SERAPHINA’S POVTime blurs. He's there on the floor, motionless, and I'm here in a stunned state of dread. His chest—barely rising. My hands want to pound, want to shock him back to life. Wake up. Please, wake up.Fear crawls through me. The temptation to shake him, to scream, gnaws at my sanity. But what if it makes it worse? What if the invisible thread holding him here snaps? What if it’s already to late? How do I begin to get him out of here? Do I leave his body and run to get Jasper? What if I’m not fast enough?My fingers twitch above his heart, desperate to feel a stronger beat, to see his eyes snap open. Instead, they're met with the cruel reality of his persistent silence. Don't you dare leave me, you bastard.Do something. DO SOMETHING! My thoughts shout, but my body is frozen—the blood is everywhere. Everywhere I look at. I don’t realize it at first, but I’m trembling.Thankfully, the others arrive.Juliet did find help. Minutes after, she rushes back in with Jasper,
KAMILA’S POVI let out a sigh of exhaustion as I step into the room, shutting the door quietly behind me. The weight of this whole Morgan situation bears down on me, reminding me that I've got to find a way to keep things from spiraling further out of control. I pause for a moment, leaning against the door to catch my breath and gather my thoughts."What was that about?" His voice cuts through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. I turn to see him sitting beside Artemis, who's still unconscious. With a comic book in hand, he shoots me that insufferably brooding look he seems to have trademarked. "Has he woken up yet?" I counter, sidestepping his question as I approach Artemis to assess his condition closely.His color appears to be returning, a good sign that the treatment is working. A sigh of relief escapes my lips, and for the fifth time since hearing about the incident, I run my hands through my hair."That's not what I asked," Ace retorts, deliberately closing his bo
SERAPHINA’S POVDespite agreeing with Kamilla's logic about keeping my distance now that I've regained some semblance of freedom, I can't shake the heavy feeling that suddenly envelops my chest.I manage to trudge my way back to my dorm—not the one I shared with Artemis in the boys' dormitory, though. The thought of facing the countless objects that would only etch his face deeper into my memory is unbearable right now. Instead of wallowing in the past, I should be focusing on moving forward, trusting that he will be just fine.Lost in thoughts that are still a jumbled mess, I don't even realize when I've arrived at my room. Pushing the door open, I step inside. I expect to be greeted by dust that has settled on the walls and sheets, the byproducts of days of neglect. However, as I walk in, a sweaty Olivia pulls away from the wall, duster in hand, and looks in my direction with eyes full of curiosity."Olivia?" I freeze in place, not expecting to see her back so soon. A whirlwind o
SERAPHINA’S POVI wait for a response from her for a second before risking a look at her face. Her expression is stoic, lips pursed into a straight line, making me nervous. “Say something,” I almost beg.Finally, she blinks as if waking up from some trance and shakes her head. “So... you think you're connected to the Astria Tribe?” she asks calculatingly, like admitting my claims out loud is even more alarming.“Yes, exactly”' I exclaim, a little too loudly. A surge of excitement courses through me. Finally, someone understands me, without judgment, without thinking I've lost it. I let out a small chuckle until I see her brow arch slowly.“Right... Are you sure you didn't knock your head during the altercation with Morgan? Or could this be stress-induced paranoia?”My excitement drops, replaced by a sinking feeling of disappointment. “See? I knew it. I knew you wouldn't believe me,” I mutter, standing up from my bed and pacing the room, unable to sit still.“Come on, Sera, you ha
SERAPHINA’S POVRight into my first day back at school—following the series of events that included being the target of a psychopath, hallucinations, and befriending Artemis just before he's stabbed with a dagger—something feels distinctly absent. It's as if a sense of warmth, which used to fill the otherwise lifeless hallways of Raven Wood Academy, has evaporated, leaving the opening hours of my day depressingly bleak.I can't pinpoint the cause, but this void haunts me even as I exit my third class, mere minutes after the bell. Dragging my feet to my locker, I switch out textbooks, my shoulders drooping more than usual. I'm so absorbed in my thoughts that I don't even notice someone approaching. When I close my locker and step forward, I mistakenly collide with them, sending their stack of books tumbling to the floor."I'm so sorry," I apologize, still not raising my eyes to see their face. As I bend down to help pick up the fallen books, our hands touch, both reaching for the s
SERAPHINA’S POV"Ow, easy there!" I wince, shooting Olivia a look through the vanity mirror as she yanks my hair, all in the guise of crafting pigtails.Just minutes before, Olivia had burst into the room, full of the 'brilliant' idea that we could spend some quality time braiding our hair and catching a movie. Instantly, I knew what she was up to—another well-intentioned attempt to pull me out of my emotional black hole. Just like Juliet, Alice, and Lucian, she's been on a mission to brighten my days.What they don't seem to grasp is that their overwhelming kindness feels like suffocation. Every hug, every over-enthusiastic smile, and every forced joke just serve as sharp reminders of the emotions I should be experiencing but can't summon anymore."If you don't sit still, the braid's gonna turn out all wonky," Olivia chides, her fingers busy weaving my hair."Yeah, well, I'd rather have a wonky braid than a bald spot," I retort.Catching her eye in the mirror, I see her hands fumbl
ARTEMIS’ POVHer heart's pounding, a rhythm almost as loud as mine, thumping like it wants to break free from my ribcage. I muster a cool smile to hide my jitters. Words are just too weak to capture the storm of emotions swirling in me from finally seeing her—those hypnotic green eyes, after days locked away in that boring, soul-sucking room. Days without her voice, her laugh, the comfort of her presence. Days that drove me nearly mad, figuring out that nothing—absolutely nothing—mattered more than getting out and getting to her.My wolf is practically buzzing inside me, itching to close the distance between us. It craves the simple comfort of her nearness, aching to breathe in her scent like an addict in withdrawal. I want all of that—Goddess, how I want it. But I hold back, every fiber in me straining to keep control. I don't want to spook her, not when I'm still trying to figure out what I even want.Fuck, I've missed her.Missed her so much that everything else blurred into i
ARTEMIS’ POVWe sprint through the forest for what feels like an eternity, the sheer force of pent-up energy disappearing with every step until we come to a slow, panting halt. We find ourselves beside a secluded pond, its surface reflecting the moon's glow. I kneel down, allowing Sera to dismount."That was amazing!" she bursts out, her feet barely touching the ground before she's marveling at the world around her. The wind has turned her hair into a wild, frizzy masterpiece, and she finds a large rock to sit on.I lean in, my wolf's tongue giving her a parting lick on the cheek before stepping into the water."Where are you going?" she asks, curiosity dancing in her eyes. But I offer no answer.Submerging fully, I let the transformation take hold. As I re-emerge, it's my human eyes that meet Sera's, my lips that curve into a devilish grin. "Don't want you to see my tiny bits unless you're interested," My tone carries a wicked humor.Her cheeks flame up, so red they could rival a
SERAPHINA’S POVThe doors to the throne room on the west side of the castle finally pull open, revealing Artemis and me to the entire congregation gathered to celebrate our crowning and witness the beginning of a new era of peace. Our hands are intertwined, our traditional garments matching, with long flowing capes that trail a few feet behind us. A wave of anxiety and excitement hits all at once, but I know I’m not alone. Never again.The congregation stands, applauding endlessly as we walk down the aisle, side by side, hand in hand, waving at all of them. I spot Olivia and Jasper, hand in hand, seeing them for the first time in three years, waving harder and growing excited to tell them all about my tales. Ace and Gabe sit in the next row, clapping along with the crowd, smiles on their faces as well. Of course, Alice is nowhere to be seen. It’s been years, and she has never shown her face to me again.Olivia had said that she moved to a different country, one that’s far a
ARTEMIS’ POV ( 3YEARS LATER)I'm completely stacked with work, towers of paperwork almost reaching the ceilings for the changes I've tried desperately to implement for the past four years since becoming the Alpha King. Laws newly implemented seem to have more backlash than initially anticipated, yet I’m committed to see them to the end, all to make some time for the coming weekend. A knock echoes from my door before Jasper walks in, still rocking that god-awful goatee Olivia hasn't succeeded in getting him to chop off. "Beta reporting for duty, Your Majesty," he bows. "Any news from the delegation you sent out to the human population?" He now turns serious once he sees all the papers.I instantly appreciate the new version of him that's capable of taking things seriously while still retaining his joyful side. I've tried to continue my father's works, improving the mission to unite all races as one to prevent things like war from ever happening again, to form a union o
ARTEMIS’ POVWeeks pass since Sera’s eyes open, and like a sick twist of fate, I find myself unable to see her as much now, with doctors being around her and more work piling on my desk. Yet, I remind myself to be patient while she gets the treatment and therapy she needs. The times I do stay by her side, I hold her in my arms, slowly filling her in on everything she’s missed in the past year. Her greatest hurdle with everything is accepting how much time has passed, how long she’s been unconscious, the time she’s lost. Processing it has not been easy and simply adds to her stress. Thankfully, Olivia stayed back for a few weeks to help her readjust to it all while I’m away and has only just left a few days ago.Tonight, as always, I’m in my office completely swamped with work, trying to achieve most of what I planned to do before Sera is completely better and on her feet again. Because I want to show her the world and more, and before I can get anywhere, I have to fix it.
ARTEMIS’ POV(ONE YEAR LATER)"In light of all the allegations brought forth, not only by students but also by teachers, I hereby strip you of your position as school Administrator," I declare before the newly appointed school board gathered before me. The now former Administrator, Mr. Andrew, stares at me with wet, red eyes on the brink of breaking into tears. He trembles, looking at me with pleading eyes for mercy, but I feel nothing close to remorse, especially with proof of years of his embezzlement sitting right in front of me on my desk. The fact that he also played a huge part in the school's segregation alone tempts me to strangle him with my bare hands every time I remember what Seraphina had to go through - but then, even I had a hand in this.My eyes shift to the other man in his late thirties standing on the other side of the room among the council, nodding in his direction. "In replacement, I appoint Mr. Jermaine for the new position of school Administrator."
ACE’S POVAs the doctor announces the outcomes of the surgery, I slowly detach from the group, watching their faces light up for only a moment before something even darker takes over. But I don’t stay long. I don’t dare stay with them in their moments of grief or offer words of encouragement, not when I haven’t been there for everything they’ve had to face. I don’t deserve to sit in their presence of lament with any of them, not especially Artemis or Jasper. I was a shitty friend, I probably still am. I haven’t gotten over my jealousy or my issues. I couldn’t be there for them even if I wanted to, but I at least wanted to show up and apologize, at least to Sera, for everything I did. I wish I could do more, be better. Perhaps in the future, when so much isn’t happening, perhaps one day I could have the courage to face each of them and apologize properly.I walk to a corner, resting against the wall, wanting to be alone before I read the letter from Kamila. She’s neve
ARTEMIS’ POVI grab her before her body can hit the ground, pressing down on her neck that gushes more blood than I can bear to see. “Sera!” I yell her name, my voice laden with begging and pleading for her to wake up, to look at me, to say something—anything at all. Even if it means her hating me for forcing her into this situation, for not being strong enough, I would gladly take it; she need only say anything.The blood doesn’t stop, and she doesn’t move either; her eyes remain unfocused, staring at nothing without the usual glint of light in them. “Sera, please…” I break into a sob, holding her against me, pressing my cheek against her forehead as a wave of agony overwhelms me. She can’t leave me. I won’t let her."Moon Goddess!" I scream, my voice reaching the sky with tears in my eyes, Sera clutched tightly in my arms. Rage burns like fire in my blood. "You said you chose me to make a difference, you said you wanted the circle to end. None of it would make any s
SERAPHINA’S POVHer hands stretch out, and numerous black hands spring forth from the shadows of everyone else, every person that still remains on the school premises, grabbing onto whomever it comes from and pinning them to the ground, myself included. "I only spared you for a moment because you meant something to her, but if you force my hand, I will find joy in crushing you with my bare hands," she seethes, trembling with anger. The shadow holding me down doubles in pressure, and I feel a few of my ribs breaking under it. It’s only a matter of time before she kills me along with everyone else here, and if she does that, there would be no one else to stop her."Sera, don't!" the scream of a female voice pulls both our attention to the far left. It's Olivia, tied down by her own shadow, trembling and in tears, next to an equally captured Jasper... I thought they had escaped. "Don’t do this, Sera. This isn’t you." Her surprise turns into disgust while facing Olivia now.
ARTEMIS’ POVI'm violently shaken awake by someone, and my eyes open, staring at the gruff, manly face looking down at me with concern—a face I recognize as one of the soldiers on my side. "Your majesty," he cries the second my eyes are open, giving me enough space to sit up. I feel as though I've only woken up from a deep, restful sleep, my body relaxed and fully energized once more, which is confusing for an entity claiming to save me for last after wiping an entire race out.I look around the room, everything being the same aside from Sera’s presence. She’s really gone. I look at the large hole in the wall, at the sky that suddenly seems like a darker red shade with clouds hanging around. It really does look like the end of the world. "Report," I say to the soldier, getting to my feet again. "The witch..." He begins, pausing the second I cast a deathly glare his way. "...I mean the princess managed to change the color of the sky as soon as she left the building, casti
SERAPHINA’S POVI blink my eyes for only a second, and suddenly I'm in a garden with the sun setting, showing that half the day has passed. Half the day just breezed past me without being present, almost as if I’m running through today. I'm startled for a second, not remembering coming here at all. I could have sworn that I was back in the hall accepting my new title just a second ago. Yet, I'm sitting on a bench holding the book in my hands, its skin feeling and looking awfully familiar, as if I’ve had it long before now.“How does it feel being Queen now?” A voice cuts through my train of thought from behind me. I pause and look around, meeting my mother walking towards me in her always slowly paced walks. I’d never seen her run, even in times of distress and emergency, and always wished I could be half as regal and calm as she is. “Mother,” I say, standing to my feet and hugging her for a while. Somehow calling her my mother leaves a feeling of yearning in my heart, des