I scream internally as I try to move, unable to even try. Why is this even happening? I look over to my birthmark, which is now golden with swirls of seafoam green, and give myself a weak smile. Kaelish wasn’t kidding when she said she accepted the deal. My breath catches. Wait a minute, what deal did she just accept? Silas is so dead. If I don’t kill him, Mike will, and I better get the first hit.My eyes dart around as I sit up, finally pain free. Now there is someone that I have to kill, and it’s not Mike for once. I start to swim upwards towards the surface. Once my head breaks the water Kaelish is all giggles. “Look who finally woke up.”I shoot her a dirty look as she dangles her legs over the ledge. “You’re lucky you’re dead.”“And you’re lucky you’re blessed.” She says, giving me a wink.“Why is my relationship status a contingency to your blessing?” I demand from her.“The bites you have received are why.” She says, motioning to my new one on my breast.“Why would you pair

“Come along Isaac ,” Ellian sings as she pulls me along to meet with my parents and some of the councilors that advise Sarian and her. I whine in my head as I place another fake smile on, more than anything wanting to just disappear.They both smile as they sit at the table, while I remain standing and lean against a curtained pillar. If I sit, I’m going to fall asleep. That would be more offensive than just ignoring them. Since it’s their council, I get to zone out for just a little, though I’m aware of Murrow watching me. The father twins just love to take turns mothering me. My mother is refusing to look at me, but I can tell it’s because she’s scared. Every so often I catch her staring at my bite marks with sheer terror in her eyes. She’s scared for me, and she’s never been good at expressing her emotions outside of her own wants.The second Murrow looks away from me I feel my wrist get snagged. I get pulled behind the curtain and my mouth immediately covered. “Don’t scream,” He w

When we reach the palace, I keep my head low as several people have stayed around. Sarian is using his aura to force them to look away in intimidation. This gives me cover and protects my ego just a little bit more. I get announced as the Aquanian Chosen, and in the same night I get my ass handed to me by whatever Mike is.Sarian leads me back to my room, all of the others are surrounding Silas, trapped in my protective bubble. “Get dressed Isaac , you’re not sleeping in here tonight.”“Can you let me out of the bubble first?” Silas pants, clearly in pain.“Sorry, I forgot you were in there.” I gently lower him down and pop the bubble. He collapses on the ground while I stay covered by Sarian’s wings.“That was your strongest yet,” Murrow smiles, trying to cheer me up. “I couldn’t penetrate it.”“Thanks,” I say as Sarian, and I, move to my dresser. I get dressed in a navy blue silk skirt and wrap. After Sarian drops his wings I walk over to check on Silas.He smiles as he reaches to

My room here is basically its own ecosystem, as will the others in Valrose. It has a small stream going through the room with moss, logs, and a giant hammock that hangs in the middle of the room, big enough for two. Too bad I don’t have time to see how Silas likes it.I quickly pack my bag, my clothes hidden in a carved out log. I set my bag down and whistle, calling Wilson. She’s up top since it’s easier than using our tunnel systems. Wilson gives a loud growl from up top as I giggle. “Kaysh,” I call up to her.“What do you keep telling her?” Silas asks, leaning against the door entrance.“Coded locations,” I say, giving him a smile. “Basically our favorite spots and the temples.”“And Kaysh is?” He presses.I giggle. “The Linru temple.”His face twists. “How does that even translate?”I blush. “It’s what I called them when I was learning how to talk. Wilson has come to recognize them by these names, since we’ve had a strong bond since the day I was born. She’s actually a week older

“Since that wasn’t enough for the petty bastard, he designed for Mike ’s Lycan half to be mated to you. Yvanna managed to get him to agree that Elayna was designed to be for his vampire half, so that way vampires were somewhat expected to succeed in either outcome.“I had already selected your soul when I learned of Isongarth’s plan. Horrified by it, I went against our protocols and physically designed your soul’s body myself. That’s why I intended you to be a Hybrid. It was to give you a chance at a mate that wasn’t destined to be a tragic love tale. Armos is also such a sweetheart and helped me trick Isongarth into linking Mike with your Valkyrie side. Then I designed your mermaid half-your most attuned side since you’re my chosen-to be linked to Silas. Silas wasn’t exactly my choice, but as I explained why Elayna was chosen for Mike , Silas was chosen for you.”“So when I die, I have two gods to punch,” I summarize.She smiles, “You’re not mad at me anymore?”I shake my head. “You