Dolton POVI crouch low, staying hidden as I watch the dragons descend. Sebastian leads the charge, his massive form cutting through the air like a shadow of death. His guards follow close behind, their wings stretching wide as they prepare to unleash their fury. Flames erupt from the sky, lighting up the battlefield in bursts of orange and red. The exiled scream and scatter, their uncoordinated chaos no match for the dragons’ precision.This is my moment. While they’re focused on the skies, I leap from the cover of the rocks and charge toward their rear. My powerful legs carry me swiftly, and I stay low to avoid drawing attention. As I close the distance, I brace myself for the chaos ahead.The exiled are chaotic, their cries a deafening cacophony of screeches, growls, and guttural howls. As I close in, the smell of rot and decay fills the air, making my stomach churn. My claws dig into the earth, my movements calculated but swift as I approach their disorganized ranks from the rear.
Sebastian’s POVThe battlefield is chaos.Flames roar from my mouth as I sweep over the exiled, their twisted forms scattering beneath the searing heat. My wings slice through the air with each powerful beat, lifting me higher before I spiral downward, releasing another torrent of fire. The acrid stench of burning flesh fills my nostrils, mingling with the metallic tang of blood that permeates the air.Below, the exiled swarm like insects, their grotesque bodies illuminated by the flickering orange glow of the flames. The Murkborn, Wretched, Skewed, and others continue to try and fight back.Through the smoke and carnage, my eyes constantly flick to Dolton.He moves like a shadow, his Lycan form a blur of silver and gray fur as he darts between the exiled. His claws slash through the Tethered, their chain-bound bodies crumpling under his precision. His speed is incredible, but it’s also dangerous. He’s deep in their ranks, too far from my guards, and my chest tightens with every reckl
Celine POVThe guard leads me through winding halls of the castle, each one grander and more intricate than the last. The walls are adorned with elaborate tapestries depicting dragons in flight, their forms woven in shimmering gold and crimson threads. Light filters through stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the polished stone floors. Despite the beauty around me, I feel a growing unease, a tension that seems to thicken with each step closer to the room where Nischola waits.When I finally enter, the room takes my breath away. It is as grand as the rest of the castle, with high vaulted ceilings and walls painted in soft hues of blue and silver, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere. At its center, on an enormous four-poster bed draped in sheer, flowing fabric, lies Nischola. The delicate beauty of the room seems to mock the dire state of its occupant.She is pale, her skin clammy and slick with sweat, her hair plastered to her forehead in damp strands. Her breathin
Celine POVJonathan doesn’t move his hand. His amber eyes lock onto mine, stern yet gentle. “You don’t understand. You’re pushing yourself too far. Do you even realize how much time has passed?”A breathless laugh escapes me. “Five minutes, maybe ten,” I say dismissively. My body feels heavy, sure, but not like I’ve been working for hours. “I can handle this.”“No,” Jonathan says firmly, his tone brooking no argument. He pulls out the journal and holds it in front of me, his finger pointing to a specific passage. “Read this. It says right here—when performing magic of this magnitude, time warps. What feels like minutes to you is hours to everyone else.” He looks back at me, his brows furrowed with worry. “It’s been over three hours, Celine.”Three hours? My stomach twists. Could that be true? It didn’t feel like hours. The exhaustion I brushed off as a minor side effect suddenly feels heavier, pressing down on me like a physical weight. Jonathan continues, his voice softer now. “You n
Sebastian POVCeline spins around to face me, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. Her wide, stunned eyes flicker over my towering form, and it takes everything in me not to burst into laughter at the bewildered look plastered across her face.“Sebastian?” she says, her voice laced with hesitation, and then adds more firmly, “Where’s your head?”I can’t help but chuckle, the deep rumble of it resonating through my chest. “I’m right here, Celine,” I assure her, making sure the cadence of my voice is familiar enough to cut through the surreal moment.Her gaze darts upward, to the massive, draconic head that has replaced my usual human features. “No,” she says, pointing with emphasis. “That’s not your head!”I laugh outright this time, the sound warm and amused. With a small mental shift, I revert to my hybrid form—the one I’m most
Sebastian POVTurning to address the rest of the army, I project my voice so it carries through the hall. “Tonight, you have proven why this kingdom stands as one of the strongest in the realm. Your bravery and skill on the battlefield have once again secured our borders. You have done amazing work, and I am proud of each and every one of you.”The soldiers respond with a collective roar of approval, their pride evident in the way they stand taller, their wings unfurling slightly.“However,” I continue, my tone serious, “we cannot afford to grow complacent. While the exiled have delivered their message and are unlikely to attack again immediately, we must be prepared for the possibility that they may try to break through and reach Celine. I want guards stationed at every border, patrols doubled, and reports sent to me hourly. We will not allow them to exploit any weaknesses.”There is no hesitation in their response. A
Sebastian POV“It—” Diadri stammers, her gaze darting to Zokod.“This is clearly fabricated,” Zokod says, his voice rising slightly. “Our son died, Your Majesty.”“Did he?” I counter. “Because this photograph was taken the week after your son allegedly passed away. What’s more, there’s currently an underground operation selling children and adults with special abilities into slavery. The information I’ve gathered places your son directly in the middle of this.”The murmurs around us grow into shocked gasps. Zokod shifts uncomfortably, while Diadri looks ready to collapse.“From what I’ve uncovered, your son was sold for over 500,000 crowns,” I continue. “And then, coincidentally, your family came into money—insurance, you claimed. But that’s not all, is it? Monthly payments continue to arrive from the Werewolf Kingdom.”
Celine POVThe palace halls stretch endlessly before me, their grandeur amplified by the faint flicker of torchlight casting long, shifting shadows. The guard leading me walks with purpose, his steps echoing against the polished stone floors. Despite the beauty surrounding me, the intricately carved archways, the glimmer of gold trim on every doorframe, and the soft hum of enchantments woven into the very air—I can’t focus. My body aches, and my mind feels heavy with everything that has transpired.“This way, Your Majesty,” the guard says, his voice firm but polite as he gestures toward a wide, ornate door at the end of the hall.Sebastian’s bedroom.The door looms ahead, its surface carved with intricate dragons weaving through storm clouds, their wings outstretched in eternal flight. The craftsmanship is stunning, each detail so lifelike it seems the dragons could leap from the wood at any moment.Jo
Helios’s POVI carefully take Clara from Dolton, cradling her against my chest as if she’s the most precious treasure I’ve ever held, and she is. Her delicate warmth radiates into me, a fragile yet unwavering presence in my arms, melting through the lingering hardness that once defined who I was. Her steady, peaceful breathing calms something deep inside me, quieting the restless beast I had always been.As I study her tiny face, with soft cheeks and a delicate nose, the innocence reflected there stirs something unfamiliar in my chest, a fierce protectiveness unlike anything I have ever known. The heart that once burned with obsession, possessiveness, and dominance now fills with a different kind of fire, pure and gentle. It’s startling yet comforting, reshaping who I am from the core outward.Instinctively, almost without thinking, I begin to hum softly, a melody from a lifetime ago, one I barely remember, yet somehow feels right to shar
6 Years LaterJonathan POV“Caleb, hold still,” I murmur, tightening my grip gently around my three-year-old son, who wriggles impatiently in my arms. His soft golden hair tickles my chin as he peers eagerly around the room, blue eyes wide with excitement. Aurora streaks past, her small dragon form shimmering in hues of violet and silver, scales glinting under the soft lights as she darts playfully around us.Celine laughs softly as she watches Aurora, her eyes filled with warmth. Sebastian stands near her, arms crossed over his chest, a proud smile on his face. Beside them, Dolton cradles his newborn daughter, Clara, just a week old, her tiny features serene as she sleeps peacefully against his chest.The room is alive with happiness, joy bouncing off the walls as we prepare for the celebration. I find myself smiling, my heart swelling. It wasn’t so long ago that I thought I’d lost everything. But here, surrounded by these people,
Sebastian’s POVThree months laterI’m flying as fast as I can, the wind cutting sharp against my scales.I left the kingdom earlier to meet Aarmon and collect two feeders for Celine. Her pregnancy has made her need blood more frequently, and I have no idea how she will be after the baby is born. I planned to return days ago, but Aarmon ran into issues with the vampires, delaying everything. Now I’m rushing back, and the only thing I know is that Celine has gone into labor.I abandoned the cars hours ago, there wasn’t time to waste. The soldiers will ensure the feeders arrive safely. Right now, the only thing that matters is getting to her.Helios pushes forward, impatient, and I don’t stop him. He’s always faster than me in the air, and this time, I need that speed. He focuses, his instincts sharper, his wings slicing through the sky with powerful strokes. At least this way, if we’re late,
Celine’s POVThe grand hall of the Dragon Kingdom is alive with celebration, the golden glow of torches casting flickering light over the towering stone walls. It’s strange how quickly everything has settled, how the chaos of battle has faded into something almost distant, like a dream that we all woke up from. The weight of it still lingers, of course, but tonight is not about that. Tonight is about the fact that we are here. Alive. Stronger than before.The past week has been a blur, filled with moments of reflection and change. Somehow when Helios takes control, I can hear Sebastian in my mind. It's strange but nice. Jonathan has embraced both sides of himself more than ever, his fae and merfolk magic flowing together like they were always meant to be one. Dolton has grown quieter, more thoughtful, as if the shadows that once burst from him still whisper at the edge of his mind, not in a bad way though. Leif is adjusting, still finding his place among us
Sebastian POVThe cars come to a stop, and I glance out the window, relief flooding through me at the sight of home.Dolton nudges my arm with a playful grin. “You should fly up with Celine. It’ll be quicker than waiting in the cars.”I shake my head firmly. “No, we should all arrive together.”Dolton’s smirk widens, mischief clear in his eyes. “Alright, then how about Helios takes her up instead? I’m sure he’d love to stretch his wings.”I roll my eyes. “How is that any different?”Dolton shrugs, chuckling softly. “You said you missed home. I’d bet Helios does too—this is his kingdom after all. Maybe he deserves to arrive first.”Before I can respond, Helios takes Dolton’s suggestion as permission, surging forward eagerly and pushing my consciousness to the back. My body shifts abruptly in the car, a wave of laughter erupting from bo
Dolton POVWe’re sitting in a clearing, resting before continuing our journey back to the Dragon Kingdom. The weight I’ve carried since the battle finally feels lighter as laughter fills the air. Around me, faces are relaxed for the first time in what feels like forever. Sebastian sits close to Celine, his arm protectively around her as people continue to celebrate her pregnancy, teasing him about becoming a father. Their smiles are contagious, and I find myself genuinely laughing alongside them.Yet even as I laugh, Julius remains uneasy, pacing restlessly inside my mind. I try to push the unease away, but it’s difficult when Julius is this restless. I glance over to Leif, sitting quietly, staring off into the trees. There’s still so much I don’t know about him, so much he probably doesn’t even know about himself.Leaning closer, I nudge his shoulder gently. “You okay?”Leif blinks, pulled from his thoughts
Jonathan POVI sit alone in the quiet car, the journals spread across my lap. My fingers flip through the pages slowly, frustration building with every page turn. I’d told the others I needed silence to focus, but the truth is, I just didn’t want them to see how much this is getting to me.I’m trying to find answers for Dolton, something that can explain what’s happening to him, but each page I read feels emptier than the last. My heart thuds with a heavy anxiety as I rub my temples.There’s almost nothing here about Lycans. The few mentions I’ve found are vague or useless, and there’s not a single line about the Shadow of the Moon or why there can suddenly be two Lycans. It’s as if the writers deliberately avoided the topic, which only makes me feel more unsettled.I lean my head back against the seat, taking a slow breath, and close my eyes. Dolton deserves answers, he’s struggling with something non
Sebastian POVWe left the Werewolf Kingdom first thing in the morning. I want to get home. I’ve spent far too long away from my kingdom; Helios is restless, and so am I.It’ll take about three days to get back, but since it’s only our group traveling, all my men can drive, which means we won’t be slowed down by walking. Dolton chose to ride in another car with Leif, wanting to spend some time speaking with him alone. Jonathan opted to ride separately, claiming he needed quiet to focus on reading through the journals.I understand why Jonathan turns to the journals for answers, but even I doubt they can solve everything. I know he’s hoping to find something—anything—to help Dolton. Finding out Leif is directly connected to him, even in death, must be overwhelming, especially when severing their bond might risk both their lives.Still, despite the circumstances, I welcome the chance to spend time alone with Celine.
Celine POVI watch Dolton carefully. He wouldn’t have turned bad, I know it. He wasn’t alone, he had me, Sebastian, and Jonathan. We wouldn’t have let him become something evil.Stepping closer, I gently slip my hand into Dolton’s, trying to calm him. He turns slightly, offering me a faint smile, but the worry in his eyes is unmistakable. He shouldn’t be worried; he has us.“You once mentioned feeling like part of you was missing, like something wasn’t fully there,” his father says from behind the bars, his gaze unwavering. “Do you remember when that began, Dolton?”“No, I don’t,” Dolton snaps sharply.From the other cell, Wes chuckles darkly. “It started when Leif was born. Come on, Dolton, catch up.”Turning sharply, I glare at Wes, and the twisted, evil man mockingly blows me a kiss. My stomach churns with disgust.“Leif is part of you,&