Amara’s POV When Kael left, the room felt heavy. It was so quiet that it almost hurt. My heart raced as I sat on the cold stone floor. My body was sore from what I had gone through that night. Each breath reminded me of Magnus and the pain he caused. Yet, it didn't compare to the storm brewing inside me. I hugged my arms around myself. It was like trying to block out a truth that hurt too much. Kael was my mate. But he was also the son of the man who had taken my dignity and my freedom. It felt unfair. I didn’t want this bond at all. I should have felt anger. I should have pushed away any feelings for him. But there I was, remembering how he had touched my cheek. That little gesture sent heat through my tired body, and it scared me. I clenched my fists tight. No. I refuse to let this bond run my life. The door creaked. I flinched and held my breath. Who was it now? A guard? Maybe even Magnus? But it wasn’t either. It was an older woman with sharp eyes. They looked curious but kind
Kael's POV As I walked out of Amara's room, I felt the weight of my father's call. I locked the door quietly. My mind was in chaos. It felt like a storm brewing inside. I knew I had my duty, but seeing fear in Amara’s eyes tugged at my heart. I told myself not to care. I shouldn't feel the need to protect her. But when I saw her planning to escape, I knew I had to stop her. If she tried to leave, Magnus would kill her. I couldn’t let that happen. The fortress's hallways seemed dark and eerie. Shadows stretched across the stone walls as I walked to my father's study. The heavy doors absorbed the little light that came in. The guards stepped aside when I approached, but their faces were unreadable. Everyone feared Magnus, even those who worked for him. I pushed the doors open and walked in. Magnus sat behind a big desk, fingers steepled. A fire crackled in the hearth, glowing his sharp features. The air felt thick and strange, making me uneasy. “You took your time,” he said, his v
Amara’s POV My room felt even smaller today. The walls seemed to push on me. The air was thick and heavy. I couldn’t shake Kael’s words from my head. He said there was a chance to escape. But could I trust him? What if it was all a trick? I had no time to think about it. Suddenly, the lock clicked, and the door opened slowly. I braced myself, thinking it’d be Kael walking in. But it wasn’t him. It was Magnus. He was huge. He filled the room like a dark cloud blocking out the sun. My stomach dropped. With a chilling calmness, Magnus shut the door. His smile was slow and unsettling. “My son thinks he can keep you safe from me,” he said, stepping closer. “He doesn’t know how much I enjoy destroying things.” I felt my heart race. I wanted to run, but my body felt like it was stuck in place. I couldn’t escape. Magnus reached for me, grabbing my chin hard. “You’ve got fire in you,” he said, tilting my face up to look him in the eye. “That’ll make this all the more fun for me.” I
Kael’s POV When those glowing eyes showed up in the dark, I quickly pushed Amara behind me. I was ready to protect her. My heart raced like crazy. I heard a low growl echo off the stone walls. I didn't have to see it to know it was a Shadowfang. This was bad. Magnus must have set us up. This old path wasn’t just forgotten; it was a trap! “Kael…” Amara whispered, and I could hear the fear in her voice. “Stay behind me,” I said, trying to sound calm. “No matter what happens.” The beast charged at us, its huge shape moving in the shadows. I caught a quick look at its sharp teeth glimmering in my torchlight. It crouched low, ready to spring. I grabbed my dagger, but deep down, I knew it might not be enough. Shadowfangs were no ordinary wolves. They were made to hunt and to kill. Then it lunged. I barely had time to react. Its massive claws swiped through the air where my head had just been. I ducked and tried to stab at its side. But it was too fast. The beast twisted and slammed
Amara’s POV The night surrounded us like a thick blanket. It smelled of wet dirt and pine trees. I ran next to Kael, and my heart raced like it might burst. Every breath I took burned in my lungs. But I kept going, holding tight to Kael’s hand as we sprinted after Victor through the dark forest. Branches scratched my arms. The ground under my feet was rough and tangled, but I didn’t let myself fall behind. Fear gnawed at my stomach, but I pushed it down. There was no time to be scared. Not now. Not with threats lurking behind us. Magnus’s men were probably on our trail, getting closer with every passing second. Victor was quick. He moved easily between the trees, his steps light despite his large build. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t doubt himself. It was clear he knew the way. That made me uneasy. I didn’t trust him. Just because Kael seemed to know him didn't mean we weren’t heading straight into trouble. After what felt like forever, Victor suddenly stopped. I nearly ran into Kae
Amara’s POV Darkness wrapped around us like a second skin as we followed Victor deeper into the unknown. The trees, ancient and gnarled, loomed overhead, their branches stretching like skeletal fingers against the sliver of moonlight breaking through the canopy. Every step we took felt heavier, the silence stretching taut between us. Only the distant howls of Magnus’s hunters reminded us we were being chased. Victor moved with an eerie calm, his presence both reassuring and unsettling. I wanted to trust him—he had saved us—but something about him felt… off. Kael stayed close beside me, his grip on my wrist tightening every time I stumbled. He had barely spoken since we fled, but I could feel his tension and his sharp focus. He was preparing for the worst. After what felt like hours, Victor finally slowed, leading us to a cluster of jagged rock formations. Nestled between them was a narrow crevice, barely wide enough for a person to slip through. He turned to us, silver eyes glinting
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 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