Warning: Graphic depictions of violence
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Sebastian’s POV
“Sebastian, it’s already dead,” I heard Eamon saying, he sounded so far away even if I know that he is just behind me. My dilated eyes were zeroing in thrusting my long claws deep through the scales and body of the serpent I was holding in chokehold to the ground.
I have lost count on how many beasts I have slaughtered as a way of quenching some of this swirling madness that I feel under my skin. It didn’t help calm me down but it at least stopped it from escalating more.
My wolf was lashing out inside me but I refused to shift. I know that I will lose myself in this state if I shift into my lyc
Veronica’s POVI am most afraid of loneliness— I don’t know if it was rooted from a tragic loss during my childhood or being neglected at a young age. I fear being left behind.And it was the exact horrible and sinking feeling that enveloped me when I was imprisoned after my dethronement.I remember the overwhelming emotions when it happened. I wasn’t sure if I was thrown into a living nightmare. Imagine living your entire life for the very people who turned their back to you. My eyes were dry from sobbing it out, the chains and the wolfsbane that they injected me were nothing to the pain that weighs my heart.I was captured the same night when they found me with the virren moonstone and directly sent me to the prison of Eviera. It was weird that a Luna like me wasn’t given an initial prosecution before they locked me up because that's how things should be processed. I tried reasoning that to the men who were dragging me, screaming and yelling but they didn’t bother to listen. Colton
Veronica’s POVSebastian has been acting weird since the Royal Hunt.As expected, Helios took first place in the recent competition. We had a thousand points gap from the second place which was the Xarim pack from the West. The amount of kills actually shocked everyone, some said that it might be the highest number of kills in the Culling Tournament ever. I’m not sure how true that was but there was something different in my mind. I noticed a difference in Sebastian’s behavior.He became too quiet and unreadable since he got back from the woods. Usually, he has a lot of quips and sarcastic remarks already but he didn't say a word. He was just silent. He seems to be in deep thoughts.I didn't try to push it and ask him as I can feel his guard up. Despite many things bugging me. The smell of wolfsbane in him and his frantic eyes. They glowed red for a long while, even when he wasn't using his abilities anymore. I’m not sure what happened because, weirdly, he was not displayed much for t
Veronica’s POVEverything happened so fast.The moment the signal was given, they were on attack right away. They lunged towards the other at the same time with their claws and blows clashing. It was hard to follow their hand to hand combat because of how quick their reflexes and movements were. They expertly dodge and defend against their opponent’s assault.It went on for a bit until Sebastian landed a hard jab to Gareth’s ribs, the latter curling to his stomach for a quick second because of the impact. I think there were some bones cracked.“That’s gotta hurt,” I winced while Eamon, as unexpressive as he usually was, grinned at my side. Now it makes sense to me why he’s best friends with Sebastian. These two are both thriving in violence.My attention went back to the duel, Gareth was currently receiving the consequences of his slip up earlier. Sebastian gained the upper hand and he was not letting it go. I could be wrong and it’s not like I’ve seen Sebastian fight a lot before but
Veronica’s POV Our lycan side is an extension of ourselves. The wolf form that we shift into is almost an alter ego. It doesn't diverge much from our human personalities but it also carries a different part of our inner selves. The more animalistic and reprehensible side gets unlocked when we shift. This is why werewolves are trained to control their lycan persona. It is crucial to remain grounded to our human aspects and authentic selves. For the first time, I am meeting his wolf. The more raw and unrestrained part of him. He was larger than all the wolves I have met. I think he is even triple my size. He could rival an average dragon or a dire wolf in largeness. He was adorning pitch black fur, almost as dark as the night sky that he could blend in the shadows, perfect for him as a predator. His wolf screams dominance and intimidation especially with those glowing red orbs. Now I understand that his moniker of being a demon wolf is not just because of his violent tendencies— lo
Veronica’s POVIt was the last day of the Culling Tournament.For a week-long experience, it sure felt like years for me. A lot of things has happened and it was indeed a roller coaster ride. From the unexpected murder, a big fight between me and Sebastian, the hunting competitions, dealing with Jadeline and the others plus the recent reminder of Sebastian’s curse to me, I don't even know where to get started.Still, I don't regret coming here. I think I have made a lot of progress through this eveny. Perhaps it’s only my gut feeling but this might just be the start of new things; good or bad, that's something I'm gonna have to find out.“Would it be overreacting if I say that I’m gonna miss this place?” I chuckled at my words and turned to Sebastian who was standing beside me.This place and the days we've spent here is like a turning point for me. A step closer to my plans and a lot closer with each other.I glanced at him and he looked a lot more peaceful than he was yesterday.Afte
Veronica's POV It is nice to be back home. That was the thought ringing in my brain. I looked around to see the familiar surrounding. Then I realized. This isn't Helios. It's a different home. One that has been long gone. The inside of the house was old but homey. From the window, I saw the raging snowstorm outside. I felt like a ghost in my own body. It's like I am here but also not quite; like I was watching it in third person. The feeling was weird. I remember the fireplace, warm and burning. I remember seeing that one picture frame. A mother, a father, and a child barely two years old photographed and hung up on the wall. Those faces were very familiar. My heart ached. “She will get better, right?” Said a small voice before my perspective changed to looking up at the person I was with. The scenery also shifted, flashing like some vision. Suddenly I am in the bedroom, gone was the living room and fireplace earlier. I finally saw the face of the man with me. It was som
Veronica’s POV“Jadeline had a bigger plan than just having me exiled,” I told Sebastian.We are currently awake at dawn. He was on the couch in our chambers, yawning and watching me pace around the room.“And that plan includes the moonstone?” he asks, trying to think with his hand on his creased forehead and sleepy eyes glaring into space trying to not fall into slumber, “I thought they took it from you after you were caught during the frame up? “Yeah, they took the moonstone from me. It was their strongest evidence,” I answered, still walking back and forth. My mind is very alive right now. The adrenaline and the rush of my theories sending off any hint of grogginess away. Then, I slowed down and halted on my feet.I stared at the night outside where the moon was hiding behind the cloudy sky. I noticed that it has been cloudy lately, even when we were traveling back from Metropolis to Helios.The clouds make the ether look like a painting, like it wasn’t—“Real,” I whispered the
Veronica's POVThings have become weirder after my dream.I started seeing visions.I haven't told anyone about this. Not even Sebastian. Although I will tell him, just when I have this figured out.It's kind of scary and strange. My visions are the opposite of prophetic or foretelling. I don't see the future… I see the past.And it's not looking back through a memory sort of thing. It was way different.“You have beautiful eyes, Veronica,” Jadeline said as she brushed my hair gently and looked at me through the mirror.The child me was sitting on the chair, swinging her feet that were hanging from the height of her seat. Little Veronica gave her a toothy grin, “Thank you! I share the same eyes as Mommy!”Jadeline smiled to herself at my response and stared at the hair she was brushing. Then she placed the brush on the table in front and held the kid me by the shoulders.“Did your mommy ever tell you more about your pretty eyes?” She said with a light tone and a warm smile.I watched
Third Person’s POVUnder the red moonlight, is the sight of the tragedy.Three figures emerged from the woods, all with barely healing injuries. Snow crunched beneath muddied boots, the sound cutting through the strange stillness that hung tensed over the clearing.The moonlight has returned, seeping little by little through the clouds, no longer veiled by the eclipse. Midnight has passed. The moon’s soft glow fell upon the ruined ritual circle—blood-soaked stones, broken altar, and the scent of black magic long burnt out. In the center of it all, slumped on the ashen ground, the Alpha—Sebastian lay unmoving. And beside him, his queen, Veronica, knelt, her trembling hands covered in blood… of not just his and her own.She wasn’t crying. Not anymore.Not after she has already poured all of her tears out.A sharp whistle broke the air.Veronica looked up sharply, eyes narrowing—guarded.From the edge of the forest, cloaked in shadow and exhaustion, the Rozeiros siblings came to light
Warning: Graphic depiction of violence.**Veronica’s POV“You think I can’t do it?” All I was seeing was blood and darkness as I stared at her. I didn’t have anything to direct the angry emotions I have but I remembered that if I trace the root of every problem I had, it would lead back to her… and I was reminded, woken up from drowning through the pain, to see my wrath again—the reason why I went through everything.Revenge. Revenge on Jadeline.The one who has wronged me most.“If there’s one thing I’d do tonight… I will kill you!”I lunged. A single, brutal movement.The dagger pierced Jadeline’s side.Jadeline gasped softly, her mouth curling into something between surprise and peace. She didn’t dodge even if I knew she could’ve, regardless if she was shocked or not.She just—laughed. And smiled at me, “There she is…”“My golden child.” Her hand reached to touch my face. “My dearest Veronica.”Her words made me angrier. I felt disgust crawl through my skin. I grabbed her arm an
Veronica’s POVThe searing pain of Sebastian's mark settling on my skin was the most warmth I felt since this all began.I was silently crying—mating bonds may sting at first but it should be pleasurable after it seals. However, because Sebastian was stabbed and losing his life, I had to feel that same sensation too due to our new connection. I stared at him lying in front of me. As if just in slumber. Or perhaps that was just denial.“No… please,” I whispered, brushing strands of matted hair from his blood-slick face. “Didn’t you feel the black smoke leaving your body? I—I saw it… That’s the shadow right? It's gone so… you can come back. You wanted to stop it from taking you as a vessel and becoming too powerful, right? It’s gone now… you should come back too…”I choked up a sob and shook his body, “There is no way you die like this! With just a dagger! That dagger wasn’t for you! It shouldn’t be for you—no… I… how do I live with your death?” There was still no response. He remained
Veronica’s POVI have run away many times before but I never thought I’d be running away from him.The forest was a blur of shadows and moonlight as I sprinted between the trees, breath shallow, lungs burning. Behind me, the thunder of heavy paws slammed against the earth, each bound of the feral beast a death sentence inching closer.I didn’t look back.I didn’t have to.I could feel him.Sebastian… though not quite him anymore. The man I love—no, the creature that used to be him—was now fully under the grip of the curse, the shadow’s influence sharpening every growl into a predator’s cry. Branches tore at my skin, and the blood on my hands wasn’t just from battle. It was from trying to hold him back. From trying to hold him.A howl pierced the sky. Low. Broken. Tormented.I stumbled but didn’t fall.Not yet. I need to escape and think about how I could end this. I won’t give up.The clearing was just ahead and I skidded into the end of the path just as the silhouette of a beast bur
Veronica’s POVI have fallen in love with Sebastian.I’m not sure when it exactly happened or how. But somewhere along the way, during the time when I was convincing myself to carry nothing but hatred, he sneaked his way in.I never recovered.Sebastian’s expression is hard to read, just that it shocked him. It wasn't really a full confession but he understood what it meant for me to say that.Because I never planned on loving someone again. But I did, anyway.“I’m sorry, baby…” he whispered words I hated to hear. An apology is not what I want from him.Sebastian closed his eyes and slowly pulled me to him. He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. His hands were cold and were trying to cling to me tightly.I held back a sob. I knew what his reaction meant. Another apology came after.“I’m sorry,” his voice shook and he pulled me closer. It broke my heart.Because even with all this, he hasn't changed his mind. He refuses to change his mind. He has already made his final decision.I st
Veronica’s POV“You really are the most selfish man I’ve ever known.”I stared at Sebastian like he was insane—no, he has actually gone mad. “Do you know what you are asking me?”It's like I'm hearing a big joke. I still find it hard to believe that I heard it correctly. It was preposterous. I couldn't understand.I don't want to understand.My emotions were a whirlwind. I feel like I'm being played continuously by everyone. Even him.Sebastian's hands on my shoulder tightened. He looked torn. “Veronica, you don’t understand—”“You’re right,” I cut him off. “I don’t understand!”“It doesn’t make sense!” I pushed his hands off me and stare into his eyes. “Why would you say that? We’ll be able to find a way! Together. Your attacks are working on him and so do mine! We just need to figure it out and we’ll stop the ritual like we planned and the curse… we’ll—”“I told you I don’t have time!” Sebastian yelled making me freeze.His eyes looked guilty and broken.It's like he has made up his
Third Person's POVSebastian was running out of time.“Can't do anything now, golden boy,” the dark entity suddenly spoke in his head. “You can watch your little wife die before you pass on too,” it cackled.“I will save her from you and then I will kill you,” he replied inside his head, where his consciousness still lies awake, locked up.“Save her from me?” the shadow replied incredulously. “Please, you're just as much of an evil being like me. What are you saving her for?”“The role of a hero does not suit you Sebastian,” it added with amusement in its voice. “It's the opposite you're born for. You have to learn and accept that.”It laughed loudly inside his head too. Sebastian wanted to rip his ears off to tune it out.“Stop living in delusion of some fairytale of your own,” it said with a smile you can hear from its words.“You are cursed.”He looked at his hands. Bloody, stained. Not from battle, but from clawing at his own skin, trying to rip out the shadow crawling beneath. H
Third Person’s POVThroughout the major turn of events, there is one thing that is set in stone to happen—a sacrifice will be offered before the eclipse ends.There is only little time left before the eclipse hits its peak.Veronica was on her knees in front of her chained up husband when she sneaked past Jadeline who was fighting the shadow.For now, all her priorities and worries are about him.She was slightly shaking him and tapping his face awake for a couple of minutes now but he remained out of it. “Sebas—”Her attempts were cut short when a strong invisible force suddenly yanked her away from him and threw her to the ground.Veronica groaned when she felt her bones crack, hitting the stone just below the makeshift altar.“What…” Her blurry vision adjusted in the dark and she looked around.The confusion she had was answered when she saw Jadeline instantly defeated, clutching her bleeding side in pain.“Can you two brats stop complicating this?” The shadow said exasperatedly,
Sebastian’s POVI know darkness like the back of my hand.It has accompanied me since I was born. I haven’t drowned before but perhaps this is how it feels like—drowning in darkness. It takes me into a whirlwind of memories and emotions.“You’ll have to marry anyway, Sebastian! Can't you take the prophecy seriously?” Luciana’s voice sounded so real in my head as if taking me back to that actual day.I saw myself from a third person point of view. My frown deepened as I remained looking outside, observing the members who are out and about their daily life in the square.Meanwhile, Luciana continued reprimanding me. “You know a pack without a Luna is weak, no matter how strong you are as an Alpha. Stop being so hard-headed and arrogant just this once!”I still didn't respond. My attention was barely on her lectures. Besides, I don't like her suggestions. I hated how all of them are making a big deal out of such vague premonitions. I’m not really much of a believer in anything spiritual.