All Chapters of SHADOW OF THE PAST: THE CURSED ALPHA: Chapter 201 - Chapter 210

JADE’S POVThe first light of dawn painted the sky gold and pink when I stepped out of the villa.The air was cool and heavy with fog. The scent of pine and morning dew filled my lungs.Hardin and Alvina were already waiting for me near the gate. Both of them looked serious, ready for battle.Hardin tightened his gloves. “We leave now or never. The storm around the valley is growing.”I nodded. “Let’s go.”As we walked through the quiet path, no one spoke for a while. The forest seemed alive, whispering, and watching.Finally, Alvina broke the silence.“We’ll cross the River of Shadows, right?”“Yes,” I said, eyes forward. “It’s the only way into Melanie’s domain.”Hardin frowned. “That river’s cursed. They say whoever looks into the water sees their deepest fear.”“I’m not afraid,” I said firmly. “Not anymore.”He looked at me, half-smiling. “You really have changed, Jade.”“Maybe,” I said softly. “Or maybe I’ve just stopped running from what I am.”The path narrowed as we moved deep

JADE’S POVThe red light was blinding when we stepped through the door.For a moment, I couldn’t see anything. The air was hot and heavy, thick with the smell of smoke and roses.Then the light faded, and we were standing inside a huge hall made of black stone. Flames burned in golden bowls on each side, and at the far end stood a tall throne carved from crystal and bone.And sitting on it… was Melanie.Her red dress shimmered like liquid fire. Her silver hair fell in waves over her shoulders, and her crimson lips curved into a wicked smile.“Welcome,” she said softly, her voice echoing across the hall. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t make it, Jade.”I stared at her coldly. “I’m not here for games, Melanie. Where is Kieran?”Melanie’s eyes sparkled. “Straight to the point. How very unlike you.”Hardin stepped beside me, hand on his sword. “Don’t waste our time. Bring him out and also my sworn brothers. I fact every of your prisoners”Melanie chuckled. “Ah, Hardin. Still so loya

JADE’S POVThe night was silent, too silent for comfort.We stood before the mouth of the tunnel, a black hole beneath the roots of the dead forest. A cold wind blew from within, carrying the stench of blood and burnt ash.Hardin sniffed the air and growled. “This is it.”Kieran nodded. “Stay close. The tunnel’s full of traps.”Alvina’s silver eyes gleamed faintly in the dark. “Melanie doesn’t want anyone getting in… or out.”I swallowed hard. “Then we’ll make her regret underestimating us.”Kieran gave me a faint smirk before stepping forward. His body glowed faintly gold, the air trembling around him as his power spread through the walls.He snapped his fingers. “Watch your step.”The ground shook suddenly BOOM! — and sharp spikes shot from the earth where we had just been standing.Hardin whistled. “Nice catch.”Kieran replied, “Told you, traps.”We moved carefully, one step at a time. The air grew thicker as we went deeper. Strange whispers echoed through the tunnel, like ghosts c

JADE’S POVThe air in the villa felt strangely heavy when we returned from Melanie’s fortress. Everyone was tired, wounded, and quiet. But my heart still raced, not because of the fight we escaped, but because of my son walking beside me.Manuel.My son.My heart.He didn’t look at me once during the whole journey back. Not a word. Not even when I tried to hold his hand.When we entered the living room, I froze.Metatron was already there, standing near the fireplace, his long white robe flowing like mist. His eyes were calm yet sharp met mine.“Father…” I whispered, surprised.He smiled faintly. “Welcome back, Jade. You’ve seen what Melanie has become.”Kieran stepped forward quickly. “Metatron, you knew she’d appear, didn’t you?”Metatron nodded slowly. “Yes. I felt her presence before you did.”Hardin crossed his arms. “Then why didn’t you warn us?”“Because some battles must be fought,” Metatron said. “Even if you’re not ready.”Kieran exhaled and nodded in agreement, though his e

JADE’S POVMorning light spilled through the curtains when I heard a knock on my door.“Come in,” I said, brushing my hair.Alvina walked in with her usual calm smile. “You look tired, Jade.”I sighed. “I am. Manuel barely speaks to me anymore. It’s like he’s someone else.”She sat beside me. “I’ve noticed it too. His behavior isn’t normal.”I looked at her hopefully. “You have an idea, don’t you?”Alvina’s lips curved slightly. “Actually, yes. Maybe it’s time we make him realize what he’s losing.”I frowned a little. “What do you mean?”“I mean jealousy,” she said. “Sometimes, when someone doesn’t value what they have, you make them think they’ve lost it.”I blinked. “Jealousy? How can I make my own son jealous?”She smiled mysteriously. “By giving your affection to someone else. There’s a little girl I know, her name is Shirley. Sweet, bright, and smart. I can invite her to stay here for a while. You can treat her kindly in front of Manuel. It might make him realize how much he trul