Celine POV“Good,” he rumbles, his lips curving into a triumphant smile. He rocks his hips, drawing a cry from me before launching us skyward once more.The air is sharp and cool against my scales, a stark contrast to the fiery heat radiating from him. My arms cling to his neck, my eyes squeezed shut as fear battles with exhilaration. The sensation of him moving inside me as we ascend is unlike anything I’ve ever known—a mingling of terror and unrelenting pleasure.“Open your eyes,” he murmurs, his voice low and commanding. “Trust me.”Every instinct screams to keep them closed, but the assurance in his tone compels me. Slowly, I obey, and the breath catches in my throat. The world sprawls below us, a shimmering tapestry of moonlit forests and silver streams. Above, the stars gleam like scattered diamonds, close enough to touch. It’s otherworldly, a beauty so profound it’s almost painful.“See?” Helios whispers, his lips brushing my ear. “I’ve got you. You’re safe.”The fear melts awa
Sebastian PovMy eyes open to the blinding sunlight and the warmth of Celine’s body against mine. As I take in my surroundings, the cave we’re in is big, panic sets in. I quickly flip Celine over and scan her back for any sign of the spike. My body relaxes when I see that there isn’t one. He didn’t claim her.“Celine?” I gently nudge her awake, running my finger along her face. She looks up at me with sleepy eyes and rubs them.“It’s me. Are you okay?” I ask, relief flooding through me as I stroke her hair.“Why didn’t you tell me about Ember season? And why did you block Helios?” Her tone is accusatory and I can feel guilt weighing heavy on my chest.“During Ember season, mates usually claim each other. I didn’t want Helios to claim you, so I blocked him. I was hoping it would protect you,” I admit, rubbing my face tiredly.Celine sighs loudly and cuddles closer to me, but she doesn’t look pleased with me at all. And I can’
Sebastian POVI nuzzle her neck, inhaling her scent mixed with the musky aroma of our lovemaking. She sighs contentedly, her claws tracing lazy patterns on my back. The fire in my core has been sated, replaced by a warm glow of satisfaction.“I missed that,” she murmurs, her voice still husky with desire.I chuckle softly, the sound rumbling through my chest. “As did I, my love.”Reluctantly, I roll off her, but immediately pull her into my arms. She curls against me, her tail still entwined with mine. I drape one wing over us both, cocooning us in warmth.We lay in comfortable silence for a while, simply basking in each other’s presence. I run my claws gently through her scales, marveling at how they shimmer in the dim light. She hums softly, the sound vibrating against my chest.“How long until we leave?” she asks eventually, a hint of worry in her voice.I tighten my hold on her. “A few days,” I reply, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “But we’re staying together, I won’t leave you.
Dolton POVSebastian is off doing... whatever it is Sebastian does. Likely something related to the kidnappings and the children being sold, though I can’t be certain. We’re working separately for now, occasionally consulting one another when input is needed, but otherwise keeping to our respective tasks.For me, the focus is on pinpointing possible locations where the Werewolf King might be hiding those he’s purchased. His palace seems like an obvious choice, but it’s also an impractical one. The risk of guards, maids, and others noticing something is far too great. No, he’s likely smarter than that. If I were in his shoes, I’d have them hidden elsewhere—just like Celine had been when she was younger.Something about the situation gnaws at me. We’ve been assuming that the Werewolf King only became ill recently, but that theory no longer holds water. No—we were wrong. The fact that Celine was used as his personal healer for years speaks volumes. He’s been sick much longer than anyone
Dolton POV I follow his line of sight, tension creeping into the room.“Are you expecting someone?” I ask, already suspecting the answer.“Yes,” he says, his jaw tightening. “Lord Arman and Tatsuya. I’ve reviewed the statements from the gathering. I have enough evidence so it's time to confront them.”That’s a bold move. “And what’s your plan?”He exhales, running a hand through his hair. “Honestly? I’m not sure. Lord Arman has held his position for years. Arktos was supposed to take over when he was ready, but... well, we know how that turned out. Stripping Lord Arman of his title because of Tatsuya’s actions feels excessive, but I can’t just ignore this. The alternative is... I don’t even know.”I sit back, considering the gravity of his situation. “You’re right. Stripping him of his title might be harsh, but you can’t let this slide either. Tatsuya’s actions—whether they were calculated or reckless—crossed a line. You need to make that clear. It might be worth inviting them to the
Celine POVDolton’s frustration is obvious as he storms away. I glance at Jonathan, hoping for clarity. “I need to know everything about Shadebind and Arcane Severance,” I explain, my tone firm.“Jonathan can help you with that while I try and find out where Lord Arman and Tatsuya are,” Sebastian says, stepping closer. “I also need your help with another issue, but this one is more pressing, so focus on it for now.” He kisses me briefly before walking off with his guards.“Shadebind,” Jonathan begins, his tone measured, “is a form of black magic. It hasn’t been used in centuries. It was a weapon in battles, but then people started carrying personal, meaningful objects tied to their hearts. Those objects protected them, and Shadebind eventually fell out of use.”“And it paralyzes?” I ask, my brows knitting together in concern.Jonathan nods. “Yes. It targets specific individuals, groups, or even entire bloodlines. For anyone else, the fog is harmless. But for the intended targets, it’s
Celine POVWhile walking, I scan the journals in my hands, searching for any mention of Shadebind. Frustratingly, I find nothing.“Careful,” Jonathan’s voice startles me, and I look up just in time to see him standing in front of me. I nearly walked into him!“Sorry,” I mumble, clutching the journals. “I can’t find anything about Shadebind or how to remove it. It only explains how it’s cast.”Jonathan nods knowingly. “What you need is Arcane Severance," he explains, and I realize my mistake.Quickly scanning through the pages again, I find the spell. It’s shockingly simple—far too easy, considering its power and purpose.Casting the spell takes only a moment, but my thoughts are consumed by what lies ahead. I’ll have to ensure Sebastian agrees to let me be present when Nylex is locked in the cell.When I finish, I step back and nod. “It’s done,” I say. “Now, let’s speak with Sebastian.”Before we can move, a servant approaches with a small bow. “Your Majesty, you need to choose a dres
DoltonI’ve shifted into my dragon form, and for once, Julius isn’t resisting. No doubt it’s because without this, Celine would be at greater risk. We’re currently seated in a cell directly across from where Nylex will be held.Celine is dressed in old, worn clothes, with a hood pulled low to conceal her face. Our conversation is hushed, knowing that once Nylex arrives, we’ll have to act the part of guard and prisoner. Normal topics are off-limits—his hearing might be sharp enough to pick up even the quietest whispers.“Are you absolutely sure about this?” I ask again, unable to shake my unease. I have to give her one more chance to reconsider. This plan makes me uncomfortable, and the risk feels too high. If Nylex senses her identity, things could spiral out of control before we even get him into the cell.“I’m doing it, Dolton,” she replies with fierce determination. Her tone leaves no room for argument. I nod, accepting her decision. There’s no point in trying to change her mind an
Celine POVThe first creature turns just as I reach them, their red eyes gleaming in the moonlight, their body already beginning to grow, their limbs stretching, muscles thickening, their entire form warping into something even more monstrous.I don’t let them finish.My bear slams into them first, its massive paws crashing into their chest, sending them flying backward before they can fully shift. The moment they hit the ground, my fae magic surges, pinning them down with invisible force.The second one lunges for me, their claws elongated, too fast to stop. Sebastian intercepts, he shoves his bone dagger into their side, twisting it deep. The creature lets out a shriek, staggering back, its already growing form faltering as black ichor spills from the wound.But it isn’t dead, its body ripples, shifting more, getting bigger.“Celine!” Sebastian shouts, yanking his weapon free as he stumbles back.I don’t hesitate, my wolf form springs into action, slamming into the creature’s back,
Celine POVI push harder, ignoring the burning in my legs, just when I think I'm getting close, something shifts ahead of me.A figure steps into my path and I skid to a stop, breath catching in my throat as I take in the woman standing before me. Tall, elegant, and draped in flowing, scaled armor that shimmers like dragonhide. Golden eyes, sharp as a blade, lock onto me with cold amusement.My stomach twists. Tatsuya. The dragon who was supposed to marry Sebastian. The woman who had tried, over and over, to push me out of his life.I steel myself, straightening despite the pounding of my heart. “Move.”A smirk curves her lips. “Still so demanding.” She cocks her head, eyeing me like I’m something insignificant. “And still so out of place.”Anger coils inside me, hot and seething, but I shove it down. I don’t have time for this.Sebastian shouts again, his voice rough with strain, and I move to step around her, but she mirrors me, blocking my path effortlessly.I clench my fists. “I d
Celine POVI move through the dense forest, my steps light but quick, every sense sharpened as I search for my mates. The trees loom taller here, their thick canopies blocking out most of the moonlight, leaving only thin slivers to guide my way. I don’t stop. I can’t.Something shifts and the air thickens, pressing against my skin like unseen hands trying to hold me back. A pulse of something dark, something unnatural, ripples through the trees, making the leaves tremble though there’s no wind. I halt mid-step, my breath catching in my throat.No.I swallow hard, my pulse hammering in my ears as I stare into the unnatural blackness spreading ahead of me. It’s not just the absence of light. It’s something alive, something seething, something waiting.The darkness will consume you.The Fae Queen’s warning echoes through my mind, cold and unwavering.It’s already inside you.I clench my fists, my nails digging into my palms. I’ve felt it before, the whisper of something foreign crawling
Celine POVNo, this isn’t real. But my body doesn’t listen. The pain in my wrists is real. The exhaustion in my limbs is real. The sinking, bone-deep dread pooling in my stomach is real.I tremble, my body reacting before my mind can stop it. Because it remembers.His grip moves from my chin to my throat.“You always did look pretty like this,” he muses, amusement lacing his tone. “Helpless.”Rage coils inside me, but it’s buried under terror. I want to move, to shift, to fight, but I can’t. The fear keeps me frozen, suffocating me, keeping me exactly where I was back then.No! I am not this girl anymore, I'm not weak. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block it out, trying to force myself out of this. My wolf howls inside me, my vampire thrashes, my fae magic writhes against my skin—but I can’t reach them.I'm trapped.His fingers tighten around my throat. “Say it,” he murmurs, his lips inches from my ear. “Say what you are.”I squeeze my eyes shut, but the words press against my lips
Celine POVI move fast, following the trail, but the forest shifts around me, warping and twisting. The trees stretch impossibly high, their shadows lengthening across the ground, closing in. The faint glow of my path flickers, then vanishes.Stopping, my chest rises and falls as my pulse thrums against my ribs. The weight in the air changes, pressing down on me, thick and cloying, like something unseen is crawling beneath my skin. A slow, familiar dread seeps in, a darkness I haven’t felt in years—one I buried, one I thought I had escaped.The air turns frigid, and a voice I hoped to never hear again slips through the silence, curling around me like a noose.“Well, well. Look at you.”The sound sends ice through my veins, rooting me in place. Footsteps echo across the forest floor, slow and deliberate, each step crunching against dead leaves. The scent of him reaches me before I even turn, cologne masking something vile, something rotting beneath the surface.Richard.He steps into v
Celine’s POVI don’t land. I appear. One moment, I am standing before the elders, drinking from that cursed cup. The next, I am somewhere else entirely. My stomach lurches as my body is thrown into existence, my knees buckling as I hit the damp ground. The sharp scent of pine and earth floods my senses, and before I can even gather myself, a low, guttural sound rumbles from the darkness.I freeze.The forest around me is thick, the trees impossibly tall, their twisted branches woven so tightly together that only slivers of moonlight cut through the canopy. The air is dense, wrong, like the energy in this place doesn’t belong to the real world. Thick vines coil around the trees, pulsing faintly, as if the forest itself is breathing. Shadows shift between the trunks, moving too quickly, too deliberately to be nothing.Then I hear them. Growls. Deep, predatory and close.I force myself to stay still, my breathing controlled, my hands curled into fists at my sides. I can feel them circlin
Jonathan POVThe moment my foot touches the ground ahead of me, the maze shifts.The walls groan, twisting violently, stone grinding against stone. The mist thickens, rising like a living thing, curling around my legs. Whispers crawl up my spine, slithering through my skull, pressing into my thoughts.“You are not enough.”“You cannot protect her.”“She is already gone.”I clench my jaw, forcing the voices out. I do not believe them. I will not believe them. I have spent my life fighting, surviving. I have bled for the people I swore to protect. I will not break here.My hands curl into fists, my breath slow, controlled.Then, ahead of me, a figure steps from the mist. I stop, my heart hammering against my ribs, it’s me, but also not.This version of me is different. His stance is casual, his expression unreadable. His golden hair is neatly in place, his clothes
Jonathan POVI wake with the taste of blood in my mouth.The air is thick, humid, pressing down on my skin like a weight I can’t shake off. My body aches, my limbs sluggish as I push myself up from the damp, uneven ground beneath me. My head throbs, and for a moment, I can’t focus, my vision swims as I try to make sense of where I am.Something is wrong.I inhale deeply, expecting the rush of awareness, the sharpness of my fae senses snapping into place, but instead—nothing. No magic. No connection to the energy that has always been a part of me. The absence of it is suffocating, a hollow space where power should be. My fingers dig into the wet soil, frustration curling in my chest. No. This isn’t right.The last thing I remember is the trial. The elders. Being separated from Celine.Celine. The thought slams into me like a blade. I reach for the bond—expecting to feel even the faintest trace of
Sebastian POVI wake to the scent of fire and blood.The air is thick with it, hot against my skin, clinging to my clothes as I push myself up from the dry, cracked earth beneath me. My head throbs, a dull, pulsing ache that makes it hard to focus. I inhale deeply, expecting to feel the fire of my dragon’s breath in my lungs, the power of my shift just beneath the surface, waiting to be called upon.But there is nothing.The absence of my dragon is instant and suffocating. A hollow space where my power should be, where my instincts should guide me. I exhale slowly, reigning in the sharp spike of irritation that threatens to rise. Panic is for those who don't know how to command themselves.I force myself to my feet, brushing dust from my clothes as I scan my surroundings. The sky above is a vast black void, no stars, no moon, just emptiness stretching endlessly. The landscape around me is barren, littered with jagged bones that rise from the