Hope's POV.The sound of the waterfall grows louder as I follow Malakar toward it, my heart pounding harder with every step. He’s already waist-deep in the water now, his bare chest glistening beneath the falling spray. His long black hair is slicked back, dark and wet, and he looks like something carved out of shadow and storm — wild, untamed, and heartbreakingly beautiful.He reaches out a hand to me, his yellow eyes glowing softly in the dappled light.“Come here, Hope.”I hesitate for a breath, then step out of my shoes and slowly strip off my clothes — not out of seduction, but reverence. Every movement feels intentional, like shedding the weight of everything I’ve carried. I want this moment. I want him.The water is cool when I step in, but it’s not unpleasant. Not with the warmth of the sun on my skin. Not with Malakar standing there, waiting for me. Watching me.He pulls me into his arms the moment I reach him, my body crashing softly into his. The water swirls around us, and
Hope's POV."Where are you taking me, Malakar?" I ask with a giggle in my voice as I trail along behind Malakar. He's holding onto my hand as he leads me through the forest blinfolded."You'll see soon enough. Patience my sweet mate." His voice filled with playful wonder.My stomach turns once, twice with excited curiosity. I honestly don't know what's gotten into him today, but I like this side of him... a lot - playful, mysterious, excited. It's a side that I haven't really seen before, not surprising at all with everything that's been going on. I mean, I first met Malakar because he had a silver bullet lodged between his ribs and needed a skilled pair of hands to remove it, and ever since that fateful day, our lives together have been one battle after the other - whether it be a physical one or an emotional one. We haven't exactly had much time to just enjoy being with one another.Malakar suddenly stops and steps in behind me. I can feel the warmth radiating from his body -just be
Velara's POV.I watch Malakar walk away — tall, proud, and so heartbreakingly familiar. My son. My beautiful boy. There’s still so much we haven’t said to each other, still wounds left to heal, but we’re trying. And that’s something. Maybe even everything.The door creaks softly behind me, and I don’t need to turn to know who it is. I feel him before he speaks — I always do.“He’s looking more and more like you every day,” Vladimir murmurs beside me, his voice a low balm against the breeze.I smile, my heart tugging. “No. He’s stronger than I ever was at that age.”“He’s stronger because he had to be. But that strength — that heart — comes from you.”I glance at him, raising a brow. “I thought you hated when I got sentimental.”“I do,” he says with a smirk. “But I love you more than I hate sentiment.”I laugh — soft and real. He offers me his arm, and I loop mine through his without hesitation.“Come,” he says. “Walk with me.”We slip into the woods without another word, following one
Malakar's POV.I open my eyes slowly, reluctantly. Early morning light streams through the open curtains, casting a soft, golden hue across the room. The first thing I become aware of is Hope standing in front of the dresser, holding a blue shirt up to the light. She considers it for a moment, then tosses it over her shoulder. The same fate befalls a red one, a white one, and a black one — until she finally settles on a pale green shirt.She pulls it over her head, smoothing the fabric before running her fingers through her hair — attempting, with little success, to tame the wild waves. I watch her, quietly, captivated by how effortlessly beautiful she is, even in these small, mundane moments.“Good morning,” I drawl, my voice still thick with sleep.She glances at me in the mirror, a sensual smile curving her lips. “Morning, handsome.”“You’re in a good mood today.” I smile, propping myself up on one elbow.She shrugs lightly, playful.“What are you up to?” I ask, my curiosity piqued
Lucian's POV.The room slowly begins to thin out — everyone retreating into their own thoughts, their own shock. The revelation Emory gave us felt like a blow to the chest. Everyone’s still reeling — especially Hope. She hasn’t said another word since Emory told her the truth. Malakar hasn't left her side for even a second, and honestly, I don't blame him. If I were in his place, I wouldn't either.Emory shifts beside the window, wrapping her arms around herself as though she's trying to hold herself together. She doesn't look at anyone. The guilt is painted so clearly across her face, I wonder if anyone else notices it the way I do. Probably not. They’re too focused on the betrayal — on the secret she kept.She clears her throat softly, drawing the attention of the room once more."I should go," she says quietly. "I need to get back to my pack, they'll have a few questions of their own. I’ll give you all time… to process."Her voice falters a little on that last word. I know it's not
Hope's POV.The room is so quiet I can hear the distant ticking of a wall clock and the hum of electricity in the light above. Everyone is staring at Emory — but I can’t take my eyes off her. My best friend. My confidante. A wolf. A spy.My stomach twists into a thousand knots, but I keep my voice steady. Barely.“And how the hell were you supposed to do that?”Emory doesn’t answer immediately. Her jaw tightens, her hands fidget. She looks like she’s about to be sick. I want to feel sorry for her, but the fury in my veins doesn’t allow for it. Not yet.She takes a breath, and when she speaks, her voice is quiet — but devastating.“Whatever I had to.”The words land like a punch to the chest. I stumble a step back.“What does that mean?” My voice shakes, and I hate it. “Kill me if I turned out to be dangerous? Poison me? Snap my neck in my sleep?”Emory flinches. “Hope… I didn’t want that. I didn’t want any of that. But I had to be prepared.”The room shifts — Velara straightens. Talon