Bab 46: Chapter 46: Blackwood Manor
The decision was made.
Elara stood in the heart of Blackwood Manor, surrounded by cold marble and the heavy scent of opulence. The manor itself was a symbol of the Blackwoods' power—ancient, unyielding, and suffocating in its beauty. It was a place of dark secrets, where every shadow seemed to hold a thousand whispered plots. Elara could feel the weight of history pressing in on her, but the choice she had made was clear: she had to align with Dorian Blackwood. The war for the moon's power was coming, and if she didn't learn everything she could about it, she would risk losing more than just her pack. She would lose everything.
Dorian led her deeper into the manor, his steps confident and slow, his eyes never leaving her. Behind them, Rowen, Marek, and Erynn followed, their expressions unreadable. Each of them knew the gravity of the situation, each of them knew what it meant to trust Dorian Blackwood, but there was no turning back now.
"Here we are," Dorian said, his voice rich with an almost tangible satisfaction. They had entered a private study, the room dimly lit by the flickering flames of a nearby hearth. Shelves upon shelves of ancient books lined the walls, filled with knowledge far beyond what Elara had ever seen. Vampires had lived for centuries, their accumulated wisdom vast, and it was here, in this chamber, that the truths of their world were laid bare.
Elara's heart pounded as she stepped into the room. She could feel the magic in the air, thick with age-old rituals and forbidden knowledge. It was as if the very walls of the manor had absorbed the blood of those who had come before.
"I trust you'll find this place… comfortable," Dorian said with a smile that held no warmth. "It's where we do our most important work."
Elara didn't respond. Instead, she studied the room, her eyes scanning for anything that might give her an edge. The Blackwoods weren't just a family of vampires. They were manipulators, schemers, and behind every polished gesture was a plot more intricate than she could yet understand.
"Tell me what you know about the moon," Elara said, her voice firm.
Dorian's smile didn't fade, but his eyes darkened, his expression shifting to something more serious. "You already know the basics, Elara. The moon's power is the foundation of the supernatural world. It connects us all—the werewolves, the vampires, the witches, and the humans. But there's more to it than that. The moon is not just a celestial body; it is a source of ancient, untapped energy. And the forces that control it control the balance of all things."
Elara's pulse quickened. She'd suspected as much. The moon's magic was powerful, yes, but she had always wondered if there was something deeper, something more sinister lurking beneath its glow.
"The Blackwoods," she began cautiously, "have been using this power for centuries, haven't you?"
Dorian's eyes glinted, a flicker of pride in his gaze. "We don't use the moon's power, Elara. We control it. And we ensure that no one, vampire, werewolf, or otherwise, misuses it."
"By keeping it under your thumb," Elara shot back.
Dorian's smile deepened, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Is that what you think? You think I keep the moon's power under control for selfish gain?"
"Yes," Elara replied, her voice unwavering. "And I want to know how."
Dorian's expression shifted slightly, his gaze sharpening. "The moon's power is not just about the surface level, Elara. It's about control of the entire supernatural world. The Blackwoods aren't interested in simple conquest. We want to reshape the world. The vampire reign has been too quiet for too long. But with the right influence, with the moon's power fully under our control, we will not just rule—no, we will change the very nature of magic itself."
Elara's mind raced. She had known that the Blackwoods were powerful, but hearing their true intentions—hearing that they weren't just playing for power, but aiming to rewrite the rules of existence itself—left her uneasy.
"And if I refuse?" Elara asked, her voice calm, though inside, her thoughts churned. "What happens then?"
Dorian's gaze softened, but there was no kindness in his eyes. "Refuse, and you will be part of the chaos, Elara. You'll stand against us, and you'll lose. It's simple as that. The Blackwoods have been manipulating the threads of power for centuries. You won't find a way to defeat us. Not without the moon's power, and not without understanding what we truly control."
Elara stepped back, her heart hammering in her chest. She had always trusted the moon, had always believed in its connection to her pack. But now she realized that it wasn't just a force of nature—it was a weapon. And if the Blackwoods controlled it, they could shape the future of everything.
Rowen moved closer, his eyes narrowing. "We're not going to let you use Elara—or the Silverfangs—as pawns in your game, Dorian."
Dorian's expression darkened for a moment, but his smile returned quickly. "Pawns? Oh no, Rowen. Elara is no pawn. She's a piece on the board. One of the most important ones, at that. But I'm afraid she hasn't yet realized how far the game extends."
Elara stood still, her mind reeling from the weight of Dorian's words. She had been given a choice—align with the Blackwoods, or risk everything by standing against them. But now, she could see the true danger. This wasn't just a political struggle. It was a war for control over the very essence of magic, and if she didn't act wisely, it would consume everything she cared about.
"I've made my decision," Elara said, her voice steady. "I'll work with you, Dorian. For now."
Dorian's smile widened, and he stepped forward, extending his hand toward her. "Wise. You'll find the Blackwoods are far more valuable allies than you realize, Elara. You won't regret this."
But even as Elara took his hand, a part of her felt something dark stirring in the pit of her stomach. She had made her choice—at least for now. But she couldn't shake the feeling that, in aligning herself with the Blackwoods, she had stepped into a game far bigger than she could have imagined.
As the night grew darker and the fire in the hearth crackled, Elara realized that this was only the beginning. The Blackwoods had their eyes on the moon's power, and Dorian was just the first player in a much larger game. But the more Elara learned, the more she understood that her own role in this battle was far more significant than she had ever realized.
The pieces were moving. And Elara was no longer just a part of the game. She was its newest player—and soon, she would have to choose where her loyalties truly lay.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone