Chapter 21: Royal Blood
When Liana woke up, the tent flap let in a lot of light. Even though her body hurt, her mind was clearer than ever. When she turned around, she saw Jace sleeping soundly next to her, his chest slowly rising and falling. "You saved his life," Sierra said as she came up to her with a hot drink. "Drink this." It will make you stronger again." It had a taste of honey and mint. Liana felt warmth all over her body right away. "How did I do that?" Liana asked as she touched her hand that was dry with blood. "That silver light..." "Your royal blood," Darius replied, entering the tent. "It's time for your first lesson." Outside, the camp buzzed with activity. Children played while adults learned or worked. It looked nothing like the wild rogue camp Liana had imagined. "These people aren't what I expected," she admitted as they walked. "Because everything you've been taught is a lie," Darius answered. They reached a small area where a wooden post stood. "Now, show me what you can do. Command that post to split." Liana frowned.
"It's just wood."
"Your voice can rule more than wolves. Focus your purpose through your words. Feel the power in your blood." She felt silly, but closed her eyes and focused. "Break," she said, but nothing happened. "You're holding back," Darius said. "Fear will stop you. Remember how you felt when Jace was in danger." Liana thought of Jace's pale face, the rogues closing in. Anger mixed with fear rose inside her. "BREAK!" she shouted. The post burst into splinters. Liana fell back, shocked. "Good," Darius smiled. "But control is important. Next time, try to crack it, not destroy it." For hours, they practiced. Breaking objects, moving items, and finally, commanding a willing wolf to shift forms. With each victory, Liana felt both exhilarated and terrified. "Why didn't my powers show before now?" she asked during a water break. "The Shadowfang Alpha likely put suppressants in your food," Darius explained. "Your eighteenth birthday would have triggered your abilities anyways. That's why they rushed to bind you to the triplets." Liana's heart skipped. "What do you mean?" "The triplet bond is a lie," Darius said flatly. "A tool to control your power. One mate might not be strong enough to control a Silverblood, but three? That would ensure you never reached your full ability." "No." Liana shook her head. "I felt the link. It was real." "Was it?" Darius challenged. "Or did they make you think it was real? Remember, one already admitted to using a potion." Doubt crept into Liana's mind. Her connection with Kael and Rowan had always felt real, but Jace had tricked her once before. "You killed my mother," she said suddenly, changing the subject. "Everyone says you did." Pain flashed across Darius's face. "I would have died for Elara." He reached out, resting his fingers on her temple. "Let me show you." Images filled Liana's mind. A beautiful woman with her eyes, running through a forest. Blood staining her dress. Darius finding her unconscious near a stream. "Darius," the woman gasped in the memory. "They found us. Silver blade." "Hold on, Elara. I'll heal you."
"Too late for me." She pressed something into his hand—the ring. "Find my daughter. Protect her. Promise me." "I promise, sister. With my life." The memory faded. Tears streamed down Liana's face. "Alpha Magnus, Thorne's father, gave the order," Darius said softly. "Your mother died in my arms." Miles away, Kael and Rowan tracked through the forest, following Celeste. Her blonde hair glowed strangely in the dim light. "Are you sure this is the right direction?" Kael demanded. "Trust me," Celeste smiled, her fingers drawing strange symbols in the air. "My powers have grown since Liana stole my place." Rowan grabbed Kael's arm, pulling him back. "She's using dark magic," he whispered. "I can sense it." "I don't care what she's using if it leads us to Liana," Kael hissed. "You should care." Rowan's face was pale. "Magic always has a price." Ahead, Celeste stopped suddenly. "They passed through here," she announced, touching a tree stem stained with dried blood. "Jace was injured." Fear gripped Kael's heart. "Is he—" "Alive, but barely," Celeste said, her voice strangely calm. "They're in the lost valley. Darius's territory." "That's a day's journey," Rowan said. "We need the pack." "Father won't risk warriors for an omega," Kael said bitterly. "Even if she is meant to be our Luna." "Then we go alone," Rowan decided. As they continued, Rowan stumbled suddenly, falling to his knees. Pain shot through his chest. "What's wrong?" Kael helped him up. "I don't know." Rowan gasped. "It feels like something's breaking inside me." Celeste watched with interest. "The curse," she whispered. "It's returning." "What curse?" Kael demanded. Rowan's eyes met his brother's. "Remember when I left for three months last year? I wasn't going. I was seeking a cure." "A cure for what?" "Our grandfather's family carries a curse. One male in each generation goes rogue on their twentieth birthday unless they bond with their true mate." Rowan struggled to stand. "I'm that male in our generation." "Why didn't you tell us?" Kael asked, shocked. "I thought the bond with Liana had stopped it.
But now that she's gone..." Rowan's eyes flashed between blue and an unnatural yellow. "The curse is fighting to take over." "How long do you have?" Kael asked. "A few days. Maybe less." Rowan's voice shook. "If I don't reconnect with Liana soon, I'll become what we've fought against our entire lives." Celeste smiled secretly. Everything was falling into place. Back at the camp, Liana sat beside Jace, who was finally awake. "They'll come for us," Jace said softly. "I know," she responded, conflicted. "But I'm not sure I want to go back." "Liana, you can't trust Darius," Jace warned. "Regardless of what he's shown you." "He's my uncle. My blood." She touched her ring. "Everything I knew was a lie." "Not everything." Jace took her hand. "Not us." The tent flap opened. Sierra rushed in, frightened. "Darius needs you both. Now." Outside, Darius stood with his warriors gathering around him. "What's happening?" Liana asked. "Shadowfang scouts," Darius said grimly. "They've found us. And they're not alone." He pointed to the edge of the camp. "Look." Liana followed his eyes and gasped. In the distance stood Kael and Rowan. But something was wrong with Rowan.
Even from far away, she could see his eyes glowing amber in the dying light. "The curse," she whispered, remembering Elder Mira's warning. "Your choice is simple," Darius said. "Stay with your blood and learn who you truly are, or return to those who lied to you." As if hearing her thoughts, Rowan looked directly at her. Their eyes locked across the distance. Then, without warning, he threw his head back in a howl of pain and began to change into something that was neither wolf nor human. "Rowan, no!" Liana screamed, taking a step forward. Darius grabbed her arm. "Choose wisely, niece. There's no going back."