Crown of Embers - Academy of Whispers

"We can't be together," I whispered, as my cheeks flushed with heat.

"No?" he challenged, his hand brushing my waist, a touch so light it made my skin tingle. "Then why haven't you walked away yet?"

My hands trembled, and I hated the way my pulse betrayed me, hammering in my chest. "Because I'm not afraid of you," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

He leaned in closer, his lips ghosting over my jaw, his breath warm against my skin. "No, you're not afraid of me," he whispered. "You're afraid of how much you want this."

"That's not true," I snapped, shoving him harder this time, creating the space I so desperately needed.

He stepped back with infuriating ease, his smirk still firmly in place. "Keep lying to yourself, sweetheart".

"I'd rather die than accept you as my mate," I shot back, storming past him.

He chuckled behind me, his voice smooth and teasing. "Careful, love. You're going to hurt my feelings."

I didn't dignify that with a response, but my heart wouldn't stop pounding.

***

A peaceful family picnic turns into a nightmare when Iyra locks eyes with a wolf emerging from the shadows. Frozen, she watches as more wolves encircle them, growling with bloodlust-until they suddenly retreat, leaving her with more questions than answers.

From that moment, nothing feels the same. Strange dreams haunt her nights. Her family seems to be hiding something, and before she can make sense of it, Iyra is thrust into an arranged marriage with a mysterious werewolf prince-one who knows far more than he lets on.

Now enrolled in Amara Academy, a school for the supernatural elite, Iyra must navigate a dangerous world of power, politics, and hidden enemies. War is brewing, and dark forces are closing in. As she unravels the truth behind the prophecy. Iyra faces a choice: confront her destiny and fight for those she loves or risk everything falling apart.