Nyla’s POVAs we stood in front of the Watchers' circle, I clutched my infant close.They loomed above us in their huge, shrouded bodies. They had a cold, steely gleam in their eyes.One took a step forward. The same person who had spoken to me in a whisper in heaven.The Watcher stated, "You have to give up the child." It needs to be taught. led. molded for the future.Killian moved ahead of me. "You believe we'll simply turn over our child?"The Watcher's tone remained steady. Both light and dark are present in this youngster. Void and fire. The balance it needs to acquire is beyond your comprehension."I am the mother," I asserted. "I know more than you realize."Another Watcher said, "Judgement is clouded by love." "Everything could be destroyed if the child is raised without discipline.""I don't give a damn!" I yelled. "You cannot take my child!"Sensing my worry, the infant stirred in my arms.The first Watcher said, "Slow down." "This isn't rage. It's fate. Additionally, it ha
Nyla’s POVBecome a part of the darkness. I looked at the woman in the doorway a long time ago.Although she had my grandmother's appearance, there was a difference.More powerful. Sharper and darker.Long shadows were produced on the floor as the firelight danced across her face.I said, "You… you died when I was little." How are you standing in this position?After entering the hut, she carefully shut the door. "I returned because of the flames. For the child, not for me.Killian kept his blade raised. "What would you like with our child?"She didn't blink her eyes. "I wish to keep it safe. As if I couldn't defend my.My heart hurt. "What do you mean?"She spoke softly as she sat down across from me. I was a member of the Crimson Line long before you were born. One who protects the First Flame. We pledged to preserve the harmony of light and shadow.Slowly, I nodded. "Mom told me stories, but she said that was the end of it."Her lips clenched. "I was the reason it ended."My chest
Nyla’s POVIt was a calm morning. Our little cottage's ripped drapes let in a little bit of sunlight. I rocked my daughter in my arms while I sat by the fire. My heart was soothed by her gentle breathing. The past few days had been difficult. sprinting. hiding. doubting everything.Nearby, Killian was honing his blade. Throughout the morning, he had been silent. His eyes were weary. Last night, he hadn't slept. I hadn't either.I kissed my baby's forehead and whispered, "I think she's finally falling asleep."Then it took place.Her eyes widened—too much. In her irises, a fiery crimson flame whirled like coals. Then..."Shadow and fire will kneel."She didn't have her voice. Not even a youngster owned it. Like thunder, it echoed. Deep. Imposing. Old.I nearly dropped her when I jumped.In an instant, Killian was standing with his sword partially drawn. "What was that?"I tightened my grip on my infant. "She—" she said. She said, Killian.Stunned, he looked at her. She's hardly one, th
Nyla’s POVThe smell of roasted meat and blazing wood filled the air. For me, the Moon Festival was a nightmare, even though it was supposed to be a night of joy. Unaware—or perhaps indifferent—that I was kneeling in the mud, terrified under their Alpha's ruthless stare, the Silver Dawn Pack applauded, laughed, and danced around the huge bonfire.Alpha Killian echoed across the gathering, "Look at her." "This pitiful, useless slave dared to think she was on par with me."Whispers and vile laughter reverberated about me as I shuddered and lowered my head. I wasn't shocked. I had been treated like dirt beneath their feet, a slave in this pack since birth.However, this? I had never experienced anything worse than this.Killian stepped forward, his strong body looming over me, his icy blue eyes brimming with contempt. The identical eyes that ought to have given me a loving gaze.I ventured to look up. "Killian, please"I fell to the ground after taking a hard slap across my face. There w
Nyla’s POVThe dungeon was quiet, icy, and dead. My laboured breathing was the only sound. Something inside of me felt different, even if the golden warmth that had engulfed me was gone now.More powerful.Abruptly, a voice, quiet yet strong, broke the gloom."Child, you are not supposed to die here."I tensed as I gasped. A towering, silver-robed woman with piercing eyes that glowed like the moon stood in front of me. Despite her age, she exuded a timeless, ancient, and powerful presence."Who—who are you?" I fell.She took a step forward, knowing in her eyes. "The Moon Goddess herself sent me, and I am only a messenger."I felt a sharp pain in my ribs as I attempted to sit up. "The Goddess of the Moon?" I said. "Why would she send you, exactly?"The woman had a serene, obscure expression. "Because, Nyla, you're not just any wolf. It was believed that your bloodline had been gone. You will be stronger than any Alpha thanks to this bloodline.I went cold.More powerful than an Alpha?
Nyla’s POVI feared he was going to murder me when I first met him.The King of Rogue. A terrified murmur of a name.My mind was broken and my body was weak from running for days. My partner had turned me down. I had been betrayed by my pack. All I had left was anger.Then, somewhere in the rogue regions, I passed out and woke up to him.As I attempted to get up, his golden, keen eyes watched me. "You ought to be dead," he declared.My throat was dry as I gazed at him. "Perhaps I should be."He laughed. "But you're not." That indicates that you are either fortunate or strong.I sneered. "I don't feel powerful."His eyes grew gloomy. "Girl, strength isn't about emotion. It all comes down to survival.Something shifted within me. Living. I had only been doing that. However, it was insufficient.I desired more.He said, "You have fire in your eyes." "That's useful to me."I scowled. "For what purpose?"He smiled. "For retribution."Suddenly, my new existence had begun.The Rogue King tra
Nyla’s POVAs I stood at the boundary of Silver Dawn's domain, the night air was clear and strong with the aroma of pine. The place I used to call home.The place where I had been deceived.I could hear the faint buzz of voices. Laughter. Music. The sound of wolves swarming together to celebrate.A diplomatic meeting.Excellent.As I passed the patrols, I lowered my hood to conceal my face. They gave me not even a sidelong glance. Why would they? I was simply another rogues going through, to them.Nobody knew who I was.A girl they'd beaten and kicked. They had abandoned the girl to decay in the dungeon.I balled my hands into fists.Before long, they would remember me.Nobility and warriors in exquisite silks and embroidered tunics crowded the courtyard. Torches illuminated the stone walls with golden light, while silver flags floated in the wind.I listened as I made my way through the mob.There was a murmur, "The Alpha of Crescent Moon has arrived,""Killian is talking about trade
Nyla’s POVThe quiet was overwhelming.Everybody stood motionless, staring at me and Killian. The weight of my name hung in the air as he pronounced it.At his sides, his hands balled into fists. A mixture of shock and guilt blazed in his silver eyes. and something more profound.I cocked my head, seeing his wriggling.Excellent. Allow him to sense it.Allow him to drown in the same suffering that he made me go through.He stepped forward shakily. "How?" He spoke in a harsh, low voice. "How are you doing?"I smiled. “Disappointed?”His wolf stirred and he flinched. "Nyla." His mouth clenched as he took a step closer. "Where have you been?"I gave a chilly laugh. "Where have I been?" I said it again, in a tone full of laughter. "Alpha, why are you concerned?"He jumped. The title was chosen. Far away. Detached.Confused, a few pack members whispered. After seeing my might, they were now witnessing Killian's frailty, which was much more horrifying.In front of them, he was disintegrati
Nyla’s POVIt was a calm morning. Our little cottage's ripped drapes let in a little bit of sunlight. I rocked my daughter in my arms while I sat by the fire. My heart was soothed by her gentle breathing. The past few days had been difficult. sprinting. hiding. doubting everything.Nearby, Killian was honing his blade. Throughout the morning, he had been silent. His eyes were weary. Last night, he hadn't slept. I hadn't either.I kissed my baby's forehead and whispered, "I think she's finally falling asleep."Then it took place.Her eyes widened—too much. In her irises, a fiery crimson flame whirled like coals. Then..."Shadow and fire will kneel."She didn't have her voice. Not even a youngster owned it. Like thunder, it echoed. Deep. Imposing. Old.I nearly dropped her when I jumped.In an instant, Killian was standing with his sword partially drawn. "What was that?"I tightened my grip on my infant. "She—" she said. She said, Killian.Stunned, he looked at her. She's hardly one, th
Nyla’s POVBecome a part of the darkness. I looked at the woman in the doorway a long time ago.Although she had my grandmother's appearance, there was a difference.More powerful. Sharper and darker.Long shadows were produced on the floor as the firelight danced across her face.I said, "You… you died when I was little." How are you standing in this position?After entering the hut, she carefully shut the door. "I returned because of the flames. For the child, not for me.Killian kept his blade raised. "What would you like with our child?"She didn't blink her eyes. "I wish to keep it safe. As if I couldn't defend my.My heart hurt. "What do you mean?"She spoke softly as she sat down across from me. I was a member of the Crimson Line long before you were born. One who protects the First Flame. We pledged to preserve the harmony of light and shadow.Slowly, I nodded. "Mom told me stories, but she said that was the end of it."Her lips clenched. "I was the reason it ended."My chest
Nyla’s POVAs we stood in front of the Watchers' circle, I clutched my infant close.They loomed above us in their huge, shrouded bodies. They had a cold, steely gleam in their eyes.One took a step forward. The same person who had spoken to me in a whisper in heaven.The Watcher stated, "You have to give up the child." It needs to be taught. led. molded for the future.Killian moved ahead of me. "You believe we'll simply turn over our child?"The Watcher's tone remained steady. Both light and dark are present in this youngster. Void and fire. The balance it needs to acquire is beyond your comprehension."I am the mother," I asserted. "I know more than you realize."Another Watcher said, "Judgement is clouded by love." "Everything could be destroyed if the child is raised without discipline.""I don't give a damn!" I yelled. "You cannot take my child!"Sensing my worry, the infant stirred in my arms.The first Watcher said, "Slow down." "This isn't rage. It's fate. Additionally, it ha
Nyla’s POV"Your eyes… they changed, Killian," I said quietly quietly as I stood a short distance away. "Back there... You weren't yourself.He looked at his hand. Inside his skin, the fragment of relic continued to shine dimly."I know," he said in a whisper. "I had a feeling. Like a shadow... piercing me.""That wasn’t just the relic." I trembled when I spoke. "You have something inside of you. What have you failed to tell me?Killian took a while to respond. He breathed softly as he turned away from me."I never told you about my father," he continued.I blinked. "How about him?"Killian stated, "He wasn't from our realm." "The Void is where he came from."I let out a gasp. "The void? Do you mean the old dark realm? The one that was shut away by the ancient queens?He gave a nod. "My mom concealed the reality. She claimed that people would be afraid of me if they realized I was partially Void. or murder me.I moved in closer. "Why didn't you tell me earlier, Killian?"He explained,
Nyla’s POVMy eyes flew open. I gasped.Everything around me was still. The fire in the sky had gone, and the storm was gone too. I could feel the soft blanket over me. Someone had placed it there.I looked to the side. Killian sat beside me. His eyes were closed, lips moving silently like he was praying. His hand held mine."Killian," I whispered.His head snapped up. "Nyla?" he said, breathless. "You're awake!"I sat up slowly. My body felt... different. Light, yet powerful. My heartbeat was steady. My skin glowed faintly. I didn’t feel weak anymore.“What happened?” I asked.“You... you died,” Killian said softly. His voice cracked. “Your heart stopped. I thought I lost you.”I touched his face. He looked tired. His eyes were red.“I saw them,” I whispered. “The queens. The ancient ones. They told me the truth.”“What truth?” Killian asked, gripping my hand tightly.“I was born for this,” I said. “But it’s not just about me anymore.”My hands slid down to my belly. The baby moved.
Nyla’s POVI opened my eyes. And noticed stars.There are stars everywhere, not only in the sky. Swirling in a sea of gold are bright, brilliant lights of every hue.I was adrift. I wasn't cold, though. I didn't feel scared.I was at peace."Where am I?" I said."You are in the realm between life and eternity," a voice said, as quiet as a breeze across leaves.I pivoted.Seven women, each clad in robes of flame, starlight, and shadow, stood in front of me, all gleaming with light. They have gentle yet strong eyes.One took a step forward. Her features resembled mine, but she was older and wiser."Nyla, you are now one of us," she remarked. "A Queen of Flames."I blinked. "I'm... dead?"A second queen smiled. "Your body is still. However, your soul has transcended.I looked down. Both the floor and the ground were absent. Just drifting stars and sparkling mist underfoot.But, I said, "Killian." "My folks. The world—The first queen declared, "They live." However, they are in pain. The
Nyla’s POVThere was silence on the battlefield.Ash and the smell of burning wood were transported by the wind. The soil was scarred and charred by violence all around me. For all the lives lost, the sky was red, as if it were crying blood. And Auren stood there, over the shattered land.His appearance has changed.His armor was shattered, his face was pale, and his eyes were hazy. Floating above his head, the shadow crown flickered as if it would disappear at any moment. However, his strength... I was still feeling it. heavy. Dark. Chilly.With each step, my feet dragged fire as I moved onward.His voice was calm as he raised his blade. "You arrived by yourself."With flame growing in my hands, I declared, "I didn't need an army." "Just this."A melancholy smile flickered across Auren's lips. "Well, Nyla, let's get this done."We ran.Like thunder, our powers crashed against one another. The sky was illuminated like a storm as my flames collided with his shadows. The ground broke wi
I was unable to do it. I was unable to murder him. Not in this manner. Not when he wasn't really to blame.Auren had twisted his spirit and snatched his body. It was the remains of the man I had loved, not Killian, who stood in front of me. I still had feelings for the man. Deep down, I could sense him fighting to escape the restraints Auren had put on him."Killian," I said as I moved forward. My hands were shaking, and my heart was racing. "I am unable to... I am unable to murder you.His eyes were empty as he looked at me. His voice wasn't his own, but his mouth moved. It was mechanical and frigid. You have to get rid of me. I don't know. I am nothing."No," I said angrily, taking a step forward. "This is not how I'll let you go."I touched his chest, sensing the slender throb of life that remained within him. My grief and my resolve caused the Crimson Flame inside of me to awaken. I gathered all the remaining strength and closed my eyes.With a steady yet passionate voice, I whisp
Nyla’s POV As I looked at Killian—his body, but not his soul—my heart pounded in my chest. The blackness of Auren filled his eyes, leaving them empty. I was no longer able to see him. I was unable to sense his warmth. I couldn't get in touch with the person I loved the most, who was trapped inside this shell and yelling for assistance. "Killian!" I stepped toward him and sobbed, my voice cracking. However, he growled, his eyes taking on a dangerously frigid hue. His voice was twisted as he hissed, "Nyla, stay away from me." "I am no longer him." "No, Killian. You're not out yet! I screamed, reaching out with a shaking hand. "I am aware that you can hear me. Fight him! A mocking, bitter laugh rumbled in his chest. "You believe that I can hear you?" Do you believe that anything remains of me? Nyla, I'm a puppet now. Under the influence of the dark. My vision was obscured by tears, but I resisted letting them go. Not right now. Not when I was still in the game. "Killian, you'r