A cloud of smoke covered the castle. There was confusion and murmuring as people were trying to balance their emotions between curiosity and fear. As the smoke died down, a shocked gasp passed through the hall. Elena couldn’t believe her eyes. A dark beast with uniquely conjoined horns stood in the middle of the castle hall, one of its horns protruding from the other side of a man’s neck. That man was the one who had snapped Aaron’s neck, Aaron, who was strangely alive and looking at the beast with awe and fear. The beast had great hide as dark as night. Its eyes were shrewd and focused on the other men in the room, who had supported the one now hanging from its horns. Elena strangely recognized that look. She looked behind her and saw that Forest’s face had turned pale and immediately understood. The beast was Elion. Elion was a magical being. Looking at Forest, she also came to the same conclusion. Forest was a magical being. Now that she thought of it,

After making sure that his parents were well attended to, Calhoun headed off into the lower level of his Castle, where Elena's room was. He still couldn't believe that her friend was a Balaksa, a being known for its supreme power. His father hadn't told him much more than what other people knew of them, that they were bloody, fearless creatures their first ancestor spoilt enormously. They were almost also accorded the same respect given to their ancestors themselves. He was sure to ask his father more about them when he woke up. No doubt that he would have more to say. As he walked the halls down to his lover's room, he couldn't stop the bout of excitement that sprung in him of the powerful ally he now had. All thanks to his lover. He had a lot of work to do. So many of the ministers by his side had been killed. Even if Elion was able to bring people from the dead, he wasn't sure she could do that much number. He didn't want to risk it. He was buried within his thoughts of i

Calhoun went back to the practice field he had found Elena in the previous night. It was about the same time he saw her there, and she was practicing. He watched her for a bit as she moved fluidly, and his heart began to burst with pride. Then he remembered why he had come there, breaking it into pieces. He took a deep breath and walked over to where she stood, so silently his footsteps couldn't be heard. "Elena," he called softly from behind her. She paused her movement and slowly turned to look at him. "Calhoun?" She questioned, cocking her head. Why are you here?" Calhoun studied her face for a while, feeling his heartbreak. Then he slowly dragged her towards a bench in the field. "Please sit." He said, gently nudging her down. She looked at him, confused as she sat. "What's this about?" Calhoun sat next to her, taking both her hands in his. He stared at her intensely, and she held on to his gaze. He could see the confusion and curiosity that swam

The Blood Kingdom. The king's castle… Elena made her way to Calhoun's study. She gently knocked on his door when she arrived, waiting for his command to come in. Once that happened, she gently opened the door, entering inside. She was greeted by the sight of Calhoun pacing. He was dressed formally in what seemed to be a traditional suit, and the get-up made him more handsome. He turned to look at her, then paused once he focused on her form. Blushing, she removed her eyes from his. "We have to get going. Your parents are probably waiting for us." He remained silent, then began strolling towards her. "You are beautiful." He said once he stood next to her. He placed his hands on her chin, dragging them up to see his face. She looked at him a bit embarrassed, but his total concentration was on how the beautiful girl was about to be his. Mine was what he thought. He slowly brought his head down to hers, then gently brushed his lips against hers. He re

Elena felt her heart banging hard against her chest through the walk up to the sacred room. She was with Calhoun. He held her hand gently but firmly in his and caressed it to calm her nerves. "It's okay. We would be done in no time." "I know," she said, breathing nervously. "This is just a very huge step for me." "You'll be alright." He replied, holding her hands firmly. "Where is this room?" Elena asked, trying to cover her nervousness with curiosity. "We have been going up for a long time." They had passed Calhoun's and his parents' floors and had even passed floors she hadn't been aware of. Calhoun looked at her drily. "We have barely been on the stairs for ten minutes. Are you sure it's not your nervousness that is talking?" "I'm just curious." She answered. "I have never heard of this room since I started working here." "That's because it's a sacred room. Even if you know of it, you are not to talk about it." He said. "And thinking of your workin