Celeste’s POV

*****

I stepped out of the bathroom feeling like a new person. A new being entirely.

Magic sparked between my fingers, sending jolts of excitement through me. "Gods, is this what power feels like?"

After dressing up in a blue blouse and black jean pants, I sat in front of my vanity, picking up a hair brush while never peeling my eyes from my reflection.

The silver streaks seemed to gleam brighter than usual.

Suddenly, I felt like practising more with my magic. I might be more powerful now—but my skills still need work. Maybe I could meet Atlas or Azrael for extra lessons.

’You’d first have to tell them the new changes you’ve gone through,’ my wolf’s voice interrupted my line of thought. ’Celeste, you’re stalling.’

I sighed, dropping the hairbrush and folding my arms. "What’s wrong with me stalling a little anyway? They—"

’But why?’ my wolf sounded genuinely confused. ’They already know all the secrets tied to the bond. You have gone through all those secrets together.’

"This is different," I murmured, more to myself. "Sure, I can tell them my magic has gotten even more powerful. But then—you? Those creepy dark sigils?"

She paused, leaving my head empty for a few seconds. Then, ’What are you afraid of?’

There was no judgment in her voice. Just the patience one would give to a child while trying to show them something they can’t see yet.

"I’m afraid of normalcy slipping away completely," I let it out in one shuddering exhale. "Since the bonds awakened, my life hasn’t been the same. At all. From the casual meetings with the Dean to not being able to be with my mates at once because then everyone would know I’ve got four of them."

A dry laugh left me. "The Dean says the bonds alone could make me a target to every supernatural faction on the planet. Plus, there’s that creepy thing that the witch cosplaying Lysandra’s mother said."

It’s been days but it’s remained haunting the back of my mind...

’What?’ my wolf questioned. ’Her calling you child of Chaos?’

"Yes!" My voice rose an octave, hands tangling into my hair with frustration. "My mom told me she was once linked to this chaotic magic source twenty years ago. It unlocked alongside her hybrid nature so what if...?"

Maybe I’ve been thinking about this whole thing wrongly.

Not only should I tell my mates—but also the only other hybrid that might know how I feel right now.

’Now that’s what I’m talking about.’ my wolf cheered. ’Best to hurry though. Sooner or later other wolves would start sensing my presence. Especially Silas and Luther.’

Right. So I need to think of a way to handle all this before that happens.

I’d finished brushing my hair and was just about to get on my feet when my phone rang. On the vanity. Picking it up, my lips stretched when I saw the name on it.

Willow.

"Hey, vacation girl." She chirped when I slid on answer, relief and something else tinged in her voice. "How’ve you been over there?"

I sat straight, keeping the phone pressed against my ear. "Ugh, it’s barely been a day and I already feel like leaving." I paused, a mischievous grin replacing my smile. "That’s what I’d say if I wasn’t having the best time ever."

’Yeah,’ my wolf sniggered. ’That’s if you ignore the existential dread. The almost dying. The creepy old witch. The dark sigils and random wolf side awakening—’

’Shut it.’

’It’s not like she’s hearing me.’

"Sure sounds like y’all are having a blast!" Willow giggled from the other end. "How’s Silas? And the other hunks."

Fuck—right.

Does this mean I’d have to tell her Silas and I broke up?

’That’s literally the least of your worries right now, hon.’

"Uhm..." I hesitated, already questioning how much I should share. "Silas and I—we broke up. And—"

"Well, duh." Her eye roll was almost visible from here. "One beach house. Three other men who are bonded to you. It was only a matter of time before you two realised monogamy was a fairytale."

She stopped for a breath. "Although, I’m surprised it happened so soon. Hasn’t it been like two minutes since you guys got together to begin with?"

Embarrassment locked onto my chest. "Willow... You know what? Aren’t you supposed to be in class right now?"

"Nah, we’re on a thirty-minute break currently. And don’t worry—I’m in our suite so no one’s hearing me."

As if that should make me feel comforted.

"Well?" She drawled knowingly. "Tell me. Something happened that triggered the breakup, huh? You don’t even sound sad. More like... Relieved?"

"Willow!"

"But it’s true." She shot back. "You’re dropping a breakup like it’s the Tuesday weather report and you expect me not to ask questions? Come on, girl—did he catch you kissing one of the others?"

Hearing that made me click my tongue. "Now that’s just a low blow."

"These things happen a lot." Willow persisted. "Especially with mate bonds. And you’ve got four! It was caging to keep yourself in one."

At this point, it felt like she was a counsellor and all I had to do was sit and listen to her go on. And on. And on—

—Perhaps I should’ve put my phone on do not disturb.

"Willow..." I finally found the strength to speak. "I don’t want to say too much yet, but some shit did happen." Raising my free hand, I called on my magic.

Slowly, a sizzling ball of silver light formed, right between my ring and middle fingers. I twirled the ball around, relishing how easily the magic flowed now.

My wolf stirred, reminding me of her presence.

"I’ll tell them..." I muttered, almost forgetting the call.

"You’ll—huh?"

"I have to go, Willow," I rose to my feet, the chair scraping on the marble floor. "We’ll catch up later. Love you."

Hanging up, I slid the phone into my pocket, head angling to the room door. "Wolf... You were right. I can’t keep this a secret."

’Of course, I’m right.’ she was smug. ’So are we telling them all at once or—’

"Yep." Was all I said as I strode toward the door, the bonds thrumming with something electric.

No more secrets—