[Ashton’s POV] I stood out on the porch smoking as I waited for Antoine and Haidan to arrive with Serenity. My mind was a mess as Ian’s revelation continued to dance around it. This was all so fucking insane, but then again, it made sense. Taking another draw of my cigarette, I felt my anger flare as memories of everything Brailyn had done in the past appeared. Not only had she tricked Haidan into trusting her to get closer to me, but she also attempted to take control of my pack by tricking me into thinking I slept with her after drinking too much and even into believing she was pregnant by me. "Fucking bitch." I growled, clutching the banister in front of me so hard it began to crack. Add how badly she had hurt Haidan and her mother, and I almost wished she was alive so that I could kill her all over again. Stubbing out my cigarette, I prepared to grab another as my emotions began to get the best of me. However, I stopped as headlights appeared and made their way towards the hou

[Leah’s POV]I could feel my heart beginning to beat wildly in my chest as I wrapped my arms protectively around Arabia. Why the hell would Ian take us somewhere so dangerous? Sure, it was beautiful and like something from a lucid dream, but it wasn’t worth risking one's life for.‘Have faith.’ Asher murmured, keeping his gaze fixed straight ahead as Ian closed the distance between himself and Azura.‘Mmmm.’Not sure how Asher was so calm during all of this, I sucked in a few calming breaths."Tell me," Azura began once Ian was right in front of her. "Why have you allowed so many to come to this place?""I do apologize, Azura." Ian responded, giving a courteous bow. "But we need your protection from Kelvin and Selene."At those two names a shiver raced down my spine. It was still quite surreal that two of the most powerful mages in history had a vendetta against us."Kelvin and Selene?" Azura repeated, forrowing her perfectly arched brows. "How have you managed to cross them?""I’m to

[Leah’s POV]I let out a breath and turned away from the window I had been staring out of onto the grounds below. It seemed that the trouble was settled as Asher had insisted. Despite his assurances, I had quickly settled Arabia in and kept an eye out. If anything happened, I was more than willing to jump out the window to help."See?" Asher chuckled, giving me an ‘I told you so’ look. "Your sister and the others are more than capable of handling themselves."‘I know,’ I grumbled, making my way over to where he sat. ‘But that doesn’t mean that I still don’t want to kick that guy's ass.’"You should save your energy for later." Asher chuckled, pulling me down onto his lap. "Has it been twelve hours yet?"‘More or less.’ I responded. ‘I should be able to shift back to human now.’"Mmm."I waited as Asher hooked a finger under the thin golden chain that hung around his neck and produced the Mutans jewel that rested in a small spiral cage attached.Lifting my hand, I waited as Asher pulle

[Asher’s POV]I fought the urge to look back as Leah barely whispered my name. Fuck, this was painful, but if I continued to let this go on, Kelvin would definitely kill her. Keeping my expression blank, I began to reach out, searching for Thia’s familiar energy. I needed to let her know that Leah needed help before I was drug into the void by Kelvin.At first, I didn’t feel her, but soon I felt the faint traces of her essence.‘Help her.’ I murmured, being cautious to not use much energy. ‘She’s hurt.’ I continued, sending images of the area and Leah.That was all I managed before I felt myself getting sucked into oblivion as Kelvin began to take me to wherever my daughter was being held. Once I saw that she was okay, I was going to end this once and for all.Soon, an all-too familiar throne room came into view. Staggering from the sudden shock of being on solid ground, I watched as Kelvin made his way up to the blood-red throne that sat in the middle of the room."Go on." He motione

[Ashton’s POV]I wrapped my arms around Thia as she took in Haidan’s words. I knew she was exhausted and she didn’t need the scolding, but in a way, it was something that all of us needed to hear."We should get back," I announced, pulling Thia to me."Yeah," Haidan sighed, turning her attention to Leah, who lay motionless on the ground. "Antoine, could you carry her?""Of course." Antoine responded.Once Leah was in Antoine’s arms, we began to make our way back up the steep trail that led to The Hall of Rubrum. When we arrived, CJ and a few others that I didn’t know were waiting with looks of worry on their faces."How is she?" CJ asked, taking Leah from Antoine while the man beside him watched. "And why did you decide that using the somnum dart was a good idea?""I’ll explain later." Haidan responded. "For now, could we please get her wounds treated? There are still some thorns in her skin that will get stuck if they aren’t removed quickly. ""Sure." CJ sighed, turning and making hi