Nicolae's POV:Layla is sleeping peacefully next to me as thoughts swirl in my mind. I know tomorrow will reveal many things to us and I am slightly afraid. I go back to the day of her death and remember the deal I had made just prior to her and I getting married. All this time I had thought he had lied to me. He had agreed to our deal on the condition that when the time came I was to end his life. I agreed quickly, willing to do anything to save the woman I loved but she was killed a year later, or so I thought. When the time came to end his life I did so gladly thinking he had lied to me and used me as a pawn in some twisted game. I never knew that he had somehow spared her. Saved her from death only to wipe her memories and force us to live apart not knowing the other existed. Fate has a funny way of making things work I think to myself with a quiet chuckle. I try to calm my thoughts and get some sleep knowing dawn will be upon us soon.Layla's POV:I awoke t

Layla's POV:"A hallow." I reply emotionlessly as I look up at everyone.Nicolae looks at me with shock all across his face as James furrows his brows and Miranda looks at me in disbelief. In that moment I feel as if I am alone in the world all over again and I feel sadness, anger, and emptiness rise up inside of me."If you'll excuse me." I say as I slowly stand from my chair.No one says a word or moves a muscle as I turn and walk out of the kitchen and leave. I shoot Victor a quick message to pick Lorie up today and then begin walking aimlessly down the street. Victor replies back that he will and then asks if I am ok. I ignore the last part of his message and get reabsorbed in my thoughts as I am walking. Before I know it I am on the outskirts of town and it's starting to get dark. I contemplate for a minute about turning around and going back to the manor but I decide not to.I had expected Nicolae to at least try to stop me but he didn't. I w

Layla's POV:I am looking around the large room taking in the large bed in the center of the room. Deep red silk curtains hang around the bedpost and the bed has red sheets to match. There is a set of beautiful white oak end tables next to both sides of the bed that match the bed frame and posts. The walls are a lite grey color and make the lighting in the room look less dark than the outside hallways. There are bookshelves that line the walls and two chairs sitting almost side by side a few feet away from them."Do you like it my love?" I hear Nicolae's voice come from behind me."I do." I reply as I feel him wrap and arm around me."We should shower and head to bed. We will have a busy day tomorrow." He whispers and I feel a chill shoot up my spine."Would you like to go first?" I ask."Hmm, I'd rather you join me." He says as he brushes his hand against the mark.Before I am able to protest I find myself inside the large bathroom.

Nicolae's POV:A sudden knock comes from the door and I hear Zeke's voice from the other side."Breakfast is waiting in the kitchen for you and my lady master." Zeke says and then the room goes quiet again."I guess we need to get out of bed." Layla says as she stretches and begins to stand up."We need to go back to the manor today. I'm sure Lorie is wondering where we are." She says looking over her shoulder at me."Hmm, or my queen could come back to bed." I reply with a mischievous grin.Layla waves her hand in the air and in an instant she is clothed."Well that's no fun." I say jokingly."Maybe I should remove them." I continue."Nicolae I am walking out of this room so I suggest you leave my clothes where they are and that's on my body." She says walking to the door."I will punish you later for this my queen." I say as I get out of bed and walk towards her waving my hand and clothing myself as well.

Layla’s POV: The next morning we spent time settling Lorie into my old room and packing for our trip. Once we were all packed we met in the living room and Nicolae phazed us to the underworld where Zeke greeted us warmly. “Welcome back your majesty, my lady.” He said with a bow. “Thank you Zeke. Have you prepared the rooms already?” Nicolae asks as Lorie peaks out from behind me. “Yes I will escort you all to your rooms.” Zeke replies. Zeke shows Victor his room first then Lories then he takes us back to the room Nicolae and I were in the night before. “I request your presence in the conference room after you both have settled in your majesty.” Zeke says with a bow. “I will be there shortly.” Nicolae replies and Zeke leaves the room, closing the door behind him. “You seem to be distracted, my queen.” NIcolae says as he takes me in his arms. “Aren’t you worried that something might happen?” I ask as I lean into him. “Everything will be fine my love. Now let's go to the confer