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 POVThe chilly night air brushed over my skin as I sat by myself in the thick forest, knees drawn to my chest. Everything was bathed in a gentle silver radiance from the full moon overhead. I ought to have felt calm. But the only thing I could feel was the weight of fear.Not my phobia. Theirs.Logan, the pack, and even Killian had it in their eyes, and I could see it.They feared me.I balled my fists up. Was I turning into just what they were afraid of? I kept thinking about what Damon had said. A queen is nothing without her pack.I tried to block it all out by tightly closing my eyes. The conflict, my tantrum, and how Killian had to restrain me before I lost all self-control.Was I becoming someone else?Behind me, footsteps rustled. I didn't look around. I recognized the person already.Killian.At first, he remained silent. He just sat quietly next to me and observed the night. He was solid and friendly. The only thing in the jumble of my mind that felt real.I said, "You
Nyla’s POVThe smell of ancient parchment and dust filled the library. Books that hadn't been read in decades were stacked high on shelves.Killian and I were surrounded by large piles of books as we stood in front of a huge wooden table. There were lengthy shadows against the walls as the candlelight flickered.I flipped over another old book and said, "We have to find something." With the weight of the past bearing down on me, my hands shook a little. "The enemy my father warned me about is here now."Killian was standing next to me, running his fingers along book spines. "The werewolf king of old." His name was Valric.I looked at it. "Have you heard his name?"Killian gave a nod. He whispered it before he disappeared. The Eternal Valric.I shivered when I heard the name. Eternal. As though he had never really gone.I went back to the book and looked over the pages to see if there was anything we could use. I noticed a soiled piece of parchment nestled between the pages. I carefull
Nyla’s POVValric's weighty words were carried like a curse by the howling wind through the old ruins. I felt the weird energy still flowing through me, so I tightened my fists. I was unprepared for this, and my breath came quickly.Valric's bright eyes shone in the gloom as he stood upright. "A force that can either save or destroy us all has been awakened by you." Despite the calmness of his voice, there was an indisputable weight to each phrase. "You will be the end of all werewolves if you can't control it."With a dry throat, I swallowed hard. Doom? Me?Killian moved to stand next to me, his presence steady and reassuring. "She poses no threat," he snarled. "She is gaining knowledge."Valric's head cocked slightly. "Learning?" He gave a little laugh. "Have you noticed what transpired back there? In a single outburst, she almost destroyed the entire country. His eyes strayed to me. That gave you a taste of what's inside. If you are unable to master it— He stopped and moved in clos
Nyla’s POVIn my head, a deep voice said. "You have strength. However, you might be unstoppable.With a shock, I opened my eyes to see that I was in a pitch-black space. The air was dense with force and felt heavy."Where am I?" I said.As the voice replied, "You are inside your own mind," "Where your true power lies."With my heart racing, I turned. From the darkness, a figure moved forward—a lady who looked precisely like me, but her eyes flashed red, and her aura surged with black energy.She grinned. "Nyla, I am you. The aspect of yourself that isn't begging. The aspect of you that gives in to her demands."I balled my fists up. "I don’t want you."She chuckled softly, almost playfully. And now you say that. Tell me, though. You were sick of being weak, weren't you? Fearful? Worthless?"I winced. "I was never useless.""Weren’t you?" Like a predator, she moved closer and circled me. "You had no control over Logan's betrayal. When your pack turned against you, you had no control. Y
Nyla’s POVAlthough there were storm clouds in the sky, the actual storm was on the battlefield. The air was filled with roars, growls, and the clash of steel. There was a strong smell of blood that blended with the smoldering smell of the war-torn communities.With my warriors standing behind me, their eyes blazing with resolve, I stood at the forefront of Silver Dawn.The mercenaries, traitors, and rogues who had pledged allegiance to Damon's army were arranged in formation across from us. Damon himself stood tall in the middle, a sly smile on his lips."This is your last chance, Nyla," he yelled. "Surrender now, and I might show mercy."I took a step forward and spoke steadily. "You don’t know the meaning of mercy."His smile got bigger. "Then let’s end this."The atmosphere stiffened.Then, anarchy broke out.Wolves moved, charging into combat. Swords clashed. Flesh was torn apart by teeth. Warriors clashed in a flurry of fur and steel, causing the ground to tremble.I sped across
Nyla’s POVThe earth shook fiercely beneath me. Dark energy filled the air, making it dense. With the wound from the betrayal still fresh, I gripped my side. My eyesight flickered, but I made myself stand.With his arms held high and shouting in a tongue that had been lost to time, Valric stood in the middle of the summoning circle. Below him, crimson light rushed through the seal, spreading outward like veins piercing the ground."Stop him!" The battlefield echoed with the sound of Killian's voice.Damon hesitated, still in his monster shape. It seems that even he was unaware of Valric's true intentions.I stepped forward unsteadily. "Valric! You have no idea what you're letting loose."He grinned as he fixed me with his icy, silver look. Yes, but I do. And the key is you, my love."The ground burst beneath me before I could respond.The sky was broken by a thunderous roar. The battleground was divided by the ragged lines formed by the soil cracking open. Both sides' warriors fought
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