Chapter 54 The Witch’s Grip
Amara’s POV
Sweat soaked my sheets as I tossed and turned in my sleep. The room was chilly, but my body was hot, scorching from the inside out. Something—or someone—seemed to be reaching inside of me, as I experienced an odd tug in my chest.
Then everything changed.
I was out of my room now. Thick black mist replaced the melted walls. Every step I took caused the ground beneath me to shatter, and the sky above me turned blood crimson. A lofty throne, its frame tangled with thorns and bones, stood in the distance, encircled by fire. With trepidation, I inhaled.
There was no dream here. It was a trap.
Lilith came out from behind the throne. Her eyes glowed with strength, and her scarlet gown flowed like smoke. She smiled as if she owned me and purred, "You finally came."
My throat constricted and my body froze in place as I attempted to move and talk.
She tilted her head and took a step closer. “The poor Priestess. You're still torn between two wolves who would sacrifice themselves for you. However, you don't actually belong to either of them.”
At last, I found my voice and said, "Let me go."
Lilith laughed. “Why would I do it, though? To reveal the truth, I allowed you to into my universe and my thoughts.”
Rows of black soldiers—cursed wolves, witches with cracked skin, and shadow animals with flaming red eyes—were visible when the veil surrounding us broke. An army of monsters, silently waiting.
Beside me, she said, "This is what's coming." Obsidian. Lichen. Every bundle. Every one of your pals. They'll catch fire.”
I shook my head, saying, "No." "We'll stop you."
As she lifted her hand, visions of my pack—my people—were torn away as dark wolves sprang from the clouds, turning the sky above black. Kids cried out. The warriors collapsed. The spell's weight caused Mira to collapse.
Additionally, Rowan, Kian, They both cried out in pain as they stood over my dead body.
"Stop it!" I let out a yell.
Lilith responded, "You can stop it," in a calming, even kind voice. "You just need to accept your position next to me."
I was immediately clad in robes that flowed to the ground and wearing a silver crown as a gust of wind rushed about me. Unaffected by blood and mayhem, I stood next to her on the throne. Before me, everyone bowed.
"You might become a queen," Lilith remarked. "Not a pawn. A girl who isn't caught between lovers. You might have a lot of power. Honored. revered. I just need your vow.”
I trembled with anger and bewilderment. "I'll never assist you in destroying the packs." I'll never tolerate darkness.”
Lilith took a step forward and touched my mark with her fingers. My chest erupted with pain.
"Priestess, you already carry me," she growled. "You were picked a long time ago."
I let out a cry and dropped on my knees. I felt a surge of energy fire through my veins as my mark shone a deep, angry red. I sensed her presence within me. affecting my mind. whispering assurances.
Her voice was sweet once more as she knelt before me. "Amara, you are no longer need to fight. Give in. I won't mention them all. Kian. Rowan. The puppies. Your dear friend who heals. No one else has to perish if you say yes.”
Tears were streaming down my face as I gritted my teeth. The agony was excruciating. My brain ached. My chest ached. I was still in charge, though. I had another option.
With all my strength, I cried out, "NEVER!"
The dream was dashed.
I jumped up in bed, struggling to breathe. My room whirled. Blood and sweat were all over my sheets. I looked down at my arm—my Priestess mark was glowing red-hot, blood streaming from it.
My whole body was shaking as I sobbed and held my chest.
I heard footsteps hurrying toward me outside my door.
However, the only sound I could hear was Lilith's words reverberating in my mind.
"You're going to kneel. otherwise you'll shatter."