SPECIAL CHAPTER TEN: OPHELIA COTTONWOODAUTHOR'S NOTE: Special chapters serve to shed light on the perspectives of minor characters, providing insight into their roles in the unfolding narrative.The silence in my house was heavy as I folded my last dress and placed it in the box. Each piece of clothing held memories, but they felt distant now. The box was full, and I closed it with a sense of finality. I lifted it, its weight grounding me, and carried it to the corner of the room.Placing it down gently, I stepped back and took in my surroundings. This was the last time I would see this place.I turned and waltzed out to the backyard garden. The early morning light cast long shadows on the greens. My eyes settled on the upturned ground. It looked so peaceful, like it could be just another part of the garden. But I knew what lay beneath. "I'll be coming soon, Alaric," I whispered, my voice barely audible. The words hung in the air: a promise and a farewell.Then I felt that famili
SPECIAL CHAPTER ELEVEN: ABIGAIL AUTHOR'S NOTE: Special chapters serve to shed light on the perspectives of minor characters, providing insight into their roles in the unfolding narrative.In the dimly lit expanse of my bedroom, I meticulously completed the intricate summoning circle as the surrounding candles flickered.The ancient symbols, drawn with a mixture of my blood and black ink, seemed to pulse with a life of their own. I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves. Ophelia had said something that disturbed my peace. It could as well be the ramblings of a woman close to death. But I knew better than to dismiss things.I spoke the incantation, my voice firm and clear. The air grew thick with power, and the circle began to glow. The temperature dropped, and I could see my breath in the cold air. In the center of the circle, a figure began to form, his presence dark and imposing."Asmodeus," I called, my voice steady despite the racing of my heart. "You summoned me. Is it one
CAMILLE'S POV I jolted awake to the sound of Collins crying out in his sleep. His small body was shaking violently, tangled in the sheets as he fought against whatever nightmares were haunting him. My heart ached seeing him like this. I reached out and gently shook his shoulder. “Collins, sweetheart, wake up. It’s okay. Mommy’s here.” His eyes flew open, wide with fear. For a moment, he looked disoriented, then he threw himself into my arms, sobbing. I held him close, rubbing soothing circles on his back. “It’s okay, baby. You’re fine now. It was just a bad dream. You’re safe.” He clung to me, his small body trembling. “Mommy, the bad men... they were coming for me,” he whimpered. I kissed the top of his head, trying to keep my own tears at bay. “No one’s going to hurt you, Collins. You’re safe. We’re all safe.” The door creaked open, and Dimitri stepped in, his eyes full of joy. I was reminded of the birthday celebration he wanted to throw, but seeing Collins in this state made
CAMILLE'S POVSuddenly, the music stopped. The room fell silent, the abrupt end to our dance jarring. Dimitri and I turned to the record player and saw a strange woman standing there, removing the pin from the wheel. Her presence was so unexpected that it felt like a punch to the gut.Dimitri immediately stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body. “Who the fuck are you?” he demanded, his voice a low growl.The woman chuckled, a sound that sent chills down my spine. “You’re the protective one, aren’t you?” she said, her tone mocking. “Relax. I’m not here to harm anyone. Unless, of course, my hand is forced.”I tried to peer around Dimitri, my heart pounding. Something about her seemed familiar, and then it hit me. The pale white hair, the sharp features—“Abigail?” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.The woman smirked, fixing her hair. “I might have my youth and all, but it’s still rude not to call your grandmother by her proper title.”My breath caught in my throat. “
DIMITRI'S POVOnce Abigail vanished and the contents of the box were revealed, I put a call through to the first sentinel guard.The guards stationed outside of my quarters had been given an early break because I wanted to spend time with Camille. Never did I imagine Abigail De'Crescent would waltz in uninvited.In seconds, five stern-faced sentinel guards, followed by Neal, entered the room."What the fuck happened?" Neal asked.I simply pointed to the box while I held Camille, who was still shaken up by what she had seen.Neal wasted no time in going for the box. I heard him gag when he realized who was inside of it."Is that not the witch?" he asked with hollow eyes as he shut the lid of the box.Neal instructed a sentinel to retrieve the grisly package."The first sentinel guard told me that it came from Abigail?"I gave Neal "the" look, and he immediately fell silent, turning his sights to Camille."This dropped when we lifted the box," the sentinel who grabbed the box said, hand
DIMITRI'S POVNeal gave me "the look," pure, undiluted terror."Is that some kind of joke?" He chuckled."Do I look like I am joking, Neal?" I retorted, my voice unwavering.Neal's eyes darted around the room, as if searching for an escape from the harsh reality I had just laid before him. "You can't be serious. Visiting Abigail is suicidal. What can you really do? At least Camille stands a chance to actually do something if the situation calls for it.""I've already made up my mind," I said, turning towards the door. But Neal stepped in front of me, blocking my path."What is this really about, Dimitri?" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration and concern.I took a deep breath, the weight of my words pressing down on my chest. "I'm tired, Neal. I'm tired of seeing Camille go on and on battling her own family. I just want her to forget and fucking live for once."Neal's eyes softened, but his stance remained firm. "And do you think she'll be able to forget and live if you die? B
CAMILLE'S POV I woke with a start, my neck throbbing with a dull, familiar ache. The memories flooded back in a rush: Dimitri's hand snapping my neck, the darkness that followed. My accelerated healing must have brought me back, but the pain lingered as a reminder of his desperate act. As I pushed myself to my feet, the scene before me made my heart clench. Dimitri and Neal were locked in a brutal struggle, both going for each other's throats and battered. Neal’s eyes flicked to me for a brief moment before he raised his hands, a gesture of peace. "Enough. White flag. White flag." Dimitri stood there, breathing heavily, his fists still clenched, eyes wild with lingering rage. The air between them was thick with tension, each man barely holding himself back. Slowly, I stepped forward, hoping my presence would diffuse the situation, but Neal’s eyes met mine again, a silent signal for me to pause. Understanding his unspoken message, I moved closer to Dimitri. His body was tens
CAMILLE'S POV The witch bowed and retreated, closing the door behind her leaving Abigail and me alone in the room. The tension was palpable, the air heavy with unspoken words and unresolved conflicts. "Why are you here, Camille?" Abigail asked, her voice sharp and inquisitive. "Curious about what I said, or did my gift leave a bad taste in your mouth?" "I—" I tried to say, only for her to cut me off mid-speech. "Forgive me if it is the latter. I tend to go overboard sometimes." "I’m here to end this," I repeated, my voice unwavering. "The curse on Dimitri, the twisted legacy you’ve left. It all ends now." Abigail’s smile faded, replaced by a look of curiosity. "I truly do not understand what you see in the Galdina boy." "Apart from him being my mate or the father of my children?" I retorted. I wasn't expecting a response from her, so I just continued. "He happens to be kind. He sees me as an actual human being. Something I am starting to believe you do not understand." Abigail