Caroline’s P.O.VI watched in silence as Alpha Camden stepped forward, his commanding presence filling the room. He gestured toward the door, and in walked a woman—at first glance, she looked like any ordinary middle-aged woman. Her pale skin and platinum blonde hair were unremarkable, but there was something about her, an energy that I couldn't quite place. She had an aura that made me feel unsettled, like she wasn’t quite human.Alpha Camden’s voice broke through my thoughts. “This is Harmona,” he said, his tone respectful.“She’s a witch, and she’s here to help us understand something we’ve found. The symbol we discovered on the body of Aurora’s father.”I glanced at the others, but my eyes kept returning to Harmona. She didn’t speak right away. Instead, she stood there, observing us with an intensity that made me feel like she was weighing each of us, seeing straight through to our core.Finally, she spoke, her voice smooth, almost melodic. “I’ve studied the symbol,” she began, he
Caroline’s P.O.VI sat across from Alpha Camden, my mind racing as I tried to piece everything together."But…Alpha Camden, this seems impossible," I began, my voice shaky but determined. "For so long, we couldn't make sense of the whole Lunar Sisters theory. I mean, Aurora’s human. How could she possibly be tied to me in that way, right? There’s no way she could be my Lunar Sister, not with her being... human."Alpha Camden leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. "But you're starting to think there's something more to it, aren't you?"I nodded slowly, trying to keep my thoughts in order as I spoke. "Yes. At first, I couldn't wrap my head around it. But now, everything we've learned, everything that’s been happening, it might actually make sense." I paused, my voice growing more intense with each word."If it was a witch, someone tied to use magic, then that could explain everything. Maybe that person was connected to Aurora, in some way. And that’s why they targeted her father, hopi
Aurora’s P.O.VI woke up with a jolt, my body drenched in cold sweat. My heart hammered in my chest, and I was gasping for breath, the dark, suffocating feeling of my nightmare still lingering around me. My eyes darted around, but all I could see was blackness. No light, no sounds—just that endless void. Panic flooded through me, and I fought against the overwhelming sense of being trapped. I couldn’t let it take me again. I couldn’t stay in that place, that dark abyss.I tried to stand, but something was different. My feet met solid ground. Soft, familiar ground. Slowly, I blinked, trying to make sense of it all. I wasn't standing in the dark anymore. I wasn't in the place I had been before. I was... lying down? My hands brushed over the fabric beneath me, and the realization hit me like a punch to the gut.This wasn’t my room.I sat up, confusion clouding my mind. The room around me came into focus, a slow, creeping clarity. It was small, cozy, and had a certain warmth to it, someth
Aurora’s P.O.VI opened my eyes, gasping for air, but all I could feel was the pressure in my chest, the burning sensation in my lungs as the water surrounded me. I tried to flail my arms, desperate to push myself up, but it was like the water was pulling me deeper. Panic surged through me. I can't breathe, I can't breathe, my mind screamed, the darkness creeping in at the edges of my vision. I didn't know where I was, or if anyone could hear me, or if anyone would find me in time.I could barely make sense of anything, but just as I thought I was about to slip under for good, I felt something—a hand, warm and firm, grabbing mine. Who...? Before I could make sense of it, I was being yanked up, and the water rushed off of my face as my head broke the surface. My body was pulled upward, and with a sharp inhale, I was suddenly hoisted onto the side of the pool. I coughed, sputtering, my body shaking as I tried to steady myself, gasping for air like it was the first time I’d ever had it.
Caleb’s P.O.VI had no idea what else to do, so I led Aurora back to my room instead of hers. It felt safer this way, like keeping her close would keep her out of harm's reach, at least for the moment. "Here," I said, handing her a towel."You should dry your hair off." I tried to keep my voice steady, though everything felt off, like I was walking a razor-thin line. Aurora took the towel from me without a word and started dabbing at her damp hair."You can head to the bathroom while I find you something to change into," I added, feeling like I had to keep busy, to keep my mind off the fact that I had her in my room. I turned to leave, but just as I opened the door to head out, I heard her voice."Caleb?"I paused, glancing over my shoulder at her. Her eyes locked with mine, the vulnerability in them almost too much to bear."Yeah?" I asked, trying to sound calm."I... I need you," she said, her voice low, but desperate, and it hit me like a punch to the gut. "Please... help me forget
Aurora’s P.O.VMy heart was pounding in my chest, each beat echoing louder than the last as Caleb’s lips met mine. It started soft, almost hesitant, but quickly turned into something more intense, more consuming. I tangled my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, needing more. His hands, strong and steady, gripped my waist, then slid up my back, leaving a trail of warmth wherever he touched.Every nerve in my body felt like it was buzzing, my skin tingling and burning under his touch. The kiss deepened, his tongue teasing mine, and I could barely think beyond the rush of sensations flooding me.A soft moan escaped my lips as I pressed myself against him, feeling his warmth and strength. My hands roamed over his shoulders, down his chest, unable to get enough. I was drowning in the taste of him, the feel of him. It was overwhelming, addictive. I’d never felt so alive, so on fire. Caleb’s hand slid under the robe, his fingers grazing my skin, and I shivered, arching into his touch. M
Aurora’s P.O.VWhen I opened my eyes, the sunlight filtering through the curtains seemed impossibly bright. My heart skipped a beat when I turned my head slightly and saw him there, still asleep. Caleb’s dark hair was a tousled mess, and his chest rose and fell with the kind of calm that made me think he was far too peaceful for someone who’d—well, for someone who’d been involved in what we’d done last night.My cheeks burned just remembering it, and I buried my face in my hands. What had I been thinking? How had I let myself get so swept up in him?But even though I wasn’t even eighteen yet, Caleb and I were only a few months apart and after a few days, the age won’t even matter anymore. But still, facing him in the light of day after what we did made my cheeks heat with embarrassment and my stomach tighten with an emotion I couldn’t quite name.I couldn’t stay here. Not like this. Not when the memories of last night were so fresh and raw, and he could wake up at any moment. The thou
Aurora’s P.O.VI walked into the dining hall, the low hum of conversations filling the room as sunlight streamed in through the tall windows. My eyes scanned the space, searching for Caroline, and I spotted her at the far corner, sitting with Jade. Both were busy talking, their heads leaned slightly toward each other, forks in hand as they worked on their plates of food. Not wanting to interrupt, I made my way to the buffet. The aroma of fresh eggs, bacon, and waffles wafted up, and I grabbed a plate, quickly surveying my options.My stomach grumbled loudly, and I felt my mouth water as I filled up my plate with all the goodies. Lots of bacon and eggs, even some strawberries and blueberries for desserts.I was almost done with my selection, waiting for Caleb to join the table as well. But just as I reached for a slice of toast, someone bumped into me. “Sorry,” I muttered, looking up—and froze. The woman in front of me was striking, to say the least. White, almost silver hair framed
Damien’s P.O.V“Baby…” Salone leaned against my bike, her green eyes narrowed at me as she studied me from head to toe. “You’ve been very distant lately. Is something wrong?”“No.” I gave her an almost half-hearted answer as I drank from my coffee cup. Truth be told, I had been extremely distracted since last month.I had finally turned eighteen, the age at which a wolf was supposed to find their mate. And yet, I haven’t been able to find that one person who had been chosen for me by the Moon Goddess.Salone was an amazing girl and we had been dating for the past year now, but the second I had turned eighteen and found out that she wasn’t my mate, everything between us had changed in an instant. I had been trying to figure out a way to break it off with her, without looking like a complete douche, but I was failing miserably in that department. So I went ahead and started being as elusive as possible. Maybe if I’m paying less attention to her, then she would break up with me first and
Riley’s P.O.V‘Dear Big Sis…I met a girl recently…and I think she’s a witch.’“Shit!” I deleted the entire text and stared grudgingly at my screen. “Who the fuck writes ‘Dear’ in their emails anymore?”Letting out a sigh, I closed my eyes and thought about what to write to my sister or how to place the pressing issue at hand. My ginormus crush on Dixie Vaughn, the ‘goth’ girl that had stolen my heart at first sight.The first day of college had been the most uneventful day of my life; completely different from what I had imagined the day to be like. But when I had entered my first class of the day, thinking that this would be just as eventful as a middle-aged professor with glasses entered with a pile of books and began introducing the subject and himself to the class…in had come Dixie, wearing all black, her hair in braids and metal hoops and a dragon tattoo on one hand, that covered the entire length of her arm.Her crop top had grabbed just as much attention as her belly button pi
Aurora’s P.O.VThe moonlight painted a silver sheen over the restless waves, their endless dance meeting the shore with soft whispers. I walked along the damp sand, the cool grains pressing between my toes as I followed the trail of footprints ahead of me. Large wolf paws, their weight sinking deep into the earth, followed by much smaller ones—tiny, hesitant steps pressing into the sand right beside them. My heart clenched at the sight, warmth spreading through me as I lifted my gaze, scanning the dimly lit beach. And then, I saw them. Caleb emerged from the shadows of a large tree, his toned body gleaming under the faint glow of the moon, dressed only in his swim trunks. His hair was damp, clinging to his forehead, evidence of his earlier run through the waves. But it wasn’t just him—right beside him, waddling as fast as his tiny legs could manage, was Cameron. Our son. Only two years old, but already fascinated by everything his father did. His brunette curls bounced as he giggled,
Caroline’s P.O.VThe wedding reception buzzed with laughter and music, the air thick with the scent of roses and wine. I sat beside Damien, the warmth of his body just within reach, yet it felt like there was an ocean between us. Five years. Five years of love, passion, fights, and making up. Five years of knowing—deep in my soul—that this man was mine, my mate, my forever. But lately, something has shifted.The once unshakable bond between us felt... strained. I didn't know when it started, but I knew I could feel it. The way he held me less, the way he spoke in careful, measured tones, the way his eyes sometimes seemed far away even when I was right in front of him. And it was killing me. I swallowed hard, gripping my champagne flute as I turned to him. He was staring ahead, his jaw tense, his eyes unreadable. Damien had always been composed, always guarded with his emotions, but this was different. This was distance. And I couldn't stand it any longer. "Damien," I said softly, my
Aurora’s P.O.VFive years later…I stand in front of the mirror, my fingers grazing the intricate lace of my wedding dress, feeling the delicate embroidery beneath my touch. The reflection staring back at me is almost unrecognizable—the girl I once was has transformed into this woman, this bride, glowing with anticipation. My heart is steady, my breath even, a stark contrast to the usual nervous energy brides are supposed to have. But how could I be nervous when this is everything I’ve ever wanted? "Aurora, I swear you’re the calmest bride I’ve ever seen," Caroline teases, her fingers fussing over the tiny buttons at the back of my gown. "Are you sure you’re not secretly panicking?" I turn slightly, meeting her playful gaze through the mirror. "I’m sure," I say with a soft laugh. "I don’t need to be nervous when I know exactly what I want. My family is here. Caleb is waiting for me at the end of that aisle. There’s nothing to be afraid of." Caroline's expression softens, and before
The ground trembled beneath the ruins of the old house, the earth groaning as though awakening from a restless slumber. Crumbled stone and splintered wood shifted, dust rising in thick clouds. Then, with a slow, eerie movement, the debris parted, forced aside by an unseen power.From beneath the wreckage, a woman emerged—no, something that had once been a woman. Her silver hair, now dull and matted with grime and dried blood, clung to her gaunt face. Her skin, once smooth and luminous, stretched tight over her bones, her cheeks sunken, her lips cracked.She took a ragged breath, a sound more like the whisper of dead leaves scraping against stone. In her frail arms, she cradled a child, no older than twelve, her small form limp and unmoving. The girl’s face was peaceful in unconsciousness, her dark lashes resting against pale cheeks, stark against the filth and dried blood staining her skin. The skeletal woman’s hollow eyes fixated on her, but there was no warmth, no tenderness in her
Aurora’s P.O.VThe next few days were a whirlwind of events, from college applications to making sure the progress of the new house, the one that was currently being built in the land where my previous house stood, was going as smoothly as I had anticipated.Finally, after days of hard work and sending out applications, Caleb and I found some quiet time for ourselves and we couldn’t help but sneak out of the packhouse, so we could spend some quiet time together.“Phew!” Caleb sighed as we headed to the beach, our fingers intertwined and him swaying our hands lights as we walked through the thick foliage. “It’s been a rough few days.”I nodded, my smile faltering for a minute as I thought about all the applications that Caleb had rejected…all because of me.He thought that I hadn't seen them, that he had managed to hide them efficiently. But he hadn't. And even though we had both now perfected the art of hiding things from each other through the mating bond, there were still a few gli
Aurora’s P.O.VI felt my stomach tighten with surprise as I step out of the car as Caleb holds the door open for me.Of all the places in the world, why here? My eyes darted to him, searching for some kind of explanation, but he simply smirked, his hand going to the small of my back as he propels me forward.“You’ll find out soon,” he said, his voice laced with a mystery that only made my curiosity grow.I let out a small breath, shaking my head as I glanced towards the diner again. That’s when I saw them—Jade and Caroline stepping out of their cars, their faces glowing under the warm evening lights. But what truly caught my attention was Damien, standing in the distance, his posture relaxed yet unmistakably expectant as he waited for Caroline.My heart gave a strange, unsteady thump at the sight of the diner. It had been so long since I had seen them, Jeremy or any of the staff, since I had felt the warmth of their presence.As they headed inside together, Caleb reached over and plac
Aurora’s P.O.VThe auditorium buzzes with energy, a mix of hushed conversations, excited whispers, and the occasional burst of applause as another name is called. I sit between Caroline and Jade, my hands clasped together with Caroline, and Caleb sits beside Jade, his knee bouncing slightly. The four of us have spent years dreaming of this moment—of walking across the stage, receiving our certificates, and stepping into a world far beyond the walls of this school. But now that it’s here, I feel an odd heaviness in my chest, like the weight of the past pressing down on me, a reminder of everything it took to get here.The class president is giving his speech, something about perseverance and ambition, but my mind drifts. I swallow hard, fingers tightening around the fabric of my gown as I stare at the stage. Almost a year ago, I wasn’t sure I’d make it to this moment. The obstacles, the losses, the nights I thought about giving up—they all come rushing back in a blur. But I’m here. I m