Calantha, a weak vampire princess, knows all too well the fate that awaits her; a life of servitude as a blood bag or a loveless marriage... just like her parents, but when her kingdom faces a shortage of humans to feed on, she's cast aside like a sacrificial lamb, forced into marriage with a neighbouring kingdom. *** When Calantha, a vulnerable vampire princess is sacrificed to appease an ancient dragon, she discovers a dark secret: her blood holds the power to unbind the beast. Maybe it's just a 'Calantha' thing to be used as a sacrifice... But one thing is clear, she won't back down without a fight!
Calantha's point of view:
"I, king Tharius of Eldrador, hereby announce the engagement of my daughter, Calantha, to Arin Valois, crown prince of Valotoria."
The grand hall fell silent, all eyes fixed on me making my heart sink in my chest. I feel like a trapped animal as my father's words echoed in my mind. I thought back to the days I strived so hard just to escape my ex-fiancé Lyrien.
He was a cheat, but at least, I know him. The devil I have known for years is better than an angel I just met. But now I am nothing but a pawn on my father's chess board, the board serving as father's political game and I'm about to be discarded. My life is a mess.
I remembered the long night I spent pleading to father, begging him to reconsider the betrothal, to show mercy upon me but to no avail.
A part of me thinks he will agree since I am his only female child. But it is a far-fetched dream, his selfish desires and the kingdom's is more important than mine, than my freedom. He saw me as a tool, a means to secure an alliance with Valotoria. My protest fell on deaf ears, and now I stood before the entire court, forced to accept this fate.
"If only I had known, if only I had known it would end like this," I whispered to myself, "I would have followed Lyrien, no matter how treacherous he was, even if he is just a son of a Viscount."
Hot tears threatened to escape my eye as I gazed at the end of the wall where father sat on his humongous throne.
Arin, the stranger I was about to marry, standing a few feet at the side of the throne platform. His piercing onyx eyes seem to bore into my soul and maybe it's just my imagination but there's no warmth or kindness there. Just a calculated gaze, assessing me like a prized possession.
The agreement between Eldrador and Valotoria was clear; I was to be traded for a steady supply of human slaves. My father's words still haunted me.
"You are just a useless weak daughter." And he's right because I'm aware ... .I'm weak when compared to other female vampires and he's right for the second time because my only value lay in my ability to secure an alliance.
And as the court erupted into loud cheers and congratulations, I felt the last support holding my crumbling world crack.
Now, I'm trapped, bound to a fate I never wanted, but a part of me already knew it's inevitable. Arin's gaze on me never wavered. I wonder if he felt the same sense of obligation I felt or if he has ever felt trapped.
The ceremony moved in a blur with father's voice booming in the hall at regular intervals, outlining the terms of the agreement and conversing with his ministers.
I was to leave for Valotoria immediately, to begin my new life as Arin's bride. I know other girls would have been happy and grateful for getting engaged to a crown prince but I don't want to end up in a loveless marriage like father and mother but a part of me knows it's inevitable. The thought sent shivers and a feeling of dread down my spine.
Arin's grip on my arm was firm but soft as we exchanged vows, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt like a prisoner shackled to this stranger, this fate.
The cheers and applause faded into the background as I whispered my consent,my heart heavy with resignation.
The moment the ceremony ended, Arin released my hand, and I felt a fleeting sense of freedom but it was short-lived as he turned to me and said:
"We depart for Valotoria at dawn. Be prepared.....Calantha."
The last straw holding me together finally snapped and I stared at my father who was seated on his throne talking with a man whose beard almost reached the floor with a hateful gaze.
My eyes shifted to the second throne beside father's throne on which mother is seated, her skin as pale as snow; father had sucked her almost dry again. My fingers clenched my gown tightly.
I can't blame her, she has no power over it, she's also a pawn. I exhaled as Arin walked away, making me face the crowd alone.
I forced a smile on my face, pretending to be the obedient daughter I've always been, the willing bride I'm about to pretend to be, but inside, I'm screaming.
My heart rebelling against this fate, this life I never chose and everything as I finally moved, my head raised high and my back straight.
When broke and desperate Olivia tried to hack her way out of financial hell, she didn't expect to land in the lap of luxury - or the crosshairs of a ruthless mafia boss. Enzo's got a reputation for being merciless, but Olivia's got skills that could make her a valuable asset... or a dangerous liability. Kidnapped and thrust into a world of crime and deception, Olivia must navigate the dark side - and her own twisted desires. Who knows that a game of cat and mouse can lead to more secrets waiting to be unraveled?
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
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22-year-old Evelyn Carter is attempting to start over in California while avoiding her past. She will be embarking on a new career path as a private school teacher. She is smart, attractive, and doesn't put up with nonsense. Who wouldn't notice her? However, what happens when she attracts the attention of someone unwilling to let her go? Who wants her and nothing else after falling in love at first sight? A 25-year-old billionaire CEO and single father, Lucian Carrington. He takes what he wants and he is also a very dangerous man. All it needed was one look at a stunning woman to realize she was HIS, even though he doesn't believe in relationships because they always end. Preview: Miss Carter, you will be mine. I say firmly. "Release my arm, Mr. Carrington, before I force you to." She says, seeming to smile at me. I give her a sly smile. Squeezing my wrist with her other hand, she twists it uncomfortably. I gave a painful hiss. "Don't underestimate me, Mr. Carrington." "This is the only time I will allow you to walk away from me, Miss Carter." She glared at me as she turned. "Mr. Carrington, I am no possession of yours." I was left standing there when she opened the classroom door and left.
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
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Sandra Hill, the long-lost real heiress of the Hill family, was shunned by her own kin. Instead of embracing her, they bestowed their affection upon an impostor. They even arranged her to marry a vegetative man in place of her so-called “sister”. Sandra sneered, refusing to put up with this humiliation, cut off ties with the Hill family immediately and ran into the flash marriage with Wesley Cooper, her unconscious billionaire husband. With her incredible medical skills, she defied the odds and revived him. Little did she expect that her husband spoiled her with all his love... A medical genius, a computer prodigy, a national treasure in painting, and a racing legend... Her husband revealed her various identities, leaving the Hill family regretful. Her father came pleading, "It's Dad's fault. Please come back." Her mother wept, "Mom will protect you from now on. Please come back." Even her five brothers knelt before he, begging for forgiveness. Yet, Sandra's smile held a hint of mockery as she vowed, “Never!”