Bound by blood and flame

Chapter Five -

Of Fire, Wolves, and Brothers

Stephanie's POV

I wasn't used to waking up surrounded by cobwebs, potion bottles, and glowing floating orbs.

My head throbbed like it had hosted a rave, and my thoughts felt like puzzle pieces that didn't belong in the same damn box. Carmen was pacing like a wolf on Red Bull, Leon stood by the window arms folded, and Mr. Mysterious Demon Brother was nowhere in sight.

I sat up. "So... demon dad, werewolf besties, evil brother. Did I miss anything?"

Leon turned, sheepish. "We saved you from getting snatched into the underworld. You're welcome, by the way."

Carmen offered a guilty smile. "Steph... we wanted to tell you. But your parents swore us to secrecy."

"You two are actual werewolves," I whispered. "I told you I wasn't crazy when I felt you growling during that rollercoaster."

Carmen chuckled softly. "Yeah... we weren't scared of the height. We were fighting the urge to shift."

I shook my head, trying not to let the betrayal sting. "Okay. Sure. My best friends are wolves. My sister's kidnapped. My parents are probably being tortured. And oh, my older brother wants to demonically awaken me like I'm some damn Pokémon evolution."

Leon winced. "Too soon?"

"Way too soon."

The door creaked. Lucien stepped in, still draped in his shadowy cloak, looking like he walked off the cover of Dark Lords Weekly.

"I have a lead," he said. "Your sister and parents were taken to the Shadowrealm. Azazel's stronghold."

My spine stiffened. "So we go there. Now."

Lucien's crimson eyes glowed faintly. "You're not ready."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I ask if I was ready? Or did I just say I'm not leaving my family behind?"

"You'll die," he said bluntly.

Leon growled. "Watch your tone."

Lucien's voice stayed icy. "And you watch your place, pup."

"Enough!" I yelled, shadows rippling around me. Everyone froze.

I breathed deeply. What was that? The ground beneath my boots had cracked. A vase shattered in the corner.

Lucien stared, impressed. "You're awakening faster than expected."

"You think?" I snapped. "I've had one normal day since moving, and I've already been attacked, lied to, and set on fire." Gosh was this the most fucked up day I've ever had. I really hope my parents are okay.

"You'll get used to it."

I blinked. "Wow. You're really the pep talk type."

He smirked. "You get that from me."

I froze. "So... we really have the same dad?"

Lucien nodded. "Lucifer. King of Hell. Our father."

I leaned against the wall. "Well. Therapy's gonna be expensive." I sighed.

---

Meanwhile – Ethan's POV

Something was wrong.

Lucian was pacing in my mind. Max was agitated. Red was... quiet.

That never meant anything good.

"I keep smelling fire and roses," Max said. "Everywhere. Like it's calling us."

Lucian hissed. "She's nearby. The prophecy girl. The one from the mall. The one from the dream."

My fists clenched.

I was supposed to be emotionless. Composed. Royal. Cold.

But I kept remembering her voice. Her eyes. That spark in her blood. That name she called me—

Stalker.

"Find her," Red whispered. "Before Azazel does."

---

Stephanie – Later That Night

I couldn't sleep. Again.

Lucien had left after muttering something about gathering allies. Carmen and Leon were asleep on makeshift beds. I wandered outside the cabin and found a patch of forest where the moonlight painted the grass silver.

I sat on a rock and looked up at the stars.

"I don't feel real," I whispered. "I feel like... a lie."

"That's because part of you is," a voice said behind me.

I turned quickly, about to roast whoever it was—

"Easy, Shadow Girl."

My heart jumped.

Ethan stepped out of the trees like he'd been carved from shadow and moonlight.

"You again?" I said, standing. "Are you everywhere I go?"

He smirked. "Told you. You're the one following me."

I folded my arms. "You're stalking me in the forest now?"

"Couldn't resist the scent of hellfire and shampoo."

I blinked. "What do you want?"

"I came to warn you. Raventon isn't safe. The Supernatural Council is meeting about you."

I frowned. "How do you even know that?"

He stepped closer. Too close. "Let's just say I have access to... private ears."

"And what? You're suddenly my dark knight now?"

He tilted his head. "I prefer hot prince of chaos. But I'll take dark knight if you insist."

I laughed, then stopped, realizing something. "Why do you care?"

Ethan's gaze turned serious, the flirt slipping just a bit.

"Because when I dream, it's your face I see. Because when I smell burning air and demon blood, it doesn't scare me—it draws me."

I swallowed hard. "That's... dramatic."

"Maybe." He leaned in. "Or maybe fate's just not subtle."

His breath was warm. His presence overwhelming.

I turned away quickly. "You should go."

"I should," he agreed, but didn't move. "You're in danger, Stephanie. Real danger."

"I know."

"I'll help you. Whether you like it or not."

I raised a brow. "You're awfully possessive for someone who barely knows me."

He smirked again, lips close to my ear now. "That's the thing about mates. We don't need time. We just know."

My heart skipped a full beat. But I was confused did he just say we were mates I turned around hoping to ask him for more details...

Then he was gone, vanished back into the shadows, leaving behind nothing but heat and chaos.

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