WINTER'S POVGasping, I jerked awake and pressed my hand to my chest as it palpitated..."Hey, are you okay?" came a voice.Abruptly, I turned to my side, and my eyes collided with Rafael. He was sitting beside my bedside, worry flickering in his blue eyes."W-what are you doing here?" I sputtered, wondering why he was staring at me as if it were normal."Did you remember what happened?" he asked, ignoring my question.Of course, I remembered. Why wouldn't I? However, I hadn't seen him when it happened. He was the one who had put me in this predicament in the first place. If he hadn't been so selfish and had only thought of himself, I would be fine."What is this?"I glanced in the direction Rafael was pointing and noticed the Luminastrand. I remembered never taking it from the god Helios. It was strange to see it on my bed."It's a necklace," I mumbled, glancing back at Rafael."Oh, I see," Rafael mumbled, raising a brow prompting for more information."How long have I been out?" I a
WINTER'S POVDeath... The last time I thought I would hear or see that was when Slade died. Yet, here it was again, looming like a dark cloud. Another cursed prophecy, hinting at its arrival.Or maybe Rafael was bluffing, but his expression showed no trace of jest. Even if he were joking, I doubted he would have come to this pack bearing such grave tidings only to tease me."I don't understand," I said, my voice trembling slightly."What don't you understand?!" Rafael snapped, causing me to flinch.Since I had awoken, despite Jude and Kendall's attempts to provoke him and even Linda's subtle hints for him to leave, he had never lost his temper—until now."It's simple, Winter," he said, his tone tense. "We're embarking on a quest together, in search of who knows what, and if we fail, death awaits us!""When did you receive this prophecy?" I inquired, making him scoff in response."Do you truly believe this to be a joke? Why would I come here just to toy with the concept of death? Think
RAFAEL POVAs soon as I stepped out of the room, I realized that taking a stroll within an unfamiliar pack wouldn't be easy. I could easily be mistaken for a spy or even kidnapped, which could lead to my downfall. Packs, in my experience, never took matters involving spies lightly. I, for one, would always have them thrown into the dungeon, followed by execution.Perhaps, that grim fate awaited me as well.However, I harbored doubts about that outcome. The way everyone gawked at me with widened eyes, their expressions etched with curiosity rather than the fury and disgust I had anticipated, surprised me. I had anticipated a negative reaction due to my striking resemblance to their past Alpha. This was especially puzzling since I was a rogue.According to Jude, Kendall, and Linda, I should have been met with strong animosity, and the pack members would have been eager to expel me. But, up until this point, I hadn't encountered such a hostile reception."Hey," I said, steadying a brunet
WINTER'S POVI found myself trying to understand the bewildering circumstances that surrounded me. It was disconcerting to realize that I was clad in nothing but a towel while Rafael bombarded me with incredulous questions about my feelings for Jude. His eyes bore an unsettling mixture of curiosity and something more ominous, like a brewing storm."I've asked you a question, Winter," Rafael's voice snapped me back to the present."Your question is ridiculous," I retorted, furrowing my brow and attempting to extricate myself from his grasp. However, his fingers held onto mine with an unyielding grip.Rafael guided me towards the wall adjacent to the bathroom, pressing me against it. A soft gasp escaped my lips as my bare skin grazed the rough surface of the wall."How long have you both been in love with each other? How many times will you toy with me, Winter?" His expression contorted into a scowl."Let's be clear. I'm not dignifying that question with an answer. And for the record, t
WINTER'S POVJude gasped awake, his eyes widening before he grimaced, possibly recalling all that had transpired."Jude," I said. As soon as his eyes locked onto mine, he quickly glanced away. Great, he probably hated me now."What prompted the fight?" I asked."You should ask the rogue you are harboring in the pack," Jude retorted, still avoiding eye contact."I need to know what happened to you first; that's why I've been here for the past two hours, waiting for you to wake up. If I wanted to ask him, I wouldn't be here," I scowled, earning a shrug from Jude.For a while, I thought he wouldn't respond, but he finally spoke. "You let him kiss you.""W-what?" I asked, frowning."Fine, I was the one who punched him. He started taunting me, saying he kissed you and called you a cheap whore. That's why I did it. You can berate me for hitting him, but I'm not sorry, and I'll do it again, even if it means taking my last breath.""You won't be getting into any more fights with him," I said.
RAFAEL POVTraveling through the darkness was no easy task, and being in an unknown territory made it even worse. What had transpired between Jude and me weighed heavily on my mind. I knew I was partially at fault, but Winter putting all the blame on me was unwarranted.If Jude hadn't intercepted me while I was out and provoked me about not being good enough for Winter, I probably wouldn't have thrown that punch. He taunted me, and I responded in kind by mentioning that I had kissed Winter. Though I never revealed the real reason for telling Jude about the kiss that led to our fistfight, I doubted Winter would want to hear it from me. She seemed furious, and I suspected she had already made up her mind about sending me away.Maybe, just maybe, if I had tried harder to convince her, I wouldn't be aimlessly wandering here now. Yet, the urgency to do so had escaped me at the time. Exhaling a breath, I paused by a massive tree, leaning against its trunk before closing my eyes.A calm bree
RAFAEL POVI stood by Winter's bedside, her still unconscious form before me. Despite my unwelcome status within the pack, no one had uttered a word to me. We exchanged only weary glances as we waited for her to awaken.Linda rose to her feet, releasing a deep sigh that shattered the oppressive silence in the room. "Who's up for a drink? Let's try to keep our spirits up while we wait. She's not on her deathbed, you know."Though I had attempted to convince myself of the same, the effort had faltered. Winter's limp form in my hand had frightened me. At that moment, my anger had been entirely directed towards the tattered basilisk, even though I was powerless against it. Winter had vanquished it. She had saved me for the second time, yet she now lay almost lifeless.A twinge pulsed in my heart, causing me to grunt. This sensation was not foreign to me. It encapsulated all the emotions I had strived to suppress in relation to Winter. I couldn't label it as love, but it was undeniably int
WINTER'S POVI groaned as I awakened, my eyes wandering around the room, trying to orient myself. My head throbbed, and my mouth tasted sour as I squinted at the blurry figure of Linda—yes, it was definitely her.She stood a few paces away from the bed, engrossed in conversation with Jude. Whatever they were discussing had clearly captured their attention; they hadn't noticed that I was awake."Linda," I said, gaining their attention. Immediately, she turned, and her eyes met mine.Her eyes widened, and a sharp screech escaped her lips. "Winter is awake!"Her voice pierced through my ears, and a rush of memories flooded back. How I had sensed something was wrong and had received a mental message from Rafael. Though I couldn't control the overwhelming feeling, it had led me to him, and that was when I encountered the basilisk."Rafael," I muttered, my gaze searching. "Where is he?""I am here," Rafael's voice came as he entered the room, with Kendall following closely.Stepping down fr
WINTER POVA DAY AFTER THE BATTLEThough we endured many casualties, victory was ours. Our pack was back under our control, and there were no impending threats.No prisoners were taken from the Vordrak Lycans. Those who refused to yield were beheaded, and their remains left for the vultures to feast upon.Most importantly, Slade had returned. However, he hadn't given me the full acknowledgment I sought.At the moment, I was in the room, preparing for the meeting to announce Slade's return. While some felt it, others were still bewildered.Slade had departed the room even before I woke. I wondered if he was intentionally avoiding me, for he wasn't acting like himself."Maybe you're attributing too much to it," Flora suggested."I doubt it," I murmured. "He's distant. I should be the one relishing his presence the most, but now he seems to prefer others' company over mine.""I don't believe that's the case. He still feels the same way about you," Flora assured."How do you know that?" I
WINTER POVMinutes passed as I waited for Rafael or Slade, unsure which one would wake up first. I hoped one of them would regain their memories soon.However, it seemed like my wait might be in vain. He hadn't stirred since he fell, and he wasn't breathing. I couldn't detect any heartbeat. I wondered if I had overexerted myself."When will he wake up?" I asked Rachel. "I thought it would happen soon!"I glanced back at his body. He was growing cold, and his lips were turning blue. The sounds of battle from outside echoed while I cradled the nearly lifeless body of my mate."What should I do, Rachel?" I looked at her, then at my mother and Emily."Give it time," my mother said, reaching out to touch my shoulder, but I shrugged her hand away."Everyone keeps saying that!" I cried out. "Did I do everything wrong, and why is no one telling me the truth?"Was he going to die again? Tears blurred my vision, and I bowed my head, sobbing against his chest. The sudden wave of grief overwhelme
WINTER POVI was relieved my mother stayed behind. The process of forcing the Blood Moon was even harder than I had imagined. We had been at it for hours since my arrival, and night hadn't fallen yet.Despite drawing on my mother's strength, I still felt weak. It was as if something was trying to drain my energy."It's the babies," Emily whispered."What?" I furrowed my brow, my hands resting on my stomach."They're taking power from you, Winter, so you can't use all your abilities, or you'll end up magically depleted," she explained."Why would they try to take my powers when they know I need them right now?" I questioned.They should have sensed my distress, especially since I'd been using my powers more frequently lately."It's what keeps them alive," the Eclipse pack seer said.She approached me and placed her hands on my stomach, closing her eyes. "You should talk to them."A few seconds later, she opened her eyes. "Rachel and I can lend you our strength, and I'm sure your mother
WINTER POVEven though I glimpsed her briefly on my way to the Silvamemoria Forest, I never imagined she'd come here after all she'd done. No one saw eye to eye with her, and she hadn't offered an official apology for her part in it. I couldn't help but wonder how she'd managed to step in here without being torn apart."What are you doing here?!" It was Kendall who snapped out of his daze first, and he strode toward her, growling lowly with narrowed eyes."Hi, Kenny," Summer smiled, waving at him. "Long time no see.""I'm not delighted to see you," Kendall hissed. "And it would be best if you left.""Don't you think having extra hands could be a help for all of you?" another familiar voice chimed in, and Daniel emerged from his hiding spot."No," I murmured, shaking my head. How had they managed to come here amidst all the chaos?!"We found our way," Daniel said as if he were reading my mind.It felt like the last time I'd seen him was a century ago. His hair was shaggy, and it seemed
WINTER POVI jumped as another shot rang out in the air. It had been happening for over an hour now. Although it was expected, I never thought it would be this soon. It was the day of the blood moon, and it wasn't even morning yet when we were being attacked by the Vordrak's lycan. Some of the buildings close to the large gate of the Moon Stone pack had been hit and were in ruins. It wouldn't be long before it reached us, but I guess they were taking their time.From where I stood in the main pack's building, very much close to the balcony, I could see some of the Vordrak's lycans taking the pack members who weren't fortunate enough to flee captive and beheading them in cold blood. Also, I didn't think it was the dead pack members' fault since we were attacked unaware."My lady," I turned to Jude as he stepped towards me. I saw Linda behind him, as well as Kendall. They all wore battle armor with swords in their sheaths, except Linda, who took a spear. It wasn't as though she couldn't
WINTER POV"Try again," Emily urged for the third time since we left the room. Closing my eyes, I took a slow breath and focused on the candle before me."Ignis (Fire)," I whispered for the third time. Opening my eyes, I felt nothing. I shook my head, stepping away from the pentagram."It's not working, Emily," I admitted. This should be the simplest of spells. I couldn't fathom why it wasn't working, and I hadn't even tapped into my deepest power to draw it out."Your mind is still occupied," Emily pointed out."It's clear," I insisted."It's not," Emily persisted. "That's why I want us to start with the simplest spells, so your powers won't be drained from repeated attempts.""I did clear my mind just as you instructed," I insisted.I hadn't been thinking of anything except the fact that Rafael was in the dungeon, in need of my help.'That means your mind is still occupied,' Flora whispered.'Flora,' I acknowledged. 'What should I do?'Flora speaking to me at moments like this wasn'
WINTER POVTHE NEXT DAYI felt confined in the room, not literally, but I could barely leave without my mother or Denise asking where I was going. Rafael was still in the dungeon, though not locked up like before. I'd been told that, but I didn't trust my mother enough at this point not to.For some reason, she was keeping the truth from me. Pacing, I ran a hand through my hair, then glared at Emily, seated on the sofa in front of me. She'd been talking nonstop about the history of the Vordrak Lycans and how they came to be. I didn't want to hear it. I just wanted a solution. The one, my parents had proposed involved me forgetting about Rafael, which meant I'd forget about Slade, too, if I did it. Saving Rafael was important, but his forgetting me was the last thing I wanted.So, the only sensible option now was to wait for the Blood Moon night to use the moon shadow Blade. It was the only available and effective option I knew, even if it meant forgetting about him."Do you understand
WINTER POV"I am dying," I whispered, gazing at the face of the goddess Selene. She shook her head, her expression distant, lost in thought.I wondered if she shared in my pain, her murmurs never-ending. "Can't you help me?" I implored, but she remained silent, her gaze fixed on me.She only stared at me before shrugging. "Even for a goddess like me, there are limits I can't surpass. As much as I care for you, Winter, there are boundaries I cannot cross." Her voice held a touch of sadness, mirroring the emotion etched on her face."What do you mean by these limits?" I inquired, a hint of frustration creeping into my tone. I lay there, perhaps lifeless, with my loved ones surrounding me. Rafael still needed my aid, and the impending war loomed. Yet, she hesitated to assist."You know I would have assisted if I could," she sighed."Everything lies within your power; a mere snap of your fingers could change it all," I insisted, my voice tense as I glared at her."Like I said, Winter..."
RAFAEL POVExhaling once again, I stood rooted to the spot, unyielding since the trio departed. Winter hadn't budged either.No matter how often her mother offered reassurances, it did little to ease my unease. If only I'd left with Jude and faced the consequences head-on, just as I glimpsed in his eyes. It might have offered some solace.It could have balanced the scales, a punishment of sorts for what I'd subjected Winter to. Yet deep down, I knew that wouldn't be enough. I sighed and began to pace around the room."You should sit down. You'll wear yourself out," Denise advised."Sit?" I scoffed. "I don't think that's what I need."Rising to her feet, Denise approached me. "It's not your fault," she asserted. "I believe you would've shielded Winter if you had the inner strength. I know you never intended to harm her.""I should have shielded her, but I never did," I acknowledged. "I repeated the same mistake I made with my first mate. I'm cursed, shit!""Listen to me," Denise insist