Awakening

Kairox’s POV

I could smell her from her trails, a faint fear that belonged only to her lingered in the air, leading me straight to where the fool could have kept her. I kept trailing her

I followed her the minute she vanished, Gabriel’s warriors offering to ride with me. I refused. This was mine to finish.

Every inn, every black-market whisper—I tore through them like a storm. I did all I could, bribed. Threatened. Broke jaws when necessary. The scent grew stronger near the southern marshes, the stink of Rodrick’s compound started to fill my nose, drawing me nearer to the love of my life.

I climbed the outer wall, dropped into the yard quietly, snapped two guards’ necks before they could scream. Moved like a shadow through the dark hush corridors.

Her scent pulled me deeper.

Into the cellars until I reached the door of the dungeon.

Virelle’s POV

Rodrick visited twice a day.

Once to gloat.

Once to touch.

He traced fingers along my jaw, my collarbone, my swollen belly. Spoke of prices. Buyers. How much an Alpha’s heir—half-tribrid—would fetch on the hidden circuits

“You were always my best investment, I'm thinking, instead of selling you off, I can rent you off for a bigger price” he murmured that afternoon, breath hot against my ear.

I stared at the wall.

Didn’t answer.

He laughed softly.

“Good thing your wolf is fully awakened now, I didn't know its worth before. Your wolf tried to wake once, you know. Right after I collared you the first time. She clawed. Howled. Almost broke through.” He tapped a pendant hanging around his own neck—the twin to the one Kaelric had used. “I crushed her back down. Dark magic is patient. Persistent. She’s been sleeping ever since. But now, I think I prefer her awake, which means more money for me”

My gaze flicked to him.

“Kaelric got that pendant from you? The one he used on me?”

He smiled wider, ignoring my questions.

“Tonight,” he said, “I collect what’s owed. One last time. Then I will sell you tomorrow.”

He left the cell door unlocked as he strode out.

Hours bled away.

Footsteps echoed toward the door again until the door banged open. I startled

Rodrick stepped in, shirt already half-unbuttoned, eyes gleaming with something dangerous.

He grabbed my chin. Forced my face up.

“You’ll be sweet this time,” he whispered. “Or I’ll make sure the pup feels every second of it.”

Something inside me cracked, I spat in his face and he backhanded me—hard.

Blood filled my mouth.

He laughed.

Pushed me down onto the filthy pallet and tore at my dress, memories of how he used to rough handle.

I fought—Teeth snapping at whatever flesh I could reach.

He pinned my wrists above my head with one hand.

Leaned in to bite my throat.

Then—

The door exploded inward.

Kairox’s eyes darkened.

Rodrick barely had time to turn before Kairox slammed into him.

They crashed into the wall. The stone cracked as fists flew. Claws raked every surface. Kairox tore into him with feral precision—every blow fueled by three days of terror and rage.

Rodrick fought dirty.

He twisted free, yanked a dagger from his boot—black blade covered with wolfsbane residue.

Kairox lunged again and this time, Rodrick drove the dagger deep into his side.

Kairox grunted. Staggered to the back. The scent of wolfsbane bloomed—bitter.

Rodrick laughed—triumphant.

“Die slow, Alpha.”

He turned back to me.

Eyes wild.

“Now… where were we?”

I stared at Kairox—crumpled to the ground, blood pooling beneath him.

Something snapped inside me like a roaring beast, a mix of my wolf, vampire, seer, lover, and mother’s powers—all at once built in my throat.

The runes on the chains flared flames—then shattered.

My eyes ignited—a blazing white flame ringed with gold.

Fangs lengthened past my lips. Claws—grew longer than expected,—curved from my fingertips.

The wolf inside me erupted like it’s been waiting so long for a fight.

I moved faster than I thought—snapped my hands around Rodrick's throat. A sudden surge of sharp light slashed through his neck, ripping it off his body completely, his body dropping to the ground freely.

My eyes widened. I never thought I could do that but I was glad I did even though it took the last strength I had in me.

I dropped to my knees beside Kairox.

He was pale. Shaking. Wolfsbane spreads through his veins across his skin.

I pressed my palms to the wound.

Blood coated my fingers.

My vampire instinct surged—sharp, instinctive.

I leaned down.

Kissed him softly—lips to lips—tasting copper and fading life.

Then I sealed my mouth over the stab wound.

Drew the wolfsbane hard out of his veins.

Wolfsbane burned my tongue like acid—but I pulled it out, and swallowed it down.

The black veins withdrew, his heartbeat steadied.

When the last of the poison was gone, I looked into his eyes.

He blinked up at me—eyes clearing.

I pressed my wrist to his mouth, and he bit gently, claiming me all over again.

The bond snapped back into place, painful but bearable.

“You found me,” I whispered.

He lifted a trembling hand to my belly.

Felt the kick. And smiled—weak, but real.

“I have told you, I can't bear losing you.”

He helped me stand but I collapsed right back. He carried me to his chest out of Rodrick’s house back to the moon pack.