Serena’s POVI stopped in place as I saw the traitor's mark etched into the doorframe. It was a chilling sight. The world appeared to blur, and my heart pounded loudly in my ears. My room had been broken into while I was asleep. Someone in our group.I staggered away from the entrance, gasping for air as I tried to figure out what this meant. A thousand questions flooded my head as it rushed. How could they have entered without anyone seeing? Was it a warrior, perhaps? Someone I had confidence in?The most important query of all was: how long had they been collaborating with Derek?I needed to locate Darius. He required immediate knowledge about this.I quickly left the room without giving it a second thought, running toward his office with my footsteps resonating down the hallway. The weak illumination of the moon created sweeping shadows on the walls of the hauntingly calm home. With each stride, my heartbeat accelerated, and I could sense someone watching me from the shadows of my
Serena’s POVA rush of horror swept over me when I saw the guard lying there unmoving. I stepped closer, my heart racing as my stomach turned. This was a message, not just an attack. A declaration intended to terrorize us into obedience.As he bent down to check for a pulse, Darius's demeanor changed from one of rage to one of concern. Standing there with my hands quivering at my sides, I felt powerless. Though I had witnessed death before, this seemed unlike it. This was a direct result of Derek's actions, and I couldn't get rid of the sensation that I was somehow involved."Is he still alive? My question was hardly audible above a whisper.Darius gave me a gloomy look as he looked up. "I'm not sure. With a gentle shake, he tried to rouse the guard from unconsciousness, saying, "He's breathing, but barely." He pleaded, "Come on, stay with us."The warrior opened his eyes and stirred just a little. "Alpha," he murmured, his voice feeble.With a steady yet authoritative voice, Darius l
Serena’s POVWith howls that resounded throughout the woodland, the wolves charged out of the shadows. With a primordial hunger, their brilliant eyes fixated on us, and my heart pounded as they closed in. Derek's wolves had arrived, and their goal was destruction rather than compromise.Tensed and prepared for battle, Darius moved ahead of me. Remain in the back! He growled, his tone authoritative and abrasive. With their sights fixed on the approaching enemy, the warriors rapidly arrayed themselves in a protective line around us.I was surprised to see that there were at least twelve of them, each larger and more ferocious than the last. They circled, searching for a gap in our fortifications, their movements moving in uncanny unison.As I watched, my heart pounded in my chest, Darius towered above me, his presence unwavering and commanding. He transformed into a formidable black wolf with brilliant eyes and an air of total control. Although I had witnessed him fight previously, ther
Serena’s POVThe smell of soil and blood permeated the night air. Even though there was no longer any fighting, the sounds of the conflict could still be heard in my ears. As I stood next to Darius, watching the warriors tend to the wounded, my heart continued to race with adrenaline. Although Derek's wolves had withdrawn, the threat persisted. It was never really what it was.Darius's body was stiff and his expression was stern as he paced in front of the warriors. Despite his calm, quiet voice, I could tell that he was frustrated when he gave directives. Although everyone understood that our victory was fleeting, we had managed to survive this round.“Take the injured back to the mansion,” Darius said, his eyes scanning the remaining wolves that stood guard. "We must reorganize and get ready for whatever comes next."Kade gave a nod and hurried to gather the warriors who had sustained injuries during the battle. While cleaning the area, the others inspected the surroundings for any
Serena’s POVThe figure walked into the light, and my breath caught in my throat. I was paralysed for a little while due to terror. Even though the shadows partially obscured the stranger's face, there was something familiar about them. Something that gave me a shiver down my back.With my heart thumping in my chest, I stepped back. "Who are you?" My voice trembled as I asked.The figure took a while to respond. Rather, they moved closer still, taking steady, deliberate steps. When they did say something, it was in a low, almost too-calm voice. "Serena, you shouldn't be by yourself."My blood ran cold when I heard my name come out of their mouth. How were they acquainted with me? I attempted to locate them by scanning their face, but their features were hidden by the shadows."Who are you?" I repeated, despite my legs shaking, with more vigor this time. "What is it that you want?"At that moment, the individual completely emerged into the light, exposing their face.She was the one.H
Serena’s POVThe figure walked into the light, and my breath caught in my throat. I was paralysed for a little while due to terror. Even though the shadows partially obscured the stranger's face, there was something familiar about them. Something that gave me a shiver down my back.With my heart thumping in my chest, I stepped back. "Who are you?" My voice trembled as I asked.The figure took a while to respond. Rather, they moved closer still, taking steady, deliberate steps. When they did say something, it was in a low, almost too-calm voice. "Serena, you shouldn't be by yourself."My blood ran cold when I heard my name come out of their mouth. How were they acquainted with me? I attempted to locate them by scanning their face, but their features were hidden by the shadows."Who are you?" I repeated, despite my legs shaking, with more vigor this time. "What is it that you want?"At that moment, the individual completely emerged into the light, exposing their face.She was the one.H
Serena’s POVThe figure walked into the light, and my breath caught in my throat. I was paralysed for a little while due to terror. Even though the shadows partially obscured the stranger's face, there was something familiar about them. Something that gave me a shiver down my back.With my heart thumping in my chest, I stepped back. "Who are you?" My voice trembled as I asked.The figure took a while to respond. Rather, they moved closer still, taking steady, deliberate steps. When they did say something, it was in a low, almost too-calm voice. "Serena, you shouldn't be by yourself."My blood ran cold when I heard my name come out of their mouth. How were they acquainted with me? I attempted to locate them by scanning their face, but their features were hidden by the shadows."Who are you?" I repeated, despite my legs shaking, with more vigor this time. "What is it that you want?"At that moment, the individual completely emerged into the light, exposing their face.She was the one.H
Serena’s POVThe rumours caught on like wildfire among the group. Derek was plotting something much larger than a personal conflict between Darius and I. Fear rippled through the mansion at the suggestion of an army, rogues joining him, and wolves from other packs. Everyone was aware of what was about to happen.The pack was already on high alert, thanks to Darius. The mood inside the mansion grew tense as scouts were dispatched to gather information and the warriors were doubled at the borders. It was now more important to prepare for the inevitable than to just survive.As I watched from the common area, the warriors went around sharpening their weapons, talking plans of attack, and fortifying their defenses. My heart hurt for us all, for them. Nobody had ever sought a life like this one that involved constant conflict and perpetual worry about the future. However, it appeared that there was now no other option.With a determined expression on his face and dark eyes, Darius stepped
Serena’s POVThe quiet that followed the fighting was nearly as eerie as the actual combat. The ground had stopped shaking, the Ancients were gone — for the time being — and the mist was still there, thick and heavy around us. My legs trembled as I stumbled to my feet, but I couldn't let myself relax just yet. Too many questions remained, and too many threats hung over us.Kade was standing next to me, looking around the wreckage for any lingering danger. Even though he was tense and prepared for another assault, I could see that he was relieved. We had won, at least for a little while.Kade whispered softly, "You did it," in a tone that was equal parts admiration and worry. "You put an end to them."With a sorrowful heart, I shook my head. "Not for very long."I was immediately reminded of that by the witch, and I could see the smug enjoyment in her eyes as I looked at her. She watched us with her arms folded, as though she had planned the whole thing. Perhaps she had. However, for t
Serena’s POVThe Ancients' soaring bodies created long, ominous shadows across the ruins, causing the ground to quiver. I could feel the whole force of their power bearing down on my chest as their luminous eyes fixed us. It was oppressive, like to being caught in an unavoidable maelstrom.Kade was standing next to me with his jaw gritted and his blade raised. "What do we do, Serena?"My heart pounding, I tightened my hold on the incandescent artifact. "The line is held by us."I could sense the Ancients' overpowering strength as they drew nearer, their bodies comprised of smoke and shadow, their forms changing and distorting. When confronted with the full brunt of their strength, I wasn't sure if the relic would be sufficient to weaken them, as the witch had claimed.With their eyes wide with dread but resolute, the warriors surrounded me in a protective circle. I could feel the uncertainty in the air, but Kade's yelling commands kept them steadfast. The Ancients were more than just
Serena’s POVOnce the Ancient's scream subsided, there was an overwhelming silence in the chamber. The relic's golden glow had faded, leaving the air thick with tension and a subtle burnt smell. I remained gripping my chest, where the magic had spread like wildfire through me, as I sat on the chilly stone floor.Knelt next to me, Kade put his hand on my arm. "Serena, you succeeded. You made the Ancient weaker.I nodded as I tried to gather my thoughts. I could still feel the stone's power pulsing through my body. "But wasn't that just one of them?"Kade's face became glum. Indeed. There are still more.The witch moved forward, approaching us with her chains clinking softly. Even though her eyes were beaming with laughter, something colder and more calculated was now present. With a mocking, seductive voice, she replied, "You barely managed to stop one." "What do you anticipate happening when the others arrive?"I pushed myself off the ground by balling my fists. "You said we could sto
Serena’s POVBelow us, the floor trembled furiously, and there seemed to be a palpable energy pulsating through the chamber's walls. I stopped, the low rumble growing louder, my hand hovering above the relic. Amidst the thickening magic in the air, dust and loose stones began to descend from the ceiling, smothering us.The witch said again, "They're coming," with a sick joy in her voice. You know what, Serena? They would know as soon as you touched that artifact.With furious flashes in his eyes, Kade pulled out his blade. "You played us! He stepped toward the witch, growling."You were warned, didn't I? Despite the mayhem unfolding all around us, she answered in a composed tone. "I warned there would be repercussions."I balled my hands and willed myself to remain composed. "Now what should we do? How are we going to stop them?"The witch grinned, a slow, menacing smile taking hold of her features. "They are unstoppable. All you can do is get by.Kade's sword grip became firmer. "Aft
Serena’s POVKade and I stood at the cave's entrance, watching the warriors get ready for the journey as the early morning light crept through the woods. There was a noticeable strain in the air. Everyone was aware of the risks involved, and the uncertainty about the witch's credibility made matters worse.Kade grunted, pulling his sword's strap tighter. "I still don't like this." It is risky to take her with us."I understand," I said quietly in return. "But we need her if that's the truth about the relic."With a groan, Kade ran his hand through his hair. And should she be lying?"I met his eyes, the decision weighing heavily on my heart. "After that, we handle her."The witch appeared from the cave before Kade could reply, her hands still chained but her eyes beaming with laughter. A cunning smirk tugged at her lips as she turned to face me. "Serena, are you up for an adventure?"I continued speaking steadily while crossing my arms. This is not your place to rule. Please guide us t
Serena’s POVI stood at the entrance to the chamber where the witch was being imprisoned, and the tension in the cave was palpable. My pulse raced as I realized what I was going to do. As Kade said, we couldn't rely on her. Could I afford to turn away, though, if she knew anything that would save the pack?The witch was interested in a bargain, Elara had mentioned, but there was always a catch with someone like her. I still had no option. We had limited time left before the Ancients arrived. I had to know what her knowledge was.With his arms crossed and a serious expression, Kade stood next to me. He murmured, "I don't like this, Serena." "She has been engaging in games with us since the beginning.""I understand," I said in a calm yet doubtful tone. "But we should give her a chance to speak if she knows anything about the Ancients."Kade clinched his jaw, obviously not pleased with my choice. "If she makes any attempts""I'll manage it," I snapped back, glaring at him. Just keep it
Serena’s POVAs I stood across from Kade, the tension in the cave was palpable. This was an actual test now, not just practice. I could feel the subtle buzz of magic beneath my skin as my heart pounded. It was one thing to call upon the power but putting it to use in combat was quite another.Kade has a concentrated, piercing stare. Calm yet serious, he said, "This isn't about me being your friend right now, Serena." "I'm approaching this like a genuine conflict. You must follow suit.I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. "I comprehend."He rolled his shoulders and gave a knuckle snap. Alright. Now let's get started.Kade lunged toward me without notice, his motions fluid and swift. My heart was pounding as I barely managed to dodge to the side as my instincts took over. Although I had previously trained with Kade, this felt unique. He was no longer hesitant or holding back."Pay attention!" Kade gave a wide arc with his arm as he growled.He punched me, and I dodged as the wi
Serena’s POVNervous tension was humming through the cave. Though none of them realized the entire scope of the threat, the pack sensed something was approaching. But I was beginning to, or at least I had done. Peering out of the shadows were the ancients, ancient forces of evil that outdated our knowledge. The only thing that could save us was my recently awakened power, but I had no idea how to use it."Kade, how am I supposed to fight something I haven't seen?" I questioned, a hint of annoyance in my voice. "With your encouragement, I was able to summon the magic today, albeit barely."Kade folded his arms and studied me intently. Serena, you did more than just call it forth. You were in charge of it. That is the initial action.Elara took a step forward, serious on her face. "You are becoming more powerful within. But it's erratic and untamed. You must swiftly begin your training. The Ancients are impatient.I took a deep breath. "Where even do we start?"Kade advised, pacing back
Serena’s POVI gazed at Elara, her words circling through my thoughts. You have always contained the magic. Even though it sounded unlikely, I was forced to accept it considering what had transpired with the witch."How can I manage it? My question was hardly audible above a whisper.Elara’s gaze softened. “Magic like yours is rare, Serena. It is connected to instinct and feeling. You have to learn to trust it and to channel it.As worry crept into my voice, I said, "I don't even know where to start." "It simply transpired. I'm not sure how I managed to achieve it.Kade moved forward; he had been standing discreetly close. “We don’t have time to figure it out slowly,” he added, his voice tight. We are running out of time if the witch is right. Answers are urgently needed."I am aware of that," I said, my anger rising. However, I have no idea what this ability entails. Given that I have no idea whence it originated, how am I meant to use it?""It's not necessary for you to fully compre