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THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 75
As Victor and Elara stepped out into the cold night air, the feeling of being watched prickled at the back of Elara’s neck. She glanced over her shoulder but saw nothing out of the ordinary. The city had quieted down, the marketplace a shadow of its earlier bustling self. Still, the silence felt unnatural, heavy with an unseen threat.“Victor,” she said softly, her voice laced with concern. “Do you feel that?”He slowed his pace, eyes scanning the rooftops and narrow alleys around them. “We’re not alone,” he murmured, confirming her suspicions.In an instant, a figure stepped out of the shadows ahead of them, cloaked in black. His presence was almost ghostly, as though he had materialized from the darkness itself. More figures began to emerge from the alleyways, each one moving with silent, predatory grace. The council had sent their best—the Shadows.Victor’s eyes narrowed, and he stepped in front of Elara protectively. “The council’s hounds,” he said, his voice low. “They’ve come to
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 76
Victor's chest heaved as he pulled the bloodied sword from the Shadow leader's chest. His side throbbed with the deep wound, but there was no time to tend to it. Elara was in danger, and that single thought drove him forward.He ran through the alleyways, his vampire senses heightened, tracking her heartbeat amid the chaos of the city night. The echoes of the battle still rang in his ears, but he shut out the noise, focusing entirely on finding her.Suddenly, he felt a cold dread settle in his stomach. Elara’s heartbeat, which had been fast and frantic moments ago, now thudded slower—almost faint. His blood ran cold."Elara!" he shouted, racing down the dark street, pushing his body to its limits. He turned a corner and froze at the sight before him.Elara lay crumpled on the ground, unconscious, with the hooded Shadow looming over her, his sword raised for a final strike. Time seemed to slow as Victor’s eyes blazed with fury. Without hesitation, he charged, his sword raised high.The
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 77
cult. You don’t have to do this alone, Victor. Let me help you."He turned to face her, his ancient eyes reflecting a sadness that spanned lifetimes. "Elena, you don’t understand. This isn’t just about us. It’s about survival—for my people, for yours. If I let my guard down, if I allow myself to be distracted by feelings, the cost will be too high.""But isn't that what makes life worth living?" Elena insisted, her voice filled with frustration. "What’s the point of ruling for centuries if you don’t allow yourself to feel anything real?"Victor looked at her, a trace of vulnerability crossing his face. "I’ve felt more than you could ever know, Elena. And I’ve lost more than I care to remember. I won’t allow myself to lose again."Elena stepped closer, defiant. "You’re not the only one who’s lost, Victor. We all have. But that doesn’t mean we stop trying to live."Victor took a deep breath, his voice softening. "This life... it’s not like yours. I’ve seen kingdoms rise and fall, watche
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 78
Victor and Elena emerged from the underground chamber, the tension between them as thick as the night air. The streets of the city were quiet, but it was a deceptive calm. The storm brewing beneath the surface was ready to break, and Victor knew it.As they walked side by side, Elena broke the silence. "You can’t fight them all alone, Victor. The council is vast, powerful, and now they’re coming after you with everything they have. You need more than just me by your side."Victor stopped and turned to her, his face unreadable. "I’ve faced worse odds before, Elena. But you’re right—this is different. The council is more dangerous than ever, and their influence spreads far beyond this city."Elena crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. "So what’s the plan? We can’t just wait for them to make their move."Victor looked up at the darkened skyline, his mind racing. "We’ll need allies. Old friends, those who are still loyal to me. And we’ll need to protect the city’s key points—the council
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 79
The night deepened as Victor and Elena sat in the penthouse, the quiet hum of the city below barely audible. Outside, the darkness seemed to press against the windows, thick and heavy, as if reflecting the weight of the decisions they were making. Elena remained close to Victor, the air between them tense yet unspoken emotions simmering beneath the surface."Victor," Elena finally said, breaking the silence. "There’s something else I need to ask you." She hesitated, her fingers tracing patterns on the armrest of the chair she sat in.Victor looked over at her, his gaze sharp and unreadable. "What is it?"Elena took a deep breath, her voice soft but determined. "You said there are things you haven’t told me. I need to know… about the real reason you’ve stayed hidden for so long. It’s not just the council, is it?"Victor’s jaw tightened slightly. He turned his gaze back to the city lights, the distant glow reflecting in his eyes. "I’ve stayed hidden because I had no choice. I’ve been fi
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 80
The dim light of dawn crept into the room, casting long shadows across the floor. Victor stood at the window, watching the city slowly awaken. His thoughts were distant, already reaching into the depths of the old city where they would soon travel. The weight of the ancient power he had been suppressing was growing heavier, threatening to consume him if he made the wrong move.Elena stirred from the couch, her eyes groggy but alert. “Are you ready?” she asked, her voice breaking the quiet.Victor turned to her, his expression unreadable. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Darius isn’t one to take lightly. If he senses any weakness, he’ll exploit it.”Elena nodded, understanding the gravity of their mission. “And what about the council? What if they discover what we’re up to?”“They’re already watching us,” Victor replied. “But they won’t make a move yet. They need me to unravel first.”Victor’s words sent a shiver down Elena’s spine. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like if Victor lost c
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 81
The cavernous room echoed with the sinister laughter of Darius as his chilling words settled in the air. Victor clenched his fists, his every instinct screaming against the uneasy alliance, but Elena’s bold suggestion had bought them precious time.Darius walked toward a large table at the far side of the chamber, where old scrolls and maps lay scattered. “The council will be watching closely,” he said, running his fingers over a faded map. “They know you’re desperate. If we’re going to take them down, we need to move quickly.”Victor followed, his steps deliberate, while Elena stood rooted in place, her thoughts racing. She had taken a massive risk by offering Darius a partnership, but the alternative would have been Victor’s destruction. She couldn’t let that happen.“I’ve studied the council for centuries,” Darius continued. “Their strength lies not just in their power but in their ability to manipulate the vampires under their rule. If we take out the ones closest to them, their e
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 82
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the city, Victor, Elena, and Darius made their way back to the hidden sanctuary in the old district. They moved through the alleys like shadows themselves, the air thick with tension and anticipation.The small, ancient church they used as their hideout came into view, its stone walls weathered by centuries of neglect. Inside, a few candles flickered in the darkness, casting an eerie glow on the dusty pews and worn altar. The rest of their loyal followers were waiting for them—vampires, witches, and humans alike, all bound by their desire to topple the council and break free from Caius’s iron rule.Darius stretched as they entered, his nonchalant demeanor masking the strain of the night’s events. “Well, that went better than expected. Lucian's in, and with him, half the rogue community.”Victor nodded, though his expression remained grim. “It’s a start, but we’ll need more than Lucian’s support to have any chance of taking
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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
