Chapter 35 Vying for danger
Their eyes remained fixed on Evyths, worry etched across their frozen hearts.
On the other hand, Evyths found herself in the thick of the woods. Rushed whispers and distorted movements made her heart race. She looked from corner to corner; there was nothing but dark shadows lurking behind the redwood trees.
The rustling sounds of branches and leaves made her head spin.
“Evyths!” The whispers of her name grew louder and louder as Evyths began running as fast as she could.
But the more she ran, the more the whispers increased. Her bare feet grazed the gruesome thorns as Evyths winced in pain, falling over.
“Unf!” she let out, biting her lower lip until the taste of copper smeared in her mouth.
“Why run from me, child?!” the woman’s calm voice echoed in the atmosphere.
Evyths could not guess who it was or why it was following her.
Evyths managed to rise, limping as her hand reached for the nearest tree.
“Why run from, Evyths? Why?” the female voice echoed again like thunder in the guise of a whirlwind.
“Who are you? Why are you doing this to me?” Evyths groaned heavily, panting breathlessly.
“Your guardian!” the voice echoed again. Evyths looked around frantically, but saw no one.
“You have always been afar off, you have never looked deeper…”
“I have looked deeper than you think, goddess, you have despised me. You have pushed me into the arms of torture and unhappiness…” Evyths’ voice trailed off as tears rolled down her cheeks instantly, a pang in her heart haunted her again.
“Child, your destiny is carved on a stone. It marks redemption and bloodshed. In all, I have chosen you to save your pack and kingdom. Evyths, you carry strength and wisdom—you are the veil between the moon and blood. You wield and you can destroy. Look deeper into yourself, find it…” the voice began to sound afar off, as if the goddess was leaving her again.
Evyths’ held her head, chaos ran through her mind.
“What am I supposed to do?!” Evyths yelled when the echoes continued to fade.
“Look deeper into yourself, child! I am always watching over you!”
The goddess said and there was total stillness in the woods—total silence.
Evyths leaned her back on the tree, steadying her breath while she processed the words of the goddess.
Immediately, a whirlwind engulfed her, and Evyths jolted up.
…
The three vampires; Valerio, Octavio, and Lucian rushed towards Evyths as soon as her eyes opened.
She panted heavily, sweating profusely while she sat up.
When the vampires pulled away, masking their embarrassment, Evyths’ gaze landed on each of them.
“How do you feel?” Valerio asked, his tone was distant and rough.
“I- I feel fine, thank you, your highness!” Evyths rubbed her neck gently, staring at them squarely. It was surprising to see all three of them, yet slightly confusing as to why they had gathered.
“You were shaking uncontrollably. What did you see—”
“Duke, let her have done rest. I will... question her when she is more settled and calm,” Valerio firmly interjected as Octavio’s jaw clenched while he nodded.
“Rio, I would like us to discuss…” Lucian interrupted calmly as Valerio’s holden eyes darted to his half-brother.
“Certainly!” Valerio said as he turned back to Evyths who looked completely disheveled. “Have some rest, I will return to… check on you. I would also have someone bring in some food and milk…” Valerio added as Evyths nodded thankfully.
At least, it was the nicest thing that he had said to her ever since they spoke earlier.
Evyths watched them leave through the door, the weight of their darkness and ambiance lifted off.
Evyths lay back down, her back touching the soft bed that seemed barely unused, she heaved a sigh as noises erupted behind the door.
“Isn't that—” the rest of her words trailed off as she jumped down from the bed and rushed to the door, leaning against it.
“Let it go, Valerio, stop pressing on it,” Octavio’s voice broke out.
“Oh, should I not? You triggered whatever had happened to her…” Valerio almost yelled.
“I. Did. Nothing!” Octavio firmly said behind gritted teeth.
“Oh, really? Have you done nothing? Did you not meet her in the fields?” Valerio asked Octavio and there was silence for some seconds. “Stay away from her,” Valerio ordered.
“You are going too far with it—”
“I command it, stay away from her!” Valerio ordered.
Evyths heard nothing but silence that lasted for a second or two.
When she attempted to leave the door, Lucian’s voice interjected almost instantly.
“Why the fuss?”
“You know better than to piss me off,” Valerio snapped, clearly furious about Octavio’s actions. At that moment, Evyths concluded that Octavio and vanished or walked out.
She’s known the prince and his best friend to be glued but now things have changed and she is primarily the centre of it all.
“Your actions have sold you out. We are all convinced that your eyes are on the slave hound,” Lucian chimed in fearlessly as he had always done.
“You are not about to question the crowned Prince, are you?” Valerio asked his half-brother.
Evyths heard a dry chuckle permeate the air. “Not at all. You are vying for danger and a curse. As a crowned prince, your duty to the throne should matter and not your affection for a hound…” said, Lucian.
“And… you are fit to preach to me what a prince must do and shouldn't?” Valerio asked Lucian. “Are you in love with the hound?” he asked.
“We both know that I could never compromise my nature. If you let me, I would drink her dry. Her scent draws in prey….” Lucian stated mockingly.
“I see. If you are that… devout, why have you come to see if she is okay? What does a bat have to do with a dog?” Valerio pointed out calmly, his tone carried mockery that Lucian could not answer. “Exactly. Nothing. They have nothing in common!” Valerio snapped. “So, what did you want us to talk about, Lucian?” he asked.
“Nothing for now!” Lucian’s voice dropped, sounding more dangerous.
On the other hand, before Evyths could pull away from the door, it opened instantly and she tripped.
Valerio deftly caught her in his arms. He helped her up gently as she straightened herself, flushed with embarrassment.
“Were you eavesdropping?” Valerio asked sternly. His gaze dug into her skin, he looked pissed. What she had tried to avoid.
Evyths stepped back into the room, her heart racing.