Valen strode into his study with Dorian following closely behind, his expression as sharp and unreadable as ever. Inside, Scottie sat perched on the edge of one of the armchairs, waiting for them. She stood as soon as they entered, her eyes scanning their faces for answers.Scottie's eyes met Valen’s as he entered, but she said nothing. Instead, she glanced over at Dorian, silently urging him to speak.The tension in the room was palpable as the door shut behind them. Valen walked over to his desk, running his fingers along the edge, the silence stretching thin. "What did the council say?" Scottie finally asked, breaking the quiet.“Nothing we didn’t already know,” Valen replied curtly, taking a seat behind his desk. His tone held an edge that silenced any further questioning. He turned his attention to Dorian. “Speak freely. I know you’ve been holding something back.”Dorian hesitated, his shoulders stiffening. He glanced at Scottie before lowering his gaze to the floor, bowing slig
Ella found herself walking through a breathtaking garden, unlike anything she had ever seen. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the faint scent of blooming flowers. Vibrant blossoms of every color stretched across the horizon, their petals glowing softly under a silver light that seemed to emanate from the sky. A narrow river, its waters sparkling as if infused with tiny diamonds, flowed gently through the garden, creating a soothing melody. The moon hung low in the sky, larger and brighter than Ella had ever seen, casting an ethereal glow over everything. The air smelled of jasmine and lavender, a calming scent that filled her lungs with each breath.She paused, taking in the serene beauty. The peace here felt divine, yet something shifted—a shadow moved across the garden. Ella’s gaze lifted, and her breath caught in her throat as she saw a figure emerge from the light.The woman before her was beyond beautiful that Ella couldn't look away, her features flawless and glowing with
“Let’s go out for a walk,” Valen suggested, his voice gentle yet firm after making sure Ella had calmed down.“I guess that’s what I need now,” Ella replied, her voice still slightly shaky but eager for a distraction.Valen smiled faintly, relieved she agreed. “I’d love to experience your speed,” Ella added, looking up at him with curiosity.If only she knew the effect her smile had on him, especially those expressive eyes. Valen swallowed hard, trying to hold on to the last bit of control he had.“Alright,” he said with a grin. “Though I’d have loved to race with you in your wolf form.”At the mention of her wolf, Ella’s smile faded, and she looked downcast. Valen cursed himself silently. He had been told she lost her wolf before coming here—how foolish of him to bring it up now.“I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I shouldn’t have mentioned that.”“No, it’s okay,” Ella replied softly. “I’m sure you must have heard I lost my wolf before being brought here.”Her voice was steady, but Vale
“Ella,” he began, his voice strained, but she silenced him with a finger to his lips.“It’s okay, Valen,” she whispered, her eyes locking with his.His resolve wavered. She was so close, her scent intoxicating, her lips so inviting. Every instinct in him screamed to close the distance, to claim her.But Valen clenched his fists, forcing himself to step back. Not here. “We should go,” he said, his voice thick with restraint.Ella nodded, her cheeks flushed. She didn’t trust herself to speak, not with the way her heart was racing and her body was reacting.As they left the club, Ella couldn’t help but glance back. The experience had been thrilling, intoxicating, and a little overwhelming. But more than anything, it had brought her closer to Valen, and she couldn’t deny the bond growing between them.***As they reached the towering gates of Valen’s manor, the sight waiting for them made Ella’s steps falter. A striking woman stood in the courtyard, her long dark hair cascading over her s
Valen stood on the balcony of his study, staring into the endless night. The crisp air did little to cool the storm brewing within him. The confrontation with Morgana played on a loop in his mind, but it was Ella’s silence after walking away that truly unsettled him.“She walked away…” he murmured to himself, gripping the edge of the railing. Ella, the only person who had ever made him feel alive again, was slipping through his fingers because of the very secrets he fought to bury.The door creaked open, and Valen didn’t need to turn to know who it was.“You look like hell,” Lucian said, his voice laced with sarcasm but tinged with concern.“Not in the mood for jokes,” Valen replied, his tone colder than the night air.Lucian ignored the warning, stepping closer. “You know, when I heard Morgana was back, I thought you’d finally snap and put her in her place. Instead, you let her run her mouth in front of Ella. Brilliant move, really.”Valen’s jaw tightened. “I wasn’t going to argue wi
Ella sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts racing. The encounter with Morgana earlier had left her unsettled. The woman spoke in riddles, her words carrying a weight Ella couldn’t ignore. And Valen—he hadn’t said a word. He's avoiding her questions, hiding behind a wall she couldn’t break.“What is he keeping from me?” she muttered under her breath.After pacing for what felt like an eternity, she decided she couldn’t let this go. If Valen wouldn’t talk, maybe Scottie, his sister, could. Scottie had always been friendly, even warm. Surely, she’d help.Ella found Scottie in the garden, pruning the roses with care. The younger woman’s vibrant smile lit up the space, but it faltered slightly when she saw Ella approaching.“Ella!” Scottie greeted, her voice cheerful but with a hint of nervousness. “What brings you here?”“I need to talk,” Ella said, her tone serious.Scottie set down the shears, wiping her hands on a cloth. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”Ella hesitated, unsure how t
The dimly lit corridors of the manor echoed with Valen’s steady footsteps. Days had passed since his last talk with Lucian, and though he tried to focus on his duties, Ella had been on his mind constantly. She had been avoiding him, and he couldn’t blame her. He hadn’t been forthcoming with answers, and now her frustration hung heavily between them.The affairs of the clan had kept him busy. The destruction of the Southern Clan had put all the other lords on edge, with alliances wavering and tensions high. Every small decision seemed to demand his attention, and the council meetings were endless. Now, finally, he had a moment of peace. A brief respite. He decided it was time to speak to Ella.Valen knocked gently on Ella’s door. After a moment of hesitation, she opened it. Her expression was guarded, her eyes searching his face for something.“Valen,” she said, her voice cool but polite. “What brings you here?”“We need to talk,” he replied. “May I come in?”Ella hesitated for a momen
Ella’s POVElla leaned against the doorframe of her room, her thoughts scattered. The idea of escaping still flickered in her mind, but something deep within her wouldn’t let her act. She stopped abruptly, her chest tightening as Lila’s voice rang clear in her mind. “Ella, what do you think you’re doing?”Ella straightened, her hand gripping the door. "I’m leaving, Lila. I can’t stay here. This place… Valen… It’s all too much. Everyone has their secrets, and I’m tired of being left in the dark.”“Leaving? And go where?” Lila asked, her tone firm. “Do you even know where you are? Do you know the dangers out there?”"I’ll figure it out," Ella replied, her voice soft but determined.“No, you won’t.” Lila’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Ella, don’t forget what the Moon Goddess said. My recovery depends on him. On Valen.”Ella froze, her heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean?”“Haven’t you noticed? The closer you are to Valen, the stronger I feel. But these past few days, when you’v
The moon shone brightly casting an ethereal glow on Ella and Valen as they stood at the Manor's front yard admiring the night.Ella stood facing the moon and rubbing her now visible baby bump, a peaceful smile gracing her face. Valen stood behind her, his strong arms wrapped around her waist pulling her snugly against himself.Ella leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace. Her bright, beautiful smile deepened as she chuckled softly."Can't believe you're scared of being a father," she teased, her voice laced with amusement.“It's not a crime to be scared,” Valen murmured against her ear, his breath warm and teasing. “I'm just speaking my mind. And besides I have never been a father before.”His lips brushed against her exposed neck, his voice turning huskier.Ella stretched her neck, giving him more room to nibble on them as she smirked. “You will definitely make a great father Valen.”A low growl rumbled from Valen’s chest as his fangs gently grazed the marked spot on her n
Sebastian had managed to fight through the warriors on him, leaving Scottie injured and some others dead. One look at the war and she could tell they were evening out on the battlefield. There was only one thing to do now. Something inside Ella snapped. She turned, her murderous gaze locking onto Sebastian's. He growled, as if beckoning her. With a deafening roar, she transformed into Lila, but this time Lila moved with a blinding light enveloped around her massive form. She had tripled in size. She possessed the speed of an ancient vampire and the strength of a powerful warrior Alpha. Nothing like anyone had ever seen. Even Sebastian was momentarily taken aback at her transformation. Her eyes were of two colors—crimson and Silver. She launched herself at Sebastian. The ground shook in her wake. Her claws glowed and her wild Lila had the force of the Moon Goddess herself surging through her. Warriors gave way in fear as she approached. Sebastian
The battle erupted in a blur of fangs, claws, silver, and wooden daggers. Sebastian tore through warriors, his monstrous strength overwhelming both vampires and werewolves. A vampire leaped at him but he crushed his skull in one swipe. A werewolf lunged at him but Sebastian ripped out his throat without hesitation. Valen and Derek fought side by side, cutting through anyone coming closer to the Manor, where Ella was tirelessly healing those being brought back with injuries. Despite their efforts, It was obvious to the two men that they were losing. But in war, no one says it’s over until the very end so they fought on. Ella looked up from where she was, the scene before her was pure terror, there was blood everywhere, the air was thick with death. Ella’s heart tightened as she saw warriors falling. She heard movement beside her, she held onto the dagger by her side, a part of Scottie’s war gear. It was Sandra. “Oh! You think healing can help you in this case?” Sand
Maxwell strode through the gates of the manor with a practiced ease, despite his expression being unreadable, there was no way to mask the gait in his walk. He envisioned the death and destruction of all the mutts involved and when they were done with Valen and Derek, even Alpha Kevin and his own mutts would be annihilated. He trusted Sebastian not to maintain any alliance against the vampires. Immediately he stepped into the manor, Alpha Kael and Dorian approached him. “We need you,” Kael said, his voice firm. “We need the exact coordinates you found Ella. We’re planning a search for Sebastian’s whereabouts.” Maxwell kept his expression neutral but within him, he smiled. The fool suspects nothing, he thought. “Of course,” he said smoothly. He followed them deeper into the war room, already planning to lead them astray. His plan was simple—give them false coordinates, and send them chasing ghosts while preparations for the war raged on, unnoticed. But the moment
Kael had followed Maxwell closely after his angry exit and deadline for finding Ella. No matter how great he was as a tracker, it wasn’t possible that he would find her as quickly as he said he would.Unless… He already knew where she was. He had followed Maxwell closely moving through the shadows like a ghost, Maxwell was fast but he was versed in stealth. Finally he had seen what he needed to see and now he had to speak to Derek. “I have something you’d need to hear,” Kael whispered urgently.He took Derek aside to explain what he had seen to him. “Okay. What is it?” Derek asked sharply, his mate was unconscious inside and there was an impending attack.According to Valen, Ella had been having nightmares about this war revealed to her by the Moon goddess and now it's finally coming to pass. He wasn’t thinking about being subtle or calm at this point. Kael inhaled. “After Maxwell left, I followed him and I think he knew where Ella was all along. I couldn't match his speed but h
Maxwell’s grip tightened around Ella’s unconscious human form as he moved effortlessly through the forest. The night air smelt of pine but he couldn’t enjoy the smell because of the werewolf stench in his nose. He hated them, the annoying mutts were everywhere now, walking freely in their territory, their putrid odor made his stomach turn. If it were up to him, every single one of them would be dead by now, especially her. But he couldn’t risk it, he had to deliver her to Valen himself as his task and promise but soon enough he wouldn’t be taking orders from a mutt lover like Valen. He’d never thought he’d see the day when a vampire as powerful as Lord Valen would willingly align himself with werewolves but here he was. One thing was certain, betraying your own kind comes with a death wish no matter how powerful you were. Maxwell scoffed, wasn’t it an irony that Valen had foolishly aligned with the werewolves and now a similar alignment will be what would end him? As he was los
“You're just what I need. Your blood holds the key to unlocking the secrets of immortality.”Sebastian smirked as he stared at the weakened and unconscious body of Valen's mate—Ella. He would destroy everything that Valen holds dear, starting from his mate. It's quite unfortunate he couldn't kill her yet, but he would use her to show to Valen what it meant to be hurt.He didn’t want to underestimate her powers. Though she was surrounded with silver, he still made sure she wasn't fed so she would be too weak to resist what he intended to do.Murmurs and whispers of why Valen hadn't arrived yet, despite his mate being captured, were already spreading amongst his allies and he knew he needed to act fast before their impatience ruins his plans.He watched as Ella slowly regained consciousness.“Finally you're awake” Sebastian chuckled dryly.Ella slowly opened her eyes, her vision blurry at first, she shook her head to regain some clarity. A sharp throbbing pain in her wrist had pulled he
A heavy silence immediately filled the room after Alpha Kael's outburst.Derek's eyes narrowed slightly as looks at Maxwell, waiting for his reaction. He knew Kael had struck a nerve.Maxwell didn't disappoint, but one thing he didn't know was that Alpha Kael wasn't just an ordinary werewolf or a ‘mutt’ as he just called them.His fingers twitched, his sharp fangs peeking out as his eyes darkened. The anger in his gaze was unmistakable. Then, without warning, he charged at Kael, his speed as fast as lightening but dark.He aimed for Kael's throat, but Kael had seen so many battles to be caught off guard. Before Maxwell could strike, Kael twisted his body slightly and slammed his elbow into Maxwell’s side. The force sent the vampire stumbling back, his cloak fluttering as he steadied himself.Maxwell's eyes widened in shock. His jaw tightened. He was fast—faster than some vampires, faster than most creatures. But speed meant nothing if your enemy could predict your moves.Kael smirked
Valen stomped into his office, slamming the door heavily behind him. Dorian was lucky enough not to be hit by the door as he followed behind Valen.“Useless!” Valen muttered, rubbing his hands against his hair and jaw.Dorian stood at a safe distance trembling slightly. He was doing it again, releasing that powerful aura that brings people to their knees.Clearly Valen was so mad, he has unleashed this aura just twice. This was only the second time Valen had ever let his emotions slip so much that his power surged uncontrollably—the first time was when Ella came into his life and now that she had disappeared.Dorian could see from his clenched fist that he was fighting so hard to control it. His crimson eyes were now a darker shade of red.“Did she just vanish into thin air? Are you trying to tell me there are no leads? No clues?” Valen asked, his voice filled with rage.Dorian stood speechless, he swallowed hard, his throat dry. He had no answer that wouldn't further enrage Valen. He