The memories of the kiss with Alec flood back—the tingling sparks, the overwhelming connection. My gaze lifts to Alec, who wears a troubled expression, his eyes etched with a tumult of emotions.
'Are you okay, Nina?' he asks with genuine worry. 'Yiselda refused to let me out to help you,' he adds with obvious frustration through the iron bars.
Rubbing my forehead, I admit, 'I haven't been the best since this morning. Magnus insisted I stay home and rest, but I didn't listen.' Guilt twists within me.
Yiselda questions with concern, 'What happened this morning?'
'I almost drowned in the lake before sunrise,' I confess hesitantly, my eyes flickering to Alec.
'You almost died?' Alec's hands clench the bars tighter, a mixture of fear and anguish flashing in his eyes.
Yiselda interjects, 'Isn't it the middle of winter in Shadow Crest?'
I nod, explaining, 'I couldn't sleep, and I couldn't stop thinking about Alec. I wanted the longing for him to stop, so I shifted and went for a run, staying in the icy cold water of the lake for as long as I could. It helped distract my mind and cooled my warm skin. Unfortunately, I was in there too long. When I tried to swim out, hypothermia had set in, and I could barely move. Soon after, I began to sink underwater, and Magnus found me as I blacked out. He carried me home and kept me warm in bed until moments before the meeting with Alpha Bennet. He wanted me to stay and rest, but I refused, attended the meeting, and came here with you,’ I admit to them.
Yiselda's shoulders slump. 'How come he didn't tell me? I would have made you remain at home as well,' she says, a mixture of frustration and concern.
'Magnus didn't have time to tell you, and he knows I would have come with you anyway,' I reply, a hint of defiance in my voice.
Glaring at Alec, Yiselda's tone sharpens, 'This is more reason for you to break the bond, Alec. Her life has already been put at risk once, and putting it off will only further risk her life. End it now, or I’ll be sure to punish you,' she warns, her authority cutting through the air.
Alec, undeterred, glares back at Yiselda. 'No,' he says, his response a clear refusal. The tension in the room between them thickens.
Yiselda turns her gaze back to me, her expression shifting to sympathy. 'Luna, this leaves you with no choice. We have to inform Magnus of your second mate,' she states, a sombre reality settling over the room.
As Alec pleads, his voice carries a desperate undertone, 'Nina, please. You will come back to see me tomorrow?' His eyes, a mix of longing and vulnerability, search mine for reassurance.
Approaching the bars, I reach out, grasping his hand in mine. 'I’ll come back as soon as possible,' I promise, the sincerity in my voice mingling with the conflicting emotions in my eyes.
My heart races as I stand before the vampire king, our eyes locking in a dance of desire and curiosity. The air thickens with lust as we draw closer, the magnetic pull between us intensifying.
As our lips meet, it's not the desperate clash of souls fighting against the world, like our first kiss, but a tender union. I feel the cool touch of the vampire king's lips, starkly contrasting the warm sparks that spread through me. The kiss is delicate, like the fluttering of butterfly wings. There's an immense sweetness and gentleness in how he is kissing me. The world around us seems to fade away as we savour the moment, lost in the softness of our connection.
I part from the kiss, turning away from Alec.
Walking away with Yiselda and Reaper, we leave Pandora’s Box behind, the heavy door closing with a resounding thud, and return to Shadow Crest.
The Wolf Council is still gathered in the packhouse, their voices blending in a serious discussion. I make my way to the dining room, where Magnus is engaged in conversation with Alpha Bennet. As I sit beside him, Magnus glances at me, his eyes reflecting concern and relief. He smiles, kissing my hand with a gentleness that sends a comforting sensation over me. His focus returns to Alpha Bennet, who, in turn, gives a subtle nod to Yiselda.
'Yiselda, I informed Alpha Amir and Alpha Theaton about what I witnessed in Pandora's Box, confirming its contents. So, we've agreed that witches can live in Shadow Crest for the time being,' Alpha Bennet declares, his tone carrying an air of authority.
'For the time being?' Yiselda asks, her brow furrowing with curiosity and slight concern.
'Yes, for now,' Alpha Bennet answers, his gaze sweeping across the room. He stands, signalling the conclusion of the meeting. 'We shall take our leave, but we will stay in touch,' he says as he strides towards the door. Alpha Amir and Alpha Theaton follow suit. Their departure marking the end of the intense discussions.
Ela, Fern, Ria, and Lilac can hardly contain their joy. They exchange hugs and relieved smiles, celebrating the news that they can continue living in Shadow Crest. Ria, eager for her magical pursuits, announces, 'With that, I'll be downstairs concocting some potions!' Lilac and the others join her in enthusiasm.
'Don't forget about me,' May declares, her excitement evident as she dashes downstairs to join the brewing activities.
'Well, that's some good news,' Yiselda remarks with a genuine smile, the tension lifting from her features.
Reaper gracefully glides from my shoulder, landing on the window ledge with an air of watchful vigilance. Magnus pulls me into a warm hug, his strong arms enveloping me. Yet, despite the embrace, his eyes reveal a curiosity tainted with a subtle hint of suspicion. 'You smell different, like sandalwood and something else I can't put my finger on,' Magnus notes, his gaze narrowing with uncertainty. Yiselda gives me a knowing look, silently urging me to disclose the truth.
Caught in a moment of hesitation, I meet Magnus's eyes, my voice shaky but determined. 'Magnus, there's something I need to tell you,' I admit with a troubled expression.
His smile fades, replaced by a genuine concern. 'What is it, Nina?' he asks, sensing my unease.
'Can we go somewhere private? And I'd like Yiselda to be there as well,' I request, my eyes pleading for understanding.
Magnus glances at Yiselda, who nods in confirmation. 'Sure, let's go to our office,' he agrees, his hand gently squeezing mine in reassurance.