Shadows of the Crown

The Bloodgrimoire (Redemption code inside!!!)

The streets of the black market were a labyrinth of shadows and flickering lanterns, the air thick with incense and murmurs of deals that weren’t meant to be overheard.

Elara wrapped her cloak tighter, her heart pounding, not just from the risk, but from the anticipation. The whispered rumors had led her here: an artifact that might stabilize her failing healing potions, something powerful, forbidden, and possibly cursed.

Her fingers brushed over the assortment of leather-bound tomes, each one older and darker than the last. Most radiated nothing but dust and decay, but one… one hummed faintly beneath her touch, like a heartbeat in the dark.

Bloodgrimoire.

The title etched in crimson letters that seemed to writhe slightly when she stared too long.

She drew a deep breath, the world around her blurring, and picked it up. The leather cover was cool, almost slick, like it had been treated with something otherworldly. She opened it carefully. The pages smelled of iron and ink, and a strange warmth slid along her fingers.

“Looking for something… dangerous?” a voice said, soft but edged with warning.

Elara jumped, spinning around. There, in the shadow between two stacks, stood a man. His dark coat blended with the night, his eyes sharp, calculating, glinting in the dim lantern light. For a moment, her instincts screamed to run, but there was something magnetic about him.

Elara's eyes narrowing slightly at the shadowed figure. “Depends. Are you here to sell, or to lecture me?”

“You shouldn’t be here,” he said, stepping closer, voice smooth but edged like a dagger. “Bloodgrimoire doesn’t tolerate the timid or the naïve.”

Elara’s lips curved into a half-smile. “I can handle myself. And I’m not here to be kind either.”

He blinked, just slightly, and a faint smirk tugged at his lips. “Impressive. Most would be quaking. But you… you’re bold. Perhaps dangerously so. His gaze flicked to her hands, lingering. “Tell me, do you even understand what you’re holding?”

“That book… it chooses its reader, ” he murmured, almost too soft to hear.

“And I take what I need,” she said, holding the book to her chest like a trophy. “And I don’t risk myself for anything less than what matters.”

Kael’s eyes darkened, a flicker of amusement, or maybe intrigue, crossing his features. “You speak like power is a servant. Most mortals realize too late that it isn’t. Power demands obedience… respect… fear.”

Elara met his gaze steadily, unshaken. “Then let it demand. I’ve never bowed to anything or anyone that didn’t earn it.”

Elara frowned. “Chooses its reader?”

He tilted his head, studying her like a puzzle. A slow smile curved his lips, sharp and dangerous. “Ah. Finally. Someone who understands the dance. Most are prey. You… you might be a predator disguised in mortal skin. No wonder it has chosen you. Interesting… ”

“Well listen to my advice closely, Elara. Bloodgrimoire will test you. It will laugh at your confidence, strain your mind, claw at your heart. Are you ready for that?”

Elara’s pulse quickened. There was something mesmerizing about him, even in his warning. “And I believe this is nothing that you should care about, ” she said, tilting her head, regal and unafraid. “Now, introduce yourself before you vanish into the shadows.”

His smirk widened. “Kael Draven. Remember the name, Elara. I’ll be following your steps. We’ll see where this path leads.”

Before she could respond, he vanished, like smoke dispersing into the night. Elara blinked. The market was silent again, except for the distant haggling of merchants. Her pulse raced. Kael Draven… she whispered, tasting the name.

Her fingers returned to the Bloodgrimoire. As she leafed through the pages, she could feel a strange resonance inside her. Her usual stability faltered; the dark magic flowing in her veins, something she had kept hidden even from her tutors, stirred.

A flicker of heat surged through her hands, and suddenly, the formulas she had failed countless times began to make sense. The spells almost whispered to her, revealing the right gestures, the exact incantations.

Elara’s eyes widened. This book… it’s… alive.

And in that moment, she understood the danger. Bloodgrimoire didn’t just teach magic. It has awaken.

---

Back in her chambers at the academy, Elara set the book on her desk, careful to hide it beneath her usual collection of potion ingredients. She whispered a small charm, securing the tome with an enchantment only she could undo. Then, leaning back in her chair, she let herself breathe.

That’s when a knock came at the door.

“Elara?” Aureon’s cheerful voice floated in. “You in here? I found the perfect ingredient for your potion—oh, and a little gossip from the kitchens, too!”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Come in, Aureon. You never fail to appear at the worst, well, maybe the best moments.”

Aureon bounced in, radiant as ever, carrying a small basket filled with herbs. His golden hair shone even under the candlelight, his smile the kind that could make any heart feel lighter. “I brought gifts! And news! Mostly gifts, though. You’re going to love this one! It’s the last Moonshade root for a whole month!”

Elara rolled her eyes, smiling despite herself. “You really think I can’t survive without you delivering everything on time?”

“Of course not! But it’s my duty to spoil you. Someone as brilliant as you deserves it.” He set the basket down and leaned close, eyes sparkling. “And… you looked worried earlier. Everything okay?”

Elara’s hand twitched toward the hidden Bloodgrimoire. “Just… a lot on my mind, Aureon.”

He pouted dramatically. “I’m worried too! Promise me you’ll let me help. You know I admire you… don’t keep all the secrets from me.”

“I know, Aureon,” she said softly, trying to steady her racing thoughts. “But some things… are dangerous. Even for you.”

He frowned, but nodded, giving her a gentle pat on the shoulder before grinning brightly. “Dangerous, huh? Sounds like an adventure. Count me in!”

And as he left with his usual cheerful chatter trailing behind him, Elara returned to the Bloodgrimoire. Her pulse quickened. Kael’s warning lingered in her mind, but so did his name, spoken like a challenge, a promise, and a threat all at once.

He’s still watching…

And somehow, Elara couldn’t help but hope he would.

---

### Author’s Notes

Hey there! 👋 I’m your friendly chaos wizard behind this story (yes, I live on caffeine and bad decisions). Welcome to Shadows of the Crown! I'll be publishing 2 chapters per day to stay tuned!

If you’ve been wondering what you’re in for: meet Elara Veyra, the prodigy heiress to the Veyra family, whose potions have made her famous—but lately, her healing magic has been… failing. Turns out, she’s carrying dark magic in her blood, and it’s slowly making its presence known.

Enter Kael Draven, the mysterious ex-top wizard, sharp-tongued, dangerously dark, and not exactly everyone’s favorite person. Except he notices Elara. And for some reason, he’s not letting go.

Then there's Aureon Valeris, the prince-next-door type with a heart of gold, a smile that can melt ice, and an unwavering loyalty that makes everyone go “aww” (yes, even in a story full of black magic and murder plots).

This chapter? It’s just the beginning. Elara’s discovery of the Bloodgrimoire sets off a chain of events, hidden magic, forbidden connections, and some seriously intense chemistry. Expect sparks, potions gone wrong, secrets spilling, and of course… romance, drama, and chaos!!!

✨ Redemption code below for all you brave souls ready to dive in! Redeem the code: NKWWOMCM on the Redemption Code page on Dreame!!! It could be used only once so fastest fingers first! (or I guess who clicks on me first XD) ✨

See yall in the next chapter!