Fiona’s POV“What is going on here?”My heart dropped to my stomach at the sound of Jin’s voice, dark and angry, and I instantly froze in fear and panic. Oh, God. Please no… I could feel his angry gaze stabbing into my back without looking at him. Is didn’t need to. My crippling anxiety and fear had me rooted on the spot. This has been another level of shit show that I was hoping to avoid. Everything within me screamed at me to run. To abandon everything. But it didn’t matter how much or long I ran, I’ll be caught. This was my dreaded fate.A large hand clamped over my right shoulder and forcefully maneuvered me to stare into Jin’s eyes lit with wild possessive anger. I inwardly cursed myself for not running away from the auditorium fast enough and I cursed Lyn and Jin for a truly shitty morning. I was really looking forward to an uneventful day.“I asked you a question and I deserve an answer.” Jin gritted out. What did he want to hear? Our heated argument made me late for the fir
Fiona’s POVI knew it was over the moment Lyn punched Jin. It was inevitable. Like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Then it started—raw, ugly, and vicious. Lyn’s knuckles collided with Jin’s jaw, the crack of impact sending a shiver through the air. Jin retaliated immediately, slamming his elbow into Lyn’s ribs, his movements sharp and feral. A guttural roar erupted from Lyn as he tackled Jin, and the two hit the floor in a violent tangle of limbs. The sound of fists striking flesh was sickening, like dull meat being slapped against stone. Blood spattered onto the polished wooden stage as one of them—Lyn, I think—landed a solid punch that split Jin’s lip wide open.The auditorium erupted into chaos. Chairs screeched against the floor as people scrambled to move away from the escalating brawl. Some shouted, their voices indistinct in the cacophony, while others fumbled with their phones, their glowing screens capturing every savage second. The once-cozy glow of stage lights now
Fiona’s POVWhen Soren was eight years old, he had his personal servant mauled to death by a bear. He had them coat her with honey and at his orders they released the wild bear and he watched as she was torn apart…all because she had not served him his breakfast early. This had been dismissed as a mere rumor but I had a source who proved otherwise. Soren Drakemere, the second son of the formidable Drakemere lineage, carried himself with an air of quiet solemnity that set him apart from his peers. Born into a family renowned for their strategic cunning and unshakable loyalty to the Blackthorn Pack, Soren bore the weight of an unusual legacy. His father, Alaric Drakemere, was a figure of legend—both revered and feared—while his older brother, Caelian, was the golden heir, the warrior who could command a room with a single glance. Soren, on the other hand, was an enigma, a man whose presence was felt rather than heard.Though destined to inherit leadership of the Blackthorn Pack, Soren
Fiona’s POV“So choose which out of the four monsters will be your mate.”My heart pounded heavily as blood rushed my ears in a loud roar, the noise in the background faded to a distorted cacophony of sounds as his words sank in. The darkness in his voice raced fearful shivers down my spine. Although Soren said those words with a soft, harmless smile, there was a fierce look in his eyes—one that mirrored the underlying darkness in his voice—which made me shudder and a little scared. Unconsciously, I took a few steps back, and Soren's gaze remained fixed on me with this feverish wildness like a predator spotting it’s prey.I needed to get out of here. Fast. So I did. Without a word I turned and walked away hastily, ignoring the fact that I had just left Soren standing. Ignoring the panic and fear that he might follow behind me in his usual stalkerish manner. And yet I hoped he wouldn’t. I couldn’t face him again. Moreover, we have no reason to talk anymore. The fight was already over.
Fiona’s POVMy head was filled with the gentle brilliance of Kai’s smile and I wasn’t until the backs of Kai and Soren disappeared completely from my view that I came back to my senses. Blushing furiously at my train of thought, I slipped away from the room, throwing furtive glances around me, making sure that no one had caught on. There was no one so I was safe. For now. What was left going through the whole day as quiet as possible with my head bent low. There were a few curious stares and muttered whispers here and there and I wasn’t going to lie I thought I’d be attacked as usual, but there was none. News must have gotten around which made no one try to mess with me. So, I guess it was good in a way, the whole drama this morning. No one wanted to mess with me as that would warrant the wrath of the four alphas. Yet that piece of information wasn’t enough to stop the envious rumors floating around me. My preoccupied mind replayed that scene with Soren a few minutes ago, playing o
Fiona’s POVThe knocked sounded again, this time more ominous than ever. Or maybe that was just my anxiety talking? Or the heat coursing my body. Whatever it was it had me paralyzed in fear for a moment.Another heavy knock, this time it was as impatient as ever and I sprang to my feet, moving silently to stand in front of the door barring me from the intruder outside. Just as another knock was about coming, I opened the door in panic, my eyes turned as round as saucers when I saw who it was and it was the was the last person I wanted to see.It was Jin.Jin stood there with bloodshot eyes, his dark eyes tousled, wearing nothing but a pair of black pajama bottoms which had been undone at the front for some bizarre reason. I immediately removed my eyes from his shirtless state and snapped them upwards to stare at him, swallowing the panic and anxiety I could feel coming. “Jin, what – what are you doing here? Is something wrong?” I whispered in a low voice.But Jin didn’t reply. He just
Fiona’s POVI left the house very early the next morning, which was fine since the Luna was yet to be home and I was in no mood to face Jin or Will’s confused expression and endless question. I didn’t even have breakfast, I couldn’t take my chances.It was a lovely morning so I decided to walk to school, but mostly to get a clear head for school. I barely got any sleep last, half terrified that Jin might have a change of mind and storm down my room while I slept. It wasn’t a comforting thought. I had taken suppressants to hold of the effects of my rut and again, to maintain a clear head. There was no telling who I would bump into and I silently and fervently prayed it wouldn’t be Lyn. I haven’t seen him since that confession day in the auditorium. I always cringed whenever I remembered what happened and the aftermath. I spotted a quiet coffee shop tucked in a corner and decided to get breakfast there. The coffee shop was tucked away on a quiet side street, its small, handwritten sign
Fiona’s POVI couldn’t move.My legs felt like a piece of lead that was dropped into a river. The heaviness of my legs held me paralyzed on the spot as realization struck like the waves of an ocean dashing away against the cliff. I wanted to run—forced my feet to run, in fact—but there was no response. It was like my soul had temporarily abandoned my body. I felt someone move behind me but I was too stunned and scared to look. I already knew who it was without looking.“Fiona, can you hear me?” Soren questioned, his footsteps accompanied by the heavy but steady thud of his steel-toed boots thumping steadily behind me which slowed to a stop. He gently pulled me over and when I clearly refused to meet his gaze, his tilted my chin with a finger forcing me to meet his eyes. “What’s wrong?”“You didn’t have to do that. I didn’t ask you to do that…oh God.” Suddenly I couldn’t breathe. I felt a panic attack coming which would seem ridiculous to others; I wasn’t in any immediate danger as far
Fiona’s POVThe moment Lyn arrived, the air seemed to shift, turning sharp and heavy with his presence. His footsteps echoed against the tiled floor, each step firm and deliberate. My heart pounded in my chest as I looked up at him. His usually charming,, playful face was now a mask of cold fury. His pale complexion had drained further, but his eyes—those dark, piercing eyes—burned with something terrifying.He took in the mess around us—the broken chair, the scattered books, my tearful, broken expression and his face darkened further. His lips curled downward, and his voice, low and sharp like a blade slicing through ice, sent a shiver down my spine.“Who,” he bit out, his words slow and deliberate, “gave you the courage to cause trouble right under my nose?”The room fell into a suffocating silence. The group of girls, who just moments ago had been so full of confidence, now shrank back. Even their ringleader, the one who had mouthed off tome first, looked pale. But she still stra
Fiona’s POVThe news about the four Alphas fierce competition for me intensified, spreading like wild fire around the entire school. And with the popularity and rumors came new enemies I knew nothing about. I haven’t seen Helena much ever since I resumed school, and rumors of she and Jin’s untimely break up was gossiped about until went stale. I heard she transferred departments so that was why I rarely saw her. Unfortunately, her suddenly transferring majors left her old clique without a leader. Which was a relief considering the fact that I didn’t have to any other encounters with her. That didn’t mean the trouble stopped. I've been feeling uneasy all morning and had somehow gotten used to stares and whispers. But the moment I stepped into the corridor leading to the library, I felt it—the shift in the air, the weight of unwelcome stares pressing down on me. I wasn’t alone.I barely had time to register the approaching footsteps before a group of girls blocked my path. At the cen
Fiona’s POVJin’s confession filled my brain all day, distracting me through lectures, while having lunch with Rowan. I still hadn’t given him an answer. And then there was, Kai. His persistence was something to be admired, if not entirely irritating. I can’t mention how many instances I have gone out of my comfort zone to avoid him. “Fiona, he’s here again,” Rowan teased spearing a forkful of salad onto her mouth, wagging her brows impishly.“Don’t even start,” I muttered, rubbing my temples.“I’m being serious.” she said, watching something behind me with keen, perpetually mischievous eyes. “And he’s heading this way.”“Oh my fucking goodness.” I sighed, the throbbing in my eyes intensified. “I’m going to the bathroom.”Rowan looked thoughtful. “You could. Or you could sit there and listen to what he wants to say.” “I already what he wants to say.” I muttered. “He’s like a fucking bulldozer at this point.” Rowan chuckled. “I think you’re the only thing on his wants to bulldoze.”
Fiona’s POVI could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me as my words hung in the air. The once lively crowd had gone eerily silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.My gaze swept across everyone present, taking in the reactions of the Kai family elders. They exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise and confusion, as if they couldn’t quite believe what they had just heard.And then, there was Kai. The disappointment in his eyes deepened with every passing second, the flicker of hope he had clung to now dimming into something heavier—something dangerously close to resentment. I felt him grow cold beside me. His jaw tightened, his lips pressed into a thin line, but he said nothing. He didn’t have to. The disappointment radiated off him like a slow-burning fire, scorching in its quiet intensity.Eugene cleared his throat quietly, searching for what words to use. “A-are you certain we can’t change your mind?” he asked weakly. Jin nearly snappe
Fiona’s POV“Hey, Rowan.”“Fiona? Where are you? I’ve been trying to contact you for three days now! How are you? Are you okay? Please tell me you are?” Rowan’s panicking voice blasted the confines of the car.I grinned at her terrified voice then affected a sober voice, “What if I tell you I’m not okay, and that I’m on my way to the ER to treat my broken bones.”“What!?” Rowan screeched. “Fuck, what hospital is it? Fiona speak the fuck up—” I cackled at her fear. “I’m fine, Rowan. Honest.”“I’m glad my concern is amusing to you.” Rowan hissed. I immediately sobered up. “You know I didn’t mean that. I was joking, darling. I promise I’ll tell you everything when I get back, okay?”“Fine. God knows you owe me one.” Rowan said smartly. “Are you on your way home?”.I glanced at the familiar surroundings zooming past mea before replying, “Uh, no. I’ve got drop by Jin’s house first but I’ll see you later.”“Okay. Are you sure you’re alright?” Rowan probed once more.“Yes, Rowan. I am.” I
Fiona’s POVPanic clawed at me. This was all too much pressure. I watched as Jin rose slowly to his feet, eyeing the writhing shadow monsters skeptically."Okay. Think. There must be something you've missed, Fiona. Think!" I muttered to myself, pressing my eyes closed in concentration. The ancient texts in that old grimoire, the whispered instructions and chants were failing us. My mind raced, a whirlwind of fragmented knowledge, desperate for a solution. Kai was down, Soren and Jin was hurt, and the shadow beasts were relentless. We were running out of time."Think, Fiona, think!" I screamed internally. I scanned my memory, flipping through the pages of countless arcane tomes. Then, a flicker. A forgotten passage. A detail I’d dismissed as insignificant. It was a footnote, almost an afterthought, about alternative activation methods. It was vague, cryptic, but… it resonated. A spark of hope ignited in the darkness of my despair.Immediately, I snapped urgent eyes to the central
Fiona’s POVMy heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the encroaching darkness. No sooner had we begun unloading than I felt them – the pursuers. Their presence was a tangible thing, a cold dread that prickled my skin."The crystals go there," I pointed to a patch of worn earth, where the markings I had made were still visible under my flashlight. "Soren, connect that line to the north node.""Got it, Fiona," growled Soren, his massive form already hefting a heavy stone."Every one get into the circle and do not leave no matter what until I say so." I announced. I focused, pushing aside the fear that threatened to overwhelm me. The magic circle was intricate, a delicate web of power that needed precise placement and intention. My fingers flew across the surfaces of the stones, tracing the ancient symbols and items we had gathered then began chanting the forgotten words. The air shimmered, a faint blue glow beginning to emanate from the circle’s center."They're a
Fiona’s POVThe cavern shimmered with an eerie blue light, the jagged ice crystals reflecting a cold glow that pulsed like a living thing. But we weren’t alone.A sharp gust of wind howled through the chamber, carrying with it a flurry of frost. Then I saw them—ice elemental elves, their lithe bodies shimmering like frost-covered glass. Their piercing, glowing eyes locked onto us, and in an instant, they attacked.“Move!” I shouted, diving behind a frozen stalagmite as razor-sharp ice thorns shot toward us in a deadly barrage.The Alphas scattered, their movements swift and precise. Jin, ever the protector, positioned himself in front of me, sword raised. A shard of ice whizzed past my ear, slicing a few strands of my hair before embedding itself into the ground. I clenched my fists, summoning my energy, but the elves weren’t giving us a moment to breathe.“Go for the leader!” Lyn growled, rolling under a streak of frost magic that turned the stone floor to ice.The elves moved in un
Fiona’s POVThe first clue had led us to the deep swamp behind the old site. It was said that a rare plant, Dark Light Algae, grew here—an essential material for activating the magic array. But as I stood at the swamp’s edge, inhaling the thick, musty air, I couldn’t help but wonder if the legends had conveniently left out the part where we’d have to risk our lives to retrieve it.A dense, eerie fog coiled around twisted trees, their gnarled roots jutting out of the soggy ground like skeletal fingers grasping at the air. Every few steps, the murky water gurgled as if something unseen was shifting beneath the surface. The air was thick, humid, and heavy with the scent of rot and stagnant water.“Ugh, this place reeks,” I muttered, wrinkling my nose as my boots sank into the soft, treacherous earth. Each step was a gamble—too much pressure, and the ground threatened to swallow me whole.“Watch your footing,” Kai warned, his voice strained with concentration as he tested the ground ahe