Sebastian POVThe air was tense as the punishments were carried out earlier, the weight of justice settling over the pack. Now, as the evening light casts long shadows across the pack grounds, I gather everyone together. They form a loose semi-circle, murmuring amongst themselves, speculating about who will take leadership once we leave. Their faces reflect a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, their gazes shifting toward me for answers.“Alpha Ryan,” I call out, my voice carrying authority. All eyes turn toward the man who rises quickly from his seat. His movements are sharp, his posture upright, but I can see the shadow of his past in his eyes—a quiet sadness he carries with him.“If you’re willing,” I continue, “this is your pack now. You’re the alpha. These wolves will follow your orders.” My words hang in the air as I wait for his response, the tension palpable.Ryan bows his head slightly in deference. “Of course, Your Majesty. I accept,” he says, his voice steady but tinged wit
Sebastian POV I step closer, cupping her face in my hands. “You just told me you’d try to help Nischola before even learning about your true self,” I remind her gently. “That tells me everything I need to know. I have faith in you, Celine. You’ll be an amazing queen.” My words are filled with conviction, and I see her relax slightly, leaning into my touch.But my curiosity gets the better of me. “We need to talk about this, Celine,” I say softly. “You don’t seem to ask much about yourself. Why?”Her brows furrow in confusion. “What sorts of things would I ask?” she replies, her voice unsure.I sigh, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “About your abilities. Your wolf,” I say, searching her gaze for understanding. “You’ve shifted once, but you haven’t fully accepted her. You haven’t even reached out to learn her name.” My words are gentle but firm.She stares at me, her confusion deepening. She doesn’t know what she’s capable of, and she’s too focused on others to realize she need
CelineAfter Sebastian left, his words lingered in my mind. You need to focus on yourself. He was right, though admitting it wasn’t easy. I hadn’t truly tried to understand who—or what—I am. The thought unsettled me, but it was long overdue.Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes, focusing inward. I need to find her. My wolf. The memory of shifting that first time was still vivid, chaotic, and instinctive. I had no control, no understanding. It had just… happened.As I concentrate, something stirs within me, a presence I hadn’t acknowledged before. It isn’t just my wolf—there is so much more, layers of something ancient and untapped, powerful and yet elusive. It is overwhelming, but I push through the noise, focusing on the thread that feels most familiar.Then, a voice, clear and resonant, cuts through the chaos.Celine, I am Luperca.The words jolt me, my eyes snapping open. I look around instinctively, as though expecting someone to appear in the room, but I know better. The voice wa
Celine POV I watch, my heart pounding as he begins to shift. The process was seamless, fluid, as though his body obeyed without hesitation. His form grows, dark purple scales shimmering with an almost black sheen. His wings unfurled, their edges tipped with red spikes that gleamed ominously in the dim light.He’s magnificent—and terrifying.He kneels, his massive form towering over me even in his lowered position. As he leans closer, the air seems to thin, and my breathing becomes shallow. His clawed hand reaches out, gripping my jaw gently but firmly, his nails pressing just enough to remind me of his strength.The world around me blurs as images began to flood my mind. They are vivid and sharp, flashing too quickly for me to process. I need to focus. Breathe, Celine. Breathe. I try to steady myself, forcing the visions back as I fight to remember how to draw air into my lungs.But his presence is overwhelming, his power suffocating in its intensity. My body trembles, caught between
CelineNestled in Helio’s arms, I let the world around me fade away, my body melting into his warmth. His hands cup my face gently, his touch grounding me as his forehead rests against mine. A soft hum escapes my lips, a quiet acknowledgment of the comfort his presence provides. My body feels weightless, like I’ve transcended the physical, existing in a haze of pleasure and exhaustion.He shifts slightly, his lips brushing against mine in a kiss so tender it makes my heart ache. I respond instinctively, my mouth parting, allowing my tongue to meet his. The intimate connection deepens as his tongue strokes along mine, the sensation sending a soft moan tumbling from my lips.Unable to help myself, I press closer to him, needing more of his warmth, his touch, his presence. But just as quickly, he pulls back. I watch as his form shifts seamlessly, returning to his human self. A pout forms on my lips, and he chuckles softly, his amusement lighting up the room.His hand moves to my chin, his
Celine POV My thoughts swirl as I prepare for the road ahead, the answers I seek lingering just out of reach.The car hums softly beneath us as we travel down the winding road, the dense forest stretching endlessly on either side. The sun filters through the windows, casting dappled light across Sebastian’s sharp features. He looks calm, focused, but my mind churns with questions. I can’t stay quiet any longer.“Why are you helping werewolves?” I ask, turning to face him. “You’re the King of Dragons. Isn’t this something the Werewolf King should be handling?” My tone is curious, not accusatory, though I can’t help but feel there’s more to his involvement than he’s letting on.Sebastian’s golden eyes flick to me briefly before returning to the road. “King Gregory has been sick for years,” he begins, his voice steady but laced with something deeper—perhaps frustration. “When I arrived in his kingdom searching for my son, we made an agreement. I would help resolve the issues I encountere
Celine POVI stay perched above him, my knees on either side of his hips as my fingers trace the hard lines of his chest. Slowly, I let them wander to the top button of his shirt, unfastening it with deliberate care. His hands shoot up, capturing mine in his strong grip, and a deep chuckle rumbles from his chest.“Celine, we’re in the car,” he growls softly, his lips grazing my ear.The sound of his voice sends a jolt of desire through me, and I press my body closer to his, ignoring the faint protest in his tone. I want him—no, I need him. Before, sex had always been a chore, something I endured rather than enjoyed. But with Sebastian, it’s different. Every moment with him feels like electricity sparking through my veins, igniting something primal within me.I bite my lip, whispering a quiet, “Please,” before leaning in to kiss him. His lips meet mine, warm and firm, and as his hands release mine, I eagerly work to unfasten his shirt. The feel of his hands trailing over my body makes m
Sebastian POVThe journey to the next pack takes several days, the landscape shifting as we travel through dense forests, rolling hills, and the occasional stretch of desolate land. The pack’s territory comes into view at last—a modest settlement nestled in a valley, its simplicity stark against the backdrop of towering evergreens. The Pack House, though sturdy, bears the marks of wear, its weathered facade reflecting the challenges its inhabitants face.I step inside, Celine close at my side, and my gaze falls on Alpha Ian, seated at the head of the table. His face is etched with exhaustion, his shoulders slumped under the weight of his responsibilities. Beside him sits his Luna, Diane, her eyes red from crying, her pain palpable.“Alpha Dale was here, correct?” I ask, my tone firm but calm. My gaze locks onto Ian’s, and he nods, his expression darkening.“Yes,” Ian confirms, his voice heavy. “He said his Luna was wounded and asked to stay here. He offered money for accommodation.”Th
Jonathan POVAs I turn to leave, Dolton appears at the door. “Jonathan, can I have a word?” he asks, his tone serious.I nod, addressing the servants one last time. “Follow the updates. You’ve got this.” With that, I step out and join Dolton in the corridor.As we walk, his expression remains tense, his usual calm demeanor clouded by something weighing heavily on his mind. “Do you think you could find something in the journals—or anywhere—about Celine?” he asks.“Something about Celine directly?” I ask, puzzled by his vagueness.He sighs, clearly wrestling with how to articulate his thoughts. “Not just about her. Specifically about the Queen Goddess—how things are supposed to go when she comes back.”I stop in my tracks, turning to face him fully. “You’re not making sense, Dolton. What exactly are you looking for?”His eyes dart away briefly before he finally mutters, “Celine isn’t pregnant.”The weight of his words hits me like a blow, and I stare at him, processing the implication.
Jonathan POVAs a Fae, detecting deception is second nature. Sometimes it’s an overwhelming surge of certainty; other times, it’s a subtle, lingering unease that gnaws at the edges of perception. That’s why I volunteered to help Sebastian. In matters as grave as this, the ability to sense dishonesty is invaluable.Celine needs rest. She and Dolton have a lot to prepare for with the flight training looming. Meanwhile, I find myself standing in the shadows of Sebastian’s command center, watching him prepare to address the kingdom. Even through a television screen, his presence is formidable—commanding and unyielding. He embodies the weight of leadership, his mere posture enough to silence doubt.I understand why many in the kingdom are uneasy about Joseph taking over the throne. They’ve grown accustomed to Sebastian’s strength, his unwavering determination. Yet expecting him to rule until his body gives out is cruel. Even a king deserves a life beyond the crown.The crew signals their r
Dolton POV“So I’m right,” she says, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips.I groan, leaning back in my chair. “Fine. You have a point. But Jonathan doesn’t need a dragon form, Celine. He already has two forms—Fae and Merfolk. You can’t give him another.”She chews her bottom lip, clearly already contemplating it. “But he should fit in too,” she murmurs, more to herself than to me.“Do you think he cares about fitting in?” I counter, my tone firm. “Jonathan is comfortable in his Fae form. That’s the side of him that’s most natural, most prominent. Just like for me—it doesn’t matter that I now have a dragon form. I will always feel more like myself as a Lycan. I didn’t feel out of place at that party, and neither did Jonathan.”She sighs heavily, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the table. “Going forward, Celine, you need to talk to us before making these decisions. I understand you were scared after the vision, but you can’t change who we are without consulting us first
Dolton POVWhen Sebastian and Celine return from their outing, I take her hand and guide her away. Sebastian is occupied with the investigation into the dragons, and his decision to involve Jonathan makes sense. Fae are naturally adept at sensing dishonesty, making Jonathan an invaluable tool in uncovering truths. That leaves me and Celine with a rare opportunity—time alone, uninterrupted for at least a day or two.As I lead her through the corridors, I catch her puzzled expression. It’s not surprising. Earlier this morning, before she joined us, we discussed sleeping arrangements. Two of us sharing a bed with her? Manageable. Three of us crowded together every night? That’s where the line is drawn. None of us, myself included, are entirely comfortable with the idea of lying shoulder to shoulder in one bed.“Why are we going to the bedroom?” she teases, her tone playful as a mischievous glint lights her eyes.“Not for what you’re thinking.” I chuckle, shaking my head as I open the doo
Sebasitan POVArktos was different. Everyone knew about him.“Sebastian… Could they have used magic? Diadri did say they had someone who could manipulate how things appeared.”Her words send a chill down my spine. “That’s exactly what they did,” I growl, fury igniting in my chest. “They used magic to make Arktos look dead. Even to me. They fooled everyone, including Rosalind.”My hand tightens around the box, the edges digging into my palm as I try to suppress the storm of emotions brewing within me. Anger. Guilt. Betrayal.“They didn’t just fool you,” Celine says, her tone steady but fierce. “They took advantage of everyone’s grief. This is beyond cruel.”I sift through more of the papers, my fingers trembling as I uncover more names, more victims. My breath catches when I notice a column listing prices—Shadow’s name is there, along with Arktos’. The amounts are staggering.“Three hundred thousand for Shadow,” I mutter, my voice low and dangerous, the weight of the numbers chilling.
Sebastian POVHer gaze sharpens, and I see her resolve hardening. “I want to know everything,” she says. “About Shadow Binding, about my bloodline, about who I really am.”I smile faintly, pride swelling in my chest. “And I’ll tell you everything, Celine. But for now, you need to focus on the meeting with the elders. There’s more to uncover, and you’ll need your strength for what’s to come.”“So... they’re immortal?” she asks, leaning in slightly.“In a sense, yes. They don’t age, and they heal quickly. But they aren’t invincible. Sunlight is deadly to them. Direct exposure burns them alive within minutes. That’s why Shadow’s blood is so significant. It gives them temporary immunity to sunlight—a way to walk in the day without fear.”Her eyes widen in realization. “And that’s why she’s so rare?”“Exactly,” I say, nodding. “Dragon blood, for example, is lethal to vampires. A single drop can cause excruciating pain, and if enough enters their system, it will kill them. Merfolk blood has
Sebastian POVAs we leave the house and return to the car, Celine finally breaks the silence. “Vampires?” she whispers, her voice heavy with disbelief.“Yes,” I reply grimly. “Vampires. And this is just the beginning of what we’ve uncovered.”The tangled web of corruption spreads deeper than I want to admit. Each royal family remains in the dark about the depravity festering within their kingdoms, but whispers and evidence point to individuals in every realm—those who exploit children for their unique abilities, trading innocence for power or coin. It’s sickening. I can’t afford to trust blindly. I need to go to the Vaelers’ home personally and extract every scrap of information. The risk of leaving it to my guards is too high. If this rot extends further, any one of them could warn the guilty parties or destroy crucial evidence.Celine sits beside me in the car, her presence grounding me as my thoughts swirl. I catch her gaze, her brow furrowed in confusion and concern.“I don’t know
Sebastian POVI watch as the reunion unfolds, Shadow’s small frame pressed tightly between her parents who cling to her as though she might vanish if she lets go.Judas stands up, his eyes wide, his entire body trembling with disbelief. The room is heavy with emotion, tears falling freely, a palpable mix of joy and confusion thickening the air.“Is this...” Judas struggles to find his words, his gaze bouncing between Shadow and me. “The press conference... Is this what it was about? Is this where she was?”I nod solemnly, keeping my tone calm despite the storm of anger and sorrow brewing in the room. “Yes. Shadow was still in this kingdom. I found her in the basement of the Vaeler family’s home. Based on the evidence we’ve uncovered, she was sold for over three hundred thousand... to a vampire.”The silence that follows my words is deafening. Elina’s eyes widen in shock, her hands trembling as they rest protectively on Shadow’s shoulders. “A vampire?” she whispers, her voice breaking.
Celine POV“And who helps you with the magic?” Sebastian’s voice is sharp, each word delivered with precision.Diadri hesitates, her lips trembling as the spell forces her to answer. “Nylex Webler,” she whispers, her voice barely audible. “You're aware of him, a dragon shifter. He creates the spells for us. He’s the one who makes it possible.”Sebastian’s eyes narrow, and he steps even closer to the bars, his presence towering over her. “He had left years ago. Where is he?” he demands.“I don’t know,” Diadri admits quickly, her voice shaking. “He moves around. We only contact him when we need him.”Sebastian straightens, his expression unreadable, though I can see the storm brewing in his eyes. “How do you contact him?”“By phone,” Diadri states, and Sebastian nods.“And where is the list of dragons you stole a