Augustus’ P.O.V. I traveled back to my room, after a late night stroll. The stars were bright and plenty here, since we didn’t have many lights out at night. I could hear the whispers of the surrounding darkness calling me to use them. Sombra could easily control the darkness, but Bane was making it difficult. He kept burning the darkness out. ‘We can’t control the darkness if this keeps up,’ Sombra complained. ‘You expect me to just let the darkness fluff out my flames?’ Bane retorted. ‘I expect you to let us do what we need to.’ ‘Oh fu.ck off Sombra,' Bane was over the attitude. There was always this internal battle happening inside me. Bane and Sombra were complete opposites, and they were constantly bickering inside my head. Sometimes I wish I could separate the two. ‘Knock it off! We need to work together to figure this out,’ I scolded them both. I sighed, falling back onto my bed. My head hit my pillow as I stared up at the ceiling. A flash of gold caught my eye outs
Cas’ P.O.V. “We need to be ready, Cas, so quit complaining and help me out already.” Cassie rolled her eyes as she ordered me around. “I don’t have to be ready. It doesn’t control me the same way it does you,” I reminded her. “Oh whatever, I am sure you wouldn’t want your precious Jesse getting hurt, because you couldn’t lend a hand to your fellow vampires.” She wasn’t wrong on that front. I can’t let these vampires run wild during the blood moon. One of them could easily claim Jesse. The blood moon amplified our vampire beasts. We were faster, stronger, and held stronger magic during a blood moon. It was also the time we could claim our desired one. We could place our mark on whoever we desired, forever bonding them to us during a blood moon. In order to keep everyone contained, the school provided us with a bunker of sorts. We were currently stocking it with blood, alcohol, and entertainment. We need most of the newer vampires, and the vampires that were weak in their urges
Liam’s P.O.V. Cas is really annoying. I am not sure I like him much. He’s sly like a fox, but I see right through him. He was clearly aiming to aggravate me. I don’t need his help, though. I have this handled. Percy is letting me come to his pack lands today to find the girl that took everything from me. She won’t get away with what she did. I plan to force her to take the potion I got from Arthur. She will have none of my pups. King and I have been on opposite ends since that night. The damn wolf didn’t even have the sense to pull out. He filled her so many times that I’m surprised she isn’t carrying one already. ‘You will need a pup as an alpha.’ King pushed himself forward. ‘Yeah, and I’ll have one with our mate, not some random girl.’ I pushed King back, using all the anger in me to shove him so far back that I wouldn’t hear him for a while. I pulled Percy’s shadow door through me, traveling to his side in the pack house. Some of his siblings and some friends surrounded hi
Ares’ P.O.V. I watched Auggie train like never before. There were no arguments between him and mom the entire time. I had seen it, seen the letter, the sand, and the apology. I knew what was going to happen, but it still surprised me to see. Auggie was changing before me, and it was for the better. Mom seemed so happy today, too. The corners of her mouth stayed turned up just a quarter of an inch all day. “We need to talk,” I said, when Kiran came into the kitchen like I knew he would. “Just like your father, I swear,” I heard him whisper. “What’s up, bud?” “My shadow is going to be stolen in a couple of days. I can't say for certain who takes it, or how it will happen, but I am certain it will occur during the blood moon. It's important that you keep mom away from me. I haven’t told her the day, and made sure grandma didn’t either. I’m trusting you with this information, because I know you have mom’s best interests at heart. Her chasing after me to help will cause her to be swal
Andy's P.O.V."You never told me how your date with Oz went," Nova pointed out. She was laid beside me on my bed. It was late with the moon bright in the sky. Time didn't matter when I was with Nova. We could stay up for hours talking about the stupidest things. "It was nice. He was very sweet, and we talked about family, mostly. He has a little brother named Jordan, who's only 6, and he helps take care of him on the weekends. He also has an older sister who's 20 and just found her mate. She's apparently expecting their first child in a couple of months. He's excited to become an uncle." I couldn't help the smile that danced on my face as I recalled his excitement. He was sweet and absolutely adorable. I found myself wanting to hug him about a million times throughout the date, but I held myself back. I did, however, let myself hold his hand. He's innocent, just like my Arie. "So what's wrong, then?" Nova picked up on my mood. "He's not Ares," I sighed. "I'm sorry, Andy. I have
Nova's P.O.V. I randomly started feeling strange for most of yesterday. I didn't like the feeling. It felt foreign, yet familiar at the same time. It was like an old friend welcoming me into its dark embrace. I knew it was the sea witch magic, but it felt stronger. The pull was enticing, calling me to use it. It took everything in me not to. I'm still fighting its effects off today. Shay and Ezekiel trained with us more this morning for a few hours. Andy then went and trained with her mom in the late morning. We had just finished eating lunch and were taking a small break. Andy wanted to jump right into training again after lunch. She wants to master what Ares had asked of her. "How am I supposed to help? I am not sure my dragon can dig fast," I said, pointing out the obvious difficulties. "Here, use this. I'll tie it around my wrist. It's a special vine that will not break and will grow the more you pull on it. Tie it around your wrist and you can use it to find me. Tug in it
Jesse's P.O.V. “Your mother told me you’ve been training with darkness.” Sebastian held me back after class to talk. “Yeah, over the weekend. Umbra and I have been practicing and I’ve gotten it down, mostly.” I felt proud of the fact. It had been a tiring weekend, but it had produced results. Not only that, but it had somehow brought our family closer. Percy handled that part. “Be careful with it tonight. The blood preys on the darkness in your heart, bringing out your darkest desires. Don’t let the darkness call to you when the moon emerges. Surround yourself with good,” he advised. “I’ll take that into account. Thanks for the warning.” I told him. “You seem to be doing better, Jesse. Did that book I gave you help?” I had forgotten all about that damn book, but Sebastian seemed to want to be part of the reason I seemed better, so I let him. I nodded my head. “Yeah, thanks for that.” “I am glad it helped. It is important to know when to ask for help.” “Mhm.” I was slo
Augustus' P.O.V. I felt light and airy as I strolled happily. Percy’s letter had helped me immensely, not only with mom, but with my training as well. I had taken his advice and now controlling the darkness seemed easier than ever before. Of course, I have no stamina for it, but I’ll build it up with time. For once, I was happy. “Is that a smile on your face this early in the morning?” Nova asked, as she crossed my path with a smile of her own. “It’s 9 o’clock. It’s not that early.” I smirked. “Besides, a man can smile if he wants to.” I teased her. “I like it,” she said. I held my hand out to her, which she thankfully took, interlocking our fingers together. I walked her to the fire building with me as we spoke about our weekend. “Seems we both had rigorous training,” Nova commented. “Did you notice anything weird with your parents?” “Now that you mention it, they were acting a little odd. Dad especially.” I remembered him twitching his leg throughout dinner, which was
Andy's P.O.V.5 months have passed now and Elara has grown right before our eyes at a very rapid rate. She now looks to be 4 rather than just 5 months. We knew it would happen from Percy's warning, but it was still alarming to see. She was breathtakingly beautiful, with her still white hair that curled softly around her. She had her mother's eyes which at first were hard to look into without remembering her. Now, all I see when I look at them is Elara. That same bright-moon silver dawned her eyes shimmering against her pale skin. Her rosy lips and crimson stained cheeks contrasted well with her all white appearance. "Mommy, I'm bored," she complained, coming to take a seat on my lap. "I know sweetheart, but I have to finish tending to these plants for my final, and daddy's in class right now, taking one of his finals. Would you like to help me? I can show you how to grow a plant with magic," I offered her with a smile. "Okay, Mommy!" She jumped excitedly, looking all kinds of ador
Ares’ P.O.V.Elara stirred in my arms as she situated herself. My heart felt full with her in my arms. In a matter of seconds this child had me wrapped around her finger. She is my world, my heart, my everything. She and Andy take priority over everything in my life. I would kill for them. I would die for them. Seeing dad was an unexpected gift that both helped and eased my worries. I guess now it's time to tell mom and my other dad's. I don't know how they'll take it. Mom lost it when she found out what happened to me. I am worried how she'll react to Elara. I better do it now while I have the gale to do it. "I'm going to mom's, come with me?" I turned, asking them all. "You sure?" Auggie stepped forward, seeming concerned. "It's now or never. Besides, the longer I wait the more hurt she'll be." I looked into the future, seeing mom outside training. If I wait too long she'll be hurt that I didn't tell her. "Okay, then. Let's go." Jesse nodded. "This will probably be better if it
Percy’s P.O.V. My dear son, I am so sorry this has happened to you. You finally lifted the curse I could not, yet here you stood with a baby in your arms. Much too young to raise a child, yet alone one with such great responsibility. They granted me one more visit, and I saved it for this day in case this future came to pass. I had hoped not, but he chose correctly, and I couldn’t be more proud. He didn’t think selfishly. He let his child be born, even though it was one he did not consent to. I made Ares much in the same way that he conceived his daughter. I can’t exactly say anything about that. None of it was the baby’s fault, anyway. I watched Ares as he looked on to that child, like she was his everything. It was a sad sight to see, knowing that his future would be just as hard as his past, if not more difficult, despite the curse being lifted. I couldn’t help the sadness that filled my heart. This was not the future I wanted for him, it was not the one I hoped for. I know he wi
Augustus' P.O.V. Ares traveled us all back to the center of the maze, where just an hour before we had been having fun. That was the longest and most intense hour of my life. I'm not sure what happened those last few minutes of the battle. When things got dark we leaned into each other, and it unlocked something inside of Ares that we were all able to tap into. The feeling still lingered inside me, strengthening me with power and light. I scanned the area for Nova, but couldn't see her anywhere. She must have sensed me as a water portal opened before us, and Nova jumped out with Manny close behind. "I'm sorry I couldn't teleport you all out. I was only able to get Nova because we're mated. The dark forest hates relinquishing its prey," Manny explained with a guilty expression. "Thank you for rescuing her," I said, staring at Nova like she was my salvation. She's the only reason I live and breathe. She ran towards me, wrapping her arms around my neck. She sobbed into my chest, let
Jesse's P.O.V. With the sword in its hand, the demon lunged forward towards Nova. It clawed at her, piercing her skin right over her thigh as she retreated too slowly. The demon tossed the sword, having it land on the ground, looking like an Excalibur sticking out of the earth. It shined mockingly from 20 feet away. It would have done us well if Nova could have had the chance to use it. "Jesse, can you do it?" Liam asked, already knowing that I couldn't, but desperately wanting me to. I shook my head no, hanging it in disappointment for a brief second. "Then know that I love you, forever into all eternity." He shifted into King before me, biting down onto the demon's head, only to be met with a loud yelp of pain. The demon's blood was burning his mouth as if he had taken a bite of hot magma. Liam let go of the demon instantly, using his paws to slash at it instead. He shook his head, trying to shake off the pain from his mouth. The heat from the demon someone felt to increase. I
Nova’s P.O.V. The ghoul lunged, trying to bite a chunk of flesh off. I burned it away before me, turning it into a charred black lump. The smell of charred flesh permeated the air, and I felt my stomach turn in disgust. They already smelled bad, but it seemed burning them only made the stench worse. Auggie clasped my hand tightly as his fire coursed through me and combined with my own. Our fire joined when we became mated. There was no delay, no fight for control. It was natural, like an extension of myself. I blasted the ghouls as they approached, while Auggie tossed them with his shadows. My primary concern was the demon that stood at the edge of the woods. It seemed to watch, waiting for something, but I'm not sure what. I heard the baby cry in the cabin, earning not only the attention of some ghouls, but that of the demon as well. Ares seemed to pale as his eyes flashed and his face contorted with worry. Andy was in danger. I could tell by the change in his demeanor. He told L
Andy's P.O.V. My worst nightmare played before me. Ares had been wrapped in dark smoke and pulled away from us before my eyes. I tried to reach for him, but found myself grabbing air. He was gone. I spun around seeing the same horrified expression on everyone's face. "We have to go!" I snapped everyone out of their shock. "I can travel us there now. I've been practicing with Umbra and we can use the darkness better," Jesse said, answering the question of how we would get there without anyone having to ask. "Then let's go," Auggie said, looking the most determined I had ever seen him. I felt the beast inside me stir as anger coursed through me. She could be hurting him this very instant. I need to save the love of my life before she does irreversible damage. I felt the familiar cold of shadow traveling wrap itself around me as the settings set around us. Jesse had managed to pull us through Ares' shadow door. There was no stumbling or searching through the woods for him this time.
Ares' P.O.V. Andy's idea for her Christmas pity party was brilliant. I could feel the atmosphere changing around us, allowing for some laughter and joy to enter each of us. I know everyone is nervous and worried for me a lot. Hell, I'm scared, but with Andy by my side and Dad's words of encouragement, I think I can do this. I guess we'll see when she calls on me. I wonder though, when she calls me, will she call only me? Last time it was an accident that everyone came with me. I doubt she'd call them again, since they ruined her plans for me. I could see it in her eyes that night. She wasn't done with me. If she would have had her way, she would have raped me all night. She was determined to have a child, and for some reason she was determined to have that child with me. What if when she calls me again, she tries the same thing? The thought made my blood run cold and my body shiver. Andy noticed as she leaned in beside me, providing me with warmth only he touch brings me. She chas
Augustus’ P.O.V. Christmas was approaching us sooner than we would have liked. Instead of enjoying the holiday season we had all been on pins and needles, just waiting for the day we would face that crazy dark witch again. Ares trains every day with Andy by his side. Nova and I have been focusing on our fire training to use during battle, while she and Manny have been training on her control over her sea witch magic. We don’t want her to be overtaken again. She had delved into the darkness the week she had turned away from me. It had almost permanently stained her soul, but with the help of Andy they were able to banish that darkness. Ares has been more on edge than usual. I know that he isn’t the only one. Jesse and I have been talking and practicing. We’ve been trying to figure out what Percy meant when he spoke about us holding one another when things get dark. We aren’t the most poetic bunch, so we didn’t come up with much. It didn’t help that Jesse told me about the prophecy sh