Chapter 159 Blessings From An Old Enemy

Chapter 159 Blessings From An Old Enemy
E L E A N O R

“Who is Beersheba?” I asked Severus as we hurried back toward the castle, my heart still racing from the sudden summons.

“Someone Perseus knows,” he replied, his voice low and cautious. “An ancient goddess of seduction, or better still, a succubus. I don’t know what she’s doing here. Perseus told me he settled things peacefully with her a long time ago.”

“He never told me anything about her before,” I said, a knot tightening in my stomach.

“He probably didn’t see the need, or maybe he just forgot. He has… had… so many admirers back then.”

My stomach twisted into something sharp and hot, something I recognized as jealousy. I had seen him with Roseline before, and that never felt good. Not even a little.

“He should’ve told me regardless,” I muttered under my breath.

“There were many of them,” Severus admitted reluctantly. “Some I remember from when we were younger. There was the serpent shifter princess, Athena. Roosevelt from the human world. And a couple of lycan women, most of whom are married now.”

“Wow,” I scoffed as we reached the heavy oak doors of the palace receiving room. “Did he ever… you know…” I gestured vaguely with my eyes, but Severus just stared blankly. I clarified, my voice stern. “Did he ever sleep with any of them?”

“Yes,” he said quietly. “But it was all before you were married. He was young. And wild.” A guard turned the knob, and Severus added under his breath, “Really wild.”

The door swung open to reveal an elegant woman strolling leisurely around the room as if she owned it.

“I can’t go in with you,” Severus said, lingering at the threshold. “But I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”

“Why?”

“Because I might seduce him to betray his wife,” the woman finished for him, turning toward us with confident strides. A knowing smirk played on her lips.

I swallowed hard, taking in the powerful aura she exuded. She was dressed in an elegant blue lace gown that hugged her curvaceous body in all the right places. She was beautiful, no doubt. She really did live up to her name.

I walked into the room after silently nodding Severus off.

“Let’s have a seat, shall we?” I managed a polite smile, gesturing toward two plush chairs in the corner with a small tea table between them.

Once we were seated, she cleared her throat delicately.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Eleanor.”

“The pleasure is all mine. Would you like something to drink? Or eat, perhaps—”

“I’m fine,” she cut me off smoothly. “I won’t be staying long.”

“Oh.”

She smiled, leaning back in her chair and observing me with an intensity that left me nervous. What does she want from me? Does she know Perseus isn’t here? Is she here for revenge?

"She seems cool," Eira murmured within me.

" I know, but still. I can’t just trust anyone who smiles like they sell candy and just happens to be my husband’s past lover. Get ready. This might get bloody."

“Well, I’m not a past lover,” Beersheba grinned, plucking a flower from the vase on the table. “And yes, I can hear you through your mind link.” She laughed lightly, though there was no malice in it.

"Right. She definitely has something up her sleeve," Eira whispered, this time more guarded.

“Then why are you here?” I asked, keeping my voice steady. “Perseus—”

“Isn’t here. I know.” Her expression softened. “I’ve heard about the attack and the accident. But I also know he’s alive, and he’s definitely coming back. That isn’t why I’m here, though.”

“How are you so sure he’ll be back?” My voice came out quieter this time, almost hopeful.

“It’s impossible to kill him off. Remember? Only his creator decides his fate.” A small, knowing smile touched her lips. “I’ve met many men, Eleanor. More than I could ever count. But none of them is or ever will be like Perseus.” She paused, studying me. “You believe in redemption, don’t you?”

“I do,” I sniffled, emotion swelling in my chest. “Redemption is what brought us here, hasn’t it?”

“It seemed to everyone that your love was initially a curse—something that would bring doom and ruin. But that was the start of my redemption.” Her gaze grew distant, almost nostalgic. “Seeing the way he loved you… I couldn’t push my advances any further. Letting him go freed me from my own curse. I can live among the heavens now, knowing I’m not just a seductive demon anymore. And it’s all thanks to him.”

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. “It’s crazy how he does that, honestly. He’s made me explore parts of myself I didn’t know were there. He saw through me when no one else did. I think the Creator really did use him for my redemption—for freeing me from being trapped in myself.”

She reached out and held my hand, her touch surprisingly warm and reassuring. “And that is what makes this so beautiful.” Her voice was soft but carried weight. “I’ve come to repay the favor. Not with him… but with your children.”

I stilled, my breath catching.

“You’ll have two sons and a daughter,” she continued, her eyes glowing faintly. “All of whom will live up to their parents’ legacy. Perseus was cursed before he came into this world… and I will change that with them.”

She began to speak in a low, melodic language I didn’t understand—words that felt ancient and powerful.

\[From a union forged in love, under a sky alight with stars and promise, are born three children of two worlds—claw and scale, blood and ash. They are both beast and wyrm, masters of both, and they shall walk the line where all paths converge in their favor.

In love, they shall find their strength.

In devotion, they shall find their power.

For they are the fulfillment of a promise, and fate itself shall yield:

They, the spark that commands the storm.

They, the storm that guards the flame.

Bound by love, fortified by destiny.

Three souls, one bond, one legacy.

Now shall their blood unwrite what blood once wrote.\]

As she spoke, my stomach illuminated with a soft, golden light. A subtle heart-shaped symbol lingered over my skin, glowing gently before fading away.

"Wow." Eira whispered.

“Nothing and no one will be able to undo this blessing,” she said, her smile genuine and warm. “Be strong, Eleanor. Stay healthy for them. You will be okay.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, emotion thick in my throat.

And with that, she rose gracefully, offering one last wave before disappearing from the room as if she were never there.