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
Author's POV Despite this discomfort, Emma forged ahead, her mind preoccupied with her mother. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach, but she pushed it aside, focusing on her mission to meet Henry.Emma rummaged through her bag, pulled out a bottle of water, uncapped it, and took a long gulp to soothe her parched throat. The cool liquid soothed her parched throat but did little to ease her worries.With every step she took, her mind was overridden by images of her mother's frail form: how her hands used to shake, her eyes sunken into the skull day after day. With every stride, her heart went out in pain as determination surged within her to find some kind of explanation.She took another sip of water to scan the horizon again. This is what she saw: rolling hills with tall trees as far as the eye could see. Emma steeled herself for what lay ahead. She would find Henry, and she would find out what was going on with her mother's illness.
Author's POV A tall tree had fallen, its trunk breaking like a twig with splinters flying in every direction. I was just standing there, appalled-who would chop trees at this time? The sound could have originated from nowhere, and a cold shiver ran down my spine.Something was wrong. I could sense it. My eyes scanned the area surrounding me; my head jerked from tree to tree, and there was nothing. No sign of movement, no hint of life. Only the unworldly silence and that tree with its branches splayed like skeletal fingers.I retreated a step back, my heart pounding, questions whirling in my mind. Who or what could have felled that tree? And why? I knew I had to keep going forward, yet my feet seemed nailed to the spot, refusing to take another step without knowing the answers.It was as though the trees were holding their breath in anticipation of something about to happen. I felt tension build, air congealing with unseen presence. Then, in an instant, it was over. Silence replaced t
Authors POV The soldier smiled again, crinkles forming around his eyes. "You're safe now," he said. "We won't let anything happen to you."The gravity of the situation Emma had indeed gotten away in, and an awkward silence befell Ryker's soldiers. Their faces went pale, their eyes darting nervously at each other. They knew Alpha Ryker's wrath would be merciless if he found out they had let his prisoner slip away.One of them spat on the ground. His tone was low and menacing. "This is not good. Ryker will skin us alive for this."Another soldier spat, his face contorted in anger. "We should have killed her when we had the chance. Now she'll pay for this, and so will we."Their leader, a big man with a scar above his left eyebrow, growled, "Shut up! We need to focus on getting her back, not whining at our mistakes."The soldiers nodded, their faces scowling in determination. They had to re-capture Emma or be at the receiving end of all kinds of dire consequences. They moved to give cha
Emma's POV Henry's eyes clouded with concern. "I'm so sorry, Emma. What have the physicians said?"I shook my head. "I've brought in the best physicians, but they can't find anything wrong with her. It's as if she's just. fading away."Henry's brow furrowed. "That doesn't make sense. What about Lia? Has she noticed anything?"I nodded. "I asked her, and she said the attack on the realm is directly impacting my mother darkness is seeping into her, siphoning off her life force."Henry's eyes widened in understanding. "I see. That explains why Ryker's men were trying to abduct you. They must be trying to use you as bait to get to your mother."I felt a surge of terror at the thought. "But why? What could they possibly want with her?"Henry's face was stern. "We'll find out, Emma. I promise you that. We'll do everything in our power to protect your mother and uncover the truth behind Ryker's plans."Henry's expression turned puzzled. "I've never heard anything like that before, Emma. Thi
I sat and my mind began to wander off to my estranged sister. Something in the words of my mother left me a little skeptical. What could she possibly need my help with? And why now, after all this time?I sighed as my thoughts circulated in circles. I wasn't getting anywhere and, besides, the fire was burning low. I pushed myself up from the chair, my body tired from everything that had taken place that day.Time for bed, I told myself. Perhaps the morning would bring clarity.I crossed to the fireplace and stared into the dying embers. The fire had burned down low, dancing in a soft glow that cast a golden sheen around the room.With one final glance, at last, I turned toward the bed and retired for the night, my head still consumed with my sister and all the mysterious events that had come to be associated with her.I walked into the kitchen, greeted by the warm glow of morning sunlight. "Good morning, Mother," I said, dropping into a chair at the table.My mother looked up from her
Eliza stared back at me with a cold, unrepentant expression. "I owe you no explanation, Stella," she spat, an edge of insolence coating her tone.The angry fire inside of me flared up, and I stepped toward her. "How could you do this, Eliza? After all we have been through, you are going to betray me in this way?Eliza shrugged, a flash of that fierce independence crossing her face. "I'm not betraying you, Stella. I'm living my life, and if it's with Vincent, so be it."Vincent smiled and wrapped his arm around Eliza's waist, the triumph in his eyes gleaming bright. "We're happy together, Stella. And that's what counts."Anger welled over, and I firmed my fists, fighting to hold myself back. "You're happy?" I spat out, my tone shaking with anger. Eliza didn't bat an eyelid. "I'm happy, Stella. And you need to learn to live with that."I glared at them, my heart boiling with anger and resentment. How could Eliza do this to me? To our family? Right now, the sight of her was unbearable.
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