Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 51 - Chapitre 60

NINAIt had been two weeks locked away in the bedroom, and just as he’d promised, he did it. We spent nearly the entire day joined to each other, and with every time, I felt myself changing—growing closer, as if he had become a part of me.Shabat and Iamem would come quickly to bring a meal, and as soon as I finished eating, Eros would feed from me while we mated. It turned into an endless cycle.Right now, I’m in the bath. The two shadow maids are washing me gently, even scattering flower petals across the water. I know a celebration is waiting for us outside. We’re heading straight to the Blood Crown festival—the one Eros has been so eager for, where he’ll be officially declared to have reached full maturity.I know I’ll be bitten in front of everyone, and I still feel a chill in my stomach, but it’s an eager kind of chill. I no longer have any fear of him.“You look radiant, my lady. Happiness glows from your skin,” Iamem says as she rubs the petals along my legs, letting the light

EROSI’ve waited for this day for so long, and when it finally arrived, I couldn’t have imagined how it would feel. I was taking part in the coming-of-age ritual with my mate—something that had never happened before with an adult male. Because of that, the ceremony would be doubled.I knew I had to honor the traditions for claiming my mate. And hers would take place today, right here. One single ceremony to strengthen our bond even further. I only hoped the shadow maids had explained Nina’s part to her. The last thing I wanted was for her to be frightened—not now, when we were finally starting to get along so well.Even I couldn’t have pictured this. We get along, despite the occasional little spats. She’s an incredible female. In these past days, beyond mating in the bedroom, I took her to the cave and to the lake. That’s how it went—I’d carry us there with my power, and when we were done, I’d bring us back. I loved this ability of mine, and I loved knowing she enjoyed it too.After

EROSA wave of pleasure surges through me as I watch the mark forming on my mate—it’s an intensely satisfying sensation, both to witness and to feel. A complete bond.I wait patiently, still on one knee, letting each minute pass until her mark climbs up her neck, just like mine. The marks are identical; hers is the mirror of mine.“It burns,” she complains as I see the pattern emerge near her shoulder.“It’ll pass soon,” I reply with a smile.I lift my gaze and spot Adrian holding his goblet. In that instant, I realize he hasn’t poured all of my mate’s blood onto me. He smirks, dips a finger into the goblet, and brings it to his mouth, tasting her—tasting her blood. Rage explodes inside me, massive and blinding.Adrian is threatening me in front of everyone, showing that if she wanted him, he could take her from me. I rise in pure hatred, eyes locked on his face, breathing ragged.Before the mark on my mate’s back has even finished forming, I lunge at him, slamming him to the ground w

NINAI can’t hide how excited I am to finally see the village I’ve spent days watching from afar. Eros chose a green dress for me, embroidered with tiny stones along the hem. The neckline is modest, the sleeves reach my elbows, and on my feet, a pair of low slippers adorned with the same delicate gems.“Ready?” he asks as soon as I step out of the bathroom.“Yes,” I answer, practically bouncing with anticipation.He pulls me into his arms, looks into my eyes, and in an instant we’re transported outside the castle, right at the beginning of the village. I draw in a deep breath, feeling the thrill rush through my body. He lifts my hand and presses a soft kiss to my fingers.“Once I sort out a few things back at the castle, I’ll take you somewhere else to explore. You can choose wherever you want.” I beam at him.“Thank you.”With his arm securely around my waist, Eros guides me down the white stone path. The vampires recognize us immediately, but they don’t approach—just offer slight no

EROSI remain in the presence of the males of the house. Nina’s brothers continue eating, while her father watches me. I can sense he wants to talk to me, but he doesn’t know how to begin.“Sir, would you mind stepping outside with me for a moment?” I open the conversation. He sets his spoon down on the table and sighs, as though an enormous weight rests on his shoulders.“Of course. But let’s not disturb the women. Leave them in the back—we’ll go to the front.”I nod and stand, leaving the bottle of blood on the table. The brothers keep eating, but I know they’re paying close attention to everything, ears tuned in.Once we’re outside the house and have walked a few steps away, he finally stops and turns to face me.“Here is fine. We can talk.”“I had a feeling you wanted to speak with me. Go ahead.” My voice is calm. I don’t want any trouble—not more than we’ve already had.“I’d like to know… when do you plan to turn my daughter into one of you? So I can know how much time we still h