Four hours later, when my headache had vanished and boredom long ago seeped deep into my bones, I flopped over on my bed and called out Leslie’s name.She materialized in the middle of the room, taking a few seconds to realize where I was. I watched her bouncy, curly hair move as she spun on her heel.“My wolf is on edge; she needs to go for a run.” I called out, gazing at her upside-down form as the tendrils of my curly hair cascaded to the floor from where I hung off the bed.Leslie vanished without another word, abandoning not only myself but Rayna, who was now letting out the world’s most pitiful howl. She had given me time to adjust to this place and my surroundings, but the idea of never again shifting—it had her hackles rising.There was nothing safe about this place, but they had to have somewhere they could shift freely—just to run until the instinct to chase and hunt faded. Then again, I had yet to see Dain sh

I knew the words were a mistake the moment the stars in his eyes winked out, leaving only blackness.I couldn’t help myself, really. As soon as the domed platters glided into the dining room on invisible arms, coasting through the air as they set themselves neatly on the table, it reminded me of what Apollo had said. I suppose I truly was impulsive, because the words were out of mouth and into the air before I could blink.“I asked Apollo why all of your servants are invisible.”The fork stilled in his hand, the perfectly carved piece of chicken still steaming away. With his bulky form and that glint of madness in his eyes, it was almost amusing to watch the methodical way he would eat.“Really, and what did Apollo say?” He drawled lazily, and resumed his eating, which would have been effective if his eyes weren’t pits of never-ending darkness, honed on the blush that seared my face.“He told me to ask you.

Iridian‘You avoid me all day, and now you want access to my thoughts? I don’t think so, Dain.’‘I’m not asking for access, only a conversation, darling—and I wasn’t avoiding you.’ His voice was silky smooth, an alluring distraction since he hadn’t given me any actual answers.‘Really?’ I mused, feeling a rush of cold behind my closed eyelids. The only reason I hadn’t cast him out yet, was because he hadn’t tried to delve past the hastily constructed barriers that hid my darkest, most desperate thoughts. Even though he could, he remained rooted in place, hearing only what I wanted him to. ‘When I woke up this morning, I ran into one of your servants. A very visible servant. You removed the spell you placed on them, knowing I’d see them and have questions. Typically, Apollo or Leslie let me know when you’re busy, whatever that might mean. So, why were you avoiding me?&rs

Days had passed and Dain still hadn’t brought up the festival of Night and Day. Part of me felt smug, because clearly, he was learning I hated being told what to do. Especially by cocky, infuriating, and down right tempting Alpha King’s. An even smaller part of me hoped he was considering going, finally showing his face after keeping it hidden for so long.From morning until afternoon, I threw myself into my training with Apollo. Per his suggestion, I started off small. It was ridiculous, the headaches I would get as I stared at the splintered oak door, trying to will it shut. The other half of my training was spent staring at the dusty books that lined the walls.Closing the door, making a book’s pages turn, even bolting the lock—it felt frustratingly impossible.“You’re trying too hard.” A sing-song voice shattered my concentration, I craned my stiff neck to glare at Apollo.“I am not.” I hissed, rei

My lungs were seizing, burning and spasming as I fought to breathe. It wasn’t fear that filled my every pore, overwhelming me until details became sharper and sounds richer.It was desperation, because I felt no trace of the power that had saved my life numerous times now. There was nothing, just this emptiness that accompanied the searing pain in my chest.‘Rachel, the powder isn’t affecting me—you need to breathe, calm down so we can shift!’I could barely hear her voice past the burning in my head and lungs, past the desperate thoughts of a dying girl, clamoring for oxygen.Ash, the bartender I hadn’t given a second thought about, towered over me. The streak of red in his hair seemed darker, closer to the shade of blood. He had been pushy at the club, and hit on anything with a pulse, but he hadn’t exuded cruelty the way he did now.The way he stood, the tenseness in his shoulders, it reminded me of some