Chapter 18

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Everlina – Edited Version

I was locked in a room where strangers brought food without saying a word. Everyone here hated me. The witches spat whenever they passed, their disgust clear in every glance. But I didn’t care. Their judgment meant nothing to me. All I wanted was to be reunited with my mate. I missed his scent, the warmth of his touch, the pull of the bond that tied us.

The food was dreadful—tainted with magic. Everything in this place reeked of enchantments, spells woven into even the simplest tasks. The walls were painted a soft blue, the only gentle thing in this prison. At least it wasn’t as dark as Rodger’s heart.

“Hello, sweetheart. I hope you find the room comfortable.”
That voice made my blood crawl. I hated when he called me that. I didn’t reply; I couldn’t bear to.

“I still care for you,” he said, his tone dripping with false tenderness.

“You mean you used me,” I snapped, glaring at him. Because that’s what he did—he used my power, controlled my magic, and harmed countless people for his own gain.

“Sweetheart, how could you possibly say that?” He feigned surprise, but I saw the darkness flicker in his eyes.

I turned away from him. “What do you want, Rodger?”

“I’m seeking the Book of Wisdom—Kalinda’s Book of Magic.”

My blood ran cold. That book was ancient and dangerous, hidden for centuries. Why would he want it?

“Why?” I asked carefully.

“I want to reverse the bond you carry,” he said.

My heart froze. Reverse the bond? That wasn’t possible… was it?

“That will never happen.” My voice trembled, but my resolve didn’t. I prayed Aaron would find me before Rodger found that book.

“You’ve been talking back to me again,” he said, his tone turning sharp. “You know I don’t like that. Push me further, and I will punish you.”

He stormed out, sealing the door behind him with a spell.

But I wasn’t helpless.

Placing my hand on the doorknob, I focused. I could feel the threads of his magic—a lock woven from arrogance. My own power reached out, feeding on it, consuming it. A spark flared and the door cracked open. Too easy.

I slipped out, letting my hair fall over my face to hide my features. Head down, I walked fast until I was out of the compound.

Outside, the air shimmered with enchantment. I was in Warrodah—the realm of witches. No werewolf could cross its borders. Aaron wouldn’t be able to come for me… I had to go back to him myself.

Hours later, my legs trembled from exhaustion. The woods stretched endlessly, shadows whispering spells I didn’t understand. I came upon an abandoned cabin and knocked. No answer. I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Stacks of books lay scattered on the floor. I picked one up, reading until sleep claimed me.

Then—Aaron.

He stood before me, eyes filled with worry and longing. I ran into his arms.
“I miss you, Aaron.”
He kissed my forehead, holding me tight. “I miss you too, Eve. Wait for me. I’m coming to get you.”

“You can’t enter here. You’re a wolf,” I whispered.

“Trust me, I will. I’ll explain everything when we meet. I don’t have much time—you’ll wake up soon. But remember this, okay?”

I nodded, wishing I could stay. He leaned in, kissed me, and we both laughed as the dream faded.

When I woke, tears burned my eyes. I washed my face and prepared to leave. I’d learned long ago not to stay in one place for too long.

I packed a few canned goods and water into a bag and set off. The sun was merciless, scorching my skin as though it wanted to burn the witch from me.

Ahead, a group of women appeared—witches, or so I thought. I lowered my head, walking faster, but one grabbed my arm.

“Who are you?” she asked.

I stayed silent.

“You look troubled. We can help you.”

“I’m fine,” I said, yanking my arm free. But they didn’t let me go. Their touch was cold—wrong. Then I caught their scent. Not witches. Grim.

They pinned me to the ground, claws digging into my skin. “Throw her in the bag before someone sees us,” one snarled.

Rage flared through me. I reached for her wrist, and needles of pain pricked my palm as my magic awakened. I drew from her disguise spell, feeding on it until the illusion shattered. She reverted to her true form—an ugly, twisted creature.

Her companion fled. I left her gasping on the ground. I didn’t feel guilty. She was lucky to be alive.

The magic I had absorbed was strong, pure—fresh. I could sense the witch it had been stolen from… and I wondered if she was still alive.

Power surged through me. I felt stronger, ready. The journey back to Aaron had only just begun.

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