The air was thick with the acrid stench of blood and fur, yet an unnatural silence followed the chaos. Sasha leaned against the wall, her breaths shallow and uneven as she stared at Alex, whose glowing eyes hadn’t yet dimmed. “Alex…” Her voice was trembling, barely audible. His head snapped toward her, his gaze predatory for the briefest moment before his expression softened. “Are you hurt?” Before she could answer, Ethan groaned from where he was sprawled on the floor. The wolf’s blow had left a gash on his temple, and blood trickled down his face. “I’m fine,” Ethan grumbled, dragging himself upright and retrieving the sword. “But what the hell is going on, Alex? They’re not just after her. This is bigger.” Alex didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he crouched beside the lifeless wolf in the study, his fingers tracing the distinct markings carved into its fur. His jaw tightened as recognition dawned on him. “They’re not hunters,” he said grimly, his voice barely above a whisper
The footsteps were heavy, deliberate. Sasha’s heart pounded in her chest as she pressed herself against the wall, trying to steady her breathing. Alex was already at the door, his body taut and ready for a fight, while Ethan flanked him, sword at the ready.The door creaked open slowly, revealing a figure shrouded in darkness. For a moment, the tension in the room was suffocating, each second stretching into eternity.“Who’s there?” Alex demanded, his voice sharp and commanding.The figure stepped forward, and the flickering light revealed a familiar face.“Marcus?” Sasha’s voice trembled with shock.Alex stiffened, his golden eyes narrowing. “You shouldn’t be here.”Marcus raised his hands in mock surrender, a sly smile curling his lips. “Is that any way to greet an old friend?”“You’re no friend of mine,” Alex growled, his fists clenched.Sasha’s eyes darted between them, confusion and unease growing. “What’s going on? How do you know him?”Marcus’s gaze shifted to her, his smile wi
The storm outside mirrored the chaos in Sasha’s heart. Rain lashed against the windows of the estate as thunder roared across the sky, each strike rattling the glass. She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her trembling hands. The fire Marcus had spoken of—it wasn’t just a metaphor. She could feel it coursing through her veins, a dangerous, volatile energy that threatened to consume her.Sasha wasn’t sure how long she’d been sitting there when the door opened, and Ethan walked in. His expression was softer than usual, the usual sharpness of his features dulled by something Sasha couldn’t place—was it regret? Guilt?“You shouldn’t be alone,” he said, his voice barely audible over the storm.“I’m always alone,” Sasha muttered, not looking up.Ethan crossed the room and knelt in front of her, his presence grounding her despite the turmoil within. “That’s not true,” he said. “You’ve got me. You’ve got Alex.”At the mention of Alex, Sasha’s throat tightened. The memory of his hesitatio
Sasha barely had time to register Marcus’s words before a wave of intruders stormed into the lodge. They were an odd mix—humans, wolves, and something darker. Their eyes glowed crimson in the dim light, their snarls feral, and their movements unnervingly fast.Ethan grabbed Sasha’s arm, yanking her behind him as Alex dove into action. He shifted mid-leap, his wolf form tearing into one of the attackers with lethal precision. Blood sprayed across the lodge’s wooden floors as Marcus stood calmly at the center of the chaos, watching like a predator biding his time.“Who are they?” Sasha yelled over the din.“Shadowborn,” Marcus said, his tone almost amused. “Lilith’s personal soldiers. Looks like she’s eager to make her next move.”Ethan cursed under his breath. “Sasha, stay behind me!”But Sasha wasn’t the same woman who had stumbled into the world of werewolves and dark magic weeks ago. Her instincts roared to life, and a surge of energy coursed through her veins. She grabbed a discard
The group moved swiftly through the labyrinth of tunnels, the silence between them broken only by the distant rumble of collapsing rock. Sasha’s legs felt heavy, her body trembling with exhaustion and fear. The glowing inscription and the ethereal figure were etched in her mind, but her questions remained unanswered. She glanced at Ethan, whose jaw was tight with barely contained rage, his hand gripping hers as though letting go would mean losing her entirely.Behind them, Marcus walked with calculated precision, his blade still gleaming faintly, while Alex’s gaze flickered from shadow to shadow, his wolf instincts on high alert. Though they had escaped the immediate threat, the air was charged with tension—there was no denying that Lilith would return, stronger and angrier than before.They emerged into a clearing just as the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon. The forest felt alive, the wind carrying whispers of something ancient and foreboding. Sasha stumbled slightly, her
The air around them grew cold, heavy with tension as Ronan emerged fully into view. His presence seemed to warp the world itself, the shadows bending and stretching toward him as though pulled by some magnetic force. Sasha’s breath hitched at the sheer size of him now—half-man, half-beast, with talons as sharp as daggers and glowing amber eyes that promised nothing but destruction.Ethan, Marcus, and Alex flanked her, their growls filling the forest with a sound that sent shivers down her spine. The trio stood ready to attack, their loyalty unwavering even in the face of such overwhelming power. But Sasha wasn’t fooled. Ronan wasn’t here for them—he wanted her.“You’ve made your choice, haven’t you, Sasha?” Ronan’s voice was a guttural growl, filled with equal parts triumph and menace. “Good. You’ll regret it, of course, but bravery is so very… admirable.”“Stay back,” Ethan snarled, stepping forward, his muscles coiled like a spring. His wolf form was bursting at the seams, his human
The forest was eerily silent as Sasha followed the group, her mind spinning with doubt and determination. Every step she took felt heavier than the last, her mother’s face burned into her memory. Was it a vision, a trick, or a desperate plea for help? Whatever it was, Sasha couldn’t ignore it.Ethan walked closely behind her, his tension palpable. She could feel his eyes on her, protective yet conflicted. He hadn’t said a word since pulling her away from the fire, but his presence loomed like an anchor, keeping her from spiraling into despair.As the group stopped near a rocky outcrop, Marcus turned to face them. “We need to regroup and make a decision now. We can’t afford to keep wandering aimlessly.”Alex crossed his arms, leaning against a tree. “And what decision would that be? To perform your blood sacrifice ritual and hope it doesn’t kill someone? Or to sit here and wait for Ronan to find us?” His voice dripped with sarcasm, but the tension in his posture revealed his unease.“W
The forest seemed to stretch endlessly as Sasha followed the stranger, her heartbeat thundering in her chest. Moonlight slanted through the branches above, casting jagged shadows on the ground. The others trailed behind her, weapons ready, their trust in this mysterious man stretched thin.Ethan stayed close, his arm brushing hers every few steps, his protective instincts at war with his suspicion. “We shouldn’t be doing this,” he muttered under his breath, his voice low enough that only she could hear. “This guy stinks of trouble.”“I know,” Sasha whispered back, though she didn’t slow her pace. “But if there’s even a chance he’s telling the truth, we can’t ignore it. We don’t have time.”The stranger, walking ahead of them, shot a glance over his shoulder, as though he could hear them despite the distance. His scarred face looked carved from stone, but his sharp, yellow eyes glinted in the dark. “Hurry up. We’re close.”“To what?” Alex barked, his voice sharp with distrust.“You’ll
The air outside the cavern was thick with the scent of rain. Dark clouds loomed above the treetops, casting long shadows across the forest. The storm wasn’t here yet, but Sasha could feel it in the wind, the pressure shifting like an unspoken warning.Kai hadn’t said a word since they left the cavern. His jaw was clenched, his hands tense at his sides. Every step he took was purposeful, his body thrumming with barely restrained aggression.Sasha knew he was furious.Not just at Dorian, but at the entire situation spiraling out of their control.She wanted to say something—anything—to break the silence. But before she could, Kai suddenly stopped.His golden eyes flashed as he turned to her. “We need to leave the forest. Now.”Sasha frowned. “What? Why?”Kai’s muscles were tight, his shoulders tense. “That thing—whatever it was—it’s not done with us. And if Dorian is right, it’s only going to get worse.”Sasha swallowed. “So, what do we do?”Kai’s gaze darkened. “We go to the pack.”The
Sasha’s fingers trembled around the hilt of her dagger, her mind racing. Kai stood before her, his golden eyes now eclipsed by the abyss that had swallowed him whole. The shadowy figure loomed nearby, a dark presence that pulsed with power, its voice a whispered taunt in her ears.“There is only one way to free him… and it will cost you everything.”Her chest tightened. “What do you mean?” she demanded, keeping her voice steady despite the fear clawing at her insides.The figure stepped forward, its form shifting like black smoke. “His soul is bound to me now. You can break the bond, but to do so…” A pause. A cruel smirk. “You must take his place.”Sasha’s breath caught. “You’re lying.”“Am I?” The creature tilted its head, amused. “Feel free to test it. Strike me down, if you dare. Watch what happens to your precious mate.”Her grip on the dagger faltered. The cavern felt suffocating, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. If she killed this thing, Kai would die. If she too
Sasha’s breathing was ragged as she stood in the silent clearing, her fingers tightening around the dagger. The absence of Kai was a gaping wound in her chest, and the sinister laughter that had echoed through the forest still rang in her ears. The figure—whoever or whatever it was—had taken him.Her pulse pounded as she scanned the darkness, searching for any sign of where they had gone. The vortex that had swallowed the figure and Kai had vanished, leaving no trace behind. She clenched her jaw. I won’t lose him.The moment of stunned fear passed, replaced by a simmering determination. She forced herself to move, heading in the direction she had last seen the figure standing. The ground was disturbed, an unnatural chill lingering in the air. She pressed a hand against a nearby tree for balance, her body still aching from the blast of dark energy.A rustling noise made her snap around, dagger raised. Her heart leaped when she saw Ethan stumbling toward her, his face pale, his blue eye
Chapter 47: The Shadows StrikeThe air outside the collapsing chamber was heavy and damp, yet Sasha had never felt such a rush of relief. She and Ethan leaned against a jagged rock wall, their breaths ragged and labored. For a brief moment, the world around them was silent, save for the distant rumble of the collapsing ruins behind them.Sasha turned to Ethan, cupping his face with trembling hands. His skin was pale, his lips cracked, but his eyes were open—and alive. “We made it,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “You’re safe now.”Ethan gave a weak smile, brushing a strand of her hair from her face. “Thanks to you,” he said, his voice hoarse.But before they could savor their reunion, a chilling howl echoed through the forest surrounding them. Sasha froze, her heart sinking. That howl wasn’t human—or animal. It was something else entirely, and it was close.Ethan’s head snapped up, his eyes darkening with recognition. “We have to move,” he said, urgency returning to his
Sasha’s consciousness returned in fragments—flashes of searing heat, whispers in a language she didn’t understand, and the bone-deep sensation of being watched. Her body ached as if she’d been crushed under the weight of a mountain, and her head pounded in rhythm with a distant, echoing heartbeat.When her vision finally cleared, she found herself lying on a cold, blackened ground. Shadows danced around her, alive and shifting, their shapes ever-changing. The air was thick and suffocating, carrying the faint metallic tang of blood and fire.“Where… am I?” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the strange, haunting hum that filled the space.“You’re in its domain now,” a familiar voice answered.Sasha turned sharply, her heart leaping as she saw Solara standing a few feet away. The Guardian’s golden glow was dimmed, her once-brilliant form now muted and frail. She looked like a ghost of herself, her shoulders hunched and her eyes filled with weariness.“Solara!” Sasha scrambled
The passage narrowed with every step, its walls pressing in until they were forced to walk single file. The glow of the Heart lit their way, but its warmth felt faint compared to the oppressive cold that seemed to seep from the stone. The air was thick and damp, laced with an earthy, metallic tang that made Sasha’s skin crawl.“Stay close,” Alaric said, his voice low and cautious. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, his eyes darting to every shadow that shifted along the walls.“I don’t think we’re alone down here,” Ethan muttered, his voice echoing ominously.Sasha’s grip on the Heart tightened. She could feel its power vibrating through her fingers, as though it were alive and aware of the danger surrounding them.“Is Lilith okay?” Sasha asked, glancing back.Ethan carried Lilith in his arms, her head resting limply against his shoulder. She hadn’t stirred since their fall into the abyss.“She’s breathing,” Ethan said, though his voice was tinged with worry. “But she’s not wak
The descent felt endless. The darkness swallowed them whole, disorienting and absolute. Sasha’s screams were ripped from her throat, lost to the roaring wind as they plummeted deeper into the void. The golden light of the Heart flickered in her grasp, struggling to pierce the oppressive black.Then, as suddenly as the fall began, it ended.Sasha hit the ground with a bone-jarring thud. Pain exploded through her body as the air was knocked from her lungs. She gasped, clutching her ribs, and looked around in panic. The ground beneath her was damp and cold, its surface slick like wet stone.“Ethan?” she croaked, her voice echoing eerily in the cavernous space. “Alaric? Lilith?”A groan came from somewhere to her left. Ethan staggered to his feet, shaking his head in confusion. His wolf form had receded, leaving him human again, his hair disheveled and his shirt torn.“I’m here,” he said, his voice hoarse. He moved toward Sasha, his eyes scanning their surroundings warily.Alaric was next
Lilith lay on the floor of Sasha’s small cabin, her breathing shallow, her face pale as moonlight. The room was deathly quiet, save for the faint crackle of the fire in the hearth. Sasha hovered over her, her trembling hands brushing damp strands of hair away from Lilith’s face.“Is she going to be okay?” Ethan asked, his voice low, though the tension in it was unmistakable. He stood in the corner of the room, still in his wolf form, pacing in short, restless circles.“I don’t know,” Sasha admitted. The Heart sat on the table beside her, dim and lifeless now, as though it had given everything it had in the confrontation.Alaric leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, his jaw clenched. He had barely spoken since they returned, his eyes fixed on Lilith’s motionless form.“She’s strong,” Alaric said at last, his voice quiet but firm. “She’ll fight her way back.”Sasha wanted to believe him, but the shadowy figure who had appeared just before they escaped the square haun
Sasha knelt on the cold, dust-covered floor of the now-silent library, the Heart of Eldara glowing faintly in her trembling hand. Her vision blurred, and a sharp pain throbbed at the base of her skull, as if the artifact itself was tearing into her soul. The room around her flickered, unstable, as though reality itself had been fractured by the ritual.“Alaric? Ethan?” she called out, her voice trembling.No answer.The stillness was suffocating, broken only by the faint hum of the Heart. She turned her head sharply at the sound of movement, only to see her reflection shimmering in the broken glass of the ritual bowl. But it wasn’t just her reflection—her eyes glowed faintly gold, mirroring the artifact’s light.Panic bubbled in her chest. Where were the others? What had she done?A faint, cruel laugh echoed in her ears again, making her heart pound.“I told you, Sasha,” Lilith’s voice cooed, disembodied and mocking. “You’ve made your choice. And now, so have I.”Sasha pushed to her f