RAFAEL'S POVAfter ensuring Winter was well settled, I returned to the woods, my senses on high alert. I made certain no one was following me, not wanting to endanger anyone else. It was better for me to be in harm's way than someone else. I halted as my ears caught rustling nearby, and my nose twitched at the strange scent in the air.When I had been with Winter, I sensed something amiss, though I didn't detect the scent. Yet, alone now, it permeated the air, overwhelming my senses. Moving closer, I dashed silently to a large tree upon hearing voices approaching. I stood there, holding my breath and trying to mask my own scent.I dreaded being caught lurking, especially if they were a werewolf group. Facing them alone would be a daunting task. Judging by the voices, they numbered around ten or perhaps fewer. Attentively listening to their footsteps, I sighed in relief as they began to retreat.Peering cautiously, I saw them. My eyes widened at the sight before me. Instead of the prev
WINTER'S POVHow could he lie to my face so casually? Why was he being so secretive? It bothered me that he left for the woods again after clearly noticing something, yet refused to share it with me.Maybe I shouldn't care, but I couldn't shake the feeling. When it came to anything concerning Rafael, I felt like it was my concern, and I found myself unable not to care.Letting out a deep sigh, I raised my eyes to the sky, feeling the wind whip through my hair. The night sky was filled with dazzling stars, just like earlier this evening, but their beauty did nothing to ease the anger that consumed me. "I can't stand him right now," I muttered. "Why wouldn't he just tell me?""Would it really make you feel better if I did?" a voice interrupted.Surprised, I widened my eyes and turned to find Rafael standing there, his gaze distant. When did he get here without me noticing?"What are you doing out here? I thought you were heading to bed," Annoyance laced Rafael's words, although his expr
WINTER's POVThe morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow that illuminated the room. I rolled in bed, reluctant to rise. I found comfort in staying under the covers, enjoying the leisure of a slow morning. Not being a morning person, it often felt like a nuisance to wake up early.My rolling abruptly ceased as I collided with someone. With a jolt, my eyes shot open, and I suppressed a startled scream upon realizing who it was.Rafael lounged on the bed, his chin propped up on his hand, his gaze fixed intently on me."How long have you been awake?" I frowned, my annoyance evident as he continued to stare, a hint of amusement playing on his lips."Long enough to know you mutter my name in your sleep and are quite enthusiastic about kicking," Rafael quipped, pulling up his shirt.My eyes widened as I spotted fading bruises on his skin."How do I know you didn't cause those bruises yourself? And I certainly don't mention your name in my sleep!" I countere
WINTER'S POVI hurriedly freshened up and made my way to the meeting hall, where I knew I would find Jude. But he wasn't alone as I had expected. The room was filled with pack members, and Rafael was also present, which explained his absence from the room earlier.Approaching Rafael, I murmured, "Is it a good idea for you to be here?"He shrugged in response. "Jude wanted me here," he explained, causing me to give Jude a questioning glance.Jude merely shrugged and approached me. "Whether he's here or not, he'll still understand the main points," he remarked, to which I nodded.Indeed, it was true. Nothing discussed in the meeting hall remained a secret. In the Eclipse pack, however, they seemed quieter and less prone to spreading rumors.However, the reverse was the case in the Moon Stone pack. Rafael would find out whether he was present or not.Still, I had reservations about this idea. I believed Rafael hadn't yet mended his relationships with some members who had witnessed him at
WINTER'S POVThe afternoon had come, but Rafael still hadn't returned.I discreetly questioned Jude and Kendall about his whereabouts, hoping for answers, but both seemed reluctant to provide any. My suspicions extended to them; it felt like they knew where he had gone but were keeping it from me.Back in the infirmary, Naomi remained unconscious, her breathing steady compared to the ragged state it had been in just hours before. Her temperature had returned to normal. I sat by her bedside, my gaze fixed on the fading wound on her body, unable to conceal the grimace that crossed my face. I held her hand, noting the coolness of her skin.Despite my efforts to uncover the nature of her attack and the assailant responsible, I came up empty-handed. Rafael hadn't disclosed the identity of the people he had seen. All he mentioned was that he had encountered them, people who seemed formidable enough to deter any attempt to challenge them. That might explain why he chose to retreat and return
WINTER POVI waited for Rafael for a good two days, hoping for his return.I prayed to the goddess to bring him safely to me.Yet, despite my hope, I received no word about his return or his return to his pack after I sent the last letter to Naomi. She informed me about her well-being and relayed all that had transpired. I didn't want to read too much into the symbols she described that she had seen before losing consciousness.Those symbols were pointing toward the Vordrak Lycans, but I couldn't be certain.I hadn't encountered anyone else with similar symbols on their heads, and now Rafael had gone after them. I often wondered if he ever second-guessed his decisions before acting."Are you really leaving?" Linda asked, staring at the bag I was currently stuffing my things in."Yes," I replied, packing the last of my clothing into the bag."And I can't change your mind?" she inquired once again."No, you can't," I answered. "Trying to stop me would mean you hate me. I can't let Rafae
WINTER'S POV:I kept staring at my mother, memories of Helios warning me about my children trying to hide the necklace flooding back.This must be the level of danger he had mentioned. The gravity of the situation was pronounced in my mother's expression; she wasn't joking.And I doubted she'd ever joke about something like this."I haven't been the best mother to you," she whispered, her voice cracking toward the end. I thought she might start crying, but even though she didn't, I could see tears welling up in her eyes."I'm sorry, darling. I should have let you make your own choices. I wrongly assumed I could make better decisions for you. I went wrong right from the beginning when you took that oath..." She paused, took a deep breath, and continued."Your father had warned me against it, but I chose to follow my own path. I'm truly sorry, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." She murmured, her grip on my face gentle. "We can talk about whatever you want when you
WINTER'S POVI didn't think I had managed to distance myself very far from it. And I didn't believe I could, either. Exhaustion gripped me; my hands ached from clutching the horse's reins too tightly, and my head throbbed. Wincing at the bitter taste that now dominated my palate, I pushed myself beyond my limits.Firstly, my primary goal was survival. If I got caught up in the tornado, I doubted anyone would find my remains—this was the most violent one I had ever witnessed.Secondly, I couldn't afford to fail my mission to meet Rafael; dying would render all my efforts pointless.Lastly, for some unknown reason, I couldn't counter the strong wind. It was perplexing, considering I had been able to deflect even the fiercest gusts before. Nevertheless, no matter how hard I struggled, all my attempts were in vain.The horse let out a distressed neigh, abruptly coming to a halt. "Come on," I groaned, rubbing its mane. "I know you're tired too, but I promise we'll find a safe place to res
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