Elara's POVAhhhhh. This is getting really frustrating. How am I supposed to escape this place?I don't know how long I have been here, but I knew it should be over a few hoursโ judging by how long I've been sitting here lost in my thoughtโsince Deveruid had paid me a visit.From his words, it seemed my only hope for an escape had already been captured. I was sure before another search party will be sent to find us, we would've been long dead.I didn't know his plans for me, but there was no doubt that nothing good was going to come out of it.Deveruid didn't tell me who must have hinted that I had the veiled sight and set him on this path.The only person I'm sure I told was Andrew and no one else. The crazy part is that it was just mere hours ago. Who could've figured that I had this power before I could fully understand what I thought was a curse was actually a gift.It seems like I have a formidable enemy. If I'm able to get out of this place alive, I promise to track whoever is s
Elara's POVโWhat's the meaning of this?โ I asked, shocked by the level he was willing to stoop to get me not to leave.I knew he was a scumbag. A wolf without dignity but this? I felt my wolf raise her head. She too could sense his dark intentions and wanted to face him.Not a chance.This could be considered the height of it. The acrid stench of this place was almost suffocating and what I needed was to get out of here.I clenched my fists and unclenched them. I wanted to use them so badly that I could almost feel my claws trying to penetrate my skin whenever I clenched them.โExactly what you think.โ He snarled. โI will be keeping her hostage till you get back in your sit and if you waste any more time, I'm killing her.โThis was getting out of hand and I didn't know what to do to stop it. Lora came to save me and now she is being held captive.If only we had moved any quicker. All this is my fault. Going on about my regrets. I should've waited till we got out of here.A shiver ra
Michaelโs POVEverywhere I turned was violence. There was blood on the wall and it's thick rusted iron-like scent clogged the air, mixing up with the bad stench of the place.I would've held my breath and ran out of the cave if not for the horde of werewolves we were facing and the reason we were here had yet to be accomplished.It was difficult to fight and keep track of time, but I knew quite some time had passed since Lora disappeared into the shadows.As me and the rest of my pack fought back Deveruidโs men, I noticed that all this while that Lora had been gone, I had yet to see her come out of the path she took to find Elara. How long has she been gone?At that moment, my mind became clouded with worry and it was getting difficult to finish a fight without struggling. All I could think of, was the worst. There was also a slight chance she might have gotten out already. But I needed to be sure.Dammit, I hated being distracted in a fight.As one of Deveruidโs men rushed towards m
Andrew's POVAs I stared out my window at the brightening sky, I couldn't help but feel guilty and helpless at thesame time.I should be out there doing something. I should be with the rescue team to bring back my mate.Yet, here I am, waiting for them to return like some princess trapped in a building waiting for her lover to come rescue her.It's been hours since I sent my men after Elara and they are not yet back. I wondered if they got into some problem.I turned away from the window and continued my pacing, as I thought of the next line of action to take.โYou are going to wear a hole on the floor if you keep that up.โ Rhea stated as she sat in the extra chair close to the door watching me.What did she know? She didn't have a mate and she was no Alpha.โI don't care, I need my pack back.โ I stated trying to control the urge to let my wolf loose. It was as antsy as I am.โYou could've just followed the rescue team instead of pacing this floor like an excited dog.โ She stated. โThi
Lora's POVAs I stood there my back pressed against the chest of Deveruid, I couldn't help but shiver at the fact that this could be the end for me.Some moments ago I was sure he was going to let me go. Now, I knew otherwise.My not so quiet insults really got him angry. I should've known better than to anger him any further.โOh, so you're trembling now?โ Deveruid asked, his breath hot against my ears. โYou sounded so fearless some moments ago I thought you could handle a little heat.โFor the first time, I had no retort for him. This was no little heat. This was practically a threat to my life. Nothing little about that. I knew he was mocking me because of how confident I sounded earlier and all I wished was to disappear from here. I felt embarrassed despite being in the face of death. It just felt like I was all mouth and no action.โWe had an agreement.โ I croaked.That was the only thing I could think up. My mind had somehow shut down.โAnd that agreement is off. Not that we h
Elara's POVFor a minute, I was sure that Deveruid was going to rip Lora's throat in front of me. The grin he wore on his face and the look of malice he had to match it made my stomach squirm and my heart pound from the threat. I don't remember being this terrified since my last encounter with that ghost.I could still the dampness on my cheek from crying. I tried to convince Deveruid to release Lora using everything I had including tears but he turned out to be a cold hearted monster.As I watched Lora rush into the arms of Michael, I couldn't help but wonder what would've happened if he hadn't shown up in time to avert the disaster.Seeing Micheal return Lora's embrace with as much passion, his hands disappearing into her hair as he shut his eyes, suggested that there was something going on between them.What could it be and how did they even meet in the first place?I was curious but this was no time for questions, I needed to get out of here. Looking down at the limp body of Deve
Elara's POVAs they rushed towards us, I take my stance to begin the fight when Lora takes my arm and pulls me back.โWhat the hell are you doing?โ I asked struggling against her grip. โWe should fight them off.โWe were in a narrow path, rocky walls on both sides of us but I thought we could use that to our advantage.โWe don't have time for this.โ She stated still pulling me as the men began charging towards us. โLet's get out of here.โโWe can't justโโ I began.โElara get out of there right now.โ Michael called.Turning, I noticed that Michael had already turned back and was running ahead us while I argued with Lora.What's wrong with them? By the sound of the shouts and grunts, I could tell we were close. All we had to do was get past the wall of werewolves.At last, I let Lora drag me along as she began running, dragging me along. What's happening? I thought we were going to face them head on. Craning my head to the side, I could see the men chasing after us. When I turned back
Lora's POVWe had narrowly escaped the detection of Deveruid's men. Overcome with joy, I didn't know what to do.I wanted to scream out loud at the fuckers that I had escaped but obviously that will be giving us away.Under the afternoon sun, it was difficult to hide away from men determined to catch us but thank the fates that Michael accounted for this situation.The giant bush and the thick smell of grass was all we needed to lay low for a few minutes as the men ran past.He chose a place we could easily hide from both nasal and visual detection. My mate.I didn't know him before coming to this place, but I already wanted to kiss him senseless for his wonderful plan.Immediately our pursuers had disappeared into the woods, we came out of our hiding, smiles gracing all our faces. It was time to get out of here.Before we could take the first actual step to freedom, I caught sight of Micheal clutching his shoulder as he stumbled for a moment, grunting. Before I could reach him, he f
Elaraโs POVThe second Lora whispered our names, something inside me snapped.Not like a breakingโmore like an unlocking. Like a door swinging open in my chest, one I hadnโt known was there until it burst wide and swallowed everything.Andrewโs hand jerked in mine. I clutched tighter.Heat bloomed between our palms, searing and alive. Not fire, not pain, but raw energy. My breath caught. My pulse pounded in my ears, but I didnโt let go. I couldnโt.Light exploded from our joined hands. It spiraled into the air, coiling around us like a storm of stars. I heard someoneโMichael maybeโcall out, but the sound was distant, barely a whisper under the rush building in my skull.And thenโI wasnโt in the cabin anymore.---I stood in a field of silver grass beneath a sky so dark it shimmered.The stars blinked like fireflies. The moon loomed low, full and watchful. The air smelled like rain and crushed violets.Andrew stood a few feet away, barefoot, shirtless, bathed in moonlight. Not the curs
Michaelโs POVThe sound of Andrewโs growl ripped through the cabin like a blade.I shoved the door fully open and charged in, heart thundering. Elara was pressed against the wall, hands up, her eyes wideโnot with fear, but with something worse. Desperation. She wasnโt running.Andrew stood in the middle of the room, half-shifted, his shoulders hunched and trembling, eyes glowing that same cursed red. He let out another guttural snarl and lunged again.Greg tackled him before he reached her.They hit the floor hard. Bones crunched, snarls erupted, and for a moment it was a disaster. I grabbed Elara and yanked her out of the way just before Andrewโs claws slashed the wall where sheโd been.โAre you insane?โ I barked at her. โHeโs not himself!โโI know that!โ she shouted, struggling against me. โBut I saw himโMichael, he looked at me. He knew me for a second.โI held her tighter. โAnd the next second, he nearly ripped you apart.โโHe wouldnโtโโโHe did.โGreg grunted from the floor, stil
Elaraโs POVI didnโt sleep. Not even for a second.Andrew lay on the cot, drenched in sweat, the veins along his neck pulsing black like ink trapped under skin. His breathing was shallow, ragged, the kind that made my heart skip every time there was a pause between inhales.Every few minutes, he let out a soft groan, like the pain was crawling through him in waves. I held his hand and tried to stay calm, but my grip trembled. I felt useless. Like watching someone drown while your legs were tied to the shore.The fire crackled, low and weak. It was still dark out, and the cabin smelled of blood, herbs, and unease.Lora had done what she could, but even she looked helpless when she stepped away. I kept asking what else could be done, and each time she avoided my eyes.Then Greg came back.He stood in the doorway, dripping with sweat from running, his jaw clenched like it was holding back a something.โWhat is it?โ I asked.He didnโt answer right away. He looked past me, to Andrew. Then
Elaraโs POVBranches clawed at my arms as we pushed through the forest, the moonlight barely cutting through the thick canopy overhead. My lungs burned. Every breath tasted like smoke and blood.Andrewโs weight leaned heavier and heavier against me, his steps sluggish, and uneven. He hadnโt spoken in minutes. I could feel the fever radiating off him.โJust a little further,โ I whispered, mostly to myself. โCome on, stay with me.โIt was crazy how our positions switched. The main reason why he was caught in this mess is to help me. Now, I was the one doing the helping.Luckily that stupid beast left after doing it's work leaving me with a very sick Andrew. I didn't know how far Michael and Lora had to go in order to get help.Noticing he hadnโt responded, I looked down as his grip on me loosened.โAndrew?โ I stopped and turned, my heart hammering. โHey. Look at me.โHe swayed. His eyes blinked, unfocused. Then he crumpled.โNoโno, no, no.โ I dropped with him, catching his head before i
Andrewโs POVI didnโt think anything could shake me after everything weโd been throughโElaraโs capture, the cult, the blade meant for my heart. But the thing crawling out of that seal wasnโt from this world.It was born from nightmares. A monster made of shadows and dark moon magic.It stretched as it rose, black tendrils spilling off its limbs like smoke, jaws clicking with bone and fangs. Its eyes locked onto us, glowing red-hotโrage, hunger, purpose.It was like it had a personal issue to settle with us.โElara,โ I said, backing up slowly, โwe need to move.โShe didnโt answer. She looked dazed, one hand clutching her chest like it hurt to breathe.โElara,โ I tried again, louder this time.She blinked hard, snapped back, and turned to me. โI canโt feel it.โโWhat?โโThe bond. Itโs gone.โ Her voice cracked. โIโI think Jacob finished the ritual.โShit. That explained the weakness in her posture, the pale cast to her skin. We didn't have time. The last thing I want is to be caught in t
Andrewโs POVElara didnโt stab me.Despite my unwavering trust in her, I could've sworn she wanted to gut me with the knife.She stabbed the cultist to my leftโclean through the ribs.The robed bastard choked on his own breath, eyes wide, blood pooling from his mouth as he collapsed.And just like that, everything just seemed to go to shit as commotion broke out around us.Screams rang out in the still air. Chants siezed as every head turned and eyes snapped open towards our direction.Someone shouted, โSheโs turned!โI didnโt need more time to think. My chains were half-broken the moment they stopped chanting. It seemed like they were using magic to contain me. The pulse in my chest hadnโt stopped. It was like a second heartbeat, wild and growing louder in my ear.I wrenched my right arm free with a roar, ignoring the tear of metal against skin. The pain meant nothing anymore. The moment Elara turned that blade, I knewโwe were going to live or die together.โElara!โ I shouted.She s
Elaraโs POVThe blade felt colder than it should have.Slick handle. Sharp edge.Theyโd placed it in my hand like it belonged there. Like Iโd been born to wield it.My fingers closed around it on instinct, but my heartโfates, my heart refused. It pounded hard enough I thought it might split open my chest.Andrewโs eyes locked on mine, blood dripping down the curve of his jaw. He didnโt speak. Didnโt beg. Just looked at me, like he always hadโsteady, unflinching, and maddeningly full of love.Kieran stood behind him, watching like a predator admiring his own trap as Jacob came around to stand beside him.โThis is the moment,โ Jacob said, his voice low and coaxing. โWhere the universe balances itself. You break the anchor, Elara, and disaster becomes your throne. You hesitateโฆ and it becomes your grave.โI stared at Andrew. His breathing was shallow. His shirt clung to his chest, soaked in sweat and blood. And his markโit pulsed like it had a heartbeat of its own through his torn shirt.
Andrewโs POVThe chanting started slow.Low. Rhythmic. Like a heartbeat echoing in the belly of a beast.I sat with my back to the cold stone wall, chains digging into my wrists. My blood had dried hours ago, stiff and sticky against my skin, but the real pain wasnโt in the cuts or the bruises.It was inside.The mark on my chest that recently appeared burned like it had just been carved. A deep, pulsing throb that synced perfectly with their damn chants. Every beat made it flare hotter. Sharper.I gritted my teeth, flexing against the restraints. Useless.Theyโd done their homework.Silver links.Wolfsbane laced through the shackles.But they didnโt know everything. They didnโt understand what the mark meantโnot really. Not what it did to a person. To me.To Elara.I shut my eyes, trying to hold her face in my mind. Before the rituals. Before the chaos. Before I let my own pain turn me into something she couldnโt reach.And then I heard his voice.Kieran.โIโd say itโs good to see yo
Lora's POVThe fire wasnโt normal. It wasnโt the kind that crackled in fireplaces or flickered in campfires.It was alive, red, deep and pulsing like blood. It didnโt just burn. It seemed to breathe.I stood at the edge of it, frozen, and unable to do a thing while I watched it wrap around her. Elara. Her skin was streaked with ash, her hair wild and tangled, eyes wide and wet with something too painful to name. She wasnโt screaming.She was whispering.โLoraโฆโHer voice barely reached me through the heat. But I heard it. Goddess, I felt it.โPleaseโฆโThe flames swallowed her whole.I woke up screaming.I shot upright, lungs dragging for air like Iโd been drowning. Sweat drenched my skin, my nightshirt clinging to me like a second layer of skin. My heart slammed against my ribs, and for a second, I wasnโt even sure where I was.The dream still clung to me like smoke. It was thick, choking, and inescapable.โElara,โ I whispered into the dark.I didnโt bother grabbing a robe. I rushed