Chapter 38:
In Aria’s head: Did she say that or did my ears misheard it? The Seyah. A creature no one knows where he came from. I’ve heard Diavolo mention it when he took over as the alpha of pack. Since the beginning, it was a weight that the male heir of the Accardi family carried. A key that unlocks the place where that creature resides but no one dares to take a step inside that deviled place and take a look at the creature. That makes our bones shiver just by thinking about it and it’s also said that the creature can walk through time. He knows everything, the past, the present and the future. If one dares to stand beside him and ask the questions, they’ll get all the answers.
Ryan: “No. Absolutely not.”
Amara: “It wasn’t a request, Diavolo.”
Ryan: “Oh I’m aware but the answer is still no. Who the hell even told you about it? It’s a secret only the Accardi family knows.”
Amara: “Thank you for reminding me that I had no right to know since I’m not one of the Accardi family but Circe told me and I’m glad she did.”
Ryan: “I’d marry you right here right now and complete the fucking mate bond and make you an Accardi…don’t tempt me. And I’m gonna kill that witch. How dare she feed you that kind of suicidal idea?”
Circe: “Who wants to kill me? You’re welcome to try. I’m dying to end my life anyway.”
Ryan: “How do you even know about that creature?”
Circe: “I was there when your ancestors were entrusted with the task to protect it.”
Aria: “How old are you?”
Circe: “I stopped counting a long time ago.”
Ryan: “I’m not taking you there Amara and that’s not up for discussion.”
Amara: “Tell me, do you wanna see all your pack members die? How could we go to war without knowing something important that’ll change the course of everything? I asked everyone, you were there, not a single one of you knows what’s lurking in that damned place. Going inside that castle unaware of the things that are awaiting us is a suicide mission. You’ve always shown faith in me, don’t stop showing it now when it’s vital. I need to know or else all these people would lose their lives and it'll be on me.”
Aria: “Are you okay?”
Ryan: “Yeah, I’m fine.”
Aria: “You don’t look fine, brother. You know you can talk to me.”
Ryan: “I don’t know, Aria. I just…I’m scared.”
Aria: “Aren’t we all scared? We don’t know if we’ll make it out alive out of this war.”
Ryan: “Not because of this war. I’m scared to lose Amara again. I know she’s powerful, I don’t doubt her capabilities but I can’t help it. I feel the fear rising with each passing day. I won’t be able to bear another day where she isn’t with me and my mind is flooded with so many what ifs. I refuse to lose her again.”
Aria: “You won’t lose her. I understand how you’re feeling, it’s normal. She’s fearless. She wants to visit that creature. Who would dare set foot in that place? She’s powerful but I understand where you’re coming from and this constant fear of losing her. I have a suggestion. Complete the mate bond. That way she’ll share your powers and that’ll give a sense of peace and make your connection stronger.”
Ryan: “I can’t.”
Aria: “Why not?”
Ryan: “I don’t wanna do it out of fear and strain those beautiful moments. She wouldn’t agree to it. I can’t force her to do anything. That’ll push her further away. We haven’t shared a kiss since she came back. Asking her to get marked is a bad idea.”
Aria: “Then don’t do it out of fear. Do it for the love you both share. How do you know how she’ll react? No one can tell what’s going on in her head, she’s unpredictable. Talk to her. I know you think she hates you and blames you for Damon’s death but from where I see it, I don’t believe she doesn’t.”
Ryan: “I can’t mark her. I don’t know what my venom will do to her.”
Aria: “I talked to Circe about this. She thinks Amara is immune. I mean she’s immune to a lot of things. God made you guys mates for a reason. It wouldn’t make sense if your venom would cause her any kind of harm. Talk to Azrael about what his instincts say and you know mates can’t harm each other. You’ve already tested the steering. She didn’t kill you when you acted like you’ve cheated on her with Silvia.”
Ryan: “She didn’t kill me because she wanted me to suffer.”
Aria: “And you did but I think if there were any other men, she would’ve killed him. Just talk to her, you wouldn’t know how she’ll take it unless you tell her. (later on)”
Amara: “You wanted to see me?”
Ryan: “I actually wanted to talk about…Damon’s business. I think you know Nikolaos took over everything and my spies told me that he was doing business with The Legion. He has come up with some sort of weapon which can kill vampires.”
Amara: “I know.”
Ryan: “We tried to make a deal with him but he refused. He isn’t selling us anything.”
Amara: “Why would he? He’s making more profit doing business with The Legion.”
Ryan: “I don’t think it’s about money, maybe because he’s being threatened by them.”
Amara: “I don’t know and I honestly don’t care.”
Ryan: “But what are we gonna do about the weapons? The Legion has an upper hand on us now because of those weapons.”
Amara: “Can we keep it between us? I don’t want the others to know about those weapons. Fear will creep into their mind and we will lose before even reaching the battleground.”
Ryan: “You know without any weapons we have a very less chance of winning.”
Amara: “War isn’t always one by weapons. Sometimes a sharp mind can cause more damage than a sharp weapon. And who says we don’t have weapons? You guys have me and just for you to know, I managed to get her blood.”
Ryan: “From the Black Knight coven?”
Amara: “Yes. There’s my blood that also has something to offer like yours. I believe all three combined, I’ll be able to make something that’ll increase our chances of winning.”
Ryan: “You really have everything planned, don’t you?”
Amara: “What do you think I was doing the last few months? What have you decided?”
Ryan: “I’ll take you to The Seyah.”
Amara: “Really?”
Ryan: “I love you so much to decline your request.”
Amara: “That wasn’t a request.”
Ryan: “Yeah, your order. There’s one more thing.”
Amara: “I’m listening.”
In Ryan’s head: I can’t do this. Asking her to complete the mate bond just because I’m scared something’s gonna happen to her isn’t fair. I can’t do this to her. I love her and I wanna complete the mate bond more than anything but I don’t want her to agree to this because of any kind of pressure or fear.
Ryan: “Nothing.”
Amara: “I-I’ll go prepare, I guess. I have something to do first. We’ll leave tomorrow.”
In Ryan’s head: Is it just me or did you also feel that she was going to say something?
Ryan’s Wolf: “I felt it too.”
In Ryan’s head: You’re just as delusional as me. I felt your eye roll. (Hermes place)
Amara: “Hello.”
Hermes: “You…? How did you find me?”
Amara: “Oh don’t flatter yourself. I had better things to do than waste my time saving your ass. Craven’s looking for you, isn’t he? And it’s a matter of time that he’ll get his hands on you and torture you to death. So I’d suggest you come with me if you want to live. (back at the safe place)”
Hermes: “You know you can’t kill me, right?”
Amara: “Says who?”
Hermes: “Umm…God…?!”
Amara: “Do you think I give a damn about your God?”
Vasileios: “Okay, calm down. You know he had no other option.”
Amara: “I don’t believe it.”
Vasileios: “Thank you for bringing him there.”
Amara: “You hear that old man? He cares for you so much and that’s why you’re still alive. Be grateful for him and if I catch you doing something suspicious, neither your God nor Vasileios will be able to save you from me.”
Vasileios: “Isn’t she amazing?”
Hermes: “AMAZING?! She’s terrifying. Hold your horses or you’ll end up dead. (the next morning walking in the woods)”
Ryan: “The passage in front of you will lead you to that place.”
Amara: “Very well.”
Ryan: “You sure you don’t want me to come in there with you?”
Amara: “Yeah, just give me fifteen minutes.”
Ryan: “Ten minutes. If you don’t come out in ten minutes I’m gonna storm in there and beat that creature’s ass.”
Amara: “You don’t know what he looks like?”
Ryan: “No one knows, love. You know what I think it’s a bad id...”
Amara: “I’ll see you in ten minutes.”
Ryan: “I…”
In Ryan’s head: Before I could finish my sentence, she left. Giving me a smile that makes me feel every emotion at once. It took everything in me to not grab her and get out of this cursed place. I can’t do that, my hands are tied. (on the path inside the place)
In Amara’s head: In the heart of this dense forest I could feel that monstrous creature lurking in the shadows, instilling fear into anyone who dares to venture this close. It’s massive form, coiled ready to strike, since shivers down my spine of even the bravest souls. As I glanced at the creature through the smoke, I felt my heart stop for a moment. It’s a giant fucking snake. A behemoth snake measuring over fifty feet long and thick as a tree. Its scales glisten with a dark ebony hue, blending perfectly with the shadows of the forest. Making it impossible to spot until it’s too late. Its muscular body is covered in a pattern of intricate sinuous coils, resembling a dark labyrinth, adding its mystique. Its head is massive and triangular, adorned with two piercing red eyes that seem to reflect the darkness of its surroundings, giving it an eerie malevolent appearance. Its mouth is lined with sharp, venomous fangs that glisten with a deadly toxin, ready to inject into its unfortunate prey. He came towards making a chilling rattling sound akin to the distant warning of death. The sound echoes through the forest, its movements are graceful yet menacing, its muscles rippling beneath its sleek scales as it slithers silently through the undergrowth. He rises, revealing its full height, swaying rhythmically, fixing its hypnotic gaze on me. Its coiled body tenses, ready to strike with lightning speed. Its mouth opens wide, displaying the rows of deadly fangs. It emitted a guttural hiss, a menacing sound that sends chills down the spine as he said…
The Seyah: “Well well, look who decided to bless me with her presence. The heiress.”
In Amara’s head: Closing the distance is very stupid but if he saw that I was terrified he’ll just eat me alive so being stupid is the only option I have.
Amara: “I suppose you know me.”
The Seyah: “I know everything. But still, tell me why you’re here.”
Amara: “I’m here to get some answers.”
The Seyah: “Hmm…why should I answer any of your questions?”
Amara: “Maybe because I brought you something.”
The Seyah: “Vampires…tempting offer I must say but why don’t I just feast on you? Your scent is so divine for a fae descendant.”
Amara: “Bold of you to think I’ll go down without a fight.”
The Seyah: “You’re a brave little creature, heiress. But how about you answer some of my questions first and I’ll think about answering yours.”
Amara: “Okay, then ask.”
The Seyah: “Tell me, how well do you know…yourself?”
Amara: “I think I know myself pretty well.”
The Seyah: “Then tell me, is there any emotion you’ve never felt?”
In Amara’s head: I’ve felt everything. Anger, pain, anxiety, calmness, satisfaction, guilt, fear, everything. Except…
Amara: “Greed. I was never greedy. When I had no money or when I had everything.”
The Seyah: “But there was a time you wanted to be loved…isn’t that a greed?”
Amara: “No, it was a desire.”
The Seyah: “Tell me about something you always had or felt lurking beneath your skin.”
Amara: “Darkness. An abyss…ready to swallow everything and everyone around me.”
The Seyah: “When did you first feel it?”
Amara: “When I was a kid there was a bully in our school. I saw him standing on the stairs one day and I was so tempted to push him down the stairs. I had seen him bullying a girl many times. I had felt what she used to feel and I wanted it to end for good and I knew I was going to enjoy his suffering.”
The Seyah: “But you didn’t push him, did you?”
Amara: “I didn’t. There was something I used to believe in. Forgiveness. I knew he was a kid and there was a chance he would change to be a better person when he grew up.”
The Seyah: “But?”
Amara: “Two years ago I found out he didn’t change and he did something unthinkable to the girl he was obsessed with. I did what I restrained myself from doing years ago. That’s the day I stopped believing in forgiveness because some people don’t change.”
The Seyah: “You despise this world more than I do but you still somehow try to protect these pathetic creatures. Tell me, heiress…are you immortal?”
Amara: “Immortality is an illusion, at least as long as I am in this mortal body.”
The Seyah: “I can tell you how you can be a true immortal.”
Amara: “I have no interest in living this miserable life forever so I’d pass.”
The Seyah: “Very well. Ask, I believe you’re worthy to have a piece of my knowledge.”
Amara: “What’s beneath the castle? What’s Craven hiding down there?”
The Seyah: “You know what’s down there. You sensed it when you visited that place two months ago, didn’t you? The evil otherworldly presence.”
Amara: “What are they?”
The Seyah: “You should ask who they are. Craven isn’t a fool, heiress. He knew about your arrival, your purpose for ages. He had been preparing for it for so long. You see, the time he comes from, that time was full of mysteries. There were Gods who used to be worshiped and feared and Craven might seem a ruthless monster, he actually is but he always has wisdom like no one else. And after he got to know about the prophecy, he started searching for ways to kill you. And that’s how he found him.”
Amara: “Who?”
The Seyah: “I don’t know, he has no name but the old fae knew about him. Maybe an evil God. Craven found a way to awake him and the place he resides and in return he provided him with cursed knowledge. He found a way to open the gates of this world to let in creatures that are truly immortal. They are like evil spirits which need vessels and Craven provided them.”
Amara: “That’s why he enslaved all those people.”
The Seyah: “Yeah but he didn’t really succeed, not everybody could bear the process of becoming a vessel. It needs more time and luck.”
Amara: “So there are people down there who are still alive?”
The Seyah: “Yes, they are.”
Amara: “Craven worshiped the devil and the devil sent him demons to possess people?”
The Seyah: “I wouldn’t call him the devil because the devil isn’t a God but they both have something in common. They both are banished ones.”
Amara: “You said they can’t get killed, how am I gonna kill them?”
The Seyah: “You can’t.”
Amara: “What? Then how am I gonna defeat Craven?”
The Seyah: “You’re not asking the right question, heiress…”
In Amara’s head: They can’t get killed, they can’t get defeated, but I can send them where they’ve come from.
Amara: “How do I send them back where they come from?”
The Seyah: “That’s the right question and the answer is by reopening the gate.”
Amara: “And how do I do that?”
The Seyah: “For that, you need to find the door.”
Amara: “And where’s the door?”
The Seyah: “I don’t know.”
Amara: “What the fuck?! I thought you knew everything?”
The Seyah: “There are a few things that even I don’t know and don’t you think if I had known about the door I would’ve gone back to my world?”
Amara: “Your world? You’re from a different world?”
The Seyah: “Of course I am. I don’t know where the door is and how you could find it. But I know you're born to do this, but…”
Amara: “But what?”
The Seyah: “It’ll kill you. No one knows what it’ll do to you.”
Amara: “This is my destiny? Defeat Craven and send back those creatures and die?”
The Seyah: “Or even worse.”
Amara: “I think I’ve heard enough.”
The Seyah: “So what are you gonna do now? You can start a new life with your mate if you want and forget about all of this.”
Amara: “I’ll do what I was born to do.”
The Seyah: “I admire your courage, heiress.”
Amara: “My name is Amara. Amara Ariti.”
The Seyah: “No. You’re Amara Moonqrux Shadowvale. The last descendant of Arnoha and who’s gonna bring me Craven’s soul. I’ll be waiting. (outside the place)”
Amara: “I’m not hurt, I swear.”
Ryan: “So?”
Amara: “I got my answers.”
Ryan: “What’s beneath the castle?”
Amara: “Creatures that are using human bodies as vessels and only I can defeat them. But we don’t know how many people we’ll lose doing this.”
Ryan: “Don’t worry, whatever’s awaiting us we are going to face it together.”
Amara: “Yes. So where are we gonna spend the night?”
Ryan: “There’s a house nearby that my father built.”
Amara: “Can’t wait to get out of this creepy forest.”
In Ryan’s head: She doesn’t look…
Ryan’s Wolf: “Fine.”
In Ryan’s head: Something’s wrong. (Legion Territory the witch and her husband dead)
Craven: “Useless cunt. (an hour later in the cabin)”
In Ryan’s head: My heart started racing as I caught sight of Amara standing near the window. The moonlight filtered through the shears curtains, casting a soft glow upon her silhouette. My breath hitched as my eyes swept over her taking in every exotic detail. She’d adored herself in a black lingerie set that clung to her curves. The patterns teased revealing glimpses of her smooth, radiated skin beneath. This site left me mesmerized and tortured as I could feel desire building with every passing second. Her hair is down her shoulders, my fingertips aching to run through her hair and pull her closer.
Ryan: “We got a problem.”
Amara: “What?”
Ryan: “You can’t get away with this. This isn’t fair, you cruel creature. How can you wear that and expect me to keep my hands to myself? You love to torture me, don’t you?”
Amara: “It’s my favorite job.”
In Ryan’s head: A smile that has an effortless way of lighting up a room. Her smile has the power to lift the spirits of anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it. Every time I see it my heart skips a beat. I could feel a warmth within me. It was as if her happiness had the power to chase away any worries one might have but then in an instant, her smile flattered. The light in her eyes dimmed, replaced by a cloud of concern. She bit her lip and her shoulders slumped as if a heavyweight had been placed upon them. The carefree energy that had surrounded her moments ago evaporated into thin air.
Ryan: “What’s wrong, love?”
Amara: “I wanted to say something. Actually, a lot of things.”
Ryan: “Come here, love.”
In Amara’s head: My heart started pounding in my chest as I mustered the courage to cross the distance towards Ryan, the man who held my heart captive. The weight of unspoken words and hidden desires had become unbearable. His gaze filled with the mixture of curiosity and affection. I stopped, my voice caught in my throat. I felt as if the world held its breath waiting for me to speak but the weight of vulnerability made me hesitate, my fingers trembling slightly. Sensing my unease, Ryan gently reached out, his hand hovering in a space between us. He offered me a comforting smile, a silent reassurance that he’d stand beside me no matter what. My eyes held an unwavering trust, a beacon of support that anchored my wavering courage. I extended my hand, meeting his halfway. Our fingers intertwined a wave of warmth washed over me, igniting a newfound determination. I summoned the strength to vocalize the emotions that had been bottled up for so long. His gaze never wavered, his thumb gently tracing circles on the back of my hand, encouraging me. He understood the significance of this moment.
Amara: “I believe you were not the only one who fell in love. I had feelings for you when you pulled that shit and decided to hurt me like I was never hurt before. Seeing you with Silvia hurt because I had fallen for you already and I felt like I’m the only one who did. You managed to make me shed tears because I gave you that power. It shattered my heart and I was angry and in pain and when I left the mansion with Damon during those six months, a part of me was wishing to see you knocking at my door. Even though I knew you won’t and you can’t find me. Still, I wanted to see you standing in front of my house. Not because I was willing to give you another chance or I would forgiven you but because I wanted to put you through the same heartache you had put me through. I wanted to break your heart and leave you to collect all the pieces alone the same way you did me but then fate took an uglier turn and when you found me it was too late and I lost it, all those months when a part of me was waiting for you. It was because it knew you could find me and you had the power to find me but when you did, my most precious person was gone, you were too late and I blamed you for all the things that happened and I was furious and I got to know about the mate bond. As a kid I had dreamed about finding my own person who’s born only for me. Who’d fall for me and to have a bond that wouldn’t be a slave of time. Something that’ll last forever. When I found it, it made me furious because I felt like I’d been robbed of my free will and you would never love me, you’ll just want me because of the mate bond and I didn’t want that. When you confessed your feelings I didn’t know what to feel. I didn’t have it in me to confess what I feel for you but now I think I shouldn’t wait anymore because there will never be a right time or place. I love you, Diavolo. If there’s one thing I’d like to be grateful for in this miserable life of mine it’s you. I want you to mark me and complete the mate bond because I love you. I don’t know what the future has in store for us but whatever it’ll be, I’ll face it with you without any regret.”
Ryan: “I can’t believe my ears. I didn’t expect to hear that from you. You’ve made me the happiest and luckiest of this world. I don’t care if you break my heart, I’ll love you with every broken piece of mine. You’re worth all the heartaches. You’re worth every moment of my suffering and as you said, whatever happens today or the day after, we’ll face together. There’s nothing more I’d want them to claim you and mark you as my mate. But I have to ask, are you sure you want to complete the mate bond?”
Amara: “Yes.”
In Amara’s head: The soft glow of moonlight filtering through the sheer curtains as we lay in each other’s arms. Our bodies intertwine, our hearts beating as one, we were poisoned on the perception of a profound experience. His touch gentle as a whisper, traced his fingers along the curves of my bareback, made me shiver that traveled down my spine. The air heavy with desire, the energy enveloped us both. His lips brushed against my neck, a surge of heat coursing through my veins. A symphony of pleasure echoed within me, as if the very air vibrated with the melody. His touch was both tender and possessive, igniting a hunger that consumed us both. I surrendered myself to the sensations, my body arching against his, seeking the exquisite bliss that awaited. The ecstasy that fulfilled within me was unlike anything I'd ever known, a blend of unearthly pleasure and profound connection. With each whisper whispered word of love and each other and each stolen kiss we forged an unbreakable bond. Our souls merged, intertwining themselves of unspoken promises and devotion. His eyes filled with adoration met mine and we shared a moment of unspoken understanding. The air humped with magic as he traced a spot on my neck where his fangs dig into my skin and leave a mark. A mating mark symbolizing our eternal connection and sealing our bond in the eyes of the higher power sitting up there. Each stroke of his lips set a surge of energy coursing through my body, awakening dormant sensations I had never experienced before. It was as if the very essence of the universe was converging upon me, embracing me at n’s embrace. Then I felt his fangs dug Into my skin and drawing blood, leaving a sensation I didn’t know existed. My eyes shut as I surrendered myself to the pleasure. I guess as a wave of pure euphoria surged through me, coursing my body to arch. Ways of ecstasy ripped through me. It was a dance of sensation and magic, a symphony of desire and destiny. The world around us as he traced the mark, the sigil of our love. I swear it glowed with inner light, pulsating in harmony. With the rhythm of our entwined souls. time seemed to stand still as we completed the mating bond. Our connection was solidified, our destinies forever intertwined. As my eyes opened, I’d be held Ryan, his gaze filled with an intoxicating mix of awe and reverence.
Ryan: “I love you and I can’t wait to spend all of eternity with you in my arms like this.”
In Amara’s head: Little does he know what’s awaiting us. (Ryan's dream)
In Ryan’s head: Where am I?
Ryan: “Amara?! Amara, stop!!”
In Ryan’s head: What the fuck? Why can’t I move?
Ryan: “Amara?!”
In Ryan’s head: Who is she with?
Little Girl: “Save us…dad.”
Ryan: “NOOO…!!”