Amara’s POVThe air was heavy with the aroma of burning plants, and the shaman's tent was barely illuminated. As I watched him set up the ceremony, my hands shook. The only thing preventing me from running was Darius's proximity.My chest began to feel heavy with the impending event.It was this.Either I prevailed, or I permanently lost myself.A circle of luminous stones, each pulsing with energy, was spread forth by the shaman. He spoke in a language I couldn't understand and moved slowly and deliberately. Then his piercing eyes met mine as he raised his head.He remarked, "You must be sure," "Once we begin, there is no turning back."I took a deep breath. "I know."After examining me for a while, he nodded. "Viktor's darkness will be removed from you by this ritual, but it won't be kind. You have to struggle to stay alive.I balled my fists up. "And if I’m not strong enough?"The shaman's face grew serious. "You'll be lost after that. Forever.Beside me, Darius tensed up. "That wo
Amara’s POVDarkness enveloped me like a shroud of oppression.You could hear Viktor's voice everywhere. Whispering. Taunting. Drawing me farther into the emptiness."Amara, let go. Give up fighting.I wanted to scream, but the sound was drowned out by the darkness. My thoughts were slow and my body felt heavy.Perhaps he was correct. Perhaps this was my destiny.No more suffering. No more battling.Simply put, peace.But something spoke out to me from deep within. This isn't true. Return the fight!I made my feet move by clenching my fists.I wouldn't allow Viktor to prevail."You don’t control me," I clenched my teeth and said.Viktor's laugh reverberated across the silence. "Don’t I?"My arms were encircled by the twisting tendrils of the shadows, which pulled me below. I let out a cry as my strength was drained by the cold seeping into my flesh."You’re already mine, Amara." Viktor had a smooth, assured voice. "You just don’t realize it yet."I fought the darkness, but it pulled m
Amara’s POVI felt uneasy when I opened my eyes. I felt as though there was a void inside of me where my magic formerly was. I sat up, feeling the comforting warmth of my strength deep within myself, my fingers shaking. Nothing. A cold panic took hold of me. My breathing became laboured."Darius," I said, my voice hardly coherent. "Something’s wrong."In a moment, Darius was by my side, his golden eyes full of worry. "What is it?"I forcefully gulped, attempting once more to conjure up even a glimmer of strength. Nothing has changed. My chest constricted. "I can’t feel my magic," I said quietly, my voice cracking.His hands encircled me. He tried to reassure me, saying, "Maybe you're just weak from the ritual." "You were worn down by it. Allow time.I gave a headshake. "Darius, no. It is no longer there. I sense it. As if something had been torn from me." With the dread gnawing at my throat, I raised my voice a little. "Now how can I keep them safe? "How do I fight?"Darius drew me in
Amara’s POVTension, the kind that made my skin prickle, was heavy in the air. After only a brief period of tranquillity, the Moonshine Pack felt uneasy tonight.I couldn't get rid of the uneasiness that was creeping into my bones as I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. Things had been altered since the ritual. I had lost my magic. I had broken free from Viktor's curse and saved my pack, but at what price?The window was rocked by a sudden burst of wind.With my heart racing, I sat up. There was something out there.Darius woke up next to me. He put his arm around my waist for protection, but as soon as I moved, he awoke, his instincts as keen as ever. "Amara?" he said in a sleepy voice. "What’s wrong?"Not wanting to come out as suspicious, I paused. I said, "I… don’t know," "Something doesn’t feel right."Darius rubbed a hand across his face and sighed. "You're worn out. You must get some rest.However, I was aware of this emotion. Before every strike, before every battle that ha
Amara’s POVI stood motionless at the edge of the pack's area, staring at the person in front of me while the wind howled through the trees. Lilith.She didn't resemble Viktor at all. She was something far worse than a monster, propelled by darkness that even he had never conquered, but his creation. With a terrifying smile, her piercing red eyes met mine, and her long jet-black hair seemed to float weightlessly.She tilted her head and purred, "Amara, you look weaker than I expected." Not my father's loss to the powerful tiny wolf. You no longer even possess your magic, do you?I balled my fists up. I would not allow her to see how afraid I am. "Lilith, what do you want?"A sneer formed on her lips. "Retaliation."Naturally."But I'm feeling giving today," she added, taking her time walking. "Give yourself one hour. An hour to get ready. Do anything you want: run, hide, or fight. I'll destroy everything you hold dear when I get back.My chest ached sharply from what she said. An hour
Amara’s POVThe night was filled with screams. As the attack started, the air was mingled with the smell of burning wood and blood. With their red eyes gleaming in the darkness, Lilith's army charged into the settlement."Keep the pack safe!" I yelled, my voice barely audible above the commotion.The warriors confronted the assailants. Shadows curled about us, growls reverberated through the air, and claws fought. Lilith's wolves were abnormal; their bodies went in and out of the darkness at an odd pace.Darius was already tearing through the opponents in his wolf form. Beside him, Callum swung his teeth in a savage snarl. My people were fighting and dying everywhere I looked.Then I spotted her through the flames.Lilith's ruby eyes glowed with laughter as she stood composedly amid the devastation. She was only observing her monsters tearing up my pack without doing anything yet.A chilly fury blazed within me. I couldn't allow her to prevail.I sprang at the closest foe, avoiding th
Amara’s POVWithout hesitation, the golden-eyed wolf sprang at Lilith. His attacks were vicious, and his speed was intimidating. Before Lilith could react, he sank his teeth into her arm and tore through her black power as if it were nothing.Lilith's ruby eyes blazed with rage as she yelled and pushed him away. She growled, "Who do you think you are?"The rogue remained silent. She had to defend herself when he leaped again. I had never witnessed a conflict like the one between them. Lilith was having difficulties; she had always been so untouchable.With my body throbbing from fatigue, I seized the opportunity to push myself up. The pack was getting stronger all around me. Now, with new hope in their eyes, the warriors who had been retreating battled harder.Breathing heavily, Darius ran to my side. "Who is that?"I looked at the rogue and said, "I don't know." "But he's with us."Lilith snarled and hurled a surge of evil energy in his direction. The rogue's golden eyes glowed brigh
Amara’s POVThe remains of our community were sucked into the abyss as the ground underneath me shattered open. The air was filled with screams as fighters frantically tried to flee, their footing shaky. For a minute, my body seemed weightless as I fell, but powerful arms grabbed me."Wait a minute!" Darius yelled, yanking me back before the earth gave way entirely. My heart pounded in my chest as I gasped for air.The ground split even more as it shook furiously. Trees went down. Houses fell apart. The land itself seemed to be rejecting us.Lilith's black eyes shone as she stood on the opposite side of the devastation. Dark tendrils slithered from her fingertips as she raised a hand, reaching out at us like living shadows.“We must relocate!” someone shouted.As the ground collapsed behind us, I pushed my legs to the limit and ran alongside the others. My lungs were burning. It felt like a fight at every stage.The devastation halted just as we reached higher ground. Lilith cocked he
Amara’s POVCold and silent, the moonlight streamed through my room's window.I sat on my bed and took calm breaths. I had my hands on my lap. Even though they were no longer glowing, I could still sense it. The shadows. Concealed deep within my blood.I said to myself, "Get out."It did not, however, depart. I heard a quiet voice in my head.I was called for. I replied."No," I said more loudly while holding my head tightly. "Power was what I needed, not this."It said quietly again, more smoothly, You needed strength. You pleaded for it. You got more than strength from me. I released you."I don't desire your level of liberty!" I yelled.The door was knocked on. "Amara?" Mira was the one. "Are you alright?""I'm all right!" I lost my temper.There was silence, then the sound of footsteps leaving. I looked down at my hands and bit my lip.They shuddered.I told the voice inside, "I won't let you control me."You've done so already.For a time, the room whirled. I shut my eyes. I need
Amara’s POVI had regained my inner strength, but something about it felt... off.It felt heavier and colder than before, like a shadow around my spirit. It was whispering at the back of my mind, pulsing beneath my skin.I clenched my hands and looked at the raw magic tingling my fingers. The beautiful golden color of the flames I had called forth had been replaced with a deeper, black-edged color.I had no time to think about it. I was required by my people. The conflict had not ended.I decided to ignore my uneasiness and head for the training grounds.The warriors were waiting already. Some seemed relieved to see me back on my feet. Not so much for others.With his arms folded and his eyes intently observing me, Darius stood at the front. Since last night, he hadn't said much since I performed the ceremony.I moved ahead, ignoring his eyes. "Let's get started."The fighters nodded, getting ready for battle. I held up my hands, prepared to show off a move—something to protect agains
Amara’s POVI stared at my shaking hands while sitting by the dwindling fire by myself. I was aware that we couldn't destroy Lilith in this manner, regardless of how many plans we formed or how many warriors stood behind me. Not without the use of magic.I wasn't strong without it. Powerless. And more people would perish if I continued in this manner.I heard someone say, "You know what you have to do."I took a deep breath. There was just one path. I could regain my power through a forbidden ceremony. However, the cost...I had no idea how much it would cost.But there was nothing I could do.I looked at the outlaw. "Explain the ritual to me."Something inscrutable flared in his golden eyes. "That's not the route you want to take.""Yes, I do." I balled my fists up. "Whatever it takes, I don't care. I must regain my magic.He let out a sigh. "The ceremony is risky. It requires a sacrifice. Something significant. Something... intimate.Darius took a step forward. "No, Amara." His tone
Amara’s POVThe remains of our community were sucked into the abyss as the ground underneath me shattered open. The air was filled with screams as fighters frantically tried to flee, their footing shaky. For a minute, my body seemed weightless as I fell, but powerful arms grabbed me."Wait a minute!" Darius yelled, yanking me back before the earth gave way entirely. My heart pounded in my chest as I gasped for air.The ground split even more as it shook furiously. Trees went down. Houses fell apart. The land itself seemed to be rejecting us.Lilith's black eyes shone as she stood on the opposite side of the devastation. Dark tendrils slithered from her fingertips as she raised a hand, reaching out at us like living shadows.“We must relocate!” someone shouted.As the ground collapsed behind us, I pushed my legs to the limit and ran alongside the others. My lungs were burning. It felt like a fight at every stage.The devastation halted just as we reached higher ground. Lilith cocked he
Amara’s POVWithout hesitation, the golden-eyed wolf sprang at Lilith. His attacks were vicious, and his speed was intimidating. Before Lilith could react, he sank his teeth into her arm and tore through her black power as if it were nothing.Lilith's ruby eyes blazed with rage as she yelled and pushed him away. She growled, "Who do you think you are?"The rogue remained silent. She had to defend herself when he leaped again. I had never witnessed a conflict like the one between them. Lilith was having difficulties; she had always been so untouchable.With my body throbbing from fatigue, I seized the opportunity to push myself up. The pack was getting stronger all around me. Now, with new hope in their eyes, the warriors who had been retreating battled harder.Breathing heavily, Darius ran to my side. "Who is that?"I looked at the rogue and said, "I don't know." "But he's with us."Lilith snarled and hurled a surge of evil energy in his direction. The rogue's golden eyes glowed brigh
Amara’s POVThe night was filled with screams. As the attack started, the air was mingled with the smell of burning wood and blood. With their red eyes gleaming in the darkness, Lilith's army charged into the settlement."Keep the pack safe!" I yelled, my voice barely audible above the commotion.The warriors confronted the assailants. Shadows curled about us, growls reverberated through the air, and claws fought. Lilith's wolves were abnormal; their bodies went in and out of the darkness at an odd pace.Darius was already tearing through the opponents in his wolf form. Beside him, Callum swung his teeth in a savage snarl. My people were fighting and dying everywhere I looked.Then I spotted her through the flames.Lilith's ruby eyes glowed with laughter as she stood composedly amid the devastation. She was only observing her monsters tearing up my pack without doing anything yet.A chilly fury blazed within me. I couldn't allow her to prevail.I sprang at the closest foe, avoiding th
Amara’s POVI stood motionless at the edge of the pack's area, staring at the person in front of me while the wind howled through the trees. Lilith.She didn't resemble Viktor at all. She was something far worse than a monster, propelled by darkness that even he had never conquered, but his creation. With a terrifying smile, her piercing red eyes met mine, and her long jet-black hair seemed to float weightlessly.She tilted her head and purred, "Amara, you look weaker than I expected." Not my father's loss to the powerful tiny wolf. You no longer even possess your magic, do you?I balled my fists up. I would not allow her to see how afraid I am. "Lilith, what do you want?"A sneer formed on her lips. "Retaliation."Naturally."But I'm feeling giving today," she added, taking her time walking. "Give yourself one hour. An hour to get ready. Do anything you want: run, hide, or fight. I'll destroy everything you hold dear when I get back.My chest ached sharply from what she said. An hour
Amara’s POVTension, the kind that made my skin prickle, was heavy in the air. After only a brief period of tranquillity, the Moonshine Pack felt uneasy tonight.I couldn't get rid of the uneasiness that was creeping into my bones as I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. Things had been altered since the ritual. I had lost my magic. I had broken free from Viktor's curse and saved my pack, but at what price?The window was rocked by a sudden burst of wind.With my heart racing, I sat up. There was something out there.Darius woke up next to me. He put his arm around my waist for protection, but as soon as I moved, he awoke, his instincts as keen as ever. "Amara?" he said in a sleepy voice. "What’s wrong?"Not wanting to come out as suspicious, I paused. I said, "I… don’t know," "Something doesn’t feel right."Darius rubbed a hand across his face and sighed. "You're worn out. You must get some rest.However, I was aware of this emotion. Before every strike, before every battle that ha
Amara’s POVI felt uneasy when I opened my eyes. I felt as though there was a void inside of me where my magic formerly was. I sat up, feeling the comforting warmth of my strength deep within myself, my fingers shaking. Nothing. A cold panic took hold of me. My breathing became laboured."Darius," I said, my voice hardly coherent. "Something’s wrong."In a moment, Darius was by my side, his golden eyes full of worry. "What is it?"I forcefully gulped, attempting once more to conjure up even a glimmer of strength. Nothing has changed. My chest constricted. "I can’t feel my magic," I said quietly, my voice cracking.His hands encircled me. He tried to reassure me, saying, "Maybe you're just weak from the ritual." "You were worn down by it. Allow time.I gave a headshake. "Darius, no. It is no longer there. I sense it. As if something had been torn from me." With the dread gnawing at my throat, I raised my voice a little. "Now how can I keep them safe? "How do I fight?"Darius drew me in