Nyla’s POVThe voice of the beast slithered in my head. You can't prevail. If you give in, I'll spare them.I trembled all over, clenching my hands. Before me, a soaring shadow of devastation, Fenris loomed. The air pressed like a cage against my flesh, crackling with dark electricity.I snarled, tensing my knees to remain upright, "I am not afraid of you."A rumbling of deep laughter came from Fenris. You ought to be.Its ancient, weighty strength swirled around me. It was alluring. I could be stronger than ever if I gave up and let Fenris take over.However, I was aware that I would no longer be myself.I was knocked backward by a strong gust of wind and barely managed to catch myself before colliding with the ground. As Fenris moved forward, its red eyes glimmering with hunger, my heart raced."You expect me to simply bow down to you?" I wiped blood off my lip and spat. "All you are is a monster."With its enormous claws biting into the ground, Fenris snarled. Then pass away as an
Nyla’s POVThe air was heavy with smoke. There was silence on the battlefield.Killian's sacrifice had destroyed Fenris and his hideous form. But at what price?With my hands shaking, I knelt next to Killian's motionless corpse. He had chilly skin. He had closed his once-bright silver eyes."No." My voice cracked. "You said you would..."Around us, the Silver Dawn soldiers stood, their faces displaying weariness and sorrow. The outlaws who had defended Damon had either escaped or given up.It was done.We were victorious.However, winning seemed like a terrible joke.The silence was broken by a voice."My Queen."I raised my head. A pack elder walked forward, his visage etched with age and experience. He went to his knees.Then came another warrior.And yet another.The whole army was kneeling in front of me in a matter of seconds.I felt like I was struck in the chest by the understanding.Now I ruled over them. The Queen of Crimson.I ought to have felt strong. I ought to have been
Nyla’s POVLong shadows were created on the throne room's stone walls by the flickering candlelight. I tried to concentrate on the pack's whispers while I sat in the high-backed chair. However, my thoughts were elsewhere.Killian.With his arms folded, he stood at the far end of the room, gazing out the window at the darker sky. The battle had been the last time he had talked. He was still alive, but he had changed.I took a deep breath. "Killian."He didn't look around. "Nyla, what is it?" His voice seemed distant and hollow.I got up and moved in his direction. "You are not who you are."A sour laugh escaped his mouth. "Perhaps I've always been like this."I got a chill from what he said. "Avoid saying that."When he finally turned to me, I swear that his irises darkened for a second, like whirling shadows hiding beneath them."Do you hear it?" he inquired abruptly.I scowled. "Hear what?"As though listening to something far, he closed his eyes. Then he shook his head and let out a
Nyla’s POVI paced back and forth inside the dimly lit chamber, my mind racing. Valen's words echoed in my head. Kill him before Fenris takes full control.No. There must have been another route.A sharp knock at the door made me stop. "Enter."Valen stepped inside, his long robes trailing behind him. He carried an ancient scroll, its edges worn and yellowed."You need to see this," he said, setting it on the wooden table.I frowned and unrolled the parchment. Strange symbols covered the surface, written in old wolf tongue. My eyes rested on a name that sent a chill down my spine.The Lost Heir.I raised my head. "What is this?"Valen’s expression was bleak. "The lost bloodline of Fenris."I took a deep breath. "I thought Fenris was the first of his kind. The original monster.""He was," Valen said. "But he was also once a man. A doomed ruler, shackled to darkness."I clutched the edge of the table. "You’re saying… he had descendants?"Valen nodded. "A single bloodline survived—one ca
Nyla’s POVAs I lay there with my wrists shackled in iron shackles, the chilly stone floor chilled my spine. The ancient markings on the walls seemed to come to life as lengthy shadows were cast across the room by a low, flickering torch on the wall. The fragrance of damp earth and something ancient, something strong, filled the room.I tugged on my chains, but they remained in place. "Where am I?" I whispered.There was a quiet laugh throughout the room.My brows narrowed as I turned abruptly and saw a figure emerge from the shadows. Tall, he wore flowing robes adorned with odd golden symbols. His eyes glowed with an odd brightness, and his face was piercing."The Queen of Wolves," he said quietly in a slick, sage voice. "You've finally returned home."I tightened my jaw. "Who are you?"He smiled. "I am Fenris' High Priest."My stomach turned over. The High Priest. The one who had previously attempted to rouse Fenris. The person who had almost ruined my rucksack."You ought to be dea
Nyla’s POVThe chanting was audible to me, and the High Priest's sinister words filled the air like poison. I could taste the dark power on my tongue since it was so thick. As I struggled against the constraints holding me, I could feel the cold, unforgiving stone walls surrounding me and the chains cutting into my skin.But the worst part? The knowledge that Fenris might return was the worst part. And I was to blame.I had attempted to halt him. I had tried to break the curse, to keep the beast away forever, but it was all slipping through my fingers."Nyla, stay strong," I whispered to myself, my voice trembling. "You're not by yourself. They'll come get you.Despite the overwhelming fear that tore at me, I made myself remain composed. I had to hide my weakness from them. Not right now. Not when the shadows were so near.And then I heard it.Shouts and the sound of footsteps followed a huge collision that reverberated down the hallway. My chest blazed with hope."Killian..." With my
Nyla’s POVMy beloved Killian was suddenly a stranger, yet I was still standing in front of him. I had to think he was still himself. He had a strong Fenris inside of him, but I wouldn't let him go. I was unable to.I stepped forward and trembled as I said, "Killian…." "I am aware that you are still within. You can hear me, I'm sure. Killian, you must fight. You must battle him.His eyes were swirling with blackness, a vast, unending emptiness that appeared to swallow everything. It wasn't him, but he was staring at me. Fenris was the one. His spirit had been overtaken by the beast."You believe you can keep me alive? Fenris's harsh, ruthless voice escaped his lips. It sounded nothing like Killian. "Nyla, it's too late. He is no longer there. All that's left is me."No! With my heart beating in my chest, I shook my head and took a step toward him. "I'm positive you're still here. Killian, you've always been a fighter. This is nothing compared to your strength! "I saw the slightest gl
Nyla’s POVFenris's might seemed to be causing the planet to crumble. Every step I took made the ground beneath me quake, and the air seemed heavy with an odd, suffocating energy. It was everything that was shifting, not just the wolves. Around us, the trees started to wilt, their leaves turning black and falling to the ground. Once pure and beautiful, the sky above us was now a swirling mass of dark clouds."Nyla, this isn't just about the pack anymore," Silver Dawn remarked in a terrified tone. "The world itself is being torn apart by Fenris."My heart thumping, I looked about. The world I knew was disappearing as the evil that Fenris had unleashed engulfed it. The distant rivers had slowed to a trickle, and the birds that had previously filled the skies were quiet. Everything seemed to be dying as a result of Fenris's increasing might.And I was to blame.I had allowed Fenris to dominate Killian. The world was now suffering because I had attempted to save him.The voice of Silver D
Nyla’s POVAs 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're not a pup
Nyla’s POVI tried to concentrate on the dancing shadows in the room's corners by blinking. I had to breathe more shallowly because the air seemed heavy, like it was crushing against my chest. In front of me, Auren's eyes glowed dangerously brightly. The throne, a massive, twisted seat composed of bone and obsidian that towered like some dark king's chair, loomed behind him.I experienced an odd tug as soon as I saw it. It was an old, black, and strong throne. Despite my inner want to turn and go, I was unable to take my eyes off it.Auren saw me fight the need to run away and smiled. His tone was mocking and gentle as he inquired, "Do you like it?""Why are you displaying this to me?" A knot in my stomach tightened as I whispered.With his eyes fixed on me, Auren took a step closer. Because, Nyla, you are supposed to sit next to me on this throne. Together, we were destined to rule."Rule?" My voice sounded incredulous. "You killed a lot of people. You're a monster!For a little mome
Nyla’s POVThe air smelled of moist mud and rot, and the trees were black, their gnarled branches extending like skeletal hands. The smell of blood and Killian's well-known woody and firey aroma led me farther into the forbidden woods as I followed his track through the thick woodland. I had no choice but to look for Killian before it was too late, even though I knew these forests were cursed.The woodland floor was covered in spooky shadows from the dim moonlight as I carefully walked over thick vines and twisted roots. The air appeared to get thicker the deeper I went, choking me with its pressure. Everything felt wrong, or at least something felt wrong. The sensation that I did not alone persist.I paused and listened to the wind whispering through the leaves while I closed my eyes. It was too fresh a path. Killian has been gone for a short time. The woodland, however, seemed to throb with an unearthly vitality. A sinister force.The silence was abruptly broken by a rustle.My hear
Nyla’s POVIt was too quiet in the village. I had been strolling about the tiny community to see how the people were doing and to make sure they were all secure. However, the typical sounds of everyday life—the rustle of market stalls, the chatter of children playing—were absent. The planet itself seemed to be holding its breath, and the air seemed heavy and thick.The silence was suddenly broken by a scream.My heart thumping in my chest, I hurried to the source. There was mayhem in the village square. I couldn't see what people were running from, but they were shouting and running. I heard it then, the distinct growl of wolves, but these were not your typical wolves. They were shadows.My breath seized in my throat as I froze. The wolves were sleek, with eyes that glowed a dangerous crimson and bodies composed of whirling darkness. Like ghosts, they drifted between the buildings, disappearing and then resurfacing in sudden bursts of darkness."What are they?" I said to myself, my he
Nyla’s POVThe ancient stone walls of the First Kingdom were falling beneath the weight of generations, and I stood in front of their remains. There was a strong feeling in the air that something had been forgotten, buried deep in the ground. The once-mighty Kingdom that ruled over everything strong and pure was now only a shell of what it had once been.Nevertheless, it beckoned to me.The pulse of something old, bound to me, was palpable in the air."Killian," I said in a low voice. Back at home, he continued to struggle against the darkness that had overtaken him. I had no time to waste. I required clarification.As I entered the broken gates, the wind whistled through the fractured stones. The interior was dark, encrusted with vines and shattered artifacts from a bygone era. Using only the odd tug in my chest as a guide, I moved deeper.I had the impression that I was strolling through a dream with every step, one that had been waiting for me and my family for ages.I soon discove
Nyla’s POVSince the last time his eyes glowed black, Killian had not woken up.He continued to breathe. Alive. But there was something aloof about him.I brushed the hair from his face while sitting next to his bed. "Killian, please get back to me," I said. "The true you. Not this gloom.He twitched, but his eyes remained closed.The door was knocked on.I leaped. "Yes?"Silently, Mira intervened. The fighters want to see Killian. They want to know his thoughts on the ruins."No," I blurted out. "He's sleeping. He's... worn out.Mira gave me a look. "Is that the sole explanation?"I forced a smile as I nodded. Indeed. All he needs is time.She paused. Then bowed. "My Queen, as you say."I stopped smiling when she went. I had trembling hands.In actuality, Killian was evolving. Not only his eyes. His voice alone wasn't enough.He had it in his fragrance. His aura. His spirit itself.I was unable to inform the pack. They wouldn't comprehend. Some may even attempt to hurt him.And I cou
Nyla’s POVToday's sky was kind. The clouds moved slowly, as if they were too exhausted to travel quickly. Observing the kingdom's workers below, I stood on the High Tower's balcony. Across the fields, laughing resounded, stones were piled, and hammers struck wood.We were starting over. Following the conflict. Following Fenris, after everything.Mira, my friend and trustworthy healer, approached me and said, "Queen Nyla." "The eastern walls are nearly complete."I smiled. That's excellent. People must be safe. They require hope.Mira gave a nod. "And you? How are you?I turned my head away, heart clenched. "I'm making an effort," I said. Killian hasn't said much yet. He isn't the same person.Mira touched me on the shoulder. He was in danger of dying. And returned. Sometimes we lose a piece of ourselves in the process."I understand," I said. However, there's more to him than simply pain. It feels a little different.I could see Killian down below. He was by himself, staring at nothi
Nyla’s POVIt was a gentle wind. There was silence in the skies. Too silent.At the summit of the hill, where the last combat had taken place, I stood. There was still smoke in the air. Tree fragments. Grass that has burned. Warriors who have fallen.However, the conflict was over.I grasped the stone of blood. It seemed to have lost all of its potency because it was now fractured and dull.I shut my eyes. Something had shifted, and I could feel it in my chest.Forever.The curse was lifted.However, the world remained unhealed.Behind me, a voice said quietly, "Your Highness?"Mira was the one. She had bruises on her face. She had fatigued eyes.I gave one nod. "Is he conscious?"She cast her look downward. "Not just yet."My heart hurt. "Take me to him."We passed warriors, some still alive, some lifeless, on the ground. A few were renegades who had turned themselves in. Fenris's army formerly included others.Now they looked at me in wonder and terror.A few even bowed.I didn't fe
Nyla’s POVThere was no breeze. Too silent.There were shattered weapons, dead soldiers, and the stench of smoke all around me as I stood in the center of the battlefield. I had trembling hands. I managed to keep upright even though my knees nearly buckled.Fenris had vanished.Or was he?I gently turned and looked around the ground. His dark shape was nowhere to be seen. No eyes that glow. No voice from the darkness mocking me.However, something felt off.The sky remained gray. The ground remained fractured. The trees stooped as though they were under pressure.Whispering, "The curse is still here," I put a palm to my chest.I heard someone calling behind me. "Nyla! Come on over here!"Jorah was the one. He was pulling something behind him, but his arm was bleeding. When I saw what it was, my heart stopped.Killian.He had injuries all over his body and was limp. He appeared too pallid."No… no, no," I shouted as I fell beside him."He's alive," Jorah said quietly hastily as she kne