Avalyn
Bellehaven Cemetery
When I died, my connection with every pack member broke. I couldn’t feel anyone or mind-link with anyone except Nik. And that was only because he had marked me.
So when Dimitri told me that Sofiya was dead, the sharp stabbing pain from the news made me breathless. I looked at Nik for confirmation.
His eyes turned darker… almost… haunted when they met mine. “They’re all dead. Sofiya. Vladimir. Valeralyn.” He knew this, but didn’t tell us so we could focus on the war better. Or else it could have put our lives in danger-receiving such a grave news in the middle of a battlefield.
The burden he constantly bares for others…
But unlike him, I couldn’t control my emotions.
I covered my mouth as a sob escaped me. No. This can’t be. Not them. They had so much more to live, so much more to experience and… and… they were starting a family of their own. But they will never get that chance now.
They will never breathe again. They are gone. Forever.
Just like Papa.
“Ava,” Nikolai clutched my hand, bringing me back from my thoughts. “We need to leave before more people die, Love.”
I took in a shuddering breath, reeling in my scattered emotions before I nodded.
“Dimitri?” Nikolai asked.
“I’m with you.” His voice was firm when he replied but I could feel the demons in his mind. We were bound by blood. And that is forever.
“Take Anna with you, I’m staying here.” Jeffry Malone said, looking at his mother and I nodded.
Closing my eyes, I focused on going back home and when I opened my eyes, we were standing on the steps of the palace.
The scene in front of us had changed drastically.
Most of the pack members who were unable to fight were inside the palace.
Outside the palace, armour clad vampires stood in rows. The energy flowing from them was immense, indicating the strength they held.
“Stay inside, Anna.” Nikolai said before the three of us stepped out of the safety of the palace and started walking ahead.
The armour clad men parted, creating a straight path for us. We passed warrior after warrior and I realised that there were a lot more of them than I had realised.
I knew they were with Nik at Ovzdusia but I had no idea how that happened.
In front of them, our pack warriors stood, looking at us with respect and relief.
Mikhail stood at the forefront, looking straight ahead at the huge army that had gathered in front of us.
The entire army consisted of male wolves. And standing in front of them were two males. One of them looked familiar. He had the same height, same broad shoulders and strong built as Nikolai. They even looked similar but they were too far to tell.
Nikolai’s hands were clenched in a fist and his form was vibrating with fury and controlled power.
I didn’t know him but a hatred born from deep within ignited at his sight. This was the man that has been the depreciating voice in my mate’s head. He is the reason Nikolai thinks of himself as a monster. He is the real reason Viktoria is dead. It was upon his wish that Emmanuel had her kidnapped. He is the reason so many people are dead.
“You’ve bought quite the army for yourself, son.” Even his voice was like Nikolai. But it had a darker edge to it.
Bought. The way he framed that didn’t escape my notice.
“You’ve lost quite a chunk of your army, father.” Nikolai’s eyes were focused on his father’s.
They had spoken two sentences but they’re eyes had spoken a thousand words. And yet, I knew this was the calm before the storm. And when the storm was going to hit, it was going to leave death and destruction in its wake.
“I’m not interested in a war and killing innocent pack members. I challenge you in a duel to death.” Nikolai’s words snapped in the open air like a whip.
“You were always too soft-hearted.” Adrik taunted. “And I’m not interested in killing just you. I will slaughter every single life in this little Kingdom you have created.”
“Spoken like a true dictator, letting others fight your battles for you. Why would your men fight for you if you can’t fight for them?” Nikolai asked and I noticed a shift in the air.
Adrik’s scorching gaze intensified but I knew he felt the change of heart of his warriors. They agreed with Nikolai’s words. This entire war, all the attacks that had been made were by the pack members. He was ordering the attacks instead of leading them like a true Alpha. And right now, he was doing the same thing.
“When I win, your entire Kingdom with everything and everyone in it will belong to me.” He claimed but in reality, it was an offer extended for us to accept.
Nikolai looked at me.
I knew the implications.
Our home could be his. Our people could be subjected to his torture. I could be subjected to his torcher.
Could. It was a possibility.
It all boiled down to trust.
Do I trust Nikolai enough to fight his own father-his demons, and win? Do I trust him with my and the entire pack’s lives?
He was asking me my wish. My permission. Not just as his mate but as Soare-Luna’s Queen. As his equal.
Did I trust him? Absolutely.
Did I believe in him? Always.
Did I think he will win against his demons? I could only hope so.
But I had to give him the chance to prove himself. It was a risk. A gamble. But I was willing to take it, I was willing to play. Not because I trusted the game, but because I trusted my player.
“Knock him dead.”
His fingers were in his my hair, gripping my head as his mouth slanted on mine with ferocity. A current passed through my entire body, making me feel more alive than ever.
My head spun at the intensity and before I knew it, Nikolai was walking away, towards Adrik.
I saw the man smirk before he started walking forward too.
When they reached the middle and still had a considerable space between the both of them, they stopped.
Everyone waited with bated breath to see what was going to happen.
“Begin!” Adrik’s Beta’s voice whipped in the air but no one moved.
My heart was in my throat. Use your powers, Nikolai! I said mentally.
Half a minute passed and no one had moved a muscle.
Finally, Nik raised his hand and curled his fingers in his fist, like he did when he was pulling the air out of someone and holding it in his wrist.
I waited for a few seconds till I realised that it had no effect on Adrik.
A small smirk formed on Adrik’s face.