77ANNALISEI crossed my arms, studying Spencer as he paced in front of me, his mind racing. It was hard to believe I was even considering his request. This traitor wanted a chance to prove himself, but I had my doubts. After everything he had done, trusting him felt like a gamble I wasn’t ready to take.“Lure Marcus into the realm,” I finally suggested, my voice firm. It was a risky plan, but if it worked, we could have the upper hand.Spencer stopped dead in his tracks, a look of disbelief washing over his face. “Marcus would never come into the realm. He’s too afraid. I’ve tried to convince him before, but he fears that his mortal wound will weaken him. He knows it’ll make him less powerful against you.”Frustration bubbled inside me. “Then what’s your plan? Either bring Marcus to me, or go back to him and wait for your destruction.”Spencer’s face darkened, and I could see the anger boiling beneath the surface. He turned away from me, his fists clenching at his sides. “You don’t g
78ANNALISEI approached the banished quarters, my heart pounding in my chest. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of what I was about to share pressing down on me. Janet and Adrian were gathered inside, their expressions serious as they prepared for whatever was coming next.As I entered, I found them deep in conversation, their voices low. They looked up when I stepped into the dim light, and I took a deep breath, ready to reveal what I had learned.“Listen, everyone,” I began, trying to keep my voice steady. “I found a way to bring Marcus into the realm.”Janet’s eyes widened, disbelief washing over her face. “You’re joking, right? Marcus would never agree to that.”I shook my head, determination filling me. “Spencer is going to bring him. He’s desperate to save himself.”“Desperate? He’s a coward,” Janet retorted, crossing her arms. “You really think Spencer can persuade someone like Marcus? It’s impossible.”“Spencer has everything to lose. If he doesn’t a
79ANNALISEI stood outside the banished quarters, the cool night air biting at my skin. I felt a knot tightening in my stomach, a mixture of determination and dread. I had just agreed to let Spencer play a role in bringing Marcus into our realm, and I couldn’t shake the unease that came with it. It was hard to trust someone who had betrayed me before, but I was desperate.Adrian met me at the door, his expression serious. “Annalise, we need to talk.”I nodded, knowing what was coming. “I know. About Spencer.”“About Spencer and about you trusting him,” he replied, frustration creeping into his voice. “Why would you put yourself in that position again?”“I don’t have a choice, Adrian. We need Marcus to come here. Spencer is our only option.”“Only option? Really? You think he’s changed?” Adrian crossed his arms, pacing slightly. “After everything he did to you?”I felt heat rise in my cheeks. “I’m not saying he’s perfect, but he can help us.”“He’s a snake, Annalise. You know that. Ho
SPENCERPacing the floor of my living quarters, I felt the weight of my anxiety pressing down on me. Each step seemed to echo in the silence, a reminder of the tension coiling within me. The room felt too small, too confining. I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the heat of uncertainty creeping up my spine. The knock on the door startled me, and I paused, taking a deep breath before opening it.Five members of the Blackwood pack stood before me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and authority. Marcus had summoned them, and I knew it was time to put my plan into action. “Welcome,” I said, stepping back to let them in.Nula, one of the royal members, stepped forward. “Spencer, what’s this about? Why did Marcus call us here?”I closed the door and turned to face them, my heart racing. “Marcus summoned you to discuss the war that lies ahead. There’s a lot at stake, and we must prepare.”“But what’s the real reason for this meeting?” Nula pressed, her eyes narrowing.I hesitated, know
81ANNALISEWe stepped into the dingy area of the Earth realm, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. Adrian and I were disguised, blending in with the shadows. The air was thick with tension, the kind that clung to your skin and made it hard to breathe. I glanced at Adrian, his face set in a determined line. We both knew what was at stake.“Stay close,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “We can’t let Marcus see us until the time is right.”Adrian nodded, his eyes scanning the area. The dim light barely illuminated the graffiti-covered walls and the broken windows, a far cry from the world we knew. I remembered how Marcus had taken Janet’s pack, and a surge of anger filled me. We had to end this.We moved cautiously, the ground crunching under our feet. I could feel the pulse of my powers, restored and stronger than ever. It was time to use them. “I’ll transport us to where he keeps them,” I said, determination coursing through me.Adrian’s eyes widened slightly,
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
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
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