2024-09-06 20:57:23
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
THE HIDDEN CROWN chapter 57
The city loomed ahead, its skyline a mix of modernity and history. As they moved deeper into the labyrinth of streets, Victor’s thoughts drifted back to Lucius, the ancient vampire lord who had taught him much, only to disappear without a trace centuries ago. Lucius was more than just a mentor—he was an enigma, a being of immense power who held secrets that could unravel the very fabric of vampire society.Selene kept pace beside Victor, her gaze sharp as she scanned the surroundings. “You’re sure Lucius is still alive?”Victor nodded, his jaw set. “Lucius doesn’t die. He hides. He’s waiting, watching. And he’s always ahead of us. That’s how he’s survived for so long.”Julian fell in step behind them, still processing what they were about to face. “And what if he doesn’t want to be found?”“He’ll want to see me,” Victor said, his voice steady. “We have unfinished business.”They turned a corner, entering a quieter part of the city. The buildings here were older, the streets narrower, a
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 58
Victor gripped the edge of the altar as the ground beneath him trembled, the ancient energy swelling around him, making the air thick with power. His vision blurred, the weight of the centuries pressing down on him, the bloodline of the Harbinger stirring within his veins."Victor, stop!" Selene shouted, her voice barely audible over the growing rumble. She reached for him, but an invisible force kept her at bay."This is the only way!" Victor called back, his voice strained. He could feel the Harbinger’s presence growing stronger with every passing second, pushing against his will. He needed to act fast before it fully awakened.Julian watched in horror, standing frozen as the cathedral seemed to come alive with the dark magic they had stirred. Shadows twisted along the walls, shapes and figures appearing and disappearing in the periphery of his vision. "Victor, we need you alive, man. There’s got to be another way!"Victor closed his eyes, centering himself. The ritual was dangerous
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 59
As the trio ventured deeper into the city’s shadowed districts, the night seemed to close in around them. The ancient map they found in Victor’s vault was the key to uncovering the remaining bloodlines, but it was also a curse in its own right—a guide to places long forgotten, where danger lurked at every corner.Selene kept her eyes trained on the path ahead, the eerie silence of the city unsettling. "I can't shake the feeling that something's watching us," she muttered.Victor, walking slightly ahead, glanced over his shoulder. "The Harbinger's influence is still strong. It knows we're closing in. We have to be ready for anything."Julian, nervously clutching a silver dagger he had insisted on carrying, added, "I hope 'anything' doesn’t mean more of those nightmarish visions."Victor’s expression hardened. "If we're lucky, that's all it will be."As they approached the first marked location from the map—a dilapidated mansion on the outskirts of the city—Victor felt a familiar chill
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
Latest Chapter
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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’
