โZayne, stop! Stop!โ Layla screamed, stepping between the two men and grabbing Zayneโs arm before he could threw another punch.โLet me have him! I need to teach him a lesson!โ He growled, trying to wiggle her grip off him, but she held on like it was her life.She had to stop the ruckus before they drew attention. How were they going to explain what was going on if another professor walked in? That was if Zayne didnโt blabber out that he caught Alaric kissing her. It would be hell from there on.โLet me go, Layla. Let me go!โ Zayne said as Layla managed to pull him away from Alaric, holding his arm so he wouldnโt launch another punch.โNo! Youโre going to do something rash if I leave you.โ She insisted, and her eyes went to Alaric. His nose was as it was a few seconds before Zayne stormed into the office, perfectly okay.โAre you alright?โ She asked, watching him as he straightened his rumpled collar. His face was blank as an empty piece of paper; no emotion or expression was written
Zayneโs kiss was fiery and rough, like he wanted to devour her, yet gentle and sweet. It was like he wanted to pay himself for all the time he had been holding himself back but also trying not to scare her away by the intensity. It was like Layla was soaring. The scent of chestnut that had tempted her for weeks was finally dancing on her tongue, engulfing her entire being, and she wanted all of it. Her eyes fluttered close, and she threw her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. He leaned them backward, and her back hit the bed, but that wasnโt enough to break the kiss. Her entire body flushed with heat under his as the kiss turned more fierce and hungry. More urgent. Like they needed to do the deed before any second thoughts set it. He broke the kiss, and she whined, clutching his collar. Animalistic blue eyes, blazing with hunger, stared into her eyes, and she bit her bottom lip. โZ-zayne.โ She panted, trying to catch her breath, and her body squirmed under his intense
โWhat are you standing at the door for? Come closer.โ Demeter said, using her hand to signal her further.โI can do this. I can do this.โ Layla told herself as she shut the door behind and walked to the centre of the room. She didnโt dare sit when Alaric did but stood before the others.โDid you really think we wouldnโt find out you were trying to manipulate and seduce Alpha Zayne?โ High Lord Boris hissed, glaring at her.โSeduce? Manipulate? How? When?โ Laylaโs eyes widened. โWho in this world told them I was seducing and manipulating Zayne? Is that what people saw when they saw our budding friendship?โโWe underestimated your wanton nature. To think youโd be able to use the mate bond to your advantage and snag his attention in such a short time. Youโre worse than I thought.โ He clicked his tongue, and his lips curled into a large smile. โBut fortunately for him, we have found a way to correct that little flaw.โBoris turned to Zayne and threw his arm around his shoulder, like he was
Every sliver of hope Layla had crashed to the ground and disappeared like dust the moment those simple words left Zayneโs mouth. A hallow feeling rose in her chest, like something had died, leaving a gap that could never be filled.โHe agreed. He agreed to break the mate bond. So he really believes that everything was just an illusion to him? Everything?โ She thought, bowing her head to hide the tears that rushed to her eyes. The parliamentarians, Zayne, Brenton, and Alaric, discussed among themselves, but she couldnโt pick a single word of what they were saying. She was frozen in time, her brain replaying the very moment Zayne chose to betray her.โFirst, Alaric and now Zayne. Am I just cursed that every guy who I think I have a connection throws me like thrash? All the promises and the words they said to me were lies. All lies.โ She squeezed her eyes shut as the tears fought to make their way out. โIโm such a fool to believe they would choose their duties to the parliamentarians o
Laylaโs scream shook the entire room, and she convulsed on the table, trying to break free of her binds. It was like surges upon surges of electricity rode through every fibre of her being and she was set ablaze at the same time. And they kept intensifying with each second that passed. โMake it stop! Make it stop!โ Tears streamed down her face as she battled against the binds holding her down. Then she froze.A hand made of the same specks of light that tormented her formed in the air.โNo! No! No!โ She frantically shook her head as it reached closer and opened its palm over her chest.A beautiful, white thread rose from the spot, one end was attached to her and the other was attached to Zayne.โPlease no.โ She wept, shaking her head as the hand reached out to the thread. Its fingers touched it, and her mouth hung open, letting out a voiceless scream. All the pain she felt couldnโt be compared to that very moment. Her eyes rolled back, and she arched her back.Darkness slipped into h
โZayne.โ Layla thought as she slowly sat up. โZayne is here. Zayne tried to break the mate bondโฆ mate bond.โ โNo! No! No!โ She whispered, shuffling back on the bed and pressing her back against the wall. Her wide eyes poured out tears as she violently trembled The dull aching in her chest intensified to a blinding amount, and she let out a bloodcurling scream. โLayla!โ Alaric and Zayne gasped as she curled into a ball, clutching at the part of her dress over her chest. โItโs ok. Itโs okay.โ Alaric whispered, bringing her to himself. His cool touch and voice melted away the pain and anxiety, and she slumped against him. She snuggled closer to him, and her sobs filled the air. โL-layla.โ Zayne muttered. His voice was shaky and weak, tugging at her heartstrings, and she flinched. โWhy? Why is he doing this to me? Just leave me alone.โ She cried. โCanโt you see how much pain and suffering youโve caused her?โ Alaric snarled as he stroked her back. โIโmโโ โGet out, Zayne! I
โT-two days!โ Layla gasped, snapping her head to Alaric. โI was a-asleep forโฆ two days! How?โโBecause the experiment took a toll on you. Itโs quite surprising youโre awake. The parliamentarians expected you to be in a coma for at least four days to a week.โ He said, running his fingers through his black hair and disheveling it more. โAre you sure youโre alright though?โโIโm still f-feeling very w-weak and tired, and my chest stillโฆ aches and feelsโฆ hollowโฆ empty.โ She muttered, pressing her hand to her chest and tapping her fingers against it. A small pain buzzed in it, not enough to make her scream in agony but enough to make her feel uncomfortable. And there was a hollow, sinking feeling. Like something had been taken away from her leavng a gaping hole.โPhantom pain. The parliamentarians said you would feel that for a few days. It mimics how you would feel when the mate bond is broken but more toned down.โ He replied, and her shoulders dropped.โOh,โ she breathed, balling her fi
โWhat do you mean by that?โ Alaric asked as he dropped the plate on the side table.โI mean exactly what I said. Why are you helping me?โ Layla asked again firmly, folding her hands on her lap. โI know I told you to stay, but you could have decided not to be here in the first place. You are an elite professor after all, and Iโm sure babysitting a student is beneath you.โโWell, the parliamentarians insisted I did because they werenโt sure how your powers would be stable despite the choker because of the experiment.โ He shrugged.โOh, so Iโm just a chore for you. A burden that you have to look after because you were told to.โ She spat, and his eyes widened.โI never saidโโโSince thatโs all I am, please leave.โ She lifted her shaky hands and pointed at the door. โAs you can see now, my powers are perfectly trapped in just like you guys wanted. You can tell the parliamentarians that I wonโt cause any trouble so they can send anyone in your place. Just leave.โโWhat are you saying?!โ He
โI never thought you were such a prankster.โ Zayne chuckled after a few silent seconds and pinched her nose. โYouโre not mad?โ Layla asked, turning her eyes back to him. โWhy would I be mad? As long as I know you arenโt going to that damn place, Iโm fine. And that was a really good one. You really got me.โ He grinned, poking her cheek. โWhatever you do, make sure you donโt teach my sisters how to play pranks, or else you five will kill me.โ โReally? Then Iโm a certified prankster.โ She giggled, pressing her hand to her lips. โItโs good to be back. Iโve missed you.โ โOf course you did. Iโm fun to be around, and Iโm a very great company.โ He boasted, puffing his chest. โProud as always.โ She scoffed, rolling her eyes and eyeing him from top to bottom. โYou look good. I never thought I would see the day you would dress formal.โ He was clad in a custom-made black suit that fitted his figure perfectly, and his hair was slicked back. It was like he walked out of the cover of a to
โMaybe I shouldnโt have come here. What if someone recognises me?โ Layla worried as she walked into the beautiful ballroom, and her gaze flitted around, taking note of the guests. The place was littered with mostly werewolves and a good amount of phoenixes, vampires, and faes royals that had decided to grace the pre-coronation party. Some couples danced to the beautiful melodies of the instrumentals while others stood by the side, having light-hearted conversation. The air was light and merry, but it still couldnโt beat the uneasy wiggling in her stomach. โIf someone recognises me, they would definitely make a scene. Itโs not everyone that supports the overthrow of the former parliamentarians, and Iโm sure some are here. Imagine the confusion it will cause if one of them decides to confront me. I want to see Zayne, but I donโt want to in that kind of dramatic way. It would be better if I just left now. I can see himโโ Two vampire gentlemen walked past her, and she stiffened. The
โThis is it. Alaric is right at the other side of that door.โ Layla thought, standing in front of the large door she had appeared before that led to Alaricโs officee. She reached out to the knob, but her hand trembled, refusing to touch it.โUgh, why am I so nervous? Itโs Alaric Iโm going to see, not a monster? How hard is it to tell him I love him?โ She bit her bottom lip, pushing the thin hand of her nightdress back on her shoulders. A picture of her confessing her love to Alaric flashed through her mind, sending blood to her cheeks. She pressed her hands to her face, squeezing her eyes shut.โI can do this. I can do this. I love you is just three simple words. Three simple words that change everything,โ she prepped herself as she placed her hand on the knob and she opened the door. She poked her head into the room, and her lips curled into a soft smile as her gaze fell on the figure slouched in his chair.โAww, heโs sleeping. It seems like Pyro and Eleanor were just over worried,โ
"Ahh, no wonder we went with the heater. I thought they underestimated how cold it was." Layla shivered, wrapping her arms around herself the moment she stepped out of the portal. The world was a barren iceland covered with thick layers of snow. Large mountains were scattered all over, so high that they seemed to reach the grey sky and trees that were covered in snow towered above her covered the entire landscape. Apart from those, there was nothing but eerie silence, shadows, and anguish. Anguish, fear, pain, and rage hung heavy in the air like mist, and her heart clenched. And it was cold. Very, very cold. When she had gone with the elite class, there was always a special heating device with them, stopping them from turning to popsicles. But she had no special device, and her bodysuit might have been good for battle, but it did nothing to warm her up. "Here," Selene pressed a finger against her forehead, and warmth flooded through her. "Thank you," she sighed, dropping her a
โWhat? Youโre leaving?!โ Zayne gasped, gaping at Layla like she was sprouting leaves on her head instead of hair. โWhy are you leaving? Where are you going to? To the human world? You canโt be thinking of going there? What about the life you have here? Are you going to give up all that?โ Alaric fired questions, furrowing his brows. โWhat?! No! Why will I go to the human world? I have nothing there,โ Layla replied, crinkling her face. โThen where are you going? Like on a vacation on something?โ Zayne asked. โNot that either. Iโฆ I need to finish my mission.โ She turned around, nudging to Selene, and the goddess waved at them. โI need to go to Tophet. I need to save the creatures there.โ โAre you crazy? You canโt go to Tophet alone! Itโs too dangerous!โ Zayne exclaimed, shaking his head. โItโs something I have to do. Those creatures have been in that state for too long. I canโt allow them to continue living in anguish when I can help them. And donโt worry about me. I can take
โAlaric! Zayne!โ Layla yelled, running to them as they ran to her.She threw her arms across their shoulders and pulled them into a hug.โYouโre alright! Iโm glad you guys are alright. I was scared when Draven brought out the eye of chaos and everyone fainted. I was afraid you guys werenโt going to wake up. I could feel our bond, and it was so weak. I was terrified.โ She sniffled, snuggling into them as they held her closer.โI donโt know about him, but something that weak isnโt enough to kill me.โ Zayne grinned, patting her head as she let go of them.โWerenโt you the first one to hit the ground? You were out like a candle in the wind before the light actually hit your skin and you were the last to stand up when it was over.โ Alaric scoffed and rolled his eyes.โW-what? Thatโsโฆ thatโs not completely true.โ The werewolf stuttered, narrowing his eyes at him as his face turned pink. โI was the first and last between the two of us. Just the two of us. Everyone else is still unconscious o
โThat doesnโt mean anything. Boris was always the weakest among us.โ Blaze scoffed, and Demeter nodded her head more than she was supposed to.โSure, whatever you say to keep your hope high.โ Layla snorted, throwing the head over her shoulder. โRound two. Make sure you make it count. It will be a disgrace if you donโt land a single blow on me before you die.โBlaze fired multiple balls of fire at her while Demeter sent blades of sharp petals. Layla lifted her hand, creating a barrier, and all their attacks disappeared the moment they touched it.She lifted her hand, forging a large shard of ice and launching it at Blaze in the blink of an eye. He screamed as it pierced through his heart, coming out at the other side. She rushed at him before he could melt the ice, and she cut off his head.โTwo down, one more to go. Youโre the last man standing, Demeter.โ Layla taunted as his body fell to the ground and turned to ashes.Demeterโs face was paler than snow as she gaped at Layla. Her ent
โDidโฆ did it work?โ Layla thought, wincing as she sat up. She opened her eyes, and her lips curled to a large smile.The red light was going dimmer and dimmer, and the red clouds began to dispense, making way for the evening sky. The dorm around the arena flickered off and on for a few seconds and faded away.โIt worked! It actually worked!โ She cheered as she stood up and Eleanor flew to her side. โLayla! Can you see that? We did it! We did it!โ She squealed, throwing her arms around her and pulling her into a tight hug.โHow is everyone? Are theyโ whatโs that?โ Layla scrunched her brows as small balls of white and yellow light flew from the sky to them.โWhatโs what?โ Eleanor asked, letting go of her and turning around.The balls of light swirled and danced around, and Layla reached out her finger to touch one of them. A recognition burned in her soul, and she wore a gentle smile.โTheyโre our sisters. Theyโre finally free, and theyโre thanking us,โ she whispered.โYouโre welcome.
โThis isnโt the time for useless jokes or gatekeeping the ttruth, Demeter.โ Layla scowled, narrowing her eyes at her as she tightened her grip on her shoulder. โIf you donโt tell me how to stop it, everyone will die, including you, and Iโm sure you wouldnโt want that.โโYou canโt stop it. No matter what you do, you canโt stop it.โ Demeter grinned, shaking her head. โThe eye of chaos can only be deactivated by the one who activated it.โโWhat?!โ Layla gasped as shivers ran through her spine. โNo! It canโt be. Youโre lying. There has to be another way.โโShe has to be lying. The eye of chaos has to have another way to be turned off without Draven.โโThereโs no other way! Everyone here is going to die. Then it will keep spreading out, draining every supernatural in its way until it has taken every bit of power in the supernatural world. Everyone will die.โ She cackled, throwing her head back, and her entire body shook. โEvery single one of them will pay with their lives for turning the