Lucien's PovSo much had happened in such a short time. And the world in my eyes now felt different. I couldn't believe how many people had died and how many lives had been lost. Donovan; a pioneer of the chaos was now dead too. And I sat here on this upturned log silent… as the wind blew by gentle yet heavy. Subtle yet forceful. The nature of the weather similar to the nature of my emotions. Tossing yet dragging. Weightless yet burdensome… The broom in my hands now feeling like a sword. Like a blade. Like a weapon. The same ones that were sent through the hearts of innocent people… And unknowing souls… And all because of what?...Was it because of love?... And was it really?... Was all this conflict and destruction really necessary?... And all because of the thirst for power and love for control and desire?... Avery was still in my heart even though far away. I still thought about her, and I still felt something for her… Stella was a choice of fate not a choice of want. But I was
Lucien's Pov“Well if you have none, why don't you just make one?...” The words rang in my ears in a hollowed whisper. I felt the weight of it completely wash over me. And as I walked back to Silverwood I could hear my father's voice and feel his presence, almost like he was there and walking right beside me. While I was at the temple I heard his voice too. I heard his tone. It was soft and mild. Not rough and commanding as it usually was. It was encouraging… and I needed that source of encouragement… I didn't have a family anymore. At least not anyone that I felt drawn to, or trusted, or even believed in. I walked back to Silverwood now not being able to wait to see Avery again. I had stared at her when I walked past with Donovan's dangling head in my hand. And I'm sure the sight must have frightened her or disgusted her. Or made her think ill of me. And I didn't want her to think ill of me… I walked with more effort even though my legs were tired. The thought of burying Donovan a
Avery's povI stood there amongst the others. Like a lone sheep amidst other sheep just like it. Everyone around me, including me stood vulnerable. Even those who thought they were strong had become vulnerable too. The conflict and aura of death had humbled everyone. As everyone knew it could've been them… And it could've been anyone of us… The losses counted could've been on any side. The tears were still rolling, and families were still reeling from being broken and losing a loved one. I stood amongst the rag tag group of survivors and people still standing. My eyes holding back tears at the shock of it all— the way death had swooped down over everyone like a hawk and taken everyone with their mental helmets removed and emotional swords sheathed. I stood there like a little tuft of cloud floating amongst napalm skies, and I sobbed slightly as I hadn't experienced anything like this…I rested over on a pillar and leaned all my weight against it for support. As anything less would've
Avery's PovThe crowd in front of me gasped as if they were witnessing an execution. And the executioner had just brought down the axe. The way it resounded across the room and sent chills up my spine. I was already on my feet and I quickly rushed forward—my flat heels clicking as I reached them. The guards themselves seemed frantic as their voices quaked in yelling for assistance.“Get the Alpha some water!” one boomed.“Don't just stand there, you imbeciles!” the other yelled. “Clear a space, step back, give him breathing room!”The shocked crowd were too shocked to move. And the guards had to shove them aside to pass. The children were scared and ran to hide in the corner. While the parents and onlookers were made to move and found themselves on the floor. The guards held Lucien between them and his head dangled as they moved. I stared worried beyond my senses as I feared the worst. He didn't seem responsive at all. As his face looked pale and his body hung between the guards like
Avery's PovI reached the end of the hallway and turned right. The decor immediately transforming in this direction. The walls lined with variegated designs yet in one color pattern. The chandeliers were single holder with three candles. Suits of amor lined in front and beside them and then statues. One of Lucien himself and one of his father and mother. Her pose was different from theirs but Lucien and Alpha Hawthorne the same. Like father, like son. I glanced at their carved expressions as I walked past them and Lucien’s face was the only one that stuck out to me the most. His face on the statue holding a confident smirk. The same confident smirk he always had. The same confident smirk that drew me in into joy when I found out he was my mate. And the same confident smirk he had when he had already rejected me but still wanted to use me for his pleasure…I glanced at the statue and the expression stuck in my head. It annoyed me that he was so self-absorbed and self fulfilling, even i
Avery’s PovLucien laid there with his skin looking almost ash. The dust ridden roads outside now matching his color. He looked cremated and his entire outlook made me burst into tears. As I couldn't stand the sight and I couldn't look him in the eyes. I laid there on the floor sobbing. As he looked weak and lifeless. The fire in his eyes was gone. The energy and aura I once saw in them now distant and unseen. I was just too shocked to comprehend it. It was a sore sight for emotional eyes. As he looked already far beyond. He seemed to have already given up the ghost and like it was only his body that was left to quiet down. I raised myself up slowly and tried not to fall back down as I reached my hands towards his face. I tried to hold him. And I tried to wake him up. I brushed my fingers across his lips and ran my hands through his hair as I tried to feel something. And I tried to make him feel something. I wanted to pass some life into him. I closed my eyes and tried to steady my
Lucien’s PovI didn't understand what was happening. I didn't understand what I was doing in my chambers? And I didn't understand why Avery was right beside me? The room was too dark for comfort and I was worried something had happened between me and her? Maybe I was dazy and confused because she had laced my drink and had her way with me?... There were so many thoughts and they were all running around fighting and struggling for the light of truth and I couldn't concentrate or focus. The rush of thoughts making my head keel over with a growing migraine.“You need some rest…” I heard her say again now. Her voice soft and solemn. The concern in her tone visible.“You were sick but now you're better. Your skin was pale and I feared you were gone to leave us. But I'm glad you're well…”I frowned now and turned to her. A sharp pain shooting from my head down to my feet as I did. And my eyes creasing in response as I tried to replay the words she just said. I felt her hands in mine and the
Avery's PovThe guards came in at the worst time possible. As I thought they wouldn't arrive until I left and I was just about to. But now they were standing at the door suited in armor with a woman standing in between them. Their feet stopping abruptly as they noticed me. The two guards with their helmets off and their faces creasing into confused frowns as their eyes fell on me. I froze immediately and my heart jumped to my mouth. As the guards didn't count two steps before they suddenly drew their swords. The sound of iron skidding against iron echoing around the room. And my anxiety shooting through the ceiling.“Step away from the Alpha!” The first guard boomed. “You are the witch sent to kill him aren't you?” the second one altoed. His voice as hoarse as a grater. Their combined volume making me shiver and their weapons drawn making me gulp saliva.“I'm not a witch please…” I begged, falling to my knees. There was no use arguing and there was no use trying to rationalise that I