CRYSTALMy phone just wouldn't stop buzzing, and it totally woke me up from a deep sleep. Ugh, I was so annoyed! I grabbed it and saw a ton of messages and missed calls from Katherine. When I finally answered, she practically yelled, "Where are you, Crystal?!" I was still half asleep and grumbled back, "Katherine, it's like the crack of dawn. What's going on?" Then she told me Niklaus had called everyone to the ground urgently, and I was the only one missing. She said he was furious and I needed to get there ASAP. Man, I felt this mix of annoyance and panic. How could I have slept through such an important call? I rushed to get dressed and grabbed my stuff. "Okay, okay, I'm coming," I said as I basically ran out the door, with Katherine still chewing me out over the phone. I was cursing myself for not setting more alarms and for being so careless. As I finally made it outside, I promised myself I'd never oversleep again, especially not on a day like this. When I got to the ground
NIKLAUSAll right, so there I am, in Skylar's office, supposed to be plotting how to take down Mikael Salvador. But instead of focusing, my eyes keep drifting to Crystal.She's out on the training ground, kicking butt like it's nobody's business. And I'm standing there, watching her, wondering why she's got me so hooked. It's like there's something about her that feels familiar, you know? But it doesn't add up. If we'd met before, I'd remember her scent. Yet, every time I see her face, it's like a déjà vu moment smacking me in the face. I try to shake it off and get back to the whole Mikael situation, but Crystal's presence is like a magnet pulling me in. Is there more to this connection? Forget about Mikael, my mind's stuck on Crystal and the mystery she's stirring up.I came down to chill on the training ground, waiting for everyone to show up like I told them to, at the barracks I assigned. It's all part of my master plan, you know? Gotta keep an eye on Matt Salvadore for things to
CRYSTALStanding alone in the training courtyard, sunlight filtering through the trees, I felt a surge of anticipation. Today was the day Niklaus had tasked me with teaching the recruits sword fighting. But as usual, no one seemed interested in talking to me, let alone learning from me. I glanced at the recruits, their backs turned to me, chatting amongst themselves. They didn't see me as a leader or someone worth listening to. But that didn't matter. I was determined to prove myself, even if no one else believed in me."Um, hey guys," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I guess we're gonna learn sword fighting today."The recruits barely glanced in my direction, their attention focused elsewhere. I felt a pang of loneliness, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. Taking a deep breath, I raised my sword, trying to project confidence even though I felt anything but. "So, uh, let's start with the basics..."As I began the lesson, I couldn't shake the feeling of bein
NIKLAUS I was lurking in the shadows at the edge of the clearing, like some kind of mysterious ninja. The night wrapped everything in darkness, but the moon was doing its best to spill some light through the trees. And there she was, swinging that sword of hers like she meant business.She moved with such grace, and that sword gleamed in the moonlight. It was like she was in a dance with her own frustration and determination, slashing at the air like it owed her money. Trees didn't fare too well either – they got some deep cuts and bruises as if they were the ones who ticked her off.The sound of that sword cutting through the air was almost poetic, echoing through the quiet forest. I could feel the weight of her emotions in every swing, like she was taking out all her inner struggles on those poor trees.I couldn't help but feel for her. Rejection sucks, and I've seen it in the way those recruits treat her on the training grounds – like she's invisible. But here, under the night sky
NIKLAUS"Alright, folks, pair up!" I call out, my voice loud and clear across the training ground. The trainees hustle to find their partners, like kids picking teams for a game. It's early as hell, but I'm pumped to see what these newbies can do."Spread out, people! Today's all about swordsmanship," I announce, watching them scatter like ants, sizing each other up. There's a buzz of excitement in the air like we're gearing up for a showdown.I step back, giving them space to do their thing. Blades out, they start circling each other, eyes locked, looking for an opening. And then bam! They're at it, clashing swords like they're in some epic duel.I'm keeping an eye on them, throwing out tips, and cheering them on. It's a fine line between guiding them and letting them figure it out themselves. But hey, they've put in the work, and now it's time to show what they've got.Watching them go at it, I can't help but feel proud. These rookies might be green, but they've got heart. With ever
CRYSTALAs our training wrapped up, we all gathered around the bulletin board to check out the patrol schedule. The new guy, Marcel, Niklaus's right-hand man, wasted no time throwing us into the action.When some girl recruits started to whisper and giggle after their lustful eyes caught Marcel under the sunlight. I too decided to let my eyes wander. Tbh Marcel's a real sight to behold, I tell ya. He's got that South African vibe written all over him, with features that'll make you do a double-take. Picture this: he's built like a tank, all muscle, and no nonsense. And those facial features? They scream strength and resilience, with a jawline you could cut glass on and cheekbones that could rival Mount Kilimanjaro.His skin's got this warm bronze tone, like he's been soaking up the African sun his whole life – which, knowing Marcel, wouldn't surprise me one bit. And his eyes, man, they're like two deep pools of dark brown that seem to see right through you. There's a spark in 'em, th
CRYSTAL I tightened my grip on the steering wheel as I navigated the winding road back to Lunaheim. The fog was thick, giving this autumn season an eerie vibe. Just finished up another session of my secret training with one of the last witches in Emberwood because we witches were forced to make a pact with the Werewolves to not practice or learn any kind of magic as they think that we might try to practice dark magic which was said to the cause of bringing bad luck to the last Alpha of WhiteLight packs Alpha ANSEL PRIME WOLFE who had recently passed away with his family and the pack was left with no option but to get under the wing of Silverclaw pack's Alpha MIKAEL SALVADOR.As I passed the trees the ancient forest whispered its secrets through the rustling leaves, echoing the knowledge I'd gained. The air was electric with magic, sending tingles up my arms. My senses were sharp, tuned into the mystical energies humming beneath the surface.When I was about to reach the outskirts of
CRYSTALIt's been three days since I rescued him from that accident with my car. What started as a total downer turned into something straight out of a supernatural movie.Checking him out from across the room, I couldn't believe it. The little guy went from looking like a total wreck to practically brand new. His scars were there, but they were fading fast. It was like he had some kind of crazy healing powers, way beyond what's normal. Then it hit me - he wasn't just any normal pup. Nope, he was a werewolf cub. His eyes, man, they held this ancient knowing. It felt like we had some kind of connection that went way back.Heart pounding, I stole a glance out the window at the mountains where the temple to Hecate stood. The goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts, and necromancy. She was the only child of the Titanes Perses and Asteria from whom she received her power over heaven, earth, and sea.My folks were out there, doing their whole goddess-worshipping thing. And her