Celine POVI’m so captivated by the scene that I almost miss the figure stepping out from the castle’s grand doors. His presence commands attention, every movement deliberate, his gaze sharp and appraising as it sweeps over us.“King Sebastian, you have requested an audience with our council,” he says, his voice carrying the weight of authority that leaves no room for doubt.Sebastian straightens, inclining his head in acknowledgment. “King Thorne, I have. This matter is urgent—life and death, in fact. May we discuss it with you?” His tone is calm yet firm, carrying the quiet command of a leader who expects to be heard.King Thorne regards him for a moment before nodding. “We may. You are welcome here. I trust you remember my mate, Queen Nymia?” He gestures toward a woman who appears beside him, her striking beauty matched by the regal presence she exudes.Sebastian’s expression softens slightly as he greets her. “Of course. It is an honor to stand in your presence again, Queen Nymia.
Celine POVKing Thorne breaks the silence, his voice deep and resonant. “State your case.”Sebastian steps forward, his shoulders squared and voice steady. “Your Majesties, my son, Prince Joseph, has found his mate—a werewolf who is now carrying his child. However, she has fallen gravely ill, and we have discovered that her condition is not a natural one. She has been cursed using these flowers.” He gestures toward the shimmering blooms on the table, his words heavy with the weight of truth.Queen Nymia’s sharp gaze fixes on Sebastian, her tone calm yet laced with steel. “And who would cast such a curse upon the Princess? What motive lies behind this cruelty?”Sebastian’s expression hardens. “Her own mother.” The words hang in the air like a thunderclap. “She sought to end the bloodline. The curse was designed to kill her daughter if she ever became pregnant, ensuring that neither she nor her child would survive.”A ripple of murmurs spreads among the council members, their usually st
Celine POVThe tension in the chamber feels almost suffocating, the atmosphere thick with the gravity of what’s at stake. Queen Nymia’s sharp gaze lingers on me, her eyes searching for something beneath the surface. She finally leans back in her ornately carved chair, her wings shifting slightly as she considers our request, her expression as unreadable as stone. King Thorne sits beside her, his face drawn in a mask of solemnity, the lines around his eyes deepening with every second of silence that stretches between us.“It is clear that the situation you present is urgent,” Queen Nymia begins, her tone deliberate and steady, though it carries the weight of uncertainty. “But we cannot ignore the broader implications of granting you the flower. The curse that afflicts this werewolf princess—this sickness of madness—has the potential to ripple far beyond what you seek to cure. If the madness spreads, unchecked and unbroken, it could bring devastation to countless innocents. Should we pr
Celine POVQueen Nymia sits poised, her expression a mask of calm, but I can see the flicker of thought in her shimmering eyes. King Thorne leans forward slightly, his fingers steepled as he listens to the low murmurs of the council. They speak softly, their words almost inaudible, but the atmosphere is charged with their unspoken fears and what-ifs.Joseph remains kneeling, his shoulders hunched under the burden of his desperation. His golden eyes, filled with unshed tears, dart between the council and me, silently begging for salvation. Dolton stands at my side, his hand resting lightly on my back, grounding me, his quiet strength seeping into my trembling frame. Sebastian, as ever, is calm and composed, though the set of his jaw betrays his impatience.“I’ve never heard them deliberate this long,” Dolton murmurs beside me, his voice low, meant only for me. “They’re taking this seriously. That’s a good sign.”I nod, though I can’t shake the sinking weight in my chest. It’s not just
Celine POVThe stillness stretches on, each second heavier than the last, until finally, she nods—a slow, deliberate motion that feels like a judgment passed.“Very well,” she says, her tone regal and firm, yet tinged with reluctant acceptance. “We said we would grant you the flower, and we will but heed this, Celine—the weight of this decision is yours to bear. If you succeed, you will have our eternal gratitude. But if you fail, know that the lives lost and the chaos wrought will rest squarely on your shoulders. The blood of the innocent will stain your hands if the madness is not broken.”Her words land like a physical blow, cutting deep, but I hold my ground. My chin lifts, and I nod, meeting her challenge with steadfast determination. “I accept that responsibility,” I reply, my voice firm. “I will not fail.”Queen Nymia inclines her head, a gesture of acknowledgment tinged with finality, and motions to a fae attendant standing near the altar. The attendant, clad in flowing robes
Sebastian’s POVThere’s a shift between us, subtle but undeniable, and it gnaws at me. Celine is drifting further from me and closer to Dolton. On the surface, it feels like there’s no reason for it, but deep down, I know better. There is a reason—it’s me.Lately, I’ve been buried under the mountain of evidence we’ve gathered against the werewolf king. I’ve spent hours pouring over the details, dissecting every word, every scrap of information, trying to piece together a strategy. Meanwhile, Celine and Dolton have had all the time in the world to reconnect. I told myself I was giving her space to be with him, knowing how much she missed him. She spoke of him often before he joined us, and I could see the longing in her eyes whenever his name came up. So, I stepped back. I thought I was doing the right thing.But now, I fear I’ve pushed myself to the periphery of her world. I’m there at night—when we’re together—but even then, it’s not the same. Dolton is there too, and it doesn’t feel
Sebastian POVI feel like a teenager again, fumbling through the unfamiliar terrain of being with someone I care about. Celine leads me through the Fae Kingdom, her hand warm in mine, her steps light and carefree. The vibrant bustle of the marketplace surrounds us—the air filled with the scent of sweet blossoms, the hum of laughter, and the soft glow of bioluminescent plants. We stop at a small food truck tucked into a corner of the market, its modest appearance at odds with the grandeur of the kingdom around us.I watch as Celine chats animatedly with the vendor, her voice light and cheerful as she orders us burgers. It’s not the kind of food I’d normally go for—my meals are usually plated with a precision worthy of their exorbitant price tags—but there’s something refreshing about this. Something human.She hands me a burger, grinning, and we begin walking. The uneven cobblestone streets guide us past stalls overflowing with wares both mundane and magical. As we eat, she talks, her
Sebastian’s POVWe arrive back at the hotel, and I immediately notice Dolton’s absence. The guards at the door mention that he went out for a walk, which gives us time alone. My eyes instinctively drift toward the stack of files on the desk. The King in me itches to dive back into them, to continue piecing together the puzzle of the werewolf king’s crimes. But tonight, I push that impulse aside. It’s not the files or the investigation that needs my attention—it’s Celine.As I step into the living area, I see her curled up on the sofa, scrolling through movie options with a relaxed air. The glow of the screen lights her face, highlighting the soft, delicate features I’ve memorised but rarely take the time to fully appreciate. Her movements are unhurried, her body language serene, and for a moment, I simply stand there, taking her in.She looks up at me, her lips curving into a small, curious smile. I know she’s wondering what’s on my mind, why I’m standing there like a statue instead o
Celine POVMy eyes widen as his words sink in, panic rising like a tide threatening to pull me under. “So there’s no way to the kingdom?” I ask, my voice tinged with desperation. My fingers clutch the edge of the seat as I try to process what this means.“There is,” Sebastian replies firmly, his tone a mixture of calm authority and urgency. His eyes flick to Dolton and Jonathan. “But it won’t be by car. The road is compromised, and the cars will have to be left behind. We’re going to fly the rest of the way.”Fly? My stomach twists at the thought. I’ve never flown, and the idea of being carried through the sky sends a shiver down my spine. My instincts scream against it, but I know there’s no other option.Sebastian continues, his gaze sharp and unyielding. “I’ll take Celine with me. You two will need to let my guards carry you. They’re trained for this, and it’s the safest way to get to the kingdom.”Dolton exhales a long, frustrated sigh, his hands clenching into fists at his sides.
Jonathan’s hand brushes mine, a small gesture of comfort. “He’s right,” he says softly. “Your safety is what matters most.”Dolton nods, his expression grim but resolute. “We’ll get her to the kingdom, Sebastian. You won’t have to do this alone.”Sebastian doesn’t respond immediately. His jaw clenches, and his grip tightens on the steering wheel as the car races forward. Finally, he exhales sharply. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”The tension in the car is suffocating. Outside the window, the forest blurs past, dark and unyielding. The cries and howls have faded, but the fear they’ve left behind lingers like a shadow, wrapping around us and refusing to let go.The car barrels through the dense forest, the sound of the engine reverberating in the heavy silence of the day. The cries we heard earlier have faded, but the memory of them clings to me, chilling my bones. My heart races with every twist and turn of the rugged path, the bumpy ride only adding to my growing unease.Sebast
Celine’s POVThe tension is so thick it feels like a living thing pressing down on us. Sebastian’s sharp, focused expression says it all—he’s ready to order us back to the cars after that eerie, childlike laugh echoed through the trees. The sound doesn’t sit right in my chest, and the rustling nearby sends a shiver racing up my spine.I step toward the sound, curiosity overriding my better judgment. Pushing through the trees, I move cautiously, trying to make out the source of the noise. Behind me, I sense Sebastian, Dolton, and Jonathan following, their presence both reassuring and heavy with unspoken concern.As we press forward, weaving between ancient trees whose gnarled branches twist like claws, something comes into view that makes my breath catch.A cage.It’s large, rusted, and covered in creeping moss, like it’s been here for ages yet still serves a dark purpose. Inside is a creature so grotesque and unnatural that my body freezes in place. It has the form of a human, but its
Sebastian POVAs these thoughts swirl in my mind, I glance at Dolton, who’s been unusually quiet beside me. The weight of everything we’re facing is palpable. Breaking the silence, I suggest, “We should stop for a break. It’ll be the last one before we reach my kingdom. Celine’s shifter needs space and air to recover.”Taking out my phone, I type out a quick message to the guards, instructing them to find a safe location to rest. It’s a delicate task. Outside the kingdoms, there are still scattered towns and cities, remnants of a world left behind. Most of them are teeming with the exiled—dangerous, desperate beings. Some places might be safe enough to stop at, but many are not. Trusting the guards to make the right call, I tuck the phone away and let out a slow breath.Dolton breaks the silence, glancing at me. “Any idea what this Pantheromorph is supposed to look like?”I shake my head. “It’s only ever been mentioned in stories. The assumption is that it’s a combination of all her f
Sebastian POV“We have a bigger problem,” I say, breaking the silence. Dolton looks at me, his brow furrowed, waiting for me to elaborate. “Calling all the royals from each kingdom into one location? It’s risky. More than risky—it’s a disaster waiting to happen. If the Werewolf King is working with the exiled, they won’t need to take down the kingdoms individually. They’ll take us out in one stroke.”Dolton exhales sharply, sitting back against the seat. “You’re right. It’s the perfect opportunity for an ambush. Gather all the royals, their key leaders, and their guards in one place, and we’re practically handing them the kingdoms on a silver platter.”I nod, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “We’d be fools to assume the Werewolf King hasn’t already thought of that. He’s been planning this for years, using his greed and cunning to sow discord. He won’t hesitate to strike if he sees the chance.”Dolton taps his fingers on the armrest, his eyes narrowing in thought. “Then
Sebastian POVThe journey back feels excruciatingly longer than the trip to our destination. Perhaps it’s the numerous stops we’ve made along the way, or maybe it’s the tension hanging in the air, pressing down on us like a heavy, invisible weight. Normally, we’d take to the skies—flying is quicker and less draining—but given the uncertainty of Joseph’s situation, we couldn’t risk leaving behind vehicles and supplies. The ground travel is necessary, but it stretches time in a way that gnaws at my patience.It’s been nearly twelve hours since Celine’s encounter at the lake. I glance over at her, fast asleep and curled up against Jonathan as he sleeps. Her breathing is soft and steady, her body relaxed, but even in sleep, there’s a vulnerability about her that stirs a protective instinct deep within me. Jonathan holds her carefully, almost reverently, as though he’s afraid to disturb her. It’s a sight that, surprisingly, doesn’t spark jealousy—just a quiet sense of relief. She’s stopped
Dolton POVJonathan, who has been uncharacteristically quiet, finally speaks. His voice carries a weight of apology. “I should have told you. I didn’t think it was important to say I was also Merfolk. I haven’t shifted into that form since I was a child, back when I stayed with my mother in the Fae Kingdom. I never intended to shift into it again. I had accepted that I was Fae, and only Fae.”His words hang in the air, heavy with regret and vulnerability. His gaze flicks between us, searching for understanding, though I can tell he’s bracing himself for judgment.I let out a sigh, my voice gentle but firm as I reply. “But you’re not only Fae, Jonathan. You never were.”The truth of it seems to land with him, his shoulders sagging slightly as if he’s finally acknowledging a part of himself he’s long suppressed. The room feels charged, the unspoken complexities of identity, loyalty, and belonging weaving through the space. Yet, in this moment, I can see something shifting in all of us—a
Dolton POVCeline is still trembling, her body giving away just how deeply shaken she is. I can’t blame her—we should have warned her. We should have told her that outside the protection of the kingdoms, the world isn’t just untamed; it’s downright dangerous. But we didn’t expect her to wander off, to venture into a space where these horrors lurk. The guilt gnaws at me, knowing we could have prevented this.The only silver lining is that she shifted. Her merfolk form was nothing short of breathtaking—silver and gold shimmering together in her tail. Not even the royal Merfolk can boast such a rare combination of colors. Typically, the royal families have distinct, unique features that set them apart, but none of them have the brilliance that she does. It’s like her very being is touched by the divine, a beacon of her status as the Queen Goddess.But even that marvel is overshadowed by what just happened. We returned to the car and found them gone. The moment I saw the empty space where
Celine POV“Not many can shift into both forms,” Sebastian says, breaking the silence, his voice thoughtful. “Usually, one side is more dominant than the other. Take Nischola, for example. She’s both dragon and wolf, but her wolf side prevailed. She can’t shift into her dragon form at all.”His words only deepen my confusion. “You’re saying Jonathan is unique?” I murmur, still trying to wrap my head around the revelation.Sebastian’s gaze sharpens as he turns back to Jonathan. “You are powerful. You yourself are rare—unique, even. Hiding either side of you isn’t just denying who you are; it’s punishing your shifter Jonthan. Do you know why the kingdoms separated in the first place? Because they couldn’t accept that some of their own could embody more than one kind of magic, more than one kind of being. If people embraced both sides of themselves, maybe the kingdoms wouldn’t despise each other as much as they do now.”Jonathan doesn’t respond immediately, but the weight of Sebastian’s