Kilran’s POVNot in my wildest dream I had thought of finding my mate the way I did. The turbulent heart-wrenching emotions that had been stirred within me were tearing me apart. Adox had been a miserable mess too. Laila had tried to ease him a bit but he wanted his mate, as soon as possible. I had kept that scarf, her scent was fainting and only wisps of it lingered and yet I couldn't stop holding it. Why was Selene so cruel to us? First Karica and now me. It was as if all our fates had intertwined. Why did it have to be someone who had already been with Karica’s mate? I wished to seek her out but…What if she had fallen in love with Xynathius?Was that the reason she still didn't register herself in the program? Even when she had left the pack. My heart clenched in the worst possible ways just at the bare notion. I didn't want to believe but that's what made sense to me. What else was stopping her? Karica had fallen in love with Adiyan, he was not her mate and even after findi
Karica’s POVThe next morning dawned and I had to leave the pack. Xyn was tightly holding me by my waist. The first rays of the sun were highlighting his sharp sculpted features. I smiled seeing him sleep so peacefully. When I tried to wriggle free of his hold he tightened his grip even further. “Don’t go,” his gentle whisper was embroiled in his sadness. “I wish I didn't but we talked about it, remember,” I asked, caressing his cheek with my thumb. “I don't remember, all I do remember is me buried inside you and screams of your pleasure,” his ebony eyes opened and they stared at me with so much want. My cheeks flushed as all the blood rushed to my face. I had to shake my head at him. “It's rude to keep our guests waiting. You will come for me before we know it,” I leaned down and kissed his cheek and he sighed crushing me to his chest before letting me go. “I will miss you, bed will empty.”“I will miss you too,” with much difficulty I left his comforting arms. Emptiness descen
Karica’s POVWe had evening tea in Queen Shaline’s vast gardens. Since the weather was extremely cold we comfortably sat in the garden gazebo with a lit bonfire in the middle.The gardens were like vast tundras but it hadn't snowed for a few days so dried-up grass and plants were refreshing. We sipped on some cinnamon plus cardamom tea and it soothed and warmed my cold body. “So I know you are an incredible dancer. But this mating dance is a bit different from the regular dances we learn. Does the South have mating dances as well?” Queen Shaline asked, taking a small bite of freshly baked gingersnaps. “No, we don't have intimate kinds of dances in the South and I am very much looking forward to learning this,” I answered and took another sip of my delicious tea. “You will love it and your mate, my hulking stupid brother will go crazy seeing it,” Queen winked at me, a playful smile which spoke of all those thoughts swirling in her mind. This had me giggling with her. “So will all
Xynathius’s POVThis was one of the most excruciating weeks I had ever spent. Our room had her lingering scent permeated in every corner. I tried to keep myself engaged enough during the day but nights were extremely difficult. At times I slept with her nightshirt in my arms just to feel closer to her. Her alluring essence always lulled me into a peaceful sleep, those chemicals in the brain were only produced because of her fragrance now. The days were sluggishly spent as I counted the hours before it would end and a new one would begin. I contacted Thadieus and Shaline daily. Many times over and over. They always reassured me that Karica was immensely enjoying the stay with them and I needn't worry. There was always a lingering hope that I might hear her in the background but I never got lucky. A day before the festival I was sitting in my study contemplating different angles of a future vampire attack. All had been quiet on the Vampire front. I had sent out some spies to gather
Xynathius’s POVAfter bathing and soaking all the goodness from the springs. Some cedarwood oil was rubbed on my whole body to give it a lightly glistening glow. Its earthly scent was soothing to the senses. We then went for a selection of a perfect garb. Thadieus didn't approve of the one I had brought. He wanted me to wear something along the lines of royalty. Calling on all his royal tailors he made me choose the fabric and colour. I went with silver and purple shades and instead of a royal cloak, I chose more of a traditional costume. It was a half-pleated cashmere kilt wound around the lower half of the body with a pleated section drawn to the front. The material was soft and flowed against my skin. For my shoulders and arms, I chose white fur. While a broad silver belt with our pack’s symbol engraved on it was to hold my costume together. The chest was to remain bare except for a large silver amulet. For my feet, I chose a pair of silver ankle-length sandals.My hair were p
Karica’s POVMy mate was finally here. I had missed him immensely but I had also enjoyed all the steps to create this sensual dance for him. His greedy eyes roamed all over my body as if undressing me with his sensual gaze. He was dressed like some Greek god. Half-naked and so tantalising that I wanted to lick him all over. His earthly scent had intensified somehow, they must have given him something similar to me. My question had his heartbeat rising a notch and those fuller lips upturned in a naughty smile. He tilted his head in amusement and spoke through the mind-link. ‘Very much, my sweetness. Why don't you show me more.’His voice was so playful and yet demanding. I openly smiled at his request and gave a small jerk to my breasts. They jiggled and the small bells we had purposefully attached began to tinkle, creating melodic music. My mate’s eyes dilated as they were fixated on my bouncing assets. It was inviting for him as I had only covered the nipples with flowery ornam
Xynathius’s POVAs soon as I flipped her over I almost froze. Her whole back was covered with numerous tiny purple flowers of all shapes and sizes. Like the flowers I had gifted her, they had been tattooed on her skin. I wasn't sure if they were temporary or permanent so I asked her. “Are these real?” She turned her head a bit so she could tenderly watch me and slowly spoke. “Yes, do you like them?” “They are beautiful, Ari. But can I ask why you got them specifically?” I couldn't help but inquire. There was this nagging feeling at the back of my mind that it was so to cover the scars. Karica turned sideways and patted the space beside her, offering me to lie down and I did. She snuggled closer, hiding away in my huge frame and my arms engulfed her. “I didn't like those scars, I wanted to cover them,” her words came out fragmented. She seemed so small, so fragile and broken to me in that instant. I had failed to realise how much that affected her. Still did. We men wore scars wi
Karica’s POVWe spent three days in the dome. They were the most unforgettable days of my life. No one interrupted us, no duties, no disruption and certainly no regrets. I loved every second of this experience with him, especially having him all to myself. His face pressed into my belly as his hands would tightly hold my waist. Recently he has been doing that after we made love and I knew this was his way of expressing that he wanted a baby of his own. With the rate we had been going it wouldn't be surprising that I would be pregnant by the end of our mating season. We made love day and night, at times we forgot time and world, just me and him existed. There was no position we didn't try and everyone of them very exquisite with him. My heat normally passed after three days and we decided to return to the pack. I heavily sighed as I threw a lingering glance at the dome which had been such a romantic reprieve. “You are sad,” Xynathius stated, taking my hand in his and kissing my
(Three years later) Author’s POV “Mommy! look, butterfly.” Minerva pointed to the blue butterfly that was slowly flapping its wings over the multitude of flowers. The apple pendant rested peacefully around her neck. Karica sat on the fresh grass and happily watched her four-year-old daughter play in the small meadow that used to belong to the witches of Black Forest. Most of them were buried nearby after Vildus’s attack had killed them. Including two of her mentors, Gwardia and Arasia. The efforts of reconciliation had failed between her and Xynathius and she had moved here two years ago. He visited every week to meet Minerva and carrying hopes that Karica might decide to return but she never did. This place calmed her down, she could sense powerful magic running deep into the very ground and air. It pulled Karica and Minerva too. Her daughter was already showing early signs of possessing magic and this place helped channel that in a peaceful environment. The protection charm
Karica’s POVReturning to my former pack and going on a limb to talk to the man I thought was my father all my life, was not easy. With my state of mind, I just wanted to get this over with and he needed to hear me out. Kaina was overjoyed to see me and so was Selia. We hugged and sat down to talk. “We were so worried about you. It was a relief when news of your return arrived.” Kaina held me close and I sat with my head resting on her shoulder. Selia was holding my other hand. “Yes, indeed. And Kilran told me about Adiyan. I am sorry your friend is gone,” Selia sympathetically said not knowing he meant so much more to me and I was no more afraid of talking aloud about him. “He was also my mate. I am a part witch and so was he. Adiyan was the best thing to happen to me and I lost him because I didn't value him enough.” I spoke my truth and both girls were a bit taken aback. Two mates were unheard of and I didn't want to burden them with the likes of Vildus. He was no mate to me.
Karica’s POVHow I made it from the cemetery to his home was all blurry. Xynathius held me all along but he didn't say much and if he did, I didn't remember. His family was kind enough to let me go to his room. I slowly opened the door and lingering whiffs of his scent blanketed me. I paused, closed my eyes and got hold of my emotions. Flicking on the light switch, I let my eyes roam his sanctuary for one last time. Everything was immaculately laid out, neat and in its place. His bed, where we had cuddled so many times. His gaming area, where we had endlessly played video games. His closet filled with his clothes, ones he would never get a chance to wear again. I traced my fingertips on everything he had owned while heavily sighing. The empty feeling in my chest grew. The echoes of his laughter still persisted from the moments when he used to tickle me. All that was just reduced to his loving memories. Stepping closer to his bed, and there between his pillows, I found the wolfie st
Karica’s POVXynathius’s words were like gasoline on my already raging self. The loss of Adiyan had torn my heart into so many pieces that I couldn't put them back together anymore. Every breath was torture for I was reminded of him. I had no clue how to cope with such stifling emotions. Barely holding on and now this revelation further shattered me. Adiyan had felt me, he had reached out to me but Xynathius never even gave me an option to choose. He knew I would choose him. I silently shook my head at Xynathius so disappointed. He had not only taken my free will he even snubbed my rights to choose my mate. His presence and scent which should soothe me in such a moment was nothing but torture. “Because I am selfish when it comes down to you. I wanted you all by myself. It was wrong, I admit it but I was desperate. Sharing you was something I could never do.” His words blazed me and I flipped. All the pent-up anger inside me emerged like a poisonous snake and bit him. “It was not y
Xynathius’s POVVildus was gone from our lives as well as our world but so was Adiyan. The prophecy was completed and fulfilled, leaving my mate broken. She wouldn't let go of Adiyan’s body, she wouldn't hear me, Laila or Zilver. Everyone had been shut out as she mourned the loss of her mate. I touched her shoulder letting her know I was there for her but she just sat there dazedly, staring blankly at his face. The guilt dug its tentacles deep into my heart. Adiyan was a better man than me in every aspect and he would have made an exceptional mate to her. Karica was right about him when she first met me. And yet he was gone and I was partially responsible. The guilt will never fade. I owed my life to him, he died protecting us and this was a kind of debt which couldn't be repaid. She bent down and kissed his lips and then his forehead. Her lips stayed there in a final goodbye as she hugged him to her chest, a scream and a tremorous wave of energy burst through her and hit us all
Karica’s POVThe most horrendous scream escaped me as my body jerked forward, the whole world blurring around me. All I could hear and focus on was Adiyan’s slowly beating heart. He was still alive but for how long?My own seemed to have been crushed under a boulder and there was only one thought on my mind. I had to save my mate. I slowly watched Vildus reaching out to him, the time seemed to be progressing at a snail’s pace for me. Vildus was about to slit his throat. “Noooo,” I cried out in desperation as a surge of spiked air with frozen thunderbolts shot out and were hurled in Vildus’s direction. His hollowed-out laugh erupted and clung to my sides as he disintegrated into bats and tried to fly away again. “No, you won't,” I screamed out with all the disgust and rage I carried. Halting, I converged my hands together, the blackened energy I carried inside rushed out in gigantic swirls and wrapped themselves around Vildus’s bats like writhing snakes. This was my piled-up hate f
Karica’s POVAdiyan’s words took away my ability to form words. The blood in my veins stood frozen at his revelation. ‘Mate?’ We were also mates, but how? I was already mated to Xynathius. How could I have two mates? Or if I was to believe Vildus’s claims. Three. It didn't make sense but it never did when it came down to me. Two years ago hybrids didn't exist as well and here I was. No, cross that out. I was a tribrid with a vampire gene in me as was revealed yesterday. Both of us shared the element fire and among witches, having the same basic element raised one’s chances of ending up as mates. Now it was becoming abundantly clear. The attraction I felt for Adiyan. Why I never forgot him even after finding Xynathius. How a part of my heart seemed to have been crushed the day I left Adiyan. Why I thought of him when I was wrongly accused and imprisoned. He was mine too and I was his. And here he was to prove it. I had so many questions to ask him but circumstances were not favou
Xynathius’s POVThe continuous blasting of spells by our witches resulted in burning away the cloaking spell and the dismal-looking castle came into full view. Howls of victory went around as witches cheered. Adiyan seemed proud of himself as I saw him running towards the castle. He was going for Karica. As much as I wanted to, I needed to hold the ground here and lead everyone. We fought the hellhounds keeping them away from the witches when Vildus released his army. It had mind-controlled humans which were nothing short of zombies. Their eyes were dazed as they slowly walked towards us. ‘Don’t kill the humans,’ I mind-linked my group as we tore apart the hellhounds. Witches and vampires followed the humans but their number was not too big. I saw Xui Lin taking charge and Aegir growled beside me. ‘She is mine,’ his angry voice floated through the mind-link. ‘Bring her down, but be careful,’ I advised while dodging a spell from one of the witches. Aegis leapt towards her while sh
Karica’s POVAll my thoughts and feelings were jumbled up, turning me into an emotional wreck. Hearing that the man who turned out to be my biological father actually tried to help me.When Vildus wrenched his heart out, it hurt. It made me wonder how different the situation would be if we didn't live in a dystopian society but an ideal one. I would have a loving father and so much suffering could be avoided. But that was not the reality, this was where I tearily watched my biological father lying dead in his pool of blood. Vildus grabbed my arm and steadied me. “Let’s go, we need to leave, this place is no longer safe.” His eyes flashed with anger but before he could take me anywhere, the whole castle shook as if something like a cannonball had hit the castle walls. “Damn witches! They are here” Vildus growled in annoyance. When Xui Lin came running, her face aghast and her horrible hair flying in all directions. “We are under attack, they found us and are trying to bring down t