Chapter 21

"The blood price!" Nightshade screamed, slashing her wrists and flinging her ancient blood toward the First's partially materialised form. "Take my essence and complete your crossing!" But something unexpected happened. Where Nightshade's blood should have strengthened the ritual, it sizzled and evaporated upon contact with the expanding field of light from the crown. The First's materialisation halted, its form flickering like a faulty projection. "More!" it demanded, rage distorting its ancient features. "I need more power!" Evangeline stepped from the shadows where she had been orchestrating events from a distance. "Sister," she called to Nightshade, her voice cold with calculation, "the Royal blood would be more potent."

Last Updated : 2025-10-07

Chapter 22

"You knew?" I asked, surprised. "He asked for my blessing last night," Kenny confirmed with a slight smirk. "Very traditional. I appreciate that in the man who wants to marry my little sister." Maison shrugged, his arm still firmly around my waist. "Royal bloodline or not, some protocols are worth honouring." Kenny's expression softened. "Father would approve. Mother too." He straightened, his manner shifting subtly to the more formal bearing he'd adopted since his return. "But as much as I hate to interrupt this moment, there are matters that require our attention." I sighed, reluctantly disentangling myself from Maison's embrace. "What's happened?"

Last Updated : 2025-10-08

Chapter 23

A surprised laugh escaped me. "Not exactly. But I am very happy to meet you." Alpha Logan approached cautiously, his expression carefully neutral as he addressed the group. "You're seeking sanctuary?" An older man stepped forward, clearly the informal leader of their makeshift pack. "The Moon Roses began appearing three days ago, following paths none of us recognised. Then last night, during the eclipse, we all had the same dream, a vision of returning home." His weathered face revealed both hope and apprehension. "We heard rumours that the Royal bloodlines had been restored, that balance was returning. We had to see for ourselves." "It's true," I confirmed, rising to face the group. "The territories are being reestablished, but not as they were before. We're c

Last Updated : 2025-10-09

Chapter 24

Luna Mara nodded in agreement. "The old texts speak of the Center Garden as the heart of the territories. It's where the monarchs would gather quarterly to renew their commitments to balance." "We should plant it tomorrow," Matthias said decisively. "During the waxing moon. Eclipse says the timing is significant." I glanced at my youngest brother, still occasionally startled by the wisdom that flowed through him. "Will the factions agree to our presence on disputed land?" "They already have," Maison said, entering with Jackson. Both looked tired but satisfied. "Word of the cardinal gardens has spread. The faction leaders are requesting, not demanding, requesting, that we establish the Centre Garden as soon as possible."

Last Updated : 2025-10-10

Chapter 25

I woke to soft morning light and Maison watching me, his expression tender. "Good dreams?" he asked, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "The best kind," I murmured, leaning into his touch. "It passed so quickly. I've heard a mated wolf's first heat can last days." "It wasn't just any heat," Maison explained, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my skin. "The Unity fruits completed what our bodies began. What would normally take days happened in a single night." I placed my hand over my abdomen, still marveling at the tiny spark of life now growing within me. "She's really there. Our daughter." Maison nodded, his eyes bright with emotion. "The heir to both our bloodlines, conceived under the Tree's blessing." His expression gr

Last Updated : 2025-10-11

Chapter 26

Maison's hand covered mine, his warmth reassuring. "She'll know. We'll make sure of it." Sleep came easier than I expected, my dreams filled with gardens and laughter, children running through moonlit paths without fear or constraint. The next two days passed in a whirlwind of preparation. The Center Garden expanded daily, new growth responding to the energy of the Tree of Unity. Secondary gardens throughout the territories reported similar flourishing, creating a network of balanced power that could be felt even by those without supernatural sensitivity. Representatives from distant factions arrived hourly, drawn by the spreading influence of the gardens and news of the upcoming ceremony. Vampires from European covens, were-creatures from Asian territories, fae from remote islands, all con

Last Updated : 2025-10-12