Chapter 1 Midnight Betrayal

The grand hall of the Elara estate shimmered under the golden glow of the chandeliers. Laughter echoed, glasses clinked, and the air buzzed with the warmth of celebration. Tonight was Selene's 18th birthday, a milestone in her life, a night she had been anticipating for years. She stood at the center of it all, her deep emerald gown hugging her curves, her dark waves cascading down her back. She felt invincible.

"You look breathtaking," a smooth voice murmured close to her ear. She turned, meeting the piercing silver eyes of Adrian Valcourt. He was charming, dangerous, and completely off-limits. Yet, the way he looked at her sent shivers down her spine.

"Flattery suits you," she teased, tilting her chin up slightly. "But I'm not so easily swayed."

Adrian smirked, stepping closer, his breath fanning against her cheek. "Oh, Selene, I love a challenge."

Before she could respond, the doors to the hall swung open, and a cold gust of wind rushed in. Silence followed as a man in a dark cloak strode in. Darius. Her uncle. The air grew thick with tension. Her father, King Alaric, stiffened beside her mother, Queen Elara. The celebration had just turned into something else entirely.

Selene's fingers curled around the stem of her glass, knuckles turning white. Darius had never been welcome in their home, and yet, he stood there with an air of arrogance, as if he belonged.

"Brother," Alaric greeted, voice controlled but firm. "What brings you here unannounced?"

Darius's lips curled into a slow smile. "I came to wish my beloved niece a happy birthday. Eighteen is a significant age, after all."

There was something unsettling in his tone, an unspoken threat laced beneath his words. Selene's stomach twisted. Her mother stepped closer to her, her hand lightly pressing against Selene's arm a silent warning.

"Thank you," Selene said cautiously. "But surely you could have sent a message instead of"

"Instead of intruding?" Darius finished for her. "Come now, is that any way to treat family?"

Alaric took a step forward. "You lost the right to call yourself family when you betrayed us."

Darius laughed softly. "Ah, dear brother. Always so dramatic." His gaze flicked to Selene. "Enjoy your night, little one. Midnight brings many surprises."

And with that, he turned on his heel and disappeared into the night.

The night continued, but the air never quite regained its earlier joy. Midnight approached, and a growing unease settled in Selene's chest. The warning lingered in her mind. Then, the first scream pierced the air.

Chaos erupted. Guards clashed with masked intruders, steel met steel, and the once-lively hall became a battlefield. Blood splattered across the marble floors. Selene's heart pounded as she watched her father wield his sword, cutting through enemies with practiced ease. Her mother stood beside him, magic crackling at her fingertips.

"Selene, run!" Alaric bellowed. "Find Adrian he'll get you out!"

Her breath hitched. "No, I can fight"

"Now!" her mother's voice was desperate, commanding. Then, a blade slid through her father's chest. Selene's scream never left her lips as she watched him crumple to the floor.

Her mother turned, eyes wild with fury, but she too was struck down before she could unleash her wrath.

Darius stepped forward, blood staining his hands. "It's a shame, truly. But sacrifices must be made."

Selene's world tilted. She stumbled back. A strong grip caught her arm, yanking her into motion. Adrian.

"We have to go," he whispered fiercely. "Now."

Adrenaline surged through her veins as they ran through the hidden corridors of the estate. The sounds of battle faded, replaced by the rapid beat of her pulse.

"They're all dead," Selene choked out. "My parents"

"I know." Adrian's grip tightened around her wrist. "We can grieve later. Right now, we need to survive."

They burst through a side door, emerging into the moonlit gardens. The scent of roses mixed with the acrid stench of blood. A group of Darius's men blocked their path.

Adrian shoved Selene behind him. "Stay close."

The first attacker lunged, but Adrian moved like a shadow, his blade a blur as he cut the man down. Selene's breath came in quick gasps. She had trained for this, but training was different from real battle.

One of the attackers sneered. "She's the one Darius wants alive."

A shiver of dread crawled up her spine. They didn't plan to kill her. They planned to take her.

Not an option.

Gritting her teeth, she grabbed a fallen sword and swung, the blade slicing through flesh. A startled cry followed. Blood spattered her hands. Her first kill. The weight of it settled in her chest, but there was no time to dwell on it.

Adrian grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the forest beyond the garden. "We need to disappear."

The last thing Selene saw before vanishing into the trees was Darius standing on the balcony, watching, smiling.

The forest swallowed them whole, the towering trees casting eerie shadows under the moonlight. Selene's lungs burned, her muscles screamed, but they couldn't stop.

"We need to get to the border," Adrian murmured, glancing back. "If we can cross into Valmere, Darius will have no power there."

Selene nodded, determination settling in her bones. "Then let's move."

A distant howl echoed through the trees. Not wolves. Men. They were being hunted.

Adrian pulled her to a stop, his hand cupping her face. "Listen to me. No matter what happens, you keep running."

Selene swallowed hard. "Not without you."

He hesitated, his gaze darkening. "You're more important than me."

Before she could argue, a figure emerged from the darkness. Not just any figure. Darius.

He smiled. "Game over, little one."