Chapter 131

Anastasia’s POV The way back to the castle was quick, but my mind made it drag. I couldn’t help but remember when I first discovered that my fated mate was a Lycan. If she was anything like I had once been… That truth alone might feel like a curse. The moment we got within the castle gates, I could feel her. It was as if a wave of complete sorrow and devastation had flooded my veins. I gasped, clutching my chest. Dom’s attention immediately went to me. I hadn’t expected it, so I didn’t soften the blow for him. ‘We are here.’ Dom reassured softly in my mind. Amos presence was just as soothing. I pulled on that to keep me grounded. I had left her here, alone. Of course this would be the state she was in. The moment the car stopped, I wasted no time. I didn’t need to ask where she was, I followed her. As I walked through the castle’s halls, everyone in my path bowed and greeted me. In the past, this would have bothered me and made me uncomfortable. But right now, Salffera

Chapter 132

Anastasia’s POV After my visit with Salffera, Dom arranged for her to return to the sanctuary. Of course, Benji was against it, but he didn’t have a say over it. Yes she was his mate and she had no intentions of rejecting him, but she still needed time to process what’s happened to her. It was in her best interest to do that amongst her own kind. The mental state she was currently in what heavily dependent on being surrounded by Lycans. After I got her settled into her new home at the sanctuary, I made sure to speak with Heather, the covens top Healer, about Salffera’s condition. Together, we came up with a routine that would help her get back on her feet. I wanted to make sure she was settling in okay and to reassure her that the protection spell I casted over the sanctuary would hold. When I approached her room she was sitting at her desk, staring at a cup of water. I could feel her longing. The emptiness it brought her, not being able to pull on her magic. My brows pull

Chapter 133

Cyrus POV I sat at the bar. My head straight ahead, eyes down. Looking at the bottom of the glass I had already drank. I fanned my hand in the air, signaling the bartender for another refill. “I think you’ve had enough, bub.” I looked up like a small child caught in the act of mischief. I had expected the bartender, but instead, it was Raul. A full bearded round belly, old man who resemble what the humans called Santa Claus. A look of concern aged his face far beyond his wrinkles. He was like a father to me and owned this bar since before I was born. I looked up at him and frowned. “Just one more. Then I’ll be done.” I gave him my best sober face and with a sigh, he caved. He poured me one last double shot of whiskey howler, and warned me before he left. I chugged it. Things may have settled down with the rogues, and the Lycans appear to be getting used to the witches, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something more was brewing to the surface. Perhaps it was because o

Chapter 134

High Priestess Sage’s POV Two years ago… “Again.” Aron groaned loudly enough to shake the leaves above us. “I did it already.” “You scorched three training dummies and nearly set Rowan’s boots on fire,” I replied. “That is not the same thing.” Pushed out a loud breath. “It should count.” “It does.” I stated, his face brightening. “As failure.” His jaw dropped. “You’re impossible.” I hid my smile and motioned for him to continue. The boy was talented. Far more talented than he realized. Most children his age struggled to maintain a steady flame. But not Aron. He could summon an inferno whenever his temper slipped. Unfortunately, his temper slipped often. Heat gathered around his palms causing the air to simmer. Fire spiraled upward in a controlled column before branching into three separate streams. They twisted around one another like dancing serpents. Better. Much better. The flames remained steady despite the frustration radiating from him.

Chapter 135

Willow’s POV I stood in front of the full length mirror and examined myself. My wounds were nearly healed now, but unfortunately, scars were left in their place. I loosened the grip on my towel and gently allowed it to part, giving me a better view of my chest. The scars dragged over my collarbone and down the center of my chest, resting between my breasts like cruel reminders. My stomach tightened at the sight of them. You would think with our abilities to bend the elements, we could find a way to heal scars, but it didn’t work that way. If I were a healer, then maybe. But I wasn’t. I was a warrior. And somehow… that almost made it worse. I was a warrior who wasn’t strong enough to fight off one Lycan. It was something I thought of often. The second I’m healed and my magic is strong, I would commit myself to training harder. I would never fall again. I traced one of the scars lightly with my fingertips, completely submerged in my insecurities. I was too lo

Chapter 136

Willow’s POV A faint smile touched his mouth, but it disappeared quickly. I could see the mental struggle in his face. Like despite the bond. Despite the past month. Despite every look between us… He still wasn’t sure if he had the right to touch me. That realization alone made something inside me soften dangerously. His thumb brushed once against my waist. “If I kiss you,” he said quietly. “I need to know you actually want me to.” My breath caught. There it was. Confidence stripped. Arrogance completely gone. And all that was left was vulnerability. Real vulnerability from a man who rarely showed it. And somehow that affected me more than anything else he’d done. I finally looked up at him fully. At the tension in his jaw. The restraint in his eyes. The hope he was trying very hard not to show. “You talk too much,” I whispered. Something warm flickered across his expression. Then his hand slid from my waist to my jaw carefully, giving me time. One last chance to p