All Chapters of Vermillion Haze (Red Riding Hood Series): Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

ZEN RIFTAN It was evening.I had decided to bring the assassin along with me to the meeting, though she wouldn’t be stepping foot inside the pavilion. The topics were too sensitive, and I wasn’t about to let her overhear matters that could put our plans at risk. Instead, I arranged for Lady Stella to keep her entertained. It was the best alternative—I couldn’t have Ruby wandering off and causing problems while I dealt with more important affairs.Inside the pavilion, the Alphas of the continent sat at a vast table, tension thick in the air. Their expressions ranged from hostile to wary, but none of it surprised me. Every leader at this table was only loyal to their own pack, willing to tear each other apart if it meant expanding their power. The only reason they were all here was the treaty.Six years ago, Hector Dreyar and I had forged this alliance, changing the balance of power among the Weres. Before then, it was a bloodbath—Alphas constantly at war, packs torn apart. But when I

"Ruby, I want you to know that not all of us Weres are bad people. There might be some who had the chance to consume human flesh, but there are other packs like mine who doesn't. And so does the Phantomcrescents. I want you to know that the man who is chasing for your hand is a good man and he will never hurt you."Her words played inside my mind a million times. I sat there, unsure of what to say.True, that the ordeal between the Weres and Humans has been impossible to resolve. Or rather, I shall say: never going to be resolved."Thank you so much for your kind words, Lady Stella. I keep that in mind." There was silence between us. "By the way, Lady Stella, would you mind to tell me what you did when your husband, an Alpha, revealed to you that you were his mate?""Not at all." She smiled. I made myself comfortable while listening to her mellow voice."I was an omega." She told me. "I work on the farm and one day

ZEN RIFTANI had left Ruby to the doctor to mend her wounds.I wiped the blood that dried on my cheek with a cloth. Hector drew near and shook his head while clicking his tongue, "Tsk, tsk, tsk. This gathering was a disaster.""I shouldn't have come here. Every year, this gathering of yours always turns out like this.""Last year wasn't so bad." he pouted and sighed. "How is Ruby doing?""I don't know." I didn't know that she was in danger a while ago.When we were in the meeting, a servant barged inside and told us of the terrible attack. The conference was immediately canceled and the involved Alphas rushed into the scene itself, including me.Had that servant not told us, we would've not escalated the situation in time.Panic clouded my soul as I made my way to meet the woman. I knew how destructive she could be, when triggered. She would not hesitate to bring down anyone that pisses her off. He

"Your carriage has been prepared outside, Lord Riftan."He stood up and adjusted his coat before turning his gaze to me. I grabbed our bags and slung the other strap over my shoulder."Are you all set?" he asked, his eyes scanning me briefly.I nodded, giving him a thumbs-up. "Yeah, I'm all good to go.""Give me that bag.""What?" I glanced down at it. "Oh, this? It's fine. These are my things. I'll carry it.""Give it to me," he insisted, holding out his hand. "I'll carry it for you."I sighed in defeat and handed him the bag. "Don't peek inside, okay?""Of course I wouldn't."We left the inn and headed downstairs. Near the entrance, our carriage stood ready, the same navigator from before waving in acknowledgment. I returned the gesture, since Riftan, as usual, was too cold to do so.Dreyar, Stella, and her husband, Zephyl, were also waiting at the entrance."Ruby!" Stella called out with a bright smile.

It had been days, and my wounds were healing. Linda’s herbal medicine was truly magnificent. I rolled my arm, testing the pain. A dull pang remained. Not fully healed yet.Riftan was busy today, leaving me free to explore. I turned to Linda, who was preparing snacks. “Anywhere entertaining around here?”“Yeah.” she gestured toward a barren tree in the distance. “That used to be a plum tree. Riftan wouldn’t let us cut it.”“A tree was important to him?” I squinted at it. Lifeless, no leaves or blossoms.Linda’s expression softened as she stared at the tree.“Lin?”She blinked, shaking her head. “Sorry.”I frowned. “Something on your mind?”She hesitated, then smiled. “Just remembering the last time it blossomed.”I leaned in, “Tell me.”She sighed, “When Lord Riftan was young, I saw hi