Mag-log inELISE’S POVYEARS LATER.The sun was warm that morning. The golden light filled the gardens. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could just sit and breathe without fear sitting heavy in my chest. The air smelled sweet, full of roses, and the world felt gentle again.I sat under the will
Elise’s POVThe world stopped spinning the moment I saw it.The devourer.The thing Gina had called forth twisted behind her in a storm of shadows. Its form shifted into many forms. It was almost too terrible for the eyes to follow. It looked like smoke given flesh, like nightmares sculpted into bei
I swallowed hard. My tears blurred my vision.“Gina,” I whispered “This ends tonight. You and me.”The fight exploded in an instant.The courtyard shook beneath my feet as Gina and I circled each other.Gina tilted her head. Lyra whimpered in her arms. Every time my daughter screamed, the earth spli
ELISE’S POVJackson’s body was warm in my arms, but the life had already drained from his eyes. His lips were parted slightly, as if he still wanted to say something—something he hadn’t gotten the chance to tell me. My throat burned as I swallowed hard. Tears rolled down my eyes.Gina laughed loudly
ELISE’S POVI ran out of the battle field. I let my wolf guide me to Gina’s location. I could already perceive her scent in the air. But then I heard it.The scream.“Help! Someone—please!”My blood ran cold. That voice… it was my mother’s.I didn’t even think. My feet carried me , tracing her voice
ELISE’S POVThe sky darkened, swallowing every trace of sunlight. The eclipse had come.I stood at the window, staring at the darkness in the heavens. My heart was pounding so loud it drowned out the silence. The shadows crawled across the walls of the castle. The air was heavy with dread, and deep
I lifted my hands to cup his face. He trembled under my touch/“You’re not that boy anymore,” I said softly. “You’ve grown. You’ve learned. You’re trying to lead with integrity now. That’s what matters.”He closed his eyes and leaned into my palms. He breathed me in like I was the only air he could
FERRIS’ POV The doors to the palace crashed open as I stormed inside. My blood was boiling, and my fists were clenched so tightly my knuckles cracked. Farrell. That bastard. How dare he speak about Elise that way? The words still rang in my ears, taunting me. Mocking me. I should’ve ripped his th
ELISE'S POV I wanted to believe him. Goddess, I wanted to. But I saw the hesitation in his eyes. The slight pause. That damn flicker of doubt when Ferris told me Joan was lying. His lips said no, but his silence screamed maybe. And that… that was what was driving me to the brink of madness. Bec
ELISE'S POV “Say that again…” I whispered. My throat was tight. I was barely able to summon my breath. My chest rose and fell unevenly. I couldn't process his words. No, this couldn't be happening. Ferris would never do that to me. Farrell didn’t flinch. He didn’t even blink. He stood at t







