Sebastian POVThe tension in the air feels almost suffocating as I step outside and find Alpha Ian flanked by a small group of his pack members. His expression is a storm of frustration and grief, his movements sharp as he approaches me. I know exactly why he’s here—he’s expecting answers, results—but all I have are scattered pieces of an incomplete puzzle.“You just left,” Ian says, his voice laced with accusation.“I went to the town,” I reply evenly, meeting his gaze. “We found the auction site, but no one there is talking. If Dale sold your daughter, that’s the place he would have done it. But we’ve made no progress. These people don’t break easily.” My words hang heavy in the air, and I wish I had more to give him, something concrete that could lead him to his daughter.“You said you would help!” Ian’s frustration boils over, and his glare pierces through me like a dagger.“I am helping,” I insist, my voice firm but tinged with the weariness of this impossible situation. “But the
Sebastian POVI rub my temples, the pieces of this twisted puzzle only becoming more convoluted. If this is true, if the King truly bought and used her, then our path forward just became infinitely more dangerous.“What do we do now?” Ian asks, his voice barely above a whisper.I glance at Celine, her expression a mix of shock and quiet resolve. “Now,” I say, “we uncover the truth—whatever it takes.”Ian’s sudden outburst breaks the tense silence like a thunderclap. “We have the evidence!” he exclaims, standing abruptly, his voice filled with desperate energy. “This is it! We can use this to get my daughter back!”Before I can respond, Celine steps forward, her expression fierce and unyielding. “No!” she declares, her voice cutting through Ian’s urgency. She turns to face him fully, her eyes blazing with determination. “We use this evidence to save everyone who was ever sold in that place—not just your daughter. Her blood is the thing to keep her alive, others aren’t that lucky.”Ian
Sebastian POVDolton walks back into the room with a determined expression and drops a large, heavy box onto the table. The thud echoes through the space, and the weight of the moment settles over all of us.“What is this?” I ask, my gaze shifting between him and the box.“This,” Dolton says, gesturing to the box, “is everything Celine’s mother brought with her, plus everything I’ve collected over the years from attending every single auction I could find. Pictures, videos—anything that might help.”I step forward, pulling the box closer to me. The sheer amount of material inside is overwhelming—papers, photographs, and other documents spill over the edges.“I went to find her,” Dolton continues, his voice steady but laced with frustration. “At every auction, I searched for Celine or anyone who might lead me to her. But while I was searching, I saw more than I ever wanted to. I saw every species you can imagine—dragons, fae, vampires, bears, merfolk—all being sold. If they had unique
Celine POVI’ve noticed how worry has etched itself into every line of Sebastian’s face, the weight of everything pressing down on him. He carries too much—responsibilities that aren’t even his to bear, yet everyone looks to him as if he alone can fix what’s broken.“Sebastian needs to focus on what’s in front of him first,” I say, standing. My voice carries a firmness I don’t often use, but I need them to listen. “I understand you all want answers. I understand the need for justice—believe me, I do. But what’s the point of rushing if Sebastian isn’t in the right headspace? He’s stretched too thin. Mistakes will be made. He’ll act out of desperation, and you won’t get the outcome you’re hoping for.”I let my words settle before looking directly at Alpha Ian. “You want your daughter back, and I understand that better than anyone. But if you had only a few weeks to save someone else in your family, someone just as important, would you sacrifice that chance? Would you let them die just t
DoltonThe weight of the decision presses on me like an immovable boulder. I can’t put this off any longer—choosing a new Alpha is a necessity, not an option. We’re leaving soon, and the pack needs stability in my absence. But every option I consider seems wrong, flawed.“I’m lost,” I admit, running my hand through my hair as I glance at Celine. “I can’t figure out who can take over as Alpha when we leave.”Her expression softens, and she steps closer, her presence calming even when my thoughts are in turmoil. “I know who,” she says, her voice steady and certain.I blink at her. “You do? Who?”Her answer comes without hesitation. “Alex.”The name lands like a thunderclap, and I stare at her in disbelief. “Is that some kind of joke?” It has to be. Alex stood by my father’s side for too long, complicit in the atrocities committed against her—and me.“Believe me, Dolton,” she replies firmly. “Trust me. Alex isn’t bad. He was as much a victim of your father’s manipulation and abuse as you
Sebastian POVI take a deep breath, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on my chest as I sit down across from Dolton. My gaze meets his, steady and determined. “We need to leave early—long before anyone even realises we’re gone,” I say, my voice low and firm, each word deliberate. The last thing I need is Alpha Ian complicating things further, turning desperation into a trap to tether us here.Dolton leans forward slightly, his brows furrowed in concern. “How early are we talking?” he asks, his tone laced with unease that mirrors my own.“Before sunrise,” I reply without hesitation, my voice hard and resolute. “Ian is growing desperate, and desperate men do reckless things. If he catches even a whisper of our departure, I don’t doubt he’ll do whatever it takes to delay us—or worse, force our hand to stay.”Dolton’s jaw tightens as he mulls over my words. “How long would it really take to present the evidence to the King and exchange it for his daughter? Couldn’t we handle it
Celine POVI stay silent for a moment, watching Dolton wrestle with his thoughts. The weight of the conversation sits heavy between us. I haven’t allowed myself to fully consider the logistics of how our relationship might work—how the dynamics between Sebastian, Dolton, and me will play out—but I know in my heart that it’s possible. My past has already shown me that.Long before Sebastian came into my life, before he saved me, I had been shaped by complexities—relationships that defied norms. I had shared myself with Dolton and his brothers, often all at once. It was a part of my history, something that had once been forced upon me but eventually became something I learned to navigate. Yet, this feels different.Sebastian breaks the silence first, his voice steady, his confidence unwavering. “You wanted to discuss how this would work,” he says, his gaze fixed on Dolton. “Here we are.”Dolton rubs his face, as if trying to erase the confusion clouding his mind. “I’m just... I’m in sho
Celine POVI’m not sure what time it is when I stir awake, but something deep in my body has pulled me from sleep. The room is cloaked in the soft shadows of early morning, the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. Blinking slowly, I take in my surroundings. I’m nestled between Sebastian and Dolton, their warmth enveloping me like a protective cocoon.Sebastian’s chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm beside me, his arm loosely draped over my hip, while Dolton’s presence is solid and grounding, his arm wrapped securely around my waist. Their combined heat, though comforting, is beginning to overwhelm me.A restless energy churns inside me, starting as a subtle warmth in my stomach before spreading through my body in waves. It’s an unfamiliar sensation, almost like a fever, but not entirely unpleasant. The intensity builds, pooling low in my abdomen, until it becomes unbearable.Carefully, I try to shift out from under the covers, desperate for relief. The blankets
Celine POVAs the moon rises higher in the sky, I stand by Sebastian, my heart heavy but resolute. This night may have revealed treachery, but it also proved the strength of the bond we share—and the lengths we will go to protect each other.“Dolton’s fine. He went inside with Jonathan. They’ve agreed to keep their distance for now.”“He’s okay?” I ask again, needing reassurance.“Yeah,” he confirms. “He’s just frustrated with himself for standing so close to the edge after Tatsuya had already threatened him. And annoyed that he m
Celine POVOne moment, everything was fine. The next, Tatsuya appeared out of nowhere, stumbling forward and knocking into Dolton. I didn’t think—I just reacted.It was exactly like the vision I’d seen before, the one where Dolton fell. And I knew, deep in my core, that he hadn’t yet mastered flying.So I shifted and jumped.The air rushed around me as Luperca surged to the surface, my body transforming mid-dive. I caught Dolton just in time, my claws gripping him securely as I fought to stabilize us. The terro
Sebastian POVTheir conversation halts as we approach, and they all bow respectfully.“King Sebastian, Queen Celine,” one of the men greets, his tone formal but warm. “It’s an honor to stand before you both.”“Thank you,” Celine says with a polite smile, her voice steady despite the weight of the attention on her.I gesture toward the man. “This is Duke Eldrin. He oversees the northern territories and has been a staunch supporter of the crown.”“A pleasure to meet you, Duke Eldrin
Sebastian POVWith Celine’s hand securely in mine, I guide her back to the main hall. Her hand feels warm, a grounding presence in the whirlwind of the day. Leaning in, I kiss her softly—our final kiss before stepping back into the spotlight, where every moment will be under watchful eyes.“I announce King Sebastian and Queen Celine, the Dragon Royals, for their first dance!” The herald’s voice rings out, and the grand doors before us swing open.We step out into the hall, the room filled with the hum of anticipation. All eyes are on us, the sea of nobles and dignitaries falling silent as they wait. I glance at Celine and catch the f
Celine POVI glance around, noticing something odd—there are no male guards nearby. The tradition is stricter than I realized. The closest male guards are stationed far down the hall, their distance intentional. It’s as though an invisible barrier has been placed around me, a reminder of the ancient customs dictating this day.As I approach the grand hall, the ornate doors are pulled open by two female attendants. My breath catches as I step inside. The room is magnificent, every surface gleaming with gold accents and sparkling chandeliers. The crowd is vast—lords, ladies, and dignitaries from every corner of the kingdom gathered to witness this union. Their eyes turn to me, murmurs of admiration and awe ri
Celine POVI spend the evening with Nischola, who reassures me that the baby is thriving. She also helps me practice the wedding dance, and to my relief, she claims I picked it up quickly and performed well.I hope she’s being honest because the thought of messing up in front of the entire kingdom tomorrow is mortifying. Yes, the entire kingdom—the wedding is being broadcast live. There’s no hiding from anyone.After a few hours, I return to my room, seeking solitude. I slip into a warm bath, letting the water soothe me. Closing my eyes, I try to relax, but my mind refuses to co
Sebastian spins around, his expression stormy. “You were told to stay quiet and not get involved,” he snaps at Celine.Celine opens her mouth to retort, but Sebastian raises a hand to cut her off. “Because of your actions, he likely won’t speak now. We’ve lost any chance of getting the information we need.”He’s not wrong. Nylex had talked because he was confident he could escape. Now, knowing he’s bound indefinitely, he has no reason to cooperate.“I was trying to help!” Celine fires back, her voice tinged with frustration.“Help how?” Sebastian challenges, his tone sharp.Celine falls silent, unable to answer. She wasn’t trying to help; she was angry, and she wanted to challenge Nylex. Sebastian hadn’t been in any danger—Nylex’s words, though meant to torment him, were under control.“He was behind the fog,” Celine argues defensively.“And it was resolved. He wasn’t actively doing anything when you interfered,” Sebastian counters, his voice tightening with frustration.I rub my face
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 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