I accidentally published an incomplete chapter earlier, so this chapter is the remaining part of the last chapter.
Lucas I can’t see a damn thing. It’s pitch black, like someone just snuffed out the sun, and I’m stumbling through this nothingness with only this weird pull to guide me. It’s like a tug at my chest, faint but steady. It’s all I’ve got to hold onto. But man, this feels like a twisted game, something designed to mess with my head. Every now and then, the pull shifts. Sometimes, it splits, like it’s coming from every direction all at once, trying to yank me one way and then the other. It’s overwhelming, and I can feel the frustration bubbling under my skin. My wolf stirs uneasily, and I grit my teeth to keep from losing it. But I know better. The strongest pulls, the ones that hit me like a punch in the gut, those aren’t her. They can’t be. It’s too obvious, too easy. Somewhere deep down, I just know the faintest pull, the one that feels like a whisper instead of a scream, that’s the one that’ll lead me to her. So I focus. I block out everything else. Every strong tug trying
SophiaEverything feels heavy like I'm sinking into a thick, black ocean. My head's a mess, thoughts slipping away the second I grab onto them.The darkness is so deep it’s almost choking me. I don’t know how long I’ve been here. Hours? Days? Weeks? Time stopped making sense a while ago.That woman’s voice echoes in my head, soft but edged, like I should know it. Familiar, like an old dream or a name on the tip of my tongue, but it’s gone.Who is she? Her voice is the only thing that constantly rings in my head... sometimes I feel like my head will explode. No matter how much I try to block her voice, it is always there. The edges of my vision pulse and blur, and my thoughts scatter like dead leaves in the wind. All I know is that this place, this nightmare, is eating me alive. I just... I just want to wake up.My body is breaking, little by little. Every breath is heavier than the last, like this place is squeezing the life out of me.I know exactly what she wants. She wants me to
LucasI can’t believe it. Sophia is right in front of me. My mind almost refuses to accept it, but my heart knows it’s her. A flood of emotions hits me all at once, each one fighting for control.Joy. I’ve finally found her. After everything, after searching and fighting, she’s here. Relief washes over me so strong it nearly brings me to my knees.Pain. She looks like she’s barely hanging on. Weak, tired, like the life is being drained out of her. It’s unbearable to see her like this. The glow that always surrounds us is almost dimmed to nothing. This is place is killing her, slowly, and I can feel it.And anger. Burning, searing anger. Whoever did this to her, whoever put her through this hell, will pay. I can’t stop the rage that rises in me, and I don’t even try.“Sophia.” My voice is thick with emotions that I don't try to conceal as I step closer to her.Sophia tries to push herself up, but her legs wobble. Before she can stumble, I’m at her side in a heartbeat, steadying her. She
SophiaLucas’s presence is a comfort I didn’t know I needed. Just having him here, seeing his face, hearing his voice—it feels like a lifeline. But there’s this small, nagging thought at the back of my mind, this awful what-if that I can’t completely shake. What if he gets stuck here with me? What if this place swallows him up the same way it’s been trying to swallow me?I push that doubt away. No, that’s not going to happen. It can’t. We’re both getting out of here. We have to. Too many people are counting on us, waiting for us. We can’t let them down.Mikhail’s face flashes in my mind, and this wave of longing hits me so hard it feels like I can’t breathe. My heart twists, like someone’s squeezing it too tight, and there’s this emptiness inside me, this awful void where the mate bond should be. It’s like a piece of me is just... missing, and no matter how much I try, I can’t fill it.I don’t even try to reach out to him. I can’t. If I do, he’ll feel everything I’m going through, and
SophiaShe’s here. I can feel her, even though she’s too much of a coward to show herself. She’s playing games, just like always.Every time I think I’ve got the upper hand, she pulls this disappearing act, hiding in the shadows and letting her presence crawl over my skin. It’s her way of saying she’s in control that I’m just a pawn on her board.Tapping into my wolf, I let her strength flow through me. It’s like a spark igniting in my veins, a rush that steadies my hands and sharpens my focus. I need her right now, and she knows it.She growls softly inside me, just enough to remind me she’s here, ready and waiting. The sound hums in the back of my mind, a quiet promise that we’re in this together.My mind starts spinning as random visions crash over me like waves, pulling me under. Some are memories, others are my worst fears. I know this is her doing, trying to mess with my head, but I fight to stay connected to myself instead of letting myself get lost in these visions. I won’t le
SophiaIt feels so strange to witness this moment because I don’t remember any of it.I remember being locked in that dark basement, the cold, damp air, and the pain that completely overtook my senses when I went through my first shift.But apart from that, my memory is all hazy, like it’s wrapped in fog. It’s like there’s a part of me that was lost back then, a piece that I still can’t quite reach.And there’s this feeling inside me, a deep, gnawing desperation to uncover what’s been locked away all these years. It’s like there’s a door inside my mind that I can’t open, and every time I try, it feels like I’m just brushing up against the edges of it but never quite getting through.I want to remember.I need to know what happened, what I’ve forgotten.It eats me from inside, that longing to understand, to reclaim the memories that are kept away from me.I watch my wolf pacing in the room, her restless energy practically vibrating off her. She moves in tight circles, like she’s itchin
SophiaMy knees hit the ground beside her, and my hands tremble as I reach out. She lies there unconscious, her chest rising and falling just enough to let me know she’s alive.Tears threaten to spill as I look at her, beaten and broken.The pain etched into her body feels like it’s carved into my soul, too.I know this isn’t real—just memories. But knowing that doesn’t make it hurt any less.It doesn’t erase the fact that once upon a time, this wasn’t a memory. It was my reality. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, my voice breaking. My apology falls flat in the empty space, swallowed by the stillness of the room.Closing my eyes as tears slip free, hot and heavy. “You deserved better,” I choke out. “I should’ve been stronger. For both of us.”Her body doesn’t move, doesn’t react. Of course, it doesn’t. She’s just a reflection of who I was back then.I close my eyes for a moment, letting the cold from the floor seep into my knees. This place... this moment... it’s like the walls themselves reme
SophiaRussells came down here a few more times.Every time, it’s the same: he beats my wolf without a care, like it’s a routine, like she’s nothing but a punching bag to him and then leaves.It's like he is letting out his anger on her for beating him.But then he always got weird pleasure in torturing me, so he might be just beating me for fun because his Alpha has given him a free hand to beat me.Then the door creaks open again, and I brace myself, expecting Russell’s heavy steps. But this time, it’s not him. My eyebrows raise when I see it's Cynthia.She steps into the room quietly, her movements cautious, her body tense like she’s ready to bolt at any moment.This is the first time I’m seeing her without that smug, arrogant look she always has. Gone is the usual disgust she wore like a second skin whenever she looked at me. Instead, there’s something else in her eyes—sympathy. Hurt.It throws me off, and I stare, trying to process what I’m seeing. Cynthia doesn’t say a word, but
JakeMy body shakes as my wolf pushes harder, breaking through the thin line between us. My skin stretches, bones shift, and I fight the change with everything I’ve got, but it’s like he doesn’t care. He’s done waiting.He’s angry. And scared.And so am I.Sophia’s voice is somewhere nearby, soft but panicked. “Jake? What’s happening? Jake!”But I can’t answer. I can barely breathe.All I know is I feel her. Anastasia. Not just the bond tugging... this is something more.She’s hurting.And that pain? It’s mine now, too.I slam a fist into the dirt and snarl, trying to get control back, trying not to lose it completely.Pain flares in my body like a wildfire, and I can hardly breathe. My vision goes all hazy, like I'm looking through a foggy window. I blink hard, trying to clear my head, but it’s no use. Everything around me turns into a blur. I’m dimly aware of the sounds around me, but they’re distant, like I’m submerged underwater. My mind is racing, but it’s too focused on one thin
JakeThere’s this heat sitting right under my skin, like fire trying to crawl out of my bones. It’s been there since I woke up, simmering just below the surface. I keep telling myself it’s nothing, that I’m overthinking it, but I know better.Something’s wrong.I can’t explain it, not in a way that makes sense. It’s like my instincts are pulling at me, dragging my thoughts to one place. Or rather… one person.Anastasia.I close my eyes and try to focus on the reports in front of me, but it’s useless. All I can see is her face. The way she looked when she left.... not angry, not cold, just… hurt.I didn’t want her to leave. Not like that.I wanted more time. Just a little more. I would’ve stolen her from the world if I could, even if it was selfish. But after that talk she had with Sophia, I saw it in her eyes... she was hurting.From Sophia's words, she might have gotten the impression that Sophia is against our bond, which is untrue. However, Sophia is slightly disappointed with me.
Anastasia“I don’t think this plan will work.”Ethan leans forward in his chair, arms crossed, wearing that annoyed look like everything’s just wasting his time.Pete just finished laying out the whole plan — my plan — and I can already feel the tension rising.“We’re not weak,” Ethan adds, like he’s trying to remind everyone of something they never forgot. “We don’t need to waste time spying on mutts. We should just attack, wipe them out, and take their Luna. Simple.”He shrugs like he just solved everything in two seconds. Like it’s just that easy.I can't stop myself from rolling my eyes, as I shake my head.Since everything is taking a three-sixty turn, all the high-ranking hunters are also part of this meeting, even Edwin and his group.Edwin, who’s been quiet the whole time, finally speaks up.“One of the biggest mistakes any hunter can make is to underestimate their enemy,” he says, his eyes locked on Ethan like he’s done babysitting his ego. “What do you think they are, helples
AnastasiaI keep my eyes forward, lips pressed in a straight line, like none of this rattles me. Like I’m not absolutely burning from the inside out. Pete’s words keep echoing in my head. Take away their Luna.He knows. He has to. That look he gave me… like he was testing me. Like he wanted to see if I’d crack. I can’t show it though. That’s what he wants. To see me flinch, to catch some hint of guilt or panic in my eyes. But he’s not getting that. Not from me. I’ve had too much practice keeping my mask in place, hiding the cracks. I can rage later.Right now, I have to think.I have to warn Jake.But how?I can’t just send a message. I know better. Cellphones are a joke in this place. Everything’s tracked. Calls, texts, even burner phones—Pete’s paranoia makes sure nothing slips through. He’s probably waiting for me to try, just so he can pounce with evidence.And if I get caught trying to contact someone outside the group, especially someone like Jake? That’d be the end of everythin
AnastasiaFrom Jake’s place, I head straight home. I don’t stop anywhere. No detours. Just straight to my parents’ house. My bag’s already half-packed, but I need a few more things, and more than that, I need to see them before I go.Mom’s in the kitchen when I walk in, humming under her breath while chopping something. She looks up and her face lights up, but it dims just a little when she sees my expression. She knows that look. The look that say she would like the news that I have to share. She doesn’t say anything though, just wipes her hands and pulls me into a hug.Dad walks in a moment later, looking like he’s been working in the garage. He pauses when he sees me, his brows pulling together just slightly. Like he’s trying to read the tension in the air. He's never been the emotional type, but I can tell he's not thrilled I’m heading out again.I sit them both down, explaining the basics. Just enough so they’re not left in the dark if something happens. I tell them that if anyth
AnastasiaThe sky’s just beginning to lighten when my eyes blink open. It’s quiet, the kind of soft stillness that only comes just before dawn, and the world feels like it’s holding its breath. I barely slept, and I know Jake didn’t either, but we’re both wired like this. Waking up early isn’t something we plan... it just happens because it a habit ingrained in us since forever. And honestly, I kinda love it.Jake’s still in bed beside me, his arm draped across my waist like he has no intention of letting go. I shift just a little, and his grip tightens. His voice is low and raspy near my ear, “You're up too?”“Barely,” I murmur, nuzzling into his chest. “But if you’re awake, then I’m awake.”He hums before kissing the top of my head, and for a few more minutes we just lie there, wrapped up in each other, like time doesn’t exist yet. I wish it really didn’t.Eventually, I give him a lazy smirk and peel back the covers. “Shower?”He stretches, gives me that slow grin I love, and follow
Anastasia Jake’s eyebrow lifts real slow when I reach into the front of my dress and pull out my car keys. His eyes don’t leave mine for even a second as I click the unlock button and toss the keys at him. He catches them like it’s nothing, fingers curling around them with ease. Then, without a word, his hand comes around the back of my neck, firm and warm, pulling me in. His lips crash into mine, and it’s not soft or sweet. It’s deep and consuming and exactly what I need. “Where you wanna go?” he murmurs as we start walking toward the car, his voice still a little rough from the kiss. I glance at him, not even thinking twice. “As long as you’re with me, I don’t care.” My fingers brush his as we walk. “I’m running low on my vitamin J, so all I want right now is to be with you and away from all these fuckers who are testing my tolerance.” He laughs, the sound low and familiar and the only thing that’s felt right all night. Then he opens the passenger door for me, holding it like so
Anastasia I knew I wouldn’t be the same when I came back, but I didn’t think it would feel like this. It’s not just sadness. It’s something deeper. There’s this hollow space inside me, like something important is missing and nothing fits right anymore. Like I left a part of myself behind and now I’m walking around trying to function without it. And maybe that’s exactly what happened. Maybe I did leave a part of me behind. With him. With Jake. The distance between us is eating at me. Four days. Just four damn days, but it feels like I’ve been stuck in this weird stretch of time where everything moves in slow motion and nothing feels real. It’s like my body’s here, going through the motions, but my heart’s somewhere else, still wrapped up in the way his voice sounds when he says my name or how his eyes lock on mine like they know me better than I know myself. Every second drags like it’s meant to remind me I’m not where I’m supposed to be. It punishes me for leaving, and no matter
AnastasiaJake’s arms are wrapped around me, warm and solid, his heartbeat is the only sound I care about right now. It's slow under my ear, steady like the rise and fall of his chest. The grass tickles my arm a little, and the scent of pine and damp earth fills the air, but all I can focus on is the way Jake’s fingers brush lazy circles against my back.I’ve got my arm slung over his chest, my head tucked right into that perfect spot where shoulder meets neck. It feels safe here, even though we’re lying out in the middle of the woods with nothing but leaves above us and sky peeking through.I don’t want to move. I don’t even want to blink too fast, like doing anything more than breathing might break this spell. We’ve both found a kind of peace in this stillness.Jake drops a soft kiss on top of my head, lips lingering for a second, and I feel it all the way through me. My eyes flutter closed just for a beat, soaking it in. Then I feel his chest expand with a quiet sigh, and his arm t