Page 27 of Beyond Fate

But something was very wrong.

As Life itself, Panahasi was deeply connected to all living beings. He constantly felt every life force like a quiet vibration. He could hear the sounds of life around him, yet he couldn’t sense a single lifeforce.

Unsure where he was, Panahasi released a faint pulse of energy. His powers spread out in all directions, searching for any hint of his surroundings. But as he delved deeper, a sharp sting glided along the tendrils of his power, as if the very air itself was riddled with razor-sharp teeth.

He yanked his powers back to him then opened his eyes. Within that sharp sting he’d felt a presence watching him. Pushing to his feet, he glanced at the tall and twisted trees, their gnarled roots snaking through the earth.

As he turned, he saw a castle on a sloping hillside. Its weathered turrets stretched toward the darkened sky. The full moon hung low behind the structure, casting an eerie glow over the ancient stone walls.

A lone wolf’s mournful howl pierced the silence.

Everything around Panahasi appeared tangible, but this place was not what it seemed. It was nothing more than an illusion crafted to deceive him.

The air became thick and heavy, as if it was pressing down on him, turning the once-sweet smell of nature into a foul odor that brushed against his skin like icy fingers.

As the wolf continued to howl, a swirling mist slowly weaved through the trees, heading in his direction. The mist was the reason for the change in the air.

Fate was coming for him.

Panahasi’s gaze flashed toward the castle. The wolf was Damon’s. The castle represented Casimir—a king’s guardian. It was howling because it couldn’t find a way inside the castle. Inside the bond.

Panahasi’s heart was heavy with pain and guilt as he listened to the desperate howls of the wolf. He had never intended for things to go so horribly wrong, and now the innocent creature was suffering because of his mistake.

A hard, burning lump formed in his throat. “I never meant for any of this to happen, sweet wolf,” he whispered, but it was too late for apologies.

Regardless of how unintentional his actions were, Fate would show no mercy.

It was about to strike back at him in full force.

The thick, swirling mist gradually slowed and began to rise, transforming into a tall, dark-haired man with sharp features and a trimmed beard. As Fate strode forward, a trail of cobblestones materialized beneath his feet before each step. The stones were perfectly smooth, glistening like jewels adorning the ground. The remaining mist seemed to part in reverence, as if it recognized the power this figure wielded.

There weren’t many things that made Panahasi nervous, but right now, he was definitely wary. Fate had the power to alter someone’s course in life. Before Panahasi was mated, if Fate had wanted to mess with him, so be it.

Now that he had two mates that he cherished more than his own life, Fate could fuck him sideways.

No lube.

No kiss.

Fate stopped a few feet away from Panahasi. He wasn’t sure what to expect, so he braced for the worst.

With a deep exhale, Fate closed his eyes and shook his head, his silky black hair falling around his face. “You and your brother are the banes of my existence.” His jaw clenched tightly before he continued. “I’ve lost track of how many times you two have interfered with my decrees.”

His eyes snapped open, revealing an ominous glint in their green depths. “This wolf belongs to Damon, as I’m sure you’ve already figured out.” He took a step closer, his presence radiating pure power and authority. “It has been howling incessantly because you took it upon yourself to seal their bond prematurely. Damon and Casimir’s souls may be intertwined, but because of your recklessness, the wolf has been locked out of its rightful place in that sacred connection!”

Fate’s handsome features contorted into something twisted and demonic, revealing the true nature of his power. His entire being seemed to morph into a dark force, radiating pure fury. “You have truly crossed a line this time.”

He let out a deafening shriek, and Panahasi was yanked off his feet and thrown through the air like a rag doll, his body contorting in unnatural ways. Panahasi’s true form tried to break free in a desperate attempt to protect him, but Fate kept it trapped inside him.

Every living creature inside of Panahasi coalesced then detonated into a roar. He threw his head back as the unearthly sound erupted from him, shattering trees and sending shockwaves through the ground. And still Panahasi screamed, feeling a sensation like a Band-Aid slowly being peeled off.

Only, the pain was far worse.

Fate was severing Panahasi’s bond with his mates. The pain was unbearable, mind-bending, like his very soul was being ripped from his body. Please no!

Suddenly, Panahasi dropped to the ground. He sobbed violently as he clutched his chest, rocking back and forth while praying the pain would kill him. He couldn’t do it. Panahasi couldn’t live without his connection to his wolves. He wheezed heavily, digging his fingers into his chest, wishing to god he could slide his claws free so he could rip out his own heart.

Jaden! Hear my pain and reap my soul!

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