Luna looked up as she heard footsteps approaching, taking her focus away from her own thoughts. The sound grew louder, prompting her to turn back to Ashford. His eyes were locked on her with intensity."Before he gets here, you should leave, or..." Her voice trailed off, and she seemed hesitant."Exposed?" Ashford asked, looking at her knowingly. "Are you worried he'll find out that you're also associated with a vampire?"Luna looked away, finding it difficult to admit that she wanted him to leave to protect her hidden secrets. He had a remarkable talent for detecting when she was lying."What happens if he catches sight of me?""I can't say," she replied.Ashford's touch was gentle as he cupped her face, his gaze unwaveringly locked onto hers. Luna maintained eye contact, her gaze tracing the path his eyes took from her own to her nose, lips, and finally her neck."You inquired about whether I could mark you, didn't you?"Luna remained silent, allowing him to continue, his voice a so

TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter contains torture.Luna's arms spread wide by themselves, and she tried to resist the urge to pull herself down. Merlion had told her she was not going to be able to think or say anything; only her eyes and lips were going to be able to move.She was pulled into the center of the room again. Amber lights began surrounding her; some danced on the walls. Casting eerie shadows that seem to writhe like living creatures. In the center of the room, the fire element dispatched itself from the rest of the elements. Flames began to build up, followed by heat. The heat surrounded her. Her body twirled as the heat became unbearable for her to bear.The flames circled around her and engulfed her. The flames did not consume her; they danced around her in intricate patterns, sizzling and hissing as they touched her flesh. Her screams pierced the air. The scream was so loud that it echoed off the walls. The glass windows scattered because of the scream.Tears streamed do

Neon helped him pour the water on his face as he wiped it. A frown was still on his face. The first thing they had to do was release his mother from her room. His lips curled up into a smile. He couldn't wait to see her reaction."What's next? I will release your mother and act like someone locked her in there." Neon asked, giving a face towel to Ashford.Ashford collected it and began wiping his face. "Yes. Make sure she does not figure out you were the one who locked her in the first place.""If I let her know, she might shove a knife down my throat and do worse to you." Neon finished his thought."No, she would know I sent you even though I clearly didn't. I will wait at the throne like the good boy she wants me to be," Ashford said, mockery evident in his voice."I will get going then," Neon said.Neon turned around to leave, and he opened the door. Paused and glanced back at Ashford through his shoulders."And make sure you don't kill anyone."Ashford nodded and waved his hand to

"What do you mean?" Ashford asked. "You saw her naked?" Neon gulped audibly. "I wanted to tell you slowly." "You wanted to tell me that you saw my mother naked and in bed with a man?" Neon nodded. "Not just any man; Diana’s father." Ashford paced to and fro. His mother had always wanted him to marry Diana, and now she was caught having sex with Diana’s father without even attempting to hide it. She was courageously asking him if they could have a trio with his best friend. A frown creased his forehead. There was more to the story, and he knew it. His mother had taken Diana in after her mother's death. Evelyn had taken perfect care of Diana, treating her like her own daughter the same way she treated him. When Diana's mother died, he took her in as his sister. He had taken great care of her until he discovered she was in love with him. He wasn't sure if it was love or a craving for power, but she had manipulated his mother into arranging her marriage to him. Now that he had found h

When Luna woke up, the room was shrouded in darkness. The lights were off, and someone's firm grip held onto her hand. She sat up, her hand still clasped in someone else's. Wondering how long she had been asleep and who the person was, Luna took in her surroundings. She had fallen asleep in Merlion's hands and now found herself on a bed. The person holding her hand tightened their grip. Luna tugged gently, trying to free her hand. Suddenly, the lights flickered on, revealing Phoebe's tired smile. Luna straightened up. "You startled me." "Startled? How?" Phoebe asked. "I thought you were someone else, holding my hand like that." Phoebe's gaze softened. "I just wanted you to feel secure. Merlion wouldn't tell me anything about the test. You passed, didn't you?" she inquired. "Yes, I did," Luna replied with a slow nod. Memories of the searing pain from the fire element test flashed through her mind. The agonizing screams as her skin felt scorched. Shaking her head, Luna dismissed t