AdelaideOther than the sound of Violet’s babbles, everything went quiet. It was as if the world had stopped moving, but only inside this hut.No one spoke, no one breathed—while outside was chaos. In the distance, we could hear the sounds of shouting, howling, and heartbreaking screams.The villagers were in danger…Aelius was the first to move. He stepped forward with a calm expression and pushed Violet into Alaric’s arms. “Take the baby,” he instructed. “When the time comes, you will know what to do.”“Grandpa—”I didn’t even have time to finish my sentence before he had already walked out the door, leaving me to think about his cryptic words.My body froze as I looked at Claire, unsure of what would happen. Aelius had always told me Violet would be safe—but how could he be sure? How could he be certain when he would also share his wisdom about how nothing was set in stone?Not even a Soothsayer could know everything…Oh my…they were going to kill Violet, I would fail at opening th
AdelaideNo…“Mom!” Jason cried out.There were screams, shouts, sounds of horror which I could hear all through my blurred vision, and the loud ringing in my ears.Angela…She was gone…torn apart like she was nothing.“If they are not here within a minute—more heads will roll,” the Alpha King spoke without remorse. “Maybe I’ll take two this time.”My grip around Violet tightened even more. He would kill every single one of them if he had to, and there was nothing I could do about it—because I had to protect my little girl.It was a selfish thought, one I would end up hating myself for—but now was not the time.Grandpa Aelius balled his fist, but he didn’t look shocked. He must’ve known her fate. Angela was not just some villager to him, she was someone he held close to his heart.“I will kill everyone if I have to,” the Alpha King announced again. “But you can stop this, save your people—by giving me the three I came for!”“Addy?” Alaric’s voice was hoarse, strained. “What are we go
AdelaideAll heads turned at once, but I didn’t crumble. I pushed the knife against Claire’s neck as she walked with me, trusting me completely.“Claire,” Greg gasped. He, of course, had no idea what was going on, and a part of me hoped that he was smart enough to know that I would never, ever hurt her.The Alpha King barely even glanced at her. His eyes were only on me. “That’s one out of the three,” he mumbled.I dragged Claire with me into the center of the square, making my way beside Aelius. My eyes flickered to my people, my friends, mom—who smirked like everything was going exactly as she had planned—I stared at basically anyone but Angela’s detached head.“You are going to let the villagers go,” I demanded, “or I’ll slit her throat.”The Alpha King cackled loudly. “Then do it!”“What? No!” Elyx cut in quickly. “She is a Bloodrose!”After those words had left the king’s mouth, my friends, who had already looked uneasy, now looked sick to their stomachs—and so was I. What was lo
AdelaideAlaric lunged in front of the barrier, then moved at the speed of light, sinking his teeth into several wolves, tearing them apart. Up until now, no one had actually taken the first step to do something, but now he had.I had no idea where Violet was, but I had no doubt she was someplace safe because I trusted Alaric. Judging by his big entrance, I could only imagine what he had done to those wolves that had followed after him.By hurting his own kind, he had just set the tone for a big war. A deep growl came from the Alpha King—one that sent chills down my spine—and then he shifted.The wolves grew more aggressive in their attempts to get through the barrier while the Lycans protected it with all they had. The ground shook as a massive wolf towered over the others—the Alpha King.Now, Alaric and the Alpha King stood face to face, both large and powerful. Alaric howled loudly, followed by the Alpha King, who was challenging him to attack. His own son…Suddenly, a loud, high-p
Adelaide“It’s okay,” I said, my breath hitching as I fought back tears. I turned the wolf’s head with my hands to take another look into those red eyes. Then, I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his snout.“I don’t regret anything,” I said softly. “You made me live again, and if I could’ve chosen any life, any path—I would’ve done it all over again just to be with you.”The wolf let out a low, broken whimper and nuzzled his head against my hands, as if trying to hold onto me one last time.“I love you.”Then, with every bit of strength I had, I sent him through the Veil, watching him disappear into the small gap of the portal. It flickered a few more times before closing…and just like that, he was gone.My glowing eyes faded.“Claire—please!”I focused on the voice beside me and turned to Greg, who was still holding Claire in his arms, crying as she slipped in and out of consciousness. She wouldn’t have long anymore.Defeated, I sank to my knees. I had to find Violet, Baelor, but
AdelaideI ran through the woods, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to get to Violet. Every few steps, my eyes glowed, lighting up the path Alaric had carved out ahead of me.My legs were so numb I could barely feel them, my head was spinning, but I couldn’t—wouldn’t—stop.I had to find her…I had to find my Violet…After failing to keep Claire safe and failing to lock Baelor away the first time, not failing Violet was the least I could do.A warmth spread through me as I finally reached the den I had seen through Alaric’s eyes.Right in front of it stood a rare white fox with bright eyes, guarding my daughter—the same one I had seen through Alaric’s eyes. I didn’t know what it was doing here, how it had gotten here—but I was grateful.“Violet!” I gasped, running toward the entrance. The white fox moved aside as I fell to my knees and crawled into the den.And there she was…My Violet.She was wrapped inside a blanket, her tiny hands reaching for the air as giggles filled the s
VioletMy heart pounded with excitement and nerves as I walked across the campus of Starlight Academy with my suitcases in my hands.This had been my dream for as long as I could remember—to be among the best shifters. The academy was very hard to get into but somehow I had managed to do it.Today would be the start of a new chapter in my life, and absolutely nothing could ruin it."Move it, four eyes!"Almost nothing.I released a yelp as someone shove me down to the ground, and I fell down with my suitcases.My glasses slipped from my face and I panicked. “No, no!” I whispered, closing my eyes as I desperately looked for them.They needed to remain on my eyes at all times. I’d had them since I was eight years old, and all I knew was that it would be a cold and lonely night if I didn’t have them on at all times.The nightmares, the visions…“Yes!” I breathed, my fingers brushing against the familiar frame. Relieved, I quickly put them back on.I caught a glimpse of the back of the g
VioletI blinked, processing the information.Am I her? No, and I was certainly no ex of a Lycan Prince. I would rather take a swim in my own vomit than get myself involved with such a person.“Stop bothering her, Amy,” the other girl with the braids, Trinity, spoke up. She gave me a welcoming smile, her eyes much softer and kinder than Amy’s sharp, piercing gaze.“Chrystal has red hair, remember?”I touched my blonde locks self-consciously, noticing the pink-haired girl's face soften. Then I closed the door behind me.“I’m Violet, nice to meet you.”“Hi, Violet,” Trinity stepped forward, helping me with my suitcases. “Chrystal is a Lycan of noble blood, her Dad is the beta of the Lycan King of the kingdom of Lupyria, and she’s our roommate. I’m in here, Chrystal there, Amy in there—and this is your room," she said, pointing and leading the way.So our other roommate was of noble blood, living in the biggest of the three Lycan kingdoms, no big deal. Another blow to my confidence, just
AdelaideI ran through the woods, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to get to Violet. Every few steps, my eyes glowed, lighting up the path Alaric had carved out ahead of me.My legs were so numb I could barely feel them, my head was spinning, but I couldn’t—wouldn’t—stop.I had to find her…I had to find my Violet…After failing to keep Claire safe and failing to lock Baelor away the first time, not failing Violet was the least I could do.A warmth spread through me as I finally reached the den I had seen through Alaric’s eyes.Right in front of it stood a rare white fox with bright eyes, guarding my daughter—the same one I had seen through Alaric’s eyes. I didn’t know what it was doing here, how it had gotten here—but I was grateful.“Violet!” I gasped, running toward the entrance. The white fox moved aside as I fell to my knees and crawled into the den.And there she was…My Violet.She was wrapped inside a blanket, her tiny hands reaching for the air as giggles filled the s
Adelaide“It’s okay,” I said, my breath hitching as I fought back tears. I turned the wolf’s head with my hands to take another look into those red eyes. Then, I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his snout.“I don’t regret anything,” I said softly. “You made me live again, and if I could’ve chosen any life, any path—I would’ve done it all over again just to be with you.”The wolf let out a low, broken whimper and nuzzled his head against my hands, as if trying to hold onto me one last time.“I love you.”Then, with every bit of strength I had, I sent him through the Veil, watching him disappear into the small gap of the portal. It flickered a few more times before closing…and just like that, he was gone.My glowing eyes faded.“Claire—please!”I focused on the voice beside me and turned to Greg, who was still holding Claire in his arms, crying as she slipped in and out of consciousness. She wouldn’t have long anymore.Defeated, I sank to my knees. I had to find Violet, Baelor, but
AdelaideAlaric lunged in front of the barrier, then moved at the speed of light, sinking his teeth into several wolves, tearing them apart. Up until now, no one had actually taken the first step to do something, but now he had.I had no idea where Violet was, but I had no doubt she was someplace safe because I trusted Alaric. Judging by his big entrance, I could only imagine what he had done to those wolves that had followed after him.By hurting his own kind, he had just set the tone for a big war. A deep growl came from the Alpha King—one that sent chills down my spine—and then he shifted.The wolves grew more aggressive in their attempts to get through the barrier while the Lycans protected it with all they had. The ground shook as a massive wolf towered over the others—the Alpha King.Now, Alaric and the Alpha King stood face to face, both large and powerful. Alaric howled loudly, followed by the Alpha King, who was challenging him to attack. His own son…Suddenly, a loud, high-p
AdelaideAll heads turned at once, but I didn’t crumble. I pushed the knife against Claire’s neck as she walked with me, trusting me completely.“Claire,” Greg gasped. He, of course, had no idea what was going on, and a part of me hoped that he was smart enough to know that I would never, ever hurt her.The Alpha King barely even glanced at her. His eyes were only on me. “That’s one out of the three,” he mumbled.I dragged Claire with me into the center of the square, making my way beside Aelius. My eyes flickered to my people, my friends, mom—who smirked like everything was going exactly as she had planned—I stared at basically anyone but Angela’s detached head.“You are going to let the villagers go,” I demanded, “or I’ll slit her throat.”The Alpha King cackled loudly. “Then do it!”“What? No!” Elyx cut in quickly. “She is a Bloodrose!”After those words had left the king’s mouth, my friends, who had already looked uneasy, now looked sick to their stomachs—and so was I. What was lo
AdelaideNo…“Mom!” Jason cried out.There were screams, shouts, sounds of horror which I could hear all through my blurred vision, and the loud ringing in my ears.Angela…She was gone…torn apart like she was nothing.“If they are not here within a minute—more heads will roll,” the Alpha King spoke without remorse. “Maybe I’ll take two this time.”My grip around Violet tightened even more. He would kill every single one of them if he had to, and there was nothing I could do about it—because I had to protect my little girl.It was a selfish thought, one I would end up hating myself for—but now was not the time.Grandpa Aelius balled his fist, but he didn’t look shocked. He must’ve known her fate. Angela was not just some villager to him, she was someone he held close to his heart.“I will kill everyone if I have to,” the Alpha King announced again. “But you can stop this, save your people—by giving me the three I came for!”“Addy?” Alaric’s voice was hoarse, strained. “What are we go
AdelaideOther than the sound of Violet’s babbles, everything went quiet. It was as if the world had stopped moving, but only inside this hut.No one spoke, no one breathed—while outside was chaos. In the distance, we could hear the sounds of shouting, howling, and heartbreaking screams.The villagers were in danger…Aelius was the first to move. He stepped forward with a calm expression and pushed Violet into Alaric’s arms. “Take the baby,” he instructed. “When the time comes, you will know what to do.”“Grandpa—”I didn’t even have time to finish my sentence before he had already walked out the door, leaving me to think about his cryptic words.My body froze as I looked at Claire, unsure of what would happen. Aelius had always told me Violet would be safe—but how could he be sure? How could he be certain when he would also share his wisdom about how nothing was set in stone?Not even a Soothsayer could know everything…Oh my…they were going to kill Violet, I would fail at opening th
AdelaideSqueals filled the hut as Alaric tossed Violet into the air. “Who is my little princess?” he cooed, catching her.Although Violet obviously couldn’t reply, she responded with loud giggles.“That’s right, you are,” Alaric grinned, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “And Daddy loves you so so much.”This was nothing new in our small household. Alaric throwing Violet into the air while I watched and occasionally warned him to be careful—but today was different. According to Claire’s words, today would be the day that they would attack, during the full moon.The Lyperians, the coven, the kingdom…and Alaric still did not know a thing.I swallowed hard, the corners of my lips trembling as I tried to maintain my smile. Truthfully, it felt as if a rope had been tied around my neck. That’s how tense I felt.The imaginary rope felt even tighter each time my mind went back to Elyx and the way he had betrayed us. I could handle it, but I wasn’t sure whether Alaric could.That was his brother,
AdelaideAsking whether someone was okay was just a normal question—but deep down, I had already started panicking.It was just words, and I hadn’t meant anything by it—but the look on Claire’s face sent a cold chill down my spine.What if today was the day our friends would betray us?What if that was the reason why Aelius acted so strangely in the temple?“Everything is perfectly fine,” Claire’s voice trembled as she swallowed. She reached for Violet. “Let me hold her, please?”I hesitated but then gently passed her over. Claire had always been careful with her. She smiled warmly and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead while Violet stared at her. The color of their eyes was nearly identical, both a beautiful shade of blue, and their blonde hair was not that different either.Violet was a carbon copy of Alaric, but one could easily mistake her for Claire’s.My heart ached. It ached because I could tell she genuinely shared a connection with Violet, yet she would go as far as betrayin
AdelaideWhile everyone was inside, talking and catching up, I found myself sitting in the corner, watching Violet as she tried to crawl on a plaid. Even though my focus should’ve been on Violet and Violet only—it wasn’t.It was on Elyx…Not because I wanted to, but because he was staring at me with those dark eyes. Neither of us had to say a word to feel the tension, and I knew what my problem was—but what was his?I couldn’t stop thinking about it. About how he…they…would betray me, and most importantly—why?If he truly didn’t trust me, if he was really against me—then why would he bring his children here?Just like that, my gaze shifted to the two toddlers. Kayden, who still had his arms wrapped around Elyx’s legs, and Kylan, who stood with his arms crossed, mimicking his dad’s gaze.I had to admit, for a two-year-old, he had an attitude that was way too advanced. One could tell he was already trying to be like Elyx, but it was cute.I gave him a small wave to grab his attention, t