Once Betrayed Never Forgotten

Chapter 102: Greenharrow Castle

The world shifts around me, the vibrant hues of green and brown seeping into my vision, replacing the harsh reds and blacks of the volcanic realm. I inhale deeply, the air tingling in my lungs, fresh with the scent of pine, moss, and morning dew. The clearing before me is bathed in the soft light of dawn, the golden glow filtering through the derse canopy overhead, dappling the ground in shifting patterns. Birds chirp from the treetops, their melodies filling the air with an enchanting harmony, mingling with the distant rustle of leaves.

“It feels like another life entirely,” I murmur, my gaze sweeping over the clearing, drinking in the lush greenery. After days surrounded by the burning world of fire and ash, the sight of rich foliage and vibrant colors is a balm to my senses.

Bloodbane emerges beside me, his eyes narrowing as he scans the dense forest. “Where are we?” he asks, his voice low and wary.

Pyra steps forward, her golden eyes gleaming as they sweep over the surroundings.

“I think we’re back in my world, but nothing looks familiar,” I murmur, confusion gnawing

ing at my mind. “I expected us to arrive at the same spot where I left this realm. where Tatiana’s portal opened, in Los Angeles.”

Los Angeles. Where Aleksandr is. Or, was

“But then…” My gaze flickers to Pyra, realization dawning on me. “We left through the Fire gem. Maybe the gems guide us, connecting the realms to specific locations.”

Bloodbane’s brow furrows, his expression contemplative. “That would mean the Earth gem, Verde’s gemstone, is somewhere nearby.”

“Exactly,” I say, my pulse quickening.

Pyra nods, her eyes narrowing as she glances around. “I can feel its power, faint but steady,” she says, her voice tinged with reverence. “It’s close”

We spread out, stepping carefully through the clearing, our eyes scanning the foliage. The ground is blanketed with thick moss, the graced roots of ancient trees twisting beneath our feet. The scent of earth and wildflowers fills my nose, the lushness of the forest wrapping around me like a warm embrace.

“There!” Pyra exclaims, her voice breaking the silence. We rush to her side, my heart leaping into my throat as I spot the thick sheet of green moss she has peeled back, revealing a glimmering emerald set into the trunk of an ancient oak tree. The golden metal of the hilt is partially covered by the gnarled bark, its handle jutting out from a hollow in the tree.

“The Earth Angel’s sword,” Bloodbane marmurs, his eyes widening

1 step forward, my hand brushing against the golden hil, feeling a surge of warmth Bow into me, the energy of the earth pulsing through my veins. It’s like the life–giving force of the land itself, a feeling of renewal and growth blossoming within me, invigorating every fiber of my being.

“The angel is missing.” I say softly, my gaze fixed on the emerald embedded in the sword’s hilt. “But if the sword is here…

“Then where is Verde? Bloodbane finishes, his face darkening with concer

+10%

Bonus

08:17

I nod, wrapping my hand around the hilt, the power of the earth surging through me. “We need to find her. But for now, we have her s tag, I pull the blade from the tree trunk, its emerald gleaming in the morning light. It’s heavy, its blade shimmering like a reflection of around us, but my blood wraith strength allows me to carry it with ease. Til keep it safe until we End her,” Low, conjuring a crimson s my own blood, sheathing the sword at my hip, concealing its gleaming edge.

“We need to keep moving.” Bloodbane urges, his eyes scanning the surrounding forest

We turn, making our way through the dense underbrush, our feet crunching softly over twigs and fallen leaves. The clearing gives way to a winding path, almost completely overgrown with wild blackberry bushes and holly, the ancient stones barely visible beneath the thick foliage.

We follow the path, its winding trail leading us through dense woods. The morning light filters through the canopy, dappling the ground with shifting patterns of light and shadow. As we walk, the scent of pine and damp earth fills my nose, the cool, crisp air brushing against my skin.

After what feels like an eternity, the path opens up, revealing a vast, ancient castle perched on the shores of a misty lake. Its towering walls rise against The gray sky, the stone dark and weathered, moss creeping up its sides. The mist drifts over the surface of the lake, shrouding the castle in an eerie, ethereal hare.

Bloodbane’s eyes narrow, his brow farrowing. “Where are we?”

5

Chapter 102 Greenharrow Castle

“I don’t know,” I reply, my gaze fixed on the imposing structure. “But we need to find out.”

We make our way towards the castle, its looming silhouette growing larger with each step. The drawbridge is lowered, its dark wood stretching over the meat, leading to a grand entrance flanked by towering stone pillars.

We cross the drawbridge, the sound of our footsteps echoing off the ancient stone. The castle’s massive wooden doors swing open as we approach, revealing a vast entrance hall. The walls are adorned with faded tapestries, their intricate patterns barely visible beneath layers of dust and age. Suits of armor stand in silent vigil along the walls, their gleaming surfaces reflecting the flickering light of torches. The smell of freshly baked bread walts through the castle, perhaps from the castle kitchens, and something sweet, along with the irresistable smell of coffee.

Now, that’s a fragrance I haven’t smelled in ages.

“Hello?” I call out, feeling a little stupid, not sure if it’s ok that we basically just wandered into what is probably someone’s home, or at the very least a museum or national monument of some kind. “Is anybody here?”

I sense figures all around us in the shadows, servants, watching, staying just out of sight.

may

A figure finally emerges from the shadows at the top of a winding staircase, dressed in an elegant dark green velvet suit. As he slowly approaches, I take in the sight of dark golden blonde hair that gleams like molten gold, piercing hazel eyes, and that irresistible, edgy lip ring piercing. His hazel eyes gleam with an unsettling light as they sweep over us, a grin spreading across his supernaturally handsome face. He’s so familiar… I know him..

“Arianna, is that really you?” he says, his voice tinged with a rich Scottish filt. It is! The Vasiliev clan’s adorable little human pet! Well then, what brings ye to ma humble abode? And who are ye friends?

I blink, recognition jolting through me. “Kieran,” I murmur. The last time I saw him, he was balls deep in a female vampire during a orgy at the Castle of Endless Night, during the Blood Moon Ceremony. From what I recall, he actually tried to convince me to join them, even though I’d be unlikely to

survive such an encounter.

Did he know that, when he made the offer? Did he care?

I blush at the memory of his gargantuan cock, engorged and erect, thrusting over and over into some horny female vampire.

I feel his hazel eyes boring into me, so I lower my eyes and avert my gaze.

“My friends are named Bloodbane and Pyra, both of them are from the Fiery realm,” I answer, not sure how much detail I should tell him. Is it better to play my cards close to my chest, just for now, until I’m sure I can trust him? Maybe

Kieran’s grin widens, his eyes gleaming “Pleased to make your acquaintance, you fiery fiends, or perhaps friends, to be confirmed,” he says, with a quick bow in their direction, before turning his attention back on me.

y, Arianna, ye look quite different, compared to when I saw ye last,” he looks, appraising me with interest.

“I must say,

Oh yeah, that’s right. My golden tan is gone, replaced with porcelain white skin. My once green eyes are now bright blood red, and there’s a single crimson streak through my blonde hair.

“The new look suits you, yer prettier than ever. But… hmmm. Ye smell different too, come to think of it,” he says, furrowing his brow as he leans in 109 closer to sniff the air around me. “Arianna! Say it isn’t so! You’re no longer human?”

Bonu

“Nope,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant.

He sniffs the air some more, before grinning widely, realisation dawning in his eyes.

“Ah, very interesting indeed a Blood Wraith!” He exclaims, with a chuckle. “And does old grumpy pants, Mr. Aleksandr Vasiliev know about your transformation from helpless mortal girl into deadly blood monster?”

08:13

“No, he doesn’t know anything, and that’s why I need your help, I answer, my heart hammering in my chest at the mention of Aleksandr’s name. “I need you to take me to Aleksandr. Right now.”

“Impossible,” he says gravely.