chapter 4

(Korvain's POV)

The dim glow of the torches cast flickering shadows across the dark stone walls of my chamber. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense and something darker—power, old and potent, swirling in the depths of my domain. I traced my fingers along the surface of the obsidian mirror before me, my golden eyes narrowing as I chanted the ancient words.

Nothing.

The mirror remained clouded, refusing to reveal what I sought.

A growl rumbled in my chest. Where are you, little niece?

For eighteen years, I have searched for her. The cursed hybrid—my brother’s disgrace. He defied our laws, tainted our bloodline, and for what? Love? The thought made my lip curl in disgust. Because of his foolishness, an abomination now walked this world, carrying power that should have never existed.

Power that should be mine.

I clenched my fist, feeling the raw energy surge through my veins. She was the key. Once I had her, I would perform the ancient ritual—one that would strip every ounce of her power and transfer it to me. With her strength added to mine, I would be unstoppable. No one would dare challenge me again.

The heavy iron doors creaked open, breaking my thoughts. I didn’t turn as I sensed who entered—Drevak, one of my most trusted men. He hesitated before stepping forward and kneeling.

"My lord," he began, his voice cautious. "We still have no confirmed location of the girl."

Silence.

I turned slowly, my golden gaze locking onto him. No location? Still? The weight of his failure pressed against my patience like a blade to my throat.

“Are you telling me,” I said, my voice deadly calm, “that after years of searching, after all the blood spilled in my name... you still have nothing?”

Drevak lowered his head. “My lord, we—”

I lifted my fingers, and a tendril of black smoke shot toward him, wrapping around his throat. He gasped, clawing at his neck as my magic seeped into his flesh, burning him from the inside.

“I do not tolerate failure,” I snarled, my grip tightening.

Drevak fell to his knees, his body convulsing. His gasps filled the chamber, a pitiful sound.

Then—

The doors burst open again. Another figure rushed inside, panting. "My lord! We may have found her."

I released Drevak, letting him collapse to the floor, coughing violently. My gaze snapped to the demon who had spoken.

“Speak.”

“One of our spies in the human realm reported a girl with silver hair,” the demon said quickly. “She matches the description perfectly. And she’s been seen with two young werewolves.”

My smirk returned. So… she was finally within reach. The hybrid was within my grasp. My long lost niece.

I turned back to the mirror, dragging my claws against its surface.

Soon her powers will be mine.

I let out a slow, chilling chuckle. "Prepare my hunters. We will watch her closely… until the time is right to strike."

Tonight, fate had shifted in my favor.

At the center of the room, my altar stands waiting. A massive slab of black stone, engraved with demonic runes that pulse with a faint crimson glow, as if alive. My fingers trail over them, feeling the raw energy beneath my touch. It hums, whispering secrets only I can hear.

My gaze shifts to the book resting atop the altar, its leather cover worn from centuries of use. Bound in the flesh of those who dared defy my ancestors, its pages hold the key to everything I desire. Flipping it open, I find the passage I seek—the Ancient Transfer Ritual.

"The power of the hybrid will be mine."

The words taste like victory on my tongue. I skim through the ritual, reading every detail with unwavering focus. The process is simple—drain her, consume her essence, and take what should have been mine all along. But there’s a problem.

Her power is still dormant.

A low growl rumbles in my chest. This complicates things. I need her abilities awakened before the ritual can begin. But waiting? No. I’ve waited long enough.

My claws dig into the altar as a slow smirk spreads across my lips. Perhaps it’s time to give my dear niece a little push.

Dark energy surges through the room, responding to my intent. The runes flare to life, casting a blood-red glow that dances along the walls. The magic is hungry, eager.

"Enjoy your freedom while you can, little niece," I murmur, voice dripping with promise. "Soon, you’ll be exactly where you belong."

The torches burn brighter for a brief moment, then flicker as if bowing to my will. I chuckle darkly.

This game has gone on long enough.