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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
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 68
The council chamber grew quieter as the members of the House of Voss settled into their seats. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the ancient stone walls, creating an atmosphere thick with tension. Victor stood tall at the center of the room, aware that his every word would be scrutinized, every move analyzed. Isolde, ever watchful, remained close by, ready for whatever may come.Lady Voss's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she spoke again. "Tell us, Prince Victor, how exactly do you intend to stop Lucien? He has the strength of several covens behind him, not to mention his relentless ambition."Victor took a deep breath. "Lucien thrives on chaos. His strength lies in manipulation, in dividing and conquering. But he underestimates one thing—the unity that can be forged when those who value order come together. He may have the numbers, but his alliances are fragile. They’re based on fear, not loyalty.""And you believe that by uniting the remaining covens, you can
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 69
Victor moved swiftly through the city’s hidden corridors, where shadows clung to the walls like old memories. The underground passageways beneath the city were a secret only the oldest vampires knew, and they would provide the cover needed for his forces to gather unnoticed. His thoughts raced, filled with the weight of the council’s trust and the looming threat of Lucien’s ambition.As he stepped into the meeting chamber where his most trusted allies awaited him, the air was thick with tension. Isolde, already present, stood by the entrance, directing the others with precision and efficiency. Victor’s eyes swept the room, taking in the faces of those who would fight by his side—warriors, strategists, and spies who had sworn loyalty to him centuries ago. He caught Isolde’s eye, and she gave him a nod of assurance, though her face betrayed a flicker of worry.Victor cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Lucien is on the move. His forces are converging on the city as we spe
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 70
Victor’s body tensed as the circle of enemies closed in around him, their fangs gleaming in the dim light of the underground base. Cassandra stood behind them, her smirk widening as she watched. Victor had faced impossible odds before, but this was different. Lucien had anticipated every move, turning the city into a labyrinth of traps.Without hesitation, Victor charged forward, striking down the first few vampires with swift, calculated blows. His hands moved like lightning, breaking necks and driving stakes into the hearts of those who dared come too close. He was a force of nature, a blur of violence and power.But for every vampire he felled, two more took their place."Come on, Victor!" Cassandra taunted from the edge of the chaos. "Show me that legendary strength. I’ve waited centuries to see you fall."Victor didn’t respond. His mind raced, calculating his next move. He needed to escape—he couldn’t win this fight, not here. Not yet. Lucien had the advantage in numbers, and the
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 71
Victor's fall felt eternal, the weightless abyss swallowing him whole as he plummeted into the unknown. The darkness was thick, suffocating, but the sense of Lucien’s victory burned deeper than any physical wound. His brother had always been two steps ahead, always calculating, always orchestrating Victor’s downfall.With a bone-jarring crash, Victor hit the ground. Pain shot through his body, but his centuries of experience and resilience allowed him to rise swiftly, despite the disorientation. He surveyed his surroundings—an underground cavern, ancient and sprawling, lit by the soft glow of crystals embedded in the walls. This was no accident. Lucien had planned for him to fall here, but why?Victor's breath steadied, his eyes adjusting to the gloom. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and something else—something older. He ran his fingers along the walls, feeling the pulse of ancient magic coursing through the stones. This place had power.Suddenly, a voice echoed throug