The Rejected Werewolf Princess by Didiadeyemi

CAMILLA'S POV

Ryker and I wrapped up in his office and spent the remainder of the day in the private library. It wasn't hard to find the books on shadow magic and he spent the entire day reading as much as he could while I went through Reina’s books. She wrote a lot but barely about anything of substantial value. She mainly talked about spells she wanted to try and about how much of a heady feeling the magic gave her.

When I had used my powers, it was draining for me, I had never felt the heady and euphoric feeling that she spoke about. I couldn't help but wonder what exactly that felt like or what exactly she meant by that. I glanced at Ryker a few times wondering if he felt the same way or if he was going to feel the same way after the test.

I couldn't help but glance over at my mate. He was the epitome of ease as he leaned back in the chair opposite me and flipped through the book in his hands. His brows were scrunched in concentration and I couldn't stop the small smile from pulling at the corner of my lips. It was terrifying to think that there was a possibility where I could lose him. It was scary to even imagine that there could be a future where he would end up like Reina.

“You're staring” I heard his voice in my head and my cheeks flushed pink. “Did you need something?”

“No,” I was quick with my response and I felt him tense in worry. “I just zoned out for a second. Did you find anything?"

“Nothing of substance, only what you said earlier, shadow magic isn't inherently bad or good. It depends on the context in which it is used. I also keep seeing the phrase “all magic comes with a price’ which does not worry me at all”

I could hear the heavy laden sarcasm in his words. I wasn't sure if I was to laugh or take him seriously so I sighed. “There is nothing on how she could have gotten the magic in the first place?”

“Not really, I read something about a sacrifice done in the dead of the night but I don't really care much about it at the moment. I already have the powers, I just want to get rid of them or learn to control them. It feels like there is a looming clock over my head and I don’t know when it will run out”

It was at that moment I realized exactly what we were doing wrong. I stood to my feet and cleared the distance between us then with his eyes on me, I carefully crawled into Ryker's lap. He didn't hesitate before pushing the book to the side and wrapping his arms firmly around me. For a while, there were no sounds, no one spoke, no one even dared to breathe loudly. It was just us in each other's embrace against a harsh future that threatened to ruin us.

“What happens now?" he asked after a beat of silence and I shrugged.

“I'l keep looking for anything about the fire in her coven. If I find something I will let you know."

looking into the magic as well,” he continued. “I need

cut him off. “When you beat the

he placed a lingering kiss on my temple. “When I beat the test, I need to know how to handle what I

quirked up in a

he held

just

time for dinner. It was difficult sitting at the table and pretending everything was fine when all I wanted was to return to the solace of my room and keep searching the books. My every waking thought was plagued by this predicament.

dominos. He was the silent partner who gave everyone support. He was the friend who was by your side when you needed it most and he didn't realize it sometimes but I knew enough to know that we needed everyone's help if we were going to

offered to take them and put them to bed. I didn’t protest because I needed the time to do something else. Once he was gone, I quickly cornered Juan and Christine on the way to their rooms. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access

need right now is peace but I need your help," I said and they both stilled. They shared a wary look before turning back to me and nodding.

crossed her arms over her chest. “So you think Ryker's test might

then, I

who saw it happen and even the ones who did don't know what

the end. “This thing can come any time and I don't

He didn’t need any more persuasion. “I'll

“I have to go before he finds out what I did. Please don't tell him that you know, he wanted to keep it between

are sealed,”

get in just a few seconds before him and the relief in my heart was palpable. If he knew that I hadn't been in

worry so I stripped alongside him and pulled on my favorite white nightdress. I lay in his arms, both of us engrossed by our respective books. I got to a point where it was more rambling and as much as I hated to admit it, it was fun reading from Reina's mind. She seemed like a very smart person, she had