Author's POV
Two days after the previous events, the supernaturals had gathered in HASRLAND. All kinds of creatures were present, assembled solely for the coronation of the King of the Sorcerers. In the Supreme's great manor, the main hall was decorated in such a warm and inviting way that no one would have ever imagined. If we didn't already know the true nature of HASRLAND, we might have been fooled by the trap; but sadly, the severely wounded prisoners, visibly abused, had been taken to the dungeons so as not to raise suspicion about the Supreme's intentions—intentions that remained unknown. They say a wolf can disguise itself as a sheep, but what about the devil blending among men?
While waiting for the future King of Harmony to arrive, we could see countless different species: elves, goblins, demons, fairies, ogres, centaurs, serpent-shifters, and many other supernatural beings I couldn't even begin to count. They were all dressed elegantly for the occasion. Even though they weren't sorcerers themselves, the Harmony race was still one of the most powerful.
Zelda (elf): I still don't understand why we are forced to be here today.
Jindal (elf): My dear, this is a golden opportunity, and we must always honor those who are stronger than us. And Harmony is one of the strongest races.
Zelda: I'll just pretend to believe that.
Jindal: Don't speak like that, Zelda. The Supreme will kill us.
Zelda: It's not like he's actually going to kill me.
At that moment, Im was standing right behind Zelda. Jindal's face turned pale, and he quickly lowered his head in respect.
Zelda: What's wrong with you all of a sudden, Jindal?
Im: Hm.
Zelda turned around.
Zelda: Supreme.
She quickly bowed her head.
Im: You have quite a big mouth, young lady.
Zelda: I'm sorry.
Im: I'll teach you a lesson later. For now...
He walked past her, the mist fading as he moved forward.
Zelda (whispering): Why didn't you tell me he was behind me?
Jindal (whispering back): If I had known, I would have warned you to shut your mouth. But you talk too much.
Im walked away, smiling darkly. Yes, he had heard everything—they say his wolf blood gave him a heightened sense of hearing. The others stepped out of his way in fear; the Supreme had a reputation for killing anyone who disrespected him.
Note: HASRLAND is considered one of the strongest supernatural domains, but it is far more feared than sorcerers, vampires, or even werewolves.
Suddenly, there was noise at the entrance as the TALOR family and several of their vampires arrived. The crowd began whispering.
Im: Thank you for honoring us with your presence.
Kamran: It was necessary, Im. Otherwise, how would my son, now the Lord of the Vampires, recognize his enemy?
Im: I thank you nonetheless for coming. Please, come in.
Evera: The decoration is quite pretty.
Kamran: My chamber is much better.
Im forced a smile.
Im: Thank you for the compliment, miss.
They entered, while Im remained near the entrance. Soon after, Naylinah and Naynah arrived.
Im: Ladies.
Naynah: Good evening, Supreme.
Im: A behavior truly worthy of an Alpha. Please, enter.
Naylinah: Thank you, Supreme.
They entered, while Im's expression twisted into something pitiful.
Im (thinking): Tonight will be your last night.
All attention turned to the entrance again as the royal family of Harmony arrived. Their presence was impossible to ignore—they shone too brightly. All dressed in white, though Junior's attire stood out: white and silver garments adorned with golden epaulettes. They were all blond with green eyes, except for the youngest, Iris, who had red hair and brown eyes. She almost looked like she wasn't the king's daughter at all.
Im: The man of the hour has arrived. Welcome to HASRLAND.
Junior (smiling): Thank you, Supreme. The decoration here is quite lovely.
Im forced another smile.
Im: Please, come in.
The Gronds family entered. Nevine stayed behind briefly to speak with Im. Meanwhile, every girl in the hall was staring at Junior. To be honest, even if he looked like the typical member of the Gronds family, Junior was remarkably tall and handsome. If he and Athènia stood side by side, they could easily be described as the most beautiful people in the world. Even Kritéa was staring at him.
Junior: Wow, this hall is ten times bigger.
Alvin: Wow, this place is beautiful.
Fabellia: Hm.
She looked at Junior with hatred, though he was smiling. Her plan had failed—Nevine had uncovered it and forbidden her from ever trying again. She had sent Dead on a mission to severely injure Junior, but he stood there unharmed. When Nevine discovered what she had done, his fury had been terrifying. She couldn't risk repeating the mistake.
Im and Nevine approached them.
Im: My boy. I hope you're ready.
Junior: Yes.
Arès (spirit): You know well this coronation won't happen.
Junior (thinking back): But he doesn't know that I know. He'll prefer to pretend everything is perfect, Arès.
Im: Good. Enjoy the celebration—the right moment hasn't come yet.
Nevine: Trust the Supreme. He's the one who crowned me back then.
Junior: Alright.
Im: Excuse me.
He walked away as Josinel and Lily arrived.
Junior: Grandfather, grandmother!
Josinel: We wouldn't dare miss this occasion.
Lily: Yes. Where is Athènia?
Nevine: In London.
He lied, and Junior looked at him suspiciously.
Lily: Athènia wouldn't miss such a special occasion for her brother.
Nevine: People can change, mother.
Josinel: Don't tell me you punished her because of those rumors.
Nevine: Of course not, father.
Lily then noticed Iris in Fabellia's arms.
Lily: Who is this beautiful little girl?
Fabellia: She's our daughter, mother.
Josinel: She looks very different.
Lily stepped closer and looked at the baby.
Fabellia: Mother, her name is Iris.
Iris stared at Lily.
Lily: Hello, little Iris. I'm your grandmother.
Iris smiled. Lily took her in her arms.
Alvin: That's not fair.
Josinel (kneeling down): What's not fair?
Raven: Grandpa, she smiled at Grandma.
Josinel: So? She's her grandmother after all.
Alvin: But she never smiles at us.
He pouted.
Lily: What do you mean, dear?
Raven: She never smiles at us. She only smiles at big brother. Whenever we try to hold her, she cries. But with him, she acts as if she's the happiest baby alive.
Lily: Maybe because your big brother is special—just like your big sister.
She looked at Junior and grew emotional. Then she looked back at Iris and smiled.
Lily: Am I right, Iris?
Iris began to laugh. The others smiled as well, and even the supernaturals around them found her adorable. Meanwhile, Kritéa was still staring at Junior.
Kritéa (whispering): Wow, he's so handsome.
Kemran smacked her on the head.
Kritéa: Ouch! What's wrong with you? You didn't have to hit me!
Kemran: Stop staring at that loser. He's your enemy, not your crush.
He didn't even look at her as he spoke. Kritéa frowned and thought to herself:
Kritéa (thinking): Why can't I be with him, if my brother was with his sister?
Supernatural relationships were complicated. But today was a great day for everyone—except Im. For him, there were other plans in motion. And no one could expect what was about to happen next.