(Hilda)The morning sun gently woke me from a dreamless sleep. As my eyes fluttered open, they settled on Arlo standing beside the bed. His smile was soft, his eyes radiating a possessive love so deep it seemed to reach into my very soul. “Good morning, love,” he whispered, his voice a soothing melody that made my heart flutter. I returned his smile, a warmth spreading through my chest that had nothing to do with the sunlight. “Good morning, Arlo,” I replied, sitting up slowly. Arlo extended his hand to me. “Come with me,” he said, his voice a soft invitation. We walked together out past the pack to the riverbank. He was quiet as we walked, but his hand gripped mine tightly. When we reached the river he stopped, his face etched with a pain I had never seen before. “Hilda,” Arlo began, his voice low. “There’s something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago.” “Arlo…” I said, looking up into his eyes. “What is it?” But the sound of rustling leav
(Soren)Dragging Hilda through the forest, I couldn't shake the image of her standing between me and Arlo, the look of betrayal on her face cutting deeper than any wound. My grip on her wrist was firm, my pace unyielding. The forest was thick with tension, every rustle of leaves a remainder of the chaos we had just left behind. I knew I had crossed a line by taking her, but there was no turning back now. She had to understand the danger she was in, even if it meant risking everything.The hidden cabin came into view, a small, unassuming structure nestled deep in the woods. I pushed the door open and pulled Hilda inside, releasing her wrist as she stumbled away from me. The cabin was quiet, a stark contrast to the storm raging inside me. It was a place of secrets and shadows, much like the feelings I had buried deep for far too long."What are you doing, Soren?" Hilda's voice was sharp, cutting through the silence. Her eyes flashed with anger, and something else. Betrayal, maybe. It t
(Hilda)My lips still tingled from Soren's kiss, a mix of anger and desire swirling inside me. The small cabin felt like it was closing in, making everything even more intense. "I can't stay here," I said, my voice shaking. "You can't decide what's best for me." Soren's eyes were filled with determination and something else I couldn't name. "I won't let you get hurt," he said firmly. "Not by Arlo, not by anyone." "You don't get it," I snapped. "This isn't about Arlo. It's about you controlling me, thinking you know what's best." His jaw clenched. "Hilda, you don't understand the danger. Arlo is hiding something that could destroy us all." "Then let me decide!" I shouted. "I'm not a pawn in your game, Soren. I can take care of myself." He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "I won't lose you," he said in a low growl. "Not like this." His intensity made my heart pound with fear and something else—something I didn't want to admit. "You have to let me go," I whispered
(Arlo)The forest blurred around me as I raced through it, my heart pounding with anger and fear. Hilda had been taken by Soren, and I was frantic. Losing her was unimaginable. I had to get her back. Every breath was a struggle as I pushed myself through the underbrush. Hilda’s face, filled with pain and confusion, haunted me. I needed to find her, to prove I was the one who truly cared, that Soren was the real threat. I needed to save her. The scent trail was faint but unmistakable. I pushed harder, my muscles screaming in protest as I forced myself to move faster. The trees whipped past me, their branches clawing at my skin, but I didn’t care. All that mattered was finding Hilda before it was too late. Then, a voice cut through the chaos in my mind—it was my mother’s voice, cold and commanding. “Arlo, stop,” she ordered. I skidded to a halt, the shock of her voice hitting me like a slap. My mother’s presence in my mind was as imposing as ever. Her words felt like icy fingers
(Cerelia)The forest was alive with the sounds of the night, but all I could hear was the pounding of my own heart. I moved swiftly, tracking Soren’s scent. It was faint but unmistakable, leading me deeper into the woods. My mind raced with thoughts of what I might find—of what I feared. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the ground. The air was thick with tension, and I couldn’t shake the sense of dread that hung over me like a dark cloud. I had to find Soren, had to confront him about what I knew—what I felt deep in my bones. Finally, I saw it: a small cabin nestled in the clearing, light seeping through the cracks of the wooden structure. My breath caught in my throat as I approached, every step weighted with the knowledge that nothing would be the same after this. I reached the door and hesitated, hand hovering over the worn wood. I could hear muffled voices inside—Soren’s low, rumbling tone and a softer, feminine voice I recognized too wel
(Arlo)I moved silently through the shadows. Every step felt heavy, burdened by the weight of the deal I’d made. It wasn’t as if I’d had a choice, but it felt wrong nonetheless. Cerelia’s trail was easy to follow. Her scent lingered in the air, mixed with the salt of fresh tears. She was upset, and she was alone. That made her vulnerable. I watched her storm away from the cabin. I heard her cry about Soren’s betrayal. It broke me, too. Soren’s betrayal was Hilda’s betrayal. But I didn’t blame her. Not entirely. She was his captive. She would do what she had to in order to stay alive. It was my job to keep her safe. I would keep her safe. I had made a deal, and now I had to follow through. The clearing ahead was bathed in light, and I saw her, standing by the edge of the trees. Her back was to me and she didn’t hear me approach, lost in her own thoughts and grief. I felt guilty. This wasn’t the first time I’d given someone over to my mother, and I doubted it would be the las
(Hilda)Morning came, and with it, the memory of the previous night. What we had done was horrible, undeniable, and fierce. It was betrayal. And it was all I could think about. I couldn’t meet his eyes as I pulled on my clothes, each movement filled with regret. I couldn’t get Cerelia’s hurting face out of my head. Soren had betrayed her. And I had betrayed Arlo. “You can’t just walk out,” Soren said, his voice raw from the night’s yelling. I paused but didn’t turn around. “You’re one to talk,” I said with a sarcastic laugh. “You’ve done the same.” Soren was silent, and that spoke louder than words. I packed my things as quickly as I could, then moved towards the door.“Hilda,” Soren stopped me. His tone was softer, but still laced with that stubborn edge. “What we did… what we’ve done… it’s wrong. But it doesn’t change the danger we’re in.” I turned to face him, and I let my emotions take control. I let myself be angry. Although most of my anger was toward myself. I had b
(Cerelia)I had felt him coming, in the forest. I knew there was nothing I could do to stop him. I thought he was there for Hilda. But then he came for me. Soren’s words echoed in my mind as Arlo carried me. “Lilith is controlling Arlo. She’s dangerous, more dangerous than any of us realized. You have to be careful, Cerelia.” I had listened to him then. Carefully. I took in every word, every warning. I had prepared for it, too. Soren’s plan was to hide, to get Hilda and run. But I knew I needed to protect myself. And now, as Arlo carried me through the forest, his grip tight and unyielding, I knew it was time to act. The clearing appeared before us, bathed in an unnatural, cold light. Lilith appeared out of the forest and the shadows, and the sight of her made me nauseous. Her eyes were sharp, glinting like a predator as she locked onto mine. I felt her power ripple through the air, dark and frightening. But I was ready. Arlo’s hold on me tightened as if sensing my intentions. “C
Hilda POVThis place is creepy as hell. Being lost down here on your own would be a nightmare. We catch up to Soren and Cerelia, who seem to be unable to stop smiling at each other. We obviously missed a special moment between the two. I’m in no position to judge where they find joy in each other, considering Arlo and I didn’t make it out of the caves without ripping each other’s clothes off.“We only got four of them and Maelor got away,” I tell them, briefly filling them in on what had happened to us. Cerelia looks at me wide-eyed, “I should have stayed with you. What if Arlo hadn’t been able to catch you in time?”“He did, so we’re not going to fret about what ifs. This was more important anyway. Percy let us know how difficult it was to find the entrance and if Maelor and the others decide to chase after us, I’d rather we have a head start on saving these women’s lives.”Cerelia smiles at me and it’s the first time there’s no hesitation in her eyes. I can’t explain why it means so
Soren POVPercy turns around to call for torches and to warn his soldiers. “We don’t know what’s lying in wait down there, keep your eyes and ears wide open and use the mind link if you notice anything that may warrant further inspection. You can rather be the wolf who cries danger when there’s nothing, than ignore a possible threat.”Most of the squad are still in wolf form, with only a handful changing human again to carry torches. We have excellent night vision, but it’s impossible to see in pitch darkness and there’s obviously no natural source of light underground.The steps are narrow and high, leaving me wondering what kind of creature they’d originally been made for. Undoubtedly something with very long legs. It’s not exactly a comfortable climb and the darkness seems to be doing its best to swallow our light.When we finally reach level ground, I’m sure we’ve descended at least 2000 feet. The air is freezing cold and musty, but the worst thing down here are the faint whispers
CereliaSoren’s true to his word, he doesn’t leave my side for a second and I’m very grateful. I know the others here have their doubts about me. I’m finding it difficult enough to reconcile being a mage and a werewolf, how can I expect them to simply accept it?The pull to the source of power is still strong and Soren and I take the lead, with Percy flanking my other side. “You’re sure we’re still on the right path?” he asks carefully as we’re struggling through a thicket of underbrush.Soren tenses next to me, ready to defend my honor from this perceived slight. “Yes, I can feel them and this is the most direct route, if not exactly the easiest to travel.” Percy smiles at me comfortingly, “As long as we find them, that’s all that matters.”“It would be easier if we could just travel as wolves, but my powers don’t seem to work when I change,” I continue apologetically. “That doesn’t matter,” Soren interjects forcefully. “You’re the only one who can find the women, you’re not inconven
HildaI’m not sure how close we are to Maelor and the other mages. Cerelia assured us they were all in the same area and I suspect it’s taking their combined power to send the illusions. If he was able to do this over a substantial distance, he would have tried to stop us earlier, or lure me to him when I was alone.The thought terrifies me. If Arlo hadn’t been here to stop me, I’d have run straight back into whatever trap Maelor had waiting. More proof that Arlo and I are stronger together. Hopefully strong enough to defeat a cabal of mages.I wonder whether Maelor figured out yet how I got away from him. The wards must have warned him that we’re on our way, but I’m sure he knew that we’d be coming for him sooner or later. Leaving them to continue plotting would be foolish and I trust he knows Arlo is no fool.We have to continue, Arlo says. Even if we can’t get to them, we have to give Cerelia and the others a fighting chance at freeing the women. He’s right. I have to ignore the tr
Hilda We push forward and the fog disappears as suddenly as it came. The relief at being able to see barely sets in when an arrow comes flying out of nowhere, straight into Arlo’s chest. Blood immediately starts pouring from the wound, dripping in thick splotches to the ground, forming a puddle in seconds.No! No, Arlo, don’t you dare die on me, hang on. Take some of my life essence. We’ll get you out of here and to a healer, I tell him, desperately attempting to share my animus with him. It should be possible, but no matter how hard I push, nothing happens.He sways on his feet, then falls heavily to his side, sending up a flurry of leaves as his large body hits the forest floor. I’m howling in agony, calling the others to us, but they’re nowhere to be seen. It’s just me and Arlo in the half-light of the forest and his eyes are starting to dim.I can’t. This can’t be happening to me again. I won’t survive this loss. Please Arlo, I beg again, but his eyes are wide open and blank. He’
HildaWe’re traveling at an easy pace, more focused on stealth than speed, in hopes that Maelor and his companions don’t know we’re coming for them. The thought that by tomorrow this could all be over is exhilarating. I want my honeymoon period with Arlo. Uninterrupted and without any concerns that pull us out of each other’s arms.It’s good to see Cerelia and Soren bonding. He’s different with her than he was with me. Much gentler. Of course I was an incredible brat who was always courting trouble, but it’s more than that. I don’t know if it’s possible for the magic of the mating bond to make mistakes. It shouldn’t be. Yet, as content and in love as we were once, we’re both far better matched and happier now.Soren and I loved one another deeply, but I don’t think we were ever truly, madly, deeply in love. We would have been at peace together if I was never wounded and left comatose. I prefer what I have now, which is ecstatic bliss. I’m sure Soren would agree with that sentiment.Af
SorenThe relief when we finally get going is immense. I saw King Arlo and his Beta scrambling to swop out guards and I know exactly why. I’m not an idiot, I’ve noticed the way many of his pack members glare at me suspiciously.Given a choice, this is the last place in the world I’d choose to be. As luck would have it, the only place I intend to be is by Cerelia’s side and she’s determined to help them. She should help them, I just wish she could do it from the safety of our pack house, surrounded by my own men.King Arlo made it very clear that none of them are to come here, especially not Damon. Given his history with Hilda, I get that. And the presence of my own army would stretch the already thin tolerance of his people to breaking point.I’m not here to make trouble. I want to make amends, protect my Luna and then go home. Maybe start a family. Cerelia would be an incredible mother. She’s different since she found her magic. More ambitious and assertive. I still love her just the
Arlo It’s a fantastic feeling to finally be able to get moving. I need to ensure the safety of my mate and all the packs who trust me to be their Alpha King. For the first time since taking over this position I’ll get to act solely on my own instincts.Hilda looks incredible in her tight warrior’s uniform and it’s very difficult not to get distracted. Especially when she looks up and finds me staring at her lustfully. Fire immediately kindles in her eyes and her mouth curves up as she drags her teeth over her lower lip seductively, giggling when I have to adjust my pants. She’ll be getting a most thorough hiding for that later.She walks over to me with a bit of extra sashay in her step, getting on her tiptoes in order to whisper into my ear, “You can tan my backside when we get back and then kiss it all better,” as if she can read the inside of my head. “Then we’d best hurry this along. I’m looking forward to peeling you out of these pants,” I growl back at her, heat spiking in my c
CereliaI can tell how hard Hilda is trying to make me feel at home and I wish she’d stop. This was all easier and less confusing when I could secretly resent her. Instead I’m finding out that she’s smart, nice, funny, a great fighter and not at all interested in my mate. I want to like her. She deserves to be liked. She was dealt a rough hand and came out the other side not only whole, but triumphantly, ecstatically happy.I still do everything in my power to avoid spending time with her. It’s taking a bit of time to gather the ingredients and objects I need and I request solitude for the casting. It’s not necessary, but I’m nervous enough that I’ll fail, I don’t want an audience watching it happen.Once I’m in the protective circle of salt, I sprinkle herbs into the copper basin filled with water, heating it to release the fragrances. Lavender for clarity, sage for guidance and rosemary for a clear mind. I surround myself with the crystals and candles, carefully placed in the corre