[Seraphine’s POV]In the throes of exhaustion and powerlessness, I knew that direct confrontation was no longer an option. Dorian had proven himself to be a formidable adversary, and my attempts to strike him down had faltered. It was time to resort to a different strategy, one that relied on the power of manipulation rather than force.With a deep breath, I gathered the last vestiges of my strength and focused on the core of my abilities—the manipulation of memories. It was a skill I had honed over the years, allowing me to delve into the recesses of one's mind and reshape their recollections.My eyes locked onto Dorian's, and I channeled my waning power into the intricate dance of manipulating his memories. I probed the recesses of his mind, searching for the threads of his resolve and intent.Dorian's expression shifted from smug confidence to momentary confusion as my influence began to take hold. Memories, once crystal clear, wavered like a mirage in the desert, their contours bl
[Seraphine's POV]In the depths of our mental struggle, a revelation struck like a lightning bolt. Dorian's mental defenses wavered for the briefest moment, and in that vulnerable instant, I discovered his hidden weakness—an unexpected connection to Cassian's magic.My heart raced as I grasped the significance of this revelation. Dorian shared a similar source of power with Cassian, and this connection allowed me to manipulate his abilities. It was a revelation that could tip the scales in my favor.With newfound determination, I seized the opportunity. My magic surged, intertwining with Dorian's in a delicate dance. I manipulated the threads of his power, weaving a subtle illusion that made him believe his defenses were impenetrable.Dorian's eyes widened in disbelief, his confidence eroding. He never saw it coming, the realization that I had outwitted him. The labyrinth seemed to echo with the intensity of our mental struggle, bearing witness to a battle of wills unlike any it had e
[Seraphine's POV]The agony in my abdomen began to subside, allowing me to straighten up slowly. Despite the pain, Dorian's words pierced through me like daggers."Seraphine, you find yourself in quite the predicament," he remarked with a disapproving look. "Pregnant, and out of wedlock."His judgmental tone stung, and my exhaustion transformed into indignation. "My personal life is not your concern," I retorted, my voice trembling with a mixture of pain and frustration. "We came here for answers, not to discuss my choices."Cassian's grip on my shoulder tightened in a silent show of support. His protective stance served as a stark contrast to Dorian's disapproval.Dorian, however, appeared unyielding. "It matters more than you realize," he insisted, his gaze never leaving mine. "Especially in the context of the events that transpired in Silverbrook Haven."I couldn't fathom why my pregnancy held any significance in our current situation, and I was growing increasingly agitated. "Expl
[Seraphine's POV]Dorian's words cut through me like a blade, and my anger surged as he continued to berate me for my decision."I can't believe you're saying this," I retorted, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and indignation. "You act as if this child is a curse, as if their very existence is a blight on this world."Dorian's expression remained stern, unyielding. "Seraphine, you're blinded by your emotions. You fail to see the dangers that lie ahead."I took a step closer, my eyes locked onto his. "No, Dorian, I see the world as it should be—full of hope and possibility. This child is a part of that future, and I won't let you or anyone else take that away from me."Our argument echoed through the labyrinthine passages, the intensity of our voices matching the tumultuous emotions within us. I could feel the weight of our conflicting beliefs pressing down upon us, threatening to tear our fragile alliance apart."You're being reckless," Dorian accused, his voice strained.
[Seraphine's POV]This altercation is seemingly interminable. Time feels agonizingly sluggish, and our conversation continues without a resolution in sight. Dorian persistently nitpicks at trivial aspects of our discourse, a ceaseless irritant.Despite the ongoing conflict, which ideally should persist, Dorian invariably stirs chaos over every utterance I make. Previously, he criticized my relationship with Cassian, a matter an Alpha of his stature should have remained oblivious to and incapable of grasping.Considering the pact Cassian and I share is known only to us, Dorian, almost presciently, seems privy to the intricate details of the clandestine designs I harbor. This includes the matter of this unborn child.Even Queen Veronica learned of my pregnancy only after her magical examination, yet Dorian discerns everything even before we engage in combat.Curiosity and frustration churn within me, compelling me to interrogate Dorian relentlessly about how he possesses this knowledge.
[Seraphine's POV]The labyrinth behind us suddenly trembled from beneath the ground as if its very structure might crumble upon the surface. I assumed the vibrations were emanating from within, where a fierce battle between the five Alpha twins and the thunder god empowered by Cassian's magic should be raging now.Not only that, but these tremors should have been present since the labyrinth first trapped the warriors in the midst of battle. What left me in awe was why these vibrations were only starting now?I continued to observe how the colossal labyrinth's structure continued to quiver as if it were being shaken from within the earth. The thunderous roar, akin to a tempest, entirely transformed my perspective."W-what ... what is all of this?" I muttered, my lips trembling. It felt like gazing into the mirror of truth, and I could hardly believe what I was witnessing.Cassian's thunderous labyrinth, conjured by his magic, was slowly crumbling with an ear-piercing cacophony. The gro
[Seraphine's POV]The telepathic connection I had painstakingly woven together in my relentless quest to uncover Cassian's hidden magic within the labyrinth was unceremoniously shattered by a singular, devastating strike from the formidable Dorian.Just as I had suspected, Dorian possessed the uncanny knowledge that my powers had resurfaced. With a mere gesture of his hand, he directed his formidable magic towards me, radiating an eerie luminescence in my direction.The result was an abrupt expulsion of my body through the air, culminating in a jarring impact with the unforgiving ground. In that very moment, my powers dissipated, leaving me writhing in pain."Ugh," I groaned, each utterance laden with the ache of injuries that marred my entire form. "I can count myself fortunate that I did not land with my abdomen pressed against the earth."With trembling hands, I gingerly inspected the region around my lower abdomen, a mother's concern etched across my features, ensuring that I had
[Seraphine's POV]"Never dare to obstruct my path, Seraphine."The heavy and piercing voice jolted into my ears like a long-forgotten death alarm. I had never anticipated that I could disregard the existence of an Alpha who had become a god of chaos. Dorian, I knew not when he had taken his position behind me.I, who had managed to enter the labyrinth before its destruction, had evidently been marked by Dorian long before I realized his movements.My intention had been to personally verify whether Cassian was safe within. However, my steps were automatically halted by Dorian, who had already positioned himself behind me.A sharp sensation seared my throat, as if something pointed was piercing the back of it. I knew that if I were to turn, that sharp object would swiftly sever my throat."Unless you wish to die, step aside," Dorian uttered these words with a chilling tone, to which I dared not reply.My body froze as if hypnotized by Dorian's intense emotions. Gradually, I felt the sha