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THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 90
The narrow staircase spiraled down into the heart of the catacombs, each step taking them deeper into the ancient underworld beneath the city. The walls, slick with moisture, seemed to close in around them, the only light coming from the faint, eerie glow of the amulet Victor clutched tightly. The air was thick with the weight of centuries, a heavy, oppressive silence that pressed down on them as they descended.Elena’s breath came in shallow gasps as she tried to push away the overwhelming sense of dread. "Victor, how much farther does this go?" Her voice echoed faintly in the dimness.Victor’s eyes stayed fixed ahead, his jaw clenched. "Not much farther," he said, though the truth was he wasn’t entirely sure. He had never ventured this deep before. These tunnels were ancient, older than the city itself, and whatever lay at the bottom had been sealed off for a reason.Lucian, ever the pragmatist, cast a wary glance over his shoulder. "The tremors are getting stronger," he muttered, h
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 91
Victor, Elena, and Lucian rushed through the collapsing tunnels, their footsteps echoing in the chaos. Dust and debris rained down as the ancient catacombs, destabilized by the dark magic, began to crumble. The ground beneath them shook violently, threatening to swallow them whole.“Elena, take the left tunnel!” Victor shouted over the roaring tremors. He stumbled, his body still weak from the exertion of reforging the amulet. Every step felt heavier, but he couldn’t stop. Not now.“What about you?” Elena called back, panic flashing across her face as she hesitated.“I’ll be right behind you! Go!” Victor urged, his voice strained with urgency. He could feel the walls closing in, the magic that had held the ancient ruins together disintegrating.Elena reluctantly nodded and darted into the tunnel, with Lucian close behind her. Victor followed, his senses alert to the ever-increasing danger. Each second counted, and the city above them was hanging in the balance.Suddenly, a sharp crack
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 92
As the sun continued its slow rise, casting golden rays over the rooftops of the city, Victor felt a sense of fleeting calm. The shadows were receding, but the battle within him lingered. His eyes wandered over the waking city, taking in the skyscrapers that gleamed in the morning light. The sight of it grounded him, a reminder of the world he had sworn to protect—both from the dangers of the past and the threats of the future.Elena leaned against the railing beside him, her face serene but her mind clearly restless. “Victor, I’ve been thinking…” Her voice trailed off, leaving the unspoken thought hanging between them.“What is it?” Victor asked, turning to face her, his sharp eyes catching the glimmer of concern in hers.“This fight, this life we’ve chosen—it’s wearing on us, isn’t it? Even on you.”Victor nodded, acknowledging the truth in her words. “I’ve lived through centuries of conflict, Elena. I’ve seen empires rise and fall. But this... this is different. The ancient forces
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 93
Victor's heart raced, though his face remained impassive. Kael’s voice was unmistakable—cold, sharp, and filled with the echoes of ancient malice. The massive gates swung open, revealing a dimly lit courtyard cloaked in mist. As Victor stepped forward, Lucian and Elena exchanged uneasy glances but followed closely behind.From the shadows, Kael emerged, his presence commanding and regal, but there was something otherworldly about him. His eyes glowed with an eerie blue light, and his pale skin seemed to almost shimmer in the darkness. He was a figure from another time, untouched by the world they had come from.“Victor,” Kael’s lips curled into a sly smile. “I never expected to see you here again. Especially not after our last... encounter.”Victor clenched his jaw, his voice steady. “I didn’t come for pleasantries, Kael. We need your help.”Kael’s laugh echoed through the courtyard, cold and mocking. “Of course you do. Why else would you be here?” He slowly descended the stone steps,
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 94
Victor, Elena, and Lucian exited Kael’s fortress in silence, the chill of the deal settling into their bones. As they walked through the mist-filled courtyard, Elena broke the quiet, her voice laced with tension."Victor, are you really going to give Kael the city? You can’t trust him. He’ll turn it into his personal kingdom.”Victor didn’t respond immediately, his gaze locked on the horizon. "I know. But we had no choice. Without his help, the Obsidian Legion would wipe us out before we had a chance to stop them."Lucian shook his head in disbelief. "And after we stop them? Kael will take the city. We’d be trading one monster for another."Victor stopped, turning to face his companions. “Kael is dangerous, but he’s predictable. The Legion isn’t. If we don’t stop them now, none of this will matter. Not the city, not us.”Elena folded her arms, her frustration barely contained. “There has to be another way.”Victor’s eyes softened, but his voice was firm. “If there was, I would have ta
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 95
The air in the underground chamber seemed to shift, as if the weight of the decision made by Selene hung heavily in the room. The Rogue Clan leader, now allied with Victor, looked to her people, signaling that they had a new cause to fight for. The murmurs of the Rogues quieted, and a fierce determination replaced the previous wariness. But the unease still simmered between Victor, Elena, and Lucian as they prepared to leave the Rogues’ den.Selene’s voice, sharp and playful, interrupted their silence. “Oh, don’t think you’ll get away that easily, Prince. You’ve given us a seat at your table, but there’s still the matter of trust, isn’t there?”Victor narrowed his eyes. “What are you suggesting?”She stepped forward, her presence intense as always. “You can’t expect us to simply fall in line because of a promise. A show of good faith is required. I’ll send one of mine with you, as a… liaison.” Her eyes flicked toward a young man standing by the wall, shadowed by the dim lighting. “Zio
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 96
Victor moved swiftly through the night, the wind sharp against his skin as he made his way to the Council's hidden sanctuary. Though the city around him buzzed with life, its neon lights casting long shadows, his focus remained on the task ahead. Time was running out. The Obsidian Legion was gathering strength, and every second that passed gave them more power. If the Council had any knowledge of the ancient relic, he had to extract it—no matter the cost.As Victor approached the Council’s enclave, a towering, nondescript building masked its ancient, mystical wards. Only those who knew what to look for could sense the invisible barrier that guarded the entrance. He placed his hand on the stone wall, and the cold surface shifted, rippling like water. With a whisper of magic, the passage revealed itself.The interior of the enclave was just as he remembered—grand, with high ceilings adorned with glowing runes, but still and lifeless, like an ancient tomb. The Council thrived on formalit
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 97
Victor pressed on through the city's winding streets, the map's details etched firmly in his mind. He felt the weight of the Council’s pact, the looming price of his fealty hanging over him. The Eye of Eternity wasn’t just a relic—it was the key to a much larger game, one that everyone was playing: the Council, the Legion, and even Selene. But as much as it gnawed at him, he knew there was no time to waste on doubts. The Legion was closing in, and the destruction of the Eye was his only chance to stop them.He reached the meeting point where Elena and Lucian had been waiting for him, their faces etched with impatience and concern. Lucian was the first to speak. “What did the Council say? Do they know where the Eye is?”Victor nodded, his expression grim. “They had the map. It’s hidden in the mountains, in an old fortress. The Legion is already making their way there. We need to move quickly.”Elena, ever the strategist, frowned. “How heavily guarded do you think the fortress is? If th
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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
