His destined mate

Ethan's POV

I awoke in a cold sweat, the rest of the Street still echoing in my mind. The battle against Derek and Theron had taken its toll. Even though I escaped the darkness, I felt the shadow still lurking at the edge of my mind, waiting for a chance to strike.

Bianca was nowhere to be found, and that got me worried. I gathered up a few handfuls, determined not to let despair set in, and I had to find her and bring her back before it became too late.

As I gathered my strength, memories of our shared moments flooded my mind her smile, the way her eyes lit up as he used his magic. But now those memories were consumed by the darkness that threatened to swallow me up.

I had to act quickly; Each wasted moment brought Derek and Theron closer to their goal. When I left the private sanctuary, I realized that the world around me had changed.

The once vibrant forest had taken on a solemn tone, the trees whispering secrets of fear and betrayal. The air was thick with tension, as if the very essence of the country foretold a brewing storm.

I could feel Derek's machinery. News of my supposed death would have spread like wildfire. He used every means at his disposal to turn my subjects against Bianca, portraying her as the real villain behind our problems.

A sense of urgency overwhelmed me as I walked to the nearby village. I had to confront my people, fight back before the lies took root. But what would I say?

How do I convince them that Bianca isn't the monster Derek said she was? Suddenly I heard a rustling behind me. I turned around, instinct flashing. Out of the shadows came an unexpected figure.

One of my most loyal caretakers was Lara, her face contorted with worry. "You, Your Lordship!" She shrugged with a sigh.

"You, Your Lordship!" she rushed forward and gasped. "You're alive! I feared the worst when the authorities pronounced you dead.

The kingdom is in trouble!" "What did they say?" she asked. I pushed my beating heart. "Derek spread rumors that Bianca's magic was dangerous and cursed.

Many people believe that you should take the throne instead, that you are not fit to rule. The pack is split!" "Damn it!"

I cursed, seething with frustration. "We need to act quickly. I have to gather my supporters and expose the truth." Lara nodded but hesitated.

"Ethan... there's a lot. Emily is among them. She was rallying support, fueled by Derek's lies. She thinks killing Bianca will bring you back to him."

The weight of her words hit me like a physical blow. Emily's charm mixed with Derek's lies could spell disaster. "We have to protect Bianca at all costs."

I patiently strengthened my resolve. As we ran through the woods, I could almost hear Emily's laughter ringing in the shadows. I had loved him in the past, but now his mind was corrupted by despair. We had to do something about it before his madness turned deadly.

Finally, we reached the main street of the village. It was chaotic-citizens arguing passionately, split between those who still believed in my rule and those who were swayed by Derek's deception.

I called for silence and climbed onto the high platform. "People of the North! I stand before you not as your king but as a man who has found the truth! Bianca is not your enemy!" A murmur of disbelief poured into the crowd.

Derek stood in front of her, arms crossed, a grin plastered on his face. "You're an idiot Ethan! Do you think they'll rally behind the cursed witch? She is the reason you have fallen!" I took a deep breath, summoned all my courage. "They're working on you! Bianca saved my life! He fought against darkness to protect me. I won't let you hurt our relationship!"

As I spoke, a figure appeared at the entrance to the classroom. My heart sank-it was Emily, her face a mixture of anger and sadness.

"Do you dare say her name?" he exclaimed, his eyes burning. "Do you think I'll let her take what belongs to me?" "Emily, this is not the way to do it!" I went ahead and prayed.

"We can work together. We can heal this kingdom!" But her laughter cut through the air, cold and cold. "Do you think she can heal you?

She's going to destroy you, Ethan! And I won't let him take you out of my hands again!" Before I could react, dark energy from his hand aimed directly at me.

I barely managed to deflect it with my magic, and the blast shook the ground below us. The crowd screamed and panic spread like wildfire. I looked around desperately for help.

But instead I saw fear written on the faces of the subjects-fear that is hard to erase. "Stop this!" I shouted as my magic formed a protective barrier around me and the villagers. "This is not what you want!

We can be together!" But Derek stepped forward, a mischievous smile creasing his lips. "Look at him, friends. A king without a crown, a man without company. You would be wise to follow me instead. I will bring energy back to our team!

As I fought to keep the barrier in place, I could feel the shifting energy of the crowd. Whispers of doubt entered their hearts, and I knew I had to act quickly. If I can't figure out how to turn the tide, all may be lost.

Then a surge of energy poured into me as if in response to my frustration-Bianca's presence felt good. Feeling the warmth of her magical pulse from a distance, I recognized that connection.

"Bianca!" I called, my voice echoing through the raucous atmosphere. "I need you! We need you!" he said, smirking.

Suddenly another wave of dark energy flowed, but this time it didn't show me. Emily had turned her attention to Derek, anger written on her face.

"Do you think you can take her away from me? Without him, do nothing!" Derek smiled. "You were a broken shell attached to a woman's past. I'll show you what real power is like!" As they struggled with their magic, a crack opened on the ground between them.

The crystalline energy was turbulent, causing shockwaves to reverberate through the village. I had to do something. In a heartbeat, I sent my energy not only to me but also to Bianca.

I focused on our connection, imagining his energy flowing into me. "together!" I shouted, reaching forward. At that moment, the magic around me merged with Bianca's element and exploded outward to a stop.

The shock wave knocked everyone back, including Emily and Derek, but looking around I realized I had hit an opening. "now!" I yelled at Lara. "We must gather the faithful! Before it's too late!"

Just then there was a loud crack as the ground split open beneath Derek and Emily, their faces contorted in shock.

"What have you done?" Derek shouted, dragged down by the shadow. "Ethan! Emily cried out, clutching her tightly

But before I could react, a blinding flash of light shot through the crack, obscuring everything in its path. As the light engulfed the square, I saw Bianca emerge from the shadows, her eyes strained and determined. But as our vision closed, the light swallowed everything, and I found myself drawn into the depths of the unknown.