Chapter 76
Author: abundance ke
last update Last Updated: 2024-09-21 13:20:14

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
Continue Reading on MegaNovel
Scan code to download App

Related Chapters

  • 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

  • THE HIDDEN CROWN   Chapter 83

    The walls of the chamber began to close in on them, the stone grinding with a deafening roar as the ancient runes lit up with a sinister glow. Victor’s heart pounded in his chest, but he maintained his composure, scanning the room for any possible escape. Caius stood tall, his eyes gleaming with malevolent triumph, a faint smirk playing on his lips.“You see, Victor,” Caius drawled, his voice echoing in the chamber, “I’ve had centuries to prepare for this. You didn’t think you could outsmart me in my own fortress, did you?”Victor’s gaze never wavered as he took a step forward. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy. But you’ve underestimated me too.”Caius chuckled, the sound cold and devoid of any warmth. “You may be strong, but you lack vision. You’ve always been too bound by your conscience, by this foolish desire to protect humanity. It’s your greatest weakness.”Darius, ever the hothead, stepped forward, sword in hand. “Enough of this! Let’s end him now!”“No!” Victor snapped, holding up a

  • THE HIDDEN CROWN   Chapter 84

    The city streets felt eerily quiet as Victor and his companions made their way back. The sounds of modern life—cars honking, people talking, and distant music—seemed muted, drowned out by the weight of what they had just endured. Victor’s mind churned with thoughts of Caius, the powerful vampire lord who had once been an ally and now a deadly enemy.Elena kept pace beside him, her brow furrowed as she glanced up at the towering skyscrapers. “Victor,” she said softly, breaking the silence. “How long do you think we have before Caius strikes again?”Victor didn’t answer immediately. He knew Caius wouldn’t waste time. Once the vampire lord gathered his strength and reorganized his forces, the assault would come swiftly and brutally.“Not long,” Victor finally replied, his voice grim. “Caius is wounded, but not defeated. He’ll be back. Stronger.”Darius scoffed, his sword slung over his shoulder. “Good. Let him come. This time, I’ll be ready.”Victor shot him a warning glance. “Don’t unde

Latest Chapter

  • THE HIDDEN CROWN   

    chapter 140

    The days following Elara's defeat were filled with uncertainty and tension. The land, once marred by war and strife, began to heal slowly but surely. The earth that had once been tainted with blood and sorrow was now beginning to bear the fruits of the future, as farmers returned to their fields, craftsmen resumed their work, and families reunited in the warmth of their homes.Victor stood on the high balcony of the newly rebuilt stronghold, gazing out over the expansive valley that stretched out before him. It had taken weeks to fortify the village and rebuild the clan territories, but every stone laid, every piece of timber nailed into place, was a symbol of their progress. The war was over. Elara was gone. And yet, Victor knew that the hardest part was only just beginning."Are you ready?" Elena's voice broke through his thoughts.Victor turned to find her standing beside him, her eyes as determined as his. Behind her, Thorne and the rest of their companions stood, all of them shar

  • THE HIDDEN CROWN   

    chapter 139

    As the last remnants of Elara’s dark magic dissolved into the ether, the oppressive atmosphere that had hung over the stronghold for so long seemed to lift. The air felt fresh, the stifling weight of fear and uncertainty replaced by the promise of a new dawn.Victor, Elena, and Thorne stood in the aftermath, their bodies bruised and battered, but their spirits unbroken. The battle had been grueling, and they had come so close to losing, but they had triumphed. The shadows that had once threatened to consume everything were gone, and for the first time in a long while, there was peace.“We did it,” Elena whispered, her voice still shaking with adrenaline. She looked at Victor, her eyes filled with awe and gratitude. “We actually did it.”Victor smiled faintly, his exhaustion beginning to catch up with him. "It was never just me. It was all of us. We fought together."Thorne let out a heavy breath, lowering his axe to the ground. "Never thought I’d see the day we beat Elara. Thought we

  • THE HIDDEN CROWN   

    chapter 138

    The clash of metal against metal rang through the air as Victor and his warriors fought with relentless determination. The monsters Elara had summoned were unlike anything they had faced before—twisted, shadowy creatures with jagged claws and glowing eyes that seemed to pierce through the darkness. The air around them crackled with magic, an oppressive force that seemed to drain the very life from the land.Victor’s sword moved with a fluid grace, cutting through the creatures as if they were made of paper. But even with his strength and the skills of his warriors, it was clear that they were outnumbered. The monsters kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless.“Thorne, take the left flank!” Victor shouted, his voice barely audible over the chaos. “We need to break through and reach the heart of the stronghold!”Thorne nodded, his eyes flashing with resolve. He and a handful of warriors moved swiftly to the left, cutting down enemies as they went. Meanwhile, Victor, Elena, and the r

  • THE HIDDEN CROWN   

    chapter 137

    As the plans took shape, the room began to fill with a sense of urgency. Each leader and their followers took on roles, organizing supplies, preparing weapons, and making sure every detail was accounted for. There was no time to waste. The final battle was approaching, and everyone knew it.Victor, Elena, and Thorne moved to a quieter corner of the tavern, their conversation a low murmur amidst the growing activity."Elara's not going to give up easily," Thorne said, his brow furrowed as he studied the map. "She's smart, and she knows how to manipulate the shadows. We have to be prepared for anything."Victor leaned back in his chair, his hand resting on the gemstone. "We’ll outsmart her. The power of the gemstone is more than just a weapon. It’s a symbol of unity, of hope. If we show the clans that we stand together, they won’t back down."Elena nodded, her sharp eyes calculating. "But that unity has to be real. We can't afford to have any dissent within our ranks. If even one clan b

  • THE HIDDEN CROWN   

    chapter 136

    Victor stood tall, his resolve solidifying with each passing second. The Shadowkin’s pledge was both a responsibility and a source of strength. He looked at the warriors kneeling before him, each one a symbol of the balance between light and darkness.“Thank you,” he said, his voice steady. “But this isn’t just my fight—it’s ours. Together, we’ll prove that unity is stronger than division.”The leader nodded, their expression solemn. “We will follow you, Victor. But to unite the clans, you must return to your allies and present the gemstone. Only then will the path to true unification begin.”Victor glanced down at the gemstone, its radiant glow a mixture of warm amber and deep violet, as though it held both sunlight and shadows within. It pulsed faintly in his hand, a reminder of its immense power—and the danger it represented if it fell into the wrong hands.“Elara won’t sit idly by,” Victor said, his thoughts turning to their relentless foe. “She’ll strike before we have a chance t

  • THE HIDDEN CROWN   

    chapter 135

    The chamber plunged into an almost oppressive darkness as the Shadowkin leader raised a hand, their voice reverberating through the cavern.“Your first trial begins now. Face the Warden of Shadows.”From the ground rose a massive figure, its form comprised entirely of swirling shadows. Its eyes glowed like embers, and its limbs were jagged extensions of raw darkness. The air grew colder, and Victor felt the weight of the creature’s presence pressing down on him.The Warden let out a guttural roar and lunged forward, its movements unnervingly fluid for something so massive. Victor dodged the initial attack, the shard embedded in his sword flaring with light. The contrast of light against shadow filled the chamber, but the Warden only seemed to grow stronger, feeding on the encroaching darkness.“Stay focused!” Victor muttered to himself, gripping his sword tightly. He needed a plan; brute force wouldn’t be enough to take down this foe.The Warden struck again, its arm transforming into

  • THE HIDDEN CROWN   

    chapter 134

    Victor and his allies began the arduous process of regrouping. The wounded were tended to, and the fallen were honored with solemn prayers. The once-chaotic battlefield was now eerily quiet, the remnants of the battle a stark reminder of the cost of their resistance. Yet amidst the sorrow, a flicker of hope burned brightly in their hearts.Elena approached Victor, her face a mixture of concern and admiration. “You were incredible out there,” she said softly. “That energy—was it the shard?”Victor nodded, gripping the hilt of his sword. “It felt... alive, like it was guiding me. But it took a toll. I can’t rely on it too much.”Thorne joined them, his usual stern demeanor softened by exhaustion. “Elara’s retreat means she’s recalibrating. That gives us time, but not much. We need to solidify our defenses and gather every ally we can find.”Brynn chimed in, his voice carrying the weight of command. “The clans will rally to us when they hear of this victory. They’ve been waiting for a si

  • THE HIDDEN CROWN   

    chapter 133

    Victor saddled his horse, the animal stamping impatiently as if it sensed the urgency in the air. The village around him buzzed with activity—blacksmiths hammering weapons, farmers handing out supplies, and healers preparing salves and bandages. Everyone had a role to play in the coming struggle.Elena appeared by his side, her brow furrowed. She held out a small leather pouch. “Here. Herbs for pain and a bit of concentrated energy potion. It’s not much, but it might make a difference.”Victor took the pouch with a grateful nod. “Thank you, Elena. Keep things steady here. I’ll send word as soon as I can.”She hesitated, then said softly, “You don’t always have to carry this burden alone, you know.”Victor met her gaze, his voice steady. “I’m not alone. I have all of you. That’s what keeps me going.”With a firm nod, he mounted his horse and urged it forward, leaving the village behind. The southern border was half a day’s ride away, and every minute counted. The cool evening wind bit

  • THE HIDDEN CROWN   

    chapter 132

    As dawn painted the forest in hues of gold, the group stood amidst the fading remnants of the shadow creatures. The tree, now a lifeless husk, crumbled to ash, leaving behind a faint hum of residual energy.Elena wiped sweat from her brow, her magic still faintly crackling at her fingertips. “That was unlike anything I’ve ever faced. The tree wasn’t just a source of power—it felt like it was alive, feeding on the shadows.”Victor nodded, sheathing his sword. “And whoever planted it knows we’re onto them. This won’t be the last time we encounter this darkness.”Kael crouched by the ashes, his sharp eyes scanning the remains. He picked up a small shard of black crystal embedded in the dirt. It pulsed faintly, as though it still retained a fragment of the tree’s malevolent energy. “Look at this,” he said, holding it up. “This isn’t natural. Someone crafted this.”Thorne examined it with a grim expression. “A dark mage, perhaps. Or worse, a faction aligned with Elara. Whoever it is, they’

Scan code to read on App