Fantasy Gifts Blackwood Novels & Stories

The Doris in the photograph wore the same gentle smile, probably calling me an idiot. As I turned away, my hand brushed against an old wooden box on the table. Inside was something Stella had arranged to send me before her death, paying a guard a small fortune to get it delivered. It was a pair of bloodstained, gold-rimmed glasses and a note written in bold, flowing handwriting. [Mark, may you live forever in this rotten world.] I pulled out a lighter and set the paper on fire. I watched as the words curled into ash, then tossed the burned note and the broken glasses into the trash can beside me.

The broad lawn overlooked the gardens, with winding paths leading toward the estate. I could already imagine guests gathering there instead of being confined to the entrance hall. "I prefer this." "So do I." Nathaniel made another note. "We'll begin preparing the grounds next week." He slid a final sheet toward me. "The welcome gifts." I glanced down. Small carvings. Local preserves. Handwoven scarves. Everything had been produced within Blackwood. I smiled. "You remembered." "You asked that the Summit reflect the people of Blackwood." "I did." "Then it seemed appropriate that every guest leave with something made by Blackwood hands."

Despite his age, his presence remained commanding, carrying the weight of the entire Blackwood empire. The entire room rose to its feet in respect. "Happy Birthday, Grandpa!" One by one, members of the Blackwood family stepped forward to present their carefully prepared, extravagant gifts. Rare paintings, antique jade, vintage wines, and luxury watches—each offering drew polite murmurs and applause from the crowd. When it was Adrian's turn, he gently guided Celeste toward the stage. "Grandpa." Adrian bowed respectfully, presenting an exquisitely carved wooden box. "I wish you many more years of health and happiness."

She was looking for a specific section: The History of the Northern Coast. She found it near the back of the room, tucked away in a corner where the shadows were deepest. She ran her fingers over the books until she found a thick volume with a dark blue cover. It was labeled with the Blackwood family crest—a silver tree with deep roots. When she pulled the book from the shelf, it felt lighter than the others. She laid it on a reading table and opened the cover.

"This is for you." Inside lay an old, blood-red pendant that gave off an eerie glow. "This is..." "A family tradition," Julian said, his voice rising to draw the attention of those nearby. "This pendant is a gift for the future lady of the Blackwood family. The style is a bit dated, but I'm sure you'll like it." I stared at the pendant. In my past life, Julian had given me the same thing, and I had been moved to tears. I only learned later it was one of the cheapest trinkets from the family vault.

"The victory was this. You and me. Standing in the wreckage." I closed my eyes, feeling safe, feeling loved, feeling powerful. The dark rites of Blackwood University were over. The savage games had ended. I was no longer the pawn. I was the Queen. And I was holding the King’s heart in the palm of my hand. End of Book One THE END.

Olivia stepped further inside, breathing in the familiar scent of old books and polished wood. She moved along the rows of shelves, her fingers lightly trailing over the spines of various volumes until she found what she was looking for—a large, worn book bound in leather, its cover bearing the emblem of the Blackwood family. The title read, The Lineage of the Blackwood Alphas. With a deep breath, she carefully pulled the book from the shelf and carried it to a nearby table. Settling into a chair, she opened it gently, the pages brittle with age.

With love so loud it drowned out every ghost from that stupid manor. The Blackwood family had its monsters. But Reese had me. And together, we’d burn every last one of them down. Those monsters haven't met this monster…

But today, as Damien’s assistant placed a black box on the table, and Elias laid down a wolf-engraved chest of dark cedar, every head turned. Because these were not ordinary tributes. The older guests remembered the rumors. Blackwood Academy. The graduation ceremony years ago that had turned into tragedy. The whispers of betrayal, the broken boy and his mother fleeing in the night. Few knew the whole truth, but they remembered enough: Damien and Elias had both been there, and both had walked away with pieces of Henry’s heart. The gifts they now placed upon the stage were echoes of that night.

he said with a respectful smile. He then opened the booklet. Austin's eyes narrowed as he realized it was a gift list. He glanced at Ezra in surprise. "Do we really need to announce the gifts?" "Yes, we do," Ezra nodded. The middle-aged man then began to loudly announce the gifts. "Ten ancient ginseng roots, a bed made of golden-threaded wood." …… As each gift was announced, Austin was left in awe, and Cecily's face showed utter shock. Each gift was not necessarily priceless, but they were incredibly valuable.