Back to the present Day.Aurora opened her eyes, her eyelids heavy. All she saw was darkness clouding her vision. Slowly, she blinked, and as her eyes adjusted, she stared at the ceiling. The sight was strange to her. Was she perhaps in a better realm, free from Kael and her pack?She looked around, capturing every detail around her: a wardrobe, a large screen TV, a beautiful floor. Then she looked up and saw a large portrait on the wall. A man. Not just any man—he was handsome. His eyes were pure dark, no trace of white, and they seemed to dare her to stop staring.An indescribable feeling swept through her body, something she couldn’t understand.Then she heard a voice—a man’s voice. It was so high-pitched that she could hear it from where she lay. No doubt, he was shouting at someone.Suddenly, the door opened, and a man stepped into the room, followed by a woman."Do not tell me what to do, Mother," the man snapped. "Thanks to the gods, Asama survived my bites. But just because sh
"Send me Kane, I need information about who those damn fucking werewolves were," Draven said, walking towards his office."What are your plans?" Carlos asked, following after him, but not failing to send Kane a message that the King demands his attention."I need to know who those damn motherfuckers are. Who dared lay their disgusting hands on my mate? She is so damn scared of me, so damn scared of her mate, and I feel like ripping you apart if you keep asking me those questions. Now where is Kane?" Draven asked, walking towards his chair. He slumped down in it, cradling his head in his hands. He had a damn pounding headache, but he didn’t care.Carlos kept silent for a while, not knowing what to say. Obviously, he was scared of the King’s last statement. Without being told, he knew the King would no doubt exterminate his words."He’ll be here in a short while," Carlos said, standing a few feet away from the King. He had a mate, he knew what it felt like to have one, but he wasn’t exp
Aurora looked around the room once more. The vampire had given her time to get used to her environment, which she was most grateful for. The flashbacks of what happened the previous night kept hitting her head.Finding out Kael was her mate, the rejection, escaping from the pack, the attack from the rogues—her heart skipped. Those weren't rogues. She could clearly remember that they were her pack members who had come attacking her in full force. At first, their scent had the distinct smell of her pack, but when they had entered the vampire's land, they smelled like rogues. Even though she couldn't grasp their human faces when they had come attacking, she knew they were her pack members. They belonged to the same pack, but why had they come, why do they want to kill her by attacking her on the lands of the vampires? Does Kael knows about this?It was an abomination for any creature to enter into the lands of the vampires—or any other creatures—without permission, and she wondered why s
Lilith was dumbfounded at the question thrown at her. Her son had attacked her because she had sent a male doctor to treat his mate."Mother, I asked you a question," Draven said, glaring at his mother with full anger."Till you leave my hold, will I reply to you," Lilith said. She was stubborn, with pure blood running through her veins. She would not allow her son to mistreat her. Never. She was the queen, and she never wished anything evil toward his mate."Fine, I’ll do as you wish, Lilith. But I would love to hear your answer to my question," Draven said, freeing his mother from his hold. Lilith glared at him with anger."Your mate needs to be free with everyone. She needs to learn how to accept the entire pack—both male and female. She needs to learn how to be bold and get past her fears or whatever past she had," Lilith half-screamed. She knew if King Draven continued treating his mate like a weakling, she would never get past her fears. She would be a miserable she-wolf, living
"It is quite obvious you do not like the king's mate," Lilith said, staring at Doctor Bella, who refused to meet her gaze."Why would you think I harbor such feelings towards the king's mate, Queen Lilith?" Bella asked, glancing at her briefly before returning to her task."Because it is painfully obvious. You love the king. The way your eyes dimmed with sadness when I mentioned the king's mate was a sight I couldn't overlook," Lilith said, her voice challenging, daring Bella to deny her accusation."I don’t know what you’re insinuating, Your Majesty, but my concern lies solely with the well-being of the king and his mate," Bella replied, her tone guarded, wary of saying anything that could provoke the queen mother."Then why did you rush here the moment the king summoned you?" Lilith questioned, watching as Bella removed the old bandage from Aurora's leg, applying ointment with meticulous care before securing a fresh one."Queen Lilith, the king requested my presence, and I answered
Aurora stared at the food in front of her, the enticing aroma wafting into her nostrils. She inhaled deeply, the scent was mesmerizing. She had never seen such a feast in her life. Back in the Red moon pack, food was a luxury she barely enjoyed."The doctor has prescribed some medicines for you. Afterward, you must eat so your body can heal and regain its strength," Lilith said, observing Aurora's reaction. The she-wolf's expression stirred pity in her, though Lilith rarely entertained such emotions."Have you never had a meal like this before?" Lilith asked, her gaze softening as Aurora glanced sideways at her."I only ate dried bread and leftovers that fell from the Alpha’s table. I’ve never seen anything this beautiful, let alone tasted it. It feels strange even thinking it’s meant for me," Aurora said, her voice tinged with disbelief.Lilith growled softly, displeased by the injustice. She wondered about Aurora’s role in the pack but chose to keep her thoughts to herself."Eat bef
"Do not display such kind of behavior here, Asmada Ezra. The king decides whom to choose," Elder Eric said, staring at his daughter before turning to King Draven and bowing deeply."Long live the king. I apologize for my daughter's unbecoming behavior. I will ensure she is punished adequately," Elder Eric added, his face tightening with each word he spoke.King Draven smiled devilishly. The elder's willingness to discipline his daughter amused him. He had not expected Eric to be so deferential—instead, he had anticipated outrage, especially given how close he had come to ending his daughter's life. But Lord King Darven is very wary because he knows the Elder Eric's games and he was not ready to play games with him."What punishment do you intend to give her? Your daughter dared to reach for a position that is not hers and insult my mate. She must face consequences. So, tell me, what punishment do you deem fit for her crimes?" Draven asked, his tone laced with mockery as he observed th
Slowly, Aurora strode to the door, arranging her hair. She refused to let fear control her—not fear of the guards or any man she encountered on her way out. Kael had made her believe all men were dangerous lunatics, and she had fallen for his trap. But it wasn’t entirely her fault; his convincing rhetoric had once seemed absurd but now rang hauntingly true.Her breath hitched as the memories of the previous night crept in. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop thinking about it—being violated, abused, and then rejected by the man destined to be her mate. He had taken her last shred of pride. All she wanted now was to run far away, even if it meant fleeing to her death.Aurora inhaled deeply, shaking her head to clear the dark thoughts threatening her resolve. "No," she whispered fiercely. Lucas would not ruin her mission. He would no longer have power over her through the horrors he inflicted. She would grow stronger and seek vengeance on him and the entire Red Moon Pack. Th
Years passed like whispers in the wind. The Vampire Kingdom flourished under King Draven and Queen Aurora’s reign, their love a symbol of unity and strength. But the greatest marvels in the realm were not the towering castles or glowing blood lakes. They were the twin heirs—Lucien and Selene.From the moment they could crawl, the twins were different.Lucien, with eyes like molten silver and a voice that echoed like thunder, had an aura of fire and resolve. Even at the age of five, he could summon bursts of heat from his palms, often setting the garden leaves ablaze during tantrums. The servants whispered that he was born with the flame of the first vampire king.Selene, in contrast, moved like moonlight on still water. Her eyes shimmered with shifting violet hues, and she could vanish into shadows without a sound. Animals followed her, flowers bloomed at her touch, and sometimes, when she sang, the wind itself obeyed.“They’re not just heirs,” Lilith once whispered to Draven as they
Aurora’s pregnancy was nothing short of extraordinary.From the moment the palace healers confirmed the life growing within her, the Vampire Kingdom rejoiced. But beneath the celebrations lay a current of uncertainty. A royal child born of both vampire and werewolf blood had never existed—let alone twins.Aurora’s body changed rapidly. Her senses grew sharper, her energy surged unpredictably, and the bond between her and Draven deepened to near-telepathic levels. Some days, she could feel his heartbeat echoing in her chest. On others, he could sense her nausea before she even opened her eyes.“You don’t have to hover,” she teased one morning as Draven helped her sit up in bed. “I’m pregnant, not made of glass.”He smirked, placing a kiss on her belly. “Tell that to the kingdom. Half of them think you're the vessel of a prophecy. The other half think you’re going to sprout wings.”“Wouldn’t that be something,” she murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind his ear. “Our children—do you
The blood Moon rose high above the Crimson Citadel, casting its ethereal glow over the marble spires and silken banners fluttering in the night breeze. The air was rich with rose incense, and the palace gardens had been transformed into a realm of twilight wonder—laced with petals, lanterns, and crimson flame. Tonight was not about power, politics, or vengeance. Tonight belonged to love.Aurora stood before her mirror in a gown of shadowed silk and garnet lace, her crown replaced with a delicate circlet of moon-kissed pearls. Her heart beat fiercely beneath her ribs—not with fear, but with wonder. From the outcast of the Red Moon Pack to Queen of the Vampire Kingdoms… and now, she was about to become Draven’s mate fully.Behind her, the door creaked open and Lilith stepped in—a vision of timeless beauty in silver robes, her black hair falling like water. She had insisted on preparing Aurora personally for this night.“You look breathtaking,” Lilith whispered with a mother’s warmth. “D
The crimson banners of the seven vampire kingdoms fluttered in unison, heralding a day unlike any in their long, immortal history. At the heart of the capital, within the High Spire of Eclipsia—a spired palace of black marble and ruby glass—the coronation of Aurora was set to unfold.The courtyard of the palace had been transformed into a field of splendor. Velvet drapes spilled like blood down obsidian columns, golden torches lined the arches, and musicians played ancient hymns from silver flutes, their melodies echoing into the mountain winds. Nobles, royals, and warriors from all seven vampire kingdoms had gathered. Never before had so many fanged dignitaries stood together in peace.Aurora stood at the base of the obsidian steps, cloaked in a royal gown the color of moonlight over water, inlaid with threads of starlight and crystal. Her dark curls had been braided and crowned with a circlet of silver vines and bloodstones—Draven’s personal gift. She looked not like a girl who once
The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale silver glow over the great hall of the Crimson Citadel. Within its stone walls, a storm of judgment brewed. Rows of vampires, nobles and elders alike, filled the arched chamber, their crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation and disdain. At the head of the hall sat the council of judgment—King Draven, with his dark crown of thorns, Queen Aurora beside him in regal silver, and five ancient elders robed in twilight silk.Chained in obsidian manacles, Asmada Ezra stood before them. Her once-arrogant expression was twisted in rage and desperation. Her crimes echoed through the kingdom—poisoning Aurora, murdering a vampire at the gates of the capital, and conspiring with Kael and Elder Eric in treason against the vampire realm."Asmada Ezra," Elder Tullius began, his voice heavy with centuries of wisdom and authority. "You are accused of high treason, attempted assassination of the queen, and the slaughter of a royal guard. How do you plead?"Ezr
Deep within the Withered Mountains, past the charred trees and forgotten trails where even the wind dared not linger, lay the hidden sanctuary of Elder Eric—the last untouched corner of the old world. Here, ancient power still thrived, pulsing beneath the stone like a living heartbeat. The mountains whispered secrets no man should know, and shadows moved even when no light touched them.Carlos crouched low at the base of a moss-cloaked boulder, eyes fixed on the narrow crevice ahead. The entrance to the hideout was cleverly hidden—a jagged slit in the rock, barely wide enough for a man to pass. The scent trail lingered in the air like a ghost: old blood, bitter herbs, and an undercurrent of twisted magic. It reeked of Elder Eric’s presence.He signaled to the elite trackers behind him—silent shadows in black cloaks, hand-picked by King Draven for this mission. With blades drawn and senses sharpened, they followed him into the tight crevice.The passage twisted and narrowed as it led d
The air still quivered with the echoes of battle, thick with the scent of blood, sweat, and burning magic. The eastern courtyard had become a battlefield once more, as the remaining werewolf warriors surged forward in a final attempt to protect their Alpha—Kael.But Aurora and Draven stood as an unbreakable wall.They moved like shadows and flame—his strikes calculated and devastating, hers swift and precise. The synergy between them was unmatched, as if their souls had memorized each other’s rhythm. They fought back to back, blades singing through the air, cutting down enemies with ruthless efficiency.Yet, their eyes never strayed far from Kael.The werewolf Alpha roared across the field, his eyes glowing a sickly red, corrupted by the dark spells that now pulsed in his blood. His body bulged with unnatural power, veins blackened, muscles trembling from the strain of magic-enhanced strength.“This ends today,” Draven murmured, the silver gleam of his elder-forged sword catching the
Asmada Ezra’s screech cut through the throne room like a blade. She lunged at Aurora, claws flashing in the violet torchlight. Aurora ducked, her instincts sharpened by battle, and countered with a quick, slicing blow across Asmada Ezra’s ribs. The dark-haired vampiress hissed, crimson eyes burning with fury."You’ll regret ever stepping into this world," Asmada Ezra snarled.Aurora didn't waste her breath on an answer. Her body moved on its own, vampire speed surging through her veins, colliding with Asmada Ezra again and again in a blur of flashing steel and snarling fangs. They tore across the throne room, knocking over columns and scattering the dying embers of shattered torches.Lilith fought her own battle at the other side of the hall, keeping the hybrid creatures at bay, but she could only spare a glance. She trusted Aurora to survive—and to win.Aurora ducked under another claw swipe and slammed her shoulder into Asmada Ezra’s midsection. The impact sent them crashing through
Carlos and Aurora emerged from the tunnel, the hidden panel sliding shut behind them. The passage had left streaks of ash and blood on their clothes, but there was no time to rest—not while the scent of betrayal still lingered in the air.“Where now?” Aurora asked, eyes scanning the dim corridor. Her body remained tense, alert, even as her breath slowed.Carlos narrowed his gaze, nostrils flaring. “Back to the dungeons,” he said. “If Kael and Elizabeth were released from there, someone had to break the lock—or use a key.”They moved swiftly through the lower levels of the castle, avoiding the main hallways where patrolling guards could be seen in the distance. Carlos kept to the shadows, Aurora moving beside him with the grace of a predator. The halls beneath the palace had always felt heavy with secrets, but tonight, the air seemed denser. Something foul lingered in every breath.As they neared the entrance to the dungeon wing, Carlos halted, raising a hand.“You smell that?” he aske