Semua Bab The Sleeping Heir I Should Have Chosen: Bab 1 - Bab 9

My family's fate was sealed in an ancient war. We saved the lord of the Clare clan. In return, their lord forged an ancient blood pact with my line.Each generation, a woman from my family can choose a mate from the Clare heirs, to birth a hybrid child—one who walks in daylight, blessed with eternal life.When my time came, I didn't hesitate. I chose the eldest son, Evan, who had been in a cursed slumber for a century.Every vampire in the room was in disbelief.After all, everyone knew I'd spent the last few years obsessed with the third son, Julian. It had to be him, or no one.In my last life, I got my wish. I bonded with Julian and helped him seize control of the family's vast biotech empire.But after our union, he started an affair with my adopted sister, Chloe.To punish her for breaking the blood pact, the family exiled Chloe.Julian, however, was convinced I had orchestrated the whole thing. He hated me to his very core.From then on, he kept a string of lovers, and every sing

Julian’s venomous words were still hanging in the air when Chloe chimed in, her voice dripping with poison disguised as honey."Yes, if my sister chooses Lord Evan, she'll be a widow before the wedding gifts are even unwrapped." She gave me a look of fake concern. "And there'll be no one left to even cry for you."I stared at her, my voice cold and flat. "Who I choose is none of your business."Anger flashed in Chloe's eyes, but she hid it in an instant. She clutched her chest and began to cough, sagging against Julian like a frail flower."Cough, cough... I'm sorry. I'm just worried about you, sister," she said, her eyes welling up with tears. "I remember that night at the auction... those rival families ganging up on you. I was terrified they'd draw their silver on Julian..."Her voice grew weaker, as if she might faint at any moment.The guests around us began to murmur with sympathy."That poor child. So fragile, and her own sister treats her so cruelly.""She seems like such a kin

Julian’s smugness was a physical thing, a foul stench in the air. He kept whispering threats, but they were just noise. I tuned him out.I remembered what Lord Alistair had told me in his study—It is best not to reveal your choice before the official announcement.So I just smiled and nodded. "You're right, Julian," I said, playing the part.A triumphant grin spread across his face. He thought he had me, right where he wanted me.He had no idea I was laughing on the inside.Enjoy it while it lasts, Julian. It won't be for long.The birthday banquet officially began. Lord Alistair, over five hundred years old but appearing no older than forty, made his entrance. Such was the power of the ancient bloodlines. His silver hair was perfectly combed, and he wore a black tailcoat, leaning on his signature silver-tipped cane.Everyone bowed. "My Lord."Alistair gave a slight nod and walked directly to me. "Happy birthday, Maggie," he said, offering his hand. "Tonight is your night."I placed

The Blood Bond ritual was set for the next full moon. That gave me two weeks to prepare for the ceremony that would change my life forever.Three days after the party, I was walking through the rose garden at the manor. The sun cast dappled shadows through the leaves, but my mind was anything but peaceful. Julian's crazed screams still echoed in my head."Are you adjusting?"A low voice came from behind me. I turned to see Evan standing a short distance away. He wore a simple black shirt, his silver hair glowing faintly in the afternoon sun."What do you mean?" I asked.He took a few steps closer, his crimson eyes holding a complex mix of emotions. "Since my power has fully awakened, it affects my surroundings," he said, hesitating. "I was worried it might make you uncomfortable."I finally noticed it. Since that night, the flowers in the garden were blooming more vibrantly. There was an energy in the air I couldn't quite name."I'm fine," I said with a small smile. "It actually f

The night of our Blood Bond, candles flickered in the ancient bedroom. I lay in Evan's arms, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest. The power of our bond still hummed through me; I could feel his presence with every beat of my heart. But the images of the past century wouldn't leave my mind."Evan," I began, my voice trembling. "That hundred years... were you really awake the whole time?"His body went still for a moment. "Yes," he said, stroking my hair. His voice was soft. "Every day, every night. I was aware of every second that passed.""It must have been agony," I whispered, my heart aching for him."The first decades were hell," Evan admitted, his voice full of a distant pain. "I was entombed in crystal, unable to move, feeling my life force being siphoned away, drop by drop.""And after that?""After that, I learned to use our magical connection to sense the outside world," his voice grew tender. "Especially the moment you were born."I looked up at him, my eyes fille