Author: admin

VERA’S POV “Release her,” Lucien demanded, his voice carrying the authority of someone used to being obeyed. His eyes, those familiar dark eyes I’d spent years trying to forget, locked on the guards holding my wrists. “Now.” The pressure on my arms vanished immediately. I stepped back, rubbing circulation back into my hands, aware of…

Confusion flashed across Caelen’s face. “What? No, that’s not-” He broke off, coughing. The doctor hurried forward with blood wine, helping him drink. When he could speak again, his eyes were clearer, his voice stronger. “I was assigned to you, Vera. As an advisor.” “Assigned?” I repeated, the word tasting bitter on my tongue. “By…

“You couldn’t help yourself. The moment you found out she was the Vampire King’s daughter, it’s like you lost every ounce of sense in your head. You’re obsessed.” “I’m not obsessed,” I said, jaw tightening. “Then what are you?” she snapped. “Because you sure as hell aren’t mine anymore.” “I never belonged to you.” Her…

Caelen told them I wasn’t fit? I backed out quickly. My lungs refused to cooperate, my heartbeat was deafening as I raced away. Maren nearly collided with me in the corridor. She was flushed, panting, scrolls tucked beneath her arm. “I’ve been looking all around for you, Princess.” I didn’t stop walking. “Where is he?”…

I swallowed. “To talk.” “We don’t have anything left to say.” “I made a mistake, and I’m sorry.” Her eyes narrowed, and I saw power flicker behind them like distant lightning. “No, not a mistake,” I corrected, rushing the words. “I was a coward. I let them treat you like you were less, and I…

I turned to face him fully. “What about it?” “I’ve been researching. The Blood magic your mother wrote about, it’s not just forbidden. It’s tied to bloodlines. Ancient ones.” “What does that mean?” “It means maybe you didn’t fail to awaken. Maybe you just weren’t ready.” “And now?” “Now you’re angry. Now you’re desperate. Now…

His voice came low. “You were his wife?” I took a breath and looked him in the eye. “Not anymore.” I led him away from the courtyard, needing air, needing quiet. The crowd’s energy clung to me like smoke, heavy and suffocating. We stopped near the far edge of the training grounds, where moonlight spilled…

“You’re flailing,” he said, voice sharp now. “You’re fighting your emotions, not your opponent.” I clenched my fists, chest heaving. “Then let’s fix that.” He tilted his head. “Oh?” “I challenge you.” He blinked once. “You what?” “You said I’m weak. So prove it. If I can get your sword to the ground, just once,…

The scent of her blood was intoxicating, calling to my vampire nature. I took her wrist in my hands, my fangs already extended, and bit down. The taste that flooded my mouth was everything I remembered, fire and strength, ancient magic that sang through my veins. But even as I drank, even as her blood…

“Like what?” Neressa asked. “Like information,” Lady Vela said. “Information about her mother. About how she really died.” The room fell silent. “You know something,” I said. “About Vera’s mother.” “I know everything,” Lady Vela said quietly. “I was there when it happened.” “What?” Celene gasped. “Her mother didn’t die in childbirth,” my mother continued….