Ruby POVThe mirror reflected a girl I barely recognized, with hollow eyes and lips trembling with guilt. I had given in to Gabe again, letting him touch me, letting the bond do its wicked work. It was only a matter of time before I'd do anything for him, like a puppet on his strings. The fate bond that bound us felt like shackles around my soul, controlling my every desire.I glanced back down at the old, leather-bound book Grandpa Seb had given me. It was filled with spells and charms, including the one he used to hide my mark and suppress the call of my mate. My hands shook with determination as I pored over the pages. The spell was intricate but manageable. I needed to gather the ingredients and practice the incantation, just in case I had to strengthen it. The thought of facing Gabe again, of losing control, filled me with self-loathing.As I sat on the edge of my bed, the door swung open with a brisk knock. Sheila strutted in, her face alight with anticipation. "Guess what, Ruby
Sebastian POVThe clinic's sterile scent did nothing to calm the storm inside me. Doctor Hazel, a tall man with sharp features and a no-nonsense demeanor, examined me in silence. His fingers probed with a precision that felt more unsettling than comforting. My parents hovered nearby, their anxiety palpable, but no one spoke.Finally, Doctor Hazel pulled back, his brow furrowed. "You're physically fine, Sebastian," he said, though the tension in his voice suggested otherwise. "But I need you to monitor any changes closely. If something feels off, come back here immediately."His words hung in the room like a dark cloud. I nodded, but deep down, I knew something was already wrong. I just couldn't put it into words. The unease had been growing for days, a sense that something beyond my control was slipping through the cracks."Are you sure?" River growled at the old man, his voice laced with suspicion. I shook my head at how easily they all lost control. I didn't want to be like them, ru
Sebastian POVWhen I returned home, the silence of the house only deepened my agitation. I stormed through the rooms, my anger boiling over, until I reached my bedroom. There, lying on my bed, was Sheila, casually munching on popcorn.I stared at her, my emotions in turmoil. "What are you doing here?"Sheila's smile faltered, fear creeping into her eyes. "I thought we had a date?"I had forgotten I'd invited her. My mind was too tangled with the oracles' message and the guilt over what I did to Ruby. I sat heavily on the edge of the bed, burying my face in my hands. The weight of the darkness, the secrets, and the burden of my parents' choices felt like they were crushing me.As Sheila continued to eat her popcorn, seemingly oblivious to my mental breakdown, I lay down to rest my eyes."Do you want me to put on a movie?" she asked awkwardly."I don't care," I muttered, clenching my jaw as I tried to let sleep overtake me. I needed an escape from my whirlwind of thoughts."Ok, um, I'll
Gabe POVI woke feeling uneasy, cold, and restless. My body ached for Ruby, craving her presence beside me in a way I'd never known before. Something was wrong. The fear hit me like a punch to the gut, something had happened to her. I could feel her sadness, sharper and more intense than before, and it gnawed at me.As I stumbled into the bathroom to wash my face, my eye caught an envelope shoved under the door. My heart pounded as I tore it open, dread tightening around my chest. Did someone take her? Was she being held ransom? Did they discover why I was truly here?I read her short message, and rage surged through me like wildfire. How dare she abandon me? It shouldn't even be possible. She was an omega, marked by me, her Alpha, her mate. My entire life, I had been taught that our status held power, that those of higher ranks dominated those beneath them. This fate bond was supposed to be unbreakable, a force binding our souls together. But now, as her defiance burned in my hands,
Sebastian POVAfter my long night with Sheila, I was thrumming with energy. I hadn't slept a wink, but it didn't matter. Kane was on edge, and my body felt stronger, almost euphoric. Who would've thought that something as simple as sex could be such a potent distraction?But the moment I entered the kitchen, that fleeting sense of satisfaction crumbled. My stomach twisted with worry, the anger over losing Ruby clawing its way back to the surface. My parents' failure to protect me stoked a fire in my mind, a rage that threatened to consume everything. I needed answers, and somehow, I had to erase the one person I'd relied on my whole life. But how could I? How could I ignore the fact that I couldn't even bear to look at Ruby's face or the crushing weight of the destiny my parents had shackled me with?"Sebs!" The sudden chorus of voices snapped me out of my thoughts as all seven of my siblings came running toward me. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of their eager faces lightin
Sebastian POVJust as I was about to strike, take what was mine, a flash of light pierced through the darkness. It was blinding, searing through the shadows like a knife. I recoiled, instinctively shielding my eyes, only to realize that the light was emanating from within me. My hands flickered with white sparks, just like Ruby's magic when she was frightened or agitated."No!" Dietus's voice roared, filled with fury and desperation. "That damned witch betrayed me again!" His voice dwindled, seething with promises of vengeance against Lupa.The light grew brighter, pushing back the last remnants of the dark fog, sealing the hole with my magic. I could feel the tension in my body easing as Kane's influence was forced to retreat, his rage still simmering but no longer in control.Gabe seized the moment, scrambling to his feet and backing away from me, his eyes wild with fear and confusion.Suddenly, the three oracles appeared in their spectral forms, a chilling reminder of the gravity o
Gabe POVAll I wanted was to be reunited with my father, a figure who had spoken to me through my mind and dreams since I was a child. He promised to be the source of my strength, my sharp wit, and the one to deliver me from my suffering.But Dietus's words cut deep, twisting like a knife in my gut. He had always claimed that Sebastian and I were equals, that we shared a common destiny. The lies fueled a seething jealousy within me. The realization that I was merely a pawn, manipulated into this role, ignited a fierce rage. I understood now that I had no one and nothing left in my life.I was nothing more than a tool, a foolish boy with grand ambitions that were never meant to be. I wasn't Dietus's son, nor was I truly equal to Sebastian. Watching Dietus twist and corrupt him, I saw that Sebastian was destined for greatness, or perhaps utter destruction, but not me.The darkness consuming him was a stark contrast to the person I had thought him to be. I saw the raw hunger in his eyes.
Gabe POVI pressed on, taking advantage of this alone time I had with the Queen. I needed information, a way to help Sebastian, but I had no idea where to start. "I know you've built walls, shutting out everyone you deemed unworthy, keeping only those who you felt deserved your protection," I said, letting the bitterness slip into my voice. Her gaze sharpened, "Those worthy?" she echoed, a hint of challenge in her tone."I was born outside your walls, in the South," I replied, my voice steady despite the rage she was giving me. "During one of your raids, your soldiers took me to an orphanage, claiming it was for my safety. I've seen both worlds, inside and outside your so-called protection, Luna. It's cruel to decide who lives and who suffers, as you do." I completely lied about my origins but it was a believable story and got my point across."Most are grateful for the walls," she retorted, her voice tight. "I don't recall a single soul speaking ill of them.""Who would dare tell a