Jasmine POV I was floating down in a space I did not recognize. The darkness was all around me, I could not see anything. However, even in the darkness, I could sense the shadows all around me, pulling onto me slowly, tearing me, almost drying me of my soul; one shadow more terrifying and colder than the other. I tried to move, but somehow, I felt suspended. I could not really tell in the dark if I was suspended somehow by restraints, but I could not feel any on my body. I tried to use my magic, and despite various spells and enchantments, nothing changed. I tried to reach out to Calypso, my Lycan, and I could not feel her or hear her anywhere. Silence awaited me whatever I tried to do to contact her. Panic started building within me. There can only be two explanations for this. I was dead, yet somehow aware, coming forth trying to return to the world of the living. Or, I was enchanted into a veil in between, which only meant that I would stay alive, but never truly wake up. I would b

Roman POV I did not know what to make out of all this. I felt as if somebody pulled the rug under my feet and as if my whole life had been a lie. Princess Dzana was friends with my parents. They were not captives; they were never supposed to be captives. It was a ruse perpetrated by my parents so that they would be protected. Nobody, not even spies, cared about “prisoners”, but they surely cared about royal witches and guests. My parents did the best they could, as Lady Asma and my father explained. One of the conditions of her exile and secrecy was that they were presumed as prisoners. It was not uncommon for packs to have prisoners, depending on the circumstances, and those kinds of situations never raised any questions. Not with the Council, not with the pack. It was within the Alpha King’s rights. “You really are dumber than you look”, Caleb was mocking me. “It is a good thing you are handsome, otherwise, I’d have to go find me another human!”, he was now laughing. “How many pri

Dragana POV I had so many questions. Solomon said that he had some business to take care of and I was now sitting in the garden, drinking tea and talking to Lord Cazima. “So, I guess, you are my chaperone for the day?”, I smiled at him. I did not know how old he was, but he did not look much older than me. His hearty laugh was like bells, higher than a normal male voice, but with a beautiful sound to it. “You are more than welcome, Dragana. It has been forever since I have seen you”, he said. “Seen me? You know me???? I do not…”. More laughter followed. “Your mother used to bring you here when you were young. Just like you, she has always wanted to learn and expand her knowledge. And I see she has done a great job!”, he said reassuringly. I tried to search my memories, but I could not recall ever meeting him. “Are you sure? You are not mistaken? ”.. He nodded, sipping the hot aromatic tea. “I do not leave this place much. And yes, you used to come with your mom. I’d know you anywhere

Dragana POVAfter the initial shock of seeing the dagger, I quickly realize I could not allow Lord Cazima know anything about it. “Forgive me, you startled me there”, I said quickly to him after we entered the Inner Sanctum. “I completely understand Princess, I have been told I can be intimidating at times”, he said winking at me. Cold shivers were going through me and I kept thinking of my mother’s death, and how she was taken from me so brutally. And here I am, making small talk and drinking tea with her possible killer. “Focus Dragana, you need to understand what is going on”, the soft voice said and she was right. Giving him a little smile, I walked behind him toward the large onyx pool in the center of the Sanctum. I saw no bookshelves, no books, nothing. The walls were high, and some of them looked like the gate we just passed through albeit smaller. “What re those???? Are they doors too?”, I asked my curiosity peaked. “Some are”, he shrugged as if this was completely normal. “S

Alice POV The mate spell somehow did not work correctly. I could not explain as to why and have requested another meeting with Dark Lord Khor. I knew that I was likely playing with fire, but he was the one who assured me of its power and infallibility. Considering that this was a new, unchartered territory for me, I was cautious, but also confused. And now Rina was extremely upset with me. She ONLY wanted to be with our mate, who we now found out was Beta Artemis. She howled and screamed and when I finally told her NO, we will not be with him, she retreated out of my mind, whimpering, hurt beyond words. I could not blame her, she wanted her mate, but I had to think of my father, my pack, and the future. I had to put my heart away, lock it, and throw away the key. If life was fair, I would be the luckiest girl in the world. Beta Artemis was an exceptionally handsome man. His square jaw, his strong muscles, his eyes, the way he moved his large hands, the way his skin glistened. His sc