For the longest, no one said a word.

While Belinda attempted not to let the emotions brewing inside her spill to the surface, Aurora concealed nothing. The sadness in her expression morphed to anger as she glared at Silas and rose to her feet. When Silas moved to stop her from leaving, she shoved him back with little success.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me?" She sounded more hurt than furious. "Were you going to wait until I was in the middle of changing?"

"Of course not."

"Then when were you planning on telling me?" When he didn't answer, she whirled around and hurried up the stairs.

Harper shook her head. "I told you keeping it from her wouldn't end well."

He raked a hand through his hair before also heading upstairs.

"I'm going to water the plants in the garden."

Even after Harper exited the house, neither Belinda nor Fane moved for a few minutes. Perhaps he remained silent to give her time to process what he had said. "How many chosen have survived the change?"

"You are the second human chosen."

She turned to him. "What?"

"Per the norm, most vampire soulmates tend to be supernatural."

"Wait—you said that with humans it's easier to have children."

"Yes, and that is why our birthrates are low." He shoved his hands in his pant pockets. "Having children for vampires is quite rare."

"It must have been a shocker when your mother became pregnant with twins."

Sadness flashed across his face. "It was, and it almost drove her mad with bloodlust. When a woman vampire becomes pregnant, their thirst for blood triples. It can be difficult to control. My mother had to endure ten times the cravings. Most assumed she would be driven mad and become one of the lost, but she made it through."

"It's been almost a year since we met. Fane, you shouldn't have kept this from me."

"In the beginning, because I could not feel the effects of our bond, I assumed it would be a waste of time telling you when in two years, you would leave me."

She averted her gaze. "So, then why not tell me when you felt it?"

He grasped her chin and made her meet his gaze, his eyes lingering on her lips for a moment. "I feared once I told you I would lose you."

"You should have still told me." She held his gaze. "What if I don't want to become a vampire?"

He released her and retreated a step. "I suppose then there is no future between us."

She lowered her gaze, hating the pinch in her heart. "I guess so." As she walked around him to head upstairs, he seized her forearm and pulled her to him. He cradled her face, and as his hand slid to the back of her neck, he drew near, pausing when their lips were millimeters away.

"Fane." Quinn's voice sliced through the silence.

He hesitated before stepping back, and she could finally breathe normally once more.

In the span of a few months, Fane had won her heart, but she wasn't certain she would be willing to become a vampire to be with him. "I know you need to feed more, and that I can't do it." His brows furrowed as he listened. "You can feed from Quinn."

He appeared taken aback by her words. "Why the hell would I do such a thing?"

"To regain your strength." She fidgeted with the bangle. "I'm okay with it."

"Does not sound like it."

"Please, Fane. I don't want you to become too weak to protect yourself."

"Fine. I will feed until my thirst is quenched."

Without another word, she headed upstairs, not wanting to be around for the feeding. Her heart wouldn't endure it.

Once inside her bedroom, she pivoted to shut the door, only to bump into Fane.

His eyes flashed crimson as he grasped her jaw and drew her to him. "From now on, I will feed from you twice a day. Delilah will prepare a brew that will help you recover from it." A gasp escaped her lips when he pulled her even closer, the look in his eyes creating a stir of emotions within her. The effects of the bond must have been powerful enough to create small cracks within the magic of her bangle.

He lowered his face to her neck and brushed his fangs over the skin before biting down, sending an explosion of tingles through her body. She clung to him when her legs wobbled. A hand snaked around her waist and pulled her body against his, amplifying the sensations. If he didn't stop, she'd drown in all of it.

To her bewilderment, her body temperature spiked up, and he bit down harder. It shouldn't have turned her on even more, but it did. She wouldn't be able to endure this. Not twice a day, every day.

When he finally retracted his fangs, all she wanted to do was sleep. He cupped her face in his hands, searching her eyes for something. "Delilah will be here soon. Rest."

"This wasn't what—"

Her voice got stuck in her throat when he fidgeted with the hem of her blouse, a playful smile gracing his lips. "You are my beloved. Your blood is far more potent than any other. Besides, you are the only one I desire."

This man was about to send her to the emergency room because of how much he evoked a high fever within her. She opened and closed her fingers when every muscle in her body ached.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, concern laced in his voice.

"A bit tired and achy, that's all."

"Get some rest."

She seized his shirt and pulled him to her, planting a kiss close to his lips. "Stop ordering me around."

He stopped her from moving too far, eyes flickering scarlet. "Please get some rest."

She laughed. "Fine."

_____________

For the next few weeks, Belinda saw Fane in the mornings, but he arrived back at the cabin way too late for her to stay up. Even when she tried, exhaustion got the best of her.

Today, desperate to get some fresh air, she managed to convince Harper to go for a run with her and Aurora. Of course, they had to remain within a certain distance.

"We should have a small girl's night tonight. We can invite Skylar over." Aurora paused a couple of feet ahead before Belinda caught up to her. "It could be like the tea parties she loves to host."

Harper didn't look convinced.

"Come on," Belinda said. "I'm dying of boredom in the cabin—there's nothing for me to do."

"Alright," Harper said with a smile. "I know you've missed your family and friends."

For a moment, she wondered if they worried about her as much as she did about them. Even if the barriers had been strengthened, nothing guaranteed their enemy wouldn't take their chances and attempt to break through it. All magic could be broken.

"Let's go back. My legs are aching." As they approached the Cabin, Belinda noticed the lights were on, which weren't when they left. "Is someone visiting?"

Harper said nothing, but Aurora couldn't stop smiling. At first, Belinda thought it would be Fane, but when she entered the cabin, she was surprised to see her parents and friends. She rushed to her parents and gave them a big hug.

"We missed you too," her mother said with a smile and eyes glistening with tears.

Belinda found Charlotte standing beside the fireplace. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me." She gestured to the kitchen. "Food is ready."

While everyone ate and conversed, Belinda met Fane's gaze from across the room. He seemed way too relaxed, leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets. As they held each other's gaze, Belinda couldn't stop smiling like a fool. He fixed the collar of his shirt before flashing her a look of adulation and a sweet smile that made her heart flutter.

When her father excused himself and headed outside, Belinda noticed the evident concern etched on her mother's face. After setting her drink on the counter, Belinda exited the house in search of her father. She followed his voice to the back of the cabin, his cell phone in his shuttering hand.

"Is everything okay?" she asked.

He hesitated. "Fane has become our prime suspect in the murders of the chosen ones."

"That makes no sense. Dad—"

"A woman was chosen last week in a neighboring town... we located her yesterday hung from a tree just like the rest. She finally woke up and identified Fane—"

"After committing these murders without leaving any sort of trace, isn't it odd they make the mistake of leaving someone alive for you to find in time?"

"I have to bring him in."

"And how exactly do you plan to do so? He is a vampire—and not only that, his mother and Zeref are in there. They won't allow you to take him."

When he began to head toward the cabin, Belinda blocked his path. "Dad, please. This has to be a mistake."

"He has played his cards well."

"What do you mean?"

"Now, because you care about him, you'll protect him, even if the evidence proves his guilt."

She shook her head. "He isn't behind this—It would make no sense at all when those murdered are the soulmates of vampires and..." She had been the second human chosen to become a vampire's soulmate. Most of the others were werewolf chosen ones. Could this be a feud between them? No. Nico had worked with Fane to save them when they had been attacked.

No one else knew that though.

"I must take Fane in for interrogation. If he has nothing to hide, then he has nothing to fear."

"How many people rot in prison every day despite being innocent?" a high-pitched voice asked, gaining their attention.

A red-headed woman stood beside a tall dark-haired man, both whose eyes glimmered deep crimson in the dazzling sunlight. The woman looked at her father with unhidden disgust, as though his mere presence perturbed her. On the other hand, the man seemed unbothered, or at least didn't carry his emotions in his face.

"No one here is allowing you to take Fane anywhere." The woman moved, but out of thin air, Charlotte appeared and restrained her. "We all have heard of what you humans do to those unfortunate enough to end up in one of your prisons."

"Please calm down, Leah."

Belinda noticed everyone was outside, and her eyes locked on Fane. If he was furious, his face revealed nothing.

"The girl identified him."

"Then that girl is insane," Leah said, struggling against Charlotte's restraint. "What evidence do you have that woman is telling the truth? For all you know, the one behind this could have compelled her to say what she said."

"I'm truly sorry," her father said, holding Charlotte's gaze. "But the boy needs to head to the police station or—"

"Or what?" the man who had been silent asked, daring her father to finish what he wanted to say. When he moved closer to her father, Belinda stood in front of him while Zeref seized the man's arm.

"Relax, Declan."

"This is exactly why most vampires ignore their chosen ones. Look at the madness it brings." His eyes shifted to Fane. "Nephew, when you sensed her, you should have broken the bond. I know you thought it was best for the family, but centuries have proved that humans abhor us. We should have let the lost ones bathe your cities in blood when—":

"Enough." At Charlotte's voice, silence hung in the air for the longest. "I am starting to suspect the humans are behind all this madness."

"And what would we gain out of it?"

A humorless laugh escaped her lips, her eyes a pool of blood. "You are targeting my only child, well aware his blood could make your leaders live eternal lives."

Belinda's eyes widened. "What?"

"We both know that would lead to the human going mad—turning almost zombie-like."

"It never stopped you from trying before."

"I've never heard of such a thing—Not even in the libraries," Belinda said.

"You humans are good at morphing history to your advantage. Of course, you would never speak of the soulmates hunted down for their blood so the rich could live longer. My father grew tired and unleashed his army upon the humans. Because many respected him, other races rose to the surface and aided him." She glanced around, her eyes revealing the turmoil within. "Eventually, the humans saw their defeat and surrendered. My father could have killed you all, but he chose to spare you only if no chosen one would ever be harmed again, and no one would stand in their way when the magic pulled them toward their soulmate."

"Every woman in the morgue was pregnant with a girl," her father said. "Why? Is it because you prefer boys?"

Zeref was the one to move now. As Belinda's father moved her aside, her mother blocked Zeref's path. Belinda watched in utter disbelief as her mother held her chin high. She expected him to lose all control at her mother's evident challenge. However, his glare faltered and softened. This powerful vampire lowered his gaze and stepped back.

What the hell had just happened?

Charlotte grabbed Zeref's shoulder, and they argued in their native tongue, which Belinda couldn't comprehend.

After a moment, they fell silent, and Charlotte addressed her father. "I know you all have noticed there are far more male vampires than females. Being blessed with a girl is rare for us. Our enemy targeted those pregnant with girls so that our race would cease to exist."

Belinda's father didn't speak another word for a moment, and when he did, it was to say goodbye. Belinda followed her parents and friends to the nearest portal located at the front of the property.

"Do you think someone compelled the woman?" Ezra asked.

"No. We all know that when someone stands in the courtroom, lies can't be told," her father answered, but Belinda could sense the doubt in his voice.

"If they were the enemies, Belinda and I would be dead," Aurora said. "This makes no sense."

Her father glanced at the sky, closing his eyes for a moment, before meeting her gaze. "The chief believes Fane seeks a male heir. If you fail to conceive one, you'll be next in the morgue."

Belinda fidgeted with the bangle until Aurora held her hand. "Relax. There has to be another explanation as to why this woman thinks Fane is the one behind the murders."

"Fane isn't the only suspect."

Aurora's eyes widened. "What?"

"Nico, prince of the wolves, is as well. He is also accused of murdering his mates—"

"That's nonsense. Nico has a—" Aurora clamped her mouth shot the moment Ezra glanced in her direction.

"Aurora, there is no point in losing your calm," he said.

"Of course, you two would protect them," Skylar said, astounding Belinda. "Your love for Fane blinds you and," she said, gesturing to Aurora. "You are madly in love with that wolf that you refuse to believe that maybe his alpha is also some crazed maniac who kills a woman simply for being pregnant with a girl." She shook her head. "You two act like they would tell y'all if they're the ones behind it all. You won't know it until they cut your throat open like the others."

Pain flashed in Ezra's eyes. "Your hatred for them blinds you, Skylar."

"How so? The evidence is against them."

"They are innocent until proven otherwise."

"Why the hell are you even defending them?"

"Enough," her mother said. "You children are friends and shouldn't fight amongst yourselves over this. This will continue to be investigated. Fane and Nico will be given a fair trial."

"I'm resigning."

Everyone stared at her father in utter disbelief.

"But you love your job."

"Fane being your beloved has many questioning where my loyalty lies." He pulled her into an embrace that broke her heart into pieces. "I would like it if you returned home until everything is cleared up."

"Dad, the contract binds me to his side."

His hold around her tightened. "I know that contract can be broken if you both agree."

"It can?" Then why hadn't Fane asked her to break it?

The hug ended too quickly. "But I know he won't agree to it because he seeks an heir."

Her mother rested a hand on her shoulder. "No matter what he says, please keep that bangle on. Vampires are great at pretending to be something they're not."

She hugged them once more, never wanting to let go. After she finally did, they headed toward the portal, along with Skylar and Ezra. For the longest, Belinda remained rooted to the earth, her mind bombarded with doubts about every word Fane spoke to her.

It could all be a façade to draw her in, just like any other prey.

If she failed to conceive a boy, he would see her as useless and...

"I know the thoughts going through your head," Aurora said.

"Are they not running through yours too?"

Arms folded across her chest, Aurora turned to the cabin. "Maybe I'm a fool, but I trust Silas with my life. If they wanted you dead, they wouldn't have saved you—"

"I haven't given him a child. Maybe that's why he saved me."

"That's ridiculous."

Belinda fidgeted with the bangle. "All those women were pregnant with girls. How can you turn a blind eye to that?"

Aurora's eyes focused on the blades of grass as the breeze blew in all directions, tearing some of the golden and brown leaves from the branches of the towering trees.

"I'm going to ask for the contract to be broken."

Aurora shook her head. "Belinda, you're alive because you're here. If you leave..." Her voice quavered, and she paused for a moment. "You'll die."

By the time they entered the cabin, Belinda was glad to find no one in sight. Aurora headed to the backyard, where they guessed everyone would still be. Belinda decided to head to her bedroom, thankful for Quinn having returned home.

When she entered the bedroom, Quinn emerged from the ensuite bathroom, and they both let out a scream from the sudden scare. "For suck's sake."

"Why did you not at least knock?" Quinn asked.

"Maybe because you said you were returning home."

"I decided to stay a little longer. My father does not need my aid back at home."

"Why are you staying here, Quinn?"

"Why would I tell you?"

"Alright, then you can sleep on the sofa because I want my room back."

"Are you not sharing a room with Fane?" Her face must have given away too much. "Oh, I see. You are angry with him. I mean, the bed is big enough for both of us. Don't worry. I do not bite unless asked."

"Fine, I'll sleep on the sofa then."

"Oh, calm down, human. I vow not to take a bite of that tempting, sweet neck of yours," she said with a chuckle. "I came here because they are my friends as well. Fane and Harper are all I have besides my father."

"Is that all?"

"Fine, and part of me thought it would be easy to get Fane into my bed since he has been forced to sleep alone for almost a year."

A knock came at the door, and Quinn's smile broadened. "Yes, Fane?"

"Have you seen Belinda?"

A question he already knew the answer to. He could sense her inside.

"Do you need her for something?"

There was a moment of silence. "Is she alright?"

Quinn's smile fell. "Yes, why do you sound so concerned?" Another long silence. "Fane? Are you alright?"

"Of course. Tell her I will wait for her in our room."

"I'll tell her as soon as she comes out of the bathroom," Quinn said, eyes fixated upon Belinda. When Belinda was about to speak, she gestured for her to wait, motioning to her ears. "Alright. Speak."

"It's nothing."

"I sensed the pain in my friend, so forgive me if I find no truth in your words."

"Fane is accused of murdering his beloveds because they're pregnant with a girl."

"That is ludicrous. Girls are precious to us, not saying boys are not, but becoming pregnant with a girl is rare."

"I've heard."

"So, then why the hell are you in my room and not his?"

"I already told you I thought you were gone, and this is where I spent most nights before you arrived."

"I ask again. Why?"

"I want to break the contract."

Quinn appeared as though Belinda had just admitted to a heinous crime.

"You have lost your sanity—That would make Fane..."

"What?"

"The council had demanded Fane have an heir soon. That contract is the only thing holding them back from coming here and... and killing you."

The floor beneath her began to sway, and for a moment, she lost her balance.

Quinn caught her, concern flashing across her face. "You humans are so weak."

"Why do you act like you care? I'd assume you'd be happy—"

"Your death will cause Fane a lot of pain. Why would I be happy about that?"

Her temperature spiked up, and Quinn stepped back, eyes wide. "What the hell was that?"

Belinda took one step back before she collapsed to all fours, her temperature still rising. A scream escaped her lips at the searing flames flowing through her. Everything blurred before images flashed in the back of her head.

Darkness' icy tendrils coiled around her and jerked her into an endless abyss. Blood splattered across her face, causing her to gasp before a hand reached from within the veil of darkness.

My dark queen.

Belinda stared at her blood-stained hands. She sat back on her legs and raised her head to a starless sky, filled with the lost creatures flying about.

You will be freed from your shackles. We will make the world crumble beneath our wrath.

Her body jolted, electric energy flowing through her in erratic waves, each stronger than the previous one. Leave me alone! Her voice echoed around her before a dark figure emerged from the cloak of shadows.

"Come back to me." A familiar soothing voice sliced through the darkness threatening to erode her sanity. "Please, love."

She panted as her eyes snapped open to find herself in Fane's arms. He pulled her closer and rose to his feet, carrying her out of the bedroom.

"Fane, please." Quinn followed a couple of steps behind. "She has been cursed. I saw it in her eyes. Fane!"

He paused, and Belinda quivered against her will when his body temperature dropped under what would be considered dangerous for a human.

"Sometimes, no matter how much it hurts us, we need to walk away. This path you are heading down will bring you nothing good, my friend."

"Return home, Quinn."

"How can I knowing..." She paused. "All I want is what is best for you. Break the contract like she wishes and move on from this."

Belinda's vision blacked out for a moment. When it returned, Fane had entered his room and put her down on his bed, studying the ring he had given her. "Guess the thing didn't work." She let out a nervous chuckle. "I'm fine."

"You looked dead." He trailed his thumb over the ring, and its glow intensified. "I was a fool to believe whoever is behind this madness is some low vampire. Only someone with royal blood can be strong enough to break through a spell."

"Fane, I'm fine." She sought to assure him of that, but he didn't even seem to hear her.

"Someone capable of entering another being's mind can shatter it beyond fixing." His eyes met hers. "Whoever this  is does not want you dead." He brushed his hand up her arm, and she noticed the heat within easing. His eyes darkened before he stepped back and closed them.

"Is it true that the contract is the only thing keeping the council from killing me?"

"Quinn has a loose mouth."

"Quinn, despite wanting to take you from me, has at least been honest with me since we met."

"You want blunt honesty?"

She rose to her feet and moved closer. "Yes, Fane. I want honesty."

He made her heart skip a beat when he bridged the distance, lowering his face so they were mere centimeters away. When he wrapped his fingers around her neck, she couldn't stop herself from reacting positively.

A knock on the door made him pause just before their lips could touch. "You better have—"

"Fane." The voice on Quinn sounded desperate. "They're here."

For the first time since she met Fane, Belinda saw fear in his eyes before he masked it and stormed out of the room after ordering Quinn to get Belinda out.

"I am not leaving you to hold them back on your own."

Belinda rushed after them, wondering where everyone else had gone.

Fane pivoted around, forcing Quinn and Belinda to a halt. His eyes held hers for a moment before shifting to Quinn. "Please. In the name of the alliance between us, protect my beloved."

"Fine." Quinn seized Belinda's hand, ignoring her protests.

"I'm not leaving. Fane!" He continued down the hall. "Wait!"

"Stop! I need to get you to safety so that I can return to help him." Belinda allowed her to pull her down the corridor and down the stairs, where Harper waited.

She hurried to their side. "Everyone else has gone home."

"Good. Fewer people to worry about." She shoved Belinda toward Harper. "Now, get her to safety."

"What are you going to do?"

"Help Fane, of course." Without another word, she disappeared into thin air. Harper turned, seizing hold of Belinda's arm, but something slithered up her legs and yanked her off her feet, dragging her across the floor.

The wall flickered out of existence, and she went right through. Belinda reached down and clawed at the chains wrapped around her legs. Wisps of smoke rose into the air as they burned her flesh.

"Enough!"

Fane's voice rose into the air before a sword appeared out of thin air from the bracelet he wore. He raised it above his head and sunk the blade into the ground. Lava web-like patterns spilled across the earth toward the one in the hood who owned the chains, keeping her hostage.

As the flames erupted from beneath them, the man's body lit up like a match, sending sparks into the air. Quinn appeared beside Belinda and swung a sword against the chains, freeing her. "I hope this is not going to be a common recurrence, human." She draped Belinda's arm over her neck and began to head toward the front portal.

"What about Fane and Harper?"

A smile spread across Quinn's lips. "Oh, please. They can handle these beasts."

Quinn raised her hand, and the portal flickered into existence. Belinda glanced over her shoulder to see Fane and Harper moving as a unit against the four beasts. Fane's sword seemed like part of him as he blocked the teeth of a beast with its silver blade. He grabbed the beast's face and buried the sword deep into its skull. The beast lit up in flames as Fane whirled around to pull Harper back, aiding her in avoiding the other beast's claws.

"Watch out!" Time seemed to slow down as, with a swift movement, Quinn pulled Belinda behind her, a beast soaring towards them. Acting on instinct, Belinda leaped in front of the beast, and it came to an abrupt halt mere inches away. Its enormous mouth, brimming with razor-sharp teeth, opened wide and let out a thunderous roar, causing her to shudder.

Smart girl.

Belinda's eyes narrowed as something encircling the beast became visible for a mere second, resembling a thread composed of glass shards.

The creature's massive hand, which could probably crush her skull with little effort, extended towards her, yet its talons failed to touch her. The threads reappeared and coiled around its arm, yanking it back a foot. It cocked its head, as if hearing a distant call, then sprang into the night sky, vanishing from sight.

"What... What were those threads?" The world spun as she struggled to remain composed.

Quinn stared at Belinda with reasonable bewilderment. "I saw nothing... What the hell are you? Why did the beast stop?"

Fane was beside Belinda within seconds, drenched in blood from head to toe. He inspected her. "I'm alright. I'm alright. Are you..." Her voice drifted off as she stared into the distance, losing her train of thought before collapsing into his arms, losing consciousness.