Tala HillOne by one, we entered the house. The sun is high outside but it's still like night inside the house. But despite the lack of light, I still noticed the lack of household items. It was as if no one was living there. It seems that Aunt Kyndra was right when she said that Roanoke Valdaz lived here alone.“Man, I'd really hate it if I were a vampire. Imagine, my house has to be this dark and I can only go out every night,” said Cliff.“That's why it's a good thing I was born a werewolf. We're strong and fast, we can go out under the sun, and most of all we don't have to drink blood,” Tyron agreed.“Shut up, you two,” Ridge scolded them.“Unlike what you two think, being a vampire has its own perks,” said a familiar voice.Aunt Kyndra immediately raised her wand. “Illuminate,” she commanded and balls of light emerged, surrounding the whole house and lighting the house.I immediately saw the vampire we were looking for. He was leaning on the jamb of the open door, wearing only a b
Tala HillI observe the tall castle still several kilometers away from where we’re standing. The stone castle stood proudly on one of the highest peaks of Mount Whitney. It's like a castle that came out straight from a fairy tale. But there is no prince hiding in that castle, only a vampire with a penchant for vengeance.Early in the morning we started climbing the mountain to reach the castle. It’s seven o'clock in the morning but the sun is not even visible in the sky. Yesterday, I noticed that the sun was not shining very well in the Sierra Nevada. It was always covered by thick clouds. It is no wonder why this was the place chosen by the vampire to bring Mayari and to hide his army of blackbloods.“Have you contacted Cliff, Aunt Kyndra? Are they coming?” I asked, unable to help but feel nervous.“They will come, my darling. So stop fidgeting. It's necessary that we follow our plan and everything will be alright,” said Aunt Kyndra, holding me by both shoulders.But that was the pro
Tala Hill“Tala!”It was a familiar voice that made me snap back to reality. I did not even notice that tears were already falling from my eyes. I slowly raised my face. I saw Shaun, his black eyes filled with worry. He was crouching down, protectively shielding me from the vampire that murdered my father. “A filthy mongrel protecting a witch, interesting.”I stared at Shaun carefully after hearing the vampire's words, blood dripping from Shaun’s forehead. There were also gashes from his arms. “S-Shaun.” I gasped. “You are bleeding!”I looked at Silvanus, only then did I notice the sword he was holding. Even if I did not examine the sword, I knew it was made of silver. I immediately turned to Shaun. I was immediately filled with intense concern for him. It's all my fault. If I hadn't just been stunned by the sight of the vampire, he surely wouldn't have been hurt like this just to protect me. “Please, don't black out on me again,” Shaun said with a smile“I-I'm sorry.”He held my han
Tala HillBlood. The blood still continued to flow, I did not know what to do. I was praying to all the gods that they would not abandon Shaun. I couldn't pull the sword stuck from his stomach because it would surely only bleed out faster. I placed my trembling hand on Shaun, and it felt like a thorn was pulled out of my chest when I felt his warmth. That means he is alive. All I had to do now was ask for help.Silvanus' loud laughter echoed around. “Your mongrel will die, just like your father.” I looked at him madly, my eyes already glistening with unshed tears. “If he dies, then I will torture you until you wish you could just die.”“Very well said,” said a voice from behind me.I turned and saw Van, the hunter that Cliff had introduced earlier. “You’re here?” Does that mean the battle going on below is over? But I didn't think about that right away because the only thing on my mind was saving Shaun. “Please, please save Shaun.”Van looked at me and barely glanced at the gasping w
Tala HillI stared at Shaun's big black wolf. The majestic wolf was inside some kind of incubator. According to the doctors who operated on Shaun, it will help to speed up his recovery. It had already been two days but he still didn't wake up. I placed my hand on the incubator-like glass. “Shaun, please wake up. Aren't you tired of lying there yet? I'm sure you're hungry,” I whispered.“Tala?” called a voice from the door. I turned and saw my sister peeking. “You’re here, I've been looking for you for a while.” She walked inside and approached me.Mayari woke up yesterday. I was really happy that she did not experience any trauma because of what happened but I was more glad that Silvanus did not do anything to hurt her. Because he needed Mayari, he did not dare hurt her. We talked yesterday. I told her everything that had happened since Roanoke Valdaz kidnapped her. I vividly remembered her reaction after hearing everything. I also told her the truth about Silvanus Mintis, that he wa
Tala HillI was behind Tyron. We were running at the speed of lightning. They moved Shaun to another room after he woke up so I did not know which room he was in now. Mayari didn't come. She wanted me to have a moment with Shaun. I agree with her. I wanted to talk to him first, before anyone else. Aunt Kyndra did not want to agree but Mayari forced her to. Tyron stopped in front of a room, he opened it and we both entered. My heart seemed to squeeze when I saw Shaun sitting on the bed. He was wearing a simple sweatshirt and sweatpants. And when he looked at me and smiled that playful smile, he immediately took my breath away.“Shaun!” I cried, because of relief I felt seeing him smiling again. I didn't care if his friends were still there, I was just happy. I quickly rushed to hug him. “It's good, it's good that you're awake,” I whispered. He didn't hesitate to return the hug, pulling me closer to him and burying his head on the crook of my neck. “Yeah, I just wished I saw you right
Tala HillWe have just crossed the sea when I peek out the window. I looked around the plane. Ridge was just in a corner looking out, Tyron was sleeping off to one side. I couldn't see Shaun, he was probably with Aunt Kyndra and Chester in the cockpit of the jet. I stood up and asked Maya next to me who was currently reading a book. “I'll get some water, do you want anything to drink?”“Maybe just strawberry juice,” she answered.I went straight to the part of the jet where the food was stored. I approached the machine that provided us with food. It was similar to a vending machine, only more advanced. All one had to do was tap the icon of the food on the menu list and the machine will release it. Before I could get water, someone suddenly grabbed my shoulder. Turning around, I saw Shaun smiling.I faced Shaun and gently slapped his arm. “Don't sneak up on me, if I'm startled I might have had a heart attack.”He just laughed at me. “I'm not sneaking up on you. Now, turn around.” Befor
Tala HillI feel anxious sitting in a single chair. Maya's me. We are in the golden emperor's cabin located on the highest peak of the island. It wasn't what I expected from the great emperor. The place wasn't big. There's nothing fancy inside. There weren't that many things, only things that were really needed. Emer was currently in the kitchen right now and was making tea for us while we were in the living room.Shaun did not come with us. They are currently looking for acquaintances and relatives on the island. There's nothing else I'm asking for now but I hope Shaun’s mother is still alive and I hope that they are together now. “He's beautiful, isn't he?” Maya whispered to me, immediately catching my attention.I was about to agree when he approached us carrying the tea tray. The golden emperor placed it on the center table and sat in the chair opposite to us. He crossed his legs and smiled at us. “So, these are Sandy's children. By the way, I'm Emer. The—”“They already know yo
EpilogueMayari Hill KilfeatherI was in tears while watching my sister. Tala was wearing a beautiful white dress, she was barefoot and the only adornment she had was a crown of night-blooming flowers. She was facing Shaun, he was bare chested and was only wearing white trousers. We are on the beach of the island, along with other werewolves to witness the mating ritual of Tala and Shaun.I was surprised when Tala told me that she will perform a mating ritual with Shaun. I knew about Shaun's feelings for Tala but I didn't think that my sister was his mate. I was really happy for her because I knew she also had feelings for Shaun. But Aunt Kyndra protested a lot when she found out about Tala's plan. But in the end, she didn't do anything either. So she is with us now, witnessing this lovely ritual.According to what Tyron told me, the werewolves' mating ritual needed to be done under the blue moon. This is the second time in a month that the moon is in full circle. During a full moon w
Tala HillThe revelation felt like I was poured ice cold water. I immediately stepped away from him. My shoulders dropped. “So, what is happening to us? Are you trying to say goodbye? Then what's the point of kissing me? I'm sure you'd rather be with that werewolf mate of yours.” I turned away from him. I don’t want to see his face. I was hurt. It felt like my heart was crumpled. “Hey, hey!” Shaun held me by the shoulder and tried to face me. “As much as I'm happy that you're actually jealous, but no Princess, you're wrong.” He held my chin and lifted my face. “That mate I am talking about is you.”Shock is not enough to explain what I feel. “Wait—What? But I'm not a werewolf. I'm a witch.”“Apparently, being a werewolf's mate doesn't mean that he or she needs to be a werewolf, too. And that seems to be the case for both of us,” he explained.“W-When did you find out that I'm—that I'm yours?” I asked, still a bit confused. “Do you remember when we were in the mountains? When that an
Tala HillI took a sip from the cup of coffee I was holding. Syre gave me permission to go out and go to a nearby town. This is what I liked about Syre. He didn't limit the actions of the members in the coven. I am at the roof deck of a nearby hospital. It was only fitting, since it was on the roof deck of a hospital where me and Shaun first met. Two years. I haven't seen Shaun for two years now. And there wasn't a single day that passed by when I didn't miss him. I wanted to regret my decision. Indeed, two years is too long. I just hope I only asked for months or a year. I badly missed him, every single day. But the important thing is, the wait is over. I can finally see him. We will meet again.But whether I admit it or not, these past years really helped me. In more ways than one. My magic improved exponentially. But most of all, I got to know myself better. Especially my feelings for Shaun. This is right, I really needed more experience. Having the opportunity to socialize with ot
Tala HillWhen we returned to the academy from the island, I expected that the Headmistress would apprehend us somehow but that was not the case. She just talked to us thoroughly in her office. The Headmistress said that she and Aunt Kyndra had come to an agreement We don't have to worry about it. I didn't ask the details anymore, the important thing is that me and Maya can graduate without the House of Hecate interfering.After graduation, Maya was picked up by Aunt Kyndra. I was a little surprised when I saw that Ridge was with her and I went straight to Switzerland. On the recommendation of the Headmistress, I entered the Blade of Wind coven. Its current leader is one of the four Grand Mages, Syre Leming. My Master, the forgetful and clumsy wizard. I officially became his apprentice last year. That decision actually got a lot of protest, mainly from coven members who have long wanted to be Syre's apprentice. They said that I didn't deserve it, that I had only been a member of the
Tala Hill I looked around in the midst of the werewolves crowd, trying to find Aunt Kyndra. I've been looking for her since me and Maya arrived at the bonfire earlier. I have something I need to say to her before I change my mind. Mayari went on her own and talked to little children. She was pulled by werewolf kids earlier. Maybe now she's surrounded by kids, female werewolves, or even male werewolves. Now I know that these wolves really liked the scent of the Moon Goddess.I was about to walk back to where I came from earlier when my eyes caught what I was looking for. She was sitting on the balcony of one of the treehouses not far away. She was drinking something and I will bet on everything that it was alcohol. If I hadn't looked up, I might not have seen Aunt Kyndra. I made my way to the tree house.“Aunt Kyndra, come down. We need to talk about something,” I called her.She looked down and when she saw me, she jumped down effortlessly. “What is it?”The scent of alcohol immediat
Tala HillI feel anxious sitting in a single chair. Maya's me. We are in the golden emperor's cabin located on the highest peak of the island. It wasn't what I expected from the great emperor. The place wasn't big. There's nothing fancy inside. There weren't that many things, only things that were really needed. Emer was currently in the kitchen right now and was making tea for us while we were in the living room.Shaun did not come with us. They are currently looking for acquaintances and relatives on the island. There's nothing else I'm asking for now but I hope Shaun’s mother is still alive and I hope that they are together now. “He's beautiful, isn't he?” Maya whispered to me, immediately catching my attention.I was about to agree when he approached us carrying the tea tray. The golden emperor placed it on the center table and sat in the chair opposite to us. He crossed his legs and smiled at us. “So, these are Sandy's children. By the way, I'm Emer. The—”“They already know yo
Tala HillWe have just crossed the sea when I peek out the window. I looked around the plane. Ridge was just in a corner looking out, Tyron was sleeping off to one side. I couldn't see Shaun, he was probably with Aunt Kyndra and Chester in the cockpit of the jet. I stood up and asked Maya next to me who was currently reading a book. “I'll get some water, do you want anything to drink?”“Maybe just strawberry juice,” she answered.I went straight to the part of the jet where the food was stored. I approached the machine that provided us with food. It was similar to a vending machine, only more advanced. All one had to do was tap the icon of the food on the menu list and the machine will release it. Before I could get water, someone suddenly grabbed my shoulder. Turning around, I saw Shaun smiling.I faced Shaun and gently slapped his arm. “Don't sneak up on me, if I'm startled I might have had a heart attack.”He just laughed at me. “I'm not sneaking up on you. Now, turn around.” Befor
Tala HillI was behind Tyron. We were running at the speed of lightning. They moved Shaun to another room after he woke up so I did not know which room he was in now. Mayari didn't come. She wanted me to have a moment with Shaun. I agree with her. I wanted to talk to him first, before anyone else. Aunt Kyndra did not want to agree but Mayari forced her to. Tyron stopped in front of a room, he opened it and we both entered. My heart seemed to squeeze when I saw Shaun sitting on the bed. He was wearing a simple sweatshirt and sweatpants. And when he looked at me and smiled that playful smile, he immediately took my breath away.“Shaun!” I cried, because of relief I felt seeing him smiling again. I didn't care if his friends were still there, I was just happy. I quickly rushed to hug him. “It's good, it's good that you're awake,” I whispered. He didn't hesitate to return the hug, pulling me closer to him and burying his head on the crook of my neck. “Yeah, I just wished I saw you right
Tala HillI stared at Shaun's big black wolf. The majestic wolf was inside some kind of incubator. According to the doctors who operated on Shaun, it will help to speed up his recovery. It had already been two days but he still didn't wake up. I placed my hand on the incubator-like glass. “Shaun, please wake up. Aren't you tired of lying there yet? I'm sure you're hungry,” I whispered.“Tala?” called a voice from the door. I turned and saw my sister peeking. “You’re here, I've been looking for you for a while.” She walked inside and approached me.Mayari woke up yesterday. I was really happy that she did not experience any trauma because of what happened but I was more glad that Silvanus did not do anything to hurt her. Because he needed Mayari, he did not dare hurt her. We talked yesterday. I told her everything that had happened since Roanoke Valdaz kidnapped her. I vividly remembered her reaction after hearing everything. I also told her the truth about Silvanus Mintis, that he wa