WINTER'S POVFeeling a prod at my side, I jerked awake. I slowly opened my eyes and winced as the bright light shone into them."Winter?"Turning towards the source of the voice, I blinked my eyes several times to clear the haze before they adjusted to the lighting in the room. I realised it was just the sun showing its brilliance, and the curtains were opened, allowing the light to stream in."L-Linda?!" I stuttered, standing to my feet. I was still wearing the same Flora dress, but I was definitely no longer in the Eclipse pack.The air smelled different, almost like I was back home at the MoonStone pack."You're home," Linda said. "What happened? Jude saw you at the opening, and now he's trying to declare war on the Rogue king and his pack. I tried to talk him out of it, but he won't listen," she explained.I stood abruptly and stumbled towards the door, but Linda caught me, and I glared at her."He'll kill himself!" I said. Rafael, who wanted to kill him before, would be pleased t
WINTER POVThe ballroom had been stripped down, devoid of the usual sashes embroideries and organza fabric that adorned its walls. Even the draperies were absent. I had witnessed this transformation on several occasions, usually preceding a new event. But this time, it was different. This event held immense significance, as it determined the fate of many young werewolves making their debut.Maidservants and manservants hurried around, engaging in hushed conversations. Despite their low tones, I overheard every word. Excitement filled their voices as they anticipated tomorrow, knowing that as maids and omegas, the lowest-ranked werewolves, they would all be mated. Unlike them, I couldn't share in their enthusiasm. Not only was I pregnant and a widow, but I also had to feign happiness while watching everyone else.I longed for Slade to be by my side, but reality reminded me that I couldn't have everything I desired. Perhaps it was time to heed my mother's advice and let go, but every at
Rafael's POVAs I stepped into the abode of the seer, a short distance away from the main pack house, I took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the burning incense before exhaling slowly. My gaze wandered around the cave-like structure as I ventured deeper inside. Although I had been here before, it always felt like my first time.A faint smile spread across my lips when I spotted the seer standing in the centre of the room inside a small water body; her head was raised towards the sky."I am here," I said, although I knew she had already sensed my presence long before I entered the cave.Without glancing my way, she pointed to a large stone in front of her and uttered, "Stay there."The question 'Why?' lingered on the tip of my tongue, but I suppressed it and obeyed, even though I had no idea why she wanted me in that particular spot.As I reached the spot she had indicated, I noticed a stone podium with a large book placed on top. I hadn't noticed the podium until now, and I could
WINTER POVI felt a strange sensation, as if I were intoxicated on water, although I knew it wasn't possible. But there he was, James, standing in the hall before me. I gasped, waving my hand across my face to dispel the sudden heat that enveloped me, allowing my mind to wander aimlessly.The event was in full swing, with werewolves from various packs and the town filling the hall. However, I never would have imagined encountering James, an Eta in the Eclipse Pack, in this place. Perhaps it was a trick of the mind. I pinched myself, closed my eyes tightly, and reopened them, only to let out a startled yelp as I found myself face-to-face with Rafael."No," I mumbled, shaking my head in disbelief. I closed my eyes again, taking a deep breath. "This must be a dream. There's no way he's here."Waving my hands in front of my face as if trying to ward off the image of Rafael in case he was an apparition, I let out a slow breath and attempted to close my eyes. However, Rafael's grip on my ha
RAFAEL POVDespite my claims that I didn't care about what she said, and in addition to finding a strange letter in my room, I couldn't deny my desire to be here, to see Winter.Why?It all stemmed from the strangest dream I had about her - witnessing her death and the brutal extraction of a baby from her womb. It was a disturbing and inhumane vision, unlike anything I had ever seen her in before. Usually, when she appeared to me, it was somewhat comforting, but last night was different. Holding her lifeless body, and calling out her name to no avail, was haunting.The Seer didn't offer any help either, remaining silent, and I knew exactly why. Since she had advised me to visit and apologise to Winter, an invitation I had initially declined, she had stopped communicating. And it seemed like everything had taken a turn for the worst.Following the receding floodwaters, our pack faced multiple attacks from invaders in the last two days - an unprecedented situation. Although we were used
WINTER'S POV"The Vordrak Lycan, or aren't they the hunters that were spoken about by the Bwegbonyu, or whatever they're called, hunters mentioned?"Nodding, I said. "They are. They're the purest Lycans, and communicating through letters and possessing it is one of the things they do best.""And now the people at the party are possessed?" Rafael tilted his brows."Possibly," I mumbled. "I sensed power flowing out of the letter and out of the room." Waving the paper with me, I shook my head. Despite the content written on it, it felt empty, almost like I was holding an ordinary paper rather than something that was once coated with black magic."Then how do we know since you're not so sure?" He asked."The only way to know for sure is to have a peek at what's going on in the party." I stepped towards the door, and Rafael clutched my hand, halting me."Won't that be dangerous?" He questioned.For a few seconds, I saw concern in his eyes until it vanished, and he let his hand fall from mi
WINTER'S POVA sigh escaped my lips as I lingered in the shadows longer than intended. My eyes narrowed, and I instinctively clutched the necklace around my neck, twisting and chanting out of habit.Closing my eyes tightly as the figure continued towards me, I licked my lips nervously as sudden unease enveloped me. I shouldn't have been afraid, but I was. It wasn't the fear of being unable to fight what was coming toward me; it was the fear of the unknown.Maybe I shouldn't have asked us to separate.Puffing out a breath as the figure approached, whispers filtered through the air. "Winter," came the eerie voice, sending shivers down my spine. I gritted my teeth, trying my best to cancel out the voice, but no matter what I did, it only grew louder. "Winter!""No," I muttered, covering my ears, but it was no use."Winter!""Fucking show yourself!" a growl escaped my lips, and I jumped out of the shadows, slipping my dagger from the belt around my waist and pointing it at the person. "Ra
WINTER'S POVAs if slamming me into the wall wasn't enough, he gripped me by the throat."Let go of me; I command you!" I yelled. My eyes locked onto Rafael's, and he smirked, "Oh, you expect me to obey that, don't you?""Too bad I answer to no one. Even if I did, not to a weakling!" He snarled.Refusing to back down, I said through gritted teeth, "Let go of me.""I refuse!" He barked, shoving me into the wall again.Rafael growled, and his eyes narrowed at me. "I'm going to kill you. I've wanted to do that for a long time, ever since I set my eyes on you, and I'm glad I'll have the opportunity to do so now."He wasn't bluffing. I knew that. He gave me a murderous glare, and I did my best not to shudder as fear wrapped its hands tightly around my heart.The fury radiating off him was unlike anything I had felt before, and it made me tremble slightly, even though I tried my best to hide the fright within me from him."Are you saying your last prayer yet? I'm kind enough to let you have
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