The escape wasn’t smooth for long. As we reached the next corner, El’s voice snarled in my head. *Astrid, stop!* I froze, yanking Ezra to a halt. He hissed in pain, but I ignored him, my eyes darting down the corridor. Elias turned sharply, his blade in hand, and his amber eyes scanned the shadows. “What is it?” he whispered, his voice low and tense. El’s growl deepened. *We’re not alone.* A flicker of movement at the end of the hallway confirmed her instincts. I barely had time to react before a figure stepped out of the shadows, their eyes gleaming unnaturally in the dim light. Then another. And another. Rogues. “Run!” Elias barked, shoving me and Ezra back. He didn’t wait for us to respond, surging forward like a predator unleashed. Ezra grunted as I pulled him along, his legs dragging. “Astrid, leave me,” he rasped, his voice strained. “You’ll move faster without—” “Shut the fuck up,” I snapped, my grip tightening. “I’m not leaving you.” Behind us, the clash of m
The tunnel seemed endless, the air growing colder with every step. My breath puffed in quick clouds, my lungs burning as I half-dragged, half-supported Ezra. His weight was heavy against me, his injuries slowing us down. “Ezra, stay with me,” I whispered, my voice cracking under the strain. “I’m not... going anywhere,” he muttered through gritted teeth, his steps faltering but determined. The walls trembled again, dirt and rocks falling around us. The sound of the structure groaning echoed behind us, and I knew Elias’s time was running out. My stomach churned with guilt, but El’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. *Focus, Astrid. You can’t save him if you don’t save yourself first.* I forced my legs to keep moving, even as my heart ached. The tunnel opened into a larger cavern, faintly illuminated by glowing moss along the walls. The sight of it gave me a spark of hope. “There,” I said, urging Ezra forward. “We can rest there for a second.” He nodded weakly,
We burst out of the tunnel, the cold night air hitting me like a slap to the face. My lungs burned, and every muscle in my body screamed for rest, but I couldn’t stop. Not yet. The dense forest surrounded us, the canopy above casting shadows that danced like restless spirits in the moonlight. Ezra stumbled beside me, his breathing ragged, and Elias brought up the rear, his movements swift and purposeful. I turned back briefly, my heart sinking as the sound of distant snarls and crashing echoed from within the tunnel. Kael was still in there, fighting. My instinct screamed to go back—to help him—but I forced myself to keep moving. “We can’t stop,” Elias urged, his voice steady but low. “They’ll send others after us. We need distance.” I nodded, my throat tight, unable to speak. My chest ached, the pull of the mate bond tugging me toward Kael like an unbreakable chain. El whimpered in my mind, her anguish mirroring my own. *We shouldn’t have left him,* she whispered, her voice
The cabin fell into a tense silence after Elias’s words, the weight of everything pressing down on us. Ezra had drifted into a restless sleep, his breathing shallow but steady. I sat by the small table near the window, fiddling with the edge of the cloth I’d used to bandage him, my thoughts churning. Elias stood near the door, his arms crossed and his sharp gaze scanning the forest outside. Even though we’d made it out of Aric’s stronghold, it didn’t feel like much of a victory. Kael and Lucian were still there, fighting to buy us time, and the thought of leaving them behind gnawed at me. “What’s the plan now?” I asked finally, breaking the silence. My voice sounded steadier than I felt. Elias didn’t look at me right away. He stayed focused on the dark woods beyond the window, his jaw tight. “We regroup,” he said after a long pause. “Find a safe place to lay low for now, get Ezra healed, and figure out our next move.” I frowned. “And what about Kael?” Elias sighed, finally t
The next morning came too soon. The first streaks of dawn filtered through the cracks in the boarded windows, bathing the room in a pale, cold light. My body protested as I pushed myself upright, the stiffness in my limbs a reminder of just how little I’d slept. Elias was already awake, crouched near the fire as he sharpened a knife. The rhythmic scrape of metal on stone was oddly soothing, a quiet promise of readiness. Ezra was still asleep, his breathing deep and steady, though his face was pale. The wound had stopped bleeding, but I couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at me. “Time to move,” Elias said softly, not looking up from his task. I nodded, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. “How far is this safe house, really?” “Closer to three days on foot,” Elias admitted, his tone flat. “But if we keep a strong pace, we might make it in two and a half.” I glanced at Ezra, doubt clouding my mind. “And if we’re slowed down?” Elias stopped sharpening the blade and finally met my gaze
Without further attacks we arrived at the safe house, Elias waves a hand in the air and whispered a few words that a massive black gate appeared.I stared at him in disbelief.“You are mage.”He gave me a warm smile in return, “I am.”“Why didn’t you say anything all this while?” I asked, anger building up inside. I just travelled a thousand miles with a man who could have just made us appear here with a wave of his hands.And Kael too.Now I was angry.“You weren’t supposed to find out until we got here:”“What is that supposed to mean? You fucking put us through danger. And kael! I don’t even know if he’s alive!” I screamed in his face.Elias face harden a bit “Astrid you have to calm down, some things are not to be revealed to the wind.”“If anything as much as a scratch appears on Kael’s body I’ll blame you.” I sneered walking up to the gate.The massive locks creaked open and the gate opened up, it was dark inside and barely any movement.“Follow me.” Elias called, walking in fro
The room they led me to was small but cozy, the walls smooth and painted in warm tones that made the space feel less like a fortress and more like a home. A single bed with crisp linens sat in the corner, and a small wooden table held a candle flickering faintly in the still air. Maya lingered at the doorway, her arms crossed loosely, a thoughtful look on her face. "If you need anything, my room’s just down the hall," she said softly. "Thank you," I replied, my voice quieter than I intended. The weight of everything pressed heavily on my chest, and it was all I could do to keep my breathing steady. She hesitated as if wanting to say more, but finally, she nodded and left, the door clicking shut behind her. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I was alone. I sank onto the bed, the mattress giving way under me. My body ached, and my mind buzzed with fragments of memories—Kael’s face twisted in fury, Ezra’s blood on my hands, Aric’s chilling threats. The fire I had fe
The next morning dawned with an eerie calmness. The faint rays of sunlight filtered through the small cracks in the walls, casting delicate patterns onto the wooden floors. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, still grappling with the strange mixture of exhaustion and resolve. I slipped out of the room, following the faint hum of voices that echoed down the corridor. The house felt alive this morning, the muted sounds of movement and quiet conversation weaving through the air. It felt different—a kind of tension that wasn’t fear but anticipation. When I reached the main room, everyone was already gathered. Dominique stood near the fireplace, his arms crossed as he surveyed the group with his usual commanding presence. Maya leaned casually against the wall, her sharp gaze flickering toward me as I entered. Ezra was seated on the edge of the large table, his wounds wrapped but his demeanor unshaken. Elias stood in the center, his expression unreadable. “What’s going on?” I asked, my vo
The air grew heavier with each breath, the acrid sting of wolfsbane clinging to my senses. My legs felt like lead, every step a struggle as the poison worked its way into my system. Dominique staggered beside me, his wolf form flickering as his body fought to keep moving. "Dominique!" I reached out, gripping his arm to steady him. "I’m fine," he said, though his voice was strained. "Keep moving. We’re almost there." Ahead, the forest began to thin, the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the trees. But the scent of wolfsbane didn’t let up—it only grew stronger, mingled with the metallic tang of blood in the air. Dominique suddenly froze, his body tense as his ears twitched. "They’re close," he muttered, his eyes scanning the darkness. Before I could ask who, the snap of a branch to our left sent a jolt of fear through me. A low growl rumbled in the distance, and I knew we weren’t alone. "Run," Dominique said, his voice low but commanding. "I’m not leaving you!" I p
I stepped closer, resting a hand gently on Kael's chest. His heart was pounding under my palm, his muscles taut with restrained fury. "Kael," I said again, softer this time. His eyes flicked to mine, and I saw the storm raging inside him. "We can’t risk it. If what Lira says is true, then you can’t come with me. Not yet." His hands gripped my shoulders, his touch firm but trembling slightly. "Astrid, I’m not leaving you. Not now, not ever. If Alice’s wolves try to stop me, they’ll have to fight me for you." "You’re not thinking clearly," I whispered. "This isn’t just about us. It’s about keeping the baby safe. If Alice is our best chance, then we have to follow her rules." Kael’s expression hardened, his jaw clenching as he fought against his instincts. He was torn between protecting me and respecting my wishes, and it was killing him. Maya stepped forward cautiously, her face pale but determined. "Kael, maybe it’s best if you let Astrid go with Lira. Alice’s wolves are... p
The realization hit me like a cold wind. Kael's hands still rested on my stomach, reverent and protective, but the warmth of his touch couldn’t quiet the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind. He cared for me, yes. His instincts demanded it—he was my mate, after all. But care wasn’t love. Protection wasn’t love. Kael was bound to me because the universe had decreed it. He was drawn to my scent, to my body, to the bond that linked us like two halves of a whole. But what if that bond wasn’t enough? What if it was obligation that tethered him to me and not something deeper? I swallowed hard, trying to keep the tears from spilling over. *Don’t cry, Astrid. Not now. Not here.* Even as my heart ached, I couldn’t stop myself from staring at him. His face was set in determination, his eyes still blazing with that fierce promise of protection. But love? That soft, vulnerable thing I longed for? I couldn’t see it there. He hadn’t chosen me. Not really. And yet, I had fallen for him
As the warmth of Kael's body began to fade, I felt his fingers trailing along my arm, his touch gentle but purposeful. His chest rose and fell against my back as we lay tangled together under the canopy of stars. The lake shimmered in the distance, but Kael’s attention was wholly on me."You're different," he murmured, his voice low, almost as if he were speaking to himself. I stiffened slightly, turning my head to glance at him. "Different how?" He propped himself up on one elbow, his eyes scanning me with an intensity that made my heart race. "Your scent," he said. "It's changed. It’s sweeter, stronger... like honey and wildflowers after the rain." His fingers grazed my collarbone, his gray eyes narrowing. "And your arousal—it’s not just wolf. There’s something else in it. Something... primal." I swallowed hard, my throat tightening under his scrutiny. El stirred uneasily within me, caught between curiosity and fear. "I don't know what you're talking about," I said softly, t
In one swift movement, Kael plunged into my mouth, his cock hitting the back of my throat. I need air, I need to breath. My eyes Ayang with unshed tears, his hand gripped my hair tightly, helping in movement. “You are só fucking good, little mouse..” kael moaned, thrusting into my mouth with no care in the word. There was pure hunger and greed in his movement. My hands gripped his thighs to steady me from falling over. I hummed against his cock, wetting pooled between my legs, I knew he could smell it cuz I could too. “Oh! Fucckk!” His head flew back, eyes closed while his waist moved in a fluid manner. I could taste him in my mouth, little drops of pre-cum that coated the tip of his cock. It was heavenly, or maybe I was sick in my head. Kael, sipped his dick out of my mouth, he ducked down and grabbed my chin, pressing it. “You will be a good little mouse, and ducking swallow every bit of my seed that I spill.” He growled. Beads of sweat laid on his forehead, glimmeri
“I want you” I whispered rubbing myself on him, El squealed in excitement with the contact. The moonlight danced across the lake, the ripples casting soft silver patterns on the water. I saw him standing there, waiting—Kael. His back was to me, his broad shoulders tense, as if the weight of the world rested on him alone. For a moment, I hesitated, watching him, unsure if I had the strength for what was to come. But my wolf stirred, pulling me forward. *Go to him.* The bond between us hummed, undeniable and raw. “Kael,” I called softly, my voice carried on the breeze. He turned, and the sight of his face under the moonlight made my breath hitch. His eyes, intense and piercing, found mine, and I saw everything there—his pain, his longing, his love. The tension in his jaw relaxed as he closed the distance between us in just a few strides. I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could say a word, his hands cupped my face, and he kissed me. It wasn’t gentle or tentative. It wa
Lucian grinned, his expression twisting with cruel satisfaction. “Brave words,” he said, his golden eyes narrowing. “Let’s see if you can back them up.” The earth beneath him cracked as his men surged forward, weapons drawn and snarls ripping through the night. I felt the hum of magic deep in my core, powerful and untamed, begging to be unleashed. “Astrid, no!” Lira’s voice rang out, desperate. “You’re not ready!” But I couldn’t run anymore. Not now. Not while my friends were fighting for me, risking everything. I clenched my fists, the energy within me coiling tighter, hotter, until it burst free. The air around me shimmered, and the ground shook violently as I thrust my hands forward. Roots and vines exploded from the earth, twisting and curling like living serpents. They lashed out at Lucian’s men, ensnaring them before they could close the gap. Some screamed as the vines tightened, pinning them to the ground or flinging them away like ragdolls. Lucian barely flinched,
The peace of the moment shattered like glass. A thunderous crash erupted outside, followed by shouts and the unmistakable clang of steel. Maya’s hand was on her dagger in an instant, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the room. “They found us,” Elias growled, his voice taut with urgency. He moved to the doorway, his stance tense and ready. “How?” I whispered, my heart racing as dread coiled in my chest. Lira’s expression hardened, her calm demeanor replaced with the fierce resolve of someone who had been hunted before. “It doesn’t matter how. What matters is getting you out of here alive.” Another crash echoed through the air, and the sound of splintering wood followed. Lucian’s men were close. Maya stepped forward, her dagger glinting in the faint light. “We hold them off here. Astrid, you need to go.” “I’m not leaving you!” I protested, but Elias shot me a sharp look. “This isn’t a debate,” he said firmly. “You’re the one they want. If you stay, you’ll only make it easi
Lira’s words echoed in my mind long after the conversation ended, reverberating through the walls of the small cabin that had become our temporary refuge. I sat by the window, staring out into the dark forest, the weight of everything she had told me pressing heavily on my chest. *The last original witch.* It was impossible to wrap my mind around it. The anger I had held onto for so long wavered, replaced by confusion and a deep sense of responsibility I wasn’t sure I was ready for. My wolf, El, was unusually quiet, a reflection of the storm in my own mind. I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Maya standing there, her arms crossed and a knowing look in her eyes. “You’ve been quiet all night,” she said softly, sitting beside me. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I don’t even know where to begin.” Maya tilted her head, her sharp gaze piercing. “She told you about your magic.” It wasn’t a question. I nodded, surprised but not entirely shocked that she knew.