Claimed by the Apex Alphas
Chapter 17: The Curse of the Crimson Hunt
“A crown is not a shield, Mira. It is a beacon. And now, every monster in the dark knows exactly where you are.”
The silver light of the crown faded, settling into a steady, pulsing hum against my brow.
I stood in the center of the vault, my chest heaving, my heart pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird trying to claw its way out. The crown felt heavy—not physically, but spiritually. It pressed against my skull, a constant, humming weight that vibrated in time with my heartbeat. The power was intoxicating, but it was also terrifying. I could feel the blood of a hundred generations whispering in my ears.