MIYAs POV…I squeeze my eyes shut, refusing to open them on demand while I try to concentrate on my breathing. And on the rhythm of my heart that is currently generating through a sea of emotions that have me wondering what the fuck I did in my past life, to end up here. “Open your eyes and look at me, little one.” Maddox chimes with amusement. I shake my head, “no, you're not him.” The sound of my restraints clanking as metal strikes metal surges through the craft.My body shudders with fear. Sweat beads across my skin.“Who?” He sneers, “I'm not who?”“Zion,” I breathe out in a whispering tone. “The face you don, it doesn't belong to you." The words leave my mouth bitterly.“Regardless of what face I parade around in, little one. It will never truly belong to me.” He hisses. “A Shapeshifter bears no true face of his own. We wear what we like to our advantage.”I snort, “so, you're a face thief?” I titter. “You will have to pluck my eyes out of my sockets if you desire my full atten
ZIONs POV…Walking through the corridor of my craft. I make my way to meet with Sylvan for a mind-blocking sparring session.“Zion…” Miyas' sweet voice fills my head.I come to a standstill, bracing myself against the corridor wall with my hands placed above my head and my chin touching my chest. “I'm here, bonetta.” I mutter hoarsely as I squeeze my eyes shut.Her voice is full of panic, and it causes my throat to close up. “I'm sorry…” She whimpers. “Please, please don't give up on me...” Clenching my hands into tight balls of fury, “never!!” I growl fiercely. “Hang tight, bonetta. We are coming!” I hiss, and I slam my hand into the wall, causing it to crack around my fist. I take a moment to gather my composure before I straighten my posture and run my trembling fingers through my hair.“Brother,” I mind link with Jaja. “Please tell me you have their location?” I exhale slowly through my nostrils.My twin-hearts thump harshly in my chest, threatening to tear through the layers of
MIYAs POV…“Miya…” Through the tenebrous haze that surrounds my shell-shocked body. I vaguely hear my name being called. “Miya, don't fall asleep.” I exhale harshly, feeling like I've been hit by a freight truck as I struggle to keep my eyes open. “Listen to the sound of my voice, sister in-mate.” I turn my head to the side, fluttering my eyes open long enough to get a glimpse of Nova. She is on her knees, hands shackled above her head as purple, blue, and black bruises tarnish her beautiful features. I turn my head to look the other way. The sight of her being held against her will. Hits a soft spot in my heart that causes my blood to ignite with resentment.Every inch of my body tingles from my head to my toes, my eyes burn with unshed tears, and my soul feels like it is trying to flee my body. Is this what it feels like just before you cross over to the other side?Will my soul depart my physique and give me an out-of-body experience before it is ripped from my very existence
ZIONs POV…EARLIER…As I watch Tyber working his magic on the Scourages craft entry, manipulating the code to their security system with his mind. I steel my nerves, twirling my wide-bladed daggers between my fingers. I look over my shoulder, my eyes drinking in the faces of my warriors who have joined me in the battle to recover Nova, Miya, and our abducted females. Their remarkable bravery, unwavering honor, and indomitable courage will surely be acknowledged. For their sacrifice will forever be recorded in the chronicles of Mahji. Some of these brave and courageous warriors will return, walking back on the craft with me. Regrettably, the others will be coming back in body bags, which deeply saddens me, as I know this will be their final battle.Their last crusade. A fight to the death.It is only right that I face these spirited warriors and say something encouraging as their Alpha King.I turn, tapping my blades together, and in response, my warriors do the same with their weapo
MIYAs POV…Zion…The way his name rolls off the tip of my tongue feels completely natural. I can't help but be entranced by his mesmerizing gaze, as I find myself being drawn deeper into a whirlwind of overwhelming emotions. A fever of curiosity stabs me in the chest. “Don't you dare kiss him, Miya, that male is my brother…" Nova growls, reminding me whose body I possess and instantly bringing me back to the harsh reality I dream to leave behind.Heavy footsteps, hammering with intent, erupt unexpectedly throughout the chamber. I look up and realise it is Sylvan who blesses us with his presence. His eyes are jet black, and they make him look like a mean son of a bitch. His angry looking face is splattered with blood, and he has a shit scared, looking Maddox in his grasp.Maddox is a spitting image of Zion, and instantly my blood runs cold. The fever of curiosity is quickly replaced with a vicious chill.“Maddox is the imposter, remember, mate of my brother?” Nova whispers gently. “He
ZIONs POV…I shake my head, clearing the blinding spots prancing in my vision. Maddox is a slimy fighter, and I should have known better than to align myself with him. He is attempting to buy himself extra time to heal.Seeing him in my skin makes me furious, and it tastes hellish bitter to look at him, donning my face. Especially when he has my special gift, sizzling through his loins. I will make him pay for everything. The trauma he has bestowed upon me and my siblings. The suffering and misery he has etched into the roots of my peoples' twin hearts. “NO…!!” Nova screams at the top of her lungs, which has my head snapping upward.Sylvan rushes towards us, throwing his body in front of me. My twin-hearts cease, “Sylvan, NO!!” I roar, lurching forward to catch him as he lets out a grunt, swaying side to side with his hand resting on the dagger. I collapse alongside him, gently laying him on the cold surface and slapping his cheek as he begins to close his eyes, losing consciousnes
MIYAs POV…The fever brought on by the star Maddox intended to infect Nova with, thrums through my delicate veins like wildfire, losing control and annihilating all it touches. Inevitably, all I can do is patiently wait for Zion to find me a cure, or I will succumb to the darkness that awaits me. Two simple questions continuously swirl in my head like a vortex of curiosity. Do I regret jumping in front of Nova? Yes. Would I do it again? Yes. I believe I would because a selfless act comes from a pure heart.After everything I have endured since stumbling upon the Kindreds' headquarters back on Earth. I desperately need to believe that I am good and everything happens for a reason.As I stand in the garden of wisdom on Zions' home planet. I have so many questions, and I can see why he is fighting to keep his species alive. Mahji is truly a magical place, and I can't help but feel like I've been here before.My soul feels like it knows this place — this garden.But that's impossible bec
ZIONs POV…“It's finally good to see that the Alpha King has returned to us safely and with the other half of his soul at his side.” The Light Oracle, Lagertha, sings with joy as we stroll through the garden of wisdom. “It is a victorious time indeed to be alive. A momentous that will be remembered for many earla years to come.”I bite my tongue, unwilling to inform her that our mission's success came at a high cost. We lost at least two dozen warriors, and a grandiose burial does not do justice to the contributions and sacrifices they made for our species.Nothing will ever be adequate. The war is over, but the heartache and sorrow will live on for eternity in those they have left behind.“It does feel good to be back.” I state firmly. “Being able to return home with our promise fulfilled is quite an accomplishment.” I reply with my hands clasped behind my back. “I feel like I can breathe easier, and the air somehow tastes cleaner. I also hope the human females will find some solace
We both attempt to catch our escaping breath with our bodies pressed against one another. But I’m far less worried about reeling mine in and more focused on the paralysing fear that is suddenly gripping me as Dark wrestles me to the ground, pinning me beneath him.With a gulp, I observe as Dark retrieves a sharp object from the ground and effortlessly cuts through my nightie, causing the delicate silk to cascade open, revealing my heaving breasts I attempt to shield myself, but he firmly holds my arms by my side, pressing his full weight onto me before he sensually takes one of my nipples into his mouth. Shifting my gaze away from his, I direct my attention towards the vacant cell beside me. The very cell that should be containing Thane and Thake.“Look at me, goddess,” he coaxes gently.I grit my teeth, forcing myself to face him, allowing my eyes to trail over the blurriness masking his face.“That’s it, goddess. Now, keep those perfect pearly eyes on me until I am finished.”He lif
I gaze at my reflection in the mirror while I finish the intricate braid in my hair. I find myself transported back to the serene lake where my father spoke words that seemed incomprehensible at the time. “Five kingdoms, one ruler, and you will bring peace between two of them,”—what did he mean by that?Was he talking about me bringing peace between two kingdoms, or was he simply in a daze, muttering nonsensically? I let my braid fall over my shoulder after clasping the metal ring at the end. With a gentle touch, I place my fingertip against the mirror, witnessing the incredible metamorphosis of my human form into that of a Kindred. This illusion is one that I was able to master two years ago. Occasionally, I find myself fantasizing about what it would be like to resemble a Kindred warrior rather than a mere human.I gently shift my body to the side, making sure to maintain contact with the mirror. I let out a deep sigh, as if releasing a weight from my chest. Oh, how I long to be lik
After lunch, I take a stroll through the Navaya woods that lead to my special rock I like to sit next to the water when I crave silence and to be left alone. Right now, I should be meeting with the Light Oracle Xania for my early afternoon lesson with Elisabet and Darana on how to access our source of energy as the ‘Power Of Three.’Truth be told, I don’t feel like being around anyone today. Every time my birthlings return from one of their failed missions in apprehending Kol, my heart feels heavy. It hurts watching my mother interact with my siblings with a smile that is filled with love and joy painted across her beautiful face until she reaches me at the end of the line. Her smile turns upside down into an unwavering frown of concern and distress. The crinkles on the corners of her eyes from smiling fade as they slightly narrow while she desperately tries to read my thoughts.I hate that I cannot spend any quality time with her without the pair of us worrying if or when I will becom
I cross the lawn, making my way towards my siblings, who are already waiting for our birthlings to land. They stand huddled together, laughing and joking around as they bump into one another with the odd “Shh…” slipping out of their mouths into the open.“Good morning, twins,” I smile as I walk past my sisters.They turn to face me with a smile on their faces, too, when their gazes collide with mine. “Good morning, Astrid…” They say in unison. “I hope you slept well, and you look beautiful as always.”I try my best not to roll my eyes heavenward, knowing that my so-called beauty could never match theirs. “Not as beautiful as you, my dear sisters.” I hum out into the open air.“Well, if that’s not the biggest load of shit that I have heard all morning, then I don’t know what is.” Jericho growls as he stands in front of me with his large arms folded across his chest, blocking my path as he looms over me. “My twin sister is beyond beautiful, and I feel sorry for the son-of-a-bitch that
“Rise and shine, Astrid…” The sound of my lavish curtains being drawn almost drowns out my Aunt Novas’ sweet voice. “Your birthlings are due to return in a few hours, and they have requested that you and your siblings greet them upon their arrival.” Groaning, I turn onto my side, covering my head with my pillow and sigh. I don’t want to wake up. I want to submerge myself in the darkness, allowing it to hold me captive along with Dark and Danger. I wish to lose myself in their presence, their touch, the way they make my body sing without committing any true sins that could land me into a heap of trouble with my birthlings. “Nope. Up.” Aunt Nova laughs as she pulls the sheet flush from my body before she tries to wrestle the pillow out of my grasp. “Not fair!” I cry out with laughter, tightening my grip. “You are a warrior, and I am no match for you.” Sighing, Aunt Nova sits on the bed beside me, releasing the pillow. “Astrid, darling… I don’t know how many times must I remind
Astrid: 19 Earla Years Old.Sitting upright in my bed. I pull the sheets up to cover my chest and focus my attention on the other side of my chamber. “What are you doing here again?”“We don’t know.” A deep, muffled voice replies.“You are both here?” I ask, a little shocked that both Dream Guardians have visited me tonight.“Yes, we are.”“Together… At the same time?”“Indeed.” A softer voice answers with amusement.Together, side by side, both guardians step out from the shadows. Pulling my lower lip between my teeth, I gingerly gnaw on it, trying to control the beating of my erratic heart. Both guardians stand before me with a flimsy cloth wrapped around their waists. Their wide chests are bare, and as I raise my gaze to their face… a pang of disappointment strikes me across the back, leaving a hint of pain in its wake. They are still faceless, and I don't understand why it displeases me so much, especially when I don’t like the way I look. Turning my head to the side, I brush my
TASTING THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT: THE PRINCESS OF MAHJI.Prologue: An Ugly Little Thing.Astrid: 14 Earla Years Old.I sneak into the Arena Cells by manipulating the minds of the Kindred Guards. I guess you can say that I have mastered the skill of temporal time loop. Something I picked up from watching Uncle Tyber working his magic when he hacks the security system to the shuttle docks right before he sneaks in with his desired female of the week. Both of my birthlings don’t approve of me coming here because this is the place where we hold our prisoners. But they don’t understand how hard it is for me to socialize with the species my age. My twin sisters, Elisabet and Darana, are like two peas in a pod because they do everything together. A lot of the female younglings wish to be them, and the males desire to be mated to them. My twin, Jericho, is my best friend. He constantly tries to look out for me, encouraging me to hang out with the other females or our twin sisters. I know he mean
MIYAS POV…I roll my shoulders back and slowly lift my head, settling my sight on Zion. He looks livid as he faces Kol and the council. The rage has taken over him, and I don’t have to see his eyes to confirm it as I can sense it engulfing him.“The council wishes to banish Zion, Jaja, Nova, and Tyber from Mahji.” Sylvan sneers with great disdain.“Why?” I quickly asked him, tucking the knife he was firmly gripping when I shifted into his body, into the back of his pants. “It must be serious if you were willing to shed blood in the presence of my offspring, Sylvan.” I mutter, slightly turning my head, scanning the chamber for their whereabouts.“You birthed four strong offspring, my Queen…”“Jericho?”“Lives… wait? How did you know his name?”I sigh as I’m flooded with relief, and a lone tear slides down my cheek. “That is a story for another time.”The sound of swords being drawn compels me to return my attention to the front. I watch as Kol and his fellow council members wave their s
SYLVANS’ POV…With my knife in my hand and my stance ready to pounce on Zion. I am left with no other choice but to watch him as he does the unthinkable by offering Miya his essence.Every loin in my body urges me to run to Zion and pull him away from Miya. But the loyal warrior and trusty friend within me stops me from doing so. I try to put myself in his position, and it is undeniable to me that I would do the same. An existence without my Nova would be torturous, and I’d never be able to accept another mate if the Moon Goddess was to will it.Though, if Miya was anyone but the Blessed One. I would not object to his actions. We don’t know what kind of effect it will have on Miya or the toll it could possibly bestow upon Zion. This is unknown territory, and our Lissa is not with us to consult with. Miya has crossed over into the holy after existence and should be entering the gates of the heavens. It was also prophesied that one of Zions’ brothers had to die to save his male offspring