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
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 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 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
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 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
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
Emily's POV"Without knowing the depth of this, you chose to believe I was the culprit. Isn't that cruel?” I cried, choked with sobs."Why, Jack? Why do you hate me so much?!" I screamed desperately, my heart hammering in my chest with my lips trembling as tears smeared on my pale cheeks.“Because I don't know you or where you came from. You can't just badge into my life and be my mate. Accepting you as my mate will make history repeat itself. Only if you had left when I asked you to!” He snapped.There he goes again, saying those words I can't seem to comprehend. But at this point, it seems like that was a facade he was wearing to cover up for his actions."You know what?” I stepped closer to him, “I’m tired. I've tried but I'm tired. Reject me if you want to. I don't give a damn anymore!" I ranted, turning on my heels and walked away, harshly wiping my tears."Guards!" His loud growl made me stopped involuntarily. I turned around and still found his eyes on me.The guards came runnin
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
Emily's POV The kiss grew demanding and I was having a hard time matching his pace. He continued kissing me hungrily, his hands went under my top and I flinched.His palms were cold.He pulled away, we both gasped for air hungrily. His hands went inside my nightwear and kneaded my left breast, making my eyes widened in shock.“I-I was just j-joki….” My words stuck in my throat when he claimed my lips again. This time, slow and steady.He continued breathing on my lips, dripping wet kisses from my lips, down to my neckline. He then bit my earlobe, making my toes curled. We did it the previous night, and I was expecting our second time later than now.He kept sucking and kissing my neckline. I felt a funny sensation in between my legs. He grabbed my butt cheeks, making me freeze in his hold.He raised his head and dropped a kiss on my lips.“Stop me if you don't want me to go further,” he said with a sad smiling face. I opened my mouth, unsure of what to say but he had seized the op