CHAPTER SEVEN
-KINNSION-
The flight to the Gravemaw Hounds' territory was uneventful, with the exception of Alina's constant chatter about her new boyfriend, Ronan Dukes.
"He is the most divine person I've ever met!" Alina gushed. "His eyes are the color of the moonlit sky and his smile could light up even the darkest room. And that's not even mentioning his sense of humor!"
"Alina," I smiled tiredly. "That's all very lovely, but I'd really like to take a nap before we arrive. I haven't slept since yesterday nig
CHAPTER SEVEN-KINNSION-Before anyone could say anything, the limousine came to a halt. The chauffeur opened the door. Boris and Elder Greymane climbed out first, followed by me and Alina. We were in front of a magnificent estate. It was impressive, but nowhere near the grandeur of the palace we knew back home.The sprawling manor house was bathed in the dying rays of a setting sun, the golden glow lending an eerie, ethereal quality to the ancient stone facade. Towering arches and turrets reached toward the evening sky, while ivy crawled its way up the walls as though to cl
CHAPTER SEVEN-KINNSION-With Eris and Zenesha as our guides, we were able to explore every inch of the estate, from the grand manor house to the sprawling garden that encircled it. The garden was absolutely breathtaking and, in comparison to our palace's surrounding gardens back home, it was undoubtedly equal in its beauty.We traversed through the enigmatic forest of exotic trees and pollinating flowers, whose rich colors created a canvas on nature's palette. We watched as translucent butterflies danced around like sprightly nymphs, their wings shimmering in the golden lig
CHAPTER SEVEN-TRISHA-I led Prince Kinnsion and Princess Alina to their designated guest rooms, maintaining a composed and collected presence despite my own anger simmering inside. I was determined to find my foolish son. The moment I was alone, I released a low, guttural growl, my eyes flashing dangerously. That damn boy! He's completely throwing off my plans, I thought, seething as I clenched my hands into tight fists.The walls of the manor seemed to amplify the sound, se
CHAPTER SEVEN-ERIS-Mother, with a stern expression, commanded that Hiro and I head to our rooms, while Zenesha was told to leave as we had some private matters to attend to. Father attempted to intervene, but Mother brushed him off, leading Prince Kinnison and Princess Alina to their respective chambers. The atmosphere in the manor was tense with unspoken tension as the family dispersed.As Hiro and I retreated to our separate rooms, I noticed a growing unease in his eyes, a mirror to my own apprehensions."Hi
CHAPTER SEVEN-ERIS-In less than twenty minutes, the dinner would start, and I had spent the past hour and a half preparing with the maids. My mother checked in occasionally to ensure my appearance met her expectations.The silver-gray dress I was wearing, adorned with threads of gold, was chosen by mother herself. It hugged my figure and perfectly highlighted the dark shade of my hair and the yellow color of my eyes.Each time, her eyes scrutinized every detail, from the dress I wore to the way my hair was sty
CHAPTER SEVEN-ERIS-I noticed Boris's sly grin from across the table. His eyes twinkled mischievously as they met mine; he knew something, something I didn't understand. The scent of citrus became stronger, clouding my senses, making me feel like I was floating on an orange sea. Where is that smell coming, I thought.Looking around the table, I met Prince Kinnison's gaze. His icy eyes were no longer filled with unyielding coldness but softened, like the first light of dawn breaking across a frost-laden fiel
CHAPTER SEVEN-ERIS-When the dinner was finally over, everyone excused themselves, heading off in different directions. Kinnison and I escaped to the sanctuary of the estate's moonlit garden. The air was thick with the scent of radiant azaleas, blooming roses, and honeysuckles, a perfect backdrop to our quiet conversation.Underneath the glowing moonlight, Kinnison held my hand gently, his touch as soft as the petals of the flowers surrounding us. With each breath, I took in not only the fragrant perfume of the blossoms but also his sweet, familiar scent that was now interw
CHAPTER SEVEN-HIRO-The rough, calloused hand on my shoulder felt like the icy hand of death itself, a chilling reminder of the power my elder brother wielded. Boris's grip was unyielding, his eyes as cold as the winter. My heart thumped wildly in my chest."What were you thinking, Hiro?" he growled, steering me down the corridor with a firm grip. "What did you think you could accomplish, getting in the way of our mother's plans?" His voice echoed ominously off the cold walls.
CHAPTER TWELVE-HIRO-I couldn't keep track of the time. The pain was too much to handle, and I faded in and out of consciousness. My mind was a blur, and every muscle in my body screamed in agony.The basement was still dark and damp with only a small sliver of light filtering through the tiny window. It didn't seem to be getting brighter, but at least I could make out my surroundings better now.Agonizing pain pulsed through every fiber of my being, as if it were a separate entity refusing to release its grip on me. Th
CHAPTER TWELVE-HIRO-In the dead of night, Boris burst into my room and pulled me out forcefully. Our mother was with him. I struggled against his grip, but Boris was much stronger than me.With an aggressive shove, Boris sent me tumbling down the stairs to the basement. A searing pain shot through my body from the impact. My mother stood by, her expression unreadable as she watched it all unfold.Her yellow eyes narrowed upon me. "Hiro," her tone was icy and devoid of any warmth. "You know the consequences of disobeyin
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-A sharp twist of agony exploded in the pit of my stomach, reaching out to cripple every part of my body as Remus's fist connected with my torso. I crumpled to the floor, unable to support my own weight as wave after wave of unbearable pain washed over me.Remus merely laughed, a sound that echoed chillingly throughout the dank, cavernous chamber. His amusement at my torment was more chilling than the damp air seeping into my bones. "Your whimpering pleas remind me of your mother," he squatted beside me, grabbing a fistful of my silky black hair.
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-The next day dawned bright and clear, the morning sunlight pouring into my tiny room through the tiny window. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and stretched, feeling the stiffness in my muscles from a night of uneasy dreams.As I dressed in my uniform, I dreaded having to tell the Luna Mother about Luna Wilhelmina's and Severa's whereabouts. Breakfast was a blur of meat, which I forced down as best I could. Everyone seemed preoccupied with their own thoughts, their conversations hushed murmurs around the table. It was clear that something was wrong.
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-Suddenly, a knock on the door startled me, breaking my concentration. The magic dispelled instantly. I gazed at the door and stayed silent. Who could be knocking on my door at such a late hour? Glenda and the Luna Mother were the only ones in this section of the basement, and they rarely came this late unless it was to discipline me.Then, it dawned on me. Glenda and the Luna Mother were not happy with me for sneaking into the kitchen. I may have lied to keep Nora out of trouble, but they weren't aware of that. Could they possibly be here to punish me? My he
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-The sound of a loud crash startled me awake. My eyes flew open, and I immediately sat up in bed. The Luna Mother and Glenda stood in the doorway, both looking aggravated. As if by instinct, my body reacted. I quickly leapt out of bed and bowed deeply to the Luna Mother."Greetings-," I began, only to be cut off by the Luna Mother's stern voice."Spare us your formalities," she snapped. Her gaze swept through the room, pausing on the now empty cauldron, the perfume bottle, and the half-eaten fruit
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-Nightshade petals were the main ingredient for the Potion of Charm. Without them, I could not make the potion. The Luna Mother would be furious. I closed my eyes, trying to think as the panic crept through me.Then, I remembered the small patch of nightshade that grew in the heart of the Dark Woods, a place not many people dared to venture in. A wave of fear and excitement washed over me, but I knew what needed to be done, even though the thought of stepping into that otherworldly abyss filled me with dread.
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-The history of witches was as captivating as it was chilling. My heart ached reading about the turmoil, the conflicts, and the persecution that surrounded them.Yet, oddly enough, the thought of being a part of that world held a certain allure, a promise of something more than the mundane rhythms of my life. It was the idea of belonging somewhere, anywhere other than here.I was so lost in my own thoughts that I didn't even hear the door open. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out my name. "Estra
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-I slowly opened my eyes, feeling disoriented and confused. I took in quick, shallow breaths as I scanned my surroundings with wide eyes, my heart racing against my chest like a wild animal trying to break free from its enclosure.It dawned on me. That I had a nightmare. The memory of that night still haunted me. That heart-rending goodbye, their terrified faces and Trisha's cold, unyielding grip were just as vivid in my mind as if it had only happened yesterday.I stole a quick glance at the desk