"Sel," Claudio began, his voice steady but heavy with concern. "The celestial power sealed within you is breaking down. Your body can withstand it, but it will take time—and a lot of meditation—to adjust. As a result, you may experience temporary blindness whenever you tap into the celestial power."His words struck me like a thunderclap, silencing the thoughts racing through my mind. I swallowed hard, my voice trembling as I asked, "You’re saying every time I use the celestial power, there’s a risk of losing my sight?"Claudio nodded solemnly, his eyes meeting mine. "Yes. Today, I was able to cast a rejuvenating spell to help you find balance. Without it, you would have been without your sight for at least twenty-four hours.""A whole day…" I repeated, the weight of his words settling over me. I forced a sad smile, trying to mask the growing unease in my chest. "Well, that’s not as bad as I thought." I hesitated, glancing down at my hands before whispering, "For a moment, though, I t
ETHAN'S POVThe clash of swords rang in my ears, but my mind wasn’t in the fight. Every movement, every swing, every parry felt hollow, mechanical. I could tell Valdemar, my sparring partner, was growing frustrated. His strikes became sharper, more precise as if he was daring me to retaliate with the ferocity I was known for.But I didn’t. My thoughts were elsewhere—on her.Selene.She hadn’t replied to any of my letters. I’d sent so many, each carefully crafted yet desperate, hoping for some sign that she was okay. The silence gnawed at me like a huge rock was placed on my chest.“Crown Prince Ethan!” Valdemar’s sharp voice cut through the haze in my mind. His blade hovered a hair’s breadth from my chest. I hadn’t even registered his approach.My eyes narrowed, meeting his steely gaze. “What?” I snapped, my voice cold as ice.“You’re distracted,” he said bluntly, lowering his sword. “If this were a real fight, you’d be dead.”I sheathed my blade with a deliberate motion, the scrape o
"What a lovely way to start my day," I muttered with a rare smile, carefully holding Selene's letter. Her familiar scent of grapes and lavender still lingered on the paper, driving me crazy.Just as I began to read it again, a knock at the door disrupted the peace of the moment. My smile faltered slightly, but I immediately recognized the faint scent of metals; it could only be her."Come in, Natalie," I said without looking up, my voice calm but firm.The door creaked open, and Natalie stepped inside, her graceful movements and steady demeanour as composed as ever. She was one of the few in the empire who dared approach me unannounced. Her sharp eyes scanned the room before settling on me, and a faint smile tugged at her lips."Good morning, Your Highness," she greeted, her tone polite but laced with curiosity. "I see you've received something… interesting."I folded Selene's letter, "What is it, Natalie?" I asked, keeping my expression neutral. I wasn’t in the mood for small talk, n
Veins bulged along my arms and neck, their pulse erratic, as if liquid fire coursed through them. My breaths were shallow and ragged, each one a struggle against the growing weight pressing down on my chest. The transformation clawed at me, demanding control, but I refused to yield. My trembling hands gripped the desk like a lifeline, but even that began to splinter beneath my strength.“Not now,” I hissed, my voice low and desperate as I clenched my teeth against the pain. My vision blurred, the room warping as the migraine clawed deeper into my skull. It felt as though my head would split apart, the pressure building to unbearable levels.“Not now!” I growled again, more forcefully, my fangs fully extending, and my voice echoing with a monstrous undertone that wasn’t entirely my own. My fingers dug into the desk, carving grooves into the wood as I clung to the only anchor I had left: Selene.Her image burned in my mind, her smile, her voice, her scent—a fleeting reminder of sanity.
The thick, metallic liquid flooded my mouth, and I drank greedily, the fire in my veins momentarily quenched with each gulp.Maxwell continued pulling blood bags from the bag, lining them up beside me. I drained one after another, each one barely dulling the inferno inside me. The room spun, my vision fading in and out as the primal need began to fade, replaced by heavy, oppressive exhaustion.“More…” I rasped, reaching weakly for another bag. Maxwell handed it to me without question, his face set in a mask of grim understanding.I drained the last one, the empty bag slipping from my fingers as my body finally began to succumb to the overwhelming strain. My breaths slowed, ragged and uneven, as my head lolled back against the wall.The hunger was gone, but so was everything else. A heavy darkness pulled at me, dragging me down into its depths. My limbs felt like lead, my mind clouded and sluggish. The last thing I saw before the blackness claimed me was Maxwell’s face, his expression
Natalie kept stealing glances at me as we walked, her tension palpable. I caught her gaze once and smirked faintly. "Go on, Natalie. You have something to say."She hesitated, biting her lip before letting out a soft sigh. "Your mother’s worried about you," she admitted, her voice tinged with concern. "I suppose the rumours must have reached her ears by now."Ah, the rumours. I couldn’t help but chuckle, the sound dry and humourless. "Ah, yes. Everyone in the empire now calls me the devil. What a charming title."Natalie frowned at my response, her brow furrowing as she glanced at me again. "You haven’t gone to see her in a while," she said gently, though there was a trace of reproach in her tone. "It’s only natural she’d be worried. Can you blame her?"I nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. "You’re right," I murmured, my voice quieter now. "I’ll see her after the meeting."Natalie relaxed slightly at my answer, though her expression remained thoughtful, "And you are not a devi
The training ground was bustling now, a sea of soldiers flooding the open space. The air buzzed with the energy of sharpening weapons, sparring matches, and laughter. As I continued helping Ruby steady her aim, I couldn’t ignore the way the soldiers’ eyes drifted toward me, admiration clear in their expressions.“Greetings, Princess,” they called out in unison, their voices echoing.I nodded curtly in acknowledgement, my focus unwavering. Ruby, barely flinched under the attention. She was focused and determined. I had to admit that her improvement was impressive. Each arrow she fired struck closer and closer to the bullseye.“Keep it steady,” I murmured, stepping aside to give her space. “Your form is excellent—don’t rush the shot.”Ruby exhaled slowly, releasing the arrow. It flew straight and struck dead centre. A smile lit her face, and I couldn’t help but mirror it.“You’re getting better,” I praised, clapping her on the shoulder.“My lady.”The familiar and respectful tone pulled
The training ground buzzed with life as Imara, Kael, Theron, and I stood in a tight circle, poring over strategies to strengthen the pack’s security. Kael's experience and Imara's sharp intellect made them valuable in this discussion. Theron, as ever, provided insights with his analytical mind, every word precise and calculated."My lady," Eira's calm yet urgent voice cut through the conversation, drawing my attention. I turned to see her approaching briskly, her icy blue eyes narrowed in concern."Yes, Eira?" I asked, sensing something unusual in her tone."Someone is requesting the Alpha’s presence," she said, her voice measured but laced with unease.I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And who might that be?"Her gaze sharpened slightly as she replied, "I have no idea, my lady. She’s covered in a white cloak and passed through the guards and security as if they weren’t even there."That caught my full attention. "Where is she now?""Alpha’s quarters, my lady," Eira said without hesitation."
Blood. Smoke. Screams.The battlefield was chaos incarnate. A blur of blades, claws, and death.Hybrids surged in waves—dark, snarling creatures with eyes glowing like cursed embers. They didn’t tire. They didn’t retreat. Every time one fell, three more took its place.My sword tore through flesh and bone, spirit energy pulsing with each strike, but still they came.“Selene, left!” Ethan shouted.I spun just in time to see a hybrid leaping at me, its claws ready to rip into my side—but Ethan’s blade was faster. It slashed through its midsection, black blood splattering across the ground.Our backs met.Our rhythm was a deadly dance—swing, duck, parry, strike. Two hearts. One beat. One blade.We moved as one.He covered my blind spots. I watched his flanks. The battlefield bent to our pace, enemies falling with each pass. The sky thundered above us, ash raining down like cursed snow.Across the field, Ruby’s arrows flew like guided lightning—each one landing with deadly precision. Eira
The ringing in my ears faded into screams and the pounding of terrified footsteps. I pushed myself off the ground, my heart thundering as my eyes searched through the smoke and flames."Selene!" I heard him before I saw him—Ethan’s voice tearing through the chaos like a blade.I turned just in time to see him rushing toward me, dust and worry etched into every line of his face. I ran to him without thinking and threw myself into his arms. He caught me, holding me like I was air and he’d been suffocating."Are you okay?" he asked, his voice raw, desperate.I nodded quickly, trying to mask the shaking in my limbs. "Help the children," I whispered against his chest.He nodded without question and turned away, already barking orders and shielding the small ones caught in the confusion. I spun around, grabbing a dazed woman by the arm and guiding her behind the larger tents for cover. Another explosion sounded, this one farther away, but no less terrifying.My eyes darted around the crowd.
“I should get ready,” I said, brushing my fingers gently down his cheek.He nodded but didn’t move to let me go. “I’ll walk you back.”We walked hand-in-hand regardless of the eyes on us, the soft grass cool beneath our feet, until the lights of the pack grounds began to shimmer ahead of us, little orbs of amber and gold floating through the air like fireflies. Music thrummed faintly in the distance—drums, flutes, laughter, and the sweet scent of roasted honey fruit and grilled spice meat drifted through the air.The Night Festival had begun.He left to get ready while I also prepared.By the time Ruby came to get me, I had already changed into the dress Imara picked for me—deep emerald green with silver threads woven through the fabric like whispers of starlight. It flowed around me like mist, soft and regal.“My lady,” Ruby breathed as she fixed the last flower in my hair, “you look breathtaking.”I gave her a small smile and nodded. “Thank you, Ruby.When we arrived at the heart of
"My lady, you have not had rest since you left your room this morning—you look pale," Ruby said, her voice laced with concern."My lady, just let us do the rest," Eira chimed in gently.Imara gave a small, firm nod beside her.I smiled at them, warmth blooming in my chest. Their loyalty… it always amazed me."Thank you for your care," I said softly. "I’m fine. You all can go and prepare for the night festival." I paused, glancing at Ruby with a knowing look. "Let me know when it’s almost time.""Yes, my lady," they said in perfect unison before walking off, leaving a quiet hush in their wake.I turned and made my way back to Serene Lake.And then—I saw him.“You’re back,” he said, and just like that, the tension in his shoulders melted. His eyes—those deep, storm-touched eyes—lit up like a dawn I could only dream of.I smiled, a real one this time, from somewhere deeper than my bones. I nodded, and before I could say a word, he was already on his feet, wrapping me in his arms.His hug
The second I saw her—her long silver robes flowing like moonlight, her steps slow but full of purpose—I broke composure and ran.“Aunt Agatha!”I threw my arms around her before I could stop myself.She felt thinner than I remembered. Her once-strong frame now felt like delicate twigs beneath soft velvet. Her scent was familiar, earthy and warm, but there was something different—fainter, like a flame struggling to stay lit.She stood stiffly, but her hand reached up and gently patted my hair, the motion careful, calming.“My little flower,” she murmured.I pulled back just enough to look into her face. Her eyes, once sharp with mischief and magic, were shadowed by fatigue. Her cheeks were hollow, her skin pale beneath the soft lines of age and wisdom.“Aunt Agatha, are you alright? You look unwell.”“I’m alright, little flower,” she said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.I didn’t believe her. But I nodded anyway.Now wasn’t the time to argue.“I need the barrier strengthe
SELENE'S POVEthan is right—nobody is ever truly ready for war.The thought echoed in my mind, sharp and undeniable.His words hadn’t just settled in—they rooted themselves in my chest, heavy and unrelenting. The truth of what was coming was no longer some distant threat. It was here. And it was hungry.But my fear wasn’t about war alone.It was about him.My mate.My Ethan.My heart clenched painfully as the image of him flickered in my thoughts—his eyes dimmed by something that did not belong to him, his voice edged by a force older than memory. I had felt it myself… when I touched him. A shadow, ancient and relentless, coiled beneath his skin.And now I understood.Iris’s fear hadn’t been overblown or dramatic—it had been real. And now, it was mine too.But there was something else… something I could control.I could suppress the darkness within him—still, it, quiet it as a mother calming a violent storm cradled in her child’s soul. I couldn’t remove it… not yet. But I could hold i
The moment I swore those words, the air around us snapped—charged, alive. The wind stirred unnaturally, rustling the trees in a sudden gust. A strange pulse rippled through my chest like a silent drumbeat.Then came the burn.Subtle at first—like static crawling beneath my skin—but it quickly intensified. My breath caught. A pressure built inside me, raw and ancient, tightening around my lungs.But I didn’t let go of her.Not yet.I ground my teeth and forced myself to stay calm. I wouldn’t show weakness. Not in front of her. Not when she needed my strength.But I felt it—something inside me shifting. Unfurling. Watching.A presence that did not belong.I drew in a sharp breath and finally released her, rising to my feet. The earth trembled beneath me, only slightly, but I felt it. Power thrumming just beneath the surface of my skin. My hands were shaking, not from fear—but from the sheer force of what was clawing its way to the surface.“Selene...” I turned from her, holding out my h
I clenched my fists so tight that my nails dug into my palms. The words came out in a low, jagged rasp, each one heavier than the last. "A force on par with the celestial realm. The maker of the mutated hybrids that terrorized our realm... and the human realm. The dark overlord." The weight of those words seemed to settle over the room, thickening the air, and I could feel my chest tightening as if the mere mention of that name might bring terror to it."Alexander the First," Alpha Lucas completed, his voice colder than usual. His expression matched the gravity of the situation, something I'd seen before—a reflection of deep worry masked by controlled composure.But then my gaze turned to Selene, and everything in me stilled. She was sitting there, poised as always, her fingers curled around her teacup with quiet elegance. There was no sign of shock, no flicker of fear, nothing that should've been there when faced with such a threat. She was... calm. Too calm.And then she smiled.It
Natalie’s knock was soft, almost timid. "Your Highness, Alpha Lucas summons you." Her voice pulled me from the wreckage of my thoughts. I stood slowly, my limbs aching, my mind a haze of guilt and regret. The room still reeked of her scent—faint now, like a ghost clinging to the edges of my soul. I opened the door, and Natalie stood there, her expression tight with worry. Her eyes darted to the blood on my sleeve—I had missed a spot. "Find Claudio," I said quietly. "Tell him to please check up on her." She gave a small nod and turned without a word. I shut the door and leaned against it for a second, exhaling shakily. My heart thudded dully against my ribs. I didn’t want to face him. I didn’t want to face anyone. Not when my hands had nearly taken everything from me. I dragged myself into the bathroom. The mirror above the sink was cracked—mocking me with jagged reflections. I couldn’t even look into my own eyes. I washed my face in silence, scrubbing harder than necessar