Chapter eleven: The gate that should not fall

The capital was already screaming when we rode through the gates. Smoke rose from the outer districts in thick black columns. Bells rang without stopping. People ran through the streets with children clutched in their arms and whatever they could carry. I kept close to Kairos as we pushed through the chaos toward the main wall. His face was set like stone but his hand stayed locked around mine until we reached the base of the stairs. A captain met us there, face streaked with dirt and blood, breathing hard. “My emperor, they hit the eastern section first. The creatures are climbing the walls. We are losing men too fast.” Kairos’s voice came out hard and flat. “How many breaches?” “Two small ones so far. We sealed them but more are coming. The main force is still approaching from the west.” I stepped forw

Last Updated : 2026-08-04

Chapter twelve: The price of my blood

Selene walked back into the throne room like she owned the air we breathed.The court had gathered after the worst of the night attack. Smoke still clung to clothes and hair. People looked exhausted and afraid. I stood at Kairos’s side on the raised platform, my hand resting lightly on the arm of his chair. Every muscle in my body stayed tight.The doors opened. Selene entered alone. She looked different. Her skin held a faint dark shimmer, like something under it was moving. Her eyes glowed with the same wrong light I had seen in the creatures.Whispers started immediately.Kairos rose slowly. “You disappeared during the attack. Explain yourself.”Selene smiled. It did not reach her eyes. “I was working to save this empire, my emperor. I found a way to close one of the smaller rifts. The one threatening the eastern farms.”“Speak clearly.”“The rift responds to phoenix blood.” Her gaze slid to me and stayed there. “Her blood. A small amount would be enough. I can perform the sealing

Last Updated : 2026-08-05

Chapter thirteen: The traitor's confession

I set the trap knowing it might cost me Kairos’s trust all over again.Varen met me in the lower corridor just after the second bell. His face was grim.“He took the bait,” he said. “General Rhelan left the eastern barracks twenty minutes ago. He is heading for the old wine cellars exactly like the message promised.”“You are sure no one followed him?”“I am sure. My men are watching the other exits. If this goes wrong we both burn for it.”“Then it will not go wrong.”We moved quickly through the servant passages. The cellars smelled of damp stone and old oak. A single oil lamp burned near the far wall. General Rhelan stood there with his back to us, speaking in a low voice to a shadow that was not a person.“She is getting harder to reach,” he said. “The emperor keeps her too close. If we wait much longer the rifts will take the city before we can feed them.”I stepped into the light. “Looking for me, General?”He spun. His hand went to his sword. Varen was already behind him with a

Last Updated : 2026-08-05

All Chapters of CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA HEIR: Chapter 11 - Chapter 13

Chapter eleven: The gate that should not fall

Chapter twelve: The price of my blood

Chapter thirteen: The traitor's confession