Amara’s POV
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, soft and golden, and for the first time in years, I felt… warm. Safe wasn’t the word, not entirely but something about the night before, sleeping in a bed instead of the cold, hard ground, had given me the tiniest semblance of comfort. Here, there were no biting winds, no harsh commands, no chains. It was temporary, I knew that, but for a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to pretend.
I ran my fingers over the soft fabric of the blanket before swinging my legs over the side of the bed. My bare feet sank into the plush rug, another luxury I hadn’t known in years. I closed my eyes, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions inside me. How long could this fragile peace last?
The kitchen was eerily quiet as I moved about, gathering ingredients to prepare breakfast. Cooking had always been my solace, the one thing that grounded me amidst chaos. The smell of sizzling eggs filled the room, a small smile tugging at my lips as I stirred. It wasn’t much, but it was something.
“Who the hell are you and what are you doing here?”
The sharp voice startled me, yanking me out of my momentary reprieve. I turned to see a woman standing in the doorway. She was beautiful in an icy, intimidating way, with long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and a designer outfit that screamed wealth and privilege. Everything about her screamed trouble.
“I… I’m making breakfast, ma’am,” I said softly, keeping my eyes lowered. Years of servitude had taught me to tread carefully around women like her.
She stepped closer, her piercing gaze raking over me like I was something stuck to the bottom of her shoe. “Where’s Kael?”
Kael. The name sent a faint warmth through me,a reminder of the man who’d shown me kindness when I’d expected none. “I don’t know,” I replied cautiously.
Her expression twisted into a sneer. “Aren’t you a maid or something? Go find him.”
I turned back to the stove, focusing on the food to avoid the rising panic in my chest. “Ma’am, the food is still on the fire. Let me finish, and then I'll.. ”
Her hand shot out, grabbing a fistful of my hair. Pain shot through my scalp as she yanked me backward, her nails digging into my skin. “When I tell you to do something, you do it, you filthy little slave!”
“Please, stop,” I whimpered, struggling to free myself from her grasp. Tears pricked my eyes, but I bit them back, refusing to let her see me cry.
The sound of heavy footsteps filled the room, followed by a voice that froze us both in place. “Let her go. Now.”
Alpha Magnus.
His presence filled the room, his tone cold and commanding. Trina immediately released me, stepping back with a look of indignation. My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the floor, clutching my throbbing scalp.
Magnus’s eyes locked onto Trina, his expression unreadable. “You will never lay a hand on her again,” he said, his voice low but menacing. “This girl belongs to me. I alone decide her fate. Is that understood?”
Trina’s defiance wavered under his glare, and she muttered, “Yes, Alpha.”
He let her go, and she stumbled back, rubbing her arm where he’d gripped her. Her eyes flickered to me, filled with venom. “You should be grateful I’m in a good mood,” she spat before storming out of the room.
Kael appeared then, his face etched with concern as he hurried to my side. “Amara,” he said gently, kneeling beside me. “Are you hurt?”
The softness in his voice, the way he looked at me, it was too much. The tears I’d been holding back spilled over, and I shook my head, unable to speak.
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “She shouldn’t have… ”
“Kael,” Magnus interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. “Come with me.”
Kael hesitated, his eyes lingering on me. “Will you be okay?”
I nodded quickly, not trusting myself to say the words aloud.
As they left, Trina shot me one last hateful look before dragging Kael away. The silence that followed was deafening. My hands shook as I turned off the stove, the eggs forgotten. The reality of my situation crashed over me, and I fled to my room, locking the door behind me.
I stayed there for hours, curled up on the bed, too afraid to venture out. The memory of Trina’s rage, Magnus’s cold authority, and Kael’s fleeting kindness played on a loop in my mind. I wanted to disappear, to fade into the background where no one would notice me.
But the thirst eventually became unbearable. My throat felt like sandpaper, and I knew I couldn’t avoid the kitchen forever. Taking a deep breath, I cracked open the door and peeked out. The hallway was empty. Maybe I could get some water and return before anyone saw me.
I made it halfway down the stairs when I saw her.
“Well, well, well,” Trina drawled, a sly smile curling her lips. “If it isn’t the cheap slut who threw herself at a man old enough to be her father.”
Her words stung, but I kept my head down, gripping the hem of my shirt to keep my hands from trembling. Maybe if I stayed quiet, she’d leave me alone.
But Trina wasn’t done. She sauntered closer, her eyes raking over me with disdain. “And what is this rag you’re wearing?” she sneered, lifting the edge of my shirt with the tip of her finger like it was”I bit my lip, willing myself not to react.
She leaned in, her voice dropping to a deadly whisper. “Listen, you little whore. I don’t care what you do with Alpha Magnus, but the moment you so much as look at Kael, I’ll make sure you regret it. He’s mine, and I don’t share. Consider this your only warning.”
Before I could respond, she shoved me hard. My foot missed the step, and suddenly I was falling, tumbling down the stairs. Pain exploded through my body as I hit the bottom, the world spinning around me.
The last thing I saw was Kael’s face, panic etched into every line, as he ran toward me. Above him, Trina stood at the top of the stairs, a wicked smile playing on her lips.
And then, everything went pitch black
Kael’s POVI woke to the sound of muffled sobs. Amara’s cries had become a cruel soundtrack to my nights, echoing through the walls and tearing at my soul. I clenched my fists, staring at the ceiling of my room, the faint moonlight casting shadows on the walls. How long could this madness go on?Trina shifted beside me, her bare leg brushing against mine under the duvet. My stomach twisted in disgust. Her presence here was a reminder of everything wrong in my life, a forced engagement to a woman I couldn't stand, my father’s unrelenting cruelty, and Amara’s silent suffering.Her hand slid over my chest, her touch cold and unwelcome. “Kael,” she whispered, her voice sultry. “You’re so distant these days. What’s wrong?”I gritted my teeth and pushed her hand away. “Not now, Trina.”She wasn’t deterred. Instead, she sat up, the dim light accentuating the sharp angles of her face. “Not now?” she repeated, her tone turning sharp. “Kael, it’s been a week since I got here, and you haven’t ev
Kael's POVI felt weighed down and suffocated by darkness. Every breath felt like dragging knives through my lungs, and my chest burned. Like echoes in a cavern, faint murmurs tempted my ears, far away and distorted. A warm, flowery scent—Amara—pierced the mist. It held on to me and dragged me up to the surface.Slowly, I opened my eyes and blinked against the faint light. Her face, the wooden beams above, and the dim crackle of a fire in the corner came into sharp focus. With her hands firmly clutched in her lap, Amara sat next to me. Her eyes were rimmed in red as if she had been crying for hours, and her hair was unkempt. Her face was dancing in the fire's glow, highlighting the tiny bruise on her face."Amara?" My voice was raspy, barely audible.Her head snapped up, and relief washed across her expression. "Kael! "You're awake," she said softly, her voice shaking.The way she pronounced my name caused an ache in my chest, not from anguish, but from something deeper, something I w
Amara’s breath hitched as Kael’s words hung in the tense air between them. His confession wasn’t just a crack in his armor; it was a glimpse of vulnerability she hadn’t expected. But before she could process it fully, the sharp howl of a wolf echoed through the forest, sending a shiver down her spine.Kael’s expression darkened instantly, his Alpha instincts kicking in. “We’re not alone,” he murmured, his voice low and protective. He moved closer to her, his eyes scanning the shadows that danced under the moonlight. The night felt heavier now, the air thick with an unspoken threat.Amara’s heart pounded in her chest as she followed his gaze, her fingers curling into fists to stop their trembling. “Who could it be? Are we in danger?” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.Kael didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he tilted his head, his sharp ears picking up sounds she couldn’t. A low growl rumbled from deep within his chest, and he stepped forward, shielding
Amara stood at the edge of the forest. Her heart raced like crazy, and she struggled to catch her breath. She glanced back at the mansion. It was just a dark shape among the trees. For a moment, she thought about running back and hiding in her room. She wanted to pretend none of this was happening. But she couldn't. Not after what she'd seen and heard.The air was thick with the smell of pine and wet earth. An owl hooted in the distance. The night was super quiet, except for the leaves rustling in the cold wind.Kael's voice echoed in her mind. You're not safe here, Amara. Not with him watching. He didn't say more, leaving her with more questions. Who was watching? Why?In her pocket, she held onto a crumpled note from Kael. It said, Meet me at the old well. Midnight. She'd heard stories about the well but never dared to go there. It was supposed to be scary.When the clock struck twelve, Amara forced herself to move. Each step felt heavy. The forest seemed alive, shadows shifting aro
She felt as though a cloud of indiscernible stress was covering her. The soft rustle of leaves outside the Blackthorn estate was a faint reminder of the world beyond, from which she felt increasingly isolated. Her chest tightened as Kael's piercing gaze locked with hers. His once-warm, golden eyes had taken on a deeper hue, a blend of resolution and concern.“Amara, I need you to tell me the truth,” Kael said, his voice low but firm. “Did you hear anything unusual last night?”Amara’s heart skipped a beat. She knew what he was referring to—the chilling whispers she’d overheard while cleaning the Alpha’s study. Voices conspiring, plotting something sinister, but the details had been fragmented, just enough to spark her unease. She had hesitated to share it with anyone, unsure of who to trust. Now, under Kael's intense scrutiny, the weight of her silence felt unbearable.“I…” she began, her voice barely audible, “I thought I heard… something. Voices. But I wasn’t sure what they were tal
KAEL POVThe air was heavy with tension, thick as the mist curling around the dense forest outside. Amara’s breath caught as she stumbled back, her pulse hammering in her ears. The words Kael had spoken—words that seemed impossible, yet undeniable—echoed in her mind.“You knew all along?” she whispered, her voice trembling like a brittle branch about to snap. Her wide, tear-brimmed eyes locked onto his, searching for any trace of deception. “You knew who I was?”Kael’s jaw clenched, the muscles ticking with unspoken anguish. He stepped forward, his movements deliberate but hesitant, as though afraid one wrong step would shatter the fragile connection between them. The dim light of the cabin flickered, casting shadows that danced like specters across his face.“Amara, I didn’t know everything,” he said, his voice low, almost pleading. “But I suspected. From the moment I saw you… there was something. Something familiar, something I couldn’t ignore. But I didn’t want to believe it.”Her
Amara POVThe air was thick with tension as Amara stood in the center of Kael's quarters, her heart pounding so loudly she was certain he could hear it. The distant howl of a wolf echoed through the night, sending shivers down her spine. A storm was brewing outside, the low rumble of thunder a mirror to the turmoil within her chest. Kael leaned against the doorframe, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her feel both exposed and anchored.“Why did you run?” Kael’s voice was low, almost a growl, but beneath it was a current of something deeper—concern, maybe even fear.Amara’s throat tightened. She struggled to find the words, her emotions a chaotic swirl. How could she explain the overwhelming need to escape, to flee from the truths she wasn’t ready to confront? She wrapped her arms around herself as if that could shield her from his piercing gaze.“I don’t belong here,” she finally said, her voice trembling. “I don’t belong anywhere.”Kael’s jaw tightened, and he took a
“I’m not going anywhere with you,” Amara said firmly, standing tall even though she was scared. Her voice carried more conviction than she felt, but she had to stand her ground. The storm’s wind howled around her, carrying the sharp scent of wet earth and ozone.The man laughed, his laugh cold and hollow, like shards of ice slicing through the night. “You don’t have a choice, girl. Do you think you can outrun him forever? Magnus always gets what he wants.”Thunder boomed above, lighting up his face. He looked harsh, almost like a skeleton, with eyes full of anger. He wasn’t just some goon; he was dangerous.Amara’s fists clenched at her sides, her nails biting into her palms as the storm’s fury mirrored her own. “Tell my father he’ll never control me,” she spat, her voice trembling with both anger and defiance. The words felt like fire on her tongue, a rebellion she hadn’t dared voice before.The man’s expression darkened. Lightning illuminated his sneer, casting sharp shadows across
KaelKael’s muscles coiled tight as his wolf clawed to break free, but chains of uncertainty held him back. The scent of burning torches mixed with the metallic tang of blood, thick in the air. He couldn’t afford to lose control—not now.Not when Amara was gone.A growl rumbled in his chest, his vision sharpening as he locked onto Magnus. The bastard stood there, arms crossed, amusement playing at the corners of his lips as if this was all some twisted game. And maybe, to him, it was."Where is she?" Kael demanded, his voice raw with rage.Magnus chuckled, shaking his head. "You alphas are all the same—so predictable. Always chasing after a mate you can never truly possess."Kael took a threatening step forward, but the hooded figure beside Magnus shifted slightly, their presence sending a ripple of unease through him. A new player had entered the game, and the power rolling off them sent a warning through his instincts."You feel it, don’t you?" the cloaked figure murmured. Their vo
Darkness stretched in every direction. Cold air wrapped around Amara like unseen hands, sending a chill down her spine. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as she forced herself to move. But every step felt like walking through thick fog, her body weighed down by something unseen."Where am I?" she whispered.A voice answered, low and sharp. "You are home."Amara spun around, her breath catching in her throat. A figure emerged from the swirling shadows. Tall, cloaked in black, with glowing red eyes that burned like embers."Who are you?" she demanded, taking a step back.The figure tilted its head. "I am the beginning. And I am the end."Fear clawed at her chest, but she pushed it down. "Let me go."The figure laughed, the sound like crackling fire. "You do not command here, child. You were never meant to be free. You were meant to rule."Amara's stomach twisted. "Rule what?"The figure lifted a hand, and suddenly, images crashed into her mind. Battles. Fire. Wolves bowing before her fe
Kael let out a roar that shook the room as he charged at Magnus. Anger boiled inside him. His claws were out, and his fangs were ready. But just as he reached Magnus, something slammed into him. He was thrown back hard against the stone wall. Pain shot through his ribs, but he pushed himself up.Amara was gone.A silver circle where she had stood glowed faintly with the last remnants of its eerie light. Shadows danced around the room, twisting like something was moving in them unnaturally. Then, a voice echoed.“She’s awake.”A chill swept over the hall as the shadows formed a shape. The air felt heavy, thick with an ancient power. From the darkness, a tall figure appeared in black robes, his face hidden under a deep hood. The torches flickered and dimmed in his presence.Magnus froze, his smirk fading for the first time. “You,” he said, voice tight.The figure chuckled, a deep sound that made Kael shiver. “Surprised, Magnus? Did you think you could wake her without me?”Magnus straig
Amara felt nothing but darkness and pain. Cold crept into her bones, and her arms and legs felt heavy. She tried to break free from the overwhelming weight in her mind. The last thing she remembered was Kael reaching for her. His hand was bloody, and his eyes showed desperation before everything went dark. Now, she was awake—but barely—and not alone.A low murmur echoed around her. She heard boots scraping against the stone floor. The smell of damp earth and blood made her stomach turn. Somewhere far off, chains rattled, reminding her she was trapped.Then she heard a voice.“You’re awake.”Amara opened her eyes. Her vision adjusted to the dim light from the torches on the walls. Shadows flickered and danced across the cold space. A man stood in front of her. His shape was sharp, and his presence felt heavy.Magnus.He stepped closer, a slow, creepy smile on his face. “You put up quite the fight,” he said, amusement dripping from his voice. “I expected that.”Amara's throat hurt, and
Darkness pressed against Amara’s senses like a heavy blanket. The ground felt unsteady beneath her, and her body felt weightless, trapped in an abyss between consciousness and oblivion. Faint sounds floated around her—the distant clash of steel, the guttural growls of wolves, and the unmistakable voice of Kael, raw with fury.“WHERE IS SHE?”A shadow moved above her, thick with malice. It was Magnus. His smell—leather, blood, and something ancient—felt like a predator closing in on its prey. “She’s right where she belongs,” he said, his voice a sickening caress against the void swallowing her mind.A cold air danced along her skin, and suddenly, Amara was falling—She was yanked from the darkness into a harsh reality.Pain shot through her as she hit the cold stone floor. She gasped, trying to catch her breath. Chains held her tight, the silver burning her skin. Her head ached, still reeling from whatever poison Magnus had used.A pair of boots entered her vision. Slowly, she forced
A dull throb pulsed in Amara’s skull, dragging her toward consciousness. Her limbs felt like lead, weighed down by something unseen, and an icy numbness spread through her veins. Voices swam in the fog around her, muffled and distorted, like echoes from a dream. The scent of damp stone and iron filled her nose, mingling with the faint metallic tang of blood.Then she remembered.Kael’s bloodied hand reached for her. The dagger sank into his side. The betrayal. The darkness swallowed her whole.Her breath hitched, panic clawing at her chest. She forced her eyes open, blinking against the dim torchlight flickering overhead. Chains rattled as she tried to move, and cold steel bit into her wrists. Shackles. She was bound.A cruel laugh slithered through the shadows. “Ah, you’re finally awake.”Amara’s heart clenched at the voice. Magnus.She turned her head, vision still blurred, but the silhouette of his towering figure was unmistakable. He leaned against the stone wall, arms crossed, wa
The world faded in and out around Amara. Darkness enveloped her mind, but even in unconsciousness, she could feel it—the sinister grip of Magnus holding her captive. Cold steel pressed against her throat, the sharp edge a silent promise of pain. Distantly, she could hear the chaos unfolding, shouts and growls blending into a symphony of war. Kael's voice cut through it all, raw with fury and desperation."Let her go, Magnus!"A chuckle slithered against her ear, sending chills down her spine. "Oh, but why would I? She’s far too precious."Amara fought against the haze clouding her thoughts, her instincts screaming at her to move. But Magnus’s grip tightened, his fingers like iron shackles around her arm."You take one step, Kael, and I swear I'll slit her throat." His voice was laced with amusement, but there was a deadly promise beneath it.Kael stood rigid, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he shifted back into his human form, his eyes burning with barely contained rage. Blood
The air inside the cabin felt suffocating, thick with tension and unspoken words. Amara stood motionless, her breath shallow as Kael paced before her, his frustration palpable. The flickering candlelight cast elongated shadows against the wooden walls, the steady creak of the floorboards beneath Kael’s restless movements the only sound punctuating the heavy silence.“What are you saying, Trina?” Kael asked, his voice low but angry. He glared at Trina, who just smirked back. “I’m saying you have a traitor in your midst, dear Alpha.” Trina’s voice was silky, her emerald eyes flickering with amusement. “Someone close to you has been feeding Magnus information. And if you don’t figure out who soon…” She trailed off, her smile turning predatory. “Well, let’s just say the consequences will be dire.”Amara felt her stomach drop. Betrayal was hanging in the air. The word curled around her like a noose, tightening with every second of silence. Magnus had already taken so much from her, and n
As the battlefield lay strangely calm, Kael's breath came quickly and forcefully, his body tightly coiled with anxiety and stress. Like the last of a once-consuming fire, the golden energy that had burst from Amara crackled softly in the air. With eyes full of devotion, something far more frightening than fear, the Bloodbound riders who had survived crawled onward.Amara stood in the center of the chaos, her golden irises still glowing, her entire being trembling with exhaustion deeper than physical fatigue. Her hands clenched and unclenched at her sides, as though unsure whether to reach for salvation or surrender to destruction.Kael was approaching her very slowly. "Amara, would you speak to me, please speak."Her gaze locked onto his—tormented, lost. “I don’t know what’s happening to me, Kael.” Her voice was barely a whisper, yet it carried the weight of an impending storm.Selene, still standing despite the devastation around her, let out a soft laugh. “You’re awakening, child. T