I nod, grateful for their efforts but anxious for action. “Is there anything I can do? Anything at all?” “You could rest,” Axton suggests gently. “Keeping yourself healthy and alert is important, especially if we need to make quick decisions.” “But sitting here, waiting—it’s eating me up,” I confe
Niklaus I wake abruptly, gasping as ice-cold water splashes against my face, shockwaves of pain rippling through my body. My vision swims for a few heartbeats, then steadies, and the world snaps into sharp, unwanted focus. My muscles tense, my jaws clench, but the silver manacles bite into my ski
The cold seeps into my bones, the ache in my wrists a constant companion as I plan, wait, and hope. *** Verena I wake up in the middle of the night, my heart pounding as if trying to escape my chest. I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong, a sense of urgency gnawing at me. Without thi
Verena Kris arrives not long after dawn, her expression serious as she takes in my anxious stance. “Good morning, Verena. Axton told me you’re needing assistance with a tracking spell?” Kris’s voice is calm, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions inside me. “Yes, thank you for coming so quickl
The thought alone terrifies me. Axton’s fingers fly over his phone screen as he steps away to make the call. I clench the scarf tighter, feeling its texture ground me to the moment, to the reality of what we’re about to do. Kris’s hand rests reassuringly on my shoulder, reminding me I'm not alone i
Niklaus Pain surges through me as I slowly regain consciousness. My body feels like it’s been crushed, every movement sending waves of agony through my battered limbs. I’m slumped against a cold, hard wall, the rough surface scraping against my back. They’ve done a number on me, alright. I try to
Yeah, they’ve done a number on me, but I’m too cocky, too stubborn to show them any pain. When I get out of these chains, there’s going to be hell to pay, and I plan to deliver it personally. ***Fuck. Pain throbs through every inch of my body as I drift back to consciousness, the grimy floor of m
Verena The night before we leave for Las Vegas, anxiety knots tightly within me, refusing to let sleep claim me easily. But eventually, exhaustion wins out, and I drift into a restless slumber. My dreams, usually fragmented and confusing, coalesce into a vivid, powerful scene tonight. I find mysel
“I love you so fucking much,” he breathes against my lips, his forehead resting against mine. His voice is a husky whisper, carrying the weight of his emotions. “Thank you for everything — for our son, for this life, for a future that looks brighter every damn day because of you. You’ve given me a f
VerenaI sit quietly in the softly lit room; the air filled with the subtle scent of lavender and sage. Nastassja moves around with an air of focus, setting up the final components for the soul extraction and replacement ritual. My mind drifts to Niklaus and Arsenio, sleeping peacefully under his f
“In all lives that may come, and in all universes that may exist, you will always be my son, my light, and my hope. You have King blood in you and you are destined for greatness. By my will, and by your forefathers' blessings, so will it be.”After reciting the vow, I lean down and gently kiss Veren
“A son…” he whispers, then he murmurs something in Greek, I’m assuming—a prayer or a promise, perhaps both—before leaning over to kiss my forehead.“Thank you, Verena,” he chokes out, his voice breaking. “Thank you for giving me a son, a blessing.”His gratitude, so heartfelt, so raw, eases the last
VerenaThe pain is indescribable, a relentless, consuming force that grips my entire body. I’m clutching the sheets, my knuckles white, screaming as another contraction hits. Niklaus is beside me, his face etched with concern, his hands attempting to comfort me, but right now, I’m not having any of
I nod, understanding her struggle. “That’s completely valid, and I get it. Kris disappeared when you needed her. It’s not something you can just forget.”She sighs, looking down at her hands before meeting my eyes again. “I know. And I’m glad she’s doing good now, really. But you’re right, it feels
NiklausI’m perched at my desk, staring blankly at the papers strewn across it, but my mind is miles away, focused on the ticking clock and the phone beside it. The quiet of the office amplifies the occasional rustle of leaves outside, a cruel reminder of the waiting game I’m now playing. Three mon
“I didn’t teach you any dark magic because I was terrified of the implications it would have. You have Peter’s blood; my blood, and with that comes an addiction to dark magic,” she admits. “You’ve felt it, haven’t you? The pull? The lure to take things a step further? I know how it feels, darling, a
VerenaThe sun is warm on my back as I move among the tables laid out on the pack lands, the laughter of children bubbling around me like a cheerful stream. I’m arranging the final touches for the picnic we’ve promised them, smoothing a tablecloth here, straightening a plate there. The ladies of the