Page 124 of Dark Bonds

Valerie nods. “He believes that if he can harness their power, he can reshape the very fabric of both realms, but he doesn’t understand the consequences.”

“If we do this,” I say slowly, each word measured and deliberate, “and we follow your lead, then you have to understand that it doesn’t change anything between us. This is about stopping Blackwood, nothing more.” As I speak, a shadow flickers in the corner of my eye, a fleeting shape that’s gone before I can focus on it. A chill runs down my spine, a premonition of the challenges that lie ahead.

Valerie nods, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth that doesn’t quite match her words. “Of course. I wouldn’t expect anything else, Francesca. We need to act quickly. There’s a lab where we can... prepare ourselves for what’s to come.”

As if summoned by our decision, a deafening roar shakes the house. The sound vibrates my bones, setting my teeth on edge. We all jump to our feet, shadows instinctively gathering around our hands. A familiar chill runs down my spine, and I feel Umbraxis materialize beside me, his shadowy form solidifying as he presses against my leg. His presence is both comforting and unsettling. I’ve never seen him appear so readily outside of immediate danger.

“Umbraxis,” I whisper, my hand instinctively reaching for his ethereal fur. “What is it, boy?”

His eyes, glowing with an otherworldly light, are fixed on the door, his ears pricked forward. He doesn’t seem afraid, but rather... curious. Whatever’s out there is something he recognizes.

“An eredar beast,” Valerie says, her face a mask of concern, but I catch a glint of something else in her eyes—anticipation? “Blackwood must have sent it to stop us. We need to get to the lab immediately. It’s our only chance.”

The temperature in the room plummets, and I can see our breath misting in the frigid air. As chaos erupts around us, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re walking into another of Valerie’s traps, but with an eredar beast bearing down on us andBlackwood’s plans looming over our heads, do we have any other choice?

I lock eyes with Valerie, searching for any hint of her true intentions. “Lead the way,” I say, my voice hard. “But remember, we’re watching you.”

I don’t trust her.

Chapter 41

Frankie

My skin pricklesas we get closer to Blackwood’s lair. With every step, the shadow realm feels more... real, more dangerous. As we cross the threshold between worlds, the air grows thick and heavy, pressing against our skin like a living thing. The shadows here are different. They move, reaching for us like they are alive, and the ground under my feet thrums with energy. It’s freaking me out. I look up, and my breath catches. The sky is all wrong, dark purples and blacks swirling together. Sometimes, a flash of silver cuts through, like reality is coming apart at the seams.

Valerie’s in front, her jaw clenched. She’s trying to look tough, but I can see the fear in her eyes. I watch her warily, still unsure if trusting her was the right decision. Leo and Matteo flank me, their presence a comforting warmth in the chill of this alien landscape.

“This is it,” Valerie whispers, gesturing to what looks like an ordinary cliff face. “The entrance is here, but it’s cloaked in shadow magic. You can’t see it, but trust me, it’s there.”

I take a deep breath, centering myself. The scent of ozone and something older fills my nostrils. “Alright, let’s do this.”

We move forward and... holy shit. It’s like walking into a wall. Something invisible pushes against us, trying to force us back. I grit my teeth, pushing against the unseen force, feeling it resist like a wall of solid granite.

“Shit.” Leo grunts beside me. “This is some heavy-duty protection. What’s next, a moat filled with shadow piranhas?”

Matteo nods grimly, his tactical mind already analyzing our options. “Blackwood’s not messing around,” Matteo mutters. “We need to think outside the box and use shadow magic in a way he won’t expect.”

I look at my packmates, an idea forming. “Maybe we can’t break through alone, but together...”

In class, Professor Everett spoke about the dark goddess Nyx and her chosen matriarchs. They alone could harness the power of their mates and balance the power.

After learning about the shadow realm, I thought shifting was the biggest thing I’d have to overcome. It isn’t. It’s all magic.

Every wisp of smoke is a tender kiss of shadow magic. Becoming a shadow shifter is just the tip of the iceberg.

They catch on immediately. Leo grins, a spark of excitement dancing in his eyes despite the danger. “Alright, barrier.” Leo grins, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Time to meet the shadow squad. Spoiler alert—we’re awesome.”

We join hands, forming a circle. I feel the familiar tingle of Leo’s playful shadow magic and the steady strength of Matteo’s protective shadows. Closing my eyes, I reach for my own power, letting it intertwine with theirs.

They are my mates. Even if we are living in this strange, rocky relationship, we belong together.

I glance around at my pack, my throat tight with emotion. Dark goddess, how did I get so lucky?

Matteo catches my eye and winks, his fingers brushing the protection charm he gave me. The familiar warmth spreadsthrough my chest, like his arms embracing me after a nightmare. Steady. Safe.

Dorian is off to the side, his nose buried in that musty old book of his. I swear I can feel it humming in my backpack sometimes, like it’s trying to whisper secrets. He’s a pain in the ass, but I’d be lost without his brain.

And Bishop... I touch the puzzle box in my pocket, its edges worn smooth from nervous fiddling. The bastard always knows how to keep my mind sharp, even when I want to scream.

---