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
As we approached the hall, my heart raced with a hint of trepidation. The arrival of envoys from the Human world was a rare occurrence, and it often heralded significant developments or challenges.Entering the grand hall, I noticed the solemn faces of the elders gathered around a large circular table, their murmured conversations falling silent as Father and I entered.The envoys, dressed in formal attire befitting their status, stood at attention as we approached. Their presence was a stark reminder of the delicate balance between our world and theirs, a balance that could easily be disrupted by misunderstandings or miscommunications."Welcome, esteemed envoys," Father greeted them with a nod of his head, his tone courteous yet authoritative. "What brings you to our pack lands?"The lead envoy, a distinguished-looking man who I recognized to be Arthur Hunter, with black hair and piercing eyes, stepped forward, his expression grave. "Alpha, Princess," he began, his voice carrying the
My heart clenched, disbelief roaring through my mind. “What?!” I gasped, taking a step back. “You… you dug out his heart?”.Iris let out a laugh that was hollow, twisted with grief. “After we left the prison, we tried to make a life together, staying in a small village, hidden from the world. I wanted to believe we could have peace. But then the news came. Mother had wiped out thousands of vampires—an entire generation—leaving only a handful who swore loyalty to her. The bloodline was decimated.“Alexander… he couldn’t take it. He snapped. Whatever control he had left unravelled that night. He went on a rampage, killing thousands in a single night—wolves, humans, and anything that crossed his path. He became the monster Mother feared, the very thing she cursed me to destroy.”Iris’s hands curled into fists, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. “At first, he tried to hide it from me. He played the part of the loving mate, whispering sweet words while his hands dripped with bloo
Iris’s expression shifted, her mocking smile faltering as a shadow of sadness cast over her features. “Are you sure you want to know?” she asked, her voice quieter now, almost gentle, yet tinged with sorrow that made my chest tighten. “The truth is always bitter, you know. It has a way of unravelling everything you thought you knew, leaving you with nothing but the cold sting of reality.”Her words hung in the air_ heavy, but I refused to back down. My hands clenched into fists at my sides as I met her gaze, my own emotions a storm threatening to break free.“My life was built on lies, Iris,” I said, my voice trembling with the weight of my pain. “And it was far from sweet. So please…” I swallowed hard, forcing myself to hold her gaze. “Bless me with the bitterness.”For a long moment, Iris simply stared at me, her face unreadable. Then, slowly, she exhaled, “So be it,” she said, her voice no longer mocking or sad but steady. I braced myself for what Iris was about to reveal, but no
I woke up with a gasp, my heart pounding violently in my chest. Every detail of what had happened rushed back to me, slamming into my consciousness like a tidal wave. My hand instinctively flew to my neck, where I felt the sharp, stinging pain. I winced, my fingers trembling as they brushed over the tender spot."It hurts, right?"The voice came out of nowhere, echoing in my head and making my eyes snap open. I then realised I was not in my bedroom, I was back to that white place. Very familiar.The same endless white void where I first met that strange old woman—the one who had healed my eyes and told me things that surged my powers.I pushed myself up quickly, my legs unsteady beneath me. My eyes darted around, searching for the source of the voice."Come. I'm waiting for you," the voice called again, calm yet commanding, echoing as though it came from everywhere and nowhere all at once.I swallowed hard, trying to gather myself, but I felt disoriented. My body still ached, the pain
"Are you sure?". He asks; I guess he wasn't shocked by my actions. He just wanted to be sure I was ready. I nodded, and his left hand held my head in place from hitting the wall while his other hand was taking a stroll on my body, calmly removing every piece of clothing on me; his lips responded to mine as he sucked essence out of me.The feeling, the pleasure, it was all too overwhelming. I had to gasp for air."Don't forget to breathe". He teased before kissing harder.A ball of pleasure slowly bottled up between my legs. I squeezed my legs tight together, hoping it would ease me, but it only made it worse; my breathing was ragged."Mmh". I flushed the moment I realised this came from me, but it was a sign for him; before I knew it, he scooped me up in his arms and carried me to the bed; I couldn't care less; I was just lost in the moment.Desire burned in his eyes as he looked at me.His hands truly worked wonders, I was left with only a singlet and my panties on. Seeing his cloth
Father’s sharp gaze swept over the neatly arranged documents on his desk, his fingers brushing lightly against the edges. He looked up at me, his piercing eyes studying my face. “You organized these,” he said, his tone calm but probing. “Then you must have seen what’s inside.”I nodded, leaning back slightly in my chair. “Yes, I have,” I admitted, my voice steady, though worry weighed on me. “We’re in a vulnerable state, Father.”His eyes darkened, his jaw tightening as he absorbed my words. The silence between us grew heavy until he finally sighed, sinking into his chair.I couldn’t stop myself from asking the question that had been burning in my mind. “Why is the Crown Prince of the Vampire Empire here?” My voice was steady, but the curiosity—and worry—were clear.Father’s lips curved into a faint, ironic smile. “I’m not entirely sure,” he said thoughtfully. “But I’ll tell you this: he caused quite a stir. In front of his father, no less. Boldly requested to accompany me, claiming h
SELENE'S POVThe room felt still, the only sound being the rustle of papers as I went through Father’s stack of documents. My mind wasn’t entirely on the task, though. My fingers moved mechanically, sorting through the mess of reports, charts, and plan."My lady, are you alright?" Ruby's voice broke through my thoughts, gentle and concerned. She paused beside me, arranging the scattered papers across the table. "Ever since you left to meet the Alpha’s visitor, you’ve seemed... distant. Restless, even."I forced a smile, "It’s nothing," I said, burying myself deeper in the pile of paperwork. "I’m just worried about Father.Ruby’s eyes softened as she studied me, her lips parting to say something, but she hesitated. After a moment, she sighed and continued to arrange the documents. "It’s quite late, my lady," she said, her voice quieter now. "You’ve been at this for hours. Kael and the others are still outside. They refuse to leave, claiming they won’t rest until you do."I glanced up,
The air in the room grew heavier, as though Father’s words had drawn a dark veil over everyone present.Alpha Lucas’s easy demeanor hardened, his expression shifting into one of sharp calculation. “So, you’ve felt it as well,” he said, his voice low and guarded.“It’s no longer about sensing,” Father replied, his tone grim. “It’s here, spreading like a slow poison. The shadows grow restless, emboldened. The walls that once safeguarded us falter by the day.”Alicia’s silver eyes narrowed, her pride visibly prickling. “Are you insinuating this has to do with the breach we experienced when the barrier collapsed?”Father’s gaze locked onto hers, cool and cutting. “I’m not insinuating, Alicia. I’m stating a fact. That breach was no mere incident. It was a calculated move—a prelude to something far more sinister.”The silence that followed was oppressive, thick with unease. Even the most steadfast elders exchanged uneasy glances.“And the sudden surge in newly turned hybrids,” Alpha Lucas a
ETHAN'S POV I sat there, my back stiff, my gaze fixed on the elders as they exchanged glances, whispers of tension brewing beneath their composed facades. I waited, calm and deliberate, observing the dynamics at play, searching for anyone who might pose a threat to my Selene. Let them reveal their intentions first.Father began the meeting, his commanding tone slicing through the murmurs as he addressed the upcoming Annual Youth Contest. A grand tradition, meant to showcase the strength and unity of the clans, and for the first time, it would be hosted here in the vampire empire.Zeke, my older brother, had always been the one to represent us—his victories as predictable as the tides. But with his betrayal leaving him locked away in the dungeons, the mantle now fell to me. I didn’t mind. What did trouble me was the absence I felt in my heart.Her.My Little Goddess.Selene had dominated this contest four years in a row, her grace and power carving an unforgettable mark. But after eve
She stepped forward suddenly, and the sharp edge of my sword pierced her flesh. My eyes widened in shock. “What are you doing—?”She took another deliberate step, and the blade sank in fully. My grip faltered as panic shot through me. “Do you want to die?!” I shouted, my voice echoing in the still room.Her lips curled into a sad smile, tears glistening in her impossibly dark eyes. “I’ve missed you so much,” she whispered, her voice trembling with raw emotion. “When I heard you were back, I couldn’t believe it. But I still had to see for myself.” Her gaze softened as she stepped even closer, the sword embedding further into her. “Iris… you’re finally back.”Anger flared like wildfire in my chest at the sound of that name. “I’m not her!” I yelled, my voice cracking under the weight of my frustration. With a burst of strength, I yanked the sword free and delivered a swift kick to her chest, sending her sprawling to the ground.I expected to see blood, evidence of the damage my blade had