Drake steps to the side, able to somehow sense Eliana's presence. He is not quite quick enough, though, as the rusted nail imbeds itself in the side of his arm. He bares his teeth in pain. As he tries to turn and face the Princess, she rips the weapon out and goes for his neck.With reflexes now kicking in, Drake grabs Eliana's wrist, tightening her hold on the metal. She whimpers as her flesh is pinched. Gritting her teeth, she yanks against his hold, trying to step away.Drake's long hair is now even over her own shoulder, tangling them together. He grabs her other arm, pinning her in place."Let me go." She seethes, her face burning with anger. She will not allow herself to be used and manipulated by a Climont monster."You just tried to kill me, and yet you're still demanding things of me," he chuckles, his chest rumbling. Drake's breath is hot on her face, only causing her rage to build. "I said unhand me.""Only if you promise to sit peacefully and listen to what I have to

Jasper paces back and forth, his shoulders hunched over, his gaze never leaving the spot where Eliana was standing.Alma is still near the tub, watching him. Her heart warms at the emotion Jasper feels for Eliana. The love he has, even for someone who could not possibly be his soul bond. It gives her hope, that even though her lover in Pyrion is not her mate, that they can still be happy and in love. She presses her lips together to hide a smile at the thought of the young man. His short, pale hair and his beady eyes that linger on her. An image of him forms in her mind, smiling at her. "Oh come on," Evyn growls snapping her out of her reverie, "Why are we even still here?" He throws his hands up into the air, exasperated. "She obviously is not in any real danger. She can simply just go home with them."Weighing whether or not she should respond, Alma covertly follows Evyn's movements. He is close to her, his scent twisting around her heart and blocking most of her senses. She inha

"You're lying," Eliana bites out, her entire being wracked with a shockwave reverberating through her. She grits her teeth, trying to hold herself together. "Why would you even say such a thing?""Because it is the truth," Olisnia sighs. "I know it is difficult to comprehend, but it is a fact of your lineage.""It is impossible. My grandmother passed before my mother ever gave birth to me. Neither me nor my mother have any abilities." Anger rolls through Eliana, the edges of her vision darkening. She stands her hands tightening into fists."It is simply because your blood has mixed with that of a human. You do not hold the same abilities as a fullblood Kexon. You most likely cannot shift completely, but you are still considered a Pivurlion. Your golden hair is proof of this.""What—my hair? Why?" Eliana reaches up and gently tugs on her locks."I am sure you are aware that every clan has their own specific trait. The werebears are overtly large, and the werebirds are thin, short,

As the women exit the trees, Eliana's gaze immediately searches out Jasper. Her heart begins to flutter when she eventually does see him, but it is short lived. He is standing near Alma, laughing. He moves his hands around, explaining something to her.The werebird nods, closing her eyes.Eliana only stands there, watching, with Olisnia by her side.Alma's brow furrows, her shoulders tensing up, but almost immediately, feathers begin to form on her arms, her hands welding together. Her legs shrink but only slightly. Her face protrudes out into a large beak. Jasper folds his arms, cocking his head to the side as he watches. After a minute nothing else happens. Alma flaps her wings around angrily, her beak clacking together, before she squawks and her human form is returned to her."Come, let us get closer," Olisnia says walking forward."Wait," Eliana squeaks trying to reach for the Drulian. As her heart is ripped from her chest, she eyes Jasper. She cannot help but realize that th

The night breeze blows through the camp, sending a chill through the Climont soldiers. Many huddle together, surrounding small fires for warmth.Drake resides in his quarters, sitting at his table. He is hunched over, grabbing onto his hair as stress rolls through him."Milord," Junet bows as she enters."What is it?" His expression is pale, exhaustion lining around his eyes."We have received word from the Vojik of the south. They will send a pack of wolves immediately."Relief washes over the Prince, "Thank the spirits. We'll have enough men to take down the rebels, especially if they are already in Zaline."An image of Eliana appears in his mind. Concern tenses his muscles at the thought of her entering that ambush."When will the werewolves arrive?""They will be here in two day's time," Junet explains softly, remaining close to the exit."That is still far away. We must be ready for when they arrive."The maid shuffles uncomfortably, "Prince, are you sure your plan will