Chapter 55 Meeting Valen's Mate
Sebastian entered Valen’s manor, his footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floors, the grand halls and opulent decor reflecting his brother’s commanding presence. It had been years since he last stepped foot here, and though the place still held its grandeur, he noticed a few subtle changes. The harsh, cold decor he remembered had softened. Fresh flowers stood in vases along the hallways, and the air seemed... warmer, as if the place had come alive somehow.
He smirked to himself. Valen must be trying so hard to impress his new mate. His curiosity piqued even further about Valen’s mysterious mate.
As he moved through the manor, his sharp eyes scanned every corner, taking in every detail. The faint scent of a werewolf reached him—a mix of earthiness and something uniquely feminine. Unlike the unpleasant scents of other werewolves he’d encountered, this one was surprisingly pleasant. Certainly better than Sandra, he mused.
Sebastian followed the scent, his steps deliberate yet quiet, until he saw her. There she was.
From her side profile, he could see her beauty—soft features illuminated by the gentle light from a nearby window. Her hair framed her face perfectly, and her posture carried an air of elegance, he could see the delicate curve of her jaw, the slight furrow in her brows. She was lost in thought, her posture rigid yet vulnerable, as though she were carrying a burden too heavy to bear.
Strange, he mused. Shouldn’t she have sensed me by now? If she’s as powerful as Sandra claims, why hasn’t she noticed?
For a moment, he stood there, hidden in the shadows, observing her. There was something about her that drew him in, a quiet strength masked by vulnerability.
As though she could feel his gaze, Ella suddenly turned, her piercing eyes locking onto his.
“I was wondering when you would announce your presence,” she said, her voice calm but tinged with annoyance. “Or do you enjoy lurking and staring? You know, it’s impolite.”
Sebastian smirked, stepping into the light, his movements slow and deliberate. “Forgive me,” he said, his voice dripping with mock sincerity. “I couldn’t help myself. My brother’s new mate is quite the sight to behold.”
His eyes locked onto hers as he drew closer, taking in her full appearance. Up close, she was even more captivating. Her beauty wasn’t just physical—it was the kind that drew you in, made you want to know more. He could see why Valen would be so smitten. But then again, Valen always had the best of everything. Why is he always so lucky? Sebastian thought bitterly.
His smirk widened as he considered his plans. If everything went the way he envisioned, Valen’s luck would run out soon enough.
Ella studied him as he approached. There was something unsettling about him. As his features became clearer, her stomach churned. He looked like Valen—same striking features, same commanding presence—but there was a darker edge to him, one that sent shivers down her spine.
Lila stirred within her, not with excitement but with unease. It felt like a warning, urging her to stay away. Unconsciously, Ella took a step back. This man's presence reminded her of the beast from her dreams—the one who caused chaos and destruction. But how could that be possible? She was being ridiculous. How could she place this handsome figure in the same view as the beast from her dream?
“I guess my brother is blessed again with a beautiful mate,” Sebastian said, his voice smooth but laced with something she couldn’t quite place.
Ella’s heart raced. She forced herself to remain composed, though she could feel the dread bubbling beneath the surface.
“You must be Valen’s brother,” she replied.
Sebastian tilted his head, noticing the flicker of emotions in her eyes. She was wary of him, though she tried to hide it. How amusing. Was Valen already poisoning her against him? Or was it something else?
“I guess my brother has told you a lot about me,” he said, smiling, testing to see what she knows.
“This is actually the first time I’ve heard of you,” Ella replied, her tone neutral but firm. “I didn’t even know you existed.”
Sebastian blinked, momentarily caught off guard. He wasn’t used to being so easily dismissed.
“I’m sorry,” she added quickly, sensing she might have been too blunt. “I don’t mean to be rude. Valen and I haven’t had much of a conversation yet.”
Sebastian’s mind raced. If she didn’t know about him, then why did she seem so cautious? Could she sense his intentions? Or was she capable of reading minds?
“Is there something you want from me?” Ella asked, pulling him from his thoughts.
Sebastian smiled, recovering quickly. “Pardon my manners. I’m Sebastian, Valen’s brother. And you must be the infamous mate everyone’s been whispering about.”
Ella tilted her head slightly, her brows knitting together. “Everyone?”
“Oh, yes,” Sebastian said, his tone light but laced with something darker. “You’ve caused quite the stir. Even at the council meeting last night.”
Ella froze, her lips parting slightly. “Council meeting?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “Oh, I see. Valen hasn’t told you.” His sharp eyes watched her closely, taking in every flicker of emotion that crossed her face. Of course he wouldn't, knowing who Valen is, he would definitely want to protect his mate.
Ella’s heart sank. Another secret. Another thing Valen hasn’t shared with me.
“I... I should go,” she said abruptly, the discomfort in her chest growing. Something about this man didn’t sit right with her. She needed space, needed to get away from the intensity of his dark gaze. “It was nice meeting you.”
Sebastian watched her turn and walk away, his smirk widening. Her wariness of him only made her more intriguing.
As he turned to leave, a faint glow caught his eye from a partially open door nearby. Curious, he glanced around to make sure no one was watching and stepped closer.
Pushing the door open just enough to step inside, Sebastian found himself in a dimly lit space. On a pedestal in the center of the room sat a small vial of blood. It glowed faintly under the soft light, and even without touching it, he knew whose blood it was.
Ella’s.
A sinister grin spread across his face as an idea began to form. This wasn’t just a stroke of luck—it was an opportunity. If what Sandra said was true, and Ella’s powers were as extraordinary as rumored, then this vial could be the key to something much greater.
Carefully, he reached for the vial, his fingers closing around it as he tucked it into the inner pocket of his coat. With one last glance around the room, he slipped out quietly and made his way toward the exit.
Outside the manor, Sebastian’s mind raced. Sandra’s words echoed in his ears: “You could use her powers to defeat Valen.”
If Sandra was right, Ella’s powers were unlike anything he’d ever seen. And if he played his cards right, those powers could become his.
His smirk widened, his chest buzzing with excitement. He had always envied Valen’s luck, his ability to come out on top no matter the odds. But this time, Sebastian would be the one to win.