Celine POVWalking down the grand staircase with Sebastian at my side feels surreal. The Pack House, with its high ceilings and dark wooden beams, is warm and welcoming in a way I’m not used to. It still feels strange to be here, sleeping in a soft bed, wrapped in blankets, and surrounded by warmth. The faint scent of wood polish and cooked food lingers in the air, a stark contrast to the damp, cold cells I’d grown accustomed to.Last night was the first time in years I wasn’t jarred awake by the endless noise of prisoners shouting, screaming, or banging on the bars. In the cells, silence was rare, and sleep was a luxury. Morning always came too soon, dragging me into the harsh reality of cooking for everyone else before I’d even eaten myself.But today was different. I slept in—a small luxury that feels almost wrong. As Sebastian guides me toward the bustling kitchen, the murmur of voices grows louder. The Pack’s kitchen is full of people, the warm light from the windows casting long
Celine POV“She deserved it!” Selene snaps, her eyes blazing with anger.A soldier steps forward, grabbing her arm and pulling her toward the front. Her defiance falters slightly as Sebastian turns his piercing gaze on her. “State your case,” he says, his voice cold and commanding. “What did she do to deserve the abuse you inflicted on her?”Selene hesitates, her eyes darting between me and the crowd. Finally, she sneers. “She slept with my mate!” she screams, her voice echoing in the courtyard.“Not willingly!” Beta Tom’s voice booms across the space, cutting through her accusation. His face is red with anger as he steps forward. “I told you over and over, Selene—leave it!”His words hit me like a punch to the gut. The pieces fall into place. Selene’s hatred, her cruelty—it all began after that day. She’s been punishing me for something I had no choice in.My chest tightens, and for a moment, I want to say. Leave it. Let her go. But I know better. If Selene walks away unpunished, she’
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
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,&