Violet“Violet…”I blinked my eyes as I looked around, trying to find the male voice whispering my name. Everything was unclear, white, and I didn’t know which way to go.The voice called out to me again. “Violet…”This time I started walking, feeling my bare feet pressing against the cold ground. I spun in every direction, trying to find where the voice was coming from, yet…nothing. I was trapped inside my dream, one I couldn’t escape from.Then, I saw it.A huge black wolf with red eyes staring back at me. Its eyes burned into mine, and my heart pounded in my chest as my legs froze, not sure whether to run or step closer.The wolf didn’t move. It just kept looking at me with those bloody red, piercing eyes.Slowly, I took a step toward it, then another. I swallowed my breath as the wolf let out a soft growl. Not too loud, but one enough to make me hesitate.Yet, something inside me pulled me forward, and before I knew it, I stood in front of the furry creature.“Violet,” the wolf lo
VioletWith a lump in my throat, I stared at the guy who always seemed to walk like he owned the place. His hair was in a bun, his black shirt hugged every line of muscle, and he looked so good in those pants.Too fucking good, and I despised myself for noticing.While Kylan didn’t give me any time of the day, Dylan, who was right beside him, shot me a smile which I had returned.Since when did those two get so close anyway?And where was Nate?I didn’t have to wonder long. The door opened, and Nate walked in, immediately locking his eyes onto mine. He looked handsome as always, with that friendly, approachable smile that never seemed to vanish.My heart skipped a beat, and I wasn’t sure if it was from relief or nerves. After days of no contact, seeing him brought a confusing rush of emotions.What had changed his mind, and how could he casually smile at me as if he hadn’t just agreed to taking my virginity?I gave him a smile in return, although my lips slightly trembled. My expressi
Violet“W-Wha…” I widened my eyes, his words startling me right before I lost my balance. My body dropped sideways, but before I could hit the ground, my hands found his shoulders.Making the situation ten times more embarrassing than it already was, I somehow ended up straddling him, my legs on either side of his torso as I hovered over him.Our faces were close, too close, and I froze, feeling the heat of his body beneath mine.Nate showed his dimple, moving one hand to my waist while the other gently brushed a loose strand from my ponytail.“The text,” he said, casually. “Are we still on, beautiful?”There was no shame, nothing.I gulped, still on top of him. “Yes,” I whispered.“Okay, okay,” he nodded, smirking. My body tensed as his hand rubbing slow circles on my waist. “Do you want to do it here?” he glanced down at the space between us.Shocked, I looked down, realizing I was still on top of him. “I’m so sorry!” I gasped, my face heating up as I quickly scrambled off him and s
Kylan"Fuck, Kylan, just like that," Chrystal panted, her voice breathless with each thrust.I clenched my jaw, gripping her hair in one hand as I slammed into her from behind. Her voice irritated me, and my name leaving her mouth pissed me off even more.It only did something to me when Violet said my name. That night it slipped past her lips, I wanted her so badly—I held back every urge possible not to take her then and there. Fuck!Why was I even thinking about her in this moment.I gritted my teeth, trying to concentrate. Every time I tried to forget about her, she would somehow find her way back inside my head. It made me sick. I had been avoiding her on purpose, keeping my distance, even at Elite Training—but I just couldn’t escape her.Why couldn’t I?"Don’t stop, baby!" Chrystal cried out, her voice breaking through my thoughts. “Fuck, Ky!”I realized how much more aggressively I was moving as her moans grew louder, until she finally reached her peak.My grip tightened as I p
KylanFamily day….Just the thought of it made my chest tighten. It was a day where all families would visit, pretend everything was perfect like all of our lives weren’t filled with secrets and lies.For me, it was even worse. I’d have to see the king again—the man who had never truly forgiven me for what I did to my brother.Shaking the thoughts away, I decided to take a quick shower. Although it didn’t do much to ease the tension, it had at least cleared my mind for a moment. Once I was done, I stepped out of the bathroom, only to see Chrystal still lying on the bed, undressed.“Mind if I shower here and get ready?” she asked, although it sounded more like a statement. “Our dads will be here in an hour.”Without a word, she got up, grabbing her things from her bag like she had planned it all along, and headed straight to the bathroom.“Have you already made up with my brother?” she called out, closing the door behind her. “You know, he never said what happened between you two.”I g
VioletWith fumbling hands, I stood in the grand hall with Dylan and Trinity as we waited for our parents. The room was filled with students everywhere reuniting with their families, receiving warm hugs as laughter filler the air.I didn’t really know what to feel.It was strange to see people have normal bonds with their families, while I had whatever the hell I had going on.Trinity squeezed Dylan’s hand, looking every bit of nervous. “I’m so scared to meet them,” she admitted, biting her lip.Dylan puffed out dramatically, wiping imaginary sweat from his forehead. “You’re nervous? I’m the one who should be sweating.”“No, you don’t,” Trinity giggled, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “My parents will love you just as much as I love you.”She wiped off the lipgloss she’d left behind, patting his cheek while Dylan smiled like a fool. They were always so sweet with each other to the point I couldn’t help but smile at their little moments.“Trinity!” A woman’s voice suddenly called out.Tr
VioletMom and Dad shared a glance, probably confused by how close Dylan and I seemed. “Of course are,” Mom said softly, reaching for my hand before pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. “It’s nice to see the two of you getting along for once.”I glanced at Dad, not having any expectations—but to my surprise, a smile appeared on his lips. A real smile.A proud smile.“I heard you made the Elite Team within days,” he looked into my eyes. “As expected from you.”“Really?” Clarence looked impressed. “That’s quite something. You must be really proud of your children,” he added, full of admiration.Dad chuckled softly, glancing down with a smirk. “I’m always proud of my two children.”My heart melted at his words.Two children…For a moment, it felt like I was finally seen, acknowledged. The pride in his voice as those words left his mouth was something I had been craving for so long.Even though I walked into it with no expectations, the day started off great.After some more talking, it was
KylanMy grip tightened on the wheelchair as I looked back at Violet, who had just gave me the coldest stare in existence. That little puppy had some nerve.Of all the directions we could’ve gone, we had to pass by her family. Just perfect.They all had looked down at their feet, clearly making it a point not to look our way. My gaze met Dylan’s for a split second, and he greeted with a nod. I returned the gesture, acknowledging him.Surprisingly enough, out of all the Bloodroses, even Hastings, he was the only one I could somewhat respect. He had earned that respect.I didn’t know the other Hastings, but I wasn’t all that interested either. They were nothing, nobodies.As we passed by, the king glanced back at them, stopping in his steps. Everyone stopped, waiting for the king as he released a low chuckle. Then he continued his pace.What was so funny?Did he expect everyone to bow down, kiss the ground he walked on? Probably. He had a way of making everyone feel small with just the
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. “
AdelaideI groaned, pulling the sled I had managed to put together from broken branches and leaves. On top of it lay Alaric, still unconscious, as he had left me no choice.It would’ve spared me a lot of time and strength if he had just listened to me—but at the same time, I understood I was probably the last person he wanted to hear from at the moment.The path through the dark woods was rough, my arms burning—but I couldn’t stop. Not until I knew he was safe.By now, Mom and Esther’s paralysis must’ve worn off, meaning I had to move faster.Sighing deeply, I glanced up at the hill in the distance. At the top was the cave that led to Bloodstone Haven—the village of the children of blood. We weren’t far now.“Come on,” I whispered, encouraging myself. “You’re almost there.”The cave was my only option, and I was certain Mom wouldn’t find us here. As far as she was concerned, I hadn’t spoken to Grandpa Aelius in years and barely remembered the man. After all, she had brainwashed me all
AdelaideMaking my eyes glow, I shifted my attention to Mom and Esther, who still had their eyes closed, chanting to bring back Baelor.They were too focused to notice me approaching, and I knew that if I wanted to do something—now was my chance.My heart raced, but I didn’t stop—I couldn’t stop.I was a good person…I stuck out both of my hands, placing them on each of their heads, and then…everything stopped.The shaking, the chanting, the black shadow—it all vanished instantly.Both Mom and Esther gasped before collapsing to the cold floor, their eyes wide with shock. The room was completely silent, except for my heavy breathing as it hit me what I had just done.Esther whimpered. “Adelaide?”“Sweetheart?” Mom whispered in disbelief.My eyes faded back to normal, and guilt washed over me as I watched my own mother lying there, unable to move. It wasn’t because of her—it was because I hadn’t done it sooner.I had paralyzed them, the same way Mom had paralyzed Alaric earlier. It was
AdelaideMy vision blurred as I tried to keep up with everything happening around me. It all happened so fast.One moment, I was trying to escape Starlight with Alaric, and now I was glued to the wall of some secret room beneath the library. Mom and Esther had dragged him here, unconscious, and I had no idea what to do.Esther had tied Alaric to some pole in the center of the room, while Mom grabbed his limp hand and whispered a few words.All of this was making me sick. I was so close to running away with him—but I had failed.Think, Adelaide, think!I looked around the small room, which looked like it had been prepared for this so-called ritual for a long time. Symbols were painted across the floor, salt had been spread around the center, there were candles, and most importantly, a small wooden table with an open book.Deciding to bring back Baelor during the party, where the whole school would be present—from freshmen to seniors to the professors—was definitely a calculated decisio
AdelaideWho am I?What am I?Where am I headed?Those were all the questions I couldn’t help but ask myself as I looked into the mirror. My face, my hair, even my body—they all looked the same, but I knew damn well that I wasn’t the same cruel person I had been four years ago.I sighed, straightening my tight black dress with my hands, then brushed through my curled hair. I looked perfect—like the kind of girl who had it all together…but deep inside, I was a mess.The graduation party was in a while, and I still hadn’t figured out what would happen tomorrow.“Addy!” Claire entered my room, holding up two purses. “Blue or pink?” she asked, spinning around in her white dress.Claire looked stunning, as always. Her blonde hair was in an elegant bun, and her dress made her look more like a fairy than a werewolf. But it wasn’t just her looks that made her stunning—it was everything about her. She was kind, funny, and, besides Alaric, had one of the purest hearts I had ever seen.If there
Year 4Adelaide“One more day, Addy!” Claire squealed, pulling me into a tight hug. “Can you believe it? We’re finally graduating!”Her eyes sparkled as she pulled back to look at me. Claire had been like this for months, probably because she actually had her life planned out after school.I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, she was already barking orders to someone across the gym.“No, the lights need to be higher!” she pointed out. “We’ve gone through this already, get it together!”My lips curled, watching the same girl who couldn’t even count to ten a few years back thriving as the head of the school council. Whatever she would end up doing at the Bloodrose, I knew she would be good at it.“Tonight is going to be perfect, Addy!” She turned back to me. “Don’t you think?”I nodded, though I couldn’t reach her level of excitement. Even now, my mind was elsewhere. There was the party tonight and graduation tomorrow—but for me, everything still felt far from perfect.Why?
Year 3Adelaide‘The Veil, also known as a special portal that can only be created by the eyes of a Seer. Once such a portal is opened…’Before I could read further, I felt a firm hand on my shoulder. A gasp left my mouth before I slammed the book shut.Knowing who the hand belonged to, I quickly turned around, facing Alaric, who stood behind me with a grin on his face.“What’s with the look?” he chuckled, leaning down to kiss the side of my neck. I flinched, feeling his lips on the same spot where he had marked me last year. After making up every reason as to why it wouldn’t be a good idea, I came to the conclusion that there really wasn’t one.Maybe one—and that reason was Mom. An argument with Mom during the semester break had eventually pushed me to do it, and I did not regret my decision.As far as Mom and Esther were concerned, I was still preparing her chosen vessel—feeding him darkness—but that wasn’t true. I mostly spent my days in the library, desperately searching for a way