"Alright then."I could feel an overwhelming reluctance with each step Cassian took, slowly moving away from this white bed. His gaze was still fixed on the warm cup of chocolate milk I held, along with a tray of untouched snacks.The morning was still young, the sun eagerly spreading its charm. But for us, this fake couple, there was nothing more painful than a one-sided separation.It felt as if the universe was slapping us both in the face with reality. Reminding us that it was inappropriate for us to be affectionate when our relationship was bound by a contract.I bowed my head, imagining the karma that was unfolding.With only a cup of milk and the scent of strawberries to accompany me, I fell into a silent morning._____________"Seraphine. It's me."I heard that voice again.A voice I recognized instantly because it resembled someone. Just like his appearance, which resembled the future king of this region. His presence always surpassed the mystery of this world, and his existe
The chairs are very narrow.We talk all night long now.This low room is not bad.We get along well.What a wonderful melody on this wonderful morning.Tequila waves clash against the cold surface of transparent glass, under Crystal lights. Hard liquor should not be served at breakfast time, and I have no intention of drinking it either.However, its appearance, as beautiful as the ocean, reminds me of childhood dreams. I once dreamt of living on a vast and secluded beach, where no one could find my true identity.The representation of Tequila droplets makes me ponder at the large dining table, which is occupied only by myself. Dozens of luxurious dishes await me, dancing enticingly, but I hold onto my fork disinterestedly.My appetite has decreased since Cassian left me, compounded by the arrival of Elyrian, who feels like a ghost. I lose my appetite upon realizing the burdens I will face from this moment onwards.And I am stressed because I now know that I am not alone. Within my fl
"What? Do you want to meet Cassian? Oh, no. I'm not with him. Are you alone here, Dominnick?"My decision to quickly hide behind the wall was the right one. Not long after Evangeline met Dominnick, Novaire approached them from the opposite direction.‘The pheromone scent is getting stronger! I'm sure it's coming from Novaire! There's no mistake!’ I listened intently to their conversation.From behind this wall, I secretly eavesdropped on their conversation. I hoped that Evangeline and Dominnick would separate so that I could easily approach Novaire.This time, I won't let him slip away.‘This is it!’Fate was on my side. My hope became a reality, and now I saw Novaire walking towards the dining room where I was hiding.Just a little more. I will trap him in an unavoidable situation. And I will make him confess everything!I took advantage of the fact that Novaire still hadn't noticed my presence. With his gaze fixed on the female servant there, I positioned myself to run into him."Ar
"W-what is this?"I couldn't believe my own eyes. I wasn't using my powers. But why do I feel like I'm flying back to the past?When I realized something strange was happening, I tried to grab Novaire's face to make us face each other. I forced him into my hypnotic state to release his power and find out what he was doing.Unfortunately, my power rebounded instantly. And so did my body. I was thrown far away from him, crashing hard into the wall."Ugh!""ARGH!"It hurt, it hurt so much. Two powers clashing against each other, I didn't expect it to generate such force. I couldn't move my body anymore. Instead, I felt the bones in my back shatter.‘But ... what about my baby? I hit quite hard just now.’My vision was obstructed by the blood dripping from my forehead, but I tried to look at my stomach. Specifically, my abdomen. I had to make sure there was no bleeding from my womb, I wanted to make sure this child was okay.‘T-thank goodness ... He's not hurt ...’Half of my burden was l
"Please don't say ... Alpha named Novaire doesn't exist in this world?" The answer they gave was a pair of headshakes. Their expressions couldn't deceive me. They were truly being honest. That they had never known a man named Novaire all this time. Or more accurately, an Alpha named Novaire had never existed in this world. At that moment, I slowly lowered my gaze. The path of my sight stopped at my trembling hands. Not because they were weak. But because these hands were the only witness that I had ever gripped Novaire's hand before I passed out. I could still vividly feel the pain of his power that slammed me into the wall. 'Novaire... Has he vanished from the face of the earth? What happened? I clearly remember us arguing before I passed out—' Wait a minute. "Cassian. What day and date is it now?" My fiancé was startled by the change in tone and the topic I brought up. We hadn't finished discussing Novaire's whereabouts, and I was already asking about something else. Nevert
Once again, a newcomer came to meet me in this room.Shortly after Veronica and I started our conversation, Cassian arrived, knocking on the door first. I thought we could have a one-on-one conversation, but his presence thwarted that.But, maybe it's for the best. I can analyze how Cassian will react when he sees the two of us. Through his demeanor, I want to know the reason why Cassian let Veronica know about our relationship."Mother, I want to remind you that Seraphine is not feeling well at the moment. It would be better if we let her rest until she recovers."Oh. I was slightly taken aback by that. I thought Cassian came to join the conversation with us, but not.I saw the mother and son exchange small arguments, disregarding my presence. Veronica insisted on staying in her position, considering our conversation was not yet finished. Meanwhile, her only son insisted that I rest undisturbed by others."Seraphine is sick, Mother. Please understand.""I understand. That's why I'm h
"So you're saying ... My baby is going to die soon?"Veronica seemed to understand the change in my emotions, like a grieving mother about to lose her child. She then made the imaginary screen disappear from my view. Turning around, she approached me, lying helplessly on the bed."Darling, why didn't you tell Cassian about the baby?" Veronica gently stroked my long hair. Here, I could feel her overwhelming love, just through her touch."I ... I don't know," that was the only answer I could give. "From the beginning, my relationship with Cassian was merely an agreement. The presence of this baby is something unwanted. I doubt Cassian would be happy to hear about it."For a moment, Veronica tried hard to restore my mental state with a hug. Initially, I felt a sense of shock and rejection. It was the first embrace I received in my entire life.Nevertheless, it only took half a minute before I felt my vision starting to blur. I forgot when my body started shaking, and when I began leaning
I looked closely at the book. What Cassian showed me was a map of Maximilian's kingdom printed in a book. The page referred to a famous town known for its alcohol production."Devannia?" I asked after examining the book. "Do you want me to go there?"Cassian nodded briefly. "If you know, we can go there now.""For what?" I asked again. "I don't see any benefit in stopping by that town. Unless you want to have fun there.""Devannia is the most frequently visited city by Alphas from any colony in the world," Cassian said. "By going there, there's a good chance you could gain new insights into the perpetrator of the virus spread."I wanted to protest Cassian's sudden decision.I rubbed my temples lazily, realizing that Devannia was our next destination after Maximilian's palace. The city Cassian referred to was indeed filled with various types of Alphas in this world.But that was precisely the problem.I was still exhausted and traumatized from dealing with so many Alphas. I felt nauseo
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