Zerena's P.O.V.Kiran: You will make an amazing mother, Zerena. I'm here no matter what. For my kid and his. I'll be by your side, so lean on me. I have stared at his message for an eternity, and read it about a million times over. I don't know what to say to him. I've had the phone hidden behind the shadows in case Alester were to burst into my room, but I know that I need to hide it again soon. Me: Thank you. You better mean it, Kiran, because I really am going to need you.I finally sent my text, feeling like it wasn't quite right in the end. This whole thing is a shi.t show and I only have Alester to blame. I heard the door knob twist and I quickly shoved the phone under my pillow, like an id.iot. Apparently being pregnant has made my brain stupid. "You know that's a terrible hiding place." Percy teased me as he entered the room. My stupid traitorous eyes and emotions had me crying the moment I saw it was him. "I'm so sorry, Zerena." He closed the door behind him and stepped sl
Knowing Isaac was in my future no matter what, scared me more than I liked to admit. I don't want to be stuck in the shadow colony. I don't want to be forced to marry a shadow weaver or to have his kids. What bullshi.t is that? I explained everything that happened with Sebastian last night and what he told me. I told him about the arranged marriage, the need to produce a shadow weaver heir. I told him what Sebastian said about Isaac as well. How his shadow could bind mine. I told him about the different parties and how I would have to choose one. I even told him how Sebastian said I could keep Kiran, but that I still had to marry the shadow weaver that beat the rest in a ranking match. "I don't like this, Zerena. I can't see a way to get you out of this either. You can't tell them about our kid. They need to believe that both of them are Kiran's. That's already bad enough, but if they find out you are having a seer's baby as well, it'll make them want your kids more. They will be ve
"You know, you could send a message like Al, through the shadows, give a girl a little warning." I snapped at Sebastian, getting off the ground. "Alester is watching me closely today and tomorrow. I don't know that training is a good idea." I recalled Percy telling me I couldn't go anywhere…not even for a second. "Don't worry about him. He won't be a problem after tomorrow. We need to get you up to speed." He said. "If you're not so worried about him, then come train me in my room." I taunted him. It would be easier to hide him, or for him to leave, than for me to try to keep up with when I need to be in my room. "Very well." We were back in my room before he even finished his sentence. Everyone jumped into action, ready to lunge at Sebastian, but never getting the chance as he firmly gripped them all in his shadows. "Put them down. They aren't enemies. They're my family." I scolded Sebastian. He raised a brow, but complied with my demand. "This is Sebastian. He's going to tra
I woke up, finding Percy never left my room. He was sleeping sitting up, with his hand still on my head. I couldn't believe he had offered to do that for me last night. It used to be the only way I'd fall asleep when we were younger, until Alester found out. He said it was making us soft and he forced Percy to look into the deepest darkest futures and show it to us every night for a week. I still to this day have nightmares about that gruesome future. It's not as often, but every now and then it sneaks into my dreams. Percy never helped me fall asleep again after that. He retreated to his room and began pulling away from us all. That emotionless mask started around that time too, now that I think about it. I should have helped him back then, but I was young and stupid and thought he hated me for what happened."Thank you, Percy." I whispered, not trying to wake him, but needing to voice my gratitude anyway. "Anytime." He whispered back, clearly having been awake. He ran his hand ove
For a day that held the promise of my freedom, it was pretty lame. We trained in the basement per Alester's request. We cleaned the house, which will be utterly filthy by tonight anyway. We ate lunch and then had dinner later in the day. We tried to stay together and decided that Percy would turn off the alarms when the time came. I tried to volunteer for that, but was flat out denied. I know it's because I'm pregnant and they're trying to keep me safe, but it's really annoying. Sebastian came shortly after lunch and trained me like a drill sergeant again. My shadows were up to par when we started and he just kept going. He wasn't happy until I finally landed a blow on him, my shadows were now faster than his and could even overpower the shadows he used to block."You learn fast. No one has ever picked up this kind of speed in a span of three days." He had told me, before leaving. "Infantry will be arriving at dusk, about 6:40. That's when the shadows are the strongest." I sent a te
"We can't just let him go." I argued with everyone. Everett and Jason agreed going after him wasn't worth it right now. The shadow weavers said they couldn't locate him at that speed. Both groups decided it would be best to watch and wait for him to emerge. The fire had consumed the entirety of the home except the cars we got out from the garage. Emerson was elated to have his baby. He was showing it off to Everett, in a brotherly bonding moment. Again, nice to watch, and super happy for them, but fu.ck our luck, man."I get it, Zae. I want to find him right now too. We were so fu.cking close." Percy squatted beside me on the grass. "I hate this!" I sighed. "Me too." "Little weaver, you should go see Kiran. We've got it from here. Go enjoy your freedom. Emerson and your people will be staying with us, until they tire of our wolfish ways." Everett and Emerson gave me big grins. "We'll see you tomorrow." He encouraged me to leave, and I didn't need to be told twice. I need to see Ki
I woke up to an empty bed, leaving an empty feeling in my chest. Is this how Kiran felt when he woke up after I left without a word? My poor intertwined, stuck with me for all eternity. I got off the bed, following the delicious smell of food towards the kitchen. I think I know where my Kiran ran off to. I came around the corner and found his broad shoulders flipping pancakes and drinking coffee. He looked so delicious that I could almost opt out of eating the pancakes and eat him instead. "Good morning." I hugged him from behind, catching him off guard. He held my arms tightly against him. "Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well? How are you feeling?" "I slept well, and I am starved for this delicious smelling food." I smiled at him taking a seat on one of the barstools. "No, Tate?" I asked him, surprised by the quiet of the apartment. "He's at the pack house, helping with the aftermath of Alester. We'll head over after breakfast." He explained. "Okay sounds good." I rest
Kiran's P.O.V.Percy and I stared at each other for a while in complete silence. It was like we were having a stare down of sorts that I planned on winning. "I'd hate me too, if I was in your shoes." Percy broke the silence, but not the stare. "Glad you understand." I gritted. "Do you want to do like Zae suggested?" He asked, leaning back. "Zae? You mean Zerena?" I furrowed my brows. What kind of nickname is Zae? "Yes. Do you want to go spar or not?" He lost his patiences with me finally. "Let's go." I got off the bed, determined to lead the way. He was like a shadow following close behind and giving off an eerie air behind me. I held my chin up high and continued to stride to where Tate took me to train the first time I was here. I feel like I've gotten to know these pack lands better than I should. A few minutes later we arrived at the spot. There were of course a lot of people here training, but Tate caught my eye. He jogged over to meet us just outside. "What's up?" Tate