Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 31 - Chapitre 40

EROS I grin wide, pull her neck toward me, and hear her blood racing through her veins. She closes her eyes. I let my fangs extend. Her scent overwhelms me. I grip her waist hard so she can’t escape, run my nose along her soft skin, searching for the perfect vein. When I find it, I drive my fangs in, tearing flesh and tasting her blood for the first time. “Hummm—” she moans in pain the instant I lock in. I tighten my hold on her waist and suck slowly, feeling her blood flood my mouth, filling me with immense pleasure. She spreads her wings, squirming in my lap, hands pressing against my chest like she wants to push me away. I wrap my free arm around her body. I draw again—and again—feeling her blood course through me in a way that’s electric, alive. She stops moaning in pain and the second phase begins—the one I have to fight like hell not to give in to. The hybrid starts grinding in my lap, rocking back and forth. My hand slides down her thigh, caressing upward under the fabric,

NINA I descend the stairs slowly, paying attention to every sound around me. Music still plays not far off, reminding me that even after everything, they keep having fun. During the days I’ve spent here, I’ve noticed music is a constant—both inside and outside the castle, especially at night. It’s hard to believe so much has happened in such a short time: I got married, tried to escape, was caught, saw the lake, received a kiss from Eros, and by late afternoon we nearly mated. Now the moon shines high in the sky; I can see it through the corridor windows—so beautiful and full. I keep walking toward the kitchen. When I arrive, it’s empty, of course. They don’t eat real food; only I do in this place. I open the cupboards looking for something and find only bread and fruit. What do they think I am, to survive on just this? I need to talk to Eros. If this keeps up, I’ll end up weak and anemic. I need grains, cereals, and meat—of course I do. I love meat. I sit at the table and nibbl

NINA I open the bedroom door, and the moment I step inside, I find Eros on his knees, elbows on the floor. He’s moaning in pain; his body is trembling as he arches his back. I rush over and drop to my knees in front of him. “Eros, you—” I don’t finish. His hand clamps around my throat, hard. His eyes are clouded, grayish-black, like he’s somewhere far away, and dark veins begin spreading across his face. “Eros. Eros, it’s me,” I choke out, slapping at his arm. He shakes his head as if fighting something inside, then releases me and digs his nails into the floor. “Lock the door, hybrid. Lock it and don’t let anyone in,” he gasps in agony. I scramble to the door, still shaken, shut it, and slide the bolt. When I turn back, what I see terrifies me. His nails lengthen and sink into the stone like sharp blades; his ears grow pointed; his fangs elongate. He’s starting to scare me. “What’s happening?” I ask, afraid of the answer. He fixes his pitch-black eyes on me. “Your blood is t

EROS I knew the transformation would hurt. I just didn’t know it would hurt this much. It felt like my body was being torn apart, every bone shattering. But the wings… those were the worst. I don’t know if hiding them and pulling them back inside me will hurt again every time, and I hope it’s not this agonizing pain whenever I want them out. It’s been years since I last came to Mount Harrn. Even as a bat, it takes at least four hours to fly here from the castle. I used to come here to think, to clear my head. With the sun high in the sky, there was no way I could get home. The last time I came, I burned myself badly (not a little). That’s why my mother forbade me from returning. With time, I forgot about it. I watch the warm light creeping toward my feet—the tiny rays of sun that could kill me, kill all my people. I lift my gaze to the hybrid… The thought that she might bring this freedom to future generations, to my children, that we could be the beginning of a new race—it make

NINA The minutes turn into hours, and every new landscape I see makes it all feel worth it. No one looked at me strangely, though no one approached either. I was lost in my own world of thoughts, admiring the sea and the sky. “We’re arriving,” a male announces loudly so everyone can hear. I grip the wood tightly and brace myself for docking. I’ve arrived, and I still can’t believe I’m so far from home. The jolt nearly knocks me over, but I smile, excited. The gangplank is lowered so everyone can disembark. The others are lively, chatting and making plans, while I carefully step down the wooden plank, paying close attention. Even though I could fly away from here, I want to feel everything around me, just like everyone else. “Watch out!” I hear a male voice, but before I can turn, someone crashes into me. I lose my balance and fall backward off the plank into the seawater. I surface quickly, spitting out water and pushing my hair back. I open my eyes and see everyone staring. I w