Magic Under Darkness

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

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MAGIC UNDER DARKNESS

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'FOREVER.'

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Celeste gave a firm nod in their direction, her expression composed yet thoughtful.

"I'm in favor of this deal," she began, her voice steady, "but only if my mate agrees with us. Give me some time to inform him about our arrangement." Her gaze shifted toward the head white wolf, who responded with a respectful nod of understanding. Turning toward Alex, her confidence faltered ever so slightly, a hint of hesitation flickering in her eyes as she prepared to address him.

Alex's gaze lingered on the wolves, his mind swirling with questions about what these wolves who were nothing more than ordinary animals could possibly have to do with her mate. His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when Celeste softly called his name. Her voice drew him back, and her gentle touch followed—a delicate caress against his cheek that coaxed him to turn his attention to her.

"Alex," Celeste began, her voice soft yet purposeful, "as you can see, these are normal wolves—the good kind. Their numbers are small because this pack has never hunted humans for food, nor have they ever abandoned or been cruel to their own. They're united and protective, but tragedy struck recently. While defending their cubs and the rest of their pack, their Alpha and Luna were killed by hunters." She paused, her tone growing heavier with emotion. "This is a good pack, Alex—the kindest and most compassionate of their kind. But now, they're vulnerable. Without someone to lead them, they'll be hunted again and might bear much more loss the next time they fall under such ill fate."

Celeste hesitated for a moment, her gaze locking with Alex's as she searched his eyes. He listened intently, his focus unwavering, and she drew a steadying breath before continuing. "Alex," she said softly, her voice carrying both determination and vulnerability, "you have the right to disagree, but please, hear me out." She paused, her words measured, laden with emotion. "We can't be fully bonded—not as we are. My devil lineage and impure Alpha hybrid blood stand in the way. Your blessed omega, on the other hand, can bond freely with anyone, as long as darkness doesn't taint their veins."

Her voice softened further, but the resolve in her tone remained. "That's why I've come up with a plan—a way for us to start anew. I've decided that we should both sacrifice our wolves, separating them from our bodies. Then, with the help of someone I trust, our wolves can be transported into the lifeless bodies of this pack's fallen Alpha and Luna. In this way, we'll both gain freedom. You'll be fully human, and I'll be only the devil. We'll finally be able to bond with each other."

Her words grew heavier as she added, "At the same time, our wolves can find their own connection. My Alpha will simply be an Alpha without my impure darkness tainting her blood, while your blessed Omega can live the life he desires—with the one he loves. All it takes is for us to separate the wolf part of our souls and transfer it into some existing bodies without any soul." Her gaze never wavered, searching for understanding in his eyes as she revealed the depth of her plan.

It was a plan Celeste had nearly abandoned—until she met Eva. Meeting her reignited a spark of hope, and since then, Celeste had clung to her resolve with unwavering determination. It wasn't easy; the plan demanded immense willpower, especially knowing there was a daunting seventy-five percent chance of failure. But that was a truth she intended to keep from Alex. To her, the stakes were clear—either they would perish together, or they would find a way to live as one. There was no middle ground, no room for doubt.