CHAPTER FOUR
-ANTONIO-
The table fell quiet as the group collectively absorbed what they had just heard. Antonio found himself both amazed by the tale and filled with new curiosity, his mind brimming with additional inquiries. He contemplated the possibility of someday living happily with his destined mate. He pictured a cozy house where he and his mate could relax on the porch, watching their children play in the yard. The thought brought a gentle smile on his face.
King Rasso's throat-clearing shattered Antonio's joyful moment, and all eyes turned towards him, "Shall we di
CHAPTER FIVE-WELDON-Several days had passed since Boris had attempted to mate and mark my sister in his office. Despite the many objections and warnings from both Boris and his mother, Dermon and I were able to take Wilhelmina back home with us. A tense, angry silence hung over our home since Dermon and I revealed what had happened. Our father's anger was to be expected, but even more surprisingly, our mother was fuming as well – perhaps even more than our father. It took all three of us - Dermon, Raina, and myself - to stop her from storming into the Gravemaw Mansion. Our father made no effort to intervene in our mother's actions. Wil
CHAPTER FIVE-SEVERA-It was the middle of night. Everyone in the house was asleep, except for me. For the past few days, a sense of unease had been building within me. I tried to brush it off as nerves for the upcoming semester or lingering fears from Boris's ominous warning at the park. But deep down, I knew his words had unsettled me more than I wanted to admit.My phone buzzed. I took my phone from underneath my pillow and saw I had a text from Weldon. What could Weldon need at this hour of the night, I
CHAPTER FIVE-SERENA-In the morning, I woke up to the smell of a hearty breakfast floating up from the kitchen. The savory scent of frying bacon, scrambled eggs and freshly brewed coffee was intoxicating, yet my stomach churned uneasily at the thought of the impending confrontation. Pushing off the covers, I moved quietly to the door, peering out into the hallway. The twins, Bellatrix and Rae, walked out of their shared room clad in their matching pink pajamas, their youthful faces unmarred by the worry that plagued me. They giggled softly, their voices harmonizing in a comforting melody that momentarily lessened my anxiety. Their innoc
CHAPTER FIVE-DERMON-We, Wilhelmina and I, came into this world together, our bond unbreakable from the start. We shared everything - matching outfits as children, the same classes in school, and even a circle of friends. Mina has always been more than just my twin sister; she is my other half, my closest companion. But even with our similarities, there were noticeable differences between us.I bore a striking resemblance to our father, while Mina took after our mother's graceful beauty. She effortlessly captivated everyone she spoke it, charming them with her easy grace an
CHAPTER FIVE-DERMON-Mina and I made our way downstairs. Seated in the living room, our mother, father, and Weldon anxiously awaited Mrs. Parella's arrival. Their gazes shifted to us as Mina and I descended the stairs. The worry lines on their faces disappeared upon seeing Mina's now confident demeanor.Our mother stood, rushing towards us with outstretched arms. She took Mina into a warm embrace. "My brave girl," she whispered into her hair."I see you've managed to give her some courage," Weldon remarked.
CHAPTER FIVE-WELDON-It had been a couple of days, and I had gathered all the details about Maximus Arnet, the werewolf, and Elina Arnet, the Lycan. They resided on the border of the Gravemaw territory with their granddaughter, Maria Arnet. Mina and I were headed towards their residence. The drive was quiet. Mina appeared lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. She didn't seem interested in starting a conversation.A scent, delicate as a whisper, began to permeate the air. It was vaguely familiar - a sweet, comforting aroma that brought fo
CHAPTER FIVE-WELDON-I gestured for Mina to approach us, and she walked over from where she was standing by the car. I could feel Maria's hand squeeze mine a little tighter as she watched Mina. I couldn't shake the feeling that she was apprehensive about Mina, as if she suspected we were romantically involved."This," I said, looking at Maria and then her grandparents, "is my younger sister, Wilhelmina Growler." She sauntered over, her red eyes glinting in the soft evening glow, her snow white curls bouncing with each step.
CHAPTER FIVE-SEVERA-I heard a gentle knock on my bedroom door in the afternoon."Come in." I called.My parents entered, their faces filled with worry. In my mom's arms, Ariston slept peacefully. "Severa, I have received a call from Trisha," my dad began, his voice filled with a gravity that made my heart sink.I eyed them warily, a gnawing unease creeping up in the pit of my stomach. "About what?" I asked, trying to keep my tone steady.
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-The sound of a loud crash startled me awake. My eyes flew open, and I immediately sat up in bed. The Luna Mother and Glenda stood in the doorway, both looking aggravated. As if by instinct, my body reacted. I quickly leapt out of bed and bowed deeply to the Luna Mother."Greetings-," I began, only to be cut off by the Luna Mother's stern voice."Spare us your formalities," she snapped. Her gaze swept through the room, pausing on the now empty cauldron, the perfume bottle, and the half-eaten fruit
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-Nightshade petals were the main ingredient for the Potion of Charm. Without them, I could not make the potion. The Luna Mother would be furious. I closed my eyes, trying to think as the panic crept through me.Then, I remembered the small patch of nightshade that grew in the heart of the Dark Woods, a place not many people dared to venture in. A wave of fear and excitement washed over me, but I knew what needed to be done, even though the thought of stepping into that otherworldly abyss filled me with dread.
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-The history of witches was as captivating as it was chilling. My heart ached reading about the turmoil, the conflicts, and the persecution that surrounded them.Yet, oddly enough, the thought of being a part of that world held a certain allure, a promise of something more than the mundane rhythms of my life. It was the idea of belonging somewhere, anywhere other than here.I was so lost in my own thoughts that I didn't even hear the door open. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out my name. "Estra
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-I slowly opened my eyes, feeling disoriented and confused. I took in quick, shallow breaths as I scanned my surroundings with wide eyes, my heart racing against my chest like a wild animal trying to break free from its enclosure.It dawned on me. That I had a nightmare. The memory of that night still haunted me. That heart-rending goodbye, their terrified faces and Trisha's cold, unyielding grip were just as vivid in my mind as if it had only happened yesterday.I stole a quick glance at the desk
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-Hugo clutched Arwen and Estrada closer to him, his body tense with protectiveness. He snarled at Trisha, baring his teeth in warning."Oh, defensive, are we?" Trisha toyed, her eyes glistening with malicious amusement. "Pity. Here I was about to make you an offer you couldn't refuse.""Shut your mouth, filthy mutt!" Hugo barked with venom in his voice, his eyes flaring with frenzied wrath.The moment Hugo spoke those words, the air tu
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-It was the evening, and the sun had begun to set. Its fading orange light bathed Estrada's room in a soft warm glow. Her bag lay packed against the door, ready for departure. Estrada cast one last look around the room, her gaze lingering on the drawings that decorated the walls."Estrada," Arwen's voice came from the hallway. "It's time to go, sweetheart." Her voice was gentle, but Estrada could hear the hitch in her throat that betrayed her fear.Estrada's heart tightened at her mother's words.
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-As the sun gracefully rose above the horizon, its golden rays filtered through the delicate lace curtains of the Evercrown cottage. The warm light danced across the walls and finally settled on young Estrada's face. She stirred from her slumber, her long lashes fluttering open to reveal inky black eyes that sparkled in the sunlight.She raised a delicate hand to shield her eyes, the events of the previous night feeling like an eerie dream. A sigh escaped her as she stretched like a dozing kitten. The delicate aroma of breakfast floated in through the
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-Estrada's heart raced as she watched Mrs. Gravemaw converse with her apprehensive parents."We weren't trying to leave, Luna," Arwen said, her voice rising in pitch. Her mama always sounded like that when she was anxious.Mrs. Gravemaw didn't look convinced. Her cold gaze flitted between Hugo and Arwen. "Lying to the Luna," she scoffed, her face scrunching up in irritation. "Can lead to severe consequences, as you very well know." Her voice was as icy as her stare, sending a chill down E
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-It had been about a week since Estrada had overheard her parents' hushed conversation. The memory of their furrowed brows and tense voices was still fresh in her mind, but she couldn't quite recall what they had been discussing. Despite this, she couldn't shake off the lingering worry that seemed to have settled in the house like a heavy fog.As each day passed, Estrada couldn't help but notice the increasing concern and stress etched onto her parents' faces. She attempted to comfort them with small gestures of kindness, but their troubled expression