The world around me feels unbalanced. My head pounds, and it strays up and down as I try to bring my body alive. I feel groggy. The last memory in my mind, clouded like a dream. There is a powerful throbbing in my skull and a stinging sensation running throughout my body, lighting my veins on fire. I want to yell at the pain but all of my energy is drained. I can’t seem to catch my breath. I find myself panicking more. Not only am I disoriented, but when I open my eyes, I see nothing but darkness. “Who… are… you?” My words struggle to escape my parched lips. How long had I been out? I took a deep breath in an effort to calm myself. I could feel the fabric of whatever it was over my head, trying to lodge itself into my nostrils. “Take this off of me!” Suddenly the cloth is removed and a beaming white light surrounds me. I winced and groaned as my lids quickly shut, tightening them to try and fight the watering of my eyes. It’s so fucking bright. I can hear the humming of the electri
I didn’t know what kind of game this man was playing, but I didn’t dare to believe a word that was coming out of his mouth. He says he wants to help me, that was the biggest load of crap I’ve ever heard. If that was the case, why have these minion army type people surround me, with loaded guns pointed in my direction? Why kidnap me and dose me with whatever the hell Inferno is? Why keep me chained up in such a tightly sealed room? Then it made sense. He was scared of me.“Did you hear what I said?” He asked, breaking through my thoughts, ignoring the blank stare I had on my face, as I looked in his direction. “I want to help you.” I didn’t want to hear his lies. I’m sure my disbelief in him and his words showed in my facial expression and that was why he let out a disappointing sigh. He stood up, his back facing me. “You’re probably st
I have never put my trust into someone I didn’t know. Not saying that was what I was doing with the man in front of me, but I wondered if I played along, how long I would be here before he let me go. If he let me go. I had eventually put on his coat to hide my naked body. Shifting was like being reborn. There would be pieces of skin that had rolled up into small balls here and there. There was also a light pink fluid that I discovered was blood. I was completely bare. I had once seen a television show that showed what birth was like. This is what a baby looks like, but instead of the small limbs and baby face, I was an adult. I crossed my legs and arms, sitting in the chair that I was before, staring at him. My kidnapper stared back at me, as if he were waiting for me to tell him where and how to begin. It made me think he was not the man in charge, like he was waiting for directions. He stood over me, long arms resting on his side. “You can call me Will.” That’s how he started, jus
What’s behind the door? That was one of the millions of questions I had in the back of my head. When I tried to escape, of course I thought about it, but I also told myself what was out there was better than what was in here. At that time, I thought my life was in danger. Now, I wasn’t too sure.Will had led me to the door. He didn’t hesitate to reach out and turn the handle. There was no shock. He didn’t go flying backwards with burning skin. He was fine. It made me question if there were cameras or mics in the room, or if he had something on him that controlled the electricity that hummed through the bright lights and handle. I wondered if freedom awaited me. He stepped out first. I was right behind him, afraid that this was another trick and maybe I’d be left behind. I looked over his broad shoulders, trying to get a glance of the view ahead of us. I was followed by d
For someone who was ashamed of the amount of men that I had murdered, I sure didn’t look like I regretted it. I stood over Will, feeling the slow and steady pulse of his heart beat against my hand, these slightly long dark nails digging into the skin. I felt a heat coming from my body, and though I was sure this was something that I didn’t want to do, I knew that I wouldn’t hesitate. His dark eyes watched my face, and I stared back at him, hoping to see a hint of fear. There was none. The speed in which his heart was beating confirmed as well. “Aren’t you scared?” I asked, remembering the faces of those who didn’t make it out of this position alive. They never got to really feel the threat, as I usually ripped on their vocal chords and whateve
I was disappointed in myself. How could I have spent so many days, starving, waiting for a meal like this to be placed in front of me, only to eat a third of it. My stomach had trained itself to be happy with smaller portions, shrinking in size. I was full in a matter of minutes. I ignored the hard stares that Will gave me, not bothering to keep the conversation going as I ate.“How was it?” He asked, once I set the fork down on the plain china. I gave a nod, indicating that I was satisfied. “Our kitchen serves some of the best food I’ve ever tasted.” I blinked, analyzing his words. At this point, I understood that I was under a microscope. I was being watched. Someone was trying their best to understand me as a human and as a shifter. What I didn’t know was what they were going to do with that information, and how I’d be treated after they got what they want
I felt like I was being walked to my death. I had done everything in my power to prevent this union, which undoubtedly wasn’t very much. My words fell on deaf ears, my actions viewed as acting out. I couldn’t fathom that I was nothing but a pawn to end the threats of war between the magics and the mortals. Everything happened so quickly. The whispers that Henry Zyte, the only child and son to carry the Zyte name, had fallen ill, took over The Grove. Everyone was speaking on it. At first we offered our condolences to Father and Mother Zyte, offered services for upkeep of their home, and personal care for Henry and his mother. Even offered our men to search for an Inini Man, as he was more likely to find a natural cure. They searched from sunrise to sunset, leaving their people for days at a time. When they did return, it was nothing but disappointment spewing from their lips. Father Zyte begged the coven leaders for magic healing. He fell to his knees and bowed to us all like we wer
Sunlight welcomes me, streaming in from the panoramic and skylight windows, bringing brightness to a very large and open room. The ceiling is high, and tall book shelves are placed on any available wall space, every spot filled with books, small and large, looking a combination of new and old. There are gold trimmings around the windows and large dark wooden doors just opposite of the long corridor across from us. Tables with tan colored lamps made of glass are set up throughout. The tile beneath my feet matches in cream color, and seems to shine as the light reflects off of it. It was gorgeous. I was afraid to speak, just knowing my voice would carry in such an empty yet beautiful room. This was definitely different from the rooms below us. I never would have thought a room like this would be the next thing I’d be shown, or even existed. In the world I came from, this is something I’d only see on TV. “What is this….?” “What?” Will asked, flashing a smile, still holding the door o
The bullets fly through me. So many at once. At first, they weren’t noticeable. I feel myself falling backwards, arms flailing helplessly. I had planned to catch myself, but the blasts of their weapons were unexpected, and hit me harder than anticipated. Lying on my back, I watch as Athena stays law, trying to crawl her way over to Elias. I feel the warming of my skin and I know immediately the bullets are laced with Inferno. Don’t think about the pain. Get up! I grunt and moan as I find my way back on to my feet. The Zyte soldiers have made their way out onto the lawn, picking and choosing their targets. I keep my eyes on Athena, trying not to lose her and dodge the flying lead as well. Just as I am about to reach down and grab her, I’m thrusted backwards. I land on my feet, catching myself. My eyes lock with Elias. He breathes, heavy, his shoulders and chest rising and falling together. The glowering in his eyes tells me I may be in for trouble. “I got a bone to pick with you,” h
I ran up the stairs, heart thumping out of control and my mind flooded with negative thoughts and what ifs. Will and Teyana are behind me, and I can make out their panicked breaths as well. The commotion we heard before had quieted down. I pushed myself out of the secret door, into the kitchen. I see people still in their pajamas crowded in the foyer, worried expressions showing on all of their faces. I find the guard in charge of this particular side of the house. Sam. He stands at the door of the main entrance, eyes fixated on movement happening at the gate. I push my way through the crowd, wanting to get a good look myself.“What’s going on?” I asked, at the same time seeing a row of armed men, standing tall and waiting for a command. “The Ma’zhee?” Sam nods their head. I assess the situation. “They blew the gates, there is nothing stopping them from entering.” I can see small grass fires and the iron gate broken over. “What are they doing?” “If I had to guess,” Sam’s voice is lo
I stand directly beneath the shower head, the pitter patter of the water silencing the world. The colder temperature cools me down quickly. My eyes are closed, my head filled with images of Will and I being lost in our kiss, in our feelings. I part my lips to catch my breath, knowing I could live off this memory for a while.Was our relationship always leading up to this? My memories took me for a spin. I remembered when I couldn't trust him, and when he turned into my only friend. I remember when I thought I could hate him, but realized I could love him. I wondered if my feelings were being driven by this supposed heat that Teyana mentioned. Should I bring that up to him, or would that hurt his feelings? "I like to look at you too. You're beautiful." His compliment is searing itself into my brain. Wait, does this mean he likes me? Are we together now? I bring a finger to my lips, touching them as softly as he kissed them. It was such a rush.The memory suddenly begins to alter. A
So, this is where the cafeteria is. I stood outside its doors, staring in through the glass trying to get a sense of the people. Everyone seemed very comfortable with each other; talking, laughing and having a good time. The large room was full of the young and old, everyone so lively. This seemed to be more my speed. In our dining room it was always just me, Lana and Will. Most of the time we didn’t engage in conversation; just eating quietly, sitting properly. I have been here for more than two months, and this is the only time I’ve come to the common area. With all the commotion last night, I thought it would be a good time to show my face. Will explained that this part of the compound was for the people. It was like segregating the rich from the poor. I've never been considered a rich person, so this whole thing was odd to me. Here, everyone ate together, lived together… did everything together. It was its own community. When I walked in, everyone went quiet, staring me dow
SIR HENRYS POV My father found her, floating in the creek where our favorite spot used to be. I wondered how long she’d been there. I wondered if she was waiting for me. I tried to romanticize it in my head, as if that would make it better. I had to come to terms that my precious Clara was gone. Maybe that was why my health took a turn. I felt her leave me in the world alone, and my soul wanted to follow her. Without her, what was my reason for existence? Athena and I are already married. A child, my child, will be born into this world. Would it be enough? ATHENA’S POV He barely said anything these days. Ever since they confirmed the death of Clara it was like he had given up. He wanted to succumb to his mysterious illness. Well, I wouldn’t have it. Clara had him in life, she would not have him in death. I must call upon the dead. I must call upon the Gods. "Invoco eos, qui ante me vixerunt, obscuri vigore pleni! Coniuro missas et misters ter ter. Da mihi
SINCERES POV I felt a sharp pain penetrating the skin of my chest, digging in between the bones of my ribcage. It slides through to my heart, and my eyes open in fury and torment.How do I go from sleeping so soundly, to experiencing a pain like death. A deep throated growl is emitted from my voice box, coming out loud enough to wake the house. I swing my arm against the traitor who snuck into my room in the middle of the night. They fly in the air, through the paper like wall, landing in the hard tub.Light spills into the room, just as I reach out and grab the handle of the sword used against me. “Oh my god!” Teyana yells, ready to fall apart. “That does not look good.” My mind goes blank, and I can feel me slipping away. That dark side of me is coming, and it is enraged. WILLS POVA roar seemingly coming from a beast wakes me from a deep sleep. I heard the panic sounds of the others in the main hall, just as concerned and confused as was. “WILL!” I recognize Teyana’s voice in a
ATHENA’S POV I shared a peck of a kiss with Sir Henry at his bedside. Our fathers clap and our mothers are in awe as we are officially man and wife. Henry’s body appears to be giving up on him yet again, and our fathers refused to call off the wedding. It didn’t matter to me where or how we got married, just as long as we did. At the beginning I was against this, but somehow in the mess of things, I fell for Henry. The child also helped push things in my favor. I looked down at my husband, feeling my cheeks blush. He stares back up at me, and though weak, I can tell he wants to speak. I lean in to him, letting him have my ear. “I love you Clara,” he whispers. My smile is gone. I keep my anger hidden. I step away from him, looking over at our parents. “He asks for his rest,” I lie. They nodded in agreement. “It has been a pretty big day,” his father is overly cheerful for someone who has a dying son. I follow them out of Henry’s chamber, requesting to speak alone with my f
I was too late. That was a hard thing to acknowledge. Though I came back as soon as I could, ready to fight everyone for Elias, he was not there. I left the others in Teyana’s hands, wanting her to provide them with showers, clothes, and food. I had plenty of questions for them, but they would have to be asked in the morning. Tonight, I was done.I wanted to be alone and work out the emotions I have. From anger, to sadness, to guilt. I held up in the boxing room, but instead of hitting a punching bag like a normal person would, I released everything into the walls. It did hurt, but I think that was exactly what I wanted to feel. My knuckles cracked, my fingers popped, and I yelled out my pain. “AAAAAAAHHHHH!” I roared. I continued until my hands were bloody, and then I fell down to my knees, letting my tears stream down my face. I feel arms wrap around my upper body, squeezing me. I recognized the scent immediately. I feel his lips at the nape of neck, and he whispers my name. “S
I stormed the house. Walking as fast as I could to find Will. Teyana was right behind me. She was not on a warpath like I was, but I felt she was more concerned for Will’s safety. The guard outside the compound said that Will was having tea in his favorite room. Sure enough, there he was, sipping from his mug without a care in the world. He looked up at me when he heard the doors open.“Where have you been?” he asked. Oh no, he was not going to question me. I smacked the ceramic glass out of his hand, letting the hot liquid drop over him. “What the hell?”“Did you know that The Grove had Elias?” His face drains of any color he has and I can see his panic. “God damn it Will!” I want to strangle his neck. I want to physically hurt him! I want to cry. “I didn’t know how to tell you,” he stood up quickly, ready to beg for my forgiveness and explain his decision to keep me in the dark. “I know you’d want to rush in and save him, but we couldn’t do all of that. He’s one person!” “He i