41ANNALISEAdrian stood before me, his expression a mix of hope and vulnerability that tugged at my heart. I had never seen him look so earnest, and the intensity in his eyes made my own pulse quicken.I tried to steady my breath, but the weight of the moment was almost too much to bear. “Annalise,” Adrian began, his voice steady but laden with emotion. “I need to know where we stand. I’ve told you how I feel, but I need an answer. What are your feelings for me?”His question hung in the air like a heavy curtain. I had been avoiding this conversation, hoping it would somehow resolve itself. But now, faced with his pleading eyes and heartfelt confession, I knew I couldn’t delay any longer. I had to confront my own emotions, however painful that might be.“I... I don’t know how to answer that,” I started, my voice barely a whisper. “I’ve been so confused. I thought I knew what I felt, but everything’s been so chaotic.”Adrian’s gaze grew more intense, his worry evident. “You have to kn
42ANNALISEI stood in the doorway of my father’s study, unsure of how to begin. My heart felt heavy with the weight of everything that had happened. Adrian and I had broken up. The man who had stood by me, saved me, even reversed time for me, was no longer a part of my life. But the sting of his absence wasn’t what gnawed at me the most. It was Spencer—his twisted manipulations, his cruelty, and the way he continued to move through life, unscathed. I had this growing need to expose him, to bring his evil into the light. I knew I had to do something. But where could I even start?I stepped into the room, my footsteps barely making a sound on the soft rug. My father sat by the window, He looked peaceful, as if the world wasn’t closing in on me.“Father, I need to talk to you.” The words felt stiff in my throat, but I forced them out. He turned his head toward me, his eyes soft but knowing. He always seemed to know when something was weighing on me.He motioned for me to sit, and I lowe
43ANNALISETIME LOOPThe night air was cold and thick with silence, a stillness that only heightened the tension gripping my chest. I stood watch over the tower, the village below asleep and unaware of the dangers lurking beyond. The moon cast a ghostly glow over the trees, and every shadow seemed to shift and slither like a predator waiting for its moment. I couldn’t shake the unease that crawled up my spine.Spencer was supposed to meet me here tonight. I’d felt a strange urgency when we planned to meet, like something terrible was brewing. My hand tightened around the hilt of the dagger hidden beneath my cloak. Where was he?I closed my eyes for a moment, reaching out with my senses. The pulse of the forest felt off. Something dark was stirring, something ancient. The scent of damp earth and moss filled my lungs, but beneath it, I caught the faintest whiff of something else. Incense—sharp and foreign—whispering through the air. A cold dread settled over me. I’d only ever encounter
44ANNALISEI woke up gasping for breath, my heart racing as if I had been running for hours. The nightmare again. The same one that had haunted my sleep for as long as I could remember. But this time, the faces were clearer, the betrayal more vivid. A name lingered on my lips—Spencer—though I couldn’t recall why. My body trembled, drenched in sweat, as I tried to piece together the fragments of what I had just seen.But the dream slipped away like water through my fingers, leaving me with nothing but a lingering dread. I sat up and glanced around, disoriented. Where was I?The room was dimly lit, filled with strange shadows cast by objects that looked older than time itself. Shelves were lined with trinkets, dusty relics, and books bound in faded leather. The air smelled of old wood and incense, a combination that felt both calming and unsettling at the same time.An antique shop.I stood on shaky legs, my limbs heavy and weak. My head throbbed as if it had been smashed against a wal
45ANNALISEThe strange connection between Adrian and me was undeniable. It lingered in the air between us like a soft hum, always present, always pulling us closer. At first, I couldn’t explain it. I barely knew him, yet something deep inside me felt drawn to him, as if our fates were intertwined long before I’d stumbled into his antique shop.Adrian had been kind to me, patient even. He didn’t pressure me to remember my past, but I could see the questions in his eyes every time he glanced my way. I’d been in his care for days now, maybe even weeks, helping him around the shop as I regained my strength. The more time we spent together, the more comfortable I felt in his presence, yet there was always a flicker of doubt in the back of my mind. Who was I? Why had I lost my memory? And why was I so hesitant to trust him completely?I found myself waking up each morning with the same strange dreams and flashbacks, warning me of betrayal, of a loved one who would turn against me. The face
46ANNALISEThe moment those young men barged into Adrian’s shop, I felt a chill in the air. They looked dangerous—wild eyes, rough voices, and an arrogance that clung to them like smoke. Adrian stood between them and his antique shelves, his hands up in a gesture of peace. I could see the tension in his jaw, the way his muscles tensed, ready for a fight.“We’re not here to talk,” one of them growled, pushing Adrian back. “We want the materials. The old stuff.”“You can’t just take whatever you want,” Adrian’s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. He wasn’t going to back down easily.“Move!” Another one stepped forward, shoving Adrian harder. He stumbled, and before I could react, they started hitting him. One blow after another, fists connecting with his body until Adrian collapsed on the floor, groaning.Something inside me snapped. I didn’t even think. I stepped forward, my voice steady despite the anger building in my chest. “Stop. Drop the items and leave.”One of the men
47ANNALISEAdrian sat across from me, the old leather-bound book spread open between us. His fingers traced the worn pages with a reverence I hadn’t seen in him before. The room was dimly lit, with only a flickering candle casting shadows on the walls. I could sense his excitement, but I could also feel the tension in the air. Something about what he had discovered weighed heavily on him.“Annalise,” he began, his voice calm but serious, “this is more than just a fight for survival. It’s… it’s part of something bigger.”I glanced at him, my heart beating faster. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of confusion, discoveries, and unsettling realizations. I didn’t know who I really was, not fully. And every time I thought I was close to understanding, something new appeared to pull me deeper into this mystery.He pointed to a passage in the book, the text written in an ancient script. “There’s a prophecy. It talks about a guardian, a woman, who must defeat her enemies to break a cyc
48ANNALISEFLASHBACKThe scent of incense filled the air, sweet and calming, but there was an odd tension underneath it. I sat across from Spencer in his small study, watching the smoke curl and dance around him like a living thing. He had taken to burning incense lately, a habit I hadn’t noticed before. It wasn’t just the smell—it was how he seemed different when he was around it. His eyes would glaze over slightly, his focus elsewhere, like he was drifting between worlds.“You’ve been using a lot of these lately,” I said, eyeing the small burner on the table between us. “What’s the reason?”Spencer looked at me, a slight smile playing on his lips. His dark eyes, usually so sharp and intense, softened as the smoke swirled around him. “I’ve been reading about how different incenses can help clear the mind, make it easier to store knowledge. With all the history I’m tasked with remembering, it helps.”His explanation was casual, but something about it didn’t sit right with me. Spencer
90JANETThe night felt endless as I tossed and turned, caught in a whirlpool of nightmares. Each time I closed my eyes, Marcus’s screams echoed in my mind, piercing the dark like a knife. His face twisted in terror, eyes wide with panic. I could feel his fear wrap around me like a cold fog, suffocating and real.I jolted awake, my heart racing. The remnants of his screams clung to the edges of my consciousness. I tried to sit up, but my body felt heavy, as if I were dragging a weight behind me. The bed sheets were tangled around my legs, and I fought to free myself, but the dream lingered, making it hard to breathe.As I finally pulled myself upright, I felt a sharp heat on my shoulder, and instinctively, I pressed my fingers against the spot where Marcus had marked me. It burned. The area felt hot and red, a reminder of his twisted claim on me. I shivered, recalling his words echoing in my mind: *You will forever partake in my suffering and pain.*The bitterness of those words twist
89ANNALISEI stood in the clearing, the remnants of our victory still echoing in my ears, I turned to face Janet. The moment felt monumental, heavy with the weight of our shared past. I had witnessed her strength, her courage, and I knew she was ready to lead the pack into a new future.“Janet,” I began, my voice steady. “I am handing you the leadership of the pack. You are their alpha now. You have the strength and wisdom to guide them.”Her eyes widened in surprise, a mix of joy and disbelief flickering across her face. “Annalise, I… I don’t know what to say.”“Just accept it,” I encouraged her, a smile creeping onto my lips. “You’ve earned this. They need you, and I trust you to lead them well.”Janet stepped forward, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Annalise. I promise I will do my best.”I nodded, feeling a swell of pride. “I know you will. You have always been stronger than you think.”As I turned to leave, Janet called out to me, urgency lacing her words. “Annalise,
88ANNALISEThe air was charged with energy, and I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on us. I stood before Marcus, my heart pounding in my chest. This was it. I had to make this choice—not just for myself, but for everyone who had suffered under his cruel rule.“Marcus Blackwood,” I began, my voice steady despite the fear bubbling inside me. “You have brought chaos and destruction to this realm. Your actions have hurt so many, and now, you will face the consequences.”He sneered, his bravado still intact, but I could see the cracks in his facade. “You think you can banish me? I am stronger than you can imagine!”Ignoring his taunts, I raised the totem high above my head. The ancient symbols glowed bright, casting an ethereal light across the clearing. “By the power vested in me, I pronounce your banishment into utter darkness!”The energy crackled around me, and I could feel the pull of magic surging through my veins. The air thickened, swirling around us, and a deep,
87ANNALISEThe tension in the air was thick as Nula raised her hand. Her gesture was clear. Lemuel, the captain of the pack, stepped forward, his voice booming with authority. “We surrender! Lower your weapons!”The pack obeyed without hesitation, their eyes shifting nervously from Marcus to Nula. I could feel their fear, but it was a different kind of fear than before—this was the fear of the unknown. Would Marcus retaliate?Marcus transformed, his muscles rippling under his dark fur. He let out a furious roar that echoed through the clearing. The sound sent chills down my spine. With one swift movement, he charged at Nula, his claws extended.“No!” I shouted, but it was too late. Marcus scratched Nula with his paw and bit down hard. She went down, blood pooling beneath her, and my heart dropped.“Protect her!” I yelled, urgency racing through me. The pack quickly transformed, forming a protective ring around Marcus, but he was wild, thrashing against their hold.I clenched my fists
86SPENCERFLASHBACKThe grand hall of the Blackwood clan was filled with tension as I faced the royal family, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease. The dim light from the ornate chandeliers cast long shadows, highlighting the seriousness of our meeting. I could feel my heart racing, knowing the weight of what I was about to reveal. I took a deep breath, ready to expose the truth about Marcus.“Thank you for gathering here,” I started, trying to steady my voice. “I have urgent news about Marcus and his plans. What I’m about to share is crucial for the future of our realms.”Nula, one of the prominent leaders, leaned forward, her brow furrowed with concern. “What is it, Spencer? We can sense the gravity in your tone. Speak freely.”I nodded, gathering my thoughts. “Marcus is not just seeking power; his intentions are far more sinister. His plan is to cause chaos among all the realms. He wants to open the door to the utter dark realm to free the Blackwood alpha clan that was
85ANNALISEThe night was charged with energy, an electric tension crackling in the air as I floated above the two armies, suspended under the eerie glow of the blood-red moon. Below me, warriors lined up, their faces a mix of fear and determination. I could feel their anxiety swirling like a storm. Marcus and Spencer stood at the forefront, their expressions betraying their confidence.I took a deep breath, feeling the power surge through me, ready to speak the truth they had tried so hard to conceal. “The Blackwood clan has a secret desire. A desire to corrupt all realms, to make them bend to their will. You stand at the brink of destruction, facing a choice that could save you.”The murmur of disbelief rippled through the crowd. I could see Marcus’s eyes narrow, assessing the situation, realizing he could not ignore what I was saying. “You think you can sway us with empty threats? The Blackwood family will not yield to your whims.”I raised my voice, letting it echo through the nig
84ANNALISEI stood by the window, gazing out at the horizon. The sun dipped below the trees, casting a warm glow over the landscape. It felt like a moment frozen in time. Adrian stood beside me, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him. I didn’t want to look away, not now.“Isn’t it beautiful?” he asked, his voice soft, breaking the comfortable silence between us.I nodded, still lost in thought. “It reminds me of those days in the village when the sun would set, and everything felt perfect.”Adrian turned to me, his eyes searching mine. “Do you miss it? The village, I mean.”I took a breath, trying to find the right words. “Sometimes. But I think it’s not just the village I miss. It’s the feeling of safety, of knowing where I belong.”He shifted slightly, leaning closer. “You belong with me, you know that, right?”His words sent a rush of warmth through me. I turned to face him, our eyes locking. “I want to believe that. But everything has changed. We’ve both cha
83SPENCERI walked into Marcus’s office, and the air felt thick with anger. Marcus stood by his desk, his fists clenched, the tension between us practically crackling. I could tell something was wrong even before he turned to me.“Why did the royal family withdraw their packs into the realm?” he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.I took a breath, steadying myself. “They wanted to meet you in the realm, Marcus. They won’t fight alongside you unless you go there.”His expression darkened. “They’re betraying me at a time like this?”Before I could respond, he grabbed a wineglass from his desk and hurled it at the wall behind me. I dodged just in time to see it shatter, glass flying in all directions.“Do they think they can just abandon me when victory is so close?” Marcus’s voice dripped with fury.I had to keep my cool. “They have their reasons. They believe the earth realm limits their power. If we fight here, they won’t be able to harness their full potential. They need the bloo
82ANNALISEI needed to see Sumel. The thought consumed me as I paced the small apartment where Molu had brought us. I felt the weight of everything resting on my shoulders, and I knew that Sumel’s strength could make a difference in our fight.“Can you take me to him?” I asked Molu, my voice steady but filled with urgency.Molu nodded, his expression serious. “Of course. Follow me.”As we walked through the ancient corridors, I felt a strange mix of hope and fear. Sumel had always been a source of wisdom and strength. But the last time I saw him, he had been weakened by Marcus’s darkness. I had to believe that I could help him.When we reached the small chamber where Sumel rested, my heart sank. He lay on a simple bed, his face pale and drawn. The flickering candlelight cast shadows over him, making him look even more fragile.“Sumel,” I whispered, moving closer to his side.His eyes fluttered open, and a faint smile crossed his lips. “Annalise,” he breathed, his voice barely above a