Chapter 11

Kieran's public refusal to marry Seraphina sent shockwaves through the vampire community.But he didn't care.He clutched the Blood Moon necklace and the newly made ring, ready to board his private jet to Los Angeles."My Lord! Bad news!" His second-in-command, Ryan, drenched in sweat, rushed over, thrusting a tablet into his hand. "Latest news from Los Angeles… the Ashford family just released an announcement."On the screen was a high-definition photo.Lucian Ashford had his arm around Aurora's waist. They stood beneath a sky ablaze with fireworks.Aurora, in a red dress, wore a genuine smile – one Kieran hadn't seen in a very long time.The headline read: "Ashford Family Head Lucian and Beloved Aurora to Wed.""Beloved… wedding…"Kieran's hands trembled.The word "wedding" seared his eyes like a brand."Impossible! She's mine! How dare she marry someone else!"As the words left his lips, Kieran's shadow energy erupted uncontrollably.The glass in the VIP lounge shattered instantly.

Chapter 12

Los Angeles, Ashford Manor.The oppressive atmosphere of Nocturne castle was absent here. Even though it was designed to block out light all day, the interior felt remarkably airy.I sat on a garden swing, idly swinging my legs."What are you thinking about?" Lucian walked over, handing me a cup of coffee. "They say it's a new blend. Care to try some?""I was thinking... this all feels too unreal." I took it, took a sip, my eyes sparkling. "It's delicious!"His indulgent gaze made me feel a little shy."I just felt like I might be bothering you too much. I assumed you took me in because of my perfumery skills. But you haven't asked for any formulas, and now you're asking me to pretend to provoke Kieran."Lucian smiled. He crouched before me, his eyes, usually teasing and like peach blossoms, were now brimming with deep affection."Aurora, did you honestly believe I took you in just to provoke that insufferable fool?"He took my hand, and when I didn't pull away, he raised it to his lip

Chapter 13

"I know the truth. Seraphina lied to me. I caught her. Please… come to me."Seeing my silence, Kieran spoke again. "I’m sorry. I shouldn't have treated you that way. When we get back, you can punish me however you please. Don't marry him. He’s not good enough for you!"The noble Lord showed genuine caution for the first time.But looking at him now, I felt only disgust, not pity.His arrival plunged the ceremony into chaos.Guests screamed and scrambled from their seats."You're insane, Kieran," I said coldly from the altar, facing him."I'm not going with you. Today is my wedding day. If you still have feelings for me, you shouldn't ruin my happiness."But Kieran's eyes turned red at my words."Are you really going to marry him? Aurora, do you know I’ve been going out of my mind missing you every single second?"Kieran made a sharp gesture, and the shadow domain instantly expanded, plunging the entire church into darkness.Everyone but me was frozen in the gloom. Even Lucian was held

Chapter 14

The private jet's engines roared above the clouds, like the guttural growls of a trapped beast.The cabin was ridiculously opulent, a testament to the Nocturne family's power.But to me, it was just a flying cage.Kieran sat across from me. Seeing my unyielding expression, he let out a sigh, then insisted,"Aurora, have you forgotten all the good times we had? You've only known Lucian for a few days. How could you possibly be falling for him already? You must be angry with me."His eyes, once so proud and cold, were now filled with a desperate kind of madness."Look at me, Aurora." Kieran's voice trembled slightly. He gripped my shoulders, trying to break the suffocating silence. "Today is our anniversary, the first day we met. I've remembered it for the past five years. I've never told you… I fell for you the moment I saw you. Let's get our marriage license. We can make this anniversary permanent."I turned my head away, looking out at the pitch-black night sky, not even sparing him a

Chapter 15

It turned out Kieran wouldn't let go.Even with the Ashford fleet surrounding the island, he'd unleashed a forbidden family spell, the Shadow Veil, to seal the entire place within its own pocket dimension.This island, he'd told me, was his five-year anniversary gift.He guided me gently through the villas, his voice soft. "Do you like it? If Seraphina hadn't suddenly woken up, I would have given this to you ages ago."The island's mansions were stunning, each corner crafted from dreams I had once scribbled in my diary. The garden bloomed with my favorite white roses, and the walk-in closet overflowed with the latest designer gowns.Before, I would have been ecstatic. Now, I simply watched Kieran in silence.He didn't get angry, as if my presence had erased everything that had happened before.For the next few days, Kieran acted like a man possessed. Every morning, he cooked for me, then sat across from me at the table, smiling as he sliced my steak. It was as if we were a devoted coup

Chapter 16

The wedding in Los Angeles was more than a ceremony; it was a coronation, a declaration of the Ashford family's ascent.My arrival, with my perfume expertise, quickly gave the Ashfords dominance in the high-end blood market.The Nocturne family, weakened by Kieran's severe injury and decline, saw their power plummet. Many allied families switched their allegiance.The once mighty Shadow Lord had become a joke in vampire circles.But Kieran didn't seem to care.He dismissed all his servants, even letting go of his loyal butler and his second-in-command, Ryan.He retreated to the rebuilt New York mansion.Before, he would always work here, and Aurora would bring him a cup of hot coffee. She would sit quietly in a corner, keeping him company.Back then, he found her presence irritating. He complained her coffee wasn't bitter enough, that her presence disturbed his thoughts.Now, the only sound in the house was the wind."Aurora..."He murmured to the empty room.Footsteps approached outsi