All Chapters of ELDER'S BLOOD : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Elena's point of view.Around three o’clock, Emma leaves when Charles arrives to walk her home. He mentions that Vanda will finish his Alpha duties a little earlier than usual today. While waiting, I sit in the kitchen as Ben processes the produce she gathered from the gardens.At first, she makes small talk, but eventually, she grows quiet, leaving me with my thoughts. Ever since my conversations with her, Elizabeth, and Emma, I’ve had so much to reflect on regarding my matehood.I stare out the window, mulling over my options. At the start of this week, I told myself I needed to decide whether to stay with Vanda or return home. But now, I know I can’t leave him. If I go back, Alpha VuK and my parents will confine me and try to erase Vanda from my mind. Even without that threat, the thought of leaving Vanda makes my stomach churn and my chest ache.I cross my arms on the table and rest my head against them.“Something on your mind?” Ben asks.I wave her off weakly. “Too much.”“Good

Elena's point of view.The master bedroom feels cozy and serene once I turn on the lamps and close the shutters. I get through my nightly routine before Vanda comes upstairs, ensuring I don’t disrupt him.Back home, I shared a bathroom with Serena. We were so in sync that we rarely clashed—she had her side of the sink, and I had mine. Here, the master bathroom offers far more space. With two sinks, a mirror wide enough for both of us, and a bathtub large enough to swim in, it feels like the room itself is encouraging Vanda and me to share the space, as if it knows it belongs to an Alpha and Luna.I glance at my reflection, squinting as I try to imagine myself as Luna.The bedroom door closes softly. I step toward the bathroom doorway and spot Vanda.“Hi,” I greet him.He glances at me. “Did you bring your things in here?”“You wanted me to do that tonight?”“Why not?”I hesitate, moving toward the bed. “I just wanted to be sure it’s what you really want.”“My mind isn’t going to chang

Elena's point of view.I stand in the closet, staring at my collection of new clothes, trying to decide what to wear for dinner with Alexa. Vanda said she’d be here by late afternoon, and now it’s past five. It’s probably time to get ready.Elizabeth and Ben are in the kitchen working on dinner together. Elizabeth had already finished preparing a guest room for Alexa and offered to help cook so I wouldn’t have to. Since Alexa isn’t here yet, I’d offered to assist, but Ben insisted they had it all under control.I pull out a knee-length dress, but just as quickly, I hang it back up. A dress feels too formal—Alexa is technically family. Instead, I choose a black long-sleeve top I really like and pair it with wide-leg pants. After I change and fix my hair, I head downstairs to check on Ben and Elizabeth in the kitchen.“I thought you were getting ready,” Ben says as soon as I walk in.“I did. I’ve run out of things to do now,” I reply, leaning against the counter while Elizabeth cleans v

Elena's point of view.As expected, Vanda is gone before I even wake up. I linger in bed a little longer than usual since today will be a busy one spent entertaining Alexa. Knowing I won’t have much personal time later, I savor these quiet moments. Once I’m ready for the day, I head downstairs to look for Alexa and find her seated at the dining table, sipping coffee and reading from a small, worn book with a white cover. Her conversation with Ben plays on repeat in my head, but I enter the room as if I never heard it. She looks up and closes the book as I approach.“I thought I heard you coming,” she says with a small, tight smile, drawing her coffee mug closer. “Ignore my pajamas.”“What are you reading?” I ask.“Oh, just some book about conception that my mate’s mother gave me,” she replies, taking a sip of coffee. “It’s a bit outdated and very spiritual, but I like the little illustrations.”I joke, “I’m sure my mother has the same one.”She eyes me with amusement. “Look at you, al

Elena's point of view.As Elizabeth disappears with the man, stepping outside where the glowing moon starts to dominate the blackened sky, I remain inside, looking at the array of jewelry before me."This is all for me to wear?" I ask, my voice tentative as I glance at the gleaming adornments.Vanda approaches, carrying the jewelry carefully. With one hand, he begins separating the pieces and hands me a heavy moonstone necklace, its multiple pendants dangling in a delicate row. I secure it around my neck, feeling its cool weight against my skin.Next, he gives me two bracelets, one for each wrist. “You look beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice low but sincere.A blush rises to my cheeks, and I try to suppress it. "I thought you might have changed your mind or gotten too busy for the ceremony. You still want to do this, don’t you?"“I do,” he replies with quiet conviction, holding up the final piece—a headpiece adorned with fine, shimmering chains and moonstone droplets. Its intricate met