Chapter 69

And so, he began to tell me a story of great love and sorrow. It was odd hearing the details from him and learning the feelings he had for my mother, Iliana, but deep down I had always known he cared tremendously for her. Still, the fact that she was a wolf was surprising. I thought he hated them as much as me. He was the one to coax and mold me into this wolf-killing machine, but thinking back, he had always carried a sadness and a weight on him, the source to which was never known. Has everything truly been a lie?

“Your mother was the love of my life. She will forever hold that title. No one can take her place.” My eyes widened at his words as he continued.

“Even around 60 years ago, I was still an old and seasoned vampire. I had been leader of this coven for 40. Unlike my father and your grandfather, I preferred to rule with equal diplomacy and strength. Yes, wolves were naturally our enemies, but hunting them without cause was unnecessary. My goal was power, not fruitless death. I