Emma's POV The moment Lia had stopped talking, I knew my journey was going to be quite long. And yet I was ready for that challenge. My mother was counting on me, the realm too."Thanks for telling me all that Lia," I said, appreciative of her candor and devotion. "I'll do everything I can to help."Lia smiled and pulled me into a hug. "I know you will, Emma. You're strong and brave. The queen and the realm are in good hands with you."I moved away from Lia to the door. I would have to get to work as soon as possible now. Tonight, I needed to attend the council, and I did need to study."Where is my mother?" I asked Lia, turning back to her."In the garden," she replied. "Walking and thinking. She's been doing that a lot lately."I nodded and left the room. I needed to speak with my mother before the meeting. I needed to know more about the state of the realm, and what plans she had to stop Ryker.The soft candlelight, as it were, seemed to take on a life of its own-even in the corri
Emma's POV I asked, my mind racing with the possibilities. "Mother, do you think it would be possible for me to take away Ryker's wolf power and defeat him?"My mother's expression turned grim. "Ryker is full of dark magic, Emma. He is a thousand years old. Why do you think he is still alive?"I shook my head, unsure of the answer."Because he has made a deal with the darkest powers in the universe," my mother returned, her voice barely above a whisper. "He has sold his soul for its power and immortality."A shiver ran down my spine. "And that is why I won't be able to beat him?" I asked.My mother nodded. "The only one who can face him off is Jethro. Still, his memories are a hindrance. He still has not gotten over his past, which clouds his judgment."I remembered Jethro, that brooding, mysterious warrior who had been a presence at my side since I came to the palace. His eyes told of a part of the pain, of the anguish. Suddenly, his memories were an onus he carried with him always.
Tunisha's POV I stood outside the house of the council elder, deep in thought. How to stop Sara from unleashing her powers during the Blood Moon Ritual. I had disclosed my visions to the elder and also my suspicion; now was the planning."We'll have to plan ways of getting the ritual done to seize Sara away from her powers," I continued to tell Aaron, who stood beside me. Before I could move further forward, Aaron wore a serious face. "We have a bigger problem, Tunisha"- he started in a low and urgent tone of voice. I scrunched up my face, feeling an inexplicable foreboding. "What is it?"Aaron's stare focused on my eyes. "It's Ryker."My heart skipped a beat. Ryker, the vile sorcerer who had been attempting to subdue the kingdom for months. What did he have to do with anything?"What about Ryker?" I asked softly.Aaron's jaw clenched. "He's gotten his hands on the ancient spellbook. The one that holds the secrets of the Blood Moon Ritual."My eyes went wide with horror. Ryker havi
Tunis ha's P.O.V I turned to leave, but my gaze fell on a figure standing in the shadows. Ryker-the dark sorcerer-stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with interest."Tunisha, I see you're taking care of the Sara problem," he said, his voice dripping with approval. "I must say, I'm impressed. You're willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals."I cocked an eyebrow, my face uninterested. "What do you want, Ryker? I'm busy."Ryker chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, just wanted to offer my assistance. My powers combined with yours; together we can do great things.I hesitated, weighing my options. Ryker was strong and resourceful, but I knew better than to trust him. Yet, with Sara out of the way, perhaps it was time to ally."Very well," I said finally. "Let's talk about the conditions of our deal."Ryker smiled even wider and stepped further forward, his eyes shining with anticipation. "Excellent. I knew you would see it my way.Ryker reached into his pocket and
Tunis ha's POV Marcus emerged from behind the trees, just as Ryker's car drove off into the darkness of the night. "You trust that man, ma'am?" he asked. The tone of his voice was matched in his concern. "That is a man who stabs you right in the back the moment you become useless to him."I smirked and immediately had a plan in my head. "If he is a backstabber, then I am a snake," I said, my eyes glinting with humor. "I can take care of myself, Marcus. And I always come out on top."Marcus cocked an eyebrow, his features incredulous. "You're playing with fire, ma'am. Ryker's not someone to be trifled with."I chuckled, low and husky. "Oh, I'm not underestimating him, Marcus. I'm just using him for my purposes. And when I'm done with him, he'll be the one that gets burned."Marcus shook his head, a small smile playing on the corner of his lips. "You're a dangerous woman, Tunisha. I'm glad I'm on your side."Smiling coldly and calculatingly, I replied: "Let's just hope Ryker doesn't fi
Authors pov Ryker padded softly on the earth, senses alert as he approached the unmistakable aroma of his pack's territory. The full moon was suspended low in the sky, casting a silver sheen on the treetops. He had been away for weeks and the call of the pack's gathering had called to him, aside of his main intent.As he walked, the trees grew closer together, the underbrush thickening. Ryker's ears picked up with the distant sounds of laughter and music, the twitch of his tail sparking curiosity within him.He followed the sounds, his nose leading him to the edge of a clearing. The pack was in full swing: wolves of every age mingled and played. Ryker scanned the crowd, taking in the familiar faces.Ryker's gaze swept over the crowd, locking onto a familiar form-his beta, Beta. He stood at the edge of the clearing, piercing yellow eyes watching him approach. His short fur was a warm golden color, spiky; arms crossed over his chest in relaxed authority."-beta," Ryker said, his deep v
Suddenly, this huge portal opened in front of us, its edges in turmoil, spiraling into a wild, dark misty energy.I stood erect, my heart racing on my chest, as a shadowy figure emerged from the portal. I couldn't see his features, but I could feel how powerful he was. The portal closed behind him, and this shadowy figure now materialized into a person.As the portal closed, the shadowy form coalesced into Lia, the pack's elusive and reclusive witch. Her eyes-eyes of piercing green-narrowed and her full lips pursed into a frown.I had barely opened my mouth before Lia raised a hand palm of it facing me. "Hush, Ryker," she reminded me. "Why have you summoned me?" her voice firm, though kept low.I stood tall, my eyes fixed on Lia's. "I summoned you because I need to know about Emma," I said, firm and bold.Lia's frown deepened, and one of her eyebrows rose. "Emma?" she repeated calmly."Yes, Emma," I continued. "Do you know anything about her? What she's been up to?"Lia's face changed
Author's POV The corridors of the castle were silent as Emma walked her way out; the soft clinking of her bag against her leg was the only sound. She quickly walked, fast, her heart beating with anticipation and a touch of fear.As she stepped out into the bright sunlight, Emma took a deep breath and started in the direction of the realm ebd.The journey to meet Henry was about to begin.Lia's eyes narrowed as she watched Emma disappear into the woods. A small, self-satisfied smile spread across her face at the turn of events.She returned her attention to her table, where her fingers drummed against a small intricately carved band lying on its surface. The band glowed with soft, blue light pulsating with otherworldly energy.She deliberately reached up and touched the band three times in slow motion. The glow came brighter but it seemed nothing was happening. She tapped again and her face became more insistent.And then the tapping began an irregular staccato that beat around the ro
Sara's POV As night fell, we spoke and laughed to make up for lost time. The announcement of the baby's arrival brought tears of joy to our eyes as Emma and Elias announced it. Henry and Anne's reunion was warm and welcomely received.We sat down to dinner at which time Jethro reached for my hand, his eyes locking mine. "I'm so glad to have you home," he whispered.I smiled, knowing full well the deep connecting nerve that was between us, and simply replied, "Me too.".Not one of my loved ones was missing from the dinner table, and for the first time in a very, very long time, I was whole.As the night wore on, Jethro took me toward our chambers with his arm securely wrapped around me."You're safe now," he whispered as his lips tickled my ear.I nodded, finally, the memories no longer weighing on my shoulders. "I'm home," I said out loud.Jethro's eyes sparkled, his lips curving into a smile. "Forever," he replied with a promise.I smiled in return; knowing all was right in the worl
Sara's POV As night fell, we spoke and laughed to make up for lost time. The announcement of the baby's arrival brought tears of joy to our eyes as Emma and Elias announced it. Henry and Anne's reunion was warm and welcomely received.We sat down to dinner at which time Jethro reached for my hand, his eyes locking mine. "I'm so glad to have you home," he whispered.I smiled, knowing full well the deep connecting nerve that was between us, and simply replied, "Me too.".Not one of my loved ones was missing from the dinner table, and for the first time in a very, very long time, I was whole.As the night wore on, Jethro took me toward our chambers with his arm securely wrapped around me."You're safe now," he whispered as his lips tickled my ear.I nodded, finally, the memories no longer weighing on my shoulders. "I'm home," I said out loud.Jethro's eyes sparkled, his lips curving into a smile. "Forever," he replied with a promise.I smiled in return; knowing all was right in the worl
Sara's P.O.V I hummed softly to myself as I cleaned Vincent's bedroom, my hands gliding easily across the surfaces. My eyes strayed to his dresser, toward that one drawer he'd always said not to touch. Curious, I wondered what could be so special in that one little drawer. "A surprise?" I asked innocently.My fingers found the handle and drew the drawer open in a second. Inside were heaps of photos. The first I picked was of a man crowned, an aura of melancholy diffused about him. A lot about him seemed so familiar, yet I just couldn't place who he was.I went onto the next picture couple embracing. The woman's face stirred something in my system. "Emma? Elias?" I blurred my head racing. Then, a sharp pain pierced my head, and pictures slipped from my hands as a groan escaped my lips.A voice reverberated inside my head, "I love you, and you are forever mine." But it wasn't Vincent's voice. There came confusion inside me. Picking up the coronation picture, the rise of tears was to be
Jethro's POV Three Months later…%.Three months had passed since that fateful day. I sat in my throne room, full of the grandeur of a restored kingdom but my heart was still shattered. Ryker's defeat and Tanisha's demise brought peace, but only Eldrid still stirred in my heart.Elias entered, his face solemn. "Your Highness," he greeted low. I did not even look up. "Did you find her?" I asked without any expectation of a different answer.The pause that followed was all the answer Elias needed. "Nein, Your Highness." I looked down, my eyes welling up hot. I had sent Elias to scour the ruins-to search every inch of the explosion site. But there was nothing. No sign of Sara. No indication of her fate.I clung to hope, tenuous as the thinnest of threads but refused to break. She may yet be alive. She must. Elias stepped near. His footsteps made quiet echoes in the still hall. "I have searched every possible place, Jethro," he said, using my name rather than my title. "I have interrogate
Jethro's P.O.V.I stormed down the corridors of Ryker's lair-my sword slicing through the shadows. Guards leaped to intercept me, but with rage fueling my movements, I cut them down with precision.Finally, I burst into Ryker's chamber, my eyes locking onto the man himself.Ryker stood calmly, an amused hint dancing on his lips."Where is Sara?" I yelled, my voice echoing off the stone walls. "Where are you keeping her?"Ryker's smile spread wider, but nothing fell from his lips. "Liar!" I spat, my hand tightening on my sword hilt. "I know you're behind this." Ryker somehow managed to lift an eyebrow. "Sara? Do you think I have Sara? You ought to know me by now, Jethro. If I had Sara, I'd leave a message. But I don't have Sara." Anger spilled over and I was yelling, "You're lying!Ryker's men drew their swords and, in the dim light of the room, angled them at me."Be careful, Jethro," Ryker said, his voice thick with malice. "You're on my turf, surrounded by my men. Your recklessne
Sara's POV I slowly opened my eyes, grogginess fogging my brain. Where was I? The air was heavy with darkness and an eerie silence.A faint splash sounded through the room followed by a cold trickle down my face. I jackknifed upwards, gasping.Someone was sitting beside me, swathed in shadows. My eyes slowly accommodated to the dim light and the outline of a woman appeared."Welcome back, Sara," she said, her voice oozing malice.The woman leaned forward, and a sliver of light danced across her features, revealing Tanisha's sinister smile."You must be wondering where you are," Tanisha said, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Let's just say you're guessing with me."Memories came flooding back to Emma's visit, the figure in black, the knock to the head. My mind reeled; fear clawed its way up my throat.Tanisha did not even bat an eye. "You see, Sara, you're quite valuable to me. Your. Particular talents could tip the scales in Ryker's favor."My heart plummeted. Emma's words replayed
Tunisia's POV I was sitting in my dark living room; only a little light was in view, as it was occupied with dancing candles casting gruesome shadows on the walls. Marcus came in. "Ma'am, our spy says Emma is planning to open Sara's gate of energy for the war," he informed me with low urgent tones.My gaze jerked up; my eyes slit. That gate was the key to unimaginable power, and I wouldn't allow Emma to unlock it. "And?" I pushed my voice tight with anticipation.Marcus did hesitate this time before finishing, "Emma's trying to harness Sara's energy to aid her cause." My fist clenched alongside my jaw. That would be Ryker's death sentence. Failure. Defeat. No, I wouldn't let that happen."We cannot let that happen," I muttered to myself as my mind started racing. "Ryker would lose." Marcus stood before me, a look of neutrality upon his face. "What do you think we should do?" he asked.I smiled, cold and calculated. "We'll kidnap Sara, rendering Emma's plan useless. And this might jus
Emma's P.O.V.I pushed the door open of our modest home, worn out. The last few days had messed with my head, turning into a blur of anxiety and fear, as Mamma's condition deteriorated further with each passing hour. I walked toward her room, apprehension hanging heavy in my heart. Inside, she lay frail, pale with clammy skin."Mother?" I said, my voice barely more than a whisper. I took her hand in mine. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "Emma. . my dear," she whispered, just barely audible. I forced a smile onto my face, trying to hide my tears. "I'm here, Mother. You're going to be all right."But before I could get her reply, Lia strode into the room, a frown etched on her features. "Emma, don't tire her out," she reprimanded, firm in her voice. I frowned, suspicion dawning that something wasn't right. "Lia, what's going on? Mother isn't getting better," I said, accusation creeping into my tone.Lia's smile was syrupy and sweet. "Oh, Emma, you know your mother's illness is.co
Tunisia's Pov I snuggled deeper into Ryker's side, my fingers tracing the outlines of his chest. His eyes gleamed with amusement, and I knew he was right where I wanted him."Ryker, now that Jethro knows about me. Secrecy," I started, letting my voice drop to a fragile state, "I will have to be protected even more. More men."Ryker's brow arched, and a teasing smile curled his lips. "So that's why you came to me."I smiled back, feigning innocence. "Can you blame me? You are the most powerful man in the realm after all."Ryker chuckled, his eyes glinting with desire. "And what do I get in return?"My heart skittered as my gaze met his. This was it."Whatever you want," I whispered, my voice husky.Ryker's eyes flashed to mine, an inferno of intensity blazing there. "Will you?" he asked, his voice so low it was little more than a whisper and sensual.My heart fluttered at the sound as I nodded, my lips grazing his. "Whatever it will take to ensure our alliance is solidified."Ryker's