All Chapters of ELDER'S BLOOD : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Elena held up two blushes, considering her options. "Do you want the light pink blush or this warmer one?"Serena didn’t bother opening her eyes. "I don’t understand why I need to look pretty too.""Hm." Elena answered her own question. "Pink will suit you better—it’s softer on your complexion."Serena sighed. "Fine."The sisters sat cross-legged on the floor in front of a worn wooden mirror, its stand long broken. Elena carefully swept the pink blush across Serena’s cheekbones with a wide brush. "What about a lip color?""Elena, I know you’re anxious about the Beta’s son, but fussing over me isn’t going to change whether or not he’s your mate.""I know," Elena admitted, "but this keeps me from spiraling. I haven’t felt this calm all day, so let me focus, okay?"She grabbed a random lip color, but as she brought the rosy tint to Serena’s lips, her sister opened her eyes and stopped her hand. "Wait," Serena said. "I know Mom is making this a huge deal, but—""She’s not making it a big

Elena's point of view Alpha VuK stands outside the cell, his expression unreadable. “You can come out,” he says. “You’re not being punished.”I hesitate but step out cautiously. When he shuts the cell door with a clang, I flinch and nervously tug at the hem of my tattered shirt, trying to make it longer.“How long have you been here?” he asks.“Through the night,” I answer, keeping my gaze down as the rogue had advised.Alpha VuK sighs. “What’s your name?”“Elena,” I reply.His fingers brush the sleeve of my shirt, and I freeze. “And this?” he asks.“The guards gave it to me. I didn’t have clothes,” I explain quietly. “I’ve never spoken to an Alpha before. Especially not one like you.”“Like me?”“An Alpha with your reputation.”“Are you afraid?” he asks. The mate bond muddles my emotions, urging me not to fear him. Still, my answer comes out unconvincing: “No.”“Come. I’m taking you to clean up,” he says, turning to leave.I hesitate before following, careful not to fall behind. We

Elena's point of view.Doubting the Moon Goddess feels wrong, but as I head to the packhouse, I can’t help questioning her purpose in pairing me with Vanda. The rogue I was imprisoned with wasn’t lying; the Alpha doesn’t give lenient punishments, and my hesitations about our bond feel justified. Yet, the pull in my chest doesn’t waver. Deep within me—mind, body, and soul—his claim is carved, drawing my admiration despite everything.The front door is unlocked when I return, so I step inside and quietly close it behind me. Slipping off my shoes, I head upstairs. My eyes are drawn to the master’s double doors, and I instinctively veer toward them. I pause, listening for Elizabeth in the kitchen. She’s likely drinking tea; there’s no sound of anyone working.Serena was right when she said we’re not allowed beyond the border for a reason. As a child, I imagined unclaimed land to be full of monstrous beasts, shadows towering over the fiercest warriors, and harsh landscapes that no wolf cou

Elena's point of view.I walk quickly along the training ground's path, spotting where it connects to the larger one just ahead. Swallowing hard, I brace myself for another surge of the strange warmth coursing through me. It comes moments later, a wave crashing low in my abdomen before settling between my thighs. My face scrunches involuntarily. The pack house isn’t far now, and once I get there, I can deal with these growing sensations in privacy.“Elena.”Hearing my name, I glance back to see Vanda approaching, his steps light and unbothered.“Did Charles tell you it’s just a headache?” I say, trying to sound firm. “If I lie down, it’ll go away.”He stops beside me, forcing me to halt, even as the heat in my body reminds me it won’t wait for anything.“What’s wrong?” he asks, his voice laced with concern.“Just a headache,” I insist.“Your scent has changed.”“Are you sure? Maybe you’re just remembering it wrong,” I reply hastily. “I was going back to lie down. Please, don’t let me

Elena's point of view.In the Beta’s house, I sit on a spare bed in complete darkness, staring at the wall. I’ve been frozen like this for over an hour when Serena enters, switching on the lamp by the door. She pulls the curtains closed over the windows flanking the bed before stepping closer to me.“Don’t you want to change into something more comfortable to sleep in?” she asks gently.I remain still, my eyes fixed on the wall.“I’m sorry this is happening. You don’t deserve any of it,” she says softly, placing a tentative hand on my knee.“Then talk to your mate and stop it,” I say, my voice cold and unwavering.“Please try to understand where we’re coming from,” she replies, her tone pleading.I close my eyes. “He isn’t going to hurt me.”“After everything I’ve heard, I don’t believe that,” she retorts, dismissing my words.“You haven’t even met him,” I snap.Serena steps back toward the door, resting her hand on the handle. “I’m here when you’re ready,” she says quietly before lea