trees. The further we went, the quieter it became, like we were leaving the world behind. The silence in the car was heavy, and it gnawed at me. I turned to him, breaking the quiet.“Adams, where are we going exactly?”He didn’t answer, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. I frowned. “Adams, you’re not seriously going to ignore me, are you?”He glanced at me briefly, “A few minutes more. Are you scared that I was going to kidnap you?”“Very funny.” I turned my head outside the window, slouched in my seat, crossing my arms. Whatever he was planning, I hope he does it well.It wasn’t long before the car slowed down and came to a stop in front of what looked like an old, abandoned graveyard. The air was eerily still, and the overcast sky gave the place a gloomy feel. My stomach knotted.“Why are we here?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Adams stepped out of the car, and I he
Emily's POVI woke up late in the afternoon, feeling sluggish. For a moment, I stayed curled under the duvet, trying to make sense of my surroundings. But something felt off—something warm and familiar was missing. My eyes blinked open, and sure enough, Adams wasn’t beside me anymore.Sitting up, a sharp pain shot through my neck, making me wince. My fingers brushed over the sore spot instinctively, and that’s when it hit me. A sheepish smile crept onto my lips.I slipped out of bed, not even caring that I was completely naked. There was only one thing on my mind as I stumbled toward the mirror.When I saw the mark on my neck, my heart swelled with joy. His mark. My fingertips traced the slightly raised edges of it, glowing faintly under the dim light. It felt surreal, almost like a dream. I let out a shaky breath and told myself, Soon, everything will fall into place. Jack and I... no, Adams and I will finally have our happily ever after.With that thought keeping me grounded, I h