CHAPTER 365: MORE TROUBLE

Vincent/Vaelthor~

I followed Queen Natalie through the winding corridors of the palace, my steps measured, every nerve on edge. The walls seemed to close in, adorned with tapestries depicting heroic battles—battles that probably glorified the very people who’d destroyed my family. Katrina walked beside me, her hand brushing mine occasionally, sending sparks through the mate bond that both thrilled and tormented me. Winter trailed just behind with Nicholas, her face a mask of cool detachment, but I could feel her turmoil through our sibling link, like a storm brewing in the shadows.

Zane, the towering Lycan King himself, strode ahead with Natalie, his presence radiating that alpha authority that made my demonic instincts bristle. He glanced back now and then, his eyes sharp, assessing. "The rooms are just up here," he rumbled, his voice deep and commanding. "We’ve got adjoining suites for you two—Vincent and Winter. Figured you’d want to stay close after whatever ordeal you went through."

Natalie nodded, her red hair swaying like flames in the torchlight. "Yes, they’re comfortable. Fresh linens, a view of the gardens. You’ll feel right at home."

Katrina beamed up at me, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "See? I told you it’d be amazing. My room’s just down the hall— we can hang out all the time."

I forced a smile, charming and disarming, even as my heart pounded. "Sounds perfect, Kat. I can’t thank you enough." But inside, the shadows whispered warnings. This was no sanctuary; it was a gilded trap.

We reached the doors—ornate wood carved with celestial motifs that made my skin crawl. Natalie pushed one open, revealing a lavish chamber: velvet drapes, a four-poster bed piled with silken pillows, a fireplace crackling warmly. "This one’s for you, Vincent. Winter’s is next door."

Winter stepped inside hers briefly, her voice steady. "It’s... so generous. Thank you."

But as Natalie gestured for us to settle in, something twisted in my gut. Katrina lingered at my doorway, her hand on the frame, reluctant to leave. Nicholas hovered near Winter’s door, his dark eyes fixed on her with that magnetic pull.

"Alright, everyone," Natalie said gently, "get some rest. Katrina, Nicholas—back to your rooms. We’ll reconvene in the morning."

Katrina took a step away, toward the hall, but then she winced, clutching her chest. "Ow... It’s happening again."

I felt it too—a sharp, burning ache ripping through my core, like invisible chains yanking me toward her. My shadows flickered involuntarily, and I staggered forward. "Kat? What’s wrong?"

Nicholas grunted, doubling over slightly as Winter backed away from her door. "Feels like someone’s stabbing me in the ribs. Winter, you okay?"

Winter’s eyes widened, her cold facade cracking just a fraction. She pressed a hand to her temple. "It’s... the bond. It won’t let us separate."

Zane’s brow furrowed, his alpha aura flaring. "This mate bond of yours is so strong. It’s very unusual—even for newly fated pairs."

Natalie stepped closer, her celestial light magic humming faintly as she scanned us. "They’re right. I can sense it. The pull is intense; forcing separation could cause real harm. Pain, disorientation... maybe worse."

Katrina looked at me, her face pale but determined. "Mom, Dad—we can’t split up. It hurts too much."

I met her gaze, the bond thrumming between us, warm and insistent. Part of me reveled in it—the way it made her my anchor in this chaos. But the other part screamed danger. "She’s right. It’s like... fire in my veins when she’s not close."

Nicholas nodded, his cocky smirk fading into genuine concern. "Same here. Winter and I... we need to stay together."

Zane exchanged a look with Natalie, his jaw tightening. "Fine. But we’re not leaving you unsupervised. Everyone to Katrina’s room—it’s the largest. Maids, bring in extra beds."

The maids scurried in, efficient and silent, dragging in plush mattresses and piling them with blankets and pillows. Katrina’s room was a sprawling haven: high ceilings painted with stars, a massive canopy bed draped in gossamer, bookshelves overflowing with ancient tomes, and a balcony overlooking moonlit gardens. The air smelled of lavender and fresh linen, a stark contrast to the dank shadows I’d grown up in.

Once the parents left—Zane with a stern warning to "behave"—the door clicked shut, leaving us in tense silence. Katrina flopped onto her bed, pulling me down beside her. "This is crazy, right? But... kinda exciting?" She nestled into my side, her reddish-blonde hair spilling over my chest like sunlight on shadows.

I wrapped an arm around her, my demonic strength tempered to gentleness. Her warmth seeped into me, melting the ice of vengeance just a little. "Crazy doesn’t cover it, Kat. I’ve never felt anything like this." My voice was low, laced with emotion I couldn’t hide. Holding her felt like a miracle—a demon like me, son of darkness, cradling light itself. But the palace walls loomed, enemies all around. Any slip, and Winter and I were done.

Across the room, Nicholas and Winter claimed one of the extra beds. He pulled her close, his vampire charm softening. "You alright? That pain was no joke."

Winter hesitated, her enigmatic aura cracking as she leaned into him—a type of vulnerability she rarely showed, even to me. "It’s... overwhelming. But being here, with you... it eases it." Her voice was a whisper, cold edges thawing.

Nicholas chuckled softly, his dark eyes gleaming. "Good. ’Cause I’m not letting go. Tell me more about you. I want to know everything."

As they murmured, Katrina traced patterns on my arm, her touch igniting sparks. "Vincent, what about you? You seem so... mysterious. What’s your story? Before the alley?"

I tensed, crafting lies wrapped in half-truths. "Not much to tell. Winter and I... we lost our parents young. Wandered a lot. But meeting you? It’s like fate finally smiled." Guilt twisted in me—revenge burned, but her blue eyes held me captive. This night was bliss and terror intertwined: her in my arms, a dream I never dared, yet the lion’s den closing in.

We talked softly—her sharing palace antics, me dodging with vague tales—until eyelids grew heavy. Nicholas and Winter’s voices faded to contented sighs. As sleep claimed us, I held Katrina tighter, heart racing with joy and dread. Best night of my cursed life... and maybe the last.

Morning light filtered through the balcony, rousing me. Katrina stirred in my arms, smiling sleepily. "Mmm... good morning, handsome."

"Morning, beautiful." I kissed her forehead, shadows retreating in her light.

Winter was already up, composed, but our mind link buzzed: "We need to be careful, Vincent. This place reeks of scrutiny."

A knock echoed through the door. Katrina bounced up. "Come in!"

The door swung open, revealing a tall, imposing figure—broad shoulders, disciplined stance, charisma radiating like a crown. His eyes, sharp and protective, landed on us, narrowing instantly.

Katrina beamed. "Vincent, Winter—meet my big brother, Alexander. Alex, these are our... mates. Vincent and Winter."

Alexander’s gaze bored into me, alpha aura flaring with undisguised hostility. I sensed it immediately—hatred, raw and instinctive. "Mates, huh?" His voice was smooth, but edged like a blade. "Mom and Dad told me. Welcome to the palace." The words dripped sarcasm, his protective instincts screaming.

I stood, extending a hand, charming smile in place. "Pleasure, Alexander. Your sister’s lucky to have you."

He shook it briefly, grip crushing. "She’s my everything—along with Mom, Dad and the family. Hurt her, and you’ll regret it." His eyes flicked to Winter, equally cold. "Same goes for you."

Winter met his stare evenly. "We wouldn’t dream of it."

Katrina laughed nervously. "Alex, chill. They’re good people."

He forced a nod, but the hatred lingered, a storm cloud in the room. "Just looking out, Kat. Breakfast soon—don’t be late."

As he left, tension eased slightly. Katrina sighed. "He’s overprotective, but he means well. Loves me to death."

I nodded, but inside, alarms blared. Another enemy, closer than ever.

The day blurred into palace routines—tours, meals—but evening brought dinner in the grand hall: crystal chandeliers, long oak table laden with feasts we once could only dream of. King Zane sat at the head, Queen Natalie beside him, Alexander across from Katrina. Winter and I sat rigidly, masks intact.

Mid-course, the doors burst open. A tall, handsome man.... No, vampire, strode in—jet-black hair, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, sarcasm etched in his grin. "Sorry I’m late! Traffic in the coven was murder—pun intended."

Katrina jumped up. "Uncle Seb!"

Nicholas grinned. "Dad! About time."

The Vampire hugged them both, his laughter booming. "Kat, you get more stunning every day. Nick, son—you and I will have a talk. Zane, my broody buddy, you look especially broody this morning. Natalie, radiant as ever. Alex, keeping the crown polished?"

Zane chuckled. "Seb, don’t start with me today, it’s too early. Come, join us."

The Vampire’s eyes scanned the table, landing on Winter and me. Shock flashed in his dark eyes. Was that recognition? Then it morphed to dislike, brows furrowing before we were even introduced.

"Who are these... guests?" His tone shifted, joviality gone, laced with suspicion.

Katrina beamed. "Uncle Seb, this is Vincent—my mate. And Winter, Nicholas’s mate."

Oh, so this was the famous Sebastian Lawrence?

Sebastian’s face hardened further, eyes narrowing. "Mates? From where, exactly?" His vampire senses probed, charm turning icy.

I met his gaze, heart pounding. This man—ally to our mother’s killers—was no fool. With him around, our deception wouldn’t hold long.

Nicholas interjected. "Dad, ease up. They’re good—saved us in a scrap."

Sebastian forced a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. "Well, welcome then. But family comes first." His warning hung heavy, a promise of scrutiny.

As chatter resumed—Sebastian joking with the others, pointedly ignoring us—I exchanged a glance with Winter. The noose tightened. Sebastian Lawrence wouldn’t be easy to fool. Vengeance loomed closer, poisoned by bonds we couldn’t break. So, What now?