"It's warm," Selene murmured, Kael frowned, "A fresh scar shouldn't still be burning." Elder Mira knelt beside the body, The moment her fingers brushed the mark, she re

memories vanish forever. Not even the Moon Goddess can restore them." Elara's breath caught,

waited, "The Council expects Elara in two days." Rowan crossed his arms, "And the anonymous letter says they'll kill her." Selene added, "If she doesn't appear, the Council will declare the Blackthorne Pack traitors." Kael stared a

struck harder than anger ever could, He lowered his eyes, "I made mistakes." "You treated me like I didn't exist." "I was trying to protect you." She stared at him, "Protect me?" "You forced me into a political marriage." "You lied to everyone." "And now you've accused me before the Council." Victor closed his eyes, "If I hadn't..." "...you would've died years ago." Elara froze, "What?" He stepped closer, "There are things I cannot tell you." "Why?" "Because they're listeni

ling fingers, From a hidden pocket, he removed a small bronze key engraved with a crescent moon, "I've kept this for eighteen years." He pressed it into her palm, "It opens..." His voice faltered, "...the room beneath..." Suddenly his body stiffened, His eyes widened in terror, Dark veins sp

protect everyone under my roof." Rowan looked toward the manor windows, "You saved Elara." "Not Victor." Rowan was quiet for a long moment, "Do you trust her?" Kael answered wi

und her neck remained untouched, Elara reached toward the painting, The moment her fingers touched it- The wall rumbled, A hidden door slid open, Cold air rushed out, Stone stairs descended into darkness, At the bottom... A single iron door waited, Exactly the size of the bronze key, Elara's heart pounded, Victor's final words echoed in her mind, "It opens... the room beneath..." She inserted the key, Click, The lock turned, The heavy door creaked open, Dust swirled through the chamber beyond, Shelves filled with ancient scrolls lined the walls, At the center