RION POV
"So there's a witch in the palace," Kaelen said, his voice tinged with unease.I nodded, rubbing a spot in my chest. The place had started tingling as soon as I stepped foot here."I honestly don't know if I should be scared or in awe of how you witches can hide in plain sight," Aric said with his arms crossed."Probably both," I said to him with a small smile.Magic was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. While some witches, like myself, simply sought to survive, others, like the one who ignited this building, inspired fear.I stood at the edge of the charred remains of the burnt house, my senses alive with the echoes of magic lingering in the air. The acrid smell of smoke mingled with the earthy scent of ash, but beneath that, I could sense something else—a pulse, a current that twisted through the ruins like a hidden stream.As I stepped closer, the air shimmered, a faint distortion that tingled agaiSERAPHINA POVThe sun warmed my skin as I sat on the garden bench, the scent of flowers a comforting embrace. It should have been a perfect day, but the weight of grief pressed down on me, a heavy stone in my chest.Ember and Elara had returned to the barracks, their future postings unknown. I hoped they'd be stationed close, perhaps even at the palace, or at least somewhere not too far away. These past days have been a blur of sorrow. Left alone, my mind raced, unable to find solace. The men had tried to give me space to grieve, but I craved their presence, their company.I didn't know where to find them. The palace was vast, and they seemed perpetually busy.I sighed, leaning back against the bench, and turned my face towards the sun. I stared at its brilliance until my eyes burned, but I couldn't bring myself to close them. A shadow blocked the sun above and I finally closed my eyes. "Are you trying to blind y
ARIC POV "Tell me what you want," I whispered into her ear, my heart pounding, my throat tight. "You," she said, her voice soft. I kissed her neck, her jaw, her cheeks, her eyes. "You have me already." I reluctantly pulled away from her and stood up, starting to undress. Seraphina's gaze followed me intently, and I enjoyed the attention. Throughout my life, I had never stood naked before anyone. No one had ever touched me, and I had never desired anyone. But this woman came and changed everything. I needed her more than I needed oxygen. Her touch set fire to my blood. The taste of her lips awakes a part of me that I've long seen proclaim dead. Gods, the way I burn for this woman. I stood naked in front of Seraphina and let her drink me in. She stood up from the bed, walked in front of m
SERAPHINA POV Pain unlike everything I've ever felt before. Excruciating, soul-crushing, heart-wrenching pain. "Make it stop!" I cried out, holding my head. It hurts the most, like a relentless drumbeat echoing in my skull, each thud a reminder of the weight of my anguish, drowning out all thoughts of solace. And my body. Gods, my body. It felt like I was lit on fire, like my blood was boiling. I felt my bones snap again and I cried out. "Stop fighting it, Seraphina!" I heard a familiar voice shout. "Let it out! Free it! It's a part of you!" I didn't know where the voice was coming from but I clenched to it. It felt like I was disconnected from the real world, and with only pain as my companion. Trusting the unknown, I broke free, though what awaited remained a mystery. A deep breath in, a slow exhale, then a pause before the pain's return.
KAELAN POV Seraphina was my mate. I never imagined I would find my mate. It wasn’t even on my radar; I was too focused on my army and training.But now, here she was—beautiful, strong, perfect, a warrior, and mine, an omega. She was also bonded to the closest people I consider family.I’ve never been one to share my partner, let alone a mate. I wanted what was mine to remain solely mine. But Aric and Roin are my brothers. If I could share anything, it would be with them.And they were strong. Together we were almost unstoppable. That strength will be needed now to protect Seraphina. She was going to be haunted now like a wolf tracking its prey, relentless and driven by a primal instinct that couldn’t be shaken.Omegas were a beacon of power. Any wolf—alphas, betas, hybrids—would want that power. In the past, wars have been waged over an omega, simply to claim her. If Seraphina were discovered, a conflict would inevitably erupt. We had just emerged from one war, and we lacked the s
SERAPHINA POV "She has woken," a deep thundering voice said. "I had wondered how long you would sleep.""Who's there?" I called out, trembling. It was dark everywhere. Dark and chilling cold. The voice came from everywhere so I couldn't pinpoint the exact place the voice was coming from. "I have waited for too long," the voice continued. "You have a new purpose in this life. A purpose that I have given you. So bleed for me, Oracle. Bleed and set me free." I screamed as a blinding pain tore through me, consuming every single part of me. The pain was unlike any I've experienced. I kept screaming and begging for it to stop but the pain only kept increasing. That was until I saw a light, a light too bright that it burned my eyes even when closed but then the pain stopped. But the relief didn't last. "Seraphina, wake up!" I jolted awake as someone shaked me violently. "It's okay. It's okay." I held onto Aric and cried on his chest, crying until I couldn't anymore. "You really should
RION POV "What happened?" I asked Kealen, as he gasped for breath. He looked like he'd just run a marathon. "We need… to…" He struggled to speak. "Let the man catch his breath," Aric said, handing Kaelen a cup of water. Kaelen downed the cup, then turned to Seraphina, who had left the bed and was now standing beside him, her hand on his back. His eyes softened and he took her hand and held it. "You're awake," he said, his breath slowly. "I am," she answered even though it wasn't a question. Kaelan caressed her cheeks before he dropped her hand and turned to us. "We need to leave the palace," he said, his voice more steady. "I overheard two nobles talking. They had caught Seraphina's scent." My heart dropped. "Gods, you should have seen the way they were talking about her like she was a prize to be claimed." He worked his jaw, his fist clenched. "But they don't know who she is or where she even is. O
SERAPHINA POV Without warning, the cabin had blurred and twisted, a sharpness in my head driving me deeper into the chaos. Images began to flash before my eyes, each more vivid and disorienting than the last.First, I saw the cabin, but it was alive with laughter, sunlight pouring through the windows. But in a blink, the scene shattered, morphing into the same cabin engulfed in flames, the laughter replaced by haunting cries that echoed in my mind.A heartbeat later, I was in a sunlit field, warmth enveloping me, the scent of flowers filling the air. I felt a rush of joy, but then it twisted abruptly; the sky darkened, and I saw myself standing alone, heartbroken, clutching a wilted flower in the same field now shrouded in shadows.The pain in my head intensified, visions flowing like a turbulent river. I was suddenly in a crowded marketplace, vibrant colors swirling around me.A couple danced joyfully, but just as quickly, the imag
ARIC POV "You're going to wear a hole in that rug if you keep pacing like that," I teased Rion as I watched him pace back and forth. "We can find another way," he just grumbled and continued pacing. I glanced over at Kaelen. He met my eyes and just sighed. "Pray, Rion, what other way can we find?" Rion finally stopped pacing—thank the gods. I was beginning to fear for that poor rug—and turned to Kaelan. "We can find another way, Kaelan," he said again as if trying to convince himself. "Ember Hallow is a place of terror. The spirits there demand a price, a price you might be able to pay, or a price you might never be able to pay. But pay you must. If you don't, the spirits will inflict a fate worse than death." "Those are just words on paper, Rion," I said. "They're not!" Rion shouted, his eyes blowing wide. "They're not," he repeated in a smaller voice. "This warning comes from someone who's been there, who's seen the horrors firsthand. And my gut tells me it's true. Ever since
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