LOGINElena's POVOne hour.The phrases reverberated in my mind while Andrew and I hurried to get dressed. The instant we nearly experienced, fading into haste and anxiety."How many?" Andrew asked sharply slipping his shirt over his head."At minimum two hundred." Marcus's expression was somber. "Each one displays symbols. All equipped with arms that..." He paused. "That emit the magical light, as Elena's necklace."My hand shot up to my neck. The pendant throbbed warmly beneath my palm. "Do they possess weapons?""Seized from heritage they've eradicated through the ages." A fresh voice came from the doorway.My father remained there caught in his transformed state...between human and wendigo. His crimson eyes appeared solemn."Victor." Andrews tone was cold. "You brought them here.""No... I was certain they would arrive sooner or later." He entered, with Marcus making way. "Once Elena unleashed her power all Covenant hunters, within a five-hundred-mile radius sensed it. They've been gath
Andrew's PovI smiled."You were amazing." I pressed my face into her hair inhaling her scent. "Amazing and..." My voice faltered. "You rescued us.""We rescued one another." Her arms wrapped around my waist gripping firmly. "Isn't that what partners do?""Right." I leaned back enough to get a view of her face. Blood dripped from her nose. "You're injured.""Simply exhausted. Drawing that energy..." She stumbled once more. "The room keeps turning."I lifted her into my embrace. "Now lets take you to a place where you can relax.""The battle...""Marcus is capable of managing it." I moved toward the door. "At this moment my sole focus is, on you."She said nothing. Simply nestled into my chest relying on me to hold her. The closeness of it...her trust in me despite everything, tightened my throat.I led her into my chambers. Placed her softly on the bed. Began to move to fetch supplies yet her hand grasped mine."Remain." Her eyelids were drooping already. "I beg you. I must..." She st
Andrew's POVThe bond howled.Not pain. Terror. Elena's terror flooding through our connection like ice water in my veins.I was midway, up the staircase organizing the defense against the shadow wolves when it struck me. When her terror turned into mine. I realized...The safe room wasn't safe anymore."Marcus!" I didn’t pause for his reply. I changed direction on the move. Sprinted away.Wolves fled away from my way. I was indifferent to the fight erupting around me. Unconcerned that shadow wolves were breaking through our lines. Unconcerned, with anything except reaching her.The corridor leading to the room was thick with smoke. Enchantment fizzled in the atmosphere ominous. The bolted door I had closed behind me dangled from its frame, like paper.I changed back, to my shape by the doorway. Walked inside.Elena remained in the middle of the room encircled by her grandmother and three shadow wolves. The light from her necklace shone brightly, energy emanating from her in pulses. Y
Elena's Pov She did more than endure. She accepted the darkness your mother shunned. Harnessed its strength for vengeance, than defense." His tone grew firmer. "Shes assembling an army, Elena. Wolves, hunters anyone desperate enough to serve an Ancient.. She wants you at the helm.""I would never...""She understands that. That's why she will attempt to coerce you." He glanced at Andrew. "The full moon arrives in two days. She'll target Elena at that time when the link between you is at its peak. She'll aim to destroy it to cut the bond that provides Elena with stability."Andrews entire body stiffened. "Not while I’m still alive.""That's what she is relying on." My fathers face grew serious. "She thinks that if you're gone, Elena will lack all the support. No cause to hold back from wielding her power. She'll transform into what Marianna chose not to be...a tool of retribution.""So what should we do next?" I inquired.“You finalize the bond." The response didn’t come from my fathe
Elena's POVMy father.The term reverberated in my mind while Andrew and I hurried down the hallways. Pack members dispersed as we went by feeling the stress emanating from their Alpha."It might be a trick," Andrew murmured, his grip firm, on my hand. "The very one who dispatched those ravens. The one who ambushed us in the clearing.""It might actually be him." My voice trembled. "The man responsible, for my mother's death. The one who trafficked me to Kael.""Then I will end him personally."The confidence, in his tone ought to have frightened me. Instead it came across as a shield.We arrived at the border to see Marcus and twenty fighters arranged in a stance. Past them, beyond pack lands, a man was standing.He appeared older than I had recalled. His dark hair was threaded with grey. Deep creases marked the areas, around his eyes and mouth.. The contour of his face, the manner in which he stood...“Papa?" The term escaped, soft and youthful.He recoiled. "Elena. You've matured."
Andrew's PovHer eyes glistened with tears. "You shouldn't talk like that.""Why not?""Because it urges me to trust you. It pushes me to let go of all skepticism and simply..." She withdrew her hand placing it over her heart. "Simply surrender. Despite the fact that surrendering could be the foolish choice I've ever made.""Then act foolishly with me." I rose, circling the table to kneel by her seat. "Take the chance. Allow yourself to slip. I promise on all I'm, love, value and possess, that I will catch you."Her breathing faltered. "Andrew...""I love you." The words spilled forth. "Not your strength. Not your heritage. You. The woman who challenges Selene. Who rescues injured creatures. Who sees me as both the worst choice shes ever taken." My hand reached her cheek thumb gently wiping away a tear. "I love you, Elena Torres.. I will dedicate every single day for the rest of my life showing it if that’s the necessity to make you believe me."She melted into my caress, eyelids shut







