Alice - POVThe magic shocked me; it was the first time I could wield such ancient magic. "Our baby is the source that stirs our protective maternal instincts, allowing me to harness the ancient magic," Hydra whispered.Jeffery stood as if frozen, and I gazed into his sinister eyes. He was always a source of pain, but now he was rendered helpless as my power held sway over time and the people around us. The fear of this man had haunted me, and now he was here, aiming to take me and the child growing within me away. I wouldn't let fear overcome me this time. Anger flared, and Hydra seemed to regain good control of our dragon magic. I directed magic to strike Jeffery's body, my dragon claws sinking into his flesh. I reached into his chest and pulled out his heart. Blood soaked his body as Jeffery collapsed.I looked at my hand, coated in blood and holding Jeffery's heart. Dropping it, I screamed in fear. "Alice!" James' voice broke through my hyperventilation. He glanced at Jeffery's

James- POVI closed my eyes, reflecting on my love confession. I didn't regret a single word, but Alice's surprise should have been my cue—Alice didn't feel the same way about me, which was okay. I reopened my eyes, the afternoon sun and its warmth reminding me of Alice's warm smile and elegant face. I had thought I could never fall for my mate, but within a month, my feelings for her had intensified with each passing minute.I felt content in my contracted marriage to Alice. For three years, I would have a chance to be a part of her life. If she still chose to reject me at the end of that time, I would accept her decision and set her free. Yet, I resolved to keep an eye on her and our child, ensuring their safety."Damn, James. I've been calling you. It's like I'm talking to a statue," Dave's voice interrupted my reverie. My Hope realm was eerily silent compared to its usual hustle and bustle, a quiet that hinted at the danger lurking just beyond our door."Dave, I need time to sort

James – POVI couldn't hear Alice's heartbeat at all. I tried magic to heal her, but it seemed too late, and my cries echoed through the room and beyond. A sinister laugh filled the air, and my head snapped towards the source."James, you should have accepted the deal and given me your power. Your mate would still be alive," Axon said with a menacing smile. My body vibrated with energy, and I felt a surge of power unlike before. It was uncontrollable. Axon's eyes widened in shock as he sensed the immense power, and the other warlock who had come to fight me shared the same terror."You killed my Alice!" I roared in anger, and the warlock launched a magical attack that didn't touch me. My magic turned their blow into the black fire, causing them to scream in pain. Axon cowered in the back, urging Jerry to stop me, and Jerry created a defensive magic barrier. Axon chanted a spell, calling upon some powers and buying himself time.I relentlessly punched the magic barrier with all my stre

Archer – POV"Where am I?" she asked, alarmed and fearful, looking at the nurse holding her back as she tried to jump out of the bed. The nurse displayed surprising strength, keeping her in place."Alpha," the nurse bowed upon seeing me, and Levy looked at me with puzzlement."How are you doing, Levy?" I asked cautiously, and she blinked."I'm sorry, do I know you? Why don't you call my cousin Alice? She could be dangerous. Call the police; there's a psycho on the loose killing women," Levy started to panic, and this was not helping the situation."Calm down, Levy, please," I murmured, but she continued to breathe heavily, still panicking. How could I deliver such sad news and introduce her to the mystical world all at once?"Levy, you need to take a deep breath," I urged, relieved when she followed my instructions instead of bombarding me with questions, making the situation more challenging. As Levy began to calm down, I spoke."Okay, first, let me introduce myself. I am Archer Tayl

James - POVI straightened up upon hearing Rita confirm that Alice was alive. "So, the woman I glimpsed was Alice, my mate?" I queried. Rita gave a confirming nod, her hand busily penning something on paper."Why didn't she come to meet me if she's alive? Does she despise me that much?" I wondered inwardly."It's good to know Alice is alive," Archer admitted, sighing with relief."Indeed. Now I can relay this news to Ella. She won't be burdened by guilt anymore," Darcus chimed in."Here is the address." Rita handed me a paper slip pointing towards Alice's whereabouts in New York. I compensated Rita generously, and in return, she handed me Alice's yellow stone, imbued with the warmth of her dragon power."Thank you," I uttered. Rita looked surprised at my gesture, nodded in response, and then took her leave."You all can go. I won't assail any realms anymore," I assured the others. Noticing Dave's sigh of relief at my words, guilt washed over me. I realized the depth of my blind rage t