Serena's POVAfter we arrived back at Darius' mansion, I couldn't shake off the chill that had settled in my bones.The respect that I was accorded as the Luna, as well as the icy reception from Darius' mother, had been a mixed homecoming for m,e, and it left me feeling unsettled and unsure of where I stood in this whole arrangement.Darius had been unstable. He shouted at me the previous night and this morning, he was so cold so much that he apologized. But his mother was such a terror, and she seemed more in control.I sat on the cushion and sipped from a cup that I had been offered by one of the maids. Again, I wanted to ask questions. Ask him why I was treated that way but all I had to do was wait. Maybe he would bring himself to explain the same way he did earlier.When Darius noticed my silence, he asked me what was wrong."What is wrong with you, Serena? You're so cold,” he said as he stood before me.I wasted no time. “I thought you were the only one who knew about the contrac
Serena's POVAs the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, I stirred awake, cocooned in warmth. I blinked against the soft light, my eyes slowly adjusting to the sight of Darius sleeping beside me.There was something profoundly comforting about waking up next to him, wrapped in the gentle embrace of his arms. I felt safe and cherished as if the world outside our little bubble had melted away.Darius shifted slightly, his eyes fluttering open. A sleepy smile spread across his face when he saw me, and my heart flipped. I couldn’t help but smile back. “Good morning,” he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.“Good morning,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine, a tender kiss that sent warmth radiating through my body. I savored the moment, feeling the connection between us deepen. “I enjoyed last night,” he said, his eyes sparkling with sincerity.My cheeks flushed, and I felt a smile bloom on my face. “Me too,” I admitte
Serena's POV“Hey, Sam, how are you?” Darius motioned towards Sam who stood to greet him too. The two locked hands in the way of the pack, and Sam bowed a bit as he regarded Darius, “Alpha.”Darius then took his seat in the living room and sighed.“What happened?” I asked and Darius huffed again.I could sense the tension in the air as soon as he walked into the living room. I knew him. His look and all. With the little time we've spent together, I could easily tell if he was all right or not."Darius, is everything all right?" I asked again, placing a hand on his shoulder.He turned to look at me, his eyes troubled. "My uncle, Alex, he's back," he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur.My heart plummeted at the mention of Alexz. I had heard stories about him from Darius before – how he was a ruthless man, always causing trouble for the family.He had also told me about how Alex sought to take over the pack from Darius, which was the reason I was contracted to mate with Darius.S
Derek's POVDerek stepped out of his car and was immediately met by one of his trusted spies. The spy's eyes were filled with concern as he delivered the news."Alpha, Alex, Darius's uncle, is back," the spy reported, his voice low and urgent.Derek's eyebrows furrowed as he processed the information. Alex had always been a thorn in Darius's side, constantly vying for power within the pack and everyone knew this.The last time Alex had made a move against Darius, it had resulted in a failed coup, the same coup that placed Darius in the presumed coma.“So, does Darius know that big bad uncle is in town?” Derek asked.“Alex has met with Darius already. Reports are that Alex wants to team up with Darius to take away a common enemy,” the spy answered.A small smirk played at the corner of Derek's lips as he thought back to that unsuccessful attempt. "Alex never could outsmart us," he mused, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "There's more to the teaming up that we don't know. I know Alex. He'
Serena’s POVMy spine tingled at Derek's icy smile. With my heart thumping in my chest, I stepped back. This was not possible. Not at this moment, when things were already getting out of hand.I tried to steady my voice and yelled, "Derek, get out of my way." However, it faltered, revealing my fear.He ignored what I said, his eyes shining with joy as he drew nearer. "Serena, did you think you could get away from me? I consistently receive my want."The guard beside me firmly maintained his position, gripping his rifle tightly. "Derek, back off. It is not right for you to be here."Derek chuckled darkly and menacingly. Yes, but I do, too. I am Serena's owner. She's done so consistently." With a deadly murmur in his voice, he turned back to face me. "You won't always have Darius to keep an eye on you. And who do you suppose will be there to pick up the pieces after he's gone?"I felt a wave of panic come over me. He was making fun of me and making me aware that he might attack at any t
Serena’s POVI became motionless. Derek's eyes met mine, shining with a predatory purpose I had never seen before. I broke out in a cold sweat and felt my heart pounding in my chest. Fear tightened its grip on my throat, preventing me from screaming."Serena, don't make this difficult," Derek had a quiet voice, yet it had the same eerie charm. You are aware of the outcome. Give up running.With his hand going to the weapon at his waist, the guard beside me took a step forward. Derek, take a seat back. I'll take no time in defending the Luna.Derek laughed darkly, a sound that chilled me to the bone. "Defend her? from me? With bright eyes, he stepped forward slowly. Do you believe Darius will be there to help her no matter what? Rethink your thoughts. I'll see to it that she returns to her rightful place.Derek moved faster than I had ever seen, even though the guard had raised his firearm. He quickly wrenched the guard's hand from its grasp and threw him against the tree. There was a
Serena’s POVAfter the fight, the silence was deafening. With every frantic breath, Darius's chest rose and fell as he remained motionless, looking around the dark woodland where Derek had vanished. His arms encircled me tightly, like an iron cage, as though he was terrified that if I let go, the darkness would claim me.At last, Darius muttered in a tight, low voice, "Let's go." His jaw was clenched, his face still a mask of rage. It was evident to me that he was not yet prepared to speak. Derek had crossed a line, and Darius wasn't going to let him get away with it, as seen by the protective way his hands closed around my waist.Darius's men were all around us, acting as a barrier against any unknown enemies as we swiftly made our way through the woodland. My mind was constantly repeating what Derek had said, and my heart was still pounding from the altercation. There was no stopping him. Derek would always come to get me, regardless of what Darius did.The home loomed large and men
Serena’s POVDerek's shadowy silhouette stood at the doorway, but the moonlight caught his sparkling eyes. My heart gave out. How did he get here? Darius had just upped the number of guards and boosted security.And yet here he was."Miss me?" His speech sounded like the hiss of a snake, slithering through the atmosphere and entangling me like poison.I wanted to shout, but my throat became stuck with the sound. I attempted to move, but terror kept me rooted to the bed. Derek silently closed the door behind him as he moved further into the space. My spine tingled as the latch clicked softly.As he moved slowly and deliberately in the direction of the bed, Derek said, "I told you, Serena." "You cannot elude me."I made myself sit up, gripping the blanket tightly in my fingers as though it could shield me from him. "Darius will return soon," I stumbled and tried to sound more confident than I was. "This will not get away with you."Derek let out a deep, ominous laugh. "Darius?" He joked
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