Vampire QueenAs I walked through the hallway leading to Asher's room, his door suddenly swung open, followed by Asher, who burst through it.From the expression on his face, I didn't need anyone to tell me he was angry. He had his hands hanging on his hips as he stood outside, with his head hanging down.He seemed to be so engrossed in whatever had gotten him so angry that he didn't notice my approaching figure until I got close enough."Is everything alright?" I asked with furrowed brows, my voice tinged with concern, or maybe a feigned concern since I had to put on the most believable and genuine facade I could find.Asher's head whipped towards my direction as soon as he heard my words, accompanied by a surprised "Oh!""Yes, yes, I'm fine." He affirmed, fervently nodding his head as his hands dropped from his jaw.But I wasn't convinced, not after the look I had earlier seen on his face. "Are you sure about that? You looked angry," I asserted, my voice calm and steady as I searche
RoyceAfter a while, Asher returned from seeing the vampire queen off. As soon as he got into his room, he let out a sigh of exasperation.Seeing the slight crease on his forehead, I knew something was bothering him."You look troubled, Alpha; hope all is well?" I asked, my words dripping calmly as I tried to maintain the difference between us. "You won't even imagine the things the vampire queen is asking of me." He answered, his voice tight with shimmering anger."Hope all is well, Alpha?" I asked again, my voice calm and collected.Deep within me, I was trying my best not to make him find reasons to talk down on me anymore. Although I had always hated him, I had to continue with the charade. I was worried I might lose my cool someday if he kept talking down on me.Still, my words, Asher let out a huff and turned towards me, "All is not well," he admitted with his forehead creased slightly."Can you imagine that the vampire queen is asking me to change the name of my maid?!" He sa
LeoLena's lips curled into a small smile as soon as I stepped into her room. She was sitting in front of her dressing table, her eyes fixed on the mirror as she went about doing what she knew how to do best – making up and looking beautiful."I bet you don't know what's been happening, since you still have the time to primp your face," I teased, my words wrapped in warmth as I drew closer to her.Only then did Lena take her eyes off the mirror, "What's been happening?" She asked, the smile on her face faltering as she stared at me with her eyes glinting in anticipation."I thought as much," My response came casually, as I sank into her comfortable couch."You've been so busy being aesthetic that you missed the news about your mate's visit to his ex," I continued lightly.Lena's lips curled further into a broad smile, "what are you saying?" She asked, "the last time I checked he was in his pack."But from the look on her face, I could tell she wasn't smiling at all, she was more surpr
AsherAs I got ready for the brand new day, a thought dropped into my heart, and immediately, I made my way to the vampire queen's chamber.I got there to find her about to leave her chambers. "You're early," she said, welcoming me warmly as soon as she saw me.At her words, my lips curled into a small smile. "The sun is smiling down on us, hinting at a beautiful day ahead," I said to her, "or don't you think so, vampire queen?" My gaze fixed on her as I spoke."Certainly, it's definitely going to be a beautiful day." She acknowledged in a matching intensity."How about we go hunting, just like we always do on days like this?" I asked, a small smile playing on my lips.As soon as the words left my lips, the smile on her face froze, and she hesitated, which caught my attention.Although I knew she wasn't expecting my request, it wasn't like the vampire queen to fiddle, especially over a request like that.As far as I knew, she had always been ecstatic about hunting, which was why I had
Vampire Queen"The rogues are asking for war," Asher responded, "the rogues are saying you should leave their territory, else they're coming to take it by force." His voice heavy with certainty.My heart skipped a beat as soon as I heard his words, and a great sense of fear descended upon me. As if Asher had not said enough, he continued, "...and you know what that means? War!" His voice heavy with certainty as she spoke.His last statement slammed heavily into me, and before I knew it, I exclaimed, "Gracious moon goddess!" I was already too scared to hold back, and the words escaped my lips before I could stop them. Realizing what I had just done, I snapped back to the present to find Asher staring at me, his brows arched in surprise.I responded in a matching intensity, arching my brows in a silent "What?" as I feigned ignorance."Did you just say 'gracious moon goddess?'" he quoted. "You don't even believe in her in the first place." He said.'This bastard must have some nerve!'
Xenra"How dumb!" I muttered under my breath as soon as I heard her strategy. My jaw clenched, and a great sense of anger coursed through my veins."This idiot wants to destroy all that I had worked so hard for." My grip on the jug tightened as my heart began to pulsate harder.As I approached the table where the elders and the generals sat, I could hear their growing discontentment.The fact that the impersonator had no single idea about what to do in that situation filled me with a great sense of sadness and a mix of anger.My entire clan was being threatened; the lives of my people were at risk, yet she couldn't proffer a solution to it."Even the rogues had noticed that something was amiss." I whispered. "Otherwise they dared not send me a letter."As I pondered on the present reality, I felt my anger brewing hot within me. A great sense of sadness settled in my heart, and I couldn't stop my forehead from creasing in despair.For the first time ever, the Rogues were threatening my
XenraMy steps were swift as they carried me away from the hall of meeting. My heart, heavy with a mix of hatred and a seething rage.As soon as I got out, I drew in a quick breath to still my fuming heart.Almost immediately, Marcus broke out of the corners, "I now believe you're the real vampire queen, and that lady is an impersonator," he said as soon as he got to where I was. His words are firm and certain."Just give your orders; I'll gather some of my men to get rid of her so that you'd take back your kingdom." He continued. The determination laced in his voice was undeniable as he spoke."Even if you want it tonight, I can assure you that we can get rid of that evil in our palace who wants to ruin our clan." From the expression on his face, I needed no one to tell me how determined he was. At that moment, I knew he could do anything, even though it meant him risking his life for me."Just give the orders, my lady; I can..." He began to say, when I swiftly interrupted him, cut
Vampire QueenMy pace quickened as I pulled my gaze away from Xenra's poking stare. My heartbeat pulsated faster, and with every step I took, my fear grew.I couldn't just wait to get into my chambers so that I'd pull down the charade of confidence that was beginning to crumble.As soon as the door shut behind me, I ran towards Hannah who was comfortably seated on my couch."I'm not sure I can put up with her anymore, I have to do something," I announced, my voice quivering from a mix of fear and desperation.Hannah's head shot up as soon as she heard my voice, and her brows furrowed in a mix of surprise and confusion, and by the time she was up to her feet, I was already beside her."Zen, what happened? What's going on?" She asked, her words tumbling out in a rush as she stared at me with concern deeply etched on her face."Xenra!" I answered. "I really need to do something." But my voice was devoid of confidence, echoing the fear that had taken hold in my heart.The expression on Ha
AsherMy heart was filled with warmth as I stared at Xenra's tear-stained face, the pain and weakness that had overwhelmed me gradually seeping off my shoulders.Xenra's words had given me another chance to live, a reason to hold onto life, and I had decided to grab it.Deep within me, I was beginning to feel strength spring up within me, and I knew her prayer had something to do with it.Xenra looked stunned to find me staring at her; on her face was etched a mix of emotions—surprise, excitement, and disbelief—all glinted in her eyes.Her lips parted as she stared at me, but she couldn't utter a word; the surprise she had felt had left her utterly speechless.Seconds stretched on, and none of us tore our gaze away from each other. At that moment, all I felt was peace and truth, a sincerity that couldn't be denied.There was no other word to be said; I had seen and heard it all myself.As we stared at each other, the thudding sounds of boots running towards us made our heads whip towa
XenraMy heart banged faster as I stared at Asher, who was lying down almost motionless. The sight of him looking so weak and frail made my heart jump so hard from fright."Asher!""Asher!" His name tumbled out of my lips as desperation swelled within me. I was in an urgent need to get to him; I tried to drag myself towards him, but I couldn't even move an inch.The transfer I made to save his life had left me feeling like a sack of bones.Chills and goosebumps wrapped around me as I watched him groan in pain. Fear and desperation firmly clung onto me at the thought of him dying.My heart was torn apart, and I couldn't bear to watch his life slip away from him."Asher," I called with every strength I could muster this time around. But my voice was barely above a whisper, rough and harsh.Asher's eyes flickered open, but he couldn't even keep them open. He was so weak and almost lifeless; he couldn't even move an inch."Asher!" I called a little louder again, my voice filled with despe
Asher"Bastard! You bastard!" Leo growled, his voice heavy with a seething rage as he glared at Xenra."You dare lay your filthy hands on my father, and you have the guts to say it to my face?" He continued, disbelieving, ringing in his tone as his eyes glinted with wrath.The veins on his face became more visible as he seethed, and at that moment I felt my strength seeping off my shoulders.My knees couldn't hold me up anymore, and I staggered backward; my steps took Xenra unaware, and despite her efforts to hold me back, I fell to my knees."Asher, Asher, Are you okay?" Xenra asked, her words rushed and urgent as she stared at me, desperation glinting in her eyes.From the look on her face, I could tell she really wasn't waiting for my response. She had gotten the answer herself and had only asked because she was scared. I could see it in her eyes. An unfamiliar look I had never seen before, even when she pretended to be an ordinary maid, even when she went through the harsh punishm
Xenra."You bastard!" Lenhandro cursed, staggering backward, his eyes wide open in shock. The disbelief and pain written all over his face were palpable.He winced and gasped for breath, desperately trying to cling to life as it began to slip away from him, but there was nothing he could do while I watched in anticipation as he struggled all he could, until he finally collapsed with a heavy thud.The veins on his face and neck were now visible, and his laboured breathing was now very audible. He bared his teeth, unmistakable wishes in his eyes as he glared at me, but all he could do was curse.The sight of him struggling to hold onto life made me chuckle, the sound of which echoed the mockery and contentment in my heart.Lenhandro's eyes fluttered as he tried to stay awake, but then, even he seemed to have realised he wouldn't be able to stop what was coming.As it dawned on him that he couldn't do anything to stop his inevitable demise, he growled again, "You bastard!" Shooting an an
XenraMy lips spread into a small smile as I snapped out of the thoughts that had kept me busy. "Really?" I asked him. "You want us to join hands together?"My words were wrapped with surprise as I spoke, staring at him in a feigned excitement."Of course, my love," Lenhandro swiftly replied, determination ringing in his tone."We can join hands together, and you'd see just how we can take over the world. The world is large enough for both of us to rule." He added, conviction echoing in his voice as he gestured.He halted in his tracks, and I saw him swallow hard. "Look, Xenra, I'm not ready to fight with you; I would never do that again," he said. "I'm ready to go with your terms."His furrowed brows were supposed to convey his sincerity, but I could see right through him, and I knew it was a mask over his evil ambition.As if he hadn't said enough, he continued, "I'm really sorry about what happened; believe me, I really regretted it," he said, "I've really missed you so much, my lo
XenraMy steps were heavy with determination as I rushed through the hallway with just one intent in mind—to get to Lenhandro.The hallway was packed with maids and male servants, who were hastily running in all directions, speaking for safety, while Leo's and Lenhandro's soldiers chased them, slashing them with their swords.Cries of anguish and fear echoed in the whole of the palace, but the soldiers didn't spare them.Inside the hall, Asher's soldiers were already fighting against the invaders, clashing against them, and they tried to secure their home.Seeing the maids and the old servants being slaughtered greatly enraged me, and I marched towards them.Since Lenhandro's soldiers had come from the main entrance, I knew if I could break through the approaching guards, I'd get to the bastard who betrayed me.As I brooded over my wrath, a soldier fell beside me, and his spear slipped from his grasp. Without waiting for another second, I swiftly picked it up, and with that same inten
Asher"Quickly, let's go," Xenra said to the guard that supported my other arm, and they both led me into the secret passage.As we walked through it, I kept hearing the loud wails and screams of my people, conveying their agony and distress.The sound of metal clashing against another filled the air and made my heart ache. That was the cry of my innocent citizen, and the fact that I had to hide to save my life broke my heart.As we walked through the dimly lit passage, my heart kept bleeding as their voices filled the whole space.Deep within me, I knew I had to do something; I knew I shouldn't be the coward who abandoned his people and flew to safety while his people were being sacrificed in their home.Filled with that determination, I halted in my tracks, refusing to be led farther away from my people, who were sacrificing their lives for our clan.Xenra's head whipped towards me, but before she could say a word about it, I swiftly began to speak:"This whole thing will lead to ev
Xenra"No," I shook desperately as I stared at him, "I can't leave you." My words tumbled out in a determined rush.Seeing him getting weaker and weaker was already a painful sight, but what I couldn't bear to do was to leave him alone just as he had requested."What is wrong with you?!" Asher said, more like a statement than a question. "I'm asking you to leave now. Do you want Lenhandro to kill you again and have the last laugh?""He's your worst enemy, and we both know you'd forever be uneasy if you don't have your revenge against him tonight," Asher added, his voice firm and resolute.Asher's breath finally stabilised, but then I knew it wasn't something to rejoice over, since that was the nature of the poison. My clan's mate had always referred to it as "the poisonous deceit."I knew it was the last gathering of strength that would last for just twelve hours after the person had been injected, before his eventual demise."As you can see, I'm getting better and can take care of my
AsherI could feel my spirit gradually leaving my body as I lay there. The whole of me felt heavy; I was tired of struggling, and my vision began to blur.Vaguely, I heard Lena hiss and saw her walk away from the room. The victorious smile I saw on her face jabbed at my heart even as it dawned on me that I wouldn't be able to save my people and defend what I had always held dear.My mind began to reel with countless thoughts, a chaotic mix of thoughts that made my mind run wild as I sought a solution.But no matter how much I tried, I just couldn't get my mind to focus. The intense pain I was feeling inside wouldn't allow me to focus on a possible solution, and I began to wonder if that was how I would die.My chest was tightening within me, and my breath grew short. Gradually, I began to gasp for breath.Outside my room, I could hear the footsteps of soldiers running towards the entrance. I could also hear the heavy thuds of soldiers on the marbled floor outside the mansion as they r