[Seraphine’s POV]With the dwindling remnants of my magic, I slowed down the flow of time around us, allowing Cassian and me room to strategize freely. As everything was confirmed, I grew more convinced that Cassian was indeed stronger than Dorian.However, Cassian was not at his best when Dorian appeared. He was exhausted, drained, and ensnared in an illusion. That's when I thought, maybe if I prolonged the time for Cassian to recover his magic, his chances of defeating Dorian could be significantly increased."Um, Cassian," my mouth moved on its own, interrupting our discussion. It all began with my curiosity about Cassian's relationship with Dorian, a topic shrouded in mystery and hostility between the two brothers."What's your relationship with Dorian?" I mustered the courage to ask, avoiding Cassian's gaze. If not for my insatiable curiosity, my body might have trembled uncontrollably.I couldn't meet Cassian's eyes, possibly reflecting his surprise. If not for my overwhelming c
[Seraphine’s POV]'Wait. Am I not seeing things?' Amidst the billowing smoke, my body engulfed in the swirling dust, my eyes caught sight of the imposing figure of an Alpha appearing out of nowhere.The distance was so great that I had to move forward to ascertain who the Alpha in the midst of this battlefield was.What made it peculiar was that neither Cassian nor the ten powerful alphas present there seemed to be aware of the presence of another figure among them.'It's like only I can see him,' my inner voice murmured.Feeling a sense of unease, I initiated telepathy with Cassian, something I had been restraining myself from doing until now.'Cassian,' I called out to him telepathically. Thankfully, Cassian promptly responded to my voice.'Seraphine? What's going on?' Cassian replied.I could see from here that he still didn't realize there was another Alpha present amidst their intense battle. This phenomenon both worried and frustrated me at the same time. I was absolutely certai
[Seraphine’s POV]The aftermath of our argument resulted in Cassian's idea taking root, where he continued to prioritize his strength to dispatch the ten Alphas attacking us in this battlefield.It was as if he wore an exterior that professed faith in my abilities, but deep down, I knew he still doubted my words. Cassian was about to draw his sword again, ready to confront our enemies.However, my hands wouldn't let him escape so easily. I clung to his royal robes, once white, now stained with splatters of blood. He glanced back at me with a puzzled and impatient expression. The fervor of battle in him had to be curtailed because I blocked his way."What is it now?" Cassian's cold voice cut through me, colder than the morning dew about to descend."Blind to his icy demeanor," I said, "whatever crosses your mind, don't do it. I can't be certain if all of this is real, but I have a feeling that these battles are illusions. Dorian has dragged us here with his illusions.""What?" Cassian
[Seraphine’s POV]In a moment when nearly all attention on this battleground was fixed on the fierce battle between Cassian and the ten alphas, I found myself presented with a significant opportunity. Amidst the chaos, I managed to approach Dorian at a distance so close I could almost slap the indifference off his face. As I had predicted, Dorian somehow employed his power to render himself intangible and untouchable.But I was certain such a power wouldn't last long. Therefore, I slowed down the flow of time around Dorian without his awareness. I patiently waited for the moment when he would lower his defenses.If not for the time manipulation, I wouldn't have been able to discern the brief moments when Dorian made himself visible, even if only for a few seconds. Yet in that brief span, I seized his hand. I gripped his cold hand so tightly, as if my strength could shatter his wrist. He was utterly surprised, of course.However, before he could utter a word, I had already relocated hi
"What... what have I done? I went back to the past to save Cassian, so why am I still unable to do it?"My vision slowly blurred, much like my body, which began to sway and lose balance. As my mind filled with regret, all I could witness were my trembling limbs.Helpless.The distance between us was vast, allowing me only to see Cassian's silhouette lying lifeless on the ground. Surely, fresh blood had once again flooded his helpless body.And this was the second time, I let Cassian die at the hands of Dorian.[Seraphine][Seraphine][Hold on. Don't give up.][There's one thing I haven't told you.]My sobbing ceased, thanks to my suddenly dominant voice. It seemed my power had transformed into a memory that could merge with my consciousness. It could easily perceive my emotional state and determine its actions.[You haven't lost yet. You can still save Cassian.]I wiped away my tears and listened carefully to what my strength tried to convey.[Wait here until Dorian leaves.][Then, go
As we continued our journey, Seraphine's voice resonated within me, a comforting presence amid the remnants of our challenging encounter with Dorian.[Seraphine][This was a difficult battle, but we emerged stronger. Your compassion has lit a path for us all.][But I sense there's something troubling youI hesitated for a moment, the weight of my unspoken thoughts pressing on my mind.[I'm grateful for your guidance, Seraphine. But as we searched for objects connected to Dorian's memories, I couldn't find anything close to Cassian's past.][It's as if his essence is too pure, too unblemished by negativity, to leave any lingering trace on ordinary objects.]My power’s presence remained reassuring, her understanding unyielding.[It's true that Cassian's spirit is remarkably resilient, untouched by the darkness that tainted Dorian. But every soul, no matter how pure, carries memories deep within.][We must look beyond the obvious. Memories are not always tied to tangible objects. They ca
[Your determination has always been a source of strength for us, but I am troubled by the elusive nature of Dorian's memories. Despite my vast power, the fragments of his past remain hidden, veiled in shadows. It is as though his essence is shielded, making it nearly impossible to decipher his history.]I pondered my power’s words, feeling a pang of frustration and empathy for her struggle. The enigma of Dorian's memories weighed heavily on both of us, challenging our understanding of the very essence we sought to unravel.[I have delved into the depths of his consciousness, seeking any clue, any whisper of his past. But it is as if his memories are locked behind an impenetrable barrier, a puzzle I cannot solve.]My power’s voice wavered, revealing a rare moment of vulnerability. Her confusion mirrored my own, deepening the mystery of Dorian's enigmatic existence. We shared a moment of silent contemplation, grappling with the complexity of our current predicament. [Perhaps, there are
[In this underground passage, there lies a connection between the palace and a hidden chamber, a place long forgotten. I sense an eerie presence emanating from it.]I followed My power’s guidance, the torchlight flickering ominously as we descended into the subterranean labyrinth. The air grew damp and cold, and the very stones seemed to whisper ancient secrets. Shadows danced along the walls, casting eerie silhouettes that heightened the sense of foreboding.‘What could be concealed in this hidden chamber? And why does it feel so unsettling?’[Dark energies often leave imprints on places of worship. This chamber was once used for rituals, but something darker lingers here. Be cautious as we proceed.]As we ventured deeper, we entered the hidden chamber. The atmosphere was thick with an otherworldly aura, and a sense of dread settled upon us. At the center of the room stood an ominous altar, adorned with symbols that hinted at ancient, malevolent rites. The air seemed to vibrate with