THE SELECTION VALERIA Atst , he released me from the pressure of his power , and could finally breathe again .


    Guardian Quinn also stood up , wiping the blood from his bruised cheek despite his rapid healing .


    That punch had been brutal .


    Tell me , what did you discover ? he asked , the three of us standing before the Goddesss Altar .


    Quinn exined everything he had deciphered .


    There were actually quite a few mistakes , but I didnt think they mattered , so I didnt correct him .


    Its clear it speaks of the Moon Goddess descending to earth to mingle with us .


    Its part of an ancient legend , Aldric concluded .


    They seem to be searching for altars like this one , as it points to the location of another Lunar Altar , Quinn indicated the final lines .


    They want to take some of the decorative pieces , like here .


    That idiot Alpha gifted them silver stars that used to hang from the figure of the Moon .


    His wife told me , Aldric added , making the whole thing feel like some kind of mysterious adventure .


    We need to find the next ancient temple and stop them from taking what they want .


    It cant be for anything good .


    Maybe we still have time to set a trap for them .


    Sir , I think I know where it might be .


    It mentions a body of water rising almost to the sky , like a bird , Quinn informed him .


    The Silver Lake pack , Aldric immediately pieced it together .


    He was a very intelligent man .


    Suddenly , he seemed to remember something .


    He walked around the stone sculpture and crouched down to inspect the cracks closely .


    Herest night , there was a trace of blood .


    Its gone now .


    It was strange , nothing Ive ever smelled before , he murmured before standing with a frown .


    Lets return to the castle .


    Theres nothing left for us here need to summon the Guardian Council .


    Something very dark is stirring in the shadows , and I dont like it one bit With that , he strode back toward the inn , but not before sliding his hand around my waist , pressing me possessively to his side .


    I followed with my head lowered and my cheeks burning .


    ? Your Majesty , please ! At least try to hide our private arrangement a bit ! All Im missing now is a tattoo on my forehead saying : King Lycans Mistress ! >> NARRATOR The Vampire Kings trusted general walked through the shadowed corridors of the dark castle .


    His posture was not as fierce and confident as usual .


    He had failed his mission and it wasnt the first time .


    He pushed open the massive doors of the throne room , fingers trembling slightly before he quickly suppressed it .


    THE SELECTION His Majesty was many things , but merciful was not one of them .


    Failure was never tolerated .


    Your Royal Highness , he knelt on one knee before the imposing figure seated on the throne , concealed by shadows .


    Tell me , Darius , did you find the girl ? a guttural voice emerged from the darkness .


    N no , no , Your Majesty .


    We thought we had her , but … she wasnt the right one … Mmm … He stifled a groan of pain as his cheek was shed out of nowhere , as if invisible ws had just torn it open .


    The Vampire King hadnt even moved from his seat .


    Then how did you manage to decipher the hidden message ? By … by the blood you gave us , Your Highness … BAM ! A violent crash echoed as the iron and gold throne was struck , making the brave general flinch , I told you to do whatever it takes to find the woman from the prophecy ! You know how important that blood is ! Do you think its unlimited ?! A tall , powerful figure with long ck hair and glowing redeyes finally rose from the throne , stepping out of the shadows .


    His face , ethereal and handsome like all men of his race , would have been perfect if not for the cruel , scowl it wore .


    I I know , Your Majesty … the importance of Junos blood ..


    No , you dont , you idiot ! You cant even begin to imagine ! he interrupted mercilessly , exasperated .


    lifeless He hadmitted the worst of betrayals , the gravest crime all for that blood just to obtain this throne that was never his to begin with .


    That blood was left for her daughter , and now theres barely any left because youve wasted it deciphering altars ! I need that woman who can read them ! NOW ! The stones of the castle walls seemed to tremble under the vampire Kings roar .


    I know the next location .


    Its in the Silver Lake pack .


    We keep searching in secret and secure the next relic , Darius replied , head still lowered as droplets of blood stained the floor beneath him .


    You better find someone useful this time , Darius .


    Im aware youve alerted Aldric Thorne .


    And that Lycan is not to be trifled with .


    His sharp , elongated ws extended as they dug into Dariuss shoulder , making him clench his teeth to bear the pain .


    There are plenty of candidates for generals but Junos blood is unique .


    Waste it again , and youd better not → return , VALERIA I never thought seeing this ancient , dark castle again would fill me with so much relief .


    It somehow felt likeing home Aldric was immediately busy it was clear he had far too much on his te so I quietly returned to my duties as  THE SELECTION a maid , as I always had .


    I entered the chamber of the Kings mistresses andughed bitterly at the irony of it all because now , I was one of them .


    I had finally fallen into temptation , all thanks to that damn seductive butterfly .


    I pulled open the curtains , shaking them when a knock echoed from the hallway .


    Startled , I rushed to answer .


    A footman stood waiting outside .


    Ivee to ask you to select the Kingspanions for tonight .


    Hes currently in a meeting , and the housekeeper has instructed not to disturb him , he said , leaving me more confused by the second .


    Companions for the King ? However , I followed him silently through the corridors until he led me to a room I had never seen before .