Flashback-15 years ago. Ten-year-old Miriam jumped up and down the bushy path that led to her house, humming and abnormal tune, whilst her little mind wondered what her carer would prepare for the night. Her carer. Miriam didn't know how they had they crossed paths, but one thing she was sure of, was that she wasn't a favourite to the woman. Miriam wasn't sure if it was because she had lost her memories from growing up. She clutched the grocery bag in her hand tightly, knowing that she couldn't afford for the produce in it, to fall to the ground. The eggs will get broken, and the woman would end up messing with her head again. Miriam didn't know what exactly, or how exactly the woman did it, but she knew that her mind never remained the same after the woman would hold her head in a skeptic way, and don the blank expression. Quick! She muttered to herself, increasing her jumping and walking pace. At a time, she started running through the path, for fear of snakes sneaking u
Flashback-12 years ago.Miriam stood amidst the shifting currents of the pack, feeling the weight of Raul and her father’s changed attitudes bearing down upon her. Where once there had been warmth and camaraderie, now there lingered a palpable distance and cool reserve. It was as if an invisible barrier had risen between them, casting a shadow over their interactions.Confusion gnawed at Miriam's heart, mingling with a tinge of hurt. She replayed their recent interactions in her mind, searching for clues or signs of what had shifted. Had she said something wrong? Was there an unspoken judgment or misunderstanding she had failed to grasp?The ache of estrangement was compounded by a sense of loss. Raul, whom she had considered a trusted confidant and friend, now seemed guarded in his demeanor. His once open smile now carried a hint of caution, a subtle shift that left Miriam feeling adrift.Her father’s change was more subtle yet equally poignant. His usually warm gaze now held a fleet
Two weeks later.As Raul's eyes fluttered open, he found himself engulfed in a swirling maelstrom of confusion and disorientation. The world around him seemed hazy and indistinct, as if he were viewing it through a fogged-up window. Slowly, as consciousness began to seep back into his mind, he became aware of the dull ache that permeated every fiber of his being—a lingering reminder of the ordeal he had endured.With a groan, Raul attempted to sit up, only to be met with a wave of dizziness that sent him reeling back onto the bed. Memories, long buried beneath layers of denial and deception, surged to the forefront of his mind with a force that left him breathless. Truths that he had once dismissed as lies came crashing down upon him like a ton of bricks, each revelation more devastating than the last.In the harsh light of reality, Raul found himself confronted with the consequences of his actions—the pain he had inflicted upon those he held dear, the wounds he had left unhealed in h
One month later.“It’s been a month now.” Raul muttered to himself with a sigh. A month had passed since his mate’s disappearance. Raul found himself ensnared in a suffocating fog of despair. Each day dawned with the weight of her absence pressing down upon him, a constant reminder of the gaping void that had been left in her wake. In the quiet moments when he was alone with his thoughts, Raul allowed himself to succumb to the overwhelming tide of sorrow that threatened to consume him. He mourned not only for Olivera, but for the little life they had shared—a life that now seemed like nothing more than a distant memory, a fragile dream shattered by the harsh reality of her absence.Tears flowed freely from Raul's eyes, silent tributes to the love he had lost and the pain that now consumed him. Each tear was a testament to the depth of his despair, a tangible expression of the emptiness that gnawed at his soul.But even amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf him, Raul clung t
Jacob stood amidst the smoldering remains of the vampire, his chest heaving with exertion and adrenaline. The acrid smell of burnt flesh mingled with the lingering ozone from the celestial fire he had summoned moments before. His hands trembled slightly, the aftermath of channeling such power through his veins.His eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the darkness that had encroached upon what used to be his home. It had been more than six years since he had last set foot here, leaving behind memories he had tried hard to bury. Yet now, facing the vampires who dared to trespass upon his past, he felt a surge of protectiveness for the family he had left behind.Images of his loved ones flashed through his mind—his parents, his siblings, and especially Olivera, who had always been his protector. Jacob hoped fervently that nothing had befallen them in his absence, that they were safe and unaware of the danger lurking so close to their doorstep.The vampire's blackened heart now ash a
Jacob's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his parents' residence. He exchanged a glance with his companions, gratitude mingling with uncertainty in his eyes. Could it really be that simple? Could the reunion be that simple? He couldn’t stop the giddiness that started at from the sole of feet when he thought of reuniting with Olivera. Had she found her mate now? Who was it? What about Lisa? Well, he had but a few minutes to find out. With a newfound sense of purpose, Jacob thanked the man earnestly before striding towards the grand street, his steps quickening with each stride, the others hot on his heels. ‘Calm your horses, young man. You can’t wait to see your big sister?’Jacob huffed, but didn’t reduce his walking pace. He knew that Zande was trying to water down the variety of emotions assailing him, he appreciated that, but he didn’t think it necessary, he didn’t think it would work. But he appreciated the efforts.‘Just stay with me, Cara mia. Just stay with me.’***
When Jacob, and the other ancients stepped inside the room, they were first greeted by the opulent luxury in the large sitting room. Again, Jacob wondered how his parents had suddenly come into this vast amount of wealth, when there were others suffering in the outskirts of the pack. He perused Jeremy as he thought upon this, unmoved when he saw the latter watching him too. Jacob could detect the shock in there, and there was the pain again. A pain so searing that Jacob didn’t know what to do with it, especially because he knew that it was connected to his sister. Jacob turned away, not wanting to acknowledge it. Instead, he took a seat on a very long sofa with an L shape. The ancients followed his cue. With everyone seated now, the butler served them drinks. The ancients glanced at each other before taking the glass cup in their hands, and donning the liquid in one go. They felt nothing, tasted nothing. There was a cough from their audience which alerted them to the fact that th
Kendalf smiled, liking the fact that Sarah was an avid reader. It made the explanation process easier on them. If not, how could he have enumerated their qualities without coming off as an egocentric personality? "In history, the ancients are not portrayed as purely evil or malevolent beings. While they have a dark and dangerous side, they also possess a sense of honor and a desire to protect those they care about. They often act as guardians and mentors to younger ones, guiding them and imparting their wisdom. However, the ancients are not without their flaws and vulnerabilities. Despite their immense power, they can still be wounded and killed, although it takes a significant amount of force to do so. They are also susceptible to the same weaknesses as other vampires, such as sunlight and a good dose of silver." Sarah concluded, about to ask Jacob to continue his story, when Jeremy asked her immediately the difference then, between vampires and ancients.The group looked on, wond