“As ready as I can be,” I reply, pulling her into my arms. *** Verena “As ready as I can be,” he says before pulling me into his arms. The warmth of Niklaus’s embrace calms the flutter of nerves in my stomach, a comforting reassurance amidst the whirlwind of preparation for the Claiming Ceremony.
Verena This is it. I’m walking down an aisle just like a normal wedding. The only difference is I am wearing a golden ceremonial dress and the tiny fact that there are loads of powerful people here; people who I’m glad are on our side. When I was with Lucan, I heard rumors about Dante Rios, Liam
Verena Niklaus turns to me, his eyes searching mine. He pulls me close, his touch reassuring. “Are you ready, Verena?” His voice is gentle, a contrast to the strength of his arms around me. I nod, feeling the flutter of nerves in my stomach. “Yes, I’m ready.” The words are a whisper, borne of a co
“Ow! Niklaus, that hurt—” My words cut off as I feel him lift his head, the mood abruptly shifting. I look down, and my breath catches in my throat. His eyes, usually a blue so light it borders on stormy gray, are now an abyssal black, void of the warmth I know. My heart hammers in my chest, fear
“Precisely,” Peter laughs when I take too long to answer. “And now you no longer have a choice, Verena. Watch as I destroy everything you love, starting with Niklaus.” The threat hangs in the air, heavy and suffocating. Niklaus, still standing silently, his eyes void of the man I know, is a puppet
Niklaus“...please…. Niklaus… out of…”The words, fragmented, broken and spaced, floated through Niklaus’ mind as he looked at everything and nothing. That voice sounded so familiar, but how could that be when it feels like he’s been forever trapped in the darkness?“Fight him…”Fight him? Fight who
Nothing comes back, and the silence in my mind is as terrifying as the darkness around me.Desperation claws at me, and I wrack my brain for any detail, any word Peter had thrown at me with his taunting sneer. Then it hits me, one line echoing louder than the rest: “Calling to him won’t help, he has
VerenaIn the murky depths of unconsciousness, I’m drifting, floating through a haze of pain and despair. But suddenly, there’s a shift, a lightening, as if I’m surfacing from deep waters. I blink open my eyes, not to the grim basement, but to a realm that gleams with a soft, pearlescent light. Bef
“I love you so fucking much,” he breathes against my lips, his forehead resting against mine. His voice is a husky whisper, carrying the weight of his emotions. “Thank you for everything — for our son, for this life, for a future that looks brighter every damn day because of you. You’ve given me a f
VerenaI sit quietly in the softly lit room; the air filled with the subtle scent of lavender and sage. Nastassja moves around with an air of focus, setting up the final components for the soul extraction and replacement ritual. My mind drifts to Niklaus and Arsenio, sleeping peacefully under his f
“In all lives that may come, and in all universes that may exist, you will always be my son, my light, and my hope. You have King blood in you and you are destined for greatness. By my will, and by your forefathers' blessings, so will it be.”After reciting the vow, I lean down and gently kiss Veren
“A son…” he whispers, then he murmurs something in Greek, I’m assuming—a prayer or a promise, perhaps both—before leaning over to kiss my forehead.“Thank you, Verena,” he chokes out, his voice breaking. “Thank you for giving me a son, a blessing.”His gratitude, so heartfelt, so raw, eases the last
VerenaThe pain is indescribable, a relentless, consuming force that grips my entire body. I’m clutching the sheets, my knuckles white, screaming as another contraction hits. Niklaus is beside me, his face etched with concern, his hands attempting to comfort me, but right now, I’m not having any of
I nod, understanding her struggle. “That’s completely valid, and I get it. Kris disappeared when you needed her. It’s not something you can just forget.”She sighs, looking down at her hands before meeting my eyes again. “I know. And I’m glad she’s doing good now, really. But you’re right, it feels
NiklausI’m perched at my desk, staring blankly at the papers strewn across it, but my mind is miles away, focused on the ticking clock and the phone beside it. The quiet of the office amplifies the occasional rustle of leaves outside, a cruel reminder of the waiting game I’m now playing. Three mon
“I didn’t teach you any dark magic because I was terrified of the implications it would have. You have Peter’s blood; my blood, and with that comes an addiction to dark magic,” she admits. “You’ve felt it, haven’t you? The pull? The lure to take things a step further? I know how it feels, darling, a
VerenaThe sun is warm on my back as I move among the tables laid out on the pack lands, the laughter of children bubbling around me like a cheerful stream. I’m arranging the final touches for the picnic we’ve promised them, smoothing a tablecloth here, straightening a plate there. The ladies of the