Kalliope made her way back to her room, feeling drained from the events that had unfolded. She flopped onto the bed, letting out a deep breath as she replayed the moments she'd shared with Kieran in the woods.
A mix of emotions swirled inside her - fear, excitement, and admiration. She couldn't help but smile slightly as she thought about Kieran. Maybe he wasn't as terrible as she'd initially thought.
As she lay there, Kalliope realized she needed to clean up. Her body was itching and dirty from the day's adventures. She got up and headed to the bathtub, sinking into the warm water with a sigh.
As she soaked in the tub, Kalliope's thoughts turned to her maids. She felt a pang of guilt, wondering if Kieran would punish them for her actions. And what about her own punishment? What would Kieran decide to do with her?
Her mind began to wander to her family and friends back home. How were Lyra and her parents doing? Were they worried about her? And what about Avy? Had she really changed, or was this just a new side of her?
As Kalliope's thoughts drifted, she gazed down at her blue tail, which was flapping gently in the water. She let out a soft sigh, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. No one must find her like this, she thought to herself. No one.
Kieran's fingers moved deftly as he buttoned his shirt, his gaze distant.
Calista watched, her eyes narrowing slightly as she sensed a subtle shift in his demeanor.
Kieran's thoughts flickered to Kalliope – the way she'd looked at him when he gave her a similar shirt.
Calista's eyes darkened, jealousy simmering beneath her calm surface.
"What's going on, Kieran?" she asked, voice low and even.
He didn't look up. "None of your concern."
Calista's voice rose, frustration evident. "I'm your mate."
Kieran's gaze met hers, icy. "Rejected you. Already."
Calista's face twisted in anguish. "I love you..."
Kieran cut her off with a cold glance. "Waste your emotions elsewhere."
He turned and walked away, leaving Calista alone with her tears.
Later, on the palace rooftop, wind whipping his hair into frenzy. Kalliope appeared beside him, offering a black shirt.
"I don't want it," Kieran said curtly, not looking at her.
Kalliope's eyes searched his face, cold as usual or maybe more colder.
"As if I knew" she said softly.
Kieran's gaze snapped to hers, glacial as if remembering her. "Don't forget your place, a mere slave."
Kalliope's eyes welled up instantly. it threatened to all while she held it.
"A sacrifice... to be used and discarded," he added, voice devoid of emotion.
A tear fell while she wiped it off. Kalliope turned and fled, disappearing into the darkness.
Kieran remained standing, unmoving and unfeeling – his gaze fixed on the horizon, cold as the night air.
His chest didn't rise with a sigh, no expression softened his face. He simply stood there, indifferent.
The next morning, the palace courtyard was abuzz with people, all complaining and speculating about the sudden cancellation of the announcement. Yesterday's excitement had turned into today's frustration.
"What's going on?" one of the villagers asked. "We were told there'd be an important announcement, but now it's cancelled?"
"I know, right?" another villager replied. "I traveled all the way from the eastern province, and now I'm told it's cancelled?"
The crowd's murmurs grew louder, with some people demanding answers and others spreading rumors.
Meanwhile, the lords and nobles from various parts of the kingdom had gathered in the grand hall, awaiting the meeting that was supposed to take place. They too were confused and annoyed by the sudden cancellation.
"What's the meaning of this?" one of the lords asked, his voice stern. "We were summoned here for a meeting, and now it's cancelled without explanation?"
Another lord nodded in agreement. "This is unacceptable. We demand to know what's going on."
The room fell silent, with all eyes on the palace guards, who stood at attention, unsure of how to respond.
The queen's presence was announced, and all lords rose from their seats despite their lofty status.
Queen Ember gestured for them to sit, but few obeyed – the rest remained standing, frowning and murmuring among themselves.
One brave lord, an ancient man in his early hundreds with wispy white hair and piercing grey eyes, spoke out:
"How can we sit when the kingdom is confused?"
Other lords glanced up, some nodding in support while others remained silent.
Queen Ember's head snapped up, her ember-colored eyes blazing with intensity as she fixed the old lord with a piercing stare.
"Lord Urdragor Dexarion," she said calmly, her voice dripping with venom, "you are being too... useless. I won't even lift a finger to turn you into ashes – you know that."
The hall fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the tense exchange.
"Let us begin," Queen Ember said, but Lord Urdragor continued unabated:
"Here she goes again, wielding tyranny with her son. The last king, my old friend Drakon King Shadowblade, gave her the throne because she was his only capable child – but not anymore."
Gasps rippled through the crowd as Lord Urdragor's words hung in the air like a challenge.
"When will all of you stand up to such a ruler?" he asked, glancing at the other elderly lords. "I don't expect anything less from an illegitimate child," Lord Urdragor finished, his voice firm, gripping his walking stick tightly.
The hall erupted into shocked silence. Queen Ember's face flared with rage, but a gentle hand on her shoulder restrained her.
Prince Kieran appeared beside her, his eyes gleaming with intensity as he walked calmly towards Lord Urdragor.
The atmosphere grew heavier, with everyone sensing impending doom for the brave old lord.
Prince Kieran placed a hand on Lord Urdragor's shoulder, his touch casual yet menacing.
"I don't mind your complaints about Mother's ruling style," he said softly, "but you insulted and disgraced her in front of others – even our lowest servants. Isn't that crossing a boundary?"
Lord Urdragor swallowed hard but stood his ground:
"You can't kill me..."
Prince Kieran smiled darkly, his eyes glinting with malevolence:
"Old man, you don't know me. I'm truly insane – insane enough to burn you to ashes, and no being would question me."
Lord Urdragor's eyes widened as Prince Kieran continued:
"You should have met me before my... restraint improved. I canceled that useless announcement yesterday – it was pointless anyway."
Prince Kieran's hand on Lord Urdragor's shoulder began to glow with intense heat, though no flames appeared. Lord Urdragor's sweat poured down like rain as his skin seemed to sizzle beneath.
"I... will apologize," he stammered through clenched teeth.
Prince Kieran shrugged casually:
"It's useless anyway."
He turned to the guards standing nearby.
"Take Lord Urdragor Dexarion into custody," Prince Kieran announced calmly.
The guards moved to escort the old lord away.
"Exile him from the kingdom," Prince Kieran continued. "Strip him of all titles: 'Lord', 'Urdragor', 'Dexarion'... he shall be merely 'Urd'. Strip him of lands, privileges, and honors."
Lord Urd's face turned red with rage and humiliation as the guards removed his ceremonial cloak and insignia.
"How dare you!" he thundered, his voice echoing through the hall. "I was sworn to your father's side, Drakon King Shadowblade! My family served yours for centuries!"
The other lords remained silent, fearful of Prince Kieran's wrath, as Lord Urd's anger boiled over.
The hall remained tense until Prince Kieran spoke again:
"Gathering cancelled. Spread the word: I canceled the announcement because it was utterly useless."
*
Kieran sat in his royal office, surrounded by dim candlelight, poring over scattered papers on his desk. His mother, Queen Ember, entered silently and settled onto the velvet couch, her elegant gown rustling softly.
"That was truly impressive, my son," she said, her eyes sparkling with maternal pride. "I was really proud of you today."
Kieran's intense gaze lifted, his expression softening slightly. "I'm not your son for nothing, Mother."
Queen Ember's smile faded as Kieran's tone shifted. "Mother, you should be cautious – Urd is not a man to be underestimated. He'll lay low, waiting to strike."
The queen waved her hand dismissively. "I've lived cautiously all my years, and men like him are hardly worth worrying about."
Kieran leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "Still, enemies lurk in every palace shadow, waiting to strike."
After the queen left, Kieran called for General Gryson, his personal guard. The general bowed upon entering, and Kieran set aside the pares he had been reviewing.
"Gryson, I have a private order. Confine Kalliope within the palace during the next full moon – do not let her leave or be disturbed until it ends."
General Gryson's expression faltered. "Your Highness, she's designated for the next sacred sacrifice..." Kieran's voice cut through, firm and commanding. "That's precisely why it's an order. Confinement only, until the moon passes."
General Gryson bowed reluctantly, accepting the royal command.
And, Gryson," Kieran added, "release the maids from the dungeon cells
*
Lyra stood at the food vendor, ordering her evening meal, when a male hand grazed her waist sickeningly.
Anger blazing, she spun around and delivered a strong punch, squarely to the tall man's face who was standing closest to her.
Gasps erupted from the crowd.
Lyra barely flinched, her eyes narrowing – justice served. A nearby woman approached her voice low and urgent:
"Not him, child... Look behind him."
Lyra followed her gaze to a figure – an old man, smirking, smoke curling from his lips.
Lyra instantly regretted her fierce punch.
Earth swallowing her would be a mercy – but she stood stuck.
A red royal badge glinted on his chest – Tenebrous Kingdom's mark.
Apology froze on her lips as he stormed off in angry strides.
Lyra rushed after him through the brothel's crowded halls.
He vanished into one of the hundred rooms – nowhere to be found.
"Shit" she seethed, fingers tangling in her golden hair bangs.
*
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the half-moon cast an ethereal glow over the shadowy kingdom.
Kalliope peeked through her window, releasing a gentle sigh. She hadn't ventured out all day, and the silence of her chambers had become suffocating.
Without a destination in mind, she wrapped herself in a thin, flowing nightgown and stepped into the royal garden, which adjoined her quarters.
The soft rustle of leaves and chirping insects accompanied her as she wandered, the breeze dancing through her long hair. A faint smile played on her lips as she ran, letting the serenity of the night wash over her.
Her aimless stroll led her to a majestic, ancient tree, its sprawling canopy a vibrant tapestry of leaves, despite being fruitless.
She settled beneath its shade, mesmerized by the half-moon's gentle light. The tranquility was short-lived, as a low growl broke the silence.
Kalliope turned to face a magnificent grey wolf with silver linings, its eyes gleaming in the moonlight.
The wolf's growl sent a shiver down her spine, but as their gazes met, the wolf's demeanor shifted. It sat beside her, wagging its tail, and Kalliope's fear gave way to wonder.
She reached out, rubbing the wolf's fur, and smiled. "So cute and adorable," she whispered, her lips brushing against the wolf's forehead in a gentle kiss.
The wolf stood, its body beginning to shift and contort. Kalliope's eyes widened as the wolf transformed into Kieran.
She recoiled, her cheeks flushing, and attempted to flee, but Kieran caught her arm, his grip gentle yet firm.
"Stay here," he whispered, his eyes locking onto hers. Kalliope hesitated, then nodded reluctantly, her gaze drifting away, her heart racing with a mix of emotions.
Kieran's voice was firm, his tone cold. "What are you doing here? You should be asleep by now."
Kalliope shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just want to be happy before I die, at least. I'll soon be...used and discarded."
Kieran's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. He wanted to respond, but words failed him. Silver, his inner wolf, stirred restlessly, complaining about the lack of time spent with Kalliope. Kieran suppressed the wolf's musings.
Kalliope's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Is that your wolf? It's so cute." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "And your dragon, too...unlike its owner."
Kieran's gaze narrowed, his eyes locking onto hers. "I heard that."
Kieran's expression turned skeptical. "Aren't you scared of staying alone in the dark with me? I could...do many things."
Kalliope's expression remained calm. "I'm not scared. I've stayed with you alone in the woods, in the dark. You're...good to me."
Kieran's scoff was low and rough. "Good? That word doesn't suit me."
Kalliope's gaze held a quiet conviction. "You saved me from the vampires, lied to your mother and your mate for me, cancelled the announcement...and released the maids."
Kieran's eyes searched hers, his expression softening ever so slightly. He stared at her, wondering what kind of girl she was – smiling and grateful even in the face of death. Silver and Fire, his beasts, seemed to adore her, unlike anyone else.
He reminded her firmly, almost softly "You still wait for your punishment."
She faced him, her small frame standing confidently in front of his towering figure, eyes shining with a mixture of daring and anticipation.
"Can I take it now? I'm ready," she whispered, her voice trembling with a blend of courage. He looked at her, disbelief flickering in his eyes, as if he couldn't quite believe her boldness.
"You realize you could get crippled," he warned, his voice low and serious. "If I punish you now, you might not be able to walk back to your chamber."
She blinked innocently, a playful smile curling her lips. "Is it that bad? Are you going to cut off my legs?"
He paused, a dark smile playing on his face. "It's way worse than that," he murmured, his gaze lingering on her.
Before she could respond, everything shifted in an instant. He pulled her close, and in that split second, everything else faded away. His cold hands moved with purpose, gentle yet commanding.
"What are you—" she started, but he swiftly pushed aside her garment, revealing more of herself. His fingers found her, exploring with expert tenderness. A gasp escaped her lips as he continued, teasing her entrance with slow, deliberate movements that made her pulse race.
She felt herself respond instinctively, wet and swollen, hesitant to give in fully but unable to resist the sensation. Her body pressed against his, holding him tight as he dipped his fingers deeper, drawing a soft moan from her—one she had been holding back.
"Mr. Prince," she whispered, her voice trembling with pleasure, "Ahhh… Kieran…"
He smirked, enjoying her reactions, watching her surrender to the growing tension.
"Deeper," she begged, her voice pleading. But he paused, withdrawing his fingers gently, licking away her arousal with slow, deliberate motions that sent shivers through her.
Her eyes were still wide, breath uneven, as pleasure washed over her face.
"That was just the beginning," he murmured with a knowing smile.
*
A few days had passed, Kalliope sat in her room, her maids attending to her damp hair.
Her mind wandered back to that night, the memories still vivid. It had been her first time experiencing such intimacy, and she couldn't help but wonder if this was what others, like Avy, enjoyed.
The way Kieran had licked his fingers, a gesture both dirty and weirdly alluring, replayed in her mind.
Her thoughts made her feel... Brixa's voice cut through her reverie. "Did something perhaps happen between you and Prince Kieran?"
Kalliope's eyes widened, and she stuttered, "W-what? Nothing happened." Lyrixa chimed in, "Is it that passionate? Your cheeks are so red, your face tells it all." Kalliope glanced at her reflection in the mirror, her face sheepishly flushed.
Darkness fell abruptly, and chaos erupted everywhere.
The full moon appeared out of nowhere, shocking everyone. Normally, it took time to rise after the half moon - but not tonight.
Panic set in as people cried out, "What's happening?" "Is this the end?"
Fear spread like wildfire: "Drakon Prince Kieran's beasts will merge again - and this time it'll be catastrophic."
Villagers whispered among themselves, "Poor Kalliope, the new slave girl - she's so frail and soft-spoken. She doesn't stand a chance against him."
Mothers clutched their children tight, fathers guarded their families, and elite warriors rushed to defend the kingdom. Royals scrambled to regain control.
Meanwhile, Calista sat in her lavish room, applying expensive makeup with a happy smile.
She turned to her mother, Lady Nadira, who lounged on a velvet couch, maids massaging her skin.
"Leave us," Lady Nadira ordered, and the maids quickly exited.
"Did you put the potion in his coffee correctly?" Lady Nadira asked.
"I did, Mother," Calista replied. "I couldn't be careless. I mixed it in this morning - and look, the full moon rose early! Heaven itself seems to be on our side."
Calista laughed out loud, her mother joining in. "He'll tear her apart, piece by piece...
Kalliope won't survive him - and Kieran will be mine alone," Calista said, sipping her wine with a sly smile.
"What about General Gryson?" Calista asked suddenly, her eyes narrowing slightly. "He's going to take her into custody tonight..."
Lady Nadira smiled calmly. "Leave that to me, dear.
Go, you shouldn't be here, the queen needs you. That wench shouldn't suspect us of anything."
Calista smiled, finishing her wine before setting the glass down.
She stood up, her expensive gown rustling softly as she glided towards the door, leaving.