NOAH'S POV "Run, Noah. Run. Don’t look back." The voice in my head was urgent, desperate. I didn’t recognize it, but I obeyed without question. I ran. My legs moved before I could think, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I pushed forward. The forest was endless, the thick trees casting ominous shadows beneath the pale glow of the moon. My lungs burned, my legs ached, my heart pounded like a drum inside my chest, but I didn’t dare stop. Not with the thundering sound of paws chasing behind me. They were hunting me. But why? A sharp gust of wind howled through the trees, carrying with it a deep, guttural growl that sent chills down my spine. My pulse roared in my ears. They were close. Too close. Branches snapped beneath my feet as I dodged between towering trunks, trying to escape. Panic clawed at my chest, threatening to choke me. I didn't know where I was running to, just that I had to get away. Then, silence. The heavy footsteps behind me stopped. I staggered to a halt,
NOAH'S POV The warehouse stood in eerie silence before us, its rusted exterior blending into the surrounding darkness. The air was thick with tension, just like the when we came that day. Every nerve in my body on high alert. Professor Rex and I had come prepared, tools in hand, ready to force our way inside if necessary. But as professor Rex reached for the door, it swung open without resistance. I froze. It wasn’t locked. But it was before. He turned to me, his amber eyes narrowing. “ something is not right.” A cold shiver ran down my spine. They knew we were coming. He pushed the door open, stepping in first, his movements cautious yet firm. I followed closely, my heart pounding in my chest. The inside was dark, save for the faint glow of the moon filtering through the broken windows. But the moment we stepped inside, dread settled deep in my stomach. The place was empty. Completely abandoned. Like whatever. Or whoever, had been here had vanished just before we arrived.
ARES’ POV The storm raged outside, matching the fury burning inside him. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white with pressure. His mind replayed everything that had happened at the warehouse—the betrayal, the emptiness, the undeniable proof that someone had snitched. And the only people who knew about that place were Noah and Jason. Jason was his Beta, his brother in arms. Jason would never betray him. Which left only one person, Noah. A snarl ripped from Ares’ throat as he sped through the wet streets. How could he have been so blind? The signs were all there—the strange aura around Noah, the unnatural way he had survived the attacks, the coincidences that kept piling up. He had ignored his instincts, pushed aside his suspicions, all because of some unexplainable pull he felt toward that boy. That traitor. His jaw clenched as he turned the car around, his golden eyes flashing dangerously. He wasn’t done yet. If Noah thought he could play him for a foo
NOAH'S POV The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the faint glow of the bedside lamp, casting soft shadows around my room. I inhaled deeply, my muscles aching as I shifted. The scent in the air was familiar—home. My room. Lucas must have came for me. I sighed, rubbing my temples as memories from earlier flooded back. Professor Rex… He left me there. Just walked away as if I meant nothing. His lack of trust stung me more than I cared to admit. I had trusted him, even if just a little. I didn't for once doubted him. Never again. If he wasn’t going to trust me, I’d make him. I would prove to him that I wasn’t some clueless fool, that would betrayed him. But that meant I had to work on the evidence I have alone. A loud boom of thunder shook the room, making me jolt upright. My chest tightened instinctively, my breath hitching. The storm was still raging outside. Damn it. I glanced at the clock, it's still past midnight. Where are Lucas and Gavin? For a moment, panic s
NOAH’S POV I burst into the lecture hall, panting heavily, my hands on my knees as I tried to catch my breath. Damn it. Running from the park all the way here wasn’t just some warm-up exercise. It felt like I had just completed a goddamn marathon. Lucas had left early, taking the car with him, and I didn't felt like taking my bike, so I had no choice but to take a cab. Of course, the morning traffic decided to screw me over, that I regretted my decision of not taking my bike, and I ended up sprinting the last stretch. I quickly scanned the lecture hall, my eyes searching for familiar faces. Penny’s vibrant brown hair caught my attention as she waved enthusiastically. I flashed her a grin and sauntered over, blowing kisses at the girls who were giggling and whispering as I passed. If I had to keep up this “guy” act, I might as well perfect the charm. I plopped down in the empty seat beside Penny and immediately noticed something,or rather, someone was missing. "Where's Nat?" I aske
NOAH’S POV I stirred awake with a loud yawn, blinking against the soft golden rays spilling through the windshield. I stretched out instinctively, only to bump into the door with a dull thud. Right. I was still in the car. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I glanced out the window. We were on a narrow road, lined with tall trees on either side that filtered the sunlight into flickering patterns on the car’s dashboard. The whole place looked like something out of a fantasy movie. I frowned and turned to Penny, who was still comfortably seated, humming along to some soft indie song playing from the speakers. “What the heck, Penny? Where exactly are we going?” She gave me a lazy side-eye, smirking like she'd been waiting for that question. “Oh, sweetheart, you're finally awake.” “I’ve been awake for like two seconds and I’m already regretting agreeing to this mystery trip,” I muttered, pushing back the strands of hair that had fallen over my face. “We’ve been riding for what? Three
NOAH’S POVPenny stood in front of a steel machine, pouring a small amount of the eerie green liquid from the syringe into a glass tube. Her hands were steady, focused. I watched curiously, arms folded, while she placed the tube inside a machine. “What’s that going to do?” I asked, stepping closer.“The machine separates the compounds. Every chemical used in making this will be broken down,” Penny said, pressing a button. The machine came to life with a low hum. “Once we know what’s inside it, we might get a clue on what the liquid was meant for.”I nodded slowly. Smart. I hadn't even thought of that.Minutes passed in a tense silence, broken only by the soft whirring and clicking of the machine. My thoughts drifted to the vision I had seen, the strange look in their eyes, the obedience, like they were puppets.What kind of power could do that?A sharp beep echoed.We both moved toward the machine. Penny opened it carefully and leaned in. Three small vials emerged, each containing a
ARES’ POVI stared hard at Noah, my jaw clenched as his stormy-gray eyes locked with mine. What the hell was he doing here? What game was he playing this time?His mere presence was enough to stir a wildfire inside me. I didn't trust him—not one damn bit. Everything about him screamed deception. And yet, there was that strange pull again. That damned, persistent tug in my chest that wouldn't go away.Without thinking, I fast-sped toward him and slammed him against the wall, my hand wrapping around his throat with deadly intent."You've got some balls showing your face before me again, snitch." My fingers dug deeper into his skin, watching as his face began to pale.He didn’t fight back. That annoyed me more."I’ve told you..." he gasped, "...I’m not the snitch.""Really?" My voice was sharp, venomous. "Then maybe you'd like to explain how they knew we were coming?""I don’t... know... how," he choked out.My grip tightened. I was seconds away from snapping his neck when..."Okay, Prof
NOAH’S POVThe last class finally ended, dragging itself like an old man with a broken cane. I shoved my books into my bag and practically skipped out the door. My legs knew the way by heart...to the massive oak tree, my little sanctuary, where Penny and Nathan usually waited.But today, it was just Nathan, leaning against the tree like some K-drama lead...arms crossed, sunshine glinting off his brown curls, and a smirk playing on his lips like he knew all the world's secrets.Perfect opportunity.I tiptoed up behind him, bit my lip to stop a giggle, and pounced—wrapping my arms around his neck from behind. "Gotcha!"Nathan didn’t even flinch. Ugh. Why is it so hard to startle this guy?He merely smiled, reaching up to pat my hand like I was a puppy. “Have Penny successfully initiated you into her crazy acts?”I swung around in front of him, flipping my hair dramatically. “Who knows… she does have irresistible charms.”He chuckled, those signature cheek dimples flashing. I gasped like
ARES’ POVA cocky smirk tugged at my lips as I watched little Leister run like hell, his steps frantic, flailing arms barely keeping up with his body. Poor kid must've thought I was naked. That alone seemed to have scrambled his brain and instincts. Hilarious.I stepped fully out of the water, droplets sliding down my skin, glistening under the filtered light that peeked through the trees. My tight black shorts clung to me like a second skin, and I raked a hand through my wet hair, shaking off the excess water.Cute brat. Always skittish, always flushed, like a tiny mouse caught staring at a lion.I reached for the towel I had left hanging on a low branch and began drying myself off, deliberately slow, enjoying the silence of my sanctuary. This wasn’t just any ordinary place...it was mine. A hidden slice of the world untouched by chaos or duty. I discovered it long before my father died… before the weight of the crown descended on my shoulders. Back then, I hadn't cared much for fairy
NOAH’S POVAt long last, the hellish French class ended. I swear, if torture had a language, it’d be French conjugation. Penny, Nathan, and I finally stumbled out of the room like war survivors. Nathan and I looked like we’d been run over by a farm truck, while Penny had this annoyingly bright sparkle in her eyes, as if she’d just stepped out of a Parisian fairytale.Nathan turned to me, brow furrowed, finger raised like an overdramatic mom. “Don’t. Do. This. Again,” he warned with mock seriousness.I snapped to attention, saluting him. “Roger that, captain.”Penny let out one of her signature fairy giggles. “Honestly, you guys are just dramatic. I actually enjoyed it!”Nathan and I exchanged a mutual eye-roll so powerful it could’ve triggered a minor earthquake.“Okay, buddies! Time to hit the cafeteria!” Penny squealed, grabbing both our arms like we were heading to Disneyland.But then her tone dropped into a venomous growl. “But that hulk of yours is not coming with us. I swear he
NOAH’S POVI stared at my reflection in the mirror and almost flinched.Dark circles ringed my eyes like I hadn’t slept in weeks. My cheeks were hollowed out, lips pale, and my usually shiny hair looked like a mop abandoned in a storm. I looked like a haunted raccoon. A very sad, smelly, rebellious raccoon.“This is what grounding does to a person,” I muttered to my reflection, dragging my fingers through my tangled hair. “Congratulations, Gavin. You’ve officially won the Worst Big Brother of the Year Award.”For the past two days, I had been locked in my room like a prisoner of war. Gavin was dead serious about the whole “you’re not leaving till you agree to my terms” threat. The jerk even camped at my door, literally. Lucas was the one delivering meals, knocking gently and slipping the tray in like I was some kind of feral animal. Not that it mattered; I hadn’t touched a bite. Hunger strike in full swing.I groaned and slumped on the edge of my bed, my phone in my hand. My thumb hov
NOAH’S POVThe hallway was eerily silent, as though the entire building had fallen into a post-party coma. My heels clicked lazily against the tiled floor, echoing in the stillness. I was still in my girl outfit from the Halloween party. Penny had insisted we keep dancing long after the crowd vanished, and like a fool, I agreed. We danced until our legs gave out beneath us, drunk on sugar, music, and fleeting joy.Now, I was paying the price, every step felt like I was dragging a corpse, probably my own.As I turned the corner toward my room, a hand suddenly grabbed my wrist and yanked me into the shadows. I let out a startled gasp, my body slamming into a cold wall. The air left my lungs in a rush, and my eyes struggled to adjust to the dark. But I saw her.Elsa.Of course."What the fuck?!" I snapped, yanking my wrist from her grip. My eyes blazed with fury as I glared at her, trying to conceal the pounding in my chest. Not from fear. From annoyance.Elsa folded her arms across her
GAVIN’S POVThe second I stepped into the living room, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily from a brutal workout session, I knew something was off. The air felt thick...tense...and not from the stench rolling off my shirt. No, this was something else.Lucas was pacing.And when he paces, something is seriously wrong.Only one person could make my ever-composed, stone-faced brother look like he was about to tear the place apart.Noah.Damn.I dropped my gym bag beside the couch and wiped the sweat from my face with the towel hanging around my neck. “Hey, Lucas. What’s up?” I asked, pretending like I didn’t already know the storm that was brewing behind his narrowed eyes.He turned to me so fast, his boots squeaked against the floor. His eyes...those infamous forest-green eyes...flashed with unfiltered rage. “Where the hell have you been?” he thundered. “I’ve been trying to reach you for hours!”I didn’t flinch. I’ve had years of practice dealing with Lucas’ temper. His anger wasn’t
ARES' POVThe scariest part wasn’t that Little Leister was doing something to me.It was that whatever it was, I wasn’t ready to rebel against it.Hell, a dark, forbidden part of me was curious...curious to see just how far he would go, and how far I would let him.The soft, slow hum of the romantic song washed over the hall like a spell. Everyone else seemed to fade into shadows as Little Leister and I moved together, syncing to the slow, sensual rhythm. His slender waist brushed against my palm, sending unwanted shivers up my spine. His body fit against mine too perfectly.I could feel his heartbeat, fast and fluttering, through the thin material of his ridiculous gown.He lifted his gaze...those stormy-grey eyes locking with mine, searching, questioning, trembling with an emotion he couldn’t name."I never knew you were attending," he said softly, his voice delicate, almost trembling. The sound brushed against my senses like silk, igniting something dangerous inside me.I arched a
ARES' POVI walked into the massive, glittering hall with Elsa clinging onto my arm like a stubborn vine. She was dressed in a sparkling Cinderella ballgown, her golden hair curled perfectly, looking every inch the fairy tale princess she aimed to be.Gatherings like this were never my thing. Too noisy. Too crowded. Too fake.But Elsa had begged me to come, her big blue eyes shimmering with hope. I could’ve easily said no....should have said no...but I was still trying to play the part of the dutiful mate.Tonight, I wore an all-black ensemble: black button-down, black slacks, a simple black mask covering half my face. The first three buttons of my shirt were left undone, exposing my chest, a sight that earned a few lingering glances from the female students and lecturers. I ignored them all.The second we stepped into the suffocating, over-decorated hall, regret hit me like a punch to the gut. Laughter, gossip, bad music, and even a makeshift strip show happening at one end. The air
NOAH'S POVI stood frozen in front of my bed, staring at the shimmering black gown laid neatly across it. The fabric sparkled under the soft lights of the suite, almost as if it was trying to seduce me into wearing it.I chewed my bottom lip nervously. Could I really pull this off?Or more importantly... Should I?Sebastian must have noticed my hesitation because he sauntered over, his arms folded across his chest.“You know you don’t have to do it if you’re not comfortable,” he said gently. “Nobody’s forcing you.”I inhaled sharply, the tightness in my chest easing slightly at his words. But still, I shook my head.“No, it’s fine. I'll put it on.”If I'm going to do this, I need to commit.Just as I gathered the gown into my arms, a sharp knock rattled the door."I’ll get that," Sebastian said, already moving away.I turned my attention back to the mirror, trying to mentally prepare myself, but my thoughts derailed when the door swung open with an audible bang.Standing there was Pen