THE GIFT THE LAND OF Xynmorth is not an island but the people who visit Xynmorth do not travel by land, they travel by water because the whole land is covered with high walls. The only way in and way out in Xynmorth is the dock in Jedburgh City. Jedburgh City is the largest city in Xynmorth. It is also where the pack house of Crimson Pack, the house of Lestat, is located. When we reached the pack house, some of the pack members, including the Beta are waiting for us outside. "Welcome to the house of Lestat," the Beta welcomed us."Thank you, Tarik," Lucien acknowledged by nodding his head. So the Beta's name is Tarik.Tarik led us inside the mansion. The pack house of Crimson Pack is a Tudor-style mansion. It is mostly made of bricks and its interior screams power. Sculptures of the former Alphas are placed on each side of the aisle. I roamed my eyes around to check if there are normal beings but I only saw the scrutinizing stares from the pack members. Where are the normal bei
THE PARTY HALL is surrounded by dim lights. Slow melodic music is being played. Before the celebration started, Drago gave a short message to his guests. I roamed my eyes around and I spotted Synth, along with his Beta, sitting on their respective chairs. I also spotted Lord Gregory and Lady Elondra but I haven't seen Einah and Marianna. When I brought back my gaze to Drago, I noticed that he isn't alone anymore. Beside him is a woman. She's tall and slim with black short hair that falls until her neck. Her face is calm but fierce. "That must be his rumored fiancee." Logan's words caught my attention. Rumored fiancee? So it's true then, Drago's really getting married. My brows slowly furrowed. I lowered my gaze to hide my frown. I really don't understand why he has to marry someone else when he can--- I was pulled back from my trance when I felt Lucien's fingers on my chin. "Why?" I asked. "I should be asking you that. What's wrong with you?" he asked, confused. "Alpha L
LUTHER WE DEPARTED EARLY the next day towards Preousia. We didn't get the chance to express our gratitude to the Alpha because he had to leave early for personal reasons. As we board the ship, I can't help but think about what happened the night before. Drago made it clear that he does not accept gifts from random people, but judging from what I saw in the receiving room, he seemed to like it, or perhaps I was mistaken. But I shouldn't dwell on the negative aspects; I know there is still hope for both of them and that all will work out in the end. Before heading to Highcrest Mountain, we stopped in Beckton City. We went to the same tavern where we spent our night before. It was almost dinner so I decided to clean up. After changing my clothes I woke up Lucien. He fell asleep due to exhaustion. I let him clean and then I went out to remind the triplets about dinner. Right after we got ready, we decided to visit the newly opened diner a few blocks away from the tavern. Lucien and
I SAW NEREZA opening her mouth to speak but she was interrupted when the door suddenly opened. "Baby..." "Markus?! What on Aldemore are you doing here?! I thought I told you to wait for me upstairs?" Nereza's voice is laced with irritation. Markus now looks apologetic. "I'm sorry, baby. But I need to speak to you right now. It's urgent." Nereza sighed deeply. "Alright," she said in defeat. The two then excused themselves. Shortly, Ayla and I left the library. Since there isn't much to do in the kitchen, we decided to offer our assistance in the infirmary. Night finally came. Now is my chance to speak with Lucien regarding my plans. I came to visit him in his art room but the moment I entered the room, I was shocked to see both him and Nereza, arguing. "Ysobella?!" Lucien uttered in shock when he noticed me. "Uh... I'm sorry for interrupting you. I should have knocked," I said apologetically. I was about to leave but he stopped me. "N-No, sweetheart. Actually, my sist
THE TRUTH"WHO THE FUCK is Luther?!" Lucien's angry voice filled the room.I roam my eyes around until my gaze went back to Lucien, whose back is facing me. He appears to be having a serious conversation with Nereza and Doc Morgan. I caught Nereza gently massaging her temple while Doc Morgan is calmly speaking with Lucien."Lucien..." I called him weakly after sitting on the bed. He quickly shifted his attention to me the moment he heard my voice. He didn't waste a second and abruptly walked toward me. "Sweetheart?! How do you feel right now?" he asked, looking so worried."W-Water... I want water."He got me a glass of water from the bedside table. I uttered my gratitude before drinking. After that, I started asking them how long was I unconscious. It was Doc Morgan who answered me. She said that I was asleep for two days and it was Ayla and Lucien who found me in the woods, unconscious. They then asked me what happened and what I remembered last before darkness consumed me. Righ
"COME ON. LET'S eat breakfast. The food is getting cold." He gently wiped my tears while I silently stare at him. Lucien tried his best to make me feel better by filling me with stories about his troubles with Nereza before, particularly when he discovered who her mate is. He was well aware of Nereza's obstinacy and eagerness, and Markus often struggled to keep up with her. But Lucien is well aware of how much they love each other.Somehow, his stories made me feel better. I can't hide my smile as I continue to listen to him. He and Nereza had so much to endure before, especially when they lost their parents. But I can see how much they care and love each other.Lucien invited me to his art room after breakfast but I declined. I still have kitchen chores that I need to finish. As I went on with my daily task, Ayla keeps on asking me questions about my brother. She's very curious about his looks including his age and name."Is he handsome, Sissy?" she jokingly asked. I chuckled and
THE MARKING RITUALI WENT STRAIGHT to our room when I arrived at the quarters. I don't know how long I cried; all I know is that I felt hurt and betrayed. I couldn't believe Lucien kept it from me, and how long does he know? I used to feel bad about falling for him because I thought I was ruining his chance to meet his mate. Indeed, we cannot escape the inevitable. Who would have thought that I am the woman destined for him? Fate made a way for us to meet.Lucien... why is this happening to us? I stopped crying when I heard a knock on the door, followed by the worried voices of Ayla and Mama Melly.I wiped my tears away and rose from my bed to unlock the door. Ayla gasped as soon as she saw me, her eyes widening and her hands covering her mouth. Mama Melly then shortly came running up beside me with her worried face. "Sissy? What happened?" Ayla asked as she gestured me back to my bed. "We were about to leave the mansion when we heard a loud growl. Was that Lucien?" she added askin
MAMA MELLY GAVE me a gentle smile after that. I know she's doing this for me to let me forget about my problems in the meantime. While cooking, Aunt Cora entertained us with stories about when she was younger. I have learned that their family owned a pastry shop. It is where she and Mama Melly used to play when they were little. When Mama Melly turned eighteen, her mother took her to the House of Salvatorri to work there as a cook. Aunt Cora was then left in Ashwood to manage their pastry shop."What happened to your pastry shop?" asked Ayla."Our pastry shop was destroyed during the Blood War. It was the most unfortunate event for our family. We weren't able to fix it because our money was not enough. But it's okay now. I have spent years saving money and now I have enough to rebuild our family legacy.""How about your family, Aunt Cora? Are they still alive?" I asked because I don't remember seeing them. "Hmmm, my parents are no longer living. The only family I have left is my ol