Adriana's Point of View Three Days Ago Towards the end of our journey, Avril went into heat. Although Tyler had marked Avril, the potency of her scent was hard on all the unmated males with us. Luckily, Thorn led us, including Tyler and Avril, to the apartments we were in before. Lysandros took the unmated warriors and Fae prisoners to the barracks. "What about the guards outside our doors? Are they mated already?" Daemon asked Thorn. "Good point," responded Thorn, leaving us to organize mated guards to stand outside our doors. It would be exceptionally tough on non-mated guards wanting to mate with Avril. Her scent alone was overpowering, and unless they were mentally strong, they wouldn't care that she was mated and marked. A severe fight could break out, and people could die. It was hard enough on mated males, but they wouldn't respond except to their mates. We left Avril and Tyler in the apartment they had last time and dropped off our gear. Thorn also arranged apartments f
Daemon's Point of View Aurora's revelation about having Fae blood in my lineage raised some intriguing questions. For starters, unlike Adriana, my eye colour was not even remotely purple. There were no stories of past ancestors having strange colour eyes or even being able to do magic. Also, how would I be able to tell? I know that when Adriana's DNA was tested, it could only state if she was related to Alpha Davide and Luna Mara. It couldn't confirm Fae or Lycan DNA, though the Council of Alphas would be able to tag it now. Still, I probably wouldn't be of the same lineage, and unless they knew the DNA sequence of Faes, I doubt they could confirm if I was descended from Fae or not. If I had been even partially Fae, surely I wouldn't have succumbed to Kree's blood spell, would I? That was still a sore point for me. I doubt I will ever fully be over the damage caused by that spell and the guilt I still feel. Adriana was my soul mate, and I almost lost her. Because of that experienc
The full translations and pronunciations in Chapter 36 are: Voco ad silentium, (woh-ko ahd see-lehn-tee-oom) Quod te circumdat, (kwod teh keer-koom-daht) Voco ad tenebras, (woh-ko ahd teh-neh-brahs) Quod te celat, (kwod teh keh-laht) Voco ad lucem, (woh-ko ahd loo-kem) Quod per te splendet, (kwod teh splehn-deht) Coniunctim simul, (koh-nee-ook-teem see-mool) Tu potes ab omnibus latere. (too poh-tes ahb om-nee-boos lah-teh-reh) It has been loosely translated it as: I call to the silence, It surrounds you, I call to the darkness, It conceals you. I call to the light, It shines through you, Together as one, You can hide from all. This is the same spell as in Chapter 23. It is written to be used on another person.
Lirael's Point of View It was an honour to be one of the Queen's personal guards chosen for this mission. To think that someone was plotting against the Queen was unthinkable. All of us were determined to find out who was really behind this scheme. Now, the witches from the Mundane Realm had cast a spell that rendered us invisible. The one who cast the spell had reminded us that we were only invisible, as any sound could be detected or movement involving another object could be seen. Captain Aeon had opened the door for us to depart. Before leaving, he told us outside, "I have attached magical recording devices to you. They should be able to pick up any conversations and even visual proof. However, suppose some magical intervention should stop them from recording; in that case, we will still be able to uplift your memory and present that to the Council. Be safe, but find out all who are involved." It was decided that we would look for Neri first. If he was with someone, we would s
Eldon's Point of View Lirael, Sylvan, Elowen and I had found Neri easily enough at a café close to the docks. In very hushed whispered conversations, Elowen and I were to stand behind a tree waiting for Neri to exit the café. Even in the city's poorer areas, there were many trees and green zones. Fae needed to be close to nature. In truth, the poorer areas weren't that poor. The Queen was a fair ruler, and no one went hungry when there was enough food for all. They just didn't have as much wealth or possessions as the higher-class Fae did. The lower class also weren't regular attendants at the Court. On special occasions, the Court would be open to all light Fae for massive banquets on special holidays, but those holidays were for everyone. Those Fae who weren't nobles had no chance to affect governmental policy despite Queen Aurora trying to make it easier for them. So here was Neri, sitting in one of the cafés that most noble-born wouldn't be seen in, and he wasn't with his fat
Elowen's Point of View We followed Neri to a brothel on Pier fourteen. The outside was old and unpainted and looked like it might have been abandoned, except it wasn't falling apart. The insides, however, were obviously high-priced, and I found them to be garish. Painting walls gold and purple, although royal colours, did not make something elegant. Just because something was expensive didn't make it classy. I was surprised to find this was one of Madame Undine's places. Everyone knew she had two places in the city, but it seemed this was a third place privy to a few more select clients. Madame Undine was exceptionally beautiful until you looked into her eyes. There was no warmth there. Rumour had it that she had killed her chosen mate many years ago because he had killed her fated mate. I guess that would make you cold. "Just remember, Master Neri, I require my girls to be able to walk and service other clients after you. If you intend on leaving marks or crippling them, your goin
The full translations and pronunciations in Chapter 39 are: Finio incantationem meam, (fee-nee-oh in-can-tah-tee-oh-nem may-ahm) Omne imperium ad me revoca. (om-neh im-peh-ree-oom ahd meh reh-woh-kah) It has been loosely translated it as: I finish my incantation, Restore all power to me. When I first learned Latin, I started with Church Latin when I was taken to church services. Once I started learning it in high school, it changed to Classical Latin. I much prefer Classical Latin. Differences between Classical Latin and Church Latin: (Part 1) Classical Latin and Church Latin, also known as Ecclesiastical Latin, have several differences, primarily in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, and usage. Here are some key distinctions: Pronunciation: Classical Latin: Pronunciation is based on reconstructed phonology from ancient inscriptions, grammatical treatises, and later Latin literature. It typically follows the rules of the classical period. An example of pronunciation is the l
Aeon's Point of View After briefing my four guards, I sent them for some well-earned downtime and immediately requested an audience with my Queen. I was glad none of the others were with me as it would give me time to bask in the gloriousness and beauty that was Queen Aurora. Though I worked hard to hide it, I was totally in love with her. I had been feeling this way about her long before her fated mate was killed. The Royal Consort was one of the most proficient Fae warriors ever. He still continued to fight until his death in a border skirmish. This current problem was not the first time the shield on the border between the two Realms had been encroached by Dark Fae monsters. When he died, I never saw it as a chance for me. Her pain due to his death was so palpable that I wanted to take it away. I wished it could have been me; instead, I would have died, and then she wouldn't be parted from her mate. Throughout the years after his death, I just continued to love her while I prot
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