Chapter 5 Ch

Elise moved the components apart so that Kellan could get through. His lips separated, and she consented, appearing shocked.

The wall of magic closed behind Kellan as he crossed. Her scent immediately overpowered his senses. I thought of a July storm in a desert garden. She was a priceless rose in the path of a raging storm, and her perfume perfectly captured it.

She was still too young for the likes of him, and he was grateful that he could still see signs of her youth.

Elise's spine tensed as he drew near, wondering what he was trying to accomplish. He hesitated a moment before reaching out to her with his hand. His fingers gently, oh so gently, grasped her chin, raising and slanting it to the side.

Small shocks of electricity that were much too weak to make him feel the urge to mate zapped his skin. Kellan felt a deep inside click like a lock being turned. His demonic companion hummed contentedly as his spirit calmed. He had mental clarity and peace.

He took a sharp breath. The mating frenzy was sparked by touch, which compelled a pair to come together physically to complete the bond. The dreamworld or the fact that she hadn't fully grown up stopped the fury. He thought it might be both.

Her silky skin didn't arouse his libido; instead, it soothed it. Instead, it calmed his spirit and helped his demon become peaceful and content.

Goddess above, how he missed the peace his spirit once possessed. A saatus accomplished this for a demon; he calmed his spirit and thereby freed his thoughts.

Kellan has been shedding pieces of himself along with his brethren for years. Sometimes his thoughts became clouded, making it difficult for him to see clearly. Although it wasn't as bad as what the rogues went through, it was nonetheless present.

The haze always faded, but his risk increased as he grew older. The likelihood of becoming insane increased as a demon aged.

Power-hungry demons passed away considerably more quickly from the sickness. There were perverse methods for raising one's magic. A demon risked losing their sanity as payment for such heinous acts.

Only mated pairs appeared to be protected from going awry. He'd stay sane if he could connect with Elise. But how much at her expense?

His thoughts instantly saw a woman with luscious dark hair and a captivating smile. His jaw tightened.

He has already experienced one mating with a female who wasn't his saatus. He had merely made it through it emotionally. He understood that if his true mate experienced a similar fate, it would be much worse based on how he responded to the marks on Elise's face.

His fear made him more determined to never fall in love. Kellan shook his head to end the thought process. The gulf between love and companionship was wide. Perhaps Elise was a gift from the Goddess to help him anchor his evil spirit. He wasn't required to develop feelings for her.

Two souls were bound together by a bond; it was up to the couple to make their relationship work after that. A mated pair was naturally drawn to one another and would always look out for one another. Knowing he wouldn't have to travel through eternity by himself was consoling.

Kellan became absorbed in the beauty in his palm and wondered whether he might once again have someone to share his life within an intimate setting. Elise was chosen by fate for a reason. Only time will disclose the reasons she was chosen as his ideal match.

He couldn't change his direction now since it was too late. They are both too late. He was forced to accept his fate, for better or worse. In the face of it, he could never win.

From her nose to her temple to her brow, his eyes swept the right side of her head. Every ruptured blood vessel, swollen area, and scratch were all noted. As delicately as he could, he laid his palm on her hurt cheek with his other hand.

Elise's mouth was tightly closed. Her body had soft skin. His touch soon heated the area. She anticipated the pain, which never materialized. She let energies pour out of her as she sighed pleasantly and closed her eyes.

After a short while, he lifted his palm. Her eyes opened when the thumb of the hand that was still supporting her chin barely touched her lower lip.

Kellan let go and backed up a fraction. Elise blinked while analyzing. It vanished. The pain and suffering are vanished.

"You cured me?"

"Not exactly,"

The question "What did you do?"

I alleviated your suffering and stole some of the magic you ingested.

Elise reached up and patted the woman's side of the face. It remains enlarged.

"I can't heal you. As I mentioned, I relieved your suffering.

"How?"

"Is it important?"

"It does to me. Please let me know, thank you. If it can be duplicated, I would be very interested to hear how. Other people might find a great use for such a power. I could assist the midwives or those who are in need.

Kellan's expression relaxed. She was not only strong but also caring. Sadly, she would have to use him alone to duplicate the power.

I drew out your suffering and absorbed it into myself.

That's incredible. Can I accomplish that?

He lied, saying "I'm sorry, but no." A saatus technically could, but only with their partner. To even consider letting her experience his suffering was repulsive to him.

She glanced at his cheek. Is it painful for you? as it did for me?

There was a heartbeat. Two.

"Yes. It was so much that I was shocked at how nicely you handled it.

I am not helpless.

I never said you were. Did you suffer a burn as well as a significant impact? He raised his chin to her brow.

He was directly struck in the chest by her lopsided grin.

"Did you see the missing eyebrow? Do you possibly know how to regrow it? Immediately?"

Kellan gave a head shake.

That's unfortunate, I suppose.

Who was responsible for this, Elise?

She wrinkled her nose. There were two separate instances, as you say.

"You were attacked not just once, but twice?" He erupted.

"Nah, no. I wasn't attacked. Your concern is greatly appreciated, but it's not what you believe. In revenge for my using my abilities while we were battling, my sister Eden took the eyebrow-"

"Your father permits fights between you and your sister?"

"The biggest understatement ever. God creates us. And the plural form is sisters. We all three go through training.

Kellan scowled as he crossed his arms. Why would the King of Gwydion compel his daughters to engage in war, in the name of the Goddess?

How could he not? He wouldn't allow us to become weak as we grew older. I, for one, am grateful that I am capable of defending myself using methods other than only the forces I can control. especially in light of the heritage of my family. Father believes that because of who gave birth to us, we have targets painted on our backs.

Elise spoke matter-of-factly with a steady tone. Since their mother's murder, Kellan may infer that it had become instilled in her and her sisters.

He rubbed his head, wondering if King Edward could have a point. Kellan would not want his daughter to feel helpless if he had a daughter. His claws rubbed on his chest as he considered having offspring.

How do you know who my father is, I ask you?

His attention shifted to the grand house beyond her shoulder. Behind you lies the royal residence. Long ago, I was here. I've also had several encounters with your father in the Sanctus Femina Temple. He extols the virtues of Eden, Elise, and Nora, his daughters.

"Oh."

Also this? His knuckle skimmed over her inflamed skin as it brushed against her temple.

A little ashamed, Elise covered her teeth with her lips. She didn't want to sound like the awkward woman she had always been. Not Kellan, please.

"I can get the memory out of your head, but I'd rather you told me," she said.

And King Kellan receives what he desires?

One shoulder was raised, and his eyes wrinkled. "Usually. No, never.

Elise appreciated his almost lighthearted response. He was usually serious and concentrated during their infrequent interactions. She hadn't anticipated his direct humor.

I did it, she whispered, releasing the tension from her lips.

I said, "You did it."

She averted her gaze. "Basically."

"Explain."

Elise raised her remaining eyebrow in response to his scrutiny.

He added, "Please," hoping she would step forward so he wouldn't have to force the thought from her head.

"I fell."

What's on your face?

"Basically."

She was so frustrating, heaven help him. He summoned all his patience and waited for her to finish. She must have sensed his irritation because she immediately began to speak.

She pointed and said, "I was near the stream, not far into the trees over there. I enjoy climbing a group of boulders in one of the bends. Sometimes I go there to contemplate. Are you a meditator?

"No."

"Hmm. I was, in fact, atop the boulder. Jasper was seated next to me.

"Jasper?" As Kellan's naturally masculine name rolled off his tongue in disgust, his pupils became larger.

He is a man from the community who just enlisted in my father's army. Since I was a young child, I have known him. We have friendships.

She awaited the return of the amber to his iris. Not at all.

"Continue."

"Right. We were talking, and then he leaned in my direction.

He hissed, "Learned?"

"Um, yes. I honestly don't know how I managed to tip backward like that; it happened so quickly. My face crashed upon one of the smaller pebbles below me the instant his face moved near mine.

Their fronts were a breath apart when Kellan took a stride in her direction. Did he intend to kiss you?

"I believe so,"

The truth, Elise. Even a partial truth makes my skin itch.

"Really?"

"Really."

"How annoying for other people. Around you, they must be speaking in riddles. Are all demons capable of this, or is it just you?

"Elise."

Right, right. Yes, I think he intended to put his mouth right on my.

Even the whites of his eyes were fully covered in black bled. Elise gulped. Jasper kissing her turned Kellan's stomach. Her entire body started to tingle. She sensed his jealousy and knew instinctively that was what he was feeling.

"How can I locate this Jasper?"

"I won't tell you that," she said.

"Elise, you are only a child. You shouldn't be the target of this man's advances. You were harmed by his acts, and I shall pursue retaliation.

Her tingling excitement immediately changed to coldness.

"I am an adult. I have finally reached my nineteenth birthday. the legal age to marry. Old enough to perform additional tasks.

As the black shrank, he appeared less evil. Along the margins of his still-large pupils, amber burned brilliantly. She questioned whether her skin would reflect something that light.

His voice was raspy and seized her with its strength as he asked, "Just what do you know of other things?"

She arose instinctively to face him. "I-"

He shook his head, "No," aware that he was on the verge of going too far. "Don't respond to that. I am thousands of years older than you. I should not have asked that question.

Elise wanted to follow as he moved away. "No problem, Kellan. Should we not be able to communicate openly with one another?

She wanted to chuckle at his bewildered expression. Did he believe she did not know coupling?

Kellan breathed out loud. Little one, you hardly know me well enough to engage in such dialogues.

Elise clenched her hands and made an effort not to move. Two years prior, Theron had murmured one word to her saatus. Mate. She had sensed its veracity. Kellan must have known it as well.

She admitted, "I don't know you very well, but I also think it is true that I will know you at some point. Quite well. How else can I account for your coming back to this location?

Her lip was a bit. A lifetime of anxieties came to the surface. She lacked any feminine cunning with which to attack him. She just had her integrity and trust in their future.

Elise struggled to find the guts. She was concerned that she might not have many more opportunities to talk to him, especially if it was years before they had another dream together. "Are you not aware of who I am to you? "

The head was cocked by Kellan. I am aware of who you are to me, of course. When you initially pulled me here, I already knew it. How did you learn it? I'm curious.

"Theron. He, uh, talked to me the last time you were here.

"Of course, I see. the priest who meddled.

Why didn't you come to get me, I asked. Elise was unable to conceal the tremor in her voice. Finding one's soul partner wasn't a magical thing? Wonderful? A blessed present to be treasured? He was treating it with such smugness.

She was aware that she was still a teen. She was baffled as to why he had not made measures to guarantee that he would have her once he deemed her an adult.

Kellan could tell that she was disappointed with the outcome. She desired for him to claim her and come to Gwydion. God be with him.

Kellan had two options: he either lied to his partner or tried to avoid it. She was brave and open with him, and he respected that. He could only partially reciprocate by doing the same.

The statement "You're too young."

"I am of an age."

Elise said, "Eighteen is still too young."

"At the age of twenty, my sister will get married. By then, it was typical for women in the Imperium to be married.

When the subject of marriage came up, he tried to hide his wince, but his devil woke. His face was washed by his palms.

"It's not that easy,"

Is it not?

"No. The Imperium is not what it once was. Each faction is dealing with its challenges. His complex web of spies and merchants kept him informed of what was going on in their world, and what was going on wasn't good.

"I'm aware of the forest's decline in the Northland."

"A lot are. How well-versed are you in the Eastland? What about the Southland?

The vampires keep to themselves. Information is not readily exchanged by them. Everyone is aware of that. There is nothing wrong with Sundari that I know of.

It was actual. Most of the time, the vampires who resided in the Eastland, in the Kingdom of Prajna, kept to themselves. However, they occasionally conducted business beyond of their borders, just like the other factions in the Imperium.

In the Southland, cunning demons had ways to obtain information and were notoriously curious. They could read minds. The demons were easily able to capture anyone with weak mental defenses.

Kellan was unfazed by the news of the Burghards' withering woodland. Even the rumors about Gwydion's draining magics had been palleted by him.

He was aware when information about the Prajna's lack of matings and birth rate reached his ears. Without a doubt, he understood that other people were suffering outside of Imperium. He was simply unsure of what to do.

How is the Sundari Kingdom faring?

There is nothing to worry about.

"I'll venture to say you've got it under control." She groaned.

"No, not just yet."

She was taken aback by his admission. She had not anticipated him to acknowledge he had no control over things, both because she thought he was more than capable of managing his kingdom. He was, however, still concealing something.

"Are you going to withhold the specifics from me? Kellan, you can have faith in me.

He felt a sharp pain over his forearm. When he lifted it, he could see blood rising to the top.

Not this evening. I must go back. It seems like right away."

Elise shrieked. "What's going on?"

Someone is attempting to wake me up.

By slicing you? She cried out.

Sometimes the only way to stop dreamwalking is to draw blood.

"That is so cruel."

The female who is holding me hostage says.

Her mouth dipped downward at the corners. "I'm not holding you here on purpose if I am," she said.

Kellan caressed her cheek with his hand. "I agree with you."

Even if it was brief, the contact helped him maintain control. Since he had cussed her chin, there had been no more momentary bursts of craziness.

See? She is the solution. His demon spirit was ignored by Kellan. It wasn't the right moment to declare her to be his mate, but perhaps she could keep him grounded and help stop the illness from spreading inside of him long enough for him to find a cure for his people.

It might work if he could dream of walking to her at will and touching her skin when he did. He may be able to buy himself enough time with his saatus. She could will him to her while he did the same, making it simpler for Gandeste.

The initial cut was followed by another. He sensed that he was losing himself.

She muttered, "Kellan?"

To advise her to try calling for him in a few nights, he opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He opened his eyes, revealing his room's ceiling.

Above him, he could make out the shapes of four enormous heads. Danil and Lazlo are on his right, followed by Favin and Petr. He had only ever considered these men to be brothers.

Not from absorbing Elise's negative energy, his face ached. He examined his jaw to make sure it wasn't broken.

He pushed himself into a sitting position, yelling at his troops, "Who cut me?"

Favin extended the sword he was holding. Sire, I did.

"I take it that I wasn't awakened by the blow to the side of my face because of this?"

I agree, sire.

All of the soldiers exchanged glances.

"And?" Daniel was the most talkative of the four and the only one of them with a white head of hair when Kellan's head swung to each of them.

"You spoke while you were asleep. speaking foolishly. Nothing was functioning, and we were afraid. Daniel swallowed and averted his gaze.

"You believed I might have given in?"

Daniel was unable to respond, so Favin sheathed his blade. I agree, sire.

"I was lucid dreaming. neither more nor less. Understood?"

The soldiers all curtly nodded as he said, "Now tell me, Favin, what has the four of you in my chambers at this hour."

"Rogues. They entered through the surrounding walls as a group.

"Have they made it to the fortress?"

No, Sir. They made no effort at all.

"Then, where did they go?"

They looked at each other once more.

"Where?" Kellan growled.

"They went straight for the tombs."

The graves? There was nothing there but dead people's bodies and stone and earth. There would have been very few guards in the area.

"Have there been any fatalities?"

"No, although one of the crypts was desecrated. opened it up wide. They took the body out of the room and dumped it in the courtyard. We woke you up because of that.

Kellan went cold. Which tomb?

Favin stumbled.

This time, Kellan's fury arrived before Favin could say, "Your wife's."

* * *

Elise woke up enraged, but it wasn't her rage. her neck's chain in her hands. She knelt next to the bed and prayed for Kellan's security.