All Chapters of MATED TO THE STUBBORN HUMAN : Chapter 161 - Chapter 170

Ava’s POVThe weight of what I was about to do had finally settled upon me. I had been in a haste all along, fueled by an adrenaline rush that I hadn't even bothered to stop and think about the consequences. Now, we were already in motion so there wasn't any time to think.Every muscle in my body felt tense, my mind racing with all the possible outcomes—both good and bad.The ritual had to work.There was no other option.The Lightforge was buzzing with activity as we prepared for what was to come. Every warrior and enforcer in Blackthorn had been put on high alert. Xander had ordered extra patrol guards to be stationed around the castle grounds, ensuring that not a single thing could slip through unnoticed.I stood in the center of the forge, surrounded by my closest and only friends. Rowan and Kaida were drawing protective runes on the stone floor with crushed starlight powder, an ancient substance that amplified light magic. Kael was adjusting the positions of the enchanted lantern

Xander's povThe entire room was heavy with tension. Ava was still trembling in my arms, her face pale, eyes unfocused as if she were still stuck between realms. Leo hadn't stopped growling since she returned and told us what had happened.Zerathos had tried to claim her.Tried to replace her bond with the Moon Goddess.Tried to take her.The very thought sent a murderous growl rumbling through my chest, my grip tightening around Ava instinctively. She had fought him off, but it wasn’t enough. He had touched her, reached her in a way no enemy ever should.I exhaled sharply, trying to focus on what mattered most. The ritual had worked. The bombs infused with Ava’s light magic were useless to the rebels now. But this… this was a deeper problem.“We need to talk,” I said, my voice firm but low enough not to startle Ava.Rowan, Kael, Vanessa, Kaida, Lucien, and Darius were all watching us closely. Their expressions ranged from concern to outright fury.Darius was the first to speak. “What

Ava's povI clenched my teeth, forcing my eyes open, forcing my body to resist.“You don’t control me,” I hissed.Zerathos frowned, his grip tightening. “Why fight, Ava? You were born from the dark.”“I was reborn in the light.”I gathered every ounce of willpower I had left and shoved against him.A crack of golden light burst between us, making him stagger back.The shadows around me recoiled.I gasped, stumbling backward, my body still shaking from the darkness he had poured into me.Zerathos scowled, his gold eyes burning with irritation. “This isn’t over, little goddess.”I turned and ran.The darkness shifted around me, grabbing at my heels.Zerathos’ roar shook the void. “You can’t escape me!”My feet pounded against the nothingness, my lungs burning.I had to wake up.Had to get out.I saw something up ahead, a light in the abyss. I reached for it with every strength in my body.Then, just as zerathos reached me—I woke up.****My body shot upright, my breath ragged, my skin

Ava's povWe gathered in the hidden chamber later that night. The council as well as our friends were with us and even Darius that I hadn't had time to check up on in a while.“This isn’t just a physical battle anymore,” I told them. “Zerathos is trying to worm his way inside my head, and I need to stop him before it’s too late.”Elder Maris folded her arms. “And how do you propose we do that?”I turned to the shelves, scanning the endless scrolls. “There has to be something here. Some kind of warding spell. A way to purge his influence from me completely.”Xander crossed his arms. “We won’t leave this chamber until we find it.”Everyone got to work.Books were pulled from shelves, scrolls unraveled, pages turned at a furious pace.The weight of the moment weighed down on everyone. I could still feel the shadows shifting around me, but I refused to let them consume me. Their effect had lowered ever since we got into the chamber but I could feel the shadows outside the chamber calling

Ava's pov“Are you ready?” Xander asked, his voice soft and touch gentle as he grabbed my hand.I couldn't speak so I gave him a nod then with that, we all left the war room and headed to the dungeon.The dungeon smelled like damp stone, blood, and rot.As we walked further into it I shivered due to the eerie feelings it gave me. The torches on the wall flickered, making the shadows move and claw at me.I squeaked as one touched me, making me press myself closer to Xander who wasted no time in wrapping his arms around me and shielding me from the shadows.The walls seemed to be closing in on me , making me feel claustrophobic. The stench of sweat and unwashed bodies clung to the air, thick and suffocating.The rogues had been locked away for weeks but they refused to crack after the first one did a few weeks ago.Not once.Not under interrogation.Not under the threat of death. They remained firm and loyal to Zerathos.That was why we had chosen one of them.And yet, as I approached t