Divided

Royal Event

A/N: I was out for 2 weeks. My family planned a last-minute trip, so I was out of the country... I was literally ready to upload the chapter that Friday...but I had to finish editing it because English is not my first language. So, there's a chance that there were some mistakes...there might still be. After 4 days, we found out that my grandmother was ill, so we returned to the country and went to the hospital. After that, we spent some time at her home waiting for news from the hospital since she had a procedure on her brain, which could've been fatal. Thankfully, everything is okay now.

Xander's POV

We stand in the grand ballroom of the castle, surrounded by the soft hum of conversation and the glint of polished floors beneath our feet. Royal supernaturals drift in through the arched doorways, their eyes glimmering with intrigue as they take in sight of the extravagant room.

The chandeliers overhead glow with golden light, their crystals catching the light in a thousand dazzling ways, casting soft reflections across the room. Mahogany tapestries, intricately woven with gold thread, hang from the walls, adding an air of timelessness to the space.

Athan and Imperia are by my side, but they're lost in conversation, their laughter echoing softly as they exchange some private joke. I stand alone, my gaze drifting over the room. I don't mind the solitude—there's so much to take in.

Each year, this royal event is hosted by one of the supernatural groups, a tradition that's been upheld for centuries. Last year, the royal werewolves had the honor, and tonight, it's the vampires' turn to shine.

Across the room, I spot a siren standing on a small stage, her hauntingly beautiful voice drifting through the air as she serenades the guests. Musicians play behind her, their instruments blending in perfect harmony, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Just as I take in the music, a presence shifts behind me, making me turn.

Queen Celeste steps into the ballroom, her entrance commanding attention. The moment she enters, the room seems to quiet for a brief, collective breath. She's dressed in a flowing red gown, the deep hue a reflection of the Vampire Kingdom's colors. Her hair is elegantly styled, falling in loose waves with soft tendrils pulled back from the sides, framing her regal face.

Beside her, King Alistair walks with measured steps, his presence as imposing as it is regal. He's dressed in a black suit, sharp and sophisticated, with a red handkerchief tucked neatly into the breast pocket, a subtle nod to Celeste's gown. His white hair is swept back from his face, though a few strands fall forward, brushing against his forehead. His icy blue eyes scan the room, piercing through the crowd as he surveys the guests, ever watchful.

Following them, the twins Ajia and Tzan enter the ballroom. Their contrasting personalities are immediately evident in the way they move through the room. Ajia, always the more vibrant of the two, wears a sleek black dress with small red stones sewn along the hem, the delicate embellishments glinting with every step she takes. She's smiling, her eyes wide with wonder as she takes in the opulence around her.

Tzan, on the other hand, walks in with a quiet, almost brooding presence. His black suit fits him perfectly, and a small cluster of red stones adorns the brim of his black hat, matching Ajia's gown in subtle symmetry. His expression is unreadable, and his gaze sweeps the room with a cold detachment, never staying in one place for long.

As the twins finish walking inside, my eyes fall on the figure behind them. Caterina.

She's stunning, wearing a sleek black dress that reaches her knees, the fabric flowing gracefully as she moves. A black fur wrap rests over her shoulders, the soft texture contrasting with the elegance of her dress. Around her neck, a small diamond necklace catches the light, its subtle sparkle adding a touch of glamour. Her dark hair is pulled back into a neat, elegant bun, but a few strands escape, framing her face in a way that makes her look even more delicate.