The Order

Chapter 19

Annalise’s POV

The figure pulled back his hood, revealing his face. His long hair was tied neatly in a bun, and his light blue eyes shimmered with a piercing clarity that seemed to see straight through me. A rugged beard covered his sharp jawline, softening his otherwise chiseled features. Despite the tension in the air, his expression was calm—bored, even—and he exuded an unsettling confidence, as though none of us posed a threat.

The black magic thrumming through my veins whispered, urging me to show him just how wrong he was. It was tempting, so tempting, but I clenched my fists and fought it back. I wouldn’t let the magic control me.

His gaze swept over me slowly, lingering before locking onto my eyes.

“If you’re looking for the star, I’m sorry to tell you it’s not here,” he said, his voice rough and deep, like it hadn’t been used in years.

I smirked. “I know.”

His mask of indifference cracked. His brows furrowed, and anger darkened his expression as he took a step forward.

“I’m not letting you get your hands on the ash. If my sister thinks sending different souls here will get her some, she’s gravely mistaken.”

The others, though battered and exhausted, straightened immediately. Without hesitation, they moved as one, forming a protective line beside me. A swell of pride filled my chest. No matter how dire the situation, our bond remained unshaken. Emilia’s hand found my shoulder, grounding me, and just like that, the dark whispers in my head faded into silence.

“I don’t know who your sister is,” I said firmly, holding his gaze, “but I don’t want that ash anywhere near us. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to get to the top of this mountain.”

“Wait.” His voice stopped me mid-turn. “Why are you going to the top of the mountain if not for the ash?”

Confusion flickered across his face. His head tilted slightly, and a wave of familiarity hit me like a punch to the gut. That expression—it was hauntingly familiar. But from where?

Against my better judgment, and reassured by the dark magic humming beneath my skin, I decided to tell him the truth. If he made a wrong move, I could stop him.

I shrugged and looked up at the mountain. “I’m putting a new star there—the Fallen Star. The one that gives everyone their powers. And I’m sealing it so no one can take it again.”

His sharp intake of breath brought my attention back to him.

His face paled, and his light blue eyes misted over, almost as though he’d been struck by the weight of my words. He stepped forward hesitantly, then again, until he was so close we were almost touching.

He raised a hand as if to reach for me. Instinctively, I flinched and took a step back. His hand fell, and he exhaled shakily before turning away.

“Let’s get out of here. It’s not safe,” he said, his tone gruff, though I caught the faint tremor in his voice. Without waiting for a response, he walked toward the mountain and, with an effortless leap, was halfway up the rocky face.

Beside me, Emilia groaned and rested her forehead against my shoulder.

“I can’t do that,” she muttered. “My body’s done.”

A quiet laugh escaped me. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”

I waved my hand, letting my magic flow into them. Their wounds sealed, their energy renewed, and they stood taller, their strength restored. What I didn’t tell them was that the spell drained the last reserves of my own energy—I’d given them everything I had left.

“Alright, everyone, grab hold,” I said, extending my hand. Once they were all connected, I closed my eyes, focused on the top of the mountain, and let the magic take us there in an instant.

Opening my eyes, I see a doorway carved into the mountain. The man strides inside without a word. Rude. As if sensing my thoughts, Emilia catches my eye and nods, a subtle confirmation that she shares my irritation. The others follow him, leaving me to bring up the rear. Just as I’m about to step inside, something below catches my attention.

Creatures emerge from the forest, sniffing the air, their hungry eyes locking onto me. My presence is like a beacon, drawing them forward in a ravenous tide. I don’t flinch. Instead, I let the dark magic simmering under my skin erupt, allowing my aura to unfurl like a tempest. The power surges outward, black and crackling, swallowing the space between me and the creatures.

They freeze, their snarls silenced. Then, one by one, they yelp and scatter, fleeing back into the forest with their tails between their legs.

“Must be nice to have that kind of power,” Nate says lightly, though his gaze lingers on me with a quiet seriousness.

I turn to him, letting the magic settle, and offer a faint smile. “It saved us, didn’t it?”

His soft chuckle breaks the tension. Throwing an arm around my shoulder, he guides me into the cave.

The interior surprises me. Though clearly a cave, the space feels like a home, warmth and illusion working in tandem to create comfort. The windows show a sunny landscape, complete with the sound of chirping birds. It's all a mirage, but an impressive one. We press further into the space until we enter what looks like a living room. A fire crackles in the hearth, its glow warm yet oddly neutral, as though even it is part of the deception.

The others gather, uneasy in the surreal environment.

“So, why are we here?” I ask, my tone firm but curious.

The man turns to me, his sharp gaze like a blade. “Which one are you? Nova or Aurora?”

The question makes me stiffen. Nate’s arm tightens around me protectively, his body rigid with tension.

“And why do you need to know?” Nate’s tone is casual, almost bored, but his sharp eyes betray his wariness.

The man runs a hand through his hair, his expression anguished. His voice, when he speaks, is raw with desperation. “God damn it, just answer me!”

Something in his tone stops me. Shrugging out of Nate’s hold, I step forward, facing the man head-on.

“Nova,” I say evenly. “But I go by Annalise now. Nova is my wolf, and she’s been quiet since we got here.”

Relief floods the man’s face, softening his features. Before I can react, he steps forward, his hands reaching for my head. His movements are too fast to block.

The world shifts around us, and I'm once again in memory in my old home.