The force of the impact left her sprawled on the ground, a trail of blood spreading from where she landed, the harshness of Yennefer's attack shocked me; her mourning dress couldn't hide the intensity of her anger, nor could her tears mask the hostility in her gaze. The scene unfolded in slow motion, the violence of Yennefer's spell stunned me. As I watched Iris struggle to get up, pain evident in every movement, I couldn't help but wonder what had driven Yennefer to this point of viciousness.The forest, once eerily silent, was now filled with the echoes of conflict and despair. It was as if the very walls were absorbing the pain and anguish, amplifying the darkness that seemed to seep from every corner. Yennefer's sudden arrival and her brutal actions raised questions I wasn't sure I wanted to know the answers to. Yennefer paid no heed to anyone or anything as she lunged for Xander's body, hugging him tightly as her sobs grew louder and more anguished. It was as if the pain of los
ETHAN'S POV After walking for three days and nights, we finally reached the barrier at midnight. The air was cooler, but the silence around us felt unnerving, like the calm before a storm. As we approached, I noticed something strangeโdried blood and old skeletons scattered across the ground. The desert sand had almost covered them, but enough remained to catch my eye.I knelt down by one of the skeletons, my fingers brushing away the sand to examine the tattered remains of its clothing. A chill ran down my spine as I recognized the distinctive red crest on the fabric. It belonged to the Red Moon Pack. I stood up, my heart racing. The presence of their remnants here meant something had gone terribly wrong.I signaled my army to halt, my senses alert for any sign of danger. The barrier loomed ahead, a shimmering field that marked the boundary between our world and something unknown. The skeletons told a grim story of what might have happened to those who dared to cross it.I knew I ha
I knelt down, brushing the sand away to reveal more of the fabric. It was unmistakably hers, the intricate design something only she would wear. A surge of anxiety and determination coursed through me. "This has Selene's scent!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with a mix of hope and dread. The scent on the piece of clothing grew stronger, clouding my senses and bringing back memories of our last encounter. "Natalie!" I called out, my voice cutting through the still desert air. She appeared behind me, her presence a comforting reminder of loyalty and friendship."Yes, your Highness," she responded, her eyes wide with concern.I handed her the fabric, my fingers lingering on it for a moment longer than necessary. "Take this and use it to find the Wolf Princess. Go with twenty of our best men. When you find her, tell her everything that has happened. And then, send out the other signal."Natalie nodded, her face set with determination. "I will find her, Your Highness".As she hurried a
ETHAN'S POVWorking with Avery turned out to be far more engaging than I had anticipated. She was brilliant, always one step ahead, calmly providing solutions while I focused on empowering the army. Together, we established our defenses and positioned our troops, ensuring every detail was meticulously arranged. Now, we were only waiting for the Mages to complete their intricate enchantments and wards. Averyโs mind worked like a finely tuned clock, each suggestion she made fitting seamlessly into our overall strategy. We had just finished inspecting the fortifications when she turned to me, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Everything is in place. The Mages should be done soon."I nodded, casting a glance at the distant figures of the Mages, their hands weaving complex patterns in the air. "My two hundred soldiers won't be enough to carry all those materials," I said, eyeing the vast expanse of equipment and supplies that needed to be transported."I know," Avery replied, a knowi
Aunt Agatha hesitated for a moment, her eyes filled with regret. "She... she traveled down to the ancestral spirit world," she said softly.The words hit me like a sledgehammer. "What!!!" I roared, standing up in a fury. "How could you let her do something so dangerousโ""Quit shouting if you want her awake," Aunt Yennefer cut in sharply, her voice slicing through my anger. I swallowed back my words, forcing myself to calm down, though my insides churned with fear and frustration.Taking a deep breath, I turned back to Aunt Agatha. "What exactly is wrong with Sel? Is she still there?" I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of hope and dread.Aunt Agatha nodded, her expression grave. "Her spirit is trapped in the ancestral realm, she came back but passed out, she was dragged back in.The memories was too much for her to handle. Sheโs caught between our world and theirs, unable to return on her own."My heart sank. "Memories?... She entered the memory world?!". I couldn't believe my ears
"I'm not her... No! I'm not her!" Selene's voice echoed through the mist, her words a desperate mantra."Sel!" I called out, my voice tinged with urgency. "Iโm here! Iโve come to take you back!"But she didn't seem to hear me, her eyes wide with fear as she looked at me. I knelt down beside her, ignoring the chill of the spirit world against my skin."Sel, it's me, Claud," I said softly, reaching out to touch her trembling form.She stopped speaking abruptly, her gaze locking onto mine. There was a flicker of recognition in her eyes, a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil."Claudio?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the howling wind."Yes, itโs me," I replied, inching closer but mindful of her fragile state. "We need to go back. Together."Her eyes clouded with uncertainty, tears glistening like diamonds on her cheeks. "I'm not her," she insisted, her voice trembling with fear."I know," I reassured her, extending my hand in a gesture of solidarity. "But we have to leave now
For a moment, there was no response, and fear clenched at my heart like a vice. But then, slowly, Selene's eyelids fluttered open, revealing eyes that were filled with confusion and uncertainty."Claudio?" she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.Relief flooded through me at the sound of her voice. Without hesitation, I reached out and pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close as if afraid she might disappear once more."Sel," I said, my voice choked with emotion. "You're back. You're safe."Aunt Agatha rushed forward, her eyes brimming with tears as she embraced Selene tightly. "Oh, my little flower, you had us so worried," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.Selene buried her face in Aunt Agatha's shoulder, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice muffled against the fabric of Aunt Agatha's robe. "I didn't mean to cause so much trouble."Aunt Agatha pulled back slightly, her hands cupping Selene's face as she looked into her eye
Lucian's eyes flickered with amusement as he straightened. "The honor is mine, Crown Prince. I understand the urgency of the situation. We are here to provide whatever assistance is necessary.""Right! Let's get to work," I replied curtly."Let me fill you in on our progress," Avery said, her tone calm and composed. Lucian nodded, his sly smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Thank you, Princess."As Avery began to walk him through our efforts, Lucian's demeanor shifted. His smile dropped, replaced by a keen, assessing gaze. "I see no sign of the wolves!" he exclaimed, his voice sharp and authoritative.Avery chuckled softly, the sound incongruous with the tension in the air. "Look well, Lucian. Their bones are buried in the sand beneath us," she said, her words dripping with dark humor.I shot her a cold glare, my patience thinning. This was no time for games or macabre jokes.Lucian's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. "What is that supposed to mean?" he asked, his tone icy. It
Blood. Smoke. Screams.The battlefield was chaos incarnate. A blur of blades, claws, and death.Hybrids surged in wavesโdark, snarling creatures with eyes glowing like cursed embers. They didnโt tire. They didnโt 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.โSelene, left!โ Ethan shouted.I spun just in time to see a hybrid leaping at me, its claws ready to rip into my sideโbut Ethanโs blade was faster. It slashed through its midsection, black blood splattering across the ground.Our backs met.Our rhythm was a deadly danceโswing, 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, Rubyโs arrows flew like guided lightningโeach 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 himโEthanโs 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 heโd 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.
โI should get ready,โ I said, brushing my fingers gently down his cheek.He nodded but didnโt move to let me go. โIโll walk you back.โWe 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 distanceโdrums, 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 meโdeep emerald green with silver threads woven through the fabric like whispers of starlight. It flowed around me like mist, soft and regal.โMy lady,โ Ruby breathed as she fixed the last flower in my hair, โyou look breathtaking.โI gave her a small smile and nodded. โThank you, Ruby.When we arrived at the heart of
"My lady, you have not had rest since you left your room this morningโyou 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 loyaltyโฆ it always amazed me."Thank you for your care," I said softly. "Iโm fine. You all can go and prepare for the night festival." I paused, glancing at Ruby with a knowing look. "Let me know when itโs 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 thenโI saw him.โYouโre back,โ he said, and just like that, the tension in his shoulders melted. His eyesโthose deep, storm-touched eyesโlit 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 herโher long silver robes flowing like moonlight, her steps slow but full of purposeโI broke composure and ran.โAunt Agatha!โI 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 differentโfainter, like a flame struggling to stay lit.She stood stiffly, but her hand reached up and gently patted my hair, the motion careful, calming.โMy little flower,โ 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.โAunt Agatha, are you alright? You look unwell.โโIโm alright, little flower,โ she said with a smile that didnโt quite reach her eyes.I didnโt believe her. But I nodded anyway.Now wasnโt the time to argue.โI need the barrier strengthe
SELENE'S POVEthan is rightโnobody is ever truly ready for war.The thought echoed in my mind, sharp and undeniable.His words hadnโt just settled inโthey 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 wasnโt about war alone.It was about him.My mate.My Ethan.My heart clenched painfully as the image of him flickered in my thoughtsโhis eyes dimmed by something that did not belong to him, his voice edged by a force older than memory. I had felt it myselfโฆ when I touched him. A shadow, ancient and relentless, coiled beneath his skin.And now I understood.Irisโs fear hadnโt been overblown or dramaticโit had been real. And now, it was mine too.But there was something elseโฆ something I could control.I could suppress the darkness within himโstill, it, quiet it as a mother calming a violent storm cradled in her childโs soul. I couldnโt remove itโฆ not yet. But I could hold i
The moment I swore those words, the air around us snappedโcharged, 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 firstโlike static crawling beneath my skinโbut it quickly intensified. My breath caught. A pressure built inside me, raw and ancient, tightening around my lungs.But I didnโt let go of her.Not yet.I ground my teeth and forced myself to stay calm. I wouldnโt show weakness. Not in front of her. Not when she needed my strength.But I felt itโsomething 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 fearโbut from the sheer force of what was clawing its way to the surface.โSelene...โ 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 beforeโa 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
Natalieโs 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 scentโfaint 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 sleeveโI 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 didnโt want to face him. I didnโt 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 crackedโmocking me with jagged reflections. I couldnโt even look into my own eyes. I washed my face in silence, scrubbing harder than necessar