Ember Frost’s POVI found myself staring at my mother's face, following every familiar line as if it were a mirror reflecting my future. The similarity between us was unmistakable, a gentle reminder of the importance of family ties. One day, I'd mature into her looks, with the same form of eyes and lips. But what I doubted I could ever inherit was the grace—the softness, the elegance—that seemed to radiate effortlessly from her.My mother settled beside me on the bed, and we drifted into easy conversation. It had become her quiet ritual ever since the day I was brought back to her. I understood she was trying to heal the years we’d missed, filling the gaps with warmth and presence. The effort touched me deeply, and I savored the comfort of finally being treasured.“Sweetheart, your body is already telling you what you need,” she said warmly, catching me mid-yawn again. “Rest now. Tomorrow is waiting, and you’ll want all your strength when it comes.”Perhaps, sleep was the only escape
Ember Celeste Frost’s povFor a long moment, he said nothing. No, yes, no, no, just that calm, unreadable expression that left me guessing.My father stayed silent, his gaze fixed on him. I wasn’t sure what was happening, so my eyes flicked back and forth between the two of them.Sir Orion seemed like a completely different man now. The playful, charming boy who had tried to tease me moments ago was gone. His lips were set in a firm line, and he met my father’s gaze without an ounce of hesitation. At last, I saw the courage and strength that marked him as a true warrior.My father’s expression had shifted, and now he seemed intimidating. His eyes radiated dignity, seriousness, and something else I couldn’t quite name. Usually kind and playful with me, at this moment, I couldn’t bring myself to meet his gaze. I didn’t have the courage.I held my breath, certain the standoff would last forever, until Orion moved aside.“I am deeply honoured, Your Majesty.”His smile was perfect, yet som
Ember Celeste Frost's pov I wandered a short distance away and found a patch of grass to settle on. Around me, laughter rose, friends teasing one another, voices trading silly jokes that meant nothing yet filled the air with warmth. It was such an ordinary moment, so simple, yet as I sat there surrounded by their joy, I felt an ache swell in my chest. My eyes stung, and I had to blink hard to keep the tears from falling.I felt a surprising lightness. The constant gnawing inside no longer had to plague me every day. I wouldn’t drag anyone down now. Lying so close to the palace, I felt a strangely liberating freedom. I wished my parents and Klaus could see me — the thought of their sorrow if they found me gone knotted my stomach. I’d been reckless; I should have left a note to spare them the worry.More than anything, I wanted to finish training and return stronger — to stand before my family, my pack, even Owen, with a different fire in me. Looking back, I see it wasn’t his rejection
Ember Celeste Frost's Point of View.It didn’t take long for my body to reclaim itself. At eighteen something in me was shifting—my wolf waking from sleep—and what would have finished a mere human only bruised me. I healed in weeks, proof that I was no longer helpless.The revelation hit me like a storm: I’d never been a mere human. For eighteen years, I lived in ignorance, blind to the wolf curled inside me. Confusion clawed at me, but life pushed me forward. Owen’s rejection faded to the background—what consumed me was the coming shift, the moment when I’d finally embraced the wolf I was meant to be. My parents stood by me every step, especially my mother. She fussed over me like I was a baby, teaching me everything I needed to know to step into adulthood. Truth be told, I was already grown and had learned much of this on my own, but I held my tongue, not wanting to dim her joy. I treasured these lost days with them, and we both poured our hearts into making up for the years snatch
Owen Greystone's povThe howls hadn’t stopped all night. Some were wolves in mourning, while others were the cries of Mrs. Frost’s endless wailing. I didn’t need to be in her house to hear her grief—it spilt through the pack like smoke, choking anyone who stayed too long.Ember’s death broke her in a way I couldn’t understand. “Just last night she was laughing in this very room, full of dreams for the ceremony… and now, before the day has even begun, she is only a memory. Tell me, how can a heart endure such a cruel turn?”“Selene, please… don’t torment yourself. What’s done cannot be undone. We have to keep moving forward.” Mr. Frost comforted her softly, his voice a gentle anchor amidst her grief.“A muffled cry escaped her throat. ‘I just can’t understand… Why would she leave us so suddenly, on a day meant for joy? Why today of all days—why without a single word?”“Mother!’ Klaus burst from the forest, dripping wet, his tangled hair sticking to his face.”Mrs. Frost gripped him fi
Owen Greystone's povI've been waiting patiently for news on Ember, my heart thumping in my chest, a tight knot of tension I couldn’t shake. Deep down, I knew she couldn’t pull off some grand magic trick, appearing out of thin air under the light like a magician revealing it was all a clever illusion. The hope felt foolish, a childish fantasy I couldn’t indulge.The pack kept searching along the riverbank, their footsteps heavy with exhaustion. We turned up scattered remnants—pretty high heels glinting in the mud, a worn pair of shoes, a broken bracelet, and a bloody rag caught on a rock. Each find twisted the knife of certainty deeper. That was enough to convince me she wouldn’t show up again. A wolf-less human, frail and injured, falling from that towering cliff – there was no way she’d survived. Even if we didn’t find her body, the evidence painted a clear picture. The river’s current was merciless, and her lack of strength confirmed her fate.My father moved to comfort Mr and Mrs