Violet“Somebody please kill me!” I groaned, burying my head in my pillow. Classes hadn’t even officially started yet—and I was already exhausted.How was I even supposed to focus after everything that happened last week?Many had said finding your mate would be magical, like something out of a fairytale. Your mate was supposed to be your soulmate—but mine? Mine was a mate from the lowest pit of hell.He was disgusting, scum—cold-hearted.First, he kissed me, then told me to stay away, and then he followed me back to my dorm. None of it made any sense.Each time I closed my eyes, all I could see were flashes of Kylan’s lip on mine and I hated it.As if things couldn’t get any worse, all the girls could talk about was how he had been sleeping with Chrystal, and that the two would be getting back together.I didn’t mind. Couldn’t give two shits actually—but Lumia was heartbroken.I hated him with every bone in my body, and when I saw him in the hall, I could see it in his eyes. He felt
Violet“Amazing,” Esther said, making me look up to meet her eyes. “This is a junior-level skill. We don’t expect freshmen to heal more than ten.”Unsure of how to answer, I managed to give her an appreciative smile. From the corner of my eye, I caught Chrystal’s eyes shooting daggers in my direction.If it wasn’t for Esther urging everyone to take a seat again, I had no idea what she might’ve done to me.“Violet,” the woman spoke as everyone sat back down. “Please come visit me after class. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”The rest of the class was mostly theory, and after an hour the bell rang. Students began to gather their things, but I waited, just as Esther had told me to.Chrystal who had been glaring at me for well over an hour, now stood at my table with her minions. Knowing I wouldn’t be able to stop whatever she had planned for me, I looked up to meet her gaze.“Yes?” I asked.Chrystal chuckled, rolling her eyes. “I wasn’t even talking to her,” she said to t
Violet“I wasn’t ignoring you, I was just…” I stopped explaining myself to Nate as he raised a brow. He wasn’t stupid. Of course he knew I was ignoring him.“Why are you hiding over here?” he asked, eating a piece of vegetable from his plate.I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m not hiding.”“When you sit at a table by yourself in a corner, behind a giant plant,” he said, pointing to the ridiculously large pot, “you’re definitely hiding.”I laughed, staring into his curious, brown eyes. There was something about Nate that made him easy to talk to. He wasn’t scary, overconfident or judgmental like the other Lycans.He was just…normal.“So, how is your first day of school going?” Nate asked, popping another vegetable into his mouth. “Already thinking about running for the gates?”“If only they would open them,” I cracked a smile.Nate grinned. “Well, from what I’m hearing, you’re not doing too bad. First day, and you’re already scheduled for a trial day with the Elite Team?”I looked at hi
Violet“What do you want?” his voice was full of irritation.I found myself struggling to maintain my focus. It was hard to do so when with his bare chest and the hard lines of his abs right in front of me, on display.“I-ı need to talk to you,” I said, forcing myself to stand my ground. Deep down, I was freaking out. This guy had humiliated me a few times too many. Who said he wasn’t going to do it again?Kylan stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest. He led me past, then kicked the door close with his legs.Don’t look at his abs, don’t look at his abs. “About?”“About…”I gave myself a tour of his room, anything to distract me from this mess. The room was dark, with red accents. Against the wall was a king sized bed. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve said he was a vampire.“I don’t have all night, four-eyes,” Kylan clicked his tongue, impatiently.My lips trembled as I tried to focus on his face—but it was too difficult. I hated myself for the thought, but all I wanted
KylanIf there was one thing I refused to lose, it had to be control—and at the moment I had none.Fuck.It was all because of her.My head throbbed from the lack of sleep I managed to get last night. Every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was her. Four-eyes.Her bold behavior, her piercing blue eyes, that stupid look on her face when she thought she could walk into my room and reject me. Me?I panicked and did what I had to do—so I kissed her. Again.It was all to show her I had the upper hand, and she did not.Not even close.But that small kiss turned into something unforgettable, and now I wanted more. Those soft lips had only strengthened my pull toward her, and I felt disgusted. I knew what that kiss in the woods had done to me, and still…I wasn’t supposed to want her, and it wasn’t really me that wanted her—it was the beast.I knew it was the beast because I couldn’t care for anything or anyone other than my people. Growing up, the king always told me a mate was supposed
Violet I paced back and forth in front of the classroom, my heart pounding uncontrollably. Today was my first trial day on the Elite Team. It was supposed to be a fun experience, but all I could think about was Kylan. My sweaty hands clutched my bag as I took another peak through the window. Students were already sitting inside. They looked like a combination of sophomores, juniors, and seniors—around seven in total. My eyes landed on my brother, Dylan, who was sitting with his friends, strangely enough with a smile plastered on his lips. So he did have another expression other than that cold, distant gaze. It was just not reserved for me. It was still crazy that he had yet to acknowledge me even once. Kylan wasn’t there yet, neither was Nate who was attached to his hip. I still had no idea how I would survived my first day after everything that had happened between us. Through the window, I caught a man heading to my direction, carrying a book in his hand. He was hands
VioletI sat back, doing absolutely nothing while the others discussed their plan to get the box to the other side. At this point I couldn’t give two fucks. and would see what the deal was tonight.Kylan said it himself.‘You’re here because of your brother,’He had made it clear he didn’t want me on his team, and since my fate was in his hands, I knew he wasn’t going to accept me into the Elite Team. So, I decided there was no point in breaking a sweat.I had wondered why Dylan vouched for me, and now as we sat around the table, I knew exactly why.There was one leader, Kylan, a combat specialist, Nate, a strategic specialist, Dylan—and me? I was the only healer left. They had no choice but to take me.Apparently if I were to magically make the team, this would be our team for the entire year. Dylan knew what he wanted, and had probably convinced Kylan to take advantage of every role, even if that meant putting up with me.“Violet—focus.” I blinked, startled by Dylan’s voice. It was
VioletWe had been walking for what felt like forever, but truly it had only been about twenty minutes. No one was talking, the silence was killing me, my legs were numb—and I couldn’t see anything. The only thing I could hear was the sound of our footsteps touching the leaves.The box needed to be delivered all the way across the river, and we weren’t allowed to shift unless we were in danger. There were no shortcuts, no tricks—it was just a long, boring path.Kylan and Dylan walked ahead, not giving a damn about anyone but themselves while Nate was kind enough to stay beside me. Still, I struggled to keep up with his pace. Why did I have to do this with three men with ridiculously long legs while I was, well…short.Kylan suddenly looked back at me, his eyes scanning me up and down—and I just knew some rubbish was about to leave his mouth.“Cardio, Four-eyes,” he spoke. “You can’t always rely on your wolf.”Pissed, I waited until he turned his head before mimicking his words. I had
Violet“And what does that mean?”I gritted my teeth, trying not to let out a yell. Aelius spoke in riddles, avoided answers, and now he was questioning whether I was worthy? I had just relived Adelaide’s pain, seen flashes of things I barely understood—and since they all came from his beloved granddaughter, having him doubt me was unfair.Kylan must have sensed my frustration because, in the very next moment, he moved. He got up from the cold ground, his eyes sharp as he headed straight for Aelius.“Kylan—“ I gasped, reaching for him, but he was already there.Aelius just sat there and let it happen as Kylan wrapped his tight fist around his cape, yanking him closer. “Listen, you old fuck,” he growled. “Violet said she wants you to teach her, so you will teach her. I don’t care what kind of cryptic bullshit you’re on, but I do know one thing.” He shoved him back, pointing at me. “You’ll do what she asks.”Silence fell over us. I held my breath, waiting for something—anything—to happe
VioletI gasped for air, my heart pounding in my chest. I’d been in the Veil all this time, but now I found myself back in the caves. Everything was blurry. It was just as dark as I remembered, the only source of light coming from the campfire.My mind was still spinning as I sat up straight. I couldn’t get far because a pair of hands steadied my waist. That familiar touch belonged to Kylan. By now, it had been imprinted in my memory—so much that I could bet my life on it.“Violet,” I heard him whisper in my ear, though my eyes were on Aelius, who didn’t seem the least bit surprised by all of this. “Breathe.”Focusing on Kylan’s voice, I quickly regained my vision, but my heart was nowhere near at ease.How could it be?“No!” I choked out, shaking my head. I turned halfway to look at Kylan, those deep brown eyes staring back at me as if I had just said the worst thing possible. “I have to go back—she was there!”No reaction.This time, I tried my luck with Aelius, looking at the man A
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,