He reaches out, pulling me close, his arms warm and solid around me. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” I lean into his embrace, grateful for his presence, for the reassuring beat of his heart against mine. His hand strokes my back, a slow, comforting rhythm that helps soothe the tightness in my chest. “W
Niklaus The evening air is crisp, the setting sun casting long shadows across the ground as it dips below the horizon. It’s the evening of the Claiming Ceremony, a night that’s supposed to be filled with celebration and joy. Instead, I’m pacing outside the pack house, a tightness in my chest that
“As ready as I can be,” I reply, pulling her into my arms. *** Verena “As ready as I can be,” he says before pulling me into his arms. The warmth of Niklaus’s embrace calms the flutter of nerves in my stomach, a comforting reassurance amidst the whirlwind of preparation for the Claiming Ceremony.
Verena This is it. I’m walking down an aisle just like a normal wedding. The only difference is I am wearing a golden ceremonial dress and the tiny fact that there are loads of powerful people here; people who I’m glad are on our side. When I was with Lucan, I heard rumors about Dante Rios, Liam
Verena Niklaus turns to me, his eyes searching mine. He pulls me close, his touch reassuring. “Are you ready, Verena?” His voice is gentle, a contrast to the strength of his arms around me. I nod, feeling the flutter of nerves in my stomach. “Yes, I’m ready.” The words are a whisper, borne of a co
“Ow! Niklaus, that hurt—” My words cut off as I feel him lift his head, the mood abruptly shifting. I look down, and my breath catches in my throat. His eyes, usually a blue so light it borders on stormy gray, are now an abyssal black, void of the warmth I know. My heart hammers in my chest, fear
“Precisely,” Peter laughs when I take too long to answer. “And now you no longer have a choice, Verena. Watch as I destroy everything you love, starting with Niklaus.” The threat hangs in the air, heavy and suffocating. Niklaus, still standing silently, his eyes void of the man I know, is a puppet
Niklaus“...please…. Niklaus… out of…”The words, fragmented, broken and spaced, floated through Niklaus’ mind as he looked at everything and nothing. That voice sounded so familiar, but how could that be when it feels like he’s been forever trapped in the darkness?“Fight him…”Fight him? Fight who