Amara's POV The Alpha's room felt charged, like a storm was about to break. The creepy smile on Magnus's face turned my stomach. He looked like a predator who'd just cornered its prey. Kael jumped in front of me, using his body as a shield. I could still hear his growl, fierce and protective. It was risky, insane even, but for once, someone else was standing up to Magnus with me. Of course, Magnus wasn't the type to let anyone get away with challenging him. He eyed Kael up and down, a weird smirk playing on his lips that suggested he had something nasty planned, something way worse than just yelling. Magnus thought things through first; being a jerk was second nature to him. He wouldn't just lash out. Nope, he'd find a way to make things hurt the most, drawing it out. And I was the easy target. How... touching, Magnus said, stepping back a bit. His hands went behind him, and he looked back and forth between Kael and me. You seem interested in her well-being. How unfortunate. Kae
Amara’s POV What Magnus said just hung there, thick as smoke. You two will be at the training grounds first thing tomorrow. If you don't show, Amara, someone else will suffer for it. I knew he wasn't kidding. Magnus always meant what he said. The door hadn't even closed before Kael lost it. He punched the table, and it cracked in half. I jumped, but I didn't move away. He was boiling inside, and I worried what keeping it all in would do to him. “I should’ve ended him,” Kael said, his voice rough with anger. “Right then and there. I should’ve…” “And then what?” I said, getting closer even though he looked ready to explode. “They would've killed you before you even touched him.” He breathed hard, his eyes locked on mine. “He’s doing this to make me hurt you.” His voice was low, but it was full of rage. “That’s what he wants. To turn me into a monster, just like him.” I felt a shiver down my back. Magnus knew exactly how to get to Kael, and it wasn't about beating him up. He wan
Amara’s POV Total blackness all around. It was like being underwater, but with no up or down, no sounds, no thoughts even. A weird, floaty feeling, somewhere between hurting bad and not being there at all. Then, BAM, like a punch in the face—I was awake. I groaned before I even opened my eyes. My head was pounding, a nasty, throbbing ache right where I'd been hit. Plus, I could taste blood in my mouth, which was just lovely.. I blinked my eyes open, slow. Everything looked blurry, like looking through a dirty window. I was lying on the ground, dirt and little rocks digging into my back. My ears were ringing so loud I could barely hear anything. But I felt something, a vibe, like pure anger hanging in the air like a storm. Kael. Before I even saw him, I knew he was ticked off. A growl, deep and nasty, ripped through the ringing in my ears. It was raw, like an animal, and made my heart pound way too fast. Then, Magnus’s voice, smooth and cold. Sounded like he was having fun, the
Kael’s POVThe night felt heavy, still. My heart was the only drum beating. I slipped through the woods, straying over the border, ignoring the stink markers that screamed, 'Danger!' Didn't belong there, but I didn't give a damn.Magnus came out on top.His taunts looped in my head, a nasty soundtrack of doubt and shame.You're never going to be strong enough to keep her safe.You're nothing.She'll fall apart, just like your mom did.I squeezed my hands into fists so hard my nails bit into my skin. I had spent years trying to show him up, but I now saw the truth plain as day—no matter what I did, he would always stay one step ahead. He just knew how to get under my skin, how to make things hurt so bad I couldn’t catch my breath.And I just let it happen.I stumbled forward, gasping for air.I couldn’t let it end this way.I just wouldn’t.That’s why I was here, in this forsaken place.The ruins rose up ahead, broken stone walls covered in nasty vines. Nobody ever visits. Not because
Kael’s POVI walked out of those old, broken-down buildings, and my skin felt buzzy, like I was plugged into something. This energy wasn't mine. I could feel it inside me, like an animal pacing in a cage. Everything was sharper. I could smell things better and hear things I normally wouldn't. It was like someone cranked up the volume on the world.I wasn't the same person who walked in.Whatever happened in there, it changed me.The air was freezing, but I barely noticed. I kept hearing those words in my head, over and over: You're not his son anymore. You're part of something bigger.A small part of me wanted to say no, to push back against this thing that had gotten inside me. But another part of me—the part that remembered Magnus destroying everything—welcomed it. Why?Because now I had a shot at taking him down.I started running, the trees turned into green streaks. I was lighter, quicker. It felt like I could bend the air around me.It felt amazing.But nothing's free, is it?I
Kael’s POVIts morning, the air bit with a chill as I stood on the training grounds. It smelled of damp earth mixed with the metallic tang of iron. I balled my hands into fists so tight that my fingernails sunk into my skin. All around, the Blackthorn warriors were like wolves about to feed, watching and wanting to see blood. Magnus had made sure they were up for it.Amara stood next to me, still as a stone. Her face was a mask, but I felt the tension radiating from her shoulders. She knew this whole thing was just a setup – I did too. But we couldn't back down. We had to go along with Magnus’s messed-up game.He was standing on a raised platform, looking down on us. His arms were crossed, and he wore this cocky grin that always got under my skin. Today, we will see what you are made of he announced, his voice echoing across the grounds.Immediately, a huge warrior came forward. You could tell he'd been through a lot by the number of scars he had. He cracked his knuckles and sneered a
Amara's POVStink of blood and sweat was heavy this morning, a reminder of all the fights in the training area. My claws scraped in the dirt as I moved inside Kael’s head, my instincts getting sharper. He was stiff, his muscles tight like a cat ready to pounce. I could feel his feelings—anger, defiance, and a bit of fear he wouldn't admit.Good. Fear keeps you on your toes. But it can also screw you up if you're not careful.I growled softly, wanting Kael to let me take over, even for a second. But he wouldn't, like always.Not yet, Beast.I was annoyed and losing patience. Magnus stood there with a nasty smile. He was happy and thought he’d won. But I knew better. He was too cocky for his own good.“Today is easy,” Magnus said, his voice cold. “Fight until I tell you to stop.”That made the warriors uneasy. This wasn't just training. It was a test—to see how tough they were, how well they listened, and how brutal they could be.Darius stepped up, smirking at Kael with a challenge in
Kael's POVSun was slightly up when I found myself at the training grounds. The morning was cold, and the wind was sharp. Last night was replaying in my head like a bad dream – Magnus's threats, Amara's hurt, the blood on my hands – I couldn't shake it off.My hands were in tight fists. I was breathing hard, trying to keep my anger down. I had to stay calm, or Magnus would get what he wanted. He wanted me to fall apart, to give in to his games.But I wasn't going to let that happen.Then I saw him through the fog – Magnus. He walked like he owned the place, with that smirk he always wore, like he knew what I was thinking. Some fighters were behind him, looking cold and serious. They weren't there to train; they were there to scare me.Up early, Magnus said, stopping close to me. Trying to show off?I didn't say anything. My jaw was tight as I looked him in the eyes.Magnus chuckled and shook his head. You really think you're untouchable? That you can do whatever you want without somet
Amara's POVThe knife went right into Kael's shoulder.My hands shook like crazy as I gripped the handle. My whole body was trembling, like a hurricane was going off inside me. This dark stuff was wrapping around my brain, holding on super tight. I couldn't even breathe.I hurt him.No, I was made to hurt him.Atta girl, Magnus said, his voice all slippery and gross. His magic was going wild through that mark on my wrist, felt like it was burning my blood, making me do what he wanted. Now, finish the job.A jolt of power ripped through me. I squeezed the knife harder, and the magic inside me was trying to force the blade in deeper.Kael grunted, his face all tight from the pain, but he didn't even try to grab the knife. He just held on to me—like I wasn't some kind of monster.Amara, he whispered, his voice shaky but like he still believed in me. I know you're in there. Don't let him take you.I gasped, and this sharp pain shot through my head. My heart was pounding so hard I couldn't
Kael's POVA scream echoed in the room, and it was me yelling, not Amara.The instant her glowing eyes locked onto mine, something deep inside me just broke. It felt like everything that made her *her* had been ripped away, and what was left was just an empty copy controlled by Magnus. I couldn't believe it. I just wouldn't.Amara, I croaked, pushing myself up even with the magic pressing down on me like crazy. I know you're still in there. You gotta fight him.Her lips parted, and for a split second, I swear I saw a hint of her come back. But then her face twisted into this cold, totally different look.She came at me fast.I barely had time to react before she grabbed my throat. She was way quicker than before, and strong too, like she had some kind of weird boost. I slammed into the wall, sending dust and bits of stone flying.Magnus laughed. She doesn't need saving, Kael. She's better.I tried to pull her fingers off, but she wouldn't budge. My inner wolf was going wild, super ang
Kael’s POVA jolt of pain shot through my chest as Magnus’s blade came at me. I managed to turn just in time, so instead of going straight through my heart, the cold metal just grazed my ribs. My whole body hurt like crazy, but I kept going. I had to.Amara was standing there like a statue, her eyes totally blank. Her body was stiff from the dark magic controlling her. Magnus grinned, stepping back and twisting the bloody knife in his hand.“Not bad, you’re pretty fast,” he said, checking out the cut he’d made. “But you’re bleeding now. And blood makes people weak.”I clenched my teeth, trying to ignore the burning pain in my side. “Think a little blood is going to stop me?”Magnus chuckled and raised an eyebrow. “Not really. But she will.”Before I could even think, Amara moved again. Super-fast. Way too fast. Her arm shot out, her fingers like claws and went for me. I barely dodged, and her nails scratched the side of my neck. She didn’t stop, she spun around and went at me with a w
Kael was caught off guard. Magnus's knife flashed, aimed right at his heart. But then, Amara moved quicker than anyone expected. She cried out, a sound ripped from her, throwing herself in the path of the blade; an instinct that Magnus clearly hadn't counted on. The knife went into her side, not Kael's chest.No! Kael yelled, grabbing her as she fell. He pressed his hands against the wound, her blood soaking his fingers. Hot.Magnus stumbled, shocked. That wasn't the plan at all.Amara gasped, shaking. It wasn't just because of the stab wound; something else was going on. The mark on her wrist pulsed weirdly, the light flickering between red and bright white. A strange sound came from her, part pain, but also something deeper.Kael held her tight as a weird feeling passed between them, making his skin rigid . A burning heat seared him. He felt his wolf howl, but not from hurt as such, more like knowing something big.Kael... Amara whispered, her eyes meeting his with a focus not seen
Kael’s heart pounded like a war drum as he locked eyes with Magnus. The knife in the Alpha’s hand gleamed in the dim torchlight, its curved blade dripping with something darker than blood—something unnatural. The rune on Amara’s wrist pulsed, its glow intensifying with each passing second. She stood motionless, her body rigid, her eyes empty. It was as if she wasn’t there at all. “Let her go,” Kael growled, his voice low, dangerous. Magnus merely chuckled. “You still don’t understand, do you?” He dragged the tip of the blade along Amara’s wrist, making her shudder. “She belongs to me now.” A snarl ripped from Kael’s throat as he lunged forward, but before he could reach them, Amara suddenly moved. Not of her own free will—but by Magnus’s command. She stepped between them, raising her hands as if to shield Magnus. Kael’s breath caught. “Amara.” She didn’t respond. Instead, she turned to him with vacant, glassy eyes. A stranger wearing her face. Magnus smirked. “You see, Alp
Kael’s POVThe second I got outside, the cold night air smacked me in the face, like a warning shot. It smelled like rain mixed with something way worse—blood. A storm was coming, and it wasn't just the weather kind. There was a war brewing, but we were almost out of time. If I didn't hurry, a lot of people would get hurt.I was moving fast through the trees. The wolf inside me was growling, like it wanted to get out and fight. My heart was pounding super hard. The vision of Magnus's last move kept repeating in my mind. He'd made it clear what he wanted, but I figured something else was going on. I couldn't put my finger on it. He didn't just want to be in control; I think he was setting a trap, and I can't figure out how to stop him.The sky flashed with lightning, lighting up the path. My group of fighters was already spread out, and their eyes were lit up with excitement for a fight. You could cut the tension in the air with a knife. I don't understand why everyone wants to fight a
Kael's POVThe night felt thick, like you could cut it with a knife. I felt the weight of what was coming pressing down. The torches around the yard flickered, throwing weird shadows on the stones. It felt like we were on a battlefield right before the fight started. I knew Magnus wouldn't let things slide after what went down in the throne room, not after I stood up to him.And now Amara was stuck in the middle of it.The sound of boots echoed as warriors moved into position, building a wall between me and whatever evil idea Magnus had cooked up. I was wound up tight, my body ready for the fight. But I didn't want to act without thinking. I couldn't mess this up.Then I heard it—a voice, smooth and slick like a knife.Kael.I turned and saw Magnus standing at the yard entrance, his dark cloak swirling around him. I couldn't read his face, but his eyes held a spark of fun, of challenge. He loved moments like these, where he could mess with his enemies like a cat playing with a mouse.
Kael's POVThorne didn't even get a chance to grin smugly before I was all over him, slamming into him with every ounce of strength I could find. We both went down hard, and you could hear the thud echo through the stone room. My fists just started flying, like I didn't even have to think about it. It was pure anger, desperation, and something even deeper, something animal taking over.Even with me hitting him so hard, Thorne managed to twist out from under me like a snake. He was back on his feet in a second, grinning like it was all a joke. Kael, he said, rolling his shoulders like he was just brushing off some dust. So predictable, really.I didn't bother wasting my breath talking. I just went for him again, claws out, aiming for his throat. But man, he was quick – too quick. He dodged to the side, and my claws barely scratched him before he hit back, slamming a fist into my ribs. My side exploded with pain, but I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of seeing me stumble.I co
Kael's POVEverything blurred. Magnus had his hand on Amara’s throat, squeezing. She gasped for air. The sweaty, bloody smell was strong. The ground was rough and cold under me. My heart went wild , but I stayed put, trying to think straight.Pick, Magnus said, sounding calm, like he knew what I’d do. Like I was just a piece in his game.Amara looked right at me, hard and clear. She didn’t beg or cry. But her eyes screamed: Don’t do it.I squeezed my hands, shaking with anger. I wanted to charge, tear Magnus apart, end this mess. But I knew he wasn’t bluffing. If I fought, he’d hurt her in ways I couldn't even imagine.He wanted to break me, to make me break myself.I took a deep breath. Let her go.Magnus smirked. So, what’s your answer?I tried to keep my voice steady. You want me gone, I said, picking each word carefully. But come on, Magnus. You want to control me.”His smirk faded a little.I kept going. If I leave, what’s stopping me from coming back? What if I Come back stronge