VioletI stood patiently, waiting for my turn at the same information desk where Nate had brought me on my first day at the academy.Today was my first day off—and I was planning to make good use of it.Adelaide was still a question I did not have all the answers to, and I had to know more about her.Who was she, what was she doing with those witches—and what was her connection to Mom?“Next!” The same woman from last time barked out, her face uninterested.“Yes, hi,” I stepped forward, placing my hands on the desk. I offered her a polite smile, one she didn’t return.“How can I help you?” she said, her voice flat.“This question might come off as really nosy—”“Keep it rolling,” the woman waved her hand impatiently. “I don’t have all day. There are people waiting.”I scoffed, caught off guard by her rudeness. “My mom used to go to this school. Her name was Claire Hastings. She had this friend, Adelaide—and I was wondering if you have some information on her, or perhaps still have a f
VioletHis face stiffened, something about the mention of Adelaide clearly bothering him.“Adelaide?” he pursed his lips, thinking.“Yes, Adelaide,” I confirmed. “Was she also on the Elite Team.”“Yes, but I wasn’t close to her,” Rochwall replied.I didn’t know whether to believe him. After the lie about not being close to my mom, I wasn’t sure whether he was telling the truth at all. Something felt off.“I was looking for information about her, but I can’t find anything,” I continued, hoping he might open up. “I thought maybe if you knew something, I could stop my search—”Rochwall’s eyes softened. “Adelaide was complicated...only a few knew how to keep her in check.”The look in his eyes told me he either felt sorry for her or wasn’t her biggest fan. Perhaps he just didn’t want to talk about her.“So, what was she like?”“She was...different. Smart, powerful, maybe too much for her own good.”Powerful?“So, she was one of the best shifters, then?”Rochwall chuckled, shaking his head
VioletShe leaned closer, her breath hot against my ear. “Stay away from Kylan, or your fate will be even worse than the last girl who tried taking him from me.”Then she straightened, and walked away without another word.I drew in a long breath, trying to shake off the encounter before heading back to the dorm. Giving things like that attention would only make it worse for me.~Trinity didn’t come back until late in the afternoon, carrying two large shopping bags. “I went a bit crazy again,” she called out as she threw them on the couch.I laughed. “What did you buy this time?”“Oh, you know, just the essentials,” she smirked. “A dress for me, a dress for you, heels, jewelry, and some other stuff. Nothing much.”I raised a brow, grateful but also surprised. Trinity’s Dad spoiled her rotten, and she was able to buy anything she wanted. Technically, I was well off too, Uncle gave me an allowance—but I’d never dare ask for more. Certainly not to buy designer clothes.“Thank you so mu
VioletWith a frustrated pout, I sat at the table across from Trinity and Dylan who couldn’t keep their hands to themselves.They were in their only little world and only had eyes for each other. It was like I wasn’t even there.The whole time I thought I was doing myself a favor by brining Trinity, but instead, I had basically brought Dylan a plus one.How did we miss this?How did I miss this?I should’ve known it was him when she mentioned her mate’s dinner thing. Trinity had never told me that her mate was on the Elite Team, and I had never told her I was a Hastings. We spoke about every little stupid detail—except for the real important stuff.If we had talked about it, we would’ve figured this out much sooner. Then I wouldn’t have shown up to this dinner at all, and I wouldn’t be stuck sitting beside him—Kylan.Unfortunately it was the only available seat near that annoyingly cute couple. Kylan had no reaction when I sat down next to him, and hadn’t said a single word to me. Tr
VioletHe paused, then turned slowly, raising a brow as if he was wondering why I was stopping him.My legs moved quickly as I moved in front of him.“I just wanted to say...” I awkwardly looked around, trying to come up with anything. What did I even want to say?“T-Thank you. For, you know, saying I’m worthy of being on the team.”Kylan laughed lightly. “We’re not friends, puppy,” he reminded me. “Don’t get it twisted.”He kept walking, but I wasn’t finished—so I hurried after him. “Well, it was still nice of you. Even if you’re just pretending not to care,” I spoke, frustrated.Kylan smirked beside me. “Enlighten me please, why would I care?”I sucked my teeth, bothered by his change of attitude. “So, what? You’re too cool to be nice to people again?”Kylan glanced at me sideways, his smirk never fading. “Nice isn’t really my thing. You should know that by now, Puppy.”“And here I thought we were bonding?”“Bonding? Let’s not get carried away,” Kylan snorted. “And you still haven’t
VioletI stood awkwardly by the door, glancing around Kylan’s room. Even if I wanted to run away, it was too late now.The big clock above his desk already showed it was fifteen minutes past curfew, so that’s how long I’d been standing there.Fifteen minutes.Kylan went on with his life as if me being in his room past curfew was the most casual thing in the world. It was not surprising, I mean—I’d heard of his reputation and knew for a certain that many girls had been here past curfew.He had taken off his shirt, cleaned his empty water bottles—took a shower.All in those fifteen minutes.“Are your legs broken?” he said as he tossed a towel over a chair. “Do I need to come and carry you—““No!” I spoke a little too fast, looking anywhere but his bare chest. Unfortunately, it was just as wet and shiny as that time I had come to his room to reject him.“I can walk!” I took big steps toward his bed and sat down on the edge. Unsure of what to do with my hands, I placed them in my lap befo
Violet“Mom said it was a favor from an old friend,” I replied, sighing as I thought of her. The one who had always supported me, no matter what.Both her, and Dad.I had always been extra careful with my glasses because I did not have a choice. I had replaced the frames many times, but never the glasses. Lyperian stone was rare and not replaceable now that it no longer existed.The glasses were as important as my life. Without them, I had no control over anything.“How does the stone help you with your problem?” Kylan asked, scooting his body a bit closer.A warm smile crept onto my lips at his genuine interest. He had become even more curious now that he knew the materials came from Lyperia.“It helps block out certain energies. Without it, I get overwhelmed by voices or—” I trailed off again, not wanting to get too deep into it. I had already said too much. The last thing I wanted was to go from Puppy to Freak.Luckily, Kylan didn’t push further. When he noticed I was done speaking
VioletWhere am I?I sat up, rubbing my eyes as I took in the unfamiliar surroundings. Swallowing my throat, I remembered I was in Kylan’s room. The memories from yesterday flooded back, and I snapped my head to the empty space beside me.The same empty space where he had touched me. My cheeks burned, remembering everything from last night. How I laid between his legs, trembling, crying out in pleasure as he touched me like bo one had even done before.Not even I could touch myself like that.Just the memory made my head spin again, and I couldn’t believe it had actually happened. I wasn’t used to this kind of thing—wasn’t used to feeling this way. And the fact that it was Kylan, of all people, made it even more complicated.I was relieved that he wasn’t there. Kylan definitely seemed like the type to wake up early, so it wasn’t a surprise he had left early.Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I read the time. It was only 6 AM.If I left now, there was a good chance I could slip ou
AdelaideMy eyes were closed, hands in my lap, as I sat in the temple, trying to concentrate. As always, I didn’t get very far with Violet giggling beside me, interrupting my peace.She was always like this, and it didn’t matter with who—even with my friends who she had only seen a few times. She was just a happy baby.A month had passed since the others started visiting Bloodstone Haven. Every Monday, around the same time, they would come and visit, just like I knew they would today. We would catch up, talk, and they even bonded with Violet. In some ways, it almost felt like old times—even with Elyx, though deep down, I knew better.I just knew he was up to something, and because of that, I lived every day in anxiety—not knowing when all of this happiness would end. One thing I did conclude was that it had something to do with Baelor. Otherwise, there would’ve been no point in Aelius teaching me about the Veil.Some things still did
AdelaideEverything stopped.My breath hitched as I turned to Elyx. Was he serious? My eyes shifted to everyone in the room, but no one dared to say a word—not even James.It had always been like that.Back in the day, he might’ve been the leader of the Elite Team—but even then, no one dared to go against Elyx.Mostly because he was too stubborn and too full of himself.“I don’t know why the two of you fled,” Elyx continued. “I assume it has something to do with your mother, who has been harassing us for years. But Alaric has a duty to his people, and they need him.”I took a small breath.Mom…so she had been looking for me.I wanted to ask about her, about Esther—but now was certainly not the time. Not when he was trying to take Alaric away from me.Alaric let out a soft chuckle. “Then you’ve wasted your years looking for me for nothing because I’m not going anywhere—”“Your father is sick, Alaric!” Elyx snapped.My stomach twisted, watching the shocked look on Alaric’s face. Whateve
AdelaideMy eyes were glued to Claire, my heart pounding in my chest. How could it not when this was the friend I had worried about the most? The one whose validation I had sought the most.Even though she was still breathtakingly beautiful with her golden hair and bright blue eyes—there was something in her gaze that I couldn’t quite place.What did Elyx mean when he said she was right?“Elyx…” Alaric breathed, stepping past me. I followed his movements as he immediately pulled his friend into a tight embrace, still holding Violet in one arm. Surprisingly enough, Elyx reacted instantly.“It’s really good to see you, Addy,” Greg sighed, stepping forward. It was good to see he hadn’t lost his bright smile. His stance was a bit awkward, like he didn’t know whether to hug me, shake my hand, or not do anything at all.From the corner of my eye, I caught Aelius sending the villagers on their way, and since they trusted his word—they all retreated, himself included. Since he had left, I kne
AdelaideLike every morning, I knelt by the creek in the woods, scrubbing the wooden bowls from the temple. It wasn’t because we had to, but because we wanted to.From giving us a place to stay to help me strengthen my powers—Grandpa Aelius had done so much for us, and I guess this was our way of repaying him.Usually, it was just me and Alaric, but for the past five months, it had changed into the three of us.A smile crossed my face, hearing Violet’s soft giggles behind me. I turned my head to see Alaric lying on the grass with Violet on his chest. He was tickling her belly as she squealed in delight.That was one of the best things about her—her laugh.It always brought smiles to many people’s faces as it rang through Bloodstone, and everyone knew it belonged to Violet—the brightest baby around.She rarely fussed, was always happy, babbled too much, always watching the world as if she already had things to say—but most of all, she was so, so loved by her daddy.I let the bowl slip
Adelaide I looked down at Violet, holding her in my arms while lying in bed. She was wide awake, releasing tiny breaths as her big blue eyes scanned the room full of curiosity. She was just a baby, but so observant—something she must have at least gotten from me. That little girl was my world, but each time I looked at her, I just could not stop worrying. Would she grow up safe? Would she have the chance to live a normal life and not feel bear of the consequences of the choices I would have to make? Usually, I had Alaric to break me out of these thoughts, but now it was just me. This was the first time in weeks that Alaric had left our side. He had been extremely attached to Violet since the second she was born, but as kindhearted as he could be, he was back to helping the villagers. Violet made a small sound, shifting slightly, and I immediately held her closer. “It’s okay, princess,” I murmured against her head, rocking her gently. “Mommy’s here.” “Indeed she is,” a voice sp
Two years in Bloodstone Haven…AdelaideIt had been two years since we fled to Bloodstone Haven, and in those years—everything had changed.My days were filled with learning the ways to master the Veil and training my eyes with the help of Aelius, just like we had done when I was younger.Bloodstone Haven had become our home, both mine and Alaric’s, who had adapted well—perhaps even quicker than expected. He no longer looked like the lost prince who had to give up his crown. He seemed like one of us, especially when he would hunt with the men or play with the children of blood like he had known them all his life.Even now, as I watched him carrying one of the children over his shoulder, a smile tugged at my lips. She kicked and screamed in protest while the other children ran after him, trying to save her.Alaric groaned, giving me a pleading look as soon as they started grabbing onto his legs in an attempt to bring him down.“Hey!” He shouted at one of the children tugging at his blo
Adelaide It felt as if the world around me had stopped. I softly clutched my chest, trying to steady my breathing. After sacrificing my position as the next High Priestess, I didn’t have a whole lot to sacrifice, so I didn’t like where this was headed. “The Veil has layers depending on each threat,” Aelius spoke. “The one who creates the Veil is expected to stay inside to keep watch on every layer within the realm.” My heart ached as I realized what he was saying. I would have to give up everything, my freedom, my life…all to keep Alaric, everyone, safe from Baelor. But it would be worth it, I know it would… “If that’s what it takes to keep Alaric safe,” I accept my faith, “then once again—I’ve already decided.” “That’s not all, Adelaide.” There was more? My chest tightened at the mere thought. “Then what is it?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Aelius tilted his head. “Where do you think your strength comes from?” I frowned, trying to think. “From my eyes…from all t
AdelaideI fluttered my eyes open, feeling the bright morning sun stream through the small window. Nothing from yesterday was a blur—I remembered it all very clearly.Mom and Esther, Baelor, fleeing to the cave…A weak sigh escaped my lips. It was officially graduation day, and I couldn’t help but wonder what our friends were doing at the moment.Would they be searching for us?Would that old man, Principal Sterling, have forced them to focus on graduation instead?They must be so confused right now.We had all worked so hard for four years to get to this point—only for it to be ruined by some God of the Underworld, and none of them even knew.But I didn’t care…He was safe. Alaric was safe, and that was all that mattered—My breath hitched, and my head turned in less than a split second. “Alaric?”I patted the empty spot beside me, then sat up straight, scanning the room. My eyes landed on a small note on the nightstand.“No…” I reached for it with shaky hands, expecting to read some
Adelaide Hearing the sound of a loud gasp, my eyes immediately shot open. Alaric’s wide blue eyes locked on mine, his breathing heavy and uneven. Worried, I placed my hand on his chest as it rose and fell. “You’re okay!” Before I could stop myself, I threw my arms around him—not caring if he would return the affection, but he did. He pulled me into a tight embrace. My heart felt a bit more at ease, and tears pricked my eyes at the relief I felt. Alaric holding me in his arms was all I needed right now. His hand moved to the back of my head, rubbing it like I was the one who needed comforting more than he did. “You were never going to do it,” he whispered against my hair. “You were never going to feed me any darkness.” I drew in a sharp breath, realizing what he meant. He knew—he had seen everything through my eyes, just like I wanted him to. “Of course I wouldn’t,” I stated, pulling back to look at him. I wanted to meet his eyes so he could see how serious I was. “