Amara’s POVThe air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew as the sun cast a golden glow over the park. Elian had insisted we meet here for “something different,” and I had reluctantly agreed, unsure of what to expect. When I arrived, I found him waiting by a clearing, dressed casually in a black hoodie and joggers. He looked like he belonged there—calm, composed, and in control. “You’re late,” he teased, a small grin tugging at his lips. I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. “What’s this all about, Elian?” His grin widened. “Self-defense lessons.” I blinked. “Self-defense?” He nodded, stepping closer. “You need to know how to protect yourself, Amara. Life’s unpredictable, and it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.” I frowned, feeling a mix of annoyance and curiosity. “And you’re the expert now?” “Let’s just say I’ve had my share of training,” he said cryptically, his gray eyes glinting with amusement. “Now, are you going to argue, or do you want to learn?” “Okay,” he began, stand
Amara’s POVThe next few days were a blur. I couldn’t shake the memory of that strange power surging through me. I avoided Elian, not ready to face his questions—or my own. But he didn’t give up on me. I found him waiting for me one crisp morning, leaning casually against the wrought iron gate. His sharp gray eyes softened when they met mine. “We’re doing this again,” he said, no preamble, no hesitation. I groaned, brushing past him. “I don’t have time for this.” “You don’t have time to figure out what you’re capable of?” he asked, falling into step beside me. “You’re stronger than you think, Amara, but ignoring it won’t make it go away.” I stopped and turned to face him. “And what if I don’t want to be strong? What if I just want to be... normal?” He tilted his head, studying me. “Do you really believe that? After everything you’ve been through?” His words struck a chord. Normal wasn’t something I’d had the luxury of for a long time. Maybe it was time to accept that I never wo
Amara’s POVThe rogue attack had been a turning point. Not just for the blood spilled or the secrets revealed, but for the fire ignited within me. A fire that refused to be extinguished. After Kane’s retreat, Elian and I returned to the forest cabin. The air was thick with the promise of change, and for the first time in a long while, I felt it too. My power, raw and untamed, was no longer just a spark. It was a storm waiting to be unleashed. “Elian,” I said the next morning, my voice resolute. “I need to be stronger. I need to control this.” He studied me, his blue eyes searching mine for hesitation. When he found none, he nodded. “Then let’s begin.” Our training pushed me to my limits and beyond. Elian didn’t hold back, testing my endurance, my focus, my will. Each lesson was more grueling than the last, but I welcomed it. “Your magic isn’t just a weapon,” Elian explained, watching as I summoned a glowing orb of fire in my palm. “It’s a part of you, Amara. It’s your essence. St
Amara’s POVThe morning had been a blur of whispers and stolen glances. The entire school seemed to be buzzing with the fact that I was back, stronger, different.I caught snippets of conversations in the hallways: “Did you see her? She’s not the same Amara.”“She looks... powerful. Untouchable.” “Do you think she’ll even talk to them again?”It was strange, hearing people talk about me as though I were a legend or some untouchable force. If only they knew the truth—that beneath the hardened exterior, I was still the girl who had once been shattered into pieces. I was trying to hold myself together when I saw him. Ryder stood in the parking lot, leaning against a lamppost, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. His hair was messy, his expression unreadable, but his eyes... his eyes searched the crowd until they found mine. A lump formed in my throat. My chest tightened, memories of his betrayal flashing through my mind like a cruel montage. Kiera, my wolf, growled low in my head
Amara’s POVThe night had fallen with an eerie quietness, the kind that made everything feel a little too still. I sat near the window, gazing up at the moon. Its soft glow bathed the room in a pale light, offering a small sense of peace in the chaos that had overtaken my life. The sound of footsteps broke the silence, and I stiffened. My heart skipped a beat when I saw who it was. Caden. He stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable, his eyes shadowed with a deep sadness that mirrored the storm brewing inside me. I hadn’t expected him to be here—not after everything that had happened. “Caden,” I whispered, my voice shaking. “What are you doing here?”His eyes locked with mine, and I saw something flicker in them—pain, guilt, and a loneliness I could almost touch. It made my chest ache. “How did you know where I live?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know the answer. He took a step forward, his eyes never leaving mine. “I asked around. I.
Amara's POV Next morning at school I sat at my desk, trying to steady my breathing. My mind was a storm—last night with Caden, his brokenness, his confession. His pain was etched in my mind like a scar. He wasn’t lying. I could feel it in the way his voice trembled, the way his body seemed to shatter in my presence. But what could I do? His words didn’t erase the betrayals or the wounds they had inflicted. I brushed away the thoughts and dressed for school. Elian, sensing my unease, gave me a subtle nod before I left the house. “You’re ready, Amara. Whatever happens today, remember who you’ve become.” The reminder bolstered my courage, even if only slightly. When I arrived at school, the familiar whispers began. My presence, once timid and invisible, now commanded attention. Heads turned, and I could feel their stares lingering. I ignored them, focusing instead on the steady rhythm of my steps. I was walking toward my locker when I felt the presence. Not one, but two. “Amara.”
Ryder’s POV The tension in the house had been unbearable for days, and it was only getting worse. I couldn’t even step into a room without Jaxon’s glare burning a hole through me. Caden was barely speaking to anyone, lost in his thoughts and sulking in the shadows. This curse wasn’t just destroying Amara—it was tearing us apart. I was sitting in the study, nursing a glass of whiskey and staring blankly at the fireplace when the door slammed open. Jaxon stormed in, his face flushed with anger. “You’re a real piece of work, Ryder,” he spat, his voice dripping with venom. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “What now, Jaxon?” “You don’t even care, do you?” he snarled, stepping closer. “You’re the reason she left. You’re the reason everything is falling apart!” I stood, setting the glass down with a loud thunk. “Don’t pin this all on me. We all had a hand in hurting her, or did you forget your little stunt with Stephanie?” His fist came flying before I could react, connectin
Amara's POV The bell rang, signaling the start of the next class, but I couldn’t care less. My head was pounding, my chest felt heavy, and my wolf’s restless energy made it hard to focus. The weight of everything—the photographs, the betrayal, Ryder, Jaxon, Caden, Selena, Stephanie—it was all crashing down on me. I couldn’t take it anymore. I grabbed my bag and bolted from the classroom, ignoring the teacher’s voice calling after me. The hallway was thankfully empty as I made my way to the washroom. Once inside, I locked the stall door and leaned against it, letting out a shaky breath. The silence was deafening, and the emotions I had tried so hard to suppress came rushing back. Sliding down to the floor, I buried my face in my hands and let the tears flow freely. My wolf stirred inside me, her anguish matching my own. “Why do you still hurt for them?” she asked, her voice sharp but laced with pain. “They don’t deserve your tears.”“I know,” I whispered aloud, my voice trembling.
Jaxon's POV And in the darkness, with no one watching, I finally let go. My touch roamed, possessive and demanding, learning every inch of her body like a map, committing every curve and gasp to memory. My control slipped. My fingers dug into her hip, marking her soft skin. But she only arched closer. It wasn’t enough. I couldn't get close enough, couldn’t taste enough, couldn't give her enough of what I felt. It would never be enough. And in that moment, I knew. I knew I would burn the whole world to ash before I gave her up. I would break every rule, tear down anyone who dared try to take her away, and keep her safe no matter the cost. Because Amara was mine. And I would rather die than lose her. --- Amara's POV I couldn't breathe. His lips, his touch, the way his hips moved against mine—every part of him was fire, and I was burning. His touch was rough, desperate, his control slipping. I wanted it to slip. I wanted him to stop hiding, to show m
Jaxon's POV I stayed with her until her breathing evened out again, until the tremble in her hands stopped. But even then, I couldn’t shake the image of Alex’s hand resting on her lower back, the way he looked at her like she was something he had a right to touch.He didn’t.She wasn’t his to lean toward, to whisper to like he knew her heart.She wasn’t mine either. Not really.But God help anyone who thought they could take her.The second Amara excused herself to head to the infirmary for a quick check, I stood. My body was already tense, fists tight at my sides as I tracked Alex down the hallway that led to the east courtyard.He was alone—good. I didn’t want an audience.“Alex,” I called out.He turned, surprised to see me. “Hey, Jaxon. What’s up?”I didn’t respond. Just kept walking until I was toe-to-toe with him.He looked at me carefully. “Everything okay?”“No. It’s not.” My voice was low, steady. Dead calm—the kind of calm that comes right before the storm.His expression t
Jaxon's POV The sun bore down on the academy training grounds like it had a personal vendetta. Heat shimmered off the concrete in waves, and the clang of steel-on-steel rang out like a war drum. Students lined up in pairs, sparring and barking at each other like rabid dogs under the instructor’s glare. Dust clouded the air with every scuffed boot.But none of that mattered to me.Because all I could focus on was her.Amara.She stood across the field, squared up against a taller opponent, sweat dripping down the side of her temple. Normally, she’d be focused, graceful—even lethal—but today?Something was off.Her steps were slower, her reactions a beat late. Her face was pale, like someone had drained the life from her skin. I watched her sway slightly, blink too long between parries.My gut clenched.“Switch!” barked the instructor, and Amara stumbled back from the next attacker.No. This wasn’t right.I started moving before I even made the decision, weaving past students until I r
Amara’s POV The dawn broke over the pack territory, painting the sky in hues of bruised purple and hesitant gold, a reflection of the uneasy truce that had settled over us. The immediate threat of the entity’s direct influence had been severed, but the lingering tension remained, a palpable awareness of the storm that was yet to break. The raw line across my arm throbbed, a constant reminder of the price of our temporary reprieve. Weakness still clung to me, a lingering drain from the magical exertion and the severing of the unnatural bond. But beneath the physical fragility, a new resolve began to solidify, forged in the crucible of fear and sacrifice. We knew the entity would not remain silent for long. Its enraged shriek still echoed in our memories, a promise of retribution. The time of desperate defense was over; we needed to prepare, to gather our strength, and to meet the coming darkness head-on. Lyra and her warriors, their commitment unwavering, pledged to remain with us
Amara’s POVThe air in the library crackled with an almost unbearable tension, the chanting of Lyra’s mages a resonant hum that vibrated through the very floor beneath our feet. The swirling energies intensified, bathing the room in an ethereal glow, the ancient symbols on the floor blazing with an inner light. The weight of the moment pressed down on us, the precipice of hope balanced precariously against the abyss of potential failure.My hand trembled as I held the ceremonial dagger, its silver blade reflecting the frantic dance of candlelight. The unwavering gazes of Ryder, Caden, and Jaxon were fixed on me, their love a tangible force, a silent offering of courage and support. Tears streamed down my face, a torrent of fear, love, and a desperate grief for the sacrifice they were willing to make.“There has to be another way,” I choked out, my voice thick with emotion. “I can’t…”“You have to, Amara,” Ryder said, his voice low but firm, his silver eyes filled with an unyielding re
Amara’s POV The discovery of the severing ritual ignited a fragile spark of hope amidst the encroaching darkness, but the ancient text’s ominous warnings cast a long shadow over our preparations. The need for a convergence of powerful magical energies immediately turned our thoughts to Lyra and her pack. Their inherent connection to the wild, their unique blend of elemental magic, could be the key to fulfilling the ritual’s demanding requirements.A tense message was sent to Lyra, outlining the dire situation and the perilous ritual we intended to undertake. The inherent risk was undeniable, and the potential consequences of failure were catastrophic. We held our breath, the weight of our desperation hanging heavy in the air, unsure if she would be willing to risk her pack, and potentially herself, for our sake.Lyra’s response, when it finally arrived, was a testament to the strength of our fragile alliance and the depth of her own courage. She agreed to come, bringing with her her
Amara’s POV The discovery of the mark sent a shockwave of fear and a fierce surge of protectiveness through our small circle. The tangible evidence of the entity’s growing influence, the cold, alien symbol etched onto my skin, served as a stark and terrifying reminder of the danger we were facing. The whispered claim, echoing in the silence of our bedroom, felt like an icy tendril wrapping around my soul.My mates reacted with a primal intensity. Ryder’s protective instincts went into overdrive. He positioned himself physically between me and any open space, his silver eyes constantly scanning for unseen threats, his body radiating a fierce, possessive energy. Caden’s alpha command, usually reserved for pack matters, now extended to me, a low, insistent urging to stay close, to not venture out of their sight. Jaxon, his playful facade completely shattered, became a silent, watchful shadow, his dark eyes narrowed with a dangerous intensity, his hand often resting protectively on my ar
Amara’s POV The seed of suspicion regarding Gareth, once planted, began to take root and send tendrils of doubt throughout our perceptions. My mates and I observed him with a newfound scrutiny, every interaction, every subtle gesture now viewed through the lens of potential betrayal. His fervent pronouncements against the alliance with Lyra, his almost frantic insistence on isolating ourselves, took on a more sinister hue.We began to notice inconsistencies in his stories, gaps in his whereabouts during some of the “accidents.” He seemed overly eager to deflect blame, his denials too vehement, his gaze often shifty and evasive when questioned directly. The more we observed, the more a chilling picture began to form – a picture of a man subtly influenced, perhaps even controlled, by the malevolent entity.The realization was a sickening blow. Gareth was not just a pack member; he was someone we had trusted, fought alongside, shared meals and laughter with. The thought that he could be
Amara’s POV The escalating strangeness around the pack territory, coupled with the chilling weight of my nightmare and Elijah’s unsettling revelations, began to sow seeds of unease and even suspicion within the pack. The once-unquestioning trust that bound us together began to fray at the edges, replaced by nervous glances and hushed conversations.The withered section of the forest remained a stark and disturbing reminder of the encroaching darkness, a palpable manifestation of the malevolent entity’s growing power. The animals continued to behave erratically, their fear a contagious wave that rippled through the pack. Even the most steadfast warriors seemed on edge, their usual confidence replaced by a nervous tension.Whispers began to circulate, quiet at first but gradually growing louder. Some of the pack members, their fear overriding their loyalty, began to question the alliance with Lyra’s pack. The shared strangeness in the forest, the unsettling feeling of being watched – i