[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
[Seraphine's POV]'But ... what can I do? Unlike when I fought the five Alpha siblings, Dorian here can manipulate my magic. If I interfere and block his path, he will kill all the citizens of Maximilian Kingdom. What should I do ...'For the first time in my life, I was on the verge of tears out of sheer despair. I had always lived under the assumption that I could control everything as long as I had the power of Luna. As long as I could see the future, I believed I could handle any situation.However, the existence of an Alpha named Dorian Phoenix was like a rude awakening. He rejected all my ideologies and understanding of my ability to control situations as long as I could foresee the future. In reality, Dorian was the one weakness I had."Seraphine! What are you doing!? You could get hurt!"/Klang! Klang! Klang!/"Where did you get that sword!? Let go of it! You could harm our child!"/Klang! Klang! Klang!/"Seraphine! Don't attack me!""Hey! What's happening to you!?"I could he
Jesse's eyes glinted with determination as he focused his magical energy. The air around him crackled with frost as he channeled his ice magic, forming intricate patterns with his fingertips. With a swift gesture, he unleashed a powerful surge of icy energy toward Dorian Phoenix, freezing the very air around him."Impossible!" Dorian cried out in shock, his movements slowed by the encroaching ice. "How dare you interfere with my plans!""Now, Miss Seraphine!" Jesse shouted, his voice cutting through the icy wind. "Finish him while he's vulnerable!"I nodded, my determination burning brighter than ever. With newfound strength, I summoned the shadows, melding them into a powerful force. The darkness wrapped around me like a protective cloak as I lunged at Dorian, my movements swift and decisive."You think you can defeat me?" Dorian snarled, trying to break free from the icy prison Jesse had created. "I am invincible!""I won't let your arrogance stand," I replied, my voice steady and u
[Inner Power][Seraphine, there might be another way,] the inner power spoke, its voice calmer now we have cleared this argument.[Instead of stopping time, which would drain a considerable amount of magic, consider manipulating Dorian's memories. If we can alter his perception, we might create an opportunity for Jesse's escape without risking your energy too much]"But how do I manipulate his memories without him noticing?" I asked, intrigued by the new idea yet uncertain of its feasibility.[Focus on a specific memory, something powerful and emotional,] the inner power advised.[It could be a moment of joy or triumph that he experienced. If we can alter that memory slightly, it might create confusion in his mind, giving Jesse the chance to break free.]"I'll need all the concentration I can muster," I replied, my determination renewed. "But if it means keeping both Jesse and our child safe, I'm willing to try."
[POV Seraphine] Heart pounded in my chest as I watched Jesse, the loyal and fierce warrior, standing tall against the onslaught of ten alphas, each driven by a savage determination to end Cassian's life. The clash of steel against steel, the snarls of the alphas, and the resolute determination etched on Jesse's face created a chaotic symphony of battle. Jesse moved with fluid grace, his every movement calculated and precise. His sword danced in the air, deflecting blows, parrying attacks, and striking back with a deadly accuracy that left the alphas on the defensive. Despite the overwhelming odds, Jesse fought with unwavering resolve, a testament to his loyalty and dedication to protecting Cassian. The alphas lunged and snarled, their claws slashing through the air, but Jesse evaded their attacks with a combination of speed and skill. His movements were like a mesmerizing dance, a deadly ballet amidst the chaos of battle. With every strike, he pushed the alphas back, refusing to yi
[Seraphine’s POV] Rage burned within me as I confronted Dorian, the source of my anguish and the architect of our torment. He stood there, his eyes gleaming with malevolence, a cruel reminder of the pain he had inflicted upon us. The scars of his past atrocities marred his features, a testament to the darkness that resided within his soul. "Dorian," I hissed his name, my voice laced with a lethal combination of anger and sorrow. "You think you can destroy us, manipulate time to suit your sinister desires? You've taken Cassian from me twice, but I won't let you succeed again." His laughter echoed through the chaos of battle, a chilling sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Oh, Seraphine, you're as predictable as ever. Your love for Cassian blinds you to the true power I wield. I've seen the depths of your despair, tasted the bitterness of your failures. You're nothing but a pawn in this grand design." The mere mention of my failures fueled the fire within me. Determination replac
A jolt of anticipation and fear gripped my heart as the transferred magic surged within me, its newfound power tingling in my veins. With eyes widened in surprise, I focused my mind, allowing the energy to guide me in my search for Cassian. My heart pounded in my chest as I channeled the newfound magic within me to locate Cassian. The forest around us seemed to blur as my consciousness extended, reaching out like tendrils of ethereal energy. Images and sensations flooded my mind, and then, there he was – Cassian, my beloved, but he was not as I remembered him. Shock washed over me, freezing me in place. Cassian, the epitome of strength and resilience, was now in a dire state. His once vibrant aura was dimmed, surrounded by an ominous darkness that seemed to seep into his very essence. His eyes, once filled with determination, now held a glimmer of desperation. "Jesse," I gasped, my voice barely a whisper. "We need to find him quickly. Cassian is in grave danger." Jesse's eyes wide
[POV Seraphine] Battle had left me drained, my energy reserves depleted, and my magic waning. I stood amidst the aftermath of the fierce conflict, my chest heaving with exhaustion. The tendrils of my spatial and temporal magic slowly dissipated into the night, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed. Jesse, too, looked weary, but his presence remained a comforting anchor amidst the chaos. I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for his timely intervention and unwavering support. Together, we had managed to overcome the sorceress's malevolent power, but the cost had been high. I gazed at the sorceress, now defeated and powerless. Her once formidable demeanor had crumbled, and she lay on the ground, breathing heavily, but devoid of the dark energy that had fueled her. The threat she posed had finally been extinguished. However, the victory did little to alleviate the exhaustion that weighed on my shoulders. The relentless battles, the emotional turmoil, and the imm
[POV Seraphine] A sense of reluctant acceptance settled within me as I acknowledged Jesse's presence and the need for an unexpected alliance. We stood together, united by the urgency of our mission. "Alright, Jesse," I said, my voice firm. "Let's work together. But we need a plan, something that can help us defeat the sorceress quickly before she can cause more harm." Jesse nodded in agreement, his eyes sharp with focus. "I have a suggestion," he began, his tone steady. "The sorceress draws her power from darkness and chaos. If we can disrupt her connection to that source, we might weaken her enough to strike a decisive blow." I considered his words, the logic in his strategy apparent. "But how do we disrupt her connection to darkness?" I asked, my mind racing to find a solution. Jesse's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. "I've encountered similar situations in the past. There's a ritual, a powerful one, that can sever a sorcerer's link to their source of power. It requires pre
[POV Seraphine] My breaths came in ragged gasps, the edges of my vision blurring from exhaustion, when an unexpected presence gripped the air. Both the sorceress and I stiffened, our eyes widening in shared astonishment. A powerful aura emanated from the figure approaching, an aura tinged with an ancient, primal energy. "Who ... who are you?" I managed to choke out, my voice barely audible. The words hung heavy in the charged atmosphere, but the mysterious alpha remained silent, their identity shrouded in an enigmatic silence. The sorceress, too, seemed taken aback, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Another interruption?" she sneered, her confidence momentarily shaken. "Do you think a mere alpha can change the course of this battle?" The mysterious alpha's silence was deafening. Their presence alone seemed to shift the very essence of the forest around us, commanding attention and respect without uttering a single word. A profound sense of unease settled over us, like a storm ga
The battle raged on, the clash of magic echoing through the ancient trees like thunder. Every spell I cast, every bolt of energy I conjured, drained me further. The sorceress was a relentless force, her attacks coming like a torrential storm, each one wearing down my defenses.With every passing moment, weariness crept into my bones. My limbs felt like lead, my breaths came in ragged gasps. The relentless assault of the sorceress pushed me to the brink of surrender. Doubt gnawed at my resolve, whispering that perhaps I couldn’t win this battle, that I should yield.The sorceress, sensing my exhaustion, grinned triumphantly."Feeling the weight of your futile resistance, Seraphine?" Her voice dripped with malice. "You can't keep this up. You're just a mere mortal, after all. Give up, and I might spare your pitiful life."Her words struck a chord of fear within me. For a moment, I wavered.Could I continue to fight? Could I protect my family ag