An Ember In The Ashes Series Novels & Stories

Daisy got into the car and closed the door. Caleb leaned back against the seat with his eyes closed. Sweat covered his forehead. Daisy looked out the window. The lights of Verdant Manor grew farther and farther away as thick smoke rose into the night sky. She tightened her grip around the divorce agreement in her hands. This time, she was truly free.

I felt like I was drowning in his gaze, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events. Me, Ember Vaughn, the outcast, the weakling? Chosen by this magnificent Alpha? It was almost too incredible to believe. Yet, as I looked into Alpha Landon Black-Thorn's eyes, I sensed a spark of hope, a glimmer of a new fate unfolding before me. Omega Zed's face contorted in dismay as Alpha Landon Black-Thorn closed in, his presence commanding attention. "What?" Omega Zed muttered, stepping aside as if relinquishing his claim.

Moonlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, stretching across the marble floor. I knelt on the balcony, applying a special herbal balm to the skin beneath my ribs—to the scars left by silver weapons thirteen years ago. They still ached. The scars always ached under the full moon, a cruel reminder of a past I fought to forget. "You're still using that balm." I didn't turn around. Kaelen's footsteps were loud on the cold marble. "I thought you'd forgotten that pain," he said. The anger was gone from his voice, replaced by something I couldn't quite place.

Asher had crashed into a building, bringing it down instantly. As he got up, he stared at the people in front of him and then he heard the voice in his mind. ‘Yes Asher, go on, kill them, kill them all. They killed her, they took her from you. Kill all of them, show them what you are made of.’ His eyes were pitch black and raising his hand, more buildings set ablaze. Screams of pain filled everywhere and although Edward tried to quench the fire, more buildings kept burning and with each passing second, countless wolves fell to their death.

Ember I phased close to my childhood home in Tallahassee. It has been so long since I have been here. Memories of escaping fell over me like a plague as I approached. I knew War would soon be alerted to my presence, sensing I was back here. I phased out with only one thing in mind. Saving Ivy. Damien phased my mates and Jax here, behind me, pulling me back. They could cross into the territory now, it seemed.

The lady looked at Lexi, and Lexi thought she saw a reflection of herself on the face of the lady who then smiled. "It's a wonderful thing to see you again, my daughter," Queen Iris said. "What?" Lexi said, not believing what she had just said. "You did send out emissaries to find me. I got word of it, and I returned willingly. Who do you think placed you close to the North Hill Tribe? Who do you think sent Gina to protect, and reach you? Who do you think sent the Night Witch to you? Who do you think made Strongfall call on the Night Witch to come to their aid? Who do you think made the Shadow Sisters come to aid your fighting? Of course, I hoped you would make the right decision, and you di

“I’ll wake you when we get there.” Without answering, I lean back into the seat, close my eyes, and let the steady hum of the car and the muted sounds of the road pull me under. The day lights flicker like they’re playing hide-and-seek with me, and before I realise it, my feet carry me back into the same dark corridor from earlier night. The air here is colder, heavier. My legs sink slightly into the carpet. On one side of the hallway, Emma’s body lies sprawled on the floor, her limbs bent at angles no living body holds. Adrian stands beside. Something like steel in his hand reflects the light, flashing sharply for a split second.

“Now we quit letting them write the story for us.” Lucien nods. “We get it all down. The fire. The church. Gideon's part. Elias cleaning up after.” “And the silver?” Ruby asks. I shake my head. “Not yet. They'll twist it into ghost stories or crazy talk.” “Strategic delay advised,” the silver agrees. Outside, Hallowpine starts waking up. Engines cough. Doors bang. Same winter morning routine. They have no idea the mirror's already cracked. They have no idea the thing they were afraid of isn't here to punish anybody.

Let everything go back to normal. Normal. The word tasted like ash. I turned the water off and stood dripping in the quiet. Steam swirled around me thick and heavy. But I didn’t want normal, all I want is her. And that scared me more than any slap Ethan could throw.

For me. Not a cage. Not a dorm. A legacy. The map trembled in my hands as if the fire wanted to leap free and carry me there that instant. To the estate tucked in Ember Hills, hidden, waiting. A place untouched by the politics of the Houses, untainted by patriarchs and proctors and traitors. A place that could be ours. I sank back against the bedframe, clutching the key and map to my chest, eyes burning with heat that had nothing to do with flame.