CAMILLE'S POVNeal's grip on my wrist was iron, a lifeline, and a shackle all at once. "Camille, this isn't you," he said. His eyes pleading and earnest while they searched mine for the woman he once knew.My heart wavered, a storm of emotions threatening to tear me apart. "Exactly, Camille doesn't hurt people. But I will," I spat, trying to shake him off. His grip only tightened."Please, Neal, stop trying to stop me," I hissed, my voice cracking. The wolf inside snarled, eager to break free and finish what we had started.Neal's expression softened, though his resolve remained. "I won't let you do this, Camille. Not like this." His voice was steady, even as he struggled to restrain me.Without warning, I summoned the ancient magic coursing through my veins. Roots erupted from the ground, wrapping around Neal's legs and arms, pulling him away from me. He struggled, eyes wide in shock. "Camille!""We need to do this, Neal. For justice," I said, my voice cold as I turned to Eva, who l
CAMILLE'S POV I sprinted back to the cabin with a fragile heart that raced with terror. While I had been caught up in all that anger, I didn't stop to think about Collins and his curse. It was already past midnight. The twins were now of age, and that meant the curse had come into the picture. The moonlight cast an eerie glow on the dislodged roof, serving as a stark reminder of the chaos that had unfolded.When I reached the cabin door, I hesitated, my breath forming wisps in the chilly night air as I stared at the space where a door was supposed to be.There was something around the house. Tentatively, my fingers reached out and encountered an invisible barrier—a crackling, palpable field of magic energy seemingly meant to either protect or imprison. It was as if my body and soul knew what to do. With a determined breath, I focused all my willpower and energy and ordered the barrier to shatter. I felt it give way, the energy dissipating like fragile glass, leaving me standing
SPECIAL CHAPTER TEN: OPHELIA COTTONWOODAUTHOR'S NOTE: Special chapters serve to shed light on the perspectives of minor characters, providing insight into their roles in the unfolding narrative.The silence in my house was heavy as I folded my last dress and placed it in the box. Each piece of clothing held memories, but they felt distant now. The box was full, and I closed it with a sense of finality. I lifted it, its weight grounding me, and carried it to the corner of the room.Placing it down gently, I stepped back and took in my surroundings. This was the last time I would see this place.I turned and waltzed out to the backyard garden. The early morning light cast long shadows on the greens. My eyes settled on the upturned ground. It looked so peaceful, like it could be just another part of the garden. But I knew what lay beneath. "I'll be coming soon, Alaric," I whispered, my voice barely audible. The words hung in the air: a promise and a farewell.Then I felt that famili
SPECIAL CHAPTER ELEVEN: ABIGAIL AUTHOR'S NOTE: Special chapters serve to shed light on the perspectives of minor characters, providing insight into their roles in the unfolding narrative.In the dimly lit expanse of my bedroom, I meticulously completed the intricate summoning circle as the surrounding candles flickered.The ancient symbols, drawn with a mixture of my blood and black ink, seemed to pulse with a life of their own. I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves. Ophelia had said something that disturbed my peace. It could as well be the ramblings of a woman close to death. But I knew better than to dismiss things.I spoke the incantation, my voice firm and clear. The air grew thick with power, and the circle began to glow. The temperature dropped, and I could see my breath in the cold air. In the center of the circle, a figure began to form, his presence dark and imposing."Asmodeus," I called, my voice steady despite the racing of my heart. "You summoned me. Is it one
CAMILLE'S POV I jolted awake to the sound of Collins crying out in his sleep. His small body was shaking violently, tangled in the sheets as he fought against whatever nightmares were haunting him. My heart ached seeing him like this. I reached out and gently shook his shoulder. “Collins, sweetheart, wake up. It’s okay. Mommy’s here.” His eyes flew open, wide with fear. For a moment, he looked disoriented, then he threw himself into my arms, sobbing. I held him close, rubbing soothing circles on his back. “It’s okay, baby. You’re fine now. It was just a bad dream. You’re safe.” He clung to me, his small body trembling. “Mommy, the bad men... they were coming for me,” he whimpered. I kissed the top of his head, trying to keep my own tears at bay. “No one’s going to hurt you, Collins. You’re safe. We’re all safe.” The door creaked open, and Dimitri stepped in, his eyes full of joy. I was reminded of the birthday celebration he wanted to throw, but seeing Collins in this state made
CAMILLE'S POVSuddenly, the music stopped. The room fell silent, the abrupt end to our dance jarring. Dimitri and I turned to the record player and saw a strange woman standing there, removing the pin from the wheel. Her presence was so unexpected that it felt like a punch to the gut.Dimitri immediately stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body. “Who the fuck are you?” he demanded, his voice a low growl.The woman chuckled, a sound that sent chills down my spine. “You’re the protective one, aren’t you?” she said, her tone mocking. “Relax. I’m not here to harm anyone. Unless, of course, my hand is forced.”I tried to peer around Dimitri, my heart pounding. Something about her seemed familiar, and then it hit me. The pale white hair, the sharp features—“Abigail?” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.The woman smirked, fixing her hair. “I might have my youth and all, but it’s still rude not to call your grandmother by her proper title.”My breath caught in my throat. “
DIMITRI'S POVOnce Abigail vanished and the contents of the box were revealed, I put a call through to the first sentinel guard.The guards stationed outside of my quarters had been given an early break because I wanted to spend time with Camille. Never did I imagine Abigail De'Crescent would waltz in uninvited.In seconds, five stern-faced sentinel guards, followed by Neal, entered the room."What the fuck happened?" Neal asked.I simply pointed to the box while I held Camille, who was still shaken up by what she had seen.Neal wasted no time in going for the box. I heard him gag when he realized who was inside of it."Is that not the witch?" he asked with hollow eyes as he shut the lid of the box.Neal instructed a sentinel to retrieve the grisly package."The first sentinel guard told me that it came from Abigail?"I gave Neal "the" look, and he immediately fell silent, turning his sights to Camille."This dropped when we lifted the box," the sentinel who grabbed the box said, hand
DIMITRI'S POVNeal gave me "the look," pure, undiluted terror."Is that some kind of joke?" He chuckled."Do I look like I am joking, Neal?" I retorted, my voice unwavering.Neal's eyes darted around the room, as if searching for an escape from the harsh reality I had just laid before him. "You can't be serious. Visiting Abigail is suicidal. What can you really do? At least Camille stands a chance to actually do something if the situation calls for it.""I've already made up my mind," I said, turning towards the door. But Neal stepped in front of me, blocking my path."What is this really about, Dimitri?" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration and concern.I took a deep breath, the weight of my words pressing down on my chest. "I'm tired, Neal. I'm tired of seeing Camille go on and on battling her own family. I just want her to forget and fucking live for once."Neal's eyes softened, but his stance remained firm. "And do you think she'll be able to forget and live if you die? B