ARTEMIS’ POVHer body flops in my hands after another orgasm erupts out of her, and she thrashes around. For a moment, I panic, scared that I've hurt her in some way.The light rise and fall of her chest lets me know that she's fallen asleep, likely from exhaustion. I pushed her too hard on her first time, indulging myself repeatedly to satisfy my own desire when I should have been more considerate.Despite her insistent demands, I should have controlled myself, eased her into the pace and frequency gradually, not acted like some sex-deprived nymphomaniac.Guilt washes over me as I gaze at her, peacefully asleep with her lips slightly ajar and the bite marks scattered across her neck. Yet, even now, a new desire swells within me, a yearning to devour her completely.I can never get enough of her; mere sex will never suffice.I desire her to the point of madness, straining my self-control as I stare at her. It takes everything in me to stop here, to dress her again and step out of the

Artemis laughs, a low sexy chuckle. “Let’s have this conversation another morning when you hadn’t just passed out the night before. Now...” His eyes go back to the Astria book, and his expression turns curious. “I’ve always wondered, since I knew. What does it feel like being one? A witch. How did you find out?"I pull back and pause, hating that he’s not having it right now, but also considering his question."I don't know... It doesn't really feel different, well, unless I'm using my powers. Then it feels like a surge of energy rushing through my blood. In those moments, I feel lighter, freer, in my element.""That sounds similar to what it feels like to shift into a wolf. I feel stronger and more in tune with myself than ever. Almost like it's what I'm supposed to be most time," he reflects."Yeah, it's a rush of euphoria."If shifting was normal for wolves, then using power and magic must be normal for an Astria — a way to express and be what they were born to be. And I haven’t be

SERAPHINA’S POV What was Olivia's brother like? What were his hopes and dreams? What did he sound like when he laughed or when he was angry? Was he kind or distant? These are things that, had I known them, might have made me feel more, be as broken as she is in front of me. But I don’t. Rather, I wasn’t interested in knowing. I swallow hard, unable to speak, defend myself, or argue why I care about her, and how she might have misunderstood the entire situation. What could I possibly say after hearing such news? Her tears, long held back, break free, and she crumbles into a sob that shakes her entire body. I want to take her pain away, or at least share in her grief, but I can't. I will never truly understand. “He died two nights after you were gone, while I was waiting for a message or call from you, worrying about if you were safe and okay,” she says bitterly. “I wanted to tell you—I would have if you'd even bothered to see if I was okay.” “I’m so sorry.” More tears spill from

SERAPHINA’S POVI leave his office feeling so many things: confused, furious, apprehensive.The negative thoughts running around my head aren't making things better for me.This school was always famed for its traditions, its standing, and all that bull crap, but coming here, meeting people, having my life threatened severally without the school really doing much about it or offering compensation... all of it has led me to believe that it's all been just a ruse.This place isn't perfect, not at all, and worse, the people running it—King Silvan and the Administrator—it's all their fault.They’re the root of this evil.I'm distraught as I walk down the hallway, clenching my fists on both my sides, filled with anger and wishing I could bury my face in Artemis’ chest to feel less pained about everything.“Seraphina?” I pause in my steps, turning around to whoever called out my name, hoping it's not another new admirer trying to be friends, thinking because I am with Artemis, I could repla

SERAPHINA’S POVI collapse into his arms the moment the energy ceases, a wave of exhaustion washing over me, weighing down my aching muscles. He immediately wraps his warm jacket around me, holding me close.I lean into him, and he supports me until I can steady myself on my own two feet."How do you feel?" he asks, concern etching his features.I groan, looking up into his worried face."Better?"He frowns, worry clear in his expression."It was her, wasn't it? The strange entity pushing you to fulfill the prophecy and end my race, the one creeping into your mind.""Yeah, it was her," I admit, and his frown deepens."I thought my being around you was keeping her at bay, at least to an extent. You almost lost control just now.""Yeah, for the most part," I agree, equally confused by her sudden violent appearance. Thinking back, I realize, "When we talked about Cyrus, everything went haywire, almost as if she's infuriated."She’s always angry, always thirsting for vengeance.The animos