LOGINVictoria’s POVThe pain kept me alive. The air in the cellar was heavy and cold, pressing against my skin like icy hands. The raw, iron scent of blood filled my nostrils, almost stifling, mixing with the damp, moldy smell of old stone beneath me. Through blurry eyes, I looked to see her outside the narrow, barred window. Blood dripped relentlessly from my hanged arms, pattering onto the grimy floor and echoing faintly in the silence between Sylvia's steps.Sylvia I shouted, come and finish this, leave my children alone.Her eyes looked unhinged.MOTHER, I emphasized the word, you know what I think? You’re the one cursed. Dad has no powers at all, and it’s always your side of the family where these things start. It’s your lineage, not his, that brought this down on us. The curse never belonged to the outsiders—it’s in your bloodline, passing from mother to daughter like a rotten inheritance. I said it laughing, wanting her to feel the sting.For a second, I saw her strong facade fall;
Cadmus’s POVMakarius stood on my left, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist to steady me, while Lucien gripped my right shoulder for support. I leaned heavily on both of them as we moved forward, my steps unsteady. I could feel Balthazar behind us, pressing his aura outwards, a force that made my skin prickle and kept everyone alert.Cadmus, Victoria needs you, he shouted. The weight of her name sent a jolt through me, sharp and cold. Suddenly, images flashed in my mind: the last moment I saw her, the fear in her eyes, the promise I made to protect her. My heart hammered against my ribs, and for a second I couldn’t breathe at all—guilt, fear, and desperation crowding in. But the sound of her name, Victoria, calmed me just enough to keep moving. Breathe, breathe.We are wasting time, get the caravan ready, I shouted when I recovered. We drove to the first fishing town.I gave the trackers the orders and told them to try and blend; we don’t want her to know we’re looking for her. Hou
Sylvia’s POVI stared at the woman who was my daughter; she should never have been born. From the very start, she brought nothing but shadows into my life. I still remember that day that turned into night, and I screamed in pain as she struggled to come out. Until the eclipse was done, she arrived in the world. The elders predicted she would be special, that the Goddess gifted her during the eclipse. But to me, she was a mark of everything I had lost. I couldn’t even look at her. Never really wanted a child. I only wanted Balthazar; he was handsome and strong. His eyes followed me everywhere. I was his universe until she arrived. After her birth, it was like Balthazar slipped away, piece by piece, as if she had stolen all the light left in our lives. She ruined the one thing I ever truly cared about.I threw a bucket of water on her face. She gasped. Her eyes opened and started to focus.Sylvia, she said, smiling, " We finally meet. Do tell, why do you hate me so much?What’s the poin
Victoria’s POVI will not live in fear anymore. Nothing changed. It will not change her hatred for me, it will not change my questions of why?Cadmus was grumpy as they came to take the small bag he had packed. Victoria, follow the rules, stay safe, and remember to text me. I need to know you’re safe every hour." I can take care of myself and have a good trip," I told him. Then Thalia hugged him and went to kiss Amelie. His eyes softened for a moment, then went back to amber cold. I kissed him several times because we hadn’t been away from each other in a long time, and the panic was setting inside me. Inside, it felt like something tight was coiling in my chest. What if something happened to him? What if she found me again while he was gone? The house suddenly felt so much emptier, every shadow longer, every familiar noise sharper. I tried to remind myself of all the ways I was strong, all the dangers I had already survived, but the questions crowded in: what if our luck finally ran
Victoria’s POVTwo months have passed since Amelie was born. Holding her still feels unreal, as though her arrival made me more alive. She’s thriving, gaining weight, and her big green eyes have already charmed Cadmus and the kids. When she looks at me, fierceness and worry mix in my chest—will I ever be enough for her? Some nights I watch her sleep, counting each breath, feeling grateful and terrified at once. I want her to have a happy, safe life. She’ll be spoiled, but I can’t help it. Our home is filled with happiness and hope now.Makarius is the Alpha of the pack, a role that means he leads and protects everyone in our group, settling disputes and making decisions for our safety. In our pack, the Alpha isn't just a ruler but also a caretaker and a guide—everyone has their place, whether as a warrior, caretaker, or member learning their strengths. It was later that afternoon when I noticed Makarius following Thalia like a shadow. They fight all the time, more like she fights and
Cadmus’s POVVictoria's screams twisted inside me. I gripped her hand, desperate to anchor us. Each cry tore through the walls I'd built against fear. My heart pounded, helplessness flooding me with every agonized sound. I wished I could take her pain, but all I could do was hold on and pour all my love and strength into her trembling fingers.Cadmus, listen to me, she said. If anything happens to me… she screamed again."Nothing will happen to you," I said, trying to stay calm, though fear gripped me like a vice inside."Victoria, I see the head! One hard push, come on," the doctor told her. "Push!"Victoria screamed, then fell back onto the pillows. "It's been two hours," I shouted at the doctor.We’re almost there, push again, he saidWith the final, desperate push, Amelie slipped into the world, slick and impossibly tiny. For a moment, everything stilled—then her sharp, raw cry split the hushed tension in the room, loud and vital. Relief crashed over me in a dizzying wave. My brea
Cadmus’s POVI watched her sprawled on the bed, and got aroused again. Chuckled. We enjoyed each other until she went limp. We can finally do things we couldn’t before. My dark side was my beast. I touched her bumps, and the redness was gone. She screamed and moaned, and I was afraid she wouldn’t l
Abrax’s POVSlava and Dad left, and I walked the long hallway, looking behind me. No guard following me.I got inside her office and locked the door. Kan whimpered.I know her scent is disgusting, I told him. Kan, my wolf spirit and constant companion, was restless in my mind. Sharing my head with
Victoria’s POVGerda hugged me softly. Long time no see, and many things have happened.The goddess gave you another chance, and your daughter Thalia is gifted. Her gift is special.The guardians are her shield now.I stood there listening to her, wondering how much she knew. Gerda was a very power
Cadmus’s POVI felt the buzz, and Victoria finally relaxed as she talked to Alice, sitting in my lap. Earlier, we went into the forest just teasing each other. My arm was holding her tight against me. I needed her so badly, but I also want her to relax. Coming back to this place brings bad memories







