THE SELECTION VALERIA At last , he released me from the pressure of his power , and could finally breathe again .
Guardian Quinn also stood up , wiping the blood from his bruised cheek despite his rapid healing .
That punch had been brutal .
Tell me , what did you discover ? he asked , the three of us standing before the Goddesss Altar .
Quinn explained everything he had deciphered .
There were actually quite a few mistakes , but I didnt think they mattered , so I didnt correct him .
Its clear it speaks of the Moon Goddess descending to earth to mingle with us .
Its part of an ancient legend , Aldric concluded .
www They seem to be searching for altars like this one , as it points to the location of another Lunar Altar , Quinn indicated the final lines .
They want to take some of the decorative pieces , like here .
That idiot Alpha gifted them silver stars that used to hang from the figure of the Moon .
His wife told me , Aldric added , making the whole thing feel like some kind of mysterious adventure .
We need to find the next ancient temple and stop them from taking what they want .
It cant be for anything good .
Maybe we still have time to set a trap for them .
Sir , I think I know where it might be .
It mentions a body of water rising almost to the sky , like a bird , Quinn informed him .
The Silver Lake pack , Aldric immediately pieced it together .
He was a very intelligent man .
Suddenly , he seemed to remember something .
He walked around the stone sculpture and crouched down to inspect the cracks closely .
Here last night , there was a trace of blood .
Its gone now .
It was strange , nothing Ive ever smelled before , he murmured before standing with a frown .
Lets return to the castle .
Theres nothing left for us here need to summon the Guardian Council .
Something very dark is stirring in the shadows , and I dont like it one bit With that , he strode back toward the inn , but not before sliding his hand around my waist , pressing me possessively to his side .
I followed with my head lowered and my cheeks burning .
« Your Majesty , please ! At least try to hide our private arrangement a bit ! All Im missing now is a tattoo on my forehead saying : King Lycans Mistress ! >> NARRATOR The Vampire Kings trusted general walked through the shadowed corridors of the dark castle .
His posture was not as fierce and confident as usual .
He had failed his mission and it wasnt the first time .
He pushed open the massive doors of the throne room , fingers trembling slightly before he quickly suppressed it .
THE SELECTION His Majesty was many things , but merciful was not one of them .
Failure was never tolerated .
Your Royal Highness , he knelt on one knee before the imposing figure seated on the throne , concealed by shadows .
Tell me , Darius , did you find the girl ? a guttural voice emerged from the darkness .
N no , no , Your Majesty .
We thought we had her , but … she wasnt the right one … Mmm … He stifled a groan of pain as his cheek was slashed out of nowhere , as if invisible claws had just torn it open .
The Vampire King hadnt even moved from his seat .
Then how did you manage to decipher the hidden message ? By … by the blood you gave us , Your Highness … BAM ! A violent crash echoed as the iron and gold throne was struck , making the brave general flinch , I told you to do whatever it takes to find the woman from the prophecy ! You know how important that blood is ! Do you think its unlimited ?! A tall , powerful figure with long black hair and glowing redeyes finally rose from the throne , stepping out of the shadows .
His face , ethereal and handsome like all men of his race , would have been perfect if not for the cruel , scowl it wore .
I I know , Your Majesty … the importance of Junos blood ..
No , you dont , you idiot ! You cant even begin to imagine ! he interrupted mercilessly , exasperated .
lifeless He had committed the worst of betrayals , the gravest crime all for that blood just to obtain this throne that was never his to begin with .
That blood was left for her daughter , and now theres barely any left because youve wasted it deciphering altars ! I need that woman who can read them ! NOW ! The stones of the castle walls seemed to tremble under the vampire Kings roar .
I know the next location .
Its in the Silver Lake pack .
We keep searching in secret and secure the next relic , Darius replied , head still lowered as droplets of blood stained the floor beneath him .
You better find someone useful this time , Darius .
Im aware youve alerted Aldric Thorne .
And that Lycan is not to be trifled with .
His sharp , elongated claws extended as they dug into Dariuss shoulder , making him clench his teeth to bear the pain .
There are plenty of candidates for generals but Junos blood is unique .
Waste it again , and youd better not → return , VALERIA I never thought seeing this ancient , dark castle again would fill me with so much relief .
It somehow felt like coming home Aldric was immediately busy it was clear he had far too much on his plate so I quietly returned to my duties as THE SELECTION a maid , as I always had .
I entered the chamber of the Kings mistresses and laughed bitterly at the irony of it all because now , I was one of them .
I had finally fallen into temptation , all thanks to that damn seductive butterfly .
I pulled open the curtains , shaking them when a knock echoed from the hallway .
Startled , I rushed to answer .
A footman stood waiting outside .
Ive come to ask you to select the Kings companions for tonight .
Hes currently in a meeting , and the housekeeper has instructed not to disturb him , he said , leaving me more confused by the second .
Companions for the King ? However , I followed him silently through the corridors until he led me to a room I had never seen before .