Christian smiled. "I know everything about you. You study in the same school as Elizabeth. She had mentioned you when you visited her house one night."
Austin grinned and looked at Christian. "But just Elizabeth's explanation alone won't help you identify me, right? How did you know my identity right away when you saw me?"
Christian laughs and replies, "Do you think I would not investigate the person besides my woman? And you have been traveling back and forth between my pack and Liam's pack. Do you think I won't notice?"
"Just the day Elizabeth kidnaped, you werewolves attacked our borders to make me leave Elizabeth alone. It is not hard to guess"
Austin looked at Christian and raised his brow. "Indeed, I was not concealing as I thought I was. You know a lot, and you are very observant as well. No wonder Alpha Liam takes you as his strongest enemy."
Austin said, "Then, I believe this trick will not deceive you. The fact that you can still talk to
Vanessa turned her head around to look at him. “Oh, I see. I’m not looking for Alex. I’m just wondering why he is not here yet.”The man shook his head at her.Then, Alex arrived at the hall.Like the shining star in the sky, he walked toward the crowd and stood on the stage. Everyone gathered in front of the stage. Alex smiled and said, “I would like to thank Dark shadow pack for their warm hospitality and all who have come along with me on this trip.”Everyone raised their glasses and looked at Alex. They were in awe. His few simple sentences appealed to the crowd and surpassed those with long-winded speeches.No one could say precisely why, but they felt more secure with this man despite him saying only a few words.Riya appeared alone at the back. She appeared discreetly, and when she looked ahead, she could not find anyone she had met before. Thus, she walked around the hall aimlessly, unsure of where
Before Riya could react, she was surrounded by an icy cold feeling. The water encircled her body. She felt a sharp pain in her arm, which meant that there was a wound on her arm.Riya felt the strong currents coming at her, and she wanted to find something to hold on to for support but was still washed away by the water currents to a far distance.She could only pedal, raise her hands, and cry out, "Save me…."* * * * * * * * * *From below, someone screamed, "Oh God, someone fell into the water!"This shout caught everyone's attention.Everyone rushed outside to see which unfortunate person had fallen into the water.The man standing with Vanessa was the only person running frantically back into the hall and screaming, "Riya fell into the water! Someone save her!"Ron heard his screams and grabbed him. "Why are you not jumping in to save her instead of screaming for help?""I don't know how to swim… Have y
"Scram off, please, give way." The people who stood at the side shouted, watching Alex carry Riya and head inside with quick steps and firm expression.Vanessa froze at the back. Watching Alex's disappearing figure, she fell into despair.The people standing next to her exclaimed in surprise at that inappropriate moment."Wow, Commander Alex is so masculine.""Yes, I wish I could faint in his arms too.""Me too. I also want to have commander Alex perform resuscitation on me…."Everyone was still thinking about how Alex performed resuscitation on Riya in front of everyone. Even though it was a life-saving procedure, Alex's lips still touched Riya's lips, which was very intimate.Although the one who was saved was Riya, they could not help but sigh in excitement. They knew that they were going to get married, but to have seen them kiss in public was a new kind of experience.Everyone wanted to follow them, but after all, A
Christian continued to stare at Liam in silence."So don't worry. I treat Elizabeth really well. Unlike you who are so heartless towards women, Christian." Suddenly, Liam threw another punch at Christian's stomach.Even though Christian did not utter a sound, his face became pale this time.Liam had indeed exerted a tremendous amount of strength in his punch."That punch was for Chelsea. Do you know what she became because of you? If you had loved her, you would not bear to see her in such a state today. You could have returned her feelings. However, you hurt her and landed her in a terrible state."Liam's words became very harsh as he spoke.Christian looked ahead with a poker face. "I have already told Chelsea that I do not have feelings for her anymore. Her feelings are one-sided. Her situation today was her own choice. I never wanted to see her become like that. She would not have landed in that situation if she gave up on me when I foun
Elizabeth said, "How can that be? How can I play tricks when I am under your watch? Besides, are you afraid that I may do something?"Liam raised his brow and looked at her. "Don't think that you can play tricks on me just because I treat you well.""Oh, now that you say it like that, I really want to try it. Are you afraid that I would play tricks on you?" Elizabeth raised her brow at him in return.Looking at her sparkling eyes, Liam laughed out loud. "Alright, I will eat hotpot with you."Liam had randomly ordered his men to prepare spicey noodles. Although they felt strange, they knew that Liam was a carefree person, so they did not give much thought to it. Soon, the Spicy noodles were ready.When Elizabeth saw the noodles, she immediately regained her appetite. She had been carving for them ever since she came here. She said presently, "Try this. It's delicious."Liam shook his head. "This is what children like to eat. I'm already sick
The people who stood behind saw Elizabeth was trying free Christian and rushed over hurriedly to pull her aside. The guards held onto her so that she could not move.This was against Elizabeth's will. She shouted while struggling, "Let me go, let me go! Christian, wake up please, wake up, don't die…."The people persuaded her, "Miss Elizabeth, please don't be like that. If you continue, It will be dangerous for your baby. We will have to take you away."Elizabeth froze for a moment; she looked in Christian's direction and paused for a while.After Elizabeth regained her composure, she turned back to look at Liam and the guards who surrounded her, "You said that you would take good care of him!"The people stared at Christian.The marks of a knife cuts and whippings were evident.Christian's head hung low, with beads of sweat trickling down his face. His handsome face was covered with red bloodstains, making one shudder. But eve
Elizabeth turned around to look at Christian, who was still unconscious. His face seemed so surreal.Christian was a strong man, and even at that moment, he never once appeared weak and pathetic to her.No matter what happens, Christian will always be a strong and powerful person in her eyes. This was especially so currently; he was still highly esteemed, and those men would never be able to defile him.She smiled and looked at Liam again. “Because I like him, I love him. Even though our encounter was unpleasant, he always stood by my side. He cared for me and spoiled me with the things I love. He took care of me when I was injured. He eats spicy food with me even though he gets a bad stomach. Because he remembers my doctor appointments when I forget about them. He knows me better than myself. I never need to say a word to him, but he will know what I want exactly. And now it is my turn. I want to stay here and take care of him, Liam.”Liam na
Riya replied with an "oh," but she was a little surprised.Alex held her up with one hand and told her, "Alright, we are heading back to our pack. Let me get you up so we can get ready to leave."Riya was shocked. "So early? Alright, let me get up.""Don't move." Alex held onto Riya at once. He turned around and ordered, "Bring that over."The physician brought the wheelchair over hurriedly. Alex pulled Riya, scooped her up, and placed her in the wheelchair.Riya said, "I really don't need…."It was her arm that was injured. Why would she need a wheelchair?Alex said, "I have arranged for the medical experts to come along with us; just let them know if you have any problems.""Ohh?" Riya replied hurriedly, "I don't need the doctors to come along with me. This is just a minor injury. I'm in an excellent state."Alex looked at her darkly, and Riya could only shut her mouth quickly.Riya's entourage appeared v
The rhythmic thud of boots against the old wooden bridge echoes in the quiet night. Each step feels like a heartbeat, steady but loud, as if the entire world is holding its breath. Elizabeth's eyes remain half-closed, her head resting against Christian’s shoulder. She’s conscious, but barely. The chill of the night air bites at her wet clothes, but Christian’s warmth seeps into her, a living furnace of protection.Jenny walks just a step behind, her gaze flicking nervously over her shoulder. The forest behind them is a sea of shadowy figures and distant howls. None of the werewolves follow — not yet. But she knows better than to relax. “They’ll be back,” she mutters.“They’ll try,” Christian replies calmly, his eyes fixed on the far end of the bridge. His grip on Elizabeth tightens, just a fraction, as if the mere idea of someone threatening her again sends an unspoken fury through him. “But it won’t end well for them.”The other side of the bridge comes into view — a soft glow of lan
The icy river water clings to Elizabeth’s clothes, seeping into every fiber. She feels weightless but not in a good way. Her limbs are heavy, her body numb, and her vision blurs in and out like a flickering candle. But even through the haze, one thing remains clear — Christian's face.“Stay with me, Elizabeth,” Christian's voice is low, controlled, but there’s a crack of urgency beneath it. His crimson eyes burn with intensity, never once leaving hers as he cradles her like she’s the most fragile, precious thing in the world.Her lips twitch into a faint smile. “You look mad,” she whispers, her voice hoarse and barely audible. “Did I scare you?”“Terrified,” he admits, brushing a thumb over her cheek. His jaw tightens as he takes in the state she’s in — blood-soaked clothes, bruises along her neck, her breath uneven. His gaze shifts to Jenny, his eyes hardening into something colder. “Who did this to her?”Jenny, still panting and soaked from the river, glares back toward the forest.
Jenny’s heart thunders in her chest, her breaths sharp and shallow. The moment Tina and Austin step out from the side path, her instincts scream danger. Her eyes dart to Elizabeth, who, despite her weakened state, narrows her gaze with pure hatred. Blood trickles down Elizabeth’s arm, her pallor more ashen than before, but her eyes — sharp, calculating eyes — are still full of fire.“Well, well, look at you two,” Tina’s voice is laced with smug satisfaction as she steps forward, her smile as sharp as a wolf’s grin. Her eyes, once so familiar, now seem foreign, darkened by envy and betrayal. “Running away like rats. Did you really think you could escape us, Elizabeth?”"Still acting like a queen, huh, Tina?" Elizabeth sneers, though her words are weaker than she would have liked. She grips Jenny's arm for support, her legs wobbling like a newborn fawn. "Guess betrayal suits you better than humility."Austin growls low in his throat, his eyes glowing amber. He cracks his neck, flexing h
And apparently, in that particular moment, each and every god seems to be on their side. Elizabeth's sure she’s run through every ounce of good luck she’s ever been given in her century-long life, because the footsteps don’t stop in front of their hiding place. In fact, they continue down the path, further and further deep into the forest until they fade into the distance.“Holy shit,” Jenny breathes out, voice trembling slightly. “Holy shit .”“Ok. Ok,” Elizabeth says almost deliriously. “Where do we have to go to get to the bank of the river?”Jenny runs a hand through her sweaty golden hair, pushing it back and off of her face. “Somewhere to the west, I think.”Elizabeth takes a deep breath and resists the urge to groan in frustration. “You think? We’re in a life-or-death, run-for-our-lives situation, and that’s the best you can come up with?”“I don’t walk around in this forest like it is my home!” Jenny exclaims. She fumes up momentarily in irritation. “I’ve only been to this for
A heartbeat of time passes; and then all at once, each of them-- Elizabeth, and Jenny-- come to the same decision at the exact same time, completely independent of one another.Adrenaline passes through Elizabeth, blazing hot and sparkling bright like lightning. Move, her brain tells her. Elizabeth doesn’t even have time to think about what she’s doing. One second, she’s standing stock still in shock, and in the next, Elizabeth grips Jenny’s hands, dips at the waist, and gets ready to sprint.Elizabeth doesn’t have a second to fully process that before Tina opens her mouth to say with a snort, “And where do you think y-”Jenny points out a determined finger, and a dagger comes booming out of her hand. It hits Austin square in the chest, sending him catapulting backward out of the door to smash into the tree on the opposite side of the door.In the millisecond of silence immediately after, Jenny screams. “Run!”And Elizabeth takes off.Her ankle shrieks at her to stop as she vaults ove
“Elizabeth…” Jenny says, clearly reading the determination in Elizabeth’s eyes. “I’m sorry. We need you back at the manor. We will try again, please bear with the pain.”Jenny steals her heart and forces herself to hurt Elizabeth again. Elizabeth looks over at her in shock, but a mask of determined resignation coats her face.A wave of nausea spills into Elizabeth’s chest. She can’t stop her voice from trembling as she asks, “Are… are you sure?”“We don’t have a choice right now…”It’s silent in the room for a moment, the drape of quiet only periodically interrupted by the slow drip drip drip of the water. “How are we going to do this?” Elizabeth asks after a second.Don’t think about it don’t think about it don’t think about it“I- “ Jenny darts around the room for anything that could help them remove the chain and something falls into her eyes. She moves to pick it up from the ground.“I- we have a knife.” Jenny swallows hard and palms an angry-looking blade where it rests in her ha
“Did Christian send you? Have you seen him recently? Is he alright?” Elizabeth asks the desperate curiosity tingeing her tone.Jenny is shocked as well, she stands still looking at Elizabeth with what looks like awe and disbelief. Elizabeth’s eyes glow in the dim room brightly like Panther’s. Her pitch-black hair is now turned into auricomous. Elizabeth’s questions snap her out of the trance.“I- No, I didn’t, I don’t know I think it’s bad,” Jenny says with a sigh. She clicks her fingers once more, and the chains tying Elizabeth’s ankles fall apart.Elizabeth winces in relief as the blood flows back into her swollen ankle and bruised wrists. “What do you mean?” she asks as soon as the tingling pain starts to subside.“He- It’s just been… bad since you left,” Jenny says quietly. She shakes her hair and looks over at Elizabeth, who bares her teeth at her. Jenny jumps instinctively, hands up in defense.On unsteady legs, Elizabeth pulls herself to her feet. She firmly ignores the way the
Minutes pass. Elizabeth simply lay on the floor her eyes were blurry, and her gold-colored hair spread on the floor messily. Her eyes gain consciousness when she hears someone talking outside the door."Well, hello there," a voice says from right outside the door, presumably to the guard stationed right outside.Elizabeth immediately sits up alertly. She cranes her head to look at the door.The guards outside declare, "Miss you don't have access to this room. I suggest that you turn around."A chuckle could be heard, then a voice talks "Oh, goodness no. I have authorization," the first voice says happily. There's the momentary sound of rustling fabric. "See?"A beat of quiet ensues, and then the guard makes a noise of confusion. "This is a two-for-one coupon. What the fuck is the "Vampires d-"The guard is quickly cut off by what sounds like someone choking the throat if the strange gurgling sound he makes is any indication. Elizabeth goes ram-rod straight as she listens to the sound
When Elizabeth opens her eyes, she only sees red. Her head throbs and the splitting headache makes her clutch her head tightly as a groan leaves her lips. She is lying on the hard surface something restraining her body making her unable to move from her place. Both her legs are bound by a stainless-steel chain. She tries to move but the pain makes her scream in agony. They are not just harmless binding chains they have punched the chains into her flesh. The floor around her legs is socked red from her blood. She doesn’t recognize the place she is locked in. She doesn’t remember how she got here. Who brought her here? The chain door slowly opens with a creek. Elizabeth lifts her head only to see a familiar face staring at her with a devilish smile on the face. “I see you are up…” the person smirks entering the room. Elizabeth’s eyes widen in shock when she looks at the person standing Infront of her “What are you doing here? Why am I here? Did you kidnap me?” Elizabeth screams at th