Once Betrayed Never Forgotten

Chapter 130: Bittersweet Reunion–1

Stepping through the portal, the familiar surroundings of the Castle of Endless Night greet us. The grand, gothic architecture looms above, its tall spires and intricate carvings bathed in the soft, eerie glow of the enchanted blue flames that flicker within the windows. The contrast between this dark, majestic castle and the bleakness of the Nowhere realm is stark, and a wave of eclief washes over me

Before I can fully take in our surroundings, I hear a familiar voce calling my name. “Ariannal” My heart leaps as I see my mother running towards me. Her golden hair listens in the dim candle light, her green eyes filled with a mix of worry and joy.

“Mam!” I cry out, rishing to meet her. We embrace tightly, the wath of her hug grounding me after the chaos of the battle. I feel tears sting my eyes as I hold her, the emotional weight of everything we’ve been through crashing down on me.

“Oh, Arianna,” Sandra murmurs, her voice thick with emotion. “I was so worried about you. Thank goodness you’re safe.”

“I’m here, Mom,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “We did it. We freed Verde.”

Sandra pulls back slightly, cupping my face in her hands. Tam so proud of you, baby girl. You’ve grown into such a strong, brave young woman. Your dad would have been proud if he could see you now.”

I nod, unable to speak as tears blur my vision. The relief and pride in her eyes make all the hardships worthwhile.

The grand hall is bustling with activity. The flickering candlelight casts an ethereal glow over the room, illuminating the suits of armor that stand sentinel along the walls. The air is thick with the scent of old wood and wax, mingling with the faint aroma of pine and earth from the forest outside.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Luka and Mircea reuniting. Laika wraps his arms around her, lifting her off the ground in a joyous embrace. Mircea’s laughter rings out, a bright, joyful sound that echoes through the grand hall. Loka’s face is alight with happiness, the burdens of the past lifted in this moment of reunion.

Anya and Konstantin arrive through their own portal, clad in their formidable Night Realm army armor. The sight of them, strong and victorious, fills me with a sense of pride. Sandra releases me and rushes to Konstantin, throwing her anus around her husband. He holds her close, whispering something in her car that

Aleksandr stands beside me, his hand slipping into mine. His presence is a steadying force, and I lean into him, drawing strength from his calm demeaner. We watch as Seraphina approaches, dressed in red and gold finery, her small gure dwarfed by the grandeur of the castle.

“Welcome back, lords and ladies, Seraphina announces, her voice carrying a tone of reverence. A great feast has been prepared in your honor. The castle awaits

your actum *

The promise of a feast is enticing, the thought of warm food and celebration a balin for our weary souls. I don’t know when was the last time I ate, the last time I even thought about food and now I’m suddenly ravenous. The grand dining hall is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of roasted meats, fresh bread, and spiced wine. The long table is laden with platters of food, the golden candlelight reflecting off polished silverware and crystal goblets.

But before we can take a step towards the dining hall, Anya’s voice rings out, commanding and gent.

“The least will have to wait,” she says, her eyes serious. “We have something important and urgent to discuss.”

The words hang in the air, and my heart quickens with anticipation and unease. What could be so urgent that it can’t wait?

As we enter the grand library, I’m struck once again by its majestic beauty. The walls are lined with towering bookshelves, each filled with ancient comes and scrolls that seem to whisper secrets of centuries past. The air is thick with the scent of old parchment and polished wood, raingling with the faint aroma of incense that lingers in the corners. The room la dimly lit by ornate chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling, casting a wams, golden glow that dances on the polished floors.

We settle into plush, high–backed chairs arranged around a large, intricately carved table. The deep red upholstery contrasts with the dark wood, adding a touch of warmth to the room’s grandeur. The flickering candlelight adds an air of intimacy, making the vast library feel almost

cozy.

Anya, with her regal presence, takes the head of the table, her eyes sharp and calculating. Konstantin sits beside her, his armor still gleaming from the recent battle, a silent reminder of the trinis we’ve faced. My mother, Sandra, sits across from me, her expression a mis of curiosity and concern. Aleksandr is beside me, his hand resting teasuringly on mine.

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Chapter 130: Bittersweet Reunion–2

Before we can begin, Seraphina tries to sneak into the room, her mischievous eyes wide with curiosity. Anya’s gaze narrows, “Seraphine, this discussion is not for your ears. Go and find something else to occupy youll with.”

and she waves a hand dismissively

Seraphina pouts but chrys, her small figure slipping out of the room with a dramatic sigh. The door closes behind her, and the room falls into a heavy silence, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on

Anya is the first to break the silence, her voice tinged with bitterness. “So, Aleksandr and Arians, the star–crossed lovers. You’re certainly earned your right to be together after everything you’ve been through.”

Her words are sharp almost sarcastic, but there’s an underlying acknowledgment of the trials we’ve faced. Aleksandr’s grip tightens on my hand, a silent promise of

suppuil.

Sandra look at me, her eyes wide with shock, “Arianna, you and Aleksandr?” She shakes her head, as if trying to comprehend the idea, “I had no idea…”

“I know it’s a lot to take in, Mom,” I say softly, meeting her gaze. “But Aleksandr and I… we love each other.”

“But… the age gap..” My mom mumurs, before laughing to herself as she realises the absurdity of it

–

“Which age gap?” I ask with a mischievous smile. “Aleksandr was thirty five when he was turned so do you mean the seventeen year age gap, or the seven hundred year one? And anyway, you and Konstantin have what a nine hundred and sixty year age gap, am I right?”

I’m happy for

My mother giggles and sighs, and her expression softens as she reaches across the table to take my other hand. “You’re right. If you’re happy, then I’n you. Arianna. You’ve always followed your heart, and I trust you.”

Anya’s eyes flicker with a mix of emotions, and she leans forward, her tone growing serious. “There is something you need to understand, Arianna. To truly be with Aleksandr, to heal his heart, you must make a great sacrifice.”

I look at her, confusion swirling in my

my mind. “What do you mean?”

“Being a Blood Wraith is not enough. Your heart still beats, and as long as it does, Aleksandr’s heart will never beal.

Anya’s gaze is piercing, her voice unwavering. “I He will carry this unhealing wound for decades.”

An unhealing wound? What does she mean?

I search my memory, trying to understand what she’s saying. Suddenly, Aleksandr’s words from months ago come rushing back to me, burned into my memory like an undying fire.

I hear the echo of each word in my mind, as if spoken by him at that very moment.

“After you were burned at the stake and left for dead, I thought I lost you,” he had said, his sounds burning with intensity. “I had no choice, I gave you my life’s blood

• the most precious gift that an immortal can give. The last remaining blood in my undead, unbesting heart, capable of bringing back even the most hopeless case from the brink of death. So long as you live–so long as your own mortal heart keeps beating – mine will never heal. I will carry this unhealing wound, this pain, for decades. But I don’t regret it. I would endure it a million years, I would stab into my frozen heart a million times over, if it meant another second with you. Because I love you…

Realization dawns on

on me, and my heart clenches with the weight of it. To heal Aleksandr, to truly be with him, I would have to become a vampire. But I’m already a blood wraith. The idea of combining both natures is daunting, almost impossible.

Anya’s eyes soften slightly, as if she understands the turmoil I’m feeling. “You will have to do something no one has ever done before, Arianna. You must become a blood wraith vampire hybrid. It’s a risky transformation, one that requines great strength and courage”

The room falls silent, the enormity of what she’s saying sinking in. I look at Aleksandr, his eyes filled with love and worry. “Are you sure about this?” he asks softly, his voice trembling with emotion. “I can deal with the pain of the wound. It’s nothing compared to the love I feel for you. Please, don’t be hasty, my love. This is dangerous.

“And if I don’t do this,” I ask him, “if I stay a Blood Wraith, supernatural but mortal, I will live how long?

“The lifespan of Blood Wraiths is longer than that of humans, but as you know, they are not immortal,” Konstantin says, his voice solemn, “You will live three hundred years, at best. You will age slowly, but you will age.”

“While Aleksandr continues to live on in ageless perpetuity, never growing old, never changing, watching my hair grow grey and my bones growing weak and brittle,” I say, tears welling up in my eyes at the thought of it.

I take a deep breath, my resolve hardening as I squeeze Aleksandr’s hand. I don’t want that future. I’ll do whatever it takes to be with you, to heal your heart, and

be by your side forever.”

Chapter 130 Bittersweet Reunion 2

I

My mother gives me a quick hug, her green eyes shining with unshed tears. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried, but still – I believe in you, Arianna, You’re the strongest person I know. You’ve got this.”

Konstantin nods, his expression serious. “We’ll be with you every step of the way.”

Anya lewis back, her gaze thoughtful. “Then it’s settled. We will begin preparations for the transformation immediately. There is much to do, and time is of the essence – the next blood moon is just two weeks ago, and we can’t wait much longer. But before the Blood Moon Ceremony – we have a wedding to plan.”

A… wedding? What?