Stella’s POV
Sophia? I tried mind-linking her even though I knew she blocked me and couldn’t hear me.
I was in complete darkness, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. I could feel Sophia’s light magic around me. It was keeping me warm and I wasn’t lonely. Her light magic was fueled by her love for her family and mate. It felt like they were around me. It felt like Axel was right next to me. I could feel his fur against mine. I could even feel Holden even though I never got a chance to see him. I could feel him next to me. I could feel their love all around me and even though I was trapped there, I wasn’t afraid. I had nothing to be afraid of as long as my family and my mate were around me.
I missed Sophia, though. I missed her so much. She was my best friend and my other half. I couldn’t let anything happen to her. I had to do whatever I could to help her. I wouldn’t be complete without her
Soph? I called her again, trying so hard to reach her.
The wall she put up was strong and nothing I did could break through it. It seemed like we never had a connection at all.
A disturbing thought came to me.
Was it possible for her to cut our connection completely? Was her magic so strong that she severed our connection forever?
Pain spread through my limbs, making me whine. I laid down and crumpled into a little ball.
It wasn’t possible. Magic that strong didn’t exist. Only the Goddess could sever the connection between a wolf and his human.
It still didn’t comfort me. I was still in pain. I wanted to talk to someone. I needed to talk to someone.
I wanted to talk to my mate, but I knew that I wouldn’t be able to make a connection with him. Our bond wasn’t completed and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t reach him.
I could talk to my brother. Not Alex, though. I didn’t want to worry him even more. I could tell how broken he was just learning about Sophia. I didn’t want to add to his pain.
I closed my eyes and focused on Sophia’s light magic. I searched through it until I found what I needed.
Axel? I called my brother, as I focused on Sophia’s love for him.
Stella? He answered immediately.
His voice was trembling.
I miss you. I told him.
I miss you too. He whined. I miss you so much. Where are you?
I don’t know, Axel. I said. I am in the dark, but I am surrounded by Sophia’s light magic so it’s not scary. I am surrounded by it. I can feel you and the rest of our family around me. I am not scared.
I am. Axel mumbled. I am so scared, Stella.
I took a deep breath and leaned my head on my paws.
Everything will be okay, Axel. I said softly. I will find a way to bring us home safely.
Can you reach Sophia? Axel asked, his voice breaking.
No. I mumbled. I tried so hard. I will try to use her magic to hear what is going on around her. I still haven’t tried that. I needed to talk to you before I did.
Oh, Stella. Axel said quietly. I wish that I could be there with you. I wish that I could do something to help.
You are helping, Axel. I said. You are helping just by being here for me.
It doesn’t feel like it. Axel mumbled.
I whined quietly. I wished that I could be there with him.
How is Alex? I asked, changing the subject.
Angry. Axel said quietly. In pain. Scared. I’m trying to comfort him, but I am as terrified as he is. Our parents are suggesting that we build a room for her. Something where we could hold her until we figure out what to do about the darkness. Something that would block her magic.
Axel took a deep breath and whined.
Alex is against it. Axel continued. I am against it. We will never allow them to lock her up.
I gulped and took a deep breath.
I think it will be necessary, Axel. I mumbled quietly.
He was silent for a few moments. I could feel his anger increasing.
What? He finally spoke. Why?
She isn’t the Sophia we all know and love, Axel. I said. She isn’t our Sophia anymore. I could only feel a small part of the darkness before she blocked me, but it terrified me. She isn’t the same, Axel.
He whined again.
I know it will hurt, but it will be necessary. I continued. If they can build something to block her magic, they should do it immediately.
I can’t let them do that, Stella. Axel said, his voice laced with pain. I can’t let them lock her up.
I whined quietly.
It will only be for a little while, Axel. I said quietly. We will save her. We will take away the darkness.
Axel whined loudly.
I took a deep breath and released it slowly.
I will try to listen to what is going on around her. I said. Go talk to Alex. Tell him what I said. They should build a room for her as soon as possible.
Stella… Axel spoke, but I interrupted him.
Trust me, Axel, please. I said. I know it will be hard, but it is necessary. We have to protect her from herself.
Axel was silent for a moment.
Okay, Stella. He said quietly. Let us know what you hear, okay?
Of course. I said. I will reach out as soon as I can.
I love you, Stella. Axel said softly. I am waiting for you. I can’t wait to see you so we can go run together.
Warmth spread through my body. Axel and I loved going on a run together and I missed it so much.
We will go soon, Axel. I said softly. I love you too. Go talk to Alex.
I cut our mind-link and tried to focus on Sophia.
I had no idea how to break through to her. I had no idea how to use the magic to see what was going on around her.
I took a deep breath and released it slowly. I focused on the strongest emotion inside her light magic. I let the love we had for our mate spread through me and focused on trying to hear what was going on around Sophia.
