Jackson's POV As soon as she was gone, I collapsed into a chair, burying my face in my hands. Josh’s voice broke through the silence. “You’re an idiot.” “Shut up,” I muttered, but the truth of his words lingered. Because no matter how hard I tried to fight it, I knew one thing for certain. I was already hers. Having enough, I stood up and went out of the room. But my steps halted, I turned around and my gaze fell directly on the book she added back to the shelf. Something in me wanted to see what she read. I went closer to it, but instead of bringing out the book she took, I found myself bringing out the one beside it. My hands shivered as I pulled it out. The designs was still there, but they looked old and faded now. The book was wrapped in a fancy pink cover, colorful stickers were plastered all over it. But the words inside weigh heavier than how it looks. My fingers rubbed the sticker, and I found myself pondering about how the book came up. ––– “Hey, babe,” I greeted a
Emily's POVI slammed my door shut behind me, leaning against it as I tried to catch my breath. I fisted my hands into a tight balls, trying to control my anger.How dare he do that to me?!“B@stard. Idiot. Stupid. Mean. Monster.” I called all sort sort of names, under my breath with my gritted teeth.My chest heaved, and I pressed my palms against my heated cheeks. My fingers brushed through my lips and I was reminded of our little moment.His kiss lingered on my lips like a phantom touch, setting my skin alight. My emotions were a swirling storm—confusion, anger, and… something else. Something deeper.Why did he kiss me? Why did he hold me like that, only to push me away again?I slid to the floor, clutching my knees to my chest. My heart was still racing, but now, it wasn’t just because of the kiss. It was because of the ache his rejection had left behind."Not like her." His broken words echoed in my mind, and I clenched my fists. She has a way to intruding into our moment, and t
Emily's POV “It's fine. Apology accepted.” I mumbled, trying to maintain my cool. “But I won't tolerate such an act from you next time.” I snapped. She raised her head, about to say something but her eyes looked down at my legs. My brows furrowed wondering if something was wrong. “Still doubting her?” a soft voice interrupted my thoughts behind us. I turned to see Lady Elena approaching us, her long silver hair flowing behind her and her calculating eyes locked on me like she was assessing every breath I took. Jackson appeared at her side moments later, his imposing frame making the narrow corridor feel even more cramped. His intense gaze flicked between Kiara, Lady Elena, and me, but he stayed quiet, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. I looked away before our eyes could meet, what was he doing here? I thought. The maids began to disperse and the guards, leaving only the four of us here. “Mummy!” Kiara called out longingly before going to cling to her side. I was surprised
Author’s POVJackson clenched his fist, his eyes on the witch. Wondering what she could be doing here. Then Josh's words echoed in his mind.“She’s digging into the past. She’ll find the truth. She’ll leave.”“Who is she?” Emily whispered behind him, interrupting his thoughts. She was still confused as to why this old lady had called him Adams.Jackson turned my head, without seeing Emily's face and glanced back at Harper again.She was just a child then, her mother was the greatest sorcerer when Hawja Shawna was still flourishing. Her mother, Astrid, was the one who made Jackson become immortal. Her death was natural, out of old age.But Harper was alive when it all happened, she might be a little kid then but she remembers. Every little detail which wasn't settled well with Jackson.Harper maintained the blissful smile that was playing on her lips. Then her smile began to falter when her gaze shifted to Emily's, who was peeping through Jack's shoulder.She was disappointed because sh
Emily’s POVThe ride was quiet, the air thick with unspoken words. I sat behind Jack on his horse, my arms loosely wrapped around his waist. His broad back was straight, his posture as rigid as always. The rhythmic sound of the horse's hooves against the ground provided a strange kind of comfort. I rested my chin lightly on his shoulder, my gaze lingering on the back of his neck. His scent filled my nose, and I found myself in a deep comfort.My thoughts wandered to what I had pieced together so far—about Harper’s mother and the role she played in Jack’s immortality. The idea of someone willingly binding him to this endless existence both fascinated and horrified me. And I found myself wondering what kind of man he was before he became an immortal.Was he always this guarded? This distant? Or was it the centuries of loneliness and betrayal that shaped him into what he was now?I sighed softly, my breath ghosting against his neck. He didn’t turn or acknowledge it. His aloofness was
Emily’s POVMy eyes fluttered open groggily, my head was banging. What I saw was a long wooden stool in front of me. I tried to stand up but my stomach hurts. And my legs. Together with my arms.In fact, my whole body hurts.But carefully, I managed to sit upright. I brought my hair to my shoulder, it was really dirty. I couldn't understand the color. And my clothes… my eyes looked down at my dress. It looks to be a white gown, it's original color but it was soaked with a red dried liquid. My eyes widened in shock when I thought of the possibilities that it could be my blood.My lips trembled as I glanced around. ‘Am I dead? Is this afterlife?’ I thought, my eyes scanning through the surroundings.It was a building, some parts filled with growing grasses and spirogyra. The floor was cold and cemented, I stood up carefully.Why don't I have any memories of myself?All I knew was that I just woke up from a deep slumber. Given how my body was aching this badly. “H-Hello….” I stuttered,
Emily’s POV “Thank you so much for helping,” I acknowledged, smiling at Gianna’s reflection in the mirror as she brushed my hair. She returned the smile, though her dark eyes never left my hair. “You’re welcome. But don’t mistake this for charity,” she said, her voice soft but unnerving. Our eyes met in the mirror, and I blinked in confusion. “What do you mean?” “You’ll pay for my help. Not with money, of course.” She smiled faintly, a small tilt of her head that made her look almost amused. “I’ll be taking the bead from your locket. The pearl inside is... powerful. If someone with an impure heart touches it, they go blind temporarily until they confess their crimes. And if they don’t...” She paused, her lips curling slightly. “Well, they lose their sight forever.” My mouth went dry, and I instinctively looked down at the locket resting against my chest. The thought of giving it away made my stomach twist, but I nodded. “O-Okay,” I stammered. She didn’t say anything, just
Emily’s POVI groaned as the sound of chirping birds yanked me out of sleep. My muscles ached, my back was stiff, and the scratchy blanket felt heavier than usual. The chill of the morning air seeped through the tent, and for a moment, I debated just pulling the blanket over my head.But the dream...I blinked my eyes open, staring at the tent’s fabric ceiling. Why was I dreaming about my resurrection? It had felt so real, like I was reliving that moment. I could still hear the voices, feel the weight of everything that day had meant.Events of the last few years flooded my mind, I found myself empathizing with myself for all the years of heartbreak I've endured. All because I wanted him to accept me as his mate.I shook my head, trying not to dwell deeper. I might have had the dream out of exhaustion, playing tricks on my mind. Pushing the thoughts aside, I sat up, stretching my arms. My back ached from sleeping on the makeshift bedroll Jack had insisted we use during this journey.
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