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 POVTension permeated the air. Under the blood-red sky, werewolves, renegades, and ancient warriors clashed, causing the battlefield to erupt in roars and shouts. With my heart thumping in my chest, I stood at the forefront of the battle. I looked at the confusion. Silver Dawn, my pack, was engaged in ferocious combat. The adversary, however, was as well.Fenris. The creature that had possessed Killian. He now desired to demolish everything.The force that came from my ancestry was boiling up inside of me. The Queen of Crimson. I had inherited it from the ancient rulers, my predecessors, and now I had to put it to use.The words "Stay close, Nyla!" rang in my head from Killian. I could still hear a hint of him in the midst of the confusion, but the familiar voice felt like a memory.My thoughts were interrupted by a rogue's growl, and I swung my sword, knocking him back. I had changed from the indecisive girl I had been. As the queen of Silver Dawn, I would defend my people unt
Nyla’s POVMy spirit was shattered, and my body was broken. I could hardly breathe because of how frigid the air was surrounding me. The ground underneath me was drenched with blood. Reaching for the sky made my fingers shake, but even that seemed so far away now.That was the end.Fenris had prevailed.I was immobile. Not able to fight. I lost my strength. Quiet, my beast.A gentle silver light suddenly emerged above me just as I thought everything would go dark.The agony ceased.The chill went away.I blinked.Time seemed to have stopped, and everything around me slowed. The battlefield vanished. The sky became silver. The trees glistened. It appeared as though the stars were breathing.Then, she showed up.Her hair floats like starlight, and she is tall and radiant. Her eyes were serene, knowledgeable, and old.The Goddess of the Moon.I was unable to talk. Though my lips quivered, I remained silent.With a soft grin, she knelt next to me.Her voice sounded like a lullaby laced wi
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
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