Amara’s POV The cave felt smaller now, suffocating under the weight of Victor's revelation. The air was thick with uncertainty, and each breath I took felt heavier than the last. My mind swirled with everything he had said, but no matter how hard I tried to make sense of it, I kept returning to the same impossible conclusion, I was the heir to the Lunar Bloodline. It didn’t feel real. It couldn’t be real. Kael sat beside me, his expression unreadable, though I could sense the storm raging inside him. His grip on my wrist was firm, grounding, as if he thought I might disappear if he let go. But it wasn’t just fear that held him so rigid, it was something else, something dangerous brewing behind his dark eyes. Victor remained near the entrance, his posture relaxed yet alert. He was watching, waiting. He had dropped a bombshell and now expected us to piece it together on our own. Finally, Kael exhaled sharply. "If this is true if Amara is part of the Lunar Bloodline, then Magnus won’
Amara’s POV The moment the first beast lunged, instinct took over. Kael shoved me behind him, his body tensed like a coiled spring, ready to strike. Victor moved like a shadow, his blade flashing in the dim light as he positioned himself at our flank. I barely had time to process what was happening before the creature’s glowing red eyes locked onto me. My heart hammered against my ribs, fear clawing at my throat. This wasn’t just a mindless beast, it was hunting with purpose. It was hunting me. Kael didn’t hesitate. With a snarl, he shifted mid-leap, his transformation smooth and deadly. His massive black wolf slammed into the creature, sending it skidding backward. The force of their collision shook the ground, snapping branches as they rolled through the undergrowth in a tangle of fur and claws. Victor cursed under his breath. “They’re not supposed to be this fast.” I barely registered his words before another beast burst through the trees. This one was even bigger than the firs
Amara’s POV The forest was damp and cold. It clung to me like a wet blanket. But it wasn’t just the chill that made me shiver. No, it was the weight of everything that had just happened—the hunt, those terrifying creatures, and the strange power swirling inside me. My hands shook as I pressed them against the rough bark of a tree, trying to catch my breath. Kael stood next to me. His shirt was soaked, sticking to his muscles. I could see tension all over him. His golden eyes danced with emotion—maybe worry, maybe frustration, or both. A little farther ahead, Victor scanned our surroundings like a hawk ready to swoop down on its prey. “They won’t quit hunting us,” Kael said, his voice dry and tired. “They won’t stop until they get what they want.” What they wanted was me. I swallowed hard, my throat feeling tight. “We can’t keep running forever,” I said. Victor turned to me, his silver eyes sharp as a knife. “No, we can’t. But you also can’t fight something you don’t get. When we
Amara’s POV I broke the surface of the cold river, gasping for air. The icy water felt like it wanted to drag me under. It stung my lungs. Water poured off my face as I blinked through the mist. I was dizzy and disoriented. My arms and legs hurt from crashing into hidden rocks. But I had to push through the pain. Right now, all that mattered was staying alive. Kael was still with me. His arm held me tight, but I could feel him shaking. His golden eyes searched mine with a look that sent chills down my spine. He was relieved but also alert. We weren’t out of danger yet. Victor had made it to the shore. I could see him easily climbing up the rocky bank. He turned his head back and waved for us to hurry up. “Move. Now.” His voice was quiet but full of urgency. Kael led me toward the bank. The water was calmer, but it still tugged at us, like it didn’t want to let us go. My muscles felt heavy and worn out, but I forced myself to push through. Finally, my feet hit solid ground, and a
Amara’s POV The shadows swirled around us. They were alive and seemed to pulse as they came closer. The air felt thick, almost like smoke. It wrapped around my throat. It was a warning. Whatever was after us wasn’t just a standard monster. It felt worse as if it had a mind of its own and was feeding off that energy thrumming through me. Kael held onto my wrist tightly. He had turned back into a human. His muscles were tense. His golden eyes glowed in the fog. He was a comfort, but the fear still crawled inside me, chilly and unsettling. Victor stood in front of us, ready with his blade. His silver eyes focused intently on the strange figures appearing from the mist. “Stay together,” he warned, his voice low and sharp, like a knife. “They want us alone.” The mist began to move in a wild manner, wrapping around us. It felt like a predator playing with its food. A wave of cold rushed through my body. This was not just the night air. It sank deep inside me, chilling my bones. I ba
Amara’s POV Fingers curled around the damp stone, nails digging into the cold surface as lungs burned with the struggle to breathe. The night stretched endlessly above, but something about it felt wrong, too heavy, too still. No stars broke through the veil of darkness. Only the moon remained bloated and crimson, casting an eerie glow over the jagged cliffs and the restless trees beyond. Shadows moved between the trunks, unnatural and waiting. No wind stirred the leaves, yet whispers slithered through the silence. Too quiet. Too expectant. As if something unseen lingered just beyond reach, watching. Kael stood beside me, every muscle taut with unspoken tension. Blood streaked his jaw, a crimson contrast against his pale skin, but he didn’t seem to notice. His golden eyes flickered, scanning the tree line where figures stirred. Too many. They had been tracking us since the river, never striking, only herding us toward something we couldn’t yet see. Victor crouched nearby, blade bal
Amara’s POV I stood in the cold, and it prickled my skin. It reminded me that danger was nearby. Each breath came hard, my exhales creating white puffs in the crisp night air. I felt the adrenaline kick in. It helped me stay alert, even though tiredness threatened to pull me down. I had to keep moving. Kael was right beside me. He moved with purpose, tense like a cat ready to pounce. Up ahead was Victor. He was guiding us through the woods, confident and quick. It felt like he could sense what was lurking in the dark. But with every step we took, the silence around us felt eerie. Something was off. “Victor,” I whispered, stealing a glance at the shadows dancing around the trees, “are they still on our trail?” He took a moment before answering. His silver eyes flickered as they scanned the darkness. “They’ve stopped following us,” he said quietly. “But that doesn’t mean we’re out of danger.” Chills ran through me. Whatever was after us didn’t give up easily. If it paused, it l
Kael’s POV Darkness felt heavy around us. It was thick with the smell of wet dirt and blood. Every part of me was on high alert. I wanted to move faster. But I stood still, eyes locked on the creature creeping closer. Amara was right next to me. Her breath came quick, but she was steady. She looked exhausted, but there was something strong in her eyes. Even with the fear, I could see a spark. It made my heart tight. Victor stood a little way off. His face was hard to read, but his silver eyes were sharp, taking it all in. I saw his fingers twitch, ready to react if needed. Then I heard it—a low, growling noise that rumbled through the air. This wasn’t just any rogue creature. It was twisted and wrong, changed by whatever dark magic Magnus had let loose. Its red eyes glowed, almost like it was thinking. It snarled at us, its lips pulling back to show teeth. The beast took a slow step forward, its claws tearing through the leaves and dirt. The air felt electric, thick with tension.
Amara's POVStanding across the glowing river was this woman in a silver cloak. She had this intense vibe, like she was from another world but totally in charge. The water was all sparkly, throwing light all over the trees around us.Kael squeezed my hand tight. Don't trust her, Amara.I nodded, but I couldn't take my eyes off the woman. I know, but I need some answers.She held out her hand to me and said, Amara, your past is the key to everything for you. Come on, I’ll help you figure it all out.I hesitated. Kael was clearly worried, and that held me back. But I wanted to know what was going on that much more.I'll go, I said, taking a step forward.Kael looked surprised. Amara—I need to understand this, I cut in, trying to sound gentle. I'll be careful, I promise.He didn't look happy, but he let go of my hand.As I got closer to the river, the water just moved aside, making a path. I gave Kael one last look before following the woman into the woods.We walked without talking, de
Amara’s POVThe woods were quiet... Too quiet. Every little twig snap made me jump. Then they showed up – dark figures slipping out from between the trees, faces hidden by hoods. It wasn't just their moves -- so on purpose, so in sync -- it was the vibe they were throwing out: pure unease and a feeling that something terrible was about to happen. Kael stepped right in front of me, shoulders set, jaw tight. He was ready to rumble, no doubt. I could feel the tension coming off him in waves.But my eyes locked on the guy leading the group. Taller than the others, totally in charge, even with his face covered. Something about him… the way he stood, that little bit of where do I know that from that nagged at me. Felt like a ghost just walked out of my past, bringing the chills with it.Amara, he said, voice smooth as ice, cutting through the night air. Long time.I pushed past Kael, squinting, trying to see anything familiar. Who are you? Show your face!With this slow, showman type move,
Amara’s POVDarkness enveloped me, thick and suffocating. I floated in a void, weightless and disconnected, as if the world had ceased to exist. Then, a distant whisper pierced the silence—a voice, familiar and urgent."Amara... wake up."Kael.His voice was a rescue line, drawing me away from the void. I extended my hand, reaching for the noise, holding onto it as the shadows started to fade. Abruptly, a dazzling light pierced my sight. I inhaled sharply, my lungs stinging as the air flowed in. I opened my eyes and realized I was lying on the forest ground, with the canopy overhead swaying softly in the wind. Kael loomed above me, worry marked in every feature of his expression. A sense of relief enveloped him when our gazes locked. "You're up," he sighed, sweeping a lock of hair aside from my face. I attempted to sit up, but a surge of dizziness sent me back down. "What's going on?" I rasped. "You fell down," Kael stated, his tone strained. "Following that... creature assaulted
Amara’s POVThe silence enveloped us like a heavy mist, weighing on my chest with every inhalation. Kael and I were both injured, hurt, and smeared with the traces of the struggle—but it wasn’t the hurt or the blood that ate at my spirit. There was an awareness of something more sinister, something far more alarming lurking nearby. The figure that had been following us had finally emerged into the light. Kael was leaning hard against me, his hand holding mine like a crucial connection. His breathing was uneven, and his body shook with fatigue, yet his gaze—his gaze was keen, never straying from the trail behind us. "Amara..." His voice sounded raspy, every word tinged with sorrow. “Remain near." "We must get going." I agreed with a nod, my thoughts racing. Magnus was feeling low. Trina had left. And still, that wasn't sufficient. Something larger was approaching. I could sense it creeping beneath my skin, pushing against my bones. “Kael... who is that?” I murmured, my voice scarc
Amara’s POVI forced my legs to move even as my heart screamed at me to stop. Every breath felt like knives against my ribs. Kael's furious roar echoed behind me, but I couldn’t turn back. Not now. Not when everything was crashing down around us.Stay with me, Amara!I tripped on a fallen branch, gasping for breath, as blood seeped through the tear in my dress. My vision faded, but I persevered. The consequence of my inaction, my hesitation, would be the end.They were coming for us, it was inevitable.Kael swiftly enveloped me in a tight embrace, his strong arms securing me. I believe moreover, His aroma enveloped me, a comforting, grounding, and deeply familiar scent. I yearned to be enveloped by him, to be swept away from this dreadful reality. We were pressed for time.We know, “Magnus... Trina... all of them. They know about us.”Kael’s jaw tightened. “Then we’ll make them regret it.”I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe love could protect us. But love alone wouldn’t sto
Amara’s POV If I was strong enough to survive the darkness, I had to be strong enough to fight it too.The smell of smoke and blood still clung to the air, heavy and thick. My fingers trembled as Kael helped me sit up. Every muscle ached. My head spun. I felt like I had been broken apart and stitched back together by something I couldn’t name.But I was alive.And so much more had changed.“You’re safe,” Kael whispered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His hand lingered for a second longer than needed, grounding me.I wanted to believe him. I wanted to fall into his arms and pretend that everything bad had ended. But as I looked around the hall, I saw the truth.Fear still hung in the eyes of the pack members.The council still stood stiff, exchanging sharp glances like they were hiding something.And Magnus, though defeated, wasn’t dead.Not yet.I pushed myself to my feet, my legs shaky but firm. My blood burned under my skin, like something new had awakened inside me—
Kael’s POVI should’ve died that night.But somehow, I didn't.Amara's scream tore through the dark as the blade meant for me sank into her side instead. Her body collapsed into my arms, limp and bleeding, and for a few horrifying seconds, I couldn’t move. Couldn’t think. My mind refused to believe it—refused to accept the weight of her sacrifice.“Amara,” I choked out, my voice raw with panic. “No, no, no—look at me. Stay with me.”Her eyelids fluttered, just barely. Blood pooled around us, staining the cold stone floor as Magnus stepped back, shock flickering across his usually cruel face. He hadn’t meant to strike her. He was aiming for me.And she took the hit.She chose me."Why?" I whispered.Her lips moved slowly. “Because... I’d rather die free... than live as his.”My wolf howled inside me, a sound of heartbreak and fury all at once. I pressed my hand to the wound, desperate, shaking. Her blood soaked my fingers, and it felt like it was my own life draining away.“She’s dying
Amara's POVThe knife went right into Kael's shoulder.My hands shook like crazy as I gripped the handle. My whole body was trembling, like a hurricane was going off inside me. This dark stuff was wrapping around my brain, holding on super tight. I couldn't even breathe.I hurt him.No, I was made to hurt him.Atta girl, Magnus said, his voice all slippery and gross. His magic was going wild through that mark on my wrist, felt like it was burning my blood, making me do what he wanted. Now, finish the job.A jolt of power ripped through me. I squeezed the knife harder, and the magic inside me was trying to force the blade in deeper.Kael grunted, his face all tight from the pain, but he didn't even try to grab the knife. He just held on to me—like I wasn't some kind of monster.Amara, he whispered, his voice shaky but like he still believed in me. I know you're in there. Don't let him take you.I gasped, and this sharp pain shot through my head. My heart was pounding so hard I couldn't
Kael's POVA scream echoed in the room, and it was me yelling, not Amara.The instant her glowing eyes locked onto mine, something deep inside me just broke. It felt like everything that made her *her* had been ripped away, and what was left was just an empty copy controlled by Magnus. I couldn't believe it. I just wouldn't.Amara, I croaked, pushing myself up even with the magic pressing down on me like crazy. I know you're still in there. You gotta fight him.Her lips parted, and for a split second, I swear I saw a hint of her come back. But then her face twisted into this cold, totally different look.She came at me fast.I barely had time to react before she grabbed my throat. She was way quicker than before, and strong too, like she had some kind of weird boost. I slammed into the wall, sending dust and bits of stone flying.Magnus laughed. She doesn't need saving, Kael. She's better.I tried to pull her fingers off, but she wouldn't budge. My inner wolf was going wild, super ang