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."

continued. “I need to

off.

“When I beat the test, I need

corner of his lips quirked up in a small smile. “It would be fun

is,” he mused. I made to rise from his body but he held me impossibly tighter. “Give it a few

just leaned

and pretending everything was fine when all I wanted was to return to the

it was going to crash to the ground like 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

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 chapters of novels early and in the

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. “You all know Ryker is going

“So you think Ryker's test

to back up my claim yet but I will. Until then, I need you both to help me find out what you can

happened so many years ago,” Juan said and I nodded. “There is barely anyone alive who saw it happen and even the

any time and I don't want to

He didn’t need any more persuasion.

did. Please don't tell him that you know, he wanted to keep it between

sealed,”

so I didn't have to explain to him where I want. I managed to 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 the room, he didn't let on. He

him that I had asked for help, but decided against it at the last minute. I didn’t want to give him reason to fret or worry so I stripped alongside him and pulled on my favorite white nightdress. I lay in his arms, both of us engrossed by