My gaze went to the dark coven. They were all still out cold. Confusion marred my features. Who was trying to strip her of her powers? And then a movement from my far left caught my eye. I turned to see a woman cloaked in swirling storm clouds and green light stride towards us with purpose, her eye
**Evelina’s POV** The soul shard was a dark and sinister presence in my body, constantly pulsing with a malevolent energy. It used my darkest fears against me, my insecurities as well. It controlled me to the point where I was powerless to follow what I knew was right. It also gave me unsurpassabl
“What about Asmodeus?” I queried. “I need to sacrifice myself to seal the portal. We can’t—” “No!” Gabe barked out angrily. “There has to be another way! We’ve faced many challenges together mi vida. We’ll face this one together too.” Tia Melanie nodded in agreement, her expression filled with h
**Evelina’s POV** I could scarcely believe that I’d stepped into a luxurious hotel room in the heart of Paris. The walls were adorned with hand-painted murals depicting scenes from French history, each one more exquisite than the last. In one corner stood a velvet chaise lounge so deep and invitin
I took in a deep breath, feeling the tension slowly release from my body as I trusted Gabe's words. I concentrated on his presence around me and the tranquil effects of the hot water as it enveloped me, removing all the stress and exhaustion from my bones. It was then that I felt a sudden calmness s
“It’s getting easier to control it,'“I whispered sleepily. “It’s almost like…it’s merging with me rather than fighting against me now. I can feel its power….I can feel the sinister intent. But I can also cut through it and maybe harness the demonic energy.” I couldn’t help my eyes dropping shut as I
**Evelina's POV** Gabe leaned in closer, his eyes filled with raw hunger, and my heart pounded in my chest. I didn't need the mate bond to tell me what the look in his eyes meant. He was turned on. Which was surprising to say the least. “You…aren’t grossed out?” I queried warily. A huff of laug
Suddenly, I felt the darkness curling around me. Trying to take control while I was in the throes of ecstasy. “Control it, mi vida. Master it,” Gabe urged, sensing what was going on. "Yes," I moaned, feeling the familiar sensation building inside me. "I am more than just the darkness." I arched
“CARAJO!” he yelled in anger. “I just think your mate needs to work on his temper,” Syra added distastefully. “Cursing in the sacred realm of Avalon is frowned upon!” Syra yelled loudly towards Gabe. Gabe looked at her and said something in Spanish that made me gasp in mortification. “¡Que te den
The darkness receded as quickly as it had come, replaced by the vibrant colors of Avalon once more. The stream sparkled in the sunlight, the trees swayed gently in the breeze, and the flowers bloomed in their full glory. I took a deep breath, and then let out a small yelp of surprise when I realized
**Evelina's PoV** The misty air wrapped around us like a nurturing shawl, the soothing sound of the stream a constant background music as the vibrant greenery enveloped me in its embrace, a living sanctuary of peace and magic. Trees towered above us, their vibrant green leaves dancing in the gentl
Suddenly, the trials I had had to face in the forest of reflection made complete sense. It was a trial Syra had faced herself, though in a completely different context. “You cannot blame yourself for your sister's choices,” Gabe finally grunted, crossing his arms. “You are right, Gabriel. I cannot
**Evelina's POV** Apparently she had been in Gabe’s vision as well. Because he immediately moved to shield me with his body and extended his claws defensively, poised to attack Sarah. “You’re the evil witch from the past!” he growled out. “I won’t let you harm my mate!” Sarah looked at Gabe and r
Sarah’s eyes widened in shock and fear as she saw the intensity of light glowing in my hands.“How…is this possible? You wield it…” she trailed off, looking around for the torches we had often used to carry the light of the flame into battle. Looking for the chest that often held a remnant of the fl
And in the next moment, something hit me from behind, rendering me immobile. I fell unconscious and when I awoke some time later, I heard shouts and screams from far off. And sinister laughter. Familiar laughter.It was then that I realized it was Sarah’s laughter.My heart pounded in my chest as I
**Evelina’s POV**I was leaning against a tree, lost in thought. My dark hair flowed down my back, all the way to my knees. I sighed, turning to look at Ramiras. He was the leader of the Order of the Flame. A chivalrous knight. A wonderful person. Pity he loved that bitch Sarah.“Ysabel,” Ramiras sa
Without a word, they raised a hand and summoned forth tendrils of shadow that twisted and writhed in the air, reaching out towards me with malicious intent. With a swift motion, I swung my sword. It glowed with a brilliant white light as it clashed against the tendrils of darkness, creating a blind