His Dark Obsession (Moonlight Muse)

ZEDKIEL.

Wherever they brought us, it took a minimum of half an hour at the least to get here.

We were put in three different vehicles. The poison has now managed to stop me from being able to mind link the others, and with them all bound, they wouldn’t be able to mind-link either.

Adonis was in the same van as me and Evelyn, lying on the seat in front.

Once we got to the location, we were taken from the van and led inside. I kept on alert, despite being blindfolded, making sure to pick up on all scents, rock, and damp earth… we are near water, I can hear it…

We are being led through what seems to be like some man-made tunnels and I can feel us travelling deeper and deeper beneath the surface.

Soon the sound of water disappears, along with the smell of wet earth, and only when I am placed in a chair and bound, is the blindfold removed by Ziahra. We are in some sort of underground warehouse.

“What do you have to say?” She asks, pulling up a chair and sitting down on it backwards, resting her arms at the top of the backrest as she observes me.

I glance to the side to see the rest are all bound to chairs. Only Evelyn is untouched, clearly refusing to let anyone near her.

They’re all watching her warily. I’m relieved to see Adonis has been brought in and is lying on the floor to the side, his breathing far steadier than before.

“Can you at least tend to him or bind his injuries?” I ask.

“No.” Ziahra replies coldly. “Stop dragging this out.”

“This is foolish.” Evelyn hisses, “I can snap their necks.”

“Keep your little mate on a leash,” Ziahra warns me.

I frown. “I’d respect her if I were you, Evangeline… doesn’t really listen to others.”

She frowns. “I thought her name was Evelyn?”

F**k, did I?

I glance at my men, and Ragnar nods. “I second that.”

“Just a play on her name.” I reply smoothly.

I can feel several pairs of eyes burning into me, but no one questions it further, however, I know it’s not something that Ragnar will drop. He had already remarked on her change of behaviour on our way here.

I had filled Dad in, but I had made it clear to him not to mention it to anyone. With the scriptures already pointing to the Gemini bane, this did not come as a shock.

“Get talking” Ziahra says to me.

“I’m here to look for a possible solution to put an end to the brewing war. I’m willing to come to an agreement. You seem to be the leader of your people, then I’m certain that you know that if this war occurs, we are both going to lose many of our people needlessly.” I say.

Her jaw clenches as she looks at the men in the room.

“The war is inevitable, but you are right… if we can avoid it, then why not? And that is exactly what will happen when I hand you to Exxodus.” She stands up and turns her back to me.

“What has he got on you?” I ask.

I sense her stiffen but she doesn’t move. Her heartbeat is harder to figure out than that of a werewolf.

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie.” I growl. “Let’s talk.”

“She said there’s nothing.” One of the men steps forward, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“You don’t need to deal with this. We should take him back.” He mutters.

“Stop putting words in her mouth.” Kash says. “Can’t she handle the conversation herself?”

“Shut the f**k up, you dickhead.” The man hisses.

Kash simply scoffs and I internally shake my head. He really does want another beating.

“Blade… stand down.” Ziahra murmurs, placing a hand on the man’s chest as she turns and looks at me, “It’s none of your business what the deal is between us, but rest assured, once I-”

“He asked, what does he have on you?!” Evelyn snarls, she moves faster than I could comprehend. The darkness filling the room as she pins Ziahra to the far wall, her aura rages around her and no matter how much the vampires in the room shout or yell, they are unable to move towards their princess. Evelyn is a force to be reckoned with and even as she simply stands there, Ziahra is useless in comparison.

“Let her go!” Blade shouts, his fangs out. “I said let her go!”

“Shut your f*****g mouth.” Kash snarls. “If your precious princess answers the

question, she may just let her free.”

“Eve…” I say quietly.

“Answer his question.” She growls in response.

Ziahra’s eyes are blazing red as she glares at Evelyn, but I can tell her resolve is breaking.

“The condition is, I bring the true heir to the vampire throne to the steward and in return, he lets the Queen and our people free!” She snarls and Evelyn drops her.

“So let me get this straight. He wants me dead, so he can remain ruler. Correct?” I sneer as I lean back in the seat, the chains clanging as I shift position and look at her keenly.

“And if the true ruler takes his place, won’t he be forced to step down?” I challenge.

Unease flits across her face and she scoffs.

“There is no other ruler but him, and you will be given to him. You will remain here until tomorrow.” She’s about to head to the door when I call her.

“Wait! There’s something else. One of my men is bitten, which you already know. How do we cure it?”

She pauses at the door before she looks over at Kash. “There is no way.” That’s all she says before they all troop out, and the door clangs shut, and I hear it being bolted with chains and padlocks.

“That won’t keep us here.” Evelyn hums as she comes over to me and raises her hand.

Her eyes glow and she destroys the chains that bind me.

I push them off and walk over to Adonis, removing my shirt to bind the gashes that are partially healed. If I stop the bleeding, he’ll be able to regain strength faster. I tear the shirt up, as a shadow falls over me and I look up to see Kash crouch down opposite him.

His face is emotionless as he checks his pulse before removing his own shirt and tearing it into strips.

I don’t say anything. Even if his and his father’s relationship was strained, I’m sure he cares for his siblings to an extent. No matter how much he might try to deny that.

“He’s going to be fine.” I say.

“Yeah.” He brushes it off and I tilt my head, looking at him.

“Anything you want to tell me?”

“Yeah, that vampire chic is your sister, in case you missed the memo.” He says with a smirk. 1

“Yeah? And what’s going on between you two, looked like a lovers’ squabble when you were both going at it, or more like she was beating the shit out of you.” I mock.

He frowns. “She’s as vicious as you are.”

Once again, he doesn’t answer that question.

“So is anyone going to explain what’s going on?” Ragnar asks and I turn to him, cocking a brow as Evelyn frees Jeremiah.

“Like what?” I ask, standing up.

“Like why her aura is way darker than what we’ve seen before.” He says looking at Evelyn, “Is she even Evangeline? She smells different, too.”

More people knowing isn’t safe…

“I am Evangeline. I have simply unlocked. my powers.” Evelyn says, her eyes flashing as she glares at him.

“Zedkiel… we’re supposed to be working as a team. I don’t see that happening if you continue to hold information from us.” Jeremiah says quietly.

“You even called her Evelyn…” Ragnar reminds me.

I’m about to tell them the truth when a part of me decides against it.

‘Yeah, let’s not trust anyone.’ Zerachiel mutters.

I’m glad he’s been quieter for now. I have enough crap to deal with.

“As I said, it’s nothing.” I say firmly. “Get some rest. I’ll keep watch.”

A tense silence falls and I suddenly feel… alone. Evangeline’s smile comes to my mind, and I miss her… I f*****g miss her.

With that final command, I turn and head to the door, leaning against it.

I can feel Evelyn watching me, but right now it’s Evangeline I need.

She comes over to me, and I can’t tell her, knowing it might trigger her and so I give her a tight hug. It satiates her and she walks off to a clear space.

She and Ragnar glare at each other, and he mutters something before he turns his back on her.

“Keep muttering, I’ll tear your spleen out.” She hisses. He sits up and gives me a scathing glare before turning to her.

“I’d like to see you try.” He sneers, and they glare at one another. Her eyes turning black.

“Quit it, both of you.” I command.

She frowns and her eyes return to normal.

I sigh inwardly as everyone settles the best they can. None of us are afraid because if push comes to shove, we will get out of here with ease.

We talk quietly for a bit, but until the effects of the poison wear off, we won’t be able to converse safely without the risk of being overheard.

It’s a short while later and they’re all quiet, save Kash, who sits on the other side of the entrance massaging his shoulder.

“There’s definitely a cure.” I murmur.

He shrugs.

“I’m OK if there isn’t one.” He says quietly,

frowning as he stares ahead.

Just then, I hear something on the far wall. Instantly, Kash and I go over.

Only for a panel to swing open a crack, and I turn to see Blade standing there.

“The Princess wishes to speak to you.” He says quietly, looking at me.

I glance at Kash, wondering why he was using a smaller hidden entrance.

“Keep watch.” I say, before I step out with Blade.

It’s obvious he’s not surprised we’re untied.

Guess they knew their chains wouldn’t hold, especially with Evelyn around.

“Why does she want to see me?” I ask quietly.

“Just follow.” He replies, his eyes scanning the area.

I frown, but say nothing. If I can get through

to her, then I’m not going to let the chance slip by.

It’s obvious she wants to see me in secret, but why?

‘One way to find out.’ Zerachiel says.