Sebastian
I exhale sharply, forcing the tension out of my body. Now isn’t the time to dwell on this.
“Shift,” I tell Celine, stepping back fully. “We need to go.”
She hesitates for only a moment before nodding. Shadows ripple around her as she shifts into her Fae form, her wings unfurling with an elegant snap. Even now, after everything that just happened, she looks calm, in control.
I wish I could say the same. I move toward the door, but my mind is already pulling apart the pieces of what just happened.
Helios took control again, and this time, I wasn’t aware of anything. That hasn’t happened since Ember Season. I try to reach back, to remember anything from the past hours, but it’s empty. A void.
It wasn’t like before, when I could fight Helios for control. When I could at least see what he was doing, even if I couldn’t stop him. This time, I was completely gone.
It was just him, and I only came back when Celine said my name. The t
CelineThe morning air is crisp, the lingering darkness still heavy around us as we move forward. I walk beside Dolton at the front of the convoy, my steps steady, but my thoughts are anything but.Everything feels too still. Too quiet.The attack went as planned. We got the children. The exiled and witches were dealt with. And yet, there’s a weight in my chest that won’t leave. It's not from us getting ready to face the werewolf King either. It's more than that.Dolton glances at me as we walk, his Lycan form massive beside me. “You’re thinking too much.”I exhale slowly. “And you’re not thinking enough.”His ears twitch at that, but his voice stays even. “No point worrying about things we can’t change.”“But what if I can?” I look ahead, my gaze distant. “What if I should?”Dolton stays silent for a moment, waiting for me to continue. He knows me well enough to tell when something’s bothering me.“It’s Sebastian,” I fi
SebastianThe earth is still beneath my feet. The heat of flight, the rush of the wind, the weight of Helios pressing me down, all of it vanishes the moment I shift back.Celine stands in front of me, her expression torn between relief and concern.I remember flying. I remember seeing her, watching her chase me, trying to reach me, trying to bring me down. But Helios wouldn’t stop. Wouldn’t listen. Wouldn’t even acknowledge me screaming at him inside my own head.Now, I’m here, back on the ground, and Celine is right in front of me.I exhale sharply and pull her to me, wrapping my arms around her. Her body presses into mine, her warmth grounding me in a way I desperately need.She says nothing for a moment, just lets me hold her. My grip tightens, my heart still racing from something I don’t understand, something I can’t explain.In the distance, I hear something faint, just beyond the treeline. A shift of movement, a rustling.
SebastianQueen Nymia and Queen Sereia exchange another glance, something unspoken passing between them before Nymia speaks.“We can combine our magic to get answers,” she says, her voice even, measured.Queen Sereia nods. “But it will hurt.”I don’t hesitate. “I don’t care.”Nymia studies me, her sharp gaze unwavering. “You say that now, but this isn’t just pain, Sebastian. This magic is not meant to be used on dragons. Your kind resists outside influence, and forcing our way in will cause agony beyond what you’ve ever known.”Meeting her gaze, I don't react or flinch. “I need answers.”Sereia leans forward slightly. “We will have to silence you.”Tensing beside me, Jonathan's posture shifts.Sereia continues, her tone firm. “The pain will be enough to rip your throat raw if you try to scream. If we do this, you won&rsq
CelineThe world feels quieter as we fall behind the others, the distant murmurs of our people fading as Sebastian leads me away from the main group. His grip on my hand is steady but tense, his thumb pressing against my palm in a slow, deliberate motion.Something is wrong.I can feel it in the way he moves, the way his gaze flickers between me and the horizon ahead. He’s trying to find the words before he speaks them.I don’t wait. “You know what’s happening,” I say, keeping my voice even. “Don’t you?”Sebastian exhales, nodding once. “Yeah. I do.”Glancing up at him, I narrow my eyes. “How?”He hesitates, but only for a moment. “I had Queen Nymia and Queen Sereia use their magic to uncover it.”I stop walking.He takes a few more steps before realizing I’m not beside him, then turns back. His expression is unreadable, but his pos
Celine POVThe warmth of his human skin disappears, replaced by scales hotter than fire, his massive form easily cradling me against his chest. The sky above shifts, darkening slightly at his presence, but I don’t look up.I look at him. Helios.His golden eyes burn as they lock onto me, the intensity of his stare making my breath catch. His massive claws tighten around me, pressing me closer, as if now that he has me, he’ll never let go.“Mine.”The possessive snarl doesn’t come aloud, it rumbles through his chest, through me, vibrating deep inside my bones.I keep my arms wrapped around him, letting my fingers stroke over his scales, feeling the ridges and grooves of his powerful form. “I told Sebastian to let you take over for a bit,” I murmur, watching as his golden eyes narrow slightly.Another growl, deep and rumbling, not quite satisfied. “I don’t want a bit,” Helios f
CelineI stare at him, the weight of his words settling into my chest, pressing down like an uncomfortable truth I can’t ignore.He’s right. I never thought about what happens after. Never thought about whether Helios would want those moments with me, the ones I give to Sebastian without hesitation.Because in my mind, he was Sebastian, or at least, that’s what I told myself, but now, looking back, I see the mistake. I assumed.I assumed that because I gave those moments to Sebastian, it was enough. That Helios would be satisfied knowing I stayed in Sebastian’s arms, even if it wasn’t him I was holding. But that was wrong.Helios isn’t just some extension of Sebastian’s consciousness. He may be Sebastian’s dragon, but he’s also his own being. He's also Sebastian, so to give him part when he's in control is wrong.I never thought to give him the same love I so easily give to his other half
Dolton’s POVI walk beside Jonathan, listening as he explains the issues Sebastian is facing. The way he talks about it, it’s clear he doesn’t fully understand it.And how could he? Merfolk and Fae aren’t like wolves, bears, or dragons. Their shifts are seamless, natural, without conflict. Their forms don’t hold a separate consciousness, no other voice fighting for dominance.Glancing back, I see Helios carrying Celine. She’s asleep, and it’s obvious from the way he moves that it’s Helios, not Sebastian.“There should be a way to control his shifter,” Jonathan mutters.“This isn’t like with you. While Sebastian and Helios are the same person, they are also separate. Controlling a shifter isn’t easy, especially for someone like Sebastian who craves control and doesn’t like to give it up.”His gaze flickers to me. “You do it.”
Jonathan’s POVI understand why Dolton keeps things hidden. He’s right. None of us truly know how powerful he is. No one has ever fully understood Lycans. They have no records, no history to explain what they are, only stories passed down through whispers.“You think that you’re normal?” Dolton asks, looking at me.“Am I not?” I ask. I’m so normal that I was a guard and a servant.“How many Fae do you know who lost their mate and survived?” He watches me closely.“I didn’t lose her, I rejected her, Dolton, which is why I survived.” If I had kept our bond when she died, I wouldn’t be here.Dolton shrugs. “Do you honestly think you rejected her fully? Fae are unable to reject their mates if they love them, so how did you, Jonathan?”The question catches me off guard.“I know a lot. While I grew up, I tried to lea
Helios’s POVI carefully take Clara from Dolton, cradling her against my chest as if she’s the most precious treasure I’ve ever held, and she is. Her delicate warmth radiates into me, a fragile yet unwavering presence in my arms, melting through the lingering hardness that once defined who I was. Her steady, peaceful breathing calms something deep inside me, quieting the restless beast I had always been.As I study her tiny face, with soft cheeks and a delicate nose, the innocence reflected there stirs something unfamiliar in my chest, a fierce protectiveness unlike anything I have ever known. The heart that once burned with obsession, possessiveness, and dominance now fills with a different kind of fire, pure and gentle. It’s startling yet comforting, reshaping who I am from the core outward.Instinctively, almost without thinking, I begin to hum softly, a melody from a lifetime ago, one I barely remember, yet somehow feels right to shar
6 Years LaterJonathan POV“Caleb, hold still,” I murmur, tightening my grip gently around my three-year-old son, who wriggles impatiently in my arms. His soft golden hair tickles my chin as he peers eagerly around the room, blue eyes wide with excitement. Aurora streaks past, her small dragon form shimmering in hues of violet and silver, scales glinting under the soft lights as she darts playfully around us.Celine laughs softly as she watches Aurora, her eyes filled with warmth. Sebastian stands near her, arms crossed over his chest, a proud smile on his face. Beside them, Dolton cradles his newborn daughter, Clara, just a week old, her tiny features serene as she sleeps peacefully against his chest.The room is alive with happiness, joy bouncing off the walls as we prepare for the celebration. I find myself smiling, my heart swelling. It wasn’t so long ago that I thought I’d lost everything. But here, surrounded by these people,
Sebastian’s POVThree months laterI’m flying as fast as I can, the wind cutting sharp against my scales.I left the kingdom earlier to meet Aarmon and collect two feeders for Celine. Her pregnancy has made her need blood more frequently, and I have no idea how she will be after the baby is born. I planned to return days ago, but Aarmon ran into issues with the vampires, delaying everything. Now I’m rushing back, and the only thing I know is that Celine has gone into labor.I abandoned the cars hours ago, there wasn’t time to waste. The soldiers will ensure the feeders arrive safely. Right now, the only thing that matters is getting to her.Helios pushes forward, impatient, and I don’t stop him. He’s always faster than me in the air, and this time, I need that speed. He focuses, his instincts sharper, his wings slicing through the sky with powerful strokes. At least this way, if we’re late,
Celine’s POVThe grand hall of the Dragon Kingdom is alive with celebration, the golden glow of torches casting flickering light over the towering stone walls. It’s strange how quickly everything has settled, how the chaos of battle has faded into something almost distant, like a dream that we all woke up from. The weight of it still lingers, of course, but tonight is not about that. Tonight is about the fact that we are here. Alive. Stronger than before.The past week has been a blur, filled with moments of reflection and change. Somehow when Helios takes control, I can hear Sebastian in my mind. It's strange but nice. Jonathan has embraced both sides of himself more than ever, his fae and merfolk magic flowing together like they were always meant to be one. Dolton has grown quieter, more thoughtful, as if the shadows that once burst from him still whisper at the edge of his mind, not in a bad way though. Leif is adjusting, still finding his place among us
Sebastian POVThe cars come to a stop, and I glance out the window, relief flooding through me at the sight of home.Dolton nudges my arm with a playful grin. “You should fly up with Celine. It’ll be quicker than waiting in the cars.”I shake my head firmly. “No, we should all arrive together.”Dolton’s smirk widens, mischief clear in his eyes. “Alright, then how about Helios takes her up instead? I’m sure he’d love to stretch his wings.”I roll my eyes. “How is that any different?”Dolton shrugs, chuckling softly. “You said you missed home. I’d bet Helios does too—this is his kingdom after all. Maybe he deserves to arrive first.”Before I can respond, Helios takes Dolton’s suggestion as permission, surging forward eagerly and pushing my consciousness to the back. My body shifts abruptly in the car, a wave of laughter erupting from bo
Dolton POVWe’re sitting in a clearing, resting before continuing our journey back to the Dragon Kingdom. The weight I’ve carried since the battle finally feels lighter as laughter fills the air. Around me, faces are relaxed for the first time in what feels like forever. Sebastian sits close to Celine, his arm protectively around her as people continue to celebrate her pregnancy, teasing him about becoming a father. Their smiles are contagious, and I find myself genuinely laughing alongside them.Yet even as I laugh, Julius remains uneasy, pacing restlessly inside my mind. I try to push the unease away, but it’s difficult when Julius is this restless. I glance over to Leif, sitting quietly, staring off into the trees. There’s still so much I don’t know about him, so much he probably doesn’t even know about himself.Leaning closer, I nudge his shoulder gently. “You okay?”Leif blinks, pulled from his thoughts
Jonathan POVI sit alone in the quiet car, the journals spread across my lap. My fingers flip through the pages slowly, frustration building with every page turn. I’d told the others I needed silence to focus, but the truth is, I just didn’t want them to see how much this is getting to me.I’m trying to find answers for Dolton, something that can explain what’s happening to him, but each page I read feels emptier than the last. My heart thuds with a heavy anxiety as I rub my temples.There’s almost nothing here about Lycans. The few mentions I’ve found are vague or useless, and there’s not a single line about the Shadow of the Moon or why there can suddenly be two Lycans. It’s as if the writers deliberately avoided the topic, which only makes me feel more unsettled.I lean my head back against the seat, taking a slow breath, and close my eyes. Dolton deserves answers, he’s struggling with something non
Sebastian POVWe left the Werewolf Kingdom first thing in the morning. I want to get home. I’ve spent far too long away from my kingdom; Helios is restless, and so am I.It’ll take about three days to get back, but since it’s only our group traveling, all my men can drive, which means we won’t be slowed down by walking. Dolton chose to ride in another car with Leif, wanting to spend some time speaking with him alone. Jonathan opted to ride separately, claiming he needed quiet to focus on reading through the journals.I understand why Jonathan turns to the journals for answers, but even I doubt they can solve everything. I know he’s hoping to find something—anything—to help Dolton. Finding out Leif is directly connected to him, even in death, must be overwhelming, especially when severing their bond might risk both their lives.Still, despite the circumstances, I welcome the chance to spend time alone with Celine.
Celine POVI watch Dolton carefully. He wouldn’t have turned bad, I know it. He wasn’t alone, he had me, Sebastian, and Jonathan. We wouldn’t have let him become something evil.Stepping closer, I gently slip my hand into Dolton’s, trying to calm him. He turns slightly, offering me a faint smile, but the worry in his eyes is unmistakable. He shouldn’t be worried; he has us.“You once mentioned feeling like part of you was missing, like something wasn’t fully there,” his father says from behind the bars, his gaze unwavering. “Do you remember when that began, Dolton?”“No, I don’t,” Dolton snaps sharply.From the other cell, Wes chuckles darkly. “It started when Leif was born. Come on, Dolton, catch up.”Turning sharply, I glare at Wes, and the twisted, evil man mockingly blows me a kiss. My stomach churns with disgust.“Leif is part of you,&