He looked at me and then down at my slightly rounded belly.
"Prince Zarek, we need to talk about absolutely everything.
For my familys sake, Im willing to reconsider everything about our races, " Aldric stepped forward, facing him dominantly, making me proud that he had decided to let go of his hatred.
alright, but first, breakfast.
Lets all eat, and then we'll talk," Zarek proposed, inviting us into a massive dining hall where I devoured an exquisite breakfast of bacon and eggs.
My stomach was like a bottomless pit, and that was with me drinking Aldrics blood like an alcoholic with a barrel of beer.
Some time later, we found ourselves seated in a lounge.
Each couple relaxed on comfortable sofas in front of a warm fire, surrounded by drinks and desserts in a laid-back atmosphere.
Thad expected us to head straight to the throne room for negotiations, with us women holding back our beastly husbands to stop them from tearing each others throats out.
But things didnt go that way.
"Celine and I discussed it, King Aldric.
We have no interest in ruling the Dark Realms throne," Zarek stated plainly, sipping from a cup of what I hoped was wine.
"Icant handle all the lands.
Its too much responsibility, and honestly, the ones I already have are enough to drive me up the fuc instantly.
What the hell was that aggressive question about now? "I did," Zarek admitted without hesitation.
"And I would do it again." "why?" I could feel the rage swelling inside Aldric.
I gripped his arm, worried that all the progress we had made was about to unravel.
"Because I found them in an orgyraping the elementals of this world, men and women alike.
And when I confronted them, I saw not a single trace of remorse in their eyes," he responded, his ruby irises darkening to a shade so deep it looked like they were about to bleed.
"T hope to count on your power, Prince Zarek, because this fusion wont be easy.
Many will oppose it," Aldric stated seriously.
"Dont worry, King Lycan.
I know very well how to handle rebels.
In fact, I need to expand my armymuch, much more," he replied with a sinister chuckle that sent a shiver down my spine.
"Now, onto the next matter of the daywhats our plan to defeat that son of a bitch, the Specter King? Because I think we all understand that door wont hold forever.
And this time, Im not hiding like a fucking rat," Zarek added.
"and Im not handing over my woman or my daughter under any circumstances," Aldric growled low, pulling me closer to him, and Gabrielle will not keep mutilating herself," Quinn growled in response as well.
"Love, how much time do we have?" He looked at my mother, and we all followed suit, a trace of fear in our eyes.
"The remaining Selenia power...
I think it can hold for about 20 to 25 years.
No more than that," my mother confessed with a furrowed brow.
Hearing it like that, 25 years seemed like a long time.
But what was that to creatures who lived for centuries? It was nothinga mere breath of life.
"Then we have less than 25 years to come up with a fucking solid ---- plan because Im more than ready to tear that shadow-sucking bastard apart," Aldric concluded, grinding his teeth, the fire of vengeance burning in all of our eyes.
But I pressed my hand against my belly, full of uncertainties.
By then, my pup would be an adult.
I didnt want her involved in this war.
And the worst part? She was a Selenia.
[could not allow her to be exposed to danger.
see When the prince said a doors distance apart, I didnt think he meant it literally.
We descended an old staircase and walked down dim hallways lit by golden candelabras mounted on the walls.
At the end of one of them stood a completely silver door, adorned with intricate runes hidden beneath hundreds and hundreds of chains, draped over it like venomous snakes.
We decided to take this route, but since it was a secret passage, Aldric sent word to Beof via one of my messenger ravens, instructing them to return on their own.
"King and Queen, this door contains a translocation spell that links both castles.
I ask permission to activate it so our families can visit each other whenever they wish, without having to travel long distances," Zarek turned to us, formally requesting approval, though obviously, Aldric already knew about this passage.
"You were the one who massacred nearly all the lycans, werent you?" Aldric suddenly asked, and the tension in the air thickened
Celine moved to step in, but he caught her hand and shielded her behind him.
Quinn and my mother instinctively placed themselves in the middle one big, dramatic family standoff.
"So, does everything we discussed still stand, King Lycan? Or do you want revenge for your kind?" Zarek challenged outright, making my nerves skyrocket.
I dont seek justice on behalf of disgusting rapists," Aldric finally answered, and I think the collective sigh of relief was audible.
But of course, he had to add "T only hope that if your loyalty ever changes in the future, you dont use this passage to take us by surprise." ---- entire body ached.
"Love, dont get upset.
Its bad for you," Aldrics hands massaged my shoulders as he followed me down an unfamiliar hallway I assumed we were in our castle now.
"Oh, now you care?" I swatted his hand away and kept walking, feeling him follow behind me like a guilty puppy with its tail between its legs A sly smile tugged at the corner of my lips, hidden in the dim light.
I'd take advantage of how docile he was tonight...
and fucking violate him.
inhaled the scent I had missed so much.
When I left, I honestly thought I'd never return "Its good to be home," I murmured, trying to push my worries aside.
For tonight, I would enjoy my man.
Tomorrow, I had to talk to my mother about what was happening to me.
---- "Tam only loyal to one personthe woman behind me.
Whoever Celine wishes to protect, support, and help, I will make it possible for her.
And the day she no longer wishes it and asks me to destroy it, I willwithout hesitation," Zarek stated, unwavering.
The violent energies clashing between them made me dizzy nauseous.
"And I have never been the kind of man who attacks from behind, King Lycan.
If one day I come for your head, I will do it face to face.
"We'll see about that..." 'THATS ENOUGH, YOU DAMN BRUTES!" I shouted, startling everyone.
"Celine, control your beast, and I'll handle mine! Aldric, enough already! Open the fucking door before you find out what its like to deal with a hormonally unstable woman!" I didnt know if pregnancy had actually driven me insane, but at lastno more dick-measuring contests.
They finally opened the damn door, and I stormed through it like a pissed- off wolf striding into her own den.
My mother and Quinn would follow us in a few days before returning to maintain balance between the realms.
As soon as she crossed the threshold, my mother put her blindfold back on.
Obviously, the Prince of the Dead would remain in his crypt with Celine, and I...
all T wanted was a hot bath in the tubbecause my For an instant, I saw something in their depthsa flicker of life.
1 didnt know what forbidden magic my mate had used, but keeping someone alive even in death, forcing them into servitude under anothers will, was the most cruel and inhuman thing I had ever witnessed.