Xynathius's POV"Karica is not enjoying a luxurious life as our Lycan women do, nor have I given her the title of my Luna yet. I am making her work for it, day and night. Isn't that the punishment enough? And when I mate with her is my personal decision, I don't need the Council's interference."I was finally able to reel Zilver in, reassuring him that she wouldn't be physically harmed by anyone. He was even against me for my treatment of her, the thought of anyone else touching her had him on the edge. After their first encounter, Zilver had never tried to harm her in any way. And even that only happened because she was keeping him from Laila and he was about to lose his mind looking for his mate. There were murmurs among the council members, hearing my words, a few cursory looks of disbelief were thrown my way as if they didn't believe me. "We will send Jahlia to confirm your words," Borgia simply answered with his head bent towards the left, while the silver-braided Medusa kept
Karica's POVWhile I was preparing the ribs, Luna Nashia arrived in the kitchen. All primed up in a neat black fur dress. I had noticed they wore a lot of fur due to the weather remaining cold around the clock. "Karica, there you are. I was looking for you. A guest is coming along with Alpha today so you will serve the food with us. Don't forget to be on your best behaviour and do as asked. They have been sent by The Lycan Council to observe you." She calmly explained while plopping a cashew nut in her mouth. Her hands were properly manicured and she wore an elegant band on her ring finger with a sizable blue gem gleaming inside it. It was a Ceruine gemstone and was mined only in the cold freezing mountains of the North. It was considered to be the most precious and expensive gemstone due to its rarity and demand.They said: entwine it with a witch's spell and you would reveal the world of secrets it carried. My grandmother used to own one too but it strangely disappeared after her
Xynathius's POVThe awkward dinner was finally over and I visibly relaxed when Karica finally left the room. Her composure in dealing with every derogatory remark and derision took me by surprise. I didn't expect her to keep her calm, she never did with me. And those ribs she made, so tender so juicy they melted in my mouth and I was left licking my fingers. Of course, I didn't tell her that but those were the most delicious ribs I had eaten in my entire life.Who taught her to cook like that? I had expected her to be a spoiled girl who couldn't do chores but for now, she hadn't disappointed in that department. "She is Luna material, congratulations you have got a good one. Hold onto her and let go of the past," Jahlia was sprawled on the sofa of my study with a glass of her favourite wine in hand. "Hmm," I hummed, going through the paperwork Kamryn had left me. "I am serious, Xyi. She is calm and controlled, people nowadays are too impulsive. Build a life with her, don't end up li
Karica's POVDays pass slowly when you have been forced to live a life you never wanted. At times every second was excruciating and I missed Adiyan terribly. But Xu and Melsine had warmed up to me and the place was becoming bearable. Beta Kamryn was super respectful while Gamma Aegir hated my guts. Every time he would find Xu with me, he grunted and muttered under his breath. He ensured I would hear his remarks. Xu didn't understand why he detested me and I was just thankful that he hadn't told her who I was. Taiz was super annoying and clingy, his salacious smiles put me ill at ease. And he always tried to find ways to touch me. Tacy, Nashia and Selia mostly minded their own business. Selia avoided me after what went down with Alpha especially whenever she walked out of his room, reeking of him. Guilt was written in bold letters on her face every time our eyes met and she would scurry off. It never angered me, I had never offered him my heart or body but an unwanted pain squirme
Karica's POVThe party was in full swing outside, the engaging music drifted in through the open window in the kitchen and I relished in it while scrubbing away the pots. The cackles and joyous shouts from outside informed me everyone was having fun. Everyone had left for the party, Xu insisted I join them but I made the excuse that I had a headache and stayed behind. Tacy was occasionally checking up on me to ensure I stayed in the kitchen. Once I had finished cleaning, I turned off the lights and peeked through the window into the garden where the party was being held. Although Lycans could see in the dark, it was less likely anyone would glance in this direction when lights were switched off. Everyone was busy eating, drinking, dancing and partying. Kamryn and Melsine were slow-dancing, lost in each other's eyes. His large hands were resting on her bloated belly and her back was pressed against him. They were lost in their world. Xu had on a peach halter dress and she was happi
Xynathius's POVI could sense her watching through the window but kept my eyes awry. Then suddenly she disappeared and it was strange. My gut told me I needed to check on her and Zilver was acting a bit restless as well. As I entered the pack house it was quiet but there was commotion in the kitchen. I hurried inside and found her. Someone had just left from her side, a male for the state she was in made my blood boil. All I could see was red, there was so much anger bubbling inside me that I wanted to repeatedly punch something. I would get the bastard later whoever she had wrapped around her fingers but first I would punish her. I had been too lenient. Her hair were dishevelled, so were her clothes and her face was red, she had been doing it rough, I will show her what rough would feel like. She was trying to say something, but the anger had blinded me and made me deaf. She had no regard for herself and none for my reputation as well. How could she betray me within my pack? I p
Karica's POVThe never-ending pain refused to subside. The storm of helplessness that brimmed inside me engulfed me whole and chewed out the messed-up remains. How could he Alpha command me without even listening to my side of the story? One could only Alpha command their pack members but Lycans could Alpha command any werewolf and a Lycan Alpha could Alpha command any Lycan or werewolf who was below him in power. If I wasn't that afraid of getting hit by him or was already shaken up by the sudden attack maybe he would have listened. But who was I kidding? He had made up his mind that I was indeed a sl*t and nothing I could say or do would make him see beyond that. He sullied me, touching me like that without my consent. Abhorrence crept up on me and I wanted to vomit from the experience. Was this how my life was going to be? I would be punished without even sinning.And the punisher will be none other than my own mate. My body throbbed and felt violated, this was wrong. So very w
Xynathius's POVI took all of her in for the first time. Her vulnerability, her sorrow, her pain and she was in a lot of it. I had gone overboard and hurt her when she was so susceptible. She flinched as I neared her and distanced herself as I sat down. I wasn't planning on doing anything other than talking to her. And I had promised I wouldn't hurt her with my words or actions anymore. I would apologise. She saw right through the apology I had concocted but it was her words that followed that had me bashed. "I am not a sl*t as you have presumed in your mind. I have never pursued men, it was just Adiyan and it sort of happened on its own. And you never gave me a chance to have an actual conversation with you or let me explain. You just brought me here and began punishing me, day and night. Besides I never tried to ra*e you, I never took your freedom of speech. I know I made mistakes but I didn't deserve what you did to me last night." Her broken words were like shards that jabbed
(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