41. Threats

Valentin never came back.I found it difficult to sleep that night. Every time I managed to close my eyes, I saw his expression all over again. The fear.Who was Lord Baron?I asked myself that question until the sun peeked through the gap between the curtains. Eventually, I gave up on sleep.I pushed myself out of bed and stepped into the hallway, rubbing the tiredness from my eyes. The castle was quiet as I made my way downstairs, the air cold.When I reached the dining room, I found Emmett and Rafe already seated at the table.They also looked like they had been awake for hours.Emmett glanced up at me. "Good morning.""Is it?" I asked.He smiled. "Fair point."I pulled out a chair and sat down next to him and across from Rafe."Where's Valentin?"Neither of them answered immediately. That made my stomach tighten."He still hasn't come back," Emmett finally said.I looked towards the doorway. "I'm worried."Rafe watched me quietly, his expression unreadable. Emmett placed his softe

Last Updated : 2026-09-22

42. Arrival

I had to take another shower, mostly because I was hesitating to step out of the bathroom after my conversation with Rafe.Eventually, I had no choice but to get out.When I finally left the bathroom, I kept my eyes on the floor as I walked towards them. I wasn't ready to look at him. I wasn't even sure I wanted to look at Emmett.Luckily, I didn't have to. As I stepped back into the dining room, Duke was walking in as well. Elena stepped in behind him, a pile of dresses in her arms.She looked gorgeous in a silk red dress that hugged her curved frame. Gold heels made her slightly taller than me, and her hair was tied in a neat bun. Gold earrings and bracelets adorned her.Elena gave a quick greeting to my Chosens, whom I still refused to look at, and walked straight to me."We need to get you ready." She glanced down at the dresses. "Your shoes are buried somewhere under this pile."We made our way to the bedroom, and she set the dresses down on the bed. It took a while for us to agr

Last Updated : 2026-09-30

43. The conference

The conference room was almost full when we entered.A large platform had been set up at the front of the room, with several chairs arranged across it. A long table sat behind them, covered with microphones and nameplates.At the very back, a camera crew stood behind their equipment.One of the cameras was already recording as we walked in, facing us.Live.My stomach tightened. This wasn't some private meeting between the Voss family and a few journalists. The entire country, maybe the world, was watching.Humans filled the seats closest to the platform. Journalists occupied most of the front rows, with cameras and microphones ready.Behind them, the room had been divided almost perfectly in half.Werewolves on one side. Vampires, on the other.As it's always been.Emmett guided me toward the platform as the more people entered the room and sat down. Rafe followed closely behind.We took our seats, the twins sitting on either side of me.I had never felt so surrounded.The room slowl

Last Updated : 2026-10-05

44. Open wounds

It was a quiet ride back to the castle.I sat between Emmett and Rafe in the back seat, my eyes on the road in front of us. Valentin rode beside the driver. I kept replaying the conference in my head. I wondered if Aunt Sarah had watched it from wherever she was.Maya as well. I bet she had a lot of questions. I could already see her wiping the tables at the restaurant slowly, something she always did when filled with confusion.My eyes moved to Valentin. I wondered how much he knew about the fifty humans like me. Were they still alive? Where did they live? What kind of lives did they choose for themselves?Did they even get to choose?Rafe's warm hand landed on my thigh, snapping me from my thoughts. I looked up at him in confusion."We're here," he said blankly. I looked outside the window, finally noticing that the car had stopped in front of the castle."What are you thinking about so much?" Emmett placed his hand on my other thigh. "You don't have to worry so much anymore.""Rea

Last Updated : 2026-10-08

45. Staying

I ran after Valentin.I wasn't sure whether he wanted me to. After what had happened with Rafe, I probably should have given him space, but watching him walk away with that look on his face made it impossible to just sit there.I found him at the end of the hallway, standing beside one of the tall windows overlooking the lake.His back was turned toward me as I stepped closer to him. For a few seconds, I didn't say anything. Neither did he."Valentin." I said softly.His shoulders relaxed slightly. "I'm sorry, darling."I frowned. "For what?" "For losing my temper.""You were hurt.""That's no excuse for my behavior."I shook my head. "It's not, but Rafe shouldn't have pushed you like that."His jaw tightened. I moved beside him and looked out through the window. The golden afternoon sun cast ripples of silver in the lake. A swan floated slowly on the water, its head tucked against its body.I thought about what Rafe had asked. About the previous Jewel.I hesitated. "Valentin?"He f

Last Updated : 2026-10-12

46. Peaceful mornings

The first thing I noticed when I woke up the next morning was the unusual warmth surrounding me.The second was the arm resting around my waist.I couldn't help but smile even before I opened my eyes, recognizing the familiar pine scent of Emmett's skin. My cheek was resting against his chest, and one of his legs was tangled with mine beneath the sheets.I didn't remember falling asleep like this.Then again, I hadn't exactly been thinking about sleeping arrangements when I'd finally gone to bed last night.I remembered the argument. Valentin's anger, Rafe's apology, and the way my heart had ached at the thought of any of them leaving.I tightened my arm around Emmett's middle, just a little. They stayed. All of them."You're awake."My eyes opened.Emmett was looking down at me, his chin resting against the top of my head. His expression was so peaceful that, for a moment, I wondered how long he'd been awake."How long have you been staring at me?" I asked."I can't say it without so

Last Updated : 2026-10-20