[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
[Seraphine's POV]"Haha."Dorian laughed.Even though I had tried to sound as natural as Cassian often did with me, even though I had used all my strength and understanding to portray Cassian's character perfectly...It was still not enough to deceive a Dorian Phoenix.He laughed after hearing me speak, asking him to admit his wrongdoing.The laughter he emitted was just like when we first met, when he doubted me and asked me to abort my baby.It was a laughter that sounded mocking and full of contempt. A laughter that Dorian would only give when he knew his enemy's weaknesses."How intriguing, Cassian. So, all this time, you still believed we were brothers?"Now, it was my turn to be surprised."What?" My lips began to tremble as I spoke. "You... What did you just say?""Haha." Dorian laughed again.This time, he didn't hesitate to brush off my hand that had been resting on his wrist all this time. For the second time, I was surprised to find that Dorian's strength had grown stronger
[Seraphine’s POV]In my thoughts, I still wondered if Dorian truly knew who was speaking to him right now. The intensity of his gaze was filled with hatred and deep wounds. I recognized that look all too well, having experienced something similar myself.‘I, too, have been in his position. When the entire village, including my foster parents, considered me a cursed object that needed to be eradicated. As proof, they even sold me to Cassian,’ I thought, my mind inexplicably drifting into the past.The aura of hatred emanating from Dorian somewhat reminded me of my former self when I once had eyes filled with rage like that.‘It makes me wonder, what sin has Cassian committed to provoke such anger in Dorian?’ I pondered, curious.I decided to forgo delving into Cassian's memories, given my uncertainty about my magic reserves. I had no idea when I might become exhausted and powerless while having to kill Dorian here.Regardless, whatever problem had Dorian so enraged at Cassian, my duty
[Seraphine’s POV]‘No, I can't. I can't let Cassian die here. I can't! If Cassian dies, everything will be in vain!’Unbeknownst to me, the hand I used to cover Cassian's large wound had gone numb. I, who had been inside Cassian's body until now, slowly began to feel unable to control his movements perfectly.Only now did I realize how ashen Cassian's skin had become. The blood flowing from his abdomen couldn't be stopped. All I could feel was cold and stiffness.I sensed that the sense of touch in Cassian's body had become numb. I knew what this meant; it was a sign that someone was about to die.‘No, this can't be happening, can it? Cassian can't die here, can he? It's impossible!’I screamed within my own heart. I couldn't accept the reality.How could all the struggles I had gone through, we had gone through, nearly dying multiple times to reach this point, be in vain? Was this as far as we could go?‘No! I won't accept it!’ I continued to scream inwardly.Then, the hand I could n
[Seraphine's POV]In this desolate battlefield, only the moonlight accompanies me. The disappearance of trees due to hundreds of assaults from the alpha forces worsened the already tumultuous wind that seemed eager to engulf me alive.I sit on the cold, yet dry ground. My teardrops are the only living water here. The wind blows so fiercely that it makes my body sway.But it's my heart that's wounded. The more I gaze at Cassian's lifeless body over there, the more I can't bear it. It's the first time I've seen someone die up close, and I'm the only one witnessing how Cassian's life slips away.‘I wonder if Cassian knows he's dead now?’ that's what's on my mind.As my magic almost gathers, suddenly my body trembles. I, who could hold back my tears, now sob again. My hands cover my face, hiding how much of a mess I am right now.I cry in silence. The baby in my womb starts kicking erratically. ‘Ah, surely, it's uncomfortable in there. Knowing his father is no longer here, my baby must b
[Seraphine’s POV]"Cassian!"Every muscle in my body reacts instantly. The moment I realize I've successfully traveled back in time, my body reflexively awakens and embraces Cassian. The warmth of his body, which I've missed so much, I soak up as much as I can in an embrace. It hasn't even been ten minutes since I parted with Cassian in the real world, but the longing that grips me is immeasurable."You're alive, Cassian! You're alive!" I cry in his arms. I never thought that I, the arrogant omega, would willingly shed all my pride and cry in the embrace of an alpha. Especially an alpha who had bought my body. An alpha who had exploited my powers.But the painful reality of Cassian's death at Dorian's hands is a burden I can't bear.So when I finally get to meet Cassian again, an indescribable relief courses through every crevice and blood cell in my body.I'm happy. I cry tears of joy. I'm so elated that even the baby in my womb seems to share in my happiness."Alive?"I freeze. When
[Seraphine’s POV]"Seraphine," he begins, his voice gentle but insistent, "you didn't really tell me why you fainted earlier. It was so sudden and unexpected. I need to understand what happened."I take a deep breath, contemplating how to answer without revealing the true reason for my fainting, which is my attempt to travel back in time. I need to protect the delicate balance of this timeline and the newfound hope we share."I think it might have been a combination of exhaustion and stress," I reply, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "The recent events, the battle, and the uncertainty of our future ... it all overwhelmed me."Cassian's concern deepens, and he tightens his hold on me. "I should have been more mindful of your well-being. I promise to be more attentive from now on."His words warm my heart, and I can't help but appreciate his sincerity. Even though I can't share the full truth with him, I'm determined to make the most of this second chance and protect our futur
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