Delilah's POV:Neither there was any sun in sight to indicate whether it was a day or night nor did I have my watch with me to get an idea about time.It must have been the next day when I woke up from a restless sleep and Asteria entered the room, which was more like a cell, with two maids in tow. They both were carrying trays in their hands which they placed on the table one by one.Asteria gestured at me to get up from the hospital bed, which I still had no idea why I was placed into. I walked to the couch and settled down beside her.She ushered the maids out of the room and then pointed at the tray, "Eat."I eyed the tray loaded with food and then at the other containing water and a few tablets. Honestly, I didn't want to touch any edible item there but Asteria gave me not much choice when she announced, "I am personally going to make sure that you are getting the proper, nutritional meal. That is essential for baby's health."I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. She was again at
Delilah's POV:Casting a brief glimpse at the door, Stella nodded her head in agreement, "Yes, I am. Just like you."I knew it. I had recognized her white, clean aura; the one that is only associated with the Healers. Being a Healer gives me the ability to recognize the auras around people and helps me differentiate them. That's why I perceived Lucien's aura as that of an evil person. But why didn't I identify Asteria's as a bad one? Did she hide it well using her magic or was she not evil by heart?Focusing back on the reality, I mouthed, "How did you get here?"She kept moving her hands around the machines to appear as if she was busy working instead of talking to me, in case we were being watched. Fumbling with the tube of the drip, she deadpanned, "The same way you did."My eyebrows furrowed in question, "So, you are not with Asteria in this plan?"She remained silent for a long moment and then sighed, "I don't want to help her in whatever crazy plan she had made." The corners of
Delilah's POV:I was lying on the bed, processing my chaotic thoughts and trying to find a way out. Xee must have known by now that I was missing but without any clue, how could he find out where exactly I was? I also thought about Adeline; was she back? Did she know I was missing? Despite everything, it seemed impossible for them to find me here and I had no idea how to go back.My train of thought halted as a piercing headache shot through my skull again. It felt as if someone was knocking a hammer on my skull, trying to split it open. I clutched my head with both hands and shook it but it didn't reduce the pain like before. If anything, the headache only became only severe.My vision blurred and my eyes watered as the room spun around me. My breathing labored as I felt the cords of my brain being tugged harshly. I tried to heave myself up in a sitting position. Stars flashing behind my eyelids, I managed to sit on the bed.With trembling hands, I reached for the glass of water plac
Xander's POV:Outside the library, I was pacing the ground restlessly, thinking about what to do next. My mind was a jumbled mess of chaos and worry but I was glad to get my hands on the first clue at least. Yeah, I still had no idea where they took Delilah, but after the CCTV footage, I was sure of one thing; the involvement of witches.The way that girl in the footage blew the powder on Delilah's face was enough to highlight that it was a witch's doing and, surely, there was this one particular witch who seemed very interested in Delilah in the past few days. The fucking High Witch, Asteria.I groaned in rage and punched the metal frame of the car. It dented with the force but that wasn't enough to bring down my wrath. Right now, I was furious with myself. I never trusted Asteria so I should have been more careful and kept a closer eye on her.But again, I didn't want to impose anything on Delilah or give her the impression that I was stalking her, she hated that and I was eager not
Xander's POV:Unlocking my phone, the first thing I saw was the time. My heart twisted for a moment as I noticed it was already 6 pm but I refused to give myself a moment of weakness. I must keep going on.Clenching my jaw, I dialed Lucas. As if he too was on high alert, he picked up immediately, "What's the update, Alpha?"I eyed the door in front of me, "I sniffed Delilah in the cottage."He rushed out, wanting to know more, "And...?"I explained through gritted teeth all about the door, spells, and electric shock.Lucas stayed quiet for a long moment and I let him have the time to think properly. After a moment, he started, "Asteria is a witch. If it had only been about wisdom and cunning tactics, we could have a chance to outdo her."He paused again and then continued deep in thought, "But...it's not only about wisdom and tactics, Xander. We must take into account that she is using magical spells at every step. The spells that are mostly impossible for us to break on our own."His
Xander's POV:After the deal was made, words were exchanged, and assurance was given, Deborah followed me back to the car. Settling inside, I checked my phone and saw a text message from Lucas. They had reached the pack mansion and were waiting for us.As I pressed on the pedal, Deborah turned in her seat and faced me, "So, how have you been? Long time no see."I glanced at her and cringed at the creepy way she was giving me a smile showing all of her rotten teeth in full display. Staring straight ahead, I answered her meekly, "Fine."If she took the hint to shut up, she dutifully ignored it and proceeded on, "This girl, Delilah, is she your mate?"Without looking at her, I responded with a grunt, "I don't see how that concerns you, Deborah."Not liking my attitude, she huffed out in annoyance, "Yes, it does. I am actually worried about that poor girl. It must be tiring for her to have a broody, grumpy lycan as a mate."She turned toward the window and grumbled under her breath, "I thi
Xander's POV:Breaking the eerie silence that followed Deborah's story, I walked ahead, "Okay, everyone, now if the introductions are over, we should move along."Leaning Adeline closer to his body, Lucas nodded, "Yes, for now, we should focus on what we all gathered here for."Turning around, I entered the cottage and strode straight to that mysterious door. I could hear quick steps behind me. Stopping at the door, we turned around and waited for Deborah to reach.Shuffling around, we gave her the space in front of the door. She assessed the door with calculating eyes that narrowed down at the lock. She was a witch, so she could sense the type and intensity of spells without even touching the things.The corner of her tugged up, "Locking Spell."I stepped closer to her and asked impatiently, "Can you break this spell?"Her head jerked to me and she gave me a vicious glare while hissing, "Either you are very impatient right now or you are doubting my powers, Lycan King."My eyebrow sh
Xander's POV:Fidgetty. Agitated. Restless. Words weren't enough to explain what I was feeling at that moment. Watching me, Lucas took the lead and walked up to Deborah, "There must be anything that you can do. Think, please."Deborah looked at him with hopeless eyes, "There is no one here who wants to get to that fucking bitch more than me. Although it hurts me to admit I have spoken the truth."Adeline took the charge, "Do you know any Hedge Witch?"Deborah shook her head firmly, "I have been living in isolation for the last 600 years. All the witches in my coven were killed by Asteria and other covens did not welcome a lone witch like me."Lucas tugged at his hair in frustration, "How can she be brought back then? Any idea?"Deborah started shaking her head in slow motion now, "Portal is the only way between realms. She crossed the portal to go to another realm. Now, she must use a portal to be back."Adeline muttered lowly, "She has no fucking idea about realms and portals."Debor