Chapter 52 Ella's POV
Ella leaned against the doorframe of her room, her thoughts scattered. The idea of escaping still flickered in her mind, but something deep within her wouldn’t let her act.
She stopped abruptly, her chest tightening as Lila’s voice rang clear in her mind. “Ella, what do you think you’re doing?”
Ella straightened, her hand gripping the door. "I’m leaving, Lila. I can’t stay here. This place… Valen… It’s all too much. Everyone has their secrets, and I’m tired of being left in the dark.”
“Leaving? And go where?” Lila asked, her tone firm. “Do you even know where you are? Do you know the dangers out there?”
"I’ll figure it out," Ella replied, her voice soft but determined.
“No, you won’t.” Lila’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Ella, don’t forget what the Moon Goddess said. My recovery depends on him. On Valen.”
Ella froze, her heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean?”
“Haven’t you noticed? The closer you are to Valen, the stronger I feel. But these past few days, when you’ve been avoiding him, My recovery has stalled.”
Ella sank into the nearest chair, her head in her hands. "So, what are you saying? I have to stay? For him?”
“It’s not about him,” Lila said firmly. “It’s about us. I’m not strong enough to protect you yet. If you leave now, the rogues will sense your weakness, and you’ll be an easy target. Ella, if you want me to recover—if you want us to survive—you need to stay.”
Ella clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. “So, I’m stuck here? With no answers and no way out?”
“You’re not stuck,” Lila countered. You’re not just ready to leave yet. When you are, you’ll know.”
Ella exhaled sharply, a mixture of anger and resignation filling her chest. She closed her eyes, trying to push down the wave of frustration rising within her. “Fine. I’ll stay. But only because of you, Lila. Once you’re strong enough, we’re leaving. I can’t keep living in a place where I’m treated like an outsider.
“Patience,” Lila whispered, her voice fading. “You’ll know when the time is right.”
Ella exhaled, leaning back in her chair. The decision was made, but it didn’t bring her any peace.
Valen’s POV
The scent of blood hit Valen before he even reached the scene. It was faint but unmistakable, and his jaw tightened as he approached the group gathered near the edge of the village.
Morgana was already there, standing beside a lifeless body sprawled on the ground. Her expression was grim, but there was a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes as she turned to Valen.
"Finally," she said, crossing her arms. "Took you long enough.”
Valen ignored her, his focus entirely on the body. The body lay crumpled on the cobblestones, pale and lifeless. Blood seeped from jagged wounds on the neck, pooling beneath the man’s head. His clothes were torn, and his face was frozen in an expression of terror.
Valen stood over the lifeless body of the man, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. The scent was faint, but Valen could detect the distinct energy of a rogue vampire lingering in the air.
Dorian stepped forward, his expression grim. “Male, early thirties. It’s fresh. The attack happened not long ago.”
Valen nodded, crouching beside the body. His fingers hovered over the wounds, careful not to disturb the evidence. "The bite marks are jagged. This wasn’t a clean kill—it was rushed.”
Valen’s jaw tightened. The presence of a rogue vampire in his territory was a direct challenge to his authority. His kingdom operated under strict laws, and any violation was a threat to the fragile order he had built.
Morgana stepped closer, her voice laced with mock concern. "This is what happens when you’re too lenient, Valen. Your enemies see it as weakness.”
Valen shot her a warning glance. "Not now, Morgana.”
She smirked but fell silent, clearly enjoying the turmoil the situation was causing.
Dorian stood, his expression serious. "If there’s one rogue, there could be more. This could be the start of something bigger."
Valen nodded, his mind racing. He had to act quickly. The southern clan’s destruction had already left the other clans on edge. This attack would only heighten their fears—and they might start questioning his authority.
Morgana smirked, crossing her arms. "You’re awfully calm for someone whose authority has just been challenged. A rogue in your territory, Valen? That’s bold. What are you going to do about it?”
Valen ignored her, his focus on the ground around the body. A faint trail of blood led away from the scene. His gaze followed it to where it disappeared into the trees.
"Dorian," Valen said, rising to his full height. "Assemble the patrols. Sweep the area for any signs of the rogue. Double the patrols and sweep the perimeter. I want this rogue found.”
Dorian nodded, already issuing orders to the nearby guards.
Valen stepped closer to the body, his mind racing. A rogue vampire in his territory was a direct threat, not just to his leadership but to the fragile peace he had worked so hard to maintain. If one rogue had slipped through, there could be more.
"Dorian," Valen called out as his second-in-command returned. "I want this area locked down. No one enters or leaves without my permission. And bring me the council—I want to know if anyone saw or heard anything suspicious.”
Dorian hesitated. "What about the other lords? They’ll want answers.”
Valen’s jaw tightened. "They’ll get answers when I have them. For now, tell them to keep their people close and their borders secured.”
Morgana placed a hand on his arm, her touch lingering. "You don’t have to face this alone, Valen. Let me help you. Together, we can—”
"Enough," Valen snapped, pulling away from her. His patience was wearing thin, and the last thing he needed was Morgana’s attempts to manipulate the situation to her advantage.
Morgana’s expression hardened, but she didn’t press further.
Valen turned back to the body, his mind already forming a plan. This wasn’t just about finding the rogue. It was about sending a message—to his enemies, to his people, and to anyone who dared to challenge him. The rogue would pay for their crime. And whoever was behind this would learn the price of challenging him.