Raven’s POV:Amy walked into the hallway of our hotel room, which was more like an entire apartment. She was covered in flour from head to toe, and I couldn't help but laugh at the sight.“Raven, do you know if we have any more eggs?” she asked, her voice tinged with exasperation.I'd been watching her struggle in the small kitchen all morning, and I knew I had to step in."No, but I've got something else in mind," I replied with a mischievous grin.She looked at me in amazement, her head tilted to the side, resembling a confused puppy. Flour scattered from her apron, which only made me laugh harder."What are you talking about?" she asked, clearly bewildered."Come with me," I said, already heading for the door.“Raven, I don't have much time before the competition, and I need to start making the cookies right now,” she protested."Just give me a minute," I assured her as I held the door open.With a sigh, she joined me in the hotel corridor. She had forgotten to leave the bowl of co

Eve’s POV:After returning from the masked ball, the exhaustion of the night had washed over me. I took a quick shower and, without much effort, succumbed to sleep. The hotel room provided a sanctuary of comfort.Morning arrived with the gentle invitation of sunlight filtering through the translucent curtains. A sense of calm and restfulness washed over me, a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time. As my eyes fluttered open, the soft morning glow coaxed me into wakefulness.I tried to get up when I felt something warm and heavy next to me. I didn't even realize when Ryan laid down next to me in bed. He hasn't even taken off his masquerade ball clothes. I guess he wanted to sit next to me but fell asleep. I took a moment to look at him.Ryan had a certain cocky demeanor about him, but in this quiet morning moment, it seemed to vanish, revealing a more vulnerable side. My gaze softened as I turned to study him.He was, undeniably, a striking figure. His features were those of a man

Raven’s POV: The next morning was charged with anticipation as we prepared for the competition. Amy and I hurried to the venue, knowing that this day held great importance for her. Beta James had volunteered to assist us, and he was already there, waiting by the entrance. His presence provided an extra layer of assurance. Upon our arrival, we noticed the absence of Cari, and relief washed over us. It seemed that she wouldn't be causing any trouble today. That didn't stop me from remaining vigilant, though. I knew all too well how unpredictable she could be. "James, thank you for coming," Amy said warmly as she approached him. "Your support means a lot to me." He gave her an encouraging smile. "Sure, you are my little sister of course I will be here." ”Stop acting like a big brother," she scolded him. While they exchanged a few more words, I took the opportunity to scan the surroundings. The event venue was a large, beautifully decorated hall. The air was filled with excitement an

Eve's POV:Ryan's question hung in the air, leaving me with a sense of curiosity and uncertainty. I turned to him, searching for answers in his eyes."Different how?" I asked, my brows furrowing in confusion.Ryan hesitated for a moment, his fingers gently smoothing my hair as he attempted to find the right words. "I mean our bond," he finally explained.Until that moment, I hadn't given much thought to the state of our bond. Now, with his question, I found myself at a loss for words, unable to comprehend what he meant."Come," he said, his voice soft and inviting, as he moved to sit on the picnic blanket.I joined him, sitting across from him. The wind tousled my hair, and he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. It was as though his warmth and presence enveloped me, creating a sense of security and comfort."Close your eyes, Eve," he whispered into my ear, sending shivers down my spine with the huskiness of his voice. I followed his instruction, closing my eyes as I allowed

Raven's POVAt that moment, I was hardly aware of where we were. The chaos was all-consuming, a nightmarish whirlwind of smoke and confusion. The air was thick with the acrid scent of wolfbane, choking and oppressive. My vision was a hazy, dimly lit tunnel, and the only anchor in that pandemonium was James, his voice a distant lifeline in the swirling chaos.My senses were overwhelmed as I stumbled, tripping over something unidentifiable in the smoke. Amy fell beside me, her form a mere shadow in the dense haze. As my instincts urged me to run, the weight of the situation pressed down, suffocating and disorienting.A grotesque realization surfaced when I recognized the lifeless body of our attacker nearby, sprawled amidst the thick clouds of wolfbane. There was no time for further inspection, no luxury of contemplation. I clutched Amy and pushed forward, every step demanding an almost unbearable effort, a struggle against the asphyxiating atmosphere.Yet, we could find no clear path o