The Vampire's werewolf mate

Chapter 16

A piece of power

Adrien's POV

Back at the werewolf territory, a few vampires and I fiercely hacked through the thick vines blocking our path.

"We've been walking forever," one of them complained.

"Sir, I don't think we're getting any closer," another added.

I shot them both a cold glare.

"Did I ask you?"

Silence.

"We keep moving."

No one dared to speak again.

After several more minutes, we stumbled upon an ancient gate completely wrapped in twisting vines. It looked old—centuries old—but not abandoned. It was as though someone, or something, had been protecting it.

I pushed the heavy gate open.

The Silver Forest.

It was real.

Every shimmering tree, every silver leaf, every glowing flower looked exactly as the old stories had described. The air itself felt different... ancient, powerful.

"Gather every herb you can find," I ordered. "Take only what we need, but make sure it's enough."

The vampires scattered across the forest.

As I surveyed the area, a strange glow caught my attention deep within the trees.

I followed it.

With every step, the light grew brighter until it became almost blinding.

Then I saw it.

The Moonstone.

A grin spread across my face.

I never expected it would be this easy to find.

I reached down and picked it up, but the smile slowly disappeared.

It was only half of the Moonstone.

"...Those damn werewolves."

So they had taken the other half.

No matter.

Half was better than nothing.

I slipped the Moonstone into my coat before turning back toward the others.

"That should be enough," I said. "We're leaving."

Without another word, we headed back through the ancient gate, unaware that the Silver Forest had been silently watching our every move.

---

Lucien's POV

I watched as Lyra slowly made her way back toward the castle.

She never looked back.

For a brief moment, I stood there, hoping she would stop... hoping she'd turn around... hoping she'd say something.

Anything.

But she didn't.

A quiet sigh escaped my lips.

What did I expect...? That she'd suddenly tell me how she felt?

I shook my head.

"This is ridiculous."

I turned to leave, but something caught my eye.

My father.

He was standing a short distance away, talking to Adrien.

"What is he doing here?"

I frowned.

Adrien wasn't supposed to be anywhere near the castle after what had happened.

Curiosity got the better of me.

From where I stood, I watched Adrien pull out a small wooden box and hand it to my father.

Father accepted it without hesitation.

What's inside that box?

They exchanged a few words that I couldn't make out before shaking hands.

Then they both walked into the castle together as if nothing had happened.

I narrowed my eyes.

Whatever...

It's probably none of my business.

I had enough on my mind already.

Just as I was about to leave—

"Lucien!"

I froze.

I already knew who it was.

Slowly, I turned around.

Serena came jogging toward me with the biggest smile on her face.

I closed my eyes for a second and rubbed my forehead.

"Oh, no..."

She stopped right in front of me, slightly out of breath.

"Lucien! Look what I have!"

She held up a beautiful silver necklace, its pendant sparkling under the afternoon sun.

I gave it a quick glance.

"That's nice."

She pouted.

"That's all you're going to say?"

I shrugged.

"It is nice."

She rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Ugh... I know it's nice. But guess who gave it to me."

Before I could even think of an answer, she practically shouted,

"Lyra!"

My eyes widened.

"What?"

She nodded excitedly.

"Yep! I went to see her earlier."

A small smile appeared on Serena's face.

"Her eyes were all puffy, so we just sat there and talked for a while."

The image of Lyra standing in the garden flashed through my mind.

Her trembling voice.

The tears she tried so hard to hide.

The way she refused to look at me.

Serena continued talking, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside my head.

"I kept telling jokes until she finally laughed."

I couldn't help but picture it.

Lyra...

Laughing.

A tiny smile tugged at my lips without permission.

"Then I noticed this necklace on her table," Serena continued, holding it up again. "I told her it was beautiful, and she just smiled and said I could have it."

I stared at the necklace for a moment before looking away.

"That was nice of her."

"I know, right?"

Serena linked her arm with mine.

"Come on! Let's go inside."

She kept talking excitedly as we walked toward the castle.

But I barely heard a single word she said.

My thoughts remained with Lyra.

She had cried in the garden.

Even after leaving, her eyes were still swollen.

Why?

Was it because of me?

Because she thought I had chosen Valeria?

Or...

A dangerous thought crossed my mind.

Was she... jealous?

A smile slowly crept onto my face.

I quickly looked away, scratching the back of my head.

"Stop smiling, i***t," I muttered under my breath.

The smile only grew wider.

Maybe... There was still hope.