Chapter One Sophia Brenning
Germany’s Black Forest - 1978
Just this morning, Sophia Brenning’s home resembled a quaint cottage overflowing with colorful blossoms. Tonight, she hid under its charred remains, using what was left of her home to shelter herself from the bloodshed occurring all around her. This night was turning into the longest night of her life, and she knew it was far from over.
Sophia’s fey village of Trim, hidden deep within Germany’s Black Forest, magically cloaked from the outside world for centuries, was under attack. The mystical veil that shrouded Trim had somehow vanished, allowing the merciless vampire horde of the Voivod to invade.
Over the last several hours these vampires, led by the ruthless leader Artem, made their savage goals clear. No one was to be left behind. Every fey living in Trim was to become enslaved after being unwillingly turned into vampires. That was only if each fey didn’t die during the transformation process first. Becoming a vampire required one’s body to be drained of blood completely before being forced to consume vampire blood. Many beings died when their blood was drained, never having the chance to reawaken as a vampire.
To Sophia, it didn’t matter if she became an enslaved vampire or if she died. Her life, in her mind, was already over. There was no escaping this. All hiding did was prolong the inevitable.
Sophia tried settling her breathing as her quads began to shake. She had been crouching beneath the collapsed wood that was once her home for far too long, her body slowly giving out. If she wasn’t so scared she would have crashed into the mud hours ago. But her adrenaline, fueled by her fear, kept her going.
All around her she heard the disturbing cries of the fey she grew up with during the twenty-four years of her life. She wanted to help them all, but she knew it would be no use. With the vampire horde surrounding this village, preventing anyone from escaping, there was nowhere to run. It was a game of cat and the mouse and would be until there were no mice left to catch.
And what easy mice the fey were to capture. Without their village’s cloaking spell, they were defenseless against the unnatural world.
Fey had decided to isolate themselves from the unnatural world well over a millennia ago. They chose peace over war, finding serenity in nature. No one dared to leave the safety these villages provided. Frightening tales of vicious unnatural beings scared every fey from trying. No one needed to learn how to fight, believing the cloaking spell that protected this village and the surrounding ones would never fail.
But it failed today.
“Casper, where are you?” She whispered to herself, careful not to whisper so loud that she was found by one of the bloodsucking demons from hell.
Casper was one of her closest friends, but no one in this village knew about their friendship. If anyone did, she would be banished from Trim. Fey did not take kindly to anyone who was not fey, and Casper was definitely not fey. He was an elf, and a royal one at that, hailing from the elven island of Elaron.
He and Sophia struck an unlikely friendship several years back, when Sophia was only sixteen years old. More rebellious than most within Trim, she decided to run away, escaping the shroud Trim hid behind and exploring the outside world. If it weren’t for Casper, who saved her as she was being mugged by humans, she might not have survived the week. She eventually returned home, but not until after creating an unbreakable bond with him. Their friendship taught her that the horrifying tales the fey so often told about other unnatural creatures were not all true.
She was admittedly in love with the elf. How could she not be? He was absolutely stunning with his entrancing emerald eyes and flawless golden locks. Beyond that he had an amazing heart. He was perfect in every way. Unfortunately, he never returned her affection, though Sophia didn’t stop hoping he one day would.
Tonight, that hope would die. Whether she was taken by Artem’s vampire army or killed, she didn’t believe she’d ever see Casper again. She was sure he wouldn’t know about the attack on Trim until it was too late. By the time he found out she would be far gone.
Of course, if he did find her in time, she’d be a free woman. Elves had the unique ability to split, a talent no other unnatural being possessed. When elves split, they jumped to any place on earth in an instant. If Casper was here, he’d be able to split her right past the wall of vampires that surrounded Trim. She would escape completely unseen by anyone.
A terrifying sound caught Sophia’s attention, distracting her from her thoughts and sending a chill down her spine.
It was the anguished screams of her parents, reminding Sophia that she didn’t want to escape this madness if her family couldn’t escape with her. No matter what the future held for them, at least they’d be in that future together.
Her eyes darted in the direction of their screams. She hadn’t seen her parents for at least an hour. But they were still alive, and they were somewhere close.
She located them about one-hundred meters out, laying beyond a field of burning rubble. Three vampires stood over them, their lips slick with blood.
She knew those vampires were about to bite into her parents. Without giving it a second thought, she jumped out into the open and charged in their direction. If she could do anything to help her parents, so help her she would.
Fey didn’t train for battle. They didn’t believe they needed to. Thankfully, Casper forced Sophia to begin training several months ago, warning her that she didn’t know what threats may arise in her life. She needed to be prepared for anything.
As always, he was right.
Sophia wasn’t incredibly skilled in battle, but she was much more skilled than any of the fey here. That meant she might be able to help her parents. The odds were slim, but as long as there was a chance she refused to go down without a fight.
“Ma, dad!” Sophia called out, picking up speed with every passing second.
Still laying on the floor, their bodies too mangled to get up, they looked in her direction. Their eyes went wide at the sight of her. “Sophia, no!” Her father pleaded a moment before the vampire standing above him slammed a foot into his head, rendering him unconscious.
No…
Sophia didn’t know how she was going to get her parents and herself out of here but she’d be damned if she didn’t at least try.
A moment later she rammed into the vampire who had just knocked her father out. Caught off guard, he went spiraling to the ground. With quicker movements than Sophia had ever witnessed before, the vampire rolled onto his back. He looked at her with a vicious smile, licking his blood-stained lips. “A fighter? I might have some fun tonight yet.”
Sophia prepared to ram her foot into the vampire’s stomach, only for him to jump off the ground and wrap his arms around her from behind at such an incredible speed she could hardly see him move.
Impossible.
When his arms began to tighten around her throat she rammed her head back, feeling a bang as it collided with his face. He released her in an instant.
“Bitch!” He yelled as she spun around to face him. His hand was pressed against his nose, blood pouring from it. “Get that bitch!” He commanded the others.
Before Sophia knew what was happening, she felt pressure against the side of her head as an unseen fist smashed into it, sending her sprawling to the mud below. Before she had a chance to push herself off the ground she was kicked in the gut.
Her ribs next.
There were too many vampires surrounding her, too many blasts to her body. She could hear the sound of her bones crack with every kick. The spinning world around her began to blur.
“This one’s a fighter,” she heard one of the vampires speaking above her. “Taming her will take too much effort. Better off killing her now.”
She laid there, unable to come to a stand, forced to take blow after blow and wait for the blow that would end it all.
Then, through all the madness, she heard someone call out to her. "Sophia!”
She was unable to see, her eyes too swollen, but she was positive it was Casper that she heard.
She almost believed she was dreaming, but she couldn’t be. Could she be?
A moment later the kicking seized, and strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her off the ground. “I’m getting you the fuck out of here.” Yes, it was Casper.
And no, judging by the unbearable pain shooting through her body, she definitely wasn’t dreaming. Everything felt entirely too real.
Knowing her parents were nearby, she wanted to tell him that she couldn’t leave without them. But between the blood that was pooling in her mouth and a jaw that could no longer move she wasn’t able to formulate words.
Then, in an instant, the chaotic screaming around her came to an abrupt halt, the sounds of trickling creek water and joyous laughter replacing it.
She wasn’t in Trim anymore. Casper must have split, taking her with him.
Where did Casper take her?
“I need a medic!” Casper called out, his voice rattling her brain. Too loud, she thought, but couldn’t say anything no matter how much she tried. Every inch of her body hurt. The pain was so excruciating she wasn’t sure she would make it. “You’re going to be fine. Everything will be fine. The elves here in Elaron will take care of you,” he assured her, his voice marked with panic.
Elaron?
She wanted to be thrilled that Casper found and rescued her, once again proving to her what a wonderful man he was.
But despite his warming presence, she recognized how dim her reality had become. She was now farther from home than she had ever been before. Farther than the time she ran off on her own years ago. This time, unlike when she was sixteen, she wouldn’t be able to return. She knew that by the time her body healed, Trim and everyone she knew would be long gone.
She needed to believe she could one day find her family again. As long as there was hope that they lived she refused to stop fighting.
So, she fought.
Chapter Two Antonio Payne
Present Day
Alone in his dark bedroom, lit only by the fire that emanated from his hearth, Antonio sunk deeper into his chair. The continuous sounds of laughter below him echoed across his empty room, a haunting reminder of how miserable he was.
He often debated joining the other members of the Payne Clan on their nightly fun. Though more often than not, the decision to hide in solitude within his private quarters won over. Sometimes, talking with others was entirely too much work.
It was better for everyone if he stayed to himself, anyway. He risked losing control and unleashing the wolf inside him every time he interacted with others, and the wolf in him was far from a normal wolf. It was a beast. A killer.
I’m the killer.
He shook his head, conjuring up memories of his mate to help him forget about the curse he was born with. But even memories of her saddened him.
Two hundred years ago he lost his mate, Giselle. The memory of that day never stopped weighing him down. It felt as if a weighted plate had been pressing against his chest all this time, constricting his every breath.
Giselle, the woman his werewolf instinct chose and the woman he was fated to live his life with, died trying to escape him. How many times did he ruminate over that night and the days leading up to it, wishing he could have done something, anything, different?
She just had to be a fey - a species notorious for their asinine fear of nearly all other unnatural beings. They were especially terrified of werewolves. He would know.
One day, after she had wandered too near to the edge of the invisible shield that cloaked her village, Antonio picked up her scent. He immediately recognized he had scented his mate, and he was thrilled. For centuries he waited for his mate and fate, after so many centuries, finally revealed her to him. Needless to say, he didn’t hesitate to follow after the sweet smell that called for him, prowling straight through the magic that was intended to hide fey like her from werewolves like him.
He’ll never forget the fear in her eyes when she realized a werewolf had penetrated their shield… for her.
For weeks he tried convincing her that he wouldn’t bring her any harm, but he couldn’t dissuade her from the fear instilled in her since birth. Then, one day, the wretched beast inside him proved to be too much for her. On the night of the full moon - a night when a werewolf totally surrendered to the primal instincts of the wolf inside him, unable to resist the pull to claim his mate - she ran.
Then she died.
And what he did after he learned of her death… he cringed to think of his actions that night. It was one of many memories he wanted singed from his mind forever.
Too many.
Antonio hated when he was reminded of what happened whenever he lost control of his beast. Innocents die.
He was a brutal killer who blindly killed anyone in his path whenever he succumbed to his beast. His mate’s death was his punishment. Someone like him didn’t deserve happiness. He was a monster.
Though he somehow managed to keep his beast tucked away the last two hundred years. In fact, he tucked it so deep inside him that it no longer rose during the full moon. His wolf was gone, lost to the past. Hopefully, it would remain lost forever.
Antonio shook his head, trying to rid himself of the memories that continued to plague his thoughts. He reached for the glass of whiskey beside him and took a hefty swig. All the whiskey in the world couldn’t take his pain away. Knowing that didn’t stop him from trying.
Another swig.
Werewolves who lost their mates didn’t live very long after. So why was he still alive? Was it because he never got the chance to claim Giselle before she left this earth? That would be some sick joke.
Antonio scratched at the stubble forming beneath his chin, not sure why he still lived, only that he did. Could he even consider the way he spent his days as living? Probably not.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
A light tapping against his windowpane startled him, drawing his attention away from his thoughts.
Groaning, he twisted his head to see what was making that noise, surprised to see a black raven propped against his windowsill, an envelope hanging from its beak.
Seeming to notice it caught Antonio’s attention, the raven tapped its beak against the glass several more times.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
“Damn witches,” Antonio muttered, running a lazy palm down his face. Witches could choose any animal in the world to be their familiar, yet nearly all of them chose ravens. He couldn’t understand why. Perhaps ravens were trending this decade. Witches just loved to follow the latest trends.
When the raven continued pecking its beak against the glass he reluctantly came to a stand, groaning, “I’m coming!” Damn this irritating bird.
The bird didn’t stop its incessant pecking until Antonio reached the window. He didn’t have the faintest idea why a witch was sending him a letter, but he assumed he was about to find out.
When he yanked open the window, allowing the moist night air to seep into his room, the raven opened its beak just enough for the envelope to drop to the floor. Then, it blinked up at Antonio, as if trying to tell him something, before flying away and blending in with the dark night.
Antonio really felt like he was losing his mind. Maybe the whiskey was getting to him.
Grimacing, Antonio placed his drink on the window’s edge and picked up the envelope at his feet. It didn’t take long for him to notice its seal - the seal of elven royalty. This mail came from the elf occupied island of Elaron, which didn’t make any sense to him. Witches and elves weren’t known to associate with one another. So why was a witches’ familiar delivering him a letter that bore an elven seal?
Hell, why would elves want to deliver him a letter at all?
He ripped open the envelope, supposing there was only one way to find out. A beautifully designed invitation greeted him, clad in lavish elven art. It read:
To the boldest among us,
King Valaris would like to invite species of all kinds to attend our infamous bi-centennial event - The Elaron Games!
The risks may be great, but the rewards will be greater.
The twenty-second year of The Elaron Games will show exceptional generosity to the man who proves his superiority in battle. We promise not to disappoint. We haven’t disappointed yet, have we?
Imagine your heart’s greatest desire. Now, imagine you can wish it into reality. Yes, we have secured The Heart of Aphrodite - a necklace capable of granting its owner a single wish.
Will you be the brave soul who wins The Heart of Aphrodite and your heart’s desire along with it?
If we’ve convinced you to join The Elaron Games, you are welcome! The opening celebrations will promptly begin on the morning of Beltane.
We hope to see you there.
Happy sparring!
Kindest regards,
King Valaris of Elaron
Antonio’s hands tightened around the invitation as he tried to grasp the new reality that was thrown his way. The paper in his hands just altered the course of his life. It was incredible how quickly one’s life could change.
Everyone knew of The Elaron Games. Every two hundred years the most civilized species in the unnatural world - the elves - hosted one of the most barbaric traditions known to immortals.
Species of all kinds eagerly signed up for this deadly event, despite the odds being severely stacked against every participant. There was only ever one winner. Only one survivor. But that survivor was always rewarded greatly. The winner was given immeasurable wealth, unprecedented hierarchical status, and a remarkable gift that was unique to each of The Elaron Games.
This year that gift was The Heart of Aphrodite.
His heart rate quickened as an unfamiliar feeling coursed through his body.
Excitement.
For centuries Antonio mocked those that participated in this tournament. He couldn’t understand why immortals chose to risk everything for such a slim chance at securing something great.
Now he understood. Anything was possible in The Elaron Games. If he could acquire The Heart of Aphrodite, he could secure what he wanted most in life. He could bring back his lost mate and dream of a future with her again.
A second chance.
Slipping the invitation into his pocket, he decided the risks were well worth the rewards. For the first time in two hundred years, he had a reason to look forward to a tomorrow.
The beast inside him stirred, as if knowing it would rise soon.
It looked like he was headed to Elaron.
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