Serana POV.I have locked myself away from everyone and everything. Just me and the journals, scrolls, and photo albums.A knock on the bedroom door has me looking up from the sofa by the fire. I ignore it as I turn my gaze back to the flames. I haven’t left here since the day in the throne room. That was over a week ago. I don’t know what to do anymore.“Rana, come on, please. You need to eat something. You have eaten nothing in four days.” Wesley says from the other side of the door, yet I don’t respond as I look down at my lap at the photo album of my parents when my mom was pregnant with me and I smile at them.I chuckle at one phot in particular. It’s of mom surrounded by different food, snacks and drinks eating a pickle. The label underneath says ‘pregnancy cravings are the best’ I laugh at that she was truly beautiful. I turn the page and see another of my mom and dad together sitting in the palace gardens. He is holding her from behind with his face over her shoulder as they b
TRIGGER WARNING, READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION!Vilkas POV.“It’s ok, I’ve got you.” I say to Stacey as she whimpers in my arms. Fresh tears leave her eyes and my heart breaks for her.“It hurts, it hurts so bad. I only said hello to her and she … she attacked me.” More tears and cries leave her as I clutch her to me as I make it to the infirmary.“Someone, help. My mate has been hurt. Please help her.” I shout as the doctor and nurse and both run to us.“Save her.” I say, and the nurse looks at me in shock. Why is she is in shock?“Place her on the bed. We will take a look at her. Please Vilkas, step out so we can heal her.” Stacey grabs my hand as I place her gently on the bed.“No, he is your king.” She says, and I smile at her. I lean down and kiss her softly.“I’ll be outside. You are safe. She won’t ever hurt you again.” I say as I leave the room, closing the door behind me.I move to the wall and lean on it; I lean my head back and blink the tears away. I failed her. Serana could
Stacey/Starci POV.Oh Serana, you walked right into my trap. I chuckle to myself. But damn, what she did hurt, and she isn’t at full power yet.“She was going to run. We did what we had to. What I wasn’t expecting was Vilkas to fucking mark us Star. You should have stopped him.” Lex snarls in my head and I groan.Yeah, that wasn’t meant to happen. It looks like I will have to be extra careful now when I go and meet up with my favourite people here in the palace. Joel and a couple of the dark fae. They are good fucks; they know what I like and what I don’t, plus they know it’s just sex, no feelings involved, or that’s what I told myself. Joel is different. I really like him even if he is a vampire.“What does it matter if he marked us? Serana saw it and is no doubt heart broken now. So she will become weak.” I say and she shakes her head, clicking her tongue.“You don’t get it, do you? The mark will fade. How are you going to get him to remark you before the next full moon? You can’t s
TRIGGER WARNING, PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION!Serana POV.I don’t even know what day it is. It could have been hours, days, weeks. They all blur together. Pain, that is all I feel. Bedelia heals the internal damage as I hang weakly from the gold and obsidian cuffs and chains they have bound us in.“Still alive? Well, you won’t be for much longer.” One of the dark fae spits in my face as his spittle drips from my cheek. I look at him in defiance. I can’t give in. They can beat me, torture me, but I won’t break, because I am already broken. I was broken a long time ago. The pain lets me know I’m still alive.They have broken all my fingers, toes, some ribs, my legs, and arms. I have been whipped, hit with bats, had my nails ripped from the nail beds and my jaw broken, just to name a few.Scars line my flesh as Bedelia heals the broken bones and internal injuries. He grabs me by my jaw, forcing me to look at him when he smiles at me and I am at his mercy all the time Vilkas sits a
Serana POV.Whatever happened, the night Starci came to taunt me, the dark fae and Vilkas haven’t returned. I lay there, looking up at the ceiling. The scent of dried blood, mould, and mildew fill my nose. My skin is dirty and my hair is matted.At least I have a toilet in here and a sink, so I can have water and wash my face. I hear scurrying in the corner of the room and see a familiar little face. The only friend I have down here. A rat. Yeah, I’ve lost the plot. It will no doubt eat me if I die. Oh well, at least he will have a meal.“Hey buddy.” I say weakly as it sits up and sniffs the air before it runs closer to me. I used to be terrified of them, but what’s the point? I’ll be dead soon.It squeezes through the bars and into my open hand. I lift it up and giggle as it rubs its brown body against my hand.“I will be leaving you soon. Thank you for being my friend.” I say when I laugh at myself, God, can I hear myself? Fucking hell, I’ve definitely lost it.It squeaks as it jump
Serana POV.The landscape changes the closer we get to the volcano. Lush greenery, teeming with life. We are camped in a forest not far from the volcano. This used to be the camp, the camp that was my home. It has been destroyed and long abandoned.I hope Pascha and Wesley are ok. Also Joel, even though he betrayed us, I can’t hate him. He helped me escape that awful place.I look up at the sky as dark clouds roll and it will rain soon. I stand and pack away the sleeping bag and bottles of water Pascha and Wesley had so thoughtfully packed. I wonder how long they had planned this? It doesn’t matter. I need to get to the volcano and get Bedelia to ascend.Walking towards Nero who is happily grazing, I pack away the things and take his reigns. We will walk the rest of the way. He has worked hard to get us here. So it’s only right I give him a break from carrying me for a while.“Come on,” I gently tug him and he follows behind me. Thunder rumbles in the sky and the first drops of rain h
Vilkas POV.I stand looking at her as she stands by the lava pool, the same pool I was reborn from.“Serana, don’t do this.” I approach her when he takes a step back and I stop. Holding my hands up to show her I’m not a threat. This feeling in my chest becomes worse.“Why? So you can rip my heart from my chest and give the heart scale to that bitch!” she spits at me and I close my eyes. How did she find out? Doesn’t matter, I was a fucking fool to listen to the voice.“Please Serana.” I try again when she laughs. Her laugh roars over the lava and bounces off the walls.“No, I told you before Vilkas, it stays with me. I will not allow you to destroy what is left of humanity for that cunt. You both deserve each other. But the scale stays with me. I told you I would die to protect it and that is what I am going to do.” She turns and steps into the lava. I scream as she walks further into it. I move to the edge and drop to my knees and something breaks inside of me as I look at her and sh
Vilkas POV.I sit here looking at the wall in the volcano that hasn’t broken since it formed over a year ago. I come here every day to try to break through, and no matter what I use or do; it doesn’t budge. It is well and truly sealed shut.In the past year, the kingdom has been rebuilt. The human survivors and the shifters loyal to me have been training harder than before in preparation for the war that is coming. The war I caused. Lara has spelled the kingdom, so we will know if Starci or any Lycan enter. She has also enchanted weapons and magic bombs which have been infused with wolfsbane and silver. She has also put a spell on the wolf shifters so they are immune to silver and wolfsbane. Their fangs have been moulded with silver and their claws infused with wolfsbane. As for the vampires, she has infused their armour with magic so they won’t die.Everyday more humans enter the kingdom and they are put under a truth spell and so far they have all been truthful. The kingdom has grow
Serana POV.“Will you three just stop and get ready?” I call out from the kitchen into the living room, as the twins and Cyra are all fighting. Gods have mercy.The twins are now six, and Cyra is eight. Whoever said it is easy raising hybrids is a full of shit. These three are always arguing or fighting, and it is draining.“Mom, we were just playing.” Cyra says as she walks into the kitchen with the two trouble makers behind her. They smirk at me and I glare at them.“Well, I have been calling you to get ready for the past thirty minutes. Now move your butts or you will all be late.” I say as I usher them out and wait patiently for them to finish getting ready when Wesley and Shane enter with Penny.Wesley found himself a beautiful mate. She is great with Shane and he loves her like she is his mother. At first I didn’t like the idea but then I got to know her and she makes my boys happy so I didn’t burn her to a crisp.“Hey, momma.” I say to her as she waddles closer to me. She is du
Vilkas POV.Standing on the balcony as I look down on the Dragon Realm and I can feel the tension in the air. In a few hours, both the Dragon Realm and the Phoenix Kingdom will be merged.I smile before I look down and see Cyra standing beside me as she looks at the realm beside me. She is beautiful, it hard to believe that we created her and her brothers. All three of our hatchlings are beautiful. The twins are now crawling and are always following Cyra wherever she goes. She doesn’t mind; she is brilliant with them.“Daddy, everything will be ok.” She takes my hand in her small one and I squeeze it gently as she looks up at me with her green eyes.“Yes, sweetie, everything will be ok.” I pick her up and she sits on my hip in her pretty dress and her long black hair with her fiery streaks has been left down. I place my forehead against hers and she closes her eyes.“Are you excited?” I ask her and she looks at me and bites her lip and I feel the anxiety coming off her.“Yes, and no.”
Serana POV.“Ok, ok, I’m coming.” The screaming wails of the twins echo around the room as I step out from the bathroom. I move towards their cribs and, as soon as they see me, they both stop. Pouting, I raise an eyebrow at them. Yup, these two are little players. Now they are all smiles.“Your sister used to do this. I’m not falling for it.” I coo as I lean down to pick up Aero when I move to pick up Ajax. Moving with them both in my arms towards the rocking chair, I get comfortable.Placing Aero on my shoulder and Ajax across my lap, I unbutton my top to feed them. I have given up with a bra because they are always and I mean always hungry.Vilkas even latches them on when I’m sleeping or at least trying to. However, we have the routine down. The first week or two was difficult juggling the two of them, but we got there in the end.Cyra is absolutely in love with them and is always helping with them. I know that novelty will wear off soon, though, especially when they start moving.
Serana POV.We have been back at the Phoenix Kingdom now for a few days and it’s become more difficult to move to the point I want to cry.I grunt as I move to sit up against the headboard of the bed. Vilkas has been helping Hyperion finalise the details for the pack. I smile to myself that Wesley will finally get the title he deserves. He has been there with me from the beginning and he deserves the world at his feet and so does little Shane. We have the room in the territory to accommodate more wolves and their mates if need be, so it’s a win-win.Gods, I need to move; I feel stiff and yucky. I shuffle towards the edge of the bed and brace myself to stand up. As I do, my back crunches and I sigh. So good. I waddle, holding my bump to get to the bathroom.These two are pressed against my bladder and I constantly feel the need to pee. It’s not ideal. I was contemplating just living in the bathroom at one point this week. Between toilet breaks and napping. That is all I do. Bedelia is
Serana POV.Today we are making the trip back to the Phoenix Kingdom to prepare for the birth. I can’t wait to get home. It is hard being between the two places. Besides, I need to check on something that I have been working on secretly. Only Vilkas knows about my secret plan.We decided that after the birth we would return to the Dragon Realm for a short while and travel between as we finalise the merger between both.Wesley left two days ago to prepare the nursery at the palace in my kingdom. I trust him and I know he will watch over the kingdom while I’m running back and forth between realms.So the transition will be easier for all involved when we open the borders between the realms.Vilkas is leaving his father in charge until we return. We have a week before the birth and I’m shitting myself. I spoke to Lara and Valeria at great length about what will happen. We discussed the probability of a lava birth. Similar to a water birth, but in the lava pool. So that way, our hatchling
Serana POV.Twins! Twins! I can’t believe this. Vilkas came back around and still looks pale. Neither one of us knows what to say or do. It is still a shock.“Twins!” he says as he puffs his cheeks out as he huffs. His elbows are braced on his knees as he looks at the wall in complete disbelief.“Yes, Vilkas. Twins! But hey look, it will be fine. We have so much support. Besides, you are great with Cyra and yes, we only expected one, but we have two. One more won’t make a difference. We will be fine.” Yeah, we will be fine. I’m starting to freak the fuck out.“Yeah, we will be fine.” He turns to look at me with a grimace and I sigh as I push myself to stand up.“No point in worrying about it. It has happened, so we just have to prepare extra, that’s all.” I say more to myself than to him right now. I don’t know why he is grumbling it’s not him that has to push them out.Oh gods, I’m going to be torn apart by bringing our sons into the world. I stagger and sit back down.“Well, I see y
Serana POV.The past few days since I regained the memories have been hard. It is hard to forget, but Vilkas has been true to his word and whenever I drift off into space, he brings me back and we do something that replaces the reason why I drifted in the first place.Today we have an appointment to see our son and I’m excited to see him. Vilkas has been totally different from when I was pregnant with Cyra. Ok well that is a lie, he is behind me everywhere I go and in a way it is cute. He is always kissing and touching my bump.When we told the family, yes family, that I remembered certain things they understood but didn’t press for what I remembered and for that I am grateful. The only ones who know the truth are Vilkas and Lara. After all, Lara was there when my memories came back but she has said she won’t say anything and I appreciate that about her. She understands why.I’m sure the others would too, but the fewer people who know, the better. We went for a walk yesterday in the m
Vilkas POV.I pick Serana up in my arms and run with her towards the palace. Cyra is crying, but Joel takes her and follows behind me.“What happened?” Lara asks as I enter with a limp and unconscious Serana in my arms.“She remembered Pascha and Samara. Her memories must be coming back.” Lara’s eyes widen as I place Serana on the sofa and Lara looks at me.“Everyone but Vilkas, out.” She commands and everyone leaves. She drops to her knees and chants something I watch as her hands glow light blue and white. He presses her hands on either side of Serana’s head and I look up and see the memories look jumbled when I watch as each one evaporates and Lara gasps.“What is it?” I ask and she looks at me, her eyes white.“Serana is rejecting the memories. She doesn’t want them.” How can she do that? Is that even possible?“How?” I ask and she looks at me before looking back at the memories that are fading. But not all the memories are fading, only the ones she doesn’t want to remember. I wat
Serana POV.Entering the kitchen, the chatter dies down and I begin to feel nervous as all eyes turn to us. Sensing my distress, king Vilkas squeezes my hand in reassurance and nods his head as we enter the kitchen, Cyra bouncing around as she shows everyone her hair and points at me.“My mommy did them. I love them like I love my mommy and daddy.” She nods her head, letting everyone know her true feelings, and I smile gently at her.“Serana, what would you like to eat?” A woman with blue snake-like eyes asks me and I look at Cyra, who comes closer to me and takes my hand and draws my attention to her.“Mommy, that is Nanny. Nanny is daddy’s mommy. Like you are mine. Nanny makes the best pancakes. You should try them.” Her green eyes shining and I chuckle at her and nod my head at her.“I think I will. Thank you, Cyra, my sweet little girl.” I say as I caress her cheek and she giggles before she pulls me towards the island and helps me sit down. The tension in the room is something el