Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Last Ruby Wolf - Live as a Queen or Die as a Monster: Kabanata 41 - Kabanata 50

Caius's POVI watched the sun set from my newly established quarters on the edge of werewolf country. The old stone hunting lodge had been quickly converted into what the wolves were calling the "Vampire Embassy." A grand name for a dusty building with old furniture.But its position was perfect: close enough to monitor Kieran's pack yet separate enough to keep vampire dignity."Your Highness." My assistant, Elara, bowed slightly at the entry. "The last of our security measures are in place.""And our guests?" I asked, not turning from the window."Still suffering. Three more have fallen ill since morning."I frowned. Vampires rarely got sick—our immortal bodies beat off most diseases easily. Yet something was affecting my company, leaving them weak and feverish."Have you found the source?""Not yet, but..." She paused. "We've ruled out their blood supply. It seems to be something in the air or water that affects only vampire metabolism."I finally turned to face her. "How convenient

Isolde's POVI smiled as I put the last black candle at the edge of my newly drawn chalk circle. The small stone cottage at the edge of Kieran's land was far from luxurious, but it would serve my purposes. Through the window, I could see werewolf guards pretending not to watch me. Their presence amused me—as if they could stop me if I truly wished to cause harm."A bit more foxglove," I whispered to my assistant, a young witch named Lily who had no idea what games I was really playing. She handed me the jar with shaky fingers.After my little performance for the Storm twins yesterday, things were moving faster than even I had expected. The fear in Zeke's eyes when I mentioned the Queen had been wonderful. The Syndicate thought they controlled him, but seeds of doubt were already growing.I sprinkled the foxglove into a copper bowl and watched blue flames rise. "Leave me," I ordered Lily. "I need privacy for this working."Once alone, I settled in the center of my circle and closed my

Isolde's POVAfter he left, I returned to my workings with renewed purpose. The scene was set: Sienna and Zeke heading toward the Queen, Ronan following his heart rather than his mission, Kieran struggling against his curse, and now Caius with his vampire schemes. Perfect chaos.As I began planning for a deeper divination, I noticed something odd about my workspace. The arrangement of my tools had changed slightly. Someone had been here while I was at the window with Caius."Lily," I called loudly. "Bring me fresh sage."My helper appeared in the doorway, head bowed submissively. "Yes, mistress."But as she approached, I saw it—a tiny silver pin on her collar. The Midnight Queen's mark."You poor, foolish girl," I said softly. "Did she promise you power?"Lily's head snapped up, her eyes now black as pitch. "The Queen sees all, traitor."Before she could move, I flicked my fingers. The chalk lines of my circle blazed with purple fire, locking us both inside."You've made a grave mista

The Midnight Queen's POV A snort came from the corner of the room. Victor, my newest assistant, stepped forward. His amber eyes gleamed with challenge."With respect, my Queen, you've failed to catch one girl multiple times. Why should we believe this plan will succeed?"The room went quiet. Eyes darted between us, eager for blood.I straightened slowly, feeling power build beneath my skin."Do you question me, Victor?"He didn't back down. "The Syndicate follows strength. Your obsession with these twins has cost us time and resources. Perhaps new leadership—"I moved before he finished speaking. My hand shot out, fingers curling in the air as my ruby markings blazed to life—not the bright red of Sienna's, but deep crimson like old blood.Victor froze, eyes widening as his breath caught in his throat. I walked toward him slowly, each step careful."I was hunting wolves when your grandfather was a pup," I whispered, close enough that only he could hear. "I've conquered death itself."

Darius's POVThe moon hung low in the sky as I slipped through the forest, careful to take the route I'd swept for Syndicate tracking devices earlier. The coded message had arrived via a dead drop—urgent meeting at the old hunting camp.My stomach churned with each step. Double spy. Traitor. Spy. The labels stuck to me like burrs, but none caught the whole truth.The cabin emerged between the trees, a shadow against shadows. No lights burned inside, but I knew she was waiting."You're late," Mara said as I entered. My Syndicate contact sat in the only chair, her silver hair gleaming in the darkness. "The Queen is displeased.""The Queen can wait," I answered, crossing my arms. "Kieran's doubled the guards. Getting away wasn't easy."Mara's ice-blue eyes narrowed. "Did you bring it?"I pulled a folded plan from my jacket—marked with false patrol routes and security blind spots that would lead any invading force straight into an ambush."Kieran's planning to move the pack south," I lied