"Sel, Stay where you are I'm coming_". I heard Mum's voice through the mind link, instinctively I pushed Ethan away."What's wrong?" Ethan's voice was laced with concern, his golden red eyes reflecting the worry etched in his expression."Hide! My mother!" I blurted out, scrambling to my feet and hastily adjusting the soft silk robe draped over my shoulders.Ethan's hand tightened around my waist, pulling me close. "I have to go now, my little goddess". His voice, low and seductive, sent shivers down my spine, awakening sensations I had never experienced before. I met his gaze, drowning in the depths of his eyes, and whispered, "I'm going to miss you."With a tilt of his head, Ethan kissed me passionately, his embrace firm as if trying to imprint every moment onto my skin. "Believe me, I'm going to miss every part of you, my goddess," he murmured against my lips.A blush crept across my cheeks, heat rising as I struggled to form coherent thoughts. "I will send letters, I promise," h
ETHAN'S POVAs I made my way back to the border, Maxwell awaited my return, his demeanour instantly deferential upon catching sight of me."Your Highness, what kept you so long?" he inquired, a hint of concern in his voice."I had pressing matters to attend to," I replied tersely. "Let's proceed."With a nod, Maxwell opened the portal, and I stepped through, arriving at the gates of the empire."Your Highness, they remain unaware of our expedition beyond the empire's borders," Maxwell assured me, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "I've ensured all traces have been erased.""Excellent," I remarked, a faint smile playing on my lips. "And my mother?""She is safe, Your Highness," Maxwell reported promptly. "Under Nivian Natalie's watchful eye, she is well protected.""And the antidote?" I inquired, my gaze unwavering."It's prepared," Maxwell confirmed, producing a dagger laced with the life-saving substance. "A single stab to the heart, and he will be revived instantly."I accepted t
With a steely gaze, I met Zeke's defiant stare, my lips curling into a chilling smile. "Let the games begin," I declared my voice a low, menacing growl that echoed through the courtyard.Without a moment's hesitation, Zeke and his soldiers lunged forward, their movements quick and coordinated. But they were mere pawns in the face of my superior strength and cunning. As Zeke launched a ferocious attack, I effortlessly sidestepped his blow, my reflexes honed to lethal precision.With lightning speed, I retaliated, each strike a calculated display of my dominance. My silver sword and razor-sharp claws sliced through flesh and bone with ruthless efficiency, leaving a trail of fallen soldiers in my wake.Despite his valiant efforts, Zeke was no match for my prowess. With a single, decisive blow, I disarmed him, my blade poised threateningly at his throat."Give up, Zeke," I growled, my voice dripping with menace. "There is no escape from your fate."But Zeke, stubborn to the end, refused t
As I made my way back to my quarters, my mind buzzed with the events of the day. The taste of victory still lingered on my lips, mingling with the metallic tang of blood that coated my skin. Beneath the surface, a storm raged—a tempest of emotions and desires that threatened to consume me.As I entered the dimly lit corridor leading to my chambers, I sensed a presence waiting for me. My mother stood there, her expression unreadable, with Natalie, the Vivian dancer, by her side."Mother," I called out to her, my voice cool and composed.She rushed to me, her concern palpable as she took in my blood-stained appearance. "Are you hurt?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper."Not at all, Mother," I assured her, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips. "This blood is not mine."Her relief was palpable, but beneath it lay a mother's worry, a fear for the safety of her son. "Ethan, I know you have your reasons for your actions today," she began, her words measured yet tinged with reproach.
SELENE'S POVAs I sat beside Father in the meeting hall, my emotions churned like a tempest within me. Despite the wounds from yesterday still fresh, I knew I had to focus on the matters at hand. The Elders brought up a contentious issue about neighbouring territories, and I straightened my posture, ready to contribute."Perhaps," I began, carefully choosing my words, "we could negotiate a temporary alliance with the neighbouring pack to strengthen our defences against potential threats. We may not have heard or had issues with the Hybrids anymore, hopefully... But we must not let down our guard." My suggestion lingered in the air, awaiting the Elders' response.Father's eyes widened slightly, surprised by my assertiveness. But before he could interject, I continued, drawing upon my recent experiences. "Yesterday taught me the importance of unity and cooperation. By fostering alliances, we not only ensure our safety but also cultivate goodwill among our neighbours."The Elders exchang
As I left the training ground, my mind wandered to the peaceful serenity of Serene Lake. Its tranquil waters beckoned to me, promising a brief respite from the chaos of the day. Making my way to the water's edge, I spotted the familiar sight of a massive rock nestled among the shoreline.Beneath that rock lay a secret that only I and Claudio knew—a pair of twin swords, gifted to me by my father when I was just five years old. I had hidden them away, away from prying eyes, for I was determined to master their use before revealing my skills to him.The swords were no ordinary blades; Father had told me they were forged by a great sage, using the finest meteorite he had won in battle. According to him, the sage had crafted the swords specifically for me before I was even born.As I approached the rock, a rush of memories flooded my mind. I remembered the excitement I had felt when Father first presented me with the swords and the weight of responsibility that came with wielding such powe
That awful dream clung to me like a lingering mist, haunting my thoughts relentlessly. The desire to see my little goddess, to ensure her safety and well-being, gnawed at my every waking moment. But alas, duty called, and I found myself summoned to the palace by Father the minute I awoke. Promising myself to send her a letter as soon as I returned, I reluctantly donned my royal attire and made my way to the palace.Dressed in garments befitting my status as a vampire royal, I exuded an air of dominance and authority as I approached the palace gates. The guards, their eyes filled with apprehension, quickly swung open the doors, granting me entrance with a mixture of respect and fear.As I strode through the grand halls of the palace, my presence commanded attention, each step echoing with purpose and determination. I was the epitome of power, a force to be reckoned with, and none dared to challenge my authority.I noticed Father seated upon his throne, his expression unreadable as he r
As the evening descended, the grand hall of the palace came alive with the flickering glow of torches and the sound of merry chatter. Nobles and dignitaries from far and wide had gathered to celebrate my newfound ascension from a nobody to the crown prince.With a forced smile plastered on my lips, I mingled amongst the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and feigning interest in their trivial conversations. But beneath the facade of camaraderie, a simmering tension lingered in the air, a silent reminder of the power struggles that lay beneath the surface.At my side, Natalie, a trusted subordinate and friend, offered a reassuring smile, her presence a welcome distraction from the political machinations that surrounded me. Her loyalty and support were valuable assets in the treacherous world of palace politics. I have agreed to her requests I bought her from Lyria, and now she has nothing to do with the Nivian clan again.As the feast commenced, I watched with detached interest as the nobl
Blood. Smoke. Screams.The battlefield was chaos incarnate. A blur of blades, claws, and death.Hybrids surged in waves—dark, snarling creatures with eyes glowing like cursed embers. They didn’t tire. They didn’t retreat. Every time one fell, three more took its place.My sword tore through flesh and bone, spirit energy pulsing with each strike, but still they came.“Selene, left!” Ethan shouted.I spun just in time to see a hybrid leaping at me, its claws ready to rip into my side—but Ethan’s blade was faster. It slashed through its midsection, black blood splattering across the ground.Our backs met.Our rhythm was a deadly dance—swing, duck, parry, strike. Two hearts. One beat. One blade.We moved as one.He covered my blind spots. I watched his flanks. The battlefield bent to our pace, enemies falling with each pass. The sky thundered above us, ash raining down like cursed snow.Across the field, Ruby’s arrows flew like guided lightning—each one landing with deadly precision. Eira
The ringing in my ears faded into screams and the pounding of terrified footsteps. I pushed myself off the ground, my heart thundering as my eyes searched through the smoke and flames."Selene!" I heard him before I saw him—Ethan’s voice tearing through the chaos like a blade.I turned just in time to see him rushing toward me, dust and worry etched into every line of his face. I ran to him without thinking and threw myself into his arms. He caught me, holding me like I was air and he’d been suffocating."Are you okay?" he asked, his voice raw, desperate.I nodded quickly, trying to mask the shaking in my limbs. "Help the children," I whispered against his chest.He nodded without question and turned away, already barking orders and shielding the small ones caught in the confusion. I spun around, grabbing a dazed woman by the arm and guiding her behind the larger tents for cover. Another explosion sounded, this one farther away, but no less terrifying.My eyes darted around the crowd.
“I should get ready,” I said, brushing my fingers gently down his cheek.He nodded but didn’t move to let me go. “I’ll walk you back.”We walked hand-in-hand regardless of the eyes on us, the soft grass cool beneath our feet, until the lights of the pack grounds began to shimmer ahead of us, little orbs of amber and gold floating through the air like fireflies. Music thrummed faintly in the distance—drums, flutes, laughter, and the sweet scent of roasted honey fruit and grilled spice meat drifted through the air.The Night Festival had begun.He left to get ready while I also prepared.By the time Ruby came to get me, I had already changed into the dress Imara picked for me—deep emerald green with silver threads woven through the fabric like whispers of starlight. It flowed around me like mist, soft and regal.“My lady,” Ruby breathed as she fixed the last flower in my hair, “you look breathtaking.”I gave her a small smile and nodded. “Thank you, Ruby.When we arrived at the heart of
"My lady, you have not had rest since you left your room this morning—you look pale," Ruby said, her voice laced with concern."My lady, just let us do the rest," Eira chimed in gently.Imara gave a small, firm nod beside her.I smiled at them, warmth blooming in my chest. Their loyalty… it always amazed me."Thank you for your care," I said softly. "I’m fine. You all can go and prepare for the night festival." I paused, glancing at Ruby with a knowing look. "Let me know when it’s almost time.""Yes, my lady," they said in perfect unison before walking off, leaving a quiet hush in their wake.I turned and made my way back to Serene Lake.And then—I saw him.“You’re back,” he said, and just like that, the tension in his shoulders melted. His eyes—those deep, storm-touched eyes—lit up like a dawn I could only dream of.I smiled, a real one this time, from somewhere deeper than my bones. I nodded, and before I could say a word, he was already on his feet, wrapping me in his arms.His hug
The second I saw her—her long silver robes flowing like moonlight, her steps slow but full of purpose—I broke composure and ran.“Aunt Agatha!”I threw my arms around her before I could stop myself.She felt thinner than I remembered. Her once-strong frame now felt like delicate twigs beneath soft velvet. Her scent was familiar, earthy and warm, but there was something different—fainter, like a flame struggling to stay lit.She stood stiffly, but her hand reached up and gently patted my hair, the motion careful, calming.“My little flower,” she murmured.I pulled back just enough to look into her face. Her eyes, once sharp with mischief and magic, were shadowed by fatigue. Her cheeks were hollow, her skin pale beneath the soft lines of age and wisdom.“Aunt Agatha, are you alright? You look unwell.”“I’m alright, little flower,” she said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.I didn’t believe her. But I nodded anyway.Now wasn’t the time to argue.“I need the barrier strengthe
SELENE'S POVEthan is right—nobody is ever truly ready for war.The thought echoed in my mind, sharp and undeniable.His words hadn’t just settled in—they rooted themselves in my chest, heavy and unrelenting. The truth of what was coming was no longer some distant threat. It was here. And it was hungry.But my fear wasn’t about war alone.It was about him.My mate.My Ethan.My heart clenched painfully as the image of him flickered in my thoughts—his eyes dimmed by something that did not belong to him, his voice edged by a force older than memory. I had felt it myself… when I touched him. A shadow, ancient and relentless, coiled beneath his skin.And now I understood.Iris’s fear hadn’t been overblown or dramatic—it had been real. And now, it was mine too.But there was something else… something I could control.I could suppress the darkness within him—still, it, quiet it as a mother calming a violent storm cradled in her child’s soul. I couldn’t remove it… not yet. But I could hold i
The moment I swore those words, the air around us snapped—charged, alive. The wind stirred unnaturally, rustling the trees in a sudden gust. A strange pulse rippled through my chest like a silent drumbeat.Then came the burn.Subtle at first—like static crawling beneath my skin—but it quickly intensified. My breath caught. A pressure built inside me, raw and ancient, tightening around my lungs.But I didn’t let go of her.Not yet.I ground my teeth and forced myself to stay calm. I wouldn’t show weakness. Not in front of her. Not when she needed my strength.But I felt it—something inside me shifting. Unfurling. Watching.A presence that did not belong.I drew in a sharp breath and finally released her, rising to my feet. The earth trembled beneath me, only slightly, but I felt it. Power thrumming just beneath the surface of my skin. My hands were shaking, not from fear—but from the sheer force of what was clawing its way to the surface.“Selene...” I turned from her, holding out my h
I clenched my fists so tight that my nails dug into my palms. The words came out in a low, jagged rasp, each one heavier than the last. "A force on par with the celestial realm. The maker of the mutated hybrids that terrorized our realm... and the human realm. The dark overlord." The weight of those words seemed to settle over the room, thickening the air, and I could feel my chest tightening as if the mere mention of that name might bring terror to it."Alexander the First," Alpha Lucas completed, his voice colder than usual. His expression matched the gravity of the situation, something I'd seen before—a reflection of deep worry masked by controlled composure.But then my gaze turned to Selene, and everything in me stilled. She was sitting there, poised as always, her fingers curled around her teacup with quiet elegance. There was no sign of shock, no flicker of fear, nothing that should've been there when faced with such a threat. She was... calm. Too calm.And then she smiled.It
Natalie’s knock was soft, almost timid. "Your Highness, Alpha Lucas summons you." Her voice pulled me from the wreckage of my thoughts. I stood slowly, my limbs aching, my mind a haze of guilt and regret. The room still reeked of her scent—faint now, like a ghost clinging to the edges of my soul. I opened the door, and Natalie stood there, her expression tight with worry. Her eyes darted to the blood on my sleeve—I had missed a spot. "Find Claudio," I said quietly. "Tell him to please check up on her." She gave a small nod and turned without a word. I shut the door and leaned against it for a second, exhaling shakily. My heart thudded dully against my ribs. I didn’t want to face him. I didn’t want to face anyone. Not when my hands had nearly taken everything from me. I dragged myself into the bathroom. The mirror above the sink was cracked—mocking me with jagged reflections. I couldn’t even look into my own eyes. I washed my face in silence, scrubbing harder than necessar