ALICE
"What the actual fuck just happened?" I screech, my voice shrill with disbelief as I watch Alex practically drag Hannah out of the club, my feet rooted to the spot in shock. Collins staggers to his feet, swaying slightly as I whirl on him, shoving at his chest with all my strength.
"Explain to me what the fuck just happened!" I demand, my face mere inches from his, eyes blazing with fury.
"I don't know... I don't fucking know!" he yells back, his own confusion and frustration evident in his tone.
"Why did he act like he wasn't under my spell? He shouldn't have reacted like that if he was properly enthralled," I snarl, pacing the tiny space I have on the crowded dance floor, my movements jerky and agitated.
"Fuck! Why the hell did he behave like that?" I scream again, rounding on Collins once more, my fists clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms.
I bolt upright in bed, a scream lodged in my throat, my heart slamming against my ribcage. My eyes dart around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, and my blood turns to ice in my veins. The generic, impersonal decor of a hotel room greets me, confirming my worst fears. Hot tears sting my eyes, blurring my vision as I drop my head into my hands, my breath coming in ragged gasps.But then, through the haze of panic, I notice something that gives me pause. My dress...it hasn’t changed. With trembling hands, I throw back the covers and examine myself more closely. Sure enough, I’m still wearing the same gown from last night, the fabric rumpled but intact. Did Collins have a sudden change of heart? The thought seems too good to be true, but a flicker of hope sparks in my chest.The sound of the door opening shatters the brief illusion of safety, and my head whips toward the noise, my heart leaping into my throat.“You’re finally awake,” Collins drawls, sauntering into the room
It’s been a few days since I received the most devastating news of my life. Mila and I have been racking our brains, trying to come up with a way for me to get close to Collins without tipping him off that I know what he did. And then it hit us - it wouldn’t be strange at all for me to suddenly want to be by his side constantly. The potion he gave me was supposed to make me his obedient puppet, to trick me into believing I was in love with him. So, sending him a text saying I miss him and want to see him would seem perfectly normal for someone under his spell.And that’s how I find myself in Collins’ car, my heart slamming against my ribcage as we drive to the moon goddess knows where. Fear courses through my veins, icy and sharp. What if he discovers the potion didn’t work on me? What will he do to me then? The possibilities are too horrific to contemplate.“We’re here,” Collins announces, jolting me from my spiraling thoughts.I paste on a smile, hoping it doesn’t look as forced as
I listen to Alex recount how Alice charmed him, and Jason helped him obtain the antidote, my eyes widening in disbelief at his words. “Your mouth’s hanging open, Hannah,” he says with a slight smirk. “Of course it is,” I reply, running my fingers through my hair. The revelation leaves me reeling. “Here I was thinking Collins was crazy for dabbling in dark magic, only to learn my own sister did the same.” Alex nods solemnly. “I know; I never would have guessed they’d work together.”“What do you mean by that?” I ask, needing more clarity. “But first, can you explain in detail how Jason helped you get the antidote?” Alex takes a deep breath before speaking. “Jason went investigating who might have aided Alice, and during that time, he stumbled upon a pack whose witch had dealt with something similar. She was able to provide Jason with the herbs needed for Jane to brew an antidote.” “Oh,” I exhale, my mind racing to process this newfound information. “Yeah, and Hannah...” Alex paus
“Alex!” I scream, slamming the apartment door open with shaking hands. My heart thunders against my ribcage, the frantic beats echoing in my ears. The dimly lit room spins around me as I lean against the door, trying to catch my breath. Alex and I thought staying here would be safer than the pack house, but now I’m not so sure. Terror claws at my insides, making me nauseous. I can hardly catch my breath, each inhale feeling like it’s scraped raw against my throat.Heavy footsteps pound down the stairs, growing louder with each step, and suddenly, Alex is right in front of me, eyes wide with alarm. “Hannah, what’s wrong?” His voice is taut, his face etched with worry lines as he takes in my disheveled appearance. He reaches out, almost hesitant, as if afraid of what I might say.I open my mouth, but no words come out. Tears spill down my cheeks in hot, panicked streams. The memory of Collins’ determined eyes as he chased me replays in my mind, making me shudder violently. “He...he almo
“I’m afraid I’m right, Hannah. You are not their daughter. I don’t know why they claimed Alice was the adopted one, but the truth is, you are the one who was adopted,” Alex says solemnly after I finish recounting my dream.I can’t find the words to respond, my throat constricting as the truth sinks in. He’s right. It wasn’t just a dream, but a suppressed childhood memory that has suddenly resurfaced with startling clarity. I run shaky hands through my disheveled hair, exhaling a ragged sigh as turmoil swirls within me.Alex moves closer, kneeling before me and taking my trembling hands in his. His thumbs trace soothing circles over my knuckles as he tries to calm the storm raging inside me. “You know, it also explains a lot of things now. Why they were so hell-bent on you being my wife and not Alice, even though she’s their real daugh
ALICEI couldn’t believe I was on the run because of that infuriating bitch, Hannah. Everything was perfect - Alex was finally mine until she came along and ruined it all with her damned specialness. If only she wasn’t a rare silver wolf, that potion Collins had, the witch brew, would have worked on her. Then, it wouldn’t matter whether Alex obtained the antidote or not. But no, she just had to be fucking special, didn’t she? I seethed with rage at the thought. Collins was a fool for not considering the possibility that the potion might not work on a silver wolf. Now, the werewolf police were likely hot on our trail for practicing black magic - a crime punishable by unimaginable horrors I dared not face.To make matters even worse, Cameron had rejected me because of my actions, all thanks to Hannah. If Alex wasn’t so pathetically in love with her and determined to get her back, he wouldn’t have sought out that blasted antidote and given it to Cameron, leaving me with only one mate. F
HANNAHThe sounds of frantic voices calling my name stir me from unconsciousness, their tones laced with concern. I slowly peel open my heavy eyelids, and they widen in shock as I take in the sight before me – an older woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to myself, her features mirroring my own. Beside her stands Alex, his brow furrowed with worry."You're awake," Alex breathes, relief washing over his face as he helps me sit upright on the bed, his strong arms encircling me in a protective embrace."Are you okay?" the woman asks, her voice trembling with a mixture of hope and trepidation as she reaches out to touch my arm. Instinctively, I recoil from her touch, my body tensing with a visceral wariness that courses through my veins like liquid fire."Stay away from me," I warn, my tone sharp and uncompromising as I level an icy glare at her, my heart pounding against my ribcage."Aura, I'm–" she begins, but I cut her off with a dismissive wave of my hand, my anger simmering just ben
My tiny hand grips Mummy tightly, her palm enveloping mine as we approach the towering castle gates. I’ve never laid eyes on such grandeur before, and a sense of wonder washes over me. The sun glistens off the polished stone, beckoning us into its warm embrace. I never want to leave this magical place, a stark contrast to the damp, musty caves where Mummy and I have been taking shelter these past few nights. Those dismal hideaways could never replicate the radiant beauty and inviting warmth that seemed to emanate from the very walls of this enchanting castle. A flicker of hope ignites within me—perhaps Mummy will let me stay in this beautiful castle forever.My reverie is abruptly shattered by a strangled gasp. “Your highness...” A man’s voice trembles with disbelief as his eyes fall upon Mummy. His ashen complexion betrays the shock coursing through his veins as if he’s witnessed a specter materialize before him. My brow furrows in confusion. Why are they looking at mummy like they’v