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ZEDKIEL. It’s like I’ve just been catapulted through the air and then hit the ground hard. The breath is knocked from me and for a moment, I feel boxed in. I stagger and I feel Zerachiel’s confusion as he’s thrown to the back of my mind, as I regain control of my body. ‘You’re back.’ He says, sounding far more shocked than I would have expected. ‘Yeah, what did you think? That we’ll be stuck there forever?’ I reply, looking around, we are in a forest, one I’m not sure exactly where it is… ‘Where the hell are we?’ I ask him, as I look down, my clothes are dirty and he’s clearly not showered. Seriously, does he not know personal hygiene? ‘In the forest not far from the crypts… actually… I was trying to think of a plan.’ I frown. Why the hell is he alone? ‘What plan and where are the rest?’ He sighs and I can feel his conflict. ‘Ragnar betrayed us, and Ziahra, well, to control the damage done… She told us to leave and that she’ll make up a story for Vadam. However, I know she’l
ZEDKIEL. We had travelled fast, and we had arrived at the borders of the location that Ziahra had told us about before we left for the other realm. The location where Vadam Exodus is at. We had the small phone that Adonis had passed on, although it had no credit to make any call. I was hoping Kash would call soon once Adonis passed the message on. It was two nights later and the night we were breaking in… We are a good distance from the dark, cold mansion that is surrounded by spiked gates, and despite the silence, I know there are vampires moving around. I can see them at times, dressed all in black as they scan the surroundings, each one armed. I had managed to steal three slim swords earlier, giving one to Evangeline, although she wasn’t much of a fighter and keeping the other two for myself. “I need Kash to call…” I mutter, looking up at the moon, which was half-hidden by the clouds. The skies were dark and cloudy and only at certain moments could you see the moon peeking
EVANGELINE. I watch as Zed enters with a bang, introducing himself. It’s not the time to have such thoughts, but there was something incredibly sexy about that… My heart is pounding as several vampires surround him. I’m ready to assist if need be and I know he is powerful enough too, but still, I’m on edge. The vampires stare at him, clearly taking it with mixed reactions. There are those who are shocked, others hostile and some who are hesitant. “To Vadam Exodus, now.” Zed snarls, his power radiates off him and I glance towards the mansion entrance. The vampires seem to converse with one another before they motion to the door and Zedkiel walks confidently to the entrance. I don’t like being apart from him but there’s not much I can actually do but wait for his signal that Vadam is with him before I move. ‘How long will you wait?’ Evelyn asks after a while. ‘For his signal.’ I reply, trying not to let my worry show. She’s been silent since I’ve returned to my body. Neither of
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