Nyla’s POVPain.When my eyes opened, that was the first sensation I experienced. My legs felt like lead, my arms hurt, and my ankles and wrists pulsed with a searing burn.The icy, merciless metal chains wrapped around me jerked me back down as I groggily raised my head.Silver.My breathing became laboured. My skin was scorched by the metal, which drained my last strength.As I looked around the darkened cell, panic boiled within me. The air was heavy with the smell of rot and blood, and the stone walls were wet. Without a window, it was impossible to determine whether it was day or night.I was confined.Footsteps reverberated through the corridor. Slow. With a purpose.The hefty iron door cracked open, and I swallowed hard.Damon.He entered, amusement shining in his dark eyes. "Are we finally awake?"Ignoring the searing sting in my wrists, I made myself sit up. "Give me up," I snarled.He crossed his arms and laughed. "Oh, Nyla. You genuinely have no idea, do you?I scowled him.
Nyla’s POVI could hardly feel the shackles burning like fire around my wrists. Something was changing—developing—inside of me.Trying to regain my breath, I sat in the dark with my back against the chilly stone wall. My thoughts felt heavy and my body hurt, but something strange surged deep in my chest.I ignored the piercing sensation of silver against my skin and balled my hands into fists.What was this sensation?There was a sharp clank in the dungeon. Steps. Slow, methodical.Damon.Just as he emerged from outside my cage, his amused golden eyes glinting, I raised my head. He smirked smugly as he leaned against the iron bars."You feel it, don’t you?" His tone was taunting and slick. "The power inside you… waking up."I scowled at him. "I feel nothing."Damon shook his head and laughed. "You can lie to yourself, Nyla, but you can’t lie to me." Grasping the bars, he took a step closer. "Isn't it boiling under your skin? That anger. That fire.Then I bit my lip and turned away.Si
Nyla’s POVThe roar of war shook the halls.As Killian and I ran along the stone hallway, we could hear Damon's guards' yells. Even though my heart was racing, I didn't want to slow down."We’re almost there!" As a warrior pounced at us, Killian slashed his blade through it and screamed out.I didn't think twice.I was stopped by a guard who swung a dagger at my chest. My intuition won out.Something inside of me snapped as I twisted and ducked.A surge of unadulterated strength sprang from my fingertips.With a painful snap, the guard slammed into the wall after flying backwards.I stared at my hands as I froze."What was that?" I took a breath.Killian took hold of my wrist. "There isn't time to solve it. "Move!"I took off running.They poured in from all sides, and the guards were everywhere. Killian killed anybody who stood in his way with deadly ease. However, there were too many.I felt the force within me coil like a tempest ready to explode, so I tightened my fists.A guard h
Nyla’s POVThe scent of aged wood and dust filled the chilly, deserted cabin. Outside, the wind howled, rattling the windows like some invisible entity attempting to enter.I put my arms around myself to control the rage that was consuming me. My mind kept racing even though my body hurt from the conflict.Sitting opposite me, Killian's face was unreadable. His jaw was covered in blood, and his shirt was ripped. Since we arrived, he had not spoken.I balled my fists up. I was at my breaking point.I said, "Tell me the truth, Killian," in a stern tone. "No more falsehoods. No more secrets. Why didn't you tell me about my past?He stiffened his shoulders, but he avoided eye contact with me.When he eventually said, "You wouldn’t have understood,"I laughed resentfully. "Try me."Killian let out a slow breath. He looked at the flickering candle between us while running a hand over his hair. "It wasn’t my secret to tell, Nyla.""That’s not good enough!" The flame jumped when I slammed my
Nyla’s POVMy head was reeling from everything Evelyn had just said as I looked at her."A prophecy?" My voice faltered. "You’re telling me my entire life has already been decided?"Evelyn had serene, yet sharp, silver eyes. "Undecided. anticipated."Anger was rising inside of me, so I crossed my arms. "That’s the same thing."She let out a sigh. "No, kid. It just indicates that the future has been hinted at, but you still have the final say.I balled my fists up. "And what exactly does this prophecy say?"Evelyn moved ahead slowly. "That during a great war, the last of the Crimson Bloodline will rise." she will be the driving factor behind the werewolf world's survival. Her voice grew solemn as she hesitated. "Or destroys it."My breath caught."Destroys it?" My voice was hardly audible.Evelyn gave a nod. "There is no power like the one you possess. It's unpredictable, raw, and ancient—unless you know how to use it. If you make the incorrect decision, everything will burn.I took a
Nyla’s POVThe night burnt with fire and blood.Hidden in the shadows on the rocky mountainside, I saw the war break out below. Their snarls reverberated through the darkness as wolves clashed. With their claws and teeth, warriors clashed, their fur crimson.Damon's army seemed limitless, but Silver Dawn men held the line against his renegades. Like a black torrent consuming everything in its path, more and more came flooding in.I balled my fists up.I ought to have experienced fear, rage, or loyalty. However, I only experienced nothingness.Down there, Killian was defending his flock. The same pack that had deceived me, concealed my might and rendered me feeble.There was also Damon down there. The creature who kidnapped me tormented me and attempted to shatter me.I ought to have taken a side. But I stood paralyzed, my heart warring with itself.Near the battlefield's edge, a Silver Dawn fighter collapsed, his breathing laboured. Jaws snapping, another rogue jumped on top of him—I
Nyla’s POVThere was silence on the battlefield. Like a storm about to erupt, my power crackled as it raced through the atmosphere. The wolves around me shifted uncomfortably, dread and wonder in their eyes. A few of them bent their heads in submission and knelt. Others paused, burying their paws into the bloody ground as they resisted the unknown.Then the silence was broken by a voice."I'm not going to bow to her."I turned to look into Logan's (Killian's Beta) icy, defiant eyes. He took a step forward, breathing deeply and angrily as his chest rose and fell. His posture was stiff, his muscles taut, prepared for combat.Damon scowled and stepped next to me, saying, "You will bow." "Or she'll crush you under her weight."With his look flitting to Killian, Logan spat out, "I follow an Alpha, not a monster." "Killian, tell me you see it. Tell me you won't just watch her take all we've worked so hard to build.When he said it, my gut knotted. A monster. Did they witness that? After all
Nyla’s POVAlthough Logan was quick, I was quicker. With its claws cutting through the air, his enormous wolf lunged. Just in time, I twisted my body to dodge. The force of his onslaught caused the ground under us to crumble."Stop, Logan!" Logan ignored the boom of Killian's words.He attacked me once more, his motions irregular, his look wild, almost unearthly. There was a problem. Logan was being controlled in addition to fighting.Heart racing, I ducked under his next blow. "This isn't you, Logan!"He bared his teeth and snarled. Blood was drawn from my arm as his claws brushed against it. I hardly noticed. I was too preoccupied with what I felt was behind the anger—something sinister, something alien.Killian slammed into Logan with raw fury, blocking his next move. "Beta, stand down!"Logan didn't stop, though. Like a puppet on unseen strings, he fought heedlessly.Stretching my senses beyond the physical struggle, I took a trembling breath. At that moment, I sensed a chilly, cr
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