Chapter 29: A Fun Agreement

Cedric’s “den” was not a dark cave but a vast, isolated farm, miles away from the borders of Ravenshade. Surrounded by dense forest and with barns converted into dwellings, it was a sanctuary for the pack. The property was alive with the scent of pine, wet earth, and the presence of nearly thirty wolves. Rael, standing on the veranda of the main house, felt the collective energy. It was a force he respected, but to which he did not yet fully belong.

The night was silent—until that silence was broken.

Two pack guards, in human form, emerged from the tree line dragging between them a pale, slender figure who made no effort to resist.

It was Lucien.

— We found him crossing the southern border, Alpha! — shouted one of the guards.

In seconds, Cedric stood beside Rael on the veranda, his dominant presence commanding respect. Several other wolves exited their cabins, their eyes glowing with suspicion. A vampire in their territory was an act of war.

Lucien raised his hands in a gesture of mock surrender, a playful smile curving his lips.

— Easy, easy, pack — he said, his voice relaxed in contrast to the tension. — What a warm welcome. I don’t want trouble. Really. I’m only here to talk to him.

Lucien’s gaze locked on Rael.

Cedric growled, a low, dangerous sound. — A Dark Blood vampire has nothing to discuss with a member of my pack.

— Actually, I do — Lucien retorted, his smile widening. — It’s about Selene. And her new fiancé.

Rael’s world stopped. The word fiancé hit him like a punch.

Cedric looked from Rael to Lucien, assessing the situation. He saw Rael’s body stiffen instantly. — Rael? The decision is yours.

Rael descended the veranda steps. — Let him go. I’ll speak with him.

— Rael, this could be a trap — Cedric warned quietly.

— He’s not a soldier, he’s a messenger of chaos — Rael murmured back. — I need to know.

They walked away from the others, stopping in the middle of the yard. The wolves watched from a cautious distance, ready to strike at the slightest signal.

— Speak — Rael ordered.

Lucien whistled, impressed. — So it’s true. You joined the herd. Interesting. Well, I won’t take up much of your time.

Lucien began to tell everything. He spoke of the arrival of Lord Valerius, an ancient vampire with real power, and his son, Prince Caspian. He described the scene at the mansion — his uncle Victor acting like a servant — and the way Selene was presented to her betrothed.

— He’s an arrogant fool — said Lucien with genuine disdain. — Pretty as hell, but spoiled, cold, and calculating. I heard him tell Selene that her “love” was irrelevant, that she was simply a payment in an alliance.

Rael felt his blood boil, his nails digging into his palms.

— And the best part — Lucien continued, as if sharing a juicy secret — he told her he’d take her to their realm. A place called Ilyria, in the Balkans. A vampire kingdom pretending to be a human monarchy.

— And Selene? — Rael’s voice was sharp as a blade.

— Ah, she told him she wouldn’t go. Said she loved someone else. It was delightful. — Lucien’s smile flickered for a moment. — She looked terrified, Rael.

The vampire paused before adding the most important part.

— But here’s what matters: Valerius thinks he’s smarter than Victor. He thinks keeping Selene locked up is stupid. He said she’s “free.” An invisible leash — a test. To see if she runs to you, and to prove how powerful he is.

— What do you mean “free”? — Rael asked.

— I mean her captivity is over. She’s going to school tomorrow. University. As if nothing ever happened.

A heavy silence settled. Rael looked at the vampire who had once attacked him in the forest, who had warned him about war, and who now handed him the only information that truly mattered.

— What’s your real motive in this, Lucien? — Rael asked, his voice low and suspicious. — Why are you helping me?

Lucien laughed, a genuinely amused sound, and shrugged.

— Motive? None, really. I don’t hate wolves. I find you... rustic. But I hate boredom. And that Prince Caspian is unbearably dull. He and his father come with their old rules and their absolute power.

Lucien stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

— My uncle Victor trying to control everything? Boring. The Eternal Night Clan taking over? Boring. You? You fighting them all, stealing the prince’s bride, driving my uncle insane and risking a full-scale war? — Lucien smiled. — That, Rael, is fun. I’m just here to watch the circus burn. And between us, I’m rooting for you to win.

Lucien gave a theatrical bow and turned away. — Good luck at school tomorrow.

Rael watched as the guards escorted him off the farm. He took a deep breath, the cold night air filling his lungs. The anger burned white-hot inside him, but now it had a purpose.

He turned to Cedric, who had been observing from a distance.

— I need to go into the city tomorrow — Rael said.

Cedric nodded slowly. — The university.

— I’m not going to start a fight — said Rael, anticipating the warning. — But she won’t face that prince alone.

— You know they’ll be waiting. Valerius, the prince... this is his trap — said Cedric.

— I know — Rael answered, his eyes fixed in the direction of Ravenshade. — That’s why I’m going to the school.