"We should head back home and send troops to guard here instead because we are of no use here... Our clan needs us more". Ethan said without batting an eyelid destroying the hopes of the Elders.I wished to comment but I ran out of words, and my head suddenly became blank."Alright then, you both should return, the matter on the ground is greater than we thought, staying here is not the solution... I'm sure we will overcome this!". One of the Elders said. Come to think of it, throughout the discussion this Elder didn't say a word he just watched and listened to the extent that I almost forgot he was in the room and now that he spoke up the other Elders nodded and agreed with him, he must be their chief. [It looks like we will be going back home soon] I said inwardly.[We will be fine] Lena replied.Just when I was trying to calm myself down I heard him say, "I will be leaving tomorrow". It felt like a huge rock was thrown on my chest, I found it difficult to breathe."Why so early?".
ETHAN'S POV"I will be leaving tomorrow". "Why is that? So early?". Odius asked but I couldn't tell him the real reason,"The earlier the better don't you think". I said."At least you will be able to attend tonight's celebration". One. Of the elders said."There is a celebration tonight?". I asked confused."Yes, tonight is the crossover night to a new year, we will be holding a gathering, thank goodness you will be able to attend. You and the princess must not miss it". Odius said.I turned to see Selene only to discover she was not in her seat anymore."It seems like the Princess was feeling unwell so she excused herself". Odius said."It looks like we will have to burden you with the task of informing her". Another Elder said."No problem". I said and stood up instantly as I headed to her room.Knock! Knock!"Princess Selene", I called out but no answer, thoughts were getting the worst of me I patiently called out again."Princess Selene?"."Hold on a sec". I finally heard her vo
8 pmETHAN'S POVSoft yet classy melody filled everywhere, I gently went downstairs, the once white background had now changed to a festive background bringing life to the hall.Everyone wore a beautiful smile on their face as they gulped down their glasses, just then I discovered something, not only humans are in this hall, but there are also witches and other vampires and werewolves. Seems like they are the exiled members."Prince Ethan". I heard my name and turned to see Odius with the other Elders dressed in suits making them look charismatic. "It is a good thing you are here, the more the merrier". Odius laughed."Speaking of which, where is the princess?". Elder Luke asked and I looked around,"She's probably still dressing up, you know Women". I said and they all burst into laughter."I will go get her". I said."There's no need for that, there she is". Odius said and pointed at the stairs.I turned and I saw her, a true Goddess.Her golden brown curls were packed in a low bu
"What!!! Who? What are you saying Sel?". Claudio exclaimed."Ethan... Ethan is my Mate Claudio, I don't know why this is happening to me. He is a hybrid and his wolf isn't awakened yet but Lena can feel the mate bond and I think... I have fallen for him too. I don't know what to do". I busted into tears, I think I have held it in for too long."Shhhhhhhhh... Please don't cry, you know how much I hate it when you do". Claudio said as he embraced me."I don't know what to do!". I cried harder."Please stop crying, I know we will sort things out okay... Please just stop crying ". He wiped my tears immediately and I tried my best to stop crying."What about him? Does he know? Have you told him?". Claudio asked and I shook my head."No, not at all...I don't think I have the guts. Even if I tell him what can he do about it?". I asked and tears welled up in my eyes again as I tried my best to hold it back in."Claudio, I am the next Alpha of the blood moon pack, and he is the son of Nicholas
This bliss didn't even last three seconds because she suddenly pulled away and went farther away from me. "Someone is coming". She said."I know...". I replied and moved closer."W_what are you doing?". She asked."You are an intriguing little goddess, it's like you have two different personalities, one minute you are cold and fierce like a vixen, and the next, you are innocent and cute just like a bunny... You have never failed to pique my interest ". I said and kept coming closer." Someone is coming". She said and moved to the back to avoid me but her back hit the railing.She tried to move to the other side but I trapped her with my hands on the railing."Where do you want to run to huh?"."It will be bad if someone sees us like this Ethan". She said worried."Don't worry she can't do anything about it". I wrapped my hands around her slender waist and pulled her close, "Instead... worry about what I'm going to do to you"."Ethan...".I lowered my head and enveloped her lips with
I woke up to the birds chirping by the window side. Damn, I must have been really tired last night, I didn't even take off my shoes or my hair accessories.Knock!! Knock!!I heard a knock on the door and stood up, "Who is there?". "I have come to bid farewell, Princess Selene".I heard his voice and ran to the door with glee, but then my head slowly registered what he just said changing my mood.'Did he just call me Princess Selene, and he confidently said he came to bid me farewell... Tch! What about last night? Did he forget it all? What happened to him calling me Little Goddess or Selene? Or was it all an act?'I opened the door regardless, but I guess my face couldn't hide the dislike I felt."You are angry? Why is that Princess Selene?". He spoke with a bright smile that annoyed me more, is he playing with me?I glared at him before saying, "Nothing Prince Ethan, I'm just wondering if your farewell was necessary after all our clans are not on good terms". Judging by the way his
Arthur Hunter... Who would have expected I would see the descendant of the Hunter family?Mom always told me about the Hunter family, the strongest force held in the Human world. Back then when there was no peace treaty between the Human world and the supernatural world, the Hunter family was considered a great threat to the supernaturals because of their inhumane abilities despite not being supernatural and their armory which was filled with thousands of weapons that can put an end to the lives of supernaturals.Looking at him I didn't sense anything strange or overbearing, was mom story about them just a myth? Because if not why is their descendant so... Ordinary?But then again, his eyes... So strange, I don't know why but I'm bothered by it. It was like there was a whole world inside of it."Let's get going".Ethan said impatiently, he probably noticed the way I was looking at Arthur with interest.The portal was opened and he looked at me one last time before entering it with the
"Are you kidding me?"." My lady if you refuse us we have nowhere to go!". "Why_". "Just accept them, you do not have any guards assigned to you... so just accept them". Claudio said."Please stand up, you can all go back now, we'll talk about this later". I said I will consider it first."Yes, My lady!". They echoed and left."They genuinely want to serve you". Claudio said."I do not need them!". I said and headed to Mom.On getting to the Alpha's quarters, I was instantly blocked by two wolf guards."Princess, I'm afraid you are not allowed to be here!". They said and I scoffed."Should I take them?". Claudio asked."Don't worry, I will take care of them myself". I replied."Since when does a mere guard dare to stop a princess!? What?... You have been so comfortable in your post that you forgot your title! Even the Alpha didn't stop me so what gives you the right?!". I said and slammed my stick to the ground.They bowed and apologized, "Forgive us, Princess"."Get out of my way
Blood. Smoke. Screams.The battlefield was chaos incarnate. A blur of blades, claws, and death.Hybrids surged in wavesâdark, snarling creatures with eyes glowing like cursed embers. They didnât tire. They didnât retreat. Every time one fell, three more took its place.My sword tore through flesh and bone, spirit energy pulsing with each strike, but still they came.âSelene, left!â Ethan shouted.I spun just in time to see a hybrid leaping at me, its claws ready to rip into my sideâbut Ethanâs blade was faster. It slashed through its midsection, black blood splattering across the ground.Our backs met.Our rhythm was a deadly danceâswing, duck, parry, strike. Two hearts. One beat. One blade.We moved as one.He covered my blind spots. I watched his flanks. The battlefield bent to our pace, enemies falling with each pass. The sky thundered above us, ash raining down like cursed snow.Across the field, Rubyâs arrows flew like guided lightningâeach one landing with deadly precision. Eira
The ringing in my ears faded into screams and the pounding of terrified footsteps. I pushed myself off the ground, my heart thundering as my eyes searched through the smoke and flames."Selene!" I heard him before I saw himâEthanâs voice tearing through the chaos like a blade.I turned just in time to see him rushing toward me, dust and worry etched into every line of his face. I ran to him without thinking and threw myself into his arms. He caught me, holding me like I was air and heâd been suffocating."Are you okay?" he asked, his voice raw, desperate.I nodded quickly, trying to mask the shaking in my limbs. "Help the children," I whispered against his chest.He nodded without question and turned away, already barking orders and shielding the small ones caught in the confusion. I spun around, grabbing a dazed woman by the arm and guiding her behind the larger tents for cover. Another explosion sounded, this one farther away, but no less terrifying.My eyes darted around the crowd.
âI should get ready,â I said, brushing my fingers gently down his cheek.He nodded but didnât move to let me go. âIâll walk you back.âWe walked hand-in-hand regardless of the eyes on us, the soft grass cool beneath our feet, until the lights of the pack grounds began to shimmer ahead of us, little orbs of amber and gold floating through the air like fireflies. Music thrummed faintly in the distanceâdrums, flutes, laughter, and the sweet scent of roasted honey fruit and grilled spice meat drifted through the air.The Night Festival had begun.He left to get ready while I also prepared.By the time Ruby came to get me, I had already changed into the dress Imara picked for meâdeep emerald green with silver threads woven through the fabric like whispers of starlight. It flowed around me like mist, soft and regal.âMy lady,â Ruby breathed as she fixed the last flower in my hair, âyou look breathtaking.âI gave her a small smile and nodded. âThank you, Ruby.When we arrived at the heart of
"My lady, you have not had rest since you left your room this morningâyou look pale," Ruby said, her voice laced with concern."My lady, just let us do the rest," Eira chimed in gently.Imara gave a small, firm nod beside her.I smiled at them, warmth blooming in my chest. Their loyaltyâĶ it always amazed me."Thank you for your care," I said softly. "Iâm fine. You all can go and prepare for the night festival." I paused, glancing at Ruby with a knowing look. "Let me know when itâs almost time.""Yes, my lady," they said in perfect unison before walking off, leaving a quiet hush in their wake.I turned and made my way back to Serene Lake.And thenâI saw him.âYouâre back,â he said, and just like that, the tension in his shoulders melted. His eyesâthose deep, storm-touched eyesâlit up like a dawn I could only dream of.I smiled, a real one this time, from somewhere deeper than my bones. I nodded, and before I could say a word, he was already on his feet, wrapping me in his arms.His hug
The second I saw herâher long silver robes flowing like moonlight, her steps slow but full of purposeâI broke composure and ran.âAunt Agatha!âI threw my arms around her before I could stop myself.She felt thinner than I remembered. Her once-strong frame now felt like delicate twigs beneath soft velvet. Her scent was familiar, earthy and warm, but there was something differentâfainter, like a flame struggling to stay lit.She stood stiffly, but her hand reached up and gently patted my hair, the motion careful, calming.âMy little flower,â she murmured.I pulled back just enough to look into her face. Her eyes, once sharp with mischief and magic, were shadowed by fatigue. Her cheeks were hollow, her skin pale beneath the soft lines of age and wisdom.âAunt Agatha, are you alright? You look unwell.ââIâm alright, little flower,â she said with a smile that didnât quite reach her eyes.I didnât believe her. But I nodded anyway.Now wasnât the time to argue.âI need the barrier strengthe
SELENE'S POVEthan is rightânobody is ever truly ready for war.The thought echoed in my mind, sharp and undeniable.His words hadnât just settled inâthey rooted themselves in my chest, heavy and unrelenting. The truth of what was coming was no longer some distant threat. It was here. And it was hungry.But my fear wasnât about war alone.It was about him.My mate.My Ethan.My heart clenched painfully as the image of him flickered in my thoughtsâhis eyes dimmed by something that did not belong to him, his voice edged by a force older than memory. I had felt it myselfâĶ when I touched him. A shadow, ancient and relentless, coiled beneath his skin.And now I understood.Irisâs fear hadnât been overblown or dramaticâit had been real. And now, it was mine too.But there was something elseâĶ something I could control.I could suppress the darkness within himâstill, it, quiet it as a mother calming a violent storm cradled in her childâs soul. I couldnât remove itâĶ not yet. But I could hold i
The moment I swore those words, the air around us snappedâcharged, alive. The wind stirred unnaturally, rustling the trees in a sudden gust. A strange pulse rippled through my chest like a silent drumbeat.Then came the burn.Subtle at firstâlike static crawling beneath my skinâbut it quickly intensified. My breath caught. A pressure built inside me, raw and ancient, tightening around my lungs.But I didnât let go of her.Not yet.I ground my teeth and forced myself to stay calm. I wouldnât show weakness. Not in front of her. Not when she needed my strength.But I felt itâsomething inside me shifting. Unfurling. Watching.A presence that did not belong.I drew in a sharp breath and finally released her, rising to my feet. The earth trembled beneath me, only slightly, but I felt it. Power thrumming just beneath the surface of my skin. My hands were shaking, not from fearâbut from the sheer force of what was clawing its way to the surface.âSelene...â I turned from her, holding out my h
I clenched my fists so tight that my nails dug into my palms. The words came out in a low, jagged rasp, each one heavier than the last. "A force on par with the celestial realm. The maker of the mutated hybrids that terrorized our realm... and the human realm. The dark overlord." The weight of those words seemed to settle over the room, thickening the air, and I could feel my chest tightening as if the mere mention of that name might bring terror to it."Alexander the First," Alpha Lucas completed, his voice colder than usual. His expression matched the gravity of the situation, something I'd seen beforeâa reflection of deep worry masked by controlled composure.But then my gaze turned to Selene, and everything in me stilled. She was sitting there, poised as always, her fingers curled around her teacup with quiet elegance. There was no sign of shock, no flicker of fear, nothing that should've been there when faced with such a threat. She was... calm. Too calm.And then she smiled.It
Natalieâs knock was soft, almost timid. "Your Highness, Alpha Lucas summons you." Her voice pulled me from the wreckage of my thoughts. I stood slowly, my limbs aching, my mind a haze of guilt and regret. The room still reeked of her scentâfaint now, like a ghost clinging to the edges of my soul. I opened the door, and Natalie stood there, her expression tight with worry. Her eyes darted to the blood on my sleeveâI had missed a spot. "Find Claudio," I said quietly. "Tell him to please check up on her." She gave a small nod and turned without a word. I shut the door and leaned against it for a second, exhaling shakily. My heart thudded dully against my ribs. I didnât want to face him. I didnât want to face anyone. Not when my hands had nearly taken everything from me. I dragged myself into the bathroom. The mirror above the sink was crackedâmocking me with jagged reflections. I couldnât even look into my own eyes. I washed my face in silence, scrubbing harder than necessar