All Chapters of ELDER'S BLOOD : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Elena's point of view.With my feet damp from the grass and my heart racing, I rush into the kitchen. "Elizabeth?"She and Ben are sitting at the table with a mug in front of each of them. Ben has a small plate of cookies, but he sets the one in his hand down when he notices me, breathless and dripping moon water."Unbutton me," I demand, turning my back to them. "Hurry."Elizabeth rises immediately, her chair screeching against the floor. "Is everything alright?" she asks, starting with the shawl."I... I think so," I stammer.I feel her tugging at my dress, unfastening each of the tiny buttons as quickly as she can."You finished the ceremony, didn't you?" Ben asks, his tone curious."We did. He told me to go upstairs."Ben's eyes widen slightly. "Oh?"I twist my hands nervously, each second stretching into an eternity. Elizabeth is working quickly, but she starts to struggle."Where is he?" I ask anxiously."I think he went to the study. Maybe for a drink—I’m not sure," she replies

Elena's point of view.I sit in the living room just off the study while Vanda and Charle finalize the details of my meeting with my mom and Serena. It hasn’t been long since I last saw them, but it feels like an eternity. My family has never been perfect—far from it. I’ve often wished my parents could be more forgiving or open-minded. But despite our flaws, we’ve never been divided like this. We’ve never been enemies. Even if I could have foreseen this rift, I never would have guessed I’d be standing on the opposing side alone.Last night, I stayed in the guest room again. I’m not even sure why. It’s always easier to sleep in Vanda’s bed, but by now, his scent on the sheets must be fading.This distance between us, the coolness in our interactions, has only added to my unease about confronting my family. Still, there was no way I could say no to this meeting. Serena is terrified of the looming war, and even though I know Vanda’s attack is inevitable, I’ll do my best to comfort her.W

Elena's point of view.I wake in the guest room to the worst kind of alarm—an internal sensation I now recognize too well. It's subtle at first, like a low drumbeat, but soon intensifies, making it clear this is more than a mere stomachache; it’s heat.I grip the blankets tightly, frustration building. After yesterday’s disastrous meeting with Serena and my mom, and yet another lonely night, this is the last thing I need. Vanda and I haven’t spoken since I told him about my mother’s proposal involving Alpha Walter, and if I don’t find a way to mask my scent soon, he’ll know exactly what's happening.The last time this happened, Vanda made it crystal clear that he understood the situation and wouldn’t tolerate me trying to handle it on my own. My face flushes red as I pull the covers over my head. There’s one thing I know for sure—I do not want him to find out about this.I only have one option: to get far enough away that he can’t pick up on my scent. But with Vanda’s territory extend

Elena's point of view.At sunset, Ben arrives at the pack house and joins Elizabeth and me. He tells us about the men gathering in the field—Vanda’s warriors preparing for the attack.“I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many in one place before,” he says, his voice tinged with awe. “It really makes you realize how large the pack is. The path was nearly impossible to walk until I passed them.”“Do you think the attack will reach Alpha Kane’s, the Red moon territory?” I ask, uneasiness creeping into my voice.Elizabeth shakes her head slightly. “We’re not the best people to answer that, but from what I know, the first attack rarely leads to a complete border breach. Kane has his men stationed to defend his territory. Usually, it takes multiple attacks to weaken their forces enough for infiltration. Odds are, Kane’s scouts or messengers will spot our wolves long before they reach the border, giving him time to intercept.”“But Vanda’s goal is to infiltrate Kane’s border, isn’t it? He wan

Elena's point of view.I follow Vanda to the study, my heart racing harder with each step. When I reach him, he’s standing behind his desk, pouring himself a drink. He takes a long sip before speaking.“Your father and family are safe—so is the Beta, Serena's mate." he says, his voice steady.“Thank you,” I reply softly, stepping closer to the desk. My eyes immediately catch a cut along his jaw, though it’s no longer bleeding. I can’t help but scan for other injuries, likely hidden beneath his clothes. “And you? Are you okay?”He finishes his drink and sets the glass down. “Will you come to bed with me?”I cross my arms, gripping my left elbow with my right hand. “You’ve been gone every night this week with almost no explanation. I should say no. I should sleep in the guest room.”“You’re not sleeping in the guest room,” he mutters firmly.“I’ve already been sleeping there. At first, I thought it was because I was angry, but every night, I just hoped you’d show up and bring me back to