Mag-log inRian's POVThe wind in the Craglands did not just blow, it bit down my skin.I walked along the path, following the trail where the Nightmoor Alpha had just departed. Lucien was a man walking into a trap, yet he moved with a grace that annoyed me. He had my prisoner, he passed through my route and now he had my curiosity.I went back to my camp, walking toward the cave. Inside, the air that blew hit me with the smell of damp and dried blood. Fenris was slumped against the floor, his back against the wall and his chest heaving. He looked like a pile of discarded rags. Lyra stood over him, still trying hard. She looked at me when I stepped inside, her eyes hard and questioning.“He is stubborn, Rian,” Lyra said, her voice a low rasp. “He thinks his silence will buy him a different kind of death.”Lyra had been trying to get words out of him since Lucien left but Fenris had been stiff-necked, wanting to bargain his life for whatever information he was holding back.I stepped into the
Lucien's POV The room was already lit up with the morning sun when my eyes stirred open. I turned my head to notice Calla beside me, sleeping quietly, her breathing deep. She lay naked with the blanket covering only half her body. I stayed still for a moment and watched as her shoulders rose and fell. My mind drifted back to the night we had just shared. It had been passionate and desperate, a hungry clink to one and order after we went back from the Craiglands. At that moment there was only the scent of her skin and the fierce pull of the mate bond.A small smile touched my lips. I didn't even know I was smiling. Despite the overwhelming pressure pressing against me, having her here was like a calm in my storm.I moved carefully, sliding out from under the blanket so as not to wake her. I began to prepare, taking a hot bath first, relieving myself of the stress of the night before. I began to dress afterwards, pulling on my black cargo pants and a black jacket. I was almost fini
Calla's POV Lucien and I stood in the middle of his chamber. I could tell how he felt through the bond when he asked me the questions about what his daughter said about him. Lucien had proven countless times he was a changed person and that was all I needed. Now, he needed me and all I could do was make him feel loved. I was still locked in his embrace as he held me tight. But I could feel the heat coming off his body and it was strong… It was a kind of heat that made me feel safe.I smiled while my head rested on his chest and looked up to see his face.Lucien pulled back just a little bit. He did not let go of my waist. He stayed close enough that our chests were still touching. He stared at me with his eyes. They were dark and seductive and I felt those eyes could see into my soul.They were full of a deep hunger and I could not look away. I did not want to look away. I felt like I was trapped in a beautiful spell.“You are so beautiful, Calla.” Lucien whispered, his voice low a
Lucien's POV The engine of the SUV was the only sound that made noise as I had drifted into silence and decided not to speak.“Lucien?” Calla's voice was a soft whisper, cutting through the hum of the car engines. But I didn't turn to look at her but I could feel her gaze on the side of my face. “You haven't responded to my question. What is it, Lucien? Why are you silent?” I swallowed hard and clenched my jaw. I didn't have an answer that wouldn't scare her or make her feel like I was scared too and didn't want to go on with the plan. I coughed, probably about to speak even though I wasn't going to speak directly, but before I could, Fenric grunted and spoke without looking over his shoulder.“He's silent because he knows the geography of that mountain as well as I do, Calla,” Fenric said, his voice flat. “The western slope you mentioned… if it's really the one with the dead oak and the weeping face rock. That isn't just a path, it's a vertical climb. To be honest, if we are to go
Lucien's POV The transition from the witch’s lair back into the Craglands was within seconds.One moment, I and Calla were submerged into the air like we had passed through a portal. And the next second we were back on our feet on the Craglands ground.Calla's feet buckled beneath her but I caught her immediately, pulling her against myself. “I have you,” I pressed a kiss on her forehead. We had barely taken a step when Fenric rushed toward us, holding Fenris by his arm and dragging him so he followed him.“Lucien! Calla!” Fenric called out, his voice laced with relief. He stopped a few paces away, his eyes darting between us. “You were gone for hours. What happened there? Did you see her? Were you able to reach Willow?”I looked at my Beta, seeing he sweat on his brow and the genuine fear in his eyes. “Yes. We found her, Fenric,” I said, my voice deep. “But it seems the situation is more complicated than we imagined.”Fenris, who had been huddled in his rage, straightened himself
Calla's POV “Willow!” I called out, though my voice didn't make a sound, yet it echoed through the space of connection Elara had built. “Willow, baby, can you hear me? It's Mama.”Willow looked over her shoulder at first, then she turned her head fully and looked straight at me. It had been a long time since I saw the smile that played on her face. It had been a long time since I saw that look. “What are you looking at?” The old man asked.Willow immediately looked away from me and tilted her head. “Nothing. I just felt a rush of cold.” “You are cold? Let me go get you your coat,” the man said, stood up and was coming my way. I instinctively moved away, stood still until he was gone out of the garden.“Mama.” Willow whispered. The word didn't come through my ears, it bloomed inside my heart. “You came. I felt you. I just didn't know where you were.”She rushed and almost touched me but I immediately moved back.“Don't Willow. You can't touch me. If you do, I will be trapped.”She







