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Chapter 18: The Silver Needle

last update publish date: 2026-02-11 04:08:58
Elena barely had time to shove the journal under the mattress before the door opened.

Varen entered first. He moved like someone who'd never been told no in his life—slow, deliberate, taking in every detail of the room with those sharp eyes.

Behind him came a man Elena had never seen before. Tall. Thin. Wearing Council robes that looked too clean, like he bleached them daily. His hands were pale and skeletal, and he carried a black leather case.

The High Healer.

And behind him, because of course
Sloane Sterling

That was way too close! My heart stopped when that silver needle flickered. The Blood Shield held, but Katerina’s eyes are sharper than any Council scout. She found the bloodstain... and we all know Katerina doesn't keep secrets unless they serve her. Do you think she’s going to blackmail Xander, or try to get rid of Elena once and for all? Drop a '🩸' if you think Katerina is the biggest threat right now! — Sloane Sterling

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