Chapter 64 — Traitor

Thomas could feel the confrontational tone of Ashton. He was so used to him being quiet even when he saw him at company events. Thomas did not expect this kind of aggressiveness from his former boss, although understandably, it was how a loving husband should act. It actually made him feel better, seeing how Ashton can stand up for Cara.

Thomas was not sure if his words would come across as he had hoped they would. Nevertheless, he collected himself and tried. “The truth is, I don’t know, and honestly I think it is better that we all don’t know at the moment.” Thomas revealed to Ashton. He saw how Ashton’s face crumpled up, as if he did not believe every word he had just said. Thomas took a deep sigh, as expected he would get this reaction. He raised his hands, signifying his honesty, and tried to calm down Ashton. “I know it is hard to believe. But it is the truth. I can explain everything. Give me a chance.” The sincerity in his tone was clear.

Cara held onto Ashton’s arm. She wanted to hear what Thomas had to say. “I think we should all go inside and talk about it. We need a plan,” Cara said, with an obvious worry on her face. For Cara, their next actions are the most crucial; the fulfillment of the prophecy and the possible peace between the groups is on the line.

The group went inside the Victorian-inspired home. This is the first time for Cara to come to this estate as well. It literally looks like a scaled-down version of the estate they are living on today. She looked around with amazement in her eyes.

Ashton smiled when he saw his wife’s reaction. He finds it entertaining how little things like this can somehow ease her worries. “To settle the questions in your mind right now, love. Yes, even our room is the exact copy. The bed also feels the same. We can try it later if you want.” He whispered to Cara.

Cara squinted her eyes at her husband to insinuate that she was already thinking that far. Ashton chuckled and shrugged his shoulders as he mouthed the words to her, “I’m just saying.”

The couple had let Thomas share his side of the story, and Cara believed him ultimately. “I think it will be better for us all to let the traitor think that nothing has changed. She knows about Theo but is not revealing it to me yet, so I think she wants to use him to get more information about the phantoms, too.”

Theo cleared his throat and revealed the ultimate secret that only the five of them knew. “But there is something important that you guys should know.” He paused, knowing it was the greatest treachery for Cara. “She knows about the prophecy, too. And she wants us to make sure you complete the ritual so she can eliminate you.”

“If that’s the case, one thing is for sure. She is one of the faction leaders. We all know only one of them could kill me with their wand.” Cara came up with her conclusion. The bright sky instantly turned gloomy. Cara was clenching her fist when she heard Theo’s revelation. It was the most sacred message of his father for her, and this traitor knew about it just like that and planned to weaponize it against them, her own kind.

Ashton placed his hand on Cara’s shoulders to calm her down. That’s when Cara realized her anger was getting a little out of hand. She took deep breaths to try to control her emotions. Just like that, the heavy clouds slowly dissipated.

Theo’s jaw dropped when he realized what Cara was doing. He looked at his father to talk to him. “Dad, how will you explain this to our brothers?” He asked Thomas, not wanting him to notice how Cara was affecting the weather. It was apparent to him that Cara was yet to control it fully and it might be something scary for people like his father. The last thing Theo wants is for his father to change his mind because of this.

Thomas took a heavy sigh as he scratched his beard. “I will tell them the truth about the prophecy.” He declared to the group.

“What?” Theo stood up and confronted his father. He did not expect him to risk Cara this way. “How can you expose her weakness to the real enemy?” Theo was furious. “You know they will kill her in an instant if you tell them about her.”

Ashton stood up and tapped Theo’s shoulder. “Your father is right. Though it will expose Cara’s weakness, at this moment they don’t know who the Sakalam is.” Ashton chuckled. “Actually, it would be better if they tried to kill her. I mean we all know they can’t.” He glanced back at his wife. “If they decide to do that, then we might get a clue about the traitor and, for sure, your brothers would then listen to you about stopping the purges.” He said with full confidence.

Theo blew out his cheeks, realizing it was the only thing that he could do to protect Cara. “Okay, then my father and I will do our best to hold off any attacks as much as we can.” He said in agreement, even if it was a bitter pill to swallow hearing Ashton say that his brothers could go and try to kill Cara. That night, he saw her get shot and fall off that cliff; those were the worst days of his life. Those scenes playing back in his mind every waking hour of his life haunted him for real.

The meeting concluded with cooler heads and rational minds. Cara and Ashton opted to stay the night while the father and son, in tandem, refused accommodation. They were keen on solving their task of convincing their brothers to stop the purges.

Ashton was right. Their room was the same in every way; just scaled down a little. She pushed the wall, and her room was there behind Ashton’s room. She saw her very enticing hot tub and instantly went for it.

“Love, I’ll go take a hot bath first.” Cara said to Ashton as she walked towards her side of the room. Ashton nodded and responded; “Okay, babe, go ahead. I will call Barry to warn him about our expectations of the phantoms.” He wanted their guards to be on heightened alert. Not that he doubts about Cara’s immortality, but he wants to make sure that those that would try to hurt his wife will meet their end.

Ashton patiently waited for Cara to come out of the bath. He finished showering and preparing a cup of hot chocolate for her, but it took Cara some time before it finished, and Ashton fell asleep on the couch waiting for her.

Cara looked around and saw the untouched cup of chocolate on the bedside table. She smiled, thinking how thoughtful Ashton was. She took a sip as she took her time looking at her husband. Today, she saw how he was willing to go to lengths just to protect her. As his master, it was understandable, but as his wife, it was something beautiful.

And what’s more beautiful is his brawny arms and hands that only know how to cuddle and make her feel safe. She looked at his hard chest, those chiseled chests that only provided her warmth. She walked towards him and went down on her knees. It startled Ashton as he felt Cara’s hand on his lap.

“Love. Sorry, I fell asleep.” He whispered as he sat up and clasped Cara’s face.

“It’s okay, baby. But please, will you let me serve you tonight?” She asked him in her sexy voice.

Ashton hissed as he felt his blood rush through his body. Only Cara can make him feel this way. He gets easily excited and invigorated just thinking about it. “You are my queen. I am your servant. Let me do it for you,” he whispered, and kissed her lips.

“You are my husband,” Cara answered as their lips parted. “I want to feel your tenderness again tonight; but let me serve you first.” She declared to him. Ashton nodded, and they both warmed to their bedroom with their frivolous desires.