Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 111

Morgana

I stood in the shadows of Nightfang Fortress's highest tower, my crimson robes rippling in the night wind. My pale fingers drummed impatiently against the stone parapet as my gaze pierced through the darkness, scanning the distant horizon. Above, an unusually large raven beat its wings toward me, its feathers gleaming with an unnatural blue sheen in the moonlight.

The raven landed on my outstretched arm, its eyes flickering with intelligence that no ordinary creature possessed. It opened its beak, releasing a strange mixture of whispers and hissing sounds that conveyed its message of failure.

"What?" My voice cut through the air like an ice blade across glass. "Draven still lives? Those incompetent fools couldn't even handle a few exhausted travelers?" I clenched my fist so tightly that the raven, sensing my fury, quickly flew from my arm to perch on a nearby stone gargoyle.

The raven continued its report, describing the High Priest's sudden appearance and his powerful divine magic. My eyes narrowed dangerously as the implications crystallized in my mind.

"Cedric Blackwood, High Priest of Eldoria," I whispered his name, my thoughts racing. "How did he come to be there? Unless..." I recalled the advanced purification spells Thalia had used, and that familiar royal aura emanating from Adelaide.

A cruel smile crept across my lips. "How fascinating. That so-called human slave is actually Eldoria's princess, and that seemingly ordinary sorceress is the High Priest's daughter." I laughed softly. "This is even more delicious than I anticipated."

From within my robes, I withdrew a small obsidian box. Opening it revealed a crystal pulsing with dark red light. I placed the crystal on the ground and began chanting ancient incantations. The air around the crystal began to twist, and gradually, the blurred image of a black-robed figure materialized.

"Master," I knelt on one knee, head bowed in deference.

"Morgana," the figure's voice was was ancient and grating, like the whisper of withered trees, sending chills down one's spine. "What do you have to report?"

"Our plan has encountered a minor setback, Master," I chose my words carefully. "Draven escaped death's embrace and carries evidence of the shadow powder. The humans may now know that vampires are behind the manipulation."

The black-robed figure's image flickered with anger. "You disappoint me, Morgana. We have remained hidden for three centuries for this moment. You know the price of failure."

"Forgive me, Master," I responded quickly. "But I bring news that could reverse our fortunes." I raised my head, cunning gleaming in my eyes. "I have discovered the identities of Princess Adelaide of Eldoria and Thalia, daughter of the High Priest. Adelaide is the human slave destined to become Wolf Queen, and Thalia is the First Legion Commander Draven's mate."

The figure fell silent for a moment, the twin points of light that were his eyes flickering with contemplation. "This is indeed an unexpected discovery."

"I plan to expose their identities at the opportune moment," I continued, my voice carrying cruel anticipation. "Imagine the reaction when the werewolves discover that their revered future Wolf Queen is actually Eldoria's princess—a spy sent among them. And that the First Legion Commander loves the daughter of a high human priest will completely shatter the foundation of trust within werewolf society."

The figure nodded slowly. "A clever plan, Morgana. But do not disappoint me again. Remember our ultimate goal—to see vampires rule Oro Continent once more, completing the conquest we failed to achieve three centuries ago." His voice grew even colder. "When humans and werewolves have bled each other to the last drop, we shall emerge from the shadows to claim this land."

"Everything will proceed according to your will, Master," I bowed deeply. "The age of vampires is at hand."

The figure's image began to dissipate. "Do not forget, Morgana, you are not my only piece on this board. Should you fail again, replacements can be installed at any moment."

As the figure vanished, the crystal's light gradually dimmed. I rose to my feet, my eyes blazing with determination and ambition. I stroked the raven's feathers, whispering softly, "Come, my little messenger. It's time to prepare the next move."

The raven released an ominous caw before spreading its wings and flying into the dark night sky. I watched it disappear into the distance, my lips curving into an icy smile.

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Lycanthar

I stood before the great windows of the throne hall, my gaze fixed on the direction Adelaide had departed. The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted my contemplation. My personal guard, Darius, entered respectfully, his silver hair gleaming in the moonlight as he performed a precise military bow.

"Your Majesty," he began, his voice carrying the weight of important news. "A report from the border. The humans have suddenly ceased their attack formations and shifted to defensive positions."

I turned from the window, my brow furrowing. "A strange transformation indeed." My thoughts immediately went to Adelaide. Could this change be connected to her somehow? "What else?"

"Your Majesty, the Second Legion has crossed the neutral zone and advanced fifteen miles into human territory. Commander Garrick claims this is to establish forward defensive lines."

My jaw tightened. "I gave no such command." I strode toward the strategic map that dominated one wall of the chamber, my finger pointing to where Garrick's forces were positioned. "This movement is far too aggressive. The humans will view it as provocation."

Before Darius could respond, a guard announced, "Your Majesty, Commander Garrick requests an audience."

I drew a deep breath, steeling myself. "Send him in."

Garrick strode into the hall with his characteristic swagger, dust and the scent of the battlefield clinging to him. "Your Majesty, the army is fully assembled. I recommend we launch a preemptive strike immediately!"

I studied him carefully, noting the eager gleam in his eyes, the way he leaned forward as if ready to pounce. "You should not have advanced your troops without my orders, Garrick. Such actions escalate tensions unnecessarily."

He scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Your Majesty, the humans have already betrayed peace. We cannot sit idle while they prepare their full assault. Strike now, while we hold the advantage!"

I moved closer to him, my voice carrying the unmistakable authority of absolute power. "You know the consequences of defying military orders, Garrick. Your task is to hold your current positions and strengthen defenses, but you are not to engage human forces without explicit command." I paused, a hint of probing in my eyes. "If there is evidence that this conflict is being manipulated by... a third party, then we can avoid an unnecessary war."

"A third party?" Garrick's expression flickered—a flash of panic quickly masked by calculated composure. He lowered his head reluctantly, though his dissatisfaction was evident. "As you command, Your Majesty. But when the humans attack, I hope you will not regret today's decision."

After Garrick departed, his footsteps echoing with suppressed fury, I returned to the window. The moon had risen higher, casting silver light across the landscape. Somewhere out there, Adelaide was risking everything to bring back truth and prevent the destruction of both our peoples.

"I believe in you, my Moon Bride," I whispered to the night. "Bring back the truth. Bring back Draven. I will wait for you here."