[Seraphine's POV]"Alright. I'll give it a try!"I closed my eyes and redirected all the focus I had to form a telepathic connection between Cassian and me, which had been interrupted due to the presence of the labyrinth. For the first time in a long while, I felt apprehensive about using my powers. I had to be cautious not to overuse magic, as it might draw Dorian's attention.I didn't want Dorian to know that we had managed to establish telepathy. My goal was to communicate with Cassian, just as I had done when he was ensnared by the illusion of the five Alpha siblings during this battle.The only difference between the current situation and that time was Dorian's presence on the opposing side. The dark-haired Alpha was completely unconditioned by my powers, and I couldn't even apply my abilities to him at all.‘Cassian ...’‘Cassian ... it's me, Seraphine.’‘Can you hear me?’‘I want you to respond or give me any signal if you can sense my voice.’I waited. Both of my hands clenche
[Seraphine's POV]With each passing moment, Dorian's relentless attacks on Cassian grew more ferocious, and I found it increasingly difficult to establish a clear connection with him through telepathy. The mental strain of maintaining the link and the sheer intensity of the battle were taking their toll on me.‘Cassian,’ I whispered through our fragile telepathic bond, my voice trembling with the effort. Cassian, please ... hear me.’But Cassian was locked in a life-or-death struggle against his brother, his focus entirely consumed by the illusion that Dorian had woven. It was as though my words were carried away by the violent clash of their blades.Dorian, sensing my persistent attempts to reach Cassian, taunted me further with his malevolent laughter. He knew that as long as he could keep Cassian entangled in his illusion, my efforts would be in vain.Desperation gnawed at my heart as I watched Cassian's every move, his once-confident demeanor now replaced with a mix of confusion a
[Seraphine’s POV]‘Cassian, listen to me,’ I pleaded, my mental voice filled with love and urgency. ‘Remember our first meeting, the warmth of our embrace, the promises we made to each other. None of this is real, Cassian. It's all a cruel trick. Fight it, Cassian, for our kingdom!’For a brief moment, Cassian's movements faltered, as if my words had managed to pierce the veil of the illusion. His brow furrowed, and his grip on the sword wavered. But Dorian was quick to reassert control, and Cassian's resolve crumbled once more.Dorian's laughter echoed in my mind, a haunting reminder of the power he held over us. ‘You think your feeble attempts at love can save him, Seraphine? How pathetic.’I clenched my teeth, determined not to let Dorian's taunts weaken my resolve. I had to find a way to exploit his arrogance, to use his own hubris against him.As Dorian continued his relentless assault on Cassian, I searched for chinks in the illusion's armor. If I couldn't reach Cassian directly
[Seraphine's POV]In the midst of this mental turmoil, I turned inward, seeking guidance from the depths of my own power.‘Empower me,’ I silently implored the source of my abilities. ‘Grant me the strength to break through and connect with Cassian.’My plea resonated within me, tapping into the wellspring of my Luna power. It was an innate force, a part of who I was, and it held the potential to overcome any obstacle.As I concentrated, this inner power surged, surging like a tide against the interference that Dorian presented. I harnessed the essence of my Luna abilities, letting it flow through my being.‘Dorian's control cannot hold you forever,’ I whispered to myself, drawing strength from the core of my being. ‘I must reach Cassian.’In the telepathic realm, a radiant, silvery light enveloped me. It radiated from within, pushing back against Dorian's intrusion. The mental landscape shifted, and Cassian's presence, though distant, became more perceptible.I reached out to him, my
[Seraphine's POV]With the hypnotic distraction released, I continued my telepathic conversation with my inner power, searching for a way to remotely hypnotize Dorian.[It worked for a moment, but we need something more potent to truly affect Dorian from a distance.]I felt the urgency of the situation and knew that a stronger hypnotic influence was required.[Is there a way to enhance the hypnotic distraction, to make it more compelling and impossible for Dorian to resist?]I inquired, my determination unwavering.[Yes, Seraphine. You must infuse the distraction with your own emotions, your deepest desires, and your unwavering intent to protect Cassian and your kingdom.]My inner power's guidance offered a glimmer of hope. I focused on my love for Cassian and the burning desire to keep him safe, blending these emotions with my intent to overpower Dorian's hold.[I understand. I will pour my power and determination into this hypnotic distraction, making it irresistible.]With a renewe
[Seraphine's POV]With the intensified hypnotic distraction enveloping Dorian, I could sense his resistance, but I wasn't ready to give up. My inner power continued to guide me through the telepathic connection, encouraging me to press on.[Seraphine, he's fighting it, but you must remain steadfast. Focus on your love for Cassian, your determination to protect your kingdom. Pour it all into the hypnotic distraction.]I understood that my emotions were the key to breaking Dorian's control, and I had to make them stronger than his willpower.‘You're right. I won't back down.’With unwavering resolve, I channeled all my love and determination into the hypnotic distraction. It pulsed with newfound intensity, a radiant force aimed directly at Dorian.[Now, Seraphine, direct it toward Dorian. Make him see the truth.]Following my inner power's guidance, I concentrated all my strength on targeting Dorian's consciousness. The hypnotic distraction shimmered with a brilliant light, a beacon of
[Seraphine's POV]As the battle between Cassian and Dorian raged on, my inner power offered guidance once again.[Seraphine, we've made significant progress, but we must be cautious. Your magic is waning, and we can't afford to deplete it entirely. Your child's safety is paramount.]The reminder of my child's safety hit me like a sledgehammer. I couldn't ignore the fact that every bit of magic I used brought me closer to the brink of exhaustion, endangering both myself and my unborn child.‘You're right. I can't risk pushing myself to the limit, not with the baby at stake. But what can we do to stop Dorian without using all of my magic?’My inner power contemplated for a moment before responding.[We need a plan that doesn't solely rely on magic. We must outsmart Dorian, catch him off guard, and use your remaining magic wisely.]I took a deep breath, realizing the truth in those words. Magic alone wouldn't be enough to defeat Dorian; I needed a strategy that exploited his weaknesses a
[Seraphine's POV]"Ugh!"Once again, a hindrance arrived just as I had prepared myself to initiate my attack against Dorian. What my earlier warning of my powers had cautioned me about had started to manifest far sooner than I could have anticipated.My body, which I had frequently pushed beyond its limits to continue fighting, thinking, and depleting my magic and energy to defeat Dorian, was beginning to show signs of fatigue. I still felt capable of battling Dorian, even killing him. However, this did not seem to apply to the condition of my pregnancy.Suddenly, when I had already gripped the small knife I had in my gown pocket, an excruciating pain surged through my abdomen. It had been a long time since I had felt pain like this, causing me to fall to the ground, curled up in agony while clutching my swollen belly.‘It hurts so much. Is this the side effect of pushing myself too hard? Or is it time for me to miscarry? Considering how I've always pushed myself, it's reasonable that
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