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
49ANNALISEThe evening light filtered through the old, dusty windows of Adrian’s shop. I could feel the weight of my past pressing against my chest, memories I had long tried to bury. Adrian stood nearby, his eyes filled with concern, waiting for me to speak. The silence between us grew thick as I fought to find the words.“I trusted him,” I began, my voice barely above a whisper. “Spencer… he was everything to me at one point. A part of me even believed we could share something beyond this realm, that we were bound in some way. But it was all a lie.”Adrian shifted closer, his gaze unwavering, silently encouraging me to continue. I sighed and crossed my arms, pacing the room as I felt the emotions swirling inside me, a storm I could barely contain.“Spencer was clever. He knew how to gain my trust, how to make me feel like he understood me better than anyone else. For a time, I thought I loved him. We would spend hours together, talking about the realms, about history, about everyth
50ANNALISEI couldn’t take my eyes off the table-stone. The carvings on its surface shimmered faintly under the dim light of the hidden room, their ancient power pulsing just beneath the stone. My heart raced with excitement, a sensation I hadn’t felt in what seemed like an eternity. This was it—the key to unlocking my true potential, the power I had been searching for ever since my fall.I turned to Adrian, unable to keep the joy out of my voice. “This is the altar! It’s the missing piece to activate the totem’s power. I can feel it, Adrian. This is how I’ll fulfill the prophecy. With this, I’ll restore my full powers.”Adrian studied me for a moment, his brow furrowed as he tried to comprehend the weight of my words. Then he stepped closer to the stone, running his fingers along the delicate carvings. “How does it work? How do we activate it?”I moved beside him, my fingers tracing the symbols alongside his. “The totem is like a conduit. The altar channels the energy, connects it t
51SPENCERI was growing tired. Tired of the endless waiting, tired of Marcus and his obsession with the Earth realm, and tired of the constant hunger gnawing at me—the hunger for power that had consumed me for so long. It felt like everything was slipping away, especially now that Marcus had lost interest in our real mission: destroying Annalise.At first, we had shared a common goal—Marcus and I. We both wanted to break free from the chains that bound us, to take control of something far greater than the realms we had known. He wanted terror, power, domination. I wanted something more—knowledge, yes, but also the seat of the guardian. That was what I truly craved. The power that Annalise held should have been mine, and it angered me to no end that someone like her had been chosen instead.I missed the quiet moments in our realm. I missed my old books, the ones filled with forgotten wisdom, with spells and rituals so ancient even the oldest of our kind barely remembered their names.
52MARCUSThe pain throbbed in my side, a constant reminder of my last encounter with Janet. I watched the small festering wound on the upper side of my abdomen, grimacing as I touched it gingerly. It was an ugly sight, red and inflamed, the skin around it looking almost dead. A sharp twinge of pain shot through me as I pressed too hard, and I pulled my hand away. Compared to the agony I felt back in the other realm, this was nothing. But I knew I was on borrowed time.The last time I had been in our realm, I had made a reckless decision. Janet had pleaded with me, desperate to save her people. I should have listened. Instead, I had taken Sumel, her trusted ally, a move meant to incite her wrath.I could still hear the echoes of that fight in my mind. Janet had transformed into her she-wolf form, her fur a storm of silver and grey as she charged at me. Her eyes had burned with fury, a fire that matched my own. We clashed, and I had relished the power I felt as I took her down. But I h
53SPENCERI paced back and forth in my dimly lit room, frustration boiling in my veins. Sumel had been a fool. I had given him one simple order, and he had refused to obey. Anger surged through me like a wildfire, and I had unleashed my wrath upon him. Now, he was nothing more than a memory, scattered in the shadows. I wouldn’t be returning to the realm anymore, not with that weakness trailing behind me.The portal remained open, a gaping maw between this world and the werewolf realm. I had achieved what I wanted: free passage. I could see the thrill of power dancing in my mind. Spencer would soon learn that he had been deceived, that I was not the pawn he thought I was. I had played my cards carefully. Annalise’s powers as the guardian had sustained the portal. I had deliberately thrown her into it, and in doing so, I had secured my plan.My goal had always been bigger than just controlling this realm. I wanted to compel every being from all realms to come to the Earth realm under m
54SPENCERI paced the small room, the tension between Marcus and me thick enough to cut. He leaned against the wall, a smug smile creeping across his face. I didn’t like that look. It reeked of arrogance and misplaced confidence.“This is a good opportunity,” Marcus chuckled, his eyes gleaming. “We can finish Annalise off before she gets strong enough to confront us. Let’s not waste it.”I frowned, crossing my arms. “Don’t be so confident, Marcus. Annalise will do everything in her power as a guardian to destroy you. Underestimate her, and you’ll pay for it.”Marcus waved a dismissive hand. “You’re too cautious, Spencer. We can strike now, while she’s still recovering. She’s weakened, vulnerable.”“That’s not the point,” I snapped, frustration bubbling over. “You should be thinking about your own situation. You chose to stay in the Earth realm instead of finishing her off. That curse on you won’t lift until she’s gone. You need to act.”Marcus’s smile faded, replaced by a flash of an
55ANNALISEI sat on the edge of my bed, staring out of the window at the night sky. The moon hung high, casting silver light across the landscape. It was beautiful, but my heart felt heavy. I still couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty. Adrian had just left, and his words echoed in my mind.He had looked deep into my eyes when he said it, and for a moment, I believed him. But then doubts crept back in. Could I really trust him? Was he saying those words out of genuine love or because he felt guilty for what had happened in the past?I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. Memories of the past few months flooded my mind. I had faced so much—betrayal, danger, and the weight of my responsibilities as a guardian. And through it all, Adrian had been there. Yet, sometimes, I wondered if he truly understood what it meant to be tied to my world.I could hear him in the hallway, speaking to someone. I strained to catch his words.“Annalise is strong. She’s been through s
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