Celine’s POVWhen Jonathan told me about his previous mate, his words struck a chord deep within me, shaking me in ways I hadn’t expected. I never anticipated him to open up so quickly or so vulnerably, and hearing his story unraveled an overwhelming wave of guilt. Earlier today, I had walked away from him, leaving him in confusion and, likely, pain. To hear what he had endured—losing a mate, someone he loved so deeply, and then enduring the agony of rejection—made my behavior feel thoughtless and cruel.Jonathan had already faced so much, and here I was, treating him with a cold indifference that likely reopened old wounds. As his new mate, the last thing I should have done was make him feel as if he was unwanted. But it wasn’t just him I was thinking about.My greatest fear isn’t Jonathan; it’s Sebastian. When Dolton entered our lives, the shift in our relationship was subtle but undeniable. Sebastian had withdrawn in a way only I could feel. He was still there, still loving, but th
Sebastian’s POVThe air in the room feels charged, almost suffocating, as Dolton and I sit across from Jonathan. For hours, we’ve been deliberating how to integrate him into this delicate web of relationships. It’s not just about making him feel welcomed—it’s about preserving the fragile balance between all of us. Celine’s role as Queen Goddess makes her pivotal to everything, but adding another mate into the mix is a complicated, high-stakes endeavor.Jonathan sits quietly, a composed figure with a solemn air about him. His silence isn’t unfamiliar to me—it’s the same quiet that comes from loss, from a past marred by pain and rejection. I can see it in his eyes, the flickers of doubt and resignation. Celine’s initial reaction earlier today must have stung, reopening wounds he thought were long buried.“Things will need to change as we see fit,” Dolton breaks the silence, his voice steady but contemplative. He glances at me for support. “But right now, the priority is making Jonathan
Celine’s POVJonathan has retreated to the adjoining bedroom, leaving us in a charged silence. My thoughts keep circling back to Sebastian and Dolton. I can feel the heat rising within me again—an unmistakable, primal need that consumes my thoughts. The idea of being with them while they’re shifted flares in my mind, a fantasy so intense it makes my skin tingle.Sebastian keeps resisting the idea, but I want this. I need it. Maybe if Dolton shifts as well, it’ll make everything easier.I straddle Dolton’s lap, letting a playful smile dance across my lips. My hands skim his broad shoulders as I lean in, my mouth grazing the sensitive spot on his neck. Heat floods through me, and I realise my current state—my uncontrollable desire—is because I’m in heat again. It’s amplifying everything, making every touch, every breath, electric.Dolton’s smile is soft, understanding, as his hands rest on my hips. “You only need to ask,” he whispers, his voice low and inviting.“Then shift,” I say, my
Jonathan’s POVThe knock on my door comes early, shattering the silence of my restless night. When I call out to see who it is, Sebastian’s voice cuts through the heavy air. “We’re leaving soon. Time to get moving.”As if I’ve been asleep.I’ve been awake for hours, my thoughts churning endlessly. Sleep wasn’t an option, not with the events of the previous night replaying in my mind. Every sound from the next room carried through the walls—every whisper, every moan, every cry of pleasure. It wasn’t intentional on their part, I’m sure of that, but knowing what was happening on the other side of the door was a form of torture I hadn’t been prepared for.Hearing her, feeling her emotions through the mate bond—it was overwhelming. Her need, her pleasure, her bond with them—it consumed me. I was left alone, isolated in this room, unable to escape the pull of her emotions. The mate bond was supposed to be a connection, a source of comfort and belonging, but instead, it left me feeling like
Sebastian’s POVThe soft hum of the car engine is a constant backdrop to the long hours of travel. I’ve spent nearly the entire ride with my head buried in documents and notes, piecing together the threads of the Werewolf King’s treachery. The evidence isn’t just a puzzle—it’s a time bomb. Every new detail adds to the growing picture of just how dire our situation is. But this is my responsibility now. Celine has enough to manage with deciphering the ancient journals and learning to master her powers. She doesn’t need the added weight of this on her shoulders.From the corner of my eye, I notice Celine and Dolton sitting close together, deep in conversation. Her smile is soft, and her laugh rings out occasionally, a soothing sound in the otherwise tense atmosphere. Meanwhile, Jonathan sits across from them, his gaze fixed on the floor. His silence is more pronounced than usual, a heavy stillness that presses around us. Normally reserved, today he seems almost withdrawn, his presence m
Celine’s POVTraveling is more draining than I expected. It isn’t just the physical discomfort of being crammed into a car for hours on end. It’s the mental strain, the feeling of being trapped in a confined space with no true escape. The steady rumble of the car is like a metronome for my growing restlessness, and every passing mile seems to weigh heavier on my shoulders. I long for the freedom to stretch, to breathe, to feel grounded—but instead, all I feel is the ceaseless movement of the journey.I glance to my side, where Jonathan sits quietly, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. His expression is thoughtful, contemplative, but there’s a weight to his silence that I can’t ignore. Something has been brewing within me for days, a thought that keeps tugging at the edges of my mind. I finally decide to voice it.“Jonathan,” I say softly, breaking the fragile quiet between us. My voice feels tentative, like I’m interrupting a deep meditation. He shifts slightly,
Celine POVWith Jonathan and I sat together, we wait for Sebastian and Dolton to return. Despite everything going on, his presence always seems to bring a grounding steadiness, a welcome counterbalance to the chaos swirling around us.“Maybe there’s a lake nearby,” I suggest, my tone thoughtful. “I could try shifting there?”I glance at him, waiting to see if he agrees. It’s a good idea.“You do need to figure out how to shift into your merfolk form.” He smiles and the weight of my frustration from previous attempts creeps in. He nods, his understanding palpable in the soft look he gives me. “I’m happy to come with you if you want.”His offer brings a small smile to my lips. “I’d like that,” I reply, climbing out of the car. As we walk side by side through the trees, the sounds of nature surround us—chirping birds, the rustle of leaves in the soft breeze, and the crunch of our footsteps on the forest floor. A few minutes later, the glimmering surface of a pristine lake comes into view
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
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,&