เข้าสู่ระบบThere was dead silence. “What is wrong with all of you? Why must our meetings always end in chaos?” She demanded. “Apologies your highness,” Dold said quickly. “But lady Lara is the instigator.” “No I’m not. I’m just making an argument-“ Lara began. “Argument just for the sake of it, as you always do. Just to cause confusion.” Hane snapped. “I said enough!” Reyna thundered. “Even my little Hira won’t behave this way.” She turned to her sister. “You are out of line Lady Lara. Apologize at once!” “I am sorry Lord Dold.” She muttered. One day I will make you sorry you stupid old vulture. She thought. “I too am sorry for my conduct.” Dold said sincerely. “Good. In case you all have forgotten we are here to debate something serious. Should we or shouldn’t we hand over our relic?” “I think we should.” Dold said. “Me too.” Hane agreed. “It’s the only thing to stop this creature.” Marge added. The others nodded. “I still think it’s a bad idea.” Lara insisted. “I ag
The Hex Council of Hexvale consisted of twelve witches and wizards who served as both lawmakers and advisers to Queen Reyna. Aside from Prince Hane, the Prince Consort, and Lady Lara, the Queen’s sister, the remaining ten council seats were filled through an ancient rite known as the Initiation. Hexvale was divided into ten great clans, and each clan had one ruling family entrusted with the right to present candidates for the Council. When a seat from a clan became vacant, the eligible members of that ruling family would gathered in the Hall of Shadows to undergo the Initiation. During the ritual each candidate pricked their finger and let a single drop of blood fall into the Witch’s Cauldron, that held only a small pool of clear enchanted water. The person whose drop caused the water to turn bright pink was the one chosen by the magic of Hexvale. That individual became the clan’s representative on the Hex Council, sworn to serve until death or resignation. Council member could not be
“I wish you would stay the night.” Kip murmured snuggling against her naked chest. She smiled, gently stroking his hair. “I can’t. Lady Elena needs me to settle her into bed. I’m only here because she is with lord Dusk.”Kip grimaced. He hated Dusk and all vampires, but not Elena. She was different. Sweet and kind to all the servants.“Come back when you have put her to bed.” He suggested. “Please. I want you here with me.”Drianna considered it. It wasn’t a bad idea, but she couldn’t. She had other plans tonight. Plans to drop more poison into Dusk’s ear.“I want to my love, but I can’t. Lady Elena needs me.” She said softly.“But when she is asleep she won’t need your service anymore.” He argued.“She might.” Drianna lied smoothly. “Sometimes she wakes in the night and calls for me. If I’m not there, the guards will tell her beastly husband and I will be in big trouble.”“I wish there was a way for us to escape and be free from this cursed people.” Kip said bitterly.“Soon my love.
Drianna was waiting in the solar when Elena came in breathless and fidgeting.“My Lady are you alright?” Drianna asked taking her cloak.“Yes. Did my husband ask after me?” Elena asked anxiously.How should I know? Drianna thought mentally rolling her eyes. She had left immediately after Elena, and was only just getting back. Though She knew Dusk had been in a meeting with his generals all morning, so it was doubtful he had asked for his wife.“No my lady. He didn’t.” She said.“Good. Please you will keep this between us, agreed?”“Yes my lady. Let me get you ready for dinner.”“Later. I need to rest first.”Drianna bowed and withdrew. Elena sank into a chair, multiple feelings fighting inside her. Nostalgia at seeing an old friend, Pride that once again she would be instrumental in bringing peace to all the kingdoms, but also worry. If Dusk found out she’d secretly met with a wolf he’d be furious. Maybe she should tell him? But why stir up trouble when he would never find out? No
Elena stared at him. Not sure whether to help or run away. “Lena! Where are you?” Ryon called impatiently. “Here. Come quick!” Moments later he was standing besides her. “Who is this?” He asked wide eyed, staring at the wondered wolf. “I don’t know but he's hurt. We have to help him.” She said going nearer. “No! He is a probably a spy. We should alert a guard.” “And have him executed? No. We will get him to the healer to treat his wounds.” “Are you insane! He is an enemy soldier. That would be treason.” He’s only our enemy because war says he is. Mercy can make him our ally." She said firmly.Ryon groaned. “And what in Goddess name are we going to tell the healer?”“Healers are neutral. They won’t ask questions. Now help me lift him.” “This is a bad idea Lena. I know you have a kind heart, but if word gets out we helped an enemy soldier, being the lord and lady of Crimora won’t help us. Besides, he may not be wounded. It may all be a trap to sneak a spy in to destroy
Ten years ago.... Elena giggled as she watched her brother Ryon miss his target again. “Not funny.” Ryon scowled lowering his bow.. “Sorry, but this is the thirtieth time you have missed." She teased. “You are supposed to be encouraging me, not counting my failures.” He grumbled. “Agreeing to your risky idea of sneaking out is already encouragement enough.” She said brushing leaves from her gown. “You worry too much. We are safe here.” “Have you forgotten the reports of Wolf spies being around the kingdom?” She reminded him. “That’s rumors. Those cowards won’t come nesr Vampirehaven.” Ryon said confidently. The siblings were alone at the edge of the city. They had snuck out the palace so Ryon could practice without his trainers breathing down his neck. Elena hadn’t liked the idea of sneaking out, especially at a time like this, but her brother had insisted. And after begging and pleading, their guardian Fay, had reluctantly agreed to help them get past the guards, on







