GINA'S POV“He broke his f**king cellphone?”“Yes, Luna,” one of my mother's trusted guards replied. I had informed her of my situation, and she sent men to protect me and carry out my orders. Having to deal with Arthur and now this? “F**k!” I cursed under my breath.I turned to Chris, captured and held by two other huge guards. His lips and brows were bleeding from the little fight he had put up when I asked to have his cellphone. “F**k you, Chris. F**k you,” I cursed in a low voice, jabbing a finger at him.I knew he was hiding something. The air in the warehouse was thick with tension, tinged with the scent of rust and dust of old crates and machines. Dim light filtered through cracked windows and roof, casting eerie shadows that danced along the concrete walls. My anxiety was clearly over the f**king roof.I had called Chris earlier in the day to speak with him about Van's medication, but he refused to pick my calls. I sent my men over,and they found him and brought him here t
NARAH'S POVI wanted to go alone to Chris's apartment, but Liora was too stubborn to listen. She insisted on coming. Zander gave me one of his cars. He and Isolde stayed back with Anakiyus and Nas.As I drove speedily through the dark of night, the thought of something bad happening to Chris flooded my mind. It just frightened me that it had Gina's name written all over.It's definitely something she could do. I had underestimated her. The long drive to Chris's place added to my anxiety; I hoped he was safe. “I pray we find him home, and that the text was all a mean joke,” Liora said, taking off the hat and blonde wig on her head. She tossed them to the backseat.“I hope so,” I replied.His message said to take Liora and run, but I was taking her back to his place, where the danger might still be lurking. I only wanted to know he was safe. Unlike Liora, Chris's magic wasn't as strong; he didn't have the teachers she'd had over the years. Although he went through books and practised,
ALPHA VAN'S POV(Flashback)I pushed my door open; the pungent smell of sweat from dirty boots and uniform swirled up my nose. I cringed in distaste and slammed the door, accepting my fate as it was. I quickly changed my clothes.The morning sun filtered soft rays of sunshine into my bedroom, calm and peaceful, yet the atmosphere was charged with chaos and anger.Father and son bantered about the life choices a son should make, but I felt like a pawn in a game I never chose to play.I had just quarrelled with my father again, and I was tired—tired of the fights and the exchange of words that never favoured me. Somehow, he always managed to win.Today, I refused to serve him his victory on my own broken back. I was done trying to please him, perhaps just for today.It was always about him: “Train! Train! Train!” That was all I ever did. I could hardly remember a meal that didn’t start or end with those words.It gnawed at me, a constant reminder that my worth was tied to my performance
NARAH'S POVI lay in the pink bathtub with my hair dipped in the water, and my eyes staring blankly at the vibrant golden ceiling.“What do I do now?” I said to myself, thinking.My thoughts were a jumbled mess, and I couldn't seem to bring them in order.I closed my eyes and asked myself again, speaking softer, “What do I do?”In the stillness of my mind, I heard that quiet voice whisper, “Are you going to let her get away with everything?”I admit that last night was an even bigger mess, and I didn't want to think about it. I decided to let it die down as the sun rose in the east that morning.“Bloody hell,” I cursed, sitting upright with my knees pressed against my breast and my hands circled around my legs.I inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet aroma of rose petals and eucalyptus-scented candles that filled the bathroom air, providing comfort and calm to my chaotic mind.I'd noticed over time that my black hair dye had faded and the grey curls I'd tried so much to hide were retur
GINA'S POVThe council chamber felt suffocating, the air thick with disbelief and suspicion. Gasps rippled through the room, all eyes fixated on me, their expressions a mixture of shock and hidden conviction.They believed I had betrayed them. They believed I had freed the prisoners. My teeth chattered in fear as I fought the urge to bite my tongue. “You don't believe them, do you?” I turned to Van, desperation clawing at my voice, but his expression was as hard as a rock.Nobody was talking on my behalf. Infact, nobody was talking at all. The silence was madness on its own. I could hear the frantic thump of my heart, each beat echoing in the oppressive quiet.The weight of their stares pressed down on me; each glance felt like a f**king dagger in my chest. I looked around at the faces I thought I knew. Beta Bernard and Corolla avoided my gaze, their stern looks like a cold wind.“Luna Gina is the traitor,” Atlan’s words echoed in my mind, a cruel mantra. My throat went dry. Then, c
NARAH'S POV I had watched Gina's every move for months, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. My heart raced as I recalled the look on her face when I revealed my “evidence.”She had no idea how long I had been planning this, and I was far from over.“Are you hurt?” Isolde asked, rubbing my arms.I looked at the people around me, their faces revealing their concern for my well being. “I'm fine,” I responded with a faint smile.Luckily, her wicked claws didn't pierce my skin. I had played my part perfectly. Each gasp, each whisper from the council members fueled my satisfaction.I could see it in their eyes—doubt, fear, and, most importantly, mistrust toward their Luna, Gina.“I knew Gina was never to be trusted,” Hanadin said.“She's no Luna,” Kacy snapped, her tone biting.Goodness! People are quick to turn against others, I thought. But truthfully, they never really liked Gina to begin with.She was cold toward everyone, especially Hanadin and Sharon, whom she looked down
ALPHA VAN'S POV She reminded me of her. Had she always looked like Reina, but I never looked beyond the facade? Her hair, her smile, her beautiful eyes, and her confidence all seemed too different yet hauntingly familiar.“Mate!” Curtis growled.I felt my flesh creep at the word. It was scary, and yet it seemed to be true now more than ever. Was Narah a second chance mate for Zander, or was she truly my fated mate? What was I thinking? No, no! Reina died eighteen years ago, and I watched her lowered six feet under. Narah was different, but the swirl of emotions I felt was confusing.As I watched her across the table, I felt even more confused. Narah Smith—who really was she before she entered my life?After the banter between Beta Bernard and her, we all moved to the living room. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension, and only a few drinks were shared, but not much was said.“I wants Zander to choke on that wine,” said Curtis, annoyance evident in his voice.Narah’s laugh
NARAH'S POV “You're mine!” The words replayed in my subconscious. Like a broken record, it went on and on and on.As we drove back to the city centre, Zander was talking, and I was listening without comprehension. There was this smile that refused to leave my face and a fluttering feeling in my heart.Alpha Van loved me. He loved me as Reina, and that love still pulsed through our bond as Narah. He loved me either way. How is that even possible? Jolts of electricity coursed through my body at the thought. It was unbelievable.As Zander, Isolde, and I stepped into the hotel lobby, the bustling sounds of the city enveloped us. The bright lights and chatter felt worlds away from the quiet solitude of the Woodwick's territory.“You two can go in. I have someplace to go,” Isolde said. “Zander, the car keys.”She held out her hand for the keys. Zander tossed them to her, and she caught them effortlessly. She waved goodbye and left. Neither of us asked where she was going; we simply strutte
NARAH'S POV Standing face to face with Van's direwolf, my heart leaped for joy. As my hands slowly trailed over its soft, stunning black fur, it growled tenderly, leaning its head on my arm.Suddenly, with the speed of light, Beta Bernard grabbed me from the side, lifting me into the air, his laughter cutting through the atmosphere like a blade.“Let me go,” I shouted, the wisps of my breath curling in the air as I wriggled in his arms. I could see Alpha Van's wolf running after us, its gaze drifting toward the sky now and then. I didn't even get a moment more to rejoice at his breaking free.Although I had initially wanted to get to Beta Bernard, now that I was soaring about twenty thousand feet above the ground and knowing he had the power to throw me off at any moment, I had a change of heart.“I'll show you what real power looks like,” he said, focusing above as he rose higher.My heart was pounding rapidly, my stomach churning with every gust of air I breathed in. “Murdering p
NARAH'S POV I wiped my tears, smiling and nodding, but it was only for a split second before the creature pounced on me, pinning me to the ground. It seemed to be fighting with the voices in its head, staggering back, growling, and throwing punches at its own head.My heart hammered in my chest as my shuddering legs managed to find the strength to support me. Frantically, I dashed through the clearing once more. However, Beta Bernard was no longer in sight. The creature—Van— was hot on my heels again, a twisted shadow of the man I loved. Each desperate step felt like it could be my last, but there was no time to stop.No! I couldn't stop. Not now, not when Beta Bernard was still out there, controlling everything and planning to destroy people's lives.I glanced over my shoulder just in time to see Alpha Van stumble again, his paws pounding the earth, his body fighting against the unnatural force that gripped him.It was as if a part of him, deep inside, was beginning to take charge,
NARAH'S POV The monsters surrounding us snarled, their eyes empty of recognition, all of them bound by the same cruel will. “So that which was cursed may never be cursed again,” witch Verusia whispered, staring at Jeremiah. Then I understood what she meant. The reason Jeremiah hadn't changed along with the others was that he had been cursed by the Moon Jade, and now the curse Beta Bernard had placed on the other werewolves could not touch him. The air grew thick, making it difficult to breathe, as we shifted back slowly while the creatures approached. My eyes were locked on them, thinking of how to win this battle without hurting them. “Beta Bernard is controlling their minds,” I said, my voice firm. “I'll see how I can get the Moon Jade from him, while you guys handle our friends.” “Our friends?” Liora snapped. “Look at them. I bet all they want is to sink their teeth into our plump flesh and use our bones as toothpicks.” Jeremiah sneered, his eyes flashing with defiance.
NARAH'S POV I could see the feral grin on his face as he rose from the ground like a phoenix rising from its ashes. I expected nothing less. Beta Bernard's appetite for power seemed to know no bounds. His eyes blazed with an intense white light that radiated like a flashlight pointing in all directions until they finally rested on me. I caught Liora's body in midair just before it slammed onto the ground.“Oh my! Thank you,” she mumbled, catching her breath, disbelief etched on her face.“Are you okay?”She nodded instinctively; then her eyes darted toward Beta Bernard, scanning the clearing. His guards were getting back on their feet, along with Luna Tauriel. The flames they had held were now extinguished and the sticks tossed aside.“That old man just won't quit. Motherf**ker!” Liora cursed bitterly, glaring at him.“He looks pretty mad and happy at the same time,” I retorted.Instantly, Liora's amber eyes grew large with surprise as they focused behind me, gawking at something—or
NARAH'S POV When I created a portal to lead us to where Liora and the others were, I thought I had conjured the right destination. I was dumbfounded when it led us to a part of the woods where I saw Gina. She was holding on to dear life…barely.It broke my heart to see her like that—battered and broken beyond saving. I could sense the silver mixing like a drug in her blood. It pulsed through her veins like the rhythm of a mourning song.When I held her, the things she had done since my return were quickly erased from my mind, replaced by a gaping wound of regret and sorrow which scared my heart deeply.For the first time, I caught a glimpse of the sister I had once known and loved. The Gina that had filled my childhood with her elegance. Her sultry green eyes had lost their sparkle. They were bleary with tears, and her pupils were dilating.For Corolla—I didn't exactly know what to feel. Hurt, betrayed, and beneath it, a genuine love for a friend whom I had thought was true. What a t
GINA'S POV “How pathetic! You think you can fight me?” Corolla spat, “You should just go back to your stupid, glittering life, being pretty and useless.”I scoffed, the sound tearing from my throat like a challenge. “I don't care what happens here, but I won't let you go, not after what you did to Liam.”I held back tears as I recalled how my Liam had died in Corolla's cruel hands. For a moment, I let the memories wash over me—the pain, the unbearable grief, the anguish. There was no way in hell or on earth that I'd let her live even if it would cost me my life. I'd fight until the very end.“Do you think father would be proud to see us at war?”“I don't f***king care what he thinks.”“What about your mother?”“Go to hell, Corolla.”Corolla's laughter filled the night's air. I felt a shiver run down my spine. Still, I remained bold and alarmed in case she would pull one of her dubious moves.“How could you work with our enemies? You f**king traitor.”“They're not my enemies. My only
NARAH'S POV“I might know a way to get there faster.”“Is there a shortcut?”“You can call it that. I’ve just never tried it before, but I think I might be able to do it,” I mumbled doubtfully. “I know you're thinking of creating a portal,” Minisi said. “Since you have witch's blood in your veins now, I'm sure you can give it a try. But don't forget that creating a portal is a complex and unpredictable magic. If you lose control, it could rip apart the fabric of space and time, or worse, trap us in a never-ending loop of dimensions.”“Wow, thanks a lot for reminding me of the consequences if I fail. It's a nice way to say ‘don't do it, but hey, might as well go ahead and doom us all,’ Yeah, thank you,” I quipped, releasing a gush of air and blowing a strand of hair out of my face.“I'm just saying,” Minsi added. “I’m glad you understand, though.”“I want to create a portal,”I said to Alpha Van. His brows furrowed and his eyes narrowed.“A portal? I've read of powerful witches creati
NARAH'S POV The music stopped at once, and the musicians ran haywire behind the curtains. The guests watched in horror as the intended sacrifice was released from the trap they had captured her in.Corolla's eyes were dark and her brows furrowed in anger and confusion. But before she could react, a deafening crash from the side of the building echoed through the walls.Gina, flanked by Zander and Isolde, strode into the hall, their eyes scanning the room until they settled on me and my rescuer—Alpha Van, my love.It was he who drew the blade out of my chest. He had managed to come from behind the stage just before Bryan even finished climbing up the stairs. Bryan approached, disbelief masking his features as he accessed us. My glowing eyes reverted to their ocean blue as they locked onto Alpha Van’s. How did he get here? Corolla had been expecting him, and here he was, without her knowledge, I presumed. Here he was— saving me.He scooped me into his strong, muscular arms and lowered
NARAH'S POV I felt a strong wave of dizziness wash over me, and my stomach churned with nausea that seemed to come with cramping that came out of nowhere. “Reina, I don't know how much longer we can go on like this before… Reina” “Please, Minsi, don't give up on me now,” I groaned. My skin was deathly pale, and my eyelids could barely lift. It was too much of an effort to even try. The air was rich with the scent of delicacies and a mixture of various colognes. It felt as if I was being pricked by a needle, and as if blood was rushing to my brain. I felt bad for having to put Minisi in this situation just when she finally came back. “I have to protect you at all cost,” she said, her voice coming in soft murmurs. “If we can get the dagger out, we can easily break free from these cuffs.” “But my hands are bound. How can I pull the dagger out?” How long had it been since Corolla drugged me? Just then, a beam of what felt like sunlight projected into my partly opened eyes