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
Veronica’s POV“Hail, Supreme,” the entire committee of the Holy Parliament greeted in chorus, bowing to the newly arrived man.I watched how even Sebastian and Gareth followed. It took me and Colton a late second to follow.Having been from two powerful packs that always participates in the Culling Tournament and has connections throughout the upper society of the lycan continent, I assume they know the obviously high-ranking person.Sebastian wouldn't have bowed to someone lower than his status. To think that he's not almost on par with the Holy Parliament with how he interacts with them on the same footing, this means that this stranger surpasses, and probably sits on top of the chain.I tried peeking to see him as he trudged inside the courtroom, past the middle circle where Sebastian was positioned and towards the elevated platform in front, where the committee was.He walked with regality and authority. But I can't sense his second gender, which is normal sometimes especially wh
Veronica’s POVToday is the trial for the final verdict about Sebastian's murder and we have to bail time.“Luna Veronica,” the mocking voice of my boorish, brainless, ex-husband Colton disturbed the peaceful silence I have at where I was by the stands, “Majestic as ever with the way you managed to claw your way up towards another reign despite everything.”I turned to him with a cold, emotionless face.“Colton of Eviera,” I began, refusing to call him by his title as an Alpha, because I despised the time that I was beneath him when I know we're not even in the same league and he was never better than me.I looked directly into his eyes, “I see you're still the same too. Always barking up the wrong tree without a bite, thinking so full of himself but just overcompensating for the many things that you lack.”His fake politeness and confidence easily crumbled. Colton snarled at me, taking a step closer with glowing eyes in anger.“Funny you say that and look down on me. Then I guess you
Veronica’s POVWhen lycans lose their sense of self, they become feral werewolves.It happens in instances that the wolf side of a lycan fully overtakes the consciousness of the individual. If left unchecked and not cured in the right time, the werewolf will just become a mindless wolf, entirely animal; with no humanity left in them.So imagine my shock when I see Eamon in this state.“What happened to him?!” I exclaimed and stepped forward to get a closer look at where he was kneeling on the floor, canines bared, elongated and drooling.His eyes don't recognize anyone. They were wild and dilated, when I moved, he tried lunging at me with a bite and a growl but Declan held his chains, rattling as he was pulled while Sebastian was quick to grab my arm and held me back. I looked at him in panic. He had a blank stoic expression.“Don’t come near him, he’s not himself,” he warns and glances at the writhing Eamon, “It’s almost the same state whenever I lose myself to the curse.”It was har
Sebastian's POVI remember my very first kill vividly.Back then, the entire Northern continent was facing a rise of beasts and monsters.There was a breach at Helios, the entire pack was in chaos as a swarm of giant golems entered the territory.I was seven and told to stay in the palace. I haven't been into real hunts yet, especially unsupervised because they caught me back when I lied about going to a hunt to keep the rabbit I got.Then again, even as a kid, I was stubborn. I do what I like. I hated that all my siblings get to participate but me.That's how I found myself in the middle of Helios, with what seems to be the leader of the golems headed to me, pouncing.It happened way too fast.“Sebastian!” I heard Rowan yell from afar. It was loud even amongst the commotion of everyone fighting and the warriors trying to control the situation. My instincts took over. I fully shifted for the first time.I remember just dashing towards the danger of the giant golem, the feeling of ad
Veronica's POV“So Eamon is the traitor,” Nolan slumped down on the couch after he got back from the courtroom, “I don't believe it,” he mumbled to himself.“Me neither,” I uttered as I glanced at him from where I was standing in the middle of the room, “I don't know Eamon as much as you two do but I never considered him as a man who can do that.”“He seemed responsible and dutiful, a man of principles,” I said.Nolan sighed and looked at me, “It's because he is.”I have noticed that because he is Sebastian's closest aid, Eamon has a tight relationship with the Rozeiros siblings too. Being the pack Beta, this also has tremendous repercussions to the Helios hierarchy.We fell silent for a while, probably sharing the same worried thoughts. Until Sebastian spoke.“It can mean something different,” his serious voice echoed within the chambers.He had his back on us, hands clasped together behind him, standing in front of the ceiling to floor windows, staring at the dark outside.Nolan per
Veronica's POV“We all know the tales about the demon wolf. The kind of stories told to children at bedtime to warn them about the big bad wolf, a nightmare even amongst our kind.”I felt Sebastian’s hand flinch from Colton's words but he remained stoic. It's the most reaction I got from him since earlier. Nolan himself fell silent too.I glared at the bastard Colton but all three of us cannot contradict his words despite wanting to cut his tongue right then and there. It's vexing that he's aware of this fact and exploiting it to provoke us.“The brutal descriptions of the death brings the rumors to life. Always the torn limbs, the body in pieces, and the head is ripped away,” Colton’s eyes glinted with satisfaction as he looked at us, “Same pattern means same killer, yeah?”I bit the insides of my cheek.After witnessing that dark side of Sebastian, I started to see the same pattern Colton was pertaining to. Sebastian has this habit in killing, quite instinctive, that I don't think h
Veronica's POV The mystery pieces of how the murder of the Culling Tournament started coming together after seeing Colton and Gareth. They are definitely behind this. “Why are we joined with pests here tonight?” Sebastian gritted out the moment we stepped inside and saw them, “I wasn't informed that we are having bad company.” “I don't think we're the bad guys here, Sebastian,” Gareth answered with a smirk as he stared at him goadingly, “We came here to help.” “Help me and go fuck yourself then,” Sebastian took a step to lunge, almost instinctively but I pulled him to a halt. This is bad. Horrible, even. We can't have Sebastian lose his temper and trigger the curse in the middle of this trial. If that happens, we'd never recover for it. As much as Helios is powerful, the pack is still bounded by lycan oaths and principles. This could turn as an ammunition and an excuse for every enemy that the kingdom has to aid in taking down Helios. With everyone possibly working together t
Veronica's POVThere are three things we need to sort out.First, the trial for the murder of the Culling Tournament: it's impossible to disprove something Sebastian did commit. However, we cannot let this be used against Helios and let them corner us. Either we sway the direction into a more favorable judgment or manage to finalize a settlement.Second: find our Beta. Eamon is still missing out there. It could mean a lot of things but mostly two worst possibilities— a sign of betrayal or a hint of danger. Declan has set out to chase after his tracks and hopefully, come back positive results. Third: get points one and two done within a short amount of remaining time before the upcoming eclipse.Because unfortunately, this isn't the strongest storm that is about to hit us. That, I am sure of.“You know, when we talked about coming back to Metropolis, I didn't think it would be this soon,” I broke the silence in the carriage as we started to cross the familiar large arc at the end of t
Veronica's POV“I'm not dying Veronica.”I’m not sure when my anger turned from being betrayed through a broken trust into the stubborn vulnerability I want to avoid that comes with the possibility of losing him.His words echoed in my head.Sebastian was so sure that the curse will not kill him. He doesn't even seem to take it seriously. Perhaps it's only natural. He's never been weak in his entire life. Being in the brink of death is an unfamiliar territory for him.But not for me.“You don't know that,” I held his baffled gaze.I toed with near-death for a couple more times than I can count my entire life.I was never a gifted hunter by birth— it was all hardwork. The desperation to be acknowledged that fueled me to excel. I had no choice but to make myself excel, indespensible. Yet never a prodigy like him.So I have brushed with death a lot of times. Then, my life turned into worst. There was a time when it almost ended. Twice. One during my first imprisonment and second was duri