The next morning, the pack lounged in their favorite spot on the university's open grass field, bathed in golden sunlight. Laughter echoed through the air as Jasmine continued her story."I'm telling you, Nico," she said, grinning. "The guys got themselves a stripper last night."Dominic chuckled. "So, you all had a great time, huh?" He arched a brow at Cameron. "And you—aren’t you supposed to have a girlfriend?"Cameron smirked, leaning back on his hands. "Regina and I aren’t exclusive," he said casually. "Besides, she appreciated the stripper too."Everyone burst into laughter.Elena, curled up next to Dominic, playfully traced a finger along his jawline. "Honey, I’ll be your personal stripper once we get home," she teased, pressing a kiss to his lips.Dominic grinned against her mouth. "I’d love that," he murmured, pulling her closer.Elena broke the kiss and turned to her friends, her smile fading slightly. "You guys don’t actually believe what Regina said, right? About me passing
Dominic stood in front of the wooden door of an old apartment and knocked. A moment later, it creaked open, revealing an elderly yet fit man—strong despite his age—standing in the doorway. His sharp eyes studied Dominic with a knowing intensity."Hello, godfather," Dominic greeted."Come in," Matthew said, stepping aside to let him in. As Dominic walked inside, Matthew added, "I knew you were coming. Have a seat."Dominic settled onto the worn leather sofa in the dimly lit living room. Shadows danced along the walls from the nearby fireplace."What do you think is going to happen?" he asked, his jaw tight with unease.Matthew sat across from him. "I can’t tell you exactly what’s coming. But I can tell you this—it’s about you and Elena.""Elena and me? Is something wrong? Why can’t you tell me more?"Matthew exhaled slowly as if the years had suddenly caught up to him. His gaze drifted, lost in memories only he could see."All I can say is—it’s happening soon. Someone from your past is
"You called for me?" Regina purred, stepping closer. Her perfume curled around him like smoke, jasmine laced with something darker, something that lingered in the air between them.Dominic’s gaze stayed cold, unreadable. "Who are you? Do you know me from somewhere?" His voice was sharp, edged with suspicion.Regina let a slow smile spread across her lips. "I thought you called me because you wanted me to make your day worthwhile. Just you and me," she purred. "Behind the bar. No distractions."His jaw tightened, but his expression didn’t waver. "I'm being serious, Regina. Do you know me?"She trailed a finger down his arm, feather-light. "No," she whispered, her voice low and teasing. "But I'd love to." She leaned in, her breath warming his ear, lips ghosting over the shell—a deliberate tease. "I could get to know you very well."Dominic’s grip on her wrist was sudden and firm as he pushed her back with controlled force. His red eyes darkened, flashing with danger, claws sliding from
Dominic stepped aside as Jasmine and Margaret entered. Margaret's hands were slick with blood, her claws out, deep gashes running along her arms. Jasmine wrapped her in an oversized cloak, holding her steady, her face a mix of exhaustion and quiet fury.Dominic's gaze darkened. "What happened?"Elena's breath caught as she rushed forward, eyes wide with shock. "Maggie! What happened?" Her voice trembled as she grabbed her bag from the sofa. "I'll call the healer." She reached for her phone inside the bag and disappeared into the kitchen, the scent of her cooking lingering in the air."Jake did this to her. Again," Jasmine replied.Dominic's eyes flicked to Margaret, whose shoulders slumped in defeat. His voice hardened. "Meg, I'm done listening to your excuses. This time, I'm not letting you brush it off. He's done this too many times. He gets drunk, fights with his wife, and takes it out on you. And with his violent outbursts? One day, he's going to lose control and attack a human. I
Jasmine, the healer, and Margaret descended the stairs—Margaret's once-wounded body now smooth and unscarred. Not a single mark remained; the only trace of her injuries lingered in the exhaustion in her eyes.Dominic stood as they entered the living room. "Thank you," he said, nodding toward the healer. She offered a small smile and a respectful bow before quietly exiting the house.Elena emerged from the kitchen and immediately reached for Margaret, inspecting her with gentle concern. She took her hands in hers. "How are you feeling?"Margaret's lips curved into a soft smile. "Good as new."Jasmine let out a chuckle. "Though… the sheets and mattress? Completely shredded. She had to bite down on something to keep from screaming."Elena waved a hand dismissively. "Don’t worry, those can be replaced. What matters is that you’re okay." She glanced between them. "Now, stay and have dinner with us."Jasmine grinned. "Wouldn’t say no to that.""Great! Come help me in the kitchen," Elena sai
They sat scattered around the living room, soft music playing in the background and the warm glow of lamps casting gentle light over the space. A bottle of rosé sat open on the coffee table, half-empty, while glasses glinted in their hands—half-sipped.Margaret, curled up beside Jasmine on the couch, looked over at Dominic. “Thank you… really. For everything.”Dominic lifted his glass slightly in acknowledgement. “You’re welcome. But now, whatever the council decides about Jake… we’ll have to accept it.”Margaret’s expression faltered, a flicker of sadness crossing her face as the weight of those words settled over her. She nodded slowly.“Everything’s going to be alright, Meg,” Cameron said, trying to sound hopeful.Jasmine gave him a look. “And what do you know?”Cameron smirked. “What I do know is—Meg, if you need a place to crash tonight, my place is always open.”Margaret gave him a small, grateful smile and shook her head, turning to Jasmine. “Thanks, Cam, but I’ll stay with Jas
Jasmine and Margaret were nestled under the soft blankets of the guest room bed, wearing the cozy cotton pajamas Elena had lent them—matching, oversized, and undeniably comfortable. “I can’t believe we’re actually doing this,” Margaret said with a small laugh, staring up at the ceiling. “I know, right?” Jasmine laughed, fluffing a pillow behind her head. “But seriously, have you ever wondered why Elena and Dominic live in this modest apartment when they grew up in literal mansions? I mean, Elena has Athena’s legacy, and Dominic basically inherited generations of wealth from his ancestors." Margaret chuckled softly. “I think that’s the point. Dominic’s always been about the simple life. That’s why, after Cedrick died, he left the castle behind like it meant nothing and came here. Honestly, I think it’s kind of admirable.” The bedroom door eased open, and Elena slipped inside, her bunny pajamas swaying as she climbed onto the bed with a wide grin. “So… what exactly are we doing tonig
The memory plate trembled violently in Elena’s hands, pulsing with a force that felt almost alive. She gritted her teeth, clutching it tighter, trying to keep it hidden behind her back. It vibrated with a strange energy, tugging at her fingers like it had a will of its own—no, not a will. A purpose.It was meant for Dominic. And deep down, she knew it. Knew it with every ounce of dread pooling in her stomach.Still, she could stall. She had to.“Nothing,” Elena said a little too brightly, forcing a grin as she stepped toward him. “Dominic, I love you. More than anyone in this world. You know you’re the only man I’ve ever truly been with… right?”“What’s going on?” He asked.The memory plate gave a final, violent pull and tore free from Elena’s grasp, glowing silver as it zipped through the air and landed in Dominic’s waiting hand."Elena…” he said slowly, eyes narrowing. “What’s this doing here?”She opened her mouth, but he didn’t need to wait for an answer.The memory unfurled in gl
Dominic stepped into the clearing, the soft rustle of leaves beneath his boots the only sound. The air smelled of memory—earth, pine, and the faintest trace of something old. He stood at the edge of the forest clearing, the place he and Regina—Sasha—had once called their secret spot, where they used to meet long before everything changed. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying memories that felt both distant and close.He turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. Regina stood there, her expression unreadable.“You’re angry because I couldn’t love you the way you wanted,” Dominic said, his voice low but steady. “And I can’t change that, no matter how much I wish I could. But what we had—what we were—was real. I wasn’t blind to how you felt back then. I just thought… I hoped time would heal it. I never imagined it would twist into this.”Regina didn’t speak. She only stared at him, her eyes flickering with emotions dancing just behind the coldness.Dominic walked toward her,
Two men dragged a bound, struggling woman down a cold, dimly lit stone hallway. Her face was concealed beneath a coarse black sack, and her wrists were shackled in silver-laced chains that clinked with every step. When they reached the centre of the chamber, they shoved her forward. She hit the ground hard, falling to her knees, breath ragged beneath the cloth.“Well, well…” a man drawled, dressed too neatly for someone so casual, his voice smooth and mocking—like velvet laced with venom. “Look what we have here. My future mistress.” He gestured lazily. “Take that ridiculous thing off her.”One of the guards yanked the sack away. Elena blinked rapidly against the sudden light, her face pale—her mouth was gone, just smooth skin where her lips should have been. Slowly and painfully, it began to reform, the skin shifting unnaturally. Her golden eyes flared with fury.“Ah, there she is,” the man purred, a dark chuckle escaping his lips. “Our little guest of honour. Still got some fight in
Dominic sat hunched at the bar, nursing a half-empty glass of beer cradled in his hand. The amber liquid shimmered in the dim light, but his eyes were distant, lost in thought, unfocused.Freya stepped behind the counter, her apron slung over one shoulder, ready to start her shift. She spotted him immediately—alone, shoulders heavy, haunted—and quietly made her way over."Hey..." she said softly.Dominic glanced up, his voice flat. "Starting your shift?""Yeah," she replied with a small smile. "Thanks for asking."As she leaned on the bar across from him, a weight settled in her chest. His silence was loud, thick with pain. The kind you didn't need to name to feel. She could feel the weight of his sadness like a fog pressing down around him."Dominic," she said gently.He looked at her, eyes tired. "Do you need something, Freya?" His voice was rough, like he hadn't spoken to anyone all day.She shook her head. "No. I just... wanted to say something."He raised an eyebrow, waiting.She
Dominic picked up the bracelet, letting the frayed threads run between his fingers. He turned it over in his hand, brows furrowing, eyes narrowing as a memory tugged at him.“This was mine,” he murmured. “But I gave it to…” His voice trailed off, his mind sifting through the haze of distant days. “Sasha. I gave it to a friend—Sasha. She’s dead. How did you get this?”Regina’s voice trembled as she wiped away the tears threatening to fall. “Because you gave it to me. I am Sasha, Nico.”He took a step back. “That’s impossible. You want me to believe that? Sasha is dead.”“The poems and stories we read in the forest,” Regina said softly. “The stories we made up beneath the pine trees. The restaurant you took me to, the raw meat you snuck to my people. The playground where you taught me how to swing, remember?”He said nothing, the silence swelling between them.“If you need more proof…” She took a breath. “The song. The one I taught you. The one my mother sang to me every night... Close
"Elena, if it were just a kiss with my dad, maybe I could find a way to let it go—he’s always been a shameless flirt, I know that," Jasmine said, folding her arms. "But we’re talking about Dominic’s father. You know how complicated their relationship was—love and hate all tangled together.""I know," Elena said. "It happened so long ago, and I’ve regretted it ever since. I don’t even know what came over me. I used to get anxious just thinking about it. I’ve wished a thousand times I could erase that moment."Margaret wrapped her arms around her. "It’s going to be alright. Dominic just needs time. When he’s ready to talk, I believe he’ll listen. And maybe… forgive.""But who would do this to you, Elena? Who would dig up that memory now and make sure Dominic saw it?" Jasmine asked. "Was it Athena?""No," Elena said firmly, shaking her head. "It’s not Athena. For all her flaws, she loved Cerdrick. She’d be just as heartbroken as Dominic if she knew. She wouldn’t use this against me. No…
Freya slipped into the university library and made her way to the myths section, heading straight for the shelves on werewolves. Her fingers brushed over the spines of old books until a few caught her attention. Cradling them in her arms, she headed toward her newfound usual hiding spot—tucked behind the farthest shelf, past dusty encyclopedias no one ever touched.A small smile played on her lips as she turned the corner.The familiar carpet was still there, along with the worn pillows she’d stashed weeks ago. Untouched. Undisturbed. This hidden nook had become her private sanctuary.She dropped her bag quietly and sat cross-legged on the carpet, exhaling slowly. Here, she could breathe. Learn. Be herself—even if no one else knew who she truly was. It was a place to explore her identity in peace. She had learned a lot, and her Gramps had taught her even more.Lately, she’d been reading about a ritual—something her father had done to hide her real identity. She wondered why. Was she m
The memory plate trembled violently in Elena’s hands, pulsing with a force that felt almost alive. She gritted her teeth, clutching it tighter, trying to keep it hidden behind her back. It vibrated with a strange energy, tugging at her fingers like it had a will of its own—no, not a will. A purpose.It was meant for Dominic. And deep down, she knew it. Knew it with every ounce of dread pooling in her stomach.Still, she could stall. She had to.“Nothing,” Elena said a little too brightly, forcing a grin as she stepped toward him. “Dominic, I love you. More than anyone in this world. You know you’re the only man I’ve ever truly been with… right?”“What’s going on?” He asked.The memory plate gave a final, violent pull and tore free from Elena’s grasp, glowing silver as it zipped through the air and landed in Dominic’s waiting hand."Elena…” he said slowly, eyes narrowing. “What’s this doing here?”She opened her mouth, but he didn’t need to wait for an answer.The memory unfurled in gl
Jasmine and Margaret were nestled under the soft blankets of the guest room bed, wearing the cozy cotton pajamas Elena had lent them—matching, oversized, and undeniably comfortable. “I can’t believe we’re actually doing this,” Margaret said with a small laugh, staring up at the ceiling. “I know, right?” Jasmine laughed, fluffing a pillow behind her head. “But seriously, have you ever wondered why Elena and Dominic live in this modest apartment when they grew up in literal mansions? I mean, Elena has Athena’s legacy, and Dominic basically inherited generations of wealth from his ancestors." Margaret chuckled softly. “I think that’s the point. Dominic’s always been about the simple life. That’s why, after Cedrick died, he left the castle behind like it meant nothing and came here. Honestly, I think it’s kind of admirable.” The bedroom door eased open, and Elena slipped inside, her bunny pajamas swaying as she climbed onto the bed with a wide grin. “So… what exactly are we doing tonig
They sat scattered around the living room, soft music playing in the background and the warm glow of lamps casting gentle light over the space. A bottle of rosé sat open on the coffee table, half-empty, while glasses glinted in their hands—half-sipped.Margaret, curled up beside Jasmine on the couch, looked over at Dominic. “Thank you… really. For everything.”Dominic lifted his glass slightly in acknowledgement. “You’re welcome. But now, whatever the council decides about Jake… we’ll have to accept it.”Margaret’s expression faltered, a flicker of sadness crossing her face as the weight of those words settled over her. She nodded slowly.“Everything’s going to be alright, Meg,” Cameron said, trying to sound hopeful.Jasmine gave him a look. “And what do you know?”Cameron smirked. “What I do know is—Meg, if you need a place to crash tonight, my place is always open.”Margaret gave him a small, grateful smile and shook her head, turning to Jasmine. “Thanks, Cam, but I’ll stay with Jas