Chapter 76 The Source Of Power
The soft clink of glass against marble echoed in the dimly lit room. Valen sat on a leather stool in his personal mini-bar, a sleek, modern space tucked away in his manor. The polished counters gleamed under the soft glow of pendant lights, and the shelves were lined with an assortment of bottles.
Valen reached for the frosted glass in front of him and took a slow sip of the chilled animal blood he had stored in the fridge. It wasn’t as satisfying as fresh blood, but it was enough to keep his urges in check. His thoughts wandered as he stared at the faint crimson color in the glass.
Ella.
She was everything he never expected. The mere thought of her brought a flicker of warmth to his otherwise cold demeanor. He clenched the glass tighter, thinking of the obstacles still in their way.
His quiet moment was interrupted by the soft click of heels against the marble floor. Valen didn’t need to look up to know who it was. The familiar scent filled the air, a scent he’d always find suffocating.
“Morgana,” he said, his voice calm but cold. What brings you here?”
She strode toward him, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Morgana was always poised, her confidence bordering on arrogance. Tonight was no different.
“I came to talk,” she said, her tone seductive. “You’re here drinking alone, and that only happens when there's… Wait, You’re still fixated on that... girl.”
Valen’s jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. “Ella is not just a girl. She’s my mate.”
Morgana laughed—a bitter, mocking sound. “Mate? A mutt? You’re delusional, Valen. Do you have any idea how this weakens your position among the council?”
Valen turned fully to face her, his eyes narrowing. “My position is secure, Morgana. And I don’t care about the council’s opinions when it comes to who I'm fated to be with.”
Morgana stepped closer, her hand brushing against his arm. “You’re making a mistake, Valen. I could be everything you need. I understand your power, your responsibilities. Ella is a weakness. She’ll only hold you back.”
Valen’s hand shot out, grabbing her wrist. His grip was firm but controlled, his voice a low growl. “Know your place, Morgana. You mean nothing to me.”
Her eyes widened in shock.
He released her wrist, stepping back and straightening his jacket, he grabbed his glass. “If you can’t respect and come to the acceptance that Ella is my mate, then stay out of my sight.”
Morgana took a deep breath, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You’re risking everything for her. Do you think she’s worth it? Do you think she can handle this world? Do you think she won't destroy all you’hv built like her kind did? Have you forgotten she's a healer or is Lydia's death a joke to you?”
“That's enough!” Valen thundered crumpling the glass with his bare hands. Morgana watched as the blood seeped through his fingers.
The room fell silent, the tension between them palpable.
“Never. You. Mention. Lydia nor Ella ever again. You're not worthy. Valen said giving her a deadly stare that sent chills through her body.
With that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the bar, leaving Morgana seething in an unsuppressable anger.
“You’ll regret this,” Morgana said through gritted teeth. “She’ll bring you nothing but ruin.”
From the shadows of the hallway, Sebastian watched as Valen disappeared up the stairs. He had come for information, but what he had just witnessed was far more valuable.
As Valen disappeared, Sebastian’s eyes followed Morgana. Her clenched fists and the fury etched on her face were all the confirmation he needed. His lips curled into a sly smile. The heated exchange he had just witnessed was precisely the opportunity he needed.
He waited a moment before stepping into the bar. Morgana was still standing by the counter, her expression a mix of fury and humiliation.
“Rough night?” Sebastian’s voice was smooth, his tone casual.
Morgana turned sharply, her eyes narrowing. “What do you want?”
Sebastian raised his hands in mock surrender. “Easy. I just came in and couldn't help over hearing your discussion with Valen.” he said smoothly, gesturing toward the empty seat next to her. “May I?”
She hesitated but eventually nodded.
He took his seat as he observed her. “Seems like you’re in a tough spot.”
Morgana scoffed. “Tough spot? Valen’s blinded by that mutt. He’s throwing everything away for her, and he doesn’t see how it’s going to destroy him.”
Sebastian leaned back, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Sounds like you care about him.”
Morgana’s eyes flashed with anger. “Don’t twist this. I don’t care about him—I care about what’s right. She doesn’t belong in our world.”
“And yet,” Sebastian said, leaning forward, “she’s here. Right in the center of it all. Doesn’t that bother you?”
Morgana’s silence was answer enough.
He walked to the counter, pouring himself a glass of red wine. He swirled it lazily before taking a sip, his gaze never leaving her.
“You’re angry,” he observed. “Understandably so. Valen can be... blunt.”
Morgana scoffed, crossing her arms. “He’s only acting blindly, the mutt is using the bond against him. She’s ruining everything.”
Sebastian leaned against the counter, his expression thoughtful. “You’re not wrong. Valen's new Mate is... problematic. For both of us.”
Morgana’s eyes flicked to him, suspicion mingling with curiosity. “What do you mean?”
Sebastian set his glass down, his voice lowering conspiratorially. “Ella is more dangerous than she seems. Valen’s obsession with her is clouding his judgment. If she remains in his life, in this kingdom, she’ll destroy everything he’s built. Everything we’ve built.”
Morgana’s lips tightened. “What are you suggesting?”
“I’m suggesting we work together,” Sebastian said smoothly. “You want Ella gone. So do I. With your influence and my... resources, we can ensure she’s removed from the picture permanently.”
Morgana hesitated, her mind racing. She hated Ella for personal reasons, but if Sebastian was right, there was more at stake than her pride.
“And what’s in it for you? How had she offended you?” she asked suspiciously.
Sebastian’s smile widened. “Let’s just say I have my reasons.”
Morgana studied him for a long moment before nodding. “Fine. But if you cross me—”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Sebastian interrupted, extending his hand.
Morgana shook it, sealing their uneasy alliance.
Sebastian lips curved in an evil smirk. With more people on his side, his goals would easily be actualized.
But deep down, Sebastian’s motives were far from pure. He didn’t just want Ella out of Valen’s life—she’s the source of power he so desires and he wanted that source by his side no matter the stake.
And with what he have in his mind, no one, not even Valen, would stand in his way.