Episode 14

It has been two months since Aria began her training. In the beginning, it was very tough for her, but her determination and consistency made her improve quickly. With the help of her excellent teachers, she started training with Azula, who, despite her young age, was a formidable warrior. Next was Vlad, who initially held back during the training sessions. However, after Aria confronted him and threatened to stop talking to him if he continued to underestimate her, he had no choice but to show his true ability.

At night, when most people went to sleep, Aria silently left her room, ventured into the forest, transformed into Serena, and ran until she reached a remote area. There, her uncle Armand would be waiting for her to train her in her wolf form until practically dawn.

The once fragile and fearful young girl had changed immensely. Due to proper nourishment and her rigorous training regimen, her body had grown, turning her into a true beauty that made all the warriors in the territory drool over her. She was oblivious to the attention, but Vlad noticed and glared angrily at any man who approached his sisters.

Queen Amaranth, on the other hand, was pleased. Since Aria's arrival, her children Vlad and Azula had changed their ways. Vlad was no longer as solitary as before, and the indifference in his eyes softened when he was with Aria. Azula took her duties more seriously, focusing less on boys and dedicating more time to training. Both of them had matured.

At that moment, Armand approached Queen Amaranth, gave her a passionate kiss, and looked into her eyes, saying, "What are you thinking so much about, my beloved?"

Queen Amaranth replied, slightly saddened, "I'm thinking about Vlad and Azula, about how much they've changed since Aria came into our lives."

Armand nodded, "I've noticed it too. I just hope that doesn't change now that she has to go back to her Father and brother."

Queen Amaranth sighed, "Yes, in three days, there will be a funeral ceremony for the former Kings and Ariadne. It's the best time for her to return to Albert's side, especially now that she has completed her training, and we can't do more to strengthen her body."

Armand, worried, added, "Her power keeps growing every day. Thanks to the intense training she's had, she has been able to control it, but I don't know how much longer that will last. That's why she must go to Albert. He will know what to do to help her."

Queen Amaranth's expression turned serious. "Changing the subject, what do you know about that damned woman? Will she be at the ceremony?"

Armand replied, "Yes, according to the information I received, the Alpha of Sunshine, that woman, and her two sons will be present."

"Perfect," Queen Amaranth said firmly. "Then we must prepare everything so that in three days, the truth about what happened to Aria fifteen years ago, how she ended up in that bitch's clutches, and why she kept her hidden, finally comes to light. Now, we need to talk to Aria and tell her to prepare herself because tomorrow we will leave for Moonlight and take her to her Father."

Armand agreed, saying, "I will tell Agatha to bring her to the study so that we can talk to her."

A few minutes later, a soft knocking on the study door could be heard. "Come in," Armand said.

Agatha opened the door, revealing Aria standing beside her. She stepped aside, allowing the young girl to enter the study before closing the door.

Aria greeted them, "Good day, Uncle and Aunt. Did you call for me? Is something wrong?"

Armand replied, "Hello, my dear. Please have a seat. We need to talk to you about something very important."

Aria, worried, asked, "What's happening? Please tell me. You're making me anxious."

Queen Amaranth reassured her, "Don't worry, my dear. The reason we asked you to come is that in three days, there will be a funeral ceremony for the former Kings and also for..."

Aria, feeling melancholic, finished the sentence, "For my Mom. So, it's time for me to leave Black territory, right? I will finally meet my Dad and brother."

Armand - That's right, dear, but it's not just that. On that day, the leaders of the races belonging to the Confederation will also be present. I've been informed that Solange Brown will also be there, so we want to take this opportunity to finally find the answers you're looking for.

Aria - (thinking) That meant Kiran would also be attending. This was the moment to face her fears and at the same time get the answers she needed.

(aloud) I suppose we'll leave tomorrow then. I'll go pack my bags and say goodbye to Vlad and Azula.

Armand - I think you can do the second one now, can't you, my children?

In the blink of an eye, Armand had already opened the door, and standing behind it were the mentioned individuals.

R. Amaranth - (sarcastically) I don't recall teaching you to eavesdrop, I guess you inherited that habit from your father. (Winking at Armand)

Azula - We're sorry, Mother. What we did was wrong, but we couldn't help coming when Agatha told us that Aria had been summoned. And as we approached, we overheard what was said to Aria, and I wanted to ask for permission to...

At that moment, Vlad interrupts his sister.

Vlad - (serious) We will go with you to Moonlight.

Armand - (serious) No.

Azula - (exclaimed) Father!

Vlad - (angry) We're not asking for your authorization, Father.

Armand - (threatening tone) You're defying me, Vladimir Black. Remember that I am not only your father and guardian of the vampire territory, but also the regent king.

Vlad - (threatening) Take it as you wish, Your Majesty.

Azula - Vlad, stop it! (Addressing Armand) Father, we're not defying you, but please understand that Aria is very important to us, and we won't leave her alone in this crucial moment. Both Vlad and I are aware of how much she has suffered at the hands of that woman.

At that moment, Aria and Vlad turned to look at Azula, as neither of them had told her about the matter.

Upon realizing their gaze, she turned to them. Yes, I know everything. That day at the mall, shortly after you left for the parking lot, I finished what I was doing and followed. I arrived just in time to see Vlad stop that woman when she tried to hit you. You were standing in front of her, terrified. Vlad threw her to the ground and ran towards you, took you in his arms, and left in a hurry.

Shortly after, Vlad contacted me through our bond and told me a warrior would come to pick me up. While waiting for that to happen, I followed that woman. I had to know who she was and you she feared her so much. After that incident, the woman left the parking lot and went to a restaurant to meet with a burly man. They entered a private room, which a waiter led them to. When the waiter went on his break, I approached him to ask who the woman was. At first, he didn't want to tell me, but I showed him a substantial amount of money and got the information. It was Sunshine's Moon Solange Brown. Knowing this, I knew it had something to do with you because you came from there. He couldn't tell me who the man was, only that it was the first time he had seen him.

After an hour, the woman came out first, and shortly after, the man came out, and they went in different directions.

Just then, the car with the warrior Vlad had sent arrived. We followed that woman to Sunshine, of course, I had to change my appearance to go unnoticed.

Upon arrival, I told the warrior to wait outside the pack and began to learn about you and the relationship you had with Solange Brown. With each answer I received, I became more distraught. Every story I heard was worse than the previous one. That's how I learned how cruel that woman had been to you and everything you had endured at her hands.

Aria and Vlad remained in complete silence, unsure of what to say.

Azula - (looking at Aria and ashamed) I'm sorry, Aria. I don't want you to think I did all this out of nosiness or that I want to interfere in your life, but that day I saw you so terrified looking at that woman, I had to do something, and well, I...

Aria (moved) - The one who needs to apologize is me, Azula, for not trusting you, for worrying about you and indirectly putting you in danger by trying to help me. I will always be grateful to both of you for being by my side and for caring about me.

Then the three of them joined in a hug.

At that moment, Amaranth said - Azula.

Azula turned to her mother, expecting to see anger in her eyes and receive a scolding for her "feat" of following that woman to Sunshine, but all she could see was satisfaction and pride reflected in her parents' gaze.

R. Amaranth - I know you're expecting to be punished, but this time there won't be any, although what you did was dangerous, we feel very proud to see that you will be a good guardian and above all a protector. And Vlad, I see that you're also on the right path to become a king, very few have dared to challenge and confront your Father like you have. Both of you fill us with pride and have formed a strong bond of brotherhood.

Azula - (smiling) So does that mean we can go to Moonlight?

Armand - Of course, and even if we denied it, you two would still go, as stubborn as you are, you resemble your mother so much. (Sigh)

Ouchh!!! (Amaranth had just elbowed him in the ribs)

It was then that the three young people left the study to prepare for the trip.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***