Belinda sat on the bench in the garden, staring at the flowers swaying in the breeze. If she had discovered Leah was behind this madness, Denarius wouldn't have gotten hurt. She should have connected the pieces. Every time Leah gave her something to eat, she got sick.

"Belinda."

Belinda met her friends' concerned gazes. As she stood, they hurried to her side and embraced her. For the past hours, she could not let out the pain, but in her friend's embrace, she shattered to pieces, the anguish of Denarius close to death spilling over. 

"He's too weak. Delilah says he won't make it."

"Denarius will recover from this," Skylar said, cradling her face. "Don't lose hope."

Belinda shook her head. "You didn't hear everything he told me. The slayers will hunt him down until he is dead—no matter who they kill in the process... I know him. He rather die than have everyone around him get hurt because of him."

As Belinda pulled away from them, she spotted Harper heading toward them alongside Quinn. Belinda wrapped her arms around herself and turned away from them all, inhaling to calm the wolf spirit within. It sought to run for miles until she became numb, but Fane told her until they ensured Leah was working alone it would be best she didn't leave the palace grounds. 

"How did you not feel he was in pain?"

"I accepted his rejection." Harper's voice revealed the pain within, but if she truly cared for Denarius, then, as many have stated, their marks would have never faded. 

Belinda turned to her, confirming in her eyes that Denarius's state also affected her immensely. "Lucius told Denarius that the coven's magic didn't create the bonds between both of you. If it's true," she said, gesturing to the crescent on her forehead. "Then even without this, we can feel when our beloved is in pain."

"I drank a potion to block everything."

"Why are you here, Harper?" she asked, not hiding the venom in her voice. 

"Belinda, you're not being fair," Harper said. "Denarius rejected me for--"

"Every time I have attempted to lie to Fane, he detected it. I find it difficult to believe you didn't detect Denarius's lies."

"Belinda." Skylar seized her forearm. "I know you're hurting, but this isn't Harper's fault."

"Have you seen him?"

"No... I'm not sure I can handle seeing him in such a state."

"I suggest you do..." She inhaled to relax her nerves. "All the healers say he won't make it past tonight." 

"What?" By the expression on her face, no one had dared tell her the agonizing truth. Quinn stopped Harper from falling to her knees as she wept. Belinda turned to come face to face with Silas and Niko, who appeared concerned.

"You're being too hard on Harper."

Belinda sighed. "All of you have been hard on Denarius since the moment he got bit against his will. Instead of giving him time to adjust to everything, you forced him to be by her side. You claim we always had a choice, but then why didn't you find him a blood donor until he ascended? Why didn't you give him time to mourn everyone in town... to mourn his mother? Perhaps, if he had been given time to heal from all the pain he had been through, things wouldn't have ended the way they did."

"That isn't fair, Belinda," Harper said. "I've been patient--"

"I have ascended alongside Fane. When I feed, the effects consume me. If I wasn't certain of what I feel for Fane, it would be easy for me to assume it isn't real, that it's the magic creating the love I feel." She seized her trembling hand, noting the razor-sharp nails. "Denarius not only felt guilt for what happened in the town but also feared what would happen to you if he allowed you too close. He said the slayers wouldn't stop until he was dead." She met Harper's gaze. "He would rather have you hate him than you be dead because of him... How could you not see through his facade?" Without another word, Belinda followed the path adorned with flowers, her steps not as steady as she wished. When she stumbled, Fane caught her, and she screamed in frustration, wishing she could turn back time.

Not wanting to speak with anyone, she stayed in her bedroom the rest of the day with her babies. Their sweet laughter filled the room, lifting some of the weight on her chest that threatened to shatter her fragile heart.

Once the babies were asleep, she headed to the bedroom where Denarius was. Before she could open the door, Dante seized her arm, stopping her. She jerked away, glaring. "Why are you still here?" She inched closer to him, holding her chin high. "Was this your plan all along? To kill him to save me?"

Dante said nothing.

"You should have let me die. Look at everything you have done." 

He cupped her face, anguish in his eyes. When they lingered on her lips, he moved closer, but she placed her quivering hand on his chest. "Dante, stop."

Their eyes met as he said, "Your mother changed everything when she left Jericho's side. Still, our paths have crossed once again." 

When his thumb brushed over her bottom lip, she seized his wrist. "I'm not your beloved anymore, Dante."

"You never were."

Her brows furrowed. "What?"

"Fane and you met before our paths crossed."

"By what my mother told me... I didn't love either of you. I used you both." She stepped back, releasing his hand.

A hint of a smile played on his lips. "That is your mother's interpretation of what happened." He moved closer once more, his eyes flashing crimson as he looked down at her the same way Fane did. "You and I might not have been beloveds then, but our union was strong."

"If I loved you, I wouldn't have been with Fane as well."

"Your mother believed you were still dating Fane when she found us together. What she did not know was that you had ended the relationship months prior."

"But then, how would Fane allow me close to kill him?"

"He loved you and trusted you blindly... I sought to change the events that led you to believe that I wanted him dead..."

"My mother and you should have never messed with fate."

"If neither of us would have intervened, everyone you know would be dead. When madness consumed you, you wiped out most of the packs and clans. You bathed the world in crimson."

She shook her head. "I'm not that powerful."

"You are no longer a pure breed, so you are indeed correct." He moved his face even closer, prompting her to raise her hand to halt his advances, but he grasped her wrist. As their eyes met, the anguish didn't surprise her. In the life he lived, she had been his lover. If she had turned back time to alter fate and lost the one she loved, she doubted she could endure the heartbreak. "Fate has already punished me for my intervening. I have lost you."

The door of the bedroom opened, and he moved back, his brows furrowing. Armelle stood in the doorway, her gaze locking onto something behind Belinda. "Hey, Fane."

Fane stood feet away, his focus on his brother. "Did it work, Armelle?"

Armelle's smile could blind anyone. "I told you my blood can do wonders."

Belinda hurried into the bedroom to find Denarius sitting at the foot of the bed. She rushed to his side and embraced him, almost sending them both back onto the mattress. As she held him tight, her tears trickled down her cheeks. "I thought I was going to lose you."

He smiled, wiping away her tears. "I'm harder to kill than you think." She hugged him again.

Armelle entered the bedroom, followed by only Fane. "A siren's blood is truly powerful." 

"Thank you."

Her smile broadened. "Anything for you."

"Armelle."

"I know. I know. He has a beloved, but hey, I can admire, can't I?" Her eyes narrowed. "Wait—if he has a beloved, why was he in such a state?"

"I have no beloved."

There was a brief glint in her eyes. "Well, that's great news for me."

A hint of a smile crept onto Denarius's lips. 

"He might have healed, but he needs time to rest and regain his energy," Fane said.

Armelle shot a flirtatious smile at Denarius. "I hope our paths cross again." She bowed to Fane and exited the bedroom. 

Belinda seized Fane's hand, her enormous smile glued to her face. "Listen to the healers and stay here until you fully recover."

"Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere."

Fane guided her out of the bedroom, and as they headed to the main floor, the silence in the air felt suffocating. "Is everything alright?" As they paused at the top of the grand stairs, Harper greeted Fane with a courteous bow before heading toward the bedroom Denarius was in. 

Fane seized her chin and guided her to meet his gaze. "Let them talk."

"About earlier--"

Fane released her and continued down the stairs until she seized his forearm. They stood at the same level since he was a couple of steps below her. "Stop. I know what you saw bothers you." She wrapped her arms around his neck, planting a soft kiss on his lips. "That future no longer exists. I'm yours and only yours." She captured his mouth with hers. One of his hands went to the back of her head whilst the other rested on her back, drawing her closer. 

"Geez. Leave that for the bedroom." They pulled away as Aurora laughed. 

Silas draped a hand over her shoulder, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. 

Quinn emerged from the living room, her arm locked with Lucius. "Well, we will be heading home soon."

"Has your father fully recovered?" Belinda asked.

"Thankfully, yes. He is in the study with Charlotte and Zeref." Her smile fell. "They are having great difficulty with accepting Leah betrayed them all." She glanced at Fane. "Your mother says Leah did not possess the ability to mess with anyone's mind, but then again, no one was aware of your ability either. Leah could have hidden it well."

"Maybe we shouldn't blindly trust Dante," Silas said. "If I were in his place, it would be difficult for me to walk away from the woman I loved."

*****

For the next few weeks, Belinda focused on taking care of her babies. Belinda watched her babies as they played with their toys on the floor. When they grabbed onto the side of the sofa and stood, she struggled to contain her excitement, not wanting to scare them. "Fane."

He entered the living room, his face lighting up at the sight. Grayson giggled, and with difficulty, took a few steps toward his father. As Fane crouched, Grayson became overly excited and took quicker, unsteady steps, falling into his father's arms. Bexley narrowed her eyes and also let go, struggling to balance herself before taking a few steps toward her father. She paused and sat down, giggling. 

Belinda approached her and picked her up in her arms. Fane appeared lost in his thoughts for a moment before his eyes met hers, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Is everything okay?"

"Of course." Despite his face giving nothing away, their bond alerted her to his lie, a faint electric sensation in her chest. Perhaps it was the fact that Dante moved back into the palace at their mother's request. Belinda couldn't be mad at Charlotte. Fane and Dante were her children. She obviously wanted them to mend their brother bond. Fane had forgiven Dante for everything, but that didn't mean he wanted him back in his life. Dante had attempted to get close to Fane, but Fane treated him as he would a stranger.

Charlotte entered the living room, concern etched on her flawless face. "Fane, may we speak?"

Belinda took the babies and headed to the garden. Once there, she sat beneath the enormous tree. Leaves fluttered to the ground as her children took a few steps, giggling. Butterflies fluttered their wings, hovering around them.

"They're growing fast."

She lurched to her feet and embraced her brother Alaric. "Where have you been? It's been weeks since we last spoke." She understood everyone became busy getting back to normal life. Skylar and Aurora had even gotten jobs, despite their mates telling them they didn't need to work. "Where's Eloise?" When she spotted her heading in their direction, she approached her, laughing. "Oh, wow. Your belly is huge."

She embraced her. "Are you excited?"

Belinda narrowed her eyes. "About what?"

Eloise met Alaric's gaze before her smile grew from ear to ear. "Oh, don't mind me. This pregnancy has me saying the most random of things." She rested her hands on her belly. "He moves a lot like he's having a dance party on my belly." Her eyebrows furrowed as she glanced behind Belinda. "Alaric?"

Belinda turned, her eyes searching for her children. Relief washed over her as she spotted them sitting beside the bark of the tree, playing with their wooden blocks. 

"What the hell is he doing here?" asked Alaric.

Dante stood feet from them, his dark eyes locked on him.

"Alaric, he has every right to be here," Eloise said, seizing his forearm. "Please, relax."

Belinda took her babies' hands, and they rose to their feet, giggling. "What's going on?"

Dante approached them. "Hello, Alaric." As he stood beside Belinda, he added, "What's with the animosity?"

Alaric moved one foot forward, halting when Eloise didn't release his hand. "Has Fane lost his mind? How can he trust this bastard after everything that he has done?"

"Charlotte allowed him to return to the palace," Belinda said.

Alaric's expression softened. "Charlotte is blinded by her maternal affection."

"After everything you did, Bexley forgave you, did she not?"

A hiss slipped from Alaric's lips. "Keep my mother's name out of your mouth." His eyes flickered crimson, a smile tugging at his lips. "It must be devastating to know your actions have tossed my sister into Fane's arms." The surrounding shadows thickened. "I pity you. Fane has the life you so greatly desire. My mother knew Belinda by your side would meet the same dark fate, but with Fane, she had a chance--" Mynx appeared beside them, roaring. "Mynx..." His eyes moved to Dante. "You killed him..." 

A menacing smile adorned Dante's lips as Mynx settled at his side. "Your father was a threat to us all."

"Alaric, c'mon." Eloise's words went unheard. "Alaric, please."

Alaric's eyes returned to normal as he took a deep breath. "Alright." A hint of a smile spread across his face. "I hope you enjoy the show tonight, Dante."

Eloise kissed Belinda's cheeks and ruffled the babies' hair before following Alaric into the palace. 

Belinda clutched her children's hands as she faced Dante and Mynx. Mynx disappeared into the shadows. Given the events that had transpired, everyone had every reason to distrust them. Although Dante initially had no control over his actions, he failed to reveal the truth to his family after breaking free from Leah's compulsion. Had he done so, this madness would have ended long ago.

"I want you to leave."

Pain flickered across his face. "No."

"Are you truly staying for them? Or is it because you hope destiny will repeat itself and I will leave Fane for you once again?" She held his gaze. "Perhaps you're right and the Belinda you loved, loved you in return... However, I love Fane, and you must accept that. If you choose to stay, I would ask that you refrain from getting close to my children and me."

He took a few steps closer, his eyes lingering on her lips. "I will accept it once my brother seals your union." Without another word, he headed into the palace. 

Belinda had believed her union with Fane was already sealed. What could Dante be speaking of?

Later that day, to her surprise, her friends visited. There was an event that evening, which everyone, including her, was required to attend. When she asked what the event was about, everyone avoided answering her. 

Harper entered the bedroom, a breathtaking deep crimson gown with delicate, intricate embellishments. "What's going on?"

Harper smiled as she adorned her curls with small diamonds. "Geez, you sure ask too many questions."

"What sort of event is this?"

Skylar laughed and adorned her wrist with a bracelet. "It's just a ball."

"A ball? But I'm not good at dancing." As she stood in front of the full-length mirror, she admired her reflection. She truly looked like a princess from a fairytale.

Minutes later, they led her to a hall opening into a large, lively room filled with chattering voices. Aurora held her hand as the others ensured she looked perfect. 

"Don't move, okay?" Harper said as she, along with the others, entered the ballroom. One by one, they descended the grand stairs. At the bottom, Skylar met Silas. He took her hand in his, bowing, as their names were announced. She couldn't help but smile as Denarius seized Harper's hand and bowed. Since they had a long talk in the palace, they had decided to be friends, but the glint in their eyes whenever they saw each other hinted that wouldn't last long. 

"Stop peeking." Quinn placed a veil over her head that matched her gown, and her heart raced. "Oh, dear. Control that heart of yours."

"I'm such an idiot."

"If you say so." She fixed the veil, a smile on her lips. "Now, you head in after I do."

Someone announced Aurora and Nicolas, king and queen of the werewolves.

"Alright." She waited, her heart palpitating wildly.

Quinn was announced along with Lucius as the King and Queen of the Astrien Vampires.

Belinda took a deep breath and entered the room. At the top of the stairs, her father greeted her with a bow before linking their arms. As he guided her down the grand stairs adorned with deep crimson and golden flowers, she focused on not tripping. She gave up on trying to control her racing heartbeat. Everyone present could probably hear it above the soft melody filling the air.

At the bottom stood Fane in a deep burgundy suit with gold embellishments. When his gaze settled upon her, the love in his eyes warmed her heart. Fane reached his hand out, and her father placed her hand over his. He bowed and stepped aside as Fane placed a kiss upon her knuckles before smiling at her. 

"Relax, my love."

"I'm trying to." When she laughed, he mirrored the gesture. 

Belinda scanned the room and found Charlotte with her children in her arms. 

As a soft melody played, Fane guided her into the center of the ballroom. Belinda placed her hand on his shoulder as he held the other to his beating heart. His other hand rested on her waist. They moved in sync to the beautiful melody, and others joined, dancing around them. It appeared as though they had practiced the dance a million times prior when in reality, this was the first time. 

As everyone paused and bowed, Fane connected their foreheads, creating a soothing electricity. His eyes met, and she was certain hers had the same soft golden glow as his. "I am yours for eternity, my beloved." He grasped her chin and waited.

Her face flamed, and now she was certain the sound of her heartbeat overpowered the music. "And I am yours... for eternity." He sealed their vow with a kiss that took her breath away before making his way down to her neck. The heat in her cheeks amplified at his fangs, brushing over her tender skin. She nodded and he bit down. An electric sensation filled her veins, his thoughts blending with hers. 

Once he withdrew his fangs, she pecked his lips. A smile touched her lips as she watched his eyes darken from crimson to obsidian. She hesitated for a moment, aware of all eyes on them, before brushing her fangs along the curve of his neck and biting down. As she lost herself in the sweet taste of his blood, Fane rested his hand on her lower back.

When she withdrew her fangs and met his gaze, she noticed his mark still had a soft golden glow, but it was faint. He pulled her closer, and the dance continued, everyone else following suit. The music faded as everyone stopped dancing, gracefully kneeling and lowering their heads in a silent, respectful bow.

An electric tingle on her forearm gained her attention. Fane released her and stepped back. Thin lines appeared below the bracelet her friend adorned her forearm with, intertwining to form a beautiful crescent with roses.

Charlotte approached them with a golden crown in her hands. Fane knelt before his mother. She smiled down at her son. "There is no doubt you will be a great king." As Fane rose to his feet, Charlotte turned her attention to Belinda. Heart palpitating wildly, Belinda knelt before her. Charlotte removed the crown she wore and placed it on Belinda's head, her smile broadening. "With your union to my son, we strengthen our alliance with the werewolves. You are officially the queen of the vampires."  

Belinda scoured the crowd as they all rose to their feet, smiling at her friends. For centuries, werewolves and vampires, once bitter enemies, had forged an uneasy alliance. Today, by selecting her, a hybrid, as their queen, the vampires had proven that they genuinely regarded the werewolves as valuable allies and equals.

Fane grasped her hand after she faced him and smiled at her, drawing her closer. "I love you."

"Love you more," she said as she smiled before pulling him into a slow, gentle kiss.

Author's Note: I hope everyone enjoyed the story. All of my stories on Wattpad are unedited drafts. Maybe someday I can actually afford to get them edited and published, but for now, they are free to read here. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my stories, despite their many flaws.