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THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 60
Victor stepped into the chamber, feeling the weight of centuries-old tension in the air. The hidden lair, long forgotten by most, was a place where ancient pacts and alliances had been formed, but also where countless betrayals had occurred. The flickering torches on the walls cast long shadows, revealing more figures lurking in the dark corners. These were not ordinary people—they were the remnants of a secret society that had once fought alongside and against vampires, witches, and hunters alike.The woman who had spoken earlier, still observing Victor with cold intensity, gestured to a large stone table at the center of the room. "Sit. We’ll hear your plea, Victor, but don’t expect our loyalty to come cheap."Selene and Julian exchanged a glance but followed Victor’s lead as he approached the table. Victor’s voice was calm, but there was an undeniable edge to it as he addressed the group. "The Harbinger is awakening. You all know what that means. The curse that has lingered in the
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 61
Julian stared up at the crumbling structure. "Of course it’s a creepy, old cathedral. Why is it always something like this?"Victor ignored him and turned to Selene. "Are you ready?"She gave him a firm nod. "Let’s do this."The three of them entered the cathedral. Inside, the air was thick with dust and the smell of decay. Broken pews lined the nave, and stained glass windows were cracked and dirty, casting distorted patterns of light across the stone floor. Victor led them to the center of the room, where an old altar stood. He ran his hand over the carvings, searching for the hidden mechanism he knew was there."This place was a sanctuary for my kind centuries ago," Victor explained as his fingers traced a worn symbol etched into the stone. "It also became a prison for the Harbinger’s relics. There’s a crypt beneath this altar where the first bindings were made."Selene stepped closer, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger. "And how do we get down there?"Victor presse
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 62
The night hung heavily over the city, as though the very air carried the weight of the coming battle. Victor stood silently in the alley beside the clock tower, his senses heightened. Every shadow seemed to shift, every gust of wind felt like a whisper of danger. His mind raced, knowing that the Harbinger’s influence was spreading, corrupting the city faster than he had anticipated.Julian leaned against the stone wall, nervously tapping his foot. “You know, I was hoping for a quiet night. Maybe some coffee, a good book. Instead, we’re heading into ancient crypts to face a nightmare.”Victor shot him a sharp glance. “This isn’t a game, Julian. The Harbinger will destroy everything if we fail.”Julian raised his hands in surrender. “I know, I know. I’m just saying, it’d be nice if ancient curses came with a user manual.”Selene, standing between them, cut in with a calm voice. “We’ve faced worse before. We can do this.”Victor appreciated her steadiness. She had always been the anchor
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 63
The chamber crackled with dark energy, shadows pulsating around the Harbinger like a living entity. Its glowing eyes bore into Victor, challenging him to make the first move. Selene, Julian, and Malachi stood at Victor's side, their weapons drawn, but they could feel the oppressive force that surrounded the ancient enemy."You've lingered in the shadows for long enough," Victor said, his voice steady, though his heart pounded. "This ends tonight."The Harbinger's laugh echoed, cold and mocking. "You, a forgotten prince, think you can defeat me? You've ruled your people in secret for centuries, but you can't hide from the truth of what you are—just like you can't stop the storm I've unleashed upon your city."Victor felt the weight of those words. He had always known the balance of power in the city was fragile, but now, as he faced the Harbinger, he understood the true depth of the enemy’s influence. It had spread through the veins of his people, feeding on their fears, on their weakn
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 64
Victor turned away from the window, steeling himself for the coming days. His eyes shifted toward the ancient map on the table, the glowing ley lines that marked where power still lingered in the city. These places would become battlegrounds soon, and he had to be prepared for whatever came next.Julian appeared at his side, his usual smirk replaced by a rare look of concern. "You're really expecting all hell to break loose, aren't you?"Victor didn’t respond immediately, his eyes tracing the symbols on the map. "We've spent centuries keeping the balance. Keeping the ancient ones at bay. But the Harbinger was a signal—a sign that the old wars are starting again. They’ll come for us."Julian frowned, rubbing his temple. "And the covens? You think they’ll really help us out of the goodness of their hearts?"Victor smiled darkly. "The covens only care about survival. We just need to convince them that allying with us is their best chance."Julian crossed his arms, glancing over at the ex
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 65
The tension among Victor and his companions was palpable. The eerie hum of the ley lines vibrating through the earth left no room for doubt—time was running out. Victor could sense the ancient forces beginning to stir beneath the surface, threatening to upend everything he had worked to protect for centuries.Malachi was the first to break the silence. "We can’t fight what’s coming with brute force alone. The ley lines... they’re far more powerful than we imagined."Victor nodded, his mind racing. "You're right. This is ancient magic, beyond anything we’ve ever faced. We need knowledge, not just weapons. We need to find the origin of these ley lines before Lucien and his coven do."Julian sheathed his bloodied daggers, his usual cocky demeanor replaced with grim determination. "I have a few contacts in the underground archives, old historians who deal in forgotten lore. They might be able to help us track down the ley lines’ history."Victor turned to him, his sharp eyes focused. "Do
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 66
As Isolde began to prepare the ritual, Victor stood in the dim light of the chamber, his mind racing. The weight of the choice before him was immense—he knew there was no easy way out of this. The price was steep, and the implications of the sacrifice haunted him.Isolde’s voice broke through his thoughts. "Victor, are you ready?"Victor looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "What exactly does this ritual involve?"Isolde motioned to the altar. "You will have to channel the ley lines’ energy and redirect it, restoring the balance that has been disturbed. But the ley lines demand a price—one that binds them to the world of the living. You must give up something of great value."Victor frowned, his unease growing. "And if I don’t?""The ley lines will continue to surge," Isolde said, her voice unwavering. "And eventually, they will destroy everything in their path. The city, the covens, your people—they’ll all be consumed by the chaos."Victor clenched his fists. The thought of sacrificing
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 67
The chill in the air lingered long after Lucien’s messenger had vanished. Victor and Isolde walked in silence for several blocks, the weight of the encounter settling over them. Each corner they turned, every shadow they passed seemed to hold the potential for another ambush. Lucien’s presence loomed, even when unseen.Victor finally spoke, his voice a low growl. "I’ve had enough of his games. If he thinks I’ll wait around for his next move, he’s sorely mistaken."Isolde glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "You can’t just charge blindly into this. That’s exactly what Lucien expects. He thrives on chaos, on pushing you into rash decisions."Victor’s jaw tightened, frustration burning in his chest. "Then what do you suggest? We sit back and let him orchestrate the destruction of everything we’ve built?"Isolde sighed, stopping in her tracks. "No. But you need a plan, Victor. He’s already outmaneuvered you once tonight, and that was just a warning. Lucien is dangerous because he d
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- THE HIDDEN CROWN
Chapter 110
The air grew colder as Victor, Thorne, Elena, and Lucian entered the mine, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Flickering torches illuminated the narrow passageways, casting eerie shadows that danced along the rough-hewn rock. The scent of damp earth mingled with something metallic, an indication of the danger that lay deeper within.“Stay close,” Victor instructed, his voice steady yet low. “We don’t know what we might encounter in here.”Lucian led the way, his senses heightened. “I can feel something,” he murmured, glancing back at the others. “There’s an energy that’s different… almost ancient.”“Let’s hope it’s just the minerals,” Thorne replied, his hand resting on the hilt of his dagger. “We don’t need any unwelcome surprises.”They ventured further into the mine, navigating through twisting passages and narrow alcoves. Occasionally, they paused to examine the shimmering walls, streaked with veins of precious gemstones glinting in the torchlight.Elena pic
- THE HIDDEN CROWN
Chapter 109
The sun was barely above the horizon when Victor, Thorne, Elena, and Lucian began mobilizing their forces. The air was charged with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Each member understood the stakes, knowing that the fate of their world rested on their shoulders.“Let’s divide the tasks,” Victor suggested, gathering everyone in a huddle. “Thorne and I will head to the Nightshade Clan’s hideout to finalize their commitment. Elena and Lucian, you two focus on reaching out to the names Rhea provided. We need to make sure everyone knows what they’re fighting for.”Thorne nodded, his expression serious. “I’ll make sure Eldrin knows how urgent this is. We can’t afford to waste time.”Elena glanced at Lucian, determination etched on her face. “We’ll spread the word. If we can rally enough support, we might stand a chance against Elara’s forces.”“Stay vigilant,” Victor cautioned. “Elara’s spies are everywhere. We can’t risk being compromised.”With that, they split up, the weight of their
- THE HIDDEN CROWN
Chapter 108
The air was crisp as Victor, Elena, Thorne, and Lucian made their way through the quiet streets of the town. The tavern’s chaos had settled, but the lingering tension in the air hinted at the uncertainty ahead. The moon illuminated their path, and for a brief moment, they felt a sense of peace before the storm.“Where do we start?” Elena asked, glancing at Victor, who was deep in thought. “Elara won’t give up easily. We need a plan.”“We need to gather more allies,” Victor replied, his voice steady. “If Elara has an army of minions, we need to counter that. There are others like us who might be willing to fight back.”Thorne nodded, his expression serious. “There are whispers of other vampires who’ve gone into hiding. We need to find them. If they’re as strong as Elara’s followers, we might stand a chance.”Lucian stepped forward, his brow furrowing. “I have contacts in the underground circles. We might be able to reach out to them. Some owe me favors, and they could help us.”“Good,”
- THE HIDDEN CROWN
Chapter 107
The tavern erupted into chaos as Elara's minions surged forward, a wave of shadows threatening to engulf everything in their path. Victor’s heart raced as he drew upon his own magic, feeling the familiar power thrumming within him. He stood firm, placing himself between Elara and Thorne, who was already preparing to fight.“Get back!” Victor shouted to the patrons, pushing them toward the exits. “We can’t let them use this place as a battleground!”Elara laughed, a chilling sound that cut through the chaos. “Oh, Victor, always the noble one. But this time, I won’t allow you to escape. You’re going to face the consequences of your defiance.”With a flick of her wrist, dark tendrils surged forward, aiming to ensnare Victor. He quickly countered, summoning a barrier of shimmering light that pushed against the shadows. The two forces collided with a resounding crack, the air thick with magic.“Thorne!” Victor yelled, his eyes locked on Elara as he held the barrier. “We need to fight back!
- THE HIDDEN CROWN
Chapter 106
The tension in the air snapped as Elara signaled her guards to attack. The courtyard erupted into chaos. Victor’s instincts kicked in; he spun around just in time to dodge a swinging blade aimed at his neck. The guard, a burly vampire with a scarred face, lunged again, but Victor sidestepped, grabbing the guard’s wrist and twisting it until the sword clattered to the ground.“Stay close!” Victor shouted to Lucian and Elena, who were already engaged in their own battles.Lucian had been cornered by two wolves, their teeth bared, snarling with hungry ferocity. “Really? This is how you greet guests?” he yelled, dodging a snap from one of the beasts. He swung his sword, slicing the air just inches away from the nearest wolf, which yelped and fell back.“Watch your left!” Elena shouted, her dagger flashing as she plunged it into the side of another guard. She had a fierce look of determination in her eyes as she pivoted to Victor's side, her movements fluid and practiced.“Victor!” she cri
- THE HIDDEN CROWN
Chapter 105
The inn was alive with laughter, clinking tankards, and the low hum of conversations in multiple dialects. A roaring fire crackled at the hearth, casting long shadows across the wooden walls. As Victor, Elena, and Lucian stepped inside, heads briefly turned their way, some wary, others indifferent.Victor moved to the bar, signaling the innkeeper with a nod. “Three ales. And any news worth hearing,” he said, slipping a silver coin across the counter.The innkeeper, a burly man with a scar running across his brow, eyed Victor with the sharp gaze of someone who knew trouble when he saw it. He pocketed the coin with a practiced grin. “Depends what you want to hear, stranger. Word spreads fast down south, but so do lies.”Victor leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “I hear the southern factions are restless. We need to know who leads them now.”The innkeeper's grin faltered for a moment. “That’s dangerous knowledge. You don’t look like the sort that should meddle in those affairs.”Bef
- THE HIDDEN CROWN
Chapter 104
The dust settled over the ruined barricades as the remnants of the battle dispersed, leaving behind a sense of relief but also exhaustion. Victor stood in the square, the faces of those around him illuminated by the flickering torchlight. The citizens were victorious, but their victory was fragile.Elena leaned in toward Victor, her voice low. “You know they’ll come again, right? The Council won’t just let this loss go unanswered.”Victor nodded grimly. “We bought time. That’s all.” He looked at the weary crowd. “We’ll need to prepare. And fast.”Lucian ran a hand through his ash-streaked hair. “Guess that means no celebratory drinks, huh?”Victor gave him a wry smile. “Not yet, Lucian.”By nightfall, the injured were being tended to, and volunteers were working to clear debris from the streets. Fires burned in the city’s central square, where families gathered, clinging to one another for comfort. It was the first night in a long time that many of them felt free—but freedom came at a
- THE HIDDEN CROWN
Chapter 103
Victor stepped into the sunlight, its warmth unfamiliar against his cold skin. The cathedral doors groaned shut behind him as the tolling bells echoed across the city. Chaos was already unfurling—smoke billowed from distant quarters where Lucian and Elena had set their traps, and the shouts of soldiers filled the air.He inhaled deeply, tasting the scent of fire and freedom, but he knew the hardest part was still ahead. A city freed from the Council’s grip was not a city yet at peace. Factions, power-hungry remnants of the old regime, would rise like weeds. He would need to act quickly to cement his rule—or everything would crumble again.Elena and Lucian appeared through the haze, panting and disheveled.Lucian grinned, wiping soot from his face. “We lit quite the bonfire, eh, Prince?”Elena’s sharp gaze scanned Victor, checking for injuries. “It’s done?”Victor gave a single nod. “The Council is no more.”Elena exhaled, relief mixed with tension. “Good. But the soldiers will regroup
- THE HIDDEN CROWN
Chapter 102
Victor’s heartbeat drummed in sync with the ticking clock in his mind. Time was slipping through his fingers, and the scent of looming war was thick in the air. The first crack of sunlight had barely touched the rooftops when he gathered the others.“Ready?” he asked, his tone sharp but calm.Lucian, now armed and bandaged, smirked. “Ready to run, fight, or die. Preferably the first two.”Elena pulled her cloak tight over her shoulders, her face hard with determination. “Don’t you dare die on me, Victor.”Victor gave her a rare smile. “I won’t. Not before I burn that council hall to the ground.”They moved swiftly through the back alleys, using the city's shadows as cover. The streets were still quiet, but Victor knew it wouldn’t last. Every corner they turned brought them closer to danger—and to the heart of the Council’s web.As planned, Elena and Lucian would head toward the central square to create a distraction. Victor, meanwhile, would infiltrate the Council’s inner sanctum—a cr
