Chapter 7: The Queen’s Arrival

The castle stirred as news spread of Queen Seraphina Darkhaven's impending visit. Her rare appearances always brought an air of formality and quiet tension. As the matriarch of the Darkhaven family, her grace and strength were revered by all.

Jaiden stood by the gates, waiting to welcome his mother and their guests. Beside her rode Zach's two cousins, Lady Liana and Lady Celeste. Liana, the older of the two, carried herself with poise befitting a royal. Her partner, Lord Ardyn, walked beside her, their young son Lucian trailing behind, his wide eyes taking in the grandeur of the castle. Celeste, in contrast, was vibrant and full of life, often teasing her cousins and acting as the glue holding the brothers together.

As Seraphina dismounted, Jaiden bowed low. "Mother, your presence is a blessing as always."

"Enough of the formalities, Jaiden," Seraphina said, her voice warm but commanding. "Tell me why I was summoned with such urgency."

Jaiden straightened, his face serious. "There's a…delicate situation, Mother. Zach brought a human hunter into the castle."

The queen's serene expression didn't falter, but her piercing eyes darkened. "A hunter? Here?"

"Yes," Jaiden said. "I thought it best you intervene before Elian turns this into a bloodbath."

Liana exchanged a glance with her sister, her brow furrowing. "A hunter in Darkhaven? That's reckless, even for Zach."

"Reckless or not, we must address this wisely," Seraphina said. "Take me to him."

Lucian tugged at her sleeve. "Grandmother, is the hunter dangerous?"

"She is," Seraphina said gently, "but we will ensure she doesn't harm anyone."

Lucian nodded solemnly, his young mind already imagining the stories he'd share with Aurora later.

Aurora pressed her ear against the heavy wooden door, catching snippets of conversations from the hallway. The guards were distracted, their voices rising as they debated something trivial.

Perfect, she thought. She reached into her boot, retrieving the small blade she'd been carefully sharpening.

Her eyes darted to the narrow window above. It was a long shot, but if she could disable the guards and make it outside, she'd figure out the rest from there.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. She quickly concealed the blade and sat back, feigning calm.

The door swung open to reveal Kayla, her expression cold. "You're causing quite the stir, hunter."

Aurora leaned back, crossing her arms. "I have that effect on people."

Kayla stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. "Whatever you're planning, stop. You won't leave this castle alive."

Aurora smirked. "We'll see about that."

Kayla's hand twitched, as though she was debating striking Aurora, but she held back. Instead, she turned and left, slamming the door behind her.

---

In Zach's Chambers

Kayla stormed into Zach's chambers without knocking, her frustration boiling over. "We need to talk."

Zach looked up from his desk, his expression calm but guarded. "This had better be important, Kayla."

"It is," she snapped. "That hunter. She's a liability. The council is already suspicious, and Elian is ready to take matters into his own hands. Why are you keeping her here?"

Zach leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp. "That's none of your concern."

"It is when it threatens your position," Kayla said, her voice rising. "You're the next king, Zach. You can't afford to look weak."

Zach's eyes darkened, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone. "Careful, Kayla. You're treading on thin ice. Focus on the matters I assign to you, and leave the rest to me."

Kayla stiffened, her fists clenched. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

She turned and left, her frustration simmering.

---

In the Forest Leo and his team moved cautiously through the dense forest, their weapons ready. The trail had grown colder, but the signs of vampire activity were unmistakable.

"Stay alert," Leo said, his eyes scanning the shadows.

Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the trees, and a group of vampires emerged, their eyes glowing red.

"Ambush!" Pearl shouted, drawing her sword.

The fight was swift and brutal. Leo moved with precision, his blade cutting through the air as he fought off the attackers. Pearl held her ground, her movements a mix of strength and grace.

As the last vampire fell, Leo wiped the blood from his sword, his expression grim. "We're getting close. They know we're coming."

Pearl nodded, her face set. "Then we need to move faster. Aurora's running out of time."

In the Throne Room Seraphina stood before Zach, her presence commanding. Liana, Celeste, and Lucian stood to the side, watching the exchange closely.

"Jaiden tells me you've brought a hunter into the castle," Seraphina said, her tone calm but firm.

"I did," Zach said. "She's no ordinary hunter. There's something…different about her."

"Different or not, you're putting the kingdom at risk," Seraphina said. "Elian is already using this as an excuse to undermine you."

"I can handle Elian," Zach said confidently.

"And the council?" Seraphina pressed.

"I'll deal with them too," Zach said.

Seraphina studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. But tread carefully, Zach. This hunter could be your undoing—or your salvation."

Lucian tugged at Zach's sleeve. "Can I meet her?"

Zach smiled faintly. "Not yet, little one."

Lucian pouted but didn't argue, already looking forward to the day he could meet the mysterious hunter.