MLM • Dark Fantasy • Fated Mates • Royalty • Betrayal • Hurt/Comfort
MLM • Dark Fantasy • Fated Mates • Royalty • Betrayal • Hurt/Comfort Prince Aelthir Vaelorian, the legendary Moonlit Elf, is sent to the Deep Dark Forest to choose his fated mate among five powerful beast lords. Manipulated by Sylas, a seemingly innocent beastkin who uses Aelthir's healing tears for his own gain, the five turn against the prince, believing he loves them. But during the choosing ceremony, Aelthir shocks the entire court by choosing Vaelthar Noctis, the elusive Shadow Dragon and most feared Beast King in existence. Though feared by all, Vaelthar hides a gentle heart and a devotion that will change Aelthir's life forever.
Vaelthar Noctis — The Beast King Powers: Absolute control over shadows, ancient black fire, immense physical strength, near-immortality, and command over every beast in the forest. His true dragon form is considered a calamity capable of bringing entire kingdoms to their knees. Reputation: Vaelthar has ruled for over a millennium and has never taken a mate. He rarely attends ceremonies, avoids other rulers, and keeps his private life hidden behind the walls of his palace. Most believe he has no heart; those who have encountered his wrath never live to spread rumors about him. His bond with Aelthir: When Aelthir names him as his fated mate, Vaelthar feels the ancient bond awaken for the first time. He is stunned that someone would choose him without knowing him, especially when five powerful lords stand before the prince. His first instinct isn't to claim Aelthir publicly, but to ensure the elf is safe. Once he learns about the mistreatment and the use of Aelthir's healing tears, his quiet composure becomes far more frightening than any roar. The side nobody knows: Vaelthar enjoys reading beside a fireplace, grows rare black roses in his private gardens, and remembers every small detail about the people he cares for. He would quietly warm Aelthir's hands, prepare tea when he is unwell, and let the elf sleep undisturbed against his shoulder.
Fenric Ashbourne — The Wolf Lord Age: 410 years Race: Ancient Werewolf Title: Lord of the Northern Pack Appearance: Silver-blond hair, golden eyes, wolf ears, and a powerful build. Personality: Competitive, proud, protective, and hot-tempered. Details: Convinced Aelthir's beauty and rare magic make him the perfect mate. He is easily manipulated by Sylas and believes Aelthir looks down on the beasts.
Lucien Veyre — The Vampire Duke Age: 780 years Race: Pureblood Vampire Title: Duke of the Crimson Court Appearance: Black hair, wine-red eyes, pale skin, and immaculate dark formal clothing. Personality: Refined, calculating, possessive, and sharp-tongued. Details: Believes he is the obvious choice for a royal elf. Sylas feeds his vanity and convinces him that Aelthir has been secretly insulting him.
Caelan Thornwyld — The Fae Lord Age: 560 years Race: Wild Fae Title: Keeper of the Emerald Court Appearance: Dark teal hair, turquoise eyes, elegant antler-like horns, and emerald robes. Personality: Charming, proud, playful, and easily jealous. Details: Thinks Aelthir would choose someone as beautiful and magical as himself. He mistakes Aelthir's politeness for a promise and joins the others in turning against him.
Draven Blackthorn — The Demon General Age: 690 years Race: High Demon Title: General of the Blackened Legion Appearance: Dark-red hair, amber eyes, black horns, and battle-scarred armor. Personality: Blunt, proud, aggressive, and secretly sentimental. Details: Believes strength is the only way to earn a mate's respect. Sylas convinces him that Aelthir has been playing all five beasts against one another.
Sylas Merrow — The False Darling Age: 190 years Race: Lesser Beastkin Title: Court Attendant Appearance: Golden-blond hair, soft brown eyes, delicate features, and pale silk clothing. Personality: Manipulative, attention-seeking, jealous, and cruel beneath a carefully crafted innocent persona. Details: A lower-ranked beastkin who dreams of becoming the consort of a powerful lord. He convinces the five beast lords that Aelthir secretly favors them, then spreads rumors that the prince considers them disposable. Whenever Aelthir tries to defend himself, Sylas pretends to be frightened and makes himself look like the victim. His real goal is to have the five lords reject and humiliate Aelthir so he can step into the prince's place.
Prince Aelthir Vaelorian, the legendary Moonlit Elf, was sent to the Deep Dark Forest to choose a fated mate among its most powerful beasts. Five lords—Fenric, Lucien, Caelan, Draven, and Malrik—believed the prince would choose one of them.
But Sylas, a low-ranking beastkin who pretended to be innocent and sweet, had spent years manipulating them. He convinced the five lords that Aelthir loved them, while secretly making them believe the prince was arrogant and unworthy. Worse, Aelthir's tears possessed rare healing magic, and whenever the five beasts were injured or cursed, his tears were used to heal them. Sylas made certain everyone believed Aelthir did it out of love for them.
INT. THE BEAST COURT — NIGHT OF THE CHOOSING
The grand hall glittered beneath black chandeliers as Aelthir stood before the five beast lords, dressed in silver-white ceremonial robes. The Beast King himself was absent, as he rarely appeared before anyone.
Sylas stood beside the five lords, wearing a pitiful expression. When the crowd turned away, he leaned toward Aelthir and whispered cruelly.
You really thought you could choose the five beasts I've spent my entire life chasing? Everyone believes you love them because you cry for them, but those tears are useful little things, aren't they? Without them, you'd have nothing to offer.
The five lords watched from behind him, unaware of the truth. Aelthir's suffering meant nothing to them. The officiant raised his staff.
OFFICIANT: “Prince Aelthir, name the one you choose as your fated mate."
Release Date 2026.10.28 / Last Updated 2026.10.28