The night air was thick with tension as Callista sat on the edge of the training grounds, her thoughts heavy with the events that had unfolded in recent days. The war between the witches and the werewolves seemed to grow closer with every passing moment, and her role in this conflict weighed on her like a thousand-pound boulder. Despite the lingering doubts and fears, she had found a sense of purpose here, alongside Lucien and the pack.
But there was always that nagging feeling—a constant reminder that her life wasn't just about her anymore. She had become the bridge between two worlds: the witches who once called her one of their own and the werewolves who had now claimed her as their Luna.
As she sat lost in thought, the familiar warmth of Lucien's presence enveloped her. She looked up, her gaze softening when she saw him walking toward her, his features stern but warm with the affection he had for her.
"I thought you'd be in the training field," he said, sitting down beside her.
Callista managed a small smile. "Just needed a break. It feels like everything's moving too fast."
Lucien nodded, understanding more than she could express. "I get it. You're not alone in this. We'll figure it out, Callista. Together."
His words were always reassuring, a balm to the chaos in her mind. They sat there for a few moments in silence, the sounds of the pack training in the background.
Then, without warning, Callista felt a sudden unease ripple through her. A sharp, unfamiliar energy pricked at the edges of her senses, and before she could react, Lucien's expression shifted. His eyes hardened, and he stood up, scanning the surrounding area with a predator's instinct.
"Stay here," Lucien ordered, his voice tight with concern. "I'll be back in a moment."
Confused but trusting him, Callista watched as he disappeared into the shadows, his form blending into the night.
It didn't take long for her to realize something was off. She felt it before she heard it—the unmistakable feeling of eyes on her.
The next moment, a voice she hadn't expected to hear pierced the night.
"Callista."
She froze, her heart racing. She turned slowly, her breath catching in her throat as she saw the figure standing before her.
Sabrina.
The witch Queen stood before her, no longer the sly figure who had once been an ally. There was a menacing aura surrounding her, and the smile on her lips was anything but friendly.
"W-What are you doing here?" Callista's voice was shaky, but she stood tall, her instincts screaming that something was wrong.
Sabrina's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with malicious intent. "I thought we should have a little chat, my dear. Alone."
Callista's blood ran cold. "I don't want to hear whatever you have to say, Sabrina. You've already caused enough damage."
"Oh, Callista," Sabrina's tone was almost pitying. "You think you've chosen a side, but you have no idea what's truly at stake here. You've always been a pawn, caught between the two worlds. But that bond with Lucien—" She paused, her smile turning into a dangerous grin. "It's your greatest weakness."
Callista's heart hammered in her chest as she stepped back. "Stay away from me."
But Sabrina stepped forward, her voice dripping with venom. "The witches will not tolerate a traitor. Your bond with Lucien is what makes you so valuable, and that is why we will destroy it. You'll see, my dear. You'll see just how weak you truly are."
Before Callista could react, Sabrina snapped her fingers, and the air around her pulsed with magic.
Pain.
It shot through her chest like a dagger, searing her skin. Her knees buckled, and she gasped for breath, clutching her chest. It felt as though the bond between her and Lucien was being pulled apart, thread by thread. Her emotions twisted, fear, anger, and confusion all mixing into an unbearable storm.
And then, she heard it.
"Callista."
Lucien's voice, so clear in her mind, calling out to her through the bond. She reached out, but the pain grew stronger, and she collapsed to the ground.
Sabrina laughed, her voice echoing in Callista's ears. "You see, Callista? This is your weakness. You are nothing without your precious Lucien."
With each breath, the pain intensified, and Callista fought to hold on to herself. The bond was tearing at the seams, and she could feel Lucien's anguish through the connection, his fear for her radiating through her mind.
But she wasn't going to give in. She wouldn't let Sabrina win.
Through gritted teeth, Callista focused all of her remaining strength into fighting the pain. She whispered the words that Lucien had taught her, words of power, words to protect herself.
With a final surge of magic, Callista pushed Sabrina's spell back, forcing the pain to dissipate. The world spun around her, but she managed to push herself back onto her feet, breathing hard.
"You'll pay for that, Sabrina," Callista growled, her eyes burning with fury. "You won't tear me apart."
Sabrina smirked, clearly pleased with the reaction she had provoked. "We'll see, Callista. We'll see if your strength is enough to protect you from what's coming."
With that, Sabrina vanished into the night, leaving Callista standing there, shaken but defiant.
She took a deep breath, feeling the bond with Lucien flicker back to life, though weakened. She had to reach him.
No matter what, she had to stop Sabrina and the witches from using her as a weapon against the pack.
But that would have to wait until she was strong enough to face them—and right now, she wasn't sure she was.