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Whispers of Change and Silent Strength
Last Updated:
2025-03-15 18:22:38
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ELDER'S BLOOD An Heirloom
I style my hair in the bathroom mirror, carefully placing the pearl hairpins I salvaged from my family’s abandoned home. Each pin holds a memory — two cream-colored pearls, one soft pink, and one tinged with blue. They were a gift from my parents after my first shift — a moment I’ll never forget, no matter how much the present keeps shifting around me.A first shift is terrifying and unfamiliar, no matter how much adults try to soften the truth. They say it’s natural, that your body instinctively knows what to do. But reality is far from comforting. The change is a brutal, bone-snapping ordeal, and generations of Kane children, myself included, faced it blindly. The older kids tried to warn me, but my family sugarcoated it. Would it have been better if they hadn’t? Maybe. But if I’d known the pain waiting for me, I would’ve agonized over it for months beforehand.As I slide the last pin into place, I wonder if Vanda’s first shift was kinder. I hope it was. Maybe together, we can prepa
Last Updated : 2025-03-17ELDER'S BLOOD A Battle Between Hearts and Duty
I’m the first to reach the bedroom after Charles, Emma, and the kids leave. I came to change and take down my hair, but I end up frozen at the dresser, gripping the knobs of my pajama drawer. Emma’s words replay in my mind like a simple melody: Vanda likes it, Vanda likes it, Vanda likes it.It’s not a surprise — it’s a reminder.“Well, Emma seemed excited about the luncheon and the nursery,” Vanda says as he steps into the room.I jolt, snapping out of my daze.“Yeah. It should go well tomorrow. Elizabeth, Ben, and I spent the whole day planning it,” I reply, finally tugging the drawer open and pulling out a white nightgown.“Elizabeth’s also sorting through candidates for the housekeeper position,” Vanda continues. “She said she’s fine staying on until we hire someone, but hopefully, it won’t take more than a week.”He moves behind me, and I startle again when I turn to find him so close.“Should you bother with that?” he murmurs, running his fingers over the soft fabric of the nigh
Last Updated : 2025-03-20ELDER'S BLOOD Meeting with the leaders.
I stand in the middle of the large living room, hands on my hips, surveying the space. The luncheon needs to be perfect."There are two upholstered chairs in the other living room — I want them brought in here. Move the couches back to give people more room to walk around. And bring the side table too — we need enough space for plates and drinks," I instruct a guard who’s been pulled from his usual duties outside."Yes, Luna, I’ll move everything now," he replies without hesitation.Turning back to the room, I notice the grand, arched window’s curtains aren’t fully drawn back. I fix that, letting as much daylight as possible flood the space. Though it’s a cold, gray afternoon, the room needs to feel warm and welcoming."Elena!" Elizabeth’s voice calls from the kitchen.I make my way down the hall to find her, Ben, and Serena arranging platters of trimmed sandwiches, cubed fruits, sliced vegetables, cheeses, crackers, and other finger foods."We’re just about done," Ben says, sounding
Last Updated : 2025-03-22ELDER'S BLOOD A Gathering of Strength
"Hello again," I begin with a warm smile. "I'm sure many of you have heard me say this already — some even more than once, like Taylor and Tamra, probably three times by now." A soft chuckle ripples through the room. "But truly, thank you all for coming. Meeting you and your families — by bond and blood — has been an honor. I'm not originally from Draven, but being here with you all, I’ve never felt more at home."The women's faces soften, nodding in quiet agreement."I love getting to know you, hearing about your lives and families, and making myself more familiar to you. It’s become a bit of a joke now that I promise everyone I’m fully recovered from my little trespassing arrest." The room laughs more freely this time. "But there are a few things I’d like to talk about."I glance at Elizabeth, who moves through the crowd with quiet grace, handing out glasses of champagne like a shadow."I’ve mentioned before how I’ve grown especially interested in the families of Draven — particular
Last Updated : 2025-03-25ELDER'S BLOOD Between Fear and Faith.
Elena's point of view.With my back pressed against the cool bathroom wall, I wait for the nausea to pass. The bitter, metallic stench still lingers in my mind, so raw and fleshy — like rust and death. I shudder at the memory.Whose blood was on Vanda’s face? He’s been on edge during training, but it must’ve been a rogue’s. It has to be.I push myself off the floor and flush the toilet. There wasn’t much to throw up — my nerves over the luncheon had killed my appetite, leaving me with nothing but a few bites of fruit and cheese this morning. Still, the way my body convulsed felt like I’d emptied myself entirely.I rinse my mouth until the sour taste fades, then scrub my hands clean.“How are you feeling?” Elizabeth’s voice comes softly from the other side of the door. She must have stayed close. I open it to find her stepping back.“I think it’s passed.”Ben appears from the kitchen, offering me a small chocolate truffle. “For your breath,” he says with a smirk.I take it gratefully,
Last Updated : 2025-03-25ELDER'S BLOOD Keeping up with the bond.
Elena's point of view.I insist to Serena and Elizabeth that I’m perfectly capable of helping with the cleanup. After reassuring them that I won’t be sick all over the place, they finally relent and allow me to do as I please. I store the leftovers in the fridge while Ben takes charge at the sink, meticulously ensuring the dishes are cleaned to his satisfaction. Eventually, Elizabeth gives up trying to help him and instead assists Serena with moving furniture.Once the house is back in order, I announce, "Go home, all of you. No cooking dinner tonight, no working on Nursery plans or bereavement gifts. Just take the evening off. Thank you for everything, now enjoy yourselves."Ben smirks knowingly. "I think I know why. Quick, girls, before the Alpha gets back."Serena scowls. "Stop it. Gross. She’s my sister.""Not mine.""Yes, she is—by bond."Ben stills. "Right. Then ew, gross, Elena. I don’t even want to think about—"Serena promptly leads him toward the back door before he can fini
Last Updated : 2025-03-31ELDER'S BLOOD Marked under the Full Moon.
Elena's point of view We kiss for a long while until Vanda pulls away. I sense his inner struggle. His hands grip my hips tightly as he takes control, moving my body to his liking. I brace myself against the tub’s edge for balance. The shift in pace is sudden and intense, yet my body quickly adjusts. The only discomfort I feel is the pressure on my chest, so I use my arm to hold my sore breasts and keep them from bouncing.My jaw tightens, my eyes squeeze shut, and my moans turn into desperate whimpers. I try to focus, to grasp onto the kind of pleasure that could push me over the edge, but everything is happening too fast. The only thing I can process is Vanda’s urgent desire. He moves me faster, pushing deeper, until he suddenly stops, holding me firmly in place. He reaches his peak, and I realize how exhausted I feel despite him taking the lead. My heart pounds, my thighs ache. Finally, he releases my hips, and I slide off him.I collapse against Vanda, still facing him, resting m
Last Updated : 2025-03-31ELDER'S BLOOD Moonlight Runaway
Elena held up two blushes, considering her options. "Do you want the light pink blush or this warmer one?"Serena didn’t bother opening her eyes. "I don’t understand why I need to look pretty too.""Hm." Elena answered her own question. "Pink will suit you better—it’s softer on your complexion."Serena sighed. "Fine."The sisters sat cross-legged on the floor in front of a worn wooden mirror, its stand long broken. Elena carefully swept the pink blush across Serena’s cheekbones with a wide brush. "What about a lip color?""Elena, I know you’re anxious about the Beta’s son, but fussing over me isn’t going to change whether or not he’s your mate.""I know," Elena admitted, "but this keeps me from spiraling. I haven’t felt this calm all day, so let me focus, okay?"She grabbed a random lip color, but as she brought the rosy tint to Serena’s lips, her sister opened her eyes and stopped her hand. "Wait," Serena said. "I know Mom is making this a huge deal, but—""She’s not making it a big
Last Updated : 2024-12-02
Latest chapter
ELDER'S BLOOD Marked under the Full Moon.
Elena's point of view We kiss for a long while until Vanda pulls away. I sense his inner struggle. His hands grip my hips tightly as he takes control, moving my body to his liking. I brace myself against the tub’s edge for balance. The shift in pace is sudden and intense, yet my body quickly adjusts. The only discomfort I feel is the pressure on my chest, so I use my arm to hold my sore breasts and keep them from bouncing.My jaw tightens, my eyes squeeze shut, and my moans turn into desperate whimpers. I try to focus, to grasp onto the kind of pleasure that could push me over the edge, but everything is happening too fast. The only thing I can process is Vanda’s urgent desire. He moves me faster, pushing deeper, until he suddenly stops, holding me firmly in place. He reaches his peak, and I realize how exhausted I feel despite him taking the lead. My heart pounds, my thighs ache. Finally, he releases my hips, and I slide off him.I collapse against Vanda, still facing him, resting m
ELDER'S BLOOD Keeping up with the bond.
Elena's point of view.I insist to Serena and Elizabeth that I’m perfectly capable of helping with the cleanup. After reassuring them that I won’t be sick all over the place, they finally relent and allow me to do as I please. I store the leftovers in the fridge while Ben takes charge at the sink, meticulously ensuring the dishes are cleaned to his satisfaction. Eventually, Elizabeth gives up trying to help him and instead assists Serena with moving furniture.Once the house is back in order, I announce, "Go home, all of you. No cooking dinner tonight, no working on Nursery plans or bereavement gifts. Just take the evening off. Thank you for everything, now enjoy yourselves."Ben smirks knowingly. "I think I know why. Quick, girls, before the Alpha gets back."Serena scowls. "Stop it. Gross. She’s my sister.""Not mine.""Yes, she is—by bond."Ben stills. "Right. Then ew, gross, Elena. I don’t even want to think about—"Serena promptly leads him toward the back door before he can fini
ELDER'S BLOOD Between Fear and Faith.
Elena's point of view.With my back pressed against the cool bathroom wall, I wait for the nausea to pass. The bitter, metallic stench still lingers in my mind, so raw and fleshy — like rust and death. I shudder at the memory.Whose blood was on Vanda’s face? He’s been on edge during training, but it must’ve been a rogue’s. It has to be.I push myself off the floor and flush the toilet. There wasn’t much to throw up — my nerves over the luncheon had killed my appetite, leaving me with nothing but a few bites of fruit and cheese this morning. Still, the way my body convulsed felt like I’d emptied myself entirely.I rinse my mouth until the sour taste fades, then scrub my hands clean.“How are you feeling?” Elizabeth’s voice comes softly from the other side of the door. She must have stayed close. I open it to find her stepping back.“I think it’s passed.”Ben appears from the kitchen, offering me a small chocolate truffle. “For your breath,” he says with a smirk.I take it gratefully,
ELDER'S BLOOD A Gathering of Strength
"Hello again," I begin with a warm smile. "I'm sure many of you have heard me say this already — some even more than once, like Taylor and Tamra, probably three times by now." A soft chuckle ripples through the room. "But truly, thank you all for coming. Meeting you and your families — by bond and blood — has been an honor. I'm not originally from Draven, but being here with you all, I’ve never felt more at home."The women's faces soften, nodding in quiet agreement."I love getting to know you, hearing about your lives and families, and making myself more familiar to you. It’s become a bit of a joke now that I promise everyone I’m fully recovered from my little trespassing arrest." The room laughs more freely this time. "But there are a few things I’d like to talk about."I glance at Elizabeth, who moves through the crowd with quiet grace, handing out glasses of champagne like a shadow."I’ve mentioned before how I’ve grown especially interested in the families of Draven — particular
ELDER'S BLOOD Meeting with the leaders.
I stand in the middle of the large living room, hands on my hips, surveying the space. The luncheon needs to be perfect."There are two upholstered chairs in the other living room — I want them brought in here. Move the couches back to give people more room to walk around. And bring the side table too — we need enough space for plates and drinks," I instruct a guard who’s been pulled from his usual duties outside."Yes, Luna, I’ll move everything now," he replies without hesitation.Turning back to the room, I notice the grand, arched window’s curtains aren’t fully drawn back. I fix that, letting as much daylight as possible flood the space. Though it’s a cold, gray afternoon, the room needs to feel warm and welcoming."Elena!" Elizabeth’s voice calls from the kitchen.I make my way down the hall to find her, Ben, and Serena arranging platters of trimmed sandwiches, cubed fruits, sliced vegetables, cheeses, crackers, and other finger foods."We’re just about done," Ben says, sounding
ELDER'S BLOOD A Battle Between Hearts and Duty
I’m the first to reach the bedroom after Charles, Emma, and the kids leave. I came to change and take down my hair, but I end up frozen at the dresser, gripping the knobs of my pajama drawer. Emma’s words replay in my mind like a simple melody: Vanda likes it, Vanda likes it, Vanda likes it.It’s not a surprise — it’s a reminder.“Well, Emma seemed excited about the luncheon and the nursery,” Vanda says as he steps into the room.I jolt, snapping out of my daze.“Yeah. It should go well tomorrow. Elizabeth, Ben, and I spent the whole day planning it,” I reply, finally tugging the drawer open and pulling out a white nightgown.“Elizabeth’s also sorting through candidates for the housekeeper position,” Vanda continues. “She said she’s fine staying on until we hire someone, but hopefully, it won’t take more than a week.”He moves behind me, and I startle again when I turn to find him so close.“Should you bother with that?” he murmurs, running his fingers over the soft fabric of the nigh
ELDER'S BLOOD An Heirloom
I style my hair in the bathroom mirror, carefully placing the pearl hairpins I salvaged from my family’s abandoned home. Each pin holds a memory — two cream-colored pearls, one soft pink, and one tinged with blue. They were a gift from my parents after my first shift — a moment I’ll never forget, no matter how much the present keeps shifting around me.A first shift is terrifying and unfamiliar, no matter how much adults try to soften the truth. They say it’s natural, that your body instinctively knows what to do. But reality is far from comforting. The change is a brutal, bone-snapping ordeal, and generations of Kane children, myself included, faced it blindly. The older kids tried to warn me, but my family sugarcoated it. Would it have been better if they hadn’t? Maybe. But if I’d known the pain waiting for me, I would’ve agonized over it for months beforehand.As I slide the last pin into place, I wonder if Vanda’s first shift was kinder. I hope it was. Maybe together, we can prepa
ELDER'S BLOOD Whispers of Change and Silent Strength
Elena's point of view.Ideas bloom in my mind, wondering what he might ask of me. I slip my hand from his and move to close the study doors, locking them with a soft click. When I turn back, Vanda motions me to return.The moment I’m in front of him again, he presses me against the desk, keeping me in place with his body. He starts undressing me, pulling off my shirt first, then reaching behind me to unclasp my bra. My chest is bare, tender even. I touch myself, confused by the ache — it must be my body changing.“It’s too late to hide from me now,” Vanda says softly.“No," I murmur, looking down at my hand on my chest. "It’s not that. I just feel... sore. Heavy.”His hands find my waist, warm and steady. "Does it hurt?""Not really. It’s more... sensitive.""I’ll be gentle." He pulls his shirt over his head, then reaches for my pants. I grip the desk to steady myself as he slides them down, leaving only my underwear. My cheeks flush hot. I don’t question him — I trust him — but stand
ELDER'S BLOOD Dreams, Duty, Desires.
In the morning, I notice pinkish spots of blood in my underwear. By now, Vanda is already out of the house as usual, so after getting dressed and placing some toilet paper in a clean pair of underwear, I share my findings with Elizabeth."Sounds like implantation bleeding to me," she says while folding bedsheets in the laundry room.I linger in the doorway. "Have you read a book on pregnancy?""No. My mother was pregnant when I was sixteen; I learned a lot from that.""So you have a sibling?" I ask, intrigued. "You never mentioned—""Neither he nor my mother live at VuK. We aren't very close—I rarely see them."Her past advice about chosen families resurfaces in my mind. It seems she speaks from experience, and I assume she has built her own sense of family here at VuK for personal reasons. I decide not to press further."Well, I'm going to start on the new list of warriors. Although, we're running low on baskets.""Maybe we should switch to something we can get plenty of at Pack Cent
