Chapter: 29 ******* TALON: As I emerged from the shower, towel wrapped snugly around my waist, I joined the others in the hallway. Laughter and teasing filled the air as we made our way toward the cafeteria, affectionately known as the Howling Hearth. The rich aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the corridors, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation. “Hope you’re ready for a feast!” Jace exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “The food here is legendary—” He paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “You can eat, right?” I laughed. “Yes, I can.” “Okay, good! As a vampire, I thought you’d only drink blood, you know… but you’ll love the meals here! They’re finger-lickin’ good, I tell you!” I could practically taste the food already. “What’s on the menu today?” “Probably the usual favorites—grilled chicken, roasted veggies, and the best bread you’ll ever taste,” Zara chimed in. “And don’t forget dessert! They really outdo themselves with the pastries.” As
Chapter: 30 ****** TALON: The day had dragged on, each training session sapping more energy from me than the last. I felt an unmistakable weariness settle deep within my bones. I hadn’t fed in two days, and the hunger gnawed at me like a persistent ache. Lira had been good to me, keeping a cage in her room with rabbits she had caught for me. However, I had consumed the last of the food a day before she left for special training. She won’t be back for another two weeks, and I’ll have to manage on my own until her return. Since I arrived here, Lira has taken special care of me, all while keeping my secret—my nightly feedings on rabbit blood—hidden within the comfort of her room. Thanks to her, I have survived the camp thus far. Although I occasionally encounter those who hate me, I’ve managed to shield my small circle of friends from the bullying and threats I often face. However, after enduring two days without feeding, my weakness has reached its limit. If I didn’t find someth
Chapter: 31 ****** TALON: “Where do you think you’re going?” Rax’s voice was closer now, laced with an edge that sent adrenaline coursing through my veins. Panic surged as I realized I was cornered, the forest looming ahead like a dark abyss. I darted forward, instincts kicking in as I sprinted toward the trees. I had to move fast; I couldn’t allow them to catch me. The sounds of their footsteps echoed behind me, and I pushed myself harder, branches clawing at my skin as I plunged deeper into the underbrush. My breath came in ragged gasps, urgency driving me forward. I needed to escape. I needed to find a way to feed before it was too late. The forest, with its tangled roots and whispering leaves, became my only ally at that moment—a sanctuary where I could steal away into the night. I ran, as fast as my remaining strength would allow, and I was sure I lost them because I didn't hear them anymore. With each step I took into the woods, the familiar scents of pine and earth env
Chapter: 32 ******* TALON: Before Rax could recover, I turned to face Lucian and Fen, who were momentarily stunned by my sudden attack. “You think you know me? You think you can just push me around?” I said, my voice steady and fierce. “I’m not afraid of you!” Lucian sneered, pulling himself into a fighting stance. “You think that was impressive? You’ll have to do better than that.” Adrenaline surged again, my instincts kicking in. I could feel the power of my heritage coursing through me—the strength, the speed. I had been holding back for too long, letting their taunts define me. I didn't want to cause any trouble or give Knight an excuse to report my unruly behavior to my uncle. Most importantly, I had to prioritize Altair's well-being above all else. Because of this, I endured countless taunts and beatings from older kids who resented having a vampire among them. It's astonishing how deeply werewolves detest vampires. There were many times I wanted to run away from this c
Chapter: 33 ****** TALON: The world around me was a blur of darkness and pain, remnants of consciousness slipping away like sand through my fingers. I couldn’t tell how long I had been out cold, nor could I recall the moments leading up to my fall. All that lingered was a profound emptiness, a void that consumed me. But then, slowly, the darkness began to recede. A warm light seeped into my awareness, illuminating the forest floor and filtering through the branches above. I blinked against the brightness, my body feeling heavy and unresponsive. It took a moment for my surroundings to come into focus, and when they finally did, my heart raced with terror. Sitting beside me was a young boy, his dark hair falling across his eyes as he tilted his head to the side, his gentle gaze carefully observing mine. The stranger had an air of calm about him, but it was the sight of the boy’s wrist pressed against my mouth that sent a jolt of panic through me. My body reacted instinctively
Chapter: 34 ******* VALE: I had watched helplessly as they beat him, their strength overwhelming. In that moment of despair, I could no longer bear it. My visit to the Goddess may not have granted me my deepest desire, but it had led me to Arion. Once in a while, Arion would allow me a visit to see my Virgil. Slowly, the years flew by. During the first blood moon, I didn’t see him; I had no idea how he was faring or what he was up to, but I took comfort in knowing he was safe within the camp. However, Arion eventually informed me of the constant difficulties he faced among the seniors, who refused to accept him as anything but a blood-sucking vampire. They would assault him at the slightest opportunity. Having worked alongside Arion for so long, I had shared my deepest despair with him. In turn, he revealed to me that it was he who had guided my Birth Omega to the cave where Talon lay, allowing Altair to awaken. After that, I pleaded for even fleeting moments to see my Virgil,
Chapter: 35 ******* VALE: I inhaled deeply, filling my senses with the sweet scent of moonflowers, each fragrant note wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. It reminded me of the beauty love could bring, a stark contrast to the fear threatening to consume me. I had already lost so much; the thought of losing Virgil again in this life was a weight I could not accept. If the price of my love was to risk my very essence, then so be it. I have done it once before, and I am willing to do it again, and again. My resolve hardened like steel, and I felt the fire of determination blaze within me. I would face the Goddess, even if it meant confronting an abyss of uncertainty. I would plead for the chance to walk among humans, to protect my mate, to be able to unite with my halve, and to fight against the darkness that threatened to tear us apart. In that moment of clarity, I realized that love was worth the risk, worth the gamble of losing myself to save the one who meant everything
Chapter: 36 ******** VALE: As I stepped into the embrace of the Spirit River, a shiver of recognition coursed through me. The air shimmered with a luminescent haze, and the water flowed like silver threads under the soft glow of the celestial light. It was a sight that always brought me solace, yet today, my heart felt heavy. The river whispered secrets of the cosmos, but all I could hear was the fading warmth from my earthly visit. The scent of wild jasmine mingled with the cool breeze, a comforting reminder of the world I had just left—a world where my mate, awaited me. I inhaled deeply, hoping to capture the essence of that fleeting time, but the memories were bittersweet, tangled with longing. As I waded deeper into the water, the gentle current lapped against my legs, but it did little to soothe the ache within. Arion stood at the river's edge, a silhouette against the glowing waters, his presence both commanding and comforting. His long hair floated like strands of twilig