VioletI brushed through my hair, making sure not to miss a single strand before pulling it back into my usual ponytail. It was still bright and early in the morning, but class had yet to start.Today was a busy day, but I didn’t mind. The thing I looked forward to most was Elite training—and even more so, the training with Kylan, which would finally continue.Only a day had passed since we went downtown, and it had only been hours since I had last seen him, touched him—but I couldn’t stop thinking about him.With a smile plastered on my lips, I glanced down at the bracelet on my wrist. It was simple, but it meant something to me because Kylan gave it to me. Well, he didn’t exactly give it to me—but he had paid for it.Pretty much the same thing.Would he still have his, or would he have already thrown it in the trash? Something like that wasn’t too far-fetched for Kylan.A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.“Ready?” Trinity called out.“Coming!” I yelled back, grabbing my
VioletIt was late, training had ended—and yet I found myself still in the training room, the only one left.Commander Jorn’s training would be brutal, and I wasn’t about to embarrass myself again. The trauma from his training was still fresh, and I would rather die than have him yell at me again.I needed to keep up with the Elite team, and if Kylan wasn’t going to train me—fine, I would do it myself.Gritting my teeth, I tried to focus on my planking exercise. Three minutes had passed, my arms were shaking—but I was still holding on. My eyes were wide open, and I refused to close them because whenever I did, I was forced to think about him.Kylan.He had a way of sneaking into my thoughts.Nate’s words kept repeating in my head. “Whatever excuse he just gave you? It’s bullshit.”His words irritated me, but he was right. Kylan was all about training me, especially after we had missed a few days—and now he had suddenly changed his mind.I thought we had reached some kind of understand
VioletI stepped back, my heart pounding as three other girls revealed themselves. Chrystal stood at the front, carrying a cold, cruel smile.Behind her, the girls stood with crossed arms, like they had this all planned out—but the thing that made my stomach twist the most was when my eyes landed on one of the girls I recognized. It was the girl who had seen me in the halls of the boys’ dorms not once, but twice.I looked behind me for a second, my eyes shifting to the door—my only escape.It was either that, or face whatever fate they had in store for me.Without thinking, I spun around and grabbed the handle, trying toWithout thinking, I spun around and grabbed the handle, trying to open the door—but it wouldn’t budge.“Don’t bother,” Chrystal spat, though I could hear the amusement in her voice. “It’s locked.”Before I could turn around again, a strong grip yanked my ponytail. A yelp escaped my lips as the pain shot through my scalp, and I stumbled, trying to fight back—but then a
Violet As those words slipped past my lips, my heart stopped. I fluttered my eyes, panicking. Fuck. Me and my big mouth. Chrystal’s expression went completely blank, and the girls mirrored her. Seconds later, those dead eyes burned with rage, and her lips curled into something beyond a smirk. She seemed crazy, mentally unstable. “Take her!” she barked. “What? No, wait!” I protested, looking around frantically as the two girls dragged me by the arms. Even as I tried to stop it with my feet, they were too powerful, and when Amber removed the cover to a manhole, I knew exactly what was about to happen. Panic surged through me as the girls moved closer to the tub. “No! Let me go!” I screamed. “Please, I’m begging you!” I kicked, wiggled, twisted with all the strength I had, but it wasn’t enough. Each time I restrained, I felt their nails digging deeper into my skin. “Hold her!” Chrystal shouted, and before I knew it, a sharp kick landed on the back of my leg, making me collapse r
KylanI twisted the ring on my finger—a habit I couldn’t seem to get rid off whenever I was in deep thoughts. Nate’s voice was nothing but a blur in the background.We were sitting in the dorm lounge, waiting for curfew to hit. The place was quiet, aside from Nate’s endless ranting about some girl he wouldn’t remember next week.“So what do you think?” he asked, demanding an answer. “Do I see her a second time or not?”I blinked, trying to remember what he had exactly discussed. “I…think you shouldn’t. Since when do you do that?” I muttered just enough to get him off my back.And he did just that, starting yet another rant while my mind drifted away with the only important thing at the moment.Puppy is half witch.The thought had been stuck in my head all day, refusing to leave me alone. It didn’t make any sense—none of it.She wasn’t a Hastings…She wasn’t a Bloodrose…Then what was she, and most importantly how the hell did she ended up as a Bloodrose?All I knew were a few facts.S
KylanI fought through the pain, dragging my feet toward the door. I didn’t care about the pain or the curfew—all I knew was one thing.The pain wasn’t mine, it was hers—and I had to find her.The air outside was cold as I left the building to head to the Lunar hall. My head still throbbed, but I pushed away the feeling and focused entirely on finding her—Puppy.In the meantime I tried texting her, calling her—but she didn’t answer.As I reached the hall and headed to her floor, several girls stared at me—but I ignored them. I didn’t have time for their giggles or whispers, and I didn’t care about the rumors that would surely follow—Violet was all that mattered.What if she hurt herself because of my words?Once I stood in front of her dorm I knocked hard on the door, not giving a damn about who would open it. Chrystal, her sidekick, Puppy’s sidekick—I didn’t care.I knocked again, and again—but there was still nothing.“There’s no one there,” a soft voice spoke. I turned around, look
Violet“Violet.”I groaned, trying to move as I heard my name being called, but all I could see was darkness. There was no light, only emptiness.That’s right.I couldn’t see.“Violet,” the voice came again, but this time I recognized it. It was Kylan’s voice.I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders, coming through my soaked clothes.There was a slight flicker of hope. He came for me.Am I dreaming?Am I dead?“Kylan?” I whispered hoarsely, my throat still hurting from the impact of the water reaching my lungs.“Hey,” his hands reached for my arms, gently pulling me up. I flinched, and my breathing quickened as I began to realize the situation I had found myself in.“I…I can’t see,” I breathed, feeling panic rise in my chest. My nails scratched against the cold, rough concrete beneath me. “I can’t see!”“Violet,” Kylan spoke softly, “I’m here. It’s going to be okay.”I shook my head wildly.No, no it wasn’t going to be okay—I was blind!“I can’t see!” My voice cracked. “I can’t—”“Viol
Violet“Kylan!” I pleaded. “I know you’re angry right now, and you want to hurt her, but don’t do it.”I heard him draw in a sharp breath. “How did you—”“Don’t ask,” I interrupted, tightening my grip on his wrist. “Just please—don’t do anything stupid.”“But she hurt you, Violet,” he stated coldly. “She disrespected me too, her future king—and now she’ll have to deal with the consequences like anyone else back home would.”“No,” I shook my head, feeling my fingers tremble on his wrist. “Please stay with me, please…”All I wanted was to keep Nate safe. I didn’t want the two of them to get into it because of me. I would deal with Chrystal, or maybe I wouldn’t—but whatever happened, it would be on my terms.“Please…”I felt a hand on top of my head, then his fingers threaded through my damp hair. A relieved breath left my lips as I realized I had gotten through to him—for now.“Will you at least let me bathe you?” he asked softly, his words surprising me.“Yes, please.”If that’s what i
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. “