Chapter 93 What is at stake

Chapter 93 What is at stake

“That should be Raven. She must have written to him days ago.” Valerio said. To Evyths, he sounded very certain, like he knew more than he had just stated.

Evyths blinked, her face squeezing lightly. “Why? I mean, how?”

Valerio turned back to her, taking her hands in his. His grip was a little too tight than usual. His sudden changed expression gnawed at Evyths. If there was truly danger in Ravencroft, then Davendale wasn't safe.

“Evyths, you don't have to worry. I am handling things, Lucian, Octavio and I…”

She chuckled dryly. “It is good that Lucian is well, you missed that detail..”

“I apologize. He is well and it all thanks to the concoction you mixed. He's recovering really fast.” He explained as she nodded. At least it would have been better if he told her more about what was happening.

She stared at him, demanding answers but Valerio held the information to himself.

“Something about the hunters. But do not worry, I am handling the situation. I have the industrial city producing weapons—”

“Weapons, that means war to me, Valerio.” Evyths frowned, pulling away from his grip.

Valerio ran a hand over his face, staring at his confused partner. The exact thing he tried to avoid. He knew Evyths, she was very curious and that could endanger her life if she persisted.

“I loathe how silent you are. Is there something you are not telling me?” Her voice slightly rose above the usual.

He hesistated, the answers sitting idly on is tongue but he needed to filter them carefully.

“You don't need to know this particular issue, Eva. You are carrying our children, the stress could endanger their lives— your life.”

“Yet I don't want to be oblivious.” She snapped, her feet drummimg. “Tell me, is Ravencroft in trouble? Is Davendale even safe at all?”

Valerio hesistated again and finally answered. “Come with me. I promise that once the chaos has died down, I will bring you back to Davendale…”

Evyths shook her head defiantly. “We have discussed this and you consented.” She snapped. “As we speak, Davendale needs me…”

“And our children?” He asked firmly, no hint of emotion on his face. Evyths looked away, fiddling with her fingers. “They need you too and in a safer place.” He stated, his tone resolute.

Evyths rose, moving away as she crossed her arms indignantly. “And now Ravencroft is safer?”

“Our walls are fortified not… vulnerable.” He said, rising too.

That did it for her, she turned him swiftly, her frown thick with disappointment.

“You did not mean that, did you?” Her neck craned to the side slightly.

He svoffed. “I know, there is chaos at the moment but I do not trust Leon to protect you. He's been exchanging letters with Raven and I can't tell what they have been plotting together. I wonder what she's promised him but I can tell that it is definitely to your detriment. You are safer under my watch…”

“No, Valerio, you are being selfish at this time.” She blurted, her tone unshaken while he stated at her in disbelief. “I have a duty here and at the same time I can take care of our children…”

Valerio stepped closer, his gaze narrowed at her as if he couldn't believe the woman before him. “No, I actually doubt that, Eva. You are Davendale's guide, not a warrior or some sort. And you know very well that whatever actions you take right now could implicate our children,”

“You doubt that I can take care of them unless you are watching me through flames or I am under your watch?” she asked as Valerio remained silent, balling his fists.

“I am only being careful,”

“Why? Because my decision is reckless?” She asked again. Valerio couldn't speak at that moment, he simply just stared but the answer was in his eyes.

Not that he didn't full trust her or her capabilities, in fact, he was impressed but he had just found out that Raven had been plotting with him the hunters and the hybrids and that Leon could be a part of, blind to the repercussions. However, the hunters and Raven believe that Evyths is carrying something more dangerous. What should have been called an abomination. An anomaly.

But if he tells Evyths right away, her emotions could escalate given her present condition, granting the ability to spiral because of the offsprings. And if that should happen, the children's lives would be at higher risk.

The hunter and their hybrids and Raven awere already waging war against the vampires. To extenuate Valerio's bloodline to avert what they believed was abnormal, shifting the balance.

However, he was yet to understand why Leon was partnering with Raven and what she must have offered him.

For a heartbeat, Valerio didn't know how else to explain to Evyths. Back at Ravencroft, his mother, Octavio and Lucian had agreed that he kept it a secret to avoid exposing Evyths to Raven. Raven still did not know that Evyths was now carrying twins.

“I can't believe you, Valerio.” She almost yelled at him, her breath heavy.

Although Valerio was calm, he understood that her emotions were spiraling and must have been the reason she attacked Oakley brutally. The glowing veins under her skin was slightly visible, hinting at his conclusions.

Valerio toll her hand, rubbing her knuckles to pacify her. “Easy.” He said quietly but Evyths consumed by the rage that she felt. And Valerio still did not want to tell her yet. Had she told him about the twins earlier, protecting her would have been easier, he thought silently.

He played a soft kiss on her knuckles, holding her gaze as her breath started to even out. “Eva, I trust you and I trust your decisions but this is beyond what we envisioned. Since you are very concerned about your kind, I will not hinder you but then I can't say I won't spy on you…” he informed, his resolve firm.

Evyths' lids only flickered, although she appreciated his thoughtfulness and why he was doing all that did. Just protection.

“Is Davendale safe?” Her eyes widened a little. Not that she was scared, she was only thinking about every other werewolf.

His jaw twitched almost invisibly. “I do not know what ties Leon has with Raven but… the consequences cannot be good.”

She nodded as if she understood, rubbing her arms. Suddenly a cold chill made her teeth gnash.

Valerio held her shoulders, following her expression with his gaze. “While I am away, promise me that you'd not let emotions consume you?”

Evyths paused, contemplating. Did she understand his request? No.

“How do you mean?” Her voice became thin.

“Just assure me.”

She slowly nodded as his lips landed on her forehead.

The kiss felt different. Not that it was lacking emotion but something about it felt alarming. Valerio kissed her like he didn't want to lose them.

But before she could continue to process the feeling, the door gently creaked open.

Adler, Leon and Selena walked in, behind them were enforcers behind.

Valerio instinctively wrapped an arm around Evyths' shoulder, even if Evyths didn't quite understand why he had to do that.

Was it because of Adler? She wondered.

Their blank, suspicious gazes at them nibbled at Evyths but Valerio looked perfectly poised.
Leon cleared his throat, shooting Valerio a knowing, distasteful gaze but Evyths notIced. Everything.
“King Belmont, I demand that you evacuate my territory.” Leon's voice sharpened.