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’s POVThe hum of the tires on the road has become a constant backdrop, a rhythm that matches the monotony of the endless stretch of terrain we’ve covered over the past two days. No stops, save for brief bathroom breaks, but this isn’t a typical journey. Sebastian’s cars are marvels of engineering, designed for both comfort and practicality. At the push of a button, the backseat transforms into a bed, a small luxury in an otherwise relentless trip. It’s where I find myself now, nestled between Dolton and Sebastian, wrapped in the strange comfort of their presence.The dynamic between us is shifting—almost as fluid as the car itself. Dolton, who once held his touch like a fragile promise, now seems to have shed that hesitation. His arms wrap around me with a quiet certainty, as though anchoring himself as much as me. Sebastian, ever the observer, alternates between joining us and immersing himself in his work. His documents scatter across the seat next to him, and his sharp focus
Celine POVThe Fae form, then. It’s the next logical step—closer to my human side, less foreign than the untamed beast of a dragon. Their resemblance to humans, despite their taller frames and wings, feels manageable.Closing my eyes, I focus on the image of a Fae. Heat blooms within me, spreading through my limbs as my body begins the transformation. Bones shift and elongate, muscles contort and rearrange, and I feel my form stretching into something otherworldly.“Well... fuck,” Dolton mutters, his voice tinged with awe. I open my eyes, and the sight takes my breath away.“I’m so damn tall,” I murmur, staring down at the two of them. The perspective shift feels disorienting, unnatural. My body feels foreign, both powerful and strange.Sebastian nods, his gaze appraising. “Congratulations, my love. You can now shift into both your wolf and your Fae forms. But we’ll leave it here for today. If you push your shifter too much, you’ll be unable to shift for days.”I glance down at myself
Celine POVSebastian has already explained the significance of this meeting. The Fae King and Queen hold the key to our mission: the sacred flower that could break the curse. Without their approval, we’d have no hope of obtaining it. The stakes are too high for mistakes.As we approach the gates of the Fae Kingdom, my breath catches in my throat. The gates themselves are a masterpiece of intricate design, glowing faintly with magic that seems to hum in harmony with the earth. As they creak open, revealing the city beyond, I can’t help but press my face to the car window, my eyes widening in awe.The Fae Kingdom is like stepping into another world. The buildings tower impossibly high, their architecture defying gravity with spiraling peaks and elegant arches that seem to shimmer with life. Magic is woven into every stone and vine, creating a seamless blend of nature and civilization. Trees with iridescent leaves stretch into the sky, their branches entwining with the buildings, forming
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
Sebastian POVAs we descend, I see him—Aarmon, the head vampire. He stands outside the castle gates, his tall, imposing figure wrapped in a dark cloak. His sharp features are illuminated by the faint torchlight, his crimson eyes narrowing as he watches us approach. His confusion is evident, his brow furrowing as he steps forward, scanning the scene with interest.Helios lands hard, his claws digging into the earth as we touch down just outside the castle. The ground trembles beneath the force, and a cloud of dust rises around us. I force him back, reclaiming control as my feet hit the ground.Aarmon tilts his head, his expression unreadable as his piercing gaze locks onto me. “Sebastian,” he greets, his tone smooth but tinged with curiosity. “What brings you here so suddenly? And in such a state?” His eyes flick to the figure in my arms, hidden beneath the throw.“Where’s your mage?” I bark, my voice sharp and commanding.Aarmon’s brow arches sligh
Sebastian POVEvery instinct in me screams to stop her, to call her back and tell her to save her energy. But I can’t. Not when she looks like this.She looks free.It’s a look I’ve never seen on her before, and it warms my heart in ways I didn’t think possible. The smile on her face is radiant, a stark contrast to the weight she’s carried for so long. As she turns and dives, laughter spilling from her lips, it’s like she’s shed every burden she’s ever known.I let her have this moment because… when does she ever get to have fun? When does she ever get to live?She’s ahead of me now, her movements light and carefree, but I stay close. Close enough that I can reach her if something goes wrong. There are still dragons out there—rogues and exiles—who might see her as a target, but I pray none are near.Her laughter rings out again, filling the air like a melody, and my chest tightens at the sound. She spins an
Celine POV“What did you see?” he asks, leaning closer, his eyes scanning mine for answers.“Nothing,” I whisper again, the confusion in my voice matching the turmoil in my mind.“You saw something, Celine,” he presses gently.I nod slowly, struggling to put it into words. “I… I saw nothing. It was just darkness. A really cold feeling, panic, and all these screams and shouts… but there was nothing to see. It was completely dark.”His head tilts slightly as he processes my words, then he nods. “Maybe you’re too weak to see the full vision,” he says thoughtfully. “Forget about it for now. Don’t try to trigger any more visions. I was only asking—I didn’t want you to actually try.”“Sorry,” I mumble, feeling small and uncertain. “I don’t know what happened.”Jonathan sighs, pulling me into his arms. I let myself melt into his embrace, finding a small comfort in the way his hand strokes along my back.The moment is short-lived, though, as the car door opens and Sebastian motions for me to
Celine POVI watch as Sebastian steps out of the car, his broad shoulders tense with the weight of his responsibilities. Dolton follows close behind, his head slightly bowed as though burdened by his own doubts. Inside, the tension lingers, suffocating and thick. Jonathan sits quietly across from me, his nose buried in one of the journals, his focus unbroken.Shifting, I move to sit beside him, leaning slightly into his space. “What are you looking for?” I ask softly, my voice breaking the silence.“I’m just making sure we have everything we need for this meeting with the elders,” he replies, lifting his gaze to me. A faint smile crosses his lips before he leans forward, pressing a kiss to my lips.For a moment, the world fades away—the chaos, the fear, everything. I lose myself in the warmth of his touch, kissing him back as I press closer to him, seeking comfort in his presence.But his hand gently stops me, resting against my shoulder. He shakes his head, his smile soft and underst
Sebastian POVCeline stirs beside me, her body shifting as she wakes. I turn to her and offer a soft smile, though my worry is difficult to hide. She sits up slowly, her movements heavy with fatigue, and looks between us. Her face is pale—too pale. Her energy is fading faster than I expected, and it’s clear she’s running on fumes.“How are you feeling?” I ask, keeping my voice gentle.She forces a smile, but it’s weak. “Perfectly fine. I just needed a nap,” she says, her voice thin with exhaustion.I don’t press her, but it’s obvious she’s lying. Her weariness is written in every line of her face, and I’m silently thankful that we’ve decided to prioritize the Vampire Kingdom. She won’t last long without the blood she needs.The cars grind to a halt, and I glance out the window. We’ve arrived? I told them to rush, but I didn’t expect them to cover the distance this quickly.“I’m going to discuss the plan with the guards. Stay in the car—it may not be safe,” I tell her firmly. Leaning o
Sebastian POVThis trip was meant to help Celine unlock more of herself, to teach her how to harness her abilities—to shift effortlessly and use magic with confidence. But she’s barely managing to eat, let alone channel energy into anything else.I watch her as she sleeps, her breaths shallow and strained. So much has happened in such a short time, and it’s tearing her apart, pushing her body far past its limits. She’s running on empty, and every moment of rest she gets is merely a fragile reprieve.“It’s a complication,” Dolton murmurs, breaking the heavy silence. His brow furrows as he looks at me. “How do we navigate her need for blood when we return to the Dragon Kingdom full-time?”It’s a question that’s been gnawing at the back of my mind too. Frequent travel to the Vampire Kingdom isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. The time, energy, and risk it takes aren’t sustainable. But without those trips, where else would she get the blood she needs to survive?“Maybe there’s a spell
Celine POVI can’t do it. I won’t drink blood. How could this possibly be right?“What’s your fear around vampires and everything else?” Dolton’s voice is steady, but his eyes narrow as he studies me.“They’re evil!” I snap, my emotions unraveling. “What do you think, Dolton? They kill people—they’re evil. They’re from hell!”He chuckles, the sound low and almost mocking. A smirk tugs at his lips. “No, they’re not. That’s just a bedtime story people tell their kids to keep them behaving, to make sure they don’t wander off. Vampires are no different from us—except they drink blood. Yes, there are bad ones, but there are bad werewolves too. Bad fae. Bad everything. Those ones? They’re exiled, just like anyone else.”It doesn’t matter. I don’t like this. It’s all wrong—twisted and unnatural. Totally messed up and wrong.“What’s your plan then? Ignore it and die?” Sebastian’s gaze pierces through me, unrelenting.“Jonathan got it wrong. I won’t die.” My voice shakes, but I try to sound co
Celine POVAs we left to meet the elders, exhaustion finally took its toll, and I let sleep claim me. The past week had been relentless, and no matter how many times I stirred, the weight of fatigue dragged me back under. Each time I surfaced briefly, I felt the gentle sway of the car and heard the faint murmur of their voices, but nothing they said lingered long enough to matter. It all blurred into the background—a low, endless hum.A chill settled over me, seeping through my skin and sinking into my very bones. Even in my half-aware state, I rubbed my arms over and over, trying to coax warmth into them. I couldn’t tell if I was doing it in my dream or reality; the line between the two felt too thin, too fragile. All I knew was the cold—relentless, biting, and unyielding.I fought to pull myself awake, to escape the growing unease that coiled around me like a predator’s snare. But sleep was merciless, dragging me down deeper and deeper. Flickers of images—shapeless, fragmented—flash
JonathanThe car travels at a steady speed; three hours feel like a lifetime sitting in this car. Traveling isn’t something I’ve done in years—until I met Celine.I’m reading through the journals the Fae Queen gave Celine. Sebastian and Dolton are still going through the boxes of information.We’ve not spoken, not even a word. No one wants to speak because that means acknowledging and discussing the risks involved in this.Sure, Sebastian is a Dragon, so we can get out quickly if there are issues. He can fly us all out—well, not him personally, but his guards and such.My eyes flicker to the car’s rearview mirror and land on the large truck behind us. That’s a sign Sebastian expects trouble. He has fifteen guards shifted into their dragon forms, sitting in the back of it.Does he really think something will happen to us? Clearly, he does, although I’m not entirely sure wh