KNIGHT “That’s a good idea. You two need a little time for yourselves before things get crazy.” I was grateful Kailin had come to the office earlier, but that was not why I took her with me. “You think so?” I picked the first ring that caught my eye. It was a three-carat diamond brilliant-cut engagement ring. “Nah. That’s too classic. She’s a gorgeous woman. Try this one.” She pointed at the pear-shaped cut with the stone, one carat bigger. “You can afford any size you want. Vana has slender fingers. This is perfect for her. Do you know her ring size?” I picked the ring up at eye level. I didn’t measure Nirvana’s finger, but I knew this would fit perfectly. “Not exactly, but this is perfect.” Kailin smiled. “You know, I’m proud of you, cuz. Weeks ago, you rejected her because you thought she was better off without you, and now you’re madly in love with her. You’re picking a ring. Did you tell her how much you love her?” I frowned. “She knows how I feel.” “Wait.” She held my arm

NIRVANA I didn’t know why I felt emotional these days. I quickly got upset over something. I shouldn’t have eavesdropped their conversation. Boys were boys, and they had the right to their own privacy. Yet, here I was— upset. I just had this feeling that they were talking about me or this black plague pandemic, and being the sacrificial lamb did a number on my head. I became paranoid. I walked out of the party that Knight threw for me. I was having fun earlier, and now I had ruined one thing I should value the most—his trust. I drew a deep breath as I sat on the ground. The night was supposed to be perfect— beautiful moonlight, nice weather, fresh air, and I had the people I cared about. I sent a text to my grandfather. VANA: I missed you, Grandpa. I wish you were here with me. Call me soon. I love you. I was so caught up with my moping that I didn’t notice I wasn’t alone anymore. The first person I saw was Phin. “Hey. I’m sorry I didn’t even come to check up on you guys. H

KNIGHT “Alpha, I think they put Luna in the sack,” Kaleb said. “Motherfuckers,” I grumbled. My wolf became more restless. The muscles on my shoulders tightened with restrained fury. “What?” “They put Nirvana inside the sack.” I gritted my teeth in anger. I couldn’t imagine how terrified she was. “They will pay for this.” “Calm down before you spook them.” Zarah gripped my shoulder. “I’m truly grateful you’re here. Otherwise, I’d followed my anger and put my people in danger, including my mate.” I breathed deeply and tried to control my wolf as we headed to the valley. Then I caught the scent of my mate. “Can you smell her?” “Yes. She’s terrified.” As soon as we got closer, we walked in discreetly. Phin and his lackeys hid behind the tallest rocks. “Where is she? She should be here by now.” That was Phin— that motherfucker. “Just sit down. You’re giving me a headache. You worried too much,” Niko replied. “Maybe we can take her out of the sack. She’s probably tired. She m

KNIGHT “Make sure Zarah will not get hurt, or I will hang you in the neck.” “I don’t wanna leave them. Trust me.” “I believe you. Zarah is selfless like my daughter, but if they said they could handle the witch, they’d be fine. I can feel my daughter, and she’s furious.” He looked at the monitor. “She’s stable, but Zarah will figure out what spell the witch put on her.” “Thank you.” The man came back with clothes. “Get dressed, Knight.” He grabbed the clothes from his man, giving them to me. “You can’t swing your dick around my house.” I chuckled. “Sorry for showing up in your living room unannounced.” “That’s Alessandro.” “Thank you, Alessandro.” I nodded at Alessandro before they left us. After I put the clothes on, I sat back close to Nirvana. I was still worried that Zarah hadn’t arrived yet. “Nirvana, can you hear me?” I held her hand and closed my eyes to connect to her mind, but she must be so exhausted, or the spell on her prevented us from linking each other. I was

KNIGHT “You need to work on your emotions, Knight. Just tell her you love her and you wanna marry her.” I blocked Kailin. I knew she was listening, but that could wait until Nirvana was back on her feet. She was literally back on her feet. She just stood before us and breathed deeply. “Is Asina still trapped?” She laughed softly. “I haven’t done it, Zarah.” “Take it easy. Are you sure—” I hadn’t finished my words; she closed and opened her eyes, and they were glowing. “Whoa.” We all had the same reaction as we stared at her. Her eyes were glowing in a blue hue, and so was her whole body. She was flamed but not burning. “Oh, my God. It’s awesome.” Kailin stepped closer to her, but Shadow held her in the arm. “I think she can’t burn me, can you, Vana?” “I don’t think so.” She tried it on the bed, pressing her palm on the mattress. Nothing happened. “Only when triggered.” Sebastien came back. “Maybe we should test it.” “No,” Zarah and I said in unison. “Maybe she doesn’t kn