DamianI stared, absolutely stunned and amazed, at the tiny village that was nestled within the deep woods. Myra, too, looked around in awe. "Are they all...?" Connor nodded, answering my unfinished question. Myra walked ahead. I saw some women looking at us suspiciously, almost warily, if I dare say. I could understand the reason behind such dubious glances and wary flickers of gazes. They could sense that I am a Royal. All the vampires can sense another's rank if they had one. "Don't worry, they are friends," Connor said aloud, an affable grin slipping on his lips. It was a reassuring smile, a silent promise of assurance. But most of them who had been outside having scurried inside their houses. Connor looked at me apologetically. I stared back impassively. I was still cautious of him. He was the man whose lover I had killed. I would never forget Fredrick's solemn gaze and the deep-seated agony inside. Even if he looked harmless, there was no w

DamianDread coursed through my body as I scanned the entire house. It wasn't even that big, comprising only two floors and an attic. I knew she wasn't here. I couldn't sense her. "Sire, I assume Connor was here. And another person," Andrew said. His voice tight. I clenched my fists. I knew it! I knew he wasn't as honest as he appeared to be. And yet...I threw the nearest thing across the floor. The ornate vase shattered into pieces. "Sire, you must calm down. We need to find Lady Myra." I heard Andrew's tentative tone. He knew my anger could turn ugly and it will when I meet Connor who dared to take my mate. "Sire?" Andrew handed me a letter. "I found it on the mantel," he said. I snatched the letter and tore it open. I was certain it was written by Connor. [Dear Raul,If you have not already guessed it, then let me tell you, I have your mate. I must say that she is feisty. Put up quite a fight. But thanks to my slave

Myra  My eyes darted towards Nora, who had stiffened as well. Her body language conveyed that it was not Connor, and I didn't know whether to be happy about it. And it was then that his scent wafted into my nostrils. Damian. Dread and happiness amalgamated inside me, coiling and wounding around my dead heart.  Nora rushed to the door. I couldn't move an inch, even if I wanted to. "Please, no!" I shouted, but she was out of the door. I tried to rankle the binds but only managed to get nicked by the dagger. It burned the area. I hissed in pain and backed away. I feared the worst because I didn't what Nora could do.  The urge to cry increased. But that would be fruitless, given how I wouldn't be able to cry anymore. The burn on my neck did not even seem to bother me now. I eagerly stared at the doorway, and then I felt myself sag in the chair with relief when Damian entered through the door. Andrew followed him in. My mate's eyes

Damian My threat had its desired effect. She paled, her eyes turned fearful as she staggered back, as if he was about to attack her. "Who-who told you such lies?! I have one no such thing!" My gaze did not waver, but hers averted. Her clenched fists shook with anger. Myra's grip on my arm tightened. "If you haven't then why aren't you looking me in the eye?" I asked.  "For all this time, I have been dwelling on grief and guilt. I have regretted nothing more than the heinous act I had committed. Do you know how many nights? Have roamed the woods, unable to find peace anywhere? How I segregated myself from the lot so that I wouldn't have to face something like that again? Do you?" My voice had risen several octaves with each unanswered question, which is why the silence that followed felt jarring.  "I..." she seemed o be at a loss for words. I could see how her lips had thinned, how her cheeks had paled and how her jaw had tightened.