LOGINCadmus’s POVI was holding her hand, my fingers trembling around hers as I watched her pale face. Even pale, she looked so beautiful it almost broke me. The thought of losing her pressed on my chest like a weight, stealing the air from my lungs. What would life be like if she had never woken? Panic clawed at my insides, my heartbeat thundering in my ears, hot and cold flashes running through me as I tried to keep my fear hidden. Her fingers twitched, and she started to stir.Victoria, my love. I kissed her hand as her eyes opened.Cadmus, you saved me, she whispered.Of course. Did you think I could live without you? I kissed her lips.She smiled.You’re in pain, I feel it.I’m healing slowly. Did you find out who did this? It was very sneaky.Not yet, I said. Before I could say more, the satellite phone on the table buzzed loudly, cutting through the silence. My heart leaped in my chest as I snatched it up, adrenaline spiking while I pressed it to my ear. "What?"I waited for two hou
Cadmus’s POVEverything felt blurry. The inside of the wrecked car was filled with the metallic scent of blood and oil, the night air cold against my skin where the shattered window let it in. My hand searched desperately for Victoria, but she was not in the seat beside me. Dazed, I struggled to open my eyes and saw the passenger door hanging wide open. Tracks in the gravel led into the darkness. Someone had taken her.Cadmus, I hear a faint voice, look at me. Finally, my eyes focus and see Balthazar.Victoria? I asked"They took her. I don't know who," Balthazar said. "I called for another car to take us back."No, I need to find her. Now, we can’t lose time. I move, and as I place a foot on the asphalt, it hurts. The pain isn't from my own body—it’s sharp and clear, impossible to ignore. Then I realize: it's not me who’s hurting. It’s her. The bond between us pulses fiercely, a thread of magic that links my senses to Victoria’s. I can feel her pain as if it’s my own, a supernatural
Victoria’s POVI miss my son Abrax so much that sometimes my chest aches with it. Every day, I wonder what Makarius is doing to him, whether he’s treating him well, or if Abrax is scared and missing me just as much. The guilt and helplessness mix together until I can barely breathe.When I learned that Makarius’s mother controls him, I felt a flicker of sympathy. Maybe he isn’t a monster, just trapped like me. I did love him once.That love lingers, confusing and painful. I hate that I still hope—just for a moment—that what we shared was real to him, too. Maybe I need to believe it because it felt real to me.But most days, I don’t know how to hold that hope and my grief at the same time. The longing for Abrax pulls me in one direction, while my anger and regret pull me in another. It’s like I’m always trying to choose between missing my old life and moving forward, but I can’t decide which hurts more." Talk to me, Victoria, Cadmus said, you shut me out again."Cadmus, I want to see
Victoria’s POVThe drive was long, and we were late, pulling up at thick dusk to an abandoned warehouse in the middle of nowhere. The metal doors hung crooked on their hinges, groaning quietly in the wind. Cracked windows let in slivers of dying light, painting jagged patterns across the dusty floor.Our footsteps echoed hollowly as we stepped inside. The air was cold and damp, carrying the scent of rust, mold, and something sharp I couldn’t place. Somewhere water dripped steadily, the sound joining the scuffle of rodents in the shadows. Shadows clung to the walls, making the dark corners feel alive and watchful.Maybe it was a factory long ago, and that's why the building feels so industrial.Just then, Drystan appeared from the shadows. His eyes were fixed on me.Victoria let out a breath, pulling me into a tight hug. His arms felt familiar, like the safety I used to cling to in the worst times. Drystan and I had survived so much together, our childhood spent hiding, looking out for
Cadmus’s POVI watched her sleep because I’m so in love with her. Getting her back eased my pain, but we are far from completing our formal bond. She has no idea who I am or what I’m capable of. Victoria never saw the dark side of me; I hope she never has to. Nothing else matters to me more than her and the kids. No kingdom or money will measure up to her.I replay, in my head, her washing me last night, all worried. Adorable really. I felt her concerns; she was afraid the fever would spike again. Now I don’t even want to move, watch her beautiful face.Betrayal, she had so many, her mind is in chaos, sorting all this mess. Then last night she fought like a true warrior, until she saw her people falling, then she used her power to put a stop to this nonsensical killing. I’m sure it's all Makarius’s doing. Can’t tell her because she has to sort her memories first.She turned, placing her leg on me and her arm on my chest, her breast touching me, and I tried to control myself. My hand s
Victoria’s POVI held Hathor close, his small body shaking in my arms, and gripped Thalia’s hand so tightly my knuckles hurt. We ran through narrow, torch-lit hallways toward the dungeons. Shouts bounced off the stone walls, with frightened voices, crying children, and women pushing little ones into dark corners. The air was thick with smoke and sweat, and the ground felt sticky under my boots. My heart pounded with fear and the urgent need to protect my family.I saw one of our pack members, a tall, anxious man with soot on his cheek, standing against the wall. "You," I shouted, my voice rough, "take care of my children!" I pushed Hathor into his arms. As I let go, a sharp pain shot through me, and I cried out. My eyes searched for the crowd in panic. Where was Cadmus? Someone called out, "He is injured!"Outside, I pushed through the crowd and into chaos beyond the doorway. The air was filled with confusion: screams, clashing weapons, and running footsteps. I grabbed a warrior rushi
Victoria’s POVDad, how is the transition going? I asked as I held Abrax on my hipEveryone has moved in, and the trucks are bringing the supplies and the rest of the furniture.I’m so excited, I can hardly wait to get back. The city is fine, but I belong in the wild.He laughed. My wild girl, you
Balthazar’s POVSixteen years agoSylvia, I shouted, “Where are you?Daddy, Mom is sleeping, shhh.I picked her up and kissed her cheek. My little wolf. What are you up to?Nothing, I play with a bunny, a lizard, and a chicken. I asked them to do funny things, and they listened like they were my fr
"You don’t have to do this, Victoria," he said, reaching out."Don’t touch me. I’ll handle it myself, and then I’m out. Now, are you driving me or not?""Victoria, please, just forgive me.""Forgive you? Are you driving, or should I hail a cab?"Silence.I slammed the door and jabbed the elevator b
The car pulled up to a mansion. A man opened the door for me and took my small suitcase.Mr. Radov is waiting for you in the living area.I basically almost broke into a run. He was walking towards me with his arms open, and I crushed into his chest. He inhaled deeply.One day, I couldn’t stay away







