[Anika’s POV]I stare into Mateo’s dark eyes and find that I don’t feel an ounce of love for him. Instead, all I can feel is a deep-rooted hatred that leaves me wanting to kill the man in front of me."Go on then," he taunts when I don’t move. "Are you really going to hesitate to attack?"‘Kill him,
"What?" he asks slowly, his guard going up. "Why are you looking at me like that?""Are you going to play dumb?" I ask. "Even if I seemed out of it, I was still present for everything that happened up until now."Despite knowing I was being ridiculous, I couldn’t stop the sudden pang of pain that sh
[Fallon’s POV]"Yeah."The words leave my lips before I am able to fully process what is happening. The marks were gone, as was the connection between Mateo and Anika. Was this really happening, or were we counting our chickens before they hatched?"Really?"The hope in Fineon’s voice makes me want
I knew that using this method wasn’t exactly the best, but it was the only way I knew he wouldn’t argue. All those years of training at the academy and with him had left me more than able to handle myself."Are you saying that you don’t trust all the skills you made sure to instill in me?"Widening
[Hindrick’s POV]I stood alone, staring out at the horizon, taking in the pluming smoke from Mount Malum. The closer we grew to Fulgor Island, the more I saw just how bad things truly were becoming."It’s something, isn’t it?" Gavin announces, appearing beside me.Nodding, I continue to stare. I cou
[Hindrick’s POV]Ah, this feeling. It was the same thing I felt every time the darkness wanted to take over. I felt this dark sense of hopelessness and unease, but I couldn’t let it take me. If I were to allow that, then I wouldn’t be able to see her smile again, would I?Closing my eyes, I let the
"Ugh.""Uncle Ramone?"Frowning, I watched as Uncle Ramone’s whole body convulsed from a shiver. Was he cold from the sea breeze? If he was, why was he wearing practically nothing?Oh right.After deciding on leaving immediately, dad insisted that we get help from some of Donald’s workers. Initially
[Fallon’s POV]I’m unable to speak as I continue to watch Fineon as he slowly opens the box to reveal a ring with a golden band with a single blue and yellow stone sitting in the middle of it."That’s," I gasp, my eyes growing wide. "You…""Still have it?" Fineon offers, smiling. "So you recognize t
"Life doesn’t work that way, sis," I sigh, forcing a smile. "And once I graduate from the academy, I plan on joining Uncle Elleric’s forces, so I won’t have time to think about things like love." "So you’re going to follow behind her," Fallon murmurs, not seeming pleased at all. "You’re going to fo
[Idris’ POV] "Are you sure you’re going back?" Mom’s eyes begin to fill with tears as she waits for a response. I don’t know exactly what she expects me to say. "Yes, I am. It’s been a month since Mateo and his underlings were killed, and the academy is finally reopening. As a student, I am requi
"Hindrick," Heather growls, coming to Utica’s defense. "I’m sure there was a reason that she did it. Why do you always have to be so nasty with anyone who isn’t Fallon?"Flinching, I keep my expression neutral while Heather’s glare burns daggers into me."Did you know?" I ask. "Or are you going to c
[Hindrick’s POV]"Welcome back!"Uncle Elleric doesn’t wait before he pulls me into a hug, crushing me against him and making me extremely uncomfortable.Growling, I work to break free, and once I manage to achieve my goal, I take a few steps back."Ever the stoic," he chuckles, taking me in. "Can’t
"He…" Fineon sighs, his frustration returning. "Gave me an earful about going off like this during such an important time for you."So dad was thinking about the upcoming alpha ceremony that I would be completing. That was kind of him, but I didn’t want him to guilt Fineon into thinking that he need
[Fallon’s POV]A month passed in a blur before things were finally beginning to become normal once again. With things being so hectic, I didn’t get to see much of Fineon since he seemed to always be busy, but this time when we met, I wasn’t going to let him go until he told me what it was that he wa
"Dad." For the second time that day, everyone was left in shock as a voice that we weren’t sure we would ever hear again reached our ears. "Leave Callie alone," Idris continues, joining Fallon to protect her. "Think of what Cyrus would want and get your shit together!" "Idris," Gale sobs, attacki
[Fineon’s POV] Returning home was a bittersweet thing, given the circumstances we were returning under. Whether it should have been a time of celebration, it was instead a moment of saying welcome back and saying goodbye. As we made landfall and began to unload, Fallon rushed off to see her parent
Growing quiet, Fineon lifts his gaze in time for the light to explode out of Mount Malum, erasing the dark clouds that remained in the sky above and allowing a brilliant blue to peek through."It’s magic," I murmur, feeling the warmth of it pressing against my skin. "Do you think it is Mateo’s final