The ride back to the palace seemed like the longest Aurora had ever experienced. The silence between her and Draven was oppressive, leaving her with nothing but the echoes of her own thoughts. Draven had decided to remain quiet throughout the entire journey, making things all the more difficult for her.She glanced over at him, trying to read his expression, but his face was unreadable, his gaze focused ahead, staring out the carriage window. Aurora bit her lip, struggling to find the right words to break the tension."You’re going to be mad at me the entire ride home, aren’t you?" Aurora finally asked, her voice tentative, hoping that the question might crack through the wall that had formed between them. She watched as Draven’s lips pressed together, his jaw tightening.He was lost in his thoughts, thinking about the dangerous task that lay ahead—the end of Kael and his men. He couldn’t allow them to continue disrupting the peace of their kingdom, no matter the cost. His mind also w
It felt like they ran through the castle, because within moments, Aurora found herself in King Draven’s chamber. The heavy doors closed behind her, seemingly of their own accord, sealing her in with the man who made her heartbeat skip.King Draven gently kept her on her feet, his hands steadying her as if she were a fragile porcelain doll. He could feel the waves of anxiety rippling from her body, and yet her gaze remained fixed on his—wide, vulnerable, and slightly trembling.Without a word, Draven moved behind her, his footsteps slow and deliberate. He stood close, his breath ghosting over her bare shoulders. Then, as gently as a whisper, his lips found her skin. He kissed her shoulders softly, savoring the sweet scent of vanilla and wine that clung to her body.Aurora gasped with each kiss, her pride dissolving with every brush of his lips. She was ready—ready to give herself to the king who made her feel seen, appreciated, and adored.“Relax, my star” Draven murmured, his voice a
Aurora opened her eyes to the soft morning light streaming through the windows. The warmth of the sun kissed her skin, and for a moment, she allowed herself to bask in the serenity of the new day. When she turned, her breath caught in her throat—King Draven lay beside her, his powerful arms wrapped tightly around her, holding her like the most precious treasure.Her gaze drifted down to their naked bodies, the sheets tangled between them. A blush crept across her cheeks, but instead of shame, she felt warmth... belonging. For the first time, she truly felt like a woman—wanted, cherished, and whole. All the pain from her past, all the cruelty of her former mate, melted away in the presence of this man—her mate. Slowly, she tilted her head up to admire his sleeping face. He looked impossibly handsome in the morning light, the hard lines of his face softened by sleep. A small, tender smile appeared on her lips.“Why are you smiling like that?” Draven’s voice was rough with sleep, but lac
Suddenly, Aurora’s eyes were drawn to a strange mark just beneath Draven’s stomach. It shimmered slightly under the low light, looking almost like a tattoo etched by the stars themselves. Her fingers hovered above it before gently brushing across the mark. A jolt of energy pulsed beneath her fingertips, but it didn’t scare her. Instead, curiosity danced in her eyes.“What is this?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.Draven looked down at the mark, a deep frown tugging at the corners of his lips. He had almost forgotten about it—how could he?“I think… it’s time I told you everything about myself,” he said, lifting his gaze to hers. “No more hiding. No more secrets.”Aurora nodded, offering a warm, reassuring smile. She could see the weight in his eyes, and she was ready to carry it with him.“My father… King Dracula… he was once the most powerful king our world had ever seen,” Draven began, his voice laced with reverence and pain. “He feared no one. He taught me every
Draven’s grip on her hand tightened slightly. “You really mean that?” he asked, his voice low, almost disbelieving.Aurora looked down at him, her eyes blazing with resolve. “You’ve carried this burden alone for too long, Draven. It’s not just your fight anymore. I have blood in this war too. My father—my real father—was taken from me by that traitor. I’m done staying quiet.”Draven sat up slowly, the moonlight slipping through the tall arched window and casting a soft glow across his bare chest. The scar below his stomach still shimmered faintly in the light, a constant reminder of the pain he'd endured.“You’ve always been bold,” he murmured, admiration laced with worry. “But this… this isn’t just a mission of vengeance, Aurora. It’s war. And Kael—he’s no ordinary threat. He’s ruthless. And his father… his father’s hands are soaked in the blood of both werewolves and vampires.”Aurora crossed the room, pacing. Her fingers trembled as she pulled her shirt down slightly, tightening th
Warning, Matured context.“First thing first, the child does not belong to Kael,” Aurora said, picking up a pen and flipping through a book. She was deep in thought, formulating the perfect plan.“Which child?” Draven asked, now sitting up. His mate was like a machine—a calculating force with a clear mission, and he couldn’t help but feel drawn to her intensity.“The child that Elizabeth bore doesn’t belong to Kael,” Aurora replied, her voice steady and confident. “The child belongs to her true mate, who was previously her ex-boyfriend, Ronald. I know Ronald—I always caught them sneaking out of her room. Even in broad daylight, I would hear their moans and screams. But suddenly, Ronald disappeared from the pack. No one knew where he went. Soon enough, he was forgotten.” Aurora stated the hard facts as if they were nothing but simple truths.Draven stared at her in shock, trying to process her words. “How did you find out about this?” His voice was tinged with disbelief. How had she un
As Draven was about to walk toward the werewolves, who were already laughing heartily and sipping one of the finest imported wines, a hand gently touched his shoulder.“Son.”Queen Lilith’s voice was soft, but it held a weight of emotions buried under centuries of silence. Slowly, King Draven turned to face his mother. He had only agreed to invite her to his mate celebration because Aurora had insisted. She missed the queen and wanted her there. Draven had relented, not because of sentiment, but to make Aurora happy.“I told you not to cross my path,” Draven said coldly, his gaze dropping to the elegant black and silver dress he had specifically chosen for her to wear.“You can’t hold this grudge forever, you know,” Lilith replied, her tone calm but weary. “I even wore this dress just to please you. You know I never wear what you pick for me.”She reached out to touch his shoulder again, a fragile attempt at reconciliation, but Draven shifted away before her fingers could graze him.“
Elizabeth turned sharply, her eyes locking on the people clapping their hands, mocking the tension in the air."How dare you deceive us?!" she screamed, her voice rising above the murmurs of the crowd.The room fell into complete silence. Kael turned to look at Elizabeth, his eyes begging her to stop. He slowly shook his head, trying to urge her into silence. But Elizabeth was past reasoning. Rage, betrayal, and a seething jealousy frothed within her.She couldn't believe Aurora was not only alive but thriving—standing proud in the very place she had once been humiliated."You came to my pack to deceive me," Elizabeth spat. "And now you have the audacity to insult me? You slut!"Before the final word even landed, Draven had moved. In the blink of an eye, he had Elizabeth pinned to the wall, one hand wrapped around her throat, lifting her off the ground with terrifying strength."Don’t you ever call my mate a slut again," he snarled, his crimson eyes glowing with fury. "If you do, I wi
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