Chapter 107:

Chapter 109:
Ambrosia POV: 

Today was the day we finally got the ball rolling on all of this. Everyone was rushing around trying to get things ready for the challenge and while I was waiting for Baine and Noble to get back from their recon mission I sent them to, I am getting myself ready. Back into the mind set I was in for the longest time. I’m just thankful my kids aren’t here to see any of it. “Ambrosia, they are here.” Pythia whispered. I nodded and turned, heading straight for my office. “What are the updates?” I asked. “They will be here within a few days. The witches are not with them as suspected.” Baine replied. Both their faces were set hard as stone. They knew what we needed to become for this even though I knew secretly they loved every bit of the excitement. “Might I offer a suggestion?” Jakobe requested as he walked in. “You may, what is it?” I questioned, curious to see what he would have to say.

He looked around before his eye set on mine, “We need to offer those who have been forced into this an out. Some of them are innocent.” Jakobe spoke. There was no hesitation in his voice. “What makes you think that?” Pythia questioned. “Well, look at Carten. He had no choice. The boy was put into a coma for reasons we don’t know. Caught trying to flee to get to you. Not to mention the others that we rescued.” Jakobe replied. “You think there are vampires and wolves who are looking for a way out?” I asked, tilting my head to the side. “I do. You have a beast from another world that is much stronger than them pushing orders. Who is to say he hasn’t killed a few to get the others in line. The vampires have me puzzled but then again there might be some.” Jakobe retorted. “Figure it out while I deal with Hervoux. As alway be silent. Take a group with you.” I replied, waving them off. “Are we ready?” I asked, looking around. “We are. Might I suggest your armor and siphon.” Xander spoke. I closed my eyes for a moment until I felt the coolness around me. It wasn’t often that I needed it but xander is right. We are allowed armor and one weapon of choice. Although, I couldn’t use the elements that came along with it. 

When I opened my eyes I smiled looking at my siphon. It’s just as beautiful as ever. “Let’s go.” I stated. We all held hands and in the blink of an eye we were standing in an office with a frazzled looking Hervoux and his handful of followers. “What are you doing here?” He spat. “I’ve come to collect you for the challenge. It’s been moved up.” I snapped running forward and grabbed him by the shirt. “You can’t do that!” He shouted. “Oh yes, yes I can since you and your pathetic friends want to go back on their word of attacks..” I seethed kneeing him in the back of his legs taking him to the ground. I held my siphon to his throat. “You all are coming with us and we will determine if you shall live or be given another chance.” I spoke, my voice projecting harshly across the room. Once we rounded everyone up Alley took us to the cells where I tossed Hervoux in. “You will be able to have a piece of armor and one choice of weapon. You have a few hours before you are collected and brought to the arena to face me.” I spat, slamming the door and turning to walk away.

The color from his face drained. I knew he was scared, he reeked of fear. “What if I don’t want to do this anymore?” Hervoux questioned. Panic was clear in his eyes. “Then what I said would happen to you shall.” Atheas' voice rang out as she appeared next to me. “You can be a man and face what you have done, or you can be a coward.” Pythia stated. “This wasn’t supposed to happen this soon!” Hervoux shouted. “Ah, you are correct. They would have stood by it if Pamela stood by her words.” Pythia snapped. “Once I rid this world of you, they will be next.” I deadpanned. I wasn’t in the mood to have a conversation with him about this. “Ambrosia, sage is waiting for you along with Delilah. Pythia, you have a visitor.” Athea whispered, gaining my attention. 

The last time I went through a challenge they escorted me to it. I nodded my head and turned on my heels. I wanted to see Sage. She might be a pain in my ass but her and Jackson are what I need right now. As I walked out of the cells Jackson was standing in the middle of them and I smiled. “Hey beautiful. Are you ready?” Jackson asked, holding his arms open. I recalled my armor and stepped into his embrace. “I’m always ready.” I whispered. “Better be. If you die I’m going to be pissed.” Sage snorted and I laughed. “I will not die today.” I remarked. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Pamela somehow enhanced him.” Jackson spoke. “What makes you think that?” I questioned. “Because she knows this was going to happen. Why not enhance him to extend the time of it to exhaust you.” Jackson replied. “If dark magic is found then all bets are off. Just like the last time, once a rule is broken then it’s fair game so I hope she has.” I said. 

It would honestly make this a lot easier for me if he was enhanced because either way he still stood no chance against me and he knew it. “Is everyone at the arena already?” I asked. “Yes, Alley put his followers in a cage so that they will be within our sight at all times.” Jackson replied. “Good, maybe by the end of it they will change their minds on who to fight for.” I muttered. I didn’t have enough time to stop and process all of the options or if they had any free will at all. Now is not the time for all of that. As we started for the arena I looked behind me to see Xander and a few other guardians. Faces just as stoic and deadly, everyone was on high alert for many reasons. I needed this challenge to go as smoothly and as quickly as possible. No interruption needed to happen and I fully planned on making quick work of this so that I can rest before the actual battle happens. 

Staring down the familiar walkway I didn’t feel as I did the last time. It’s more of an annoyance that I have to do this. “I will be right up there.” Jackson whispered kissing my cheek before he turned to walk off. “You’ll do great, but you already know that.” Xander laughed. “Thanks brother, I’ll see you guys after this is done with.” I smiled. They bowed slightly before they turned to walk off and I was left standing between Sage and Delilah. “Good afternoon my children!” Atheas soft but strong voice rang out. “I hope you are all well given the circumstances. I am here to introduce this challenge. Please help me welcome Ambrosia, queen of the vampires! She is escorted by her wolf Sage as well as Delilah.” Athea belched out. I took a deep breath before starting my way towards her. I held my head high showing no emotions as my vampires mixed in with witches and wolves yowled in excitement. I came to a stop in front of her and bowed slightly. Her smile alone has the power to make me believe more in myself. “Now, I would like to introduce Hervoux. He is -” Athea was cut off with growls and people shouting. 

She held her hand up and everyone went silent. “I know.. I know your anger, your hatred for him and what he has done but today is the day for justice. Make no mistake.. Your queen is furious, an anger that has been brewing in her since the attack on her children. This vengeance is long overdue. Please bring Hervoux forward.” Athea spoke. I kept my face stoic as Alex, Brandon and Leia shoved him forward. There was something different about him, he stood taller and looked more determined than he did earlier. I kept staring when Pythia appeared beside me. “She did it, didn't she?” I questioned already knowing the answer to it. “She has, I am here to confirm it.” Pythia replied. Her voice was cold and I understood why. “Hervoux, it seems you have been given some help.” Pythia said just as he came to a stop in front of us. “So? What is your point?” Hervoux snapped. I could see Leia out of my peripherals, she was not happy he was speaking to Pythia that way. “The thing about that is.. This challenge is based on natural strength. No dark magic, no outside help. Just yourself. Since you chose to get help that means anything goes.” Athea replied with a smile. 

I looked at Hervoux and called my armor to me, I watched his face change in different emotions. Confusion sat on his face when my siphon touched my hand. “So she gets a sword? Doesn’t seem like much if there are no rules.” Hervoux muttered and I laughed. “This is not a sword you moron. It’s a siphon, and a very special one at that. With this I have access to the elements along with my natural guardian abilities. You just screwed yourself more than you know. I may take my time killing you.” I winked. I watched him eye my siphon carefully before he spat at my feet. “Sage and Delilah, please take your place at the entrance. Brandon, Leia and Alex, come with me. Let the challenge begin!” Athea clapped before everyone left but me and him. She was right about one thing. Vengeance is mine and mine alone.