Drakon Prince Kieran's ruthless decree shattered Viper Pack - dozens of girls were dragged screaming from their homes, families brutally torn apart.
His power was absolute, sanctioned by blood ties to Kyros Nightshade, Alpha of Viper Pack, and the merciless Queen of Tenebrus.
More than fifty girls were packed like cattle into royal trucks, condemned to face eternal darkness in Tenebrus Kingdom. The journey was a never-ending descent into horror.
Girls were crushed together, barely drawing breath - Kalliope suffered most, her tiny frame suffocating, lungs burning. She reached out a trembling hand to her sister Avy, desperate for comfort, but Avy's eyes flashed with venomous hatred.
"You're the cause of all this, Kalliope," Avy hissed, her voice a razor slash. "Your stupid pride threw mud on Drakon Prince Kieran's cloak... Now we're all doomed because of your childish tantrum!"
The other girls unleashed a maelstrom of savage insults:
"May your soul rot in agony for our suffering!"
"You're a worthless, selfish bitch - our blood will drown you!"
"Every one of our deaths will be a curse that haunts your waking nightmares... forever!"
Their faces twisted in fury, they launched themselves at Kalliope - claws out, ready to tear her apart.
Soldiers barely restrained the frenzied mob, saving Kalliope from annihilation.
Kalliope sat frozen, her pale face drained color... if eyes could kill, she would have been dead long ago.
Two days of non-stop driving ended abruptly as the trucks screeched to a halt within the foreboding walls of Tenebrus Kingdom.
Kalliope's eyes widened in awe as she stepped into a world of dark magic and mythical creatures: dragons blazed across crimson-stained skies, their thunderous roars shaking the black stone towers. The kingdom's vastness overwhelmed her – it was at least ten times larger than her home in Viper Pack.
Girls spilled out of the trucks, terrified and disoriented. Kalliope stood alone, abandoned by her sister Avy, who mingled with the others as if they'd never shared a childhood bond. The crowd was a chilling mix of vampire maidens from distant kingdoms, trembling humans clueless about their fate, and delicate fairies whispering among themselves – with one exception: Kalliope, hiding her secret mermaid heritage.
As murmurs of panic spread, massive French doors crashed open, announcing the arrival of royalty. A booming voice declared:
"Behold, Her Majesty, Queen Ember Shadowblade – mother of Drakon Prince Kieran!"
The room froze as Queen Ember Shadowblade emerged, her fiery red hair blazing like wildfire down her back, adorned with jewels that seemed to burn with inner flame.
Her eyes scorched with intense heat, mirroring her son's menacing glare. Golden royal robes trailed behind her, dragged by obedient servants, unfolding a crimson carpet in her wake.
Her presence was electrifying – dark power and intense heat that left everyone breathless. Kalliope forgot her fear, her loneliness, everything – mesmerized by the queen's majesty... until she realized she still stood frozen in the entrance pathway.
Kalliope's balance faltered as a soldier's rough push sent her stumbling backwards. Strong, warm hands grasped her elbows, saving her from collapse. Her eyes widened in shock as she met Queen Ember Shadowblade's piercing gaze – the queen herself had caught her!
The queen's thunderous voice echoed off the walls:
"Foolish guard! You dare touch her? She may be the Chosen One for my son – handle her with care!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd like wildfire, followed by excited whispers and dazzling smiles. Queen Ember Shadowblade flashed Kalliope a rare, captivating smile before releasing her elbows and continuing her majestic stride to the royal seat.
Seated regally, Queen Ember Shadowblade declared:
"Ladies assembled, you have been brought here for a singular purpose: to vie for my son Drakon Prince Kieran's favor. The chosen girl will... satisfy his sexual desires. If she survives his passion, she may inherit the future throne beside him as queen!"
The word ''may'' hangs like a fragile thread - survival is uncertain and the throne a distant deadly prize.
Pandemonium erupted – gasps, squeals, and dreams of royal destiny still filled the air. Girls glowed with excitement, envisioning themselves as future queen beside the powerful, albeit dark, prince.
Avy burst into ecstatic tears, seeing this as her chance to shine.
But Kalliope stood alone, her heart sinking like a stone. She knew a terrifying truth:
Mermaids and dragons are sworn blood enemies.
A girl bounced up to her, grasping her arm excitedly:
"Aren't you happy?! I pray I'm chosen! Oh my gods, to be queen beside him would be everything!"
Kalliope forced a faint smile, hiding her inner turmoil.
Queen Ember Shadowblade's ominous voice still lingered in the air as she departed through the grand French doors, soldiers and servants flanking her majestic exit.
The heavy doors closed behind her, leaving the abducted maidens to their new reality.
The girls were ushered into a sprawling hall, surprisingly well-appointed with plush carpets, crystal chandeliers, and rows of private bed chambers.
Each chamber had its own intimate dining area, complete with delicate china and crystal glasses.
Kalliope's eyes scanned the area, locking onto a desirable chamber tucked away in a quiet corner.
She hastily claimed it, relieved to find a normal-sized bed shrouded by vechlvet privacy curtains.
Just as she turned to explore her new space, a haughty voice pierced the air. "You think you can occupy this chamber, peasant?"
A noble-born vampire maiden stood before her, piercing green eyes blazing with entitlement.
"I was here first," Kalliope said firmly, crossing her arms.
The vampire maiden, Valeria, sneered. "You're the one who dared to soil Drakon Prince Kieran's cloak with mud. And you also had the audacity to disobey me – daughter of the former Mayor of the Vampire Kingdom."
Gasps erupted from the surrounding maidens:
"She disobeyed Valeria Valois herself!"
"The daughter of our former Mayor – how dare she!"
Avy's eyes widened in surprise, and one girl asked her, "Are you related to this... fearless girl?"
Avy denied it brutally, "No. I've never seen her before in my life."
Kalliope's whisper was laced with venom:
"Bitch."
Valeria's eyes blackened like coal, her fangs elongating menacingly.
"What. Did. You. Say?" Valeria's voice was a deadly hiss.
Kalliope stood her ground, repeating the insult with defiance:
"I said... you're a bitch."
Valeria's face twisted in rage, lips curling back to reveal sharp teeth:
"You little..."
But before she could unleash her fury, the head maid swept into the chamber like a calming breeze – or a cleverly timed intervention.
The headmaid's presence was enough to restrain Valeria's wrath.
With a forced curtsey, Valeria spat silently at Kalliope's feet before turning to exit,
her parting glare promising vengeance.
*
Kalliope's eyes opened in the bathwater, her gaze drifting upwards.
Kalliope's eyes remained closed, her blue tail gently swaying in the warm bathwater as memories flooded her mind...
She recalled growing up in Vipers Clan, feeling an inexplicable connection to the sea – a call she couldn't describe or ignore.
While her sisters played in the forests, Kalliope would sneak away to the nearby river, feeling drawn to the water's edge.
Then, the accident happened. She was around 6 years old, playing too close to the riverbank, and fell in. Panic set in as she struggled to stay afloat... but something miraculous occurred.
Her body began to transform – scales emerged, her legs merged into a shimmering tail, fins appeared on her arms, and her hands webbed. Yet, astonishingly, she could breathe effortlessly underwater.
Even more miraculously, she could talk – her voice clear – beneath the surface.
Kalliope approached her mother, Calantha, with trembling courage. "Mother... why am I different?"
Calantha's expression softened, filled with a mix of love and concern. "Kalliope, sweet one... I prayed to the Moon Goddess Selene for a third child, after your sisters were born. Our clan was still healing from the devastating war between dragons and mermaids..."
Her mother paused, collecting thoughts.
"You were a baby when I received my answer – you appeared on our doorstep. I've always sensed... something unusual about you.
Kalliope's thoughts lingered in the bathwater for a while longer, before she emerged refreshed and wrapped herself in a plush towel provided by the luxurious chamber.
As she prepared for bed, her mind shifted from nostalgic memories to urgent escape plans.
"How do I get out of here?" she thought, pacing slowly around the chamber..
One terrifying reason overshadowed all others:
Drakon Prince Kieran.
If he discovered her identity – the girl who threw mud at him – he would surely recognize her. And then... he would know her secret: she was a mermaid.
The forbidden union between dragons and mermaids was legendary in its deadliness – their kinds had warred brutally in the past. If Kieran knew, she would be doomed.
"I must avoid him at all costs," Kalliope resolved, her heart racing at the mere thought.
With a determined mind, she slipped into bed, surrounded by unexpected luxury. Despite the perilous circumstances, exhaustion won over, and she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
The morning atmosphere was electric with anticipation...
Kalliope woke up sensing the bustling activity outside her chamber doors. Maids hurried past, carrying trays and garments, their voices filled with excitement.
One maid entered her room, curtsying slightly. "Good morning, milady. Today's the day Drakon Prince Kieran selects his... companion. Our finest designer, Madame Elwes, has created exquisite gowns for your consideration."
The maid unveiled a rack of dazzling, revealing dresses – silk, lace, and velvet in every color imaginable. Kalliope's eyes widened slightly before she shook her head.
"Nothing like those. Something simple, please."
The maid's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Simple, milady? Every maiden is vying to impress the prince with Madame Elwes' masterpieces."
Kalliope smiled faintly. "I'd prefer understated elegance."
The maid shrugged and disappeared into the wardrobe, returning with a breathtakingly simple yet stunning choice:
A light blue gown that cascaded down Kalliope's slender figure like a misty morning sky. The dress accentuated her subtle curves and matched the ethereal sparkle of her light blue eyes perfectly.
For the first time, Kalliope received a gentle makeover. A maid trimmed her hair, combing out soft waves that framed her heart-shaped face. Minimal cosmetics enhanced her natural beauty – petal-pink lips and subtle cheek color.
The result left the maids enchanted and slightly envious.
"She's frail yet... luminous," one maid whispered.
"Her beauty is almost otherworldly," another agreed.
Kalliope barely recognized herself in the mirror – elegant, refined, and unexpectedly captivating.
Kalliope surprisingly stepped forward first, leaving the other maidens stunned.
They were still primping, powdering, and perfecting their elaborate hairstyles, while Kalliope emerged effortlessly elegant in her simple light blue gown.
Gasps and whispers spread like wildfire:
"Somebody forgot to tell her this is a seduction contest..."
"Yet... she's mesmerizing – those pink lips, slender frame, milk skin..."
"Her eyes are like sapphires in the morning sky..."
Others scoffed:
"Bland dress taste – Madame Elwes must be horrified!"
But most couldn't deny Kalliope's understated allure, and awe-inspired murmurs filled the air:
"She's... ethereal."
Avy, still pinning up her hair and applying bold lipstick, burned with jealousy and fury. How could this girl – her sister in secret – outshine her so effortlessly?
Avy's pride kicked in, reassuring her she was still the superior beauty – Drakon Prince Kieran would surely choose her over Kalliope's subtle charm.
Meanwhile, the other maidens finally finished their preparations and emerged from the corridor, a dazzling parade of colors and curves.
*
Meanwhile, in his royal chamber, Drakon Prince Kieran sat behind his massive desk, scanning files and documents with intense focus. His sharp jawline was set in concentration.
Suddenly, the doors swung open, and his mother, Queen Ember Shadowblade, entered with commanding presence.
"Kieran, I have arranged a selection of maidens in your name," she announced, her voice firm and authoritative.
"More than fifty girls from noble families are waiting in the grand hall, hoping to catch your eye and satisfy you"
Kieran's head snapped up, his dark red eyes blazing with anger. He growled low in his throat, "What sorcery is this, Mother? Dismiss them at once. I am not interested in petty court games."
His mother stood unwavering, her gaze unyielding. "You will attend, Kieran. Your future and our kingdom's stability depend on securing alliances – and your own desires demand satisfaction. No maiden may be worthy, but perhaps one will surprise you."
Kieran's face twisted in disgust. "Not even my mate could handle my desires, Mother. What makes you think any of these fragile girls could?"
Queen Ember's expression remained unyielding. "You will comply, Kieran. By my royal authority."
Defeated, Kieran rose from his chair as servants entered to prepare him for the unwanted event. He dressed in silence, his mood colder than ice.
Two hours later, the grand hall doors opened with fanfare.
"Her Majesty Queen Ember Shadowblade and His Royal Highness Drakon Prince Kieran!"
The prince emerged alongside his mother, holding her hand out of obligation rather than respect. Soldiers flanked them, adding to the intimidating aura.
Kieran stood tall, his presence electrifying, Chiseled cheekbones and sharp jawline accentuated his handsome face.
His dark hair styled perfectly, framing his piercing dark red eyes – though they seemed utterly uninterested, his full lips pressed into a firm line, broad shoulders and muscular chest visible beneath his tailored black attire with silver embroidery.
Then his powerful legs encased in fitted black pants
Gasps and sighs filled the air as maidens reacted to his entrance:
Some opened their mouths in awe, others slumped in disappointment, realizing competition would be fierce, a few already daydreamed about claiming him as theirs.
Drakon Prince Kieran's piercing gaze swept through the room, unmoved by the maidens' seductive giggles, laughter, and poses. To him, they were merely skeletons in fancy gowns – empty vessels lacking substance.
But then, his senses caught a familiar scent – one that sparked recognition and curiosity. His smirk hinted at dark amusement.
He continued his slow pace, his eyes glazing over the maidens until they reached Avy and Valeria. Both girls preened confidently, but Kieran's indifference was palpable as he walked past them.
Avy's prideful expression faltered, her eyes narrowing slightly. Valeria's confident smile twisted into a snarl.
Kieran's focus remained fixed on his target – the girl who seemed desperate to avoid him. He drew closer, his footsteps echoing through the hall.
Finally, he stopped in front of Kalliope, who still had her eyes closed, as if willing him away.
He whispered low and menacingly in her ear, "Open your eyes."
Kalliope's lashes fluttered open, and her gaze met her worst nightmare – Drakon Prince Kieran's intense, dark red stare.
His voice thundered through the grand hall, "I want her."
The room fell silent, all eyes directing towards Kalliope like arrows. Gasps and whispers erupted as maidens exchanged shocked glances.
Avy's face contorted in rage and humiliation. Valeria's eyes blazed with fury.
He smirked darkly.