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 Normally reserved, today he seems almost withdrawn, his presence m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
Dolton POVCeline is still trembling, her body giving away just how deeply shaken she is. I can’t blame her—we should have warned her. We should have told her that outside the protection of the kingdoms, the world isn’t just untamed; it’s downright dangerous. But we didn’t expect her to wander off, to venture into a space where these horrors lurk. The guilt gnaws at me, knowing we could have prevented this.The only silver lining is that she shifted. Her merfolk form was nothing short of breathtaking—silver and gold shimmering together in her tail. Not even the royal Merfolk can boast such a rare combination of colors. Typically, the royal families have distinct, unique features that set them apart, but none of them have the brilliance that she does. It’s like her very being is touched by the divine, a beacon of her status as the Queen Goddess.But even that marvel is overshadowed by what just happened. We returned to the car and found them gone. The moment I saw the empty space where
Dolton POVJonathan, who has been uncharacteristically quiet, finally speaks. His voice carries a weight of apology. “I should have told you. I didn’t think it was important to say I was also Merfolk. I haven’t shifted into that form since I was a child, back when I stayed with my mother in the Fae Kingdom. I never intended to shift into it again. I had accepted that I was Fae, and only Fae.”His words hang in the air, heavy with regret and vulnerability. His gaze flicks between us, searching for understanding, though I can tell he’s bracing himself for judgment.I let out a sigh, my voice gentle but firm as I reply. “But you’re not only Fae, Jonathan. You never were.”The truth of it seems to land with him, his shoulders sagging slightly as if he’s finally acknowledging a part of himself he’s long suppressed. The room feels charged, the unspoken complexities of identity, loyalty, and belonging weaving through the space. Yet, in this moment, I can see something shifting in all of us—a
Sebastian POVThe journey back feels excruciatingly longer than the trip to our destination. Perhaps it’s the numerous stops we’ve made along the way, or maybe it’s the tension hanging in the air, pressing down on us like a heavy, invisible weight. Normally, we’d take to the skies—flying is quicker and less draining—but given the uncertainty of Joseph’s situation, we couldn’t risk leaving behind vehicles and supplies. The ground travel is necessary, but it stretches time in a way that gnaws at my patience.It’s been nearly twelve hours since Celine’s encounter at the lake. I glance over at her, fast asleep and curled up against Jonathan as he sleeps. Her breathing is soft and steady, her body relaxed, but even in sleep, there’s a vulnerability about her that stirs a protective instinct deep within me. Jonathan holds her carefully, almost reverently, as though he’s afraid to disturb her. It’s a sight that, surprisingly, doesn’t spark jealousy—just a quiet sense of relief. She’s stopped
Sebastian POVAs we descend, I see him—Aarmon, the head vampire. He stands outside the castle gates, his tall, imposing figure wrapped in a dark cloak. His sharp features are illuminated by the faint torchlight, his crimson eyes narrowing as he watches us approach. His confusion is evident, his brow furrowing as he steps forward, scanning the scene with interest.Helios lands hard, his claws digging into the earth as we touch down just outside the castle. The ground trembles beneath the force, and a cloud of dust rises around us. I force him back, reclaiming control as my feet hit the ground.Aarmon tilts his head, his expression unreadable as his piercing gaze locks onto me. “Sebastian,” he greets, his tone smooth but tinged with curiosity. “What brings you here so suddenly? And in such a state?” His eyes flick to the figure in my arms, hidden beneath the throw.“Where’s your mage?” I bark, my voice sharp and commanding.Aarmon’s brow arches sligh
Sebastian POVEvery instinct in me screams to stop her, to call her back and tell her to save her energy. But I can’t. Not when she looks like this.She looks free.It’s a look I’ve never seen on her before, and it warms my heart in ways I didn’t think possible. The smile on her face is radiant, a stark contrast to the weight she’s carried for so long. As she turns and dives, laughter spilling from her lips, it’s like she’s shed every burden she’s ever known.I let her have this moment because… when does she ever get to have fun? When does she ever get to live?She’s ahead of me now, her movements light and carefree, but I stay close. Close enough that I can reach her if something goes wrong. There are still dragons out there—rogues and exiles—who might see her as a target, but I pray none are near.Her laughter rings out again, filling the air like a melody, and my chest tightens at the sound. She spins an
Celine POV“What did you see?” he asks, leaning closer, his eyes scanning mine for answers.“Nothing,” I whisper again, the confusion in my voice matching the turmoil in my mind.“You saw something, Celine,” he presses gently.I nod slowly, struggling to put it into words. “I… I saw nothing. It was just darkness. A really cold feeling, panic, and all these screams and shouts… but there was nothing to see. It was completely dark.”His head tilts slightly as he processes my words, then he nods. “Maybe you’re too weak to see the full vision,” he says thoughtfully. “Forget about it for now. Don’t try to trigger any more visions. I was only asking—I didn’t want you to actually try.”“Sorry,” I mumble, feeling small and uncertain. “I don’t know what happened.”Jonathan sighs, pulling me into his arms. I let myself melt into his embrace, finding a small comfort in the way his hand strokes along my back.The moment is short-lived, though, as the car door opens and Sebastian motions for me to
Celine POVI watch as Sebastian steps out of the car, his broad shoulders tense with the weight of his responsibilities. Dolton follows close behind, his head slightly bowed as though burdened by his own doubts. Inside, the tension lingers, suffocating and thick. Jonathan sits quietly across from me, his nose buried in one of the journals, his focus unbroken.Shifting, I move to sit beside him, leaning slightly into his space. “What are you looking for?” I ask softly, my voice breaking the silence.“I’m just making sure we have everything we need for this meeting with the elders,” he replies, lifting his gaze to me. A faint smile crosses his lips before he leans forward, pressing a kiss to my lips.For a moment, the world fades away—the chaos, the fear, everything. I lose myself in the warmth of his touch, kissing him back as I press closer to him, seeking comfort in his presence.But his hand gently stops me, resting against my shoulder. He shakes his head, his smile soft and underst
Sebastian POVCeline stirs beside me, her body shifting as she wakes. I turn to her and offer a soft smile, though my worry is difficult to hide. She sits up slowly, her movements heavy with fatigue, and looks between us. Her face is pale—too pale. Her energy is fading faster than I expected, and it’s clear she’s running on fumes.“How are you feeling?” I ask, keeping my voice gentle.She forces a smile, but it’s weak. “Perfectly fine. I just needed a nap,” she says, her voice thin with exhaustion.I don’t press her, but it’s obvious she’s lying. Her weariness is written in every line of her face, and I’m silently thankful that we’ve decided to prioritize the Vampire Kingdom. She won’t last long without the blood she needs.The cars grind to a halt, and I glance out the window. We’ve arrived? I told them to rush, but I didn’t expect them to cover the distance this quickly.“I’m going to discuss the plan with the guards. Stay in the car—it may not be safe,” I tell her firmly. Leaning o
Sebastian POVThis trip was meant to help Celine unlock more of herself, to teach her how to harness her abilities—to shift effortlessly and use magic with confidence. But she’s barely managing to eat, let alone channel energy into anything else.I watch her as she sleeps, her breaths shallow and strained. So much has happened in such a short time, and it’s tearing her apart, pushing her body far past its limits. She’s running on empty, and every moment of rest she gets is merely a fragile reprieve.“It’s a complication,” Dolton murmurs, breaking the heavy silence. His brow furrows as he looks at me. “How do we navigate her need for blood when we return to the Dragon Kingdom full-time?”It’s a question that’s been gnawing at the back of my mind too. Frequent travel to the Vampire Kingdom isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. The time, energy, and risk it takes aren’t sustainable. But without those trips, where else would she get the blood she needs to survive?“Maybe there’s a spell
Celine POVI can’t do it. I won’t drink blood. How could this possibly be right?“What’s your fear around vampires and everything else?” Dolton’s voice is steady, but his eyes narrow as he studies me.“They’re evil!” I snap, my emotions unraveling. “What do you think, Dolton? They kill people—they’re evil. They’re from hell!”He chuckles, the sound low and almost mocking. A smirk tugs at his lips. “No, they’re not. That’s just a bedtime story people tell their kids to keep them behaving, to make sure they don’t wander off. Vampires are no different from us—except they drink blood. Yes, there are bad ones, but there are bad werewolves too. Bad fae. Bad everything. Those ones? They’re exiled, just like anyone else.”It doesn’t matter. I don’t like this. It’s all wrong—twisted and unnatural. Totally messed up and wrong.“What’s your plan then? Ignore it and die?” Sebastian’s gaze pierces through me, unrelenting.“Jonathan got it wrong. I won’t die.” My voice shakes, but I try to sound co
Celine POVAs we left to meet the elders, exhaustion finally took its toll, and I let sleep claim me. The past week had been relentless, and no matter how many times I stirred, the weight of fatigue dragged me back under. Each time I surfaced briefly, I felt the gentle sway of the car and heard the faint murmur of their voices, but nothing they said lingered long enough to matter. It all blurred into the background—a low, endless hum.A chill settled over me, seeping through my skin and sinking into my very bones. Even in my half-aware state, I rubbed my arms over and over, trying to coax warmth into them. I couldn’t tell if I was doing it in my dream or reality; the line between the two felt too thin, too fragile. All I knew was the cold—relentless, biting, and unyielding.I fought to pull myself awake, to escape the growing unease that coiled around me like a predator’s snare. But sleep was merciless, dragging me down deeper and deeper. Flickers of images—shapeless, fragmented—flash
JonathanThe car travels at a steady speed; three hours feel like a lifetime sitting in this car. Traveling isn’t something I’ve done in years—until I met Celine.I’m reading through the journals the Fae Queen gave Celine. Sebastian and Dolton are still going through the boxes of information.We’ve not spoken, not even a word. No one wants to speak because that means acknowledging and discussing the risks involved in this.Sure, Sebastian is a Dragon, so we can get out quickly if there are issues. He can fly us all out—well, not him personally, but his guards and such.My eyes flicker to the car’s rearview mirror and land on the large truck behind us. That’s a sign Sebastian expects trouble. He has fifteen guards shifted into their dragon forms, sitting in the back of it.Does he really think something will happen to us? Clearly, he does, although I’m not entirely sure wh