LIANA“So… what information did you find from your tabs?” I inquired, curious."Well, to start with, Lara only goes out after midnight because she volunteers at an old-aged home during the night shift," he explained patiently. "And as for James and Lara having a relationship, it's not that. James also only lives in that apartment complex, not as Lara’s boyfriend."Sara leaned forward, her brow furrowed in confusion. "So Lara's boyfriend is somebody else entirely?" she asked, seeking clarification.Zaylen nodded again, his expression serious. "Yes," he confirmed, and it made me question a lot of things, my anger returning."If you knew all of that, then why did you charge me so much for visiting their neighborhood if they are harmless?" I demanded sharply, my hands resting firmly on the table.Zaylen met my gaze evenly, his expression serious. "I never said they are harmless," he replied evenly. "They are harmful to you, Liana, not to others. Besides, these two aren't smart enough for

LIANAThe room was silent for a moment, and then a ripple of impressed murmurs spread through the elders. Even Marcus, who had been so skeptical, seemed to regard me with a newfound respect.Sophia leaned forward, a smile playing on her lips. "That’s a bold pledge, Liana. It takes courage to make such a promise."Elder Gregory nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Your determination is commendable. We need leaders who are willing to take action. After all, we have gotten nowhere with ongoing murders."I could feel Zaylen’s annoyance bubbling up through our telepathic link, his voice echoing in my mind. ‘Liana, this is reckless. You are putting yourself in unnecessary danger.’ His frustration was palpable, but I forced myself to ignore it, focusing instead on the task at hand.Marcus cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to him. "Very well, Liana. If you are truly determined to take on this mission, you have my permission. But know this: you will be held accountable for your actions. P

LIANAAs Jordan slid into the driver's seat, I watched the forest around us dim under the evening sky. I could feel his anticipation, the unease in his posture as he settled in beside me."Liana," Jordan began cautiously, his voice cutting through the silence that hung heavily between us. "There are already plenty of people posted around the forest. We don't need to go out and be on standby—""We are not going out for that reason," I interjected, my tone steady but tinged with a sense of urgency.Jordan glanced at me, his brow furrowing with concern. "Then?" he probed gently.I hesitated, my mind racing with how to explain our mission. Finally, I opened my mouth to respond, knowing Jordan wouldn't like my answer. However, he beat me to it. After all, he was a smart cookie."Are we investigating James and Lara? Please say no," Jordan pleaded quietly as he turned the key in the ignition, the car humming to life."Unfortunately for you, yes," I admitted, my voice firm but tinged with re

LIANAI watched in horror as he disappeared from view, a sickening knot tightening in my stomach. The rush of adrenaline faded, leaving me shaking and breathless. The reality of what had just transpired sank in, and I leaned against the balcony railing for support, trying to steady my trembling hands.Minutes passed before I dared to look over the edge. Peering over, I searched desperately for any sign of movement, any indication that James might have survived the fall. Down below, the moonlight cast eerie shadows over the courtyard. And there, under the faint glow, I saw him.James lay sprawled on the ground, unmoving. His body was twisted unnaturally. But still, maybe he survived it because of being a vampire—and then I noticed the arrow of a stone statue had impaled him through the heart. Dread washed over me as I realized the finality of his fate."He is... he is down there… dead," I whispered, my voice trembling. A shiver ran through me, the realization sinking in that James

LIANAExcitement bubbled within me as Jordan shared his plans, but a flicker of concern crossed Zaylen’s face, subtle yet undeniable. I leaned forward, eager to know more."When are you going to do it?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.Jordan chuckled nervously, glancing at Zaylen before answering. "Well, I was thinking sometime next week, maybe on her birthday."Zaylen remained thoughtful, his brow furrowing slightly. "Are you sure about this, Jordan?"Jordan nodded firmly. "Yeah, I am. It’s about time, Zaylen."I noticed the hesitation in Zaylen's response, and a pang of realization hit me. "Zaylen, is it because they are not mates?" I asked softly, knowing the complexities of werewolf traditions and their emphasis on the bond between mates.Zaylen sighed, his expression conflicted. "It's part of it. The elders are strict about these traditions. They believe in the sanctity of the mate bond, that it’s the foundation of our pack.""But times change," I insisted, frustration