Semua Bab The Apex: Ascend or Be Consumed: Bab 81 - Bab 88

When it came to love, I was completely clueless. Growing up, no one ever showed me what love truly was. I wasn’t even sure I could feel it because I never really understood it. Then I came to Blackcroft and found out I was the Founder, the one erased from history, and that my supposed mates had left me to die alone. But I still want so badly to understand what we are. Lucan and I have spent more time together than any of the Alphas in the Circle. He’s my mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess like every wolf believes, but beyond all that, what are we really?I just don’t want to be betrayed again.Lucan took long to answer but when he finally spoke, his voice was gentle with the usual sharp composure. “What we have isn't normal, Juno. It’s special,” he said. “But if I ever treat you wrongly, even once, then I don’t deserve you.”I searched his dark eyes, caught in their intensity and the utter sincerity in them. “And you won’t?” I asked softly. “You’ll never abandon me no matter what I bec

Soon, the world around me dimmed, and colors faded. My heartbeat no longer sounded like my own; it was distant, hollow, echoing in some endless pit. Desmond’s voice filled the emptiness, wrapping around me like strong vines. “That’s right,” he whispered, his tone almost tender. “Just let go. It’s easier that way. You were never meant to carry that light.” A cold numbness spread through my limbs. My body no longer felt solid. It was as if the air itself was swallowing me whole. I couldn’t tell if I was standing or falling, only that his voice kept drawing me closer and pulling me under. Somewhere far away, I thought I heard someone calling my name. Once. Then again and louder this time. “Juno!” But Desmond’s laughter drowned it out, cruel and triumphant. My Core shuddered violently, light and shadow twisting together until— “JUNO!” Hands gripped my shoulders, wrenching me back with a force that shattered the illusion. I gasped as air rushed into my lungs, my vision

Lucan didn’t let go of my hand, not even after we sat down. His grip was steady, protective, and maybe a little too much so. I turned to him and gave a small, reassuring nod. “Let go of me,” I said softly. “I’ve got this.” His gaze lingered on me longer than necessary. He was searching my face as if to make absolutely sure. Then, quietly, he asked, “Promise me you will not listen to echoes and stay alert?” There it was, that mix of faith and fear. He had high expectations of me, always had, but no amount of confidence could completely mask the worry in his eyes. He was very much unlike Veylor, who loved to push me to the abyss. “I promise.” I vowed. For a moment, neither of us moved. Then he exhaled and finally released my hand. My palm felt oddly cold without his warmth, but I straightened, focusing on the moment instead of the hollow ache that followed. The werewolf stood before us, still visibly unsettled by Lucan’s earlier glare. Clasping his hands together, he of

Our relationship was a mystery to me. One that I was insistent on unraveling and I knew that going to the Void would shed more light on it. But I just wasn't sure what I would find there, and if I would survive. After Princess Lisa and her fox shifter left to get the weapons, Lucan reclaimed his seat beside me. I leaned toward him and spoke softly. “She knows I’m a woman.”Lucan didn’t look surprised. His jaw tightened for a second before he exhaled slowly. “Don’t worry,” he murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I’ll take care of it.”Then his eyes softened. “Are you alright?I nodded faintly, my voice a little unsteady. “Can I… have some more to drink?”He studied her for a moment, then gave a small, reassuring smile. “Yes,” he said quietly, filling up my cup. His dark eyes were on me all through. “Drink.”I accepted it and our fingers brushed for a heartbeat. The warmth of the moment lingered between us, and I saw something in those eyes that made me feel like I was the c