Page 15 of Fallen (Designation #2)

LEVIATHAN

I take a deep breath and focus on my magic, Gerald’s training about to get a real test. I’m going to mimic a unicorn shifter to infiltrate their inner circle. It’s a risky move, but my scent-shifting and appearance-mimicking skills are my best shot at getting close without being spotted.

I close my eyes, picturing the unicorn form I saw Elias take in the stable: shimmering white coat, a single glowing horn, eyes wild with power.

My magic surges as my body begins to shift, my skin prickling as it takes on a pearlescent sheen, my hair lengthening into a silvery mane, a horn sprouting from my forehead.

It’s awkward, like wearing a costume two sizes too big, and when I try to move, my legs wobble, unused to the equine grace.

Both of my mates slap a hand over their mouths to hide their smiles as I step out from behind the tent, trying to “prance” like I’ve seen in old shifter lore, but it’s more of a stumble. A wiry shifter with a unicorn tattoo on his neck eyes me suspiciously. “Are you drunk?”

I force a laugh, my voice deeper in this form. “Just… new to this,” I say, hoping my fake unicorn scent holds. The shifter narrows his eyes but shrugs, gesturing for me to join the circle around the altar. I had absolutely no idea I could speak in this form so yay me, I guess.

I fall into step, my heart racing as I scan for Rowan and Amand.

They’re still behind that one tent and as I draw closer to the altar, I catch a whiff of nearly ancient magic.

It feels like it means more than just something to worship, as if it’s what Elias has been using to strengthen his killings.

If I can steal it, we might have leverage to stop him.

The chanting grows louder, Elias moving toward the altar, his black suit stark against the rainbow colors worn by the shifters.

He’s mumbling about something, about cleansing the city of “impure” shifters, making me feel sick.

This isn’t just a killing spree—it’s a crusade, and I’m the prize he’s after, thanks to Silas’s stories about me.

I edge closer to the altar, my unicorn form feeling more natural now, though I’m still clumsy.

I’m not sure how long I stand there, in the midst of other shifters—some in human forms and others not but before I know it, the sky is nearing toward dawn.

What the fuck? I move closer, terrified when I catch a glimpse of my mates tied up toward the back.

I hadn’t even felt anything through the bond, something about this place taking away some of my senses.

A shifter bumps into me, willing me to shift.

I have to act quick, focusing on someone I know to make the transformation easier.

Fuck becoming my mates. Gerald is a heck no and Lily…

So, Marcus it is… I tell myself, focusing on Marcus’ form.

It’s awkward and hurts like hell cramming into his form but I take the cup, pretending to sip it to keep off suspicion.

A woman beside me gently squeezes my arms, a wide smile on her face.

“The cleansing begins tonight. Elias will lead us, with the Chameleon at his side.”

I nod, my stomach twisting. “Yeah, sounds… epic,” I say, keeping my voice light. I’m close to the altar now, the horn within reach, but Elias’s eyes lock onto me, and I freeze. My magic flickers beneath his gaze and I force myself to focus.

“You,” he says, his voice cutting through the chant. “Step forward.”

I swallow, my heart pounding, and step up, trying to channel unicorn arrogance. “What’s up?” I say, hoping my fake scent holds. “Ready to serve the cause.” However, I have only ever met one unicorn and well, he’s kind of crazy.

His lips curl up into a deviant smile, but there’s suspicion in his eyes. “You smell… familiar,” he says, stepping closer. My magic strains, and I know I’m seconds from being exposed. I need a distraction, and I need it now.

I stumble and shift back into my unicorn form, deliberately tripping over my own hooves, and crash into the altar, knocking the chalice over.

Everyone gasps, Elias snarling at my display, but I grab the horn, and tuck it under my mane as I fade, my Chameleon magic kicking in.

The camp erupts in chaos, everyone shouting as I bolt toward Rowan and Amand, my unicorn form dissolving as I run.

“Lev!” Rowan’s voice is a growl, his eyes slitted as I reach them. I use the horn to slice through their ropes, hoping and praying that it’s enough.

“Had no idea I was there that long. Let’s get out of here!”

We sprint for the trees, the horn heavy against my chest, but Elias’s roar stops us. I can hear his uneven hooves against the forest floor, the wounds my mates dealt still present. “You can’t take that!” he bellows, charging toward us.

I start moving again. We can’t afford him catching us.