Adriana's Point of View In the quiet grove, bathed in the soft glow of filtered sunlight, Adriana stood with Thorn and Daemon. Thorn's mate, Ariana, had left us a while ago, leaving just the three of us. Daemon would also be training with me, but at this stage, he was observing. Thorn made us sit down on the glass. A whispering breeze carrying the promise of hidden secrets. My heart raced with anticipation as I sought to unlock the dormant magic within. "Place your hands flat out on the ground," Thorn advised. "Now, I want you to empty your mind." The last part of that was hard. I had never meditated before and wasn't sure how to empty my mind. "Focus on your breathing," Thorn said. This was much easier to do than trying to empty something that never stopped thinking. Closing my eyes, I slowly breathed in through my nose, allowing my diaphragm to expand down. Then, just as slowly, I breathed out through my mouth, pushing my diaphragm back up. My fingertips started tingling wher
Thorn, Ariana, Adriana and I ate a leisurely late lunch while chatting. We talked about everything and nothing. With all the training I underwent to become Alpha, there hadn't been time for random chatter since I became a teenager. I wasn't used to this kind of chatter but found myself enjoying it immensely. "Right, young Daemon," declared Thorn, "you are next." Like Adriana, Thorn made me sit on the grass with my hands flat upon the ground. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, attempting to quiet the chaos within. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant song of a bird-filled my ears. Inhaling the crisp air, I focused on grounding myself. As Thorn guided me through the meditation, I envisioned roots extending from my fingertips, burrowing into the earth below. It took time, but gradually, I felt a subtle shift. A warmth surged through me, a connection to the earth's energy. Opening my eyes, I saw Thorn nod approvingly. The others grinned, recognizing the milestone. The elem
Daemon's Point of ViewDuan and Neri walked past our hiding place. Thankfully, they didn't have our senses to detect us. As soon as they had passed, Adriana and I slipped out and headed upstairs. Once safely inside our room, we found Tyler and Avril already waiting. If I couldn't see Tyler's mark on Avril's neck, I would have already known they were marked based on their combined scents."Congratulations," gushed Adriana, beating me by a mere second."Welcome to our pack family, although you were already family before. It is good to have you in our pack," I said, hoping that Avril would actually join our pack.She wouldn't be able to mind-link with us unless she did, but that was an issue for a later time.Once we filled them in on the disturbing conversation we had overheard between Duan and Neri, the tension in the air was palpable. Tyler's expression darkened, his wolfish instincts taking over. On the other hand, Avril looked pale, realising the gravity of the situation."So they w
Avril's Point of ViewI knew my mother had organised a state dinner with all the nobles. After all, it was to be expected when visiting royals come and stay with us. Despite Adriana being part of our family, she and Daemon were still visiting royals, so diplomacy had to happen. The nobles expected it.As the daughter of the Queen, I was obligated to attend. However, I wasn't particularly thrilled about it. I never enjoyed these formal events, where everyone was expected to put on a show of manners and politeness. Neither did my eldest brother or his mate. At least this time, I would have my mate by my side."Unfortunately, Duan and Neri will be there as they are considered nobility," I reminded everyone. "I am not sure if they will cause a problem.""Not being able to mind-link with every one of us could be a problem," Daemon stated. "What if you were to be inducted into our pack? That way, you can mind-link any member of our pack, including Adriana and myself."At this point, Adrian
Avril's Point of ViewIt wasn't long before Duan and Neri arrived, and I clutched Tyler's hand hard. He looked up to see what had caused my reaction."I will stay by your side all night," he mind-linked me.I gave him a smile as thanks, and I did my best to ignore Duan and Neri. Hopefully, I gave no indication of my true feelings. I had been expecting them to turn up but secretly wished they wouldn't.I wanted nothing to do with them, hoping they wouldn't cause any trouble during the dinner. We all sat down at the table, with my mother at the head. On her right-hand side was Alise, a male I had not met before, Thorn, and his mate Ariana, while on the other side were Daemon, Adriana, Tyler and myself.I was intrigued by the man sitting next to Alise. Our mother introduced him as Alastair, but that was all she said. Obviously, he was her date, but I wondered if he was more than that. He was definitely Fae, given his features.Alastair was tall and lithe like most Fae men. They were dece
Sometimes a story takes a turn that you weren't expecting as an author. I had my story loosely planned, and I knew there would be a problem that would happen and need resolving. I just didn't expect it to happen the way it did. It was like Adriana and Daemon were heading to their room, and suddenly Duan and Neri were there. What can I say? I was definitely surprised. However, I am happy it happened that way. I find that it makes a lot of sense and adds to the initially planned problem. Alise and Alastair's relationship will develop over the course of the book, but as of yet, I don't expect there to be a detailed story for them.
Avril's Point of View As we left the dining hall, Tyler took my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face. I smiled weakly, saying, "I'm fine. Just a little tired. I need to talk to Alise about what is going on." "Why don't you invite them back to our room," he said a little sheepishly. I couldn't help but give him a wide smile. It was just what I needed to hear tonight. So, I mind-linked Alise and asked her to come to our room, as we had some vital information to impart to her about tonight's clusterfuck of an evening. I also told her she could invite Alastair if she wanted, leaving that up to her. I figured that if she brought Alastair up to our room, he meant more to her than just a partner for the evening. There was just something about him that made me curious. I had this feeling that it had to do with his species. Something was telling me that he wasn't a full Fae. As an afterthought, I mind-linked Thorn and invited both
Avril's Point of View We were tired when we woke up the following morning. Our discussions and getting to know Alastair had gone long into the early hours of the morning. He seemed to be a good person, and I was glad for Alise. We learned a lot about Vampires last night. If one is born a Vampire, they can walk in the light without damage. Alastair called them Day Walkers, which is what he was. However, if they lose their humanity and become evil, they lose that ability and are labelled Night Walkers. The Day Walkers have stringent rules and must follow them, much like those in the Seelie Court. Night Walkers are hunted down and exterminated, much like those from the Unseelie Court. It was eerily similar to us. A bonus point was that Alastair's parents had no problem with hybrids. They were thrilled that Alastair had found his fated mate. Like most Fae, most Vampires wait a lifetime to find their fated mates, and if the Gods and Goddesses give them another species, then it was meant
I hope you enjoyed that short story. It was rather important because it was the beginning of the Supernatural Council, which is mentioned in Book 4.Book 4: The Gamma and her two Alphas follow Princess Lucienne and is set just over 18 years into the future. Lucienne is not entirely happy being a princess and certainly is not all ladylike like her mother, Queen Adriana, wishes she was. In fact, she can be a bit of a rebel at times and pulls no punches if you piss her off. Book 4 has been started and will be posted starting January 2025.Check out my I*******m page (nikoradepressedpoet) for pictures of the latest covers. Each book will be available in paperback. I am rewriting parts of Book 1. The covers for books 4 and 5 are already designed.
Asher’s Point of ViewAndreas fell to the ground, crumpling against the cold tiles, his body barely clinging to consciousness. The fury in his eyes was still present, but it was mingled with something else—fear. “You may have won this battle, but there are others who believe in the purity of Dragonkind,” he rasped, his voice barely a whisper.His words hung in the air, a twisted echo of the truth he could no longer deny. The irony was palpable; he had sought power through a dark alliance, yet he spoke of purity as if it still held weight. He had traded the purity he claimed to uphold for power, and now, even that was slipping through his fingers.Father stepped forward with the Council behind him, his expression one of grave disappointment. “Andreas, you and your father have sown discord among our people and disgraced your family name. T
Asher’s Point of ViewMy Dragon and I were enraged by Andreas’s words describing our fated mate as a dog. Rin placed her hand against my arm, its muscles tense and coiled tightly, fists clenched in anger. Her gentle touch acted like a soothing balm, softening my clenched fist.Slowly, I felt the anger beginning to dissipate, the pressure easing as I relaxed under her calming influence. The contrast between my earlier state and this new sense of peace was palpable, reminding me of the power of our bond. There was nothing Andreas could say that would make me turn against Rin. I would rather lose my crown than be without her.The tension in the council chamber was electric as Andreas continued to spew venom, his arrogance infuriating. I could feel the Dragon within me thrumming, eager for a confrontation. “Enough!” I
Christine’s Point of ViewThe air felt thick in the chamber, as if the magic that summoned Andreas and Viggo hung around, binding us in an unseen net of tension. Viggo’s face was drawn tight, his eyes flickering with a dangerous mix of fear and rage. At the same time, Andreas’ expression remained cold and calculating. His eyes darted around the room, assessing, scheming.Andreas recovered first, straightening as if pulling on an invisible cloak of authority. “What you claim is… nonsense,” he panted, glaring at Eiríkr. Fighting the compulsion to tell the truth was taking its toll and making him sweat. “I’ve been… nothing but… loyal… to our kind. This… is a… farce!” He was panting now from the sheer exertion.Asher stood tall next to me, his ha
Christine’s Point of ViewWe slowly made our way back, twisting and turning through the enchanted passages to the awaiting Council Members. Asher had already mind-linked his father, who assured him they would be waiting. We weren’t the only ones who had news since the archiver from the Council of Witches and Warlocks had found some interesting information.The Council Chambers buzzed with a quiet intensity. Though our alliance remained steadfast, the growing unrest among the Dragon-Shifter populace threatened everything we had built. Outside these walls, whispers of dissent were rising, fueled by fear of change and manipulation by those who sought to close our society once again.Asher stood beside me, his expression grim as he explained what we found in the books. “While we have nothing concrete at this stage, if we do
Asher's Point of View"So you think he's using his own son as a pawn?" Adriana asked.Her question was answered, "I think Viggo would use anyone—blood or not—to get what he wants." I agreed with Father. This was part of the reason why I didn't want much to do with my uncle, aunt, and cousins.My grandfather had forced Father and Viggo to take chosen mates, ones he thought were acceptable for the Royal Family. Both were well-educated, refined women from noble families.My parents had at least fallen in love eventually, even if they weren't fated mates. Father had never met his fated mate, or at least, that was what he had told me. When my mother, Áslaug (AWS-lough), died, he was heartbroken but still able to function.Viggo
Asher's Point of ViewThe council chamber felt colder than it ever had before. No matter how many fires roared in the hearths or candles flickered against the heavy stone walls, a chill seemed to seep into my bones. I couldn't put it entirely down to tiredness, even though I was exhausted fighting two battles in such a short time.No. It was a combination of many things. Andreas' smirk, the flames from the explosion, and the insignia of the Purists haunted me as I sat at the table, my hands clenched so tight that my knuckles were white.Rin sat beside me, her expression hard but eyes betraying the same exhaustion and worry I felt. It had been hours since we returned from the first fight, but with the second battle, we hadn't had a moment to breathe. There was no time for rest when the Purists were gaining ground. My cousin, Andreas, was
Asher's Point of ViewAs soon as Rin and I returned from the marketplace attack, we called for an emergency council meeting. The tension in what we now referred to as the council chamber hung in the air, thick enough to cut through.The servants had been busy changing the room. It was now a place of stark contrasts. Ancient banners from each species hung from the high vaulted ceilings, their vibrant colours dulled by the weight of war. The air smelled faintly of smoke and iron, a reminder of battles past and future.Every seat around the grand, circular table was filled. Dragons, Wolves, Vampires, and the Lycan King and Queen united under one roof. Yet, for some reason, it felt as if we were all divided by the constant threat looming over us.The Purists were growing bolder, and tonight
Christine's Point of ViewThe days that followed were a whirlwind of activity. We launched joint patrols, organised public gatherings, and ensured that every species—Dragons, Wolves, Vampires, Fae—was represented. It wasn't easy. There were still plenty of sceptical people, glares, and whispered doubts. But slowly, I began to see a shift.In the streets, I saw Wolves patrolling alongside Dragons. Vampires and Fae worked alongside Dragons in the markets to keep the peace. It wasn't perfect, and tensions were still simmering beneath the surface, but it was progress. And I started feeling hopeful for the first time in what felt like forever.Asher and I stood on a balcony overlooking the domed city one evening, watching as the lights of the stronghold twinkled in the darkness of the weir. The air was cool, carrying the scent of snow from ou