/-Taylor-/“We need to find that girl.” I looked at them in disbelief. They just woke up and all they can think about is causing more trouble? After everything that happened?“She must not get away with what she did to us. She has to pay!”I didn't say a word as I watched them discuss amongst themselves. They didn't even notice the scars on their hands. They were busy obsessing over the girl that put them in the hospital. “We won't go easy on her this time. That good-for-nothing had the audacity to lay her jands on us. By the time we are done with her, she will regret being born.” “Are you two done?” I cut them short and their attention turned to me. “Brother…” They pouted simultaneously. “Can you even listen to yourselves? You just woke up and all you are bothered about is the girl that put you here. Did you even notice the marks on your hands?” I huffed and they looked down at the same time. Their eyes widened with horror as they screamed.“What is this?” “Who did this?’ “Wa
/-Skylar-/I decided to pay Ava a visit. I was so caught up in my own life that I forgot that Skylar had a freaking best friend. Kai was out with Anders so I decided to visit her alone. Even though he told me to tell the driver to take me wherever I wanted to go, I was more comfortable using a cab. I had this strange feeling that I was being watched. I took a glance around but I couldn't find anyone suspicious. Then almost on insist, I entered the cab just a few seconds before the bullet sped past me, hitting the side mirror of the car behind. What the fuck?What is this now?The cab driver was frightened of course and drove off without a second thought. It was a good thing, even though it was somewhat annoying. It didn't take long for me to spot the bastards who shot at me. I wasn't even in the mood to have a conversation with them, to know who sent them or anything. I just wanted to return the favour and go see my friend. I took out my trusty blades. Yup, still wasn't a gun pe
/-Skylar-/I hit the ground running and hurried to Ava's side."No, no, no!" I gasped, catching her before she collapsed completely. Her body was trembling, her wide eyes filled with shock and pain as blood seeped from the wound in her chest. My hands were shaking as I pressed them against the injury, desperate to stop the bleeding. "Ava, stay with me! Please!"She coughed, her lips parting as if she wanted to speak, but only a weak wheeze came out. Tears burned my eyes. This wasn't supposed to happen. She had nothing to do with this. Diane had no right—I snapped my head up, fury roaring through my veins. "You bitch!" My voice shook with rage as I glared at the woman responsible for this. "I’ll kill you!"Diane merely tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "Anger won’t bring her back, Raven."I snarled, gripping my blade. She thought this was a game. She thought I wouldn't make her pay. But before I could lunge, Ava weakly grasped my wrist. "Sky… don’t…"My heart clenched. Even
/-Skylar-/Ava's death was still fresh in my heart. Most nights I couldn't sleep. I had countless nightmares about that day every time I shut my eyes. Crying myself to sleep was now a routine. I didn't even realise how much I loved her until I lost her. To think it was all my fault. Four days. That was all I had before I saw that murderer again. Before I o my ever viewed her as a victim of circumstances. But now, now I hated her guts. Especially since she killed an innocent girl unprovoked. A girl that was naive enough to threaten her with the police. She was going to pay for this. She had to pay or I would never be able to forgive myself. “Raven…” Kai called and I blinked away the furious thoughts. “Breakfast?” He already had a tray in his hand but I didn't have the appetite for food now. “I… I'm not really hungry,” I told him and his face dropped. I hated that look in his eyes but I just had to reject it. If I threw up right after eating it, it would be a lot more painful tha
/-Skylar-/Anger flashed in their eyes but I couldn't even hide my amusement. They were the ones asking for it anyways. The girls stepped forward as if they stood a chance against me but Kai pulled me behind him. “That's enough!” He snapped and they blinked in surprise. “You two were hospitalized, weren't you? How is that the first thing that came into your mind after waking up was to attack the person that put you there? Did you not learn your lessons the first time?” “Are you seriously defending her now? She was the one…”Kai turned his back to them, clearly uninterested in whatever they had to say. “Let's go baby,” he said softly. “I'll make you something to make you feel better.” I smiled at him and allowed him to take me away. As we walked away, I threw them a smirk and their shocked faces morphed into angry faces.Even if they didn't say anything, I knew they were swearing at me and that made it even more funny. On getting home, Kai picked up the breakfast tray he dropped
/-Kai-/My knuckles turned white against the steering wheel as I swerved into the hospital driveway, tires screeching to a stop. Nurses and an emergency staff rushed toward the car the second they saw me carrying Skylar out, limp and burning up."She's been poisoned," I said sharply, my voice barely holding together. "She was fine this morning. She just ate breakfast and then…""Sir, we'll take it from here," one of them interrupted, but not unkindly.I didn’t want to let her go. Her hand was still curled loosely around my shirt like her body knew it needed me even if her mind had already faded.I bent down, kissed her forehead. "You’re going to be okay. I swear it."Then she was gone, wheeled through double doors I couldn’t follow her through. My arms felt painfully empty.The second I was left alone in the hallway, I dialed Anders “Track every single person that walked into the mansion in the last twenty-four hours. I want footage. I want names. I want blood.”There was no hesitati
Days later/-Sally-/We were all gathered. Me, Amelia, Diane and about two other people I had no idea about. Diane had explained that the reason we were sucked in by the magic was because we all had strong ties to Declan and her. “What's taking them so long? We've been here for over an hour,” Amelia was the first to complain. I said nothing. I already knew he was having fun with that Raven girl. It wouldn't surprise me if they suddenly decided to stay here. “Let's wait a little longer,” Diane said. She was unbelievably calm for someone that desperately wanted Declan dead. I looked at Amelia who simply looked away.I hope whatever plan she made doesn't immediately backfire. If Diane could still be dangerous in the human world, that means she was going to be terrifying in our timeline. I really wish I could sit this one out. I was caught in the crossfire last time. I would rather not involve myself with fights that had almost nothing to do with me. What I experienced the last ti
/-Skylar-/I woke up feeling unusually drained and weak. The lights were almost blinding and I couldn't open my eyes properly.“Daddy… she's awake!” I heard a child's voice. Who the hell was that? My eyes fluttered open and I had to blink repeatedly to keep the light off my eyes. “Raven!” Kai's voice followed and his cologne hit my nostrils as he sat beside me. My vision cleared and I realized his sons were also in the room. A hospital room to be exact. I could smell the drugs and antiseptic. What happened to me?Did that mean that Gwen was here? It was a little weird for her because the woman didn't even like me. She has no reason to be here. “How are you feeling baby?” He asked me.“I… why am I here?” I asked him. My mind was completely blank so I didn't remember anything.“You were poisoned,” he told me. My heart skipped a beat. But it seemed like that was the trigger word because everything came flooding back and so did my suspect.“Did you find how did it?” I asked and his ey
/-Raven-/We lay upside down facing each other with the sheets sprawled over our bodies. Our bodies were covered in sweat and we were panting heavily.“No one said our wedding night was going to be so long,” I muttered. I could barely feel my legs but my core was burning from six rounds of lovemaking. Declan smirked at me, “Our honeymoon would be even longer.” “Where are we going?” I asked him. “Anywhere of your choice,” he said and I shrugged. “I don't know, we could tour. Or just stay here…”“Don't even suggest that,” he cut me short. “Those elders always have one problem or the other when they set eyes on me. Unless you want your husband to be working during his honeymoon, I suggest you cancel all plans of staying here.” I chuckled. “You are so serious about avoiding work.” “Because I want to spend time with my wife. That is perfectly logical. Anyone can understand that,” he said and I laughed. “Of course. Like I don't have duties as Luna.” He frowned, “Cha we put this whol
/-Francesca-/I admit it. It was pointless. Fighting for someone who didn't clearly want me. But the truth was that it didn't really matter what Declan wanted; I was giving up for Raven's sake. Right from the moment she called me sister on the roof, I couldn't bring myself to hurt her in any way. That was why I was humbly accepting defeat. It was her big day and whether I liked it or not, I was going to be happy for her.The IronClaw Courtyard had never looked more radiant.White blossoms bloomed from enchanted vines that shone under the moonlight. A carpet of silver petals led the way down the aisle, which glowed faintly as if the moon itself had kissed every inch. The air was thick with magic, anticipation, and, despite myself, love.I stood just beyond the arched entryway, my hands clasped in front of me, fingers trembling only slightly.The pack had gathered in full. Alphas from allied clans, betas in full ceremonial garb, omegas glowing with awe. Everyone had come to witness
/-Raven-/“You smell nice…” Declan muttered, hugging me from behind out of nowhere. I was in the dressing room at the . designer's shop, trying out my wedding dress. “You're not supposed to be here,” I whispered. “Who let you in?” He chucked mischievously. “I don't need permission to see my woman whenever I feel like.” “Don't tell me you came here, all the way from the palace…”“Because I missed you? Fuck yes,” he interrupted. I couldn't believe my ears, yet as much as I wanted to scold him, I found myself smiling like a fool.“You're an Alpha, don't you have duties to perform?” I asked him. He took a step closer and I backed away. Another step and moved back. His lips curled into a mischievous smile. “You know if you keep moving back, you're going to trap yourself between me and the wall.” That brief second when I glanced to see if I was that close to the wall, he pin me to the wall and caged me in a chokehold.“Oops,” he smirked. “I got you.” I didn't even know how to react a
Two Weeks Later/-Francesca-/They were so happy. Raven and Declan. After everything they've been through, it was only right for them to celebrate, right? Have some rest and finally live the good life they deserved. IronClaw deserved a break. That was the thought of many wolves, not mine. I assumed you against someone as powerful as Amelia would have been enough to severe whatever ties Raven had with Declan. I hid for so long. Playing the coward. Allowing everyone to have their shots and when the chances were high, I walked in their skin, hoping to complete the mission and finally get the man I deserve. Yet every single time. Every. Single. Time. That little redhead found a way to beat me at my own game. I struck a deal with Azaiah to get her out, it failed, I set her up, it failed, I walked in her skin but it took only minutes for him to recognize me. All the while I played sweet little Francesca, pretending my elf blood was useless and magic almost non-existent, hoping I cou
/-Raven-/The air smelled fresher than it had ever been. Being back to IronClaw felt like a dream. With Diane and Amelia gone, things were beginning to fall into place. The Elders regained themselves and the darkness looming over the pack was finally gone. Azaiah couldn't come back with us. He insisted on taking back the bodies of the men he lost in battle back to the mountains. I offered to help but he declined. He insisted I take Declan home and here we were. Francesca and Othelia were waiting eagerly for us and beside them was my very old friend. “Greetings, Alpha!” They all bowed and Declan merely nodded. I don't know the level of damage Diane did to him but I hoped with her death, the curse she put on him would also disappear. The way his body felt cold against mine was making me skeptical. The guards immediately rushed to help him off me. “Tim!” I exclaimed, hugging him before I even realized it. Francesca frowned beside me and I understood her jealousy. She expected I wou
/-Raven-/I didn’t breathe.Couldn’t.Declan’s body jerked unnaturally, his head tilting like a marionette on frayed strings. His mouth opened, but the sound that spilled out wasn’t his voice.It was mine.“I should’ve killed her when I had the chance.”My own words. A whisper I’d spat to myself as I held Ava's corpse in my arms. How the hell did she…?“No…” I stepped back, heart thudding so loud it felt like it echoed in the cavern.Azaiah's joints twisted, bones popping, contorting in ways no living body should. His eyes were a soulless abyss. Whatever spark once made him Azaiah had been stripped clean, replaced with something cold. Controlled.“Do you like it?” Diane cooed, her voice sweet and venom-laced. “It’s not possession. That’s so... temporary. I rethreaded them. Blood, bone, and memory.”She cocked her head, watching me with childish delight.“You’re lying,” I snapped, more to myself than to her. “Declan’s still in there. Azaiah too. I’ll get them back.”“You think love can
/-Raven-/My heart stopped. I stared down at Diane, no, whatever the hell she’d become, as she walked calmly through the burning remnants of the forest, her voice echoing in my head like a curse.She wasn’t just mimicking Azaiah.She was him now.“We need help in here, Raven…”The exact same voice. Same words. Same rhythm. Except this time, her lips curled into a grin as she said it aloud, like she knew I was listening.As expected of a witch…But this was something darker than anything I’d ever felt. Something deadly. I wasn't even sure this was just Diane anymore. I hovered higher into the clouds, hiding behind a veil of smoke and fog, praying she couldn’t sense me. My heart hammered in my chest.I’d seen death. I'd caused death. But this… this was beyond it. She had devoured them. The silence from the mind-link wasn’t a glitch or mental interference.It was because everyone was dead.And now she wore their voices like masks.“Come on, Raven,” she called out, twirling once slowly
/-Raven-/I shifted into dragon form and flew as far away as I could. As much as I wanted revenge, I couldn't jeopardize the living for the dead. If my presence was going to secure their victory then I would take pride in that and let go of my anger.For Declan. I don't know how long or how far I flew but i was at a distance I couldn't intervene quickly even if I wanted to. “Azaiah, what's your status?” I asked through the mind link. “She's down. So is half of our men. I hate to admit it but Declan is helping a lot. Are you coming in?” He asked.“Unfortunately, I can't. I need to take care of Amelia's soldiers but until then I can't come in,” I said. “But make sure she is dead. Take off her head, that is the best way to kill a witch and set her ablaze. We can't risk her suddenly resurrecting.” “That was the same thing Amelia said. Don't worry, Raven, do what you have to do, we have it all under control,” he assured me. Relief washed through me. This was definitely a good thing.
/-Raven-/On getting outside, I met Amelia. Unlike before, she had gotten here earlier than I expected.“Let's get this over with. I have more important things to deal with,” she said. “If the more important thing you're talking about is Diane, then I think we should take her down first instead of wasting our energy on each other,” I told her. “Why should I…” she cast me a condescending look. “...collaborate with you to do anything?” “Because you can't take her for me on your own,” I said plainly. “If we work together, we might actually have a chance to defeat her then we can face each other.” “Really? You must be bold to think that I would actually need help from you!” She huffed and I rolled my eyes. “I don't have time for your boost your little ego. When I'm done taking Diane, you can come fight me,” I said, shifting into dragon form. “Like I would wait for you to do that!” She muttered and leapt into the air, too. A smirk played on my lips. One down, one more person to go.