The first thing I registered was the smell. A potent combination of herbs and beeswax, a familiar scent that I've learned to disdain. Then came the soft murmur of voices, the rhythmic clinking of metal against stone.My eyelids fluttered open, revealing a dimly lit room, the only light coming from a flickering oil lamp. I blinked, striving to focus. Three faces swam into view, their expressions a mixture of relief and concern. "Seraphina!" Ember exclaimed, her voice laden with emotion. "You're awake!"Elara, her face pale, reached out and gently squeezed my hand. "Thank the gods," she whispered. Leon, his eyes wide with worry, leaned closer. "You caused us quite a fright," he said, his voice barely audible. I tried to speak, but my throat felt dry and scratchy. "What… what happened?" I croaked. "The assailants assailed you," Leon explained. "We discovered you… unconscious and bathed in your own blood." His eyes bore a haunted look as he recounted. The memory of the attack, the
"I desire to learn more about you," Prince Rion expressed.I raised my gaze momentarily to meet him, then averted it.My fingers traced the hem of my tunic, a nervous mannerism I struggled to control. "Why?" I inquired, my voice barely above a whisper.Prince Rion leaned forward slightly, his expression earnest. "You have displayed remarkable resilience and strength. I believe there is much depth to your character."My heart pounded. Trust was a fragile thing, and in my world, it was hard-earned and easily broken. My past had taught me that people, particularly men, often harbored ulterior motives. "My interactions with men have been tumultuous," I murmured softly, my gaze fixed on the floor. Prince Rion nodded. "I understand. But I want you to know, my intention is to support, not to harm you."I met his eyes, scrutinizing his countenance for any hint of deception.His sincerity was evident, yet my defense remained intact. "I appreciate your offer," I responded simply, my tone pol
The sight that greeted me through the curtains caught my breath. Ember was there, her face flushed with pleasure, her body entwined with Elara's. Ember let out a loud moan as Elara bit her fervently, as if marking her. I stood there, a silent witness. I wished to turn away and give them privacy, yet my feet remained rooted. Enthralled by the spectacle, I didn't realize when the pail I was holding slipped. Ember and Elara paused, their gazes turning towards me, their expression alarmed. "Oh gods," I whispered, consumed by shame as I was being caught observing them. "Seraphina," Ember murmured softly, still standing naked beside Elara. "I'm sorry, I truly didn't intend to intrude in your moment," I uttered as I turned to leave. "Seraphina," Elara called out. "It's okay," I reassured as I faced them again. "Everyone harbors their hidden truths." I retrieved my pail and made my way to one of the bathing stalls. ********** I have always been an observer, my eyes absorbin
Pain exploded in my side as his sword cut deep, and I staggered back, struggling to stay on my feet."Seraphina!" Leon's voice was filled with panic as he fought his way towards me.The leader's grin widened as he prepared to deliver the final blow. I braced for the impact, but it never came.I glanced up to see Alpha Kaelen engaging in combat with the leader, countering his strikes with precision."Leon!" Alpha Kaelan called out to Leon who was struggling to hold his ground. "Escort Seraphina away. Quickly!" "Yes, Alpha!" Leon acknowledged as he fought his way towards me.He reached me and lifted me up."Gods, Seraphina. You're losing too much blood." He expressed as he carried me away from the fray.As darkness claimed me, I caught a glimpse of a symbol on one of the intruder's weapons—a familiar emblem that eluded my memory.**********I awoke with a throbbing headache and a parched throat.Surveying my surroundings, I found myself back at the health center."Gods Seraphina," a v
The stillness in the barracks felt suffocating. The once lively atmosphere, filled with the laughter and camaraderie of my friends, had become a stark void of unease and unspoken words. I lay in my bunk, my body throbbing from the injuries I sustained in the attack. The physical agony was manageable; it was the emotional chasm that left me feeling desolate.My gaze drifted across the room, fixing on Ember engrossed in a book. "Ember," I called softly, wincing as I propped myself up. "What's happening?"Ember glanced up, confusion clouding her eyes. "What do you mean?" "What's happening between us?" I inquired, attempting to suppress tears. "Among all of us. Things have shifted since the attack. I sense it, and you sense it too." Ember studied me for a moment, then signed and approached my bed. "Seraphina," she whispered. "There's nothing happening. Stop overthinking." She reassured me before leaving the room.A lump formed in my throat as I lay there. Did I make a mistake? Hav
As we continued to talk, our voices carrying on the gentle breeze, I caught a glimpse of a figure from the corner of my eyes. It was Leon. He stood there, observing us.In the darkness, his eyes were hidden. The way he lingered and observed us sent a shiver down my spine.Suddenly, he turned and departed. My heart raced as I stared at his departing figure. That figure was Leon, yet he seemed like a different being. The energy surrounding him was not the usual charming, cheerful one; it was dark. ***********After the night at the training field, Prince Rion and I grew closer. Despite our deepening connections, I maintained my emotional barrier, shielding myself from previous heartaches with friends.The Prince’s frequent visits to the barracks sparked gossip among the soldiers, but I focused on my training, ignoring the rumors. Ember, Elera, and Leon remained distant, their interactions cold. It was a painful shift, but I concentrated on my training.Prince Rion's company ke
"W-what is it, my Lord?" I managed to inquire, feeling sweat prickle on my back.I prayed it wasn't what I feared. "Many events occur in this barracks, Seraphina," he began. "Considering the recent incidents, I believe it would be prudent for you to relocate to the palace. It would be safer there, and we can explore the royal archives." He finished, gazing at me with a mix of nerves and hope in his eyes. I gaze at him, my thoughts racing with his unexpected proposition. His words reverberated in my ears, and the gravity of his request seemed to press down on my chest. Me? Stay at the palace?"You jest, my Lord," I attempted to brush it off with a laugh. "No, Seraphina. I'm dead serious." He replied, his expression serious."But-but why?" I blurted out. "The palace isn't suitable for someone like me.""And who do you think you are?" He inquired, leaning in closer."A nobody," I murmured,
I stood rooted to the spot, my breath caught in my throat as the weight of Leon’s confession pressed heavily upon my soul. His words, "I love you," reverberated in my mind, unsettling the fragile peace I had so carefully cultivated. To hear such an admission from one I regarded as a steadfast companion, a trusted ally amidst the tumult of my existence, was to invite confusion and dread into my heart."You love me?" I inquired, seeking confirmation of my understanding.Leon, withdrawing slightly, establishing a distance between us. "Yes, Seraphina," he acknowledged, his gaze meeting mine, revealing a depth of pain and vulnerability that threatened to overwhelm me. "I cannot pinpoint the exact moment," he continued, his voice a low rumble. "Perhaps it was during that harrowing rescue in the lake, when I pulled you from the icy depths, your life hanging precariously in the balance. Or maybe it was when I offered you my horse, sh
SELANARA POV It pains me deeply to watch my oracle go on with her life without me, but oh the joy it fills me with. She was happy, dare I say happier, than she had been when she served me. There was no goddess to burden her life with her problems and needs, her sadness and rage, her love and hate. She was free from that burden in this life, and I wanted it to remain that way. Mortals would do well without the gods mingling in their lives. That was a future I hope to bring about. A future where mortals would have no connections to the gods, where there would be no oracle and envoy. That was what I should have done centuries ago but I was selfish. Now, I had seen that it was the right thing to do. Some gods and goddesses would resist, that was expected, but they would be forced to obey. The immortals liked having a link to the mortal world, a tool to carry out their works, some dirty works included. Why have I not done this sooner? The immortals have polluted the mortal realm eno
SERAPHINA POV I was confused when I blinked open my eyes to see familiar walls surrounding me. Was I still dreaming? Had my dreams been diverted from the past and now to the present?The familiar scent of my room wrapped around me, enveloping me in a warm hug as if telling me welcome.I was back in the palace, but how? How long have I been asleep?I searched my mate bonds for my mates and it seems they were nearby because it responded immediately. Not long after there was a knock on my door and my men entered inside."The sleepy beauty finally awakes," Aric said as he leaned in to kiss my forehead. I smiled up at him. "Hi." He smiled back.Kaelan and Rion took their turn kissing me before they sat, waiting. "How am I in the palace?""Well, we carried you on a horse and rode here," Rion said, with a smirk on his face. "Fast, if I may add."I rolled my eyes at him and turned to Kaelen, knowing he'll give me the answers I needed. "You've been asleep for two weeks," Kaelan said, his voi
NYMERIA POV (Two centuries ago)"You look brighter than the sun in that dress, my pretty," Varrik teases, a small smile on his face.I giggled. "Oh stop being silly, you." The dress I was wearing was the exact opposite of bright. I was dressed in a gown as black as the night. It flowed to my feet and pooled at the ground, a long slit that shows my leg when I move at the left side. My black hair was tied up and swept away from my face, showing my neck."Nah. I would say she looks as serene and captivating as the moon," Lysandor added, his arms crossed as he leaned against the pillar. I shot him a look but my smile was wide."It would seem I'm the only one not in a poetic mood today," Myrran said as he stepped into the room and placed a kiss on my forehead."And bless the gods for that small mercy," I said as I turned to face my mates. They were also dressed beautifully, each in their different, unique colors and styles. There wasn't a special occasion today. It was just one of those
RION POV Selanara was strong, stronger than any goddess recorded in history but Malakar seems to be her match. Malakar turned shadows into spears and they went flying towards Selanara.I wasn't going into a panic mood yet because I knew any harm that came to Seraphina's body would be healed when Selanara left her. But still, panic was at the top of my chest as I watched the shadows tore through the air with unholy speed, the jagged tips aimed straight for Selanara’s chest, her heart—her very soul. She couldn’t move fast enough.No! I screamed in my mind.But Selanara’s power surged one last time. With a defiant scream, she thrust her hands forward, and the temple exploded in a torrent of light. The ground shuddered and cracked, sending stone and dust flying into the air as the cosmic force she unleashed sent the shadow spears flying off course.For a moment, I could only watch in awe as Malakar was consumed by the explosion, his figure disappearing into the swirling void of light.
KAELAN POV I stared, stupefied, as Seraphina, no, Selanara, floated off her feet, so she was staring eye to eye with Malakar.My Seraphina was still in there but the goddess was in full control. I knew this wasn't hurting Seraphina in any way—her goddess loved her the way we did, so she wouldn't bring any harm to her.Malakar tried to keep his expression blank but a flicker of something flashed in the god's face, there and gone the next."And how do you intend to end me, my love," Malakar said, his tone flat. "We've had this dance before. It resulted in you losing your name, your legacy, and me being imprisoned. And you losing your name meant no one has been praying to you. You're weak, my sweet."A god grows weak when no one prays to them or offers offerings to them. Selanara being forgotten for centuries meant no one has been praying to her. How she was even standing here was a wonder. It has been recorded in history that three gods have vanished to the void after being forgotten
SERAPHINA POV A ball of darkness formed on Malakar's palm, moving like snakes, darker than the night. He was in front of me before I could blink, slamming his palm onto my chest with so much force, I went flying back.The crash of my fall wasn't what made me scream, nor the crack of my bones that made my eyes water. It was the agonizing pain that ate at me from the insides. The pain was beyond anything I’d ever known—like something was eating me alive from the inside, consuming my flesh and bone. My organs twisted, each breath a fire of searing agony, as though my very soul was being ripped apart. I fell to my knees, gasping, screaming, my body shaking uncontrollably. The darkness burrowed deeper, turning everything inside me to dust. I screamed—raw, desperate—and tears streamed down my face as the torment tore through me with brutal force.Joining this brutal pain, I felt the mate bonds in my chest, their own agony adding to my pain. My mates… My mates…I couldn't bring my head
SERAPHINA POV "Eryndor," Malakar called, his voice booming. Eryndor was immediately at his side, his head bowed."Yes, Dark One," he answered.Malakar's eyes were still fixed on me when he said, "Restrain her.""Yes, Dark One." Before I could speak, shadows had already coiled around me, restraining me so tightly that I couldn't even move a finger. It felt as though the wall had returned, and once again, my powers were sealed away."You will understand that this is for your own good, Nymeria," Malakar said, his eyes darker than the night. "Your mates are distractions, liabilities. You'll survive without them. Losing your mate's bond would not kill you."I would survive without my mates but it'll leave me empty, hollow, just a shell. Panic squeezed me. I tried to fight against the shadows, but it was useless. The more I fought, the more they tightened, but I still didn't give up. I kept fighting. Death would be better than to live without my mates.Malakar turned away from me and faced
SERAPHINA POV "Oracle," Malakar said, his voice soft and smooth, "This day has been far too long in coming. I've waited an eternity for your wolf to awaken, for your true power to be unleashed." His finger gently pressed against my chin, a subtle reminder of his presence. "My impatience got the better of me at one point. I sent others to test you, thinking a little danger might be the catalyst. Alas, my hopes were dashed when it failed to ignite your transformation." I gasped at him. "Y-you sent people after me?" That wolf that had attacked me in the woods that day I went training with Kaelan in the woods. That soldier that had taunted me and then touched me. My first months in the barracks when those bandits had attacked the barracks. Those were all Malakar. "I did indeed.""But...you were imprisoned," I breathed, my head pounding. "I was," was his short reply. I stared back at Malakar's eyes, feeling a storm of emotions—fear, anger, hate, panic. But underneath all that there wa
SERAPHINA POV When it comes down to letting the greatest evil be released, letting the world be ruined, letting darkness reign, and my mates, I was choosing my mates. There was no need to think about it. I looked at each of their perfect faces, their eyes telling me what their mouths couldn't and I knew I was making the right choice. I would burn the world to ashes myself if it meant saving them. I looked back at Eryndor standing in front of me, his eyes still pitch black. "Give me your word that you'll release them," I demanded, my voice cold and detached. "Including Miranda."Eryndor nodded. "You have my word."I stared at him, letting him know how painful his death would be if harm were to come to my mates and friend and nodded. He gestured towards the diagram and I stepped into the center wordlessly. Eryndor picked up the bowl he had dropped earlier and walked to me, a dagger in hand. I offered him my palm and winced when he cut me, blood flowing out. My mates fought agains