/-Raven-/I woke up in an unfamiliar environment and my heart was pounding at a rapid rate. The last thing I remembered was drinking wine with Declan and now I was here?I tried to move but I couldn't. My hands were chained above my head and I couldn't move. My legs were chained as well, and I realized I wasn't in the two-piece I was wearing anymore. My heart skipped a beat. I was now wide awake and scanning around for anything familiar. The door opened almost immediately and I feared the worst. “Well… well…” a familiar voice drawled and my breath caught in my throat as I saw Azaiah walk in. What the hell was I doing back here?“I see you're awake,” he coldly stated. There was anything but a smile on his face. He was clearly pissed over the fact that I tricked him into letting me go. “I hear that Declan is doing well now…”“You have to let me go!” I demanded. “I am not your prisoner!” “And you weren't supposed to be!” He snapped. “But you just have a way of pushing my buttons, do
/-Raven-/Getting married.I was getting married!And it wasn't to Declan!!I was visibly panicking as these women gripped me. With how respectful they were before, I didn't think they would actually go as far as forcefully prepping me against my will. I didn't want to fight them. I wasn't sure I would succeed even if I tried. And if I managed to escape them, what were the chances that I would leave this place?But I needed to stop this wedding somehow. I needed to think and think fast too. They were currently washing me up. One of girls picked up a perfumed liquid soap. “Can I see that?” I asked politely. “Why?” She asked. “It's just soap.”“I have never used it before. I need to make sure it doesn't contain anything I'm allergic to,” I told her and she handed it to me. “Just for fun, what can disrupt the initiation ceremony?” I asked and they exchanged glances. “Come on, if I am going to be your Queen, I should at least know things about you, right?” I wasn't sure they would b
/-Hannah-/Amelia crossed her arms, staring at both Lisa and I. “Fancy seeing you two back in my chambers together after coming individually to deliver your threats. What's new? Surprise me.” She leaned against her dressing table, crossing her arms as she stared at us. If I had my way, I wouldn't even be here, talking to her but I just had to. “The skin walker has taken Raven's form and she is with Declan currently,” I said plainly and her smug smile vanished. “Now that was unexpected,” she blurted. “And how do you know it is a skin walker and not just Raven?”“Because Raven is dead and buried,” Lisa blurted without thinking and I shot her a glare. She cupped her mouth, shooting me an apologetic glance. Amelia's eyes darkened as she crossed her arms. “What the hell do you mean by Raven is dead?” She demanded. I didn't say a word and Lisa didn't speak either. “Of you're not going to speak then see yourselves out of my room!” “Fine! Calm the fuck down!” I sighed. “So we kinda dr
/-Raven-/“You are sick! You have lost your damn mind!” He yelled. “I thought five hours would have been enough to come up with something more creative,” I sighed. “Why do you keep pissing me off…”“Hush! I'm sick, stop yelling,” I interrupted his ranting. “You've not even experienced half of the things I plan to do to you.”My response caught him off-guard. “Why are you so insistent on punishing me, Raven? I am trying to help you! To help you achieve your potential! Why are you making things difficult for us both?” He growled. I stared at him unapologetically. “You don't abduct someone and expect to be treated like a king, sweetheart. If you wanted me to cooperate you would have approached me politely and asked.” He palmed his face and I moved from a lying to a sitting position. “What's for breakfast?” I asked him. I skipped dinner. I was out all night.” He looked at me in disbelief and I raised a challenging brow. His shoulders sagged and I smirked inwardly.“Can I have meat
/-Declan-/There was just something wrong about her. I could feel it. Last night, she had been insistent on sleeping in my room but I couldn't let her. Rolfe wouldn't let me and for the first time, I agreed with him. The Raven I knew was a tease and would never admit she wanted to be in the same room with me, let alone beg to speak d the night in it. The intense pull I felt towards Raven anytime she neared me was gone. I was seriously considering Hannah's words that she was the skinwalker. But if this wasn't Raven, where was she then?This morning, before I even got the chance to open my eyes, she was at my door, knocking. She brought me breakfast and I couldn't even begin to explain how creeped out I was. “Come in,” I said dryly, stepping aside for her to enter. “I brought you food so you don't have to stress yourself out. I want us to spend the entire day together,” she said. “Spend the day together?” I repeated. That was one suggestion Raven would never make no matter how muc
She hissed in frustration. That man was just too smart for her. How could he have figured her out so soon?It took her weeks to copy Raven's voice and mannerisms, only for him to figure it out in a space of a few minutes. Pacing the room, she groaned. “I have come too far to lose him now,” she muttered under her breath.She thought hard, thinking of what she could have done wrong and then it clicked. “Fuck! I was too desperate for him! Raven literally acts like she doesn't care about his existence. Maybe I should have done that instead of throwing myself at him,” she mumbled, facepalming. How could she mess up such a perfect opportunity?But there was still a chance to make it right. Declan had no idea where Raven was and she already knew that Azaiah's men may have taken her away. All she had to do was hurt herself and let him find her, and then she would correct all the mistakes she made. Now that sounded like a very good plan. All she needed was someone to aid her with it. An
/-Declan-/I stood in front of Amelia, my heart racing. She had just asked for my blood, and I had no choice but to give it to her. I needed to find Raven, and if she could help, I would do whatever it took.“Just get it over with,” I said, my voice firm but full of frustration.Amelia didn’t hesitate. She picked up a small blade from the table and made a clean cut along my arm. I winced slightly as the blood flowed into a small cup she held out.She seemed calm, almost detached, as she watched the blood fill the cup. I didn’t know if I could trust her, but right now, she was the only lead I had.“Is that enough?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.She nodded and set the cup aside, carefully placing it on the table. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was making a grave mistake but at this point, I couldn't even say I cared. Raven was my top most priority. “Now, I will perform the incantation,” she said softly.Amelia closed her eyes, her hands moving slowly as she whispe
/-RAVEN-/Later that night, I sat by the window, staring into the sky since I wasn't allowed to go outside. The stars were so pretty tonight and it made me feel a little lonely.It stirred memories in my mind and it made my eyes watered. How long was I going to keep poisoning myself to keep from being with him?What if I ran out of poisons? What if he decided to perform the ceremony with my corpse? I was still thinking when the door opened and the maids entered my room with food. They simply bowed and dropped it, walking out before I even got the chance to say anything. Azaiah had forbidden them from talking to me because he thought I was going to manipulate them into helping me escape. I couldn't blame him because I would actually do so if I had the chance. I opened the plate and the food just made my spirit fall. I was tired of everything. This place, the food, the people, everything!I covered it back and got in bed. An hour later, they came to pack the food and we're surprised
/-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.