Raven's POVMy heart was in absolute turmoil at what I'd just witnessed. The reality crashed down on me like a physical weight that I was never going to be his. They would all reject me eventually, call what we had forbidden, a mistake. Despite how attracted I was to Cassian in so many ways, despite how he was kissing me now like a starved beast, I couldn't silence the voice in my head telling me this was temporary.His hands cupped my face as he broke the kiss, his eyes searching mine desperately. "Don't shut me out, Raven. Please. Tahila means nothing to me….Nothing."That pissed me off more than anything. I pushed against his chest, creating space between us."Back off!" I yelled, my voice breaking with emotion. "I'll always be just a piece of your dirty little secret, won't I? Something to be enjoyed in private and then tossed aside when it's time for you to marry your perfect vampire girlfriends!"Cassian's expression darkened, his jaw clenching with fr
Cassian's POVShe's been ignoring us for weeks. I wouldn't blame her, but I hate that she blames herself for everything that's happening. Can't she see that she saved us? That she gave us life? That she'll always be a part of us no matter what happens?I stared at Tahila across the living room, trying not to let my disgust show on my face. She was too clingy, too desperate, and I hated that she came over when no one asked her to. She gave some flimsy excuse that her father sent her to check up on me after hearing about Dante's condition, but we all knew the truth. She was here to stake her claim, to remind everyone… especially Raven—that I was supposedly hers.I wasn't interested in whatever my father was telling her about clan politics. I was a mess inside. I was scared for Dante, whose condition hadn't improved at all. And I missed Raven with an intensity that physically hurt, even though I'd held her in my arms just two weeks ago. It wasn't enough. No amount of time with her would
Raven's POV"I have some wonderful news," Mom said, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she entered my room and I exhaled in relief. "The wedding is in three days."That was good news…of course, to her. I managed a smile and nodded. "That's great, Mom. I'm happy for you."I didn't really care about much these days. All I needed was to survive in this clan for as long as I could, to keep my head down and avoid any more drama.Mom's face lit up as she brought out a box from behind her back. "I have something for you."She opened it to reveal the most beautiful milky white gown I'd ever seen, adorned with diamonds that caught the light like captured stars. The fabric looked like liquid moonlight, flowing and ethereal.My day brightened up instantly when Mom took the dress out from the box, holding it up against the window so the diamonds sparkled in the afternoon sun.Mom chuckled as she watched my reaction. "I can't believe that a simple piece of clothing is going to make you smile af
Raven's POVI was scared that Father and Son might end up throwing punches at each other. Ever since I came into the Velmora clan, this would be the first time I'd seen the King lose his composure so completely. He was so visibly pissed that when we got home, I didn't want to miss whatever was about to happen….not because I was interested in the drama, but because I was terrified he might end up hurting Mom or any of his sons in the process, all because of Dante's deteriorating condition.When we arrived at the mansion, I was shocked to discover that Aunt Kira was actually being kept as a hostage in the basement. She looked like a shell of herself despite the fact that there were no visible bruises, her body looked like it had been preserved in hellfire. Her eyes were hollow, her skin pale and drawn, and she seemed to have aged decades in just a few days.The King stormed into the holding area, his rage practically radiating from every pore."I need answers! What is the meaning of t
Cassian's POVFather was visibly angry the moment he stepped out from that mansion. His rage was palpable, radiating from him in waves that made the very air around us feel electric and dangerous. He didn't want to know the details of how it happened or what led to this moment….all he needed right now was someone he could lash out at. His powers were emanating from him like ice, sharp enough to tear anyone to pieces at this point."Tell me everything now," he commanded, his voice deadly quiet. "Now."I took a deep breath, knowing this conversation was going to destroy him. "It's about Aunt Kira and Jerome. Father, Jerome isn't your son."His eyes flashed dangerously. "What did you just say?""Jerome is Aunt Kira's biological son," I continued, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me. "She swapped him with our real brother when we were babies. Mother was just a victim in all of this.""That's impossible," Father said, but I could see the doubt creeping into his eyes."She
Raven's POVGoing back to the mansion was not as pleasing as I expected it to be. The moment I stepped through those imposing doors, I could feel the tension crackling in the air like electricity before a storm. The King was visibly angry, his jaw set in a hard line, his eyes blazing with barely contained fury.The moment I crossed the threshold, Mom rushed to hug me, her arms wrapping around me so tightly I could barely breathe."Are you okay, sweetheart?" she asked, pulling back to examine my face with worried eyes. "Are you hurt? Are you—""Mom, I'm fine," I said, gently disentangling myself from her embrace. "But I didn't come here for pleasantries or health checks. I came here to see Dante. Why are we still standing in the mansion? Shouldn't we be going to see him?"Mom's face fell slightly, and she took my hand, leading me toward the sitting room. "Raven, honey, you need to calm down. I need to tell you something.""What?" I asked, though something