Xynathius’s POVThe early morning we got ready to head for Karica’s former pack in the South Continent. She was bubbling with energy and there was this happy gait in her step. Singing this song of spring, I was sure belonged to her pack. She packed her luggage as well as mine. I couldn't peel my eyes off my beautiful mate. How was she so perfect? We had decided to stay for a few days so she could properly bond again and spend time with her family. She had been away too long and I wanted for her to be happy. “All done,” she announced and wrapped her arms around me. Kissing every inch of my face she revealed how thankful she was to me. “Stop exciting me or we will be delayed by several hours,” I teased and she instantly stepped back from me, biting her lip. I mind-linked Kamryn, and he arrived with several warriors to carry our luggage downstairs. We said our goodbyes and I handed the reins of the pack to Mom Nashia and Kamryn. Thadieus had sent over royal guards and had promised
Karica’s POVIt was still morning when we landed in South Cambia due to the time difference between both continents. The air was slightly crisp but nowhere near as cold as that of the North. We had very moderate winters in the South. I took a deep breath and the familiar smell of cherry blossoms filled my nostrils. They lined the sides of the road and their pink flowers blanketed the grey turf. “These cherry blossoms are beautiful just like my mate,” Xynathius spoke from beside me, a hint of a smile tugging at the sides of his lips. “Stop the car, let's take a picture underneath the tree,” I offered and he nodded before parking it at the side. “Come,” he offered me his hand and I gladly took it. The pink and white cherry blossoms were raining down due to a strong gale and we stood under the tree letting them fall in our hair. Xyn looked cute with flowers decorating his hair and I heartily laughed. The big scary lycan was standing under a flowering tree with his mate, who could ha
Xynathius’s POVI stared directly into her father’s eyes now. I wouldn't let him hurt her anymore and he seemed a bit taken aback by my attitude. Maybe he thought I was a jerk like him who enjoyed hurting his close ones. Indeed that was the impression I had given him at our previous meeting. “I apologise, Alpha Xynathius, it's just she caused irreparable damage to the pack’s reputation,” he faltered a bit and from my peripherals, I saw Kilran with a smug face. “The damage wasn't intentional though and we all made mistakes. It's time to let bygones be left in the past. If I can forgive her, so can you.” I pulled Karica into my arms and held her by the waist, showing her obstinate father that she meant the world to me now. He swiftly nodded at me before saying.“As you wish Alpha Xynathius.” But the look in his eyes betrayed him, it hadn't softened a bit for her. “Let's go inside now, have brunch and rest a bit. You people must be tired and hungry,” Kilran offered and gestured for u
Karica’s POV I confided in my siblings regarding my powers and they were stunned. We were sitting in the common room on bean bags. The three of us were cuddled near the fireplace. I swirled my hands in a circle and a small fireball materialised between my hands. Burning bright, the energy it exuded pulsated between my hands. “Unbelievable, you are indeed part witch,” Kilran exclaimed as Kaina watched the fiery ball in admiration. Their faces flashed with unbelievable excitement as the fire was reflected in their eyes. “Who would have thought hybrids could be possible?” Kaina spoke mesmerised and I threw the fireball into the fireplace, it cackled and burned brighter for a second. “How many elements can you control?” Kilran was still wide-eyed from what he had witnessed and I gave them the rundown of all of them. Showing the small feats I could achieve. “Our supernatural world is always changing and unexpected keeps happening,” Kilran said.“It doesn't end here there is more biz
Xynathius’s POVAfter discussing strategies and pack alliances with Alpha Wakins I informed him about the vampire attacks and instructed him to take needed measures as well. This was Karica’s old pack and Vildus could hurt her family to get his way. Alpha Wakins was a tad surprised but promised to tighten his security. I didn't tell him about Karica’s powers though. That was not my secret to reveal and I knew to not expect this man to be thrilled by any means. After our meeting ended, one of their warriors led me to the room I requested. Karica’s old room. Our luggage had already been placed there. She was still with her siblings and I wanted her to spend as much time as she wished with them. Walking inside was like being caught in the whirlwind of her old life. The life she peacefully lived before I barged into it. The heart of it was as beautiful as she was. I took it all in and revelled in the feeling it evoked. I observed how she was a Marvel fan. The posters of the Scarlet Wi
Karica’s POVAs soon as I sat beside Kilran and offered him a smile, he tensed. Watching me wearily as his verdant eyes inked golden. His wolf was very much on the surface. Taking a deep whiff he leaned closer and growled. “Why the hell do you smell like someone who might be my mate?” I was dumbfounded and stared back at him in sheer confusion. His glowing eyes shifted to the scarf on my neck. Then his hand reached out and grabbed it. I let him take it as he ardently pressed it to his nose and audibly gasped. His claws extended and eyes completely turned gold-hued. ‘Mate’His wolf’s voice reverberated and rumbled from his throat and life drained out of me. That scarf was given to me by Selia. Was she? The mere thought befuddled my brain and I ardently glanced at my mate. He was curiously watching us.“What's going on?” my father demanded, not understanding. “This scarf. Who does it belong to? Who gave it to you, Karica?” Kilran almost shouted. The agitation in his voice was clear
Xynathius’s POVOur trip was cut short because of the mate incident. Kilran was not comfortable with me and I had no plans of aggravating him. I knew my actions would have consequences but I would have never thought that Selia would turn out to be Kilran’s mate. Alpha males have a very distinct sense of smell and they can recognise even the faintest of scent belonging to their mates. I had no clue Selia had given a scarf to Karica. The fate surely had a way of fucking up our lives. We were all set to go. Karica’s heart was burdened and I knew she was only putting up a bold front. We stood near our car. Kaina had come to bid us farewell. “You are leaving so soon?” Kaina hugged her sister while wearing a small pout. “I will visit again when everything is a bit settled. You take care of yourself for the time being,” Karica embraced her back and brushed away her hair. Kaina nodded before turning towards me and reassuringly saying.“Don't worry about Kil, he will get over it once he
Karica’s POV“One whole week? No way, I will bring her with me,” Xynathius almost roared, his eyes narrowed at his sister. My mate’s displeasure through the bond was overwhelming, he was not pleased would be an understatement. “That’s not how it works, Xyni. As an alpha, you need to follow and respect traditions. So other members can follow in your footsteps too,” Mom Nashia chided him lightly and lines on his forehead deepened, a film of sadness coated his eyes as his grip tightened around my waist. I guess the deep-seated feeling of me getting separated from him over and over again affected him more than he let on. “Luna Karica will not be harmed. We will keep her safe, Xynathius. I understand after what has transpired you are apprehensive of letting her out of your sight. But trust us. Trust your king,” King Thadieus spoke from near the fireplace where he was perched on comfy cushions with his Queen. I placed my hand on his in a consoling assurance. His muscles were getting too
(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