SHANE BLACKTHORN

"So after the ceremony, and the completion of your awakening, you will be transported to the Vale of Echoes the next morning, where you'll be trained for your duel with Rafael," Dorran's voice pulled me from the storm of my thoughts, his tone as measured as always.

"Why the next morning?" I asked, my voice tinged with irritation. I could feel the heaviness of an impending headache. "Why not immediately after?"

"Well, we assumed you'd want to spend some intimate moments with the Luna before you spend a week training for the battle," Mirren interjected matter-of-factly, as if this was a foregone conclusion. The others turned to look at me, expressions ranging from curiosity to concern. Maybe they thought I was losing it. Maybe I was. Caelum hadn't responded to my last message about Millie. That silence gnawed at me, louder than their words.

I nodded absentmindedly and rose from my seat at the head of the round table. The chamber was suffocating, the air thick with unspoken tensions.

"And where are you going?" Dorran asked, his brow furrowing in mild disapproval.

"Are we not done here?" I shot back, my tone clipped, trying to mask the growing agitation that writhed under my skin.

"Not yet." His gaze flicked toward the chair I'd vacated, a silent demand for me to sit back down.

I clenched my jaw but complied, sinking back into the seat as Dorran continued. "Usually, a representative from the Valkera family oversees the training of a truly awakened Alpha. However, since Eskelois' demise and his being the last of the Valkera bloodline, the responsibility now falls to your grand-uncle, Thotcher Blackthorn, a descendant of a direct disciple of the First Alpha."

My eyes slid toward Thotcher, seated at the far end of the table. We had barely exchanged words in all the years I'd known him. The thought of being isolated in the Vale of Echoes with him for a week wasn't exactly appealing.

"Can I leave now?" I asked, unable to contain my impatience. My mind was elsewhere—on Millie. What was she thinking? Had she rejected my offer outright? Was that why Caelum hadn't responded? The questions clawed at me relentlessly. Of course, she'd reject me. Who wouldn't? What had I been thinking?

"Shane. Shane. Shane!" Dorran's sharp voice snapped me back to the present.

I blinked and offered a sheepish smile. "Sorry. What were you saying?"

Mirren leaned forward, her expression softening with concern. "Is something the matter? You seem distracted."

"I'm fine," I said curtly, my teeth gritting against the lie. "It's just... too much happening all at once."

"We understand that," Dorran said gently. "Which is why we wish to unburden you of some duties, to better allow you to focus on your training." He slid a document across the table toward me.

Picking it up, I scanned the contents, a humorless chuckle escaping my lips. "You can't be serious."

"Look, I know what you're thinking, but—"

"There's no 'but.'" My voice dropped, low and menacing. "You want me to sign over temporary power to the Elders' Council? Do you think I'm stupid?"

"Shane, we just want to help—"

"This throne was handed to my family for a reason. When I swore in, it was in front of every single subject under my rule. I swore to protect them—to do my utmost for them."

"Signing this is helping you do that," Mirren began, but I cut her off.

"Stop talking." My voice thundered, and the room seemed to quake with the force of my bloodlust. The air grew heavier, suffused with Kygarra's aura. They thought they could take my throne? These people, who were supposed to support and trust me, had been plotting behind my back.

"Owen!" I roared, and within moments, he burst into the room, his head bowed in submission.

"Bring Leah. Now."

"Shane, that's not necessary—" Dorran began, but the look I shot him silenced him immediately. His eyes dropped to the table, and the room plunged into uneasy quiet.

Moments later, Owen returned with Leah in tow. Her wide eyes scanned the room, confusion and unease evident in her expression.

"What's going on?" she asked cautiously, her gaze flitting between me and the Elders.

I didn't answer. Instead, I grabbed the offending document and hurled it toward her. She picked it up, her eyes scanning the words.

"Shane, I swear—"

"Save it," I snarled. My trust in her had been stretched thin long before this, but now it snapped entirely. How had I been so blind? The signs had been there—the manipulations, the subtle moves. I had made excuses for her again and again, but no more.

"Shane, you have to believe me," Leah pleaded, desperation cracking her voice. "I didn't know about any of this."

"Just like you didn't know about Eskelois? Even when I asked you? Even when I saw you orchestrate the attack that led to his death?" I laughed bitterly. "It was all so well-planned, wasn't it? Eskelois dreams of postponing our mating ritual, and suddenly he loses control. And so do I."

"Shane, I told you—that had nothing to do with me!"

I stepped closer to her, my voice dropping to a cold whisper. "Still going to deny it?" I reached under the arm of the chair where she had sat during that fateful meeting. My fingers brushed against the faint residue of purple powder. Wolfsbane. Not deadly, but enough to agitate any wolf, stripping away their control and amplifying their bloodlust. I had returned to the chamber room after, trying to replay the scenes of that day and how I could have possibly lost control when I saw it. I forced myself to ignore it, telling myself she only did it because she was desperate, she was backed into a corner but I couldn't make up excuses for her any longer.

I held it up for her to see. "I was going to give you the benefit of the doubt. But doing this..." My voice cracked with rage and hurt. "This is unforgivable."

The room was silent, save for Leah's labored breaths.

"Shane, please," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "I didn't—"

"You disgust me," I said, my voice trembling. "You, especially." I say pointing at her.

Her shoulders sagged, and for a moment, I saw her mask crack. "So... now what?" she asked, her voice trembling. "You're rejecting me? To go be with her?"

"No," I said, the words sharp and cruel. "We go on as planned. We live out this farce just like you wanted. And you get to spend the rest of your life knowing how much I loathe you."

Her tears fell harder, but I didn't wait for her response. I turned and stormed out, my chest heaving with the weight of my fury and betrayal.

But as soon as I was outside, her face faded, replaced by Millie's. I broke into a run, the pull toward her overwhelming. As I ran through the forest, her scent filled the air, sharper, more electrified than before.

She was close.

And then I felt it—her fear.

She was being chased.

"Millie." The name fell from my lips as I pushed harder, faster, my only thought to reach her before it was too late.

I quicken my pace, panic flooding through me. Then, like a window opening, I see through her eyes—she's running through the woods, darting between trees, with a wolf hot on her heels. One of the town guards is chasing her. How am I doing this? Seeing through her eyes? Feeling her fear doesn't surprise me—it's just like back at the house when she had the panic attack, and I felt every ounce of her terror.

The trees blur past as I run faster, the cold air stinging my face. I know this route like the back of my hand—I've run it a thousand times. The moment I break through the trees, I see her. She's leaning against a trunk, catching her breath.

"Millie?" The name slips from my lips before I can stop it.

She looks up, her eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, we stand in a quiet exchange. I stay rooted, watching her as she breathes heavily, leaning against the tree. She's beautiful. Her hair is loosely tied back, with a few stray strands escaping. She's wearing a cream-colored, flower-patterned pleated gown that falls to mid-thigh, paired with brown boots. Caelum's coat is draped around her shoulders.

Am I insane for feeling jealous that she has his coat on, especially when I was just kissing Leah days ago? Probably. But I've accepted that when it comes to Millie, sanity has no place in my world.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, clearing my throat to mask the hoarseness. My eyes drift to the sweat glistening on her skin, trailing down the swell of her chest. Her rasping breath fills my ears, and less-than-innocent thoughts cloud my mind.

"You're the last person I want to see right now," she scoffs, pushing off the tree as if preparing to leave.

What is she doing out here, far from the house and away from Caelum's sight? Didn't he promise to protect her?

"Where's Caelum?" I ignore her sharp tone.

Her gaze snaps to mine, anger flashing in her eyes at the mention of his name. Did they argue?

Before I can press further, a low growl breaks through the air. The rustle of leaves is my only warning before I leap, Kygara surging forward with me. We shift mid-air, colliding with the wolf that's lunging for her. One second later, and it would have ripped her apart.

The rage from the day boils over, and I let it fuel me. I tear into the wolf, ripping through flesh, shattering bones, and basking in the metallic scent of blood. Kygara and I are one—our fury unleashed without restraint.

When it's done, I look up through Kygara's eyes. Millie is staring at us. There's fear in her gaze, but there's something else too, something I can't name—or won't let myself name.

Her expression pulls me back to the first day we met, though she doesn't remember it because of the accident. Kygara howls, proud of the carnage, but I roll my eyes. Now isn't the time to gloat. This might have traumatized her.

Kygara digs through the mess and retrieves the wolf's heart, carrying it delicately in his jaws. He trots over and lays it at Millie's feet.

She crouches, looking into his eyes with a mix of curiosity and confusion. Slowly, she stretches out her hand, brushing her fingers through his fur.

It's the same look. The same connection I felt back then. Kygara wags his tail, leaning into her touch.

I retreat behind a tree, shifting back to human form. The nearest locker with fresh clothes is a short run away, so I sprint, change quickly, and return. By the time I'm back, she's walking toward the palace.

"Millie," I call out, but she cuts me off.

"I don't want to talk to you right now, Shane," she snaps.

Something's wrong.

"What's wrong?" I move to block her path.

She sighs, exasperated, and finally looks at me. "Did you know? Did you ask him to do it?"

Her words confuse me. Did she find out about the plan to use her powers as a beacon?

"I can explain—"

"Of course, you knew." Her laugh is bitter as she shoves me back.

"Stay out of my way, Shane." She steps around me, but I can't let this go.

"If you want to be mad, be mad at me. Caelum was only trying to protect you."

"I'm tired of that excuse. How is manipulating my memories supposed to protect me? What's next? You'll tell me you killed my mother to protect me too?"

Her words hit like a punch. Manipulating her memories? Is that why she doesn't remember their soul knot? Pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place.

"Millie, wait." I grab her hand, turning her to face me. Her chest presses against mine, and I'm acutely aware of how close we are. Her brown eyes bore into mine, sending shivers down my spine.

"Let go of me," she whispers, but I can feel her heart racing. She's just as affected by this as I am.

"Please, listen to me." My voice softens as our breaths mingle. Her lips are so close I could claim them, but she doesn't pull away.

"I'm not going back to that house. I'm finding Reed and Clara, no matter what," she says firmly.

Her determination is fierce. "Reed and Clara? The sorcerers? They're at the mansion. I can take you to them."

"They were kidnapped. Alex took them," she reveals, her voice breaking.

"Why would Alex—"

"To lure me to the palace so he can kill me."

Her words are like ice water. "And why would Alex want you dead?"

"I don't know. That's what I plan to ask him."

"You can't just march in there, Millie. The guards will sense your magic from miles away and they will attack, and then I'll have to kill every single one of them to keep you safe. Things are chaotic enough without adding that." I say, meaning every word. If she really decided to match in there then I would kill every wolf who tried to attack her.

"Just let me help you."

She exhales heavily and sits against a tree, motioning for me to join her. As she recounts everything—Alex's threats, her severed connection to Clara, the note, and her fight with Caelum—I listen intently. Her desperation is palpable.

"I can't let anyone else die," she says, her voice trembling.

"You barely know them, yet you're willing to risk everything," I murmur, more to myself.

She meets my gaze. "I can't lose them too."

"I can't speak for Caelum's actions, but I know he wouldn't hurt you without reason. Whatever you saw, there's more to it."

Her shocked expression is almost amusing. "You were going to kill him, and now you're defending him?"

I shrug with a smirk. "Let's go find your friends."

"You'll take me to Alex?"

"No. But I'll help you track them."

Kygara could simply sniff them out. And once I found them and got them safely out of Lupinmere, I could figure out why Alex wanted Millie dead. "I'll need something of theirs," I say, glancing at Millie. She looks at me, confused.

"Their things might still be at the mansion. Let's go check," she says.

Without hesitation, I scoop her into my arms, holding her bridal-style.

"What are you doing? Put me down!" she squeals, struggling in my grip.

Ignoring her protests, I take off at super speed, the wind rushing past us. Carrying her ensures she stays safe—and keeps me from worrying about her wandering into harm's way.

We reach the mansion in no time. The moment I set her down, she pushes away from me, her touch lingering in my thoughts. I already miss the feel of her skin against mine.

Millie hurries into the house. A few minutes later, she returns with a jacket in her hands.

"This belongs to Clara. Can you track her with it?" she asks, holding the jacket out to me.

I take it, transforming into Kygara with a thought. Lowering my snout, I inhale deeply, picking up the scent on the fabric. Then I sniff the air, concentrating, searching for any trace of Clara or Reed.

But there's nothing. No trail. Not even the faintest sign.

I growl softly, frustrated. This doesn't make sense. Even if they were dead, Kygara should still be able to sniff out their bodies. The only explanation is magic—powerful magic. Whoever took them used spells to conceal their trail. Alex wasn't a sorcerer, so how had he done this?

I reach out to Millie telepathically, my voice resonating in her mind. There's no scent. Magic is masking them. We need to find Caelum—maybe he can track them.

Her face pales at my words, but she shakes her head, defiant. No. He betrayed me. I don't trust him.

I glance around the courtyard where we're standing. She mentioned finding Esther here with a note. If I could see that note, it might give me answers.

Could you show me the note? I ask her mind-to-mind.

I don't have it. Caelum probably took it, she responds, frustration lacing her thoughts.

I step closer to her, lowering my head to nudge her gently. "Through your mind," I urge her.

Hesitating, Millie kneels in front of me. Our eyes meet, and she allows the connection to deepen. Reaching into her memories, I finally see the note.

My suspicion is confirmed. The handwriting matches the letter I received a few days ago. The difference? Mine was written in blood, while hers was in ink.

Something else catches my attention: the words White Lotus.

Millie. She's the White Lotus. The one the Seven and Rafael have been hunting.

I transform back into my human form, my mind racing with the implications. I should have realized it sooner. The Seven were involved. Their magic was strong enough to breach Caelum's barrier without detection and to cloak Clara and Reed from even Kygara's senses.

Millie's back is turned, her face averted—no doubt because I'm naked. I smirk at her shyness but force myself to focus.

Why did the Seven want her at the banquet tomorrow? And what did their letter to me mean?

As rain begins to fall, I look up, feeling the cool drops hit my skin. Millie doesn't seem to notice. She's staring intently at a tree, almost as if she's communicating with it.

I've heard of druids with deep connections to nature, able to commune with trees. Is that what she's doing now?

"Millie," I say softly, stepping closer. I reach out and take her hand, giving her a small shake.

She stirs, turning to look at me as though she's seen a ghost. Her eyes are wide, haunted.

"Are you okay?" I ask, but she steps back abruptly. Her foot slips on the wet ground, and she lets out a small gasp.

Without thinking, I grab her, pulling her into my arms just before she can fall.

Authors note:

I know I said this chapter was going to be rated 18+ but due to its size, I had to divide it into two so the second part of this chapter which will have a warning ahead will have the mature content so swipe with caution. Thank you and I love you all. Don't forget to vote and comment.