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ZEDKIEL. The man before me is nothing like how I pictured. He has brown hair with a few stray grey strands. He has bright blue hooded eyes, and he’s wearing a suit. There’s no emotion from him. I can’t tell if he’s angry or not. I’m not sure if my appearance has shaken him or not. It’s almost as if he’s bored or tired and doesn’t want to have to deal with me. He’s not even surprised or pretending not to be, anyway. “You wanted me, right? I’m here.” I state coldly, my eyes burning red. His gaze dips to the swords in my hands, but he says nothing. “Yes, but I did think you were already dead… that is what Ziahra declared. Lies are punishable by death.” He sneers. “Oh yeah? Well, you don’t seem surprised to see me… you knew I wasn’t dead, as for who will be punished. I’ll be the one deciding that.” I remark coldly. I keep my eyes on him, but I’m aware of how many vampires are surrounding me. He may not give a signal openly to them as he has the link to them, and that’s even more re
EVANGELINE. “Ziahra… Who is this beauty?” Zeina asks as she looks me over. “Your daughter-in-law,” Ziahra says with a smirk. Zeina looks surprised as she turns to Ziahra, her eyes widening in shock. Ziahra’s smile vanishes, realisation hitting her as my own eyes widen. “No! Not me, I mean she’s not mine! Zedkiel’s, she’s Zedkiel’s wife and mate.” Ziahra explains as I blush at Zeina’s assumption. Zeina’s face becomes serious as she turns and looks at me. Her heart is racing as her eyes run over me, before she turns back to Ziahra. “Zedkiel… How do you even know about him?” She asks her hoarsely. Ziahra takes her skeletal hands in her own. “I volunteered to find him for Exodus. He wants him dead.” Zeina looks around. We can hear the faint sound of shouting and bangs. “Where is he now?” She asks sharply. “Facing Vadam Exodus, but don’t worry, Zedkiel is strong and will be able to handle him.” I say. “Then let’s hurry.” Zeina says, as she takes the lead down the hallway. “A stak
ZEDKIEL. A few hours have passed, and we are in a side drawing room. It’s dimly lit but no one really cares, we have been served blood and there was some food just for Evangeline. The blood itself is tasty, and it gives me the strength I really needed after that battle with Vadam. Zeina has wanted to talk to me, and so far her questions have felt extremely mediocre, as if she’s slowly trying to assess how much I would be ok with. Asking how Evangeline and I met, what Evangeline wore at our wedding and other simple questions. We had told her how Evangeline was the werewolf queen; their rightful ruler and she had been rather impressed. Every time I tried to direct the conversation to more serious conversations, she would simply say we deserved at least a few hours of calmness after the defeat of Vadam. Ziahra had been here with us, however, a short while ago she had been called out regarding something in the surrounding woods. But she still hadn’t returned after saying she’ll be b
ZEDKIEL. Both Evangeline and I look at her sharply. “That’s not true. Whoever told you that crap lied. It’s the vampires who have been on our doorstep. Threatening our kind, that if they did not hand me over, they would wage war.” I snarl, my eyes flashing. Evangeline is by my side in an instant, her heart racing a little faster as she places a hand on my chest, sending intense sparks through me. They calm me, despite Zerachiel’s rising anger. ‘Zedkiel, calm down… she…’ “Is lying,” I growl. Zeina raises an eyebrow. “You are blinded, but that will soon change.” She says quietly. “It’s the werewolves who send assassins to check us off, handful by handful… like cowards. It is the werewolves who have been murdering even the innocent children.” Zeina’s eyes glimmer red, her heart thumping faster. I frown, about to say something, when Evangeline shakes her head slightly and speaks. “I can sense that you aren’t lying, but you might just be believing something that isn’t true. There’s
EVANGELINE. “And so, it has begun.” Evelyn’s voice which is filled with dread echoes in my mind. “Zedkiel, please listen to me.” I say calmly as I step forward and take hold of his arm. My eyes blaze as I look up at him, feeling his restlessness and anger through the bond. “I need you to listen to me.” I’m silently pleading with him, trying to calm him with my touch. Please, my love… He frowns, “I’m doing this my way. Innocent people are being poisoned! Mask up.” He snarls at the vampires. I frown, sniffing the air. The stench of whatever is mixed in the fumes is strong and smoky… “We need to find out how anyone got so close to do this, Zed, let's act calmly.” I say, trying to place the scent. ‘Is that… Elderwood?’ I ask Evelyn and Luna if she listens. Evelyn comes forward, and I take a deep sniff, letting her smell it too. Elderwood affects Lycans negatively, making them edgy. Something not ideal before a battle and the fact it’s mixed in with poisons for vampires… ‘I think
EVANGELINE. One day… Yes, one day we will be together without worry or concern, simply enjoying life… I pull away reluctantly. “Don’t go. It’s not safe out there.” He says quietly. There’s hurt and regret in his eyes. Despite his words, he isn’t trying to stop me from leaving. He knows I need to do this. “This time, good will succeed even if it means I have to make that sacrifice… I’m sorry, but evil will not win.” I promise, our eyes meet and his flash red for a moment. A shiver runs down my spine, but I raise my head defiantly and look him square in the eye. I am a goddess, and it is my duty to protect my people. ‘You aren’t really alone.’ Evelyn says. ‘I’m right here, and even Zedkiel will thank us when this is all over.’ ‘I hope so… Thank you, Evelyn… I truly am grateful for your support, despite everything.’ ‘No problem…’ She wants to say more, but she doesn’t as I turn and walk towards the doors. The vampires tense, as if hesitating if I should be allowed out to simply
EVANGELINE. My gaze snaps back to the tattoo on his torso, realising it’s not just any snake but the symbolic sea serpent of Hades… The symbol of the Night Shade Pack, how did I not realise! I look up at him, grasping onto the fact that I had gone straight from the wolf’s den into the monster’s lair… “I am not asking you to bow down to me Alpha Godric Astorath, as future Queen of the Werewolf Kingdom, you will be wise not to upset me.” I say calmly, but I let my aura radiate off me. Those around can sense it and I know he can too. “Our packs hold a treaty of peace and Queen Luna Danciana Vilkas is from your pack. Let’s not mar our deal.” My words don’t seem to mean anything to him, as he simply cocks a brow as if he is bored. “And do you think a mere piece of paper will stop me from cutting you up, offering you to Hades as a fucking tribute and then feeding your remains to my dogs?” He sneers, forcing my chin up with the blade. I cock a brow, pushing the blade away as I let my au
EVANGELINE. ‘That snake!’ Evelyn growls. “What are you doing here?” I ask him. ‘He is not your friend.’ Godric says in my mind, his voice as harsh and cold as before and he remains emotionless as he stands there. He was expecting him… he isn’t surprised at all to see him. I’m ready for anything and I know Godric is on no one’s side right now, but he isn’t throwing me to Jeremiah until he sees how things play out… Frowning slightly, I turn to Jeremiah and smile innocently. “Hello Jeremiah, tell me, who are the traitors? And who is currently leading our people? Did Adonis get back? I heard Ragnar betrayed us.” I say. Or you made it appear like that. His eyes meet mine, he’s as calm as ever, his eyes now as soft as they always have been. “Then you'll be disappointed to learn that the Donovans and Lanes both betrayed you. Adonis never returned, and Kash… I won’t even go there, he obv-” “Kash? That’s hard to believe.” I say, trying to calm my anger. I can feel it, sense the darkn