/-Skylar-/I followed them to the hospital despite the glares Gwen threw at me. She already ruined our date night so I had every right to be here. To make sure her son was actually sick and it wasn't just one of her on-spot lies. On arrival at the hospital, Gwendolyn took us to the wards. I didn't quite remember the names of her children but one was on drip while the other one was asleep.While Kai went to check on the injured child, I couldn't help but wonder how Gwen could comfortable leave her other son here to come to the house when she could have just called Kai. What if the little boy wandered off or some psychopath took him. “When was he admitted?” Kai asked her as I went over to the sleeping child. He did have a lot of Kai features. In fact, he looked like the mini version. “About two hours ago,” she said. “They didn't have his blood type in the blood bank?” Kai asked. I glanced back to see Gwen fume. “Seriously?! That is what you have to say? Our son needed a transfusio
/-Skylar-/My eyes rested on Kai. Just like me, he suspected that the boy was lying but he didn't push him to say the truth. “It's okay, your brother is going to be fine. I have already met with the doctor, okay?” He said and the boy nodded. Kai handed the boy over to Gwen. He came to me. “I'm going in to donate the blood they did. Will you be okay?” He asked softly and I smiled. “Of course. Go ahead and save your boy,” I said and he walked away out of the ward. As soon as he was gone, Gwen dropped the boy on the bench and walked to me. “You sure have some nerve, showing up here. Are you not even in the least shameless?” She hissed. “Why should I be?” I asked her. “You are the one who is forcing yourself on a man who no longer wants you.” “Look at you, the last time we met, you were running your mouth that you didn't want him and now, all of a sudden, he wants you?” She chuckled. “You have no idea who you are playing with.”“I'm sorry, who are you?” I crossed my arm. “At least
/-Sally-/It was another boring night sitting close to the divination house with a stack of paintings. I was devising ways to enter Kai's life without raising unnecessary suspicion. I didn't know if Raven already uncovered the truth but I wasn't going to let it deter me. Humans might be weak but there were powers in this place, waiting to be harnessed.So I sat there, staring idly at paintings then I felt a strong presence. I immediately sprang up to my feet. Could that be Diane? I have been waiting desperately for her to show up. However when I rushed over, it was only Amelia. What was she doing here? I thought she didn't step out of her abode. The last time I saw her, I had to present Raven as an offering so why was she here, unprovoked?Her eyes landed on me as I took careful steps towards her. “You're here?” I muttered. Something flashed in her eyes. Something dangerously similar to anger. “Something came to my knowledge and I just couldn't wait for you to come over. I neede
/-Kai-/I was practically a ghost by the time I got away from them. I was headed to the car now, exhausted and in need of a very long test.I was about to get into the car when I heard my name from behind.“Kai!”I turned to Gwendolyn with a. Annoyance coated my features. She had successfully made me spend time in the hospital, what more could she possibly want from me again? Raven had to leave because she had filled him with stories about Raven being a homewrecker. “What'd you want, Gwen?” I asked coldly. “There is no need for you to be hostile, Kai. I only came here to show my gratitude. I don't know how I would have handled everything if you were not here,” she said. It was a lie, of course. I could see right through her. She could have handled everything without involving me. She just wanted me here and I had to comply because whether or not the children were mine, I was occupying their father's body and had to act accordingly. “Alright, thanks accepted. Anything else?” I aske
/-Sally-/Did it work?He was just staring at me, unmoving. I took a step closer, unsure if I should get closer or not. “Declan?” I called softly and his eyes twinkled. “My love…”I stepped out of the fog and a big smile broke out of his face. It worked! Oh goddess, it really worked!I squealed and ran into his arms. “Deee! Oh goddess, I can believe this. You're really mine!” I could barely contain the happiness in my chest. This was the best thing that had happened to me since I landed in this godforsaken place. The man I have been chasing for so long was finally going to be mine. I pulled away just to look into his beautiful eyes. “Do you know who I am?” I asked him. He slowly reached for my face, caressing it softly. “How could I not know who you are, Raven?” My smile immediately dropped. “Raven?” “Yes,” he stepped closer. “I finally found you after so long. I searched for you everywhere and now I have finally found you.” My happiness died down immediately. The plan was fo
/-Skylar-/Why wasn't he home yet? It was almost 3am. He told Anders to inform me that he was on his way back. I even made dinner for him. If he changed his mind, he would have called Anders, right? I paced the room, unable to sleep. I was so worried about him. A few minutes later, a car drove in and I hurried downstairs. It was him. It had to be him.However, what I didn't expect was for him to show up with Sally. What the hell was she doing here and why was he looking at her like that?“What's going on here?” I asked. What the hell was Declan doing with her?“Hello, Skylar,” Sally said with a sickening smile. “I didn't realize I was intruding. Declan insisted I come home with him.” My eyes darkened. I turned to Kai but I could barely recognize the look in his eyes. There was something different about him, I could tell. What the hell has this cunning woman done again?“Skylar, who I bring to my house is none of your business. You should learn your place!” Kai said harshly to me.
/-Skylar-/The release was instant and I was able to move before she buried that knife inside me. Sally staggered forward, almost falling from the miss. I stood aside watching them both with annoyance. I understood Kai was not himself but it was just so fucking frustrating at this point. Why couldn't he just be immune to whatever it was they used on him or better still, avoid it? Sally glared at me. “Are you just going to stand there and watch her do this to me?”She was referring to Kai but he was more concerned about his sore balls. She hissed and grabbed the knife again. “Can I know the reason for this pointless fight? You came in here with Kai and I didn't even bother you. I let you have him and all you could think about was trying to attack me? Are you retarded?” I asked her. Sally paused for a second and I really hoped she was reasoning my words because I would not hesitate to kill her this time if she dares launch another attack on me. She suddenly chuckled. “Right! I was
/-Sally-/“Do you want to come with me or should we leave?” He asked when he returned. I just had this feeling that there was something different about him although I couldn't exactly tell what was so different about him. The mystic did warn that the love charm was going to wear off soon now that I was going for a different goal. I was supposed to stab her while Declan was still under the spell, otherwise it would become difficult to actually get her. This spell was supposed to be a trick to get Raven to fight me so I could stab her, now that I failed, I wasn't sure what to do. “I… I think I'll just go,” I told him and he frowned. “Why? You just got here,” he said. “Yeah but your little worker just ruined my mood. You couldn't even defend me against her,” I huffed.“She hit me in the balls, what was I supposed to do?” He asked and I gave him a look. What was he supposed to do? What happened to defending your woman even when your life is on the line?I was certain he was only doin
/-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.