Mia POV
My heat seemed relentless, leaving me in a daze. Yet, amidst the haze, I never once felt any pain. Atlas, never let it overwhelm me. He constantly took me to pleasure overload, his mouth and hands knowing exactly how to navigate my desires.
The frustration of not being able to mate with him was unbearable. I yearned for his touch, craving his entirety. And I knew he wanted me just as desperately. But he somehow managed to maintain incredible self-control, despite his own primal desires. His constant restraint made me feel guilty.

I noticed him partially dressing, attempting to block himself from my unclothed form. But his pants did little to conceal his arousal. My heat, finally starting to calm, was met with Inara's voice in my mind, suggesting another way to pleasure our mate In return. A small smile graced my face.
Confusion etched Atlas' face as he brushed his hand against my skin. "What are you talking about with Inara?" he asked, his primal instincts still battling within him. I shifted, positioning myself to touch his body. "Mia," he asked, perplexed. But I could also sense his interest.
"My heat is calming, so let me take care of you now," I whispered against him. His gaze held curiosity and confusion, wondering what I meant. I trailed my lips against his skin, relishing in the sound of his groan as our contact ignited a symphony of desire. Just like me, he was vocal, his low sounds rumbling through him, sending a delicious shiver down my spine.
As I reached the hem of his pants, he placed his hand on me, a warning in his touch. "Mia, we can't," he cautioned. But I reassured him, "Don't worry, we won't. But I won't let you suffer."
I freed him from his pants, surprised that he hadn't burst through the fabric earlier. Sliding my hand along his length, I reveled in the sensation against my skin and his reactions. Being this close, feeling him in my grasp, I couldn't help but question how he even fit inside me. He was enormous.
"Mia," he groaned again, still unsure of my intentions. But as I wrapped my mouth around him, his entire body reacted. Words were no longer able to form, replaced by low, sensual growls that escaped his lips. I savored the taste of him, gliding my tongue against him, sucking on him with fervor. Deepthroating him, his groans turned to primal sounds of pleasure.

It didn't take long for him to reach his climax, filling the back of my throat with his essence. I swallowed, savoring the taste of my mate. It was clear he hadn't expected me to take him this way, but his relaxed body told me I had done well.
Atlas gently pulled me back into his strong arms. I nestled against him, savoring the warmth and security he provided. A soft rumble emitted from my belly, causing him to chuckle. It had been nearly two days since we had eaten, surviving only on water. Hunger gnawed at me, but it seemed my stomach always chose the most embarrassing moments to announce its presence.
"Hopefully Bryn has an answer to the spell," I said, my voice filled with hope. Atlas agreed, his voice laced with determination. "Yes," he replied, his tone resolute. "I want to share my power with you, and honestly, I also want to mate." I admitted.
"Trust me, I do as well," he admitted. "My body craves you, even with your heat ending."

Deciding to freshen up, we took a quick shower together before getting dressed. But before I could fully clothe myself, Atlas pulled me against him again, his desire evident. I couldn't help but tease him. "For someone who told me to stay clothed when I first met you, you sure seem to prefer me unclothed," I playfully remarked.
A deep chuckle escaped his lips. "That was before I knew I could have you," he confessed, his voice filled with longing. "You have no idea what just looking at you did to me."
I couldn't help but smile at his words. "I saw," I admitted, my cheeks flushing.
"I wanted you, Mia. All of you, from the moment I pulled your body from the forest. But I hated myself for having such thoughts at that time. When you kissed me for the first time, I knew deep down that you weren't in the right mindset. I shouldn't have continued the kiss, but I couldn't resist. Part of me wanted to claim you right then and there. And when I held you on the train, my hand wandering against you, I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't help it. Your touch gave me a strange, electrifying sensation that I didn't understand back then. You drive me crazy, Mia, in the best way possible. I love and crave absolutely everything about you."
His words washed over me, filling me with a sense of belonging and desire.
After a moment, we finally left the room. The sheer size of this place was overwhelming, and it would take me some time to adjust. However, I was relieved that I could navigate my way based on everyone's distinct scent to at least find them. As I peered into a small study area, I spotted Bryn leaning against Flint. I hesitated to interrupt their moment, but Flint immediately sensed my presence and snapped to attention. Bryn straightened herself up as I entered the room with Atlas.
The scent of books and old parchment filled the air, mixing with the faint aroma of Bryn's perfume. The study area was dimly lit, the soft glow of a desk lamp casting a warm, inviting light. The creak of the wooden floor under my footsteps echoed in the silence.
"You know, the two of you don't need to hide the fact that you're a couple from me, right?" I asked, my gaze fixed on Flint. He met my eyes.
"It's just that witch and werewolf relationships are forbidden by both of our kinds," Flint admitted reluctantly. I let out a sigh, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.
"Lycan and werewolf relationships, as well as human and werewolf relationships, are also forbidden," I said, my voice tinged with frustration. "It's about time we changed that. We're already wanted for my power, and since you're all associated with me, you're in just as much danger. We might as well not deny ourselves what we love. Well, more like the two of you should not deny it."
I saw Bryn give me a sad expression, understanding the struggle that Atlas and I now faced. Flint, on the other hand, wasted no time. He pulled Bryn back against him, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. I couldn't help but shake my head at his playful antics.
"Very well," Flint declared. "Bryn and I are a couple."
"Mia, now that I've researched the spell, I must ask how you're feeling," Bryn said, her voice filled with concern. "It's true that mating with Atlas completes the spell, but it has already been set in motion with his mark. It can still force you to go to the caster, but it won't be as strong. You must let us know if you feel off."
For a moment, I closed my eyes and focused on my own body. I could feel the power coursing through me, a delicate balance of strength and vulnerability. Despite the uncertainty, I reassured them, "I'm okay for now. I do need to go for a run soon. I'm assuming the palace grounds are protected now. We also need to make our plan on which packs we approach for support."
"I already plan to leave tomorrow morning for a pack not far from here," Flint explained, his voice tinged with determination. "They are not exactly loyal to your father since they were not in support of many of his decisions, but they were loyal to your mother. They believed the royal white wolves should be protected. They are not the strongest of packs, but they are a good start."
"Good," I responded, my voice carrying a mix of eagerness and nervousness. "I am working on a few possible ways to break the spell on you, Mia. I may need some time with you later on today to fully examine you. It will help me understand better," Bryn explained, her voice gentle and reassuring.
"I understand," I replied, feeling a knot of anticipation in my stomach. "I will do whatever is needed of me."
"I'm going to go for a fast run and then I will be back," I said, turning to leave and grabbing Atlas's hand. "I just need to allow Inara to stretch her legs. I'm sure you could use a run as well," I added, tugging him along with me.
"You don't have to run if you don't want to, but I need to start practicing allowing the power I'm gifted with to flow through me. I'm more comfortable if you're with me while I do so now," I confessed to Atlas, my voice filled with vulnerability.
"I would be happy to help," Atlas responded, his voice filled with warmth and support. As we made our way outside, the vibrant colors of nature surrounded us, the green leaves and vibrant flowers painting a picturesque scene. I quickly undressed and shifted, feeling the exhilaration of transformation coursing through my veins. Atlas remained in his human form, his presence grounding me.
I ran at a pace that Atlas was comfortable with, feeling the strength and power surging through my muscles. The earth trembled beneath my feet, vibrating with the energy I was channeling. I focused on not creating a storm but harnessing the power that lightning bestowed upon me. Atlas kept a watchful eye on me, his presence providing a sense of stability.
It was overwhelming, yet with Atlas by my side, it felt manageable. I concentrated on my surroundings, the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds creating a symphony of nature. I turned my attention to Atlas, our minds linked in a unique connection. "Back up a few feet," I requested through our mental connection, and he obediently complied.
As I allowed the power to burst forth from within me, a crackling electric sensation filled the sky for a moment, illuminating the world with a dazzling display. It was a surge of control and power that I had never experienced before, leaving me in awe. Inara, let out a howl of happiness, her voice blending with the harmonious sounds of nature.
But as the power subsided, a strange sensation washed over me. My head throbbed with pain, and the world around me began to blur. Inara seemed distant and unresponsive. The connection I shared with Atlas, too, was disrupted by an invisible barrier. Confusion and fear gripped me as Inara suddenly took off running.
"I heard Atlas yell after us and heard his shift, but then everything went dark," my consciousness awake yet disconnected from the events unfolding around me.
"INARA, STOP!" I yelled in my own mind, but she did not respond. I tried desperately to shift back, but it was futile. Was this the spell? Atlas and I hadn't fully mated, so if it was, this wasn't even its full force. I couldn't even fathom how much worse it could be. I had to stop Inara. I had come so far, I couldn't fail now.
As I fought to shift back, the pain intensified. It was excruciating. Suddenly, Inara stopped, or rather, something was stopping her. A low growl filled my ears, followed by someone commanding me to shift back. Inara yielded as my body contorted into its human form, causing me to cry out in agony. It was a sharp, unfamiliar pain that radiated through my entire being. I curled up in the fetal position on the ground, clutching myself tightly.
"Mia, my tiny mate," Brutus spoke, his voice filled with concern. I could barely register his words through the pain. Atlas shifted into his human form and immediately gathered me into his arms, offering me some solace. "Mia, please, tell me what happened," he pleaded.
"I don't know. I lost control. Maybe it was the spell," I managed to respond, my voice barely above a whisper. A whimper of pain escaped my lips, and I couldn't hold back the anguish any longer. "Bring me to Bryn, something is wrong. This pain..." I cried out, my voice trailing off.
Atlas did as I asked, holding me tightly against his body as he carried me. Once we reached the entryway, he called out for Bryn, and she quickly appeared with Flint by her side. “Something is wrong with Mia," Atlas tried to explain.
"Hand her to Flint. He will bring her to the study while you get dressed," Bryn instructed Atlas. However, I clung onto him, refusing to let go. In this vulnerable state, I couldn't bear to be held by anyone else. Atlas carried me to the study, and Bryn cleared off the table, placing a blanket over my body while Flint got Atlas clothing.
The pain was relentless, blurring my vision. I grasped onto Atlas's hand, desperately seeking some semblance of grounding. "Don't let go," I managed to say before the pain consumed me, plunging me into darkness.