After everything that had occurred, Belinda still went out for her stroll. Locking herself in the house wouldn't help at all. She needed fresh air to think. Part of her wanted to get answers from Denarius, but she had to accept that in the end, it was his decision and had to be respected, even if she disagreed with it.

From where Belinda sat beside the enormous tree adorned with tiny snow-colored flowers, Harper appeared to be okay, but then again, it could be all a facade. She had tricked them all, including Fane and Charlotte.

Harper stood at the riverbed, a hand pressed against her ribcage, staring at the crystal clear waters. "I should have known it was him the moment I bit him."

Alaric's gaze snapped to her. "You fed from him and did not notice?"

"I have been told slayer blood can be addictive."

"True, but his would have been far more alluring."

"I now know that... The sight of him stirred the vampire within. I was such an idiot not to see the truth."

"Would it have made a difference?" Eloise inquired, seated next to Belinda. "In the end, knowing it was him wouldn't have changed anything. Denarius is an exceptional slayer, but... I suppose this would apply to all of them. Their animosity towards you all prompts them to act first and ask questions afterward. This is why my parents kept the truth from them. They feared they would kill me without a second thought."

"The law forbids such a thing." Harper coiled her arms around herself. "Any supernatural can live in human towns and cities."

"That could be the law, but once someone is revealed to be supernatural, they turn on them. I saw it with Ezra... Hatred plagues most slayer's hearts."

"If his words would have held any truth to them, my mark would look more like a scar."

Eloise seized the blades of grass beside her feet, yanked them off the earth, and tossed them aside. Before they hit the ground, they turned into flowers. "I would have thought you'd be experts in the bond between two beloveds." Her gaze focused on Harper, who remained rooted to the ground. "You listened to his heart. His rejection is real. The only thing keeping that mark from turning into a scar is that his heart can still be changed. You have three years from his rejection."

Alaric appeared surprised. "How would you know such a thing?"

"When the mark appeared on me, I became obsessed with researching more about the bond, and from what I've found, the chains forcing the beloveds together were created by a powerful coven long ago. After all the chaos, when the war ended, this ensured no one would stand in the way of the beloveds, or they would grow mad. In my opinion, this magic should be severed."

"Forced?" Alaric inquired. "No one is forced, Eloise—Do you think you are chained to me?"

"I, like many others, have fallen for my beloved, but Alaric, let's not pretend there haven't been occasions where they have been forced."

"Bonds have existed long before the war." Harper turned to them, her eyes glimmering in the sunlight. "No chains are forcing Beloveds together."

"Then why are five vampires growing mad? If such magic didn't exist, they wouldn't be in such mental states. The magic of the chosen zone has protected many from being dragged from their homes and kidnapped. Don't deny the events of the past."

Harper averted her gaze. "I would never be that blind to think there is no supernatural who would do such a thing, but that is forbidden. Kidnapping a human, even if that human is one's beloved, is punishable by death."

"Were those who committed such crime actually punished?"

"Fane's father had no mercy for those who dare do such a thing... Perhaps that is why some clans hated him. They thought he was too merciful with humans... Even after the war."

"Even if this magic is severed, it would change nothing," Alaric stated. "Our marks are not created by some coven. You are correct. Events of the past propelled a powerful coven to cast a spell that could protect all chosen humans from being dragged from their homes. However, it does not chain the beloveds together. If that were true, the humans too would be growing mad. This is why so many supernatural despise witches and do not trust them."

"Because they protect the chosen humans?" asked Belinda.

"Because they dammed the supernatural."

"How so?" asked Eloise.

"In the past, those who did not want to be with their human beloved could tear their mark and free themselves from the bond, but these witches cursed us to carry our marks until our last breath... No second chances."

"But, if you're rejected, can't you just find love again?"

"The human can."

Belinda stared into the distance. "Why? Why would the witches cast such a spell? Doesn't it affect them as well?"

"This coven is not on good terms with others. Many believe them to have been bribed by the slayers."

"So... Fane had no choice but to accept me as his beloved?"

"Right," Eloise answered when no one else would. "If he would have walked away from you, he would have lost not only his only chance at love but also the crown."

"That doesn't mean he doesn't love you," Harper chimed in. "You are his other half."

"Like I said. This magic should be severed. Give both parties the same freedom."

Alaric scuffed. "For this to happen, the chosen zones would have to be destroyed. Only humans can do such a thing."

"But what would happen to the towns if the chosen zones were destroyed?" asked Belinda.

"Our protection would be no more."

"Without the barriers, those lost..." Belinda's voice trailed away as realization hit her hard in the face. Fane had tracked down the five vampires and had them under surveillance—she had witnessed Harper close to becoming a lost one. Humans all around the world hid from their beloveds, which resulted in them becoming one of the lost ones.

These witches damned both the human and supernatural.

"How many of those lost had a beloved?" Belinda rose to her feet and Eloise followed suit, her face giving away that she also connected the pieces. "How many haunt the towns and cities their beloveds reside in?" Her chest constricted.

Alaric glanced at Harper before he averted his gaze. "Please, keep this to yourselves."

"What? We need to make the five others--"

"No." Harper raised her gaze to the sky, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You cannot force them to reveal themselves."

"I know who they are."

Everyone stared at Eloise.

"How?"

Eloise sighed. "I'm a descendant of the coven who caused all this madness."

Alaric's eyes grew wide and when he moved toward Eloise, fury in his eyes, Belinda positioned herself in his path. "Relax."

"No wonder you know so much..."

Eloise pressed a quivering hand over her temple. "I didn't know who I was until I began searching for more information about our bond..." She raised her hand to reveal her mark and the golden glow turned maroon. "From what I've learned my coven had believed to be immune to this... Perhaps they sensed I'd be chosen and abandoned me in the woods for some wild animal to kill me..."

To Belinda's relief, when anguish flashed across Eloise's features, Alaric moved to her side and embraced her. Despite knowing who she truly was, the love he felt hadn't changed.

Harper smiled before focusing her attention back on the river. "Hatred does not consume all hearts."

By the time they returned to the town, Denarius waited on the porch. Belinda approached him while Alaric accompanied Eloise to her home. Harper continued into the house, giving the illusion of being unbothered by his presence, but Belinda wouldn't fall for such a facade again.

Harper was someone who always had a bright radiance to her. She could illuminate any room with her mere presence. That was all gone.

"I didn't think you'd continue being my guardian."

He rested his hands on the rail of the porch. "Even if I rejected her, it doesn't mean I'm going to abandon my slayer duties."

"Denarius." Belinda moved closer. "Why not give it a chance? You never know--"

"No."

Belinda lowered her gaze. "You shouldn't have waited that long to reject her. Were you hoping you could continue to hide it? Were you going to let her turn?" She met his gaze. "You aren't who I thought you were."

She attempted to head inside, but he seized her forearm and tugged her closer. "You're right—I should have rejected her sooner—I shouldn't have hidden it, but you don't understand--"

"What is there to understand? What you did... that was a coward's move, Denarius." She struggled to free her arm from his grasp. "I thought you were better than the others, but you're not. In the end, you allow hatred to consume you—Denarius, let me go."

"How could I give her a chance when my heart belongs to someone else?"

Belinda shook her head, holding his gaze. "If that were true, the mark would have..."

A mark wouldn't appear on someone already in love, but it said nothing about falling in love with someone else after being chosen.

"Denarius, what you feel isn't love."

"Even if I didn't love you, I'd have still rejected her."

Belinda jerked her hand free, feeling a searing heat shoot through her veins. She turned and clutched to the rails of the porch, astonished when the wood cracked underneath. As she raised her gaze, she met silvery eyes.

Fane took one step, but before he could take another, Harper appeared before him, dropping to her knees, head bowed.

"Forgive me. I should not have hidden the truth from you."

The fury on his face softened as he focused on Harper. "Both of you have failed as her guardians."

"I know."

"You could have lost control and slayed everyone in the town, including my beloved. If it were another in your place, I would have banished you to the Shadowlands, Harper."

"I take full responsibility--"

"No. You will do no such thing. He also should be punished for his behavior. When he chose to hide from you, not caring about the consequences, he placed everyone in this town in danger, breaking his slayer oath. Do not protect him simply because of who he is to you."

"I don't need anyone's protection."

Belinda reached out to stop Denarius from approaching Fane but only caught air. Fane didn't move from where he stood, his eyes focused on Denarius as they swirled to crimson and deepened.

Before Denarius could get closer to him, Harper rose to her feet and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Back off."

Denarius recoiled away from her, a bolt of lightning emanating from his fingers and striking the ground. He turned away from Harper, and Belinda caught the quick golden flicker of his eyes before he closed them.

A gasp escaped her lips when a bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree, setting it ablaze.

Fane glanced at it before focusing his attention back on Denarius. "Control that lightning of yours. Someone unstable as yourself should have never become a slayer."

"You aren't fully human..." Belinda rushed to Denarius as he stumbled forward, aiding him in regaining his balance. To her astonishment, Delilah appeared beside them and spoke in a tongue Belinda couldn't comprehend. She touched Denarius's shoulder and a soft light emanated from her fingertip and spilled across his body. His obsidian eyes became normal once again.

"What the hell was that?" asked Belinda.

"Our magic can become stable when we struggle to balance our emotions."

"I'm fine." Denarius jerked away, but when he headed toward the house, Belinda blocked his path.

"Stop pretending... Please." She gestured to the tree that had been struck. "You were affected by the bond—Clearly, there is something there."

He contemplated something before leaning closer. "My mother can't lose her title, Belinda. If she does, chaos will consume this town." Without another word, he headed inside.

"I'm surprised you didn't kill him," Harper said.

"Why would I?" Fane spoke to Harper but held Belinda's gaze, a smile adorning his face.

"He's in love with your Beloved."

"When human tell lies, their hearts give them away."

Harper furrowed her brows. "I can't tell if he lies or not."

"Because you are young."

"Hey, you're only three years older than me." She hit his shoulder playfully. "Drop the prince attitude already."

Fane embraced Harper, taking her by surprise. "Do not hide anything like this from me again."

"I won't."

Belinda approached them as Fane pulled away from Harper. Unable to resist, once close, she pulled him into a kiss. One that ended too soon.

Delilah's eyebrows knit together as she glanced toward the house. "You should be glad I sensed the magic within him becoming unstable." She moved toward Harper, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Sorcerers struggle to balance their magic... Please be careful."

"I never said I was going to attempt to win his heart."

Delilah laughed. "Oh, please. Harper, you were already falling for him before knowing who he was."

"No, I was not."

"Really? Did you not tell Quinn--"

"Fine." Harper struggled to suppress her smile.

Seeing the brightness return to Harper delighted her. "So, you had a crush on him and pretended not to stand his presence?"

"Oh, trust me. There have been many times when I have craved to beat him senseless--"

"And others she has craved to--"

"Delilah, please." Harper laughed.

Her parents exited the house and greeted Fane and Delilah, announcing they were heading to their favorite diner. Since Belinda had just a few minutes before her appointment, she seized Fane's hand and headed toward the clinic fifteen minutes away. When she paused, Fane wrapped a hand around her, planting a soft kiss on her neck.

"Maybe we should ask Harper to come--"

"Let them talk."

They began the stroll once again. "Aren't you concerned that they might—Is that why my parents headed out for a random date?" She laughed. "They too wanted to give them privacy to talk?" He seized her forearm, forcing her to halt, and turned her around. Before she could say a word, his mouth captured hers in a tender kiss.

Recalling the discussion in the river, her chest constricted.

Fane's brows furrowed. "Is everything alright?"

"Yep." She turned and almost power-walked the rest of the way into the clinic.

Fane seized her arm after she had given her information to the receptionist at the front desk. "What bothers you?"

"Nothing."

"Love, you are bad at lying."

She pursed her lips. "I wish you wouldn't use your vampiric abilities on me."

He released her hand. "Forgive me, but I do not have to use my abilities to know you are lying. Every time you do, your nose twitches."

She laughed. "Lies."

"I ask again," he said, getting a bit too close. "What bothers you?"

Her hand went to her nose, and she rolled her eyes when a smile tugged at his full lips. "I know the truth." She sat down on the chair closer to the window. Thankfully, no one else was present in the waiting area.

He settled on the chair beside her. "What truth?"

She stared out the window. "Did you have a choice in this?"

He grasped her chin and turned her head for their gazes to meet. "Why do you ask such a thing?"

"Because I know how this bond works..."

"I told you already--"

"Quinn and you not working was because this magic binds you to me, isn't it? You had no choice in who you love... You were forced by magic to love me."

He drew her face closer to hers and kissed her. "What the hell did Alaric tell you?"

She pulled away and fidgeted with her bangle. "Is it true that you don't get second chances? That you can only--"

"Stop."

She met his gaze then. "W—What?"

"We can talk when we are in private... Not here."

"Okay."

Before either could say another word, the nurse called her to the back. When she saw the babies on the screen, she couldn't stop smiling, watching them moving. They had grown since her first ultrasound, despite her baby bump not getting bigger.

During most of the ultrasound, Fane remained silent. Perhaps she shouldn't have mentioned anything about what she knew. At times, he glanced at the screen as the doctor, who wasn't human but a vampire, checked the babies to ensure they were growing well. Other times, he appeared deep in thought.

"Everything seems good." The doctor printed out their ultrasound pictures, and when he handed them to her, her smile was glued to her face.

"They're adorable! I can't wait to meet them." Fane seemed lost in thought once again. "Is everything okay?"

The doctor glanced at Fane, and then at her. " The babies are developing faster than expected. Right now, you are in perfect condition. No risk whatsoever, but of course, don't overdo it."

"I won't."

When they arrived at the house, she didn't waste time and showed everyone the ultrasound pictures.

"Oh, wow. Baby B has big cheeks!" Her mother laughed. "They both look so big for that tiny bump of yours—My bump for you was small too, so maybe..." Her mother's smile faded.

And Belinda knew why. Her mom was about to say that maybe the twins were girls, which was something her family feared. Despite giving Fane a chance, they still struggled to trust him and feared their worst nightmare could still come true.

"They're stubborn little ones—the doctor tried to see their genders, but nope, they didn't stay still at all," Belinda said.

"I'm going to prepare dinner--"

"Mom, I'm not spending the night here."

Concern flashed across her mother's face. "Okay..."

"Where is Harper?" she inquired.

"She went out for a walk."

Belinda glanced around. "And Denarius?"

Her brother laughed and tapped her shoulder. "They went for a walk together. Three hours ago."

Their mother shot him a look. "Alaric, please."

He raised his hands in surrender before his eyes narrowed and focused on Belinda's father, who stood lost in thought. He hadn't even taken a sip of his drink.

"Dad, is everything alright?"

"All slayers can sense where the other is..." He raised his hand to show his ring. "It's a way for us to locate each other if we're ever trapped by the enemy... I can't sense Denarius."

"Why would he hide his presence from the slayers?"

All playfulness had left Alaric's face. "Is it not obvious?"

"He fears what would happen if his comrades saw him with Harper," Fane stated. "Which only proves the vampire council correct. No matter if we work together to bring this enemy down, nothing will change. The animosity between our species will not simply cease to exist."

"You don't understand--"

"Understand what? If he refuses to acknowledge his feelings for her, Harper should reject him."

"The boy is the son of our leader... You better than anyone should understand him. Clearly, despite his hatred for y'all, he feels attracted to Harper, but this relationship can shatter everything his mother built."

Fane's eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer to her father, stopping only when she seized his wrist. "Are the slayers of this town not to be trusted? If you are as you say, it should not matter if they're beloveds. It should not matter who is in charge... The agreement is void."

"W—What?"

Her father lowered his gaze. "Fane, only your mother can void the agreement made. You're not king yet."

"Please relax," her mother said. "Just like they're vampires who don't agree with the rules your family set in place, there are slayers who disagree with certain decisions Corina has made."

"Such as?"

Her mother didn't answer, and when she turned to head into the kitchen, she collapsed. Belinda rushed to her side. Her father picked her up and headed to their bedroom. While Fane and Alaric waited downstairs, Belinda followed her father, her heart aching.

"It's because she hasn't fed, isn't it? She needs Zeref."

"She's fine. All she needs is--" He stopped speaking as he opened the drawer of the nightstand and found it empty. "She ran out."

"Ran out of what? Dad, what's going on?" When he said nothing, she seized his hand and forced him to turn to her. "I'm growing tired of you and Mom keeping things from me."

"We've created a brew that can aid in blocking bonds."

Belinda retreated a step. This couldn't be happening. If the others knew of such a thing existing, it would end horribly for everyone.

"It's not what you think—this brew has helped your mother with her blood bond to Zeref."

"How... How did my father not find her? Was it because of that brew? Are other beloveds using it? Dad--"

"No one is supposed to have it other than your mother."

"Why did you lie? You said the chosen aren't hiding--"

"No slayer can aid a chosen to hide. That would be breaking the agreement."

"Then what is this brew?"

"It aids your mother to live off animal blood without the need for Zeref's."

"Since when did she run out of it?"

"I don't know."

Her mother woke with a jolt and sat up, coughing up black liquid that stained her lips. "It hurts."

"You are dying," Fane stated from the opened doorway.

Belinda held back a sob, shaking her head. "No."

Fane observed her mother. "Zeref would have saved you without asking anything in return. Why did you choose--" His gaze fell upon the necklace her mother wore, which Belinda hadn't seen before. The emerald was star-shaped, and a snake coiled around it.

"What have you done?"

Her mother visibly shook, and her father embraced her.

Belinda approached Fane. "Please, bring Zeref."

His eyes met hers. "I cannot."

She let out a soft sob. "Why not? I don't want her to die."

"Love, this is the last stage of not feeding from one's beloved for far too long. If I brought Zeref, he would feed her and not stop... Not even when he feels his own heart weakening."

"Let him make that choice for himself," Alaric said from the corridor.

"You told him?"

"Yes."

Belinda hurried downstairs and halted at the sight of Zeref waiting in the opened doorway with Charlotte.

"Come in... please."

Charlotte entered the house, but when Zeref attempted to, a force field pushed him back a couple of steps. His eyes narrowed, and he tried once more to end with the same result.

Charlotte glanced around, curiosity evident in her eyes. "What a rare spell... Delilah, I summon you to me."

Flowers whirled just outside the door in a whirlwind before Delilah appeared. "Is everything alright? Please don't tell me, Harper--"

Charlotte failed to hide her smile. "Harper is fine with her beloved. But this house... it forbids Zeref's entrance. Break the spell."

"I'll see what I can do."

Delilah chanted in her native tongue and a soft blue hue flickered across the walls. Her eyes furrowed as she glanced from Zeref to Belinda.

"Delilah? Is everything alright?"

"Of course my queen... the spell forbids Bexley's beloved from entering..."

Charlotte's eyes widened. "What? But.. you are not beloveds."

Zeref appeared just as bewildered as everyone else. "We are not."

Delilah stared at the blue hue emanating from the walls. "You are. If you weren't, you could enter this home once invited."

"Why would anyone cast this spell in this house?" asked Belinda.

Her father descended the stairs and stopped feet from the opened doorway. "She had a friend cast a spell to hide your marks."

"What?" Zeref stared at his quivering hand. "Why would she do such a thing?"

"Because she knew what her father would do to you if he knew the truth."

Zeref shook his head and attempted to approach her father, but the force field stopped him. "You know more than what you are telling me—How would she know that we both would eventually bear marks of beloveds? No one can see their future."

"She can."

He stepped back, tears glinting in his eyes. "She should not have--" He turned away from everyone and let out an animalistic sound that made Belinda tremble. Once he visibly relaxed, he turned to them. "Let me in."

When her father said nothing, Belinda seized his hand. "What are you doing? Mom needs him."

Alaric stared at her father. "Jealousy is a poison in one's heart." When Alaric vanished, he returned with their mother in his arms. Before anyone could do anything, he gave the steps needed to exit their home and out of the force field.

Zeref wasted no time and bit his wrist, pressing it over her mother's lips as Alaric forced her mouth open enough to allow the blood to spill into it. Alaric stepped back when her mother woke with a jolt and seized Zeref's wrist, biting down.

The effects of the bite took hold of Zeref within seconds, his eyes swirling a deep scarlet. He parted his lips, flaunting his fangs, and to Belinda's astonishment, her mother retracted hers, turning her head so her neck was exposed to Zeref.

Zeref dipped his head but paused when Charlotte said, "Zeref, she is married to someone else."

With a clear struggle, he pulled back and aided her mother to her feet. His hand went to the back of her neck and he drew her close so their foreheads could touch. "Why did you do it? I would have fought everyone for you."

Her mother struggled to suppress a sob. "And that's exactly why... You would have been willing to die for me... I didn't want that."

He stepped back, lowering his gaze. "This life you have chosen will eventually come to an end. We cannot live like them. We are not human."

He seized her mother's hand and brushed his hand up her arm. Belinda moved, but Fane stopped her. She glanced back to see the pain in her father's eyes and wished she could do something to ease it. In the end, to anyone with eyes, it was evident who her mother loved.

"I will wait for you."

Even after he vanished, her mother didn't move.

Charlotte approached her. "He is correct, Bexley." Her gaze lingered on the necklace around her mother's neck and she seized the pendant, sadness flashing across her face. "No matter how many paths we take, nothing can change fate, my friend." Then, she too vanished, along with Delilah.

Belinda made a mental note to ask Fane what he knew of her mother's new necklace. She didn't trust her mother to tell her the truth when she continued to hide things from her.

Her father approached her mother and embraced her. "Forgive me--"

"There's nothing to forgive. You've been honest with me from the start."

Once her father pulled away, Belinda hurried to her mother's side and hugged her as well, relieved that she was all right. After her parents headed inside the house, Alaric excused himself and left, probably heading to Eloise's home.

"Today has been exhausting."

Fane approached her and pulled her into a tender kiss. "Come with me."

"To where?" This week, she had taken off with the hopes of spending time with him, not having a guarantee that he would come in two weeks for her birthday. She also had another important reason not to want to be working tomorrow.

"It is a surprise."

"Fine." She pulled him into another kiss.

She had expected him to take her to the palace, but instead, they arrived at a modest home that didn't differ from those in the town much, except for the yard embellished with wild plants. She stood in the pathway leading to the front door, observing the butterflies larger than her hands as they fluttered their shimmering wings and ascended into the sky.

From within the golden flowers dancing in the breeze, a small creature leaped before her. It resembled the wild rabbits she had encountered, yet its ears bore a similarity to those of a cat. However, what was a huge giveaway of it not being a normal rabbit were the two antlers on its head that appeared crafted from the bark of a tree.

Fane seemed amused at her amazement by the creature that quickly vanished back into the flowers. "Sometimes it feels like these lands aren't on earth."

"Perhaps they are not."

She laughed. "Stop joking around... You are, aren't you?"

He pulled her to him and kissed her. "Of course." He took her hand in his and led her into the house. "Happy early birthday."

She couldn't hide her surprise at the balloons blanketing most of the ceiling and scattered across the floor. As she entered, she followed the path of petals, the candles at either side flickering to life as she walked by.

She picked up the bouquet of roses and the box of her favorite chocolates from the table sprinkled with a few petals and adorned with two candles in the center. When she turned to him, he cradled her face and kissed her slowly.

After their kiss, she placed the items on the table and reached into her black sleeveless dress pocket. Since she started working, she budgeted a certain amount aside for this. She retrieved a box and presented it to him. "A little birdie told me your birthday is tomorrow." His smile broadened as he opened the box to find an elegant black watch. "Do you like it?"

"Of course," he said, securing it on his wrist. "But you did not have to buy me anything." Her pulse quickened when he moved closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Spending the night with you is the best gift you could give me."

She chuckled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'm not sure I can." As she kissed him, he drew her close, eliminating any distance between them. "Maybe you should try convincing me." His eyes gleamed a deep scarlet, but before he could return her kiss, she moved away and sat at the table. "I'm starving."

He positioned himself behind her, his hands resting on her bare shoulders, and planted a tender kiss on her neck. Her breath hitched as he trailed open-mouth kisses up her neck, then grazed his fangs over her searing skin, evoking a desire for the bite within her. She gripped the table's edge and, to her astonishment, the wood splintered beneath her grasp.

Fane seized her bangle and slid it off her wrist before intertwining their fingers, sending a bolt of electricity up her arm that evoked sweet sensations. "Control that strength of yours," he whispered into her ear before he moved away, leaving her yearning for more.

She flexed her fingers, the heat coursing through her amplifying. "Is this normal?"

He set a plate of food before her. "A vampire has until their twenty-fifth birthday to ascend. So, I suppose so."

"What happens if one doesn't ascend?"

"Such a thing has never occurred before."

She seized his hand once he settled in the chair across from her. "Everything is beautiful."

Half his lip lifted into a smile. "I must admit that I had some help."

She chuckled, knowing well that her friends gave him the idea.

Aware she wouldn't see him for weeks, she cherished every moment together. Amidst the chaos of her life, she found joy in mundane pleasures like dining and watching films—a slice of normalcy that was all too rare for them.

After their movie, despite not wanting to spoil their time together, she needed to discuss what she now knew about bonds—and that necklace of her mother's. "Is it true y'all are cursed to only love your beloveds?"

His gaze snapped to hers. "The magic of a coven is not the reason for this bond. I already explained it only flourishes as our love does. Were there no feelings between us, it would have dissipated with time."

She rose from the sofa. "That's not what I asked."

He stood and seized her hand. "You do not understand."

"Then explain it to me. If this magic pulling us toward each other didn't exist, what would truly have happened that night?"

He hesitated. "You truly believe I am chained to you?"

"Sure sounded like it when it was explained to me—If you would have walked away from me, you would have walked away from ever having children... Is that true?"

"I never lied to you. I told you that with you is guaranteed... Those who are not beloveds struggle greatly to conceive a child."

A heat radiated from her body to levels that would have been perilous to a human. "What would have happened if things hadn't worked out between us?"

He knitted his brows. "Why are we having this conversation?"

"Because I need to know if you had a choice in this?" She held his gaze, her chest tightening. "Did you?"

"The vampires teetering on the brink of madness under my surveillance are not in such conditions because of their bonds with the humans in your town. It is their refusal to reject them officially. Should they do so, the vampires would be freed to find another. Your mother, despite loving Zeref, found a new love. It may not be as profound, but it is love nonetheless." He bridged the distance between them, seized her by the nape of her neck, and drew her close. "I could have walked away at any moment if I so desired."

"You said you needed an heir immediately, which means you didn't have the option to leave."

"I have been honest with you from the beginning." When she attempted to step back, his hand encircled her waist and pulled her even closer, until there was no space between them. A wave of warmth surged through her, making her head spin. " I could have declined the contract that night and walked away from this all, but I did not desire it. Even if I did not need an heir to ensure my father did not lose his place on the throne, I would have still accepted the challenge of winning your heart." He trailed a finger over her bottom lip, sparking sweet tingles. "From the moment I laid eyes upon you, I was captivated, my love."

When he stepped back, she could breathe normal once again. Her heart skipped a beat as he pulled out an elegant box and opened it to reveal a stunning ring with a central emerald framed by diamonds. He knelt on one knee, and excitement got the best of her. She didn't even let him say a word and accepted his proposal, her laughter mingling with his.

Once he stood, she embraced him. He slipped the ring onto her finger, sealing their moment with a divine kiss.

He cradled her face. "I love you."

No matter how much she tried, she couldn't stop smiling. "I love you more." She pecked his lips, never getting enough of him. "I never knew vampires proposed like humans."

As always, his smile created a flurry of butterflies in her stomach. "We do not, but I know it is something you desire."

Her grin broadened. "So, how do vampires seal their unions?"

Before he could respond, a soft tune emanated from his pocket. He didn't seem to want to answer but caved when the melody persisted.

Although, in her opinion, he could have shut it off.

But then again, it could be an emergency.

As he conversed in his native tongue, he sat on the sofa. Belinda couldn't understand a word, but she did catch Quinn's name coming from his lips. Hopefully, whatever news she had wasn't bad. While she waited for him to finish the call, she grabbed a couple of pieces of chocolate and devoured them, her eyes squinting as a wave of heat returned with a vengeance, making her grasp the table for support.

The abrupt silence caught her attention, and she looked at Fane. He had stopped talking, but Quinn continued on the other end.

"We can discuss this later, Quinn."

Belinda approached him, his eyes meeting her as soon as she stood before him. The heat flowing through her amplified, and she bit her bottom lip. To her astonishment, his eyes deepened, as though somehow he was being affected by it.

He attempted to stand, but she placed her hand over his chest and gently pushed him back down. As she sat on her knees, astride his hips, his eyes became a thunderstorm of crimson and silver. She dipped her head to his neck and brushed her lips over the skin, stunned to crave to bite him, to claim him as her eternal companion.

Her eyes narrowed, but before she could make sense of such desire, he grabbed a fistful of her hair and pulled her back, his mouth capturing hers in an exquisite kiss that left her breathless. The heat continued to spike with each of his kisses.

With a gentle tug, he unzipped her dress, his fingertips dancing along her spine, evoking delightful tremors to ripple through her. When his hand caressed her thigh and ventured back to her buttocks, soothing electricity surged through her body.

He showed no mercy to her clothes. Soft sounds escaped her lips as his hand claimed every inch of her body, easing the heat. Her breath hitched when he bestowed his full attention on her breasts.

As she took the reins and connected their bodies, he submitted completely to her mercy.

When she woke the following morning, Fane was nowhere in sight. Her cheeks flushed as she recalled everything they did last night. Just like the first time they had made love, he ensured she was alright after.

She had enjoyed every second of it.

"Well, you seem satisfied."

At her friends' laughter, Belinda grabbed the pillow and tossed it at them.

Aurora jumped on the bed after catching it and hit her playfully with it. "Wow! You're so immature!"

Belinda chuckled. "Look who's talking. How have y'all been?"

Skylar sat beside her on the bed. "Everything is great."

Belinda brushed her hair out of her face. "Where is Fane?"

"In the palace. He's speaking to the clan leaders in his study. I'm sure once he gets a bit of free time, he'll come."

"Wait—where is this home located?"

"Within the palace grounds. The palace holds many meetings among all leaders. These are some homes they can stay in whenever discussions take longer than expected."

"Whose home is this?"

Aurora laughed. "Nico's, but from what I've heard, Fane uses it whenever he wants a break from prince duties. This is his bedroom."

Harper entered the bedroom after one knock.

"How did the talk go?" she inquired.

Harper's cheeks flushed crimson, while Aurora and Skylar's smiles broadened.

"Yeah, Harper. How did your "talk" with Denarius go?" teased Skylar.

"I already told you both we did nothing other than talk."

"Uh-huh." Aurora gestured to her nose. "Wolfish senses."

Harper's pink hue intensified. "His scent is on me because we spent the last few hours together, not because we were having wild sex in the woods."

Aurora cocked her head, almost wolf-like. "Interesting. That's one hell of a strong fragrance for only standing close."

Harper sighed. "I am not going to pretend as if the opportunity might not have arisen, but Denarius struggles with what he feels and his slayer duties. I do not blame him. His mother should have never informed him of everything before his twentieth birthday. If she would have never done such a thing and planted the seed of hatred in his heart... Perhaps things would be different."

Belinda got out of bed to shower with the blanket draped around her body because of how cold the room felt. It was astonishing how she hadn't noticed last night. "Do any of you have something I can wear?"

"Of course." Aurora exited the bedroom.

"Once you're ready, head downstairs for breakfast," Harper said as she headed out the door along with Skylar.

Belinda entered the bathroom and showered. As she stood beneath the showerhead, she closed her eyes. A gasp escaped her lips when gentle hands rested on her stomach before venturing upward and cupping her breasts. As her eyelids fluttered open, she seized one of his hands and guided it downward to her burning core.

As he pleasured her, their gazes met for a second before she pulled him into a kiss. Once again, they surrendered themselves to the divine pleasure of their bodies joining, dancing in sync until both reached a state of pure ecstasy.

Much later, she made her way downstairs alone. Fane had left earlier to prepare for a celebration the vampire council was hosting in honor of his birthday. She considered accompanying him, but honestly, she was exhausted. Had she not been pregnant and in need of food, she would have remained bundled in the sheets.

She encountered Quinn and Silas in the kitchen, and both wore the same bright smile.

Quinn arched her brows. "I thought Fane would leave the council waiting."

A warmth spread across her cheeks. "Aren't y'all joining them?"

Silas appeared to be sick. "Unfortunately, but we still have time."

"Are you?" Quinn asked.

Belinda yawned and stretched her limbs before rubbing her belly. "I'd love to, but I need rest." Her eyes widened when the heat from last night returned, and she stumbled forward.

Quinn caught her with a chuckle. "Fane should take it easy with you. You are not fully vampire like he is."

Silas narrowed his eyes when wisps of smoke emanated from her skin. He averted his gaze, deep in thought.

"Is everything okay?" inquired Belinda.

"I hope so." He glanced at her belly before approaching her. "May I?"

"Of course."

He placed his hand on her stomach, and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "They're hyper little--" He squeezed his mouth shut. "I'll be right back." He headed out of the door without another word.

Belinda glanced at Quinn, who appeared just as perplexed as she was.

A silence hung in the air as Belinda served herself some of the food. Quinn arched an eyebrow clearly questioning the amount she had served herself.

"I'm starving, and everything looks delicious." Concern flashed across Quinn's face as she stared in the direction Silas had disappeared. "What's going on?"

"I have no idea, but I am about to find out." She moved toward the entrance of the kitchen to halt when a tall man emerged from the corridor. "Father." She bowed and Belinda thought she'd pass out any second, never having thought she'd ever meet another clan leader. The man's demeanor would force anyone to their knees, quivering in fear.

"I had no idea Fane brought his beloved here. I advised him not to."

"I know, Father. However, you are well aware of his stubbornness. Besides, I too would want my beloved by my side on my birth day."

"I understand his reasoning, but this puts her in harm's way if things do not go our way." His bright emerald eyes settled upon her. "Keep a close eye on her."

"Of course, Father."

He fixed the sleeve of his shirt and put on an overcoat. "Where is Nicolas?"

"He is speaking with the rest of the packs, but he will arrive soon."

"Alright. Tell him to come to my home before he heads to the celebration." And with that, he was gone.

"Your father is terrifying."

"Thank you," Quinn answered with a smile.

"That wasn't a compliment."

"I know. But that aura of his is what keeps others in check."

Belinda placed her hand on her belly, feeling the babies moving. "Is everyone attending this celebration?"

"Of course... Well, I must go prepare myself for the torture." She left without another word.

Had they left her all alone in the house? She had her doubts.

She retrieved the bangle from her pocket, and as she was about to put it on, she paused, staring wide-eyed at her razor-sharp nails. As she inhaled and controlled her breathing, she was relieved that they reverted to human nails.

Aurora, Skylar, and Harper emerged from the corridor, their laughter filling the room. They fell silent as soon as they noticed her in the kitchen.

Skylar approached her. "Are you alright?"

Belinda hid her hand behind her back. "Of course."

"Were you going to put that thing back on?" asked Harper. "Were you planning on leaving without even saying bye?"

"Of course not... But ever since I removed it... I've been feeling this heat that drives me insane."

"That is normal since you could be ascending," Harper said, raising the dress she held. "What do you think?"

"Is that for me to wear?" Belinda asked. "It looks like a wedding dress."

Harper smiled. "Our wedding dresses are red and gold.

"I thought I couldn't attend the ceremony?"

"Maybe she's right. She should stay in the house. Not everyone in that palace likes Fane."

Harper contemplated something. "The celebration isn't only because of Fane's birth day."

"Then what?"

Quinn returned in a breathtaking blood-red gown, appearing like a fairytale princess. "The council have lost their minds. They have invited the eldest of all clans to meet Fane."

"What? Why would they do such a thing?" Belinda inquired.

"Because they claim you are not his beloved. You rejected him, so they are free to search for a suitable bride." She glanced at the dress Harper had. "I have a dress for her to wear. Get her ready."

Before Belinda could say anything else, Harper seized her forearm and guided her to the bedroom on the second floor.

Harper took her sweet time preparing her hair, so each curl looked perfect. She wouldn't even allow Belinda to mess with it when she couldn't help it from how nervous she felt. Her leg wouldn't even stop shaking.

"I don't know about this."

Quinn entered the bedroom, holding a dress that reminded Belinda of the forest. She also carried a pair of heels and various accessories, which she passed to Aurora. Aurora approached Belinda and delicately placed the beautiful headband, crafted with iridescent tear-shaped crystals and emeralds, on her forehead.

Quinn grasped her arm and adorned her forearm with a bracelet that complemented the headband and the earrings she put on. "Each clan has presented their finest suitress, so you must outshine them all. Per tradition, these gifts would come from your family, but wearing anything from Jericho would only infuriate those present, so these come directly from the queen."

Belinda smiled. "Charlotte gave you all this?"

"Of course. She already considers you family, so she had no hesitation passing down the gown she wore when she first met Fane's father." She seized her hand and beamed at the ring Fane proposed with yesterday. "Now, hurry and get dressed."

Once she had the dress on, she stood before the full-length mirror, admiring every delicate detail of the diamond embellished into the soft fabric. She adored the heart-shaped neckline that accentuated her breasts and the mermaid silhouette which emphasized her growing belly. With a smile, she rested her hands on her bump, feeling the gentle stir of her babies.

As she descended the stairs to join the others, she asked, "Are you sure Fane will be okay with this?"

"Are you okay with him choosing another as his bride?" retorted Quinn, an eyebrow arched.

"Of course not... I didn't think he would."

"If he refuses, the council will hold this against him." Harper approached her in an elegant black gown. "This is them pushing his hand. For the betterment of the vampires, he must select a bride and claim the crown."

"Okay."

Delilah hesitated before chanting an incantation, pressing her hand against the wall. It shimmered and transformed into a door made of crystalline waters. Quinn gestured for the others to enter the portal first, and they did.

"Once inside, accept nothing from anyone. No beverages. No chocolates."

"No chocolates?" She chuckled when Quinn shot her a stern look. "I'm kidding."

She seized her hand, and they stepped through the portal together, with Delilah trailing close behind. They emerged into a lavish ballroom, its white walls gilded with gold. A couple of enormous chandeliers cast a soft light upon those conversing, drinks in hand.

Belinda's heart quickened as the assembled guests shifted their attention to her. "Is it too late to go back?"

"Relax." Quinn held her hand firm. "Everyone can hear that heart of yours."

"I'm sorry, but I can't just tell my heart to stop."

Delilah stood at her other side. "Just take a deep breath."

"I think I'm going to pass out."

A woman with brunette hair approached them in an elegant dress that accentuated her figure. Her bright green eyes glared at her, and when she stepped closer, Quinn hissed.

"Quinn, I was unaware you were this human's guard dog."

"Behave yourself, Alyson." Delilah positioned herself in front of Belinda. "Whether the council sees it as an official union or not, she is with Fane's children."

Alyson's gaze fell to her belly, and Belinda placed her hands on her stomach. "She is merely a breeder. Nothing else."

"A breeder? Is that what the dead women were to y'all?" Belinda attempted to get close to the woman, but Quinn drew her back, whispering into her ear, "Do not take her bait."

Belinda glowered at the woman and held her chin high. "Am I supposed to tolerate anyone's insults?"

"It is seen as weak for a royal to allow their emotions to get the best of them. Keep it in check."

Belinda locked eyes with Quinn and nodded.

"Did I strike a nerve human?" The woman's menacing grin broadened. "If Fane truly sought to make it official, you would already be bound to him." Her eyes fell upon the forearm adorned with the bracelet. "I see no mark uniting you as one. Human customs hold no weight here."

"Enough, Alyson." Silas approached the woman and seized her arm, only to release her at the hiss from a tall, blond-haired man with piercing emerald eyes. Silas' eyes gleamed amber. "Keep your child in check, Braxton, or I shall."

"My daughter merely stated the truth. Many here concur. This human has no place among us. She is nothing but Fane's breeder."

As a gentle piano tune began, all diverted their gazes from her. Silas moved forward and took hold of Belinda's forearm. "Quinn, this was reckless of you."

"Fane must present her as his beloved."

"If he dares to do so..." Silas stepped back as Quinn's father approached.

He gave Belinda a fleeting smile. "No human would dare enter a ballroom teeming with vampires. That fragrance of your blood could blind any of them to ravish that neck of yours." Her heart pounded in her ears. "That is. If not for Fane's blood bond with you."

He extended his hand toward hers. "Come with me."

Quinn gave her a gentle nudge, and with apparent reluctance, Belinda placed her hand in his and mirrored his bow. He led her to the heart of the ballroom, where others swirled in dance.

"Just follow my lead."

He held one hand as she rested the other on his shoulder with hesitation, and the dance began. She met his gaze for a mere second before looking away. "Why are you helping me?"

"Why does it surprise you? Fane is my ally."

She met his gaze. "I assumed you'd want your daughter--"

"There was a time when I aimed to fortify our alliance, but I could never force him to bond with my child knowing of events of the past. I would never condemn Quinn to such a fate." A gentle smile graced his lips. "Bexley was also a dear friend of mine. "

She yearned to ask questions, but she suspected there must be a valid reason he refrained from referring to Bexley as her mother.

As the soft melody stopped, Belinda watched as the others sat on their knees before two thrones that appeared made of marble, gilded in gold. As the other women bowed, veils matching their dresses were placed over their heads, completely sealing their identities.

Quinn's father guided Belinda to the end. "Please kneel."

She did as told with a bit of difficulty. Quinn approached with a veil in her hands, but her father stopped her. Quinn glanced at him, perplexed, as he guided her into the crowd. Belinda's heart hammered, and she was certain everyone could hear it.

A man with familiar blue eyes stood before her, anguish etched on his face before he raised a veil composed of diamonds and emeralds, matching her dress in every detail. "I, Jasper of the Esthriken Clan, present my granddaughter as a suitress."

Belinda's eyes widened as she met his gaze before he placed the veil over her head. A couple of gasps erupted from those present at the revelation of whose blood coursed through her veins. Perhaps it would have been best if she had been indeed human and not the descendant of Jericho.

A traitor.

Her body quivered against her will, and she struggled to contain herself. Her brother's warning echoed in her mind. Those present already judged her based on the actions of a man she never met. They damned her as they did Alaric.