Megan shifted back into her human form, brushing her hair from her face as she scanned the fortress ahead. The ominous structure loomed against the night sky, its dark towers piercing the clouds. Torches flickered along the high walls, and faint shadows moved within the light—guards patrolling the perimeter."Do you have a plan?" she asked, her tone laced with sarcasm but underpinned by urgency.I growled softly, still shaking off the pain in my flank. "Get in. Find Astrid. Kill anything that gets in my way."Megan raised an eyebrow. "Straightforward. I like it. But unless you've developed the ability to teleport past walls, you're going to need a bit more finesse." She pointed toward the eastern side of the fortress, where a smaller guard tower stood. "That’s our best bet. Less fortified, and it connects to the servant’s quarters."I nodded, though my wolf snarled at the idea of sneaking. Every fiber of me screamed to storm the gates, to rip through the fortress and tear apart anyone
**Astrid’s POV** After kael had lost consciousness in the veil through the fight and injury to his side, i sat beside him hoping against hope that those things didn’t come back out. In a blink of the eye we were transported into a different place , the air was crispy and sweet. It smelled like home. The grass was green and lush, shining under the soft rays of the sun. Where are we? Was this still some part of the test? I laid my head back, already tired from the fight we just had, soon I fell fast asleep in a peaceful embrace of the warm breeze. The last thing I remembered was the thick scent of lavender and iron. My head swam as the world blurred around me, and then everything went black. When I woke, I was bound and gagged, my arms aching from being pulled taut above my head. The room was dim, the only light coming from a single flickering torch mounted on the stone wall. Panic coursed through me as I tried to move, my wolf snarling within me, but the chains held firm, and t
Megan led me through the dark corridors with a precision that was almost unnerving. She moved like a shadow, her steps silent and deliberate. I followed close behind, my senses gradually sharpening as the potion cleared the magic's lingering effects. The fortress was eerily quiet, but every now and then, we’d hear faint echoes of footsteps or voices in the distance. Each time, Megan would stop, holding up a hand to signal me to stay still. Her sharp ears picked up on things I couldn’t hear, and I had to trust her instincts. “Where’s Kael?” I whispered as we paused in a narrow hallway, the dim light casting flickering shadows on the walls. She glanced at me, her expression unreadable. “He’s outside, trying to breach the main wards. It’s taking longer than expected. Your mother-in-law doesn’t mess around when it comes to fortifying her stronghold.” “You and Kael…….I thought-“ I was unable to finish my sentence. No knowing how to put the question. A small smile danced on her lip
The cold night air hit me like a slap as I burst through the crumbling gates. The forest beyond stretched like a dark, endless labyrinth, but it was freedom, and that was all that mattered. My heart pounded as I stumbled forward, my legs trembling from exertion. A deep, familiar growl pulled me to a halt. My eyes darted around the shadows until I saw him. Kael. He stood just beyond the treeline, his silhouette powerful and commanding. His wolf loomed just beneath the surface, his eyes glowing with a predatory light. Relief flooded me, and before I knew it, I was running toward him. “Kael!” He moved faster than I anticipated, meeting me halfway. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me against his chest so tightly I could barely breathe. “Astrid,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. His hands trembled as they roamed over me, as if he needed to confirm I was real. “You’re safe. Thank the goddess.” Tears pricked my eyes, but I pulled back slightly, gripping his
We ran deeper into the forest, our breaths ragged, the dense foliage scraping against our skin as we weaved through the trees. Kael’s hand never let go of mine, his grip grounding me, keeping me from succumbing to the fear clawing at my chest. The moonlight barely filtered through the canopy above, casting eerie shadows across the forest floor. Behind us, the sounds of the wolves tearing into the guards echoed through the night. But I knew better than to think we were safe. Kael’s mother wasn’t one to give up so easily, and every step forward felt like a countdown to another confrontation. “We need a plan,” I said between gasps, glancing over my shoulder. “She’s not going to stop.” Kael slowed his pace just enough to glance at me, his face grim and determined. “We’ll get to the eastern cliffs. There’s a path that leads down to the river. If we can reach it, we can lose her in the water.” “What about her magic? She found us once; she can do it again.” His jaw tightened. “Not
I don’t know how long we walk for but a faint light shown in the distance. I could feel my bones protesting in agony, and my stomach wasn’t helping matters.I leaned against a tree, taking in deep sharp breaths.“We are almost there, little mouse.” Kael’s voice sounded so distant.Little mouse, he called me.We have been so caught up in wars and fight that we barely had time for each other. I Opened my eyes and gave in a weak smile.He lifted me into his arms, carrying like a child that weighed nothing, I placed my head in his chest listening to the sound of his heartbeat. It was loud but steady. Steady enough to calm my nerves.We got to a little house in the middle of nowhere, the air around the area was thick and heavy with magic.My feet touch the dried up leaves, that made a crunchy sound.“We’re here.” Kael said, guiding me to the front pouch, were a lantern sat my the door side. The door creaked open and a familiar figure emerged.My eyes widen in shock.“Ruby” I breathed out
I stepped into the water, it was hot but not hot enough to burn the skin. I lowered my body into the bath, and laid back. I sighed in exhaustion. If Kael, doesn’t want to handle my situation down there, then I will. My left hand glided over my stomach then to my breast. A soft moan escaped my lips, my eyes rolled back into my head and my nipple hardened. “What do you think you’re doing?” Kael’s voice boomed across the room. I opened my eyes slightly, looking over at him. “What do you think I’m doing?” I returned his question back to him. He drew in a sharp breath, watching as my hand disappeared under the water. “Don’t tempt me Little mouse.” He groaned. “Do you feel tempted?” I whispered, still keeping my eyes on him. His chest muscles moved in the most sexy way possible. “You. Are. Not. Allowed. To. Touch. Yourself. Astrid.” He spat out, gritting his teeth. I watched as he was gradually losing every little bit of restraint he had left in his body. “Watch.
Kael lifted me up to the cabinet, my back pressed against the mirror, our mouths wet still lock in to each other, my body was now a mixture of sweat and water. Kael's body pressed against mine, his heat seeping into me as he claimed my lips with fervor. The kiss deepened, his tongue tangling with mine as if he was determined to erase every doubt from my mind. His hands gripped my thighs, spreading them as he hoisted me higher onto the cabinet. The cold surface against my bare skin was a sharp contrast to the fire raging between us. My fingers found their way to his hair, tugging gently, eliciting a low growl from him that sent shivers down my spine. “You drive me insane, little mouse,” Kael murmured against my lips, his voice husky with desire. “Good,” I whispered, letting my teeth graze his bottom lip. “Because you drive me mad every second you’re near me.” His chuckle was dark, filled with promises of what he planned to do to me. His lips trailed down my jawline, leaving a
The cabin was silent except for the crackling of the fire, a weak and inconsistent sound that seemed to mirror the shattered state of everyone gathered. The room felt suffocating, weighed down by grief so thick it was almost tangible. Megan stood by the window, her back to the group as silent tears ran down her cheeks. Maya knelt on the floor, cradling Ruby’s lifeless body in her arms. Her usually sharp eyes were dulled by sorrow, and her hands trembled as she gently smoothed Ruby’s hair, whispering words of comfort that no longer mattered. Ezra sat in the far corner of the room, his face buried in his hands. His broad shoulders shook, his anguish raw and unrestrained. The sound of his muffled sobs tore through the silence, each one a painful reminder of what had been lost. Alice sat at the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on the floor. Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, as though she were trying to ground herself. But even she, the ever-resilient mage, couldn’t mask the
Kael shifted back into his human form, panting, his face streaked with dirt and blood. “We can’t keep this up,” he said urgently. “Astrid, you need to unleash it all. But not here. We have to get you higher—away from the cabin, where you can focus without destroying everything around us.”Alice nodded in agreement, her face pale but determined. “There’s a ridge just above the clearing,” she said quickly. “It’ll give her the vantage point she needs. But we have to hurry—Lavinia’s army is still pressing in.”Kael scooped me into his arms without hesitation, his strength steadying me despite the fire still flickering at my fingertips. “Hold on, little mouse,” he murmured, his tone equal parts fierce and tender. “I’ll get you there.”Ezra and Alice formed a protective barrier around us as Kael sprinted toward the ridge, his steps sure and unrelenting. The sounds of the battle below faded into the background, replaced by the roaring in my ears and the heat coursing through my veins. I coul
Lavinia stepped into the cabin, her presence radiating a cold, suffocating power that seemed to sap the warmth from the room. Her dark gown flowed like liquid shadow, and her smile was as cruel as the blade she carried at her side. Ezra growled, stepping in front of me with his claws extended, blood dripping from his wounds. “You’ll die before you lay a finger on her,” he snarled. Lavinia chuckled, the sound sending chills down my spine. “Oh, Ezra. Still playing the dutiful protector, are we? How quaint.” Her gaze swept over the room, landing briefly on Alice, who was struggling to steady herself, and Maya, who stood ready with her blade drawn. Finally, Lavinia’s eyes found me, cradling my children. Her smile widened. “And there she is. The mother of the hour. How are the little ones? I hope they’re not too fragile—babies rarely survive the chaos I bring.” My grip on my children tightened, a surge of anger cutting through my fear. “You won’t touch them,” I said, my voice tremb
The peaceful moment shattered like glass, my heart dropping as Ezra’s words pierced the air. My grip tightened around my babies instinctively, their tiny, delicate bodies cradled protectively against my chest. Kael was on his feet in an instant, his powerful presence taking command of the room. “How far?” he demanded, his voice cold and sharp, the calm before the storm. Ezra swayed slightly, blood dripping from a wound on his side. “Not far. Maybe minutes. They’ve got rogues, warriors, and... mages. Lavinia’s not playing games.” Maya moved swiftly to Ezra’s side, inspecting his injuries. “You’re hurt.” “I’m fine,” Ezra growled, pulling away. “They sent a scouting party ahead. I dealt with them, but they know where we are now. She’ll be here soon.” Alice stepped forward, her face pale but composed. “We don’t have time to move Astrid or the babies. Not like this.” Kael’s gaze flicked to me, his eyes narrowing with determination. “We’re not moving them. We’ll hold the line he
The room instantly grew hotter as a surge of power erupted from deep within me. Fire blazed out of my body, licking at the walls and ceiling of the cabin. The once-cozy room was engulfed in a dangerous glow, casting shadows that danced wildly in the chaos. Kael didn’t flinch, even as flames licked dangerously close to his skin. His arms tightened around me, his voice steady and calm despite the rising inferno. “Astrid, listen to me!” he called out, his eyes locking onto mine. “You need to focus. You’re in control—*you* are. Don’t let it take over!” “I can’t!” I screamed, another contraction ripping through me, stealing my breath and sanity. My body felt like it was tearing apart, the raw power within me surging uncontrollably. The flames grew stronger, the heat intensifying until I thought it would consume us all. Alice’s voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding. “Megan, Maya—circle her now! We need to contain this before it destroys the entire cabin!” The two women
The world spun around me, a whirl of colors and sounds that felt distant, like echoes of a life I couldn’t quite grasp. I drifted between the edge of consciousness and darkness, the pain from my labor pulling me back every time I threatened to slip away completely. The next thing I felt was a jolt, a sensation like being pulled through the fabric of reality itself. It was disorienting but oddly calming, as if I were floating through a dream. Then, just as quickly, the sensation ended, and I felt the solid ground beneath me again. “She’s here!” Megan’s voice broke through the haze, urgent and filled with relief. “Get her inside, now!” I blinked, trying to focus, but my vision was blurred. I felt hands on me—familiar, steady hands—lifting me gently and carrying me somewhere warmer, safer. “She’s burning up,” Maya’s voice came next, panicked but controlled. “Get her on the bed. Quickly!” I was placed onto a soft surface, the familiar scent of herbs and wood filling my senses. My
The urgency of the moment settled over us like a suffocating weight. Ezra was still catching his breath, his body trembling with residual anger, but he nodded. We didn’t have time to waste. Ruby was out there, somewhere, and every second we spent standing still could be the one that tipped the scales against us. “Can you shift again?” I asked, my voice steadier than I felt. Ezra nodded once, already forcing himself to his feet. “I’ll manage.” I helped him as much as I could, though the pain in my side reminded me just how human I currently was. He gave me a grateful look, then shifted into his wolf form, his golden coat streaked with dirt and blood. He sniffed the air, ears twitching as he picked up on the faintest trace of something. “Do you have her scent?” I asked, desperate hope creeping into my voice. He growled low, a confirmation that made my heart lurch. Without waiting for me, he bolted into the darkness, his movements quick and purposeful. “Wait!” I shouted, hurr
I pushed through the dense trees, my feet barely touching the ground as I ran, the cold night air slicing against my skin. The forest seemed endless, the shadows playing tricks on my mind. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. The thought of Ruby, alone and terrified, spurred me forward. Ezra’s wolf was ahead of me, a streak of gold and fury weaving through the underbrush. His growls echoed in the night, guiding me toward our quarry. “Ezra!” I shouted, my voice hoarse from running and the lump of panic lodged in my throat. “Do you see them?” A low howl was his only response. It sent a chill through me—not one of despair, but of determination. He was closing in. The trail wasn’t hard to follow. Broken branches and the scent of blood painted a clear path through the forest. But it felt wrong, too easy, as if they wanted us to follow. I slowed for a moment, my senses on high alert. Something was off. The rogues were vicious, but this level of coordination wasn’t their style. They
Ezra and I exchanged a tense glance, the weight of what had just transpired settling heavily on our shoulders. My mind raced, replaying the stranger’s words over and over again. The game has changed. Pieces in place. The board is set. It wasn’t just a cryptic message—it was a warning. “I need to wake Ruby,” I said, stepping toward the bed. Ezra’s hand shot out, gripping my arm gently but firmly. “Astrid, wait. She’s been through enough. Whatever that was, it’s not going to happen tonight. Let her rest while she can.” I hesitated, glancing down at Ruby. Her face was peaceful, completely unaware of the danger that had just loomed so close. Ezra was right—she deserved some respite. But my gut twisted with unease. “If they’re after her…” I began, but Ezra cut me off. “They won’t get her,” he said, his voice steel. “Not while I’m here. Not while any of us are here.” I nodded, forcing myself to trust his words. Ezra wasn’t just saying it—he believed it, and that gave me a sliv