Semua Bab ELDER'S BLOOD : Bab 101 - Bab 105

After dinner, Corrine and I sat in the living room talking about her first pregnancy. The house was quiet. Vanda had gone to the study, Ben had returned home to Serena, and even with guards outside, it felt like we were the only ones for miles. The warm lamplight and the crackling fire calmed my mind. I listened to Corrine’s stories until she got to her labor. She said she was too tired to finish but promised she’d tell me the rest tomorrow.I walked her to the stairs and wished her goodnight. She kissed my forehead with a smile that crinkled her eyes, then went up to her guest room.It had been a long time since my real mother kissed me goodnight, but Corrine’s kiss brought the memory back. Mother used to tuck Serena in first, then come to my room, check the window, close the curtains, kiss my hairline, tell me to sleep well, and leave the door cracked just enough for light.I held the stair railing until I heard Corrine’s door close. I put out the fire, fluffed the pillows on the co

Elena's point of view I spot Ineo slouched on Rosa's couch, shirtless and coated in bruises—some patched, some still dripping blood. His shoulder is a mess of purple, green, and red. When he sees me, he gives Corbin a hard, disapproving stare.I’m at Vanda’s side in a heartbeat. Others—men and women alike—move around the room, tending to wounded warriors. Rosa must’ve called for help.“I told him not to get you,” Vanda says, voice worn and a little rough.He holds a cloth in his hand; I take it and dab at the sweat clinging to his brow. “Where’s Rosa?”He nods toward the back room.I don’t realize how badly my hand is shaking until Vanda reaches up and folds it gently in his. I continue wiping his forehead.“I hate seeing you like this but—”“I told Corbin—”“But,” I cut in, “that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be here to help you.”“I can handle it. I would’ve been home soon.”Rosa returns with a large bowl. “Luna,” she greets shortly, then starts lathering Vanda’s shoulder with a thi