Natalie kept stealing glances at me as we walked, her tension palpable. I caught her gaze once and smirked faintly. "Go on, Natalie. You have something to say."She hesitated, biting her lip before letting out a soft sigh. "Your motherâs worried about you," she admitted, her voice tinged with concern. "I suppose the rumours must have reached her ears by now."Ah, the rumours. I couldnât help but chuckle, the sound dry and humourless. "Ah, yes. Everyone in the empire now calls me the devil. What a charming title."Natalie frowned at my response, her brow furrowing as she glanced at me again. "You havenât gone to see her in a while," she said gently, though there was a trace of reproach in her tone. "Itâs only natural sheâd be worried. Can you blame her?"I nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. "Youâre right," I murmured, my voice quieter now. "Iâll see her after the meeting."Natalie relaxed slightly at my answer, though her expression remained thoughtful, "And you are not a devi
The training ground was bustling now, a sea of soldiers flooding the open space. The air buzzed with the energy of sharpening weapons, sparring matches, and laughter. As I continued helping Ruby steady her aim, I couldnât ignore the way the soldiersâ eyes drifted toward me, admiration clear in their expressions.âGreetings, Princess,â they called out in unison, their voices echoing.I nodded curtly in acknowledgement, my focus unwavering. Ruby, barely flinched under the attention. She was focused and determined. I had to admit that her improvement was impressive. Each arrow she fired struck closer and closer to the bullseye.âKeep it steady,â I murmured, stepping aside to give her space. âYour form is excellentâdonât rush the shot.âRuby exhaled slowly, releasing the arrow. It flew straight and struck dead centre. A smile lit her face, and I couldnât help but mirror it.âYouâre getting better,â I praised, clapping her on the shoulder.âMy lady.âThe familiar and respectful tone pulled
The training ground buzzed with life as Imara, Kael, Theron, and I stood in a tight circle, poring over strategies to strengthen the packâs security. Kael's experience and Imara's sharp intellect made them valuable in this discussion. Theron, as ever, provided insights with his analytical mind, every word precise and calculated."My lady," Eira's calm yet urgent voice cut through the conversation, drawing my attention. I turned to see her approaching briskly, her icy blue eyes narrowed in concern."Yes, Eira?" I asked, sensing something unusual in her tone."Someone is requesting the Alphaâs presence," she said, her voice measured but laced with unease.I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And who might that be?"Her gaze sharpened slightly as she replied, "I have no idea, my lady. Sheâs covered in a white cloak and passed through the guards and security as if they werenât even there."That caught my full attention. "Where is she now?""Alphaâs quarters, my lady," Eira said without hesitation."
She stepped forward suddenly, and the sharp edge of my sword pierced her flesh. My eyes widened in shock. âWhat are you doingâ?âShe took another deliberate step, and the blade sank in fully. My grip faltered as panic shot through me. âDo you want to die?!â I shouted, my voice echoing in the still room.Her lips curled into a sad smile, tears glistening in her impossibly dark eyes. âIâve missed you so much,â she whispered, her voice trembling with raw emotion. âWhen I heard you were back, I couldnât believe it. But I still had to see for myself.â Her gaze softened as she stepped even closer, the sword embedding further into her. âIrisâĶ youâre finally back.âAnger flared like wildfire in my chest at the sound of that name. âIâm not her!â I yelled, my voice cracking under the weight of my frustration. With a burst of strength, I yanked the sword free and delivered a swift kick to her chest, sending her sprawling to the ground.I expected to see blood, evidence of the damage my blade had
ETHAN'S POV I sat there, my back stiff, my gaze fixed on the elders as they exchanged glances, whispers of tension brewing beneath their composed facades. I waited, calm and deliberate, observing the dynamics at play, searching for anyone who might pose a threat to my Selene. Let them reveal their intentions first.Father began the meeting, his commanding tone slicing through the murmurs as he addressed the upcoming Annual Youth Contest. A grand tradition, meant to showcase the strength and unity of the clans, and for the first time, it would be hosted here in the vampire empire.Zeke, my older brother, had always been the one to represent usâhis victories as predictable as the tides. But with his betrayal leaving him locked away in the dungeons, the mantle now fell to me. I didnât mind. What did trouble me was the absence I felt in my heart.Her.My Little Goddess.Selene had dominated this contest four years in a row, her grace and power carving an unforgettable mark. But after eve
The air in the room grew heavier, as though Fatherâs words had drawn a dark veil over everyone present.Alpha Lucasâs easy demeanor hardened, his expression shifting into one of sharp calculation. âSo, youâve felt it as well,â he said, his voice low and guarded.âItâs no longer about sensing,â Father replied, his tone grim. âItâs here, spreading like a slow poison. The shadows grow restless, emboldened. The walls that once safeguarded us falter by the day.âAliciaâs silver eyes narrowed, her pride visibly prickling. âAre you insinuating this has to do with the breach we experienced when the barrier collapsed?âFatherâs gaze locked onto hers, cool and cutting. âIâm not insinuating, Alicia. Iâm stating a fact. That breach was no mere incident. It was a calculated moveâa prelude to something far more sinister.âThe silence that followed was oppressive, thick with unease. Even the most steadfast elders exchanged uneasy glances.âAnd the sudden surge in newly turned hybrids,â Alpha Lucas a
SELENE'S POVThe room felt still, the only sound being the rustle of papers as I went through Fatherâs stack of documents. My mind wasnât entirely on the task, though. My fingers moved mechanically, sorting through the mess of reports, charts, and plan."My lady, are you alright?" Ruby's voice broke through my thoughts, gentle and concerned. She paused beside me, arranging the scattered papers across the table. "Ever since you left to meet the Alphaâs visitor, youâve seemed... distant. Restless, even."I forced a smile, "Itâs nothing," I said, burying myself deeper in the pile of paperwork. "Iâm just worried about Father.Rubyâs eyes softened as she studied me, her lips parting to say something, but she hesitated. After a moment, she sighed and continued to arrange the documents. "Itâs quite late, my lady," she said, her voice quieter now. "Youâve been at this for hours. Kael and the others are still outside. They refuse to leave, claiming they wonât rest until you do."I glanced up,
Fatherâs sharp gaze swept over the neatly arranged documents on his desk, his fingers brushing lightly against the edges. He looked up at me, his piercing eyes studying my face. âYou organized these,â he said, his tone calm but probing. âThen you must have seen whatâs inside.âI nodded, leaning back slightly in my chair. âYes, I have,â I admitted, my voice steady, though worry weighed on me. âWeâre in a vulnerable state, Father.âHis eyes darkened, his jaw tightening as he absorbed my words. The silence between us grew heavy until he finally sighed, sinking into his chair.I couldnât stop myself from asking the question that had been burning in my mind. âWhy is the Crown Prince of the Vampire Empire here?â My voice was steady, but the curiosityâand worryâwere clear.Fatherâs lips curved into a faint, ironic smile. âIâm not entirely sure,â he said thoughtfully. âBut Iâll tell you this: he caused quite a stir. In front of his father, no less. Boldly requested to accompany me, claiming h
Blood. Smoke. Screams.The battlefield was chaos incarnate. A blur of blades, claws, and death.Hybrids surged in wavesâdark, snarling creatures with eyes glowing like cursed embers. They didnât tire. They didnât retreat. Every time one fell, three more took its place.My sword tore through flesh and bone, spirit energy pulsing with each strike, but still they came.âSelene, left!â Ethan shouted.I spun just in time to see a hybrid leaping at me, its claws ready to rip into my sideâbut Ethanâs blade was faster. It slashed through its midsection, black blood splattering across the ground.Our backs met.Our rhythm was a deadly danceâswing, duck, parry, strike. Two hearts. One beat. One blade.We moved as one.He covered my blind spots. I watched his flanks. The battlefield bent to our pace, enemies falling with each pass. The sky thundered above us, ash raining down like cursed snow.Across the field, Rubyâs arrows flew like guided lightningâeach one landing with deadly precision. Eira
The ringing in my ears faded into screams and the pounding of terrified footsteps. I pushed myself off the ground, my heart thundering as my eyes searched through the smoke and flames."Selene!" I heard him before I saw himâEthanâs voice tearing through the chaos like a blade.I turned just in time to see him rushing toward me, dust and worry etched into every line of his face. I ran to him without thinking and threw myself into his arms. He caught me, holding me like I was air and heâd been suffocating."Are you okay?" he asked, his voice raw, desperate.I nodded quickly, trying to mask the shaking in my limbs. "Help the children," I whispered against his chest.He nodded without question and turned away, already barking orders and shielding the small ones caught in the confusion. I spun around, grabbing a dazed woman by the arm and guiding her behind the larger tents for cover. Another explosion sounded, this one farther away, but no less terrifying.My eyes darted around the crowd.
âI should get ready,â I said, brushing my fingers gently down his cheek.He nodded but didnât move to let me go. âIâll walk you back.âWe walked hand-in-hand regardless of the eyes on us, the soft grass cool beneath our feet, until the lights of the pack grounds began to shimmer ahead of us, little orbs of amber and gold floating through the air like fireflies. Music thrummed faintly in the distanceâdrums, flutes, laughter, and the sweet scent of roasted honey fruit and grilled spice meat drifted through the air.The Night Festival had begun.He left to get ready while I also prepared.By the time Ruby came to get me, I had already changed into the dress Imara picked for meâdeep emerald green with silver threads woven through the fabric like whispers of starlight. It flowed around me like mist, soft and regal.âMy lady,â Ruby breathed as she fixed the last flower in my hair, âyou look breathtaking.âI gave her a small smile and nodded. âThank you, Ruby.When we arrived at the heart of
"My lady, you have not had rest since you left your room this morningâyou look pale," Ruby said, her voice laced with concern."My lady, just let us do the rest," Eira chimed in gently.Imara gave a small, firm nod beside her.I smiled at them, warmth blooming in my chest. Their loyaltyâĶ it always amazed me."Thank you for your care," I said softly. "Iâm fine. You all can go and prepare for the night festival." I paused, glancing at Ruby with a knowing look. "Let me know when itâs almost time.""Yes, my lady," they said in perfect unison before walking off, leaving a quiet hush in their wake.I turned and made my way back to Serene Lake.And thenâI saw him.âYouâre back,â he said, and just like that, the tension in his shoulders melted. His eyesâthose deep, storm-touched eyesâlit up like a dawn I could only dream of.I smiled, a real one this time, from somewhere deeper than my bones. I nodded, and before I could say a word, he was already on his feet, wrapping me in his arms.His hug
The second I saw herâher long silver robes flowing like moonlight, her steps slow but full of purposeâI broke composure and ran.âAunt Agatha!âI threw my arms around her before I could stop myself.She felt thinner than I remembered. Her once-strong frame now felt like delicate twigs beneath soft velvet. Her scent was familiar, earthy and warm, but there was something differentâfainter, like a flame struggling to stay lit.She stood stiffly, but her hand reached up and gently patted my hair, the motion careful, calming.âMy little flower,â she murmured.I pulled back just enough to look into her face. Her eyes, once sharp with mischief and magic, were shadowed by fatigue. Her cheeks were hollow, her skin pale beneath the soft lines of age and wisdom.âAunt Agatha, are you alright? You look unwell.ââIâm alright, little flower,â she said with a smile that didnât quite reach her eyes.I didnât believe her. But I nodded anyway.Now wasnât the time to argue.âI need the barrier strengthe
SELENE'S POVEthan is rightânobody is ever truly ready for war.The thought echoed in my mind, sharp and undeniable.His words hadnât just settled inâthey rooted themselves in my chest, heavy and unrelenting. The truth of what was coming was no longer some distant threat. It was here. And it was hungry.But my fear wasnât about war alone.It was about him.My mate.My Ethan.My heart clenched painfully as the image of him flickered in my thoughtsâhis eyes dimmed by something that did not belong to him, his voice edged by a force older than memory. I had felt it myselfâĶ when I touched him. A shadow, ancient and relentless, coiled beneath his skin.And now I understood.Irisâs fear hadnât been overblown or dramaticâit had been real. And now, it was mine too.But there was something elseâĶ something I could control.I could suppress the darkness within himâstill, it, quiet it as a mother calming a violent storm cradled in her childâs soul. I couldnât remove itâĶ not yet. But I could hold i
The moment I swore those words, the air around us snappedâcharged, alive. The wind stirred unnaturally, rustling the trees in a sudden gust. A strange pulse rippled through my chest like a silent drumbeat.Then came the burn.Subtle at firstâlike static crawling beneath my skinâbut it quickly intensified. My breath caught. A pressure built inside me, raw and ancient, tightening around my lungs.But I didnât let go of her.Not yet.I ground my teeth and forced myself to stay calm. I wouldnât show weakness. Not in front of her. Not when she needed my strength.But I felt itâsomething inside me shifting. Unfurling. Watching.A presence that did not belong.I drew in a sharp breath and finally released her, rising to my feet. The earth trembled beneath me, only slightly, but I felt it. Power thrumming just beneath the surface of my skin. My hands were shaking, not from fearâbut from the sheer force of what was clawing its way to the surface.âSelene...â I turned from her, holding out my h
I clenched my fists so tight that my nails dug into my palms. The words came out in a low, jagged rasp, each one heavier than the last. "A force on par with the celestial realm. The maker of the mutated hybrids that terrorized our realm... and the human realm. The dark overlord." The weight of those words seemed to settle over the room, thickening the air, and I could feel my chest tightening as if the mere mention of that name might bring terror to it."Alexander the First," Alpha Lucas completed, his voice colder than usual. His expression matched the gravity of the situation, something I'd seen beforeâa reflection of deep worry masked by controlled composure.But then my gaze turned to Selene, and everything in me stilled. She was sitting there, poised as always, her fingers curled around her teacup with quiet elegance. There was no sign of shock, no flicker of fear, nothing that should've been there when faced with such a threat. She was... calm. Too calm.And then she smiled.It
Natalieâs knock was soft, almost timid. "Your Highness, Alpha Lucas summons you." Her voice pulled me from the wreckage of my thoughts. I stood slowly, my limbs aching, my mind a haze of guilt and regret. The room still reeked of her scentâfaint now, like a ghost clinging to the edges of my soul. I opened the door, and Natalie stood there, her expression tight with worry. Her eyes darted to the blood on my sleeveâI had missed a spot. "Find Claudio," I said quietly. "Tell him to please check up on her." She gave a small nod and turned without a word. I shut the door and leaned against it for a second, exhaling shakily. My heart thudded dully against my ribs. I didnât want to face him. I didnât want to face anyone. Not when my hands had nearly taken everything from me. I dragged myself into the bathroom. The mirror above the sink was crackedâmocking me with jagged reflections. I couldnât even look into my own eyes. I washed my face in silence, scrubbing harder than necessar