Sebastian POV
Turning to address the rest of the army, I project my voice so it carries through the hall. “Tonight, you have proven why this kingdom stands as one of the strongest in the realm. Your bravery and skill on the battlefield have once again secured our borders. You have done amazing work, and I am proud of each and every one of you.”
The soldiers respond with a collective roar of approval, their pride evident in the way they stand taller, their wings unfurling slightly.
“However,” I continue, my tone serious, “we cannot afford to grow complacent. While the exiled have delivered their message and are unlikely to attack again immediately, we must be prepared for the possibility that they may try to break through and reach Celine. I want guards stationed at every border, patrols doubled, and reports sent to me hourly. We will not allow them to exploit any weaknesses.”
There is no hesitation in their response. A
Sebastian POV“It—” Diadri stammers, her gaze darting to Zokod.“This is clearly fabricated,” Zokod says, his voice rising slightly. “Our son died, Your Majesty.”“Did he?” I counter. “Because this photograph was taken the week after your son allegedly passed away. What’s more, there’s currently an underground operation selling children and adults with special abilities into slavery. The information I’ve gathered places your son directly in the middle of this.”The murmurs around us grow into shocked gasps. Zokod shifts uncomfortably, while Diadri looks ready to collapse.“From what I’ve uncovered, your son was sold for over 500,000 crowns,” I continue. “And then, coincidentally, your family came into money—insurance, you claimed. But that’s not all, is it? Monthly payments continue to arrive from the Werewolf Kingdom.”
Celine POVThe palace halls stretch endlessly before me, their grandeur amplified by the faint flicker of torchlight casting long, shifting shadows. The guard leading me walks with purpose, his steps echoing against the polished stone floors. Despite the beauty surrounding me, the intricately carved archways, the glimmer of gold trim on every doorframe, and the soft hum of enchantments woven into the very air—I can’t focus. My body aches, and my mind feels heavy with everything that has transpired.“This way, Your Majesty,” the guard says, his voice firm but polite as he gestures toward a wide, ornate door at the end of the hall.Sebastian’s bedroom.The door looms ahead, its surface carved with intricate dragons weaving through storm clouds, their wings outstretched in eternal flight. The craftsmanship is stunning, each detail so lifelike it seems the dragons could leap from the wood at any moment.Jo
Celine POVThe logistics of it alone make my head spin, but I nod absently, trying to piece it all together. When I glance up, I notice Jonathan watching me, his expression curious.“You were talking to your wolf,” he says softly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.I nod, brushing my hair back from my face. “Don’t you ever talk to your Fae?”Jonathan’s smile fades slightly, his gaze thoughtful. “Fae aren’t like wolves or dragons. Our shifts are part of us, but there’s no separate consciousness, no voice to guide us. When Sebastian shifts, Helios can take control, and he can step back. When you shift, Luperca is there for you to lean on, to speak to. For Fae… we’re always in control. There’s no separate entity to connect with.”I tilt my head, processing his words. I’ve always assumed that every shifter had a connection like mine, a voice in their head that offered
Celine POVHis head tilts in curiosity, his expression shifting to one of interest. “Can she do that while you’re in your Fae form?”“She says she’s connected to every part of me,” I explain. “Apparently, it doesn’t matter what form I’m in.”A faint smile spreads across his face. “Then I’d be happy to meet her. She’s a part of you, after all.”I nod, focusing inward again. How do I do this, Luperca?Relax and let go, she instructs. Focus on me and allow me to step forward. You’ll still be there, but as an observer.I exhale deeply, trying to relax. The sensation is strange—like being pulled backward and watching from behind a pane of glass. My body moves, but it’s not me in control anymore.“Hello, Jonathan,” Luperca says, her voice richer and more commanding than mine. Hearing her speak out loud through me is disorienting.
Celine POVI feel the connection stir, pulling me forward. I push gently, taking control back from Luperca. Jonathan immediately notices, his smile softening as his eyes meet mine.“Celine,” he says warmly.I blink at him, surprised. “How did you know?”“Your eyes,” he says simply. “They shifted slightly. And your posture—it’s different. It’s easy to tell when you and Luperca change places.”His attentiveness makes me smile. “You notice everything, don’t you?” Without waiting for an answer, I tug him toward the bed. “Let’s just watch a movie. I want to relax.”He chuckles softly and nods, settling beside me as we put something on. His arm wraps around me, pulling me closer, and the warmth of his presence lulls me into a comfortable haze. As the movie plays, I find myself drifting, the weight of exhaustion pulling me under. I don’t figh
Celine POVThe connection is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. My breath catches as his emotions amplify my own, heightening the pleasure coursing through me. Before I can fully process it, he shifts, pinning my wrists above my head with one hand while his other grips my hip, holding me firmly in place. His hips press against mine, creating a friction so exquisite it makes me gasp.“Is this what you want?” he growls, his voice a low, dangerous rasp. His teeth graze my bottom lip before he bites down lightly, pulling a moan from deep within me.“Yes,” I breathe, arching into him, desperate for more. “More, Jonathan. Please.”He smirks, his control slipping further. He pulls back just enough to make me ache for him, then slams back against me, stealing my breath. A strangled cry escapes my lips as the world narrows down to this moment, this connection. He moves harder, faster, his body claiming mine with every thrust.
Celine POVNischola looks at me, her expression earnest, as I prepare the flower for the next spell. “Celine,” she says softly, her voice steady but filled with maternal worry, “please... the baby first. He’s more important than I am. If something happens to me, Joseph can raise him, but he needs to be free from this curse. I beg you, start with him.”I glance at Joseph, who looks torn, his protective instincts warring with Nischola’s plea. His grip tightens on the baby as he nods, silently agreeing with her. My stomach twists, the weight of responsibility pressing down on me.“Are you sure?” I ask Nischola, my voice barely above a whisper.“Yes,” she replies firmly. “Do it for him.”Taking a deep breath, I focus on the flower. The delicate blossoms tremble slightly in my hand as I remove one, its vibrant color seeming to pulse with life. Carefully, I crumble the petals between
Sebastian’s POVThe entire day has been consumed by preparation, every moment spent ensuring tonight’s celebration is flawless. After the kingdom’s months of uncertainty—questions of survival, whispers of despair over the possibility of Nischola’s death—it feels imperative to give the people a reason to rejoice, to breathe freely again, even if just for a night. Tonight isn’t just about celebration; it’s about hope.The weight of my press release earlier still lingers in my mind. I revealed just enough to the kingdom: the truth about the children being sold, the machinations of a powerful force from another kingdom. But I withheld specifics—names, locations—enough to keep the fire contained, at least for now. My focus is on reassurance, not panic. I made it clear that after a few days of respite, I will personally confront this growing threat. The people needed to know I was not turning a blin
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,&