Chapter 26 The Eternal Groom

Chapter 26 The Eternal Groom
The days in the Dark Blood mansion had become a luxurious prison.
After Victor’s public humiliation before Cedric and the pack, the patriarch’s fury did not fade—it cooled, becoming something denser and far more dangerous. The open war had been postponed, but the political revenge had only just begun. Selene was the centerpiece of that game.
She was confined to her room and the common areas of the east wing, always under the watchful eyes of Gabriel or guards loyal to her father. Her phone had been confiscated. Every window seemed to mock her with the view of the distant forest—the forest where Rael was now, protected by the pack, yet forever out of her reach.
Lysandra visited her once, her eyes filled with cautious curiosity.
— He’s furious, Selene — whispered Lysandra, sitting on the edge of Selene’s bed. — Not because Rael defeated Darius, but because Cedric dared to challenge him publicly. He’s lost respect. And now, he’ll do anything to get it back.
— He can’t touch Rael — said Selene, more to convince herself than anyone else. — Cedric won’t allow it.
— Perhaps not physically — Lysandra agreed, her tone grave. — But there are other ways to win a war.
Lysandra’s prophecy came true two days later.
Amara, her mother, entered the room at sunset. Her presence was cold as marble. She brought no comfort—only orders.
— Get up. Your father demands your presence in the main hall — she said, her voice devoid of emotion. — We have important guests. Dress properly. Do not shame us again.
An hour later, Selene descended the grand staircase. Gabriel stood at the far end of the hall, arms crossed, his gaze never leaving his sister. Victor Dark Blood stood by the fireplace, posture rigid yet visibly pleased.
Seated in the most ornate armchair, as if he owned the place, was a stranger.
No— not a stranger. A legend.
Selene felt the air grow colder. She recognized the lineage. Lord Valerius, of the Eternal Night Clan. He was no ordinary vampire; he was ancient, perhaps a thousand years old, and his power was a palpable aura pressing down on the room. Pale-skinned, black-haired, and with eyes so light they looked like shards of ice. Unlike Gabriel’s brutality or Darius’s cruelty, Valerius exuded a dangerous sophistication and infinite patience.
— Selene, my daughter — said Victor, with chilling formality. — Allow me to introduce Lord Valerius, the father of the man to whom you have been promised.
Valerius rose slowly. His movement was fluid, hypnotic. He approached Selene and took her hand. His fingers were cold as stone. He lifted her hand to his lips, though his icy eyes never left hers.
— It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Selene — his voice was soft, yet carried an authority that made Victor’s sound childish. — Your father has spoken highly of you. The union of our clans will bring a new era of stability.
Selene pulled her hand away, his touch burning like frost.
— I was not promised to anyone — she said, her voice trembling slightly. — This is a mistake. I will not accept it.
Victor took a step forward, his face red with fury.
— Selene! Don’t you dare—
A pale hand lifted, and Victor fell silent instantly.
Valerius smiled—a smile that never reached his eyes. He looked at Selene with the amusement of a scientist studying an exotic creature.
— Do not worry, Victor. It’s understandable. She’s young—still full of human emotions. That will fade with time—and with the transformation.
He took another step closer. His scent was of ancient crypt dust and ozone.
— I’ve heard you’ve had some distractions — he murmured, low enough for only her to hear. — A wolf, I believe?
Selene froze.
— Wolves are creatures of instinct, my dear — continued Valerius, his thumb brushing her cheek with chilling detachment. The gesture was not affectionate—it was evaluative, as though inspecting property. — Impulsive. Warm. They burn quickly and die young. We are creatures of eternity. What you feel is not love; it is fleeting curiosity. Your destiny is already written—it lies with my son.
He stepped back, turning to Victor as if the conversation were over.
— She is more headstrong than I expected. I like that. It brings vigor to the bloodline. — Valerius glanced over his shoulder at Selene, his smile razor-sharp. — My heir will arrive soon to meet his bride. I do hope, for the sake of her pet, that he’s wise enough to realize he has lost the game.
Selene stood frozen, the blood draining from her face. She saw the terrible truth. Her father hadn’t brought Valerius here just to control her.
He had brought him to seal an alliance she could never escape.
And now, two new enemies stood before her: the ancient lord with eyes of ice, and the unknown son coming to claim her.