Chapter 1

AMARA

Something wasn’t right...like the wind carried a secret I couldn’t unhear.

I stirred the pot slowly. The steam from the stew blasted into my face. I blinked through it, my hand moving without thinking. I have made this meal a thousand times. It was the same recipe, the same flavor. But today, it tasted off.

I wasn’t myself.

I don't know why or can't seem to explain it.

The whispers which had plagued me for years had started again. It was faint, like voices in a dark room.

Like they knew my name.

That was not all, I have also been disturbed by strange dreams in the night.

And all these started some few days ago.

“Amara, are you alright?” Eamon’s voice broke through my thoughts.

I turned and saw him standing by the bar counter, wiping a glass with a rag. His brows were raised.

“Yeah,” I tried smiling but sold myself. “Just tired.” I shrugged.

“You sure? You look like you saw a ghost.”

I forced a smile again. “Come on, I didn't see a ghost. I ...am...just... thinking.”

Eamon nodded but kept staring. “You know, you have been like this all week. If you need to take time off...”

“No,” I cut in, hurriedly. “I’m fine.”

I turned back to the pot and gave it one last stir. The meat was soft. The carrots were tender. It was ready.

“I’m done for the day,” I said, pulling off my apron.

Eamon nodded. “See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah.”

I grabbed my bag and stepped out of the inn. The sun was down and darkness was setting in. The street lamps glowed a soft orange. I walked fast, my boots crunching the leaves on the ground. It was autumn and the leaves had fallen. The trees now stood like skeletons.

I walked for an hour until my cottage rose in my sight, although still miles away. It stood alone at the outskirts of the town and near the edge of the forest. It was always quiet and small. I opened the door and walked in, dropping my bag on the only couch in the room.

My mother sat near the fire. Her hair was tied up today but her eyes looked tired.

“You’re back late,” she said as a way of greeting me. "I have told you countless times never to stay outside so late."

“I am sorry. I stayed longer at the inn,” I replied.

She nodded and pointed to the pot on the stove. “I kept food for you. That's if you're hungry.”

I sat and glanced around. “Where’s Ravenna?”

“Hmmm...where's Ravenna?" She repeated.

"Mom, that's not the answer to my question!" I said gently.

"Of course you know where your sister would be if not home. She's in town as usual.” she

I clenched my jaw. “She never helps.”

“She’s young.”

“So am I,” I snapped. "I am young too Mom! I don't need to work my ass out at the inn fending for us. I also need to wrap myself in a warm bath, filled with lots of perfumes and scenting oils. I need to enjoy my life."

She sighed tired of having this conversation everyday. “Some people are born to rule. Some people are born to take care of their family. Some people are born to live careless life. Some people are born to stay. Which one of them do you want to be?”

I didn’t reply. It was the same talk. The same lecture all over and over again. I was tired of having to choose 'I am the one born to rule and take care of the family.' But what can I do? The weight of the breadwinner was passed down to me after the unfortunate and tragic death of my father.

I went to my room and spruced up, came back to the sitting room in my night wear. I took a bowl of soup and sat by the window.

“Something’s wrong,” I said after a while of silence between us

“What is it?”

“I don’t know.” I looked out the window to the forest. It was dark and the trees were beginning to form lines of shadows. “It feels like… something’s calling me.”

My mother’s back straightened immediately, like she understood what I said. Or she was panicked about what I said. “Don’t start now, Amara. I am not in the mood for your silly imaginations.”

“I’m serious, Ma. I feel it. And did I tell you I have been having strange dreams and hearing whispers? It is like something’s pulling me towards the forest.”

She stood up and drew the curtains. “Eat your food Amara, you must have had a stressful day at the inn."

"Can you take me seriously for once? I don't want to go to the priest after this complaint." I whined knowing fully well it was how it always ended.

Anytime the dreams and whispers started, mother wheels me off to the priest. And I end up drinking a very bitter concoction.

"Don’t ever go into those woods. Especially not at night.”

“Why?”

She looked away. “listen to me and don't try to be stubborn."

I stared at her for so long that she didn’t meet my eyes. That silence stayed between us while I ate. I didn’t ask again. I didn't want to get on her nerves. Not really like she listens to me. And she didn’t speak again.

After dinner, we concluded Ravenna was not coming home, we locked the door and retired to the warmth of our bed.

I lay on the bed asleep, my face to the window. There was a rasp to my window and my eyes flew open.

I saw something deep in the forest.

A silver light.

It was soft, glowing, dancing between the trees.

It moved and I moved with it.

I don’t remember getting up.

I don't remember walking out of my bedroom.

I don't remember walking down the quiet hallway to the sitting room.

I don’t remember opening the door.

But I was walking barefooted.

I walked past the barn.

I walked past the little fence around the cottage.

I walked into the trees.

The light danced ahead of me and I followed.

The forest was quiet and dark. Not quite long I stepped foot in the forest, did I hear a howl: very low, deep and guttural.

I froze and then my mind snapped back.

What the hell am I doing?

Why am I in the forest?

How was I here?

"Don’t ever go into those woods. Especially not at night.” Mother's warning came crawling into my mind.

Immediately I turned to run.

But my feet slipped. I fell, my hands hitting the ground. I scrambled up, not wasting time and kept running. Branches scratched my arms but I didn't care about them. I need to get out of this forest.

I ran until I reached a clearing and then stopped breathing heavily.

I looked up to see a wolf staring at me. A big wolf. Its eyes locked onto mine. Its golden flecked eyes enchanted me and I stood rooted to the spot, unable to move.

My heart beat was thudding faster that I feared my chest would explode from the effect.

Right before my eyes, the wolf moved, its body twisted, bones snapped and broke, the furs shrinked into skin and then a human stood there, naked.

But it was not just any man.

It was him.

Marek.

My heart dropped to the floor.

His face was still the same, strong jaw, wild hair and eyes like storm clouds.

He stared at me like I was poison.

I stared at him like he was fire.

“You have some fucking nerve showing your face again,” he growled. “After what you did to me."

Chapter 2

AMARA

The past always finds a way to catch up, especially when you never really escaped it.

At his words, my heart dropped.

And just like that, it all came back. The memory.

The pain.

The look on his face the last time we saw each other.

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. My voice had gone dry.

I remembered everything.

Flashback*

It all started with Marek.

We met in the human world during our high school days. He walked into class after being transferred and I just… knew. I knew he was mine. We locked eye's, and he even went as far as smiling at me.

“Ravenna,” I whispered to her that night, “I think I’m in love.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re always in love.”

“No,” I said, smiling to myself. “This one’s different.”

Before we could say jack and Jill, we started hanging out. We went for late night movies, coffee dates, and walks. He told me I was funny and I told him he was mine.

He laughed but the surprise was evident on his face. “I think I already am.”

And just like that, he was my boyfriend.

But that didn’t last. Our love did not last long. It was not because of him but because of Ravenna.

I don't know if she grew jealous and just wanted to be a devil to our love but one night she sat up and looked me straight in the eye. “Break up with Marek,”

“What?” I frowned slightly , and then burst into a fit of laughter. “Why would I do that?” I asked in between laughter.

“He’s not good for you.”

“That’s not true.”

She leaned close, her eyes cold. “You don’t know what I know. You’ll thank me later. Just do what I say”

I shook my head, stubbornly, not wanting to believe her. “I love him.”

“You’ll love Malakia more,” she said with a sly smile.

I blinked. And then an horrified expression wash over my face. “Kaine? Marek’s best friend? Are you out of your mind, Ravenna?”

“They were never meant to be best friends,” she said. “You just don’t see the bigger picture yet.”

“I’m not doing that to Marek,” I said, glaring hard at her. “I’m not hurting him.”

Ravenna grabbed my wrist. “Then I’ll make you.” she threatened.

I pulled back, staring her down. “What do you mean?”

She leaned in again. “You either hurt Marek, or I’ll hurt Mom. You know what I can do. Don’t test me.”

My eyes grew watering. “You’re insane. You don't mean this right?”

“And you’re weak,” she spat out. “Now pick a side.”

I couldn’t sleep that night. I tried to talk to Marek, but I couldn’t. What could I say? “My sister threatened me, so I’m going to ruin your life”? Sounds so stupid and foolish right? He won't even believe me? Will he think I am joking or trying to play him?

I tried to disappear. I tried to hide away from my sister at school, and bury myself in work after school. But Malakai found me instead.

He grabbed my hands and looked at me. “If you’re going to do this, let’s do it right.”

I blinked. “You’re okay with this? Betraying your best friend?”

He shrugged, like what he shared with Marek didn't mean a thing to him. “I always wanted to beat him at something.”

So we planned it. It would just be a kiss. One kiss and it will just be enough to break Marek’s heart.

He was going to message Marek calling his attention at a place we would choose. We stood under the tree that fateful day, and we knew he was coming. Malakai leaned close. I hated every second of it to be honest but as soon as Marek appeared I let him kiss me.

Marek stood frozen, his eyes were wide with pain. It took me all my whole not to run and go crazy at his feet, spilling all the secrets. I had to stay put remembering my mother was in line and I can't bear to hurt her.

“What the hell?” Marek’s voice finally came out cracked.

“Marek...” I started.

“You…” He shook his head. “You lied to me.”

“I didn’t mean to...” I could not help but try to explain to him

He turned to Malakai. “You too?”

“It’s just a kiss, brother,” Malakai smirked.

“We’re not brothers,” Marek snapped.

I tried to touch him. “Please. Let me explain...”

He backed away. “Don’t. Just don’t.”

He turned and walked away. My heart shattered for the first time that night.

End of flashback.

Now, here we were again. Me, him, the woods. But nothing felt the same.

He stood now, his chest rising and falling fast. “You remember now?” he asked.

I nodded slowly. “I didn’t have a choice.”

“Bullshit.”

“It was Ravenna,” I started. “She made me do it. She threatened....”

“You always blame her,” he cut in angrily.

“Because it’s true!”

He took a step closer and I stepped back.

But he moved faster, and in one motion, he pinned me to the tree.

I gasped. “What are you doing?”

He didn’t answer, instead he leaned in, his nose brushed my neck.

He sniffed. He was sniffing me like dogs do.

“What...Marek?” I tried to push him, but his hands held me firm.

“You smell different,” he muttered in a sleepy voice

I froze. What the heck is he saying? “What?”

“Something’s off,” he said. “What are you?”

“I’m still me,” I whispered, frightened by this other side of him than what he was saying.

“No,” he shook his head in disagreement. “You’re not. You’re something else now. Are you bait? Or a spy? Did they send you?”

“What are you talking about?” I frowned, already getting pissed off.

“Are you working for them?” he hissed. “Trying to lure me out?”

“No!” I shouted. “I don’t know what you are talking about!”

His hand loosened a bit and in that instant, our eyes locked.

Different emotions passed between us.

Anger.

Pain.

Desire

I didn’t know who moved first. Maybe him. Maybe me. But the space between us got swallowed up.

His mouth crashed into mine. I kissed him back.

I forgot everything.

I forgot his hate.

I forgot my guilt.

I forgot the woods.

I forgot the cold.

We didn’t stop.

We couldn’t.

There, under the trees, we became fire and fury.

Rage and need.

Marek tried to stand up again, but I pulled him back. The impact sent me crashing finally on the ground, my back resting on it while Stefan’s chest pressed against mine.

I could hear the sound of my heart, a rhythm matching how my body trembled.

I could still feel my heart throb for him anytime I was close to him. Marek had refused to say anything, and I am hoping he does not. I do still love him despite what I did. And I know he still loves me even though he still feels heartbroken and pained.

For some reason, I felt the urge to stay like this...maybe for just some minutes...but I didn’t want to push back. I just hoped to stay here, maybe even closer.

Perhaps Marek was feeling the same. His eyes measured mine in a way I couldn’t comprehend, like he was holding himself back from tossing me beneath him.

I raised my head, slowly brushing his lips and expecting him to pull back, but instead, his hand supported my back, kissing me hungrily.

His lips were hot and hungry against mine. I didn’t expect him to kiss me back, but once he did, it was like something wild snapped inside both of us.

His hand slid around my waist, pulling me close until our bodies touched. I felt his chest rise and fall against mine, his breath heavy, just like mine.

“You still feel the pull towards us?” I whispered.

He didn’t answer with words. He crushed his lips to mine again, harder this time. His hands roamed my hips, my thighs, then under my dress. I gasped when his fingers brushed over me, teasing me until my legs trembled.

“Tell me to stop,” he growled, his voice rough against my neck.

I didn’t. Instead, I reached for him, unbuckling his pants with shaking hands. He pushed into me in one hard, slow thrust, and I moaned loud, clutching his shoulders.

It was fast. Desperate. Like we’d been starving for this. Like we wanted it just the moment we both set eyes on each other.

Our bodies moved like they knew each other already like we were made to fit. His pace got rougher, and I couldn’t stop the sounds leaving my lips.

Pleasure hit hard and fast, ripping through me like a storm. He followed with a deep groan, collapsing on top of me, breathless and sweating.

When it was over, he stepped back. I pulled my clothes together, my heart racing. What have I done?

He didn’t look at me.

“Stay out of my territory,” he said, voice low. “Next time I won’t be so merciful.”

“Marek...”

“Don’t,” he growled. And with that he turned and walked away.

I watched him disappear into the trees.

Then it hit me. Hard. Something inside me twisted. Like a rope pulling tight. Like a thread was cut off. Like a part of me was missing

My breath came in short gasps, I was finding it difficult to breathe. The ground trembled under me.

And then I screamed.

Magic burst from inside of me and the light shot into the sky.

Trees to my right and left cracked, branches flew.

My body dropped to the ground.

My knees gave way.

My vision went black at the edges.

I clutched my head. “What is happening to me?” I cried.

And then all of a sudden I heard howls, they were not wild ones, they were like voices calling my name.

“Amara…”

“Amara…”

“Amara…”

Chapter 3

AMARA POV

The truth doesn’t wait for permission...It finds you, whether you’re ready or not.

When my eyes fluttered open, and adjusted to the sun rays illuminating the room, everything hurt.

My head throbbed like someone hit me with a stone. My body felt like it was on fire. Not fire. It was missed. It felt hot, cold, burning and numb.

I blinked and looked around, trying hard to take everything in at once. Everywhere felt so new to me.

The wooden walls caught my gaze first, and then the herbs hanging unceremoniously from the ceiling, the cloth hanging in between the window railings, the washed out wall painting.

I thought I had seen enough but the smell of dried lavender and ash filtered into my nostrils. And then it suddenly hit me, I was in my mother's room. I don't need to think about it, the scent was enough for me.

Which means she must be closer to me. She never let me in her room for reasons best known to her. And if it happens I need to be in her room... like being sick...she'd be close to me.

I groaned and sat up slowly.

“Don’t move too fast,” a soft voice said.

I turned slowly and saw my mother, Seraphine standing near the other window, her arms crossed, her eyes wide with fear. She must have been watching me take everything in.

I remembered a time I had fallen ill, and woke up with my memories wiped off. Ever since then, she watches me with wide eyes praying silently, I don't have my memories wiped out.

“Mom?” I whispered, savoring the name on my lips. “What happened?”

“You don’t remember?”

“I…” I rubbed my temples, and paused thoughtfully, trying to recall the past. “I remember.... " I trailed off as realization dawned on me. I held my lips as images came rushing in.

"What did you remember?" My mother's impatient voice snapped me out. Her eyes were fixed tight on me.

"I don't know how I found myself in the forest. And I saw Marek. No, I first saw him as a wolf. Then I... I don’t know. Something happened... like a burst from inside me. And my eyelids closed, I think.”

She walked toward me, her eyes taking me on slowly. She was trying to determine if I was making this up. Or if I knew this was what exactly happened. “I found you. There was an explosion, a blast of magic. I felt it all the way from here. It shook the whole earth at least.”

I stared at her, perplexed. “You felt it?”

She nodded. “It wasn’t normal. I knew it was you immediately. So I got out of bed and followed the energy trail… and found you lying in the dirt. Unconscious.”

I looked down at my hands. “Why did that happen?”

Seraphine took a breath. She shook her head slowly. Anytime she does that, it is because what she is to say is very difficult. “Because the seal I placed on you… is breaking.”

I blinked. I could not help but break into laughter. What the hell is she saying? Mom was always so dramatic with something's. And then I stopped abruptly, that was after I saw the stare she was giving me.

I cleared my throat and swallowed nothing. “Seal? Hmmm! What seal?”

Her hands trembled a little as she sat beside me. “I didn’t want to tell you like this. I wanted it to remain a secret forever but I knew a day like this would come but believe me I prayed, the day comes after I am with my ancestors. I thought I'd have more time.”

“Tell me what,” I blinked repeatedly, confused. "What are you saying mom? You're confusing me. Scaring the shit out of me."

She hesitated. She opened her mouth and shut it back immediately. “You’re not fully human, Amara.” She released the bombshell.

I stared at her. “What?” I covered my mouth and laughed. "Mom, you're joking right? What do you mean I am not human?"

“You’re not just my daughter. You were born from a powerful bloodline of witches. The Kalyndri. So if I say you're not fully human, believe me.”

My heart stopped. I stared dead shot at her. And gods, she was fucking serious.

"Amara?" She drawled slowly, her fingers snaking round my wrist, when I refused to say a word.

“No,” I snatched my hands from her finger. “That’s not true, mom. You don't know what you are talking about.” I raised my finger and pointed at her. I didn't want to hear any of the crap coming out of her mouth.

“It is.”

I shook my head. “Mom, what are you saying?? Listen to yourself. Witches killed Dad!!"

She looked away, blinking repeatedly, her mouth trembled uncontrollably. “No, I am sorry I planted that into your head. The witches didn't kill your dad. They came for you.” another bombshell.

I felt the world spin. “No." I disagreed. "He died because...”

“Because they feared what you could become,” she said. “You are part of a prophecy.”

I stood up, my legs wobbled and my head spinned but I forced myself to stay steadfast. “Stop.”

“Listen...”

“I don’t want to hear this! I don't want to hear any of this bullshit!”

“You have to,” she said. “Your power is waking. The seal is becoming so weak that it can't stand your inner self anymore. That’s why we left the city in the first place. That’s why I raised you here after your father's death, far from them. I was trying to protect you.”

I backed away. “So all of it was a lie? Everything I knew about myself?”

“No,” she said gently. “Just not the whole truth.”

I shook. “Why now?”

“Because of him.”

My breath caught. “Because of who? Marek?”

She nodded. “He’s your mate.”

I froze. “No…” and then I laughed again. Mom was trying so effortlessly to destroy my brain. What does she mean by Marek being my mate? How does Marek have to do with the fact I am a witch?

“Yes. Amara listen to me. The bond you felt...he felt it too. That’s why your magic lashed out. There was a connection and when he left you there, you were angry and that triggered the magic. The bond between you both is ancient. And it is real and very dangerous.”

Tears filled my eyes, as I slowly took in everything she was explaining. “You should’ve told me. Why didn't you tell me?” I shouted, it scared the birds on the branches near the window.

“I was scared.” Tears slipped down my mother's eyes but I didn't care.

I clenched my fists. “You lied to me. Mom, I believed you. I trusted you. You were my superhero. You were my protector. You were my everything." I paused and hit my hands hard on the table, startling her.

"And yet you led and made me believe I was normal. All these while you were wheeling me off to the priest, all these while I was drinking bitter concoctions, all these while I lived a secluded life, all these while I was feeling strange, I was not human. You knew what was wrong with me, you looked into my eye's mom, and lied to me.” I shook my head, the weight of everything, the lies, and pain washed over me like a tidal wave on an ocean

“I wanted you to have peace.” she said slowly.

“You want me to have peace?" I looked up at her with teary eyes. "You know damn well how much I hate witches,” I snapped. “They destroyed our lives. They killed my father. And now I’m one of them?”

She stood, her voice breaking. “You’re not like them. You are different. But you have a choice.”

“No,” I said, stepping back whilst wiping my face. “I’m what I hate. I don't have a choice but to accept it. I either kill myself and join my father, and leave the peaceful life or I accept it.”

I stepped back, turned and bolted out of the door.

“Where are you going?” she cried out.

“To make my choice!” I shouted and slammed the door behind me.

The wind slapped my face as I ran through the trees. Branches scratched my skin but I didn't care. My lungs burned from running without stopping, but I didn’t stop.

I didn’t care where I was going. I just needed to run.

Why me?

Why now?

I kicked a fallen branch and screamed out loud. The birds scattered, screeching whatever.

I collapsed against a tree and began crying. I cried until my eyes got swollen.

Everything I believed was gone.

I was a lie.

I was a danger.

I was a witch.

I wiped my eyes and stood up, heart pounding. There was nothing to be done.

Then I saw something ahead. It was a small clearing. And in it, a stone stood in the middle, covered in moss. It was old and cracked.

But I saw names.

My name.

Amara and under it… Stefan.

My breath caught.

“Who is Stefan?”

I stepped closer. The carvings were deep and faded, but clear.

I reached out, hand shaking. My fingers touched the stone and everything stopped.

The wind vanished, sound faded, the world went still.

Then a voice echoed in my head. It was cold, ancient and the tone was final.

“He will either kill us… or save the world with us.”