ã€ŠI Scored Myself A Mateã€‹


 Chapter 1 - Match 1

    "Wake up, wake up, wake up you''re late!!" Someone screamed above his head and Alex with a soft groan turned to his side hugging his second pillow tightly and bringing his knees to his chest.

    As it seemed he wouldn''t respond to any of the calls the unknown person screamed in his ear so the next move was to have his covers be taken away from him. The sudden cold, once his fluffy covers left his half naked body, surrounded him and he shot up hugging his naked chest.

    "Mark? What the heck? It''s Saturday we don''t have class." Alex shouted in his roommates'' face and threw his pillow at him only for him to grab it and throw it back to the hazed boy who was still half asleep.

    The force of the pillow made him plop back into the soft mattress and while still lying Alex rubbed his green eyes and let out a yawn.

    "I knew you were stupid but not this stupid, my friend. Yes, today is Saturday but this Saturday is different"

    "What?"

    "Today we have a match with The Warriors and you are our Captain. While everyone is on the bus waiting you, our ace player let me remind you, is dreaming still in his bed." Mark commented with a frown.

    At the sound of his words Alex jumped up like he had been shocked by an electric wave. Of course he would oversleep. He had been so anxious last night that he didn''t manage to close his eyes until the clock on his wall showed five in the morning.

    He stood up looking around his room in a trance as he was searching for his clothes and uniform. Mark then threw him his sports bag, Alex barely catching it before it hit his face.

    "I prepared it for you so now just wear some pants we need to leave. NOW!" he shouted but the brown haired boy did not complain. He was completely right for being mad at him.

    Alex at his nineteen years of living had been in charge of such an important position for the first time. He had joined his college''s soccer team last year as a freshman and just on his second year he had somehow managed to become the team''s captain. At first being also a gymnastics major he had been thrilled by the opportunity that was right in front of him but as he ran now in the dorm corridor, his sports bag hanging from his neck as he tried to wear a clean t-shirt, with Mark running at his side and complaining about how irresponsible he was and that they shouldn''t have chosen him to be Lions'' captain he started thinking that his year was going be very eventful.

    The bus was still at the parking lot its doors wide open and the coach waiting with his arms crossed right outside. He was wearing a black cap that shone a dark shadow on his face underneath the morning sun that made his judgmental look even scarier as the two boys entered the vehicle.

    "Finally!" he said following after them and sitting at the driver''s seat.

    "I''m so sorry" Alex apologized but the coach didn''t even look at him, he just waved his hand so he would sit down.

    His teammates the moment they saw him started laughing with his disheveled appearance and Mark had to tell them very politely to shut up. The ginger just scoffed at them after they sat on their seats and put their seatbelts on. Alex hit the back of his head slightly in the seat in frustration. He made a killer first impression as a captain as it seemed. Very respectful.

    "Don''t worry about it. Once you score the first goal you will be their hero" Max said.

    "I''m such an idiot"

    "Yeah I know." Mark agreed and Alex looked into his friend''s warm brown eyes. He had been very nice to him ever since they were assigned as roommates, the fact that they were both in the soccer team being a plus led to a fast friendship.

    They knew almost everything about each other since they had spent many nights half-drunk while Mark was crying about just being rejected by the tenth girl of his dreams this week in the comfort of their room. Alex did not talk that much but still he had shared a few more secrets than usual because the red head''s comforting smile was something that he needed when he entered college. He had a very bad relationship with his family and once he left home his parents had practically declared that they never wanted to see him again. He had shared that dark moment with Mark, he hadn''t told him the reason why though.

    Alex was gay. He had realized it the senior year of high school and after he got accepted into college the green eyed boy came out to his parents hoping that the worst would not occur. His hopes though were fruitless since his father and mother both looked at their only child like he was an abomination. He had gotten a strong beating by his father and heard many creative names. The few months he waited so he could leave had been a living hell and he was still afraid that if anyone found out the small bliss he had created with his friend, his team would all be gone in an instant so he was careful, very careful as to what he said and as to what he did just so he could maintain this fraction of happiness a bit more.

    Mark had fallen asleep next to him and he couldn''t help but feel guilty, because the ginger had to babysit him, as he looked the building fade away in the background. They were leaving the scenery of the busy city and headed towards Warrior''s campus which was in a very pretty green field a few hours outside of town. Very traditional building made of stone, a lot different from their modern college with the glass buildings in the center of the city.

    "Hey did you hear that The WhiteFangs will be here today too?" He heard one of his teammates say in the back seats. He recognized him from his voice. It was David, he was in his senior year

    "Yeah. Dude, it''s gonna be a scary year." Someone else said and Alex couldn''t help but turn around and ask what they were talking about.

    "Who are the WhiteFangs?" he whispered not wanting to wake up Mark.

    "They are a team that had been banned from participating in the championship last year because their team actually injured four other members in a match. The dudes went insane so they were eliminated and had to pay a penalty but now they''re back I guess. Some say that they''re not even human. They''re playing with the Warriors tomorrow. If they win and we win today, we will have to face them. Man, it''s my last year I wouldn''t want to get injured."

    "Winning doesn''t sound that great now" The other boy said and seemed worried. Alex had never heard of them but he could feel the tension of his older teammates and only that was enough to alarm something inside him.

    "We should all stay out of trouble." Alex said and the boys nodded in agreement. Staying out of trouble meant not approaching that infamous soccer team. They had come here to play, not get into a fight that could probably put his scholarship in danger.

    Soon after, the bus came to a stop and Alex didn''t realize how much time had passed as he looked outside of the window. They had finally arrived and he had already started feeling anxious about their game in a few hours. He shook Mark slightly and he woke up wiping some drool away from his chin as he got up.

    "Was I snoring?" Mark asked.

    "No. I would''ve put a sock in your mouth if you did"

    "Thanks mate" he said in pretentious shock and they both got out of the bus after everyone else had left. The coach had still his eyes on him and Alex felt like the grim reaper was following him around ready to eliminate him at the first mistake.

    "Everyone gather up!" he shouted instead of killing him and the whole team gathered in a circle around him. "The field is a few meters away from here. Head straight and sit at the benches waiting for me. I''m going to find the other coach and will be there soon. Start stretching and don''t do anything stupid" He said pointing a chubby index finger that stopped right in front of Alex''s face.

    The young captain sighed but nodded obediently leading the rest of the boys to where their coach had ordered. The campus seemed pretty big with benches for someone to rest in an endless green field. They had a bit of a hard time spotting it but their eyes noticed another group of people dressed in  athletic black and red clothing looking around. All of them were tall with tanned skin and strong bodies.

    "Are those the warriors? Maybe we can ask them where is the field" Mark told Alex and he nodded when he felt David''s palm on his shoulder.

    "Those are not the Warriors. They are the WhiteFangs." He informed them and the whole team froze.

    Alex looked at them a bit more carefully filled with curiosity. They indeed looked scary. All of them tall like trees with blank expressions. His green eyes though stopped at a certain someone. The tallest of them, a boy a bit older than him with a strong figure. He had raven black hair that reached to his shoulders a few strands falling in front of his face. His eyes were a cold grey color that the sun made it seem almost white. Alex felt like his breath was caught in his throat at the sight of his long neck and muscled arms. He even noticed a few freckles on his cheeks that made his appearance a bit softer. Almost like he noticed him looking he turned his head and their eyes met. For a second he stood frozen until a devilish grin appeared on his face and he together with his whole team started walking towards them.

    "Oh shit" David mumbled.

 Chapter 2 - Match 2

    The enemy team approached them and almost stood like a strong wall in front of the boys of the Lions. Mark pushed Alex a bit to stand in front of them and the green eyed boy looked at him like his best friend send him to his doom.

    "You''re our Captain. Do something" He whispered.

    "Hello. Can we help you?" Alex said awkwardly and gave them a little smile just to hide how scared he was. Honestly he shouldn''t make it such a big deal all of them were adults but hearing what his teammates told him before and about those four poor guys that probably got sent to the hospital he couldn''t help but feel anxious.

    "We''ll see" Said the man with the grey eyes and his grin grew bigger as their eyes met. "So are you guys The Warriors?" He asked them

    "Nope. We''re the Lions."

    "Oh, I see. You don''t look like lions more like kitties." The guy Alex assumed was their captain, mocked them. Alex tilted his head to the side and snared at the comment. He was cocky and obnoxious, making fun of a group of people he had just met but of course he would believe that the advantage he had in brutal strength meant he ruled the world. Typical homophobe behavior and that angered Alex, very much.

    The brown haired boy took a step closer and raised his head so he was looking at him eye to eye. He ignored Mark''s silent warning as he looked at the handsome man in front of him in disgust.

    "I believe we look like humans in difference to some who don''t" he insulted him back and his face lit up in amusement.

    "What do we look like then to you?"

    The tall guy took a step closer and Alex could feel his breath landing on his face, mint, like he had chewed gum. He heard behind him one of his teammates crack his knuckles and a lump formed in his throat but he wouldn''t move. It was just a stupid fight for dominance.

    "Muscle heads probably. Idiots."

    "Oh really? Aren''t idiots supposed to be human too?"

    "Not in my opinion."

    "Well little lions you sure do know how to roar but can you fight? I really hope you win today so we can meet again. We can have a very¡­entertaining game."

    He said emphasizing on the word entertaining and Alex was sure he didn''t want to know what kind of game was fun for him, they probably had very different opinions on the context behind that word.

    "Luke! Here you are" A cheerful voice suddenly interrupted their testosterone battle and a beautiful blonde girl appeared on the frame. She was wearing a pink short dress that matched perfectly the vibrant grass underneath her white sneakers. Her hair was long falling on her tanned back and when she noticed the guy named Luke she ran towards him with a bright smile. He was sure most of his teammate would be drooling by now at the sight of her. "Come on the Warriors are at the field you said we would see the match."

    "Yeah, we will" Luke told her and his hand took hers as he gave her a small smile. He looked a lot more kind in the presence of this girl, who was probably his girlfriend. Alex felt a hint of jealousy grow inside of him.

    It wasn''t particularly because of Luke or how handsome he was but mostly because he had never had someone smile to him or hold his hand with such soft eyes, handsome from head to toe as a bonus.

    "Alex we should leave. The others are already on the field and you will be scolded by coach again." Mark said and Alex sighed.

    "Perfect. That''s all I ever wanted. Come on guys" he told everyone and his team started walking away now a bit more relaxed since they hadn''t gotten any threats or even worse, punches.

    "See you soon little kitty" Luke shouted at him from far away. He had already called him an idiot and gotten away with it without any obvious problems so his next move was the final piece for him to be fully satisfied. While he was walking away without even looking at him he raised his arm and flipped him off. He debated turning around to see his expression, get a clear view of the situation he had created with his actions but he decided otherwise, since he believed it was cooler that way.

    They paced through some swirly  pathways made of light colored grey stones, that  reminded him of countryside roads and carefree vacations until they reached the soccer field.  The benches were placed amphitheatrically around it so everyone could see clearly during the game. It probably fit around a thousand people, quite the capacity for a medium sized college. On top of that it looked really well preserved and clean, an unusual sight when it had to do with men in sports. Especially soccer that was provedmany times to end in fights.

    Their coach was once again there standing like the grim reaper ready to execute him. Alex actually plainly avoided him not ready for his kind of stressful lecture and headed in a hurry towards the locker rooms that he had just spotted thankfully because of a blue sign.

    The rest of his team followed him quietly and they all entered sitting at the wooden benches and leaving their bags in the metal, dark blue lockers. In each one of them was a key left for them to lock their things. The tiled floors were clean and there were enough showers for everyone once they were over.

    "So everyone we have gathered here today¡­"

    "To bless this holly union" One of his teammates interrupted Alex and everyone started laughing.

    Alex looked towards Mark but he too was trying to hold in his laughter. He wasn''t good with encouragements or speeches in general. He didn''t really like talking most of the time and he preferred socializing the least possible.

    "Come on guys you know I am new to this. I don''t talk too much and maybe I am not the best leadership figure. I don''t know how you feel about me being the Captain but what I know is that I will do anything that I can for us to win this match and many more that will come. Because I believe in every single one of you. We are good and we will show that so no one will call us kitties ever again so let''s go out there and show them what we are made of."

    "We are the LIONS" David cheered and his whole team followed. A smile of relief appeared on his face as he and his teammates headed outside.

    The game lasted for a while and honestly the taste of victory was too sweet. They ended up winning two to one with Alex scoring the final goal. This was the best way to start the season and his new beginning as the captain. Being lifted in the air by his teammates as they cheered for their victory, everyone laughing in bliss. Once they put him down Mark high fived him and passed him a bottle of cold water for him to drink.

    "Come on. Let''s go shower and later we celebrate!!!" Mark said in excitement and some of the guys whistled in agreement.

    "Yeah, you go in first I need to find the coach and apologize" Alex said and even though he was unwilling to he knew that was the right thing to do. He should apologize not only for being late this morning but also for ignoring him before the game. To be honest he knew his spirits would waver if he got scolded so he had decided to avoid it this once.

    He looked around for a good ten minutes when he realized that his coach was nowhere to be seen. It was possible that he was dealing with their after win paperwork for the championship points so he decided it would be better if he just got ready, not wanting to stall everyone again and apologized at the bus.

    So Alex started walking back and realized that the small building that the locker rooms where located was divided into two sections probably one for each team when they had their matches. So at some point two roads appeared in front of him with two different doors. One was dark blue and the other light. Before the game he hadn''t paid much attention to the details due to the fact that he was anxious, worried and still a little bit annoyed with the White Fangs so he just entered the first room he had seen. He did remember though that the lockers were dark blue so he chose the room with the darker door hoping that they would match and that he would be right.

    The door creaked a bit as he opened it and the brunet noticed that this place was awfully quiet in comparison to before. His teammates should be cheering and shouting about their victory by now.

    He entered the room anyways and looked around to find completely no one. His teammates had left him behind and he had no clue where everyone was so he turned around ready to leave and start searching when he heard a loud bang from the locker area. He passed quietly the showers and in a few seconds he faced something that not even in his wildest dreams had he witnessed.

    There were two boys fighting. One of them was Luke and he had the other pinned to the lockers by the throat. That wasn''t the problem though he had seen a lot of times angry men fight.

    The problem was that Luke''s eyes when he turned around and looked at him after he noticed his presence shone a silver color. Fangs were visible on his mouth and long nails were at the ends of his fingers almost like the ones of a dog. His ears too had changed shape and now looked like the ones of a German shepherd or more like a wolf''s.

    For a moment everything stopped and his mouth hang opened as he didn''t know what he was supposed to do. In a heartbeat though fear overtook him and tried to run away. Like he was in some kind of sit com he turned around not even saying a word and started running. He was an athlete he could escape. He encouraged himself but every positive thought he had was in vain since the beast that appeared to be Luke caught up to him in no time and now was standing right in front of him, that same grin still on his face but this time it was a thousand times scarier.

    "The kitty that flipped me off saw something he shouldn''t" He commented and took a step closer making Alex take a step back.

    "Yeah¡­about that I''m sorry?" he said wishing for a painless death.

    "A sorry won''t suffice sweetie" he told him and saw him swing his fist in the air until it collided with his face.

    Luke had probably punched him with all his strength because he was being pushed to the floor at incredible speed and the crack that was heard from the bounce  the back of his head made on the tiles echoed in the room.

    Soon after everything turned black and Alex''s fear disappeared not for too long though because at some point he would have to wake up.

 Chapter 3 - Match 3

    To say that he was in pain was an understatement. Since the moment he opened his eyes the dictionary meaning of the word was not enough to describe the sensation that numbed his whole face. He felt like, his nose especially, was swollen and waiting to explode.

    At first still a bit dazed about what had happened he just opened his eyes and focused on the unusual feeling but soon after, everything came rushing back. How Luke was possibly not human and how he had found out about that top secret.

    He looked around as fear started to overtake him. He was not in his room. He was sure about that. The floor was from light colored wood and the few furniture that existed in it were pretty much the same. A nightstand, a desk with a black swivel chair. There was a small library that had a few books which seemed to have a thick layer of dust on them and just a closet with a mirror attached to it.

    After he examined the room carefully he stood up only to feel dizzy and land on it again. His hand moved to his pained head and he frowned as the room seemed to turn all around him. He tried getting up a second time, much slower and headed towards the door.

    Of course it would be locked, he mumbled as he turned the doorknob and realized that it wouldn''t move. What was he really planning to do with him? Kill him or even worse, eat him? Alex had seen many movies but he was never the fantasy kind of guy. Now he really regretted not watching all those teenage ones with his friends back in high school. Was it silver that was harmful to werewolves or garlic? He couldn''t even recall such plain information but in the end he didn''t have access to any of it so there was no use in trying to remember.

    His next attempt was to open the window that was right above the small desk but again his hopes died soon. He whined a bit more, pacing around the unfamiliar room trying to figure out ways on how to cheat his possible death when the doorknob moved and the door opened slightly.

    Behind the half opened door was standing Luke with an amused look on his face. The moment Alex looked at him he felt true fear, a feeling he had forgotten the last few years. As he walked inside all he wished for was not to get slashed by the nails he had seen before.

    "Sooo what are we gonna do with you?" Luke said in a singing tone and his grey cold eyes lit up cheerfully.

    Alex moved back as much as he could until he found his back touching the hard wall. He raised his head a bit to meet his eyes but obviously he wasn''t so courageous and witty as the last time.

    "Probably not kill me¡­please" he said and Luke laughed. He was playing with him, that was the only thing Alex was sure about.

    "Hmm¡­" he pretended he was thinking and placed his arm right next to his head, hovering. "Would letting you live be fun? I mean what if you tell my team''s secret."

    "Wait¡­your team? You mean that your whole team is not¡­"

    "All of them yes. Our college is made just for us."

    "Your college is made just for the team?"

    "Not the team you idiot. The pack." Luke said like Alex was supposed to know this kind of thing which was, in all honesty, ridiculous.

    "So there are a lot of you?"

    "Yeah we are planning world domination."

    "Really?" Alex asked with his eyes wide open. Luke always stood a bit defensively, even when he was making fun of him but at that moment looking at his doe green eyes as he asked him if he was going after world domination he couldn''t stop himself and he burst out laughing so hard his grey eyes turned into little happy crescents.

    Alex for a second was taken aback by the peculiar behavior but Luke''s attractive image was enough to calm him down a bit, something about his laughter was very soothing. He soon realized that he was a very superficial being. Relaxing just because the person in front of him was handsome.

    "Of course not. This place is a safe environment for us. We live here in secret so nobody gets hurt" Luke explained.

    "Oh, I see¡­.Wait, wait, wait. Why are you telling me all these? You''re gonna kill me afterwards. That''s why" Alex said in panic and tried to push him away. He knew he needed to run but even though his palms pushed his muscled chest with all his might he wouldn''t move.

    "Do I look that mean to you kitty?" Luke asked him and the boy frowned.

    "Let me think about it" Alex said but in a second he kicked Luke between his legs at his most sensitive spot. It was the final resort, the only way to escape but he did feel slightly bad about it. He was sure that hurt a lot. Proving him right, the tall boy almost fell to the floor and screamed in pain.

    In these few seconds Alex ran away leaving him in pain, facing a huge corridor that was connected with many others. Most of the doors were closed and in the few of them that were left open he could spot beds, fallen clothes and messy desks but there were no students inside. It was already dark outside and he kept going straight hoping that in the end he would find his way out of this place.

    His joy though of being free was crumbled very fast. The young beast had obviously managed to catch up to him, who was running around with no clear destination and in an instant he had raised him up and placed him on his shoulder. His face looking at Luke''s back and his feet swayed in the air.

    "Let me go!" he shouted and started struggling only for Luke''s grip to become even tighter as they headed back to his room.

    "Don''t do that I''m going to drop you and shut up they don''t know you''re here and if they know it will be bad"

    "Why?" Alex asked once Luke had let him down back in his room. The black haired boy closed the door and sat on his bed while Alex fidgeted at the slightest sound.

    "Because if they know you''re here they will really kill you."

    "Then why did you bring me here!" Alex shouted in despair.

    "I don''t know. I felt like I¡­had to"

    "You had to? Oh my God I''m dead¡­I mean like¡­you are a werewolf. This is not real. Wake up Alex" he told himself and slapped his cheek hoping that this would be all a dream.

    "I wouldn''t cause more damage to your face if I was you"

    "What? Why?" Alex asked and Luke pointed towards the mirror. He turned around and faced himself only to let out a shocked gasp. His nose was purple and swollen. It looked like an eggplant and not even like a delicious one. "You did this to me" Alex cried out. "I need to go to the hospital. Like now!"

    "Yeah. I''m sorry about that. I panicked"

    "I''m starting to question how smart you actually are."

    "I''m actually a business major you know. I''m not that stupid."

    "Yeah in a college made just for me I''m sure I''d be a genius too."

    Luke scoffed at his words but didn''t say anything else. He stood up from the bed and moved towards Alex who was still examining himself on the mirror with a worried expression. He turned him around and they faced each other. Then he slowly traced his fingertips above his swollen nose making him frown a bit. His touch was gentle and his eyes were traveling all over the injury with care. The green eyed boy felt his heart flatter at the intimate move and his cheeks turned hotter. Alex you are clearly insane, he told himself.

    "I''m really sorry about that"

    "It''s okay, I guess." Alex mumbled this time a bit shy. He couldn''t really be mad when he was looking at him like that. "But take me to the hospital and don''t let your¡­pack kill me."

    "I won''t, don''t worry. Let''s wait a bit though until everyone returns from dinner. I don''t want anyone to see us"

    "And how long will that take?"

    "About half an hour I think"

    "Okay I guess. So do you guys like kill people?"

    "Only if we have to. If someone threatens to reveal our secret or knows about us. If someone is a hunter."

    "So there are people who are after you?" Alex asked surprised. He couldn''t believe that there would be humans out there brave enough to fight with beasts.

    "Yeah. Wolf hunters. That''s why we stay hidden"

    "Aren''t you afraid I might talk?"

    "Not really. You seem like a wuss to be honest. A kind wuss."

    Alex was not sure if he should get insulted or feel nice about his comment. It was a very difficult situation to actually analyze, he thought. It was indeed very weird that luke was spilling out his secrets, secrets that were supposed to never be revealed so easily. He had decided though that he wasn''t going to talk about it in case he regretted it and killed him. Luke said he wouldn''t harm him so he had no reason to get involved and probably change his fate for the worst. After tonight he would never see him again. The thought of that sudden seperation though sat strangely with him. He couldn''t fully explain it but there was something more.

    "I won''t."

    "Huh?"

    "I won''t talk. I''ll keep your secret."

    "Thanks" Luke told him with a slight smile and they stood in silence for a while until a knock was heard on the door.

    Luke stood up immediately and signaled Alex to stay quiet.

    "Babe. Are you alright? You weren''t at dinner. Can I come in?" a girl asked

    "Yeah just a second" Luke said and looked at Alex filled with worry.

    They were in big trouble.

 Chapter 4 - Match 4

    They kept looking at each other dumfounded not really knowing what they should do until Luke pushed Alex towards the small closet and literally threw him in.

    "Stay quiet, don''t even breathe." He warned him and Alex simply nodded before everything around him turned dark.

    He couldn''t see anything, he just felt the soft fabrics around him as they hanged from the hangers. His closet smelled really nice and the freshly washed clothes left a scent of cinnamon and mint which was very pleasing to his nostrils.

    All he could do at that moment was focus and try to listen. He heard the door opening and the clacking of heels as they entered the room. It was quiet for some time and in Alex''s mind the image of that blonde girl kissing him as a hello appeared.  He frowned in disgust wanting to make the unwanted image to disappear.

    "Are you alright babe? Why didn''t you come eat?" The girl asked her voice as sweet as honey.

    "I wasn''t really that hungry. I was thinking of taking a shower and going to sleep."

    "Oh okay then how about we take a shower together?"

    "Umm, I was going to take the shower later." He said and Alex sighed.

    His exterior was very dominating and scary but truly he couldn''t even tell a small lie properly. Alex knew what was going to follow. He was going to give in to her needs and he would have to stay locked in that stupid closet while he was having the time of his life in a bathtub with her.

    "Come on Luke I know you want it" she said.

    "I said no. Get out." He said in a stern tone surprising Alex. Suddenly the room became quiet and he was really tempted to open the door just a little bit to steal a glance at the girl now that she had been very coldly rejected. He wasn''t the petty type but he felt victorious since Luke rejected her for him even though the situation was very different and romanticizing it in his head was probably very stupid.

    He was surprised by himself. He never seemed to get so fond of someone so easily and considering what had happened the last few hours he should be scared, pissing his pants and begging to leave. At the same time he couldn''t help but think that the atmosphere of the events was very different even if this guy seemed to have a girlfriend.

    "Okay, okay no need to get all angry. I''ll see you tomorrow then?"

    "Yeah, sure."

    "Goodnight."

    "Goodnight" He replied and when Alex heard the door closing he jumped out the stuffy closet without a second thought.

    "Finally. Took you a while to kick the lady out"

    "That''s my girlfriend"

    "Yeah, I figured. I actually thought you would be more of a playboy. Devilish sexy smirk and all."

    "Sexy?" Luke asked with a smile "Well things are different with wolves. We get mates. Once our bond is triggered we realize that the person who triggered it is the one we are meant to spend our whole lives together. It''s an unbreakable bond that if it''s not obeyed there will be a lot of trouble."

    "So is she your mate?"

    "Everyone says she is. We''ve been together since very young and she said once she felt the bond but I¡­I don''t know. Why the hell am I telling you all of these? Come on. I need to get you out before I reveal my whole life story to you. Um, your name?"

    "You remembered to ask me early. I''m Alex"

    "Cool I''m Luke." He introduced himself even though Alex already knew it. He grabbed a jacket from the closet and opened the door. Alex got out first and Luke followed but soon the rules were reversed. Luke was towering in front of him and he followed like a small, scared puppy.

    The halls were indeed very quiet and now all the doors were closed. Luke seemed cautious as they were passing hall after hall until they reached a huge wooden staircase. They got down and their footsteps echoed in the empty halls until another sound covered them. Laughter. Someone was coming towards their way and Luke seemed like he had been shocked. He pulled him away anyways, wanting to hide him.

    They stood underneath the staircase in the dark. As the people got up specs of dust were falling on top of them and Alex felt a very strong urge to sneeze but kept it by moving his nose around like little bunnies did. The space was very narrow so Alex had found himself once more backing up at the wall with Luke so close to him that his face could almost touch his chest.

    "You''re short" Luke joked with a chuckle. "Cute"

    Alex pretended he didn''t hear that and when he was sure the people had left he told Luke to move. His face was red again and his heart was beating fast from his words. He should stop, he thought. He would never see him again after today and that was for the best because they literally belonged in different worlds. Even if he could overlook the wolf part and possibly being murdered there was a much bigger issue and that was him being straight as a ruler with a blonde, cute girlfriend.

    "Let''s go." He said and grabbed his hand as they run towards the big exit right in front of them. His hand was loose on Luke''s grip and he was really afraid to tighten it, like it would mean something. He was holding him so he wouldn''t get lost. That was all.

    He regretted never having any relationships or flirts his whole life. Because now even the slightest gesture from any cute looking guy would make his heart flatter and he honestly felt like a pathetic virgin that even now in the face of danger all he could wonder about was if Luke was still as gorgeous without his shirt. Judging from his build he was almost one hundred percent sure he would be divine.

    "So here we are" he said as they stood outside at the college entrance.

    It was a huge Victorian black gate with complicated designs, roses and thorns, leaves and many other things. The view right in front of him was a huge road. There was not even a single soul around and even though they stood there for a few minutes not even one car passed.

    "Follow this road and you will reach the city. From there you can take a bus back to your college or the hospital."

    "You''re not coming with me?" Alex asked felling disappointed. He didn''t know this place how was he supposed to find his way and return home? It was at least 2 am and he wanted him to follow some desolated road in the middle of nowhere.

    "I''m sorry. I wish I could. Here take this." He told him and handed him the leather jacket that he had picked up from the closet before. "It''s cold tonight."

    Yes, it was very cold. Alex could feel the night breeze caress his skin and Luke''s cold rejection to help him out was even worse. He felt like his heart would wither. So he didn''t have any time. That was the end of their little adventure that stopped without any remarkable events.

    "It was very easy talking to you. I''ve never met a human who could make me feel that before. Do you think maybe we could¡­"

    "No. I won''t put my life in danger for a guy who doesn''t even want to help me go back home." Alex said and he knew he probably sounded childish. Luke wanted his friendship and even though Alex wanted to see him again he was angry. He had knocked him out, dragged him out there in the middle of nowhere but didn''t even want to help him until the end. That was the reason for his anger or simply one of his reasons. The other, he would bury it deep in his heart and never even speak of it. Friendship was not what Alex needed out of this relationship.

    "Really I want to help you. I swear but I can''t leave I am not allowed to"

    "You''re a grown up I don''t want to hear any excuses." He said and pushed the jacket back in Luke''s hands but the grey eyed boy did not take it.

    Alex wore it with a displeased expression gaining a sad smile from the person in front of him. He was ready to leave without even saying goodbye but he noticed Luke''s body suddenly becoming tense. He looked at him with a questioning look as he turned his head and looked behind him. His eyes then started shinning that silver color again and when their eyes met again Alex felt his heart stop. They were beautiful, like liquid iron and they stared right into his green ones with so much tension that he felt his whole body turn hot.

    "Someone is approaching. I will go and distract them, you leave. Be careful" he told him and without even waiting he ran away from him. He soon disappeared into the starless night and Alex was left alone as the breeze got stronger and stronger.

    He wrapped his around himself and felt the cold leather underneath his palms. He let out a sigh while looking around at the majestic building. Forget about it. You will never see him again. He repeated again and again in his head. This was all like a dream. He had jumped into some kind of fantasy novel and now it was time to finally get out. But as he walked outside something stopped him again.

    Those eyes and his hesitant smile were things he couldn''t get out of his head. His image while calling him cute and kind had now been imprinted on his heart.

    He turned around on his heels leaving the endless road behind and walked back inside through the scary gate. He should tell him that he wanted to be friends. Keep that oversized jacket that hid his fingertips and see his again. Talk to him about things because he looked so cute when he laughed and he made his heart flatter when he teased him. He scared him at first but he was not how he looked. He was sure. Alex had that feeling waking up inside him that told him he shouldn''t leave Luke behind.

    He started running towards the direction Luke had disappeared.

    His footsteps were heavy diving into small ponds of mud here and there and Alex just realized he was still wearing his uniform and soccer shoes. He was definitely smelly from being sweaty and with that bruised nose he was sure his image was at its worst. He would obviously never peak anyone''s interest looking like that he thought but he kept running.

    He didn''t know where he was going and his actions proved to be more than stupid when he saw three men looking at him. They were sitting outside smoking and when they heard him they immediately turned around.

    Alex had never thought about how he wanted to die but right now dying by a werewolf seemed too flashy for him. He was a simple person, he wanted to live a simple life and these occurrences were not simple. They were a tragedy and somehow he found himself being one of the extras that always dies first.

    He knew it was pointless to try and run away but anyways he did it only to be forcefully yanked by the back of his collar to the ground. A foot landed on his chest and he spat out a patch of blood that dirtied Luke''s jacket. He let out a pained whine but no one seemed to mind about the pain he was in. He was just a small framed nineteen-year-old what could he possibly do to them? They were definitely enjoying kicking him. One in the chest a few in the stomach until he couldn''t stand the pain anymore.

    He was stupid, he knew that and as everything turned black and he fainted for the second time today he was sure these people wouldn''t be as kind as Luke would. He didn''t want to die now. He wanted to see him again. He thought.

    Alex was not aware of how much time had passed but he woken up by the sound of whispering and the cold bucket of water that was slashed on his face. He gasped for air and heard a few people laugh. He couldn''t see very well from the water that made him freeze. He tried to move but he couldn''t and noticed that his hand and feet were tied to a wooden chair with a very harsh rope.

    "No use in trying to get away boy." He heard an unfamiliar voice say and looked at the man who walked closer. His whole body was in pain and he felt like every bone had been snapped. His throat was dry and he couldn''t try to utter a word.

    "This boy." The man said. "He was found roaming on our college campus wearing a pack''s member jacket. We need to find the traitor that brought a human into our home and decide a punishment for both of them."

    Alex looked around at the many people that had gathered. It was an auditorium and he had been placed on full display at the stage while the¡­pack was looking at him with angry eyes. He recognized a few of Luke''s teammates but most of them were unfamiliar.

    He found Luke in the crowd and beaten up and exhausted he silently pleaded for help. The grey eyed boy was looking at him filled with sadness and regret. He felt like he was the reason for his despair and partially he was but he didn''t know that he had turned back to find him, because he wanted to see him.

    Deep inside he knew that he Luke wouldn''t help him or more like he couldn''t. He really wanted to believe that there was a reason behind it and the way his eyes were filled with pain he couldn''t believe otherwise but still it hurt. He didn''t want to die. He begged him while they were looking at each other but soon after Luke stopped looking at him.

    "Tell us. Who allowed you to enter this place and you will get a quick and painful death. Stay silent and face the consequences." The man said.

    Alex searched for Luke again. Is this the end? He hadn''t managed to play soccer as much as he wanted. He hadn''t experienced his first love, he had done nothing and now he would die. He couldn''t help it and tears trailed his bloody cheeks as they were looking at each other. He was in so much pain he didn''t want to experience any more.

    He wanted to at least die peacefully.

    "Tell us."

 Chapter 5 - Match 5

    Luke had tried his best. He had really tried to get him out safely without anyone finding out but still somehow he had managed to get caught and now he was standing up there with everyone aware of his existence and awaiting for his punishment. They would find out about him soon too. That this was his jacket and he didn''t know what he should be worried about more. About the fact that his father the pack''s alpha and the man who was speaking to the crowd right now would skin him alive for putting their secret in danger or the fact that he had brought in a human but not only that but a male one.

    "Speak!" His father shouted and punched him with so much force his chair fell to the wooden floor. He felt his skin itch like something was completely wrong with his body as he looked at Alex beg him with his eyes to help him. What could he do though? He was powerless.

    Everything was his fault. He should have never brought him here in the first place. He didn''t know why he just wanted to stay a bit more with him. From the first moment he saw him that day with his teammates he looked like he was shining and after that on the field he couldn''t turn his eyes away. He was beautiful, pure and Luke seemed mesmerized by that. He had been selfish wanting to get to know him better, wanting to look into those ocean blue eyes for a little while longer and travel into their waters.

    He had to stop this. His heart was breaking looking at him. He had to save him, protect him. He wasn''t the kind of person to back away. He wanted to help him, apologize and maybe see his heartfelt smile one day.

    "Father!"

    "Alpha!" Someone shouted with a voice much louder than him and Luke turned to the source of the voice.

    "What is it Mikael?" His father asked and Luke noticed that his best friend Michael was talking. He was a tall twenty-year-old man with blond hair and dark blue eyes. They had grown up together and maybe one day if Luke took over the pack from his father he was planning to make him his Beta, his right hand man. Knowing him ever since he was a child his father stopped Alex''s torture to listen to him. He was known for being smart and a natural born strategist.

    "I don''t think this is the right way to do things. Killing him won''t reveal the traitor and since he knows he is going to die anyways he probably won''t talk. I mean how about we offer him his freedom and in exchange he tells us who did it? I mean he won''t be talking for sure now. He''s passed out from the beating." He said and Luke looked at Alex filled with worry. His head had fallen forward and his brown hair were hiding his closed eyes.

    "Father I agree" he spoke up. "Let me take the boy. I will question him. I can''t help but think that the ways of the pack sometimes are too over the top. We can do this without acting like brutes."

    "Are you calling me a brute Luke?" His alpha asked him and his eyes were burning with the immediate insult. Luke took a deep breath and cursed his lose mouth before he spoke.

    "Of course not. You are the leader that''s why I''m telling you this. Everyone knows how smart and reasonable you are."

    "Well¡­" his father started thinking. He looked at Alex for a bit his face altering with disgust. A disgust that infuriated Luke for some unknown reason. Someone like his had no right to look Alex like that. "You and Mikael can take that thing and deal with it. You have two days to find the traitor or else I just come in and kill it."

    "Yes sir, thank you" Mikael said and moved towards the stage.

    Luke followed him and with a leap he jumped up and approached him. He didn''t know where to touch him so he wouldn''t cause him any pain. Every part of his body that was exposed to his eyes had been bruised tinted a dark purple and Luke was scared that he would hurt him even more. He was aware though that his actions were the most hurtful.

    He didn''t want to be hated. He didn''t care about others but having him look at him with hate filled eyes made him sick. He kept standing there like an idiot when Mikael moved first and started undoing the ropes. His friend looked at him and silently warned him to start getting his thinking together. He had become too obvious it seemed that something was wrong with him.

    Once Mikael had untied him carefully Luke lifted him up and held him in his arms. He was so small in comparison to him, and every bit of him felt so fragile. His head had fallen on Luke''s chest and at that unfamiliar touch Luke felt his heart beat faster. He felt his body turning hot and not wanting anyone to realize he stormed off the room in a hurry and headed towards the infirmary.

    The pack''s infirmary was more like a small hospital wing with around six medical beds aligned perfectly in the milky white room. There were some machines around for checking someone''s blood pressure their heart beat and at the back of room there was a desk where the head doctor sat. At the moment no one was inside except for a young nurse. Mikael told her to go get the doctor and her while looking at the unconscious human in Luke''s arms ran to fetch him with a perplexed look.

    Luke carefully placed Alex in one of the empty beds and let out a sigh as he dragged a metal chair next to the bed. He sat down and hid his face in his hands. He wanted to scream. Alex was still unconscious and he flinched in pain a few times but still kept breathing steadily. Mikael looked at his best friend and shook his head.

    "You are that dumb right?" he asked him and Luke''s grey eyes widened.

    "What do you mean?"

    "I remember him. You talked to him at The Warriors college. You brought him in here but the reason is why?"

    "He saw me. I was half transformed and he saw it so I just punched him and brought him here. I was trying to help him escape last night but somehow he got caught. I can''t understand how though. I took him till the exit there is no way¡­."

    "He was found running back." Mikael said and Luke looked at him confused.

    Why would Alex want to return? He was mad at him and he said he didn''t want his friendship so why did he risk his life just to return back and get caught. That fool.

    "Tell me the truth Luke. Do you like this guy? I saw how you were looking at him, your eyes lit up and while he was being beaten your expression was like you were getting beaten too. Is it possible that he is¡­"

    "No! I don''t feel like that. Definitely no. It''s just that he was easy to talk to, he was funny and for a second I felt that I could make a normal friend but I ended up putting him in danger."

    "I am your normal friend." Mikael said and faked being insulted by his words. Luke smiled his grey eyes though remained sad as he looked at him.

    "You know what I mean."

    "I do. So what are we going to do about it? His teammates will be looking for him. What if they announce him as kidnapped?"

    All Luke had been worrying about till this moment was if Alex would get out of this horrible situation okay but after all there were a lot of things that he had to reconsider. The fact that someone had to be looking for him. He had been missing for a full day and he would be away for a while now so they had to do something so they wouldn''t raise any suspicions.

    "I''m going to call his college and say he had to return home for a few days because something happened. You keep an eye on him just in case someone tries to you know¡­clear out the trash."

    "Don''t call him trash" Luke said and Mikael laughed.

    "Be careful." He warned him before he left. At the door he came face to face with the doctor, a woman in her late thirties wearing a pair of red glasses and a white robe that reached her calves. She greeted him with a smile and entered the room heading immediately to where the unconscious human was.

    "Poor boy" she mumbled as she examined his wounds.

    "Will he be okay?" Luke asked his words filled with concern.

    "Yes. I mean his rib is broken and his wrist is sprained but I don''t think there is something more major. He will need rest. I will clean him up a bit and patch him up in a few places and he will be fine. You can go now."

    "I think I will stay" Luke said and the doctor smiled. She grabbed some of her tools and started taking care of Alex carefully.

    "You know sometimes as a doctor I think our pack can be very cruel."

    "The ways of the pack have been decided centuries ago." Luke said not wanting to show that he agreed with what the doctor said. He was the alpha''s son and showing that he did not have the same beliefs as him or that he wanted to handle things differently could be easily taken as disobedience and those who did not want him to become the next pack leader could have very strong evidence against him.

    The doctor whose name was Samantha smiled at him and finished with her examination. Soon Alex looked a bit better, as good as he could look in his situation. His hand was wrapped in a bandage and the blood had been cleaned up. Even if he was in pain he at least seemed like he was going to live and that relieved Luke''s worry to some extent.

    "I''ll be going for now. If he needs anything feel free to call me" she said and headed towards her office where she wrote her number into a small piece of paper and handed it to Luke. He thanked her with a tired smile and his eyes turned to Alex.

    He looked at him for a while. His beaten up face, his scratched arms. He had gotten a pretty good beating but he still looked very beautiful. His small nose and well-shaped pink lips, soft brown hair in the color of milk chocolate.

    He flinched a bit and let out a groan before his closed eyelids fluttered. Luke suddenly felt his pulse raise and he felt uneasy in the chair that he had been sitting on for hours. Alex slowly opened his eyes and that icy blue color froze him on the spot.

    "Am I alive?" He asked with a sore throat and Luke nodded.

    "I managed to get you out. My friend and I told them that we were going to make you talk so you could reveal the traitor."

    "But you are the traitor."

    "That''s true." Luke replied and his eyes were filled with sorrow. "I''m sorry. I didn''t want any of these for you. I shouldn''t have¡­"

    "It''s not fully your fault. I turned back" Alex confessed.

    "Why?"

    "Because I am stupid" he said and tried to smile but the cut on his lip made him frown instead. "I wanted to tell you that I wanted to be friends after all"

    "You and I being friends seems like a disaster but¡­"

    "¡­you want it"

    "Yeah. I do. I want to see you again" Luke told him and noticed that Alex''s cheeks turned a slight pink. He brought his hand at the back of his neck and scratched his head awkwardly not knowing what else to say.

    "Thank you for saving me"

    "Don''t thank me. I could''ve done a lot more. I should''ve. Watching you up there. It¡­it broke my heart"

    "Really?" Alex asked wanting to get some confirmation. It broke his heart in what way? Because saying that something broke your heart it meant that it was really serious. Was a new friendship this serious or could it be something else?

    "I contacted the school. Oh, good you''re awake" Someone said and an unfamiliar to Alex figure entered the room. He had opened the door without making the slightest sound and now was standing at the edge of his bed looking at him with a relieved smile. "Hi. I''m Mikael, Luke''s best friend."

    "Hello" Alex said and turned his eyes over to Luke. He nodded at him telling him that Mikael was a safe person and his upcoming fear subsided slightly. He had a kind looking smile and that made him feel a bit better. He was Luke''s friend after all so he wouldn''t be that bad.

    "I''m sorry to ruin this romantic atmosphere but I have bad news."

    "What happened now?" Luke asked with an annoyed look.

    "Our Lily dearest, your girlfriend recognized your jacket and she is waiting to meet your father who is in a pack meeting to tell him. So we need to get Alex out. Immediately. We have about an hour to save his life and yours my dear friend."

    .....

    Hello everyone! Thanks for reading! I hope you liked my story this far. It would really help if you could vote and maybe write a review.

    Thanks!

 Chapter 6 - Match 6

    "I am going to have a mental breakdown. I can''t do this" Alex whined and closed his eyes shut. In the darkness he could still hear the voice of that man announcing his death. His doom. He would not offer him a way out and he would definitely never betray Luke. Not only just because in the few days he knew him he had become fond of him, maybe a little too much but also because he wouldn''t be able to live with himself if he was the reason for another''s death.

    "Don''t worry we will find a way." Luke told him and nervously he took his hand in his. His skin was warm and the comfort it brought was welcomed. He made him feel like he wasn''t alone in this.??

    "I don''t want to interrupt this very romantic moment but I have already found a way and it''s this." Mikael cut in and threw on the bed, at the end of Alex''s feet a wrapped, huge, black bag.

    "Is that a body bag?" Luke asked and both of them looked at the thing with a perplexed look. Mikael on the other hand was looking at it with a very proud smile. He didn''t say anything like he was expecting them to understand but seeing their obvious confusion a frown appeared on his face.

    "You don''t get it? You my dear boy will get inside here. We will say you died because your wounds were too serious if they ask us and we will safely take your ''dead'' body out without anyone caring."

    "Umm I appreciate the thought you put into this but it sounds very...simple" Alex commented and Luke tried to hide a chuckle.

    "Well simplicity is sometimes the key. Let me tell you wolves are very strong and impulsive but I wouldn''t say that most of our members are the brightest of beasts. Take for example this guy" Mikael said and pointed at his best friend. "he hits the people he likes"

    "Yeah I got a hint about that" Alex joked. "I guess we can try it."

    "Good, good." Mikael said with a satisfied nod. He grabbed the black bag and opened the zipper, laying it better on the bed. Alex knew he was not going to able to breathe in there so he started puffing in air in his lungs like that was going to be of some help. He didn''t even want to ask why they had a body bag at their disposal at any time but he assumed that a few other poor, unfortunate souls had been in his place before and they were actually dead inside that bag. "get in now sweetie"

    "You can take your time" Luke said

    "No you can''t tik tok big guy we have no time."

    "I said he can take his time" Luke said and a low growl was heard, coming from the end of his throat. Mikael instead of being intimidated he laughed and just took a step back.

    "Okay, okay. Take your time then."

    "No it''s okay I can do it." Alex said and tried to muster up all the courage he had left in him. The first up was managing to sat up properly even though his whole body felt like it was being pierced by needles. He approached the part of the bed that was covered by the body bag and sat exactly in the center of it. Then he laid down with his arms close to his body.

    "Good job. Now I will close the bag and carry you. It might hurt because you''re injured but please try not to move or make a sound" Mikael advised and Alex nodded.

    "I will carry him."

    "Okay you will carry him." Mikael agreed not really caring who was going to carry his dead body. The blond boy simply took a hold of the zipper and closed slowly the bag letting the darkness embrace Alex.

    At first he felt claustrophobic. It was a brand new sensation since he had never been afraid or uncomfortable in small spaces but at that moment being drowned in darkness, unaware of what was happening outside and injured he felt utterly vulnerable.

    "It''s going to be okay." Luke whispered and he soon felt his body being lift up. The places where Luke''s hand had taken ahold of him pained him and with every step he took he felt an extra ting on his wound, like someone had taken a small knife and was reopening them. None the less he tried to stay quiet. He was being carried like a princess or more like a dead one and he couldn''t help but smile with that. The whole situation was the least ironic.

    It was amazing how someone''s life could change so much in just a few days and only by a simple mistake. He would consider himself a pretty normal person if you excluded the situation with his family. He did normal things and had normal wishes, nothing too extravagant really so thinking about the fact that he probably liked a werewolf straight boy that had actually a girlfriend and he was in a body bag being carried by him to safety was like he had entered some parallel universe.

    Luke''s careful footsteps soon came to a stop and Alex could faintly hear the start of a conversation.

    "Hello there boys? What stupid thing are you up to now?" A very soothing voice that belonged to an older woman was heard.

    "Nothing mum. We''re just getting rid of the body dad made sure to cripple." Luke said. So that lady was his mother. He was really curious as to what she looked like. He wondered how beautiful she could be to have such a handsome son.

    "Your father he¡­."

    "It''s alright mum he is the alpha. I know that." Luke said and Alex shivered. So the guy that wanted so eagerly to kill him was Luke''s dad. That was splendid he could add another father to the list of angry men who wanted to kill him. His father obviously being the worst for hating his son. He could see now why Luke said he couldn''t leave. His father was the extreme version of the father of a teenage girl as it seemed.

    "I''m glad. You know he loves you right?"

    "Yeah. I''m sorry but we have to go. This thing will stink soon so we need to get rid of it."

    "I can call someone for you if you want" His mum offered and Alex''s heart started racing. He wasn''t actually dead, he hoped the boys remembered that.

    "No it''s alright it''s a good workout" he joked and he heard his mum laugh. Later on after they exchanged a few typical greetings and Luke promising he will be on time for dinner they started walking again.

    The road was a bit bumpy from a point onwards and Alex realized that they were finally outside. Luke was going slowly not wanting to hurt him and he was really grateful for that. These last few hours he had felt more pain and anguish that he ever had and he wanted this to be the last time.

    Luke put him down after a while and he came face to face with a smiling Mikael who opened the zipper.

    "See? I told ya, simplicity is key. We have to dispose of two or three body bags a week. That''s normal." He commented.

    "I don''t think I wanted to know that" Alex said and Mikael shrugged his shoulders in response.

    Luke came closer and tended his hand wanting to help him get up. They touched again and he felt that peculiar comfort. A sensation that reminded of his home, back in the good days. His palm was rough but he didn''t mind and he tried to preserve their carnal link just a bit longer. Luke didn''t seem to mind either, holding him tightly even after he had gotten up.

    Alex looked around. They were away from campus at the endless road he was supposed to follow yesterday. Now it was day and he could appreciate finally the beauty of the scenery. Trees stood tall in deep green color and vibrant grass. The wind blew slightly letting the scents of the forest travel to the road. The sky was clear with only a few puffy clouds and now Alex could finally relax. He hadn''t known were exactly they had taken him but the fact that he couldn''t see that college of terrors anymore was more than enough.

    "We have called a cab for you. It will get you home safely. Don''t worry about paying it will charge us" Mikael said and looked at their linked hands with a smile. He expected Luke to let go of him now but he did. He held on and just turned around completely ignoring his friend. Cloudy eyes were looking at him with such kindness.

    "I hope you don''t hate me" Luke said with a sad smile. "After all this."

    "I don''t. I still want to be friends. We can go out sometime and we will have to play against each other too. I won''t go easy on you." Alex joked.

    "Yeah, we might" Luke said but his eyes somehow expressed sadness rather than relief that this was all over.

    Alex heard the sound of a car approaching and soon a bright yellow taxi had stopped right next to him.

    "Did you call for a cab?" the driver asked

    "Yeah. That''s us. You have my phone number call me for the price" Mikael said and opened the door for Alex. "The next time we meet I hope it will be under better circumstances."

    "Yeah. Me too. I guess this is goodbye." He told Luke. He turned around to enter the cab and let go of the boy''s hand but he fiercely turned him around and hugged him. At first he was surprised but he soon relaxed. His body finding shelter between his arms. He rested his head on the crook of his neck and he hugged him back. He didn''t question the caring gesture nor he wanted to. He only knew that he was enjoying the loving motion.

    "I am so glad you are okay." He said and his voice sounded like he was about to cry. "Thank you for wanting to be my friend" he whispered and let of him. He turned his back on him immediately and Alex didn''t say anything. He believed that the pressure of the events was finally being released and he didn''t want to make him feel uncomfortable.

    "Bye guys." He greeted them and got inside the cab.

    He was finally sitting on something comfortable. The driver was very kind as he gave him his dorm''s address and the cab had a refreshing scent of orange. He let his head rest on the seat recalling the last moments. He seemed so sad, his answers were so vague and he wondered if he had missed something.

    He really did. He was such a fool and he was so preoccupied with how handsome, and with the hug and all those silly stuff that overtook his mind that he didn''t think of the most important question.

    What would happen to Luke now?

    Lilly knew about him and she was waiting to rat him out to his father. Luke was obviously scared of his father and that fear wasn''t unjustified but what would happen to him now that the whole pack would know he was the traitor, the one who let the human in without thinking the consequences?

    "Excuse me. Could you please turn the car back? I forgot something."

    "I''m sorry. They instructed me not to return for any reason."

    "Please it''s important." Alex begged. He needed to go back and get him. They could escape together. He would save him like Luke did for him.

    "Let it go kiddo. It''s better that way. This is not your world" the driver said and Alex felt his eyes water.

    What would happen to Luke now?

 Chapter 7 - Match 7

    The moment he entered his room surrounded by familiar furniture and the smell he had associated with resting and feeling safe he immediately broke down.

    He let himself fall on the floor and brought his scrapped knees to his chest. He hid his face between them and felt the tears surface even though he didn''t want to. He was in pain. Physically and mentally. He was worried about what was going to happen to Luke. He wanted so desperately to be there for him like he did but he was so stupid that didn''t realize what was going on.??

    Alex wanted to be quiet. Not to make a big deal out of this but his light sobs were getting louder and louder as he couldn''t stop himself ending up having a panic episode. He couldn''t breathe. He was being suffocated by guilt and for the first time his room almost seemed like a prison draining his strength.

    He didn''t even notice Mark entering the room and only when he talked to him he raised his head.

    "Dude where have you been? I know you weren''t at home like they said so tell me what....what happened to you?" Mark asked and ran to his side, sitting down and patting patiently his back while he cried. "Alex what''s wrong"

    "I ruined everything. He will be hurt because of me." He almost screamed and he couldn''t contain the pain he felt. He couldn''t explain it and he wasn''t aware where he had been keeping bottled up inside that kind of pain that he was letting crush him like a cold wave of fear and anxiousness.

    "Alex you''re scaring me. Calm down please. Tell me what happened I want to help." Mark begged him. He was really worried looking at his best friend acting like that. He had never seen a person have such a breakdown before and he was afraid something bad might happen.

    Alex looked at him with his green eyes framed by now turned red whites. He couldn''t stop crying . He breathed in and breathed out again and again but it was to no avail. Mark helped him slowly get up and urged him to lie down.

    His bed was soft with pale orange covers that felt warm to the touch. He wrapped his blanket around his injured body. It was heavy and he almost thought about hiding underneath it, letting it swallow him so he could never see daylight again. He was the reason Luke would be hurt and he preferred to disappear than actually let go and move on with his life.

    "Why do I feel like this?" He asked not particularly anyone, hidden between the sheets.

    "How do you feel?"

    "Like the whole world is going to end Mark. This is not normal. I know him only for two days why do I feel like that, something is wrong with me but I can''t stop it."

    "Tell me what happened please. I want to help."

    "You won''t believe me."

    "I will. I promise."

    Alex peeked from the covers and looked at Mark who was sitting on his side.

    "Really?" He asked calming down slightly.

    "Yes. So talk to me."

    And he did. He told him everything. From the beginning until now. Every feeling every word, all the events poured out from him and with every revelation he felt like a huge weight was being lifted off his chest. Mark was listening carefully to him all the time, not even daring to interrupt him. When Alex was finally over explaining his unbelievable story they stood silent just looking at eachother and the green eyed boy knew Mark was trying to process everything.

    "Shit. What the heck?"

    "That''s it. I want to help him Mark. Is there something we could do?"

    "I mean. Do we really want to do something? He is a werewolf and his dad wanted to kill you."

    "We have to."

    "And about the way you feel about him....is it l..."

    "Can we not talk about that now? I can''t even explain it myself so what I need to do first is make sure he is okay. So I can be okay too."

    "Alright then. So you said the taxi driver had the phone number of his best friend right?"

    "Yes."

    "I know it''s probably impossible but do you remember the plates of the car?"

    "I do"

    "Really? That''s actually the most surprising thing I''ve heard today." He joked.

    "Yeah I have a good memory."

    "Okay then." Mark said and stood up from the bed. He headed towards his desk at the side of the room and pushed away a few assignments that he was never going to finish and opened his laptop. Alex was curious and moved around a bit trying to look at the screen but soon his friend was standing and searching inside his soccer bag. He grabbed his phone and typed a number and with his socked feet he ran across the room back to him. "There you go." He said and passed him the phone.

    "What?"

    "This is the phone number of the driver. Call him so we can find the number of the friend."

    "Mark you are...."

    "A genius? An amazing friend? The best human in this world? True, true and true. Now call him."

    "Thank you" Alex said and his eyes started to water again.

    "Noooo don''t cry. Call him we don''t have that much time."

    "Yeah." He agreed and grabbed the phone. His hands were shaking and the screen seemed a bit blurry. He didn''t try to make out the numbers he just pressed the call button and brought it closer to his ear. Every ring made him more and more impatient and when he heard Mikael''s voice on the other line he forgot what he was planning to say. He stood like he was frozen his pupils shaking from side to side.

    "M-M-Mikael. It''s me. I want to know about Luke." He mumbled. "Please I want to help. I don''t want him to get hurt. Is he okay? Thank God. I can help yeah. Yes."

    Mark paid attention to every word he said and his relieved expression irked him to know what they were saying. He mouthed what, what is he saying more than ten times but Alex was too focused to even pay attention. After he hanged up he took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a while. Without saying anything he jumped up like his whole stamina had been replenished. He opened the drawers of his desk and searched every single one of them while throwing insignificant things on the ground without caring if he would break them or not. In the end he held a pair of silver keys in the air victorious.

    "What did he say?" Mark screamed and Alex looked at him with a smile.

    "He can get Luke out of there if we have a place to hide him. We can head over there tonight. "

    "Wait why didn''t he get him out earlier if he could?"

    "He is not allowed to leave. If he tried to the alpha would be signaled through their pack link. We will take Luke and they will probably go after us so he will stall them. We will hide him until we find a way to ensure his safety."

    "Oh my god we will die. Where will we hide him because here is not the right place."

    "We will hide him in my family''s old vacation home. No one goes there anymore but I stole the keys when they kicked me out just in case of emergency."

    "So if the wolves don''t kill us your parents will."

    "They won''t know. Come one we need to get ready. The taxi is coming. Hurry up "

    "Suddenly you''re very energetic." Mark joked gaining a scoff from Alex.

    "I will help him." Alex said filled with new determination.

    "Okay then let''s go." Mark agreed.

    Alex felt like an international spy at that moment and every inch of his wounded body seemed to have magically healed. Except of his hand who still troubled him when he tried to pack a few clothes and necessities for their trip. The journey wouldn''t be long but he didn''t know how long they would have to stay there. He really tried to eliminate the thought of this being some kind of romantic trip but still it lingered without any difficulty in his heart.

    He didn''t even wait for Mark to finish packing his stuff he just went out the room with his bag on his good hand just having changed his clothes into some black jeans and a simple white t-shirt. He really wanted to take a shower since he knew he was probably as smelly as a stray dog but he had a rescue mission to accomplish.

    He ran down the corridors and a few times he had to ignore his teammates who were seeing him for the first time in a few days. Some called out to him but he didn''t pay any attention and ran faster. Mark told him to slow down more than five times but he didn''t want to hear him out.

    He had managed to get outside the building in half the actual time it usually took and he hungrily searched for the taxi.

    When it appeared in front of him he entered like a sack of potatoes siting sloppily on the seat and pulled Mark inside from his arm making him hit his head at the door frame.

    "Dude!" Mark whined and rubbed the top of his head.

    "Sorry. Sorry. Umm please take us to the college. Where Mikael told you."

    "Sure. I hope you''re not regretting it."

    "Alex even the driver is giving us signs. I mean this is crazy what are we even doing? What if this is a call from the universe to stop?"

    "Shut up Mark" Alex said and held the keys in his palms like they were the most precious treasure he ever had. They were their escape. That house was always something he didn''t consider as a big deal. It never had a special place in his memories but now it had become a safe haven for him and Luke. He was going to help him.

    After a very fast drive that probably exceeded the speed limit their arrival was greeted with a starry clear sky. Alex exited the car while Mark stayed inside and waited, looking at his friend who was wandering the street.

    His green eyes searched the area and he easily found who he was looking for. Mikael was supporting Luke by holding him from underneath his armpit, the raven haired''s arm around his shoulders. He was limping and his head was hanging the same way Alex''s did. His hair was falling messily in front of his face hiding any sign that he had acknowledged his presence. Alex ran over to them without a second thought.

    "Come on. The car is waiting." He said ready to take Luke from Mikael''s hands. He would be supporting him now. It was his duty to get him out safe.

    "You shouldn''t have come. It''s too dangerous."

    "I don''t care." Alex said and let him rest on his shoulder. He was heavy and the fact that he couldn''t stand on his own fully, made it even harder but he had promised to himself that even if he had to crawl he would get him out of here. "Let''s go. Thank you." Alex thanked him and Mikael smiled.

    They had managed to make just a few steps when suddenly a huge spotlight landed on them from the entrance of the building. They heard someone shouting and the rumbling of footsteps was heard.

    "You guys have to run." Mikael said and Alex put every bit of strength he got to speed up his pace but it was pointless. Once again he couldn''t be of any help. He heard Luke laugh and the grey eyed boy told him.

    "We won''t make it. You can''t run in this state "

    "I can." He said and noticed how the footsteps were getting closer and closer.

    "Just run without me. I''m too heavy."

    "I won''t leave you here."

    "You might die!" Luke shouted, his voice echoing in Alex''s mind, making his heart tremble. It was filled with pain and regret.

    "I won''t leave you" he repeated and Luke sighed. Then with a swift move he pushed Alex away.

    "Don''t get scared." He warned him and then the screeching sound of bones cracking was heard. His eyes widened at the sight in front of him and he tried to hide his fear as Luke''s form was being altered into something different, something not human. He was changing and his teeth turned into sharp fangs, his eyes shone silver and he started getting fur all over his muscled body. A black fur that seemed so soft, shining like silk in the colour of the night covered him whole until there wasn''t a human part left in him. He had turned into a huge black wolf, his eyes two grey moons filled with so much tension that Alex feared he would be brought to his knees. . "Jump on my back" he growled and he heard his words clear into his head.

    Alex obeyed and as gently as he could he touched the delicate fur feeling it between his fingers, memorising this unforgettable texture He got on to his back and Luke started running.

    Towards where no one knew all they wanted to do was escape.

 Chapter 8 - Match 8

    Alex could hear leaves and twigs crumbling underneath Luke''s tremendous paws. He was running letting himself and Alex be whipped by the merciless night wind. He was gripping the wolf''s fur tightly not wanting to fall off but at some point his fists had turned white from the strength and he was afraid he was hurting him but he seemed unfazed and kept running.

    "We left Mark, my friend behind" Alex screamed pushing some leaves that were being thrown in his face by some low twigs.

    "He will be fine Mikael will take care of him" he said not really relieving him from his worries. He had dragged Mark into this he would be responsible if something had happened to him. In addition, the ginger would be freaking out by now seeing him disappear in the back of a beast into the forest.

    They didn''t make it that far. Luke was really fast but at the same time injured heavily so he couldn''t unlock his true potential and help them get away. A brown wolf jumped from their right knocking Alex down and away from Luke''s back and into a thorny bush. He felt the thorns trying to get through the first layer of his skin and immediately turned into a statue. From the little gaps in between the dark brown leaves and vines he watched the fight unveil.

    Luke had the wolf pinned down for a while biting him lightly. He didn''t want to injure him since he was a member of his pack. They were supposed to be a family. The tables turned soon though as the brown one pushed his muzzle forward and hit him. Soon after Luke was beneath him with his fangs fully exposed trying to grab a bite out of him but he was pinned down helpless. His enemy was aggressive. He wasn''t being careful of injuring Luke heavily as he bit into his flesh and stained his sharp teeth with his blood. At this rate he is going to die. Alex thought and tried to move as silently as he could. Through his pain, while telling himself that this was nothing in comparison to what Luke was going through, he managed to crawl away from the bush and grab a big, heavy rock with pointy ends. Luke was howling loudly masking his every step and his cried felt like a poison spreading through Alex''s body. He had to do it. He was planning on killing Luke it was obvious.

    He had lost a lot of blood and he knew that the brown wolf would want to finish it soon. He didn''t seem to care and Alex wondered if he was someone who didn''t like the alpha''s son that much. It didn''t matter though, all he wanted was to keep Luke safe so he ran towards the two beast that were still fighting and smashed the rock into the brown wolf''s head. He let out a haunting cry and fell to the ground. Soon he was unconscious and his form began to change. He took the shape of a young man no more than twenty-five years old that had a huge crack in his skull.

    Looking at him like that, now that he was completely human Alex''s green eyes widened in shock. There was so much blood oozing out from his head. The ground around the wound turned muddy as the earth swallowed the scarlet liquid. The rock fell from his hands making an empty sound and he took a few steps back petrified. He had killed him.

    "I killed him" Alex mumbled and looked at his hands. With these hands he had taken someone''s life. He didn''t know this man. He had never seen it before in his life but just in a few seconds he had become his doom and end bringer. They were complete strangers but he took his life in his hands and crashed it.

    "Alex." The wolf growl. Luke was barely standing and his moon colored eyes were glued on the shaking boy. His eyes had turned red and tears threatened to stream down his pale face. "We need to leave."

    "I killed him. I murdered someone." He said again. He wasn''t able to move. He had been rooted in this place, impotent to look somewhere else. His eyes were glued at the dead body which in a few days would rot and get eaten by wolves.

    "We need to¡­" Luke tried to say again, hoping to wake him up from his nightmare but his ears twitched and his head turned at a new sound. Footsteps. Two pairs of feet were approaching fast and Luke knew that in his current condition he would not be able to defeat them. "Let''s go"

    "Alex!" Someone shouted and they realized that Mikael with his keen sense of smell had managed to caught up to them. With him was a red haired boy who Luke assumed that he was Alex''s friend that he talked about.

    "Ooh that looks like a nasty wound" Mikael commented once they reached the others and saw the dead body. He looked at it unfazed for a few second before he said. "I never liked jack anyways. So judging from your look Alex you ended him?"

    He asked and Alex nodded like he was choking. Mark''s kind eyes widened but he didn''t say anything. His friend seemed like he was about to throw up, his hands shaking so he had no intention to make things worse.

    "Good job boy that was very clean one hit and over" Mikael said and Alex couldn''t keep it in anymore.

    He ran further away from them behind a tree and vomited everything that he had in his stomach. It wasn''t that much because he hadn''t had the time to eat a proper meal but still he felt like he couldn''t stop.

    "Shut up Mikael"

    "Well, I guess humans are not that used to things like that as we are but anyways. What''s the plan?" Mikael asked Mark who was the only one that seemed well enough to explain.

    "We will take Luke and hide him in a cottage his family owns. No one visits there and since they don''t know about it we think you will be safe until we find a way to help" Mark told him. Luke still in his wolf form that was actually allowing him to recover faster he had sat down on the ground and resting. He knew they weren''t going to send any more people. They believed that jack would be good enough to finish the job since he was injured and they were probably waiting for him but they hadn''t thought that Alex would save him.

    He looked at him standing behind that tree. He was terrified, disgusted at his own self and he seemed like he wanted to rip his skin off. Luke didn''t know what to say to him. Ever since he was a child, occurrences like these were normal to him. Beatings, tortures and murders were common in the struggle for power and secrecy. He desperately wanted to say something that would make him feel better but he didn''t know which were their right words that would manage to soothe his scarred by guilt heart.

    "Let''s go." He simply ended up saying and urged everyone to get on their feet. Mark was a bit resistant. He stood still for a while and turned around him.

    "Don''t you guys hear something?" he asked

    "Believe me if something was here we would hear it first" Mikael bragged and Mark scoffed. Their meeting had been quite eventful and he was ready to tell Alex everything once he was feeling ready. He started pacing towards him wanting to say something to help him but Luke actually beat him to it. He slowly changed into his human form, his clothes ripped in many places but somehow everyone ignored that at the moment, and stood next to him. He placed his palm on his shoulder making him focus on him.

    "Try to calm down" he said his voice low and soothing.

    "I can''t¡­I can''t¡­I¡­I actually murdered someone." He stuttered and hugged himself. He suddenly felt really cold.

    "No listen to me. Look at me." He said and moved in front of him, cupping his delicate face with his bloody palms, raising his head so they were looking into each other''s eyes.

    Alex froze for a second and he felt Luke''s eyes turning him numb. He loved his eyes. So rare, so cold but when he was looking at him he felt like a fire was being lit up between them, slowly licking his skin and warming him up, making his blood flow again.

    "I can''t. I''m sorry I just wanted to you to live. I didn''t want to hurt him but I don''t know what I would do if you died Luke. I''m sorry." Alex cried and the taller boy took his tears away with his thumbs. The salty drops wetting his fingertips, electricity pulsed through the wolf''s body. His heart sped up and his senses were heightened. He felt like Alex had managed to tear down all of his walls, one by one without even trying. Just by looking at him, touching him he had turned into a vulnerable boy who was hurting by watching him cry.

    "You didn''t just kill him. You saved me. I am alive because of you. You saved my life" Luke repeated trying to make him understand. "You are not a murdered." He whispered and moved closer. "you are my savior" he told him and did something that Alex could only had dreamed of a few hours ago.

    He kissed him. He brought his lips closer, letting him shiver and then he crashed their bodies bringing Alex into his embrace and kissed him with so much passion like he wanted to devour him, become one with him and never let go.

    Alex trembled by the force of his feelings, his knees buckled and he almost lost himself thinking he never wanted this to end. He wrapped his arms around Luke''s strong abdomen and let him lead both of them into pleasure. The world around disappeared and for a moment Alex felt fine.

    "You saved me." He said and Alex could only nod.

    The green eyed boy ran to his friend in a hurry as he awakened from his bliss and noticed how Mikael was approaching them. He stormed off a few meters away with Mark unable to hear what the other two were saying while being left behind.

    "So what was that?" Mikael asked.

    "I wanted to calm him down"

    "That''s how you calm people down?"

    "It was obvious that he liked me so¡­"

    "And you don''t like him?" Mikael asked with a suspicious look.

    "There are so many reasons why I shouldn''t like him.

    "But you do"

    "No, I don''t. I won''t" Luke said with a decisive look and let his friend behind wonder how could someone be so stupid.

    He had managed to calm down Alex for now but he was more worried about the storm that was about to come.

 Chapter 9 - Match 9

    They walked inside the forest for quite some time and Alex wondered if they were walking in circles too many times. Every tree, every bush seemed almost the same with their dark green colors. He thought of actually marking a tree or two just in case but he didn''t need to eventually. Mikael eventually had decided to lead them through a more complicated path to ensure their safety making sure that the pack wouldn''t be able to follow their scent from the many detours.

    He led them finally outside to a road pretty far away from where they had started and he was curious for how long they had been walking so they would end up so far away. In front of them was waiting a little black car that seemed to be over fifteen years old. It was parked at the edge of the road and Mikael took his keys out from his pocket and signaled them to get inside.

    Him and his friend sat in the front seats leaving Alex and Mark sit behind. The seat covers were a bit worn out and the top of the car had a few scratch marks.

    "So how about we begin our little road trip?"

    "This is your car?" Mark asked and looked around him displeased. Alex couldn''t help but chuckle knowing that Mark had been raised in a wealthy household and this probably had been one of the smallest and oldest cars he had ever been compared to his dad Ferrari that brought him to college the first day.

    "This is my escape car. If you don''t like it, you can always get out." Mikael said and started the engine. It roared and the car hit the road easily. It worked much better than someone would expect seeing its appearance and Alex let himself rest and take a breath for a while. They were leaving, escaping and everyone was alive.

    "We used this car every time we wanted to escape the pack." Luke explained "No one knows about it."

    "How are your wounds?" Alex asked not being that interested about the car but Luke''s state. He had been heavily injured by that guy back there but now he seemed a bit better. He would feel okay though only if he heard it from his mouth. The mouth that with those plump lips had given him his first kiss.

    "I''m better. The fact that I got to be in my wolf form for a while helps me heal faster." He told him and Alex sensed a coldness in his voice. He was distant and didn''t even look at him through the mirror when he answered him. Alex felt his heart clench a bit and he got worried that something had gone wrong with their kiss. He had done something awfully wrong that he wasn''t aware about it.

    "Don''t worry Alex this dog right here won''t die. At least not until he finds his mate." Mikael joked and Luke scoffed.

    "Mate?" Mark asked with a confused look. "Like a soulmate?"

    "Yeah. We get that. I mean eternity is very lonely without someone to spend it with. I don''t know what I''d do without my mate with me"

    "Wait, wait. Eternity? How old are you guys?" Mark asked looking at them back and forth. They didn''t look over twenty-three but as it seemed that wasn''t the case.

    "I''m one hundred and one years old and this moody guy here is one hundred and ten?"

    "Eleven. One hundred and eleven" Luke corrected him.

    "So you have a mate?" Alex asked. He was curious about the mate bond. He wanted to know how it felt to be linked to someone like that. A love story without an end. Meant to be with someone, to be together forever. It was such a foreign thought to him. He honestly never imagined of finding true love in this day and age even if it was going to even for a few years.

    "I did have a mate. But she is dead." Mikael said as he turned into the highways. A lot of cars now where surrounding them and the driver hit the gas a bit more.

    "She was a rogue. I met her and asked for her to be accepted into the pack but the alpha denied it and they eventually caught her and killed her."

    "I''m sorry." Alex said feeling a bit guilty for asking. Mikael always seemed very cheerful and like he doesn''t have a care in this world but he was hiding such a painful past. He didn''t know what he would''ve done if something like that had happened to him.

    "It''s okay. I''m waiting. One day I will meet her again. She will reincarnate and she will come to me."

    "Does that really happen?" Mark asked surprised.

    "Yeah. When your mate dies one day they might come back reincarnated. I''ve been waiting for sixty years now."

    "Yeah he is playing monk not even looking at anyone else waiting for Scarlet to just appear out of nowhere." Luke said and Mikael gave him a bitter smile and looked back at the road.

    "My advice to you my friend is when you find your mate accept them. Don''t be like me and lose precious time. Yes, we get eternity but sometimes your eternity could be only a day or an hour. When you feel the true threat of losing your special someone you will know. For now, please shut up."

    "Yeah, yeah" Luke said and that was pretty much the end of their conversation.

    Every person in the room except for Mikael who was driving soon fell asleep. They didn''t see the pretty scenery, with the willow trees or the small ponds shining a green blue color underneath the burning sun. They were many colorful birds that flew above them and the cars seemed to lessen more and more as they headed deeper into the vacation compound. It was a place especially made around a huge lake with about ten or less vacation homes that at this time of the year were usually empty. Alex''s house had always been empty ever since he turned sixteen after an incident that made his parents hate this place.

    Mikael had to wake him up because he wanted to know how to get to his house. The green eyed boy looked around while the car was moving and a sense of longing conquered his heart. So many memories of his childhood came rushing in and it was a heavier burden than he thought. The image of a longing family compared to his current feeling of loneliness. The smiled and hugs contradicting the yells and the beating he received as he turned older. He could almost feel his mother''s hug and then his father''s belt hitting his back destroying the sweet memory.

    "It''s this one" Alex pointed towards a little wooden house. It had two floors. And a very pretty veranda at the bag with one of those swinging couches and a small glass table that had been left alone and dirtied.

    The car stopped in front of the house and all of them began to fully wake up. The moment they stepped out they started stretching their arms and legs being freed by the narrow space of the car. Alex found his keys and unlocked the door. He was standing in front of everyone and for a second he hesitated to enter.

    "Are you alright?" Mark asked him and he nodded. He took a step inside and he shivered but he didn''t make a big deal out of it. He just looked around.

    There was a small kitchen and a living room. The couches and the armchair had been covered with white sheets as they stood in front of the ashy fireplace. There was a corridor that led to one of the bedrooms and its bathroom and staircase that led to the attic where there was another bedroom and a second smaller bathroom.

    "Is it okay to rest a bit and clean up later? I feel sore everywhere." Mikael said.

    "Yeah sure" Alex agreed and walked at the back, where the veranda was.

    It was like someone had drained a part of his soul. This house was alive and was eating up all his energy while bringing him all those beautiful memories just to have them destroyed by the cruel reality. He sat at the swing, not caring about the dust and closed his eyes. Just a few meters away he would play soccer with his dad. He could still see his smile every time his dad would let him score and his mum would cheer. He really loved soccer. His dad had made him love every bit of it and they would always be in every single one of his games bringing him good luck. Since he started college though there would always be two seats empty at the front row. Alex always kept them, in every single game just in case they wanted to come but he knew it was impossible.

    He felt the pillow of the swing dive a bit and he turned around to see that someone had sat next to him. He started swinging back and forth while looking at him.

    Luke was incredibly handsome if that word was even enough to describe him. From his pretty icy eyes to his straight nose and plump lips it seemed like every detail on his face was made by a divine being. His tanned skinned and those cute freckles like little splatters of paint were adorable.

    Alex smiled at him. He felt like that was the only thing he could do being so close to him, muted by his perfection. He didn''t smile back though he just kept staring at him with a skeptic expression like he was thinking about something. He wanted to talk about something and he couldn''t find the words.

    "Tell me" Alex said finally after a while wanting to urge him to talk. No matter what it was he wanted to hear it. He needed to know because after all being in the dark, feeling anxious and curious was not something that he could easily handle at the moment.

    "I want to talk about our kiss. I''m sorry but it was wrong." he said and Alex felt like someone had just ripped his heart off and smashed it to the ground. This house really would be the host of some of his most awful memories.

 Chapter 10 - Match 10

    "I want to talk about our kiss. I''m sorry but it was wrong."

    It was a new feeling. Rejection. Heartbreaking and unstoppable like an ocean wave. It crushed him hard and he felt for a second his soul leaving his body. He turned numb and somehow his brain started to operate on its own. It was a newfound coping mechanism. Leave your emotions behind, do not show that this affects you just move, speak and feel on autopilot. You can''t break down now. Not again, you don''t want anymore his pity.??

    "Oh, I see" he simply said and looked at Luke with a blank look.

    It was obvious that the wolf was surprised by his reaction and everything he had planned to say didn''t seem to fit the situation anymore.

    "I mean¡­ I know I sound like a jerk right now and back then you were in such a bad situation and it was kind of obvious that you fancied me so I wanted to help you."

    "I understand thank you for your concern. Thanks for telling me that you''re not interested, thanks for pitying me and thanks for being such a fucking nice guy." Alex said. He wanted to be calm. He really wished to be the bigger person and show that he didn''t care but that wasn''t who he was. He had feelings for him, they overtook him in a hurry and burned him like lightning. He was his first love and every look, every touch and smile he had managed to win were cherished memories and yes he knew it had happened so fast maybe too fast but he couldn''t control it. If he actually could he would have stopped his heart from feeling.

    "Wait. Alex I''m sorry I¡­"

    "I don''t care." Alex said. "I am not and I will never be someone you will pity. I didn''t put my life in danger just so I could get this. I don''t give a shit if you like me or not. Your feelings are your and my feelings are mine but don''t you even think a second time to degrade them like that. As a means to get what you want." He shouted at him his hands flying in the air in angry gestures while Luke shriveled like a scared little puppy. Things had not gone how he expected. He had been slapped with truths he didn''t want to face. He had taken advantage of his feelings to get rid of a situation that made him uncomfortable and that very low.

    "It''s not exactly like that okay? Let me explain¡­"

    "I don''t need your explanations. I have understood enough."

    "Just please¡­"

    "No! I don''t want to hear it."

    "I was scared!" Luke shouted. "I had never seen anyone react like that Alex. I was so scared when I saw you trembling and you had turned white and I didn''t know what to do to help you. That was my fault. Your injured hand is my fault. Everything but I couldn''t even help you emotionally and I know I''m an idiot but I was so scared when I saw you like that I had never felt something like that before. I''m sorry."

    Alex looked at him carefully trying to understand his facial expression, his moving. He wasn''t sure he was telling the truth because why would you even feel like that for someone you don''t have the slightest feelings for? He let out a sigh and rubbed his temples. He really wanted to calm down but it almost seemed impossible since he felt like he was being felt lies all the time.

    "I''m sorry but I can''t believe you. Just¡­let''s not talk for a while that would be the best option and it''s not because you don''t like me back believe I don''t think that I like you anymore after this either or at least I''ll try not to. It''s because you used me just a few hours after you said you wanted to be my friend. I''m going to need sometime on my own. Tell the others I will be at the lake." Alex told him and this time he didn''t wait to hear a response from him he just turned around and left, heading towards the lake that was a few meters away from the house.

    The small lake was motionless and stagnant like it was in a peaceful sleep and its emerald waters shone underneath the hot sun. The lush green grass had refreshing droplets from the humidity on it and at its end started a golden area of warm sand. Alex would always sit there and let his feet get wet by the cold waters. He stood up though and took his shirt off in a hurry. He threw it behind him on the soft grass and then he unbuttoned his jeans letting them fall on his feet.

    He frowned by the sun that was attacking his face but still moved forward and let himself get lost into the bottomless waters.

    "Are you like spying on him?" Someone asked Luke. He had silently followed Alex without knowing the reason and Mikael had noticed his little stalking moment. "You say that you don''t like him but you act like this."

    "It''s complicated" Luke said and let out a heavy sigh. His friend placed his palm on his shoulder with a sad expression.

    "You know she was dead before I could even realize what was happening. One moment we were laughing together and the next I had her blood all over my hands and she was trying to say her last goodbye. Luke, the moments we get with the special people in our lives could end so quickly. That''s why you shouldn''t be like that. You''re hurting the poor boy when you clearly know the truth."

    "I have a girlfriend. Everyone says she''s my mate. It''s just that the link hasn''t snapped yet."

    "Not everyone. Just your father."

    "I¡­"

    "It''s okay. I know you''re confused but by stalking Alex you are not making things any better or by hurting him."

    "I know."

    "Well I am glad you do but you know what I know that I am hungry and that I left Mark clean up all on his own and he will be furious" he said managing to get a smile from Luke who had been looking concerned most of the time of their conversation.

    When they entered the house it was almost clean. Mark was holding a broom stick and he had tied an apron around his waist while his other hand had a rag. Once they entered the room he looked at them with a threatening look and threw the rag in Mikael''s face. The taller boy sneezed from the dust but didn''t say anything he just smiled at him hoping he wouldn''t get a scolding.

    "An old lady came a while ago." Mark said. "She seemed to know Alex''s family so I told her we were here for a small vacation. She was nice, she even asked If I wanted cookies."

    "Cookies?" Alex''s voice was heard from the porch. He was standing at the doorframe, his hair wet from his swim falling on to his eyes.

    Luke looked at him feeling a little charmed by his carefree appearance. His dark jeans and t-shirt. Caramel hair and pretty light eyes he looked like a young rock star from one of these teenage movies his mum liked to watch with him. It was torturing while he was a child but he always did it for the free ice cream.

    "Yeah and old lady came by. I told her we were on vacation."

    "Oh she must''ve been the lady living in the next house. She was always friendly." Alex explained and plopped on the now clean couch. He put his feet on the table and tried to relax. Swimming had managed to make him think even more. He was all alone in the middle of the huge lake, all he had to do was think but now with Mark around him moving busily, trying to clean and Mikael teasing him he felt a bit better. He wanted to get away from the people but at the same time he needed them around.

    "So I guess helping me clean is a no no"

    "Look sweetie Luke and I were nicely nurtured wolf cubs raised to be leaders not house maids."

    "My dad owns a Ferrari and I still know how to do my laundry you meathead."

    "Okay, okay pass me the broom my lovely ginger." Mikael said and stood up from the armchair he was sitting only for Luke to occupy it next.

    He was feeling nervous and it was obvious. He kept stealing glances at him while Alex was joking with Mark.

    "What is it?" Alex asked him at some point.

    "Nothing"

    "Say it" Alex provoked him. "Do you have any more lies to spat in my face?"

    "What lies? I didn''t lie about anything" Luke said raising the tone of his voice because he felt insulted.

    "Of course you didn''t" Alex said ironically and Luke stood up

    "It was my fault for feeling worried about someone like you" he said and Alex''s eyes widened. He stood up too and looked at him with an angry look.

    "Someone like me? What''s that supposed to mean you jerk?"

    "You know what I''m talking about. If you hadn''t been like that in the first place, if you had been normal everything would be fine!"

    "Like that?"

    "Gay! If you had been a normal human being none of this would have happened"

    Alex didn''t need to think about it twice and he was definitely not going to regret it. He wasn''t going to be the object of bullying again. He would not hate himself and think that him being gay was the cause of his misfortunes anymore and he wouldn''t allow Luke to open up his old scars. He had already created many new ones. So he punched him with all of his strength.

    Luke got riled too to and tried to lunge at him but Mikael was there to stop him by holding him back.

    "Stop. Calm down" Mikael told him. Alex for a second he felt scared. His eyes started shining that color again and he knew that now his anger was pointed towards him but he didn''t want to back down.

    "I am fine the way I am. I don''t want to hear words like that coming from a monster." Alex said and Luke immediately stopped.

    They both stood quiet for a while, frozen looking at each other with unread expressions.

    "You are an asshole" Alex finally said before he ran up to his room.

 Chapter 11 - Match 11

    Alex was laying on his freshly made bed looking at the wooden ceiling. There were a few spider webs formed in the corners and he tended his hand like wanted to touch them and break them but they were too far away. The room was overly too familiar and even though he hadn''t been there in a while he felt like he knew every inch of it so well that he could move even with his eyes closed.

    The bed was small and his feet hanged from the edge and opposite stood a small wooden desk that he assembled with his dad. He would spent hours there drawing with his little markers that he would always remind his mum to bring with them. Still some of them were taped on the wall above it, they had turned yellowish and the tape could barely hold them but the stick figures were clear. A mum with brown long hair, a dad wearing a red tie and a small boy with a soccer ball on his feet.

    This house made him reminisce the old days when everything in his life was normal. When he was normal and after what Luke had said to him the guilt creeped in from the door of his heart. It was like a monster with long black nails, wearing a pitch black cloak that hid every part of his body. It would appear and would just stand there inside his mind and heart and he would suffocate him to the point where he would want to escape from everything, even better simply disappear.

    He knew it wasn''t true. That it wasn''t his fault everything that has happened but hearing him say all these words that reminded him so much of his father he couldn''t help but think about it twice. That he was the cause of his family falling apart, he was the cause Luke had been injured he and the fact that he couldn''t hide his true self well enough were the reason so many people had been troubled and hurt.

    He became a small ball, bringing his knees to his chest wanting to shrink so much that he became nonexistent and he started crying silently. His pain had no sound. It was mute and that hurt even more because he didn''t have the strength to scream, to shout, to find a way and vent al that disappointment and sorrow because he felt like he shouldn''t. he shouldn''t make a big deal out of it and concern even more people. The few people in his life that still cared about him, they would get bore, sick and tired of him if all he did was be sad and cry. So he just hurt in silence until he fell asleep from the crying.

    "What you said was the least I could say horrible" Mark said to Luke.

    The three boys after the whole uproar had stopped were sitting on the living room munching to a few chips Mark had managed to bring with him. Luke was upset and he wasn''t trying to hide it.

    "I mean Alex hadn''t told me that he was gay. So you except for insulting him you exposed him to me. I don''t care to be honest if he''s gay or not he is my best friend after all but don''t you think you should treat such personal information more delicately?"

    "No one will point the fact that he called me a monster I guess" Luke commented and Mikael laughed. He knew that his best friend didn''t like being called like, no wolf did but at the same time he didn''t really have the right to complain. he had hurt Alex numerous times and it was very logical that he would snap.

    "The way you treat Alex just because you are confused it''s not right and you know it" Mikael said and his night blue eyes gifted him a very judgmental look.

    "So there is a possibility you might like him?" Mark asked surprised.

    "I am trying to figure things out." Luke explained. "Things are happening too fast and no I don''t feel okay with what I said. I acted like a jerk and I should apologize but I don''t know what to say" he said and scratched the back of his head.

    "How about I''m sorry?" Mikael mocked him and Mark laughed with him. Luke was kind of agitated at how these two seemed to think alike and campaign against him. He was self-aware enough to know that he had screwed up big time but still being reminded of it every second of the day and possibly of the rest of the time they would spend here was going to be pure torture.

    "I''m going to apologize" He said and stood up. Dusting off some invisible dirt from his jeans he headed towards the wooden staircase. The stars would creek every time his heavy boots would step on them and he felt like he should be quiet for some reason.

    He stopped in front of Alex''s door and knocked a few times but he didn''t get an answer. Then he gently called out his name but still nothing. He started to get worried. He was sure that Alex was a very sensitive person and for a second he thought if his words had caused something terrible. He placed his hand on the cold doorknob that was painted a faded gold color and opened the door slowly. At first he was hesitant but he still peeked inside only with his head.

    He faced a sleeping Alex, curled and hugging himself. It was obvious that he had been crying from the tear stains that had appeared on his cheeks and how red and puffy his eyes were underneath. He let out a sigh feeling his heart ache and steeped inside trying not to wake him. The side of the bed he sat on shanked and the sleeping boy flinched but didn''t wake up.

    Luke payed closer attention to his features, now in the stillness of the silence around him and he found himself getting lost while admiring. The signs of exhaustion were obvious and even while he was asleep he had a sorrowful expression and he wondered if even asleep he was being tortured by hurtful dreams. His words had been hurtful, a lot more than he had thought and he acknowledged the fact that people don''t measure each other''s problems the same way.

    His green eyes had been filled with tears, his lips were chirped from biting them too hard, trying to keep his pain in and his hair were messily sticking to his forehead from the sweat. He moved a few of the delinquent strands away and his thumb caressed his cheek. His skin was soft and warm and for a second he wanted to hug him. An undeniable urge to embrace him over took him and before he had realized he had thrown his boots on the floor and was lying next to him.

    "I''m going to regret this so much" He mumbled but still he wrapped his tanned arms around him.

    He felt like he could soothe Alex''s pain like that. While the boy was resting his head on his chest his expression turned peaceful and he noticed how he gripped on his shirt. Their bodies were matching perfectly and he had never felt more comfortable in his life. It was like for a second he had found peace and he closed his eyes shutting down everything around him.

    The sound was too loud though for him to be able to ignore. Too familiar as it registered to his brain just a few seconds after it was actually heard. Both of them jumped up in surprise and Alex looked at him in shock recognizing immediately the situation he was in.

    "What¡­what are you doing?" he asked him but before he could answer the sound was heard again.

    That was definitely it Luke could not be mistaken and by Alex''s look he knew he wasn???t wrong. His heard sped up but still all he could think about is keeping Alex safe.

    "What''s happening?" Alex asked his green eyes wide open. He didn''t need some time to wake up because he was fully aware of what was happening. He just wanted Luke to tell him that wasn''t the case.

    "Stay here don''t leave the room if I don''t say so."

    "Luke wait¡­" Alex tried to call out to him but he was already gone.

    He hadn''t heard that sound a lot of times before in real life but anyone could recognize the way it would deafen you for a few second and would drown your heart in terror.

    It was a gunshot.

 Chapter 12 - Match 12

    Alex of course did not listen and simply followed Luke outside and down the stairs. There was standing Mark with Mikael who was trying to look outside the window who had been causing all this ruckus without being shot. One of the windows that faced the front porch already had a bullet hole in it and s small golden bullet was lying on the floor with pieces of glass around it.

    "I told you to hide"??

    "Like I would. What''s going on?" Alex asked and approached his best friend.

    "We don''t know" Mark said with a concerned look. We were just sitting here and suddenly a car stopped in front of the house and a crazy dude started shouting to get out of his house and when we didn''t open the door he started shooting with a freaking shotgun!"

    Alex''s eyes traveled to the bullet and he gulped. He definitely knew someone who could be this crazy and as cold sweat started dripping on his temples he approached the door.

    "Alex don''t go out" Luke warned him but he didn''t listen. His ears were buzzing and he sincerely wondered how so many calamities could strike in such a few days. Without a warning his peaceful life had turned upside down and he had no control of what was going on and that scared him.

    He slowly opened it and locked eyes with the man. His hair was white and his eyes the same green color as his. He was dressed in casual clothing and the gun in his hands looked so out of place but the vivid expression of anger, his red face and he vein popping at the side of his neck were evidence that he would not leave quietly.

    "Dad, please calm down" Alex mumbled while trying to hide his fear.

    "Why are you in my house? Who told you that I would allow you and your friends to come here and do god knows what."

    "We are not doing anything we just came to rest" Alex tried to explain

    "Liar! I said I never wanted to see you again! My son is dead, he died the day you told you were gay." He screamed at him and pointed the gun at Alex''s chest. The brunet raised his arms like he was surrendering and with teary eyes he begged him.

    "Dad please don''t do this. I''m begging you my friends are here. Please stop."

    He felt so embarrassed. He had never been humiliated like that in his whole life. The beatings, the screams and the degrading comments were familiar, they were known and he treated them almost as something casual but something like this, in front his friends had never happened before and he felt completely exposed to their eyes. He didn''t want pity or questions to follow. He wanted to keep that part of his life a secret, the shameful part of being hated by his parents. Having no one he could call family. He wanted those scars to remain a secret but right now his father had revealed his darkest secret in front of everyone.

    "Get the hell out of my sight! Who is inside my house. Come out you little bitches are you like this freak too?" he urged them to come out. Alex turned around and pleaded whoever was looking from that window to stay inside. To not step foot in that porch because his heart would break even more if he had to live this facing someone else. "Don''t try to keep them hidden!" his father told him and ran towards him grabbing him by the collar of his shirt.

    Alex twitched slightly and hissed form the pain of his wounded body being treated roughly but didn''t say anything. He tried not to shiver or show his fear. If he realized he wasn''t scared of him he would leave, at least he wished that would be the result.

    "I think you should leave" He told his father, trying to sound as sure and decisive as he could but all he gained was a mocking laugh. He pushed him back to the wall and place the gun on his chest, he felt the cold circle touch his body and the hairs on him rose signaling his anguish.

    "You want me to leave from my house?"

    "You''re making a scene. They will call the police!"

    "You are the one who is trespassing you foolish boy. Now move. I want to see who you brought here" he repeated and tried to push Alex to the side so he could freely enter the house but he didn''t bulge. "Move!" he shouted right in his face and Alex was almost certain that his hearing would be a lot worse from now on. His ears were really close to bleeding but he didn''t know what would happen first. His ears bleeding or him peeing his pants and having a heart attack from fear.

    The man had had enough and it was obvious as he lifted the shotgun and tried to hit Alex on his face with the wooden handle. He closed his eyes waiting for his jaw to break and he mentally noted that he would get to know another new kind of pain today but nothing happened. There was no crack or his head moving. Everything stood still and when he opened his eyes he saw Luke''s back as he stood in front of him.

    He was holding the gun handle with his hand, stopping the man and with minus effort he destroyed it in his palm. His father looked at him in shock as he towered above his almost two heads taller but he still wouldn''t back down. He took the gun back and addressed him filled with hate.

    "I want you and everyone else inside my house. I will start shooting."

    "Try it if you want. I doubt you will even get to shoot once" Luke threatened him and his voice was for the first time lethal. You could sense the despise in every single one of his words. It was obvious he was very angry from the way his chest heaved up and down or how his nostrils had flared up and even though he was clearly burning up inside his eyes were colder than icy.

    "I''m not scared of you boy" he said but his tone was already a lot less dominant than before. He had taken a step back and now his stance was more defensive rather than offensive.

    Soon after another figure appeared outside and Mikael was standing next to his best friend with a devilish green. His blue eyes curious as he scanned Alex''s father from head to toe.

    "So, old man why don''t you do all of us a favor and leave us alone? Your shouting is scaring my little friend Mark inside."

    "I am not scared you jerk" Mark''s voice was heard from the house and Mikael laughed.

    "Believe me he is" he repeated and took a step closer to the man while Luke was looking at him filled with killing intent. "So Why don''t you put that gun back to where it belongs and leave us alone in peace? Pretty, pretty please?"

    "Are you joking with me now?" he asked annoyed and ignored them. He headed towards his son again and mocked him once more. "have you been with both of them? Who do you prefer the most?"

    He kept humiliating him with his words again and again, making him feel like he was nothing. Even Luke and Mikael were surprised with how much spite every word left his lips and the insults fell on his like a storm of needles. He didn''t want this he was sick of it. He had left home to avoid feeling this way, to forget the pain of rejection. To forget that his parents had killed him in their heart and now as a ghost he wanted his murdered to leave him alone so he could move on in piece but he kept standing there with those judgmental eyes that were filled with disgust and he had taken all he could take this last few days from everyone. From his captors, from Luke, from his idiotic father and he realized that this was enough. His hands were clenched in fist and he needed a lot of courage to push him back but he did it.

    He put all of his strength and with his eyes closed he pushed his tormentor away while shouting that he wanted to finally be left alone. He was caught by surprise and stumbled on his feet falling down to the ground and hitting his head on a rock. Alex screamed at the sight. His dad was bleeding profusely from the back of his head and Alex had pushed him to it. He didn''t think that it would be so easy to injure him. Was it because he didn''t expect it or because he had put too much pressure he didn''t know but his dad was unconscious on the floor.

    "Wow. Did you just kill a second person in just a few days?" Mikael asked unfazed by the situation.

    "Shut up" Luke shouted. "Alex we should¡­"

    "What did you do?" He heard a familiar whipping voice and looked at the source. He hadn''t noticed her how fragile and small had become. She was sitting in the car and when she saw her husband fall she stormed out swallowed by fear.

    "Mum I¡­" Alex tried to explain but no words came out. The woman didn''t want to listen either she was already calling an ambulance when Mark appeared outside with a huge duffle bag.

    "I think this is where we run" he commented and Mikael winked at him.

    "True sweetie" He said and grabbed Mark''s hand and they started running.

    Alex and Luke stood for a bit longer on the porch looking at his mum trying to see if her husband was alive.

    "Why?" she cried out looking at her son with tear stained cheeks but he couldn''t speak. He could barely breathe.

    "We need to run. The police they will¡­"

    "I did it again¡­I¡­"

    "He is not dead. It??s not that serious heads always bleed more than other body part he will be fine." Luke explained to him and Alex looked at him with innocent eyes. He wanted to be true. What Luke said. He just wanted his father to leave him alone, not to die. He didn''t want to kill him. "I am telling you the truth. Now let''s go" he told him and without waiting to hear a reply he grabbed Alex''s wrist and started running dragging him along.

    They hadn''t even managed to stay there for a day. That was their only escape plan but somehow they were on the run again and now they probably had a crime pinned on their backs too.

 Chapter 13 - Match 13

    "What is it with you and rocks? I mean in just a few days you have cracked two people''s head open" Mikael asked Alex as Mark next to him was trying to catch his breath.

    The two wolves had made the boys run at the other side of the lake deep in the forest until his house was just a small dot. Especially now that the night had fallen the only thing that was noticeable was the ambulance''s blue light but that too had disappeared a while ago.??

    It was cold outside and the group had found refuge next to a little stream. There had been two huge stones there with flat and dirty and mark wiped it carefully before he sat on it. The night sky was starless tonight and the only light was the moon that stood proud as the king of the endless dark hours.

    Alex was embraced by a darkness, not as pure as the night veil and certainly not as simple as that. There was a shadow surrounding his presence and his green eyes had almost seemed lifeless. When he asked Mikael''s question he didn''t even speak to him, he just looked at him silent.

    "Dude! Could you not!" Mark scolded him and Mikael looked at him with a confused look. He didn''t mean any harm by asking that question it was just that for him deaths. Murders and in general violence was a much more common occurrence than it was to the two boys. Adding the fact that he had not liked Alex''s father a lot he didn''t really care if something had happened to him.

    "I''m sorry okay. But Alex don''t worry he is not dead. I''m pretty sure. He will live" he told the numb boy and he finally got to get a slight reaction from his when he heard the world alive.

    "Really?" Alex asked and he sounded like a small child. He didn''t want to have committed such act. As much as he disliked his dad, as much as he had been in pain because of him, humiliated and forgotten that man was still his father and he didn''t want to be the reason of his death or the reason his mother cried.

    "Yeah. It''s going to be okay but I think she will go to the police so we should find a way to head back to town and find a means of escape. She definitely saw my car."

    "So we will have to walk until there?" Mark asked and he already sounded exhausted. He closed his eyes and rubbed his face letting out something like a small scream that annoyed everyone''s ears. Alex looked at his red headed friend with a sad look and said.

    "I''m sorry. It''s all my fault. Everything" He sat at the other rock and let his head fall. His palms were resting on his knees and even thought his time he didn''t cry his heart was being torn apart. He was putting everyone in danger. Every single one of his decisions had let them to this and this situation right now was much worse than he believed. They were going to be accused of attempted murder and he could already imagine his face in western style wanted signs. That made him let out a bitter laugh and draw Luke''s attention.

    He hadn''t said anything all this time but his eyes were locked on Alex. He observed his every move, he listened carefully to his every word and while the cold breeze caressed his exposed skin he waited. He waited for him to break down. That was the only natural reaction after everything that had happened and he still hadn''t let everything out. Crying in his room was not even a pinch of how Luke would have reacted after everything that happened and was expecting soon something big to happened and for some peculiar reason he wanted to be there.

    In his mind being there for him when that happened was like amending for all the emotional damage he had done. He knew that wasn''t true but still it was something. Yet it was very egotistic and that hurt him. Luke wanted to be there for him, to help him mend his pain but still he couldn''t fathom the thought of Alex hating him or not talking to him. So he sat on the ground right next to the huge grey rock not caring if his clothes would get dirty and played with the water on the little, cold stream staying quiet while everyone conversed.

    "Alex, Listen buddy¡­" Mark began saying and stood up. He forced his friend to move a bit so they could sit on the same spot and he placed his palms on his shoulder, turning him around. "These few days have been the most exiting days of my life. I mean yeah we might die by bloodthirsty werewolves or get arrested but this is much better than Sunday soccer practice"

    Alex''s eyes widened at his friend''s words. He was blaming him he was actually in this with him and he would make the most of it. He always admired that about Mark, the fact that he was able to grasp every moment like it was the last and live his life with no regrets. They had gotten themselves into an unthinkable adventure but at least they were together under a beautiful moon.

    "Thanks" the boy mumbled and Mark gave him a big hug, letting him rest for a bit. Alex let out a relieved sigh and closed his eyes welcoming Mark''s warmth.

    "Also I don''t know why you didn''t tell me you were gay but just so you know, I''m totally cool with it" he whispered in his ear and Alex nodded. He never expected he could have such a good friend.

    "I have a question though. How did your dad find out that you were there? I mean is the place filled with cameras or something?" Mikael asked while thinking of a good explanation as to why they had been discovered so fast.

    "That hag!" Mark exclaimed as he let go of Alex. "That old lady that came by probably called your parents."

    "That could be true" Alex said and considered that possibility. She had been very friendly with his parents while they visited the summer and they had had dinner together quite a few times together before but why would she call? Alex was there it was practically his house too. "But I am not completely sure"

    "Well we can think about that tomorrow" Mark said and grabbed his duffle bag from the ground. He opened the zipper and started searching here and there and soon he took out a huge square mat and two blankets. "I am prepared for everything" he said with a quirky smile and laid down the mat neatly.

    "I wonder how many things fit in there" Mikael commented and Mark looked at him with an excited look.

    "Pretty cool right?" he said with a huge smile "I''ve had that bag ever since I was a teenager." He explained and Mikael looked at him.

    "Yeah. That''s cool" he agreed with him but for a second it almost seemed like his mind was somewhere else. Mark didn''t pay much attention because soon after the blue eyed boy had laid down and covered himself with one of the blankets. "Goodnight everyone" he mumbled and didn''t bother conversing with anyone anymore.

    Mark yawned and stretched his arms and legs before he laid down too at the other side of the mat wrapping himself with th other blanket. He patted the empty space next to him and looked at Alex with a naughty smile.

    "Honeyy, come join me" he told him playfully and Alex giggled.

    "In a minute. I''m not sleepy yet I''ll probably look around a bit."

    "Okay then but don''t go too far and get lost"

    "Yes mum. I''ll be careful"

    "Good. Good. Goodnight"

    "Goodnight."

    The sounds of leaves and twigs that were breaking underneath the soles of his shoes reminded him of how Luke ran through the forest in his wolf form. The enormous beast had crumbled everything that his paws stepped on and for a second Alex wondered how strong were the other wolves. Would they be able to survive if they got attacked again?

    He kept thinking and thinking and his mind had almost turned upside down as many different thoughts were bombarding his peace. He always had that problem. If he stayed alone he would start thinking and his thoughts from a small drop of water would transform into a little lake, then a sea and later into a stormy ocean that would drown him in the end.

    He had been rejected by Luke, he had been called a freak, he had been kidnapped and tortured, he killed a supernatural beast, injured his father and became a possible criminal and still he didn''t wish for everything to end and that was his most guilty thought. He should want everything to stop. Return back to his dorm and listen to boring lectures, go to practice but that life seemed too far away already.

    If he left, he wouldn''t be able to see Luke anymore. He didn''t believe that they would stay friends now, Luke probably wouldn''t want that and even after the cruel words they had exchanged he still cared about him. It was frustrating and annoying how he still liked his pretty eyes and the soothing sound of his deep voice. How he wanted to see him smile and how he could still remember perfectly the sensation of their kiss.

    Alex was angry at himself. So many things had happened, serious things that brought them a lot of trouble but he was still fixated on Luke and that was such a childish behavior. He had been rejected cruelly and everything he believed existed between them had proved to be a lie so why was he acting like a love-struck fool? Because that was exactly what he was.

    While he paced around thinking of everything he didn''t notice Luke who was standing close by. He was supporting himself on a tree, his wide back touching the tree trunk and with his hands crossed on his chest he observed him. Alex in his eyes was being bathed by the bright light of the moon, the shadows of the leaves making different shapes on his face as he looked at the night sky.

    He looked so pure being consumed in his own world ignoring everything around him as he unconsciously mumbled scattered words here and there and soon Luke felt the need to approach him but in the end he didn''t. he had been spotted by Alex as he expected, not pleased with how little time he had to admire his beauty. The green eyed boy came where he was resting and looked at him with a questioning look.

    "Were you following me?"

    "Yes. I was worried about you."

    "Don''t be. You don''t have to."

    "Believe me I don''t want to."

    "Then don''t"

    "It''s not that easy"

    "Why so?" Alex asked filled with curiosity. Before they ran away he had woken up in Luke''s embrace but neither of them had talked about that due to the tension of the events that followed.

    "I am worried. I just am. After everything that has happened to you how could I not be?" Luke said and looked at him in the eyes. His look was sad and he seemed like he wanted to say more but he was trying to stop himself. Alex wanted to push him, get everything out of him.

    "I don''t need your pity" he told him again and Luke huffed angrily. He almost reminded Alex of a bulla and he tried not to laugh.

    "It''s not pity!" he said raising the tone of his voice in desperation. He took his back off the trunk and moved closer. "It''s definitely not pity."

    "Then what is it?" Alex asked feeling his heart race. He didn''t know what he was going to hear but he couldn''t not get his hopes up.

    "I don''t know. I don''t want to know" Luke said in a low tone and his face darkened. Alex''s hopes were crushed into small pieces. He always had the perfect words to make him feel awful. He didn''t need to do much just say out loud what he was thinking and he could make Alex break into many tiny pieces. "Wait¡­that''s not¡­" he tried to rephrase once he noticed his disappointed and pained expression. It was too late though. Alex was sure that Luke did not feel good with who the green eyed boy was and the confusion he had clouding his thoughts only resulted in Alex being hurt. He didn''t want to talk anymore nor try. He just wanted to leave this feeling behind.

    "It''s fine. Let''s not talk about it anymore." Alex said and tried to leave. He didn''t want to argue or try to get through to him anymore. He just wanted this thing they had between them to end but Luke stopped him.

    He grabbed his wrist and turned him around. He fell on his chest as he pulled him closer and he could feel the rising and falling from his breathing. He stood there tense not wanting to allow himself to relax.

    "I''m sorry I just don''t know. I¡­I wish I could make you understand" he said and the regret in his voice was obvious but Alex was unable to feel any compassion.

    "It''s alright. We should just stop this whatever it is. You don''t know what you want." He stated and Luke looked at him.

    "I know what I want. I want to kiss you again."

    "No." Alex said surprising him.

 Chapter 14 - Match 14

    "What?" Luke mumbled obviously confused. Alex had just now rejected a kiss from him and he felt like someone was making fun of him. He took a step away from the green eyed boy and looked at the ground not having the guts to say anything after that.

    "I will not be just a toy for you. You may not fully realize this but I like you Luke" Alex confessed and his icy eyes scanned the boy for any hints of lies or ill intent but there wasn''t any. Alex was opening up his heart that night, under the starry night, enveloped by the chilly breeze he was ready to tell Luke everything he had been thinking. "But even though I like you I will not turn into a past time activity or someone who can feed your curiosity. I have never felt loved." He told him and his whole body seemed like it was emitting the emotional pain he had been feeling for all this time. "All my life I''ve been hiding, trying to cover up what I thought as flaws just so I won''t be hated and now¡­now that I am finally finding the strength to be myself I can''t be what you want me to be. I can''t just kiss you every time you want then be called a freak, cuddle with you and then hear you say that you have a girlfriend and she is probably your soulmate. One day this will be over and I can''t even think about being emotionally attached to you and then seeing you leave. So please don''t make this difficult for me. I''m in enough pain as it is." He explained.??

    Luke couldn''t fathom any words. What could he possibly say to go against such heartfelt words. He hated hurting him from the bottom of his heart but at the same time he couldn''t stop doing it. His confused heart and mind only created scars for him and he hadn''t fully understood that up until now. He looked at Alex with a bitter smile and moved further away from him. It seemed like he wanted to keep a safe distance, stop himself from any impulses that could break his heart again because Luke could not live up to his actions. Yes, he wanted to kiss him, hold him be with him but that would be only a fleeting moment of giving in into his desires before guilt would overtake him. It was the responsibility to the pack and the rules ha couldn''t get out of his mind.

    "I''m sorry. For everything that I''ve done. I''ve hurt you and believe it or not this was not my intention. I''ve never felt like this. I don''t know what it is but I can''t give you what you want. I''m really sorry."

    "I know you can''t. For some reason from the first moment I felt it so please until everything is over let''s just¡­stop this whatever this is."

    "Yes, I agree." Luke said and Alex nodded signaling the end of their conversation.

    He didn''t feel the need to say anything else. It wasn''t good to drag this conversation further after all. Unspoken thoughts that shouldn''t be heard could be let free from this Pandora''s box that Luke called his mind so he peacefully retreated and got lost in the darkness leaving Alex alone.

    He stood there motionless for a while. Just breathing. That was the only action he was able to take at the moment. He said it. He had finally said it and he never imagined he had so much strength inside him. He was in pain. Luke had just admitted he would never love him or be with him but at the end of the day he had stayed true to himself. Alex felt like he had taken a big step tonight in this almost haunted like forest. For him some of the demons and terrors of his mind would be left here to die since they couldn''t live without feeding off his sadness. He felt a bit lighter and even though his heart was breaking he patted himself on the shoulder.

    "Good job" he mumbled and slowly headed back to the little camp they had.

    As morning approached the weather became warmer and a she laid down on the map he covered only half of his body with the heavy sheets. Mark was snoring exactly next to his ear and his leg had gone over his stomach but he had been so tired he didn''t even try to move it. The moment he closed his eyes he blocked out any other sounds or sensations and fell into a deep sleep. So deep that the next day Mark had to shout his name about five times before he even flinched.

    "Finally you are awake. Come on I need to pack the mat. We are going to the town" Mark said and started lifting the mat from the ground even though he was still lying on it.

    "Okay, okay" he said and rubbed his eyes. He stood up and without even wanting to his eyes were on Luke. The other boy didn''t notice him. He was too busy admiring the beauty of the forest in the pure daylight. The cheerful chirping of the birds or the rhythmic flow of the water from the little stream close by. It was really peaceful and it almost looked like someone had exorcised the ominous feeling of the night.

    "I still think it''s a bad idea to go into town. I mean his mum would have called the police on him for sure. What if they''re looking for us?" Luke said

    "It''s his mum I''m sure she wouldn''t call the police on her son. She saw it was an accident after all. She is his mother. Right?" Mark asked hopefully and awaited for his friend to answer. Alex though just shrugged his shoulders.

    Alex really didn''t know. He couldn''t predict his mother''s behavior and he actually didn''t want to attempt it. If he said that she would report him and she didn''t he would feel guilty for thinking so suspiciously if he actually thought the opposite, he would be hurt by the fact that his own mother wanted him behind bars and both were not pleasant feelings to experience right now.

    "I don''t know to be honest. Let''s just go and see. I mean we need food and a new car which I don''t know how we will get since we don''t have any money but first I need to eat." He said feeling his stomach rumble like an army before a huge war. Mark nodded and placed his duffle bag on his back.

    "I can carry that for you princess" Mikael offer with a smile and Mark shrugged in disgust not handing over the bag,

    "No. Thank you." He said and started moving forward not really knowing where he was going.

    "Mark. The town is over there" Alex said and pointed the opposite direction making the ginger turn red from embarrassment

    "I know I just thought I saw a rare Pok¨¦mon there or something" he mumbled and heard Mikael laugh at his words.

    They were walking for a while. It was certainly for about an hours and they hadn''t encountered a single soul. That was good for them but at the same time a lingering feeling of being shut out from the world was present.

    When the town finally appeared and they found themselves at the central highway at the end of the forest Mark let out a relieved cheer. He had also noticed the little dinner just across the street with the many cars parked on the parking lot. It had a bright neon sign that glowed bed and breakfast, twenty-four hours open.

    "Let''s gooo" Mark exclaimed and ran at the old place like there was a price waiting at the door.

    It sure was busy at this early hour. Many people were occupying single people tables, drinking their coffee while reading a paper or eating breakfast before going to work. The place was decorated simple with just a few half dead plants at the windows and a huge screen behind the bar that played loudly the morning news. The four boys sat at a table for four and Alex enjoyed the comfortable feeling of the couch compared to the muddy and smelly forest ground.

    Everyone grabbed a menu and without even thinking too hard they gave off their orders at the cute waitress who was looking at Luke while drooling. He gave her a devilish smile and she took a deep breath while writing what he had ordered to eat. For all of them it was the breakfast special. An omelet, French fries, bacon and a croissant.

    "I can''t believe I will be spending the last of my money at a crappy dinner but I''m so hungry." Mark complained and acted like he had hit rock bottom.

    "You could always go to a fancy restaurant and order a¡­sparkling water with the money you have." Mikael teased him.

    "Shut up or I''ll eat your omelet too"

    "You will let me starve to death?"

    "I''m seriously thinking about it. So let me ask you two a question"

    "You''re werewolves right?"

    "The last time I checked yes we were" Luke said with a cocky smile.

    "So what about the others?"

    "The others?" Mikael asked confused as the waitress placed the orders on their table together with a little post it note that had her phone number on it. That was exclusively for Luke. He grabbed it and winked at her, shoving it in his pocket earning a death glare from Alex who was burning from jealousy.

    "Yeah, like you know. The vampires, demons and all that fairytale stuff." Mark said while chewing on a fry.

    "Oh that." Mikael said and looked at Luke. He was waiting for some kind of assurance that it was okay to talk about it but since he didn''t seem to resist and was immersed on his omelet Mikael explained. "Well the world you know is too small actually. We call your world the mortal realm. Vampires, werewolves and witches live on the mortal realm. There is also the immortal realm which is like a parallel world to yours but you need The Sight to be able to see it and realize it since you are not one of us. As it seems though you don''t have it because believe me last night would have been a lot scarier for you."

    "So what is there on that parallel world?"

    "It''s not exactly parallel, it coexists with this one just hidden. There are fairies, demons, all those mythical monsters you know and many others. Some vampires, werewolves and witches also decide to live there but not that many. Because of prejudice to our kind since we originated from humans the pureblood ones kind of look down upon us. Then there is the rivalry between vampires and werewolves, werewolves and witches, witches and vampires, fairies and vampires, demons and werewolves and many other stuff. There are also humans with the gift of Sight. Many of them are supernatural hunters who want to destroy us. Some others are the so called psychics and all. There are a lot of things you don''t know"

    "And why are you telling me this now? Considering the fact that I could be sleeping last night with a demon latched onto my back!"

    "Firstly you didn''t ask. Secondly even if there was you wouldn''t be able to see it and thirdly don''t worry princess I was there to save you."

    "You were sleeping like an ox!" Mark exclaimed but their bickering had an early end when the waitress suddenly raised the volume of the TV.

    "Attempted murder last night at the South Lake. A nineteen homosexual boy was found indulged into an orgy with other three males at the lake house of his father and when his parents discovered it and tried to stop him the young man attempted to kill his father. His name is Alex Stone and here is a picture of him. The police have been looking for him and the three other males so be careful."

    Alex felt like he was going to throw up. His picture from a family vacation two years ago was right there on the TV with bold letters underneath it saying that he was dangerous and whoever saw him should call the police.

    "Like hell I would be in an orgy with him" Mark said looking at Mikael who smiled cheekily.

    "Keep your head down. I''m calling the waitress to pay." Luke said and raised his hand calling her over with a charming smile.

    The waitress closed the phone and approached them with a friendly smile. Alex was keeping his head down not daring to look up as Luke was trying to distract the waitress from looking over there.

    His mum had actually done it. She had accused him of trying to murder his dad and not only that but said he was in some kind of orgy with his friends. It was clear now that Alex did not have a family anymore and above that he was also wanted by the police.

 Chapter 15 - Match 15

    Mark opened his bag and searched around for a second giving her an awkward smile as it seemed he couldn''t find the money. Soon thankfully, he felt the paper and the cold sensation of metal brush his fingertips and grasped the money with a satisfied smirk. They were a bit crumbled and the many coins fell from his palm in distress earning him a confused look from the waitress.

    "I lost my wallet" He mumbled but she didn''t answer. She just counted the money and gave them back the few change they had. Mark took them back with a smile but she left without giving him a second glance and he scoffed. "yeah be nice only to the handsome ones" he said and Mikael laughed??

    "You''re pretty too honey."

    "Shut up. There is a difference between my pretty and yours and Luke''s pretty." He said and drank the last sip from his juice before he got up with the rest of them.

    "Well we are special after all" Mikael said and fist bumped his friend who had a cocky smile on his face.

    "The audacity¡­" Alex whispered while standing behind Luke, who for him was actually like a wall in front of him. His head was hanged low all the time even after they opened the entrance door and stepped outside but it was not a successful strategy.

    In front of them, while the four boys were standing on the dinner''s doorstep were parked in a semi-circle shape four police cars. Their sirens were off and it seemed like they were patiently waiting behind their open car doors, holding their guns, pointing at them with instruments of murder. Someone shouted for them to raise their hands up and everyone listened.

    Alex felt like his hands were made from concrete as his heart sped up. He couldn''t stop looking at them. Polished in their gloved hands. They were wearing sunglasses, their expressions unreadable. Voices strict and cold. A treatment befitted to a potential threat. Suddenly the warmth of the sun was no longer gentle. It was hot like an angry burning fire and the slight breeze that swept through the autumn leaves was now a whip. He was exposed to the element in his mind and to an unbearable amount of unfairness. He closed his eyes and exhaled. He focused on Mikael''s voice who was talking to Luke.

    "We can kill them and run. There is like only eight of them." He said and Luke seemed to be thinking about it for a split second. Alex did not want to risk it so he answered first.

    "No. We are not hurting anyone. We will just go there and clear things out. We will do it like civilized people."

    "Well technically you wouldn''t be hurting anyone. We would" Mikael said with a sneaky smile. Alex could not explain how he seemed to be so unfazed by everything all the time.

    "Civilized people. That''s funny" Mark commented and all of them stared walking slowly towards the police cars. "How can you be so calm all the time?" Mark asked.

    "Well, be it jail or death I don''t really have anything to lose anymore. If I died I could see her sooner. Sometimes I think thought that maybe she¡­"

    "Stop talking over there!" One of the police officers said. Each one of them had a cop pinning them to the front of the car. They searched them for any weapons and then handcuffed them before pushing them inside the cars. The sirens then started blasting and they headed towards the police station.

    Alex didn''t say anything. While they drove through the small town the images of his mother''s face were brutally flashing before his eyes. Passing the old buildings, a playground his dad used to bring him, the super market they used to go and buy their groceries made these images even more vivid. This place too, was draining him. Every step his family had taken here, every memory that had been carefully manifested in the rusty swings, the ails of the market with the candy bars he liked was poisonous. It was the fa?ade of a life he believed he had. But that life wasn''t his. That life belonged to the child his parents believed they had given birth to. The true Alex had been rejected and killed in their hearts. Even betrayed.

    "Why would a young boy like you try and do such an awful thing?" The officer said, not actually asking him but mostly thinking to himself why would a young, handsome boy with an athletic boy that was on college with a seemingly perfect life would do something like that.

    "I didn''t do it. I didn''t want to kill him. He threatened to kill me with his gun so I pushed him back, he tripped and he fell." Alex said with all the strength he had left. He hated having to explain that he wasn''t some villain. These days he felt like the only thing the anger inside him did was rise up more and more.

    "Yeah, everyone says they didn''t do it"

    "If you''re not going to even consider of believing me why ask?"

    "To see if you have any remorse of hurting the person who sacrificed his whole life to raise you. He is your father, boy" The officer said but the conversation didn''t continue. Alex just smiled. A smile laced with sadness and pain. Oh, how he wished that would be true. He photographed the mind of that police officer and he decided that he officially hated him. He hated him and his ignorance. His baseless assumptions and his prejudice. He hated the world that just decided to let others put a veil in front of their eyes. Filter everything as you walk further from the truth.

    After they reached the police station the procedures were almost exactly like in the movies. The station was blunt, with grey and white walls and they locked them all together in a cell while they did some paperwork or god knows what.

    "Well our days have been nothing more than eventful" Mikael commented while sitting on one corner of the small square room with the bars.

    "How are you?" Luke asked and looked at Alex concerned. That was the first serious sentence they had exchanged after that night when they decided that romance wasn''t for them. Luke had felt relieved for a second feeling a weight disappear but seeing Alex so far away from him hurt him.

    He acknowledged his own confusion, how he had turned everything upside down just by entering Alex''s life but somehow he felt that was inevitable. They had to meet for something to begin. A new chapter, a new story. That''s how he felt and while looking at his depressed green eyes his chest hurt like he was having a heart attack. Such a strong connection and empathy. He was letting himself unconsciously get emerged in his feeling about the nineteen-year-old and he couldn''t stop it.

    "I can''t really describe it" Alex responded.

    "Man you could''ve told us that your relationship with your parents was bad. We could''ve gone somewhere else."

    "Yeah, sorry I didn''t share with you the fact that my mum rejected me as her son, my dad beat the shit out of me for months just for breathing, calling me names, locking me in my room and not allowing me to eat until I became ¡§normal¡§. Yes, I should''ve said something these three or four days I know you. My fucking mistake Mikael!" Alex said while raising his voice.

    "They did what to you?" Luke asked.

    Killing intent. It was pure hatred that riled his bone and he felt a huge disappointment that the bastard was still alive and didn''t get to experience a painful and excruciating pain. Hurting him like that, he was just a boy, nothing was wrong with him but his parents treated him horribly. He wanted to kill them both. Make them get on their knees and beg for forgiveness.

    "I don''t think he needs to repeat it" Mark mumbled feeling uncomfortable by the atmosphere. He had even noticed Luke''s burning anger.

    No one spoke for a while and the silence was almost painful because it gave Luke time to think. He had asked Alex to be normal and he now wanted to hit his head on the bars for saying that. He didn''t know. He was just angry and blurted out some silly things but to Alex these words were almost like a curse and he had casted it on him again. He needed to control himself and show Alex that he understood him, that he was okay with who he was, that he¡­ liked who he was. Maybe a bit too much.

    He sighed and rubbed his face in frustration when footsteps were heard. It was the clicking sound of heels and after a while a young woman with dark skin and curly black hair appeared in front of them. She was wearing a police officer''s suit and scanned them inside the cell with her dark, almost black eyes. When she looked at Luke and Mikael her eyes widened in surprise.

    "Little pups what the hell are you doing here?" She asked them and the boys looked at her with an identical expression.

    "Clarissa?" Mikael exclaimed and jumped up.

    ...

    Hello everyone! Thanks for reading! I would appreciate it if you voted and wrote a kind review. Thanks a lot!

    So which boy is your favourite character? (©¤??©¤)

 Chapter 16 - Match 16

    "Thank God Clarissa I never thought I''d see the light of day again!" Mikael said dramatically and stood up running at the bars to face the surprised woman.

    "What are you guys doing here? Luke?" She said while ignoring him. Luke looked at her and sighed. He really wasn''t in the mood for any explanations but as it seemed she could be their only help at the moment.? ?

    "My friend got wrongly accused for trying to murder his father while we were at his lake house so they arrested us."

    "How?...What? Oh, my god I am going to call your father to get you out of here." She said and Luke''s eyes widened.

    "You can''t!" He almost shouted. "He will kill me for bringing a human into the pack."

    "You did what?" She asked even more surprised by that info. Luke was the kind of person who always followed the pack rules. It was intriguing that there was a human out there who could make him break the most important rule they had that existed from the beginning of time.

    "It''s a really long story but please if you can find a way to get us out of here. If not us at least our friends, they are not human." He told her and his eyes were almost pleading.

    "I will not leave without you" Alex said and Clarissa focused on him. To her eyes he was a charming young man, obviously human so she couldn''t help but think that the boys have gotten themselves into some serious trouble.

    "I didn''t ask you." Luke said "I need to get you to safety"

    "Then what? I am going to live my life alone as a wanted man?" Alex asked apparently annoyed. He stood up too, heading towards where the wolves stood with the new woman, wanting to be a part of their conversation. Mark on the other hand seemed completely disinterested. He was so tired that he was crawled in the corner of the small room trying not to get asleep. He wasn''t energized enough to move but still he didn''t want to miss out any major events.

    "This is the least of our worries. Your mother wants to lock you up, my father wants to kill all of us the last thing we should be thinking about is what happens next. There might be no next"

    "Why do you care so much about me anyways?" Alex asked starting to get angry. Luke seemed kind of taken aback by the sudden question. Such a small sentence could be the reason of him exposing everything he was scared of. Being true to himself and letting out all of the desires and thoughts he had been trying to suppress. So he didn''t answer. He didn''t even try to think of an answer to give Alex.

    "This is Clarissa. She is a human with the gift of Sight. She had worked with my dad in the past." He introduced her and she smiled at Alex. He smiled back but still reversed. He wasn''t sure he could trust anyone ever again.

    "Nice to meet you." She said and tended her hand with the light colored nails for a handshake. Alex hesitated a bit but not wanting to be rude he took her soft hand and shook it.

    She then, once their hands touched took a deep breath and tensed like she had been frozen on the spot. Her eyes turned a cloudy white color and little black veins started to appear around her eyes.

    The moment Alex witnessed that, afraid that he had done something to her, he took his hand away almost like he had touched fire. Once the physical contact was lost the supernatural link got cut and the woman immediately calmed down, returning to her normal self.

    "Are you alright?" Alex asked her filled with worry.

    "Huh? Oh, yes¡­I am good. I just had a vision" she said seeming still a bit disoriented. Her eyes had widened the moment she looked at him again but her expression got masked by her sudden feeling of dizziness. She supported herself at the cold bars and looked at Luke.

    "What did you see?"

    "Nothing really. Empty visions happen once in a while. I don''t always see major stuff. Sometimes I wish I could see the numbers in Lotto or something but never" She joked but Luke''s chilly eyes were still on her.

    "So let me see what I can do to help you guys out. I have to get back to my office for now but I will be back soon. Don''t worry"

    "Without notifying my dad" he added.

    "Yes, yes calm down."

    "A goddess from above" Mikael complimented her and kissed her hand playfully. She chuckled and turned around, her heels echoing in the halls.

    "Can she see the future?" Mark asked when the boys had returned and sat down in their little comforting circle on the floor.

    "Yeah, she is a Psychic. Of some sort. The pack had used her a few years back to communicate with the spirits of some angry wolves." Mikael explained. "So tell me Mark, are you sleepy? Wanna lay on my lap?" he asked him with a smile and patted his jeans.

    Mark looked at him with a disgusted expression and brought his knees close to his chest hugging them, he wanted to think of something smart to say back but he was too tired. He noted to himself to remember to return the comment later and closed his eyes, trying to rest.

    "Stop trying to make decisions for me" Alex spat at Luke and the tension grew. "You don''t get to decide what I will do."

    "I will. If that means keeping you safe. This all happened because you were reckless enough to turn back. You got punched in the face by me but still turned back. You got tortured, humiliated, got accused of murder and you still don''t realize that the best choice for all of us is for everyone to go their separate ways once we get out of here."

    "It doesn''t feel right to me" Alex said and looked at his hands embarrassed.

    "Why? Why are you so fixed on me?" Luke asked him agitated. "I rejected you, I play with your feelings so tell me why don''t you want to just leave me behind!"

    "Umm guys I don''t think this is the right time or place to¡­" Mikael tried to stop them sensing the upcoming explosion. No one paid any attention to them. Even Mark had seemed to give up trying to calm them down. He already knew it wouldn''t be possible.

    "Because it doesn''t feel right!" Alex screamed. "I really don''t know why or how but leaving you doesn''t feel right. You''ve hurt me. Physically and most importantly emotionally. I want to punch you in the head. Sometimes I even think I can hate you, like now that you''re saying all these cruel things to me but in the end when I think of just leaving and moving on with my life it doesn''t feel right if you''re not there and I despise myself for it" Alex stated with tears in his eyes.

    He wanted so badly to understand what was happening to him. Why was he so fixated on Luke? Why even after everything he would look at him and if Luke smiled he would feel like the whole world lit up. He believed this was a stupid crush. His first love, his first interest on a guy after a long time but a crush definitely did not feel like this.

    "Nice confession lover boy" Mikael commented and Luke growled at him.

    "What? You decided to play teen drama right in front of us don''t expect me to keep quiet."

    "Please shut it. All of you." Mark said with closed eyes. "My head is killing me."

    "Don''t you have anything to say to me?" Alex asked Luke. He ignored everyone else around him. After what he had said he wanted to hear what Luke believed.

    "Alex, you''re a great guy but I don''t feel that way for you. We can be friends if you want I really want to make your pain stop but I''ve told you again and again that I don''t¡­."

    "Friends don''t kiss each other, they don''t go through all that for each other and they don''t sneak in my bed to cuddle me when I sleep so tell me why do you keep lying to yourself about¡­."

    "Stop pressuring me!" Luke shouted and his eyes shone grey. "I am begging you please stop it. Stop pressuring me to accept this. I can''t deal with all these right now. We are in jail dammit and you want to talk about us? Just stop, please"

    Luke''s eyes shone like freshly sharpened blades while he almost bore holes into Alex''s face. The boy shriveled at his loud voice and took a step back towards Mark. He too had flinched and opened his eyes a bit confused. Luke was panting and his hands were in fists. Mikael was observing him carefully always on edge and ready to intervene but nothing serious happened. At least no to Alex because the furious wolf moved to the opposite side of the cell and punched the grey wall so hard that it broke. Small pieces of cement fell to the floor and a few dots of blood from his ripped knuckles painted the wall. Alex looked at him concerned and motioned to reach him but Mikael stopped him. His hand wrapped around his wrist tightly and he gave him a sad smile. His sea like eyes still on his best friend.

    "Don''t go. Give him some space. All¡­this is hard for him."

    "He is acting like an overly hormonal teenage girl in a 2000''s movie." Mark mumbled. "Come on Alex. Sit here. Don''t bother with him." He advised him and Alex feeling defeated sat next to his friend, letting his head rest on his shoulder. Was he really pushing him too much? He wondered and a tinge of guilt started to grow inside him.

    Every time he thought about Alex he felt like two hands with terrifically long nails, almost like claws were wrapped around his neck, choking him. His heart and mind were in a constant clash. He was supposed to be an alpha, rule the pack some day with his mate by his side. He was raised believing that Lily was going to be the one for him for the rest of his life and every time that the bond did not set into place he felt more and more insecure but he didn''t know what to do. Everyone had so many expectations of him. To be great, strong, to have the most beautiful mate, to lead the perfect life and bring prosperity to the pack after his father. Be ruthless, stay away from humans because they are the enemy but everything turned upside down. How was he supposed to admit to himself that he had feeling for a human? How could he face his father after everything he had done? He was being a shame to everyone, to his ancestors and the fact that he couldn''t deny Alex showed how weak he was.

    If they were really mates he would prefer to never say it or even admit it. He didn''t know if the stories were true. That if you deny your mate at the ritual you will probably turn mad soon and die but he didn''t care. He would be remembered as a disaster and Alex; he would be brought into so much danger. He preferred to turn mad and die, maybe get reincarnated and meet him again as a human, even as his dog rather than bring him to his pack. That place would be a purgatory for him and that was one of the reasons he should say no. The most important reason.

    "I can''t wait to get out of here and get home." Mark said from the back of the room.

    "My sweet Mark I realized that we don''t know anything about you."

    "And you never will" Mark told him with a sweet smile full of irony. "What is this Clarissa doing? It''s been like a year"

    "I don''t know. She said she will help all we have to do is wait" Luke said and sat down. Far away from everyone.

    The regular silence after a big fight was broken by the clacking of keys on the officer''s belt. He came and opened their cell and everyone got up without having to be asked to. He looked at all of them with hostile looks and signaled them to get out.

    "Are we free to leave?" Mikael asked and he nodded. They were ready to leave when the officer spoke to them.

    "I don''t know what your dad did boy¡­" he said while looking at Luke "¡­but that guy is scary and very angry"

    "My dad?" Luke asked surprised.

    "Yes. He is waiting for you outside." The officer said.

    Luke looked at Alex with concern. He seemed like he would faint from fear. Clarissa had betrayed them and he wanted to know why.

    ....

    Hello everyone! Did you like this chapter?

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 Chapter 17 - Match 17

    As the officer led them outside, one standing right next to the other, with curved postures from the exhaustion and hardships Luke spotted Clarissa standing at the door. She was looking at all of them with her dark eyes filled with sorrow. Once their eyes met though she averted her gaze and bit her lip nervously. She felt ashamed for what she had done. She had betrayed him when he trusted her at a very difficult time. Everyone had.

    Without really caring about the officer''s command to head straight and leave the building Luke stopped in front of her.??

    "Why?" he asked her. He was angry at her. She had put everyone in danger. Staying in that prison cell would be a million times better than going back to the pack''s compound.

    "I''m sorry Luke. I really am but listen to me¡­the boy¡­ I saw¡­."

    "Come on. Get going" The officer said and pushed slightly Luke to move. He wanted to stay more and talk to her. Ask about what she saw that made her do this but when he stepped outside, felt the warm sun hit his skin and faced the two black jeeps outside his throat got dry. Right in the middle stood his dad. His name was Adam and his grey from old age hair where swept back neatly as he stood with his arms crossed in front of them.

    If he had an image of death on his mind that would be it. Domineering and sickeningly strict. This is how death would stand in front of him if he ever visited and he felt sad. It was really depressing the fact that the image his father recreated on his mind was that of the grim reaper.

    "Get in the car." He said

    "Father about Clarissa''s vision I want to know¡­"

    "You have much more important things to worry about. Like if you will live or not. Get in the car."

    And he did. He and Mikael got inside the car his father was driving and Mark with Alex got in the other one. Alex looked like his should had been drained from his body, fear eminent in his eyes. He wished to be next to him, to calm him down, even just a bit but he knew it was better that way. He should stay away and not give any more reasons to his father to hate the green eyed boy.

    "So we are heading to our deaths. That''s something new. Excuse me sir. Is there a way for us to live? I small window in the law or something?" Mark rumbled at the driver on the front seat.

    It was obvious he was nervous and that was trying to find some way to cover it up, forget it or even get some hope that he would see the sun rising one more day.

    Alex on the other hand couldn''t hide even if he wanted to. His hands were shaking and images from a few days ago flashed back to his head. The pain, bone breaking it was still clear as a memory and he swore that just by thinking about it he could relive it.

    "I don''t think so. Once we get back you will get changed and hear the Alpha''s decision. He is probably talking about it with his son now."

    "What will happen to Luke?"

    "The best is death. The worst is becoming an Omega. Being kicked out and living without a pack it''s a huge disgrace for us?"

    He was a fool for thinking there would be a way. Luck was never his friend and he should have realized that way back. When his mother screamed at him that she always knew he wasn''t her child, that he was wrong for simply existing. Now Luke too had been plagued by his disease and he would face a dark future because of him.

    "What happened to my mother?"

    "The Alpha convinced her to redraw the charges."

    "And she did it? Just like that?" Mark asked but none of them really wanted to know the answer. Alex was sure his mother wouldn''t say yes so easily so something must have happened. He wasn''t even sure if his mother was alive anymore but honestly the numbness he felt right now was the only sensation, a spec of a feeling. He had shut everything down and if he could he wanted to restart his whole system. Forget everything that happened and all the misfortune his actions had brought to everyone.

    "I''m sorry." He mumbled and Mark sighed

    "Shut up. There is nothing to be sorry about. At least I will die young and beautiful" He joked but Alex saw tears in his eyes for the very first time. No one commented on it though. They just sat back and enjoyed their last ride. Looking at the green trees, the grey of the concrete and the clear blue sky. Images that they all took for granted but in the end those were the images they would miss the most. The simple ones. The birds flying, the whistling of the air, the glowing of the sun on the beach and the rhythmic dance of the waves. All these images that screamed of life.

    The car stopped as it entered the compound and Alex could not spot Luke anywhere. He saw the twin car parked next to the one they were on but it was already empty. He sighed and looked at the enormous building that was disguised as a college.

    He had heard of the great hall where the pack ate. The rooms were built in a circle above it, reminding him of an enormous fairy tale tower and then many other smaller buildings, some attached to the main part of the building, others not. Made mainly from wood and stone it looked old but at the same time it had a glamor and elegance to it. Maybe it was the dark materials or the carved stones. He would never find out; no one would answer anyway.

    They were taken into an empty room away from the main building. It was almost like an old and forgotten storage. There was only a broken down chair there that had two sets of simple clothes. Two pairs of jeans and two T-shirts. One blue and one white.

    "Get dressed and look a bit presentable if you can. You will meet the Alpha soon." The man who had drove them there said and left them. Alex heard the locking of the door and sighed. Of course he would do that.

    "So which one do you prefer?" Mark asked holding the T-shirt and Alex raised his shoulders. Mark threw him the white one and took off his own shirt wearing the blue one. "Man I hope I don''t pee my pants at the execution¡­that''s¡­that''s a bad way to die" he said but the glee in his voice soon died. He couldn''t keep up this act. He kicked the chair throwing the jeans at the other side of the room. "How?....How did this happen to us? I don''t want to die" he cried and Alex hugged him tightly. It was all his fault.

    "I''m sorry. So sorry" he said as the cried together and Alex stood shirtless hugging his friend.

    Mark sniffled and moved away looking at him with a confused look. Suddenly he had stopped crying and with a swift moved turned him around. His cold finger tips touched the back of his left shoulder as he mumbled something Alex couldn''t her.

    "What happened?" The green eyed asked him, confused. A few seconds ago they were crying about dying and now Mark was groping him.

    "That thing on your shoulder. Did you always have that there?"

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 Chapter 18 - Match 18

    "This is messed up" Mikael commented while sitting in one of the two velvet armchairs that stood in front of Adam''s desk. The room was emitting the aura of the person that used it. Dark and stern. Not many furniture of decorations. Just a carpet and these two chairs except the desk.

    "Messed up? This is a fucking disaster." Luke exclaimed, pacing back and forth in the room. He had begged to see Alex for a little while, just to make sure he was safe but his request had been brutally requested by everyone he had asked.??

    "It''s a shame. Alex seemed like a very nice person. He cares about you, you know and Mark¡­I''d like to get to know him more."

    "Don''t talk like they will die for sure" Luke said and Mikael laughed.

    "What do you mean? Of course they will die. Even I will die. You will probably the only one alive after all of this. You''re the next alpha after all."

    Luke looked at him filled with surprise. Everyone. His father would kill his best friend. He would kill Alex and he would just stand by idle and watch. Observe as with heavy footsteps they would be led to the execution ground. Mark and Alex would be hanged, he would hear their gasps and Alex''s beautiful green eyes would turn lifeless. He wouldn''t get to see him smile wholeheartedly. Mikael would be killed differently. He would be dragged with wolfs bane and then he would be thrown into the other pack members so they could kill him.

    "No" Luke mumbled and he felt his knees get weaker.

    "I mean. I don''t really mind man. I will get to see Scarlet again. But I might regret it if she has been reincarnated."

    "I don''t want you to die." Luke said "I don''t want the others to die. Alex he¡­"

    "He will die. He will be tortured by seeing you spectate his death. He will be hanged next to his best friend and all this just because he has feelings for you and you will not be able to do anything because you like everyone else is a puppet." Mikael was trying to push him to the edge, he had a plan and he really wished he was right about his speculation because this would be their only way out. If he was right they might live.

    "Stop it Mikael" Luke said and stopped walking. His big hands formed fists at his sides. He didn''t need this. He didn''t want to hear it.

    "No. Let me tell you how it feels to lose someone you love. To see them in your mind smiling and then the next moment to hear their agony filled screams. To try to reach them, help them, save them but you can''t. Because you are a dog. You have a leash and it keeps you back. It ruins you. Losing this feeling of knowing you will wake up the next morning and see them, feel them next to you. It''s heart tearing. I wake up every single day looking at that empty spot on my bed wishing I could remember the small details of her face but they are fading away, Luke. As the days pass by she becomes only a painful memory, an open wound because her laugh, her voice when she told me she loved me are still in my head. I can still hear it but she is dead. Buried to the ground. Food for fucking worms and this will happen to Alex too. You will feel it too. The wrecking pain. The need to die hoping you will see him again. Because I''ve seen how you look at him and Luke you will never get to look at him like that again. He will be a fucking corpse!" he shouted.

    He had gotten up and was facing his best friend with tears in his eyes. He didn''t want him to have the same end as he did. He was like his brother and watching him like this drowned in confusion irritated him.

    "Shut it"

    "No you fool I won''t. Wake up, wake up, your life is being ruined here but you like the pampered kid you''ve always been you''re too scared. You know what''s scary huh?" he said and pushed him back. "It''s fucking terrifying thinking of the end. Not choosing when to die. Dying with regrets. Your death being a spectacle for brutes!"

    He wanted to crawl someone and disappear. Every muscle on his body was in pain as he imagined all of the things that Mikael told him with Alex as the protagonist. He wanted more. He needed more time. He couldn''t let him go like that, without telling him the truth. Without allowing himself to accept the truth. Feel everything he wanted to.

    "I don''t want Alex to die!" He screamed and fell on his knees. He started crying, his tears dumping the carpet and he felt like the clenching pain on his chest would kill him. He screamed and fell on the floor placing his palm on his chest. "God no!" he said paralyzed by agony. His eyes were closed shut as tears streamed down his cheeks and when he opened them two silver irises shone beautifully.

    He cried and cried. Mikael didn''t approach him, he just watched him from afar as he let everything out. When he stopped his best friend smiled. The rave haired was lying down there, his arm on top of his eyes when he spoke with a sore voice.

    "Are you happy now?"

    "Very happy. Now they can''t kill him. Or any of us."

    Mikael expected Luke to be enthusiastic. Filled with joy. Basically kick the door down and run to his father to make his announcement but he stood there. Tear drops kept falling and he gave his friend a bitter smile.

    "Scarlet was your mate but still died Mikael. They will kill him too. Even though I accepted our mate bond."

    "Scarlet was a rogue. Alex is just...a human."

    "Which is way worse."

    Luke closed his eyes and took a deep breath but it was almost as if his lungs were clogged.

    That burning pain made him unable to move. He had accepted him. The strong emotions that Mikael had caused with his words had agitated the bond and there he was confronting himself about how intoxicated he was with Alex.

    He wished for forever but he wouldn''t even get one day.

    At the same time though while Luke had lost every hope Mark and Alex had made a great discovery that alerted the Alpha.

    ....

    Hello! Did you like this chapter? I wanted to describe the deep emotions of loss and I had been thinking for days how to express losing someone so special to you. I hope I did it decently.

    Thank you for reading! Please support this book if you can!

 Chapter 19 - Match 19

    Important:

    Guys please don''t be a silent reader. No comments or votes just make the hate seem louder and believe me there is a lot out there. So if you like my book please vote, comment or write a kind review. It''s really important as it gives authors strength and confidence in their work.

    Thank you for reading!

    ~back to the story~

    ....

    Alex flinched from Mark''s cold fingertips and moved away still with his chest exposed. He looked at his friend with a confused look and himself tried to touch that part on his shoulder expecting to feel something there, like a bump or scratch but he felt nothing.

    "Dude, there is a tattoo on your shoulder" Mark exclaimed and Alex looked at him with his green eyes wide open.

    "A what?" He asked

    "A tattoo. It''s a gold drawing, it looks like a sun I think"

    "A sun? Wait how did I¡­"

    "Are you decent?" Someone called out from the other side of the room and knocked a few times. Alex was too stunned to reply and the door suddenly opened revealing who they had assumed was the alpha''s right hand man or something. Assistant or secretary?

    "I am Daniel the Alpha''s Beta the Alpha will see you¡­" He started wanting to say something but his eyes got glued instantly to Alex''s new found mark. He stood still for a while completely quiet when he just turned on his heels and ran away not saying a single word.

    "This can''t be good" Mark mumbled and Alex finally decided that it was time to wear his T-shirt. "Do you remember anyone marking you like that? While they were tormenting you or something?" Mark asked and Alex shook his head in denial.

    He had no idea when he could''ve gotten that tattoo Mark was referring to. He couldn''t even see what it was or how it looked like. He had never felt the slightest pain at that part of his body and when he felt it with his fingertips there was nothing different about the skin there.

    "Even if they had marked e here while I was unconscious why would he be surprised about it? Is it really ugly?" Alex asked with a sad look. After everything that happened the last thing that was missing from this deadly adventure was him dying with a badly made tattoo on his back that he didn''t even know where he got it from. He let out a sigh and turned around lifting the shirt, giving Mark a chance to examine it again. "How ugly is it?"

    "It''s not¡­it''s not ugly actually it''s beautiful. It''s a golden sun with flaming ends inside two thin circles. I actually never seen something so pretty before."

    Mark pushed down Alex''s shirt and straightened it neatly as he moved at the corner of the room to pick up the chair he had thrown away. He sat at it being a bit wobbly but he certainly needed some time to think. Usually tattoos did not appear out of nowhere and especially while you were on the run from the police and an angry pack of wolves that wanted to kill you. If he had gone on some vacation of crazy partying and drinking on Las Vegas, he would think it was at least a bit reasonable but at the moment Mark was filing that incident with everything else that seemed slightly supernatural.

    "This is not normal"

    "No shit Sherlock" Alex exclaimed and rubbed his temples. "Why me God, why? We are going to die in a bit and now this? This Daniel guy run out frantic once he saw the stupid mark so it must be something and I can''t even see it!" He shouted

    "We need to calm down and think. From all of our supernatural knowledge what could this be?"

    "I don''t think that having watched Buffy the vampire slayer makes us qualified to recognize what this shit is Mark."

    "I''ve watched the vampire diaries too" his friend joked wanting to lighten up the mood a bit but he only achieved to agitate Alex even more.

    The brunet ran up to the door and tried frantically to unlock it. He pushed and pulled the doorknob and even tried to throw his body at the door in an attempt to break it but opening that old door was actually harder than it seemed.

    "Stop Alex stop, You''ve already been injured enough, you will break your shoulder!" Mark shouted and grabbed him, taking him away from the door.

    "Why?" He asked "Why does this have to happen to me? Just because I liked a guy" He wanted to get it out of his system. Punch something r kick a ball. Start screaming anything would be okay. He felt like a storm was bottling inside him. Like he had a little jar on his chest that had trying to keep contain a typhoon. The fragile glass had lasted way too long and he could now feel the cracks forming, spreading.

    His friend patted his back. He didn''t have any smart or funny lines to say. No one really knew why something like this was happening. Why to them. Fate was tricky and played cruel games. The sure thing was that they had entered a new world. A world they wouldn''t get out that easily or soon. Maybe even never.

    They both heard footsteps while Alex was trying to calm himself and both head snapped, immediately looking at the door that got opened with a loud bang.

    Luke''s dad, the Alpha appeared in front of them, looking and noticing only Alex with his icy eyes. He grabbed his arm and violently turned him around and with only one hand he ripped his T-shirt into two pieces. He could swear he heard a gasp of surprise as he looked at his back but he couldn''t see and the worry was too big for him to be able to focus. Slowly everything around him was turning and as he felt the bone crushing grip of Adam''s on his arm.

    He let him go after a while pushing him forward. Feeling utterly exposed he wrapped his arms around his exposed torso shivering from the tension, the fear. The man in front of him could with just one look make him have a heart attack. He felt so small in front of him and he knew that he could knock him out with just a slap s even though he really wanted to know what was that mark. What was actually going on he didn''t speak. He couldn''t if he wanted to. His throat was dry and he was looking at that man like a deer in front of headlights until he spoke. His voice shook him up and made him focus. He could get at least some information.

    He wasn''t speaking to him, or to Mark who almost seemed to be nonexistent to him. He turned around to his second in command who was standing at the door frame with his hands crossed over his chest.

    "Put this red head with my son and Mikael and restrain them for now. No one told us this thing was A Child of the Veil" Adam said almost spitting the last words like they were an insult.

    What was a child of the Veil? Alex wondered as his heart almost broke from the anxiety.

    ....

    Hello! Thank you for reading! I hope you liked this chapter and if you did please support this book.

    So what do you think A child of the Veil could be?

 Chapter 20 - Match 20

    Daniel threw Mark into a dark room with little to no lighting. He looked around confused only to spot Mikael and Luke sitting in two armchairs, completely silent. Both of them looked at him confused and Luke jumped up immediately, going to where he stood.

    "What are you doing here? Where is Alex?" he asked him and examined his face carefully so he could get a hint on the situation before he spoke but all he could notice in Mark''s expression was pure confusion. "Tell me!" he urged him unable to wait.??

    "Calm down Luke how do you expect him to speak if you are scaring him like that?" Mikael intervened. "Come on sit here" he told him and gently led him to one of the chairs. "are you feeling well? They didn''t do anything to you right?" He asked him his eyes filled with concern.

    "No they didn''t do anything but something weird happened" Mark said.

    "What do you mean?" Luke asked.

    He just wanted Mark to finally speak. He knew that the boy was probably shaken up and scared but still that urge to know about Alex was something he couldn''t just suppress. He didn''t care about anyone else. All he wanted to know was if Alex was well. He knew his father and what he was capable of. He could do the most terrible things to someone just to get what he wants or to show off to the rest of the pack. Alex had gone through a nightmare like that before and Luke felt responsible as to stop anything even remotely close to it to happen again.

    "They gave us a change of clothes and told us to change so we could meet the alpha. Alex and I were trying to get it to our heads that this is the end. We cried and apologized and then we got ready to change. But when Alex took off his T-shirt I noticed something weird on his back." Mark explained

    "What do you mean weird?" Luke asked. "Was he hurt?"

    "No, no physically he was fine."

    At the sound of that Luke exhaled deeply. He was alright and that for now was more than enough. Once they met he could make everything alright for him. For his mate.

    "There was suddenly a weird tattoo on his back. Out of nowhere."

    "Well that could be just Luke''s and Alex''s mate bond mark." Mikael said and he sat at the edge of Adam''s office. Taking in his hands one of those sharp letter openers. This one had a red rose engraved at the top of the silver handle and Mikael examined it with his eyes, not really that concerned about the mark that had worried everyone else so much. Mate bond mark were common to appear sooner or later in a fated relationship.

    "What? Wait guys you are mates? That fateful romance or something wolves get?" Mark asked surprised and looked at Luke.

    The young wolf scratched the back of his head and Mark noticed his cheeks turn a slight shade of pink. He averted his gaze and mumbled a yes.

    "So you have been torturing him just because you were in the closet?" Mark shouted and shoot up from his chair. "Listen here now¡­" he said and pointed his index finger at him, right between Luke''s icy eyes. "¡­my friend has been through so much so you better treat him well since he is stuck with you." He scolded him and Luke nodded. He felt a bit of shy admitting to it. Mark was the first person who knew of that intimate bond they shared and it somehow felt refreshing to be able to talk about it so openly. Even though many of the fears remained Luke wanted to accept his fate, because all he could imagine was a future with Alex and he would do everything to achieve it.

    "Soo my princess keep going with the story" Mikael teased him and mark scoffed.

    "I will, thank you. Then after Daniel appeared, looked at it in shock and ran to get the Alpha who took Alex away."

    "So you mean Alex is with my father right now?" He asked.

    "Yeah. That''s what worries me."

    "Don''t worry" Mikael said "He is your mate; the law says he can''t harm him so easily. Even if he is human. There are procedures in such a complicated situation so for now he must be alright."

    "Yeah. You''re right. At least we know that he is alright." Luke said trying to reassure himself. Hus father was a man of the law, at least he could be sure of that. He would have to talk with the elders first and with him too. He couldn''t just execute someone''s mate so easily and that for now was enough to give Luke some hope. They were going to find a way to save him and live together. The happily ever after they deserved.

    "But honestly. That gold tattoo was the prettiest thing I''ve ever seen and calling mates Children of the Veil sounds really poetic too."

    "Wait what did you say?" Mikael asked and Luke looked at him like he had just been hit by electricity.

    "Your father called him a Child of the Veil."

    "We need to get to my father. Now" Luke said and headed towards the door.

 Chapter 21 - Match 21

    He walked in front of Adam his legs signaling him that they could give out at any moment. He could feel his presence and his intense look without even looking at him. His eyes were burning holes at the back of his head.

    "Move faster" he commanded and pushed him to move.

    He tried to. He didn''t want to be consumed by fear but the pain his hits caused were still vivid. He didn''t want to relive anything like that again so he placed all of his energy on his legs and started walking faster. Stumbling here and there from time to time.

    Adam led him to the infirmary he had woken up just a few days ago with Luke and Mikael on his side. At the very beginning of their troublesome adventure. The beds were organized and the place smelt the same way hospital usually did. Last time Alex had not paid that much attention to the expensive equipment or the light that entered the room. The slight breeze that entered from the open windows and the dancing curtains. It was a place for people usually close to the brim of death but Alex here had come back to life.

    Samantha, the doctor was sitting at her office, quietly writing something down on her notebook. Once they entered her space she lifted her head up and in a hurry left her chair to greet the alpha.

    "Sir" she acknowledged him and bowed her head.

    "Samantha I need to have a talk with you. Drug this one and bring Markus here."

    "What? Markus? Why would you need to¡­"

    "Do it! If you actually behave for once I will forget the fact that you tricked everyone saying the boy was dead and you will get to keep your hands. So you can keep being the doctor you so much love."

    Samantha looked at Alex with a depressed expression. That woman had helped him. He was a key factor to why he was alive right now and that thing could deprive her of her gift. She was meant to save people the same way she did for him and if she wasn''t a doctor she couldn''t do what she loved. She would be left with nothing just because he she helped someone she shouldn''t.

    Alex took a deep breath and tried to find the little courage he had left. He looked at her and gave her a courageous smile as he headed towards one of the medical beds and sat on the cold sheets.

    "It''s fine" he said "You can do it. I''m sure nothing will happen to me while you are here. You are a doctor." He told her and nodded. She walked back to her office opening one of the drawers and prepared a syringe.

    She poured the liquid in the small container and approached him while holding it carefully on his gloved hand. Alex lied down and tended his arm. She bent down a bit while she gently pierced his skin with the thin needle and whispered closed to his ear.

    "Thank you. I will protect you." He said and Alex smiled slightly while he started to slowly get sleepy. His eyelids fluttered for a minute and mumbled an okay before he had been embraced by a deep and soundless sleep.

    "Very moving." Adam said ironically. "Now turn him around. I want to be able to see his back."

    "What is going on here Adam? Why would you need to see Markus? He is just a kid." Samantha asked him aggressively and Adam approached the drugged boy. She stood defensively in front of him and Adam shook his head in contempt.

    "I won''t hurt him." He said but she didn''t budge "I said I won''t hurt him now move!" For a few seconds she didn''t say or change her defensive stance but she knew better than to agitate him further so she stood to the side still watching him like a hawk.

    Adam turned him around with no struggle and Samantha could see now clearly the mark on his naked body. She gasped and moved her hands in front of her mouth. She moved closer and with her slender fingers traced the delicate design.

    "Do you understand why I need you to bring Markus here now?"

    "Oh my, this boy he is¡­he really is one of the last ones. He is a Child of the Veil."

    "Yes that''s why we need to see what we can do about him." Adam said. His constant anger seemed to have subsided a bit as he was looking at the boy''s back. The precise marking, the elegant light the gold color emitted, he knew it all too well but he needed to be sure. He hadn''t asked of Clarissa''s vision because he couldn''t be concerned less about a stupid human but now everything made sense. Her fear and the anxiousness in her voice when she had called him. The mother''s hatred towards her own son, it wasn''t just homosexuality the problem. There were more. A lot more.

    "I will go get Markus right this instant." Samantha said and run out of the infirmary.

    ...

 Chapter 22 - Match 22

    "Why won''t this shit open?" Luke screamed as he kicked the door.

    "Guys what is going on? Didn''t you say that it''s nothing that important?" Mark asked confused.

    "That''s what we thought but my sweet princess mate bond marks are not gold. They are black and Adam called him a child of the Veil. This is bad. Really bad." Mikael explained and went to where his friend was struggling to open the door. Together they started pushing the door, hoping it will open.

    "What does it mean then? Tell me! Will Alex will be okay?"

    "It means he is not human!" Luke said while hitting the door.

    "Shit. Shit. What do you mean he is not human? We just met his mum and dad who looked perfectly human to me."

    "How the hell should I know. He is probably a witch or something. That could be inherited by your great grandmother or something. Now come and help us" Luke commanded him and Mark tried to also help them open the door.

    To him it was kind of unusual how two grown supernatural creatures known for their physical strength could not get one small door open but when he pushed together with them he realized that wasn''t you average door. It literally must''ve weighted a ton and he was sure they wouldn''t get it open soon.

    "This won''t work." Mikael said and moved away from the door. "We need another way out instead of pushing here like three clowns."

    "You''re a clown" Mark said offended.

    "As long as I get to entertain you I''m happy" he smiled and winked at him.

    "This is not the time for this." Luke told them

    "What could happen to Alex now?"

    "Probably his kin would be contacted. If he belongs to a kind, we have an alliance with he will be returned to them. If he belongs to an enemy, he will be killed. We need to inform the Alpha that he is Luke''s mate so he won''t execute him no matter what. There is a pack rule that only in very special occasions you can execute someone''s mate." Mikael explained. "I''ve been thinking though about something else."

    "What?"

    "What if he is not a werewolf or a witch? What if he is a suppressed soul? You know what that means right?" Mikael said actually talking to Luke. The grey eyed boy looked at his friend aware of the answer already. He knew what would happen but he was ignoring it. There was no way Alex was something like that.

    "What is a suppressed soul?" Mark asked feeling like the people around him were talking in a different language.

    Mikael opened his lips ready to explain but Luke shot him a death glare, warning him to stop. There were some things humans should not find out. It was better that way since they didn''t know what would actually happen and what Alex really was Luke didn''t need Mark ruining any of his upcoming plans to keep Alex by his side.

    "Well it''s a long story but I will tell you another time." Mikael finally said and Mark looked at him suspicious.

    "Sure" he agreed and let his questions die on the spot but not his curiosity. "What about the windows?" he suggested and pointed at the drawn, heavy curtains.

    "They are probably sealed." Luke said but went towards them anyway. He pulled the to the side and grabbed the handle of the gold framed window and as expected it wouldn''t budge. Outside these wall was Alex somewhere, helpless in his father''s mercy and Luke was running around a small room like a trapped mouse trying to find a way out.

    Furious he raised his arm and shoot his fist right through the fragile window, filling the floor with shards of shiny glass and dots of blood from his ripped knuckles.

    "Well that''s a way to make an exit" Mikael said happily as his friend broke of the rest of the glass and passed through it.

    "Come on. Let''s go" Luke said from the outside.

    Mark approached the dangerous looking window and inspected the sharp edges that were still on the frame with a frown. That would hurt if he made the slightest wrong move he thought and looked around wanting to find a place to put his hands and support himself so he could get to the other side.

    Soon though Mikael had covered the sharp edges with a piece velvet that belonged to the pretty armchairs. With the corner of his eyes Mark noticed his long claws withdrawing and he gulped.

    "Hurry up" Luke said afraid that someone would spot them.

    Mark placed his hands on the soft velvet and pushed his body up until he found himself inhaling the fresh air. They were finally out, he thought and looked at Mikael who with a swift move was outside.

    "Thanks" he mumbled and watched as Mikael winked cutely at him.

    "Let''s go" Luke commanded and they all started running towards an unknown direction. They didn''t have the slightest idea as to where Alex could be and the whole place looked like it had been put into some magical sleep. Even though the day was perfect, with the slight breeze and warm sun no one was outside.

    Mikael noticed after they had ran to the front of the compound a man sitting at the stairs of the entrance smoking a cigarette but when he became aware of their presence he stood up and threw the cigarette behind him on the ground.

    When Luke''s eyes with him met Mark could swear that the guy shivered but he couldn''t make sure of it since the raven haired boy was running towards him like a beast and when he reached him he pinned him down by the neck. Mark would never want to be in his place. He wondered how that person wasn''t pleading for mercy already. Served him right though, for littering such a beautiful place with his cancer stick.

    "Where is he?" Luke asked but he sounded more like he was threatening him rather than asking.

    "I¡­I ¡­don''t know what you''re talking about." The man stuttered but Luke''s grip only got stronger on his neck and everyone heard him cough.

    "You do. You surely do so tell me where is he!" H screamed his fangs popping up as he shouted but the man didn''t speak. Luke agitated by his silence grabbed his neck harder and raised his head only to hit it at the marbled stairs. The man screamed in agony but the young wolf didn''t seem to regret his actions.

    "He is at the infirmary" Another voice sounded "Go easy on him. He is your cousin" the girl said and everyone looked at her. She had appeared soundless at the door frame and was looking at the scene in front of her.

    Mark examined her face and noticed how she looked familiar but couldn''t understand why. Only when Mikael called her out by her name he remembered. She was Luke''s girl. The one named Lily.

    "Thanks" Luke simply said and threw the guy to the side.

    "Will you go to him?" The girl asked with a cold look.

    "Hello traitor" Mikael greeted her instead ash he approached them and she gave him a disgusted look. They didn''t seem to get along.

    "Yes, I will go."

    "I am your girlfriend" Lily said but Luke had already left her behind. He just stopped for a second and turned around to look at her. His moon like eyes glued on hers.

    "Consider that over. I don''t appreciate betrayal." Luke said and without even paying attention to her astonished expression headed towards the infirmary with everyone else. He was sure he had just made a great enemy but it didn''t matter right now. All he could think of was Alex.

 Chapter 23 - Match 23

    "If we really want to get technical here you were the first one to betray her, you know bringing the human boy you simp for here and hiding him while she was your girlfriend." Mikael said while they were running towards the infirmary.

    He had an amused look plastered on his handsome face as he watched Luke roll his eyes at him in disapprove. He didn''t want to be mean or anything but he totally adored the look on Lily''s face when his best friend called her a traitor. Her eyes were ready to pop off her scalp and bounce on the green grass from the shock. He hated that idea of the power couple and he especially hated her for many years since she had played a big role to his sadness. Luke though was his best friend and no matter what objections he had he would never try to intervene with his happiness so as long as she was there he just nodded and smiled but now that she was officially gone he felt like he had won an Oscar for keeping up his mask for fifty years.

    "You never liked her anyways" Luke told him and Mikael laughed.

    Far behind them was a panting Mark trying to keep up with their ridiculous speed. His long inhales and exhales were audible from the side halls too as he hoped that his lungs would not explode in the next few seconds.

    "I just wanted to play soccer and win the cup this year. What is this?" he cried out and when Mikael heard him he stopped and turned around.

    "Why are you still so far back? Don''t you want to see Alex?" he asked him playfully and at that exact moment, Mark for the first time felt the need to kill someone. He desperately wanted to annihilate Mikael from this dreadful earth so he could stop harassing him with his jokes all the time. He dragged his tired feet as fast as he could and heard his stomach complain loudly.

    "Yeah, that''s the last thing I needed right now" he mumbled as he felt the unwanted feeling of hunger twist his stomach. "After this you owe me a royal meal" Mark said as he finally managed to catch up to them.

    "Don''t worry we have a really good cook here" Mikael told him

    "Let''s go. We are here." Luke said and turned left. There was a huge door and nothing else in the corridor.

    Mark had managed to realize that their compound was very complicated. With many halls and doors everywhere and different sections for different uses. He wanted to memorize his way out just in case something bad happened and he needed to escape with Alex but it was nearly impossible after so many twists and turns to memorize even the slightest helpful detail since every part up until now looked the same.

    "I think it''s better for you to stay outside." Luke told him and Mark looked at him confused.

    "Why?"

    "You see sweetie, inside this room is Luke''s dad, the Alpha and it would be really dangerous if you came along. Also we will talk about somethings that''s it''s best a human doesn''t know. It will just put you in more danger."

    "Yes but what about Alex? I need to know that he is okay."

    "Alex will be okay. I will protect him and you need to help me with that by staying outside and not causing any extra problems."

    "You will tell me everything that concern''s Alex afterwards right?" he asked looking at Mikael.

    "Of course, also he will tell you himself too. Don''t worry. We won''t be long."

    "What if someone comes here?" Mark asked and fidgeted from one leg to the other. He didn''t want to encounter some angry wolf of its way to the infirmary and get locked up in a weird cell again.

    "No one will come. They tend to stay away from the Alpha."

    "I see. Be quick" he said and let them enter the room.

    Luke was relieved that they managed to get rid of Mark. He wanted to filter everything he would hear. He knew his father would not let Alex know anything before he was aware of the whole story himself so the boy was probably on another room. Luke was planning on knowing everything first and then informing the others. He would not let anyone take Alex away from him, even if Alex himself wanted to leave he would not give up his mate for anyone.

    He was partly wright about his father not wanting Alex to know about the details. He wasn''t in another room though. He was right there unconscious and turned on his belly in one of the medical beds. A familiar figure was bend above him and was examining a part of his bare back. He ran to where they were with Mikael following close behind. He recognized the figure as Markus. Their pack''s occult specialist. He was very old but was looking like he was still in his early forties. He had been counseling his father, grandfather and great grandfather in all of their supernatural matters considering the other species.

    He had his hair falling in messy blond curls on his shoulders and his chestnut colored eyes were focus on his mate. He had a huge scar from someone''s claws on the side of his right cheek but he never told anyone how it happened.

    The first one to notice them was his father. He looked at them in disapproval asked them how they got there.

    "I broke your office window." He said and showed him his hand. Most of the marks had healed. Only small scratches had left to evident the rage filled event.

    "Of course you did. So are you here to know about your little human who is actually not a human?"

    "Yes" Luke simply replied and waited for his father to kick them out angrily or even object but he did none of the above. He seemed to be more concerned with Alex''s case at the moment that he didn''t care if his son was going to hear about it.

    "So?" Samantha asked filled with curiosity. She had been standing quietly to the side, observing everything that was happening.

    "I am afraid that your thoughts are right. He isn''t a human." Markus said stealing one last glance of the elegant design before turning to look at all of them.

    "So is he a witch? Or even maybe a wolf that his curse was not triggered from an extinct bloodline?" Mikael asked. He had started to feel anxious too for some reason even though he wasn''t really interested in this whole guess the supernatural creature game. The atmosphere that flowed around though was too overwhelming and he had been affected by it.

    "He is none. Unfortunately, he is something even more complicated." Markus said and placed his hand on his jaw while thinking.

    "What is he then?" Adam asked.

    "First of all since he isn''t a witch or a werewolf, obviously not a vampire because vampires get turned and all of the pureblood cursed vampires are documented and still alive he is either a demon, an angel, an elf, a gorgon, something of the thousand supernatural creatures that have no bonds with the human species." He explained.

    "So what you are saying is that Alex is a suppressed soul." Mikael said and Luke felt his heart clench. Anything but that. He couldn''t stand it if Alex was a suppressed soul.

 Chapter 24 - Match 24

    "A suppressed soul? Isn''t that really rare? I don''t even know what that is exactly." Samantha said.

    "A suppressed soul is when an immortal dies, in some magical way all the supernatural species have some weakness, uuum so back to what I was saying, It''s quite hard to explain¡­"

    "Quit stalling and explain what''s happening." Luke said trying to contain his worry.

    "Yes, yes I am sorry. So this immortal being dies and as I said he was not like us who are part human. So his soul somehow gets trapped into a human body during his reincarnation process. Meaning that Alex if his reincarnation process had happened right he would''ve been born in the species that he belonged and then at his eighteenth birthday he would remember his past. Dying as an immortal being is very rare anyways in our days of peace, especially if you live on the other side, The Veil, so he probably faced a tragic death many years ago and his soul got lost entering a human body." Markus tried to explain.

    "So you mean that any day Alex could¡­awaken? Remember everything about his past?" Luke asked as he felt cold sweat drip down his temples.

    "Yes. Especially if one day he finds himself back home, or he meets someone he used to know or if he even learns from us a few things about his past he could awaken. Basically his human self would somehow be erased or emerged, if I can phrase that better, with his real self. He will return back to his old existence. He will even get the characteristics of his species even though that, I''m sure would be a very painful state until it''s over."

    "So you are telling me that if Alex finds out that he is not human, his self right now would seize to exist."

    "Yes. Exactly"

    "And what is he anyways? Does that tattoo explain anything?" Adam asked.

    "I mean, it''s a soul tattoo. Its energy emits that of a trapped soul but the mark itself, or why it appeared is unknown to me, I will have to make some research to find out for sure."

    "I see. You can go Markus. Keep researching and inform me and only me about what you find." Adam told him.

    Markus though was looking at Luke. How he seemed like he was almost shivering. The struggle that shone behind his pretty eyes. He was a smart man; he could figure out what was going on. Luke''s interest was very much obvious without his years of experience so he just bowed at his Alpha and left the room. Without making any dangerous observations.

    "So he is something but we don''t really know what." Adam said while thinking. His eyes were examining the sleeping boy and it seemed like he couldn''t decide what he would end up doing with him. "Should I kill you or not?" he wondered at loud.

    "What if he is someone we have an alliance with?" Samantha asked. "That would instantly mean that we are breaking a treaty, maybe even war."

    "And how would they know?"

    "They''re gonna know" Samantha said. She was really trying to keep her promise to Alex and help him get out safe of all of this.

    "Honestly I don''t know; I mean he really irritates me. It would be a pleasure to kill him and his friend."

    "Father there is something you need to know." Luke called out and looked at his father.

    He felt like his heart was going to break. It was beating so fast as the Alpha looked at him, his superiority emitting from every move, every breath he took that he felt for a second that he wanted to hide somewhere he wouldn''t be able to see him. Stress him and make him feel inferior. He couldn''t do that though. It wasn''t a matter only about himself. It was about Alex and his wellbeing and he would never back down on that no matter who was the opponent.

    "What is it?"

    "Alex is my mate" he said and for a second he stopped breathing as he watched his father processing the unwanted information. His expression changed really fast from unfazed to shocked to disgusted and Luke was surprised that he had such a wide spectrum of facial expressions after all all he got to see was an angry and sometimes a strict look.

    "Are you serious? He is your mate?"

    "Yes. I''ve known it for quite some time. I didn''t want to believe it because I was scared about how you would react and like that I hurt him a lot. I can''t be like this anymore. You can''t kill him because I accepted our mate bond. He is mine now and you have to obey the pack''s rules." He told his father with as much courage as he could. He wanted to say so much more, cuss him and yell at him for everything Alex had to go through because of him but he decided not to. He didn''t want to anger him more than he should.

    "I see. I see" he said and he had a very dubious smile on his lips. "You know what''s going to happen right? If he remembers."

    "I do. That''s why no one must know. We will tell him that his mark is a mate bond. He will never hear of this and we will never speak of this again." Luke said

    "Are you really sure?" His father asked.

    "Yes.I am sure. I don''t want to lose him. I couldn''t live with that."

    "Well then, have a happy life with him son, as long as that could last" Adam told him and patted his shoulder.

    He started walking slowly and headed towards the door, leaving his son and everyone in the room dumbfounded about his unexpected reaction. He anticipated shouts and yells for asking to spear his life. Contempt for being mates with a male human but he almost seemed like he didn''t care. Luke knew his father was not that kind.

    Replaying his words. He was sure.

    They were not a blessing but a curse.

    .....

    Hello! How do you like the story so far? Please let me know!

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 Chapter 25 - Match 25

    Mark never really thought that he might be impatient. Nothing really important had happened in his life that he should be worried about having to find out what happened so his limits hadn''t been tested before.

    As time passed though, with every ticking of some invisible clock in his mind all he could think about was that he couldn''t really wait. He had been pacing back and forth, playing with his fingers and even daring to slightly explore the place, like taking twenty steps away from the door and the comfort that if someone attacked him his screams could be heard and the others would run to save him.

    He had also stuck his ear on the cold door, concentrating, hoping he would get to hear something, even a word would be okay to calm him down a bit but it was pointless since this door too felt like it was previously on a fortress. If they caught a fire here and the doors were locked most of them would end up dying. He thought and shock his head wanting to kick away his dark thoughts.

    There wasn''t long though that finally the door moved and an unfamiliar figure appeared. Mark caught a glimpse of the inside where everyone was and saw his friend sleeping in the medical room. Anxious and without even thinking about it twice he literally jumped in front of the stranger, stopping him.

    "What did they say? Is Alex okay?" he asked and looked at the scary figure. The huge mark on his face while the ginger was looking at him created many different stories of torment and he soon regretted his decision.

    "Who are you?" he asked him back, puckering his face at his sight.

    "I¡­um¡­I''m Alex''s friend" he said and averted his gaze.

    The man looked at him for a second and then suddenly dove into his eye level and moved his face close to his neck. Mark froze and didn''t even dare to blink as he heard the man sniffing on him! After a few whiffs he moved away from him and without saying anything he left mumbling something he couldn''t hear very well. He thought he understood the word familiar though.

    While Mark was left questioning the sanity of that man the two best friends inside the infirmary were having a heated argument about honor.

    "What you want to do is cowardly." Mikael told his friend. Luke had moved at Alex''s side and gently turned him around so he could sleep comfortably at his back.

    "This is what I chose though and I will not change my mind about. He will know nothing of this. We will tell him it''s a mate bond mark." Luke said.

    Once he had heard that Alex was a suppressed soul he had felt tremendous fear. Even though he tried not to show it to his father every single scenario he could write on his mind about what would happen if Alex remembered had a very tragic and bad ending. Especially if his biggest fear came true. A though that he would never phrase out loud. As long as he didn''t acknowledge it would not become real. He tried to encourage himself that way but honestly he was just avoiding his problems.

    "You shouldn''t leave him in the dark like that. What will we tell Mark? We already told him that he possibly is not a human. Will we lie to him too?"

    "Yes. We will tell him that it was a rare mark we didn''t know about. We will make him believe it and if he doesn''t we will find a way so that he disappears without Alex knowing!"

    "Are you seriously suggesting that we kill your mates best friend? What about his mother huh? Are you going to hide what your father probably did to her too?"

    "Yes. I will do anything to make him happy. Even lie."

    "Luke that''s toxic. You shouldn''t be thinking like that. Your bond with Alex is strong but if you treat him like that it will sure weaken." Mikael warned him. He was concerned about his friend. He could see the worry coated with sweet madness on his eyes.

    "He will never know about this lie. It will be the only one that I will tell. The only one I need to tell. Please understand. You know that if he''s¡­"

    "Yeah how about when he finds out you intended to kill his best friend if he is a threat to you? Do you think he will be okay with that?"

    "I didn''t mean it like that! I would never want to hurt him" Luke said and played with a few stay hairs that were falling into his closed eyelids. He looked so peaceful like had forgotten all the pain and anguish he had felt the last few days. His fingertips pressed a bit too hard on the delicate skin and the sleeping boy flinched slightly, letting out a sleepy groan.

    "He will wake up soon." Samantha said. Luke looked at her like she had appeared from thin smoke. With all the commotion he hadn''t noticed that she was still in the room, observing the two friends. "Don''t worry I won''t say anything. I understand how painful it must be to be scared of losing someone that important but if you want my advice at some point he will have to find out because if by accident he gets to realize and he finds out you didn''t tell him; he will hate you."

    "Thanks for the advice but he won''t know." He said and looked at her with an aggressive look. He wanted to state that he was seeing her as a threat and if she ever tried to speak she would be doomed but there was no fear eminent in her eyes. She smiled slightly and grabbed some paperwork from her desk, hugging it close to her chest.

    "I will be going now then, I wouldn''t want to ruin your reunion. Have a nice day." She simply said and walked away, her heels marking her way as she headed to the door.

    "Are you sure about this?" Mikael asked one final time.

    "Yes. Now shut up because he will wake up soon."

    And he did. Not even five minutes had passed after the doctor left that Alex opened his eyes. At first he didn''t move, he just looked around a bit disoriented trying to make out the person that was sitting next to him. He felt a slight chill and he realized that he was still shirtless and exposed. The person in front of him smiled and Alex recognized him as Luke.

    "What happened? Is everything okay? My mark¡­.your father¡­" Alex tried to express himself but he still felt a bit dizzy. He wasn''t in the state of even sitting up on the bed and his words somehow got twisted on his tongue and got swallowed down is throat.

    "It''s fine don''t pressure yourself." Luke said and caressed his cheek gently. That was the most shocking thing to Alex and for a second wondered if maybe he was still under that weird anesthesia and he had been watching a weird dream where Luke was actually nice to him. A fantasy.

    Noticing his surprised expression Luke laughed and got up. He had a rhythmic laugh and to Alex it almost sounded like a song. Yeah, he was definitely dreaming all this after all.

    "Do you want me to call Mark in? I will go get you some warmer clothes and prepare a room for you guys. There are a few things we need to talk about actually" Mikael told him slowly, making sure that Alex could understand. When the green eyed boy nodded in agreement he rushed off somewhere leaving the infirmary door open for a furiously excited ginger head to ran in and slide through the polished, shiny floors to his bed. He was smiling widely as he watched his best friend be alive and well. He would probably have been very worried and Alex felt slightly guilty for that.

    "I''m so happy you are okay!" he cheered and Alex laughed. He tried to sit up but sadly he instantly felt dizzy and plopped back to the soft pillow.

    "Thanks" he whispered since he felt tired to even speak.

    "So what happened with his mark? What''s going on?" Mark asked Luke.

    "It''s nothing after all. Alex actually after you feel better I want to talk. About us" Luke said and the drugged boy looked at him confused. He wanted to pinch himself to see if this was real but his numb body was not offering that many functions at the moment.

    "What do you mean it was nothing? Everyone raised an uproar and they were running around for nothing?" Mark asked suspicious.

    "I said it was nothing!" Luke shouted feeling already like his secret was in danger. Mark flinched and took a step back astonished by his sudden burst of anger out of nowhere. It was nothing he wouldn''t react like that. He was sure by now that they were definitely hiding something, knowing though that he was at a disadvantage he just gave him an awkward smile.

    "Oh, okay I guess. I''m glad it wasn''t anything that important"

    Luke completely ignored him though and turned his eyes on Alex. He had so much he wanted to say and he wasn''t sure how to express himself. To him it had always been difficult, expressing how he felt, especially at important situations such as this but he was sure that he wanted to do it.

    "Alex, I have something important I need to tell you but I don''t know how you will take it." Luke began talking.

 Chapter 26 - Match 26

    As time slowly passed Alex was getting to regain his contact with everything around him. Luke hadn''t left his side all this time and Mikael joined everyone else soon after holding a T-shirt and a cold glass of water that he gulped down almost in one sip. He felt like he hadn''t had any water in ages.

    "There you go sleeping beauty." He told him and threw the simple piece of clothing to him.

    "I have a question." Alex said "If it wasn''t anything serious why did your father have to drug me?"

    "Well, you see, my father is overly cautious and wants to know first every piece of information before anyone else. Even before the person involved. He didn''t want to risk you knowing too much"

    "It runs in the family I guess" Mikael mumbled and Luke looked at him with an angered look.

    "What?" Alex asked confused and Mikael gave him a smile.

    "I''m just teasing you. Don''t really try to find a reason behind the things the Alpha does. He is old and basically a tyrant so he is cautious of even his shadow." He explained

    "So why doesn''t anyone like¡­dethrone him or something?" Mark asked looking at Mikael

    Mark had decided that Luke would not be one of his favorite people in there. Not only of the way he had hurt his best friend but also because he was acting too suspicious. Alex would be too happy once he hears the news about them being mates to be able to see his confusing behavior so Mark gifted himself the burden of observing and trying to remember every little detail just in case they need it in the future.

    He believed that Mikael was not to be trusted either. Those two were best friends after all, knew each other all their lives and definitely they would watch each other''s backs no matter what but it seemed like Mikael valued honesty a little bit more than the Alpha''s son. What he was the most afraid of though was not the lies, it was the fact that the expression the apple doesn''t fall far from the tree would end up being accurate in Luke''s case.

    "It''s not that easy. There are rules in the pack and the only way someone could be recognized as a new alpha would be if they challenged the current one to a duel and won. No one is actually that strong to do that. Except maybe Luke but I doubt he would want to kill his father so he just waits for him to resign so he can take over."

    "What if he doesn''t want to resign?"

    "Well one day he has to. No pack had only one ruler."

    "It seems to me that he likes his position a bit too much."

    "Mikael, enough talking about the pack''s matters with outsiders." Luke warned him.

    It seemed like the feelings of suspicion were mutual because Luke had decided that he didn''t want Mark knowing anything more than he actually should. He was smarter than what he was showing and he was sure he wouldn''t hesitate a second to expose him to Alex. The only advantage that he probably got was the fact that he was scared of him. This was going to be a hard game to win and he had to be very cautious with his words but he had to keep him, no matter what.

    "Okay, okay. I have a room prepared for you guys. Mark let me take you there since Luke wants to talk with Alex. You''d probably want to talk to your parents too right? I will lend you my cellphone."

    "Yeah but¡­"

    "I will bring Alex back to your room myself. Don''t worry." Luke tried to reassure him just to get rid of him faster but he only made him more worried.

    Unwillingly and without saying another word the red head followed Mikael outside. He waited until they were far away enough for any supernatural hearing to weaken so he could talk. He couldn''t risk Luke with his werewolf powers listening to him while he rumbled about how annoyed he was with the whole situation. The last thing he needed right now was to get kicked out and have no way of protecting Alex.

    "Here" Mikael said and handed him his phone. For a second he looked at him confused but soon he remembered what he had told him. His parents. He had totally forgotten about them. They would be going insane by now and the fact that his picture wasn''t plastered all over the news was surprising. He dialed his mother''s number and after a while he got to hear her voice. He could sense the exhaustion but when she heard him call her mum it was like she came back to life.

    "Yeah, I''m sorry¡­ I went for a small get away with my friends and out phones died¡­ We had no power too¡­ It was a mess¡­ I''m alright though¡­ No I don''t know when I will get back¡­ Actually I need to talk to you about that but I will call you later, okay? Thanks mum and sorry for worrying you¡­I love you" he mumbled slightly embarrassed by the display of affection.

    "That was so sweet" Mikael teased him. "What did she say?"

    "I''m not going to tell you"

    "You don''t have to. I heard everything. I mean she was literally screaming at the phone" he said and laughed "I thought you ran away somewhere just because you were angry daddy didn''t get you that boat you wanted. Isn''t that what she said? You don''t look like it but you are a little spoiled master aren''t you?" he asked him and noticed him blush.

    "I''m not really spoiled. I just liked that boat. It was red."

    "Wow, I mean how could you resist something like that."

    "I know right it was so pretty and I¡­you''re making fun of me aren''t you?"

    "Maybe, just a little bit" he said while smiling.

    "You know what? I won''t be embarrassed about my parents buying me stuff. I bet yours do the best they can for you too."

    "I mean my parents are dead but I''m sure they would."

    "Oh, sorry"

    "Yeah that got pretty deep pretty fast"

    "True" Mark agreed "how did they die? If you don''t mind me asking?"

    "They died during a conflict with another supernatural species."

    "I see. I''m sorry"

    "You said that twice already" Mikael joked and noticed Mark rolling his eyes. "Are you actually sorry or just sorry to make the mood awkward?"

    "Both I guess" Mark confessed

    "Honest I like it"

    "Something I couldn''t say for you and your best friend"

    That was a low blow and Mark knew that. Even Mikael seemed surprised about the witty comment. He stopped walking and looked at him, his ocean eyes connecting with his. It wasn''t awkward though considering it couldn''t get any weirder after talking about dead parents and red boats in the time span of not even ten minutes. He was expecting a cheeky comeback or some kind of joke about his human nature but all he got was a bitter smile. Mikael seemed filled with regret. He looked ready to speak, reveal the truth but like he had a spell on him the moment he parted his lips he stopped. Something was stopping him. So he stood there like a cute little fish until he smiled again and said

    "Sometimes we are forced to do things against our will"

    "Even if we know that things will end up bad?"

    "Even then. We can''t control everything after all"

    "If anything happens to Alex I''m going to kill you."

    "Nothing will happen to him. Luke would never hurt him. I can''t say the same about you though. Be suspicious of him, dislike him but don''t make him think you are a threat. He won''t hesitate twice to do anything to keep you silent. That''s a warning because I won''t be able to do anything to help you."

    He wasn''t expecting to get shocked by that since he had thought about it before, what could happen if he challenged Luke or questioned him about the truth. Of the unspoken reality that got formed inside that room just a few hours ago. But it did. The realization that his life could be in danger hit him harder than he believed It would and his whole body shivered. Mikael realized that, the fear he had created inside of him and felt relieved. He didn''t want Mark to do anything rash or stupid.

    "But don''t worry too much about it. I mean they will be happy, I''m sure" he said wanting to calm him down. They had already started walking again, reaching a huge round dining hall and from a small door to the side they entered what seemed to be some kind of dorm. It was a huge circular building that had floor on top of floor filled with wooden doors.

    "You don''t sound so sure."

    Yes, he definitely didn''t speak with confidence about that. He wished he could believe it too but in reality it was hard to believe that happiness would flourish when it was born from a lie. He didn''t sound so sure because he wasn''t.

    ----

    To be honest Mikael and Alex is my favourite characters so far. How about you?

 Chapter 27 - Match 27

    "What do you want to talk to me about?" Alex asked Luke.

    No one could overlook the concerning look he had on his face. His motion of taking Alex''s hands in his shocked the younger but he didn''t try to remove them from his grip. He liked the warmth they provided. After a while he felt a caring touch and that made his heart flutter.

    Luke stayed silent for a while almost like he wanted to build up the tension. In reality though he was trying to best way to reveal to him that they were mates without shocking him or scaring him. Yes, it was clear that Alex liked Luke but being mate was more than just a simple crush. It was an eternal bond. An oath of love that surpassed the laws of mortality and that could scare someone so you as Alex, especially the thought of being with the same person your entire life if you never had any relationship experience must cause a lot of anxiety.

    "Are you going to keep quiet forever?" Alex teased him and gave him a hint of a smile. He didn''t know all the troubling thoughts that lived in Luke''s mind like little parasites but still he wanted to erased that troubled expression from his handsome face.

    "No. I''m sorry" Luke mumbled feeling quite embarrassed. "I want to begin with telling you how sorry I am. So much has happened the last few days and you have dealt with everything more maturely than I could ever do. Even though you''re only nineteen. I said so many harsh things to you, I led you on, I insulted you and made your life even more troublesome and for that I am really sorry. I know asking for forgiveness could be a bit too much but I hope you won''t hate me." He said and came to a pause waiting for Alex to reply. He was hoping that the boy would be positive about his apology. He wasn''t good with expressing stuff, putting too many words into it or showing his emotions but his apology was sincere and to him that was the important thing, he just wished that Alex could see it too.

    "You really did hurt me. You know not even a day in my life was I able to be honest with my feelings or with who I was while I lived with my parents. In my life I had romanticized the few peaceful moments we had just so I wouldn''t be in so much pain. Only when I left home I could finally come to terms with what was happening and when I talked to you and told you that I liked you was the first time I had ever told a boy that I liked him, I was openly accepting who I was but you really made me feel bad about it. I was so hurt, the torture seemed like nothing." He said with a bitter smile. "I will accept your apology though, not because it doesn''t still hurt or because I am not disappointed in you but because I need to move on and by being spiteful I won''t find peace and right now that''s all I want."

    Anyone would think that a boy in his nineteen years would only think about partying and living a life full of excitement and adventures. Youth did not come twice after all. Alex was so tired though. After everything, just in a few days he felt like he had aged at least ten years and all he wholeheartedly wished for was some peace and quiet. He just wanted to step on the freshly cut grass of the soccer field and start kicking the soccer ball until his muscles hurt. Then he wanted to take a warm shower and lie on a soft bed with cold sheets and sleep for hours without worrying that a spider would crawl into his ear from sleeping on the ground. He just wanted to feel that his life would be normal again.

    "Thank you." Luke said. He couldn''t describe how he felt about what Alex had said. It was obvious that the forgiveness he had gained was not because of love, it would be obscured if he even thought of that. Like and love were two very different things but he couldn''t help but crave for more. The heart was never merciful though, it always tortured its owner with craving more and more, torturing Luke. He knew he should rush things. He knew it but yet he wanted to grab Alex and pin him down right there. Was Alex a virgin? He wondered and his cheeks got tinted a slight pink.

    "Was that what you wanted to tell me?" Alex asked him, since he was seeing he stopped talking.

    "No, no there is more." Luke said trying to get his thoughts in order. "While you were away and I found out my father took you I was so worried. I am not good at expressing myself but¡­but¡­Mikael pushed me to the edge somehow. Telling me all the awful things that could happen to you I was so scared that I could never see you again and that it would be my fault. Anger, worry, fear. All of these feelings were just overflowing, taking over me and then it happened. Deep inside I knew it that''s why I wasn''t so surprised but I don''t know how you will take it. Alex, while I was feeling all of these things the mate bond snapped and I realized that you and I are mates and this mark on your shoulder is our bonding mark."

    Alex''s emerald eyes widened and his pupils dilated. His mouth was hanging open and he took his hands away from Luke''s making the young wolf feel a sudden hit of loneliness as the warmth left him. He opened and closed his mouth a few times. He was thinking and thinking trying to make just one sentence but he couldn''t. Was he happy about this? He liked Luke, yes but being mates? From what he had understood something like that was a forever thing. An eternity. A soul binding once in a lifetime occurrence and someone had just announced to him that he was a part of something so huge. Wasn''t he supposed to feel it too somehow? Is it because he wasn''t a werewolf? What should he say to Luke now? He felt like he was being asked by a stranger to marry them. This was not frozen and he definitely didn''t want to be Anna. He always considered her stupid.

    "I don''t want to be Anna" he mumbled and Luke looked at him with a confused frown. Once he realized what he had uttered his whole face turned a bright red. "oh my God!" he cried and rubbed his face with his hands. "What I mean is, we haven''t even gone on a date I don''t know how to process all of this, I mean I still haven''t really realized that you turn into a wolf yet."

    "Yes. I understand. I was pretty sure you were going to say that but I want you to know that I don''t want to pressure you. Take as much time as you want but I really hope you would want to stay here. Mark can stay here too if you want." Inviting the threatening friend was a big drag for Luke but he would try and do everything so Alex would stay. Even if it meant having him around.

    "You want me to live here?" Alex asked. That was definitely something he didn''t expect to hear but to be brutally honest he didn''t expect any of this.

    "Yeah. I want you to think about it. Talk it over with Mark. We could get to know each other. Get to know of our feelings."

    "Yes but I am studying too you know. What will happen with college?"

    "My father can deal with that. There is nothing you actually need to worry about. Just take your time and think everything through. I will need to leave now I need to speak with Mikael and my father. You can rest here and we will come to pick you up and lead you to your room"

    It must''ve looked weird to Alex that he suddenly confessed all of this things and he got up ready to leave him alone just like that. It was his way of letting him organize his thoughts. Showing him that he would not pressure him or burden him with his own feelings. He knew that Alex would love him eventually, a mate bond was never wrong all he needed to do was get his mind around everything. He wasn''t used to this life, to this world so Luke needed to give him time and try to make him his.

    He stood up and dusted off some invisible dust from his jeans. He smiled at the boy who looked so confused and tried not to tease him about his fish like expression. Confused as he was in Luke''s eyes he was adorable.

    "I''ll be going now. Get some rest." He said but as he headed towards the door Alex''s voice called him.

    "Luke, do you have a mate mark too? Like mine?" Alex asked him and e stopped. He didn''t turn to face him. He was scared that his expression would give him away.

    "Yeah, I will show you later" he said.

    He lied. Again.

    ----

    Sooo how do we feel about Luke? I wanna know xD.

 Chapter 28 - Match 28

    Alex was surprised when a few hours later only Mikael came to visit him in the infirmary. He was smiling walking lazily as he approached and laughed when he realized that with his green eyes Alex was searching for someone else and was not the least pleased to see him.

    "I mean I know you didn''t miss me but you don''t have to make it so obvious" he joked

    "Oh no, that''s not it." Alex said afraid that he might have insulted him but his look and approach showed that he didn''t mind. He could understand why he wanted to see Luke after all a lot more than him. "It''s just that¡­I wanted to talk to Luke about all¡­this"

    "He told you I see. Must have been a shock."

    "I mean, yeah. I don''t know how to process everything and now he is even asking me to live here so I can get to know him but everything is happening so fast and I''m¡­. I''m scared" Alex confessed.

    He was terrified at the thought of living there. This whole place reeked of hostility and hate. He felt from the moment he stepped inside this building that he wasn''t welcome there. Like there were thousands of shinning eyes observing him through the walls and waiting for just the tinniest chance to devour him. He couldn''t get to know Luke here, he felt like he could possibly lose himself but the raven haired boy had been so honest and kind. His feelings hadn''t disappeared after all and the thought of being with him was more than pleasing. Being with him here was his problem.

    "That''s understandable. I''m scared of this place too. It wasn''t always like this you know. There was a war and many other things."

    "What war?" Alex asked.

    "There is no reason for you to worry about such things. Be sure that Luke will do anything for you." Mikael said. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to worry him. The truth was he had to be very careful when he was referring to other supernatural creatures until the mystery of his soul was resolved.

    "Is Luke going to come?"

    "He is a bit busy, he is talking with Markus so I came to escort you to your room. Mark is probably waiting for you worried." He said with a smile on his face. He had liked Mark from the first moment he had seen him and maybe that was a little too obvious.

    "Who is Markus?"

    "Something like our occult specialist. Come on now. Let''s go. I know the beds here are comfortable but the rooms are much better." He told him and Alex got slowly up. They walked for quite some time in silence but Alex had so many questions eating them from the inside. He couldn''t find the courage to ask anything, it always was that Mark could speak much easier to Mikael than him. He was always friendly and kind but there was a distance he mentally set that Alex couldn''t really understand why. Mark though didn''t seem to care or notice and always overstepped those faint boundaries. "You look constipated pressuring yourself not to speak" Mikael made fun of him and Alex sighed.

    "I just¡­have so many questions."

    "Okay then I will get to answer one of those. Because I am a kind person."

    "Why did Luke go see that man you mentioned? Is everything alright?"

    Mikael instantly regretted his so called kindness. Obviously he couldn''t tell him that Luke didn''t have a bond mark and that was the reason why he went to visit Markus. It was abnormal for a wolf to accept the bond and not get a mark so something must have gone wrong. Luke was worried that at the New Moon ceremony, a celebration that they had once a year where all the new mated couples showed off their bonds, he would be discovered and eventually he would have to explain to Alex all the theories he had made. If Mikael was thinking about this the right way a huge mess was going to unravel and he hadn''t stocked up his popcorn stack.

    "You see¡­pack things." He said and wanted to stop and hit his head on the wall. Sometimes when it came to lying he wasn''t the best of an actor. Especially when it came to innocent people. Alex didn''t deserve this. They were making a fool of him just because Luke was scared.

    "Pack things?" Alex asked again and Mikael just nodded this time. The brunet just let out a sigh and followed him without saying anything else. If things kept going like that he knew he would never feel like he belonged in this place but he gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. He was still new here it wouldn''t be that easy for them to open up and share their secrets. Maybe all they needed was some time. Maybe Alex would find a family here.

    After walking through many corridors and stairs they reached the room they had given them. Many doors were aligned right and left but all of them were closed and as they were walking Alex hadn''t seen anyone. It was almost like a ghost building. Maybe it was better this way. He didn''t know how he would get to deal with all of the looks and the questions. There was a possibility that some of them would be hostile towards them after all that was something he wasn''t in the mood, not even the slightest.

    "So here we are. Luke or I will come to get you for dinner I gave Mark a few snacks just in case you want to eat something. It would be better you didn''t roam so much. This place is like a maze."

    "Okay."

    "I will see you guys in a few hours. Get some rest okay? And don''t miss Luke so much" he teased him and Alex gave him a sad smile before opening the door. Mikael noticed it but didn''t say anything. He was sure though after talking to Alex and seeing his reaction to everything Luke''s tactics were going to end up being a fiasco and he would have to clean up the mess afterwards.

    "Finally!" mark shouted when Alex got inside and in an instant he threw a bag of chips at him. Alex barely caught it without having the plastic package slam in is face. "Sooo tell me everything" he said and patted a spot on the bed next to him.

    The room was pretty simple. The same light colored wooden floors like in Luke''s room. Two single beds with white sheets at the sides of the room and a big closet. There were also two small windows above their beds. Mark had opened the one above the bed he had claimed as his letting the afternoon chill enter the room.

    Alex took off his shoes and sat on the soft bed opening the small bag of chips and grabbing a handful. As he ate it he felt like he was getting a part of his old life back. Sitting at his room with his best friend conversing about stupid things.

    "I want to take a shower" Alex said while having stuffed his mouth with chips."

    "Same but food comes first. Also I have no idea where the hell is the bathroom and I''m scared to go out alone. I mean have you seen anyone in here?"

    "Nope. They might be somewhere I guess. It''s a bit creepy though."

    "So what did you talk about with Luke?" Mark asked filled with curiosity.

    "He told me about the mark and the mate bond. He also asked me to live here with him"

    "What the fuck? Did he propose to you maybe?" Mark shouted in shock. He couldn''t believe that Luke would actually ask something so ridiculous so soon.

    "I know right. He says he won''t pressure me and that he wants to get to know me."

    "Yeah he is not pressuring you but he wants you to live here. Sounds like manipulation to me. What if you say no?"

    "I don''t know. He didn''t seem to consider that as an option." Alex said and Mark scoffed. "He said you can live here too"

    "Yeah like I would ask for his permission. If you stay here I will too. I won''t leave you here with a bunch of wolves. Literarily" he said and stole a chip from Alex why he was laughing.

    "There are so many things though. College and my mum. What has happened to her? Is my dad alright? I need to know."

    "Ask him then"

    "To be honest I don''t think he will answer me." Alex said with a sad look. He was afraid the answer would be something vague like what Mikael had said a while ago.

    "Well that relationship is staring out very well" Mark commented.

    "I think he just needs time. I mean we live in two different worlds. I just need to trust him because Mark what he said to me, he seemed so sincere."

    Alex wanted to be suspicious and conscious about everything. He wanted to think with his mind and not with his heart but his feelings didn''t allow him to. Every time he would look at Luke or listen to how he wanted to be with him his heart would flatter and he couldn''t stop that as much as he wanted to be reasonable. It was fruitless though. He was already being consumed by pretty words laced with the story of an eternal love. It sounded like a fairy tale and anyone would be charmed like that.

    "Sincere?" Mark asked surprised. It was obvious that his friend could not see clearly and he had to take the situation in his own hands. He didn''t deserve to be treated like that. "Alex I need to tell you something and it''s for your own good. I believe Luke is lying to you"

 Chapter 29 - Match 29

    "What do you mean he is lying?"

    "He just looks really suspicious. I don''t know the way he is acting is like he wants to hide something and now he wants you to stay here with him. It''s really weird."

    "He said he wants me to get to know him."

    "Yeah but how will you get to know him if he is lying? Let''s look into this a bit better before you say yes, please. Let''s do some research. Snoop around, I don''t know" Mark told him while trying to stop him from any rush decisions.

    Alex had considered it. He hoped he wasn''t just jumping in like a crazy person. He had decided not to search though. What if they didn''t find anything and in the end they were discovered? Luke would know that Alex didn''t trust him and that could create a huge crack in the relationship they could possibly forge in the future. After everything that Luke had said he wanted to believe in him. He understood the courage that was needed to speak so openly to him and he didn''t want to betray that by doubting him.

    "I understand your concerns but you didn''t hear what he told me. He was so kind and I know I am repeating myself but I want to believe in him."

    "Are you sure? Being cautious it doesn''t mean that you don''t believe in him or that you don''t like him. It''s natural, you don''t know him." Mark explained but Alex seemed resistant to understand or side with him.

    "I need to think about things a bit more" Alex said. He wanted to stop the conversation and halt all those doubts that were slowly being forged in his mind. He had decided. Time was the cure for his worries. All he needed to do was wait and get to know him.

    "Okay. As long as you don''t turn blind from love or something" Mark said and emptied the content of the remaining chips right into his mouth. He munched on them after couching loudly because some of them had ended up in the wrong pipe and got up. "I want to take a shower."

    "They told us not to roam."

    "Do I look like some house held pet to you? I stink. I won''t enjoy my food like that. Are you going to come?" Mark asked him but Alex only sighed.

    He definitely seemed obedient and maybe a bit stupid. Not wanting to step foot outside the room but Mark hadn''t experienced what he had. The consequences of making a wrong move in this place could end up being lethal. Almost like a prison, he as a human should always be aware of his surroundings. Being tame though was not one of his strong points. He had an iron will and the smell that he could sniff from his armpits were enough for him to break a rule. He stood up and followed Mark who was ready to open the door.

    "That''s my boy" he said and with his right hand turned on the knob. "Fuck!" he yelled loudly and jumped up in fear when he faced a frowned Luke.

    "I thought we told you to stay in."

    "We would be in the building." Alex said with a guilty smile and Luke couldn''t help but laugh. "We really need to take a shower."

    "I can see that or more like smell it" he said and with his hand he pinched his nose. "That''s why I came." He said and passed them a few towels and clean clothes. "I will take you to the showers." He said and the two boys followed them relieved.

    "See? He is not that bad" Alex whispered at Mark who simply rolled his eyes. He still felt like a pet being taken out on a walk.

    The dorms, as Alex decided to call them were all circular floors and in every five or so doors there was a blue one that wrote restroom. Inside it was separated in three areas. One with sinks, one with showers that were separated giving a bit of privacy and another with bathroom stalls.

    "If you use the toilet open up the windows we don''t want any smells." Luke teased them and Alex blushed while Mark ran in the showers, hugging his towel and clothes.

    "Umm..I won''t take long. I am fast" Alex mumbled not knowing what to say in such an awkward situation. Luke smiled at him and nodded. He happily jumped in one of the counters that had the sinks and sat there his long legs hanging.

    "I''ll wait."

    Alex couldn''t really focus in washing himself, even if that acquired the least of focus. Thinking that Luke was out there while he was just a few meters away completely naked made him intense. The warm water was relaxing and he loved the pleasant smell of the vanilla bath foam but with every sound he would jump and peek outside to see what''s going on, only to realize that sometimes it was the pipes and others the air from the open windows. In the end sadly he didn''t enjoy his shower and once he felt clean he hopped out wrapped in a fluffy towel from his waist down, thinking there was no time for actual relaxation. He expected to see Mark but he heard the water still running and not even one ginger head outside so he assumed he had gotten lost in there without sharing the same worries as him.

    "Hey" Luke greeted him and his smooth voice echoed in the empty room. "Are you done already?"

    "Yeah. That felt good" he said and couldn''t help but notice how Luke''s eyes were scanning him from head to toe. He fidgeted a bit and blushed as he didn''t seem to want to hide it. Luke jumped off the sink and approached him while holding a towel.

    "You look really cute." He whispered and started drying Alex''s hair, with gentle motions. "We don''t want you catching a cold" he joked and Alex cutely nodded, shy to meet his gaze.

    Luke wanted them to look at each other. He wanted Alex to know about the storm that was forming in his icy eyes. The fire burning at his heart and how at his presence he could turn into a mess. He gently took his face in between his palms, leaving the towel at the top on his head, and raised it.

    Alex''s wet and long eyelashes made shadows on his flushed cheeks and Luke heard him gasp. He couldn''t get enough of looking. His face was perfect, from the delicate nose to the plump lips and vibrant eyes he looked so elegantly beautiful.

    He brought him closer, so close he could feel Alex''s trembling breath landing on his lips. They were itching for a touch. Just a taste of his flesh and if he resisted he would let him go but at that moment he really wanted to kiss him. He had been wanting to for a while. And as his eyes traveled to his naked, defined upper body he wished to do so much more but just a kiss would be good for now. He would even beg if he had to.

    "Luke I¡­" Alex tried to speak but his voice was short, he was speaking like he had run a mile and that''s all Luke needed to know to devour him.

    Alex was feeling the same fire ignite inside him. That unspeakable thirst and something very beastly called out to him, like a huge wave. When Luke finally kissed him he felt like he had been set on fire, his chest was in pain from the pressure. But that kiss felt good even with the pain. He wanted more and more. And when Luke kissed his exposed neck next he let out a loud moan.

    Once he heard himself he was brutally woken up and hit by shame. He pushed back and looked around hoping that no one had seen them. Luke seemed disoriented for a while not sure why their moment came to a sudden stop but as he watched Alex filled with uneasiness he understood.

    "It''s okay don''t worry no one is here" Luke tried to calm him down and caressed his cheek.

    "I¡­I''m sorry I didn''t mean to¡­"

    "Did you like it?" Luke asked him with a devilish smile.

    Of course he did! He had just kissed an unbelievably hot guy while he was half naked. He had already forgotten the slight pain he felt on his chest during their kiss because the pleasure was simply overwhelming. He wanted to kiss with him again, while Luke held him in his arms. This moment would be one his favorite in the whole world. Unable to express himself he nodded shyly. He hoped that Luke would know. How precious this moment was and how he cherished it deep in his heart.

    "Excuse me! Can I get out of the shower now?" Mark shouted from behind them, still inside the shower. "I mean, my eyes bled once today I don''t want to see it again."

    "Yeah come out." Alex said and giggled. Luke smiled back at him, calm and happy. He liked him like that. He hoped he would get to see him every day with that carefree smile on his handsome face.

 Chapter 30 - Match 30

    He was old even if he didn''t completely look like it yet. You could see the signs of aging appearing on his face. On his forehead and around his grey eyes. He wasn''t the kind of old that you would pity though. Still in very well shape and undeniably handsome Adam was looking like he was in his late forties but still had the aura of an actor in the 50s. He paced around his office thinking while his Beta, Daniel was sitting at one of the comfortable armchairs at the office looking through some paperwork.

    "What day is it today?" Adam asked

    "Monday."

    "And how long do we have until dinner?"

    "About an hour, why?" Daniel asked but Adam overlooked his question. The Alpha kept walking and reached his desk. His strong hands traced the drawers at the bottom and opened the last one taking out a huge black book. Daniel looked at the familiar object confused. "Why do you need that?" he asked him.

    "Tell me Daniel, don''t you think that this place has been a bit dull recently?" Adam asked

    "No not really, a few days ago we were torturing a boy that now is your son in law. I wouldn''t call it dull"

    "Son in law. That''s a heavy word. I mean what if¡­what if he got to remember who he is." Adam said with a vicious smile and sat on his chair. Daniel took out his glasses and looked at his longtime friend with judgmental eyes.

    "I enjoy making a human life difficult as much as you do but we are talking about your son''s happiness here Adam."

    "You think he will be happy? With a human mate and above that a male!" he said and started laughing "No one will accept him, he is supposed to be the next Alpha but everyone will mock him."

    "If you accept him, they will too."

    "I don''t want to though. That boy Alex, he irritates me. He gives me the same feeling I had during the war fifty years ago. Disgust."

    "Why talk about such dark memories? Luke said he didn''t want you to do anything" he warned him but he didn''t seem fazed at all. He wasn''t the type of person who liked to be told what to do or not do. He was the Alpha. He had struggled to get to where he is and he would never jeopardize his authority or name for anyone. Not even his son. He had a pack to lead and keep them alive when they could go extinct any day now. He didn''t know kindness, no one had ever taught him that and he considered it useless. You don''t rule with kindness and all potential threats should be eliminated.

    "But I won''t do anything to that adorable child. I won''t even approach him but you see I''m bored. This place hasn''t been festive in a while and the New Moon ceremony where we will celebrate the beauty of our oh so delightful new couples is still a month away and I need something to¡­cheer me up." He said with a huge smile. He was satisfied with himself and his plan. It could be proven harmless actually but he doubted that. The best art though was that he wouldn''t have to do anything and no one could accuse him.

    "And what do you need exactly?"

    "I am glad you asked." He said with a smirk and very dramatically he opened the black book, revealing many different names scribbled with black ink that were accompanied with numbers and addresses. "I am going to throw a party. To honor my son''s mating bond and I will invite every single one of the prestigious families or every supernatural species. How lucky would we be if somehow Alex found himself at the party all alone without my son watching him like a hawk and¡­took a peek and the reality of the Veil?"

    Daniel was so sad for him. He had a huge part of himself during the war. Fifty years ago while his son was still young the cruelty and everything he went through transformed him into someone else. A completely different person from the one Daniel had sworn to protect with his life. His hazel eyes were filled with sorrow while he was listening at him and Adam noticed it. The disappointment was obvious but he didn''t comment on it. He knew what he would tell him.

    "Do you really want to just kick him out or scare him to death you know these parties can be pretty dark. We also don''t have alliances with everyone so what will happen if someone dies?"

    "It''s fine we live in an era of peace. We managed to form a treaty even with the elves after the war. After that I''m not afraid of anything" he joked. "And about your first question, either he gets out or dies in fear both are welcome."

    "You used to like humans once."

    "Well that''s old history my friend. Hurry up now and talk with the stuff, I want to make the announcement at dinner in ten days we will have a grand celebration!" he exclaimed and his eyes almost looked like that of a devil.

    Daniel sighed in displeasure but still he got up and obeyed the orders his alpha gave him. Something had been weighting on his chest though and he needed to get it out. He would never stop trying to bring his old friend back, even if everyone else turned out to hate him he remembered clearly who he had worshiped as a young adult and he still hoped that man was deep buried in his heart.

    "You know; you were a rebel once. I miss you, I miss the young man that I l¡­"

    "Out" Adam interrupted him and Daniel unwillingly opened the door. "Don''t think just because you are my Beta you can talk to me any way you want."

    Daniel scoffed at his words and smiled like he had heard the funniest joke.

    "I''ve saved your life too many times for you to say that" he told him before he left, leaving with a satisfied smile caused by Adam''s dumbfounded expression.

    He was left alone once again. He knew that no one was going to visit him because everyone was afraid of him and he lazily flipped the yellowed pages of the old book. There were all of the names of royals, purebloods, archangels and everyone else who was in the high society of the Veil. Every leader had an archive like that for emergency use or if he wanted to throw some extravagant party that everyone was going to talk about for weeks until the new one came.

    Once upon a time he enjoyed those gatherings, he would go there with Daniel, get drunk and do tons of crazy things while howling at the moon. After everything that happened everything seemed pointless and silly. The only goal was survival and keeping them alive. Enjoying torturing humans. That was funny. He thought and laughed. How could someone who had been tortured, had his wounds teared open again and again, had hot metal burn his skin till he passed out enjoy doing that? It was what needed to be done.

    The wolves were getting less and less. They lived away from the protection of the veil and the hunters had been hunting down their packs for years killing them. They couldn''t turn humans easily, because there was a possibility they would reject the transformation and die and if that had been done too many times the world would have questions. He had the burden of keeping everyone alive, after the war and everything he was forced to do back then he didn''t care about what people thought of him. While you ruled you did not sit on a throne made of gold but one of thorns that sucked your blood and fed on your fears. He had stayed alive.

    He stood up and straightened his black Shirt with his hands. He placed the book back in its place and locked it, placing the small golden key underneath a manmade keeper that he had created underneath his desk chair. Without him realizing it time had passed really fast and when he looked at the clock he forgot all the worries he had and his current self took over.

    With a vicious smile he headed towards the heavy door which his son had desperately tried to break down just a few hours ago and opened it loudly. It was about time something interesting happened in this place. Things had started to get boring he though as he headed towards the main hall where everyone sat down and had their meals. It had been a tradition to share meals together to bond the pack. Adam at the moment viewed at his own personal stage. He knew that they would be happy for the party. He had always been so strict so Luke''s complaints wouldn''t even be heard. His son was weak in that way always devoured by the opinion of the crowd. That was what was best for the Alpha so he never said anything. It finally show time and he couldn''t wait see hell break lose that night. Playing with fate was always fun after all, either you were good or bad.

 Chapter 31 - Match 31

    Nervous would be an understatement. After he got dressed all ready and handsome after quite a while Luke picked them up and they headed towards the dining hall. He hadn''t seen any people at all and for some reason he had believed the vibe would still remain the same. Oh, how wrong he was.

    From the last turn they took he could hear laughing, shouting and all sorts of loud noises. There were people in there, a lot of them and Alex would be at the center of their attention, there was no doubt about that.

    The place was incredibly huge, to the point that your eyes got a bit lost in the endless tables and chairs. People were sitting in small or bigger groups of people conversing, with empty plates in front of them. The moment the four boys set foot inside though it was almost like time stopped. A sudden quiet filled the room and someone could think they weren''t even breathing. Green, brown, blue and yellow eyes al suddenly targeted the brown haired boy at the center of the room and Alex''s eyes immediately met the polished floors, too anxious to face them.

    As he walked following Mikael who was walking carefree with a chill smile on his face he felt Luke''s hand wrap around his shaking one and for a second he pulled it away terrified. Luke grabbed it again though and gave him a comforting smile. He wanted to calm him down with his smile, even the slightest comfort would be enough but he was unable to. The feelings Alex had railing up inside of him were the result of trauma that had manifested over many years and just holding his hand wouldn''t change much. He appreciated it though as much as he could in his frenzy.

    "Alex are you alright?" Mark asked him while they were searching for an empty table. All of them were almost full and the boy wished that someone or something would happen so they could just sit alone, somewhere on the back with no one to look at them.

    Unfortunately, the exact opposite happened. Mikael chose a table in the exact middle of the room, almost like it was mathematically calculated and there were so many people sitting there. Boys and girls chatting happily. Alex gulped and looked at Luke with a begging look hoping that he would understand and take him away but he only mumbled an it''s going to be okay and sat down.

    "You are finally back!" Someone said and high fived Luke who smiled. Alex remembered his face. He was one of Luke''s and Mikael''s teammates.

    "Yeah it was crazy." Luke said "I''m starving."

    "Same" Mark said Alex noticed that everyone around them was acting like they were invisible. No one bothered to introduce themselves or talk to them. As it seemed his best friend had realized that and when their looks met he rolled his eyes making Alex chuckle.

    "So what happened with you and Lily? She didn''t say anything you''ve kept us in the dark. Also what''s up with them?" A girl asked and pointed her head with a disgusted expression towards Alex and Mark. So they didn''t know what had exactly happened, he thought.

    "These are humans as you can see, this is Mark and this is Alex he is¡­"

    "¡­a friend. He is the leader of another soccer team in the area they are transferring here. They are good" Luke finished Mikael''s sentence and Alex gripped the fork he was holding harder on his hand. He felt the sharp teeth of it pressing his skin, trying to go through. He just needed to be calm and not think that these were the same people that were watching his torment while cheering. Time was the cure for everything. He repeated on his mind.

    "So you''re telling me we are accepting humans here now?" Another one asked with a confused expression.

    "These ones are a special case." Mikael said and brought his arm around Mark''s shoulders, pushing him towards him. "Right princess?"

    "Do not touch me. I am hungry" Mark growled and the whole table started laughing. Why was it so easy for Mikael to be open about his actions and Luke had to lie about him? Was he still unsure about their relationship? The kissed they had shared a few moments ago made him reconsider things?

    "Um¡­Luke can I talk to you about something?" Alex asked and nudged him to get his attention.

    "What is it? Are you alright?"

    "Maybe we can talk in private?"

    "Well in a while they will bring the food and if we leave believe me there will be nothing left. Can''t it wait? You said you were hungry"

    "Oh, yeah, sure I''m starving" he said with a smile and Luke returned to talking with his friends and teammates.

    Alex exhaled loudly and looked around. He was never good with unfamiliar places and everyone around him somehow seemed so hostile. There was a gut feeling almost like an instinct that he couldn''t let go of. He tried to push it away and focus on his grumbling stomach. He needed to eat, soon or else he could hold a concert with the noises his belly made.

    Soon, thankfully a few side doors opened and many ladies pushing huge metal carts that had a lot of different trays came in revealing the steaming hot and certainly delicious food. From meat to vegetables and fruits they were letting down on the tables whatever your heart desired and he felt his mouth water.

    "Oh my god finally" Mark exclaimed as Mikael served him a huge piece of chicken and some roast potatoes.

    "Eat well sweetie." He said with a cheeky smile and Mark clicked his tongue while stuffing his face with everything he could find in front of him.

    Alex didn''t know from where to begin and indecisive as he was he stood there looking at the trays getting empty really fast.

    "Eat!" Mark scolded him and threw in his plate a few vegetables and some pork. "Before these wolves eat everything I believe they even swallow the bones" he whispered and Alex laughed taking his first bite. It was certainly good and as he started eating, observing how everyone was so focused on eating and not bothered by him he felt a bit calmer and was able to enjoy his food.

    "Isn''t it good?" Luke asked him with pride like he was the one who made it.

    "Yeah it''s delicious" Alex replied and his gleeful aura grew even more.

    "You have something here" he told him and pointed at a spot on the left corner of Alex''s pink lips.

    "Where?" he asked, his fingertips roaming with a napkin at the sides of his mouth.

    "There" Luke said and waited for Alex to remove the sauce stain but he couldn''t find it so the boy just came closer and wiped it himself with his thumb then bringing it to his lips and licking the excess. Alex suddenly turned red by the motion and Mikael''s voice was heard.

    "Luke. Dude, watch out" he whispered and Luke nodded kind of disappointed. So he was sad too about all of this. Having to hide it. Alex wanted to ask him why, since one way or the other they would have to know soon but he kept his mouth shut and decided he would wait and find some time until they were on their own to confront him about it. For now, it was enough for him to know that he was interested in him. It saddened him though how his insecurities could just in an instant ruin every positive thought he had. All that overthinking only devoured every piece of happiness he had on his mind and he desperately wanted to find a way to stop it but he couldn''t. maybe he wasn''t strong enough yet.

    After everyone had finished their dinner the ladies appeared again picking up the empty trays and the dirty plates, taking them away and leaving the tables clean the same way they were before. No one moved though like they were intending to get up and return to their rooms. Alex scanned the room trying to figure out why when the main door opened revealing Luke''s father and his Beta following close behind.

    The sound of chatting slowly died and as the Alpha moved lightheartedly towards the center of the room with a carefree smile Alex felt a lump on his throat.

    The man stopped and looked around the hall waiting for every single sound to die before he began speaking. He didn''t even have to ask them to be quiet. Alex unable to face the terrifying man turned his eyes onto Luke who seemed perplexed about everything. It was obvious that he had no actual idea of what was going on or what his father wanted to announce.

    "Good evening everyone. I hope you had an unjoyful meal. I am sorry to interrupt your time with your friends and family but I have an announcement to make." He said and the pack members started looking at each other, impatient of what he wanted. "In ten days from now we will hold a celebration. A grand party where I will invite the representatives of every supernatural kin. It has been a long time since we actually had something to celebrate but now we do. My son will announce it at that very special day. I hope you will all get to have fun and remember the old times." He said and the people seemed excited with the news. It was a party after all, why wouldn''t they?

    Only Luke seemed incredibly mad. The moment his father stopped talking and observed his people happily his son mumbled.

    "That bastard, I hope he burns in purgatory"

    And Alex couldn''t help but wonder why he was so frustrated with just a party

 Chapter 32 - Match 32

    "Luke are you alright?" he asked him and placed his palm on his arm only for him to swing his arm and remove it. His face hid his palms and he could see his body trembling with frustration.

    "It wasn''t enough what Markus told me before now I have this to deal with." He said, mostly to himself because Alex had no idea what he was talking about.

    "People are looking at you" Mikael warned him and his body froze. He rubbed his face and raised his head looking around him with a deathly glare. Everyone who met eyes with him immediately turned around minding their business.

    "What they are not regular observers of the tantrum of the day?" Mark asked with an ironic smile.

    "Shut up Mark" Luke answered him rudely but he didn''t seem to mind. Alex was the one who reacted and stood up too.

    "Don''t talk to him like that" he said and Luke stared at him for a second. He let out a heavy sigh and just left without saying a word or looking back.

    Alex was taken a back from what he did. He had simply dumped everyone and left. He had left him in there while he felt like a fish out of water and simply ran away after swearing at his best friend.

    "Well that wasn''t the best comment you could make." Mikael said and got ready to follow him.

    "He doesn''t like parties I assume." He commented and Mikael laughed. It was interesting how he wasn''t aware of the danger and the ominous feelings he would be receiving from Luke, even though he had warned him. It almost seemed like he was unable to keep his mouth shut. He always had to spit out that remark and make his dislike for the young wolf as obvious as it could be. "Um, I''m sure you can find your way back to your room."

    "Huh? No wait! What the fuck come back!" Mark screamed at the running Mikael and kept mumbling swears when he left. "I already don''t like this place. Cool right?"

    "Come on. It''s just like the first day. And they don''t seem as mean as I thought." Alex tried to comfort him but he didn''t seem to be in the mood for that. He was thinking. Probably of a way to return to their room since Alex didn''t remember the slightest detail. He was too busy worrying about everything.

    "I can help you get back" A girl with purple hair appeared out of nowhere with a huge smile. Mark looked at her for a second. She was tall and thin with huge blue eyes. Almost looking like a doll. Her tanned skin had a golden glow to it and her hands were resting inside the pockets of her jeans. She was very pretty but he couldn''t help but think there was something off with her, her smile was too wide and her eyes seemed too focused.

    "No we are good we can get back ourselves."

    "What? Why? I don''t really think we can. We would really appreciate the help actually. My friend is a bit rude sorry."

    "No problem! I''d be glad to Luke''s friends are mine too and as for your friend, don''t worry I don''t bite. So let''s go?" she asked and tended her hand so they would begin walking. Alex moved first with a small smiled plastered on his face filled with relief as someone was kind enough to offer them help.

    Mark on the other hand was another case.

    The whole way he had a weird frown on his face and he kept staring behind his back every two seconds like someone was following them. The purpled haired girl then stopped in front of a staircase. Alex believed he recognized the polished wood, it was the same place he had hid with Luke, their bodies so close. He blushed at the memory and stepped on the first step ready to go up but the girl stopped him.

    "Let''s not go from there. It''s tiring. I will show you a shortcut" she said and passed by the staircase getting deeper into the narrow hallway.

    The place seemed completely empty once more but now Alex knew why. Everyone was still at the dining hall and they would probably soon go to some common room or their own bedrooms to rest. It seemed like loitering around with no actual purpose was not recommended at this place.

    Dimmer and dimmer the lights kept getting fewer and Mark was looking more and more anxious. He had approached Alex and grabbed his little finger trying to feel that someone was near him in the semi darkness.

    "This route seems a bit weird" Alex commented looking at the back of the girl.

    "Oh don''t worry we are almost there." She said and indeed soon she stopped in front of a huge metal door.

    Somehow it seemed like they had left the main building on their way there but Alex wasn''t really sure if they had actually been outside or swapped buildings. The place had changed vibes completely though. From the polished wooden floors and cleanness of the main building suddenly there was a feeling of decay around. The walls were chipped and dust was forming in the corners of the ceiling and floors. Little spiders forming their webs everywhere and Mark coughed from the thickness of the air waving his palm in front of his face to get some of the dust pecs away.

    "Let me open this door and after this room we will be at the doors."

    "Is this place some kind of storage?" Alex asked and she laughed.

    "Yeah, I mean you could call it that." She answered letting Alex with even more questions. She searched her pockets and took out a huge key chain that probably had more than twenty keys on it. Some silver, some gold and some simply old and rusty. A rusty key definitely fitted this place better, he thought and he was right as he observed her grab the oldest looking key from all and trying to unlock the door.

    At first it seemed as it was stuck and with a dissatisfied expression she pushed the door a few times twisting the key until it opened. The sound it made was deafening. Like someone had scratched a chalk board and it opened slowly, revealing bits and pieces of the dark room.

    The two boys waited for the girl to step in first and turn on the light at least since she had been there before but she didn''t. Mark looked at her, waiting but she didn''t speak. She looked at them and then at her watch like she was expecting something to happen. Her lips moved on a silent countdown and when she raised her head she first pushed Mark in roughly, making him land on the dirty floor.

    Alex gasped in shock and looked at her not knowing what he should do. His friend screamed at him to run but everything seemed to happen so fast that he found himself falling on the floor face first next to his friend, blinded by the darkness. The little light that entered the room showed only her figure as she said

    "Wait here for a while will you? Someone needs to talk to you. Also you REALLY need to work on your reflexes. I mean I even gave you time to ran."

    Mark jumped up and ran towards the door but it was fruitless. There was no competing their strength or speed no matter how good your reflexes were. Alex had realized that quite some time ago. The best you could do is comply reducing the risk of getting injured more by attempting to escape.

    "Shit! Did I tell you we shouldn''t follow her? Did I? That bitch''s smile reminded me of a psycho. Stop being so nice just because you want your boyfriend''s friends to like you. Every single one of them are pieces of shit. Get that into your head." Mark said angrily.

    He didn''t want to make Alex feel bad but he was sick and tired of watching him be the victim of other''s obnoxiousness all the time. That idiot Luke had left him like a lamb in between wolves and had ran away somewhere to brood by his emo self. Now they had been pranked on their first night and of course they had not even a chance of winning against one of these people. They weren''t people in the first place!

    "I''m sorry" Alex mumbled and got up. His hands fumbled the moist from humidity wall as he searched for a light switched and Mark mimicked him at the other side.

    "I don''t need your sorry. I need my best friend. Don''t turn into the pitiful protagonist that needs saving all the time. You are not like that"

    "I know, I know that I just don''t want to cause problems for Luke."

    "So it''s okay for these dogs to cause problems to you. I get it. They are strong and beastly and would probably kick our ass but I hate doing nothing."

    "I''m really sorry Mark."

    "Don''t say¡­Oh, I found it" he exclaimed and the clicking sound of flipping a light switch was heard. For a few seconds the light flickered until it stabilized and lit up the small room. "Holy fuck!" Mark shouted

    "Oh my God what the hell?"

    The whole room was bathed in blood. The floor had blood stains and blood all over, huge red patches here and there and Alex realized that the wall weren''t moist. It was that his hands were painted with blood and he hadn''t realized in the commotion. He quickly wiped the blood on his jeans but he still felt disgusted. They were scratches everywhere of the walls and huge metal hooks were drilled to the ceiling and hanging downwards.

    "What the heck is this place? A torture chamber?" Mark screamed and headed towards the door only to flinch back and ran to where Alex was because the door was opening revealing three people.

    The two were familiar. One was the girl from before wo had locked them there. The other one tanned and beautiful with gorgeous blonde hair was Lily and the third seemed familiar only to Mark. He had a huge gauze wrapping his head with a bright red patch on it. Yeah, he was the guy Luke had beaten up while they were trying to find Alex. This was definitely not good.

    "Hello boys, Let''s have a chat" Lily said with a serious look.

 Chapter 33 - Match 33

    A Few Hours Before Dinner

    Luke waited for a while outside his door contemplating if he wanted to knock. If he got inside, he would have to share a probably life threatening secret but he was dying to know. Those evil thought were torturing him making him unsure about his every word. About if Alex really was interested in him, accepting him.

    So his knuckles, still hesitantly touched the dark door and he knocked twice. He got no answer for a few seconds until he heard Markus familiar voice inviting whoever was standing outside in, making though his annoyance of the visit obvious.

    When Luke entered he didn''t even bother to raise his head from the book he had been reading. His office was the complete opposite of his father''s. Opposing the darkness and order it seemed like this place was hungry for light. There were two yellow lamps on top of his desk lighting the middle, the window was also open letting the night chill and the soft moonlight in. There was a warmth coming from the lit fireplace creating a very comfortable atmosphere. Books were messily thrown everywhere even though there was a perfectly, half- empty bookcase at the back of the room and the only other signs that he could have people in there were the chair in front of his desk and a small couch next to the fireplace that had a blanket and a pillow on it. So most of the times he didn''t even bother going back to his room and slept there, Luke assumed.

    "What do you want? Be quick I''m working" he said and still didn''t even spare him one glance.

    Luke approached him and sat at the chair in front of him. At first he waited for a while believing that he would stop but he didn''t. he let out a sigh and tried to explain his concern as best as he could and hope that Markus would be in a good enough mood to give him an answer.

    "You know that Alex is my mate. You yourself told us that he is a suppressed soul. I felt the bond snap. It ached my soul and I was in so much agony so I''m sure that was it but there is a problem."

    "And what is that?" Markus asked as he flipped one of the yellow pages of the book he was reading.

    "Alex doesn''t have a mating mark, we know that. The thing is I don''t have one either." Luke said and noticed that Markus movement suddenly seized. He raised his head at took off his circular glasses, placing them on the desk next to him.

    "That''s interesting." He commented.

    "Do you know why that has happened?"

    "I do. It''s pretty obvious and I''m sure you''ve thought of it yourself too. You just don''t want to believe it."

    "So you are saying that¡­"

    "Yes. Alex''s suppressed soul, the one that is sleeping on that human body is rejecting your mating bond with the fraction of himself that has lived and existed like a human."

    "But why would he do that? The mating bond is fate. No one can deny it"

    "Who told you this bullshit? Obviously you can go against the mate bond. What if your mate was a serial killer or abusive? Would you still want to love them? It hurts, it might drive you mad but you can deny it. If it''s for your own good." Markus explained.

    Luke''s hands had formed fists on his lap and he was really hard trying to contain the boiling rage inside of him. He was angry at Alex. The Alex he didn''t know for destroying what he wanted to have. He was getting in the middle of his happiness but still when he looked at the emerald eyes and adorable smile he couldn''t be mad. He felt like he was crazy for being angry at someone who is not even here, he didn''t even exist yet, buried inside Alex''s heart he was asleep but he was resisting him and that hurt him. Why would he do that if he was aware even subconsciously that a part of him, this human part that had been created by a mistake belonged with him.

    "Why is he denying me?" Luke asked.

    "Well it''s possible he feels the attraction between you and his human part but he is resisting it and there is only one reason for that and I''m afraid you can''t do anything about it. At least not as long as we are in the dark about where he belongs."

    "Tell me what is it? I will find a way"

    "The truth is that Alex''s true soul is rejecting you because¡­his soul already belongs to someone else"

    "No. You are lying" Luke said and got up, pushing the chair he was sitting with force making it fall to the floor.

    "So tell me what''s another possible explanation about it? He doesn''t want to be with you because in his past life he had someone he loved so much even while asleep and almost erased from existence he can''t forget. The human part you have as a mate right now is too weak to overcome that obstacle."

    "So if I make him fall madly in love with me things might change?"

    "That I don''t know. It''s possible I guess. If¡­his true self doesn''t wake up in the process."

    "I see. Thank you for the information. I want you to do something for me. Once you find out where he comes from tell me first. I will find that love of his and destroy it." Luke said and Markus looked at him with disappointed eyes.

    It was obvious he was losing his way, drowned by a love he couldn''t acquire. He always had everything. Admiration, beauty, money and power and now that he realized the thing he craved the most could not be his he was letting the destructive wolf inside him take over. He had turned blind by fear of losing the only one he felt so strongly the need to fight for. The mate bond makes you feel alive, like there is a purpose in living. Be there for your mate, build a family spent those centuries you get to live together. Almost an eternity you had to have a soulmate to spend it with and after the hundreds years that would seem like forever you would return to the earth together, becoming one with the spirit of the forest until they met again as wolves again in another life. There were very few creatures that actually lived forever, even if they were all called immortals, and they were usually sinking in lust and sadness because of loneliness. For the wolves that bond, even if they didn''t live forever, for these five, six, seven hundred years it was a salvation and Luke was seeing it slip through his fingers like it was water.

    Luke left without saying anything else. He had made himself clear that he would even burn this world to the ground if he had to. Everything to keep him close. They were meant to be no matter what others said.

    So as a result after he heard that his father had decided something like that behind his back just to bring him misfortune he had lost it. If there was even one chance someone recognized Alex everything would crumble down and his mind turned blank at that. He had no solution for this trick. He couldn''t lock him inside nor keep everyone away from him and that''s why he had ran away leaving him all alone back there. He needed to breathe. He didn''t believe that his lies would come back to bite him so early. He wanted more time, to think and calm down. Make up another lie to keep Alex away.

    He noticed Mikael running after him but he didn''t want to hear his scolding. He just wanted to be alone for a while so he hid. Like a child, playing hide and seek he tried to fit his muscular body behind a corner and stay completely silent. Soon, thankfully Mikael gave up and returned back to the dining hall defeated. Luke let out an exhale, kicking all the air he had gathered on his burning lungs and let himself slide to the floor. He had curled up into a little ball and was trying to keep in his tears.

    This situation, his feelings everything was escalating in the speed of light and he felt suffocated. All he wanted is to take Alex away somewhere just the two of them so they can be happy but he couldn''t do that. He was a coward. All he could do was be a puppet in his father''s games and watch the person he had come to love disappear, get withered by his fears and anxiety. He had noticed how Alex was trembling, how scared he was but he had chosen to ignore it afraid that his ignorance in dealing these situations would make things worse.

    Leaving him back there all alone though wasn''t right. H should stand next to him, offer him support even if that was the only thing he knew how to do. Slowly he had decided to make things better for him. That way Alex would love him. He would become his savior and rise up in his heart.

    He took a few more minutes to compose himself after deciding his pathing in the whole situation and headed back. He would apologize for leaving and finally he would get to spent some time with Alex, just the two of them.

    When he entered the hall though only Mikael was there from their little four people group, sitting in one of the tables. A few people had remained inside still talking but it was nowhere near the amount as before. They were around thirty and Luke couldn''t spot the two best friends anywhere.

    "Where are they?" He asked Mikael and sat in the same table.

    "And the emo king returns. I don''t know probably back to their rooms."

    "You let them get back alone? In this maze?" Luke asked

    "I am not their nanny okay?" Mikael said. "I''ve been babysitting everyone lately. I''m tired. At least put a ring on my finger if you want me to take care of the kids honey." He joked and Luke laughed.

    "Come on. They are probably lost and crying"

    "Okay, okay." He agreed and both of them got up.

    They didn''t take another step because the huge double doors of the hall opened, hitting the walls and echoing loudly. Everyone''s attention was turned to the person that had caused the ruckus and Luke saw Lily getting inside with a very excited smile.

    "Everyone in this beloved pack. Let me introduce to you our newest member." She cheered and Luke noticed his cousin standing behind her, he was holding someone¡­.Alex.

    He pushed Alex inside the room.

    For the first time in his life Luke considered killing a pack member.

    ....

    Something big has happened! What do you think?

    Thank you guys for reading and please support this book if you can. I hope you liked it!

    Also I want to thank all of the people who have been sending gifts. You are all amazing!

 Chapter 34 - Match 34

    "Hello boys, Let''s have a chat" Lily said with a serious look.

    "I don''t really want to have a chat right now. I just want to go to sleep." Mark said and stood a few steps in front of Alex, a movement showing that he was going to protect him.

    He wouldn''t let him become a shield. He stood right next to him. No matter how scared he was, he wasn''t going to be pampered forever just because of what he''d been through. Mark had been right about what he had told him. He would be happier with Luke if he was himself. That''s what brought them close and started their attraction in the first place.

    "I can punch you if you want and you will sleep right away." The guy said and took a few steps closer in an attempt to intimidate them.

    Mark looked at him carefully as he said that. Usually he should be shitting his pants by now but this guy''s appearance made it almost impossible to fear him. He was wearing a thick gold chain around his neck, and a leopard shirt with some brown trousers. He seemed like he had come out of some kind of gangster movie. The cherry on top though was his toucan like nose. His head was slightly bent forward and someone could easily assume that it was because his huge nose was pulling it down.

    Both boys tried to keep in their laughs but it was impossible. Especially Mark almost got into a trance. It could be the fear blending with the ridiculous aura this guy had that made him have such a reaction.

    Sadly, that only triggered the man who launched forward and punched the ginger in the face. Alex managed to catch the boy before he landed on the bloody ground.

    "Dude!" Mark shouted while cupping his nose with his palms. That had been extremely painful and he for the first time witnessed a starry ceiling manifesting in front of his eyes. The punch was that strong that everything was turning.

    "Your jokes only will make him madder. Sam take this one and tie him up. Hang him from that hook. I have business with you pretty boy." Lily said and Sam obeyed her like a dog. Mark''s prediction was that he short of wanted revenge for that red patch he had on his head. He was turning his anger towards the wrong person though.

    "Let''s talk about this. I am sure we can find a reasonable solution." Mark started bubbling as the man approached him. He had his hands up in a surrendering motion but it didn''t seem to do much difference. The man magically got some rope that no one had noticed and simply tied him up and had the audacity to hang him upside down. Mark had kicked and even bit him in the process but he got another punch this time on his cheekbone that made him stop. Now he was moving back and forth, left and right like he was being electrocuted. "Is this really how you treat others? I mean what kind of manners are those. We are guests!" Mark cried out and Lily rolled her eyes.

    "Shut him up he is annoying" She commanded Sam and he smiled. It would be his pleasure to actually knock him out with a kick.

    "Do not touch him" Alex said and got in the middle. Sam was ready to mock them and hit him too until their eyes met.

    Alex''s emerald eyes scrutinized him, almost burning up his flesh by the intensity and the killing intent. His teeth were grinding and his hands had forced fists. He was sick of it. This kind of unfair relentless treatment. It was fine if they hurt him, did whatever he didn''t care anymore. He was reliving his pain every day after all but he would never in his life allow anyone to hurt his friend.

    Sam scoffed and took a step back, shoving on of his hands in his pockets. He had been affected by that aura that his presence was emitting. There was something wrong with this kid and he didn''t want to find out what it was.

    "What is it? Are you scared of the little human?" Lily asked but he just ignored her. He wasn''t her lap dog after all. He just wanted to make Luke hurt for what he did to him. Always thinking that he is better than everyone around him now he was going to finally get it. "Anyway. So you and Luke are a thing right?"

    "What does it matter to you?"

    "Well if you think that I was his girlfriend. I was meant to be with him. I was the one. You''d think it concerns me" she said emphasizing the word I.

    "Luke says that the bond is fate. You can''t deny fate"

    "Yeah, sure you can''t deny it but you can resent it for all the misfortune it brings you. And I will make sure of that but don''t worry I won''t hurt you, physically that is, at least not for now. Let''s begin. Take your clothes off." She told him and he looked at her as his forehead creased. "Come on now hurry up or some will chop up your friend and eat him." She threatened him.

    It was obvious that she wasn''t joking. Her eyes weren''t lying as she made sure to express every drop of her ocean like hate towards him.

    Alex didn''t want to risk Mark''s safety. That was something he never wanted to do so he complied and took his pants off and his shirt exposing himself to everyone''s eyes as he stood in the middle of the bloody room in only his boxers.

    Lily approached him and touched his tone torso with her fingertips, her long nails scratching the sensitive skin. She examined him up and down as her hand was traveling lower and lower. He gasped and took a step back not wanting to feel her touch anymore.

    A dry laugh came out of her lips and commented on two things surprised.

    "Your body is much better than I thought and oh what do we have there. You even have a tattoo." She said looking at the sun mark Alex had.

    "That''s my mating mark" Alex confessed and Lily for a second seemed puzzled before the vicious smile returned to her lips.

    "Oh that''s what they told you, I see. Pretty. Alissa bring the mud please."

    Alissa was the girl with the purple hair that so kindly had offered to help them. She had disappeared for a few moments and came back with a huge buck filled to the brim with mud.

    "What? You''re planning to humiliate me in front of everyone else? Is this mean girls?" Alex asked her and she laughed.

    "You are all high and mighty now honey and yes it might not affect you that much but trust me it will affect the way the pack sees you. I will make sure that you will get to see all the pretty nightmares us wolves can carry. Sam do it. And I will happily take you back to the great hall."

    Sam grabbed the heavy bucket and moved closer. Alex really hated them. It was in their blood to be vicious. That hatred that surfaced was shocking to him. He had never felt such strong disgust for someone. It wasn''t just three though. He felt that deep hatred towards all wolves.

    He made Sam stop again.

    "One day I will make you pay" he told him and the guy almost dropped the bucket until Lily screamed in his ear to do it. And he did.

    Alex felt the thick liquid embrace his body and run down on his skin. It smelled and it was heavy. He shivered but didn''t speak. He wouldn''t cry either and when Lily headed out no one had to force him. He followed them with his head high, even as Mark kept screaming his name, telling him to not go.

    They reached the hall incredibly fast. Time seemed so fragile. Now that he didn''t want for a moment to come it seemed like the time would play a sick trick on him and just lose its essence. It was like clay, you made it however you wanted and now time was speeding up, changing so he would face faster his doom.

    She pushed him inside with a very rude kick and she didn''t even need to ask for everyone''s attention. They were all looking at them from the first second, their looks shocked at first but then incredibly amused. To them his humiliation was entertaining.

    "Hello everyone! I took the liberty to welcome one of our newest students. This is Alex." She called out his name and kicked him to the ground making him fall to his knees. He felt he was landing on thorns, but he didn''t speak. He didn''t show his weak human nature.

    Don''t cry, please don''t cry. He begged himself to hold on. It would be over soon. At least Luke wasn''t here to see this. He wouldn''t belittle himself in his eyes, he thought as he looked at the floor.

    "And he is Luke''s mate!" she shouted and Alex''s eyes widened. She had exposed them.

    "I will kill you!" I loud growl echoed in the room and suddenly Luke''s figure appeared. He was looking at the three of them like he wanted to rip them to shreds and even Lily stopped smiling.

    "You weren''t supposed to be here. I saw you leave." She mumbled as Luke was running towards them. Alissa started running first and Sam followed her terrified. Luke seemed like he wanted to destroy them, erase them from this earth.

    "You fuckers" he shouted and jumped above the wooden tables to reach them faster. Everyone had stopped breathing. No one wanted to interfere. They could see that Luke''s anger was dressed in death''s clothes.

    Just a few meters before he reached them though Lily uttered four words. Venom. He seemed like he had been stung by a poisonous animal. He just stopped. He looked at her almost... scared.

    "I will kill you." He growled and started heading towards them again, trying to ignore the fear that was awakening inside him but Lily had already started running. She had dropped the bomb. She had said the words Luke never wanted anyone to tell him.

    "I know your secret." She had mouthed, whispered, her voice so low but she knew that Luke would hear it. This was her game and he would put an end to it.

    He was going to follow those bastards and make them pay. For everything.

    Alex had gathered every bit of strength he had left and stood up, trying to collect his shattered dignity. The only person he didn''t want to witness this was right in front of him, seeing his humiliated state. He should''ve let him go after them. Take revenge for what had been done to him but that was not what he needed right now. He just needed him. Because he felt like he would collapse. His mentality had been drained and he could feel his weakness grow more and more.

    "Stay with me." He told him and stood in front of him, small and fragile, shivering but Luke''s rage didn''t seem to calm down. "Please" he begged the beast that was hiding in his human body. Looking at his beautiful eyes. "Please"

    Luke looked at him.

    He had to choose.

    Securing his secret or staying with him.

    .....

    What do you think Luke will chose?

 Chapter 35 - Match 35

    Alex knew that if it wasn''t for Luke''s angry outburst the crowd would have cheered and ridiculed him. No one did that now, maybe that was why Lily didn''t seem pleased as she saw him, except for the fact that he could probably kill them. She was scared of him, everyone was.

    Looking at him, Alex too felt the same. That madness in his eyes. It reminded him of moments he had buried deep inside his head. Moments of hateful looks before he got beaten up almost unconscious by his father. Those moments were taking shape in Luke''s eyes right then and there while he was shivering and waiting.

    That''s why he had pleaded. He had begged him to stay. To kill those fears inside him. If no one accepts me, at least you, the one who says he loves me, please stay, he thought and tears swelled up in his eyes. He could see it though, the hate, the anger. Luke would leave. He would run and get his claws and fangs out. He would growl and his eyes would become silver, like shining daggers and he would go after them. He would leave him.

    It seemed like his body wanted to stay but leave at the same time. The wolf inside of him was howling, growling and scratching the walls of his mind to get away and kill them. Kill the ones who ridiculed his mate, the ones who are threatening his happiness but Luke, he could only see Alex. Alone and waiting for someone to help him. Help him not because he was weak, a damsel in distress but help him to show him that someone was there. His tears could be acid to Luke''s skin and he was constantly fighting with himself as he was panting, rooted to his spot.

    Their gazes met and it felt like time stopped. Pretty and shiny jades, freshly cut grass, the green blue waters of the lake he swam as a child, all of these pretty things and precious memories were mirrored in Alex''s eyes. He was the guardian of his humanity, keeping him sane and he understood that the mating bond was so much more than just sexual desire or romance. It was companionship, friendship and family. It was a hope to hold on to and Luke was only scaring Alex away because he knew that the tears in his eyes were not because he was embarrassed or sad about the situation. He was scared Luke was going to disappear.

    He closed his eyes, his long nails digging holes into his skin, blood dripping on the wooden floor mixing with the mud that fell from Alex''s shaking body. He tried to breathe. Calm down, he screamed in his head again and again.

    His arms were trembling from the pressure to take control of his movement. To pin his inner beast inside. He took off his shirt and gave it to Alex, who was almost naked. The boy looked at him with wide eyes, taking the soft fabric in his hands.

    "It will get dirty" he stuttered and Luke gave him a serious look.

    "I don''t care." He answered, his voice coming out cold. He didn''t mean to. He was trying to keep his emotions in check. "Wear it"

    He didn''t argue twice and wore the shirt that reached almost the middle of his thighs.

    Alex didn''t know what to say. He had chosen him. He had stayed and as he moved towards him he felt like his heart would explode. Without saying anything Luke raised him up like a princess and walked outside, without sparing a glance at anyone else than him. The green eyed boy let his head rest on his shoulder and finally felt himself calm down. It was okay, everything would be fine. He told himself.

    Luke visited again the baths. This time a few people were in there some of them talking, washing their teeth and taking showers. All of that came to a stop though when he entered the room. Luke looked at every single one of them and literally told them to get lost. No matter what they were doing they just left, even the ones who were in the shower just jumped out like the they were on fire and left the room while trying to tie their towels around their body. Alex didn''t like that he was inconvenienced them but he appreciated that Luke created a space where they could be alone.

    He carefully placed him down and helped him take off all of his clothes. He was standing fully exposed in front of him but he didn''t care. He also knew that there wasn''t anything sexual in Luke''s mind right now. His only priority was to help him, make him feel safe.

    Luke took his clothes off too, revealing a stunning body that resembled that of a Greek statue. He took Alex''s hand in his and led him in one of the showers. The hot water that fell on his body washed the dirt and embarrassment away.

    Luke''s touch was gentle and soft as he rubbed the soap onto him, washed his hair and massaged his scalp. Almost like the touch of an angel he made sure his tension did not spread to him. The relaxing smells, the careful touch were letting him breathe.

    They had been quiet up until now until Luke felt calm enough to speak. Alex had many colorful bubbled on his head and streaks of soap on his body. Luke''s wet hair were sticking on his face and neck framing his shiny eyes.

    "It''s okay. You''re safe. I will always be there for you. I will always choose you."

    He hadn''t realized how much he needed to hear these words. To him at the sound of those sentences his heart seemed to break out of his shackles. Shackles made of gold, molded by insecurities and fear. Luke had broken all of them so simply, shattered them into pieces and his words a magic spell that freed his soul.

    All this time he had kept them in. The rain of acid tears but he couldn''t any longer. Like a small child who had just fallen on the ground he cried out his loud scream barely masked by the falling water. His eyes turned red, his torso was shaking as he tried to breathe in between his cries.

    He found shelter in Luke''s embrace as he caressed his back, his vision blurry all he could feel was the warmth emitting from his body. His heart was beating like crazy, he was crazy like him but he felt like home. The way he kissed his cheek, took his tears away. The way he embraced him like the softest cloud taking him into an imaginary sky was almost liberating. He closed his eyes and got lost by his care. He couldn''t believe how he had dared to doubt him, this man who went against his nature to help him.

    "Thank you." He screamed taking all his anxiety out. "Thank you for saving me"

    "I will always save you. No matter what. I swear Alex" he promised and looked at him, hoping his sincerity would be real. That it would show in his tortured expression.

    "Luke I''m sorry. I''m sorry I am like this. Human. Weak" Alex confessed and Luke hugged him harder.

    He didn''t want him to be anything else. Alex was Alex just because he was human. If he was anything else, he wouldn''t love him anymore and that hurt him. He felt tears appearing on his eyes. Every tear and a lie he had told.

    "You are fine the way you are, don''t torture yourself. You are perfect for me the way you are."

    Alex kept crying and unable to speak he only nodded in Luke''s chest.

    He wasn''t aware for how long they stayed there. Being poured by the water, hugging and kissing. They let their bodies tangle and share sweet embraces until their hearts were not burning by fear and anger anymore but by desire. Alex was tired though, he didn''t want a special moment to begin and end like this. He wanted it to be indulged in happiness so they stopped and simply adored each other, their bodies connected until the water turned cold and they had to leave.

    Luke did not leave his side. He laid down next to him on the small bed, waited until he fell asleep so he could close his eyes too.

    That was how his first day had ended in his new home. Filled with fear and anger, he had come even closer to Luke in the end, unaware of the secrets and conspiracies that they were forming in the darkness. Alex hoped that this pace could be a bright new beginning and from what he had witnessed in his mind it could be.

    The things behind the closed, heavy doors were the ones that could turn the shiny valley into a misty, dark swamp.

    He fell asleep though, forgetting every single one of his questions. Letting himself relax for a few hours. It was the right thing to do. They had forgotten something really important though.

    Mark was still missing.

    ....

    Hello everyone! Did you like this chapter? Please let me know.

    Thanks for reading!!!

 Chapter 36 - Match 36

    In all honesty Mikael felt really bad. Mark was the best friend who was dragged into this without an actual reason and he was being affected by everything just because he was a good friend. He had disappeared with Alex back then and no one was looking for him. Alex was too shocked by the incident so he couldn''t blame him and Luke¡­he would be perfectly fine if he had disappeared for good.

    It wasn''t the same though for his best friend. He had been searching Mark for hours going through empty form rooms and basements. He even checked the huge fridges they had in the kitchen where they kept the meat and the vegetables. He almost froze to death while looking for him, pushing the dead animals from side to side so he could get a better view of the place but Mark was nowhere to be found.

    It was past midnight when he finally found the red head. At first he didn''t even think of that particular storage because it was out of usage for many years. He knew thought that the Alpha used to bring nuances in that room to get rid of them in secret. The place was filled with spiders and bugs and the more you headed deeper into the dark corridor the more you felt like you were entering an alternate universe. One filled with decay and the intense smell of mold lingering in the air.

    He pushed the heavy door with his shoulder and entered the room, instantly realizing the smell of blood that entered his nostrils. His heart sped up in worry, thinking this could be Mark''s blood so he headed in a hurry for the lights. As they flickered he managed to spot the unconscious boy.

    Once they were fully on and that chirping sound that was like a fly that was roaming around your ear stopped he exhaled relieved. He seemed fine except for the fact that he was hanged upside down from the ceiling and he had fainted probably from the blood that rushed to his head, or his fear being all alone in the dark for so long.

    He walked towards him and with his sharp nails he cut the rope, grabbing the boy in his arms and placing it gently on the floor. He mumbled a sorry for filling his clothes with blood once again. Someone had to clean this place up or it would get filled with worms and smell like actual death, the metallic smell was overwhelming enough.

    Mikael shook him up gently but Mark just frowned not opening his eyes. He called out his name a few times but he didn''t get a response either. He stood still for a while placing his hand on his jaw thinking of what he should do.

    "There goes nothing" he said and tried a different approach.

    "What the hell?" Mark instantly shouted and jumped up completely awake. He placed his palm on his cheek where a huge red mark was starting to form.

    He had slapped him, obviously not with full strength because he could probably break his jaw but still it was pretty intense, maybe a bit more intense than he intended. It didn''t matter that much though since the ginger was finally awake and in perfectly fine health as he was able to swear at him and give him that very entertaining death stare.

    "Are you insane?" Mark shouted while rubbing his cheek.

    "That''s not a very nice way to talk to your savior"

    "My what?" he said and looked around slowly remembering what had happened hours ago. When his eyes landed on the disgusting floor he stood immediately with a disgusting expression, wiping his hands on his jeans leaving even more bloody stains. "Eeew" he exclaimed and made Mikael laugh who was actually perfectly clean because he had only crouched down careful all the time not to touch anything. At the realization that he was the only one looking like a fresh abstract painting Mark glared at him even harder.

    "What is it honey?" he asked him with a grin.

    "Nothing. I want to get to my room. Take me there." He said. Mikael grinned harder looking like a trouble maker and crossed his arms on his chest.

    "Not even a thank you. Where are your manners rich boy?"

    "Thank you" he whispered while looking away. Even if he didn''t want to admit it, he was right. Mark should at least help him for saving him.

    "I''m sorry what? I couldn''t hear you." He joked bringing his palm close to hear.

    "Well pity because I am not saying it again. Where is Alex? Is he okay?"

    "Yeas. He is with Luke in your room."

    "Perfect so I am going to sleep in some bench or something" he said and followed Mikael who had started to had outside.

    "We couldn''t let our little young master do that, could we? I mean your well raised self could not stand the cold night" he said dramatically, placing his hand on his forehead, stating some fake sorrow.

    "I''m going to spit on you"

    "Feisty." He answered and he winked."Come on you will sleep in my room tonight, but first you need a shower you smell like a rare steak"

    "I bet I smell really tasty to a dog like you" Mark spat back and Mikael started laughing.

    The blond boy had a lot in his head lately. He was filled with worries about what''s going to happen in the future. They were definitely going to face a lot of new challenges and that on its self was very stressing, not knowing what tomorrow would bring. At the same time though he felt good. Especially on these small moments that he could joke with Mark, tease him and see him flustered. It was a change after the many years he had been all alone. Mark in many ways resembled Scarlet and deep inside the wolf had caught himself wishing that this boy next to him was his mate reincarnated but he was sure that luck wasn''t on his side. He would be okay though, as long as Mark wanted to be his friend, it would be fine. He knew that nothing good would result in being greedy.

    Despite his slight whining Mark listened to Mikael and gladly accepted the pair of warm pajamas he offered him after his shower.

    It was a striped pair of too long pants, that his legs completely and dragged the fabric in the ground, in the colors of mint and black and in Mark''s mind popped up the image of a mint chocolate ice cream making his mouth water, he also threw at him a same colored mint shirt with long sleeves, that obviously were a lot longer than his arms.

    "Matching pajamas"

    "I like it when the colors match." He explained and led him to his room.

    It wasn''t exactly how he had imagined it. From what he had observed the whole compound was a bit bland when it came to decorations or any style at all. Very basic and it had wood almost everywhere, something that didn''t really excite Mark as he had been raised with a mother who always wanted to be unbelievably stylish and elegant.

    So Mikael''s room was quite a pleasant surprise. The walls were filled with posters of popular rock bands and in the middle of the room there was a huge double bed, with dark red sheets. Opposite of the bed was a black matte closet and on the floor he had laid a very fluffy and warm white carpet. In one corner of the room there was, in a stand, a red bass guitar and a small glass desk was fitted in the space between the bed and the wall on the right. With a few red shelves on the wall that were filled almost to the brim with music books. Even though it didn''t match the description of elegant it was definitely stylish and well decorated. He had taken advantage of the small space and had created a very cozy and warm room.

    "I know it looks good" he said with a proud smile. "It took me a while to smuggle everything inside." He said and jumped on his bed, lying down. He patted the spot next to him with a cheeky smile. "Come here sweetie."

    "Don''t call me sweetie" Mark said and laid down next to him none the less. He really needed to rest for a while. He had realized that it was already late and his eyes were already getting heavy. "Why did you have to smuggle it?"

    "We have rules. Of living a simple life with no luxury."

    "Well that doesn''t sound so much fun" he commented and yawned. "Mikael, I''m worried about Alex. I know that something is off. I can feel it."

    "Alex will be safe"

    "We got kidnapped on our first day here" he told him. "He has so many questions but he is scared to ask. He is scared that Luke will lie to him and that''s why he doesn''t talk. What happened to his mother and father? What is going on with all those secret meetings and why was Luke so upset about that party?"

    "I can''t tell you Mark."

    "Then how can we live here if no one trusts us?" he asked him as he placed his head better in the pillow. He wasn''t upset. He didn''t have the physical strength to actually be but he was curious and worried. He considered Mikael a bit better than Luke but for that reason it was highly unlikely that he would betray his friend.

    "So you are going to stay here too?" Mikael asked trying to change the subject.

    "Yeah¡­but there is no way I''m not bringing my play station. No matter what your rules¡­about¡­luxury¡­.are" he tried to finish his sentence but sleep was already embracing him. His chocolate eyes hid behind his eyelids and his breathing became heavy and slow.

    Mikael grabbed a blanket from the closet trying not to make any noise and gently covered him so he wouldn''t be cold all night. He closed his eyes next to him with a smile lingering on his lips.

    "I''m glad you will stay." He said to no one in particular and soon after he fell asleep too.

    ...

    Hello everyone! I hope you liked this chapter. Please support this book if you can. Thanks for reading!!!

    I am thinking of recommending a song for every chapter to set the mood while you read...what do you think?

 Chapter 37 - Match 37

    Tuesday came and from the beginning was pretty peaceful in comparison to yesterday''s events. Mark had stormed inside their room while Alex was still sleeping in Luke''s embrace very eager to talk to the Alpha''s son about the rearrangements that had to be made for the ginger head to be able to live in their small compound as he had described it.

    So at the moment the newly assembled group of four people was in Alex''s and Mark''s room, sitting on the two beds while munching on chips and drinking juice, after they had decided that they wanted to avoid the dining hall due to the previous events. Their main conversation was how the two human boys were going to adjust to a new life in a supernatural home.

    "So when will we start classes? Also Alex and I need to get some clothes and phones and necessities in general. Also I''m redecorating this whole place, from scratch." Mark said and took a sip from his orange juice.

    "Sure. I mean the redecoration will be the hardest thing but we can schedule a shopping trip in town or something."

    "I don''t have any money" Alex said and Luke looked at him with a confused look.

    "Who said you will pay?"

    "And who will?"

    "I will."

    "Nice Alex you got yourself a sugar daddy" Mark joked making Mikael laugh with him. Alex though simply shot him an angry glare and turned to talk to Luke in a calm voice.

    "No, thank you but I don''t need you to be paying for my stuff. Since I obviously won''t be in a sports team anymore and there is no scholarship I will get a part time job in town."

    "Why won''t you be in a sport''s team? You can always try out for the WhiteFangs if you want" Mikael suggest.

    "So he will get crushed by your supernatural powers during the games?"

    "We don''t use our powers during the games, that would be cheating." Luke explained. "Let me make you a deal Alex" he said and gave him a smile like he was proud of the thought he just had. "If you manage to get into the team, through proper try outs and I swear I won''t interfere you will get payed to carry us in the soccer field. I heard that''s what you did for your last team so you must be good"

    "If I don''t make it into the team I will get a part time job." He said and his boyfriend nodded happily. He wanted to give the chance to Alex to do the thing he loved the most and have a comfortable life. He was too young to have to go through all these hardships just because his parents were useless.

    Alex looked at him for a while like he wasn''t sure if the grey eyed boy was telling the truth. He seemed to be in deep thinking as their eyes met and Luke was smiling brightly with his great idea.

    "I promise." He said and placed his palm on his chest earning an eye roll from Alex.

    "Sure. When will I do it? You will come with me too Mark?"

    "Oh, no, no, no there is no way I will be playing with these people." He said pointing his index finger from Luke to Mikael. "My soccer is sophisticated"

    "Oh really?" Mikael asked and raised an eyebrow. "We are not sophisticated enough for you?"

    "With your little dog brain definitely not. Come, come get it" He said and moved the bag of chips they shared in front of his face like he was going to throw a stick somewhere for Mikael to go after it. Mikael barked in reply making Mark laugh hysterically and Luke shook his head.

    "You are an embarrassment to our kind" He told him and Mikael looked at him with a snob expression.

    "I do not need other''s validation to know my worth dear friend."

    "Yeah, yeah. Alex you can tryout this afternoon if you want and the day after tomorrow I can take you shopping guys. I just need to go to another part of the compound where most families are to talk with my mother, she deals with these stuff. About classes I think next week is going to be fine."

    "Okay. Thank you, Luke." He said and gave him a shy smile.

    "There is no reason for you to say thank you. If you are good you will pass. We train at five." He announced and gave him a peck on the lips before he stood up.

    "Come on honey give a kiss too" Mikael said and cupped Mark''s face bringing him closer.

    "I LIKE GIRLS" he screamed in his face and pushed him back, he grabbed his pillow and brought it in front of him as a shield and as his last move he threw a handful of chips at Mikael.

    "You got a full combo there" Luke made fun of him

    "Come on, let''s go. My affection is not being appreciated here."

    "Yes good riddance!" Mark shouted and waved them goodbye.

    The moment the two boys were left alone Mark ran towards Alex''s side and jumped on the unmade bed that was filled with potato chip crumbs. He wiped them away with his hands messily throwing them on the ground and looked at Alex with a naughty smile.

    "Sooo what happened last night?"

    "Nothing, we just cuddled and slept."

    "Really? Why are you such a virgin?"

    "Well I''m sorry but it didn''t feel like the right time."

    "Aw, you are so romantic." He said and pinched his cheek turning it a bit red.

    "Mark there is something that¡­."

    "Spill it."

    "Every time I kiss Luke¡­"

    "What? Does his breathe stink?" Mark joked.

    "Will you let me finish a sentence."

    "Yes, yes please sir go on."

    "Every time I kiss Luke my chest hurts." Alex confessed remembering that pinch like pain every time their lips met. The deeper the kiss got the more the pain and Alex couldn''t help but wonder why something like that was happening. He hadn''t exchanged many kisses with a lot of people but the few kisses that he had shared with others didn''t feel like that, not even the slightest.

    "Well, I don''t know. Some people say that being in love hurts. It could be something like that."

    "Yeah, but I mean¡­it''s weird"

    "To be honest I''ve never been the mate of a werewolf you, hadn''t had the luck yet so I can''t really tell you what is it but if it''s just a pinch and not like a cardiac arrest pain I guess is just because you feel sad. With everything that has happened is logical. Try to see if it keeps happening after things calm down a bit."

    "That''s possible" Alex agreed considering the possibility of his friend being right. His mental health had not been at its finest lately and it was definitely something he needed to focus on.

    "Will it be weird if I say that I want to sleep again?" Mark asked and Alex laughed.

    "No go nap" he told him and Mark jumped back to his bed.

    Alex would just take some time and relax in the comfort of the room. The idea or just roaming around was not so pleasing at the moment so he would sit there hearing Mark''s slight snoring.

    He spent his time thinking, since there weren''t that many things to do in their new room. Everything that had happened seemed so far away but at the same time he could still feel the pain of those moments. It was still like a heavy rock on his chest every time he thought about it and he wondered if those internal scars would ever heal, if he had Luke by his side maybe.

    Time was passing by fast as he thought also about the tryouts. He was definitely nervous and that was the reason he didn''t feel really that hungry or in need for lunch. He felt like he would throw up. He would love to play in that team, play together with Luke would be a dream. Playing at all would also be a bliss. The last days it seemed to him like soccer was gone for him, like playing again was impossible but his boyfriend was more than willing to give him a chance to prove his worth.

    As the final hour was approaching Alex felt like the clock above his door had gone insane. There was no way that seconds and minutes were passing so fast, he thought. His eyes were focused on the simple object when he heard a knock on his door, very feint but it was still there.

    He stood up and lazily dragged his feet to the door. To his surprise though no one was there, waiting for him. He stepped outside and looked around curious when he felt something underneath his shoe. He looked down and noticed a small letter in a dark blue envelope.

    He picked it up and went back inside closing the door behind him. Carefully he opened the sealed envelope and took the paper out. There was only one and smelled like lavender. He smiled at the careful calligraphy since his own handwriting was always bad and he was a bit jealous of the people who were good.

    The smile instantly disappeared from his face after reading the carefully written sentence. There were only a few words but to him these words were enough to shock him.

    I know what happened to your parents. Meet me at the compound entrance tomorrow morning at 6 am. Be alone.

    Alex reread it again and again to make sure that he wasn''t wrong. What could''ve happened to his parents that someone sent him a letter like this? Could it be something bad?

    Luke had said they were fine.

    ....

    Hello everyone! thank you for reading.

    If you are intrested check out my other book Bloody Lovers. I am rewriting it to make it better. It''s good I promise >///<

 Chapter 38 - Match 38

    Alex still in shock by what he had just read, secured the small envelope inside his pillow case as well as he good so no one would find it. Especially Luke, he was sure that only he would forbid him from going but he wouldn''t reveal the truth about his parents either.

    He was sure that his boyfriend always had the best intentions, thinking about him first and not egotistic motives. That overprotective nature, probably was the reason for the too many secrets and the uncertainty. So he had decided silence was the only way for him to find out the things he wanted to. He would go alone, hopeful that answers would come his way.

    After hiding it he headed towards Mark, who was sleeping soundly. He pinched his cheeks softly making the sleeping beauty frown and turn to the side. He wrapped himself like a burrito and his friend chuckled at his baby like appearance. Time was passing though and his top priority was getting through those try outs. Then he could worry fully about that poisonous letter. Priorities, he thought and shook Mark with both his hands.

    "What???" he said, his voice raspy from a deep sleep.

    "Do you want to come to my tryouts or nah?" Alex asked him and the boy sat up immediately making a ninety-degree angle.

    "Of course I will. I got to look out for you with these dogs." He said.

    "It''s going to be fine." Alex reassured him.

    He wasn''t that sure himself but he confident that if Mark got anxious and worried about him he would find a very animated way to channel that to him too and he could very easily mess up everything on the field. They didn''t talk about this for a long time, since a knock on their door was soon heard and Alex recognized the casual way Luke knocked on the door. It could sound crazy but he could figure out it was him from the rhythm of the knocks and how loud they were. It was the same with how people could recognize the footsteps of a family member in the house.

    "Come in"

    "Hey. Are you ready? I also brought you some clothes" Luke told him and left a soccer uniform in the colors of the White Fangs carefully on the bed, together with a pair of black and neon yellow soccer shoes. They looked a bit scrappy and beaten up but Alex was thankful that he brought them, they could make playing much easier. "They were mine a few years back. I hope they fit you" he told him and Alex after wearing the uniform wore them too. They were slightly big but still he was able to run and kick the ball with them. If he made it into the team the first thing, he would do was buy a new pair. Not because he didn''t like the new ones Luke gave him, but to him getting his soccer shoes was very fun and exciting.

    "Thank you very much" Alex said with a bright smile on his face. His eyes were gleaming with excitement. He couldn''t really help it, just the thought of getting back to the field, feeling the grass underneath the sole of his shoes, the air hitting his face as he ran, the pressure and the control of the ball made him feel excited after what seemed like a century and he couldn''t stop smiling.

    "No problem. Our uniform looks good on you"

    "Thanks. Shall we go?"

    "Well someone is excited" Mark teased him but Alex just nodded, carefree. Mark smiled at him and got outside first wanting to give them some space but as he realized he didn''t know the way to the field he coughed and moved to the side for the virgin couple to move ahead.

    Luke was walking very close to Alex and their hands touch while they were walking. Alex''s face had been colored a slight pink tint and with every touch he would slightly flinch. He wanted to hold hands with him but he was actually very shy to do that. So his hesitant eyes would look at their hands, a few inches apart moving as they walked. He would open his palm to grasp his hand and then close it indecisive until he heard a loud sigh from Mark behind them. He grabbed both of their hands, Luke''s and his and collided them together.

    "You guys almost seem like the stars of a teen movie. He won''t get you pregnant honey hold his hand" he told his best friend and Alex''s eyes widened in embarrassment at his words.

    "I¡­"

    "You can hold my hand whenever you want, kiss me whenever you want and call me whenever you want" Luke told him looking straight into Alex''s eyes. "I''m yours"

    "Oh my god." Mark exclaimed with a frown and an expression of discuss. "Come on now let''s go. Alex has to be the next ace of your team. Let''s go, let''s go." He said and pushed both of them to be faster. Luke laughed at their childish behavior and willingly led them to the court.

    The went around the compound and headed deeper on the back side of the huge building. Alex was astonished by how big their property was. Luke had mentioned that the families lived somewhere else so they''re should be schools and even more houses. This place was like a little city hidden deep in the forest.

    They walked for a while, through endless green grass, benches and people laying there enjoying the afternoon warmth, conversing and laughing. Alex for the first time even saw some kids running around and playing with a ball. The place suddenly seemed a lot livelier and innocent. Probably everything was affected by the Alpha''s presence and threat. Wherever he stood all around him a darkness appeared and this moment did not seem to be polluted by his reign terror.

    Once the field came in sight both Mark and he opened their mouths wide in awe. It wasn''t just a simple field it almost looked like a stadium. Alex was sure it could fit thousands of people. The chairs were panoramically placed, painted black and red, the team''s representative colors and the side walls of the filed had wolves painted on them some in the color black and some red, howling running and fighting with the field in the middle offering good view for all the observers. This place must''ve costed a fortune to build.

    In the middle of the field as they entered the stadium, as Alex had called it on his mind he noticed the team. They had gathered in a circle and talking about something that stopped once they all noticed their leader. Mikael was also there and greeted them happily, waving his hand and running towards Mark. The ginger head though just scoffed with a snobbish look and ran away heading towards the closest seats making the blue eyed boy return defeated and with a pout.

    "Hello everyone. As you can all see I am back and I have brought a new possible player with me. This is Alex, my mate. He was the Lion''s captain and ace player and he is here to try out."

    "What''s happening Luke did you bring your sweetheart here because you can''t live without her?" One of the players joked making everyone on the team laughed.

    Luke seemed displeased with his comment and was ready to reply but this time Alex was the one to shot fire. He wasn''t going to be belittled, not when it came to soccer.

    "No he brought me here, begging me to carry your sorry asses." He answered him and the unknown guy looked at him with a grin. "You will be judging if you want me on the team, not Luke." He added.

    "Well we will see." The guy who had made fun of him said. "What do you play?"

    "I am a forward."

    "Well it''s a good thing that I am the goal keeper. Let me see you trying to score a goal." He said

    "Okay then let''s warm up and have a five vs five" Luke told them and they obeyed.

    They ran and stretched until their muscles were ready to fight. Alex was shown his assigned teammates and met all of them, who didn''t seem to hold any hostility towards him. Sure all of them were all about teasing but they weren''t really the scary monsters his previous teammates had actually described.

    The enemy goalkeeper was the guy who had made that quirky comment about him and Luke. His boyfriend had decided not to be a part of the match to make everything absolutely fair so he sat together with Mark and observed everything that was going on.

    Obviously the enemies had always their eyes on him and he could feel the pressure like a knife on his throat but he loved it. He could turn the tables, he could be in charge and as the ball touched his feet he felt like he could do anything. He was smiling, after everything he was genuinely smiling and that he had everything he wanted.

    He ran and passed, skillfully avoided tackles and attempted to score. Unfortunately, he didn''t manage to score any points and that was his main problem. That other guy was really good. He could predict every attempt he made to score and always caught the ball, no matter how fast he was.

    That could really jeopardize their opinion about his performance and deprive him the so wanted spot, he knew that but he tried to stay calm, he had played well, his performance was good, he repeated again and again in his head. So when the little match was over and he was panting, still worried about that he joined their circle ready to hear their decision.

    The whole team seemed to have decided without even talking about it first and he wondered if they had some kind of weird telepathy like in the movies or it was the fact that they were so synchronized and united as a team, things like that were needed.

    "Well Alex¡­" the goal keeper that shot his dream began talking. "I''m sorry¡­"

    ...

    Do you think that Alex got in after not scorring any points? Also I can''t wait for the drama to start. i always love it when things go downhill. (that sounded mean but it''s true)

    I wanted to add that I am very thankful for your support. Writing has always been my dream ever since I was really oung and seeing how people seem to like my book and want to support it makes me really happy.

    I hope you get to experience many kind of emotions through my stories but in the end I want you all to find comfort and be happy while reading.

    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 39 - Match 39

    "Well Alex¡­" the goal keeper that shot his dream began talking. "I''m sorry that I underestimated you. You are in" he announced with a smile.

    He hadn''t realized it but he had been holding his breath all this time. The pressure and the focus needed not to just fall to the ground had cut his breath short but once he heard the news he couldn''t help it and exhaled deeply, closing his eyes and smiling widely in relief. Yes, he had made it.

    "But I didn''t get to score any points?" He told them. He wanted to be completely sure that Luke had nothing to do with him joining the team. It had to be all him.

    "We weren''t expecting you to score any points. I mean¡­I cheated" the guy said indicating that he had used his powers.

    "What?" Alex asked in shock.

    "What Julius means is that we wanted to see how you would react under a bad game where you couldn''t score at all. We wanted to see if you''d give up" Mikael said "and you didn''t" he added smiling proudly like a mum.

    "Of course he didn''t you sweaty dogs!" Mark shouted and jumped away from the bleachers and into the field. "I told you that these people would not defeat you anyway. He was our ace" Mark announced and pointed at the goal keeper named Julius. The raven haired wolf smiled and raised his shoulders.

    Alex was incredibly happy. He would play again. He was a part of a team. A supernatural team and that was crazy but still amazing! He had managed to pass a hard trial and his lungs were still hurting because as it seemed he was out of shape but that made it even more worth it. No matter if someone kicked him down, pinned him to the ground he would get up again and kick that ball. He knew he could do it.

    "So welcome!" Mikael said and clapped with the rest of the team following.

    Mark hugged his friend tightly and Alex''s eyes fell on Luke who was sitting on a black seat. His back resting on the chair, crossed legged with a grin on his face. He tended his arm and with his index finger he signaled him to come to him. Once Mark let go of him he thanked everyone in a hurry and rushed towards his boyfriends, jumping above the protective wall the same way Mark had reaching him.

    "Well, well, well what do we have here? A new member" Luke said with a grin. He stood up and walked towards Alex who was panting and with a very swift move he brought his tense body over his shoulder.

    "Heyy! Let me down" Alex shouted, while giggling but Luke obviously didn''t obey.

    "What? We have to celebrate. My special kind of celebration" He said his voice low and sensual.

    Even though Alex could not see his expression he could almost paint it on his mind. He had a killer smile, very sexy and smug, his light eyes would probably be shinning with mischief and he felt a chill down his spine. He stopped talking or resisting and waited patiently for Luke to arrive to his destination.

    Many people gave them weird looks that made Alex hide his face in Luke''s back. Some of them laughed and he heard Luke laugh too so he stopped hiding himself. He was embarrassed definitely, but he shouldn''t be afraid.

    Their destination was unknown. They were not going back to the dorms that was certain because to his surprise Alex had managed to memorize the route. He wanted to know how to get to practice if he had gotten in. Maybe he had been getting way off his head but now that skill would be useful, for sure.

    Even though he knew the place Luke stopped was not where they lived the building was almost identical. He let him down gently and he took a better look around. It was the same circular design like a tube but it somehow was much noisier, if Alex could describe a building like that. There were many open windows in every floor and you could hear children, the sounds of the TV playing and Alex was almost certain that he could smell food being made.

    "Where are we?" he asked confuse.

    "I brought you to meet my mother" Luke announced and winked at him.

    "What? I am sweaty, smelly and dressed like a beggar with a uniform that doesn''t even fit me and you brought me to meet your mother? Are you insane?"

    "It hasn''t been scientifically proven but for sure I am crazy for you" he said and shamelessly kissed him, right there out in the open. "Let''s go. She is going to love you"

    "Can''t I get changed first? Or at least take a shower please?"

    "Nope we will be late for dinner and my mum is a great cook." He told him and took his head in his. "You look great, even sexy. You know flushed and all"

    "I don''t think your mum will appreciate my sexiness" Alex told him as they entered the building and climbed up the many wooden stairs.

    "I appreciate it. Believe me. I appreciate it a lot" he said and Alex blushed. That was a major boost to his confidence.

    The sun had already started to set and the people, including the little kids that and been playing outside were already slowly gathering so they could get back to their homes. Some mums had been outside shouting children''s names for the naughtier ones who denied to get inside.

    After leaving three or four floors behind they finally stopped in front of a door. Luke took out his keys and opened it so they could enter the apartment he had grown up in.

    It was big and filled with light. Minimal decorations and a living room united with the dining room and the kitchen that was separated from everything else only with a marbled island created a spacious and open room. The colors of the room where warm pastels and Alex immediately could feel the care in the arrangements. Brown with hints of gold, and beige made the place look very luxurious and elegant. Mark probably would appreciate the decor a lot more than him but Alex too had been pleasantly surprised judging from what he had seen at the other dorms.

    Big couches and a huge television, many pictures of Luke and his mum everywhere but none of his dad. He couldn''t imagine why, he said ironically in his head when a gorgeous woman appeared from one of the other rooms in the house.

    She was beautiful with her long hair and pretty eyes. Tall with a slim figure she was holding a vase with fresh roses and when she saw them she smiled delicately. She placed the vase on the table and approached her son, giving him a tight hug and kissing him on the cheek.

    "Finally. I was scared the food was going to get cold. Welcome. I''m Eve. Luke''s mother. Nice to meet you."

    "Nice to meet you too ma''am I am Alex."

    She looked at him with warm eyes and smiled. She looked very peaceful and her aura was very relaxing. It felt like all the anxiety that had been building up inside him had been slowly disappearing since she appeared. Was that the effect an actual mother had? Nurturing and calm. Alex wished he had gotten to sense that a lot more during his life.

    The two boys sat at the table and Eve brought their food. She had made tomato and shrimp pasta and a very delicious salad with mushrooms and mozzarella. He hadn''t eaten a home cooked dinner in a while and the rich flavors made his mouth water. He could devour everything but he tried to look as civilized as he could to make a good impression.

    "Do you like it?" She asked him and he nodded eagerly since his mouth was stuffed. He looked like a very cute squirrel.

    "It''s delicious. Thank you very much." He announced once he had swallowed his bite.

    "I''m really glad you like it. I put extra care in it. I wanted to make a good impression for my son''s mate. So tell me Luke how does it feel to get you mark? Is it pretty?" She asked him and the boy stopped eating, his fork making a loud noise as it fell on his porcelain plate.

    "It''s great. Yeah it looks good. It''s very pretty." He said. Alex looked at him and remembered that Luke still hadn''t shown it his mark and as it seemed no one had too yet.

    "You haven''t shown it to me yet. I mean it''s a big deal but you keep it a secret" she joked.

    "I want Alex to see it first. That''s why."

    "What? He hasn''t shown it to you yet?" She asked astonished.

    "Umm, not yet I think he wants to find the right time."

    "Alex got into the team" Luke said and Alex smiled.

    He had tried to change the subject. He had realized that but he decided not to mention anything. Why would the conversation about his mating mark be unwanted? Alex wondered. Could it be that Luke was embarrassed to say they were mates? That seemed odd, after everything that happened but Alex could tell that something was off. It was the tension in his stance, and that defensive tone that made it obvious. It was always the little things that showed if there was something wrong with a person and Luke''s stance created one more unanswered question in Alex''s mind. Was there a problem with the mark?

    The rest of the night went extremely smoothly. Alex had decided to put the doubts aside to enjoy his food and make a perfect impression on Luke''s mum. As it seemed he succeeded because by the end of the night she was laughing loudly at his jokes, which he had tried really hard to think to make himself look funny and begged them to stay a bit more.

    In a few hours Alex would have to meet the sender of that mysterious letter.

    He hadn''t forgotten it and as the time approached, he was getting more and more anxious.

    It was about time he got some answers.

    ....

    Things have been going pretty well lately in this story...hmm I think it''s about time we fix this.

    Thank you for reading! I would really love to hear your thoughts about the story so far and how it seems to you but please be kind I can''t handle hate well >///< Also if you could write a review I would be really happy since you could show others why my book is worth reading.

    Thanks again!

 Chapter 40 - Match 40

    The ticking of the clock was unbearable. Even Mark''s hearing bothered him at some point. How he seemed so clueless about what was going to happen minutes away while he was dreaming. Alex was fidgeting in his best struggling to keep his tired eyes alive. He had run and socialized today. Those two activities together were enough to exhaust him but his nerves were tense, as he waited for the god of time to help him for once.

    A few minutes before six he got up and carefully found himself outside. He tried to be quiet, become one with the night but when the sun fell he never felt like he was in his true element. He always did best during the day, when he could feel the son''s golden tongues licking his body and warming his system. To him the night was cold and distant but at the same time deep inside him a strong nostalgia would linger in the air, depressing him and that''s why he always wanted to operate in the light away from this unknown sadness.

    There was no one around. At least this time it was natural in comparison with every other hour. But now this building really looked like a ghost tower. As huge shadows were created by the heavy furniture, the creaking of the old wood with every step and the sounds of the blowing wind outside like a song, that whispered the coming of death. He closed his eyes trying to stop the wave of overwhelming sensations before he pushed the heavy door and stepped out.

    Cold, chilling even your bones and darkness, unable to see he felt like he had made a mistake for going there but his curiosity had won this battle. The word parents was a very sensitive one and since his own boyfriend didn''t seem to want to answer he had to know. It concerned his family after all, even if they were in very bad terms.

    He was all alone for a while and he cursed not having a watch or a phone at this time. He couldn''t know if he was early or if he had just being played by one of Lily''s or someone else''s tricks again just to rile him up and distress him.

    Despite his worries he remained there, sitting on one of the cold marbled stairs on the entrance. They had a very pretty cr¨¨me color and little spots of gold. He trailed one of those spots with his fingertips and then moved to another one and another one creating imaginary shapes. A heart, a sun like in his tattoo and a¡­moon. A very lonely crescent far away from everyone else. Alone and waiting for its sun to appear.

    He felt that longing again and his eyes watered. Peculiar was just an understatement because what Alex was feeling right now, he could not describe. He felt like a part of himself was missing. He often got that sensation when he was feeling down and couldn''t sleep at night. That feeling of being incomplete.

    The boy sighed and stood up, dusting some none existent dust from his jeans and got ready to leave when the door in front of him slowly opened, revealing his inviter.

    He knew her face, that vibrant purple hair. It was one of Lily''s lackeys. The one who had offered fake kindness and a poisonous smile. He took a few steps back in an attempt to avoid her, find a way to run for his life and she smiled sadly.

    "Don''t worry I won''t hurt you. I''m not here because of Lily."

    "Why are you here then?" Alex asked her looking at her with suspicious eyes. She didn''t seem to be bothered by his behavior though. She just took a few steps getting away from the door and sat in the same stair Alex had. He stood standing wanted to be ready in case he needed to run. He had heard her advice about his reflexes and this time he wouldn''t get caught so easily.

    "I am here because I felt guilty. I didn''t know exactly what Lily was going to do. She said she wanted to annoy you. I thought it was okay. She is my friend, her boyfriend just dumped her for a guy I should help her it would be just a silly prank after all, but it wasn''t. I''m sorry." She apologized looking at Alex with deer like eyes.

    "Then why didn''t you try to stop her?"

    "That would be social suicide. You don''t know what really going on around here. She is the most promising female wolf of our generation. Smart, beautiful and strong her and Luke were the perfect couple and you came and ruined her pretty pink bubble. She hates you and honestly she could even kill you, just to make sure that Luke is not yours. She wouldn''t hesitate to destroy anyone who gets on her back side. The guys love her, a true goddess and the girls want to be her. Going against her would mean death so I decided to do this for you. Because I don''t want to be a bad person."

    "And why should I believe you? What if this is another trap?" He asked but he was already a bit more relaxed. He had stopped standing and had sat down next to her feeling the cold marble again.

    "I can''t convince you in some way. You can only go and see. What they did to your parents."

    "What do you mean? And how do you know that? I mean it''s not information you would just simply know. Considering your Alpha."

    "Yes, you''re right. Is just that they asked my mother to do it. She was born with a special power. She was considered blessed by the forest guard but she always hated her power. She could erase people''s memory." She explained and Alex took a few seconds to himself. To think what could have happened.

    "So what? They erased the incident?" He asked her, that wouldn''t be so bad actually. He would be sure his mother wouldn''t go after him and the police would leave him alone.

    "They didn''t just erase the incident. Luke and his father, they¡­agreed it was best to completely erase you." She revealed and when she noticed Alex''s shock she wore a pained expression. "Your parents have forgotten that you exist. They have a new home, new jobs. They are completely new people."

    He stood there with his jaw hanging. It''s couldn''t be true. Yes, he hated his family. His abusive father and his mother who never defended him and was always blinded by the fear of her husband. He had found himself wishing he never had a family like that many times, crying and cursing them. The heartbreaking pain of rejection. The warm tears that dumped his clothes during the beatings. He hated all of it but still these people were his only family. At least he had a mum and dad he knew if he died someone would come at his funeral but now it''s like Alex never existed. He had suddenly become a ghost.

    "You are lying." He mumbled upset.

    "I am not. There is more and I am really sorry that you have to hear this. When my mum had to alter your father''s memories he was in a comma. That power messes with people''s brain and your father he hasn''t woken up yet. He is at their new home, but he is in a comatose state."

    "It''s not possible. They told me my father was fine."

    "He was. Is just that my mother''s power made him worse. I am so sorry Alex. My mum didn''t wish for any of this to happen. She is a good person and has been tortured by guilt all this time so please don''t hate her."

    Hate her? A woman he didn''t know that was just following orders. No, he wouldn''t hate her. His hate was special, preserved for those who for the first time in his life wished to see dead. That man. That plague that dirtied everything around him. Adam. He wanted to rip him to shreds and set him on fire. Wolves, they were always like this, impulsive, primitive and disgustingly dump.

    It was that hate he felt subconsciously again. It was rising up and was hitting his heart like a tsunami. Luke too. He was one of them bring destruction upon his very step. He had agreed to something so brutal. He had lied to him. How many lies? What else was he hiding? He wanted to trust him but his faith had only turned into a sharp knife that Luke, his mate had decided to stab him in the back with.

    Mate, ridiculous. He thought and scoffed. There was no such thing with them. Lifelong partner. More like a lifelong fool. This hate was like hot oil being poured into a vase that was already filled to the brim. The glass would break from the heat, everything would overflow and dangerous glass shards would spread everywhere. At this moment he wanted to burn the whole place down.

    "Please say something" she begged him and he looked at her. Her blue eyes widened with his expression and for a second she seemed lost for words.

    "Fucking four legged disaster¡­" he mumbled and Alissa raised her eyebrow shocked.

    "You almost sound like an... never mind. Here take this." She said and took out from her pocket a very small post it note that had an unknown address on it. "This is where your parents live, they have moved to the closest city. This is their address if you want to visit them."

    He took the paper and stood up. His expression stern and angry. He was upset and it was very obvious. He looked at Alissa. She was a wolf too and a coward one at that. Trying to throw away her guilt by doing something for him in the shadows. Not expressing what she believed to be wrong, following blindly the pack.

    "You wolves are really the worst of The Veil" he insulted her and she gasped.

    He didn''t care though. He just left her there without not even a thank you. You had been overtaken by something. A pure anger, solid hate and he couldn''t stop it, he didn''t want to since he felt that for once everything he had been feeling was trying to get out. He didn''t want to be pitiful anymore, lied to and deceived.

    When they took their little trip into town, he would escape and find his parents but to do that he needed Mark''s help.

    .....

    I''m accepting bets at what kind of creature Alex is. I am listeniiing.

    Thank you for reading! Please support this book if you are able to!

 Chapter 41 - Match 41

    Mark still remembered how he had woken up brutally his best friend the day before everything began. He had shaken him up violently, he had taken away his cover and screamed in his ear. It was all for a good cause though, so they wouldn''t get late.

    He couldn''t understand why his friend was making such a ruckus on a Friday morning. Yes, they were supposed to go shopping today with the others but they had a few hours before they had to leave but Alex was shaking him up like an earthquake was happening and he was demanding that he woke up this instant while yesterday the whole day he had been distant and wasn''t talking much to anyone. He had even lied to Luke that he was feeling unwell but now he was thriving as it seemed.

    "What is it? What?" Tell me. I''m awake" mark screamed as he pushed off the covers from his body and looked at his best friend. "What time is it?"

    "Seven."

    "What?! We have hours until breakfast why are you doing this to me?" Mark whined and laid back down. Alex walked to where he was and sat on the bed with him. Taking his hands in his and pushing him up.

    "There is something I need to tell you and we can''t talk about it in front of the others. It''s a secret, I discovered something."

    At the work secret Mark didn''t need convincing anymore. He had stood up and was looking at his friend very carefully waiting for him to explain what he was talking about. Alex seemed skeptic. Like something had been torturing his mind and as he opened his lips and the story of what happened just two days ago unveiled Mark too was feeling very perplexed.

    "So this is why you didn''t want to be with Luke yesterday. Because you found out what he did"

    "Yeah, I mean at first I was so angry. I didn''t feel like myself, I really wanted to¡­ make him pay but then, yesterday, I was just so sad. I didn''t know what to do so I lied. I''m sorry I didn''t tell you immediately"

    "No, no it''s okay. I understand. I don''t want to tell you that I told you so but¡­"

    "You''re going to do it anyways."

    "Yes. I told you so. I never really liked this guy. He is more toxic than acid."

    "Chill. I still don''t know why he did it. First I need to figure out if what that girl said it''s true. Today I want you to help me escape and go to my parents."

    "Of course I will but do you have a plan?" Mark asked him. He was sure that Luke wouldn''t be simply okay if Alex told him that he will be missing for hours and then come back without any explanation.

    The rest of the time they had before breakfast the two boys were trying to perfect Alex''s plan so there would be less possibility of it failing epically. It was difficult to execute at that both of them agreed but the steps were few and if they managed to do it there wouldn''t be a problem.

    Both of them had agreed that during breakfast they would steal for a bit Luke''s phone. While they had it they would find on the map the address Alex was given and they would ask to attend the closest mall there. They would have to find an excuse about that but they still had time to think about it. Then when they arrived Alex at the first chance he would disappear in the crowd so he could escape.

    "It could work" Mark said even though he wasn''t that confident about their plan.

    "We can try and see" he said and both of them got ready to meet the other two downstairs.

    Today they didn''t need a guide since they had been trying to adapt to this place without any help so they found the showers on their own and got ready, heading for the great hall to have breakfast.

    It looked the same as always, many people many noises. Clean and neat with that very strict decoration. Today thought at the back of the room away from the tables Alex spotted a few huge cardboard boxes and his forehead wrinkled thinking why they could be there.

    "It''s decorations for the party next week." He heard Luke''s familiar voice answer him and his boyfriend sat down next to him.

    Alex really wanted to hug him and kiss him, yesterday they hadn''t talked that much and he really felt like he needed to recharge his supplies if he could express himself like that but deep inside him he couldn''t forget that still he had lied and now was labeled as a possible traitor on his mind. He felt really devastated about that, it was almost like he couldn''t see him clearly and that was depressing. He was supposed to be his partner but felt more and more distant. He hoped deep inside him that Alissa was lying.

    "Oh I see" he replied almost like he wasn''t interested in his words at all.

    "Are you still sick? Maybe we shouldn''t go out today." Luke said concerned and placed his hand above his on the table. It was soft and covered his completely but Alex had a huge urge to just pull it away.

    "No, no I am fine. Where is Mikael?" He asked wanting to change the subject.

    "He woke up late so he is still showering. Are you really okay? You seem a bit weird" he asked him again.

    "Yes of course" he replied again and forced himself to kiss on the cheek. He smiled at him and turned at Mark begging him with his eyes to say something and remove the suspicious atmosphere.

    "You know what? You still haven''t taken a picture together. Come on Luke give me your phone I will take a picture of you" Mark said smiling and Luke looked at him confused.

    "Yes! That would be great. Come on Luke" Alex said and looked at him like a puppy with his pretty green eyes.

    "Okay I guess" He said and took out his phone passing it to Mark "We can take a picture and then we need to head to the car."

    "Yeah, yeah."

    Alex moved closer to Luke and the boy brought his arm around his shoulders bringing him closer. He couldn''t believe that their first picture would be like that, an excuse for stealing and while Alex was doubting himself and all of his decisions.

    He still smiled. And his eyes shined when he saw it because Luke was incredibly photogenic. His beautiful eyes and manly face could be on the cover of a magazine so easily if he wanted to.

    "You could be a model." He mumbled and Luke laughed.

    "You think?"

    "Yeah I am sure" he said still not taking his eyes away from the picture, mostly because he didn''t want the phone to be taken away. "Luke could you do me a favor?"

    "Sure, what is it?"

    "Could you go to the kitchen and get some more of these sandwiches they served for the road please?" He asked.

    "Are you still hungry?"

    "Maybe, just a tiny bit."

    "Okay then" he said with a smile. "I will be right back." He said and got up sprinting to the kitchen.

    "Come on. Do it. Now, now. Hurry up" Mark whispered as he had his eyes glued to the place Luke had disappeared off to, to make sure they would notice when he came back.

    Alex''s hands were shaking and he felt completely guilty for what they were doing at this moment. He browsed through the internet, carefully typing the address so he wouldn''t make any mistakes.

    "Come on!"

    "I''m trying shut up!" he said and tried to memorize the area in a hurry. Thankfully there was a mall very close and he had a shop that it was very rare to find everywhere else. Alex decided he would say he wanted to go there so they would eliminate every other option.

    "Clear up the history!"

    "I will, I am not stupid!" he said and made sure to press delete all and close all tabs once his research was over. He placed the pone on the table away from him and took a few deep breaths, managing to calm down just the moment Luke appeared, opening the kitchen door while holding a bag stuffed with sandwiched to the brim.

    He was smiling and he raised the bag in the air to show it to Alex. He looked so cute and kind trying to take care of him and his heart was breaking at that sight. He felt like he was the betrayer even if that wasn''t the case.

    They all headed to the car where they found Mikael waiting for them. It was the same model as the ones they had used to bring them here and Alex was a bit displeased at that. He had the habit of connecting memories to things and when he entered the car sitting next to Mark on the back he felt uncomfortable but he didn''t mention it. He didn''t want to extenuate his odd behavior that day.

    "Is it possible to get to a Missies store?" Alex asked when they started the engine and left the compound.

    "That''s pretty rare. I don''t think they have it in this small town" Luke said while thinking. Alex for a second felt his heart sink. What would he do now? Mark looked at him concerned.

    "There is one. You know, at that mall far away." Mikael said and Luke exclaimed like he remembered something.

    "Oh, yeah, let''s go there then" he said and changed his route.

    Alex let out a huge exhale relieved and thank every god and all the deities that existed. Also he told himself that he would always be a good friend to Mikael and appreciate him, no matter what.

    The easy parts of the plan were complete. All he had to do now was literally get lost.

    As if he wasn''t already.

    ....

    Hello! Thanks for reading! If you are able please support this book in any way you can. I would really appreciate the help. Thank you so much and I hope you liked it!

 Chapter 42 - Match 42

    They got off the car at the enormous parking lot and Alex felt relieved to see many parked vehicles. That meant people and crowds resulting to a much easier escpe for him.

    Luke and Mikael started walking towards the escalators and soon they were at the first floor of the mall. He hadn''t seen so many people in a while except for the dining hall. They were laughing and running around with their shopping bags going in and out from the shops or eating and drinking at the food stands. Watching this scene in front of him made him feel normal. Like he had just gone out with friends to grab a bite and shop.

    It was a shame that he had to ruin this image and he had to do it fast. While they were still overwhelmed with the scenery Alex had to scout the right people and the right moment to simply disappear with the help of his best friend.

    "There are a lot of people today." Luke commented

    "Yeah, that''s nice though" Alex said and took Luke''s hand in his. He had to make him believe it. Believe that he was having fun. "Where should we start first?" he asked everyone with a smile filled with excitement.

    "Where do you want to go my honey?" Mikael asked and looked at Mark.

    The red head scoffed and slid to Alex''s side trying to avoid him.

    "Don''t come closer. I am viewing you as a possible molester" he said and placed his hands in front of him to stop him.

    "Me? A molester? Oh my god this is what I get for risking my life? They were right. Gingers have no soul." Mikael said dramatically and started walking faster. "I am leaving!" he shouted in the middle of the first floor and headed to the escalators.

    Luke was laughing with his friend''s little theatre and followed him. In this uproar Alex slowly let go of his hand, hoping he wouldn''t realize it. They kept walking the green eyed boy staying close to him so he could see him while they shopped for shoes and clothes. They had visited already two shops and quite some time had passed when he decided that it was the right moment for him to get lost.

    They had reached the third floor where also the restaurants and caf¨¦s were. Small tables were squeezed right next to each other trying to find enough space for all of the people. You could smell the burning oil in the air and see the steaming of the warm drinks in people''s hands.

    That was when Alex found it. A huge group of tourists. They were almost twenty people walking around with their cameras and huge bag pack''s. That would be the perfect group to isolate himself and hide. While the two wolves were trying to find a place to eat, scanning the tables to find a vacant one and having their attention elsewhere Alex hit Mark slightly with his elbow on his sides and with a move of his head he showed him the tourists.

    The red head blinked furiously for a few seconds and then gave Alex a small, feint nod.

    Alex didn''t know what he was going to do, he was relying on his best friend to pull this through so he could run away. Mark seemed to be thinking for a little while. Looking around him trying to find the perfect opportunity when he suddenly just fell to the ground in a fetus position, wrapping his arms around his stomach.

    Listening the loud thump, he made while falling on the tiles the boys turned around and they looked at him with an expression of shock mixed with confusion.

    "What happened?" Mikael asked and went to his side, kneeling down.

    "My stomach, oh my god I feel like I am going to throw up. It hurts!" Mark shouted and pretended to gag. "Alex go get me a doctor" he told him and looked at him with eyes filled with pain.

    For an instant Alex stood frozen not really knowing what to do. He felt like this was a bit too sudden and he didn''t know what to actually do until Mikael screamed at him and shook him up.

    "Go get a staff. Luke let''s carry him to a bench. Be careful" he instructed everyone while Mark pretended to be dying from some unknown source.

    Alex started running and he looked back, to see the two wolves utterly focused on the ill boy. That was the chance, Mark had created the best opportunity for him. Knowing that everyone was absorbed with mark''s wellbeing Alex hid between the tourists who were heading to the second floor.

    He got squeezed in between them in the metal escalators, and he noticed some of them giving him weird looks, probably recognizing that he wasn''t in their group.

    He shared a few awkward smiles before he found himself again at the parking lot. The walls were a dark grey color and the floor had many different numbers and was separated in different sections by bright yellow paint. He passed by their car and for a second his guilt about his actions was returning. He knew what was doing was bad, that the best thing he could do was confront Luke and ask for an explanation but he couldn''t bring himself to do it. What if Alissa was telling the truth and he had to face the disappointment of being lied to again and again. He had faith in people, he always did but this, he didn''t know if his trust could be restored after this.

    So while he was frantically running in the streets of the small city, passing by strangers, colliding with others who were in the same hurry as him he almost felt like he was in a very dramatic old movie. He could hear his heavy breathing, and everything around him appeared as fast as it disappeared. The shops, the people, the cars they were there but the next moment he had left them behind.

    It was just a usual city. With its dirty streets, and loud honking, old apartment buildings with small plant pots on the tiny balconies. Shops bustling with people who wanted their morning coffee. Everything seemed normal but he was not. What he was trying to find out was not normal and the people he was looking for could be affected by some very abnormal causes too. While you are walking, minding your own business on the street the person next to you could be dying and you wouldn''t even know it. Because that person for you doesn''t have a face or a story, he is just a background character in your movie who was meant to walk by you at that exact moment. Alex felt like his movie would end up being a tragedy.

    Recalling the map, he had tried to memorize in only a few second back there he finally managed to find the street he was looking for. He had run for twenty minutes from the mall and he was aware that by now his companions would realize something was wrong.

    The idea of Luke being furious at him scared him. He was a different person when anger overtook him but he had to do this. It was important and he was ready to sacrifice his boyfriend''s favor for this.

    He was already checking the numbers on the doors to find the right one. He didn''t have Alissa''s paper with him but he remembered the address. The initial shock had been so big he was sure that he would never forget it.

    There it was, right in front of him, a house almost one third of their old one, where Alex had grown up. It looked old and forgotten and Alex was hoping more and more that this was a mistake. There was no way his family would end up living in a place like this. The entrance was filled with trash bags and flies were everywhere, circling around the dirt. The smell was unbearable like rotten eggs and Alex had to cover his nose just so he could approach the entrance and ring the doorbell.

    It wasn''t working and the boy let out a sigh when he heard someone calling out to him.

    "Boy, don''t bother with them. The people in there are crazy." An old lady who was passing by with her groceries told him.

    He looked at her and gave up on his spot next to the trash to approach her.

    "Have these people been here for long?" he asked

    "No they are new to this neighborhood but from the first moment no one wanted them here." The old lady said.

    "I see, thank you" he thanked her and let her get on with her business as he returned back at the front porch.

    He took a deep breath wanting to calm down but he instantly regretted it. The stink was burning his insides and he felt like he was going to throw up. Alex desperately wanted to leave. He needed to run away and all his senses were telling him that was the right choice.

    He had come this far though. He had tricked Luke and brought Mark into this. He had run and hoped, prayed for a different outcome than the worse so he knew there was no actual turning back. It was time to close this questioning chapter once and for all.

    His hand was shaking but he didn''t care. He knocked on the door loudly again and again until he heard footsteps from inside the house.

    It was finally the time for questions to be answered.

    ...

    Hello! Thank you for reading. If you are able please support this book. I really hope you liked it and if you''re intrested check out my story Bloody lovers

 Chapter 43 - Match 43

    He could hear the footsteps getting closer and closer and with every step his heart went more and more insane. At the cricking of the white, chapped door he took a deep breath as a familiar figure appeared in front of him.

    She looked like she hadn''t slept in days. He blonde hair were messy and she had huge black circles under her eyes. Her body seemed to have taken an odd form, like she couldn''t stand straight. How could a person change so much in just a few days? She seemed like someone else and not the mother he always knew.

    "What do you want?" she asked rudely, her voice exposing how tired she was.

    "Um¡­I¡­" he got stuck. Not really knowing what he was supposed to say. How could he ask her? She didn''t seem to recognize him anyways so it was obvious he had gotten his answer about that.

    "Okay then" she said and tried to shut the front door in his face but he stopped it with his palm. He made sure to place his foot in between the door frame and the door so she could close it even if she tried to. "What do you want boy?" she asked him again and he felt the urge to cry. He held it in though. Alex didn''t want to make this uncomfortable scene even more unbearable.

    "I am here to see your husband." He said and she frowned.

    "My husband is dead. He died a few days ago so you are late." She answered him, her hazy eyes showing the slightest bit of sadness in them.

    Alex''s eyes widened in shock and his jaw dropped. A very cartoonish reaction to the depressing news but he didn''t know what else was appropriate. Should he cry that the man who had been torturing him for months was dead? He was his father though. He had raised him, looked after him and taught him how to play soccer. He was sad. He was sad that the ghost of his beloved father which he had been keeping preciously in his memory had died. The memory of a loving person, the hope of going back to this now had been killed brutally.

    He felt like he couldn''t breathe. This woman in front of him was his mother but she didn''t even know his name. His father was dead and he didn''t even know about it while he was happily playing soccer and adored his traitor of a boyfriend. He had been so stupid, believing everything without questioning how weird Luke had been. He was such an idiot for trusting so much someone he had just met. Someone with a father like that. Alex felt like he was going to faint. Everything seemed distorted and in an endless nauseating movement.

    "Who are you and why are you asking me all this?" The woman asked him.

    "You don''t know me. At least not anymore. I am sorry for your loss. Goodbye" he said and turned around.

    He left with unstable steps, leaving behind the dirty white walls and chapped door. The trash bags and the flies, he tried to get down the stairs at the front porch without collapsing. He shouldn''t be feeling like this but why? Why was he so burdened by the death of the man who had been torturing him for months? The images, the words and the memories suddenly became overwhelming and the image of his mother, how she was when she still remembered him became distorted on his mind.

    He didn''t have a family anymore. He couldn''t make things right one day with them. Become happy again. Luke had deprived that right from him and that made him furious. In this sea of endless emotions Alex found himself struggling to control himself. His feet started to give in and he sensed the upcoming collision with the ground as his head was ringing. It was unfair. So unfair that someone else had meddled with his life like that. His father would never get to see him play soccer now. He would never say sorry and Alex could never find the courage to tell them that he didn''t needed them if they didn''t want him. Luke had taken his chance to move on. Now he was stuck in a brutal past. Unable to step out of it. His tormentor was dead and he didn''t get his catharsis. His mother too oblivious of his existence.

    His knees got scrapped as he fell down. Kneeling on the dirt. His palms hid his face and he started sobbing uncontrollably. He couldn''t keep it in, as much as he wanted to grow up and be strong he was still a child. Scared and wounded because he lost mommy and daddy. People were staring but to him no one was there. He had been left all alone to grief the loss of the family he wished to get back.

    Alex wanted to be left alone to drown in self-pity. Close his eyes and just disappear from this place, get away from everyone and never have to feel pain like this anymore. He had been stripped off of everything. The only person he had was Luke and he was dependent on him for a life. He had given up everything like a damsel in distress just to be betrayed by the one who said he cared. Is that caring? Was he the one who didn''t really know what love is?

    "Is this how loving someone should be?" he cried. "I hate this, please somebody help me"

    But no one could magically appear to save him from this pain and for the first time in his life he realized how alone he felt. How the monster inside of him was clawing the walls of his heart destroying everything positive. How his own mind was bringing him down and how the people around him had suddenly become faceless. That pain on his chest was like someone had stabbed him and he couldn''t stop crying. There was no blood but he wound was real and it hurt excruciating pain as he realized that he was all alone. No one would help him because no one knew of the mess on his mind.

    He heard the sound of breaks violently stopping on the road and the doors of a car opening and then closing, oudly filled with fury. The footsteps of someone approaching him and he heard his voice. Luke was calling out to him.

    "Alex, Alex! Are you insane? How could you do something like that!" he was shouting at him as he was approaching.

    He had the audacity to be mad. Alex thought and laughed. Bitterly and dry he found this whole situation ironic. How could he not understand what he had done? He wondered and raised his head.

    Luke immediately came to stop as their gazes met. Were his red from crying eyes and tear stained face? Was it the anger in his look or the complete appearance of decay he had that shocked him? Maybe even scared him. Alex would never know. All he knew was that at that specific moment Luke was frozen. He took a step back as Alex attempted to get up.

    He wailed unstable but he didn''t want to be looked at from above. He wouldn''t just stand there and cry no matter how much he wanted it to. His anger looking at him was far greater than the fleeting feeling of sadness.

    "Why are you here?" Luke asked him.

    "You dare to ask why am I here? Do you have the guts to know the answer?"

    "Who told you?"

    "Who told me? Is that all you are going to ask? SHOULDN''T YOU BE ON YOUR KNEES APOLOGIZING TO ME FOR WHAT YOU DID?" he screamed at him, feeling his throat burn.

    "Calm down. I can explain, I did it for you. I swear"

    Alex remained quiet. He couldn''t believe the words that came out from Luke''s mouth. He did it for him? What kind of lame excuse was that?

    "You are insane."

    "It was necessary. Your parents needed to forget so you could be with me, the police they''d look for you. I had to beg my father so he would help. Listen to me Alex I¡­"

    "You asked your father for help? You basically signed a deal with the devil Luke! You always say how much you hate him but when you''re in trouble you just back and run to him like a baby! My father is dead! He died Luke Because of you and your people! Was that for me too?" he asked him.

    "What? I didn''t know that he was¡­"

    "You never know Luke you just act! You just go in like a brainless dog! Fuck you. Fuck all of this. Do you expect me to forgive you because you didn''t know? I don''t care if you knew or not. I care about you being a traitor. Knowing each other? How can I get to know you when you are a huge lie? Huh? Answer me!"

    "Stop it! I am the one who has been taking care of you all of this time! You should say thank you not act like this. All I''ve been thinking about was you and your wellbeing. You are at a sensitive state right now; I understand but believe me I know what''s best for you."

    Alex looked at him like he was looking at an alien. He felt like he was talking and in front of Luke stood a huge iron wall that didn''t let his words pass through. He didn''t understand his mistake or he simply didn''t want to accept it and that made the green eyed boy furious. Everyone has to own up their responsibilities one day but Luke seemed reluctant to do it? Why didn''t he not understand that Alex liked him so much, still that with an apology he could let it go but no. Luke would never with his stupid pride and arrogance.

    He was never the time to fight. Not verbally and even more not physically but for the first time in his life he just wanted to let everything out. Once and for all because from the first moment that they met. From that beginning punch Alex had been bottling up inside everything.

    "You fucking prick" he swore at him and with the little energy he had he launched forward.

    He didn''t know how good of an idea it was to try and beat the shit out of a werewolf but he needed to do it.

    ....

    Hello and thank you for reading! Please support this book if you can!

    Also please don''t fall for a guy like Luke. At least not the way he is right now, even I hate him and I created him. OOF. Good news though, my favourite character will appear soon...or maybe not...still haven''t decided.

 Chapter 44 - Match 44

    At the mall

    It was an Oscar worthy performance, mark thought while Mikael had him in his arms. Alex had left a few minutes ago and as far as he knew he was probably running away to find out how much of a jerk his boyfriend knew.

    Mikael was looking at him with his dark blue eyes, his face distorted by concern. He felt guilty. Why did he look like that? It was just a stomachache but the wolf had taken him in his arms and tried desperately to find a place to let him lie down.

    He spotted a bench where two girls were sitting and chatting while holding two cone ice creams in their hands. One had chocolate and the other strawberry and while the red head was grunting in fake pain he suddenly wanted to eat something sweet.

    Mikael approached them and for a second they seemed blinded by how handsome he was. Tall with broad shoulders, blond hair and those dark blue eyes that were like you were looking at the midnight sky. He could definitely be a model if he wanted to in comparison to him who when he looked himself in the mirror he could clearly see the main guy from the Disney rat movie, even though he didn''t look at him at all in other''s people eyes.

    "Excuse me. I''m really sorry but is it okay with you if my friend lies here? He seems to be unwell." He told them and Mark let out a loud ouch to emphasize the whole situation.

    As Mikael looked at them with those pleading eyes of his, the two girls immediately got up and ran away, flustered by his beauty or the fact that someone like him talked to them.

    He let him down gently in the plastic bench that had been painted in a mint color and had a very peculiar bean shape. Being for so long in his embrace he had gotten used to it. Of how he held him gently and his strong arms took the shape of his body, or the warmth of the physical contact. So when he felt the hard bench underneath him he frowned.

    "What? Is there something wrong?" Mikael asked him.

    Don''t think about it, he thought. It''s for your best friend. You are doing a good thing. He repeated again and again while wrapping his arms around his belly and getting into a fetus position. Mikael sat at one edge of the bench and helped him rest his head on his thighs. He was too nice.

    "Mark? Can you hear me? Are you okay?" he asked him again his voice echoing in Mark''s head, obvious worry. How can I answer that? Mark wondered. Stop being so nice to me!

    Thankfully he didn''t have to because Luke appeared in front of them with his phone on his hands trying to reach someone. He looked very impatient as his black sneaker hit the floor in a very rhythmic tapping motion, an attempt to contain his nerves.

    "Where the hell is Alex? He should be here by now. How are you feeling?" Luke told him and mark felt his eyes landing on him, inspecting him from head to toe and it was almost like someone had placed a knife on his throat. That was enough with lying for today, he didn''t feel good taking advantage of Mikael and definitely Luke''s look and mood was not the best today so adding up a prolonged lie was like accepting his death sentence. He hoped that Alex had managed to get far enough away from here because his little play was over.

    "Um, yeah I''m feeling a lot better, suddenly" he said and sat up "Thank you" he thanked Mikael who looked at him confused by his speedy recovery.

    Luke wasn''t like that though. He was already on their little operation and Mark''s brown eyes expressing guilt like he had just committed a crime where enough to make him understand.

    "What did you two do?" he asked him coldly.

    "Nothing. I''m just feeling better."

    "Stop lying and tell me Mark because I swear to god if I find out by myself I will be even more angry. Where is Alex? What have you been up to?" he asked him again and Mark unconsciously looked at Mikael.

    The older boy already had his eyes on him, but there would be no help from him. He was staring at him with a mix of emotions that he couldn''t simply pinpoint. It was shock mixed with hurt? Had Mikael been hurt because he lied to him? He surely didn''t want that and his face saddened while they were exchanging gazes.

    "I am talking to you." Luke tried to grab his attention.

    "He went to find his parents. Someone told him about what you did to them. It''s too late to try and stop him anyways."

    "What? Who told him? Where is he? Did you have this planned all along?" Luke asked questions like a storm but Mark did not intend to answer to any of them.

    "I''m going to get the car." Mikael said and got up from the bench they shared.

    "No. Don''t go because I don''t know what I will do to this idiot if you leave." Luke warned him and Mikael looked at Mark, his eyes this time were cold and the ginger boy felt a sudden shiver. Like the sky had lost all its stars and the moon had disappeared.

    "Do whatever you want. I don''t associate with liars" he said and grabbed his keys from his jean''s pocket, leaving them behind.

    That had hurt, a lot. From the first moment they had met he had this feeling that if something had happened he could rely on Mikael. He was the only one who looked for him when he had been hanged upside down like livestock and took care of him, so now him turning his back and leaving hurt him. He knew he had made a mistake, lying was never good but he had to, for his friend. Alex did not deserve to be treated like that and he didn''t give a dime how Luke would take all this but with Mikael it was different, somehow.

    "So, now that we are the two of us. Answer me" he said and took a few steps closer.

    Mark swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat and stood up, making sure to create a safe distance between them.

    It was fruitless though because that gap, which was his only hope had been covered in mere milliseconds by the supernatural dog who was now grabbing him by the collar of his shirt angrily.

    "Let''s talk about this. Like two civilized people" he said and raised his arms in surrender.

    "Oh, no you got something wrong. I am definitely not civilized when people lie to me."

    "What about your lies?" Mark asked him and Luke actually growled at him. It took all the strength Mark had not to laugh. All the times he had called him a dirty mutt in his mind suddenly paid off.

    "You don''t know anything"

    "I know enough to understand that Alex will never fall in love with you like that. He likes you, yes. He has strong feelings for you, yes but it''s definitely not love and he knows something is wrong. He senses it"

    "Shut it and tell me where he is" he said again and Mark laughed. He was very strong, strong enough to lift him off the ground by just holding a piece of fabric and once his feet didn''t feel the floor anymore he started to lose his courage? Didn''t this place have security or anything? He was being threatened right now! Someone do something!

    No one really even flinched though. Everyone was minding their own business and Mark cursed people''s apathy nowadays.

    "I don''t know where he is."

    "What do you mean you don''t know?"

    "I didn''t ask in case a brute like you asked me. I will not betray my best friend" he told him and Luke sighed loudly.

    "You''re useless." He said and threw him violently on the ground, creating a very unpleasant collision that resulted in him hitting his eyebrow on one of the edges of the bench.

    He felt the pain as he landed and soon red blood had stained his palm from the cut. It didn''t hurt so much, more like the sight of so much blood made him dizzy. He could see where he really got hurt and even though he knew that the head always bled more he was worried. He wasn''t going to show that to the meat head in front of him. Wobbling he stood up, Luke not even saying anything about the wound he inflicted.

    "Get to the car" he commanded him.

    He really wanted to retaliate. Scream a few bad words at him, flip him off and eave right then and there but he knew he was going to find Alex no matter what and probably that was what he was doing while waiting for someone on the other line of the phone.

    "Get to the car." He told him again and Mark started walking by himself till he reached the garage. He had been applying pressure to his cut with his palm, his sleeve pressed on him but he stopped moving when he saw Mikael sitting at the driver''s seat.

    Their eyes met and he noticed how his widened when he realized he was wounded but he didn''t move or attempted to say anything when he opened the back door and entered the car. I guess he is really mad, Mark thought and he felt like he had just walked into a fridge. The atmosphere was below zero degrees.

    Luke soon followed and entered the car very loudly by banging the door. He had to be dramatic every inch of the way, he couldn''t just act like a normal human being, he thought.

    "Don''t get blood on my car" Luke told him before telling his friend the address he had somehow managed to obtain. It was that easy for him to take control of people''s lives. Just a phone call away and he was sure he could find Alex even at the other side of the world and that was scary. He wasn''t even going to mention his comment about the car. If he could spill his intestines out right here and there just to make him furious without dying he would do it definitely and suddenly he had a very strong urge to just spit everywhere. But he didn''t as he remembered that his head was still bleeding and Mikael would definitely not back him up anytime soon, so he just shut up and wished that Alex had gotten the answers he needed before everything simply went to hell.

 Chapter 45 - Match 45

    He felt so angry. All the negative feelings someone could experience, anger, pain, betrayal, sadness had all gathered inside of him at this moment and gave him the final push to act. Those were his driving power and he felt like a black aura had surrounded his body.

    Luke didn''t know what he had created. Alex was never like that, he never felt so negatively. He always believed that things could get better. That there would be always a way but he had taken that strength away from him and now his only source of power was his displeasure, his agony.

    So driven by all of these monsters inside him he launched forward and jumped on him. Luke surprised by the sudden attack fell to the ground with Alex landing on top of him. He was crying, unable to breathe properly while his fists landed angrily everywhere, filled with hate.

    He could do anything. Push him back? It was like a rock had landed on him and he didn''t know if it were his feeling for him and his guilt that made him unable to stop him from beating him up or if he actually was that strong and he didn''t know it.

    His lip was already cut and he had a black eye by the time Alex got tired and fell on his chest.

    "I hate you" he mumbled and for the first time Luke got familiar with a new type of pain. It was excruciating to hear someone you loved tell you he hated you, he could never imagine just words to have such strength against him. He didn''t care so much about the physical pain but this, this was different. It tore his heart in two and knowing that he was the one who had brought it upon himself made it worse.

    He wrapped his arms around Alex''s shaking body.

    "Please don''t say that."

    "Don''t touch me" he said and tried to free himself from his embrace. The most comforting place once had started to feel like a prison. "Don''t touch me." He screamed forcing Luke to let him go.

    Alex stood up. His face red from anger. He looked at his boyfriend still on the dirty ground but his eyes showed no signs of remorse. He was still angry, he hadn''t vented enough and Luke wondered if he could ever forgive him.

    He didn''t know that his father was dead. All he had done was agree to them having their memories erased and he visited them just once, after that he never heard about them again. How could he know that something went wrong and his father died? Wasn''t it better like that anyways? His parents hated him. He believed that would make him happy but instead Alex hated him for it. Even though he couldn''t understand why when all he wanted was to help him.

    "Mark!" Alex shouted leaving Luke there on the ground. He pretended he didn''t exist.

    His best friend appeared hastily. A bloody sleeve resting on his forehead and Alex''s eyes widened as he froze in his place. Someone had hurt him and he didn''t even have to wonder who.

    If there was a chance for this to be over soon Luke knew that this chance had been shattered into a thousand small pieces after Alex saw his best friend hurt.

    "Who did this to you?" He asked Mark even though he knew the answer. He wanted to hear his name, feel the destruction the person who owned that name did. Luke had sat up now, still on the ground watching Alex be a ticking time bomb.

    "It''s not exactly who¡­ I mean I did fall but you know shit happens" Mark said scratching the back of his head with his free hand. There was no way in this situation he would just blurt out Luke''s name. Alex could have a heart attack with everything that is happening.

    "Who did it?" he shouted and mark flinched. Everyone today had been scaring him a bit too much and honestly he didn''t like this. It was definitely not what he had planned on his mind and for the millionth time he felt like he was in a freaking soap opera. A human and his wolf boyfriend were having a quarrel in the middle of a rundown neighborhood shouting about how someone killed someone else''s father but still no one was surprised. Yes, there were people who were looking from their dusty windows with confused expressions but no one apparently wanted the show to stop by calling the police because why do that? Their lives were boring anyway and because of that Mark was being screamed at the whole day!

    "You know who did it! Don''t ask me" Mark shouted back and Alex turned his attention back to Luke.

    He was sitting on the ground; his knees close to his chest as blood dripped down his chin. Alex too he crouched down reaching his eyes level. Luke couldn''t speak. Was there anything he could do or say to defend himself? Defend himself from what? He wasn''t being wrongly accused. He had done all these things. He had been slowly turning into a monster but no one could understand him. His worries, the anxiety that crawled on his mind leaving him awake at night. No one knew but even that wasn''t an excuse.

    "Why did you hit him?" He asked him

    "He made me mad. He wouldn''t answer my questions." Luke answered honestly. Alex scoffed. It was that easy to make Luke angry. For him he had to hear that his father died so he could have an outburst like that but for Luke it was as simple as someone not answering his questions.

    "Is that so? How about my fucking questions then? Huh? Why aren''t you answering them?" he said and slapped him. "Do your lies, the fact that my father died because of you, the fact that I have no family anymore because of you justify me hitting you?" he asked him.

    "Yes"

    "No! it doesn''t. I hate myself for it! You make me hate myself. You make me act like I am not me! Why? Why are you doing this to me? What did I do?" he asked him and tears streamed down his face "This hate inside me. I don''t want it so why?"

    Both of them were turning into different people. Straying further and further away from the image the other came to like, to want and it was all because of Luke and his obsession, his fear of not losing him. He couldn''t explain that to him though because he had to reveal everything. His biggest secret, the one that could destroy everything.

    "I''m sorry. I know that I was wrong" he apologized but Alex just laughed mockingly.

    "Your sorry has become just an excuse for you to be forgiven and do the same thing again and again." He told him "It''s fucking annoying!" he shouted again. His throat had started becoming soar and he stood up looking at Luke from above. If looks could kill Alex''s gaze would have burned him to the ground. His clenched fists at his sides and the tense jaw made everything obvious. This time it was different, this time something was beginning to break and if Luke tried to fix it now he would just ruin everything.

    "Mark let''s go, we are leaving" he said and looked at his best friend who just nodded in response.

    Luke tried to get up, stop him at least he wanted to keep him close. He was scared that Alex would leave for good. He would run away from him.

    "Don''t get up. Stay down there like the low life you are" he told him and not only Luke got surprised by his word but everyone around him.

    He could see it with his grey eyes very clearly, the person talking to him right now. Those emerald eyes that were looking at him with disgust. That person who had hit and shouted at him.

    That wasn''t Alex.

    "No wait. Don''t go please" Luke called out to him, grabbing his hand.

    Alex took his hand away. He didn''t want to be touched by him. It was that hatred again that bloomed inside him like a poisonous flower.

    "Don''t touch me. And what you did¡­to Alex¡­you will pay for it" he said surprising even himself. He blinked a few times confused as to why he spoke about himself in the third person.

    "Let''s just leave" Mark said not able to see his best friend in this state.

    Alex and mark walked away without even looking back at the two other. Luke this time did not try to stop him, he wasn''t Alex after all, it was someone else who had appeared to fight for him.

    The grey eyed boy stood up and wiped of the dirt from his pants. He rubbed the edge of his cut lip on his sleeve and turned towards Mikael who was now out of the car, supporting himself at the front of the car, his arms wrapped on his chest. He looked at him carefully, his head moving from bottom to top and he laughed at his disheveled appearance.

    "You heard that too?" Luke asked him.

    "What? Alex referring to himself in the third person like is possessed?"

    "Yes, that"

    "You wanted to prevent him from remembering but you shit are making things worse. Get in the car and find a way to fox this" he said and threw the car keys at him, landing on his palm "You are driving. I have to lecture you about how to not be a fucking jerk."

    "I know" he said and his head dropped in regret "I fucking know"

    "One thing I know" Mikael said with a grin "Is that Alex¡­in his past life was a badass"

    ....

    Hello! Thank you for reading I hope you like it. I would love to hear your thoughts about the story...I fyou like the flow, the plot the characters etc. Also if you want you can find me on insta and we can there! @yaminoyosei

    Again I want to thank you all for the support you''ve been showing this book. To me it''s very important.

    Also I am very excited and I can''t stop myself from updating like five times a day because I want you so much guys to read about a point in the story that is comming up. It''s going to be great!

 Chapter 46 - Match 46

    (Trigger warning : Self harm)

    "You need to stop doing that" Mikael told him while they drove around town.

    Even though his friend had told him that the best thing they could for now was drive back to the compound, Luke had insisted that at least they made sure that Alex was okay. So they were passing by shocked pedestrians as a sports car drove right next to them at the speed of light and searched around. The colors of the city seemed dull to Luke and he didn''t really care if he injured anyone while driving. He had begun losing his common sense a while ago. From the moment he found out about Alex he was losing bit by bit pieces of himself.

    "Dude go slower you''re going to kill somebody" Mikael scolded him. "I know you''re angry but¡­"

    "No you don''t know" Luke said while clenching the black steering wheel. "You definitely don''t know" he repeated while his eyes were glued on the dirty, grey roads.

    All these people, were useless. They just took up even more space and the old, moldy building that stood tall in front of him were just obstacles in his search. If he could tear the whole city down, he would.

    Luke was sweating and he felt like he couldn''t breathe. His hands started shaking and Mikael looked at him concerned as he seemed not able to drive anymore.

    "Stop the car Luke"

    "No" he stuttered

    "Stop the fucking car. Now!" he said grabbing the wheel and maneuvering the car into a small empty space at the side of the road. Afraid that they might crush Luke stepped on the break in a hurry resulting in them falling forward and bouncing back on their seats. Now that the car had stopped Luke felt that Alex was getting further and further away from him and that was devastating. It was like a rock suddenly had crushed his rib cage and he couldn''t move.

    "Get out the car you''re in shock" Mikael told him.

    "I¡­I.. can''t breathe" he managed to say. What was happening to him? He had never felt like that. Like he was trapped in his own head he could control his body. "I can''t move" he repeated shocked and his nail suddenly came out. "Help me!" he shouted and his eyes watered. He started scratching his arms with the sharp claws. He needed to feel something else. Something different than this dysphoria that made him unable to function. He was being wrapped by an endless numbing darkness and he couldn''t find a way out.

    "Oh my God Luke Stop!" Mikael said and jumped out of the car. He ran to his door and opened it, unbuckling Luke''s seatbelt and pulling him out, making him seat on the road. He pinned his hands down and looked at him. "You are in shock. I am so sorry, I didn''t know. I just thought you were angry." He apologized and hugged him.

    Luke''s claws scratched his back as he hugged him and he couldn''t stop crying. Mikael groaned at the sudden pain but still caressed Luke''s back whispering that it would be okay. That everything would be fine until he finally drew his claws in and his breathing became more stable. Still there were a few stray tears but now he would at least stop hurting himself. They were both filled with their blood and Mikael realized that in the so many years he was alive, this was the first time after Scarlet that he had witnessed so much blood and pain. These days were just a nightmare.

    "Why am I like this? Oh god please Mikael help me? Why am I acting like that? This is not me" Luke cried out hating himself. He felt like this conversation was being recycled again and again just because he couldn''t get in his head what was wrong with him. He felt the hate, he felt that he was wrong but he couldn''t see the cause, dammit how could he fix it if he didn''t know what it was?!

    "I know, I know it''s okay. Don''t worry. You will get through this I am sure. You are strong Luke. You are a good person I know that." He reassured him.

    "The things I''ve done to Alex; all I''ve been doing is hurt him. Why do I do this?"

    "You are scared. You are scared that you will lose him."

    "Of course I am. Didn''t you see? That person was not Alex, he was not my mate. He will take him away from me. In a few days, this party. I can''t sleep at night. I see him hating me, pushing me away. I''ve never felt fear like this before. I think I am going to go insane."

    "Listen to me Luke. I am your best friend. I can''t sugar coat anything for you because right now I am the one caring for you the most. You are my only family and I want you happy so please get this to your head. By lying and by acting alone on what you think it''s good for someone you love you will only push the away. You are triggering Alex''s true self to come out, it''s a coping mechanism. He wakes up to protect him from the pain you are causing meaning that your lying and scheming have the opposite result of what you wanted. You need to talk to him. He loves you I know that."

    "I can''t tell him Mikael. I know he will hate me. He was so happy playing soccer. He was smiling so brightly and I ruined that!" he shouted hitting his fist on the concrete creating a huge whole on the road.

    "Okay, okay don''t tell him. But only this. Stop lying to him. Let him be himself. He gave up everything, his life, his school, his soccer career just to be with you. That is more than enough for you to realize that he wants you. He wants you to just be with him. No lies and secrets, no supernatural drama. He doesn''t care. So you just need to put that behind. Alex won''t awaken if you don''t trigger him to. I am sure."

    "Do you think I can make things right?" he asked him and Mikael sighed.

    Judging from the way Alex looked at Luke he was sure that he would forgive him. The boy was that much of foolishly in love with him but he wasn''t stupid. His second chances one day would end and he had to realize that sooner or later. Taking him for granted meant that he could act recklessly more easily. Not being scared of losing someone just because they love you, thinking they will always be there could be what pushes them away.

    "I don''t know. He might not forgive you but try, I guess. He still loves you. Let him calm down first. Nothing will come out if you meet like this." He said and looked at his injured arms. "You need to get this treated by the way."

    "I didn''t realize I did it." He mumbled looking confused at his arms. "I want to try Mikael. To be a better mate I don''t want to be like my father."

    "Then try. No one''s forcing you to do these shit. Your biggest enemy is not who Alex might end up being, not Lily, damn not even your dictator father, your biggest enemy is yourself and only you can fight with him. Now get your ass up and let''s go home. I will send my magic cab driver to search for them"

    "That man is a blessing"

    "No that man is super expensive that''s why you will pay him. Get to the passenger seat I am not letting you drive again." He told him.

    "I am sorry." Luke told him.

    "I''ve done worse to you" he said and Luke smiled. "I guess you can call it a competition at who''s the crappiest friend."

    "You''ve improved though" Luke commented and fastened his seatbelt while Mikael was turning the keys in the engine. The car roared and he smoothly put it back on the street driving at a normal speed this time, leaving the busy city behind and finding themselves back into the quiet country side.

    So much time had passed that the sky had been painted an orange color that was getting lost and mixed up with a pretty violet as the sun was getting lower and lower, his light slowly getting lost behind the tall trees of the mystical woods.

    "Realizing you''re wrong is the first step to improving yourself Luke"

    "How did you do it?" Luke asked him.

    Mikael hadn''t always been this way. He was rebellious and angry. Mad at the world and always on edge, looking for a fight with everyone that even spared him a curious glance.

    "I didn''t do it. Scarlet did it for me." He replied.

    "When you met your love you became a better person but all I''ve been getting is worse."

    "Well I mean your case is just a bit more complicated. Suppressed soul and all, no bonding mark but I am sure the Gods chose you two for a reason. Some people are perfect from the beginning, some others are not." He told him leaving the continuation of his thoughts silent. And some are not meant to be with each other at all, even if there is love. He couldn''t hurt him by saying that, maybe there was still hope for them. The mating bond was sacred after all.

    "I hope so." Luke said and let his head rest on the seat. He closed eyes and took a deep breath. He really was hoping there was salvation for him out there, because the way he felt when he was around Alex, he knew he wouldn''t find it anywhere else. That calm. The way their bodies matched each other so perfectly and how his eyes mirrored his tortured soul so well. How could he let go of that?

    "Oh, no, no, no. Don''t fall asleep now. We just relived The War of the Tribes and you have the audacity to fall asleep?" he said mentioning so easily an event about their dark past.

    "Don''t talk about that. That''s the least I want to remember." He said

    "Okay then let''s talk about how you injured MY CRUSH YOU BITCH" Mikael shouted and his best friend gasped.

    "Your freaking what?"

    "You heard me" Mikael said with a cheeky smile.

    "Not the carrot head dude"

    "Shut up. I think he is cute. And you are going to apologize to him. Get on your knees."

    "I will, not because he is your crush but because I was a jerk. He just wanted to help his friend."

    "Good boy" Mikael told him and Luke rolled his eyes.

    He was really a jerk and he needed to think how to fix that. Fast and before that hellish party because things would only get worse.

    ...

    Now I feel sad. Not gonna lie. I mean what exactly makes bad people bad? Is Luke a bad person? What do you think after reading everything?

    Also thank you again so much for reading! I hope that you can interact with the story and that you enjoyed reading!

 Chapter 47 - Match 47

    They were quiet, almost deadly silent while they sat on the dump grass of a nearby park.

    There were still kids around running and they could hear the creaking of the rusty swings, laughter and joy was everywhere. Deciding to seek refuge under a willow tree that hid them from the rest of the world with its huge branches.

    They had visited a pharmacy before finding their resting area and with the few money Alex had left, bought him supplies so they could treat Mark''s cut. Thankfully it wasn''t anything that serious. They cleaned it up and it looked like a big scratch. After Mark''s grunts when the disinfectant touched his red skin nothing else was heard. The two boys were sitting on the ground, their backs on the rough tree trunk and one played with the little wildflowers that had grew around the roots of the tree and the other looking at the sky through the small holes on the tree''s branches.

    "So what do we do now?" Mark asked holding a flower in his hand. It was so fragile and small, just one wrong move could destroy it completely. He had killed it though, pulling it off the ground without a second thought and he began wondering, how many things do we end up doing every day that hurt others without us even knowing it?

    "Have you ever felt like you''re not yourself?"

    "What?"

    "Like there is a fight inside of you. Like you don''t feel like yourself or who you are but even if you try to search there is a part of you missing. Like a hole inside you."

    "Do you feel like that Alex? Like you are not yourself?"

    "Did you hear what I told Luke back there? I called him a low life. I was so cold and filled with hate. I knew these feelings were mine, I felt them and still do but that reaction¡­that was not me."

    "I think that it was you." Mark told him while Alex was still looking at the sky. "It was the hurt you, who couldn''t stand it anymore. The you that you have been suppressing afraid that people won''t like. You know I was always scared about that. Aren''t you scared too? That the man you love will leave you if he sees the bad sides of you or the side he doesn''t need to protect so badly, that you are not as weak as he thinks? You pressured yourself so much that now you are blowing up." He explained.

    Everyone wanted to be perfect especially to the eyes of the one they loved. Be what they need so their eyes would shine as they met yours in those epic love stories that everyone yearned so much to live. The people there were made for each other, perfectly understood the other and became a better person just by being with them. Luke saw him as someone weak, that needed to be protected and Alex tried to be that but with every try, every attempt to be ''saved'' that Luke made Alex felt like he was losing a piece of himself.

    So with every lie and every time he heard the excuse, I did it for you he wondered how could Luke get to know him, he wasn''t even looking at him. Luke would never tell him anything and their bond was starting to seem very unequal to him.

    "I don''t know if it''s just that" Alex confessed. "I feel like we don''t truly match sometimes. Like he wants me but not me. I don''t know how to explain it."

    "So you don''t like him?"

    "I do, a part of me does. I like kissing him and being with him. I am happy when he is but then a part of me hates him and I don''t know why. You can''t hate the man you''re supposed to love." He said and sighed. "I mean he erased their memories, my father is dead. I hate him for that but I¡­I still like him"

    "Look we are not supernatural experts. It definitely has something to do with that bond thing. All I have to say is that you need to be yourself. I mean you were really cool when you told him to piss off. He deserved it" Mark said with a smile.

    "I bet he wasn''t expecting that"

    "Definitely not. He doesn''t know you after all but I still remember that time during first year when that bully tried to make fun of us for wearing unicorn onesies at the Halloween party. That punch must''ve hurt him good."

    "Yeah" Alex said and laughed with his friend. "That was a good night"

    "True. And now we are living with werewolves. Life escalates quickly. Do you think we could see a real unicorn?"

    "I don''t know. We should ask them when we get back"

    "So we are getting back?" Mark asked him with a serious look.

    "Yeah, I need to clear things out with Luke. This will be the last time though. I don''t think I could stand something like that again. I am getting more and more confused and I can''t have doubting my partner on top of that."

    "It''s fascinating though. Most people are worried if their boyfriends cheat on them and you are worried that he might kill your parents." Mark joked and Alex looked at him with a frown "Too soon?"

    "To be honest I don''t even know. I mean we were not close but now we will never be. I feel like Luke took my chance of having a family again away from me and that''s what hurts the most. We can never make things right now. My feelings, my thoughts everything is a mess and I am really tired"

    He couldn''t realize what was happening to him, how his self was changing or how to deal with it. There was a fight inside of him that never seemed to stop and he didn''t even know who the enemy was, or if he even was a foe. His feelings towards Luke had seemed so clear at the beginning but now as the days passed something was changing. He believed it was because of everything that was happening. They hadn''t managed to be at peace for more than two days. He would give him a little more time. They left the cover of the old tree and walked in the little stone pathways until they left the cheerful park and found themselves in the lonely streets, where everyone was walking looking down in a hurry to get home.

    "Alex, no matter who you decide you want to be. The badass hero who doesn''t need help, or the basic boy with the bad boyfriend, or even the runaway husband I will always be your best friend. There is no right or wrong answer in what you want to do or who you want to love or who you want to be. Just be you and be happy with that, no matter what genre your story ends up being." Mark told his friend.

    "You are the best thing that has happened to me" Alex told him and sniffled, keeping his tears in for as long as he could. "I don''t know what I would do without you" he said and hugged him. "Thank you."

    "Dude come on don''t cry. I''m going to cry too." Mark said.

    "I want to be strong." Alex confessed while hiding on the crook of his neck. "I want to protect the ones I love, I want to be me and I want Luke to like me for that. To seek guidance in me, ask me for advise I want to be his partner not the teenage boyfriend he has to protect."

    Alex knew, that his and Luke''s personalities were very different. At first he didn''t want to admit that. Because he liked his grey eyes that shone like the distant moon, his smile that made his heart flatter and the strong embrace that consumed all his worries. So still hiding the truth he tried to be what Luke wanted, just to keep those fractions of happiness. It was time though he put an end to that. Luke should love him, if he really did for who he was and not the traumatized boy he had needed to protect in their adventures.

    "This hug is awfully long and people''s stares are starting to make me uncomfortable" Mark said and made Alex laugh. They both wiped the small teardrops that they had shed and looked at the busy road like two lost, little children. "So, how do we get back?"

    "Well I have no idea" Alex said and looked around like he waited for a magic ride to appear. To his surprise it did. A familiar yellow cab stopped right in front of them the back door that was on their side of the road opening by itself.

    "I''ve been looking for you gentlemen. Shouldn''t we get going? It''s late" the old man said behind the steering wheel.

    "The magic taxi man." Mark mumbled and entered the cab without a second thought. It was indeed getting late and the weather was chilly, making both boys feel cold with their light clothing.

    "Not magic sir. Mister Mikael told me to get you" he said and started driving once Alex had gotten in too. He turned the heat on without being asked and even some music.

    "How did you find us?" Mark asked him and the man smiled kindly through the mirror.

    "That''s magic." He told them and Marked formed a surprised oh with his lips.

    Alex wasn''t very interesting in their peculiar conversation because all he was thinking about was what he should say when they met. How to approach things. The whole ride had turned into his own personal rehearsal for his monologue as he tried on different expressions and repeated harsh words on his mind.

    Once they arrived and he got out the car, noticing Luke waiting for him at the entrance in the cold, dressed by the dark night he forgot everything he had prepared.

 Chapter 48 - Match 48

    Bathed by the moonlight Luke looked even more charming. Staring at him with those hurt eyes Alex felt like his heart was about to break. He had been waiting for him and he honestly didn''t want to be moved by such a simple gesture but he couldn''t. As he watched his raven hair get swayed by the wind and him taking of his leather jacket, running towards and giving it to him without a second thought he couldn''t help but feel like a love struck fool.

    "I think it''s my time to leave" Mark said

    "No wait." Luke stopped him " Sorry that I treated you like that today. You did nothing wrong, I acted like a jerk."

    "It''s okay I guess." Mark said scratching the back of his head.

    "I mean it Mark; I am really sorry."

    "I know dude stop it. It''s fine. I''m going to go to my room and sleep. Goodnight" he said. He couldn''t stand the tension between these two for another minute.

    "Will you come with me? I would like to talk to you" Luke told him now that they were left alone.

    "Can''t you tell me here?" Alex asked him.

    "No, I want to show you something." He said and tended his hand for Alex to take it. He didn''t though. He just started walking letting Luke take the lead after a while.

    He left the compound getting over the empty road and entered the endless forest that was beginning. As they walked he could hear twigs breaking and the crunching of dry leaves underneath their shoes. In the silence they had created the sound of the night were louder. Owls and wings clasping as they flew above their heads.

    Soon the scenery changed and the forest stopped for a while, the thick trees revealing a little clearing with a small river dividing it into two. Everywhere around them there were fireflies that subtly lit up the place and Alex looked around in awe. He had never seen such a mythical scenery and it was only fifteen minutes away from him, hidden.

    At the other side of the small river was a huge plane tree with enormous leaves. Standing strong and throwing its shapeshifting shadows around. What triggered his attention was something behind that.

    The clearing had a circle like shape only with the river separating it in two and the tree standing there like its guard. Behind it just a few steps away, maybe three or four the forest began again but there were trees should be, a small empty space existed and on that space was a frame. It looked like the frame you could see on one of these doors that huge Victorian mansions had, made from pitch black iron it had the shape of what Alex reminded him of a bullet. That bullet frame had vines surrounding it, wrapping around the thin iron bars and on those sensitive vines, leaves, dark green grew and also flowers. Bright white flowers that smelled like jasmine and vanilla with wide petals almost looking like lilies.

    He had never seen flowers like that. Beautiful, everything around him was so beautiful and he instinctively approached the imaginary door. It was like something was pulling him towards it. The forest continued leaving only that small gap and even if you looked from that door you could see it spreading even further. Peculiar but also so mysterious. He tried to touch the flowers. He needed one of them, to touch it, feel the soft petals but Luke''s hand stopped him.

    "Be careful. They''re poisonous. Those are Veil flowers" he explained. "This is a portal to the Veil"

    He should be shocked but it seemed very natural to him. A mystical iron door frame with beautiful but deadly flowers surrounding it in the middle of nowhere, of course it would be a way to another world.

    "Why did you bring me here?" He asked as he moved away from the portal.

    "This had always been my thinking place. When I feel confused or in need of some space I come here. I find peace and peace is what I need now, so I can talk to you."

    "I don''t want to hear any more apologies Luke." Alex told him, getting back into reality

    "I know. I know. I just want you to know how sorry I am. Sometimes I act without thinking. I''ve always been trying what I think it''s the best for you without asking you. I never consider that I might be wrong. I look like I am trying to control you, make all the decisions for you but I am just scared. Scared that you will leave me" he confessed

    "Why would I leave you?" Alex asked him.

    How could he tell him though? That he was scared Alex would remember and for that reason he was losing his reasoning.

    "I don''t know. This is the first time I feel this way and it scares me." He said looking at the ground.

    "Luke, look at me." Alex said and cupped his face gently. "I am here now. After what you did I was stupid enough to come back. I won''t leave you because what I feel for you, I can''t even explain but what has been happening is wrong. I can''t deal with this. I am not a baby that needs to be nurtured or some damsel in distress that needs constant protection from the truth. If I get to be with you I want to be with you all the way. Listen to your troubles, your thoughts be near you. I want to be you equal not just someone you view as weak and fragile to know the truth."

    "No, I never saw you as that. I just want to make you happy. About your father I swear I didn''t know. I would never do something like that if I knew what the consequences could be. I swear." He said and placed his palms on top of Alex''s hands, getting lost in the green eyed boy''s gentle touch.

    "Please from now on, don''t lie to me anymore. I know I am forgiving you too quickly. I should curse you more, hit you and shout but I am too tired Luke. Of all of this. I want to leave everything behind so please for the last time I beg you stop lying to me. Because next time I won''t be coming back." He warned him and felt his whole body tensing. He didn''t want to scare him or make him even more anxious but he needed to know that he was serious.

    "I will do better. I swear" Luke told him and Alex nodded with a small smile.

    "I trust you" he said and Luke hugged him tightly, like he hadn''t seen him in years.

    Maybe he was too kind. Forgiving and forgetting too easily. Maybe he was being once more deceived by his loving heart but he couldn''t do something else. He couldn''t look at Luke in the eyes, while they stood in that beautiful place and break his heart with mean words. He felt calm in his embrace and that''s all that mattered now.

    "Your secret place is beautiful" he told him while admiring the little fireflies that were surrounding him.

    "I want to give it to you"

    "You want to give me this place?" Alex asked surprised.

    "Yes. Every fear, every trouble I ever had had been calmed down in this place so I want to give it to you. To calm you too" he said with a shy smile.

    "Thank you. That''s very sweet." Alex told him and took his hand in his.

    Luke brought their intertwined hands closer to his lips and kissed Alex''s hand, making him blush. It was so easy for Luke to be forgiven and Alex knew that later he would feel mad at himself for giving in so easily but at that moment in such a romantic place he couldn''t be upset. Maybe that was Luke''s plan from the beginning to manipulate him like that, but still he decided not to think of that.

    "Should we head back?" Luke asked him.

    "Yeah but I want to ask you. What are these flowers?"

    "Those flowers kind of guard the portal but there is another meaning to them. A story."

    "Really? What kind of story?"

    "They are called a Lover''s Tears. It is said that those flowers bloomed from the tears of a prince while dying in the embrace of his lover. He so desperately wanted to leave something for him behind that his tears created these flowers. It''s a story they''ve been telling us since we were kids."

    "It''s a shame they''re poisonous."

    "They say it''s because those flowers are only for his lover. He can only touch them."

    "That''s really romantic."

    "I don''t know. To me it was always just a story." Luke said and they started waking away. Alex felt a bit sad that he had to leave this beautiful place behind but he was feeling really tired at the same time. Too many emotions and too much running in two days.

    "Sooo, I may have an idea." Luke told him with a devilish smile.

    "What kind of an idea?"

    "Would you like to take a shower with me and then maybe come to my room to spend the night?" Luke asked him.

    "Hmmm, I don''t know. I need to protect my virtue." Alex joked.

    "I will protect your virtue, I swear" Luke said and placed his hand on his chest gaining a chuckle from Alex.

    "Okay then. I need a shower anyways."

    "Alex, thank you for forgiving me. You will see. I will do better."

    "I know" Alex told him.

    He wanted to be better. Stop lying and treat him the way he deserved. But still he had so many secrets that no matter how hard he was trying to overlook them they would begin again eating him alive and Alex was not stupid after all, he would notice.

    One day he would find out the remaining truths. Of how Luke did not have a mark or who he truly was

    Maybe soon.

    ...

    Thank you! I know some of you are mad at how easily Alex forgave Luke. There is a reason so read to find out !

    Soon!

    Guys do you think my story is boring? For some reason I am starting to get insecure xD I want the book to proceed smoothly like normal stories so I am bit perplexed.

 Chapter 49 - Match 49

    Mark was dragging his feet all the way back to his room and yawning. It was definitely an exhausting day and as he passed by a few people who looked at his unruly appearance he realized how little he cared about what they thought. The only thing that he was thinking right now was how far away was his bed and if he should shower before he slept.

    Deciding to be a dirty bastard he changed direction to get to his room and stretched his arms above his head before opening the door. He would just let himself get lost in the peace and quiet of the empty room. To his surprise though the room wasn''t empty and his bed was occupied. Someone was eating on it, holding a bag from the really famous burger house he loved to devour. That someone was none other than Mikael.

    "I was waiting for you." He told him.

    "I thought you didn''t want to talk to me." He said taking off his shoes and throwing them in the corner of the room. Without minding the other boy, he jumped on his bed, landing with his face on the clean sheets. Yes, it felt good to be able to rest.

    "I was mad at you" Mikael told him and his eyes were glued at the back of his head. Mark could feel it. The intensity of his stare and with a loud sigh he turned around to face him, still lying down.

    "I''m sorry I lied to you. I wanted to help Alex. I can''t watch him be tormented like that."

    "I wasn''t mad about the lying. Not fully about that at least." He said and his eyes traveled all over the room, focusing nowhere in particular. He just didn''t want to have to face mark''s curiosity.

    "Then what was it about?"

    "Seeing you like that, I got worried that something had happened to you. That you would die." Mikael said and for a few seconds quiet spread in the room. Immediately after mark registered Mikael''s words in his mind he started laughing loudly. "What''s so funny?" Mikael asked a pout started to form slowly on his handsome face.

    "You thought I would die from a stomachache?" He asked him still laughing. A tear rolled down from the corner of his eye and he wiped it. He took a few short breaths so he could calm down but the moment he made eye contact with Mikael again he began laughing. You would think that a hundred-year-old werewolf would be more experienced in life and not so¡­innocent about things like that but as it seemed that wasn''t the case.

    "I don''t know. You humans are so fragile. You die so easily and I¡­I don''t want you to die. I was so mad at Luke when he hit you"

    "You didn''t say anything though."

    "Luke, he is going through a very rough time right now." Mikael tried to justify his actions even though he was aware how wrong it was.

    "So when someone is having a rough time we should just forgive everything wrong he does? Why doesn''t he talk about it with Alex? Is it so hard to trust your partner?"

    "It''s more complicated than that. I wish I could tell you."

    "Then tell me" Mark told him seeking his eyes. They were like the fearless ocean. But so clear as he felt him next to him. For a second his heart started beating faster.

    "I''m sorry Mark. For not being able to intervene. For not being able to help you and Alex. For not being someone important that could change things"

    Mark was surprised by his words. He was always so cheerful and easy going that he hadn''t realized how much all of this must have been affecting him. He was feeling the obligation of being a good and supportive friend but at the same time he couldn''t fully support Luke''s action so he found himself stuck in the middle unable to help or do anything. He had never thought of that before but Mikael was truly an amazing person, he told himself and he felt his cheeks turn warmer. Bad thoughts! He screamed on his mind.

    "Do not say that. I don''t know what''s going on with everyone lately and why I have to be your therapist but listen to me!" he said loudly trying to get his attention "You are the most decent¡­person¡­um¡­dog¡­being or whatever, I have met in this place." He said and Mikael smiled. "You are like really cool and honest. An amazing friend and on top of that you are very handsome. So don''t beat up yourself. You are doing the best you can and the people around you if they are genuinely interested in you will see that. Luke can see that; Alex can see it. I can."

    "You can?"

    "Yes. You are my savior in some ways. When everyone forgets about me caught up in their own drama you are always here. Bringing me food¡­I hope" he told him eyeing the bag that was filled with food, it had been attacking his nostrils for a while now.

    "Yeah. It''s for you" he said and gave him the bag, Mark greedily grabbing the first thing he could get. A very delicious looking cheeseburger. He unwrapped it and took a huge bite, closing his eyes as he let the taste numb his exhaustion.

    "This is good" he moaned in satisfaction and the blue eyed boy smiled in contempt.

    "You know I wasn''t always good. So thank you for saying all these things, for seeing something good in me." Mikael said.

    "So what? You were some kind of delinquent?"

    "Well, my story is not really the main point here. Maybe in another book, our book" he said and winked at him cheekily.

    Mark had his cheeks puffed like a squirrel, filled with food as he frowned creating a very adorable image.

    "Very poetic"

    "I know right? So did Luke leave with Alex?"

    "Yeah, he said he wanted to take him somewhere. He didn''t say where though." Mark said as he continued to eat the food from the paper back. This time he caught a small container with eight chicken nuggets. Perfection.

    "He probably took him to the Veil portal. He knew Alex couldn''t stay mad at him there."

    "Huh? What does that mean?"

    "The Veil Portal seems to have a weird effect on humans. The scenery is very pretty and it somehow enchants them. So Luke took him there so the magic could distract him from being angry." Mikael said and watched how Mark''s expression changed from dumbfounded to furious. He threw his hands in the air, scattering the chicken nuggets on the clean sheets.

    "That manipulator! You¡­you four legged idiots. How could he do that? Wasn''t he supposed to be the mister I am going to change? Wait till I tell Alex about this. He is going to be so mad"

    "Don''t"

    "What do you mean don''t?" Mark asked in shock

    "Let''s let them take their own course. See where it will take them. I can''t babysit anymore. Their relationship is never going to get better if they don''t learn to talk to each other." He explained and Mark sighed.

    He knew he was right but at the same time these people seemed like they were stuck and no matter how much they talked they would never move on. He didn''t know why but they just didn''t seem to match.

    "Is it possible for mates to not be good together?"

    "It''s rare but it''s possible. Do you think that''s the case with them"?

    I don''t know honestly. I am just a human" Mark said and shrugged his shoulder. Mikael smiled at his words and grabbed the bag giving it back to him.

    "There you go, just a human, eat up"

    They spend the rest of the night talking until Mark fell asleep. Mikael covered him with a blanket, once more taking care of him and left him alone to rest.

    The whole compound was very quiet and Mikael couldn''t hear the uproar at another room a few floors beneath him.

    .....

    There was something going on though.

    In Markus'' room.

    "So did you call us here in the middle of the night just so we can look at you read some ancient encyclopedia?" Adam asked while he paced in the room.

    He had been in there for a good fifteen minutes already kicking opened books with his feet, while Markus once more was quiet with his scarred face buried in a very old, almost disheveled book. Daniel on the other hand was sitting relaxed on the couch not caring very much if Markus was paying him attention or not. He had been dragged there by Adam after all.

    Markus raised his index finger signaling him to stop and the Alpha sighed in annoyance. He kept reading for a while longer when he raised his head from the book. He grabbed it from the edges and lifted it up showing the content of a certain, washed out yellow page. It had a lot of scribbles of blank ink on the sides of the text and underlining but in the middle you could see very clearly a golden design. One that was almost identical to the one Alex had on his back.

    "So did you find out who he is?" Adam asked finally sitting in the armchair. Daniel know interested in what was going on he got up and approached them, bending down a bit to look at the image better.

    "No I don''t but I think I found something important."

    ....

    To be continued.

 Chapter 50 - Match 50

    Luke and Alex were unaware at the exciting revelations Markus had made as they got to the showers. The green eyed boy had been following Luke and he felt a complete calmness inside him that he couldn''t explain. It was weird because he was sure he was a lot angrier before but now he felt at peace and he liked it, so he decided to sweep that event under the rag.

    "Again. I am really sorry. There was a huge storm inside me. I felt like I was in the Tribe War." He said with an awkward smile.

    "It''s okay. Things will get better from now on" Alex replied while taking off his shirt and he wondered if this is how he should reply. Something inside of him was screaming to stop being like this but what was wrong with forgiving. He was feeling it so he wanted to put the past mistakes behind him. It was alright. "What is The Tribe War? I think I''ve heard you talk about it before." He said and this time he was the one jumping on the counter to sit.

    "We are not usually allowed to talk about this but I promised to talk with you about anything" Luke said and Alex smiled sweetly. He tended his hands and he approached him, standing between his legs as Alex hugged him. "The Tribe War began many years ago. I was still a child so I didn''t fight but my father did and his father. It all began when The wolves wanted access to live in the Veil but the other supernatural creatures didn''t allow them. Many negotiations were made but still they didn''t want to allow us to live safely with the others. One day a pack was approached by Hunters who wanted to propose a deal. If we betrayed our own and gave them a way to enter The Veil so they could kill them they would leave us alone. So the Hunters, The Wolves and The Vampires actually, who had been denied entrance to the Veil too, waged war against everyone else. Especially the Elven Tribes. They were always annoying and I can''t begin to talk about how wrong they are in everything they do. Even though we have an alliance now still we don''t get along. But back to the story, the war began and they fought for almost a hundred years. It ended fifty years ago actually with a compromise. We wouldn''t live in the Veil but the Veil people would have to offer assistance if we got threatened by the Hunters. And that''s how it ended."

    While Luke was talking Alex realized that he was speaking faster than usual, like he wanted to get over with it. At some points he would pause like there was more to say but he kept speaking right after. The green eyed boy took a deep breath and tried not to show his disappointment. There were sometimes when you knew that the other was lying. That there was something wrong with their words even if you can''t know exactly that and it one of the most disappointing feelings ever. Now I am being lied to, but what can I do I have no way to confront him, no evidence. Again Luke was trying to hide something. Maybe it was because he wasn''t allowed to talk about these events, Alex tried to soothe his pain. He shouldn''t be blaming him about that, he should appreciate the fact that he tried to share the dark past of their history. It was alright. Little steps like that would improve everything.

    He jumped off taking off his pants and underwear exposing himself fully. It was chilly so he wrapped his arms around himself while he walked towards the shower stall with Luke. He could feel him looking at him, with hunger. It was like his want was radiating, pulsing with his every step and he felt like any time he was going to grab him and devour him. It was scary but at the same time fascinating.

    Luke turned on the shower head and warm water landed on his body, making him moan in satisfaction. He needed this more than he realized. That haze had been clouding his mind ever since they visited the portal but now it was slowly starting to wear off.

    "Why do you like taking showers with me?" Alex asked him with a shy look.

    "Except for the fact that I can look at your naked body as much as I want. I can bring you closer like this" he said and wrapped his arm around his waist bringing him close, until their bodies collided. "And feel you on me. You also look very sexy flushed and on my absoloute mercy" he whispered in his ear and gently bit the tip, making Alex gasp.

    Luke began kissing his neck, his lips tracing a lustful path to his jaw line and then all the way to his half opened lips for a kiss. Alex felt his legs give in and he held him harder, bringing their bodies even closer so Alex could feel the sensation of his skin on his. The warmth and the beating of his frenzied heart. His tongue was tracing his pink bottom lip and his hand that had been resting on his back was moving lower and lower, caressing him.

    As the kiss was getting deeper, as Luke''s touches turned lewder the pain on his chest began once more. At first he tried to ignore it. It was like a small pinch but when Luke''s lips left his and moved close to his ear as he whispered that the green eyed boy was his and for no one else to have, Alex felt like he was going to have a heart attack. He immediately pushed Luke away clenching on his chest. Taking deep breaths.

    "Are you alright?"

    "Yeah, yeah I am fine now. Probably muscle pain. I began exercising too fast" he answered while rubbing the place at his chest.

    Now he had turned into the liar. What could he say though? Every time I am kissing you I am in pain? That would sadden Luke so much and he never wanted to do that. He didn''t want to hurt him or disappoint him and if he said something like that it was almost certain that the boy would distance himself. A huge wall would rise between them so Luke did not hurt him and that was the last thing that should happen now.

    "Are you sure?" Luke asked him but Alex didn''t answer.

    He just walked closer again and hugged him. A tight embrace where he let himself get lost in his scent. It still hurt but it was different. Why couldn''t he be with him? Why every time he touched him he was in pain? His kisses were so sweet and the way he looked at him it was like he was only seeing him so why? Why wasn''t himself allowing him to feel this fully? There were still som any questions but every time he wanted to phraze one the suspicion of lying was there, strong. If it was going to be like that he prefered to keep the pain all to himself and not know at all.

    He closed his eyes and just tried to relax as he felt Luke stroking his back. Yes, this was fine. No matter the lies they would be fine. Things would get better, he believed that because in his embrace he felt alright.

    "Soooo how about I wash you?" he asked him with a devilish grin and Alex chuckled.

    "You could do that" He agreed and Luke created many bubbles in his hands as he rubbed carefully Alex''s body. He pecked his lips once or twice and made him laugh, creating a much wanted bliss.

    Like this Alex had the chance to observe him better. The handsome face, his pitch black hair and his perfectly ripped body. All these nice muscles and not even a scar. He thought. His body was perfect, his skin flawless.

    His skin was flawless. Alex repeated in his mind.

    There was nothing on his skin and right now he had a full view of his body. He couldn''t see something really important. Something that had been apparently kept a sexret from him for a specific reason. Another lie, another dagger throgh the heart as he realized everything he was told and believed were just a made up story. He couldn''t even wonder what was happening at that moment. Blurry images and mute sounds all around him. There would be no end to his pain. No matter how hard he tried to forgive and forget, something would always get in the way.

    The mark that he had been told that was a sign of fate, of eternal love did not exist in Luke''s body. The man''s body was the embodiment of perfection but all Alex could feel was pure suffocation. He couldn''t breathe around him anymore.

    There was no mark.

    ....

    To be continued.

    Hello! Thank you for reading. If you can please support this book!

    I would like to say that we are on a very short countdown for what a lot of you have been waiting for....hmm what might that be?

 Chapter 51 - Match 51

    Back in Markus'' room despite the chaos all around them the conversation continued.

    "So did you call us here in the middle of the night just so we can look at you read some ancient encyclopedia?" Adam asked while he paced in the room.

    He had been in there for a good fifteen minutes already kicking opened books with his feet, while Markus once more was quiet with his scarred face buried in a very old, almost disheveled book. Daniel on the other hand was sitting relaxed on the couch not caring very much if Markus was paying him attention or not. He had been dragged there by Adam after all.

    Markus raised his index finger signaling him to stop and the Alpha sighed in annoyance. He kept reading for a while longer when he raised his head from the book. He grabbed it from the edges and lifted it up showing the content of a certain, washed out yellow page. It had a lot of scribbles of blank ink on the sides of the text and underlining but in the middle you could see very clearly a golden design. One that was almost identical to the one Alex had on his back.

    "So did you find out who he is?" Adam asked finally sitting in the armchair. Daniel know interested in what was going on he got up and approached them, bending down a bit to look at the image better.

    "No I am not sure, but I think I found something important."

    "What is it?" Daniel asked.

    "This, my dear friends is actually a spell."

    "Yes we already knew that." Adam interrupted him.

    "Shut up and let me talk Adam¡­" Markus scolded him, making Daniel chuckle. "This is a spell but listen here. All of our assumptions were wrong" he said in excitement.

    "What do you mean?"

    "What I mean is that Alex''s case it wasn''t just a reincarnation gone wrong. It was meant to happen that way. This spell is a soul suppression spell. Someone locked up his supernatural soul so he would actually reincarnate as a human and that design on his back is the seal but it''s also something more. It''s a way for his people to find him. What I suspect is that it''s meant to be triggered with supernatural energy. His people were planning to look for him and when their energy came in close contact with him the mark would show them he was the one but the mark got triggered early because of our supernatural energy."

    "So what you are saying is that this human boy was important enough to have a seal on his power? You are telling me that we might have a bomb in here and his people are looking for him because if the seal has been awakened, thankfully not broken yet, they will know it and we tortured that kid and treated him horribly! I told you this was a horrible idea! I told you" Daniel said.

    The situation had now become a lot more severe. Alex was not just some supernatural creature that got lost in his reincarnation. He was someone that his people needed to contain. A person who his people needed to put a tracking on so they wouldn''t lose him. That could mean that he was either some very important psycho in their history or a very strong individual.

    "This looks like a very complicated spell." Adam commented still keeping his composure.

    "Because it is. It''s also very unique. Only one person was strong to cast it and she did it to him."

    "Who did it?"

    "The woman who casted the spell on Alex, the one who created that seal, was Queen Atalanti"

    "This is impossible. The Avgee Tribe has been extinct." Adam said. His eyes widened when he heard her name. No one was allowed to speak or even think about the Avgee tribe in their compound. It brought memories of the Tribe War and the brutalities that were committed. Written in history, with blood.

    "That could only mean that he died before the end of the war. What if he fought there?" Daniel asked and his eyes were filled with worry. "What if he belongs to one of our enemies?"

    "The Avgee Tribe has been extinct!" Adam shouted and hit his hand on the wooden table. "Meaning no one will look for him. We know enough, this measly human is not a threat to us. Even if he was someone great there is no way to awaken if he doesn''t come in contact with someone of his own kind so shut up Daniel and stop acting like a scared little child. Even if he awakens, we live in an era of peace. There are treaties he can''t overlook."

    "The things we did back then Adam¡­"

    "No. I want this information to be buried and I don''t want anyone talking about the Tribe War again. Never." Adam told him and grabbed Daniel, taking him out of the room in a hurry.

    Markus had a lot more to say but he kept quiet. He marked the page of the book, mentally noting to give to Luke at some point. That would be something he would wish to read.

    It seemed like they weren''t ready to hear the rest of the story yet.

    You see the occult specialist on their pack before the war had been friends with Queen Atalanti and he was almost sure that he knew who Alex was.

    ....

    There was no mark.

    Alex began feeling dizzy. No, no, no please no. He cried in his head.

    "Please don''t do this to me" he mumbled and suddenly stormed off the shower.

    Luke followed him confused to find him bending over a toilet and throwing up everything he had eaten today. He was feeling sick. Was this the reason why he didn''t show him his mark? Because it didn''t exist? Did Luke think that he would be such a big of a fool that he wouldn''t notice it when he was stark naked in front of him?

    He kept throwing up even if there was nothing left in his stomach. He was disgusted. He had forgiven him so the next second he could experience something like this. How did his anger subside so quickly before anyways? Did he do something? He wondered and everything right now seemed suspicious.

    Luke took a few steps closer but Alex raised his hand to stop him from approaching. Not right now, he couldn''t deal with this. He stood up stumbling slightly and feeling that annoying burn on his throat.

    "Are you alright Alex?" he asked him his eyes filed with concern. Were the emotions mirrored there a lie too?

    "Yes, yes. I just¡­Suddenly I don''t feel well. I think I''m going to go lie down."

    "Do you want me to take you to your room?"

    "No. It''s fine. Finish your shower. I don''t want you to get my cold if I am sick. We will talk in the morning okay?" he said and waited for an answer to just ran away from there. He had already walked to where he had left the clean clothes he was given and was trying to wear his pants.

    "I can come if you want."

    "It''s fine!" he exclaimed. "I''m sorry, I just want to sleep. It''s been a bad day today and suddenly I feel exhausted." It wasn''t actually a lie; he was actually exhausted but with Luke''s bullshit.

    "Okay then. I will come in the morning to check up on you alright?" He asked him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

    "Yes. Goodnight" he said and forced a smile before walking away.

    The minute he was sure he was out of sight he began running. He needed to leave this place. At least for a little while. He had to calm down and think. Put his thoughts in an actual order without his feelings or kindness intervening with his decisions. He had to look through a pile of lies without breaking down or wanting to cry himself to sleep.

    His feet took him to the place where he had felt that sweet relaxation. The only thing Luke had done for him that he appreciated was showing him this place. It was beautiful but he didn''t believe that he would find himself again there so soon. He laid down on the grass, appreciating the fact that he was all alone and listened to the sound of the little river, the water flowing away. How he wished to flow away, or fly to another place. Somewhere he would belong, where he wouldn''t be lied to or tricked. Somewhere he wouldn''t be scared or in pain all the time.

    He had told himself that he would throw away the weakness but he couldn''t keep the tears in. He had promised to think, be logical but his emotions were just too strong to tame. So he cried and cried until the sweet smell of the flowers put him to sleep.

    Unaware that an unknown figure was looking at him.

    ....

    To be continued.

    Finally it''s time!

    Thank you all for reading. I hope you enjoyed these chapters. I would be thankful if you could show support in my book.

 Chapter 52 - Match 52

    It wasn''t the light of the bright sun that woke him up nor the constant chirping of the birds. It was something different that while he had his eyes closed he couldn''t really process. As his heavy eyelids fluttered and he faced the strong light he saw a blurry image.

    He blinked fast trying to get his vision to cooperate and when it finally did he froze. The blurry image was a man. He was hovering above him and what had woken him up was a very shiny and sharp dagger that rested on his neck. His eyes widened as he felt the cold metal.

    Alex examined the unknown man. He was looking at him like he was ready to end him at any moment. His pale hand was gripping strongly the dagger as he looked at him with squeezed eyes. He had short black hair, almost in natural spikes. Eyes like dripping honey and a pair of very pointy ears. He wasn''t a human.

    "Who are you and why are you here? A human shouldn''t be at the portal." He said in a scolding tone.

    "How about you get that very dangerous thing away from me and we can talk peacefully?" he said and smiled awkwardly. This would be added in his list of why you shouldn''t sleep outside. An elf, pixie, fairy or whatever that guy was could end up threatening you with a knife.

    "You are here to hurt my master aren''t you?" he said and pressed the knife harder on his neck, creating a small cut and making him hiss.

    "I don''t even know who your master is" Alex cried, cursing his bad luck. This was impossible. He had escaped one supernatural disaster to find himself here to supposedly relax and think. But instead he falls asleep and wakes up nearly hostage.

    "Are you lying filthy human? Are you one of those Hunters?"

    "First of all I am not filthy. I took a very eventful shower just yesterday and second of all, no I am not a Hunter. I am just an idiot who falls asleep in random places so please don''t kill me."

    If it was possible for someone to be immune to dangerous situations Alex believed, he was getting there. With so many shocking events, beatings and humiliation this moment right now seemed almost like his normal routine. He didn''t know if he should laugh or cry with that.

    "Ea, Leave the human alone. He was just sleeping I doubt he wanted to kill me." Another voice sounded in the peaceful clearing. It was smooth and warm, like a day at the beach or a night in front of the fireplace. Alex almost wanted to close his eyes and enjoy it more but the man didn''t say anything else so the boy''s eyes traveled, almost desperately to spot the owner.

    He was sitting at the most peculiar place. The plane tree had many strong and thick branches that grew up and away. He was resting in one of them, one of his legs hanging in the air, swaying cheerfully back and forth. His back resting at the trunk but when he spotted Alex looking at him he moved slightly forward amused.

    "Hey there sleeping beauty." He told him.

    Alex never believed that movie scenes were inspired by life. The time doesn''t stop when you lock eyes with the one. There is no muting anything else but their voice and the world suddenly doesn''t make sense. This was all wishful thinking. That''s what he always said. There is no bittersweet pain and butterflies. It was just a glorification. Even with Luke it had never been like that and he was his mate so why?

    Why did this man in front of him made all of these true? The sensation of the dagger on his throat disappear, like it had been swept away by the wind. The sounds and people ceased to exist and it was only him and his soothing voice, his first greeting. Hey there, so simple but why did he make him want to cry?

    He was tall with a very elegant figure, still he seemed strong. From his long legs to his wide shoulders, and ethereal face he was what you could imagine only as aristocracy. He was purely perfection with his purple eyes like gems and his long white, straight hair that he had in a ponytail, only two stray strands lose in front of his face. The only imperfection was a horizontal mark on his nose. It was very small and in Alex''s eyes it somehow made him sweeter. His lips were pink and full and all of his characteristics seemed to be unbelievably symmetric on his face. His ears were pointy and his left one had many earrings. Some small hoops or other, longer with silver chains. He also spotted a silver tattoo on his neck. A design that kept going under his black shirt, until where no one knew since at the end of his long sleeves began a pair of black leather gloves, clothing his long fingers. He was also dressed in black pants and a pair of heavy black boots. On his forehead rested a silver diadem with many swirly designs at the side and a small tear shaped black stone in the middle.

    "Who are you?" Alex mumbled enchanted and the man hopped off the tree almost like a skillful cat.

    "I think the question here is who are you?" he said, his hands crossed behind his back as he walked towards them.

    Alex all this time he had been restrained by the other man but had completely forgotten about it so at the instinctive move to get up he felt the dagger raze his skin and frowned falling back down.

    "Are you crazy?" The guy that was name Ea asked him and pulled back his weapon.

    "Um¡­no?"

    He cleaned up the dagger in the grass and placed it in a small case that was hanging from his belt.

    "My master asked you who are you" he told him and Alex rolled his eyes. This guy was starting to get pretty annoying.

    He got up without paying him that much attention and answered the question.

    "I am Alex. I live with the wolf pack here."

    "A human? Are you lying?" Ea said

    "No. One of them is my mate. Luke" he told them and last night''s events came back like a flashback. Right, he had to deal with all of that too.

    "And why would you be here and not with your mate?" The white haired man asked him.

    "Because I needed to think. Is there a problem with that?"

    "Well not for me but thinking at a Veil Portal is a bit silly. You see, it enchants you. Makes you feel a bit¡­hazy"

    "That''s why I forgave that bastard so easily last night" Alex mumbled to himself annoyed. This was probably why the moment he had opened his eyes this unfamiliar man had seemed so attractive. This place was some kind of stoner spot but with magic. He let out a desperate sigh. "Look I don''t want any trouble. I just need to get back."

    "Ea. You created trouble for the little human. Look what you did" The man said playfully and approached him. Standing almost a step away from him he wiped the stray blood on his neck with his thump and Alex shivered. It was almost like an electric current ran through him.

    "I am sorry master." Ea said and bowed. He seemed to be very obedient.

    "So little human. Tell me how do I find Luke the bastard?"

    "Oh, you heard that." Alex said and scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I don''t know you so I won''t tell you. I am leaving now. Bye" he said and waved his hand at them, leaving the white haired man looking at him amused. He had a few serious things that he needed to solve now that he wasn''t overtaken by all f his feelings like a teenage girl. He had to take advantage of that before he became an emotional wreck again.

    "How dare you talk like this to the Prince of the Disee Tribe!" Ea shouted and Alex froze into place immediately.

    "P-prince?" He stuttered as he turned around.

    "The last time I checked I was a prince. Crown and all" he said pointing at his fancy diadem.

    Alex cleared up his throat with a small cough and smiled.

    "Well, are you looking for Luke for official business?" Alex asked, maybe if they knew him he could get something out of them. Anything that he could use. The best source of information nowadays is gossip after all.

    "Who would look for that idiot for official business." Ea commented and the man tried to hide his laugh. He was extremely cute, Alex thought and his cheeks turned red from embarrassment. You have a boyfriend!

    "Thinking of anything interesting?" he asked him but Alex didn''t manage to answer. Footsteps were heard close by and soon Daniel appeared looking at the green eyed boy with a questioning look.

    "Alex what are you doing here?" He asked him and the boy instinctively took a step back, scared. He was Adam''s right hand; he was a man that he definitely didn''t want him saying anything to that tyrant about him. He seemed to have left him alone and he wished for things to remain like that.

    "I was just taking a walk I will be going back now."

    "Prince Theseus I am sorry you had to wait. The Alpha is waiting for you so you could discuss the things you mentionted in your last letter"

    "What things?" Alex asked without thinking and Daniel shot him a deadly glare. He shivered and as out of instinct he moved towards the man who he learned was named Theseus. That was a very pretty name, he thought.

    "He seems to be scared of you" He commented that cunning smile not leaving his face.

    "Oh no, of course not. Why don''t we go back? We are already late for the meeting. Alex you go find Luke, now"

    "Of course, Let''s not make my favorite son of a bitch wait" Theseus said and Alex''s eyes widened. He had just done that. He insulted their Alpha and Daniel hadn''t said anything. Alex looked at him filled with confusion and curiosity. Who was this man that could walk around insulting the scariest man Alex had ever encountered? He seemed not older than twenty-five years old.

    They began walking acting like Alex never even existed in the first place, as they left him behind. He was obviously not going to follow them. A crazy dagger lover, Daniel the Alpha''s right hand and a mysterious white haired man who seemed to act like the whole world belonged to him. Cocky and obnoxious. He couldn''t decide who was best.

    While they were walking away Theseus turned around just for a split second and looked at him. Winking playfully and waving him goodbye. For a second Alex seemed to forget how to breathe.

    "I need to leave this weird magical place at once and get back to my right mind" he mumbled and began walking back from the route that Luke had shown him not thinking too much about that peculiar encounter. It wasn''t like he would ever see that man again.

 Chapter 53 - Match 53

    There were many different levels of pain someone could experience. At first you start with the simple unhappy, the one that is bearable but there. Then you get from unhappy to sad. Where the world slowly starts to crumble. After that sorrow and depression rips your heart, then again despair where you start to lose every hope and every positive thought, when you already are heading towards the final line. Soon for a short period of time, getting used to the blows of fate you become numb almost unaware of the pain as you attempt to put it aside until that final piece of reasoning and restraint you have shatters and you explode, destroying everything around you like an atomic bomb.

    Alex was numb. He didn''t feel anything as he entered the dining hall early in the morning, watching everyone eat a very delicious breakfast. He spotted Mark sitting in one of the tables accompanied by Mikael but Luke was nowhere to be found. He sat with them grabbing a muffin from Mark''s plate and taking a bite.

    "Hey! That was mine" he cried but Alex just shrugged his shoulder. "Very polite mister. Where were you last night?"

    "I just needed some time to think. Where is Luke?" He asked Mikael.

    "He has a meeting with his father about something. I don''t know. He was searching for you everywhere before that"

    "Yeah I am sure you don''t know anything." He said ironically while taking another bite.

    "What''s that supposed to mean?"

    "I am sure you didn''t know. You didn''t know that Luke took me to that pretty place to enchant me to forgive him. I am sure you didn''t know that he has been feeding me bullshit all this time. He doesn''t even have a mate mark. I bet you thought I am so stupid I wouldn''t notice it even if he was completely naked in front of him" he said while gritting his teeth.

    "What? He doesn''t have a mark? Doesn''t that mean you are not mates?" Mark whispered shocked.

    "No wait. You and Luke are mates. I saw it. I saw him accept the bond he would never lie about that" Mikael tried to explain "We just know that something is off about the mark. But honestly I don''t know anything else."

    "Then what the hell is that thing on my back Mikael?"

    "I don''t know" he answered him and Alex let out a long sigh, standing up

    "Are you going to keep lying to me?" he asked

    "I am not lying. I really don''t know what''s that thing on you back. Luke hasn''t told me. The ones who know is probably his father and Markus."

    "Alex sit down and let''s talk about this" Mark told him. "It''s not a good time to go to him now."

    Overlooking Mark''s advice, he looked at Mikael with a smile.

    "I forgot to mention that he also lied to me about the Tribe War. How you wolves were so wrongly treated that you had no other choice. That wasn''t the truth is it?" he asked

    "The truth is somewhere in the middle Alex. Yes, our people are brutes. That''s what you want me to tell you? I think you already know that. Impulsive and constantly angry we killed and destroyed but at the end of the day we just wanted safety."

    "And that''s why you betrayed your own people"

    "There is so much more to it but I don''t get why you are mad about our history! This has nothing to do about you and Luke."

    "It has!" Alex said "It is another lie. It is another lost hope for me. It keeps breaking me and there is nothing left!" he shouted and hit the table with his fists. A crack was heard and suddenly the table split in two, the food falling down, the plates and glasses breaking, causing a huge ruckus.

    "Alex how did you manage to do that?" Marked asked with wide eyes. "My pancakes are¡­dead"

    "What the¡­" Alex mumbled looking at the mess he had created in just a few seconds.

    "You need to calm down, everyone is looking at you" Mikael whispered. "Excuse me can a cleaning lady get this we had an accident" then shouted at particularly no one and soon two ladies with brooms and cleaning cloths appeared looking at the mess with a grumpy face.

    "You youngsters don''t know self-control" one of them scolded them and Alex felt guilty for making her this mess.

    "I can help" the green eyed boy said in remorse.

    "No you can''t. We are leaving now." Mikael told him strictly and grabbed him from his arm, taking him away from all the people who were looking at him with mysterious stares.

    "Stop pulling my arm" Alex said and released his hand from his grip. "I want to find Luke. Now. I want to put an end to all of this. I am sick and tired of being lied to. I will find by myself what is happening to me. I don''t need you or your friend to cover up my eyes."

    "Listen to me Alex. This is not a good time for you to fight with Luke he is with his dad¡­"

    "Let him go." Mark said. He could see how Alex was burning. He was unstable, like his legs couldn''t keep him. His muscles tense and his eyes cold but at the same time filled with rage. If he didn''t go now things would end up a lot worse. For both of them, even though he couldn''t care less about Luke he didn''t want to see Alex self-destruct in hatred too. He was right, he needed to let go.

    "No. We don''t know how much Adam knows. Luke had been trying to keep him in the dark but for sure he must have been investigating for you. For that mark of yours so we can''t show him you and Luke are not well. Your only protection will be gone" Mikael tried to warn him. He need to see things more clearly. He had told them a lot of times they were into safe here. They needed to lay low, just because the Alpha didn''t bother them it didn''t mean he wasn''t planning something. It meant that h just wasn''t in a hurry.

    "I don''t care. I don''t care about anything anymore I just want this whole thing to end." Alex said and the separation was prominent in his voice. He really did want everything to stop.

    He pretended he didn''t listen. All he was thinking about was confronting him and as he counted every single lie he felt his feelings die more and more. Like someone was slowly spilling water to a burning fire.

    As he headed towards to what he remembered as Adam''s office something unusual happened that ruined his plans. Not just unusual but shocking at the same time since he never believed he could witness something like that in here that''s why he literally turned to stone when the event began unraveling in front of his widened eyes.

    At first he heard a loud noise from the closed doors. Like furniture were being thrown everywhere and then it happened.

    Adam came flying through the door and landed at the other side of the corridor on his back. The three boys had stepped to the side looking the Alpha slowly falling to the ground with an expression of pain distorting his features.

    "How dare you!" he heard someone shout loudly and soon appeared Theseus. The playful man from this morning.

    Right now he was different though. His amethyst eyes were ready to kill as he walked towards the injured wolf. Every step he took echoed as everyone seemed to have stopped breathing. Daniel, Markus, Ea and even Luke had made an appearance standing at the door frame. The door didn''t exist anymore. It had shattered and was fallen on the floor. That door was incredibly heavy but the force of that man had not only broken it but literally had sent Adam flying.

    "I came here to warn you about the upcoming danger, to offer you my help as the treaty says and you have the audacity to mock me Adam?" He said as he reached the Alpha. Adam didn''t try to move. But even if he had Alex for some reason was sure that Theseus would stop him. He grabbed the man from his shirt and raised him up. "You could never reach my level. Remember that all I have to do is snap my fingers and you will all die. I had him to keep me in check but he is gone now so beware." He warned him and this time he threw him to the other side, the male landing exactly in front of Luke''s feet.

    "Come on now, little cub. Try to fight me too. I am waiting"

    Luke growled and was ready to launch but Mikael''s voice stopped him.

    He looked at them. Luke didn''t know they were there. He was too preoccupied with his father to notice. He stopped everything that he was doing, scared.

    Alex couldn''t have seen it. The dark shadow that slowly approached him. He was only aware of it when it was in front of him in the shape of a very sharp object, targeting his chest. It looked like a spear.

    Theseus seemed like he was enveloped by darkness. Actual, solid darkness if Alex could describe it like that. He had shadows swirling around him, like snakes and he was obviously capable of commanding them because one of them had taken that very dangerous form to threaten him, he could feel the tip on his chest and he knew that if he made only one step that thing would pierce through him.

    "I am waiting" Theseus sang and looked at Alex.

    Their eyes met and the white haired man could sense the fear in him. The threat. He smiled, noticing how Alex was examining him. His green eyes were stuck on his face and he felt his whole body shivering. The more they kept looking at each other the more he could sense his fear disappearing. His arrogant look changed as he seemed to have in front of him a riddle.

    "Who are you?" Alex asked him, not knowing why he mouthed that irrelevant question. Something inside of him wanted to find out. The feelings that man had caused him the first time they had met were still there. Without the stupid charm.

    "I would ask you the same thing." He said quietly and withdrew his spear, setting him free. "Remember next time, I will kill all of you" he said looking at Luke before he disappeared with his servant.

    ..

    Hello I hope you liked this chapter.

    Again I want to thank everyone who has been supporting a small and lacking writer like me. Your support really helps me to keep hoping that I will achieve my dreams of making even more people happy with my books one day.

    I hope you are enjoying the book.

    Thank you!

 Chapter 54 - Match 54

    Everything after that happened in a hurry. Daniel with Markus running to pick up Adam from the ground and taking him away. His Beta warned everyone not to speak about it and didn''t spare them a second gaze before he disappeared.

    Luke at first seemed lost, he didn''t know where to go or who to follow. At first he tried to follow his hurt father but Markus stopped him with a negative nod. So he stood looking around for a while until his eyes spotted Alex and everyone else again.

    Alex on the other hand was looking at the broken door. Theseus had really done that. It was broken into many pieces. The thick wood leaving small splinters on the shiny floor. The way he had looked at him before he left was still vivid on his mind. How his purple eyes lost their narcissistic shine and gave away a question. He was sure his green eyes mirrored that, that specific moment. There was an itching feeling of wanting to remember something but he couldn''t.

    "Why were you looking like that at Theseus? Do you know him?" Luke questioned him and he realized that their gazes were not obvious only to them.

    "I don''t know him. Didn''t you hear me ask him who he was?" Alex said not understanding why he had to explain himself. "There are things we need to talk about. Important things."

    "I can''t right now. Mikael I will need you. Theseus came to warn us. He had received information about a clan of hunters coming to investigate this area. Sooner or later they will arrive and we need to start preparing"

    "What?" Mikael asked "Hunters? After so long? We have been keeping ourselves hidden. Could it be a mistake?"

    "I don''t know but we can''t risk it"

    "Luke wait. We need to talk!" Alex said insisting.

    "About what?" he asked obviously impatient to leave.

    "About you lying to me?"

    "Didn''t we talk about that yesterday?"

    "Yeah yesterday. While I was under the influence of some ridiculous spell at the portal. That yesterday"

    "That was to calm you down a bit."

    "Oh really? Good to know. So tell me. Hiding from me that you don''t have a mating mark had a specific reason too or was it just for fun?" Alex asked him his hands forming tight fists, his knuckles turning a pale white from the pressure.

    Luke''s moon like irises expanded revealing the black center. Alex wanted to laugh with his expression. It was almost like someone had electrocuted him and forced him into silence. At least this was a satisfying moment for him. The moment he exposed all of his idiocy and the lies.

    "Listen. I have a reason for that but right now is not the time to talk about it. We can discuss this later"

    "You don''t understand how important this is, do you?" Alex asked him. He was feeling a bit disappointed. He understood the fact that, yes they had just received a message of a possible threat and that was a big deal but still he was just exposing all his lies but Luke was acting like he was arguing about what they would have for dinner. Did he think that he would easily forgive him? He was taking him for granted. That''s all he needed to realize for the last string of kindness to die inside of him. After everything he had done he also took him for granted. No matter what a part of himself felt for him it was about time he opened his eyes and saw Luke for who he really was.

    "I know; I know but the pack needs help." Luke told him "How about we talk later okay?" he repeated his words and actually came closer and gave him a kiss on the forehead and a very gentle smile. It took every bit of restrain Alex had to not head bump him right there.

    "Okay then if you find me later. We will talk" he said

    "What?"

    "Nothing. Go do your thing and we will talk¡­Later" he said with a faint smile.

    "Thank you Alex. You will see I had a good reason for this. Mikael come on let''s go" he said urging his best friend to leave.

    "Luke I don''t know maybe¡­"

    "Come on. We need to talk with the other people. Organize a meeting" he said and Mikael with a sigh, defeated followed his friend.

    "Wow." Mark exclaimed "he is denser than a log. Stupid too" he added and looked at Alex. "Dude your hand is bleeding"

    "Oh, yeah I needed a lot of self-restrain not to kill him" Alex hand had four, little crescent shaped wounds that were dripping crimson drops of blood, rhythmically. To keep his actions in check he ended up hurting himself. "Come on Mark. Let''s go." Alex told him and started walking the opposite direction from where the two wolves had disappeared.

    They walked in a hurry through the labyrinth like corridors not looking anyone who was passing them by in the eyes. Up the wooden staircase and ahead Alex''s steps were filled with resentment and he wished that in every place that he stepped a fire would start.

    "Our room is not in this floor." Mark commented.

    "Oh believe me, I know."

    "Then where are we going?"

    "We are going to Luke''s room. We will steal everything he has and run away from this hell hole. I will find the truth behind this mark myself."

    "Oh my God are we really doing that?" Mark asked

    "We are. Now come on and be careful so no one sees us." He warned him and turned the cold doorknob.

    As he entered the room he stopped for a few seconds organizing his thoughts. They needed clothes, money, a phone and a bag. He would take everything and while Luke was busy solving his other "important" matters Alex would be freeing himself from his restraints.

    "Search his closet" Alex told Mark and the boy began snooping around. Alex first went through his drawers finding his wallet and a few spare cash that he kept. He obviously grabbed all of it and shoved it in his pockets leaving them open on purpose so he could easily notice. Mark was already shoving clothes in a sports bag he had found when Alex began messing up the bed. He was planning to destroy his laptop too but he stopped because when he raised the covers ready to throw them on the floor a heavy object fell from the bed hitting the ground.

    Both boys halted their actions and looked at the unknown thing. It was a very big book, with a leather cover. Alex picked it up and noticed that one of the pages was folded. He opened it at that exact page to look at its content stunned. Mark approached him to sneak a peek at it, noticing the same thing as he did.

    In the middle of the page drawn very delicately was the tattoo Alex had on his back.

    "Rip the page and let''s go. We don''t have time. We need to leave now that the uproar will begin because of the threat."

    "Yes" Alex agreed ripping the page messily and stuffing it too in his pockets together with the money.

    After that the boys began running, thanking the gods that no one cared enough about two crazy humans to actually stop them and ask them where they were going. Apparently now the word about the warning had spread and everyone was too busy running around preparing their defenses or god knows what.

    So sneaking out was really a piece of cake for them. At some point Mark tripped at a tree''s root and dramatically called out to Alex.

    "Go! Continue without me. You need to carry on" He said and Alex almost burst into laughter.

    No one would even realize they were gone. For a while at least because to everyone else Alex had the value that Luke gave him but he had just thrown him away, not caring about him. So yeah these two boys were of almost zero significance at the moment and no matter how much Alex was hurt by that he needed it. He needed the shock of realizing that he didn''t matter, that he was taken for granted to understand that there was no point in waiting or giving more chances if his kindness and love were being taken advantage of. They were supposed to be a pair made by fate. No one guaranteed them that it would be a happy ending though.

    So after helping his friend up he felt a burning in his chest. Yes, he could smile and turn this whole situation into a tragic comedy but his body knew better of the weight he felt no matter how hard he tried to be strong. With teary eyes he left this place behind, stepping on the concrete road, still foolishly wishing that Luke would appear and stop him. That wasn''t going to happen though.

    The two boys began walking searching for a mean of transport when Alex remembered that Luke had spoken to him about a bus stop. They set that as their first destination unaware that sadly they wouldn''t make it too far.

    ....

    I believe sometimes we have to realize that not all people are good for us no matter how much we might love them or how much they love us. To be honest I don''t even know if Luke loves Alex. What do you think?

    Thank you!

 Chapter 55 - Match 55

    A few hours ago

    Theseus strolled the halls of the humble, in his eyes, compound with his servant Ea following close behind ready to attack anyone who would try to harm him. They stood outside Adam''s office waiting for him to call them inside.

    Today he had met a human after a long while. He preferred the comfort of The Veil and the cold palace of the Disee tribe. Theseus was the young prince of The Two Elven Tribe. The one that had remained. It was a much better place than the human world. That specific human though, lying on the soft green grass, sleeping soundly like he wasn''t aware of the cruelty of this place made it seem a bit more idyllic. Reminding him of times that he could feel at peace too.

    "So why is your Alpha taking so long?" Ea asked the Alpha''s messenger. "Our prince is busy"

    "Yes we are sorry about that." He said with a cold smile. "Unfortunately there were a few things he needed to talk about with Markus. King Theseus might know him"

    "Oh, yes I do. He is the only decent werewolf I have ever met." He said and smiled at him.

    The situation was indeed very awkward and Theseus didn''t like that. He was aching to meet the disastrous Alpha to share the news, then disappear and never have to see them again. Even if he was forced by the protocol to attend their idiotic party.

    Soon the Alpha called them only for Theseus to face his young son leaving with a book on his hands, almost running away, holding it carefully like he didn''t want anyone to see it. Interesting, he thought.

    He walked inside and sat at one of the armchairs crossing his legs.

    "Sit now Adam you don''t have to be so tense in front of me." He made fun of him and Adam''s agitation was obvious, at least he would get some enjoyment out of this. Seeing his ugly face change expressions because poor Adam knew how to be strong and a leader only to those weaker than him. "So let me tell you about this threat and the information I got." He said once he sat down too. Markus and Daniel were standing on his sides quiet.

    "Oh come on now Theseus. We haven''t seen you in so long. There are so many things I would like to say. How does it feel to be king when you were only a mere general? I bet you were happy when the Avgee Tribe was extinct, since you got your lover''s place." Adam said with a smirk. "The shadow general, the mad shadow caster, it''s very amazing how someone like you, ended up being king. Some could think you killed Allias"

    "Adam maybe you should¡­" Markus tried to interrupt him but he brushed him off like he wasn''t even there.

    "I mean we all know that you are not even half as good of a leader your lover was. I still don''t understand how he fell in love with you. Maybe he was a bit sick in the mind too. A royal ending up¡­"

    Theseus was sure he had a lot more insults to spit at his face but he stopped him. He didn''t really care about everything he said. Insulting him wouldn''t get him anywhere, he didn''t care about others, what they thought of him and especially what Adam thought. But it was different when he spoke about him. He would never allow anyone to mention his name or even think about him in a bad manner.

    He stood up, his chair falling back from the force and watched how Daniel flinched. Mentally gathering his shadows, he started to get embraced by the darkness. Adam''s eyes widened for a second but he tried to hide it. You couldn''t mask cowardice though.

    "One more word Adam. And you will regret the day you were born" he warned him when the door opened, his son entering.

    "What is happening here?" Luke asked concerned.

    "Oh nothing, it seems like the Elf King is a bit sensitive when I talk about his little whore." He said and Theseus swore that if he could he would have killed that bastard ages ago. He would have ripped him open and fed his insides to his people.

    One of his shadows fast as lightning grabbed him from his neck lifting him off the ground. He struggled to get freed, tangling his heavy feed in an attempt to reach the floor. He also tried to hold the shadow but he couldn''t. His hands would slip right through. No one could touch those shadows. Theseus was the only one who could manipulate them, give them form. It was his special gift. A power a few in his tribe possessed.

    Luke attempted to stop him but Markus held him back. At least he knew better, he thought. Not that he would have a problem dealing with both of them but he really wanted to focus on Adam. Make him shiver.

    "Who do you think you are to talk about Allias like that? If I am not worthy, you shouldn''t be allowed to even think about him."

    "No one cares now. He is a whore. I heard he was even raped when he got caught hostage by¡­" Even while he was choking, his lungs burning up he still wanted to agitate him. But he wouldn''t let him do that.

    "How dare you!" he shouted agitated and with a swift move of his had his shadow had thrown him outside the room. One more word. That''s all he needed to destroy everything and everyone.

    ....

    Alex and Mark had walked quite some time until they found that bus stop. It was literally in the middle of nowhere and Mark commented how hay balls would just appear crossing the road like the ones in those western movies.

    They sat there and waited for almost an hour until a half empty bus appeared. The driver almost didn''t stop but they waved like maniacs and shouted so they could finally get on. Just a few meters away from the stop he decided to let them in and the boys panting to reach it in time sat in two seats in the middle relieved.

    "Okay so what do we do now?" Mark asked him.

    "Now we read this." Alex said and took out from his pocket the ripped paper that he had ripped from Luke''s book. A few coins fell on the floor and Mark gasped picking them up.

    "We need these you know!"

    "Sorry. But let''s see now" he said and looked around to see the few passengers minding their own business. He would hate it if someone knew Luke and revealed everything.

    "Come on read it"

    "Yes, yes. So¡­" Alex said and began reading, whispering. "This is a spell created by Queen Atalanti of the Avgee Elf Tribe. The Twin Tribe of the Disee Elf tribe during the years of the Tribe War. It''s a spell that is used to suppress the soul and the power of a supernatural being on their death so they would reincarnate as a human in their next life, that is until they awaken." There were many more scribbles by the person who had commented on the peculiar spell but Alex didn''t read further.

    "Wait a second, then does that mean that you¡­"

    "No that''s impossible." Alex mumbled. "There is no way"

    "It''s not really that impossible. When you were taken by Adam. The boys talked about the possibility of you not being human but after they met with him they tried to cover it up. I always knew something was wrong with their excuse. That hate you had for the wolves. That fight inside of you. It all makes sense now. You were one of them. One of the Elf people who fought against the wolves during that war. Maybe that''s why you were in pain when you kissed Luke. Because yourself sees him as an enemy. It''s all clear now"

    "How is all these clear? Do I seem not human to you? I am weak and not immortal I think it''s obvious from the many times I almost died."

    "Yes but here" Mark said and pointed at the end of the paragraph. "Here it says awaken. Maybe you need to remember"

    "No. This is stupid. There is no way¡­"

    "You broke a freaking table with your first a few hours ago." Mark said and the bus suddenly stopped abruptly. He grabbed the paper and hid it in his bag as two people got in.

    They had guns on their backs and the people inside the looked at them terrified, shriveling in their seats. Something though was off with them, they didn''t seem to care so much about the passengers or their money. It almost looked like they were searching for someone the way their eyes scammed every single person inside the vehicle.

    "Do you see any wolves?" One of them said and Mark looked at Alex with wide eyes. The green eyed boy signaled his friend to shut it and not say a word, these people were definitely not going to be their friends.

    "No" The other one answered and they turned towards the driver.

    "Sorry for the trouble sir." He said and they left the bus, like they just hadn''t stormed in armed from head to toe. The driver started driving, this time faster leaving them behind and Alex was sure he could hear him mumble prayer. The passengers were whispering wondering who they were unaware if they should call the police or not since they didn''t really do anything.

    "Alex, these people. They are hunters. We need to warn them."

    "We are not going back. We can warn them from where we are going"

    "Then where the hell are we going?" Mark asked

    "We are going to find that Seer, Clarissa and ask her about the vision she had when she met me¡­and the page."

 Chapter 56 - Match 56

    When they reached the police station they had spent hours in last time Mark looked at the place disgusted.

    "Do we really have to?"

    "Do you happen to know where she lives?" Alex asked him "Then we do"

    He walked in first and locked eyes with the person on the reception. They were a few suspicious looking gentlemen in the blue seats next to them and one actually winked at Mark and signaled him to come closer with his cuffed hands. The ginger head only stuck closer to his friend trying to ignore him.

    "Hello can I help you?" The policeman asked them, not seeming to remember them.

    "Yes, hello we are looking for a police officer named Clarissa? Does she happen to be here?"

    "Her shift starts in a while so she will be here soon. Do you want to wait for her?"

    "Yes thank you. We will wait" Alex told him and headed towards the set of chairs at the other side of the room.

    They sat down, Mark trying to not look at the guys in front of him, especially the one that was blowing him kisses, by looking at the yellowish ceiling. It was mold in the right corner of the ceiling, and the boy wrinkled his nose while looking at the green spot.

    Alex on the other hand did not have that problem. He was too tired, not having slept well and with everything that was going on his mind, he sat on his squeaky chair and tried to calm down. Not human, an elf. It was simply impossible he tried to assure himself. So many things would change if that was the truth. Why would Luke try to hide this though? Would it be such a bad thing if he remembered his past, his people? Maybe because they were enemies? That''s why he was scared to lose him.

    Again his lies had deeper lies in them creating an endless maze and he so whished for everything to be revealed finally. He couldn''t live in this agony anymore. Thinking everything his heavy eyelids started closing and he rested his head on the cold wall when an unusual dream started playing like a movie in his head.

    "What are you two scheming without me?" He heard a voice.

    It was him that was talking. He had just entered an unfamiliar room. It was a round room with glass walls and shiny glass floors. In the middle of the room stood a golden fountain like object. It was sparkling, golden little sparks and smoke emitting and from its content Alex could smell the scent of cinnamon and mint.

    His body felt weird though. It was almost as if he was taller, his limbs longer and he could feel his brown hair touch his shoulders. It was him but also not, a different version, one that has been long forgotten.

    The room was naturally lit by sunlight as it spread everywhere. They were high, very high as he could see white fluffy clouds surrounding them. He headed towards the edge of the room and looked down surprised. It was almost like they were hidden in a white cloak. It was beautiful. He looked down, beneath his feet and over the glass floor to see many people, walking running with objects in their arms or conversing. Dressed in white clothing and golden ornaments.

    He didn''t know where he was but he definitely hadn''t seen a place more beautiful than this, underneath him was a study. Many desks and chairs were placed on the center while the walls were hidden by massive bookcases. They had many books of different colors and sizes that the people there, the scholars, seemed to organize and read.

    Everywhere there was a gold undertone. Small details that shone everywhere. It wasn''t the kind that hurt your eyes or was too extravagant, like a showcase of wealth. It was more like a sign of elegance. It was the same with that fountain. It shone so perfectly in the middle of the empty room. Like a golden lake in the sky.

    "Mother I didn''t bring him here so you could bore him with politics" Alex said again and looked at the woman who was standing next to the fountain.

    She looked incredible. Her skin was slightly tanned, radiating in her long white dress. Her hair was the color of dripping honey and her eyes were the same green shade as his, pointy ears and a golden crown on her head that looked almost too heavy for her fragile figure.

    "He couldn''t be anywhere else really. Everybody hates him" She joked and Alex''s eyes traveled to the other person in the room. He had his back turned on him, his long raven black hair the only evident of his identity. He knew him, very well but he just couldn''t grasp his name or vision his face but he¡­he loved him.

    "¡­.Are you alright? Let me see your handsome face" Alex called out, his name coming out blurred from his lips.

    "It seems like your mother called me here to sadden me." He told him still not turning around. His voice soothing and soft but a bitterness lingered at the end.

    "What? Why?"

    "I am very sorry. That was never my intention but you see. We will go to war soon and we need to prepare." She said

    "Yes. For victory, not for our deaths" The man said and Alex looked at his so called mother in confusion.

    "All I am saying is that we need to be prepared."

    "Do you mind letting me in your conversation?"

    "You see, I have created a spell for you. In case¡­"

    "She has created a spell for you, for when you die" The man said with sorrow and finally motioned to reveal his face.

    It was too late though because Alex could already hear someone calling him, outside of his dream world. He felt a nudging on his shoulder and his eyelids flattered impatiently.

    "Wake up she is here" Mark told him but he was still slightly disoriented by his unusual dream. He rubbed his temples with his hands frowning.

    "I think I am losing my mind" He mumbled.

    "What?"

    "It''s nothing. Where is she?" Alex asked as he got up, noticing how the three men had now disappeared. The only one there still was the police officer at the front desk, writing something on a blue notebook, not even looking at them.

    "She said she is going to wear her uniform. She will be here" Mark informed him and soon the sound of heels echoed in the silent room. The familiar woman appeared not looking at them with the slighted bit of hospitality as she locked eyes with Alex. Her curly hair was in a very tense bun at the top of her head and she approached them wary of everyone around her, meaning the only other police man in the room.

    "You two shouldn''t be here. You should be at the compound. There are hunters out there." She warned them with a cautious look.

    "We are humans; they wouldn''t hurt us" Mark said.

    "Maybe not you, but him. He is in danger" she said looking at Alex.

    "So you know about me?"

    "Yes. I always did. That you were not human."

    "Then can you help me? I found this." Alex said and showed her the ripped paper. "I have this sign on my back. Is it really true? That I am not a human?"

    "Yes it''s true. You are just suppressed in this human form. That''s why I called Adam last time, but he didn''t want to hear me out. He was so angry at his son that he didn''t care. I angered Luke too because of that"

    "I have so many questions. Is it alright if we could meet somewhere else? When you are done with work? Please." He begged her. She looked at both of them, so young and in so much trouble from s early on. These boys must have been through a lot to come to a stranger for answers instead to the people they were living with. She let out a sigh and headed towards the desk asking a piece of paper from the man there.

    She scribbled something down and handed it to Alex. It was her address.

    "Come here tomorrow morning so we can talk. I can tell you a few things but I don''t know a lot. Only what my vision showed me. For now, you can find a hotel not too far from here. Just take a left turn and a five-minute walk straight. There is a cheap one."

    "Thank you. I promise I will repay you one day" Alex told her, his eyes shining with hope for the first time in days. Finally, someone was willing to talk without him having to get tortured.

    "It''s okay. We are all confused at first. I wish I had someone to help me. I would have made much better choices back then. Now go get some rest you both look horrible."

    "Well thanks like we already knew that" Mark said with a scoff and she smiled.

    "I hope things get better soon. I will see you tomorrow"

    "Yes, again thank you very much."

    Alex thanked her. He wanted to thank her many more times. He didn''t know how else to express his gratitude for what she was willing to do. She didn''t seem to want something in return either and that''s what brought a massive relief to him.

    He walked outside with Mark ready for once to spend a night in peace.

    Unfortunately, though his hopes would shatter soon, because fate was cruel to the kind.

 Chapter 57 - Match 57

    Hello if you are interested please listen to this song while reading this chapter. I believe it matches very well. Experience by Ludovico Einaudi.

    Enjoy!

    He couldn''t really believe it and as he looked at himself in the dirty mirror of their cheap hotel room it seemed more and more impossible.

    Mark was still asleep, sprawled out in the bed they had to share last night while Alex had woken up early if he had even slept at all. He couldn''t take his eyes off that bathroom mirror. Normal eyes, normal teeth, normal ears everything about him was completely normal, he felt normal but still everything else was pointing to a different direction.

    One thing had changed though. Ever since he read that paper that storm inside him seemed to have been put to rest abruptly. He didn''t feel that straining clash of emotions anymore and he could say that, contradicting to the fact that his world was crumbling, he felt calmer now.

    Was it that he needed to know that? To explain why he was in a constant fight with himself and his thoughts. It seemed that he was fighting with another part of him. The abnormal one that was desperately trying to surface.

    What was going to happen if he succeeded? If Alex remembered everything one day? Would he still be Alex or would he turn into someone else , losing his self right now completely. It was difficult to grasp the idea of being someone else. Of not belonging in your own body and suddenly his flesh seemed only like a temporary host. His form? He couldn''t remember. His voice, his actions and everything that made him Alex would be different? Or would he just remember and adjust. Remember all those things that created that hole inside of him.

    Mark was right. It did make sense in a way but at the same time it didn''t. It didn''t cause he couldn''t see that change. That fight inside of him for himself to wake up. He was just standing there frozen with teary eyes, scared that he would disappear.

    He remembered Luke''s words. He was scared to lose him, he said. Was this the fear that destroyed him every day? That turned him into someone else? The fear of him disappearing? He could understand a little better now that he knew but in his heart it was so difficult to forgive him. They could have figured this out together, try to find a way out of this darkness together and not turn at each other. There was time. While Alex still looked at him filled with fondness, impatient of what the future would bring. While Luke in his eyes was amazing and funny and strong. Not a liar and a manipulator. They could have made it. All they needed to do was talk. He just needed to trust him but why? Why was it so hard? Alex wondered. His initial anger towards him had seemed to subside a bit. He could see now another side of the story but still, there was nothing to be done.

    It was too late for their love.

    "Hey, are you alright?" He heard Mark call him with his morning voice, his eyes still half open.

    "Could it be that I just lost him?" Alex asked Mark filled with sorrow. "It''s the end now?"

    Mark was expecting this reaction. He was wondering when Alex would just show he is hurt. It seemed like he was perceiving everything too well. Like he smiled forcibly, like he breathed with a difficulty and it was hard to see his friend like that. Like it''s hard to live, to breathe. As if it''s hard to be happy or even just alright and he felt hopeless because he didn''t know how to fix it. I am your friend, I want to help you but I can''t I wish I could, he though filled with sadness. He didn''t know what to do or what to say. He couldn''t ease his pain. He could just stand on the side and watch as he was losing everything, even himself.

    "Alex no, listen to me. It''s not the end" he said and approached him, pulling him into a hug. "You are young. You are smart. You are beautiful. You are kind how could it be the end for someone like you. You will get to live and enjoy life. You will get to fulfill your dreams and be the you, you always wanted so don''t give up. Nothing ends at our first love. Nothing ends at our first disappointment. Nothing ends when we hurt. It''s only a beginning. All you have to do is not give up. Because you deserve to be happy. Everyone does."

    "What if leaving was a mistake? What if I could fix things with him but I decided to leave, like a coward?"

    "You were constantly being lied to, taken advantage of. You hoped and hoped and tried but it''s not only right for one person to try. Fate? We never thought of that. Is not important. You write your own fate and I know it hurts now. Everything happened so suddenly and you keep digging up more truths but in the end you will be free. Just don''t give up. You decide your own fate. No one else. Not some forest goddess or everyone else. You know what''s best for you and if leaving was the best thing you could think at that moment then it was. Because you know yourself better than anyone else. You know how strong you are and you can do it." Mark told him passionately.

    Humans, mortals, weak and blind to the secrets of the world but it didn''t matter because they were not bound by a stupid word called fate. They could decide. Alex had to decide. Everyone wishes of a legendary love, of one that almost seems like out of a book you would read a spring day or a winter evening. Not everything was like that though, right from the start, with romantic words and caring touches. Playful laughs and beautiful memories and not everyone found immediately the right person or made the right choices. The important thing was to have the strength to move on. Even if you''re scared, so one day you could find that.

    Alex looked at him with tears in his eyes. Sometimes we must do what it''s best for us. We must keep going even if it hurts us because we deserve to be happy at the end.

    "Let''s go get ready now. We got to meet Clarissa. She will give us a few more answers. Isn''t that great?" Mark said trying to cheer him up and Alex nodded while sniffling.

    "Yeah let''s go." He agreed and they got ready. Not doing anything much. They didn''t have that many spare clothes anyway. They took showers and left. Exploring the unfamiliar streets until they headed to the apartment building.

    They pressed her name on the massive doorbell but no one seemed to answer. They tried again but no luck.

    Soon a man appeared wanting to get inside, he took out his keys and opened the door

    "Do you mind if we get inside?" Mark asked him.

    "You don''t live here." The old man said. Looking at them suspiciously.

    "Yeah we don''t. But our friend Clarissa is at work and she sent us to fetch something for her, she forgot to give us the keys though and it''s too much of a hustle to get back." He lied.

    The man stood quiet for a while as he looked at the two young boys. They definitely seemed suspicious but at the same time harmless. The man not really caring about it so much in the end since they didn''t seem actually willing to hurt him he moved to the side and let them pass.

    Alex and Mark worried that he might change his mind, hurried off from the stairs after they thanked him a few times.

    Thankfully the apartment wasn''t on the tenth floor or anything torturing like that. Still Mark was slightly panting when they stopped at the beginning of the long corridor. It had a very dirty floor that seemed to haven''t been cleaned in a long time and many mint colored doors, most of them had faded with time and sometimes when they passed by one they could hear someone talking or the TV playing.

    "Mark stop" Alex suddenly told him and halted his steps by putting his arm in front of him.

    "What?" The ginger asked and his friend pointed at a door. The one that had Clarissa''s apartment number on.

    The door was slightly open.

    "Why is her door open like that." Alex now whispered and both boys took cautious steps towards the apartment.

    The mint door was not fully open but there was an obvious slit that provided a very faint image of the room. There were papers on the carpeted floor, the curtains dancing inside the room from the morning air. But Alex subconsciously focused on the floor. On that very big, sugar colored carpet with red dots as its design. At first he didn''t know why his eyes immediately stopped there but soon he realized.

    Red dots. Yes, but not everywhere.

    Alex''s eyes expanded and his jaw dropped before he opened the door in a hurry, getting inside and pulling Mark in too.

    The red head was ready to scream but he covered his mouth with his own hands not wanting to alarm anyone around. It would be beneficial to their escape or in general if they were found out in the apartment right now.

    The carpet did not have any dots and the furniture were not thrown upside down just because of the design. The floor was filled with glass shards from the broken balcony window.

    Those dots were blood and right in the middle of the room was Clarissa. Her limps in very unnatural positions. Her mouth open in an attempt to scream and her eyes wide open. An expression of terror was engraved on her face as her throat was dressed in a bloody necklace.

    Clarissa was dead. Someone had slit her throat open.

    ....

    I would love to know how the story seems to you so far! I hope that you are enjoying it. Thanks

 Chapter 58 - Match 58

    Alex still not fully aware of what was happening approached the lifeless body. She seemed to be holding something on her hand that was sprawled out far away from her body.

    "Don''t touch anything!" Mark half shouted half whispered at his friend. "Fingerprints."

    "Yeah but doesn''t she seem to be trying to keep it away? Like she didn''t want the killer to notice it or take it." Alex commented and Mark shrugged his shoulders to state that he didn''t know.

    Criminal shows were his least favourite on TV and he still wasn''t as used to as Alex was to staring a dead person in the eyes. It was a shame though. She had been very nice to them when they met. Offering selfishly her help to them. But sadly once again they lost their chance to get some answers but probably he shouldn''t be thinking about that. Since the poor woman was dead.

    "I''m going to get it very carefully." Alex said and tip toed closer to the body, grasping the thing with the edges of his index and thumb making sure that he has no contact with her body, not only because of his fingerprints but also because she was dead. Touching her scared him.

    The object didn''t slip easily from her hand as it seemed she had a tight grasp on it before she died. After a few tried though Alex managed to get it only to realize it was a phone. Opened up to the video app.

    Both of them looked at it confused but decided not to do anything further when they heard footsteps approaching. Mark''s eyes widened and he pulled his friend away out of the apartment seconds before two familiar faces appeared in the corridor.

    The two of them had found refuge at the corner of the other side of the corridor. When another stair began going upwards and down. Both of them were not even breathing. They knew they would be easily notify the people of their presence with their extreme hearing.

    Alex believed his heart was about to break. It felt like they were standing at the edge of a cliff and big droplets of sweat had started gathering at his temples. Nonetheless he focused very hard to hear what they were talking about.

    "I can''t believe that you convinced him to kill them" a woman said. It was Lily. They hadn''t seen her in a while. She was definitely scheming something after all.

    "Well, it took a while. Thank god she called you and not Luke to tell you that his mate was here. That was funny" the man said. "Now you know he won''t find him soon" The man said. It was Luke''s cousin.

    He couldn''t really process the information properly. It was too outrageous to him. Clarissa had made the mistake to call Lilly and tell her that they were here and Lily not wanting Luke to find out where they were she had her killed. Was Luke looking for him? Maybe he was worried, anxiously searching. He felt guilty. For everything. For making him sad and above all for Clarissa''s death. It was his fault.

    "We need to leave" Mark mouthed and grabbed Alex''s sleeve pointing with his head the fire escape.

    It was a small window that led to an outside ladder. It was too dangerous to get down from inside the building. He approached it and slowly opened it. Mark went out first landing on the small metal space. Alex too crawled at the frame and stepped out but when he tried to pull out his other leg so he could fully step outside he felt someone pushing him brutally in.

    "Well, well, well. I couldn''t be more lucky" he heard Lily say.

    Alex threw the phone outside and shouted at his friend to run. Mark at first hesitated not wanting to leave him alone but he decided it was better for him to get help. He had to get back to the compound and get Luke as much as he didn''t want to.

    He ran down the metal stairs not looking behind. He knew that if he did he would go back for Alex and that could probably do more good than bad.

    "So, did you get your answers? I bet you didn''t " she said while Alex was kicking trying to get away from Sam''s grip.

    "If Luke finds you..."

    "He will do nothing. He knows you left him. He is very angry at you. I''m probably doing you a favour" she said and gave him a smile, two rows of perfectly white teeth that he so much wished to punch. "Since this is godsend luck for me I don''t know what I will do with you yet. But for now Sam you can knock him out. You don''t have to be gentle." She ordered him and he grinned from ear to ear. It was obvious that this tacky man did not like him very much.

    All he remembered seeing was his ugly face and big nose before he threw him to the floor and his face made immediate contact with the floor. After that everything turned dark.

    ....

    Mark kept running and running, letting out huge breaths so he could keep going. He had to find the bus stop and head back to the compound, fast.

    He had to do something before they hurt Alex. He was sure that this woman was crazy, you could see it in her soulless eyes that she didn''t take Luke''s rejection well. For all he cared they could live and prosper together as long as they didn''t hurt Alex. He wasn''t a part of their dark past but she still chose to bring him in to an unfair fight.

    Sadly he had no plan. He had decided that he would find Mikael first. He would be best at dealing with his psycho friend but it was as much as he could think of as he stood at the empty bus stop. Inside of him despite his worry he felt a relief that he would meet Mikael. He felt a lot safer with him around and he was sure that he would help finding a way.

    The bus approached once more contemplating if he wanted to let him board or not. This time though he didn''t thank anyone as he got in, he just ran at the back and took the phone out. Its screen was now broken at the top right corner but thankfully it still worked. He pressed the screen carefully and navigated to the app they had found the phone. It wasn''t Lily or Sam who had killed her. They had someone else do it and they should know who. Be sure to stay away from a monster that does not hesitate to kill an innocent.

    Clarissa had no reason to die. They could have let her leave and if they wanted so badly for them to not know the truth or for Luke to meet Alex they could have just threatened her to kick them out. Not even see them and it would be that easy to achieve their goal. But these people were wicked. They were enjoying this irrational game and the life of one human was more a plaything in their palms rather than something precious.

    They didn''t see life the same way they did. They lived for centuries of course they didn''t value something like that. They couldn''t understand how fleeting human life was and how treasured every moment for them was.

    Thinking about all that he found himself hating them and he wasn''t the kind of person to do that. This adventure had changed him a lot. Towards good or bad he didn''t know as he pressed the last video.

    He muted it making sure that the passengers would not hear any screams or guns and began watching.

    At first there was a very shaky scene of the room. The furniture were in their right place and the house seemed very neat. In just a few moments though it had turned into a slaughter house. It was so peculiar how a video or an image could stay the same forever even if the person or the place didn''t exist anymore. Maybe they trapped a part of their soul. Keeping them there forever, alive in those moments. Clarissa had videotaped the moment of her death, keeping that moment on going forever again and again and Mark couldn''t help but shed tears. It was so unfair.

    The video kept playing. She placed the phone in her pocket with the camera pointing towards the door. Someone was knocking. At first it was smooth. Two very silent knocks but then it became intense like the person couldn''t wait. The woman flinched at the tension. She knew it wasn''t them. She had looked from the little hole on the door. She had seen her killer but she had no way of getting out. She was trapped like a helpless mouse. How could she, even if she was special, escape one of them. Ancient monsters.

    She opened the door and Mark''s eyed widened as the man walked in. His heart broke. It was the first time he felt pain like this. It was soul breaking disappointment as he saw him walk inside and close the door behind him.

    Clarissa started running. Scared the frames became shaky. She was probably begging for her life. She didn''t give up but it was pointless. In the blink of an eye he would catch up and he did. He jumped on her slitting her throat with his sharp nails.

    In the blink of an eye she was dead. Lifeless. It was all over her. She wouldn''t smile again she wouldn''t dream she would actually live but a part of her soul, of her pain would always be in this video. She wanted to warn them even at her last moment she had thought of helping them and Mark wiped his eyes trying to stop crying.

    Why did he have to do it? Why him? Of all the people why did he have to have killed her? He believed in him. They had laughed together, made jokes he had saved him so many times so why? Why couldn''t he save her too. Why did he have to be her doom.

    Why did Mikael have to kill her?

 Chapter 59 - Match 59

    He needed to hear. He needed to know what he had said to her as he killed her. While he was playing God and taking another''s person life away.

    He looked around and noticed a young girl. Not older than eighteen listening to music with her earphones while reading a book. He didn''t care if he seemed weird. A crying wreck he tapped her shoulder and still sniffling he tried to speak.

    "I...I''m sorry...Can I borrow your earphones. Just for a second please" he begged her and she looked at him confused. Nonetheless she removed them from her ears and her phone and handed them to him.

    He sat at the seat behind her now so she wouldn''t think she would steal them and plugged them to Clarissa''s phone. He took a deep breath feeling his lungs hurt and his body to get heavy and replayed the cursed video, this time listening to everything.

    "Please Mikael you don''t have to do this" she begged. "Please I don''t want to die." She cried and began running.

    She was begging, helpless. He could feel her fear and the desperation in her voice.

    "I''m sorry" Mikael said. "I''m really sorry" he repeated after his nails had teared her skin apart.

    They hadn''t said anything else. It was just this. I''m sorry. He didn''t say another word before he killed her. Mark wanted to throw the phone away and burn it, step on it, destroy it. The video though continued. It wouldn''t show anything else he knew it. But now the phone in Clarissa''s hand revealed another scene.

    Mark looked carefully at how he fell to his knees. Looking at his bloody hands in shock. He was breathing heavily and tears started dumping his flushed cheeks.

    And then he did it.

    He screamed. A defeating scream that almost made Mark scream too. Filled with anguish and pain. Emitting regret. A scream that would make anyone''s neck hurt. That it wouldn''t allow you to speak for days. He hated himself at that moment. He was the bad guy, the murdered but why Mark felt sorry for him.

    He was hurting for him as he tried to wipe the blood away frantically. As he wiped the tears away painting his face red, the blood stains of a sacrifice. He cried and cried and Mark cried with him being tortured as he watched him melt down for the first time through the small screen.

    Mikael stood up stumbling outside the room as he kept mumbling. Like a drunk man, like someone who had been beaten to a pulp he tried to get on his feet but how could he? How could he stand tall after what he had done. The pressure of his crime was pulling him down where he belonged. To the ground and if he could burry himself a grave at that moment and do it he would. He would just disappear. If he could exchange his life for her he would do that too. His eyes were obvious. A stormy sea filled with lighting and thunder.

    "I''m sorry, I''m really sorry...I had no choice."

    Mark took off the earphones and handed them back to the girl who was looking at him concerned. He said a halfhearted thank you and returned back to his where he turned into a small ball, wrapping his hands around his knees, hiding his face, closing his eyes and facing the endless darkness. He was sick of it. Sick of all this despair that came from nothing. He didn''t think he was emotionally affected by the situation. It was just happening to a person that he loved and he was sad but it was different now. Somehow as he saw Mikael commit such an atrocity he felt a bone breaking pain and he couldn''t stop crying. He believed in him and he was hurting for him because he liked him, he had from the start. He liked his jokes and his stormy eyes, the playful tone of his voice and his witty remarks, he liked all of him, but he couldn''t overlook it.

    He had just killed someone

    ¡­.

    Everything had been dark for a while. And Alex felt a warmth. For a second he thought he was awake but immediately he understood he was wrong. He was wrong because he had never felt as comfortable in his life as he did now.

    He was standing at an endless garden, with pretty rock paved paths and running fountains that had little marbled angels. All around him he could see green and the colors of the rainbow in many different flowers, a lot of them he couldn''t recognize as he was seeing them for the first time. The aroma was sweet but the chirping of the birds was sweeter as it rhythmically escorted his outing. It wasn''t really an outing though. He was standing with his knees slightly bent one leg in front of the other and he was holding a spear. A very familiar spear. Pretty and elegant.

    Someone was pacing behind him but he didn''t turn around to look. He knew who it was but at the same time he didn''t. Oh, how he wished to command himself to turn around but there was no point as he was nothing but a mere observant.

    He felt a strong arm with delicate fingers cup the hand which he was holding the spear. The person behind him fixed his form. Carefully touching and moving his puppet like a doll and he was surprised he allowed someone to touch him like that. Those touched lasted a bit more than they should, were more gentle than usual and they left a hot trail where they touched.

    "You know; you are so good with Light magic but your fighting stance is not merely as good" the soothing voice was heard again, as he was joking.

    "Well excuse me for being a more...intellectual kind of man" Alex low key insulted his instructor but he just laughed it off.

    "I am a brute then?" He asked him.

    "You said it not me" Alex chuckled and grasped the spear harder, ready to throw it towards an apple tree trunk.

    "If you throw it like that it won''t hit" he told him and took a few steps closer, uniting their bodies. He pulled his arm back and helped him throw the spear. It was lacking in power though and it didn''t reach the tree. Alex looked at it disappointed and sighed.

    "I am starting to think that I am useless in this." He said. His eyes had not met the man''s, his face still unknown. He could feel his hot breath though landing on the back of his neck and he hugged him. Wrapping strong arms around his body. He lifted him up and swirled him around playfully as the green eyed boy squeaked and began laughing.

    "How could someone like you be useless?" he asked him and kissed his exposed shoulder. His white shirt had a pair of very big sleeves that would fall towards one side of his body exposing his skin.

    "I don''t know."

    "Just think. It''s the same with your light magic. Just find that power inside you, that force and just¡­explode"

    "I don''t want to kill anyone though"

    "What if you need to protect your people?"

    "I think there are always better ways than fighting." He told him and let out a sigh. The man smiled slightly as he looked at his lover. He was so ethereal. His hair in beautiful honey waves were touching his shoulders, his eyes were shinning a bright green under the sun, pretty pink cheeks from the exhaustion of practice and such kissable red lips.

    "You are the most beautiful creature on this earth" he told him, adoring him just with his voice.

    "Beautiful? Not handsome?" he said with a pout.

    "Who cares, with a face like yours the word beauty loses its abstract meaning and takes form in your existence" He complimented him and suddenly turned him around.

    That was when everything started to turn blurry and the raven haired man in front of him began to disappear. The beautiful garden turned into dust and he was left alone listening to his advice, his words echoing in the walls of his unconscious brain.

    "Just explode¡­find that power in you" he told him and Alex abruptly woke up with tears in his eyes.

    He already missed that comfort and the sharp calmness of that voice. Where was this person and why couldn''t he see the man who presented him such sweet words and caring touches? He looked around him still lost from the haze of the dream to realize that everything was dark. He had been kidnapped by them again. By that vicious woman who enjoyed his misfortune.

    He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Trying to find a source of sound. When he attempted to move he realized that he wasn''t restrained so that meant he was locked somewhere. He couldn''t hear anything and his vision was contained by the darkness. Alex took a few hesitant steps to reach a door that was in front of him. He touched it to realize that it was made from wood. He paced on the room, wall to wall to find out that it was a very small square room. Completely empty. As he circled it he reached the door again. He touched it to notice something he didn''t have before, in his short touch.

    The wood was warm. He touched the metal knob to hiss from the heat of it and he soon saw smoke entering the room from the small slit underneath the door. He began panicking. He knocked on it screaming, smoke getting to his lungs from his mouth and he started coughing like he was choking. His eyes began to burn as staying in this room was becoming more and more unbearable. Now he could hear sounds. The sound of many fiery tongues that burned everything to their paths. He knocked again and again hoping that someone would get him out.

    It was pointless though. It was clear what was happening even if he didn''t want to believe it.

    They had set the building on fire, to kill him.

    He would end up dying there. Alone, filled with all these ifs and whys. His life would end before it even began.

 Chapter 60 - Match 60

    Mark had to live past it at the moment. Pretend he didn''t know who the vicious criminal was and ask for his help. That thought pained him as he stepped off the bus ready to enter that hellish compound again.

    He was so happy when Alex had decided to leave this place behind. Set his own course and move on from a relationship that was toxic and abusive. It would be a new beginning for him and a way to understand who he really was without being hurt or taken advantage of because of his emotions.

    So as he passed the entrance gate, stepping on the dump grass he felt like they had taken a huge step back. No matter what they did it seemed as this place was dangerously whispering into their ears to return. Because they were dealing with foes a lot stronger than them, bigger and meaner so that meant they were weak and vulnerable. All they could ever do is ask for help and beg for mercy. Lose their pride and forgive even if they didn''t want to. The price to pay for ensuring their lives was big but none of them was ready to give up yet.

    He pushed the tremendous door with all his might and panting , huffing and swearing he ran like crazy through the swirly halls. He turned at every corner, he checked every place he knew and even Mikael''s room only to realize that this whole place was probably empty.

    There was no one there, all the lights turned off and the room doors open like they all left in a hurry. It was completely deserted and Mark stood still in agony. What was he supposed to do right now?

    All of them had simply disappeared like they never existed. Like it was almost some kind of very realistic dream. Their stuff was still there though, he had entered this place, lived in it but now only ghosts and bugs existed.

    He walked out feeling completely defeated. How could he get help now? Who should he ask? He wondered as he fell on the soft ground, feeling the little water drops on the grass dump his jeans. He sighed and messed up his hair in annoyance, crazy red locks moving here and there on his sculp.

    "I''m such an idiot. I shouldn''t have left" he said taking the blame. If he had stayed they would be together. But he ran hoping to get some help but no one ever told him that they would be here to help them every time they called.

    Where could everyone go? At a time like this! Yesterday every single one of these annoying people was still here but now, now they had decided to magically vanish! He never liked them anyway. He shouted in the air to let all the frustration out and sat up.

    There had to be another way. He would find one. He was Luke''s mate. They wouldn''t dare to hurt him, would they?

    "What are you doing here?" He heard a voice and his eyes in a hurry tried to spot the source. There was a man. He had seen him before together with that Elf Prince. He was his butler or something.

    "You!" He shouted and ran towards Ea. The raven haired elf looking at him like he was crazy.

    "You are not a wolf. You are a human." He pointed out.

    "No shit Sherlock. Do you know where the wolves went? I need help."

    "The whole compound has been evacuated to avoid the threat of the hunters. They are all at the Disee tribe palace. I came to see if there is anyone left." He explained.

    So all of them had ran away to the Veil. They literally had left their home to go and hide. That was very heroic. Mark thought and scoffed. There were children too, he guessed. Those should definitely leave.

    "Look. You might not know me but I am a friend of Alex''s . He is Luke''s mate. The future Alpha. But you see one of their own kidnapped him. I need help to save him. So please take me to Luke."

    "I cannot take humans to the Veil. I do not have that authorization." Ea said strictly.

    "Then bring him here." Mark told him

    "I do not have that authorization either."

    Mark looked at him annoyed.

    "Do you have authorization to do anything?" He asked.

    "To serve my master and the Elf Tribe."

    "Listen here you posy butler. You will take me there either you want it or not because if Luke finds out that you knew about his mate and something happened to him you would be in so much trouble. You won''t even imagine. Not to mention your master. Luke would rip him to shreds." Ea while listening to his words he laughed. No one could touch his master.

    "Is Alex the boy with the green eyes?" Ea asked and Mark nodded.

    The elf remembered how his master had looked at him. It was a look he hadn''t seen in a long while. His confused eyes or the smile he gave him. It was very unusual for him. The shadow caster of dawn to actually treat someone like him so...naturally.

    "Well, since you humored me I will take you there. But I do not promise anything" he said

    "Thank you! How do we get there?" Mark asked and the elf tended his hand.

    "Touch me."

    "Excuse me?"

    "Take my hand you idiot." He shouted and Mark with a perplexed look touched his pale skin.

    In a second they had disappeared into thin air.

    ....

    Was living a life like this pointless if it had to end in such a way? Was believing there would be a better day tomorrow or the day after fruitless when now was a constant torture?

    He was already beaten by the world. No matter how hard he tried every time someone stronger, someone who wished his destruction would appear and bring him down.

    Someone was mentally breaking his legs all over again and again the moment he tried to stand up. He had decided to leave. Mark his own path and find the truth about himself. He had just found out that he wasn''t human but as it seemed his supernatural side would not be of any help anytime soon.

    As the smoke entered his lungs and his body got heavier he regretted everything. He regretted even existing in the first place. He should have reincarnated. He should have just stayed dead if all he would experience in his life was death and torment once more.

    He coughed and felt the bitter taste of the smoke. He was on the warm floor and he could imagine the burning army of flames approaching him, hungry for his flesh. Alex would die like this. Alone. Scarred by a hopeless love without not even a hope of a happy tomorrow.

    He would get killed. Again and again until he came to life again to hurt more and more. This was his fate. Mark was wrong. You can''t escape fate. You can''t escape those three old ladies that with their strings and scissors played with your life like a marionette show. Like you weren''t really someone important. Just a doll.

    Still there was that voice. That sound. That nurture. You are the most beautiful existence. That touch he had dreamed of. The sadness in his voice when he spoke about the spell.

    That person. He was out there waiting. He was out there hurting. He was sure of it and Alex, he, he was going to die again and leave him. He would leave him without even knowing what his face is like. He would turn into ash without knowing about his past.

    That beautiful woman. His mother. She looked at him with so much love. Was she alive? Was she waiting too? Mark was there and Mikael. Even Luke. He cared about Luke, he wished to see him smile again one day. He was the one who had saved him after all. He had opened up that world to him and even if they weren''t meant to be, even if Alex had decided that there would never be love another kind of bond had formed.

    He couldn''t leave without making things right. There were so many things that needed to be done and he could not let himself get lost in this agony.

    The fire inside of him would rage a war on everything. There was a face he needed to see. A story he needed to discover.

    He needed to find himself and he would never leave those flames or some unimportant girl end his story before it even began. He would change and he would change everything around him.

    Searching for a support he tried to get up. He scratched the door and screamed. He prayed to hold on to a little more. He wished to find a way. He run towards the door slamming his elbow and he kicked and cried. His nails getting bloody he still fought.

    He closed his eyes taking a deep breath. The words of that man. He had a power inside him. He knew it.

    All he needed to do was...

    Explode.

    ....

    I think through Alex''s inner monologue we can all see a bit of ourselves.

    When you have a hard time and think that everything is pointless. Even if the harsh now seems like it will never end please don''t give up.

    You are the main character of your own story.

    Thank you for reading!

 Chapter 61 - Match 61

    Fairy tales seemed to not give the land of myths any justice no matter how divine they described them. All the stories his mother had read him when he was a child, all the pretty adjectives could never describe a place like this. Mark could not even think of the right words as the endless lands unraveled in front of him.

    It was a place of strong winter. Thick white snow, pure and soft not the grey dirty stuff you would see in the cities. The trees were tall and skinny stalagmites shinning from their branches like diamonds and in the middle of those lands an enormous castle stood, like made of glass.

    Tall towers and silver doors, snowflakes covered in them as a design. Mark couldn''t feel the cold. Just a strong chill in his body and he didn''t know if it was magic or his awe overtaking him.

    "Close your mouth mortal. Welcome to The Veil and the Land of The Disee Tribe. The elven tribe of dusk" he told him with pride as they walked a short path till they entered the castle.

    Elves stood at the door guarding it. All of them tall and elegant with dark colored haired and heavy clothing. Their ears were slightly red at the tips from the cold.

    The palace was bustling with life. Elves ran around holding blankets and trays with warm drinks. Mark looked down and he realized that he could see his own refection at the floor. He indeed looked very shocked.

    A huge crystal staircase was right in front of him and when Ea starting going up he hesitated. What if it broke?

    "Let''s go. You said you wanted to see Luke. He is the grand hall with my master and the rest of the wolves." Ea explained.

    He took small steps, careful as he made sure to hold tightly the cold railings. It was like everything in this palace was made of ice. It shone and it was cold to the touch. Fragile but incredibly beautiful.

    He opened a huge tear shaped door glass door. It was made from pretty light blue glass that showed the figures inside, blurry.

    Everyone was there. At least everyone he knew of. They had all gathered sitting on the floor wrapped in blankets.

    "Is it always winter here?" Mark asked. He didn''t know why he asked that question. It was very weird but as he saw Theseus he though he looked a lot like winter. If someone could look like that. A dark snowy night. That was what he resembled.

    "Yes. After Prince Allias died. It has always been winter. He was the one who managed the changes in seasons. My master sadly can''t do that." Ea told him.

    He wanted to ask him a lot more. About the frozen throne at the end of the room. Made from sharp pieces of ice creating a very dominating seat. About the chandelier on the light blue ceiling and the valuable jewels that hanged from it. This place seemed like a work of art.

    He spotted with his eyes Mikael and Luke though and at the same time they did too. Mikael stood up and ran towards him, with a relieved expression.

    "You are alright" he told him but Mark''s eyes were distant his stance wary.

    "You know." The blue eyed boy simply stated and Mark nodded. His world shattered at that moment. He opened his lips to say something. To ask for forgiveness but Mark just bypassed him. This wasn''t the right time for this and no matter how much he wanted to make everything about them he had to find and save Alex. Who was all alone, waiting.

    "Where is Alex. Is he done with this tantrum of his?" Luke asked and Mark wanted to punch him so bad. He hated asking for his help. He didn''t want to, he was disgusted by him.

    So he very rudely bypassed him too leaving the two wolves stunned. He walked towards the icy throne where one man stood. His had his elbow on one of the arm rests and he rested his chin lazily as he overlooked the room.

    His interest was piqued once he saw him approach but he didn''t show it.

    "How come there is a human in my palace?" Theseus asked him with a smirk.

    "I need your help."

    "My help? Why not theirs? You lived with them did you not?"

    Mark looked at him very carefully. He knew that his answer would defy if he would give them his help. He looked like a man who liked to be entertained. The red haired tried to think of a small detail. Of something that would make him want to help.

    And he found it.

    On the back of his palm Theseus had a tattoo. It was a silver crescent moon with a star. A line began at the end of the moon traveling all the way up his arm until his neck. It was definitely a different design but the style was the same. It was exactly the same artwork as Alex''s there was no doubt about that.

    He had been so shocked by the refined art that he used to stare at it for a long time. He remembered it very clearly.

    "That tattoo. Alex has one. On his back. It''s a sun" Mark stated. "He is one of you isn''t he?" He asked Theseus.

    His purple eyes slightly expanded at his statement. His body tensed and his bored movement suddenly became sharp as he stood up and approached Mark. He grabbed him bringing him closer as he whispered intensely.

    "What did you just say?"

    "You heard me."

    "Are you lying boy? Because if you are I will destroy you. And it will be painful"

    "I am not."

    "Do not speak of anyone about this. Do not reveal what you know and especially to your friend"

    "Why? Are you planning on lying to him too? Did you know him? In that previous life?"

    "Me? Lie? I would never. It''s just that he...he has a mate now." he said and his eyes avoided Mark''s. he was with someone else now. "Also if they find out he will be in danger. But since you are his friend I will tell you this, yes he is an elf and yes he is someone very important. Also he will not awaken if the information is fed to him. He needs to remember on his own." he said and his eyes saddened.

    Mark could make many assumptions. Continue his train of thought for a while but the arrival of Luke stopped him.

    "Where is Alex?" He asked Mark again. He was agitated by his indifference. It was obvious, after all he had chose to go to what seemed to be his enemy and not him, Alex''s mate. Mark didn''t care about it. It was obvious they did not like each other.

    "It seems that''s what we need to find out" Theseus said.

    "Lily and Sam kidnapped him. They know where he is." Mark revealed to the two leaders.

    Luke gasped and his anger didn''t take long to reveal itself. His silver eyes scanned the room, his nostrils flared and as he spotted them he had decided.

    This time he would not let them go.

    .....

    He was trying to get up. He was too weak now and all he could do was shout with his raspy voice but he knew he would lose it soon.

    He closed his eyes remembering these words.

    Explode...Explode...Explode.

    He did. He became something stronger. He burned hotter than this fire. He shone brighter than those flames. He was light and light had no form. He was strong and he busted that door open, pure light coming out from his palms, from his back, from every pore of his body. It was almost like this radiance was kept caged inside him, a hidden power he could never imagine he had and as he set it free he was releasing a part of himself too.

    He had made everything around him silent and as the door opened he was invisible. He couldn''t be touched by those fiery tongues anymore. He had found that strength inside of him and while leaving his instinct guide him he found himself outside.

    He left a burning warehouse behind him. His body filled with burns but he couldn''t feel the pain. He couldn''t feel anything as he was trying to find the energy to even move, breathe.

    There was no power left. It was just a short instant. A short instant where his true nature escaped from his mortal body. That power had exhausted him though, even more and he was in the middle of nowhere probably very far away from the town while no one knew he was here.

    He could hear the burning building behind him. Of course that was the reason why no one had come for him. No fire fighters, no police. There was probably nothing around here for a very long distance.

    He stumbled and fell on the ground getting up again and again as he felt the cold wind clash with his injured skin.

    "I did it" he mumbled. "Thank you" he expressed his gratitude towards the voice in his head.

    That crucial advice that had saved his life. He knew now, a memory from the past had gifted him his future and he couldn''t be happier. Happier but also weaker.

    His vision was blurry as he took uncertain steps here and there when he finally couldn''t anymore. His eyelids and body became heavy as he suddenly lost all control of his limbs.

    His fall almost felt to him like it was in slow motion and the pain of the crush was anticipated but never came. He fell onto someone. A strong chest and two arms wrapped around him.

    He raised his head and tried to focus to recognize who had caught him so carefully. At least he had escaped the pain of the fall. With his damaged skin he would probably shrivel in pain.

    He couldn''t see. All he heard was a sentence.

    "Dad, there is an injured boy here"

    ....

    Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed reading and if you can please support this book.

    A quick question. From the flashbacks you''ve read and the new characters how do they seem to you?

    To be honest you guys are a very good source of criticism for me because through your comments I can see if my story is going towards the right direstion and if it''s getting through to you the way I want to.

    So I would appreciate the feedback. Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 62 - Match 62

    Mark, willingly let Mikael and Luke play hide and seek with those two idiots until they found out where they had taken Alex. They kept trying to run away in the castle like two rats being chased by a cat and Mark could not believe that these immature people had lived for centuries. Especially that blonde annoying girl who acted like she was sixteen-year-old and even less.

    While they did their own thing and let him alone he decided that he was going to pressure Theseus more. If he could get a few more answers he would welcome them anytime but he wouldn''t comment on how he perceived him yet. It was obvious that judging people too fast here, especially in a positive way could get you killed.

    "So tell me. How did Alex die? Who was he?" he asked him.

    Theseus eyed him carefully while he was thinking and signaled him to follow him. The circled the enormous throne to reach the end of the room where a very small tear like door, hidden by everyone''s eyes existed. Theseus pushed it carefully and walked inside another room.

    Mark looked around in awe once more. There was a crystal fireplace, that magically didn''t seem to melt. The flames danced gleefully in there playing with the reflections on the glass. There were huge white bookcases all around, filled with many thick and dusty books. All neatly placed in order, just forgotten. This was probably a study room, Mark concluded from the two icy armchairs that were dressed in very soft white fur. He realized that the whole palace probably was icy and white like that in every room, a very specific winter trademark.

    There was something special on this room, very different. On top of the small crystal table that stood between the furry armchairs, was a book. A book with a golden cover. Theseus approached it carefully and his long fingertips caressed it, like it was some kind of prized possession. He handed it to Mark and the boy grasped it opening it at the first page.

    "Read the first page. Only that. The rest does not concern you. And be grateful I am allowing you this."

    Mark opened the book carefully to phase something unexpected. It was a poem, or more like a song because underneath every sentence you could see notes floating on the paper, written carefully with dark ink.

    The page on the side had pretty designs, of the sun and fiery flowers and for a second he got lost admiring the calligraphy and art until his eyes began studying the old text.

    I present you the story, of the child of dawn

    Who died a tragic death, from the beasts of this world.

    The all bloody Tribe War, the one without an end

    Brought misfortune to our people, oh we all cried in dread.

    They took our jewel, we buried our sun,

    as the lover''s tears bloomed,

    we knew, the end of our people had begun.

    Allias was his name, the prince of Dawn,

    he lived and ruled,

    beloved by all.

    Goodbye our sun, the light of our tribe,

    Cried the shadow caster in fright,

    Your people will follow in much delight

    Beware lowly beasts of the one and final fight

    The golden king will return with all his might

    To rule once more

    To kill once more

    The ones who massacred,

    The ones we loved.

    Mark instinctively tried to turn the next page to read more of the story. To learn more about what had happened but the book was shut closed immediately in front of him. He flinched and decided to return it to where it was.

    "This is the basics I guess." Mark said and Theseus nodded.

    "All you need to know."

    "So Alex was the Prince of that Avgee tribe. The tribe of Dawn. He was meant to rule all the Elves, both tribes but he died at the Tribe War."

    "Yes, we can''t have the wolves or anyone else knowing he has returned. They are afraid of his power, afraid that he will try to avenge our people so they would try to kill him while he is weak. Do you understand why you have to keep it a secret now?" Theseus asked him and Mark nodded. "Good because if you reveal anything I will kill you, and you won''t even manage to blink" he threatened him and the red haired gulped.

    "And you¡­who are you?"

    "I was just a general. The royal Disee family died too so based on the protocol I was the next in line to rule."

    "You don''t seem so happy about that."

    "There is a lot you don''t know. Come on now, I think it''s time for the children to stop playing hide and seek. I mean, you bought your time to interrogate me didn''t you?" Theseus asked him.

    "So you knew about that" Mark said and scratched the back of his head, feeling uncomfortable.

    "I am not stupid, like them" he said with a grin and he couldn''t help but chuckle. "Let''s go. We have a king to save¡­my king" he said whispering the last two words.

    Theseus sighed as he left the study and locked eyes with Luke. He was approaching his knuckles dripping of blood, leaving scarlet stains on the polished floors. This was the person Alex had chosen. A blood thirsty wolf who got lost in his desires. Immature and possessive. Unable to see further than his own nose. Allias would never chose someone like that but at the end of the day Theseus reminded himself, that Alex was not Allias.

    "So where is Alex?" Mark asked but the moon eyed boy didn''t answer. He just exhaled loudly raising his closed, bloody fist and punched him, knocking him to the ground. "What the..."

    "How could you leave him there? They set the building on fire!" Luke shouted.

    "What did you just say?" Theseus asked him.

    "Why the hell do you care? You''ve been very willing to help what are you ¡­."

    "How immature can you be?" Theseus asked him. His eyes had turned cold, filled with hatred as he approached him. "Your mate is in danger and you waste time punching his friend and interrogating me for offering my help? Do you really care about him at all?"

    "Shut up! You don''t understand¡­"

    "I know where he is. Just manage to get us there." Mikael interrupted them wanting to end the feud. He walked towards Mark and tended his hand to help him get up but he rejected the help. Mikael smiled bitterly, yeah you wouldn''t want to touch the hands of a killer, he thought.

    "I will teleport you with Ea" he said and the young man at the sound of his name immediately appeared. He grabbed Luke from his shoulder and the edge of Mikael sleeve while Theseus tended arm for mark to grab. "Shall we?" he asked with a playful grin and Ea disappeared first with Theseus following his track.

    They teleported at where Alex was supposedly kept. In front of them there was a burned down building, Alex''s burning hot prison and Luke stormed in there in a hurry with Mikael following close behind.

    Mark too began running wanting to go check for himself where his friend was, if he was actually okay but Theseus stopped him.

    "What?"

    "There is no point, he is no longer there"

    "What do you mean?" Mark asked confused.

    "Master, I think only you can see it. Since it''s the king." Ea said and Mark looked between him and Theseus trying to understand.

    "Please elaborate" Mark said impatiently.

    "Alex used his power to escape. I can see his magial trail." He said and looked in front of him with longing eyes. Mark could not see anything but Theseus definitely could, his purple eyes focusing on a certain spot.

    If someone could hear his heart he would truly know how he felt as he had made sure to mask any reaction. He could see a gold stream flowing; it was Allias'' trace shinning so brightly. He wished he could follow it, get to him as fast as he could but it wasn''t possible. The trail stopped just a few meters outside the building, meaning he was left unconscious. Someone else had found him and taken him away.

    "He is not inside" Luke screamed frustrated.

    "Oh my, where could he be?" Theseus provoked him with a grin. To him it was okay as long as he knew that he was alive. He could search for him and find him, everything would be fine. The true terror comes only when you know that the one you love is dead.

    "Did you come here to mock us?" Luke asked him and Theseus shrugged his shoulders.

    "Who knows? You are as short tempered as you father. It''s a good thing he went him off into some mission. Wouldn''t want more trash in my palace" he said and Mikael had to stop Luke from attacking him. "It''s not so nice when you are being insulted is it?" Theseus asked him, his grin disappearing. "Ea take them back. We will talk further there." He commanded the man and he obeyed taking them away against their will. "Listen now little friend. Do not tell them anything. I will search for Alex, let them try and find him but don''t tell them about him using his power okay?"

    "Yes, believe me I don''t really like Luke that much." Mark said with disgust.

    "Oh I wonder why he is such a pleasant fellow" he said and brought Mark back to the palace. He didn''t stay though. He just left him there at the grand hall while he teleported back to the study room where Ea was already waiting.

    "Master."

    "Ea"

    "Master" the servant called out to him until they both began laughing.

    He hadn''t felt like this in such a long time, such bliss just by a trail of his power. He wondered how he would react when he saw him. That''s why he had felt like this. He didn''t really look like Allias. Maybe it was because his features were more humane now but his eyes, those eyes were still the same. Those eyes that he had seen overflowing with joy and pleasure were looking at him once more. He was alive.

    "He is back Ea. He is back can you believe it?" he said with excitement.

    "Congratulations master. You can be together once again"

    "We¡­we can''t" Theseus said, the excitement disappearing from his eyes.

    "But why?"

    "Didn''t you see? He loves someone else now"

    "But master he¡­"

    "It doesn''t matter. He is alive and that''s enough. I¡­I had waited for so long to see his smile once more. I just want to see him smile once again. One more time and then I could die. As long as he is happy. So hurry up now, we need to investigate. Get my people to look." He ordered Ea and he nodded not talking about the matter anymore. He was left alone in the gold room, the fire dead as he sat on the floor.

    "It''s fine. As long as you are alive and happy" Theseus mumbled.

    He would ignore the ache in his heart, burry deep down his love and step to the side just to witness his happiness. He just wanted to see him. That''s all.

    He wanted to see him happy, unaware¡­

    Of how unhappy Alex actually was.

    ...

    Thank you for reading! I also want to thank you for the support and the gifts you have been sending. It feels like slowly I might one day be able to make my dream come true. I wish I could give you guys something back. At least I hope the book is a bit worth it.

 Chapter 63 - Match 63

    Most of the wolves were going to sleep at the grand hall, but Luke had been given a room as the Alpha''s son which he shared with Mikael. It wasn''t anything huge or amazing. Just a light blue colored room, with icy walls and ceilings. He doubted that Theseus would grant them some amazing accommodations even if he had agreed to shelter his pack until they found out where the Hunters were and how to kick them out.

    "Don''t you think he is suspicious?" Luke asked Mikael.

    "Who?"

    "Theseus. He seemed shocked when he heard of the fire."

    "Well it wasn''t something you hear every day"

    "Something is not right with him. How are we supposed to find Alex with no clues now?" He asked and sighed heavily. Where could he have disappeared off to? There was not a single clue or mark of his scent that Luke could follow, everything had been burned down but at least the fact that there was no body there was a good sign. He tried to comfort himself by thinking that but he couldn''t stop worrying.

    Alex had left him. He had done that because he found out about the mark, thankfully his nature still was a secret but still his lies were coming back to haunt him. The desperation he felt was real. He didn''t want to be alone. Alex was his mate he was supposed to be there for him, he had to but he had decided to leave him without a word. How could Luke fix everything now? Was there even a way?

    "He took us in during this threat. I don''t know. He seems okay."

    "Okay? Do you forget who he is? He is a legend. A known psychopath. How can you say he is okay?"

    "We weren''t alive back then Luke. When the rumors about him began. This is ancient history. I just think you are jealous."

    "You know, Markus told me that Alex''s true self probably has a mate that''s why he doesn''t have a mark, because subconsciously he is denying our bond" Luke revealed and Mikael gasped.

    "And you are telling me this now?"

    "You told me about Clarissa after you killed her"

    "I had to"

    "Just because they threatened to kill your precious little Mark who know is not even talking to you. Good idea"

    "I think it would be best for you to just take care of your own matters and messed up life before you judge mine. You have a missing mate and all you do is lie down and get jealous over an elf while he is in god knows where alone. Do you relay love him or do you love the idea of having a mate Luke?" Mikael asked him coldly and his friend stood up.

    He didn''t answer him, how could he after all if he wasn''t even certain about the answer himself. He hadn''t had the time to love Alex, from the first moment he had been drowning in worry and vicious thoughts. How could he feel freely all that he wanted to after everything? Alex hadn''t given him the time or the chance to speak. It was his fault that everything was going downhill.

    He left the room leaving Mikael with the satisfaction of a speechless Luke. He had to find Alex and he was not going to wait for anyone''s help to do so. He would leave the palace and search no matter the threat that shadowed over them.

    ....

    Tall, elegant, with sculptured arms, brunette locks that reached his shoulders, vibrant green eyes and luscious lips. Dressed in a white shirt and pastel pants, his feet bare as he ran through the bustling village, his crown dangling from his head with every step. Gold with green leaves and white gems, he took it off and held it in his hand not wanting to lose it.

    It was dark and the main village was light up by magic, green, yellow and red lights everywhere. The people were dancing at the huge square and wine was lavishly being poured into their cups. It was a celebration. His eighteenth birthday.

    He wanted to celebrate too, dance with the beautiful ladies and sing with the bards as he got drunk and passed out underneath a tree but he couldn''t because Allias wasn''t supposed to be there. He was supposed to be at the dawn palace while every member of the royal families was toasting in expensive crystal glasses about his wellbeing.

    He though had sneaked away, proud of his escape until he was spotted by a guard who was finishing his shift and was returning home. Now the whole palace had been alerted and he was running like his life was depending on it, because it was. If his mother faced him now he would never see the light of day again.

    As he run into an ally the light slowly disappearing he stumbled on a mud pond and fell, his face diving right in. He frowned in disgust as he raised his head to face an unusual scene. There was a boy there, close to his age fighting.

    He wasn''t fighting with his fists though, he was enveloped by a darkness, the shadows were his friends and as he manipulated them he slit the throats of the three men in front of him.

    Turning around he fell to his knees wounded on his side. He didn''t belong to their tribe. He was a shadow caster. He belonged to the Disee tribe. Allias gasped surprised. This was the first time he saw someone like him. He was never more intrigued in his life to meet a person more than this moment. While he was bathed in mud, an injured criminal in front of him surrounded by three dead bodies. They locked eyes and he froze. They could shine in the dark, he was sure, those purple orbs were more beautiful than the jewels his mother owned.

    They both stood frozen afraid to even move when from the back of the ally a girl jumped out. She was scared and shaking. He clothes partially ripped. She ran towards the man screaming a thank you and she ran away petrified.

    Not a criminal but a savior.

    "What?" He asked him rudely and as he tried to approach him to help him he was stopped by his extended hand. "Don''t come closer, you stink"

    "Well sorry I tripped and fell into mud" Allies said

    "That''s not mud, it''s shit" He said and tried to contain his laugh as the prince''s eyes widened in shock. He gagged at the thought and began wiping his face with his hands manically. "Stop, stop you''re making it worse." He told him, half laughing half being serious.

    "Shut up. I am not used to this" Allias cried.

    "Well young prince you are unlucky" he said

    "How did you know¡­"

    "Your crown is in the pile of shit"

    "Stop saying shit!" Allias exclaimed and looked at the golden crown. Well he wasn''t going to pick that up, definitely not.

    "Okay, okay." He agreed and by supporting himself on the moldy wall he stood up. It was a scratch but no matter how you saw it every wound hurt a bit at first. Especially the ones close to muscles that moved a lot.

    "Happy birthday by the way" the unknown man told him.

    "Thanks¡­I guess" Allias told him and witnessed him struggling. "Do you need help?" he asked

    "No¡­I am fin..." he said but couldn''t complete his sentence. He fell forward right into Allias'' arms. It wasn''t just a scratch after all.

    "You are definitely not fine. Now you even have shit on you"

    "Nah, I am lucky." He said and grinned at him as their eyes met, making Allias blush. "I don''t get to be embraced by someone so beautiful that often" he told him.

    "W-w-what?" Allias asked feeling his cheeks burn.

    "I am flirting with you."

    "This place is definitely not flirt appropriate." Allias said embarrassed as he helped him get out of the ally back to the busy street. They gained a few looks but nothing that seemed to distress the stranger.

    "Then how about you come to my house?" he asked him and winked.

    "No" Allias replied looking straight ahead.

    "That hurt you know. Being rejected like that" he joked but suddenly Allias pushed him to the side and started running. Soon four guards appeared searching through the crowd, pushing people here and there and trying to find the young prince who had escaped hours ago. They had found him somehow and now the chace would begin again.

    "I''m sorry" he shouted as the other was trying to find his balance to stand on his own.

    Allias had begun running to get away from the guards, leaving the stranger behind. In the dark he couldn''t see his face well. All that was prominent was his purple eyes and nothing more. He had turned around to see if he was alright, feeling guilty for pushing an injured man like that.

    He was standing at the side of the road, on the wall taking something from his pocket. He lit it up with a match and brought it to his lips. So he was fine. He told himself relieved as he kept running leaving him behind.

    If he actually had the time would he have gone to his place? Allias wondered.

    No answer came only silence because Alex was beginning to wake up and he was in pain.

    A lot of pain.

 Chapter 64 - Match 64

    "How long will just stand on your throne doing nothing? You said we had to find Alex" Mark told Theseus who was sitting on his throne with that bored expression again...

    "We are searching. I have sent more than a hundred elves in the surrounding areas to search, putting their lives in danger" Theseus said "I also need to keep an eye on these wolves. I don''t want them snooping around on my palace."

    "So what? Now we just sit idle and wait?"

    "Sometimes that''s all we can do. Or maybe do you want to risk going out like that idiot Luke and getting caught, if we make a wrong move everything will crumble." He explained.

    "Why are you so scared of these¡­hunters? Aren''t you supposed to be really strong or something? Especially you."

    "Every species has its weaknesses and these people have mastered using them against us. Also yes, I am very powerful but tell me, what''s the point of me flaunting my power out there acting like a buffoon since I have no information gathered and in the end getting caught and killed. Then my people will be without a king, vulnerable to them and every other enemy we have. I have responsibilities. I don''t know how you operated with these friends of yours but here we think first and act later. Alex is alive and that''s the most important thing right now"

    He was right. The wolves definitely didn''t operate the same way the elf king did and that''s why Alex found himself in this situation in the first place. Luke driven by his irrational heart had brought him at the compound risking his life. Everything began going downhill after that, and now they were here¡­somewhere in The Veil.

    Mark looked around him at the wolves who had been given sleeping bags and pillows as they lied in the main hall. They didn''t seem so scary now, having to conform under someone else''s rule. No one even dared to speak and if someone did Ea would look at them like he would burn them alive if they continued. Theseus did everything to make it clear that he wasn''t helping them out of the kindness of his heart but because he had to. The red haired boy couldn''t really blame him, he would probably not even want to associate himself with them if they had massacred half of his tribe and had Adam as an Alpha who had seemed to disappear in some "scouting" mission leaving them behind. Mark could bet that he was too afraid to stay here after what Theseus did to him so he just went somewhere else to find shelter with his two lackeys, Daniel and Markus.

    "By tonight my scouts will be back and we will move on from there with the info they bring." Theseus said and stood up from his throne, stretching his legs and arms.

    "What about Luke? He is out there¡­isn''t he in danger?"

    "He probably is. Honestly though I don''t care."

    "Look I don''t like him either but I don''t want him dead" Mark said not sharing the same thoughts as him.

    "If he dies it will be his fault. Now excuse me I have to find Ea. There is someone waiting for you outside. They will take you to a room. You can rest there and when I have news about Alex I will let you know."

    "Okay. Thank you"

    "And to be honest¡­Mark. I am not a good person; I never was so don''t rely on me. It''s only because it''s Alex, the rest of them can burn in hell." Theseus told him and his flower colored eyes darkened as he left Mark alone.

    Everyone in this place was mentally unstable. Mark thought and got out of the hall the moment Ea approached his master with a disappointed look.

    "Why did you lie? You have sent people watching over that stupid wolf."

    "Because when you show kindness people notice and when they notice they start taking advantage of you and in the end you die. Like Alex did." He said and Ea sighed.

    Always, during many centuries Allias and Theseus were like the two ends of a line, like black and white, dawn and dusk. You would never believe that these two could coexist peacefully. And honestly their story was everything than peaceful but it remained alive through time, as the prince who tamed a beast and forged an immortal kingdom. That''s why Ea and every elf that had remained wanted him back. They needed him and above all Theseus did. He was holding on to himself with difficulty, with so much pain and so many times he was tempted to just let go. But one thought kept him alive and that was the golden king.

    ¡­.

    Every part of his body was in pain and he realized it before he could even open his eyes. Even breathing was hard, the way his chest moved up and down caused him a huge sting through his whole torso and he tried really hard not to scream. His expression altered and his nose wrinkled as his jaw tensed.

    "Hey, are you alright?" A concerning voice asked him.

    Alex opened his eyes slowly, his eyelids flattering to keep the tears away when he came face to face with an unfamiliar boy. He was a teen, barely seventeen with blond, really short hair and dark brown doe eyes. He had many freckles sprawled on his face and he was pressing his lips hard with a skeptic look while looking at him.

    "Where am I?" Alex asked his voice coming out sore as he tried to sat up. Obviously he couldn''t. He felt like someone had clawed at his throat and he noticed that his whole body was wrapped in gauzes, up to his neck. He touched his face to notice that also his left cheek was patched.

    "Umm, you are at my house. I am Joe. I found you coming out from that burning building and my father helped me to get you in. We patched you up because you had a few serious burns. I am surprised you woke up so soon. Let me get you some water" he said and stood up running towards an open door, probably the kitchen. He heard the sink running and suddenly he felt very thirsty. For how long was he asleep he didn''t know, the only thing that was obvious was the aching pain on his body.

    He looked around patrolling the simple house. He was laid on the living room couch. A comfy dark blue couch with matching pillows and a smaller one, to the right a pale yellow. In front of him was a burning fireplace, made of red stones and he hissed at the dancing flames. He couldn''t remember how he got out of there exactly but he still could remember the feeling of the flames violating his body and wanting to cremate his flesh. The rest of the room was very simple. A big TV above the fireplace and some shelves where there were photographs and some books. He read carefully the titles. Books about guns and self-defense. Well it was obvious that in this house lived only men somehow since it didn''t have a spec of elegance or femininity in it.

    Soon Joe returned and handed him carefully the glass of cold water. His palm moved behind his head raising it slightly, an appreciated help so he could drink. He gulped the whole thing down in one go and the boy smiled, relieved that he seemed to be kind of okay.

    "Thank you." Alex said and he nodded.

    "It''s okay. It might take a while before you are able to move comfortably and honestly I think you are going to have a few nasty scars, especially on your face." He said pointing out the bandaged patch on his cheek.

    Alex traced it carefully with his fingertips and sighed. He knew he was lucky getting out of there somehow, he should care so much about the scars on his body since he was alive but that patch there really troubled him. No one would want to have a nasty burn mark on their face for the rest of their lives.

    "At least I am alive" he said trying to kick that superficial thought from his head. Better alive and with a scar than dead and handsome.

    "That''s the spirit. Well do you want me to help you contact your family? It would be a good idea if you went to a hospital."

    "Then why didn''t you take me there in the first place?" Alex asked him and Joe avoided his eyes.

    "Let''s just say that my dad is not good with hospitals or places with a lot of people. He doesn''t like to be¡­seen a lot." He tried to explain.

    "Oh I see I understand." Alex said while completely not understanding. He tried to think of a way to contact Mark. He had hoped he had escaped safely. If he had he would definitely be trying to find help but Alex had no idea where he was and most importantly who were these people who had found him. "The thing is I¡­don''t have a way of contacting anyone." Alex confessed and Joe looked at him confused.

    "We have a phone, you know" he said chuckling and Alex tried to smile in his tragic misery.

    "No, what I mean is I don''t know their phone numbers or their address or anything. I don''t have a way of contacting them."

    "That''s a bit weird isn''t it?"

    "Believe me I know" He seemed like a very nice boy to Alex''s eyes. He had saved him without knowing who he was after all and that was a very obvious act of kindness but the more Alex would let out the more his words would make no sense and that was a problem. Since he didn''t want to trigger any suspicion.

    "It''s fine. My dad will be here soon and I am sure once you are better he will take you around with the car, maybe you can guide him back home or somewhere ¡­I don''t really know" Joe said scratching the back of his head. He was definitely confused and Alex didn''t really blame him, he hadn''t given him a lot to work on anyways. He was literally a mysterious stranger just lying like a half burnt chicken on their couch. "Umm¡­your name?"

    "Oh, yeah I am Alex¡­again thank you for saving me. I really appreciate it."

    "Don''t worry about it¡­I am going to call my¡­" Joe began saying when the front door was heard closing. The boy smiled and stood up so he assumed that his dad had finally arrived. Maybe he could help him to figure out a way of getting back safely. "Dad we are in the living room" Joe called out and at the door frame appeared a tall man.

    He was around forty years old, wearing an old worn out pair of jeans with brown boots and a white T-shirt. His hair was white and his eyes the same color as his son, a few wrinkles forming at the edges of his big eyes. On his right hand he had a pharmacy bag.

    "Hey there. I brought the stuff you needed" he said "I see you''re awake" he referred to Alex and looked at him lying on the couch.

    The green eyed boy flinched as he saw the scary man and then froze. He had seen him before. He had seen him just a few days ago on the bus with Mark.

    He was one of them. One of the two hunters that were searching for the wolf pack.

    Alex had fallen right onto them.

    "Shit" he mumbled and felt more than just pain. This time he was really screwed.

 Chapter 65 - Match 65

    Adam stormed inside the great hall with Daniel and Markus at his side, the wounds the elf king had caused completely healed and looked at his people sitting on the floor. Their eyes lightened once they saw their leader return and some of them thought that they could finally return home. Adam didn''t say anything though and immediately paced towards Theseus who once more was sitting bored on his throne.

    "What is this? Why are my people on the floor? I am sure your enormous palace could provide proper accommodation"

    "I don''t want you wolves ripping the silk sheets with you long nails Adam. This is what I have, take it or leave it." Theseus told him and shrugged his shoulders.

    "I''m sorry. Shouldn''t you be searching about the hunters? The sooner we eliminate them the better. We will be out of here" Daniel asked him.

    "I thought you were doing that? At least that''s what Markus'' letter said."

    "What? I couldn''t tell him that you wanted to hide somewhere else like the wuss you truly are and you wanted us to convince you to come here with your people." Markus said and Adam shot him a deadly glare. "Oops, I guess now he knows."

    "I just didn''t want to be in the same place as him."

    "But let me guess. No one else wanted you. Poor you I wonder why?" Theseus said with a grin. "Anyways, I am too kind hearted that''s why I have prepared an actual room for you. You can stay here and we can both avoid looking at each other faces. I mean your rough¡­beauty is very different from our aesthetic you see." He insulted them and Daniel scoffed turning his eyes to Markus.

    "Did he just call us ugly?"

    "Both of you please shut up" he said referring to Adam and Daniel. "Go to your rooms. I have something I need to talk with him."

    Theseus raised his eyebrows and stood up from his throne, tending his hand dramatically signaling Markus to move to the left. He led the way and turned around waving goodbye to the two wolves with an obnoxious grin before Adam grabbed Daniel so they would leave. This was the best of bringing people to your own territory. You could do whatever you wanted.

    He led Markus to another room in the castle through the glassy corridors that had huge windows. They were mostly made from windows actually with no walls. The material had frozen on the edges creating a very elegant crystal image as outside you could see an enormous village and beyond that snowy fields, with even more little houses. And further there were ruins, ruins of a twin castle. The Avgee Tribe palace who had been ruined by his people years ago.

    "No reason looking at that. It''s already in ruins." Theseus said avoiding to look at that place. His eyes wandered everywhere but at that specific spot.

    "It was one of the most beautiful places I''ve ever seen." Markus mumbled and Theseus scoffed

    "And that''s why you ruined it. You wolves don''t know the true meaning of beauty."

    "Possible, or maybe Allias, your golden king to us wasn''t beautiful with his monstrous power but just a threat."

    "He never wanted to hurt anyone." Theseus said, clutching his fists.

    "It wasn''t what he wanted. It was simply that he could Theseus. No reason to get upset. I''ve kept Alex''s secret this time. I guess I feel a bit guilty."

    "So it''s really him?"

    "Yes. I saw the queen''s mark, by the way Adam will be furious because of the way I acted just now. At least he is scared of you I guess." Markus told him and they began walking again, entering a close by room.

    "I am sure you can turn things around. He needs you after all"

    It was like a conference room. A huge table made of thick ice and chairs surrounding it. There was only one fireplace making the room warn and the chairs had a similar white fur on top of them, like the one in Theseus study. Markus sat in one of them feeling the soft material with his rough hands.

    " He doesn''t need anyone but himself but tell me how long has this place been stuck in winter?"

    "Around seventy years. When Allias died a lot changed."

    "I see. And why did you call me here?"

    "I have to protect Alex." He stated. "He needs to wake up. Adam or any other ruler must not know that he is Allias. At least not until he finds his true form."

    "You know that he has a mate right?" He asked him with a small grin as he watched his face alter with jealousy. He was trying to hide it but obviously he was affected by that information.

    "It doesn''t matter as long as he is safe. I won''t get in the way of his happiness."

    " I see you chose to be the better person. For now, at least but what do you truly want from me Theseus? You know I will keep your secret but you want something more don''t you?"

    "Yes, You and your people will not be allowed to leave my palace until Alex awakens. I am sure he won''t stay here and he will choose to follow you because of his mate. So you and your people will stay here until he awakens and you will support me on that, Adam listens to you"

    "So you''re saying that you want to keep us hostage for Alex?"

    "Yes. I will do anything to protect him. Your people will not get harmed and they will be provided with everything they ask for, so back me up on that."

    ¡­.

    Luke returned to the huge palace defeated. Of course he hadn''t found anything, no clues or signs of him. How could he? He had no plan and no leads, so when the palace guards opened the gates for him and he entered the icy castle he sighed.

    He hated everything around him. That he had to leave his home and seek refuge to these pointy eared idiots. That Alex had decided to leave him without even talking to him and now he was missing. That his whole life had been turned upside down and even his best friend had turned hostile towards him.

    His day was bad and as he walked back to the room he had been given it became worse. Because on his way he locked eyes with Lily, who for the first time she was seen walking all alone.

    "You don''t have your lackeys around today?" he asked her and she looked at him with a cold look.

    "Sam can''t walk thanks to you and Alissa dumped me after what I did with the mud. As you can see I have been left completely alone."

    "Well I do believe that''s what you deserve." Luke insulted her and she scoffed. Surprised that he after everything he had done had the guts to talk to her like that.

    "So tell me, Luke. What do you deserve? You lied to your mate, made his family forget him and that resulted to his horrible dad dying and then even after your poor human begged you to talk to him, oh tell him the truth you kept lying and dismissing him like he was of no importance. He broke him to the point that he had no other choice of leaving you." He said dramatically, faking that she was crying and wiping a tear from the corner of her big eyes.

    "And then you came. You tried to kill him."

    "I guess we make a very good combo"

    "Why do you hate him so much?" Luke asked and she began laughing. The silence was broken and her laugh echoed in the long hall making Luke shiver.

    "Oh, I don''t hate him. I hate you and don''t ask me why. I hate you because you didn''t even have the decency of breaking up with me. I hate you because we grew up together, we trained together all of my first times were with you. I was always there for you, through the pressure of your parents, through the times you were scared. Everyone had been whispering to my ears that we were meant to be. I waited and waited for the bond to snap into place but nothing happened and all I could think was that I was wasting my time. That I should leave you and look for the right person but I loved you. All I knew how to do was love you but you simply forgot me in less than a day. You called me a traitor? What does that make you? Did you even love me at all?" she asked him this time her eyes watering, as she tried to keep them in she continued. "I know I am petty, that I did things that I shouldn''t have. I put an innocent person in danger and I hate him. I hate him for the way you look at him just because of a stupid bond. I hate the both of you for making me a fool. Everyone was laughing at me but you were too blind to even tell me you were sorry!"

    "Lily I¡­"

    "Save it. I don''t to hear your stupid apology after you''ve realized how much of an idiot you were. I actually pity Alex for being stuck with someone so dense as you. Just like your father the only thing you can see is yourself. I won''t bother you two anymore. You are destroying your relationship enough." She told him and tried to leave but he grabbed her arm, stopping her.

    "I loved you. Never doubt that, at least not that¡­please" he told her.

    He had loved her. All his life he knew only of her and he was happy next to her. He wouldn''t have been disappointed if she ended up being his mate. It would be the best possible outcome and he knew he had been a jerk he didn''t know how to end things though, that''s just why he had simply avoided, making things possibly worse especially when you had a girl with her pride in front of you. It was obvious by now that he kept messing up with the people around him.

    "Just go find your stupid human mate and act like I don''t exist. Goodbye" she said her final words to him and this time, she didn''t allow him to stop her or touch her.

    Luke had a feeling that slowly he was being left all alone.

 Chapter 66 - Match 66

    "What did you just say kid?" The scary man asked him and he laughed awkwardly.

    "Oh, I am sorry. I just¡­felt a bolt of pain" Alex tried to find a good excuse and not reveal that he knew him. He hoped that he wouldn''t remember him from the bus. It would be pretty impossible their eyes had met for only a few second back the so it should be alright. He just had to pretend that he didn''t know anything and as soon as he got better, at least good enough to walk he should leave this place and warn the others.

    "Oh, yeah to be honest it''s a miracle that you came out safe. The building was burned to the ground. How did you get there anyways?" His father asked him while Joe was rummaging through the contents of the plastic bag and he took out an ointment for him and held in his hands, waiting for him to finish his conversation with his dad.

    "I¡­don''t really know. I woke up and was locked in a room there, somehow." He said

    "That''s really strange. Maybe someone was trying to hurt ya?"

    "Dad. Can you take Alex out on the van once he feels better? Maybe he will remember anything"

    "I don''t know son. I have to leave in a bit. You know¡­work. The guys informed that they found a compound not so far away from here."

    "A compound?" Alex asked intensively and instantly regretted it.

    "Yeah, do you remember something?" the man asked him, his eyes turning suspicious.

    "Oh, no. I wish I did" he said smiling. This was going to be harder than he thought. He had to hurry up and leave.

    "When will you go?" Joe asked.

    "Tonight. But I have to leave now. The others need me" he said and disappeared for a moment coming back out with one of those huge guns he had been holding last time. He had it on his back and around his waist had a revolver. How could he walk around like that? No one would suspect him like this?

    "Um, are you going hunting with that??" Alex asked.

    "Yeah, you could say that" The man answered with a smile.

    "That''s nice. What are you hunting? Birds, rabbits?"

    "No, my friend and I go for bigger preys, like wolves."

    "Aren''t'' wolves an endangered species here?" he said with gritted teeth and the man laughed.

    "It would be good if all of them ceased to exist. Once and for all. Well I am going now. Joe take care I will see you tomorrow." His dad told him and the young boy sighed as he watched him leave.

    Alex had to think of something. As Joe was uncapping the ointment and unwrapping the bandages on his arms to tend to his burns his mind was running with the speed of light. He only had a few hours to decide how he would get to the compound first to warn them, without the hunters finding him or getting there earlier than him. The fact that he was bedridden couldn''t help, actually it wasn''t helping at all so he already had to start with a literal handicap.

    His thoughts came to a halt when he felt the pain of the cold ointment touching his skin. It had a very distinctive smell that made his nose wrinkle when it invaded his nostrils and he heard Joe sigh again. It would be really rude to not ask him what was going on.

    "Are you alright?" he asked and Joe looked at him with his sad eyes. It was like the emotions were magnified through his deer like eyes and Alex started feeling sad for him too. He seemed really concerned.

    "I''ve never told this to anyone but since you are a stranger I guess it''s okay. I don''t really like my dad''s work. I hate it. He hurts¡­animals. He is filled with hate when he talks about them. He says it''s the reason my mum left us but she just left because my dad was a jerk. I know that. It wasn''t anyone''s fault but his. He was immersed in his work that he forgot everything else."

    "So have you talked to your father about it? About him stopping?"

    "I have but he gets angry. It''s what our family has been doing for centuries, I think the hate is inherited and it can''t stop. He acts all crazy when it''s about his job, he even forgets about me. He hurts others. I just want to live normally. Happy with my father."

    Maybe this was the chance he needed. Joe, he hated the fact that his father was a hunter. Maybe he could help him get out of here, he had to make sure of this first. He shouldn''t be reckless. What if this was just a plan to trick him into revealing what he knows? He was in no positions to fight at the moment, not that he ever was but now he couldn''t even run or more like stand.

    He spared a glance at the wounds Joe was treating. It seemed that this ointment had some kind of numbing effect and had decreased significantly the pain even though it was still there, lingering with every small breath, every slight move. They were disgusting. He kept examining with his eyes and his stomach began turning. How would these atrocities heal on his body? Would he be like this forever? Filled with scars? He wondered and suddenly an image of Luke despising him for his appearance came to his mind. He would definitely do that. Alex was sure, he kept saying how he liked his appearance all the time, now he wouldn''t even have that. It shouldn''t matter though because him and Luke had ended, or more like they had never had a chance to begin with from the start. He was thinking of him, even know, even after he had made his final decision because he still remembered his thoughts at the burning hell. Even if they were not meant to be he didn''t want hate to be an obstacle between them. He didn''t want their relationship to end up being a bad memory in his mind so they needed to talk. Get it all out at least. Then there was that voice, the one from his past, that person that has been waiting for him. He is out there and he has to find him.

    "So would you be happy if your father did not get to harm anyone tonight?" He asked him, while he was bandaging again the wounds and was moving towards the other hand.

    "It would be a great start. I just wish he would understand one day that we don''t always have to fight." He said and Alex remembered his dream.

    He didn''t want to fight. He believed that always there was going to be another way to solve your problems but as it seemed not everyone shared that opinion. Actually very few did and that was what was forcing people who didn''t want to fight and hurt others do it.

    "I understand so Joe will you listen to me? Maybe I can help you?" Alex said and swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. It was no or never, only one chance and he had to grasp it or else it would be too late to think for other alternatives, as it seemed there weren''t any and he had to hurry. He had to hurry up so he could warn them.

    "How could you help me?" Joe asked him and he stopped what he was doing. He was too intrigued by Alex''s words to continue tend his wounds. In all honesty he didn''t care about that at all. He just wanted to be right about him, right about how he had judged his personality for his plan to actually work

    "I know what your dad does. I use to live in that werewolf compound he is going to attack."

    "What? How? You are human¡­your wounds¡­"

    "It''s a long story but I have a mate. He is a werewolf and I lived there with him. Can you please help me to save them? I swear they will not hurt your family. I just want to warn them so they can run away" Alex begged him.

    "I don''t know. If my father finds out, we will be in trouble."

    "Listen to me. Didn''t you say you wanted your dad to not hurt people anymore? They are people too. They have lives, they have children they live like us. How can you condemn them to such a brutal death when they have done nothing to hurt you? Most of them are innocent."

    "I am sorry, I¡­"

    "Please Joe. I am begging you. You saved me. If they die, if my mate dies I would be left with no one. My best friend is there too. He gave up everything to follow me. I can''t just let them die. I will do anything" He begged him. This was going further than his plan. He was scared for them. Mark was there how could he let him die? He doubted that these people would discriminate during their massacre. "You cans top them. At least this one you can save hundreds of people."

    "What if they come for my family?"

    "They won''t. I am giving you my word. My mate is the Alpha''s son he will take care of it so just help me please. I promise no one will harm them. They wouldn''t do that. I will convince them not to do that"

    "And this will help people?"

    "Yes. You will be saving them."

    "Alright then. Tell me what do you want to do? We need to be fast."

    ....

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 Chapter 67 - Match 67

    "Your behavior was horrible. I am the Alpha you should always remember that." Adam whined as he paced in the room he was meant to share with three people. He had whine a while for their accommodations at Daniel, because they would have to be cramped in one room all together and he a leader of a pack should have to bow down to someone else just because he was at his own domain. He was very irritated by Markus attitude and he was also angry at Theseus who belittled him at every chance he got, especially when he did it in front of his people he wanted to bite his neck and see him bathe in his own elf blood but he had to contain himself as he was weaker and he knew no one would actually support his actions at the end of the day.

    Markus sat on a white chair that had been pulled away from the table the room had by Adam or Daniel and looked at the two of them after rolling his eyes. Daniel was keeping quiet sitting hon his bed while reading a book. The moment Markus had returned though, he had closed it and placed it carefully on his nightstand.

    "So are you going to keep whining or do you want me to tell you what he told me?" Markus asked him. "You are a leader. Our leader, stop acting like a hurt little child just because Theseus literally stepped on your pride that day. Yes, you don''t like him but here no one likes you. You have to keep your head high and stop embarrassing our kind"

    "If you know how to be the Alpha so well try doing it then" Adam told him with a cold look and sat on his own bed, ripping the puffy pillow to shred with his claws out of frustration.

    "That''s exactly why Theseus didn''t want to give us rooms." Daniel said looking at the pieces of the dead pillow on the shiny floor.

    "Shut up Daniel I am annoyed right now."

    "I would be surprised if you weren''t annoyed at some point. Also your son''s mate is out there probably dead. We need to keep an eye on him."

    "If he is dead that''s good for us and if he finds his way back to the compound I am sure we can find a way to get rid of him." Adam said. "For now he is just a weak human. We just need to avoid his awakening. I mean, killing him would be the best option after all. Observing him would not help when he literally can escape from the compound and no one will give a shit. When we get back we will end him, if he is alive that is" Adam stated.

    "Yeah about that¡­ Theseus said that we may be needing to stay here a bit longer." Markus said not revealing Theseus'' true plan.

    "What?" Daniel asked confused.

    "It seems like there are more hunters coming. He said he will provide us with everything we need and that we will be safe here. He just wants us to live here for a while until we get rid of all of them in this area."

    "That''s ridiculous. We have a party to host."

    "Is the party our problem here?!" Daniel asked annoyed and Adam sighed.

    "Sometimes I think you are all stupid. Yes, it''s important. Firstly, is our best chance to kill Alex because there will be a ruckus and a lot of drinking. Secondly, by hosting this celebration we will show that we are not scared of anyone. The word of the hunters must have already spread by now. They will be thinking we are in disarray and that it''s a good time to strike. Our enemies will be waiting"

    "Do the treaties mean nothing to them?" Daniel sighed and rubbed his temples fed up with everything that has been happening.

    "He will host it. Theseus. Here" Markus sated and Adam sat up agitated.

    "Excuse me?"

    "Hosting it here, with the elves we will show we have strong allies. It will show our enemies that not only we are fine and strong but also that we have a strong ally on our side. Theseus is one of the strongest and oldest rulers right now. Anyone who thinks to cross him would be an idiot."

    "Yes but still the elven kingdom is a lot weaker than what it was after the war" Daniel commented.

    "Yes, but his reputation is alive and well, remember? He is feared by all. We have to stay here. This is a good chance for us."

    Adam looked at him, thinking about the positives and the negatives of the situation. It was a very good plan indeed to show a united front towards all the other races and Theseus palace had always been a mystery. He had had zero celebrations after the land of the elves fell in that terrific winter and everyone was itching to know how he was holding up being the new leader of the nation and all. It would surely be interesting to find a way and humiliate him at his own home. To show his mad and unreliable side and then turn everyone against him.

    "Very well. I guess we can try killing Alex here. We have many¡­possibilities here that are towards our advantage so we should do it. Daniel go inform that servant of his that we will be staying and that we want proper rooms for everyone. Also mention to delay the party a day or two. Let''s give them time to prepare."

    Markus looked at Adam. He had agreed too easily and that meant only one thing. He was thinking of something, and that something must be a very wicked and vicious plan that he is not planning to share with anyone for now, or else he would have said it. For now, it was fine since he had managed to convince him without creating any suspicions at least. He knew that things would get only harder from here though because coexisting with the elves would not be easy. Especially when there was Alex''s life at stake here. One wrong move and Theseus would kill them all.

    .....

    Luke had been searching for Theseus all day to find out he was at the conference room. He entered without even knocking and as he saw him signaling Ea to leave and the young elf to disappear instantly into thin air he began talking.

    "Why aren''t you trying to find Alex?" he asked him and the Elven king grinned.

    "Who said I haven''t? I just don''t work the same way you do. Also I have a kingdom to rule. I am a busy man you see."

    "Yeah, a kingdom made of ruins" Luke said and Theseus eyes turned cold. He stood up from his chair and as his fingertips traced the edges of the icy table he approached the young man.

    "And whose fault is that? Did I open the gates of my kingdom so you could insult me? The apple does not fall far from the tree I see"

    Luke hated it. He hated it when people resembled him with his father. He would do everything to avoid that but at the end of the day it seemed that he was always falling into that pit filled with snakes.

    "Alex¡­help me find him."

    "No" Theseus told him with a big smile. "You''ve made me angry. Now please get the hell out."

    "No wait, listen to me. He is somewhere out there alone. He is weak and helpless we need to search¡­"

    "Did I not make myself clear you idiotic child? You come into my house only to insult me and then you want my help. You people are so stupid"

    "Theseus listen to me!" Luke shouted in his face and Theseus eyes changed. Their purple color became darker and his shadows, his only true friends began surrounding his body. He was looking at him filled with hostility. He had offered his help only to be treated this way. They didn''t know how to be thankful or lower their head to the people who were actually helping them and that would one day be their undoing.

    "You listen to me" he told him and Luke felt like his voice was chilling his whole body, he took a step back intimidated. "I am a king. You are nothing! When I offer my help you shut up and take it. If it wasn''t for¡­You don''t come here and insult me, Now leave this room immediately before I force you to leave the palace"

    Luke tried to calm down. At least he wasn''t stupid enough to provoke him any further. He had seen had he had done to his father and he wasn''t planning to make an enemy out of him¡­ yet. At least not as long as Alex was out the helpless and weak.

    "I am sorry. I will leave" He said while swallowing his pride. "Don''t deny Alex your help because of my immaturity" he said before he turned his back on him and left. Theseus didn''t want to speak anymore anyways.

    He just walked back to his chair, looking at the endless piles of paper work and with a sight he slouched back down sighing and rubbing his forehead with his hand. This was difficult. He wished to crush him, make him disappear and every time he saw his face he was reminded of Alex choosing someone else in this life and it hurt him. He would hurt Alex because of that. He needed to refrain himself from any mistakes that could pull him away from him or saddening him. Everything was about him and his happiness. He would make sure in this life Allias would not suffer.

    "Master" Ea called out to him and appeared,

    "What is it?" He asked him exhaustion oozing from his tone and stance.

    "I set a barrier around the compound to monitor any suspicious movement and we got a signal. It is the King. He has returned but things do not look good" he informed him and Theseus immediately stood up.

    "Let''s go"

    "Shouldn''t we inform Luke as well and his friend?"

    "This time Ea, just this once will you please let me be a bit selfish? I¡­I just want to see him first¡­alone just for a little while" he told him and Ea''s look saddened. He was hurting watch his master in pain.

    "Alright, let''s go" He said and they set off to find Alex.

 Chapter 68 - Match 68

    "Well first of all I need painkiller. A lot of them" Alex told him and Joe''s eyes widened.

    "Are you trying to kill yourself?"

    "No, I am trying to stop hurting so I can stand because we won''t make it through the door the way I am. Please" he begged and the boy with a sigh disappeared into the house bringing a small white bottle filled with pills.

    Alex threw three onto his hand and looked at the calculating if he could chug them down in one go without drowning. It was possible he thought and stuffed them in his mouth, swallowing with difficulty. There was no time though for him to be picky.

    "Now, do you have a car?"

    "Yeah."

    "You will take me to the compound"

    "But I don''t know where it is."

    "Just get me to the police station and I can guide you from there." He told him remembering vividly still the route the bus had taken that night when they searched for Clarissa. Just a few days ago they were talking to her but now she was gone. Time really is irrelevant to many events "Also, we have a few hours before your dad and everyone else begins going there but we should leave now. To make sure we will get there safe" he explained and attempted to get up from the couch.

    It was fruitless though, every muscle on his body felt like it was on fire and the sound of the burning started ringing through his ears making him hiss. He could do this. He needed to do this. It wasn''t really that hard and he would definitely not let this handicap that he had been granted to jeopardize such an easy plan. If he could just stand on his feet¡­

    "I''ll help you. Wait" Joe told him before he was gone for a while once more. He reappeared with a pair of keys, holding them from the key chain before he stuffed him into his pocket and ran towards Alex.

    He very gently grabbed his arm, passing it over his shoulders and with his other hand he held his sides. It was the first attempt to getting him to stand and it was actually successful surprising the both of them.

    "Honestly¡­" Joe said while struggling to open the door while literally having someone else attached to him, it was like his weight had been doubled now that Alex could not really support himself fully. "¡­it''s amazing how strong you are. A normal person would be sleeping for days and don''t get me started about standing and shit like this"

    Alex bit his lip thinking. Well, he wasn''t like everyone else. Apparently he was an elf or whatever those people were called. Maybe this had to do something with his speedy recovery, even though he still felt the pain and it hurt like a bitch.

    Joe got them to his car and helped him sit to the passenger''s seat, making also sure that he put on his seatbelt properly before he went over to his side and started the engine. He speeded off the driveway of the small house and the further away the got from their start the more he stepped on the gas.

    "Why are you speeding like this?" Alex asked him feeling his stomach turn into a washing machine.

    "My dad has people everywhere. Considering the possibility that someone recognizes my car they will signal him and follow us, if he thinks something is wrong so we need to hurry."

    "Oh, that''s perfect. I guess you forgot to tell me about that" Alex mumbled and unwillingly he let out a scream when Joe stopped suddenly the car on a red light. "Fuck!" he swore feeling the sting in the places he was forced to move so he wouldn''t smack his head on the car board. His eyes teared up and he fell back on the seat eyeing the boy angrily and watch him smile apologetically mouthing he is sorry.

    Soon they reached the police station and memories began flooding in. All those dreams. It was like he could hear that voice once again, calling his name anxiously. That need to find someone but not even knowing who he is was an add to his pain, the emotional one because he didn''t believe the physical one could get any worse.

    He was scared to face Luke. He would definitely be mad and scream in his face and Alex knowing himself he would just try to explain what he did and why even though the wolf should have already understood that. One of the reason''s Alex had decided to abandon fate was because of this. This feeling that they both spoke different languages unable to understand each other. None the less he didn''t hate Luke, he was the reason, even if it was unorthodoxly that he was somehow finally finding himself, piece by piece but Alex couldn''t forget that he, his mate never offered him help in this journey, rather than that he tried to stop him. He let out a sigh and wondered if he would have helped them if Mark was here with him and he wasn''t worried about his well-being. Yeah, he probably would and he knew how much of an idiot he was because of that.

    "Oh shit" Joe said and then took a sudden turn into the woods. They had left the city a while back and Alex was giving him directions on how to get to their final destination but he had suddenly changed course with an anxious look on his eyes. "That was my dad''s car up ahead. Let''s hope he didn''t see us."

    The ground was bumpy as they drove through the small paths in the forest, the sounds of twigs breaking invading their ears. Alex felt like he had been turned into an alive human punching bag as with every turn or even when they were heading straight he was hit by bolts of unmeasurable pain. He hated acting like a whiny child and crying but he couldn''t stop. Joe was looking at him once in a while not knowing what he could do for him. Sooner or later he would faint from the pain and they would lose their navigator.

    "Just kill me already!" Alex screamed wanting to tear off his skin. "Straight! Go straight we are changing our route" he screamed trying to keep himself conscious.

    "They are following us!" Joe screamed when his father''s car suddenly came in sight from behind them. He kept honking without a stop and Alex believed that his ears would start bleeding too.

    "Faster! We are almost there"

    "He was a freaking jeep Alex! We won''t make it. My car is already at its limit." Joe said feeling already defeated.

    Alex turned his head and looked at him, the teenage boy feeling like he would burn holes through his face. His green eyes were darker know, his jaw clenched and his face was nothing more than a frozen mask.

    "I did not survive a freaking fire, got burned all over my body just so your dad could kill everyone I love. Step on the gas!" he commanded him and Joe felt like he had to obey even though he didn''t scream or shout. He seemed completely calm but the tone of his voice, the power it held made him shiver and feel like there was no other option. He had to step on the gas. "Here stop here now!" he shouted this time.

    Joe had been maneuvering the car, once almost hitting a tree trunk to confuse his father and his people who for certain were following close behind and as it seemed they had managed to do it for a few minutes because the view of the enormous jeep had been lost from his mirrors. The teenage boy let out a sigh relieved and stopped the car, noticing the clearing that was being revealed in front of him. His jaw felt as he looked at the beautiful place hidden in the dark forest.

    "Yeah, yeah it''s pretty now please get me out" he told him interrupting his admiration and making him go to Alex''s side and get him off the car. He helped him out and they walked the same way as before but this time unfortunately Alex felt even weaker, because of the banging on the car so he made it even more difficult for him. "Sorry for shouting"

    "No problem. To be honest if you hadn''t shaken me up there I might have stopped." He confessed. "I was really scared."

    "I understand. Thanks for helping me. I owe you" He said as they stepped into the clearing.

    "You don''t owe me anything. Just promise me. My family won''t get hurt." Joe told him, his voice turning serious.

    "I promise." Alex said. No matter what he was going to keep his promise to Joe, even if he knew he would face some problems along the way. "Just take me towards that door frame thing over there and be careful to not touch the flowers. They''re poisonous."

    Alex didn''t really want to show him where the portal was. It was too dangerous but they had no other choice since his father seemed to be already on his way to the compound. If he managed to get to the other side and signaled someone he would bring help. If he found¡­Theseus.

    "Joe! What are you doing!" A familiar voice called out the teenager and both of them froze.

    They came face to face with his father looking at both of them furious and four of his men pointing their guns at them. They hadn''t even heard the car stopping and from a short glance Alex realized that there was no car, they had followed them here by foot and he had just showed them the location of the Veil Portal.

    No matter what, they shouldn''t find out.

    ...

    Hello guys! Thanks for reading!

    Also I have a serious question...have you seen my book on your recommended or anything like that? I wonder if i''ve been actually getting my features.

    Also I am planning kind of like a small mass release soon!

 Chapter 69 - Match 69

    Please read author''s word at the end it''s important. I''m giving 1000 coins.

    "Ea please tell me why they''re not here?" Theseus asked his servant as he looked at empty compound. It was huge and a deathly silence made it seem even bigger somehow. It reminded him of a haunted mansion and he definitely did not like the atmosphere of this place but at the cost of finding Alex he had teleported immediately there with Ea, hoping that he could see him.

    "I mean I was pretty sure someone disturbed the barriers¡­could it be it''s from the one at the portal?"

    "So you didn''t think it was important to check before bringing us here?"

    "Well, the logical explanation as to where the boy would return would be at the compound so I assumed¡­"

    "You assumed?" Theseus asked him with a raised eyebrow. He crossed his arms on top of his chest and turned to look at the shorter man, waiting for him to finish the sentence he had just interrupted.

    "I''m sorry. Let''s go check the portal."

    "And when you said that things were not good? Why did you say that if you had no clue?"

    "I though it added to the suspense of the moment." The young elf said, placing his palm at the back of his head, wanting so do something with his hands, and nerves as he watched the Elf King look at him like he would obliterate him.

    "Ea from now on you will speak only when I tell you to. Now let''s go" he said and began walking back into the endless forest, trying to remember where was the portal. He could have teleported there but unfortunately he did not have a clear image of his destination and he didn''t want to end up somewhere similar far away. Actually Theseus was very bad with navigating.

    "Master also you will be hosting a party." Ea told him and he immediately halted.

    "Excuse me what?"

    "If you want the wolves to stay here you will have to host a celebration. That''s what one of them said" The elf said hastily and Theseus began walking again.

    "I hate celebrations Ea." He stated.

    "I think that Alex would enjoy a celebration, you know"

    "You think?" He said his eyes changing. He seemed to think of the possibilities in Ea''s words.

    "Yes." He told him but their conversation did not continue any further. They kept walking for a while when Theseus stopped abruptly and his behind a tree.

    The clearing was right up ahead and he could see a few people surrounding it. Ea immediately found a spot in one of the other trees teleporting there in a hurry and getting ready his daggers. Theseus looked at him and signaled him with his finger to be quiet, earning a nod as a response.

    If he could judge the situation well these people were definitely hunters. From their posture to their wolf hunting guns that had bullets made of pure silver to the fact that all of them had tattooed arms that were obviously exposed, with their clan mark made it clear as day what they were after. Someone was on the clearing, of supernatural origin. They had found the portal and the King hoped they didn''t know yet.

    "Dad please wait I can explain!" He heard a boy shout. Someone there had been facing his son. So they were more than one person there, he thought. "Alex is hurt please don''t do anything rush" he heard him again this time beg and he locked eyes with Ea. Alex was there, probably he had made this person bring him to the portal so he could find someone, ask for help.

    "I am going in" Theseus mouthed without even sparing a second to think about it. Before Ea could even stop him he had transformed into the darkness that surrounded him into his most anxious times and like storm he found himself taking form behind Alex and that boy. He looked at the man who had now turned their eyes on him, readying their guns and grabbed Joe from the neck one of his shadows pointing a sharp edge at him.

    Alex losing his support fell to the ground and Theseus struggled not do anything and focus on the threat before him. He heard Alex scream from the pain and for a second he looked at him. He was very messily bandaged, hurt form the flames. He felt his heart tightening just by looking at him. He clenched his fist and got a better hold of the boy.

    He wore a mask, that of a murdered and he turned his attention on them again.

    "Well, well now. Those things are dangerous are you sure you know how to use them?" he mocked them and Joe''s dad turned the gun to point to his head. "I am not a wolf honey; I wouldn''t die from that but your son. If I assume well he will die if I stab through his neck with my dagger."

    "Don''t touch the kid you filthy freak" One of them shouted and Theseus grinned wider.

    "I am the freak? Aren''t you the ones who were after two kids? I mean something is fishy here"

    "Don''t hurt him" Alex managed to say and look at Theseus with his gem eyes glistening from the tears of pain. "he helped me."

    Only for a second Theseus changed his look. Just for him, looking only at him he smiled, wholeheartedly trying to soothe his worries, his pain. He wouldn''t hurt a child; he would never do that but if the idea of him doing it was enough to scare them away he would pretend he was going to. If the circumstances were different he would have already eliminated them but as it seemed Alex''s friend belonged in their clan so massacring all of them on the spot would not be his brightest idea, so he would need a way to scare them away for now.

    "We will kill all of you" Joe''s father said and tried to shoot at him but Theseus signaled that he would use his son as a shield. For wolves or not this would still kill him in the end, if he got shot.

    Alex looked at Theseus and the moment their eyes met and he smiled he somehow knew that Joe would be safe. He didn''t know why or how but his words were a lie. He wouldn''t hurt him. Even if that was a part of some kind of plan he knew at east that his new friend would be safe and for a second he wondered what would Luke do at a moment like this and instantly he felt relieved that Theseus found him.

    "So I have a deal for you. Do you want this back?" He said and pointed at Joe with his dagger, pinching his cheek with the edge, a small trail of blood making its appearance on his freckled face. "Turn around now and leave and your child will leave completely fine"

    "And miss the chance of killing you?" The leader said and shot his gun, wanting to intimidate him but the only thing he managed was to scare Joe and Alex.

    "Dad please" The boy cried out calling his father and the man looked at him suddenly feeling perplexed. His gun fell slightly from his target and he seemed like he didn''t know what to do.

    "Beg more" Theseus whispered in his ear.

    "Dad please save me! Please! I don''t want to die" Joe cried out confusing the man even more.

    "Harry Let''s just get the kid. We were not prepared for elves. We have nothing on us to fight them but we will get them next time" Theseus heard one of the hunters say. From now on they would be at a very big disadvantage. They had a good start while they didn''t know they were elves but now they would have to be careful since they knew another species was inhibiting this place.

    "So we just turn around and leave and my son will be fine?" Harry asked.

    "I will give you my word."

    The man began walking away and Theseus let go of Joe. No more words needed to be exchanged and Theseus was thankful that even these killers could feel family love. He took Alex in his arms, the brunet stiffening at the contact.

    "It''s okay. I got you. Nothing bad will happen from now on." He said and the way he said it, the manner he spoke and the way he looked at him made Alex believe him. He rested his head on his chest getting to relax a bit, for once. "Ea check if they left." He signaled his servant and a ruffling sound began coming from the trees. "You kid, will come with me I need to ask you a few things."

    "But¡­But you said¡­"

    "I will let you go, I promised. I didn''t tell them when though" he said with a devilish smile.

    "Will you hurt me? Or my family?" Joe asked but Theseus looked at Alex instead.

    "Do you want me to hurt them?"

    "No there is always a way. Like what you did just now" he mumbled his eyes half closed, he began losing consciousness again.

    "You heard him. Now come on, Let''s go." He told them and he let him go first, as he followed behind. "Oh. Alex let me ask you something. Would you like to go to a party?"

    "Are you inviting me to a party right now?" He asked him trying to stay awake.

    "Yes, maybe."

    "This place is definitely not invitation appropriate" he mumbled and for a second he thought he heard Theseus laugh, shivers began all over his body but he didn''t get to make sure.

    He was already unconscious.

    ...

    Thank you ! Please support this book if you''re able to.

    Also I want to let you know that after this story is over I will be continuing with two side stories of two couples! Can you guess them? The one has already appeared. The other not yet but I am sure that you will love them.

    But don''t worry Alex''s story has a long way to go.

 Chapter 70 - Match 70

    "Sit straight Allias, the next villager will come soon" His mother told him and the young prince sighed.

    He was sitting on his throne right next to his mother, getting some real life experience of what a ruler does and today was hearing day. For a week every two months or so the King or Queen would open the palace door to the people to hear their problems and offer solutions if they can. At the moment they were at the last day and only a few villagers had left but Allias was already exhausted. Sitting for hours in the hard golden throne, speaking properly and hearing people''s problems like they were the most important thing in this world. Sadly, most of the times the problems were so insignificant that the royal court could nothing about it rather than nod their heads and say they will look into it.

    The great hall of the Avgee palace was beautiful. It stood in the middle of the building a round room with no walls, only glass windows with golden frames that showed the few of the rose gardens. Inside there weren''t many furniture and the pastel marble floor shone from being cleaned up and polished every day. Allias could see his bored expression reflected there very clearly. His mother''s throne was far more extravagant than his. It was golden of course, the color of a glorious dawn and had detailed carvings of leaves and flowers, appearing behind her slim back. His on the other hand was a simple gold armchair without even a pillow, his butt had gotten numb by sitting there a numerous times and he really wished he could get up and just walk around. There was one chandelier, hanging from the ceiling that could light the whole place, mostly during the night because during the day there was plenty day light coming from the windows surrounding them. Only behind their thrones a part was made with a door that took you to a corridor which then spread to the rest of the palace. There were also the front gates made by old and strong wood each of them weighting more than a ton. They had the family insignia of the Avgee tribe on them. A flaming sun. The people inside the room could see outside but everyone else couldn''t see what was happening in there. So Allias could see all the people waiting in line but they couldn''t see his tortured expression.

    "I''m sorry mother but please explain to me why we have to listen to a man whine about how his wife cheated on him? I mean¡­what can we really do about that?" Allias asked.

    "Nothing really. You just nod and smile."

    "So these hearings are actually useless." He concluded and his mother turned to look at him with a strict look.

    "Of course not. We can see in what state the kingdom is. And a few people presented us some issues we need to look into. Nonetheless everyone should get a chance to speak their own mind. It''s not our job to prioritize problems at this point. It''s not fair after all."

    "I see." Allias said feeling a bit stupid.

    "You''re still young. Don''t worry about not understanding a few things at first. When I was eighteen all I could think of was how to run away¡­You did that already but at least you don''t neglect your duties. Your father would be proud" She said and gave him a loving smile while taking his hand in hers. He hoped so because moments like this, he felt like there were so many things he needed to know, understand and he couldn''t help but wonder if he could do it.

    "My Queen are we ready for the next one?" One of their servants asked her and she nodded, the guards opening the door and letting two people pass this time. The sight was quite unusual. An elf man looking around forty was holding from his collar a boy and was dragging him on the floor. He wasn''t unconscious though. He kicked a few times, wanting to get away but as it seemed the grip of the man was strong or¡­he wasn''t trying enough.

    "What is this?" The queen asked. "Why are you treating this man like that?"

    "My Queen, forgive me but he is a thief. He is a boy from the Disee Tribe. He came into my bakery and tried to steal my bread. He has been doing it for two months now. Please help me." He said and let the young man on the floor.

    His long dark hair was hiding his face but as he looked up Allias sighed. Alex couldn''t see him, once again he was hidden but he had realized by now that in his story, he knew him. He could see the vibrant color of his eyes though, that purple, the same as the one in the alley.

    "Is it true?" The queen asked.

    The boy got up to his feet wiping some dirt from his pants and he made a dramatic bow to the queen. She raised her eyebrow at how bold he was but he didn''t stop him. Allias had kept quiet hoping that he wouldn''t get recognized but he saw him and winked at him with a devilish smile, in front of his mother, in front of the Queen! Allias coughed, trying to kick the embarrassment away but he made it worse. His mother was now looking at him. Queen Atalanti was no fool.

    "Anyways¡­" she continued "Is what the baker said true young man"

    "Partly my Queen. If you allow me to explain I will tell you everything"

    "I am listening" She said, interested by the fact that her son was looking at him with a look she had never seen before. It was a bit entertaining to see him that flustered for the first time, like he did something bad that she doesn''t want it revealed.

    "My Queen why would you listen to a street rat he¡­"

    "Silence. Please begin"

    "You see my Queen, my name is Theseus by the way" he said and gifted her a stunning smile and Allias wondered how many girls had fallen for his charms like that. "I came here with my little brother who this man is keeping hostage. I haven''t been trying to steal his bread. I just need my little brother like any normal man. I didn''t want to fight with him considering he is old and all."

    "What? Wait you stop!" he shouted and tried to launch at him, wanting to silence him but right in time a soldier grabbed him, stopping him.

    "And why could he possibly kidnap your brother?"

    "Shut up!" he screamed.

    "Do you want to tell her?" Theseus asked him and the playful expression he had was replaced by a cold and threatening stare. The man didn''t say a word. His head just fell and as it seemed he had given up. "I will then. He had been kidnapping elf children and selling them to the human hunters. They cut of their ears and used them in potions and then they killed them. As you see he is not a baker. He came from the Disee Kingdom after he drew too much attention and now he operates here and I want to get my brother back please before he sends out the new batch of kids. And all of the other kids if that''s possible."

    The Queen was definitely surprised but she didn''t let it show the way Allias did. He was clenching the edge of his throne almost on his feet, ready to grab that man. How could he commit such atrocious acts? The young prince wondered but the Queen was calm, as calm as she could be before she unleashed her storm.

    "Take him away. Send some people to his house to investigate and make sure¡­" she said while looking at the man who was no trembling in fear. "That none of his accomplishes stays alive"

    Three soldiers walked in heavily armed and grabbed the man dragging him away. He kept shouting pleading for mercy and swearing at the boy named Theseus.

    "How stupid can elves be sometime. He really thought I wanted to steal his bread. I knew he would bring me here at some point since I was a threat, exposing his secret and all if I found out. It''s a shame though I already knew. Once he realized it there was no way out. Now if you''d excuse me I''d take my leave" Theseus said bowing graciously this time.

    "So am I allowed to assume that you''re not just a beggar?" The Queen asked him before he left.

    "Oh, I am definitely not a beggar but he does actually have my brother so please return him to the Disee palace soon. Thank you"

    The Disee palace? Who was this man? Allias had never seen him before in any of the social gatherings or celebrations. His name was never heard between the Disee people.

    He left the room without even sparing the golden prince a second look and Allias was even more surprised by that. Wasn''t he flirting with him just a few days ago he wondered and reflexively he tried to follow him, until he remembered that his mother was in the room, watching him.

    "What are you doing?" She asked him with a grin.

    "I¡­I¡­"

    "Oh yeah now that I remember can you find my assistant and tell him to come here please?"

    "Why would you want me to ask for your assistant? Oh¡­yes, yes I will" Allias said and jumped off his throne in a hurry running towards the exit, pushing the heavy door and opening them without the need of any help.

    He got outside, blinking by the blinding sun and looked around searching for the man.

    "If I said that I knew you''d follow me would I sound too cocky?" he heard his familiar voice and looked behind him. He was at the garden sitting on a tree branch, resting on the trunk, his eyes locking with his as he lit up his cigarette with a match. He was smiling at him and Allias felt like that smile was virus making him weak but it seemed like the sickness was spreading.

    "As it seems you might have done something to me, my golden prince"

    ....

    I really liked writing this chapter for some reason.

    Hmmmm what could Theseus be?

    Hello! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the book in general.

    I would really appreciate it if you could show some support to this book.

    Thanks for reading and don''t forget to interact for 1000 coins!!

 Chapter 71 - Match 71

    Alex opened his eyes freezing. He looked around him confused to find himself in a literally frozen room. The huge bed he was lying was made of ice and he had been wrapped in fuzzy white blankets, while his pillow was from the softest silk. There was a fireplace, looking like it had been forged from a crystal where a strong fire was burning. He frowned at the side and unconsciously tried to bring his legs closer to his chest only to remember that he was injured, badly. His bandages had been changed, this time they were neater and a very pretty smell was emitting from them, like they had been dipped into some kind of medicine. It didn''t hurt as much now even though the pain was still very obvious and he guessed that some kind of ointment was numbing his pain.

    The room was beautifully lit in a way that someone could only describe as magical. From the ceiling hanged dozens of stalagmites which gave off a pale white light, twinkling like stars. He was lost looking at them, so pretty they were that he forgot everything that had happened. Probably he hadn''t managed to gather his thoughts yet. Disoriented from another dream he didn''t notice Theseus standing at a corner of the room, admiring him. If he had he would have been startled for sure considering how creepy it was to be watched while you sleep but the king made his presence known on his own.

    "Hey, you''re awake" he said, his voice soothing to Alex''s ears. The green eyed boy watched him as he approached at sat at the end of the bed, fixing his covers. "You look a little better, now"

    "Where am I? Where is Joe?" Alex asked.

    "You are in my palace. The wolf pack is here too. We tried to protect the wolves from the hunters by giving them shelter here. Joe is fine too. He is resting in another room. We just asked him a few questions. It was Adam, Luke, Mark and I at that meeting."

    "What did you ask him?"

    "About the hunters mostly. Where they are hiding. Their base, how many they are."

    "Don''t hurt his family." Alex said and looked at him with a serious look. He had promised Joe and he should make sure everyone else was going to keep this promise.

    "I won''t, don''t worry. I swear. For me it''s enough that you are here" he promised and smiled at him. Alex couldn''t help but smile back. He felt relieved, he finally was able to talk to someone who seemed to listen, even if he didn''t know that much about him, Theseus seemed okay. At least for now.

    "Um, where is Luke?" The green eyed boy asked and Theseus sighed dramatically.

    "That hormonal teenager has been kept in the dark about the location of your room. He seemed very eager to scold you and I¡­well don''t like that" he said and winked at him.

    "I can''t hide forever"

    "I can hide you. Forever. For an eternity if you wish to. Away from everyone that hurts you" he said and took his bandaged hand in his kissing the back of his palm, making the boy lose his breath. The cold he felt had diminished and he could feel the warmth getting to his face. For a second he wished to say yes, he was temped too but he pulled his hand back. He needed to speak to Luke and then search for the one, the voice in his head. He wouldn''t reveal that he knew yet. To anyone about who he was. Revealing secrets in this world was like showing all of your weaknesses, he knew that by now.

    "I''m sorry." Alex said knowing his gesture would seem rather rude but Theseus just smiled and got up, hiding the sadness in his eyes.

    "Sorry about what? Here you are free to do what you want. Any person who can stand these wolves must be really strong. So I have taken a liking to you" he told him and Alex couldn''t help but laugh at his words.

    Him? Strong? That was hilarious. And it was even more funny hearing it from someone who seemed to be more than a thousand years old and incredibly power since everyone seemed to be terrified of displeasing him or angering him. Even though he had all that power he called Alex strong and his smile was so friendly, so warm, his eyes felt like soft strokes of a feather as they traveled on his face and Alex did not feel the slightest bit terrified, like everyone else did. He felt calm and at peace. So as much as he enjoyed hearing someone tell him, especially Theseus that he was strong he knew it wasn''t right. He was helpless always asking for others help. He didn''t even know who he truly was so how can a person without an identity be strong. Right now Alex felt like a shadow, a ghost without a past or present. He was lost and that was the biggest proof of how weak his mind and his body was, even his heart since he had decided to give up on his love that was designated to him by fate because it was too painful. The words weak and coward were better adjectives to describe him, he was definitely not strong.

    "Why the sad look little human?" Theseus asked him curious as to why he wore such a gloom expression.

    "Thank you for calling me strong. But everybody knows how weak I am."

    "Really? I don''t know many people that managed to survive what you just went through and from what I have understood your story has many more parts like this. So just the fact that you can still smile, crave for life, this is strength, a strength I wished I had in my long life."

    His story, what was his story really? For sure not a comedy or a romance maybe a tragedy? He had shed so many tears through these past weeks. He had wished he was dead even a few hours ago but in its actual presence he shriveled and tried to escape, he didn''t want his story to be a tragedy, he wanted more than just a sad ending but with every day that passed it became harder to smile, harder to crave for that life he always wished for. Because with every day a part of him was getting lost.

    "My story it''s¡­complicated" Alex mumbled and remembered all these unspeakable moments. All the thought he had and didn''t have the courage to utter, every piece of his body that had gotten broken, bruised or burned remembered the anguish and the pain. He had hurt so much, he had mentally died so many times only for him to stand on his feet to have someone slam them with a hammer and bring him down again. Those few times it was because of that voice. That long lost memory of that person, his words, his advice that gave him something to hold on to but still he was so weak that he couldn''t picture his face.

    "I could listen" Theseus said "if you want to let everything out¡­and then I would forget it, your every word will be erased from my mind"

    Theseus was sitting so carefully, his eyes gentle on him, waiting for him to think, not pressuring him about anything. He had seen him, how he treated others, how his violet eyes turned darker at the presence of everyone else or how his behavior became obnoxious and stuck up. Theseus, he was kind. Alex could see it in his eyes at that moment. He could feel it with every inch of his body that this person in front of him would never hurt him and for the first time in his entire life he felt safe. Could it be because he was an elf? Maybe that familiarity in their species. Maybe his self still asleep could recognize him as one and the same but still he felt that there was something else.

    "Then please listen to me" Alex said and Theseus simply nodded waiting for him to begin.

    He told him everything, from the first moment he saw Luke. No even before that. About his mother, about his father and their little lake house. About his dreams and meeting Mark. How he loved soccer so much and all those thing sometimes made him smile. Theseus was happy to hear his dreams at first, to hear about his friends but then it became darker and darker and with every word that Alex mouth he relived the pain. He told him everything, about the torture about the humiliation, about Luke and how he treated him and Theseus listened, he just paid attention to his every word and simply allowed him to release his sadness. He didn''t need any comments or advices, he just wanted someone to nod and showed him that he would listen and Alex couldn''t help but cry as he told about how scared he was sometimes. The only thing he didn''t reveal was that he partially knew about his past. That was something he needed to figure out on his own, at his own time no matter how much he was being tortured by it.

    It was rare. This moment was a rare occurrence. This person, Theseus was rare. There was no one else like him and as Alex cried and struggled to speak he was there to soothe him, to wait for him to compose his thoughts. He was holding his heart and all his pain in his palms and he treated them like they were precious, not like they were weak and broken.

    "¡­and every day, I wish more and more to simply die but I had so many chances and I couldn''t do it. Because I am weak" Alex finished his story with Theseus jumping on him. He had stayed quiet all this time listening carefully but when Alex uttered these words he couldn''t stop. He didn''t know, he didn''t know anything and he couldn''t reveal anything.

    He pinned him on the bed, his white hair framing his face and their edges caressing Alex''s cheeks. His heart was beating so fast. He wanted to be a calmness for him because he knew that''s what he needed, his story proved everything but when he said something like that he couldn''t.

    "Listen to me, little human." He said but Alex didn''t want to look at him, he was afraid he had made a mistake telling him, he would get scolded for being a baby, for whining too much, he would hear that others had it worse. "Alex, look at me, please." Theseus pleaded and Alex even though he tried to resist in the end he gave in. His red and swollen eyes met his. The ice king was melting, something inside him was burning everything.

    "You should not give up; you deserve a happy ending. I can see it. I feel it. You are kind, you have a gentle soul, you are everything. No matter what the world throws at you don''t leave, please"

    Please don''t leave me again. Theseus thought and felt his heart break. It was his fault that Alex was going through all of this, he should have found him sooner. Protected him.

    Alex didn''t know what to say. His lips partially opened he was taking shorts breaths recognizing the pain on Theseus'' face. He spoke before he could even think. It was something completely irrelevant but it was the first thought that came to his mind.

    "I can see the sunset in your eyes. The peace and quiet I longed for so long and then a dark endless sky filled with starts."

    ...

    Hello! Thanks for reading. Did you like this chapter?

 Chapter 72 - Match 72

    "What did you just say?" Theseus asked Alex surprised,

    "I¡­I''ve been fainting a lot lately, as it seems I am still a bit out of it." He said and tried to smile, to hide his embarrassment. How could he say something like that at a moment like this? He was very stupid.

    "I see" Theseus said slightly disappointed and got away from him. "What I said. About you being strong, I meant it" he told him trying to bring back their previous conversation.

    "Thank you. It''s a bit hard for me to believe you even if I want to."

    "I understand; you need to rest so I will leave you alone for now. I will send someone to bring you dinner"

    "Thank you. Is it alright for you to bring Mark here? I want to talk to him"

    "You have a king doing your deeds. You should feel honored" Theseus joked and made the boy chuckle.

    "Who said I wasn''t" he answered cheekily and Theseus left the room with a smile.

    A smile that soon ceased to exist because while he stood there, alone outside the closed door he remembered Alex''s story. The one heh had shared with him filled with tears and pain. He had a feeling that things weren''t good, it was something in the brunet''s eyes that showed his unhappiness but still he would have never thought he had lived through such misfortune.

    He couldn''t help but blame himself. Atalanti had entrusted him with her son, to bring him safe back home before she died and he had completely failed. His people had entrusted him their lives and the hopes of one day bringing them back their golden king, instead their dawn had found its way home broken and wounded tormented by the beasts of the world like before. This time though he could help him, he was older, wiser, not a reckless young man who only brought destruction where he stepped. This time he could support him and he wouldn''t have to bare his burdens alone. He would stand next to him and serve him body and soul because Allias, he was the true king, he had always had been.

    "Master are you¡­crying?" he heard Ea ask him almost dumbfounded and he touched his cheeks only to feel cold trails of water. He was indeed crying without even realizing it.

    "How much suffering did he go through Ea? How much pain and I¡­I didn''t even know he had returned." Theseus said and the servant''s eyes saddened.

    "He is here now. That''s what matters, we still have time¡­to save him"

    "What if it''s too late?"

    "It was too late my king." Ea said in a serious tone that grabbed Theseus attention. "His heart had stopped beating and so did the heart of our nation. His heart is beating now and we¡­we can make the people happy again. We can make him proud by showing him what you did. You kept our people alive through everything. The elves survived because of you and that will make him smile again because my king he loved you, more than anyone and he would be proud of you."

    "Thank you Ea." Theseus said at a loss of words. This young Elf was the only man he had kept at his side for many years. He was only a child when the king died. He used to follow them around all the time when his family visited the palace. He was the child of a noble Disee Family and he seemed to be Allias'' biggest fan. When he died he was devastated but one day he appeared before Theseus and swore to help him bring their king back. No matter what it took.

    "No problem my lord but please wipe your tears. We have to meet Adam and his son. They want to talk about the hunters. Also I informed the servants about the celebration and sent word to Alex''s friend so they can meet" he announced and Theseus smiled as they walked.

    "Sometimes I do believe that you are the king that keeps this nation alive Ea" he complimented him.

    "Oh, no I could never. I''d like to call myself The Organizer. I organize in the shadows"

    "That name is really lame you know" Theseus teased him before they entered the meeting room.

    Inside the whole company had been waiting. There was Adam, of course looking as annoying as ever, Daniel who even if Theseus glanced at him he would immediately shit his pants, Markus who was okay, Theseus believed and the stupid son. Luke, one of the biggest reasons for Alex''s pain.

    He always hated the world. The crimes and rot they gathered between humans and supernaturals were always disgusting to him. He believed there was no saving this world and the filth it had gathered. Because people''s eyes were dark filled with evil and nothing could cleanse that.

    He had fallen in love with Allias because of that. He believed that the world was beautiful, he didn''t like violence even though he was extremely strong and he could cleanse people''s hearts. Instinctively you wanted to follow him, everyone fell in love with him and with every step he took life sprouted from his footsteps. He had mad Theseus believe again. How could he not? When just a smile or a touch of his burned brighter than the ancient sun? When his kindness and selflessness bended even the worst of criminals?

    So he believed until he lost him. Of course something so pure would not survive this world. And Theseus deep down was scared, of when Alex would remember. The memories he had, of the war, those were heavy and he didn''t know if he could stand them.

    So now he had returned to hating everything because nothing shone the way it did. An endless winter. And right in front of him was standing the man that made the light of his light dim.

    "I''ve never wanted to kill someone more in my life" Theseus mumbled and sat at the head of the icy table.

    "What did you say?"

    "I said good day Adam, please do share your troubles with me"

    "Oh, believe me I will. Tell me why after this human hunter boy told us everything about the hunters we haven''t I don''t know, gone after them? So we can get rid of these trash?"

    "Because I gave the boy my word that I wouldn''t touch them. We will think of a plan to kick them out like civilized individuals" Theseus said and looked at every single one of them like he was warning them not to do anything stupid.

    "Since when you do civilize? This is not what the stories say" Luke told him and Theseus clearly laughed at his face agitating him again.

    "What do the stories say boy? You were still wearing diapers during the war but please do tell me what you know about my past. That I am crazy?" he asked while smiling and he moved slightly forward, toward the wolf his hand clenching the table. "That I killed everyone that I didn''t like? That even my own people hated me? Oh that''s true so boy watch out. Because I am already starting not to like you" he told him and the table began cracking from his grip. It was a very immature display of power Theseus knew that but he was a man, and men did these thing even though he wanted to deny his nature. Anyways the huge table had already crack and by applying just a bit more force it had shuttered into million pieces falling to the ground, making Daniel flinch. "Oops, I broke it" he said and smiled at all of them. "Anyways there is no reason of continuing this meeting at the end of the day what I say goes. I will deal with it, you just rest until that stupid celebration of yours. Ea please sent someone to clean this up. Not the wolves, the glass we don''t need them getting confused by the trash." He insulted them with a smile before he got ready to leave.

    "Theseus where is Alex?" Luke asked him.

    "Hmm, why would I tell you?"

    "I am his mate."

    "If he wanted to see you he would have asked for you. The only one he wanted to see was Mark. Ask him, if he says it''s okay you can see him. I doubt it though. You are not very likable are you?"

    "Do you really think that¡­"

    "I am sorry. I am busy doing something with my life. Now see you later gentlemen" he ignored the vicious looks and left without stopping this time.

    Luke visibly frustrated walked through the glass, his boots breaking it even further and sat at one of the warm chairs. The audacity this elf had to talk to him like this and even worse decide if he would be able to see Alex or not. Who did he think he was?

    "Well that was humiliating" Daniel commented and everyone heard Adam laugh.

    "Who knows for how long we will have to stay here. I mean if those hunters were dead we could go home. You could punish the people who hurt your mate son, even show him how strong you are. You will be together when we leave" Adam told Luke.

    "Adam don''t¡­" Markus warned him.

    "What? I didn''t say anything wrong. It''s the truth. I mean the longer these hunters roam around the longer it will take for my son to be with his mate. What if Theseus doesn''t allow you to see him at all? This is his domain. What if Alex forgets you, wasn''t he trying to leave you when he got caught? That''s what the rumors say. You have been turned into quite the laughing stock son" Adam provoked him enjoying the way he was getting angrier and angrier. He was simple minded when it came to Alex and this illusion he had created that he loved him. It was the word Fate that had enchanted him and turned him into a fool. Believing that there was no way out and being fixated on making the wright move because of¡­fate.

    "Stop it Adam" Markus repeated.

    "I''m just sharing my opinion." Adam said and got up from his chair. "I believed that youth was the future of our pack but I see you are contempt into letting an elf do whatever he wants with you, even taking your mate away from you, your fate."

    "And what do you suggest that I do? Attack them?! Theseus gave his word!" Luke shouted feeling like he had been pushed to a very dangerous corner.

    "He did, not you" Adam told him before he left him all alone.

    Yes, Theseus had sworn not Luke.

    ...

    I hope you like the story so far. Here are a few facts.

    Disee: the Greek word for sunset

    Avgee: The Greek word for dawn

    Theseus: An ancient Greek hero

    Atalanti: Ancient Greek female runner. She has a pretty interesting myth so check her out.

 Chapter 73 - Match 73

    Alex had been alone for quite a while. Many times wondered where was everyone else, what have they been doing and if it was a good idea to roam in the palace. He had decided not to. He was still scared to face Luke or accidentally bump into Adam or even worse Lily. This place was filled with people that would just make his mood worse and even if he had a way to avoid them at the compound this unknown place and the fact that he would be all alone without a guide didn''t offer him much ease.

    So he laid in his enormous bed examining this new environment. It was very pretty indeed with its distant and cold aura. Everything seemed to be frozen in time and the warmth from the heavy covers and the strong fire were everything he needed to admire it without freezing to death. He loved the light like stalagmites on the ceiling and he kept trying to count them but the room was too big and every time he found himself losing count. Sometimes they would shine strongly while others they would glisten in pretty patterns and he desperately wanted to touch them. Would the light make them warm? Then why did they not melt? He wondered. Magic, probably he mumbled.

    After some time when he had gotten bored of just sitting there he heard a knock on his door a very anxious ginger head appearing behind it and scanning the room. When his best friend noticed that he was awake and slightly well he jumped and clapped his hands rushing inside and plopping on the huge bed.

    "I missed you!!!" He sang and crawling on the sheets he hugged him tightly.

    "Ouch! You idiot" Alex screamed in pain and Mark jumped back shocked. He looked at his bandages with a pout, his bottom lip sticking out and tears gathered at the corners of his eyes.

    "It''s my fault. I left you" he cried and dramatically shoved his face on the fluffy blanket. It smelled like vanilla and he sniffed it like a junkie enjoying the scent.

    "Shut up. We know it''s not your fault. Thank you for calling for help." He told him and patted his fluffy head.

    "I heard that you found a way back on your own. That''s amazing" Mark noted and Alex smiled.

    "I was just luck that''s all. Have you met Joe?"

    "Yeah, he seemed nice. He told the guys everything. How did you get out of the fire? I''ve been wondering about that." Mark said. He remembered what Theseus had told him and he was trying to see if Alex had any idea about his powers.

    "To be honest, I don''t really remember. All I remember is thinking that I don''t want to die and the next moment I was out fainting onto Joe." Alex said. It was very weird how he had no recollection of such an important moment. It was only that voice in his head still strong talking to him, like an echo. He remembered him giving him an advice. He grasped into those words and then¡­it was blank. "But how about you tell me everything that happened"

    "Oh God where should I begin? From The fact that Mikael killed Clarissa for God know what reason? Or maybe we should talk about how annoying Luke has been or that Mikael has disappeared somewhere. I have been avoiding you see. And then there is Theseus. He is actually pretty smart and has been making Adam''s life a misery. It''s amazing. You have to see how he talks to them. I love it. He had sent people all over to search for you, setting I don''t know some magic barriers to monitor activity. I am telling you eh was like a master mind." Mark said excited.

    Alex didn''t know what to comment first. How could Mikael had done something like that? All this time he believed that him at least, not even Luke, he was different. He seemed kind and caring, he had treated Clarissa so politely and seen as a savior so why? There would definitely be a reason behind what he had done. Adam on the other hand, he cared little about him but he was happy to hear that he at least was having a hard time. Theseus, he was a whole different case he didn''t know if he was ready to talk about yet.

    "Luke¡­had he been searching for me?"

    "He¡­well¡­umm it''s kind complicated, you see you know how he is a little stupid ¡­right?" Mark began mumbling scratching his arm. Alex began feeling a bit anxious as he seemed to chew his words.

    "Spill it I won''t cry."

    "Yeah he went out like once for two hours to search for you and came back that''s the only thing he did."

    "Wow¡­I mean wow" Alex said dumbfounded.

    "There is also a rumor saying he was seen talking with¡­the witch¡­Lily¡­ But to give him some credit he went after this cousin of his and brutally beat him up to find out where you were."

    Alex kept quiet. He was processing the situation and for some reason he wasn''t surprised by Luke''s behavior, this time away from him had given him a chance to kind of get a better look at their relationship from a far. He did search for him because he was worried, he was his mate after all but he didn''t really go any further because he didn''t really love him. He beat up that guy not just because he wanted to find him. It was that too; Luke wasn''t heartless after all but it was more of a display of power for him. Having easily kidnapped and endangered the mate of a strong wolf like him meant that he was weak and couldn''t protect Alex so that was a blow on his pride.

    He was surprised by how clearly he could see some things now. There was also a sad part though. He still remembered the first time he laid eyes on him. How handsome he looked or their first kiss. The sweet words he had told him and the way their bodies felt together. It had been unique, a cherished memory for him and noticing such things now hurt. Knowing that he alone had created a romantic story while for Luke it had only been restraints and following pack rules pained him, not only because his feelings weren''t returned but also because they would never find out if that instinct could turn into true love. It was too late now to try, the wounds were too deep and Alex even though he knew that when he would see him again, he would want him he realized that it was only instinct now for him too, maybe a few of his feeling have left but at the same time he wished they didn''t, it would hurt a lot more if they had. He was avoiding him for that specific reason. He didn''t want to face his feelings yet.

    "Don''t be sad please! I am so happy you''re alive!!" Mark said and smiled at him forcing him to smile back.

    "Thanks. It''s just that things are weird."

    "Luke is trash. Dump him and move on to the hot elf king who looks like he came out of a fairy tale. I mean have you seen that hair. Ten out of ten" he joked and Alex began laughing.

    Yes, Theseus was definitely and undeniably gorgeous with his cold exterior. Tall, elegant like a prince out of a story. Well he had been a prince and now even a king so it somehow made sense. Could he wield a sword? Alex wondered and suddenly he imagined him fighting skillfully like the men in the middle aged movies, getting flustered.

    "You are blushing! Oh my God you have your eyes on him." Mark commented and Alex shook his head in a denying motion.

    "I am not looking at anyone until I clear out my head about Luke. So tell me why have you been avoiding Mikael?"

    "I know it will sound childish but I am disappointed" Mark said. "I had created an image of him, I kind of considered him my savior in many occasions and while you had your eyes on Luke all the time he would notice me and care for me, I believed that he was different from the other wolves, no matter how clich¨¦ that sounds, he seemed kind but I probably sound stupid right?" he said with a sad smile "For them killing is as natural as pooping"

    "No I understand what you mean and you are right. Those were my thoughts about him too but you and him seemed to always understand each other so I think you should hear him out. Talk to him, I may be wrong most of the times in judging people but you are definitely not and you came to appreciate him as a person and that means something. So hear him out at least."

    "I want to but I am scared, that the image I have created will be ruined."

    "You know; we can''t be living in our fantasies. We have to look at people exactly the way they are. It took me too long to realize that but it''s the sad truth. We make stories in our head about people and then we get hurt when they show their true selves. It''s a way of escaping the harsh reality but at the end of the day is wrong." Alex told him and took his hand in his. "I know more than anything that you are very capable of addressing your fear. You are much braver than me"

    "You''re right but tell me what happened these few days? Did you come back wiser or is it my idea?" He asked him and Alex began laughing.

    "Could it be that near death experiences make you smarter?"

    "It could be¡­or¡­you are starting to remember and you haven''t told me." Mark told him.

    "The truth is that¡­I have been seeing some things, like dreams but I forget the most as soon as I wake up. It''s really frustrating. I saw my mother though. She was really pretty and nice" He said with a nostalgic smile. "Do you think I may meet her one day? Have a family" Alex dreamed and Mark tried not to say anything. He seemed happy thinking about his mother. It would be devastating if he told him that all of his people were dead.

    "It''s possible! You just need to remember fully. It''s a good sign that you are getting back pieces." He encouraged him and Alex nodded. He honestly wanted to know more. Unveil more of his story that was hidden deep on his mind and heart. "Do you want me to call someone do get you some food? It''s pretty late but you must be hungry." Mark said and Alex nodded eagerly. He was starving. Theseus had said that they would send some food so he didn''t want to bother anyone but he really needed to eat something.

    Mark headed towards the door and opened it looking outside when suddenly a loud sound, like someone had taken down a wall was heard. Alex''s eyes widened and tried to see Mark''s expression who was witnessing the scene. The boy in a hurry closed the door and turned to his friend.

    "Shit, stay inside don''t make a sound" he warned him.

 Chapter 74 - Match 74

    Alex looked at Mark confused. It wasn''t like he could move or go outside even if he wanted it too but when he heard another sound like almost a building was being teared down he couldn''t stop worrying. When outside was probably something very serious happening how he could just lie in his bed like a well raised princess. He took the covers off of him and he tried to support himself to get up. His bare feet touching the cold floor, sending weird sensations all over his body.

    "Stop, no. You are injured" mark scolded him and ran to where he was trying to make him get down again. He didn''t really want him to see what was happening outside.

    "What''s happening out there?" Mark had now become his human crutch and was taking him towards the door.

    He revealed the unwanted sight to him and he noticed Alex tensing. They still hadn''t noticed them; they were too preoccupied by the other to see how Alex looked at them both. Mark could see it and honestly, it scared him. It was anger in his eyes. Pure death and for a second he found himself wanting to get away but he couldn''t, he would fall to the ground if he did.

    He was righteously angry, mad even at the view in front of him and Mark could be described as a bastard for not wanting to show him but his health was the top priority at the moment. It wasn''t every day that you survived a fire and even if you were some thousand-year-old elf prince with immeasurable power you needed rest.

    "What the hell are you doing to him?" Alex shouted looking at them. They finally noticed him and their eyes were filled with a blend of shock and guilt. So they didn''t know Alex''s room was here, Mark thought.

    Right in front of the two humans stood around to five wolves. Faces Alex could recall from memory. He had definitely seen them somewhere, probably the dining hall or from the team. All of them seemed to be very well built, indicating that they exercised. He did remember clearly Julius, White Fang''s goalkeeper who had teased him and kind of sabotaged in a way his entry to the team. It seemed unreal how that was the last happy day he had, the only happy day he had in a long time¡­ages it seemed.

    All of them had made a semi-circle, almost like a wall of bodies. The long corridor had obviously two pale blue walls, two sides. The semi-circle they had formed was being cut by the right wall. Inside their circle was his mate Luke, bloody filled with dirt and scars and as Alex observed he realized all of them were like that. Filthy, their skin tinted red and he felt like he was about to throw up. One of them had the side of his cheek ripped open but he stood around like it was nothing even if they could clearly see the inside of his mouth and the skin, draping barely holding on to his face.

    That wasn''t the reason while Alex seemed to be so angered that his breathing sped up, his nostrils widen and his brows furrowed as he shouted from the top of their lungs at them. It was what they were doing. The atrocity and the nerve to do something like that in front of him.

    They had pinned pour Joe to the wall. He was looking at him scared his deer like eyes widened, he seemed as he was facing death, his tanned skin turning somehow deathly pale as he shivered. Luke had a grasp on him, from the neck as he pushed him brutally on to the wall, raising him from the ground.

    "He is a child!" Alex said "Let go of him" he told them and their little circle that was made to protect their so called leader dispended letting Alex get a full view of someone he could only call a brute.

    "I swear I don''t know what you''re talking about" Joe whined "Please don''t hurt me¡­my family¡­what did you do?" He asked them while crying and Alex''s eyes widened.

    "What did you do?" Alex screamed at him, grasping slowly the idea. He needed to confirm it though. Hear it from his lips that he could do something like that.

    "I did it for you." Luke simply said letting go of Joe. The boy fell pitifully to the ground and began crying hysterically, curling into a ball. Alex could not bear the sight. He had never seen anyone like that. He was being slowly broken by the thought of losing everything. Did Alex look like that too? Like the spark of life was slowly burning out like an old candle? Did his green eyes not glisten anymore? Probably and Luke had done the same to this poor boy.

    "I did not ask who you did it for but WHAT did you do?" he told him, clenching his fists. He couldn''t move, he couldn''t react because even just breathing hurt! He was trapped in this useless body watching everyone around him make idiotic decisions and using him as an excuse!

    "We went after the hunters. We gathered a small group with the info the human boy gave us and tried to sneak up on them. But they had weapons and talismans made by witches. All of our friends went there, so many were killed" Julius replied, his head falling as he announced the death of his own.

    "Are all the hunters dead?" Alex asked not commenting on anything else. "Even though I promised. I said not to harm them! That there is another way!" No one ever listened to him, it was like he was mute. He couldn''t make any decisions or force anyone to follow them, he was just there, a broken soul a broken body observing as every time he was losing glimpses of his hope right in front of his eyes.

    He was never like this. He had always been hopeful and wanting to smile. But beating after beating it was hard, it was so hard watching poor Joe like this. He had helped him only to get that. Only to sit at the cold marbled floor or a corridor with pale, dreamy like walls inside an icy palace that was stuck in time so far away from home. If he even had that.

    "We managed to kill a lot of them but some of them escaped." Luke finally said and he almost looked proud. Everyone else looked so sad by the death of their own but he looked proud by the success of the hunt! He was a true predator and know he knew why they would choose him to be their next Alpha. Why Adam was their Alpha now.

    It was simple because he could do the dirty work unfazed. Drowned in their brutality and endless lives they needed someone not to be scared or afraid to spill blood. It was ridiculous, the way they chose their leader like they were some kind of criminal organization. Alex had seen kindness in his eyes, he had heard his laughter and laughed back at his jokes but where was this person now? Who was the one in front of him?

    Joe kept crying. Alex heard him and he wanted to hug him, console him, try to say anything to make that poisonous sound stop. He wasn''t even eighteen and the world had swallowed him up in just a single bite. At the word kill he stopped. He raised his head, his bloody eyes scanning all of them. He was silent but Alex wanted to know more. He needed to. In the middle of the night, he knew there would not be a beautiful moon in the sky tonight, darkness was eminent everywhere and it was like Alex could feel it licking his bones, that hatred.

    "How can you be so stupid? He helped me. He saved me and is this how you repay him?" Alex asked Luke feeling his eyes burn. Please don''t cry, not here, not now. Don''t look weak, please.

    "He is still a hunter! An enemy. I took revenge for you. I hurt the people that hurt you!" Luke screamed at him. It was obvious that he didn''t understand. It was obvious that he was oblivious to everything and something felt extremely wrong here but Alex was too angry to sense it.

    "It wasn''t them who hurt me! It was you and your people! It''s always you and your people that hurt me! They tried to fucking burn me alive and you were simply conversing with her! They wanted to kill me so no, you idiot, they did not hurt me and you did not avenge my lost honor. If you really wanted to do that you would deal with that blonde witch of your but oh god no. Let me turn the other eye for the girl I used to fuck! You try to make me think that you care when all you are doing is satisfying your own ego. Shut up! Were you all into this? Everyone?" Alex asked and he wasn''t specifically waiting for an answer from Luke.

    "What is this commotion here?" Theseus suddenly appeared turning at a corner with Ea tailing close behind him. They would probably had heard them by now. Alex had been screaming at the top of his lungs. "Alex you should be resting."

    "Who told you to do this?" Alex asked once more ignoring Theseus.

    "It was Theseus. The elf king told us to attack" Julius replied and suddenly it was like a cold stormed had flew in from the closed glass doors.

    Alex couldn''t breathe. He looked at him Theseus staring right back. He opened his lips to say something, tell him it wasn''t true but he couldn''t. Joe looked at the king too. The man he had put his trust into keeping his family safe. He looked at him filled with hate and then he fainted.

    Ea ran to his side and picked him up, for a second Theseus whispered something to him and the elf and the human disappeared. Everyone was quiet. Even Luke had not dared to utter a word as Alex and Theseus were looking at each other.

    Then Alex surprised them. He began laughing. A bitter laugh that echoed the long halls, that reached everyone''s ears and poisoned their hearts. A laugh filled with detest and tears. It was a cry, it definitely was. It was just wearing the mask of a horrid sound. Despair.

    "Of course you would be a liar too. Mark please let''s go back to the room." He said

    "Alex wait I¡­" Theseus tried to speak but again Alex''s eyes left him frozen. He was the king of ice. Locked in his snowy palace embraced by an eternal winter and the sun of his life was looking at him like that. He believed that nothing could hurt him after everything he had been through but Alex''s words did.

    "You disgust me" he told him.

    Theseus had been rooted to the ground like a lifeless tree, his lips had been sewed and his eyes had been pricked by a thousand needles.

    The icy king had been defeated.

 Chapter 75 - Match 75

    "Listen to me Alex, honestly I don''t think That Theseus did it. Why don''t you ask him?" Mark told Alex once he helped him get back to the bed. The green eyed boy looked at him like he wasn''t fully listening to what he was saying. His eyes had started to haze and his eyelids seemed heavy. Of course he was exhausted,

    "Why does everyone end up lying to me?" He mumbled as he was slowly losing all of his strength. "I am so stupid"

    "No that''s not it you¡­" he began saying but Alex had fallen asleep. He didn''t know how he could just sleep soundlessly after all these emotions but in his condition even that could be straining his energy. Mark would want to run around and punch people. Maybe he should, he told himself and headed outside.

    He carefully closed the door trying not to make any noise and he scoffed as he saw Luke sitting on the floor, his arms resting on his knees. He was still dirty but he kept sitting there with zero intention to leave.

    "Don''t go in. He is sleeping" Mark warned him.

    "I wasn''t planning to; I don''t know what to say to him anyways. Or what to do around him in general. Sometimes I think I am stupid"

    "That''s because you are stupid I can verify that and I have been punched by you twice because of it."

    "Yeah I remember. Theseus was not the one who ordered us to go. My dad manipulated me into thinking I should do it. I wonder why my brain works like that. I can''t clear out my thoughts, I am so angry all the time and when I calm down I see the mess I have created and hate myself."

    What was happening? Mark asked himself as Luke seemed to actually open up his heart, or whatever he had instead of that organ to him. He didn''t want to be mean but at the same time he wanted to? It was weird. You could clearly see that he had calmed down now and was already contemplating how stupid he had acted so he seemed in would be a little too much to tease his wound further but he did it anyways.

    "You are a total idiot. It''s obvious you don''t love Alex, like him kind of, it''s possible. You realized he was your mate and believed that love would come easily, you wanted that tempting fate but as you saw that it wasn''t like that, that you actually had to try to get that love you began feeling insecure, threatened and you kept making stupid mistakes, huge mistakes and eventually you just pushed him away from you. You didn''t even try while all he did was try. He gave you time, he gave you chances, he gave you his life, he threw everything away for you but you still felt insecure and ruined everything. Your big ego played a part in it too. Why should I try? I am amazing I know what''s right and I will do that. I bet that''s what you were thinking." Mark told him and Luke looked at him dumbfounded. "What? I like Psychology books, okay?"

    "I see you get it¡­is it too late to make Alex like me?" Luke asked

    "I am pretty sure you have done that question to yourself again and nothing changes, from your side of course. For Alex to like you or even consider staying in the same room as you without puking or even simply hear you speak and not think you keep spitting lies that mean you will have to change and I don''t think you can do that. I am sorry" Mark knew he was being brutally honest; he was making all of his hopes shatter but he wasn''t lying about that.

    It would be impossible for Luke to change even if he wanted to. He wasn''t a bad person at heart and maybe that was why Alex did not fully hate him and even wanted to have a good relationship with his after everything that happened but it was obvious these two were not a match. He was thinking like a wolf and he had stereotypically all those attributes. He was narrow minded, had anger issues and his ego was bigger than the North Pole and he was sure Alex wouldn''t be happy with a person like that. Luke needed someone to take care for, to save to satisfy his own ego and that wasn''t exactly bad, there were people out there who could be enticed by those parts of his, he needed a lot of work though and even if he changed Alex one day he would be sick of being cared for, he already was.

    "Your words hurt dude."

    "Well your punches hurt but have you seen me complaining about it? Nope. But if I can be fully honest with you in those moments of clarity you seem to have. Please stay away from Alex, at least until you figure out the things in your head. I can''t stop you if you''d like to get with him then but I believe it''s impossible."

    "He can only say that" Luke said and Mark raised an eyebrow. Of course he would be stubborn too. That completed the whole pack of what not to be.

    "You can try I guess, just don''t take out you anger on him when you get rejected."

    "I won''t get rejected"

    "At least you got the spirit." Mark joked him and contemplated if he should turn back to Alex''s room to make sure that Luke wouldn''t make anything stupid and make him even more angry in his situation. The fact that he could sleep peacefully for some time at least was a good sign and it would benefit his health so that braindead dog should not approach in a kilometer radius.

    "Well sometimes that''s all you need. I hear you had been avoiding Mikael. He was pretty sad about it." Luke revealed to him.

    Somehow Mark did not like the fact that the conversation was turning towards him. He had tried not to think about Mikael or what he did and the fact that the last few days he had some kind of disappeared made his try at least a bit successful, even though at times his thoughts were just a joke. He would about the time he brought him food, about how funny his jokes were and then the realization that he had killed someone would become a knife and stab his vulnerable heart.

    "He killed someone"

    "Did you ask him why?"

    "Why does it matter? A murder is a murder."

    "A murder is still a murder when it involves you too?" Luke asked him and looked at him with a questioning look. What was he implying? Mark wondered. What did he have to do with Clarissa''s murder since he had seen her only once in his life and really they hadn''t even talked that much. Mark had realized and found peace with the fact that he was a side character in this story, maybe one day he could live his too, hopefully with a happy ending.

    "What are you talking about?" Mark asked him and watched him how he began getting up. He dusted off dried blood from his jeans and the patches fell on the shiny floor and mark pitied the people who would get to clean his mess With every step he took he let specs of dirt and other stuff the red haired boy could not identify, like a man made path, a treasure hunt with Luke at the end. Well, that would be a disappointment to think you would be getting gold and ending up finding him.

    "I can''t tell you. That''s between you and him." Luke said with a small smile and pretended he was sealing his lips. By concealing information, he was taking revenge on him for how he bashed him just a few moments ago. "But I doubt he will be able to tell you" he continued and his stance changed. It was like he shrank, his head fell and he didn''t look that cheerful now or wanting to talk any further.

    "What''s that supposed to mean?" mark asked feeling his heart race in an instant.

    "He was hurt by hunters during the attack. He is heavily injured and he might die. At first he denied to come but he followed me just to make sure I would be alright. Unfortunately, he was hurt trying to save two werewolf girls by the hunters."

    He might die. That''s all he could hear in Luke''s words. Then why was he here and not at his best friend''s side? What kind of friend leaves like that? Mark wondered and began getting angry. That was not the point though. Mikael was in danger, he was hurt and in pain. They still hadn''t managed to talk because Mark had pushed him away. What if they never got the chance to talk again? Joke or tease each other? What would be left then? The misunderstanding between them? He would never get to hear an explanation about everything, tell him how he feels.

    "Where is he?" Mark asked, deciding that he needed to see him.

    No matter what. It was now or never and he had no time to think if his feeling were right or wrong at this moment. He had to hurry.

 Chapter 76 - Match 76

    "This is ridiculous! You don''t get to decide what I am going to do?" The tall elf with the green eyes shouted full with anger. He turned his back on the raven haired man, crossing his arms above his strong chest puffing loudly.

    They were in a very spacious bedroom. It had a marble floor, in the color of delicious sugar with small gold details that looked like veins, there was a queen sized bed with a wooden rood and delicate silk curtains surrounding it. The pillows and the sheets were a very pretty and vivid violet color, like the raven haired man''s eyes.

    A huge closet made of the finest oak, had carvings on it from angels playing cheerful lyres. It could probably fit the clothes of a hundred people and its doors depicted whole stories if you sat and paid attention to the details. Next to it, stood a round full mirror, framed by shining gold that shimmered in the day light. The warmth rays invaded the room from the open balcony door as the air made the beige curtains dance a calming waltz. It was a very idyllic room, one that reminded you of summer and vacations.

    This idyllic room though had turned now hostile, no one observing the pretty view of the rose garden or the snowy mountains that framed the castle of the Disee tribe. This room had become the refuge of an argument, very heated and filled with shouts.

    "Listen to me Allias, we are getting ready to go to war! We need you here in your palace not out there fighting? What could happen to our people if something happened to you?" The man told him and placed his palm on his shoulder wanting to make him turn around. He flinched, though and pulled his shoulder away not wanting to face him.

    "If I don''t go to war who would go? If I don''t fight for my people who would? You will be out there fighting alone and what will I be doing? Signing paper work from here? Do you know how stupid that sounds?" Allias said moving his hands, trying to somehow contain his frustration. He was very angry. He couldn''t believe how his soul link could tell him something like that? They were one, they were supposed to face everything together but he suggested that he stayed back and watched as his people drowned in their own blood, as their limbs were being cut and their hearts were teared out. What kind of elf would he be if he didn''t join them in the battlefield? He was strong. Stronger than anyone, how could they risk losing such a force just to keep him alive? How could he live bearing that burden in his conscious?

    He looked at his reflection in the polished mirror. He was scared, obviously. He had been in many battles but none had been like this one. A war between the elves and the werewolves. They had aligned with the hunters and the vampires too. Definitely a force not to be reckoned with. How could they do such a vile thing as aligning with the enemies of the supernatural species just because they were denied a place in the Veil. Righteously so. They couldn''t live here. Their human part was too strong for them to be able to adapt. The strong magic, the other tribes, there was no place for them here and they would only destroy themselves joining. They did not want to follow rules and even after they were denied the position the elves offered their eternal protection, no one else had done that but they still turned against them.

    It was all a fight for power. It was obvious they didn''t just want to live peacefully here. They wanted to be a part of the rulers. They wanted to bite off more than they could chew. How could they compare themselves with Gods, Demons or Angels? They were strong that was undeniable but how could they think they had a chance such strong entities. Forces that had no beginning or end, creatures that were created by the raw fear of humanity and the bloodlust desires.

    They believed that the Veil was a pretty place, most of them having seen only the elf territory as they were the only who kept a friendly stance towards them but there were so much more they weren''t aware of, the wolves or the werewolves or the witches. Any kind with human blood in their vein would not last here, because they did not know what hid in the shadows.

    Allias had tried to explain that, had tried to tell them that residing here would only lead to their doom but they insisted. He should have let them pass. He should have let all the other hateful creatures deal with them, show them what true destruction was. Because the elves stood only at the threshold of The Veil and the Human world, the other territories were not as bright as theirs. He punched the mirror not standing to see the fear in his eyes. The other creatures had left them alone too, offering some help almost nothing only just because of the treaties. They were being mocked, they were saying it was the Elves fault for being kind to them and maybe it was but how could they get over this? The Hunters and their means had always been scary and now they had others on their side too.

    "Allias!" He yelled at him and forcibly turned him around, grabbing his bleeding fist. It healed fast, pieces of glass falling on the floor as the skin returned to its natural state.

    The man brought his hand closer, raising up to his face and kissed gently his knuckles. His beautiful eyes were sad while he looked at his lover many thoughts traveling through his endless mind.

    "I can''t leave them alone. I am partially at fault for what is happening" Allias said his voice breaking. He felt it. He felt the blame. he just didn''t want the conflict, he wanted to avoid it and find a peaceful way but things turned out even worse. He should have heard his mother, she knew best, she always did.

    "It''s not your fault. It''s no one''s fault they are like this. It''s just that you are too precious to die. To the elves" he tried to explain him.

    "I will come and fight too." Allias stated blocking out all of the words he had just told him. He wouldn''t change his mind, no matter what he said. "I will be of much more use at the battlefield, I am stronger than all of you can''t leave me out!"

    "The people¡­"

    "The people will hate me! You know it. If I stay behind. I will seem cowardly and I don''t want to stay back anyways. I want to fight so tell me now what is the real reason. What are you hiding from me?" Allias asked him.

    The man stayed quiet. It seemed as he tried to calm his nerves. He paced around for a while his black boot and Allias'' heavy breathing the only sound between them. He sat at the side of the bed, his elbows on his knees and his face hidden on his palms. He sighed and raised his head, locking his green eyes in a painful spell. He could see the desperation in him, his sadness¡­his fear.

    "We''ve been together for centuries but that time is not enough for me. I am not hiding anything from you I¡­I just can''t bear the thought of losing you, you are my life" he confessed and Allias felt like someone stabbed him. He didn''t want to cause him such pain, such worry but at the same time there was nothing to be done. His responsibilities were some times greater, his honor and need to fulfill his duty made him who he is.

    He walked to him, sitting on his side and caressed his cheek, the man falling into the touch. Placing his palm above his while it rested on his cheek, wanting the caring touch to last longer, his eyes closed as he felt the sensation of his skin on his.

    "I love you, I adore you and to me the thought of you fighting alone out there is unbearable. I want to be you shield, protect you as you unleash your terrors to them. I am your biggest supporter; I was the one who fought for you to be a high general because all I could think of was having you at my side. I did not care about the status. I loved you from the first time I laid eyes on you anyways" Allias said and smiled. "But in my life there hasn''t been a day that I didn''t wish to stand next to you at all your battles. Physical or not. I belong next to you the same way you belong next to me. I also belong to the people. I am the Prince of the Avgee Tribe after all, The future king of the elves. I need to fight."

    The man sighed but he understood. He knew what Allias'' words meant and the heavy burned he had to lift. There was nothing to be done.

    "Don''t say that I am hiding something from you. I am always honest with you even when I don''t want to." He said with a smile. He wanted to change the subject since he couldn''t change the situation. Feel a bit better if that was possible.

    "I know. I am sorry. I trust you completely almost blindly sometimes. If you told me the sun wouldn''t rise tomorrow, I would believe you." Allias joked, not knowing that soon the elven sun would stop rising.

    Alex woke up drenched in sweat feeling unbelievable guilty for some reason. He could see the morning sun from his windows and he looked around confused. He felt like he was still stuck in his dream, he expected it to forget it in a few seconds like always, remembering only a few moments. Most of the time not that helpful but this time, he could keep something important.

    He grasped at the scenes desperately trying to remember.

    "A prince, the Avgee prince" He mumbled and his eyes almost popped off his face.

    This was unbelievable.

 Chapter 77 - Match 77

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE9jSVbkvwg - Music for this chapter!

    A ruined room, a ruined soul and a ruined stance. Ea did not know what shocked him the most. The trashed study, the fact that is king was sitting on the floor in the middle of this destruction or the look in his eyes, bloody red whites and trails of tears.

    He had found his master hiding in his office behind the throne room. The desk was flipped upside down. The chairs had been probably thrown to the wall and shattered into many pieces and the books had all fallen, once neatly on the bookshelves now their hidden knowledge disrespected, the fire was dead turning the room cold and the golden book opened at a page, together with him on the cold ground, the only thing that shone was its luxurious cover, everything else was shadows and despair.

    "What¡­" Ea mumbled drawing the attention of his master. He raised his head and looked at him.

    "Did you return Joe to the human world?" Theseus asked him, acting like he wasn''t he bringer of this whole mess in the room, like he wasn''t sitting on the floor a position not fitting his status and like his face did not mirror the state of his soul. Ripped to pieces, scratched and clawed.

    "I did. He gave me this. He wanted me to give it to you." He said and gave him a small envelope. He wondered when he found the time to write a letter when he was unconscious but still he took hold of it with trembling hands and ripped the top taking out the paper. It wasn''t a letter; it was more like a note because there was only one sentence in it. One sentence that foretold a dark future.

    You will pay for this. All of you.

    He kept reading it again and again imprinting the sentence on his mind. Was history going to repeat itself? Who knew, at the moment his mind was the opposite of clear for him to worry about the words of a teenage boy. He should have paid more attention, worried more but all he could think of was Allias. The way he had looked at him. He disgusted him. He crumbled the small warning and threw it at the fireplace and with a motion of his hand a strong fire began burning, turning it into ashes.

    "Why didn''t you say anything? Why didn''t you defend yourself? You weren''t the one who gave the order so why?" His servant asked him, confused.

    "I was frozen. He always had this look, that dominance in his eyes and when he hated or when he was angry at something he would look at you in that way. You couldn''t move or speak, you were left at the mercy of a powerful creature as it was thinking ways of your doom. Sometimes I forgot that, how strong he is, how he doesn''t even need to use his powers to make you shiver and he did that to me. I couldn''t do anything Ea, I almost couldn''t breathe let alone defend myself."

    "Yes but you have to speak up! You can''t let him believe that you would do something like that!" Ea was angry. "How could he believe you would do it?"

    "All this time he has been lied to, he had been put aside and ignored. I would be surprised if he didn''t believe it, I mean he¡­he doesn''t know me, we are just¡­strangers" Theseus said the words that pained him the most fading from his lips. Strangers, what a simple word but filled with disappointment. It hurt Theseus more than anything, to be strangers with the one you had always loved. Such cruel reality and it seemed he wouldn''t escape from it soon.

    "You need to tell him the truth!" the boy insisted. That would only pull them further apart. That way Alex wouldn''t remember and even worse might go back to that idiot werewolf.

    The servant kicked a few of the books and the parts of the chairs that got in his way and approached the defeated king. He kneeled down and held his hands not caring about the difference of status. He smiled at him and began talking.

    "You and Allias practically raised me and your brother. You had always been a goal to me. I would look at you and I would think that that''s the kind of love that I want. A kind of love that doesn''t need words just a look to show how you feel. Your story has been written in history. Mothers tell it to their children, do you believe that a love so strong, that shook our world would budge at something so small? I want to see that again. I want to see summer again."

    "What if he doesn''t believe my words? I am scared. I have never felt more insecure than this"

    "Are you sure? Do you remember when they wanted Allias to marry the Disee princess? You look a lot calmer to me now" Ea joked and he laughed. "You almost killed her."

    "I sure did. I was young back then Ea, now as I get older I lose my courage"

    "We don''t get older my king. We are frozen in time so why? Why are you so afraid? Alex is here right in front of you but you don''t take that step to grasp his love"

    Yes, he was, he was right there in flesh and bone but he seemed to be hidden behind a curtain. Like he could get only glimpses of his love and that scared him. What if Alex rejected him, he was not Allias after all even if he had many similarities. This person right here had been hurt because of his love, his love for someone else and that was a painful reminder that things were not the same. It wasn''t enough for him to just go after him, he was hurt and vulnerable, Theseus could not be so selfish as to do that, no matter how much he wished that. He should help him heal and not think of how much he wants to kiss him, or embrace him.

    He grasped the golden book, his fingertips tracing the well written sentences as he read them. This book had been his comfort for many years, as he waited frozen in time, stuck. He would read it and reminisce the sweet kisses and laughs, hoping to return to that.

    "Do not let that wolf, steal away your happiness. He is using unfair means and he will only hurt Alex more like that, his lies will ruin him. Their kind is different than him. He won''t be happy and the same way he saved you many times, my lord you need to save him now." Ea told him meeting his eyes filled with might. He wouldn''t allow him to ruin this. Not only for his own good, not only for the love he so much idolized but for their kind too, who seemed to have a chance to thrive again.

    Theseus stood up slowly, like he was just getting over a heavy dizziness. No matter how scared he was, he knew as he looked at the destruction he had caused that leaving Allias would cause a lot worse, not only for him, the mad shadow caster but for their golden king and the elven people too.

    He needed to change his approach. It wasn''t enough, what he had been doing was not helping anyone and that was a truth he needed to accept. He needed to win him back, he needed to free him from that tyrant who was poisoning his mind and no matter how hard it would he would make sure that Alex would want it. He would never force him to do anything that he didn''t want to, he didn''t have such power against him but he would do everything in his powers to show him their world. The world he had missed. The world they could bring back only if he remembered.

    "I want him back Ea and I want these dogs out of my house"

    "Then do something about it, my lord. Allias is here now so please make sure he doesn''t disappear again."

    "I am sorry for this mess but you know¡­"

    "I know that I will have to clean it by myself. No one else is allowed here anyways." Ea said with a forced smile but Theseus could swear he saw a vein twitch on his forehead. He could be slightly mad. "Just go, please and leave me alone to deal with ¡­this" he said with a sigh and as Theseus left he heard him mumble,

    "Stupid royals with their insane powers and zero self-control. If I had done something like this, I would have been left out in the cold to freeze to death¡­oh but no! Clean this Ea, he broke the huge table not long before¡­I will need to make safe proof the furniture. Where in hell is that broom now? A broom? No. I need to throw everything away¡­oh golden sun please help me not kill everyone."

    He couldn''t help but laugh. He never failed to cheer him up and he could notice how even Ea''s mood had become a bit better since Alex appeared. He tried not to show it so he wouldn''t give his self away but Theseus still remembered when he and his brother were children. Allias sitting in the rose garden of the Avgee palace, bathed by the sun as he read them stories. Such a peaceful image and the remembrance of it always calmed his heart.

    He greeted a few servants that seemed to prepare the room for the wolves to settle in since they were holding piles of blankets and necessitates and headed towards Alex''s room. He faced the huge door and his heart sped up his hand, the one he intended to use to knock would weaver in the air and he still contemplated if he should do it or not.

    "Man up you, idiot" He told himself and pinched his cheek before he finally knocked the door.

    Sadly, he got no answer. He knocked again but nothing happened and he wondered if the boy was still sleeping. He opened the door slowly peeking carefully inside only to realize one thing.

    Alex was gone.

    ...

 Chapter 78 - Match 78

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA-uT1jE4O4 - Chapter Music

    It was a very hesitant knock, Alex could barely hear it and when he allowed the stranger behind his door to come in he realized why. Now cleaned up and in a much better condition Luke was gazing upon him as he laid in his bed, still thinking about his dream. He was confused, he couldn''t have found a worse time to appear before him but he tried to conceal that. His anger. It would overflow one day and he knew it, but as the boy with the eyes that mirrored the moon stood before him he took a deep breath and tried to calm down. His look was still cold but his heart was at a crossroad. He was seeing him clearly after quite a while, it almost seemed like years had passed and between them he realized that a huge distance had been created, one that saddened him and seemed endless.

    "I''m sorry if I''m disturbing you but I think that we need to talk." Luke said and Alex scoffed, mocking him. Even bedridden and hurt he didn''t want to allow Luke to make him feel little, he shouldn''t.

    "What do we have to say? You keep going off on your own and messing things up anyways." He told him and Luke smiled bitterly as his head fell. He was right and that hurt the prideful male. Was there even a chance for him?

    "It''s a beautiful day outside so why don''t I help you¡­we can visit the garden. I''ve brought you a coat." He told him and Alex noticed that he was indeed holding a long white coat, with fur on the top. Some animal had definitely been killed for that to be made and he wondered if they knew what synthetic furs were or even cared.

    "I don''t think I want to go anywhere with you"

    "I want to talk to you about¡­what Theseus ordered. I mean I need to tell you the truth, things are not how you think. Julius he¡­"

    "I don''t care Luke" He said even though Theseus name was a temptation. When he heard what he had done, of the order that he had given he felt like that ground he so eagerly he believed that he had found was splitting in two beneath his feet. A black hole had been created that pulled him down, swallowed him hole. He had thought that the elven king was different. He remembered that smile he had given him when he stood in front of the hunters, the peace he had brought to his mind so everything crumbled, slowly he wished to be deaf and not hear. No more lies.

    "Please, this is the last time I will come and bother you and if you decide it I will never speak to you again just please let me tell you the things that I wanted." Luke looked at him like a puppy and not like an angry wolf anymore. He was waiting patiently, standing at the door, holding the coat and hoping that he would get to change his mind, give him a chance to say all the things he wanted, even if he had tried to do that once more with more wicked means, by charming him to accept his words.

    "Fine, Help me up. Also, don''t waste my time" he said trying to act tough. The moment though Luke''s smile lit up his whole face he felt like his heart was melting. He needed to stop going back and forth with his feelings but why was it so hard? Was it his instinct? That mating bond that even if he hated him somehow made Alex desire him? Those feelings were like invisible shackles and as Luke approached him, helping him stand on his feet, holding the coat for him to wear and taking his hand to lead him to the garden he saw an image that he had hoped for when he had met him.

    All he had been wanting was to live peacefully with him, explore the woods in front of the compound together, play soccer and achieve victory. He wanted a normal life with him, he wanted the smiles he never received when he was younger, he wanted happiness but this image was shattered brutally many times. Now it was quiet, early in the morning as he walked the icy halls and he felt that calmness, the heat of Luke''s hand spreading on his body.

    The garden was beautiful. The snowy scenery made everything a bright white as the sun slowly rose between the rocky mountains. You could see the endless territory and when it stopped, reaching the palace walls. Outside were the elven people. His people and he was their prince. Once upon a time he was their ruler. Had they forgotten about him? What was his story? He wondered as they strolled around. He hadn''t told anyone of this secret knowledge of his. He sensed that if anyone found out it would be dangerous. There were snowy paths, the soft fresh snow looking almost like cotton, that led to small gazebo. It had vines wrapped around the white painted wood, and Alex could imagine beautiful flowers growing in the summer, a summer that never came.

    Luke led the way, carefully helping him too so he could sit in there, protected by the falling snowflakes. Everything was white around him, the leaves had fallen from the tall trees and there wasn''t even the slightest hint of flowers, or even people enjoying this wintery view.

    The wolf swept off the snow from the bench and signaled him to sit while he stood standing. He appreciated the though and rested there. He had taken too many steps already and was feeling weak. Alex was protected by the cold through his coat. It was heavy but incredibly soft and he almost felt like he was shielded by everything around him. The one problem was that the edges of the fur at the top made his neck a bit itchy above his bandages and he had no way of scratching it so he tried very hard to ignore it.

    "You were meaning to leave me that day" Luke began saying. "Without a word"

    "I told you, many times. I warned you. I asked for your attention, for you to hear me out but you never did."

    "So did you stop caring for me? Is that it?" Luke asked him and the boy sighed. This is not what they were supposed to be talking about. He had spoken about some truth. Something that Alex needed to know.

    "You said you wanted to tell me something about Theseus" Luke looked at him offended. He couldn''t believe how he just overlooked his question that was referring to their relationship and asked him about another man. Why did he care so much to know about Theseus that he didn''t want to answer him? In reality it wasn''t only that, it wasn''t only that he was interested in Theseus it was also that he was confused, he didn''t know what he should answer.

    "Why do you care about him?" Luke asked raising his tone.

    "You said about some truth something I needed to know."

    "We need to talk about us now. Don''t you get it? We are mates!" Luke shouted and immediately took a step back rubbing his face. He was getting out of control again. "Why do you always do this to me? Making me lose my temper."

    "What?"

    "This is all your fault. Our relationship ending up like this. If you had just listened to me then¡­" Alex was not surprised by his words. He had realized how he was by now. When he was being backed in a corner, when things did not go his way he would always blame others. But even if he knew it, it still irritated him and seriously he couldn''t take much more. If he could get up and punch him, he would have done it already.

    "Oh fuck you! How dare tell me this is my fault? You lying in front of my face was my fault? You being an egotistic bastard was my fault too? You brought me here for what? To blame me?! I always wanted to have a good relationship with you, I wanted you! I could only see you even if we faced so many hardships but when I called out to you, when I needed to talk to you, you chose yourself, every time."

    He was creating that hate in him again and the peace he had acquired when they just walked in the winter silence vanished. He was bringing back the need for destruction that deep anguish in him that Alex despised feeling.

    "Don''t try to pin this on me. I did everything. Everything I believed was right for you, to make you happy!" Luke shouted and his hands moved manically in the air.

    Alex tried to get up. He wanted to leave, he didn''t want to be a part of this conversation any more. He didn''t want to be a part of this relationship either. He just wanted to go away, somewhere far away and stop hurting.

    He was too weak, he slipped and almost fell until Luke caught him, wrapping his strong arms around him and bringing him close, he took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. He was still holding him but Alex did not feel good, he didn''t want to be touched right now, his wounds hurt and he just wanted to run away, he felt like Luke was suffocating him just by being here and once more after a while he felt that pain on his chest again.

    "Ouch" he mumbled and frowned.

    "Are you alright?" Luke asked him

    "No let me go"

    "No, I don''t want you to leave me again" He said grasping him with a stronger grip. Alex began twisting and turning hoping he could set himself free but obviously Luke was stronger than him. Obviously, he was at a disadvantage¡­again.

    "Let go of me!"

    "No! Calm down."

    "I did not intend to leave you Luke! I did. I DID LEAVE YOU!" Alex screamed at his eyes getting blurry. This feeling of someone placing his palm on your lips and silencing you. The feeling of being restrained, the feeling of being touched against his will was petrifying. He felt like his heart would stop and for some despicable reason it felt¡­familiar. "Let me go!"

    He screamed again and again but Luke simply pushed him on the bench, hovering on top of him, restraining him not only with his hands but with his legs too.

    "Alex listen to me." He commanded him with a growl and Alex felt like he was going to die, he was scared. He whined and began shaking filled with fear.

    "Please, let me go" he begged but Luke wasn''t listening.

    "He told you to let him go¡­or are you too stupid to understand basic words?" Someone said.

 Chapter 79 - Match 79

    "How could my son be such an idiot? Not only did he not manage to get rid of those idiots but he actually lost a bunch young ones too. And! From what I''ve heard that hunter kid has returned back with Theseus'' order meaning that there is a vengeful kid out there knowing about the portal and the compound." Adam whined and kicked the white char that was placed on his room. He seemed very annoyed at how things had ended up turning out and he believed that if he didn''t deal with these nuisances himself no one would get rid of his troubles for him.

    Right now there were two things that needed to be done with no further delay and for many hours he had been thinking a way for his plans to succeed this time. First, he desperately needed Alex dead, that unknown power was better kept sealed away and he could get his son''s royalty back. He wouldn''t have to think about how to convince him to do something, he would blindly do it just like before. Especially now that his best friend who seemed to be the only spec of reason, seemed to be dying it was the perfect chance for him to start taking him back. By the time he would wake up, if he did at all it would be too late to put some sense into him. The problem was though, that Luke had failed his mission, meaning that he would probably start to question his instructions. He needed to find a way and boost up his ego, make him feel like he was in charge again while he got what he wanted.

    "What if he comes back with a lot more of his own? While we are back home?" Daniel asked, the fear obvious in his eyes. He had always been like this, scared of everything and sometimes Adam wanted to punch him, just so he would shut up. It wasn''t like he couldn''t do it but sometimes he would get flashes of the past and he would find himself hesitating.

    "He is just a kid" Markus said as he sat on his own bed, fixing the soft pillow behind his back. "I don''t think we need to be afraid."

    "We will see." Adam said while rubbing his chin. He didn''t know if he should be worried about that at the moment but it was definitely concerning. He would have to find a way to protect the pact, if things ended up them being all alone and helpless he needed to form a plan so they could survive. There was the possibility of moving but they had worked hard to accomplish everything here. Nonetheless there was no point in worrying. They would think something later on.

    His second problem now was Theseus and it was strictly personal. He despised the way he had belittled his people and treated them like they were beneath them. He wanted to use this party as an excuse to humiliate him. As soon as he heard about the date he would be sure to start telling his closest people the ways their plan would evolve. Maybe if he was lucky enough, he could combine Alex''s death with the elves. That could be like winning the lottery but it would need extra planning. He did have a lot of ideas he just needed the perfect way to execute them.

    "I am worried about Luke. Alex left him, his best friend is practically dying because someone stabbed him with a silver blade dipped in wolf''s bane and he led many of his own friends to their deaths. All that because of you Adam" Markus commented making him laugh. The scarred man looked at him, rolling his eyes. It was trued that he had managed to keep their pack alive through many difficulties and deep down he cared about his people but his personality was shady, and sometimes Markus wondered if he was getting insane, having rejected his mate and all. It was sometimes a natural result, especially if you loved their mate.

    "We need to be rid of dangerous humans and the elves Markus. I need Luke to start acting more like a leader and not like love struck fool and for now I need him to do as I say. For all of us. He can''t bring Alex into the pack, I can sense it, his aura? His attitude, he is not normal and they need to be separated. I need him to become his old self"

    "It seems like Alex already dumped him though." Daniel said "All you do now is manipulating him into crappy decisions that ruin him."

    "I am forcing him into decisions that make Alex hate him. It''s good that they are separated and we need to keep it that way. At least until Alex is dead, then he can mourn and do whatever he wants I do not care. All I want is Alex away from the pack"

    Markus knew how smart Adam could be. Of course he would have realized that the sleeping king was a threat, probably from the first moment he saw his mark. Acting like he didn''t care, doing visibly nothing he observed. He was aware of everything that was happening in the compound and even if Markus tried to intervene, trying to keep the important information secret there were only a few things he could keep to himself. The important thing was that they didn''t exactly know who Alex was and yes, he for sure if he awakened could pose a threat and considering the pack''s wellbeing he should agree with his death but all Markus could see was a boy, Atalanti''s son, who went through so much just to face a horrible death. So he couldn''t say it. He couldn''t reveal his secret because for many years he had lived with the guilt, the guilt of his people being too greedy, too heartless.

    "For now we need Alex and Luke separated, at all costs." Daniel agreed. "If things go well we might not need to kill him. They might end up hating each other. I mean Luke did a good job without us having to intervene that much. Who would knew Adam that your son would be as crappy in love as you are"

    "Shut up Daniel. And no, Alex has to die. They are mates, meaning they won''t be able to resist each other. We need something more" he said and his eyes widened as he smiled viciously. "Be a good boy and go fetch me Lily, Daniel. Now"

    Lily was sitting close to Sam''s bed looking at the beat up boy. It took quite a while for him to recover, Luke had left him almost half dead while he tried to interrogate them. So now the man was lying in the infirmary, barely able to speak. Their infirmary was more like a hospital, it almost fit two hundred beds and she wondered if they had the idea of a hospital here. She hadn''t seen any mobile phones or televisions and definitely didn''t hear any cars. On the other hand, they didn''t seem to need cars, seeing Ea and Theseus teleport many times.

    "I¡­will kill him"

    "Yeah, yeah big boy I am sure about that." She said and handed him a glass of water, with the cold around the glass almost seemed like it was getting crystalized. It looked very pretty even though it stung her palm.

    "I am serious. I am done with him. He acts like he is better than all of us."

    "That''s because he is Sam, he is the next Alpha."

    "You know, if he dies I am the next in line." He told her barely making any sound. "My dad, he was Adam''s brother but he died during the war. Then he forgot about my family and acted like we didn''t exist."

    "I know Adam is shit. Luke is not like That though"

    "Even after everything he did to you, you still defend him"

    "I am sorry about that. Can''t help it" Obviously Lily did not want to defend him. She wanted to do anything but that but still she didn''t believe he was so bad. He was definitely not like his father.

    Soon after Sam kept talking about getting revenge Daniel appeared in front of them, he came close and whispered something to Lily''s ear making her stand up immediately. Sam hated them. All those people who ruled over. He dragged her away while her expression only showed anxiousness. They would make her do something again because they were horrible.

    Maybe they didn''t believe him, maybe they thought that he couldn''t do it but he would. Even if no one heard him he would take revenge on him, the one who belittled him, the one who made him feel like a shadow all his life. He even had the audicity to hurt him like this because he knew he couldn''t retaliate because of his father. It was great hiding behind someone''s power like that. Not for long though, it was time for the poeple who had been wronged in this pack to do something.

    He would find a way to kill Luke and become the next Alpha.

    ....

    So, a recap for you.

    Adam wants to kill Alex because he thinks he is a threat and take revenge on Theseus.

    Sam wants to kill Luke and become the next Alpha. (A new scandal rises!)

    Theseus decides to take back Alex.

    Alex knows now that he is the Avgee prince but nothing else.

    Mikael is hurt and dying.

    We are close to 80 chapters so I want to sum it up for you a bit.

    I hope you like the stroy so far!

 Chapter 80 - Match 80

    "He told you to let him go¡­or are you too stupid to understand basic words?" Someone said.

    Theseus had searched everywhere. He swept the rooms feeling his anxiousness rise like a dangerous tide, where could he have been? He was injured and in a critical condition but as it seemed he didn''t want to stay put, lie in bed. So he heard a servant say that he saw him with Luke going to the garden. Why would he even take a sick person in this cold winter day to the garden? To make him even worse?

    So he wore his raven black coat and went outside his boots digging the snow. He roamed for a while until he heard him. He could hear his voice clearly and Alex did not seem satisfied so he ran, he ran as fast as he could just to reach him, to make sure he was alright.

    The sight he had to face though only angered him and expanded his worries. How dared he, just a simple wolf, treat his king like this, his lover? All he wished for was to rip his arms and break his legs and as he saw Alex''s face, despair and terror painted on it he wanted to destroy him, make him regret the day he stepped foot on this earth. The day he decided to claim his love as his.

    Cold snow was falling on his white hair and it almost made no difference, the only sign was the hair slowly turning dump. He looked at them and called out stopping the outrageous attack that the boy had begun. He pulled away from Alex and turned around, looking at him filled with hate. Good, the feelings were mutual and he acknowledged it more and more as he saw Alex, shrivel and trying to escape the slippery bench but being unable to because he was so weak.

    "What do you want? This does not concern you" Luke said and Theseus scoffed.

    "I will not allow low lives in my palace. When someone says no it means no you, idiotic child. You should learn that." Theseus insulted him and saw his anger become even greater. He didn''t care though, about the problems he would possibly create after this and if he Alex wasn''t right here, he would have killed Luke. He would have destroyed his every bone and laughed while he was at it.

    The only sign of the icy king''s anger was his shadows that began to slowly appear around him. They whirled and danced through his hands, danced around his neck and he changed the shapes, creating sharp knives.

    "Yeah you can''t fight in any other way. Just use your stupid magic but against me you would be useless." Luke tried to provoke him and Theseus couldn''t help but laugh. That child really believed that he could defeat him, even if he was bare handed. It could be more of a sweat but oh, the king would so greatly enjoy it. It would probably be a lot more fun.

    "Are you challenging me right now?" He asked him with a grin and his eyes began shinning. This feeling, this drive was something he hadn''t felt in a while. Being a king meant being a lot of things but reckless was not one of it and Theseus had always been reckless and now he really wanted to, he wanted to just not think of the consequences, to forget his current rank and position and just run wild like he always did¡­when Allias was alive.

    Alex had been scared, so scared that he felt like a part of his soul had left him. He almost watched it leave his body in a thick smoke. He didn''t know why but it was a very familiar and horrible feeling. It was almost like his body could remember the feeling and he wondered if something like that had happened to him before.

    He had tried really hard to set himself free and he kept blaming himself for being so stupid, for exposing himself like that to such a danger. He didn''t believe that Luke would ever harm him or go against his wishes like that¡­that he ¡­he would try to do something like that to him. The green eyed boy had been terribly wrong and he wasn''t ready to pay the price so when Theseus appeared he felt like he could breathe again.

    The King was standing in front of them, tall and powerful full of confidence and arrogance. His eyes were ready to tear Luke apart and even though he was furious at him for what he did he never felt more sure that he would be alright. He wouldn''t let anyone touch him.

    "You annoy me" Luke growled and his hands formed fists. Anytime soon he would launch his attack, he was already on the tips of his feet.

    "Oh, believe me you annoy me more sweetheart" Theseus told him and surprisingly he was the one to attack first.

    Alex had known that the man was especially good with magic, he would wield his shadows like an expert, almost as if they were an expansion of his own body but what he was seeing now, was brute strength. He was a warrior, someone unstoppable and his face showed his hunger. The hunger to fight, the hunger to take revenge from anyone who had hurt his people, the hunger to kill and his eyes were shinning almost in the brim of madness as he smiled, showing his white teeth. His leaped forward becoming almost one with an unknown darkness and in an instant not even as long as a heartbeat he was in front of Luke, his elegant fingers wrapping around his neck he raised him up only with one hand and then slammed him on the wooden floor of the gazebo, opening a huge hole.

    Luke was definitely surprised since even Alex could hear his gasp as he collided with the floor. His eyes were wide open and Alex could not imagine the pain that collision would cause, the grey eyed boy even ended up spitting some blood on his shirt.

    Theseus'' hair had come lose from his low ponytail, dancing with the stormy wind and it seemed as if the more his smile grew, seeing Luke beneath him pinned down the more the currents became stronger. It was a storm, he was a storm and he looked completely captivating.

    Luke was strong too though, he managed to turn the situation around pretty fast and now Theseus was down, with Luke keeping him detained with his legs. He began manically punching him. His hands colliding with his face. Blood began sprouting from the fresh wounds and Theseus started laughing, that aggravated the wolf even more, his transformation beginning, huge claws making their presence known.

    "Didn''t we say no magic little puppy?" Theseus shouted and he grabbed his head with his hands. Then with force he brought his head forward head bumping him and disorienting him so he could set himself free. He pulled his leg back and kicked him on the chest throwing him away from the gazebo.

    The raven haired boy landed on his feet and ran towards the king once more with a growl only for Theseus to kick him again. He had span and actually hit him with his boot right on the face again crush landing on the cold snow. The hit had been too much for him and he was feeling extremely dizzy to get up.

    Theseus took a few heavy steps and approached him, this time not caring about making the first attack. He knew he had already won and obviously it had been pretty easy for him, no matter the scars and huge cut on his forehead that had been bleeding all this time. He raised his feet and began kicking his face manically.

    "Do. Not. Touch. Him. Ever. Again" He spelled out for him his voice cold. Luke was unresponsive at some point and Alex realized that he had actually fainted.

    Theseus seemed lost and he didn''t know what to do to stop him, he couldn''t move. He would open his scalp if he kept going like this and no matter how immortal Luke was there was probably no recovering from that.

    "Theseus. Enough, you can stop now. Stop" he said the last word coming out strict. He knew it wouldn''t work. When people went into such a trance nothing could bring them back, they lost themselves only to come back when it was too late. Theseus would not stop he was certain.

    But he did.

    The moment he heard Alex''s voice, his foot still in the air he froze. He stepped down and took a few steps away from the unconscious Luke, their blood had turned the pure snow red, like in a scene of a horror movie.

    "You stopped" Alex mumbled genuinely surprised.

    Theseus tilted his head to the side, looking at him with curiosity.

    "Of course I did. You told me to" he said like he was a given he would obey his words. Alex took a deep breath. It was over and now it was just him and he standing in the snow.

    "You are hurt" he told him.

    "Your words last time, hurt me more than these scars" Theseus told him, his face filled with sadness and Alex felt like his heart was about to stop.

    ...

    Chapter 80 and we are still going strong! Thanks for all the support guys.

    I hope you are having fun!

    Also I will be posting on my instagram story how I image the protagonists starting with Alex if you''d like check it out!!!

 Chapter 81 - Match 81

    Mark had scanned the palace finding himself in unknown corridors and empty rooms filled with dust. This place seemed to buzz with life but right now that he needed someone to guide him it seemed like everyone had disappeared.

    At last after he had started to think that he should give up he saw a young lady, probably in her mid twenties, wearing a long black dress her hair tied up in a very strict ponytail making her unusual pointy ears visible. She noticed him first and walked towards him in a very slow but elegant manner. Her face expressionless.

    "You shouldn''t be here sir, this area is restricted." She told him and Mark realized that he had stopped in front of a huge door. It was made from wood and painted white with pretty good designs. It definitely did not much the aura of the rest of the palace, it almost seemed detouched from everything else. He was worried about more important things and he decided to ignore it. He looked at the lady hoping that she could be of some help. Leading him to Mikael.

    "I''m really sorry" he apologized "but could you please lead me to Mikael?"

    "And who is this Mikael you are speaking of? I don''t think I know any staff with that name."

    "Yes, yes, right. He is a werewolf. He...he has blue eyes, he is tall with blonde hair. He was brought in injured. He is close with the Alpha''s son." He tried to explain.

    "Oh, yes I know. He has been transferred to a private room by request of the young werewolf...Luke I believe. You need to head straight and turn to the left two times. Don''t get confused and go right eventually it will lead you to the kitchen." She warned him and he gave her an awkward smile. He probably seemed like a very lost puppy at the moment. "And please. Stay away from that door" she repeated andd Mark nodded eagerly.

    "Yes. Thank you very much" he thanked her and began walking again at a very fast pace. He didn''t want to waste any more time.

    He reached his room and realized it was very similar to Alex''s, a lot smaller of course but still spacious and warm. Mikael''s torso was exposed as he laid on his bed, wrapped with many bandages as a blood patch had stained them at the left side, where his heart was.

    Inside the room where two more people. A girl who was placing a wet tower on his forehead and an old man, with small gold glasses looking at him with a skeptical expression.

    "His situation is not that good" he mumbled and Mark felt like a hand was clenching his chest. Mikael was asleep but his face had a constant frown on it, like was in a lot of pain. Small drops of sweat were forming on his temples and he could see him clenching the bed sheets with his hands.

    "He is young though" the girl replied and Mark faked a cough so they would notice him. Both of them stopped talking and at the same time turned to look at him.

    "Can he have any visitors?" He asked hoping that they would let him stay.

    "He is in a critical condition so if he wakes up don''t tire him too much. Just for a few minutes" the man told him and signaled the younger girl to pick up her things so they could leave. She took a pile of bloody bandages and the bowl with the water and ran outside leaving them alone. The people in the castle didn''t seem that talkative, Mark observed but at least they were not mean like most of the wolves he had met.

    The red haired boy was even cautious of walking as he approached him and sat on a chair that they had left next to his bed. He didn''t know what to do or what to say since this was the first time he was facing something like this. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath trying to dissolve any negative or depressing thoughts. Yes, he was in a critical condition but as the girl who was probably a nurse, said he was young and strong so he would survive.

    He had to so they could talk. It was important. He had been avoiding him for so long that he didn''t get to hear him out, at least hear his reason of why he did what he did. Mark had been so shocked about his actions that had no idea what had been going on in his mind.

    The sound of his scream though was still echoing loudly in his ears almost hurting his eardrums. That pain was real, the regret was truthful so why? Why did he even do it in the first place? He wondered as he looked at him fighting to grasp the final string of his life.

    Mark imagined life as a string. There were ladies who were playing with it. They would get to cut it or prolong it, do as they pleased and now they were contemplating if Mikael should live or not.

    "Please live" Mark prayed, tears rolling down his face. He sniffled and wiped them away but more and more kept coming as he repeated that phrase.

    "To which God are you praying to?" Mikael suddenly said, his voice coming out rough and strained his words almost sounding like a groan. "There are many"

    "To all of them" Mark stated. You don''t get to die so easily. We have things to discuss."

    "Then maybe I should die here and now rather than hear your nagging" Mikael teased him and a weak smile appeared on his face. "I''m glad you''re finally talking to me"

    "It''s not like I had a choice. Luke guilt tricked me into coming here. Saying I should know something and then I got all emotional and couldn''t stop crying because you might die."

    "So you want me to live?" Mikael asked him. It was obvious he was trying his hardest to talk. His body tensing and his sweat becoming more and more.

    "Technically I don''t wish for anyone''s death"

    "Oh, shut up" Mikael said with a frown. He was sure that Mark knew what he meant by that the honey eyed boy would not make it easy for him and as he felt his wound hurting all of his body, the idea of Mark not speaking to him again hurt his mind ...and heart.

    "I do. I''m sorry for ignoring you. I...am still shocked about what you did. I thought you were different and honestly I am very disappointed but I would never wish for your death"

    "That wasn''t exactly the answer I hoped for but at least it''s something" Mikael said.

    All this time his eyes had been closed. He was probably to weak to make any unnecessary movement or waste his energy. For a while he stopped talking and Mark began getting worried about if he was okay or not. Soon though he opened his eyes that had the colour of the midnight sky, the only thing missing were the twinkling stars and you could thing he had captured the whole universe with just a gaze. As he looked at him he stopped. He simply stopped. He stopped thinking, he stopped worrying, he stopped wanting to speak. He just stood there captured.

    "I didn''t want to do that to Clarissa. I was forced. Clarissa once she met you, feeling guilty about betraying Luke she wanted to tell him where you were. But she couldn''t get hold of him so she called Lily. She didn''t want Luke to find out where have you been so she told me to kill her or else...."

    "Or else?"

    "She would kill you. I know it doesn''t justify what I did but that moment I was so scared. I knew what she was capable of doing and losing you was a nightmare" Mikael said and closed his eyes again. As it seemed he was close to his limit. He already wasn''t phrasing his sentences properly, Mark trying really hard to understand him.

    "What?" Mark asked in shock but Mikael only gave him a bitter smile. He didn''t say anything else and obviously he didn''t move. He felt relieved now that Make knew, not because he was expecting him to forgive him but because he at least wanted to know. If tonight for some reason he gave in to his wounds he wanted to leave with him knowing the true reason behind his actions and that he wasn''t completely a heartless monster.

    Mark on the other hand was shocked, his heart beating like a drum between his ears. This was what was concerning him? He could never believe that someone would go that far for him. He shouldn''t be touched by this! It was completely different than getting flowers or chocolates, this was murder but why? Why did he feel for the first time that there was someone there for him. Only him in this story that was written for someone else?

    "Thank you." He told him, his eyes filling with tears again. "But what you did...do not ever do it again. Even if it''s for me...You are better than this you hear me? Better. You are good. I know it." Mark said. Maybe this wasn''t the best time to scold him but as the blonde boy smiled again he felt a bit relieved. He knew that he was doing it for him. Mikael had always helped him, cared for him and even though deep inside of him he knew he wouldn''t be able to fully forgive him he just couldn''t hate him either. It was impossible and he was fully aware of it.

    It was the smile and the selflessness. That selflessness that had him here injured right now that drove him insane and for the first time, Mark realized that maybe he was in love. In love with someone that he definitely shouldn''t be. With someone who had already loved deeply once. With someone who was supporting the people he hated the most and the more he thought about it the more he believed that this feeling was a mistake. Because his people represented everything that he didn''t want. Because they had tried to hurt them countless times and his friend, the friend he so much supported had always played a big part in Alex''s tears.

    "Mark?" Mikael called him out faintly.

    "Yes."

    "It''s probably not the best time to say this but I like you." Mikael confessed and Mark closed his eyes. He bit his lip as he felt the pain settle in his heart. He didn''t need to hear that.

    "Mikael, you and I. We support different fronts. I am sorry" Mark said and stood up. "I am glad you are okay. They told me I couldn''t stay long so maybe I should leave. You need to rest. Get well soon" he said in a hurry not wanting to reveal his sorrow and he was thankful that Mikael had his eyes closed. He wouldn''t see his expression that way.

    "Wait, please" he tried to stopped him but his voice died out. He had already reached the door.

    Mark left holding himself back from looking behind. This was the right thing to do. They would never see eye to eye. They belonged to different worlds. Even if they liked eachother.

 Chapter 82 - Match 82

    "You are hurt" he told him.

    "Your words last time, hurt me more than these scars" Theseus told him, his face filled with sadness and Alex felt like his heart was about to stop. "Don''t look at me like that. I did not give that order. Honestly I don''t know why you believed that idiotic nobody. You didn''t even give me a chance to speak." He continued but the green eyed boy kept avoiding his eyes.

    "I can''t deal with the idea of people lying to me again and again. I was too quick to judge you and I am sorry for that but I can''t trust people so easily, I shouldn''t really" Alex confessed and looked at Theseus. His cheeks had turned red from the freezing cold, also the top of his small nose and his green eyed popped even more in the pale white scenery. Like a flower that had just bloomed, foretelling a new spring.

    "You can trust me" He said, his always low and raspy voice coming out as a whisper, as if he wasn''t sure about saying it. If it was the right time. Alex''s sad smile revealed it all. He still couldn''t trust him.

    "I want to. I really do but this fear inside of me¡­sometimes I think it''s greater than me, than what I can do."

    "We all have fears" He told him and began walking towards him. He bypassed the huge hole, Luke''s body had created and approached Alex, who was sitting in the uncomfortable bench. His lips turning a slight purple. "I, myself have many but you see we shouldn''t let fear stop us from moving forward. If we stay stuck in the same place forever, we will lose sight of the things we so dearly love"

    Theseus tended his hand, a gesture of help. He wanted to assist him in walking back to his room. The boy hastily took his hand and actually stood up a lot easier than the last time and now, as they walked through the snowy garden paths he needed much less support than he did.

    "You seem to be doing pretty well." He commented.

    "Yes, my recovery has been¡­speedy" Alex said hastily. A miracle or not he was recovering a lot faster than he should. He couldn''t help but wonder if it had to do something with his peculiar¡­nature. It seemed like he had yet to discover a lot of things but at the same time, he didn''t know who to talk to or who to ask. There was always Theseus but still, he couldn''t trust him blindly as to ask him if he knew anything about his past, about the Avgee prince, even though he believed he had heard him and others mention him from time to time he probably didn''t pay any attention thinking that it didn''t concern him.

    "Soon you will be able to remove that patch from your face too. I bet it''s itchy. I hate it when my lover had to bandage my wounds" Theseus said with a bitter smile and his eyes wondered, in the endless garden. He seemed lost reminiscing moments Alex was not aware of.

    "Your lover and not a doctor?" He asked him surprised, ignoring the sting of jealousy. He didn''t like hearing about that unknown person. Someone important in Theseus'' life that wasn''t¡­him.

    "My lover¡­he was my doctor, my best friend, my companion in fights, my peace and my war. He was my soul link, after all" He told him filled with pride.

    "Soul link?"

    "Yes. It''s our partner for all eternity."

    "Oh, I see like the mate bond"

    "No. It is nothing like that idiotic bond" Theseus said and stopped walking. He turned towards Alex and looked at him with his lavender eyes. "We get to choose. I chose him and he chose me. We do not get dragged around by a stupid word called fate"

    "That''s¡­beautiful" Alex said feeling sad. Could he possibly have someone like that? The dark haired man, with the soothing voice. Was he¡­someone special to him? "About the patch." He continued trying to change the subject of the conversation "I probably don''t want it off. There will be a nasty scar on my face" he said and laughed awkwardly.

    "So what??

    "It will be ugly, this mark." Alex said, thinking about it. He would have to live with it forever. Looking at himself in the mirror and seeing his skin burned and destroyed. A mark of his misfortune, of his torture.

    "What are you talking about? Ugly? This is a sign of your survival, a mark showing how strong you are how can you say it''s ugly? You are alive and you tried so hard for that. Don''t forget it."

    "You make it sound very nice." Alex said and laughed, his laughter echoing cheerfully in the empty space. It was like music to Theseus ears and he felt his heart warming up from it.

    "Also you, dear Alex could never be ugly. Believe me"

    "Well thank you. Won''t your lover be jealous of you telling me that?" Alex asked him and he immediately wanted to slap himself. He had managed to avoid the subject so skillfully but for some reason his stupid mind had just commanded his lips to utter this words. Now Theseus'' face was again sad and he had caused that, there was probably a sad story behind it, he was sure of that and he like a fool was scratching old wounds making him remember and taking the spotlight away from himself! Wait a minute, why did he need the spotlight? He wondered and his cheeks began turning a bright red color.

    "I don''t think so" Theseus said and chuckled like he had just asked a silly question. They kept walking and Alex found himself walking as slowly as he could to make the distance longer, he enjoyed talking to him. It always felt like his mind was at ease and he always ended up smiling. He had almost completely forgotten that they had left Luke, unconscious there.

    "So I heard there was another prince before you¡­did you know him?" Alex asked him. He wanted to see if Theseus would say anything to him about the elf history. He could learn a few things about himself and the past that he had forgotten, if only Theseus revealed some information. He seemed shocked at first with his question and then with a cheeky grin, looking almost like a very handsome teenage boy he looked at him, filled with excitement.

    "Are you interested in my people''s history, little human?"

    "Maybe I am¡­Is that a bad thing?" he asked him as they finally got inside the palace. The freezing cold was suddenly reduced and Alex felt his hands getting slightly numb before he could start feeling anything again. He didn''t have to ask where they were going, he knew Theseus would only lead him to his room because he needed proper rest, even though he felt a lot better.

    "Of course not I am honored and to answer your question yes I did know him. He was a great young man, a strong leader." He said. "What?" Theseus asked him when he noticed Alex was waiting to hear more.

    "Is that it? I guess you didn''t know each other well" He teased him and Theseus began laughing. It was so loud and obnoxious but at the same time filled with so much joy Alex for a second was stunned. Small teardrops, fell from the corners of his eyes and Theseus wiped them still laughing.

    "I don''t know about that. But why does my relationship with him concern you? I mean¡­do you want to know about him, specifically?"

    "I mean¡­everyone talks about him¡­so I was curious I guess" Alex said trying not to sound too eager to know about it. He did want to know about the golden king, about who he was and how others perceived him but at the same time he should be careful. "I guess I would want to know what kind of person he was? You know¡­just out of curiosity"

    Theseus still smiling he opened the door to Alex''s room, that enormous almost like a gate white door that led to the pretty icy room with the sparkling light. Alex could never stop looking at them, the way they shimmered imitating the dark midnight sky was mesmerizing. He almost tricked himself that this wasn''t an actual ceiling but something else, something different that he couldn''t explain.

    "You need to rest and I need to send someone to pick the dog up. Also I will make an announcement today at dinner. I expect you to be there around eight."

    "Wait! Can''t you¡­stay with me? A little longer?"

    The shy boy played with the edges of his shirt''s sleeves, looking at the icy king with an anticipating look. He wanted to spent some more time with him, hear him talk more, laugh more. How could someone else''s laugh be such a remedy to your long lasting pain? He couldn''t solve this mystery but at least he wanted to taste the normality of just conversing with someone, hearing stories, relaxing together. Theseus even though he was a king he also seemed to be a very entertaining story teller.

    "Hmm¡­should I?" Theseus asked with a devilish grin.

    "Yes"

    "Then how about I tell you a very¡­spicy story about the Avgee Prince?" He told him and his smiled was almost like that of a sneaky devil. Alex swallowed a lump that had formed in neck and tried to calm his beating heart. He looked incredibly charming standing there on the doorframe with his arms crossed above his chest, grinning.

    "Spicy?"

    "Oh, Yeah¡­spicy."

 Chapter 83 - Match 83

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgvLDZ7VCb0 -Chapter music!

    "Then how about I tell you a very¡­spicy story about the Avgee Prince?" He told him and his smiled was almost like that of a sneaky devil. Alex swallowed a lump that had formed in neck and tried to calm his beating heart. He looked incredibly charming standing there on the doorframe with his arms crossed above his chest, grinning.

    "Spicy?"

    "Oh, Yeah¡­spicy."

    "Tell me" Alex said and sat on his bed patting the soft spot next to him for Theseus to follow and do the same. The white haired man very willingly sat next to him and Alex turned towards him, crossing his legs on the bed and supporting his head on his hands, like s small boy waiting for a story time.

    Looking at him and adoring the sight of unmeasurable cuteness Theseus began talking eagerly, always leaving out a few small details like names because as he said he didn''t remember or the information was unclear but in his mind the story was still alive, like it almost happened yesterday.

    Theseus'' true story.

    "Allias, Allias please wait for me!" A teenage boy shouted while Allias was very eagerly trying to run away.

    Once again he had run away into the central village, this time though it was morning and as he walked past the Dream lake, he realized that someone was tailing him! It was impossible for him to just get some peace and quiet from time to time.

    He looked around and behind the tree he had spotted the young Disee Prince of the royal family now almost seventeen years old. He was gripping the trunk of the tree firmly hiding behind it intending not to be seeing. It was a shame and kind of funny how his sword that was fastened on his belt just jumped out from the side.

    His family had come to visit for a meeting and the only son and successor of the Disee throne seemed to not let him out of his sight. Alex had approached him when he had arrived, wanting to find out about the raven haired man he hadn''t seen in many years, still thinking about him but the young prince was reluctant into giving him any actual information, so the equally but slightly older Avgee prince had gotten annoyed with him and avoided him for the rest of his trip here. If he wanted to be a spoiled brat, he could do it too.

    So he started running, pity really because he actually wanted to sit in the outskirts of the village and relax at the crystal blue lake, maybe even swim a bit not minding the slightly cold weather.

    His plans had obviously been ruined because right now Allias, a twenty-four-year-old prince, the next ruler of the elf nation was playing tag with a seventeen-year-old prince who just didn''t seem to give up! So he jumped above merchant stalls, knocking down a few fruits, turned into dark alleys and climbed walls just to outrun him but this kid honestly was fast.

    At some point Allias got tired and stopped, making the teenage Disee Elf stop abruptly too and almost fall from the fall. He crossed his arms above his chest and tapped his boot to the ground angrily waiting an explanation for this.

    "What is it Ares? Please tell me why you can''t just leave me alone!" Allias asked him and the boy scratched the back of his head messing up his neatly made raven hair. They had a blue undertone in them and were parted to the side with a very neat undercut. His eyes had the color of a ruby and he had a small beauty mark underneath his left eye.

    "I¡­Well you see. I was wondering if you''d like to go out on a date with me?" The prince asked him and Allias'' eyes widened in shock.

    "What?"

    "You know I''ve always admired you and I heard you are not seeing anyone right now so I thought maybe I had a chance with you. It''s alright to say no but please take some time to consider me"

    Allias looked at him and tried to understand if he was actually serious. He had never looked at Ares as a man, actually he had never looked at anyone else other than Theseus and while he was gone he had never even considered of not waiting for him or flirting with another person but right now not just anyone but the official heir to the Disee throne was asking him out, in bare daylight, cheeks blushed, awkward hand movements and all and he realized that he was in a very sensitive situation.

    "Look Ares¡­the truth is that I¡­"

    "He is sleeping with your brother Ares that''s such a pity." Someone completed his sentence in a very impolite manner and Allias looked up only to face Theseus looking at him from above. He was standing on a brick wall at the end of the alley Ares had managed to corner Allias. None of the two princes had actually noticed him up until now.

    Allias looked at them, his pretty eyes going back and forth filled with questions? They were brothers? How and when? If they were brothers that meant that Theseus was the member of the royal family and he hadn''t told him. He barely knew anything about Theseus after all even though they knew each other for years. They weren''t exactly in a relationship but at the same times both of them knew that there was something there. After that time that Theseus revealed the trafficking party they had met quite a few times but their meetings had always been bittersweet and lasting too short as the raven haired boy had to disappear all the time in some unknown mission. This time he had informed him it was something in the Demonic Capital.

    "You and Ares are brothers?" Allias asked remembering that he had used his brother as bait. They had met a few times at the same scenery and still both of them hadn''t said anything. They acted like they were strangers in front of everyone. Wait that meant he had used the Disee Prince, a child of the royal family as bait! Was he insane? Allias wondered as more and more questions formed on his mind.

    "Half-brother" Ares said as if he was insulted to be called his brother. "He is the king''s, my father''s, bastard son. He had him with a whore" he insulted him but Theseus only shrugged his shoulders, his hands in the pockets of his black pants. As it seemed he didn''t mind the insult or possibly he was used to it already.

    "You never told me" Allias said and looked at Theseus completely ignoring Ares. How could he keep such information hidden?

    "He didn''t because he is the embarrassment of the kingdom. No one likes him and he is just father''s guard dog doing only the hard work in hope that one day he will die out there." Ares explained filled with hate.

    "But Still every single time I come back stronger and eager to annoy you little brother." Theseus said and winked at his brother playfully.

    "Stop talking and apologize from the prince about tarnishing his name in such a manner. How could you say something like that?" Ares told him and Theseus began laughing offending him even more. He didn''t seem to really have a filter about the whole situation and it always worried Allias, that attitude of his would someday get him in real trouble.

    "But it''s the truth" He said "I have been following you guys around for a while now. I mean I just returned from the Demonic Capital happy to see you Allias dearest and what do I see? My brother trying to steal my man. What kind of cruel world is this?? Shame I have to leave again."

    "Wait¡­you have to leave? Again?" Allias asked him in shock. Apparently he had just arrived and there was such a big revelation right in front of them but he didn''t think about telling him he is sorry or even staying. When would he decide to simply stay so Allias wouldn''t be afraid that every time he would wake he wouldn''t find anyone next to him, just a single well written letter on Theseus'' pillow about how this would be the last time and that they would be together the next. He had been living with this longing and sadness for years and this is what he gets?

    "Yes, my father requested that I deal with some trash at the Disee border. They are rogue vampires in search for immortal blood. How did they even get inside the portal?" Theseus said.

    "So you two¡­really know each other?" Ares asked, his handsome face turning sad.

    "I told you that¡­"

    "Yes, but it''s not what this idiot says" Allias said annoyed by Theseus'' attitude. He couldn''t just sit around and wait. He had asked him many times to follow him in battle but he always refused saying it was too dangerous or that he wouldn''t be allowed. Well, he wasn''t some kind of desperate boy that would wait forever and if he was going to have this kind of obnoxious attitude even to him, he would have to pay. It was game on.

    "Really?" the boy asked his excitement returning fast as he looked at Allias filled with hope. On the other hand, Theseus kept quiet, observing the golden prince waiting to hear what he actually meant with his words.

    "Yes and about that date¡­I would be honored to go with you" Allias said with a very charming smile that made the younger boy blush like crazy.

    "T-thank you¡­" Ares stuttered and a scoff was heard coming from Theseus. This time he didn''t look so cool and composed as he swept his hair back and looked at Allias with judgmental eyes

    "You are full of shit" he told him and without saying another word he disappeared leaving behind him thick smoke.

    To be continued in Ch. 84

    ...

    Warning for the next. Chapter: Sexual content, swearing(like a lot)

 Chapter 84 - Match 84

    Was this a huge mistake? Probably yes. Allias thought as he wore his pastel blue, made of the finest silk, shirt and pushed his hair back. He looked at himself in the mirror and frowned. He was definitely handsome. With his brown locks landing like clouds on his shoulders and his gem like eyes looking at his reflection with a questioning look.

    What had he done? Yes, he wanted to annoy Theseus. Very much indeed but scheduling a date with his brother and nonetheless the Disee Prince was social suicide. Ares immediately after Allias had accepted had ran to his father all smiles and happy to tell him that he accepted, meaning that now all the kingdom knew.

    It was going to be fine, they would leave in a few days anyway and this whole thing would be like it never happened. He was disappointed though, with Theseus reaction. He had hidden from him his origins, his family and on top of that he didn''t stop him when he accepted the date, he just insulted him and disappeared. Allias was aware that the shadow man was filled with pride but he had hoped his feelings would overcome that. Maybe he was asking too much from a man he had met a few times and just for a few days. Maybe their feelings were not the same and he had been na?ve thinking that this was more than a carnal relationship¡­a past time activity for his free time.

    Trying to push his sorrow away since he knew he would have plenty of time to cry and eat a bunch of sweets made by the palace chef later he got out of his comfortable room and walked down the wide staircase where Ares waited for him, holding a bouquet of pretty rose roses.

    "You came" He said like he almost wasn''t expecting him to arrive.

    "Of course I did" Allias said as he walked down the stairs and gave him a small smile "So what have you planed for the day?"

    "First of all this is for you" He told him and handed him the pretty flowers. He was cute in an unexpected way, awkward with his movements and his cheeks were a flushed pink color, almost matching the shades of the soft petals. "I thought we could have a picnic at the lake. I disturbed your time yesterday. I am very sorry about that"

    "It''s alright. You don''t have to apologize; I was a bit mean too¡­I''m sorry for avoiding you"

    "Oh, that. It''s fine. I am glad you agreed." He said and began walking. "Shall we?" He asked him and both of them left the great hall and then the strict palace walls and began strolling in the main village.

    The sun had only just begun to set and still the markets and squares were filled with people talking, shouting and moving around in a hurry. Allias loved the tension that was contradicting the almost always quiet palace. It seemed like the whole place was oozing with life and joy and he enjoyed the pretty colors from the magic lights at the top of shop''s roofs that twinkled gold and silver. They were mesmerizing.

    While they walked they just engaged in simple small talk about how was their day or about palace business. Ares nagged a bit about his father and how strict he was and he seemed to avoid vividly talking about his brother r what he had said about them yesterday. Allias was itching to know though but still he couldn''t find the courage to ask. They reached the lake where he had prepared a magnificent dinner. A vivid red blanket was on the dump grass at the sore of the dark lake and on top of it was a basket with cheese, wine and fruits. Everywhere around them little light infused with magic where floating in the air imitating fireflies. Allias was awed, he had never expected something like this.

    "Did you do all this?" he asked him and Ares nodded shyly

    "It took me a while, but you know I prepared everything by myself. I hope it fits your tastes." He told him and signaled him to sit down first.

    If Theseus stayed would their nights be like that? Drinking wine and laughing under the stars? He highly doubted it and he looked around him feeling happy but at the same time incomplete. Was this really what he wished for? Calmness and stability? He wondered and he couldn''t stop thinking about it resulting in him drinking four full glasses of wine. He wasn''t drunk but definitely a bit tipsy. Ares hadn''t noticed it the way he idolized him and he was thankful for that. They were talking nonstop and it wasn''t really a boring meeting until their conversation came to a sudden halt.

    An elf dressed with the classic fashion of the Disee Tribe appeared running towards Allias and whispered something in his pointy ear, making his red eyes widened in shock and he stood up.

    "He did what?"

    "What happened?" Allias asked and at first Ares seemed hesitant to reply but as his look became stern the younger elf gave in.

    "They spotted my brother at a brothel"

    "At a what?"

    "A brothel, whore house, prostitution institute ¡­you know"

    "Yes, yes I understand" Allias said feeling a sudden anger rise in him. Is this how he was going to be? He would replace him so easily with a whore just because Allias wanted to see him go after him.

    "Someone needs to get him back my lord, the reputation of the royal family¡­" The servant began saying and Allias interrupted him.

    "I will go."

    "But¡­"

    "I will go and you will return at the palace and speak nothing of this. Am I clear?" he asked them and both men bowed as he ordered them.

    Allias was flushed from the wine, his face red and he loosened his shirt undoing a few buttons at the top feeling hotter as the anger inside him took over. He quickly teleported to the only brother he assumed Theseus would be, leaving behind him a bright light and specs that looked like golden stardust and he stumbled at the brothel. He felt a bit tipsy as he entered and shocked everyone with his appearance.

    "Where is the man with the purple eyes?" he asked them strictly and the girl in front of him pointed at privet room. That bore wished to also be alone.

    Allias stomped his feet and entered the room witnessing a very beautiful young girl dressed with very few clothing, her chest fully exposed sitting on his lap and kissing his neck while the smoke of his cigarette flowed in the room.

    "You! Out!" Allias shouted and the girl was ready to fight until she locked eyes with him. Immediately she covered herself and while bowing awkwardly she started running out. Allias kicked the olden wooden door closed as he stood in the tacky room. It had too much red and velvet. A big beg and a fire place. In front of the bed was a red velvet couch where Theseus was sitting. He smiled at him, the cigarette enveloped by his full lips.

    "Did you come here for a fuck too?" He asked him with a mean grin.

    "You are vulgar"

    "Well that''s who I am baby. You prefer kids like my brother more don''t you? The ones who bring you flowers and set you up nice dinners" he told him and stood up. He threw his cigarette on the floor and stepped on it with his boot turning it flat. "You look quite sexy like this, did my brother kiss you? Did he touch you?" He asked him and approached him, placing his palm on the wall trapping him between it and his perfect body.

    "Do you even care?" Allias asked him back as he tried to escape but Theseus grabbed his neck and smacked him back into the wall. He wasn''t hurting him but he didn''t remove his arm even when Allias showed no indication of moving.

    "Do I? Aren''t you supposed to belong to me?" he told him and Allias raised his eyebrow and with a swift move changed their positions. He was fast and now Theseus was pinned on the wall.

    "Don''t get too cocky. I do not belong to anyone and especially to someone who comes and go as he pleases, I am the future king and you''re just¡­. a bastard" He insulted him and Theseus scoffed. Pushing him back strongly the young elf landed on the bed with the shadow caster hovering over him. He placed his knee between Allias'' legs and the boy flinched beneath him.

    "You weren''t that high and mighty when you were moaning beneath me. Begging me for more?" he whispered in his ear, his breath landing on his neck. Allias was starting to feel hot, his whole body was burning up. "You''re drunk aren''t you?"

    "I could ask the same to you"

    "Oops, you caught me" He said and looked at him in the eyes, their lips slightly touching as he spoke. "Don''t let anyone else touch you, never again"

    "I will do whatever I want" Allias said "I won''t be staying faithful to a man who went to a whore when he was displeased"

    "All these years. All I had been thinking, even when I was away, was you. This is not fair"

    "I guess your feelings were not enough to stay then" Allias said and pushed him back with his leg, making him lose his balance and fall to the floor.

    "Don''t fucking say that! You don''t know the shit I''ve been through just to see you, just to have some time with you. I fucking love you. From the first time I laid eyes on you all I could think was you! What you''re doing to me it''s so messed up. I am dying watching you go with the person I will never be. A royal, someone worthy of you. You think that''s easy for me. I am just a bastard son. What good would come from me being with you? I told myself that I wouldn''t allow myself to be swayed by emotions. I''ve been taught ever since I was young not to be greedy, nothing belongs to me. But when I saw you¡­." He said and approached him pinning him once more on the bed, holding down Allias'' hand with his own "¡­shit I knew I was screwed because all I could ever think of was making you mine, having you beneath me telling me that you want me. I dreamed of you like a freaking child and honestly I never wanted someone so much as you. I wanted to eat you up, devour you and have you begging me to stop. I wanted to make you cry from pleasure. I thought it was just because you were beautiful but you are so much more and I found myself lusting for you even more."

    While he was talking Theseus was looking at Allias with a burning look and he was panting, like a beast as he admired Allias'' image. How he was flushed with his hair disheveled on the red velvet sheets and how his shirt was showing his perfect skin. He wanted him, desperately.

    "You are a hypocrite hiding behind your finger." Allias spat at him and he smiled.

    "Yes but you¡­really want me to take you right now don''t you?"

    "Shut up" Allias said and looked away, he needed to avoid his lustful eyes so he could save himseld, he didn''t want to surrender.

    "You''re hard" He whispered in his ear and the golden prince felt like he would melt.

    ....

    To be continued in Ch. 85 (the last chapter of the flash back and then back to the main story)

    Oh how I wished to write chapters like this!

    I hope you liked it!

 Chapter 85 - Match 85

    "Yes but you¡­really want me to take you right now don''t you?"

    "Shut up" Allias said and looked away, he needed to avoid his lustful eyes so he could save himseld, he didn''t want to surrender.

    "You''re hard" He whispered in his ear and the golden prince felt like he would melt.

    "Shut it" Allias repeated trying to seem strong and he tried to push Theseus away. He couldn''t though, his limos were to weak to even show the slightest resistance and his head was beginning to get hazy. He really wanted him, badly. He wanted him to destroy him and he wanted the morning to find them entangled together, their sweaty naked bodies entwined.

    "Look at me, look at me Allias" Theseus told him and with one arm moved the Prince''s face so they were looking at eachother. His voice was deeper, darker filled with desire as he scanned his face. Allias couldn''t breathe, he was taking in short breaths his chest moving fast. "What do you want?" He asked him.

    "Fuck me" Allias said and his face turned red. To say he was excited it was an understatement. His heart was racing, his blood was boiling and as Theseus smiled sexily at him and sat up, his legs wrapped around his waist, he took off his black shirt with a swift movement revealing his body, his ripped abs and pale skin as he had never seen the sun. His fingertips caressed the muscles and the man on top of him smirked.

    Theseus teased him. He stood there doing nothing with a very vicious grin on his face as Allias was burning up with his sinful desires. He was sure there would be a huge scandal. The prince of the Avgee Tribe going to a brothel to meet a man on top of that. Well, at least he had to make the rumors worth their time and make sure they would hear his moans clearly when he drowned in pleasure.

    "Please" Allias said and looked at Theseus with pleading eyes.

    "Please what?"

    "I..."

    "You?" He asked him, enjoying his simple torture but Allias wouldn''t have it anymore. He flipped him over and sat on top of his spot rubbing himself on him as he seductively took his shirt off.

    "You take too long" Allias now said as he was smiling hazily. He wouldn''t wait. He actually couldn''t and he could feel Theseus'' eyes eating him up as he showed him his body.

    The raven haired man grabbed him from the back of his neck and collided their lips in a very messy and hungry kiss. He bit Allias'' bottom lip and made him moan as his tongue entered his mouth while with his hands he was caressing his body. Allias was already trembling. As his cold hands traveled on his warm body and when Theseus turned him around and made him sit on his knees and palms he was already panting.

    He couldn''t feel the pain. He was expecting it but Theseus'' hands were skilled and even though they were both hungry he made sure not to hurt him. He took care of him and when he entered him he felt like his heart would stop. Theseus grabbed his hair and lifted him up, his back touching his chest and as they did it he felt dive his teeth on the sensitive flesh of his shoulder. He felt the burn and the ecstasy. Every thrust was divine and with every single moan Theseus would go faster, deeper and mess him up more and more until he couldn''t take it anymore.

    "Theseus please" he begged him as he wished for him to let him finish.

    "You won''t touch yourself." His man ordered him and now he threw him back on the bed. This time they could see eachother''s face and Allias embarrassed he hid with his arm. "I wanna see your face" he told him but the young man didn''t bulge "I won''t let you finish" he said and he suddenly stopped making Allias whine loudly.

    Without having another choice he revealed his face, exposing himself with its most lewd expressions. As he opened his lips, shaking with pleasure and his eyes rolled back. Theseus looking at him felt like he would explode. This side was only his, no one ever would see him like that, feeling this ecstasy and if anyone ever did he would make sure to kill them, erase them from this earth.

    "Yes" Allias moaned as they both came and Theseus collapsed on top of his lover, both of them getting dirty and sticky.

    Allias completely sober now and incredibly sleepy played with Theseus'' hair as he told him.

    "I don''t care who you are or about your status. If I did I wouldn''t be having sex with you at a brothel. I love you exactly the way you are. One day I will be king, I will make the rules. So stay with me. Not only tonight but forever. I love you so please don''t make me feel lonely anymore."

    "You love me?" Theseus asked him surprised and raised his head to look at him. Allias chuckled his green eyes sparkling.

    "I do. A lot more than you think."

    "I love you too Allias. A lot more than you think"

    "So you will stay with me?" The tired boy said letting out a yawn. Theseus smiled in his embrace but Allias didn''t manage to hear his answer. He had fallen already asleep.

    "How the hell do you know such a private story?" Alex asked in shock. He couldn''t get it through his head. He had done something like this? He had had sex! Wait...did that mean he wasn''t actually a virgin? He wondered.

    It wasn''t exactly the information he expected to hear but honestly he was not only surprised but at the same time fascinated. He had a side like that, he had a lover like that. Wow. It was amazing and he couldn''t help but think that Allias acted like a character from a movie, strong independent but still able to love and trust. He was admiring his own self. That sounded very self centered but he could see a similarity, one point that made him really happy. They were both never ashamed of their feelings. That made him happy and actually feel relieved.

    "Well I have my sources. I was a general at the palace after all." Theseus said "rumours spread fast." He said while winking. He had excluded the names and vital information just so he wouldn''t give himself away but as Alex heard the story and blushed at his words he realized that he probably remembered. At least he remembered who he was and that brought him an undeniable joy. Maybe in this life he would chose him again and they would get to be together.

    "So what happened next? Did he stay?"

    "No, Allias woke up alone. It took many years and a lot more adventures between them until he could find the courage to stay. He was immature you see and he wasted a lot of time. Even if they thought they had eternity. They spent centuries together, endless years but in Allias'' final moment all they could wish for was more time" he told him.

    "Oh, how did he die?" Alex asked.

    "I just told you such a great story why ruin it with a sad past? Also it''s time for dinner, I have to make important announcements to our wolf friends you see."

    "And your lover? How did you meet them?" Alex asked. He had just heard about the fiery relationship he had with his lover but still now all he could think and wonder about was Theseus. What was he doing, who did he love, were they pretty? Prettier than him? It was a spec of jealousy in him that he couldn''t hide. Was his destined lover more handsome than Theseus and where was he right now.

    "I will not tell you little human"

    He felt guilty. He had heard that man''s voice in his dreams, he had given him the strength to move on and even survive. He had felt his love in those memories and the love he had for him but his face was always a blur. All he could think about was Theseus and how he could instantly, with just one gaze intoxicate him. It wasn''t possible for one person to be this charming. And now he felt bad, because he was supposed to apparently be looking for someone else but what he wanted was the man in front of him who as it seemed was in love with someone. Why did his life have to be so complicated? He thought and sighed.

    "Why the long sigh? Didn''t you like my story?" He asked him

    "No I did, you were definitely very good at describing things I''m just thinking."

    "About what?"

    "Confidential information" he said and chuckled making Theseus shake his head, meaning that he was giving up. "Will Mark be at dinner? I haven''t seen him."

    "Actually I heard he went to visit Mikael. He is in critical condition as he tried to save Luke at the attack. At first he had told them he wouldn''t participate but he followed them to be sure they would be okay and things went crazy, now he is dying."

    "Oh god, I need to find Mark. Talk to him." Alex said and needed to instantly see his best friend and comfort him as he had done many times for him.

    "I will send someone to bring him to dinner. You can go to your room and talk afterwards all you want. But now let''s go. We are going to have a big show" Theseus said with a cheeky smile and helped Alex get up as he led him to the dining hall.

    ....

    Hello everyoneee. Did you like this chapter? I hope you did because all I did was blush and act crazy while writing it. I need Jesus.

    Hope you had fun reading.

 Chapter 86 - Match 86

    The dining hall of the palace was very different from what he was used to at the werewolf compound. There were not that many people and it was obvious that the servants would not be eating with them from the few seats at the long crystal table that had laid on it a few sets of silverware with pretty moons and stars engraved at the handles.

    Alex shyly sat down next to Theseus who had helped him get there and tried to avoid Luke with his eyes. He seemed completely fine except from a huge purple bruise that was spreading on his right cheek and a bandage that was wrapped on his forehead, tightly. He had been staring at him the whole time, making him fidget in his place and he couldn''t help but feel like he was emitting this evil aura that wished to hurt him. Theseus was sitting at the head of the table on one side while Adam stood in the other with Markus and Daniel next to him at every side. Then next to Markus sat Luke a few seats away from Alex, and opposite of him so if he wanted to look forward it was inevitable that their gazes would meet. His heart was beating very loudly and at the same time he couldn''t stop worrying about Mark. He hadn''t appeared yet and when Ea entered the elegant room with his best friend following him he let out a relieved sigh.

    Mark''s eyes had been red as if he had been crying and he dragged the chair making a very deafening noise on the polished floor and sat down next to his friend. He grabbed his fork and began playing with is as he kept looking at his lap.

    "How are you?" Alex asked him and placed his palm on his lap. Mark raised his head and looked at his friend with a sorrowful smile. He didn''t know where to begin¡­about how worried he was that Mikael was like this? About how happy he was feeling to know that they both liked each other or how devastated he felt that he had to deny him and reject him, especially in his condition. He had run away like a coward but he was scared. Afraid that he would end up being like Luke and he preferred to never be with him and still nurture those innocent feelings in his heart rather than end up hating him in the end.

    "There is so much I need to tell you." Mark said with a sigh and took Alex''s hand in his. Their fingers intertwined as they channeled support one to the other. He appreciated having him next to him so much. Knowing that he had someone he could be completely honest with that would always think about his wellbeing. He was never afraid about motives when he talked with Alex. Genuinely he was the person he trusted most in this world and even after everything they had been through he still felt so lucky to have someone like him as a friend. Magical friend and all, he thought and smiled slightly.

    "Okay. We will talk later but no matter what you need, even if you want us to leave this very awkward dinner and just go and cry together we can do that." Alex told him with a comforting smile.

    "No we can stay. I am hungry, Ea said they will serve roasted chicken today and I like it" Mark commented making Alex chuckle.

    "Let''s eat some chicken then." The green eyed boy agreed and at the exact moment from a back door, different than the one they entered two servants entered pushing silver carts with shiny trays. They stood next to both ends of the table and revealed the delicious steaming food making Alex realize how hungry he actually was. Watching the thinly cut pieces of meat and the mashed potatoes, the salads and the blood red wine being poured into their drinks it made his mouth water.

    "Before we start eating I would like to make a few announcements" Theseus said and stood up, making Alex feel disappointed that he couldn''t dig in immediately and enjoy the food. Nonetheless he focused his eyes on him and waited for him to begin.

    "Please do" Adam agreed and placed his elbows on the table, making it seem like he was fully paying attention to him.

    "From the time you have arrived I had reports of many broken chairs and furniture not to comment on the meeting room''s crystal table¡­"

    "You broke that table" Daniel said confused.

    "Yeah but who was annoying enough to make me break it, also the fact that Luke''s empty head was heavy enough to break the garden gazebo¡­" he said with a smirk while looking at the young wolf who had bent his spoon "¡­and that poor spoon," he pointed out annoying him even more "I think that you need to pay us back. I won''t be asking for money, or the fact that we had to use so many medical resources on the stupid wolves you oh, so foolishly send to their deaths even though I said no but the furniture at least need to be paid for"

    "So you want money?" Adam asked him dissatisfied.

    "No, not money but a favor."

    "A favor?"

    "Yes, if I ever need anything from you, you will repay my gracious hospitality with a favor"

    "Your hospitality is written in the treaty." Daniel told him.

    "You and I and everyone else know that those treaties mean nothing. So what do you say? Mighty pack leader?" Theseus asked him. Adam grinned and nodded his head.

    "Sure. I know you have already something in mind but I don''t want my pack to appear as rude. We do appreciate your hospitality, elf king"

    Both of them were very good at scheming. Their smiles mirroring evil intends, Adam was sure that Theseus was setting a trap of some sort but at the same time he couldn''t risk being kicked out, especially not after what his son had done to those hunters. It was very possible that soon there would be another threat and he had to have a few allies, even if in reality behind the mask they were enemies. No one liked the hunters, that was sure.

    "Anything else?" Markus asked as he brought the wine close to his lips, taking a sip. He seemed to enjoy the fine quality of the product.

    "Oh but yes of course, how could I forget. I will host your party. I am sure you already know, rumors spread fast after all but we need to make it official since it will happen the day after tomorrow. Feverish preparations have already begun so everyone can enjoy themselves. All the royal families have been invited and we even got replies on who will be attending."

    "And who has said yes?"

    "Princess Maya of the fairy Nation and her company, Rafael and his legion of angels, Demon Prince Aamon and his wife Achlys with the many little demons, and a few others, I think the Troll leader said he will attend but I am not quite sure but don''t worry we have the space and refunds to offer them a very pleasant time." Theseus told them with a kind smile.

    "I see. Thank you king."

    "It is my pleasure. So, shall we eat?" He asked them and sat down and everyone without a second thought began eating. It seemed like all of them were pretty hungry since the food seemed to disappear from their plates pretty fast. Alex was stunned throughout Theseus'' announcements. They were all so diplomatic hiding behind poisonous smiles and someone who didn''t know them could think they actually got along. It was very strange to him as he always was very expressive, thinking that that''s what ruler do, they play games, dangerous games and he wondered what kind of a ruler was he? Everyone spoke very kindly of him but was he like this too?

    "So Theseus will you have your locked wing open for the party? I am sure everyone wants to see it" Adam said and Theseus immediately stopped eating. He swallowed his food and wiped his full lips with a napkin carefully.

    "This wing stays locked Adam, no matter what"

    "I''ve heard Allias'' confessions are in there, his diary. I wonder if he has written about THAT time during the war, you know."

    "Adam not this again. Stop it" Markus said. That was the only thing he shouldn''t mention but every time he did. He knew that it would hurt Theseus the most out of every insult. Every time he mentioned the fact that his lover had been raped during the war and he was unable to save him he knew things would go wrong.

    "Well If I eat any more I am sure I will throw up." Theseus said and stood up "I will let this slide since today was a good day for me." He told them and his eyes turned towards his servants. "Next time, spit in their food" he commanded them and the servants tried really hard to control their laugh as they watched him leave.

    "I think we should go too." Mark whispered and dragged Alex away making sure that Luke wouldn''t follow them. "I have an idea" he told him once they were alone.

 Chapter 87 - Match 87

    "I think we should go too." Mark whispered and dragged Alex away making sure that Luke wouldn''t follow them. "I have an idea" he told him once they were alone.

    They were alone and finally in the comfort of Alex''s room once Mark began talking. Both boys sitting on the huge bed their legs crossed. Alex looked at him confused as he wanted to ask him about Mikael, to see if he was alright.

    "Wait." Alex stopped him. "What happened with Mikael? Are you alright? You looked so pale back there, I am worried"

    "It''s fine" Mark said, letting out a heavy sigh. "I don''t think he will die; he is just badly hurt. The doctors here are taking care of him. It''s just that¡­he confessed to me. He said he likes me" Mark explained and Alex gasped. He had noticed the attraction between the two and he was sure Mark liked him, but supposedly Mikael had a mate he was waiting for. He didn''t think he would actually tell him that, even if the feeling were there. "Yeah, I am as shocked as you are. I had sensed it that the feelings were mutual but in the end I told him no."

    "What? Why?"

    "He is Luke''s best friend! He is an immortal and a werewolf not to comment on the fact that he has a mate! Dead but still a mate and he said he is waiting for her. Those are all the reasons why. And I do not want to talk about it. I...don''t think I am ready yet, sorry" mark let his head fall and he messed up his hair as if he was thinking something really hard. It was a complicated matter and Alex did not want to pressure him.

    "It''s fine. I am sure you know best and I will always support you, no matter the decision you make. Trust your heart" Alex said and caressed his friend''s cheek before he gave him a short hug. He would do anything in his power to help him, but these decisions were his to make. He understood that no one should meddle with the troubles of the heart.

    "Thanks, we will talk about it. I promise I just think now is not the right time. For the both of us." Mark told him with a smile after their short embrace. "Now listen to me. I think we need to check out that locked wing"

    "Why?"

    "Didn''t you hear that idiot? The elf prince''s diary is there. I am sure if you read it you might remember something¡­as you know¡­an elf citizen. I guess" Mark suggested trying to hide the fact that he knew about Alex''s story. He didn''t know if Alex was aware of it yet or not but he had to give him a chance to know or maybe even a hint, unaware that Alex already knew who he was in his past.

    Alex looked at his best friend as if he was some kind one in a lifetime genius. How could he not think of that? He would get to read his own diary. That would be perfect for him, he would get to experience though reading his memories. The problem was he wasn''t aware why Theseus had locked up that room though, maybe there was something there he wasn''t supposed to see, not only him but everyone. Also there was another obstacle, he didn''t know where exactly that wing was.

    "I know what you''re thinking. I do happen to have found that wing when I was searching for Mikael. I got lost" He announced with a cheeky smile as Alex rolled his eyes.

    "So how do you think we should do this?" Alex asked him wanting to hear more about this very clever plan of his.

    "I think we should wait a bit more. So everyone is asleep and then we go roaming and snooping. I know where Theseus'' office is we will go there for the key and tomorrow while everyone is preparing for the event we can get to the wing" Mark explained and Alex nodded. He fell back on the bed his head touching the soft and cold pillow and lifted his legs up. He could feel a bit more peaceful now, even if he just had a huge argument with Luke and during that time he had felt completely petrified, right now he believed he could see a bit more clearly. He had said everything he needed to say and there was nothing more for him to do so now his only worry was to actually find out who he is, remember and get back himself.

    "I like your idea" He complimented him and Mark clapped.

    "Perfect. So why did Luke had a huge bandage on him? I am sensing you must have had something to do about it"

    "Yeah kind of, he just said he wanted to talk and then when I said I wanted to leave he just pushed me down. It terrified me but then Theseus appeared and fucking beat the shit out of him, I am telling you it was¡­amazing" Alex said and his eyes immediately lit up as he spoke about the icy king. He had seemed so heroic at that moment but at the same time embraced with a very sweet and tempting darkness. It was amazing how he seemed to be able to jump out of that frenzy insanity of the bloodthirsty warrior to the charming and calm leader. Something that Luke was definitely unsuccessful in.

    "Oh, look at you sounding like a schoolgirl with a crush on her teacher"

    "Shut up" Alex said and threw his pillow at him, Mark catching it and hugging it tightly as he readjusted his seating position."He has a partner though" he told Mark with a frown.

    "I don''t see them anywhere around and it is unbelievably obvious that he is interested in you." It was that or he was just super worried about the fact that their king would not be able to awaken. He didn''t want to or planned to tell Alex that though because he could finally see an honesty in his hasty and faint smiles. He was beginning to look like himself again, taking his power in his own hands and that was what brought Mark the biggest joy. "You seem very well though, you got burned like a roasted chicken but still act fine"

    "Yeah, it probably has something to do with me getting slowly my memories back. Maybe my true nature is starting to show." He said and scratched the patch on his cheek, feeling that itchiness again. His fingertips made the poorly glued piece of fabric move and it fell onto the clean bed and mark gasped surprised. As the green eyed boy realized what happened and noticed his reaction he covered the spot in a hurry. He was sure it was hideous. Burned and melted sin.

    "Let me see" Mark said and grabbed Alex''s wrist taking it away from his face. His honey eyes were inspecting it for a while and his lips were slightly open.

    "Is it bad?" Alex asked.

    "There is nothing there" Mark mumbled and touched his cheek with his cold fingerprints.

    "What?"

    "It is completely healed like nothing happened." His friend told him and immediately took a hold of one of his arms. It was wrapped tightly in bandage and with furious hands he undid it to reveal a perfect skin. No scars or signs of any near death experience, no signs of him ever being in a fire.

    "God, you are completely healed." Mark stated and Alex nodded dumbfounded.

    "I guess so" he whispered and touched his skin. It felt like always and there was nothing in the place he expected to view a disgusting sight. He was fine.

    "Alex I think you need to start finding out what''s going on with you. Things are starting to get really weird and you won''t be able to hide it for too long. Adam hates you already what if he finds out about this? He will certainly try to kill you; I don''t know why but in this state you''re in danger." Mark warned him. When everything was so unclear, when Alex did not know the power he held inside him he didn''t know the danger he posed to others. They shouldn''t find out who he is, because in this state he was just an easy target waiting to be eliminated. "Put the patch back on" he said and began wrapping his arm again. "We will pretend we didn''t see this and in front of the wolves you will act like you are still hurt. Okay?"

    "Yeah, I know. At this moment Adam has his attention turned towards Theseus and their silly feud. It is the perfect time for me to sort things out. I don''t know why but I have a bad feeling about this party Mark."

    "I have a bad feeling about every announcement a supernatural creature makes now. It''s a trauma" Mark joked and Alex smiled. "I think we can go now. It''s already late, look outside." He said and his eyes traveled towards the window.

    There was a deep night surrounding them with their only light a silver moon. It was beautiful, with the sheets of pure snow and the small snowflakes that rhythmically fell. It was really late indeed but for them the night had just began and it was the start of a very¡­interesting adventure for them.

    "Yeah, let''s go get that key, if it''s really there" Alex said and stood up.

    "It will be there it''s his secret office where else would it be?" Mark told him as they headed towards the door.

    "Why were you in his secret office?"

    "Not to seduce him, don''t worry" Mark teased him. "Come on it is time to play spy."

 Chapter 88 - Match 88

    It is an unfamiliar feeling, very unique and certainly so unusual. This thrill that Alex felt as he run with his best friend through the icy halls of the deserted palace, the snow falling outside, the moon was their only observant and their only possible betrayer.

    As their footsteps echoed in the halls, as the sound began turning louder and louder mixing with his furiously fast heartbeat Alex felt that he was playing in a movie. The way everything around him was set. The image of Mark''s back leading him to their final destination and their careful steps at every corner, their cautious looks and gasps as they tried to avoid once or twice a few servants that passed them by.

    It was a cold night, but Alex assumed that this place was always cold as he checked his fingers that had turned red and numb. He was only wearing a shirt and from the blush and red nose on Mark''s face he understood they shared the same sensitivity to the freezing cold. Like it was stopped in time everything around him were still and all these decorations made of ice never seemed to melt. The chairs, the bed everything was frozen and when they stopped for just a slight second to catch their breaths Alex wrote Theseus'' name on the foggy window, carefully with caring strokes he read the letters mumbling the name again and again. Such a peculiar name but why did it much him so much.

    They were going to become shadows too. Walking wall to wall inspecting their surrounding but even though they should be looking stiff and nervous they seemed relaxed as if they had done this a million times, as if they had become accustomed to lies and deceit. Everything was just a very tragic play and Mark and him now stood at the center stage. In case they were caught they needed to look natural and Alex, he needed to look weak and crippled because that''s the state everyone''s used to seeing him in. It was natural for him now to be hurt or injured in some way. It was natural to have enemies with long claws and crazy eyes placing their dirty hands into your soul and clawing every bit, destroying every strong part and leaving just¡­a cell.

    "We are almost there. But we need to be quiet when we search the office. We don''t want anyone to hear us." Mark warned him as they face the huge door of the throne room. The so called secret office was hidden behind the icy throne. A place only for Theseus and his entrusted companions to know, where he kept his secrets or he revealed his pain.

    "Mark wait" Alex said and grabbed his best friend''s arm before he attempted to enter the room.

    "What is it now?" he asked him annoyed. He had noticed how Alex always found time to stall on their way there, how he looked lost and hesitant.

    "I don''t want to do that to Theseus. Deceit him, steal from him" The green eyed boy said felt the heartbreaking guilt clench his bloody heart. He was the only one. The man with the hair as white as snow and the eyes that reminded him of lilacs, the man who always wore black leather gloves and dark clothes that his all of his pale skin was the only one who had treated him like he was worth something, like he deserved to be alive and that he could survive. He treated him like he was strong even though he hadn''t felt that way in a long while.

    It was betrayal, going behind his back like that. Invading his sacred place. Alex believed that his office since he didn''t share its location with others was something that needed to stay hidden, he didn''t even know the importance of the locked wing. If he did know he would have made sure to never even think of approaching. If he knew what was in there, the fact that Theseus had caged all of his pain and despair in that wing he would have stayed away.

    Or maybe not. He would have opened the doors and saw what was behind those eyes, that shone cheerfully at one moment and then they seemed drowned in despair. After he saw he would wish to destroy everything, every fraction of what hurt him and ease his restless heart. Oh, there were so many things he didn''t know, so many things he couldn''t grasp and by these little few stories and pieces of dreams he couldn''t understand. The burden he carried.

    "No it is not. You need to start thinking of yourself. This does concern you. You need to remember. It''s for your own good and protection. You can apologize to Theseus later." Mark told him placing his palms on his shoulder. "Now come on. We need to get inside before anyone sees us."

    "I''m sorry" Alex mumbled as he walked straight to the icy throne. Mark was in a hurry but the brunet''s leg didn''t seem to want to speed up so he grabbed his wrist and literally dragged him behind the throne, revealing the small door.

    "Listen now. These is something more in this office that might help you. A golden book. It has bard songs in it. It tells the story of¡­the elf nation" he said not exactly revealing that the story was Allias''. Hymns and song filled with adoration and sorrow about the descendant of the mighty sun.

    "Okay I will keep looking for it too" Alex said and Mark pushed the camouflaged door and as he entered he pulled his friend inside too.

    Alex gasped when he first witnessed the state of the place. It was definitely not what he had imagined. It was pure destruction and despair. It looked like a storm had raged on and destroyed everything. The furniture was upside down, some of them were broken and the book were on the floor, their pages ripped. Everything was a raw mess evident of some internal struggle.

    "Well this is unexpected" Mark said as he scanned the room. He bit his lip worried how they could control this whole mess to find something as small as a key.

    "Maybe we should leave. Something must have happened here." Alex said feeling even worse. Theseus was not well, obviously he had caused this, who else could ruin the kings private study room? They would be really heartless to just go in and step on this disaster to only create more chaos.

    "No! help me search in this desk. Probably the key will be kept in a drawer" Mark assumed and continued walking around the room like nothing had happened.

    "Mark!"

    "Listen to me! I was so shocked when I heard you were injured. My heart was about to break. I can''t lose you! I just can''t. You are of the most important people in my life and I am too weak to protect you. Too mundane, too human say it however you want but I can''t have you risking your life for me in this state or for anyone. I can''t have you caring for anyone when you don''t even care about your own self. Fine! You want to feel bad about breaking in Theseus'' office? Great I will be the bad guy and care for you. I will do it. I will search so you go back to sleep because honestly Alex I can''t sleep at night. I am worried that even know every day might be our last. EVERYONE hates us. We are nothing to them but you right now are everything to me. I left my home, I haven''t talked with my parents in so long, they must be going insane and I know there is no going back now. How could I after everything I''ve seen. You are the only one I have so please¡­love yourself more, fight for yourself more because you may not see anything good in yourself, you may think there is no point sometimes but I do. I see my family. You are the only one I can trust. The only one I can talk to so please; I love you so much. You have to stay alive. You hear me? And if hurting Luke, Theseus, Mikael or whoever the hell it is. Even God himself, if I have to hurt them to keep you alive I will. But I need your help"

    Mark was crying. His kind and cheerful eyes were filled with worry and his heart was always skipping a beat scared that something bad might happen. He couldn''t stop his tears. He was frantically wiping his face and when Alex hugged him tightly he kept crying making his shirt wet.

    "I am sorry." Alex whispered kindly. "I am sorry I got you into all of this, I am sorry I get you so worried because I am a mess I am so sorry but you are the only one I have too. I love you so much you know that right? I could never be more blessed. Having a friend like you is the only thing that has ever happened to me, I mean it and because you are so important to me I am sorry for making hurt. I know¡­I will do it. I will keep us safe, I promise and one day we will get to be happy. I am sure of it, no matter what it takes. So don''t cry" Alex told him and looked at his friend with a very calming and kind smile. "I am here. I will always be here; you don''t have to worry. It''s you and me. It has always been" he told him and careful wiped away his tears as Mark nodded like a small child.

    "Well that''s a new twist in the story. Is this some kind of new romance?" Someone said and Alex''s eyes traveled to the small door. His jaw fell and for a second his heart stopped beating.

 Chapter 89 - 89-The Empty Torture Room.

    "How could you do this to my master?" The raven haired elf said, visibly gritting his teeth. He had entered the room holding a broom and rags but once he saw the two best friends hugging he dropped the cleaning supplies and looked at Mark with an angry look. "You two¡­what''s going on between you?" he asked them and Mark shook his head confused until he realized the meaning behind his question. He believed that Alex and him had something going on, romantically which couldn''t be more off.

    "No wait!" Mark said trying to explain his arms up in a stopping motion. "We broke in to find the key for the wing. We just wanted to snoop around¡­you know" he told him trying to make him understand that this was definitely not some secret rendezvous but an actual attempt to make Alex remember something.

    Ea didn''t seem to get it though and Mark couldn''t help but notice that firstly he was mad at him and not the both of them and second of all he was mad about the wrong reasons. He didn''t seem upset that they had broken in the office. He seemed mad because he believed something had happened between them and he asked him how he could have done this to Theseus? Where did Theseus fit in the story of them possibly dating? Mark wondered and when he started to process everything his eyes widened. Of course.

    "The locked Wing? After what you did to my master you want to take Alex there? This room is the embodiment of his pain, his sorrow and you dare to bring your affair¡­"

    "Ea, please. I don''t understand what you mean" Alex said and looked at him calmly. The elf was upset, very upset to the point where his ears had turned a vivid, even in this pale darkness, red.

    The elf stopped and looked at him, he seemed incredibly sad like he was himself deeply hurt by the scene. He almost seemed like a child who watched his dreams crumble in front of him. Alex felt his chest tightening. He didn''t like seeing him like this, like he had done something to cause his pain.

    "My master cares about you" The boy stated looking at Alex straight in the eyes. "Stop hurting him."

    "I hurt him? How? I haven''t known him for that long so please tell me what did I do to hurt him?" He asked him and his tone was smooth almost like he was talking to someone a lot younger even though it was the exact opposite. At least for now.

    "You want to see that wing so much? Let''s go then." He said and hurried towards Alex. He grabbed his wrist and the two human boys didn''t even manage to blink before they were separated. Mark had been left behind while on the other hand Alex had been teleported in front of an enormous door.

    It was a pure white color and on it the flowers he had seen at the portal were elegantly carved. The poisonous ones, those who were made by the tears of a lover. His fingertips instinctively traced the detailed design as he took a deep breath. The hairs at the back of his neck rose and he felt shivers traveling sneakily down his spine. There was a weight on his chest and he couldn''t tell if it was the effect of the unexpected teleport or the image on this door that made him feel like this. Ea without telling him another word took out a huge keychain from his pocket, filled with rusty old keys and unlocked the door.

    It creaked loudly and slowly revealed the interior of the room. Alex could not see, it was complete darkness right in front of him and Ea''s tense arm pushed him inside leaving him alone. He did not try to turn back nor he was shocked of being locked up again there. He didn''t even turn to check if the door was actually shut, he just took a few steps further inside, blindly walking. Soon a light suddenly illuminated the room and Alex no matter how hard he looked and observed he couldn''t find the source. The room was just bright now, even though it was still night outside.

    His pain and his sorrow. Those were the words the little elf had used and Alex sensed it. The dark and sinister magic, the bleeding pain and the agony. There was so much agony lingering in this room as if it was haunted. He could almost feel long fingers wrapping around his bandaged neck. This agony was trying to suffocate him and he wished that the room had never revealed its insides to him. He wished to be surrounded by that cold but still and unwavering darkness. It hurt to see, to sense, to feel. It hurt him being there.

    The room was almost empty except for a few destroyed paintings. They had all fallen on the floor or were hanged messily on the walls. They once had shiny golden frames but now they looked dull. In every single one of these paintings he could recognize his face. Smiling in many different ages, as a kid, as he grew older and he could not grasp the image of him having pointy ears, being taller and with a different more elegant and strong body than now. He looked like he belonged there, in those paintings. As if he was a mere fantasy of a better version.

    All these paintings were ruined. Claw marks and rips made them just scraps of materials and he thought it was a shame, in a lot of these he smiled, brightly and honestly dressed in gorgeous royal attires. There was one more. The last one he observed and picked up. He wasn''t alone in this one rather he had a very special company. He knew it from the way he looked at this piece of art. His head was turned, looking at the face of the man next to him, dressed in black. His eyes were shining his smile could match no others and the love in his eyes was drowning him. He placed his palm in front of his face. Shushing himself as he began crying.

    The face of the man was ripped, probably shredded to piece and Alex couldn''t help but wonder why? Why couldn''t he see him? He needed to. The man was holding one of Allias'' hands. He had a silver tattoo. A very pretty crescent moon with a shimmering star and thick lines underneath it that raveled all the way up to his arm. It was beautiful and Alex thought that it matched his, a moon and a sun, so far away from each other.

    The only other thing on the room was a book, dressed in black leather and placed on a very small and round table. Alex walked towards it hastily and took it in his hands. It was a lot heavier than he thought. He flipped the cover revealing its insides to himself. He passed trough he very first pages hoping he would find something in the yellowish pages that would grab his attention.

    A page, just a small page hidden in this book with countless pages made his crying return. He began wailing as his eyes traced the lines and he fell on the floor, hyperventilating. He wasn''t expecting to read something like this, he didn''t want to read something like this if the pain he felt was going to tear his insides apart. He had seen only the good sides in his dreams, heard only of the very heroic stories, beautiful adjectives describing his name, people mentioning him with adoring eyes but this page was nothing like that. Yes, this was Allias'' diary. Every page was written by him in the past and he could feel it. He knew he was the one who had written it and he could never imagine that even back then he would have felt like this.

    This destructive page had the same sentence written on it all over again and again. And with every line the letters would get more and more messed up, the ink would dissolve and old ear marks would make the letters hard to read. He already knew what it said though. He had understood it.

    I want to die. I want to die. I want to die. I want to die.

    Written all over again and again. It was a bad idea to flip the page and read the story that hid the depression behind these words. He knew it but he did it anyways.

    As he cried his eyes out he turned the page and experienced a darkness he never had before.

    <<Today is the day they saved me. I had been emprisoned for almost a month together with Ares. He came and killed them all, he grabbed me and took me out of there, hoping to ease my pain.

    It was already too late though.

    They had already destroyed me.

    Physically and mentally. >>

    ...

    NEXT CHAPTER WARNING!!!!!!!

    RAPE, VIOLENCE, BLOOD, SELF HARM.

    Hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. Thank you!

 Chapter 90 - 90- Scarring Memories

    When Theseus had finally found the hide out of the wolves he stormed in with all of him men and the royal guard ready to destroy them but first he had to search for Allias, his lover who had been abducted at the battle field together with his brother for a whole month.

    He was alive. Thankfully he was alive but with what cost? The moment their eyes met Theseus realized it. From his state, from his expression from the way he looked at him, he knew he was only alive physically and nothing more. The General stood frozen at the door frame, a sudden fear had overtaken him when he saw him. He took a step back, his eyes turning slightly blurry at the sight. What had they done to him?

    He was chained from his ankles at one of the legs of an old and broken down bed. He was curled up in a corner of the room his knees close to his chest as he hugged himself. The surrounding area of skin the chains were touching was swollen and bruised, filled with patches of dried blood. His nails were chipped and bloody and his body was filled with bruises and cuts. Small pools of his blood were surrounding him. He was trembling and he was naked. His skin pale as he froze in that dark place of the room. There was also a bloody patch of hair on his head, they had hit him there, his wounds weren''t healing and when he looked at Theseus it was almost as if he was facing the wall. He didn''t say anything.

    "What did they do to you?" He asked him his voice shaking as he finally found the strength to approach him. He grabbed the chains and with a simple twist he managed to break them. "Why didn''t you use your powers to escape?" He asked wondering why? He was so strong, stronger than anyone so how did they manage to make him like this? He had needle marks on his arm, inside of his elbow, they had probably drugged him.

    "If I did your brother would be dead too¡­there are children down there Theseus, teenagers. I couldn''t¡­I"

    Theseus squeezed his eyes shut and his shoulder''s slouched as he lifted the exhausted boy in his arms. What was he supposed to answer to that? What could he say to collide with his kind hearted nature? He endured all this just for the sake of others so what was good enough for him to utter? He was speechless.

    "What did they do to you?" Theseus asked again, holding him. Finally feeling him on his embrace. There wasn''t a moment in his life that he had felt more ecstatic but at the same time depressed. Yes, he was holding his lover he was thankfully alive but he didn''t know what to say to him. He wasn''t aware of his struggles or his pain and he felt useless. So useless because it took him so long to find him. He could have done things so much better, he could have saved him from the first moment. From the first very second but he didn''t. Because he was good for nothing. He couldn''t protect the only person that mattered to him.

    "They killed me. Again and again. In many ways" Allias said and his head fell. He closed his eyes and remained quiet the slow pacing of his chest the only sign he was still there with him.

    He teleported back into the Avgee palace where a swarm of people surrounded him. Doctors, maids, guards. Everyone was asking questions and at the same time they judged him with their eyes. Why didn''t you do anything? You were supposed to protect him. He knew all that and the pain on his chest was never ending as they took him from his arms and told him to return to his commanding duty. It was an order of the queen, there was a war still raging on out there but all Theseus wanted was to be next to him, take care of him.

    Five days had passed since Allias had return home and he refused to open his doors to everyone, even Theseus. He wouldn''t even eat and every day once he was finished with his duties the general would go to his door, holding a tray filled with food and would beg him to open the it. He was quite surprised and disappointed that not even him would be granted access, no matter how many times he asked or how long he pleaded. Many times he had fallen on his knees and knocked at the door crying even though he knew Allias couldn''t see him. Every day his heart was breaking even more because he was being shut out. He wished to see him so badly but every single day Allias'' answers would be the same. Go away, leave me alone, I don''t want to see you. The sixth day Theseus felt like he had reached his limit. He needed to make sure he was okay, at least look at his face for a mere second to ease the pain on his chest.

    "Do you want to open the door today?" he asked him, calm at first.

    "I don''t want to see you" Allias said and Theseus knocked at the door, this time a bit louder.

    "What the hell happened at that place? Please talk to me. I am begging you. For fuck''s sake open the door! Just open it. I can''t stand this anymore!" he shouted and kicked the door with his foot. "You were a whole month away from me. I almost went insane. The pain I went through¡­Allias¡­"

    "The pain you went through?" Allias suddenly shouted and for the first time he heard his footsteps behind the closed door. He opened it and grabbed his arm pulling him inside, like he didn''t want anyone else to know he had made an appearance. "The pain you went through?"

    Theseus didn''t expect to see him like this now that he was back. His hair was messy, there were huge bags underneath his eyes, a deep purple color and his clothes were disheveled, not neatly worn like he used to. His eyes had a weird glow in them but their radiant color had turned blunt, the spark of life had disappeared. His wounds were mostly healed now but still Theseus noticed new ones on his arms. Long cuts.

    "Did you do this to yourself?" Theseus asked him and grabbed his wrist to examine the markings better. "We need to call the doctor¡­"

    "Shut up!" Allias shouted. "Shut up, everyone just shut it already. Coming at my door every day. I just want all of you to disappear. All of you" he screamed grabbing his hair and Theseus gasped and his reaction. What was this? He had never seen him act this way. "Your pain? Your pain?" He repeated again and again and the room was filled with a vicious laughter. "Do you really want to know what happened Theseus? I will tell you then." He said and began frantically pacing back and forth in the room. His expression was manic and the irises of his eyes would be in constant movement as he talked. "First they began beating me. With sticks, with bats. They cut my skin again and again with sharp knifes but I wouldn''t budge. I wouldn''t say anything. They smashed my head in the wall three times. Three times! Oh, I never regretted being immortal more in my life. But that wasn''t it. They kept torturing me every day by telling me how they would kill you. Every morning they would enter the room with a body wrapped in sheets telling me here is your lover and they would throw the dead person in front of me but far enough so I couldn''t reach them. I would claw the ground and kick my feet trying to get close but they put poison in my veins. I would frantically try to see the body to know if it was you and I would beg for hours crying for them to stop this mental torture. Hit me, break my bones but please don''t tell me he is dead. They laughed at me, again and again. Called me weak and they belittled me. Once they were bored with words they brought Ares one day in my room. He was beaten up but I realized they weren''t giving him the same attention as me so I was glad. Do you know why they brought him in my room Theseus? Why they brought your teenage brother in there with me? The child that I had taken care of, every time he visited together with Ea all of my life? The child that admired me and years ago had asked me on a date, do you know why they brought him there?" Allias asked and tears streamed down his bloody eyes.

    He couldn''t stand still and Theseus was scared to stop him, he was scared to even touch him as he spoke. He couldn''t fathom the events that took place back there, he couldn''t do anything to fix his pain. They even had used his existence to make him hurt more. He had been an asset to his torture and that for now was the most painful thing he had heard. he never wanted to be a torterous thought for him.

    "They said they would rape him. In front of my very eyes. They pushed him into that dirty bed and he screamed he tried to fight but he couldn''t. They offered me a deal. To switch places with him. They wouldn''t bother him anymore if I did. They said I was pretty and they would love to fuck a royal. How could I just sit and watch? HOW?!" he screamed and sat at the edge of his messy bed. He hid his face with his palm, sobbing loudly.

    Theseus wanted to touch him, caress him and he took a very careful step, his arm hovering at the top of his head. It trembled together with his heart and his eyes began brimming with hot tears.

    "Don''t touch me" Allias mumbled and Theseus instantly took his hand back as the boy continued talking. "Every single man in there fucked me at least once! Every single one of them. Oh and hear the best part, sometimes they would go many at a time like I was some kind of whore. At they would hit me and laugh as I cried. I would always end up with blood dripping between my legs and I want to rip my skin off so badly! And they¡­and they would hold me down and once I kicked one of them and I have never regretted it more. They brought your brother in to watch. I was a freaking show and all of them never seemed to be satisfied. I really hoped someone would kill me. Destroy me because I was sick of getting raped every single day! It hurt, it hurt so much and their laughter I can still hear it at night. Their grunts and moans echo in my fucking head. I am going insane so shut the fuck up about your pain! Everyone just fuck off."

    "I am sorry Allias. I am so sorry" Theseus said as he cried with him. He couldn''t stop. He had never felt such crippling anguish before.

    "Where the fuck were you when I needed you?" Allias asked him his eyes filled with hatred

    ...

    I won''t ask if you enjoyed this chapter bc yeah...that wasn''t the goal.

    To be continued...sadly

    Thank you for all the support this far!! Sorry if it was a long chapter.

 Chapter 91 - 91- Regret

    "I am sorry Allias. I am so sorry" Theseus said as he cried with him. He couldn''t stop. He had never felt such crippling anguish before.

    "Where the fuck were you when I needed you?" Allias asked him his eyes filled with hatred. The moment Allias had uttered these words he knew he should have never opened his mouth. He shouldn''t have said this. He shouldn''t have said any of it to Theseus. It was obvious by the way he looked.

    The general almost was rooted to the floor and like a soulless puppet that its strings had been cut, the moment he understood the meaning of the prince''s words he fell to the ground. He was weak, even weaker now and his legs couldn''t keep him. So he just gave in to the despair and let the gravity pull him to the floor. He crouched down and hit the floor with his fist.

    "I am sorry. I am really. I tried my best but it wasn''t enough. I wish you knew how much I hate myself for letting you go through all this. I know it''s my fault. I know! But please I am begging you. I will leave. I will stay away but please don''t look at me like that. I will never speak to you again if that''s what you wish but don''t hate me." He told him and Allias could see clearly the signs the tear had left in his face. The exhaustion in them and the guilt that reign his soul.

    It wasn''t his fault. The prince was surely aware of that but he needed to blame someone. He needed to be angry because if he was sad he wouldn''t stand it. That enormous wave of crushing pain, like a tide it drew back to hit the sores of his mind even harder. He didn''t have the inner strength to be sad. If he wasn''t mad at Theseus there would be nothing left. He would be nothing but pain and despair and then these thoughts would return. The thoughts of him wanting to die. Every time he had stood at the brim of his balcony, the warm air hitting his face and he would imagine jumping into that sweet oblivion. It was pointless though. Only if he poisoned himself with the right ingredients he would die and he didn''t want to get out of his room. This was the only place no one stared at him or whispered about him. How did the all mighty prince got so foolishly caught and tortured? Isn''t he supposed to rule us one day? Is he truly weak? Yes, he was. He was so weak he couldn''t kill anyone. He was so weak he put the blame of his torture and rape to his boyfriend. He didn''t deserve to be here. He didn''t deserve to live and maybe he should go outside and find that small bottle at the doctor''s office. They used it to relieve the pain of of war injured soldiers that would eventually die. He wouldn''t feel a thing. In just a few minutes he would be asleep. Forever. Yes, maybe he should.

    "Please say something" Theseus struggled to speak as he looked at him. It was his expression. He was bothered by his presence and it was so obvious. He had never felt more unwanted. He needed to leave, give him some time. He was at fault for pressuring him but still he couldn''t let him go. He was so worried. He knew how Allias'' mind worked and he was almost sure he would try something awful.

    "Just go and leave me alone. I don''t want to see your face" He told him his cruel words and Theseus tried to leave the room with his head high. He closed the door behind him and found a quiet corner to crumble. No one was approaching Allias'' quarters anymore. They had decided to leave him alone for a while. Maybe that''s why he should have done too but the pain inside him was still fresh and the need to be with him to greedy. He was so selfish and that was the reason why he remained in the dusty corner, looking at Allias'' door. Guarding him from his own self.

    Once Theseus had left the room the vicious cycle began again for hours. He cried, then he hurt himself, ripping his skin open feeling the burning pain mixed with relief. Then as he saw the blood, the state he was in during those few moments of clarity he began crying again cursing himself for what he had told him. How could he be so cruel? How could he be so heartless and torture the man he loved like that? These questions made him worse. Drove him even more insane as he laid in his bed, the white sheets now red. Once Theseus had spread rose petal all over the bed. He had hugged him and swirled him around before he gently laid him down and kissed every part of his body. Once he didn''t feel disgusted by looking at his reflection. Once he believed that with Theseus by his side he could overcome anything but he had just pushed him away. Now there were no rose petals just blood and there were no more gently kisses and touches only bites and gagging and humiliation.

    "I hate myself" he cried and his arm covered his swollen eyes.

    There was no point anymore. He believed it. After what he had done to Theseus he was aware of the hole he had found himself and the light was too far away. He couldn''t see it so he just decided to disappear in the surrounding darkness that embraced him so calmly. The light was too far away for him to reach and even if he tended his hand as far as he could there was no way out. Theseus'' hand was no longer there to pull him up because he like the detested human he was had ruined everything. He would hate him eventually, from being like this. Filled with ugly scars, used by many men. It was better that way. It would be faster that way and he would have no regrets as he disappeared.

    He stood up and by dragging his naked feet he opened the door and headed out. It was deep into the night and everything was so quiet. It was the perfect sound to an awful end. No crying, no people to mourn. Just nothing. His nothing that he wished so dearly.

    The floor was cold and as he walked almost with the movement of a ghost he didn''t realize that a certain someone had been silently following him, away from him as to not bother him with his presence but still gazing at him with such longing eyes.

    The doctor''s office was empty. He had stacks of paper everywhere and his tools were left bloody on a tray close to the desk. They probably had a serious case earlier and tired as they were they didn''t clean up. Ignoring it, disgusted by the sight of blood he looked at the cupboards with the glass doors. He read carefully the tags. Broken bones, stabbing, missing limbs all of the descriptions were forebodings of gruesome events but he felt nothing as he read them. He had experienced almost everything that was written in those tags anyway.

    He opened the one who had contained in a very small black bottle what he was looking for and he left as it was. No one would nag him anyway from leaving the place messy, they couldn''t actually even if they wanted to. He would be already dead. He undid the lid and smelled it frowning at the horrible smell before he decided to bring it to his lips.

    Allias didn''t manage to drink it though as a shadow, fast and deadly silent grabbed it from his hands. He looked at it enraged and soon Theseus appeared having the shadow place the small bottle on his palm. He was looking at him with a disappointed look, a look that he hated. Yes, he was a disappointment he already knew that. Why did he have to come in now and make him feel even worse?

    "What are you doing?"

    "What does it seem like I am doing?" Allias asked him.

    "Were you trying to kill yourself?" Theseus asked him strictly.

    "What if I was? What are you going to do about it?"

    "I asked you something answer with a yes or a no. Now!" he shouted and the green eyed boy flinched. Theseus was mad at him. Perfect, he would hate him more and more now and once he was gone he wouldn''t be in pain.

    "Yes. I am tired. I wanted to get away from you. I want to die so I will never see you again." Allias lied and watched Theseus expression alter. He wasn''t mad anymore. He was just¡­hurt. He had hurt him again with his words. His pain would be over soon though. He would be okay one day.

    "Do you want to get rid of me so badly?"

    "Yes."

    "Sucks to be you then because we are dying together I guess." Theseus said and without a second doubt he swallowed the whole bottle, turning it around in the end to show that there was nothing left. "Pity. I am dying alone as it seems." He said

    "What have you done?" Allias screamed.

 Chapter 92 - 92- But I Love You!

    "Yes. I am tired. I wanted to get away from you. I want to die so I will never see you again." Allias lied and watched Theseus expression alter. He wasn''t mad anymore. He was just¡­hurt. He had hurt him again with his words. His pain would be over soon though. He would be okay one day.

    "Do you want to get rid of me so badly?"

    "Yes."

    "Sucks to be you then because we are dying together I guess." Theseus said and without a second doubt he swallowed the whole bottle, turning it around in the end to show that there was nothing left. "Pity. I am dying alone as it seems." He said

    "What have you done?" Allias screamed.

    He ran towards Theseus, his expression showing a morbid terror as the man looked at him with a wide grin. He slapped the bottle away from his hand, even if it didn''t make much of a difference and it fell to the floor breaking into hundreds of small pieces.

    The High General stumbled back, placing his palm on top of his heart and clenching on his black shirt. He wore a very obvious frown, filled with pain and wrinkles formed between his eyebrows, he bit his lip and closed his eyes trying not to shout. He stumbled on a medical bed and his free hand offered him some much needed support.

    The liquid slowly but steadily was turning his whole body numb after it hurt every vital area as if he was being pierced by a thousand needles. His beating heart began to slow down and the color left his luscious lips, turning them a freezing blue.

    "Why? Why did you drink it?" Allias asked filled with desperation. "were is the antidote Theseus? Where is it?"

    "Now you can be happy." Theseus said and Allias took in a sharp breath. "I don''t want you to die. I prefer to die a thousand times rather than see you suffer."

    "Oh Gods, how can you be so stupid?" Allias said and capped his face. "I don''t hate you. I am not mad at you. How do you think I would feel if you died?" Allias asked him, sniffling between his words.

    "How would I feel then if I let you die?" Theseus asked him and Allias felt the pain from his side for the first time.

    This fear, this shock that the one you love might die and you can do nothing about it was world breaking. Those were the exact moments someone could understand how powerless they were. No one could meddle with life and death, no matter how strong you were or how fast or how smart and watching those beloved people slowly burn away like a melting candle was devastating. This pain was what Theseus had been feeling all this time. The pain of facing another''s death, the wonder if he was still alive and then having to see the one you love lose himself piece by piece. Allias had done that to him, he had made him crumble, kneel before him and make him beg. Not to forgive him, not to be nice to him, not to love him but he had begged him to live. That''s all that he wanted. He wanted Allias to live even if it meant being hated by him because he was powerless, because he couldn''t protect him when he needed him the most.

    So feeling the exact same thing as his lover did Allias, the future king of the elf nation, the son of the sun removed his hands from Theseus'' cold and pale face and he took a very careful step back. He looked at him, sadness overflowing inside him, guilt and remorse for his behavior. He kneeled before him. A king was kneeling before him, his head fallen, facing the floor and somehow Theseus believed that this movement of his had woken the whole kingdom up. He felt shivers down his spine as he watched the top of Allias'' head and his golden diadem fell, making an almost deafening sound in the deadly silence. Right in front of him, one of the most powerful and noble creatures on this earth was kneeling and he was ready to beg. Ready to beg for his lover not to leave him.

    "I am begging you. Where is the antidote?" He asked him, his voice shaking and breaking as he uttered every word with difficulty.

    "What''s the point of me living if you decide to die anyway?"

    "I won''t. I won''t try to die anymore" Allias said feeling embarrassed. He couldn''t meet Theseus'' lilac eyes and witness the pain in his expression. His hands were touching the cold floor and he could feel them shake in fear. He was terrified he didn''t have that much time.

    "And why should I believe you?" Theseus asked him but for a few seconds he didn''t receive an answer. "See? You don''t even believe yourself."

    Allias didn''t know how to express himself. How to show him that he understood now the pain he put him through, the anguish of separation was great and he shouldn''t have belittled him for that. He should have let him in, rest in his embrace and let him soothe his pain with gentle words but he was too embarrassed and too disgusted to do that. Afraid of people''s words, of their judgmental eyes, afraid of the world who always seemed to observe him. Theseus was not like that though; he shouldn''t have forgotten it.

    Finally, he realized it. A way to get through to him. Honesty. Only then, only when he left behind all of his fears, all of his darkened thoughts and insecurities would Theseus believe him. He would see he was talking to him and that the words he spoke of were real. Filled with care.

    So he raised his head in a hurry, his brunet lock falling back and the tears at the corners of his eyes shone like little diamonds. His lips were slightly parted as he was ready to speak and Theseus while looking at his divine image felt his heart beat faster, even though he was almost fully numb. It was like Allias was giving him the force to live, even just for a quick moment, like the explosion of a bright firework.

    "Because I love you!" He shouted. "I am sorry. You hurt too, now I know. I am so scared right now that you won''t change your mind. Actually I am terrified that we could end like this. We were meant to be forever, weren''t we? You told me that so now you''re lying? You can''t die Theseus." Allias said and stood up. "Not until I tell you to. Your life belongs to me. You are mine." He said. "And I can''t handle the pain of you leaving. I just can''t and I was stupid. I was scared and I was mad. Let''s just go back, please. Let''s lie down and heal each other like we always do. Please" e continued and took a step closer, hiding his face in his chest. Theseus embraced him feeling the warmth of his body and smiled.

    "That sound wonderful." He responded and the prince looked at him, hope igniting his eyes.

    "Okay then, where is the antidote?" he asked him again and Theseus chuckled.

    "I don''t know" He told him and Allias exhaled loudly.

    "What?"

    "I don''t know. This was kind of a last minute decision. More like an impulse, you know I was a bit made at you and all and I just did it" Theseus told him and scratched his head awkwardly.

    "You''re joking."

    "Nope. Not at all. I am freaking out right now because I am really dying. I can''t feel my right hand" he said and tried to move his arm but his muscles wouldn''t obey him.

    "You''re not serious" Allias said and began rummaging through the glass cupboards, opening all the drawers in the desk in a hurry, trying to look at every possible spot for a remedy that could save Theseus.

    "How about you go get the doctor?"

    "Yes, may the whole kingdom learn how lame we are now. Wait here. Don''t move!" he told him pointing a finger at him strictly and headed towards the door.

    "Allias." Theseus called out to him making him stop. "If you know, I am dead when you come back just know that¡­I love you and those nights that I got to embrace you and talk to you until the sunrise will always be my favorite and yeah, the other nights." He told him winking at him. "If you know what I mean."

    "Shut the fuck up." Allias told him angrily and sprinted through the corridors to find the doctor''s chambers so the doctor could heal Theseus. He cursed that teleportation was a gift only of the Disee Tribe. If he could do that things would have been so much easier. He began shouting wanting to alert everyone and the servants appeared, dressed in night dresses and robes wondering what all this fuss was about. Theseus wouldn''t be dying tonight.

    ...

    Flashback end.

    Hello guys! How does the story seem to you so far? I would love to hear your words.

    Also the story will start getting very very intresting from now on.

    I hope you liked this chapter! If you did please show some support to this book!

 Chapter 93 - 93- The Fever Of Change

    Theseus was very surprised once Mark found him in the royal garden. Usually no one was around at that time of the sweet night and he got the chance to relax and spend some time with himself. He would get to think as the soft snow landed gently on his skin and reminiscence of the days this garden had flowers and the sun warmed up the seats of the marble benches. Allias used to love sitting outside reading stories to Ea and Ares. He would always watch them from afar not wanting his connection with the prince to be exposed and honestly he had never found more peace in such a simple image.

    The man he loved sitting on the vibrant grass underneath the shade of an old blooming tree and two adorable children sprawled out like little starfish, looking at him filled with admiration, wide sparkly eyes and endless smiles. Him holding old books that overflew with pretty words and stories but he, he was prettier, overflowing with so much more emotion that words usually couldn''t describe. In his eyes, Allias was perfection, the embodiment of a peace and a calmness his mind so hungrily desired. In his days of darkness Theseus would reminiscence this view. This image, he held it so dearly even though he observed from far away. Moments like these were always important, they allowed him to dream. Fantasize of a day he would have a place there too, next to him without feeling embarrassed about his background or the stares of people. Sadly, when he achieved this dream, the hourglass turned and Allias'' time started to lessen. He had learned to value time in a world where everyone around him lived forever. He had realized in the cruelest way possible that eternity was simply a death on earth if you were alone, endlessly trapped.

    So when Mark appeared, out of breath looking for him, dressed so lightly in the cold his thoughts came to a violent halt and a sudden worry was born in the walls of his mind. The red head couldn''t speak because of how fast he had run and Theseus didn''t know if he should pressure him to speak or wait.

    "I won''t explain everything now but Ea took Alex to your locked wing."

    "What? Why?" Theseus asked him when he began walking in a fast pace. Mark followed him closely behind trying to catch his breath.

    "We were going to sneak in anyways but he misunderstood something and got mad so he teleported away. I don''t know why but after what he said I have a very bad feeling." He explained.

    "Listen to me, I will go to Alex. I need you to do something for me though and fast. Can you help me?"

    "Yes, of course." Mark nodded.

    "I want you to go to the second floor. Find the royal doctor, wake him up and tell him to go to my bedroom. Not Alex''s and wait there. I will bring him as soon as I can. His door is the second to the right. Also be careful. No one must see you, especially the wolves." Theseus guided him on his current mission.

    "Theseus wait." Mark stopped him. He knew it wasn''t the best of times but he needed to make sure. Be completely confident about trusting him and letting his best friend in his hands. "Were you and Alex¡­back then¡­"

    He didn''t manage to finish his question, Theseus already understood what he wanted to ask him. He looked at him with a sad smile and disappeared, leaving that thick smoke behind him. Mark already knew the answer, he was suspecting it from the first moment actually and he finally put the pieces together.

    Theseus teleported in front of the huge doors and looked at Ea in a very strict look as he kept guard in front of the door. He didn''t want to speak to him, he just wanted to get Alex out of there and make sure something bad didn''t happen. This room, it wasn''t pretty. It was a storage for all his haunted thoughts and words he couldn''t bear to read twice. In his state Alex should not be there, at any cost.

    Ea stepped in front of him. Stopping his route. Theseus didn''t know how to react to that since the times his right hand had disobeyed him were less than few. Ea seemed reluctant into letting him in.

    "Move, what are you doing?"

    "I think it''s time we put an end to this facade. He needs to remember."

    "And you think the best way for him to do that is to relive his worst memories in that room? He is not in a state¡­"

    "He is strong! He always was. He even learned to teleport, something that wasn''t supposed to be an attribute of his tribe."

    "He never used that skill though exactly because of that reason. We are not meant to do things recklessly like that! He should slowly remember and then transition. This is how Atalanti wanted it, that''s why she made that spell."

    "We need him"

    "We waited for so long what is a few more days?"

    "Really? When you don''t sleep? When you''re always worried about him and you can''t attend your own duties? One of our kings is practically in a coma and his replacement is being a depressed edgy teen looking at the moon."

    "Enough! How could you understand? Your own soul link chose you out of convenience. You would never know¡­"

    "I don''t" Ea stopped him. Theseus didn''t mean to insult him like that. After all a soul link situation like the one Ea had was considered shameful and embarrassing so no one ever talked about it. Ea was expressionless most of the time, showing tiny bits of emotion only to Theseus. His mask only fell when someone mentioned that dark matter. "But I know waiting won''t get us anywhere. He is in danger the way he is." Ea said but Theseus pushed him to the side anyways.

    He pushed the door open and looked at him one last time, his eyes cold as ice.

    "If anything happens to him, I will exile you. Even maybe kill you" He warned him.

    "I am willing to take that risk." He said as Theseus entered the darkness.

    The light magically opened up once more revealing a horrid scene. Alex on the ground, the book in his embrace tightly. He had spasms and was obviously in some state of shock. His eyes were open but only the whites were visible as he shook uncontrollably.

    Theseus approached him and raised him up gently. Taking him in his embrace, trying not to get too scared, not to come to conclusions as once more he became one with the night and appeared in his own room. There he found the doctor and Mark waiting for him. When his old and experienced eyes traveled to the boy in shock he gasped and the king placed him on the bed in a hurry.

    Theseus'' room was plain. As plain as a king''s room could it be. It was enormous with a huge bed in the middle with dark blue silk sheets. The top of the bed had a starry sky neatly painted on it and when the lights of the huge chandelier with the pretty tear drop shaped crystals were turned off the stars flickered playfully. He also had a couch and an armchair wrapped in heavy black fur. Two doors expanded the room one leading to his own private bathroom and the closet.

    "This child is he¡­" The doctor mumbled as he rummaged through his bag to find his medical tools. "He is in a state of shock but look at this¡­this child is not human my lord" He said and pointed at his neck. Something shone underneath the thin bandages and the doctor unwrapped them showing his skin that now had a golden glow, his veins seemed to contain pure liquid gold as he screamed. He wasn''t conscious and he certainly was in a lot of pain. "Oh Gods, is he¡­Our Lost King?" the doctor asked with tears in his eyes.

    "Yes, he is Allias but this¡­ This is not the right order to the spell so what is happening?" Theseus asked as he looked at him filled with confusion.

    "I think what is happening is obvious my lord. Firstly, we need to sedate him. He is burning up. Once he wakes up someone needs to be with him, he will be disoriented and probably dizzy, like he is on drugs."

    "Doc, what is happening to him."

    "He is transitioning; his body is changing."

    "So you are telling me he is returning into being one of the most powerful creatures on earth, without a single knowledge on how to handle or use his power because he doesn''t fully remember?"

    "Yes"

    "This is dangerous. Very dangerous." Theseus said and he remembered that in just a day almost all of the supernatural royals would be in here, with Allias hidden, a ticking time bomb.

    ....

    Hellooo, Big things happening now!

    If you liked this book please show some support! Thank you for reading!

 Chapter 94 - 94 -Hazy Walks

    Alex had been asleep for most of the next day. He was burning up, sweating and frowning all the time as his body began undergoing huge changes. Theseus was very scared. Afraid that his human heart would not be able to handle the pain of the transformation. He was definitely not ready yet and with everything that was happening he was putting himself in so much danger, there were only just a few hours away from gathering where many enemies that smiled as if they were friends they would gather.

    So Theseus had placed guards all around his room, telling them that if the let a single soul pass he would crush their bones and feed their flesh to the dogs. The men were standing still not even blinking, afraid of the domineering aura that singled their doom at the slightest mistake.

    The icy king knew that he had to act like something was wrong so he tried to indulge himself in the activities concerning the Ball. He wasn''t speaking to Ea either, still annoyed with his behavior he would pass by him in the halls pretending he wasn''t there. As long as Alex was still in danger Ea did not exist to him. He didn''t know what exactly had happened that had triggered that behavior, considering the fact that he was always very careful and well-mannered but he didn''t care to know either. He had been very clear. You hurt Alex, you die. There was no other option and no room for negotiations. The revival of their nation was in danger right now, even though they had been so close to achieving their dream.

    Theseus was observing his workers at the enormous throne room set decorations of frozen white roses and setting delicate tables for the guests while Alex was asleep. Through the open gates a familiar figure appeared wanting to talk to him and he knew already that something ominous was approaching. He stood up and nodded at the man to follow him, entering the now empty secret office. All the furniture had been removed after the destruction he had cause and after the party they would bring new ones in. he didn''t really mind that his guest would stay standing.

    "You need to keep Alex away from that party." The scarred man warned Theseus.

    "Don''t worry that was what I was intending to do anyways."

    "They want to use Lily. Adam is fixated on ruining every bit of emotion, even the possibilities of a friendship between Alex and Luke so he could kill him with no interventions."

    "What are they planning?" Theseus asked Markus and the man took off his glasses and cleaned them on his white shirt before looking at him again.

    "Honestly I don''t know. I just came here to warn you. Adam doesn''t trust me that much when it comes to elf matters. He knows about the feelings I had for¡­Atalanti."

    "So it wasn''t just your guilt" Theseus said with a smile.

    "Oh, I am not that good of a person to feel so much guilt as to betray my pack. I am a wolf though and emotions like love¡­those can be destructive."

    "I can see that. If that was all I think we need to get out. I was suspecting this much anyways. I don''t want people to whisper."

    "Yes, you''re right" Markus said and headed towards the small door. "I will be going first. Oh, Theseus on my way here¡­outside I saw a flower" he said with a small grin and Theseus gasped.

    The wolf left leaving him there and returned back to the busy throne room where he once more after a while came face to face with Mark. He stopped in front of him and again looked at him with a very skeptic look as he examined carefully his characteristics.

    "Can I help you?" Mark asked him and took a step back, cautious.

    "You¡­does your family have red hair like you?" he asked him and mark blinked confused.

    "Yes, my mother''s side. Why?"

    "Oh, nothing. It''s a very rare hair color that''s why I am asking. Have a good day." He said and left him there standing dumbfounded. He didn''t even know why this whole conversation began.

    Mark was returning from Mikael''s room. He had been secretly keeping an eye on him when he was asleep trying to understand if his condition was getting better or worse. His sleeping face was always calm except of a few times when he groaned in pain. He had found himself moving the stray hairs away from his forehead and caressing his cheek so extremely embarrassed he had run away and came here to find Luke so he could ask about Alex and how he was doing.

    The golden king was still asleep, flinching in his bed as his subconscious was lost and traveling to the darkest corners of the royal''s mind. He was witnessing that single and final thought, the one before his final awakening. Deep into the night a few mere hours before all of his enemies stepped foot into his land Alex was witnessing his final moments deep in his head.

    There was only blood. Everything was painted red and the snow now seemed incredibly cruel as it had lost all of its innocence. He could hear the clashing of swords and the explosions of magic from all over around him.

    His white shirt had blood. Was it his or someone else''s he wasn''t fully aware of it and that scared him. He didn''t feel any pain as he skillfully moved his limbs and took away his enemies'' lives. It had to be done. It was necessary so his people could live. So this war could come to an end. He threw his spear far and with much force, he had become good at it as he pierced three people with one single throw and recalled it back to his palm. It was a gift from Theseus. When he lost him in battle he would have this as his strong companion and now he was killing the enemies through the masses to find him. To make sure he was still alive.

    He noticed him, first his shadows as they danced furiously around a bunch of vampires who desperately tried to approached him. One made it and pushed him down but Theseus calm and with a killer smile on his face just threw him away and steeped on his throat beheading him brutally. They always underestimated him. He was known as a very skilled shadow caster, gifted in magic but whenever an enemy had the honor to face him in a battle of force and fighting skill they always lost.

    He ran to his side throwing away all the approaching enemies with his power magic. People were afraid to move close, to quarrel with him equally. His green eyes were a warning and the blood on his face a sign that whoever tried had been defeated. He stuck his back on Theseus guarding him and he heard his lover laugh.

    "Can''t stay away from me can''t you?" He told him and Allias laughed loudly.

    "If I don''t babysit you who will?" he told him but he got no answer since he had already began fighting again. The fight seemed endless and everyone was getting tired. Someone, a wolf probably grabbed Allias and pushed him to the ground slashing the side of his neck and the king screamed before he burned him up with his light magic. He turned instantly into ashes.

    "Allias!" Theseus shouted as he saw his lover getting up, his palm on his neck trying to stop the blood from the slash. He began running towards him.

    "I am fine keep fighting!" he shouted wanting him to stop. Theseus'' eyes were glued on him, unaware of his surroundings so Allias saw it first.

    Someone was hiding on top of a tree targeting the High General and his exposed back with a deadly arrow. Allias could see the black poison that rested at the tip of the shiny object. The archer released the string and the arrow flew ready to pierce his lover''s body. Allias'' eyes widened and he was overtaken by a sudden agony.

    Without realizing it he had done something unimaginable. Right in front of Theseus'' eyes he had teleported, disappearing for a second, leaving behind him a golden dust and found himself stopping the deadly course of the arrow. He had stopped it. With his body, his own life.

    Theseus turned around in shock watching the mighty prince fall to his knees. It had hit him right to the heart and blood began staining his full lips. He cried bloody tears as he tried to stay standing. He was dying.

    "No!" The general shouted and grabbed his lover in his hands, his soul link.

    Everything seemed to stop and time was completely irrelevant. The fighting had ceased and everyone now was looking at the scene. The final moments of one of the stronger creatures. But he hadn''t died because of that arrow. It was his endless love that had killed him. Theseus embraced him bringing his body closer as he cried.

    "Please no. please" he chanted as he moved back and forth. His forehead touching Allias''.

    The prince smiled and raised his arm, his bloody hand reaching his cold cheek.

    "You''re alive" He said, his voice expressing obvious relief. "Good"

    "Don''t leave me. No, no don''t I am begging you. What will I do without you?"

    "You will be king"

    "No Allias that''s ridiculous. Don''t talk. I will get you back. We need a doctor."

    "It''s too late. I will die." He said and heard his crying. It was a mixture of screams and painful groans. Allias hated leaving him like this.

    "We will meet again" he said and his bloody tears fell to the moody ground. "I promise"

    "No Please" He begged again and again not knowing what else to say. His lover was leaving him. Allias was truly dying. He had never believed a moment like this would come.

    "Theseus. I love you" he whispered at him and they locked eyes for one final second before Allias truly died. Just in an instant he was gone, his body turning into shiny gold dust that slipped through the general''s fingers. He looked at it with his eyes widened. Touching the ground and a sudden wind blew taking the dust away.

    "No" Theseus creamed while looking at the sky and a burst of countless shadows exploded around him killing everything on their path. His hair lost their color and from a raven black they suddenly turned a pure white, the same as the snow.

    As everyone was dying from the shadows one final thing happened. White flowers began blooming everywhere and Theseus felt like he heard Allias talk to him.

    "I will protect you" he had whispered.

    Curious they touched the blossoms and every single one of them who touched them screeched in pain as if acid had been spilled on their body. Fast one after the other began dying. Theseus grabbed on, plucking it from the ground hoping that he would die too, painfully. A torture he so much deserves but nothing happened. The flower smelled like him. He took it in his embrace and kept crying.

    Allias would always protect him.

    Alex woke up. He opened his eyes feeling disoriented and dizzy, everything turning around him. He was still burning up unaware of the time. He stood up and left his room.

    Now he knew.

 Chapter 95 - 95- Old Feelings Still Hurt

    It was so loud. Everything around him seemed to make such absurd noises and no matter how hard Alex tried he couldn''t block them. He could hear music, coming from actually many floors away but still it was almost like the whole band was playing right next to his ear. Chatter, laughter and the strong smell of food was everywhere around him.

    He felt dizzy. He couldn''t focus his eyes and the whole room was turning even if he hadn''t attempt to get up. His palms wrapped around his head as he tried to stop the intense headache. His limbs were heavy, his body felt like it was someone else''s.

    After a lot of tries he stood up, staggering to the bathroom and stopping in front of a huge mirror above the white sink. His form was distorted in his eyes. It was hard to understand what he was looking at and he wondered if this was how you actually felt if you had used drugs. He was against drug use and that twirling in his stomach that got stronger with every step he took made him want to throw up even more.

    He was taller, he had grown almost twenty centimeters, almost reaching Theseus'' height. He couldn''t understand how something like that would happen. His body almost felt stronger, his muscles fitter and more obvious. He still didn''t look like the man in his dreams but he wasn''t Alex either. He was changing, everything on his body was changing.

    Alex mumbled Theseus name. He needed to find him. This wasn''t his room. He had to find the icy king and talk to him. There were so many things they had to talk about. He headed towards the door, failing to walk straight many times and now he could open it a lot easier. They seemed lighter than a feather the doors that once felt like bulgers.

    "Sir you need to stay inside" An elf guard suddenly told him. "The king has requested that you¡­."

    "I am the king" Allias said and placed a hand on his head. Why wouldn''t this music stop? It was so damn loud.

    "He is drugged just get him back to his bed" The other guard said and attempted to grab him, so he could lead him back inside. Alex felt threatened, he didn''t want anyone touching him in this state and when the man touched his wrist Alex with his other hand grabbed him from his neck, raising him up.

    "Please don''t get on my way" he said and his voice now even sounded a bit heavier, more mature.

    "You¡­" The guard that was struggling to breathe mumbled. The other one attempted to jump on him but even in this state for someone like him dodging was to easy. The guards were ordered not to hurt him so their movements were much less violent and he took advantage of the, throwing the guard onto the wall and stopping the next one with a punch into the face.

    "Sorry for that¡­where is Theseus?" He asked them. The only one conscious was the one that now had a bleeding nose.

    "He is at your bedroom." He lied hoping that he could manage and alert Theseus until he got there. Disoriented and dizzy as he was it would take some time. Alex didn''t seem to doubt his words; he began walking needed to speak with him. He felt horrible, almost as if he was going to die and he needed him. Theseus'' screams were still so alive in his memory, as he watched him die the whole earth seemed to shutter and his hair was an evident of the shock he went through. White as snow, lonely as it is, forever alone and cold. It pained his heart. So he needed to find him.

    ¡­.

    Lily had always believed Adam was stupid. He could not create a wholesome plan no matter how hard he tried and he would always end up running to Markus and Daniel to ask for help. So when he heard his plan a few days ago he knew he hadn''t got any advice from his right and left hand because Markus would definitely let him do something so silly.

    In conclusion his idea of separating the couple once and for all was okay but it seemed as he didn''t know that Luke''s and Alex''s relationship had gone off the rail a while back. Did he need to be that sure? It could be that but why find such a childish and immature way to do so?

    The blond girl hadn''t seen Alex anywhere and she worried about finding him. Her tasks were quite simple and with hos simple minded Luke was like his father she had achieved already the first part of the idiotic plan. While everyone was dancing and laughing, all of their eyes to the icy king who had made a public appearance after half a century she approached Luke and made him drink a very delicious glass of wine with a special mixture of pills Adam had provided her with. The boy soon became light headed and his face was flushed. You could see that his hormones were already going insane.

    In all honesty she didn''t want to do this. She had decided to turn her life around not because she wanted to become a saint or anything but because this behavior did not fit her. The crazy ex was a clich¨¦ she took a while to realize she was following but she needed to stop. Unfortunately, there is no way of denying the Alpha especially when he threatens you that he would kill Sam in his sleep by slitting his throat with a silver knife so now she was carrying Luke back to Alex''s room, considering this the most possible place he would return to after he resumed his hiding. She had checked a while back and no one was there. At some point he would need to sleep and the pills could last long so she wasn''t worried.

    She was sure that Luke''s and Alex''s relationship had been severed a while back but one thing was right and Adam said it. You can never overlook a mating bond. It will always hurt you and you will always have feelings for that person one way or the other.

    Anyone who saw her considered that Luke was wasted and she had to keep herself in check to stop from actually punch two vampire girls that laughed at them as she headed to the room. They were always so pretentious, the vampires. Hiding behind plastic smiles and twisting words. Not that her people were any better though.

    She opened the door of the empty room and pushed Luke on it sitting right next to him. He was panting and his eyes were closed shut. Sweat drops had been created at the side of his forehead. She caressed his cheek wondering how things ended up this way. She had always dreamed of a place next to him and honestly she still loved him with all her being. She wanted to support him and help him become better than his father, live with him be happy with him. Everything though crumbled in only one day. Maybe if he hadn''t told Adam about the jacket things would have been different. She hadn''t known though, she wasn''t aware of any of it at first and too embarrassed to show her stupidity she began playing the bad guy until her jealousy and pettiness actually turned her into one. There was no point though in remembering those moments. She always faced her mistakes head on and she wouldn''t deny the harm she caused. That was cowardly. If she had the chance she would have left already, lived a new life and maybe tried to find someone who would love her wholeheartedly and not just with a part of his heart. She knew Luke had loved her, she had felt it and because she had lived in the bliss of love she felt even more hurt when he acted like she never existed.

    She soon heard footsteps. Someone was finally coming and it was probably Alex. He had decided to make an appearance. She wanted all this to be over. She had decided that after this she would get those crazy ideas about a coup off of Sam''s head and leave with him. She began getting ready and was sure to make everything ten more times shocking.

    Alex had wondered for a second while Theseus would be at his room instead of somewhere ese in the palace. It was obviously the night of the ball and he should be attending his guest but considering how much he hated socializing he kind of understood why.

    He had walked a lot more than he would usually have because he was always getting lost and sometimes, still feeling hazy and lost he also had to hide from unknown people who strolled the corridors. Thankfully, no one seemed sober enough to pay attention to him.

    When he saw his door he let out a deep breath feeling relieved. He just wanted to see him because now all he could think of was him, the true Theseus the one he always knew and even though not everything was back he was content with knowing the most important part. He finally had his love back.

    So he pushed the door open, being greeted by an unusual sight. One that upset him more than it should. Luke was lying on his bed with Lily sitting on his lap. He had sat up and both of them were passionately kissing in front of him, her red nails dipped in his raven hair and his long fingertips underneath his shirt. It was a very lustful scene and Alex''s head began ringing.

    Lily noticed him and the surprise on her face was obvious. He looked different now. She jumped off his lap and Luke looked at him confused as if he didn''t know what was going on or why their moment came to a stop.

    "You¡­You are¡­not human" Lily mumbled and fear suddenly began to appear in her.

    "You always seem to get on my nerves" Alex said with a grin.

    Allias could not care less about this scene. Alex on the other hand, mated with the man on the bed was going insane. He was hurt and confused divided by the haze of the transformation. Alex was still partly human and still felt things for Luke, their bond was strong.

    He was angry and with an enormous amount of power ready to burst.

    .....

    Opinions about my new cover please?

    Also should I give Luke a happy ending at least? I am thinking about it. Hmmm

    Also in eight days it''s my birthday! Yeyyy

    I hope you have been enjoying this book. Thank you for reading!

 Chapter 96 - 96 -The King Has Returned

    "It''s so good to see you. I am delighted that you came tonight" Theseus said as he greeted the demon King Aamon and the demon queen Achlys. They were both dressed in vibrant red outfits, the long nails of the woman mimicking the brightness of flames. The icy king was smiling, sitting on his throne while his guest passed by to greet him. The demon king, a very charming man with black long hair and completely black eyes laughed.

    "We all know that you don''t like us Theseus. No need to play nice with us. The angels are stiff like that."

    "Oh, well I guess it''s okay for me to express my utter disgust of having to host a wolf party, isn''t it?" He told them still smiling. The demonic clan was one of the few supernatural species he didn''t despise of. Obviously not because they were nice but because they were honest. They were talkative and dangerous but if they didn''t like you it wasn''t in their ways to scheme and hide. They would just execute instantly and take great pleasure from it.

    "We will enjoy the drinks though" Achlys said raising her glass that was filled with red wine.

    "Please do. I am glad to see that someone is having fun tonight"

    "I am afraid that I have more bad news for you" Aamon told him and the elf king frowned, wondering what could it be. "Your brother, he has been banned from the Demonic Capital"

    "He did what?" A voice suddenly was heard from the boy standing next to Theseus. Ea was looking at them dumbfounded.

    "Young man and you are?" Achlys asked her snake like eyes focused on him. The elf gulped and looked at Theseus hoping he would speak for him but as it seemed the king still held his silent treatment strongly.

    "I am his husband" Ea said and looked at his hands as the royal couple looked at him intrigued.

    "Is that so? We didn''t know he was married" Aamon said and Achlys nodded, confirming their ignorance. They didn''t know because they did not talk about it. Actually, they acted like it never happened. At least one of them did.

    "Yeah, we don''t like to be open about our personal lives" Ea said trying to cover how uncomfortable he was. He could act so stupidly some times. He should have kept his mouth shut. It would be better that way.

    "Then you should have been very angered when you heard that he caused a very big ruckus in a brothel a few days ago. We had to kick him out while he screamed. It was quite unsightly, to be honest. Seeing a royal act like this." Achlys commented and took a sip from her drink as she observed Ea''s expression. It would be a lie to say that that didn''t hurt. Ea just smiled awkwardly.

    "I am sure there would be some reason he¡­"

    "Let''s not talk about my brother now. I am sure there must be more entertaining matters today than a failed marriage." Theseus said and discreetly signaled Ea to leave with his hand. He had messed up once more. He got down the stairs of the throne room while sighing and he bumped on Mark.

    "Are you okay?" The red haired asked him and Ea looked at him like he was fed up with the entire world by now.

    "If you take out the fact that I have in a political marriage for the last three hundred years and nobody loves me I am fine. In fact, I am great" he scoffed and Mark gasped.

    "You are married?"

    "Yes don''t make me repeat myself. I am indeed married. And listen that. I am also a virgin. Doesn''t that sound great to you?"

    "Are you drunk Ea?" Mark asked him.

    "Maybe, I''ve been feeling a lot of stress lately."

    Mark nodded his head like he understood exactly what he meant and grabbed his thin wrist dragging him gently to the side of them room. He had him sit on a chair and patted his back as he offered him a glass of water.

    "Men are shit, aren''t they?" Mark told him and Ea chugged down the water and loudly left it on the table.

    "Tell me about it" The drunk elf mumbled.

    ....

    Every single one of them in this pack was stupid. He couldn''t really decide who won the trophy but he was sure the two top runner ups would be Luke and his father. Alex thought.

    He had entered his room in great need to find Theseus. He needed someone to calm him down from this disaster that was happening inside him but all these two did was trigger the bomb in his even more. Everything had been pretty clear in Alex''s mind and he had been mentally preparing to return to his old self. He knew how he felt and most importantly who he loved but before he remembered, while he had been human another fate had been created for him. A fate that sometimes still hurt at the thought of how easily it crumbled, of how fast it showed it wasn''t the right one.

    So no matter what he told himself, or what Allias felt the human part in him still existed and that part had feeling left for the male wolf. When he came to witness that scene he realized how angry he could get. Looking at the couple of disaster in front of him, making out after everything he had gone through just to simply make Luke look at him he felt like he was going to go mad.

    He didn''t know when exactly he pushed Lily away from the wolf. He had grabbed her blonde hair and had swung her at the other side of the room like she was a plastic doll. Their eyes met for a moment. Luke''s and his and he could see clearly in them that he was lost. He was drugged and wasn''t even aware completely of what was happening but that didn''t calm his nerves. More plans, more schemes and Luke like every time he let himself get manipulated like a fool. When he wasn''t manipulating Alex, Luke was being manipulated by his father and that was disgusting.

    "Alex? Is that you?" He mumbled and rubbed his eyes before the newly awakened king grabbed him from the back of his shirt and literally dragged him to the floor. He began walking, heading towards the throne room, where the noise came from.

    He was mad at everyone. He was mad at the wolves for taking his life, he was mad at Adam for belittling him at every chance he got and partly being the reason his relationship failed, he was even mad at Theseus for not telling him the truth when they met. Where was he? Did he have to live through this whole hell in this human body for nine teen years until they met? Hadn''t he been searching for him? He was also mad at Lily for being the botch she always was. She schemed and schemed not caring about who she hurt. Lastly, he was mad at Luke. He knew not everything was his fault but still he couldn''t overlook the lies. The way he never really fought for him and how he treated this relationship as a means to complete his own childish fantasy of fate. It didn''t matter how hurt Alex was by his actions, or how Luke acted in a way that made him feel like he was in danger. To the wolf all that mattered was that they were mates and because of that he felt so sure that Alex could not stop loving him on his own but at the same time he became paranoid at the idea of his nature which he was aware of and never told him, ending up in him ruining everything.

    "You''re Alex right? Let me go" Luke told him and struggled to get away from his grip as he was being dragged on the cold and slippery floor. The green eyed boy turned around and looked at him, his eyes filled with hate and with a sharp move, almost as if he was as alight as a feather he lifted Luke up and smacked him back down.

    "Stop struggling" he told him and he heard Luke cough from the impact. "I have so many things to say and I will make sure everyone hears it."

    Alex stood outside the closed door of the throne room and took a deep breath before he loudly kicked them open gathering everyone''s attention. In an instant all the guards were alarmed and all the royal gusts hid behind their servants. At first a commotion began, them not being sure of who he is or what he wanted but they were the elf guards that run towards him, wanting to detain him that understood what was happening.

    Once they met eyes with him, those gem like eyes they knew and they remembered. They remembered the feeling of that overbearing power hovering over them like a shadow. A force of pure pressure and all of the elves fell on their knees.

    Except Theseus. He was sitting in the throne that should be his, his elbow resting on the arm rest of the throne as he looked at him. At first he was surprised but then he grinned as their eyes met. He looked at the semi-conscious wolf the king had brought in with him and raised an eyebrow wondering where he had picked that up.

    No one dared to even move as Alex headed towards the throne. He stopped in front of Theseus finally letting go of Luke and spoke to his lover. His voice clear and loud.

    "Get up" Alex commanded him and Theseus laughed.

    "Hmm should I?" he wondered with a very charming smile and the king couldn''t help but smile.

    "I think you should"

    "As you wish my king" Theseus said and stood up instantly.

    Alex sat in his seat and looked at every single one of them.

    "As you can see, I have returned and I¡­am very mad. So let have a chat now that we are all here, shall we?" He told them with a wide smile.

    Suddenly the room turned freezing cold and everyone felt the same shivers down their spines.

    The Golden King had finally arrived.

    ....

    Hello!

    Also I will recap the couples that will have their own special stories for you. I promise they are amazing and you will love every single one of them hehe.

    Mikael x Mark

    Ea x Ares

    There will be two more couples.

 Chapter 97 - 97- This Is My Kingdom

    "So I see you are all enjoying yourselves in my palace but no one bows before me" Allias said and crossed his legs on the throne, looking at the crowd in front of him. The people of the elf tribe immediately fell to their knees, even the ones who had not understood the situation. It was clear as day now. Who he was and what he was doing. He was reclaiming his throne and making sure everyone knew that he was not satisfied with what had been going on.

    "You are too in the presence of kings; do you expect us to bow to you so easily?" The new troll leader said. He was new, a young man in his early twenties with greenish skin and dark tattoos all over his exposed arms.

    Another troll person appeared behind him, an old man probably his advisor and he grabbed his arm pulling him back. Allias smiled, he didn''t seem to know who he was. For a lot of them I am just a historical figure I guess, he thought.

    The first one who bowed was the demon king and the demon queen with their people following close behind. They were not bowing to the elves. Allias knew better than that. They were bowing to him, because he was so fearfully strong and obviously angry.

    "You can mimic them young troll king. They know what they''re doing" He told him and pointed at the demons. The old man actually pushed the troll''s head down and forced him to kneel gaining a very loud laughter from Theseus.

    Allias turned around and looked at his side, where the shadow caster stood.

    "What are you doing? Aren''t you kneeling down?" He asked him and Theseus smiled.

    "Should I?"

    "Well, I am more concerned about them bowing" He said looking at the wolf pack that Theseus had been letting live in the palace. "Adam won''t you bow and greet me? You must be thrilled that I have returned, or were you serious all these times you schemed my death?" he told him and a sudden silence began drowning everyone in the room. Slowly all of the guests were facing the clean floor. All of them except the wolf pack, the people who had more than once had been responsible for his misfortune and despair.

    "My people bow to no one." Adam told him and Allias noticed the clenched tightly firsts on his sides. Good, become angrier, more humiliated. Like when you ripped my clothes. When you schemed so many times to ruin my relationship with your son. Become me, pitiful and weak.

    "They don''t?" Allias asked and stood up, slowly walking to where Luke was unconscious. He was breathing heavily and wasn''t moving now. Allias lifted his leg and stepped on his head two times with force. "Do they bow now?" he asked Adam but he didn''t reply. He stepped on him three times then and Luke screamed. "Will you bow now?!" He shouted but Adam didn''t speak, Markus was the one to interrupt.

    "Please Allias, we know that you have a lot of resentment for our people but treaties have been signed and you are overstepping your boundaries right now."

    "Oh but you don''t understand. This is not about your stupid treaties. After all I was dead when you signed them. This is about everything you did to me. Before I was dead and now. So tell your idiotic Alpha to bow before I kill all of you in here."

    "Adam bow" Daniel whispered. "He is fucking stepping on your son''s head. Bow!" He said again and again and Allias watched them entertained. This was alright. This is what they deserved. He felt good about it, even if he seemed like the crazy villain. He had to remember everything in the most violent way. He relived everything stuck in an endless nightmare and now the people needed to know his pain. Adam clicked his tongue and fell to his knees, his pack following suit surprised. The most satisfying thing was that his people, those wolves would know see how helpless really was their Alpha even if he acted all high and mighty.

    He looked around him, to all of the people who now realized his return. Not even one single person standing except for Theseus and¡­mark in the back of the room. He was looking at him with wide eyes, like he couldn''t recognize the person he was staring and Allias winked at him and gave him a reassuring smile. He would never try to scare his friend and he couldn''t help but chuckle as Mark placed his palm on his chest and let out a relieved sigh.

    The King walked back to the icy throne and played with the hairs the white fur let out. He waited a few seconds before he commanded everyone to get up. There was no need for any more violence. He had already done enough. Humiliating them by showing them how beneath him they were would hurt a lot more. They would remember this day and feel their skin crawl at how embarrassed they were. Especially Adam.

    "You can get up now. Thank you for such a warm welcome. It has really softened my dead heart. So one announcement before I let you enjoy the celebration. Adam''s wolf pack has to gather their belongings and leave before sun rise. You can leave the injured here until they feel better." Allias said knowing that Mark wouldn''t like the idea of sending Mikael back that way.

    "Wait! You can''t do this" Adam shouted. "The hunters are still out there."

    "I will deal with this. I do not need you or the High Council getting in my way. You just leave my house. I won''t repeat myself."

    Allias didn''t stay more. He stood up from his throne and began walking towards the door.

    "Please make sure to have fun" he told them with a poisonous smile but no one could deny the divine beauty the beginning of his transformation caused. A smile that was filled with resentment but still could charm your soul in a second if you looked at him too much. "Also pick this up from my floor and someone go get that blonde bimbo from my room, she is unconscious. I do not think she is dead." He ordered and his people began running around ready to obey his orders. Theseus followed him outside and once the enormous doors closed behind them the young king let himself relax. He exhaled loudly and supported himself on the cold white wall.

    "That was impressive." Theseus commented.

    "Was I too mean? I guess I was" Allias said and rubbed the corner of his head. "I feel like I will throw up."

    "Well, your transformation is still not complete. Also you did good in there. I mean it was the best way strategically, if you returned and passed around flowers no one would take you seriously."

    "I know." Allias said and began walking back towards Theseus'' room. He didn''t want to go back to his own, he didn''t like the idea of seeing that girl again. He just wanted them out of his palace. "I didn''t really want to do that to Luke though. At first I was just really¡­mad"

    "I enjoyed it" Theseus said with a grin and Allias scoffed as he entered his room. He took off his shirt and threw it on the bed before he plopped down exhausted.

    "I am sure you did"

    "Yes, but I do have a problem. Where is my teary, destined reunion?" Theseus said standing at the door frame with his arms crossed on top of his chest, his eyes scanning Allias'' body hungrily.

    "You don''t get one" He responded and hugged the silk pillow, hiding his naked torso

    "And why is that?" The man asked while raising an eyebrow. He walked towards the bed and placed his knee on the mattress diving on it. Allias sat up and moved back, away from him with a frown.

    "Because you didn''t search for me" He said with a pout.

    "Who said I didn''t search for you?"

    "If you did I wouldn''t have to live twenty years in misery. And when you found me you were going to let Luke have me." He said and turned his head to the side as to not meet his eyes.

    "I did search for you. All over the world and about Luke, you¡­you seemed to love him so I just wanted you to be happy."

    "I could never be happy without you" Allias told him. "Even when I was still human, from the first moment I saw you I was attracted to you. It was incredible."

    "What was?" Theseus asked him and sat on the bed, looking carefully at Allias. He had missed talking to him, hearing his voice that by the second sounded more and more like the one of his lover. He had never felt happier in his entire life, sitting here with him after so long. It almost felt like a dream. A dream he was scared it would end.

    "Don''t ask me" Allias said and his face turned a bright pink color.

    "Tell me"

    "It was incredible how even when I didn''t remember you, even if I had seen you for a moment it felt so natural to love you, almost like you had imprinted in my soul. Just by looking at you I felt safe and that scared me when I was human, I thought you would hurt me too and I tried to not feel this way about you. Telling myself that I was destined to be with someone else, trying to give him another chance but it was pointless. It was pointless from the moment I saw you sitting on that tree because your face hadn''t left my mind not even for a moment since then." Allias confessed while he played with his fingers, trying to ignore his anxiousness. What if after all this time Theseus'' feelings were not the same, what if he was looking for him out of obligation? Because his mother had ordered him to.

    Theseus stayed quiet for a second and then smiled. Allias felt his heart race like crazy, after all these years, after so long he still was perfect, from head to toe and still when he was around he felt like his soul could rest from all his worries. He wasn''t saying anything though, the general was quiet and that scared him a bit.

    "Aren''t you going to say anything?" he asked him, slightly stuttering. Theseus still didn''t reply.

    He grabbed Allias'' wrist and in a hurry he brought him into his strong embrace, wrapping his arms tightly around him, to the point he couldn''t breathe. He was trying to make sure this was all real. That Allias wouldn''t disappear in just a second and he wouldn''t wake up on his bed crying bitter tears. He rested his face in the crook of his neck, and remembered Allias'' familiar scent. Yes, this was home. Right at that moment everything seemed to fall into place.

    "I don''t know how I can love you so much after all this time" Theseus mumbled and Allias finally felt at ease. He loved him, he really did.

    "I love you too. I missed you, even if I didn''t know you believe me I did and now I realize why my life had always been so incomplete. You weren''t there. All I want now is for us to go home, please" He told him and he felt Theseus tense. He moved away a bit from his embrace and looked at him. He wore a saddened expression. "What''s wrong?"

    "Allias home¡­does not exist anymore" he said.

 Chapter 98 - 98- A Long Time Has Passed

    "I love you too. I missed you, even if I didn''t know you believe me I did and now I realize why my life had always been so incomplete. You weren''t there. All I want now is for us to go home, please" He told him and he felt Theseus tense. He moved away a bit from his embrace and looked at him. He wore a saddened expression. "What''s wrong?"

    "Allias home¡­does not exist anymore" he said.

    "What do you mean home does not exist?" Allias asked him, countless questions popping in his head.

    "The Sunrise palace and the whole Avgee tribe has gone extinct. It happened a few months after you died. That was when the High Council came in and forced them to stop the war. I guess the extinction of a race was too shocking and they couldn''t let it evolve further." Theseus explained to him and took his hands in his. "You are the last Avgee elf. We searched for many years but no one was left alive."

    "It''s impossible. Where was the Council when my people died? Just a bunch of old men ruling like idiots" Allias said and in his mind he started cursing. He stood up and barefoot he escaped Theseus'' room running through the dully lit hallways to that one window. The only placed that he was aware of you could see the view of the twin kingdom. He almost slipped once as he ran, out of breath and exhausted. Theseus was following him but he had no intention to stop him, he knew he would have to see it sooner or later. Feel the crushing pain. Of course they wouldn''t have done anything as his people got massacred. As their bloods watered the ground, they would just sit and watch until it was too late. These ten men, representing the strongest supernatural tribes had formed a council with the excuse of preserving peace but in reality all they wanted to do was manipulate power. Once Allias was out of the picture, their biggest threat they took their eyes from the war and realized the disaster when it was already almost over.

    He stopped in front of the frozen window, his fingertips touching slightly the glass as if he was trying to move further from it. To extend his hand and reach the place he had called home so many times. The snow had covered almost everything but the saddened king could clearly see it. The ruins of marble and gold. The broken colorful glasses. The ruins of a beautiful kingdom filled with laughter and joy. There was almost nothing left, just columns and half destroyed walls from the houses surrounding the palace. The lake was no longer vibrant and calm but frozen a huge coat of ice hiding its beauty. His hole heritage had been wiped out and he wasn''t even fully aware of it.

    Allias rested his forehead on the glass, his cold breath leaving marks on it as his fist hit it making a hollow sound. His forehead was wrinkled and tears escaped his closed eyes. His was crying silently, mourning the dead. His mother, his servants, his friends and his people. All of their souls, he hadn''t even managed to say goodbye and that hurt the most. He had failed them; he had failed everyone. His people were not fighters. They were doctors, healers, magicians and philosophers but they fought their hardest in this war. They gave everything so their children could have a chance to survive but in the end there was nothing left, just rocks and ruins.

    "My love¡­" Theseus whispered and placed his palm on his shoulder. He was shaking. He had to take in everything so quickly and if it was in the general''s hand he would have done everything so different. Made his transition a bit less painful. "Please don''t cry. They all fought bravely"

    "For what?" Allias mumbled.

    "What?"

    "For what reason Theseus?" he repeated this time louder. "To be extinct? To die? I have failed everyone! I was their only hope and I fucking died so easily. I could have won us this war but I was too weak." He said and hit the window once more.

    "I know I should have died back then" Theseus confessed. "For a long time I wished that I had, so you could end the war. Save everyone. You didn''t fail them. I failed you. I was the one meant to protect you. I was ordered to but only that I wanted to. In the end I became the reason for your undoing because when it comes to me, you don''t value your life." Theseus said and Allias felt guilty. If he could go back in time he wouldn''t change that moment. The final moment he chose Theseus over himself because that was what he felt. That was what he still felt but that did not mean he was the reason they lost the war.

    "Do you value your life when it comes to me?" Allias asked and caressed his pale cheek.

    "To hell with my life" Theseus joked "A moment of you laughing is worth ten of my lifetimes" He told him and grabbed him from his waist bringing him closer.

    "Then why should it be any different with me?"

    "Because you are different. You were a prince and now a king. You were a light, the son of the sun and you shone so brightly in front of me I believed you could burn me. You were pure and beautiful. Smart, funny and above all you had a golden soul, overflowing with kindness and love for everyone around you. I was just a bastard son, drowned in the shadows. It would be an honor to give you my life."

    "Don''t talk like that about yourself. Listen to me, look at me" Allias said and moved his face gently so their eyes were meeting. Both of them had many regrets. Memories that haunted them, scars not made by swords but by words. Unspoken feelings and unsaid goodbyes. They both hated themselves for not being able to do more, for not being able to ease each other''s pain and now almost a century later they finally met, lilac into green, the vibrant sun in front of the lonely moon with bare souls, and gentle hands desperately needing to make the other smile. Just for a slight second, a simple moment of relief. The disaster of the war was their last greeting. Their morning and their final goodnight but now at last together after many winters they could just talk, nothing more than hear the other''s voice. Nothing more than feel their heartbeat as they embraced to make sure they were alive, that they were together. "You are the best thing that happened to me. Trapped into a golden cage you became my key. Alone amongst so many people you became my company. You soothed the fears and made me smile. You gave me life and the will to try. So don''t degrade yourself. Because it hurts me to see the one I adore hate themselves. A person that to me is incredible."

    "Should we get married?" Theseus told him and Allias smiled sleepily.

    "What?"

    "Let''s get married. We are so long together after all."

    "Are you proposing to me right now? Like this? In the middle of the corridor? Where is the romance?" Allias joked and Theseus pouted.

    "I thought our moment just now was pretty romantic. I want us to get married. I want you to be my husband. Let''s go. Let''s get married now, now!" Theseus said and grabbed Allias'' wrist dragging him away. The young king began laughing loudly as he was being swayed by Theseus'' charm who soon too had joined him.

    "I guess we can. But not right now. We will get married one day. When I build back my home, when there is no fear in our hearts anymore and he winter has left. Then we will get married, with all of our friends there and we will have a huge celebration later and maybe one day¡­a child"

    "You want us to adopt a child?" Theseus asked him surprised.

    "Why not?" Allias asked him with a blush growing slowly in his face.

    "Why not" Theseus repeated with a bright smile on his face. You could see their dreams in their eyes, coming to life once again, the color returning into their souls. A marriage, a home, a child. A new hope for a new life and new dreams to dream at night. No more nightmares. Yes, both of them wished for their days to be like this from now on but unfortunately there were many storms to come. The danger of the night might have subsided for now but still around them had surrounded many watchful eyes, mocking their need for peace, laughing at the sound of their plans for a happy life. No one wished for them to be happy in this endless game for dominance and there were many fights ahead.

    "I want to do everything with you but before that we need to land into reality again" Theseus said causing a frown to appear in Allias'' face. "Joe had left a note saying we will pay for what we did to his people even though we didn''t. I think we need to act fast."

    "Yes I agree with you. I think I have an idea. We should discuss it with everyone tomorrow. We need to act first." Allias announced.

    ....

    I don''t know why I cried while writing this. I guess I love drowning myself in romances I will never live.

    I hope you enjoyed this chapter and if you could support this story by writing a good review, voting, commenting and maybe gifting I would be very thankful!

    Thank you so much for reading!

 Chapter 99 - 99- I Am Still Me

    The next morning arrived and the first thing that Allias could think about was that his ears looked a lot pointier now. His physical transformation was complete and at the moment he was trying to get used to his appearance in front of the bathroom mirror. He touched the tips and pinched them, squishing his biceps. He was familiar with this image; he had seen it in his dreams he had been in this body for centuries but it still felt very unnatural. He had been used to something else after all.

    When he exited their bedroom, this time alone because Theseus had left already he noticed his people looking at him in stunned. Their eyes would be glued to him for a few second and then they would remember to bow. He didn''t recognize any of them and probably the same happened with them. He was just a name, an old story that had suddenly popped out of nowhere.

    So while he strolled in the palace, stalling his arrival at the conference room he tried to take in everything. The Disee palace was completely frozen and he knew why. After his death they would have been stuck in an endless winter and everything around him would be crystalized. He wished to get the full of his powers back so he could bring warmth into this place once more but he still felt like a stranger in his own body.

    The fact that he bumped his head at the top of the doorframe forgetting his change in height was a very clear proof of that. Theseus chuckled at his little accident while the rest of the people in the room stood up to greet him. Theseus, Ea a few generals and officials were all sitting around a glass table with his best friend in the far end of it.

    "My King, we are so glad to have you back. I am Radius the general of the army" One of them told him and Allias smiled.

    "It''s good to be back." He said and headed at the top of the table where an empty seat awaited. Theseus was seated right next to him and watching him there gave him a sudden feeling of relief. He sat down and took a peak at the papers in front of him, mostly information about Joe and his family. "Considering the hunter situation¡­" Allias began saying but he felt like someone was watching him. He raised his head and watched as mark was burning holes in his face with his soft eyes. Allias squeezed his eyes and looked at him back waiting for someone to speak but the ginger just kept staring. "What?" Allias asked him.

    "You look weird" Mark commented without even thinking about it.

    "How could you talk like that to our king! Something like this could be punished¡­" Radius began saying making Mark flinch with his loud voice.

    "No he won''t" Allias said and signaled him to sit down. "What do you mean weird? I am still me"

    "Are you?" Mark asked him.

    "Just because I got a glow up it doesn''t mean I am not your best friend do you think you can rid of me that easily?" Allias asked him, while raising and eyebrow and crossing his arms on top of his chest.

    "Glow up?" Mark asked and chuckled "I guess you''re still okay"

    "So then after that confirmation that I am still myself let''s talk about the hunter situation, shall we?" Allias said and flipped the pages of the papers. "I want to go and find Joe"

    "What?" Theseus asked surprised and everyone had the same shocked expression on their faces once Allias announced his intentions.

    "I want to talk to him. Joe is a nice kid and has been hurt by the wolves. I think we can change his mind and even in the best situation forge an alliance so we won''t have to worry about being unprotected against other hunter clans. He sees things differently."

    "He probably hates you now you know. He thinks you broke your word" Theseus reminded him and his green eyes suddenly turned dark.

    "That''s why I need to go."

    "I''m sorry but there is a problem." Ea interrupted him. "Anything hunter related needs to be approved by the Council first. We will already get in trouble for what happened with the killings and all."

    Allias let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes closed while he was thinking. This was exhausting already and he was annoyed by everything. Things were not like this a while back. He didn''t have to have every decision he made approved. As it seemed after his death the scale of power had been balanced out.

    "Then send the paperwork or whatever. I am going to find him." Allias said and Ea nodded before he stormed off willing to do anything Allias asked him but at the same time wanting to avoid Theseus, who seemed not eager to spare him not even a glance.

    "About the wolves. Have they all left?" Allias continued the meeting. A girl that was sitting on the table with beautiful hay colored hair, looked at him with a shy blush before he began talking.

    "Hello your majesty. I am Ava the head maid here. Yes, they have already left except of a few injured wolves that we have been taking care of and the Alpha''s son. His beta is injured so he insisted to stay with him."

    "He is still here?" Allias asked and the girl nodded her eyes stuck on his face. The king couldn''t help but smile at how obvious she was. Well, it honestly felt well to be desired again and he had spent some time admiring himself in the mirror thinking that certainly he had been looking good. When he smiled the girl almost melted and fell back on her chair. Theseus observing the scene coughed so he could grab his attention. "Yes?" Allias asked him with a smirk.

    "Nothing my king please continue" Theseus replied.

    "So is he still here I see. What are we going to do about that?"

    "Simply nothing you will wait until he leaves" Theseus told him almost being sure about what he wanted to do.

    "Hmmm" Allias pretended to be thinking. "That wouldn''t be fun, would it?"

    "Allias don''t. It''s over now."

    "Oh, believe me it''s not over until I say so. Don''t worry I won''t kill him. But, anyways" He said and clapped wanting to get everyone''s attention. "Our goal right now it''s to resolve the problem with Joe and his clan. We don''t need another war and they know about the portal. Which is¡­bad. So start preparing all the necessary procedures. Once we receive the yes from the council I will be off. You are all dismissed."

    The people pushed their heavy chairs back, others loudly and others with care and left the room with bows and greetings for the king. Allias nodded to all of them and waited until they left. Theseus too went off ahead knowing probably that he would want to stay alone.

    "Hey you, Ginger buffoon, wait" He called Mark and the boy stopped on his track and turned around.

    "How did you call me?" Mark asked and approached him.

    "What was that before?"

    "Well I watched my best friend who would never kill a fly literally step on someone''s head so I was shocked, what can I say?" Mark said and sat next to Allias, the seat Theseus previously was sitting on. Allias actually pushed his chair back and put his legs on the table, finally relaxing. "Very royal like of you" His friend commented looking at his feet.

    "This is tiring okay? I am very tired just by all the thinking I had to do. I haven''t been used to this yet. It''s been so long. Also yeah, I wouldn''t kill a fly still but these people, especially that blonde bitch¡­I hate her."

    "Same. She is annoying isn''t she?" Mark said with a disgusted expression on his face and Allias laughed.

    "Thanks"

    "For what?"

    "For still being my friend."

    "What the heck? I would never stop being your friend. You are a king now. That''s like another reason why I should be your friend" He joked.

    "Maybe you wouldn''t like the new me." Allias shared his worries with his and the red head rolled his eyes. "I am still me though"

    "You always worry too much. Even if you grew a second head or a third nipple I would still like you. King" He told him while wiggling his eyebrows and Allias chuckled.

    "That''s good to hear. I have to have a coronation too. The stupid Council will visit at some point. Oh, Gods the more I think about all of these the more unwilling I am to return to my duties."

    "Come on. You will do just fine."

    "I hope so. I still feel weird but everything is slowly coming back. Mark¡­should we visit my lad''s ruins one day?" Allias asked him.

    "You want me to come with you?"

    "Yeah." Allias replied and stood up after wiping some dirt off the table that he had gotten there with his shoes."I think it''s time for me to see Luke" he said

    "And I Mikael"

    "Well, good luck friend." Allias said actually pitying both Mark and himself for having been involved with people like them. The next moments would surely be tough.

 Chapter 100 - 100 - Is It Really For The Best?

    Mark watched from afar how Mikael was getting his stuff ready. He had a black suitcase placed on top of his bed and messily stuffed his clothes inside. His torso was exposed and wrapped with bandages in a very neat way. A bloody patch was eminent at one side of his chest and as he ducked slightly to grab a shirt he frowned touching the place his wound was.

    Without thinking about it mark entered the lonely bedroom and approached him confidently taking the shirt from his hand. For one second Mikael seemed surprised that he had decided to return back, but as he watched the red head empty his luggage and fold one by one the clothes neatly he smiled and rested on the bed, while looking at his cute face.

    "You don''t seem too eager to stop me from doing your job" Mark commented and the blond boy smiled.

    "I guess this is the last time you will be doing something for me. I want a bit more time" Mikael told him honestly and mark stopped moving, his eyes stuck on the top of the suitcase.

    The last time. Was this really what it was? Their last meeting, their last words? Where would Mikael go and what would he been doing from now on? Maybe see someone else. Or even better find his true mate, they were probably somewhere out there.

    "Well at least now that you are all leaving I won''t have to see that Markus guy anymore." Mark mumbled trying desperately to avoid the conversation about them. He didn''t want to confront his feelings once more. It was possible that this time he would bent and maybe tell him he wanted him, something he was well aware that would be destructive.

    "Why did he do something to you?" Mikael asked him, confused.

    "Every time he sees me he starts sniffing me and this time he asked about my hair" mark explained and instinctively moved his hair away from his forehead before he returned to folding the shirts once more. Mikael stayed quiet for a while examining this little information but he didn''t seem to know or suspect why something like that was happening. He let out a sigh and gave mark a bitter smile.

    "My people are weird, aren''t they?"

    "Not only weird. Murderous, uncontrollable, hot blooded, vengeful, annoying, liars, stupid" Mark began saying and he could keep going on and on. He had a very big list with negative adjectives and he was sure this wolf pack would fit them all completely.

    "I like you" Mikael told him and stood up. He approached Mark and gently made him let go of the shirt, turning towards him and takin his delicate hands in his. "I really like you. Why do I feel like this?" he wondered and he looked almost sad confessing his emotional weakness. His forehead touched Mark''s shoulder, hiding his face from him and the red head tensed as he felt him so close. His muscles were ripped, and refined on his body, moving every time he breathed. His hair smelled like mint and the image of his dark blue eyes reminded him of a stormy ocean. He looked so good, he always did and right now he was such a short distance away and Mark had to stop himself from hugging him, or even worse kissing him.

    "We''ve talked about this" Mark told him, his voice low and weak reminding of a whisper, like a candle that its fire was trembling ready to burn out.

    "You''ve talked about this. I was bed ridden and weak. You took advantage of the fact that I couldn''t go after you" He told him and raised his head.

    "That was not my intention."

    "Yes, your intention was to end things before they even began"

    "Yes. Because tell me how would things begin with us?" Mark asked him and took a step back. Facing him with a serious expression. "I will not leave Alex''s side and you would never leave Luke. The sides we are on are different and you¡­you are a freaking werewolf for fuck''s sake! You have a mate you have been waiting on and what if she appears? Then what will you do with me? Toss me side? Forget me while I still¡­love you" Mark said with tears in his eyes. He had been thinking and thinking and every time he tried to think a good outcome between them always an unknown figure would appear in his thoughts. A girl and Mikael''s eyes wouldn''t look at him caringly anymore. They would only see her and Mark would be pushed to the side like he never existed. The same thing Luke did to Lily.

    Mikael was caught out of guard. Mark just said that he loved him. He had never really imagined that the red head had paid so much attention to the fact that he had a mate. Yes, there was a possibility that Scarlet would come back but she could return after Mark had¡­died. Yeah, he was a human with short time. They would spend a few years together until he began to grow old. Mikael would want to be with him no matter what but he knew how Mark would react. He would push him away. They weren''t just on different sides. They were literally a different species.

    "Please don''t cry" Mikael told him and with his thumb he wiped the toxic tears from the corners of his eyes. "I can''t handle seeing you cry."

    "Then don''t tell me you like me. Don''t make me question my decision. Don''t sway me and don''t some so close because when you''re near all I want to do is¡­"

    "Is?" Mikael asked him and his heart suddenly began beating really loudly. For a second he was worried Mark would be able to hear it.

    "To kiss you" Mark mumbled with a blush on his face. His ears were burning hot and when Mikael grabbed him and kissed him he felt his mind melting. His lips were so soft and he almost felt like he was caressing his soul. His arms wrapped around his waist and Mark touched his cheek as he was getting lost into that momentarily pleasure. It was alright. It was fine for just this once to feed his unrequited love. Or more fitting the love that he knew would ruin him.

    That kiss was so sweet though. Nectar from the gods and with every second that passed Mark knew he was getting more and more addicted to that sensation. Mikael brought him even closer the drumming of their hearts mixing up and he could feel his hands roaming on his bare back. He left trays of fire on his skin, burning need and soon Mark was out of breath and dizzy.

    Mikael let go of him and kissed gently his forehead. Then his tear stained eyes and his nose. He smiled at him like he had just been gifted the world and Mark''s heart was being drowned into acid. No, he couldn''t give in. Giving in would mean the end.

    "We can find a way to work things out." Mikael said still clinging to hope.

    "You already have someone you love wholeheartedly. I am just a passerby in your love story." Mark said trying to convince himself that this was for the best. It was the right thing to do. Face the heart break now not when you are already head over heels for him, if he wasn''t already.

    Mikael sighed and turned his back on him. He didn''t know what to say to that. Yes, he had loved Scarlet with all his heart. The girl had been his world but right now after so many years he had felt what loved was like. He had heard his heart beat again and he couldn''t let go of that so easily. All he could see was Mark, after all.

    "But all I can see is you" Mikael said and he almost sounded like a wounded puppy. Mark couldn''t see his face but he wouldn''t be surprised if he was crying. Both of them were.

    "Please go" Mark said his voice breaking. "Go back to your pack and forget about me. You will never see me again after all so please, this hurts"

    "You are not the only one hurting. But you are the only one who is scared" Mikael said and looked at him slightly agitated. He had been preaching about facing feelings, being open with how he felt but now he was denying everything, containing his emotions in a box and throwing away the key.

    "Yes, because I have a lot more to lose than you." Mark told him and Mikael felt like someone was ripping his heart open. How could he let things end up like this? How could he leave him if he knew they felt the same?

    "Please¡­at least take some time to think about it." Mikael begged him for the last time but Mark would not give in.

    "This is for the best. I am leaving. It was nice knowing you. Thank you for teaching me what love is" he said and smiled at him as he wiped his tears. A saddened smile, filled with sorrow and the wish of things to be different.

    "No¡­just" Mikael mumbled still lost in the image of him smiling. It was a framed photo in his head and he could almost feel the pain from his moment. From Mark''s heart. It was an ending scene to a tragic love story. There was nothing to be done. He tended his hand as if he wanted to reach him again but once again he had already disappeared, out of the spacious room. Mikael withdrew his hand and formed a fist which furiously kicked his neatly made luggage down.

    Was this really for the best?

 Chapter 101 - 101- Heartbreak Always Hurts

    It took a while for Alex to find Luke. He had searched first for him at the infirmary thinking he would be Mikael but the wounded wolf was alone. He hadn''t spoken to him afraid that he would waste time and that the future Alpha would have left. He had a tightness in his chest at the thought of leaving things this way. It wasn''t how things were supposed to end, he didn''t want that. After all, he had felt so many emotions for Luke and for the first time in his life. He would hate to ruin those memories no matter how few they were.

    Luke in the end had been waiting at the palace entrance. Sitting alone in the cold as the snow slowly fell, snowflake by snowflake on his raven hair, creating a crown. His breath was coming out like puffs of thick mist and he rubbed his palms to make them warm. He had sat on a stair at the entrance, a few decades of them expanding in front of him.

    He immediately noticed Alex when he stood next to him and he raised his head to see him. Placing a palm above his eyes to block out the sun that created a hallo around the elegant elf.

    "You''ve changed" Luke told him and Alex shrugged his shoulders. He sat next to Luke.

    "I think I look better now."

    "I liked you better before, when you were Alex."

    "I am still Alex."

    "You are not my Alex" Luke said and looked at his hands. Honestly he couldn''t bear to watch him. See the familiar face of the boy he had liked, and worried and most of all hurt countless times, now changed into someone he didn''t know. A man who had popped out of a fairytale.

    "You knew I wasn''t human" Alex told him and Luke nodded as he pushed back the hair from his face.

    "I was freaking out. I¡­couldn''t bear the thought of losing you, of you changing. I knew you had someone else that you loved. I lied about everything."

    "You are the worst." Alex said his eyes watering. "Have you got any idea what I went through? All these thoughts? How all the lies broke me more and more every time?" He told him and Luke smiled bitterly. How could he not when he was the cause of it. He had been the reason everything was ruined and sometimes he wondered if their separation was inevitable maybe it would be best if he had cherished the few moments they belonged to each other. Let those feelings of love they felt last more, without having to lie, live a bit more happily. This doubt would never leave his mind. He would always regret his decisions.

    "Do you know how I felt? My whole world turned upside down. From one day to the other I was suddenly gay and with a mate. And above all that I had to find out that my mate which I truly liked and wanted to spent my life with, was not human and he loved someone else. That he would live me one day for him. Then there was my father, brainwashing my every decision making me even more obsessed and stupid. Honestly all I ever wanted was a peaceful life with my mate. I wanted to play soccer and get married, just be happy. Not like my father and when I found you I thought that maybe this dream would be possible. You were bright, cute and kind but soon everything crumbled because I knew I would never attain the love and future I wanted, because you would never be mine. I hated myself wondering why it couldn''t be me and in my madness I really wanted to keep you close. I wanted to have someone who would love me. You know my mum and dad are not mates. They always hated each other. I wanted to avoid that. I didn''t want to be him but his games ruined me. Alex I¡­honestly I am sorry but I really liked you" He told him with all the courage he could find in him. He felt so embarrassed admitting how weak he was. How he was at fault for everything.

    "You know; I was planning on beating you up. Swearing at you and kicking you out. How can I do that now." He said and laughed before he laid on the soft snow feeling the cold pierce his skin. "I am sorry too. I didn''t know how it was for you but Luke you don''t need a destined mate to be happy. You can love without fate deciding it for you"

    "Did you ever like me?" Luke asked him and the boy sat up and looked at him, his green eyes shocked.

    "Of course! Are you serious? I had never seen someone as handsome and interesting as you. All these happy moments we had, are precious to me. You meant a lot more than you think." Alex told him and Luke let out a sigh. Everything was so confusing. He didn''t know if he should cry. Did he have the right to cry? Feel sad after everything he did? He couldn''t stop himself though. He didn''t want this goodbye to happen. He still felt the pull and it was horrible. It was as if he had a collar around his neck and every time he was trying to convince himself to get away the collar would choke him, making him beg for air. It was so painful.

    "Thing turned out pretty shitty" he concluded and Alex laughed. "So how do we call you now? Alex, Allias?"

    "For you I think I will always be Alex."

    "I will call you Allias" The young wolf told him. "It is too painful for me to call you Alex. I¡­I still see him in you and I can''t stop thinking of all the dreams I made. I just feel like I was all alone in this"

    "No" Alex told him and the grey eyed boy looked at him. "That is not true. I felt things for you¡­to some extent a part of me still does so seeing you like this hurts me. I am sorry. That it had to be me. Really. Not because I hate you but because I know that deep down you are kind, you can find happiness I was just a bump in the ride."

    "You were so much more honestly." Luke said "Thank you for believing in me. You were the only one who did. You and Mikael. I guess if you want to hit me you can do it now" Luke said and stood up. Alex followed, mimicking his movement and both of them stood at the palace entrance.

    Now the green eyed elf was slightly taller than him, he didn''t seem weak and fragile in need of his embrace and protection. He was a mighty king now. A known warrior, he would never need Luke again and if he ever needed someone he had Theseus, the man he really loved. While tears streamed on his face he closed his eyes shut.

    "Do it now, punch me, kick me, take your revenge"

    "You know I stepped on your head yesterday, right?" Alex asked him.

    "I do but I sense it''s not enough. So do it, now." He told him and took a deep breath "But like not full force. I have a feeling you will send me far away if you do that. Do it. I am ready" He said and frowned waiting for the collision.

    He was surprised though. He didn''t feel any pain, at least no physical pain. His heart broke though when he felt Alex''s soft palms cup his face and his luscious lips touch gently his forehead where he kissed him. He opened his eyes in shock and Alex gave him a warm smile, a smile that could bring spring back and for a second he realized why the elf king was adored by all. He was now in front of him in his full glory and he was mesmerizing. A light in an endless dark.

    "I think I am done with the hate and the violence. This is not who I am and you too should take some time for yourself. You are not like your dad but you might become if you don''t learn to control yourself. Take it as an advice from someone older. I actually never thought I would say something like that" He joked and Luke placed his palm on top of Alex''s. Just for one more second he wanted to prolong this caring touch. He hadn''t felt such warmth in a while. Alex did not seem to want to leave. It was the last time they would meet after all. The last time like this. Two broken up lovers who after all didn''t share the same path. One day they would meet again as leaders, discussing strategies and treaties and then Luke could not search for his warmth again. He has someone else now.

    Still even though he knew all that he couldn''t stop himself. It was an unexplainable attraction that one day could end up being destructive. A force he just couldn''t resist no matter how hard he tried to and now that Alex was like this in front of him, dressed in all of his kindness, smiling like this with his warmth surrounding him he felt like he was being even more charmed. Alex was dangerous, Luke always knew it but Allias, he¡­he was lethal.

    Luke was sure he would get in trouble the moment he brought Alex closer and saw the surprise in his face. He blinked trying to understand but the wolf seemed to be faster than his comprehension. So he took advantage of him one last time. One final time.

    He kissed him passionately. His lips crushing to his, his mind going blank as he tasted him again after so long. He could get addicted to this even though it was wrong. The forbidden moments felt the sweetest and for a second he forgot everything as he managed to steal the kiss he so desired.

    A final goodbye to his love with a final kiss.

 Chapter 102 - 102- Theseus Deepest Fears Pt. 1

    Shocked, surprised, astonished and every other adjective of that kind was not enough to describe how Alex was feeling at that moment. While Luke was kissing him he felt like someone must have electroshocked him because for the first few minutes he was unable to move or process anything.

    After a second or two his reddish, from the cold, fingertips pushed his chest ending their unexpected kiss. Alex looked at him with wide eyes, panting and he instinctively touched his lips. They were swollen and moist. They really had just kissed.

    "Why did you do that?" He asked him.

    "I kinda wanted to. I don''t want to give up on you" Luke said and scratched the back of his head, messing his dark hair.

    "Luke, listen to me. Just because I want to be civil it does not mean I want to get back with you. I have someone. I am with him for almost a millennia." Alex tried to explain to him. He didn''t know why his kindness had given him the wrong idea but maybe now it would be for the best to punch him.

    "Maybe one day when we meet again. When I am better I could change your mind." Luke said his grey eyes shining with hope and Alex let out a sigh. He never believed things would end up this way. Never.

    "I don''t think it''s possible for you to change my mind and we will not meet again for a long time."

    "My instinct tells me you''re wrong. We will meet again." Luke said with a grin and grabbed his bag from the snowy floor. He shook it slightly so the flakes would fall down and brought it over his shoulder. "So until we meet again, goodbye. I enjoyed our kiss Elf King" Luke said with a bow and Alex signaled him with this hand to go away.

    He couldn''t help but laugh at the whole situation. Before something like that would have made him flustered and confused. Divided him into two and unaware of what the right answer was but now, while he was walking on the white path back to the palace, listening to the sound of the snow beneath his feet with every step he took his mind couldn''t be clearer. It was just a kiss nothing more. All he felt was surprise and even if he met Luke again he couldn''t more sure that he wouldn''t be swayed. After all he had been fine with the same person for a long time. Theseus wasn''t someone you could compete with so easily. He thought and smiled to himself while wrapping his arms around his body to produce some warmth.

    The moment he stepped inside though the chill was far greater than outside. Without having seen him Allias could feel his intense stare at the back of his brunet head and it was as cold as thin ice.

    He slowly turned around with a big smile and waved at him shyly before he sprinted into the hallway trying to get away. The shiny floors were slippery and the maids looked at him filled with confusion as he barely made the first turn without falling down. He was panting and looking around, thinking where he should hide but it was pointless. The second he decided to stop just to take a breather, grabbing one of the heavy light blue curtains for support he had teleported right in front of him with a veil of darkness as his companion.

    "Babe what a coincidence. What brings you here?" Allias asked him and laughed dryly but Theseus didn''t seem to enjoy this game. His shadows form many small arrows and in an instant he was shooting them at him.

    "The punishment for cheating is death!" Theseus shouted and the sharp knives kept coming at him like an endless storm.

    "Wait. I can explain. Really!" Allias tried to explain himself while at the same time dodging the incoming fire. He would take short steps, everyone approaching him more and more, hoping he could get to him before he got stabbed by one of these shadow weapons.

    "I don''t want to hear your excuses cheater! You come back and the first thing you do is cheat on me? Nice! Very good sir. This is why I didn''t want you talking to that jerk. Once I kill you I will find him too." Theseus said and his violet eyes were squeezed filled with annoyance as he was watching Allias gamble with his life.

    The elf king leaped foreword hoping that the general would not stop him and he fell on top of Theseus making them both fall down. At the last moment Allias managed to place his palm at the back of Theseus'' head so he wouldn''t hit it on the floor.

    "Listen to me my starry sky" Allias told him sweetly and Theseus scoffed.

    "Don''t call me that. Cheater, betrayer. You elf succubus." He said with no intention of stopping until Allias placed his palm on his lips silencing him.

    "You know he kissed me. He caught me by surprise and said he wanted to like you know ho after me one day but I, like the proper boyfriend I am I said no. Why would I ever say yes to him or do anything with him when I have you." Allias said and removed his palm.

    "Never see him again. Forget his name. Forget his face. Forget he even existed." Theseus told him and his jaw was tensed. He wasn''t joking about this, he had really been hurt. He couldn''t lie about how threatened he felt. Alex when he was still human was in love with him, they were mates United with a bond so yes, he went insane even at the sound of his name. He was scared that he would take him away and he would be left alone again, tortured of having to see him with someone else. It had happened once already. Way back and he knew the pain. Back then it took him too long to realize what he should do, not let his love leave and face the truth bit now, he still felt that fear and it was bone breaking. The insecurity of not being good enough, the thirst of wanting someone to need you and the nightmare of them turning their back to you.

    "Agreed" Allias said with a wide smile and snuggled at the crook of his neck. "I am sorry. I really was shocked though." He explained and felt Theseus'' arms surround his lean waist. The white haired man let out a prolonged sigh.

    "You are all I have. I can''t lose you. Not like that time."

    "What time?" Allias asked him as he raised his face to meet his eyes. Theseus kissed his forehead as he reminded himself that not all of his memories had returned. There were still many hurtful, joyful and teary stories for Allias to remember so he could understand why the mad shadowcatser was who he was and how his fears had deep roots surrounding his heart and mind. He had to fight with them everyday to keep himself in check and some times it was really hard.

    "Get up. Let''s go to our room" Theseus told him and Allias unwillingly left the warmth of his embrace to stand now alone. Theseus took his hand and kissed it with care before he took it in his and they started walking. "It is one of the saddest stories of my life actually. It always reminds me how stupid I can be. Cowardly." He told him and Allias would have lied if he said that the general hadn''t peeked his interest. The look he had in his face already signaled that he was lost in his own haunting thoughts and the king squeezed his hand wanting to bring him back. He was here, next to him. Nothing bad would have happened. He would make sure of it. No matter what.

    "Do you want to tell me the story?" Allias asked Theseus as he opened the room to the bedroom they now shared. It was Theseus bedroom but now they had brought in all of Allias'' old stuff. Clothes, diadems and crowns. His weapons and jewelry. Theseus had kept everything intact and made sure to bring them back there like not a day had passed. Like he was never gone.

    "I don''t know. I am still scared that something like this will happen again." The man said as he sat in one of the armchairs in the room and took his heavy black boots off.

    "I want to know." Allias said "What is it that troubles you. Tell me this story so I can understand. I want to understand everything about you. Know you wholy again. I am sorry that my mind is still hazy but I know one thing. Everything that concerns you. Scares you and saddens you, I will destroy it" he confessed and gently kissed his lips, the general smiling into their intimate moment.

    "So you want to hear about the time your mother tried to force you to get married to someone else?"

    "What? How..." Allias said and his mouth hanged open. In all of his memories his mother seemed to be very supportive of their relationship so why would she ever do anything like that? "And you actually said yes" Theseus revealed and Allias almost flinched. That was impossible.

    "Tell me everything" he demanded.

    .....

    You guys have no idea what I have planned for the rest of the story! You will love it. More drama. More passion. More of everything. I am so excited.

    Thanks for reading!.

 Chapter 103 - 103- Theseus Deepest Fears Pt 2

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM9_V4Dl2y8 - Music!

    "Will you stay this time?" Allias asked while he was lying on his bed, comfortably in Theseus'' embrace, his dark hair landing on his smooth shoulders and trailing black lines on his half naked body.

    Theseus kissed the top of his head and smiled. Allias could see his expression from the mirror right in front of him. So it was a no, this time too. The elf king always wondered why? Why would he always come for a while and then leave, disappear in some unknown mission and after a month or two he would appear on his balcony deep into the night, heavily wounded and bleeding, scaring him to death. It was possible he had some kind of secret he didn''t want to share but the young prince couldn''t find the courage to ask.

    "I won''t take long this time."

    "Why do you always leave?" Allias asked him and sat up, wanting to face him properly as he asked him this important question. There was no change in Theseus'' stance, he was still lying in the bed looking at him with a sleepy look. "You can stay here with me, my mother knows about us anyways and I am sure the whole palace has gotten the idea by now. We can be together you know."

    "I am not good enough yet." Theseus said and stood up, grabbing his black shirt and wearing it. He headed towards the mirror and straightened it with his hands before he turned around to look at Allias.

    Another day that he looked like he had just popped off a dream. Sitting on his bed, his lower half enveloped by the soft sheets. The light from outside landing on his face, making his green eyes almost shine and his untamed locks fell in front of his face in a way that he had to use his hand and pull them back, flexing his defined muscles. Theseus always got lost in images like this. Images that looked like they have popped off out of a resonance painting. His colors, his body structure, his eyes and his lips, everything about him seemed to be in such peaceful harmony and the man always felt like he was surrounded by a warm light when he was with him. His shadows, their snake like voices, the unstoppable hissing would retrieve and Theseus wanted nothing more than to stay with him but he still wasn''t good enough.

    "What is that supposed to mean?" The unaware prince asked while Theseus put his shoes on.

    "Look at my current missions as me gathering boys. When I get enough points I will come back and sweep you off your feet"

    "I don''t understand" Allias said with a sad expression. "We''ve been so long like this. What can I do to make you stay?"

    "Nothing. My love I''m sorry. I know it must be hard for you." Theseus said and gently kissed his forehead. "But one day, you will understand. I promise. So how about we take a walk before I leave?" Theseus asked him and the prince sighed unwillingly.

    Theseus couldn''t blame him. He didn''t know anything after all. Of him having to go to all these missions, risking his life every single time to get his father''s approval. He needed to be recognized at least as the Disee king''s son to be able to come back to Allias and demand to be with him. Right now he was a nobody and maybe even worse than a nobody. He was a bastard son and that was a disgrace on its own. He was embarrassed to tell him the truth, about his family and where he came from. The son of a prostitute while he had golden blood in his veins. Theseus felt like he would be lesser for him, that his love would change and turn into pity so it was for the best, what he was doing right now. Coming and going, getting these missions, letting his name get known so when one day it''s finally time he could walk through the palace''s gates with his head high and not sneak in through Allias'' balcony. For now, unfortunately, he had to dissatisfy the man he loved but one day, for sure he would make him happy and above all proud to be with him.

    "Let''s go for a walk I guess" Allias unwillingly agreed and stood up ready to get dressed when a knock on his door startled him. He looked around in distress and in a hurry he pushed Theseus on his bathroom, closing the door and trapping him inside. "Stay there" he whispered. "One second please!" He shouted towards the door and messily he got dressed, his shirt falling over his pants. At the last minute he noticed that one of Theseus'' shoes was still here so not really sure what he should do he threw it outside the window before letting his guest in.

    "Good morning" The familiar voice of his mother was heard and the woman strolled inside the room with a smile.

    "Mother what brings you here so early in the morning?"

    "I have news" She said and her kind smile grew. She sat at the edge of Allias'' bed and looked around, like she was searching for someone. "I take it that your little guest has left? I want us to talk in private."

    "Yeah, he is gone." Allias said trying to stop himself from looking intensely at the bathroom door. "But is everything alright? Did something bad happen?"

    "Quite the opposite. You know Rayla right? She is the daughter of a royal from your father''s line. She is a very skilled healer and a true beauty" She said and the young prince tried to connect the name with a face. Yes, he knew her indeed. Most young nobles did. She was very popular with men because of her extravagant beauty. Her tanned skin, long golden hair and light blue eyes. She befitted the name of a Avgee elf better than anyone as she looked like she had been blessed by the eternal sun.

    "Yes. I remember her but what about her?"

    "I have been talking with her family for quite a while now. Through letters. You know they have a lot of land at the Disee borders and a very important amount of soldiers. Their influence in the noble circle is big too. So I asked Rayla to be brought to the palace." She announced and Allias looked at her with a confused look. What exactly that girl coming here had to do with him? "Don''t look so confused boy. I asked her to come here so you two will get engaged. You will soon stop being a teenager we need to explore our options"

    "Mother no!" Allias shouted and stood up, irritated "We already had that conversation. When you tried to set me up with that other girl. I do not wish to get married. I thought you understood that"

    "I simply held back because you were too young. Now you have to start facing your responsibilities." The queen told him and her voice was stable as she tried to make him understand of his current position.

    "I do not wish for a marriage. I will make her and myself unhappy. I am sorry but I can''t accept this mother" Allias said repeating his denial. He did not want to get married. He was in a relationship! He loved Theseus and he wished to ask him one day to be his soul link. How could he keep this dream of his alive if his mother forced him to a marriage like that?

    "Is it because of Theseus? Because of your relationship with that nobody?" His mother asked him. The tension in the room was slowly rising and her voice suddenly sounded much more intense. Her tone was higher and her expression was a very angry frown, her beauty still undeniable but something sinister hid behind it. She was annoyed with her son''s immature mind. He still was unaware of who he was and what he would face in the future.

    "Yes! I love him and I want to be with him." Allias stated. He wasn''t the tiniest bit embarrassed about his emotions. All he wanted to do was be with him, he shouldn''t be ashamed of loving someone. He was blessed in such a special way and it was a true privilege to be able to be loved back with the same intensity. He was happy with him, calm and he learned how to enjoy life. He didn''t want to let go.

    "You are a prince! The next leader of the Elf Tribes. You need an offspring! You can''t be with a man. You need to have children. If separating with him is too much then keep him as a side lover or mistress, I do not care but you will get married"

    "I would never disrespect him like that. He means so much to me!" Allias tried to explain how much he loved Theseus. His heart would be teared into pieces if he had to let go of him. "I want to ask him to be my soul link." He announced to his mother and Atalanti almost lost her breath.

    "What are you saying right now. Have you lost your mind?" She shouted at him. It was unspeakable for a future king to be linked with someone who was of unknown origins, no lineage and above all that a man who couldn''t produce children. Their bloodline was sacred. They couldn''t just let it extinct like that.

    "I think I have made myself clear. I will not get married. I will stay with Theseus or else I will quit being a prince"

    "This is not some job you can simply quit. This is your duty; your blood demands it. Why do you think you have been granted such power, so many skills huh? To just ran around with your lover? You can''t quit being a prince even if you wanted to the council would kill you to get rid of a potential threat. Get yourself together you are not a child!"

    "I will ask Theseus to be my soul link" Allias repeated almost as if he ignored everything his mother said. Yes, he was acting like a spoiled teenage boy. Like a brat an attitude definitely not a worthy description of a royal, a prince, a future king but he was willing to risk everything. He loved his people, he loved the idea of leading his kingdom to prosperity but he simply loved Theseus more and he couldn''t do anything about that. From the first moment his heart had been like this, captured in an unsolved spell. "If you don''t let me I will quit"

    "No you won''t" Suddenly Theseus revealed himself behind the closed door. His mother didn''t seem the least surprised that he was there. Once more a darkness had surrounded him. The darkness Allias had fought so hard to dispel had returned and he couldn''t help but fell chills down his spine. This wasn''t good. "I won''t be your soul link Allias." He told him in a cold tone.

 Chapter 104 - 104- Theseus Deepest Fears Pt3

    "I will ask Theseus to be my soul link" Allias repeated almost as if he ignored everything his mother said. Yes, he was acting like a spoiled teenage boy. Like a brat an attitude definitely not a worthy description of a royal, a prince, a future king but he was willing to risk everything. He loved his people, he loved the idea of leading his kingdom to prosperity but he simply loved Theseus more and he couldn''t do anything about that. From the first moment his heart had been like this, captured in an unsolved spell. "If you don''t let me I will quit"

    "No you won''t" Suddenly Theseus revealed himself behind the closed door. His mother didn''t seem the least surprised that he was there. Once more a darkness had surrounded him. The darkness Allias had fought so hard to dispel had returned and he couldn''t help but fell chills down his spine. This wasn''t good. "I won''t be your soul link Allias." He told him in a cold tone.

    "I was wondering when you were going to show up" Atalanti told him and looked at Theseus with a look filled with disgust. "Is this what you want? For Allias to ruin his future and harm his people just because of you?" she asked him.

    "No that''s not it" Theseus said not even bothering to look at her. He was simply focused on Allias who had been looking at him in shock from the moment he had appeared. It wasn''t that though that had stunned him, it was his obvious denial of such an important matter. And so fast at that. Did he really not want to be his soul link? Was he the only one who believed they would have been something more?

    "What are you talking about? You said no?" Allias told him, forgetting that his mother was even in the room. He didn''t care about the wedding; he didn''t care about anything at that moment. Just the sound of Theseus'' words and his bitter sentence was enough to ruin everything. The woman, not really intending to interrupt sat on the bed, from the side that faced the balcony. Realizing that both men had ignored her existence she decided to keep quiet and see how things would turn out.

    "Your mother is right. You need to have children. A stable political ground. This is not only you we are talking about; this is the elven tribes."

    "So what? We are going to completely forget about us? Is that the solution? You are willing to leave again? Just so I could get married? Can you really forget me so easily?"

    Theseus kept quiet. His words were a heavy burden, filled with pain. He knew that no matter what he said disaster would end up crashing them. The queen was right there observing them and probably Allias had ignored her presence but he still felt it. Her watchful eyes, the way her hands played nervously with the sheets waiting for them to end their conversation.

    "I can do that, I can do it if it means that you will get to be the best you" Theseus said and Allias'' face expressed only pure anger. He was his best self when he was with him. He didn''t need any more excuses; he didn''t want the responsibilities if he couldn''t be happy. "Where are you going?" He asked him once he noticed the brunet getting ready to leave. He ran towards the door and opened it loudly, facing the empty corridor. The light was coming in from everywhere but all Allias felt was that clouds were covering his heart.

    "I am leaving. And I don''t want you¡­" He said pointing rudely at his mother "¡­or you to follow me. I had enough with your bullshit about responsibilities and your secrets and all the other crap you are trying to force in on me. I love you Theseus. It''s that simple. I do not wish to get married. It''s that simple. I will only rule well my people if I am content with myself. Simple. So get this information through your head the next time you decide to talk to me" Allias told them, his voice echoing loudly.

    Soon people began to gather, servants from all over the palace curious of the commotion to realize that no one was there. Allias had teleported away and it was only Theseus left with Atalanti. The woman stood up and approached the unknown elf, he grabbed him and pulled him inside, closing the door behind them.

    "You and I need to talk." She told him.

    "What is there to talk about? I know you don''t want me to be with your son." Theseus told her. He was aware she was the queen. He needed to be polite, respectful and even think twice about looking at her in the eyes. He was angry though, angry he had to sacrifice everything once again because of rules. Because of a royal status, because his blood was not pure. An heir? Was that really the reason? Maybe, Theseus knew he couldn''t provide that but at the same time it didn''t really matter. There were many young and strong children out there. They could adopt and make a family so his most concerning thought was that his mother, the queen simply did not want him.

    "You seemed pretty eager to give up on your side" She said.

    "So what? Is this some kind of test?" Theseus asked her with a vicious grin and she raised her shoulders.

    "Maybe or maybe not. Honestly I don''t know if you should be with my son. I''ve seen you leave him many times. I''ve watched him get depressed and alone every time you go away and how he changes when you are back. Is this just love? It is possible but is it an obsession? This is what I definitely don''t want for my son, the future king. Especially when you, have no plans of staying here, as it seems. That''s why I want you out of the picture."

    A failure. What that really what he was? Theseus wondered. All he ever wanted was to be good enough. For his father, for his brother, for his people. Someone to recognize him for who he was and not as his mistakes, not as his mother. Atalanti right now he was reminding him of that nightmare. What he had hoped was for the best. Get a name for yourself and then say him away with your head high was just another wrong choice.

    "I love him"

    "Does it really matter though? You yourself said that you didn''t want to ruin his future." Atalanti told him. Yes, he had said that but he honestly didn''t mean it. He just didn''t want Allias to hate him later on for all the opportunities he would miss. Just him, it was alright if the whole world hated him but he should see him differently. Like the person he aspired to be, that simply gave him hope.

    "I can be good for him. No matter what the people say. I am strong. I will protect him and be on his side. I just¡­"

    "You just need someone to desperately acknowledge you"

    "I¡­"

    "My son''s love is not enough for you. You need the people to tell you are right to just believe it. How can you support anyone if you yourself don''t love yourself?"

    "I am trying"

    "I do not really care about you. I care about my son so tell me. How is it going to be? Will you leave or will you stay for him?" Atalanti asked him and he felt like someone had wrapped their fingers around his neck that was chocking him.

    "What did you answer? What did you say?" Allias asked him like an excited child in the middle of his story. He was looking at him with his beautiful green eyes filled with anticipation.

    "I left of course" He told him and kissed his forehead as the elf king frowned.

    "You were really immature for sure."

    "I know" Theseus said and chuckled. He caressed his cheek and told him "I think I am better now though"

    "I will be the judge of that but my love," he said and approached him, entwined their hands. "You are enough for me. You are worth every single part of my heart. You should know that and if you don''t I will tell you again and again until your deepest fears will disappear. You are enough."

    "I¡­" Theseus mumbled and felt tears bowling in his lilac eyes when his bedroom door suddenly was busted open by Allias'' best friend.

    "Since no one seems it''s fitting to let you know Ea is hunting down a man with his daggers all over the palace while screaming at him. Everyone is scared." He announced while panting. "Sorry to intrude though."

    Theseus immediately turned away not wanting to be seen so vulnerable and emotional. He wiped his tears in a hurry and turned to look at the red head.

    "How did that guy look?"

    "He had blue- black hair and red eyes. Pretty cute. A very snobbish look. Kind of like you" he said pointing at Theseus and Allias laughed.

    "So as it seems my brother has returned home. This will be interesting. Let''s go"

    "Wait what about the story?" Allias told him with a frown.

    "The story will be still here later my brother probably not because Ea will kill him" Theseus said and all of them got out of the room in a hurry.

 Chapter 105 - 105- The Naughty Husband

    "What is this?" Theseus shouted.

    He was greeted by a very unusual scene. Ea had his daggers in his hands, throwing them furiously while maids squeaked in shock and the male gardeners tried to dodge the lethal weapons. The snowy garden which was always very peaceful now seemed to be in disarray. His brother was running all around his legs diving into the snow and jumping into the naked trees. He was laughing loudly as he was getting away from Ea in ease.

    "You don''t have to stop them yet" Allias said with a chuckle and he placed his hand on his forearm.

    It seemed as if the young king was enjoying the scene. So Theseus stepped back and kept observing at his brother while Mark was looking back and forth at the royal couple and the two younger elves stunned.

    "Tell me why you did it?" Ea shouted at the top of his lungs. "Say it. Say that you did it again." He provoked him and almost caught up with him. He grasped at his shirt for one second and ripped it making the man laugh even harder.

    "I am sorry!!!" Ares screamed back and Ea seemed to get even more mad at him.

    Theseus'' right hand was always reserved. He never talked too much and followed orders perfectly. There was only one person who could make him show this hidden side of him and that his so called husband. Theseus'' brother named Ares. They had been married for years a while before the war ended but it was only a political decision. Ea was a royal and Ares was a Disee prince which made them a very appropriate couple based on strategy, money and weapons. The worst part was that Ares'' father forced them also to become soul links which was a whole different story. Becoming someone''s soul link meant that you recognized your souls as two halves of a whole. It was something not many people had. It was a bond that only people like Theseus and Allias had the luck of sharing. So becoming that out of inconvenience was taboo.

    Ea could never make Ares notice him. The young prince had been in love with Allias and after his dreams had crushed and the war took place he became a completely different person. So no matter how hard he had tried to become Ares'' interest of affection he would brutally get rejected again and again and at the same time reminded how unloved he was.

    He was sick of his behavior and this unstoppable tag game. He had stopped trying a while back but Ares always seemed to approach him with the intention of making him furious. The times he was at the palace at least because he had spent most of his life traveling The Veil.

    Ares suddenly came to a stop and turned around with a big smile. He opened his naked embrace and the small assassin elf fell from the force right in, making them both fall down. Ea felt his naked skin, it was freezing cold from the strong winds and the endless snowdrops. These moments were tortured. They would easily revive his hopes and he didn''t wish for that. He wanted to get settled with the idea that he would always be in an unhappy marriage. He would never find love. One day he believed he would be fine with it but rifts in time like that one, where he was so close to him, his arms around him, moments that made him feel like he was in a relationship, with anguish lit up the spark inside him and he feelings he had never found the courage to confess.

    "Oh, you''re blushing" Ares told him with a smile as he noticed with his crimson eyes Ea''s face.

    "Shut up." The boy said and sat up, sitting on his lap. "It''s because I am angry. You have been banned from the demonic capital because of whores? You cheated on me! Again! After you said that you won''t"

    "Wait. Wait no. You have the story¡­."

    "I don''t want to hear the story. Do I ever want to hear your stories? No! I do not like listening you talk about these women."

    "Why won''t you listen to me for once!" Ares shouted at his face. His smile and cheerful aura had ceased to exist. His eyes had become flaming orbs and his muscles tensed all over to his jaw as he turned them around. Pinning Ea deep into the snow. He felt the cold all the way to his veins. "Why can''t you just listen to me! I was gone for so long. Didn''t you miss me at all?" He asked.

    "No, why would I miss you? Would I miss the person who has cheated on me all over again and again for years?"

    "You know nothing. It''s pointless talking to you. I just came back and I am already tired. This is why I hate coming home." Ares said and stood up, removing the snow from his pants and grabbing his ripped shirt from the ground. Ea stood laying down a bit more. He was doing it again, he didn''t know why but he was so defensive all the time when it came to him. Like he was afraid that he would find out that his feelings were more than they should. That they did not face the same direction with this marriage.

    "You are going to get cold if you stay there." Ares said with a calmer tone now and tended his arm at him. "Come on. Let''s go inside"

    "I can get up on my own. When I want to" He said and the moment he finished his sentence he sneezed loudly. The standing boy rolled his eyes with his childish behavior and without a warning he grabbed Ea and raised him up in his hands. At first he held him like a princess making his heart beat faster but then he passed him over his shoulder like a shack of potatoes. "What the heck let me down! I want a divorce. I want it now!" Ea kept screaming as they kept walking back inside the palace when the Disee prince noticed his brother and Allias.

    With a gasp he dropped Ea who landed very skillfully on his feet thanks to his fast reflexes and ran towards them.

    "I see that you are back. With more trouble than ever" Theseus told him with a smirk as he noticed Ea running away embarrassed.

    Ares completely ignored his brother. Their relationship had been improved after the war and someone could say they were fine but all the boy could see was the man next to him. Allias was standing right in front of him in flesh and bone. Wrapped in a fuzzy white winter coat with fur around his neck and at the end of its sleeves. He was smiling like he had just witnessed a very funny scene and told him.

    "I am gone for a while and I find out that you are married? Congratulations" He said and approached him.

    Ares without a second thought hugged him tightly, letting the fact that he was back sink in. He felt incredibly happy. They had shared moments no one could understand and Allias had saved him and protected him in so many ways. His embrace was warm and felt like cotton. Like a dreamy cloud and he knew he could fall asleep there, the same as he did back then, when he was a child, sleeping on his lap.

    "You are back" He mumbled.

    "Yeah. It''s good to see you healthy and well" He said and patted his head. "Tell me about that marriage though."

    "Yeah about that"

    "You can talk about that once you stop hugging. Thank you" Theseus said and separated them. Earning an eye roll from Allias. "What? This is mine" he said and Ares pretended to barf.

    "Where did Ea go?" Ares asked looking around to realize that the elf was gone.

    "How do you manage to make him mad every time?" Theseus asked him.

    "I¡­I didn''t mean to" Ares said scratching the back of his head, feeling very awkward. They had just witness this whole fa?ade. "I think we just¡­can''t see eye to eye"

    "Is that true? I mean did you see how Ea was looking at you?" Allias dropped a very obvious hint that made Ares averted his eyes.

    "We¡­we should go inside!" He exclaimed wanting to avoid the whole situation when Ea appeared.

    "Yes we will go inside because an answer from the Council has arrived and I am sure you want like it" he told them, looking completely composed and fine. Someone could even doubt if he was the person screaming just a few minutes ago.

    "This is going to be interesting I guess" Theseus announced and followed Allias. This was for sure going to be a whole new adventure since the Council wanted to get involved. Everyone was unsure about what tomorrow would bring but at least now they were all together. Where they should be...even if that probably wouldn''t last for a while.

    ....

    Omg the backstory of these two you''re gonna love it. I am sure. And the next chapters are slaying. I am so hyped

    Please enjoy!

 Chapter 106 - 106- Pent Up Frustration

    "So now that we are all gathered here I would like to announce the news" Ea said. They had gather at their usual meeting room, Allias sitting comfortably next to Theseus opposite of Mark who as sitting next to Radius. The bulky elf seemed disturbed by his presence and the red haired boy did anything in his power to make him feel worse. He was the one who had scolded him last time and being as petty as he was he would kick him ''accidentally'' and sneeze in front of his face making him flinch in shock.

    "What? You elves don''t sneeze?" He asked him with a smirk and Allias chuckled, hiding his smile with his palm.

    Ea on the other hand he was impatiently tapping his foot on the shiny marbles and once his patience reached his limit he threw the letter he was holding and another folder he had on the brand new table, making a very loud noise to gather their attention.

    "Now let''s begin¡­"

    "Wait before we begin." Mark interrupted him again and pointed at Ares. "So you are Theseus'' brother and Ea''s husband"

    "That''s right" The young man said with a smile. "And you are?" He asked him.

    "I am his best friend"

    "Allias you have cute friends" Ares said and winked at him making Ea slap the table again this time, thrice. He looked at Ares with his usual condescending look.

    "I see we will be needing a new table soon again" Theseus commented at how Ea now was simply slapping it to take out his frustration. He was shameless. Completely shameless having the audacity to say something like that right in front of his face.

    "So what? You''re interested in fucking humans now is that it?" Ea asked him with a disgusted expression. "Wasn''t those demon bitches enough?"

    "You don''t care anyways so why do you ask?" Ares asked him angered once again.

    "Out of curiosity."

    "Of course" Ares responded and scoffed. "If you cared you wouldn''t behave like that to me after I was caught prisoner. We were fucking engaged then"

    "What the heck are you talking¡­." Ea mumbled.

    "So! Let''s return back to the news" Allias said and this time he slapped he was the one slapping the table with his bare hands. A crack suddenly started to form and Theseus'' eyes widened as he bended over and examined it.

    "Yeah, definitely we will need a new table." He mumbled again and sighed as he sat back to his chair. Allias had managed to finally gathered their attention and Ea coughed.

    "So. About the letter. This letter" He said and flaunted it in the air. "They have not given us permission to search for Joe. But they will visit us here to greet our King who has returned and they are willing to negotiate our options. They also said they will set a penalty for our¡­wrong doings"

    "For our what?" Allias asked.

    "We took action without talking with them first. They are talking for that slaughter the wolves cause but for some reason because they were under our protection we get the blame"

    "It''s not just that. They hate me and we know that" Allias said with a heavy breath as he sat back on his chair. Everyone was looking at him while he was thinking. "I will take the punishment."

    "No! You weren''t even practically back yet." Theseus said.

    "It''s fine. This will show them that I am obeying and I am not a threat. Also I am your king I would look weak if I let someone else do it. It''s possible they will let us search more easily if they start liking me."

    "Still you shouldn''t get a punishment you don''t deserve" Mark told him with a sad expression. Alex would end up suffering again for someone else''s mistakes. It was an endless loop of being a martyr.

    "Thank you for your concern but this is nothing. Radius I want you to make sure that we have some people on patrol at all times when they arrive. I don''t want any unusual invents."

    "Of course my King" Radius replied without a second word.

    "Good. When will they be here Ea?"

    "Tomorrow evening."

    "Okay. Find the head maid. Prepare a very good dinner and bring some musicians too. Open up the guest dining room. The best for our guests right?" He said with a smile and everyone nodded, following his commands. "You can leave now. Ea I need you to let me know at least two hours before they arrive tomorrow."

    Soon everyone began to walk away some more unwillingly than others. Allias stood up and headed towards the window laying eyes on the quiet central village. Everything was silent, no huge lights no big masses of people. The same with this palace. It was almost like its people were lethargic and lacking of energy. Was it the endless winter? Allias wondered and looked at his palms. He clenched them into fists and let out a frustrated sigh. Way back those fists were the carriers of great magic. The bringers of the sun but now all he could do was just throw a few punches. His body was not his and with such a danger guest approaching he felt very insecure being like this.

    "You will get back to normal soon. Do not worry" He heard Theseus familiar voice and turned around. He was standing in the doorframe, away from him, observing his inner battle.

    "I hope so. I thought you left."

    "I can''t leave when you baby me so much. You shouldn''t be receiving their punishment no matter what it is."

    "I should so no one else will get it." Allias explained. This time he wanted to successfully protect everyone. Theseus did not view the situation the same way he did though. He saw it as Allias being the sacrificial lamb once more with him sitting on the side.

    "I don''t agree with that. When will you understand that you are the King. You are bearing too much burden on your own. Let me help you. This is why I am here for!"

    "You endured for so long without me. Now it''s time I take the situation in my hands. Calm down. We don''t even know who they will choose." Allias told him. That was what worried him the most. Going with Allias and punishing him was the obvious choice but were they really such predictable? The elf King was afraid that these old men had designed something else that would make him suffer more than actually being whipped or cut. He unfortunately would have to wait and see but his impatience was a monster that always seemed to cooperate so well with his anxiety. He was already aware he wasn''t going to sleep tonight.

    "What are you thinking about?" Theseus asked him and entered the room, closing the door quietly behind him. They were once again alone and Theseus could hug him freely. Throw away the mask of the cruel general and just embrace his love. Allias'' heart was beating so fast and he caressed the back of his head, wanting to give him some comfort.

    "I am trying to think of their plan."

    "They will not choose you. They are not so stupid. The best scenario it would be that they chose me."

    "No!"

    "I can handle it. It''s okay" Theseus told him with a chuckle. "I think though we should hide Mark. They don''t have to see him."

    "Yes."

    "have you thought of sending Mark back home?" Theseus asked and he felt Allias tensing in his embrace.

    "No."

    "Okay but you need to think that¡­"

    "No." The king repeated wanting to avoid this conversation. He had actually thought about it. What would be the best for Mark? He was afraid to talk with his best friend about it though. What if he really wanted to leave? This would break his heart. He was the only person he trusted completely except of his close circle.

    "Okay, Okay, you shouldn''t worry about that too. It''s fine. I am sorry I brought it up."

    Allias smiled and moved away from him. He turned towards the window and pointed with his index finger at the sleeping village. Theseus looked towards the direction he was pointing and then at his boyfriend with a questioning look that made the other laugh. His furrowed eyebrows and wrinkled nose were adorable and he glad he was the only one who got to enjoy such a precious view.

    "How about once these creeps go away we have a celebration? One about the coming of spring?" Allias asked him and the white haired man looked at him almost speechless.

    "You really want and try to change the seasons? It''s very straining."

    "This winter is depressing. The people have lived like this for too long and now that I am here I want to return things to normal."

    "You are free to do whatever you want. You know I will always follow but please take care of yourself. You are too important to me, to everyone."

    "I will be fine. We will be fine but first, we need to convince Mark to hide. For his own good."

    "That will be hard" Theseus said and Allias nodded with an expression as if he was in pain.

    Another day, another adventure began.

    What trouble would the prestigious Council bring and who was going to die soon?

    ....

    Hello. Let''s gooo to our next main arc! I hope you are ready! Ares and Ea''s relationship for sure is blurry.

    Next Chapter: 107- Red hair and Red blood. The perfect Decoy

    I hope you enjoyed!

 Chapter 107 - 107- Red Hair, Red Blood And The Perfect Decoy

    Allias was indeed informed a few hours before The Council''s arrival. The reason was that he had to get ready. He needed to look like a royal again, his clothes and attitude befitting that of a King, especially when he was at the presence of people who would be very pleased if they got to prove that he was unfitting.

    The head maid and many other young girls had stormed into his room, Theseus escaping as fast as he could from the situation, holding piles of neatly folded clothes all of them in bright colors. They were the traditional outfits of his Tribes. Clothes and material he hadn''t seen and felt in so long that when he grasped the thin layer of silk in his fingertips a slight pinched made him rub his chest with a bitter smile. Just the image of clothing could be unbearable and he wondered if he was ready to get back out there. He was missing so many important pieces and he felt really insecure about ruling again. He was lost in these concerns of his, his gazed focused on the piles that he didn''t notice Mark when he entered the room.

    "Hello?" The red haired boy said a few times. "Earth to Alex" he said bringing him back to reality. "Why did you call me? I had sneaked into the kitchen. The amount of chocolate that they hide in there is incredible."

    "Please master Mark refer from approaching the kitchen again and stealing food because the cook will go after you with a kitchen knife." The maid told him with a smile that reminded that of a doll''s.

    "I am very sorry" Mark said and he brushed her off. "I won''t do it again" he said but everyone knew he was lying. Why would he even stop himself from going down there at three in the morning to binge eat everything. He should ask Alex if they could bring a TV. The problem is he hadn''t seen any power outlets and he was pretty sure all the lights were magically lit up.

    "My King have you decided on what to wear?" The maid asked Allias and he nodded a very undeceive no.

    "I will look at the for a bit longer and decide. You can leave girls. Thank you for bringing me my clothes."

    "Yes but we can help you get dressed" A young girl said with an obvious blush. Her bold words made the head maid look at her surprise and very discreetly she signaled her to shut up.

    Allias laughed feeling flattered and talked to the girl in a very playful and charming tone.

    "But what would my boyfriend say if I showed my naked body like this?" He asked her and the girl seemed to have turned into a tomato unable to utter a word. The head maid led them all out mumbling an apology, leaving the two friends alone.

    Allias headed towards his bed and sat at the edge, crossing his legs and staring at his best friend who was looking through the shirts that had been left on a chair.

    "I will get to the point. Once the council arrives you will stay hidden"

    "No." Mark immediately responded with a cheeky smile that made his best friend roll his eyes.

    "You might be in danger."

    "Nobody even knows my name dude. I will be fine. I want to see who these people are. Come on I am curious."

    "What if they choose to punish you, huh? What will happen then?"

    "Look I will be like a fly on the wall. I will sit far away with my head down. Come on. They will be serving Turkey and I can''t sneak into the kitchen for now." The red haired boy said and whined.

    "Sometimes I wonder if you understand the situation you''re in." Alex said.

    "I do. I am actually enjoying living here. My best friend is rich. I mean you can provide for me my whole life. I hate working anyways. Not for me. I am fragile" He joked and Alex started laughing. Maybe he had been worried over nothing, maybe Mark really didn''t want to leave but still he had to ask. Get a clear answer that wasn''t being blurred by jokes.

    "So you want to stay here with me? Honestly?" Allias asked him feeling the sudden worry drown him as Mark turned serious.

    "Sure" he simply said and Allias raised his eyebrow.

    "Sure?"

    "Yeah, sure."

    "That''s it?"

    "What more is there to say? I want to stay here with you. I never thought of leaving without you actually. We got into this together. I won''t dump you now, at least not yet. There is a long road ahead and I am the Robin to your Batman, like we are a package deal"

    "Okay then" Allias agreed feeling an enormous relief. "Now go I need to get dressed. Find Theseus and don''t leave his side. I won''t be able to protect you today. I have to be diplomatic. Be careful okay?"

    "Yeah, Yeah. Do not worry. I will see you in a bit." Mark greeted him and left him alone with the endless pile of clothes. Allias looked at it rubbing his chin as to what he should decide to wear. After a while he decided on an outfit and got ready.

    Theseus was not the only person who was charmed by his appearance. Once he stepped outside facing the cold wind as he headed towards the palace entrance he observed everyone''s eyes. Not only the eyes of his people and of his guests.

    He had made sure to show them he was a King. Wearing a golden diadem that shone brightly even during the evening sky. He was wearing a white silk shirt with its sleeves rolled up to the elbows showing two golden bracelets he had worn on his wrists. He had a few buttons undone showing his muscular chest and a very elegant pendant landing on it. His pants were a dark brown color and his boots, in the same shade reached until the middle of his calf. To fend off the bone freezing cold he wore a heavy light beige coat on his shoulders, the back dancing with the wind as he walked confidently and with his hands on his pockets.

    He stood in front of his people. Theseus, Mark, Ares and Ea a few meters behind him as he fazed the five Council members that had come to visit him. All of them stood in a straight line with smiles on their faces, every single on expressing different intentions. Allias could recognize two of them.

    There was Achlys the Demon queen with her snake like yellow eyes and long straight hair. Dressed in a fiery long dressed that showed her voluptuous curves, she also had two small horns coming out on her forhead at each side and pearly white fangs. He was surprised a woman was now a member of the council since for many years they were forbidden but as it seemed times changed. The second person he recognized was the Greek God Dionysus dressed in very few clothing in the midst of an upcoming snowstorm. He had very long brown and wavy hair that reached to his waist, caught in a lose ponytail. He was wearing a purely white chiton that revealed half of his strong chest with a golden string in his waist. On his feet he wore sandals that had strings wrapped around all over his legs until a bit lower than the knee. He also had golden cuffs on his arms and a golden leaf crown. A white mask was covering his face but once he noticed that Allias was looking at him he took it off revealing his handsome face. He had strong features with a long nose and a sharp jawline. His skin was tanned as if he got to lay on the beach all day and freckles were sprawled all over underneath his olive colored eyes. When their eyes met he smiled at him and Allias nodded respectfully. Dionysus was Ares godfather so he was pleasantly surprised once he saw he now held a spot in the council.

    He also recognized Rafael. He had never really talked with the blond angel who had his white wings folded behind his back and his enormous golden sword on the hook of his belt. He always looked so restrained. The next man was a troll. He realized it from the green skin and the way his bottom canines were protruding from his mouth. He reminded him one of those prehistoric tigers. The last man was unknown to him. He had never seen him before but he looked hesitant and very serious. He had short straight dark blue hair and light blue eyes. His skin was pale and he almost looked sickly dressed in traditional clothing.

    "Welcome and thank you for coming all the way here. Please come with me" Allias said.

    "Thank you for having us in your palace Elf King. Everyone was very pleased to hear you are back" Achlys said.

    "Oh, I am very sure about that."

    "Let me introduce you to the Council members. I am sure you realize a lot has changed."

    "Yes, I see a woman has been allowed to the Council now. Please let me congratulate you" he said and kissed her hand. He long and pointy red nails almost looked like frozen bloody trails.

    "Yes it was very unexpected¡­for them. I mean I had to rip the throat of my predecessor but mission accomplished I suppose." She commented and Allias smiled. This woman was terrifying and as of now he realized she was the one he had to look out for the most. "But enough with me. You know me, I am the representative of the Demon Tribe. This is Rafael with the Angels and Hara with the Trolls. This is also the Greek God Dionysus representing the Gods with Suijin, one of the Japanese Gods."

    "I feel so lucky meeting you all. I hope you feel comfortable in my palace and everything suits your tastes. I have organized a very special dinner for all of you" he told them

    "Will there be wine?" Dionysus asked and Allias smiled.

    "Of course, of course."

    "We are here on a job" Suijin told strictly and Dionysus pouted.

    "Oh, come on now ho¡­" He began saying when he felt the Japanese water god elbow him on the sides.

    "Don''t."

    "Okay, okay" the man said while laughing and raised his hands.

    "Shall we go?" Allias asked them and they began walking.

    The grand dining room had been decorating gloriously with candles and silk towels. Pure gold silverware, with beautiful and detail carvings of flowers in each of them and crystal wine glasses. All of them took their places on the table Theseus always at Allias'' side. He overlooked everything to make sure they were perfect. From the blooming flowers that were so hard to find in his kingdom to the light vanilla aroma the lit candles let out. He hadn''t found himself in such uptight and strict dinner in a while.

    At first no one was talking. Everyone admiring the frozen castle they had heard so much of. Theseus had kept its gates closed after his death wanting nothing to do with them which costed them a representative seat on the Council.

    "So I heard that you elf King have a human friend." Achlys said and thanked the servant who poured her some wine with a smile. "What would you do if we decided to punish him?" she asked him and suddenly the atmosphere became heavy. This was the question Allias was scared of the most.

    ...

    Please let me know if you like the story so far. Thanks!

 Chapter 108 - 108 The Perfect Decoy

    "So I heard that you, elf King have a human friend." Achlys said and thanked the servant who poured her some wine with a smile. "What would you do if we decided to punish him?" she asked him and suddenly the atmosphere became heavy. This was the question Allias was scared of the most.

    "Does that mean you are planning to punish him?" Allias asked trying to sound as calm as he could. His fist though was gripping tightly on the armrest of the chair. He had a subtle smile on, hoping that no one could realize how his heart was going insane.

    "We have been considering it. I mean, what would an immortal learn from taking a beating? Even if we hit you, whip you or punish you in other ways in a few hours you would be okay. But if someone who you care about was in pain, for days and even for months the message would be clearer." The woman said. "isn''t that right?" she asked looking at the rest of the council members. The troll representative nodded in a very decisive way. Allias never liked them. Their low intelligence made them too easy to manipulate and sometimes when they were completely relaxed they had the tendency to drool.

    "So is this really what you have decided?" Theseus asked them. "We didn''t even get to finish our dinner and you immediately begin talking about such morbid matters." He said and Allias as discretely as he could he signaled Mark to get up. He was sitting at the far end of the table, away from them and he wanted to try to tell him to leave. Hide somewhere. Mark looked at him and sled his chair back as quietly as he could.

    "Where are you going little red head?" Achlys asked him and her eyes were even focused on him. Suddenly a thick black veil like goo rose up from the ground blocking the entrance.

    "Now Achlys, please relax. This such an uncivilized way we are not kids" Dionysus said and a very bright light burned down her barrier. Dionysus'' eyes turned a gold color and his hair began raising like a current of strong air was beneath him. Suijin placed his palm on his shoulder.

    "Enough" he told him and the god calmed down and wore a very charming smile.

    "Okay then, I am not really a fool to anger a god but please dear human sit down we are still talking after all" Achlys said and Mark looking like a scared puppy sat back on his chair, wriggling away.

    "So, how about you let me talk to my godson and his people. I am sure I will be able to convince them about the Council''s Decision." Dionysus suggested and Achlys smiled brightly.

    "Is that so? How about you talk to them now? Is there a problem if the rest of us are here? What do you say Rafael?" The woman asked the serious angel who hadn''t spoken a word until now.

    Allias didn''t really know what to do. He knew that Theseus'' family had close bonds with the Greek gods. Thus he and his brother had two of them as godparents, in a way. They had blessed them once they were born so Dionysus innervation had some kind of reason behind it but he wasn''t sure if he could trust him. He was the god of wine and having a good time but also the god of madness and insanity. His smile was a proof of that and behind his handsome face he could see the godly glow in him. The Greek gods were unpredictable driven by passions and desires. Trusting one of them would be a very tricky decision.

    "I think he should take his time. Let''s finish our dinner Achlys. You are the Demon Queen I am sure you have better manners than this. They should at least have some time to talk about it." The Angel said and the woman nodded obviously displeased.

    "Okay then. We will give you some time. I am sure we are all in the same team." She said and raised her glass, Dionysus following suit.

    "Of course we are. Don''t worry, dear" The god said with ease and drank his wine, licking the red liquor from his full lips. "After all, if we weren''t you would try to rip our heads off too"

    "Oh no, of course not. I would be damned to touch a god. I know the hierarchy. You should not worry" She told him.

    The hierarchy. It was a very simple system made by power. The creatures of the Void had many origins. Elves, trolls, gorgons witches and other creatures like fairies and pixies were a result of the magic that existed in this worlds. They were created from the earth and its magic. Angels and demon were the creations of the Christian god. Retaliators and followers and Gods themselves in every religion had been created from people''s wills, desires and worships. They were entities beyond their understanding. They did not depend on the earth or the air or the sea, they were parts of it. So naturally they were at the top of the pyramid. It would be stupid to even try and go against them. Certainly they could be defeated but Achlys a mere high ranked demon would be nothing more than a snap of their fingers. But this woman was sleek, it was obvious she chose her words well and didn''t want to get her hands dirty. Mark''s punishment on the other hand was just a satisfaction to her demonic and sadistic nature.

    "It''s good that you know your place. It would only be harmful to you after all if you got the wrong idea but anyways I am not very fond of this foul mood. How about we talk about something more fun during our dinner. I heard my godson has been banned from the demon capital" Dionysus commented once silver trails with steamy food started coming in. It was time for the main course and the smell of the roasted meat seemed to calm Mark''s nerves. He was glad he had escaped being the topic of conversation. Now all lies were turned on Aries.

    "Oh yes, you caused quite a ruckus" Achlys commented since they were talking about her domain.

    "Well, I wouldn''t expect anything less from my brother." Theseus said and made Ares scoff. He hadn''t talk for a while but now he seemed very eager to argue.

    "Excuse me for not supporting children''s sex trafficking. You had been kidnapping human children and used them as sex slaves and once I tried to reveal how you whoring industry worked you fucking burned the whole place down and blamed it on me" Ares said annoyance written all over his face.

    "Watch now young elf, those are pretty serious accusations." Achlys said and dipped her knife with a sharp move on the meat at her plate. "You shouldn''t talk so recklessly."

    "What are you going to do? Slit my throat like you did to the one who held your seat? Better luck next time honey I do not really like people like you or their facade. You hide the fact that you are weak with threats and sweet word while in reality you are annoying" Are insulted her and suddenly the glass in her palm turned into a thousand shards. The red wine got spilled on the white table ware and turned it bloody.

    "Oh, look at you ruining such good wine." Dionysus said

    "I think this dinner must end early." Allias said and stood up. He couldn''t bare hearing any more of this. They had more important things to discuss. "You must be tired from your journey so how about my servants show you to your rooms." He told them and a few maids came inside, one of them assigned to each guest. Achlys, Rafael and Hara stood up and followed the servants without saying anything else. Allias'' expression was absolute that he didn''t want to hear another word from them.

    "What was that about the demonic capital you¡­" Ea began saying but Are looked at him with an upset expression.

    "You never listen to me anyways so what''s the point? This is not the time for this now though. Dionysus what can we do?" Ares asked him and the man frowned.

    "Honestly we can''t do anything" he said and Allias'' expression turned morbid.

    "What do you mean? So we are just going to let them hurt Mark?"

    "To be honest I wouldn''t really want that" Mark said speaking for the first time tonight.

    "There might be a way" Suijin said and Theseus looked at him, waiting to hear his idea. His features were smooth and beautiful and his eyes mimicked perfectly the color of the endless ocean. "How about you, Elf King and the human boy change places?"

    "How can we do that? I was planning on being punished for him but I do not think they will accept it." Allias said.

    "I suppose you want me to all the hard work, don''t you honey?" Dionysus asked looking at Suijin. Ares cocked an eyebrow at the word honey but no one else seemed to notice or even if they did they didn''t comment. Dionysus was known for his¡­orgies.

    "What exactly will you do?"

    "Is a trick I learned from Zeus and I am pretty sure I told you not to tell anyone, didn''t I my beloved dragon?"

    "This is a critical situation" Suijin said unfazed and the man laughed. His face from the first moment they had arrived up to now had not changed once.

    "Will you please let us in on that?" Theseus asked them.

    "Check if we are being watched or heard first and I will tell you Dionysus announced."

    ...

    I do love fiery conversations xD Shots have been fired.

 Chapter 109 - 109- The Fighting Couple

    "Ares and Ea go keep watch at the entrance" Theseus told them and his brother looked at him with obvious disturbance.

    "Why do I have to be kept out of all this fun?" He asked and crossed his arms above his chest. Ea had already began walking obeying his orders very well. The elf looked at him and scoffed. He didn''t have to be so proper all the time and make him look so bad but he did it anyways.

    "This is not about fun. Go out and watch. Don''t make me repeat myself." Allias said and pointed at the heavy door.

    Ares dropped his head and moved slowly outside. Ea had been standing at one side of the door scanning the empty corridor to his side while he stood at the other side, laid back, supporting himself at the cold war that was painted a light blue color. He felt the freeze on his skin and the back of his head as he looked at the ceiling. This whole situation was awkward; they always had been.

    "You didn''t tell me what really happened" Ea said, his voice almost a whisper. Ares looked at him to see him staring at the polished floor and playing with his fingers.

    "You didn''t really let me talk." He reminded him of how he wasn''t even given a second to explain himself. "You actually believed that bitch over me. She is the demon queen all she does is spit lies."

    "I¡­"

    "It doesn''t matter now. I am used to it. I am used to you. You always search for a way to prove that I am unworthy. Not that I don''t know that already." He said and kicked the wall with the back of his heel. He left his comforting spot and began walking away not caring about the order he was given.

    "Wait" Ea called out to him. "We need to keep watch"

    "You can do it yourself. You are so perfect after all." Ares made fun of him as he walked away. Every time he was before him he felt depressed, they seemed to be so different and matter he did it was always ending up in a bad way. Ea would begin shouting and tell him how irresponsible he was or how he needed to grow up.

    "Ares please¡­" Ea said and grabbed the edge of his dark blue shirt with his delicate fingers. The elf prince had wondered many times how hands like those could wield such dangerous daggers. He could hold death between his fingertips. He grabbed his hand taking it his and felt their skin collide, small shocks of electricity went through him and he felt a pinch in his heart. What should he say? How should he react? He knew none of this.

    "It''s fine" He told him and let go of him. He shouldn''t let himself be overtaken by moments like these. Things were clear between them, had been for quite a while and he wasn''t in the mood of messing up their boundaries. They had centuries to fix things but no one cared, now it was too late. "We don''t have to talk with each other. Once this is sorted out I will be leaving anyways."

    "You don''t have to leave because you hate me!" Ea shouted. He was feeling suffocated. He hated the idea Ares leaving home just because he didn''t want to be around him. It was already pretty late and everyone was probably sleeping, the magic lights had gotten dim but he wasn''t tired.

    "What?"

    "I know you didn''t want to get married to me! I know that I am not the best or what you desire. I know it was just a political choice but please don''t leave home and your family. I won''t get in your way anymore. I shouldn''t have overreacted like I did. I mean it''s your life and we are not a couple in the true essence. Everything is my fault!" Ea said with tears in his eyes as he ran away from him. He didn''t want to be seen like that and all he was thinking about was avoiding him.

    He could hear Ares'' footsteps behind him and when he felt him getting closer he teleported back to his room. He wasn''t so perfect after all. He always put his emotions in between his work. He couldn''t even obey this simple order.

    He hid his face in the pillow and began bowling his eyes out. At some point he couldn''t breathe but still he didn''t want to show his face, even if there was no one in the room. He rarely cried and he always felt embarrassed by that. He was supposed to be a strong soldier; he had been trained by one simple rule. Never show your emotions. But just a few seconds ago he had broken down. Ea always got out of hand when he appeared.

    He knew he liked him, he always did and the fact that he was the only one happy when their engagement was announced hurt him till this day. He was happy while the man he had liked for years was being a prisoner in an unwanted relationship. He was that selfish, that stupid. Feeling immerse guilt he had distanced himself, wishing not to be a burden on him but he couldn''t hide his jealousy. So he just turned that to hate.

    Soon, once his seizure had seemed to calm down he heard a knock on his door. His room was a mess, he had thrown the covers on the floor and many pages and books were left in a chaotic situation on top of his desk. He sat up and looked around disoriented and walked slowly to the door. While he opened it, it made a creaking noise and the hairs on his neck rose up.

    "Don''t cry" Ares told him when their eyes met. He should have asked first so he wouldn''t have to open the door. His face was swollen and his eyes were red with trails left behind by endless tears.

    "I am not crying" He foolishly said and Ares chuckled. He attempted to get in but Ea actually pushed the door and closed it in front of his face.

    "Will you let me in?"

    "No. Get back I am coming in a while too" Ea mumbled behind the closed door.

    "Once this is all over how about we¡­talk?" Ares said and he could feel how shy he was by the tone of his voice.

    "We will see." Ea replied not really sure what was the right answer. "Get back now. I will come too in a second If they find out we were gone we will get scolded."

    "Don''t worry I will take the blame for you" Ares said and Ea could picture his cheeky smile. He had memorized his features so well he knew how his expressions will change at every situation. "Hurry up now. I will be waiting"

    Ea when he made sure he had left took a deep long breath as he slid to the ground. How did he get himself in such a mess? He could never answer that question and even after he had teleported back he kept thinking about it. They exchanged a few words and the tension was still there but every time their eyes would meet Ares would now smile at him. He had probably made him feel guilty. He exploded and now he had made him worry.

    "I am sorry. That attitude was not befitting of my position" Ea told him and Ares smile turn very fast into a frown. He did not like that answer.

    "That attitude was the most honest thing I''ve seen you do. So don''t apologize about it." He explained and the young elf felt his cheeks burn. It was unknown happiness to realize that someone did not feel displeased by him expressing himself. He always questioned if he was over the line, overreacting or overthinking but now he was assured that he didn''t have to apologize. It was a relief.

    "Ares I¡­" Ea said grabbing his attention when the huge door finally opened to reveal Theseus. The man looked right and left making sure that they had been doing their job and then waved at them to enter the room. His sentence and his emotions were cut short. He would have to muster up the courage once more and that was very frightening. He knew though one day he would have to talk.

    Both of them got in and Ea made sure to close the door. He looked in front of him and Allias was standing next to Mark and Dionysus as the god looked at them with a bright smile. He wondered if there was something they needed to ask or notice since no one was talking.

    "Well?" Ares asked. "What did you guys talk about. What''s the plan?" Theseus laughed, making the two boys look at each other in question.

    "Do you see anything different?" Dionysus asked his godson and Ares was simply speechless. He couldn''t really see anything so what could it be?

    ...

    hello! I hope you enjoyed!

    I feel so bad for Ea, he is simply mexD we are very alike at how we can''t express our emotions properly when it matters until we blow up. It''s sad.

 Chapter 110 - 110- Your Pain Is My Pain

    A few minutes ago

    "Are you sure you want to do this?" Theseus asked Allias while they were talking. He had a sad face on while looking at his lover agree to another sacrifice.

    "Yes, yes don''t worry I will be alright." Allias told him and caressed his cheek. "Come with me for a second. Excuse us" Allias told the two gods and pulled Theseus away. The dining room was quite spacious, filled with the shimmering lights Allias liked so much. It was as if, this frozen castle, stuck in time was made simply to fit his tastes. Theseus had changed almost everything waiting for his return, so even if everything around him was icy and cold it would still feel like a home.

    "Take your time. It''s a hard decision after all" Suijin said and Allias smiled at him.

    "Hey, listen to me. It''s nothing. I will be fine" The elf king said and cupped Theseus'' face. Theseus worshipped his touch, he moved his head, his face craving for more contact as he closed his eyes. He had a deep wrinkle between his eyebrows while he frowned.

    "I hate that you are so brave" Theseus mumbled and they intertwined their hands, unfazed about the fact that they were being watched.

    "Me? Brave?" Allias asked and smiled bitterly. He had many fears and nightmares still haunting him to this day. He wasn''t brave, he was more of a fool hoping that in every aspect one day he could get a happy ending and no matter how many scars he got, physical or emotional, in the end it would be worth it. That''s why his scars, every single one on his body and soul seemed to create o mosaic of his dreams and hope. One after the other showed his struggle, his agony and his fight to finally reach a happy ending. He definitely wasn''t brave, even right now, at this simple moment his heart was trembling and his mind was getting dizzy with so many worries but he wished that in the end none of these would matter. He hoped. "I am just trying to get by, without regretting everything"

    "What about my regrets?" Theseus asked him. "I will be regretting this so let me do it. Don''t shelter me like this. We were supposed to stand right next to each other but why is it that once again I only see your back? Please" the general let his face rest on his shoulder and Allias'' warm palms rubbed his back.

    "I just have to do this...this once" he told him. He knew he was worried about him, about all the pain and uncertainty that would follow, the cruel humiliation but it had to be him. It would be a lesson to never forget. Always remember who he was and what he wanted to achieve.

    "I love you" Theseus mumbled still dissatisfied and the king smiled. How could he not when he heard the most beautiful wards come from his lips? Even after all this time his heart flattered like a teenager''s at the sound. It was a pinch of joy he always welcomed. "When you died to protect me you raised an army of deadly flowers. You sacrificed your life for me and found the way back all on your own. I haven''t done anything and don''t start with all the with you I learned how to live. I want to be of use to you. Make me your shield , your sword. I will kill them all , spare no one just for you so you just have to say the word. I do not care about laws or rules. Gods, angels or demons. You, Allias are my only God" Theseus told him.

    The green eyed elf felt his breath stop on his throat. His words, his feelings radiating from his beautiful eyes and his shaking hands that sensed the danger that was about to come were all too powerful for him to handle. Allias hugged him tightly, almost trying to unite their bodies into one and heard his heartbeat. Everything would be fine.

    "Never say you will sacrifice your life for me. We''ve said that before I beg of you just be here with me and love me. Just love me. That''s all I wish for and I will raise hell for the both of us. Be it poisonous flowers or the heat of the sun no one will ever touch our family again. So you just stand next to me. Be with me and support me. Your love is all I need."

    "Promise me then. Promise me that this will be the last time you will out yourself in such danger because I swear if you ever be this reckless again I will disappear and you will never see me again. I will do it" Theseus told him, his tone serious as he stared at him with a burning passion. He didn''t want to risk his love anymore. Allias needed to stop putting everyone else above himself. Like that he would die again and there would be no second chance this time.

    "I swear. After this I am done" Allias reassured him and by taking his hand he led him back to the gods and Mark. They had been trying not to stare as they rested at their previous seats and Mark was playing with the leftovers of his food, nimbling on some bread as he waited. "I will do it "

    "Well I didn''t expect otherwise. " Dionysus said with a smirk. "So let''s do this and hope it doesn''t fail."

    Present.

    "What exactly is supposed to be different " Ares asked still not sure what he was supposed to be looking at or whom.

    "Then I guess it worked." Dionysus said. "you see dear godson this man is not who he seems to be. Allias is Mark and Mark is Allias. I''ve transformed them."

    "Are you serious?" Ea asked surprised.

    So the person they were looking at, their king was Mark in disguise. It was amazing how they looked exactly like the original. If they stood there without doing anything it would be possible for them to trick even themselves.

    "So I will be taking the punishment disguised as Mark and heal overnight. Then we will change back and pretend it never happened." Allias said with Mark''s face and innocent smile.

    "I am very nervous about this. I have to act like you. Wait. Do I need to sleep with you tonight?" He asked looking at Theseus with wide eyes. "No.no.no."

    "Believe me it''s not my cup of tea either." Theseus said with a frown. He wasn''t very fond of someone else stealing Allias appearance.

    "You will be sleeping in the bathtub." Mark said and Theseus cocked an eyebrow.

    "Don''t make me throw you in the backyard human." He told him "let''s go. It''s late, they will be wondering what has been taking so long. Come with me human"

    Mark was shocked at how huge their bedroom was. He was being scolded all the way there by Theseus to walk straight. Have his head high, don''t stutter and be polite and elegant. Don''t look scared and so on. There was so much information but he needed to remember everything to not ruin the plan.

    So when they entered the room still dizzy from all the details he jumped immediately on the enormous bed and let himself breathe in the apple scented sheets. It smelled fresh and neat.

    "Tomorrow don''t mess it up. I''m already unhappy as it is that Allias will get hurt because of you" Theseus warned him and laid on the bed. He took his pillows and formed a line in the middle separating the space. Mark didn''t comment on the man made fortress since there was plenty of space in the bed but he couldn''t help but chuckle.

    "You really love Alex don''t you?"

    "More than myself. More than anyone"

    "How did you not get bored so many years together?"

    "We are not as superficial as you humans are. The things we''ve experienced, the pain we''ve gone through. You can''t just erase that for someone prettier or funnier. The support we''ve offered eachother. Also to be honest I don''t think someone who is prettier than Allias exists." Theseus mumbled and blush slowly appeared on his face.

    "You are like old but act like a teen. Amazing." Mark commented. "Why do you out so much meaning into the pain though? What about the happy times? " He asked.

    "During the happy times many people are around. The important ones are those who see your t your worst and still love you. Allias, he knows the monster I can be. He has seen me slaughter with no discrimination, lose control and hate everyone but he still loved me. He saved me and I''ve done nothing."

    "Well that''s not entirely true. Probably you''ve helped him in different ways that you can''t see. You don''t have to die for someone to actually love them to death." Mark said trying to comfort him. He seemed filled with negative thoughts while the red haired boy when he looked at them could only be jealous. A love that knew no boundaries and no stops. Just pure worship and admiration. Someone having those feelings for you was life saving enough in many situations.

    "You''re not half bad human. I see why Allias likes you "

    "You''re not bad yourself. Mark complemented him and Theseus snorted before snapping his fingers and turning off the lights

    "Sleep now. Tomorrow you will be led to punishment."

    Sleep was easier said than done. Especially for Allias who was being tortured by a terrible nightmare.

    ...

    I hope you liked this chapter because I had to write it during a power cut due to the heavy snow in my country sitting at my window to get good signal to upload. Just saying.

    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 111 - 111- The Night Before The Pain.

    "I don''t want to get married! Agh! I wish I could just disappear" Allias shouted in the middle of the woods, hitting his foot on the mud and slashing brown dots everywhere, dirtying his light colored trousers.

    He had ran away. From his mother and his lover who was too mysterious to tell him what is going on and too scared to stay with him. He needed to breathe but as he found himself alone he felt more and more as if he was suffocating. He had so many responsibilities and they were too hard to carry. He knew he could do it with Theseus by his side but he had the tendency to just disappear without a word then return back and look at him with that charming smile of his and Allias would forgive him even he burned his whole palace down. He hated the idea of being a lonesome king. The Wight of his crown would bring him down and the bitter taste of his dreams would poison him as he withered away like an old flower.

    He sighed as always. The weight in his chest always there strong and unbreakable. He kicked one of the old trees right in the middle of its trunk and the sound of it breaking and falling to the ground was almost deafening.

    He grabbed a brunch and began walking while he made lines in the dirt. He could smell orange blossoms and he followed the fresh smell till he reached a small field. Bright orange fruits were on the branches hanging and he grabbed one peeling it carefully.

    "So you ran away because you were hungry?" He heard Theseus'' familiar voice ask.

    "Very funny" the prince snorted as he sat on the grass eating a piece of his orange. "Why are you still here? Don''t you have some kind of mysterious mission to save the world? Go along you don''t have to look for me. I am completely fine after I made a fool of myself to my mother, the queen defending a love just to get rejected. Funny, I know."

    "Allias there are some things that you can''t understand."

    "I''m pretty sure it''s not because I can''t. It''s just that you won''t tell me. But it''s fine. I give up. What is the reason of holding on to someone who doesn''t want to stay? Have fun traveling the world I will be here being forced in an unwanted marriage." He said and threw the peels of the fruit away. Theseus took a few steps, his dark outfit really standing out in the vivid nature. He screamed Disee from miles away while Allias was the exact opposite. He matched the scenery perfectly, as if he belonged there. He stood in front of him, the young prince raising his head and placing his palm above his eyes to block the sun and be able to see well.

    "Run away with me" Theseus said and Allias chocked on his orange. He began coughing and his face turned a bright red, his eyes almost popping off his head as he searched for air. Theseus crouched and hit his back, waving his head at how hopelessly in love he was with someone who couldn''t even swallow properly.

    "Are you serious?" The boy asked him and a spark ignited in his eyes.

    "I am. I wish I could tell you to run away with me Allias. I wish it was that easy but I can''t. I need to become better before I come for you. Believe me. I want to stay."

    "There is no time anymore Theseus." Allias said with a bitter smile. "You are always tortured by that thought you know. Of not being good enough. Of not being able to do anything but you don''t have to be good enough for everyone, just for me and believe me you are more than that. Oh, how I wished you would understand that so my poor heart would ache less. Because then I would have you by my side," he confessed and caressed his cheek. Allias felt like they would always have moments like this, moments when Theseus fath would crumble and he would question everything but somehow Allias was alright with that. Everyone had their fears and wounds he didn''t mind reassuring him every single time. A gentle touch, a kind smile and a caring kiss. No matter what he needed so he would be at peace he would do it and while they were facing each other Theseus would know that Allias could only see him. There was nothing before him and the main character in this play he called his life was him. They were together and he felt that with him the whole world could turn against them and he wouldn''t mind. Even when Allias was scared of his responsibilities, of being weak and left alone Theseus would soothe the pain. The same way he did for him. Oh, what an epic way to complete eachothers. Life was not only filled with smiled but tears and screams. They wouldn''t silence each other, or try to hide the ugly scars. They would shout together at the edge of the cliff and laugh about the funny marks. Allias was sure that if he stayed they would do that. "Stay." He said and the word was a mere whisper that seemed to hurt Theseus more than it should. It was just letters, after all. Just a word. But why did it sing? Like something was stuck on his heart.

    "I am scared Allias" Theseus said and tears left his lilac eyes. "I am scared that I will make you unhappy. That you will end up doing things for me and I will be useless."

    "Is your love for me useless?" Allias asked him.

    "No."

    "Then please. I am such a fool for begging. You have a king pleading for you to stay. I am sick of my cold bed and the way my sheets lose your smell. I am sick of waking up to an empty room and an empty heart so I am begging you if you truly love me don''t let me get married." Allias said and Theseus grasped with his fists a full of grass. He was frustrated with himself and he felt his fingernails dig into his pale skin as he fought with his fear.

    "I love you Allias, more than myself, more than anyone."

    "Then..."

    "But I can''t hold you back. You are meant to rule. To lead and I am just an obstacle. The girl your mother has found..."

    "Don''t say anything else. Please stop." Allias said and placed his palms in front of his face to stop himself from wailing loudly. "Just leave" he told him with his eyes closed tightly as he tried not to show his tears.

    "Please try to understand me. Our worlds are different and I honestly want to be with you more than anyone but I ....do I deserve it?" He said ending his sentence in a very important question and Allias opened his eyes. "Do I deserve it? The way I am?"

    "I don''t know what else to say to you. How else to show you that I do not care who you are. I do not care about your status, your money or your name. To me you''re Theseus, the attractive man I met in an alley when I tried to run away from my eighteenth birthday. To me you are the charming man that danced with me under the moonlight on my nineteenth birthday and gifted me his heart. To me you are so much more than just a name and for that I am in so much pain Theseus. I do not want to part with you."

    "I don''t want to either but I can''t stay. I am sorry. I don''t feel like I can. You won''t be happy with me like this."

    "Then what if I wait?" Allias asked him and Theseus looked at him dumbfounded. "What if I wait more? As long as it takes but promise me that you will come to me. Back to me always and I will be the only one who has your heart. Swear to me you will never love someone else in your journeys and that you will dream of me the same way I do. Promise me that you will return to me and that one day we will make this palace our home. We will wake up from the bright sun and let the warm wind in from the balcony. Promise me that you will take me dancing again and that we will train together and read. Swear to me that you will think of me and write to me. Swear that you will not leave me and I will wait. For as long as it takes like the fool I am."

    "I swear. I promise. I will always love you and come back to you until the day we are ready. Both of us. I am sorry for loving you this much, for hurting you this much. I am sorry I couldn''t stop thinking of you when I met you and came like a storm into your life. Sorry that I cannot let go. Sorry" Theseus apologized as he held Allias'' hands. The boy gave him a bitter smile and he stood up, dusting off some dirt from his pants and wiping his salty tears.

    "I guess this is another goodbye."

    "Yes but I will come back."

    "Goodbye Theseus ." Allias told him as he watched him disappear. He became a thick smoke that thickened more and more until he was never there. Maybe he was really some kind of illusion to satisfy Allias loneliness. Maybe he wasn''t real, how could he be. Those lips, those eyes. The daily long hair and perfect body. The soothing voice and that warmth of his embrace. How could a love like this be real and not have a happy ending? He wondered and tended his hand to where Theseus stood. Again he was alone. He felt a ripping pain on his chest. He let out a scream as he fell down on his knees grasping at his shirt.

    "No! Don''t go!" Allias shouted as he woke up drenched in sweat. He looked at his shaking hands and then like a crazy person he stared around him. Where was Theseus? He wondered and he stood up heading towards the door.

    "Theseus?" He screamed at the corridor and he couldn''t recognise his own voice. He touched his neck confused.

    "What are you doing?" A guard told him that stood outside of his room. "Get dressed you have to appear at the throne room. It''s morning."

    Right. It was punishment day.

    ....

    Hello hope you enjoyed this chapter!

    It is time for some action!

    Thanks for reading! I hope I am giving a clear image of Theseus''and Allias'' relationship throughout these flashbacks. I really want to show the strong bonds that sometimes might bring us to someone and how our fears can hurt not only us but the ones we love. Even when we are thinking of the best.

 Chapter 112 - 112- On My Knees

    His steps were slow and in his mind he was trying really hard to get used to his new appearance. It was weird literally being in Mark''s shoes as he walked down the halls. A soldier bumped him on the way there and clicked his tongue before he pushed him to move faster. He made a mental note to transfer him away when he had his normal for back. Somewhere really far away.

    Allias entered the throne room and scanned everyone around him, hoping that he wouldn''t notice not even an inch of suspicion. After his nightmare last night all he was thinking about was seeing Theseus as he woke up all alone and scared to death. He was right there, standing next to the icy throne where Mark sat. It was obvious that his best friend was uncomfortable, sitting too overly straight and the thought of Theseus nagging him about not messing up popped in his head. It would be pretty funny to see that, he thought.

    The meaner guard pushed him on his knees and made him fall his head. All he could see now were their legs as his strong palm was pressuring the top of his head. He let out a sigh, as silently as he could and focused on Theseus. His hands were clenched in fists, his knuckles turning even more paler from the anger he was trying to subdue. This whole situation was a torture to him, maybe even worse than the whipping he was going to receive. Allias was aware of it. Seeing someone you love dearly be in pain hurt a lot more than enduring the pain yourself sometimes. I am sorry, the king whispered in his head and closed his eyes when he heard the enormous doors open.

    Achlys walked in first with a very satisfied smile on, with her newly found minion the Troll representative following close with a huge piece of wood. Allias could not see them though since his back was turned. He understood that something was wrong from the way Theseus spoke.

    "What is this? You said you were going to whip his not give him a beating. His human body won''t stand it and why does it smell like that? Is that spider lily? He is a human!" He exclaimed and Allias smiled.

    Of course it wouldn''t be that simple. They had to exclude every possible bad, for them, outcome so instead of actually using a small and humble whip they had brought that thing which could actually kill someone if intended and not only that but they had drenched the plank with a very specific poison made of spider lily flowers and a few herbs that would not of course kill an elf but it would reduce their healing process by a lot. The king had underestimated that demon woman and her undying need to punish someone. She didn''t care who she punished as long as everyone around her were in pain. One day, he was going to show her pain.

    "Theseus honey those are just precautions. Don''t worry. He is a human Hara will go easy on him."

    "We can have a guard do it. No need for you to dirty your hands." Mark said with the appearance of the elf king said. His eyes showed pure fear and it was clear as day just by looking at him that something was wrong. Allias unable still to look up began to panic.

    "It''s fine. I will do it to be sure" Hara said and walked towards Allias. "Take your shirt off" he said strictly and the guard finally let go of his head.

    Allias turned around to face him with a cheeky smirk as he said.

    "Wow there, not even a date first and you''re asking me to take my clothes off?"

    Hara took a step back and blinked a few times confused by his behavior but with just one cough from Achlys he suddenly was again very ready to beat the shit out of him. His steps echoed in the huge room, that''s how quiet the place was as Allias took off his shirt and revealed Mark''s torso. His best friend had always been small with a very slim body even though he was a physical education student. He just seemed not able to buff up no matter what he did so now without his shirt he looked even more vulnerable and breakable.

    As the soft fabric fell to the ground wiping the dust Theseus turned his head to the side. It was the sound of the dump plank hitting his naked skin that made even him flinch but that wasn''t all. It was the scream that followed. It sounded like someone had ripped his skin open. Like something had gotten inside of him and was clawing itself out. Allias felt the sting, the bone breaking pain and the unbearable burn from the herbs. It burned like fire.

    It reminded him of the scarlet tongues that had so brutally caressed his whole being that day, locked inside a room with smoke piling up in his lungs. His eyes teared up and his nails clawed the smooth floor until his hands formed fists. He felt the bloody rivers on his back and with the second hit he had fallen down, no longer able to sit. He coughed blood and bit his lips so he wouldn''t scream again. Hara pulled his hair and raised him up forcing him to face everyone. Achlys had move, walking to a spot where she could see his face as he was being suffocated by anguish and he spat the blood that had gathered in his mouth right in front of her shiny black heels. She scoffed not really caring and stepped on it, coming closer.

    "I think that''s enough" Theseus said after he had counted five whole hits every one stronger than the other. His back was filled with cuts in many different spots and Allias knew that the scars would remain forever, because of the herbal mix. A very sour reminder that even if you had a crown on your head you would always have to bow to someone and even get beaten up by them. What was the point of having all that power inside you when you couldn''t even use it to protect the ones you loved or yourself? It was quite sad the fact that he only could protect others by harming himself, how much his ruling skills lacked that they had to come to this point. He wasn''t fully healed yet from his previous pain but now he had another pile to add to it.

    Hara did not hear him or simply he ignored him and kept hitting Allias in a rhythmic way. He would hit and then give him a few second to breathe which now had become painful and then he would strike again, the hard and long plank landing on his teared body like a huge rock. He could have endured it better if it wasn''t for that forsaken burning sensation that made him relive everything again. He was terrified and even though the throne room was a very open and wide room he felt like he was stuck in a dark hole. He couldn''t see and everything seemed to be surrounded by a fog. He didn''t want this again. When would it stop? He kept mumbling in his head as his tears fell to the ground.

    His next move wasn''t well thought of; it was just a desperate instinct that appeared in his desperation. He tended his hand, as far as he could to the direction Theseus was and mumbled weakly his name. He knew he shouldn''t have done it. It was utterly stupid and it would only remind his lover how helpless both of them were.

    As Theseus noticed it and heard his pleading tone to be saved he crumbled inside. What was he supposed to do? What could he do?

    "Enough!" he shouted and his lifelong companions, his trusty shadows began circling around him. He was willing to send them forth but Hara stopped. "You got the punishment some of you so whished for. I believe even more than you should. Now please leave the throne room."

    For Allias everything was blurry. He couldn''t'' hear well, there was a constant ringing between his ears but he knew it was over when the next hit did not land. He closed his eyes and fell to the floor relieved it was finally done when he felt someone raising him up. He wanted to lie there a bit more. It was cold and comfortable. He didn''t have the strength to stand anyways. He slowly turned back to his own self not able to preserve the spell any more. That was another mental toll that he had to endure. Remain focused so he wouldn''t be exposed.

    "Allias can you hear me?" Theseus asked as he lifted him up carefully. "Ares go check if they left. I need to get him to the infirmary. I can''t teleport him like this." He told his brother and the boy ran to the door.

    "Is it over? Is Mark okay?" he barely managed to ask and heard mark''s voice reassure him that he was okay. He sounded like he was crying.

    "Good." Allias mumbled with a hint of a smile on his face. "Theseus I am glad you were here" he told his lover who was taking him away and felt his muscles tense.

    "Why? I couldn''t do anything for you" he said unaware that someone was watching them.

 Chapter 113 - 113- Hells Dog Guard

    "Well I think that went extremely well." Achlys exclaimed happily and clapped her hands as they walked back to their rooms. "I wish we had the chance to enjoy the spectacle a bit more to be honest but that''s okay."

    "There is no need to be so vulgar Achlys, this was nothing more than an atrocity. Enjoying such things¡­."

    "Oh come on Rafael, how uptight can you be? They deserved it. The council has some rules. They need to obey them to keep the balance? Am I right Hara?" The demon queen asked her new faithful dog and he nodded eagerly.

    "Oh, I seem to have forgotten the plank. I will have to go back."

    "Hurry then, I would like to take a walk in the royal garden. At the demonic capital we rarely see any cold or snow. I want to enjoy the scenery and you my favorite troll can accompany me"

    "Of course. Just give me a second my queen. I will come and pick you up from your room." The young troll said and she nodded satisfy. Her and Rafael continued walking forward towards their separate room while Hara ran back to the throne room.

    The two gods had been quiet the whole time, hearing the conversation. Dionysus began walking again, wanting to get back to their room and get some rest but Suijin grabbed the edge of his chiton and stopped him. His delicate fingers gripped the pure white fabric and the handsome man turned around with a cocked eyebrow.

    "He is going to see them" The Japanese god stated.

    "And? What should I do about that?" Dionysus asked with his olive eyes squeezed.

    "Help them."

    "But I am sleepy. I helped them once why do I have to do it again?" He said sounding like a child as he pouted, sticking out his bottom lip.

    "Help. Them." The blue haired god repeated with a strict look and the god laughed.

    "You like them don''t you but tell me darling what is in it for me?" Dionysus asked with a devilish grin and circled the god, his hands behind his back. He approached him slowly, his lips close to his ear as he whispered. "What is in it for me?"

    "I¡­I¡­will kiss you" Suijin said with a very obvious blush as he stuttered.

    "Oh. OH. Yes. We have a deal. Come on, let''s go. Let''s go now. NOW" he shouted and grabbed Suijin''s hand as he dragged him back, walking through the empty halls. They had a light blue color that fitted the water god beautifully. He seemed to be at ease in this place. He looked at Dionysus who was smiling brightly in front of him as they ran, their steps echoing like an endless beat. His hair flying in the air getting lose from his pony tail as his eyes glowed with satisfaction.

    The water god''s ears began getting hot, his whole body as he thought about that kiss. This was not the time though because he could already see Hara, sneaking a peek from the slightly open door. He didn''t seem to have noticed them and Suijin was relieved. This should be done quietly. It was the best option after all.

    Dionysus though believed other wise and he had already acted on him, before the man could even blink. He walked silently behind the troll representative and kicked him inside with his sandal. Hara fell head first inside the room where Theseus already was holding in his embrace the injured elf King.

    Theseus at first was shocked by the sudden appearance but once Suijin and Dionysus walked inside he understood what was happening. Hara was ready to get up and shout but Ares ran towards him and almost as if he was hitting a soccer ball he hit the troll in the head making him land again down.

    "You tried to trick us!" He said angrily.

    "You should really keep a better guard." Dionysus commented and the troll looked at him in disgust.

    "You were in on this too! How dare you gods, Achlys had made her decision clear." He said and Dionysus approached him, crouching down. He grasped his chin with two of his fingers and smiled.

    "Do I look like I listen to anyone''s wishes? Do I look like I care what an old lady wishes for? In case you didn''t notice I prefer men so I couldn''t care less about you and your stupid crush but now why won''t you tell us what Achlys is really after?"

    "No! Never!"

    "Ea take Allias to his room with Mark and make sure no one sees you. Be careful" Theseus told them with a strict look and handed the unconscious man to his right hand who nodded. He would make sure nothing went wrong.

    Theseus cracked his neck and crouched down next to the god. One looked like a playful menace while the other like the embodiment of a nightmare both wearing deadly stares. One with a killer smiler and the other with a very obvious expression.

    "So, how do we get you to speak?" Theseus asked.

    "I will not speak. I do not know anything" The troll said and averted his eyes away from them.

    "Should I get inside your mind Hara?" Dionysus asked him and his eyes showed pure madness as he stared at him. "Search the deepest corners of your blain and claw them till you go insane? I can plant illusions there; make you see or hear things. I can get what I want and leave you a soulless shell."

    "And I can rip off those canines your troll tribe so much values. The bigger they are the stronger the troll right? Aren''t yours a bit small? What if I just¡­snap them. Will your Tribe value you then? What about Achlys? If you talk to us, you might leave this place¡­partly¡­intact" Theseus continued.

    "No. You do not scare me" Hara said and tried really hard to face their eyes, to show he wasn''t afraid.

    Though his pure terror suddenly began when Suijin joined them. He was quiet looking at him from above when without a warning he raised his leg and crushed on his shinbone.

    The sound of bones breaking was purely disgusting.

    "Talk" Suijin said and Dionysus began laughing.

    "Or we could convince you like that. You have lots of bones right?" He asked him and thick drops of sweat had begun forming on Hara''s forehead. He was finally getting worried and rightfully so since no one in this room was kidding.

    "Are you people insane?" Hara tried to shout but Theseus pushed him back and Suijin placed his foot on his neck. He could barely breathe rather than utter even one single word or ask for assistance. The last thing they wanted was for him to alarm Rafael or that bitch.

    "Should I move to the next shin? Then I can to the ankles and knees." Suijin said with an emotionless expression that seemed to worry Hara a lot more that Dionysus'' sadistic smile.

    "Alright!" Hara cried. "She is planning to forbid you from searching for the hunters. They have evidence of her kidnapping human children and she was afraid the info would get in your hands. He wanted to outvote the two god who seemed to like you by getting Rafael to side with her to vote negatively to your request. She created the excuse about the punishment to worry you and create an uproar so you wouldn''t fight too much about her decision and make things difficult. She wanted you to have your hands full." Hara confessed.

    ¡­.

    Allias was laid on his belly on their bedroom as he opened slowly his eyes. He still could feel the sharp pain on his back when he attempted to move. A cold hand touched his wound and applied some equally cold medicine that made him hiss and bite his pink lips.

    He grasped the bed sheets and closed his eyes trying not to create a fuss for once more. All he needed now was to talk to Theseus. He had been unconscious for a while but he was sure he heard shouting right before everything turned dark.

    "Theseus?" He called out but he didn''t hear him answer.

    "My king it''s me Ea. I am with Mark. There have been a few complications to our plan so the General has stayed behind with the two gods to figure things out. Please rest he is handling it."

    "What happened?" Allias groaned and Mark spoke this time. Unfortunately, he couldn''t see any of them, since his face was almost one with the soft pillow that was filled with fine feathers.

    "He said to rest. Why are you asking now? You are hurt" Mark advised him and scolded at the same time.

    "Ea speak. That''s an order." The King demanded and the elf stopped rubbing ointment on his wounds. He let out a concerned sigh and began explaining things to him. He knew that the King would not rest easy until he had heard had happened. Maybe it was Ea''s mistake of telling him that there was a problem, but telling the truth was a very bad habit of his that seemed to be proven unhelpful many times.

    Once the elf had explained everything Allias tried to stand up, supporting himself on his arms he slowly managed to turn around and face them.

    "Go to Theseus immediately and tell him to kill Hara" he said

    "My king if we get found out this could mean¡­"

    "Go. And tell Theseus that the Golden King demands it. Make him disappear or I will go there and do it myself."

 Chapter 114 - 114- Kings Orders

    "My king please reconsider. This would be a very foolish idea. I know they hurt you. I know that they tried to humiliate us but how would we cover this up?" Ea asked him with a worried expression.

    He had made a grave mistake when he informed him about the situation. He had to obey now to his selfish request if he didn''t do something to change his mind. Allias would probably start something they wouldn''t be able to end so easily.

    "Ea. I do not need you advices. Just go and kill him. Tell Ares to make the body disappear and inform the rest of the council members he had to go back to his people. Then dump the body along the way and pretend someone murdered him because they wanted to rob him." Allias laid out a plan for him on the spot and the elf sighed. He pinched the top of his nose and closed his eyes, thinking how good of a plan this was. It wasn''t but as it seemed he had no other choice.

    "Just go Ea" Mark said. "He will not rest or lie down if you don''t. I am sure he knows what he''s saying."

    "Do you have any idea in what this could result to? We are already weak enough as it is. We have zero allies this could start another war." The boy said desperately and paced around the room. He was trying to bombard him with facts, warn him about his decision but Allias didn''t seem to care. His mind was fixed on something Ea could not understand.

    "Hara is a dangerous to us" he stated and Ea looked at him confused.

    "Aren''t all of these people dangerous to you?" Mark asked, trying to understand and voicing Ea''s question.

    "Hara does not have a free will. He thinks with his dick and that means he would do anything Achlys asks him of. The others have boundaries and think for themselves but he get easily manipulated because he is weak. I do not need such a disposable piece that Achlys could use at any minute on the table. This is a good chance for us. Send people to discretely guard the other members'' rooms. Make sure they do not get out and in the meantime get rid of that troll. Are my intentions clear enough now? I am sure. She is planning to use him against us during the announcement about the hunters. She is smart." Allias explained.

    He didn''t have to hear it from the troll representative. Allias already smart enough to see through such petty tricks. He had been facing them all his life. Fake alliances and hallow smiles. He knew all about them and he could see clearly in Achlys terrifying eyes how disposable were to her the people around her. If he could do something different and spare the troll he probably would but adding to the fact that he was bedridden again in such a short time because he hit him with a poisonous plank he took his decision with much more ease then usual.

    "I understand. I will notify Theseus." Ea finally gave in and disappeared.

    Once he entered the throne room he could immediately sense the disarrey and murderous aura. The two gods and Theseus had surrounded the troll man, who was now lying on the ground, his blood creating pools around him and Ea sighed. Of course he would have to clean that. Again. He looked at the floor disgusted and walked towards them hearing the sound of his boots and Hara''s huffs of pain.

    "Can you please not step on his blood? You will spread the blood and it will be harder to clean" he commented once he saw that Dionysus'' right foot was stepping on one of those small pools. The handsome god looked down and frowned before he took a step back.

    "Sorry about that." He said and he shook his leg like a wet dog.

    "He said not to spread it." Suijin commented.

    "Yeah but it''s disgusting."

    "He said not to..."

    "Okay, okay I get it. I am sorry little elf." Dionysus said with a smile but Ea had already moved on and was trying to get Theseus attention. They still hadn''t talked normally after what he did and they never really mended what had been spoiled. Ea really wanted to find some time and apologize but so much had been happening that every time something would get in the way. At the same time he was scared that his master would reject him. He wanted to apologize but the thought of Theseus not accepting it was unbearable. He was like a father to him.

    "I have an order from the king." Ea said.

    "What is it?" Theseus asked still crouched as he held Hara down, Suijin''s foot on his neck.

    "He says to kill him but please try and make him reconsider. It will be a very big problem if we get found out."

    "What exactly was his order?" Theseus said and hit Hara in the stomach. The troll had started to fight, wanting to get away once he heard the word kill. He tried to scream but all he did was hurt himself more since the moment the water god sensed that he was intending to do anything suspicious he would step on his harder.

    "I have placed guards around the council members rooms. He said to kill him and notify the others that he had to go to his tribe because of an urgent matter. He then, said to dump his body on the road back and make it look like a robbery but listen to me....this is not a good idea. If we even let the slightest suspicion. If even the idea goes through Achlys'' mind that we killed him we will be in trouble." Ea tried to reason with him. He hoped that maybe Theseus would understand that diplomatically this situation would only bring too much trouble. Too many people knew about this situation. The God had appeared as friends now but no one knew what tomorrow would bring. They were risking too much.

    "So Allias wants me to kill him?" Theseus asked one more time as if he wanted to confirm the orders. Ea sighed and nodded.

    "Yeah but...You killed him!" He shouted in shock with how easily Theseus simply called his shadows. One of them turned sharp as a knife and pierced skillfully his chest, going right through his heart. "My lord!" Ea shouted, as he felt that he was probably speaking in another language. Theseus had just killed the troll without a second though because Allias had ordered it and he didn''t seem to really care about it.

    "What?" Theseus asked as he stood up and wiped his hands. He hadn''t even touched that guy who now had a big slit on his chest. His eyes were wide filled with horror and his mouth was agap, probably because he was trying to ask for help. His green skin had gotten paler and the blood slowly but steadily escaped his wound and trickled down, damping his clothes and painting the tiles.

    "This is going to be a disaster." Ea said and scratched the back of his head looking at the horrid scene. Dionysus laughed and turned to Theseus, patting his shoulder

    "He was annoying."

    "Tell me about it" the general agreed. "Ea you know what to do. Have someone write a magical letter or something to Achlys about how sorry he is to leave. Keep it short and try to mimic his stupidity. Ares will take his body at the Snowdrop mountain and leave it there. That''s the path that usually leads to the Troll swamp." Theseus commanded them and Ea even though he was obviously unwilling to he left to begin preparing. Time was of the essence and he needed to do a perfect job.

    "How bout we leave too?" Dionysus asked his companion and the man nodded. "We will be going to our room."

    "Dionysus..."

    "Do not worry. No one will know from us. It was kind of fun actually. But you know just to seal the deal how about you give me a few bottles of that nice wine to take back with me to Japan?" He asked him.

    "Japan? Aren''t you..."

    "I am taking a slight detour on my way home. Who know for how long? I guess...until you''re bored with me?" The God said looking at Suijin with a bright smile but the god ignored him and left the throne room.

    "Thank you" Theseus said and and the man brushed him off.

    "Don''t worry about it. I am sure we will meet again soon anyways. We will leave tonight." He informed him and followed the water god with a slight sprint. "Why would you leave me?" He asked him with an adorable pout.

    "I never told you , you could come with me" Suijin said.

    "So should I just go back to Greece?" Dionysus asked.

    "I didn''t say that either"

    "Then what..."

    "I guess this is it then for them. I hope they get rid of Achlys soon." Suijin said and Dionysus shook his head.

    "Oh, honey. It''s far from over. I wish so could stay and see what will happen."

 Chapter 115 - 115- Deals With The Devils Spawn

    Unfortunately, Allias did not have much time to rest and even worse he didn''t get to meet with Theseus at all. After his task was completed Theseus had disappeared to deal with a few other things like where they should drop the body and how their last meeting with the rest of the members would be set so everything would go smoothly. So Allias spent a few hours on his bed with Mark rubbing ointment on his back once in a while to try and soothe his pain before he had to appear before them.

    When the time had come he called for the doctor. The elf elf with a pained expression at the brutality of the wounds he wrapped his torso and belly tightly with gauzes to help him keep a good posture and seem like he wasn''t in pain. The truth was that he was still being tortured and with every slow step that he took all by himself, Mark safely staying in his room with the excuse of his wounds, he realized that he had returned to a very aggressive lifestyle.

    No matter the pretty castle and fancy clothing. The delicious food and exotic aromas. The overwhelming power and beauty. The dream like scenery and his beloved people. This life was more than that with an underlying darkness that always tried to creep in him. He always found himself struggling to keep his peace of mind, stay in control of himself. A problem he didn''t seem to have back then. When he was still alive and well almost a century ago. But then again, during those times he hadn''t gone through a kidnapping, a rape, a fire, a whole amnesia and above all death. He had so many things he could be angry, so many excuses as to why he wanted to torture everyone till they pleaded for death but he chose not to do it, wisely or not, he wanted one day to live peacefully with his people smiling like they used to and if he kept that anger and anguish inside him he would never achieve his goal.

    He let out a heave while he stood, staring at the closed door in front of him. He placed his fingertips on the expensive material feeling the cold slip into his veins. Everything had been frozen, for a very long time and Allias couldn''t help but wonder how he could melt the ice, not only through the walls and furniture but from everyone''s hearts. He needed to be their sun again and fill them with warmth but he didn''t feel so pure anymore. He didn''t feel like he could do that, with his constant self, filled with fear, hatred and anger he wouldn''t be able to make anyone smile, no matter how much he wanted it to.

    "My King, won''t you go in?" He heard someone ask him and recognized Dionysus'' voice. He took a step to the side for the god to enter but he stood still, looking at him. "You look pale, my lord"

    "Can you blame me?" Allias asked him with a half dead smile and he nodded. "Thank you for your help."

    "Well you should thank Suijin not me. He likes you. He says that you look very kind which is rare in our days."

    "Oh, I am sorry to disappoint but at the moment I am everything but kind." Allias said his previous thoughts coming back to him. He wished he could be his previous self. Filled with light.

    "You know my lord you are young so let this old man give you an advice. The pain you have inside you is neither good or bad. It''s just pain and fear and a blend of everything that''s not nice but what you turn it into is up to you and only you. Do you want that pain to become motivation so no one you love gets to experience the same things as you? A drive to protect. Or it could be a sword to punish and take revenge on those who wronged you. The will for justice if you want to call it something but¡­" Dionysus said with a smile as he raised his index finger and approached him. "¡­everything comes with a cost. If you protect you don''t get revenge and if you get revenge you will not be the same person who wants to protect. It''s the two sides of you, of every person in this forsaken planet. Pain is neutral how you wield it defines who you are and who you will be."

    Allias blinked a few times and wondered if he was being that obvious, certainly that wasn''t his intention but at the same time sitting there in plain sight brooding could give in enough information about his thoughts as it seemed.

    "Do not worry. You are not that obvious. Is just that I am good with people''s minds. Now to my actual advice. Drink and forget it will make you feel much better. Or you can drink and express yourself. Wine is always a good option." Dionysus said and laughed. "Excuse me if I came off as rude my king...not that I care but oh well, you know etiquette. Shall we go in?"

    "Oh, yeah let''s go." Allias said shaking slightly his head as he opened the door. Inside the meeting room he could already spot Theseus, Rafael, Achlys and Suijin. As it seemed they were the only two who were late to the party.

    Achlys bowed her head with a very charming smile as Allias took his seat at the top of the table, hoping that his slowed movement would not betray him, or the fact that he denied strictly to place his back at the back of the chair. He didn''t even want to think how that would feel.

    "So now that you have gotten your punishment I think we could talk about the matter that we called you here for." Allias said with a very strict expression as he took the papers Theseus had left for him on the table. He took a fast look to double check his information and began talking again not giving the chance to anyone to mention Hara. "There has been an issue with a hunter clan lately. The wolf pack named Whit Fangs and not us slaughtered a lot of their own and now we are positive they will return to seek revenge. They also have the location of the portal and since The Elven Kingdom is at the threshold I want to hurry and be ahead of them. I believe I could talk with one of their leading members, his name is Joe and he is against the hunter''s tactics. I want to form a crew and find them." Allias explained.

    "That sounds very interesting my king but unfortunately Hara seems to have returned back home, meaning that a vote is not possible. Maybe you should postpone your mission for the time being until we can schedule a next meeting. Around three to four months." Achlys said cheerfully.

    "This is ridiculous. So you came here to just give one of our guests a beating and reject our formal request because one of you needed to go home? Our request for a voting has already been accepted. Are you abusing your power Achlys for something different?" Theseus asked the demon woman.

    "Of course not. What would I gain from this? Is just that I think we need to think about this a bit more¡­"

    "All I see is you trying to stall a procedure all your colleagues have already approved. Rafael let me ask you¡­do you really think her words is of more value than the rest of you?" Allias asked the angel who only seemed to share a few words. At his provocation he opened his clear eyes, a bit shocked. He didn''t believe things seemed like that.

    "That''s ridiculous. We are all equal at the council we¡­"

    "Yes, we are." Achlys agreed while interrupting him. She seemed to get nervous and her obnoxious smile slowly was fading away.

    "You are but all you do is talk and interrupt them." Theseus commented and Rafael looked at her obviously annoyed.

    "As I was saying." The angel continued. "We will vote. This is why we had decided beforehand. And If I am allowed to begin I approve of your plan to form a group. You should do it as soon as possible." He announced and Theseus smiled. They already had one vote to their side.

    "I agree too." Dionysus said "Suijin?"

    "They should do it."

    "Now Achlys¡­not that your opinion matters but what do you think?" Allias asked her finally finding some relief. She had fallen right into their trap and without even questioning it. It was very fascinating how some people could be so easily manipulated. If she could do it Allias and Theseus could too.

    "Why yes of course. You have the freedom to do whatever you want but let me set a very important term to this mission of yours. Out of consideration" she announced.

    ....

    Hello! Thank you for reading and for all your support.

    How does the new arc seem so far? I''d love to hear your opinions!

    Thank you.

 Chapter 116 - 116- Adding To The Team

    "What do you mean a term?" Allias asked concerned. He didn''t want to hear another word coming from that woman''s mouth. She was always scheming and he was sure she was just trying to turn things to her favor once more.

    "You see my King; as a council member I took the liberty to contact the White Fang wolf pack. They seem to be filled with regret for what happened and they wanted to do something about it. So I proposed you and you team go to this trip with a team from them. I mean, you were both in this together so you should resolve it together? It will be good for your future relationship." Achlys announced, her fingers intertwined in front of her.

    Theseus looked at her with the intention of ripping her to shreds. She was announcing something that was definitely an attempt to upset them. She was fully aware of the relationship between elves and wolves and specifically how things had gone with Allias. She had been there after all, when Allias returned and she witnessed his wrath. As it seemed he had been too mild because now even a lowly demon believed that he could play with him.

    Allias put his papers down slowly and stared at her with a very eminent smile. He was irritated. She was planning to push him to his limit, make him lose his temper and ridicule himself. Show how unfitting he was to be king, even if this seat, this kingdom was rightfully his.

    "Achlys dear¡­" Allias called out and she turned her snake eyes to him.

    "Yes my lord?"

    "You are playing very dangerous games. A lot older than you and as it seems you don''t know the rules." He said and she laughed.

    "You have been gone for a long time, golden King. Things have changed. For the better"

    "Your better? Because I don''t see anyone else happy? For sure your predecessor isn''t"

    "Ouch. Achlys I would be offended if I was you" Dionysus said while he was trying to contain his laugh.

    "No one''s name is clear as day." Achlys said "We all have done things to be where we are so what do you think you have the right to judge me?" she asked them, her tone showing slightly how offended she was.

    "Yes, you are true we have all done horrible things. Immortality is more burdensome than it seems. There is a difference though between you and the rest. At least most of the rest. We did what we did as a last resort, sometimes to even protect ourselves. Yours was the first choice, the easy way. We did not enjoy what we did while you did. Do not mock people''s darkness and scars just because you have befriended yours." Suijin spoke in more than two sentences for the first time during their trip. Dionysus looked at him a bit stunned but a smile formed soon in his face. He couldn''t take his eyes off him the way he stood there so stern and filled with confidence in his words. He definitely didn''t talk a lot but somehow every time he spoke he always knew what to say.

    "There is no way for us to fight like this. Your decision has passed as positive." Rafael said. "And I do think that Achlys has a good idea. For you to work together it might be a good think so contact their pack and dispatch soon on your mission."

    "All right then but if I kill them on the way don''t be mad at me please. I might wake up the wrong way one morning and follow the Achlys way." Theseus mocked the demon queen and she scoffed. She was constantly being attacked with words today and she had to put up with it. Even the slightest explosion would just be a point to them and she couldn''t have that. Especially risking Rafael''s support. He was the only neutral piece here now; she had realized the gods had sided with the elves so she should always stay on his good side.

    "Theseus please¡­" Allias said trying to scold him but the happiness in his face was too much for someone to overlook it. He was supporting his lover''s words even if he said the world was flat in front of everyone he would stand by him but at the same time he had to be the king. That didn''t stop him of course from letting out a slight laugh but stop it immediately.

    "I am sorry." He said while raising his hands in a retreating motion.

    "You seem like such a happy couple." Achlys commented. "It is such a shame you can''t produce an heir. All of the Avgee tribe is gone but the royal couple is unable to produce an heir. How unfortunate."

    Allias suddenly turned quiet. His face fell as he stared at the crystal table. He could see his reflection on it. The pure anger that was starting to manifest inside him. It was slowly crawling outside. She didn''t know, she didn''t have the slightest idea how badly Allias wanted a family and she dared to speak up about this. Your pain is yours. You decide how to yield it. He repeated inside him but the pain was too much. Her comments, those specific words were simply the ones that could push him to his limit until¡­until he felt Theseus'' palm rest on his thigh underneath the table. He squeezed his thigh and began talking.

    "We do have children. My brother and Ea, we practically raised them. We have a family and even though we might not fit what you stereotypically think we are very happy and that''s all that matters." He told her not planning to mock or joke for the first time. He was completely honest and he didn''t really say those words just for her. To make her stop talking but for Allias, he needed to soothe him. He was aware of his pain. Of the troubles they had gone through concerning that specific matter and he wouldn''t allow anyone. Not even Achlys who had gotten a free pass many times with her vicious words.

    "Oh I see, maybe then I shouldn''t talk about what I heard. For some Avgee people¡­"

    "What?" Allias asked her raising his head. His green eyes were on edge, his muscles tense as he heard her lips form his tribe''s name.

    "Achlys you should not be lying about things like these" Dionysus said and gave her a wary expression. She was in danger of stepping landmines now.

    "But I am not. I really did hear something but I guess you are perfectly happy that way. You don''t need to know" She said and Allias opened his lips to say something but Theseus intervened.

    "This meeting is over. We will send you the information about the operation soon. Thank you for coming here you can take your leave." The general said and stood up, politely or at least as politely as he could, signaled them to take the hell out of his home. The angel stood up first realizing how unwanted they were after Achlys'' comment. The gods followed saying their goodbyes with a simple nod leaving the two elves alone with Achlys. "Won''t you leave?" Theseus asked her, his tone sharper now that no one was here. Allias had remained quiet.

    "Oh, I will." She said and stood up, her chair screeching on the floor as she placed her underneath the table. "My King, if you ever need to know about what I heard you know where to find me. I am sure we will have a very good conversation." She said.

    "We will not need you. Thank you very much though. We hope you enjoyed your stay. A guard will lead you to your room" Theseus told her and a young man appeared at one of the corners of the room. He bowed slightly, dramatizing her movement before she followed willingly the man who had come before her.

    "Why didn''t you let her tell us?" Allias asked Theseus once they were alone. He had his elbows on the long table, his face hidden by his palms as he spoke. He pushed with his fingers his hair back revealing clearly his discontent. "She said something about my people"

    "That woman is nothing more than a black hole full of lies Allias. All she wanted was to upset you to satisfy her sadistic nature. You can''t get hopes about this I am begging you. I have searched everywhere for remains of your people but there were no traces. I swear if I had the slightest clue I would do everything to get them back. But there are none left. I am sorry but please don''t believe her words."

    "Yes but what if she wants something? What if she really has information and is trying to yield it to her advantage?" Allias asked and stood up. "What if we lost our only chance?"

    He was devastated by this. He still hadn''t come to terms with the fact that his Tribe had gone extinct, that no one out there was the same as him. It was a very painful thought and while everything seemed to be happening so fast around him, almost in the speed of light the burden of realization had been stored to the side or else he would crumble again.

    "No Allias. They are gone. Please don''t do this to yourself. We have a mission now. We need to focus on this. To help the few of us who have remained. To avoid another war."

    "What if my people are still out there?"

 Chapter 117 - 117- The Princes Truth

    Ea had been waiting for Ares for quite a while now. He felt the cold wind collide with the warmth of his furry coat and closed his eyes in an attempt to not have snowflakes poke his eyes. The weather was especially wild today. Like the earth and all the elements, the magic of the world had sensed what they had done. The life they had taken.

    He took a deep breath and paced around, leaving footprints on the pure snow, listening to the familiar sound his steps made. Ares and he had to talk. He couldn''t postpone it for any longer. They were so many things he wanted to say but at the same time when he was facing him he was lost.

    Looking at his crimson eyes, the way his hair was always perfectly styled and his neat clothing. The free spirit he possessed and the will to always follow his believes showed obviously how different they were from eachother. Ea was not special. He was pretty normal except for his petite form everything else was average. So standing in front of someone so magnificent. Someone who could reject you and would be right to do so since you offered nothing, was terrifying.

    It was now or never. The golden king had finally returned and everything seemed to be put into place. It was time for this obligation to get out of the way. Ea would speak and then Ares would have the time to decide, if their marriage was a simple deal or something more. They were still young. Children in comparison to Theseus and Allias even if they had lived a few full centuries and a lot of the times Ea forgot he was a teenager. In human years he would be around sixteen seventeen years old while Ares would soon be eighteen. He couldn''t believe that he got married so young, in such a rush. He was basically a child and was forced to link with someone. Same happening to Ares. Of course he would be hated like that. He couldn''t blame him.

    He wished he wasn''t though. Ea was always serious and never overstepped the thin lines the others set. No one could imagine the dreams he had from his strict face and attitude. No one knew how jealous he was of Theseus and Allias. Not in a bad way, he just simply wanted it too. A love that can last for years, centuries and the eyes of the one he loved would still look at him like it was the first day. A love where no one else matters and home was an embrace and the secure feeling of a heartbeat not some cold building or a dull room filled with paperwork and books.

    The young elf sat down on the snow daydreaming again. Letting that bittersweet sensation into his soul again as he imagine being held by Ares. As he wondered how kissing him now would feel or how happy he would be if he ever was the reason for him to smile. How different the world would feel is he felt loved.

    "Why do you have that bitter smile on your face?" He heard Ares'' voice and flinched as he landed back to the real world.

    "I...I was waiting for you. Are you done with your mission?" He asked him and immediately stood up.

    "Yeah." Ares said looking slightly perplexed. He wasn''t sure why Ea would be waiting for him out here in the snow. He must have waited quite a while, the prince realized as he saw his red fingertips and how red his small nose and cheeks were. "Are you here to nag me again?" Ares asked trying hard to fight the urge to take his hands in his and huff into his palms to make the cold go away.

    "No. No. I...I think we should talk." He said, stuttering a bit.

    "Talk about what?" Ares asked him.

    "Us."

    "Us?"

    "Yes. I want to clear things out between us " Ea explained and suddenly Ares frowned.

    "So you waited here to make clear to me that you don''t like me and that our marriage is a burden. You don''t have to tell me that. I already know how you feel." The prince told him and every word was a shock in Ea''s heart. Was it really how he seemed to him? Had he failed so much into showing his true intentions?

    "What? Wait..." Ea shouted as Ares began walking. He was tall and his steps were much bigger than his. Ea ran trying to catch up into the thick snow, the air pushing him back, growing more and more intense. At a moment his foot became unstable and got too deep into the snow. As he tried to raise it he hit a rock that was burried by it and fell face first, feeling like he had just dived into a tub with ice cubes.

    Hearing the familiar sound of a collision Ares turned around fast and ran back to reach Ea. He tended his gloved hand and Ea took it shyly. Every part of his body had turned red from embarrassment. At least he hadn''t seen him fall.

    "Thank you" Ea said and stayed silent as Ares took his gloves off and grabbed his hands. He made him wear them and he felt how much bigger his hands were in comparison to his. Long fingers and strong arms. He rubbed their hands together and looked at him, his eyes warm as a raging fire and Ea could feel the blizzard in his heart calming down. He was so handsome.

    "Don''t stay out in the cold like this. I''ve told you before you need to be ..."

    "I like you. I always did." Ea spurred out in the moment. Ares stopped talking and his hands stopped moving as he raised his head. Their gazes met, and the moment seemed to last forever. It was unexpected and the young elf didn''t know where he found the courage but when he felt his hands touching his he could sense a strange pull and then a push. Like his mind was now shut down and his heart had taken over. It was now or never.

    "For years you have been calling me a cheater, irresponsible and a disappointment. Is that how it feels to like someone to you?" Ares asked him sounding almost as if he was insulted by his confession. "Don''t mock me." He said and took his hands away. Placing them in the pockets of his jacket.

    "I am not. I swear. Please listen to me. I really want to explain how things are...in my head. Even if you don''t want me I have to tell you this. You have to know it. I might sound selfish but please...."

    Ares was quiet and Ea did not know what to think. He couldn''t understand why the prince was so mad at his confession. All he had said was that he liked him but Area seemed liked he was getting more and more angry at him. He turned around ready to leave. Ea wanted to stop him again but unexpectedly he decided to stay. He looked at him, wrinkled forming between his brows as he looked at him like he was some kind of hard to solve enigma.

    "I am the one who doesn''t want you? You don''t like me Ea. If you did you wouldn''t have treated me that way back then. When we got engaged. I really...I really..."

    "What do you mean? What did I do? Please tell me! You''ve said that before but I don''t know." Ea pleaded him to explain. There was something he had always been hiding. There was something that had stranded their relationship and now Ea had realized it. Some wound Ares had never shared. An action Ea did not take notice of.

    "I don''t know if you''re pretending to be dumb but this game of yours is starting to make me really mad. You don''t know? Remember when I got kidnapped with Allias? He had just gotten engaged. I was tortured day after day. Forced to watch a rape scene unable to do the slightest bit. I waited to be saved by someone helpless and alone and when I came back I remained alone. My mother and father were already dead during the war. My brother needed to be by Allias'' side because he had gone through so much more than me and I was all by myself. With my wounds, and scars. With the nightmares and I waited and waited like a fool for you to at least visit me once. To hold my hand. To comfort me. I knew this engagement was not ideal. I had known that but I believed that you would at least care for me a little bit. So I kept believing that while I was on that lonely bed, filled with wounds and wrapped in bandages, unable to even speak for a few day because of the shock but still I fucking waited for you to come! When I actually could walk again I decided that maybe you were shy to see me, maybe you wouldn''t know what to say so I decided to visit you and do you remember what you said as I looked at you, beaten up and exhausted?I couldn''t sleep from the nightmares. I couldn''t breathe at night and I would wake up heaving, gasping for air looking around lost to see if I was still chained up in a dirty room waiting to be tortured again. Do you remember Ea?!" Ares shouted filled with rage. His loud scream being taken away by the raging wind. "I am busy. That''s what you told me that day when I needed you the most. The only time I had decided to turn to someone in my life. To ask for even the slightest support. The only fucking time I needed someone so I could cry my eyes out. Someone to tell me that my torture was over. Someone. You. I am busy. That''s all I got." he repeated and laughed. "That''s the reason why I will never believe you Ea. I will never acknowledge that you like me."

    .....

    Hello! Thanks for reading! How does Ea''s and Ares'' story seem so far to you? Please let me know!

 Chapter 118 - 118- Unhappy

    Warning: Depression

    "No Allias. They are gone. Please don''t do this to yourself. We have a mission now. We need to focus on this. To help the few of us who have remained. To avoid another war."

    "What if my people are still out there?"

    Allias stood up and felt a sharp pain on his back from the sudden movement. His muscles had been through so much the last few months he always felt tired. He couldn''t get Achlys'' words out of his head from the first moment she had opened her mouth. If there was even the slightest possibility how could he ever overlook that with confidence? Her mention brought to the surface a pain he had tried very hard to burry for now. A pain he knew it wasn''t the time or place to let loose because he wouldn''t be able to handle. That weight that made his curve and wither was great and now it would become a constant resident on his mind.

    "It''s impossible I have searched everywhere" Theseus said and Allias give him a devastated look. Why couldn''t he hope together with him? Was it that hard to say that he will look? That they would search together to find out if the demon queen''s words were truth.

    "I don''t believe you" Allias said raising steadily his tone. "I will search for them. Everywhere. It''s unbelievable that a whole Tribe has been extinct."

    "What do you mean you don''t believe me?" Theseus asked with a frown. "Why would I ever lie to you? Tell me."

    "I don''t know what you''re thinking. I have been gone for too long." Allias said and his long fingers curled into powerful fists. He indeed had been gone for a huge amount of time. Everything around him had changed from the faces he recognized to the place he called home. Allias felt like he was a thing of the past, as if he didn''t belong in this era. A stranger not only to himself but to everyone around him. He couldn''t feel the warmth he used to, he didn''t hear the laughter. This place, everything that has remained was different from what he knew and he was sure that sooner or later he would come to hate the deafening echo in the empty hallways or the always stern and cold faces of the servants. This was not what he wanted to experience once he got back.

    "What''s wrong with you? Are you implying that I have changed? I waited for you, for so long¡­" Theseus said letting out a long sigh and he rubbed his forehead to try and push away an upcoming headache. He was disappointed at his words. He could see that Allias hadn''t been fully happy with his return, he had wondered if it was because he hadn''t remembered fully yet but this wasn''t it. This place did not feel like home to him, he still felt derange and out of place and no matter how hard Theseus wondered what could be the cause, because now he was amongst his people, he couldn''t give himself a certain answer.

    "Everything has changed! Nothing is the same and I hate it! I don''t know anyone here; I am the king of simply a ghost kingdom. Where are the people? I feel like I don''t belong here¡­I feel so alone." He confessed his voice breaking with every hurtful word. He rested his fist on the cold table, his knuckles still white from the pressure as he looked at Theseus. "This place does not feel like home." He said and his words could be equal to him shooting a deadly arrow through his heart. The general had tried so hard; he was preparing for years but he was unable to change the seasons. He was unable to make the people laugh.  He himself for many years couldn''t laugh. All he had establish was building a lonely and depressed kingdom that Allias would hate.

    "I am sorry" Theseus mumbled. "I tried. I really did"

    "Don''t tell me you are sorry!" Allias shouted filled with boiling anger. "Why would you be sorry? For what exactly? It''s not your fault everyone is dead. It''s not your fault my home was destroyed it''s not your fault that everything has turned cold and distant. It''s not your fault that I am not happy anymore. That I am a stranger. It''s¡­mine" Allias said and his words were filled with burning anguish. Those feeling had been bottled up from the moment he awakened. He tried to pretend that everything was fine. He tried to smile at the servants, be kind to them but all he would see was their bowing heads. There were no faces. Just shadows and brief encounters. He hated this place, he was locked in an icebox and had so many things to deal with from the moment he opened his eyes that he didn''t even have the decency to visit his people''s graves.

    "You are not happy?" Theseus said. He was sensing it. He could feel it that there was something behind his half smiles, his sighs and shaking hands. He had nightmares and every time something would happen he would seem devastated. Completely different than what he was before.

    "There is no one here like me. No one that I know. I am alone." Allias said and kicked the chair he had been previously sitting on. He crouched down and hit his face with his palms as the pieces of broken wood scattered all over the floor. He was lonely, so lonely. His friends. His family, they were all gone and he hadn''t even said a goodbye. How could he begin anew? No matter how badly he wanted it. No matter how hard he had tried to accept it, that night that he looked at the ruins with Theseus how could he just forget them?

    "I am here! I am right here with you! Right in front of you! Look at me dammit. I am still here. Ares is still here. Ea is still here. We are alive. We had been waiting for you.!" Theseus shouted and tried to approach him. He wanted to get him out of this depressing maze. Lead him to an exit, offer him a new beginning but this time he couldn''t. he was scared to get close. As the elf king raised his head, his teary eyes, that radiant green, deadly as it pierced through him. He stood up.

    "I am stuck Theseus. I am nothing more than a mere ghost. Time did not stop with my death and I can''t catch up. So I do not care If I am delusional. If there is only one percent possibility to find them. This is a change I cannot stand. I can''t live with it!"

    "You were fine before!"

    "No I wasn''t. I freaking wasn''t fine. Don''t lie to yourself. I am just trying to be fine. Adjust to everything. To the responsibilities, to the disaster to every single bad thing here. My mentality is so bad that I don''t seem to be able to get my powers back! I am just stuck in a time I will never get back and it hurts."

    He was not trying to put the blame on anyone. Who could be at fault for this after all? He just wanted someone to understand his pain. The endless struggle to find the strength to get up in the morning. The constant day dreaming of the impossible. He needed someone to know how it feels like to be tired all the time. He was trying so hard to find even a spec of strength inside him, to be happy that he was alive but all he felt was death and darkness. He was stuck in an endless cycle of being scared and sad. Stuck in dreaming during the day about a future he wished to have and having nightmares during the night of everything he had lost. His feet were rooted to the ground and he just couldn''t move. His hands would bleed from trying to remove these merciless thorny vines that seemed to cover and prick at his body more and more but they were unbreakable. He was all alone, filled with pain and painted red by his own blood. The need for someone to understand was bone breaking leaving him helpless once more but no one seemed to be around.

    "Allias I don''t know what to say to you" Theseus said. No matter what he told him he figured out it would be pointless. He wanted to be there for him, say soothing words but what could soothe the pain of losing your world? Everything that you knew. "I want to try. I want to help you be happy again. Can we try together?" He asked him and tended his hand. His heart was beating so loudly like a drum in the old parades. The sound overtook everything around him and he could even feel the flow of his blood. He looked at Allias anticipating for their hands to meet. To find a connection again.

    "I¡­I need some time to think" Allias mumbled and Theseus'' hand fell lifeless to his side. His lilac eyes widened and the pain of the rejection hit him like a sudden bolt. He had never done that before. "I need to be alone." Allias said and ran away.

    What was happening?

    ...

    Hello! Did you enjoy this chapter? Someone please say something T.T I need to know if you like the course of the story so far.

    Thanks.

 Chapter 119 - 119- A Kings Truth

    He was sure that Theseus would be looking for him, all around the palace he would want to find him and tell him something, anything that would make him feel better. Allias did not want that though. As he ran away like a coward he realized how stupid he had been. Every time he opened his mouth his thoughts and the truth would mix together and the darkness would make him say things he didn''t want to.

    At the moment he only wished to hide and stop his crying. He sprinted towards the kitchen, where the scent of freshly made bread and warm soup could almost become suffocating. He looked around at the cooks and staff who were staring at him dumbfounded as he screamed at the to get out. All of them began running away, not even daring to look behind and he felt even more pitiful.

    The kitchen had an island in the middle. Made from sturdy wood that had been covered by a very thick layer of shiny ice. That too was frozen. Allias pulled a stool and sat down contemplating if he should smack his head on the surface now or act a bit more like a baby. He bit his bottom lip and tapped his fingertips thinking. He was an idiot. A big one.

    "I thought I told everyone to get out." He said when he heard footsteps entering the kitchen.

    "Even me your majesty?" A woman asked. For a second he frowned, unable to recognize the owner of the voice. He turned around on his chair to face her, curious who would say something like that. When he observed her face his jaw dropped and suddenly tears came to his eyes again.

    In front of him stood a very old elf. A woman he had known all his life. A Disee immigrant that his mother had employed on their palace even before he was born. She was tall with grey hair in a very strict pony tail. Her eyes were as black as the starless night.  In the years he hadn''t seen her the wrinkles around her eyes and on her forehead had deepened making her look even wiser. She now had a cane, a colored wooden support as she slowly walked towards him.

    "Clelia, what are you doing here?" He asked her unable to take in her sudden appearance.

    "I heard that someone is going through a rough time." She said and sat next to him.

    "I thought that everyone I knew was¡­dead" Allias said hurting even by phrasing that sentence.

    Clelia smiled and took his hand in hers. She caressed the top of his palm with her thumb and asked him.

    "What if everyone was dead¡­what would you do then?"

    "I... don''t know. I feel like everything has changed and that it was my fault. I couldn''t protect my people. Now I am back but everything is so different. I don''t know if I can do it. I want to make the people happy but everyone that I had next to me is gone. My mother, she is gone too. I have missed so much, many of the people here don''t even know me." Allias shared his troubles with her. She had been something like a nanny to him, ever since he was young and knew him very well. In her face she could see the only remnants of home. It was a very bittersweet sensation.

    "This place looks dead doesn''t it? Covered in heavy snow, always cold. It''s depressing. Much different from the home you were used to. I understand that. You woke up and all you could see were unfamiliar faces. You don''t know if they trust you or if they truly want you. Everyone is so stern and strict. There is no music and no sun and it scares you, doesn''t it? You are so far away from home, a home you can''t return to and that hurts. The war hurt you so much so you only feel like there are just responsibilities and nothing else. There is nothing here" She asked him and the king nodded. "I have to say your grace I am quite disappointed in you. I had expected you to be much more than a cry baby."

    "What?" Allias asked surprised.

    "Well you keep drowning yourself with all the negatives but let me ask you my foolish king¡­what is truly here?" She asked him with a motherly smile. "Can you tell me; after all the times you woke up what made you feel happy here?" Allias looked at the island scared to meet her eyes. He felt embarrassed as she pointed out his childish behavior. "Isn''t Ea here? Ares? Your best friend Mark? Isn''t Theseus here? The lover you chose to sacrifice your life for. And let me ask you. So many people died at the war, so many loved ones were lost but you came back. You were blessed enough to see at least some of the people you love. Isn''t that a reason to be happy itself?"

    "I know¡­it''s just that¡­"

    "It''s not that you''re unhappy. You are simply scared. Everything seemed to flow normally so does anyone really need you? Does Theseus need you? He seemed to be doing your job just fine"

    Allias stayed quiet. What could he answer to that woman who could so easily explain his fears better than him. He felt like there wouldn''t be a place for him here anymore. He knew it sounded so selfish but all his life he had known that people depended on him, they admired him and feared his power. Now he was just a lost teenager, with not even one third of his power, afraid and sensitive. Lost in his own kingdom hurting the people he loved.

    "Allias you need to relax. You will return to your own self soon. There is no need to hurry and your fear of not being needed, oh, my king you are so wrong. These people had been waiting for you for so long. They had grieved your death like they had lost a family member and prayed that you will come back to them safe and sound. You were loved by your people and still are. It''s just that they are shocked. Everything happened so suddenly."

    "I am a fool Clelia. I know" Allias said and fell on the island. His face feeling the numbness of the cold furniture. He hit slightly his fist and sighed, his back going up and down. The old woman patted his head with a smile. He was still a child after all, he had never truly enjoyed his youth.

    "So if you want my advice my king I think it''s time for the man we love to return. I can still see it in you."

    "I treated Theseus really badly. He will hate me"

    "Will he? I mean he waited for you. He took over all of your responsibilities and he found himself being hated and criticized because of his background. Then he tried to keep everything the same for you so when you returned you would feel at peace. He didn''t smile for so long. So you should be ashamed for mistreating him. Yes, you can be immature but think a bit of how much he sacrificed for you. You need to apologize"

    "But I want to search for my people. I need to do it."

    "Then do it. If you really want to. Theseus is just scared that you will get hurt again.

    "I need to apologize but I don''t know how to explain my feelings. You said everything perfectly while all I did was spit nonsense and hurt him. I am still a child."

    "And that''s okay." She said and caressed his cheek with her warm palm. "You will get to find your own self again, slowly and I am sure Theseus will always be by your side. Now if you need a little push, I may have a bottle of very good wine on that cupboard. Not that I approve of methods like this but a glass once in a while might help." She said and stood up. Before she left she pointed at the cupboard with her nicely fined nail. "Take your time. He waited for seventy years he can wait a few more hours."

    "Clelia. I am glad I got to see you again. Thank you for always being a great guide." Allias thanked her and she smiled at him wholeheartedly.

    "It has been my pleasure to serve you."

    After that,  Allias blinked a few times trying to process her words while he was alone. Would loosening up a bit help? Maybe. He wished to unwind his tongue that seemed to have more poison than a snake from time to time. He stared at the cupboard for a while, like he wanted to burn a hole through it and then he stood up, lazily heading there and searching its contents. Behind a jar of chocolate cookies and a sack of sugar he found it. A shiny bottle, in a tear like shape filled almost to the brim with a radiant crimson liquid.

    He held it in his hands and weighted it. Just one glass would help. It would warm him up and help him say the right things. He just needed to not think that much. He told himself and found a glass before sitting back down. His seat had already gotten cold and he shivered. In the empty room the sound of the liquid landing on the glass was loud and he enjoyed the calmness of everything.

    He took a sip and he savored the rich flavor on his tongue. Closing his eyes, he repeated his apology again and again on his mind but this time it seemed a lot harder for him to do. He didn''t want to swallow his pride and confessed that he wanted to be needed by his people, by his servants, by Theseus. He would sound even more childish if someone thought that he wanted that but at the same time he was scared of the responsibility.

    Just like that a whole hour passed and without realizing it he had drank all the wine.

    ...

    omg drunk allias. How will this go? Thanks for reading.

 Chapter 120 - 120- My Only Friend

    Ea was perfectly aware that he had made the Disee family more than once very angry. First it was his own master, while he forced Alex''s transformation. Their King physically had been alright and returned. The problem though was that there was something missing. Something that everyone could see, even he himself. Allias was gravely infected by a darkness he didn''t use to have and maybe the reason was his premature transition, the fact that he hadn''t completely remembered everything yet, he wasn''t fully himself yet and probably that hurt him more than anyone. Second was his husband, Ares. He had made a grave mistake without even knowing it. The Disee prince had remembered after all these years the wound he had left him. At his weakest moment he hadn''t been there to support him and help him up. That was enough to be hated, Ea didn''t even blame him anymore.

    The small elf sighed as he entered the room and looked at his bed slightly surprised. If he had known he would have visitors he would have cleaned this place up, and stack somewhere else the endless piles of books and papers. The man sat in the darkness not even opening a window and had a very sorrowful look on his face as their eyes met. Everyone seemed to have been afflicted by a very dangerous wave of sadness all of a sudden. Things were definitely not the same after Allias'' return but not for the better.

    "It''s your fault you know. The fact that he is not well" His master told him in a cold tone. He sat there his palms resting on his knees as he looked at the dusty wooden floor.

    "I know. I am sorry."

    "You forced his transition while he didn''t know anything. Now he is half of a person. Alone and confused. He is still filled with fear and I can''t do anything. I don''t know what to say to him. I send Clelia to speak with him but I am sure she will scold him. No one understands what is happening to him, not even me but I am sure it''s terrifying and I¡­can''t do anything." Theseus said. In this palace people liked to always blame others and then blame themselves. Even though Theseus telling him what he did wasn''t really blaming but stating facts. He shouldn''t have done it. He should have given him time to find himself first. His transition could be thought of as a journey in search of his true self, as clich¨¦ as that could sound but Ea had prevented him from finishing it. So now Allias was stuck with his human remains, trying to find how to be a king, while feeling alone and dealing with his responsibilities. No one should pity him. The truth was that he had been blessed with a chance that many didn''t have but would kill for but at the same time Ea could acknowledge the struggle he had created. Maybe if he hadn''t taken him to that room that night, things would be different.

    "I am sorry" Ea said still standing awkwardly a few steps away from his door. Theseus looked at him and let out a very fake laugh.

    "Don''t be. If you hadn''t done it maybe, I would have. You see I am impatient too. Or at least I was. I wanted to see him again but now¡­"

    "I am sure the King will come back, fully. He is stronger than we think."

    "I offered him my hand and he rejected it. Is it possible that he does not love me anymore?" Theseus wondered and rubbed his face filled with agitation. "What do I do know?"

    "I don''t believe that he doesn''t love you. I just think that maybe he is scared to ask for help. We all have a fear rooted deep within us. The King''s was always not being strong enough. Maybe now this fear unknowingly is keeping him down. The same way you always think you are not good enough, the same way I¡­think that everyone will leave me. That I am not worth being loved. We all have fears that stop us from doing what we want. You should know that best since your fear stopped you for many years of being with the king."

    Ea grabbed a chair, the only one he had close to his old desk and sat down, facing the depressed general.

    "I didn''t imagine things like this. Maybe I was too hopeful." Theseus said and Ea smiled.

    "Could have been a lot worse actually. Maybe it''s time all of us stop being so depressing. Sometimes I feel like we don''t really value or be grateful for anything. I mean¡­sorry for my rudeness but how can you even think for a second, that the man who literally when he died turned everything around you into a poisonous minefield so no one would touch doesn''t love you? Isn''t that kind of stupid?" Ea asked him and Theseus chuckled.

    "Someone''s had grown up." He commented and Ea shrugged his shoulders. "I still remember when Allias babysat you. You were such a cry baby and now you are giving me advice. Time sure flies. Is it normal to be scared of death when you live forever?"

    "You have died once, on that battlefield together with Allias. You know a pain that none of us does. I am not that afraid of death but the punishment you will give me."

    Theseus looked at him, for a second seeming to not know what he was talking about. When he realized his lilac eyes slightly widened and he raised his eyebrow before he laughed.

    "You are my only friend I wouldn''t punish you for real. Who do you take me for?"

    Friends? Ea repeated in his head, the unfamiliar word felt foreign and he didn''t try to repeat it. Just think about it. A peculiar warmth spread through his chest. So friends it was. He never really had a friend, or anyone he could be close to.

    "Why the hell are you crying?" Theseus asked him.

    "I never had a friend" The boy said while sniffling and wiped his eyes with the end of his sleeves. "Thank you"

    "Shut up man, of course we are friends. You are the only one who knows me well except for Allias and Ares. Literally you are my one and only friend."

    "You are my only friend too!" Ea cried like a child and Theseus smiled.

    "Glad to know we are both friendless losers."

    "No we are not¡­ yes we are" Ea said thinking about it again and Theseus offered him a handkerchief he kept on his pocket. It was soft and smelled of lavender, a very pretty T was written at the bottom right corner with black thread. "thanks" he said and wiped his tears with I before blowing his stuffy nose on it. Theseus frowned and looked at him when he tried to return it but he simply told him to keep it. Maybe wiping his nose with it was too much.  "Don''t worry about Allias. I am sure the fact that he saw Clelia will give him some peace. That not everything he knows had disappeared. He keeps staring at the ruins from time to time. It''s obvious he feels alone but I am sure that he will come to realize everything as time passes."

    "All I can do is wait I guess." Theseus said dissatisfied with the answer he gave. He didn''t want to wait. He just wanted Allias back. The man who he loved he needed him to be fully back.

    "How about you give him some time¡­and space?" Ea asked.

    "What do you mean?"

    "What could I mean?" Ea asked cocking his eyebrow at the stupid question. "Avoid him. It''s a very successful romance technique. We usually appreciate what we think we will lose. Maybe that danger will trigger something inside him."

    "That sounds so¡­childish" Theseus commented.

    "When were you not childish? This palace is filled with tall children. We run around our fingers all the time, biting our tongues. Unable to express ourselves. Ugh! It''s so frustrating" Ea said and hit his foot on the floor. Theseus looked at him with a questioning look.

    "Why do I think that you are not talking about Allias and I?" he asked him.

    "Everyone! I am talking about everyone in this damned palace. It''s a freaking playground. We should be looking at matters like, how to we bring the seasons back? Go out and search for Joe. Have a celebration for the return of the king. Have him talk to the people? How to make our Tribe strong again, form alliances but noooo. What we do is cry at night and wonder if he loves me or not. Why do I not feel myself? What did I do wrong? This is not a teenage romance book. We have work to do. We are stalling!" Ea said and stood up placing the chair back in its place and showed a pile of unopened letters to Theseus. "Do you see this? These are letters of many supernatural leaders requesting to se Allias. How will we show him to the rest of the Veil when all you people do is being depressed? We need to work. Get your shit together."

    "I bet you waited for a while to talk to me like that. Now that I am not the king."

    "Yes. Is there a problem with that?"

    "No, no express yourself. We don''t need another blow up" Theseus joked and he stood up. "Oh and about my brother, don''t be scared to talk to him. He is much nicer than he seems to be." Theseus advised him before he left.

    As he walked in the corridors many people greeted him, this time differently than what he had been used to all these years. He wasn''t the king anymore. He had returned to his previous position and that brought an unexpected feeling of relief.

    He made a sudden stop and stared outside the window that seemed to bring Allias so much grief. The foggy image of what used to be the Avgee Tribe was too depressing. Everything had crumbled. Maybe he should help him search for his people. Once this was all over he would either get to see his people again or realize that there is nothing more out there. Maybe he needed to confirm him himself.

    But for now he would follow Ea''s advice. He would avoid him for a while. Give him some time to think and gather his thoughts. What he didn''t know was that a very drunk Allias was running around in the palace looking for him. And he wouldn''t take a no for an answer.

    ....

    Hello everyone. A general but very important question.

    Do you think that Allias'' feelings have some base and his whole situation is not that absurd or do you think he is just being a big baby? I would love to hear your opinion.

    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 121 - 121- Stuttering, Mumbling And Kissing.

    "Open the door!" Theseus heard Allias'' familiar voice as he screamed behind the locked door of their bedroom.

    Just a few hours ago a servant had run to him in utter shock, unaware of what he should do and informed him that Allias was roaming around the castle, drunk screaming about where the general was. At first he was shocked too, he couldn''t hide that. He gave an order for the floor Allias was to be cleared out of to prevent further humiliation and began looking for him.

    You see, Theseus'' nature was the true embodiment of mischief, something that the last few years he had had to suppress since he was a king. Things though had changed and he realized that in between his brooding, depressive episodes he could have some fun once in a while.

    So he spotted the drunk elf, walking like he would fall at any moment, his face a very vibrant red color as he looked for him and stood right in front of him just a few meters away. Allias blinked a few times, trying to focus his vision and once he realized who he was facing he pointed at him with an agape lip.

    "You!" he shouted and tried to run towards him. The general was standing there with a vicious grin his hands resting behind his back as he observed the dizzy king trying to reach him. Just when he was a mere leap away from him Theseus would wave at him and then disappear into black smoke, leaving the drunk Allias dumbfounded and then annoyed.

    He kept repeating the same silly game again and again and Allias would not stop looking for him. He even got to hear a few swears, or more like mumbled words. He could recognize the word fuck you and when I get you I will kill you though. It was unexpectedly entertaining but he knew that at some point he would need to stop his game. So the last time he simply ran inside their room and in a hurry he locked the door. Allias followed him and once he realized that he hadn''t been granted the access he so much wanted he started banging at the door and commanding Theseus to let him in. It was quite the spectacle.

    "Theseus¡­do you know who I am?"

    "I''m sorry I do not know you please leave my room" Theseus joked and he could almost see Allias fuming behind that door.

    "What do you mean you don''t know me you, dickhead. Open the door. This is my room too!"

    "No I am sorry you must be mistaken. If you don''t leave I will alarm the guards that a lunatic has been after me." Theseus said and the smirk on his face grew bigger and bigger. He didn''t really want to admit it but this was also a very mild revenge for what he had done to him. He wouldn''t let it go so easily even though he wanted the confrontation to be over he did need to find some kind of justice. He didn''t offer a helping hand just to anyone and for certain he didn''t care about many people.

    "Fine then" Allias said. "Fuck you!" He shouted and then for a while everything turned quiet. Had he left? Theseus wondered when he suddenly felt someone pushing him on the door. Allias had grabbed his right arm bringing it behind his back and he had shoved his face on the cold wood. Theseus chuckled.

    "I see you figured out the teleporting thing. Teaching you that now seems a really, really bad idea."

    "What are you doing?" Allias asked him and he threw him messily on the bed. He was still very strong even if his powers weren''t fully back. "Do you want to see me angry?" he asked him but the way he was trying to walk straight and how his eyes were half closed and red from the liquor made this scene funny the least. Theseus didn''t answer he just tried not to laugh by biting his bottom lip. "You sent Clelia to tell me how ungrateful I was and when I look around for you to apologize you¡­" he said and pointed at him. "Avoid me. What is this?"

    "I just don''t want to see you. Or talk to you. That''s all" Theseus said faking a serious expression.

    Allias'' eyes widened and he sat on his lap. He grabbed him from his collar and raised him up, bringing their faces closer. His breath smelled of wine, his hair was messed up and his eyes had a haziness that made him look incredibly irresistible. Theseus had to avert his eyes, so he wouldn''t give in to the temptation of his beauty.

    "Aren''t you supposed to love me?" Allias asked him with a furious expression. "You should want to see me all the time. Or is it that I am gone for a few years and now that you don''t need me. Is that it? Is it?"

    "I am not talking to you" Theseus said and turned his face. "leave me alone"

    "Why?" Allias asked his anger slowly subsiding and tried to kiss him but Theseus pushed him away. He freed himself from his grip being equally strong and maybe even stronger physically and most importantly sober and Allias looked at him astonished. "You don''t want me to kiss you?" he asked him and pouted.

    As it seemed Theseus'' constant rejections had made his anger subside and now he felt threatened. He tried to move closer to him on the bed but Theseus extended his hand and made a stop signal. The drunk king stopped immediately and looked at his thighs, depressed.

    "Don''t come closer."

    "Why?" Allias asked his voice nothing more than a whisper.

    "Because you made me sad. I wanted to help you but you left me. You were mean to me and most importantly you put yourself down with your dark thoughts. That hurts me." Theseus said.

    "I am sorry." Allias mumbled. "I¡­I was wrong."

    "What did you say? Please say it louder."

    "No"

    "Sorry then I didn''t hear you."

    "You did"

    "Nope, I did not." Theseus repeated with a faint smile. He couldn''t be mad. It was simply impossible. He knew that even if Allias decided to burn the whole world down he would follow him in an instant and he wouldn''t even ask why. He was that in love with him and that love only grew in these years. He couldn''t do anything about it because every time he looked at his face, the picture of true perfection he knew he had been imprisoned. Not by a physical prison. Shackles or cuffs were easy to remove. It was so much more. A lock had been placed on his heart from the first moment they had met eyes and there was no key to open it. Allias had full control of it and it was too late for him to retaliate. He didn''t even want to if he could be fully honest.

    "I hate you" Allias said and hit his fist on the sheets.

    "I hate you too" Theseus returned the phrase and the king looked at him shocked.

    "No you don''t"

    "Of course I do. You hate me so why can''t I hate you?"

    "No."

    "Yes."

    "No" Allias repeated and tears started to swell up in his eyes. Theseus for a second felt a pinch on his chest. He wondered if he was taking this a bit too far before suddenly Allias began wailing loudly. "I love you!" he shouted while crying. "So you have to love me too. Please. I am sorry I have been weird. I am trying. I really am but it''s so confusing. I really love you though, I am sorry for not taking your hand. I will take it now. Give it to me." He said and extended his arms. Theseus on the contrary crossed his arms on top of his chest with a frown.

    "No, now it''s too late" he said.

    "Noooo. Give me your hand" Allias cried and jumped on him trying to undo his arms and take at least one hand into his. "Give¡­me" he grunted as he tried hard but Theseus muscles were tenser that rocks and his arms wouldn''t even budge. "Please?" he pleated and started at him, his palms resting on his stomach. He started tracing his cold fingers downwards leaving his shirt and getting to the smooth fabric of his pants.

    Theseus gasped and slowly felt his whole body turning hot. Actually they hadn''t been intimate ever since Allias returned so now that he felt his fingertips, scout areas that they shouldn''t his heart beat speed up and every place that Allias touched burned.

    "Please" he repeated with a naughty smile and Theseus scoffed.

    "Do you really want my hand that badly?" He asked him and Allias nodded cutely. "Well then you better be ready to try hard for it" Theseus said with a smirk and he pushed the drunk boy on the bed pinning him down.

    "Oh don''t worry I will" Allias said with the same grin before he raised his head and actually head bumped him. Theseus let out a shout, not expecting his move and look at him. "How dare you bitch to do this to me" Allias shouted suddenly getting his whole fighting spirit back and pushed him off the bed and threw him on the floor.

    Theseus closed his eyes regretting every decision that had let up to this moment. Allias was a very bad drunk. And he had just made it worse. A lot worse. He thought as he stood up. The general took a fighting stance.

    "Come on then. Let''s see what you can do. Have you gotten rusty after all this time?" he made fun of him and Allias jumped off the bed suddenly a lot more agile and woke than before.

    "Oh, it''s on" Allias said

    Unfortunately, Ea would have to clean up again.

    ...

    Hehehe I quite like their romance. How about u ppl? Thanks for reading!

    to be continued.

 Chapter 122 - 122- Stuttering, Mumbling And Kissing Pt2

    "Come on then. Let''s see what you can do. Have you gotten rusty after all this time?" he made fun of him and Allias jumped off the bed suddenly a lot more agile and woke than before.

    "Oh, it''s on" Allias said.

    "Don''t start crying later okay?" Theseus provoked him even more and Allias pushed him onto the wall. His body bouncing on the cold material and a gasp escaped his lips.

    "Oh, I think you should be telling that to yourself." Allias talked back. He had a very mischievous smirk on his handsome face, his eyes shining dangerously and his body covered by a shiny coat of sweat. He looked very seductive like that, as he pinned his lover on the wall. His head rested right next to Theseus'' head and the man was trapped between his body and the wall. Not that he really minded staying in this kind of prison. "You can still change your mind you know."

    "Nah, I don''t think so." Theseus said and suddenly hit him with his knee on a very sensitive area. The king immediately turned into a small ball and shouted in pain. Theseus started laughing hysterically as he threw him on the bed and pinned him down. His fingers wrapping around his wrists as the dived on the fluffy mattress.

    "You fucker that hurt" Allias said with a very hateful look and Theseus scoffed with his words pressuring his wrists down even harder as he fought to get away.

    "The emotional pain hurts more than a kick to your balls" He said half joking half serious. Allias at his words turned his head and with a pout told him to shut up. "How about you make me shut up?" Theseus asked him whispering seductively on his ear before he bit it.

    "Such a clich¨¦." Allias answered him and wrapped his legs around the general''s waist and with much he brought the man over his head and threw him on the head of the bed. A horrible sound echoing as it broke into many pieces.

    Theseus stood with his head lost in the pillows his legs up in the air and all Allias could hear was a very displeased grunt before he managed to release himself. Theseus got off the bed with the king following suit and their match restarted once more. This time the mad general was beginning to get fired up. As it seemed all of his attempts to seduce Allias were fruitless and the green eyed boy really wanted to fight. Well that was fine too. As long as they didn''t bring the palace down.

    "You play dirty." Theseus said.

    "Imagine what you would have said if I had kicked your balls."

    "It''s not my fault you''re not creative. I mean you never use what I taught you."

    "Maybe I should" Allias said and ducked, plunging forward to reach him. Once he was a breath away from him he suddenly rose up, punching Theseus'' chin hard with his curled up fist. The white haired lover spit blood on the floor and stumbled back. His lips had turned a very deep red and he licked them, removing the metallic substance.

    He made a small jump bouncing on his feet before kicking Allias on the chest with a very impressive kick. He made a full turn before landing his blow making his sparring partner land on the entrance wall and this time ending up outside the room. Where he had collided a huge hole had appeared.

    "Was that too much?" He wondered scratching the back of his head. He didn''t have that much time to reconsider his next move though. Allias was slowly getting up, dusting off the remains of the wall and pieces of light colored cement.

    "Fuck you"

    "You can if you want." Theseus said and Allias rolled his eyes before he stormed back into the room. He grabbed a chair that innocently stood before the bed and threw it at him barely missing his head because he skillfully dodged it. Disappointed he clicked his tongue as he watched Theseus plunge him to the ground again and punch him in the nose. "We could have resolved our problems in a much more sensual way" he hinted and Allias frowned. Blood coming out from his now broken nose.

    "You are too horny." He told him and the man smirked.

    "Maybe." He answered and kissed him hard, his kiss being colored by Allias'' blood a very deep crimson color. "What the heck? You bit me" Theseus shouted and Allias smirked pointing out his tongue like a devilish child that had just gotten away with a naughty deed.

    "Try a bit more and maybe you''ll succeed." He said but Theseus was already standing up. Without asking him or even giving him a hint he took Allias in his arms and threw him over his shoulder, carrying him slowly to the bed. The king punched his back a few times but he didn''t seem to mind.

    "Let me down"

    "Nope, sorry." He said and threw him on the bed, the springs making a weird sound. Suddenly the bed dived and the sound of wood breaking from underneath signaled them clearly that they had broken it. Theseus not caring at all as long as they had a mattress, got closer while moving on his knees like a predator and brought his face close to Allias'' body. Just breathing, only a few centimeters apart. His lips almost touching his sensitive skin. With his skilled fingers he undid his shirt''s buttons and trailed small paths on his build abdomen. His fingertips were cold and the young man shivered, closing his eyes as he felt his palm traveling on his body, on not a specific pattern.

    Soon Theseus kissed him too. His burning hot lips erasing the chilling sensation and Allias slightly raised his body. He brought his hands on top of Theseus'' long hair and reached his scalp. Theseus moved, crawling up and brought his full lips on his nipple, circling his tongue around it.

    Allias gasped and brought his palm on his lips. Theseus without even stopping what he was doing, slowly arousing him, setting him into an unstoppable haze pinned back down his head and the king bit his lip hard to stop himself from moaning. The general removed his lips from the hard nipple and kissed his collarbone, working his way up to his ear where he bit it hard forcing Allias to moan loudly. He wrapped his legs around his legs craving for friction.

    "You can moan harder, shout more." Theseus whispered in his ear and gently kissed his forehead. Staring lovingly at his face. His half open lips and flushed cheeks. It was adorable how he was trying to avoid his eyes and stay silent.  "Can I hold you?" He asked him.

    Theseus really wanted him right now. From the first moment, even if hadn''t fully realized it, that they met he felt that sensation at the pit of his stomach. Staring at the most lustful places on his body without wanting to stop. His lips, his neck, his chest all the way down to his most sensitive parts he would imagine things that would make him breathe heavily. His heart would speed up and his pants would tighten. He needed him, so much more after he had woken up and now that he had him he wanted to know that Allias too felt the same. He was panting beneath him, bringing his body closer obviously craving for the slightest touch but Theseus wanted to hear it. He wanted his lips to get swollen from kissing and he wanted to see him desperately beg.

    "Do you want me to hold you, my King?" He asked him again and this time he kissed him lustfully on the lips. Biting his bottom lip hard and invading his mouth with his tongue.

    "There is a hole on the wall." Allias mumbled shyly.

    "I''ve kicked everyone from this floor. It''s just you and me. Only I can see you like that."

    "I¡­I am a virgin"

    "You''re definitely not a virgin" Theseus said with a grin and Allias swallowed hard.

    "In this body I¡­"

    "Seriously?" Theseus asked and the young king nodded furiously, his face turning more red than an actual tomato. His heart was racing loudly and Theseus carefully moved back.

    The golden king could remember a few intimate moments they shared a while back. But now at the face of it he felt incredibly scared that he would mess up big time. After all, these images were just flashes of the past and did not apply to actual technique. What if Theseus got disappointed in him after they did it.

    The white haired man began slowly moving back but Allias without realizing tightened his legs, as if he was telling him not to go away. Theseus smiled gently and pecked his lips.

    "You don''t have to do it if you''re scared."

    "I¡­I want it" Allias said and hid his face with his palms. Theseus was so handsome and caring. How could he not want it when he had the embodiment of perfection in front of him. He looked dreamy, with his snow white hair and opened up shirt. His eyes showing his obvious desire. He made him feel needed, wanted and that ignited a thirst in him. Yes, this man only wanted him. He had eyes for him and now he was completely sober but he wanted to get drunk again, from his kisses and caresses. He wanted to feel the haze of being lost in a touch, only if it was from him. He had a desperate need for him but at the same time a fear at the back of his mind.

    "Are you sure?"

    "I want you. I love you Theseus. I am sorry. For everything" He told him staring into his purple eyes. They were beautiful as they turned into crescents from his bright smile. He was truly beautiful. Theseus took Allias'' hand in his and kissed it gently before he went in for another kiss. This time he was more gentle, careful as if he was made out of glass. A precious treasure he couldn''t bear to damage.

    Allias on the other hand could barely breathe as he felt him touch every corner of his body. His mind was getting numb and he felt like he would soon explode. He tasted so sweet, he touched him so perfectly knowing all the sensitive spots of his body. The brunet boy had his eyes closed letting go completely in the face of pleasure his lover so selflessly gave him. Until he suddenly stopped.

    His eyes fluttered open to face firstly Theseus dumfounded face.

    "What''s wrong?" He asked confused.

    "Allias you are glowing" Theseus said and noticed that the man was staring at his naked torso. He looked down to realize that his words were true. His skin had suddenly a very weird glow, like the sun was being reflected on him and he gasped confused.

    "What¡­" He tried to ask what was happening but he couldn''t finish his sentence. He was struck by an unknown force and let out a very loud scream before he fell down, his eyes rolling back to his head, revealing a ghostly pale white.

    "Allias!" Theseus shouted terrified.

    ...

    Thanks for reading. Hope you liked this chapter! I would love to hear your thoughts on what is going on. xD

 Chapter 123 - 123- A Week Of Dreams And Nightmares.

    "What is going on. Please tell me." Theseus said as he looked at the doctor with a pleading look. The old man, scratching his chin and looking at the king laid on the bed, almost seeming to be petrified f it wasn''t for the calm up and down of his chest while he breathed.

    The moment Allias lost consciousness Theseus as if he was in a frenzy he ran all over the palace to find some help. He ordered everyone to stay clear from the floor allowing only his trusted people to approach the comatose royal. His eyes were still rolled at the back of his head and his skin had preserved the unusual glow. It was a very frightening sight. The white haired man had never witnessed anything like that.

    "What were you two doing when this happened?" Ea asked looking at the hole on the wall.

    "We were fighting and then¡­you know."

    "I don''t want to know" Mark sighed and stood next to his bed with worried eyes. He hadn''t been able to talk with his friend after everything had happened. "Could it be because of his wounds?"

    "No that''s not it." The royal doctor spoke for the first time. "We applied very expensive remedies and he still is an elf so he would probably heal. There would be slight pain and scarring but physical wounds could not have caused this."

    "Then what is it?" Ares asked. "He is practically shinning"

    "I would say he is glowing" Mark said.

    "Maybe he is shimmering?" Ea continued and Theseus looked at the three like he was about to kill them.

    "If you are not serious get the fuck out of here." He said in a cold tone. The only good thing was that the doctor didn''t seem to be that worried. "Do you have any idea what is going on with him?"

    "If I understand well you were in a moment of physical tension." The doctor commented and Mark scoffed. "I think that he is finally completing his transition. All of us have noticed that there was something off about him. He had gotten his physical abilities but he was void of magic. Right now I believe his magic is fully returning. He is coming back."

    "Wait so you mean¡­Allias will be his old self?"

    "This is simply just an assumption. I can''t be completely sure. He had been restraining himself for too long so probably now that he let go, your fight and¡­the rest maybe something inside of him snapped. We will have to wait and see" He said and placed his palm on top of Allias'' forehead. His eyes suddenly turned fully a misty white while he touched him. After some time, he removed his hand and broke off the contact. "I can sense an enormous amount of magic inside of him. The truth is this could be dangerous"

    "Why?"

    "He is being possessed by a very strong force right now. You can imagine him as a vase. Water is suddenly being poured in it but there is the danger that it overflows if let''s say the vase is not big enough. If the King during this time that the magic tries to settle within him doesn''t find himself and accept things he might simply get destroyed from the inside out. His brain will snap" The doctor announced.

    "What is happening inside of him right now?" Mark asked, still very confused and trying without asking many questions, not wanting to make everyone uncomfortable to understand.

    "My guess is that he is regaining the rest of his memories." The doctor speculated and actually he was right.

    Allias right now was traveling back. Time seemed to be meaningless as he traveled to a time he didn''t know Theseus. A time where he had a hard time to even reach the top self of the palace kitchen. At a time when his father was still alive. King Tallin.

    The people who described Allias being as warm as the sun and as bright they had never met his father. King Tallin was the embodiment of light. From the way his soft smile calmed the masses to his smooth voice that confidently gave out commands, the elf King was perfect from head to toe. His family came from a rare elf tribe, part of the Avgee that used to live close by the sea of dreams. The only seaside on the Veil. Beneath thousands of elves his bloodline had been recognized for their immense magical power and his father had been chosen by his predecessors to be the King. The previous ruler of the Kingdom had not managed to have any children. So the most fitting candidate was him.

    Tall with short caramel hair and eyes that reminded them of the endless light blue sea, the way the waves blew up on the rocky shores even when he was simply breathing his peopled admired him. He was everything you would expect from a King and to Allias'' young eyes he was completely perfect. His mother loved noone more than him, her eyes glittered with adoration when he smiled at her and caressed her cheek. And his young child only ten years old, he would sit at the throne room, between his finely polished boots and look up to him and everything he stand for.

    One day though his dream like life came to crumble, too early and too painfully. It was the bitter day he had decided to be a bit mischievous and play a prank. Knowing how small he was he grabbed his favorite toy. A teddy bear with a bright green nose and ran into the forest slipping through the guards. Elves usually were tall creatures always looking up and ahead with pride but he was tiny, a small child and many times he would find himself running around and slipping through everyone''s fingers.

    When he had decided that he was far deep into the forest he found a bush and hid inside believing that the servants would come looking for him and they would get to play hide and seek. He was hugging his bear and playing with the green leaves when he heard footsteps approaching. His little heart sped up and he was filled with excitement, waiting to face Clelia and her stern look.

    On the contrary someone else separated the thick leaves and made an unexpected appearance. It was King Tallin looking at him with a frown.

    "I have been looking for you everywhere" He told him and helped the boy out. He had small branches and leaves on his pants and the man helped him dust them off. "If your mother knew of this you would be in big trouble" He said with a smile.

    "Why are you out of the castle?" Allias asked him. His father couldn''t help but laugh. He still could say a few words right and the way he pronounced the word castle was too adorable to handle. The young prince was confused. He had never seen his father step foot outside. For him, it was dangerous and the few times he had indeed gone out many guards would follow him around.

    "Well I wanted to show you a new toy a merchant brought for you but you disappeared so I told the man to take it back."

    "A new toy?" Allias asked excited when the man took him in his arms as they began strolling the endless forest. It was filled with oak trees and willows. Allias could find many places to hide there and wondered how he could convince Clelia to bring him there again to play.

    "Yes but now it''s gone."

    "Really?" The child asked with a pout and the man laughed, his joy echoing between the old tress.

    "No, I kept it for you."

    "Yey!" Allias exclaimed throwing his hands in the air and immediately hugged his father by wrapping his short arms around his neck. "I love you"

    "I love you too, son."

    "Can I get a cookie when we get back?"

    "Sure if you tell me why you ran into the forest alone. You know it''s dangerous for you to be unsupervised. Please don''t do it again"

    "I am sorry." Allias said feeling guilty. His dad would have probably been very worried about him. "I just wanted to play a prank on Clelia."

    "What? This strict woman would have yelled at all of us. Even I am scared of her." He joked and Allias chuckled. It was nice. Spending time with his father like this, the two of them without guards or servants telling them how to stand, how to act and what to do. Right now it was just him and his dad.

    "Dad, can we go one day to the sea? Where you''re from?" Allias asked him and the man''s expression changed. His face suddenly showed a very painful longing that back then Allias couldn''t understand. He did though now. King Tallin missed his home, so much it hurt.

    "Sure. One day. And we will get to play in the water and look at sea shells. You will meet my family and¡­" He began saying but he stooped. An unexpected rustle in the leaves was heard like someone was running and the King looked around him, wary of every slight movement. Then the sound of something ripping through the wind was heard. Tallin had realized what it was but he couldn''t dodge it. He had Allias in his arms and he couldn''t move, risking to harm him. An arrow landed on his leg, exactly on his right knee making him grunt and fall down. Allias scared, for the first time in the face of danger, hid his face in his father''s embrace.

    "Dad" He called out when the man let go of him. He was grunting trying to stand and when he did he signaled him to run. Allias confused tried to listen to his every word. He began running when suddenly a man jumped from one of the trees and blocked his way. Tallin raised his palm ready to shoot at him but he grabbed his son, a dagger dipped in poison on his hand.

    "What do you want?" The King asked him when Allias began crying. "Leave my son alone."

    "No harm will come to the child if you come with us." The man said. So they were more, hidden. "Do not use your power. The arrow is poisoned, so you will make things worse. We will send your son back but if you try anything we will have him killed on the spot. We had someone following him." He was dressed in black, hiding his face. He was an elf. Allias noticed that from his ears that stuck out. He was one of them but he wanted to kill the King.

    "Okay. I understand, please let my child go. I will do anything" Tallin agreed as he heard his son''s unstoppable crying. "It''s okay Allias. Look at me. It''s fine. That man is going to let go of you and you will run back home and¡­" Once more though his father was not able to finish his sentence. While he was focused on him another man jumped on top of him and stabbed him through the back. There was no intention of letting them live. They just wanted to distract them. His father gasping, his blood leaving his body, fell on the ground. Tending his arm towards his ten-year-old. "Allias run" he managed to say before he turned into a lifeless corpse.

    Allias'' eyes widened in shock. He let out a scream filled with pain. This was not true. They were just planning to go to the sea and now his dad, his dad¡­the powerful King. The man everyone loved, was dead.

    Probably that was the first time. That dark and soul eating idea found its way into his mind.

    He couldn''t protect anyone. Not even his own father.

 Chapter 124 - 124- A Week Of Dreams And Nightmares Pt2

    Allias jumped scared and heavily breathing. Another nightmare again. He thought as his eyes faced the bright sun. He was resting underneath a tree at the royal garden, feeling the coolness of the shade when he slowly fell asleep only to remember one of his worst memories. Now just a few years later after he became an adult the murder scene still haunted him.

    They were trees like these the ones they would jump from and land like cats perfectly on their feet. Allias could only remember as blurry dark figures, since his eyes had become blurry from crying. To his small self they looked enormous and scary but probably now he was taller than them.

    From time to time he would think of that moment. The one he saw his father for the last time. As the years went by his smiling face, the calmness and love in his voice were slowly starting to fade away no matter how hard he tried to lock these images and sounds inside his heart. He kept trying and trying but every time the sun rose, a spec of his memory would become weaker and only the idea would remain.  The only picture he would never forget were his eyes. How he looked at him during his final moments. The eyes, which their color reminded him of his favorite caramel sweets had turned into a bitter medicine, or more fitting a poison. The way tears rolled down from their corners as he felt the cold blade pierce his skin. How his face got dirty from the mud. A man who always shone, standing tall and prideful was lying dead on the ground, unable to do anything to save himself just to¡­save his son.

    "My prince?" He heard someone call out. The voice signaled a young individual who was running. Soon in front of him appeared Ea. A small elf of the Disee Tribe, the son of a royal family. He was running towards him, his chubby cheeks flushed and when he stood in front of him he tried to bow but instead he ended up supporting himself on his knees to take a breath. He couldn''t be older than ten years old.

    "Ea? When did you get here? Was your family supposed to visit?" Allias asked him still sitting on the rich green grass and he signaled with his hand for the boy to come closer. With a bright smile Ea sat down at first and then with no shame at all he laid on Allias'' lap, dark hair contrasting with his white trousers. The boy chuckled and wiggled around to get comfortable. Allias had already forgotten the dread his dream had caused him. He was looking at the child''s peaceful face and he smiled faintly. "So, will you tell me?" He asked him again.

    "Oh, yes. My dad said he wanted to talk about something with the Queen. So I begged him to bring me along to see you!" The boy exclaimed happily and the prince began playing with his hair. "Can we go to the lake again? I think I can get some fish this time. I practiced"

    "And where did you practice exactly? Because there are no lakes in the Disee Capital?" Allias asked him.

    "I practiced at the fountain in front of our estate." Ea mumbled embarrassed and closed his eyes, hiding his face on his lap when the prince began laughing.

    "Well I am sure you will be a great fisherman then" He told him. "How about we get up. I need to greet your father."

    "But it''s so nice here" Ea told him. "Can''t we stay a bit more?"

    "No sir. We can''t. Come on now. Up, up or I will drop you" He cheekily threatened him and the young elf stood up with a very obvious pout. Allias followed, ignoring the green stains on his trousers as he walked. He took Ea''s small hand and began walking through the garden when he noticed that something was off. Everything was unusually quiet. He stopped to look around, the flowers were in full bloom and the leaves of the tress were slowly dancing from a light breeze that had just began. He heard loud rustling and his heart began to speed up. He took Ea in his arms and ignored all of the child''s questions as he began running. When he entered the throne room, out of breath and with a manic look on his eyes the queen stopped her conversation with Ea''s father and looked at him, utterly confused.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "Send guards to the royal garden I believe someone has entered the palace." Allias said.

    "Are you two alright?" Ea''s father asked and the prince nodded. The child was clutching onto him, hiding on the crook of his neck as they spoke. He must have scared him.

    "Yes we are but mother. Please send someone to check."

    "Did you have nightmares again?" The woman asked him.

    "What? What does that have to do with anything?" Allias asked her.

    "It has. When you become delusional and think everyone is after you. It''s been such a long time Allias. You need to let go. No one could go through the palace''s walls."

    "Mother, I know how this sounds but I am sure I heard it." Allias said trying to convince.

    "It could simply be an animal."

    "An animal wouldn''t sound like a grown man was walking through the leaves."

    "Allias. Let go of Ea and go rest."

    "No!" Ea shouted and held the elf prince with more strength. He didn''t seem to want to let go of him. Even when his father approached them and tried to get him off he was still latching onto him. He had to threaten him that they would leave the palace and go back home if he didn''t reform this instant. Scared that he wouldn''t get to spent time with him Ea returned in his father''s embrace and waved goodbye at him with teary eyes.

    The prince knowing that he had no other chance he went back to his room, hoping that his mother wouldn''t pay him a visit later to scold him about his embarrassing behavior. She never believed him when it came to stuff that could end up being dangerous. She blamed the trauma, as she called it from witnessing his father''s death. Maybe it was that. Maybe he indeed had become overly conscious of everything scared that something like that might repeat itself but today, he had clearly heard it. That sound that so much reminded him of the death bringers. The same rustling and light steps. Could it be them? Returning to finish what they left off?

    Allias'' mind would wonder like this for hours visiting dark places that filled him with anxiety. He would wonder if these people were planning to come after him and his family one day. As he laid on his bed, playing with the edge of his silk sheets, twisting it between his fingers he would think and think until he looked at his mirror, the one with the golden frame and realized that it was already night. The mirrored showed perfectly the outside, facing the balcony door. The prince stared at it for a while looking at the stars, the clear of clouds sky. It was a beautiful night but his mind was being once more tortured.

    Unfortunately, he couldn''t ignore the sound when he heard it again. Someone was climbing. Allias was sure of it and he stood up as fast as he could. As the stranger was getting closer he could even hear his breathing. He hid at the wall just where the balcony began, his back stuck on it feeling the light curtains move with every slight breath he took. This person, the one who seemed to be planning to enter his room so shamelessly that he didn''t try to camouflage himself was probably the same one as before. Allias stopped breathing and looked at the letter opener on his nightstand. A silver miniature blade with a very pretty round gem at the handle, that resembled the color of his eyes, a gift from his mother on his eighteenth birthday. It was sharp enough, a much better option than facing this dangerous stranger bare handed.

    He saw his shadow as he jumped up on the balcony. His steps were heavy as he headed towards the door. Allias in an instant had jumped out and with as much force as he had, untrained and scared he pushed him back bringing him to the railings. His eyes were closed afraid to look at the name of his possible killer and he swung the letter opener in the air and he knew he had managed to hit his target when he finally heard him gasp.

    "Ha!" Allias exclaimed proudly, sounding very silly. He was trying to force now the intruder to fall off the balcony, hopefully he would break his bones into thousands of pieces and wail in pain.

    "Stop. Stop it dammit!" The stranger shouted and grabbed the hand he was holding the letter opener with. Allias'' eyes opened widely and in shock somehow, tripping on his own foot, lost in the confusion he managed to push him off. The man trying to calm him down was caught off guard when he was suddenly out in the open. "Shit" He shouted and Allias extended his hand to stop and catch him, his body bending over a bit too much resulting in both of them falling off after all.

    He was literally freefalling.

 Chapter 125 - 125- A Week Of Dreams And Nightmares Pt3

    "Stop. Stop it dammit!" The stranger shouted and grabbed the hand he was holding the letter opener with. Allias'' eyes opened widely and in shock somehow, tripping on his own foot, lost in the confusion he managed to push him off. The man trying to calm him down was caught off guard when he was suddenly out in the open. "Shit" He shouted and Allias extended his hand to stop and catch him, his body bending over a bit too much resulting in both of them falling off after all.

    He was literally freefalling.

    The use of their supernatural powers was obviously an option for both of them so they could save themselves from a very nasty fall. It wouldn''t kill him but the thought of a dislocated limb that Allias would have to put back into place was disgusting enough at it was. It easily brought him shivers. Unfortunately, in moments of shock the use of magic was something that most of the times failed him, since he was still not very well trained. His emotions would get the better of him and he could end up making things worse.

    Allias had a very terrifying view of the stoned ground as he fell. The painful, rounded stones in many tones of grey approaching faster and faster until his vision was covered by the black shirt of the man who was falling with him. Having slipped out first he was underneath him and with a swift move he grabbed Allias'' wrist bringing him in his embrace and shielding him from the fall. The young prince''s eyes widened in shock as he heard his back crack with the fall and for a second he was caged in the warm embrace without a single sign of movement from his protector.

    "You are an idiot" The man groaned and released him. Allias sitting up, staring at his face in awe.

    "What are you doing here?" He asked him and the raven haired man scowled.

    "I came to see my boyfriend but I guess he doesn''t want me anymore and just wishes to kill me. Get off of me. It hurts" He groaned and Allias in a hurry tried to relief him from his weight.

    "I need to call a doctor" he mumbled as he noticed the deep cut he had horizontally caused on his nose.

    "No stay." He stopped him by grabbing his wrist again. "I will be fine in a while."

    "Was it you this morning too? The one who was following me?"

    "I wasn''t following you. I came to visit you but I saw you with that kid and I didn''t want him to see me so I decided to wait until nightfall."

    "I thought you were an assassin" Allias said, letting out a relived huff of air as he looked at him.

    "What kind of assassin would just go into your room like that? Making noise and all. Grow up"

    "You don''t have to be so mean to me. I was really worried." Allias said and played with the edges of his shirt. He was really embarrassed about what just happened, not to mention that he had injured him. He was probably in a lot of pain right now, while his bones snapped back into place.

    To his surprise, he was taking it very well, like he had experienced such pain before. Lying there he took heavy breaths, his muscled chest slowly rising up and down. His voice as he spoke was rough like he hadn''t drunk any water in a while and the blood oozing from his wound on his face had pained a red trail. Allias was pretty sure this would scar. It would heal very soon but judging of the flow of blood it would leave a small horizontal mark, reminding him of this very ridiculous moment. His eyes shone under the clear moonlight. It was a sight to behold, keep it one''s memory till everything else was gone. There was a tension in them. The restrain of keeping in the pain and his tense jaw was saying more than his lips would ever.

    "I took a nasty fall for you and shielded you. I deserve to be mean" he replied and closed his eyes, a frown deforming his handsome face as wrinkles formed on his smooth forehead.

    "I am sorry Theseus" The young man in the brim of tears. He had hurt him without wanting to.

    His lover smiled, a smirk appearing on his lips and his hand that was on the ground, dusty from the soil in the cracks of the path they had landed found his. He intertwined their fingers and squeezed his hand.

    "As it seems with you nothing is boring. Is quite entertaining" he commented. "I am fine don''t worry. It was my pleasure shielding you my prince."

    "Don''t call me that. I am not a prince with you."

    "Then what are you?" Theseus asked him with an entertained expression. With his very careful eyes he had noticed how Allias was bushing even in the darkness, their only guide the stars as they flickered on the sky.

    "Your¡­your boyfriend?" He asked and shrank, still not letting go of Theseus'' hand. The man laughed, the sound of glee echoing in the isolated part of the palace. It was just the two of them, as if the people had completely disappeared. The only other sounds were those of nature. The calm wind through the tree leaves, the sound of bugs and the running water from an artificial little river existing just a few steps away from them. It was a moment of unique peace as the night embraced them.

    "My boyfriend. That sounds nice" Theseus mumbled and Allias nodded, his hair falling in front of his eyes. He opened his arms inviting his self-proclaimed boyfriend in his arms, this time not to protect him but to feel him close. They knew each other for a few years now. Unfortunately having the chance to meet only a few times but every time Theseus locked eyes with him he recognized the ache in his chest. His rough heart for the first time felt anxious of being separated from him and every time they met he was trying hard to get enough of him. Touch him, kiss him, talk to him. He needed to get as much of this wonderful person called Allias to make it through his next mission but how could he achieve that? When the green eyed prince had so much to offer. He just kept being greedy for more, every time telling himself that it was fine to stay just one more hour, just one more day. He had been turned into a hopeless fool and every time Allias smiled at him he realized that he didn''t even mind. If he had to pay with his heart and mind to see him being happy he would give everything.

    Allias dived into his embrace making him grunt. His movements were a bit sloppy, impatient for their bodies to meet and he looked at him with his guilty eyes, biting his lip as he mouthed another sorry. Theseus couldn''t help but laugh. It was fine. No matter what he did it would be fine.

    "My mother says I am traumatized by my father''s death. That''s why I am such a coward." Allias confessed. He always was troubled by his mother''s words.

    "The boy I met, running away at the village was definitely not a coward. I don''t think that your worries were groundless. I mean you are the number one target. There is a very big bounty on your head in the black market you know."

    "How do you know that?" Allias asked surprised. Actually he almost knew nothing about Theseus except the fact that he was an elf from the Disee Tribe running off to undercover missions. He was probably working for the Disee palace but beyond that he couldn''t make any assumptions and every time he asked the man would dodge the subject. Allias couldn''t help but wonder many times, how could he have such feelings for a person he barely knew? Was it because he was handsome? A shallow feeling like that though shouldn''t make him wait patiently, think of his next arrival. It was more than that. It was¡­

    "I just do" Theseus said and winked at him, playfully. Wrapping his arms tighter around him. Allias leaned on his elbows and faced Theseus, loosening the grip around his lean body. He stared at him, not breaking their gaze even after a while. He was going to leave soon he wanted to get as much of him as he could. The two lovers seemed to be in the same track on that. Unable to just get enough.

    Allias would try to memorize every spot. Even know that his face was bloody, he would stare at him like he was a work of art. One of those expensive painting his mother owned, in their art room. None of them could even compare to the feelings Theseus caused him. Was that it? Was it that Theseus was art? Beautiful, exotic and wrapped in a veil of dark mystery. Was that the reason Allias felt so smitten with him?

    Theseus appreciated this silence. The way the stars framed Allias. The sensation of his hair landing on his chest, brushing on his skin gently, making him shiver. His half opened lips as he looked at him like some kind of rare specimen. They were so kissable, tempting him more than the devil. His lean fingers, the sensation of his fingertips caressing his cheek, during this calmness Theseus could see clearly. Every detail, every breath was noticeable.

    "Allias" he called out to him and the young prince hummed in response. "I love you, I love you so much"

    At first Allias felt like he was dreaming. It was the first time someone had told him these words and the sound was oh, so sweet. How can a sentence taste like everything sweet, smell like every flower in the world and sound like the most magnificent music? They were just words after all.

    Love, yes that was what Allias felt.

 Chapter 126 - 126- A Week Of Dreams And Nightmares- Final Pt

    He knew this courtroom, very well. Even in his current life Allias had found himself in there many times. As Alex and as the King occupying that throne. When he was awake everything was frozen. A constant chill spread in the room making everyone be on edge but now, this place was different.

    Dark black marble, shiny with white details. Dim lighting and in the back of the room an enormous throne made by the same material. A bright red cover, a cloth made of soft velvet rested lazily on top of the hard material. Chandeliers and candles offered a warm yellow light. Allias could see his expression mirrored on the polished floor. It was obvious how anxious he was, filled with worry as he stood in front of the Disee King. He was Theseus'' father A very scary looking man that shared the same eyes as his son. They did not have that gentle feel in them, as he was scrutinizing with them, staring right into their souls. He was tapping his fingers on the arm rest, Ares standing right beside him, a very depressed expression on his face.

    "For how long has this been going on?" His father asked. His voice echoed in the almost empty room. He had kicked all of the guards and servants out, leaving only his legitimate son and the bastard one in the room except the Avgee prince. He wasn''t satisfied. The way he looked at both of them Theseus standing right next to him but in difference to him he was looking straight at his father, not afraid at all as he received his judgmental gazes. Allias on the other hand was petrified. He didn''t know what to say or do and even Theseus'' hand in his felt heavy, as if it was pulling him down but he didn''t dare to move or speak.

    "For quite a while. Hundreds of years. Honestly father, you brag that you are so smart. I believed that you would catch on sooner." Theseus told him rudely and the man rolled his eyes. The king was restraining himself just because he was there. He couldn''t imagine what he would do to him if Allias hadn''t insisted on going with him.

    A few days ago while Theseus and the prince were relaxing at the Avgee palace after the man had finished with one of his many dangerous missions a very menacing and rude letter had arrived addressed to the mad shadow caster. Theseus at first had denied to open it in Allias presence, sure that the foul words in it would ruin their mood but in the end he gave in reading it. It was much more than a scolding on a mission or task. It was a call to appear on the palace, a place his father had never allowed him to step before. He had somehow found out about his relationship with the Avgee Prince, the next heir to the throne and that alone, after his legitimate son had been rejected by him, was a very big dishonor. Theseus didn''t seem eager to ignore his calling even though Allias had suggested it. They didn''t really want to look for trouble and the prince was sure only that would result if they went there. In the end thought they did, and now they were standing in front of the king in what resembled a lot of an interrogation.

    "How dare you to¡­"

    "Well that''s the truth." Theseus said cutting in, not even letting him finish.

    "You ungrateful brat. You a bastard, the son of a whore dared to approach the prince. You knew that your brother had liked him. He is an actual prince, not a nobody like you. Was that the reason you asked for missions? To be able to meet with him in secret, behind my back?!" He shouted and Allias flinched. Feeling his worry Theseus squeezed his hand, hoping he would calm down a bit.

    "Father there is no point in trying to reason with him. He is crazy." Ares commented and Theseus scowled. He had the audacity to say that even after he had been rejected and dumped by Allias. Of course he would be idiotically prideful, even when he had lost. The title of prince allowed him that. He was a prince and he stood against a bastard like him, even if he made all the mistakes in the world, even if he was vicious and cruel, or stupid and annoying none of it would matter. The royal vein in his blood was enough to get him out.

    "I wouldn''t be saying that if I was in your place. I mean you did get ridiculously dumped. Isn''t that right my little brother. I guess once your precious bloodline so carefully forged by my great father and you oh, so pure mother can''t get you what you want. Shouldn''t this be an eye opening experience for you?" He asked him with a very bright smile and realized that Allias was shaking. For a moment he was worried that he took things too far but as he averted his gaze for a mere second, looking sideways he noticed that he was desperately trying not to laugh. At least hiding the terror inside him Theseus had managed to maintain that cool image in Allias'' eyes, he thought.

    "You!" Ares shouted but really unable to say anything. "Father tell him"

    "Ares, shut up please" As it seemed even his own father was displeased with this kind of immature behavior. Even though he was still pretty young someone needed to put some sense into him, or else he would end up spitting nonsense like that at the wrong time. His father was probably thinking that he would end up damaging the family reputation that he had worked so hard to build. Not that Theseus cared about that. Even if this whole castle had been teared to the ground he wouldn''t shed even a tear. This place wasn''t his home and it definitely did not shelter any joyful memories. "Tell me, what are you planning to do now? When will this ordeal end? You will sully the family name if they found out that a bastard is together with the Avgee Prince. What had Atalanti to say about this?"

    "Not just any bastard. Your bastard son. And the queen has known this from the start. I do not plan to end this relationship and I will move to the Avgee Tribe. Far away from here"

    "What?" His father asked in shock. "You are hilarious. Do you even know how much you owe me boy? I took you off the streets and¡­"

    "I do. I was born in a brothel, the brothel you denied to get my mother off because she would be a nuisance. For many years you hadn''t bothered with me until you heard of my powers. Who would have thought that the son of a whore would end up stronger than your actual heir? That was the reason you brought me in. My power, not because I was your child. You made me kill mercilessly and tortured me to wield my powers but guess what I am a lot stronger than you think. All these missions. These tasks, were me repaying my debt to you for actually not letting me die on the streets but also now I have made a name of myself. Not everyone in this palace hates me now. I did save them, I took care of all the creepy thing in the night and now they feel gratitude towards me. I am worthy to be with the person I love, no matter what you say." Theseus announced, observing how his father turned a very strong shade of red. He was getting mad, furious at his son''s words.

    "You ungrateful bastard!" he shouted and collided his fist with the arm rest, breaking the solid material.

    Allias raised his head and looked at him. The King curious as to why he had finally faced him. He young prince did not seem satisfied at all though. He let go of Theseus'' hand and took a few slow steps approaching the throne he was sitting on just a few seconds ago.

    "What is it boy?" he asked him.

    "Bastard this, bastard that" Allias said and let out a very dramatic laugh. "You really do want to get on my nerves today don''t you?" he asked him and got up the stairs, there were only a few steps until he was standing right in front of him, his nostrils flaring up his whole body tense as with his hand he grabbed him from th collar. "Listen here old man, do you really want to make me angry? I don''t give a shit if you like your son or not. But in front of me you will treat him with respect. You know what? He is above you. He is my lover and do I need to remind you who I am? I am the Avgee prince and one day I will be your King" He said with a grin "So hear me out okay?" he told him and threw him on his throne. The older elf stunned by his unexpected behavior. "Do. Not. Make me angry. I came here to have a peaceful conversation. Maybe even get your blessing, not that I need it but you know¡­etiquette but if you keep spatting nonsense like that I will fucking kill you and everyone you love. Am I clear? I do not mind being the bad guy. The same way your son''s blood gives him a free pass to say all the stupid thing in his mind my blood gives me a free pass to burn the whole world down am I clear?" he asked him but the Disee King remained quiet. "Am I clear?" He repeated, raising his voice. "Good" he said and gifted him a very gentle smile. "Oh, and one more thing. Theseus can be crazy but guess what, I can be ten times crazier. Don''t test me. So should we leave or should I kill him and make you King first?" Allias said looking at his lover, completely ignoring the King''s existence. Theseus laughed and shook his head.

    "Let''s just go."

    "Okay then. Good for you my King" He said and bowed dramatically. "Today is your lucky day." He said and ran back to Theseus, taking his hand and leading him out of this dreaded place.

    Many images like that played on his mind, some good, some bad, funny and sad he remembered many things as he had his eyes closed for days. Theseus was still waiting for him right next to his bed. After a whole week he woke up, for the last time since now he knew everything.

 Chapter 127 - 127- The Grace Of A True King

    "It is peculiar though." The doctor mumbled as he looked at Allias, lying unconscious on the bed. It had been a full week and the man had been visiting him every day a few times to check up on him by Theseus'' request. The general hadn''t moved from his side. He would eat there and sleep, his head falling on the bed and his hand holding Allias''. Sometimes the king would flinch or frown and Theseus would gasp and begin talking to him hoping that he would answer, come back to him but unfortunately there was no response, never.

    "What is?" Theseus asked.

    "He is having a two-part awakening. I wonder how his psychological state was, to not be able to fulfill it at the first time."

    "It''s because the first time his transition was forced." Theseus explained and the man nodded placing his glasses further up his nose.

    "Well, that explains a lot." He said and slowly began putting his tools back into a small leather bag he used to hold every time he came here. He closed it carefully the sound of clicking echoing in the big room and once more was on his way. "I will come back tomorrow. Let''s hope he wakes up soon. You general, it would be best if you got some rest in your own room. He is not with you right now but if he returns you would want to be well rested."

    "I can''t leave his side." Theseus said and rubbed his temples. His neck also heard from all the uncomfortable positions he had adopted to be able to sleep. He caressed the top of Allias'' palm and kissed it gently. He would wait, right here to make sure that when he opened his eyes someone would be next to him, he didn''t want him to feel alone once he fully returned.

    "I will look after him." He heard mark say and noticed that the red haired boy had been standing by the doorframe. "If he shows signs of waking up I will run to you. You really need to rest those under eye bags are definitely not attracting." He walked into the room and stood next to Theseus waiting for him to get up and give him his seat. At first he was reluctant, looking at his sleeping lover with doubtful eyes and then his best friend. It would be fine if he just slept normally for one-night, right? He wondered and slowly stood up.

    "Just for a little while and I will be back." He stated and mark nodded, waving at him to just go.

    "Yeah, yeah go we will be fine" he said and was left alone with his best friend. He looked at him with furrowed eyebrows examining his sleeping form. "Hey, can you hear me?" He asked him obviously not getting an answer. "Can you please wake up? I am lonely all by myself and it''s so freaking cold here. We have so many things to talk about. Come on" he slightly whined and he allowed his face to fall on the mattress. It smelled like lavender and it was a deep purple color, finely tailored his eyelids were beginning to get heavy, as he smelled the relaxing smell. He had been anxious for all of these days. Wondering how things will go with him. So now that he had finally some time to sit with him, watch out for himself he felt a bit better. He had questioned many times if he should tell Theseus that he wanted to be here too but every time he saw his sorrowful expression he felt like he would intrude.

    Slowly though his eyes closed, now finally getting some relaxation. He didn''t notice Allias flinching or opening his eyes. How his eyelids flattered revealing his green eyes. The King slowly woke from his slumber and sat up, blinking and looking around.

    "So, I am finally back" he mumbled and removed the covers from his body. He noticed mark sleeping soundly next to him and patted gently his head before he stepped with his bare feet on the cold marbles. "Yeah, you are right it''s too cold. Maybe I should change that." He said and almost as if he was hypnotized he began walking. He strolled through the empty hallways deep into the night and his gaze travelled outside the wide windows. To the snow, that slowly layered on the ground. The trees were still, stalagmites hanging from their branches as the water outside never seemed to have a liquid form. The nature around him had been silenced as if the living creatures of the night could only wearily observe how the king dressed in pale white, matching everything around him, stepped with his bare feet on the soft snow. He was standing outside, magnetized by the scenery he had seen so many times.

    The snowflakes fell slowly, as if they were in slow motion. Each of them unique melting instantly as they came into contact with his warm body. Soon there would be none left.

    Theseus jumped in his sleep, his heart racing crazily as an enormous worry embraced him. Huge beads of sweat were forming at the sides of his forehead and with a ragged breath he stood up and headed back to Allias'' room. He didn''t know where this anxiety came from. He hadn''t dreamed of a rigid nightmare or heard a suspicious noise. All he knew was that a sudden pinch on his chest like the prick of a sharp needle woke him up, a need inside him to find his lover.

    He was proven right. He stared stunned the empty room and Mark''s ginger sleeping head. He had woken up; he had finally returned but now he had disappeared. The covers were tossed to the side and his human friend was breathing steadily lost in his sleep.

    "Mark!" Theseus shouted upset and the boy flinched. He opened his eyes and wiped some drool of the corner of his mouth, disoriented staring at the elf general.

    "What? Why are you shouting?" He asked him confused and the man in front of his sighed loudly.

    "Look at the bed you big idiot. Where is Allias?"

    "He is right¡­oh, he is not. He woke up. He woke up! Oh, my god where is he?" he asked surprised and stood up.

    "That''s what I want to know" Theseus said and both off them stormed outside. Theseus was calling out his name loudly, his deep voice echoing in the halls. Soon servants and guards started to appear the general spitting out commands, desperately wanting to find the King.

    Soon all of the staff was running, the ladies still in their nightgowns calling out with sweet voices his highness. But he was nowhere to be found until, a young soldier saw something. He stopped, frozen on the spot as his eyes suddenly focused on a very rare sight. A sight he had never witness in his life. He was young, so young that the King was long dead when he was born, he and many of them were raised only with the stories. Enormous power and undeniable grace. Honestly when he had first seen him he had questioned that. He seemed immature and plain. Undeniably beautiful but only that, befitting to be the king that''s what their old stories said but the young guard was not so sure about that.

    Only when his eyes saw what he had never imagined he felt it. The glory of this rare moment. He opened his lips to speak, to call the others and show them what he was witnessing but soon enough all of them, the Disee elves that had been born, raised and lived in an endless winter had stopped moving frantically and running. They were stuck the same way he was, looking outside hypnotized at the scene.

    The general appeared, outside the castle approaching the king and suddenly all of them got worried, that he would ruin the moment but he too stopped, unable to move any further than just a few meters. How could he after all? He wasn''t worthy of approaching such a creature, the immense power almost made everyone want to bow, fall on their knees. It was the first time the guard believed that a story character would come to life. He was the story, he was the shining hero and finally he had returned.

    "Is that really him?" a woman mumbled her palms resting on top of her heart. Everyone was feeling it. The importance of the moment.

    "Unbelievable"

    "Yes, that is him. The king. Our King." Another man said without taking his eyes off of him. A King, yes and much more than that as for the first time a golden light erupted in their dark and gloom kingdom. For the first time their bodies felt actual warmth, like a gentle caress and for the first time a burden felt like it had been lifted off their chest.

    Slowly the same way the snow began to melt.

    ...

    Hello everyone! Thanks for reading! I hope you liked this chapter.

    Please support this book for it to keep going, things have been tough lately! I would lreally appreciate it.

 Chapter 128 - 128- A Night That Became Day

    No matter how many times Theseus would pinch himself he wouldn''t believe it. He was looking at him right now, his whole body shaking from the excitement and he stumbled back and forth trying to decide if he should run to him or not. Allias'' back was turned to him and he mumbled his name, unsure if he was going to hear him or not.

    The King did. He slowly turned around, shining like the far away sun, into an endless night. He stared at him for a while, his head tilting to the side and slowly a huge smile appeared on his face. H started walking, his pace picking up with every step and wherever his bare feet stepped the snow melted and vivid green grass spurred, growing fast.

    Theseus instinctively opened his arms waiting for him, tears swelling up in his eyes. The King had returned and with him he had brought joy back into the kingdom. Even now just a few moments later he could feel the change, everyone could. Allias landed hard on him, burying his face on his strong chest, inhaling him like some kind of drugged. Theseus wrapped his arms around him, tightly as if he would disappear or leave him. As if he would wake up from a perfect dream.

    "You''re back" He said, his face buried on the elves'' hair.

    "Yes and look at this. Pretty cool right?" Allias said and looked at him, his smile still all the way to his ears. He was happy, truly happy now that he could be himself. What he described as cool was the fact that everything surrounding them was getting back to their old form. Theseus after such a long time saw flowers blooming, and the green leaves of the trees growing. He saw the Kingdom going back to a time of happiness and prosperity. Allias was close to him and probably this was the best day of his life after a while.

    "Yeah, it''s very cool." Theseus said and caressed his cheek. "You are so strong"

    "I know right? Finally," He said filled with excitement. He removed himself from his embrace and ran around enjoying the rapid change. The scent of the flowers, the chill of the dump grass and him surrounded by the endless beauty of nature. Theseus couldn''t stop staring. "The secret is to¡­Explode" he told him, reminding him of his own advice and suddenly from his palms, from every pore of his body a bright light even stronger from the shimmer he produced was let out. It was warm and welcoming, filled with love and the night was turned into day. He hoped everyone was watching this, because this was the first and last time in their lives that they would witness such greatness.

    The light soon calmed down, the changes still happening but Allias looked normal now, the shine almost completely lost. He was framed by green and purple and red and yellow. All the colors fitted him perfectly as he stood there. He breathed in and slowly brought his palms around his lips, creating a simple megaphone.

    "I love you!" he shouted at Theseus making his heart flatter. At the other side of the garden Theseus feeling like he was young again mimicked him and then laughing loudly.

    "I love you too! You are so pretty!" He complimented him and the King blushed.

    "Are you happy that I am back?" He asked him

    "Yes! I couldn''t be happier." They continued like this exchanging words from far away, giggling and smiling like fools.

    "Can you hug me again now?" Allias asked him and without even bothering to reply Theseus teleported right in front of him, not even wanting to waste a second of being with him. The green eyed elf wrapped his arms around his neck as the general spun him around filled with excitement. After a few spins both of them dizzy landed down on the ground, not scared of the cold any more. Even the air had gotten warmer.

    "What happened while you were unconscious?" Theseus asked. "I was so worried"

    "You''re always worried" Allias said and chuckled. The man rolled his eyes before cocking an eyebrow and stating his want of an answer. "Okay". Allias said and stood up, slightly disappointing Theseus that their bodies had to be separated again. "I dreamed of my father actually, at first¡­" he began explaining his dreams as they walked slowly back into the castle. "¡­that was painful." He joked with aa bitter smile. "But then I saw you. You have a tendency to appear when I''m at my lowest even in my dreams. That''s very weird you know. Everything just got pieced back together. At first I didn''t want to wake up. There were so many happy moments I wished to relieve. You had dark hair back then, it was a reminder that the war, my death hadn''t plagued us yet. But then all of my insecurities got thrown on my face and suddenly I wished to wake up like crazy but I couldn''t" He confessed while shaking his head. "I had to just let everything sink in I guess before coming back. Even the things I couldn''t when I was alive, like that it wasn''t my fault my father was dead. I was just nine- ten years old? I don''t even remember but I already had an unbearable feeling of duty, like I knew what was expecting me. The throne. It was sad" He said and got through the main gate entering the bustling palace.

    "It''s fine. Everything will be good now. I will help you." Theseus said and squeezed Allias'' hand

    "You always do. I hope I could do the same."

    "You know dying for someone is considered help."

    "That was a reflex"

    "What? Is this how we are going to call your great sacrifice now? A reflex? Please do tell me is it similar to gag reflex?" He asked him with a grin and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "Gods no, shut up" He told him and slapped his shoulder.

    After he came back to life it was the first time Allias had seen so many people gathered in one place. All the servants and all the guards were waiting impatiently inside, staring at the door until he got inside. For a second the King was curious, as to why they had all gathered here but then all of them as if they were one fell to their knees, and bowing their heads. Long live the King they chanted with loud and passionate voices and Allias felt a chilling shiver go all the way down his spine. As it seemed they didn''t hate him. They chanted again and again, older elves and young guards, fair ladies and maids. Every single one of them had their lips moving in appreciation.

    "It''s alright. You can get up now" He told them kindly. "I am sorry If any of you doubted me while I was here. There were some complications to my return." He announced.

    "No my King we would never!" Someone shouted from the crowd. "We were waiting for you"

    "My King. May I please touch your hand?" A girl asked him. She had beautiful brown hair and eyes and she was wearing a maid''s uniform. It was well ironed and neat and she took only a few steps forward to separate herself from the crowd as she talked. Theseus looked at her and let out a fake cough unable to ignore the blushing on her cheeks.

    "Nope." Theseus replied instead of him with a cold smile and Allias couldn''t help but laugh. He was even jealous of a girl, even though he knew he would never be interested in one.

    The way he walked, his posture and his confidence had changed. There wasn''t that lingering darkness around him anymore and that warm pureness that Theseus had fallen in love with was surrounding the King the same way his shadows did. Both of them were so close to each other, loving every part of the other but at the same time their attributes were completely different. He was drowning into an endless darkness while he was bathing in a gentle light.

    Allias took a few steps forward approaching the flustered maid. He looked down at her, noticing her small figure and short height and gently with his palm he patted her head.

    "Let''s not make this man mad now okay?" He said sweetly and she took a deep breath before nodding eagerly. Theseus scoffed being reminded of one thing that he really hated. Allias'' popularity. It was as if he could charm people. He would look at you for just a few seconds and suddenly you want to confess your undying love for him and Theseus could only sit back and watch, beat up some people once in a while too.

    The girl feeling honored by the king''s attention felt her heart flutter and suddenly, like she in the eyes of her favorite rock star she fainted, Allias managing to catch her last minute.

    "Umm, can someone¡­" he mumbled embarrassed "take her?" he asked and a soldier appeared, taking her away from his arms. "Thank you. Take her to her room so she can rest please. So everyone, I would like to announce that I am very glad to be able to see you all like this. Let''s work to bring back laughter to our kingdom. Soon everything will change and we have a lot of work to do so while the palace changes please take tomorrow off." He announced them "And there is no need for you to stay here. Go to the village, have fun. This place will need some time to adjust after all" he explained. "Now if you''d excuse me I am tired so I would like to rest. Goodnight" He said and took Theseus'' hand dragging him away.

    "So now we have to contact that stupid pack, don''t we?" Theseus asked with a displeased expression

    "Yes, but first is just you and I. And our bedroom" Allias hinted and Theseus grinned.

    "I do not dislike that idea."

 Chapter 129 - 129- The Night View

    After everything calmed down and the servants slowly went back to sleep the first wave of excitement slowly calming down their tiredness took over and lazily they returned back to their rooms to rest for their upcoming free day. The one that the King had so graciously given them without a second thought.

    Ea once he heard that a huge frown suddenly popped on his face. A free day, after such a big change was a suicide mission. There so many things that needed to be done, so much stuff they had to take care of and Allias had just kicked out all of their free hands, meaning that once again the petite elf would have to do everything on his own. He was a royal blood too but he would always end up cleaning after Theseus'' mess like some kind of maid.

    Anyways, Allias looked so handsome. His train of thought changed as he laid on his bed, his arms behind his head. He was looking at the ceiling thinking of the previous events. It was magnificent. The way looked at him, or the light that he offered to the whole kingdom. For many years they had been living their lives, getting used to the darkness that surrounded them, the endless cold day in and out. It was astonishing to see so many smiles, so many loud voices in a palace where everyone walked with their faces hidden, their voices low almost like whisper. After this, things would slowly change.

    "Open up" he heard an excited voice and a very violent knock sounded on his door. He sat up curious and opened it to come face to face with Ares. He had a big smile on his face, almost jumping up and down from joy. "Did you see it? Did you? It was amazing!" He exclaimed and grabbed Ea''s hand, forcefully bringing him outside. "Come on, let''s go I want to show you something."

    "Where are we going?" Ea asked. He was very confused as to what was happening right now. Ares should be insanely mad at him right now. Especially after what he revealed to him but he was standing there, right in front of him and was asking him to follow him, looking all excited and happy, no malice in his crimson eyes.

    "I want to show you a place. Give me your hand. We will teleport there" Ares said and tended his hand.

    "I can teleport there by myself" Ea said shy of the unexpected contact. Ares clicked his tongue and pouted. Without a second word he wrapped his arm around his waist and brought their bodies closer.

    "You don''t know where it is. It''s also too late. You are already trapped" He said with a grin and in an instant they had turned into black shimmering dust before they landed on an unfamiliar place.

    Ea stared around for a while, trying to understand where he was. They were up high at some kind of roof. The palace roof! His eyes widened as he noticed the royal garden underneath them. They were standing on the dark blue bricks on one of the palace towers. There was no window or door that could take you to this place. It was a very narrow space, the roof being round at the base with a pointy end at the top, barely fitting two people. It was the highest spot of the palace and if you looked around you could easily gaze upon the whole kingdom.

    "What is this?" Ea mumbled.

    "Amazing right?" Ares described the faraway place. "Look there. This is what I wanted you to see" he told him and pointed with his finger the main village in front of them. The thick snow still kept melting and Ea could see patched of green growing steadily. Leaves suddenly appearing on the trees. The nature seemed to be fully awakening slowly. But that wasn''t only it. There were people outside. All the houses were brightly lit and everyone had exited their place and was running happily on the streets. In some neighborhoods people were dancing and Ea could imagine the laughter of the children as they saw for the first time a daisy, or an alive and healthy tree. The whole Kingdom was awakening not just the nature in it. Ea''s heart began raising and he placed his palm on top of it wanting to calm it down.

    "It''s beautiful" He said and Ea looked at him with a smile.

    "I know; I am glad you like it."

    "How can I not?" Ea asked him, his tone brighter, his dark eyes shining with glee as he turned around and looked at him. He was smiling brightly, a rare sight for the always strict and stern elf. He looked like an overjoyed child and for the first time in so long he was looking into Ares'' eyes without trying to avoid his gaze or get away from him. "Look at it." He repeated Ea''s words. "The people, the snow, the ice. Everything is changing." He said, a new hope being birth in him. He took a few steps wanting to reach the end of the roof, hungrily wanting to see better how everyone celebrated.

    "Watch out!" Ares shouted as he stepped wrongly at a slippery brick and to avoid falling he found himself again, being embraced by the Disee Prince. "The ice is still melting. It''s dangerous."  Ares said his look showing his worry. He didn''t try to let go of him. Even after Ea stepped steadily on his feet his strong arms were around his waist, the thin fabric of his shirt the only obstacle of their bodies touching.

    "Thank you" Ea thanked him. "For catching me and¡­for bringing me here. I haven''t something so beautiful in a while."

    "No need to thank me. I wanted to see this with you. I know how much you care about our home. How worried you were. I hope it brought you some peace." Ares said and Ea nodded. Peace, happiness excitement and impatience of what would happen next. Every emotions exceeding the other so fast he was a bit confused but in the best way possible.

    "I believed you hated me. I¡­I want to tell you so many things. About what happened last time." Ea announced and the smile in Are''s face slowly disappeared. He let go of him and he scratched the back of his head.

    "You must think I am silly right? Making such a big deal of being kidnapped, after such a long time. I am a man after all¡­I shouldn''t make such a fuss. I get it¡­"

    "No!" Ea exclaimed and stopped him. "It''s not silly. What you went through, I could even imagine the pain and the torture. It doesn''t matter if you are a man. The pain, the fear is always the same no matter the gender. I was the fool. I thought that leaving you alone would be best. I was immature, thinking that if I reminded you of it you would just relive your pain so foolishly I pretended like it never happened. I never wanted you to be alone, I too was so worried." He said and took Ares hands in his. "When I heard you were gone. I couldn''t sleep, I couldn''t eat and when you came back, beaten up and exhausted I would get nightmares. I would see you dead in front of me. I would see the guards bringing your dead body and I would wake up frozen and run to your room while you slept to make sure you were there. I wasn''t busy. I was just scared and a coward. I am so sorry for not being there for you. Please even if you don''t want to be married to me anymore just believe this. I would do anything to go back in time and act like I should have. Then you wouldn''t have hated me¡­"

    "I don''t hate you Ea."

    "You don''t?" Ea asked surprised, his deer eyes staring into his as tears swelled up in them. "You don''t?"

    "No, you idiot" He said and hugged him tightly. His chin rested on his shoulder while Ea''s hands slowly wrapped around him. He gripped tightly on his shirt as he began crying. "I was just mad; I didn''t know better. I didn''t know you better and I didn''t believe in you. I was too deep into my own pain to actually think of anyone and let my wounds eat me up. I am sorry too." He whispered in his ear and kissed his cheek, the small elf flinching and stepping back, slipping again. "Wow, I told you to watch out." Ares scolded him and caught him again. Ea wished that he would always be there, to catch him.

    "I am sorry it took me so long to talk to you." Ea said and Ares nodded. He gently caressed his cheek making the elf blink furiously and his body tensed. He slowly leaned in, hinted that he wanted to kiss him. Ea felt his temperature rising up, his eyes widening as Ares handsome face got closer and closer. "Wait!" he shouted and stopped him, Ares looking at him with a very confused look.

    "What?" He asked him.

    "Wait. Just wait!" Ea said, almost sure that his face would be bright red by now. Even if it was in the middle of the night his blush would be like a beacon.

    "Ea, how much of a virgin are you?" Ares asked him

    "Are there stages to virginity? Like some kind of tournament?" Ea asked.

    "You could describe it like that¡­I get the feeling that you might be the champion" Ares joked with a grin.

    "What?"

 Chapter 130 - 130- Like The First Time

    Warning: sexual content. (If you feel uncomfortable with sex scenes pls just don''t read! This is a part of literature too xD)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8rNCgkaMHY&t=298s gotta have some music for this. You can thank me later, smooch.

    Theseus did not want to let go of his hand. Even when they reached their room and Allias began getting undressed, looking greedily at the warm and filled to the brim bathtub Theseus kept holding one of his hands.

    "You know, undoing my shirt with one hand is kind of hard" The King said and Theseus shrugged his shoulders like he did not understand what the king was referring to. "Let go" He said while chuckling but the general''s grip got tighter. "Really now?" Allias'' asked him and rolled his eyes when Theseus mouthed a no. "Very well then." He said and did something very unexpected. He grabbed the collar of his shirt with his teeth, steadying it and with his free hand he ripped it in half, the buttons flying all over the room. His body had returned fully to its original state, his muscles prominent just by him breathing and Theseus'' eyes were glued on his abdomen, his mouth watering. "I guess you still like my body" Allias said with a smirk and undid his pants, staying only in his underwear.

    "Don''t act all high and mighty" Theseus scoffed and let go of him, bringing his T-shirt over his head and throwing it on the ground. His muscles flexed as he raised his arms, showing his tall posture and this time it was his turn to smirk. "Won''t you get in?"

    "Should I?" he asked and took a step closer, his cold fingertips resting on Theseus'' chest. "I mean; we could do it in the bathtub too." He whispered in Theseus'' ear and he felt his body tense visibly. The man brought him closer wrapping his arm around his waist until his palm rested lower, underneath his underwear and caressed his sensitive skin.

    Allias let out a short breath. He felt Theseus'' hand leave it''s resting area and its fingertips trace a path all the way to his spine until they reached his hair. He grabbed the brunette lock and pulled his head back, exposing his long neck. The general began kissing him. Leaving very obvious marks as he sucked on his skin. Allias'' hands had turned into fists as his legs began to give in.

    "We could do it in the bathtub" Theseus said his voice raspy from the excitement. "We could do it in the garden, or the bed. I could fuck you on your throne if you want while you wear your shiny crown my King" he said and kissed his lips biting hard his bottom lip and making his partner moan with pleasure. Such a long time. Such long and torturous dreams of their intimate moments had been haunting him for years but now he had him here. He wanted to ravish him until there was nothing left like a beast but at the same time he wanted to take it slow, torture him slowly and take his time. Enjoy every moan, every gasp until he was panting and begging for him to be inside him. Both decisions, both scenarios had him hard and his body burning. "Tell me Allias."

    "What would you do if someone saw us?" Allias asked getting lost as his kisses traveled on his collarbones.

    "Kill them obviously. Do you think I would allow anyone to see you like that? Huh? Look at yourself right now. So lewd" he told him and turned him around. The fully lit bathroom had an enormous full body mirror and Allias could see everything. He tried to avert his eyes, embarrassed but Theseus grabbed his chin and made him look. His lewd expression, his hazy eyes and flushed cheeks. His growing erection. Everything screamed that he needed to be touched. "You shouldn''t play all high and mighty to someone who can make you look like this" Theseus said with a smirk and met his eyes through the mirror. Allias smiled, like he was on drugs and turned around slowly getting on his knees as he stared at him. His green eyes glued on his face as his fingers played with the band of underwear. "What are you doing?"

    "I want to see. How I can make you look" Allias said and slowly relieved Theseus from his tight underwear leaving him fully naked in front of him. He took him all in, swirling his tongue and moving fast. Hearing his lover''s grunts was too much. The way Theseus pushed his hair back and caressed his cheek. The way he thrusted inside his mouth made him too impatient. Allias couldn''t help but wonder who was controlling who again? His hand found itself on his suffocating underwear and he stroked himself itching for some relief. Theseus smirked looking at the image and thrusted hard in his mouth making him gag, his eyes wide open. He let go and started coughing. "You asshole"

    "It was just too good I couldn''t control myself. You''re too good baby." He told him and helped him get up. "Now come with me and like a good boy put your palms here." He told him and showed him the mirror.

    "Do you get turned on by something like this?" Allias asked, trying to tease him.

    "Oh, Believe me anyone would if he saw you gasping like that, begging, weak knees. Who would have imagined that the King likes being fucked." He said and grabbed his palms, placing them on the mirror, while he stood behind him. His erection rubbing between his cheeks. Theseus smacked him hard, making the area red and Allias gasped feeling dizzy. More, he wanted more, he needed more. This wasn''t enough, nowhere near.

    "I like fucking too. Maybe I should make you remember that too" Allias said with an obnoxious smile.

    "How can you drive me so insane?" Theseus asked him. He kissed his spine. Every time his lips touched his bare skin his palm would land on the sensitive meat making him screech. Yes, that was it. More. Love me more. Desire me more, hurt me more until there is nothing left. Until here is only pleasure Allias thought and closed his eyes. He moved his hands back, stretching his cheeks and turned his head looking at Theseus with a burning look. His desire, right now could not be stopped.

    "In. Put it in."

    "You are not ready yet"

    "Just do it. Do it now"

    "Allias no. It will hurt" Theseus said strictly and the elf king turned around cupping his cheeks and kissing him hungrily. His tongue inserted his mouth and he heard theseus moan, melt into his kiss.

    "Fuck me already."

    "You really don''t care do you?" He said and he raised him up, sticking his back, violently to the wall and he slowly brought him down. His tip touching his entrance.

    "I am immortal. Why should I?" Allias said and his face showed how drunk in pleasure he was.

    "Screw it" Theseus mumbled, throwing away his restrain.

    "Screw me, you mean." Allias corrected him and he felt the burning pain. It was suffocating. He couldn''t breathe and tears swelled in his eyes. He gasped and frowned, trying to stop feeling like his whole body would get ripped to shreds. It hurt but it felt so good. Incredibly good just having him inside him like this. Being filled by him.

    "I can stop if you want"

    "Don''t be a pussy." Allias provoked him and bit his shoulder. His hands wrapping tighter around as he felt Theseus move.

    "Your choice." The man said and began thrusting. Allias was being moved up and down, becoming more wet by the moment as he felt his desires come to life and overtake him. He could feel Theseus inside him, with every move hitting him hard. He could feel his rigid breathing land on his shoulder and his shaking hands from the excitement. He could feel him, smell him, taste him. Be one with him and only the thought of that turned him so hot. "Allias I love you" Theseus told him as he thrusted inside him and the King smiled.

    "I love you too. I love you. I love you" he whispered again and again making Theseus lose his mind. "Yes, like that" he exclaimed as he felt his lover''s thrusts get faster and faster. More intense. He let him down, his weak knees almost making him fall but Theseus caught him. He supported himself at the rim of the tub and he began destroying him again, with no end no mercy and Allias like it. He loved it. He wished he would never stop.

    Theseus was panting, grunting hard and he could only see and hear Allias. This is what he had missed. This carnal connection no one could offer him so well. This mix of pain and pleasure. The longing and the adoration. No one had made him feel like Allias could. No one''s words hurt and healed the way his did and every moan made him more and more excited. He mumbled his name one last time before both of them reached their limit. Allias falling on the bathroom floor exhausted.

    "Come on" Theseus said and took him in his arms.

    "What are you doing?" Allias asked him as his lover entered his bathtub with him in his arms. He sat down, the water still warm and smelling sweetly, like vanilla and strawberries.

    "I will wash you."

    "I can do that!" Allias said his face turning bright red.

    "Oh, now you''re embarrassed." Theseus chuckled and kissed his shoulder. He was quiet for a while his lips simply lingering on his wet skin when Allias heard him sniffle.

    "Are you crying?" He asked him.

    "No" The general said, his voice cracking.

    "Why?" Allias said and tried to turn around but Theseus didn''t let him see.

    "No. Just stay like this. Allias I am so happy right now I could die. I am scared this is a dream"

    "It''s not you fool. I am here, with you. Always and forever. You can''t get rid of me now or never actually." Allias joked.

    "Stay with me. Don''t leave me again, please."

    "Oh, how the tables have turned" Allias said, "I won''t leave you. You see I am more mature than you. I don''t run."

    "I know"

    "I love you."

    "Love me more" Theseus said.

    ...

    Umm yeah hope you enjoyed.

 Chapter 131 - 131- The Beginning Of A New Adventure

    Love him more. That''s what Theseus had said to him last night. Allias remembered his words very clearly and as he stood at the royal meeting room he couldn''t get the thought out of his head. Should he do something more? Was there anything he was displeased with? Flowers? Maybe jewelry? What could Theseus want more.

    "My King¡­are you listening?" Radius asked him and Allias shook his head a bit, surprised. Yes. Right now was not the time for him to think about these matters. A new journey would begin soon and they would have to prepare for it.

    "Yes, Yes I am. Have you contacted the White Fang pack? Did they agree to our proposal?" Allias asked and looked at Ea. After the Council had visited them and created all this chaos and an unexpected murder case that weirdly they had never heard anything about yet, Allias had ordered Ea to send them a formal letter explaining the situation and asking their kind cooperation. How kind or cooperative they would be, he wasn''t so sure about that after all the events that took place in the palace but at least they wouldn''t deny. It was a Council decision after all.

    "I did. They will be expecting us in the upcoming days. After we all gather we will start planning. I believe we should visit one of our vampire informants first. She is trust worthy and¡­"

    "What do you mean plan with them?" Theseus said with an annoyed expression. "Isn''t it enough that I will have to go to the human world, dress like them, act like them but I will also have to co-exist with a dog, that likes my boyfriend?"

    "Theseus¡­" Allias called him out and smiled at him. Gently but at the same time deadly. "This is not the time for this." He said, gritting his teeth. "You don''t even know if Luke till be on this mission."

    "Oh, of course he would sit nicely at home. Because he is so well behaved."

    "Do you think Mikael will be there?" Ea asked, looking worried at his best friend but before Allias had the chance to reassure him Ea cut it. He hit his palms on the table and stood up from the chair.

    "This is not a meeting for you to solve your relationship, heartbreak or rejection issues. We have a mission." He scolded all of them and Radius nodded eagerly agreeing with him. When he sat back down Ares raised his hand for a high five and Ea looked at him like he would be getting more of a punch than a friendly pat.

    "Okay" Ares said bringing down his hand. "No kiss, no high five¡­pff"

    "I said! This is not the place for this!" he repeated and coughed hoping that the relationship conversation would stopped and inside him he thanked Allias when he started talking again. He was saving him from a lot of trouble.

    "Yes, Ea you are right. Let''s not contact her yet. We will do so when we agree it with them. We don''t want it to seem like we want to lead this whole operation."

    "Don''t we though?" Mark asked and Allias chuckled.

    "Yes we do. We will just do it sneakily. They are stupid after all" he said and looked at Theseus with a smirk hoping that his insult would calm his worries a bit. The man though had dived into his chair, shriveled and annoyed his arms crossed over his chest.

    "Yeah, yeah" Theseus mumbled grumpily and Allias couldn''t help but wonder if last night had really happened. Didn''t they have just spent a crazy night and slept next to each other? Why was he suddenly acting like this? Maybe it had to do with that sentence. The love me more one. Maybe he should do something after all, he though and scratched the back of his head once more immersed in his thoughts. Maybe a poem. He could write him something, but suddenly that sounded so cheesy.

    "Ugh!" he exclaimed "What should I do?" he groaned and everyone looked at him confused. He looked at them and sat straight taking his papers in his hands and bring them close to his face. "Ahem, yes. I think we should leave tomorrow. It''s close and we should start as soon as possible. Ea, Ares and Mark will be coming with us."

    "Can''t I stay here?" Mark asked with a sweet smile and fluttered his eyelashes at his best friend. He wasn''t ready yet to see Mikael. He was thinking that if the wolf still had feelings for him the mission would become difficult but at the same time the idea of rejection, of Mikael getting over him so easily when he was still thinking of him was the least disappointing.

    "No. You will be coming with us so you don''t do anything stupid. Radius I need you to go to the armoire and prepare some easy to carry weapons and supplies. Just because we will be at the human world it doesn''t mean we shouldn''t be wary. After all we could end up encountering another hunter clan and other enemies. I don''t think a lot of the witches and all the supernatural creatures that live there will be happy that we will be roaming to their domain."

    "Allias, I know this is not a very concerning matter but hear me out¡­" Mark said with a very cheeky smile and pointed his finger at him. Everyone was listening to him carefully, their attention on him. "Clubbing. We should go clubbing" He told his friend and winked at him. Allias looked at him for a second almost stunned, his lips opening and closing like a fish in an aquarium before he busted out laughing.

    "What''s clubbing?" Ares asked intrigued

    "He will tell you later" Allias said trying to refrain himself from laughing any longer.  From all the thing we would miss, he wanted to go clubbing. Okay. That was reasonable¡­kind of. He had been locked up in here or the compound all this time. "Radius you can go prepare." Allias ordered him and the man stood up and bowed.

    "Yes your highness."

    "So now that he is gone. Do we have any news on Hara?" Allias asked

    "Nope." Ares replied dryly and Allias took a deep breath.

    "I don''t think this is good. They should have announced something by now. Called us to his funeral. Did you drop the body at the right spot?"

    "Yes, everything was done as you ordered." Ea said. "I think it''s strange too. A council member goes missing but they don''t make a fuss about it. They don''t ask any questions. Could it be that they haven''t found his body yet?"

    "Or he even annoyed his own people and when they found him no one cared. We might have actually done them a favor." Ares joked with his arms behind his head.

    "There is no use in us talking about it. What happened, happened and we took care of everything. Even if they think that something is going on they cannot tie it with us. Especially with the whole situation in the palace at that moment. We had more important things to deal with. So the best thought is to simple stop talking about it. Come on now. I am hungry." Theseus announced and stood up, kicking back his chair recklessly.

    "Same. How about we sneak into the kitchen for some food before lunch. I heard they brought in lobster" Ares said and stood next to his brother.

    "Do you think I am some kid that goes into the kitchen like a thief¡­"

    "They also have mushroom pie."

    "Let''s go" Theseus said and grabbed his brother away not saying a single word to Allias. The King looked at him go dumbfounded and then his eyes traveled to Ea. He had noticed it too, obviously, how weird he was today.

    "The palace changed a lot" Mark commented. He was the first one to bring this topic up, maybe because it wasn''t that usual for him that a whole building simply changed overnight. The ice had melted and Ea probably had made some magician to restore it to its old glamour. The dark marbled floors had returned, shinning reflecting everything that happened. Heavy wooden furniture in the colors of the ravens, with a slight blue hue to them and golden candles and chandeliers. The Disee palace had always been centered around darkness but it was always a calming dark. One that reminded you of a summer night, with a warm breeze and fireflies everywhere. It was elegant and minimal very different from the crowded, shining Avgee palace that made everyone stare in awe once they visited it. The meeting room table that had been broken so many times before had been replaced from a black iron one. The King almost sure it was a courtesy of Ea since wood would break too easily. He caressed the material and looked around with a longing smile. Life would return to this place. Allias would make sure of it.

    "Yes. Once the King lifted the spell last night the ice began to melt so I employed a warlock to speed up the change and put everything in place for us. So we can function normally without troubles." Ea explained.

    "I see. Like a magical interior decorator." Mark commented and Allias nodded. His primary concern was not the change in the interior of the palace at the moment. Not even the wolves. He barely cared about it. What he couldn''t get out of his head was Luke''s weird behavior.

    "Ea. Did he say anything to you this morning? Theseus?" Allias asked him and the young elf took a second to think.

    "Not really. Maybe he didn''t like the gift you got him for his birthday." Ea said. "You know he can be weird with stuff like that from time to time."

    "His what? Wait¡­wait what day is it? What month?" he shouted confused

    "It''s the 8th of May, at least in this realm" Ea said. "Wait, did you forget Theseus'' birthday?" He asked him in shock.

 Chapter 132 - 132- A Hero

    Allias found Theseus in the Kitchen even after two whole hours. He was sitting on one of the stools in the kitchen isle he had recently gotten drunk at and in front of him had three empty plates. Crumbs, the last remains of the mushroom pies were all over the dark wood. He didn''t notice him, his back was turned and he was lazily supporting his head on his palm as he was staring at the intense fire and the copper pot above it, bubbling with soup. He let out a sigh and pushed the plates back before he stood up.

    "How long have you been there?" Theseus asked when he saw him.

    "Considering the fact that I just came back you could have given me a free pass you know. I mean I so much stuff is going on that it was pretty expected that I''d forget."

    "I do not know what you''re talking about, your highness." He said and took the plates in his hand, dropping them messily on the sink. It was obvious he just wanted to do something else so he could avoid direct eye contact with him.

    "Happy Birthday" Allias said with a smile and walked next to him. "Sorry I forgot. Will you let me hug you?" He asked and opened his arms. "how old are you know? Have we gotten to a five digit now?" he teased him

    "What? I am not that old" He said and hugged Allias, letting himself relax in his arms. "And it''s not that you forgot my birthday." He told him and raised him up, Allias wrapping his leg around his waist as he placed him on the isle. "I just don''t want to see that stupid wolf."

    "Adam?" Allias asked playing dumb. Of course he knew wo Theseus was talking about but his slightly annoyed expression was cute, his possessiveness was something that Allias would always seem to enjoy. It was a very intriguing feeling to see the always cool and mysterious man he used to go after all the time when he was younger now think thoughts filled with the little green monster.

    "You know who I am talking about. That idiot Luke. Who dared to kiss you. I don''t even have that time to process. We are leaving tomorrow. It''s like you are in a hurry to see him"

    "Well, he does have very pretty grey eyes and a good set of abs. He is eye candy don''t you think?" Allias said with a smirk and placed his arms on his shoulder.

    "Allias! No matter how you look at it I am more of an eye candy. Like look at me. It''s like I pooped out of a fairy tale."

    "Yeah and he looks like he popped out of an erotic book. You know the ones they sell at the market. With the pictures." Allias whispered as Theseus purple eyes widened and he tilted his head. His eyes were closed and his jaw was clenched as a big huff of air left his nostrils. He looked almost like an angry bull.

    "Oh really??" He asked Allias as he unbuttoned his shirt. "And this?" He said as he very skillfully showcased his body. Showing his abs and ripped hands. "Isn''t this tempting. This kid can''t even hold a sword."

    "Yeah but he has that raw power you know" Allias said and chuckled. Theseus grinned again and grabbed his chin.

    "Got anything else to say honey. Come on praise him more. It''s fine I can just kill him. Just because I''ve been nice lately you shouldn''t forget. I own you" He groaned, his eyes showing pure raw jealousy as he stared into Allias'' eyes. He felt threatened. That something dear to him would be taken away. Allias wrapped his fingers around Theseus''s wrist and with much strength he squeezed the pale flesh, hearing the bones slowly succumb. Theseus hissed and took his hand away, making Allias laugh.

    "I''ve been a bit out of it lately honey, haven''t I?" Allias asked. "¡­but you shouldn''t forget. No one owns me, I own people." He stated and jumped off the isle. He began walking toward the exit when he turned around. Theseus gave him a very petty smiled filled with venom and he chuckled.

    "Have it you way then" Theseus said.

    "You shouldn''t worry. You know that" Allias told him, his eyes turning gentle. He shouldn''t tease him so much but sometimes he couldn''t help it. Especially now that he had been grumpy all day. It was a perfect chance. "You and I are the perfect power couple. There is no one else who could stand next to me the way you do" He told him and winked at him, Theseus looking at him confused.

    "Wait¡­"

    "Gotta go!" Allias said and began running into the corridor.

    "Wait!" Theseus shouted again and ran after him but he had already disappeared. "Really¡­" he mumbled as he stared at the empty hallway that expanded right in front of him. Theseus clicked his tongue and with a smile he began walking, not particularly going anywhere but he knew he wasn''t going to find Allias anytime soon. He was in his trouble making mood if he judged by his teasing just a while back. A power couple, that''s what he had said and the general repeated it in his head many times. Allias had all the power, he was just the shadow killer every time he needed him. Not the best way to describe them. He was fine with it though, as long he got to shine and make his people happy he didn''t care if he got devoured by the darkness. He wasn''t the hero, a knight in shining armor. He was more of the¡­morally grey character? He had read a lot of romance books. Especially when he had first met Allias. He had noticed that he seemed to enjoy them so he memorized all the titles in his bookshelf and read them later on. Many of them were really¡­unique. That was the only way he could describe them and he wondered why Allias hadn''t fallen with someone else. A hero, a great ruler or an honorable knife. He was reading books about them so why? He had so many chances to meet someone like that, he was a prince after all but he chose him. The bastard son that was drenched in blood in an alley way, injured and foul mouthed. Yeah, something was definitely wrong with Allias.

    "Why aren''t you looking for me?" A voice was heard and Allias'' head peeked from one of the corners. He had a pout on, his cheeks puffed as he stared at him with furrowed eyebrows.

    "We are not kids anymore your grace. I won''t play hide and seek with you" Theseus said.

    "You''re no fun. I guess I won''t give you your present."

    "What present?" Theseus asked while laughing. "You forgot it was my birthday. I doubt with everything that had been going on you would have prepared a present."

    "Actually I really do have a present for you. I¡­had gotten it for you the year that I died. Before we went on the battlefield I hid it here because I knew that we were planning to return first here and rest before we go home but you know¡­shit happened. I mean I died so I never gave it to you" Allias confessed and Theseus stared at him filled with curiosity.

    "What is it?" He asked and Allias jumped out holding a little black box in his palms. He gave it to him and the moment Theseus touched it suddenly the King''s cheeks turned a bright red color. It was a bit dusty, specs stuck on the velvety material and it made the sound of something that had gotten rust on it. Many years had passed after all, he would be shocked if it looked perfectly fine. Especially if Allias had hidden it in some secret spot on the palace.

    Theseus gasped as he stared at the content. His eyes almost seemed glued on it and tears slowly made an appearance at the corners of his eyes. He looked up, his lilac eyes burning holes into his lover as he tried to find the right words to say.

    "Where did you get that?" He asked him, still in shock.

    "I tried really hard you know. I had to go to some very dark places and talk with a lot of creepy people. I mean that place didn''t exist anymore even back then but I thought you''d want it. So I searched for it. It looks a bit worn out. I am sorry about that but still¡­I think it''s pretty."

    "I''ve never received a better present in my entire life Allias. Thank you. Really" He said and he fell to his knees unable to even stand. Allias shocked by his reaction crouched down fast and hugged him, patting his back.

    "Come on. Please don''t cry. I want you to smile." Allias said.

    Inside the box was something that Theseus had lost a long time ago. It was really valuable to him so now that he had gotten it back he was holding it close to his heart as he cried. It was a sketch. A sketch of him and his mother, while he was still young before his father took him away. One day an artist had come to the brothel and his mother had him sketch them. He was a child back then; she had made him sit still while he sat on her lap. His muscles had gotten tense after a while and he wanted to go play but he didn''t complain, nor move. That was the first time his mother had held him for so long without another person appearing and telling her she had to work.

    "My dad took everything away when he took me into the palace. There was nothing left for me to remember her. Everyone acted like she was a disgrace but she¡­she was my mum" Theseus said. "Thank you." He told Allias and the King kissed his forehead.

    "I just hope that you are happy with this."

    Theseus now knew why Allias had never looked for the knight in shining armor. That majestic man that screamed virtue, the one that all the poems had been written for. It was natural for him to look for someone else. The main character that everyone loved was not something that he wanted or needed. He could never love someone like. Allias could never fall in love with a hero.

    He was the hero.

    "Thank you. I am. You are my hero" Theseus told him and fell into his arms as he cried.

 Chapter 133 - 133- A Whole New World

    "Mark this is ridiculous. I do not think that such measures are necessary so we can just get to the pack''s compound. I have been to the human world I am well aware of their ways and¡­"

    "Listen. How long ago exactly did you visit the human world Theseus? Ea, Ares have you ever been there?" Mark asked the three elves. The younger ones waved a now and the older, the general looked at him, with a very clear expression, not afraid to show his annoyance.

    "A hundred years ago. Something like that" Theseus answered and Mark crossed his arms over his chest.

    "So you are telling me that nothing would have changed in the human world in one hundred years.. I thought you were smarter than this."

    "Yes, but I am not very fond of outfit changes and¡­ouch! Be careful with that pin¡­and people touching my body!" Theseus said.

    After lunch and for the following three hours he had been forced together with Ea and Ares to enter the royal wardrobe, a room filled with closets silver full body mirrors and comfortable velvet black couches. No matter what closet you opened you will come face to face with the finest fabrics, the best quality of clothes, some of them even having gems and gold tailored on them. Unfortunately, none of them seem to fit what Mark called the style of the humans. He had described them as old fashioned and not really following the trends and Theseus had looked at him with furrowed eyebrows. He quite liked the dressing style of his kingdom. The Disee elves always had a darker appearance, fitted black, grey or purple clothes, sometimes dark red and emerald, silver details, and always battle approved while on the other hand Allias'' tribe The Avgee elves were dressed in white, gold and earth like tones. At first when Allias stood next to Theseus they looked like they belonged into different worlds. He had a strict appearance, a bit scary while the young prince would be dressed in more lose clothing, with many jewelry and hair pieces. As the years passed Theseus had come to love their contradicting images, he thought of it as something that made them special.

    But as he stood on a fitting stand, a black wooden circle that raised him a bit from the ground and had maids fumble his legs and arms, pinching him with pins while everyone observed him and had him changing one shirt after the other he was starting to get annoyed.

    "Allias? Tell your boyfriend to shut up" Mark said and looked at his best friend who was sitting in one of the couches, reading a book.

    "Theseus" he said placing his book to the side. "The human world is very different now. We need to fit in if we want to go further than the wolf compound. Bear with it a bit longer. Do you want Luke to make fun of you because you don''t follow the appropriate dress code?" he asked him with a gentle smile.

    Theseus'' eyes widened and he breathed in trying not to explode as another pin prickled his skin. There was no way he would look even the slightest bit lesser than Luke. He didn''t know if he was going to be in the mission or not but he was pretty sure he would have to cross paths with him at some point so he would never, ever look inferior in front of him. Especially with Allias around.

    "You''re smarter than you look" Mark mumbled and Allias chuckled as he returned back to the couch.

    "How about you dress him in a suit and maybe a haircut?" Allias said placing a finger on his chin while he imagined Theseus as a very rich businessman. It was not a bad idea. He grinned as he looked at his lover and stood up getting lost in one of the closets. The others could hear the sound of the hangers moving and Allias got out holding a few pairs of trousers and jackets. Those were really old. Sometimes Allias interested in the fashion of other worlds he would ask his guest to bring him clothes or other items. As it seemed Theseus had kept quite a few so with just a few changes he could make his vision true. "Let me try." He said and Mark stood to the side, smiling as he realized that his best friend right now just wanted to bring his fantasies to life. "take your shirt off" he told him and Theseus did as he was told revealing his sculptured body. His tattoo was obvious on the pale skin and Allias looked at it with a smile. It ended on a moon, while he had a sun on his back. Once his mother did the spell on him Theseus had gone and gotten it, so they would match. It was a very sweet gesture, that now warmed his heart. "Try this" he said and threw a black turtle neck at him. It had long sleeves but the weather in the human world, especially the part they were visiting was never that hot so he wouldn''t have a problem. "Since we won''t be college students any more, let''s go all out" he said as he watched Theseus wore the shirt. "now these pants. And put the shirt inside the pants." He instructed him and the elf wore a black pair of pants. They were slightly loose and when he saw his boyfriend nodded satisfied. "Nice."

    "I see what you want there." Mark commented. "How about this too." He proposed tossing a jacket at him. "make it a bit wider and then tailor the rest of his clothes in similar manner." He told the maids and they nodded obediently. "Also you will be getting a haircut."

    "What?" I have been growing my hair for so long! What do you mean a haircut?" Theseus asked shocked and his hair instinctively went to his hair, grasping his pony tail.

    "Yes!" Allias said excited and clapped. "I will be going now. It''s getting late and I need to check some paperwork. Finish up these two before midnight. We need to rest, tomorrow it''s a big day."

    "Why my hair?" Allias heard Theseus whine as he left the room. He headed towards his study, a room he hadn''t used in many years. The only room that actually reminded him of home since Theseus had decorated especially for him. The light colored wood and elegant carvings as designs. Flowers and trees sculptured with outmost care and golden details, Theseus had placed a big desk there with a comfortable beige chair and a matching couch for when he needed to rest. There was also a huge bookcase that had many shelves empty since he didn''t know what to place there yet but that was the least of his concerns.

    He began reading papers, and signing stuff that Ea had previously left him. There were so many matters that needed his immediate attention when he got back that he was already feeling pressured. He had a maid bring him a cup of tea and while he took a short break, leaving his quill down he took a sip from the aromatic liquor. His eyes hurt from the bad lighting and he got up from the chair and headed towards the couch to lie down. Just half an hour he mumbled to himself and closed his eyes.

    A half an hour became one and then two until the whole night passed and the next morning Ea was eagerly knocking on his door.

    "Wake up, wake up! I am in a hurry. I left your clothes at the door it''s already noon we need to leave!" Ea screamed at him from behind the closed door and the sleeping elf jumped up surprised. While rubbing his eyes he grabbed the clothes that were left there Ea already gone and got dressed.

    He headed at the palace entrance waiting for the other and to his surprise even though he was supposed to be the one who was late no one had arrived yet. He heard footsteps soon though and turned around to face his new and improved boyfriend. His vibrant green eyes almost popped out of their sockets and his jaw dropped. He wondered if he had started drooling as a breath was stuck on his throat.

    "Holly shit" he mumbled as he stared at him. "fuck"

    All of them looked different. Ea and Ares too but Theseus was the epitome of the word. He looked like a completely different person and Allias couldn''t help but notice if they were actually going out on a mission or if they had planned to make his teenage dreams into a reality. Mark was really good with clothes. Incredibly good he noted on his mind as he was trying to find something to say.

    "You''re drooling" Mark commented and in a usual situation Allias would have told him to shut up but now he was utterly bewitched by Theseus. It felt like he had seen him for the first time. His heart was beating faster and he felt his palms get sweaty, so drowned into his own thoughts that he hadn''t notice the way Theseus was looking at him.

    "How can I not¡­I mean¡­he is hot" he mumbled and immediately turned red at the realization of what he had said.

    "It runs in the family. Right Ea?" Ares said with a cheeky smile and stood in front of his husband.

    "No. You look exactly the same." Ea said with a stern expression and he frowned.

    This story had seemed to have taken the course of a teenage book and everyone was subconsciously happy about that. It was quite relaxing for your worries to be about a haircut or the color of your shirt.

    Soon though things would change.

    ...

 Chapter 134 - 134- New And Improved

    All of them looked like completely different people. It was almost shocking for Allias to see them like that. He had spent quite some time in the human realm outside the Veil and he was familiar with how people look there but he could never imagine that his people would fit in so easily. If you could say looking ten times better than the average person fitting in. Mark had dressed every single one of them differently and it was as if he had gotten the essence of their souls. Even if that sounded kind of dramatic every piece of clothing was perfectly designed to fit them.

    "Mark you¡­" Allias mumbled.

    "I am amazing, I know. Mama taught me well." He said proudly as he looked at his best friend. He was dressed in a pair of white pants paired with a white shirt and a teal pullover hoodie underneath. He also wore a pair of brown sunglasses and held a beige purse. "I mean college life had me a bit rusty, you know wanting to fit in with sweaty, hormonal guys but oh boy, you people got money."

    "I kind of like the human look to be honest." Ares said and made a swift twirl for Allias to notice him. "What do you think?" he asked him with a childish smile and Allias nodded proudly.

    "Yeah, you look good. This style suits you." He said noticing his ripped skinny jeans, the heavy black combat boots and the leather jacket above an ACDC t-shirt. Allias doubted he knew the band but this darker style looked really good on him. "You too Ea. You look adorable." He told him and the petite elf blushed. He was wearing a light pink knitted sweater and a pair of white colored skinny jeans. Mark had even given him a pair of gold round glasses and underneath the sweater he noticed a shirt with light blue and white stripes. He looked very cute and friendly with that outfit. His palms hidden by the long sleeves.

    "So you have nothing to say about me?" Theseus asked and cocked and eyebrow. "They even cut my hair." He said trying to smile but he couldn''t. It was still a pretty hurtful thing for him to mention. He had developed some kind of emotional bond with that pony tail and he almost cried as he saw parts of his hair being chopped off and thrown to the ground.

    "This is not a fashion show. Let''s go" Allias said and turned around. He was wearing a light beige pair of lose pants, with a brown thing belt and a white lose shirt. On his shoulders he had a dark brown wool overcoat. His thin wrist was finely decorated by a very old vintage gold watch.

    "So everyone gets compliments except me?" Theseus asked as he followed Allias. He had already walked out the palace and headed towards a stopped carriage. There were two waiting for them outside. One had a pair of beautiful white horses and the other one had a white one and a brown one. The King and the general would occupy one while the kids would get the other. The carriage driver opened the door for Allias, respectfully looking at the paved ground and Theseus got in with him sitting opposite of him. The King drew the red curtains and let the only source of light get through, a ray of sunlight landing on the wooden bottom of the carriage, like a very clear line separating them. Theseus sat back comfortably, crossing his legs and looking at Allias with a scrutinizing stare.

    "What?" Allias asked while looking outside the window. He stared at the trees that had started to finally bloom, the grass that now had a healthy green color, almost similar to his eyes and the people, as they passed through the village looking at the carriage in awe and bowing, even though they couldn''t see the King.

    "Why don''t I get a compliment?" He asked his eyebrow still raised and a very cocky expression had suddenly appeared. As he sat back, one of his arms resting openly on the handle while the other rested on his thigh he had a very clear aura of dominance. He would certainly have heard what Allias had mumbled before, clearly blinded by how looked he looked but still he wanted to hear more. That''s why he was sitting there filled with confidence, his lilac eyes sparkling with excitement as Allias desperately was trying to avoid ogling over him again. It was embarrassing. "Allias won''t you look at me?" He told him and the King scoffed.

    "You clearly heard me before so do you want me to say it again?"

    "Yeah, now that it''s just the two of us. I want to hear you say it." He told him with a smile and moved his body forward, approaching him, his eyes looking lighter now that the sun was on his face.

    Allias did the fatal mistake of looking at him. Seriously, how can someone be so handsome? He wondered and he blinked a few times, trying not to feel overwhelmed by the picture in front of him. Theseus was smiling sexily, dressed in a loose pair of black formal pants and a black jacket. He also wore a dark red turtle neck that fitted his body perfectly. His hair had been cut and now for the first time in his life they were short. Pulled back with gel, parted to the side only the right side fell loosely in front of his face. Allias bit his bottom lip as he stared at him.

    "You look okay." He said and tried to turn his face back to the window but Theseus grabbed his arm and pulled him forward, the King landing messily in his embrace. Theseus blew towards his hair, a few stray white strands moving and Allias blushed as their eyes met.

    "Just okay? You can say it you know. I think you look really beautiful. I had never seen you dressed like this."

    "Neither had I" Allias said as Theseus instructed him to sit on his lap. Doing as he was told he took his hand in his and played with Theseus'' fingers. He had obviously never seen Theseus dressed like that but at the same time not even himself. His parents, or at least his human parents were very conservative. He was only allowed to wear the simplest of clothes, befitting to the stereotype of the man they had on their minds. Him being dressed like this, even if he remembered himself from a different time, where his clothing options were completely different, felt somehow liberating. As if he was leaving behind a very painful past, filled with insecurities. It would be fine now, since he knew who he was and what he wanted. No one had the right to stop him from being himself and the beating he used to receive where slowly beginning to turn into an old time story at the dusty corners of his mind. Thinking of this he laid his head on Theseus'' chest and the general caressed his cheek with a worrisome expression.

    "Is everything alright?" He asked him.

    "I am so lucky to have you. To have everyone next to me again. I¡­as I grew up I was completely alone, scared and hated but now the pain is not so hard to bear. When you''re with me" Allias confessed.

    "I am sorry." Theseus told him and kissed the back of his hand. "If I had found you sooner I would have lessened your pain. But even now I am willing to share it with you. You are not alone Allias, as long as I am alive you will never be. Even if you want to burn the world, even if you want to ruin everyone that has ever hurt you I will help you. I will even kill them for you so your hands won''t be painted by their lowly blood. Your word is my command. You are my King."

    "Just your King?"

    "And the love of my life. You are my Soul Link."

    "You look great in that outfit by the way. Very sexy" Allias told him with a cheeky smile as the carriage came to a halt. They were slightly shaken by the sudden stop but sat in their seats very fast. Looking perfectly elegant as the driver opened the carriage door.

    "We have arrived my lords. We are at the portal."

    "Thank you." Allias said and Theseus jumped outside first, helping the Golden King get down. "You can return. When will our baggage arrive?" Allias asked the driver before he left.

    "The baggage is in the other carriage with the rest."

    "So Mark, Ea and Ares were stuck together in a carriage with all of our luggage" Theseus noted as the driver was starting to disappear into the forest.

    "Oh, the nagging."

    "It will certainly be unbearable."

    Theseus agreed with Allias while both of them were imagining very similar scenes, concerning as to what could be happening in that forsaken carriage. Seconds later both of them were laughing. "Are you ready for this?" Theseus asked him as they looked at the portal. Their special flowers all around.

    "Well, how bad could it go?"

    "Do you want me to be honest?"

    "No, please lie to me. I need it."

    "It''s going to be fine my love, do not worry." Theseus said with a fake smile.

    "No it won''t"

    "It definitely won''t be."

 Chapter 135 - 135- White Fangs

    "Whose idea was to have the three of us in one carriage? Huh? Tell me." Ares whined as they approached Theseus and Allias. "Someone kept touching my thigh, don''t think that I didn''t notice"

    "I would prefer to die before I touch your nasty crotch" Mark said with a disgusted expression and Ares scoffed.

    "You have no idea what I can do with this" he told him and winked. The red haired boy though didn''t seem to change his mind and just pretended to barf.

    "Please shut up" Ea mumbled as they reached the two older elves.

    "Oh, those are pretty" mark commented while staring at the beautiful white flowers surrounding the portal and he motioned to get one of them.

    "Don''t!" Allias warned him and grabbed his wrist. "They are poisonous. Here" He said and ripped one from the ground without nothing happening to him. "Let''s take one back home, dry it and keep. That way you won''t get hurt."

    "Okay but why¡­no¡­It''s fine I don''t want to know. I am tired of cheesy romance stories. Let''s just go" Mark told them, taking back his question and went through the portal first.

    Allias was very familiar with this place. It was the location where Luke had tried to charm him, so he would be forgiven. It was the place that he had locked eyes with Theseus again, after such a long time. It was a very special meeting ground for him and he couldn''t help but feel a bittersweet sensation as he looked around. The huge tree, the little river. Everything seemed as I they hadn''t changed at all. Not that much time had passed after all it was just that he had changed. Somehow he expected the world to change with him but in the end, everything else remained the same. At least the scenery did. He couldn''t be so sure about the people. Especially when it came to the wolf pack. This wolf pack called White fangs. He couldn''t really believe that he would step back there. At the place he had been humiliated, beaten and mistreated so many times. Now he was at a position of power, above all of them and deep inside him he still wanted to take revenge for everything that happened even if he knew that he should let it go.

    "They didn''t send anyone to get us? Why am I not surprised?" Ares noted.

    "We are not that unwelcoming." A familiar voice was heard and a blond tall man appeared before them. Allias'' eyes instantly landed on his best friend, who was standing next to him. His caramel eyes for a second shot wide open and he blushed but soon he tried to hide it. So he was still thinking about him. "Welcome to our humble compound. It''s my honor to be welcoming the royal family. If I am allowed to say you all look¡­very different." Mikael said and bowed, behind him appearing a girl. When Allias saw her he almost began laughing. Was this girl really what he was afraid of when he was a human? Now he was almost three heads taller than her, looking at her from above as her expression remained as obnoxious as ever. "Lily dear bow to the royal family." Mikael groaned and she shrugged her shoulders, unwilling to obey him.

    Theseus took a step forward, his cold eyes almost freezing her to her spot but Allias stopped him before he did anything further. He placed his palm on his shoulder signaling his to step down and the white haired elf sighed as he took a small step back.

    "It''s alright. You don''t have to bow to know your place after all" Allias told her with a smile. "I mean¡­what could you do with your little dirt bucket now?" he continued his expression changing fast. He stared at her as if she was a pest that he could easily crush. When he realized that she had gotten his point and stepped to the side, her eyes on the ground now, he smiled again at Mikael. "Will we stand here for a while?"

    "No of course not. We have prepared a very nice lunch for you. Then we can talk with the Alpha about the mission and all the details. Lily get their bags."

    "What? Why do I¡­?"

    "Get them dammit!" Mikael scolded her and Mark couldn''t help but laugh. It was so funny to him how this girl who was pretending to be all high and mighty while Allias was weak now could be scared to even breathe in his presence.

    "Remind me to make a toast on my rich, royal, powerful best friend" Mark told Allias and as they were walking towards the compound.

    Until now Mikael had not said a word to Mark and it was obvious that the ginger was annoyed. He would steal glimpses of him while he conversed with Ea. He was liked by everyone, the only werewolf most elves did not have a problem with and that irked mark even more. Just a few weeks ago he was begging for something to happen between them and now he acted as if he did not exist. Was this how in love he was with him? Mark thought and his nostrils flared.

    "Someone''s annoyed" Allias teased him.

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about" Mark said and slowly they managed to see the end of the forest and the tremendous gate of the compound. Pitch black iron, with swirly designs that when it opened a creaking sound violated his sensitive ears. It opened slowly as if it needed oil and in front of him, oddly unpleasant appeared the main building, made from heavy stones and wood. "I wouldn''t be worried about others. I mean look there. Riiight there" the boy continued and pointed at the gate. "Yes, that is your ex-boyfriend. Staring at you, almost drooling. Now look to your left. Yes. That is your boyfriend now, looking like he wants to kill everyone! How exciting"

    "Oh, shut up" Allias said and he could already feel an upcoming headache. The more they approached the waiting Luke the more he could feel Theseus'' tension. He tended his hand to take his but Theseus moved it away.

    "Just¡­give me some time to get used to this." He told him and he shoved his fists in his pants'' pockets to hide them. He was trying so hard to restrain himself that Allias had started to believe it was a bad idea that they accepted the council''s terms. He didn''t want him to go through such discomfort.

    "It will be alright. I swear" Allias comforted him just right before they stood into hearing distance from Luke. The young wolf sprinted slightly to reach them and when he locked eyes with Allias he smiled brightly.

    "You''re back" he said filled with excitement and Allias bit his bottom lip unable to find any words to say. What was he supposed to reply to that? "oh, I am sorry. Welcome" He greeted them formally and bowed. "We are glad to have you here. I hope we can put our past aside and cooperate for this mission. Please follow me." He said and began walking towards the enormous building.

    As they walked Allias began to feel a sting on his chest. In this place he had felt unimaginable pain, when he was at his most vulnerable state. He had been fed lies and drunk poisonous words. Beaten and taken advantage of this building looked more like many different torture chambers rather than a welcoming house. He closed his eyes for a split second taking a deep breath to calm down when he felt Theseus grab his hand.

    "Sorry. I am here for you." He whispered and Allias nodded smiling slightly.

    As Luke opened the front door the King noticed quite the amount of werewolf standing at the entrance. They were all curious to see them since when they lived at the palace they hadn''t seen the King fully back. They had heard stories about them, him and Theseus. Songs and poems of a great love, two mighty warriors and now as he stood underneath the scrutinizing eyes of the people who had seen him at his lowest and laughed at him he found a strength he didn''t know he had. He was not weak anymore. There was no reason for him to be afraid or hide. He raised his head and met their eyes hoping that their hearts would tremble. Every single one of them averted his gaze. They were scared of him; the same way they were afraid of Luke when he had his fits. He smiled brightly and took a few steps forward separating himself from the rest of the elves, keeping Theseus always close to him.

    "So where is my lunch?" He asked when in between the crowd a commotion started. Soon a teenage boy appeared by pushing and grunting. He slid through the rest of the wolves to reach the front and with no shame he ran towards them, holding a white paper and a pen. He stood in front of Theseus and the white haired man looked at him with furrowed eyebrows.

    "What?"

    "Can I get your autograph?" The wolf teen asked with a blushed face and Theseus expression became more perplexed.

    "My what?"

    ....

    I just want to say that Allias jealous is...quite the sight. Anticipate it. Let''s laugha bit before...cough cough.

 Chapter 136 - 136- Jealous But Kind

    "He wants you to sign on that paper with your name." Allias explained and looked at the young wolf. A boy no more than seventeen years old with long brown hair and olive green eyes he was looking at his lover filled with admiration and a very obvious blush as he gripped tightly on the piece of paper.

    "Why?" Theseus asked him, not paying the boy too much attention as he stood there staring like a baby owl.

    "This is what they do here to people they admire" Allias replied "Come on now, don''t make him wait"

    "Give it to me." Theseus said and extended his arm grabbing the paper.

    "M-my name is Alexander" he told him and Allias scoffed. The boy looked at him surprised by his reaction and the King smiled at him. Looking down on him.

    "Dude he is just a fan boy chill" Mark whispered at him and elbowed him on the ribs. Allias turned his gaze on him and with gritted teeth he replied.

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about, my dearest friend. So will we stand at the door for too long? Will you be taking our stuff?" he asked Alexander.

    "No, n-no¡­I¡­"

    "You?"

    "Allias let the pure boy alone, he seems scared of you" Theseus told him with a smirk as he gave the teenage boy the autograph he asked for. He patted his head and gave him a very charming smile, enjoying the attention but even more Allias'' jealousy. Back in their world Allias was always in the spotlight, yes certainly he too was handsome but in comparison to the Golden King he lacked in other aspects, such as kindness and manners but as it seemed here he got some kind of impact too. Since Allias was too unapproachable for them he got a lot of benefits. Now maybe he would know how he felt while all these little maids and princesses always had their eyes on him. "there you go. Forgive me I am not too knowledgeable on the things of this world." He told Alexander.

    "N- no, it''s okay thank you very much." Alexander told him and bowed at him. Theseus seemed quite shocked by that action as did Allias. He had no reason to bow at him.

    "Please don''t bow." He told him and helped him stand straight again by gently placing his palms on his shoulders.

    "I- I have read so many stories about you. How you kept the elf kingdom together after the war and about your hardships. You are¡­"

    "I am tired of standing. Let''s go" Allias said and began walking "What are you waiting for Mikael, Luke, blonde annoying girl¡­let''s go."  He strolled the familiar halls already knowing where he should go. To say he waltzed around as if he owned the place would be an understatement. He wasn''t afraid anymore and this male annoyance that happened to have the same name as he did, made him want to just get over with things a lot faster than before. They stepped into the common room, that was now empty like a restaurant reserved only for them. A huge table in the middle had been set with fine silverware, shining gold and trays of steaming food. If wolves knew one thing was how to enjoy a lavish meal. The scents were pleasantly mixing into Allias nose and he felt his stomach grumble since they had woken him up in a hurry. He didn''t have the time to rest.

    "Please take a seat. I will go bring my father and we can enjoy our meal. Lily take their stuff on the guest house. Mikael let''s go." He said and the two men left in a hurry while Lily just disappeared with a huge frown on her face.

    "They look a lot more¡­tamed." Mark commented as they took their seats. Ares peeked inside the closed trays and Ea slapped his hand, his scream echoing in the room.

    "Let''s see how that lasts." Theseus commented. "You didn''t have to be so mean to that poor boy back there. He was almost trembling."

    "Well you were all smiles and kind words. Consider my attitude as a way to make you feel better." Allias said as he grabbed a piece of bread from the table and ripped it into shreds, crumbs getting all over.

    "Are you jealous my love?" Theseus asked, not really needing an answer.

    "Ha! Me? Jealous? Do you know who I am?" He asked him with a cocked eyebrow and tossed a small piece of bread on his mouth. "You are deluded."

    "Am I?" The white haired man asked but before Allias could spit another vicious comment to hide away his irritation the door opened revealing the three usual men. Daniel, Markus and his least favorite of all Adam. That man still had a very cocky expression, even after the humiliation he had received. He took the chair at the head of the table right opposite of Allias, who occupied the other, his son on his one side and Daniel on the other.

    "I am so glad to see you here today. Knowing that we will cooperate is an honor. Please enjoy your food and we can talk about how we can get this hunters¡­out of the way." He said emphasizing his last words. Someone had obviously given this vicious man the wrong idea.

    "I am sorry but no one is getting out the way" Allias said and two female wolves appeared. Each of them stood at one side of the table and they began serving the guests, with meat, salad and mashed potatoes, pouring crimson red wine on their glasses.

    "But why?" Adam asked and took a sip from his crystal glass. Allias couldn''t help but be reminded of Achlys and the horrible scars that decorated his back. These two could become best friends

    "Because that is not the plan. We will be talking with them after we find them. To reach an agreement. An alliance. That is all. This will be a cooperation but don''t be fooled that I will allow you to do the same things as last time. I am not the same person."

    "Oh believe me I can see that. It was obvious from the way you bullied one of our youngsters at the entrance. Maybe the things that are written about your kind nature were false. Oh, excuse me my King. Was that out of line?" Adam asked, pretending to care.

    "Father stop. Don''t talk to him like that." Luke said and stared at his father full of resentment. At least he had learned to talk back now.

    "Let''s make thing clear before I get angry." Allias said and sat up. "You and I are not the same Adam, we will never be. You are a mere annoyance to me. And if you think I don''t remember the beatings and the humiliation you must be mistaken." He told him and walked towards his seat at the head of the table. Daniel was allured and attempted to sit up too, stop Allias in case things got overboard but Theseus'' cold stare stopped him.

    . "I am here just because I am too kind and haven''t killed you all so get to business and stop trying to get on my nerves because if you do I won''t need anyone''s help to turn you into dog food. Okay?" he asked him with a smile and took his glass away from him. "Cheers to a great friendship" he said raising the cup and the spilling its contents to the ground before he sat back to his chair.

    "Are you going to allow him to talk to your father like that?" Adam asked his son.

    "You deserved it" Luke said and ate a bite of his food. He looked at Allias and winked at him with a charming smile and the King shook his head. Complicated. This would be a pain.

    "So about that vampire informant¡­where is she?" Allias asked as he carefully cut his meat.

    "Well, she lives in the next town. A three-hour trip. The thing is. She does not give out information so easily she will ask of something. She is very sadistic." Daniel explained. "I mean; it won''t be money or jewelry. That''s why we didn''t contact her."

    "We won''t know until we meet her." Theseus said and Allias nodded, agreeing with him. He didn''t have the time to bother with some girl''s wits. This mission was not something he was taking lightly.

    "Yes but she is a very cunning person. I do not think that you should visit her unprepared¡­" Daniel tried to explain but Luke cut it, ignoring his warnings.

    "We can leave tomorrow night. Mikael and I will be joining you in the trip"

    "What a surprise." Theseus mumbled and took a huge gulp of his wine.

    "Is there a problem with that?" Mikael asked and for the first time in hours he looked at mark as if he waited for an answer. All the ginger haired did though was stuff his mouth with salad pretending he didn''t notice the burning gaze.

    "No, no don''t mind me" Theseus said. "Let''s leave tomorrow afternoon, it will be better after all once night falls to be there. We will meet her faster that way, I presume she cannot live in the sun."

    "Yes that''s true. The sooner you leave the better for me to be honest. I won''t have to pretend to be happy to see you" Adams aid and Allias began laughing.

    "Then I am afraid to tell you Adam that you are a terrible actor." Allias said and stood up, wanting to leave. "Excuse me but I am full. I would like to rest from my journey. The rest of you can finish up and meet me later." He told them signaling not to ruin the rest of the lunch. Someone had to stay there, keep the conversation going and make the final details. Allias entrusted Theseus with that. He gave him a smile to calm his worrisome expression right before he left the room.

    He was aware of how cowardly he was. Leaving like that was like he was offering Adam a small victory but in all honesty he couldn''t care about that at the moment. These walls felt suffocating, their pastel colors and the darkness of the floors had once seemed like the beginning of a new hope for him. A possible new family, a new start but now they only signaled the feelings of perversion he had in there. He felt as if he had been locked in a cage and he wished to be freed as soon as he could.

    "Please give that back!" he heard a desperate voice shout, from the end of the corner he was about to turn. He carefully moved his head to the side, peeking filled with curiosity to see the young fan from before jumping around to catch what looked like Theseus'' autograph from another boy''s hands.

    "You looked so stupid back there you know that?" the other boy told him and pushed him onto the wall. "Did you like that elf? Are you gay maybe?" he asked him in a taunting way. He kept slapping the boy, his cheeks turning red as he kept enduring all of it, desperately trying to take the paper back.

    "Please, give it to me" He told him, in the verge of tears and the other one laughed pushing him harder into the wall, ready to smash his fist into his face. Allias sighed and closed his eyes. Why did he have to witness this and why couldn''t he stop himself?

    "Hey! You. Yes, you homophobic jerk. Let''s have a talk" he called out and made his appearance.

 Chapter 137 - 137- A Savior

    He shouldn''t intervene. Especially when it came to the boy that made his guts turn from the first second he had seen him. Was it jealousy? It was very possible; he was not fond of young boys circling around his lover. Especially ones who seemed to have similar characteristics and actually the same name as he did. But he couldn''t turn a blind eye to this. The thing he hated the most was seeing weaker people get bullied. He hadn''t done anything wrong but now he found himself being made fun of and ridiculed just because of his admiration.

    So as he ran towards him and pushed his bully back, the autograph falling to the ground he didn''t twice before he grabbed the unknown werewolf from his collar and raised him from the ground with ease. His feet would be dangling in a desperate attempt to reach the ground and a very faint growl would escape his closed lips. Like a bowling pot.

    "No don''t bark at me you foolish puppy." Allias told him and while he still held him on the wall he turned towards Alexander. "Has he been bullying you?" he asked him and the boy shyly nodded. "Anyone else or is it just him?"

    "H-his friends too, b-but if he stops they w-will too." The boy stuttered and took a step back scared as his eyes met with his abuser.

    "You freak! Asking help from an elf." He spat at him and Allias shook him up, wanting his full attention.

    "We are talking right now. Listen here. If you ever even touch a strand of his hair, even if I am the other side of the world I will find out and haunt your dreams. Am I clear?" He shouted in his face and let go of him, his body slowly sliding down onto the floor. The moment he collapsed with the ground the young wolf stood up and ran away, not even daring to look back or continue his previous provocation. These people always act high and mighty to the ones weaker than them and then run away with their tails between their feet. This strategy was probably something they had picked up from their oh, so capable leader. Allias concluded as he crouched down and took the piece of paper. He recognized Theseus elegant handwriting and stared at it for a while. He hadn''t been that different from that fool this morning. He was aware of that. He extended his hand and gave him the paper, the boy taking it with shaky hands.

    "T-Thank you. You saved me." He said, still unable to look him into the eyes.

    "Please forgive me for my attitude this morning. I¡­acted very foolishly." He confessed at Alexander looked at him filled with surprise.

    "No!" he said. "It''s my fault. I had read in the book about you and the general. I mean¡­What I want to say is¡­it''s normal to get jealous. It''s alright." He replied and smiled faintly.

    "Thank you but still I am truly sorry. I did not mean to make you feel inferior. I am really glad that Theseus has people that admire him. He is a great man."

    "Yes! I have read everything about him in the book! And for you for course your highness. Both of you are amazing."

    "Thank you but what book are you talking about? Is it alright if I ask you to show it to me?" Allias asked him and suddenly the young wolf was filled with excitement. He placed his hand in his right pocket taking grabbing from inside of it a small dark red book. It had many pages, their color a very pale yellow and one corner on the bottom of the cover was even chirped. It seemed slightly worn out but at the same time very well preserved.

    "This book. This is the story of you and the general. It was written by an unknown elf and published after your¡­death. It was a beautiful story. My mother used to read it to me when I was young. It always gave me strength that no matter what happened if you had love you could get through everything. That''s why I admire the general so much. His background and everything he did to be with you. It was amazing and you¡­you gave your life for him. I think it''s incredible. I wish someone loved me like that. Here! Take a look at it. I have another one in my room. I would have two in case the bullies hid the one. It''s beautiful" Alexander told him, his stuttering gone as his excitement overtook him. Allias took the book gently keeping it in his hands.

    "Thank you. I will cherish it" He told him and patted his head. "And about love I believe there is always someone out there for us. So don''t give up. Okay?"

    "Yes. Thank you. Is it alright if I ask you a question?"

    "Yes tell me."

    "Will Luke be at the mission? The one everyone has been talking about?"

    "Yes we will leave tomorrow but why are you¡­"

    "Then please take me with you! So I can be with¡­I want to become stronger" Alexander said his cheeks turning a very pure shade of pink. Was that really the reason? Allias wondered as he stared at him. He didn''t seem that strong and him uttering Luke''s name was very concerning. He was like a baby bird, imaging him next to Luke only brought shivers down is spine. Unfortunately, he was the one he had just said a few seconds ago to never give up.

    "Are you sure? It will be dangerous and Luke¡­he is¡­"

    "I know. I know how he is. I have seen it but¡­but¡­I¡­I will not come for him. Definitely not! I-I want to train. Yes!" Alexander told him, trying really hard to convince him when a familiar voice was heard.

    "Allias. You''re still here." Luke said relieved and he noticed Alexander, a frown appearing on his handsome face.

    "Alexander what are you doing here? Shouldn''t you be studying? Also what did I tell you of not bothering the king?" He scolded him with a strict look.

    "I-I-I am sorry!"

    "Don''t scold him too much. He will be coming with us after all."

    "What?" Both wolves said at the same time. "Really? Thank you your highness. I promise you won''t regret it."

    "I am sure. Now why don''t you go and get ready?" Allias advised him and the young boy suddenly started running filled with energy. Allias was still holding the book he had given him and was itching to read its content. He was curious as to whom and how his story had been shown to the people.

    "Are you insane? He is just a kid" Luke argued with him.

    "Can''t I choose who will be coming on my mission?"

    "Well if it''s about my pack, no."

    "Well, now is too late. You should have informed me sooner." Allias told him with a carefree smile. Theseus rolled his eyes and began walking expecting the Elf King to follow.

    "Care to take a walk with me?"

    "I don''t think I should" Allias said the usual courteous smile he gave to all the people he wanted to avoid plastered on his face.

    "I think you should." Luke said mimicking his expression. "You can take a walk with me or I can kiss you right here and Theseus will definitely hear about it. These walls have ears. Imagine the ruckus. The fiasco. Unbelievable" he said dramatically and with a long sigh matching his footsteps Allias began walking.

    "Five minutes. Until we reach my room"

    "That''s plenty. I wanted to talk to you about that vampire. She is indeed dangerous. Tomorrow we need to be prepared. She twists her words and toys with people. We might find ourselves in a bad situation."

    "It''s fine. It''s nothing that I haven''t witnessed while staying here." Allias said, knowing that this would hurt Luke. He didn''t care that much though. It didn''t matter that he acted civilized now, as they walked through the empty corridors all his eyes could do was travel at the endless lawn outside the wooden windows. Only a few people were sitting outside in the grass, conversing and playing. He wished to play soccer there. Just a few meters away there was a green field. With goal posts and soccer balls. He had almost completely ignored that love of him, once he turned into his old self but now there was a bitter longing at the pit of his stomach, for that sensation of the wind hitting his face as he ran and the feeling of excitement while he passed his opponents. It was still there, that human love of his.  "You have changed."

    "Have I? At least I''ve been trying. After I returned here I ruined the left wing. I slept with almost half of the compound, got into plenty fights till I really hit rock bottom. I mean you could say I had been there this whole time. I couldn''t believe what I had turned into. What I had shown you and of course Mikael was there to help me up. Even though he was heartbroken too. I wasn''t a good friend to him either."

    "Heartbroken? About Mark? He didn''t really seem to care."

    "Oh, believe me he does." Luke said with a chuckle. "We are here. Five minutes as you wanted. Get a good rest." He told him and took his hand in his. "It was a pleasure seeing you your highness." He kissed the top of his palm and gifted him with a charming smile.

    "Let go of that hand before I kill you." Theseus said, standing right behind them, looking at Luke with a raging hate. "You never learn do you?"

 Chapter 138 - 138- The Words Of A Book The Feelings Of A Shadow

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLjDfNrVzMY - listen to this while you read! Please trust me!

    "Relax Theseus I am sure that Allias is not fond of jealous men" Luke said with a smirk as he let go of his hand.

    "He is not Allias for you. He is the King. Don''t get it all complicated in your head." Theseus said taking a threatening step forward and Luke raised his arms, intending to surrender.

    "Okay. I won''t bother you two anymore. At least for now. Thank you for letting me escort you here, your highness" Luke said and bowed before leaving them two alone.

    Theseus stormed inside their guest room, not caring if he had caused a scene. Actually he was disappointed that Luke had seemed so reserved. He would have really enjoyed beating the shit out of him. Every time he looked at him his eyes would be on Allias and he would have an unbearable expression on his face. He made him feel guilty even though he knew it wasn''t his fault. The pain in his grey eyes was similar to his and he couldn''t help but see a part of himself in him and he despised that. He finally got to be with the man he had been waiting for but Luke always made him feel bad about that.

    "I think you overreacted a bit there" Allias said closing the door carefully behind him. He was already assuming that with the way Theseus had banged it open it wouldn''t need a lot more to just fall off the frame. Their room was simple. A big double bed with white freshly washed linen and closet. A small door that probably led to their own private bathroom and a window that let the natural light in. It would not even compare with the guest houses at the palace but this from the beginning was not one. He sat at the bed realizing that after so long it as the first time he found himself in such a¡­common looking room that he felt out of place somehow. Now that he was different, things that had always seemed normal to him appeared different too.

    "You don''t get it. You just don''t" Theseus said, is voice expression how on edge he felt. He laid down on the bed. The pillow was somehow too soft and his head dived in it. Annoyed about how uncomfortable he felt in this new place he grabbed it and threw it on the floor.

    "Are you feeling uncomfortable here?" Allias asked him and laid down next to him. "Come on." He called out and opened his embrace. "I will be your pillow and your bed. I will be your traveling home" he told him with a smile and Theseus still with a grumpy expression allowed himself to relax in his arms. This was better than any pillow, more comfortable than the most expensive and luxurious beds, stuffed with soft feathers and covered with the finest silk. Allias'' scent and the felling of his skin, his chest raising as he breathed calmly would be the only home he needed, even if they were lying on the street or in the mud, bare from everything else. "Talk to me. Tell me what''s wrong." Allias told him and played with his hair. Now short the same color as the pure snow they slipped through his fingers.

    "The way he looks at you is the same I did. I can''t help but see me in him. That longing. I know that my pain and his can''t be compared. Our past with your past but still, he makes me feel like I stole you from him because I understand his pain." Theseus explained. Allias felt as if his heart would stop. Stolen? Him?

    "No one could ever steal me from Luke. I did not belong with him just because of a twist of fate. I belonged with you, to you. Even when I didn''t know it there was only one person for me. Our pain, literally the shit we went through no one will understand it. It''s just you and me. It has always been that way. You and me against the world." Allias told him and gently kissed the top of his head. "Telling you that I love you is just not enough. How can I express the love that I have for you in three simple words when it''s so much more? No matter what I do, even if I give you my crown, my life, my riches. It still won''t be enough to describe this feeling right here." Allias said and sat up, pointing at his chest, where his heart was. He wanted to be facing Theseus as he told him this. "Do you know how painful an eternal love is? I am sure you must. An unbreakable bond till the ends of time. What if one day everything around us get destroyed and seize to exist? What will happen to my feelings then? If I turn into a speck of dust will my feelings be gone too? That''s unbelievable. That is how much I love you. Even if I stop existing, even if I die again with no way of coming back, Theseus my love for you will live on till the end of the world and even after that. An immortal love, with no physical restraints, how I feel? Do you get it? My love for you it''s not just a feeling, it''s alive. I am me because I love you."

    "Allias¡­"

    "So don''t look at another man and think that your pain, that everything you have been through equals with his, just because of a few months. Yes, I know that he deeply cared for me but he did not love me. Don''t ever think even for a slight second that the feelings you have for me, that the feelings I have for you are so simple that another person can feel them too. We are blessed and cursed at the same time. Blessed to have found such a strong love, that lived through millennials, swam through the endless bloodbaths and survived the haunting terrors but cursed because without the other Theseus¡­" Allias said and caressed his cheek "¡­we would be just lifeless shells. This kind of love is terrifying but I am not willing to let it go. Because I just adore you¡­with all my heart."

    "It''s unfair for you to be so good with words while I am unable to simply express myself." Theseus said with a bitter smile.

    "Then how about this" Allias told him excited. "Do you want to read our story from the eyes of the world?"

    "What is that?" Theseus asked and stared at the book Allias was holding.

    "It''s a book. It''s our story, written by an anonymous writer. Read it to me, with your low and calming voice and tell me if this skilled man expresses your feelings. If what he writes about you and I is true in your eyes. I would love to listen to your voice as you read literature. I think it would be almost like a dream, to fall asleep to you reading."

    "I¡­I don''t think I have the skills for this." Theseus said while looking through the fragile pages of the book. Allias was already lying down, his head resting on Theseus'' lap as his brad back was resting on the light wooden head. The general let out a desperate sigh and opened it, his lilac eyes traveling between the printed words. "let''s see¡­"

    "The unknown man with the hair in the color of a raven was hurt, his chest slashed by a dangerous knife as he stumbled in the dark alleyway. He raised his head unaware of how fate was laughing right now. At his lowest, beaten up and exhausted, with all his charm hidden in some kind of secret box the bastard son, covered from the eyes of the world, isolated and alone had the first fateful encounter, with the man that would change his whole life. He raised his face, the metallic taste of blood spreading in his mouth as their eyes met. Such a fine mix of colors, precious gems, amethyst and emerald. An unexpected explosion. For a second he stood frozen, the pain long forgotten as he stared into his face. For a second, just a slight moment he felt it, his heart was beating. The organ that had been abused and thrown like trash was working again, sending blood through his tired body. His eyes fluttered as he tried to speak but what could be proper at such a moment? He noticed the crown that he held in his hand and suddenly a wall was starting to form in front of him, hiding away the unworldly beauty of this stranger. He tended his hand pleading for his imagination to stop. For his feelings to stop raging. How could fate be so cruel as to make this man so special? Why? He wondered. Why? Why? Why? Does it have to be you? The man who makes my dusty heart beat again and why do you hold such a heavy crown in your delicate hands?...."

    "¡­.Look at me. Notice me. Love me please. Theseus begged in his mind as he stared at his sleeping lover. There was no one else in this kingdom that shone so brightly, so purely in his eyes. Let me be your sword. Let me be your shield and protect you from the monsters of this world. My love, I swear that no matter what happens I will be by your side. Even if I am seen by everyone as the villain, a madman, if you look at me while you smile I can live on. If I can kiss you and hold you in my arms I do not care if everyone else wants me dead. It''s just you, the only one I can see, the only one existing in my world. The only one who makes my heart beat."

    "No! he screamed. This was not true. He was not dead. Allias could not be dead. It was impossible. This person that the general held in his arm was not his beloved lover. He was not the man he wished to live for. He was not the man he had sworn to protect. It was some kind of sick joke. Allias would not have died so easily. He was strong, stronger than anyone so why? Why was his royal blood dumping Theseus'' clothes? Why couldn''t he hear his sweet voice anymore? His raven hair turned into the color of fresh snow, his eyes shining with the light of life died in an instant and his soul escaped his body together with Allias. His tears, were rivers of sorrow and despair as his body left him, turned into dust and he couldn''t feel him anymore. He couldn''t see him. There was nothing left but a pointless war. Allias was dead so who as he fighting for? His King was dead; he was a general of nothing. He was a lover without a love. He was a person without a future because Allias had given his life to save him. What was he supposed to do now? What was out there now that Allias did not exist anymore. A winter. An endless winter that lasted for hundreds of years and the sorrow of a madman, that seemed to crawl on the remains of his beating heart to remind him that he was the reason his soulmate was dead."

    ...

    Honestly, I have never writen a chapter with so much emotional effort. I love it. I hope you liked it.

 Chapter 139 - 139- The Start Of A Secret

    "Is that how you felt? When you met me and when I died?" Allias asked his lover. He was standing with the book open in his hands. His eyes turning round and tears unconsciously falling on the shabby pages. He slowly turned his head, staring at him. He was trying so hard to forget. He always wished to keep these feelings hidden inside him, somewhere in the back of his heart. He was telling himself all over again and again that things now would be different. That now Allias was back he didn''t have to feel this way, there was no one to stop them, no one to shame him for not being good enough but reading this right now, these words written by a man hidden behind a mask made him remember those days. Not the events but the feelings his lover had made him feel, the pain and the joy. How could someone he had probably never met before describe his heart better than he ever could?

    Allias removed the book from his hands, wanting to prevent the tears from ruining the pages. He closed it and placed it carefully on his nightstand before he hugged Theseus. The man was sitting there in silence, unable to utter a words as the King sheltered him in his embrace.

    "Do you understand now? The pain you have felt. The love you have felt for me, does not equal with anyone else''s. You didn''t steal me. I was always yours. From the very first moment I stepped on shit because of you" he told him with a chuckle. "So do not feel guilty. Just love me, stand next to me and be confident. No other could be by my side. I swear" he said and kissed his forehead.

    "Did you write this book?"

    "Theseus, I was dead¡­how could I have written it? I didn''t even know it existed until that kid Alexander gave it to me. I kind of like him. I told him he will be coming with us."

    "I won''t be placed in one of those weird automobiles with all these dogs, cramped. I am almost two meters tall do you think that would be comfortable?" Theseus said and looked at him with a frown. No matter how confident he was his hate for that specific pack wouldn''t easily go away.

    "It''s fine! Do not worry." Allias said while laughing. He seemed to be feeling a lot better right now and the King''s worried had been slowly eased by the annoyed expression on the general''s face. "I was not sure if the wolves were going to be of use in our journey so I had a talk with Mark. He will probably deal with it."

    ¡­..

    Mark was not sure who he could ask. He wanted to help his best friend and honestly being in that crappy junk of a car once more was not his ideal transportation especially after his style upgrade. How idiotic would look if they were dressed like billionaires and got out of a car that seemed to be dead? So unfortunately not feeling close with anyone in this hell hole and hating ninety percent of his inhabitants, like the buffoon he was, he had to go to the person he hated the most and actually at the same time¡­really liked.

    Standing outside his dorm room, where he had spent most of his time feeling at peace and safe made him question a lot of things. If he was doing right being there and even if he had the right after the cold way, he treated him to be asking for favors. None of this matter though now, Allias had given him a task and considering the fact that he has been the weak human friend for most of the stupid story he felt the need to prove his worth and do something. He couldn''t just start killing anyone since he was well aware that they could turn him into dust so the best option was to be, the errand boy.

    "Are you going to come in or what?" He heard Mikael''s voice behind the closed door and his eyes widened.

    "How did¡­"

    "Your heartbeat is racing like crazy. Also I can smell you. Come inside." He said and the ginger haired boy opened the door.

    "Hey." He greeted Mikael shyly and stood at the door frame. Ready to run away if he felt like he had to. "I¡­Umm you see¡­I would like to ask you for a favor"

    "I am very good Mark, thanks for asking. How about you?" Mikael said as he stared at him from his bed. He was sitting on the black sheets not really telling him to get in or get out. His room was completely the same. Filled with posters and a bit messy, in dark colors.

    "I was going to get to that!" Mark said as a blush spread all over his face, his small ears turning a bright red.

    "I am sure you would." Mikael said and stood up, approaching him. "So what is it that this heartbreaker needs?"

    "Your phone" He said trying to ignore the fact that he had called him a heartbreaker. It was not only him that it was in pain it was Mark too! This was so unfair. He had to make that decision though for the best of both of them, no matter how badly he wanted to kiss him right now, or as clich¨¦ as it sounded to get lost in his deep blue eyes.

    "That brings me back" He said with a smirk and took out his phone from his back pocket. "Who are you going to call?"

    "My mum. I need to avoid being in this car of yours one more time"

    "Hey! That''s my baby. Sorry I am not loaded like you."

    "Money has nothing to do with elegance" He mumbled as he typed his mother''s phone number. He didn''t bother moving away since he knew Mikael would hear everything anyways so he just stood there, with the wolf staring right at him and him trying to avoid his gaze as he heard the beeps of the phone ringing. "Hello? Mum? It''s me Mark. Yeah, yeah I am alive¡­please don''t scream in my ear. Yes, college is fine. My phone is still broken hadn''t had the time to fix it. Please do not scream, let''s be civil okay? No you don''t have to give me dad on the phone. It''s late. I just called because I need a favor. No I do not remember you only when I need money. Mum. This is a serious deal and my reputation is on the line. It''s for the sake of elegance so can you please hear me out? Okay. Thank you. Can you please send two cars at¡­. Yes, tomorrow morning. I appreciate it. I will call more often. I love you. Goodnight" Mark said and turned on the phone with a bitter expression. His mum was worried sick and he hadn''t even thought of calling her with everything that has been going on. He was really the worst.

    "You know there is no reception in the elf world. Not even electricity so how will you call her?" Mikael asked.

    "I will just pop up here and steal you phone" Mark told him with a cheeky smile.

    "I don''t know if I will be in the compound after this, I am thinking of leaving." Mikael told him. "I do not want this life."

    "What about Luke then? Weren''t you two supposed to be inseparable?" mark asked filled with curiosity. He was always so set on being with his best friend, becoming his right hand but now he announced that he was planning on leaving.

    "He knows it and he is fine with it. He is aware that this is not who I want to be. Being a Beta one day, means being forced to do things that I don''t want. Ruling a pack is not that easy and it hides a lot of darkness to protect the people. I can''t do that"

    "And where will you go?"

    "Don''t know yet. Probably somewhere far away. Why? Will you miss me?" Mikael asked him with a devious smile. He took a step closer, and squeezed Mark between one of his bedroom walls and his body. He rested his palm right next to his head and towered over him as he waited for an answer.

    "What if I do miss you?" Mark asked, noticing how surprised he was by his answer. His cheekiness disappeared and he didn''t seem to be in the mood to joke anymore as his eyes were deadly serious the next time he spoke.

    "You rejected me"

    "I know that."

    "Then what? Are you here to get my hopes up and then ditch me again because you''re scared? Do you know how hard I tried to get that kiss out of my head? How difficult it was for me to just not storm out of here and go back into that palace to meet you? I stopped myself so many times because that was what you wanted. For us not to be together, so why are you saying now that you will miss me?"

    "It was not what I wanted. It was what had to be said Mikael. I am a human. For you I literally have the lifespan of a fly. I didn''t want to torture you with my death one day and I didn''t want to be scared that your mate will be reborn and suddenly you will leave me. Are you telling me that all these doubts and worries are not logical?"

    "Then why say it? All you had to do was take the damn phone and then go to sleep. Why tell me that you will me? So it gets harder for me to move on?"

    "I am sorry. I shouldn''t have said it. You are right."

    "But still you did so if I kiss you right now you have no right to complain." Mikael whispered as his face kept getting closer and closer. Mark''s heart was beating so loud he was afraid it would jump out of his chest. He really wanted that kiss, he needed it but was it the right thing to do? Going back and forth.

    "Mikael come with me. I need to talk to you?" A voice was heard and their upcoming kiss never happened. The wolf looked outside his room filled with anger, hitting the wall slightly. Very fragile temper. Mark noticed.

    "What?" He asked roughly and got out. Mark peeking at the man who had just suddenly appeared. It was the same man who had sniffed him and asked him about his family. Markus was his name? He would recognize him everywhere with that scar of his and messy curls. He looked at Mark for an instant inside the room and let out a sigh before he focused on Mikael again.

    "Come with me. I need to stop you before you do anything stupid." He said

    "No I am with someone right now and I¡­"

    "Go. I will wait here." Mark said with a faint smile.

    "You promise?"

    "Yeah, go"

    Mark sadly, later on would regret that statement. He wouldn''t know about it now, or for a while after but maybe if he hadn''t let Mikael follow Markus things would have ended up different.

 Chapter 140 - 140- The Forgotten Red

    "What is it?" Mikael asked as they entered Markus'' messy office.

    It seemed as if the man never really cared about placing his things in order. It was quite difficult for others to understand how he managed to find his things in such a chaos but he never looked like he was troubled in sorting his stuff or finding the document he was asked. The blonde wolf sat on one of the chairs that he had in front of his desk and waited for him to do the same.

    Markus though searched through one of his libraries first and took out a thick yellow envelope. Mikael looked at the object confused as he dumped it on the desk and sat down. With his fingertips he pushed it towards him like he was waiting for him to take it.

    "Open it" Markus told him and Mikael grabbed the heavy envelope.

    "What''s that?" Mikael asked but the man remained silent. He didn''t seem willing to answer by the way he was just aggressively staring at him. Mikael with a wave of his head he opened it carefully, undoing the red wax seal and pouring its contents onto the wood.

    He saw another small letter, photos and a bigger piece of paper with what it seemed to look like a family tree. At first he stared at these objects confused, and spread them out with his fingers waiting to understand on his own what exactly was the point of all of these. Markus noticing how lost he was found a certain photo through all the others and passed it to him. It was faded, and yellowish. Like it had been taken quite a while back and Mikael needed to blink and focus a few times to be able to understand what he was looking at.

    "No¡­" he mumbled. "This is not possible. She is¡­you said¡­"

    "This woman here." Markus started talking. "Is Mark''s great grandmother."

    "What? Is this some kind of stupid game? Like always?" Mikael asked shocked as he through the image away, not baring to stare at it. He stood up, his chair falling on the floor and deep wrinkles appeared between his eyebrows. "What is your goal this time? Adam made you do this?"

    "No. Adam has no idea about this. Pick up the chair and sit down. I will explain everything" Mikael, hesitant and in the brink of getting really mad he grabbed the chair and positioned it properly before he sat down. Markus fixed his glasses before he began to speak, as if he wanted to make him wait more. There was something in this man, that always seemed to hype the suspense of everything. He didn''t care about the events so he always took his time to speak, leaving their hearts shaking with worry.  "Back then when Adam ordered Daniel and I to take care of your mate, Scarlet we took her into the forest with the intention of killing her. But we couldn''t. Daniel couldn''t bring himself to kill a child. You were only sixteen at the time. He believed that by sparing her life he would relieve some of the sin in Adam''s hands. So we let her go, with the term that she was never to approach you or anyone again. She¡­"

    "Scarlet. Scarlet was alive?" Mikael asked, frozen in his chair. He wasn''t the kind of person that cried a lot. He didn''t feel sadness in such tremendous waves. He rarely had something to lose. An orphan with no family and believing that the love of his life was dead he had become numb.

    Now though, suddenly he felt different. It wasn''t just sadness the one that seemed to be caging his heart. That tight feeling as if someone was clenching their fingertips around his neck making him unable to breathe. That feeling and the ringing in his ears as his eyes turned blurry. He felt stupid. Almost as if he had been tricked by everyone. Like the universe was laughing at him. He spent years grieving her death, trying to stand on his feet again but she was alive? She was alive and she had gotten married with a human? While he was slowly dying inside.

    "Yes. After we let her escape we lost track of her and didn''t search for her again. We didn''t want Adam to find out but when I saw Mark, that red haired kid, his scent was oddly familiar. He didn''t seem to be a wolf or know about these things so I was curious. Then I noticed how you seemed to like him and things began to click. After Scarlet left she met a human man, she married him and this is how her lineage led to Mark. When A wolf woman has children with a human the gene gets lost. That''s why mark is not a werewolf but he has the same scent as she. I wonder how you didn''t notice."

    "I¡­." Mikael mumbled. He hadn''t noticed. All of these times he had spent alone with him he had never thought of Scarlet. All of his thoughts were occupied by Mark and only Mark. He believed he had moved on so why now that he knows that she could be out there, his brain turned fuzzy and his heart ached. Could his mate be out there and he was here falling in love with one of her relatives? "Why are you telling me this?" He asked him and tried to stop the tears from straying.

    "I am telling you this to protect you. Mark, you are attracted to this human because he subconsciously reminds you of Scarlet. It is not true attraction. The moment you get to meet her again your feelings about him will disappear. Spare him the pain and spare the guilt from yourself too." Markus advised him.

    "No! This is bulshit. I am sure I would know my own feelings. I have no intention of meeting Scarlet again. There is no reason to. She chose to stay away even after all these years. What I will do with Mark is my business. I feel happy after so long. Don''t ruin this. Please. Do not tell him any of this. He doesn''t need to know." Mikael said and stood up, ready to leave. There was no reason for him to remain there. He would just pretend he never heard of this and keep going the way he had planned with Mark. He liked him, he was sure about it.

    "Mikael I do not wish to ruin your happiness. I just don''t want you to make a mistake you will regret. And Mark needs to know about this. Don''t be stupid like your best friend and repeat his mistakes. You saw how things ended up."

    "No, the situation is completely different. It had nothing to do with Mark. I will never hurt him and I won''t regret this." He announced Markus before he disappeared from the room like smoke. He couldn''t bear staying here longer. If he did his eyes would stray to that photograph and her face would appear in his mind again. He didn''t want to remember the details of her characteristics. The clearness of her laughter. There was no need to reminisce the sweetness of her kisses. She was gone and to him she was dead. Even if she was alive somewhere.

    When he reached his room the door was still open and Mark sat awkwardly at the edge of his bed, waiting. When he locked eyes with him he stood up and smiled but Mikael ran inside and hugged him with all his strength. Mark too wrapped his arms around him and breathed in, letting himself relax.

    "Is everything alright?" He asked him and tried to step away from his arms but Mikael didn''t let him. He held him closer, letting his head fall on his shoulder as he was trying to calm down. It was alright. It would be fine. Tomorrow they would leave and no one would mention her again. No one would make him remember.

    "Can we stay like this? Just for a bit more. I¡­I heard something I didn''t like" Mikael told him and felt Mark''s palm caress his blond hair.

    "Okay. Don''t worry. I will be with you" He whispered and Mikael felt as if he was going to cry again. He was so kind, so cute, so smart so much of everything that was nice. He had been so sure that his heart beat faster because of him, because he was Mark and just that but Markus came in, with that heavy envelope of his and destroyed everything. He filled him with doubts and messed up his heart and mind. Now he simply felt horrible.

    "Can you stay with me tonight?" Mikael asked him, his eyes showing how desperate he was. He was pleading with him to remain here a bit longer. Mark was hesitant at first but as he stared at his face and the pain he was trying to hide he just couldn''t say no. His heart wouldn''t allow him to.

    "Alright, come on. Let''s lie down" he said and by taking his hand in his he led him to the bed and under the covers.

    Mikael hugged him, bringing him close and inhaling his scent. No, he didn''t remember anything. Nothing. It would be fine.

    "I like you and only you" Mikael mumbled.

    ....

    expect the unexpected sweeties.

    Thanks for reading hope you enjoyed!

 Chapter 141 - 141- Shall We Begin?

    The night passed by fast. Everyone sleeping soundly in their rooms and the final day of their dwell in the supernatural world arrived. After their lunch they would get released in the human world. A special kind of jungle that Theseus, Ea and Ares were not very fond of.

    "Do you have all your stuff?" Allias asked his lover as they were packing the few things they had gotten out of their luggage.

    "Yeah, but I have a question." The white haired man said. "We don''t look human. In the slightest bit so how will we pull through with this mission if we don''t fit in? It''s more possible for us to bring other hunter clans to us rather than find the one we are looking for."

    "I know. That''s why after we meet the vampire lady, we will search for a witch. She will cast a spell on us to hide our ears at least. Or you can wear a hat at all times but I am sure that will be a bit weird."

    "I have a feeling that this journey is going to last a while" Theseus noted with a sigh and sat on the bed. "I always believed that after I found you I would be able to live peacefully with you. But now we are being dragged in the human world with all these savages."

    "You know that used to be my world for almost twenty years" Allias told him.

    "Oh, yeah sorry."

    "No it''s okay you''re right most of them are savages." He said with a short chuckle. "or should I say¡­desperate?" he asked as he put one of his shirts neatly on the black suitcase and zipped it. The sound of the zipper making Theseus'' arm hairs rise and he shook it off with a frown. He wasn''t really fond of zippers; he had concluded to that pretty easily. "They have so little time and so much greed to be someone, do something that a lot of them would do anything to just achieve their idea of happiness or success. Now that I think about it is quite weird."

    "Well even their Gods have given up on them so they must be doing something wrong" The general told him and headed towards the door, taking a hold of Allias'' and his luggage he shook his head, asking him to open the door so they could leave this small and suffocating room.

    "That''s too harsh now. Not all of them are like that. There are many bad elves too, many bad wolves and vampires." Allias gave an example as they stepped outside the wide hallway. "I think they will be waiting for us at the entrance. I hope that Mark''s mum sent him the cars."

    "I won''t be on a car with Luke. Just so you know."

    "Yes, yes do not worry. I will drive."

    "You can drive?" Theseus asked surprised

    "Yeah. I''m amazing like that" he said with a smirk and winked at him.

    "About the bad humans, the bad elves and bad wolves Allias¡­"

    "Yes?"

    "I do not like any of them." Theseus told him and smiled at him. "I just like you. It has always been like that."

    Allias blinked and his lips opened slightly but all he could do with them was breathe as his face turned slightly hotter and his cheeks a pale pink. He turned around and let out a very fake and very awkward cough before he began walking again.

    "That''s good then. I think that''s enough" he mumbled and heard Theseus laugh behind him. It was times like these that Allias felt his heart flutter. At the most unexpected moments Theseus would just say something like that with no shame at all and make him feel like he was a child again. No matter how long had passed he always found new ways to express his love and his detest for the rest of the world, he though with a shy smile.

    "Finally you are here" They heard Ares exclaim as they reached the front entrance that once again had been swarmed with people. They had seen them already once wasn''t that enough? He wondered as he felt everyone''s eyes on him when he noticed the guy he had scared, the one who was bullying Alexander standing in between the other young wolves. He locked eyes with him and offered him a wide smile, the teen scoffing and leaving the crowd. He knew he was a bit petty but at the same time he enjoyed it. It was his own fault for biting off more than he could chew.

    "You are just early." Theseus told his brother.

    "Not really. Come on we need to leave. Also somebody explain to me why is that kid here with us?" The Disee prince asked and with his crimson eyes he stared at Alexander who was holding a small bag, probably filled with clothes and looked at the ground.

    "He is Alexander. He will be coming with us." Allias said.

    "No he won''t, he is too young to come with us." Luke said and stood in front of the delicate boy staring down at him with a strict look. "Why are you doing this?" he asked him and the boy with the olive eyes shyly raised his face. The moment he faced Luke though he took a step back and averted his gaze. "Are you¡­scared of me?" Luke asked, seeming surprised and at the same time a bit hurt. He wondered how everyone viewed him, especially after the events in the pack and with Alex in all of this. He had acted many times like he was insane; it wouldn''t be that crazy if Alexander was scared of him. "Fine" he sighed and rubbed his temples. "Do as you wish." He told him and moved towards the front gate.

    "So there are two cars as I can see" Allias said as they stepped outside. Two black very expensive porches were parked right outside the front gate and Mark was jiggling the keys in his fingertips happily. Money really could change your view of the world. "I will be on one with Theseus, Ares and Ea and in the other one there will be Mark, Alexander, Mikael and Luke. Is that alright with you?"

    "Why am I with them?" Mark whispered as he tucked his sleeve.

    "I am doing this for you so shut up" Allias whispered back and grabbed one pair of keys from him.

    "I can come with you if you want" Luke offered and smiled sexily at Allias. "I am a good driver."

    "In your dreams." Theseus groaned filled with dissatisfaction and took Allias away in a hurry. Opening the driver''s seat and almost throwing him inside like a sack of potatoes.

    From far away Mark could hear Allias shout that he was a King and he shouldn''t be treated this way. He even threatened to have him beheaded above that. Ridiculous. Mark thought and entered the back seat of the car next to the shy boy he hadn''t paid any attention to up till now. They drove for quite a while and th sun started to subside, the sky turned a very pretty purple that reminded Allias'' of Theseus'' eyes. It was calming as they traveled in the highway. He hadn''t had such a humane experience in a while, a smile suddenly appearing on his face as he changed lanes.

    "Can we take a stop? I need to eat something" Mikael said and mark agreed with him eagerly. Their car had been way to silent and he hated this boring atmosphere. Luke stopped at a small gas station at the side of the road and Mark with Mikael exited the vehicle. "Do you want me to get you something?" he asked the remaining two people in the car.

    "Just water for me" Luke said. Alexander did not speak until Luke turned on the back and asked him. "What do you want?"

    "I¡­I¡­I am good t-thanks."

    "Say it"

    "Chocolate milk" He stuttered and Mikael nodded giving him a friendly thumbs up.

    "Chocolate milk? What are you a toddler?" Luke asked him.

    "Sorry. Next time I will get something else." Alexander said as his ears got red. He wasn''t directly looking at Luke. Rather he preferred the familiar image of his own sweaty palms as he played with his fingers.

    "No sorry." Luke told him and let out a sigh. It seemed as no matter what he told him Alexander would keep being scared of him. That''s why he didn''t even want to meet his gaze. That was a bit hurtful, after all he had never done anything wrong to him. "Don''t be scared of me. I would never harm you." He told him and for the first time the young boy raised his head on his own.

    "What?"

    "Just¡­I know I am scary, a bit rough around the edges but I would never hurt you, okay? I am not that mean" Luke repeated, hoping that he would feel a little bit better when he was around him.

    "I was never scared of you" Alexander said looking straight into his grey eyes. This time not stuttering. Not even once.

 Chapter 142 - 142- A Cubs Heart

    The young wolf had been smitten by him from the very first moment he had laid eyes on him. It wasn''t just his eyes, that reminded everyone of the powerful full moon or his handsome features. Not even the fact that he was the Alpha''s son strong and proud. It was something more; a deep secret he could never tell anyone. A special moment that even now he treasured deep in his heart. That very first time he could really see him, the one behind the title and the expectations. That fateful instant he realized that Luke was the person he would want to be with his whole life.

    Alexander was aware though. Of his current position. A very sickly and weak teenage boy, from an unknown family that had nothing special to offer to the pack. His appearance was not really anything great either and even his movements were awkward and weird. On top of that he was being bullied. At school, at the pack training even when he was planning on taking a shower he had to watch his back for pranks. There was absolutely no way someone like Luke would even spare a small space in his heart for someone like him. Especially when all he could see was the Elf King. Someone so great, filled with kindness and wisdom. Alexander had none of his good qualities. He was simply average and maybe even worse than that.

    But when Luke told him not to be afraid of him he noticed that he had been doing everything wrong from the start. It wasn''t fear, what he felt underneath his skin and bones, where his heart beat frantically. It was definitely not fear. It was an unfamiliar drum beat, an echoing signal that made him shy and flustered as he wished for no one to notice. He never dared to look at him because he knew that if their eyes met for too long the mirrors of his soul would reveal everything and that would be embarrassing. At the same time though he didn''t want Luke to hate him, more than anything the few words they would exchange, even the slight scolding was a blessing to him. Some people were not as fortunate as he was to be able to talk to the person they liked. Even if all he actually did was stutter and stare at the ground.

    "I was never afraid of you" Alexander told him, as seriously as he could.  Luke remained silent, staring at him for a while as he tried to figure out if he was lying at him or not.

    "Really?" Luke asked and the boy nodded. His face was downwards again, unable to maintain the eye contact. "Then why can''t you look at me in the eyes? I¡­I know that many times I''ve looked like the bad guy but¡­"

    "You are not the bad guy!" Alexander said, sounding more upset than Luke. Like he was the one who was being insulted or misunderstood. "I know you''re not"

    "And how do you know that? You''re just saying it so I won''t beat you up" The grey eyed man said with a bitter smile. After everything hat had happened with Alex, none of his friend approached him anymore except Mikael. Everyone was scared of him. He couldn''t blame them though. They had seen a pretty nasty side of him. One he himself didn''t know he had. Nonetheless he couldn''t help but feel lonely, an outcast in his own pack. The people he was supposed to lead one day were already thinking he was some kind of unstable lunatic. As it seemed he was following his father''s path just right and that disgusted him.

    "That''s not true. I just know that you''re not bad. I¡­I saw it" Alexander said.

    "You saw it?" Luke asked him, his eyes filled with curiosity but unfortunately he didn''t manage to get an answer. Mark and Mikael returned with the stuff they had just purchased and entered the car in a hurry, ready to leave. The moment Alexander saw them, he flinched and melted back to his seat, his eyes focusing outside as Luke started the engine. The boy let out a relieved sigh. He didn''t want to reveal this little detail yet. He was afraid that he would lose it if he shared it with him. His feelings would just overflow and he would be on the spotlight right in front of Luke just so he could get rejected. A little bit more he wanted to nurture these feelings.  Until he was forced to give them up.

    At the same time the four elves on the other car were traveling and Allias was very penitently was trying to explain to Theseus what rock music was. The white haired elf had found the beige leather seats of the car quite comfortable and had completely ignored Allias'' note about wearing a seatbelt. He had brushed it off saying that human things could not kill them so what was the point of restraining himself with such thing. All Allias hoped was that they wouldn''t be stopped by the police any time soon because things would get difficult.

    "So rock music you know is about rebellion, guitars and drums you know¡­a nice chaos." Allias said and Theseus frowned.

    "It just sounds like someone''s dying to me. Don''t you like the violins back home?" Theseus asked him.

    "No the violins are nice. But you know different occasions, different music. There is also dance music which is pretty good."

    "Ballroom music."

    "No, no. They don''t do ballrooms here it''s considered old fashioned. They have clubs. Mark mentioned it before. Clubs are kind of cool if you''re with friends"

    "So these clubs have rock music?" Ares asked. He had heard rock music a few minutes ago and he seemed to be really fond of it. While on the other hand Ea had flinched at first by the loud music.

    "Yeah some of them do but those attract a specific kind of people most of the time. Clubs have a different setting. I don''t know. It''s complicated" Allias said, regretting the fact that he tried to explain it to them in the first place.

    "So you mean that back home we are old fashioned?" Theseus asked a bit shocked. "Do you want to build a club at the main village?"

    "What? No" Allias said and shook his head. He didn''t want to imagine the hatred Ea would have for him as his husband would probably spend endless nights clubbing.

    "We should go to one. A club" Ares said.

    "No. We are here for business." Ea said strictly.

    "Business and fun go well together honey." He said with a cheeky smile and battered his eyelashes in front of Ea. Both of them were sitting in the back seats and honestly Ares hadn''t stopped talking. Not even for one second. He had so many questions.

    "Okay then. Let''s change the subject. Let''s talk about the fact that we have been married for almost a century now and we still haven''t kissed" Ares provoked Ea, who gasped the moment his husband revealed such sensitive information.

    "You haven''t kissed?" Allias and Theseus both asked shocked in unison and the general also turned back and stared at him in awe.

    "No we haven''t" Ares said with a bright smile. "So tell me. Aren''t I handsome enough? I mean I am pretty popular. I am a prince too you know. Even if none of you treats me like one."

    "Do we really have to talk about this now? Is it really necessary?"

    "So if you guys haven''t kissed does that mean that you two didn''t even¡­you know" Theseus asked his brother, acting as if Ea and Allias weren''t there.

    "Ha! Yeah that could happen only in my dreams" Ares scoffed and said. "So tell me. Why don''t you want to kiss me? Why? Why? Why?"

    "You are acting like a spoiled child." Ea told him and averted his eyes. He was staring at the tress that were creating a huge green line in front of him, the way the car sped off in the highway. He was this close to slapping him but he was trying to restrain himself. Such immature attitude was not acceptable in front of the King and the High General.

    "No. I want an answer now! You don''t want to go clubbing. You don''t want to have fun. You don''t want to kiss me. All you want to do is work so tell me now. Don''t you like desire me? Is there something wrong with me?" Ares asked him getting more and more impatient. "Tell me. Just say it. I am waiting"

    "Oh for fuck''s sake shut up!" Ea screamed at him. "I have never kissed anyone before so I don''t know how to do it okay? I am scared I will be bad at it" he shouted in his face and Ares looked at him dumbfounded. He bit his bottom lip as his body trembled. He was trying so hard not to laugh but Theseus not really caring suddenly erupted and laughter filled the car. Allias let out a sigh knowing that there was no shaving these two helpless brothers. He felt so bad about Ea that he slapped Theseus'' thigh. But by now Ares was laughing too.  Poor Ea had turned red and teardrops gathered at the corners of his eyes. "You idiot!" he shouted and began kicking Ares who was trying to defend but at the same time to stop laughing. "Are you happy now?"

    "Ouch! I''m sorry. I am sorry. Ea please forgive me" Ares begged but Allias stopped their little fight.

    The car began to slow down and soon it entered an enormous underground parking lot.

    "Now everyone I would like you to shut it. We have arrived at the hotel she is staying." He warned them as he carefully parked the expensive car and turned off the engine.

 Chapter 143 - 143- A Test

    "Is this the hotel?" Ares asked as he stared at the cars in awe.

    "No this is the parking lot. We are underneath the hotel." Mikael explained. They had parked exactly behind them and now Everyone had gathered at a corner, looking at each other awkwardly.

    "Here you go. Hide those little cute ears of yours." Mark said and from his backpack he took out four hats, giving each one of the elves one. "Just try not to stare at people for too long. These eyes are really questionable." He explained and Ea nodded.

    "Shall we?" Allias asked once he fixed his hat, making sure that his ears were well hidden. They took the elevator, a spacious cubicle with mirrored walls that showed the outside, making Ares stuck his palms on the glass and look at everything in a hurry with a half opened mouth.

    The reception was huge, lit brightly as now it was almost night outside. Various decorations with gold details, crystal chandeliers and shiny beige marbled floors where you could see your reflection if you looked down. Big couches arranged into many small lounges for the guests who had to wait and a bar close by with a few people enjoying their drinks. Mark walked towards the receptionist, a smiley kind looking girl with pink lipstick. She was looking at her computer when Mark spoke out, asking for her attention. She raised her head, revealing her cute face and stared at the big bunch surprised.

    "Hi!" Ares said happily and waved at her.

    "Hello. Welcome to Star hotel, how could I help you?" She asked them and Luke stepped forward. His deep voice brought her shivers as she got lost in her eyes for a while. Maybe gathering so many handsome guys in one place and asking them to keep a low profile was too difficult.

    "Yes, we are here to meet Eleonora Bonfanti. Could you please let her know we have arrived?" He asked her politely and she nodded.

    "Yes, wait a second please." She responded and called her room. She conversed with her for a while and then hang up, still looking at the man with a smile.

    "She is ready to meet you. She has reserved a private bar room. You can take the elevator and head to the tenth floor. There will be someone to get you there" She explained and Luke nodded mumbling a thanks. "Excuse me, are you filming some kind of movie?" She asked and Allias nodded with a smile.

    "Yes. A horror movie. Thank you for your help. Good evening" he greeted her and headed to the elevator. It was a bit cramped considering that there were many tall men with broad shoulders. Mark was standing right next to Mikael staring up at him shyly. His cheeks turned slightly pink when the blond man winked at him and patted his head.

    "Let''s get a drink later. Together" He proposed and the ginger head nodded. It would be nice to spend some time with him.

    "Let''s get a drink too Ea" Ares said excitedly.

    "No. Get a drink yourself" Ea mumbled.

    "How about we get a drink my King?" Luke asked Allias with a charming smile.

    "No" Theseus answered with a lethal glare and Allias chuckled.

    "You got your answer." He told him before the blink sound was heard and the doors opened wide revealing a long corridor with a few black doors and a men standing in front of them. He bowed respectfully and without uttering a word he took the lead.  He stopped in front of one of the doors, and knocked three times. No sound was heard, or a welcoming sign but he still opening, revealing a disgusting sight.

    It was room, with red lightning and a black low table. A couch that created a crescent shape and a huge TV screen. One of the walls was fully made of glass showing the night view of the large city and the blinding lights of the skyscrapers.

    In the middle of the couch was Eleonora. Sitting comfortably with her back on the cough and her slim legs crossed. She had taken off her red stiletto shoes and was wearing a short black fitted dress. Her hair was an almond color and her eyes dark blue but there were no whites. That part was bloodshot as a pair of sharp fangs appeared the second she smiled. Her lips were red and luscious as they curled upwards. The seductive color though did not come from expensive cosmetics but from the blood of her meal.

    She was surrounded by unconscious people. Three gorgeous human men, who could easily be models, almost naked, only in their underwear, their necks pierced with the characteristic wound of a hungry vampire. There was also a girl that was sleeping on her lap. Her neck painted red as she played with her hair, like a toy.

    It was a gruesome sight that revealed the dark side of the Veil. The hungry, lustful part that everyone wished to hide to feel even just for a while that they weren''t bathed in sin. She wasn''t denying though, she was enjoying it, finding pleasure in the chaos and the alluring smell of blood. Monsters like her could be proven to be the most horrid. Because they had nothing to lose, or morals to follow.

    Alexander, seeing for the first time in his life such a barbaric scene gagged and covered his mouth trying not to puke. Luke turned around and stared at him, worried, he caressed his back and moved him to the back away from the woman''s eyes who laughed at his reaction.

    "Isn''t it rude to welcome a King like this?" Theseus asked her, not caring about formalities in the slightest but wanting to see how she responded in the presence of a King. There was no way she didn''t know about Allias. The question was, was she scared of him?

    "Oh, excuse me your majesty." She chuckled and pushed the girl of her lap, her body falling messily on the floor. She bowed dramatically, extending her arms and diving low. "Where could my manners have gone? Please sit, sit" She said and threw the rest of the poor people on the ground. "You too little wolf. Oh, my you are so adorable. Look at you shaking." She said and in an instant she was standing next to Alexander. Vampires were especially fast, so everyone needed to be alarmed at any moment. Eleonora, caressed his cheek and turned his face so they were looking at each other. "I almost want to eat you up."

    "Enough." Allias said and sat on the couch, not really caring about the bodies or the blood. He had seen a lot worse and this little theatre of hers could only look like a child''s play in his eyes. He had visited the Demonic capital before and this was nothing compared to that place. Luke carefully led Alexander away from her when she focused on Allias. "We came here for something. Information as you may know. What do you want in return?"

    "But why rush? We can talk about so many things. You see it''s the first time I am seeing elves." She said filled with excitement and without even asking she removed Ea''s hat and extended her hand to touch his ears. Ares then with a stern look grabbed her thing wristed and pushed her arm back.

    "That''s insulting. You can''t touch an elf''s ears." He explained and she seemed disappointed for a second before she jumped around and sat next to Allias.

    "So you want to know about a hunter Clan. The one who is being led by that young boy. Whose father died¡­hmmm how were they called again? Oh! Yes, bloody magnolias? Bloody lilies? Some bloody flower anyways."

    "Bloody moons." Theseus corrected her and she clapped her hands, her eyes widening.

    "That''s right. Yes. What about them my king?" She asked as she fluttered her eyelashes. She was crazy.

    "We want to know where they were heading" Allias told her, trying to show no sign of emotion. "And any other useful information you might have."

    "Well you came to the right place. Because my King I do happen to know a lot." She said proudly. "Maybe even about some kind of enormous source of magic they are carrying around. Hmmm should I tell you about that too? I wonder"

    "What do you mean?" Mikael asked her, as he stared at her. He was trying to decode her. Figure out if she was as crazy as she looked but it was really hard. That shimmer in her eyes and the way she smiled were creepy enough for someone to want to avert their gaze.

    "Yes, yes let me explain¡­" she said and she pretended to be thinking hen one of the guys on the floor groaned and tried to get up. Her eyes then suddenly widened and her nostrils flared before she raised her foot and kicked him hard in the back pushing him down again. "You shit I am talking now!" She screamed and kicked him again and again until she was satisfied. "Excuse me. Yes, about that. What do I get out of this? I mean, my information is something that you can''t find easily. I am known about that you know so I need the right compensation."

    "Do you wish for money? Maybe gold or jewelry?" Allias asked her, ready to offer her whatever she asked but she just laughed.

    "Your highness. I have that too but let me tell you. I am a very simple woman. The thing is that I get bored easily and now I am in search of some entertainment. A game or maybe better a test of devotion? And I want you to be the single player" she said with a sneaky smile as she pointed one of the men.

    ....

    Who do you think will play in Eleonora''s game? Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed

 Chapter 144 - 144- Is Kindness A Weakness?

    "Do you wish for money? Maybe gold or jewelry?" Allias asked her, ready to offer her whatever she asked but she just laughed.

    "Your highness. I have that too but let me tell you. I am a very simple woman. The thing is that I get bored easily and now I am in search of some entertainment. A game or maybe better a test of devotion? And I want you to be the single player" she said with a sneaky smile as she pointed one of the men.

    He was not the main character nor he ever wished to be. All he hoped for was a simple life where he wouldn''t get beaten up every day. It had become a second nature for him to just hide in the background and observe as life passed him by so when everyone''s eyes focused suddenly on him, as if they were acknowledging his existence for the first time, he felt like passing out.

    "No. I can do whatever you want. It doesn''t have to be him" Luke intervened and stood in front of him, hiding him with his broad back. His vision was completely blocked but he could still feel everyone''s attention on him.

    "No, no it doesn''t work like that." She said as she stood up and ran behind Luke, reaching the small and scared wolf. "You have been chosen. Will you really burden everyone, and that oh, so handsome wolf who has been trying to protect you by shying away? What a burdensome member of your little team" She told him and moved a few strands of hair away from his face, her scary eyes scanning him eagerly.

    He took a deep breath. He knew he should calm down. He hadn''t begged to be here just so he could ruin everything. No matter how sadistic and twisted she was she was completely right. A team member that brought everyone down because of their cowardice was unneeded. He didn''t want Luke to have that idea about him and he also didn''t want to be that. He had come here for him but at the same time he hoped he could manage to become something better. All of them were so brave, they walked with their heads high and joked even with the scariest occasions. Allias was sitting in between unconscious bodies, looking down on that freaky woman and he didn''t even flinch as she laughed hysterically. Alexander knew that if he was in his place he would probably want to disappear.

    "Don''t listen to her. She just wants to lure you to do it." Luke told him, hoping that he would back down. He was just a kid; he couldn''t understand why Allias asked him to come with them but now he was here. He was looking up to them but there was nothing to look up to. That innocence, that was something to look up and by doing something like this, whatever her stupid task was, Luke was sure he would never be himself again.

    "It''s fine." Alexander stated trying so hard for his voice not to shake. His hands were in fists, his knuckles getting white as his heart was beating like a drum. "If I do it will you tell them all they need to know?" he asked her.

    "Yes. I do promise. Scout''s honor." She joked and placed her palm on top of her dead heart. "So should I tell you now little wolf? Is everyone okay with it?" she asked them and enjoyed the discomfort in their face. Ares even scoffed while Luke stared at Alexander with a worried expression.

    "Say it" Allias told her, seeming not to care about the trial at all. His face was a stoned wall, derived of every expression.

    "Alright then. There is an identical room next to this one. There are three little humans that pissed me off and I need you to take care of them. One after the other. But before you do it you have to look them in the eyes for a whole minute. Then stab them in the heart. You will have to repeat this process three times. After you do it I will tell you everything." She explained.

    "No! There is no way you will make him do something like this." Luke told her and she shrugged.

    "He accepted. We will be watching from this nice big screen here." She said and clapped her hands twice for the door to open. The yellow light from the corridor invaded the red lit room and a man appeared. It was another worker of the hotel, probably someone who worked for her, as he didn''t seem to care about the people on the floor or the blood stains. Alexander followed her and Eleonora grabbed a remote control from the table and turned on the screen, revealing a room, with three people. Two girls and one boy, shaking trying to escape but they had been tied to three chairs.

    "What are you waiting for? Sit." Allias told the rest of his people and unwillingly everyone took a seat on the couch.

    "Oh, I quite like you, your highness." She told him with a charming smile and he smiled back.

    "Unfortunately, I do not" he told her and she laughed.

    Alexander walked slowly as he entered the room. He didn''t know what to do, or more like he knew but he wasn''t able to. It was indeed similar to the room they were in, only the big table was missing, clearing up space so the people, tied with harsh rope could be placed. All of them were crying and screaming. Shaking, trying to get away from their shackles and Alexander again was so close to just puking his guts.

    "Please save us." One of the girls screamed. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying. Her voice rough and her expression a show of pure terror.

    "Please, please save us" The other man pleaded and Alexander bit his lip, sitting numb in front of them. On the shiny ground was laid a huge silver knife. He took a few steps and grabbed it, seeing his reflection on the blade.

    "I¡­I¡­" he mumbled as he felt his stomach turn.

    "I don''t want to die!" A girl shouted, making him flinch. The knife falling from his hands and landing onto the ground. He stared at her and suddenly ran at a corner of the room, finally throwing up. It was impossible. He would never be able to do it. He had to though. From the moment he had accept this ridiculous test he had created some kind of agreement and everyone was waiting for him to pull it off. Just walk there, grab the knife and end it. It will be easy, quick. He tried to comfort himself with lies. He wiped his mouth with the edge of his sleeve and headed back to the knife picking it up. His hands were shaking so he gripped it tighter, wanting to hold on to the cold object more.

    "I am sorry" he mumbled as he approached the first girl. Her wide eyes were as if they were staring into his perplexed soul and her tears ran on her pretty face. He stared into them, counting the seconds as he slowly raised his arm. The one that held the deadly object.

    "Please, please. I am supposed to get married soon. Please save me. You can use that knife to kill me or either free me. Please" she said, trying to reason with him but Alexander did not reply. He didn''t want to kill her. He didn''t want to kill anyone. He was weak, he could never do this. "Please!" She screamed and once again the young wolf terrified dropped the knife. This time it landed on her thigh, piercing her skin. She screamed as the object opened up a deep wound and blood began oozing. "No, No, no" she repeated frantically. "Please" she chanted again and again.

    He had to pull that knife out. He told himself as he stared at the wound. He had done that. He had hurt her so many times, the same way others hurt him. He didn''t want to be that kind of person. He hated it. He was causing so much suffering. Nonetheless he tried to push all these thoughts aside, his shaking hands headed towards the knife and the blood made him sick again. There was nothing left to throw up. No more tears left to shed.

    His knees buckled as he slowly lost all of his strength and fell to the floor. He hid his face with his palms and began wailing, drowning in his guilty tears. He hit the ground creating a small hole in it. His strength still a lot more than an actual human''s. he cried and cried as he screamed.

    "I can''t do it! I can''t do it! I am sorry! I can''t kill a person!" He shouted in agony.

    Back in the other room, everyone observed with their hearts racing. Eleonora turned the screen off and turned her eyes towards the Elf King who seemed unfazed.

    "Oh, that''s unfortunate but your little wolf failed."

 Chapter 145 - 145- The Way Of A King

    "This is ridiculous." Allias said with an annoyed expression and stood up. "I do not understand how you can find such barbaric things entertaining. Theseus go take care of this." He commanded his general and the white haired man nodded before he disappeared. In a second he had returned, holding an unconscious Alexander in his arms.

    "Did you kill them?" Eleonora asked.

    "No I freed them. I wouldn''t want to get to your level." He told her and the woman scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

    "You say you came here to ask for information. But all you do is insult me. How sad is this kind of situation? And the little cub failed its mission too. So what will I be getting for my information?" She asked and sat back down on the couch, staring at the King with a satisfied smile. She was aware that Alexander would fail. She chose him specifically for that.

    "You get to keep your life." Allias said, his fake smile long gone. He had played enough with her. Now it was time for her to speak. They couldn''t stall here all day.

    "Oh, your highness you wouldn''t dare to kill me. Haven''t we signed a treaty? I guess your death has made you slightly confused about how things are now."

    "Oh, but I won''t kill you" He told her, mocking her dramatic tone. "he will" he said and moved his head towards Theseus. He wasn''t holding Alexander any more. Now the fragile boy was in Luke''s arms. He was too worried to allow to someone else to be with him. After all he was a member of his pack, he should be the one looking after for him. He should have stopped this from the first moment that crazy vampire spoke.

    Theseus did not even bother to release his shadows. He considered it an insult to himself to deploy such weapons for such a lowly creature. He simply stepped on the table and jumped in front of her, grasping her pale neck. She shook and tried to set herself free. Her nails leaving scratches on his arm but he didn''t even flinch. She was strong, he could definitely feel it as she tried to kick him, and hissed showing her bright fangs. If he got beaten by those he was sure it would hurt, he thought.

    "Time is ticking I am getting more and more impatient." Allias said and Theseus threw her on the screen, her body slamming hard on it and breaking it into thousands of pieces. She stood up quickly, agile like a cat and tried to run towards the door but Ares was suddenly standing in front of her. She looked around and spotted Mark who was looking at the whole scene quite stunned. Before anyone could realize it she had grabbed him from behind and gotten him into a headlock.

    "Okay, now we can negotiate." She said, her lips forming a victorious smile. "Did you really think I would let you kill me?" She asked as she tightened her grip around his neck. He groaned feeling suffocated but he didn''t say anything. Fear, numbing all of his senses.

    "I suggest that you let him go." Mikael told her, taking cautious steps towards her.

    "I wonder if you know. You, the vampire who brags about knowing everything."

    "Know what?" The woman asked with a curious expression. Information, that was what had kept her alive this long. Considering her behavior she probably had many enemies. Her knowledge is what is keeping her alive until now.

    "Why I am called the Golden King and how easily I can kill you if I desired it." Allias hinted and Eleonora seemed to be stopping just to think for a while. At that moment Theseus found a chance and pushed her back, retreating the suffocated boy who was now panting in need for air. Theseus removed him from his side and pushed him to Mikael to keep him safe as his eyes were focused now on the crazy vampire. He shouldn''t be having a weakness around him right now.

    "You wouldn''t" She said beginning to look desperate. "The treaties."

    "I wasn''t here for the treaties. Remember? I was dead." He told her. She looked around her once more, one final attempt to find a way out. The door was obviously locked and if she dared to jump out of the window she was sure that elf would teleport and bring her back right in. There was no way out.

    "Fine. Sit down. Let''s talk but after this you disappear from this place and I never see you again" She said, her fa?ade slowly subsiding. Eleonora was a lot more serious now, acknowledging the act that she had underestimated them.

    "As you wish, I am glad that we finally got to short things out by the way"

    "Sure. So you are looking for this clan. They are heading towards the capital. There will be held a clans meeting in a week from now. They are probably panning something. The people you are looking for are also carrying something like a huge iron box. This box, has an enormous magic output. It is possible some kind of weapon. I do not know what they have inside it though."

    "Are you sure you don''t know?"

    "Yes! I am not lying. There is no way my people could approach those hunters to find out. They would be killed. That is all the information I can give you" She told them. "Now leave."

    "Well then. I hope your information is accurate because believe me it will be really easy to find you" Allias told her as he stood up. "let''s go"

    There was no actual need for greetings or goodbyes. They had gained another enemy in exchange for information. Suddenly Allias realized that they were really short on allies. If every time they met a person in need of assistance and ended up in the brim of killing them their journey would turn harder.

    "I am surprised these people did not wake up." Ares commented as they entered the elevator.

    "They were probably drugged or something. It''s not unusual. Vampires do that so they can drink human blood with much more ease. Sometimes humans tend to fight." Mikael explained.

    "Such vulgar creatures." Ea said and Ares agreed by nodding. They had gotten the information that they needed. All they had to do now was plan their next move.

    "Let''s get a room here for the night" Allias suggested. "Give some time to Alexander to rest. We can meet tomorrow at breakfast to figure out what we should do next. Is everyone alright with that?"

    "Yeah, I agree" Luke complied and stared at the sleeping boy in his arms. He shouldn''t have let him come here, his kind nature would end up being a problem as things got harder. He didn''t want him to be targeted.

    He kept thinking about it as they entered their room. It was a two bed bedroom. One for him and one for Alexander since Mikael had decided it would be best to keep an eye on Mark, since he had gotten quite a shock too. The room was decorated in pastel colors in the shades of beige, giving off a very luxurious vibe. Even though there were two beds there was enough space for both of them to be doubles, with puffy covers and soft pillows. The bathroom, was white and everything seemed to glistened. There was a shower and an enormous bathtub. Luke was sure that three people could fit in there pretty easily.

    As he examined the room, checking the huge closet and resting for a while on one of the armchairs, changing the channels on the TV Alexander began to wake up. He let out a small yawn at first and his eyes flattered, his long eyelashes casting small shadows on his cheeks. The second Luke heard him wake up he turned around and went over to where he was laying. The moment their eyes met he jumped up, looking around frantically.

    "What happened? Did I mess everything up? Oh, no. I am sorry. I am so sorry" he apologized. Tears gathering in his eyes again. It was his fault their plan had been messed up.

    "Hey, hey. Calm down. It''s alright. Nothing got ruined. Allias took care of it. Everything is fine." Luke comforted him and placed his palms on his shoulders. "It''s fine, you didn''t do anything wrong." He repeated as he was looking at him. Honestly, the wolf wanted to scold him as soon as he woke up. Tell him that was the reason why he shouldn''t have come and to pack his stuff and return at the compound this instant but seeing him like this, how could he do that? He already seemed heartbroken. It would just make things worse.

    "So¡­Everything is okay? I didn''t ruin it?" He asked once more, his expression changing slowly to a relieved one. He smiled slightly, allowing Luke for the first time to see him like that. He was truly adorable. The way his lips curled up and happiness lit up his face. Luke coughed not knowing how to react and looked away, confused with his own thoughts.

    "Yes. Get some rest. I will be here. Tomorrow morning, we will be leaving after breakfast." He advised him when a knock on the door was heard. Luke stood up and wearily opened it seeing that Allias was at their doorframe. "Hey, is everything alright?" He asked him, surprised about his late night visit.

    "I just wanted to talk to Alexander if that''s oaky with you." Allias said and smiled kindly at the boy who was sitting comfortably on his bed.

    "Sure. I will be back in a while" He told them and left the room not wanting to invade their private conversation.

    "So, should we talk a bit?" Allias asked him and sat down on the bed with him.

 Chapter 146 - 146- True Power

    "I have a vague idea of what you want to say to me" Alexander said. He didn''t have the courage to look at him in the eyes. He was the one who allowed him to be here but in the end of the day he had messed up everything. Even if Allias took care of the mission in the end Alexander had failed his part.

    "Really? Then this makes my job a lot easier." Allias chuckled and placed his palm at the top of his head. He gave him a few gentle pats and smiled even though they weren''t looking at each other. "Good job today. You did well" he praised him and Alexander looked up as if he had been shocked with electricity. Did he just hear him congratulate him? About failing his duty?

    "What? But I¡­"

    "Didn''t you just say that you knew what I was going to say?" Allias asked with an amused expression. "I came here to tell you this." He stood up and took a few steps around the room.

    "Your room is pretty. Are you comfortable?"

    "Yes. It''s fine. How about yours?" Alexander asked him back, not really knowing what to say. What kind of topic would be appropriate to talk about in the presence of a King?

    "It''s the royal suite. It''s good. There is a nice hot tub. You know that I was dead right?" Allias asked him and the boy nodded. "Well after I reincarnated I spent my life as a human, in a very bad family who hated even the fact that I breathed. I think my mother knew that there was something wrong with me. Then I met Luke and believed that I found a place I could belong. Even though wrongly he tried to protect me in many ways and every time I would curse myself.  Curse the fact that I was so weak and helpless. But even after I remembered and became a King I still couldn''t find that pure King that was filled with light. It was as if my experiences that eventually led to my death and my bad human life had changed me. I was filled with rage and I just couldn''t befriend my own self. What I mean is that I too have been weak, weaker even than you but at the same time I have been weak even when I was strong. My mind was weak, my heart too." He told him with a bitter smile and returned in his previous spot. Felling the cold sheets underneath his palm.

    "You? Weak?" Alexander asked him surprised. "I saw how you stood in front of that crazy vampire. Everyone else seemed lost and confused but you were¡­strong."

    "This was not exactly strength Alexander. This was just immunity. When you''ve seen the things I have a woman like her would never scare you. This is not something I would wish for you. Because strength does not equal the loss of fear or kindness. You are kind and the fact that you couldn''t hurt those humans it does not mean you are weak. It just means you are nice. That is something rare in our world. Even I, I am not nice. If she had threatened any of you I would have killed those people in the blink of an eye. This is not strength. It is desperation. The fact that you can kill doesn''t mean you are strong. When you are able to make the choice, to choose to save a life rather than take it, the choice to forgive rather than ask for revenge then you will be strong. Yes, physically, magically people here are stronger than you. But what about this?" Allias asked him and tapped his chest with his index finger. A small light appearing on his finger tip. A smile appeared on Alexander''s face as he saw that little ball of light detach from the king''s finger and linger in front of his heart. It was warm. "Your heart, is filled with kindness and that is a true strength. So do not think that people like me or Theseus are strong. We just constantly fight to survive. We are cornered by enemies all the time and have too much to lose to be brave. We have schemed and lied. Would you call that being strong? Of course not. Is just what you have to do to survive and protect. Being always honest and sticking up to what you believe. Knowing how precious is a life and being good is what strength is. And you have all that."

    "I¡­are you sure you''re not saying all that just because I am sad? To cheer me up." Alexander said still quite unable to believe the King''s words. He never expected someone to say something like that. To view him as such a person. He always looked in the mirror and hated his reflection. A scared expression and a sickly demeanor, the exact opposite of what you would think of a werewolf. No strong muscles and tanned skin from running in the woods. He wasn''t tall and scary he was just pitiful. Even his mother would look at him with tears in the eyes sometimes, worried about what will happen to him in their completive pack. He would get lost in the crowd or even worse become a pariah. But Allias now revealed to him that what he thought wasn''t the point. He was something, he could be someone and there was something in this heart of his, who always beat shyly that was worth noticing and that on its own was shocking, unbelievable.

    "Boy." Allias said while laughing. "I have a hot boyfriend waiting for me in a hot tub and I am here letting out a super long monologue and you think I did this just to cheer you up? I person I met literally two days ago? It''s because I see something in you. Something I wish I still had and something that Luke will definitely need."

    At the mention of Luke''s name Alexander''s olive eyes widened and his cheeks turned pink. He grabbed the edges of his sweater and je stuttered a few gibberish before he could actually form actual words and sentences.

    "What¡­d-does Luke have to do with me?" Alexander asked.

    "Well, I did believe that you like him. Am I mistaken?" Allias asked with a grin as the boy almost fell back to his pillow.

    "T-That''s¡­I¡­.yes" he said giving up. He was a thousand and probably more years old. There was no way of hiding his crush to someone as sharp as him. "Is that okay with you?"

    "What do I care?" Allias asked.

    "I mean¡­you and him¡­"

    "Oh, no, no. I care about Luke but I have Theseus. It has always been him. So go for it. Don''t think about me" Allias said with a smile.

    "I don''t think Luke would even spare a glance at me" Alexander confessed. That was what he believed. It would be impossible such a powerful wolf to take an interest in him. "I am just a shadow."

    "I fell in love with a shadow. I am sure that Luke can too. But to be honest, you are not the shadow." Allias told him and caressed his cheek. "Luke is. That''s why he might need you, even if he doesn''t know it. He tends to lose himself so take care of him for me, okay?"

    "I¡­I don''t know what I can do for him. We are not that close actually. He sees me as a child."

    "Well to him, you kind of are" Allias joked. "But in all honesty sometimes being by someone''s side is enough. Taking the time to understand him. I was surprised when I saw how worried he was when he held you in his arms. You probably let his more humane side out."

    "Luke is not a bad person" Alexander said, wanting to defend him in some way. He was aware of what people said. He had heard the rumors about his madness and cruelty. But no matter how hard he tried to understand he just couldn''t see that.

    "I know, I know. Don''t worry. It''s just that he has a lot more on his head that you or I can understand. I hope your love gets returned though. Unfortunately I think you will have to try a lot for it."

    "I will try. As much as it takes. Thank you. For your words and you advise. You made me feel much better."

    "No problem." Allias replied with a bright smile before he left.

    Alexander was left for a while alone in their room to think. There were a lot of things he needed to consider. Allias'' words had been an encouragement but at the same time a realization. He realized that something needed to be done. Not only about himself but about Luke. He would never get anywhere just by stuttering and averting his eyes. He had already given him the wrong idea once. Thinking and thinking made him feel dizzy so he stood up and decided to take a shower, let the warm water calm his tense muscles as he organized a plan to find courage. After he was done he wrapped his lower half with a towel, the room service had left. It was white and smelled pleasantly of flowers. He felt much better and as he walked outside the steamy and slippery bath he felt quite happy, with a faint smile on his lips.

    "Your talk must have been a good one." He heard Luke''s voice. He was lying on his bed, checking out a magazine. "Do you feel better now?"

    Luke was here, Luke was right in front of him while he had spent hours thinking about him. He flinched and took a step back surprised. They locked eyes for just an instant before he just blurted out the first thing that came to his mind.

    "Please let me be by your side!" he said his eyes closed as he spoke.

    "Huh? Alexander, your towel is on the ground" Luke commented.

 Chapter 147 - 147- A Wolf And An Elf

    "Please let me be by your side!" he said his eyes closed as he spoke.

    "Huh? Alexander, your towel is on the ground" Luke commented.

    "What?" The boy asked confused and opened his eyes to finally notice the unusual chill between his legs. His eyes almost popped of his skull as he stared at the white towel that was now on the ground. He felt his whole body getting hotter and with awkward and dramatic moves he crouched down and turned into a ball wanting to hide his own body. "Please don''t look." He begged in embarrassment and Luke, with a faint chuckle closed his eyes.

    "Okay, Okay I am not looking" He told him in a cheerful tone.

    Alexander grabbed his towel, wrapping it around his lower body messily and ran towards his suitcase, his naked feet thumping on the floor as he did so. He went through his stuff fast as lightning picking out a pair joggers and a T-shirt. He wore them and after he made sure his whole body was covered and other accidents would be avoided and told Luke to pen his eyes.

    "Sorry about that" he apologized as he rubbed the back of his neck.

    "No problem, I guess. So what were you about to say before? Sorry I didn''t pay attention. You standing naked in front of me and all." The wolf told him and Alexander felt a pinch on his heart. The courage he had mustered to utter that sentence was probably all he had left. If there was a little pouch, where all of his life''s courage had been stored he was sure right now he had used up all of it. There was no way he would be able to say it again. Nonetheless for a few seconds he really did try. Opening his lips and closing them again like a small fish, trying to mouth the words. "Are you alright?" Luke asked confused as he watched him stand there, looking speechless.

    "Yes. I am perfectly fine." He said with a sigh as he headed towards his bed. "It was nothing. Just a silly thing I talked about with the King."

    "Okay. Did your talk help at all?"

    "Yeah it did. He told me a lot of thing. Even a few things about you"

    "Oh, he did? What did he tell you? About all the stupid things I did?" Luke asked him with a bitter smile as he left down the magazine. It didn''t say anything interesting actually. Just some boring stuff about celebrities and food recipes. Not tight up to Luke''s alley.

    "No. He didn''t say that." Alexander responded but he did not elaborate any further. After that failed attempt a while ago he wasn''t so sure he wanted Luke to find out about what they talked. He would have to explain why they said those things and naturally the conversation would end up in his feelings for him.

    "That''s good. For some reason I don''t want you to know all the idiotic things I did. If the whole pack doesn''t know already."

    "I don''t think it matters that much. Those things happened already. What you have to do is see how you''re going to act now. The past is the past. You can''t change it" Alexander told him hoping that he would offer him some comfort. He knew Luke was burdened by his actions and definitely no one should tell him to erase his mistakes from his memory, but as he stood there, his eyes showing how lost he was in the memories of the past, his expression changing and showing such sadness he felt like he had to stop that trip down in memory lane. He was not fond of that frown on his face. It hurt him to see him like that so no matter what he had to say he would. He meant it when he said that now he should move forward. That was the only option to repent after all.

    "I wish it was that easy." Luke mumbled and laid fully on his bed. "Let''s go to sleep. It''s late" he told him and reached his hand out to the lights, turning them off. A darkness spread in the room and Alexander too hid under the covers, feeling the soft material envelope him. It was late indeed and he was really exhausted so when his head touched the pillow he instantly fell asleep, forgetting his worries for a while. He didn''t even notice Luke getting up and leaving their room.

    The older wolf needed to get some air. Suddenly as he laid there in the darkness, in that unfamiliar room he was suffocating. So many thoughts in his head made him feel heavier as he dragged his steps and headed downstairs on the bar. To his surprise he noticed Theseus sitting at the counter, a glass of whiskey in his hand, the ice glistening underneath the dim lighting and in the room distant chattering of people was heard. Usually he would just ignore him and head somewhere else, wanting his own peace and quiet but he felt lonely in this huge hotel and he didn''t want to bother Mikael. So without really caring if he would get beat up or swore at he sat down on the stool next to him and ordered a whiskey for himself.

    "What now?" Theseus asked, treating him already like an eyesore.

    "I didn''t know you smoke" Luke told him, staring at the smoking cigarette in between his fingertips.

    "I am not supposed to. I quit it. But I am on edge" Theseus revealed and the man nodded. He couldn''t agree more with that. Everyone seemed to be on their tip toes.

    "Can I ask you a question?"

    "That''s your second one already. So go for it" the grumpy elf said and took a sip from his drink.

    "What if someone just confessed their feelings to you and said they want to be by your side but you brushed it off as if you didn''t hear because you didn''t know how to respond and break his heart?"

    "I hope this is not about you confessing to my lover" Theseus said and gripped the glass.

    "No. It''s not don''t worry. I just feel like the worst for doing that. It''s so cowardly."

    "Well do you like that person too or were you just too worried what would happen if you rejected him?" The elf general asked.

    "I don''t know. That''s the problem. He¡­he keeps saying all the right things and he is truly cute but I really can''t figure it out. It''s confusing. He just popped in my life at the worst time and I don''t want to hurt him like I did with Allias. I don''t want to be this kind of person anymore." Luke revealed. The elf did not expect for him to talk like that. He seemed to be burdened by his actions a lot more than he showed. At the moment he was looking at the golden liquor in the glass, playing with glass and he had a frown on his face that showed how concerned he was very clearly. Theseus would love to taunt him and make cocky remarks but at the same time he looked so pitiful he couldn''t utter not even one spiteful word.

    "Just take it slow, I guess. I took it real slow with Allias until I could be sure I could be by his side. Like, really slow" he said with a chuckle. "I don''t think you should do that seeing you are not fully immortal and all but don''t rush things. Take some time to figure out your feelings and pay closer attention. Alexander does not look like the person who would just lose interest easily. He looks at you like a puppy."

    "How¡­"

    "I am a thousand years old. Don''t even ask how I got that. Everyone has probably gotten that by now. How much that kid likes you. He is definitely blind if you ask me but well can''t argue with someone''s personal taste." He told him and swallowed the last drop of his drink. "he will pay" he said and nodded towards Luke as the bartender waited for his money. After that he simply stood up and left not really bothering to be friendly or greet him. He had done more than enough today. If Allias was there he would be really proud of him, he thought as he walked back to his room with a cheerful smile.

    The rest of the night passed by peacefully and almost in the blink of an eyes. All of them had worries and a few of them even dreamed about them. The only certain thing was that every single one of them was trying to get some rest. They had all been exhausted, not physically but definitely mentally because they truly needed to replenish their energy. Tomorrow after all a new day would begin and there were more difficult things to come, some even bloody.

    ....

    Hello hope you are enjoying the book so far! Please support it if you''re able to.

    Thanks for reading.

 Chapter 148 - 148- Remembering Old Mistakes

    During breakfast they had talked about many different things that considered their next move. What made everyone anxious was that unknown source of magic and how were they going to protect themselves from it in the case that the hunter''s used it as a weapon and things didn''t go as planned. In between of eating croissants and freshly made orange juice many ideas had been heard and their conversations had gone for almost two hours before they had agreed to a final plan that everyone was satisfied with.

    It was actually quite simple but from everyone''s point of view it was at the same time, the only option. They were going to seek out the help of a witch that used to cooperate with the wolf pack to get as much magical protection they could, especially for Mark and Alexander and then they would keep traveling to find the clan and if everything went well kidnap Joe before that Hunter''s meeting. There were literally two steps in all of this, nothing could go wrong, could it?

    As they left the hotel, Mark very displeased that he had to part with such luxury so soon Allias had many thoughts in his head. Even while driving he was quiet causing a very chilling atmosphere in the car, very different from the last time. Theseus felt so tense by watching him grip hard at the steering while, so much that his knuckles turned white, that he couldn''t relax in the comfortable seat he had come so much to like. He opened the window letting the sounds of the city flood in. Cars, bicycles, laughter and shouts all came in as if they wanted to wake Allias up. He didn''t seem to budge though, he was used to the distracting sounds of the city and easily he remained focused. Deep in his thoughts.

    "So um, I did something good last night." Theseus said, wanting to grab his attention. "Like charity work."

    "Really?" Ares asked confused. "I didn''t think you were that kindhearted my brother" he teased him and the general scoffed, getting a few hairs away from his eyes. They had been prickling his right eye for a while now and it was really annoying.

    "Allias? Are you with us?" Theseus made another try and the man flinched, as if he had been hypnotized all this time to look ahead and never say anything.

    "Huh? Sorry, what did you say that you did?" he asked him as he took a right turn on the highway, showing some interest for the first time.

    "Charity. I did charity" Theseus repeated with a cocky smirk. "I offered love advice to that smelly wolf, Luke. I am great, aren''t I?" He asked waiting for Allias to spoil him and tell him how well he did. The brunet though only laughed, the sound instantly lighting up the car as he spoke.

    "I don''t think you should be offering love advice considering how confused and edgy you were when we first met. I can''t be with you Allias, I am just a bastard son. I do not deserve you." He said while mimicking his low and broody voice making Ea and Ares in the back of the car begin laughing. "I mean I am worried about this relationship now" he continued.

    Theseus crossed his chest over his chest and stared at him, his right eyebrow raised up so high that almost reached the top of his forehead. Allias could feel his eyes, almost like a laser beam opening holes in his scalp but he kept smiling.

    "Well I was expecting you to be happy since I didn''t kill him right then and there but I should have done it I guess."

    "No, no" Allias said. "You did good, my love." He told him and the white haired man scoffed. "Now it''s too late"

    "Come on now brother." Ares said. "You shouldn''t make the King''s life difficult. Do you want to create problems for him?"

    "What? I¡­"

    "Stop teasing him." Ea said even though a faint smile was visible on his strict face. "Your, highness. What has been troubling you?"  Ea asking him, more worried about Allias thinking expression a while ago.

    "It''s just that, a while back Mark told him something. While I had run away from the pack with him we sought information from a witch named Clarissa. I didn''t really know her well, met her just a few times but she seemed really kind and she was willing to help us. The thing is that when we arrived at her house she was dead and soon after I was kidnapped. Mikael had killed her. He had been threatened by a wolf girl in the pack to do it so Luke wouldn''t find out where we were. She had threatened that she would kill Mark so Mikael felt like he had no other choice and killed her. The witch we will visit is Clarissa''s older sister. I don''t know what she knows or how Mikael will feel. He looked alright when Luke proposed it but Mark, he told me that what he had done, had weighted on him a lot more than we can imagine." As Allias explained, and the way to their destination became shorter and shorter. As they entered the next unfamiliar city and saw many skyscrapers standing tall and human walking on the streets he would get even more worried. He didn''t want any more enemies. The more ha approached his goal the more he was scared the moment he would need actual help. And then he would be alone. They had already murdered one council member which meant they should stay as far away as they could since the whole situation didn''t seem to be solved. There would be another problem they would have to look into. That meant that help from the trolls, the angels and demons, obviously since they were led by Achlys, were out. The vampires were too untrustworthy and as time passed they seemed to have been making more enemies than allies. "We don''t need any more enemies" he mumbled.

    "What happened with Clarissa then?" Ares asked.

    "Her death was covered up as a robbery gone wrong. But I don''t know how Mikael will react when we see her."

    "We will have to wait and see. You don''t need to worry about that for now." Theseus told him and placed his palm on his thigh, hoping that even this slight physical contact would help him.

    At the other car they were talking already about the same thing. Mikael''s poker face could never trick Luke and Mark was pretty sure that he wasn''t the person who wouldn''t care about his mistakes and would be able to face that woman so easily. So they began talking about it. Even if it was difficult for the boy with the blue eyes to open up his heart about it. Mark had watched the video, he had felt the despair and regret in his cries and for a reason he felt responsible. He was responsible because this had happened because of him, he was the one being threatened and he didn''t even know it. Mikael desperate to save him he had just obeyed.

    "Don''t do anything while we are there. I know it must be hard but she shouldn''t know about Clarissa''s death. I know I sound too manipulative but we can''t put the elves into this. Once this is all over we will return and beg for her forgiveness. You and I both" Luke said as he drove and Mikael rubbed his temples.

    "I know, I know we shouldn''t involve them in this but I just can''t¡­I feel like I will throw up." Mikael confessed, feeling the hairs on his body raise. He still had nightmares about that day. He deeply regretted it and wished he could do something about it. But there was nothing to be done. Once you took a life with your hands it was over, you had to live remembering how their blood looked splattered on your hands and face. You had to live with that horrific image. Mikael had killed before, but never an innocent person. It was one of his rules to never kill someone that did not deserve it, that way he wouldn''t become like the stereotype of his kind. He would preserve his sanity and feel okay about himself and who he was but he had passed that line. For Mark because he was scared. Scared so much that he would lose him.

    "Mikael." Mark called out to him hastily. He had been cruel when he had heard about what he did ignoring the reason behind it. It didn''t make his wrong right but still he couldn''t see him like a terrible person, because he knew it. "You are a good person. Never doubt that, we all make mistakes some cost us more than others and some like this can''t be fixed but at least try to live with it. It happened and it was bad but I can''t scold you about it, no one can when you did it to save someone, to save¡­me. I am sorry. So sorry that you had to go through this because of me. I didn''t know anything and you¡­"

    "Don''t be sorry." Mikael said and tried to smile. "I would give my life to save you." You are Scarlet''s family after all, he thought and his eyes widened. No, no. That''s not the reason. I like you. I really do. He repeated on his mind as Markus'' words found a way to sneak in now that his mental state was weak. "I¡­I like you Mark." He said out loud, making the red head smile and blush.

    I like you¡­no matter what anyone else says. I don''t want to hurt you. I don''t need Scarlet.

    ....

    Hello! Do you like the story so far? Please let me know with a comment so I will know. I hope you like it!. Thank you for reading and supporting my book. Sooo here is something like sneek peak to keep you guys on your toes. (Author''s thought)

 Chapter 149 - 149- Sleep

    "Should we take a break for this day? Just let loose? I am sure that all of us, even the elves had not the time to just relax." Luke recommended while they were still on the road. They had just entered the city Clarissa''s sister lived. He could see how anxious his best friend was, burdened by an endless guilt and he wanted to do something about it. He was aware of how important this mission was, no one wanted another war to happen but at the same time, failing now, would mean that they would lose even more time and they would be unable to catch up to the hunters.

    "I don''t think that''s a good idea. We are short on time. We don''t know exactly when that meeting will take place or where. We will have to investigate and find them. It might even take days" Mark said. He knew why Luke proposed this but he couldn''t worry Allias more. He was sure his best friend would have kept this situation in mind during this whole time, telling him to just stop and take a break would worry him even more. "Let''s do that after we meet the witch. I am sorry Mikael but¡­"

    "I know. It''s okay. That''s the right thing. And you, don''t worry too much." He said and punched his friend in the arm. "Have I ever disappointed you?" he asked Luke.

    "Nope. Never" The wolf replied with a proud smile. He was lucky to have a friend like him. Even though sometimes he knew he did not deserve him, that was the main reason why he didn''t argue when he asked for his freedom. He wanted to leave this pack and even though he would turn into an omega at least he would be happy. Luke had told him he would always have a home to return back to. That''s the best he could do.

    "Is that her apartment? It''s been a while since I came here." Luke mumbled staring at one of the tall apartment buildings. It had at least fifteen floors and many windows without any balconies, made from bright red brick it looked kind of peculiar next to the grey from the pollution normal buildings. Mikael nodded as he took a deep breath and undid his seatbelt the moment Luke parked the car. While everyone had gotten out he remained in, frozen staring at the window''s trying to imagine which one was hers. He closed his eyes trying to let his guilt go, just for a second. Just so they could achieve what they wanted and he swore to himself to come back and beg. Tell her the whole truth and how sorry he was. Even though he knew that would not bring her sister back.

    "Hey" Mark''s sweet voice was heard and he noticed that he had opened the door and now was looking at him. "Shall we go?" he asked and tended his small hand. Mikael took it and stepped outside feeling the breeze hit his face. Mark did not let go of his hand and began walking. He turned to face him and smiled brightly, his eyes turning into crescents and at that moment he seemed like he was shining. Mikael felt his heart beat faster and as he spoke his muscles relaxed. "I may not be really strong but I will always try to help you okay? I am here so don''t worry." He tried to reassure him and Mikael gave him a faint smile. He felt even more guilty now. Because while Mark was trying to put his fears aside he was being overwhelmed by memories of her. Scarlet had begun to haunt his head once more, his thoughts and he was trying so hard to keep his heart for Mark but he knew that soon enough it would be pointless. He squeezed Mark''s hand, loving his human warmth and they entered the building where everyone else waited.

    It was nothing alike the hotel they had visited yesterday. It was your everyday normal apartment building. It had a small entrance that showed you instantly the dark green old elevator and a dirty staircase as an alternative. It was too small to fit them all in so the wolves headed in first with Mark while the elves, with their Disee powers just teleported to the floor they were told. Walking up the stairs seemed to be a drag even for immortals.

    They had not notified her of their visit just in case she denied their help and decided to flee. Witches never really stayed in one place for too long, especially those without a coven since they would be an easy target for hunters. Her last address was there and Luke together with everyone else hoped they would be here.

    Luke knocked on her old door, that had the same hade as the bricks and waited. After three knocks and a few seconds of no reaction he tried again a bit louder this time until the dragging of slippers was heard behind the closed door and a woman appeared in front of them, staring at all of them with a frown. She was similar to Clarissa in one way, Allias noticed. They had the same big dark eyes. They were beautiful and her stare almost made you believe she could look into your soul. Full lips and dark skin her hairstyle was not as strict as Clarissa''s, her hair wildly framing her pretty face. She was older than her sister since a few wrinkles were visible on her forehead and the sides of her eyes. She wore many golden rings that jiggled with her every move and a very long and airy skirt with colorful patterns.

    "Amelia, hello. I am Luke. The son of White fangs'' leader. Do you remember me?" Luke asked her politely.

    "Well you were just a little one when I met you but those eyes. Oh, my how could I forget them" She said with a smile and moved to the side for everyone to pass inside. "What brings you here little wolf?" she asked and headed towards her small living room. Talismans and unfamiliar plants were everywhere. And there was a sweet smell coming from a boiling kettle.

    "We came to ask for your help. There will be a hunter''s meeting just a few cities away from here. We need to stop it. There is a possibility of another war happening. We don''t have that much time" Luke explained but the woman had stopped looking at him. She stared at the four elves who were sitting on the back, behind everyone else close to the door. She seemed to be mesmerized by them.

    "You know I''ve never meet an elf in real life. You look exactly like my sister described you. You''re Allias right?" She said and bowed. "The elf king. My sister had called me and told me about her vision. It''s a shame she¡­" she mumbled with a saddened expression. "She was such a strong witch. To be killed by a burglar like that¡­I was so shocked."

    "We are sorry for your loss." Allias told her and took a few steps. "She was really kind and willing to help us when we asked. I will always be grateful to her and to you." He said and the woman nodded.

    "Thank you." He replied and wrapped the green shawl she was wearing around herself. "Now about those hunters. Why don''t you sit down and explain further? So I will know what to prepare? I have been making tea, let me get you a cup. You must be tired from you trip."

    "Thank you, Amelia." Luke told her and all of them sat down, slightly cramped in the two small couches while they left the armchair for her to sit when she returned. Soon she came back with a tray and tea cups. There was also that pretty teapot. Made from white porcelain and a beautiful red rose design. The steam from it filled the room with that sweet smell that Luke had first smelled once they had entered the room. It was very relaxing.

    "There you go. I hope you can enjoy the tea." She told them and placed the tray down on the table, pouring steamy hot tea into the cups. She passed one to every one of them leaving Mikael for last. She accidentally touched his hand while passing him the hot cup and shivers went down his whole body. He needed to relax. Everything would be fine. He got lost in his thoughts again, not noticing when the woman left and sat to her chair. He was brought back though by the sound of a sneeze. He looked at Mark who seemed embarrassed as he told them he was sorry and he smiled. Just look at him, he told himself. It would be fine. "So please tell me more about the hunters." She repeated.

    "We heard they are planning a meeting. One of the new clan leaders. Joe. We want to speak with him. He can help us. He is not like the other. We need to find him but we heard they have something. A dangerous source of magic and since we don''t know how powerful that is we need to be prepared" Allias tried to explain and took a sip from his tea. It was really tasty but he couldn''t really recognize what he was drinking.

    Amelia began talking but soon her voice became distant, his vision started to get blurry and his limbs felt heavy. He was falling asleep, he realized in his hazy state and he tried very hard to keep his eyes open but it was pointless.

    "What have you¡­" he tried to ask her what she was doing but his sentence was left unfinished as he fell into a deep sleep. The woman stood up and checked if everyone was sleeping. She passed by them one by one and all of them were breathing heavily, their eyes closed shut. She approached Mikael and by placing her fingertip on his temple she woke him up, the blond boy looking around frantically. He tried to move but he couldn''t. It felt like his whole body was paralyzed and he stared at her stunned.

    "Well, hello my sister''s murderer. As it seems you underestimate witches. As always" she told him with a cold smile.

 Chapter 150 - 150- The Killer

    "Well, hello my sister''s murderer. As it seems you underestimate witches. As always" she told him with a cold smile.

    She circled around him, her fingertips making lines on his broad shoulders as he felt panic rise in him. Everyone was asleep, they didn''t seem to be dead or suffering from the way their chests were moving and their peaceful expressions. That was at first. Soon all of them seemed to have pained expressions, twitching and groaning. Mikael stared at them unable to move, panicking as he was totally unaware of what was happening. Fooled. All of them had been fooled.

    "What are you doing to them?" Mikael asked.

    "I am giving them a taste of my pain." She said. "I won''t kill them, don''t worry. They did not kill my sister after all. You did"

    "How did you know?"

    "How did I know? That''s the first thing you will say?" The woman shouted. Rage obvious in her face. Her hands were clenched in fists as she held tightly her long skirt. "You are not even planning to beg for forgiveness? Tell me that you are sorry for killing my innocent sister? You want to know how I know? I''ve known from the start. From the moment you killed her. You thought she was dead as you let her bleed out like some kind of animal. You thought it was over? That video? That video she so desperately tried to send to me with her last breath did you ever think about it? We can see the future foolish wolf. That is our special gift, not only my sister''s but mine''s too. So after she died I knew. One day you would look for me. So I waited. I desperately waited for this moment. But even if it wasn''t for the video, I would have summoned her spirit. I would have seen it in a vision. My sister was strong. There was no way she would die from a burglar. Do you think I am stupid?"

    "No. I¡­" Mikael mumbled. What was he supposed to say at a moment like this? His whole body was numb and as it seemed his body too. He couldn''t form any sentences or think. Be the tricky guy he always was. Use his brain to get out of troublesome situations. This was not simply a troublesome situation. This was divine punishment. He understood as he looked around. The neat apartment, the peaceful green tones and fine art. The growing and healthy plants and delicate teapot could never give off the aura this woman was emitting. Deadly, furious, ready to kill.

    She was not like this. Mikael had turned her into that dark side of herself. Her tensed muscles and flaring nostrils. Her sharp breathing. All showed the madness she kept inside. The rage and fury. It was only her eyes. Big deer like eyes, dark as the night that stared at him filled with endless sorrow. Mikael had taken her family away from her. He had brought that shadow; he had stopped the flow of time for her. She wasn''t a mean woman. She wasn''t crazy or vicious like Eleonora. She was just hurt, crumbling from the sadness of losing a loved one. A loved one, a beloved sister he so brutally had removed from this world.

    "You? What do you have to say? I want an explanation! I want a reason why my sister, who always seemed to help your stupid pack had to die from your hand? What¡­what did she ever do to deserve this?" She asked as her voice broke. Tears streamed down her frowning face and she suddenly began walking. She headed to her kitchen, opening one of the almond colored drawer''s and took out a shiny, sharp knife. She reached him again, holding it in her grasp. "I will give you what you deserve. I death like my sister''s. Painful. This is not just a silver knife. It has been forged with spells I worked on for days. I even had to find a stupid troll to get him to make it. I have been preparing and I will kill you" she said.

    Was he supposed to beg for mercy? Was that the right thing to do? Was he so obnoxious to cry and say he was sorry when in reality all he has been trying to do is brush his guilt away and offer excuses to himself as to why he is not really a bad person. As to why he did what he did because he was forced. That he didn''t have a choice. In reality though he knew, there was always a choice and he had made a bad one.

    "Speak! Say something!" She screamed above his head and finally Mikael dared to look at her.

    "I am sorry. Kill me if you want. I know that''s what I deserve. I¡­I should have come here myself. Asking for you to take my life but I am a coward. Kill me just please don''t hurt anyone else." Mikael begged her. He was more scared about mark and the rest rather than himself. Seeing their faces filled in anguish as they were trapped in some kind of spell he couldn''t stop panicking. About him, it was alright in a way. He would get what he deserved.

    "Is that anyone referring to that poor kid you think you''re in love with? I saw everything when I touched you. You don''t have to wonder. So tell me. Does his know your so called love is just a replacement for the one you can''t stop thinking about?" she asked him. Mikael''s eyes widened. The blue arises getting completely lost, disappearing by the black. How strong was this witch anyway? With just a simple touch she had dived into his mind without him even noticing. Just in mere seconds.

    "That''s not true" he mumbled as he stared at mark. He liked him, he was sure about that. It was just that Markus had brought up Scarlet again. That was just it. It upset him that is why he couldn''t stop thinking about it.

    "At first. I thought about killing the person you love. I was going to poison that little red head but after staring into your mind I realized it. That is not your love, your love left you and you can''t stop thinking about her. Now that you know what happened. It is really funny how someone else can see inside your heart so clearly but all you seem to do is lie. So what I thought is how about I kill you and you never get to find her. You never get to see her. How is that?" She asked him with a victorious smile.

    Mikael wanted to deny everything. Repeat how she was wrong. How she didn''t know his heart better than him but the words once again were stuck at the bottom of his throat denying to be left out. It was as if his own self was stopping him from spitting any lies. He felt disgusted but the same time he was still in denial. He could fix this. He could be with Mark; he wouldn''t hurt him. All he had to do was not make his fears alive.

    "Your silence I guess is more than enough. Do not worry. I will help your friends after I kill you. They weren''t at fault after all. But you. I will make sure you never get to see the light of day again. For my sister." She said, her teeth griped as she pointed at him with the knife. Its tip touched slightly the skin between his brows and immediately he felt it. The burn of the silver and the toxicity of the spell. This would not be a quick and painless death. As she cut his throat his body would desperately try to regenerate detecting the spell as a simple poison but the silver he had been cut with would stop it, creating a mess where he would try to heal and feel the pain of his throat being slit open again and again.

    Tears appeared on his blue eyes. He had tried to remain calm but now he was scared. Afraid of everything he had just realized and the upcoming pain. He was scared. He didn''t want to die. He didn''t want to die. He repeated in his head and for a second these three humans popped in his mind. He had looked at them through that screen, emotionless not caring that they were being emotionally tortured like that. He didn''t see the meaning in their lives, he didn''t know them, he didn''t care about them. Not the way Mark or Alexander cared. But now, now that fear was almost making his heart explode he knew how heartless and cold he had turned. This was what they felt. The feeling of your death approaching and you not being able to do anything.

    "Please¡­" he pleaded as the tears were let free and the witch laughed.

    "Now you beg?" she asked him as she slowly brought the knife to his neck. A lump was formed on his throat and he was even scared to swallow it.

    He was truly going to die, he thought and closed his eyes as he watched Amelia raise her arm, ready to slit his throat. The same way he had done.

    ...

 Chapter 151 - 151- The Rejected Prince

    A spell. An undeniably big source of magic that could have many effect on humans and supernatural creatures alike. It could also be cast in many different ways. By just a simple chanting, through a person''s belonging or by drinking a certain drink. It was even possible by inhaling fumes. Spells could kill, they could charm or heal depending on the casters skill and of course will. They could be proved as vicious enemies or even a very powerful alley.

    In the men''s case, who had fallen asleep this spell was more like s trickster than an enemy. Definitely not alley since they had all been transferred to their own special dreamland, made just for them. It was a special place combining their deepest thoughts and fears. Where their hearts and minds united when they inhaled the intoxicating scent from the always steaming teapot they found themselves at that exact spot and for a lot of them it was excruciating.

    For Ares it was an unknown and dark place. He had always been open about what he believed he felt. Always living his life based on instinct and whims. He had changed a lot from being the innocent and pure kid that used to have a crush on the elf King, desperately wanting his attention. He wasn''t the kid that hated his brother. Not because he considered him beneath him but because he was incredibly jealous of him. Theseus his older brother was everything he was supposed to be. Gifted, smart, strong and handsome while he was just an average good looking elf kid that had been born for the sole reason of being a successor. Nothing more. Theseus though was free, he could come and go, fight to his heart content and drink and no one would scold him, no one cared but that to Ares seemed liberating. He had learned to live with that pain but when he saw his brother having what he wished for the most, Allias he slowly began to change. The final moment was his kidnapping and the facing of death. After that horrible moment he had decided to lock every serious though, every concern and fear in a box and burry it in the corners of his mind. He wished to live every day care free and smiling with no responsibilities. That was why he had become the rejected prince. The one who denied to lead or rule. All he wanted to do was live, be free.

    So now that he found himself locked inside the meeting point of his mind and heart, he felt like he had become a prisoner and the scene in front of him reminded him of that. Of his fears, of his thoughts that he had decided to ignore and the bad decisions he regretted even hundreds of years later.

    He was at the Disee palace. A long, long time ago before the hurtful war, when his parents were both still alive and he had just started his rebellion. He was going out till late, sleeping with the most beautiful ladies and boys sometimes with both and he was trying to find what exactly was the thing that would make him happy in life. He had tried everything, drugs, sexual pleasures, disobeying every rule, fighting but still something inside him was empty. No matter how many times his father screamed at him or beat him he would never stop, he was searching for something. Desperate to find it. The root of happiness.

    His room seemed to foreign now as he watched his younger self argue with his father. His huge bed and the drawers filled with jewels and gold had disappeared. He hadn''t visited that room in years, as he was ashamed. Ashamed of the person that used to live there. The soulless shell that got to return to that bed drunk every night. The expensive clothes made of the finest fabrics, tailored especially for him seemed pointless now but back then was all he had. Money and his cocky attitude made him who he was. Unwanted and rejected.

    "Ares! This situation has to stop! What has gotten into you? I thought about letting you do whatever you wanted for a while but this¡­you coming home beaten and drunk¡­this is ruining your image. You are the heir to the Disee throne." His father shouted at him as he sat on his bed. His clothes, his silk shirt was ripped and scratches were visible everywhere on his body, together with bruises.

    "I don''t want to stop. I do not wish to be the heir" he told him and his father gasped in shock. He grabbed him, from one of the pieces that were hanging from his shirt and lifted him up, looking at him with a deadly stare as he spoke.

    "Don''t be ridiculous. You need to come to your senses. I have contacted Ea''s family. You two are to be engaged, get married and become soul links. A child like him will manage to stop you from being such a nuisance. I don''t care about heirs from you. That''s the Avgee problem, but since I had you, you are going to act like my son. You get it?" He asked him.

    Ares pushed him back and freed himself, in shock from the news he had heard. He wanted him to get engaged? At such a young age? And with someone he hadn''t seen ever since he was a literal child. Ea was annoying. He didn''t like him at all back then and he was sure he wouldn''t even until now.

    "This is stupid. Do not touch me!" He screamed at his father as the man tried to approach him. "There is no way I am getting engaged to that idiot." He shouted before he disappeared teleporting outside the palace and into the dark alleys of the main village. Disheveled and beaten the elves who passed him by stared at him in disbelief. The ones who looked for a bit longer were gifted deadly glare by him as he walked as further away from home as he could. "Watch where you''re going!" he shouted when someone suddenly bumped into him.

    He looked in front of him to realize a shy, petite elf was standing in front of him, looking around anxious. He had black short hair and honey colored eyes that shone gold underneath the street lights. He stared at Ares biting his bottom lip before he excessively apologized.

    "I''m sorry! I''m so sorry. I¡­I am lost. Could you please help me?" he asked with a sad expression and Ares scoffed. He was very pretty but at the moment he didn''t feel like picking up a stray from the street.

    "No, sorry." He said and began walking again getting further and further away from him.

    "Wait please" the boys aid and grabbed his sleeve. Ares sighed before he turned around.

    "Okay, fine but let''s be quick." He told him and the boy in front of him smiled brightly. His lips curling up and his eyes shining underneath the night sky. He had never seen such an honest smile in his life. Ares realized and his heart sped up.

    "Thank you! I was separated from my family. We are traveling from the country side and staying in an inn close by. We have a hearing tomorrow with the king" he explained and Ares furrowed his eyebrows.

    "With the King?"

    "Yes, because of a¡­wedding." He revealed, with a set of blushing cheeks.

    "So you are being forced to get married too?" Ares asked him, feeling like he had probably found a person who understands him. The unfamiliar boy raised his head and stared at him confused. Forced? He was not being forced?

    "Oh, no! I am not being forced or anything." He explained while shaking his hands. "I¡­I liked this person. Ever since I was little. I haven''t seen them in a while but I am sure that he is still the same. He used to be very kind even though a bit obnoxious at time he was funny and his laughter always made me feel calm. I really want to see him again actually" He said with a chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck.

    Ares thought he looked really attractive that way. Filled with excitement, blushing and smiling. He was truly happy. The person he was going to marry had become his root of happiness. What he had so desperately been searching. It was as if this boy was shining in front of his eyes and suddenly the colors seemed brighter, the air smelled so sweet and in the middle of everything he stood there, being framed by the unknown beauty of this world. The sad prince laughed and stared at the boy.

    "Ah, why couldn''t I get married to someone like you?" he asked him with a bitter smile as they walked and his blush became more intense.

    Now, if this was his actual memory this scene would have ended there, with him running away since the guards would have found him. But this was a spell something that Ares had seemed to forget, lost in the moment, drawn about his feelings of that first meeting. It was as if he was viewing everything for the first time.

    "I¡­my name is Ea" the boy revealed and the Ares in the made up now, memory gasped surprised. But also the observer Ares did, as if he didn''t know what would happen.

    Suddenly anger filled the man in the scene. His red eyes turning into flames and he grabbed the small elf from his neck raising him from the ground as he coughed in need of air. His feet were kicking back and forth, trying to get away, as he cried, begging for mercy.

    Ares shocked, tried to interfere. He didn''t want to kill Ea. He shouldn''t. He would come to love him and appreciate him for who he was. Through their ups and downs he would find his root of happiness but none of that would happen if Ea died right there. He tried to get in the memory. Stop observing and take action but he couldn''t. All he could see was himself struggling his love. He screamed and shouted for the person in front of him to stop but nothing changed, until his lifeless body fell onto the dirty ground. At that moment his self, turned and faced him with a distorted smile.

    "You said you didn''t want to marry him. So I took rid of him for us" he said before he disappeared and Ares was finally able to enter the scene.  He ran towards Ea kneeling on the ground as he took his body in his arms.

    "No, no, no. this is not what I want. No." he repeated. "I am sorry. I am so sorry. Ea!" He shouted and hugged him. "Please come back. I will tell you how much I love you. I will spoil you, I will never leave you. Ea please. Don''t die. Don''t leave me" he cried.

 Chapter 152 - 152- A Name

    Mark''s eyes fluttered like the wings of a butterfly as he tried to shook off the sleepiness. He couldn''t listen anymore; he was tired of hearing this woman scream in his ears. He had pretended to be asleep for a while. The moment he saw everyone, slowly drifting off to sleep he had looked around surprised not fully aware what was happening. He nudged Allias who was sitting next to him many time but he had gotten no response as the man was groaning in his dream. So he pretended to fall asleep too, not knowing why he hadn''t been affected by that weird spell.

    He waited until he heard the woman wake the blond wolf up. The began talking so he never found the chance to interfere at the same time not knowing how to do it. He definitely had to get in the way, since he heard her loud and clear screaming that she was indeed intending to kill him. Mikael''s voice was reaching his ears almost as if he had been whispering but the moment he heard him plead for his life he just couldn''t stand still. It was now or never, because his soon to be boyfriend, based on Mark''s observations, would die soon. After he assessed the situation, noticing that the woman''s back was turned towards him he stood up as silently as he could and while her arm was in the air, ready to take Mikael''s life he lunged towards her, making them both fall to the ground.

    He sat on her back restraining her and slapped the knife away from her, surprised with himself that he hadn''t messed everything up. Mikael was looking at him with his mouth agape, silent as tears stains decorated his face. Mark looked at him with a proud smile and winked, while the woman moved around like a fish out of water, trying to get free.

    "Please don''t do this. You don''t know the whole story. Yes, he did it but it wasn''t him who wanted to kill your sister. It was someone else." Mark told her.

    "Don''t try to protect him by lying human boy, get off of me" she shouted but mark pinned her arms on the wooden floor, restraining her movement even more.

    "I don''t have a reason to lie. Can''t you see if I am telling the truth or not? Look inside my soul, or whatever the hell you did to Mikael. I will let you do it. If you promise not to hurt him. At least not yet. If you promise that, if you still want to kill him after knowing the truth I will let you do anything you want." He explained. Amelia remained quiet for a while, probably thinking her options.

    Mark relaxed a bit thinking it was a good sin, since she wasn''t struggling any more only to see her arm, now free pointing towards the knife and pulling it towards her with some unknown force. He gasped and tried to stop it but it was too late. He wasn''t used to fighting, he was also too honest and straightforward to simple think that the witch would pull something like that. In a way he had it coming, finding himself with the roles reversed, now beneath her as she held the knife to his throat. He made a mental note that if he lived through this to never relax during a fight. Her hand was shaking as she looked at him filled with rage.

    "Don''t get in my way."

    "Listen to me. Don''t you want to know who really ordered your sister''s death? Will you be satisfied by killing just a pawn and not the mastermind?" he asked her. "Will that give peace to your sister''s soul? I doubt that. You say you want to get revenge but being half assed about it like that is nothing really." He provoked her and she bit her bottom lip, perplexed about what she should do. Before this little human jumped in she was sure that killing Mikael would give her the catharsis she so much wanted. At least avenge her sister''s death since she couldn''t get her back but now, if she didn''t know she would always wonder.

    "Speak. But don''t you dare lie." She threatened him, pressing the cold silver deeper into his neck. A small cut was starting to form and blood pricked from the edge. A big beam that slowly formed a very red trail down his neck until his sweater, leaving a very noticeable stain.

    "Don''t hurt him!" Mikael shouted hearing the small hiss coming from Mark''s lips. His energy seemed to be restored as he stared at the young man on the ground. He didn''t have the will to speak before, turn things around and honestly he had almost given up on his life even if he really didn''t want to die. It was a different case when mark was being threatened though. There is no way he would let him get hurt. He desperately tried to free his body from whatever spell had gotten on him, making him unable to move but the more he struggled the more tired he felt. Only the witch could release it, as it seemed.

    "Shut up, you pretentious idiot." Amelia hissed at him before she turned her eyes back to him. "Tell me."

    "The reason why Mikael killed your sister was to protect me." He revealed and the woman stared at him dumbfounded. "Allias, the elf king and I used to live in White Fangs'' compound, after a series of events we realized we needed to run away and we went to your sister for help, the only person who seemed to have the information we needed. The problem was that she contacted the pack, a girl who was in love with Luke, Allias''¡­boyfriend at the time. She not wanting our location to be revealed, so Luke wouldn''t find us told Mikael to kill your sister in case she tried to contact him. He forced Mikael to do it by telling her that she would kill me if she didn''t. She was the only one other than your sister who knew our location, it was her fault. She gave the order and forced Mikael to do it. So please, I am begging you don''t hurt him." Mark explained everything and waited for her to say something, at least make a facial expression but she stood there frozen.

    "So you mean to tell me that my sister died because of a love triangle?" She shouted, seeming ready to explode any time. "Are other people''s lives so unimportant to you that you would kill her so easily just for that? Who is it? Who was the one that ordered to kill her! Tell me!" She commanded and Mark coughed, as his heart trembled underneath the impact of the sharp knife. It was obvious that her mental state had become fragile. Her eyes had a glimpse that terrified the disarmed human and he almost regretted telling her the truth. Maybe the best option would be for them to simply knock her out and run away, but that didn''t feel right either. Amelia just wanted to avenge her sister and no one could promise them that she wouldn''t contact the hunter''s later and ruin their plans. They had told her too much. They hadn''t planned well and now they were in this situation. They believed things would come easily but they were mistaken. No matter how powerful the elves and wolves were it didn''t mean they couldn''t get tricked. They had fallen right into her trap.

    "I will tell you only if you swear to keep Mikael alive and help us. Only then" Mark said. "And if you try to get the info out of me with one of your witchy things I will just kill myself with that knife." He threatened hoping to finally have some leverage on her. "What is it going to be?" he asked her, impatiently waiting for an answer as he raised his head, for his neck to touch the knife. He needed to show her she was serious.

    "Mark no!" Mikael shouted, believing that his plan was utterly stupid. How could he trust her?

    "Okay then. Tell me. I promise." She agreed.

    "Her name, the girl''s name is¡­" Mark began talking when a loud thud was heard and soon the woman fell on top of him unconscious. He hadn''t managed to reveal her name yet and when Amelia''s silhouette stopped being in front of him, hiding the view he noticed Allias holding a now broken teapot.

    "She won''t die." He said as he removed her heavy body over Mark and tended his arm to help him get up. Mark accepted it and finally after a while he stood on his feet. "I am disappointed in you." He said staring at his best friend. "How could you agree to give her name out like that? Yes, none of us likes her, she is a bitch but still you would be sentencing her on a death sentence." He scolded him and Mark''s head fell.

    "You shouldn''t return back to your world too. Those kind of things are not for you." Theseus stated as he stood up, slightly hazy and Mark scoffed.

    "You run around killing without a care in the world and when I do it to save Mikael you tell me I shouldn''t. Did you forget you killed a council member?" Mark said in front of the wolves and Allias looked at him in shock. He shouldn''t be telling that to anyone. The red haired man once he realized what he did wanted to cut and swallow his tongue. Stupid, he was so stupid, he thought.

    "We will talk about this later. Now get everyone who is still asleep and get back to the car. Before she wakes up. Mikael can you move?" Allias asked him and the wolf nodded, slowly getting control of his own body. Once Amelia started to lose her composure the spell seemed to weaken and those mentally stronger became able to break free from the torturous dream land. Soon Luke woke up too and the younger boys were taken to the car by the others, still sleeping but now with calm expressions on their faces.

    Once they entered their cars and Allias turned the key to start the engine, he let out a sigh and punched the wheel, trying to contain his anger as he got to the road. This time they had failed.

    Now they were at a dead end.

 Chapter 153 - 153- A Kiss

    Ares woke up at the back seats of the stopped car. He rubbed his eyes and looked around confused as he didn''t recognize where he was. He searched with his eyes for his brother or the king but no one seemed to be around. Then he turned his head, away from the window wanting to talk to Ea but he was not there. The seat was empty, no one next to him as he found himself to be all alone in the vehicle.

    Suddenly parts of his terrible dream started to pop in his mind, fast images like flashes that made his stomach hurt. A caring and innocent smile and then a lifeless body, heavy on his arms. He began to panic as he tried to open the door, his fingers slipping from the handle, as he moved frantically. He stepped outside, the hot sun hitting his skin. The car was parked at the side of a cliff away from the endless concrete road. In front of him there were rocks and slopes. Dangerous and mysterious as the end of the cliff concluded at a small river, the water flowing calmly its sound barely reaching his ears. There were no trees around or people, complete silence, not even cars or the sounds of their rushing engines. It was as if he had been stuck in a desert, hot and lonely. The only thing around him was a public restroom and after a while he noticed that the second car was parked there, close by too.

    "Where is everyone?" He mumbled confused and scratched his head, messing up his neatly made hair as he stared around, lost in the unfamiliar area.

    He took a few steps, up and down the road and called out his brother''s name a few times but he got no answer when finally, after a while the door of the little white building opened and everyone poured slowly outside. Had they been ignoring his calls? Probably, there is no way they hadn''t heard him. One by one all of his companions appeared and his heart slowly began to calm down. The thought of him being left all alone was kind of crushing. He didn''t want to wonder about questions like what he was supposed to do now? The idea of them being hurt or abducted wasn''t pleasant either. For now, he needed to ask Allias what had happened. The last thing he remember was sitting in that witch''s couch and drinking tea. After that only that nightmare remained in his mind. He spotted everyone and his brother approached him with slow steps, his hands in his pants.

    "You''re finally awake. You took longer than anyone else." Theseus told him with a joking tone.

    "What happened? Where are we? Where is¡­Ea?"

    "Ea? He¡­"

    "Is he okay?" Ares asked and started to panic again. What if that dream was some kind of vision? A kind of warning about what was supposed to happen? He wondered as he remembered the death that had taken place in his mind. The death that destroyed his root of happiness, the one he had been searching his whole life.

    "Relax" Theseus said and placed his hand on his shoulder. "He is still inside and he is fine."

    Ares did not ask anything else and simply ran inside the small building. He felt as if he had been seperated from him for years and the anxiety of his dream combined with the shock of not seeing him next to him when he woke up made him impatient. It all might have seemed too dramatic, the way he run just to meet his husband on a run down public toilet in the middle of nowhere but after that dream, the way it had felt so real, his weight on his arms, the sound of his final breath he didn''t really care about how he looked. Maybe he seemed like a fool, it didn''t matter. It smelled and you could figure out it hadn''t been cleaned up in a while, from the dirty floors and the stains on the toilets. Some of the door were half hanging from their frames and the mirrors on the sinks were cracked, some of them completely broken. This whole place looked fine on the outside but on the inside it was crumbling, like it wore some kind of mask. Hidden from the simple observers but showing its true decay to the ones that dared to enter.

    Ea, thankfully was indeed there. He was standing in front of a sink, washing his hands while his reflection on the cracked mirror appeared distorted. He spotted him with his eyes and smiled, shaking his hands for the excess water to go because there was obviously no towel or tissue and turned around just to be slightly shock by the way the young elf prince ran towards him and hugged him tightly. Closing him into a suffocating embrace as his face dived in his shoulder. He exhaled filled with relief and he didn''t even attempt to change his position.

    "Ares, Ares I can''t breathe" the elf chuckled and his husband let go of him, with a frown on his face. He caressed his cheek and smiled right afterwards. "Are you alright? Is there something wrong?" he asked him

    "I am so happy you are here" He said and hugged him again, this time allowing Ea to wrap his arms around him too. "I¡­For a second I thought I lost you." He whispered in his ear.

    "It was the dream wasn''t it? Everyone had one. It''s okay now. Don''t worry. I am here. It''s fine" he comforted him and patted his back. Letting him get as much of reassurance as he needed by holding him. While still in a hug Ares looked at him, staring at those eyes that glowed underneath the light in his dream. He was so adorable, smiling faintly, towered by his tall body and his heart was now racing again. Not from panic or worry but from need. Every time he was close to him like this he would feel his body temperature rise, his mind would turn hazy and the only thing he could see would be his lips. So kissable, so tempting. He felt like an absolute sinner.

    "Ea¡­I¡­" he whispered and the elf fluttered his eyelashes, waiting for him to continue his sentence.

    "Yes?"

    "You seriously have no idea what you''re doing to me" he said and Ea tilted his head to the side.

    "What are you talking¡­" he tried to ask him what he meant but his words were discarded and cut short since Ares collided their lips. His eyes shot wide at the unexpected gesture and Ea for a second was found frozen, just standing there like a block of ice. Ares moved back, Ea could still feel his breath land on his lips, as the body part was burning up and tickling.

    "Let me kiss you" Ares said, not satisfied by his reaction. "Open your mouth a bit" he commanded him and Ea nodded shyly, his lips parting for their second kiss to take place.

    He never imagined a kiss could make him feel like this. Weak and panting, unable to even stand, Ares raised him up in his hands and he instinctively wrapped his legs around his waist, playing with his raven hair as his husband devoured him. The room had suddenly become hot and if he could he would take all of his clothes off. Just to feel his skin touch Ares'', nothing separating them, nothing between them.

    He moaned when he felt him move, his lips traveling from his to his chin and then sucking on his sensitive neck. Soft pecks and teasing bites turned more intense by the second as Ares found it hard to control himself. It was suffocating but at the same time so sweet. He was being restrained by the place and the occasion, like he had shackles on his body, or else by now he would have pushed him on the floor and finally made him his. At the same time, he knew he shouldn''t give in. He wanted at least that to be special. He wanted Ea to remember everything like it was a fairytale. He kissed him one last time and gently let him down, Ea slipping slightly and him catching him as not to fall, holding him as if they had started a very passionate dance.

    "Is it over?" He asked him with a disappointed expression and Ares couldn''t help but laugh with how cute he was.

    "Yeah, for now at least" He answered as he winked playfully and Ea pouted. "Your first kiss was at a dirty public restroom. I don''t want your first time to be like that too"

    "First time?" Ea asked in shock, his tone raised.

    "Yeah" Ares said and placed his hands in his jeans as he walked outside. Facing again the burning sun and meeting everyone.

    Their first kiss was at a dirty run down human bathroom and somehow both of them could not have asked for anything else.

 Chapter 154 - 154- We Need A Plan

    "I don''t know how much of a good idea it is for us to unprepared there." Theseus stated.

    They had returned to their cars and began driving heading to their final destination. Through a short chat everyone had agreed to actually keep going and not waste any time. A wise decision or not only time would show. Allias as he stared in front of him, driving he was just seeing a very deadly dead end even though the road ahead of his extended endlessly. He sighed and the back of his head touched the seat''s cushion.

    "I know; I know but what do you expect us to do? We have zero allies. We are in this alone. Like always." He told him, exhaustion obvious by the way he talked. "We literally left her half dead in there. I am sick of hurting people and I was so pretentious that I scolded Mark for wanting to give Lily''s name. I am ridiculous."

    "We all know why you said that" Ares mumbled. "You just don''t want your human friend to be like us."

    "And that''s reasonable." Ea continued. "The flow of life, the rules¡­those are not the same for humans and immortals. The guilt, coping with taking a life¡­ Mark would not be able to handle that. Even if he did it for Mikael. It was a good thing you stopped him."

    "Was it really?" Allias said mostly asking himself. Maybe getting rid of Lily would be beneficial in the long run too, he thought and instantly frowned. That was the kind of think, the kind of feelings he didn''t want mark to have. Thinking if someone''s death was a good idea, scheming and plotting. Playing with people''s lives as if they were toys. He had many times been forced to make decisions he did not like, he had been raised like that, getting ready for his cruel reality as a ruler. Yes, there had always been a choice, but sometimes it wasn''t better than killing someone. He didn''t want mark to bear the burden of choosing. He wanted him to be normal, as normal as he could be, having a best friend like him and loving a werewolf.

    "Have you thought of sending Mark back? He has a life. He is a student right? What about his family?" Theseus asked the king and the green eyed elf felt his chest tighten. "I know we''ve talked about this before but I feel like you don''t understand the situation your friend is in. I just think that¡­"

    "Mark will leave when he wants to. I do not wish to continue this conversation any further."

    "It could be a good chance now. He is mad at you so he would probably leave easily" Ares commented and Allias started to get angry.

    "My friendship with Mark is not so fleeting as to end with a silly fight." He told them raising slightly his tone, it was obvious that he was upset.

    "Humans are fleeting" The red eyes boy continued.

    "Well, that human is not. End of conversation." He said and hit the gas on the highway, making everyone fall back on their seats.  No one understood. The friendship between these two. How important was Mark to Allias and why he just couldn''t let him leave. Why he wanted to stay with him. He was his only support, his only friend that he was sure would always think what was best for him and advise him honestly. He would never sugarcoat his thoughts and even though he was just a human in everyone''s eyes Mark was the only family he had. If he told him to leave he knew he would never get the chance to see him again. No matter how much everyone was trying to convince him otherwise. Even if he was selfish, even if he was taking Mark his chance of returning to his human and normal life he just couldn''t tell him to leave. He knew all about that. About how he was putting him in danger, even now, how he had forced him to make life changing decisions but he just couldn''t find the power in him to do so. Telling Mark to leave would be one of the hardest things he would be forced to do. He just needed to give himself a little more time. Become familiar with the thought, with the reality of them being apart.

    "Okay then. What do we do about the Hunters? We have zero clues. We just know the city they will be in. There are so many grey areas it almost feels like we will be stepping into a trap. I think we should take a bit more time, clear things out." Theseus said bringing back their most recent problem.

    "There is no time. We will not get another chance like this. It''s important we make it this time, even if we end up falling in a trap. I have thought of something. But it''s risky." Allias told them. "I think once we settle down, at a hotel or something you should sent out your shadows to scout. Then they can return and give you information."

    "Allias, my shadows are not scouts. I don''t even know if they can cover such a huge radius away from me. They''re glued to me. Also if I sent them out I will use too much energy. I will be mostly useless for days." Theseus warned him.

    "I think it could work." Ares said. "Just send them out in search of Joe. That kid, you seen him so they would be able to spot him. If we succeed we might not even need to fight. We will just snatch him away. You could either spot the source of magic." He said and Theseus seemed to be thinking about it. He needed to be ready to fight at any time. He didn''t want Allias out there alone.

    "It is a solid idea. They also can''t spot us that way. There is no way mere hunters will be able to sense their presence." Ea added and Allias nodded, satisfied that these two seemed to agree with him. He took an open turn making everyone slightly fall to the left and finally found the sign that signaled them that they were close to the city. Tall buildings seemed faintly from distance and looked right in front of him, feeling his heart racing. This was it. Their final destination on the map. Up until now they had one success and one failure. They were at fifty percent. The failure should be forgotten. They should act like it never happened and boost their morale. This was the time the result mattered the most.

    "We are almost there" He mumbled and the car seemed to get awfully quiet. Everyone knew it. How serious passing the border of this city was. They were entering a possible warzone, and this human place suddenly seemed a lot more hostile, a lot more suspicious.

    Tall buildings, rushing people and loud noises in the streets. Bright shops and speeding cars, this city was no different than any other. Filled with normal humans. It had not a face nor a significant aura but the deeper they got searching for accommodation Allias felt more and more anxious like something was terribly wrong. His throat felt dry and he began to feel dizzy. There was something all around him, a force he couldn''t really pinpoint at first but it was so strong that it made him sick. It was all around in the air like an invisible veil that wrapped everyone, leaving traces everywhere it touched. So much he realized he couldn''t drive anymore. Violently he drove the car to the side and began taking deep breaths.

    "Allias? What''s wrong?" Theseus asked him surprised. "What''s going on?"

    "This is not possible." He muttered. "No."

    "What is it?" Ares asked too, getting more and more impatient. What was that affected only Allias in such a way. The king opened his car door and stumbled outside, finding himself at the entrance of an alley where he threw up all of the food he had eaten. His stomach burning. He was supporting himself on the dump moldy wall as the idea hit him again. For a second he had denied it saying it was impossible but as time passed, as the seconds ended he felt it more and more and was beginning to recognize the sensation. It was the idea of what it meant that made him sick. That was the thing he could definitely not process. The possibility of something like that happening meant too much, it could even decise how things would end.

    Soon the second car, after they caught up stopped behind them, the wolves and his best friend rushing out in shock as they showed the king, sweating and gagging. His face had turned pale and his eyes were wide, like he had just realized something horrible.

    "What''s going on?" Luke asked confused.

    "Can''t you feel it?" Allias asked all of them. Looking at them with a disoriented eyes. His voice rough from the acid on his throat.

    "Feel what?"

    "Elf magic. All around. It''s overwhelming." he said.

    ....

    hmmm what could it be? I wonder.

 Chapter 155 - 155- A Spy?

    "What do you mean elf magic? That''s impossible. That means that someone from back home might have turned against us" Theseus stated.

    "A spy?" Ea mumbled confused. "There is no way."

    "Why are you the only one that can sense this?" Ares asked.

    Everyone seemed to be lost in confusion. They we bombarding Allias with questions while he desperately tried to stand fully on his feet. This much magic output was unusual. It wasn''t anywhere near to his but at the same time anyone with heightened senses could realize that it was a lot and probably ominous for them.

    "I don''t know" he said and he finally gave in, crumbling down on the dirty road. Sitting in between cigarette buds and dried gum. He closed his eyes and breathed in, hoping that the dizziness would slowly fade away. Theseus looking incredibly worried took a few steps and crouched down next to him.

    "Is there anything I can do? So you can feel better?" he asked, his tone warm and caring. The King smiled faintly and waved a bitter no. There was nothing to be done. He would feel better once he got used to the magic circling him. He sat there in silence for a while, with his companion staring at him and waiting. It was a funny scene if you were observing, unaware of what was actually going on. After a few minutes had passed Allias decided it was time for them to continue and he stumbled up with Theseus carefully helping him walk.

    "I can''t drive in this state. Mark come to our car?" he asked him and the red head nodded. He was still mad at him. He kept thinking about it all the time in the car and he would sigh unstoppably as the others conversed. Right now though he was aware it wasn''t the time for him to start arguing. Allias was really pale and could barely stand, even if he didn''t want to fully show it Mark sensed he was a lot worse than he looked.

    Once they all returned to their vehicles Mark began driving, listening carefully to Allias'' instructions. Their first stop would be once more at a hotel, since the King was in immediate need of help. Unfortunately, due to the events in Amelia''s house they hadn''t managed to ask her to camouflage them as humans, meaning that the four elves stood out. From their eyes to their eyes and their overall physique they looked different. Even their aura was unusual. The way they walked and carried themselves, even for the rebellious Ares, had an unattainable elegance that not many humans could acquire.

    So even though it was already getting dark they were forced to wear hats and even sunglasses to not reveal themselves. They stopped at a motel this time, wanting to avoid anything fancy or with the capacity to host a lot of people since most of the hunter clans would be gathered together. Looking like it came out of a retro movie, the motel had a huge sign with its name where the first letter seemed to be really close to falling from the board. It flickered many times, the purple light turning on and off and Ares seemed to look at it like a moth drawn by light.

    "There are too many parked cars here." Theseus said as he noticed that the parking lot was almost full. "maybe we should find something else."

    "It''s better that way. We will get lost in the crowd" Mark opposed and drove the car into the parking, positioning it carefully next to the one Luke had been driving. Both teams got out at the same time and headed towards the reception, where an old man drinking from a can of beer greeted them.

    "We four rooms" Luke said and the motel owner scanned them. He didn''t seem to be very fond of them.

    "We are almost full. There are only two rooms left, take it or leave it." He told them and Luke frowned.

    "We are eight people. Do you expect us to sleep on the floor?"

    "The rooms have couches that turn into beds. Take it or leave it" he repeated in the same dull tone as before and positioned himself better in his old squeaky chair.

    "Fine." Luke unwillingly agreed and grabbed annoyed the two keys he was handed. He didn''t even bother to say anything else as he headed towards the building. It was small square with exterior corridors and doors that faced the entrance. You had to go up a very questionable staircase to reach your floor and the doors seemed to need a very peculiar way of first pulling and then pushing to open. Luke swore a few times as he didn''t get to open it, even though he repeated the process a few times until Alexander grabbed the handle and opened it on his first try. Always at school for some reason he would be forced to get the worst locker, the one that stunk or had problems with the locket so he was familiar with troublesome doors.

    Mark helped Theseus carry Allias into the small room where a double bed and a dusty couched seemed to be the only two places someone could sit and rest. The room had also one window that Ea immediately opened, trying to get rid of the smell that lingered and a bathroom with a very tiny shower. That was it. Nothing more and Ares looked around him dumbfounded.

    "Is it me or are we downgrading?" He asked and Theseus smiled.

    "This is the best option for now. Allias how are you feeling?" he asked him as the King laid down on the bed. He didn''t know how he felt. For a second back there he thought he was getting better but now, now it was different again. The dizziness had returned and on top of that a piercing headache made him want to rip his head off. Not wanting to worry anyone much longer he nodded, outing on his best act.

    "Yes. If I sleep for a few hours, I am sure I will be fine. Once I wake up let''s try to send out the shadows. Okay?" he asked.

    "Yes, but for now please make sure to get some rest." Theseus advised him, a worrisome expression stack on his face from the moment he exited the car. He felt anxious seeing him in such a condition, especially now when so many things were at stake. They needed him, not only for his powers but for his leadership too. Even though Theseus had been a substitute King in some way there was no one else who knew this burdensome job better than him. He was born for this, even though sometimes he tried to deny it.

    "How about we leave you two alone? I saw one of these mechanical things that have sweets in them. Let''s go Ea." Ares said and dragged his husband away.

    "We should have stayed and taken care of the King" Ea told him as he followed him. The mechanical thing Ares was referring to was actually a vending machine. It stood lonely at the end of the open corridor and Ares took Ea''s hand in his as they walked, interlocking their fingers.

    "The king is being taken cared of just fine. My brother would not allow us breathe next to him if he is worried." Ares explained and the small elf nodded. He was right about that.

    "What if there is really a spy with them? If this gets known the kingdom will crumble from the inside. Allias might not pay attention to this since he just returned but there are many Disee royals who wish to oppose the crown, especially now that he is trying to cut the loose ends and put things in order. Theseus kept them under control but I am afraid now they might try something. If the word gets out that a spy is between the elves uncertainty will spread everywhere." Ea shared his worries with him and his husband sighed, stopping for a second. He cupped his face and gently kissed his nose as he spoke.

    "You think too much. One problem at a time." He said and smiled when both of them heard footsteps. Someone was approaching from the corner. "Shit I forgot my hat" he said and tried to hide his ears with his hair. "Let''s go" he rushed Ea away from there, to a little slit in between the corridors at the other side, where there was a second staircase that led to the back of the building. Showing a very ugly and swamp like pool. "let''s wait for them to leave so I can get my sweets." He whispered with a cheeky smile and Ea rolled his eyes. This man would never be responsible about anything in his life. Ea was sure about that.

    There were two people, males, headings towards the vending machine too. All Ares could think of was the possibility of them finishing his favorite candy bar. He had tried one during a stop they had taken and it was like he had entered the angelic capital. A blurry seat reserved just for him in heaven was getting clearer and cleared with every bite.

    Ea on the other hand had his eyes glued on them and not on the vending machine. His heart began to race as he felt surrounded by an ominous power. Ares noted his frozen expression and nudged him, hoping to find out what is happening.

    "We need to go back to our rooms now." He said, his voice almost sounding commanding.

    "What? Why?"

    "That boy over there. Is Joe." He said pointing one of the two.

 Chapter 156 - 156- Luck?

    Some would say that this was a very lucky coincidence. Being able to find the exact people they were looking for so fast. It would save them a lot of trouble after all. But as Ea stood cornered with Ares, hiding at the edge of the staircase both of their hearts were beating like war drums.

    This was not luck. It was clear misfortune. Ares thought as he stared at the two people. Joe was a young boy, still a teenager with a soft face and freckles spread all over it. His eyes were what showed his true feelings. Filled with an astonishing sadness, his expressions were rough and so was his appearance. He looked like he hadn''t slept in days and as his fingertips touched the buttons of the vending machine the pressed them with unnecessary pressure.

    "We need to notify Allias." Ea said. "We can teleport in"

    "No. What if they have magical sensors. They will spot us instantly. We can''t bring them to Allias'' room. Especially now." Ares told him and his husband nodded agreeing with him. He was right. They needed to stay as further away they could from Allias. At least until he felt a bit better.

    "So what do we do? We can''t stay here" he whispered.

    "Let''s circle the building. When we return they would have probably left." He suggested and took Ea''s hand in his. They quietly went down the staircase, scanning the place around them carefully for any hunters. Why? Why would they choose this old dump when clearly a clan as big as Joe''s would have the choice to live somewhere more decent. He couldn''t believe he sacrificed his stay in a five-star hotel just to face his death even sooner.

    The back of the hotel was empty. It was clear that no one would want to approach this messy and dirty pool. It smelled from the top of the stairs and while they passed by it Ea placed his sleeve on his nose, wanting to block out some of the scent.

    "You know what. I think we are just unlucky." Ares began talking normally again relaxing slightly.

    "Shh" Ea told him again and footsteps were heard. The red eyes elf sighed and rolled his eyes grabbing Ea and bringing him underneath the staircase they were supposed to climb. "They will see us!" he said filled with panic as he noticed the men approaching. The stairs, being made from metal had wide openings in between them that showed clearly their figures.

    "Then we must make them not want to approach us." Ares said with a devilish smile and pushed Ea before he rushed in and kissed him. The small elf flinched and tried to push him a way not totally understanding why they were doing this right now, but soon he heard the men go up the stairs, the sound of their footsteps vibrating. He could hear them whisper something about young people these days and how the youth was uncontrollable. Realizing his husband''s plan, he closed his eyes and let himself relax, kissing him passionately back. "I am so smart" Ares said and winked at him while Ea stared with a blushed face.

    "I guess" The boy said and moved, wanting to finally return to his room. This was not the time to be swayed by such carnal thoughts. The problem was that he was still new to this whole kissing thing and for a while he was sure that he would get flustered and confused. Honestly he believed he was ridiculous but it wasn''t something he could control.

    The corridor was finally empty and Ea exhaled deeply finally feeling like he was able to breathe. The scene was finally clear and he grabbed Ares, wanting to just run back without getting caught but the elf prince had other plans. He seriously stopped in front of the vending machine wanting to get candy.

    "This is not the time for this" He said between gritted teeth as he looked around, pacing uncomfortably.

    "Look, they are gone you need to relax" Ares said raising his eyebrows twice, playfully. "This is worth it" he continued, holding victoriously the chocolate bar with the caramel feeling, as if it was some kind of precious trophy. "We should get a sample to the cooks in the palace. He said as he unwrapped it and smelled it. "Smell it." He said and shoved it into Ea''s face. The other elf simply slapped his hand away looking at him like he was insane. Now that he had gotten his candy bar they could finally leave he said when one of the corridor doors opened. One that was just three or four doors away from the rooms they had been given.

    "Yeah¡­what else do you want? Fine, fine" A man shouted at a room that seemed to be filled with people. He laughed and closed the door, one of his hands in his jeans.

    Once they made eye contact, just barely a hundred meters apart Ares'' chocolate bar disappeared from his head, instantly falling to the ground and breaking in two. The man at first seemed to be as shocked as they were. Soon he grasped the situation though and smiled, staring at their ears and peculiar eyes.

    "We were not expecting to be that lucky and find you here." He said and turned towards his door. For a second the young elves remained frozen until Ares grabbed Ea''s hand and teleported them back to their room. They had a few minutes, maybe even seconds to get out f here. If that was possible.

    "Run! We need to leave!" Ares shouted and Theseus stared at him confused. Allias was still lying on his bed, his eyes fluttering as he felt his head hurt even more with the loud noise.

    "What the hell?"

    "The hunters. They are here too. They saw us." He explained in a hurry and Allias'' gasped. Now it actually made sense why he felt a lot worse since they arrived. The source of magic was here. Somewhere in this building. He hadn''t thought about it. It seemed impossible that they would be so unlucky and fall right into them but then again, this town seemed to be small than what he believed, so it wasn''t that unreasonable.

    "No we need to find Joe. I need to talk to him" Allias said and attempted to get up only to fail.

    "Are you insane?" Theseus screamed. "Ea take him out of here. Teleport to the wolves. Warn them to run and grab Mark. Get Allias and Mark out of here." He commanded him and the elf nodded, disappearing.

    "No! Listen to me. I have to talk to him. What about you." He asked when they heard footsteps approaching.

    "Shit! Shit!" Theseus cursed and messed up his hair looking anxiously at the door. Could this be a final goodbye? He wondered.

    "Listen to me. As it seems they don''t know about the wolves. I will stay back with Ares and stall them. I will get you Joe. I swear." Theseus said and kissed his forehead. "I¡­I just. I love you" he told him and Allias'' green eyes suddenly widened.

    "No, no wait. What is this?" he asked him, knowing full well why he was talking like that. "Theseus!" He called out his name as his lover approached the door, surrounding it with black shadows.

    Ea appeared too holding Mark who seemed to be ten shades paler.

    "I have warned the wolves they will be escaping out the window." Ea informed them. "My King. Let''s go."

    "No! Theseus. Ares. Come with us!" he shouted and Theseus smiled, as he tried to keep the door closed for a while longer.

    "I will get him, no matter what. I swear" he repeated before Ea touched him. He felt that nauseating sensation and in seconds they were far away from the motel, its sign only slightly visible, flickering.

    "No! let''s go back!" Allias shouted replenishing his energy fast.

    "I am sorry my King we can''t. I am sure that Theseus and Ares will stall them and then escape. It will be fine. We will wait here." Ea said but it was obvious he was lying. The minute he finished his sentence he brought his nails to his lips and started biting them. He was anxious too, filled with worry about what it was going to happen. They had zero information. They did not know how many people were there, what kind of weapons they had and on top of that what was the source of this magic they had been shocked to reveal. If they used spider lilies it would become so difficult. "it will be fine" he whispered to reassure himself.

    Allias was still too weak to attempt to teleport. He was useless at the moment. He crumbled at the road, feeling the cold concrete underneath his palms, scratching his skin. There was no way, not even for those brothers to come out unharmed from a whole armed hunter clan. Especially if they did not intend to kill anyone. He was sure Theseus wouldn''t do it. He knew of Allias'' plan and he would think of not ruining but right now he didn''t care about peace. About anything. He only wanted him to return alright, alive.

    Alias knew that distinctive look that Theseus had on. He had to see it every day during the war, every time they had to head into battle. It was the gaze of someone who was heading to a possible death. A look that told so much, without the need of words. Always before battle he would kiss his forehead and tell him he loved him, as if he wanted to be sure that Allias would know about it even if that day the end came. His sad lilac eyes explained everything and that scared Allias the most.

    "He said goodbye" The King mumbled, sounding utterly devastated.

    ....

    Please don''t be a silent reader! let me know in the comments about your thoughts!

    Also check out my new book Bloody Lovers! you''ll love it and it''s free!

 Chapter 157 - 157- On The Ground

    warning: violence

    "What the fuck do we do now?" Ares shouted in distress as he watched his brother trying to keep away the people who were pushing on their door. Just a little bit more time, a few more seconds so they could at least think of something. Theseus didn''t seem to be in a very talkative state, he took a few steps back signaling his brother that he wasn''t able to keep them any longer.

    As if an explosion had just happened the door was blasted open, leaving its frame and hitting the opposite side of the wall. It had flown above their ducked heads like a Frisbee before it shuttered into big pieces. Immediately six armed men pointed at them with huge guns. Ares smiled and raised his arms in a surrendering motion.

    "Should we talk about this with some tea and biscuits?" he asked them jokingly but all they did was keep staring at them, pointing with their guns. "I guess not" the elf prince concluded and rushed forward. Avoiding skillfully a storm of bullets.

    He grabbed one of the men from his face and slammed him to the ground, taking his gun as the rest took a few steps backwards. They had created a dead end, so the elves wouldn''t escape. They were not attacking. It was as if they were expecting for someone else.

    "They are waiting for backup we need to leave now!" Ares shouted to his brother.

    Theseus had been blocked by two of them and now one was fighting with one, arm in arm and the other was throwing bullets hoping that he would hit him. This was too difficult. He couldn''t use his shadows, as he did not intent to kill them and he had to focus at the same time not to get hit by the rain of bullets that smelled distinctively of spider lily and herbs. The same mix Achlys had used to hurt Allias on that horrific plan.

    Seeing his brother, exchanging punches and kicks with that man, he realized he had to do something. He grabbed the gun of the man he had just left unconscious and mimicking the other hunter who was shooting at his brother he shot him too. He let out a grunt and fell on his knees the gunshots stopping.

    "Don''t kill them!" Theseus scolded him but Ares was now targeting the people who were closing his way.

    "I did not kill him¡­I think" he said, half whispering the last words. He was aware that Allias did not want any human blood to be spilled. It was his main way of reasoning with Joe but the newly assigned Hunter leader was nowhere to be found and his brother was right now at the ground while being punched by a human he couldn''t kill. Ares stepped backwards still targeting the men in front of him, holding the gun wrongly but somehow still succeeding to scare them into not moving. As it seemed even the idea of having two of the most powerful supernatural creatures you could encounter in front of you was scary enough on its own. In reality they had no idea how helpless the two brothers were.

    He turned the gun around and hit the man who was above Theseus hard in the back of his head with the handle, the man falling unconscious to the ground. As fast as he could he returned to targeting them. Theseus stood up, spitting blood on the floor as he stood next to his brother, grabbing his shoulder as he tried to hide a frown. They had reduced their numbers in half, the best they could do without using any of their powers.

    "So listen," Theseus said. "We just need to talk to Joe. We do not intent to hurt you. We swear." He tried to reason with them. He wanted to make Allias'' vision true no matter what. A tomorrow without the fear of a war, a day without the terror of losing your loved ones. Living in harmony as one. He too wanted to believe in that vision and for that he had to bring Joe to Allias.

    "We are intending to kill you though." A familiar voice was heard and behind the men Joe finally appeared. He was standing there so close. Theseus had to think of something.

    "Joe, listen to me. Allias, Alex he¡­he wants to talk to you. Spare him a minute okay? He believes in you. He knows that you are different than the others. He considers you a friend." He said and the young man''s jaw clenched. He bit his lip and the general could see how upset he was, the way his muscles seemed tense, his hands forming fists. Theseus observed him well when he noticed something different on his wrist. "Where did you get that?" he asked him and pushed Ares behind him, wanting to shield him.

    "Oh this?" Joe asked and raised his right arm. He wore a thick golden cuff on his wrist. One with elf carvings on it. A spell. Theseus took a few steps back cautious. He wasn''t supposed to be able to have something like that. Those bracelets had all disappeared before the end of the war. All of their owners had died. They belonged to the royals of the Avgee tribe. "A friend of mine let me borrow it" he said and without a warning he smacked his right hand on the ground.

    The kind of pain Theseus felt was unbearable. It was like an enormous gravitational force was pulling him down and his whole body was slammed mercilessly on the floor. He was unable to get up. But it wasn''t just that, the power of that extraordinary cuff. He made them unable to breathe. Their lungs burning in need of air as they tried to get on their feet. Then a second shock came, like lighting and hit the two brothers leaving them almost dead. If it was anyone else, the wolves or even Ea they would have already died.

    "And now gentlemen." Joe said amused "You can see how I will avenge my father. By killing those who betrayed me, slowly" he said and sat on the ground. He was staring at them, his palm stuck on the ground. Every time he raised it the Avgee magic would spread through the walls and ground to harm them. Theseus could still not understand how he found it. Only a few existed in this world less than ten and all of them were forged by Allias'' father and distributed to his relatives. All of them were dead though.

    "Joe, you don''t have to do this" Theseus said as he tried to not lose his consciousness. "Allias can help you. All you have to do is listen to him" he groaned in pain.

    "Help me?" he said and stared at Theseus who was beginning to profusely spit blood. He raised his palm and brought it again onto the ground. Another shockwave hit them and Ares screamed. Theseus closed his eyes trying to block out his brother''s scream, no matter how much it hurt him. "You are the ones in need of help right now. I can see that bullet mark on you shoulder Theseus, the blood patch. Isn''t it supposed to be poisonous? You are already half dead."

    "What mark?" Ares asked "What mark?" he shouted at his brother. "You bastard. You and your noble acts. Now I will never see Ea again! We will die." He said as he tried to get up. The only part of his body that was able to move though was his head.

    "I believed you" Joe told them. "I had faith in Alex. I believed his words and I was fooled. You can''t help me. All of you. You are all the same."

    "No we are not. Allias wants peace. I give you my word."

    "Your word? You dare say that!" Joe screamed and hit his hand again on the ground.

    "Enough! Theseus Enough!" Ares screamed as he felt the piercing pain again. It was as if someone was trying to cut his limbs off with a knife. Slowly and painfully, the sensation was the same as his skin being ripped. "We will die" he shouted at his brother, crying.

    He couldn''t let his brother die here. He was his family but at the same time what was he supposed to do? He had a mission. One chance to finally end this disaster, he couldn''t just blow it up like this. But behind him, screaming was his little brother. Crying and in pain. There had not much energy left, they were barely keeping it together so decision time was short. It was now or never. Stay or try to save themselves. It a choice between the world and the dream they always had and saving his brother.

    "Joe. Please we can have a better tomorrow" Theseus told him, meeting his eyes. You could see the physical pain Theseus felt, barely able to move. Blood on his chin and bruises on his face, he seemed ready to crumble. "You can be better, than all of us" he groaned and Joe smiled at him dramatically and slowly raising his arms ready to strike them another time.

    Fuck the world. Theseus thought.

    "Ares use your powers!" he screamed at his brother with the last of his energy.

    ...

    Hello everyone! Thanks for reading. Just wanted to lett you know to check out my new book Bloody Lovers. I am sure you''ll like it!

 Chapter 158 - 158- Underestimated Prince

    Ares like any other respectable elf royal had his own special set of skills that had known they existed from a very young age. He had trained hard and given his all when he was a child, with many instructors and teachers above his little head scolding him and shouting at him to learn, to focus to be strong because he, one day would be sitting on the Disee throne.

    The years passed and indeed such a promising young man had a lot to offer. Not only with his intellect and outer appearance but with the strength of his magic powers too. Skillful in the arts of the sword and close combat Ares didn''t seem to fall short to his older brother in many of that. Actually saving him while he fought with these hunters he too was a very powerful force.

    But he, like everyone else had his shortcomings. Even if he had trained to the point of exhaustion, even if he knew all about magic control and self-restrained he was utterly unable to control his magical powers. Great in power, deadly but at the same time uncontrollable Ares avoided using them at all costs since many of the times he did not just hurt the enemies but everyone else around him. So Ares lacked what his brother had plenty of, magic control. He was always jealous. Seeing his shadows be almost like an extension of his own body, Theseus and Allias of course were the perfect examples of discipline when it came to wielding elf magic, while Ares was just unable to even manipulate his powers right.

    Theseus was aware of that fact. He also knew that he would get even more hurt if he did something like that. If Ares just let his powers lose. It seemed to be their last resort though, since the nature of his powers would cancel out the magic of the torturous Disee bracelet. So when his brother screamed at him to do it, he tried to ignore how anxious he felt, how scared he was not to hurt his wounded brother even more and he just tensed his muscles and closed his fiery eyes shut, leaving the world outside.

    What happened next in that small and shabby room resembled the scene of an action movie. No one could have imagined how things would go. The magic Joe''s cuff possessed took the form of a lighting storm while the same time pulling their center of gravity down. If someone stared at the room unaware all he could see and partly understand would be the fact that lighting somehow was hitting the two young elves. The Disee''s prince power was incredibly similar in sight the way it just burst out of his body, pitch black lightings danced in the air together with the bright white ones, trying to cancel them out. The sounds of the magic colliding, light and darkness echoed in everyone''s ears, making the guards to start shooting in the room. Many bullets melting by the undeniable force while others scrapping the young elves. It was a battlefield. One that no blood was spilled by a man''s hand, one that inner strength would prevail.

    Theseus screamed, feeling as if someone was piercing his body with pointy rods and Ares bit his lip, trying not to stop himself. Soon when the power of the bracelet began to wear off Ares, mostly unscathed since everyone seemed to just despise his brother stood up. He needed to be fast. He stared forward framed by the collisions of magic and he grinned. He didn''t want to do this but it didn''t mean he wasn''t enjoying the look of astonishment in their faces. They did wrong by underestimating him. He too was a prince after all.

    "You sweetie, will be coming with me. Royal orders" he told Joe and the men, afraid for their leader they began shooting again. It was pointless though. They couldn''t step into the room where the magic would instantly kill them and all Ares had to do know was teleport, turn into a black fog to avoid everything.

    He was standing right in front of Joe, staring at him as the color on his face slowly began to fade. He extended his arm and teleported grabbing him by the wrist before both of them disappeared back inside. Joe was hit too by Ares'' magic and with being a human, obviously scared and fickle he fainted instantly. The man attempted th jump in but the first one who stepped foot in faced the same fate. The prince touched his brothers back, while holding Joe with his other hand and smiled at them.

    "My name is Ares. Remember it next time you forget I exist" he said and the three of them simply disappeared.

    Ares landed on the empty road, dark from the midnight sky and let out a sigh. His brother was on the ground. Poisoned, shot and filled with broken bones and bruises that didn''t seem to heal because of the spider lily. He turned him around to realize that he was still conscious. His pretty eyes focusing on the clear sky, faintly smiling as he felt the breeze hit his ripped skin.

    "Is it over?" he whispered, unable to speak louder. "Where is Joe."

    "Yes, my beloved brother I am perfectly fine." Ares joked and sat down right next to his brother. He needed to breathe, even just for a second. He hadn''t used his powers in a while and he too had gotten hurt because of Joe. A breather was needed and excused. He stared at the unconscious human and with a look of disgust he took the cuff off his wrist. It would take a while for him to wake up again, the magical impact was too big after all. "What do we do know?" He mumbled.

    Ares wore a flannel t-shirt. He took it off, feeling chilly at first and with his strong arms he ripped it into big strands of fabric. With one of them he tied Joe''s arms behind his back as tightly as he could, holing that they would not have any attempts of escape he wouldn''t notice. With another one he wrapped carefully Theseus'' bullet wound hoping to at least stall the bleeding, reduce the amount of blood. Do something to prevent his brother from dying.

    "You look sad." Theseus noticed and his brother scoffed.

    "Well, I am sorry the idea of my brother dying, my only actual family does not bring me joy."

    "So you care?"

    "I thought we had talked through that fifty years ago."

    "Well, Allias could have forced you to say those things."

    "Man, really shut up. We need to find the others and I need to carry you and this¡­" he said pointing at Joe with his shoe. "¡­it will be horrible." He continued and stood up, thinking how he had to arrange holding them so he could carry them both without hurting his brother more.

    When he concluded he finally raised his brother first and passed him over his shoulder. It was ridiculous. An almost two meters'' tall elf, beaten up and exhausted carried like an overstuffed sack of potatoes by his brother.

    "You could carry me like a princess." Theseus said.

    "You could not get hurt but you still did." He replied and walked slowly towards Joe. He grabbed him from the part he had tied his arms, the knot he had carefully created and began dragging him away. Ares at the moment looked like a kidnapper. "Let''s try and find the others now." He sighed and stared around, the road completely empty, the lights of the city blinding if you stared for too long. "Where are all the humans?" he mumbled.

    "Don''t hurt the kid." Theseus scolded him and his brother rolled his eyes, even in the brim of death he still got time for making observations.

    "You know you are dying right?" he asked him.

    "I do believe me."

    "Then shut up. You are losing too much blood; I can feel it on my T-shirt. Disgusting." Ares said trying to mask his worry with snotty remarks. He had no time for worrying right now. All he had to do was find the others and find a safe place. They had teleported far away from the hotel but he shouldn''t do it again, in case of magic radars. It wouldn''t be good for Theseus too anyways.

    "I am starting to feel sleepy. Shit" Theseus mumbled and Ares'' heart began racing. He looked around frantically and tried to pick up his pace as well as he could. Where were they? He wondered filled with panic. What was he supposed to do now? Ares asked himself and stole a glance of his brother''s face. His eyes had lost focus and his eyelids were opening and closing slowly. He was struggling to stay awake.

    "It''s your fault you know. Don''t kill any humans. Don''t use your powers. Do you want to change your kind and become an angel? Huh? Tell me!" Ares shouted, filled with anger.

    "Allias'' dream¡­I¡­" Theseus mumbled, trying to explain but talking had become too difficult.

    "I know you love him." Ares said, tears threatening to leave his eyes. His vision blurry. "So don''t you fucking dare fall asleep."

 Chapter 159 - 159- The Story Of Two Brothers

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_qlgFQs7E4- music!

    "Theseus! His father just died. You''re his brother. You should be next to him. He also lost his mother. At such a young age." Allias told his lover.

    At the moment they were positioned at a camp deep in the forest close to the portal, waiting as their army regrouped. The war had barely started and they were already facing too many loses. Just a few days ago the Disee queen and king had died in battle, butchered by the hunters. Their bodies had become examples as they stole them and hanged them on two big trees right at the entrance of the human camp.

    If your royals can''t defeat us how could you? That was the message they were trying to pass by showing the dead bodies of the leaders. Usually when elves died their body turned instantly into dust and returned to the earth, becoming one with the first magic but somehow they had stopped that, disturbing their souls from resting in peace.

    Ares had seen everything, even after Allias had tried to hide it from him, how his parents had been humiliated in such a way he sneaked out one night, leaving the camp and show his parents with his own eyes. He had returned, hiding in his tent, turning the lights off as he cried for the rest of the night. His wailing could be hurt all over, saddening the soldiers. The next day everyone pretended like they had never heard the prince''s distress, the sorrow in his heart and the anguish of losing his family, as he strolled the barracks with dark circles underneath his eyes, his look void of any emotion.

    "I am afraid he will throw himself into battle and die. Please Theseus" Allias begged him. They were sitting on their shared tent, eating warm bowls of soup with bread as everyone else seemed to rest. The sounds of the night and fire were their only companions as they talked about Theseus'' only remaining family. The general snorted and moved his raven hair away from his face, looking at the prince with a dissatisfied look.

    "The kid hates me, Allias. I will do more harm than good. Believe me"

    "That is not true. You''re his brother. The only one he has. Don''t act so childish."

    "Well I will deal my family matters my own way. Thank you so much." Theseus told him and stood up, leaving his dinner unfinished as he headed towards his bed. He laid down and wrapped himself with a thick blanket turning his back on Allias, pouting like a small kid. "Goodnight" he mumbled and Allias rolled his green eyes finishing the last of his soup.

    "Goodnight" he told him.

    The next morning battle awaited. Bodies colliding and swords clashing. The sound of raw metal and the screams of the ones bathed in agony as their limbs fell off their bodies. Elves bathed in their lover''s blood, parents holding the lifeless bodies of their children. Nothing stopped though. Even as mothers cried, even as raging magic, empowered by sorrow ripped through the skies the massacre did not stop. The sky was still clear and time moved forward. More people met their ends, begging for their children to see a better tomorrow as they heard the burning of fire, felt the taste of bitter poison. The war kept going, the heat of the fight always fresh as you battled for your life and at the same time your heart cried. For the friend that just died next to you, the one you couldn''t protect. For your love that was waiting back home only to receive a cold letter, informing them that you were gone, turned into eternal dust by the enemies'' sword. Even though time still kept going, for the elves fighting there, stepping on the muddy battlefield there was no tomorrow.

    And in the midst of it all a lost prince. A prince who had lost it all, not just his way. Mother, father and his heavy crown. He had lost his soul. In the center, surrounded by death as he watched his people die, fall to utter demise he screamed, rushing in, knowing there was nothing else to lose. Since he had been left with nothing. Ares, the Disee prince, the pride of the kingdom, the youth that had so many possibilities, a bright future ahead of him did not care if he lived or died. All he wanted was to get it out of his head. That horrid image of his dead parents, hanged on those ratchet trees, humiliated. Once they were King and Queen, now they were just lifeless bodies. His heart was racing, the sweat salty on his lips and his eyes filled with rage. The burns of his cuts and the ache of his feet was nothing as he dived deeper and deeper into the enemy troupes. He didn''t care about meeting his end, all he wanted was revenge.

    Someone stopped him, grabbing his wrist and putting a stop to his march of madness. It was his brother, looking at him with wide eyes.

    "Let go of me!" he screamed.

    "You foolish child!" his brother scolded him. "Everyone is retreating. Can''t you see?" He asked him and Ares looked around. He was right, the battlefield was almost empty. He wanted more though, he needed to kill more. This was not enough to clear his head, not enough to actually help him sleep at night.

    He stared at his brother. It was obvious he was mad at him. They had never been close. Theseus was a bastard son, barely even there while he was growing up. Ares had learned that he, always was above him. That he shouldn''t care about a nameless child. Everything belonged to him. The mother, the father, the crown. He had it all but somehow Theseus, the brother he always pretended that didn''t exist was the only one left

    "Let''s go back" Theseus said and began dragging him away.

    "No! Don''t touch me" Ares told him and pulled his hand away. "You never cared why do you care now? Just leave me alone."

    "So you just want me to let you die? Right in front of my eyes? You''re my little brother!" Theseus shouted.

    "This is ridiculous" Ares said and scoffed. "You calling yourself my brother. You''re just a bastard. You used me as bait when I was a kid! I was almost sold! You don''t have the right to call yourself my brother. It disgusts me"

    "Well I am sorry to inform you but this disgusting brother is all you have! Because everyone else is dead. Your mother, my father, your servants and so many of your friends are dead. The only one that has left is me" Theseus told him and Ares suddenly felt like he couldn''t breathe.

    Alone. He was scared to be alone. He was just a child how could he survive all of this by himself? He noticed that everyone had disappeared, even now it was just him and Theseus on that battlefield, surrounded by ashes and dead bodies, the smell of death still lingering. The elf kingdom was beautiful, filled with green prairies and rocky mountains. It was beautiful in the winter and in spring. Extremely hot in the summer but the smell of flowers was almost intoxicating. His life used to be beautiful so why, why the magical elf kingdom, the one that resembled a fantasy was a host to such horrid scenes? Why were they spoiling his beautiful life with those deaths, why were they breaking his heart like that just to leave him all alone?

    "I have no one, I am all alone" he said with tears staining his handsome face as his heart broke into a thousand pieces. "I don''t want to be alone!" he sobbed and fell on his knees, his palms getting dirty from the soil, his cuts stinging as he put pressure on them. "Mum! Father! Please don''t leave me!" he cried out and his tears landed fast on the ground. As if it was raining.

    "Ares you are not alone." Theseus said and crouched. Placing his palm on his shoulder. His younger brother raised his face and he, carefully with his dirty fingers, filled with blood and mud, wiped them away, making his face look like he had rolled in dirt. Theseus smiled with how innocent he looked, his eyes wide, shocked from his words. "You have me; I am your older brother. I will never leave you. Okay? So don''t throw your life away."

    Ares just blankly stared at him, his lips slightly parted, his hot breathing barely escaping as he felt his heart clench. He did care, it was him who always disregarded him, who pretended that he didn''t want his brother. Theseus never really tried to walk away from him, even when he insulted him and degraded him, he always seemed to laugh it off, no matter how hurt he could be.

    "Aaah!" he screamed and his crying became even louder as he fell into his brother''s arms, clenching onto his shirt, damping it with his tears. "I am sorry. Please don''t leave me too. Please, please Theseus I don''t want to be alone. I will do anything."

    "You don''t have to do anything. You''re my kid brother. I swear, I will never leave you." Theseus whispered as he caressed his back.

    That night, when they returned to the camp, looking exhausted Allias was waiting for them at the entrance. The moment he saw Ares he ran towards them. Grabbing him from his shoulders and inspecting him carefully to make sure he was alright. Once he realized he wasn''t hurt he gave him a very strict look and slapped him. The young prince felt like his jaw was going to fall off but he didn''t speak. His green eyes were teary as he hugged him tightly.

    "Don''t you ever do that again! Do you hear me?" He asked him and Ares nodded shyly.

    He had lost everything. He had seen an unfamiliar darkness, scary filled with monsters but in the end, he was given something in return.

    His brother and a new home.

 Chapter 160 - 160- Sad Wolves

    "Wait! Please let''s stop for a second" Alexander said as he panted loudly. His face had gotten red and he was trying to keep standing. "My feet are burning" he mumbled.

    "Aren''t you supposed to be one of us?" Mikael asked him. "How can you get tired? We need to meet the others." He said strictly and kept walking in the empty road. "I was afraid something like this would happen so I set some meeting points with Mark, we will search one by one to find them."

    "Mikael stop. He can''t walk anymore" Luke told him and approached Alexander who was desperately trying not to cry. Keeping up with them was worse than training for the Olympics. They were so fast, almost impossible to keep track of. Yes, he was a werewolf too but there was no way a comparison between them could happen. Alexander had always been sickly and slow. Very fragile and now those traits of his he always hated once more had found a way to bring him down. Mikael was looking at him, in the brim of lashing out. He was worried sick about Mark and wanted desperately to reach him.

    "It''s fine. I can keep going. Don''t worry about me" Alexander said and attempted to start walking again even though his legs hurt, it was as if his muscles had been pulled.

    "No." Luke stopped him by placing his arm in front of him. "We can rest for a while. They won''t leave. We are far away from the motel now and judging by the sparks I saw and that loud noise the hunters have a lot to deal with at the moment."

    "Well you can rest if you want. I will keep going." Mikael announced. The dark night made it easier for them to look around, their senses better during the night while the moon watched over them. They were standing in the middle of the road, the two best friends staring at each other filled with hostility.

    "Don''t be a jerk. What''s wrong with you lately? I know you like Mark but this is not like you." Luke told him.

    "Is it such a bad thing that I want to find him? Well you might have taken the path to redemption but there is no way I will sit around and wait for a kid I''ve rarely seen in my life. I can''t babysit right now. There are more important issues." Mikael said.

    Alexander knew he was right. He had no reason to ask for empathy or understanding. They were basically strangers to one another. It didn''t really matter if you belonged in the same pack when you''ve never seen the other person let alone converse with them.

    "Mikael, what''s wrong? Why are you being like this?" Luke asked him again. He had noticed a change in his behavior a few days ago. He couldn''t know why that happened but it was obvious that his attitude towards Mark had completely changed. His friend had told him that he liked the human but his behavior was weird. At times he seemed to be glued to him and at other he was taking his distance, looking like he was lost in his thoughts with a very concerned expression on his face.

    "I am being completely normal" he told him but the way he avoided his eyes was enough for him to understand. Luke sighed and rubbed his head, his hair getting messy and turned towards Alexander.

    "Just sit there for a while, at the side of the road while I talk with Mikael. Don''t take seriously what he said, most of us have it in our blood to be idiotic jerks once in a while." He told him with a faint smile, attempting to lighten the mood. Alexander didn''t seem to respond to his light hearted joke though. With slow steps he dragged himself to the side as he was told and sat on the soft grass, ripping it and playing with it, hoping that his pants would not turn green, as he watched the two wolves walked a bit further away, in need of privacy so they could talk.

    "Come with me" Luke said and grabbed Mikael away.

    "What is it now? You got your break time for that little wolf¡­what''s wrong now?"

    "You are going to tell me. What has been going on with you? The Mikael I know would never say something like that. If you don''t tell me I can''t help you." Luke asked him as he placed his arm on his shoulder.

    Mikael turned his back on his friend, removing the comfort of his touch as he began thinking if it was wise for him to tell the truth. Luke had always been by his side, no matter how stupid he was. He shouldn''t be afraid of him knowing and in reality he wasn''t. What he was terrified of was voicing his doubts out loud. That way he made them real and gave them power. There was a war inside his head as he desperately tried to be what he wished and fight what his heart was urging him to do.

    "Scarlet is alive. She had always been" Mikael revealed while still turned away from Luke. He heard a gasp, he could imagine his stupid expression as he was filled with shock and smiled.

    "What? How?"

    "A few days ago Markus called me. He said he was letting me know for my own good that she was alive. Daniel and Markus had been ordered to kill her but couldn''t do it because she was just a teenager back then. They felt pity for her and let her live with the term that she could never come back and find me." He explained.

    "And why did he tell you now? This doesn''t make sense"

    "He told me now because as it seems. Mark, he is her descendant. She was married Luke. To a human and because the werewolf gene does not pass on from a female her family was completely human. She got married, had a family and probably once people started to notice she wasn''t aging she disappeared. She is out there."

    "So that''s what has been troubling you?" Luke asked his friend. He had a pained expression on his face, his eyes pinned on the road.

    "I am so messed up. I thought I liked Mark, I really did. I want to love him but the thought of her being out there tortures me every day. I can''t stop thinking about it and it hurts. She got married. She moved on even though we were mates but why? Why can''t I do the same? Why can''t I get her out of my mind and be with Mark when he is right in front of me? Why do I have to be the bad guy and end up hurting him? I wish I had never known about it." Mikael said.

    He was really in pain. Luke could obviously see it. The shadows on his face as his mind was already drowning again in regret. He didn''t wish to hurt Mark, that was the last thing he wanted to do, especially after being the one that pursued him but his mind had become a torturous room he couldn''t be in. Her image had become so vivid again. Her scent, the sound of her laughter were alive once more and were haunting him in his dreams. It was too difficult for him to pretend that he never acquired that kind of information.

    "You can''t let go of her because you still love her, she is your mate. She is special and you never got closure. You don''t even know if she really did move on and was happy or if she was forced to be that way to survive. Believe me Mikael if you are not sure about your feelings don''t try to force yourself to feel more than you already do. I¡­I may not be the best person to give you advise but at least think about it." Luke said and Mikael nodded, feeling already defeated. Now it was too late to take it all back, his words could not be unsaid and his worries, his pain had now a form, a face. That of Scarlet''s as he thought of her alone all of her life or happily married. Both visions hurt, both thoughts were terrifying and the unknown seemed to be endlessly spreading in front of him. Like a black bottomless lake with his feelings drowning in the middle. He was slowly being devoured by his own words, torn between what he should be doing and what he wanted to.

    "Thanks" he told his friend. "You always have a way of keeping me on my feet. Even though you''re not so capable to do that for yourself" he made fun of him and Luke laughed as they walked back.

    "I have you for that. Can''t be burdening myself with two people. Mikael I think there is only one question you should be asking yourself here."

    "What?"

    "Do you really think you can let go of Scarlet and be with Mark, knowing you will never get answers?"

 Chapter 161 - 161- Not A Killer

    "Stop doing that you''re making me even more anxious." Mark said as he watched Allias pace back and forth, worry written all over his handsome face.

    With every sound, every little movement around them his head would snap and he would try to find the source. He needed to know where Theseus was, if Ares was okay. They had been gone for too long and his anxiety was starting to kick in. He would wait until the morning if he had to. Stand there, without even blinking just to make sure that the white haired man would return.

    "They are taking too long" Allias mumbled and kicked a small stone that stood lonely on the road. It bounced getting further away from him. He followed it once more and kicked it again, wanting to vent somewhere his frustration.

    "This whole operation was a bad idea. We used to have especially trained people to do this. We were not fitted for such tasks. Yes, our combat skills are very good but these kind of things need more than just a simple skillset¡­." Ea began rumbling about all the things they approached wrong, the mistakes they made along the way until Allias was sick of hearing it.

    "Ea, do you know why we had to do this on our own?" Allias stopped walking and asked him. "I will tell you. Because all of the people that used to do these kinds of jobs for me are dead!" he exclaimed. "You might have not noticed it because you were part of the Disee tribe all along which actually survived the war but, hear me out here it''s very important, all the people I knew that could do something like this and trusted have turned to ashes." He told him and Ea coughed, feeling pressured. He didn''t mean to insult him but as it seemed he had managed to do exactly that.

    "I''m sorry my King¡­I¡­"

    "It doesn''t matter. We are stuck now. We shouldn''t have worked with the wolves; we fell right into Achlys'' trap. If we had managed to get Amelia''s help everything would be much easier. We planned poorly and trusted them. Shit, now when we return there will be even more shit for me to clean up" Allias said and messed up his hair, feeling utterly desperate. The hunters, the demons, the royals that had remained at the palace, restoring the elf kingdom. He had to deal with all of that and on top of that they had committed a murder that soon would blow up, for sure. With his kind of luck, he was aware that everything is possible.

    "You don''t have to blame the wolves. We all did poorly" Mark said and Allias stared at him dumbfounded.

    "Really? Who killed Amelia''s sister? I am pretty sure it was Mikael. He didn''t want to stay away so we could talk to her, no he had to visit too. We all stepped in a trap and you, were almost forced to sentence someone else to death because of them!" he told him angrily.

    "Why are you so stuck on that? Haven''t you all killed someone at some point? Why are you pretending to be a saint when I chose to do this for someone I care about?"

    "You don''t get it!" Allias shouted his arms in the air. He tried to calm down. Exhaling deeply as he stared at his furious best friend. Mark was angry, he had all the right to be in a way. He never explained anything to him, why he was so upset about what he had tried to do.

    "No, I don''t! So why don''t you explain it to me, huh?"

    "I don''t want you to become like us! You can''t! You are a human; lives should matter more to you! You are not forced to go through any of this, you shouldn''t be a murderer because I know you wouldn''t be able to take it. The burden of someone dying because of you. I wish, I wish I never had to kill anyone. There is always a choice yes, but sometimes both roads are dead ends. Mark you shouldn''t turn into any of us. Not for Mikael, not for me, not for anyone. I don''t want to see you being tortured about a decision you made, it''s not just a mistake. Killing someone will never be and the scar in your heart, your human life will be too short for it to heal." Allias tried his best to explain. Mark was silent the whole time he spoke and sighed. He rubbed his face, hard, showing his frustration, so much his cheeks turned red.

    "He did it for me Allias. I couldn''t just¡­" Allias'' eyes widened at his words and rushed towards him. He grabbed him from his shoulders and stared at him, deadly serious with his emerald eyes. Hoping that his friend will understand the severity of his words.

    "Listen to yourself. You are turning into me. He did nothing for you. He did it for his consciousness. So he wouldn''t feel guilty later on. Yes, he likes you. I know that but he chose to take the easy road. He could have searched for you and save you, make sure you were alright and Clarissa would still be alive. He didn''t do it for you, he just wanted to hit two birds with one stone, save you for sure by killing Clarissa and not feel guilty about you getting hurt if he decided to search for you instead and failed. The wolves Mark are a species that always fights for dominance, they try to control you telling that it''s for your own good while all they do is turn you into their puppet. This is why they only get along with their kind. You and Mikael could never fight for dominance in a relationship no matter how sweet he is. Do you understand that? Tell me!"

    ....

    So tell me what do you think of Allias'' words about Mikael and the wolves in general? Do you think he is right?

    Hello everyone! I would like to thank you all for the support you''ve shown this far. I really appreciate it!

    I hope you like the book!

 Chapter 162 - 162- The Arrival Of The Dead

    "I know! Do you think I don''t know that? I was the first one that said you should leave Luke. But what should I do? I like him, I really do even though I know this thing between us is going to end bad, I just can''t help but want to be around him." Mark said, his face facing the road, his eyes looking at dried pieces of gun, glass shards that shone under the moonlight and empty coffee cups.

    He knew all those things Allias wanted him to understand. He was also aware about the change in Mikael''s attitude the last few days. He would be cheerful and loving and the next moment he would suddenly freeze and his expression would get distorted as if he was thinking about something horrible. At those times he would walk away from him and pretend he didn''t exist until his mood was fine again and returned to his old good teasing self. Mark had been tortured by this for days. It took a lot of strength for him to accept his fears and move on, let Mikael and him have a fresh start. Yes, they were not officially together but he always believed this was where they were going. He would turn a blind eye to his worries, burry them deep in his mind because he liked him and he had never liked another person so much. But his feeling now, they were purely proving the same point he had tried to make when for the first time their feelings became known to each other. Different worlds, different people and as it seemed Mikael wasn''t so willing to find a way through his, the same way he wanted to do.

    "Mark, I am not saying you shouldn''t be with him, if he is the one you want but don''t change for him. Relationships are meant to change us for the best, make us want to be the better version of ourselves. Does Mikael make you feel like that or do you feel like you will be stuck making decisions that you don''t want?" Allias asked him and Mark bit his lip.

    "Let''s not talk about this right now. I am not ready to think so much" he said with a sad smile and Allias nodded.

    "Alright, but no matter what happens. I will be here" he told him and smiled brightly at him. "Sorry for yelling at you. I am just too frustrated."

    "I''m sorry to ruin your moment but my King, I think I can see Ares." Ea called out and Allias turned instantly around, wanting to face the same direction the elf was looking at.

    Yes, he was right. Ares was slowly approaching, veiled by the dark night, dragging an unconscious Joe with him. He looked exhausted, taking slow steps and panting. Allias smiled happy that he was alright when his eyes finally spotted Theseus. All he could see was his back, as he was passed over his brother''s shoulder. The more they were approaching, the more he could see clearer. Ares had a tears stained face, his eyes almost dead as he walked. He probably hadn''t realized that they were standing just a few meters away from him, he walked like a zombie. Allias'' heart began racing, his blood boiling. There was blood in Ares'' shirt. Just at the spot Theseus'' body was on his shoulder. So much blood, the stain almost reached beneath his chest and Allias'' gasped, bringing his palms on his mouth, not wanting to scream.

    He couldn''t keep the agony inside him any longer. He ran towards them, feeling his legs shaking. He desperately needed to know, to see that Theseus was actually alright. All that time Allias had been watching them he hadn''t moved, not even the slightest bit.

    "Theseus!" he called out and Ares noticed them from the first time.

    He stopped, bringing his brother slowly down and laying his body at the side of the road. Allias stared at him with wide eyes, falling to his knees, his hands shaking above his body. He didn''t know where to touch him, what to do. He was just laying there, barely breathing, bruised and wounded.

    "What¡­what happened?" he stuttered and caressed Theseus'' face. "Why isn''t he healing? Why?" Allias cried.

    The King hugged Theseus, calling out his name, shaking him hoping that he would open his eyes, just meet his for a second, so he could make sure that he wasn''t really dead. He was pale, his chest barely rising with every breath and his body was getting cold, his clothes getting dirty from his destined lovers blood. This was the first time. The first time Allias had felt such pain. His heart was being clenched by an invisible fist. He couldn''t breathe as he kept heaving, he tried to call out his name but no sounds came out.

    "Allias? Are you alright? What''s going on?" Mark asked him as he watched his friend go into a shock.

    It''s your fault. The same sentence kept repeating over and over in his head. You left him there to die, he just wanted to make your dreams come true but you left him. Despicable, he will die, he will leave you. Many voices, many words. Judgmental and cruel ready to swallow him. Drown him in his own guilt and sorrow.

    "What happened?" he screamed while he held Theseus.

    "We need to get him out of here!" Ea said in distress but Allias would not budge. Get him out of here and get where? Teleport back to the palace? Such long distance teleport would kill him on the way. They had nowhere to go, no friends or allies. They were all alone dying at the side of the road. Because right now not only Theseus was dying but so was the golden king. All over again and it was the most painful, the most horrid kind of death.

    "This kid here. He is the reason my brother is dying. He is working with the demons. Your dream has just turned into a nightmare my King" Ares told them, looking at Joe, filled with disgust.

    ...

    Hello! Please let me know how the stroy seems so far. Honestly I am feeling a bit insecure. I am sure a lot of shocking things are happening so I would liek to know if you like it. T.T

    Thank you for reading!

 Chapter 163 - 163- Last Resort

    "No, Joe would never do something like that. I am sure of it" Allias mumbled, while staring at Ares, stunned. He was so surprised, his voice rough from crying that he couldn''t really say anything else. He hadn''t been there; he didn''t know what happened but at the same time he didn''t want to believe it. He had placed all of his hopes on him.

    "Open your eyes! This kid is not special. He is like everyone else, a hateful human! Since the wolves messed everything up your dream is dead. It has always been. Now, this is all that has been left." Ares shouted.

    He had been a fool, how could he place his hopes on a teenage human and a hunter on top of that? He had been a hopeless dreamer once wishing for a peace he could never acquire. Now all he had was his lover''s body, as his soul was leaving, his mind in a frenzy, desperate about what he should do to save him.

    "What are we going to do now?" He asked, no one in particularly. Mostly himself, who always marched with so much confidence but now all he could do is beg for someone to give him a solution.

    "We need to take him somewhere safe, maybe teleport back to the palace?" Ea wondered and Allias shook his head negatively.

    "Such a long distance teleport would exhaust him. We need to find a place closer."

    "Let''s go to Amelia" Mark suggested and everyone looked at him like he was talking in another language. "She is the only one in a reasonable distance. She said she was planning to help you, as long as she had finished off Mikael. There is a big possibility she would be of help. She also doesn''t know that an elf knocked her out, she probably thinks it was Luke, trying to save his friend. As long as we are alone she might offer us a helping hand."

    "What about the wolves though?"

    "I will contact Mikael once we arrive she must have a phone. Just keep her busy so she doesn''t know who I am talking to."

    "This sis insane. It will be just another trap. That witch can see the future." Ares objected. He wouldn''t risk it. Taking his brother back there, in this condition.

    "We will go." Allias stated and raised Theseus up gently. "We don''t have much time. We have to take a risk if we''re supposed to save him." He told them. He was aware that Ares did not agree, he was fine with that, at the end of the day he could just order him to do it, even though he didn''t want to reach to such measures. He had to make sure Theseus would survive this. He was barely keeping it together; he couldn''t manage to waste another second. He already felt like he was going insane staring at his pale face.

    The pain he was feeling, that suffocating pressure. He would never forget it. Allias had to hide it, he had his time to feel sad, to have an outburst but after those mere seconds he had to be a king, like he always was. He held Theseus tightly, staring at the rest with a serious look and then at Joe, who seemed to still be knocked out. Ares would not let go of him, afraid that he would do something dangerous.

    "I will deal with him later." He announced staring at the teen, filled with disgust.

    Soon all of the elves disappeared together with Mark and Joe. Now the road was completely empty, no one there to wait, to cry and shout. Isolated from most of the people, no cars honking or driving by. Just an endless silence as if no one had been standing there, as if not all of Allias'' dreams had died on that road, crushed by the hatred that could so easily poison people''s souls. He had been a idiot. He knew that, dreaming like that, hoping after everything he had seen, after everything he had gone through. The sun, the golden king everyone knew, had been long gone.

    Once they all arrived outside Amelia''s door, fear made the hairs on the back of their necks rise. They shouldn''t be underestimating her this time. That''s what everyone had thought while staring at her wooden door, contemplating if they should knock or not. All of their decisions up till now seemed to be hanging from a very thin and fragile string. One wrong move, one wrong word and everything would crumble. As it happened a few hours ago.

    Mark was the one who took the first step. His fist knocking three times slowly, echoing in the empty hallway. They heard the sound of slippers, dragging on the floor and the latch on the door slowly was slid from its position so the door could open.

    Amelia appeared, dressed again in a long skirt with vibrant and beautiful patterns that flattered her dark skin, her hair wild were being detained now by a white gauze that was wrapped around her head, where one of the elves had hit her. She stood in front of them, staring at the two beat up brothers, the one in the brim of death, and waited, in complete silence.

    "Please help us" Ares said. He looked at her, hoping that she would understand the situation they were in. If the fact that they were holding a half dead body was not enough.

    Allias wanted to fall on his knees. He wanted to cry and beg and plead for her to allow them to rest there. He needed Amelia to treat Theseus, no one else was more knowledgeable about herbs and wounds of this kind than a witch. She was their only option. He couldn''t dare to say that, reveal what was deep in his heart, he was a King. He couldn''t plead or beg, he couldn''t look like he was below her. It was how the order of things was. If he did, they would be instantly defeated, showing her that she could manipulate them any way she wanted. So he stood there, holding Theseus close, waiting for her answer.

    As long as the King stood the empire wouldn''t crumble.

    "No. Go away" she told them, ready to shut the door in their face.

 Chapter 164 - 164- Secret Thoughts

    The wolves had already ruled out a few of the spots Mark and Mikael had agreed on. Deep in the nigh the blond man was trying to think where Mark would want to go and find him. They had rejected quite a few places already, disappointment being more bitter every time as they met with nothing. Empty roads, cars scarcely passing by and once in a while a few people, that looked at them strangely. They were out without jackets, looking like they were lost walking like ghosts.

    "We have searched almost everywhere." Mikael said as they stopped on another empty spot. "What if they were taken?"

    "I don''t think that''s possible. Even with just Allias and Ea they are incredibly strong. It wouldn''t be easy to take them and leave no signs of battle, probably they are just somewhere else." Luke told him wanting to calm him down. "I think you should transform and check fast. We will wait here for you to return." He said and stole a glimpse at the tired boy next to him. They had been walking for hours and Mikael had been insisting for them to hurry every five minutes. After their previous argument, he was sure Alexander would blame himself, so he needed to find a way to get him to rest without pointing it out.

    "Yeah, maybe that would be a good idea. I will be back" he said and instantly began running, a lot faster than before, his body snapping and changing on the way. He left the main road, hiding from human eyes between the trees at the side of the road and soon he had completely disappeared.

    "Finally!" Luke exclaimed and sat on the street, stretching his build arms and letting out a relived sigh. "I was starting to get tired. Won''t you sit?" he asked, facing Alexander. His eyes shone under the moonlight and their color was almost similar. As if someone had cut a piece of it and gifted it to him, making his eyes look unworldly. Alexander seemed to get lost in them, finding himself blushing as he immediately sat down next to him but still within a very awkward distance. He was so far away that Luke had to actually speak louder to be heard. "You can come closer you know. I won''t bite" he joked with a faint smile and Alexander slowly moved towards him. "A bit more¡­.Juust a bit more. Yeah perfect" he laughed when the teen had reached him, their knees touching.

    "Sorry" Alexander mumbled as he stared at his long fingers.

    "About what?" Luke questioned and frowned.

    "About having to stop because of me. About me being so freaking awkward that I seem to not be able to even speak when it matters and even if I do it gets messed up. I am a mess" He said, his eyes away from him. He wasn''t so sure he would be utter these words if he was looking at him.

    "You''re talking to me just fine now" Luke observed and Alexander scoffed.

    "I am not even looking at you in the eyes."

    "We can easily fix that." Luke told him with a smile he couldn''t see. He gently placed his fingers on his chin and without too much effort he slowly turned his face towards him, so their eyes would finally meet. "See? Now talk" he joked as he noticed how fast his whole face turned red. "Tell me whatever you want" he said waiting for Alexander to stutter and hide away but his question that followed actually surprised him.

    "Do you think Mark and Mikael will not end up together?" he asked Luke with a concerned expression. Luke let go of him and scratched the side of his nose, wondering why he would ask something like that and what would be the best answer to give in a moment like this.

    "Why would you ask something like that, are you worried about them?" Luke asked him.

    "I¡­I wanted to believe in them, that they would work out. Both of them are really different. Basically a different species. The way they''ve grown up, the way they think and act are opposites but still they ended up having feelings for one another. I¡­I just think that it was beautiful, in our world, in our pack when there is a constant power struggle a couple like them, a weak human and a strong wolf seemed like a ray of hope that you don''t need to always be the best, the strongest. But maybe such different people could never be together.  Does it sound silly?" He asked rubbing his neck, hoping that Luke would not make fun of him.

    Yes, the relationships between wolves were a constant power struggle. An unavoidable battle for dominance. It was in their blood, a trait that Luke many times had thought of as a curse. He had hated living this way, always fighting to be the best, obtaining the balance, showing only fragments of himself, the good parts, the ones that people would admire him for. After everything that had happened with Allias, after what everyone saw, his whole life had shuttered. He had failed this battle by showing his weakness his madness and he had found himself being all alone. He had grown to despise himself, for not being the man his father wanted, the man his friends needed, the leader that the pack would love. He despised himself for not enjoying the hunt for power like every other wolf and that he had come to want a peaceful life, where he could simply be himself, protecting his loved ones.

    Alexander was the first one, the first person who had voiced those thoughts of his that he always tried so hard to hide. He knew the pain of failure, the pain of not belonging in a place where being one with the others was vital. A pack was not based on individuality, it was based on an endless flow, on being one, if you were a weak link you would be tossed aside. Alexander was the only one who could realize his burden and not judge him for it.

    "You are amazing." Luke told him.

    ....

    Alexander is becoming one of my favorite characters and he wasn''t even planned! xD

 Chapter 165 - 165- The Worries Of The Moon

    "You are amazing." Luke told him.

    "W-what?" The young wolf stuttered and jumped back surprised. His face slowly turned into an adorable green eyed tomato as he fidgeted, unaware of how he should respond to Luke''s words.

    "I''ve never met someone like you before. I am more than a century old and it''s the first time that I¡­"

    "What do you mean?" Alexander asked him, he didn''t want to get his hopes up. He had decided after his failed attempt and the enormous embarrassment of the towel to never try again. At least not until he was perfectly ready.

    But at this moment, underneath the moonlight as he felt the breeze pass through his hair, his eyes stuck on Luke, as the words he said replayed on his mind he just couldn''t let it go. Amazing, he had called him that. Alexander thought and his heart trembled. The way he said it. His deep voice showing a slight shock but at the same time his moon like eyes were excited. A bit widened, as he stared into his fragile soul.

    Luke stayed silent for a while, wondering if he should continue this conversation any longer. He was aware of Alexander''s feelings. He had realized it and he had heard him clearly when he professed his love to him but what about Luke? What was he feeling as he looked at him, fidgeting waiting for an honest reply? Yes, Alexander had drawn his interest, he wasn''t like anyone else in the pack, he was kind and calm, beautiful and pure. He was scared easily and blushed at the slightest show of affection or even when their eyes would simply meet. He was different and Luke couldn''t not stop noticing him, worrying about him but was he in a state where he could be with someone like him? He was angry all the time, he would lose control easily, who knew what he could do to him one day? Hurt him to the point of no return.

    Yes, Luke indeed liked him. He liked him enough to not want to destroy. He was fully aware who he was, of that raging darkness inside him. He still didn''t know how to control it, how to make it yield to his will. The way he was right now he could never be with someone as fragile as Alexander, he would break him and then destroy himself from the guilt even more.

    "Well it''s getting late. Mikael will be back soon. Should we look around for him? I think we should return to the compound." Luke suggested, getting up and leaving Alexander sitting there alone.

    "Wait" The boy mumbled and timidly grabbed his sleeve. He was not looking at him, his eyes glued to the ground and Luke frowned. He shouldn''t have been this repulsive, now he has made things worse.

    "What is it? We will need to get back" He said in a carefree tone, trying to ignore the tension.

    "You can''t do that¡­" Alexander whispered.

    "What?"

    "You can''t do that!" he said louder, his head snapping back, his olive eyes teary. "You just said I''m amazing. Do you know how that makes me feel? You can''t pretend you never said it. It hurts."

    No matter what Luke did he ended up hurting others. The moment he laid his eyes on another person it was as if he had cursed them to suffer. This time though it was different, it wasn''t just his eyes, or a fleeting feeling of interest. It was also different from what he felt with Allias. There was no unexplained pull, no burning lust or the need to dominate him. When he saw Alexander all he wanted to do was protect him, cherish him. It was a moment that was so faded on his mind, the start of his worries, the beginning of the secret gazes. When did it really happen? So fast he didn''t even realize it. But it was fruitless. He had already hurt him and he would certainly do it again.

    "I will go look for Mikael." He said trying to brush his words off. He slapped his hand away, Alexander staring at him stunned as he walked away. He wiped his tears and stood up, following after him with big leaps, trying to catch but Luke obviously did not want to be caught. Their paces became faster, their breathing ratchet and unstable. Luke was aware that Alexander couldn''t follow him for much longer. He was a lot weaker and more tired than him in general so at some point he would have to give up.

    He was truly aware how childish this was. He was running away from a seventeen-year-old boy because he was scared to face his feelings. It was ridiculous. He had met so many women, he had been in a destructive relationship with a King but still in front of him he didn''t know what to say or how to act.

    Soon he heard Alexander''s footsteps come to a halt. He wasn''t following him anymore, thankfully. Luke slowed down his pace and stopped. Turning around make sure they were far away from the other. It was around two hundred meters. That was the distance between them but to Luke it seemed like an endless road that even if he took a step to reach him, he would just remain in the same spot. He was not making any progress.

    Alexander was right in front of him, panting with flushed cheeks. He brought his palms around his mouth creating a megaphone and stared at him, angrily.

    "Don''t run away you coward! Get back here!" he screamed. "Talk to me! I will listen! No matter what you need to say, no matter what you fear I will listen to all of it. I won''t leave. I swear so just please¡­stop running."

    Those words hit Luke like a tidal wave, gold and destructive, it was the first time someone had confronted him so shamelessly, had spoken to him with such clarity. It was a wave cold at first but it warmed up his heart. Would it really be alright? He wondered and took a step forward, noticing how Alexander''s eyes lit up. He smiled filled with joy but then, he instantly frowned, blinking as his body began to waver.

    "What the¡­" he mumbled before he lost control of his body.

    He crushed down the road, unconscious.

 Chapter 166 - 166- Regret

    To Luke it was as if everything happened in slow motion. His fragile body was falling slowly but he still didn''t manage to reach him. Cath him. Maybe if he hadn''t been so shocked and hadn''t wasted a few seconds. Maybe if he hadn''t run away from the beginning. So many maybes, so many questions but one was sure. One simple answer. If you weren''t like this, none of this would have happened. He told himself. Alexander would not be crying, he wouldn''t say he was hurt, he wouldn''t have to run after him, he wouldn''t have fainted.

    The young wolf crushed on the rough cement, his head bouncing aggressively from the nasty landing. Luke ran to get him, extended his arms, his eyes filled with agony. Why did he faint? He was a werewolf. Exhaustion should not be getting to him like that? What was happening to him? Was there something he didn''t know?

    "Alexander? Are you alright? Can you hear me?" he asked, shaking him as he took him in his arms. He wasn''t responding and Luke noticed a bloody patch on the road. His eyes widened as his fingertips searched the back of his head to feel the dump hairs, and a huge hit that was now bleeding profusely. This was not normal. He should he healing instantly, not fall unconscious like this? Why did he collapse in the first place? Because of exhaustion? That was unusual too.

    Luke found himself hating himself once more. If he could beat up his own self he would do it, gladly. Try to get him to straighten up but he couldn''t. Because in that situation he would be a coward too. He was always a coward that pretended to be strong. To preoccupied with his own worries to think of others. He had to get Alexander to a hospital and soon. He still showed no signs of healing, nothing.

    A shuddering howl ripped the air, Luke was calling out for help hoping that Mikael would be nearby, he needed help, his judgement was too clouded for him to even act on his own and his heart broke at the thought of making a wrong move. He held Alexander close by, feeling his blood form traces on his arms and howled again, louder till he couldn''t breathe anymore.

    Soon Mikael walking slowly in four feet appeared and stopped at the sight in front of him. He changed into his human form in a hurry, half naked and ran barefoot towards them.

    "What happened? How the hell¡­I was gone for like twenty minutes!" He screamed, staring at the unconscious boy.

    "I¡­I don''t know. He fainted and then he¡­.He just fell on the road and hit his head¡­he is not healing Mikael, he is not healing!" Luke cried.

    "There must be something wrong with him. Get up we need to get him to a hospital. Hold him and get on my back. Once we reach the center of the town you will have to go alone. Can you do that?" he asked him and changed back to his wolf form without a hurry. "Call your father from there. If a pack member is injured, he will have to intervene.  Mikael told him telepathically.

    "I will give you my clothes so you take him to the hospital." Luke said as Mikael run through the side of the road, hiding between the thick trees, heading towards the bright lights of the closest town.

    "What? Are you insane? I don''t even know this kid well."

    "Neither do I, I can''t get to know him, I must not. Take him to the hospital and call my father. I will just wait."

    "Luke don''t tell me you¡­"

    "Don''t say it. I will not hurt someone else again. I am a ticking time bomb. The pain I''ve cause people. It''s enough. I will not ruin Alexander too. He is kind, he does not deserve someone like me. He deserves much better." He said and looked at his pale face. Just a bit more and they would be there, the doctors would help, he was sure and then they would have someone silence them, since the fact that he is not a human will definitely show on his exams. He would get better. It wasn''t anything that serious. Luke was just overreacting because he was scared, but he just couldn''t stop worrying. "I am sorry" he mumbled.

    "Luke¡­you should be there with him." Mikael told him.

    "No and when he wakes up, while this whole hunter thing is to be resolved, before you start your journey I have a favor to ask you. A last favor."

    "What is it?"

    "When Alexander wakes up do everything in your power to keep him away from me. Tell him I wasn''t there because I didn''t care. Tell him I left him on the road, whatever you think is best. Just make him believe that he shouldn''t approach me again."

    "Stop acting like the angsty protagonist at some kind of teenage movie."  Mikael scolded him.

    "Look at him. All this happened because of my stupidity. I am not ready to love another person yet, I¡­I am still not fixed and Alexander shouldn''t have to go through this with me. He can find someone better. I am sure."

    "Luke there is definitely something wrong with him. Don''t you want to know? Just be here when he wakes up. Tell him yourself. Tell him the truth."

    "I can''t. I am too scared. I will mess everything up again. Just¡­Just keep him away from me. For his own good and let me know what happened to him. This is the last favor I need from you. The last time. So please."

    If Mikael could sigh right now he would. His friend was such an idiot. He had told him many times but he still didn''t get it. Only the truth would fix him. He was hiding behind his finger again, hating himself, not accepting the real Luke. He wouldn''t help Alexander like this. He would simply make things worse.

    .....

    Hello! How are we feeling about Luke and who is ready to see what will happen between Allias and Joe? I am really excited!

    Thanks for reading and for all the support! I hope you are all well.

 Chapter 167 - 167- A Kings Plea

    "Please do not make us leave" Ea said, staring at the woman with sad eyes. "We got no one to help us"

    They had been standing there for only one or two minutes but in Allias'' mind it was hours. Hours of torturing thoughts about Theseus'' death that was nearing closer and closer. Amelia would not even spare a glance at the unconscious elf, as if she didn''t want to see the wounds, to see the blood. She would also not look at Allias either. Everywhere esle but his beautifu eyes that silently were enduring the pain of rejection. He stood tall, waiting, hoping, even though every time he had placed his hopes on someone else he had been betrayed.

    "You are denying help to a king" He stated, deciding to play his only strong card. His crown, shinning gold had aways been bound by treaties and alliances but this time it could be his only way to save Theseus. "We too belong in the treaties. Shouldn''t you be more careful?"

    "I have nothing to lose anymore. I do not care. I do not know you nor I like you and after everything why woud you think I would help?"

    She was right. Allias could not deny that. This is where his power had reached. Where his kingdom had fallen. To find himself in need of strangers that he couldn''t even fully trust. Once his people were respected in every roalm, powerful and elegant but now they were being treated as nothing. It was as if that heavy crown he always carried, trying to stand with his weight on him and not crumble was proved to be fake. He breathed in and closed his eyes. He slowly gave Theseus'' body to Ares, carefully so his injuries would not get worse.

    He did not need a crown, he did not need a hollow throne, he did not need a palace. He never did. All he ever needed was Theseus, all he ever wanted was to protect his people. The gold, the silver and the jewels were meaningless no matter how temptingly they shone. Theseus must live, he told himself. If he didn''t Allias would not be able to.

    Even the way his knees touched the ground, his posture as he bowed his head and his eyes, shinning from the tears were beautiful. Everyone was looking at him in shock as he stood lower than them, as he fell and crumbled, as he tossed his pride aside, forgeting his name, his role. The only thing that was remaining was that love, that overwhelming need to be with his love, the fear of losing him. They shouldn''t be wasting time like. He was willing to waste evrything, his fortune, his pride, his power, everything but not time. Time was what Theseus needed the most right now.

    "My King!" Ea exclaimed in shock and tried to get him to get up. "Please stand up'' This....this..." Allias slappd his hand away, with the same hands that had been paintd by Theseus'' blood. He wasn''t a king now, he was a lover. A lover with only one wish, the wish for his lfe not to end yet. He wanted to be happy, he wanted to laugh and dance and see the world. He wanted to make his people strong again and build a family with many smiles but none of that would be possible if Theseus was dead. His soul would be incomplete.

    It was impossible with these thoughts in his head to not cry. With the image of Theseus'' body slowly disappearing.

    "I am begging you. He is the only one I have. I...I can''t exist without him. Please." he begged Amelia, his tears landing steadily, small drops on the floor of the dirty corridor.

    Amelia stood frozen, looking at him. His humble plea, the shaking of his voice and the tremble of his wounded heart. It seemed as if she was enchanted, by the unexplained beauty in his sorrow. She had never seen an elf before, obviously not one as majestic as him and the iamage before her was as rare as a sight could get. She was aware of that.

    "Aren''t you supposed to be a king? Are you kneeling in front of me?" she asked him curious about his answer.

    "I''ve never bowed to anyone before. The only one who has seen me like this is this man." he said reffering to Theseus. "I am not bowing to you, I am bowing to my love for him. I would do anything to keep him alive"

    Amelia scoffed, even after everything he still was a royal. One with a heart. A heart that she wished to see. She took a step forward, wanting to approach him. She would see for herself if they were worth of her help. She placed her palm on top of his head, everyone else staring frozen, not daring to intervene.

    She looked deep, her eyes turning white, a sudden chill filling the place and the elves stared at each other. She traveled in times she didn''t know about, in places she had only heard in stories, read in books and she saw blood, so much blood, so many tears, that could create a river and so much sorrow. So many scars that never healed. Allias'' mind was a strom that destroyed everything. This man, this elf, this human, this king, he had suffered and hurt. He had paid for mistakes that weren''t his and he had tried to fix the world only to be let down by everyone. Everyone except him. The only part of his mind and soul that had ben intact. The only place he found peace was where he was. The only time when his soul shone, like the old times was with him. His smiled engraved with perfect detail in his core. The last string that was keeping his old self alive. Theseus was his cure, the only relief.

    When Amelia was over digging through Allias'' mind she flinched and took a step back, pulling her arm away like she had been shocked. She closed her eyes only to ralize that she had been shedding tears with him too.

    "You didn''t have to make me relive all that" Allias told her with a bitter smile and she froze.

    "I am sorry" she mumbled and looked away. "Get him inside. It will cost you though . Not money."

    ...

    Did you guys like this chapter? I''d love to hear your opinion. Also please tell me if you like my writing!

 Chapter 168 - 168- Heartbreak

    A bright light was the first thing he witnessed. Blinking a few times, he wondered if he was actually dead. Was this heaven and if it was could they lower the lights a bit because they were really bright and made him dizzy? Soon though he realized he was not in some unworldly realm, resting in a pretty field. He was in a hospital room, as he listened to the sound of the beeping. The machine that monitored his pulse echoed brutally and slowly, getting off his daze he put the pieces together.

    He had fainted. Fallen brutally on the ground as he was shouting at Luke, telling him like a crazy person to not be a coward. His heart sped up, the machine mimicking its pace too. He sat up instantly, feeling a piercing pain got through his wounded skull and with his deer eyes he searched the room. The small square that had been his resting place. Machines, white walls, an IV on his hand and a chair next to his bed. Someone was sitting there, a man but it wasn''t the man so desperately he wished to see.

    "You are finally awake. How are you feeling?" Mikael asked him with an exhausted smile. "Be careful with those rush movements, it''s not good for your head."

    "Luke¡­where is he?" Alexander asked obviously confused. They were together when he fainted so why wasn''t he there with him. He had clearly heard him calling out his name as he was rushing towards him. Just those seconds before everything around him turned black, his voice was loud and clear still echoing between his ears. Alexander¡­he had said it with such sorrow, filled in shock. He had never heard someone say his name like that before. It warmed up his heart just thinking about it.

    "You just woke up and ask about Luke? Don''t you want to know what happened?" Mikael asked him and grabbed a cup of water from a nightstand, it also had a pretty blue vase with artificial red roses. The only hint of color in the room that acted as a reception to cured and lost. "Drink this, slowly. You sound like you have been smoking from the moment you were born."

    "Thanks" Alexander said and grabbed the glass, carefully bringing it to his lips. The cold liquid was refreshing, soothing his burning throat. He coughed slightly trying to get his voice straight. The next time he attempted to talk he sounded normal again. "Luke is he outside?" he asked again. He wasn''t concerned with the details. He had fainted and they had taken him to the hospital. There wouldn''t be much more Mikael could say about this incident and honestly Alexander did not care. He fainted from exhaustion, he was used to it. He was sickly ever since he was a child and even got bullied for it a lot of times. It wasn''t anything knew for his body to give up on him.

    "I also called your mother. She seemed distressed. You should call her so she is not so worried anymore." Mikael said and Alexander very easily realized that he was dodging his question by trying to bring other topics forward, try to make him forget about Luke. His heart began raising and he instantly was worried. This could not be good.

    "Why are you dodging my question? All I want to know is where is Luke" Alexander repeated, this time not letting him sneak away.

    "Because you won''t like the answer kid" Mikael said and stood up from the chair.

    "What do you mean?" Alexander asked, staring at him filled with confusion. Mikael grinned and walked towards the wall, where he stood supporting himself, his back touching the cold material.

    "It''s obvious you like Luke. Silly if you ask me" he told him, his voice cold and arrogant as he spoke. "The thing is dear Alexander he doesn''t give a shit actually. You know him, he doesn''t care about other people. He is arrogant and possessive, you looked like pray to him but now that you seem to actually want to chase him he lost his interest. Shame really you are cute, he could keep you a bit more if you ask me." He said and shrugged his shoulders.

    Mikael could clearly see it. Anyone could, he could even swear that he could hear it. How Alexander''s heart broke into a thousand pieces. It was a horrid sound, the sound of a heart breaking. It could haunt your dreams and burn you up. The tearing of hopes, the pain of rejection and he hurt of the wound, that would take years to heal or maybe not heal at all. His shoulder slumped and he stared at his lap, his words messed up, some of them still denying to leave his lips.

    "You are lying. Luke is not like that! I¡­"

    "He is exactly like that! He was dating Lily for years and he tossed her aside the moment someone else caught his eyes. He tortured emotionally Allias, lied to him and deceived him. He is a soon to be Alpha. He likes to pray on those who are weaker to validate himself. Luke just was having fun with you. Showing you kindness just to control you. He is a perfect puppet master, even more than his idiot father. Alexander honey¡­you have been fooled" he spat, not even giving him a second to process his hurtful words. Mikael smiled and sat on the chair again. "But it''s okay, he is bored now so you don''t have to worry. He says he doesn''t want to see you again so when we get back to the pack don''t try to look for him. He might turn violent and all and I will have to clean up the mess. But you see I have plans and it would be really annoying if I had to drag your bleeding body and ditch it somewhere. You understand, don''t you? Do me a favor and don''t ruin my plans"

    "Please stop. It''s alright. I do not wish to hear anymore." Alexander mumbled, feeling his eyes burn. It hurt, it hurt so much. These words were sharper than knifes.

    "There is something else though, I am really curious about¡­the reason we had to bring you here. Alexander you are not a wolf are you?" Mikael asked him and the teen stared at him.

    His secret. Had he found out?

    ...

    I am really trying to give Luke a redemption arc y'' all,  believe me.

 Chapter 169 - 169

    What would you do if the world ended? If you had just one day where you could do anything and then you would just disappear. Become nothing in a crumbled universe. Would you stay with your family? Would you meet your friends or would you confess your painful one sided love? Would you eat all the food you want without feeling guilty or would you just lie in bed, waiting for your torturous life to end? So many people on this planet and so many possibilities as to what someone would do.

    Alexander had never thought of those questions. That scenario had never played out in his head because at the end of the day he never had something to lose or someone he wished to hold on to. Alexander for every year of his life, meticulously counting seventeen up to this day, deep inside of him wished that the world would end. That his life which was a plain nothing would finally come to a stop and he wouldn''t be forced to endure any longer. That was, until he met Luke that fateful night. The boy had always kept a secret, a painful one that always made him hide and worried. On that night he added one more secret to his pitiful collection, one that wasn''t about him but the grey eyed wolf that stole his miserable heart. He didn''t want to die anymore and suddenly his black and white, filled with shadows world, became brighter, more beautiful, with so many shades and colors and that was it with just the thought of him. Just the simple thought of a person made him endure and want to move one. Someone could say he was foolish but at the end of the day that kept him alive.

    Right now though, Mikael had begun the end of his universe. The words he had uttered, the painful heartbreak and the shock of his exposure was as if someone was pressing that huge red button that signaled his self-destruction. First, your heart breaks then it''s your mind and your body will follow suit. Your cheeks will hollow, your bones will start to show underneath your body, black bags under your lifeless eyes until you turn into nothing, until you are gone. Alexander was certain. If anyone found out about his secret that would be him, shut in a dungeon or a prison, forced to do things he didn''t want.

    "Alexander? Hey! Can you hear me?" Mikael called him out and shook him from his shoulders. The teen blinked, getting out of his terrifying daze and stared at him, thinking of what his next words should be.

    "How much do you know? Did my mother tell you?" He asked and looked at him. A gaze Mikael had never seen on him, cold and almost frightening. He removed his hands from his body and sat down.

    "I didn''t say any of this to anyone. Luke and I figured out that something was wrong when this whole thing happened. It''s unheard of for a wolf to faint of exhaustion and on top of that not even heal. Yes, some are weaker, closer to humans but there are characteristics that always pass on no matter how weak your blood line is" Mikael told him and Alexander nodded.

    Was there a point in him hiding? One day he expected it that his secret would be revealed. He wouldn''t be able to hide it for a long time, becoming an adult soon and all. So if he should tell someone maybe Mikael would be better than the Alpha. He seemed at least slightly more reasonable. Alexander had never liked their leader. He always favored the strong ones, pretending people like him did not exist.

    "Do you want to know?" Alexander asked him. "What''s wrong with me."

    "I am curious. I don''t think that is something that you could be hiding forever after all." Mikael said and he nodded.

    "Well then, just to make things clear I am a wolf or at least I was at some point. Until I reached eleven years old. Then one day I decided I didn''t want to be a monster anymore and my mother to protect me, she took me to a witch. She gave her money in exchange of sealing my powers."

    "A monster? What do you mean? Yeah I get it some of us are brutal and idiots but not all wolves are monsters so why would you¡­" Mikael wondered staring at Alexander filled with curiosity. The boy smiled, his eyes staring right in front of him, as painful memories replayed. He was so young, too young to go through something like this.

    "I wasn''t like everyone else." He explained. "I¡­I killed someone when I had just turned ten and I had enjoyed it. I was strong and I liked it. Imagine how horrible it would be, if a child like me remained in our pack. I was vicious. Until one day I made a friend. One year later. He was nice and now that I think about it maybe he was my first love, I don''t know. I was mean to him but he just wouldn''t leave alone, run behind me all the time like he wished to catch up. We would fight and once I broke his arm but still, he was nice to me, he always smiled until one day¡­I killed him too. That was when my mother realized that there was something terribly wrong with me. I began to notice it too, how there was something in me that wasn''t like everyone else in the pack. It was scary, a lot scarier than anything you had ever seen and at that time I was just eleven. I was a monster and I hated it, so I went to the witch. She sealed my power and told my mother what was wrong with me. She also told her that now I would be weak and sickly, even worse than a human. I still preferred it. After I saw him dead by my hands I didn''t care anymore. That was when the bullying began too."

    Mikael stared at him, thinking that he could never imagine Alexander as a child monster. He always looked so timid and kind.

    "What had happened to you?" he asked.

    "My wolf spirit. I was turning into the Great White Wolf"

 Chapter 170 - 170

    Amelia moved to the side and Ares walked in first with his brother in his arms. Ea was now dragging Joe''s unconscious body and after they placed the wounded general on her bedroom, lying in the middle of the big bed, still as if there was no life left in him, they tied Joe to a chair and the witch made sure he would stay asleep for a little longer, at least until they had managed to get Theseus'' injuries under control. He lit up a candle close to him and advised everyone not to approach because they would fall into a deep sleep.

    Her bedroom was filled with decorations. Necklaces hanging on the walls, tarot cards scattered on his light green nightstand and books about witchcraft in many different languages. Her colorful skirts were thrown into a big pile on top of a chair and her boudoir had many half empty perfume bottles on it and half burned sage. She was definitely messy but it was a mess that seemed to fit her well. Like her magic, her personality could not be contained in just a room. It felt like a home.

    "Well as far as I can see some of his bones are broken, he has also been shocked by a huge amount of magic and those injuries can''t heal because of the poison in the bullet. Our main goal is to dissipate the poison first, then his wounds will heal but he might die in the process." She explained.

    "What do you mean he might die?" Allias asked, scared of losing him.

    "He is already bleeding out. He has lost a lot of blood. Also I would want to take look on the magic source that hurt him, to recognize the risk and the after effects."

    "The magic source was a bracelet, Allias'' father had forged for his entrusted relatives. He was wearing one of those. He is still wearing them now. I can get it for you" Ares volunteered and she nodded, wanting to examine the unknown object.

    "How did he¡­"

    "Maybe that was the magic that made you sick" Ea suggested but Allias already knew that was not it. There was no way something that his father had created would make him sick. It was very possible that the bracelet would have no effect on him too, because he had his blood.

    "That''s not it. We are missing something. We are always missing something and I don''t know what it is!" Allias exclaimed angrily and rubbed roughly his head. There was something he couldn''t see. Something he still hadn''t uncovered and that was driving him mad. He was supposed to be a leader. He should be able to recognize these things but all he is doing now is putting his closest people in danger. His one and only love is at the brim of death and he still doesn''t get it. What is the connection between hunters and demons? Why are they together and what is the source of that sickening magic?

    "Don''t blame yourself too much. We all made mistakes." Mark tried to comfort him, even though he knew his words would not be nearly enough. For as long Theseus was laying on this bed and for a long while after Allias would drown in regret, painful sorrow and resentment for his incompetence. He viewed himself as stupid, na?ve and no matter how hard he tried to convince himself that his old self had completely been erased his kindness and wish for peace were always rooted in his heart. He always searched for a way that require no violence, no blood loss but now he was staring at his hands, crimson and wet with his own lover''s blood. He always wanted to protect others, even the bad guys but in the end he couldn''t protect his own. Allias was a disappointment.

    Ares soon walked in with the cuff. Still shining gold and before he gave it to Amelia the king took it in his hands. His father''s craftsmanship, so elegant and beautiful. A gift that held so much honor, meant to protect the ones he loved had been turned into a vicious weapon that hurt his people. Allias had failed him. He had failed the man who admired the most.

    "Can I take a look at it?" She asked and Allias handed it to her. She carefully examined the object caressing the material and absorbing information about it as she did so. For a second she frowned before she placed it back into the nightstand. Allias carefully grabbed it again and wore it, not trusting anyone else in keeping it. "Well I see the situation now. I will need one of you to apply pressure to his bullet would while I make a remedy for the poison. It will take about an hour so I need you to be really careful. Who will do it?"

    Everyone clearly expected Allias to volunteer. They were sure he wasn''t willing to let anyone around him at such a difficult and risky time but the king did not. He looked at Ares before he spoke.

    "Ares stay with your brother" he told him and the elf nodded as Allias stood up. He took his place sitting next to his brother and Amelia handed him a rug which she showed him how to use. The thin material soon changed color from white to red and the woman advised Ea to help her, bring more towels and rags. Also a bowl of water to drain the blood as they went. Ea was more than eager to help, he would do anything for Theseus to wake up.

    "Allias¡­where are you going?" Amelia asked him when she noticed that the Elf King was walking out the room. He stopped at the door frame and adjusted the cuff on his wrist, a stern look on his face as he announced his intentions.

    "I am going to wake Joe up and show him how this is properly used." He said.

    After a while everyone felt it again. That unworldly power that oozed from him. Joe had hurt Theseus, that was the only mistake, the only action Allias would never forgive.

 Chapter 171 - 171

    Allias did not seem to be in a hurry. He exited the room in a slow pace and observed the sleeping teen from the corridor he was standing. His eyes were shallow, cleared from any emotion, he looked like a lifeless doll staring right ahead. Not blinking, not breathing just standing silently there, observing. The only thing different from a doll was the fact that his heart was beating, frantically and the royal blood on is veins was on fire. A disaster that begun from his mind and his angered thoughts. Slowly reaching every organ, every muscle and every bone.

    He clicked his tongue and crossed his arms over his chest, thinking what he should do to make him hurt. He had helped him, he had promised him to protect him and he had failed but now Joe had crossed him, in the worst way possible and you should never dare to cross a King. Especially one who was fighting for his throne and power. Especially not Allias.

    Mark left the room, hoping he would get to convince him, stop him from doing something he would regret later but when he followed him, standing right next to him on the narrow space, when his brown eyes met with his face he could swear, the person right next to him was not his best friend. He was someone else, cruelty had deformed his angelic face and hate had sullied his golden aura. This was the darkness Allias was so scared of, he was hopelessly trying to fight it all the time, keep it contained but now that Theseus was hurt, the demons that were patiently waiting, teasingly clawing on the walls of his tortured mind were set free.

    "Allias don''t do it" he still told him. "Maybe if you talk to him he will understand. He might tell us everything."

    Allias spoke without taking his eyes off of him, he began walking reaching the small and lively living room, eyeing the mysterious candle.

    "I do not care about the world anymore. All this time I believed I would turn everyone good, that I could make a change but things are not like that. It''s time to stop being delusional. After this I am returning to the palace, I will wear my crown Mark and everyone will remember me, remember what I can do." He said and a grin formed on his face as he blew the candle, the thick smoke slowly disappearing.

    He grabbed a chair from the dining table. It was a simple wooden chair that reminded him a lot of the stools at the royal kitchen. He brought in front of the armchair Joe was tied and he sat down, crossing his legs, waiting for the boy to regain his consciousness.

    "Allias¡­" Mark mumbled, wanting to call him out Ea stopped him. He was just returning from the kitchen with a fresh bowl of water and new towels and rugs.

    "Right now he will not hear you. Allias is a King and rulers sometimes have to be cruel, to protect their own." He tried to explain.

    "He doesn''t have to hurt a child though" Mark said.

    "To us he is not a child. No matter how horrible that sounds. He is a hunter leader that hurt our own. He is someone who made an alliance with our worst enemy, he is someone who even after we deal with them will leave so many open matters for Allias that he won''t be able to sleep at night. The demons are only a part. They are royals that if they hear about this failure they will question his leadership. The location of the portal needs to remain a secret, if they know that he will be in a very difficult situation with the Council too. They do not know that Joe actually got it. They just know that he helped Allias at some point and that''s why he wanted to deal with this. If we fail, another war could happen. You have no idea how heavy his crown is right now, so leave him alone to do what he knows best. Be a King, do not burden his consciousness any longer." Ea scolded him and Mark sighed. Suddenly he understood a bit more Allias'' words, about him not turning into a killer. He couldn''t be like them.

    Allias was waiting, he would wait as long as it took to get him to speak, to get him to hurt. He stared at his nails when he heard the boy groan, as if he was getting up unwillingly from a deep and comfortable slumber, his eyes opening slowly. He blinked once, twice, trying to get in his surroundings and the King smiled waiting to see the shock in his young face.

    "Where am I?" he asked surprised and started shaking in his chair trying to free himself. "Who are you? Where are my people? Answer me?" he shouted and Allias'' amused laughter echoed in the empty room. It was just the two of them. No one there to stop him from playing with him.

    "No matter how hard you try you won''t be able to move, those restraints are enchanted and oh, this¡­" he told him and showed the cuff, making him gasp at how now he was completely defenseless. "¡­this belongs to me, you stole it."

    Joe still wasn''t really sure to who he was talking to. All he knew was that he was in front of a very powerful enemy. Just his stare was enough to tell him things would only get harder from now on. His heart began speeding; he was scared just by looking at him. Terrified.

    "Wait!" Allias exclaimed and clapped his hands, moving slightly forward. "You don''t recognize me do you? I guess you''ve never seen me like this. When we met I was hurt and hopeless."  He said and Joe finally put the pieces together. This was the man Theseus was talking about, he was the elf king. Alex, the human he had met. He had changed completely. His eyes widened in shock as he fully realized it. He had made a few assumptions, talked with his own a while back but his imagination had never reached this far. "Ah, so now you recognize me. Hello Joe, long time no see. Tell me, are you ready to die?" he asked him with a vicious smile.

 Chapter 172 - 172

    Groans were beginning to be heard from Amelia''s room and exhausted screams. Theseus was beginning to wake up and feel the pain of the intoxicating poising, flowing through his wounded body. Allias gritted his teeth and clenched his hands in fists. It took all of his restrain to not just leave everything right now and rush inside that room. Hold his hand and bring him comfort, if he could somehow share his pain he would but right now he was aware he had to deal with the person in front of him so he wouldn''t risk more problems arising. He had to stop being a hopeless romantic and start acting accordingly to his position. He would not lose his throne nor his kingdom because of a child. No, he wanted it all and he would get it.

    "Your lover seems to be in quite a lot of pain. Will you sit here and chat with me? Maybe he doesn''t mean that much to you. Shame he really seemed to care about you and I meeting" Joe mocked him and Allias'' grinned. People try too hard to change in order to become strong but while being in that process is easy to inspect their fear, how they like to hide behind big words, hoping to terrify their opponents. Allias could see it clearly, he had been in his place after all.

    "This is good. Do you know why? Because every sound filled with agony he lets out, every groan and every drop of his blood that landed on my hands I get to remember that people like you and me will never coexist, we will always end up killing each other but you know what, I have already died once and I don''t intent to die again so how is this going to be¡­" Allias asked. The boy had his legs taped at the legs of the armchair. His legs open and the King raised his leg and placed his foot at that empty spot, touching the edge of the chair and pushing it back, leaving it in two legs. "¡­will we at least have a nice chat?"

    "I helped you and my father died because of that." Joe spat in his face, still half in the air.

    "I did not do this! The wolves went behind my back but you still denied to help and even hurt my people when they offered you a way out!"

    "Then you shouldn''t have given me your word! I wouldn''t have believed you! Do you think you are a saint? Do you believe that everything is my fault?" Joe asked him and Allias pushed more the chair almost falling to the ground. Joe gasped surprised by the upcoming crush but the King with very elegant and fast moves he placed his foot underneath the armchair and with ease he brought it back to the front.

    "Oh, no, no" Allias said and stood up, stretching his fingers and then forming fists. "I am definitely not a saint but you, human boy took it way too far. The demons and that magic source? You will have to tell me all about that." He told him and grabbed the chair throwing it finally on the floor. "This is Theseus'' territory but believe me, I can be pretty good when it comes to taking information by¡­force." He said and stepped on the two sides of the thrown chair, Joe staring at him from below. Was this really the kind hearted boy he had met? The one who wished to protect him? No, this was a completely different person. Someone who was scary and cruel.

    "I won''t be telling you anything." Joe said and felt Allias grab him from his collar with one hand, raising his other. His hair was falling over his eyes, messy, creating shadows and he was biting his lips. He hissed lowly and his raised fist landed on Joe''s face, right into his nose. Blood began trailing from his nostril, vibrant as it reached his lips, the metallic taste almost nauseating.

    "The demons are pieces of shit! Do you know what they''re able to do? What they will do?"

    "All of you are pieces of shit." Joe insulted him and spat in his face, saliva landing on his cheek and Allias smiled, he looked like a psychopath.

    "Yet you had to rely on our magic to defeat us. That bracelet was made by my father, to protect his loved ones. It''s meant to protect and shield but you dishonored him like that. Let me show you what it does." He told him and placed the chair normally again. He even wiped playfully some invisible dust off Joe''s shoulders before he placed the palm he was wearing the cuff in the middle of his chest.

    Joe felt like he was going to die from the pain. If someone who didn''t know looked at them they would be very confused but these two were in a very intense battle. Allias had an enormous magic output, he had always been gifted and the cuff only magnified that and that magic was now pulsing through Joe''s veins, hot like the sun. Veins popped on his neck, his body turning slowly red and tears gathered on his eyes. Allias laughed and removed his hand, Joe''s face falling forward. He took a deep breath, trying to ease the pain.

    "Will you talk to me now?" he asked him

    "Fuck you and your pointy eared faggot friends" Joe mumbled. Well, this was a very personal attack and Allias was not known for his restraint in many situations. He raised Joe up and threw him at the end of the room together with the armchair, the object breaking into pieces on his restrained body, pieces of sharp wound invading his skin, piercing him.

    Allias sighed as he pushed his hair back. He was annoyed and stared at the human for a while, thinking what he should do next. It was obvious he was not going to talk.

    "I see. You will be just a waste of time. Better I get rid of you now" he said and walked towards him.

    ....

    oops. Can anyone guess what will happen next?

 Chapter 173 - 173

    The Great White Wolf. It was a spirit feared by everyone. The initial wolf spirit, the first person who ever became a werewolf, basically their god. Strong and undefeated for many years it is said that lived almost a millennia and that his power could rival, even to that of the elves, to that of the original gods created by humanity''s magic. He was a legendary figure, the one who started it all and because he was the first one, he was the prototype, with its good and flaws. Known to be cursed with enormous bloodlust and anger to equal the gift of his powers this great wolf lived always in isolation and away from others.

    One day the legend says that he got tired of being alone, he was always sad and lonesome so by his own will he returned to the earth, his wolf spirit, broken and abandoned searches through the earth for a suitable host and once every few thousand years he finds a new person to live in. Those people re considered dangerous by their packs but at the same time they''re being worshipped. Feared and hated for their powers they live in isolation and are allowed to see the sun only when they are needed. They were weapons, nothing more or nothing less. It was almost certain that the pack who will be lucky enough to have the white wolf would flourish and prosper, defeat all their enemies.

    Mikael was shocked, he had every right to be. This sickly and weak kid was telling him that he was the strongest wolf of all time, while he laid in a hospital bed, with his head all bandaged. He never believed in stories like that, even though he was a supernatural creature, legends never seem to appeal to him but right now if Alexander was telling the truth together with Allias he would have encountered two of them in his life. He didn''t know if he was actually lucky or misfortunate.

    "Are you serious about this?" Mikael asked him, as if he needed to make sure. This was not something you would hear every day and even though Alexander did not seem like the person who would lie he had to be sure.

    The boy nodded, fiddling with the sheets on his bed. What was going to happen now? Would he have to break the spell? What Luke would say? He had always kept this secret, buried deep in his heart, almost making himself believe that he was sickly and weak from the start, just so he wouldn''t have to think about the horrible things he did. As if those were going to be erased so easily.

    "It''s a good thing I did not call Adam. No one must know of this. You understand that right? They will make you release the spell and lock you in a room for the rest of your life." Mikael warned him and Alexander stared at him, surprised. Was he willing to keep his secret?

    "So you won''t tell anyone?"

    "No I won''t. This concerns you and only you. Also I think that our pack is unstable right now, too much uproar. A Great White Wolf would be like tossing oil to a fire and no one needs this. Once you feel better we will return to the pack. We need to find some sort of communication with the others too." Mikael explained and let out a heavy sigh. Things were getting more and more complicated. This would not be a good omen; he was sure of it. He grabbed the hospital chair away from the side of the bed and left in a corner, probably placing it back to his original position. He headed towards the room door and grabbed the shiny silver handle but before turning it he asked "I am going to get some coffee, want me to bring you anything?"

    "No thank you" Alexander kindly replied.

    "Chocolate milk it is" Mikael mumbled as he left the room and a slight smile appear on the wounded teen''s face.

    This seemed to be resolved pretty easily. Alexander though while he remained alone in the chilly room. At least for now his secret would remain just that, a shadow of his self, following him everywhere and haunting him, only him, like a ghost no one else would see. He sighed and plopped back on his pillow, the wound on his head showing its dissatisfaction with this action by almost numbing his whole skull. He sighed and covered himself with the sheet. There was an actual chill in the room that made him think if he could ask a blanket. His eyes scanned the room trying to find the source and for the first time he noticed a half opened balcony door. He didn''t realize it was there before, maybe in his haze and on the shock of their conversation Alexander had overlooked it.

    The white curtain was dancing discretely with the flow of the air, the wolf observing its rhythmic movement for a while before realizing that he needed to close it. He stood up, fighting the endless dizziness and slowly, dragging his naked feet he headed over there intended to close it. The lights of the town though grabbed his attention, so bright, so pretty. Alexander took a step outside, gazing at the town and the hospital garden, a few people walking through the small patches of grass and the narrow pathways. He always found the existence of gardens in hospitals quite contradicting. Such dreadful places filled with fear and tears had the people sitting in such beautiful benches. Maybe there was a need for igniting hope but what was hope anyway? A driving force or just a made up wish, a side step before you headed back into a terrifying road.

    Alexander''s eyes traveled everywhere, as if he was inspecting the place, his big eyes taking in his surroundings. The faces of the people, the uniforms of the doctors and the nurses. Such a humane place. So many humans and just only¡­one wolf, he realized as his sleepy eyes landed on him. His eyes flattered, realization of who he had found slowly seeping in. Yes, he couldn''t be mistaken. Right there, at the garden of hopes Luke was standing, staring at the grass, his shoulders slumped and a sad expression on his face.

    He was here, he had come.

    "Luke!" Alexander shouted and the man''s head instantly snapped at the source of sound. What if he left? Alexander worried and his heart raced. He couldn''t make it there in time. "Wait!" he shouted again as he noticing him thinking. He was trying to find a way to escape again but Alexander wasn''t willing to allow it.

    Before he had realized he was jumping from the balcony.

 Chapter 174 - 174

    Theseus'' eyes were forced open from the pain. Opening wide showing everything, even the bloody colored whites. He screamed and tried to fold his body into two but Ares pushed him back, from his shoulders restraining him into the bed. He looked around, biting his lip hard to manage and keep the swears in. He noticed Amelia, tending to his wound and his sweaty face turned right and left in search for his lover. As the woman''s hand fondled with the shot wound, dipping her fingers into the hole of meat, hearing the sound of the blood and gore he gasped.

    She didn''t seem to care, her expression unchanged as she tried to find the bullet. She grabbed a bottle of alcohol and flipped the bottle open with her teeth, spitting the cup and pouring everything on the wound.

    "Just a reminder I am not a doctor" She said and Theseus gasped, feeling so close to having a heart attack from the pain. His skin felt cold but his veins were burning up, like a hot lava stream was underneath the layers.

    "W-where is Allias?" he groaned, feeling his throat sore.

    "Focus on not dying please. Allias is fine" Ares said as he kept stopping his body reacting. He would twitch and try to sit up, gasp and hiss as he felt liquids and pastes on his wound. It was unbearable, the burning of the poison and the witch meddling with his ripped flesh. He preferred to rip his own heart out now, just so all this could be over. He closed his eyes, trying to focus on something else but the pain and the wonder of where Allias was kept shriveling his mind, making him anxious on top of everything else.

    "Where is he?" He asked again and stared at his brother, his nostrils flaring, big puffs of air coming out as he sounded like an angry bull. His muscled stomach would move spastically all the time, tensing the tired muscles.

    "I can''t find the bullet." Amelia mumbled. As long as the bullet is in there the healing process won''t begin."  She said with a concerned expression. She took a look at the wound when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

    "Let me try, I have training for this kind of situations. I am an assassin" Ea said and Ares couldn''t help but chuckle. No one ever looked at his husband and thought, yes, the face of a cold blooded killer. As it seemed Amelia was thinking exactly the same. Nonetheless she moved to the side and Ea positioned himself close to Theseus. "I am so sorry" he apologized before his long and slender fingers dived into the wound. Theseus groaned again and his fists gripped the sheets, his legs hitting the mattress as he felt the pain of a foreign object entering his body once more.

    "Do it for fuck''s sake. Do it!" he screamed not being able to withstand the pain any more.  Ea sighed and soon his eyes widened, as if he had been struck by a revelation. He moved his hand, revealing a small shiny bullet and giving it, bloody to Amelia. Theseus let out a sigh of relief as the witch returned to her old position and covered the wound with a thick green paste.

    "This will help the healing process. It''s important for you to remain still and not move. You are not out of danger yet. Don''t do anything silly. You still might die." She warned him and stood up wiping the sweat from her forehead as she walked away with all her used supplies. "We will talk about my payment later."

    "Thank you" Theseus mumbled, finally feeling like he was able to relax. He could still feel the pain but now it was starting to slowly subside. It was a calming feeling, like the clear sky after a storm. It was over, he could now rest.

    "Don''t thank me, thank your king. He convinced me" she said.

    "Where is Allias?" the general asked again, his eyes closed.

    "He is sleeping" Mark lied. He wasn''t sure why he did that. The elf was in the next room over the slightest sound could uncover his lie but still he didn''t know how this wounded man would react if he heard the king''s plans.

    Theseus eyes flattered opened once again, his long eyeshadows beautiful as he looked at Mark with a suspicious stare. There was no way that Allias would sleep at a time like this. For that he was sure. So why was his human friend lying about his whereabouts or more appropriately his actions? Mark avoided his eyes, he scoffed and tried to escape, feeling pressured about that stare. He knew, Mark realized and cursed his bad ability to lie. Next time he had to think before he spoke.

    "Why are you lying Mark? What''s going on?" Theseus asked him.

    "He is questioning Joe in the living room" Ares said and Theseus immediately tried to stand up. He was not interrogating him, he was definitely trying to kill him and Ares was sugarcoating his words just so he wouldn''t worry. "Sit down!" Ares shouted and Theseus froze. "You almost died out there, do you know how Allias was when he saw you? He had to freaking fall to his knees and bow to Amelia so she would help us. A king! He did that for you, so you could live so just stay there and don''t move" he scolded him.

    "He will kill him Ares and then he will regret it" Theseus said and Ea subconsciously nodded. He agreed. Everyone did.

    "That''s his decision and his own burden to bear" Ares said when a loud noise was heard from the living room. Everyone''s heads turned, their eyes focused on the closed door and the incidents behind it. The noise was deafening and an excruciating scream followed.

    Theseus could not let him do such a mistake. He would not let him crush his dream so easily. That little energy that he had managed to gather was all put into his last teleport. Ares hitting the bed annoyed by his brother who had just disobeyed him, for the millionth time.

    The next thing that followed left everyone frozen. Allias'' voice. Heartbreaking, echoing in the whole house. A shout and a name. A sound filled with utter despair, sending chills in everyone''s spines. It was as if someone was ripping the king apart.

    "Theseus no!" The King had shouted and then¡­

    ¡­absolute silence.

 Chapter 175 - 175

    You think you know pain? Physical or emotional? Maybe both? You think you know how heartbreak feels like? Have you heard the disgusting sound of a heart bleeding out? Have you felt the heartbeats of love slowly stopping? You think you know fear? Have you been tortured by endless nightmares, waking up sweaty and terrified in the middle of the night? Have you ever felt true horror? Not the one in the movies or the one in overly graphic books.

    Have you felt all that?

    Have you ever killed your lover with your own two hands?

    Then you couldn''t possibly know how Allias felt. How his heart was racing just so it could immediately stop, like a broken instrument that couldn''t produce music anymore. How his eyes widened, the sapphire color so intense, seeming even brighter from the glow his tears gave them. Allias at the moment, for the first time, felt the earth crumble underneath his feet, shuttering and swallowing him whole, an enormous hungry mouth that took everything he had in him. He was falling into an endless black hole and his expression was showing pure terror as he met eyes with his lover, the lover who he was killing.

    "Theseus no!" He screamed but it was already too late, too late to stop him, too late to pull his arm away. The arm that went right through Theseus'' torso.

    The general had teleported right in front of him at the exact moment he intended to finish Joe off. He appeared so fast that Allias couldn''t stop his arm, the force already overwhelming and his hand passed right through the end of his torso, right underneath his rib cage.

    Theseus coughed, blood coming from his mouth, crimson dots landing in Allias'' face, more toxic than poison and the man flinched. Cries and painful moans escaped his lips. He couldn''t speak, he couldn''t utter a single word as Theseus was falling onto the ground. Allias pulled his hand and found himself again in the same position as before. Holding his half dead lover but this time he had done it.

    The golden King had never hurt Theseus, not even when he was furious with him but now he had been the one to decide the end of his life. Everything happened so fast he couldn''t believe it. His appearance was faster than a blink and Allias'' reaction was too slow. His hand just¡­His hand had just¡­

    "It''s okay" Theseus groaned.

    Allias had been frozen. Staring right ahead with a flood of tears streaming down his face. He wouldn''t move or blink, he wasn''t even breathing for a while, he was just standing there unable to look at Theseus, he was scared. The sound of his voice was too tempting, reaching his ears like a magic spell. His eyes strayed and their gazes met. This pain didn''t compare to the pain of dying. His death was nothing. Right now he was dying again and again. He wanted to chop his arm off. That left arm did not belong in his body. He felt disgusted and lost. The Golden King had just turned into the villain of his own story.

    "It''s okay" Theseus repeated and tried to caress his cheek. He was too weak though and his arm landed halfway back on the floor. A sallow thump echoing in Allias'' mind. "Your dream¡­don''t ruin it." He whispered.

    Allias screamed, his throat turning sore. He screamed again and again, his face facing down, his hair hiding everything as he broke everyone''s hearts with his cries. There was no air in his lungs left but he kept going. No one had ever heard such a sound. It could root you to where you stood. Just a shout showed so many emotions, spoke more than a thousand words and the King''s voice was soon lost.

    "There is no dream without you! There is nothing!" Allias said and Theseus managed to smile.

    "Thank you for saying that but you shouldn''t give up on that better tomorrow, you wanted it so badly."

    "What tomorrow?" Allias asked, his eyes popping out of their sockets as his lover spoke. What kind of tomorrow could there be when he was dead? What kind of life? There was nothing.

    "There will be a tomorrow, there will be happiness for you even if I am not here. I know, I will always be in your heart. By your side so don''t cry, it pains me when you cry."

    "Shut up, shut up, shut up!" Allias shouted. "I am sick of this. I am sick of this danger, I am sick of risking my life and watching the ones I love die. I am sick of it. Theseus you can''t die! I am ordering you not to. You can''t die! You can''t disobey me¡­You can''t! You¡­you''re mine" Allias mumbled.

    What was the point of all of these? What had he been doing all this time? Was this the end of the road? Did he achieve completely nothing? Allias thought and he felt like his mind was going to explode. From overwhelming anger to overwhelming sorrow his emotions were changing too fast and he found himself drowning, unable to speak or breathe. He was feeling dizzy; the whole room was spinning. He was a murderer. He had just murdered his lover. He had killed Theseus and still minutes later he had the audacity to keep living.

    "Yes, I am yours" Theseus confirmed and a faint smile appeared on Allias'' lips. He had lost full contact with reality, his eyes slowly closing.

    "Amelia, Ares¡­someone, help him. Help him or kill me too, please." he mumbled before he fainted right there on the ground.

    Joe had witnessed the whole scene. Everything that had happened and he couldn''t help but feel his chest tightening. Those screams, those words were too heavy for someone else to have heard them, he felt like he shouldn''t have been present. It felt too pivate, filled to much with grief for someone else to invade, a stranger. He could avoid notifying them. Then Theseus would die and then Allias would be driven to his own madness. Lost because he committed the most horrible crime. He knew that was what he should do, his duty as a hunter.

    But he couldn''t.

    "Somebody! Hey! Help! Theseus and Allias are hurt." He called out for help.

 Chapter 176 - 176

    They had all heard the screams from the living room but they hadn''t thought much of it. The elves were familiar with Theseus'' and Allias'' dramatic relationship, the ups and downs the fight, everything so they could make up again and act like nothing happened. So Ea and Ares were sitting on the bed, silently conversing and considering their next steps while Mark was helping Amelia pick up the remaining trash and clean up the place.

    It wasn''t until the moment Joe''s voice reached their ears that they moved. First it was Ares who rushed out followed by Ea. They were the ones to witness the horrid scene first. Ares pulled Ea in his embrace and hid him, sheltering from the image of the man he admired the most, dead on the ground. Ea began crying while Ares looked at his brother, his lips partially parted.

    "Oh my god" Mark exclaimed and placed his palms in front of his lips.

    Was he really dead? Did Theseus just die in such a miserable way? The witch, seemingly to be the most composed run to the elf, inspecting his body. She placed her palm on his chest trying to see if he really was still alive. There it was, just a faint heartbeat, weak but still fighting on to keep going, to live.

    "Hurry up!" she told them. "He is still alive, take him back inside. I¡­I can try something. I need Allias too and that cuff on his arm too." She said. "Come on!" she told Ares and he flinched, releasing Ea and hurrying to his brother, gently picking him up. He had done this painful course before, walking with his body on that room. It all seemed too repetitive but the pain could not get used to. He couldn''t lose him, he just couldn''t. He was the only family he had left. The one who had pulled him out of that bloody battlefield, stopping him from throwing his life away. He had to repay him one day, Ares knew that but he would be unable to achieve that if Theseus died today.

    "What will you do?" mark asked as the two bodies were laying right next to each other on the big bed, Theseus'' face turning even more pale than it originally was.

    "There is a spell I can try. A sort of soul link. I can give some of Allias'' life essence to Theseus so he could live again, link them in a way but I need to have consent from both of them. I can''t just do it like this, it could go very wrong if they haven''t agreed." She explained. A spell, some kind of ancient magic. Soul link was called the eternal partner of an elf, the one they decided to spent their endless lives with. The only person, the other half. It was a sacred term that was rarely used even in their society. Allias and Theseus were soul links, brought together by fate, blessed by the earths magic. Ares thought that maybe this was their price, the price they had to pay for such a strong love, such an envious pull. Maybe this was what they had to go through to pay their debt. Nothing was given out freely anyways. Maybe a soul link was more than a curse than a gift.

    But now they were talking about a spell, something that could bring his brother back, reignite the candle of his life. He wouldn''t even think twice about it. He believed the answer was as clear as day.

    "Do it. It doesn''t matter, as long as my brother returns. This is the last time I will put up with them throwing their lives away. Once they wake up I¡­just do it" Ares said planning his endless scolding. He didn''t care. All he wanted was for Theseus to open his eyes. That would be enough.

    "There is a possibility for them to¡­"

    "I don''t care what might go wrong. All I care about is that he wakes up. Just do it. We will think afterwards of the consequences."

    Amelia sighted but nevertheless she did it. She united their hands, bringing them close and opened the drawer of her nightstand, taking out a letter opener. A small sharp object that she used to slit a cut on her right palm. With her blood she created a sun on Allias'' forehead ad a crescent moon on Theseus. She closed her eyes and placed her bleeding palm on top of their united one and began chanting. No one could understand what she was saying but there was obviously a change.

    The blood began turning black, and almost like a tattoo it seeped into their skin creating a design. Amelia''s nose began bleeding and she frowned but she didn''t stop, her words still coming out fast, her hand gripping theirs as she did so. Nothing fancy happened. No bright lights, no smoke and Mark realized that magic was earthlier than what he had seen in Allias'' powers. Amelia was a peaceful force, sitting there, her full lips moving as the black now blood on their foreheads danced around creating different patterns.

    She had been chanting for twenty minutes and Ares couldn''t help but worry if something was wrong. She kept going and going until the sun fell again, sitting there still with her eyes closed and her lips moving, repeating the same words. Once she reached six hours of complete stillness she moved, finally her lips closing while her eyes opened. She let out a heavy sigh and stared at the two sleeping men. Theseus'' wound had completely healed, at least physically but they still hadn''t woken up. She examined their eyes, pulling their eyelids upwards and counted their pulse.

    "So, is it over?" Ea asked looking at the sleeping couple, biting his bottom lip as he anxiously waited for an answer. There were two marks left on their foreheads, not fading away. A moon and a sun. Theseus owned the dark moon while the bright sun was engraved in Allias'' forehead. A sign.

    "It is, he is healed but¡­"

    "But?" Ares asked.

    "The signs on their foreheads are wrong, they will have to wake up and we will see what we created. You said worry about the consequences later after all but no matter what happens...it''s not my fault. Now let''s talk about my payment."

    ....

    Sooo who can guess what Amelia created? I am taking guesses. let''s see if you''re right!

    Thanks for reading! Hope you like the story so far!

 Chapter 177 - 177

    The chill of the night intensified as he fell and his hair, usually hiding his shy features was now floating, strands leaving his face and turning upwards. His shirt got raised reavilng his skinny torso and he felt very much like Alice as she fell in the scary and peculiar rabbit hole.

    Even though he believed that Luke would catch him his heart was still racing. The uncertainty, that rush was exciting. Maybe he was still hazy and crazy from the drugs but as he feel, fast and messily everything seemed really clear.

    He didn''t want to let him go. Even if Mikael''s words were true Alexander would do everything he could to make Luke change his mind. If that meant him being the small and lost Alice so be it. No matter what he wanted, to help Luke, even if his love was not returned that would be the second best thing that could happen.

    So the moment he landed in his embrace, Luke panting and staring at him like he was completely crazy Alexander smiled. He raised his head to meet his eyes, take them in and enjoy his handsome face as he asked for air. He had tried really hard to reach him before he fell. Just so he could land in his comforting embrace.

    "This time, you caught me" he said happily and Luke sighed, rolling his eyes.

    "What is it with me and crazy people ?" He mumbled in distress and the teen chuckled.

    "So aren''t you going to let me down?" Alexander asked him but Luke did not reply. He looked around, trying to see if anyone''s watching. When he made sure they were alone his eyes shone silver and with a very skillful jump Alexander was once again in his room''s balcony.

    How superficial could he be to get wooed so easily by a mere display of power? All Luke had done was return him to his room but his heart was beating like crazy. He had seemed incredibly strong at that moment, almost like a superhero and Alexander couldn''t stop his eyes from sparkling like a lovestruck girl.

    "Now I can let you down" he said and walked towards the rails. Again he wanted to leave. Alexander had just jumped off a balcony for him but Luke was not even mentioning it.

    "Will you leave? Just like that?" He asked him. "From where you stood and judging from your powers you obviously heard what Mikael and I talked about. Both subjects." Alexander said. He needed a reason to keep him here so they could talk. He had to be facing him, that was the only way for him to know his true feelings, understand what was going on. If what Mikael said was true his eyes, his expression would show it. Alexander was confident. He was sure he could see behind Luke''s lies. Even if he tried to hide it or wore the most horrible mask Alexander believed there was something, something in the way he talked, or the way he looked when he uttered harsh words he didn''t mean that said the truth. He would desperately search for that.

    "Yeah, I stayed long enough. I mean Mikael described everything greatly." Luke said. His back was turned on Alexander, the only view his black T-shirt matching his raven hair.

    "Look at me and say that to my face." Alexander provoked him.

    "What would change? Do you want me to break your heart too? Wasn''t the first time enough? Won''t it be worse hearing it from me?" Luke said and he scoffed, he would say anything just to make Alexander give up. He had heard everything. Even the story about the White Wolf. If he stayed with him his secret would get exposed even more easily. He could put him in real danger. Now not just his selfdestructiveness was getting in the way but Alexander''s safety. What if something happened and his cover blew up? Then Luke wouldn''t be able to just steal a glance of him during dinner. He would be locked somewhere, forgotten and alone. He wouldn''t allow that to happen.

    "Yes! I need to know from you. Turn around and look at me. Say it in my face stop being a wuss" Alexander kept provoking him, pushing him to face his eyes.

    "Fine then" Luke exclaimed still staring at the garden. "There is no way someone like me could ever be interested in..." He began saying and turned finally around, his eyes meeting with Alexander''s. That boy was a genius. He knew this would happen. He was aware that Luke''s words would get stuck in his throat, cling to it so they wouldn''t hurt him. He was ready to tell him that he would never be with someone like him but he couldn''t. He had been charmed by him. So badly that his whole body was frozen to the point of being scared even uttering a malicious comment. Alexander what have you done to me? Luke wondered.

    "Keep going." The boy said. "I want to hear it. Or is maybe that you can''t say it. That you can''t lie to me. I happened to hear you are quite the skilled liar so come on. Say it! Say how you don''t like me. Lie about not wanting me! Spit it out" he shouted and Luke sighed. He kicked the railings, the black painted metal making an extended sound.

    "I can''t be with you simply because your life will be horrible with me. I can''t be a good boyfriend. I don''t know how to. Also Alexander I am supposed to be an Alpha. I need offsprings and if not that I need a strong partner to support me. You fainted from running! Can''t you see how this won''t work out? It will just be harder for you."

    No matter how hard he tried to be strong it still hurt. Hearing the fact that he couldn''t be what Luke needed was painful enough to make him want to cry. Right now he knew that nothing would change, he was indeed weak, trapped in a messed up body and an extra burden was not what Luke needed. There was only one option for him and right now he was willing to take it, if that meant being by his side.

    "You want someone strong? I can do that. I will release the spell" The boy announced.

 Chapter 178 - 178

    The two men kept sleeping until noon, not even bothered by the noise in the house. There was a lot that needed to be done and the first thing was, keeping Joe restrained for the time being. Mark took care of the wounds Allias had brutally created and Ea cleaned the floor with a broom Amelia had given him. He seemed quite skilled in using it so to calm his nerves he ended up cleaning the hole house. He was almost ready to ask for a mop too but he heard a groan from the room Allias and Theseus were sleeping. Everyone''s eyes snapped and Amelia was the first one to enter. She could never believe her bedroom would be turned into a hospital ward and a magical one at that.

    The first elf to open its eyes was Theseus. Heavy eyelids fluttering and limbs moving he turned to his side to face his still sleeping lover.

    "What...what happened?" He asked still feeling overwhelmed. The last thing he remembered was him dying or more appropriately preparing himself to die. He had thought it was going to be okay, especially as he felt Allias'' warmth surrounding him, nesting in his embrace he felt like being hugged by the sun. Death would be sweet if that was his final sensation, he had thought. That was until he had heard Allias'' scream. That sound would always remain on his mind, too horrid to be erased. He had never seen him react like that, lose control completely. Theseus could not understand that it wasn''t simply control that he had lost at that moment. Allias was losing his world. So when he felt his soul slip away, like water in between his fingers he felt anxious. He couldn''t leave him like that. Not after what he had heard, not after feeling his distress so strongly. Allias was going to crumble and disappear. Theseus tried to hold on for as long as he could, feeling his body weaken and his conscious darkening. He needed to stay alive, especially after those events took place. He couldn''t just disappear and let Allias blame himself. In all honesty he didn''t plan to get hurt in the first place. It was just a miscalculation at finding the sound source and teleporting. He couldn''t tell Allias that though, he would make him even more sad so he just smiled and said it was okay, even though all he wanted to do was cling to life and not leave him. Theseus was simply unfortunate. He strongly believed that.

    "Finally" Ares said with a huge smile. "You''re alive."

    "Yes but how?" The general asked, wondering who could perform such a miracle. His eyes traveling immediately to the witch, who was standing at the doorframe, her arms crossed over her chest.

    "I did something and now I have to asses the loses." Amelia said not bothering to explain much. She had a very serious expression on her face as she approached him and placed her palm on his forehead, the exact spot the moon mark had formed.

    Her eyes turned white, the same way as her sisters and her mouth opened, forming a wide o as she looked deep inside Theseus. She didn''t meddle with his memories, all he did was search the properties of his soul, make sure everything was okay. Nothing was okay though.

    When her eyes turned back to normal she pulled her arm back and sighed. She had been working non stop these days. She was exhausted and the last thing she needed was this. Amelia had no idea how to deal with such a sid effect.

    "Is everything alright?" Mark asked, noticing her perplexed expression. It was very obvious by the wrinkles forming between her eyebrows that something was wrong.

    "So this....is a very difficult situation." Amelia began saying and Theseus stared at everyone. He had no idea what had happened or how he was saved but something apparently went wrong in the whole process.

    "Can somebody let me know what happened?" Theseus asked a second time.

    "We had Amelia perform a soul link spell to you and Allias" Ea explained. "Basically she took some of Allias'' life essence and gave it to you. But the spell needed for both of you to say yes. We were short on time so we did it anyways and we waited to see what will happen."

    "So you experimented with you King''s life?" Theseus asked furious. How dared they to put him in such danger. Theseus didn''t matter that much. They should be focused on Allias not him.

    "Allias would''ve wanted it too. You didn''t see how he was. He even fainted. He said we either save you or we kill him too. He was devastated. For a second I thought he night go insane" Ares revealed. He wasn''t lying. Allias had reached the edge at that moment, his sanity so fragile, hanging from a weak string that was certain the moment he lost Theseus would snap. There was not another option really for them to save Theseus'' life and Allias'' soul.

    "So what is the side effects?" Theseus asked, deciding not to argue any more. It wasn''t their fault. They did all they could.

    "I checked your soul''s consistency to see if everything went right. I knew from the markings that something was wrong. The initial should have been swapped but they remained the same. You see, every person human or not has light and darkness in them, some in equal amounts some more of one than the other but there are always both inside a soul. That''s how you keep the balance of the world. Now it has been swapped. You have only light in you, meaning you no longer have the ability to even hurt a fly and Allias...he is the embodiment of darkness. Once he opens his eyes, I have no idea what would happen." She explained.

    "So you mean to tell me that one of the strongest creatures in this world has turned evil?" Ea exclaimed, filled with terror.

    "Practically yes." Amelia said

    "With you need to take Joe and run out of here. Before Allias wakes up."

    "No. I need my payment first."

    .....

    Sooo what do we think about this? Do you guys like it?

 Chapter 179 - 179

    "I want to talk about my payment. I will leave for a while with the human afterwards to let you gather your stuff and return home." Amelia told Theseus and he sighed. He couldn''t deny her, her payment. He didn''t want to. He simply didn''t want to risk their lives. Joe needed to leave this place if not intact, something that was already impossible, alive.

    "Okay. What is it that you want?" He asked her. She rubbed her chin, her pretty nails painted in many different colours. As it seemed she hadn''t decided yet and her almond eyes traveled between every elf, as if she was searching the answer in them.

    "I want the cuff. It is worth a lot and I also want to give one of you a reading."

    "A reading?" Ea asked confused. Why would she want to do something like this for payment? She didn''t get anything out of it.

    "Yes." She answered. "I will give you a reading." She said and pointed at Mark . Once her finger showed him he frowned, not completely undestanding why this woman wanted to talk to him. The proper response would be to not even let him inside the house,not offer him a reading too.

    "Are you planning to lie to make me miserable just because I was trying to save Mikael?" He asked her filled with suspicion.

    "No, you are a human and I am against hurting humans. I will go get ready some tea. Go sit at the dining table and wait for me. Also we should restrain the King. We don''t know how he will react once he opens his eyes." She advised and Theseus nodded. He was still sitting next to him and his pale hand traveled on the wrinkled sheets do find his. It was heavy as he raised it and kissed it. Feeling his skin underneath his chapped lips his sad eyes scanned his peaceful face as he slept.

    Why did Theseus feel that Allias always had to sacrifice something because of him? His life, his palace and now the only trait that kept him stable, away from the shadows of his past. Allias gave up on his light so he could live. What would happen now that the burning fire inside the golden King was brutally put out? Will the sapphire eyes that Theseus would meet still show love and understanding? Will his words be filled with adoration and his touches with want? He doubted it. He was scared, terrified of what he would have to face once Allias awoke.

    "Do you have rope?" Theseus asked her and she nodded. "It''s in the living room where the boy is. There was some left, you can use that." Amelia told him and Theseus stood up from the bed, standing on his feet perfectly fine. He was feeling no physical pain, there weren''t any scars on his already flawed body but he still felt a burden on his chest. A bolder sitting comfortably there. Anxious. Impatient. He couldn''t stop thinking of what was going to happen next as he entered the living room he had been enchanted previously.

    Now that the armchair was broken, Joe had been positioned in one of the couches, beaten up and bruised he was too weak to even move and the general wondered if the restraints were necessary.

    "Thank you." He heard the hunter mumbled as he grabbed the remaining rope from the tea table, rough and hard on his hand, he was worried it would hurt Allias. "You saved me."

    "I didn''t do it for you. I did it for him. So his dream would not die." Theseus told him coldly. "You know, it really wasn''t his fault that your people died. The promise he gave to you, he didn''t break it. They went behind our back. I would partially understand why you would want to hurt the wolf pack but us...we never hurt anyone. We only meant to protect you. Allias is too kind to hurt humans."

    "Too kind?" Joe asked and scoffed. "The way I look right now shows a kind person?"

    "Well, that might be partially my fault. I am his weak spot."

    "I don''t see the big deal in a boyfriend." Joe mumbled annoyed. So he had been beaten up and almost died just because he touched Theseus. It was ridiculous. What kind of King lost control just because of someone he slept with? He didn''t want to imagine the political relationships in the palace, if he operated that way.

    "It''s not just a boyfriend silly human. I have been with Allias for thousands of years. Gone through adventures and pain you''d never imagine and not one day have I thought I was bored of him. He is not just someone I sleep with or spent my free time. He is my lover, my partner in war, my other half. Maybe it''s too hard for humans to understand. With your feeble lives you want to try so much, being with so many people that you don''t get what love is really is about. Love is not just all smiles and giggles, bailing on the first chance things go wrong. Love is having someone who can see you at your worst and not judge you, having someone who brings out the best in you. Before I met Allias I aimlessly roamed the streets, wasting my time creating trouble and just in one moment. One fatefull instant that our eyes met I felt so stupid. Wondering what I was doing with my life. If I was better maybe he would look at me?" Theseus said. He didn''t know why he was trying to explain everything to him, or why he was mumbling about old memories but this was the only warmth he had right now. "What would you do if someone hurt that person? The one you loved the most?" He asked him and Joe stared at him unable to answer. "Figured." Theseus said and chuckled. "We will release you so don''t come with your own to kill us all."

    "You saved me. I don''t like owing people so hear me out." Joe said. "The only way you will be safe is to destroy the portal. Completely ruin it. Even if my people stepped back there are other clans. So you must destroy it. Also, the magic source. It was a girl. A girl from Allias'' tribe" Joe revealed and stared at him with wide eyes.

    "What did you just say?"

 Chapter 180 - 180

    Mark followed Amelia around for a while not wanting to just sit there and wait. He saw her pretty kitchen, small and adorable printed in an almond color it smelled like fresh herbs. The woman placed a kettle in the kitchen, turning on the fire and searched through her chaotic cupboards to find small tea cups. After a while and many possible accidents that would include shards of broken glass everywhere she found two adorable cups with blue butterflies on them.

    "Why do you want to give me a reading?" Mark asked and the kettle whistled, half covering his timid question.

    "Because I want to save you" she replied and his honey eyes widened. Save him from what? "I can see it. Foolish love in your eyes as you look at that idiot. That wolf. He will ruin you." She told him and Mark sighed.

    "I do know that already. Everyone keeps reminding me." Mark said and followed her again, to the dining room. There was a small table with four wooden chairs, right next to the balcony. The bright light of the sun created lines on it, pretty designs from the rays that escaped the mint curtain. He sat down and brought his filled cup towards him, expecting her to bring out a tarot deck or some kind of crystal ball but she just stirred her tea, pouring in three whole teaspoons of sugar.

    "I like sweet things." She commented and Mark smiled. She didn''t look like it, maybe Mark had misunderstood her. She had been a great help to them, she saved Theseus even after everything that had happened. The truth was she had been charmed by Allias on first sight. He looked like the fairytale princes her mother told her about. Filled with light and compassion, his tears could make roses and lilies bloom on cement. That was how beautiful he was and once she looked through his past, all those painful memories, all these extreme emotions she just couldn''t step back. Maybe the witch had a crush on him or maybe she saw in him a part of her sister. Kind and caring, always trying to help but always mistreated. So she was just overtaken by this urge to help even if she never wanted to be involved in such dangerous matters concerning the Veil. "So give me your hand. I will read your palm. But in a more magical way." She said and Mark hesitated at first. What could be a more magical way, he wondered. "Come on now. I don''t have all day."

    He extended his arm, showing her his smooth palm and she took it in her hand. Next with her other hand she placed the tip of her index finger in the middle of his palm. She whispered a word and a small light ignited where she touched. Mark looked at it stunned and confused ready to utter so many questions but suddenly he was not in the room anymore. He was in an endless black hole, staring around when suddenly a scene began playing. He was a simple observer and the was no sound but he clearly recognized the people in it. Angry arms flying in the air, tears and frowned expressions. It was him and Mikael, arguing about something while Mark bowled his eyes out. Mikael was staring at him with a cold expression while he kept crying.

    What was this? Were those images of his future? He took a step closer, wanting to see if he could hear anything but it was as of he stood in front of a muted screen.

    "You can''t hear. Giving you more info would be wrong for the flow of things." He heard Amelia say and his head snapped to the side. The woman had magically appear next to him, observing the scene. He wanted to ask her what was happening but something inside him was saying that, even if she did reply and gave him a proper answer he still wouldn''t understand. So he just kept looking and swallowed his words. "This is how thing will evolve, the string of fate. There is nothing you can do about it."

    "I don''t believe in fate" Mark said when the scene changed.

    Amelia gasped and took a step back. Mark looked at her confused and back at the new frame. He was seeing an unknown place, rocky black mountains and an endless bloody red sky. He couldn''t see himself any more, just streams of blood and dark ground. Dead trees and an enormous palace. Made of black marble, standing tall in the middle of a city. With pointy towers and rough walls it looked unapproachable and hostile.

    "Why are we here? I wasn''t supposed to show you this." Amelia said.

    "What is it?" Mark asked as he started to get worried. This place seemed like something you would see in a nightmare. It was terrifying.

    Soon the image changed, still remaining in that horrible place, they were now looking at the back of someone. A man, standing on a balcony, in one of the pitch black towers. He was dressed in black pants and a bright red shirt.

    "Mark give me your hand, we need to leave. Now" Amelia warned him but he felt like he couldn''t move. Who was that person standing there? He needed to see his face, this was his future wasn''t it?

    The man as if he read Mark''s mind turned around stopping his breath. It was a young man, close to his age with a pale face, looking almost dead. He had a well sculptured face and beautiful slanted eyes. One of them colored pitch black while the other was a bright yellow. He suddenly smiled revealing a pair of sharp fangs and Mark noticed that on his forehead he had a pair of small horns.

    He smiled brightly and took a step forward. He looked like a mischievous kid, a sadistic smile on his face as he locked eyes with Mark. He couldn''t see him, could he? The human boy gulped and now he could hear. His voice rough as sandpaper reached his ears, shocking him.

    "Fooound you." The young man said in a singing manner.

    ...

    Soooo any thoughts? xD

 Chapter 181 - 181

    It was like he had been rudely woken up from someone shouting right next to his ear. That''s how Mark felt when he opened his eyes and found himself sitting at the small dining table, Amelia holding his hand tightly.

    He blinked a few times, disoriented by everything that had just happened. A strange man had appeared. Hair in the color of a raven''s feather, changing with the light and piercing eyes. A seductive smile with murderous fangs and horns. Yes, he had two small pointy horns on his head and pointy ears, only their edges visible as he spoke.

    "Who was that man? Why did he seem to know we were there? What happened?" Mark began showering Amelia with questions hoping she would at least answer a few of them. The woman sighed. Why was everything difficult with this lot? She was simply planning on giving him a reading, show him the bad future that awaited him if he stayed with the wolf, try to warn him but somehow he messed with the viewing of fate.

    "I was trying to show you bits of your future. Imagine your mind as a movie theater. I had the movies, the images of your future so I brought them to show them to you but he....he somehow jumped into your mind." Amelia tried to explain. She stood up and headed towards a small library she had, many dusty books with hard cover in earthy tones were sitting there until she messed them up. Opening them one by one, flipping the pages in distress while she bit her lip. "I know I have seen him somewhere. I am sure of it..." She mumbled and her eyes were reading the well written lines anxiously until she stopped, letting out a heavy gasp. "Oh, gods" she exhaled and Mark seemed to get more worried by the second. If he understood correctly some kind of stranger had just jumped into his mind.

    "Amelia please tell me what''s going on"

    The witch placed the book back in its place and slowly headed back, sitting down and removing a few strands of hair away from her face. She seemed as if she was trying to gather her thoughts. Once she was ready she began talking, staring at Mark right in the eyes.

    "Listen to me and listen to me very careful. Just now a demon jumped into your subconscious. That is not easy to do, this means he is very strong. It also means that he must be familiar with your mind to do so. Remember, have you ever seen him before? He said he found you. Do you know him?"

    "Are you serious? How am I supposed to be acquainted with...with...a demon?" Mark asked her in distress. Just a few months ago he lived peacefully in his dorm. Not demons he hadn''t even gotten to that many fights in his life. A demon? He could believe it.

    "Then he must know your soul. That''s it. He knows your soul!" Amelia exclaimed as if she had just solved some kind of puzzle.

    "Well that is perfectly understandable I guess and I am just stupid for not understanding what knowing one''s soul might mean!" Mark told her annoyed. This whole magic, soul, elves and everything that came as a combo with it was perfectly new to him and he absolutely hated it when someone talked to him with terms as if they expected him to know.

    "Your soul, the core of your existence. This demon knew you from another life and for some reason he has been searching for you. "

    "No, no, no. No. No." Mark repeated again and again. "Don''t get this whole another life bullshit with me. I am normal. Completely average, the only thing that is special about me is that I am a ginger. I don''t want to know any more of this." Mark said. He didn''t need this right now. He was confused enough as it was he didn''t want to start wondering about what he had done in a previous life and a hot demon ended up out on the lookout for him. The only thing that he ever knew about previous lives were those silly get to know your past life quizzes on the internet and that''s where he wished to remain.

    "You are normal Mark. You are a human and probably always were. It''s possible though that in some previous life you encountered this demon as a human. Don''t you want to know? He might be after you. I can help you, touch those memories of the past."

    "Oh no. Definitely no. I don''t want to touch or be touched by anything. I want to continue being the best friend and not turn into some kind of spin off of this....this...circus. Thank you for offering your help but demons and I will remain different topics." Mark said and sighed. He messed up his hair regretting ever agreeing to this. He couldn''t wait for them to return back to the palace. Then he could focus on fixing Allias and forget everything. Even about ....Mikael. He hadn''t called Mikael! He realized and stood up. "Do you have a phone? I need to call someone." He said. He needed to tell them to return to their compound. This whole deal was over. He just wished he could spent a bit more time with Mikael. Talk to him, there were so many things that needed to be resolved and he really wanted to kiss him again. No matter how that sounded. Why a kiss tasted so much better when it was poisonous, he wondered.

    "Alright then. Yes, I have one in the kitchen but....take this too." She told him and brought a little pouch made from dark purple velvet. Mark hadn''t even noticed her bringing it. "If you ever need to know, drink this. It will make you sleep and see everything you need." She explained.

    "Thank you but I won''t need it." He said and tried to give it back to her but Amelia stopped him.

    "Just keep it. Okay?" She said with a smile and Mark sighed, tossing it in his pocket. He would never use it. Never. He told himself, swearing that he would never mess with the things he did not understand. The supernatural was fun while you stared at it from afar, having your own story though was terrifying.

    ....

    I can''t believe I am finally dropping hints about Mark''s story. I have been waiting so looong. I felt like my head would explode!.

 Chapter 182 - 182

    "What did you just say?" Theseus asked and grabbed Joe from his collar. "If you''re lying I swear...."

    "I am telling you the truth. My clan has kept her prisoner for centuries. She is the last one from Allias'' Tribe. An Avgee elf." Joe said. "I suppose you will want to rescue her. But don''t cause any trouble. I will find a way to return her to you. Just don''t cause a ruckus and hurt more of my people." He said and Theseus let go of him. His lilac eyes lost focus and he seemed to get lost in his own mind.

    So there was someone left. A female. A girl. A woman who could produce an heir. An Avgee elf that if the royals found out about her they would force Allias to marry her and sleep with her to keep the bloodline going. No, that meant that he should leave Allias. He couldn''t allow that.

    "Listen to me. Make sure no one else finds out about this. Don''t ever tell Allias. Keep her." Theseus said.

    "What? You want me to keep her? She is one of you isn''t she?" Joe asked confused as he was trying to understand why he wouldn''t want to save the last survivor of the Avgee tribe. "Oooh I know. She is a woman. She can give the King an heir while you can''t. You are afraid he will leave you to do his duty. To keep the bloodline going. Funny. All that bullshit you said before about how strong your love is and now you tremble at the thought of a girl? That''s ridiculous" he mocked him and Theseus raised his arm, helplessly wanting to hit him but right before he landed a punch his arm stopped on his own. His eyes widened as he finally saw the results of the failed spell. It was true, he couldn''t harm anyone, even if he wanted to.

    "I will save her. Things now are complicated so don''t say a word. Get her somehwere safe at a cabin or something and sent me a magical letter through Amelia. I will take her somehwere safe afterwards." Theseus said.

    "Somewhere safe but not in the palace." Joe commented with a grin. "It''s a shame. I can feel that Allias trusts you completely, seeing how he reacted but you...you are so insecure."

    "You don''t know anything" Theseus said, his teeth gritted and his hands forming fists on his sides.

    Joe had no idea the fear he felt. The problems he had to face being with Allias concerning this matter. It was true, he was awfully insecure because he knew, he was fully aware that Allias was putting his position and his bloodline in danger while being with him. Not having an heir meant that the moment he died a power fight would begin. Theseus had managed to become king because the next in line was his brother that gave up the position but now if something happened to Allias they wouldn''t just let go of the throne so easily.

    Even though he knew all that he wasn''t willing to let go of him. He couldn''t and he didn''t want to. He had endured this pain for years and the relief he had felt knowing that now Allias, with his people gone would not have any doubts about children, would always burden him and make him feel like trash but at least they could be together. He couldn''t let that girl return and ruin everything. Theseus would safe her, he wouldn''t leave someone of his own kind in such fare but she would never set foot back home again and he would make sure of it.

    "As you wish. I don''t really think your plan will succeed though. I will message you when I secure her. With this my debt will be repaid." Joe told him and Theseus nodded. He didn''t want to see his face ever again either and risk his secret getting out.

    "I will untie you and get Amelia. You will need to leave. Things might turn ugly." Theseus wanted him expecting Allias to wake up soon.

    "Why? What happened? " He asked but Theseus didn''t answer. He just undid the rope and Joe stood on his numb feet for the first time after a few hours. He felt his whole body to be too heavy and when Amelia joined them, she was the one to pass his arm over her shoulder and help him out.

    "Do not ruin my house." She said and Theseus gave her a sad smile.

    "We will try." He said hoping that once Allias woke up they would be able to transfer him without any problems.

    Theseus plopped on the couch exhaling heavily, trying to think a way out of this whole mess. So many things he needed to take care of and so little time. At the moment he was also powerless since he couldn''t hurt anyone. He needed to resolve this one way or the other and fast because their bigger problem would end up being the King himself.

    "Sooo I have something to say" Mark appeared behind him and looked at Theseus with a smile. He looked as if he had done something bad and was ready to confess. Something deep inside Theseus wanted him to not listen, just let it go.

    "What is it now?"

    "Well, you see. A powerful demon might be after me. Crazy right?"

    "What?" Theseus shouted in shock and for a second he felt the urge to smack his head on the wall. When did he turn into a babysitter? All he wanted was just take Allias and disappear but no, he couldn''t do that because someone was trying to hurt his children. He couldn''t stop sighing today, he noticed and closed his eyes.

    "Yes, you see there was this situation where...."

    "You fuckers! What did you do to me!" A loud and angry shout cut in, stopping Mark from finishing his sentence and Theseus immediately recognized Allias'' voice. He had woken up and he was alone in the room with Ea and Ares. He immediately stood up and rushed inside.

    Keeping Amelia''s house intact would be harder than it seemed after all.

    ....

    Hello! Thanks for reading! Please vote and tell me what you think about my story in the comments!

 Chapter 183 - 183

    "I will break the spell then" Alexander repeated as he looked at the young wolf in the eyes. He had decided that if he could stand next to Luke he would risk it. Turning back into his old self.

    "What? Are you insane? They will lock you up and torture you. You will be restrained all your life." Luke told him agitated. He paced in the small balcony, scratching his head as he avoided his eyes. He felt like there was no way to change his mind. Both options were hurtful for him, for both of them but bringing the White Wolf out would be disastrous.

    "Not if you choose me. If you choose to be with me they will spare me. Your father is cruel but I know he will be glad if you appear with a strong partner. That way you will secure your position in the pack. I am sure you know it. You''ve noticed it too that back home something is going on." Alexander told him and Luke''s expression changed, showing pure confusion while Alexander spoke. Yes, the teen was right. From the moment they had returned from the icy palace things in the power balance had changed. After seeing the Alpha and his son get humiliated in such a way, Adam had a lot to handle. He had to be even more strict to actually stop the rumors and protect Luke. He was aware of all that, he was trying to find a way out but how did Alexander know?

    "How did you know about all this?" He asked him.

    "I have been looking out for you. Ever since you came back. " He said averting his gaze and placing his palm on his neck. He knew how creepy that sounded. Having someone basically follow you but Alexander did it for his own good. After that night, where he saw....he just couldn''t let him fight this alone.

    "You were stalking me?" Luke shouted.

    "No! I was watching out for you. They threw animal blood on your door one night and I cleaned it up. Messed up your college books so I used my savings to buy you new ones before you realize it. God why are college books so expensive?" He exhaled. "I...I just knew you were unwell if you knew all that, if you had to live it, you who had never been bullied or ridiculed, you wouldn''t be able to stand it." Alexander revealed and Luke gasped. He knew there was something wrong in the pack, he knew people were looking at him differently but he hadn''t noticed a thing. Had Alexander really been doing all these things behind his back and he...he had no idea?

    "How many times did shit like that happen?" Luke shouted.

    "About five to six times. I took care of it though. That''s why I am telling you to use me!" He shouted and placed his palm on his chest. "I will be useful to you, even if you don''t love me I..."

    "Do you hear yourself right now? You sound pathetic. Is that all you want? For me to use you? So what? You want me to fuck you once or twice too and make you my pet? Is this really how much you''re worth?" Luke screamed in his face and once again kicked the railing, taking out his frustration. He didn''t like Alexander talking like that, scheming and degrading himself, acting like he was just a tool waiting to be used. He didn''t know how to talk to him. How to make him understand. Once again he was losing his words and his anger was taking the best of him, making him say things he didn''t want to. Everything was turning upside down again and he was sure he ended up hurting him again.

    "I...I....all I wanted to do was help! What do you expect me to do? I want to help you but you deny to face your feelings so here we are! Yes, I am a tool use me, you will be safe that way and I do not mind, at all." Alexander shouted, wondering how Mikael hadn''t returned yet or the nurses didn''t just jump in to tell them to shut up. He could see that Luke was getting angrier by the second. His nostrils flaring as he breathed heavily, his hands forming first with bright white knuckles.

    "You are unbelievable." Luke mumbled as he was trying to calm the rage in him. Alexander wanted to save him, he was sure that things would get only more difficult now and one thing was certain. The way he was, was more a burden than a help. Maybe if he released his power Luke would be safe. The struggle in the pack was very much there, there was something in the air, everyone on their toes, their ears stretched and ready to use any information comes their way. The wolf was scared, scared that Luke would ended up getting hurt.

    "I will release it" he stated.

    "Fine! Fine! Do it. But if you actually dare to do it remember this. I will never love you, I will never fall in love with you. You will just be a tool to me to get what I want. My seat as an alpha. That''s it. Sure we can sleep together if you want. I have to pay you back somehow but don''t expect me to love you." Luke told him, his grey eyes showing how serious he was. He needed to scare him. Stop him from making such a foolish decision just for him. His life would be ruined if he released that power, himself would be altered and he would lose much more than he would win. Luke couldn''t stand to see that. He liked him, a lot. He liked his shy smile, his blushed cheeks and his clear and honest eyes. He didn''t want Alexander to sacrifice all that just to help him so he had to scare him away. Crush his hopes from the start so he wouldn''t do it.

    "I will still do it. I am fine with it" he announced and Luke''s eyes widened.

    "As you wish" Luke mumbled. "Once we get back you will have to help me with my plan."

    "Alright." Alexander agreed.

    Luke did not stay any longer. He grabbed the railing and jumped down, unable to face him. He was trying so hard to stop him but all he seemed to do was push him deeper into a world that would only hurt him.

    He was truly an idiot.

 Chapter 184 - 184

    Allias'' voice was loud and clear as it was heard in the whole house. His swears kept going for a while, the words fuck, fuckers and fucking leaving his lips repeatedly. He must have said it around twenty times by the time Theseus to reached the bedroom.

    "Allias let''s calm down okay?" He heard his brother say and saw him in the air as his lover held him from his collar and was shaking him back and forth like a lifeless doll.

    It wasn''t probably the best time for him to be thinking this but to Theseus an angry Allias was a very rare sight he actually enjoyed witnessing. The way his eyes would lit up like they were on fire, how his muscles would flex and his hair would turn messy from his angered gestures. He didn''t care about anything at moments like this, his usually soothing voice now rough and aggressive made Theseus want to wait and observe a bit longer before he cut in. It was something about the King when he was angry that made him feel his body temperature go up.

    "What are you staring at? Do something." Ares shouted looking at his brother while his head was going back and forth. Reminding him one of those little car decorations.

    Listening to Ares speak, Allias'' head snapped and his eyes met with Theseus''. He released Ares throwing him to one side of the room, the little nightstand he landed breaking in pieces. Amelia''s house would end up a mess if they stayed there for a while longer. The witch had already taken the cuff with her and Theseus didn''t think they had anything left of value with them to compensate her.

    "You!" Allias said and ran towards Theseus, jumping onto him and throwing him onto the floor. Theseus smiled, happy to finally see him, even if it was like this and the king scowled. "Why are you smiling? It''s annoying"

    "I am just glad to see you." He said and Allias moved back, getting away from him. He scanned everyone in the room. They were staring at him filled with curiosity as they waited his next move.

    "Boo!" he shouted and Ea flinched taking a scared step back. Allias began laughing seeing his reaction and slowly he wiped a tear from the corner of his eyes. This was the assassin that Theseus had spent years training, ridiculous. "So what did you do to me? There is obviously something wrong with me. Not that I hate it, it feels liberating but anyways, what did you do? If you tell me I won''t kill you, I guess."

    "Amelia did a spell to save me. It went wrong and now you have lost all of your soul''s light. We need to get back to the palace and get it fixed. There are things that need to be done." Theseus tried to explain. For a second Allias seemed to be lost in his thoughts, his head tilted to the side he took a few steps in a circle before smiling brightly.

    "That''s great!" he exclaimed. "No more guilt, no more worries, no more sadness. That''s great. Now¡­" he told them and clapped his hands. "¡­you can all get back to the palace, deal with these things you said and I will go and live my life for once. How does that sound? Great I know."

    "No Allias wait! This is not a good thing. You can''t just leave like that! Theseus has lost all of his darkness, we need to fix him too" Ares revealed and gained a deadly stare from his brother. Immediately he wished he could swallow his tongue. Allias looked at his lover with a mischievous grin and raised his eyebrows.

    "Does that mean no one will be able to bring me back? Does that mean that you are unable to hurt me even if I hurt you?" he asked him and moved towards Theseus. He raised his arm in the air and landed a very good and powerful right hook onto his handsome face, blood dripping from his lips. Allias laughed filled with excitement as the general tried to fight back but couldn''t. "Splendid."

    Theseus was dumbfounded, he never expected to be hit like that by his lover, he man who loved him the most. He wiped the blood with his sleeve, observing him, trying desperately to find even just a spec of the old Allias in his eyes but it was fruitless. This person right there had completely changed. There was no love in his eyes, his touch rough and brutal. His heart completely void of any kind of noble emotion the elf king had turned into a selfish, reckless, murderous villain and as it seemed all that he wished for was get away from them. Far away from him too.

    "Allias¡­" Theseus mumbled and tried to approach him but the elf stepped on the bed and jumped on the other side. "Please don''t do this." He begged him.

    "Do what?" The king asked with a smile.

    "This, come back to the palace with us. We can fix this. We can protect our people."

    "Hmm, no, nope not interested. Go along I won''t bother you" Allias told him and waved his hand, in a manner that told them to get out. "You know, I do remember begging for your life to be spared, I remember the pain I felt when I hurt you, how I wanted to die with you but you see now it''s just like a movie, like I never lived it" he said, his eyes wide open as he stared his palms. "I am finally free" he mumbled.

    "Come to the palace. We will let you do whatever you want there. It''s dangerous with the hunters here." Mark suggested and Allias frowned. Yes, he had a point, he thought. Back in the palace he could really do whatever he wanted! He was a king. What could be best than that?

    "Well¡­let''s return then" he said and winked at Theseus.

    Maybe returning to the palace would not be such a good idea after all.

    ....

    Hi!!! A quick deal for you guys! Buy my priviledge chapters and 14 people will get to win 100 coins! You give just a few coins, no more than two and get the chance to win 100! Basically you''ve won 98 coins to unlock chapters! What are you waiting for?

 Chapter 185 - 185

    Shiny floors, tall walls and golden details. A bright sun and many people running around with smiles, bowing and welcoming them as they stood at the palace''s entrance. Allias stared all around him, at their face, at their expressions and frowned. He didn''t want to be there. He walked passed all the servants greeting him waving them to leave him alone and he sighed. He shouldn''t have listened to them, the moment he stepped his foot inside he felt restrained once more.

    "My King, should we prepare a dinner for all of you?" a young girl stopped in front of him.

    "No." he simply told her and she looked at him with a look that was filled with questions. "Do whatever the hell you want don''t ask me. I will be going out." He said and began unbuttoning his shirt as he headed towards his living room. The maid had been left alone, staring not knowing what to do.

    He opened his door and was ready to close it when Theseus'' hand blocked him, entering the room too. Another sigh escaped his lips as he saw the man getting undressed. He took slow steps towards the agitated king and tried to hug him, wrapping his arms around his waist but Allias escaped his caring lock by slapping them away. Theseus was shocked, his arms levitating for a few seconds before his brain commanded them to fall back down.

    "Where will you go?" Theseus asked him, as he watched his lover reveal his naked body and then get dressed again, clothes simple signaling that he was planning to go out and actually not get recognized. He wore a loose white shirt and a pair of brown pants, a beige cape with a hood landing elegantly on his shoulders.

    "It''s none of your business." He replied as he opened his drawer, taking out a few coins that he shoved in his pocket. He didn''t want to meet his eyes. Everyone kept looking at him, all the time, every second and he was getting sick of it. He wanted to leave this place, go somewhere where he wouldn''t get scanned from head to toe, where he wouldn''t have to face those questioning looks.

    "It is my business. We need to visit the doctor and find a way to fix this. Your people, they will start to suspect things. Allias! Listen to me" Theseus called out loudly his name, wanting to get his attention but the King did not seem to get disturbed at all. He kept fixing his cape and once he was done, realizing he looked fine, he headed towards the door. "Stop." Theseus told him and grabbed his arm, giving it a good squeeze.

    Allias raised his head, his green eyes filled with disgust before his lips parted, as he was getting ready to talk. He pulled his hand away and gave the general a slight push, not wanting to cause a scene. He was aware that they would try to restrain him if he made a fuss so he was trying really hard to restrain himself.

    "Don''t touch me. Who said you can touch me? And no, I won''t stop I need to leave. I am sick of you people just looking at me all the time like I am some kind of endangered animal. I am sick of it. I shouldn''t have come here. It''s annoying, all of you are." He stated and his palm twisted the cold doorknob.

    "Allias please. Listen to me. I am begging you. We need to fix this. We need to fix you"

    "There is nothing to be fixed!" He screamed, his hands forming fists. "I am perfectly fine. I feel free for once, not choking myself with worry and guilt. I am doing fine so don''t you even dare to try anything. I will kill you." He threatened him. Theseus'' lips twisted downwards, and his gaze centered to the floor.

    "Kill me?" he asked, not fully believed the words he had heard.

    "Yes, so leave me be. If you value your life. You are useless to me now. Not being able to fight and all" he said and yawned, placing his hands in his pockets and he began walking. He heard Theseus'' footsteps realizing that the man would not give up. He was following him, he thought and clicked his tongue. It was especially agitating but he tried not to let it get to him. He stopped for a second and heard his steps stop too. Stupid, he mumbled as he teleported, disappearing, leaving behind him only a golden smoke.

    The general drew in a deep breath, his chest puffing before he let everything out. He was getting really tired with all these ups and downs. He had never faced so many difficulties all at once, not in all those years he had to fight. Every day was a struggle now, the moments that were good could be counted on one hand, he thought as he walked towards the doctor''s quarters. Maybe he was the problem. He was doing something wrong, maybe he shouldn''t be here. He had considered that, more and more as their struggles kept increasing. Maybe Allias was truly fine like this. He doesn''t need you. A vicious voice whispered in his ear. He shook his head, trying to push away those troubling thoughts. There was no point in overthinking. Allias had to be fixed. It was that simple, things would get back to normal after that.

    He repeated that many times in his head as he knocked on the doctor''s door, entering his room to see him dived in a pile of papers, his glasses slowly drifting away from his old face.

    "I am sorry to bother you but I need your help, the king needs it" he said and the man looked at him with a kind smile, signaling him to sit down.

    "I know; rumors are already spreading that there is something wrong with him." Th doctor said and Theseus felt like punching the table. He had to take care of that too now. What else did he have to do? He was tired, so tired. "care to tell me what is going on?" he asked and the man nodded, explaining the situation, with every single detail he could remember. Even the slightest ones and the doctor while he was listening he took notes and nodded his head.

    "Is there anything we can do?" he asked when he was finished, after a while of talking.

    "Well, yes I think there might be a way but¡­" the doctor began saying when Ares burst through the door, sweaty and with red cheeks, his breath ratchet as he tried to speak.

    "We¡­we have a problem. Allias killed someone!" He said.

 Chapter 186 - 186

    Allias had found himself in a very dark and questionable side of the main village. Small alleyways and moldy walls, people walking around him with their faces hidden, no one was trying to meet his eyes. The King wore his hood just in case someone happened to recognize him and carefully scouted the area for any taverns. He had spotted a few, with bright light and people rushing in and out, some of them already drunk. He chose one facing the dead end of an alleyway, hearing the chattering of people outside it seemed like a pretty cozy place.

    The King walked inside, noticed the worn out stools and tables, the pretty girls running around with trays on their hands, filled with golden ale, laughing and chatting with the customers. Almost all of the tables were occupied and since he was alone he chose to sit on the bar, where a cute little waiter was passing the drinks and the plates of steamy food to the girls. While he wore his hood, trying to settle on the stool that seemed to have one of his legs shorter than the other the waiter stared at him suspiciously. He was a young man in his early twenties with a lean body and pitch black eyes, the same color with his hair. His skin white as snow.

    Allias decided to removed his disguise risking someone seeing him. He didn''t care that much though, the tavern had an enormous fireplace that warmed up the whole main hall and it was suffocating being dressed like that. The waiter''s eyes focused on him, his handsome face, his bright eyes and his muscles as he rolled the sleeves of his shirt upwards. He locked eyes with the innocent boy and smiled seductively, showing his perfect teeth, causing the boy''s cheeks to turn pinkish.

    "Can I order please?" he asked him sweetly and the young elf nodded eagerly, coming in front of him.

    "Y-yes, what can I get you?" he asked, meeting his eyes for a few second and then nervously looking away.

    "Just a glass of your finest ale and maybe if it''s not too much to ask¡­your company?" he flirted shamelessly with him and the boy flustered looked around, hoping that no one else had heard that.

    "Yes." He half whispered and Allias grinned.

    His drink arrived a lot earlier than he expected it, the waiter giving him a big glass filled to the brim, foam almost spilling out. Allias reached out for the glass making sure their hands touched. The elf flinched and the foam landed on the bar making him even more shy.

    "I-I am so sorry" he stuttered and Allias laughed, his voice low and seductive making the inexperienced boy freeze.

    "It''s fine. I can still drink it." He said and brought the glass in his full lips, his eyes stuck on him.

    "Um, excuse me sir but why would you ask for my company?" the young man asked him while he played with his fingers to somehow reduce the nervousness.

    "Well, you''re really pretty. That''s why." He complimented him, a small gasp escaping his lips. "But if I am bothering you, it''s okay. I would really like to spent some time with you though, away from this rowdy crowd." He whispered jokingly.  "What is your name?"

    "I- I am Klaus. This is my father''s tavern."

    "So pretty Klaus¡­" Allias teased him as he sat up slightly from his stool, approaching him, getting closer. "Would your father be mad if you left your post for a while? To spend some time with me?"

    "He¡­he isn''t here so I guess it''s okay." He told him and Allias smiled.

    "Then shall we?" he asked him, hopping off his stool. "You can lead the way." He told him and the boy followed him in a hurry. He called another girl, using the excuse that a customer did not feel well and he was going to take him to his room to rest.

    Klaus led him into a small wooden staircase, it led to a narrow corridor with many doors, one which the boy opened, his room. It was decorated very simply, with just a bed and a desk but Allias didn''t mind as he strolled inside. He smiled at the elf, his green eyes charming him and he undid the buttons of his shirt as he sat on his bed.

    "Come here" he whispered, Klaus'' eyes stuck in his muscled chest. The man obeyed and sat on his lap, Allias wrapping his arms around him before he hungrily brought him in for a kiss. The young elf moaned on his lips as he was being pushed on the bed, his shirt being ripped skillfully by the experienced king. Once he saw his body Allias stopped. "What is this?" he asked him, noticing knife scars and burn marks.

    "Those¡­my father¡­he¡­does it bother you?" he asked him, seeming to get conscious he covered his exposed skin with his skinny arms and Allias smiled, kissing him.

    "I don''t really care." He mumbled into their kiss and he felt the man relax. This was fine. The king thought. Pleasures like these, fleeting moments of satisfaction, he needed them. No more guilt, no more burdens. He could do whatever he wanted to without thinking if it would be beneficial to the kingdom. If it was proper. He didn''t have to think of no one but himself. Not even¡­him.

    He licked his bottom lip, hovering above him and his lips traveled to his neck, where he left obvious marks, sucking on the sensitive skin. Klaus moaned loudly wrapping his legs around him, creating friction.

    "Where the heck is this slacker?" They heard a loud voice from the corridor and the door was busted open, a fat, short man entering the room. Klaus jumped up, crawling down the table and Allias rolled his eyes annoyed. "You fucking abomination!" the man screamed.

    "Father¡­I¡­please" Klaus cried while Allias wore his shirt. Perfect. He though having lost his mood. He walked passed the crying boy and headed towards the door when the rude man grabbed his arms. This was the second time he was being treated like this today.

    "How dare you touch me?" He asked him with an icy stare.

    .....

    Please don''t hate me for this. Shit happens, I like drama. I am sorry. xD

    Anyways hope you enjoyed it!

 Chapter 187 - 187

    "You have to make him feel again, make him love you!" the doctor shouted as Theseus run after Ares. He faintly heard the doctor''s words as they echoed in the hallways but he couldn''t manage to process them, he was too worried about what was going to happen now. Allias had killed someone, if he got recognized as the king getting out of this mess would be too troublesome.

    His brother led him to a tavern, people had started to gather but the inside was completely empty, the food and the drinks left on the table while he noticed some of the staff, young elf girl crying in the arms of their friends outside. Ares walked in first ordering everyone to leave while Theseus examined the scene. Of course it would seem weird the fact that the Disee prince and the High General had come all this way, at the darkest alleys of the village just for a tavern owner.

    As he walked inside, slowly getting up the stairs Theseus could hear the sound of sobbing. It was faint but he was sure someone else was crying. He followed the noise, reaching to its source, a closed door in front of him and blood. There was actually blood leaking from the gap between the end of the door and the floor. The high general bit his lip, anxious as to what he would face.

    The door creaked as he opened it, revealing a tiny bedroom where the tragedy had happened.

    "Will you stop crying for fuck sake it''s annoying." He heard Allias shout.

    Theseus was seeing, he definitely still had his eyesight but it was as if the images didn''t reach his mind. Three main points existed in the room, three dots that created this horrible chaos that spread right in front of him. The general felt his heart break, slowly, painfully, cracking before it just exploded into thousands of shards. As he realized what had happened, as he made assumptions, gathering the pieces of the puzzle he was getting weak. He turned his face to the side, trying to avoid the image but it was impossible.

    At first there was Allias, sitting with his shirt open on the floor, his back resting on the bed. He was bathed in blood. Splashes on his face and his white clothes. His hair dump and colored by the red, his hands lazy touching the wooden floor almost looking lifeless, a painting with red as its main color.

    Then there was a dead body, right next to him. An ugly old man, with an expression of terror forever engraved in his wrinkled face was now staring at the ceiling. His face beaten up and partly distorted. The image was sickening. From the scratches on his body to the open wounds his blood was oozing out like an angry river. He has dead.

    Lastly, what hurt the general the most was that young elf. A young man, crawled up in a corner, his knees brought to his exposed chest. Kissing marks all over his pale body was trembling. Allias had been with him, he was with him on that bed. Theseus realized and he had to avert his gaze so he wouldn''t cry. He had never thought things would end up this way, this betrayal, this pain was horrible. He didn''t care the slightest right now about the dead body, or what people would say. The only thing he could process, manically spinning in his head was that Allias had betrayed him.

    You have to make him fall in love with you again. The doctor''s words slowly began sinking in and he smiled half-heartedly.

    "Impossible" he said.

    "What? Oh finally!" Allias exclaimed as if he had just noticed him. "Clean up this mess will you? The kid is probably traumatized for life." He said and spared the boy a glance. He took a few steps, reaching him easily in the small room and crouched, getting to his level, meeting his eyes. "Come on now, we both know that your father was a bastard. Think positively, you inherited a tavern!" he told him and patted him on the shoulder. The elf boy too shocked to react to his horrible joking.

    "Get out. Get the hell out, you piece of shit!" Theseus screamed and Allias raised his eyebrows.

    "What did you say?" He asked him.

    "Get out. Go back to the palace before you cause even more trouble you fucker. Do you hear me? If you don''t go, I myself will report you to the royal assembly and you will be trialed so get the hell out." Theseus threatened him.

    "Oh, come on now." Allias told him with a playful smile and circled him. "You wouldn''t do that to me, would you? My love?" he said. Theseus felt like someone was stabbing him in the back. Hearing this monster call him his love only made him feel nauseous. This person wasn''t his love, he was a twisted version of him.

    "I would. Because you are not my love. Go! Now!" he shouted and Allias disappeared without another word.

    The golden king found himself once again being restrained by the high walls of his royal bedroom. He laid down after he washed off all the blood and waited. He waited for Theseus, he would definitely fight with him. He dared to threaten him and raise his voice at him. There was no way he would let that pass. He placed his arms behind his head and stared at the ceiling.

    He used to really like those pretty lights. They flickered playfully and he would try to guess which one would light up next. Pretty in this endless darkness they shone so brightly. Theseus had made them for him, he knew that. Allias scowled, annoyed but for unknown reasons. He turned to his side blocking the calming sight and closed his eyes.

    "Fuck you." He mumbled as he remembered the way Theseus had looked at him when he had entered the room. "I can''t feel guilty anyways."

 Chapter 188 - 188

    Theseus hadn''t entered the palace. He spent the whole night strolling the garden denying to go back into that room. After he had taken care of everything he needed some peace of mind. As peaceful as his insides could be after what he had witnessed.

    As he sat in one of the marble benches, admiring the fresh grass, the newly brought spring he began thinking again. Cheating. That was a concept he had never considered. From the start Allias was his and he belonged to his king. He had never thought that a day would come where he would have to see the man he loved, leaving his mark on someone else. A stranger. Was this what he was missing? Those fleeting moments of excitement, that reckless freedom? Couldn''t Theseus offer that? Was he not enough? He kept wondering without an end, his mind an endless maze of questions and doubts. If he had been a bit better, a bit more attractive, a bit smarter maybe he would have managed to grab his attention. Maybe¡­maybe¡­

    He laid on the bench, feeling the cold spread on his body and slowly fell asleep. Dreaming of a life without his lover, a black and grey world filled with monsters and the marks on the elf''s body kept flashing in his dreams. The placed his lips had touched, the skin on which his slender fingertips had traveled. When he woke up the next morning again he felt like he would throw up, sitting up immediately and facing Allias who was staring at him.

    "Why didn''t you come to the room last night?" he asked him in a snobbish tone.

    "I wonder why" Theseus said, rubbing his temples. It was too early; he could deal with this. Not yet.

    "Did you report me?"

    "Huh? No." he said and the king smiled, sitting next to him. He placed his palm on his cheek and looked straight into his eyes.

    "Yey, I knew you wouldn''t do it. You''re nice after all" he told him but Theseus grabbed his wrist and removed his palm from his face. His touch felt foreign, hidden intentions behind it.

    "Don''t touch me. You''re disgusting."

    "What? Why?" Allias asked dramatically.

    "You cheated on me. I believed in you" Theseus said filled with disappointment and Allias wrinkled his nose, dissatisfied.

    "Well technically I did not ch¡­"

    "I don''t care." Theseus said and stood up, ready to leave. "I have to go. There are meeting I have to attend since you can''t do it in this state." He said coldly and began walking away from him.

    "Hey! Wait, Theseus!" Allias called out angrily but the general did not stop. He tried to ignore Allias calling out his name and kept walking straight until the king stopped calling him. The whole time he kept holding his breath, restraining himself from turning back and begging him to return to his own self. He knew though that wouldn''t work.

    Allias still annoyed about being ignored he decided to spread mischief once more. He silently followed Theseus until the meeting room, he watched him get in, with a very stern and cold expression on his face and he waited. After a while he began walking ready to enter and ruin their little meeting. The meeting he should be in charge of. The moment though he stood in front of the door, ready to push it open both guards, holding silver spears pushed them in front of the door shielding his way.

    "What are you doing?" He asked them.

    "we are sorry your highness. We have strict orders from the general to not let you in any of the meetings. It would be better if you returned to your room."

    "Oh really now" Allias said with a grin. "Orders from the general. Please do tell me, who is higher, the general or your own king?" he asked them raising his voice. One of the guards flinched, his spear falling slightly and Allias nodded satisfied. "If you know your place let me in." he warned them but none of them dared to move. Theseus'' orders were absolute and with the latest rumors about the king they didn''t want to risk anything.

    "We are very sorry." They bowed said and bowed, not intending to let him in.

    "It''s okay" Allias said. "Can I look at that for a second?" he asked one of the guards, pointing at his spear. It was the guard that had flinched before. He stared at Allias for a second, the king smiling kindly and he hastily passed him his weapon. For a second he pretended to observe it, fascinated by the fine craftsmanship and the way it sparkled underneath the lights. Perfectly polished. "It must be sharp." He said and took a few steps backs. "Let me see" he mumbled and raised his arm.

    The poor guards didn''t even manage to blink when one of them was struck, the spear pinning him to the wall, passing right through the middle of his chest. He spat blood his eyes soon losing their shine. His partnered stared in disbelief and a shout came from his lips, signaling everyone that was close by.

    "Told you, you should have just let me in. Now they will be forced to come out." He said with a smile on his face.

    And he was right. The door soon opened revealing Theseus, He looked at the guard stunned, his muscles tensing. He didn''t know how much of this he could handle before exploding. At the same time, he was completely powerless. He couldn''t do anything to fix things that way. Someone else had died already.

    "Please just go" Theseus told him between gritted teeth.

    "You know it''s their fault for not letting me in. I don''t see why you should be mad at me you know I¡­" Allias began saying but Theseus'' loud voice stopped him instantly.

    "Just disappear please!" he shouted.

    "What?" Allias asked him and for the first time in those two day he had been an utter mess he seemed actually shocked.

    "Get lost!" Theseus shouted.

 Chapter 189 - 189

    This change in him was quite peculiar. He believed he would not care about anything, freed from all his royal restrains. His shiny golden shackles would finally break and his chest wouldn''t feel as heavy. Losing the light of your soul was supposed to be like that, it had to be so why was Allias so¡­concerned?

    He had been sitting for two hours at the throne room, lazily laid on the throne, even wearing his crown, of course not appropriately since it kept falling off his head. He sighed and sighed again, scolding himself for having these thoughts.

    "You''re supposed to be free, don''t be concerned about him, idiot" he whispered to himself and slapped slightly his cheek. This was ludicrous. He couldn''t just go off killing people and then wonder why Theseus wasn''t pampering him and loving him. He at least had that much logic remaining in him.

    The wooden throne was hard, the pillow on the seat worn out and Allias tried to sit better so he would be comfortable. He was twisting his body until he finally found a proper seating spot that was bearable. He traced the golden designs on the armrest with his fingertips. Golden, yes that was a part of his nickname once, shining brightly but now he resembled more a piece of thrown out rusty metal.

    He rubbed his face trying to forget but Theseus'' loud words had been rooted in his mind. He was supposed to be a carefree vicious spirit but why even now, that goddamn general seemed to be his weakness, he wondered and jumped off the throne deciding that the only soothing medicine would be booze. He walked slowly to the kitchen the staff leaving without him saying a word, running away in distress. The King clicked his tongue, dissatisfied.

    "Can''t blame them" he said and opened the familiar cupboards taking out a glass and a bottle of crimson wine. It tasted sweet as it traveled down his throat. His mind slowly getting hazy drink after drink. His heart seemed to get better, more carefree as he always wished and his red cheeks gave away his state to the man who entered the kitchen.

    "A cheater, a murdered and now a drunk. Well Allias you have been downgrading pretty fast." Mark told him and sat next to him, on an identical stool. The moment he was seated he took the glass away, slipping it at the other side of the kitchen island.

    "That is mine you know."

    "Do I look like I care?" he told him with a smile. "So tell me, why are you here, alone drowning your sorrows in booze if you''re supposed to be the person you always wanted to?"

    "Theseus doesn''t love me anymore." Allias whined and his face slammed the table. "Why?" Hearing that, Mark burst out laughing, even now this man was craving for Theseus'' love. Even when he didn''t care for anyone else. "He told me to get lost." He said and Mark patted his back.

    "Well do you blame him? I do believe he doesn''t love you anymore to be honest. You did some horrible things, you cheated on him too. That''s low." Mark teased him and Allias raised his head, staring him in the eyes with a terrified expression.

    "So it''s true. He doesn''t love meeee" he cried "Wait. Wait. Wait." He said and slapped himself hard, a red mark on his cheek. "Why do I care? Why do I care Mark? I am a freed man!" he exclaimed.

    "I guess you love him more than you know" Mark stated and the king scoffed. Yeah right, even now deranged of any noble emotions he was stuck in a mud pit called Theseus. Even now he was imprisoned by that feeling and he was annoyed by it. Agitated, feeling humiliated and stupid. "you know, a weird powerful demon is after me." Mark told him and Allias pushed his body back slightly and wrinkled his nose.

    "What?"

    "Yeah, he entered my mind and he said fouuund you in some kind of creepy tone. Amelia said it''s about my past life but I¡­"

    "Is he hot?" Allias asked with a grin and Mark rolled his eyes.

    "I don''t think this is the point."

    "Hotness is always a point" he said and winked, playing with his empty glass. "Well, boy I would love to help you but I can''t find it in me to care so I will just you know¡­get lost as that idiot said. Don''t want to kill you by accident too, you know" he said and stood up, stumbling here and there. Mark did not follow him; he knew it was pointless but he did say something just before the king left.

    "You know; you are trying so hard to deny that you love him when you were the ne stating that your love was stronger than anything. You are contradicting yourself. Just go back to normal you idiot."

    "Shut up." Allias said, not even turning back to look at him. His feet were heavy and he lost his way many times heading for his room but after a few times he found it. He opened the wide doors and happily eyed the soft bed. Yes, success he thought and walked towards it when the bathroom door opened.

    Theseus appeared, freshly dressed, his hair still wet and he looked at him. The moment he realized that Allias was drunk, wrinkles formed between his eyebrows. There it was again. That disgusted look that always made Allias'' inside turn. He wouldn''t stop staring at him like that.

    "Stop staring at me that way" Allias said and plopped on the bed, his arms and legs wide open.

    "What way?"

    "Like you want to kill me and dance on my dead body."

    "I am not the one who is on a killing spree lately though. I will be moving to another room."

    "What? Why?"

    "I don''t like seeing your face anymore." Theseus said and Allias smiled into the sheets, turning around.

    "You are a liar." He told him and Theseus tilted his head to the side, squinting his eyes.

    "What?"

    "You said that you would never leave me. That you''d love me always no matter what. That you''d be my shield and sword. Be the villain for me but you were lying. You are as evil and messed up as I am."

    "What the heck?" Theseus exploded. "Is this some kind of new method to manipulate me into feeling guilty? Is that what you''re trying to do? You have reached rock bottom. Despicable, that''s what you are." He spat at him and walked away. "I thought I told you to get lost, you are free now as you wanted. Goodnight" he said and left the room, closing the door loudly behind him.

    Another sigh, another exhale and Allias hid his eyes with his arm.

    "I am trying to ask for help you idiot. So I guess you really don''t love me anymore." He whispered.

 Chapter 190 - 190

    Should I just return back to normal? Allias wondered as he looked at himself in the mirror. He had just woken up and after his shower he came face to face with his own reflection. He seemed slightly thinner, the veins on his hands popping out, his cheeks hallowed faintly. The King sighed, pushing his brown curls back from his face.

    "If you go back, there is tons of shit to face." He mumbled, talking to his reflection. He wasn''t ready, not ready at all to feel the waves of guilt and regret. He had hurt Theseus, he had cheated on him and killed two people. Right now the actions did come off as wrong but he didn''t feel the emotional burden. He wasn''t worried, or saddened it was just he was logical enough to know right from wrong.

    Theseus will love you again. If you return. The faint voice in his head whispered and Allias'' heart fluttered. Yes, that was what he craved the most. Theseus'' love. He wished to be looked at as if he was special, someone precious to him. He couldn''t stand the shivers going down his spine every time the lilac eyes judged him in disgust.

    "Yes, but the guilt" he said and he could almost see himself frown. He placed his palms on the marble sink and breathed in biting his lips.

    Three days. That was how long it took Allias to realize that freedom from any emotion did not mean that his old self would be completely erased. Yes, he didn''t feel any guilt for his actions, he allowed himself to act recklessly and didn''t care about the consequences but the core of his heart never seemed to alter. Even when he was human one thing had always been clear. If Theseus was around he couldn''t stop his attraction to him. You cheated on him! His brain screamed and Allias took a last glimpse of his reflection before he threw his punch in the mirror, shuttering it. Shards got inside his knuckles, sticking out as blood dripped on the floor.

    "Messed up, everything is just wrong" he said and walked out the room. He needed to find something to clean this.

    He left a bloody trail as he walked, his servants avoiding him, their faces hidden as they stared at the ground. Of course they would, he had just killed someone, one of them. He kept walking, ignoring their curious expressions as they stared at his hand.

    The infirmary of the palace was empty. It was early in the morning and the doctor was possibly still asleep. With his one free hand he rummaged through the drawers and threw down gauzes and disinfectants, balms and ointments, clicking his tongue annoyed as he couldn''t find what he was looking for.

    "You are creating a mess again" He heard Theseus scold him and the king turned around. "Who did you kill this time?"

    "The bathroom mirror." Allias said with a bored expression. "See? I am improving."

    "You hand looks pretty bad. Does it hurt?" the general asked him and walked inside, sitting on the doctor''s chair, observing him as he struggled to find those freaking tweezers things so he could get out the shards, but they were nowhere to be found. He groaned and closed the drawer frustrated making the whole desk shake.  "Does it hurt?"

    "Yeah, having fucking glass on your skin hurts." Allias said.

    "Good, you deserve it. A lot worse than that." He told him. If things were different Theseus would not be staring at him with that vindictive look. He would be panicking, running around to fix his wound. Now all he did was sit back in his chair, enjoy watching his frustration grow as the pain in his hand intensified. Maybe it was true, what Mark had said. Maybe Theseus was sick of the struggles, of the pain and this was the last string, maybe this was the last love he had in him for Allias and after everything he did he ruined it.

    "Why are you here?" Allias asked. "I am pretty sure you are not fond of my company." He said with a smirk and the general crossed his arms over his chest.

    "I came to tell you something. I have talked about it with the others and we think this is the best solution for now. You see, with you back we will have to eventually host a gathering. Not only for the elf royals, the council and the representatives of other species as well and you obviously are not in the mood to be a king so much for attending guests that could end up our enemies if they were handled badly so¡­"

    "Just get to the point will you? What do you want? You want me to stay quietly in my room or pretend that I care? How about smiling and waving while you do all the work for me?" Allias asked agitated. They were talking behind his back, scheming, seeing him as a completely different person now. From day one no one had really tried to save him. He was alone.

    You were supposed to be the one to save me. He thought as he looked at Theseus with a blank stare.

    "No, none of that. We want you to leave." Theseus announced.

    "Leave? Leave the palace?" he asked him and his lips turned into a thin line. The pain in his hand long forgotten.

    "Yes, basically I meant it when I said that you should get lost. No one needs you here like this. You are just a burden and there is too much going on to be bothered with you too." He told him coldly.

    He didn''t know how to respond to this. This morning he had been this close to ask for help. This close to accept the punishment that would arrive with him returning back to normal but what was the point now? Theseus had already rejected him. It didn''t matter what the rest of the world did, he didn''t even care if everyone else was disappointed in him, bad mouthed him, wanted him gone. None of this had any meaning as long as Theseus still wanted him, maybe then he would be able to say yes, so he could get his precious love back. He would return just for him, but his general didn''t want him anymore.

    The King smirked, putting his hands in his pockets even the hurt one, feeling the glass stick deeper to his wound, yes that kind of pain was numbing. It was distracting from the true source.

    "You were the only one who I could ask for help. Not anymore." Allias told him before he disappeared.

 Chapter 191 - 191

    Could he be mistaken? Theseus wondered as he placed the medical supplies back into their designated spots. He didn''t want the doctor to return and face all this chaos. He was sure more rumors would spur.

    "He didn''t even treat his wound" Theseus said filled with worry. His hand was still bleeding when he disappeared but he treated as if it was nothing. He rubbed his face frustrated and left the room. He wanted to ask someone, he wanted someone to tell him that what he did wasn''t stupid. That he hadn''t just ruined his only chance of bringing Allias back.

    It was the look he had before he left, his eyes were filled with sadness as Theseus kicked him out and his last words were burdening his heart. He didn''t help him, that was true but the shock of his change was too big, the cheating and the killing he didn''t know how to react to everything. All he knew was that he was incredibly heartbroken and maybe fixing him wasn''t his first concern anymore.

    "I am so petty." He said and knocked on Mark''s door. If he needed to speak with someone he was sure the red head would know best about Allias. He was his closest friend and the only one who could give him a clear answer at the moment, Theseus knew that him mind was too clouded.

    Mark opened the door immediately appearing in front of him with huge dark circles underneath his eyes and his always proper reddish lock a very obvious mess. He let out a sigh as he met his eyes and moved to the side for him to enter. His covers were thrown to the floor, his bed a mess as if a tornado had just stuck.

    "Are you alright?" Theseus asked scanning the room.

    "How do I look? Do I look fine?" he asked and sat on one of the armchairs that were resting in his room. He rarely had guests so he was never really concerned if the place looked tidy. It wasn''t exactly dirty but there were some clothes thrown here and there and some stray socks, the other part of the pair lost somewhere. Theseus sat on the other chair, the both boys being separated by a small tea table and a white vase.

    "Did something happen?"

    "Nightmares. Nightmares with hot devils." Mark mumbled and Theseus tilted his head to the side, frowning.

    "What?"

    "It''s nothing. So what did you want? I am sure it''s about Allias" Mark said and crossed his legs, taking a serious expression as he stared at Theseus like his own private therapist.

    "You see, I did something. Maybe something bad. I kicked Allias out."

    "Excuse me what?" Mark asked him, his soft eyes widening as he heard Theseus'' words. "You kicked him out of his own palace?"

    "I was angry okay and maybe I told him that we all agreed that he should get lost because he is a burden and trash." Theseus said and Mark stood up. He paced around the room for a while, his eyes anxiously moving from side to side, showing he was deep in thought and he kept mumbling to himself before he sat right back down.

    "How foolish can you be? He loves you. He was drunk and crying that you don''t love him. You are his only weakness, the only one who can bring him back and you went and said that? Oh god, why? You would think that elves who have been for years together, like thousands of years would know each other better but no. While scheming and hiding in political scandals, murders and supernatural fight we have to be play in a teen drama too. This is stupid, too stupid. Really? Why?..." Mark began rumbling, without taking one breath as he spoke. Theseus moved back, quite surprised with how invested he was in the whole situation.

    "Calm down first, breathe" he advised him and Mark took a deep breath. "What do you mean he was crying? I thought he¡­"

    "From what I understand he doesn''t care about anything. Like killing or leaving the palace, he doesn''t mind that but the only thing he cares about, the only remain of his own self is that he loves you. He was shocked when he realized that you might not want him anymore, even heartbroken. Really! All you had to do was pamper him a bit and tell him to come back and he would let go and love you but no you had to go on and¡­"

    "He cheated on me!" Theseus said stopping Mark''s second rampage and the ginger looked quite shocked with his words. There was a soft pillow resting on the back of the chair. Mark grabbed it and threw it right in Theseus'' face, the elf dodging at the last moment. "What was that for?"

    "That''s not Allias you dumbass. It''s like he is half or something. I get it you are hurt, believe me some people died that''s even worse but how could you¡­oh god. Where is he? Where did he run off to? You have to bring him back. He will pay for what he did, the guilt he will feel, knowing him will be the worst part and this is where he will need you the most so go."

    "Well, I don''t know where he is actually. I didn''t ask."

    "Shitheads, every single one of you" Mark said annoyed and stood up, leaving his room. Theseus was left there with his jaw dropped as it was the first time someone except Allias spoke to him so freely. "Where is Ea? Bring him to me! He is the only logical person in this place." He heard him shout from the corridor.

    It was clear to him now. He had been gravely mistaken. He was the one who had his mind together in this situation and he had been overcome by his own emotions. Theseus should have helped Allias from the start. Could it be it was too late now? He really hoped it wasn''t, because if he lost Allias he didn''t know what he would do.

    ...

    Hmm, where could Allias be? Any ideas? xD

 Chapter 192 - 192

    Luke opened the door of his room to be greeted with the strangest sight. He stood at the doorframe, frozen and blinked just to make sure he wasn''t hallucinating.

    Right in front of him, sitting on his bed with a very obvious gloom expression was the elf king himself. When he opened the door their eyes met, Luke''s jaw dropping.

    "Took you long enough to appear" Allias commented.

    "What are you doing here?" Luke asked him and rushed inside, closing the door. He didn''t want Alexander seeing him in his room. They had just gotten back and the teen wolf had rushed to his room, supposedly hiding from Luke but the older knew he always looked out for him. He seemed to have forgotten about breaking the spell for now and he was just starting to think how to fix things. Allias'' appearance could ruin everything.

    "They kicked me out from the palace." He said and fell down on Luke''s bed, resting his head on the soft pillow.

    "What?" The man said and observed him. There was something different. The way he stood, his expression were all somehow altered. "Are you alright?"

    "Long story short. Theseus got hurt, the witch did a spell, it went wrong now I''ve lost the light from my soul''s core. I cheated on Theseus and killed two people so they decided to kick me out." Allias explained and Luke sat on his bed stunned. He needed sometime to process the little information he was given. It was too much to handle right after dinner.

    "You can''t stay here Allias. Things in the pack are weird. I just came too, there are things I need to resolve with Alexander. If he sees you here it will get more complicated. I am sorry." Luke said. He couldn''t have an uncontrollable super elf at the moment here. Things were unstable enough as they were adding him to the equation would only bring more problems.

    "You know, Theseus doesn''t love me anymore." The king said completely ignoring the wolf as he told him to leave. He turned around, lying on his belly, hiding his face with the pillow. It smelled like Luke, it reminded him of the endless woods at night, the shinning of the full moon. It was refreshing.

    "That''s impossible. Theseus would die for you." Luke states and Allias chuckled.

    "I guess things change. But I''m selfish too. I still wanted to be loved and taken cared of after losing control. I still don''t care that these people are dead. All I want is Theseus to love me but now he hates me." The king said and let out a small scream. Luke flinched, not expecting to hear his high pitched voice and patted his back trying to think of a way to soothe him.

    Allias turned around again, hitting his lags on the mattress, messing up the bed.

    "Isn''t there a way for him to fix you?"

    "I don''t know. He told me to leave. He was the only reason I would think of going back. My only weakness but he rejected me." He said with a sad smile. "It''s over"

    Luke felt bad seeing him like this. Allias would always hold a very important spot in his heart, the one that made him feel emotions he never knew he had. Realise his mistakes and bring out the need to protect someone. Allias was special and being here, in his bed with that devestated expression it broke his heart. Sadly, he had nothing to say to make him feel better. He really wished he could.

    "Allias I..."

    "You want me to leave. I know" the elf said and sat up. "I have nowhere else to go Luke" he said with a sad tone. He was all alone right now with no place to go, no one to ask for help. Luke was the last person he could trust. Everyone else could very easily try to kill him or abduct him. Find an easy way to get him out. He was aware that his return had brought up many old problems in the Veil. Allias knew tons of people. Elves, demons, witches and angels but he couldn''t call any of them a friend. He had no one. All of his people dead and his loved ones had kicked him out. Even Theseus.

    "It''s okay. Don''t worry. You can stay here but please stay in the room" Luke told him and gave him a hug. Allias allowed himself to relax and closed his eyes, sheltered by his muscles body. It felt comforting. For the first time he wasn''t being shouted at. He could finally relax a bit.

    "Thank you. I won''t cause any trouble. At least not anything big" Allias mumbled and Luke felt him grin on his shirt. The wolf rolled his eyes and pushed him down on the bed playfully.

    "Don''t push your luck. I am being kind here after being dumped by you." He said and Allias laughed.

    "Consider that an honor. You''re lucky actually. You will get to sleep in the same bed as me like the old times." He teased him and Luke scoffed.

    "Yes only that now you are taller than me. Older than me and stronger than me."

    "You can be the little spoon". Allias joked and Luke smiled. Stating at his face as he towered above him once again he realized how beautiful he was. From his bright eyes to his soft lock and the cute pointy ears and his well sculptured body Allias was perfect as he smiled playfully. The wolf felt his heart flutter, like the old days when all he could think about was him.

    "You''re really pretty." He said and Allias'' eyes widened. He parted his lips slightly ready to say something, a soft breath escaping his mouth. His long eyelashes were casting shadows on his flawless skin, his cheeks a very faint shade of pink

    "Luke..."he tried to say, when he noticed that the wolf was getting closer and closer.

    He was trying to kiss him.

 Chapter 193 - 193

    He was trying to kiss him.

    Allias gasped, feeling his chest tighten and his palm instinctively rested on Luke''s chest before he pushed him away. He threw the wolf at the empty side of the bed, him bouncing on the mattress confused.

    "Let''s not do something we will both regret later on." Allias said and Luke smiled awkwardly. That was the second time he was rejected by him or maybe the third? He had lost count by now.

    "Yeah, you''re right" he said and turned to his side facing the elf king. "Thanks for stopping me. I would be in a lot of trouble later on." He said and Allias laughed, turning his back on him. He dived under the thick covers, wrapping himself with Luke''s blanket.

    "Well, Theseus'' hurt face keeps flashing in my head so there is nothing I can do really. Now let me be. I need to sleep." He mumbled.

    "What about me being the little spoon?" Luke joked.

    "You lost that privilege when you tried to seduce me. Goodnight Luke."

    "Goodnight Allias." The wolf said and raised his arm, closing the lights. His hand found its way on Allias'' waist, hugging him comfortably and he could smell Allias'' hair. He smelled like flowers, sometimes too intoxicating for someone to think or even sleep. "It''s going to be alright." He said, the elf nodding before he drifted off to sleep.

    Luke waved a few times right in front of his face, quietly sneaking off his room once he was sure Allias was truly asleep. This was a very complicated situation and he needed to help somehow so they could fix it. The elf King had helped him quite a few times, excluding that incident where he stepped on his unconscious head so Luke felt bed just sleeping in the same bed with him and doing nothing. For a while though it felt good, being together. It reminded him of the happy moments they spent together and Allias'' personality was always charming. It was as if, with a first glance he could put a spell on you.

    He sneaked in his father''s office. It was empty at this time of night and he tried to search through the drawers as quietly as he could. Papers, papers and more papers but he couldn''t find nowhere what he was looking for. It was a magic sheet. There you could write a letter, light it up on fire and it would magically get to the receiver. For the first time Luke wondered where his father was getting all these magic supplies. There couldn''t be some kind of magical bookstore out there, right?

    The magic paper was hidden, deep into the wooden drawer underneath a few books. It had a pretty deep purple color in the shape of a post-it note, maybe a bit bigger. It also smelled of strong herbs and the wolf wrinkled his nose when he got it into his hands, not liking the aroma. He found a pen in a hurry and wrote a few words, making sure that Theseus, after reading it would come running. He actually thought of putting a few bad words in it too but he didn''t want to start a war.

    "What are you doing here?" he heard a question and jumped surprised. For a second the thought of his father catching him right in the act terrified him, but when his eyes met with Alexander''s he calmed down, only just a bit.

    "I..I am writing a letter." Luke said and found a golden lighter on the desk. It was his father''s with a wolf head engraved to it. In a hurry he set the letter on fire, just to make sure that Alexander wouldn''t want to read it. It would be hard to explain its content.

    "To whom?" he asked again, standing at the doorframe. Luke smiled awkwardly scratching the back of his neck and placed the few remaining magical sheets into the drawer, underneath the books just like he had found them.

    "It''s a secret." He said playfully, hoping that Alexander would overlook it. Take it as a silly joke but the young man looked serious as he walked inside. He sat in one of the armchairs, crossing his legs while his usually kind eyes shot daggers at him.

    "We need to talk, you have been avoiding me ever since I left the hospital and now I fond you sending secret letters into the night." Alexander said and for a second he squeezed his eyes, tilting his head to the side. Luke heard him sniff the air, one or twice and when he caught the smell on him a subtle expression of shock rested on his face. "Why do you smell like the elf King?" he asked him and stood up. "Is he here?"

    "What? No. Let me explain." Luke said as he noticed that Alexander was trying to leave the room and possibly head to his bedroom. The wolf grabbed his arm halting him but Alexander was not in a very good mood. He had been running around all these days trying to find a chance to talk to him but all he did was avoid him. He finally found his alone only to realize that he was possibly hiding his old love in his bedroom.

    "Explain what? So he is here" Alexander said pulling his arm away and rushing out into the corridor. He didn''t have to reach the room to meet with the King actually. He was walking alone, in the middle of the night, barefoot with his head messy from being rubbed into the pillow and half opened eyes.

    At first he noticed only Luke and spoke only to him.

    "Why did you leave?" he asked and a weird sound came out from Luke''s mouth. It was as if he was trying to say something but the same time he was choking on his own words. "Oh, hey kid" he said when he noticed Alexander, the teen staring at them back and forth.

    "That''s really low Luke, even for you" Alexander said completely ignoring the king and Allias frowned, not understanding the situation.

    "Well I don''t want to intrude or anything so byee" Allias told them and turned around ready to return to the room.

    "Did you two do anything?" Alexander asked, his lips forming a thin like as he waited for Allias answer.

    "He tried to kiss me I guess." The elf said and scratched his head while he yawned. "Listen kid, I am just here to crash for the night so like don''t worry? Or something like that." Allias said and Alexander stared at him confused. "Yeah I know something''s wrong with me you don''t have to stare at me. Anyways. Good night" he said wanted to avoid their upcoming lover''s quarrel but he didn''t make it any further.

    A loud noise echoed in the compound, coming right from the front entrance stopping everything they had been doing.

    "What the fuck was that?" Luke exclaimed.

 Chapter 194 - 194

    Theseus had not left his study room, not even for one second after he saw Allias disappear right in front of his eyes. The fire was slowly burning and his eyes were staring at the dancing flames, he was not actually seeing them though. His vision blurry the image of Allias resting on his couch while reading a book was torturing him. A ghost was walking right in front of him, or simply just his mind playing trick on him, intensifying his pain.

    He was the one who had kicked him out, he was the one who gave up easily and he couldn''t stop blaming himself for it. The thought of being too late, the pain of losing him forever was mind breaking. He had died once and the general lived in such a cold winter for so long he had forgotten to smile but now he would be the one that ruined everything. Allias would be alive, broken with a plagued soul and he wouldn''t be the one that ruined it.

    He let out a sigh and traced the top of his glass with his fingertip. It had been the host of too many drinks tonight getting filled and emptied in record time, liquor didn''t seem to do anything, no matter how much he drunk, no matter how badly he wished to forget. Theseus rested his head on the cold desk, feeling his hot cheeks welcome the sensation.

    The door of his study opened, showing him the face of another person in hours. It was Ea holding a magic letter in his hands, looking at him with a very concerned expression as he tried to find the right words.

    Theseus sat normally, wondering why at this hour someone would want to send a letter and bother him. He couldn''t be in misery on his own nowadays, something always had to happen and ruin his brooding.

    "What?" he asked Ea rudely. "If it''s something stupid I will kill you." He threatened him and Ea rolled his eyes.

    "I am your brother in law, married to your actual brother. Also you can''t kill me, the way you are now." He told him with a slight smile, satisfied with his answer and the general scoffed at his words and signaled him to give him the letter.

    The small elf passed it on to him with a worried expression. Observing how he looked like when he began reading and how he was until the end. Just a few lines, so few words but Theseus seemed like he had read through a whole book in one second. A tragedy. At first he was shocked, then he laughed and then he crumbled the poor letter and tossed it into the fire with force, standing up.

    "Your lover is here, come and take him or else I will steal him from you. That''s what the bastard said" He mumbled angrily and stormed outside the room.

    The loud noise was indeed caused by him. He had kicked open the huge gate at the entrance and it hit the walls, making a deafening sound that vibrated almost through every floor. He headed inside ignoring the people who ran down the stairs, confused and tried to find Allias. Sooner or later he would find him somewhere in this dog maze together with his little grey eyed pet and he would make sure that Luke, that bastard would never dare to send something like that to him again.

    He didn''t have to go that far after all. The sound and the ruckus led Luke, Alexander and Allias right into him and soon a crowd formed. Luke worried he stared around hoping that he wouldn''t spot his father or anyone in his close circle. This would be the moment when things would get horrible, he thought and let out a relieved sigh, realizing he was probably still asleep. Not so sure why he hadn''t woken up by all these though.

    "What the hell are you doing?" Allias shouted and Theseus stormed over to his side, grabbing his arm.

    "We are leaving now; you will return to the palace this instant." He said strictly.

    "What? No! First you kick me out and then you come to get me? What kind of sick shit are you pulling right now? I did as you wish and left, I left my own home and you dare come to me like this?" Allias shouted getting more annoyed by the second. "Leave before I kill you. I am serious."

    "I am very serious too. Come back before I sent people to kill your favorite dog." Theseus said and Luke rolled his eyes. He didn''t know how or why he was caught up in this lover''s quarrel again. It was quite funny if you thought about it but he didn''t really feel threatened by his words, knowing that Theseus couldn''t harm him and all. He could handle a few elves in the extreme case he wanted to attack him with their soldiers so he wasn''t that concerned.

    Alexander on the other hand didn''t seem to take his words so lightly.

    "What did you just say?" He asked him and Theseus for the first time paid attention to someone else except Allias.

    "Stay out of this kid." He told him. "You have no idea what is going on."

    "And you do? Because all I am seeing right now is you trying to force him out while insulting Luke. Who do you think you are to barge in here like that?" he asked him taking a few steps towards him. He was really close, ready to fight him if he had to. Alexander was obviously annoyed and Allias began to worry. Theseus would not be able to defend himself if something happened.

    "Alexander just let it go. He is just mad" Allias told him but the teen completely ignored him. He began thinking. The king couldn''t attack him, he would definitely lose control and kill him which would make things shitty again and Luke would definitely flip out. He stared at the other wolf hoping that he would intervene but the idiot was observing from a corner satisfied like a proud mom.

    "You are an airhead just like your boyfriend I see." Theseus said with a snobbish smirk angering Alexander even more.

    The wolf raised his arm and punched him, making him land on the ground, his nose bleeding, blood on his knuckles Alexander seemed to have lost his mind. Theseus began laughing, seeing him as aa young child on a tantrum. He wanted to provoke him even more and Allias was contemplating what he should do. If he hurt him Theseus would never take him back. He would lose him.

    Alexander kept punching him, Theseus half-conscious at this point. He did not even stand a second to think why he wasn''t defending himself. Why he wasn''t stopping him. Theseus was defenseless! Do something! A voice in Allias'' mind screamed and when he noticed Alexander taking out his sharp claws, ready to kill him, slash his throat open, he moved without even realizing it.

    How did things end up this way?

 Chapter 195 - 195

    To Allias Alexander at the moment was nothing more than a punching bag. Yes, he had managed to beat Theseus while he was in this state but it was completely different with the elf king. He was strong, incredibly so and that was why when the young wolf was yanked away from the elf general, grabbed by his collar and thrown to the other side of the wall he wasn''t that much surprised.

    Allias in his last moments of clarity he made sure to throw the kid close to Luke so he would protect him. Luke ran towards him, hoping he would get him up and run away but Alexander denied. His breath short and his hands painted by Theseus'' blood he stormed back inside the fighting pit, wanting to defeat Allias.

    The elf king grinned, as the wolf ran towards him, an angered expression changing his face. The elf skillfully dodged every single attack, light on his feet and playfully he jumped from side to side, not coming in contact even once with his sloppy punches. Allias'' fighting even when he was mad had something very delicate to it, as if he was hopping on the water of a clear lake his steps were precise and smooth, his movements reminding every spectator that of a dancer''s. He took pride in his form as he fought; even then he was undeniably irresistible his skill combined with his beauty, that wild look in his eyes was a sight to behold.

    "You''re five hundred years too late!" Allias shouted and landed a very strong punch on his cheekbone, making him stumble back before he fell to the ground on his butt. He walked slowly cracking his fingers and grabbed Alexander''s right leg dragging him to the other side of the long corridor and throwing him to another wall, creating a brand new hole, cement everywhere and dust.

    Alexander couched, spitting his own blood everywhere and his head began feeling dizy. Once he had been raised up by the King, his thin legs in the ear, his words sounded like sirens in his head. Ringing endlessly, he couldn''t make out any words. Allias followed the tactic of one word, one punch. Every time he said one word his fist would mercilessly land on the wolf''s face.

    "We don''t touch what belongs to the King! Do you get that?" he asked him, between gritted teeth. Alexander''s eyes were lost, unable to focus on anything; he was unable to even hold his head up. Allias clicked his tongue annoyed. His plaything had reached his limit and he threw Alexander to the ground. His body sliding on the shiny floors until it reached Luke who picked him up carefully. "You didn''t want to help him. Were you scared of me?" Allias asked him playfully and Luke rolled his eyes.

    "He needs to know his limits. He has been doing a lot of reckless things lately, spitting a lot of stupid ideas. I would get in if you seemed set on killing him though." Luke said, getting a stronger hold of Alexander in his arms before he screamed at everyone to get lost, return back to their rooms.

    After the short and one sided fight ended slowly the crowd became less and less until once again the four boys were the only ones on that floor.

    "You too Allias, leave and take Theseus with you." He told him.

    "Yeah, yeah." He said and stared at Theseus who was still on the ground recovering from his wounds. His eyes were closed and he was taking deep breaths steadily, blood everywhere splattered on his face, his left eye bruised a deep purple color that faded into a very dull yellow. "You will have to keep that though." He told Luke while pointing at Theseus. "He doesn''t like me that much. I doubt he would want to come with me."

    "Pick me up" Theseus mumbled and Allias raised his eyebrows, wrinkles forming on his smooth forehead. "Pick me up I said! We''re going home." He told the King. The brunet elf faked a sigh, trying to hide the satisfaction blooming in his heart as Theseus had told him to return and picked him up, getting him over his shoulder. "I did not mean that kind of pick up, you fucker." He said and Allias laughed.

    "Well, goodnight pups! I will send someone to deal with the little mess I''ve made." Allias said and Luke flipped him off before he took Alexander away.

    The two elves met with the chilly spring breeze, the smell of flowers in the air even though Allias couldn''t spot any. The sky was clear and the rustling of the leaves played a subtle music as he walked with Theseus in his arms.

    "Get me down now I can stand." Theseus said and Allias let him down with no argument. The king attempted to start walking again but the general blocked his way, standing there looking at him.

    "Are you mad at me again?" he asked him and Theseus sighed.

    Mad? Was that what he was? That pain in his heart, the sourness on his mouth and numbness of his mind was anger? He highly doubted that. It was something more. A mix of fear and sadness. Seeing Allias like that was torturing him as he felt unable to bring him back. He was scared of losing him forever, scared enough that he could overlook everything. When he left, simply disappearing in front of his eyes he remembered. That pain inside him awakened again as he stood in his empty study room, drowning his sorrows in drinks. He couldn''t possibly return back to this, that solitude.

    "Why are you crying?" Allias exclaimed, his eyes widened as he spotted the shiny drops, dripping from his pretty eyes.

    "I¡­I¡­.Allias"

    "Look I get it. Like this you wouldn''t want me in the palace. It''s fine. I will try not to cause any more trouble here I will just find a place and¡­" Allias began talking, meaning to tell him that he would leave as he had been told. He didn''t want to make Theseus unhappy anymore. Only him, he wished to see him smile. He stopped though, his sentence never ending and he soon forgot what he wanted to say. Theseus caressed his skin, his blood painting his face too. Cold and dump fingers tracing the shapes of his face as sad eyes met with his.

    "Can''t you come back to me please?" Theseus begged him. "Please, I love you. I am sorry."

 Chapter 196 - 196

    Why was he apologizing? What kind of crazy situation was this? Allias wondered. His feet were rooted to the ground, his limbs heavy as he tried to think of something but every inch of his body had turned numb. His heart was racing and his eyes stung, tears gathering in their corners as Allias felt his whole core breaking. His eyes were completely round and he stared into the deep forest his lips slightly parted, small breaths escaping. Fast and uneven as his chest rose up and down.

    Soon he lost all his strength falling to his knees, his palms touching the fresh grass. His fists grabbed it, almost ripping it and he raised his head, meeting with Theseus.

    "No, no, no" he mumbled as tears started to fall. "No!" he shouted and his palms covered his ears. He lay down on the ground, feeling the dew dump his clothes. He was getting a heart attack that was the only logical explanation for the pain on his chest, even if it was impossible for an elf.

    "Allias?" Theseus called out and kneeled next to him taking his hand in his.

    "I will die. I will fucking die." He cried, his free palm clutching his shirt, the spot right above his heart. "What did I do? Why? Oh gods no!" he said feeling the anguish crush him like a lifeless body on the rocks. Waves of sorrow, guilt and self-loath began attacking him, like hungry man eating shadows they surrounded him and attacked one by one, tossing his body here and there, dipping their sharp teeth on his skin, tearing him apart bit by bit.

    "Allias are you back?" Theseus asked. A hint of hope appearing in his eyes as his lover pulled his knees close to his chest, crying uncontrollably. He shouldn''t be happy seeing him like this, dressed with a veil of utter despair but he just couldn''t stop himself. If he was right Allias was returning and now he was being flooded with the consequences of his actions.

    The general tried to comfort him, rubbing his arm but Allias flinched, moving away from his touch as he tried to get up.

    "Don''t touch me! Don''t even look at me. How could I¡­.I hurt you, my hand, I almost killed you¡­I cheated, I killed people. No" he cried staring at the hand that had passed right through Theseus'' torso, almost ending his life.

    "Relax, Allias take deep breaths. I am here. Everything is fine I promise. Slowly we will fix this, everything. Like we''ve always done" Theseus said in calm, soothing voice and tried to approach him. Allias took a step back, raising his right hand, a signal for him to stop.

    "Don''t just don''t. I am disgusting" he cried and pulled on his hair. Letting out a pained scream, his lungs hurting.

    How could he do any of those things? What was he hiding inside of him that he let out all that anger, all that hatred? Especially towards Theseus, the one he loved the most in this world. He was despicable and he knew that this pain would never subside. This torture should never end because he deserved it, every bit of it, he needed to be punished but who would do it? Who would make him pay for his actions? Theseus, Mark or the others? He knew that no one would be able to do it. They cared about him too much and he was still their king. He would remain unpunished and as the years passed his soul would blacken more and more.

    "Allias, look at me. Focus on me. That person was not you. It was not. Believe me. I know it, the guys know it and we will fix it. This pain you feel I will help you with it. We will get through it together. I will be there for you so please come here, okay?" the general said, hoping that Allias would find shelter in his embrace, a soothing comfort as he opened his arms, revealing a place that existed only for him.

    Allias would never. He would never ask someone to share that burden with him, this needed to sink in, find its roots in his heart and torture him for as long as he lived. His despicable actions needed to be engraved in his body, his soul and mind until the end of time. That wasn''t enough though, the pain was not enough.

    "Don''t follow me. I am going back to the palace." He told him

    "We can go together." Theseus proposed but Allias had already disappeared. He had been expecting this, the pain and the guilt. He knew the king too well to even hope that things would easily go back to normal but now that he had brought him back he had no idea how to help him. He would end up ruining himself.

    He would end up ruining himself. Theseus repeated on his mind in shock. Yes, Allias had tried to do it again what would stop him now as he was drowning from guilt? The general began feeling immense worry, teleporting at the palace and running from room to room. He shouldn''t have left him alone. Once again his thoughts were one step behind.

    "My king what have you done?" he heard Ea scream and rushed to the source. Allias had headed into their room.

    He had stolen a knife from the kitchen, a heavy one with a wide blade the cooks used to chop meat, break the bones of dead animals. Theseus noticed Ea standing at the doorframe of the bathroom, the light on and his palms over his mouth as he tried not to shout.

    Theseus rushed inside to face the horrid scene. He was too late, this time he didn''t manage to save him. Allias was standing there, the heavy knife in his hand as he was surrounded by endless pools of his own blood. A clear expression of anguish on his face as he bit his lips hard so he wouldn''t scream.

    The general could not believe what he was looking at.

    Allias had cut his arm off. The one he used to hurt him. He had mutilated himself.

    ....

    Hello please let me know in the comments what do you think of this chapters since we will be entering a new arc soon, even more exciting! I hope you like the little light and shadow stories, a bit more romantic. hehe.

    I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reading.

 Chapter 197 - 197

    He was too late. Once more time had been his worst enemy, hurting him and Allias. What could he have done if he managed to reach him? Offer him his hand? Would he not be bathed in his own blood now? Theseus couldn''t know, all he did was just stand there, heartbroken and confused, staring at the elf king. He was pale, sliding on the wall until he reached the ground, grasping his cut arm. There was nothing left underneath the elbow.

    "My king. No! We need to call the doctor. He will fix this." Ea said and attempted to leave.

    "Theseus stop him." Allias ordered him, his voice rough, his eyes squeezed shut as he was trying to endure the pain.

    Subconsciously Theseus grabbed the small elve and stopped him, it was Allias'' order, ringing in his ears but why? Why didn''t he let him go bring the doctor? Maybe because deep inside him he knew. Allias deserved this. For everything he had done.

    "What are you doing?" Ea asked him distressed. "He can''t stay like this. He will bleed out!"

    "Just bring me a med kit. I will fix this mess." Theseus said. He wanted to enter the bathroom, looking at that line created by the different materials used on the floor. He was scared to do it, afraid that Allias will reject him. He didn''t dare to look at him in the eyes, he didn''t want his tired and pained expression on his mind, torturing him every night.

    Time, he just wished he had a bit more time and like always his wish wasn''t granted.

    "Come in. I know you want to." Allias said and Theseus finally managed to step inside. His black boots stepped on the pools of blood, leaving trails with his every step and Theseus crumbled next to him on the floor. He grabbed his white shirt and his face rested on his shoulder.

    "You fool, why would you do something like this? Couldn''t you just wait for me? You never do." He told Allias and the king smiled faintly.

    "I love you. How could I ask you to do this for me, or sit here and watch?"

    "Yes but..."

    "I deserved it. You know it. I can''t go on living with such a burden. Such guilt." Allias said and rested his sweaty head on Theseus''

    "So now you will be okay?"

    "Okay? Oh, no. Definitely not the slightest bit but at least now I feel like I could live. Theseus I am sorry. Only now I get to see how hard I''ve always made your life. You were so carefree, traveling the world, living your life to the fullest always smiling and I...I locked you in a golden palace, brought you in my prison and never let you out. I am despicable." Allias said. Theseus opened his eyes and raised his head, looking at his exhausted lover with a depressed expression. He caressed his cheek, seeing how Allias enjoyed his touch.

    "You really are a fool. There is no prison. It has never been. There is just you. Even if we were forced to live in a tent in the woods again it would be just you, because always you''re the only person I can see. I mean how can someone else steal my sight when you shine so brightly?" He asked him with a charming smile and Allias'' lips moved upwards.

    "That''s such a nice thing to say. You know." Allias mumbled. "You know I....could let you go. One day if that''s what you wish. Spare you the royal burdens, give you the life you wish. I could...if it made you happy."

    "You should get such stupid ideas out of your head. You were right when you said we were cursed." Theseus told him kissing his forehead. He wiped away the sweat from his temples and took his hand in his, squeezing it faintly. "How villainous it sounds that I don''t care if the world burns as long as I have you?" Theseus asked with a chuckle.

    "Very, very much indeed but I like it." Allias mumbled. "I''m getting dizzy."

    "Well you''ve lost a lot of blood. When Ea brings the supplies I will patch you up it''s not good to have anymore rumours."

    "It''s not good to have anymore rumours" they said at the same time.

    "I love you Allias, never forget that. It''s not bad to share your pain with me. I can handle it." Theseus told him and the elf king nodded, his head moving slightly. He opened his eyes for a while, just to see his handsome face, he was smiling as he played with his hair, so handsome, he thought.

    None of them wanted to share their pain with the other. Allias didn''t want to hurt him, hear him during the night as he wailed, as he wished he never existed. He knew how bad Theseus would feel. But why was it that right now, dizzy and stunned by his words he believed in him? He would always be there.

    "I am too lucky." He mumbled.

    "Yes you are." Theseus agreed. "I am lucky too. Look at me born with nothing and got married into royalty. I am amazing."

    "We are not married you know." He said.

    "We should. You would be my husband, and we would have a ceremony on a nice field or maybe close to the beach, the place your dad liked so much. And there would be our friends no one else and we would dance until the morning. I would hold you in my arms all night and hear you laugh as I spun you around. Then we would return home and I would get to have you all to myself. My husband. Only mine. Imagine the music Allias, imagine the food and the wine, imagine us dancing underneath the moonlight, when everything is over I will steal you and take you away. Whereve you want just the two of us, away from the world. "

    "Now it hurts a bit less. So tell me more" he mumbled and rested his head on his chest. Tired and in pain.

    "As you wish my king. Then how I tell you about when we will visit your father''s land. The clear sea and the golden sand, the smell of the ocean and the sound of the waves. We will walk and walk until you get tired. Then I will stop and kiss you...."

    Theseus kept talking, telling him about all those beautiful times he wanted to spent with him. Soothe his pain as they waited. The elf lost consciousness soon but the general kept going. Making more scenarios, more stories, a smile on his face as he reminded himself that the pain would one day end and then there would be plenty of time. The time he craved so much.

    ....

    Guys what do you think of my writing? I would love to hear if you like it or not. I''ve been thinking lately that it might not be enough? I don''t know...

 Chapter 198 - 198

    Mark had fallen asleep. He had been waiting for Theseus to return, see his friend and make sure he was alright but having stayed up for a few days now his eyes closed on their own.

    He fell asleep on his armchair, a warm cup of tea on the small table, steam coming from it in many pretty shapes. This time though he hadn''t been thrown into some kind of made up dream land. This time it was completely different but oddlt familiar.

    The moment it started Mark knew that it was happening again.

    He was standing at that balcony, the one from Amelia''s vision, rocks and bloody rivers around him, dark houses and a red sky. At first this place felt sickening, the smell of blood everywhere in the air but after finding himself there a few times he realized he had gotten used to it. He had also assumed that this was the demon roalm.

    "So we meet again" the man said.

    His hair was messy, his eyes having a crazy shine to them and his smile deadly with those sharp fangs showing.

    "Why did you bring me here again? Just let me sleep! I don''t know anything. I don''t even know what you want! You just come here every night and smoke next to me! You don''t even talk. Please I am tired!" Mark said.

    Every night it would be the same. He would find himself high in this palace, restrained in this small balcony many meters above the ground. The door to the inside would always be locked and after a few minutes this man would appear, dressed in black, a lot cigarette on his hand and he would just walk to the edge, sit on the railing and just smoke. Mark would ask him questions, again and again but he would never answer or talk. About anything.

    "How can you even enter my mind!" Mark said in distress.

    "Well that witch exited last time in such a hurry that left a door open on your mind. A door only I know of since I''ve always known your mind." The man said.

    "So it''s true! Amelia was right. From where do you know me? Why do you always bring me here?" Mark asked and the demon smiled.

    "Is that all you want to know? How about my name?" The demon asked him with a smile. He jumped off the railing, landing in front of him.

    "I don''t really care to be honest." Mark cruelly rejected him, making him frown. "I just want to sleep." He said.

    "You will sleep soon."

    "Today you''re talking." Mark noticed, considering how every other time his lips were sealed.

    "Yes, because our time like this will be soon over. I wanted to be with you a little bit before I kill you" he said and Mark''s eyes widened.

    "What? Kill me? Why? I am a decent person. I don''t know you mister!" He said and placed his palm on his face. This whole situation was completely crazy. He had no idea what he should do or say when an unknown demon said he wanted to kill him. He would die? Was that it? He hadn''t even gotten to be Inna stable relationship yet.

    "Remember me then you will know" the demon said and threw his cigarette off the balcony.

    "How the hell... No never mind." Mark said and shook his head. "You can''t kill me inside my mind right?"

    "I could but I don''t want to. I want this to be real and I want everyone to see me do it. Because you are the cause of all my misfortune. Now that I can finally...."

    "Then why do you want to spend time with me? What is this? Is this some kind of prank?" Mark asked. No matter how hard he tried he couldn''t take any of this seriously. At the moment he was inside his mind having a chat with a demon who wished to kill him. Who would take a story like that seriously?

    "You really haven''t changed" he said and laughed. His eyes turning into small crescents, his lips open as he showed his perfect teeth.

    "Shit..." Mark mumbled.

    "You find me attractive don''t you?" The demon asked with a smug expression.

    "I have a boyfriend. Or he is going to be I don''t know. I have someone I like." Mark said and the demon crossed his hands over his chest, staring at him with a displeased expression.

    "That''s impossible."

    "I don''t even know your name. I am sure it is very possible."

    "So you''re a traitor in this life too. Always betraying me."

    "I don''t know you!" Mark shouted, his hands in the air making intense genstures. This seemed so surreal. They were conversing but both of them were in different plains. It was so weird. They were talking about the same thing but actually they were reffering to something else.

    "Remember me. I can''t kill you if you don''t remember me."

    "Then I will never remember you" Mark said.

    The from approached his ang grabbed his jaw, bringing him closer as he smirked.

    "Don''t make me force you to." He said in a low voice and the red haired scoffed.

    "You supernatural men sure think that you own the world. Well fuck you I will never sleep again just to avoid you. You want to spend time with me just to torture me. I bet you''re having fun."

    "Actually it''s quite painful." He said and Mark stared at him, confused. What did he mean by that? Was it painful to be in someone else''s mind like this?

    "I thought you were strong"

    "Of course I am! I am one of the demon princes! That''s not what I mean you idiot." He said and eyed him like he was stupid.

    "Well sorry I don''t get your stupid riddles. In your stupid balcony, with your stupid cigarette and your stupid, stupid....everything is stupid! Don''t laugh! You are stupid too!" Mark exclaimed. He was annoyed. Every word that left this man''s mouth was irking him to hit himself on the wall. From his bustling confidence to his unique beauty and the way he spoke he just wanted to jump off the building. He knew he would wake up again and think of all this for the rest of the day, tired and looking like a panda. All he wanted to do was sleep and dream about food. Simple as that. Hot demons with murder plans were not on his list nor they would ever be.

    "I want to spend sometime with you because once I...I loved you and you betrayed me so I need to kill you." He said.

 Chapter 199 - 199

    Allias blinked a few times, his eyesight blurry from just waking up. He turned his head slowly, feeling his dry throat to face Theseus, sitting in a chair next to their bed, holding his right hand tightly as he slept. He smiled and swept his hair away from his eyes, the general frowning and slowly waking up too.

    "Hey." Allias said and Theseus smiled back.

    "How are you feeling?" he asked him and sat up, stretching his hands above his head, and his long legs.

    "Okay? I don''t really know. You could''ve slept next to me you know." He said showing him the empty spot on their bed. It was empty, Theseus'' part of the bed had no wrinkles in the sheets, his pillow neatly placed on the same spot as always. Instead of sleeping together with him, the general had decided to stay close, awake for as long as he could in case Allias needed anything.

    His left arm now half, had been bandaged. Allias still didn''t feel that much of a difference with one limb lost but he was smarter than this, the moment he got up from this bed his life would change completely and he would have to adjust.

    "I wanted to be ready in case something happened. I know it''s still pretty early, after everything that has happened but there is a meeting now. We need to talk about your coronation, welcoming the royals, holding an official ball and those things I¡­they were never my strong point. I mean, I could try and organize them but I am not good with diplomatic relationship or who should sit next to whom, I am quite dumb." He said staring at Allias like a lost puppy. With Theseus he could always show his full possibilities with a weapon in his hands, a strategic battle plan on his mind but when it came to protocols, manners and appeasing sleazy royals he would always sit back and let Allias do his magic.

    The King laughed, realizing how desperately he wanted to avoid this and stood up, heading towards his wardrobe.

    "Okay, okay. Don''t worry. I got it. Just help me with my cape please" he said and Theseus rushed to his side with a relieved smile.

    "Thank you." He said and held the beige cape over his shoulders, placing it gently on his body and securing it with a golden brooch. His lose shirt was neatly tucked inside his brown trousers. "Will you wear that too?" Theseus asked as he noticed his eyeing his crown. It was golden, with handmade vines and delicate leaves. Allias always felt heavier when he wore it but today he wished to take it out from its case. He was officially back.

    "Yes, I think I will. I also want to go meet that man, and the family of the guard. I need to apologize." Allias said and Theseus nodded. "Could you put it on me?" He asked him and Theseus carefully grabbed the crown, resting it on the center of Allias'' head.

    "You look so handsome." He told him and Allias smiled, feeling the warmth of his words. "Also there is something we need to talk about. Joe, he said that the only solution for us at the moment is to destroy the gate." Theseus told him what the young hunter had said while they headed to the meeting room.

    "This is impossible. We will lose all access to the human world." Allias said.

    "There are other portals too. We could use one of them in case of emergency."

    "The closest one is in the demonic capital. Do you really think it would be good for us to need the demons? They would never grant us access."

    "In case of emergency they would have to."

    "Yes, but with what cost? I am sure there must be some other way for us to fix this. We got a bit of time, from what I understand Joe does not intend to reveal the portal''s location. At the moment all his father''s men that had known about it are dead. I read that in Ea''s report."

    "That''s true but can we risk wasting any more time? I mean¡­"

    "We are here. We should talk about this later, when we are alone." Allias told Theseus. They had taken their last turn reaching the door of the usual meeting room. In there many of the palace''s staff would probably wait for them. The head maid, the general and many more. Allias always forgot to learn their names, he shouldn''t neglect it anymore, he thought as he pushed the door.

    For the first time no one was patiently waiting on their seats. Ea and Ares were standing shouting at each other while the general tried to calm them down. Theseus brother was manically shaking his arms in the air, holding pieces of paper while Ea was telling him to stop. The head maid was slumped in her seat, fanning her face while Mark was shaking his head, filled with annoyance.

    "I am telling you that we should not participate in this. It''s their business. I don''t care!" Ares shouted.

    "We are allies; how could you be so inconsiderate? It''s diplomacy! Di-plo-ma-cy you meat head!" Ea told him, pointing a finger at the pieces of paper he was holding.

    "Silence!" Allias commanded and everyone stopped moving. "Sit down, all of you." He said and every person in the room obeyed as he headed to his seat at the head of the table. "This is not what I was expecting to see first thing in the morning. Why are you fighting again?" he asked the young elves.

    "I will tell you! It''s because that wolf Alpha Adam is dead and¡­" Ares began talking.

    "What did you just say?" Allias asked surprised. Adam was dead? "Ea, fill me in" he said and the elf cleared his throat.

    "Today we received a magic letter from Luke. As it seemed a coup happened to overthrow Adam and he died. It did not happen with the natural procedures meaning that the one who orchestrated broke pack rules. They didn''t say anything else, except that in their letter Luke wrote please help us. I think something horrible must be happening at the compound."

    "We should leave them. Nothing good happens from being involved with them." Ares said and Ea shot him a deadly glare.

    "Theseus send a few of your men to scout the area. We will see what we will do after we know a bit more. Tell them to find Luke, Mikael or Alexander if they can and bring one of them to us." Allias ordered and Theseus stood up, obeying.

 Chapter 200 - 200

    A few hours ago

    "Adam! Hey Adam. Wake up. Did you hear that?" Daniel whispered and with his hazel eyes he looked around Adam''s room, worried.

    "What?" Adam mumbled and with his arm he pushed him back down on the bed. "It''s the same ruckus as before. My son is doing his shit again. You went down a few hours ago just to see him fighting with his elve buddies. Sleep. " He said with his eyes closed.

    Adam''s room was at the top floor of the compound, an enormous bedroom with a king sized bed, huge windows with the endless forest as their view. Adam never let anyone enter or approach the top floor except for Daniel. It was the only shelter he had left; the only place he could be himself.

    Their clothes were thrown on the wooden floor and the curtains were drawn letting in the bright moonlight. Daniel sat up again, pushing his muscled arm away and shook up the Alpha.

    "Wake up. It''s footsteps. On your floor." He told him and Adam suddenly opened his eyes. He had chosen Daniel as his beta for many reasons. His fighting skills and his bravery weren''t one of them but his extremely keen senses were. He could smell and hear things most wolves couldn''t, his eyes were able to see even in the deepest darkness. It was almost poetic, once they were young Adam had told him that with those pretty eyes. That could see through the darkest times he would always find him and bring him back.

    He stood up, leaving Adam on the bed and wore his pants in a hurry, his eyes shining a silver color, similar to the one of his son''s. he approached the door, placing his ear on the material and focusing. Yes, Daniel was right someone was out there, probably searching for him through he endless rooms. Their time was limited.

    "Come here." He whispered at Daniel and the man followed him. "Who do you smell. Do you know this scent?" he asked and the Beta sniffed the air once or twice. He took a few seconds, thinking before his jaw dropped. He grabbed Adam from his naked shoulders, looking at him distressed.

    "It''s Sam, your nephew. I am sure he wants to kill you. You need to hurry up and leave. It''s also that girl, your son''s girlfriend or something. They have more people with them, around five. Not even you could fight them now. Come on let''s go!" he said and grabbed his wrist. "We will jump off the window."

    "No. Daniel wait. Listen to me" he told him, and stopped his ranting. "We will make too much noise and if they know we are gone they will probably move on to Luke. We can''t let them get to my son. I will go out there to stall them, you are fast so run away and warn Luke, protect my son okay? I will come find you." He said and attempted to open the door.

    "You''re sick of it aren''t you? This life so you will just sacrifice yourself? There is still time Adam¡­to change things. I won''t let you go and die" Daniel said, tears gathering on his eyes.

    "It''s too late, you know that. Daniel, I know my son won''t forgive me but at least tell him that my arrogance and my foolishness were always plagues we got from our parents. Tell him to not be like me. To find another way to protect the pack. I am too tired, I can''t change now but you, you have to run away okay?" he told him with a gentle smile. Daniel was probably the only person who had this image of Adam engraved on his mind. The Alpha cupped his face and kissed his forehead. "Shh, don''t cry. You have to be strong." He told him and wiped his tears. "You are my mate, we will meet again. I promise and the next time. I will accept you, I swear. Daniel I¡­I am sorry¡­"

    "No! You will live, you will come back, shut up. I am the only one, the only one who knows how you truly are, the darkness of your story. I was always next to you so you owe me! You can''t die!" Daniel said, his tears had turned into waterfalls his body shaking as the footsteps began getting louder. Only a few doors left, only a few minutes.

    "Daniel, please don''t do this to me. I need to go, how can I leave when you look like this?" he said and hugged him, his naked arms wrapping tightly around his body. He was shaking, unable to accept the idea that this was the last time he would see Adam.

    "This is unfair, I never got the time I wanted with you. I never held your hand out in the open. I¡­"

    "I will open the door now." He said and kissed him passionately on the lips. "You will run out the window, run and find my son. Daniel, please protect him. This is the last favor I will ask of you and maybe, make sure that he won''t dance on my grave" he said and laughed, Daniel punching him in the shoulder.

    "So this is it?" Daniel asked, holding his trouser while they were sitting on the floor. "You''re leaving me." He said and Adam bit his lip. He kissed him again, cupping his face and bringing him closer. The last time, the last kiss but he had to. He had to make sure that Daniel and his son would be safe, even if he died. Maybe this was a righteous outcome. The last few years had been a nightmare as he found himself changing more by the day, to keep everything together. His old self had been forced into a coma the moment Luke was born. He had a lot more to protect know, someone to keep alive and while everyone was out to get them he had to be cruel to keep them united. He had made mistakes, so many that he slowly turned into his father, the person he despised the most, so as he grew older and tired he realized that it was probably all for nothing. No one would grieve his death but it was alright. He deserved it.

    "Next time, I swear, I will do better." He told him. "Go, go¡­leave!" he shouted and Daniel unwillingly ran to the window, seeing Adam one last time, before he opened the door.

    He needed to warn Luke.

    ...

    Someone, please tell me youw ant to know Adam''s backstory. I swear it''s good.

 Chapter 201 - 201

    It took a while for Luke to tend all of Alexander''s wounds. He was aware that he had to be more careful now, since he wouldn''t heal as fast as a normal wolf. The teen hissed as the cotton pad with the disinfectant touched his purplish lips and he wrinkled his nose dissatisfied. Luke noticed his cute expression and smiled moving on to his next wound, a cut underneath his eye.

    "So, that was a stupid move." Luke told him and Alexander nodded, looking defeated. "But at the same time kind of cool. How you wanted to defend me."

    They were in Luke''s room, the small window open letting the chilly night wind enter. Alexander shivered slightly, the older getting up to close it. He brought his chair close and sat down, turning it around and passing his long legs through the back, resting his chin on the harsh plastic material.

    "I needed to test something." Alexander said and began settling all the medical supplies back to their kit. He seemed kind of disappointed. Losing so easily from Allias was to be expected but still, his pride must''ve been hurt. He wanted to defend Luke by coming forth and fighting for him but all he had managed was to make a fool of himself.

    "Test what?"

    "If it''s really necessary, for me to break the seal. The way I am, I am clearly nothing. I can''t do anything" He said and his head fell, his eyes focusing on how blue his jeans were. He was embarrassed to look at Luke.

    "You don''t have to do anything though" Luke said approaching him. He pushed his chair back with his leg, crouching in front of him and taking his hands in his. He turned his face bringing it into Alexander''s view. His grey eyes kind as they traced the scratches and bruises. Those must hurt, keep remaining, not healing like they should be. Alexander wasn''t like the rest of them and he was being reminded of it every day.

    "You won''t be with me anyways so at least by breaking the seal I will be able to protect you. That''s enough for me." The teen confessed and Luke sighed, breaking off their contact as he stood up.

    "The reason we can''t be together is not that simple. It''s not about you being strong or not. There are many other reasons that¡­." Luke began saying but Alexander stood up, his hands in fists as he looked at him with an angered expression. One day after the other he kept getting rejected but his feelings just couldn''t stop. He wished it too sometimes, he wished that his feelings weren''t so strong. That he could just stop thinking about him, worrying about him, wanting him. That would be the best for all of them but it was much more complicated than this.

    "I keep getting rejected by you, again and again but this¡­" he told him and placed his palm on his heart "¡­won''t stop beating for you. I instantly fell in love with you. The day we returned from the elf palace I saw you. You trashed your room, you cried and hurt, you looked broken and your tearstained face is still haunting me. I knew you were blaming yourself. I could see how much you hated your own image for making all these mistakes and all I could think about is that I have to help you. I wanted to see you smile, so desperately. I didn''t want you to be alone in that room anymore hating yourself. Believe me if I could stop feeling like this, if I could stop hurting I would but you¡­you are all that I can see¡­" he said tears in his eyes.

    Luke thought that no one would see him, he thought that everyone was gone that night so he hadn''t bothered to close his door. He had ruined everything, broken every piece of wood, ripped every fabric and he had cried, he had cried so much his face would get swollen and his throat would hurt from screaming. Alexander had seen all that.

    "You, you saw me?" Luke asked in shock. He had been seen in one of his worst moments. A moment not even Mikael knew he had gone through and the thoughts, those dark thoughts that no one knew that were torturing his mind Alexander had managed to understood them from just one look, a second when he saw him back there, caged in his small room, trapped in his self-hatred.

    "I did! I wish I never had because from that point I just couldn''t get you out of my mind! It''s ridiculous I know." He said and aggressively wiped his eyes, causing the area to turn red. "I will break the seal. I need to be someone for you."

    "I warned you what''s going to happen if you do!" Luke shouted making Alexander flinch.

    "It doesn''t matter!" Alexander shouted back. "It doesn''t matter because that''s the only way for me to¡­" the boy tried to say that this would be the only way for him to stand next to him, help him and make him smile. He would sacrifice his dreams about romance, he would burry everything deep in his heart as long as it helped Luke get better. That''s what he was intending to say when the Beta stormed into Luke''s room, panting and a total mess.

    His right wrist was purple and swollen while his left knee was scrapped the fabric of his jeans gone at that spot and many scratches and blood trails spread everywhere on his leg. He was panting his hair messed up as he also missed his shirt.

    "Daniel? What are you doing here? What happened?" Luke asked him surprised, forgetting completely what he was talking About with Alexander.

    "Your father¡­we¡­it''s a¡­a coup" he panted Luke not making any sense of his mumbled words. He stopped for a second taking a deep breath as he looked at the young wolf.

    This boy right in front of him was Adam''s son, the only one with the same blood on his veins. He had helped raise him, trained him, taught him of the pack rules so how could he tell him that his father was probably dying?

    "Your cousin Sam together with Lily, they broke the pack rules. He should have challenged your father into a one on one duel, if he wished for the spot of the alpha but he, he came into the last floor, together with everyone he had gathered and wants to kill him. Adam sent me here to warn you, to tell you to run because they will come for you next. They want to kill your family and take on your title¡­that''s why Luke you need to¡­"

    "Wait¡­where is my father? Is he fighting them alone? We need to help him!" Luke said and attempted to leave the room. Daniel stopped him, grabbing him from his shoulders. The wolf noticed how the Beta''s eyes were teary and red, had he been crying?  Why? Luke wondered unaware of their fate.

    "Your father¡­" Daniel said trying to control himself. With every word he realized it more and more that Adam would die. He had decided it and Daniel was given a mission to protect his son, he couldn''t fail. "He wants you alive, he told me to protect you and get you out of here. Luke listen to me your father, he is not who you think he is, his last wish was for you to live so please come with me. I will take you somewhere safe and we will plan after that."

    "No Daniel, he is my father! I can''t just leave him be like this¡­he will die!" Luke said suddenly getting scared. Yes, he never got along with his father. Yes, they always fought but still he was his family, the one who trained him, the one who congratulated him on his winning games. He just couldn''t leave him and run away. He knew that his father would never do that to him, he wasn''t doing it now!

    "Listen to me!" Daniel said, finally releasing his tears. "I¡­I loved your father more than anyone else. To leave him here will be my biggest regret but he has asked me this. He has asked me to protect you so need to listen to me."

    "Daniel you¡­" Luke mumbled confused, recognizing the heartbroken expression, the tears and the pain in his words. His mother was not Adam''s mate; he always knew that but could it be that he¡­

    "We need to hurry!" Daniel said and grabbed Luke''s wrist. "Young one!" he called out to Alexander. "Come with us too, there is not much time left." He warned them.

    And indeed there wasn''t. There wasn''t any time left at all. When they exited Luke''s room they ran down the huge staircase, out of breath and in a hurry they headed towards the exit. Everyone was still asleep unaware of the events that took place and the change that would happen from tomorrow morning.

    The exit was blocked, stopping the three man right on their track as they found themselves being surrounded. Sam was standing in front of the enormous door with a wide grin on his face. One of his people right behind him held Adam.

    Daniel''s eyes widened and a soundless scream escaped his lips. He didn''t want to see this. He wanted to remember Adam alive but they had ruined it for him, they had taunted his precious memories and now all he could see was a lifeless body, his torso ripped wide open, blood all over his tanned skinned, his muscles not moving anymore.

    "Well, well, well trying to run?" Sam told them. "But I have a gift for you." He said and moved his head.

    The man threw Adam''s body right on the floor, disrespecting the dead. He kicked it with force as if it was a ball until it reached the three man. Daniel fell to his knees, his hands trembling above his lifeless body.

    "Get them" Sam commanded and all of them jumped forward.

 Chapter 202 - 202

    No matter what Luke did he was well aware that there was no way he would win against all of Sam''s guys. They had already began circling around them and Daniel, devastated and crying together with Alexander wouldn''t be much help. Both of them were not known for their physical powers.

    Nonetheless he decided to give fighting a try. Pushing Alexander to the side and moving away from Daniel so they wouldn''t get hurt he fought off the first two guys that jumped on him. One of them kneed him in the stomach, making him want to throw up while the other punched him in the face. Luke fell to the floor, hurting as he grabbed one of their legs and brought both of them down at the same time before jumping on top of the guy closest to him and ripping his neck open with his claws. He raised his head, staring right into Sam with his silver eyes shining in the darkness, his teeth as sharp as his nails he growled as he watched him flinch.

    "Don''t be a coward and come here!" he shouted but Sam took a step back instead.

    "What are you waiting for? Capture him!" he commanded the rest of the young wolves and all of them jumped forward ready to fight him. He couldn''t help but wonder why so many people had decided to side with him, what kind of lies he must have spat in their faces to make them want to kill their Alpha. Yes, his father was not the most liked person but he was respected and appreciated in the pack, he had dedicated his life to make it evolve and last through time something that most wolf pack''s couldn''t do. So for them to turn their backs on his family like that, he must have thought something very convincing but Sam, he wasn''t that smart.

    Luke guarded himself exchanging punches with many of them, throwing kicks in the air and throwing most of his enemies away. They were too many though and he was starting to get tired. Changing in his wolf form would be the best option but the space was too narrow for him to move around freely as a huge wolf.

    "Luke!" Alexander shouted wanting to warn him that one of them was behind him. The older wolf turned around fast, dodging a very dangerous hit and watched how Alexander jumped on his back, strangling him so he would get away.

    "Get out of here!" Luke told him but he pretended he didn''t hear. There was no way he could ever do that, seeing how things were heading. "get out here and bring help!" Luke gave him a mission. "Go to Allias, bring him here!"

    Maybe that way he could help, Alexander thought and let go of the suffocated guy, pushing him away from him with his leg. He looked around frantic wanting to find a way out but the only close exit was sealed by the traitor himself. He started running when he noticed that the wolves had let go of Luke and now were after him, Sam would not let him bring help. He was planning to keep everything inside this place until he got the throne.

    Alexander clicked his tongue, his mind racing, trying to find a solution but it was pointless. There was no way he would make it out from those maze like corridor''s, he knew it. His eyes traveled to the window and he was really tempted to just go for it. The faster he escaped the sooner he would bring help. All he had to do was make sure his landing would be right so he wouldn''t get injured more.

    He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, running towards the window with his shoulder forward ready to jump threw it when someone yanked him from his collar. Bringing him back. He felt the fabric of his shirt choke him and he coughed trying to escape from his captor.

    "That was brave of you but there is no way you''re getting out of here. At least alive." One of the wolves told him and dragged him back to where the fight was taking place. Luke was sweaty, filled with blood, his own or the guys'' he didn''t know and that made him feel even more worried. "Hey!" the man who was holding him said, stopping instantly the fight.

    The moment Luke realized Alexander hadn''t managed to escape he immediately stopped. He was holding one of them by the neck, his grip loosening as he watched the boy struggle to escape.

    "Don''t hurt him!" he screamed and Sam''s laughter echoed in the corridor.

    "We won''t if you behave. Tie him up. All of them" he said and soon Luke and the other two were found helpless, sitting on the ground with their hands tied behind their back, rough rope dipped in wolf''s bane burned their skin. "Take them on the back with the others. Tomorrow I will make a statement of your death Luke and then I will be the Alpha. Like I deserve. Your father was nothing."

    "You don''t deserve to even think about my father. He was much stronger than you will ever be. You know that, that''s why you planned this whole facade. Because if you challenged him head on like the law said you would die, a very embarrassing death, like the one you deserve." Luke insulted him. Sam was angry, it was obvious from the vein that popped on his forehead and the red tint on his complexion as he approached Luke. He punched him twice in the face, causing his nose to bleed but his causing just laughed. "Like the touch of a feather. Useless."

    "Take them away!" Sam screamed and three man dragged the prisoners away. "And get everything ready for tomorrow. I want his death to be a spectacle." Luke heard him say and he snorted as he walked. He eyed one of the guys, the one he was pushing him forward and asked him.

    "What did he say to make you go with him? He is more stupid than a monkey, I am sure you know that."

    "At least he is not siding with the elves." The man said filled with disgust and Luke laughed. So that was his great excuse. His people sometimes seemed to be inheritably stupid.

    They led them to the back of the compound, into the same empty room they had once locked Mark and Allias. The corridor was slightly cleaned up, the spider webs and the mold had disappeared but the stench of blood that always lingered in the room was the same, invading Luke''s nostrils the moment the metal door opened. The others were Markus and Mikael, tied up in a similar manner, his best friend beaten up they were sitting on the floor. The three of them were pushed inside before the doors closed.

    "Well took you a while but you made it." Mikael said with a grin.

    Perfect, his only thought of immediate help had been caught before him.

 Chapter 203 - 203

    "Well hello, good to see you friend. What brings you here? Was it the upcoming riot?" Mikael joked and Luke rolled his eyes as he tried to untie himself. The toxic liquid though burned his skin, melting the flesh and making him bleed. It hurt so much he couldn''t attempt to do it a second time. He sighed, feeling cornered like a little mouse and looked at everyone in the room. All of his allies had been caught and all of them would probably die today.

    "Adam is dead." Daniel mumbled, his empty stare focusing on the ground. "They threw his body¡­Markus! Adam¡­" Daniel cried and the scarred man looked at him with pity.

    "Daniel try to calm down okay? I am sure Adam knew what he was doing, he decided this so we need to make sure that Luke is safe, you know that right? This is what we were assigned to do from the start." Markus said and the man with the hazel eyes looked at him, still distressed. He nodded hastily trying to control himself.

    Watching the two men talk Luke wanted to ask so many questions. He had never known about his father''s past, it was something he never talked about and Luke was never interested in it either. Seeing the loyalty of those two men he had never wondered why the followed such an arrogant and self-centered leader. He had assumed it was because they were forced to but now things seemed different.

    "We need to find a way to get out of here, ask for help." Mikael said.

    "I already sent a magical letter. I addressed it as you though. I even wrote that Adam was dead to make it more convincing but I never thought that¡­" Markus said and stared at the dirty ground. The man was usually expressional, always buried in a nook but now he seemed to be at a loss of words, unable to think or do anything. "So he really¡­that idiot." He mumbled with a sad smile.

    "To whom did you sent it?" Luke asked.

    "The elf King. I hope they decide to help us soon because I don''t think we will see the light of day. At least not soon, or ever again."

    "It''s fine." Daniel said. "It''s fine if we died. Then I would be able to¡­then I¡­"

    "Don''t even dare say it!" Markus shouted. "Do you know what shit Adam would make me go through in our next life if I let you die? Get your shit together, he is gone! Dead!" he told him and Daniel stared at him filled with rage.

    "Then what should I do!" Daniel screamed, tears once more in his eyes. "What would you do if you had to leave your mate to die? He told me to just go and let him die Markus! I didn''t want to see his body, I really didn''t but now¡­what¡­what can I do without him?"

    "Well that''s a plot twist." Mikael commended as Daniel revealed a secret only the three friends and Adam''s father had known. A secret that was buried in their hearts for centuries, a painful past they couldn''t escape from.

    "Daniel what did you just say?" Luke asked him confused. He had thought about it, believed it was a possibility but hearing it now was much more shocking than he thought it would be. The man stared at him realizing what he had just said and his lips turned into a thin line before he averted his gaze.

    "This is not the point now" Markus said gathering everyone''s attention. "We need to find a way to get out of here. The elves might come, they might not come we should make a plan and¡­"

    "I thought I told you to run away" Luke said, interrupting Markus as if he never began talking. Alexander seemed surprised that he was addressed, especially with the events that were taking place and he shrugged, watching Luke''s judgmental stare.

    "I wasn''t fast enough." He said looking regretful.

    "If you had left when I told you to now we would at least be able to count on some kind of help. Now all we can do is sit and wait to be killed or saved." Luke said

    "I am sorry. I know it''s just that I couldn''t leave you there. You were in danger." Alexander told him. He had messed up. He wanted to help but maybe his thinking wasn''t that right after all. He looked at the wolf in front of him, apologetic but Luke didn''t seem to bulge.

    "Help is not just throwing your fists around. You can help without fighting Alexander. You don''t have to be¡­"

    "I do not think this is the right time for your lover''s quarrel please. Focus on the problem." Mikael interrupted him and Luke nodded while sighing. He was right, all they could do now was think of a way to solve this mess.

    Luke considered himself at fault too. He was caught of guard. Even though he knew that his cousin was spiteful towards him he never believed he could orchestrate something like this. He wasn''t smart enough nor strong enough to do it. I guess this is where Lily comes in, he thought and he was already sure that the enchanting girl had him wrapped around her finger. So much for not wanting to stoop low anymore and having pride. He remembered her words and smiled. When this was all over he was going to kill her. Luke had given her many chances already but since she didn''t seem to want to learn it would be about time she begged for mercy. Both of them, he would love to see their twisted grins turn into expressions filled with horror. Crying, snot on their faces, on their knees as they begged for him to show them mercy. Oh, he wasn''t going to die there today, this would be a perfect chance for him to rise to his position and ensure it so nothing like this happened again.

    "So let''s just brainstorm for now." Markus suggested.

 Chapter 204 - 204

    "So do you have any news?" Allias asked once Theseus stormed inside their room. The elf King was sitting on their bed, tapping his foot on the shiny floor while he bit his fingernails. A few hours had passed since Theseus had sent his scouts and there was still no word.

    He was supposed to be resting. After everything that had happened and the incident with his arm he was supposed to have a very slow and peaceful return to his duties but as it seemed not only he was being pushed brutally into action in his kingdom but now he would have to help the wolves too.

    Many could wonder why the elf king would choose to bother with people that gave him so much grief, used him and hurt him. For a second he questioned it too but he realized that he didn''t hate them. He never did and he even considered them kind of his friends. Not everyone on that compound for sure but a few selected people were not that bad. On top of that allowing that stupid cousin to get the Alpha''s position would mean more trouble for them strategically in the future, considering the closeness of their domains. Allias needed someone in the throne he could reason with, a strong leader that he could manipulate if things worsened. He never wished to do that, but at the end of the day his kingdom came first and he needed to bring his old glory back. Having the wolf pack on his back on top of everything else would be too much of a bother.

    "I just received a magical letter. They said it''s true that idiotic cousin is behind everything and Adam is dead. They have dumped his dead body on the compound entrance. I send one of my shadow wielders there. He became one with them and searched the entire building but no sign of the people we know. They just returned. Do you know anything? A place they could be keeping them?" Theseus asked.

    Allias had lived there for a short while but in all honesty he hadn''t seen a lot. Luke''s cautiousness combined with his own fear of werewolves had him staying most of the time in his room. Also back then he didn''t seem to be so good with directions, he would always get lost in that endless maze of corridors and wooden doors that stepping outside of his room to get to the bathroom would be an adventure on its own.

    "No, not really. Maybe we should ask Mark? He was the explorer kind of guy" Allias said and Theseus nodded, leaving the room in a hurry to bring his best friend here.

    Allias tried to vision the place in his mind, the twist and turns, the big windows and the dark rooms. He had found himself many times in the infirmary, he did know his way around that pretty easily. He thought with a bitter smile. He had the sudden urge to change his clothes, his body feeling heavy with all that royal attire and he stood up, heading to his wardrobe. Firstly, he tried to remove his cape, something that was easily done since he only needed to unclip the brooch on his shoulder, the rich fabric landing onto the floor.

    Undoing the buttons of his shirt was a different kind of task now. He had never guessed that such simple jobs would end up being agitating. His fingers fondled with the buttons as he tried to undo them with one hand, the only one he had right now but after two of them he was already tired and annoyed. He sighed staring at himself in the mirror, at the door. His reflection was crystal clear, his face always the same unaged but his body different.

    "You really are a masochist." He mumbled to himself and returned to his bed, defeated by his own shirt''s buttons.

    Thankfully he wasn''t alone with his thoughts for long. Mark entered the room first, completely ignoring his manner and not knocking to storm inside. He had been worried too, not for political and diplomatic reasons but because his heart was racing, the thought of losing Mikael still scarily vivid.

    "So? Are they alive? Is everything okay?" Mark kept asking questions. Allias raised his hand, stopping him.

    "Breathe." He said and Mark inhaled only to continue talking.

    "Shut up or I''ll kill you" Theseus said and shot him a death glare that froze the red head on the spot. Allias chuckled with his expression, as he slowly took a step away from him and approached his friend, sitting next to him on the bed.

    "What is it with you and scary boyfriends?" He asked and Allias shrugged his shoulder.

    "Now, Mark while we lived at the compound do you have any idea of a place that they could use to keep them? I am trying to remember but honestly I have no idea." Allias said, his troubled expression surprising his friend.

    "You''re joking now right? How could you forget of that horrible place? Stinking of blood, mold and bugs everywhere? No sun light we were locked there for hours! And it''s also at a very weird side of the building so your scouts may not have gone there." Mark said. Allias'' eyes widened and he stood up, staring at his best friend as if he was a genius.

    "Of course! Yes, they used to take people there. It is really possible that they are there. How could I forget?"

    "Well I was there a lot longer than you after all. Upside down. In the dark." Mark said with a judgmental look and raised his eyebrows. Hoping that Allias felt bad. yes, he had been locked in there for hours no one looking for him only for Mikael to come and save him. He didn''t want to be petty and remind him but his expression was priceless as the memory surfaced. He did enjoy it after all.

    "I am really sorry about that time." Allias apologized with a guilty smile.

    "So now what do we do?"

 Chapter 205 - 205

    Daniel felt empty. Like there was no soul inhabiting his body anymore. He was just a vessel, existing in autopilot and for a second he wished he would get killed by those men. He would just cease to exist and hope that maybe in his next life he would be able to stand next to him, without fear, without the pain.

    His blank stare hadn''t been left unnoticed, his knees brought close to his chest, the voices of everyone else as they talked were distant, as if they were thousands meters away. He couldn''t focus nor think, even though thinking, calculating a situation was all that he knew how to do. Now that he was gone he was left alone, useless with no goal in life. Was this how Mikael felt when they lied about that girl? Had he caused such an enormous pain to others too? Because right now the only feeling still existing in his was sorrow, devastatingly heavy, chains wrapped around his legs and hands, a cuff on his neck making it hard to breathe he was shackled by his own pain.

    Daniel had always been timid, scared to fight, scared to shout or be in a confrontation but at the same time he was extremely smart and calculating. He was also quite handsome with hazel eyes, tall and lean. he knew that even now, looking like a man in his forties, was pretty popular. That''s why he liked standing right next to Adam, looking at both of them side to side he always believed they matched perfectly. The Alpha was a bit taller than him, his body strong and buff while his eyes were a majestic grey, like the stormy sky. Daniel for many years, had long hair, dark falling onto his shoulders because Adam would play with them and calm down when he was distressed. He would have to cut it now.

    "Hey, are you listening?" Markus asked him and nudged him with his shoulder.

    "No, I can''t. I am sorry." He apologized. He was looking right into his old friend''s eyes but he couldn''t see anything. He was lost, a daze of memories and regrets. He died, he just died like that and left him behind.

    "Daniel please. We need you." Markus said, saying the word please for the first time in a while. "Look at him." He whispered at him friend. "Look in his eyes." He told him and with his head showed Luke. They had paused their planning for a while, trying to clear their heads before sunrise. There was time still left, but not for long. Not while the best planner they had was out. "He has Adam''s eyes. You always liked his eyes didn''t you?" he said and Daniel watched Luke.

    He did. He always liked that beautiful grey color. When he would transform it would turn into iron, shine like the immortal moon. It was always such a pretty color, cold and deranged but when Adam looked at him it was different, warm and safe. Yes, he had Adam''s eyes, almost identical. Daniel teared up again, hiding his face, embarrassed to be seen in such a state.

    "He is his son. You raised him with Adam, do you really wish to let him die like that? You are the only one. The only one Adam loved enough to entrust his son to. Will you let him down?" Markus told him and the man looked at him. What could he do? What was there to be done since he couldn''t think of something to save him? But the kid, the little baby he had seen after Eve had given birth. That little five year old that used to run around laughing between his legs while he was trying to work. When he turned twelve he always tried to escape the lessons, begging him to give him a free day. He was the one consoling him as he cried because his father was in the war, he was there because Luke was Adam''s son.

    He wiped his eyes with his sleeve and let his legs rest. He bit his lip as he began thinking, trying to find a way to let them all out safe. He looked around, at every single one of them.

    "You, little one." He said calling out Alexander.

    "Does anyone else except us know about your feelings?" he asked, Alexander''s face turning pink at the inappropriate question.

    "No, I don''t think so. I mean that scene today could be interpreted in many ways." He commented and Daniel nodded deciding on the final details of his plan.

    "Do you have an idea?" Luke asked him, a spark of hope lighting into his eyes. He did look a lot like his father, the way his eyes lit up, it was pretty. He thought and smiled bitterly.

    "Yeah I do but listen here. It will be all based on you." He told him staring at Alexander. "So I need you to tell me now that you can do whatever I tell you without messing up. If we fail on the details the whole plan will crumble. Can you fight?" Daniel asked him.

    "No he can''t. Don''t make him do anything dangerous." Luke said and Alexander''s face dropped, filled with disappointment. Of course he couldn''t fight.

    "Then can you run?" he asked him.

    "Yes! Yes, I can run" Alexander exclaimed and Daniel nodded satisfied.

    "Daniel please don''t make him¡­" Luke began talking, wanting to ask the older man to not put him in danger. He wouldn''t be able to calm down knowing that Alexander was given some kind of live threatening task while he stood there, doing nothing but waiting.

    "Don''t worry. I am sure it will be fine. He won''t have to fight after all. Just¡­you have to be careful and execute it perfectly. Can you do that?" he asked him again, wanting to make sure that Alexander understood how important his job would be.

    "Yes, I won''t fail. I promise" he said, his eyes showing his decisiveness. He would do anything he could to help them out. Correct his wrongs.

    "Okay then. Hear me out..." Daniel said and began explaining his plan.

 Chapter 206 - 206

    "This is all your fault you fucker!" Alexander screamed. He was on top of Luke his arms freed and he kept punching him again and again with vigor. His eyes were shining and he bared his teeth at him as he kept hurting him.

    "Get off of me you piece of shit!" he shouted right back at him. His arms were still restrained, behind his back and pressed on the floor by his own body, he was unable to move or fight back. His face was bloody with huge blue bruises forming slowly, especially on his left eye.

    Alexander kept going, getting all his anger out on him, screaming and clawing him hard. Luke groaned and twisted his body wanting to push him off so desperately, feeling his whole face slowly turn numb and his head was overtaken by a very heavy dizziness.

    "Stop, Alexander!" Mikael called out, wanting to put an end to their violent fight. Everyone else was still restrained sitting at the back of the room, watching helplessly as Luke was almost unconscious. "Enough! Help, Somebody!" Mikael shouted, his voice getting outside the lock and dark room.

    Soon footsteps were heard and the heavy door opened slowly, letting the light of the corridor enter. As the two men noticed Luke''s state they run towards Alexander and pulled him away, the young wolf kicking and growling, wanting desperately to return to Luke and end him. He was fuming, completely furious as he was being dragged away by one of Sam''s men.

    "What is going on here?" The other asked but Luke was unable to answer. He had turned on his side and he was spitting blood, from his cut lips. Mikael began explaining in his stead.

    "He found a way to untie himself and attacked Luke. Why the hell did you bring him here with us? We don''t even know this guy." He told them, looking at them annoyed.

    "Let me go!" Alexander said, twisting away from the hands of the man and eagerly jumping onto Luke again, hitting him before he was yanked away once more. The two guys stared at each other, questioning what they should do. They obviously didn''t want Luke to end up dead right there because Sam''s plans would end up being ruined and obviously he would blame them and punish them, something both of them clearly wanted to avoid.

    "Let''s take him out, somewhere else, we don''t want him dying yet." One of them purposed and the other after thinking for a while nodded, dragging Alexander away from his shirts collar, throwing him out in the corridor and looking at him suspiciously one of the crouched down to meet his eyes.

    "So is it true you''re not with them?" He asked him and Alexander scoffed.

    "Would I be hitting the strongest person in there, our only chance of escape if I was with them? Are you stupid?" he told him and earned a slight punch. The other wolf laughed with his comment and helped Alexander up, giving him a tissue to wipe the blood from his bleeding nose.

    "Just take him outside, lock him up on his apartment or something just to be sure." He told him and the man frowned, disinterested in doing that chore.

    "Why does it have to be me?" He asked with a sigh but his friend didn''t even bother answering him. Defeated, the guy grabbed his forearm and dragged him away from the room and outside. The deep night was cold, making him shiver and slowly wrap his arms around himself.

    His eyes carefully scanned the area. There was no one around, the place was completely silent. Him and that biff wolf on his side, walking towards the family department of the compound where the only people around. He gulped and stopped for a while, his palm resting on his head as he stumbled around a bit, his eyes closed shut, a pained expression on his young face. The man stopped next to him, his arms hovering around him as he looked at him confused.

    "What? What''s wrong?" he asked him and suddenly Alexander twisted his body in two grabbing his belly and almost falling to the ground. The man caught him, distressed and dumbfounded as he had no idea what was happening exactly.

    "I, I don''t feel that well, please just stop for a second." He begged him, his eyes still closed. Alexander''s heart was beating loudly, sweat dripping from his brown hair on his temples, validating his words. His symptoms though were not caused by some kind of sudden illness; it was because he was worried. His racing heartbeat and that tingling sensation on his palms were signs of how stressed he was at the moment.

    "Are you alright dude? Do you want me to carry you?" he offered as Alexander just plopped on the dump grass, pretending to be unconscious. "hey!" the man called out to him and hovered above him, worried. "Wake up dude, please I have things to do" he said and slapped his cheek.

    Alexander still unable to see anything, immersed into his role as he sensed the man''s body slightly angled above his he raised his leg and hit him right between his legs with as much power as he possessed. The man fell to the side with a loud groan and Alexander was immediately on his feet running away from him and towards the exit. He turned for a second around and shouted how sorry he was from a few meters away. The exit was finally right in front of him and he sprinted towards it with a victorious smile.

    "Yes!" he exclaimed happily as he left the compound finding himself on the endless road. He passed threw it in a hurry, making big steps and entered the deep forest, jumping above tree branches, his feet diving in mud, he searched around with only one place in mind. "Now all I have to do is find the portal."

    ....

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 Chapter 207 - 207

    The forest was dark, unusually so and Alexander did not know if it was because of his fear or even nature itself had realized something was terribly wrong.

    The terrain was fragile, his feet diving into cold mud a few times. He remembered the portal, the one with the pretty flowers, made from Allias'' sorrowful death. Such a beautiful scenery hid such an important secret with only a metal gate in the peculiar shape of a long tear drop to signal it''s existence. As if it was forgotten there, a huge mansion existing with it, a long time ago someone would believe it was the ruin of an old family, until everything perished with the cruelty or time.

    He was out of breath soon, he indeed had lied about being able to run. In reality he wasn''t able to do anything at all, he couldn''t allow himself though to let them down once more. This time he had to help. Show Luke he would be able to stand by his side, help him.

    The Alpha''s dead body flashed on his mind, a shivering image as he walked passed the dense trees. He couldn''t let that happen to Luke, time was of the essence and he did not have much.

    Time was always a trickster, playing games with them. If he had been born sooner, if he had met Luke sooner would things end up differently? Maybe better. He doubted it. Thinking about it wasn''t good for him to wonder how their present could be different. These moments were all he had, these days filled with tears and heartbreak also had such precious smiles, such heartwarming words and he no matter what wouldn''t want to change them.

    He stopped right in front of the gate, listening to the sound of the creak, the water running smoothly, cold and clear. The huge tree Infront of the portal stood tall and domineering as Alexander''s eyes scanned the area. He hopped over the small river, slipping slightly on the edge, his foot ending up half in the cold water. He hissed with the sudden cold feeling before he landed safely with a second attempt to to the ground.

    He looked as if he was getting ready to go to war, his eyes showing how serious he was. Staring right into the portal his footsteps were steady the fear of the unknown unable to overtake him. He was scared, very much so but he couldn''t hesitate. Stepping to the other side, finding Allias was their only hope.

    Alexander though remained to their human roalm though. It was the golden King stepping into their area, looking as majestic as always. He noticed him immediately with his eyes. Cold and unwavering. Allias was truly a king, with his every step, his every move he made sure to show his authority.

    Theseus was standing right behind him, cautious about everything, ready to kill anyone who would approach him. He used to follow the method of slashing someone''s throat first and then finding out if they were enemies or foes.

    "Alexander? What are you doing here?" He asked him with a questioning look. Alexander eyed him, surprised by the fact that in the few hours he hadn''t seen him Allias had managed to lose his arm. His eyes widened, his silk sleeve empty, the king''s vibrant eyes following his stare.

    "Your arm? What...."

    "People should pay the consequences of their actions." He simply told him. Alexander was stunned. Did he really do this to himself? He actually cut his own arm off? Who would have such inner strength and that unwavering feeling of justice to be strong enough to cause themselves such pain? Allias smiled kindly, taking a step towards him. "I am fine. So please tell us what''s happening. I believe that''s why you''re here. We received Luke''s letter so we hurried here as fast as we could."

    "Thank you" Alexander said. He believed in Allias, he knew the kindness he had inside him. "Sam, his cousin started a riot. The alpha is dead and now they have taken imprisoned Luke, Markus, Daniel and Mikael."

    "Mikael? Is he alright?" A voice was heard behind Theseus and Alexander realized that Mark was with them. Standing behind them, shielded in a way.

    "Yes, yes. For now everyone is fine. We just need to go and save them because once the sun rises they will execute them to set an example. Sam has used you, the elves as an excuse to gather followers. Saying that Luke has become your dog and that he doesn''t care about the pack." He explained.

    "I did not believe that Sam was that smart. I am surprised." Allias said.

    "It wasn''t him, probably. It was Lily. Luke''s ex girlfriend."

    Allias'' eyes widened. That despicable girl that used to torture him had now left the petty trick and scams. She was actually doing something so dangerous and vengeful. She was really intending to kill Luke? She was supposed to love him.

    "That bitch!" Mark shouted agitated. "So it''s not enough for her to lock people up and torture them. She has already tried to kill Allias now she wants to get rid of Luke."

    "Theseus be wary. Of you see a blonde woman be sure to kill her. Don''t listen to her and don''t show any mercy. Just get her out of my way. She is a bother." Allias commanded him, the general nodding. "Let''s go. I doubt that they will be able to handle us. Alexander please stay here with Mark. If we haven''t returned in half an hour which I doubt it, call for help. Ea and Ares are on standby by the portal on the other side." Allias instructed him.

    At first he was hesitant. Letting them go alone into this place. They didn''t know how many men Sam had with him and he was sure they were alerted by his escape now.

    "Okay I will wait." He told Allias and he nodded with a smile.

    "Do not worry. We will return with Luke." He tried to reassure him.

    "Can''t promise you he will be in one piece. I might you know....get rid of him." Theseus joked Alexander''s eyes widened in shock. "I''m joking. Shall we?" He asked Allias and he smiled.

    Havoc would begin soon.

 Chapter 208 - 208

    Alexander had been left alone with Mark, the thick woods their only protection. His eyes were glued to the portal, he knew that their other two allies were behind the magical barrier and maybe them could help him with what he wanted to do.

    He looked at Mark, the red haired human was pacing back and forth, his eyes restless as he looked at the end of the forest. Half of the time had already passed, fifteen minutes and his best friend was nowhere in sight. It was supposed to be single. They would get in and then immediately out bringing the others with them. Then Mark would be able to see Mikael, once again they had been separated without being able to talk. Their kiss was the only memory reassuring him of their mutual feelings. He did remember Amelia''s warning and vividly so, since that witch was the one who left an open door in his mind. A door that made him unable to sleep properly at night and a man whose few words were more confusing even though they were supposed to be some kind of explanation.

    "So..." Alexander called out, getting his attention. "Are Ares and Ea knowledgeable in magic and stuff?" He asked him shyly.

    Mark eyes him confused, unaware why he would ask him such a question. He was a human he didn''t even know that magic needed knowledge. He had never found himself intrigued about that but maybe, he should study a bit. If his meeting with that monster was unavoidable he should know a few things before recklessly jumping into his death.

    "I don''t know. They are quite old though, I am sure they have picked up a few things." Mark answered him honestly, the wolf next to him was contemplating his answer.

    "Okay. Then I will be going for a while. You can stay here and wait." He told him and walked straight towards the portal.

    "What? No! This was not the plan. We can''t just do whatever we want. You can ask them later." Mark said stopping him momentarily from leaving him. Except for being scared about the plan failing, the red head was quite afraid to stay alone in this terrifying place at the crack of dawn. He was basically powerless by himself. He was aware though that Alexander was probably an improved version of a human and he wouldn''t do much as long as they stick together they could possibly get out of most dangers.

    "It might be too late by then. I need to do it now before fear makes me regret it. If you''re scared you can come with me." He proposed and Mark scoffed.

    "I am not scared! But anyways if nothing will change your mind I will come along to make sure you don''t mess anything up. There''s fifteen minutes left. I hope it won''t take long."he said looking at the watch he was wearing. He had wore it especially to check the time and make sure that Allias and Theseus wouldn''t be in trouble. If they did this right everything would be fine. He was sure of it. Allias had never failed in anything, even though now he was missing an arm. That had to be quite the drawback.

    "No I think this will be quick." He said.

    "Then let''s go." Mark agreed with a sigh and passed through the portal first.

    Indeed right in front of them with just one step a whole new roalm was opening. Alexander had passed through it once before, when the whole pack had seemed refuge there to protect themselves from the hunters but with so many people, in a hurry and afraid he hadn''t paid that much attention to this magical occurrence.

    The elf kingdom was truthfully brilliant. Not anymore covered in thick snow and endless cold, the grass was vibrant the trees tall and alive and a faint smell of orange was lingering in the air. His eyes hungrily took everything in. The endless swiveling oath in front of him that led to the enormous village, small houses and wooden road and right at the back the huge palace, dark and elegant standing proudly exactly like the king and his general. His lips were parted as he looked at the fairytale like beauty.

    "What are you doing here? Is everything alright?" Ares asked with a worried expression the moment he saw the boys, interrupting Alexander''s viewing.

    "He needs something from you." Mark told them and Ea tilted his head to the side, curious.

    "From us? What could you want from us?" Ea asked him.

    "There is a little time so I will have to explain it in a hurry. As it seems Allias and Theseus might need our help so I want you to do something for me. Break a seal that has been placed on me. I don''t know if you''re familiar with this but I was the Great White Wolf. I sealed my power and I need you to release it so I can help Luke, be by his side."

    "What?" Ares asked surprised. "Isn''t that supposed to be a bloodthirsty monster? Why would you want to do that? Be with him the way you are. I am sure he doesn''t want that for you either."

    "I know and yes he doesn''t want it. But this is not about what Luke wants, it''s about me and the feelings inside me. Like this I cannot be of any use. I am fragile and sickly I am more than a burden to the man I love than a help. He always worries about me and I always mess up. I won''t be able to stand it. My guilt will kill me if something happens next time and I won''t be able to do nothing."

    "Yes but this could ruin your life, you should...." Ares argued but was interrupted by Ea.

    "We will help you. I understand." He told Alexander and the wolf smiled brightly. Ares frowned, staring at his husband as he didn''t know why he said he understood. Ea was pretty strong, a skilled assassin that could kill everyone in the blink of an eye so he didn''t understand why he said he understood. Was there some kind of thought on his mind that he didn''t know about it?

    "Thank you!" He said excited.

    Ea could understand the troubles of the young wolf. He was always small and he was never born with some kind of extreme power. The way he was now he only managed to achieve by training so hard to the point where his feet bled from running, his palms were filled with calluses and his sweat dumped his clothes from morning till evening. He had done all that just so he could help Theseus and be by Ares side. He had been the kid of a royal, raised in riches and he was quite spoiled but when Allias died, his only role model and Theseus was dragged into that big depression he realized he needed to change, just so no one he loved ended up like that again. On the other hand there was Ares. He was powerful and skilled with the sword, never flinching in the eye of danger. In their bed times he had thought that maybe like this he could get closer to him, if he was being considered as a comrade in battle. That was quite fruitless though. He was hopeful that at least things ended up in a good way.

    "So how do you break this seal?" Ares asked.

    "The seal is on my lower back." Alexander explained and raised his shirt. Indeed on his back there was a black seal, like a tattoo. It had the symbol of a howling wolf staring at the moon, scribbles and ancient letters in a circle around the huge design. Ares examined it with his eyes, barely able to make out the confusing writings.

    "This..." He mumbled and placed his fingertips on the design, tracing the complicated spell. "Is pretty ancient magic." Heumbled and Alexander nodded.

    "I don''t really know how it could be broken exactly. The witch who did it never told me in case I ever changed my mind and wanted to break it. I was supposed to stay like this forever. " He told them. Ares stared at the boy''s back a while more, his eyes focusing on the writings but still he was unable to think of a way to do it.

    "I don''t know kid." He said and Alexander''s hopeful eyes darkened. It would end just like this huh? Simply just one day would pass with him being useless.

    "Please isn''t there anything we can do?" He begged them. Ares sighed scratching the back of his nape. He was troubled by all this since he actually wanted to help, Ea seemed to do so.

    "I think I know of a way." Ea announced all eyes on him the moment he spoke.

    "What way?" Alexander asked.

    "We will have to kill you." He said.

    ....

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 Chapter 209 - 209

    "Allias I really think you should just stay here and wait. You''re not used to this whole new¡­thing." Theseus whispered and stared at Allias'' nonexistent arm. At the moment they were hiding inside a few bushes close to the backrooms that Allias had been previously locked in. They were waiting for the right time to just storm in but unfortunately the place was patrolled pretty often and teams of ten people circled the building. They could defeat them, it would be just like a slight work out but sadly that would notify even more people and that made Theseus worry. He still didn''t know if Allias was able to fight properly like this.

    "Oh please, relax." Allias told him as he rolled his eyes. "Should I just blow this place up from here so we can be over? I bet that won''t worry you." He said with a cheeky smile.

    "No, but I will get worried about what the council will do to you once they here you used your powers to this extend. You know is forbidden." Theseus warned him, eyeing him carefully. Many years ago, Allias the same as his father and mother he had been restricted by law to use his full powers. Only in cases of extreme emergency he would be allowed to and that only if his own life was in danger. If the golden king had survived, the incident with the poisonous flowers during the war would mean a huge penalty. He had killed hundreds of people like that, breaking the laws of war. Theseus was scared that one day Allias would forget about that really old rule, causing the supernatural world to turn against him.

    "Yes, I will have to deal with that at some point." He said shaking his head. No matter what he tried to do or even wanted there would always this threat that was called the council to stop him. He was fully aware that his every move was being monitored with the demon queen herself waiting for the perfect moment to destroy him, break his crown and even better for her, kill him. "So¡­" he told Theseus the moment he noticed the next patrol passing right in front of them. "¡­I am going in" he announced with a winked and jumped outside the bushes.

    He grabbed the man who was closest to him surprising him and throwing him to the man next to him. He lifted him up as if he was a feather, throwing him to his left and making two more men land on the ground, it was as if he was playing a game of human bowling.

    "Allias!" Theseus called him as he followed, his shadows flying from his sides and attacking two more men. "Don''t be so reckless!" he scolded him, making Allias chuckle. Theseus would always overreact when it came to him. "Watch out!" he alerted him, th eking seeing a man rushing towards him with his sharp claws in sight. He jumped wanting to bring him down but Allias managed to duck just in time.

    The two lovers found themselves standing back to back, their sweaty bodies touching, one covering the other. Some of the wolves were most skilled in fighting than others. They could exchange a few punches and considering their numbers soon Theseus and Allias were sweating and panting. The white haired general had a smirk on his face. He enjoyed the rush of the battle, feeling Allias close to him, fighting side to side as he spread havoc. He had one man and a girl in front of him. With a quick charge he rushed forward, his shadows on his sides, reminding the legs on a huge spider. He ran exactly into the middle, the long black whips enveloping them as they growled and fought just so Theseus could raise them and plunge them to the ground. The man was out immediately while the woman stood up having more fight in her.

    "So you want more" he told her the woman spitting on the ground.

    "Bring it on elf bastard." She said and their one on one battle began. Each one was good at avoiding the punches that flew in the air. Theseus got hit once though, right in the ribs, letting out a cough as he tried to breathe. The girl smiled satisfied when she felt someone grab her hair from behind. She screamed, feeling like the skin of her scalp would get ripped and struggled to get away.

    "That''s why we don''t have long hair in battle." Allias'' voice was heard. The King had immobilized her with Theseus giving her a final punch.

    "That was my one on one and you ruined it." Theseus pouted as he fought with the rest of the wolves. He could actually keep a conversation with Allias while he was fighting, mocking them in their faces telling them clearly they were not much of a challenge.

    "We need to end this soon. Do you think that was too much? She was a girl after all." Allias said and kicked a man to the face, knocking him down.

    "She called me elf bastard." Theseus said with a frown.

    "I guess it''s fine" Allias joked and Theseus laughed. Most of the men were down by now. Only two remaining. Allias was fighting with one of them, twisting his body, avoiding elegantly all of their sloppy attacks. It was obviously they were different species from the way they had learnt to fight. Werewolves were rough, bringing out all their force while elves while Allias loved elegance in their moves. The best sight Allias had ever witnessed was Theseus with a sword. He believed he was lost in some kind of dream, watching a god dance. It was dreamy.

    The wolf in front of him growled and Allias whistled mockingly. His eyes shone in the dark as he tried to grab Allias from his arm.

    "Oops, sadly there is nothing there." He said and moved forward, appearing right in front of him. He placed his right palm on his hand and with a blast of blinding light the wolf was shot a hundred meters away.

    "Allias! Restrain yourself." Theseus said while he struggled a guy to unconsciousness.

    "That was nothing!"

    "I guess that''s all for now. Let''s go and get them." Theseus said and wipe the sweat from his forehead.

    "Sweaty Theseus, Sexy Theseus." Allias said and raised his eyebrows playfully.

    "Shut up." Theseus said and rubbed the back of his nape. "Let''s go."

    They began walking towards the building when they stopped immediately on their tracks.

    "I guess that was not it" Allias mumbled as he stared right in front of him.

    Around twenty wolves, all in their beast forms were looking at them. Lily was standing right in the middle as a human, smiling viciously.

 Chapter 210 - 210

    "This is ridiculous." Ares mumbled as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "We can''t just stab him and see if something will happen.

    "My whole life has been ridiculous lately I am not that surprised" Mark said considering everything that has happened to him the last few months. From a young and rich college student he had passed to living in a werewolf hotel to end up in a palace with immortal elves. Anything was possible, nothing could surprise him anymore. He was starting to get some kind of resistance to it.

    "Please let''s try it. If I die, I won''t blame you. I swear." Alexander said and Ares burst out laughing.

    "Why does it matter if you blame us or not? You would already dead." He explained and Alexander looked away shyly. This needed to be done, for everyone''s good. The Great White Wolf would not only be a huge aspect to the werewolf pack, to Luke but to the elves too. If they helped him he would be indebted to them for life and elves always remembered the debts, they were owed. Alexander even if he didn''t want to he would have to help them one day, if they needed him. It was a rule.

    "I will owe you for the rest of my life. You know that right? Elves always liked to gather favors. As many as you want." Alexander told them and Ares grinned. His red eyes lit up at the word and he took a step forward, staring intensively at the wolf.

    "Are you sure about that?" he asked, his white teeth showing from his perfect smile.

    "Yes. I am sure." He told them and nodded. He raised his shirt again showing the seal and turned his back on them. "You can do it" he announced and closed his eyes, shutting them with force. He had a frown on his face, his heart racing as he awaited to feel the pain of the upcoming death.

    "I will do it" Ea informed them and grabbed a golden dagger from his belt. The blade was sharp, clear metal as it showed his reflection.  The small elf sighed, dissatisfied with everything he had to do the last few days. From cleaning and calming Theseus'' nerves as if he was his therapist to trying to win his husband''s favor and the last and most impressive part literally stabbing someone in the back. After all these were over he would take a long vacation. There was also the matter of his virginity that he needed to deal with. He was worried about every aspect of his life.

    He placed his cold palm on Alexander''s shoulder, the boy flinching obviously, his breath getting short as he froze in his spot. Ea twisted the dagger between his fingers, remembering the sensation of holding a weapon. It has been a while since he had used it and it almost felt foreign in his hands, even though it was especially crafted for him like most of the weapons of high officials in the elf realm. Theseus'' sword, Ares double swords and even Allias'' spear were all locked up in some kind of storage, bitter reminding of the war, he was the only one who still kept his weapons close. Just in case he needed to protect Theseus, while he was king.

    "Prepare" he warned him and pulled his arm back, angling it to the center of the complicated seal. Mark''s eyes widened and he turned around, not wanting to see up close such a thing. He wasn''t prepared for this story to turn into a splatter.

    The first thing Alexander felt was the cold tip of the blade then the bone breaking pain. The sharp dagger ripped his sensitive skin like it was a block of butter, entering the inner parts of his body, passing through the fat, the muscles and reaching the bone of his spine. A loud scream escaped his lips, even if he wanted to remain quiet and show he was strong, that he could endure it he couldn''t stop his eyes from watering or his voice from echoing everywhere. It was too much. That pain. He felt it a second time too. When Ea mercilessly removed the dagger from his body, the object following the same course but reversed. It was horrible. Alexander thought as he fell to his knees, sweating profusely.

    "Shit¡­" he groaned, his palms grasping the grass as he tried to breathe.

    "Now you need to bleed out. Get as close to dying." Ea explained and Alexander screamed again when the elf stabbed him again. This time at the top of the seal and then a third time at the bottom. When he was done his blade was painted a vibrant red, no signs of his reflection on it anymore.

    Alexander landed on the ground face first as he bled out, his body twitching, his eyes wide open, all of his muscles tense.

    "Make it stop!" he cried and smashed his fist on the dirt. He couldn''t stand this. After a while his whole body was getting numb, his eyes suddenly turning incredibly heavy. The twitching stopping by the second and a few mumbled words escaped his lips, sweat everywhere on his body giving him a faint glow under the moonlight. He wasn''t breathing. He looked dead.

    "Is he dead?" Ares asked Ea and kicked him slightly on the leg. He wasn''t moving at all, his body completely relaxed.

    "I don''t know why are you asking me?" Ea exploded at him, anxious that this didn''t actually work and that he was wrong.

    "I thought you knew what you were doing!" Ares shouted and Ea shot him a death glare.

    "I took a necessary decision! There are always risks!" They kept bickering for a while. Mark had now turned around staring in disgusted Alexander''s bloody body when he, first noticed something different.

    "Umm, guys the seal is gone" he said and pointed at his back.

    "I think we should get going too. If we don''t want to die that is" Ares said and Ea nodded. Grabbing Mark''s hand and running away.

 Chapter 211 - 211

    Luke couldn''t relax, no matter how hard he tried to stop himself from doubting Alexander he was afraid. Almost terrified that he could die out there trying to save them. If he hadn''t been involved in him in the first place he wouldn''t have to go through all this pain. Luke was aware that by being next to him Alexander was bitterly reminded all the time that he was lacking. In strength, in agility, in everything that he could need as an upcoming Alpha. The boy he loved knew very well that he couldn''t stand next to him like this.

    So while he was restrained, trapped in this bloody room, all his closest people surrounding him, waiting for their possible deaths all he could think of was him. How he lacked in everything that Luke had but he had plenty of what the Alpha needed as a person and not as a wolf. He was kind, his smile so bright and positive that it lit up his heart, instantly making his burdens lighten. He was beautiful, the way he moved, the way he talked with so much care to him made him dizzy, he wanted to bring him in his embrace and never let go but he felt so guilty for that desire of his. Being with him, now or in the future would only mean danger.

    "You look worried" Markus addressed him and Luke stared at him, lost in his thoughts it took a while for him to process his words.

    "Yeah," he agreed. "I am worried about Alexander. Once this is all over I want to send him abroad. To study somewhere. He is almost like a human; I don''t think he would face any danger. He would be in a worse position with me here." He said. Somehow saying it out loud, sharing his scariest thoughts made them feel more real and the idea of them agreeing with him, telling him that Alexander should indeed leave was unbearable.

    "Maybe you are right¡­" Markus said. He was unable to finish his sentence though since Daniel immediately interrupted him. His eyes focused on his lover''s son.

    "No!" he exclaimed, being openly fully against the idea. "Luke, do you like that young man? Are you in love with him?" he asked him, the wolf feeling like he was mentally being pushed on a wall. He was never good when it came to talking about his feelings. Most of the times his fondness would become entangled with his worries and his doubts, the burden of the upcoming future and slowly he would pressure himself in a state of numbness, afraid to let himself feel more. He did that with Allias too, he was scared, incredibly so that he ended up ruining everything. But now that he thought of it, maybe just that single time it was for the better. Seeing how things would end up one day.

    "Yes, I do but I don''t want him to be in danger, I will be the Alpha soon. He, the way he is, he wouldn''t be able to stand by my side." He explained and Daniel smiled.

    "You know; I am pretty weak. The only thing I could do was scout and research but still your father chose me to be by his side and not even once did I feel like I was in danger. I was also timid, a wuss. That was how he described me but somehow he never complained about having to protect me. Even when I was in the verge of dying he would just rush in and suddenly he would become stronger. Love Luke, can make us weak, frozen and terrified but at the same time it can bring a power within us that we never knew we had. Keep him here and if he can''t protect himself do it for him, because as you say you love him."

    "I don''t think it''s that simple. I¡­." Luke said, trying to phrase his words. Tonight he had realized so many things. Daniel was Adam''s mate and possibly his father was a lot different that he had thought. Maybe that was the reason his two closest friends never left him.

    "Wait a second Daniel dearest." Mikael cut in, seeming quite agitated. "All these years Adam has been nothing but a jerk and now that he is dead you are praising him? He is the man that took my mate away from me, he is the man who was so eager to destroy Luke''s relationship with Allias, he would murder someone in the blink of an eye. I get it he was Luke''s father and he is my best friend but listening to someone talk like that about him, with such nice words it disgusts me, because he was truly horrible." He attacked the hurt man. Daniel''s eyes widened. His breath was stuck in his throat unable to utter a word. He knew Mikael wasn''t wrong, he also was aware that in reality he knew nothing and no matter what he said right now could not offer a good explanation for all the things he had done.

    His face dropped filled with embarrassment. As he watched the dirty floor, splatters of remaining blood, scratches and dust he was trying to think of something, a reason to defend him but once again he was scared. He didn''t know if he should reveal everything. In a place like this, where everyone was worried, no one would get to understand, there was not enough time.

    "It was not us who let Scarlet free Mikael." Markus announced shocking the blond wolf. "It was Adam. He told us to keep it a secret. He didn''t want to seem like he was doing favors because you were his son''s best friend. What you foolish boys don''t understand is that in our society there are dead ends, rules that every Alpha has to obey to keep his people safe. You hated Adam so much that you would believe he would kill a wolf child. That means he was doing his job well, do you know how many Sams appeared over the years, not caring about the pack but wanting the power. A leader with a position so unstable as an Alpha''s, where you could be challenged to a duel so easily and die needed to be feared. Our species is dying, we needed those cruel decisions to survive. Adam did not choose to fight today. He chose to die because he was tired. He had been tired for a while now." Markus told them looking at the two young men in the eyes. He pushed his glasses on his face and kept talking. It was one of those times that he had a lot to say, he usually stayed quiet but now it was obvious that he annoyed with them. "But of course you had no idea, you never did because Adam made it that way. He wanted you to be educated, live a good life. Did you know that before him most of the wolves in the pack were illiterate? He built a college, he built a shelter for us and for you Luke and your best friend, because I am sure you know that it is unheard for a possible Beta to be from an unknown family, especially for an orphan, he did everything so you could grow up normally. It wasn''t your mother who took care of you when you were a child I am sure you remember that. It was your father and this man right here." He told them pointing at Daniel. "So do me the favor and respect that he just lost his mate, and I my best friend and keep your mouths shut. Am I clear?"

    "I am sorry." Mikael mumbled, averting his gaze. Standing in front of those two men always made him feel like a child, even though he was a century old. Luke remained quiet. He wasn''t the one who had insulted Adam but everyone was aware what he thought of his father and it wasn''t pretty.

    "Once this is over." Daniel said and looked at the boy he had raised. "I will tell you everything about your father and who he truly was. So please spare me this time. I am in too much pain to talk about it. I will let you know and then¡­" Daniel stopped talking. His body froze as the sound reached his ears. His eyes rounding, he stood up, still his hands behind his back. "Impossible." He whispered. "Can you hear it?" he asked everyone else.

    "What is it?" Markus asked confused.

    "I think; I think I can hear the Great White Wolf howling." He told them and Luke gasped, his jaw dropping as his heart began to race.

    "We need to get out of here! Now!" he shouted.

    ....

    Hello everyone! How are you? I have to say I am really excited about this part of the story. It will get even more fascinating since many secrets will be revealed. If you liked this chapter plaese vote, leave a positive comment and give the book a good review!

    Also please take a look on my new work Bloody Lovers! It''s a fantasy romance that I am sure you will enjoy. The lead is a badass female and there are lgbtq characters too so please give it a chance! It needs the boost. T.T

 Chapter 212 - 212

    warning: gore

    ....

    In his wolf form he felt unstoppable. His eyes a bright gold shone intensively into the dead night. Darkness all around him but his white fur, pure as snow was like a beam of light into the darkness. His paws were as light as feather, his breathing short and fast as he ran inside the forest. He had forgotten how it felt. How it felt to be strong, fast, agile. How it felt to be alive.

    As he entered the compound, his nails digging into the ground that his house was built on he howled into the moon, signaling every one of his historic arrival. The Great White Wolf had arrived and he was planning to punish them, all of them who hurt the people he loved and cared about. The night was cold but his body, covered in thick and soft fur was burning up, uncontrollably, every single one of his muscles, every pore on his body and his beastly mind was asking for blood. Nothing more than the taste of ripped flesh between his sharp fangs. To kill, to kill everyone that wronged him. That was the only thing he was asking for.

    He noticed the fight, as his legs took him to the back of the compound. A lot of wolves. People that belonged to his pack were there, fighting two elves in the middle. He knew those elves, he knew the king with the golden powers and his trusted shadows. He rushed right in, leaping high into the air and taking down with him, while he landed two wolves that were ready to attack. He was enormous. Even the ones that were considered strong looked like cubs in front of him. He growled, standing in front of Allias and Theseus.

    The golden king knew. He had realized who he was and what was happening. Alexander turned his animal shaped head, staring him into the eyes. He still got his sanity. The king nodded, grabbing Theseus'' hand and pulling him away.

    "We can leave. Let''s go free the others" he told him. The general stared at him in disbelief, not understanding why Allias wanted to leave the fight. He always enjoyed those moments but the moment this unknown wolf appeared he simply stepped back. "Let''s go." He ushered him and the two elves left him alone to fight.

    Now he could do whatever he wanted. He realized and looked at the people that were surrounding him. Not people, wolves. Black, grey, red and brown ones were growling at him but were too scared to confront him. His golden eyes scanned them, one by one and he could even recognize a few. Classmates, neighbors, all people that had insulted him once or twice. The worst one though was her. The woman that stood behind them, shielded by them. Her blonde hair dance in the night breeze, her body as fragile as a twig she observed everything with her cold stare.

    "What are you waiting for? Get him!" she commanded them and all of the wolves, like they were one body jumped forward bringing him down. They bit his back, his legs and even his neck, the sound of jaws opening and closing, the cries of ripped skin and his pure fur turning bloody was enough for him to get angry. He tensed his muscles, pushing his muzzle into the ground before he put pressure on his front legs and pushed them back with force. All of the small wolves were pushed everywhere, landing on their backs and on their sides right and left.

    He didn''t want them though. He wanted her. She would be his target tonight, the one who would end his endless thirst. He clawed a few wolves that still dared to stand in his path. He didn''t care about anyone, he could only see one thing, this girl in front of him, a few meters away. Her eyes had turned into perfect circles. The fear growing on his chest rooting her to the ground. She screamed, taking an instinctive step back only to tumble her feet on a tree root and fall on her butt.

    She was trembling tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. Alexander jumped right in front of her, walking between her legs, slowly, scaring his pray even more. He would get to rip her to shreds but first he needed her to beg. Cry and whimper. He growled, opening his jaws, revealing the rows of deadly teeth and she gasped, covering her mouth with her palms so she wouldn''t scream. She dragged her body backwards, even though she knew she couldn''t escape.

    "Please! I am sorry. I will stop" she begged for her life, her skin turning pale. Her breath stuck in her throat. She felt it. The approach of death, she could see it in his eyes. He had no emotions right now, no, he did. It was just anger and bloodthirst, he was overtaken by them, becoming the known beast that everyone seemed to be scared of in their pack. He really was him, the one who could kill all wolves, the one who bathed in the blood of his enemies. She had been such a fool and now she was paying for all her sins. She had chosen to cause this mess but fate was always wicked. There would be no way she would always get out unscathed from the things she did. It was time, her time to pay for her crimes but still, even if she was aware of that she couldn''t accept it.

    She stood up messily, falling and getting up once or twice. Her breath coming out as if she had been running for hours, her heart a crazy drum in her ears. The night was cruel, darkening everything on her sight and Alexander didn''t stop her as she tried to escape.

    He was giving her hope. Being the villain in her story he was letting one small door open just so she could think she could leave and then break her mentally before he broke her physically. He desired to annihilate her and fast and painless death, one with pride wasn''t something he deserved, after all the destruction she had caused.

    She had gotten quite far, her body used to exercise, she made huge leaps creating a big distance between them. Seeing how he did not move she seemed to relax, a relief calming her mind and heart. Maybe she could escape, maybe she could make it out of this alive. Maybe the wolf would leave her alone and go to find Luke. Maybe now she would be lucky again. She turned her head, looking back to make sure that she had released herself from his attention. Her eyes widened and she stopped, hopping she was mistaken. The wolf had disappeared, leaving an endless view of her friend''s bodies. In those instance she had decided to run away Alexander had killed everyone, creating a new cemetery for their souls.

    "No¡­no¡­" she mumbled and got ready to start running again, his body returning to his form, staring right ahead. He was there, in front of her. All she had managed was get to the back of the compound. She hoped that someone would be there, anyone to take her away but the place seemed completely deserted as if the gods didn''t really want her to escape.

    "No¡­no¡­" she mumbled and got ready to start running again, his body returning to his form, staring right ahead. He was there, in front of her. All she had managed was get to the back of the compound. She hoped that someone would be there, anyone to take her away but the place seemed completely deserted as if the gods didn''t really want her to escape.

    A growl reached her ears, making her palms cover them. She was scared, trembling on the spot she stood. She wanted to get out of this nightmare. Somebody please help her. This ghost, this phantom, this curse was after her and she knew by now that he wouldn''t let go. No matter how many times she turned, no matter how many times she changed her path he would be there, ready to devour her staring right into her wicked soul.

    "Stay away from me!" she screamed but it was fruitless. Alexander wouldn''t get scared nor pity her. Her tears only added more satisfaction. He decided it was time to end this, his body itching for the taste of blood, her flesh between his teeth.

    He jumped, his enormous body stretching into the air before he landed on top of her. He pressed his paws on her shoulders pinning her down and his fangs dived onto her neck. He ripped her skin, pulling it with his teeth as her screams created an enchanting hymns. The taste of flesh, the metallic blood on his tongue. His teeth dived deeper as he ended up decapitating her.

    He would do more, he wished to rip her to shreds, make sure that nothing was left of her by the time he was done but he was stopped. A voice, desperate and loud destroyed his feast. There was a man with eyes like the moon standing in front of him.

    He had killed Lily what was stopping him from killing him too?

    "Alexander no! Please." He begged him.

    Luke, the man with the moon like eyes was him. He jumped away from Lily''s body, his blood between his jaws dripping on the grass. He whined, like a hurt dog before he turned around and ran away, disappearing into the woods.

    ....

    Hello, hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please remember to check out my new book Bloody Lovers! Thank you for reading!

 Chapter 213 - 213

    Luke stood up, distressed and filled with terror as he heard Daniel''s words. The great white wolf, his howl could only mean one thing. Alexander had somehow broken his seal. He had a very simple thing to do and everything would end peacefully so why did he decide to do this? Why did he have to ruin himself just because of all the doubts haunting his mind. Luke felt incredibly angry, disappointed and sad. In reality he didn''t know himself, what kind of mixed emotions were stirring up his existence. It was pointless, trying to understand by now.

    "Stop! You will hurt your hands there is wolfsbane on the rope.!" Mikael scolded him as he observed his best friend rub his restrained hands and put pressure on them, twisting his wrists manically just to get out of his restraints.

    "That is Alexander and he will kill everyone if we don''t hurry." Luke explained as he felt his skin melt, the exact places the rope touched turning red as the skin burned and disappeared.

    "What? How?" Markus asked confused. If the great white wolf was in their pack he would definitely had known of it. All of the packs were always wary just in case the almighty warrior had decided to appear on their side. It was almost unbelievable the fact that this weak and timid boy was hiding such power inside of him. Markus could have easily confused him as a human if he didn''t know he was a member of their pack.

    Luke, letting out a loud groan, trying to ignore the pain he slashed his arms on each side finally getting free. He rubbed the burned scars, aware that they will never heal due to the vicious poison and realized that this was the first time he would actually have a scar in his body. It was fine though, it would be a reminder of what happened today. Of the night he lost his father to a traitor and the night he would bring justice, avenge his father''s death. Even if they did not have the best relationship he was and would always be still his father and a very skilled Alpha.

    "I don''t think there is much time to explain" Mikael said with a grin and stood up too, approaching his best friend. "Release us so we can push down the door. It''s heavy and with your wrists like this you won''t be able to do much." He advised him and Luke nodded. Fast on his feet he had released every single one of them in no time, burning off the tips of his fingers as he tried to do so but he didn''t care. All that was on his mind right now was actually getting out of there. He was desperate. He needed to find Alexander and stop him, not because he cared about Sam, Lily or any of their followers dying, in his eyes they were not members of their pack anymore and when he took over he would kick out all of them turning them into omegas, forced to live and die alone. He was worried about Alexander''s mentality. How he would feel, how he would see himself after what he would do. It would ruin him and Luke would never allow that. The young man''s smile was his strength, if he ever lost that he didn''t know what he would do.

    "Now help me take it down." He told them, staring at the huge heavy door. All the doors that were connected to important rooms in the compound were extremely heavy, specially made so that not even a considerably strong wolf could open them with ease. It was easier that way, to keep secrets and in their case to keep everyone trapped inside. Luke''s plan was to actually tear it down. Destroy it from its frame and make sure that this forsaken room would never be used again. He would order to make it into a storage room or even completely seal it off with concrete. The horrid smell of blood would not be able to reach anyone that way. No one would have to sit in the dark awaiting their death, counting the endless scratch marks anymore. Things would change. For the better.

    The four men took a few steps back and at the same time run to the door, their elbows landing on the cold metal hoping that it would fall. Their actions though ended up being in vein. All they managed to do was create a few bumps while where Daniel hit it was almost spotless.

    Luke bit his nails, nervous as he paced around the room. He punched the door, creating another bump but not even getting close to creating a way out.

    "Let''s try one more time." Markus proposed and the men got into the same position as before.

    "Please step away from the door. Don''t be fools and slam your beast bodies onto it again!" a familiar voice sounded behind the door and all of them froze. It was Theseus, the elf general. Allias will open it now. Get back" he warned them when the door blasted into the room, landing onto the wall. A huge burn mark was left on the outer side of it and Allias'' hand for a few seconds had a peculiar shine to it.

    "Easy." The king said and winked at Luke. But he had no time to play or thank them. He ran past them, wanting to get outside. He could find Alexander now and with his keen hearing he followed the source. The place where the growling came from.

    Soon he found him, standing on top of a body, his teeth sunk into its neck. He focused his eyes, adapting to the night and terrified he realized that the corpse was Lily''s, her head close to her body but not a part of it anymore. Behind Alexander, a few meters away a trail of more body was obvious. His white fur was filled with blood, his golden eyes shining as his teeth enjoyed the flesh.

    "Alexander no! Please." He begged him. He needed to stop him. Was it too late?

    The huge wolf heard him, locking eyes with him for what seemed to be an eternity. A whine came from his half opened snout before he turned around and run off. Alexander was still there.

    "No wait!" he called out and tried to run after him when Markus stopped him, grabbing his arm.

    "Not now. There are things you need to do." He said, presenting him his new responsibilities already. Yes, he had things he needed to deal with. He left Alexander run away and turned his back, hoping he wouldn''t regret his decision later.

    Would he?

 Chapter 214 - 214

    "It seems that most of Sam''s people are out." Allias commenting staring at the pile of bodies. Markus and Daniel had alerted the rest of the people on the compound, calling out a meeting at the auditorium. Luke was in his parent''s office while the two elves stood outside watching how the people grabbed the dead and placed them on a pile. Soon in the distance Ea with Ares appeared, mark following them close behind. "Well it took you a while." He said and Ares shrugged his shoulders.

    "We sent the pup though. He asked as to break his seal and now he owes us."

    "You made a deal with the poor kid?" Theseus asked and his brother grinned.

    "You never know when we will need him. So what''s happening?"

    "It''s over for now." Allias informed them. "They have sent people looking for Sam. They have called a meeting. Mikael on the other hand, just in case someone wants to know is in his room."

    "Oh really?" Mark asked surprised. "I suddenly need to go to the bathroom." He said and ran away, following the familiar route to Mikael''s room.

    "Humans are weird. Trying to hide that he wants that wolf." Ea commented and Allias laughed.

    "We should be getting inside too." He said and led them towards the auditorium. There were already a lot of people, even more gathering as time passed by, staring at the four elves that stood at the back close to the door. All of them seemed confused, Allias didn''t really blame them. The sun had just started to rise but they were called at an emergency meeting.

    The King stared at the stage, a frown on his face as he felt Theseus grab his hand and squeeze it.

    "Are you alright?" he asked him instantly noticing the change in his expression.

    "Yeah." He answered with a chuckle. "Guys." He grabbed their attention. "This stage right there was the place I was tortured for the first time as a human." He told them.

    "Should we burn it down?" Ea asked with a serious expression.

    "Yes Ea I think we should." Ares agreed. "We can burn these people here too. Imbecile peasants torturing our king. I could just¡­"

    "Calm down." Theseus told them and put them in their places. "We are here for business. Don''t be foolish." He scolded them and his brother scoffed. "We will burn this place down when they can''t see us and pin it on us. I thought I taught you better than this." He said and Allias burst out laughing, taking the hand of his lover.

    "I am fine or at least one day I will be." He reassured them.

    Luke on the other hand was definitely not fine. He was sitting on his father''s office which was now his with Daniel by his side. Markus was sent out to organize the pack meeting before he appeared. He was hiding his face on his palms, his elbows resting on the desk as he breathed in heavily. What was he supposed to do now? He wasn''t ready for any of this.

    "Relax. We will take everything step by step and you will be fine. Markus will be here too." Daniel said, trying to soothe his worries. He caressed his back before he rounded the desk and sat at the armchair in front of him. "At first you need to inform the people. Talk about your father''s death. We will announce you as the new Alpha after that."

    "And Sam? When will I be able to kill that bastard?" He asked, facing him, his hands clenched in fists. At the moment he didn''t care about anything else. All he wanted was to find his cousin and make him beg for his life. Smile in his face as he slashed his throat and ended him. That was what he deserved for everything he had done. A humiliating pain.

    "Markus sent people to look for him. You can''t kill him though. We will have to give him t the Council. I have already called them. They will be here tomorrow night."

    Luke''s eyes widened, worry spreading all over his heart as he heard of the Council''s arrival. He couldn''t bring them here. Not yet. Not while Alexander was out there, alone and not in control. He had to deal with him first. Make sure he was okay and hide him. He didn''t know what they might try to do.

    "I need to find Alexander then. I can''t have them knowing he will be here. I need to protect him." He said and stood up, ready to leave the room and drop everything. He should have followed him back then. He knew he should but once again he was a coward.

    "No, you can''t leave to compound. We haven''t caught Sam yet and it''s dangerous. I will talk to the elf King. From what I''ve realized he is getting along with that boy. He will be able to bring him back. We are already indebted to the elves anyway. There is no way to erase that, at least we will use them as much as we can for now. You need to stay in."

    "I want to be the one to find him. I need to talk to him, please." Luke begged but Daniel didn''t seem to budge at all.

    "Listen to me. Alexander can''t be here right now. I will have the elves take him for now. Once the council leaves you personally will go get him. They are already watching us Luke, they always do. You will put Alexander in more danger like that." He explained and the young wolf sighed. Everything had turned upside down. All of his dreams had been crushed in just one night and now he was left alone with a pack on his back. He wasn''t even able to protect the guy he loves how would he make it out of this?

    "Come on. It''s time for your speech and then I will tell you everything." He said and Luke''s eyes widened. Finally, at least now he would get to know the truth. He nodded and opened his office''s door, letting Daniel exit first. He fixed his freshly worn shirt and began walking.

    Today was a time of change.

    Suck it up and do it. He told himself as he entered the crowded room.

 Chapter 215 - 215

    Luke entered the auditorium with his head high, his steps slow as he approached the center stage. All eyes were on him, filled with curiousity as to why the had to gather here so early in the morning. There was a mic in front of him, his steady breathing echoing for a second in the room before he took a step back. He wasn''t used to this. It was his father who always talked and wooed the crowds not him. He would just stand at the back, observe and hope that he would get to learn something when one day he would be in his place.

    It was too early though. Too early for him to try and stand on his shoes. To early to speak like he did, to be strong as he was. He was gone, in the blink of an eye he had lost him and he had never managed or even bothered to care about fixing their relationship. Luke though his father would always be there, he took him for granted and now he would have to learn and live with those regrets. No matter what he did he couldn''t turn back time. It was impossible but still in his mind he hadn''t fully processed it. That he would return back to that office and no one would be sitting on that chair, the fireplace would be off and the room would remain cold until he, his son decided to take over.

    Before he began talking his eyes scanned the room. At the back he noticed Daniel conversing quietly with Allias. The elfen Kong seemed to listen properly while the two younger ones seemed to be displeased. He was telling them to find Alexander. He was giving him his task and he could do nothing about it because for now his place was here, talking and scaring off everyone else who thought they would take his place so easily. Once Daniel stopped talking the elves nodded and simply disappeared, leaving a few trails of black smoke behind them. Please be safe, he wished from the bottom of his heart as he parted his lips. He was not ready but he couldn''t wait for when he would be.

    "Good evening. You probably all know me but let me introduce myself. I am Luke the Alpha''s only son. I have gathered you all here considering last night''s events. Some of you may have realized that something was wrong, some of you may even participated in the atrocities of last night and managed to not get caught. What happened yesterday I am proud to say was just a way for me to prove you how weak you all are. The Alpha is dead. He was killed by Sam, my cousin and I avenging my father''s death will take care of him. He broke the rules, staging a riot but my father still fought bravely because he never was afraid. He always knew who would be the true alpha. The one who is worthy and the one who will win. That is me. From today on I will be ruling this pack and whoever has a problem with me has every right to challenge me and die at my feet. Am I clear?" He asked the crowd not really expecting an answer. The people were too shocked and he knew that no matter what he said now, no matter what announcements he made no one would pay attention. "Tonight under the moon we will hold my father''s funeral. That''s it for now." He told them and slowly got off the stage, walking away fr the crowd who seemed too dumbfounded to even converse amongst themselves.

    Once he was out he let out a huge exhale. Closing his eyes and hidong at a corner as he rubbed his temples. He unbottoned a few of the buttons on his shirt in need for some air. Everything felt so suffocating.

    Soon Markus and Daniel approached him. They were dressed in black already grieving his father''s death. He too would have to change, show his remorse. He wasn''t allowed to cry though just grieve in silence because a ruler, an alpha never cried in front of his pack. Actually he didn''t feel like he had any tears left. He was simply strained from everything. Unable to fully participate in conversations, unable to fully think about the future. He felt like he was in some kind of surreal dream. That he, in a few hours would wake up and realize it was just a story of his subconscious.

    "You did good back there." Markus praised him and patted his shoulder. "They have placed your father''s body in his office. We will go and see him. Will you come?" He asked and at first Luke was hesitant. Why should he go? To see what? A corpse? He was pretty sure his father would call him stupid if he just stood next to his dead body and stared at him. His eyes landed on Daniel though, tired with huge bags under his eyes. Frail and broken.

    "Yes, let''s go." He said and the man smiled slightly. He was always the one who helped him make up with his father when they fought. Luke was sure he wanted him there. Just for one final moment.

    The curtains were closed and Adam was placed on a pitch black casket with no lid. The room was cold and foreign and once Luke entered he felt shivers down his spine. He stood at the doorframe at first, not having a clear picture but as Daniel''s tears began showing, as he stood next to his father he felt like he should go in.

    There it was. His body frozen, lifeless with the scars of battle. No cocky remarks, no vicious grin just nothing. His father was really dead. As dead as it could get actually. His eyes focused on him, the greyness of his complection, his closed eyelids, his still hands. He was dead. He would never see his father again. A voice screed in his head and suddenly his heart began to ache. He frowned feeling weak as his vision turned blurry. He wasn''t supposed to cry. Just a few seconds ago he was thinking about how it would be impossible for him to.

    But seeing him like that. Realising that this was the end. Made him terrified. He had died in such a cruel way. Not even able to say goodbye and now it was too late. Luke couldn''t change anything.

    At first a muffled scream escaped his lips. His libs became weak, his knees buckling as he grabbed the side of the casket, falling down. He cried, he wailed, his eyes burning his throat getting sore from the shouts.

    "Dad please I need you. I can''t do this on my own. I am sorry." He screamed hiding his face on his palms. Why was he in so much soon all of a sudden? This burn in his heart, would it ever stop? His tears were warm dumping his freshly worn clothes and his mind was filled with moments, memories of fights and arguements. Times when he could''ve spoken better, acted better, apologized and he hadn''t done none of that. Why did the both of them have to be so stubborn? So self centered? Now it was over and they hadn''t even managed to say goodbye. He couldn''t tell him how much he loved him now. It was just simply the end.

    "Luke it''s okay. It will be okay." Daniel said and caressed his back, forgetting his own pain and sorrow as he watched him crumble. He was being attacked by everything, every emotion he had been suppressing. All the worry, the anxiety the pressure was just being released now, creating a mess in Luke''s mind. He was breaking, his cries clear, showing the emense amount of his pain. He couldn''t stop. Even while he was out of breath he just couldn''t, his body shaking. "It will be alright. We are here. It will be fine." Daniel repeated again and again and Luke fell on his arms like a small child, grabbing his shirt, closing his eyes and he just cried, the same desperate way as when he was young. Daniel looked at the top of his head, kissing it and trying to soothe his pain. He just held him close, Markus watching with a sorrowful expression as both of them were drowning in their own tears. Adam always liked to make an impression, Markus thought. He should have known he would go out with a bang like this.

    "This fool. Choosing when he will die like he had the right to after everything he did." He mumbled and Daniel actually chuckled hearing his friend say that.

    "You know he never cared about what others thought. At least as he got older." He said proudly. "Come on now little wolf. You need some rest." He told Luke and ushered him to get up. "I will also tell you a story. To soothe your mind." He said with a gentle smile and Luke nodded before getting up.

    A story, their story.

 Chapter 216 - 216

    Mark had come to know the way to Mikael''s room like the back of his hand. It was always easy to find his way in those twisting corridors and now as he heard the blasting music from his room, the door wide open it became even easier. He stood at the frame, watching the young wolf on his bed, resting with his arms behind his head. His music making the floor vibrate.

    The red haired was so happy to see him safe. He had been worried that he would do something stupid to help Luke and find himself injured like before. Thinking about that time he almost died caused him an indescribable worry. His weakened body and hollow cheeks. The blood patches on his gauze were equals to a horrible nightmare. At least now he was safe, getting out of this mess unscathed. He smiled, observing him for a while but a sneeze betrayed him, making the wolf flinch and lock eyes with him.

    "Your Alpha just died and you have turned your room into a club." Mark commented and the blond man smiled. He sat up, patting cheerfully the side next to him on the bed and Mark rushed inside, taking off his shoes and sitting next to him.

    "Well, I wasn''t the biggest fan of him. That''s why I am not with Luke. I don''t think I could console him properly and I don''t want to make things worse. I already got scolded once." he explained.

    "You got scolded?" mark asked surprised and laughed. "That is an interesting info." he said and Mikael nodded.

    "Once in a hundred years it happens. So what brings you here?" he asked him and Mark looked away awkwardly. He played with the edges of his shirt, thinking what was the best way to talk to him. He felt slightly embarrassed explaining that he had ran here just because he was worried about him. Mikael would definitely tease him about it but at the end of the day, that was the truth.

    "When I heard about what was happening I got worried. I didn''t want to you to get hurt." he mumbled, pinching the dark bed cover with his index finger and thump, creating small mountains from fabric. Mikael smiled gently and placed his palm on his hand, stopping him. He entwined their fingers and moved forward to kiss him. That was a sweet kiss. Soft and gentle, Mark found himself liking it, the way their lips united, how they moved in sync. Mikael was a very good kisser. At the same time though, something was wrong. A restlessness and a thought in Mark''s mind. This was not a kiss caused of want or like, it was a kiss out of pity. For some reason he could feel it and it hurt, like a sharp knife.

    Mark stopped and he slowly pushed Mikael away, a sad look on his face. He had realized it by now, something was terribly wrong but to make sure he needed to hear it. No matter how much it hurt.

    "Is everything alright?" Mikael asked him confused as to why he put a stop to their kiss.

    "Why don''t you just say it? These whole thing...it gets weirder and weirder so just spit it out." Mark said.

    "What are you talking about? We did not get enough time together, that''s all but you know that I like you right? I was the one that went after you first." Mikael said and squeezed his hand. Mark smiled as he nodded. He felt like a thorn was stuck on his heart, prickling him as he breathed. Mikael was talking to him wanting to make him believe his words but to Mark it was obvious that there was something wrong. There was something hidden behind his like.

    "Do you really think I am stupid?" Mark asked. Not in an annoyed tone, not even angry but mostly curious. He wondered why Mikael couldn''t be honest? Mark, even though afraid, even though always in a negative spot he spoke his mind freely, never wanting to lie to the people he loved. So to him, Mikael''s ambiguous attitude was weird, he couldn''t understand.

    He didn''t know enough to be able to understand after all. The regret and guilt growing in Mikael''s chest like a poisonous plant, ruining every beautiful flower he had managed to nurture. Those flowers were his fondness of Mark and that disastrous parasite was the information that Markus had unwillingly given him. The thought that Scarlet was out there alive and the fact that his feeling for Mark could truly be remains of the love for his mate. Mikael felt horrible, no matter how hard he tried to suppress his thoughts, no matter how hard he was trying to convince himself that this all was just because of shock, that his feelings towards Mark were genuine he just couldn''t stop. Suddenly his memories of her had become vivid again, a vibrant red and the sound of her laughter was not a sorrowful melody anymore. He would end up hurting Mark, no matter what he did.

    "I am planning to leave the compound," he announced.

    "Yes, I know that. You don''t have to leave now though. You''re immortal you could¡­"

    "I will leave once Luke is settled down. The moment the council leaves I will leave too."

    "What? But why so soon? I thought we were¡­" Mark mumbled, confused by his rush decision. Why would he choose to leave so fast. They had just started. He was the one that said he wanted them to be together and now he was just deciding to disappear? It just didn''t add up.

    "Scarlet is alive. I want to look for her." Mikael finally told him the truth. Mark''s eyes widened, almost popping off their sockets. He pulled his hand away, breaking their awkward contact. Amelia was right. He thought. No matter how hard he had tried to deny it, this witch had warned him. She had shown him the truth but he didn''t accept it. He had to come here and get humiliated like this. Mark was just a substitute. Nothing more.

    The red head scoffed, rubbing his eyes as his frustration was growing.

    "Mark I am sorry, I¡­"

    "I told you. That day, before you left I had clearly told you that just because you had a mate us wouldn''t work. I was right but you, you had to feed me false hope, you had to make me like you! You had to make me fall in love just to make my biggest fear true." Mark said as he removed himself from the bed. She headed towards the door frame, his anger rising. Mikael followed him, stopping him just before he stepped out of the room. His longs fingers that were wrapped around his wrist were burning, like acid making him frown. He wrinkled his nose as he stared and in an instant he broke off the touch. Mikael''s face fell, unable to face him.

    "Please listen to me. I am sorry. I really am. I didn''t know that she was alive. I...I know I was wrong and I feel horrible about it." Mikael tried to explain, apologize mixing up his thoughts and presenting a mess to Mark. The red haired sighed, his lips turning into a thin line.

    "You people can''t really feel love. It''s the same with your buddy. I tried so hard to believe that you wouldn''t be an idiot like him. Gosh, Allias warned me, Amelia too. I had a fucking King and a witch warning me but I, like a fool followed my heart. Why am I such an idiot?" he asked, mumbling mostly cursing himself for his stupid decisions. He should have listened. He shouldn''t have been such a know it all. He should have distanced himself when it was still early, minimizing the pain. Now, now it was too late, his heart was already cracking. Why did he come to like Mikael so much? Just why?

    "Mark, no. It''s my fault please don''t blame yourself." Mikael told him angering him even more.

    "Of course it''s your fault! All I ever did was be honest with you. I cared for you, I...I¡­ had never felt for someone the way I did for you and now I feel like a fool because from the beginning I was an understudy. I was into this all on my own, you heartless bastard!" he shouted and punched his chest. Mikael didn''t complain, not even hurting from it. "You are horrible."

    "I know, I know!" Mikael said and rubbed his face frustrated. "No, please don''t cry Mark. Please. I am sorry. Believe me I did care about you."

    "Don''t tell me what to do!" he said angrily as tears escaped his warm eyes. Mikael would get on his knees if he had to, beg as much as the human wanted just to ease his pain even a little bit. Make things better for him.

    "Mark, really I am sorry." He said.

    "I don''t want to see you again. Ever. Just go find your mate and be happy. Now I know, humans and supernaturals would never truly fall in love. We are the second example. Goodbye." he said and walked away. Mikael stood for a while there, contemplating if he should stop him. He decided not to. Maybe things were better that way. This kept on for too long and it was his mistake. Confusing him and using him to get rid of his thoughts.

    They were over. It was the best for both of them.

    ...

    Don''t hate me , please don''t hate me xD Thing will get better! I swear so don''t drop this book xD

 Chapter 217 - 217

    After his speech and the sight of his father Luke was aware that there were still a few hours left before the funeral. He couldn''t bear to spent that time in the office, staring at his lifeless body but at the same time he was unable to just sit in his own room and be left alone with his thoughts. So when Daniel offered him to head to the top floor, a place where he had gotten to visit only when he was a child he didn''t deny. He silently followed the man, standing for a few seconds at the entrance of the floor, slightly feeling that he was invading his father''s privacy, he was being revealed to a place he always looked upon from far away.

    "Come on in. There is nothing really left to hide in here anyways." Daniel said and the young wolf stepped inside. He led him to a small living room. The furniture was simple. A black leather couch and a matching armchair, a white carpet and a huge TV on the wall, turned off, showing a black screen.

    "Will you tell me about my father?" Luke asked after Daniel sat on the armchair, bringing his legs up, sitting comfortably.

    "If you want to. I can." He said and Luke nodded, the few incidents that had taken place the last hours had made him interested in knowing his father''s past, something that he had never thought about too much before. Maybe now it was too late but he still, he wanted to know. "That''s good." Daniels aid with a gentle smile. "I think our story begins around the year 1728? Yes, yes. That was it." Daniel said and a very vivid storytelling began

    1728

    Adam was the son of the Alpha named Richard, in 1728 he was eighteen years old, a youth with a future brighter than anyone else in the pack. He was privileged after all, a figure that was, to the pack, equal to King George the second their current king. His father though was the true king and he as his son was a prince. He was tall, with a fit figure and unworldly beautiful grey eyes. His long hair was neatly in a ponytail at the end of his head and he used to walk at this hour at the garden of their manor, a book in his hand, ready to spent his free afternoon reading. All young men were jealous of him, at the social gatherings young women would swarm around him. Many of his old friends at school would ask him how it was possible for him to be so popular, so perfect. Athletic and smart, fathers swore their daughters to him on the spot. He was also very rich, his father owing one of the few factories that in the later years would play a huge part in the industrial revolution. Adam would always smile, telling them it was all hard work and that he wasn''t really that special. Something which was clearly untrue since Adam was not even a human.

    One day though another young man rushed through the back door, running with rosy cheeks, just two years older than him. He came bearing information. A story that would change everything.

    "Adam! Adam!" his friend shouted, the son of his father''s beta. He ran towards him as the young wolf was sitting at a chair surrounded by his mother''s favorite flowers. His friend was out of breath, panting, showing a very disgraceful side of himself and if anyone looked at him he wouldn''t know he was a man belonging to the high society of England.

    "Markus stop your shouting. You will upset my mother.  What is it?" Adam asked him strictly. Markus was the only friend he had that was a wolf too. His father did not allow him to meddle with the other wolf children of their pack. He called them lowly and dirty as he had their parents working in their factory. Markus family and maybe two more, his father''s most trusted people were the only who enjoyed a good life as they did. The rest worked for them and Adam never seemed to question that. He was born in that society and he considered this the order of things.

    "A few teens have gathered at the working neighborhood and they had started a fight. It''s chaos!" Markus exclaimed with excitement. "Let''s go take a look, with our powers we will be there in the blink of an eye."

    "No, you know we are not supposed to meddle with the factory workers. Our parents would scold us severely if they find out." Adam reminded him and opened his book, trying to ignore his naughty friend.

    "Mate, no one''s listening. Cut the posh talk please. You''re giving me a headache." Markus said and Adam closed his book, the sound scaring off a few birds.

    "Fuck off Markus. I don''t want to get in trouble."

    "Well but I will get in trouble if you don''t come with me. And imagine your father, oh the rampage. It would be catastrophic. Really." He said with a devilish grin. His blond hair shone underneath the day light, a few curls escaping his pony tail as his brown eyes sparkled with the curiosity of youth. Adam sighed and dropped the book on the chair, finally admitting defeat.

    "Let''s go, but promise me. No intervening!" he said pointing a finger at his friend. Markus chuckled and started running. Screaming that he would race him. All Adam wished was that his father wouldn''t get to know about this. If he stayed hidden nothing bad would happen. Probably.

    Soon they had reached the lower class neighborhood. The stench was the first thing that Adam''s sensitive nose, caught and he covered his face with his silk hand tailored sleeve, trying to block as much as it could away. It smelled like dead animals and alcohol. Almost suffocating. From the place they had stopped he could hear the screams and wondered why no one was doing anything. They came from an alley, filled with dirt and trash. As they walked, he accidentally stepped into a puddle of mud water, his white tights getting spots of dirt on them.

    "Markus, what if we get a disease." He said with a frown and his friend laughed loudly. Obviously their unusual figures draw some looks. You wouldn''t see people like them there any day. Adam began to feel awkward. Girls would boldly approach him, with their chests revealed and they would link their arms with him, staring to spit prices for a magical night. Some of them had rotten teeth and scars from their body decaying. This area of the lower class residences was fully dedicated to his father''s workers, meaning that the biggest percentage of them were werewolves. They never meddled well with humans so his father had bought two whole blocks of tall buildings and tossed them there.

    Markus aware of that, climbed skillfully the building that formed the alley the fight was happening. He had managed to go up to the top of the roof in seconds, his clothes blackened by the dirt, the same happening to his teeth. He whistled at Adam signaling him to get up there too and the well raised young man frowned. Turning his back on him intending to walk away.

    "You''re already here! I will tell your father!" Markus shouted, creating a very loud echo with his hands around his mouth. Adam turned around, glaring at him, wanting desperately to punch him. He rushed at the wall in a hurry, ignoring the mold as he reached the top. The rood was slippery, the bricks a deep blue color, while he noticed that there were holes in a few places, letting in the rain and the cold. Before he focused on the fight his eyes scanned the place. He had never been there; his father strictly forbade it. So when he was over with school he would return instantly back home and when he was older, he wouldn''t even have to leave the estate since his father decided that getting him a tutor was much more fitting of their status. He was preparing to study at Oxford University after all.

    Poverty, filth and dirt. That was the general idea. Half destroyed buildings and rushing carriages. Beggars on the streets and people dressed in rugs preparing to work at their factory. Adam''s eyes saddened as he took in the sight.

    "My father took our people from the forest to bring them to this?" he asked, mostly himself.

    "Times change. There won''t be much of the forest left anyways in a few years. It''s evolve or die."

    "So this is evolution?" He wondered but Markus had already lost his interest. He was staring down, at the dark alley, an amused smile on his face as he watched the fight.

    It wasn''t really much of a fight. It was just a bunch of children, fifteen and sixteen year olds, beating a boy in the middle of a man made circle. He was on the dirty street, his eyes covering his head to protect himself, in a fetus position as he cried.

    "I am sorry. Please stop!" he begged. Adam looked away from a second. He wasn''t used to such brutality. He didn''t even like the sight of blood or its disgusting smell. His father had a fondness for raw meat. Every time he would eat it, his mother bringing it on the table his insides would turn. He had to take it in though and eat it.

    "He will probably die." Markus speculated knowing how aggressive wolf teens could be and Adam out of curiosity looked at him again.

    It was fate. That moment was the start of everything. The instant their eyes met was what changed everything around him.

    He couldn''t be older than sixteen or seventeen years old. Dressed in old clothing, dirt on his soft skin. His eyes though were perfectly clear. A hazel color, a perfect mix of brown, green and yellow. His eyes were like nature itself, a home the wolf had never been to but was getting the chance to admire for the first time. His hair was dark and long, almost reaching his waist, loose, getting dump on the mud and his face, his full lips and straight elegant nose were cut, everywhere there were cuts, blood oozing from them.

    When their eyes met, when that lowly wolf saw Adam for the first time his eyes widened.

    "Please help me!" he screamed, his voice filled with despair.

    Adam heard Markus laugh. Obviously he wasn''t intending to help him. Why should he? He was weak. Adam was aware of all that so why?

    Why did he jump into that alley that day?

    ....

    oh goshhhh, I do love historical writing. You will be so pleased with this. I have been working on it forever! Please vote and comment if you like it and support this book! Thank you!

 Chapter 218 - 218

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39DfJPAUp2M

    Adam landed right in the middle of their little circle, above the unknown boy. It was the first time he realized how strong he was. In his eighteen years he had never been into a fist fight and he had never experienced extreme emotions such as passion or anger. It was the first time that he felt like he wanted to rip someone''s throat off.

    He mercilessly grabbed one of the younger kids by its dirty collar and raised up in the air, throwing it at the other side of the alley. His eyes shone and a loud growl escaped his lips. At first the kids seemed willing to put up a fight but when the young wolf grabbed a second one, punching him so hard he fainted they run away scared. He would go after them, he was ready to, his nails itching to appear, ready to start ripping flesh but he felt something, the half-conscious boy was holding hi shoe stopping him from moving.

    The moment he looked at him again his anger significantly subsided. He didn''t know what to say or how to act so he just stood there, awkwardly staring at the hurt boy until he heard Markus landing right next to him. The blond placed his palm on his shoulder and through his round glasses he looked at him with a mischievous grin before he crouched down and actually helped the injured boy to sit properly.

    "And you were afraid that I would cause trouble." He mocked him. Adam sighed, knowing that now that he was seen so clearly he was doomed. Just the thought of returning home now and meeting his father was terrifying. Why did he have to jump there like a fool? He would have to pay the price.

    "Let''s go. I want to get emotionally prepared for what''s about to follow at my house." Adam said and grabbed Markus, wanting to leave this place as soon as possible. Today he had felt angry, filled with rage something that never happened to him. He hated the bloodthirsty side of his species. Filled with vile emotions so he always tried to avoid it. Now though he had been exposed all because of this lowly boy, a factory worker who probably didn''t know how to even read. What had gotten into him?

    "Wait a second mate. He is hurt. Who you might be little wolf?" Markus asked him. Adam knew his friend too well. He would never be interested in someone weaker than him. It was in his believes that being weak was something you had to pay for. This world was divided between the strong and the weak. If you were weak, you were simply unlucky and you had to live with it and probably die from it. Especially if you were a werewolf.  Markus was pretending to care for him because of Adam''s unreasonable behavior. He was intrigued as to why the always strict and restrained young man would do something so irrational for a nobody. A hood rat.

    "I... I am Daniel. Thank you for helping me kind sires." He told them and even though Markus was the one that asked him the question Daniel was looking straight into Adam''s eyes.

    His voice, timid and low as if he was scared to speak reached clearly Adam''s ears. Now that there was no one to beat him, no scary figures to distort his face he could see him. His face, his characteristics and his beauty. He was pretty. Not in a very masculine way. Someone would even describe him as adorable. His big doe eyes, his small nose and full lips. The way his long hair framed his delicate face, he almost looked like a fairy. Adam thought and he felt his cheeks turned hot. At the realization his eyes widened, a sharp inhale was heard and he averted his eyes. Breaking the captivating eye contact. He was being charmed and that was horrible.

    "Let''s go. Let''s leave right now Markus!" he shouted and his friend raised his eyebrows. He wasn''t confused or surprised, Markus was too smart for that. He had already noticed the tint in Adam''s face, the dazed expression as he stared at him. Interesting, very interesting indeed, he thought.

    "Let''s help him get home first." Markus said with a smile. "Where do you live?" he asked him and Daniel attempted to get up. Supporting his back on the humid wall, he pushed his legs up slowly standing on his feet. He placed his palm on his ribs with a frown as he waited for them to heal.

    "Just around the corner. I can go by myself. Thank you." He said, having realized Adam''s avoidance. Daniel was keen in observing people, every day at the factory he would see so many wolves and humans. Angry, mad, happy or sad he had seen every expression while his hand would become rough and filled with calluses as he worked. Adam did not want to be around him and that kind of hurt the young boy. At the same time sadly, he understood. From the way these young men were dressed it was obvious what they would think of him. Dirty dressed in rags. Despicable.

    "No what kind of gentlemen would we be if we didn''t help you?" Markus said. "Adam why don''t you help him walk?" his friend asked him, grinning widely and the man''s lips parted, ready to speak as his grey eyes showed his displeasure.

    "I can walk." He said, taking small steps, his palm on the wall as he needed support he managed to reach the end of the alley and look into the big central road. The shouts, the carriages, the city was bustling with life while he was in so much pain. Markus and Adam walked with a slow pace behind them, Adam getting more and more agitated with his friend''s interests. He needed to get out of there, he was sensing it. He knew it that if he stayed here for longer a change was going to happen in him. If he left now he would be able to forget. If he found the strength to just run away his life wouldn''t change.

    Daniel stepped out of the alley, finding himself on the road when the galloping of horses was heard. A carriage was frantically running towards him. The boy stopped his head snapping to the side as his eyes turned into circles. He was going to die. He couldn''t run.

    "Oops, seems like he will die." Markus mumbled obviously not intending to run to his rescue.

    He didn''t have to though. Adam was already at it, his body once more disobeying the rules he had been learning for years. He grabbed Daniel from his arm, bringing him onto him with so much force that he found himself landing on the cement, right into the mud and the boy landing exactly on his chest.

    Adam took a deep breath, in shock, still not getting what had just happened. Again he had acted without thinking. The first time, he could overlook it. He should have just left them there, walk back to his house and get scolded by his father. That would be it but he decided to stay, ignoring his gut.

    Daniel, whose face was dived into his chest raised his head. He blinked a few times, his long eyelashes casting shadows on his cheeks. Adam froze, they were so close and his lips parted, an attempt to breath but his throat was clogged.

    "Thank you" Daniel told him and he smiled.

    He had smiled at him. His eyes disappearing, his lips turning upwards and his laughter that followed sounded like a hymn.

    He smiled and then he laughed. That was enough for Adam''s world to change.

    His head fell down, landing on the road, he closed his grey eyes and sighed as his arm hid them.

    "I surrender." He mumbled.

 Chapter 219 - 219

    "Let''s get you home Daniel." Markus said after hearing his friend''s words and the boy nodded. He was the one actually helping him since Adam for an uncertain amount of time had decided to just lay there on the road. His eyes were closed, his clothes getting wet.

    There was no doubt about it. It didn''t even take one second for Adam to realize it. It was inevitable and no matter what he did nothing would change, Sadly, as it seemed he was cursed.

    "I took him home." He heard Markus tell him as he returned from his small stroll. Adam opened his eyes, his face right in front of him, his golden curls landing on his nose making him want to sneeze. "So, let''s talk." He said with a huge smile.

    "Talk about what?" Adam asked, even though he was already aware of what the answer was.

    "About this." He said wiggling his eyebrows. "About how the rich son of a factory owner, at the top of the British high society, a supernatural creature of unrivaled strength fell in love with a lowly hood rat, covered in dirt from head to toe and a man at that! Oh, gods this is better than those spicy novels." He cheered as Adam got up.

    "Markus." Adam called out, staring at him seriously. "Never speak a word of it. You know that if my father finds out he will kill him."

    "I know, I know. Do not worry my friend. But I may have done something for you. Because you know I am too kind." He said.

    "What did you do?" he asked, feeling worried. They had begun walking, ready to return to their own neighborhood. Adam was already wishing deep inside him that his father would be still at work and not see the mess he had become. He wasn''t a good liar.

    "Daniel usually hangs out with his friends at night behind your father''s factory. I may have told him that we will you know, drop by. He did seem quite happy." He stated and Adam stopped walking, placing his palms on his arms, shaking him up a bit.

    "Have you gone completely mad? Why did you do that?" he asked and his friend laughed.

    "Well, I am just looking out for you mate. Now, now let''s go." He said.

    Adam couldn''t believe his words, what he had just heard. It would be very simple for him to deny and not go. Sleep on his bed peacefully and wake up the next morning like nothing had ever happened. That would be one path he was able to take with only one word. He could just say no but at the thought of uttering it he simply stopped.

    You see, Adam was suddenly excited. For the first time in his life he felt his heart race with anticipation, his mind travelling to their meeting and what he should do. In just a few minutes, not even an hour he had managed to experience feeling he didn''t know he could feel. All that just because he was there.

    His house was a big mansion at one of London''s best neighborhoods away from the dirt and filth of the slums. That day it was the first time Adam had witnessed true poverty, bodies damaged by syphilis, prostitutes, ragged dressed kids with dirty faces. Rats and bugs everywhere. So when he stood at his front door, seeing the enormous building that could fit thirty of these people, with its pretty tapestry and the luxurious rooms, the always filled kitchen he felt depressed. His family had food to feed fifty people or even maybe more while back there they struggled to even find a meal. The cause of that, painful to accept but true was his father. He was taking advantage of his pack, turning it into cheap workforce so his family and a few more could flourish.

    With a loud sigh he knocked on the door, waiting for a maid to open and stare at him confused, based on his pitiful appearance. His hair tie had broken and fallen somewhere on the road, his hair messy and lines of dirt decorated his handsome face. The door opened unfortunately revealing the last person he wanted to see. His father was looking down on him, his built figure closing any view of the inside of the house. Adam was aware though that his mother would be crying somewhere in the back, knowing what was about to follow.

    "You disobeyed me." He said and Adam closed his eyes, scared.

    "I can explain father, it''s a big misunderstanding if you just¡­" he started saying, hoping he would find an excuse until he finished his sentence. Things went sideways though. His father grabbed him by the collar and threw him inside the house. Adam landing on the floor, his forehead hitting right on the wood.

    "You are not supposed to be there!" he shouted and kicked him in the stomach. Adam gasped, filling the blood rush to his lips.

    "Richard don''t hurt the child!" His mother screamed saddened and the man stared at her, signaling her to shut up. His father grabbed him, raising him on his feet just to throw a few good punches on his face. His eye started to turn purple, his lips were cut and his face was filled with blood.

    "Are you sorry child?" he asked him, his voice resembling a thunder. Adam wasn''t sorry, why should he? He just went out; he didn''t cause any trouble. He didn''t answer regretting it right answer. His father''s next move, angered by his son''s silence was to take a handful of his hair and smack his head right onto the wall. The pretty tapestry with the delicate flowers was soon painted red. "Are you sorry?" he asked and kept hitting his head. Adam couldn''t even speak, he was dizzy, his eyes closing on their own. He was in so much pain, feeling like his brain would explode. His lungs were on fire and with his remaining strength he mumbled.

    "I¡­sorry. Please, forgive me." He told his father and was instantly thrown to the start of the staircase, him landing at the edge of a step with his ribcage, his breath stopping. He huffed, his eyes widening as his neck reddened. He couldn''t breathe. Seeing this his mother ran towards him wanting to tend to her child but his father stopped her.

    "Leave him. Go to your room, no food for him tonight." He said before he disappeared into his office, dragging his wife along making sure that she didn''t help him. Adam couldn''t even stand. For half an hour he laid on the stairs until he managed to reach his room, getting up the stairs in fours.

    He laid on his bed, crying, feeling not only physical but emotional pain too. He cried till the sun fell, until he fell asleep but soon he was woken up by a sound on his window.

    He stumbled to it, opening to see his friend throwing rocks to signal him.

    "Oh that looks bad." He said and frowned, seeing his state.

    "It feels bad too." He told him.

    "So, tonight is canceled?"

    "No, I am jumping, catch me." Adam said. His father wouldn''t win this time.

    ....

    Hello! please support this book if you''re able to. Votes and comments might not look like much but they are really important! Guys you will get to see from first hand how the White Fangs were actually created. I am so excited. I am actually studying history of science and I was so glad I could put my knowledge in this book.

    I hope you''re enjoying it! Thanks for reading.

 Chapter 220 - 220

    Even though his wounds began healing pretty fast he still looked horrible, bruised and cut everywhere. He had never felt insecure about his appearance but right now as he neared to his destination he got frightened. What if Daniel saw him like this and was disgusted?

    His father''s factory was enormous. A huge building made out of heavy stones that could fit inside hundreds of people. It had a huge dirt yard surrounding it and its many roofs had funnels on top, darkened by the smoke. Adam had to jump over the wire fence to get to it. He could already see a few children playing in the yard but his eyes couldn''t spot the one he needed to see.

    With Markus'' help he climbed, feeling his ribs burn, and landed messily on his feet. They circled the factory all the way to the back to find Daniel sitting alone in one of the few benches they had. It was a cement construction, more looking like a simple block rather than a bench someone was supposed to rest to. He didn''t notice them immediately and Markus actually excused himself pretty fast, leaving him defenseless in front of the beautiful boy. His steps were slow, as he couldn''t walk properly. Hearing the sound of his shoes dragging on the dirt Daniel''s eyes landed on him. He tilted his head to the side, examining his appearance and he gasped. He jumped off the block and ran towards him, giving him a shoulder to support himself.

    "What happened to you young lord?" he asked and helped him sit. The material was hard and cold. For a second he thought that standing could probably be better but since Daniel brought him there he couldn''t complain.

    "I..you see I fell. It was a nasty fall indeed." He lied not wanting to reveal to him the truth about his father. As it seemed he still didn''t know who he was, probably he thought of him like a rich kid. He wished for it to remain like that. "How are your wounds?" he asked. "I am Adam by the way."

    "I am Daniel." He said with a shy smile.

    "I know." Adam responded and both of them chuckled. The older wolf wanted to slap himself. What kind of attitude was that? Chuckling like a small child. What kind of feelings were those? He wondered surprised with his upsetting heartbeat. It was raging and they hadn''t exchanged more than a few words yet.

    "You know young lord, I know what I say might sound a bit mean but seeing you like this, for a second I thought that we might have something in common." Daniel said and Adam looked at him filled with curiosity.

    "In common? And what could that be?" he asked.

    "The beatings. For a second I thought that¡­it''s silly really but it was like you weren''t that far away." He told him and looked away. Adam could see his cheeks turning a slight pink as he averted his gaze. "Oh, my what has gotten into me. I''ve only seen you two times and this is what I am telling you. How disgraceful." Daniel said. Adam could understand though. Daniel was probably around sixteen or seventeen years old yet, he couldn''t feel it so clearly as he. The truth that Adam was too scared to accept. A pull that was inevitable, a possessiveness and a hunger that was almost haunting. It was a bond. A very disgraceful bond indeed between two men. Two men of completely different statuses. It was terrifying and every time the wolf would think about it more seriously he would shiver scared about what he would have to face but right now he didn''t want to think. He just wanted to be here, admire his pretty face, hear his voice and just ignore the terrors in his mind. Tonight, with the moon as the only witness he just wanted to be next to him and get to know everything about him.

    "It''s alright." Adam said, not wanting him to feel insecure. "I understand. We can have something else in common. It doesn''t have to be something so brutal." He said and Daniel scoffed, as if he was lightly mocking him.

    "What could you and I have in common sire? I mean, it''s obvious. How different we are. You know how to read and write. How to eat properly and say fancy words. I am just a slum boy."

    "You can learn how to read and write, I can teach you." He offered and Daniel smiled.

    "I won''t need it. All my life I will just be here, work at the factory. Why would I need to learn how to read and write? I am a nobody" he said with a saddened smile that upset Adam.

    "No! Everyone should know how to read and write, knowledge brightens the spirit and strengthens the mind Daniel. You shouldn''t reject it."

    "I am not rejecting it. I am not even given the chance." He said and Adam''s eyes widened. Yes, that was right. Daniel and him were completely different. While he got the privilege of denying things he didn''t even have the right to dream about acquiring them. Him and many other kids in his age had been forced into this life by his father. Suddenly an urge started to grow within him, a secret desire that made his grey eyes lit up and a smile grew on his face.

    "Daniel I have an idea!" he said. Out of the blue he seemed extremely excited, like someone had blew life into him again. He grabbed Daniel''s hands, taking them in his as he spoke. "I will give them the change. To you and to other. I can teach you together with Markus. You can read and write. I will show you." He said and Daniel smiled brightly. It was the first time that someone was offering him something.

    "Really? Are your words true?"

    "Yes, I swear on my family name. I will help you." He said and Daniel suddenly just fell into his arms. Hugging him tightly. Adam''s arms wavered in the air for a while, he stood frozen unaware of what he should do until he relaxed, his hands enveloping Daniel''s small body. He was so fragile, his frame fitting perfectly into his arms and a warmth spread all over his chest.

    "You know" Daniel said removing himself from the embrace. "You are not like the others. You are great." He said and Adam laughed. It was the first time someone was actually praising him. It felt good, seeing Daniel look at him in the eyes with admiration. He felt like he was special to someone. Like he mattered.

    "Thank you Daniel." He told him and patted his head. His fingers traveled on his ponytail, playing with the long strands. Daniel blushed but didn''t move enjoying the gentle touch. Maybe he should keep his hair like this forever so Adam could brush his fingers through them, slowing like a soothing lullaby Daniel felt his whole body relax. "You are so pretty." Adam mumbled and instantly froze. He didn''t mean to say that out loud but somehow the words had escaped his lose lips. His hand stopped playing with Daniel''s hair and he took it away, afraid that he would make him feel uncomfortable. "I¡­I am sorry I didn''t mean to¡­" he began saying.

    Nothing else was said though. Now words no sounds because this time Daniel was the one acting irresponsibly. He moved his body forward and kissed him. Bringing their lips together in a sloppy and inexperienced kiss. Both of them were aware that they were doing it slightly wrong, their techniques not the best but it felt like their whole world was spinning. Who could imagine that from a kiss, something so simple Adam would feel like the whole world would change.

    "I want to see you again." Daniel confessed. "I¡­don''t know what this is. I know that it might be wrong but I need to see you again." Daniel confessed and Adam smiled. He was the same. So worried and so in love. He needed to see him again too, because now he knew he wouldn''t be able to live without him.

    And they did meet again, sneakily into the night with their moon their only light. In between trees and at the back of the factory. Exchanging kisses slowly getting better, sharing their dreams and laughing. The night was their only comfort as it was the only one who wouldn''t judge them. Adam would sneak out every single night getting back home at dawn. He secretly designed the start of his school, the one who would give these children a chance and after a lot of convincing Markus joined them too.

    Everything was perfect, for two whole months and the two boys never even sat down to think of their differences. They only needed each other to be happy. Their mate bond was that strong and Adam now finally understood why they called it sacred. He couldn''t believe how blessed he was.

    Unfortunately, his bless would soon turn into a curse because his father would find out.

    ...

    shivers, just shivers

    Hope you enjoyed! Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 221 - 221

    Get premium chapters and you will get the chance to be one of the 14 people to win 100 coins! You give 1 coin for 99! What are you waiting for? It''s up to the end of the month.

    ....

    The sun was beginning to rise, a very pretty orange color with mixtures of pink and purple. The air was chilly but slightly better from the freezing night. The two friends paced happily, their minds still traveling to the night they just had. The people were still asleep, his neighborhood completely quiet and the only thing he could hear where their heels on the stoned road. No carriages and no shouts.

    "To be honest with you I didn''t really think teaching would be fun but those kids are actually adorable." Markus confessed and Adam laughed. They were just returning from one of their teaching nights. For two months Daniel had helped them gather a few kids from the slums that belonged in his pack. Markus and Adam would be their teacher while afterwards they sat there and played until dawn. They would bring them food they would sneak out from their own homes and clean clothes.

    Daniel''s smile as everything took place was priceless. The hope in his eyes, his sweet voice filled with excitement every time he solved something right or read a sentence perfectly would make Adam want to grab him and kiss him. They had exchanged many kisses, some of them sweet and caring while others passionate. He enjoyed every single one of them and as the days passed he realized he would never be able to get bored of him, he completed him in a way no one else could. The funny thing was that Daniel still hadn''t realized they were mates, Adam couldn''t wait to see how he would react when he found out.

    "I know, it''s pretty satisfying if I may say and Daniel he¡­" Adam began saying but he stopped. He froze in front of the door of their mansion. His father was standing at the doorstep waiting for them, his mother on his side with a terrified expression on her face.

    "Inside, now both of you!" he told them strictly. Markus'' head fell, his eyes staring the ground as he walked. They stood side by side till they reached the hall. His father closed the door loudly behind them, making them both flinch. "have you gone completely mad?" he screamed at the aggressively. He headed towards his son and grabbed him, forcing him to look at him. "Teaching kids how to read and write, taking them food? And not only that but my son was seen kissing a man! A man! A boy from the slums. Are you insane?" he asked him and violently pushed him on the wall. "And you? You were supposed to look after him! What kind of beta will you be if you let him do those crazy things huh?" he asked Markus and grabbed him from his golden locks. "Answer me." He commanded.

    "I am sorry sir it''s all my fault." Markus said.

    "No it''s not!" Adam shouted, slapping his father''s arm away so he would let go of his friend. "I don''t know why it''s such a bad thing. These people are working day and night at your factory so you can be rich! What is wrong about giving them some happiness? Educating them?"

    "Because you foolish boy, educated people think and thinking leads to riots! Do you think that you would be the same if you were poor? I raised you with everything, these people''s sweat and blood are why you are rich not only I. So stop pretending because you wouldn''t be able to survive not even one day at the real world!" he screamed at him and punched him. Adam fell on the floor, humiliated once more as he heard his mother whine, her tear stained face too hurtful to watch.

    "I don''t think we should leave like this anymore. There are people out there¡­"

    "Silence!" his father screamed ad kicked him in the stomach. Blood falling off his lips. "People? People? It''s all because of this boy, isn''t it? Do you want me to kill him? How could you lose your head over a man¡­it''s disgusting and despicable¡­"

    "He is my mate!" Adam shouted and his father instantly stopped talking. His silver eyes almost popped off their sockets. Mate? That was unheard. "Don''t talk badly about him."

    "I am marrying you off." Richard said. "I was already talking about it with the bride''s family but now we will speed up the process. You will marry Eve. She might not be your mate but she is a woman." He said.

    "No, no! How can you do this to me? Do you want me to go mad? You know what will happen? Mother please, I am begging you" he said and fell on his knees begging his father.

    "You won''t go mad. I will make sure of it. If you accept to marry Eve I will educate that boy, send him to school and offer him a good life, as long as you stay away from him. I will even send him to university." Richard said. His initial plan was to simply kill Daniel but since he found out that he was Adams mate he could be irrational about things. Adam was his only son who was fitted to rule, his brother was a complete waste of time and if he went mad and killed himself there would not be a sufficient leader after him. So he would make him leave him with the prophases of offering him a better life. "if you do not accept I will kill this boy."

    Adam stood up, his hands clenched in fists as he thought. He felt like his mind was going to explode, all these thought running wild in his head. Would he really lose Daniel like that? Why did he have to choose between leaving him and killing him? Why did he have to go through this? He had hoped to help, he was hoping that one day he would be able to change things with him at his side, his smile his only guide but now, everything had been ruined.

    "Just let me say goodbye." Adam said and his father smiled victoriously.

    "Very well go but once you are back you will forget this boy ever existed."

    Adam rushed off as fast as he could, hoping that he would easily find Daniel. Usually he stayed back to clean up all of their things and hide the mess the younger children would make. As Adam reached the factory he saw him, grabbing the ripped pieces of paper with the scribbles from the ground and the empty containers of ink to throw them away. He heard Adam''s footsteps and raised his head, his smile the warmest welcoming he had ever seen. His face dropped though once he noticed the blood. He ran towards him like that night, their first meeting filled with worry.

    The older boy grabbed him and hugged him tightly, clashing their lips together, Daniel tasting his blood as they kissed deeply. When they were over both of them were out of breath, curiosity all over the younger''s face.

    "What is it? What happened?" he asked him.

    "I''m sorry. I am so sorry." Adam said. "My father found out about us. He wants me to get married Daniel." Adam said with a sorrowful expression.

    "And you accepted?" Daniel asked him. Adam did not want to tell him the truth, the fact that he said yes to save him. He knew Daniel too well and he was sure if he knew he would blame himself and become depressed. He would consider he was not good enough and regret everything. It would be better if he was just mad.

    "Yes, It''s the best thing for me as an Alpha. I need to do it." He said, trying to hide his sadness through a strict mask.

    "But what about us? I thought we¡­"

    "There is no we. It was fun until now but I have to get serious. I will be attending Oxford university soon. I need to fulfill my destiny."

    "And all that you said to me? About educating the people? Offering them a better life? Becoming a better Alpha than your father? Were all these words just lies?" Daniel asked with tears in his eyes. Adam looked away, unable to bare the sight. He had caused everything. He had ruined both of them. All he had to do was not jump into that alley and they would live their lives in ignorance, forever but they were mates, destiny would bring them together, destiny was cruel.

    "I¡­I just wanted you to sleep with me. I wanted to try something new." He said and Daniel''s palm landed on his cheek leaving a bright red mark.

    "For a second I thought that you and I could be mates! Deep in my heart I¡­I believed but you, you were just a liar!" he screamed and Adam''s eyes widened. So he had felt it too. It was such a shame they couldn''t get to celebrate, be happy about their special bond. To them mating was simply a burden.

    "You do not have the money or the social status to be my mate." Adam told him cruelly and Daniel gasped. Obviously this was not a goodbye

    "A mate is not about money or titles! A mate is about the heart. It''s sacred and unique! It''s a gift from the gods don''t belittle it with your human materials. You are an embarrassment and I promise this to you, the next time we meet I will throw you a stuck of money in your face. I swear on my life." Daniel told him angrily and ran away, leaving him all alone.

    He looked at the factory hoping it would just get ruined, fall to the ground with nothing left there to torment him.

    "Please do." Adam mumbled. "please punish me for what I did to us" he cried.

    And he did. On their next meeting after years Daniel did humiliate him, in the worst way.

    ....

    I want to write in full detail but I am afraid you guys will get bored, even though I am dying for this couple xD

 Chapter 222 - 222

    1810

    "Father I do think our pack needs to move. We have lived for too long in London, it''s getting dangerous. I think we should be moving to America." Adam purposed.

    They were having an annual meeting. His father, his mother, his wife Eve and the family of the Beta together with the other few families were sitting at his father''s office at home conversing about to the course of the pack. After the industrial revolution his father one of the few people who thought about inventing in machines had made an enormous amount of money becoming even richer than he was. The problem was that they had already been for a century at this place, people would start to suspect sooner or later, especially with them handling such huge amounts of money and managing a big part of industrial London.

    "And what do you suggest we do there?" his father asked him. After he got married to Eve their relationship had been improved significantly. Adam had let go of his dreams about equality in his pack and was working towards his father''s direction. Make as much money you can, live a comfortable life. Even if the guild ate him during the night, made him unable to sleep. Even if the memories still haunted him almost a century after he had learned to live with it. His father had guaranteed that he wouldn''t go mad, he was lying because Adam could feel it. The way his soul was being corrupted. How every time he looked in the mirror he saw a distorted face, an ugly smile and Daniel''s tears still vividly, like a beautiful painting hanged at the halls of his mind.

    "There is gold. In America. We can begin mining. We have working hands. We can blow up the factory, fake our deaths and sail a ship with new names to the new land." He told them and everyone seemed to be surprised by his plan. Adam had excellent leadership abilities. He was innovative and smart, always able to think a few steps ahead. On the outside he looked perfect, with a perfect wife and a perfect life. It was the inside that had a problem. "You can think on it gentlemen and vote on it. Excuse me for a second" he said and rushed outside, hopping up the stairs in a hurry to get to the bathroom.

    There he threw up, letting out everything he had eaten until there was nothing left. He made sure to wash everything away with water and headed towards the sink, washing his face. He pushed back his hair. There it was, that smile on his reflection. He couldn''t stand it. Then the sound of Daniel''s tears would echo in his mind.

    "Shut up" he mumbled and hit the sink. "Shut it." He said again and punched the mirror, glass shards landing everywhere.

    "Adam? Are you alright?" He heard his wife''s voice and turned around. She was standing at the doorframe, her long dress wiping the wet floor while she wrapped her shawl around herself. Her eyes were worried. The young wolf sighed and splashed himself with some water. He turned to her and smiled.

    "Perfectly fine. Just felt a bit hot." He said.

    "But is January." She answered innocently.

    "Eve, please not now. What did they vote down stairs?" he asked her.

    "As it seems we will be leaving for the New Land. Good job Adam. Your plan was perfect. Everyone was excited about it."

    "Of course they were, it''s about money after all." He told her, his voice bitter as he remembered his old beliefs. The things he wanted to change. Everything had been stored away, dusty at a corner of his weak mind. "I will go to lie down a bit. I do not feel that well." He said and walked through her. The woman though stopped him. She called out his name, having something to say.

    "I know where he is." She said and Adam stopped in his track, immediately turning around.

    "What are you talking about?"

    "You were calling out a name in your sleep. Daniel. Every single night for years. Your condition has been getting worse no matter how hard you try to hide it. So I cornered Markus and forced him to tell me who was that man. I did some research to find that Daniel of your he¡­" Eve tried to speak but Adam placed his palm on her mouth, stopping her. He looked around frantically, even walking at the top of the stairs to look down and make sure no one was there, listening. He grabbed Eve''s arm and led her inside their bedroom. He had to make sure no one was listening.

    "Why would you do something like that? I don''t want to know! Do you have any idea how I¡­how hard it was for me to let it go? I¡­"

    "He is a teacher. He went to school and even went to university. He is the headmaster at a boys'' boarding school. The parents are very pleased with him and everyone is calling him a prodigy in teaching. They say he is exquisite." Eve revealed and Adam without realizing it he smiled. Of course he would become a teacher, he thought. He loved teaching children, he wanted to give them the light of knowledge. Because everyone should have the right to education. "That''s the first time I''ve seen you smile truthfully." The woman said with a sad tone.

    "I am sorry Eve. I¡­"

    "Don''t be sorry. Just go find him. The pack has expanded so much your father won''t know about it. He for sure would have gotten even a bit older. Bring him to the New Land with us. You need him." She proposed and her husband looked at her with wide eyes. His grey irises stuck on her as she spoke. She couldn''t believe that he was hearing right, right now. Maybe his insanity had gotten much worse.

    "What¡­are you serious?"

    "Yes, go find him and bring him with you. Because if this keeps up you will just go mad and die. You are already lost. So just go." She said.

    ...

    Just a few chapters left with Adam and Daniel guys T.T I just need to show you some things that connect with our actuall plot and back tot he main story!

 Chapter 223 - 223

    "Please tell me why did we have to travel three whole hours to come to a boys'' boarding school? No let me rephrase it. Why did I have to come?" Markus whined as the enormous school appeared before them. A stone building with many tear shaped windows and colourful glass. A big round yard with green grass was right in front of them while a few boys dressed in their uniforms played with a ball. They all stared at the two tall men, wondering who they were since in a place like this so far away from the city they didn''t get visitors often.

    "Moral support Markus." Adam said and the man laughed. They entered the old building facing silence as most of the children were probably in class. One of the teachers stopped them asking them who they were and what they were doing here. Markus being less nervous than his friend explained with ease that they had come to visit Daniel since they were old friends. Not fully believing them but not able to do anything else the teacher led them to Daniel''s office. The big wooden door was closed and Adam''s fist while slightly shaking knocked. Daniel''s voice was heard, as he softly told his visitors to come in. Adam''s eyes widened and he turned around, wanting to run away.

    "Come back you big baby!" Markus shouted and at that exact moment Daniel opened the door. Curious to see who was visiting him he opened it himself to face Markus and Adam now a few years older. Looking like they were in their early to mid twenties.

    "Hell no" Daniel said and was ready to smack the door closed when Markus actually placed his foot on the frame. He hissed as he felt it possibly breaking but he forced a smile.

    "Come on now we came all the way here. Look at him. Standing there like a puppy." He said and pointed at Adam. He indeed looked pitiful. A few metres away from the door he played with his hands, his eyes sad as his love apperead before him. Daniel imagined him with a pair of droopy dog ears.

    "What do you want?" He asked them. He moved to the side allowing them to enter. Markus walked in with confidence while his friend dragged his feet his eyes pinned to the floor. What was he supposed to do now?

    Daniel sat on his armchair while Markus took a seat on the couch in his office crossing his leg. Adam remained standing in the corner as if he was being punished.

    "Good news! The pack is going to the New Land and we came here to get you!" Markus said and clapped. Daniel was stunned for a second. His eyes found Adam and looked at him coldly.

    "Why would I come with you? It''s been almost a century. I thought you had forgotten about me."

    "No!" Adam exclaed finally looking at him for the first time. He was still beautiful like a fairy, his long hair framing his small face. If he could he would drown him in kisses and hold him. He had been dreaming about him, every night but now he was real. "I was trying to find a chance. I did try to forget you but nothing worked. So I set up a plan. I will be moving the whole pack, I will lead things andy father he wants to stay in London for a while longer. I ce to get you. We can go there and have a new start , away from him, build a school..."

    "Do you ant me to believe your lies?" Daniel said upset. "I know you''re married. How could you leave your wife to come and find me? Aren''t you ashamed of yoursel?"

    "Well, actually his wife told him to come here. You see our little Adam here is going mad." Markus revealed. His friend looked at him with a deadly glare. He didn''t want Daniel to know this. How weak he had become. He took a deep breath and looked at him. Walking towards him.

    "Please come back. I''ve been trying so hard for this chance. I had given up. For a long time I really did I won''t lie to you. I forgot abouty dreams, my goals and I became a silly copy of my father but now that you are here right in front of me, everything comes alive again. Everything is possible. All these years you were the only one I could dream for. Come with us to America. It will be a whole new adventure." He told him. Daniel looked away. His cheeks.painted a faint shade of pink. He wanted to be tough, cruel and humiliate him but his heart was racing so fast. His mind was numb and all he could do was hear his sweet words. Helpless.

    "No. I won''t leave everything I''ve worked so hard for just to come with you and be nothing again. I have my money, I have my house, I have my students and I am happy here." Daniel said.

    Adam suddenly felt upset. He was happy? He was happy while he was being tortured for years by phantoms and harmful thoughts. He was happy while Adam cried in his sleep every night, calling out his name. How could he say that? How could he look him in the eyes and tell him that he was happy without him, his mate? He breathed in loudly, his nostrils flaring. He couldn''t lose him. He wouldn''t be able to bear it. If he left with that ship without him in it his life would be over.

    "My life has been a living hell. Every night I am tortured by nightmares. I can''t eat properly and when I look at myself in the mirror I see someone else. I have been trying so hard to survive and when finally I get the chance to have you back you tell me right into my face that you are happy without me?" Adam asked him. Daniel looked away as he stood up. He headed towards the door and opened it revealing the empty corridor.

    "Remember your words that night Adam. How you made me feel. I want you to leave. I don''t ever want to see you again." He said. "You know I would have waited for you. I would stay silently by your side without asking for too much. I would have done that for you just to be near you. I would even go away and wait patiently if you hadn''t spat all these lies in my face. I was sixteen years old Adam! I knew nothing and for many years I was so insecure, so depressed and to actually hear that you got married. I thought about ending my life! You were the one who ruined everything. You ruined me." He confessed with tears in his eyes. "I want you out of here. Both of you."

    "You still love me." Adam stated.

    "What does it matter now? I have made my decision."

    "If you don''t come with us willingly Daniel I swear to the gods that I will kidnap you. I am that shameless." Adam said with a cheeky smile.

    "You are unbelievable!" Daniel shouted and slammed the door.

    "He really is isn''t he?" Markus mumbled as he rubbed his temples.

 Chapter 224 - 224

    "The wind is annoying. The smeeo of the sea is annoying. My hair keeps getting into my eyes and I''m tired. I want to go home. Turn the ship around!" Daniel shouted. "Take me back to London!" He pushed frantically the stray strands of hair that flew everywhere because of the strong wind. His hands in the air as he tried to pushe them behind his ears. He kept running his eyes and hairs got into his mouth.

    "Oh please dear Daniel stop whining. We''ve been in this ship for only a week and everyday I keep hearing the same things all over again and again. We are definitely not turning the ship around just because the air is ruining your hairstyle." Markus said and pushed his glasses back. He turned to his side and faced the annoyed wolf with a bright smile that seemed to annoy Daniel even more.

    "Keep going, I like it. You look cute when you whine." Adam said, looking at Daniel on the eyes. His mate scoffed, his small nose wrinkled as he heard Adam speak and tried to walk away. The Alpha''s son though grabbed his arm stopping him.

    "If you don''t let me go to my room I will jump on the sea. Don''t test me." He threatened him and Adam chuckled.

    "During this whole trip you have been locked in there. Why don''t you enjoy the scenery with me?" Adam asked him and looked at the endless ocean with his cloudy eyes. Daniel mimicked him staring at the endless blue, wild and scary his heart was scared about what he would find at the other side of the ocean. He looked away focusing on Adam''s face. His clear eyes, such a cold color and his half open lips. His dark hair fring his handsome features. He matched the scenery too well, too beautiful for Daniel to be able to focus on the sea. It was him, dressed with his day clothes, his hat and everything about him screamed elegance. How could he look somehwere else?

    "Oh god Daniel you''re drooling." Markus made fun of him and the young man flinched, slapping him on the shoulder.

    "Bloody idiot." He mumbled and looked away from Adam flustered.

    "I''m going to eat. Lovebirds have fun" Markus said as he rubbed his smacked shoulder. Daniel and Adam were left alone, the sun slowly falling only a few sailors walking around. It was getting more chilly as the night approached.

    "I am going to my room." Daniel said.

    "Stay with me a bit longer. Please, don''t be mad." He begged him and Daniel scowled. Ready for a fight.

    "Well I wonder why am I mad? Could it possibly be because you lifted me up like a sack of potatoes, passed me over your shoulder and dragged me into the ship?" Daniel shouted remembering the embarrassing scene.

    "Oh come on. If you wanted to leave you could. Don''t fool yourself." Adam said.

    "Well I am leaving!" Daniel shouted and jumped over the railing. He fell right into the sea, swallowed by the nasty waves as Adam stood stunned looking at him terrified.

    "Daniel!" He called out and his mate appeared, drenched and panting.

    "I don''t know how to swim!" He shouted water getting into his lungs. "Why didn''t you stop me!" He screamed and Adam''s sighed. He took off his coat and jumped off, grabbing him and skillfully bringin the both up. He grew Daniel over the railing, him landing on the ship''s deck slightly violently and he coughed letting out bunch of water.

    "Have you gone utterly mad? What was that? Do you hate me that much to put your life in danger? Is that it?" Adam asked him filled with anger. Daniel was sitting on the floor, panting. It was the first time he was seeing him so flustered. His eyes were wide, hands in fists and his chest moved frantically as he breathed in strongly. "I...I hoped that you...what the hell Daniel. If you hate me that much I''ll leave you alone but don''t scare me like this. Bloody idiot." He screed at him and walked away, his heavy footsteps vibrating the iron floor.

    What did he do just now? Daniel wondered. Why did he jump? He shook his head confused. Did he really want Adam to jump in with him, some kind of romantic moment that would remain in time? His eyes widened shocked. You fool. He mumbled as he stood up, his body heavy. You wanted to get his attention but he just walked away furious. He thought disappointed. What kind of childish act was that? Now I will have to go and apologize. He talked particularly to no one. He felt the cold twice stronger now, his wet clothes sticking disgustingly to his body. He headed towards Adam''s room, his arms wrapped around himself and knocked on the iron door. There was no answer though. He opened it peeking inside rudely but his mate was nowhere to be seen. He turned around and wondered off. Searching for Adam not really caring about the looks he was getting from the staff and the passengers.

    The more he walked the deeper into the enormous ship he found himself until he reached the lower class travelers. Bunk beds stacked everywhere, with little to no heating. People cramped sitting on their beds, babies crying.

    He would be there too, if Adam hadn''t found him. These people from factory workers were heading straight into being miners. A work even more horrible and tiring than the previous one. He had to help Adam. He had to find a way and help them, educate tj give them rights. They were all wolves like him but there was such a big difference between them. Daniel was despicable too, he had taken Richard''s filthy money. He had grabbed the chance of leaving the dirt and the mud without arguing. He was preaching and scolding but he too had become greedy, money thirsty and once heade his own money, held them in his hands, once he became known for his job and respected he forgot everything about them. About the dreams he had made. Adam hadn''t forgotten though. He wasn''t Sawyer that easily and he waited. He waited for a chance to give them everything, a better life. He waited for a chance to come and get him even though he was half mad he kept going. He held on. The darkness in his heart was rooted there, it would never leave but he fought with everything he got. Daniel knew that this man, his mate, he was truly incredible. He thought and turned around, the need to see him, to tell him, overtaking him.

    He walked outside, trying to find his way back through the dark corridors, walking slowly as the light seemed to be dim. He had perfect hearing, he could notice someone from really far away so it wasn''t hard for him to hear the footsteps. Five people following him, as he does up they did too. His breathing became unstable. He took a sudden turn, bidding at a corner, covering his mouth so his ratchet breathing would not be heard. Why were they following him? Who were they? He wondered. After a while he stopped hearing their footsteps. He sneaked out of the corner he was hiding taking another turn hoping that soon he would be out of this maze like corridors. He was at the bottom of the ship and suddenly he missed incredibly the blowing wind and the stench of the sea because down here it was suffocating and dark. He was flustered and confused. He didn''t know how he got there in the first place and he looked around trying to find the right turn but it was hopeless. He began running, his eyes closed since he was afraid. Adam. He needed to find Adam.

    "Adam. Where are you?" He shouted feeling his eyes water. His voice echoed and he heard it again and again. His empty question. He was alone. He couldn''t find a way out.

    "Well, well, well. This is Adam''s little bitch." He heard someone say and he turned around. His eyes widened as he faced five young men. Five men he knew, five men that used to hurt him. They were the ones that followed him. For some reason they were after him again. Daniel took a step back, seing them approach. He felt the wall, cold and unfriendly on his back. A dead end. He was stuck.

    "What do you want?" He asked them. He wanted to sound strong, unflinching but the cracking in his voice betrayed him easily.

    "We were wondering where you were. After you met the Alpha''s son we couldn''t play with you. Then you disappeared while we still died at the factory and now you return living at the top floors while we rot in here? That''s not fair mate, we are all from the same old slums. Or did you forget that?" He asked him with a vicious grin.

    Daniel didn''t know what to say. He could never believe they would be this vindictive. He already knew what was coming at him. No reason to doubt.

    "I think it''s time we remind you." He said and his friends began laughing. It was quite the bothering scene and to Daniel it was a nightmare comming true.

    They were going to kill him.

 Chapter 225 - 225

    Adam flinched and turned around, looking at the people with furrowed eyebrows.

    "What''s wrong?" Markus asked him. After he had changed his clothes he had joined his best friend for dinner at the main hall. They had a variety of steaming hot food but he didn''t seem to be willing to eat. He had left Daniel at the deck, wet and cold. Maybe his behavior was actually immature.

    "I, I thought I heard of something." He said and his friend looked at him as he took a sip from his wine.

    "Could it be, the voices?" he joked and raised his eyebrows. His best friend sighed and rubbed his forehead, hoping that one day his tactless jokes would stop.

    "The voices don''t sound like¡­Daniel. They never did." He said and he stood up. He looked around as worry began overtaking him. "Something is wrong Markus. Something is definitely wrong." He said and walked away from their table, passing through the thin spaces between he chairs, upsetting some other passengers that were trying to eat and handing out sorrys and apologies for disturbing them.

    He reached th corridor, his breath unstable as his friend tried to catch up with him. He smelled the air, confused with the mix of the sea and so many other passengers he couldn''t actually pinpoint Daniel''s scent. He closed his eyes, trying to think of it as a golden line. How did Daniel usually smell? He wondered and the sweet scent of lilies and honey invaded his sensitive nostrils. Markus without asking many questions he flowed him as they went down, deeper and deeper into the gigantic ship. Their footsteps echoed in the metallic floors, their breathing loud like drum and Adam stopped, frozen in front of a dead end.

    His grey eyes turned into a storm, his lips forming a thin line as his hands formed fiery fists. He was too late. He thought as he looked at his mate, lying there unprotected and hurt. Markus called out his name and he raised his head, his back supporting him as he sat on the ground. He was beaten up and exhausted, filled with bruises and cuts but the moment their eyes met Daniel instinctively smiled.

    "You heard me." He mumbled and spit a small pool of blood on the floor. "Help me up. Bloody hell they really did take all their anger out on me." He said and Markus was the one that moved. It was like they had traveled back in time. No matter his clothes, no matter his education, no matter where he stood now when Adam looked at him would always see that helpless boy with the charming smile. Back then he had saved him, right now though he was too late. He thought and his eyes watered.

    "I am sorry." The wolf cried and rubbed his face. Markus had helped Daniel up, and his mate rushed towards him, taking him in his arms and raising him up like a bride. "I am so sorry." He repeated and Daniel scoffed.

    "You were not sorry about bringing me here but you are sorry that someone else beat me up." He mocked him as Adam took him away. He wrapped his arms around his neck, his exhausted body enjoying being carried. He didn''t have to use his muscles at least; he was sure that he would be in a lot of pain if he tried to.

    "I am sorry I wasn''t in time. Who did this to you? I will have them killed. I will rip them to shreds and throw them into the sea for the sharks to feast on them." He growled and Daniel laughed. Adam took the exhausted wolf on his room. Markus opening the room for them and helping his friend place the beaten up boy on the bed.

    "You do have a tendency to cause trouble, don''t you? Daniel dearest." Markus said as he stood at the doorframe. He wasn''t planning on staying there longer. He knew he would have to patch up the beaten up man if he did and he didn''t actually enjoy the sight or the smell of blood.

    "Your life would be boring if it was anyway different Markus dearest." He said with a grin as Adam placed a pillow behind his back, helping him to sit properly on the soft bed.

    "You see; I do quite enjoy being bored nowadays. You can say I am maturing? Like fine wine." He said and made Daniel laugh so hard that his ribs hurt.

    "You and your friend are stuck being immature together." He told him before the blond man left them alone. He said he would have someone bring them some food and for a second Daniel thought he heard his belly complain. He hadn''t eaten anything.

    "How can you talk like nothing happened?" Adam said with a serious expression. He was sitting right next to Daniel, observing his every move, hearing his every word, wondering how he could look so fine. Every time something like this happened he looked fine and he wondered if it was actually his fault, if he was being a fool or misunderstanding something.

    "Because my tongue is intact, see?" he asked him and showed him his pinkish tongue. Adam sighed and stood up, pacing on the room, trying to find a way to get his nerves to calm down.

    "Who did this to you Daniel? There must have been many people? I know that you can handle one to one combat." He told him and Daniel shrugged his shoulders. He wasn''t planning on telling Adam who did it. He was fully aware that he would try to kill them. "Tell me. I¡­I need to do something. I feel worthless. I left you up there and you now, now you got injured. It''s my fault." He said as he sat down on a chair, hiding his face in his palms.

    "Your dream, your dream about the New Land. Was it true?" Daniel asked him. Adam looked at him, his eyes squeezed as he tried to understand if he was avoiding the question just so he wouldn''t confess.

    "Yes, I have many plans. Many things I want to complete with you. That''s why I need you. It has to be you the one who will be by my side because you are the only person who brings out the good side in me. When I look at you, I want to be better, to show you that I can help." He told him and stood up, not wanting to be away from him for a minute longer. He sat down next to him on the bed, taking his hands in his. He kissed them, his eyes glued on Daniel as his hot breath landed on them.

    "You are not lying to me aren''t you?" Daniel asked him, feeling afraid that coming with him would be a mistake.

    "No, I am planning the moment we get there to build a school. I have dreamed of a compound in the woods where our people will live freely, like a whole family. They will be able to get educated and they, they will be protected by the hunters and the exorcists. No one will hurt us there, no one will hurt you." He told Daniel, his eyes lighting up with excitement. Daniel smiled, watching him like this, while he spoke of revolutionary dream he realized how much he loved him. There wasn''t a more precious sight than watching your other half talk to you with a bright smile, their eyes filled with life and the hoped in them sparkling. Ada was so charming during those moments. When the true leader in him appeared. The visionary. He was born to do this.

    "I love you." Daniel told him, his cheeks turning red and Adam gasped. He flinched, confused he looked around as if he was scared that Daniel was talking to someone else.

    "You love me?" he asked and pointed at himself, making his mate chuckle.

    "Yes you, you big fool. I will spend the rest of my life with you. I will keep your insanity at bay and I will help you achieve everything you want even if we can''t get married or I can''t be officially your mate I am fine. I will always be by your side." He told him and caressed his cheek. "And those voices in your head, I am sure they must be tiring but when you hear my voice just find your way back to me. I love you Adam." He said and Adam nodded his head eagerly.

    "I love you too. You have no idea how much I love you." He said and kissed him gently.

    After a few months the ship finally reached America and they find a new place to settle. Constructions began about the mining and Adam began to also build a school for the children. He said education was mandatory from now on, surprising the people but also seeing the hope in their eyes. His father arrived after a few years and seeing what his son had done led to a very heated fight where Markus got his scar. This time none of them wanted to back away from their believes. Richard ended up compromising knowing that he couldn''t not defeat the two strongest males of his pack in his age and afraid of dying he had to find another solution. He approved the children''s education only up to elementary school, after that it was forbidden. Daniel and Adam knowing his father were overwhelmed with this achievement. Things remained the same for a few years. When the gold rush died another factory spurred and Adam had to get into constant fights about working rights. The people adored him and always stood with him. Even with small steps more smiled could be seen in the pack and that to them was enough.

    Adam was closer and closer to his dream with Daniel by his side. Everything seemed to be going good for once.

    That was until the war began.

 Chapter 226 - 226

    "It''s a good thing that you don''t have to fight that much in the war. We are winning but still I wouldn''t want to risk losing you." Daniel said as Adam played with his hair. Both of them older now, almost in their thirties, they were sitting in Adam''s office.

    It was actually his father''s but since he had chosen to just go off and fight Adam had to burden all the responsibility and deal with their business and leading the pack. He was sure his old man was enjoying ripping elven throats while he was drowning in a pile of paperwork. From his point of view though it was actually better. Even though he could and he knew very well how to fight Adam didn''t want to. He just wished for a peaceful life, spending his days lazily with Daniel on his side as they laid in bed.

    "Let''s hope he will die there. I have a lot of things I need to do here and he is stopping me." Adam mumbled as he played with his lover''s hair. Twisting the strands through his long fingers calmed him and silenced the storm in his mind.

    "We both know you don''t mean that. The pack has progressed a lot. And that''s all thanks to you. You need to remember that." Daniel told him. He cupped his face, pressing his cheeks as he kissed his nose and chuckled. Adam smiled and pulled him towards him, both of them landing on the hard sofa.

    "It''s thanks to you too." He said when the door of the office was suddenly busted open. Daniel surprised, immediately jumped back, and away from the Alpha''s son. They obviously hadn''t said anything yet about their relationship. They valued their lives too much. They had found peace in that secret of theirs. Their bond was something sacred, precious and even if the whole world didn''t know about it, it was enough that they did.

    "Why did you give me the spawn of Satan? Who said I would babysit so you and him could flirt?" Markus exploded and literally threw the six-year-old Luke to his father. The boy actually floated in the air and Adam stood up looking at him as he laughed. He grabbed him tightly, making sure that his son was alright. Adam was really worried about Luke. The aging process in wolves differed depending the person but as it seemed Luke was aging really slowly. He should look a lot older now but he just thought and acted like a six-year-old. He had consulted many healers in his pack and everyone told him the same thing. He was a late bloomer but he couldn''t stop worrying about something being wrong with him.

    "I was flying!" Luke exclaimed happily and wrapped his small arms around his dad''s neck.

    "Markus are you completely insane? That''s a child not a ball!" Daniel scolded him. "Come here honey." He said and took Luke in his arms. He let him sit on the couch, the boy giggling while Daniel showed him a game with his fingers.

    "If I see you throwing my son like that one more time Markus I swear¡­"

    "Oh, come on the little devil is kind of immortal. An opened head wouldn''t kill him. I mean he couldn''t end up more stupid than his father." Markus said with a cough and Daniel smiled. The other man in the room did not take it that well. He sighed sitting at the chair on his desk, looking at the scarred wolf with a deadly glare.

    "I just wanted you to look after him for a few hours. Eve doesn''t want anything to do with him and¡­"

    "Adam! Not in front of Luke." Daniel said as he covered the ears of the small child.

    "This imp entered my library and ripped all of the pages of two ancient books. Take him, this drooling mess was the result of you forcing yourself to sleep with that woman. By the way I would have broken up with him Daniel that is practically cheating." Markus teased him and Adam shook his head. He hated hearing people talk about that night. It had been exhausting.

    "To be honest¡­" Daniel played along with a grin. "¡­I did think about it."

    "What? But we had talked about it! Come on now Daniel¡­" Adam whined and his mate laughed.

    "But really, look at those little grey eyes." He said and kissed Luke on the forehead. The boy wrapped himself around him in a tight embrace and snuggled at his nape. "I just can''t." From the very first moment he was born Eve did not want to participate in raising the child so the burden had fallen to these three men. Staying awake till the crack of dawn, having meetings to learn how to change a diaper, they spent their years in an utter chaos smelling of poop and vomit. Somehow though every second was worth it.

    Adam stood up and called over Luke, who the moment he heard his father call him jumped off the couch and ran towards him, hugging his leg. Adam patted his soft hair and looked at him. He was so much like him, his eyes almost the same shade of gray.

    "Daddy can we go out to play?" the boy asked.

    "Did you do your reading with Daniel?" the man asked him back and the boy pouted looking away.

    "Pleaseee." He whined and Adam smiled.

    "Okay, okay let''s go. Do you want to play hide and seek today? Markus will count." He told him and looked at his best friend with a grin.

    "When did I say that?" he asked as he pushed his glasses on his nose. "I came here to tell you something."

    "Hide and seek, hide and seek." The boy repeated happily, jumping up and down as he pulled on his father''s pants.

    "It can wait." Adam said and began walking. He held his son''s hand as they headed outside when a loud screeching burst between his ears. He closed his eyes and frowned, letting go of Luke and his hands covered his ears. "Shit! Shit. Daniel get Luke out." He said as he turned around. "Shut up, shut up, please." He whispered and Daniel placed his hand on his shoulder, concerned.

    "Adam?" he called out but the man just walked away, pushing Luke towards him.

    "Daddy?" the boy asked confused.

    "Take him out!" The man shouted and Daniel took Luke in his arms, running away. Only Markus stayed, closing the door.

    "You said you were getting better." He told him and examined his stance. He was still covering his ears, his eyes now open looking around like he was desperately searching for something before he kicked the chair in front of him.

    "Like hell I am. I am getting more freaking insane by the day. Like this I will have to kill myself before I see Luke grow up. Shit!" he shouted and kicked his desk, the heavy wood turning to the side and landing on the floor. The lamp and the papers scattering messily. "I can''t sleep and sometimes I can''t think. It keeps telling me to just kill everyone, destroy everything and then die. Why am I so messed up?" he said as he began to calm down from his small crisis. Sometimes the voices would speak to him for hours. He once had punched Daniel by accident and after that he hadn''t left his room for days, he was only forced to because Luke had been crying nonstop, begging to see him.

    "You are holding on so well. Don''t give up. I am sure if we do some research we can help you. Daniel has been searching his whole life. We can do something." Markus said and Adam smiled bitterly as he sat on the couch.

    "We both know that''s not possible. I am paying the consequences of being so long apart from Daniel and hurting him. Slowly I will keep losing my sanity until the times I am in shock will be more than I am sane. I will kill myself then. I will not allow myself to ruin everything I worked so hard for, I will not make Daniel unhappy and I will not have my son see me as a crazy lunatic, dictator."

    "Adam¡­" Markus called him out, wanting to encourage him somehow. Give him even the slightest bit of hope but he couldn''t. It was true that they both knew what was going to happen and it was inevitable. The fact that Adam had been holding on for so long was heroic already on its own. "Are you in pain?"

    "Sometimes I want to rip my own heart off to just feel a bit at peace." He simply told him and his best friend sighed. "I just want some time. I want to see Luke grow up, I want to help the people here a bit more and I want to accept Daniel one day, in front of everyone. Then I will leave happy."

    "You will be able to do that. I am sure, Luke and Daniel adore you." Markus said and Adam smiled.

    "Am I good father?" He asked his friend.

    "If you forget about that time you almost dropped him, as a baby off the balcony because you were pretending he was a plane I would say yes. You are a pretty good father."

    "That''s good. Markus I really hope that I get to see him. Grown up and happy. He will be really handsome don''t you think? He looks like me!" Adam said proudly with a silly smile plastered on his face. "Luke, Daniel and you, you are the only family I have so promise me, even when I lose it, don''t leave me. I am sure I will decide to put an end to it myself. So for that time, stay by myside."

    "My friend. No one would be able to handle me or Daniel''s whining. I think you''re good." Markus told him.

    "Thank you." Adam said.

    That was the reason why Daniel and Markus never left his side. Even when the strong Alpha started turning into a dark tyrant these two men never abandoned him. People were wondering why and how could they remain together even with Adam''s unpredictable attitude. No one knew though, for centuries they had kept it a secter.  They always stood at his side, pulling him from his darkness just for a few hungry moments of clarity. Markus and Daniel had always kept their promise, both loving Adam in their own way.

    "I know this is an emotional moment and all but I am actually here to tell you that your father will be returning from the battlefield and he will be bringing the elf king with him for negotiations." Markus announced. "Surprise!"

    "You just want me to kill myself here, right now. I know it." Adam said with a desperate look on his face.

    ...

    I want to say that I cried while writing this. Just saying.

 Chapter 227 - 227

    "Adam listen to me, stop, stop, it''s okay. Look at me. You''re fine, you''re fine!" Daniel tried to calm down the angry Alpha.

    He was pacing in their room, his feet aching from standing but he just couldn''t sit still. They kept getting louder and louder. No matter what he did, no matter how many pills he took, no matter how many hours he slept they were always there, creeping in the corners of his mind haunting them.

    Richard, his father and the previous father had died at the elf war, leaving him alone and unprepared to take over all of the responsibilities. His work truly began then with Daniel and Markus. He had assigned Daniel as his beta, seeing this as a way to recognize him and show to the world how important he was to him. They couldn''t be together in such unstable times of change, as everything seemed to treble, careful steps were needed so they kept it a secret. Adam closed down the factory and announced that education now was mandatory until the age of eighteen. He also began building a college, a place where his people would be able to study without the fear of being hunted down by hunters. He allowed people to pursue their dreams and instead of a laboring house he turned their compound into a shelter for those of his kind. The only thing they had to do was pay some short of tax to be able to preserve the huge compound''s needs. That was th only thing that Adam had asked of them.

    But with that responsibility came late working hours to the point that his life had only began being working hours. His fragile mind obviously wasn''t kind to him and as he kept getting exhausted, more and more he was pushing himself into a bead end, a road with no actual return and he could sense it but he couldn''t stop now. Luke was still not ready, they had just received word of hunters entering their area and he had to keep everything together. The only thing that wasn''t together was him and the last years it showed.

    "Shut up Daniel. Please just leave me alone, I can''t, I can''t." he cried as she fell to the ground. He brought his knees to his chest, hiding his face as his tears dumped his jeans. Daniel sighed, filled with immense worry as he slowly tried to approach him. He was sick of repeating the same sentence again and again. It would be alright, things are okay. Things were not okay and both knew it, but what else could he possibly say or do? He wished to cure him but after centuries he had realized there was no other way so now all he could do was just sit there, on the cold floor with him. He brought his body in his embrace, trying hard to keep his tears to himself as he heard Adam sniffle. He couldn''t make him feel guilty about this too. "I am sorry. I¡­" he heard Adam mumble and gave him a bitter smile, even though they weren''t looking at each other, the alpha was hiding his face, trying to conceal his emotions even though it was obvious.

    "It''s alright. Don''t worry but Adam, I really think you need to let that human boy and Luke be. He seems harmless even with that mark on his back and Luke, he cares about him." Daniel said. Adam let down his long legs, not holding them anymore and his head rested on the wall, his grey hair messily falling on his forehead and eyes. He smiled.

    "Luke does not love that kid Daniel. It''s as clear as day. Also that human is more dangerous than you think. I do not want him in my pack. He will hurt my son eventually and everything will crumble."

    "You cannot predict the future Adam. Leave them be. You''ve done enough, Luke is unhappy with you. You used to show him so much love but now you are so cold towards him, I doubt that he believes you love him anymore."

    "It''s better that way." Adam stated and took Daniel''s hand. He brought it close to his lips and kissed it, a gesture that had become a habit through the years, a shadow of their younger shelves and the etiquette of another time. Adam did find it quite romantic though and loved the blush on Daniel''s face as his lips touched his skin. They had many more intimate moments, some of them a lot more intense but small gestures like these always made his heart flutter. It felt as if they were kids once more. "that way he won''t be that sad when I leave."

    "Leave? Where will you go?" Daniel asked him, blinking innocently a few times.

    "Oh, in many places." Adam said with a dreamy smile. "I will go back to London and see the places we sneaked out at night, the old factory and my family''s mansion. Then I will travel somewhere far away and lay on the golden sand, see the beach. I will also enjoy lots of good food and music."

    "When did we say we were going on a trip and I can''t remember?"

    "You won''t come. You can''t come, not yet."

    "What? Are you teasing me again? If you are simply stop it." Daniel whined and Adam laughed. Wholeheartedly the sound echoed on their huge room. He grabbed Daniel, bringing him in his arms and kissed him. Surprising the wolf. "W-what was that?"

    "I love you, you''re the only one I trust so please watch after Luke for me? While I travel away, until one day come back to find you again."

    "Enough with this joke. You have no time to go on vacation Adam we have work to do." Daniel scolded him and his mate caressed his cheek.

    "I am tired of work, tired of¡­everything."

    That''s what the man had told him back then and Daniel had recklessly agreed. He hadn''t understood what the meaning of his travel meant or why after that conversation he said so many times that he would leave one day. His mind could never go to that, to the fact that he would choose to take his own life and he always discarded it as a joke.

    It was a big mistake actually because after a few weeks he really did leave, right in front of Daniel eyes.

    "You see Luke, your father might have been the villain of your story but to Markus and I to many people of this compound for centuries he was a savior. The things he did for us, are actually quite forgotten by the people but don''t think for one second that other packs have the privileges that we do. Your father was such a capable man, a true leader and he saved us all from a tyranny you will never know. I am not telling you to forgive him, all I am asking you is to understand that he loved you very much, he loved you more than anyone in this world and he would sacrifice his life for you, he actually did. So when you think of him, please remember him as the man who played hide and seek with you, who bought you toys and took you on his back and not as that haunted leftover of his self. Greet him farewell and just don''t hate him too much, okay?" Daniel told the young world with tears staining his cheeks. He tried to smile but he couldn''t. He also couldn''t see Luke, his face was facing downwards, his long hair hiding his expression. "Is this too much to ask? I guess it could be."

    "Daniel."

    "Yes?"

    "How can I forgive him now when he is not even here? How can I stand the thought of him leaving with regret? I¡­I knew nothing about his suffering, about his pain, I could have helped him!" The boy said and faced his father''s mate crying. The man smiled, caressing his cheek.

    "He had no regrets Luke." Daniel lied. "He was so proud of you. All he wanted for you was to see you become the great man you can be. So just live your life and be happy. Always be yourself and go after what you love. Don''t be silly like us, drowning in our own lies and secrets okay?"

    "But Daniel I¡­"

    "No, I don''t want to hear another word. Not now. Just know that your father trusted you, he believed in you. Just remember that when you''re facing a hard time. He was a great man but that doesn''t mean you can''t be one in your own way. So come on." Daniel said and stood up, wiping his eyes. "We have a funeral to attend. The time has come." He told him and Luke took it. He was hesitant at first but he knew it had to be done. He had so many things he wanted to talk about, so many questions but now it wasn''t the time for it, Daniel was right.

    They headed outside facing the empty corridor and Daniel placed his palm on Luke''s shoulder.

    "You go ahead first, I forgot my speech in my room. I will see you there." He told him and Luke agreed silently, leaving, lost in his own thoughts.

    Daniel went up the stairs, slowly walking towards they floor at the top of the compound. His little heaven, the only place he could freely be himself would now get dusty, have spider webs all over it and be inhabited by ghosts. It was alright though; this room was also a prison. A sign that love could not exist outside these walls.

    On his way he met Markus. His friend was dressed in black, his hair neatly styled for the first time in years. He actually looked decent for once. His best friend had to die to look slightly approachable as it seemed.

    "Where are you going?" He asked him and Daniel smile.

    "Back to London." He told him. For a second Markus shook his head and blinked confused. Why would he want to return to their home country alone when a sudden memory hit him. His caramel eyes widened and he sighed, a sad smile on his face.

    "Good luck with that." He told his friend

    "Thanks!" Daniel said and waved event though he blond man could not see him.

    He took a few steps, leaving Daniel behind as he took off his glasses. For the first time in years his eyes were watering. He wiped them, surprised with himself and looked around, concerned that someone might see.

    "So, I will be left babysitting again. You fools." He mumbled as he headed to his best friend''s funeral.

    ...

    And we are back to the main story. Hope you enjoyed that little flashback !

    Thank you for reading and please supprot this book with a nice review, votes and comments. They do matter a lot for the book to keep going! Thank you!

 Chapter 228 - 228

    "It''s muddy and smells like dead dog." Ares said as they walked deeper into the forest. He had a huge frown on his face and his nose was wrinkled, revealing how disgusted he felt. He wiped some sweat off his face and kept going, pushing branches away. He didn''t know why they had made him walk first, he had to step in all the animal shit fist and get hit by all the stray branches. He already had a little tear underneath his eyes from not being careful.

    "Stop complaining. If it smells like a dog it means we''re getting closer. If you stopped talking all the time and taking breaks we would have found him by now." Ea scolded him and slightly pushed him to move. "My King please be careful there is a mud puddle over there." The loyal boy said and pointed at the shallow mud pit so Allias could avoid it. The King laugh and jumped over it.

    "It''s fine, nothing will happen to me if I step on some mud." He said. "I think things will be slightly difficult for them. The Council will visit. I also left Mark at the compound. He didn''t seem that well so I need us to return soon." He said and Ea nodded eagerly.

    "You heard the King. Move!" he shouted and punched Ares on the shoulder.

    "Ouch! I am moving stop it." The boy said and walked faster.

    They had been in the forest for hours now. It was almost noon and the sun was torturing all of them, shining brightly above their head. Combined with the humidity of the area a very unpleasant feeling was created. Their clothes were sticking on them and all of them had thick beads of sweat on their forehead. Theseus walked right next to Allias, holding his hand as they got deeper into the thick trees. The area was huge and they were trying to cover it as fast as they could. But as it seemed they would be there for a while.

    "Alexander!" Theseus shouted, his heavy voice echoing everywhere around him. A flock of birds flew away, scared by the sudden sound. There was no answer and it was highly expected so no one was disappointed. Theseus turned his gaze to his lover, his eyes scanning his expression. He had been tortured by something, a very important information that he had kept hidden from him. The fact that there was an Avgee elf alive. He had told Joe to take her into a safe place until he went there to find her but now he wasn''t so sure that acting behind Allias'' back like this was right. "Allias I need to tell you something." The general said with a serious tone and the king looked at him with a faint smile.

    "What is it?" he asked him, his head slightly tilted to the side when Ares interrupted them.

    "Here!" he shouted and ran away, for a second getting drowned by the big branches and bushes.

    The rest of the elves followed him into a small clearing. There was only a little space for someone to sit down and rest, at the trunk of a huge oak tree. There were rays of light escape the thick leaves, shinning like small spotlights. On that trunk they found Alexander, sitting on the ground, filled with mud and blood. He looked exhausted, his body completely numb. They approached him, all of them having concerned looks on their faces as he didn''t seem to respond. His green eyes were open and he was breathing but he almost looked as if he was hypnotized.

    Ares shook his palm in front of him, watching his irises move and actually yelled into his ear, making the young wolf flinch and growl at him.

    "Hey, Alexander." Allias called out and crouched, standing in front of him and getting to his eyes level. He cleared up his face a bit from the mud, the boy not actually resisting. His eyes were focused on Allias, giving him a clear sign that he understood. "You must be exhausted. You did good out there." He said and patted his dirty head. Alexander''s eyes widened and teared gathered in them. He did good? He had killed so many people, all members of his pack. He had brought destruction and death and Luke had seen all that. He had instantly turned into the person he least wanted him to. "Don''t cry." Allias said, looking at him with pity. "It''s alright." He told him and hugged him not caring about his clothes or horrible state. "Can you talk? Let''s talk about it a bit."

    "I, I killed all of them." He said and Theseus sighed. He knew very well that the scars this boy now had would not be easily fixed. For now, all he could have were emotional crutches, hoping to not collapse.

    "I, I killed all of them." He said and Theseus sighed. He knew very well that the scars this boy now had would not be easily fixed. For now, all he could have were emotional crutches, hoping to not collapse.

    "Alexander, those people were trying to kill you too. You wanted to save Luke. It was inevitable." Allias told him, he needed to comfort him somehow. Get him back into the compound and fix at least a little bit his state for the arrival of the council. Thankfully all the people who had seen his transformation and might have wanted to talk about it were already dead. So keeping his secret from the council was actually possible, as long as he controlled himself and nothing happened to trigger him.

    "Was it?" Alexander asked Allias and the King found himself unable to respond. "I am not stupid. I know."

    Allias didn''t know what to say. There were no right words for these moments, no remedies for the scars created in the soul. Those could not be healed. Not even with magic. Alexander needed a force now, something to get him on his feet and not just a few kind words. Sweet lies whispered in his ears. That''s why Theseus stepped in. He walked closer, looking at the young wolf with a strict expression.

    "You chose this, didn''t you? So why are you surprised? This is the price you have to pay for your power. Do you think that killing or controlling yourself would be easy? I think you are indeed stupid. You said you wanted to be by Luke''s side but the moment you did something bad you got scared and ran away. Wasn''t this supposed to be your chance to stand next to him? The boy back there just lost his father. He is so young but he has to take the burden of the pack in his shoulder and soon he will have to go a very humiliating interrogation by the council. He is ready to collapse but you, the man who said that wanted to be by his side just ran away, resting under a tree. Also, you stink." He said and everyone looked at him wide eyed.

    "I¡­I don''t know how to face him." Alexander confessed. "I feel so guilty."

    "Want me to cut your hand off? That''s what Allias did" Ares said and Ea elbowed him in the ribs, making him fall to the ground. "We are getting a divorce! This is domestic violence!" he shouted and Ea actually kicked him slightly.

    "Can I divorce you for being stupid?" he asked.

    "Shut it. Both of you." Theseus said, glaring at them before returning to look at Alexander. "There is no how, if you keep thinking about it you will never do it. Fixing yourself won''t be easy. You need to learn to exist with this power or else you will lose everything. The more you run away, the more it will haunt you. The regret and pain of killing someone never goes away, but you do learn to live with it too." Theseus said and extended his hand. "Luke needs you and you need him too. So do me a favor and let''s get out of this forest." He said. For a second Alexander hesitated.

    He was divided between his heart and mind. Should he really return? As what? What if he made things worse? What if he exploded again and hurt someone he cared about this time? The council would be here, if he exposed himself he would make things even harder for Luke. But Theseus was right. He needed him, Alexander chose this so he could be proudly by his side, he could not turn back now. He had taken a huge leap, canceling it was not an option. The boy took Theseus hand and stood up, the king smiling relieved.

    "Finally! I need a bath." Ares said and walked back in a hurry.

    "You are always out of context!" Ea shouted at him.

    What would happen now, only time would show. Alexander was still hoping for a happy ending, for a way to make Luke smile. He had to fight for that.

 Chapter 229 - 229

    On their way back Alexander asked them lots of questions. They were the only creatures he knew that had such immense power and now being one of them there were many things he felt like he should know. He had suppressed his true self for so long that now he felt like he was inhabiting a different body. It was tiring, trying to contain everything inside, he was like an overflowing bottle. He desperately was trying all the time to put a lid on himself so he wouldn''t explode and flood everything around him. Having to deal with that all day, every second would be too tiring but he would have to learn to endure it, for the sake of the ones he loved.

    As they walked through the thick branches and mud Alexander asked one more question, this time looking at Allias.

    "How can you control your powers all the time? Isn''t it tiring restraining yourself?" he asked him and Allias'' smiled. He never thought he would meet another person who would understand that struggle of his. It was like having golden cuffs on your wrists and ankles and every time you tried to do something you weren''t supposed to you were brutally pulled into a rock solid wall.

    "It is quite exhausting. I won''t lie to you. Sometimes you feel like you''re imprisoned in your own body. But you do learn to live with it, the thought of hurting your loved ones is much worse than the feeling of being held down. You should though let go from time to time. Take some time for yourself, a week or a month whatever you think you need and just disappear, find the connection between you and your power and release it. That way you won''t feel so pent up." He advised him and Alexander nodded thinking that this was actually a very good idea.

    "Did it work for you?"

    "I¡­I am actually forbidden of using my true power at any circumstance. It is a law that the council voted right after my mother died at the war. It is partly the reason why I died and why the elves practically lost the war, why my whole tribe went extinct." Allias explained with a sad look and Alexander gasped. He had never thought of it before. If Allias was as strong as they said he was, why didn''t he just eliminate every threat on the battlefield? That way the war wouldn''t have lasted that long and they would have been announced as the winners. It all made sense now. If Allias was really restrained like that he would never be able to save his people. Even someone as great as him was bound by laws.

    "Why would they do that?" Alexander wondered, mumbling and mostly thinking to himself when Ea took the liberty to answer him.

    "Even during a war there are rules you need to obey to keep a balance. It''s like how you can''t poison the water supplies in the human world. It''s not written but is what you may call ethics. On top of that when queen Atalanti died the Council was scared by our king''s dominance. He was filled with rage and they were scared that if we came out winners from this war while he used his powers he would come after them next since they didn''t help us even though they were supposed to be our allies. We always had to deal with hunters and other supernatural creatures outside the Veil since we were at the border of one of the most popular and magically strong portals. We never had asked for their help though, only that time we did and they rejected us. When the queen died, the only one who could restrain her son they had to do something. So they voted this law, they even banished the elf representative from the council, they made sure that we would suffer so many loses that we wouldn''t have time to deal with them. They hadn''t calculated though that our king would end up dying, a genocide began right after and they had to enforce a treaty. It was too late though." The small elf, who was always good with politics and history explained. Unaware about all of this Alexander looked at Allias. His eyes were burning as anger slowly started to show on his face. He had been wronged in so many ways, he had lost almost everything and even now he kept fighting. Alexander noticed how Theseus placed his palm on his shoulder and smiled at him.

    "It''s over now. The only thing we can do is fight to change things." He encouraged him and the King took a deep breath.

    Alexander couldn''t take his eyes from them and as he walked he almost tripped at a root that had escaped the ground. Ares caught him, bringing him back to his feet. Embarrassed the wolf mumbled a thank you and Ares smiled at him. Alexander would begin to change; he already knew that. His body already felt slightly heavier, foreign as if it wasn''t his own. He would need to start excursing more to be able to keep control of his power or else his bones would start to break and the pain would be unbearable. He had to make everything different and adapt as fast as he could to help Luke. The pack must be a mess now, he thought and the council would definitely pay them a visit, always keen on enhancing the chaos. He had to be there for him. Just like Theseus. He was so wise, he stood next to Allias with such pride and always did everything he could to protect him, to advise him. The elf king was a bright light and the general was the shadow that followed him always, not minding not being in the spotlight since he had already a place where it mattered the most. In Allias'' heart and side.

    "I want to be like you. You have to teach me." Alexander said to Theseus with the most decisive look he had ever worn. His eyes were glued on the general and the man frowned, confused.

    "What?" he asked and Allias chuckled, instantly understanding what the teenager meant.

    "Teach me."

    "Teach you what?" he asked again.

    "How to be you"

    "Did you hit your head or something back there?" Theseus asked him and Alexander sighed. He had no other way of saying it. He was embarrassed already as it was and the boy looked at Allias with pleading eyes, hoping he would explain.

    "He wants to learn how to be an advisor Theseus. Be by Luke''s side." Allias explained and Theseus'' lips formed an o as he finally understood. He stopped walking at scanned the teen wolf from head to toe with a frown. Alexander averted his gaze feeling overly exposed and rubbed the back of his neck as he heard the general sigh.

    "That is quite impossible." Theseus resulted and Alexander looked at him heartbroken.

    "And why is that?" he asked, wanting to hear an explanation.

    "First of all you need to know about politics, strategy and¡­"

    "You don''t even do that stuff, I do it." Allias said and looked at his lover with a grin.

    "I did it while you were dead so shut it for a second honey will you?"

    "I did it while the king was dead." Ea cut in and looked at the general with a judgmental look.

    "Well then! You need to at least know about those things even if you might not end up doing them." Theseus corrected himself while everyone''s eyes were on him. "Second of all you need to not look weak. Like you do, people need to be scared of you, then they will be scared to threaten your king, in your case your Alpha. Third of all you need to be ready to hear every single annoying whiny demand and be on the lookout all the time. And when I say everything I mean everything. Did the King wake up on the wrong side of the bed today? Is he grumpy? Does he want to burn an entire kingdom? You have to put up with it and stop him without hurting his ego." Theseus said and looked at Allias with a grin before he turned serious. "And lastly kid, you have to be ready to kill even the people you love to protect him. If you love him that is and you are too soft to do that. You can pat Luke on the shoulder and offer him one of those innocent smiles of yours but I don''t think you can go any further." He said and Alexander for a second looked completely devastated. He did not expect Theseus to be so brutally honest.

    "It just takes time." Allias said and patted Alexander''s head. "It takes time to form a bond like that where you can calm the other with just a touch. It''s a good thing though that you do have plenty of time isn''t it?" he said with a reassuring smile and Alexander nodded. "Just think of what you truly want to do? Do you want to be like Theseus or be the best version of yourself? I don''t think that Luke needs someone like him but I am quite sure that he needs you, Alexander. You just have to get a bit stronger not only physically but mentally. That''s all. So don''t get discouraged." Allias advised him, making the teen smile.

    "So you asked me to listen to Allias." Theseus mumbled offended and soon their steps brought them to the end of the forest. The compound was clear after they passed a few trees and Alexander''s heart began to race.

    "He does have a way with words." Ares said and the King smiled before he turned to his lover.

    "I did not know that your work was so hard having to serve such a grumpy king. Maybe you need a vacation. An infinite one" he told him and sped up his pace. Leaving his general behind.

    "No, my love wait I was just¡­" Theseus called out and followed him. Alexander did not pay any attention though.

    He saw Luke, sitting all alone dressed in black at the entrance, in those dusty marble stairs. His face was hidden and he began running desperately wanting to be next to him. When he heard his footsteps Luke raised his face, revealing his swollen eyes, and the traces of his tears. Alexander stopped in front of him, panting.

    "I am here. I am here now." He said.

    Luke looked at him for a second, he bit his bottom lip as tears gathered again on his silver eyes.

    "Daniel is dead. Alexander please, help me." He cried, desperate.

 Chapter 230 - 230

    Daniel had killed himself, a few hours after he had recited Adam''s words. Unable to see a life without him he decided to put an end to everything by drinking a wolfsbane potion Adam kept secretly in case he needed to put an end to it one day. Who would have though he would have used it after all? He laid on their bed at the top floor of the compound and drank it, drifting away with a smile as he thought of the time he would return to this earth and meet him again. Maybe then they would have a new start, a life where they wouldn''t be in pain. Yes, that thought was so comforting that even death did not really seem that scary. It was just a sweet pause until their new beginning. Daniel really wished they would walk the earth at the same time on their next life, maybe Markus would be there too and the three of them could finally be happy.

    Alexander hugged Luke tightly as he cried. They both sat at the entrance, the elves leaving them alone to mourn and the younger wolf just waited, he stood quiet and simply listed to his tears, no matter how it pained him he knew he needed to give him that time, these simple moments when he would just let everything out. When he would release the storm inside him and then feel slightly lighter.

    "I don''t know what to do" Luke mumbled. "How can they just go off and die like this?" he cried and Alexander kissed the top of his head.

    "It''s alright." He told him as he caressed his back. "I will be here; I will help you. Mikael too. Allias is here with Theseus. We will all help you get through this I promise you. No matter what you need." he comforted him and the now Alpha looked at him, his silver eyes sad as he spoke.

    "You broke the seal because of me." He mumbled and Alexander smiled.

    "It wasn''t really because of you. It was because of me. I wanted it and I can live with it. You don''t need to worry about it. Now what we need to focus on is getting this pack back on its feet. I will do everything that I can to be by your side." Alexander confessed.

    "No, no you can''t be here. The council will visit tomorrow to trial Sam. If they find out about you, we don''t know what might happen. You need to leave with Allias and the others.  Go to the elf realm for a while, until they leave." He said and he almost sounded desperate. He couldn''t bear the thought of someone taking Alexander away from him too. He had to have him here, even if he needed to kick him out for a while, he did need him. All he wanted for now was to protect him, after their visit they could think things through.

    "No, Allias will remain here too. They will have to speak to them anyways. I won''t leave Luke, I want to stay here with you." He said and the wolf sighed. He knew Alexander wouldn''t back down no matter what he said. It angered him, the fact that he didn''t understand his worry, the fear deep inside of him. He had asked him not to do it. Not to release that damn spell for his own good but now things were already getting more and more complicated. Everything around him was being ruined and the only thing he wanted was to smack his head onto a wall and jus black out.

    "I had told you not to break the seal. I had clearly said that I would never be with you if you did it." Luke threatened him, hoping that this way he would back away and leave. All he wanted to was for him to hide, it was just one or two days why was it so hard for him to do it?

    "It''s fine. I don''t care about you loving me. All I want is to be by your side, I want to help you." Alexander said.

    "So you are fine being used by me?'' he asked and the young wolf nodded. "So if I grabbed you now and took you to my bed and asked you to sleep with me you would just do it? If that''s what I wanted from you, even though I won''t be with you?" Luke asked, feeling his anger suddenly expanding. He was out of his mind, how could he speak like this and accept everything.

    "Yes." Alexander simply said and Luke''s silver eyes widened. He couldn''t hear any longer of this. Not right now. He would just lose control and create even more of a mess. "that''s why I will not leave. No matter what you say." He repeated and Luke scoffed.

    "Fine, have it your way if that''s what you really want. I don''t care" he told him and stood up, leaving the younger wolf alone. It was fine like this. As long as he was allowed to remain by his side he would be able to approach him, help him and then maybe one day Luke would feel free to love him fully.

    Nothing would go wrong with that, Alexander thought. He indeed thought wrongly. Alexander was a fool, as much of a fool as Luke was.

    On the other hand, now, somewhere else in the compound Allias had ran right and left wanting to find Mark. After almost half an hour he managed to find his ginger friend, hiding in the dining hall, sitting all by himself on a table in the far back, with a tear stained face he played with a forgotten fork, hitting the table with it with much vigor. Allias walked in approaching him and sitting in front of him, observing him for a while as he ruined the silverware and the table.

    "Sooo, how did it go with Mikael?" he asked and mark laughed. He began laughing sounding more than a crazy person than ever. His eyes had a weird shine on them and Allias would lie if he said he wasn''t worried.

    "I''ve never felt the urge to kill someone in my whole life. Do you know what he said? Do you? I don''t care about you in that way. Scarlet is alive so bye bye I will look for her. Ridiculous wet dog he dared to treat me like this, this fucker I swear if I could cut his dick off in his sleep I would just snap it off!" mark screamed mimicking the motion of a scissor with his fingers. Yes, Allias realized, he wasn''t that well after all.

    "He is a jerk. Stop thinking about him. Good thing you didn''t have the time to fall in love with him. Yes, men with blue eyes are cute but just forget him. No more werewolves they are bad for our health." Allias joked and his best friend chuckled. He shook his head, still feeling slightly depressed. It was good talking with Allias like this, it reminded him of the old times.

    "Yeah because now we can think about other things like how a demon is going after me." He said and Allias gasped. He had totally forgotten about that. "Because that is a lot more pleasant and you know accompanied with the mysterious aura of our last few months running around trying to solve mysteries like Scooby fucking Doo" Mark said. He had been able to sleep properly for days the demon who was haunting his dreams seemed to be always there lurking. His nerves were quite on edge and he hated it, he desperately needed to punch someone.

    "Um, please tell me more about that. I would hate to have some kind of powerful demon pop up at my palace without me knowing,"

    "I did try to tell you but you were out on your cheating frenzy so don''t try to make me feel guilty mister because I have a lot to say for you too!" Mark exclaimed and Allias raised his hands, showing that he was surrendering. Mark wasn''t wrong and especially now that he was acting like he had ten shots of espresso he didn''t like the idea of getting on his bad side. "Good, so about that demon. He just appears in my dreams. We are at a balcony and just talk. Sometimes we don''t even talk he just sits there and smokes. Once he told me that he needs to find me and kill me because I was a traitor. Amelia said it was something about my past life but honestly I do think he is highly mistaken. Oh, he also said he will force me to remember before he kills me just so I will know what I did. As you can see things are going perfectly fine for me."

    "Okay so please also describe this demon to me. In full detail." Allias said trying to at least be calm in this whole situation.

    "He was quite handsome I am not going to lie. He was tall, with long hair, messy like he didn''t really care and he had two small horns coming out from his forehead like an evil unicorn. He has one yellow and one black eye. A pretty smile, with long pointy fans and a¡­"

    "¡­beauty mark underneath his bottom left lip." Allias completed his sentence.

    "You know him?"

    "Oh god mark you are a fool now but as it seems you were one in your previous life too. How could you anger Asmodeus one of the twin demon princes. How?" Alias asked in despair.

    Their lives would be even more of a mess soon.

 Chapter 231 - 231

    "Oh god Mark you are a fool now but as it seems you were one in your previous life too. How could you anger Asmodeus one of the twin demon princes. How?" Alias asked in despair.

    "What?" Mark asked surprised. He had never heard that name before. He wasn''t really religious anyways.

    "Have you heard of Malleus Maleficarum?" Allias asked him. His friend blinked a few times, staring at him like an innocent sheep as he stood there waiting for a further explanation. He definitely did not know anything about a book like that. The closest thing he knew about demons was Twilight, if that had any demons at all. "I will take it that you haven''t. Well let''s just sat it''s a book. This book mentions a demon named Asmodeus. In that book Asmodeus is one of the princes of hell, or even a King if you would like to call him that. He is also thought as the prince of revenge by others while he is called the prince of lust too. In the demon realm live other demons too, like Achlys who comes from ancient greek mythology, but he, he is the real deal a pure blood demon, made from divine essence. Remember the origins of magic right? It''s either from nature, where people like me come from, fairies and many other monsters and spirits or from humans. Human''s beliefs created the divine entities, like the twelve gods of Olympus, the Nordic gods many other minor gods and obviously the Christian God and in result Satan, from those came angels and demons¡­"

    "You are making things too complicated and I can''t follow." mark mumbled with a pout and Allias sighed.

    "What I am trying to say is that he is very powerful Mark!" the elf king said and rubbed his temples. From all the species. From all the people out there, the red haired had to anger a demon. A demon! The worst kind of all. Demons were even worse than werewolf. They were cunning and skillful liars enjoying the pain of others. It was like they fed on it, becoming stronger as their prey shook in terror. "Why? How...oh gods¡­" the king mumbled.

    "Well he did say that he loves me so it can''t be that bad, right?" Mark said with a smile and Allias'' eyes widened. He was at a loss of words. How long had this been going on? Why was there a demon roaming in his best friend''s head and how was he supposed to fix this?

    "Wait, wait Mark slow down. What do you mean he loves you? Demons can''t feel love! Not the way we do it. It could be lust, need or want but it''s not the pure feeling of love. How? Tell me how did you get yourself into this mess? What if he kidnaps you and turns you into his sex slave or something?" Allias rambled and mark shook his head in a negative motion.

    "No, he was clear he just wants to kill me, painfully." he said and shivers ran down his spine as he remembered the demon''s words. His vicious smile and his cocky attitude. It was all happening inside his head so it was slightly hard for him to believe everything. He couldn''t feel the actual danger or the severity of the situation but Allias, who was conversing right now with him knew very well of Asmodeus and what he could do, that was why he was already going insane with worry. He couldn''t kill one of the Kings of hell. He wasn''t allowed to, so who would protect Mark? Theseus was probably not strong enough to take him on.

    "Wait a second. Mark, Asmodeus has been sealed away in hell. He was meant to suffer 300 years in solitude in the demon realm. Exorcists took him down a while ago. If he said he is searching for you that means that his punishment is over. You have a vicious, just released from hundreds of years in hell King going after you. You are taking this too lightly. I will have Theseus call in my guards. We need to have people in the perimeter as long as we are here. Once the Council leaves we will return to the palace and do some research." Allias told him and looked at him strictly. The red haired just shrugged his shoulders. He hadn''t told Allias about what Amelia had given him, that remedy which would allow him to tap into his previous life. He wanted to keep it a secret because he was almost sure that the elves would force him to take it. He didn''t want to though, he didn''t wish for his life to become even more complicated. He had fallen in love with a werewolf and got his heart shuttered a few hours ago. Now, while he still didn''t have any time to heal, he had to worry about someone trying to take his life. He wanted to remain as normal as he could and he was scared that looking back, knowing what happened would change him.

    "What''s an exorcist?" Mark asked hoping that he could kind of change the course of the conversation. It was obvious Allias was very upset, his mind running as to how he could find a solution fast enough to keep him safe. The red haired man didn''t want to burden him like that though. He had so many things going on at the moment so adding his own problem would just be a bigger hustle. He just waited for the time he could see him finally happy. Every time they got out of one trouble they faced something else. He was scared about his friend. That he would get lost in his worries. So if staying quiet would help, he was willing to take that risk.

    "Exorcists don''t exist any more. You can think of them as a special time of hunters. They specialized in demons, vampires and werewolves from time to time. They were different though, they had a form of power too and they choose when to kill or release someone. Of course they send all the demons to hell but it wasn''t the same with vampires or werewolves. You could say they were kinder in a way, or more rational than hunters." he explained and mark nodded.

    "So what kind of powers did they have?" he asked again, glad that he was slowly guiding the conversation to another topic.

    "It differed by the clan. Depending on which side of the world you were born, they used many different techniques. It wasn''t obligatory that your birth could define your techniques but what every family used was kind of tradition. Some used christian prayers, holy water and such. Others mantras from India, some used blessed weapons made by angels and many other stuff. Some even had contracts with low level demons and they would summon them to fight." Allias explained.

    "That does sound pretty cool." He said and the elf king nodded.

    "I met one once. He taught me a technique to control my power since I couldn''t use it. He used to fight by calling his familiar. He had if I remember correctly a lion made out of fire, a puma made of shadows and an enormous crow he used to fly with. He was actually pretty strong, he came from a very famous clan too. That was the only exorcist I ever got to meet a long time ago. My mother had brought him. I guess she had suspected that one day they would try to restrain me." Allias said.

    "So the dude owned a zoo." Mark joked and Allias rolled his eyes.

    "You think I don''t know what you''re trying to do? We need to talk about the demon King and see¡­" Allias started saying when Ea walked through the door, interrupting their conversation. He had a disturbed look on his face as he looked at the two man and Allias called him over with his hand.

    "I am sorry my King but I think it would be best if you joined the others at the entrance. Luke will need you." he told him.

    "What happened?"

    "You see, the Council is here." he said and Allias sighed. They were supposed to come tomorrow but obviously they had to make an entrance by just popping in during the chaos. Allias stood up, unwillingly dragging his feet outside with Mark following him closely. The person he hated to see the most was definitely Achlys. That woman was annoying. As annoying it could get and he was perfectly sure she would try to blame the elves somehow. He still hadn''t talk to Theseus about they would handle the Hara thing either. He just hoped they were not suspicious of anything, since they hadn''t heard about a funeral or his body being found.

    They reached the entrance, Allias noticing that all of his friends wolves and elves were gathered there, staring at the so called almighty Council. It certainly looked like a battle ground. He noticed the angel representative, Dionysus and Suijin but Achlys was nowhere to be seen. He looked around confused as to where the woman might have gone off to when a voice drew their attention.

    "Looking for me?" a male voice was heard, low and smooth and everyone looked back. There was a man standing at the window. Actually sitting at the sill. He was smirking as he looked at everyone with confidence. "Got to admit it feels great to get some air after 300 years." the man said.

    So there was a new Demon representative.

    "Shit." Mark mumbled.

 Chapter 232 - 232

    A few hours earlier.

    Luke felt completely alone. It was the first time in his life that he walked through the halls of the compound and it didn''t feel like home. The people around would look at him with pitty, their eyes always focused on him. No one would talk to him though, as he passed by them, trying really hard to hold his head high.

    There was no one left now. That was what he believed as he looked around, the place almost empty. People had returned to their rooms right after the funeral not really in the mood to do anything. His father''s death was shocking and honestly no one could believe it actually happened. Not even him, who saw his dead body. Sam had treated him disrespectfully. He had thrown his lifeless corpse on the ground as if it was some kind of object. He had treated the leader of a whole pack, the founder of freedom for them like he was nothing. His eyes were always hungry but Luke could never believe he would go this far. So far as to doom their hole pack. He ruined everything just to be the one on top. The truth was that he brought himself down too, together with the older Alpha he would probably die too and it he ever reincarnated in the same time as him Luke would want to find him, he was almost sure his hate would have found a way to survive his death and reveal itself in their next life.

    Daniel too had left, he disappeared after he dropped a burdensome truth without not even a last word. Luke had found him, laying his father''s and his death, his eyes closed while a faint smile lingered on his frozen face. He had been happy with his decision but what about the people around him? The people that needed him? He needed him but he chose to leave without even knowing if he could meet Adam in his next life. It was a sad truth, the fact that date played a mysterious game and sometimes they were just pawns.

    Luke sighed as he passed through the bedrooms. His first thought was to visit Mikael. He was the only one who could support him emotionally but he stopped. He stopped right outside his room, in front of his locked door as he heard the music blasting from the speakers in his room. Mikael had always been brutally honest, he would be able to be by his side as he cried about his father''s death. Mikael hated Adam and he wasn''t at fault for that. He couldn''t force him to mourn for someone he despised.

    He sighed heavily, turning on his heels and he kept walking, roaming the endless corridors, turning right and left with no true destination. It was hard, finding you way. He thought with a bitter smile. Even withing these walls, the place he had grown up in he felt lost. He knew every floor, every corner and every room by heart. He used to just ran around everywhere as a kid but now this place seemed too big and too complicated. The same with his life, too complicated and too sad. The last few months had been nothing more than a tragedy and the information he had acquired from Daniel could not offer him the final catharsis. His father was now dead so it was impossible for them to talk, work things out. Their relationship would just remain the same, even through death. A son and a father who never got along. A sick father and a son who knew nothing.

    Many times he had ended up thinking he was an idiot. Just a while back he had pushes Alexander away getting furious about him breaking the seal. He also knew he was too filled with pride and his ego to just step back and take back what he had said. He didn''t know how to retreat and sadly with him it was all or nothing. He hated the idea of Alexander getting hurt and even though deep down he was shaken to his core by the decision the younger made he didn''t want to accept it. That would mean he was soft. In love in a way that would make everything crumble if he succumbed to it, the same thing that happened to his father. That great man, educated, strong with everything someone could acquire had lost his mind from love. He had gotten sick from love and now, the father that seemed invisible in his eyes suddenly looked weak in a way he had never thought before.

    What if Luke ended up being that way with Alexander? What if things went wrong somehwer along the way and he was ruined from the inside out? Then the pack would perish. He wasn''t as iron willed as his father. He couldn''t control his self the way he did. Not yet at least and that was what scared him when it came to the younger wolf. Alexander now was a raw force and he wouldn''t be able to get through it if things went bad. He was scared of loving someone. Sacred of losing them, scared of messing up like he always did. He was scared he would ruin the pack, he wasnt ready yet and he had no help. He had never felt so helplsedd in his life and the confidence that used to emit from his every move once was now fully gone.

    After he walked through the comound for a while he stopped, seeing a familiar face stare out the window. Markus, still dressed with his clothes from the funeral was looking outside. His expression unreadable. He heard Luke''s footsteps and he turned around, his eyes meeting him. He smiled faintly and Luke got scared. He was the last one that was left. He sprinted towards him, his eyes wide as he grabbed his arm.

    "You can''t leave too." He said, his voice pleading. "I''m begging you."

    "What are you...oh, well don''t worry. I have things to deal with here. I won''t leave you do whatever you want. You''re just a baby after all." He said and Luke felt a sudden relief. At least he would stay. Finally someone said he would be here. "Where is that little wolf boy of yours? I heard he returned."

    "I...I met him but things didn''t go as planned " he told Markus and the man scoffed.

    "The apple doesn''t fall far from the tree I guess. Listen here boy. You have a pack to rule. From tomorrow everything you know will change so deal with your love life as fast as you can. You won''t have time for it afterwards."

    "That''s very...comforting." Luke commented on his harsh words. "There is no love life to deal with." He said making Markus laugh.

    "You wouldn''t look like that if there wasn''t."

    "My father just died you know. I can''t just jump around."

    "It''s different. The look in the eyes of a man in love. Believe me I know. So deal with it. In any way you think it''s best but do it fast."

    "I don''t want Alexander involved in pack things. I don''t want him to be in danger. He does foolish things for me. He doesn''t think like a person but as a tool for me to get stronger. I don''t want that for him."

    "You know. It does sound noble. What he wants. He just wants to help you. Be by your side. Isn''t that a form of true love? Selfless and pure. It''s rare to see something like that. But you push him away making him discard himself even more. He is trying to show you he will do anything but you keep rejecting him."

    "I don''t know how to accept him" Luke mumbled embarrassed. Everyone talked about love like it was such an easy thing. A story, a pretty fairytale with pink clouds and fairy dust but to Luke love was hard, complicated and painful. But above all it was dangerous. Since he didn''t know how to act how to speak how to restrain his feelings, his anger. He didn''t feel ready to love, to accept someone and no matter what they said he couldn''t stop being scared. Alexander was something he didn''t wish to ruin, his smile was priceless and he hated himself even at the thought of erasing his happiness.

    "Just let go of your fear I guess. You''re too scared just dive in. At the end of the day, Alexander chose you for a reason. You shouldn''t forget that." But no matter what Markus said it wouldn''t get through.

    The blond man stared out the window again, looking at the enormous exit. His eyes spotted something, widening and he fixed his glasses, wanting to see better. He smirked. "Well you will have to abandon fear anyways because the council is here. It''s time for you to become a leader. Either you want it or not." Markus told him and Luke''s eyes follows his gaze, landing right at the small group .

    He ws right, they were indeed here but he, was not ready.

    He just wished he wouldn''t make things worse.

 Chapter 233 - 233

    Mark never actually believed he would end up seeing him face to face. He had thought of everything as a trick of his own mind, maybe even a hallucination, something that couldn''t actually be real. But he was awfully wrong, once more out of nowhere fate played a nasty trick on him. He was standing right in front of him, sitting lazily close to that window, staring at everyone with a grin that oozed confidence. His hair was less messy, half up in a ponytail while the rest fell restlessly on his shoulders. He was dressed in a black pair of jeans and a deep purple shirt, that was unbuttoned at the top. He locked eyes with the red haired and he stood up, his footsteps echoing as everyone remained silent. He looked a lot more like a devil than Achlys. At least he had that appearance of what a simple minded person would imagine. The sharp fans, the long almond shaped black nails and the horns protruding from his forehead, appearing between his hair. His eyes had a shine on them, it almost looked like pure madness and mark shivered, subconsciously taking a step back.

    "Who might you be?" Markus asked stopping him and he smiled brightly as he bowed dramatically.

    "I am Asmodeus. One of the kings of hell. I am honored to meet the next Alpha of the WhiteFangs and the elf King. I have to say being in front of you feels like seeing a celebrity. Even in hell you''re pretty famous." He told Allias. He pretended like Mark did not exist and for a second he thought that maybe everything was truly in his head. He had said he wanted to kill him, but expect of looking at him briefly once or twice he didn''t say anything. Allias was still wary of his every move, observing him as he spoke.

    "Thank you. I did not think that I would be this known."

    "Oh, believe me you are. But back to my little introduction. I will be taking over Achlys'' spot for a while since it seems that a dear friend of hers is missing and she is investigating his case." He said and Allias nodded. A dear friend, more like a lap dog. She was trying to find Hara. It was such a shame they wouldn''t be finding anything, even if his body popped up somewhere all the evidence would be ruined by now.

    "That sounds very sad. I hope she find him soon." Allias said, feigning compassion. The one who talked next was Luke, feeling like he had to fill in his role as the next Alpha.

    "It is already late. We have prepared room for everyone so why don''t you rest for tonight? We can talk about Sam and his punishment tomorrow." He proposed and Dionysus nodded eagerly. He stretched his tanned arms, above his head, letting out a huge yawn and grabbed Suijin''s hand.

    "That sounds perfect. Where to?" he asked.

    "Markus will show you to your rooms."

    The Council members were the ones that were shown their accommodation first, finding the biggest and best guest rooms waiting for them, so they could rest for the night, while the elves were taken to another floor, different from the one Allias and mark used to live.

    The red haired young man, entered a medium sized room, with a big bed. The sheets were fluffy, a white color smelling of rose. He touched them with his fingertips, remembering his short time here and he sighed. Everything came to such an abrupt end, even his relationship with Mikael, if he could call that a relationship at all. The good thing about the room though beyond the comfortable bed was the balcony. He rarely saw any balconies in any of the other floors and the windows were always small, letting few light in. Sometimes it could be suffocating, as you felt detained in four walls. So thinking of that, he opened the big windows, letting the night chill invade the room, the curtains dancing outside. He stepped out, placing his hands on the railing, feeling the cold metal and stared at the endless forest, dark and hostile.

    "A balcony again but so much has changed." He heard a familiar voice and his head snapped. It was Asmodeus, right next to him, mimicking his stance as he held a cigarette between his full lips, its tip burning a bright red as he inhaled. He hadn''t heard anything, the man had simply appeared, and he blinked, taking in the sight to make sure he hadn''t fallen asleep again.

    "Are you going to kill me now?" Mark asked with a lifeless tone. The demon laughed, trapping the cigarette between his fingertips.

    "Should I?" he asked back and stared at him, the side of his lip moved upwards. Mark tilted his head to the side, exhausted by everything.

    "Are you asking me?"

    "Oh, someone is moody. I see, I see."

    "I haven''t slept in days." The red haired mumbled and rubbed his eyes.

    "And why is that?"

    "Oh, I wonder why. Maybe because a crazy lunatic has been getting into my head, threatening to kill me. It couldn''t be that, right?" he mocked the demon and turned around, walking back into his room. He suddenly felt really tired but he didn''t say anything as he heard Asmodeus follow him, entering his private space. "Are you really planning to kill me?" he asked one of the kings of hell, curious with this whole unexplainable situation.

    "Yes, I never lie. It''s just that it''s not time yet. You have to remember. Then I will take your life. I won''t fail. I swear." He told him, his eyes locked on Mark''s. The boy blinked, frozen.

    "You''re really bad at being scary. Honestly." He told him and Asmodeus'' eyes widened. He scoffed, offended by his words. He was a mighty demon with hordes under his command and a mere human dared to say that to him. He took a step forward, so fast Mark couldn''t even see him and grabbed his face with his fingers, his long nails diving into his cheeks.

    "Don''t mess with me you fucking traitor just because I¡­" he began saying and pushed him back with force, Mark falling on his pillow. "You will remember and then, you will see how scary I can be." He told him, his eyes turning completely black.

    Mark felt so tired, even though he should be scared, shiver in fear by the man in front of him he felt like finally he could relax. He was still touching him, his grip strong, hurting him a bit but still his eyes turned heavy, his muscles relaxed,

    "Why are you so¡­." Mark mumbled.

    "So what?" Asmodeus asked but Mark''s eyes were already closed shut, his breathing calm as he fell asleep. The demon let go of him, shocked that he had just fallen asleep like that. He scowled and returned to the balcony, grabbing one more cigarette from his pocket. He snapped his fingers and a small fire began burning on his fingertip. He lit it up and brought it to his lips.

    "You were always so foolishly fearless." He mumbled with a grin. "This time I will have you begging me to kill you fast."

 Chapter 234 - 234

    "So everyone has gathered here since the situation seemed to be quite important. Your cousin broke the law isn''t that right?" Dionysus said.

    It was a warm day, the sun right above their heads while they had all grouped in his fathers all office. The council members and Markus with Mikael and Luke. The elves were meant to give in some sort of report later but now they had to talk to the ones the incident had caused the biggest problem. Luke was still stiff sitting at his father''s old chair, trying to somehow mimic him and emit the same confidence as him but he was indeed having a hard time. Thankfully no one had commented in it and Mikael was by his side the whole time, he could at least feel slightly reassured by that. Relieved even.

    The young wolf realized that all of them were quite different from each other. Each one of them representing one of the most dominant supernatural species, they had a superior air and such confidence while the spoke that Luke felt like he would be crushed. Rafael was the one that looked the purest of them all, dressed in white with an enormous golden sword and a pair of white wings he stood at one corner of the room, silent, observing while Asmodeus on the other hand looked like the embodiment of trouble. He always had a bored look on his face and his eyes wandered a lot, he was half lying on the couch, yawning, winking at the powerful angel every time he glared at him. Luke had never heard of him but he could tell he was really strong. Suijin was a calm force, standing at Dionysus'' side while he talked, dressed in traditional Japanese clothing he didn''t seem to be concerned by everything that was taking place here but he respectfully did his job.  Dionysus on the other hand looked like a star, walking in and taking charge immediately, dressed in a chiton with gold jewelry all over his body was the one who looked the most like a human but at the same time more divine than any of them. His smile hid secrets and his eyes had a lingering madness on them. Maybe that was why Suijin was his escort, to keep him in line just in case.

    "Yes." Luke confirmed. "usually if a wolf is interested in becoming an Alpha he has to challenge the current leader into a duel and if he kills them he can be considered the next Alpha. If during the time in one''s leadership no one appears the position is hereditary. Sam gathered up a few pack members and attacked my father, he wasn''t even in the people who fought him. He also disrespected his dead body." Luke explained everything and Asmodeus tilted his head to the side.

    "What''s the big deal with disrespecting a dead body?" he asked rudely and Luke looked at him. "I mean, he doesn''t even know it and don''t you think you should respect people while they are alive?" he asked him and he stood up, heading to the office where he placed his palms on it. "Why do I sense that''s not the case here?" he asked and Luke blinked, taken aback by his intrusive comment.

    "We are talking about tradition here and beliefs. These are our laws." Mikael said strictly, removing Luke from a very difficult position.

    "Please excuse Asmodeus, he has been cooped up inside for a while. It seems like he forgot his manners. We are all very sorry for your loss." Rafael said and Luke nodded, trying to not pay the council any mind. Asmodeus wasn''t really someone important. None of them were to Luke, all he wanted was for a punishment to be decided for Sam and then for them to leave so they can finally get the pack back to its old state.

    "That''s just poor manners on your side dear angel." Asmodeus made fun of him, but the man decided to ignore him. Asmodeus seemed to be a lot more troublesome than Achlys. She was just a low ranked demon, made from Greek mythology while he was one of the Kings of Hell. There was a big difference in power between them and also a big difference to how much they cared about the rules. "So, what will we do to the little traitor? Skin him alive? Burn him in an eternal fire where he won''t be able to die? So many good ideas." He mumbled a few more ways of torture before Suijin cut in.

    "We won''t. The council does not operate like that anymore. He will be punished but his punishment will be made an example of need of obeying the laws, not some kind of past activity for your demonic tastes." The water god told him and Dionysus smiled proudly.

    "So what are you thinking an appropriate punishment would be?" Markus asked. The wolves waiting to hear their verdict.

    "We will hang Sam in two days in front of your whole pack while we are present. We will also announce you as the new official and approved by us Alpha just to make clear that you have the Council''s support. We wouldn''t anything like this happening to you again, but after this I sadly have to announce you that you''re on your own young wolf. This pack is your responsibility."

    "I understand. Thank you for coming all the way here. Your help has been appreciated. Please join us later for lunch. We will prepare something special for you to show you our gratitude but for now please excuse me there are still a lot of things that need to be done." Luke told them and stood up, Markus and Mikael following close behind.

    The council was left alone in the office and Asmodeus jumped off the couch, filled with energy.

    "Don''t count me in for lunch." He told them and Rafael looked at him suspiciously.

    "Why? Are you planning to cause any trouble? Remember you are here on official business don''t do anything that will embarrass us." He told him and the demon frowned.

    "I won''t cause any trouble dear angel do not worry. It''s just that I have something else to feast on." He told them with a grin before he left them there wondering.

 Chapter 235 - 235

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzOEdHeBSdw- Music!

    Asmodeus was bored, roaming the empty halls of the compound since now everyone was at the dining hall, he was all alone, snooping around and entering rooms uninvited. There was nothing really that interesting in this whole place and except for scaring a few kids that he happened to see at the back side of the compound he hadn''t found anything to entertain himself. So his next move was to simply go to Mark''s room. It was obviously empty, the red haired boy probably eating. He paced around a bit, opening the empty closets and drawers until he found something that finally picked his interest. Inside the last drawer of his nightstand was a small velvety pouch. He grabbed it, opening the string at the top and sniffed at the dried herbs. As the scent entered his nostrils he smiled, recognizing the familiar scent. This witch had been overly useful, letting open the door in his head so Asmodeus could finally find him after so long but even giving him this.

    The demon sealed it carefully, knowing that this remedy could make Mark remember and tossed in the air once before shoving it on his pocket and closing the drawer like he hadn''t just stolen something from Mark. He laid on his bed, his arms behind his head and he closed his eyes, finally interested in something he was quite pleased with what he had just found. Still with his shoes on he fell asleep on the soft bed.

    ¡­.

    Mark had just finished with his lunch and was heading outside. Today he felt a lot better, calmer and more energized since after so long he had managed to get a proper sleep. He did think he was a fool for falling asleep right in front of that demon but at that moment he felt like he couldn''t control his body, it was as if he was falling unconscious. It was the best sleep he had done in a while and because today his mood was actually kind of good he ignored Allias'' warnings during their lunch and once he was done from eating the delicious meat he stood up and decided to walk around a bit and stretch his muscles.

    For a while he hadn''t realized that the blond wolf was following him until he heard him cough, wanting to draw his attention. Mark turned around and faced him disappointed. He was the last person he wished to see at the moment. He kept walking trying to show him that he wasn''t interested in his company but Mikael kept going after him. After some time, Mark fed up with this whole silent chase decided to find shelter in his room, where he could just lock the door and be by himself. Mikael kept following his track though making him stop and frown.

    "What is it?" he asked and Mikael stopped, smiling awkwardly. He, even know looked very handsome to the red haired but he shouldn''t show it. The fondness that remained even after his heart was broken.

    "I just wanted to talk with you. I don''t like the way things ended with us. Maybe we could have a talk. I like you Mark, it''s not that I don''t but you have to understand that¡­" Mikael began talking, he desperately wanted to explain, hoping that the red head''s pain would be soothed somehow but Mark raised his palm and stopped him.

    "Don''t. I don''t want to hear you say you like me again. It''s tiring and it''s a lie. Don''t just try to stop your guilt. You used me and the moment you found out about your mate you threw me aside even though I had warned you about it. I don''t want things to end well between us and obviously I don''t want to be friends with you. There is no reason for us to be fooling ourselves and I won''t just forgive you because you feel sad, poor you." He told him with a frown as his hand touched the handle of his door. He would just open it and this stupid conversation would finally be put to an end.

    "Mark, as it seems we will be seeing each other often for a while. I don''t want things to be awkward with us." He said and the human scoffed. Looking at him like he was stupid.

    "Why not? I love some drama. And we won''t be seeing each other Mikael. You will leave to search for your mate, remember? Now let me be. I want to sleep." He said and finally got inside his room only to face his second trouble laid on his bed, comfortable, like a king.

    "Hello there. Took you a while to find me, didn''t it?" Asmodeus said with his raspy voice reaching Mikael''s ears and the blond wolf rushed at the door, seeing the demon grinning on Mark''s bed. "Oh, a dog. I do not really like pets Mark dearest." He said and Mikael stared at him aggressively.

    "Neither do I." Mark mumbled being more annoyed by the way Mikael stormed inside to his room rather than the fact the demon was in his bed with his shoes on, dirtying his sheets. "Mikael. Just leave I told you I don''t want to talk to you." He repeated but the wolf was staring at the cocky demon before his eyes focused on Mark.

    "What is he doing here?" he asked, aggressively and Mark shrugged his shoulders. Asmodeus was no more laying down, he had gotten up staring at the scene intrigued. Mark indeed had said he liked someone before, as it seemed that was him. But they didn''t look to be getting along. Interesting, he thought.

    "Why are you asking me?" Mark said. "Can you leave now please?" he told him with a sigh. What was the point of having a good sleep in such a long time if the moment he woke his life turned into a mess? He was fine before Mikael appeared, why couldn''t he just let it go? Why were wolves so fixated on others? He just couldn''t stop going after him if he didn''t forgive him but Mark really didn''t want to. He didn''t think Mikael deserved it.

    "No! How do you expect me to leave you in a room with him? Let''s go, we are leaving, now!" he told him raising his tone and grabbed his wrist, pulling him towards the door. As if Mark''s feet were rooted to the ground he denied to move, Mikael''s grip tightening as he looked at him strictly. "Don''t make me angry?" he growled and Asmodeus laughed.

    He took a few steps finally joining their little fight and grabbed Mikael''s hand in a similar way he was holding Mark''s. The only thing that was different was the force. Mikael was tightening his grip by the second wanting to take Mark away while the demon for now was just barely touching him.

    "How about you remove that hand of yours? Be a good dog" Asmodeus said and smiled brightly at his showcasing his sharp fangs but Mikael completely ignored him, his aggressive tone and his annoyed look was all directed towards Mark.

    "Why are you being so difficult just because you got rejected? I am doing this for you and you¡­"

    "Little red head please remember that I did try to be nice okay?" Asmodeus said and looked at Mark with a faint smile, interrupting Mikael. He then closed his hand, the sound of Mikael''s bone cracking echoed in the silent room and Asmodeus'' eyes once more became an endless black. "Are you really going to make me angry?" He shouted and his nails and horns began growing dangerously as his true form began to surface. "Answer me!" he told him and pushed Mikael into the wall. The wolf couching from the collision. "You are really good in bullying people who are weaker than you but I don''t see you talking now." He told him aggressively and opened the door, pushing him out. "Get the fuck out of here you idiot." He said and closed the door right into his face, also locking it since he was pretty sure Mikael would try to get in again and he did. He even punched the door once but after not getting an answer from Mark he gave up and left, remembering to shout that this was not over. Asmodeus scoffed as he heard that and placed his hands on his hips. "You''re welcome." The King of hell said but Mark was looking at him, his jaw dropped.

    He took a step closer, his eyes focused in his peculiar appearance. He had seen wolves, gods and elves but this was the first time he saw a demon, someone who looked so different from the pure beauty most supernatural creatures had. Asmodeus was undeniably attractive but he had a darkness in him, the way his pitch black eyes were drawing him in, his long horns, sharp at the edges and his nails. The fangs, everything on his looked as if it had been created into a cauldron filled with darkness. Even his voice deep and alluring was warm but at the same time brought him shivers. He blinked a few times fascinated by the sight in front of him.

    "Your horns are huge." Mark mumbled and the demon grinned.

    "They are not the only thing that is huge on me." He said and Mark pretended to gag.

    "Don''t make me puke." He said, disgusted.

    "I meant my wings. You are quite dirty minded, aren''t you?" he told him playfully and Mark''s eyes opened wide.

    "You have wings?" he asked excited.

 Chapter 236 - 236

    The lights were closed. The rays of light had been brutally denied entrance and the man stood in the middle of the room, his wrists tied tightly in the same manner as his legs. His ankles broken and bruised, while the dipped in wolfsbane ropes burned his skin. His head was facing the ground and he didn''t even bother to open his eyes as he knew he had been imprisoned in an endless darkness. His breathing was stable and slow as he felt his throat get drier and drier. He hadn''t had a sip of water in hours and standing in the same position for such a long time was staring to hurt his joints and bones.

    The door opening surprised him. Somehow he had ended up believing that he would spent an eternity like this. Locked in the darkness, rooted to the ground as he felt huge beads of sweat trail at the sides of his forehead. He heard footsteps and suddenly he realized he was being showered by a warm light. Someone had turned the light on and curious to see who was visiting him in his imprisonment he opened his eyes, blinking from the bright light as he tried to slowly get used to it.

    A small room, a bright light and a dirty floor. He was sure these were the last things he would witness. As he saw his visitor he smiled, hoping that he would get to talk to him once before he left. He didn''t look happy with him, his eyes angry, a cold silver as he stared at him, his hands in fists before he kicked him in the jaw. He didn''t want to touch him, he was disgusted by him and as the restrained man felt his own blood on his mouth he laughed.

    "How do you feel now that daddy is dead? Huh? Dear cousin." Sam provoked him with a bright smile, his teeth painted red. "You should thank me, I made you an Alpha a lot faster."

    "You are disgusting. How could you do this? I never wronged you in any way!" Luke shouted and grabbed his cousin from his collar. He had never treated him wrongly; they were never even that close. Sam had always everything he wanted, being a close relative of the Alpha so no matter how hard Luke kept thinking about it he just couldn''t understand what he had done to cause all of this.

    "You and your father, both of you were useless. My father was the first born son! He was supposed to be the Alpha and I was supposed to follow but your father took everything away from him and then he died in the war. I lost everything while you roamed around filled with confidence ready to take on the world. I would be fine with it but you went on and became friends with our enemies. You even tried to fuck one of them! It only showed how unfitting you and your father were. You always acted like you knew everything, like you were above us but now all you are is a lost child. It''s hilarious. I can see it in your eyes Luke, how scared you truly are and I am so glad I was the one that turned your life into hell." He told him and spit in his face. Luke threw him on the floor. His back landing on the hard wood and he scowled. Sam didn''t seem to care anymore; he was aware that he was going to die. There was no other exit for him.

    "Sam, I am sorry to tell you but you have one hell of inferiority complex." The new Alpha told him and wiped his face, frowning from the disgust. "Is this worth your life?" he asked him. "Lily is also dead because of you." He said and the man froze. He was thunderstruck as he stared at his cousin in disbelief.

    "Lily is dead?" he mumbled. As it seemed he didn''t know.

    "Yes." Luke said with a grin and approached the man. "She was haunted down as she screamed for help and cried. She whimpered and begged for my people to let her live but he just bit her head off and almost even ate her. Her death was ten time worse than what you will face and you did it. I would love to show you her body but we cut her to pieces and threw her in the woods." Luke lied. They had given her a proper burial after Daniel had requested it. Before he left them he had advised Luke to never let anger destroy him. He wanted revenge, he desperately wanted someone to pay in the worst way but he obeyed and buried her the same way he did with his father''s corpse even if he believed she didn''t deserve it.

    "No! you had to give her a proper burial how could you do that?" Sam shouted and stared at his cousin with wide eyes as he grinned. Nothing seemed to bother him but the moment he heard about the girl he actually reacted. Luke crossed his arms over his chest.

    "You loved her, didn''t you? You loved her and you led her right into her death. You are ridiculous. Spend the rest of your days thinking how you fucking ruined her life and now she only exists in some wolf''s or fox''s stomach you fucking retard." He said and grabbed him again, raising him from the ground. "Sit here, in the dark and keep thinking how you couldn''t protect the woman you loved. Not only that but you also killed her!" he told him happily and Sam shook his head, denying what he had just heard.

    "No, she is not dead. You are lying!" he screamed.

    "Oh, she is as dead as it gets. So sad you didn''t even get to sleep with her while I on the other hand had my fair share of her for years." He mocked him and Sam tried to set himself free and attack him. His fangs grew on his mouth piercing his lips and his cousin laughed. He turned around and turned the lights off before he left.  "You are really a fucking disappointment Sam. I hope you die painfully. Bye cousin." He greeted them before he left, locking the door behind him, only to face Alexander, he was standing there his back on the wall as he stared at him with a judgmental look.

    "Was that satisfying?" he asked him.

    "What do you want?"

    "Tell me, did you enjoy doing that to him?" Alexander asked again and Luke turned his back on him, intending to ignore him and leave. "Oh, no you''re not leaving." He said and grabbed his arm, pulling him back with so much force that he stumbled. "Oops. I am not really used to this yet." He said and Luke rolled his eyes.

    "What do you want Alexander?"

    "I came to get the keys of the gym but I leave you alone for a minute and you turn into a toxic idiot." He told him and Luke pushed him on the wall, annoyed.

    "That man right there killed my father." He said angrily.

    "And you are killing your ethics and your honor all on your own." He said and escaped his grip easily. "Don''t fall on his level. Seriously, you a lot more than this."

    "Didn''t you say you just wanted to be with me?" Luke asked him with a grin. He wrapped his arms around his waist and brought him closer, the edges of their noses touching and Alexander raised his eyebrows, confused as to where this conversation would go."Why are you preaching me now? Didn''t we agree on a different kind of relationship?"

    "Did we? Honestly, all I remember about you every time we talk about us is you running away. You''re faster than Road runner. Kind of pitiful if you ask me but sure, let''s go then." Alexander said and pushed him back before he grabbed his wrist and began walking, dragging him away.

    "Go where?" Luke asked, dumbfounded. He was supposed to be on top of this situation but somehow the tables had turned so fast he hadn''t even realized it. He scoffed and rooted his feet on the ground, stopping from going any further and Alexander looked at him, smiling viciously. "Where are we going and why did you need the keys to the gym?"

    "We are going somewhere and I need the keys because I have to start exercising, my body won''t be able to handle my power for much longer."

    "Are you in danger?" Luke asked him and gave him a worried look.

    "Are you worried?"

    "No. I am not. I just don''t want anyone finding out about you. Especially the council you would get us in so much trouble and it would be a hustle. Where are we going? Tell me"

    "To your room. Where else? We are making our deal official. Now come on I''d love to see you naked." Alexander exclaimed and Luke gasped. "What? Are you getting shy? Oh, and don''t worry the council won''t find out." He said.

    "What won''t we find out?" Someone asked and the two men froze. "You know, it''s not that good to have top secret conversations in corridors."

 Chapter 237 - 237

    "You have wings?" Mark asked excited and the handsome demon nodded.

    "Want me to swoop you up and take you for a fly in the starry sky?" he asked him dramatically and Mark raised his eyebrows as he crossed his arms over his chest.

    "I am not insane. You said you would kill me. I don''t want to be dropped and break my neck." He told him and sat on his bed.

    "I won''t kill you like this." Asmodeus said and sat next to him. "I have somethings I need to do first darling." He said and brought his face closer to Mark''s, smiling as they looked at each other. He raised his palm and caressed his cheek, gently tracing the lines of his face. "It''s amazing." He mumbled as he examined the human''s face.

    "What''s amazing?" Mark asked confused. He didn''t move away though. He was aware that he should be scared right now. Shaking as he felt his soft hand travel on his body, his fingertips traveled lower to his collarbone and then moved up, Asmodeus feeling his pulse with his fingers. He couldn''t get frightened though, no matter as hard as he tried to remind himself that this man had blatantly told him he was planning to kill him he just couldn''t feel that shivering fear that made him treble. Maybe it was his cheerful behavior, or the fact he hadn''t attempted anything yet but it was impossible. On the other hand as he kept touching him Mark kept getting more and more relaxed. He must be going insane, he thought and blinked a few times, getting away from him.

    "You look completely the same."

    "This is how I always looked you know. This is natural beauty." He told him and Asmodeus laughed.

    "That''s not what I mean. Tell me though, aren''t you curious to know? What was what you did. The great sin that has me going after you?" he asked him with a grin and Mark averted his eyes. He didn''t want to know. He didn''t want to know anything about past lives and whatever came with it. The thought of losing himself after he remembered terrified him. He was seen Allias as he changed, he even had a difficult time dealing with it and he was a legend. Mark would probably go insane. "See the past and the life you destroyed, tell me dear. Don''t you want to know how bad you were?" he repeated his question making Mark gulp.

    "No." he said strictly and stood up, heading to his door. He opened it and showed the demon the hallway. He didn''t want to talk about it, definitely not from him. He shouldn''t be trusting him anyway. "You are a demon, I don''t know what you''ve done to me and I can''t seem to get scared around you. Maybe it''s some trick or me to trust you so you can push me to my own death. Maybe you like haunting your prey before you kill it but in two days I will be gone and we will never see each other so leave your sneaky lies for another time. I don''t want to know about my past life because I don''t believe you were a part of it. You are just looking for a fool to trick like all demons probably do. I am fully aware that you are not the nice guys." He said. "And I think that you should leave."

    Asmodeus stood up, placing his hands on his pockets he shook his head disappointed as he walked towards the exit. He stopped at the doorframe and turned his head to face the upset red haired boy. Mark looked at him in the eyes too, piercing him with his stare as he held the door and waited for him to leave.

    "You''re starting to disappoint me and above all bore me." He said and his smile disappeared, showing an emotionless face.

    "I do not care to be honest. I just want you away from me. I am not in the mood to be tricked and used again so I will just end up dying in the end." He told him.

    "You humans are such hypocrites. You all preach about being true to yourselves, blah, blah, blah and all you do is run away. Why don''t you want to know? Tell me. I could free you from all your fears." He said and brought him closer, their bodied dancing. Mark lost his breath, surprised by the unexpected movement. Asmodeus had his arm around his waist as he made him take a few steps back and closed the door, somehow them finding themselves alone in the room again. "Tell me." He whispered in his ear and Mark shivered.

    "No" He said, his voice hesitant as he tried to deny the effect his low and raspy voice had on him. The signals his words sent on his body were no lie, the electricity, he could clearly feel it but he didn''t wish to reveal his secret. The fear of being lost, the fear of not being himself anymore. He wanted desperately to be normal. As normal as he could and seeing a past where one of the Kings of Hell was involved meant the exact opposite.

    "I guess I will have to force it out of you." Asmodeus said with a sigh before he swopped mark in the air and held him like a bride. The red haired buy screeched as he watched him rush outside, right intot he balcony.

    "Let me down!" he screamed.

    "Tell me or you die." Asmodeus said and jumped of the tall balcony.

    ....

    Hello everyone! How does the book seem this far? I would love to hear if you''re still intrested in the stories and how it''s going.

    Please vote, comment or write a good review, all the help is welcome and it would be really usefull. Please don''t be a silent reader.

    Thank you so much for reading and all the support you''ve shown me. I trully hope you enjoyed the book this far. Hope to see you next time through the comments!

 Chapter 238 - 238

    "What won''t we find out?" Someone asked and the two men froze. "You know, it''s not that good to have top secret conversations in corridors."

    "Well excuse me this is my home after all, I am not really used to the idea of having to hide just to have a conversation, or having enemies hidden everywhere" Luke said and stared at the handsome man with a threatening look. He didn''t want to have to reveal Alexander''s secret, that was the only thing he would never do.

    "Come on now little wolf. Don''t be so hostile, did I ever do anything to you?" The council member asked with a cheeky smile and greeted Alexander. His smile was bright and his olive colored eyes shone as he spoke. He seemed to be filled with spirit while his white clothing fitted his perfectly, the gold jewels compliment his tanned skin. "Hello there, I am Dionysus. Nice to meet you." He said and Alexander parted his lips, slightly shocked.

    "The god" he mumbled and the man chuckled.

    "Yes, that one. So why don''t you two walk with me for a while. I would love to have a chat with you. About that little secret." He said when the faint sound of footsteps was heard once again and a familiar figure appeared. Dionysus turned around and smiled excitedly as the second guest approached them, a calm expression on his face. "Honey!" he shouted shocking the two wolves and the water god stopped gifting him a strict look.

    "I have been looking everywhere for you. Don''t roam around and get back to our room. Now" he said and the overenergetic god pouted and actually moved towards the two wolves, standing behind them before he put his arms on their shoulders.

    "But look what I found here. They were talking about a secret." He said and Suijin sighed as he grabbed Dionysus away from them, he looked fed up with his partner and Alexander couldn''t help but smile. They kind of looked like a rebellious dog and its master trying to tame them.  "So, so little wolves what were you talking about?" he asked again and Luke sighed. He had never met a man like him before. He was playful, a true god and he was running around caring about others people''s secrets like a child. Luke couldn''t help but wonder if he was actually stupid, this was one of the mighty gods of Olympus that they were known throughout the world for their powers? Slightly ridiculous.

    "We were¡­" Alexander mumbled but Luke stopped him, keeping his strict stance even though the man was obviously trying to make them relax with his carefree attitude.

    "We are not really forced to answer this, are we?" Luke asked him and the god laughed.

    "Of course not." He told him and the new Alpha nodded.

    "Then if you would excuse us we would like to leave. We have things to do." He said and grabbed Alexander''s wrist wanting to take him away. The water god had not spoken at all, he was just viewing the scene and that made him feel like he was being closely observed for some reason. It creeped him out.

    "Is the secret your relationship. Because that would be a very romantic scandal." Dionysus said playfully, making Luke stop on his tracks. He hadn''t realized how the god had caught on that or if there was a rumor going around. If it was he needed to find the source soon and crush it. He couldn''t risk anything especially while he was trying to get to the top with the less problems he could face. Luke sighed, his grey eyes turning cloudy as he faced the sneaky god and he forced a smile.

    "How do you know that?" he asked between gritted teeth and Dionysus seemed to be satisfied with his reaction. He was a trickster. It was actually quite fun for the god.

    "Yes, we are together." Alexander said bravely and took Luke''s hand in his. "This is our big secret so please don''t talk to anyone about that. We would like to announce it once things calm down."  Alexander lied about their secret crying to fathom all his courage and look at the gods in the eyes. Suijin nodded, showing for the first time signs that he was following their conversation and approached his partner, wrapping his pale fingers around his sculpted arm. He seemed to want to keep him at bay, seeing how awkward he had made the two wolves feel. Luke was starting to get annoyed with this attitude of his, the way he was curious about everything.

    "Oh, romance that is quite epic, isn''t it Suijin?" he asked the god and he sighed. He closed his eyes before slightly tagging on his arm, trying to signal him as discreetly as he could that they should leave but the god only grinned and remained in his place.

    "Dionysus you are making them uncomfortable. We should leave, we are their guests." Suijin said and the god pouted cutely.

    "But I enjoy their company. Especially the new Alpha seems to be quite on edge is entertaining and you, little puppy you are quite cute." He said and smiled at him, showing how handsome he was and Alexander blushed looking to the side to avoid him.

    "I think this is enough." Luke said taking a step forward and Dionysus smiled at the agitated Alpha.

    "Yes I do think so too." He told him and without paying any attention to Luke he approached Alexander, his eyes scanning his shy face as his cheeks were painted a shade of pink. He smiled, his eye slighting up. "Well I don''t know if your secret is your relationship or not but¡­" he told him and suddenly his face turned deadly serious. He raised his arm, his index finger pointing at Alexander''s chest as he continued talking. "¡­you will need to do something about that power of yours. It is starting to show and oh, believe me the council would love to have its hands on a dog like you. What I am saying young wolf¡­" he told Luke, "¡­is that you should be careful here or they will take him away from you. I am not your enemy here." He concluded and his playful expression returned as he took a few steps back, going to Suijin''s side.

    "Are you done?" the water god asked him as he stared at the two wolves who stood stunned in front of them and Dionysus nodded in a cute manner. He linked their arms together and rested his head on the other god''s shoulder.

    "We can go now" he said and Suijin sighed.

    "Good luck." The water god simply said to the two wolves before they left them alone.

 Chapter 239 - 239

    "You will be leaving this place." Luke said the moment the gods left and he dragged the younger wolf away, this time wanting to make sure he wouldn''t be heard.

    They went to his room, their pace fast as they almost ended up running even though no one was after them. Luke closed the door behind them and sat on his swivel chair and exhausted look on his face as he stared at Alexander who stood awkwardly in the middle of the room. He didn''t seem so confident now as he too was shocked by what the gods had said. So strong people could sense his power, did that mean the whole council would know if they met him? And what did he meant about taking him away? Would they imprison him somewhere and use him? He wondered and suddenly he began feeling scared.

    "Sit." Luke told him and the boy obeyed, sitting restlessly on the edge of his bed, his palms resting strictly on his thighs as he looked at Luke. He hated that this was happening. He was making him worried. He had so many things to deal with, he had just lost his father and now Dionysus had come to validate his worst fear. Luke must have been devastated by everything and here Alexander was, being an extra burden. "I think it would be best of you left the pack for a while. Just until things settle down."

    "What about you then?" Alexander asked.

    "What about me?"

    "Don''t you need me here? I can be of help. I can support you and protect you. I swear I will stay hidden there is no way to send me away." Alexander said. He was really scared that if he left Luke would never allow him to come back. He would have to live somewhere else where the older believed it would be safe and that was not what he wanted, he didn''t break his seal for this. He didn''t have that much time either. He would have to start training, take care of himself because soon his powers would be at their full potential and his body wouldn''t be able to take it. He just couldn''t disappear like that.

    "I don''t need you here Alexander. I am perfectly fine on my own." He told him coldly and rubbed his temples. He had an aching headache that would simply get stronger and stronger by the second. The more his worries grew the more the pain ruined his mind.

    "I don''t believe that." He said and Luke stood up. He was looking at him deranged from any emotion. It seemed that Luke was slowly reaching to his limit. Alexander did not seem to understand the nice way so he had to take a stand. He couldn''t just let him put himself in danger.

    "I do not care about what you believe. You will leave this room this instant and go back to your house, pack all your stuff and get ready to leave. I will talk to your mother. Mikael will escort you some place safe." He instructed him and walked towards the door. His hand was holding the cold handle, his hot skin from the frustration instantly warming it up and he turned it as he opened the door, a small ray of light entering the room from the corridor''s light.

    Alexander shot up, feeling wronged by his attitude. For how long would they end up going in circles? For how long would he have to see him turn hot and then cold, playing with his feelings? Just a few hours ago he was crying in his embrace asking for his help and now he was saying he didn''t need him and was brutally kicking him out. What was he supposed to think? He was inexperienced and young there was no way he could see so easily Luke''s feelings, the fear that creeped over his heart and the terror of losing another person he cared about.

    "I don''t want to leave Luke, please I want to be with you." He begged him and approached him. He tried to touch his hand, the same way he had gently taken it in his when he had lied about them being together. Maybe it was just wishful thinking but he always wanted to hold his hand like this, as he stood at his side, freed from any prejudice and fear.

    Luke didn''t allow him to touch him though. He moved his hand and Alexander''s hand floated in the air, frozen, struck by the rejection of his touch as he looked at his empty hand. He felt his heart ache, his eyes watered as he felt that everything he had been trying to do was fruitless. He had dropped his pride, he had agreed to so many hurtful things but Luke was now kicking him out so simply, as if he didn''t care about him at all.

    "Don''t make me turn you into an omega Alexander." Luke threatened him and opened fully now the door. Alexander was thunderstruck by his words. His innocent eyes widening as his tears escaped their fleshy prisons, falling on his cheeks like waterfalls. So he was serious. He really wanted him out, desperately so that he would threaten him with being an omega. He would kick him out of the pack, officially making him turn into a loner and actually forcing him into his death.

    "Do you hate me?" Alexander said and for a second Luke seemed to be taken aback. He didn''t expect such a question but he didn''t feel obliged to reply either. He just shook his head showing him the door.

    "Leave." He said and Alexander felt so angry with his attitude. He took a step towards him, raising his head so their eyes would meet, the older wolf being taller than he and with an anger expression he swore at him.

    "You are the biggest bastard I''ve ever seen" he said and Luke grinned.

    "No reason to waste your time on me then"

    "Yes." Alexander greed and for a second he didn''t move. Luke was so close, his face only centimeters away from him that Alexander could feel the heat emitting from his strong body. He didn''t really think before he did it nor he had planned this out to seem like an edgy love scene but he just cupped Luke''s face surprising him and crushed his lips on his, kissing him passionately. Luke froze, his muscles tense as his grey eyes looked at the daring wolf.

    It didn''t take long for him to give in.

 Chapter 240 - 240

    "Let me down!" he screamed.

    "Tell me or you die." Asmodeus said and jumped off the tall balcony.

    "What the hell!" Mark screamed as the demon threw both of them into the void. He could feel the air hitting his face and as he looked up Asmodeus was smiling brightly, entertained by his scared expression. He was going to piss himself, he was sure of it, he knew it! He would turn into a five-year-old again, he though as he felt his heart climb through his wind pipe. He would die.

    "We are falling Mark!" Asmodeus shouted in a singing tone and the ginger''s eyes widened, his eyeballs ready to leave their sockets as the ground seemed to be getting closer and closer.

    "Fuck you! I will tell you!" he screamed at the top of his lungs and the demon seemed to be satisfied with his answer. The young human heard a loud noise and suddenly the sun was hidden behind his enormous wings. Mark stared at him at a loss of words as he watched the pitch black wings flap and in a while they were again in the air, not falling this time but flying. Mark looked down, this was his first time seeing the world from so far up high. Everything seemed so small and the woods, with the small rivers and flowers blooming here and there looked so beautiful. He had a panoramic view of everything, feeling like he was on top of the world Asmodeus flew higher and higher bringing him between the puffy clouds and he was surrounded by nature''s white cotton candy.

    "Pretty, right?" he asked him and Mark nodded, his eyes hungry as he wished to take everything in, imprint this image into his head so he would never forget it. The beauty of this flight was unimaginable as it seemed he was leaving his worries away with the compound and its stupid wolves. Sadly, though the beautiful extortion ended soon and he found himself standing in the balcony of his guest room, grounded once again to his problems and fears. Asmodeus hid his wings again, hiding away probably one of his most beautiful features and he hopped on the balcony''s railing, sitting on it carefree, not really minding if it''s dangerous or not.  "Did you like my little surprise?" he asked him, anticipating his answer.

    "You scared the shit out of me." Mark said with a straight face, looking at him filled with judgement as he remembered the feeling of his heart literally leaving his body and he sighed. This person right in front of him was so unpredictable. He was too much for him to handle and that was what bothered him the most. One second he was talking about killing him, the other he was kicking out Mikael who was bothering him. With him it was either I am falling in the pits of hell, my death is near or I''m flying in between the clouds, in some kind of dreamland, literally.

    "That was it?" Asmodeus asked disappointed as he pushed back his messy hair, revealing his handsome face and mark looked away. He was the demon of lust; he was definitely doing his job right. "Why are you not looking at me?" Asmodeus asked, catching on to his feelings pretty easily and he left the spot where he was sitting. He approached Mark, trapping him, between the railings and his strong body, his arms resting on the cold metal as he looked at him. "Will you tell me?"

    "The flight was nice" Mark said and tried to avoid where this whole thing was going. Asmodeus laughed, setting him free and the red haired boy moved away from him in a hurry, wanting to let go of the heat that was surrounding his body as they stood next to each other. It was suffocating. "I liked it."

    "Good." Asmodeus said, satisfied with himself as he walked back into the room and laid down on the bed, his shoes once more on the clean sheets and Mark looked at them disgusted before he grabbed his boots and took them off. He knew very well that he wouldn''t be able to push him off so at least he tried to secure the cleanness of his sheets. As much as he could. "So about what you were supposed to tell me. I am all ears darling." He said and Mark for the first time he fully focused on his voice. Smooth and soft, it was too calming and seductive too be true. He also noticed an accent, British, he wondered not really understanding how a demon could actually have an accent, he wasn''t born or whatever they called it. He definitely did not have a homeland, except hell, in a way. "What are you thinking about with such vigor?" Asmodeus asked him, slightly irritated that Mark wasn''t focused on him.

    "How can your voice sound so hot and why do you have an accent? I mean you weren''t really born somewhere and I doubt that hell has districts and all like east, south etcetera so you could like be, I was born there so I get to have that kind of accent, isn''t it that slightly weird?" Mark blurted out without thinking, overcome by his curiosity and he blushed instantly when he heard Asmodeus laugh with what he had just heard. He had found it incredibly funny, how na?ve Mark could be during times and how easily he voiced out his thoughts and realizing the consequences later. It was cute.

    "Mark, I can speak all the languages in this world, even the dead ones. Do you think getting an accent that I seem to fancy would be difficult?" he told him and Mark raised his eyebrow.

    "So it''s just your personal preference?"

    "Your preference." He told him and winked. Mark''s lips shaped the letter o as he was trying to understand how did this man know so much about him. How could he read him like an open book and why did he want to fit his preferences? He shook his head, confused as he tried to remind himself to not take this demon in front of him seriously. Everything that he said, his smiles, his words were questionable. Mark think! Think straight! He told himself and frowned. Is that really possible with a hot demon laying on your bed? He has wings! His own conscious betrayed him by ogling over this man and he sighed. He had some kind of mental problem. That was the only reasonable explanation. "You''re thinking again." Asmodeus said and mark managed to stop himself right before he let out all of his embarrassing thoughts. He shut his mouth with his palms as he turned fully red. The demon king smile, placing his arms underneath his head. "So about what you were supposed to tell me, let''s talk. Why don''t you want to remember little human? Aren''t you even the tiniest bit curious? In my experience if a human had a chance like this would instantly grasp it so tell me, what stops you, pretty human?" he asked and Mark sighed loudly. He sat at the edge of the bed and Asmodeus nudged him with his head playfully as he saw his concerned expression. Mark rolled his eyes as he kept thinking how he could voice out his thought.

    "My best friend was human until one day he wasn''t anymore. He became a powerful elf king that had to rule a kingdom and grief the loss of his people, his pain and his struggle was unbearable and the fight between who he was and who he is still constant as he keeps trying to find the balance between Alex, the human and Allias, the elf king. We are born without remembering to have a new chance in life. I am scared that if I remember my old self and me now would clash. What if I get disappointed about who I was? What if I am worse now and feel bad about myself? What if I lose myself after I remember? Allias is strong but I am definitely not, he could do it but what about me? My life changed overnight because I chose to help him and I don''t even regret it for a second. I''ve risked my life, I''ve seen things and felt fears and happiness I would never do otherwise. Yes, it is fun being in a new world but I¡­I am simply the human in this story. I do not wish to be something more, I do not want to stop being normal and I don''t want to fight with myself. I want to live my life now because my past scares me. I mean I have a demon king going after me, how do you expect me to feel okay with knowing?" he said with a bitter smile and Asmodeus sighed as he shook his head. He sat up and made the red haired boy look at him.

    "What if, what if, what if¡­hasn''t your brain gone bad after thinking so much? You are talking about wanting to be normal but believe me talking about your past like with a demon is not normal and I promise you it will never be. You are talking about your friend and your part in his story but tell me, what about your story? What about the part where you are the center? Don''t you wish to know that?" he asked him. "Tell me Mark, don''t you want to know your grave sin? What brought you in touch with the devil?" he whispered in his ear and Mark shivered as he felt his breath land on his neck. "Don''t worry, you won''t have the time to feel sad or disappointed because when you remember I will kill you, okay darling?" he said with a vicious smile and Mark flinched. He stood up, taking a few steps away from him.

    "I will never remember." He told him and Asmodeus tilted his head to the side as his jaw clenched. He stood up too. His hands on his pockets as he slowly got closer and closer. Mark felt his heart race, he was scared. He didn''t want to die.

    "Don''t make me force you." Asmodeus said and his voice was no longer smooth and gentle. It was rough and outworldy, frightening and it was as if nightmares escaped his lips with every word he said.

    Mark was doomed.

 Chapter 241 - 241

    Luke could easily tell that Alexander was inexperienced. His kisses were sloppy and too anxious and he couldn''t help but smile into their kiss. He was truly adorable. Trying to take the lead just to chicken out soon after just because of his thoughts. Luke brought him close, wrapping his arm around his waist and kissed him harder, with more passion before he led the young wolf with messy steps on the bed, where he gently laid him down. He stared at him for a second, wanting to see his face and Alexander immediately averted his eyes, his face a bright red color and look grinned.

    "You kissed me but now you are looking away. No, no that''s not right." He said and his index finger moved Alexander''s head so they were looking at each other. He winced, filled with embarrassment before Luke went in for another kiss. His lips were soft and he tasted sweet as he slowly entered his mouth. Alexander moaned feeling for the first time this way and his eyes widened. This time he didn''t try to escape though, he decided he loved this new feeling of carnal pleasure and he closed his eyes, allowing Luke to show him a side of him he never knew. One with lustful thoughts and secret needs.

    "Luke!" a familiar voice sounded and the boy flinched as he felt Luke react in the same way. He moved away from him trying to catch his breath with an annoyed expression as his eyes landed on his best friend. "Oh, well sorry about that." He said and awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.

    "People knock! Asshole." He shouted and threw a pillow at him. Alexander had managed to hide under the sheets in lighting speed, too shy to meet the blond wolf. Just hearing his voice made him tremble. They had been seen kissing! He thought and he was sure at the moment he was looking like those cartoons on TV who would gradually get redder and redder. He stayed like this, a small ball underneath the sheets as he listened to them talk.

    "Sorry, sorry but you know it''s urgent. I need to talk to you." He told him and closed the door behind him. The thought of leaving and coming back later not passing from his mind.  He sat in Luke''s chair and grabbed the sheet Alexander was hiding himself with. He exposed him making Alexander shriek and look at the man with wide eyes. Mikael smiled in a friendly manner. "Don''t worry Alexander dear, I''ve seen worse in Luke''s room." He told him and winked.

    "Shut up!" Luke told him and Mikael laughed. As it seemed the matter he wanted to talk to him about was not that urgent. He was laughing and joking just fine. "What do you want? Say it and scrap. And don''t tell me something stupid I will fucking beat you up."  Luke warned him with a strict look but it was too obvious Mikael wasn''t fazed at all by his so called warning.

    "Two things my dear best friend. One, that stupid council demon has been cornering Mark." He announced and Luke sighed, already disappointed by what he heard.

    "Is that it? You said you didn''t want him! You dumped him! Why are you here telling me this? What am I supposed to do? Shouldn''t you be talking to Allias about it?" he asked him and Mikael shook his head.

    "Yes, but you see I am sure that Allias knows already what happened between Mark and I and I kind of feel uncomfortable so I was wondering if my best friend could like, go and talk to him. You know, warn him that demons are dangerous and that he shouldn''t be doing all this just to get back at me or try to make me jealous." He said and Luke, inhaled deeply. Mikael was so smart but sometimes, sometimes he was just unbearable. This was one of those times.

    "What if he is actually interested in that demon Mikael? It''s really not my place to involve myself. I am not their favorite person either you know."

    "Then what about you Alexander? Will you talk to Allias for me please? He likes you." Mikael asked him with a huge smile and looked at him with his pretty blue eyes. Alexander blushed and opened his lips, trying to answer but he just didn''t know what to say. He didn''t like the idea of being involved in someone else''s personal matters. It was quite rude.

    "Don''t push him into this. Tell me Mikael, did you really come here just for this? Is this the urgent matter that you wanted to talk to me about? I think your priorities are wrong or at least in a very messed up order my friend. Now scrap, I was in the middle of something here."

    "Relax, you can take his virginity tomorrow." Mikael said with a frown and grabbed a pen from Luke''s desk, playing with it. "Also I said there was something else. Of minor importance of course but well it''s about the pack so I had to tell you about it. Markus sent me actually." He announced.

    "Please don''t say the word virginity ever again. I am sorry Alexander." Luke apologized with a sad expression.

    "It okay, I guess." The boy said.

    "Tell me, what does Markus want? If it''s something stupid I swear you two¡­" Luke said and stared at his friend who was still playing with the pen, drawing little flowers on the desk while Luke talked. How could he say he wanted to talk about something important and act like this? Why was he always so carefree? "Tell me!" Luke repeated again his tone a bit louder.

    "And you''re telling me this now?" Luke screamed.

    "Well, I do not really like anyone here except a selected few so let them burn, I guess." He said with a wink. "But I do feel like punching something so let''s go."

 Chapter 242 - 242

    "Don''t make me force you." Asmodeus said and his voice was no longer smooth and gentle. It was rough and outworldy, frightening and it was as if nightmares escaped his lips with every word he said.

    Mark was doomed.

    "You don''t have to be like this." Mark said, feeling the cold wall on his back as he was being cornered by the annoyed demon. His eyes had turned black, his palm touching the wall as he hovered over him and Mark swallowed a huge lump that had been forming on his throat. "We¡­we can talk about it." He said. "Like can you wait until I am eighty and kill me then? You will get your revenge." He said and Asmodeus tilted his head to the side, his jaw tightened as he breathed out on his face.

    "Are you mocking me?" he asked and Mark shook his head frantically. He wasn''t really trying to mock him; he wasn''t that stupid but in all honesty he didn''t wish to die. Letting his memories released would mean he would find out about the grave sin he mentioned. That was all Asmodeus needed to kill him. He might like his face and that snobbish attitude of his but definitely he wasn''t prepared to throw his life away.

    "Wait, weren''t you the one who said that loved me? Don''t you think you''re contradicting yourself a bit? What kind of love is this? Allias told me that demons don''t feel love. So I guess it''s true." The red haired boy said. Asmodeus removed his hand and his eyes returned to their natural color. He seemed taken aback by his words. He allowed him to free himself and Mark moved away, pacing to the door just to make sure he would reach the exit just in case he got mad again. He couldn''t ignore Asmodeus'' expression though. He wasn''t looking into his eyes anymore, his gaze traveling as he seemed to think of something. He gave him a sad smile.

    "Is this what your friend told you? That we don''t love?" he asked and mark hastily shook his head. "Do you believe it?"

    "I¡­I don''t know what to believe. I mean, I don''t know you and you appeared in front of me saying you want to kill me. There isn''t much to assume about you except of you being a psychopath." He told him, his honesty quite brutal and Asmodeus without another word opened the door. He didn''t seem to be want to be there any longer. Mark didn''t stop him; it was for the best. There was no reason for them two to talk or even be in the same room together. They were complete strangers and this demon was just a lunatic that kept spouting nonsense. He had kept thinking about it too much, maybe it was time to let go and stop bothering with him. His life was messy enough as it was. "Please leave. I don''t want to do anything with you. I won''t remember and if you want to kill me I am sorry but I will make sure this does not happen." He said and with his hand he showed him the empty corridor. "This way."

    Asmodeus did not respond. He didn''t have anything to say to him after all. His face was expressionless and his eyes were looking at the hall rather than Mark. He grabbed the door, his fingers clasping on it hard as he broke a piece of the fragile wood and stepped outside. Maybe he had taken it too far, Mark thought but again, he didn''t try to stop him. Allias had warned him. It was dangerous being with him, he was dangerous.

    What happened next though was certainly unexpected. Asmodeus had left, his back on him as he was walking away from the left side of the corridor. The red haired boy stepped for a while out, just to see his figure disappear before he locked himself in the room. Unfortunately, that was not what actually happened next. A strange sound reached his ears and his head snapped to the right. In front of him, just a few meters away, stood a huge brown wolf. He was bloody and wounded, his fur having spots everywhere, dump, deep red, and the moment their eyes met the animal growled. Mark shivered as he stood there, frozen in fear. He had lost sight of the demon King and the supernatural creature before him was definitely looking at him with vicious intent. Who was he? He wondered not recognizing his shape. He wouldn''t though, the only wolves he had ever seen was Mikael and Luke and he doubted that they would attack him.

    The creature growled loudly and Mark no matter how hard he commanded his body to move he realized he wouldn''t obey. He felt the cold sweat forming on his temples roll down the sides of his face while his heart beat so fast that he was sure it was going to pop out of his body. The thumping was constant, like a war drum signaling the upcoming danger. Mark gulped as the wolf began walking. He was coming towards him, wary of his existence.

    "Good dog?" the young man mumbled as he stepped backwards. He grabbed the door and tried to smack it in the wolf''s face, a way to shield himself until someone came to help but the creature leaped high and landed on the fragile wood, bringing it down with ease. Mark gasped, knowing that his death was near and he tried to run in the narrow space, find something to protect himself. The wolf was coming closer and closer, not anxious at all since he knew the human man wasn''t an actual threat. What could he do? He couldn''t even punch someone properly let alone kill a werewolf. His eyes became blurry, filled with upcoming tears.

    The growling, it was unbearable and the wolf jumped on his pushing him down. He raised his arms, grabbing its neck and tried to stop the open jaws from ripping his neck. His teeth were white, sharp and scary. His teeth and the constant clenching of its jaw terrified him and his arms were beginning to get tired. He cried, asking the monster not to kill him. He had to do something. He had to find help. He called out a name knowing he was near, desperate for his life not to end.

    "Asmodeus help me!" He shouted in distressed, his face filled with tears.

    "What is in it for me?" he immediately heard the man ask. He was standing at the doorframe, waiting as he smiled viciously.

    "Anything! I will do anything!" Mark shouted.

 Chapter 243 - 243

    warning: slight gore

    "Asmodeus help me!" He shouted in distressed, his face filled with tears.

    "What is in it for me?" he immediately heard the man ask. He was standing at the doorframe, waiting as he smiled viciously.

    "Anything! I will do anything!" Mark shouted.

    He didn''t have to say anything else. He heard his footsteps as he came in and in just a few seconds the wolf looked like it was flying in the air. He had grabbed it from its nape, raising it like it was a feather and he had thrown it on the wall outside. The beast broke the wall, as its wounded body slid to the ground. He looked at the demon king with tired eyes, fear in them as it couldn''t move any more. The werewolf was already wounded when it found Mark, that brutal throw would certainly make everything worse. Mark stood up in a hurry, finally managing to control his body and followed Asmodeus.

    He was standing in front of the wolf. Slowly The red haired man noticed that his shape was changing. He was tired and wounded so he probably couldn''t maintain his form much longer. Filled with disbelief he faced a man he knew, a man that was supposed to be locked away. Sam had somehow escaped and was roaming free in the compound hurting people. Asmodeus grabbed him from his neck, with ease he lifted him off the ground and brought him up to meet his eye level.

    "I don''t know if I should kill you or congratulate you." He said with a smirk and Sam growled. He looked as if he was going to give up soon. His body was too heavy for him and his eyelids were fluttering slowly. He couldn''t even hold his head straight, while every part of his body was painted red. Mark couldn''t help but notice that his wrists were badly cut. The wounds were so deep that he could easily see the bones. He hissed, grabbing Asmodeus'' attention. The demon turned his head, while still holding Sam and his colorful eyes landed on his right arm. "You''re hurt." He stated and mark glanced at his arm. He was right. There was a huge bite mark on his right arm that he hadn''t even noticed. Blood was dripping from the bite holes and he gasped, suddenly feeling the pain. He was so distracted, numb from his adrenaline as he fought to survive that he hadn''t felt the pain of Sam''s teeth ripping his skin. Mark grabbed his arm, wanting to stop the bleeding and talked to Asmodeus.

    "He is the prisoner. Don''t kill him he is to be executed. You will get us in trouble." The red haired boy said and Asmodeus smiled, the corners of his lips curling upwards as he returned to looking at the beaten up wolf.

    "You know; I would let you leave but you see. I do not like my things scarred and I definitely don''t care about what the Council says so bye." He said in a melodic tone. He grabbed Sam in a headlock, the werewolf man barely able to resist, his powers a lot less than Asmodeus''. The demon king scoffed, not impressed at all by his show and grabbed him with his free arm from the top of his head, grasping a handful of his thick hair.

    "Asmodeus no!" Mark shouted, knowing already what he was about to do. The demon pulled his arm and suddenly Sam''s body was parted in two. In one hand he had his body, while on the other he was holding his head from his hair like some kind of lifeless doll. The wolf had found the same death as the woman he loved so much. Mark screamed, in shock as he watched something like this for the first time. The body fell on the floor, thumping as a pool of blood began to concentrate there. He took a step back, his eyes round with shock and Asmodeus threw the head right next to the body, wiping his hands on his shirt, not caring the slightest that he had beheaded a man, a man that was supposed to be executed in few days by the council. He had acted like he was breaking a toothpick. It was that easy for him and that was what frightened him the most. In all honesty he didn''t care about Sam or why he had done such a crazy thing. It was obviously a suicide mission but Mark could imagine himself in his place. His head away from his body while his whole blood was being drained.

    "Well, that wasn''t entertaining at all. He didn''t even speak." Asmodeus commented and the human man looked at him filled with disgust. How could he not feel anything about what had just happened? There was a corpse right in front of them. Mark noticed that Sam''s blood was starting to get on his shoes. He took another step back, the hairs on his body rising as he felt his stomach turn. "Human, are you alright?" Asmodeus asked, tilting his head to the side. The young man had turned pale and he could feel his food slowly returning. He grabbed the door, a way to support himself and then threw up behind it, letting out everything as he felt his throat burn. Acid, that was what it was. It made him feel even more disgusted and when Asmodeus entered the room, curious as to what was happening to him Mark pushed him away. He didn''t want to be near him right now. He didn''t want to heard his crazy demand. He already knew what would be.

    "Leave. Get away from me. Get out!" Mark shouted and his palms landed on his lips as he tried not to throw up again. He had to notify someone, call Allias and explain. His eyes landed on the body outside and he smacked the door closed unable to look at it one more time. Asmodeus was quiet, observing his outburst before he spoke.

    "You asked me to help you." He simply said and he seemed as if he couldn''t understand why mark was so distressed about what had happened.

    "You didn''t have to kill him!" Mark shouted.

    "Then what should I have done?" he asked and Mark stared at him stunned. What did he mean? He really couldn''t understand or more like he really didn''t know what had happened right now and why it was serious.

    "You mean, you, you don''t understand why what you did was wrong?" the red haired asked and Asmodeus shook his head in a negative manner. He didn''t know what to say after that. Mark walked outside, not able to stand the smell of the room and he breathed in some clean air. He just needed to calm down first. He let his eyes travel on the beautiful trees, growing healthily all around him. The green grass and the sound of birds. There was no reason in shouting at him, he was like a child who didn''t know what he did was wrong. "You can''t kill someone just because you want to. It''s not right. You can knock him out. You were clearly stronger than him so it wasn''t self-defense. Lives have value." He scolded him and the demon smiled.

    "I''ve heard that before." He said and Mark shook his head, unable to understand. He was trying to change the subject of the situation. "But you see, it''s not like I do it on purpose. It''s an instinct." He tried to explain but mark scoffed.

    "Everyone has instincts we just learn to control them. Anyways, please refrain from killing anyone in front of me from now on. It''s sickening." He said and Asmodeus shrugged his shoulders. "But, thank you for saving me" he mumbled shyly. After shouting him and scolding him the only thing that remained was expressing his gratitude. He if Asmodeus wasn''t there he wouldn''t be alive now, that monster would have killed him. He had been threatened by a beast to be saved by another one. It did sound slightly romantic, the idea of someone coming in to your rescue but when that someone was a demon there was always a but, a darker shade in the pink and red tones of romance and fantasy. Asmodeus now had the right to ask whatever he wanted. "We have to notify someone."

    "Why are you in such a rush? We have a few things to talk about after all. Do you remember what you said? I could ask you of anything."

    "Yes, I know. You want to force me to remember so you can kill me. I get it. You have said that quite a few times already. I bet you''re really happy that you got what you wanted." The red haired boy said and the demon laughed loudly.

    "That''s not what I want. I want to ask you something else. But you might not like it." Asmodeus told him and Mark raised his eyebrow suspicious. What could it be?

 Chapter 244 - 244

    Mark heard Asmodeus'' request with wide eyes but he didn''t answer. He didn''t have the time to because he heard shouting outside his room. After all it seemed like he wouldn''t have to call anyone. He ignored what he had just heard and opened the door, peeking outside to see Rafael together with Luke, Mikael, Alexander and Allias. The moment his eyes met with his best friend the elf king jumped over the dead body and ran towards Mark. He hugged him tightly and sighed.

    "I was so worried. Are you alright? Oh, Gods, your hand." He said noticing the bite mark. It still bled but thankfully not as much as before.

    "I am fine don''t worry. Asmodeus saved me." He said and Allias looked at the demon King with a suspicious look. He couldn''t believe so simply that this demon in front of him just did a good deed out of the goodness of his heart and he was partly true. Allias had no idea of what Asmodeus had asked him. The man not really fazed by the elf''s look just waved and stepped outside.

    "Who killed him?" Rafael asked strictly.

    "I did. Not my best work but I was kind of in a hurry." He said and suddenly the angel grabbed him from his neck and pushed him on the wall. Asmodeus coughed but his snobbish grin did not disappear, even while his lungs were on fire. Everyone looked at the unexpected scene in shock, especially Mark. Rafael always seemed to be quiet and restrained but the moment Asmodeus spoke he looked agitated while now he was openly attacking him.

    "Are you insane?" Rafael shouted. "He was supposed to be executed by the council and you simply killed him like a fly. Do you understand the trouble this puts us through? Do you really want me to imprison you in the demon capital once again?" Rafael asked him and Asmodeus stared at him. His face was instantly deranged from any emotion. He placed his palm on Rafael''s hand, the one he was grasping his neck with and squeezed it, the angel hissing as he was forced to step back. Asmodeus didn''t let go of him though, he kept applying pressure until everyone heard quite clearly the sound of the angel''s bones breaking.

    "What did you just say? Repeat that again if you can." He said and for once he wasn''t smiling like a crazy person. His hair was falling in front of his face, revealing only parts of him but his eyes were clearly filled with hate. Mark gulped seeing and sensing the tension between the two men. "Do you really dare to threaten me?" he asked and while holding his broken palm he twisted his wrist. The shuddering sound of bones breaking made everyone look away. The angel kneeled, his white pants being painted red by the blood on the floor and he gasped as he felt the pain rush through his whole body. He didn''t step back though, nor begged for Asmodeus to stop. He was too prideful to do so.

    "You heard me. You fool, you never use your head." Rafael insulted him again and Asmodeus scoffed and shook his head, disappointed.

    "All of you get on my nerves." He mumbled and pushed him making him land on the floor with his back.

    "What is happening here?" A voice was heard. The deadly aura of the scene intensified as the two gods joined their little murderous company. Dionysus was standing at the beginning of the corridor with Suijin at his side, witnessing the whole fight between the demon and the angel. He crossed his muscular arms over his chest and tapped his foot on the wooden floor. "How shameful. I am really disappointed. You are really downgrading the council''s image, Asmodeus, Rafael." He scolded them and Rafael dropped his head embarrassed. "What?" he asked Asmodeus who was looking at him with pure irritation. "You will try to fight me too little demon?" he asked him. A wind blew and the Greek god was suddenly surrounded by a bright light. He did always love a display of power. Asmodeus raised his arms, showing he was giving up and stepped on the side, satisfying the god as he walked closer to the dead body. He looked at it in disgust and his eyes landed on Luke next. "So, what happened?"

    "We actually have no idea. Mikael informed he had escaped and we were going around the building trying to find him. He has already killed two people. I don''t understand though how he tried to escape. His ropes were dipped in wolfsbane." Luke explained and Mark coughed, grabbing his attention on him. The boy blush and opened his lips, wanting to say something.

    "Um, as you can see his wrists are ripped, you can see the bones. I think he melted his own skin with the ropes until he could escape." He speculated and Dionysus nodded. He crouched and grabbed the dead man''s arm, raising it in the air, away from the pool of blood as he observed it.

    "I think you are right." He agreed. "So who killed him?" he asked and Asmodeus raised his arm with a cute smile.

    "I did."

    "Didn''t you know he was supposed to be executed by the Council?" Dionysus asked him strictly.

    "I did but you see¡­"

    "He tried to save me." Mark interrupted their conversation. "He attacked me, here, look. He even injured me. He came to my rescue and unfortunately he ended up killing him. It wasn''t on purpose." Mark said and rubbed the back of his nape as he lied for Asmodeus. He had no idea why he was doing this but he felt like he shared a bit of the blame. He had called for his help after all and he had saved him, it wouldn''t be fair if something bad happened to him.

    "I see¡­" Dionysus said obviously not fully believing him. "You will be punished nonetheless. Follow me. You too Rafael." He said and both men sighed as they unwillingly followed the god. "Luke, I would like us to have a meeting this evening if it''s possible. There has to be a change in our plans." He said and Luke nodded. "Let''s go." He repeated and slightly pushed Asmodeus to get him to move. The demon King looked back for one last time and winked at Mark.

    "Don''t forget our deal." He said with a cheeky smile and Allias raised his eyebrow. He grabbed Mark''s arm, the one that wasn''t injured and looked at him with an interrogating stare.

    "In my room. Now." He said between gritted teeth and Mark smiled.

    "Sure, sure."

 Chapter 245 - 245

    Dionysus had been given one of the best guest houses in the whole compound. Just the idea of someone being a good and a very known one indeed emitted enough awe to draw out their respect. He entered his room, the one that he shared with Suijin. There was one huge double bed in the middle while they also had a small living room with matching couches and armchairs. They were made of leather, white and grey. The decorations were simple like the rest of the rooms in the compound but the space was enough to fit several people.

    The god sat in the couch, crossing his legs as his lover followed him and sat next to him. The angel and the demon had followed them quietly remained standing as he stared at them, serious. Even Asmodeus knew who was in charge at the moment. Their rankings were pretty clear and the Council had made it obvious that Asmodeus was there for a limited amount of time and that he needed to be looked out for. The god sighed and rubbed his temples while shaking his right foot.

    "So, let''s go through this again." He told them. "Why are we here?" he asked and Rafael spoke first.

    "We are here to deal with the Council''s business. We are also sent to watch out for Allias and investigate Hara''s death based on Achlys'' suspicions." He explained and Suijin nodded.

    "And what of this have you done right? Asmodeus." Dionysus continued, calling out the naughty demon. The man smiled brightly his colorful eyes lighting up as he paced around in the room. The demon was never fond of rules nor he cared about the power struggle in their little supernatural world. This time though he was being watched closely as he had just gotten released from his three-hundred-year imprisonment. He couldn''t risk being thrown back into hell without a chance of getting out, especially now that he had found Mark.

    "Well, you could say that the wolf was executed just in a more¡­private way." He told them playfully and the water god rolled his eyes.

    "You really like to push people to their limits don''t you?" Suijin asked and the man shrugged his shoulders. Dionysus was mad. He was sent here in order to do something and he wanted to finish it quickly and disappear. He hated the council and the fact that his family in Olympus forced him participate made it even worse. They were back home drinking and celebrating while he had to deal with paper work and investigations. Asmodeus'' and Rafael''s childish behavior simply made everything worse.

    "It really wasn''t intended." Asmodeus stated. He wouldn''t have killed him but Mark had asked. No one would believe him though if he revealed that he actually did it to save the human. He was a demon after all and everyone did seem to love stereotypes.

    "Yeah, right like anyone would ever believe a demon''s words." Rafael mumbled and the demon''s head snapped to the side. He stared at him gritting his teeth annoyed. He was pretending to be so pure and good. Criticizing everything he did but the truth was he was as corrupted as him. Rafael knew very well about the trafficking of human children in the demonic capital but he did nothing about it. Since he hadn''t gotten any orders to eliminate the problem. He was worse than a robot.

    "So will you continue fighting right in front of me?" Dionysus shouted and he smacked his palm on the tea table in front of him. The place he had touched was split in two, the wooden table now crumbling on the floor. A bright light emitted from his palm, cold and dangerous and the whole pieces of the table exploded. It was a very simple display of power, just so everyone could see that they shouldn''t be acting this way.

    "Forgive us. It will not happen again." Rafael said and bowed his head.

    "Yeah, yeah." Asmodeus agreed blatantly, trying to at least not cause any more trouble. He couldn''t wait for this meeting to be over just so he could go back and find Mark. He had just formed a very important deal and he had to rush. He didn''t wish for the red haired man to back down now.

    "I need you to be focused. I don''t want you to attend the meeting later. You will be just a burden. Just ask around about Hara and have your eyes on Allias. That would be enough. I don''t want to see you fighting again. If I do Asmodeus you will be locked in hell again and Rafael, I will make sure they take your wings. Am I clear?" he asked, tilting his head to the side, looking at the both of them with a threatening stare.

    "Yes" both of them said at the same time, not even thinking of rebelling.

    "Good, perfect!" Dionysus exclaimed with a bright smile. "Now go. Have fun the rest of your day" he greeted them like he hadn''t just warned to ruin their lives and the two men left the room surprised and annoyed. The two gods remained alone for a while and there was some time before they had to attend the meeting.

    "Why did you tell them not to attend?" Suijin asked and Dionysus took his hand in his. He brought it to his cheek feeling the cold skin as he smiled and rested his face on it. He snuggled close, the god waiting for him to speak but he looked like he was enjoying his touch too much, he was so invested in it he didn''t wish to talk. All of these were just draining. He needed a few moments of silence. "Tell me." Suijin said calmly and Dionysus opened his eyes.

    "I need to warn Allias and the rest of the elves. Sadly, Achlys suspects them for Hara''s death and she will do something, she told me about it. I need to let them know so after they leave here they will be prepared." Dionysus said and the water god looked at him filled with curiosity.

    "What is that vile creature planning to do?"

    "He wants to invite them to the Demonic Capital and then force them to admit it. She is planning something horrible. The invitation should be on its way." He said and Suijin gasped.

    The Demonic Capital was a disastrous place, filled with horrors and nightmares.

 Chapter 246 - 246

    Allias entered the room he shared with Theseus like a strom, furious and in a hurry only to face his lover sitting on the bed together with Ea and Ares as they played a very heated game of cards. He looked at them his jaw tensed as they stopped moving and Theseus smiled cutely hoping that their king wouldn''t explode. Ea picked up the cards from the bed in a hurry and not having somewhere to put them he threw them in the floor. Ares sighed as he stared at them.

    "The only round I was winning. Great." He mumbled and Ea smacked the back of his head. "Ouch!" He screamed and soon the ekeves noticed that Mark was standing behind their king. So he was the one who had caused his wrath. The elf king grabbed his friend from his arm and sat him down at the edge of the soft bed. Mark crossed his legs and looked all over around him, his eyes spotting every single detail in the room as he tried desperately to avoid Allias'' piercing stare.

    "So what happened? Did they catch Sam?" Theseus asked. "Allias I need to talk to you. Now that this deal with the wolves is over there something very important...."

    "What deal Mark?" Allias asked his best friend, completely ignoring Theseus''words. The general sighed and closed his eyes. He had been putting off this matter for so long he was sure destruction would come the moment their king found out. He was doomed and there was no way out. For the moment he closed his lips and sat back at the head of the bed swing the elf scold his friend.

    "Well you see..."

    "I told you to stay away from him didn''t I ? Do you think I am doing this because I have free time and wonder who to torture? This man right here everyone..." He told the rest of the elves pointing at him. "....has been stuck but by the hip with the demon king. Asmodeus." He said and Ea was heard gasping. As it seemed the red haired boy was the only one that who didn''t grasp the severity of the situation.

    "For a human, you are fearless or incredibly dumb." Ares commended and Mark raised his eyebrow shocked. Well, that was a very nice comment he thought and crossed his arms over his chest.

    "Don''t give me that look. Don''t you dare " Allias told him. "What deal Mark? What did he ask of you?" He repeated his question and Mark sighed. If Allias found out he would defi itely not leave him alone until they left the compound. He is stuck here though, surrounded by all these people, their eyes glued on him and he sealed his lips.

    "He really didn''t do anything to me. He even saved me so where is the big deal?" Mark asked knowing how stupid he looked right now. Allias sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose he placed his palms in Mark''s shoulders, reaching his eye level as he spoke.

    "He will kill you." He told him, wording every word slilwy for him to understand. "Do you get that?"

    "Allias, why don''t you let him do what he wants?" Theseus asked and his lover looked at him stunned, offended even. He left mark alone for a while as he sat there like prisoner and headed towards to where the general stood. He tilted his head to the side and smiled coldly, Theseus returning the smile in the exact same way.

    "Are you stupid or are you just pretending to be Theseus?" He asked and the general scoffed as he stood up."Why don''t I let him do what he wants? So if he wants to just go and die I should let him? It''s Asmodeus for fucks sake how could you say that?"

    "Well if that''s what he wants to do them let him you can''t control everyone. Let him follow his instincts. If he feels like Asmodeus is not a danger to him he must know something we don''t. Stop trying to have everything the way you want. He is a grown man and can think on his own. You warned him there is nothing else to do. Will you tie him in this room?" Theseus said ironically and Allias shook his head. He pointed at Theseus , his fingertip touching his chest as he provoked him.

    "So if he is wrong who will save him, huh? You or Ares ? I can''t use my powers and everyone seems to enjoy getting in trouble all the time. So tell me if he mistaken about the demon who will fight him to save him? Because clearly none of you can!"he shouted and Mark stood up.

    "I think that''s enough. " He said, mainly wanting to stop Allias'' and Theseus'' arguement. He didn''t want to be the reason these two ended up punching each other. "There is no reason to be this worried Allias . He didn''t ask anything dangerous of me I swear. All he said was that he wanted to spend the day with me. Tomorrow. I won''t leave the compound and in case anything happens I will run away. I promise so please don''t be this worried." Allias looked at his best friend and then his lover disappointed. He breathed out, his chest heavy as no one could understand how burdened he was with everything. He wanted to just go back home and deal with his kingdom but every time something new would pop off making it hard for him to find peace even for a day. He didn''t answer, he just walked towards the door and left, not wanting to be around any of them. If Mark didn''t wish to understand it was his problem. Allias didn''t want to deal with the guilt of being powerless again though.

    He knew Theseus would follow him so he took a turn and found himself deeper in the compound. He would always get lost when he used to live here, this place always seemed depressing to him. As he walked away from his problems though a new one appeared right in front of him.

    It was Luke with Alexander. They were probably heading to his room seing how relieved they were the moment they saw him.

    "Allias we need your help." Luke said and the elf king felt like someone had thrown a boulder on him. Heavy, pushing him to the ground. He blinked, thinking very serious of just disappearing but he didn''t. He couldn''t the moment he looked into Alexander''s eyes and noticed his immense worry he was unable to just run away. He pushed back his hair, restraint himself from just pulling them and looked at them, smiling as he forced himself.

    "What is it?"

    "It has to do with Sam''s death and about me being the next Alpha. I know our species had been enemies ever since the war but I want you to consider to sign a treaty with us. Become allies." He said and Allias'' green eyes widened. He scoffed thinking that Luke was joking but his grey eyes were deadly serious.

    "That is quite impossible Luke." He told him coldy and the wolf gasped. Not expecting his answer.

 Chapter 247 - 247

    The moment Luke heard Allias'' denial he invited him to his office, he could see the elf king was on edge. His expression, his tensed muscles everything obviously showed how unwilling he was to continue this conversation. Luke could not give up though, this was one of the only ways he could think of to protect his pack. He had talked about it with Mikael and both of them believed that if this treaty came through they would continue with their plans much easier and feeling a lot safer.

    "I won''t." Allias denied following him to his office. "I can''t sign a treaty with you. It''s impossible." he said and Luke tried to convince him.

    "Please, hear me out. I am sure this could help out the both of us. There is a reson why I am proposing this. It''s not just a whim."

    "Luke, you''re young so let me explain a few things to you. I just returned to my throne. Back home there is a bunch of angry royals that I had been ignoring for months that absoloutely hate werewolves and honestly I do not blame them. Being a King does not mean I can do whatever the fuck I want. Also do you really think that the Council, the Council Achlys is on which has to approve all of diplomatic relations through species will allow the two races that sit at the border of one of the biggest portals of the human realm to form an alliance? Do you really think that decision taking is that easy as the snap of a finger?" he asked him, showing him plainly how dumb he seed him now. Luke had come to him, out of the blue telling him that he wanted to sign a treaty the same way someone would say they want to order pizza.

    "Allias please maybe if you listen to Luke and his reasoning you would change your mind..." Alexander said. He was trying to calm his nerves. Obviously this was not the best time to speak to the elf king and his eyes clearly showed it.

    "No Alexander, no. I can''t do this at the moment. My throne is unstable but still I came here to help you. I can''t bring more trouble my way by forming an alliance with you. The council already doesn''t like me I have to stay alive this time. You have no idea how things are back at the Veil. Luke just because I like you, Alexander and Mikael does not mean I would jeopardize my kingdom to do what you wish. Tomorrow after your announcement I will be gone and you won''t be seeing us for a while. I have a mess to take care of." No one could understand him. He was trying to help everyone and every single person took him for granted. now all of them came asking favors out of nowhere not thinking how that would hurt him. He was a king too, he had things to take care of but somehow everyone was still seeing him as Alex. A kind boy who would always try to help his friends.

    "Allias please. I am sure you will end up regretting this." Luke said

    "Are you threatening me?" The elf king asked and the new Alpha tensed his muscles.  Suddenly there was so much tension int he air that Alexander felt like the two of them would end up fighting. He took Luke''s hand in his and stared at him.

    "Luke, let''s just go. It''s his desicion." he said and the wolf sighed. What the two wolves didn''t seem to understand was that it really wasn''t his decision. there were so many things he needed to take into consideration rather than just the power of friendship. Luke would understand one day, it would certainly take time but he would be in his place and then see how hard decisions liek these were, even if you ended up being the bad guy.

    "I would like you to leave tomorrow after the announcement. It will be during the night but I do not believe you will have a problem getting back home." Luke said. it was clear he was not satisfied with Allias'' decision and was kicking him out. The elf jing did not mind, he was still worried about Mark after all and everything that would follow during his return home. He couldn''t be bothered with werewolf matters too, that was just too much. He really hoped Luke would lead his pack well without problems but he couldn''t help him at teh moment. It was simply too hard.

    The two wolves were left alone and Alexander had to deal with Luke''s mood slowly being ruined. Their kiss had been put off, their talk about them also and now all they could think of was how to protect the pack. Alexander understood that, Luke''s fear, and he couldn''t bring up their relationship. that''s why after they found Sam, he told Mikael and Luke his idea about the treaty. Everyone had agreed since they desperately needed an ally. They had never thought the chance of Allias shutting them down so brutally.

    "We will find a way to secure the packs safety, don''t worry." Alexander tried to comfort him as they entered his office. He sat on his chair, behind the heavy wooden desk, his chest rising up and down as he tried to control his anger. His face was hidden in between his palms. How could Allias do this to him, why? He thought they could count on each other but as it seemed he was the only one thinking like that.

    "Maybe we were too rush. We just grabbed him on the hallway and takled to him about such animportant matter. We should try again." the younger boy proposed, sitting far away from Luke, on the small couch, his hands anxiously gripping the edges. Luke raised his head and looked at him, he had a faint smile on but his eyes showed uncertainty, anxiety. Alexander could feel his pain, it was clear in those big moon like eyes and hurt every time their eyes mer, the younger wolf felt like he had failed in helping him, maybe he had done things worse.

    "It''s okay. We don''t need them. You shouldn''t worry about these things. Just try to focus on your training. There is not that much time left. Dionysus will visit soon so it would be good if you weren''t here. Allias will have to attend too, unfortunately." Luke told him. Alexander was disappointed. He didn''t want to leave him so easily. He would need all the support he could get.

    "Luke I..." Alexander stuttered but the wolf stood up, stopping his words. he knew what he was planning to say. They had had the same conversation a million times, everything seemed so repetitive nowadays and he had started to get tired of it. He just wanted all these people to leave his home so he could put an order intot his chaos.

    He stood right in front of Alexander, his lips slightly upwards as he tried to smile. He cupped his face after he crouched, meeting his eyes. He kissed the tip of his nose, making him blush and look away. He just needed someone to listen to him. Just for things to go well for once, as he planned them.

    "i know you want to help, you have helped me a lot and thank you. The reason I am telling you to leave is because I want you to be safe because I need you. Alexander I really like you, I can''t see you get hurt or taken away by the council so please just stay in your room. I am begging you." he told him. Alexander knew there was no reason to argue. For this once he let it go and left, leaving Luke alone with his thoughts.

    The stories of two troubled leaders, an elf and a wolf were unraveling right in front of his eyes and he was just a simple spectator. No matter how hard he tried to find a way and bring Luke peace he always seemed worried and stressed. he just hoped that everything would become better once everyone left.

    "You were gone for a while." Theseus told Allias the moment he returned to their room. Everyone was still there, even Mark and he looked at them before he let out a huge sigh and let himself land messily on the bed, the mattress bouncing once his body dived in it. "What happened?" Theseus asked seeing him roll on the bed. he grabbed a pillow and pushed his face in it before he let out a loud scream.

    "Wow." Ares mumbled as he blinked and Mark tugged on his shirt worried. he believed that Allias was like this because of him.

    "Look I am sorry, I know you are worried. I don''t want to cause trouble for you but I made a promise, I swear I will be carefull..."

    "It''s not that" Allias mumbled through the pillow and everyone struggled to hear him. "Luke just asked me to sign a treaty with them." he revealed and Theseus began laughing frantically.

    "That fool never ceases to surprise me. Oh, God I am going to cry" he said and wiped a stray tear caused from laughing. It was so obvious Luke had no idea what was actually happening in the supernatural world. It made him wonder how much his father had trully pampered him, shielding him from the horros of their world.

    "I said no, very cruelly. Do you believe it that they stopped me in the hallway and simply said hey, let''s sign a treaty like they were asking me out for coffee." he said and turned around revealing his concerned expression. "You people seriously don''t understand the shit that is happening. I have a best friend who fancies one of our worst enemies, wolves now are asking me to be their friend and defy one the council that deperately want me dead aaaand I have a bunch of old men back home that don''t want me on my throne. Anything else? Is there something you would like to tell me people?" he shouted and Theseus swallowed a lump that was forming on his throat. He couldn''t bring himself to tell him about the girl now, he would simply go crazy. After they returned home he would do it. For sure.

    "How about you leave us alone for a while guys? We will have to go to the meeting soon anyways." Theseus told them wanting to be alone with Allias, he knew he could calm his nerves.

    "Okay I guess. but if you need anything tell us" Ares said and stood up, taking the two others with him. Allias was left alone with Theseus for the first time after a while. The man smiled at him, calling him to rest in his embrace and honestly he couldn''t deny the pleasure.

    "Come here." The general said in a low voice and the elf king shivered.

 Chapter 248 - 248

    Allias slowly found shelter in Theseus'' embrace. The way his arms wrapped around his cold body, his heat spreading on him warming him up and the feeling of his skin touching his as he found the perfect spot to rest his head in the crook of his neck formed the only calming moment he had had in the last few days. He desperately wanted to go home, if he could call the Disee palace that. He had been trying to find his pace, become the king he once was but it was getting more and more difficult to deal with matters. Once he was okay with making harsh decisions, he was fine with saddening people but now, even the fact that he denied Luke''s proposal affected him in a way. He felt guilty, as if he was a selfish being that only looked after himself. But what was there to do when you had to rebuild a whole kingdom? He hadn''t spent the necessary time back home and the internal matters were getting worse day by day. Just that thought caused him an aching headache. He was frowning so often now that he thanked the fact he could age. His face would have been all wrinkled other wise.

    He felt Theseus'' lips land at the top of his head, a gentle reminder that took him away for his troubling thoughts and the strong general squeezed his arms, almost suffocating him.

    "Stop thinking for a second will you?" He said and Allias chuckled. It was quite amazing how Theseus knew everything about him, his reactions, his feelings without even having to look at him in the eyes. Allias could simply breathe and his lover would know if something was wrong or not. The elf king raised his head, pecking his lips cutely, making the white haired man smile.

    "I am trying." He told him. "Things are just complicated. I really wanted to help Luke and Alexander but it''s just not easy. Oh, how I miss the days everyone simply let me do as I please because they were scared of me." He said dramatically and Theseus smiled.

    "That sounds like you were really spoiled my love." He told him and played gently with his hair. Fondling the wild curls and enjoying the silky feeling between his long fingers.

    "I was. In a good way." He said with a smile as her remembered his life. Back then when his mother was alive, when he would rest on a tree int he famous Avgee garden and munch on apples all day, seing the palace people search for him. The sun was brighter back then, the trees greener while now the world somehow seemed quite dull. He had brought spring back to the elf realm but that magical spring hadn''t managed to touch his heart. "I miss spring Theseus. I miss my home." He told the general. He had rested once more on his body, unaware about his lover''s guilty conscious. "I know I should be fine with it already, I know I sound childish but I... I feel lost." He mumbled embarrassed.

    "We will go home. Tonight and I promise we will slowly put everything in order. And then I will bring you spring. I will bring you a whole bloomed garden, and trees with many fruits. I will bring choirs with exotic birds and the warm breeze of spring and leave everything in your heart. Just to see you smile again, in the way you used to. I swear Allias." Theseus swore and the elf king stared at him, mesmerized by his words. His full lips were parted while a smile slowly appeared on his handsome face. Theseus kissed him, enjoying the taste of his lips, his mouth as his tongue slilwy entered and the king melted slowly, as his heart raced frantically.

    How was it that such a simple kiss, a kiss he had many times before could every time make him feel like this? Was it destiny? Was it fate or was it simply that Theseus was dreamy? Could a man be more perfect than him? Allias wondered as his hands dived into the snow white hair. No, Theseus wasn''t perfect. Nor was Allias. What they were was perfect for each other and that mattered the most. They were people who could share their pain with others, always pretending to be strong but when they stood in front of eachother something was different . Suddenly they stood naked, vulnerable and weak. Open books that the other could read so easily that there were no hurtful words needed, not hurtful stories to be told. It was like there was a link between their heart and they could feel the other''s distress. Some times it was unbearable, the pain torturing as you wanteched the person you loved in the most suffer but a soothing touch suddenly could change everything.

    Their meeting, their hardships and their story. All of the memories bathed by a golden light and the chill of the freshly fallen snow, how could they be anything else than fate? When a simple touch turned into a weapon either for destruction or love? When just a few words could either heal or kill? Fate was too simple, fate was just a word in front of the untold plans of the universe. Theseus and Allias were not just fate, not destiny they were created to exist when the other did. Orelse they would be broken, forgotten and alone. Theseus knew that pain, the anguish of losing him for almost a century. Now that he was back everything was suddenly so clear and he couldn''t help but want to give him the world, the spring that he so much desired because the Mad Shadowcaster had never felt that way before. For anyone.

    "Theseus telling you that I love you sounds so simple" Allias said and his eyes lit up as he watched his general smile.

    "It''s enough for me. More than enough." He said

    "Well I did die for you. I mean let''s not forget that" Allias joked and the general laughed. With a swift move he turned them around, pinning the elf king on the bed, hovering above him.

    "Believe me I would never forget." He said and Allias caressed his cheek. "Allias..." The man said and the king tilted his head to the side, curious. "Sorry to ruin this romantic mood but I ....well you see." He mumbled.

    "I can''t see but I can feel it. Believe me" Allias replied and smiled cheekily as he felt Theseus'' grind on him.

    "It''s been a while and I think we should ..." He said but his sentence was cut short when a knock was heard on the door. Both of them sighed and looked at the door annoyed.

    "What?" They shouted in unison.

    ...

    Hello! Hope you liked this chapter! I missed writing romantic moments between Theseus and Allias so I hoped you enjoyed it! Please vote, comment and write a positive review. Unlocking my privilege chapters would help a lot too. Thank you so much! Also I will be giving out a few codes for a 100 coins. If you''re interested please comment with an emoji so I can contact you!

 Chapter 249 - 249

    Unfortunately, any chance of intimate or even slightly romantic time between the two elves was soon eradicated as the loud knocking on their door continued. Allias had opened the door with a very obvious frown as his eyes made clear how annoyed he was. The elf king could hear Theseus sigh from behind him, the general fed up too with the fact that they had little to no privacy nowadays. They were being notified that Dionysus, Suijin and the Alpha were waiting for them in his office and Allias couldn''t help but mumbled a few swears underneath his gritted teeth while they exited the room. As it seemed an hour alone was too much to ask. They paced fast, both elves thinking that the sooner they were over with this the better. When Allias had offered to help them he hadn''t really thought about the after math. Meeting the council, having to write reports and even participate in the announcements of the pack since he was someone involved in the incidents. He definitely did not expect that he would lose his sleep because he would be worried about his best fried being too friendly with one of the Kings of Hell. That was another problem he was sure soon he would have to be involved in and possibly fix.

    Before they entered Luke''s office he sighed as he eyes the heavy door. Luke would hold a grudge against him and their whole conversation would probably get heated. Especially with Theseus in the room looking down on him and being judgmental. The times old ass men acted like children were too much for this king to handle. Sadly, he wasn''t excluding himself from that thought.

    In the room together with the gods who were sitting comfortably on the vintage couch were Markus and Mikael who by now were probably acknowledged by everyone as Luke''s advisors. Allias liked Mikael at first, he was the one who seemed to have most things figured out and act based on logic but after everything that had happened he began to believe otherwise. He was as immature and stupid as his best friend and that was guaranteed. Allias sat in one of the armchairs in front of the office, finding the seat quite uncomfortable since the cushion seemed to be slippery. He fixed his position and crossed his legs, sitting with his back straight Theseus remained standing behind him. Markus and Mikael too were standing at each side of Luke''s who seemed to be surrounded by piles of paperwork. Allias looked at the white papers and became anxious, knowing that something very similar would be waiting for him at home.

    "So since everyone is here I think we can start." Luke announced and he didn''t spare the elves not even once glance as he talked, his eyes focus on the god representatives of the Council. "Dionysus and Suijin now that Sam has been killed we can''t execute him obviously so that statement the Council wanted so badly to made seems to be impossible." The alpha said. In all honesty he did not care about statements. All he wanted was for all of them to leave as soon as possible so he could just grieve in peace and start to pick up the pieces of his broken pack. His attempt to ask Allias for help had failed so now all he could think about was how he could keep his people safe from all the upcoming threats. For a second he thought it was no wonder that his father went mad. Such burdens and worries could be unbearable.

    "Yes, that is true. The Council just wanted to make sure they would secure your position as an Alpha so there wouldn''t be any more problems in the future. As you may know we are actually quite busy and can''t always appear everywhere to help. So securing your place by showing you got the Council''s back up through this execution would be saving us a lot of trouble¡­" Dionysus explained and Mikael cut it with a question of his.

    "So why don''t we simply hold a gathering and inform the people. Make an announcement." He proposed.

    "It''s tactless." Suijin said with a very serious expression and Theseus bit his lips, trying not to laugh. It was quite ridiculous how much meaning the council gave to appearances. As he tried to stop himself from laughing his palm rested gently on Allias'' shoulder. The elf king caressed the calloused hands and let his face fall as he looked at the floor. They were both thinking of the same thing and simply hoped their reaction to the god''s words would go unnoticed. "The Council doesn''t approve of such displays of power. If we just announced that we support you it would be unfair to the others we have previously rejected. The execution would be a move that would pass this message without the need of words but Asmodeus seemed to have other plans."

    "Yes, about that demon¡­" Allias said, slightly changing the course of the conversation. "Wasn''t he supposed to be locked in the demonic realm, in the pits of hell or whatever you want to call it? Why is he here eyeing innocent humans?" he asked and Dionysus chuckled. Allias couldn''t make it more obvious that he was not interested in werewolves'' affairs.

    "Well, he was indeed imprisoned. For three hundred years if I am not mistaken but his time is over so he has been set free. Basically the spell the exorcists cast on him faded with time and since their species has been extinct there wasn''t anyone to renew the barriers." He explained. "As to why he seems to be interested in your red headed friend that I do not know."

    Allias rubbed his forehead, his mind speeding as to what could he want from Mark. His thoughts though were put to a brutal stop as Luke''s upset voice was heard. He did not like the fact that a meeting meant for his pack had turned into a conversation about Mark and Asmodeus. He wasn''t utterly wrong but since there was nothing else to be done why not proceed to a new matter? Allias told himself. Luke grabbed some papers mechanically moving them to the other side of the office, unable to sit still now that everyone was looking at him carefully.

    "Back to the pack matters. I think there is something we can do¡­" he said and Dionysus raised his eyebrow, awaiting to hear his idea. "How about a dinner?"

    "A dinner?" Suijin asked confused, tilting his head to the side as his calm voice reached the ears of everyone in the room.

    "Yes. If I am not mistaken there is some kind of magical newspaper or magazine of some sort. My father used to read it. I was thinking about having a dinner tomorrow, a more formal one and we could call some reporters to take photos by accident." He said and Dionysus burst out laughing after he heard his idea. His green eyes watered and he had to ask for Suijin''s help. He passed him a handkerchief to wipe his tears with a strict expression.

    "Excuse me, I did not mean to mock you but that is indeed a very simplistic way. Quite human like if you ask me." He commented and Luke gave him a fake smile, of course he was insulting him. Dionysus had called him simple minded right in front of his face. Luke entangled his figures in front of him, his elbow touching the cold wood of the desk.

    "If you have another idea please feel free to tell me." He said but none of the gods or the elves suggested something. Allias and Theseus hadn''t even been thinking. They were just observers in this meeting counting the minutes hoping it would end soon. Since Dionysus smiled and nodded, giving his kind approval Luke continued. "Perfect. Tomorrow night then. Later the elves and the Council can leave the compound. Excuse me for kicking you out into the night but as you might know we are busy." He said and Allias chuckled. It was funny how much he wanted to kick them out. Luke gave him an angry stare, his grey eyes landing on his green ones with hatred but Allias didn''t mind.

    "Well if that''s it we can go now." Theseus stated, sending a warning stare at the alpha. He had obviously seen the way he looked at his king and he wasn''t very fond of it.

    "Alright. It''s been a while since I had my picture taken anyways. Have to get ready." Dionysus said playfully and stood up filled with energy following the two elves who were exiting the office in a hurry. No greetings were needed and no one wanted them anyways. Every single one of them just wanted to escape in their own way. "Wait for a second little elves." Dionysus called out and Allias stopped. He turned around to stare at the god, a dull expression plastered on his face. "You don''t look excited."

    "Because I am not. What is it?" Allias asked him wanting to get into subject as soon as he could.

    "Achlys is after you." Suijin stated and the elf king looked at him in shock. He didn''t speak though, he waited to hear the rest before he got fully anxious. "She suspects you. She is sure Hara is dead. Honestly I believe she found his body actually and it''s hiding to gain some time to find evidence. She had asked us to ask around about what you have been doing. She is planning to invite you to the Demonic capital and I am afraid you won''t be able to deny it."

    "What? Why?" Theseus asked the god.

    "She will ask for your help about the human children snapping. She knows if you deny it will look bad on you." Dionysus informed them and Allias stomped his foot on the ground. It wasn''t a very royal like move but he didn''t care. He was frustrated. Extremely angry. He just wished he could eradicate that woman with his powers but he couldn''t. He would have to find another way to take her down but he was simply too tired to think.

    "Then we simply have to pin his death on her." Theseus stated and looked at his lover with a devilish expression. Allias'' heart began racing as he met his eyes. Yes, he shouldn''t be worried. He had his general after all.

 Chapter 250 - 250

    Mark woke up feeling extremely anxious. He had actually fallen asleep deep into the night; the moment the birds began chirping. The reason was that he had spent every second twisting in his bed, sighing and throwing the sheets around. A day with him, that was exactly what Asmodeus had asked of him, surprising him. The red haired human believed that the demon king would simply ask to get what he wanted, for him to drink that remedy. Mark would try and find a way out of it anyways and ask Allias for help if that occurred but the demon just wanted to spend time with him.

    The light coming in from his window woke him up and he frowned. He hid his eyes with his arm, letting out a loud exhale as he remembered that he shouldn''t just lay lazily on his bed but get up and get ready. Last night he had also spoken to Allias. His best friend had informed him of Achlys'' plan and he remembered shivering as he remembered that vicious woman. They would have to visit the demonic capital and that also meant he would see Asmodeus again. He had believed this day would be the last one, he would just try to forget of this weird encounter after it but fate had other plans. It was obvious he wasn''t a very lucky person by now. Every time he said he wanted to avoid something that exact thing would come in his way and he obviously would stumble on it.

    He sat up, agitated with his own thoughts and scratched the back of his head, feeling his red hair retaliate from their usual hair do. There were strands of hair sticking out everywhere from his head and for a second he believed he looked like one of these little troll toys. He stood up, dragging his feet on the wooden floor and headed to the bathroom only to sigh in front of the mirror. He had never really question how attractive he was. Mark had always been popular with girls. Being the athletic type with warm brown eyes and rare red hair everyone took an interest in him easily. He also had a very charming smile. You wouldn''t call his appearance the embodiment of stereotypical manliness since his features could be described as soft, his small nose and full lips but he definitely could turn head when he walked confidently in his soccer uniform.

    The thing was that he is always surrounded by extremely handsome people lately. The elves, the wolves, everyone that passed him by looked incredibly beautiful making him think he was mediocre. Where should he begin? Allias and Theseus? These two were legends, with every step they took they emitted dominance and an incredible elegance. Ea and Ares? That couple was like fire and ice. Ares looked like a rebellious teenager that knew how handsome he was and Ea was a very strict soldier that seemed like a bloomed flower. Luke and Mikael had a raw and very earthly beauty. Their buff muscles and sculptured faces could easily be in an underwear ad. Every single one of them looked outworldy while he was simply¡­a carrot.

    He sighed and splashed his face with some water. Trying to cheer himself up he gave his cheeks a small slap before he tried to calm his hair. They wouldn''t just stick down, probably they were as anxious as he was. He placed his hands on the edge of the sink and gave himself a little pep talk. Preparing himself for what may come.

    "Be brave, don''t give in because he is handsome. Don''t give in because of the wings. Don''t give in because of the sexy accent. Don''t give in because¡­." He kept saying with his index finger pointing at the mirror.

    "Well I didn''t know that I was that attractive." He heard a familiar voice and started, jumped up slightly. His head snapped to the side only to see Asmodeus standing at the door frame his arms crossed over his chest. He wore a pair of worn out, ripped black jeans and a white T-shirt as he looked at Mark with a smirk. "Nice pajamas." He told him, looking at his pants because he wasn''t actually wearing a t-shirt. Mark looked down too and gasped. Carrot pajamas. Light blue pants with small little carrots splashed all over them. This is where the thought of him being a carrot came. "They match you." Asmodeus continued to tease him before the human realized what was happening. He had just woken up so it was hard for him to process things early in the morning. He took a step back covering his chest with his arms.

    "Why are you here? How did you get in?" he asked surprised.

    "Took you a while, didn''t it? I came in through the balcony. They ought to make these things slightly better to be honest. Just a snap of my fingers and they''re gone." Asmodeus said proudly and Mark ran at the main bedroom, he stood in front of the balcony door which not existed anymore. He stuttered, weakly pointing at the huge hole in the room. The door had just¡­disappeared.

    "What- how- what?" mark said stunned and the demon laughed.

    "Here, look" he said and snapped his fingers. The door suddenly was put back into place like nothing had happened. Mark took a few steps towards it and with his fingertips he caressed the cold glass realizing that the door was real and actually back in its original place. The truth was that even though he lived with elves he had never seen such extravagant displays of power. Except of a few teleportations and some simply magic Mark hadn''t been exposed to such kind of magic. Magic that would make you blink questioning reality. He turned around and looked at Asmodeus.

    "What can you not do? I mean what are your powers?" He asked him confused and the demon placed his hands in his pockets as he seemed to think for a while.

    "Well, I am one of the Kings of hell so I can do a lot of things. I am the demon of lust so I could say I have a lot of interesting things up my sleeve when it comes to carnal pleasure¡­" he told him with a smirk and took a few steps towards him, stopping close to him and moving his face close to his ear "¡­want me to show you? It''s my specialty." He said and bit gently Mark''s ear making him shiver.

    The red haired boy looked at him like he was seeing a ghost and immediately headed to his closet taking out a t-shirt. He got dressed, earning also a laugh from Asmodeus. The Demon headed towards the door, opening it and he shook his head signaling him that it was time to leave but mark looked at his pajamas and frowned.

    "Get out so I can get dressed in peace." He told him and Asmodeus raised his eyebrow.

    "You can do it with me here. We are both men after all."

    "Yes we are but I do not believe that we have the same intentions." Mark told him and actually placed his palms on his back, intending to push him out. It felt like he was trying to push a huge rock and he even groaned as he put all of his strength. Asmodeus was just standing there with his hands in his pockets, smiling brightly at the entrance.

    "Fine!" Mark said exclaiming and Asmodeus victoriously closed the door. After that he headed on the bed and he sat down supporting himself on his palms, his legs open as he watched Mark with a hungry stare. "Your pose is¡­your pose is¡­quite¡­suggestive" he said and his cheeks slowly were tinted pink. He was holding the hem of his pajamas, unable to take them off as his eyes met Asmodeus''.

    "What am I suggesting?" Asmodeus asked him tilting his head to the side with an innocent smile. "I am just comfortable like this. Come on now little human, we don''t have all day¡­actually we do but I have many things planned."

    Mark was annoyed. Asmodeus could read his expression and his act like an open book and he stood there like a small cute mouse being cornered by a cat. He obviously would not let it go so easily nor he would accept defeat. Fuck it. He screamed in his head. You might be a carrot but you are a hot carrot so act like it! He scolded himself as he slowly slid off his pajamas. He stood like this, on his underwear for a while as he looked for a pair of pants, his body slightly bent. After he took out a pair of jeans he grabbed the end of his T-shirt that he had casually wore to hide his body and took it off, passing it over his head and flexing the muscles on his lean body. He desperately wanted to look at Asmodeus and see his expression but he didn''t want to seem like he did all these on purpose. After he was dressed he turned around and noticed that now Asmodeus'' legs were closed and he was sitting straight, staring at him intensively.

    "So what do you have planned for today?" Mark asked him with a cute smile and the demon stood up.

    "A lot. If you keep acting like this, we are going to have so much fun." The man whispered.

    ....

    Mark and Asmodeus, simply no words. Mi loves them. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 251 - 251

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cESg37OFeso recommended music!

    Alexander was anxious. As another day came he couldn''t stop thinking about Luke and what he is going through. He didn''t want to be a nuisance; he didn''t want to be repetitive but he just wanted to know what would happen between them. He was aware that this probably wasn''t the best time, that the chaos that was surrounding the new Alpha was much more important but no matter how hard he tried he just couldn''t himself from knocking on Luke''s door that morning. His fist gently touched the polished wood twice, the sound being haste, hesitant as his worries held him back. At first he got no answer and after taking a deep breath he knocked again, this time with confidence, chest slightly puffed as he wanted to show how sure he was of himself.

    Hearing Luke''s deep voice behind that door though, calling him in almost paralyzed him. He placed his palm on the doorknob and twisted the cold metal slowly before he peaked inside. Their eyes met and Luke smiled, as he saw him, shy with a pair of blushed cheeks. He was sitting on his father''s chair, his arms on the desk as he held a piece of yellow paper. He actually had a pen resting on his left ear and a smudge of blue ink on his nose. He seemed slightly overwhelmed by the paperwork, his body hidden by the piles of paper but at the same time he looked quite handsome. This kind of appearance, that intellectual aura wasn''t something the young wolf had witnessed a lot while he was on the wolf''s side. Luke had always been characterized as impulsive and hot headed so now seeing him in a proper office, doing work like that was very surprising.

    Since the older man noticed that Alexander was standing behind the door, simply looking at him lost in thought he snapped his fingers in front of him to grab him out of his day dreaming. The green eyed boy blinked once before his lips parted. He suddenly felt embarrassed standing there like a creep and he awkwardly walked inside, closing carefully the door as he didn''t want to make that much noise.

    "Good morning." Luke said and Alexander smiled.

    "Good morning. How have you been?" he asked him and the wolf sighed, a bitter smile on his face before he rubbed his forehead, creating a red patch from the friction. His reaction was enough for Alexander to know that things were not good. His problem was though that things were never good. He just couldn''t find the chance to begin this kind of conversation and every time something would happen. He needed to care for himself once, his feelings and his pained heart even if he angered Luke.

    "Bad. Mostly. Tired and angry. I don''t know everything is just a mess and I am simply exhausted." Luke told him honestly and Alexander took a seat on the armchair in front of the desk. The light of the morning sun was passing through the open windows and drawn curtains and a ray landed on his seat, making it warm. He tried to smile, hoping that could somehow comfort Luke but he couldn''t. He felt bad, guilty even for wanting to bring that up at that moment. "But why are you here? It''s really early. You could''ve slept a bit more actually." He said and Alexander nodded. The truth was he hadn''t slept all night. He had been thinking and sitting on his desk, writing possible speeches, trying to find a way to express himself in a good way. He took another deep breath as he felt like he would suffocate. The room began seeming too small.

    "Luke I¡­I need to talk to you about something" he mumbled and the Alpha tilted his head to the side. His voice came out as a really low whisper and the Alpha had to think about what Alexander had said twice to put the words together. Once he had understood he frowned. He looked at the boy noticing that he was pale. His eyes had big dark circles underneath them and he seemed slightly tired. His shoulders were slumped while he was playing nervously with the end of his shirt.

    "Is everything alright? Have you been feeling unwell? You can talk to me you know." He said and with his hand he stopped him from making those nervous movements. He took his cold hand in his and smiled, wanting to encourage him into opening up his heart. Alexander looked around at the messy desk. Adam had left everything behind, Luke was alone with almost no guidance and e instead of shutting up and standing at his side as his support he wanted to ask for more, he wished to get answers. He was the one who had said he was fine by staying simply at his side but now things had changed, Luke had kissed him. They had shared a kiss and if they hadn''t been interrupted by Mikael that day maybe things would have evolved even more. He had the right to know, he felt like he was walking in a pitch black corridor, his hands in the air as he desperately followed just the sound of Luke''s voice and every time the voice would change the spot they came from. It was an endless maze that he couldn''t get out of because he was blind.

    "I am sorry. I know that now is not the best time, I know that things are difficult but I need to know. Luke, what will happen with us? What are we? Can you please tell me? I feel so insecure like this." Alexander said and looked at him in the eyes. He bit his lip, anxious as he watched Luke''s expression change really fast. He had been gentle, willing to hear his troubles, holding his hand but the moment their relationship took the spotlight he became cold, distant and he stopped their physical contact, leaving Alexander''s hand alone on the cold desk, his warmth gone.

    "Alexander, you know that things are complicated now. You said it yourself so why would you ask me something like that now? I don''t have the time to think about this. Please" he said and he sounded like he was fed up with him. His stare was strict, stating that he didn''t want to continue this situation any further.

    "Then when will it be a good time? There is always something, always a problem so¡­"

    "Well I am sorry that my life is so problematic!" Luke told him annoyed.

    "That''s not what I meant!" Alexander shouted and stood up. He had his hands in fists on his sides, trying to stop himself from saying things he didn''t mean but his heart was aching. Every time he would get rejected by Luke he would hear another crack being created. The sound was haunting and he couldn''t help but wonder when would his heart shutter completely. Then he would be left with nothing. "All I am saying is that I would wish to know where we stand. I like you Luke, I like you a lot and I want to be by your side. Do you feel the same about me? Be honest. Tell me what you want. We need to make things clear. I can''t deal with all that back and forth, it''s hurtful." He said mustering all the courage he had. Luke''s expression was scary, his grey eyes had turned cloudy and his muscles had gotten tense. Alexander had finally found the strength to talk about this topic, he couldn''t back down now.

    "Weren''t you the one who said that would be by my side no matter what? Did you lie? Why would you pressure me like this when you know I can''t be in a relationship at the moment it''s honestly really¡­"

    "We kissed!" Alexander shouted. "I kissed you and you kissed me back, you told me that you liked me, that you need me but you still deny to be with me. What am I then? Am I a person you just randomly ask for when you are alone? Kissing someone¡­"

    "It was just a fucking kiss! I didn''t propose to you Alexander. Seriously grow up!" Luke shouted, interrupting him and the younger boy gasped. Really he never believed that Luke would say something like that. He made him feel stupid and immature, as if he was paying too much attention to every single one of Luke''s actions. Like he was some kind of obsessed teen with a crush on him.

    "You are a piece of shit!" Alexander screamed at him and his eyes began changing their color. The green shade slowly disappeared and his eyes started shining a gold shimmer. Luke''s eyes widened and he raised his arms in defense. He took a few steps towards him but Alexander avoided him. His breathing had turned ratchet as his blood begin to flow faster on his body.

    "Alexander calm down" Luke told him in a calm manner but the boy simply scoffed. Sharp claws had slowly began growing on his fingertips and Luke eyed them carefully. This whole thing was going terribly wrong. "Listen to me¡­"

    "Listen to you?" Alexander ask, his voice now sounding more like a growl. "About what?  Listen to your insults or how much of a fool you think I am? Fuck you Luke, fuck your selfishness and fuck your stupid stereotypes. Fuck everything about you!" Alexander shouted and the man tried once more to approach him. Alexander annoyed growled at him and when Luke tried to grab him he raised his arm, slashing his face with his claws. Luke whined, touching his cut open cheek as blood flowed everywhere on his palm. "I¡­Luke¡­I¡­" he mumbled in shock.

    "Alexander."

    "No! Get away from me." He shouted as his body slowly began shifting. The alpha gave him a worried look as the boy rushed towards the door.

    "Wait!" Luke called out but he had already disappeared. He was holding his wounded cheek, feeling the piercing pain of the ripped flesh, the blood dumping his clothes and plopping loudly on the floor in huge beams. He sighed and rushed to his office phone.

    Alexander was out there, shifting alone while the council was in the building. This was terrible.

 Chapter 252 - 252

    "So you brought me here for what?" Mark asked confused as they entered the small entertainment room of the compound. He had never been there before actually, while he lived on the compound his only routes were the ones that led from his room to the bathroom and to the dining hall while on special occasions he would get to see rooms the idiot wolves would lock him at like that dungeon like place where he had been hanged upside down for hours.

    So seeing this spacious room, filled with other young werewolves was quite discomforting. He didn''t like being around them nor the stares he gained when Asmodeus walked into the room. Many of them actually left and the other who wished to remain discretely stop walking around the area the demon had chosen to occupy. The red haired boy felt like he was being constantly watched and Asmodeus noticed that. He grabbed his hand and dragged him slowly at the back of the room in a corner where there two huge pillows, one red and one yellow. You could sit on them and still not have anyone looking at your back since the next thing behind them was a big library. The room had actually a lot of things and Mark realized this was a place college student would spend most their free time on and that was why they never saw them around. It had many billiard tables, libraries, couches and video games consoles. Tables for board games and a few vending machines stacked with drinks and snacks. It wasn''t a bad place, it had a lot of sources of entertainment it was just the wolves on it made it awkward for him. Well, this was their home so it was completely logical for them to be here.

    Asmodeus didn''t seem to mind at all, he plopped at the yellow pillow, which actually almost perfectly matched one of his eyes, with a book he had picked up from the library. Mark looked at him confused as he didn''t really understand what was happening right now. Did he really bring him out to spend the day with him while reading books?

    "Will you keep looking at me? Why don''t you grab a book." He said and Mark raised his eyebrow.

    "So, you wanted to spend the day with me to read?" he asked and Asmodeus nodded, his face still buried in the pages of the book.

    "You like reading, don''t you? I bet with all this chaos you haven''t had the time to read anything."

    "Yes, I do but¡­wait how do you know I like to read? Have you like been stalking me from the moment I was born or something?" He asked, stunned that the man knew that fact about him. There weren''t many people that knew he liked to read. It was a hobby that for some unknown reason he liked to keep for himself and enjoyed to do it when he was alone. Allias and maybe one or two of his friends actually knew about it.

    "I was in a prison in hell for three hundred years. Even if I wanted to stalk you I couldn''t." he said with a smile and closed his book. Since Mark was so chatty today he had realized that reading the book in peace would be impossible.

    "Why were you imprisoned?" The red haired asked and Asmodeus shrugged his shoulders, very clearly feigning ignorance.

    "Not going to tell you, find out for yourself. Now pick a book. This will be our relaxing time." He joked and winked at him but mark only sighed looking at the people all around him, how was he supposed to relax when everyone the moment he turned his head away had their eyes glued on him. "What''s wrong?" Asmodeus asked him.

    "It''s stupid but, everyone keeps looking at us. It''s just awkward." Mark whispered and the demon king scoffed. He placed the book on the ground, a thick red carpet underneath their feet and stood up, slowly walking in the middle of the room.

    "Darlings. Can you please piss off because you staring at us is quite annoying?" he asked with a grin. At first no one really paid him any mind. That was until he began to transform, his voice turning like the ones that had been haunting their nightmares. Soon one by one were beginning to notice that there was something wrong. "Out! Now!" he shouted and every single person in the room was running. Thankfully he didn''t need to repeat himself and when everyone was gone, leaving them two alone in the big room he returned to his form and went back to his pillow.

    "Did you do that for me?" Mark asked surprised as he watched Asmodeus return to his reading unbothered. His eyes for a moment stole a glance of the red haired human and he grinned.

    "Well, you were uncomfortable. I didn''t bring you here for that." he explained and Mark for a second froze, he couldn''t really believe that Asmodeus was acting like this. He had brought him here, knowing he liked to read and even kicked out all the people just because he had said they were making him uncomfortable. He couldn''t just ignore an act like that.

    "What do you want from me? There is no way you''re doing this out of the goodness of your heart." He told him and the demon sighed dramatically. This was the third time he had put a stop to his reading by now. The book once more landed on the soft carpet and the demon''s eyes met with Mark''s.

    "I like reading too actually. Also if I needed something from you believe me I could get it by force. So just pick a book from the library and relax. I won''t ask you of anything." He said and Mark tilted his head to the side, his eyes noticing the book he was reading. It was The Picture of Dorian Grey. He had read that one before, it was actually one of its favorites. He loved the way Dorian was seen by the world as a perfect creature while in reality he had been rotten to the core by his obsession with beauty. It made mark think that many times the way we view a person was not necessarily all there was to them.

    "That book is nice." He said and shyly pointed at Asmodeus'' choice.

    "I know." The demon said with a faint smile. "While I was imprisoned I collected many books from the human world but this was one of the best." He said and Mark eagerly nodded.

    "I know right! The way it is written is beautiful and there are so many moments when you get angry with the characters. In the end I was so frustrated but I guess that was the whole point. I read it again a few times and the feeling was always the same. Ah, Dorian he¡­what''s so funny?"  Mark had begun talking with excitement about the book, his eyes had a very attractive glow on them while a smile was faint on his face. Asmodeus seeing that he chuckled making the human immediately stop and pout.

    "It''s not funny, it''s cute. This is the first time you talk so freely to me. It makes me quite happy." He said and Mark''s cheeks showed a slight tint of red.

    "I¡­I¡­" Mark mumbled when a loud noise interrupted their conversation. Their head snapped towards the door and Mark gasp, recognizing the rough sound. "Is this some kind of loop episode or what?" he shouted as he stood up, terrified.

 Chapter 253 - 253

    Mark could clearly hear the growling and he felt like he was in a constant loop. Just a few hours ago he had felt the same breathtaking fear and once again somehow he was unlucky enough to find himself in front of another incident. He looked at the door, as the footsteps of the beast drew nearer. Asmodeus too had gotten up but he looked a lot calmer than the red haired boy but his eyes were focus in a similar way at the door as he was waiting to face his possible opponent. His hands were in his pockets and he stole a glance of the human next to him. Mark had a huge frown on his face, he looked like he was fed up with his own life at the moment. His shoulders were slumped while his lips were forming a thin line.

    "You don''t look happy." He commented with a grin and Mark scoffed.

    "Well, I wonder why."

    "I am here."

    "Yes, so?" Mark asked him and raised an eyebrow.

    "I won''t let it hurt you." Asmodeus said and averted his eyes from the flustered man. Mark coughed and dusted off some invisible dirt from his shirt before he hastily took a step forward. He was expecting to see Mikael; he was the one who seemed to be the most disturbed by the fact that he was seeing Asmodeus but clearly the beast standing outside the room wasn''t the blond man. It was a wolf three times the size of the ones he was used seeing. His fur completely white while his eyes had golden color, they shone as he looked at them, his jaws opened while saliva was dripping from the sharp fangs. "Alexander? It''s me, Mark." He called out, recognizing that the only person who could be like that in his wolf form was the young boy. He felt relieved for a second. Alexander wasn''t the kind to hurt someone. "Is everything alright?" the wolf growled, taking a step towards him when mark heard Asmodeus shout loudly.

    "Get back!" he shouted but it was already too late. Mark had acted recklessly. He had seen that form many times. A wolf applying pressure to his back feet and then shooting up in the sky to land on their prey. He was going to rip his throat open, he was actually going to go through the same idiotic scene again and this time he would really die. A very cowardly scream escaped his lips and he fell back, scared, landing on his butt. He closed his eyes as he waited only to hear a loud gasp.

    "What are you doing!" Mark screamed the moment he opened his eyes. Asmodeus was hovering over him, landing on his body, acting as his own personal shield. Alexander had landed on his back, his right paw creating a huge slash on it, ripping his shirt and opening up his pale skin.

    Asmodeus hissed, feeling the pain of the sharp claws going through the layers of his skin. Mark''s lips were wide opening, forming a perfectly round oh. His eyes were filled with terror as he saw Alexander slash his back a second time. The demon king coughed and blood splattered at the side of his head, thick red dots. The red haired boy had turned deadly pale; his heart was aching. Why wasn''t he attacking him? He was supposed to be all mighty and powerful but at the moment he was just towering him and was getting hurt, so badly hurt to the point he was spitting blood.

    "I am shielding you." He told him, answering his question while his lips were painted a deep red color.

    "Why aren''t you attacking him?" Mark exclaimed and Asmodeus grinned.

    "You said not to kill anyone."

    "I said not to kill. Just knock him out. He will kill you." Mark shouted in Asmodeus'' face and the demon king rolled his eyes. He rolled to the side, drawing the wolf''s attention away from Mark. The demon seemed already exhausted and when his back touched the floor his whole face darkened, the pain piercing his body. Wasn''t he supposed to heal? Mark wondered as he slowly stood up and moved away.

    Alexander growled jumping on top of him again but this time Asmodeus grabbed him from his jaws, stopping their frantic opening. The wolf was getting angrier by the second as he was getting impatient. He was trying to devour Asmodeus and he wasn''t letting him. Mark whined as he saw the wolf get released from his grip and step back ready to attack him. He had to do something and help Asmodeus. He couldn''t just stand there frozen and witness him get hurt. He had literally become his shield and obeyed every single word Mark had told him. His eyes teared up at the thought. This was his fault. Asmodeus was losing this fight because of him and what he told him. The demon king groaned in pain as Alexander dived his teeth on his right shoulder. Mark screamed, scared that he was going to die and before he could even realize it he was running towards the white monster. He jumped on top of his back, his arms wrapping his thick neck as he tried to put a stop to this.

    "Get away!" Asmodeus shouted as he watched him struggle. Alexander left Asmodeus and was now shaking like crazy as he tried to get rid of him from his back. The demon king looked at the sight in front of him anxious as he slowly stood on his feet, one arm grasping his pained shoulder.

    "Enough." He shouted and without a second thought he grabbed Mark away with his good arm, bringing him kind of sloppily in his embrace. He had the metallic smell of blood all over him and Mark cried as he felt his warmth around him. Asmodeus raised his long leg and kicked the wolf in the jaw, throwing him at the other side of the room. Alexander landed on his back, breaking the strong cement before he slid on the floor. There was a huge hole now there, small pieces of the beige wall landing around him. The wolf blinked a few times disoriented before his eyelids got heavy and he fainted. His body began to shift revealing the fragile naked body of Alexander''s.

    Mark led Asmodeus outside where they saw Luke and Allias running towards them, the loud growling and screaming would have notified them. He was supporting the demon king, he was stumbling while his breathing was heavy and slow. He was drenched in his own blood and the red haired boy did not have the courage to look at him, he felt like his heart was going to break.

    "Oh gods are you alright?" Allias exclaimed shocked. "Mark, are you unharmed?" he asked and the man nodded. Luke didn''t even bother to check if they were okay. He just ran passed them and entered the entertainment room, in search of Alexander.

    "You are fine." Asmodeus said and looked at him in the eyes. His face was all bloody while his eyes were closing. His lips twirled upwards, a sign of relief. Mark felt his heart flutter. Soon the demon king fainted on his arms. Mark struggled to keep him and Allias helped, looking at him confused.

    "What happened?" he asked and Mark wiped his teary eyes with the edge of his shirt.

    "I want to take the remedy." Mark stated out of nowhere. Allias blinked, not realizing what he was talking about. "I want to take the medicine Amelia gave me to remember."

    ...

    Hello, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I am so sorry if it''s not perfect. My dog died yesterday and honestly I feel horrible. I tried though.

 Chapter 254 - 254

    Mark insisted that Asmodeus was taken to the infirmary and got proper treatment even though everyone told him that his wounds would heal soon. The reason why he wasn''t rejenerating apparently was because the great White Wolf had quite a formidable amount of magic in his attacks that slowed the demon''s healing.

    So the red haired man was sitting on a chair in the room his best friend had found himself many times in the past, looking at the sleeping man. His chest was exposed, the wounds on his back and shoulder had been properly treated at first, plastered with a very smelly green pigment before the nurses wrapped him in gauze. Even though Mark knew he was going to be alright he couldn''t stop thinking that Asmodeus was at this state because of him.

    "Why are you so worried about him? He wants to kill you."  Allias told him with a desperate look while Theseus who was standing right by his side shrugged his shoulders. No one could answer that question, not even Mark. "And now you want to remember? Even though he said he will kill you when you do? This is insane Mark." The elf king said and the red haired nodded. He was aware of how insane he sounded, he probably looked like a mad man to them but he couldn''t stop thinking about it. Asmodeus had said he loved him, he had protected him but called him a traitor also. The more time he spent with him the more intrigued he was to know what happened. Maybe that was his plan. To make this little fool of a human care about a demon like him so he would decide to remember. If that was it then Asmodeus'' plan was going trully very well.

    "I know. I know how insane it sounds but Allias he is hurt like this because I told him not to kill anyone. He just shielded me with his body and kept getting hit until I told him to react. Why would he do that?" He asked and looked at his friend with a saddened expression. That moment would be scarred on his mind forever. His expression, the blood andd the enormous opened wounds on his back. That faint smile when he made sure he was okay. That kind of attitude no one else had seen it except him.

    "To play with your head!" Allias shouted. "He is a demon that''s what they do. Please Mark you will endanger yourself for nothing." Allias was really worried, it showed through his furrowed eyebrows and the wrinkles on his forehead. How would he protect him if Asmodeus really was that monster he was accused of being? The elf king just couldn''t take the whole situation lightly.

    "Allias calm down." Theseus said. "Look when we met you know what everyone said about me. That I was crazy, a blood thirsty monster. Things ended up quite different. So maybe you should let Mark do what his heart tell him. We will protect him, all of us. It won''t have to be just you." Theseus told his worried lover with an encouraging smile.

    "I can''t believe you are comparing yourself with a demon." The elf king mumbled and the sound of a hoarse deep voice followed.

    "Yes, I am a lot more handsome than your white haired friend." Asmodeus said and Mark flinched as he heard his voice. He looked at him as he sat up not a sign of pain in his expression and instantly he felt relieved. So it really wasn''t that bad after all.

    "You''re awake." Mark foolishly stated and the demon laughed.

    "Yeah I think so. Your friend will be in a lot of trouble for what he did though." He warned them.

    "Is there anything we can do about that?" Allias asked. "So he won''t die in the hands of the Council."

    "Just a few seconds ago you presented me as the true embodiment of malice but know you ask me for advice? Well thought elf king." Asmodeus joked, causing Allias to roll his pretty green eyes at his words. It wasn''t like there was no context to his words.

    "How about you leave?" Mark said with a forced smile to his friend . "Like now."

    "Come on Allias, we can talk about Alexander later. If you need anything Mark we will be right outside. Don''t hesitate to call." Theseus said and grabbed Allias from the arm. The elf king looked like a stubborn dog. He had rooted his feet on the ground and just denied to move until his general dragged him away by force.

    "He is acting like your mother." Asmodeus commented and Mark chuckled.

    "He is worried about me."

    "He shouldn''t be. I said I will kill you after you remember." The demon said.

    "You don''t make sense you know that? You protect me and then ask me out on a date. You give me books because I like them and then sit and get hurt because I told you not to kill anyone. Why would you do all that if you want to just kill me?" Mark asked. He had thought of that before too. Why would he say he loved him when his goal was to take his life.

    Asmodeus tried to move but he frowned once he realized the bandages were restraining his body. He ripped the thin layers and threw them to the ground, his shoulder completely healed by now. As he could move completely freely he turned to the side, his handsome face facing Mark as he moved closer, so close that his calm and steady breath landed on Mark''s lips.

    "It does make sense to me." The demon said and with his right hand he traced his jawline. His finger tips slowly mapping his characteristic while Mark stood there, almost like he was hypnotized. "Because there is no point in killing you if you don''t know your grave sin. I am just enjoying my time with you for now but as I heard you have finally decided to die."

    "Who said I will die?" Mark asked with a raised eyebrow and Asmodeus laughed, landing on his pillow entertained.

    "I found you through a small portal in your mind while I was imprisoned. Believe me you won''t run away from me."

    "I won''t. But I am sure I never did anything to hurt you. I would never do that to anyone. " Mark said filled with confidence. He knew himself. He want the kind of person that would betrayed someone that loved him. If what Asmodeus said was true. He wanted to know to find out, what was that sin he commited that made the demon so fixated on finding him and taken his life.

    "What will happen if I am right though? Want to make a bet?" Asmodeus asked with a cheeky smile.

    "What kind of bet?" Mark asked.

    "If I am right I will kill you but if I am wrong I will allow you to form a contract with me." He said.

    "A contract? What is that?"

    "A contract is something that doesn''t really happen anymore. It''s an arrangement of some sort. I form a contract with you and we become connected. If you die I die and I am forced to obey your every word. I will be something like your own personal Cerberus." Asmodeus explained.

    "That....are you willing to do it?" Mark asked surprised. It didn''t sound like an easy thing.

    "Yes, if you''re willing to die. Once you have your memories back I will look through them and then we will know. Do you agree?" He asked him. It took a few seconds for Mark to think about it, he believed in himself but was that enough? He believed in the person he was now but what about back then? Was he still the same? He wondered. It didn''t matter though. He would do it. He needed to know no matter the outcome. If he was wrong Allias and Theseus would help him bypass this stupid deal. He would cheat if he had to stay alive.

    "Alright then. I will go bring the remedy." He said but Asmodeus stopped him.

    "It''s in my pocket. I stole it from you, you see." Asmodeus said with a cheeky smile. He showed the small pouch after he grabbed it from his picked and threw it at him. The red haired barely catching it.

    "I will have Allias and Theseus guard me to make sure you won''t kill me in the process." Mark said and the demon nodded.

    "As you wish." Asmodeus agreed with a grin. "Shall we call them in?"

    "Yes." Mark agreed hopping that himself in the past was not who Asmodeus said he was.

 Chapter 255 - 255

    Luke had ignored everyone else. He didn''t want to know what happened or why there was blood everywhere. He didn''t care about Asmodeus or even Mark. All he could think about when he heard the growls was Alexander. When he saw the way Asmodeus was taken outside the room, supported by Mark he expected to witness a huge fight scene. His heart jumped at the thought of the man he liked being dead. He couldn''t be dead right? Asmodeus though was clearly the person who would kill someone just for fun, now that his life was being threatened he wouldn''t have to blink twice to do it.

    With that dreadful thought Luke entered the room, his worried eyes scanning the place in search of the teen boy. His gaze stop as it landed on a naked body, close to a destroyed wall, everywhere around him dust and chirped cement. Luke rushed to his side, trying to see if he was alive. His chest was riding slowly, his eyes closed. A relieved sigh escaped his lips and he took off his shirt. He covered Alexander''s exposed body with the long piece of dark blue fabric and the unconscious boy flinched.

    His eyes flattered for a while, his state unfocused as it traveled everywhere around him until it met with Luke''s. Slowly the realization of what had happened hit him. The memories of his acts, his bloodlust and his intent to actually kill a human. A human he knew and liked.

    He sat up, feeling his muscles sore, in pain and he groaned. The shirt slowly slipped off his body, revealing his chest as it landed on his lap. Luke caressed Alexander''s cheek but the boy didn''t look at him. How could he? He was ashamed.

    "You''re alright." Luke mumbled. "Thank the gods. What you did...do you have any idea..."

    "Don''t lecture me. Just don''t. Please." Alexander said and met with his judgemental eyes. The green orbs were teary as he brought his knees to his chest and hugged them. Luke heard him sniffle as he hope that the tears wouldn''t escape. Soon though he could feel the wet trails landing on his knees. The blurriness of his surroundings. He cried silently as all of his thoughts reminded him that he was a monster. An uncontrollable abomination that needed to be put in a cage. They were right. The people in the past that locked the Great White Wolves were right. They didn''t deserve to be out there, with the rest of them.

    "Alexander, I''m sorry. I am so sorry. " Luke told him. "It will be alright. We will find a way through this. I promise." He said and tried to approach him. He wanted to hug him, show him in some way that he would be there but Alexander didn''t let him. He extended his hand and stopped him. Not wanting to just hide in his arms. He couldn''t just overlook this, forget what happened.

    "How will it be alright? I hurt a council member Luke. The worst possible council member I could hurt. I...I am a ticking time bomb. I almost hurt Mark too. He didn''t do anything. He...he was just attacked by Sam and I just appeared in front of him the next day! I am horrible." He said with a deep sadness. He felt horrible too. Weak, exhausted even, he couldn''t control his own body. "I was lucky that Asmodeus didn''t kill me. He simply just threw me on the wall when he was sick of me. I...I..."

    "There is no reason to talk about it now. What happened is in the past. Thankfully no one is hurt and what I am most thankful of is that you''re not hurt. I will deal with the council. I just want you to be okay." Luke confessed and caressed his cheek once more. His palm was warm against his cold skin. Alexander appreciated the feeling, his eyes closed as he wished for the touch to last longer. Luke was being so kind to him while he had simply created even more problems.

    "I''ve made a mess again." The teen mumbled and Luke laughed. Yes quite a mess indeed. Under normal circumstances Luke would be furious. Furious for the destruction, furious that he had lost control, furious that he would have to deal with the council more now but there was something, something very special when it came to Alexander that made it impossible for him to remain mad. His eyes that reminded him of an innocent deer or maybe his voice, shaking as he cried about his mistakes. The way he averted his gaze drowned in guilt about what he did. There was no way he could be mad at him. Luke, he...he loved him. The Aloha thought. His eyes widened slightly, his cheeks flushing, the color red spreading everywhere on his face as he realized it. Yes, he loved him. There was no other explanation. He had come to love him so soon that it sounded ridiculous. Was it even possible? The relief he felt the moment he realized he was breathing, that wasn''t just likeness. It couldn''t be. The tightens on his chest at the thought of losing him, like he was having a heart attack. That piercing pain couldn''t be something so fleeting as fondness.

    "Yes. Youve created a big mess. A huge one indeed but not the kind you think." Luke said as he rubbed the back of his neck. Suddenly all of his confidence was lost, all of that courage and dominance. While he stood there, being scanned by those green eyes he was indeed once more a teen. Inexperienced and foolish. Afraid that the thumping of his heart would be heard.

    "What?" Alexander asked, slightly confused. Luke didn''t answer though, he just kept staring at him as he bit his bottom lip nervously.

    "I''m sorry I''ve been a jerk. I''m sorry I kept rejecting you when all you wanted was to be by my side. When I heard of what was going on , I got so scared that this demon would kill you. If he did I didn''t know what I would do." Luke told Alexander and he exclaimed. A loud ugh escaping his lips as he seemed to get more and more frustrated, stumbling at his own words. "This is a mess. Why can''t we just...what I mean is...simply...."

    "I''m sorry but I don''t get what you''re saying." Alexander told him, making him even more anxious. "Luke, I can hear your heart beat. It''s going like crazy. Are you okay?" He asked him concerned and his palm softly touched the left side of his chest. Luke shivered and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and looked at Alexander.

    "Listen to me!" He said dramatically.

    "I am though"

    "I know! Well , what I was saying. Alexander. Let''s date."

    "What?"

    "Date me"

    "No."

    "What?"

    "I mean no this is not possible. What did you just say?"

    "I asked you to date me."

    "You clearly didn''t ask."

    "Should I?"

    "Well a question is better that a statement, I guess."

    "Alexander, will you date me? I like you. I''ve liked you from the moment I saw you. I am sorry I am so slow sometimes. " Luke said. Alexander''s eyes were wide oped and for a second he thought he should risk his life more opened if that''s what it did to Luke. He shook his head though, scolding himself for such horrible thoughts and nodded shyly.

    "Yes. I will date you." He said with a bright smile and Luke did the same.

    "That went well." Luke commented and Alexander chuckled as he decided to wear his shirt. It was big on him, reaching almost his knees.

    "Yes but Luke...what will happen with the Council?" Alexander said, literally crush landing Luke from the little pink cloud he was to the dirty ground.

    "That I do not know."

    "I know. I know!" Both of them heard an excited voice say and turned to the door. The familiar god was standing there looking at them with a smile, his eyebrows raised. "He will be taken away for trial. He could be executed!" Dionysus exclaimed, completely ruining the romantic mood.

    ....

    Hello! Soo let me hear your favourite cancil member. I am waiting!

 Chapter 256 - 256

    "Our clan name is so ugly." A young man around seventeen years old said while munching onto a bright red apple. He wiped the corners of his mouth, the juice of the fresh fruit slowly leaving his lips when one of the people he was talking to threw a small stone at him. The young boy sat up surprised, resulting in his snack meeting the floor. "Hey! Why would you do that?" he cried.

    "It''s not your place to criticize our clan''s name. Now do your chores because we have training later." The boy who was actually in the same age as him scolded him and tossed him a broom. "Mark, sometimes I believe our teachers were wrong for letting you study here."  He told him and the boy faked being hurt.

    His appearance was the same, even his name, nothing had changed. His eyes were clear and big, a single glow of mischief on them as he began sweeping the porch of the dorm rooms, maple leaves, red and orange being swept everywhere, dancing with the wind. His hair burning red, shining underneath the burning hot sun. He wiped some sweat ofrf his forehead before he looked at his classmate with a grin.

    "Well, they had no other choice. I am stronger than all of you after all." He told him with a fake smile and the boy looked at him in shock.

    "Your audacity¡­"

    "Is one of my most charming points."

    "No. It will be your doom. Stop cleaning here, get to the back and clean the porches there. Don''t go into the big storage. You know it''s sealed for now. We have a guest."

    "Okay, okay" he said lazily and grabbed his broom. He left the area he was cleaning, actually happy that he was leaving that strict and stern classmate of his behind. At least at the back he would be able to sneak out without anyone noticing. He hated doing chores. From mopping to dusting off the huge libraries with the old books every single job he was given was utterly annoying and degrading.

    Where he was at the moment was the Fern Academy, created by the Fern clan. Fern was a plant with very small leaves that formed a feather like shape and Mark completely hated it. This small academy outside of the bustling city consisted of many buildings. The training rooms, the dorms, the kitchen, the libraries and the storages. The name had been given to the clan because of the connection of the plant with magic. Magic, yes, everything that happened there was quite abnormal. Mark''s clan was special. They were a group of people with inherited abilities that were used to fight off demons. They were called exorcists and were able as humans to use magic and see the hidden figures behind The Veil. Every clan had different techniques. Every person had different attributes too and here in Fern Academy they trained them to go out into the world and fight. Most of the kids studying here were from the main branches, skilled and perfectionists raised like well-tuned soldiers, they seemed to be perfect at everything they did. So it was no wonder everyone was surprised when Mark, a boy of mixed blood, from a smaller branch was brought in with extremely promising abilities. Everyone, even his teachers were mean to him and at every chance they got they tried to bring him down just because of where he came from. The one thing they couldn''t overlook though were his powers and that was the reason he still had a place to stay.

    He mopped the floors more than anyone, did the laundry more than anyone and the time he had for training himself was actually half of that of normal students. Still, he did manage somehow to stay at the top. Being intelligent helped him a lot. Also the fact that he wouldn''t sleep at night and study in secret was a plus. He always pretended to be care free, not really minding the abuse but in reality he was anxious. If one day everyone realized that his potential had limits he would be kicked out. He was an orphan so that naturally meant that Mark would be forced to live on the streets.

    He was thinking about all of these things as he headed at the back of the main building where most of their lessons were held. While hugging his broom he looked around the deserted area, thinking which part of the fence would be easier for him to climb. He wanted to sneak out for a while and play in the river. He had been there ever since he was a child but they never allowed him to play or have any friends. His life was quite pitiful, he thought with a bitter smile when a loud noise made him flinch.

    It came right from the big storage. The one his classmate had warned him not to go into. As he said they had a guest. That guest was actually a demon his teachers had previously caught and were preparing to exorcise him and send him back to hell. Usually, low level demons were exorcised on the spot or even destroyed completely. So for that demon to be brought in there, and to be kept sealed in the storage it must have meant that he was really strong.

    The loud noise was heard again. It sounded like someone was banging on a door, or maybe like the sound of metal vibrating as it moved restlessly. Mark couldn''t know. He had never been allowed to walked into one of them. Usually his route would be his room at the dorms, the classrooms and training rooms with his most frequent spot being the kitchen where he was assigned his chores. The smell of soup and freshly baked bread was the only comforting scent around him most of the times, even if he wasn''t allowed to touch any of the food.

    He stopped in front of the iron door of the storage. It did not have a lock. Instead a huge seal was placed on it, painted with bright red paint. Mark red easily the scribbles on it, the phases of the moon and the spells that were meant to expel all evil. He stood silent for a while, his grip tight on the broom stick as a grin formed on his face. Yes, he could sneak out but he could also see what was the creature behind that door. Demons most of the times looked terrifying. With disported faces, yellow teeth and foul stenches of rotten smell they could easily haunt your nightmares with only one simple glance. What if he tried to exorcise it on his own? Maybe then people would leave him alone for a while, he would be able to get some rest.

    "Here goes nothing" he mumbled and threw the broom to the ground, raising some dust that landed messily on his boots. They were a dark brown pair of heavy leather boots while his uniform consisted of black pants and a white shirt with the emblem of their clan sewed above their heart. Around their solders a cape rested. Its color changed considering your rank in the Academy or more like how fortunate you were to be born as close as you could to the head of the clan. Mark was at the bottom so his cape was black while people at the top were a fiery vibrant red. He didn''t mind, he found it tacky anyways. They looked like charlatans that pretended to be kings. He thought to himself and chuckled before his palm landed in the middle of the seal.

    With ease Mark broke it, the letters on it catching fire and leaving only black marks where they used to exist. The seal was now nonexistent and nothing was there to keep the door closed anymore. The heavy metal fell down echoing in the wide space and Mark gulped, for a second regretting his decision. What if he was scared to death by the disgusting monster? What if his heart stopped from his horrid appearance? He would always get nauseous seeing their sketches in his books, seeing one face to face maybe it would be too much.

    It was too late now though, the door had fallen and everything had become exposed. The teenage boy walked in, everything dark around him and he heard the same noise again, this time a lot louder, making his ears hurt. He put out his hand, a white flame lighting up, offering him some kind of vision. The room was definitely not the storage you kept things in. It was a huge round room made of wood with only one window. On the floor there was a magical circle, one that was made to contain the monster while on the ceiling there were iron hoops that were attached to chains. That was the sound. It was the sound of the demon pulling his chains, Mark realized.

    He was scared to look at his face so like a curious child he began by stealing a few glances. He was on his knees, small pools of blood everywhere around him, the demon''s blood. Some said that if you drunk a powerful demon''s blood you would become immortal, the red haired thought as his eyes moved higher. He was wearing black leather pants while his upper body was mostly exposed, his white shirt ripped into shreds, whip marks decorating his chest. He was muscular and from the looks of it he was also tall, very tall. Mark thought. He had a human body, he realized. Two hands and two feet. That somehow made him feel slightly relieved, braved so he could look at his face.

    The fire in his palm shone brighter as his interest was getting more and more peaked. His wrists were chained, cuffs surrounding them. The heavy chains led to the ceiling, his arms constantly pointing up. He moved his muscular arms again, pulling on his restraints but they wouldn''t budge. His head was facing towards the ground and Mark took a wary step forwards, his footsteps echoing in the room. He wanted to see now, this was the first time he was seeing a human like demon. He had never heard of one existing either.

    His hair was long, black and messy, hiding his face and Mark frowned as he couldn''t see well. The demon as if he sensed his frustration snapped his head up and their eyes met. Mark gasped at the sight. His eyes were slanted, one totally black while the other was a bright yellow. His skin was pale, almost deadly, and his nose was long and perfectly straight. His lips were full and looked really soft, a small beauty mark underneath his bottom lip on the left side. The moment he saw Mark he licked them, his tongue sliding on them before he smiled, revealing a pair of sharp fangs. The edges of his ears were also visible, they were pointy and long, different from a human''s while in the edges of his forehead two small horns made an appearance.

    Despite those demonic characteristics his appearance was perfect. From his body to his face he looked more like a mythical creature of unmeasured beauty rather than a demon, a creature forged in the fiery pits of hell made to torture and kill. Mark was frozen, he couldn''t take his eyes away from him and his heart rate slowly but steadily sped up, revealing how mesmerized he was by him.

    "You are not a monster." He mumbled, not realizing he said that out loud.

    "Well, should I take that as a compliment?" the demon asked and Mark''s eyes widened. It could speak. It was talking to him!

 Chapter 257 - 257

    Mark gasped, utterly surprised that this demonic creature actually also knew how to speak. He took a step back the magical flame on his hand shriveling slightly and casting very dramatic shadows on the demon''s face. The handsome man grinned and winked at him, making the red haired boy blush.

    "So, I do not think that you''re here to exorcise me since you don''t seem that strong so tell me, what is a little exorcist like you doing here?" he asked him and Mark gulped a lump that was forming on his throat. Hesitant about what he should do, run away or stay, he remained silent as he kept thinking of his best option. If he went out now he had a strong feeling that he would meet someone. Being dragged to his teachers after he did such a thing was a lot scarier than the demon in front of him. "Please sit, make yourself at home. Let''s have a chat, I haven''t spoken in weeks and honestly I am almost bored to death." He said with a charming smile and Mark as if he was enchanted he took a few steps towards him, approaching the sealing circle and he sat down on the dusty floor. The demon in front of him seemed amused, as his eyes scanned the fragile human filled with interest. "You didn''t run away."

    "Well, me being found out and sent to my teachers somehow sounds a lot worse than having a chat with you." Mark said honestly and the demon laughed.

    "Is that so? I assume you''re not their favorite student, hearing you talk about them like that."

    "You assumed right." Mark said and nodded. Favorite? Maybe he should add the word least on the front and then everything would magically make sense. Mark never hoped to be the favorite, he didn''t even hope to be liked, he just wanted to be ignored, spend a few moments peacefully and not with a broom in his hands. "Why are you here?" he asked the demon. It was actually very intriguing. He had been brought here to be exorcised meaning that they couldn''t do it on the spot. He was strong, he had to be. Or else his teachers would have found a way to deal with him already but the man in front of him, as he said had been locked in this storage for days. So what could his sin be?

    "I massacred a whole village." He said sounding like he was talking about the weather. That carefree he looked as he spoke of the dead of hundreds, possibly thousands of people. Mark froze, his eyes opening wide as he heard his crime and for a second a strong shiver danced on his spine. Maybe going to his teachers would have been better after all.

    "How could you do that?" Mark asked him. The answer he received though was totally unexpected, leaving the boy with so many more questions.

    "I received orders so I did it." The demon answered and the red haired boy frowned. Was that it? Really?

    "So you''re telling me you did such a horrible thing just because you were ordered to? Don''t you think what you did was bad?"

    "Bad? I don''t know, what could make it bad? I mean I just do what I am told."

    "So you are enjoying killing all these people?"

    "What? How could it be fun to run around and kill weaklings? I mean if I got to kill a strong opponent then yes, through a good battle. That would be fun but these humans, they were simply boring. Their screams made my ears hurt." The man told Mark. He was dumbfounded and honestly he couldn''t believe what he was hearing. It was the first time in his life he had seen someone with no sense of right or wrong. It was completely amazing and terrifying at the same time. Maybe even slightly pitiful.

    "You have no sense of right or wrong." He said out loud like he had made an incredible discovery.

    "It could be so or it could be that my right is different than yours." He told him with a sneaky smirk. "At the end of the day though it doesn''t matter, I mean the right of the strong one wins."

    "You are locked here though ready to be sealed away in hell forever. Was it really worth it?" Mark asked him. "Are you still the strong one or are the people who captured you now in your place?"

    "That is a tough question lovely human. But answer me this. Why do you look so intrigued by me? Your eyes are literally shinning. I could kill you, you know." He said and Mark shrieked, highly embarrassed. From the shock the fire in his palm was put out and for a few seconds they stood in the dark. The demon''s laugh echoed in the room, strong and dominant like one of the evil and mysterious characters in plays at the theatre. Mark''s heart skipped a beat as he wondered how he could look like at the moment. Intrigued? Was that it or maybe just the fact that he was talking to someone without them belittling him was fascinating? The red haired boy opened his palm again, summoning his light and the demon''s face shone once more as he wore a mischievous grin.

    "I am not intrigued by you. It''s just that I too hadn''t had a normal conversation in a long time, in years." He said and looked at the floor. Many specs of dust had gathered around him and the places he had rubbed his pants when he moved made a huge difference from the spots that were left untouched.

    "Is that so? Then how about you visit me again? Tell me little human, what is your name?"

    "My name is Mark. How about you?"

    "You can''t be possibly asking for my name? Don''t you know that a demon''s name is necessary for them to be exorcised?" the demon asked him and slowly Mark was able to put the pieces together. That was why he hadn''t been sent to hell yet. The exorcists at the academy did not know his name.

    "So, how can I call you?"

    "Hmm¡­" the demon hummed as he playfully pretended to be thinking. "Your majesty? Oh, powerful demon? The most handsome being? There are many options but I can''t seem to choose." He said and Mark chuckled. He was actually quite funny for a demon. Wait, did demons even have humor? How was hell like because if he had an appearance like this there would be many more of this kind. Maybe hell was a lot different than what he had learned in his books.

    "I will just call you, you" Mark said and the demon sighed, unsatisfied with his choice. "I will visit you again." He told him and the demon looked at him in the eyes, excited at his words.

    "Yes, yes. I do think you should. We can learn a lot from each other." He said and Mark raised his eyebrow, not even able to imagine in the slightest what he could teach a demon. "Oh, don''t look like that little Mark. I want to know more about humans, who are your strongest teachers? I should try and fight them first once I decide to get out of here. Then you should give me a very detailed description of the area and then¡­"

    "So you want to use me."

    "Is that bad too?" the demon asked, his expression actually showing pure curiosity. Mark parted his lips, ready to speak and keep rumbling about the foundation of society, justice and everything that followed but his train of thought was forced to stop as he heard footsteps. His head darted to the open door and an expression of despair appeared on his face. Someone was coming, he had stayed there for too long. He thought and he stood up, pacing back and forth trying to think of something.

    "I am screwed." He said between gritted teeth.

    "Want me to help you?" the demon asked him, making him stop on his tracks.

    "Yes." Mark answered without thinking.

    "What is it in it for me though?"

    "Anything. I will do anything!"

 Chapter 258 - 258

    "I am screwed." He said between gritted teeth.

    "Want me to help you?" the demon asked him, making him stop on his tracks.

    "Yes." Mark answered without thinking.

    "What is it in it for me though?"

    "Anything. I will do anything!"

    "Well then hug me." The demon told him and Mark stared at him in utter shock.

    "What?"

    "Hug me! So I can hide you." He said and Mark continued to look at him like he was crazy. The footsteps were getting closer and closer, the red haired boy realizing that many people were approaching. His teachers. They were going to see him in there and have the perfect chance to kick him out.

    "If you are tricking me I swear¡­" Mark mumbled and fell on the floor, diving into his embrace and wrapping his arms over his hurt body. The demon flinched for a second, making the young exorcist realize that his touch was too rough. He felt slightly guilty as he heard him hiss. He was right on top of his open wounds, his blood transferring onto his clothes but his body was warm, calmingly so, like a heavy blanket and Mark instinctively calmed down, as if he was actually being shielded.

    "Now don''t speak" the demon said and Mark pressed on his lips hard, stopping himself from even breathing too loudly. His face was hidden in the crook of the man''s neck, the sensation of his skin the only sign that he wasn''t alone in the dark room. It was already night out. Mark hadn''t realized it and for a second he wondered for how long he had been in there, talking to a demon, his natural enemy like they were simply two classmates talking about exams.

    The footsteps stopped and he closed his eyes, resting his head on his body. His eyelids fluttered the moment he realized it was just the night inspection. He heard voices, confused ones as they seemed to wonder why the door had fallen. They checked on the demon who was still chained, shackled by his restraints and someone actually put it back, shielding it with their magic again. Mark had faintly understood what had happened, this kind of unfamiliar warmth, the feeling of being so close to another person was too comforting for his lonely soul. His breathing got heavy as did his eyes and slowly he drifted off to sleep. He hadn''t even wondered how the demon had turned him invisible. He was inside a seal, meaning his demonic powers should be restrained but he had hidden him from the teacher''s eyes perfectly.

    There was no time for him to wonder though since soon he had fallen asleep. His arms wrapped around the man, the rising of his chest and the slow sound of his voice were almost like a lullaby and Mark soon was lost in a very blurry dreamland. It took hours for him to wake up, it was already deep into the night, the sound of owls and little animals could be heard clearly around them while all the other humans in the area had gone to sleep. The moon and the demon in the room were the only martyrs of what Mark had done. He had felt comfortable, safe in the presence of a demon and he had even allowed himself to fall asleep.

    The man after a few hours felt slight twitching from the teen and the slight sensation of his long eyelashes fluttering on his naked body. He grinned as he saw the little red head look around confused and then gasp in complete surprise. He removed himself from the embrace so abruptly it almost looked like an invisible force had shoved him away. Mark anxiously looked around, trying to understand what had just happened but he was at a loss of words.

    "You fell asleep little exorcist. They just came to check up on me and left" He reassured them and a relieved sigh escaped his lips. For a moment their eyes met but Mark instantly looked away embarrassed. How could you have done that?  Stupid! He screamed in his head and mentally slapped himself. He is a demon, a demon! "You are safe now."

    "Thank you." Mark said wanting to express his gratitude. He didn''t even want to imagine what would have happened to him if he actually had been found out. He could even be dead from being beaten up. He would become even more of a laughingstock in the end. That man in front of him, the one who had been shackled up and restrained in the worst way possible had talked to him better than humans did and helped him escape a very sad future. "So tell me, what is it that you want?" Mark said with a stern expression. Yes, he had helped him but still he would ask something in return. No matter how much his heart was trying to find something pure, something selfless in him, for some unexplainable and foolish reason, his mind was screaming at him the word demon constantly like a very aggressive war siren.

    "Straight to the point. You are not that disappointing." The demon said and Mark rolled his eyes. It would be better not to show that he was lowly being swept off his feet by him. That would be a great disadvantage, so he would simply have to wait. Wait and listen what the demon had to say to him about their little hurried dead.

    "You can tell me you know. We made a deal." He reassured him, even though he was pretty sure he didn''t have to and the man smiled.

    "Free me, free me and run away with me. I like you." The demon told him and Mark felt like he had lost his breath.

    "What?" he shouted unable to process his words.

    ....

    Hello! Thank you for reading! Please let me know how you like Mark''s story this far. I would love to hear your opinion and thoughts on what it''s about to happen.

    What do you think his grave sin was?

    Also please vote, comment and write a nice review. It would help a lot for the book to keep going.

    Have a nice day!

 Chapter 259 - 259

    "Free me, free me and run away with me. I like you." The demon told him and Mark felt like he had lost his breath.

    "What?" he shouted unable to process his words.

    "Was I not clear enough?" the demon said while he tilted his head to the side. He didn''t seem to be able to understand Mark''s frustration. He believed that his words were understandable enough. The red haired human though looked to be thinking the exact opposite.

    While standing on his feet, his pants filled with dust from sitting on the uncleaned floor, he looked at the demon with a very clear expression of shock. He was staring at him like he was purely insane, his eyes stuck on him as he waited to take back his words, or at least tell him that he was joking.

    "No, definitely not. First of all, you ask me to unleash you, a powerful demon that just massacred a whole village into the world. Second of all, you just said that you like me? Did I hear that right?" Mark asked him and the demon nodded excited. He couldn''t see where the problem was, Mark seemed to understand just fine. "How could you like me!" the red haired exclaimed frustrated. He was walking back and forth his fingers dived into his full hair as he made them messy. "We know each other for only a few hours. We''ve barely even talked!"

    "Yes but you felt comfortable enough in my embrace to fall asleep, even though I am a demon." He told him with a smirk and Mark sighed.

    "What you''re saying it doesn''t make sense. You can''t like me; you don''t want to run away with me you just want to use me." He said trying hard to get the thought of that handsome creature being into him. He had been swoon enough by him as it was, this whole situation could only be described as unreal. Mark was sure of it but still he was unable to just turn around and leave, it was as if the demon''s voice was addicting.

    "I do like you."

    "Then explain it to me. What do you like?" Mark asked and sat once again on the floor. He looked at the demon deadly in the eyes and waited, his fingertips playing with the dust on the floor. He made different shapes, squares circles and more and waited to hear what this obnoxious demon had to say. There was no way Mark would be convinced, after all he would be a pure lunatic to run away with a demon, a demon he knew only for a few hours.

    "Do I really have to explain it?" The demon asked with an innocent look and the red haired boy nodded eagerly. He probably didn''t want to explain since he didn''t have anything. He wanted to be released by him and then kill him, that was probably it. The whole romance and I like you deal was just a more romantic twist. "Well, I''ve never met a human who would sit and talk to me. Honestly I do not know if you are crazy or just brave. Both are quite interesting even though I have to say that being crazy it''s a lot hotter." He began explaining with a grin and Mark rolled his eyes. "Everyone is afraid of me, even in hell most demons don''t dare to look me in the eyes. I mean yes I did kill a few of my servants once because they had woken me up too early but in general I am not that bad. You are also cute, talking to you is fun, I''ve never thought of anyone being fun. That''s why I need to take you with me." He said and Mark could detect easily the glow of madness in his eyes.

    "You''re insane." He mumbled and suddenly the demon pushed his body forward. With that swift move that made the chains shook he found himself close to the red haired boy. His hair messily landing all around him, a few strands hiding his eyes. He stared at Mark, one of his eyes, the yellow one shone underneath his flame and Mark gasped. Just in the split of a second they were so close, Mark could feel his hot breath land on his half open lips. The demon smirked, his lips twitching upwards until he was fully smiling. His fangs were long and sharp, seeming incredibly dangerous. He tilted his head to the side. Mark wanted to move away, get up and leave but he couldn''t. His eyes were glued on him. He just couldn''t look away, it was impossible.

    "Isn''t that one of my charming points?" he said and Mark gasped. His heart sped up as his raspy and deep voice echoed in the walls of his charmed mind. He blinked a few times, like a small deer and the demon laughed, pushing his body back, ending up in the same position as before. "I want you little red head. I want to listen about your right and wrong. Back home the color red means blood, despair and destruction but with you here, the color red could have another meaning. It would be your red, the same color as your hair. Mine." He said and the young exorcist felt like his heart would jump off his chest.

    "This is ridiculous." He said and stood up, his whole body shaking for some unknown reason. He looked at the door commanding his body to move, to just allow him to leave this demonic prison but he couldn''t. He felt incredibly weak, his knees buckling as he once more met the floor. It was like he was under a very strong fever. Endless, making his blood boil. He raised his head and looked at the demon. "What did you do to me?" he asked and the demon raised an eyebrow, he examined his state.

    "You''re reacting to me. I didn''t really do anything."

    "Liar." The red haired boy mumbled. He just wanted to move a little closer. Just a tiny bit so he could¡­touch him. Touch him? Mark realized surprised as he stopped breathing from the shock. "What did you do?" he repeated.

    "I am serious. I didn''t do anything to you. You see, I am the demon of Lust and you, right now are reacting to me. Because you actually want me. You can''t hide from me little exorcist." He said with a proud look and Mark shook his head. He felt like he was on fire, his lower body¡­he just couldn''t stand it anymore.

    "You''re doing this just I will set you free."

    "You have to set me free anyways. We made a deal and you, you will be coming with me. Now if you want this to end how about you kiss me?" he asked him and Mark scoffed.

    "In your dreams." He said and he got up. He was stumbling as he headed towards the door, his body incredibly heavy. His vision was hazy, the door had turned into a huge grey blur and the darkness around him made him feel even more dizzy. He was forcing his body to move forward while every muscle on his body wanted to go back. This demon, this supernatural jerk was toying with him and Mark like the fool he was had sat there and taken it. He took a deep breath as he tried to ground himself. He placed his palm on the wall, hoping that he would manage to stand for a while longer.

    "Mark?" The demon called out his name, his voice low, seductive and Mark felt his heart tighten in a way similar to how his pants seemed to be too small now. He made a mistake, he turned around and met his eyes. He was going to die, if he stayed away for a while longer he was going to lose it. No matter how loud his conscious was shouting for him to get away he had been trapped already. "Come here." He told him, his voice expressing pure dominance as he voiced his command and Mark couldn''t do anything but obey. He took a few unstable steps towards him and fell on his knees, exhausted and panting. The demon raised his head with his long fingers, his arms were freed from their cuffs but Mark didn''t even notice, it was almost as if he had been drugged. The man traced his full lips with his thumb, a faint smirk on his face as he pressed down on his bottom lip. "Good boy. So now tell me. What do you want?"

    "I¡­I¡­a kiss. I want it." He mumbled as moved forward on his own. Clashing their lips together. The demon''s kiss was rough, hard as it ravished his lips and Mark was soon out of breath. He felt him wrap his arms around him and tighten his embrace, making him unable to stop. He was getting dizzy and the sensation was too much to bear, this was his first kiss and it felt too sinful, too hungry for someone so innocent. He moaned, his eyes closed shut when he heard a loud bang.

    He flinched, being brutally pushed out from his trance. He turned his head, following with his eyes the source of the noise. He gasped as he faced his teachers standing at the doorframe. The next patrol, it was already time for them to come and he hadn''t even realized it.

    "Oops." He heard the demon say and his eyes widened.

    "Mark!" One of them screamed.

    What would happen to him now?

 Chapter 260 - 260

    He had never been treated like this before. Yes, his teacher had beaten him up before quite a few times for neglecting to do his chores but this time, their attitude towards his was on a whole different level of hostile. Mark hadn''t even managed to speak, say something, an excuse to save himself because two of the three head teachers had stormed in, the ones who were more physically powerful, and had dragged him out, each one them holding one of his arms. When he meant that he was being dragged it was actually that. Half of his upper body was in dived in dirt together with his lower part as he was being taken away, to the main building. He felt his shirt rise, getting out of his pants and his back kept being scratched by stray little rocks. He kept wagging his feet, trying to get away but the two of them were holding him so tightly that he felt like the blood flow on his arms would stop.

    "Wait!" He said loudly, hoping that they would hear him. The head teacher though, the one who was walking ahead of everyone else just looked at him with a furious look and then ignored every plead of his to at least be allowed to walk on his own. All of his classmates had already woken up from the shouts of the teachers when they caught him and now they were standing outside the main entrance of the dorms, one pushing the other just to get a better look on what was actually happening. Some of them were laughing seeing that the object of frustration was once more Mark while others were looking at them filled with curiosity.

    After the teachers stopped for a second to make them all go back into their rooms, yelling uncontrollably something that was never encouraged in their Academy everyone had understood by now that something was awfully wrong. Fern Academy always taught that you needed to act with the outmost discipline, be calm and restrained but now, their teacher, the examples they always had to follow they were acting like the Apocalypse was close. In a way seeing their student kiss a demon could be an omen of destruction. Mark grasped the chance and tried to stand up, he was already feeling disgusted by the thought of how many bugs he must have crusted while he was dusting off the dirt in the yard. One of the teachers though who was holding him lightly felt him move and pressed his arm hard making him hiss.

    "Please at least let me walk." He begged and the man looked at him. He was their martial arts teacher. He never liked Mark. He always talked about honor and fighting with pride while mark had no problem throwing dust in someone''s eyes if that meant that he would live. They were dealing with demons! Because Mark was always rebellious when it came to the teacher''s teaching techniques they always ended up fighting, he was the one who had beat him up most times. I guess honor and pride does not matter what it has to do with someone that annoys you, mark had thought many times as he was getting beaten. He never had the chance to defend himself.

    "If it was on me I would make sure you never got to walk again." He told him, his words dripping with hostility as he spoke and Mark shivered. He was doomed, it was obvious. Once all of the students had been hidden in their dorms once again the night became silent and the chilly breeze slowly blew the fallen leaves away. The moon looked so clear above their heads, no clouds, no stars just a bright grey beacon shinning down on them. Mark sighed as they began moving again.

    They entered the main building. All of the classrooms for basic theory were there and also their dining hall while on the top floors the teachers had their offices. This time they will let me walk. There is no way I will be going up three floors like this. He thought but unfortunately he was wrong. They did drag him all the way up the stairs his back and waist hitting constantly the edges of the well-polished wooden stairs and with every bump he would cry slightly. His body would be filled with huge scratches and bruises by now. The way to the office of the head teacher seemed like kilometers away and Mark was already preparing himself to give up on life. He was thrown into the office like a heavy sack, his body hitting the desk and making the lamp and the objects on it shake.

    "Talk, what happened? Why were you in there?" One of the teachers said and grabbed him from his collar. He raised him into the air, his feet dangling as he tried to find some security. His heart was racing, sweat dripping from his temples as he felt even more cornered by the second. "Speak!" the teacher shouted and Mark parted his lips. He was trying to think of what to say. Nothing really had happened actually, he just got seduced by a handsome demon of lust but who would believe him?

    "I¡­I¡­Nothing happened, I swear. I just went in there because I was curious." He said and the martial arts teacher scoffed. He didn''t believe him, of course he wouldn''t. What Mark said did not make any sense. If he was curious he would have just gone in saw the demon and quickly ran back out, so he wouldn''t be caught but he was making out with him! The prisoner!

    "Is this really how you''re going to act? Saying lies right into our faces? We took you in. An orphan from a branch family, we fed you, we dressed you and gave you a purpose. How could you team up with a demon?" he shouted and threw him again on the floor. This man was truly family, Mark thought. A purpose? Was his purpose to be ridiculed and taken advantaged of every day? Was his purpose to be looked down on just because everyone else who so stuck up? Was his purpose to exist so others could satisfy his god complex? Was his purpose to be their official broom holder? He raised his head, sick of always looking at the floor and stared at them. An ironic smile on his face as he spoke.

    "A purpose? What purpose is that you fucking jerks! You beat me up, you don''t allow me to take normal classes like everyone else but I still¡­" he said with a dry laugh as he pointed at himself. "¡­I am still a lot better, a lot stronger than all of your best and richest students." He said. "This place is simply a circus and you people are the main attraction." He insulted them. No one would expect this kind of outburst, they wanted him to beg, cry and plead but Mark was sick of doing that, he was bored of pretending to be weak.

    "Look at the way he talks. Obviously he is teamed up with this demon!" The martial arts teacher said and stepped forward, pushing the other two teachers to the side. He crouched, getting to his eyes level and slapped him hard. "There is no need to hear anything else." He said.

    "I am not teamed up with him. I don''t know him! Me telling you the truth about how rotten you all are doesn''t mean I am together with a demon. But of course you would blame me. Even if this whole place had been burned down you would blame me!" he shouted, he was fed up with everything. With their obnoxious stares, their hypocritical way of talking. The teacher kicked him in the face angrily, his boot landing exactly on the left side of his face. Mark heard his jaw crack and for a few seconds everything was dark around him. He shook his head and spat on the floor, saliva mixed with blood make everything dirty and the red haired boy smiled. His teeth bloody. "Is that all you know how to do? Beat people up? I bet your brain has gone numb from too much exercising" he mocked him and that was when he felt real pain. The beating he had taken in by now were nothing compared to this. At some point he had reached the point of being half conscious on the floor, laying numb while the furious man was stepping on his head and back again and again swearing at him.

    At some point one of the teachers stepped in and stopped him. He could faintly hear them talk. They couldn''t kill him immediately. The head master was away so they had to lock him up in his room until he returned. They would decide his punishment then. He breathed in slowly, trying to endure the pain of his broken bones and bruises as the teachers dragged him into his room. He was starting to get conscious again, the flow of the air on his face waking him up. The teachers left him at the entrance and commanded him to go alone to his room. Mark would have to crawl to get to his door, his blood leaving trails everywhere and from the sounds he made, the groans and how his body gave up and he slammed on the floor many times the students began coming out. But no one helped him, they were not approaching him disgusted by him but they threw papers at him and many other stuff. Someone even dared to kicked him just before he managed to reach to his room.

    He opened the door, his hand slipping from the handle many times and found himself alone. The students would knock on his door loudly for the rest of the night, torturing him with malicious comments while he didn''t even have the strength to get on his bed. He just stood on the corner of his room, staring blankly at the door.

    "If I knew this would happen I would have run away with you on the spot." He mumbled with a bitter smile.

    "Is that so?" he heard a playful voice.

    ...

    Hello! Thank you for reading. Please keep supporting this book in any way you can. Let''s help Mark find happiness. The better the response in these chapters the better the content next will be. If you know what I mean.  >///<

 Chapter 261 - 261

    "If I knew this would happen I would have run away with you on the spot." He mumbled with a bitter smile.

    "Is that so?" he heard a playful voice.

    His head snapped while his eyes turned almost into perfect circles. He looked at the way the voice came from, one of the dark corners of the room and slowly as if someone was taking form off the shadows the demon appeared in front of him. Mark stood there, looking at him utterly confused. He was supposed to be in the storage room, chained up and probably the teachers would be even more in a hurry right now to exorcise him so why was he there, in his small room that barely had any space to fit two people? Could it be that he was hallucinating? Mark wondered.

    "Is this some kind of vision? Are you in my head?" Mark asked and the man chuckled.  He took a few steps forward, leaving the embrace of the shadows and approached him, this time he was the one who sat on the floor to face him. He looked completely real, his body, his face, his voice. Everything seemed as if he was actually in the room at the moment but in Mark''s mind that couldn''t be, powerful spells were used to restrain him, he had seen him chained and beaten with his own eyes but now he was perfectly fine, no scars, no bruises from the cuffs and he was sitting calmly there his legs crossed as he stared at him.

    "No, this is not a hallucination, I am actually here. I was tired waiting for you so I just got out myself." He said and shrugged his shoulders with an innocent look. "Snapping those chains was nothing." He said and mark sighed. With every word this demon said he was getting more and more confused. He was also in serious pain, so much that he was scared to move his own body.

    "Then why did you ask me to free you and run away?" Mark asked.

    "To save you." The demon said and Mark frowned. A few strands of red hair were falling on his face, hiding partly his confusion as he heard these words. "I needed a way to take you with me. I mean I even got caught to get close to you somehow. I have been banging those chains for days hoping that somehow you will notice." The demon said and Mark''s nostrils flared. He let his legs slip down and removed the hair from his face, as he wanted to see him clearly.

    "What the hell are you talking about?" he asked. "Do you know me? Do we know each other? Explain it to me. Everything." He told him strictly but the demon didn''t seem to be affected by the red haired boy''s bad mood. Nonetheless he decided to give him an explanation.

    "About a month ago, you went your class for an expedition in the woods two hours away from here. They had found out a few low ranked demons were inhabiting the forest and your teachers thought it would be good for you to test your skills by finding them and exorcising them. You got separated in groups but no one wanted to go with you, at the same time the teachers forbid you to practice. They just told you to sit at the clearing and wait. You got bored though and being really curious as you are you began roaming the forest and finally finding a small demon. A lion like demon baby that had been hurt from one of your classmates but somehow had managed to escape. It was crying and when you fund it, it seemed so scared but he couldn''t do anything and waited for his death. You helped it though, you took it away and hid it, you even used your magic to heal its wound. You didn''t kill it." The demon said. Mark had almost forgotten all about that day, yes, he had saved that demon. He couldn''t bring himself and take its life. It was just a small spirit after all. A small baby lion with fire as its fur. It was so cute and defenseless. So he had decided to save it. After he did it he had returned to the clearing and pretended like nothing happened. Soon as the days passed he thought of it less and less but how did he know about it?

    "How do you know about that day?" Mark asked and defensively he moved his body slowly towards the wall, wanting some distance. The demon noticed it and laughed, it was only natural since both of them knew that if he wanted to hurt him he could easily do it, especially in the state that Mark was right now.

    "That little lion was one of my familiars. Relax, this is how I got to know the story. It told me everything and naturally I was intrigued. An exorcist who would kill a demon in the blink of an eye. I had to see who that unbelievable human was. So I came here. At first I just wanted to look at you, maybe laugh at you and play a prank on you but when I saw you¡­well¡­" The demon said with a dreamy smile and Mark blushed. He looked like a love struck fool for a second, no sign of that lingering madness in his eyes while he talked about him. "I have never thought that a person who seemed to be holding a broom all the time was attractive. I liked your clear eyes, the color of your hair under the hot sun. I like how you always spoke your mind even if you would get in trouble for it and I liked that you had your own sense of right or wrong. In Hell there is no such thing, there is only the rule of chaos. If your actions create chaos, balance out the goodness in this world then it''s right, even if you might not like it. Don''t get me wrong I do enjoy some disaster but in my own terms." He said with a grin before he continued talking. "I also saw how they treated you and for some reason I wanted to get you out. So I thought I had to find a way to meet you but how could I, looking like this appear in front of you? So I let myself get caught and allowed those weak professors of yours to hurt me so I could get a chance to find you. My hands became sore from pulling on those chains every night you know" he said.

    Mark was speechless. He couldn''t believe that something like that had been happening this whole time and he had no idea of it. This person right here wanted to save him, while mark didn''t even know him.

    "You wanted to save me." Mark mumbled. "Why?"

    "I don''t know to be honest with you." He said.

    "Are you in love with me?" The human asked taking a while chance and the demon for a second froze, he seemed to be thinking of something. His eyes for a second broke their mutual staring and he rubbed the back of his neck.

    "You know, they say demons can''t fall in love but I wonder, maybe I am in love with you. You are the first thing I don''t want to kill." He told him with a childish smile.

    "I am not a thing."

    "Yes, I am in love with you." The demon said, ignoring his comment and slowly he cupped his face. "I think I am madly in love with you." He said and mark gasped, flinching at the sudden touch but surprisingly he was gentle. He could barely feel the pain from his bruises. Mark''s heart fluttered, his heart rate going up like crazy as he heard his words. This was the first time, the first time in his life someone said they loved him and those emotional words came from a demon, someone who he was supposed to hate, a creature who in his dreams was hideous and disgusting. But right now this wasn''t the case, in front of him stood a gorgeous man, with outworldy characteristics. A soothing low voice and a gentle touch that warmed up his heart. This demon right here maybe, just maybe he could be an exception. The only one. Maybe he could love him? The one who found a way to meet him, to save him. "So let me save you." The demon said. "I will never hurt you. I swear." He said and his words sounded too honest. Could he be a trickster? Could he just enjoy playing with his feelings like this? Mark wondered but the beating sound of his heart was too loud, it silenced his mind.

    "Save me then." The red haired boy mumbled and in a split second the demon was on his feet and he was sweeping him in the air. Suddenly a pair of enormous black wings sprouted from his back and Mark''s breathing stopped. "You have wings?" he exclaimed and the demon laughed. He had said yes, he had made a deal with a devil.

 Chapter 262 - 262

    "Save me then." The red haired boy mumbled and in a split second the demon was on his feet and he was sweeping him in the air. Suddenly a pair of enormous black wings sprouted from his back and Mark''s breathing stopped. "You have wings?" he exclaimed and the demon laughed. He had said yes, he had made a deal with a devil.

    "Yes I do." The demon answered him and mark looked at his back stunned. They were enormous, they could probably or more likely for sure cover them both. Their color was pitch back like that of a ravens and they looked incredibly soft, Mark had an undeniable urge to touch them but his muscles were too tired and hurt for him to even extend his arm. "So, should I burn this place down and everyone in it?" he asked him.

    The red haired boy remained silent. The truth was that he wanted to say yes, he wished to see this place burn down in flames, the angry fiery tongues licking and swallowing all of the people that mistreated him just because of his status. He wondered how they would feel then, how loud they would scream and if the pain of the melting flesh would be enough to cover what he had been feeling all these years. There was a dark part in his heart, pitch black and polluted by thoughts like these. They had caused it, they had turned his heart black, they had planted that seed of evil in him. If he did it though what would become of him? Would he still be himself? Would he be able to sleep at night knowing that he had caused all these deaths? His right wasn''t like that; he couldn''t escape so easily. He couldn''t turn into a monster.

    "No, let''s just go" he mumbled and the demon smiled.

    "I had a feeling you would say no. But you see. I am not that kind." The demon said and smacked his foot on the wooden ground. Suddenly a rip opened up in his room and blue flames started spreading everywhere. Mark stared at it in shock, worried about what was going to happen. They would die, he would really kill everyone.

    "No!" he shouted and tried to get off his embrace. The demon was too strong though, something that was actually expected. He didn''t seem to mind, he just held him tighter and pushed his feet before he went through the roof, destroying it. "Let me go! They will die! We can''t leave them like this." Mark cried and the demon started laughing. "It''s not funny!" Mark screamed and tangled his feet, he hit the demon''s chest but it was as hard as hitting a wall.

    "Calm down or I will drop you. Also relax. They won''t die." He said.

    "Are you insane? You just set them on fire like chicken!" Mark said.

    "It''s a special kind of fire. Even though I would love to kill them you said no, so I just commanded the flames to avoid the people and just destroy the building. Now calm down because you''re hurt!" the demon said with a strict tone. Mark''s heartrate calmed down as he looked at him from beneath. He was smiling.

    "Oh." The red haired boy mumbled embarrassed. "Sorry."

    "Oh." He teased him but didn''t seem to have a problem with Mark''s little outburst. He just kept flying. "just look around, enjoy the view." He said and Mark did so. He looked around him as he found himself flying in between the clouds. His jaw dropped while his eyes, shinning underneath the strong moonlight were just too hungry to take in everywhere that he was looking around like a crazy person. He could almost touch a cloud! He realized and a smile formed on his face. The night chill was gently caressing his face as the demon flew higher and higher. "Mark." He called out and the red haired boy hummed. "Teach me your right and wrong." He said.

    "Well, there is nothing more for me now so sure. Just promise me that you won''t kill me if you''re angry." He told him and the demon chuckled.

    "Can''t promise that. I have a very¡­sensitive temper." He joked. He said something else too but mark couldn''t really hear. Once more he found himself completely relax as he was being held by him. His eyelids getting heavier and his breathing slowing down as he closed his eyes and fell asleep. Pity, he thought just before he was surrounded by darkness, I wanted to look at the moon a little bit more.

    When he woke up he realized it was already morning. The sound of the birds chirping and the bright light that landed on his face was enough to show that day had finally arrived. His eyesight was slightly hazy and he lazily rubbed his eyes so he could look around. He hadn''t noticed anything last night, when the demon stopped flying or when they arrived to wherever this was. He looked around noticing that he was in a very small house, made from dirt and stones. He was laying on a bed with no sheets or pillow while he felt the rough feeling of hay on his back. There was a small fireplace with a small fire burning lowly and a pot on top of it hanging from a hook. In the middle of the room was a little round wooden table, rough and worn out with an empty vase on top. The house had two doors one that led outside and another that probably was where the washing place was. It screamed poverty and the red haired boy chuckled. It was the first time that he had found himself in such a lowly place before but he didn''t hate it. Maybe there weren''t silk sheets or big rooms, enormous kitchens filled with steaming food but somehow it felt more real. He took a deep breath, waking up more and more when he felt something heavy on his tummy. He looked down and saw to his surprise a very muscular and pale arm. He followed it with his eyes and realized that a man was lying next to him. He gasped surprised and instantly rolled over the bed and fell to the floor.

    The loud thump and his little whine woke up the sleeping stranger and he sat up slowly, a pile of dark hair hiding his face before he slowly removed them.

    "Who are you?!" Mark screamed and the man frowned.

    "What the hell do you mean who am I? It''s me! The demon!" he said and Mark stared at him. No horns, no colorful eyes, no pointy ears and no fangs. This man that had been sleeping next to him was completely human looking. "Here, here" he said and instantly changed back to his human form, recognizing his frustration. "It''s me! I just turned into a human so I could go around into the village and get stuff. They wouldn''t sell bread so easily to a demon you know. Now get back here, I am sleepy." He told him.

    "What? Wait. Where are we? What are doing here. What will be doing from here on. Oh, god I left the academy and ran away with you! Stupid, stupid!" he scolded himself and slapped his face a few times. "We burned it down!" he screamed and grabbed his hair dramatically.

    "Oh, just shut up!" The demon said and with a swift move he grabbed him, with ease he returned him to the bed where he shielded him with his arms, his face resting at the crook of his neck. "Let me sleep and we will talk about it, later." He mumbled, his voice low and rough and the only thing he could do, surrounded by his warmth was nod. "You know, you haven''t asked me for my name." the demon said and Mark looked at him with a frown.

    "I did but you didn''t want to tell me, remember?" he said and the demon smiled.

    "Asmodeus, my name is Asmodeus. You have my life in your hands now, so take care of me." He told him and Mark felt his cheeks turn hot, he was blushing. How could this demon say such romantic things.

    "Okay, I will." Mark agreed. Almost whispering.

 Chapter 263 - 263

    Warning: slight sexual acts.

    "Well, now that we are awake and sitting on this beautiful table, tell me Asmodeus. What will we do from now on." Mark told him. They had woken up while back and the demon had already made sure to fill up the house with things they might have needed. He also had purchased them new clothes. They were definitely not the best quality like his school''s uniform and they reminded him when he was younger that they barely wore rags. Well, it was better than his ripped shirt and dirty pants.

    "I don''t really know." Asmodeus said with a smile and Mark sighed. Of course he didn''t. "I guess we can stay here, plant some vegetables. Sounds nice and peaceful." He proposed and Mark looked at him like he was speaking in another language.

    "So you mean to tell me that one of the Kings of hell wants to be a farmer and live in a rundown house outside a poor village with a human?" he asked him and raised his eyebrow.

    "Not necessarily. I just want to be with you." He told him and smiled at him. He was so handsome, even now that all of his demonic characteristics were hidden he looked incredibly beautiful. Definitely not what you would think when you imagined a poor farmer. His skin was perfect, his eyes clear and playful while his smile was so seductive Mark felt his heart race with even just a hint of it.

    "Do you think before saying all those things?" the red haired asked him with a blushed face and he shrugged his shoulders. "So" he sighed and rubbed his temples. "Do you know how to cook? Farm? Clean? Hunt?" he asked him and he looked at him with an innocent look.

    "No, no, no and maybe yes?" he said and Mark dramatically fell on the table.

    "This is going to be a disaster." He mumbled his hair landing on the table and he heard Asmodeus get up.

    "Come on." He told him and the boy raised his head. "Let''s go outside." He recommended and he got up with a frown following him outside.

    Mark found himself in a small garden. Vibrant green grass surrounded him and very beautiful apple tree was right in front of the little door at the entrance. A small fence that had a few holes here and there surrounded the small house. The sun was gentle on their skin while his hair was slightly being blown backwards by the wind. He covered his eyes with his hand and looked around. They were at the top of a small hill, a dirt pathway leading to a small village. He could see the hay roofs and the busy square. Right next to the isolated house began a forest and he noticed a pair of eyes, bright red looking at him. He tilted his head to the side and took a step forward trying to see clearer.

    "It''s alright, come on out." Asmodeus said and a small demon spirit appeared. It was the same spirit, Mark realized. The little lion he had saved a while back. It looked a bit bigger now but still like a small animal child. The wary lion came inside the garden through one of the holes on the fence, his fur a never-ending fire. He approached Mark and snuggled on his feet, purring as he surrounded him. The red haired chuckled, crouching down to pet it.

    "I''m glad you''re okay." He said and the little lion looked at him.

    "He is yours" Asmodeus said and the exorcist looked at him confused. "he said he wanted to be your familiar. You saved him so he wants to protect you." He told him and the lion looked at him with its red eyes shining, as if he understood perfectly everything they talked about. "Give him a name and he is yours." He said.

    "Are you sure?" Mark asked as he played with him. He was jumping around, trying to catch mark''s hands. He was adorable, his small paws stepping gently on the grass, leaving trails of fire. They weren''t burning anything though. They simply shone red for a while before they disappeared.

    "Yes, He will protect you." Asmodeus said and Mark smiled. Such a small creature.

    "Hmm, how should I name you?" he wondered. "Ignis. I will name you Ignis." He announced and suddenly a black marking appeared at his left hand, at the back of his wrist, were his veins were. It was the shape of a small fire. He had a familiar now. Even though he was especially good at summoning demons they had never allowed him to have one at the Academy. He was being always restrained but now he had Ignis. He looked at him and the little lion jumped on his lap, snuggling. "Thanks!" Mark said excited as he stood up, holding that little lion in his embrace.

    "It''s a good name." Asmodeus commented and the red haired boy nodded.

    "Why are you doing all these for me? Just a while back you said you would actually live in this shabby place with me." Mark asked him.

    "Hey! Don''t call it shabby. I chose it." The demon said with a frown. "And don''t ask me if you don''t want to hear something that will make you blush again." He whispered close to his ear. Mark shivered and took a step back, stumbling on a stone only for Asmodeus to grab him. He wrapped his arm around his waist, mark''s breath getting stuck in his throat. "You''re pretty. How can a human be so pretty?" he asked after examining his face. "I just want to¡­." He mumbled his eyes showing how much he wished to ravish him. Mark gulped and the small animal disappeared from his arms, the mark shining for a second before it turned black again.

    "Asmodeus, let''s be rational okay?" Mark stuttered.

    "Rational? Tell me how can I be rational? I waited for so long and now you''re right in front of me. How can I not want you little human?" he said and kissed his neck. His lips were hot as they landed on his sensitive skin. Mark closed his eyes overtaken by the sensation. He was just kissing his neck but for some reason he felt like his whole body was on fire. "And now you look too tempting. It''s not my fault Mark." He said and in a split second the human was being laid on the soft grass. Asmodeus was hovering over him, his long hair landing gently on various parts of Mark''s body. The red haired teen cupped Asmodeus'' face, slightly surprising him that he wasn''t denying their contact.

    "What about me then? What about what you''re doing to me?" he asked him, his cheeks flushed while his eyes were showing how dazed he was. He looked as if he was charmed and the demon smiled. His instincts slowly taking over. His eyes changed, his fangs also grew slowly and his horns made an appearance. He kissed Mark. A deep and hungry kiss, his pointy gangs piercing through his plump lips and making him moan.

    Mark was unable to speak, he could barely breathe as all he could feel was Asmodeus'' hands roaming on his body, underneath his shirt. They left hot trails everywhere and when the demon tugged at the hem of his pants he gasped. He thought he would be scared but for some reason he became more and more needy. As his tongue entered his mouth, as little moans escaped his swollen lips Mark wanted more and more to be touched. Without realizing it he opened slowly his legs, letting Asmodeus rub his lower part on his and he moaned loudly. This friction, this tension, he wanted more.

    "Mark, look at me." Asmodeus told him but he felt too shy. He was aware of how he looked. His bloody and swollen lips. His messy hair, his half opened shirt and his chest as he panted. He looked too sinful, too overtaken by lust that he couldn''t find the courage to face the demon. He felt Asmodeus'' fingers dive into his thick hair, he grabbed a handful and pulled them, forcing him to open his eyes. He looked at the demon, this was supposed to hurt but why did it just make him more aroused? He didn''t know, he didn''t know anything anymore. He could only see him. "Good boy. So tell me, do you want me Mark?" he asked his other hand slowly creeping into his pants. Mark''s body tensed and he gasped, waiting for him to proceed, do something. "Say it." Asmodeus said and bit on his shoulder. His teeth ripped his fragile skin, making him whine and he shook his head.

    "Please." He cried and the demon smirked.

    "Hello neighbors! Is everything alright?" A female voice was heard from behind them and Mark''s eyes widened in shock.

    ....

    Not yet! Not yet! HOLLY WATER...I can''t, I don''t even know if my smexy scenes are good. Sorry if I messed it up. Thank you for reading and please support this book!

 Chapter 264 - 264

    "Hello neighbors! Is everything alright?" A female voice was heard from behind them and Mark''s eyes widened in shock.

    That woman had come with a basket filled with fruits and vegetables gathered by the whole village as a welcoming gift. She had passed by to give them to the boys and probably return back to the village and gossip about how two men were living in the same run down house. Mark had been smiling during the whole time of their little conversation trying to ignore the fact that the young woman was basically drooling every time she landed her eyes on Asmodeus who had introduced himself as Deus. They offered her some tea and the red haired young man kept tapping his foot on the floor anticipating when she would leave.

    Somehow she had believed the fact that both of them happened to trip and fell right on top of the other but still having a stranger in the house was dangerous.

    Asmodeus didn''t seem to mind that much though, he was chatting with her, asking her stuff about the village and he had chuckled the moment he noticed Mark''s annoyed expression. She had given him a complement saying about how unfortunate it was for a young handsome man like him to be without a wife. It''s obvious you want to volunteer. He said in his said and scoffed silently.

    After almost an hour she decides it was proper for her to leave since it was lunch time soon. Mark stood up, too eager to open the door for her and greeted her with a very bright smile. Asmodeus on the other hand remained seated on his chair looking at him with a playful grin.

    "What?" Mark asked as he raised his eyebrow. Crossing his hands over his chest. Still standing at the doorframe.

    "You were jealous." The demon stated and the red haired boy scoffed loudly, pretending he was entertained by such a foolish comment.

    "Me, jealous? Of what?"

    "Her and the way she looked at me. Well,she was cute for a village girl maybe I should visit down there more often. I bet she would pay me attention." He said and sat back on his chair seeing how Mark was turning more and more frustrated.

    "Suit yourself then. I wouldn''t expect from a demon to be loyal. A demon of lust too." He stated and Asmodeus laughed. He stood up and approached the red haired but he closed the open door and walked to the other side of the room, clearly avoiding him. He grabbed the basket with the vegetables and fruits and chose a few to wash in a small basket they had to get the dirt off before he began chopping them aggressively.

    "Stay loyal to who?" Asmodeus asked him. "Am I married and didn''t know?"

    Mark was chopping the vegetables imagining that on that bench was Asmodeus'' neck. The audacity this demon had to say something like this whole just a few hours ago he was making out with him in the yard was tremendous. He pierced the long and sharo knife through the thick would,the object making a heavuy sound before Mark turned around.

    "No you''re not married. Imagine if you were. I would pity that demon wife of yours "

    "Why? I think I am a catch." He said with a smug expression, annoying Mark more with his confidence.

    "You are ridiculous." He mumbled and tried to return back to chopping his vegetables but the knife seemed to be stuck and he looked like like a complete idiot trying to get it out. Finally reaching the top level of his frustration he dumped what he was doing and paced in a hurry towards the demon, pointing at him with his index finger. "You don''t kiss people and touch them just so you can go and flirt with village ladies. You don''t tell people you like them just so you can chit chat with friendly girl who giggle and bat their eyelashes, you don''t...."

    "You''re jealous." Asmodeus said again with a chuckle and Mark''s eyes widened.

    "Stop saying I am jealous!" He shouted and stormed off, leaving the small house and getting inside the forest. He was annoyed. Very annoyed as he stepped heavily into the mud and broken branches. Why would he do something like that? Was infidelity a thing in their world? Were they even anything in the first place? He wondered in distress and let out a frustrated groan. He wasn''t looking where he was going, taking turns at random points and ignoring the beauty of the lively forest. He had been walking for a while, tired he managed to calm down slightly and look around him.

    Trees. He was surrounded by trees. Trees were everywhere. Some bushes too. That was all he could see. No pathways no way back. He looked up, the sky mostly hidden by the wide leaves.

    "You are an idiot!" He screamed at himself as he realized that not only had he acted like a jealous housewife but also he had ran off like a sad child and had gotten lost like an idiotic loser. He had changed so many identities in such a short time that he should be getting an award.

    He did attempt to find his way back, walking towards where he believed he had come from but there were no distinctive spots that could actually help him find the right path. He stood silent for a while realizing that he could hear the sound of water close by. He remembered that Asmodeus talked about a river in the forest and that if you followed it you would reach the end and find yourself outside the forest and at the start of the hill their house was on. He walked slowly trying not to lose the sound through all the crunching and snapping of fallen leaves and branches. Soon he faced a very big river that flowed wildly. It was wide and the water crushed through the big rocks in it as it flowed splashing water everywhere.

    He stood there wondering from what side he should follow it, right or left and he decided the latter. He approached the river and began walking again, looking around him for the first time and enjoying his surrounding. After a while he was lost in thought.

    Why had he acted that way? He wondered. He knew this obnoxious demon for three days tops but for some reason he found himself feeling thing he didn''t know he could. In just a few moments. Could it be that he had bewitched him? Mark wondered and laughed at how ridiculous that sounded. It was actually a lot simpler than that. Asmodeus was handsome, more than any other person he had ever seen. He was interesting, funny, smart and mysterious. Playful at times. His personality was almost ideal and he was the first person to treat Mark kindly. His kisses were filled with passion, his touches slow and caring. How could he, someone who had been lonely his whole life, alone and without anyone to show him even the slightest signs of love not be completely smitten by him?

    "You''re screwed Mark." He told himself when suddenly while he kept walking his right foot stepped on a very sharp stone at the shore of the river. He gasped from the pain and lost his balance landing right into the freezing cold water. The currents were strong, pulling him away and he struggled to stay on the suffice. He swallowed water again and again, getting into his eyes many times until he managed to latch onto a rock that was protruding. It was slippery and the water hitting it mercilessly again and again made it smooth, making hard for Mark to hold on to. His clothes, dump and heavy were pulling him down, so did his shoes and he gasped as his head was once under water and then up again for the pattern to repeat itself many times.

    He had to find a way and get out. He would die there, he would drown. He panicked as he looked around frantically. His heart was racing his lungs in pain and he cried, desperate.

    "So when will you call me to save you?" He heard Asmodeus voice and with only one blink of his eyes the demon was in front of him, looking at him with a grin. "My damsel in distress." He said and Mark''s eyes widened. Damsel in distress? Did he really say that. The red haired boy gritted his teeth.

    "Fuck you!" He shouted and let go of the rock allowing the flow of the angry river to take him away.

    "Mark!" Asmodeus shouted, his eyes widening as he saw the young man being taken away from me. "Mark!" He called out again.

    Mark was getting further and further away, his senses slowly letting him down as his body have up. You are indeed a prideful idiot.

    He heard a loud splash and soon someone was panting on his side.

    "Idiotic human." He heard Asmodeus mumble annoyed as he grabbed him. He didn''t know how they got out. He was too tired to open his eyes but he felt perfectly well how Asmodeus threw him on the ground. "Mark!" He shouted and the red haired sensed his anger.

    Pretend you have fainted. He told himself and kept his eyes closed only to be slapped across the face.

    "Ouch!" He exclaimed. "What was that for?" He asked and opened his eyes. The first thing he faced was the demon. Standing in front of him, his clothes wet as he panted. He was looking at him, his muscles tensed, an angry expression on his face but his eyes, his eyes were filled with worry as he looked at him from head to toe.

    "Don''t ever do something so stupid again. Ever!" He scolded him and Mark looked away.

    "Why do you care. Go flirt with the village lady." He said.

    "What? Are you serious right now? How could you do something so foolish. Don''t you know how...." Asmodeus began saying but he stopped. He took a deep breath and let out a sigh before he helped him get up. "Let''s just go home. You will catch a cold." He told him and for some reason the red haired followed quietly. Asmodeus was walking in front of him as if he didn''t want to be seen.

    "We''re you worried about me?" Mark asked.

    "Yes. I rarely get scared but you had me shaking in terror. I won''t be able to save you from anything. If your body hives out I won''t be able to heal you Mark." He told him.

    "I''m sorry." The red haired boy mumbled.

    "I don''t like the village ladies. I like you." He said and Mark''s eyes widened. "So stay by my side." He continued his back still turned on him.

    "Okay." Mark said and grabbed his shirt only for the demon to take his hand and entwine their fingers.

 Chapter 265 - 265

    Mark had been afraid that Asmodeus one day would get tired. He would get tired of the cleaning and the farming and the little strolls in the village. He would miss his life as a king of lust, the bringer of destruction and he would choose to leave him into the night. That was the reason why the red haired young man would always find it difficult to sleep during the night. The slightest sound would wake him up and he would look around him distress, searching for the demon into the night only for two strong arms to grab him and push him back into the bed. A rough but gentle voice, still laced with the haze of sleep would mumble for him to go back to sleep and then his heart beat would slow and he would be able to relax. After some time, when half a year had passed he was starting to get more confident that Asmodeus would actually choose to stay.

    "Ignis no! Be careful!" Mark scolded the fully grown lion as it strolled into the small house. He was swaying his tail here and there, almost making one of the pots of water fall to the floor. That meant he would have to go out and get another one, it was too early for that. The lion stopped moving and looked at him, his eyes sad as he begged for Mark to not kick him out. "Don''t try to make me feel pity for you. You''re too big for the house. Now go back, go. I will take you with me to the forest tomorrow." He said and the lion purred dissatisfied but Mark just shook his hand shoeing him away. The lion turned into a small flame and flew right into his hand, the familiar sign shining for a second.

    "Poor Ignis, having such a cruel master." Asmodeus joked as he put on his shirt and the red haired scoffed.

    "Where are you going?" he asked him.

    "I want to hunt." The demon said and walked towards him. "I want to try making a fur coat. It will get cold soon. I don''t want you to get sick and die. You are fragile enough as it is." He told him and kissed his forehead.

    "Well I am glad you''re thinking of me but I do not plan dying any time soon." He said and kissed the top of his head. Mark was sitting on the chair, holding a book in his hands. Books were really rare, especially in small villages like this but somehow Asmodeus always brought him one as a little present. He looked at the demon, how he was completely the same with a human as he buttoned up his shirt. He had a faint smile on his face and he was humming a sweet melody. For how long would this last? Mark thought, suddenly turning depressed. "Asmodeus¡­" he called him out and the demon turned to face him. "Do you like this?" he asked.

    "This?"

    "As in this life. Isn''t it boring for you?"

    "Why would it be boring? You''re here. Anything turns exciting when I am with you. I can''t get bored with that temper of yours. Every day is a new challenge." He joked and the red haired man rolled his eyes with his comment. He closed the book and gently left it on the table. He approached the demon wrapping his arms around his waist and rested his face on his chest.

    "How about we leave?"

    "And go where?"

    "I don''t know. Let''s go somewhere, anywhere, everywhere. Let''s see the world. I want to see the bigger cities and the other countries on this world. I want to see everything with you, because I¡­one day I will be gone. You will be here still so I want us to have a bunch of memories. So you won''t be sad." Mark told him and Asmodeus caressed his cheek.

    "Didn''t you say you will live for along time?" he asked him with a smile.

    "My long time is different from yours that''s why¡­"

    "We will leave. Let''s leave tomorrow. Let''s do anything you want to do. I can even get you through the Veil. Let''s see the elf kingdom, the demonic capital even, but there I am a laughing stock by now so that wouldn''t be a good idea. There is also the Angelic Capital. So many places. I will take you to all of them" he told him with an excited expression. "I will go and settle a few things in the village and we can leave first thing in the morning. Okay?" he asked and Mark nodded eagerly.

    Mark wanted Asmodeus to have an exciting life, many fun and enjoyable memories with him. He wanted for as long as he was alive to make him smile, to make him feel human, the way he always wanted to.  To give him that view of the human world he so wished for. Even though the demon didn''t show it or talked about it Mark had many times wondered if he didn''t like his demonic nature. He seemed to be jealous of the human families on the streets and even liked children, something that no one would expect. Asmodeus could never be human, they knew that. He had a crazy temper, even though he was trying to suppress it in front of him, one time when they fought he almost etared down the whole forest, while he doesn''t understand a lot of important points about human life, its importance and its fragility. But if Mark could even give him a glimpse of the human nature and understanding he so desired he would do anything.

    That was what he was thinking while he excitedly prepared for their next trip. He kept wondering where they could go or what they should do when a sudden knock on the door surprised him. It was too early for Asmodeus to be back, he thought as he headed hastily to the door. He opened it slowly coming face to face with people he never wished to see.

    "Finally, we found you." A man he knew very well said and Mark took a step back surprised. "You were hiding so well, but as it seemed not well enough. Won''t you welcome us into your home?" The person that was talking to him at the moment, his words filled with irony was his martial arts teacher, the man who wanted to kill him. He had come there with four other students of higher grade.

    "What are you doing here?" Mark asked coldly and the man scoffed.

    "We need to talk, let me in." he said and the red haired man moved to the side, allowing him to enter. He didn''t sit nor did Mark and with his curious eyes he scanned the small home. He didn''t seem impressed, not that mark cared about it.

    "What are you doing here?" he repeated.

    "You burned down the whole Academy."

    "I was kind enough to let you live though."

    "Funny. The Exorcist Society had found out about you and the demon you''re staying with. You are the only one who knows his name so we need you to exorcise him." He told him without any shame and Mark stared at him stunned.

    "What? Are you insane? There is no way¡­."

    "If you don''t do it they will perform the soul crushing ritual on him. He will disappear forever. They have his hair, from when he was imprisoned." He revealed to Mark. The red haired felt like he was being punched in the chest and for a second he couldn''t breathe. While he was being here, lazily spending his days they were plotting Asmodeus'' death. Why hadn''t he thought of it? Why did he believe they would be free?

    "The demon hasn''t done anything wrong. He is completely docile, it''s against the rules to perform the ritual on him."

    "Based on his powers, we already know he is one of the high rankers in hell. The Society doesn''t want him in our world. He needs to be sent back to hell. So we can avoid breaking the rules I was forced to come here and ask you to do it." He said, with disgust on his face. "Either you exorcise him or he disappears forever."

    "If you know he is a high ranker you will also know that you can''t perform the ritual! It will distort the balance of hell and that also means of the human world. He was there since the beginning, he can''t disappear!" Mark shouted, trying to keep his tears in. He couldn''t do it; he couldn''t exorcise Asmodeus.

    "They consider him a high level threat. I won''t waste my time here any longer Mark. It is unpleasant enough having to talk with you without beating the shit out of you for what you did but you are the only one who knows his name. So exorcise him or he disappears. That''s it." The man told him

    He left as fast as he had appeared, leaving the red haired man in shock, standing in the middle of the room until his legs couldn''t last anymore. He fell on the floor and cried, inaudible screams leaving his lips. What was he supposed to do now? Would they really kill him?

 Chapter 266 - 266

    Warning: Sexual acts

    When Asmodeus returned Mark was laid on the bed, his eyes closed with an unreadable expression on his face. The demon had bought many stuff. Carriers for their luggage and even a horse, that was resting outside, eating apples from the little apple tree they owned. Mark didn''t acknowledge his return. He just kept lying there. He only moved when he felt the bed get heavy, Asmodeus had sat on the edge and was looking at him, trying to understand what was happening.

    He sat up, facing the demon with a dead stare. Asmodeus tilted his head to the side and gifted him a gorgeous smile. Bright enough to make Mark''s heart hurt.

    "What is it? Are you anxious about our trip?" he asked him and the young man nodded, lying about the actual truth. Mark looked at him, he was perfect. From the way he treated him to the way he acted he couldn''t find one thing he didn''t like about him. He felt his eyes water, the pain spreading on his body as he couldn''t get the danger out of his mind. His tears were set free and suddenly he fell on his embrace, grasping his shirt. Asmodeus was surprised at first but still hugged him back and patted his back. Not speaking until Mark moved back and talked to him first.

    "I love you." Mark said. It was the first time he was saying that to someone.

    "I love you too" Asmodeus said.

    "No, no you don''t get it. I love you. I''ve never said this to anyone. This is the first time that I¡­that I''m saying those words. I love you, I really do. I will always love you." He repeated again and again with tears in his eyes and Asmodeus smiled, oblivious of the disaster standing at his doorstep. He kissed Mark gently and caressed his cheek.

    "I love you too." He said this time more seriously.

    "I know." Mark said with a chuckle and kissed the demon again, tasting the saltiness of his tears. "I want to always be with you, forever." He mumbled. "I am sorry I can''t do that."

    "Mark, we have a lot of time ahead of us." The demon tried to soothe his pain, unaware that he was making everything worse. "I will make sure of that. We will have so many memories and, hey, look at me." He told him gently. "I will find you. In your next life too and get you to fall in love with me. Again and again. We will be together forever; it will just have a few breaks in the middle."

    Mark wiped his tears and he smiled. Sighing as he tried to show him how much he loved him. He had to. He had to make sure that Asmodeus would know. That he would know all about how he felt, the pain in his chest and the heart ache. Those would be left a secret. He kissed him again and again, being needy and helpless as he fell into his arms. His long fingers brought his shirt outside his pants and roamed freely on his naked body. Asmodeus stopped him for a second and looked at him in the eyes.

    "Are you sure about this?" he asked and the red haired nodded, blushing. Asmodeus kissed him, slowly and passionately as he gently pushed him on the bed. He brought Mark''s arms above his head as his lips traveled all over his body. He could hear his small moans, he could feel his heart rate going up and his mind slowly getting hazy. He bit his neck, as his tongues traced long lines on all of his sensitive spots.

    Before he could realize it Mark was completely naked, giving everything he had to the demon in front of him. The pleasure he felt, the fire that spread all over his body made him dizzy. Asmodeus'' voice was so arousing as he whispered in his ear, told him what to do. He would call him beautiful and tell him that he loved him. He was sweet but there was a lingering feeling in his words. Mark looked at him as he hovered above him, he cupped his face and said.

    "Do whatever you want with me." Asmodeus for a second stood still, processing the words in his mind and instantly he grinned before he dived into his body. He ravished all of him, biting and kissing and Mark felt like he couldn''t breathe. Yes, this roughness was so much better, this unbearable feeling of need was the one he needed to see. Asmodeus turned him around, making him land on his belly and slapped his ass. The red haired man did not feel any pain though, he could only moan loudly as he felt the sweet pain.

    "I will be nice to you since it''s our first time" he whispered in his ear and bit the top. He pulled Mark''s hair and made him raise his head, a loud moan escaping his lips. He was surprised with himself. The way he was acting, the way he was overly feeling everything was not like him. The moment their bodies became one he felt like he would melt, Asmodeus'' moans, the way he was looking at him with sweat all over his body were enough to make him want to keep this up forever. His hands roughly pinning his shoulder''s down, the way he left bite marks all over his skin. He wanted more, he wanted to see him be rougher. He wanted to forget. Forget about tomorrow, forget about the time.

    And Asmodeus made him forget everything, even his name was blurry as he was feeling extreme pleasure all over again and again. By the end both of them laid on the bed exhausted, a smile lingering on Asmodeus'' face as he pecked Mark''s nose before he collapsed on the hay mattress.

    "I love you." Mark said again and Asmodeus smiled before he fell asleep.

    The demon woke up as the sun was beginning to set. He looked at his side wanting to see the face of his lover but the human wasn''t there. That was when he heard chanting. His eyes widened and he immediately attempted to get up. He couldn''t though. He was being restrained in the bed. Like a rock had landed on his chest and kept him down. How could a spell keep him restrained? He could break almost every exorcist''s spell unless¡­unless they knew his name. Shocked by the realization he looked around in the room and noticed Mark. He was standing in a corner of the house and he was chanting. He was actually trying to exorcise him!

    "Mark, what the hell are you doing?" he asked him, trying to get himself free.

    "Shut up, what does it seem like I am doing? I am sending you back to hell where you belong" he told him coldly without even sparing him a glance.

    "What is this? Are you trying to prank me? What the fuck? Mark!" he screamed angrily at him and the whole house shook, like an earthquake was happening. His characteristics began deforming, his eyes turning a full black while his horns, nails and fangs grew longer. Mark tried not to look at him, he tried to stay focused. He had drawn a restraining circle around the bed, made especially for the demon named Asmodeus and now he had begun chanting his prayer. Once this was over the demon would be sent into hell, trapped for three hundred years. "Was everything a lie then? All you said to me? Your I love you. What was it then?"

    "It was a lie!" Mark screamed. He couldn''t tell Asmodeus the truth. He knew if he did he would just go out and kill all of the Society. No matter how much he hated them they were still humans. "Everything! I was told to do this to you! From the moment I left with you everything was a lie!" he told him.

    "I swear; I swear in my title as a King of hell that I will find you Mark. I will find you and give you the most horrible death you have ever imagined. I will ruin your life and have you begging for mercy. I will kill and destroy everyone you love. I will make your world hell. I swear!" he shouted making the house shake once more.

    "With this, Asmodeus I hereby trap you in hell." Mark said and cut his right palm, throwing a few drops of blood in a pentagram he had designed on the ground. His lips formed a thing line, his fists tight on his sides as he turned his head so Asmodeus wouldn''t be able to see his tears. The earth ripped open, a bright red light shone hiding everything from Mark''s vision and soon the room was empty. Asmodeus had disappeared. It was that simple to exorcise him if you knew his name. Mark stared at the empty bed, his breathing already muffled as his lion appeared. "Ignis, what did I do?" he cried.

    ...

    Back to the main story it is!!!

 Chapter 267 - 267

    Mark had been transferred to his room. Outside the door stood Allias with Asmodeus both of them staring intensely at the door while only Theseus was allowed to remain inside while he was dreaming. A few hours had passed and soon it would time for their dinner. They didn''t know when the human would wake up but both of them kept standing there none of them willing to budge.

    "This could take days you know." Asmodeus said.

    "Then I will be here for days." Allias responded. His arms were crossed over his chest while he aggressively denied to look at the demon.

    "Is he a good person? In this lifetime?" Asmodeus asked and Allias sighed.

    "Well what do you think? He grew attached to you just because you helped him. He is not only good he is innocent and a fool. Deciding to do this for you, a demon."

    "Well you don''t really have to be so aggressive towards me you know? Get me all hot and bothered." Asmodeus joked and winked at him. Allias actually pretended that he was puking making the man laugh.

    "You are quite different from the elf king in the stories." He commented

    "Yes. My human experience messed some shit up. Is there a problem with that?" He asked him and raised his eyebrows. "Weren''t you locked away somewhere how do you know about me? I wasn''t that popular before the war."

    "Well I got a lot of time to read and your stories were all time best sellers everywhere in the Veil so, they kinda shoved your silly romance in my face." Asmodeus said.

    "I will not let you kill him. No matter what it takes. I will kill you if I have to." He warned him, looking at the demon for the first time in hours.

    "I thought you were forbidden by law to use your powers. Not the only display you can do is make little flowers grow and the snow go away. Am I right?" He asked with a grin. Allias gritted his teeth. He did not like this carefree nature of his. He couldn''t see if what he was saying was a lie or not, everything seemed to be so vague with him. He said he loved Mark but at the same time he wished to kill him. He was showing no sign of emotion what so ever. Allias didn''t like those kinds of people. He reminded him of Achlys but for Mark''s good he hoped he was wrong.

    The elf king was planning to argued but he didn''t have the time to. Ares appeared in the corridor outside Mark''s room and looked at them before his eyes focused on Allias

    "It''s time for dinner soon. Magical reporters have already arrived. Ea has been nagging me for half an hour to come and get you because he feels awakwsrd but he magic light of their moment capturers. Please, please, please save me and shut Ea up. He acts like a fish out of water. He is stuttering, he spilled two of his drinks and he keeps looking around like someone will jump him." Ares explained with a fed up expression and Allias couldn''t help but laugh picturing the event. He hadn''t commented on how stupid he found the idea after some thought. This was definitely the most idiotic and annoying night he would have to spent while worrying about Mark as a plus. Having a dinner like this held, just to strengthen an alliance was not a bad idea in all honesty but Allias did not really want to participate in it. Be made a mental note to never get involved in wolf business again. For the good of his mental health.

    "Come on then. You need to be in the dinner too. I hope you didn''t tell anyone about Alexander." He said remembering the scene. Asmodeus had recuperated perfectly after some time and he had been followed the whole time by Allias who was acting like a very disgusting leech.

    "I''ve been with you the whole time. How am I supposed to do that?" He asked him with a, are you stupid, look as they walked away.

    Theseus on the other hand sitting in a chair inside Mark''s room had dozed off quite a few times. The boy looked like he was simply sleeping except for the few times he was mumbling something in his dream. What the elf general had noticed that had been quite weird in the last hours was that as the time went by markings appeared in his arms. He had a black flame at the back of his palm in one hand, while underneath it the drawing of a feather wrapped his wrist as a bracelet appeared second. Now a third marking was beginning to firm but Theseus couldn''t really make out what it was yet.

    "Those are familiar markings." He heard a voice and flinched from being surprised. On his side was standing a young boy around the age of fifteen. His skin was deadly pale while it had a grey his to it, his eyes colored a pitch black with no white in them. His hair long and straight until his shoulders black with a green tint to them. Theseus stared at him and stood up. He didn''t seem to be hostile as his eyes were only focused on Mark.

    "Who are you? How did you get in here?" Theseus asked and the boy turned his head, looking at him with a look void of any emotion.

    "Kage!" Another voice was heard behind him and Theseus turned around, rurpised once more. Now there was another man in the room, his hair cut short, flaming red while his eyes had a golden color. His skin also had a very peculiar color, it was slightly red. Theseus noticed. "You shouldn''t appear without master calling you! He is not awake yet!" The older man scolded the boy and Theseus stared at them in distrust.

    "I just wanted to see him Ignis, stop being so tense." The boy said.

    "I am not tense I just respect our master''s privacy as his first familiar I do believe I know better..."

    "All I am hearing is muffled noises." Kage said and covered his ears.

    Theseus blinked a few times. They were acting like he was invisible.

    "Who are you people!" He called them out, his tone loud.

    The strangers seemed to pay him attention for the first time and stared at him like he was the uninvited guest. Allias, you, you''re going to pay for the messes you put me through, the elf general thought as he was being stared at.

    "We are master Mark''s familiars." They both said in unison and Theseus looked at them and then at Mark confused. He plopped back into his chair and sighed.

    "Well the trouble never stops does it?" He mumbled to himself.

 Chapter 268 - 268

    "Smile for the cameras little wolves" Dionysus said happily and raised his glass as many magic lights blinded them.

    "The what?" Ares whispered at Allias and the elf king sighed. They should have been out on the human world more often.

    "He is talking about the memory capturers. In the human world they call them cameras. Just smile so we can get it over with!" He said between gritted teeth. Ares looked at him with a grown as he was getting scolded again for some unknown reason and faked a smile.

    The wolves had actually quite outdone themselves in the few hours they had to set this up. The dining hall had changed completely, all of the tables had disappeared while only a big one existed in the middle of the room. They had beautiful table ware on it, made.of shiny hold and many complex bouquets with wild flowers. The table cloth was white and soft to the touch. Ares hadn''t stopped playing with it from the moment they had sat down making Ea slap discretely his hand a few times.

    "So is that enough?" Asmodeus whispered as he began to get tired with this whole situation. He still hasn''t said anything about Alexander and Luke was watching his every move. If the strict angel found out about what the young wolf had done they would definitely take him away. This time Alexander was not with him. He had advised him to just rest in his room for now since he seemed to be feeling really bad about what he had done to Mark. The Alpha was happy that they had talked about them, that they had accepted their feelings but with the way things were now, losing Alexander seemed ten time worse.

    "He won''t uncover your secret." Dionysus whispered at Luke and the grey eyed man looked at him suspiciously. He held a crystal glasses filled with red wine and took a generous sip, the color staining his lips before he licked them.

    "Why is that?" Luke asked the god not really believing that Asmodeus would keep his secret.

    "Well, it''s obviously not because of the kindness of his heart. He is just busy right now with other things. Also, he really doesnt care about Alexander attacking him." He said and the wolf eyes Asmodeus. He was sitting a few seats far away from him, a bored expression on his face as he played with his food. How could someone not care about being attacked? He wondered before his eyes returned on Dionysus?

    "And you? What will you do?" Luke asked him and the god shrugged his shoulders.

    "I am good for now but who knows, one day I might get bored. We will see." He told him with a devilish smile but Luke was not joking, his expression was threatening, his grip on his spoon so strong it bend in the middle.

    "If you try anything, I will kill you." He said and Dionysus laughed.

    "I''d love to see you try." He told him, showing clearly that he found him simply entertaining. "Just eat your food. In a while if things go well this whole thing will be over and I will be going back home. Those kind of jobs are unbearable." He sighed and Suijin who was sitting next to him this whole time, listening to their conversation squeezed his eyes and looked at him.

    "It''s your responsibility." He told him and Dionysus nodded.

    "Well my siblings in Olympus really did not give me another choice. Ares was holding me while Aphrodite was threatening to throw me off the mountain. I may be immortal but a fall like that...oh my." He said dramatically.

    "They should have sent Apollo." Suijin amumbled. "He is elegant and beautiful."

    "What?" Dionysus asked surprised and looked at the water god feeling insulted. "What am I then? Look at me! I am gorgeous." He said and Suijin ashook his head dissatisfied.

    "Why are you people so loud back there. Finish your dinner we will have our statements taken in a while." Rafael said and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "Is that so?" He said and shot up. "Well you don''t need me anymore. Come on children let''s go." He said and Ea immediately stood up while Ares looked at him with his face stuffed like a squiler. "Get up children" he told Ares with a strict look and the young elf swallowed his food in a hurry, coughing before he stood up.

    "Yes, mother." He said and Ea hit him in the ribs with his elbow. He was sure he had a permanent bruise there by now. It would never leave.

    "You will have to excuse me too." Asmodeus said, dragging back his chair. "Too much clownery for today" he whispered at Rafael and his eyes widened.

    "Asmodeus you..."

    "If you don''t let me leave I will cause a ruckus and kill everyone in her including those annoying people all around us." He whispered in the angels ear.

    "Just go." Rafael gave up and both of them rushed outside, clearing up a path between the people and the flashing lights. Both of them were in a hurry and some how the one was trying to out run the other on the way to Mark''s room. Allias looked at him with a hostile expression and the demon smiled showing all of his perfect teeth. They had hurried so much that in the end they reached Mark''s room they were both slightly panting. Nothing had changed, the corridor was Emory and the door was closed but of them unaware about what was happening inside.

    "If you try to kill him I will kill you first." Allias said.

    "You can''t beat me like this. You can''t use your powers."

    "I don''t mind breaking the law."

    "Oh, feisty. So sad that your kingdom will fall into ruins of you do. Yeah how is that going by the way? I heard that the old bald men don''t want you that much."

    "You hear a lot of things I see." Allias said and he laughed.

    "I just like knowing stuff." Asmodeus said and for a while they stayed silent.

    After around thirty minutes though something changes. A loud scream echoed everywhere and it came directly from Mark''s room. Both of the men outside rushed inside, not caring who will get to him first anymore and faced an unexpected sight.

    The room was completely empty. No Mark anywhere, just Theseus standing there with wide eyes as he looked at the bed Mark was laid.

    "What happened?" Allias asked confused and Theseus looked at him.

    "The moment he opened his eyes a woman appeared so fast, she grabbed him and they just disappeared." He said.

    He was an elf. He couldn''t really sick or have human conditions but this time Allias felt it. Cardiac arrest, he would die. For sure.

 Chapter 269 - 269

    "Who was that white haired elf?" Kage asked.

    "How am I supposed to know?" Ignis told him with a frown. "I''ve been locked up for three hundred years the same as you. Stop touching him, Arpaia." Ignis scolded the third person who was in the room. The woman turned around and looked at the both of them. She was tall and wore a black dress that touched the floor. Her hair was long and black while her skin was deadly pale. Her eyes were green and behind her a pair of huge black wings was attached on her back. Not though the kind of feathers Asmodeus had. Those looked like a bird''s, a raven to be specific. This was the woman that had appeared, the one who had grabbed Mark and disappeared.

    At the moment they were in what someone would call a subconscious roalm. It was where familiars would retrieve once they had been sent back by their masters. At the moment they were in Arpaia''s roalm. A comfortable room with a double bed dressed in silk sheets. They were dark purple and matched perfectly with the theme of the room. It was dark with a black fluffy carpet on the ground while there was also a couch in a similar shade of purple as the sheets. Many different small statues decorated the place while on the couch there were a few books. Some of them opened while others closed.

    The woman was playing with Mark''s locks. Looking at him with a grin and Ignis approached her, he slapped her hand away and hissed at him disturbed.

    "Who was that man?" Kage repeated expressionless and the two other spirits looked at him and said in unison.

    "We don''t know!" They shouted and a groan was heard. Mark''s eyes fluttered as he was slowly waking up. All of the spirits gathered around him, curious and stood close watching him carefully as they waited for him to wake up fully. He sat up, rubbing his eyes and looked around disoriented .

    "Why are you people so loud?" He mumbled and as his vision got clearer and clearer he began to understand what was actually going on. His jaw dropped as he stared into their faces one by one. Ignis smiled brightly at him and Mark mumbled their names.

    "You guys...what are you...where am I?" He asked confused.

    "This is my roalm master Mark." Arpaia explained and Mark observed the room. The dark times and the intense purple color. She smiled.

    "Well it does match you." He said.

    "It''s been three hundred years." Ignis stated and looked at his master with a bitter expression. Mark nodded as a sigh escaped his lips. His head was feeling heavy. All these information was too much fro him to process immediately but he knew that these spirits in front of him were his familiars. Ignis was the little lion gifted to him by Asmodeus. Kage was a puma made of shadows and Arpaia was a crow. He had signed contracts with these two while he was traveling in hell, also known as the demonic capital.

    Yes, a few months after he had exorcised Asmodeus, drowning in guilt and despair he had decided to travel in hell and free him from his shuckles that kept him locked there. He was so close into finding him and on his journey he was signed contracts with these two. He had spent two years traveling in hell, living a nightmare even when he was awake.

    He had been so close in finding Asmodeus until he....he had been murdered.

    "Where is Asmodeus?" He asked remembering the demon who was waiting to kill him. Mark had to explain to him what had happened, he needed to tell him the truth about his mistake, about how he wanted to save him and keep him alive.

    "He is back there with the elves. We need to leave immediately." Ignis said and Mark tilted his head to the side. He looked at him confused, as if he couldn''t find a reason for them to leave

    "Why? We need to return, I have to talk to Asmodeus, explain to him the truth." He said and Kage sighed.

    "He will not listen." He said.

    "He will."

    "He won''t" Arpaia agreed and smiled. "Master Mark we need to get you out of here safe. I have been locked up for three hundred years, please don''t die again" she told him.

    "I won''t die. I will just talk to him."

    "Master." Ignis called him gently and sat next to him on the bed. "I was there, I was there when you exorcised him, I heard his cruel words and I saw the hate in his eyes. You can''t return back there. We haven''t replenished all our powers yet to be able to protect you. Please. It''s been so long." Ignis said and Mark couldn''t help but pat his head with a comforting smile.

    "I will be fine. I have friends there who will protect me if I need it. I can''t believe that I get to be with you guys again."he told them and the three spirits smiled. "I can''t help but wonder why did I find myself in this mess. Could it be fate that I mate Allias?" He wondered.

    "Well, sometimes people who had crossed paths in their previous lives meet again. Also when there is a big concentration of magic people with an aptitude for it are usual drawn together." Kage told him and he nodded as he heard his words. It did make sense. Allias and him indeed had crossed paths once, while he was in hell. It had been so long ago. He thought and smiled.

    "Take me back." He told them and they looked at him disappointed."Don''t worry I just found you. I won''t die again" he said with a chuckle.

    "Are you really sure?" Ignis asked and the red haired boy nodded eagerly.

    He wouldn''t be able to live with himself if Asmodeus didn''t know the truth. Even if he chose to leave him, even if he said that he hated h now and didn''t want anything to do with him he had to know what trulky happened. He hadn''t made it years ago because he had been murdered. Right now though he had time, the time he needed so badly to be able to explain.

 Chapter 270 - 270

    The familiars were worried. It was obvious in their expressions as they returned back to his room. They stood next to him resuming to their animal forms hoping that the powers they had retrieved up to now would be enough to keep them alive. The room was small, small enough to make them feel like they were crumped in a hole since Allias, Theseus and Asmodeus were standing there examining the place as if it was some kind of crime scene.

    Mark appeared right in front of Allias and the elf king''s bright eyes widened as he met his best friend. He hugged him, letting out a relieved sigh and the red haired chuckled hugging him back. For a second he felt like the elf was hugging him a bit too tightly making it hard to breathe but he didn''t mind. He just caressed Allias'' back and waited for their hug to end. Once it was over the king stood in front of the human, shielding him with his body and stared at Asmodeus. The demon was expressionless, standing far away from them his eyes focused on the red haired. He had his hands crossed over his chest, his back resting on the cold wall and he was just looking at him.

    "Don''t even think about it." Allias threatened him but the demon was still frozen. Mark smiled.

    He didn''t know what to say. Now that he was seeing him again he felt so confused and the guilt of what he had done was terrorizing his heart. It was as if an invinsible hand had been wrapped about the sensitive muscle. It squeezed and squeezed tighter and tighter the more he thought about it.

    "What is up with this zoo?" Theseus asked more concerned about the fact that Mark was surrounded by demonic spirits. A flaming lion on his right, a puma of shadows on his left and a crow on his shoulder. The moment the general called them a zoo the crow flattered his wings aggressively.

    "It''s not a zoo." Mark told him. "They''re my familiars. This is Ignis, Kage and Arpaia." He said pointing at them one by one and Allias raised an eyebrow.

    "Familiars?" he asked and tilted his head to the side.

    "Yes, yes. I was and as it seems I still am an exorcist." He told them and Theseus nodded.

    "I guess no one will remain human in this story."

    "I am still human though." The red haired boy said with a chuckle.

    "A human that can die." Asmodeus talked for the first time. Mark looked at him and nodded his head, his eyes sad as he stared at his first love. He couldn''t describe how much he had loved Asmodeus, how saved he felt when he was on his side. He had saved him, protected him and he on his attempt to do the same he had banned him in hell, condemning him in three hundred years of solitude. That was the only thing he said and then he turned silent again. Allias and the spirits suddenly became alarmed by his words and Ignis let out a rawr, barring his teeth at him.  The demon scoffed as he watched the lion, a grin on his face.

    "You know I gifted you to him." He told Ignis. He belonged to Asmodeus first, but now he was with Mark. He also knew the truth about what had happened. He was barring his teeth at him wanting to show him he would always stay by his master''s side. That was his job. He had to protect him.

    "Mark come on, we are leaving." Allias said and took his hand in his. "There is no way you are staying in this room with him longer."  He tried to usher Mark to move but the young man remained rooted at the ground. He looked at his best friend and took a deep breath, trying to find the right way to tell him that he needed to be alone with Asmodeus.

    "I need to talk to him." He said and Allias stared at him as if he was completely insane.

    "What are you talking about?"

    "I have a few things I need to talk about with him, don''t worry I will be fine."

    "How can you tell me not to worry?" Allias asked raising his tone when he felt Theseus touch his shoulder.

    "Let''s just go Allias, he is old enough to decide for himself. Don''t pressure him."

    "Theseus what are you talking about you want to leave him here with a murderer? Listen to me Mark does not know how demons¡­"

    "Alright then" Theseus said and grabbed him, wrapping his arms around his waist and teleported away leaving only black smoke to where he was standing.

    Asmodeus had remained silent, all this time, even when he heard Allias call him a murderer he didn''t flinch. Mark thought that he looked like a ghost, no emotion in his eyes as he began walking and sat on the bed. He crossed his legs and breathed in heavily. His characteristics slowly changed, the horns growing, the eyes turning a pitch black color. His fangs getting longer and his nails turning deadly. Mark took a deep breath as he tried to calm himself. He looked at the familiars and signaled them to leave. He had to actually tell them a few times before they decided to retrieve.

    "I see you kept being a great exorcist. You have three familiars now. You must be strong. Did you get a promotion after you exorcised one of the kings of hell? Tell me,  I am very interested." He said and stared at Mark. Obviously his tone was dripping with irony but Mark didn''t mind. He could understand. It was easy to imagine what Asmodeus thought about him.

    "I, Well things were not go exactly like that." Mark said with a small smile. He had to find a way to tell him how things truly happened. But at the same time he felt like he didn''t deserve to be saved. It hurt, seeing him look at him with that expressionless face, like he was a complete stranger while together they had spent his happiest days.

    "I don''t really care anyways. So tell me little human, did I win our bet?" he asked him and Mark felt his eyes water. That ache in his chest was growing bigger and bigger. The red haired boy smiled as he tried to restrain the salty tears from escaping but it was pointless. As he cried with that smile he gifted Asmodeus a horrid image of despair.

    "I guess you won. I hurt you, didn''t I? I am sorry Asmodeus." He said. Maybe he deserved to be unhappy, for everything he did to him.

    ....

    Hello! How do you like the story so far? Please let me know in the comments! I hope you like it. Also please vote! I would like to thank all of you for the love and support you''ve shown my book, it means so much to me and I hope that I get to give off the messages I want with my writing. I would love for this book to be a means of comfort and enjoyement for you.

    Be brave, appreciate your friends, love like there is no tomorrow and believe in yourself.

 Chapter 271 - 271

    Allias found himself in his room back in the elf palace. He was surrounded by his stuff, his furniture and he could see his bed. It was a familiar place, a room he had spent a lot of time with the love of his life. Wrapped in the silky sheets, embraced by the strong general. It was a space he felt comfortable. In peace. Like no one could touch him or bother him. He was in a similar moment right now. In his safe space with Theseus'' arms around him. There was only a very tiny difference. Just a small detail.

    He was kicking and groaning trying very hard to release himself from Theseus'' arms. He had him in a headlock while the king was screaming to be set free. In a moment of desperation he dived his teeth in his arm. The white haired general hissed as he felt Allias'' jaw close around his arm with incredible power and let go of him with force, the handsome elf stumbled forward landing on the cold floor face first.

    "What are you? A hippo?" Theseus asked as he examined the bite mark Allias had left on his body. The man turned around as he rubbed his hurt nose and looked at him with a frown. His eyebrows were forrowed and his eyes were close to shooting fire. He was furious with him. The elf smiled awkwardly as he took a defensive step back. "Let''s talk about it. I did it for your own good my love"

    Allias got up, his hands forming dangerous fists as he smiled. His eyes were wide, angered by what his lover had done without his permission. He was so angry with him at the moment that he couldn''t think straight. The king could just teleport back for he room but his need to beat up Theseus turned his mind hazy.

    "Your love? Your love? Your love?" Allias shouted and Theseus retreated, getting on top of the bed just to get away. "Are you insane? You took us away while Mark, my best friend. My human, mortal friend with a Murderer. But not the simple version. The premium one, a murderer with divine powers a demon, an immortal, one of the kings of hell! And you''re telling me this is for my own good? I''m worried sick Theseus." He said and sighed. The general stood up. He approached his lover and tried to hug him, without head locking him this time but Allias didn''t let him. He got away, standing at the other side of the room.

    "He is old enough. You''re not his mother Allias. He has things he want to do too. You can shield him and bring him everywhere like your pet." Theseus told him and the elf king gasped dramatically.

    "How dare you? I have been doing everything. Everything in my power to keep him safe and you...."

    "No!" Theseus said raising his tone. "You''ve done everything to keep him here Allias! To keep him with you. Mark has to decide for himself what he wants to do. You love him and he loves you too but you won''t find your lost humanity in him. Alex is gone. There is nothing you can do about it. If he wants to stay here he can but you can''t shield him for everything hoping that by doing it he won''t leave." He said.

    Hearing that Allias turned around. He didn''t like the sound of Theseus'' words. He made him sound as if he was selfish, as if he didn''t care about Mark''s feelings or his needs. It wasn''t that though, at least it wasn''t like that.

    "I''m scared." Allias said, without looking at his lover. "I am scared that if anything happens to him I will feel this excruciating guilt again. I know it sounds selfish. I know. I am scared that he will leave and then there would be nothing left of my old life. I am scared that he will die and I will lose my best friend. I am scared that I will lose the only person who I had when I was human." The elf king said. "I want him to be happy. I want the best for him....I just..."

    "It sounds like we are talking about our son."Theseus joked trying to lighten the mood. Allias finally decided to look at him and rolled his eyes at his silly joke.

    "Ea, Ares, Mark....it is like we are taking care of a bunch of children." He agreed in the end with a subtle smile.

    "I am. You are a child too. Immature and a crybaby." Theseus teased him

    "No I am not!" The elf king retaliated and his cheek slowly turned pink. "Sorry for screaming at you earlier. You were right." He mumbled still not fully accepting his defeat. Theseus laughed and nodded, there was no way he could ever be mad at him over something like this. Allias was too beautiful even when he screamed filled with anger his beauty was a sight someone would remember their whole lives. That shine in his eyes, the silky look of his brunette locks. The flexing of his muclses as he shook his arms, expressing his displease. Theseus had stared at this man so many times. In the mornings, during the night, under the cold rain or the scorching sun. When he laughed or when he cried Allias was always perfect.

    "It''s okay." Theseus said while he walked slwlwy to where the elf king stood. He wrapped his arm around his lean waist and pushed him on him, their bodies touching. He kissed his nose he got, making him chuckle. "Angry Allias is hot Allias." He whispered in his ear, biting his lobe. Allias closed his eyes, his palms resting on Theseus'' chest as he took a deep breath. How long had it been since they were alone like this? He wondered and kissed him. His lips were sweet, his kiss filled with need.

    "When would you tell us that you returned home? We had been looking for you anywhere!" Ares shouted as he busted their door open. Allias surprised flinched and pushed his lover away, his eyes landing on the young elf.

    "Is this how having children is like?" Theseus mumbled dissatisfied.

 Chapter 272 - 272

    "I guess you won. I hurt you, didn''t I? I am sorry Asmodeus." He said. Maybe he deserved to be unhappy, for everything he did to him.

    The demon froze like a blazing storm surrounded him. His bones were stuck, he couldn''t move and his skin felt as cold as snow. Mark''s words were not the ones he expected, he realized as he sat on the bed. His eyes focused on the red head''s face. He was crying, silently tears slipped from the corners of his kind eyes and Asmodeus'' heart felt for the first time in three hundred years how heartbreak was like all over again.

    "Are you serious?" Asmodeus asked him as he stood up. "You mean that you really did exorcise me because you were told to." He said. He took a few steps towards him, his body stiff, his face unwavering as he looked down on the shorter young man.

    Mark could explain. He could just tell him everything now but it was as if his heart wasn''t letting him. This guilt that had been awakened in him, that aching torture he couldn''t simply forget it. He couldn''t let it go and just pretend everything would be alright. It wasn''t fair. The three hundred years Asmodeus spent restrained in hell, a place he hated because Mark had forced him to were nothing compared to his death. He was just a meaningless human.

    "Yes. I was told to do it so I did. I lost your bet Asmodeus so, will you kill me now?" The red haired asked before he took a step back, finding himself trapped between the cold wall and the demon king. Asmodeus examined his face, he was looking at him as if he was some kind of rare soeciment. Thinking. "Will you kill me or not!" Mark said raising his tone.

    "Why are you crying?" The demon asked him.

    "I am scared to die. That''s all. " Mark lied and wiped his tears in a hurry, dumping the edges of his sleeves. He was trying to avoid the handsome demon, he would look between his eyes and not right into them, scared that if he met the combination of yellow and black every memory he had with him would forcefully push through his defenses. He could be a coward now. He couldn''t ask for forgiveness. He couldn''t ask for the love he so desperately craved. It was impossible. He deserved to be punished.

    "You''re lying." Asmodeus mumbled. "You''re lying." His gaze was lost, disappointed as he phrased those words. He shook his head, trying to think but he simply stood there, confused.

    "Don''t tell me you wanted me to remember so I would tell you there was some kind of conspiracy behind all of these? That''s what you waited for three hundred years to hear? That I was actually good? That I loved you?" Mark asked him surprised by his own train of thought. Could it be true? Could he be right about the demon''s plan? Asmodeus never intended to kill him, he was intending to get him back, he had believed in him, even imprisoned and restrained he had waited. Tears swelled up in Mark''s eyes again. These past few months he had cried many times. Probably more than in his whole life but now, this was the time that it hurt the most. The teardrops felt like acid on his skin, Asmodeus face was a depiction of his greater sin. Forcing his loved one to damnation. Was it possible for him to be with the demon after that? He couldn''t forgive himself no matter how hard he had tried. Asmodeus did not answer him. He felt exposed, his darkest secret reveal. "How much did you love me to keep believing in me after three hundred years? Are you a fool?" He asked him and the demon gifted him with a bitter smile, filled with disappointment.

    "I...I didn''t know what love was, until I met you so you tell me, how much could you love someone when they become your world?" Asmodeus told him and Mark felt his breath get stuck in his throat. His heart was racing, his palms sweating from the anxiety. He missed him, he hurt, he loved him. Oh, how he loved him, standing so close to him and not being able to caresse his face, to kiss his soft lips was more than torture. Divine punishment the denial of his love, an utter nightmare the fact that he couldn''t lay on him and listen to his heartbeat as he fell asleep. He couldn''t. He simply couldn''t.

    "You must be really disappointed." Mark said. "All you did was in vain. You can kill me now. You can punish me for everything I did. Do it!" The red haired man provoked him and Asmodeus'' slammed him on the wall, his fingers wrapping around his neck.

    "How could you do it? After everything I did for you? After all the love I gave you....How?!" He told him, tightening his string grip. Mark could feel it. The stinging on his lungs as the air in them slowly disappeared. He could feel getting lightheaded and he struggled, coughing loudly as his life was literally escaping from his half opened lips. He tasted his salty tears as they trailed a path towards his mouth. They were bitter, somehow they tasted bad, disgusting.

    Asmodeus looked at him. The sound his dry throat made, the way he scratched his arm, the way his tears slid from his eyes. He wasn''t smiling anymore. He never did. He was hurt. Asmodeus had hoped. He had helplessly hoped that one day he would hear his voice again, he would let him explain, he would find out about some hidden truth he had probably missed out but none of these happened. The strong had remained the same and that angered him. His stupidity seemed humiliating to him and as he tightened his grip the more his own chest hurt. He was going to kill Mark, like he had said.

    The human exorcist would disappear from his sight again. He would see his auburn hair again nor would he be worshipped by his loving gaze. He wouldn''t woke up by the sound of his laughter and the taste of his body, his shriveling under his touch would stop. His face would fade from his memory, it would take time. A century maybe two but in the end Mark would be just a bad memeory.

    No. It was impossible. Asmodeus knew that. It was impossible for him to forget Mark. It was impossible to stay away from him. It was impossible for him to kill him.

    He let go of his grip and the boy gasped hungrily asking for air. Asmodeus'' head fell and landed on Mark''s shoulder.

    "I can''t do it. I just can''t." Asmodeus mumbled and Mark felt his shirt get wet.

    "You''re crying?" The red haired human asked in shock. He had never seen him cry.

 Chapter 273 - 273

    The dinner had ended successfully even though half of the members had left halfway through. After they ate they allowed the people with the memory capturers to take a few more magical pictures and then each one of them made a very fake statement about how they hope the White Fangs pack and the Council will always be in alliance. Achlys said to do it this way. To show support to the wolf pack even though she clearly knew they were close to the elves.

    That''s what the god thought and smirked. He stared at the night sky, the moon full right above his head, the stars lost. He was on the balcony of his guest room. They would be leaving in a while and he was sitting on a plastic chair that seemed to be forgotten there, writing something in a piece of paper with bright red ink. He chuckled as he wrote along the lines when he heard footsteps. His companion had joined him outside. He didn''t say anything at first. He just headed towards the railing, resting his arms and looked at the endless forest before his cold but beautiful eyes focused on him.

    "What are you writing?" Suijin asked him,having heard his chuckle. Dionysus remained quiet for a while before he crumbled the piece of paper in his arm. He blew on it and the paper turned into million specs of sparkling golden dust. The specs did not fall to the ground though, they disappeared, meaning that the god of celebrations had just sent a magical letter.

    "A poem" the god joked but there was no happiness in his eyes. The strict water god obviously didn''t believe him. He stared at him making the bright god shiver as he felt vulnerable underneath his stare.

    "We both know you wouldn''t be sending a poem to Olympus"

    "Why is that? I do think my artistry is quite interesting." The man said and the Japanese god sighed. He didn''t seem to be pleased with him as Dionysus blatantly lied to his face.

    "Tell me." The god commanded and Dionysus stood up. His eyes shone for a second and he smiled brightly with his perfect set of teeth. He approached the god, and grabbed his arm, his traditional outfit felt soft under his touch. He brought him forward making him land on his chest. Suijin gasped and stared at him angrily before he tried to push him with his palms away.

    "Let''s stay like this and I''ll tell you" Dionysus said and rested his face on the God''s shoulder. The water god relaxed. Not resisting any more, his curiosity stronger than his want to keep a straight face.

    "Tell me then."

    "I am worried Achlys will do something. I don''t really mind some action but think the uproar in the Olympus once they find out that a demon bitch is trying to rule and ruin the magical balance. Greek gods my beloved Suijin are too driven by emotion... I do not wish to see them get angry." Dionysus said and the water god nodded.

    "I think I understand. Seeing you." He said and the man chuckled. Yes, that kind of power and destructive force was trulky remarkable. All gods were powerful, they could move the planets or split the earth in the middle. Because of their immense power most of them had been restrained to their countries and their respected heavens. If word got out about Achlys'' stupidity all the pantheons all over the world would rise and because Greek gods were not levelheaded they would end up causing a divine war.

    "We need to do something about her. I do believe once the elves return she will be inviting them to the demonic capital. She will find some kind of excuse so Allias won''t be able to resist. He is the most powerful threat close to her at the moment. She wants him dead. Once he gets there she will find a way to keep him at the demonic capital and then she will blame him for Hara''s death. We can allow her to kill the elf king. Everything will crumble. She wants to rule all the portals to the human world. She needs him out to have access to his kingdom and to humanity."

    "What about the portal at the demonic Capital?" Suijin asked. No one needed so many portals. Even if you had the ownership of one it was enough. You yielded already too much power.

    "Not many people know it but that portal has been sealed. We couldn''t let demon''s have free access to the world. That''s why Achlys used the one I''m the elf kingdom. Theseus was too preoccupied with holding the kingdom together to bother with the activity of the portal and that was how she stole all those children. We can''t let her kill Allias for do many reason Suijin. We need to follow them to the demonic capital." Dionysus said with a long sigh and Suijin patted his back. He seemed to be really concerned about this matted. The god nodded and gifted the man with a subtle smile.

    "I will support you." He said and gently kissed his cheek making Dionysus smile brightly. He hugged him, finding the chance now to be intimate with him since he seemed to be more lenient.

    "Thank you."

    "Who did you message though? I hope not Zeus. This man is a true nuisance. Such power given to the wrong person." He told him and Dionysus nodded agreeing before he laughed with Suijin''s expression. He looked disgusted even saying his name.

    "I actually contacted Theseus'' godparents. Apollo and Artemis and my personal power couple of the underworld. Persephone and Hades. I would love to see those women stand against Achlys." He said and Suijin shook his head.

    "For a second I thought you were genuinely worried but all I see now is you wanting to be entertained. Let me go. Enough touching for today." He told him strictly and pushed him away. Dionysus pouted.

    "Why can''t I be entertained and worried. I mean....it''s important to vent off the stress my dear." He said winking at him. "Aren''t you curious too? To see what would actually happen? I do think this next adventure would be quite dramatic." He said with a devilish smile.

    "I do agree to that." Suijin mumbled.

    ....

    Hello, hello! My two favourite gods and a new addition for the new arc that''s about to come. I hope you are all prepared to be blown away. Possibly one of the saddest most chaotic and bloody arcs is approaching so beware! It''s hell we are talking about after all.

    Thank you for reading! If you liked this chapter please vote and comment. It''s freeeee.

 Chapter 274 - 274

    "So what did Allias say?" The small elf asked as he noticed Ares enter the meeting room. They had returned at the palace after searching for those two unaware of what was actually going on. Ea was actually kind of distressed for a while since everything seemed to be going out of plan. If they could actually talk about having a plan at this moment.

    Ares grabbed a chair and sat messily, raising his legs and placing in them on too of the wooden table. The dirty boots left a few pieces of mud and rocks on the polished surface and Ea frowned disgusted as he noticed the mess. He didn''t say anything though as he waited for Ares to answer him.

    "He said that we are done for now with the wolves. He left Mark talk with that man and he will probably go back and get him when he needs him. I guess we can rest at home for a while." He said. Ea after got his answer, satisfied with at least having an idea of what was going on stood up, leaving the chair he was sitting on far away from Ares and walked towards him. He slapped his boots away, Ares'' boots landed loudly on the floor and the raven haired elf sighed, annoyed.

    "Why did you do that?" Ares asked him

    "I don''t know. Maybe because you brought mud all over the table?" Ea told him ironically.

    "Ever since I have returned. Ever since we started this journey you have been so mean to me. I believed that we were making some progress but I have literally a huge ass bruise from you elbowing me all the time." Ares complained and he stood up. He swiped the dirt off the table and threw it to the ground. Ea still was looking at the dirt and not him. "Are you listening to me?" He asked, raising his tone.

    "I am. I am but Ares do you know I will be cleaning up this later? I have so many things to do. I won''t be resting at home. I can''t have you put more on my back like this." He told him.

    "Are you serious? It''s just some dust. Call a maid or something. I am talking to you about something way more important here. You are treating me like shit. Do you understand that?" Ares asked him, his eyes showing how dissatisfied he was. There was a huge wrinkle forming between his eyebrows ad he furrowed them, while with his right hand he was gripping at the edge of the table.

    "It''s not just some dust. It''s the fact that you are not considerate. Ever since Allias returned it has been me pulling all nighters, dealing with the work, doing everything. I feel like I am going to crumble at any minute and the last thing I want is fucking dirt where I sit and do my work you freaking asshole. Not everyone has the luck of being royalty. Coming and going as they please. Rest at home. Rest at home. Home is just another workplace for me! Instead of wondering about how I treat you why can''t you wonder why I don''t sleep at night? Why I need to have everything organized. You''re reckless, you''re impulsive and you think before you act and you know what''s the problem with that? I have to clean up the mess. Like the dirt you brought in with your shoes Ares. It''s never just some stupid dirt." Ea told him, literally exploding right in front of his eyes. His face had turned red, a vein seemed almost ready to pop at the side of his forehead and his usually expressionless eyes were a living storm. If he could slap Ares right now he would and in general he was against violence.

    "Ea I...wait. Let''s talk about this. Don''t go." Ares told him when he noticed that the petite elf was intending to leave. He grabbed his left arm, his crimson eyes actually pleading him to stay. Ares did not want another fight, even though he was the one who started it. He wanted them to talk. That was the only thing he needed. They never talked, they always waited until things went too far and exploded. They didn''t know what was bothering the other, they had no idea of their troubles of their fears.

    "What are we going to talk about? How I am too serious? How I am too strict and not fun? You''ve told me that quite a few times but believe me I do not have the time to be fun. I am not you Ares. You literally have zero responsibilities. You spent your whole life running from them so tell me what should we be talking about?" Ea sked him. "About how you always joke at the worst times? About how you never ask how I am doing? I am trying so hard to manage everything. Believe me I do not want to be cold to you. I don''t want you to think that I am treating you badly because I do not love you but I have to take care of everything. I am simply tired." He told him and slumped in the chair, breaking their body contact. He rubbed his face frustrated and took a deep breath as he tried to calm down. He had raised his voice and was talking fast, getting off his head and heart everything that had been bothering him. He shouldn''t act like this, he was aware of it but he was so fed up with everything. He felt like a balloon, overblown and Ares was simply a needle getting closer and closer. "I''m sorry." He mumbled. "I shouldn''t have talked like this. I''m sorry." He repeated and he felt Ares'' palm caressing his back. It was slow and gentle and Ea closed his eyes.

    "It''s fine. That was a little more aggressive than I had hoped but it''s fine. I think this is the first time I''ve heard you talk this much." He joked and the elf sitting smiled.

    "I am not good with words. That''s why."

    "You seemed to be pretty skilled right now."

    "I was the one who wrote the book about Allias and Theseus." Ea revealed suddenly and the elf looked at him confused for a second before he remembered about what that book was. His eyes slightly opened and he looked at his husband.

    "Why?"

    "I don''t know. I guess I wanted the people to know their story. To give them hope. I would write it every night before I went to sleep. It took me thirty years to write. It was so tiring to remember things that happened hundreds of years ago." He said as Ares grabbed a chair and sat next to him. He took his hand in his, entwining their fingers.

    "Ea, I think you need to stop being such a perfectionist. You need to take some time for yourself and probably spent it with me" he told him with a grin and Ea rolled his eyes. "I am sorry. I haven''t been there for you but please talk to me more, sometimes I can be really dense. I don''t mean to though." He told him and his cheeks turned a slight shade of pink. "I will work too, let''s work together. I will help you."

    "Thank you." Ea mumbled kind of embarrassed. He had expected Ares to get mad at him for blowing up like this. He had literally screamed in his face about everything but he had acted so mature and supportive. He almost couldn''t believe it. He squeezed his hand as he smiled. "I think I will talk to Allias about relaxing a bit. And maybe after everything is over we can do something together." He said and Ares nodded eagerly.

    "Yes! What do you want to do?" He asked him. His eyes were sparkling. A bright smile on his face as he talked excited. He would love to spend some time with Ea just the two of them. They were together for so long but he felt like they had been apart longer.

    "We could maybe go to the human world. Travel and see stuff. I know you liked it." Ea proposed. Ares jumped up and rushed forward hugging him tightly. Then he moved back and cupped strongly Ea''s face, squeezing his cheeks and turning him into a small fish. He began pecking cutely all of his face, from his nose to his cheeks and his eyes before he crushed their lips in a deep kiss.

    "You are the best." Ares said.

    "We both know that I am not. I am sorry for hitting you so much."

    "For a second I thought we should get a divorce. I was so concerned." Ares said dramatically and placed his palm on top of his heart. Ea stared at him, blinking confused.

    "Are you serious?" He asked him feeling slightly threatened and Ares burst out laughing.

    "I am joking. Joking." He said and kissed him again, making the inexperienced elf blush from the passion Ares'' kisses hid. He always felt weak after, his whole body turning hot. "I can''t wait to leave with you. It''s going to be perfect." He said.

    He sadly didn''t know about the sad page in their future. The one fate had painted with dark ink.

 Chapter 275 - 275

    A demon was crying. The creature that had caused so much chaos,a naturally born killer, the embodiment of darkness and evil was shedding tears because of heartbreak. The world was really a peculiar place. So much so that a small red haired human had managed, with just one look, with just a few words to make a demon''s world crumble.

    Mark was that human, the one with that unbelievable effect. He was the one that made Asmodeus cry. He could feel it in his shirt as the fabric slowly got wet. He could see the slight shaking of his body as he cried, the low sniffles and the way he gripped his clothes, like he was desperately trying to hold on to something that sooner or later would disappear.

    The red head had to leave, he couldn''t stay with him. He couldn''t simply accept forgiveness and forget. Move on and be happy. Who would pay then? Who would be at fault for those three hundred excruciating years the demon king had went through. Seeing him like this though, weakened him. It made him lose his composure and darkened his thoughts. It made him greedy, hopeful and his eyes, as he stared the top of his raven head were curious as to how he looked like, how his eyes shone from the tears. He was selfish but still he raised Asmodeus'' head, stared right into his pained face.

    His tears weren''t like those of a humans, he realized as his caramel colored eyes traced the bloody lines. Yes, bloody. His tears were bright red, thick like the blood of his enemies it dripped everywhere, staining his face, his clothes, the floor and Mark''s heart. Those tears were red and sorrowful like petals of soft roses being swept by the merciless wind.

    "You''ve changed me." Asmodeus said. "Mark tell me. Please. Tell me the truth." He begged him one more time. "I can''t believe that you would do something like this. I simply can''t."

    "There is no hidden truth. There is just what happened. I sinned. I sent the man I loved to hell. I imprisoned him and for that I am ready to get punished." The red haired man said, believing that denying the truth was some kind of noble act of redemption. It was nothing like that though. It was simply his own selfish thoughts, his own need to get rid of his guilt.

    "Where is Ignis?" Asmodeus asked. He knew Mark was lying, somehow he could see it in his eyes. His words did not come out natural and he always tried to avoid his depressed stare. "He will tell me the truth. Ignis come out!" He shouted and Mark''s eyes widened.

    "No!" He screamed and pushed the demon back, trying to stop him from calling out for the demonic spirit. "No. He won''t tell you anything" he told him and escaped from the place he was cornered. Now he stood in the middle of the room, a lump forming on his throat as he tried to find a way to run away.

    "Mark, I am starting to get angry. Tell me the fucking true. I know you''re lying! I can feel it"" Asmodeus said. He was rasing his tone, his bloody face darkened as anger finally seemed to possess his body. Mark would not budge even though he got to witness his pure anger, even though now the demon was slowly getting out of control he had decided that he would not back down. He would never tell him what happened. Foolishly so he believed he could keep it a secret and that this was the right way.

    "There is nothing for me to say!" Mark screamed in his face. "Get it through your thick head! I just did it." He kept screaming and pushing Asmodeus. Once he was done talking he headed towards the door believing that it was time for him to get out. The demon king though had other plans. He grabbed him from the back of his shirt and yanked him into the floor.

    Mark gasped as his back hit the wall and he tried to get up only for the demon to grab a hold of his collar and raise him in the air. He looked at him straight into his eyes, his eyebrows furrowed, his face looking like he had just committed murder. Soon as it seemed it would be so.

    "Why do you have to do this to me? Why? Tell me! Do you enjoy this? Seeing me lose myself in the anger I fought so hard not to succumb to?" Asmodeus asked. He was right. Asmodeus had tried so hard not to lose himself by his demonic side. Every day while he was with him was a struggle, every moment a fight for him to choose Mark''s right rather his instincts. He had come so far just it lose everything after one gaze, after one fateful meeting, after a sudden return.

    "Yes. I do. How does it feel to have a human play with your feelings?" He provoked him and Asmodeus'' eyes widened. You took it too far, his subconscious screamed at him when he felt the demon punch him. Asmodeus'' eyes were completely dark by now. An endless black like the homeland of all nightmares. His stare was blank and his half opened lips showed the edges of his fangs. His chest was rising fast as he took deep breaths. He smirked, completely lost and smacked him against the wall. The left side of Mark''s face had turned numb. That hard was Asmodeus'' punch and for a whole minute he felt dizzy.

    "You might have played with my feelings but I will fucking play with your actual heart." Asmodeus said and threw him on the floor.

    "Asmodeus." Mark called out as the demon sat on top of him. He worked his fingers around his neck, this time actually intending to kill him. Mark shivered, suddenly realizing that he was trulky going to die and his heart began to race. He was terrified. How could he think he would be fine with this? "Asmodeus. Listen to me. Hey. You''re losing it." Mark groaned as he felt his breath being cut short once again. The demon was smirking finally feeling like he had the upper hand in all of this. He was not going to stop like he did before. He would keep pressuring and pressuring until Mark was dead. "Asmodeus please." Mark cried. He was wrong. He had been so wrong. He repeated in his head. Please, please he begged with his eyes but it felt as if he was talking to a machine and not a thinking being. Someone who had simply been ordered to kill. Kill him.

    Asmodeus could not see clearly, he could not hear either all he knew was that if this creature died he would be in control again. In control of himself. If Mark disappeared he would finally be set free from this heart ache. He had betrayed him, he had turned into a traitor he deserved this. That was what his mind kept telling him. How could he treat like this one of the kings of hell? This imbecile.

    What about his heart though? The heart that even now was sobbing, begging for him to stop. An endless clash was happening inside his body. Always ongoing and for a second the demon seemed perplexed. He could hear the sound of his heart, his laughter, the loudness of his angry comments. He could see it clearly now, the love he nurtured for him. The love that had been stronger than his pride, his title, his demonic side. The love that had showed him another right, another meaning to the color red.

    He released his grip slowly, his vision still blurry as he tried to calm down. He looked at the young man on the floor, his eyes focusing on his face, his opened eyes.

    "Mark?" He called him. "Mark?" He called out again but got no answer. His eyes widened as he realized that the red head wasn''t breathing. "Mark! No, no wake up, please." He screamed and held him in his arms as he shook him up hoping that this way he would wake up. Nothing happened though. Mark''s heart wasn''t beating.

    Asmodeus had killed him. Like he had said he would. This would be the beginning of a very bitter end. Of a revolution in the fiery pits of hell as a whole new day rose. A brand new story began and in the middle stood the demons and the demonic capital. Red had suddenly lost its pure meaning and the world seemed a lot more cruel.

    ...

    Hellooo. I am taking bets in what''s about to happen. What do you think? I will give the person who is right a cookie.

    Also sorry if I made you sad. Keep reading though, who knows, maybe I am not such a bad person. Thank you for reading!

 Chapter 276 - 276

    Asmodeus stood there frozen, looking at Mark''s lifeless body. No matter how many times he screamed his name, no matter how many times she shook him up nothing happened. He had remained like this, with an expression of pure anguish on his face and tears in the corners of his eyes. He had done it, he had really killed him.

    The small was too small to contain his anguish and the world was too big for him to find a shelter for his scarred soul easily. He looked around confused. He couldn''t realize it, he couldn''t process what he had done. Even though bloody tears were landing on Mark''s body, even though his heart was aching as if it was about to spot Asmodeus could not believe that he had just killed him.

    He had been waiting for three hundred years to be freed just to do this? Just to kill the man he loved? No, no, it was impossible. He would never do something like that.

    "Hey, Mark. Wake up" he mumbled, shaking him once more only to hear the endless silence. He sat on the floor and hugged his body. "No, I would never do something like that." He cried and looked at Mark. He caressed his cheek, removing a few strands of hair from his face. He had always been so pretty. Especially when he smiled. Now there would no longer be a smile. Nothing. He was just ana empty shell. "Ignis! Get out here now!" Asmodeus screamed in the air and soon the three familiars appeared. Their eyes immediately landed on their master, his lifeless body.

    "Not again! We don''t have much time." Arpaia said. "We will disappear soon."

    "You killed him?" Ignis asked. "You killed him!" He screamed in his face but Asmodeus was not looking at him, nor did he care about his outburst. He only cared of finding a way to fix this. He couldn''t bring a human back to life. It would be impossible, he was a demon, he was death. "How could you..."

    "Help me." Asmodeus mumbled surprising him. "Please help me. How do I fix this? How do I fix him?" He asked with tears in his eyes.

    "We don''t have much time. Since Mark is dead we will disappear too." Kage told him.

    "You can''t fix death Asmodeus." Ignis told him.

    "No, there must be a way. I..."

    "You know. All he did was try to protect you. The exorcist threatened him that if he didn''t lock you away they would crush your soul. He had no other option. He simply wished for you to live. We even went in hell to free you! He was being tortured down there for two years trying to find you! All that just for him to get murdered before he could get to you! Is this how you repay him?" Ignis asked him. He knew none of this. Mark had been murdered? By whom? Who would dare to kill his lover. Mark was strong he wouldn''t die that easily from a low ranked demon.

    "The time is ending." Arpaia said.

    "Ignis! Wait! What am I supposed to do?" He asked the demonic spirit. He looked at him filled with hate. Their bodies slowly began to disappear, turning into dust. From their feet to their head one by one returned to their small mental prison now that Mark was gone.

    "You can''t fix death." Ignis told him one last time and left him alone. Again he was alone with Mark''s corpse in his arms unable to do anything. He looked at him, the sight of his pale face, the coldness of his body were torturing. All the signs of death, all the signs of his lover being gone were there. Now there was only a body left. Only bones and flesh until they rotted away too. Becoming one with the earth.

    "I am sorry Mark. I am so sorry." He cried. So this was what true anguish felt like, Asmodeus felt it for the first time. He had known pure anger, he had known disappointment and love. All because of Mark, all because of their memories together but this anguish, this pain was something he never wished to experience. He wished to forget this pain, erase this new found feeling in his heart. He had never feared death, he had never woken up thinking that one day he would die but now, as he felt this pain like a hand clenching mercilessly his heart he believed it was possible. He believed he could die right there in front of Mark, right next to his body. Even if he chose to take his own life though they would not be together. How could he be in the same place as him? The universe was mocking him. With every thought he made he was reminded that there was nothing to be done. No way for them to be together. Because they were so different.

    "How do I bring you back?" He mumbled, his tear still flowing. Fiery red rivers. He couldn''t stop them nor did he care to do so. All he needed right now was a solution, an answer, someone to tell him what he didn''t know.

    He stood up and took Mark in his arms. He tried to avoid looking at his face, he couldn''t bare to. He headed towards the balcony where he spread his wide dark wings, feeling the breeze caress them. He pushed his feet and then found himself in the air, flying between the clouds. He had shown Mark the sky, the clouds, he had heard him laugh but now there was only silence as he headed to his destination. There was nothing else he could do. He couldn''t do this on his own.

    Thankfully his journey didn''t take long. He landed on the soft grass right in front of the entrance of the majestic palace, holding Mark tightly, scared that someone would take him away from him.

    "Allias! Allias!"he started screaming and soon people began gathering. Taken aback by his enormous feathers, his peculiar appereance and the fact that he held the body of the king''s friend made everyone stay back.

    Soon Allias appeared, running outside with his green eyes widened. He looked at Asmodeus then his gaze wandered to Mark''s body. His lips parted, his hands formed fists and his stare could simply terrify anyone that received it.

    "What did you do?" Allias shouted and the earth began to shake.

 Chapter 277 - 277

    "It''s taking too long. I think he should have returned by now." Allias said as he paced in Theseus'' study. He couldn''t sit down. He couldn''t rest on the comfortable sofa and even when his lover invited him to sit on his lap Allias denied. As much as he loved to be close to him and touch him right now he couldn''t think of anything except the fact that Mark was out there, alone with a demon. He honestly doubted that they were drinking tea.

    "Allias, you need to relax. I am sure things will be fine." Theseus said, trying to calm his nerves. The elf king had been on edge for hours as he waited for his best friend. He didn''t want to eat nor do anything else. He had actually told everyone that he wished to be alone but Theseus has ignored his order. He had taken his hand and brought him in his study. The only place in the palace that had no servants roaming. It was small and comfortable, it gave off the feeling of a small home and not of a cold and faceless palace, with tall walls and enormous rooms.

    "I just, I don''t know." He said and let out a loud sigh. He was walking right in front of the turned off fireplace. Going back and forth his steps already creating a very annoying pattern by now. "I have a bad feeling, in the pit of my stomach. I can''t explain it." He told the general.

    "It could probably be because you''re hungry." Theseus joked with a front smile but the king did not seem to appreciate his humor. "When was the last time you ate?" He asked him. Allias was worried about Mark, Theseus too but his first priority was and will always be the elf king. While he looked at others, ruled the world and helped everyone Theseus would always look at him.

    "I am not the issue here I..." Allias began talking when he heard a faint sound from far away. His elf ears twitched and his eyes widened. Without saying anything he headed towards the door, in a hurry to leave the room but someone opened it before him. It was a maid, a young girl panting with flushed red cheeks.

    "My king!" She called out of breath and Allias'' looked at her. "There is....there is a demon outside. He...he is holding that boy, the human boy, your friend. She said and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "What...how is he?" He asked her, he didn''t know if he should worry or not. He was still hoping.

    "My king, I think he is dead." The girl said with a sorrowful expression.

    The next second the girl had been pushed to the side, stumbling as the king ran off. Theseus followed him shortly calling out his name but he couldn''t stop him. He passed by the servants who were looking at him confused and faced the entrance of his home, his sacred palace. He pushed the double doors open to face the blinding sun, his eyes shining under the hot beams. He stepped outside in a hurry, framed by the all mighty sun he looked at the demon. His face was bloody from his tears. He was holding Mark in his arms, his lifeless body. Asmodeus had killed him.

    "What did you do?" Allias screamed.

    The next thing Asmodeus saw was the sun landing on earth. The ground he was stepping on was shaking, a mighty earthquake making it difficult for him to stand on his feet. He could see anything. Just a bright light coming towards him. Soon he was on the ground, Mark''s body away from him, still on the green grass.

    He felt Allias choke him but he couldn''t see him. All he could recognize as the elf king was a bright light, that hot light that surrounded him that burned his skin. Asmodeus hissed, not wanting to do anything to hurt Mark''s friend he stood there, unmoving as she noticed the light being toned down. Allias was still bathed by a golden light though, his eyes shining like gems while his whole face simply screamed of anguish and pain. He was pinned down burns all over his body while the king''s fingers where around his neck. The same way his were on Mark''s, just a few minutes ago.

    "Allias don''t!" Theseus shouted from far away. "It is forbidden." He wanted him. He knew what Allias was planing to do, he was planning to obliterate Asmodeus, erase him from the face of this earth, erase his existence even though he couldn''t erase his acts.

    Hearing Theseus Allias'' head snapped to the side and he faced the worried general. His eyebrows were furrowed, his expression cold.

    "Shut up! This is your fault too!" He screamed, making Theseus take a step back. Even him, right now was frightened. "And you, you piece of shit. We trusted you. We let you be with him and you...and you....aagh." he shouted he grabbed him by his neck and smacked his head on the ground before he raised the demon. He stared at him like he was looking at the source of all evil. He threw him back, his body landing close to Theseus'' feet and Asmodeus'' struggled to get up, managing to only stand halfway, on his knees.

    Allias walked slowly, his expression showing pure hatred. He wasn''t the elegant king anymore, the child of the sun, the light of the elf nation. He was the warrior that had killed hundreds with just a shed of his tears, he was the fiery monster that with only a look could crush your soul. And oh, how he wished to do it. Crush Asmodeus, make sure he suffers.

    "Help me." Asmodeus said. He knew there was no time. Allias was planning to kill him. "Help me bring Mark back." He said and the king stopped. He tilted his head to the side, a manic smile on his face.

    "How the duck do you fix death!" He screamed at him, repeating Ignis'' words. "He was a human, a defenseless human you shit." Allias had stopped moving now, the demon was standing in front of him,on his knees begging him with his eyes to listen.

    "I am sorry. I promise if you help me bring him back I will disappear. I just want him to live. I beg you. I didn''t mean to, I...I really didn''t..." He mumbled and his face dropped. He heard Allias laugh.

    "Are you mocking me? Do you think a sorry will fix this?" He asked him and pointed in Mark''s body, forgotten on the ground still in the same position as before. "Sorry? Oh, sorry for killing him. Sorry?!" He roared and the ground shook again.

    "Allias, Allias wait. Stop." Theseus called out and took a few steps towards him, he needed to calm him down.

    "I thought I told you to shut up!" The king shouted and with a move of his right arm, his palm shining like an endless source of light Theseus was pushed to the wall of the entrance. Landing on the harsh materials and breaking the building with his body. "I will deal with you later." He said and focused again on Asmodeus. He looked at his palm. The pure power rushing through his veins once more. Just a bit more, just a bit more of anger, just a bit more of pain and he could ruin everything around him. He could ruin this murderer in front of him.

    Through the light a weapon took form. A long and heavy spear, dressed in gems, his grip was strong, his eyes hungry for revenge as he steadily targeted the demon king. He needed to pay.

    "I just want him alive again. That''s all! I swear I will leave after. He will never see me again." He said with his arms in front of his body. He could fight if he wanted to. He could kill him, his full.potential had not been released after all but that would simply be an insult to Mark.

    "And I want you dead! I am sick of people like you!" He screamed at the top of his lungs and raised his arm, sure that he wanted to shoot him down. A hand landed on his fingers though, the ones wrapped around the cold metal and he froze, feeling someone''s breath land on his neck.

    "Stop you''ll regret this." Theseus'' voice landed gently in his ear. "Mark wouldn''t want this." Allias'' eyes watered. The spear landing on the ground.

    "How would you know what he would want. You took me away and I couldn''t save him!" The king cried and punched the general on the chest. Theseus wrapped his arms around him. His jaw tensed, his lips a thin line.

    "I am sorry Allias, I am really sorry about what happened to Mark but listen to me. Maybe, I think, we can fix this." Theseus whispered in his ear.

 Chapter 278 - 278

    "I am sorry Allias, I am really sorry about what happened to Mark but listen to me. Maybe, I think, we can fix this." Theseus whispered in his ear.

    After he had heard these words the elf king crumbled, lost in despair. How would they ever bring a human back from the dead? It was impossible and if there was a way it would simply go against the laws of nature; the balance would be lost. No one knew what could happen to Mark if he did return.  Theseus had helped him up and led him carefully to the meeting room where he invited Asmodeus too.

    After his outbreak it was as if the shinning king had lost his voice, his blank was stare and the only thing he could do was ask Ea with tears in his eyes to bring Mark''s body inside. The whole palace was restless, their king looked like he had been struck by an insufferable illness. There was nothing that could help him. As they sat around the table, the three men Theseus was the only one who looked truly alive.

    "How could you do something like this?" Allias asked Asmodeus once more, this time his voice was low, filled with despair. The demon shook his head, he had no answer to his question, he had no words to explain what had happened, he didn''t know of the feelings that had possessed him at the moment. All he knew was that he made the worst mistake of his life and all he wished to do was find a way to fix it, no matter the cost.

    "I¡­I just want to help bring him back, I will do anything. I swear and afterwards I will disappear. I get it. Mark shouldn''t be around me, not when I am like this."

    "I can''t help but wonder what did he do to you that caused you to kill him? I can''t believe that Mark would ever hurt anyone. He is one of the kindest people I have ever seen." Allias said. His face was pale and his royal act had completely disappeared. Theseus was sitting next to him, he attempted to take a hold of his cold hand, touching his thigh slightly but Allias moved further away, he didn''t even look at him. Theseus had already realized it by what he had told him when he saw Mark, the tone in his voice, the look in his eyes. Allias was blaming him. He was blaming him too for what happened to Mark.

    The white haired general rubbed his temples as he heard Asmodeus explain everything. About who Mark was in his previous life, about the Academy and their escape together. He told them about how he had been exorcised and how he really wasn''t intending to kill him, he had faith in Mark, he trusted him but as he continued to feed him lies he somehow lost it. The instincts he had been suppressing for so long just took over and simply ruined everything. Allias listened to everything, his stare lost somewhere in the room as he tried to fathom the whole situation. Mark was dead, truly dead, the demon in front of him had really killed him, like this king had predicted.

    "I was right." He mumbled. "You really did end up killing him. You are a murderer." He said, a piercing pain paralyzing the demon and Theseus sighed. Suddenly he felt tired, exhausted even as he kept thinking what was about to follow when they were left alone.

    "It''s not like you didn''t rip a man''s head off a few days ago." Theseus muttered and wished he had bit his tongue this instant. Allias stopped moving and his head turned around, almost mechanically as if he was some kind of rusty robot and he stared at him.

    "You fucker¡­" he said between gritted teeth and the feeling of an upcoming fight, the friction and the exhaustion were almost visible in the air. "I don''t want to hear that from you! I don''t want to hear that from any of you! Mark is dead and you¡­"

    "You said there is a way to bring him back. Please, let''s talk about this. I want to help." Asmodeus said. This was the first time anyone had seen him so docile. He did not have that crazy smile on his face anymore and the glow in his eyes was gone. He didn''t care about seeming strong, none of that matter now that his so called power was used to kill the only person he had ever cared about. He was powerful, strong, undefeated and for what? For him to use this power, those hands to just take away the most precious life he had ever encountered.

    "I won''t talk about anything with you!" Allias attacked him. "Did you think that I would want to work with you?"

    "We might need him. I don''t think that it will be easy for us to do this?" he said and Allias stared at him like he was fed up with him even breathing. The general seemed to make the situation worse by the second and Allias was barely able to sit in the same room with the murderer of his best friend. He couldn''t understand how all of them expected him to work with them like nothing happened.

    "Let me do this with you. I just want to know that whatever it is it will succeed and later on I will disappear. I will go back to hell. I have a few things to deal with. I¡­I want to find who killed Mark in his previous life." He announced and Allias scoffed. He wanted to take revenge for what? A death in another life? Very ironic, if you thought that he was the one who killed him now.

    "Promise us you will never see Mark again. Swear it." Theseus said and looked at him with a threatening expression. Allias was sitting back, his arms crossed over his chest as he looked dissatisfied Asmodeus nod eagerly and smile faintly once he realized he could participate. This bastard, he kept swearing at him in his head.

    "So, tell us Theseus, the man who knows everything how will we get Mark back?" Allias asked him, his tone obviously filled with spiteful irony. Theseus didn''t say anything, he didn''t wish for things to become worse, he only revealed to the king and the demon his idea, knowing that Allias would immediately object to it.

    "We could visit the Chaos Sisters. They would be able to bring Mark back." He announced and Allias gasped, surprised that he heard that name come from Theseus'' lips

    "We will not mess with Necromancers. It''s a law." He told him strictly.

 Chapter 279 - 279

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_qlgFQs7E4- Music

    Warning: Mention of Depression

    "We could visit the Chaos Sisters. They would be able to bring Mark back." He announced and Allias gasped, surprised that he heard that name come from Theseus'' lips

    "We will not mess with Necromancers. It''s a law." He told him strictly.

    Death was not a game, death was the end, unstoppable. An endless darkness that swallowed you till you couldn''t see anything anymore. Death had its own rules and no human, god or elf could mess with them. Allias knew about it very well, he had died, he had felt that cold darkness envelope him and his return was only laced with hardships. Not only that, Theseus was also proposing something unheard of. The Chaos sisters were witches, witches that no one dared to mess with or approach and the general was talking about it so casually, as if they were planning a stroll on a Monday morning.

    "We can try it." Asmodeus said, he was willing to try anything to bring Mark back, he wasn''t scared of some witches and no matter what the consequences were he would take everything upon himself.

    "Being locked up for three hundred years probably messed with your head. The Chaos sisters are thousands years old and mess with the most dangerous magic of all. They would ask for a price to be paid and we can never know how Mark will be after he returns. Messing with the balance of life and death is dangerous and could ruin a human soul. We can try something else. Think a different plan. I can''t risk going to them." Allias explained.

    "There is no other way Allias, you know that. I believe this is the only thing we can do to bring Mark back." Theseus said. The general was trying to look at him, give him a comforting smile but all this time the elf king ignored him. He would look everywhere, from the wooden chairs, to the polished table, outside the windows, gazing at the view of the mountains but his pretty green eyes would never land on his.

    "I will bear the consequences, all of them. No matter what it is." Asmodeus said. "You had a chance to come back, why can''t we help Mark too?" he asked and Allias shook his head. He was dissatisfied with everything he was hearing. Coming from Asmodeus or Theseus. They were the ones that took his best friend away from him but now somehow they were trying to make him the bad guy, as if his situation and Mark''s were the same. He sighed loudly and got up from his chair, Asmodeus'' eyes were glued on him, filled with anticipation as he hanged from his lips, awaiting his next word, his decision. The elf king was looking at the floor, he had spotted a small ant passing by and he mercilessly stepped on it. It would have to do, die by his hand since it was the only creature that could be burdened with his anger. He was lost, once again he found himself in an endless crossroad with no way back. He kept losing his way, his emotions, his heart and his thoughts once again turned clouded and dark. Every time he tried to make some progress to clear out this fog in his head something happened. Now it was the worst thing of all and he couldn''t help but wonder, would he, the king of the elf nation ever be set freed from this crippling depression of his?

    "Allias¡­" Theseus called out his name, gently, like the touch of a soft feather the sound reached his ears and the king felt pain. Pure pain because he couldn''t get it out of his head, he couldn''t stop blaming him because if he did, then what would be left there? Guilt, he just couldn''t stand feeling anymore guilt, he had lost one arm, he would have to die to redeem himself this time, Mark was that precious to him. Allias did not let him continue, he raised his arm signaling the general to stop. He didn''t want to hear anything else. He didn''t want to be there any longer. He just wanted to be alone.

    "I¡­Give me some time to think about it." He mumbled and Theseus nodded.

    "Asmodeus, we will talk to you later. If you head out a maid will be waiting. She will lead you to a room. I''ve already told Ea to preserve Mark''s body. Let''s talk about this, the two of us? Okay?" he told him, tilting his head to the side to meet his eyes but Allias simply began walking.

    "Alright I need to message my brother anyways. I will wait for your reply." Asmodeus said.

    As if he was soulless he headed to their room, pushing the door open and entering his safe space. The bed, the chairs, everything now seemed so hostile, none of them could hold his exhaustion. He breathed in and without a second thought he rushed to the bathroom. Keeping all of his clothes on he opened the water, cold drops falling mercilessly on his skin, he stood beneath the steady flow of water, intending to mask his tears, his muffling though, the redness around his eyes betrayed him. Showed very well to Theseus, who was silently standing at the doorframe how ruined he felt.

    "My only family, is gone." He mumbled and Theseus'' lips turned into a thing line. He couldn''t bear it. He couldn''t stand seeing Allias like this. From the moment he had turned back, everything had been death and despair. Scheming and blood, so much blood and all of their plans, the ones filled with hopes of happiness seemed to get further and further away. He stepped inside, following Allias'' actions and placing his body under the water, joining his in the luxurious bath.

    "I am sorry, it''s my fault." Theseus told him and brought him in his embrace. Allias'' body was shaking. He was trembling as his hot tears got mixed with the cold water. He raised his head, his dump hair sticking to his forehead and he looked at him. Pain written all over his usually gentle face. He wasn''t glowing anymore. It was as if the fire of the sun had stopped burning and his smile, his smile seemed to be so foreign. He felt as if he would never smile again.

    "Stop, Theseus just stop." He said and took a step back, distancing himself from it. "Stop accepting my selfishness, stop overlooking how stupid I am. It''s not your fault. I know it isn''t so why, why are you taking the blame?" he asked him. Theseus could feel his pain, that ache in his chest as he watched his lover crumble. He was being tortured by fates. He wished for one thing, only one and that was smiles. He wanted Allias to smile.

    "Because I love you. I would do anything for you to feel a little less lost. I¡­I want to show you the way, pull you out of this darkness. I feel powerless. All I want is to help you. Allias please, I can''t bear to lose you again. Don''t let go okay? Don''t push me away. Don''t, I am begging you." Theseus told him. He was desperate, his hands were shaking as he waited for Allias to allow to touch him. The elf king sighed, he grabbed his hands, he kissed them, closing his eyes.

    "I don''t know what to do. I am not myself anymore. I do wonder sometimes how you can still love me. All I am is a burden. I am mean to you, I treat you badly and blame you for everything but you¡­you always save me. Just with a few words."

    "Allias, my love¡­" Theseus told him, his lips curling upwards as he tried to smile. He moved away the dump hair getting into Allias'' eyes. He wanted to see his face, to admire his beauty. Allias was always Allias, he could never be anything less than perfect in his eyes. "Just because you are having a hard time right now it doesn''t mean I would leave you or stop loving you. I am here, I will always be, eternity is meant for us. For you and me, for our love. You were the one who saved me, died for me, loved me. You were the one that looked into my eyes and told me that my life was worth living, that I was worth more than my demons. Depression, this horrible feeling will one day leave, it will get better. I promise you."  He said and Allias smiled, shaking his head. He was still crying. Scared that one day Theseus would get sick of him, afraid that he would lose everything. His mood would change, he was always angry, easily irritated he felt like he had no energy. But tried, he really did.

    "I am scared. I am always scared. All the time. About everything. I just¡­I sometimes think that me coming back was a mistake, maybe it would be better if I had stayed dead. Maybe that way everyone would have been happier Theseus. I¡­I¡­think that I shouldn''t have come back." He told his lover. Theseus'' eyes widened. His heart froze. For the first time in his life he had been terrified by someone''s words and that empty look in their eyes. He grabbed Allias, he hugged him tightly. He couldn''t let go.

    "You can''t leave me. No, not again." He mumbled. "We will bring Mark back. I will fix it. I will fix everything, I swear." He said. "You can''t leave me Allias. You can''t let go."

    ....

 Chapter 280 - 280

    "I am scared. I am always scared. All the time. About everything. I just¡­I sometimes think that me coming back was a mistake, maybe it would be better if I had stayed dead. Maybe that way everyone would have been happier Theseus. I¡­I¡­think that I shouldn''t have come back." He told his lover. Theseus'' eyes widened. His heart froze. For the first time in his life he had been terrified by someone''s words and that empty look in their eyes. He grabbed Allias, he hugged him tightly. He couldn''t let go.

    "You can''t leave me. No, not again." He mumbled. "We will bring Mark back. I will fix it. I will fix everything I swear." He said. "You can''t leave me Allias. You can''t let go."

    Loving was hard, opening up about yourself, showing your weakest parts, your most secret fears was frightening. Theseus had done all of that. Time and time again he had opened his beaten and tired heart like an open book for Allias to read. He glanced through the yellowish pages with his beautiful eyes. He saw through the lies and the hidden meanings. He had learned him by heart, the roughness of the cover, the sweet smell of the old pages. Allias had managed to read that difficult book so easily. Like the genius he was he had decrypted the codes, the hidden words and so easily he had managed to charm Theseus.

    The white haired general though, after all these years was still troubled. Still, he found it difficult to read through the blurry lines in Allias'' book. He would grasp it, hold it gently in his hands, read a page and then it would be like all the letters disappeared. The ink had been spilled turning the them dark, hiding the most important parts. To Theseus Allias'' heart was not just a book, it was a gem, shining brightly, vibrant green the keeper of spring. His heart was his own source of living; the only way he could feel happy. Even after hundreds of years he was not able to make it his completely, he hadn''t managed to understand it fully and that hurt him. Made him wonder if the things he did. The sweet words he whispered, the kisses he shared weren''t enough. Made him wonder if he, the mad Shadowcaster was not enough.

    Allias slithered away from his embrace. He gave the general a bitter smile, his eyes still soulless.

    "Sorry, sorry. We have bigger things to worry about. I¡­you know I get all dramatic sometimes. How about we talk about the sisters. Come on, tell me your plan." He said and waltzed towards the bed, he sat on the soft mattress and patted the space next to him, signaling Theseus to sit. The man stared at him for second, he was trying to change the subject, he was trying desperately to hide his weakness. Allias was being drawn in by his shadows and because he was scared to show it he always put a mask on. Theseus couldn''t let it go, not after hearing those words. He sat next to Allias as he was told and placed his hand on his thigh. He looked at him silent before he moved forward and kissed him.

    The kiss was rough and desperate, filled with love and worry. Theseus was begging, pleading for the elf king not to leave him, not to disappear. He cupped Allias'' face and pushed him on the bed, he wished to devour him, he wished for him not to worry about anything. He bit Allias'' bottom lip, making the king moan. He dived his hand in the snow like hear, melting into the passionate kiss. He loved the feeling of Theseus'' hair slipping through his fingers. His tongue exploring his mouth, the sweet taste of his lips. He loved it when he moved back and smiled at him, like he did now. He would smile and kiss his nose, a simple peck, so short like the rest of a butterfly.

    "I love you Allias. I will always be there for you. No matter what you feel, no matter how many times you fall I will be there." Theseus whispered and laid down next to him on the bed. Allias turned to the side, resting on his chest, hiding his face in the crook of his neck.

    "I keep scaring you and making you anxious. Forgive me." He said and Theseus chuckled.

    "I get anxious even when your breakfast is not on time my love. So do not worry." He comforted him and for the first time in hours Allias had a positive reaction. He giggled, such a sweet sound, filling the general with joy. "I am serious Allias. You and I. We are and have always been in this together. Forever."

    "Forever?" Allias asked him.

    "Till the world ends, till the sun explodes. Till the ice on this earth melts and everything gets flooded. Until the moon stops lighting up the night sky. Forever. Forever." Theseus told him lovingly. "You are forbidden of making any thoughts about disappearing or else I will disappear with you. We''ve done this before and you know very well that I will do it." He warned him with a strict look.

    "You should value your life more my love." Allias said and kissed his cheek.

    "I value my life. My life with you because I''ve been without you but that Allias, was not living. It was simply existing." Theseus said and Allias scoffed, embarrassed.

    "Well you do seem quite romantic today but we have work to do. We need to resurrect my dead best friend so tell me, about the Chaos Sisters." Allias said as he stood up.

    "I love you Allias." Theseus told him with a bright smile and the elf king nodded.

    "I love you too. More than you can imagine."

    ....

    Hello! Hope you liked those sad romantic chapters of Allias and Theseus. These two need some alone time. Please leave a vote and a nice comment. I would appreciate it. Thank you for reading!

 Chapter 281 - 281

    "So about the Chaos Sisters what do we know about them?" Allias asked Theseus. He was sitting on the bed, his legs crossed an apple on his arm. He had gotten suddenly hungry so he had called a maid to bring him food. Next to him he had a huge basket filled to the brim with fresh fruit. "Do you want one?" he asked Theseus and pointed at the fruit before he took his first bit of the apple, juice dripped from the corner of his lips and Theseus stared at him aggressively.

    "No. Do you really want to talk about the Chaos sisters or are you trying to seduce me?" He asked him and Allias raised his eyebrows confused.

    "What did I do?" he asked him innocently and bit into the apple again, the crunching sound echoing into Theseus'' ears. He had been away from Allias too long, they hadn''t been intimate in a while and now everything the king did seemed to have some kind of deeper, more sexual meaning. Theseus sighed, rubbing his temples.

    "Nothing, it''s nothing." He said and the king shrugged his shoulders, returning to eating his apple. "About the Sisters. We know that they are thousands years old. Even though they were human they decided to leave beyond the Veil. They have been performing spells to live forever, necromancy which is illegal. That is one reason why they are living in our world. They are fugitives in the human world, many witch covens are after them since Necromancy is considered forbidden and evil. One of them is named Kalis while the other is called Silak. For the last hundreds of years, they have been living in the Valley of fear, behind the troll swamps." Theseus gave Allias a small report and the king nodded while he listened carefully the information.

    "So that means we will have to go to the troll swamp." Allias said with a frown.

    "I think we should pay them a visit anyways. I mean Hara is dead, they have appointed a new leader but we haven''t sent anything or even bothered with the whole incident."

    "Well, we were busy and we killed him so¡­" Allias said with a grin and Theseus shook his head.

    "We did, didn''t we? And now Achlys has got it out for us. She is planning to invite us to the demonic capital. So by going there we will show that we have a good relationship with them, plus we will rest for our journey." Theseus suggested. Allias stopped munching on his apple. Right now he seemed to be thinking strongly.

    "Yes, but honestly I don''t know if I could let for a minute Mark''s bod there. We will have to hold a full operation."

    "We could leave Asmodeus with Mark''s body." Theseus said.

    "You''re joking right?"

    "Come on Allias. Didn''t you see the guy? He looks like his whole world crumbled. I know what he did was terrible but who are we to judge? Just a few weeks ago you know, you cut a hole through my chest. I threw you off the balcony once. I think we should allow Mark decide what he wants or doesn''t want to do. That''s all what I am saying."

    "Alright then. I guess we can let him guard his body while we bother with the diplomatic stuff. I am already feeling an upcoming headache approaching. Those people stink." He said with afrown and fanned his nose making Theseus laugh.

    "We need to also think of a gift to send them."

    "Air refresher, soap, shampoo, perfume¡­I have many ideas." The king mocked the trolls and Theseus grinned.

    "Let''s hope you won''t be having that attitude with them." He said and kissed him. Allias faked a smile and returned to eating his fruit.

    "We will see."

    "Will we take the children with us?"

    "What kind of parents would we be if we went on a vacation without our cute little darlings." Allias joked and Theseus shook his head.

    Him and Allias had envisioned their lives many times in the past. They had imagined about how they would look, where they would live and what they would do. Living in a palace with two rebellious children and a preserved dead body while they tried to save the world was definitely not one of those dreams. But at the same time they could never say their life was boring. Theseus laughed, thinking how things change, how you can never know what''s about to truly happen even if you plan out everything perfectly.

    "What''s so funny general?" Allias asked, seeing the smile on the man''s face.

    "Our lives Allias, they are a complete mess." He told him while laughing. Theseus'' laughter was contagious and Allias even though he knew he should be sad with what he heard was now laughing too. It was indeed quite ridiculous. Everything. From the deceits, to the lies, every single moment had been utterly ridiculous. Who could know what the end would bring?

    "They are ridiculous indeed my love. So are you ready to go off on a new adventure and make everything utterly worse?" He asked him. Theseus stared at his lover with a devilish grin before he winked at him.

    "I am ready when you are."

    "Oh, honey. I have always been ready for some Chaos."

    "Really?" Theseus asked with a raised eyebrow.

    "No, no not really. I just wanted to sound cool." The elf king said.  "I am scared, very." He said

    "Yes, you do sound very cool right now my love. Incredibly so." Theseus teased him and Allias threw the stem of his apple at him. "So cool, throw more fruit at me." He kept going when Allias targeted him with his palm, his hand getting brighter. "No, no, no. You are cool. The coolest." Theseus said with his arms raised in the air in a defensive stance. "The best King."

    "Good. Now go tell that idiot Demon that we will leave in the morning. Hurry!" He told him strictly and Theseus bowed playfully.

    "As you wish my king."

 Chapter 282 - 282

    "So what you''re telling me is that we haven''t even returned but we have to go again? What about all the things that need to be done in the palace? We have problems here too, many of them." Ares said. He had been called to the meeting room with Ea where he had entered to find Allias, Theseus and Mark''s so called killer Asmodeus. They had just announced to them that there was no time for resting, nor solving the internal affairs since they had to go into the muddy, smelly, gross troll swamps to find some witches from god knows where to bring Mark back to like. He was fine with that. He liked Mark, he was a funny guy little lost in his love life, but who was he to talk but he could have fun with him. What he did not like is that him and Ea would be forced to go along with them, especially now that the elf prince knew how his husband felt.

    "Yes, there is not that much time so we will be leaving in the morning. The sooner the better." Theseus announced and Ares rolled his crimson eyes. His brother stared at him strictly, signaling him not to start another uproar but Allias noticed it.

    "Is there something wrong?" The elf king asked, concerned. Ea was the one to answer, the small elf having his usual strict expression.

    "No, we are fine. We will get ready to leave in the morning." He said and Ares sighed, loudly. He slammed his hand on the table, causing everyone to look at him confused. His eyes then landed on Ea, he was disappointed. After everything they had talked about he still agreed to do everyone''s bidding without being honest. The small elf was exhausted; how could he go on another extortion like that. He needed at least a few days to rest.

    "What is it now Ares?" Theseus said. He had been triggered by his brother''s attitude and now he was raising his voice. Allias and Ea looked between the two brothers who seemed to be as sensitive as a piece of paper in front of a fire. Asmodeus on the other hand didn''t seem to pay them any mind. He had been simply satisfied that a solution had been found concerning Mark. What happened next between the elves was not his problem. Nonetheless he did enjoy some good drama so he decided not to be discreet and remained to watch the show as it unraveled before him, no one seemed to mind that he was there anyways.

    "I have a problem with this little plan of yours."

    "Then please tell us, what is it?" Theseus asked him with a hostile expression on his face as he stood up. He always got easily agitated when Ares seemed to act spoiled and ruin their plans, he wasn''t aware though of his brother''s true intentions.

    "We just returned. Give us a few days. We have been running around like your little dogs all this time, getting into very difficult situations if you ask me. We need to breathe. I am not against your plan but this is not normal Theseus. We are tired." Ares said. He was standing now too, looking at his brother straight in the eyes as he talked, mustering all of his courage to sound confident. Theseus had a very dominating aura, everyone knew that and the only person who wasn''t intimidated by him was Allias, everyone else seemed to always want to slither away when he was angry. His brother wasn''t really an exception to the rule.

    "You, Ares are tired?" Theseus asked him with a loud scoff, mocking him. "You have been gone for years coming and going as you please and the only time you have a responsibility towards your king and your brother you dare to say you are tired? Ever since the war ended you have been leisurely traveling living your life to the fullest and when we need you, you dare to tell me that you got tired?" Theseus had taken a step towards his brother, he was very obviously agitated with him, mad even. His hands had formed strong fists on his sides and he talked the sound came behind his gritted teeth.

    "Theseus maybe we should calm down for a second. Let''s talk." Allias said and placed his hand on his fist trying to make him relax.

    "No, Allias. No. You think dear brother that any of wants this? That we wish to run around like idiots and put ourselves into danger? All I fucking want is to take Allias from here and live my life but guess what? While you had been given that chance, you literally did whatever you wanted I was stuck here ruling this dump and tried to keep it from the verge of being ruined. You have no right to talk Ares, really you''re disappointing me so much. I hoped I could count on you now that you were back and this is the first thing you''re telling me the moment you feel pressured?" Theseus asked him, pointing his index finger at him.

    Allias was standing between them, acting like an alive wall that stopped them from going at each other. Ares seemed to be the calmer at first but his brother''s words lit him up. The younger elf pushed Theseus back, a frown distorting his face and Theseus got ready to launch at him. Allias stood in front of him.

    "Let''s talk. Let''s just talk. Please, I am begging you, both of you. We can''t do this right now. We can''t. Theseus, please." He said and looked at his lover. Everyone was pressured, everyone was always on edge scared for their lives. There was always fighting, anxiety. Allias wished for everything to simply stop, all they needed to do was just sit and listen before they talked.

    "How could I ever talk to someone like you? You ruled this place? By yourself? What about him Theseus?" Ares asked pointing at Ea. "Have you ever thought of the person that has been backing you up this whole time? Yes, I am not tired, I was stupid, I ran around being a fucking idiot but he. He had always been responsible and he never had any of us ask him if he was alright. If he was overworking himself. So yes, Theseus, I am completely fine but what about Ea? Did you ever ask him?"

 Chapter 283 - 283

    All eyes were instantly turned towards Ea and Allias stared at him with a saddened expression. The small elf averted his gaze, feeling embarrassed as he couldn''t stand being the center of attention. Theseus was not looking at Ares anymore but Ea, dumbfounded as he had never realized that the elf felt this way.

    "Is that true?" Theseus asked him. Ea did not answer though, he didn''t know what to do or what to say. He felt as if he would have failed at his job by admitting that he was tired of it, of everything. He didn''t wish to leave Allias'' and Theseus'' side. All he wanted was to spend some time away from the brooms and the paper work. Especially the blood. He had been trained to kill, he knew how to do it perfectly and not leave a single sign, his knowledge and the skills that he acquired at troubled and dark times though did not mean he enjoyed this chaos. This feeling that death was always at their doorstep. He was scared of it, greatly so.

    "Ea say something!" Ares told him, raising his tone and the elf flinched. His eyes wondered on their faces, Allias'' expression sticking to him the most. He looked so saddened, his green eyes were clouded, darkened as he took a few steps forward, coming close to him.

    "I think that''s enough for now, don''t you think? There is no reason for us to shout. Ea, would you like to come with me for a while? Let''s take a walk." He said with a faint smile and Ares looked at him suspiciously.

    "Where are you going? I will come too." He said and the moment he started walking, intending to follow them, his brother yanked him from the collar of his shirt and stopped him.

    "No you''re not. You did your job now shut up and wait." Theseus told him and Ares sighed. Ea turned around and looked at him. He gave him a shy smile, making his angry heart speed up and he nodded, realizing that Ea was fine with this. Ares knew how much he admired Allias, he didn''t believe that he wouldn''t want to go with him, it was just that, he knew Ea well. He would never want to disappoint the king, so he would probably end up lying.

    Allias though would never allow that. He had taken the younger elf away to help him relax, he walked slowly next to him as they exited the palace and followed the narrow path with the shiny stones that led to the garden. Now that the king had brought spring back the scenery was quite beautiful, a sight Ea hadn''t seen in so long, the vibrant green, the colors of the fruits and blooming flowers, their bewitching sweet smells and the sounds of birds, their singing.  None of them had had the time to enjoy this, the calmness and beauty of the world around them. The ice had melted but as it seemed their hearts were still cold.

    The older elf looked around, carefully choosing a tree that had the thickest shade and led Ea towards it. He sat on the grass, crossing his legs and patted the space next to him, telling Ea to sit. At first he was shy, he wasn''t so used to be in the king''s presence while they were alone and a lot of things had changed from when he was a child. Allias was different as so was he.

    "Oh, come on. Don''t think of me as the King for a second please." Allias told him with a smile and finally the elf gave in, seeing his charming face. "Ea, I want you to tell me the truth, right now I am not your king okay? I am the one that looked after you when you were a child. Remember when you visited me back home? You wouldn''t let go of me." Allias said, his eyes reminiscing of the old times, peaceful and gentle, bathed by the bright sun. "So tell me, is what Ares said true? Are you tired?" he asked him and Ea stood silent. He was looking at his lap thinking how he should answer. He didn''t want to disappoint anyone but at the same time lying to Allias seemed completely wrong, he was always so kind.

    "Yes, it''s just that, sometimes it''s hard doing everything in the background. I know that it''s my job and I shouldn''t complain. I am very thankful that you and Theseus accepted me into the palace after my parents died and that I should pay you back somehow but¡­"

    "Is that how you think of us? As your boss? Is that all we are to you? Theseus and I?  Ea, you used to talk to me about everything. You were such a cute child so tell me why, why would you think I would ever need you to repay me? I see you as my family, that would remain the same even if you just lazed around all day. I don''t want you to repay us anything." He told him and caressed his cheek. Ea seemed to be in the brim of tears.

    "I¡­I just thought everyone hated me. I was a burden. Ares didn''t want me at first, you were gone, I had no one to talk to and Theseus, he, he rarely smiled. He trained me, he spent times with me trying to get me to be of use and I wanted to work hard. I wanted to have a meaning, a reason to be here, I wanted to be proud of me when you returned." He told Allias with tears in his eyes. The king sighed, looking at him, his eyes filled with nostalgia as he remembered the young shy boy he used to hold in his arms such a long time ago. He wiped his tears carefully and pinched his nose.

    "Theseus didn''t train you so you could be of use to him, he trained you so you could be independent. So you wouldn''t need anyone and I¡­I am always proud of you. No matter what you do Ea, asking for a little break or asking for help when you''re down is never bad. I am currently trying to convince myself that too." He said and Ea chuckled with his words. "Honestly if I ever had a child I would be honored if he was even the slightest bit like you. Don''t be scared to speak your mind, we are family, no one will hate you or despise you. I know I never will." Allias told him and Ea felt as if a huge weight had been lifted of his chest. He nodded, with tears of joy creeping in and the king patted his head. "So now tell me, do you want to come with us? You won''t have to if you need to rest but I will make sure you don''t have as much to do. The decision is yours."

    "I want to come." Ea said.

    "Are you sure?''

    "Yes, definitely just please, no more brooms. I hate swiping the floors. The dust makes me sneeze." He told Allias and the king began laughing loudly. He looked at Ea happily and nodded.

    "No more brooms. I swear. But I do think you should talk to Theseus too."

    "I know" Ea agreed with a troubled expression.

    "I think we all need to be more open with each other. That''s what families do after all." He advised him, reminding that to himself too and the elf nodded eagerly.

 Chapter 284 - 284

    Warning: sexual content

    "I think it would be better if we had just teleported there rather than taking carriages." Theseus said as he sat on the hard pillow of the carriage, his head ducked as he was too tall to sit completely straight in the small vehicle. "Our journey will take too long like this, we will have to camp at the village at the end of our kingdom for the night for the horses to rest." He said and Allias nodded.

    He was slightly absentminded. He had pulled the little velvet curtain of the carriage to the side and he was looking outside through the window, his eyes hungrily taking in all the images he hadn''t seen in centuries. The endless green, the mountains and the bloomed followers. They travelled through small villages filled with elf people, enjoying the coming of spring. Allias had been feeling worthless lately, he believed he hadn''t done anything for his people ever since his return but now, looking at the people and how they reacted to him bringing spring back he felt slightly better. Slowly he would fix everything, bring prosperity back.

    Theseus had noticed the sparkle in his eyes, the way he almost was ready to jump off the window, his palm stuck on it as he tried to capture everything. He had a faint smile on his face and for the first time he had this old look in his face, one filled with hope and purity. Maybe traveling through the land wasn''t so bad after all. Theseus thought with a grin.

    "Allias, are you listening to me?" Theseus asked him and the king snapped his head, taken away from his thoughts. He looked at him, blinking a few times before he smiled being caught red handed. "As I was saying¡­" Theseus continued. "We will stop at the village on the border. The lord there will let us spend a night in his mansion. He seemed excited to meet the king. Even though I am fond of teleporting to the swamps." He said with a frown.

    "We can''t just teleport there. We might be going for the sisters but what the trolls know is that we are going on an official visit to meet the new troll ruler. Hopefully he won''t be like Hara. At the same time, we can learn a bit about what they think of Hara''s death. It seems weird that there was no funeral announcement¡­" Allias said and Theseus looked at him, enjoying how he looked when he was thinking deeply. The elf king noticed it. "What is it?"

    "It''s nothing. You just look very attractive when you act all king like. Thinking about strategies and politics." Theseus complimented him and Allias laughed. "Your intelligence was always one of the things I admired the most on you. Every time I see you do your job I can''t say I get hot." He joked with a wide grin and Allias coughed, embarrassed.  The white haired general stood up, with unstable steps and a small leap he sat next to Allias and with ease he raised him up, bringing him on his lap. "Until we reach the village we get to be alone." He said and kissed Allias'' neck. The elf king smiled, feeling the soft touch on his neck and his fingertips traveled through his hair. Gently till they reached the back of his neck, where he drew circles as Theseus'' lips moved upwards on his chin. He kissed every spot on his face, from his jaw line, to his cheeks and his closed eyelids. The top of his nose and his forehead until he lingered seductively a few centimeters away from Allias'' lips. He looked him in the eyes, the elf king anticipating their kiss and the general smiled, brightly. "I want to be with you like this forever." He whispered.

    "Me too." Allias replied and brought their lips together, taking the initiative to kiss him first. He liked the slow pace of their touch, that slowly build up into raw passion. He loved how Theseus brought him closer, as if he wanted their bodies to be one while he pushed open his wet lips with his tongue entering his mouth. Allias moaned loudly, feeling the heat spread all over his body and he pulled on Theseus'' hair. A rough groan reached Allias'' ears and while he sat on his lap he felt Theseus getting harder beneath him. Dazed and hot Allias changed his position wrapping his legs around the general''s waist and creating that so wanted friction. Theseus'' head fell back with pleasure as his palms rested on Allias'' ass.

    "Allias" he moaned his name and opened his eyes. "You can''t imagine how much I want you right now." He whispered in his ear. His hot breath landing on his ear, making the king''s heart beat faster. The handsome elf smiled, his eyes glistening with mischief.

    "I can feel it believe me." He teased the general and removed himself from his lap.

    The carriage was small but that didn''t really bother Allias. He sat on his knees on the cold ground and with his palm caressed Theseus. He slowly undid the buttons of his pants releasing him from his painful restraints and took him in his mouth. Theseus'' lips parted, pleasure written all over his face as he felt Allias'' mouth surrounding him. Small breaths escaped his mouth as he grabbed Allias'' brown locks. His head rested on the back of the carriage and he groaned as he felt his lover slowly bring him to the edge. He took him all in and the general looked down. He met Allias'' eyes and caressed his cheek, seeing that endless green his heart flattered and the king grinned seeing the ecstasy in his every expression.

    "Fuck, Allias wait." He groaned but it was too late. The king stood up, licking his lips seductively and kissed Theseus hungrily.

    "Let''s hope that this lord has a big bedroom because later it will be my turn." He whispered and winked at him as he sat at the other side of the carriage, winking at his lover playfully.

 Chapter 285 - 285

    "I really don''t like that we will be staying at this lord''s mansion." Ares said with a frown while he was sitting on his own carriage with Ea. The young prince had been dissatisfied their whole journey ever since he had heard they would have to spend the night there.

    "You''ve said that about twenty times. Do you want to tell me why you don''t like him?" Ea asked him, tired of hearing him nag like a child their whole journey. Soon they would arrive and he didn''t wish for the rebellious elf to embarrass everyone, especially Allias. He had to be very careful with rebuilding his reputation now that he had returned. All of the lords should end up favoring him if he wanted for them to cooperate. Something that could be proven quite difficult.

    "I don''t know. He is just greasy. I can''t explain it. Also I''ve heard he doesn''t treat his people right. Being so far away from the castle has probably made him believe that he could do whatever he wants. That idiot." He explained to Ea and the small elf nodded. What Ares had said was true, he had heard quite a few times that the village at the border seemed to have some troubles, especially since the new lord inherited the land from his father. His excitement to meet Allias didn''t strike well given all the information he had.

    "I get it. But we need to be careful. We can''t cause any more internal fighting. We have to keep it together. Allias can''t have any more trouble when he decides that it''s time to start actively his work." Ea told his husband. Are sighed, resting his chin on his palm, gazing outside.

    "I know, I know. Don''t worry." He told him and Ea smiled. He stood up, intending to sit next to him when the carriage took a sudden turn, making him stumble and fall right into Ares''s arms. He raised his head shyly meeting with his crimson eyes and a very satisfied smile. Ares hugged him, not allowing him to get away and the small elf wiggled, wanting a way out. "I got you now." He told him and he pushed him back, causing them both to half lay on the seat. Ares was hovering over Ea, who had a very vibrant blush on his face. His head was turned to the side, looking at the tapestry of the carriage as he was too shy to meet Ares'' eyes. "No, no, you will look at me." Ares told him and with his index finger he gently made him look at him.

    "What?" Ea asked sharply and Ares giggled.

    "Ea, you''re mine right?" He asked him, his expression turning serious.

    "What kind of question is that?" Ea asked, mumbling his words. He wanted to just hide away. He was never good with displays of emotion, his heart was beating so fast, it sounded like a drum between his ears while his whole body was turning hot. It made it unable for him to look Ares in the eyes.

    "Answer me please." Ares whispered and he caressed gently Ea''s cheek.

    "I¡­of course I am yours" he stuttered and Ares smiled brightly.  This seemed like the perfect romantic moment. Ea thought. They were looking in each other''s eyes, on a carriage traveling somewhere far away, their bodies close, their lips even closer exchanging heart felt words. It felt as if those seconds were taken straight out of a romance book, until Ares opened his mouth.

    "Can we have sex then?" he asked him with a childish smile and Ea felt himself drowning with his own saliva. His eyes opened wide and he started coughing, making Ares move back and helped him up. He started smacking his back as if something was stuck on his throat, even though it was simply the shock.

    "What the hell is wrong with you?" Ea shouted in distress and Ares stared at him confused.

    "What? I had to ask. I mean, we have to do it some day you know." He said with a smirk.

    "You don''t ask about those things out of the blue, you idiot! You just do it!" Ea said and looked at him shyly. Ares stopped for a second, blinking.

    "So you want to do it?" he asked and Ea sighed. Sometimes the young elf seemed to be even more dense than him. Those moments were the ones Ea felt like he was the one that should take action. So he moved forward and suddenly grabbed Ares from his shirt, bringing him close and clashing their lips together. Ares'' eyes widened at first but he slowly relaxed as he felt Ea kiss him deeply. He wrapped his strong arms around his lean body and brought his palms underneath his shirt, tracing lines on his back.

    "Ares not here" Ea moaned in his ear and the elf grinned.

    "Like I would let you have your first time in a carriage on our way to a gross swamp. Look at me." He said and cupped Ea''s cute face. His eyes were glistening with want, Ares enjoying his dazed expression. Ea wanted him, he could see it in his warm eyes, on his swollen lips and he had never felt happier. He had been waiting for so long, patiently to finally realize that Ea wanted him. Right now he was in a dream. "I want everything to be perfect. Just for you." He told him and pecked his nose, making him smile. . "I want you to know how much I want you, how much I love you, okay? For me being with you it''s not just having sex." He revealed and Ea nodded, shyly.

    "So I get to choose when?" he asked and Ares nodded with a sweet smile on his face. "Ares, I am not good with expressing my feelings. Every time I see you my heart just goes insane. Every time you smile I get dizzy and when you kiss me I can''t help but think that I want more, more of your kisses, more of your touches, more of you. I want to be with you. It doesn''t matter when or where, I¡­I need you too." Ea confessed. Ares looked at him with wide eyes. His heart a loud drum, threatening to jump off his chest.

    "Ea you¡­you have no idea what you do to me." Ares said and kissed him.

    ....

    There you go, some cute fluffy steamy chapters because I am not a bad human! I hope you enjoyed them! Please leave a nice comment and a vote. I would appreciate it if you wrote a nice review too. Thanks!

 Chapter 286 - 286

    It didn''t take them much longer to reach the feudal lords estate it was deep into the night though. The village while they traveled through it was quiet, only a few opened lights on some humble houses and the galloping of the horses sounded much louder now that the sounds of nature were distant. The carriages stopped in front of the entrance, but only two of them since the carriage that Asmodeus with Mark''s body were in had stopped in the woods, right before the beginning of the village. They had wished for the purpose of their journey to remain secret since meddling with forbidden magic such a necromancy was illegal. For now, they were using the visit to the troll swamp as an excuse.

    When the royal family arrived and got out of their carriages they found a whole group of people waiting for them. Maids, soldiers and the lord stood at the entrance of the luxurious mansion with smiles on their faces anticipating their arrival. Leaving so far from the palace probably they hadn''t had the chance to celebrate his return so vividly like everyone else.

    "Welcome, my King." The lord said with a smiled and made a deep bow. "My name is Eras. I am honored to have you in my humble residence tonight." He told him his words dripping with honey. He looked like he was in his mid-forties. Tall with white short hair and brown eyes. His figure was well preserved and he only had a few wrinkles around his eyes to signal his age. Eras looked very lively but there was something in his eyes that immediately annoyed Allias. A certain glow that made him shiver. He faked a smile his eyes scanning his staff, everyone seemed to be in a good mood too. Except one person. A young girl barely twenty years old. She stood next to the lord, dressed in a very fancy dark blue dress. Her blonde hair was up, with curls surrounding her cute face and her dark brown eyes faced the ground, looking at the mud. The lord noticed where the king''s eyes rested and looked at the girl, nudging her, she shook and looked up, forcing a smile. "This is my wife. Mira." He said and the girl bowed too.

    "It''s nice to meet you. Unfortunately, due to some events I haven''t been able to meet the lords in my land. I am quite happy that I was given the chance to meet you first." Allias said and the lord beamed with happiness with his words.

    "Oh, you''re fluttering me. Please come in. You must be tired. We have prepared baths for you and our best guest houses. I am sure they will please you. Once you are all settled if you would do us the honor of joining our table." He said and stepped to the side for Allias to walk in first. The king couldn''t explain it. That man was simply too happy, too filled with smiles. He looked at him again, smiling as he accepted his offer for dinner.

    "It would be our pleasure." Allias responded as they stood at the entrance of the mansion. They were on a small hall while a very wide and long staircase began just a few steps away from them. On their sides were many different doors and on the way back, on the left side an old looking door creaked open. The lord looked at it for a second, his body stiffening before he rushed to close it.

    "It''s the basement. There is mold lately so we keep the door closed. It seems to have a very bad odor." He told them and Allias immediately brushed it off. He didn''t really care about the problems of the house. All he wanted was to take a warm bath and relax his muscles from being crumped in the small carriage all this time.

    "That must be very unpleasant."

    "It is. But let us not talk about such boring matters. We have prepared four bedrooms for you¡­."

    "Two bedrooms will be fine." Theseus interrupted the lord and Ares nodded behind him. The man looked at him for a second as if he was struggling to recognize him. He didn''t seem to be pleased that some stranger had just cut him off.

    "And who are you?" he asked him rudely and Allias was surprised. He didn''t know Theseus? He was the one who ruled the Kingdom while he was gone.

    "I am the crown prince of the Disee Tribe. Theseus. This is my brother, the prince, Ares and this is his husband Ea." He told the lord with a cold expression.

    "Hus¡­husband?" the man wondered and for a second he seemed to be perplexed. The moment though he noticed that Allias was staring at him he straightened up, coughing and then smiling immediately. "As you wish. Forgive my insolence we will place you to the rooms of your liking. My wife will show you to your rooms. If you''ll excuse me until dinner." He said and when Allias gave him permission he rushed towards the old door at the back. The maids too slowly scattered the young girl remaining with two soldiers following her close behind.

    "Please follow me." She said with a forced smile. No one seemed to noticed. Theseus was scanning the house while Ea was chatting with Ares but there was definitely something wrong with this girl. Why were there two soldiers following her around at her own estate? He wondered as they got up the stairs.

    The woman showed Ea and Ares their room first and told the first soldier to go and bring them some towels. He looked unwilling but she told them it was for a king and the man left her side for the first time, pacing down the stairs in a hurry. Then his and Theseus'' room followed but before the woman opened the door she turned at the second soldier. She asked him to go down to the kitchen and bring something else. Allias didn''t hear well. When one of them was leaving the king could already see the other going up the stairs. The girl''s eyes widened, as she seemed very anxious.

    She opened the door and Theseus walked in without a second thought, Allias tried to mimic him and seclude himself for a while when the girl grabbed his arm and stopped him. Allias looked at her confused. She seemed desperate, shaking with fear.

    "Please save me. He will kill me." She whispered and Allias froze. She let go of the king in a hurry as the soldier finally reached them. She smiled brightly, concealing her terrified expression. "Please rest and call me if you need everything." Mira said before she left.

 Chapter 287 - 287

    "Please save me. He will kill me." She whispered and Allias froze. She let go of the king in a hurry as the soldier finally reached them. She smiled brightly, concealing her terrified expression. "Please rest and call me if you need everything." Mira said before she left.

    "The room is not that bad." Theseus said as he sat on the king sized bed. It had silk sheets, colored in a dark green color while the sky of the bed had paintings of the sky and the stars. There were two nightstands on the sides and a boudoir made of heavy dark wood with an enormous mirror. The bathroom was spacious too, with a bathtub that could fit in three people, shaped like an egg.

    Allias sat on the bed, not paying any mind to the room, he didn''t care about it at the moment, after he heard that girl, after he had seen her eyes, the terror in them while her small body shook. There was something terribly wrong here, and the center was this lord, this overly happy and excited elf.

    "Allias, I think there is something weird here." Theseus said and the elf king looked at him, interested in what he had to say. The white haired general had laid on the bed, his feet from the knee downwards were hanging from the soft mattress as he stared at the ceiling. "Don''t you think is kind of weird they didn''t know about us? Our relationship. I mean yes, the villages far away from the palace after the war were kind of distant but this lord, he is simply weird isn''t he?" he asked his loved at looked at him.

    Allias was sitting on the bed too, looking at his lap, the white linen pair of pants and he tried to think. If he noticed anything, if there was something out of the ordinary. Those two soldiers definitely looked suspicious, following the lady of the house around like she was imprisoned. He scratched his cheek, kind of absentminded when he felt Theseus hug him from the back. He kissed his shoulder, his breath landing on the exposed skin, revealed by his loose shirt and he smiled.

    "Tell me. What''s troubling that pretty mind of your?" The general asked him and Allias turned his head so he would face him. A slight sight escaped his lips and Theseus raised his eyebrow. "Say it."

    "The girl, Mira. Just before she left she grabbed my arm and begged me to save her, she said that the lord would kill her. She looked terrified." Allias explained. Theseus let go of the king, Allias turning his body so they could see each other well. The general seemed to think too, his eyes focusing on the sheets. Allias waited for a while, giving him time to process things while in the meantime he took his hand in his and played with Theseus''s fingers.

    "He is definitely weird. I mean, who smiles so much, his cheeks must be stuck by now." Theseus said and Allias chuckled. "Do you really think that girl is in danger?" he asked Allias and the king nodded. The general hadn''t seen her expression but he had, the fear. He felt bad just thinking about it. "And let me guess, we have to do something about it." He told Allias and the king nodded again.

    "She is one of my people, I can''t help everyone else and turn a blind eye when it comes to my own subjects." Allias told him and Theseus smiled. He moved closer and he kissed his forehead, making him smile.

    "I know, you''re right. I''ve been trying to think if there was something suspicious. If we missed something. Maybe it would be best to get to talk with that girl. If she asked for our help she would probably be willing to talk." Theseus proposed but Allias frowned. A deep wrinkle forming between his eyebrows. "What?"

    "There are two soldiers following her around all the time. I don''t know if it will be able for us to have some time with her. We would have to stage something. Probably during dinner?" Allias asked.

    "Yes, yes we could do that. How about we grab the lord''s attention, something that he will need his soldiers with and we make Ea and Ares take her away. Then we will teleport where they take her. I mean they might search for her for a while but no one will think something bad, probably." Theseus told the king.

    He was troubled. They didn''t have that much time, they had to solve this mystery soon because tomorrow morning they would have to leave. They couldn''t delay their journey any longer. He didn''t want to cause such a big scene, he needed something discreet, they didn''t know much about this so called lord, he could be really smart or plainly stupid, the shouldn''t be taking any risks. The girl could end up losing her life like this.

    "I think we should have a different approach." Allias mumbled. "Did that man tell us where his room was?" He asked him and Theseus remained silent, trying to remember.

    "No, no I do not think so. Why?"

    "We will ask for a tour of the house. Compliment the building, find a way. When he tells you where their bedroom is I want you to remember the location. Once you understand where it is you will teleport into their room, hide with your shadows and make sure no one knows you''re there. If he is sleeping grab the girl and bring her here. We will talk to her as fast as we can and then you will take her back to her room. While we are dinning don''t even look at her. For him to have soldiers looking at her every seconds it means he pays attention to her every move. What do you think about this plan?" Allias asked him and Theseus smirked. He moved forward and pinned the king on the bed.

    "I do like that sexy mind of yours." He said and Allias laughed.

    "Yeah, very sexy, sneaking into other people''s bedrooms and kidnapping young girls." He said.

    "Well if you were interested in girls it could be really weird." Theseus teased him and Allias cocked an eyebrow.

    "Who said I am not interested in girls?" Allias asked him with a cheeky smile and Theseus'' eyes widened.

    "You''re not." He said

    "I am, I enjoy boobs." The king said and Theseus stared at him like he had gone insane. "Relax, relax, I am joking." He told him and the general sighed relieved.

    "Men look at you enough already as it is. I would go insane if I felt like girls were a threat too. Have some mercy on me please." He told him and Allias raised his head to kiss him. It was a playful kiss and the king cheekily bit Theseus'' bottom lip.

    "I have eyes only for you." Allias whispered. "Haven''t found such good abs in anyone else anyways." He said with a smirk and winked at him.

 Chapter 288 - 288

    "I hope you will enjoy the dinner. It might be not as good as the one in the palace but I believe you will like it." Eras told them. After they had settled down they were invited to dinner. The mansion had a separate room for dining. The walls had a pretty tapestry, colored a light beige with golden small flowers. The table was long, white with golden candles lit on top. They had a faint vanilla smell that was very pleasant. Allias liked the smell as he sat down. They had left him the top seat at the head of the table while Theseus sat next to him. On the other side sat Eras, eating his steak with a satisfied expression. Allias looked at the piece of meat on his porcelain plate and smiled.

    "Oh, don''t worry. I think the food is great." Allias said. "Are the candles because of the smell?" he asked Eras and the lord dropped his fork. He looked at Allias for a second, the room turning incredibly quiet. He had asked it without thinking, he just wanted to make light conversation but as it seemed he had managed to find out something very important. "You know the smell from that basement, the one you said before." Allias told him and sipped some wine, it had a very dry flavor, he was not fond of it.

    "Oh, that. Yes. The weather has gotten warmer since you''ve returned and the smell seems to get more intense." He said and Allias nodded. That man had tried desperately to close off the door, he doubted that just the smell of mold would make such a big problem. After all he was rich, he would easily be able to fix it.

    Theseus realized easily that something was wrong too. He felt Allias nudge his leg and nodded discreetly. This was the part where he had to pay attention to everything for him. The lord seemed to look at Allias, trying to find a way and change the subject of the conversation. Theseus scanned the room. Mira was sitting right next to the lord while two soldiers still stood behind her. There were also some maids with trays on the sides of the room, waiting to attend them if they need anything. What would their expressions be if Allias asked more about the basement? He spared the king a glance and realized they were thinking about the same thing. His green eyes were shining as he kept asking the lord questions.

    "So, would you like us to take a look at it? Maybe we could send someone from the palace to help." He asked and Theseus looked at the soldiers. They tensed up, looking uncomfortable. One of the maids flinched, and all of them were looking at the floor. There was definitely something about that basement.

    "Oh, my no. I am thankful of your proposal your highness but I could never take you down there. That place is horrid I would be too embarrassed." He said with a fake smile. Allias wiped the corners of his mouth his lips curling upwards as he responded to him.

    "That''s such a shame. I was hoping I could help. I am quite full. Would you excuse me? The trip was tiring and I would like to rest." Allias said. He had gathered all the information he needed. There was nothing else he could get from him. By now it was pretty obvious he was lying. All they had to do was find some time to talk to Mira.

    "Please do not ask for my permission. Do whatever you wish. Thank you for gracing us with your presence." Eras said and stood up, the rest of the people on the table mimicking him. Allias all this time had kept smiling he was afraid that if he wore his serious face he would scare the lord or even worse make him suspicious. He got up, excusing them and left the room, soon hearing Theseus follow him. He looked around wanting to know if anyone was near. He stopped and finally managed to walk with his lover to his side. He hated having everyone else behind him.

    "So what do you think?" Allias asked him as they headed tot heir room. It was already pretty late. They had informed Ares to stick close to the lord and notify them when he would go to sleep. Possibly it wouldn''t take that long.

    "First of all, he is creepy." He said and opened the door for Allias to enter. The general plopped on the bed taking his shoes off and sighed. He played with the silk sheets thinking, he hoped they wouldn''t get into any further trouble. They had enough problems as it was, they needed to quietly resolve this. "Second of all, he is disgusting. That smile is just ew."

    "I mean about the whole thing with the basement." Allias said as he rolled his eyes and laid next to him. They talked about it for a while, making silly assumptions and theories while laughing. They didn''t feel that threatened the truth was. All they did was talk about silly things.

    "What if he is an alien and he has his smelly troupes in his basement." Theseus said excited.

    "Or what if he has stolen everyone''s stinky socks and keeps them there?" Allias said and Theseus started laughing. "This feels like those little adventures we had when we were younger." The king said with a dreamy look. Theseus nodded. His violet eyes were so beautiful when he looked at him. All of his love could be seen in them, making him so attractive.

    "I know. We would roam the whole kingdom. It was fun." He agreed when in front them appeared a small burning note.  It landed on Allias'' lap and the king unraveled it reading its insides. "What does it say?" Theseus asked.

    "They have gone to sleep for a while now. Teleport. Quick, quick." Allias said and smacked Theseus'' arm.

    "Alright, alright!" He said and instantly disappeared. It only took a few seconds for him to return with the young girl in his embrace. Allias frowned at the sight, a small ting of jealousy in his mind but his it. He stood up and approached them, realizing that the young elf was quite scared. He smiled at her, leading her to the bed where she could sit.

    "We don''t have much time. But please don''t be scared. Do you want to tell me what happened? About the basement and what you said?" he asked her. His voice was soft and jealous. Mira was looking at her with big deer like eyes, as she breathed heavily. The girl couldn''t sleep even in her own house. Allias felt so bad for her. He wore his most charming smile, the kindness in his eyes was almost like a magic spell. He caressed her flushed cheek and she slowly calmed down. "You can trust me." He said. The girl took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Uttering a sentence that surprised them both.

    "He has dead bodies in the basement."

    ....

    I am taking bets about what''s going on! Let''s see!. Thank you for reading and supporting my book. If you''re able please leave a nice comment and a vote.  Thank you!

 Chapter 289 - 289

    "We don''t have much time. But please don''t be scared. Do you want to tell me what happened? About the basement and what you said?" he asked her. His voice was soft and jealous. Mira was looking at her with big deer like eyes, as she breathed heavily. The girl couldn''t sleep even in her own house. Allias felt so bad for her. He wore his most charming smile, the kindness in his eyes was almost like a magic spell. He caressed her flushed cheek and she slowly calmed down. "You can trust me." He said. The girl took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Uttering a sentence that surprised them both.

    "He has dead bodies in the basement."

    Allias and Theseus had made many assumptions while they laughed a few minutes ago. They had never thought something like that would be the lord''s secret. The king looked at the girl dumbfounded, his kind smile slowly being erased from his face.

    "What do you mean?" He asked her.

    "He, ever since the war and the end. When you died the villages far away from the palace were left pretty much on their own without any supervision. Eras is a psychopath. He picks up girls from the village. One every ten years. He marries them and when he thinks that their beauty is over he kills them. He keeps their bodies in their basement. As he tortures them for days. He sees them as trophied. Please your highness. I am so scared. We''ve been married for eight years already. I don''t have that much time." She said and grabbed his shirt. Gripping him tightly, afraid that he would leave, right now he was her only salvation. "Please do something about it."

    Allias was stunned, trying to process if what he had just heard was true. Theseus stepped forward and tried to calm her down.

    "It will be fine, don''t worry. We will fix this." He said and the girl looked at him. Her expression was a lot different from when she had been charmed by the king. Her eyes turned cold as she met his and a frown formed on her young face. Theseus was surprised, he didn''t expect such reaction since they had never talked before. The girl seemed to dislike him though.

    "You''re the one who took the throne while the king was dead. What were you doing? Don''t you know about the people''s suffering?" She attacked him with tears in her eyes. "All those girls, if you...if you hadn''t turned a blind eye to everything..."

    "Please." Allias told her, interrupting her. He stood in front of Theseus in a protective manner and looked at the girl again. Making sure that he was getting all of her attention. Theseus didn''t have to listen any of this, he didn''t need to feel more guilty about what had happened while he was king. If Allias could just close his ears he would. "Unfortunately, things happened this way. I promise you though I will make sure that things will get fixed. You have my word." He said and the girl started crying. She fell into the king''s embrace and looked at him with a blush on her face.

    "Thank you. Thank you." She repeated and Allias'' patted her head.

    "Theseus will take you back now. Please keep this meeting a secret okay?" Allias told her and she nodded. Mira unwillingly took Theseus'' hand and closed her eyes, disappearing into thick smoke together with the general. Allias sat on the bed sighing and shaking his head as he realized the state his kingdom was in. He had to fix everything from the start. When Theseus returned he smiled, trying to hide his disappointment. "Well that was unexpected." Allias commented but Theseus was not in the mood for joking any more.

    He didn''t even look at Allias and headed straight to the bathroom. He turned on the golden sink and let the water fall before he splashed some into his face. The king had followed him, standing at the door frame observing him as he sighed and paced around anxiously.

    "It''s not your fault Theseus." Allias told him.

    "The people seem to think otherwise." He said and messed up his hair. He was clearly frustrated. His body seemed to be hyper as he walked around and kicked one of the cupboards in the bathroom. Allias shook his head, siting for him to relax.

    "The people know nothing. I know very well how hard you tried." Allias told him.

    "No you don''t. You don''t know because I didn''t try Allias. I was a mess. I was reckless and I didn''t want to do anything. For years all I could think of was that you were gone. I didnt do anything and then it was too late. Things got too far and I didn''t know how to fix them. She was right to blame me" he said as he left the room. He couldn''t stand still. He couldn''t look at Allias either, he felt embarrassed about his wrongdoings coming to light. Theseus hadn''t done anything all this time and now things were harder for him. Now that he returned he would find his home in shambles because of him.

    "It doesn''t matter Theseus. Hey, stop moving around like that and look at me." He told him with a chuckle. "It doesn''t matter. It wasn''t your duty to be king. It was mine and I was dead. Things just happened this way. We can''t do anything about the past. We can fix the present though and make sure the future is brighter. I don''t want you to feel bad about it because I don''t even care and my opinion matters more than anyone else''s. I am the king after all." Allias told him with a smirk.

    "Yes but..."

    "No buts. Mira is just scared. I am pretty sure she didn''t mean what she said. Stop thinking about it. It''s an order" Allias said with a wink.

    "You are very good at ordering others around to be positive but I don''t see you doing that with yourself my dearest king." Theseus said and took Allias'' hand, making him sit up from the bed and pulled him in his arms. "Allias I''m really sorry. Believe me."

    "There is nothing to be sorry about." The king told him. "Oh and also didn''t you know. We are always better at giving advice but not good at following them ourselves. I thought it was a fact." The king joked and Theseus laughed.

    "So, what are you going to do with that lord?" Theseus asked him and Allias'' grinned

    "I am going to kill this bastard of course." He said with a playful smile.

 Chapter 290 - 290

    "So, what are you going to do with that lord?" Theseus asked him and Allias'' grinned

    "I am going to kill this bastard of course." He said with a playful smile.

    Theseus looked at his lover, the smirk on his face, the low in his eyes. When it came to his kingdom the elf became completely different. There was something about him when it involved his own home that Theseus could not describe. It was as if his insecurities, his fears and all his doubts disappeared. He turned into the person Theseus had seen when they first met, someone who knew his affairs so well, his job of being a king that he wasn''t scared of anyone, he was the one who should be feared. The general knew that from the moment Allias had returned the changes had shocked him, half of the kingdom was gone its power less than it used to be and that took a great toll on his confidence in being king. Slowly though he got reminded of who he was, he was trying hard to overlook those shadows around him, step on them and make them disappear with his light and he was obviously starting to do that with his own home.

    "I would be insane if I ever let someone like him hold authority in my land." He said his voice emitting a gold dominance. "Just wait Theseus tomorrow, it will be a very good day for me and my official return as king. I think it took long enough." He stated and Theseus nodded, looking at him with excitement. "I will not let what''s left of my father''s kingdom to be driven to the ground. Oh, and don''t try to stop me okay?" he said with a sweet smile but his eyes were burning. He was already thinking about how he could torture him to get the best of him. Allias seemed kind, bathed by a beautiful warm light but in reality he could turn very sadistic when it came to people who hurt him or the ones he loved.

    "And what will be your excuse about everything my love? You couldn''t possibly reveal what has been happening here. But the people will talk, gossip spreads fast after all." Theseus said. It would be bad if word got out, this chaotic and horrible events could only bring trouble. It could also jeopardize Allias'' authority, they could use this mess to make him seem like he was an incapable leader.

    "Oh, don''t worry. I have a very good idea about that. Let''s just sleep for now. Tomorrow will be fun." He said and crawled on the bed, taking his clothes off. He was angry, he couldn''t believe that something like that was happening right underneath his nose, but he wouldn''t have to think about it for too long, he would take action soon. The time he spent his moments scared overthinking should come to an end. This news had been a harsh wake up call for the king, that he couldn''t hesitate any longer, he had to get things right, pick up the destruction and bloom in it, like a poisonous flower. Once everyone was scared of him, now all tried to manipulate him. He wasn''t stupid he knew well enough that was what the council wanted, especially that demonic bitch. But the next time they met things would be different, after he got Mark back he would fix the chaos and then he would go to her, show her who she was messing with.

    "Allias, don''t take things too far." Theseus told him as he laid next to him, getting under the covers.

    "When did I do such a thing?" The elf king asked with an innocent smile and the general rolled his eyes. Most of the times he didn''t know what to think with him, he was drowning in fear one day, consumed by his own demons while the other he had the biggest god complex. All Theseus hoped for was that in the end of all of this Allias would be able to find some stability in his soul, because no matter how hard he tried to hide it he could feel it. The elf king was still being tortured.

    "Goodnight my love." He told him but Allias seemed to have already drifted off to sleep.

    The morning came sooner than expected and when Theseus woke up he found Allias already standing and getting dressed. For some reason he had taken extra care in his appearance today and he was also wearing his crown. It shone on his brunette head the sun hitting it gently and making the gens sparkle. Theseus rubbed his eyes as he wanted to enjoy his beauty better. His white shirt was carefully tucked in his beige pants while golden cuffs decorated his naked arms. They showed perfectly his muscles. He had always believed that Avgee fashion fitted him the best. The loose clothes, the brightness and the gold seemed to match him perfectly. His brown curls were perfectly shaped in front of his vibrant eyes and when he realized that Theseus was awake he smiled.

    "Do I look king like?" he asked him and made a turn.

    "You look like a god Allias." Theseus complimented him and the king laughed.

    "That will do too." He said. "Come on get dressed. Wear something scary. Black." He said and the general sighed. It was incredibly hot outside. Nonetheless Allias did not care, he knew that with royals and nobles every little thing could be a statement and as Allias'' partner he had to follow the rules too. That meant that he had to wear his military uniform. Black pants and black heavy boots with a black shirt. He also had a jacket but he begged Allias not to wear it and the king finally agreed to take a step back.

    When the two elves reached the breakfast room everyone else was already there. They all stood up from their seat on the exception of Ares who couldn''t care less about etiquette. Eras had still that disgusting look on his face and stared at him confused when he realized that they were not intending to sit down nor have breakfast.

    "Your highness is something wrong?" he asked them.

    "Tell me Eras." Allias said in a cold tone. "What do you think about the Kingdom''s current state?"

    "Me? What could I¡­your highness that''s¡­"

    "I think it''s horrible. It seems that people tend to forget who I am or what I am able to do." He told the lord with a bright smile. His eyes wandered all over the luxurious room. "Such a pretty mansion. Would be a shame if I blew it up." He mumbled and Eras gasped.

    "My king, why would you...please let''s talk about this." He said, his annoying smile finally disappearing as he stared at him confused. Sweat began to gather at the sides of his forehead and Allias moved forward, reaching the table that was overflowing with delicious food. He grabbed the chair at the top of the head and sat down, bringing rudely his feet on it and crossing them.

    "Let''s talk." He said and suddenly his expression turned hostile. "Tell me you piece of shit. How do you wish to die? Slowly and painfully or painfully and slowly?" he asked him

 Chapter 291 - 291

    "My king, why would you...please let''s talk about this." He said, his annoying smile finally disappearing as he stared at him confused. Sweat began to gather at the sides of his forehead and Allias moved forward, reaching the table that was overflowing with delicious food. He grabbed the chair at the top of the head and sat down, bringing rudely his feet on it and crossing them.

    "Let''s talk." He said and suddenly his expression turned hostile. "Tell me you piece of shit. How do you wish to die? Slowly and painfully or painfully and slowly?" he asked him.

    "W-w-what?" The man stuttered. He was standing up now, looking around probably searching for a way out. Allias grinned, he looked like a villain, like a cat that had corner a little helpless mouse. "Please..."

    "Let me ask you Eras. What is in that basement of yours? No wrong answers allowed." Allias asked him and the lord froze. His eyes widened as his head snapped to the side. He looked at his wife, bearing his teeth angrily at her.

    "You bitch!" He swore at her, by now drenched in sweat. He tried to dash at her, probably harm her but Theseus was already behind him. He grabbed him from his hair and brought him back, making him land messily on the floor. "Whatever she told you it''s a lie. She is insane." Eras screamed. Allias scratched his chin, pretending that he was thinking.

    "Ea is it a lie?" He called out and the small elf appeared. He had a serious expression on his face as he came through the door. No one had noticed in this uproar that he had disappeared. But now he had returned and he was the one that could answer Allias'' answer.

    "It''s not a lie. There are several bodies down there. Torture devises. This man is a killer. A psycho." Ea said and Eras stood up slowly. He tried to run, hoping he could escape. He pushed Ea to the side heading towards the door when Allias was right in front of him. He wasn''t planning on letting Theseus take care of this. He was going to be the one to teach everyone a lesson and by everyone he meant all of the lords. His idea was barely beginning.

    "Are you trying to run away? From me?" Allias asked him and he tilted his head to the side. The king wasn''t smiling anymore. He looked annoyed as he squeezed his eyes. Eras had the audacity to try and push him too but the king wouldn''t budge. From his back the lord heard the general laugh and he stood a step back, not knowing what to do or where to go. He was trapped.

    "Soldiers do something!" He commanded and the two men in the room attempted to move. They hadn''t even taken a step when they met eyes with Allias. They froze gulping loudly.

    "Do you really want to be involved in this?" The king asked them and their heads dripped immediately. Allias nodded with a smile. "Good. Now back to you, you filthy scum. Did you really think I wouldn''t know of this? Did you believe I would let you do whatever you wanted in my own kingdom? Look at me you bastard" Allias said and grabbed the men from his neck. Eras began wiggling like a fish out of water, his eyes popping out from the lack of air, muffled and rough sounds coming from his reck neck as his lungs were slowly being drained from air.

    "You can''t do this?" He groaned and Allias'' green eyes widened. He was disgusted. He didn''t even like hearing the sound of his voice and right now he believed he was in a position to say something like that?

    "Huh?" Allias said. "Do you know who I am? I am the golden king. I am the one who destroyed the wolf nation with just a teardrop and you dare tell me what I can and cannot do?" Allias screamed in his face. Eras was shaking, he was scared, terrified. Of course he knew who he was. Everyone did and that''s why everyone was anxious with his return. They had been able to run wild while he was gone but now things would change. "It''s fine though your death will set the perfect example. It will show everyone that I have returned and I will not out up with shit like this in my land. I won''t have my people get hurt by worms like you. Pity Eras you trully believed you could keep this a secret. Except for a psycho you''re also a fool." He insulted him. Eras laugh, slightly surprising the king with his attitude. He knew he was going to die, Allias'' grip becoming tighter and tighter.

    "No one is happy that you''re back. Killing me will only make it worse." He threatened him and Allias'' smiled brightly.

    "We will see about that." He said and with a subtle move of his palm he crushed his neck. He died instantly and the king dropped his body as if he had been holding trash. "Take his body and cut him up. Into many pieces. Preserve them." He said and his company looked at him with a curious look.

    "What will you do?" Theseus asked him and Allias smiled. A devilish smile laced with mischief as he kicked the lord''s dead body.

    "I will be sending out invites. To our dear lords. When we return Theseus I will hold a ball. And this man will be the official invite." Allias revealed.

    "You''re not serious." Ea stared as he looked at him with his jaw dropped.

    "Oh, I am very serious. Take him and cut him up. Pack him into boxes and prepare the invites. I am not joking Ea." Allias repeated. The small elf sighed as he grabbed the man''s legs and dragged him outside. "The rest of you. Mira is now the lady of this land. You will listen to her. I am assigning her. Any complains?" He asked but no one dared to speak. "Good. Theseus let''s go. We need to get ready to leave." He said and Theseus hurried up to catch up to him. The moment they left the room the general whispered in the king''s ear.

    "That was so hot."

    "You get turned on by the weirdest things." Allias said with a chuckle.

    "Can you like...you know...dominate me like that too?" He asked him with a playful smile.

    "Shut up." Allias said with a blush growing on his cheeks.

 Chapter 292 - 292

    "Somebody please tell me why did I write him so beautifully? Why did I describe him as the object of pure innocence and kindness when in reality he has me in a psychopath''s basement to butcher him and turn him into an invitation." Ea mumbled angrily as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. He frowned as he stared at the metal table in front of him. He was holding a saw, an apron covering his body while his hands and the white material were painted a vibrant red color. Unfortunately it was not paint, he hadn''t found his secret calling in abstract arts, it was blood and he had been down there for at least two hours butchering a dead body as the king had ordered.

    He felt disgusted and needed to take a bath immediately. He had managed to cut the arms in egual parts counting all of the lords of the elf Kingdom in his mind as she chopped of and sawed all of the parts. He sighed thinking that this was the last thing he was expecting to be doing at this time of day.

    As he returned to work, blood splattering everywhere and the disgusting sound of bones crushing echoed in the smelly room he heard footsteps coming from the stairs. He could easily recognize the pace of the foots. It was quick but heavy at the same time. The person who was coming wore a very heavy pair of shoes and Ea could bet everything that it was Ares.

    "Are you done?" He heard the voice of the prince reach his ears above the sound of the saw and he snapped his head to meet his eyes. Ares scanned him, from head to toe with a disgusted expression, his nostrils widening as he moved his head back slightly.

    "Do I look like I am done?" He asked him and Ares looked at the dead body. Yeah he wasn''t anywhere near being done. He looked at his husband and the initial disgust slowly faded off. He bit his lip trying to hide his upcoming smile. He looked too funny. Bathed in blood with the little apron around him, his small frame contradictory to the huge saw he held in one of his hands. "Don''t you dare laugh." Ea told him and pointed a finger at him. Ares raised his arms in defense and approached him. He grabbed the saw away from Ea and gently pushed him away taking his place.

    "Rest a bit, I will do it for now. So what do you want me to do?" He asked and Ea looked at him with a questioning look that didn''t take long for Ares to notice. "What?"

    "What do you want in exchange? There is no way the all mighty Disee prince would be helping me with this without a price." Ea said and crossed his arms over his chest. He was looking at Ares as if he had done something wrong which he didn''t want to reveal. The young elf smiled cheekily.

    "Sex." Ares told him and Ea gasped. He rushed forward and tried to take the saw away from Ares but the prince raised his arm making it really hard for him to reach it. He jumped up and down a few times while hearing Ares'' chuckle and rolled his eyes. He felt like a clown, a short clown but obviously he wouldnt let this pass. He stopped truing to get a hold of the tool and kicked Ares right in the sheen making him groan and drop it instanlty.

    "You jerk!" He shouted and Ea shrugged his shoulders.

    "You wanted to play." He told him mimicking the smile that Ares had gifted him before.

    "Oh, believe me I want to play." He told him and wrapped his arm around Ea''s waist. He pulled him close and kissed his neck, the young elf closing his eyes. His lips were so soft, hot as they landed on his flashed skin. Trails of passion on his body."I want to play with your hair..." He whispered in his ear and his fingertips touched the short raven hair. "I want to play with your lips." He continued and bit Ea''s bottom lip gently. "I want to play with your body. Here..." He said and his palm traveled underneath his shirt, his fingers seductively brushing seductively his nipples making him gasp. "...and here" he continued as his palm rested on top of his sensitive area. Ea gasped, feeling someone else touch him like that for the first time.

    "Not in front of the deceased." Ea said.

    "The deceased has been turned into sushi." Ares said. " He won''t mind."

    "I won''t have sex with you in here." Ea told him. "Just let me finish my job and then we..."

    "We?" Ares asked with a devilish smirk as he raised his eyebrow.

    "We can do it." Ea gave in as he felt his body burn up at the idea. Having Ares naked in front of him, touching him, tasting him was too much too think about without his body being affected. He looked elsewhere, truing to avoid that seductive smirk. He was so full of himself, cocky and abnoxious, he believed he could make him his so easily. Ea, of it was anyone else would have slashed their throats but with Ares it was different. The prince was so charming, whenever he showed confidence all Ea could think was wanting to be held by him. Ever since they had gotten together his thoughts turned more sinful by the day.

    "Well you can''t take it back now dear Ea. You said it" Ares told him and kisses him. A slight playful peck on the lips that made him blush. "I will make you feel really good. Believe me." He whispered in his ear and Ea gulped.

    "You better." Ea said and Ares laughed loudly.

    So it was really going to happen. Ea and Ares had finally reached that point.

    ....

    Hello everyone. I hope you''re enjoying the more fluffy sexy badass chapters! Please leave a nice comment and a vote. I would be thankful. Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 293 - 293

    "He died easier than I thought." Allias said as he entered the guest room. The moment he was behind the closed door he removed the crown from his head and threw it on the bed, the expensive gold bouncing before it landed on top of the pillow. Allias was exhausted, even though this thing lasted only a few minutes, it was so easy as to killing a fly the king had felt that it lasted years. He felt that way because he was already thinking about what was to follow. There were so many things that needed to be done for this Kingdom to be fixed. Allias had decided it though, he would restore his home to its old glory and no one, Achlys or the council would stop him. He didn''t care about being feared or loved, in the golden throne, as he felt the cold from the lonely metal fear and love seemed extremely similar. As long as he achieved his goal he would be fine and as long as the man who stood in front of him was with him. Then everything would work out, he was sure.

    "That''s true, I mean I did think he would put up a bit more of a fight." Theseus said and sat in one side of the bed. He undid his shirt, revealing slowly his well shaped torso.

    "No, it''s not that. It was obvious that he wouldn''t fight. He seemed scared from the start. He didn''t have it in him. All he knew was how to kill innocent women and abuse his power. Power that had been given to him by my family dammit." The king swore. He hated being wrong. He hated taking the worng path and now he had been brutally exposed to the fact that not only him but his mother and father made mistakes too and somehow that seemed to hurt him even more.

    "Didn''t you say that whatever happened it''s in the past? We are moving forward now. Maybe you know into more isolated, dark and steamy paths." The general joked and Allias laughed.

    "From one to ten how horny are you?" The king asked him.

    "Eleven." Theseus responded with a serious expression when a shy knock was heard. Both of them looked at the door for a second confused and the white haired general stood up, sighing faintly. Their conversation had been cut off on a very good part again.

    He opened the door, holding it tightly and looked outside to see Mira patiently waiting. She looked at him, her eyes traveling to his exposed upper body and she flinched, looking to the side with a blushed face. Theseus smirked and supported himself.on the door.

    "Can I help you?" He asked her in a low tone and the young elf coughed, her big doe eyes still traveling everywhere else but the general..

    "I...I just wanted to talk to the king but If it''s not a good time I can come later." She said but Theseus moved to the side, opening the door fully. Allias was sitting still on the bed. He smiled the moment he saw her just before he realized that Theseus was standing there half naked.

    "Theseus, get dressed. Now." He commanded him and the general chuckled. He grabbed his shirt who was laying lonely on the bed and wore it. "Mira please come in. Is there anything you need?" He asked her.

    "I, I am sorry if I bothered you. I just wanted to thank you." She told him and suddenly she fell to her knees as if she was praying. Allias looked at her with wide eyes as she took his hand in her and she kissed it. "I owe you my life my king. I would do everything you want me to. I am yours." She said and a blush grew on her pretty face. Allias blinked a few times and gently retrieved his face. An awkward smile was plastered on his face as he was thinking about what he should say. He scratched the back of his head.

    "First of all please get up. There is no reason to kneel on front of me." He told her and the girl immediately obeyed. She stood up, straightening her long green dress and waited patiently for him to continue. "Also you don''t owe me anything. I am your king it''s my duty to protect you. I don''t need you to do anything for me because I did not help you to get something in return. You are free now Mira. You are the lady of this land, you can rule it, do whatever you want with it." She said. The girl had tears in her eyes. Just a few days ago she was having nightmares about how her soulless body would become a plaything for a psycho but now, like a dream, she had been freed. She had gotten her life back and was given the chance to live. This man in front of her had done that.

    "I can''t thank you enough your highness. But the truth is that I trully owe you. I will do anything for you. My soul and my body belongs to you." She repeated and Allias shook his head. It was obvious where this conversation was going and he was not good with dealing such things. He didn''t want to hurt the young lady, after all she had been through so much.

    "Listen here Mira. You are a lovely and beautiful young lady. I can see that, I am sure everyone can..." Allias complimented her and a huge smile appeared on her face, her eyes sparkling. "I also do not doubt that you are a wonderful person but you see I..."

    "He liked dicks." Theseus interrupted making Allias stare at him with wide eyes. "Mine in particular." He continued and the girl stared at him in utter shock.

    She took a few steps back, her blush getting more obvious as she stuttered.

    "I...I should better get going. Your carriages are ready for whenever you wish to leave. So try for the inconvenience." She said and bowed hurriedly before she ran away from the room.

    "What the hell was that?" Allias asked Theseus.

    "I hate it when people flirt with you like this. Right in front of me. They never take us seriously Allias. And that''s because you have a man as your partner and not a woman." Theseus told him with a sad expression.

    ....

    Warnings for the next chapter. Sexual content. Thank you for reading! I hope that you enjoyed this chapter.

 Chapter 294 - 294

    "What are you talking about?" Allias asked. Theseus was standing close to the window, gazing outside, his eyes focused on the clear blue sky, deep in though with a very disappointed expression. He turned his head, lilac eyes filled with borrow as he sighed. "Theseus what''s wrong?" The king called out, his voice low, soothing the same tone as when he talked to Mira. As if he was talking to a scared child.

    "Allias, no one will ever accept us. No one takes us seriously. It will all crumble the moment they request an heir of you. I...I will be the reason you get ruined." Theseus said. As he slowly came to realize it how eyes widened. He was scared, terrified that he would be Allias'' doom once again. He wouldn''t be able to stand it. He knew everyone had expectations of him and now that he was back, with the Avgee tribe extinct everything seemed to be even harder. But still, he couldn''t find the strength and talk to Allias about that woman, the elf girl Joe had. She was probably waiting for them but Theseus couldn''t reveal it yet. He had tried many times but like a coward he had remained silent. He was fully aware of what would happen. They would save her, it would become known all around the kingdom that a female Avgee had survived and that their nation could continue of only she had a child with the king. Allias would be too burdened by his duty, too scared for his bloodline to be erased so he would give in and Theseus, he would simply turn into a bystander just like that.

    "No that is not true. Theseus I chose you. It''s enough for me to know that. I don''t care what everyone else thinks or what they want. There was a ever a chance that I would give you up." Allias told him. He stood close to him, standing right in front of the general becoming the view he always loved to admire. He smiled brightly and his palm rested on Theseus'' cheek. "Of I had to give up my crown for you, I would. If I had to become a beggar for you I would, hell I would even be nice to Achlys if that meant I could always have you by my side. You mean so much to me Theseus. Trully, you have no idea of the extent of my feelings. Sometimes it scares me, my son heart has stopped being mine. It beats and acts always thinking of you firsts. It''s terrifying." He said with a chuckle. "I am supposed to be the ruler of all, the one standing above every elf but some crazy shadow caster has managed to become my ruler. You really think that anyone would be able to stand by my side? Is that how much I am worth? An arranged marriage with some woman just because she can produce an heir?" He asked him and Theseus shook his head negatively. Of course not, who would think so simply of Allias? Who would even dare?

    "And you think I am fitting to be with you?" He asked and the king laughed. His laughter echoing gleefully in the quiet room.

    "You''re asking me this after all these years? What do you think? You''re handsome..." Allias whispered and with his fingertips he traced his characteristics. From the lines of his lips to his nose and his eyes. His eyebrows. His fingers rested again on his bottom lip, pressuring it. "Your eyes, your lips, your body. Everything. Your mind. No matter how hard I think there are no flaws. Theseus whenever I think of you, I don''t think if you''re the right person for me. I''ve never questioned that. I wouldn''t trouble my mind with such thoughts. When I think of you. I think of your kisses..." Allias kept whispering, his lips close to his, hot breaths landing on the wet mouth and the general gulped. "I think of your body, I think of the way you make me feel. What do you think of when you think about me?" He asked him and the general grinned. He bit Allias'' finger and pulled him close before he pushed him on the bed, the man bouncing slightly on the fluffy mattress.

    "I can show you if you want. What I think about." He answered him, his knee was resting between Allias'' legs. He brought it forwards, rubbing it on him and the king gasped, his eyes glued on Theseus as he hovered over him, his strong arms at both sides of his head, a few stray strands of white hair in front of his hungry eyes.

    "Show me then, what are you waiting for?" Allias asked him.

    "Will you be able to handle it your highness?" Theseus asked seductively as his lips landed on Allias'' neck. His skin was hot, his heart beating faster and faster as the general sucked on his neck, slowly making him moan. Allias grabbed his hair, wrapping his legs around his waist.

    "I think I will do just fine." He told Theseus and the general smirked.

    "Then where should I begin?" He said, pretending that he was talking to himself. "Here?" He asked and placed his lips on the king''s kissing him passionately. "Here?" He asked again and his palm sneaked beneath his white shirt and rubbed his body "or maybe here?" He whispered in his ear as his palm slowly moved downwards and cupped him.

    Allias'' lips parted as he took in a sharp breath, his face flushed. He grinned at the man on top of him and his arm wrapped around his wrist, on the hand that was cupping his pants and he carefully moved it downwards to his entrance.

    "I think you can do even better than that." Allias said and Theseus raised his eyebrow.

    "Remember my king. You asked for it." He said.

    "Oh, believe me I will."

    ...

    Important notice. Comments with vile language get censored by webnovel so they won''t appear. (Ex words like bastard, dick, asshole, stupid, fuck. You can write them like this b@stard, d!ck, stpd, fck and they will appear.) Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 295 - 295

    "We are finally done." Ea said with a relieved sigh as he plopped on the bed of the guestroom. "I am dead."

    "You can''t be more dead than the lord downstairs." Ares joked as he undid his shirt. Both of them were bloody and dirty from all of this work and Ares felt disgusted in his own skin. "I am going to bathe." He told Ea and the smaller elf shook his palm telling him to go. Ares entered the bathroom closing the door behind him and soon Ea heard the water dripping. It would take a while for him to fill up the huge bath tub.

    The young elf changed his stance and sat up, biting his fingernails he began thinking of something. He was anxious, his heart was beating loudly as he intensively stared at the wooden door that separates him and a naked Ares. He had spent a lot of time thinking about it, about the matter that Ares has mentioned so many times. Sex. Ea was never find of physical contact, he always liked to keep things clean and people at a certain distance. His feeling for Ares though were quite the opposite to the point he believed there was something wrong with him. He gulped as his thoughts became nastier. He didn''t know his mind could be this lewd. Ea wanted it, he wanted to be with Ares badly but he could never find the courage and just do it. He knew Ares would never pressure him and would wait but he was a coward, he could make him wait forever just because he was shy.

    The younger elf sighed and rubbed his temples. He had to do it. He had to find the courage and be bold for once.

    "You''re not a kid." He whispered to himself as he stood up. He undid his shirt, taking it off and then his pants followed, landing messily on the floor with his udnerwear. "Go get him" his conscious commanded his and he nodded. His hand rested for a while on the doorknob but he managed to do it, throwing all his doubts in the back of his mind. It was now or never.

    Ares looked towards the door that was slowly opening with a frown, questioning what had just happened. Ea saw him in the bathtub, surrounded by colorful bubbles.

    "Ea?" Ares said surprised and with his eyes he scanned his naked body hungrily. His expression soon change and he reminded the young elf of a predator. The red orbs darkening, he licked his lips and stared at him. Ea shivered but he didn''t say anything. "Come here" Ares told him and it sounded almost like a command. Ea obeyed and slowly made his way to the bath. Ares stood up, revealing from the first time his naked body. He looked incredible, very different from Ea''s lean and fragile looking body. His muscles were clearly obvious, flexing with his every move. He turned on the water and Ea felt the hot drops land fast on his skin.

    He remained quiet as Ares washed his hair, his hands massaging his sculp. He rinsed the soap off and soon began washing his body, from his neck to his torso. He took a deep breath as he felt Ares'' rub his nipples, a small moan escaping his lips. His fingers played with him slowly and Ea looked at Ares to see if he had noticed it. He was acting completely normal though, washing him. He continued by rubbing his abdomen and then his back, his palms slowly going backwards and he cupped his ass strongly making Ea flinch. He wrapped his arms around him and soon he brought his fingers around his member, caressing it slowly. Ea took a deep breath. Everything was quiet, so quiet his heart was beating like a loud drum in his mind. He bit his lips as he felt himself get hard from Ares'' touch when he heard him ask from behind him.

    "Why did you come here Ea?"

    " To be with you." He answered slowlu getting into a daze. Ares'' fingers felt too good. His slow stroking, his breath landing at the back of his neck. His knees began to feel weak as he tried to think of what would follow.

    "Is that all? You just want to be with me?" He asked again and stopped moving his hands. A whine escaped from Ea''s lips since his pleasure was taken away and the elf surprised covered his mouth. "Tell me Ea. Why are you here? What do you want?"

    "I...I want you to touch me." The elf said stuttering as he felt his body temperature rise. He wanted Ares, he wanted him badly, so much his touch was more something that he needed rather than something that he wanted.

    "Touch you where?" He asked and Ea too embarrassed remained silent. Ares did not move, he didn''t do anything and just stood behind him still. "If you don''t answer me I won''t do anything. So tell me Ea where do you want me to touch you?"

    "Here." Ea said, sounding as of he was begging. He grabbed Ares hand and placed it on his hard member. "Please touch me here." He told him and Ares wrapped his finger around him, making him push his head back from the pleasure, resting in on his shoulder. He stroke slowly, painfully so but Ea was already a mess. It was the first time someone else was touching him.

    "Is that all you want? For me to just touch you?" He asked and pciked up his pace, getting faster and faster as he teased his tip with his thumb.

    "No" Ea moaned. "I want more." He said and he felt Ares'' kiss his shoulder, a bring forming on his wet lips.

    "What''s more?" Ares asked him. "Tell me. I will do anything you want. Where do you want me to touch you? Stroke you, kiss you. Tell me all about your fantasies. Have you thought of me Ea...while you played with yourself?" Ares asked him and the elf bit his lips. He was lost, the pleasure from Ares'' touch, the warm water landing on his skin. The slightest touch, even the landing of Ares'' breathing on his neck made him feel like moaning. At moments like this he would lose all self control. "Have you?"

    "Yes." Ea said and turned around. He wanted to look at him. Ares was so handsome. His sharp face, his bright red eyes and raven hair, his built body. The younger elf stared at him, his eyes hazy, his face flushed. How could he be so helpless.he wondered why Ares looked fine. He wasn''t though. Ea noticed it immediately. He was hard, fully react and if he paid a bit closer attention he could clearly see that his breathing was unstable.

    "And what did you think of? Tell me? In detail." Ares told him before he crushed their lips together.

    "I...you would take off my clothes and push me.on the bed, then you would touch me, kiss me...." He said and moaned when Ares traveled with his tongue to his neck. He traced a long path until he reached his nipple cupping his lips around it, sucking.

    "Keep going." Ares told him with a serious expression before he returned to locking and biting his hard nipple.

    "You would....aah...you would touch me downt there and you, you would spread my legs and... Enter me. I...yes" he moaned when Ares kissed his his abdoment and licked the tip of his member. He had never felt like this.

    "Do you want me to do that to you?"

    "Yes"

    "Tell me then." Ares told him and took a step back. "Show me." Ea blushed, his heart racing. He wanted it, he wanted it badly. He needed to feel that pleasure. It was too late to back down now.

    He turned around, arching his back and with his palms he spread his cheeks showing Ares everything.

    "I want you inside me, please." He begged him.

    ....

    Holly water please. Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed.

 Chapter 296 - 296

    Warning: sexual content

    "You would....aah...you would touch me downt there and you, you would spread my legs and... Enter me. I...yes" he moaned when Ares kissed his his abdoment and licked the tip of his member. He had never felt like this.

    "Do you want me to do that to you?"

    "Yes"

    "Tell me then." Ares told him and took a step back. "Show me." Ea blushed, his heart racing. He wanted it, he wanted it badly. He needed to feel that pleasure. It was too late to back down now.

    He turned around, arching his back and with his palms he spread his cheeks showing Ares everything.

    "I want you inside me, please." He begged him.

    Ares smiled his finger tracing lines around his entrance. Ea''s body shivered as his heart fluttered with anticipation. Slowly he inserted a finger as he caressed his ass with the other hand. Ea took a deep breath, trying to get used to the unusual sensation when he felt Ares'' body get closer. His lips moved next to his ear and he bit his ear lobe, sucking on the sensitive skin.

    "One is in." He told him and Ea nodded shyly. "How does it feel?"

    "I...I don''t know." Ea whines as he felt Ares'' hard member touch the meat of his thigh. He would be inside him soon. He would give him the pleasure he so desperately wanted. Just a bit more, he thought.

    "You don''t know?" Ares chuckled and Ea felt another finger get inside him. "Now?" He asked as he thrusted his fingers back and forth in a slow pace. The young elf did not answer. He just buckled his knees. His heart was beating loudly in his ribcage and Ares kisses his spine. Every kiss like a hot mark on his body. "Now?" He repeated and Ea groaned feeling a bit of pain. "Does it hurt?" He asked and Ea nodded as he bit his lip. "Just wait a bit " he whispered and Ares'' other hand found its way in front of him, wrapping his fingers around his member and caressing it. Ea took in a deep breath, his eyes widening from pleasure. He was starting to feel weak, exhausted and his mind, all of his thoughts were a constant blur. How did Ares look? What did he think? Ea was dying to see.

    He could feel the elf''s fingers inside him, moving back and forth pressuring his walls when suddenly Ares massaged a certain spot. Ea moaned in pleasure, loudly, a lewd sound escaping his lips and Ars chuckled.

    "Found it." He said and kept hitting that spot. Ea felt like he would explode. It was unbelievable, this feeling. Ares'' hands, his fingers, his lips everything was too much. He had never felt such pleasure, he couldn''t think nor collect himself. All he knew was that he wanted him, he wanted more, he wanted to be filled up until he couldn''t breathe.

    Ea bodly grabbed Ares'' hand, stopping him.

    "What''s wrong?" He asked him worried and the elf turned around. He wanted to make him feel good, please him, hear him moan his name. Ea fell on his knees standing in front of Ares.

    "I...I want to make you feel good too." He stuttered shyly, his cheeks flushed a bright pink. Ares smirked and caressed his cheek.

    "Do it then baby." He told him in a low tone and Ea shivered, his voice vibrating pleasently on his spine. He moved his head forward, his lips slightly touching Ares'' tip. He licked it like a little cat, his eyes focused on his husband''s face. Ares placed his palm on his hair, grabbing the short locks. Ea licked him from the bottom to the top thinking if it would fit inside his mouth. Ares groaned, his eyes closed. "Ea..." He breathed. "In take it in" he told him, filled with anticipation.

    The elf opened his mouth and took him in bobbing his head back and forth as he tasted him for the first time. He couldn''t believe he was turned on by this but seeing Ares, hearing his groans, feeling his grip tighten on his hair made him feel like he would melt. He had him on his mouth swirling his tongue around him when Ares pushed him back.

    "Get up." He told him and helped him stand. "Turn around."

    "No." Ea said and looked at Ares. The elf cocked an eyebrow, observing him with a smug grin.

    "And why is that?" He asked him.

    "I...I want to...to be able to see you." He told him and Ares smiled, bringing him closer.

    "Don''t regret it later." He said and with a swift move he had raised Ea up, holding him in his hands. His legs were wrapped around his waist and now they were face to face close to each other. Ea gasped, surprised and averted his eyes. Ares'' smile was too beautiful, too charming to look up close. "No, you said you wanted to look at me. Eyes on me dear husband." He teased him as he slowly lowered him.

    He felt Ares'' tip touch his entrance and he closed his eyes. The elf groaned feeling how Ea took him in, tight and wet he tried to restrain himself and not move fast. Ea looked at him, he felt a burn and bit his lip, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. Ares kissed the salty drops and groaned.

    "Are you okay?" He asked him and Ea nodded.

    "It''s all in" Ares said. "Ea can I move? Please." The elf begged him, pleasure and anticipation all over his face.

    "Yes, move." He said and Ares crushed their lips together kissing him. He bit his lip and Ea moaned. He felt Ares move, shaking him and hitting his deepest spots. His head fell back, his eyes rolling.

    "Ares" he moaned.

    "Louder." The prince told him.

    "Ares" he moaned his name as he felt him inside him.

    "Fuck." Ares groaned, and Ea soon felt pure ecstasy. He closed his eyes feeling all of his muscles relax and a loud moan escaped his lips as everything spread on his belly. "Ea" Ares called his name and filled him up.

    Both of them were panting, flushed and sweaty and Ares grabbed the elf, holding him like a princess he kissed his forehead.

    "Are you alright?" He asked him with a sweet tone and Ea nodded. "I love you Ea."

    "I love you too."

    "Did you like it?"

    "It was okay." The elf joked and Ares'' eyes widened.

    "Okay? Simply okay?" He told him with a surprised expression and Ea laughed loudly.

    "It was perfect." He told him hearing Ares'' sigh in relief.

 Chapter 297 - 297

    Warning: Sexual content (half of the chapter)

    Theseus undid his pants and kissed the buldge underneath his underwear making Allias shiver. Slowly he pulled down his underwear the elf finding his hands in the silky hair as Theseus'' tongue licked his growing member. The king let out a loud moan and grabbed his hair bringing his head downwards, deeper.

    Theseus smirked and sucked harder making him tremble. Allias'' voice was loud, strong moans echoed in the silent room and with every time he called out Theseus'' name the general.felt his pants tightening.

    "Do it" the man groaned and the white haired man removed his swollen lips from his member. A smirk grew on his lips as he took off his shirt showing to Allias his perfect body. He hovered over him and kissed him. His tongue skillfully entering the king''s mouth, sucking on his tongue. Allias caressed his muscular body, his fingertips tracing lewd lines on his body. He stopped at the band of his pants, pulling it, signaling that he wanted Theseus to take everything off.

    The general obeyed, undoing his pants and Allias'' sat up. He stood in front of him completely naked and the king devoured him with his eyes. Every inch of his body, from the well sculptured muscles to his battle scars every place he laid his green eyes on turned him on.

    "Do you like what you see that much?" Theseus told him with a smirk and Allias'' grabbed his hand, pulling him towards him and making him land on the bed. He sat on his lap and took his shirt off, revealing everything to Theseus the same way he did. The general''s look was exactly the same, provocative, hungry and lewd as he locked his lips, his hands cupping Allias'' thighs.

    "Do you like what you see that much?" The king mimicked him with the same cocky smirk and Theseus scoffed.

    "What if I do?"

    "I''d say you have taste." The king said. "I''d fuck me too."

    "Confident much aren''t we?" The general asked him when Allias kissed his neck. He sucked on the pale flesh hard, making him tense and let out a sigh. He traced kisses all over his body into he reached his reacted member.

    "I will be claiming this." He said and kissed his tip. He stood up, placing himself on top of Theseus, aligning his erection with his entrance and slowly moved downwards. A frown formed in his face and Theseus stopped him.

    "We can wait you know." He said looking at him with a worried expression but Allias simply took everything in, sitting on him. Theseus groaned, feeling him tighten and the elf smirked.

    "Can we?" He asked devilishly and began to move, Theseus'' palms resting on his asscheeks.

    "I don''t think we can" he answered.

    Allias soon started to feel good, Theseus length hitting all the right places as he moved, bouncing, his lips parted, his breathing unstable. He called out the general''s name with a moan, feeling the man underneath him beginning to move, pounce on him, faster and faster.

    "Theseus" he yelled his name as he felt his lover destroy him. Theseus flipped them over, making Allias sit on his knees and pushed his head into the pillow, grabbing his hair with force. The king moaned when the sound of a loud slap echoes in the room. "Yes, more." He begged until his cheeks had turned red. Theseus was destroying Jim, messing up his insides and the king loved it. He felt the heat rising, the pleasure approaching and he heard Theseus call out his name, his voice rough.

    "Allias."

    "Yes, together." He said and the general thrusted in him hard. Soon both of them laid in the bed exhausted and sweaty.

    "Well..." Allias said with a dazed smile as he breathed heavily.

    "Well..."

    "That was nice."

    "I bet it was." Theseus told him cockily and Allias'' scoffed.

    "Next time I''ll be doing you so watch out what you say."

    "You''re all words and no acts." Theseus teased him and Allias'' smacked his torso making him cough.

    "Allias no matter what I do, no matter what happens will you always love me?" Theseus asked the king, remembering the horrible secret he kept from him. He felt a weight on his chest, it made it difficult to breathe and he sighed.

    "Of course. I could never stop loving you Theseus. Is something troubling you?" Allias asked him and turned on his side so he could see his handsome face. He took his hand in his and kissed the back of his palm making Theseus smile.

    "No, it''s nothing. I just like hearing you say that you love me." He told him and Allias'' chuckled.

    "I love you, I love you, I love you..." Allias repeated many times and kissed Theseus'' nose playfully. "I looove you" he told him again and actually managed to make the general blush. "You''re blushing." Allias noticed and said with excitement.

    "Is that a bad thing?" He asked with a scoff.

    "No, not at all. It reminds me of when we first met. Blush more for me..I like your sweet and shy side."

    "I thought you liked the side of me that makes you moan like crazy more." Theseus told him with a grin and Allias rolled his eyes.

    "I wonder who makes who moan." The king mumbled. "My skills are undeniable."

    "Allias?" Theseus asked him and looked at him with a curious expression.

    "What?"

    "Have you ever slept with anyone but me?" He asked him and Allias'' blushed. He averted his eyes.

    "What kind of question is that?"

    "I''m just wondering. I think you were a virgin when I met you..." Theseus said and his expression showed that he was trying to remember. "Does that mean I am your first and last man?" He asked with excitement.

    "Shut up Theseus. Just shut it. Zip it. Mute." Allias told him and covered Theseus'' face with his palm. "Come on get up, we need to go." The king said and stood up, going towards his clothes that had fallen to the ground.

    "Answer me first my love"

    "What if you are? Are you going to make fun of me? Huh? Tell me" Allias told him aggressively and the general smiled.

    "No, I would simply think that I am too blessed. Allias. Always be with me please. No matter what happens, no matter what I do" Theseus told him with a bittersweet expression and Allias smiled.

    "Of course."

    ....

    There you go. Fluffy sexy chapters as you asked. Now it''s time for me to return to the darkness and drama I so love. Hope you enjoyed these little moments of happiness back to the disaster! Thank you for reading! Please leave a nice comment. Maybe a five star review and a vote. Thanks!

 Chapter 298 - 298

    "It''s not as bad as I thought." Allias whispered to his general as he got out of the carriage. After greeting everyone they left the estate of the new lady they had a long journey through the thick forests, entering troll territory until they reached their destination. He hadn''t visited the troll swamps in years but as it seemed they had evolved a bit. In front of him there was a huge swamp, greenish water everywhere while above his head, attached to the trees and in the air, connected through wooden bridges made with rope, hanged many small houses. Allias stared at them one by one and the people who walked from building to building. All of them had that greenish hue on their skin, their hair black, the same color as their eyes while they had fangs protruding from their mouths on the bottom.

    "Weren''t they supposed to live in caves?" Theseus whispered back at Allias and the king shrugged his shoulders.

    "Maybe the remodeled the place, I''ve been dead you know, how am I supposed to know?" he told the general and the white haired man grinned. "Asmodeus is with Mark''s body in their own carriage hidden in the woods. Once we are done with our visit we will go and get them to continue our journey."

    "Okay." Allias said, nodding his head. He would lie if he said that he trusted completely Asmodeus but he had to step back on this one. Theseus had told him many times what should be done, they needed his help and Allias might not trust the demon he did trust Theseus, with his life. Soon the carriage Ea and Ares were on caught up to them and stopped, the two younger elves getting out. They were standing a bit further from the entrance of the huge swamp, waiting for all of them to gather before they met the new Troll leader.

    "Shall we go?" Theseus asked them. The younger ones nodded, while holding hands and Allias simply began walking, before everyone else. This was one of the parts that Allias had come to hate about being a king. Officially no one had the right to walk next to him, not even Theseus and in all important events he had to be on the front, alone while wondering if anyone was still standing behind him. He had to walk with his head high, his eyes cold and his expression unreadable as he met possible friends or enemies.

    Soon signaled by their appearance a crowd began to gather at the entrance. The swamp was surrounded with a very old stubble wall while on the sides of the entrance stood two observatories. The people were peeking glances from behind the wall while others who were on the ground were looking down on them. Everyone curious to see the elf king that had returned. The leaves of the trees were thick, offering a wide shade and the climate was humid making Allias and the rest of the elves feel slightly uncomfortable in their heavy clothing.

    They didn''t have that much time to think about the commodities though because the new Troll leader and his companions, generals, attendants and councilors had come to great them. Allias and the rest of the elves bowed, the trolls mimicking respectfully their actions and for a second they awkwardly stared at each other. The new troll leader was young, barely in his late twenties and was definitely a lot more handsome than that slimy Hara. He had long black hair that reached his back and big black eyes. His fangs were not that big and wild looking and he was smiling faintly while a young troll girl stood at his side. She seemed to be pregnant.

    "Hello, welcome. Thank you for honoring us with your presence." He told them. "I am Skof, the new troll leader and this Aya. She is my wife." He introduced themselves and Allias smiled.

    "Thank you accepting us, we have heard that you were appointed a while back. We are very sorry about your previous leader and for not visiting you earlier. This is Theseus, he is my general and these two are Ares the Disee prince and Ea his husband." Allias did the same introduction. "I hope that you will accept the presents that we brought you." He said and one of the few attendants Allias had taken with him moved, going to the carriage and bringing out a big wooden box. He walked forward with his head facing the ground and stood in front of the troll leader, opening it and revealing many jewels and gems. "I do believe some of the jewelry will fit perfectly you lovely wife." He told him and the troll lady smiled.

    "Thank you and do not worry, we appreciate your visit, many of the other leaders seemed to not want to visit our swamp." He told them with a bittersweet smile. "Please come, we have prepared quite the feast for you." He told them and the elves followed. The entered through the big entrance and the troll leader took them to a huge tree on the beck. Its trunk had been opened and inside Allias noticed a narrow staircase. So this is how they went up to the trees, he realized and followed the man. The steps creaked underneath their feet and soon they faced the sun. Standing on the top and getting a full view of their land showed Allias that this place was actually quite pretty. The small houses were well taken care of and he could hear the laughter of children as they ran through the wooden bridges.

    "No running on the bridges." Skof scolded a few children that were running on the bridge next to them and they looked at them, frozen as they saw elves for the first time. A little girl between them pointed at Allias with a big smile, her dark eyes shinning.

    "He is pretty" he exclaimed and the King smiled, greeting her. How long had it been since he had seen any elf children? Walked through the streets of his own land? His home, he had overlooked it. Seeing how the trolls acted, how they lived reminded him of his own people, the ones that needed him.

    "Excuse us, the kids are quite rowdy here. It hasn''t been long since we changed our ways of living so they are not used to it yet." Aya explained. She had a soft and low voice, soothing as she spoke and Allias nodded.

    "It''s alright. I like children." He said. "After our lunch I hope that we will be able to pay our respects to Hara''s tomb. To think that his visit would be our last meeting." The king said pretending that he was sad. They had gone through a few bridges by now, finally arriving one of the biggest tree houses, probably the one belonging to the leader.

    "We would love to take you but sadly we hadn''t had the chance to bury our leader. Achlys took his body." Skof said, his calm expression changing as his eyes darkened.

    "Achlys has his body?" Allias asked surprised.

 Chapter 299 - 299

    "It''s alright. I like children." He said. "After our lunch I hope that we will be able to pay our respects to Hara''s tomb. To think that his visit would be our last meeting." The king said pretending that he was sad. They had gone through a few bridges by now, finally arriving one of the biggest tree houses, probably the one belonging to the leader.

    "We would love to take you but sadly we hadn''t had the chance to bury our leader. Achlys took his body." Skof said, his calm expression changing as his eyes darkened.

    "Achlys has his body?" Allias asked surprised. He would lie if he said he hadn''t think that Achlys would want to find a way and interfere but he didn''t believe after such a long time she would still keep his body. That was the reason a funeral hadn''t been held and why no one seemed to talk about Hara''s death. She possessed his body and she was definitely trying to do something with it. The king was sure it would involve him and the elves. It was a good thing they decided to visit the trolls.

    "Sadly yes, this demonic b¡­" Skof said but Aya elbowed him in the stomach. The man scoffed and opened the door of their estate. Their house was simple. A wooden throne in the back with a smaller matching one next to it. In the middle they had set a low table, long, meant to fit a lot of people and on top many different kinds of food were placed, steaming. Dark green pillows were sprawled on the floor instead of chairs, for the guests to sit. The rest of the room was simple, a few decorations on the wall and some weapons hanged, spears made of wood and stone together with shields that had tribal paintings on them, white and red. Next to the thrones were two doors probably leading to the rest of the house. "Excuse me." Skof said and walked in. "Please sit, make yourself at home." He told them and sat at the head of the table, leaving the other side for Allias. Soon a troll servant appeared and filled their glasses.

    "We hope that you will enjoy the food." Aya said smiling.

    "It''s quite peculiar though, why would Achlys keep Hara''s body?" Allias asked, trying to bring back the topic. The two leaders looked at each other, thinking if it was a good idea to speak when Ares interrupted them.

    "Because she is a bitch. She is definitely plotting something that annoying¡­" Ares began rumbling exposing their dislike to the troll. Theseus'' eyes widened and he stared at his brother with the same threatening look as always when he did something stupid. They shouldn''t be showing their discomfort so easily, especially when they didn''t know if the new leader was with them or with her.

    "Ares¡­" Allias called him between gritted teeth and stared at the younger elf. "Eat and shut your mouth." He said and pushed a plate filled with roasted vegetables to the man. Ares sighed and grabbed his fork, pinching a few of them and placing them on his plate. "I am so sorry. They are still young and¡­"

    "No, no, no. He is completely right! That annoying bitch keeps trying to tell us how to rule our people just because she is in the council, she never stops talking and that disgusting smile of her, honestly¡­" Skof mimicked Ares and started rumbling about how much she disliked Achlys until his wife stuffed his mouth with a chicken leg.

    "I am so sorry. As it seems our leader is quite young too." She said and the troll ate the leg before he looked at his wife.

    "Aya, it''s obvious that the elves are in the same page as us. Didn''t you hear that the council whipped the king''s friend? It would be impossible for them to like her. Don''t worry. I mean you''ve read the book, he is nice." Skof told her referring to the book Ea had written. Who would believe it that something he had written in his sad times would become a Veil best seller.

    "Still, that is simply a book Skof, fiction. We need to be careful." The woman whispered but everyone in the room were able to hear her. Allias smiled, these people were nothing like Achlys'' lackey. They were young and honest, they loved their people and the most important hated her too. Maybe this time they could get themselves a very important alliance.

    "It seems that you are expecting a little girl" Allias told her with a bright smile and Aya looked at him.

    "You know the gender of my child?" she asked with wide eyes and the king nodded.

    "Elves have a deep connection with nature, our magic can do a lot of things." He said.

    "It''s just that he is too powerful. I can''t really see it." Theseus said, praising Allias and the king chuckled.

    "That too." He agreed.

    "Is it true?" Skof asked and his dark eyes traveled once at Theseus and then to Allias. "Are you two¡­together?"

    Theseus tensed and Allias remembered what they had talked about before in Eras'' estate. His lilac eyes averted the trolls, unaware of what he should answer. Allias though took his hand in his and smiled at them. Showing everyone that they were right. He did not plan on hiding. All of the residents of the Veil knew about it, some would accept it, some wouldn''t. He didn''t really care nor mind. All he wanted was for Theseus to know how much he loved him.

    "Yes, we''ve been together for thousands of years." He said and the troll leader''s eyes widened.

    "Thousand? Oh man, Aya now that we are married does t mean I have to put up with your snoring for eternity?" he said and scratched the back of his head with a frown.

    "I can leave if you want. I would be free from you whining and immaturity." She said and turned her head the other way. Allias chuckled seeing how Skof suddenly felt insecure. He approached her taking her hand and kissing it.

    "Come on. It was just a joke. Don''t leave me please, no one else wanted to marry me. You were the only one." He said.

    "What do you mean?" Allias asked him and Skof smiled awkwardly.

    "Well you see, I was very fragile as a child. With trolls we usually get engaged when we are teens around sixteen or seventeen. Back then I was still very sickly and weak. Even though I was of royal line none of the young troll ladies wanted me. Aya was the only one who said she would be with me. From the start she stayed by my side. When I was sick and helped me get better. Now I was even chosen to become the leader, all because of her." He said and looked at her, his eyes filled with love and the girl blushed.

    "Eat." She told him and passed him the plate that had been given to Ares so he would shut up. Those vegetables served a greater purpose as it seemed.

    "I am happy to hear that. Your people seem to be doing great." Allias commented.

    "Yes, but I don''t know for how long. Achlys, that woman really¡­"

    "If you are alright with it, why don''t you tell us about it?" Allias said and Theseus nodded.

    "We could help you." The general added and Aya looked at her husband. They seemed to be perplexed but what else could they do? At the moment the elves seemed to be their only means of help.

 Chapter 300 - 300

    "Eat." She told him and passed him the plate that had been given to Ares so he would shut up. Those vegetables served a greater purpose as it seemed.

    "I am happy to hear that. Your people seem to be doing great." Allias commented.

    "Yes, but I don''t know for how long. Achlys, that woman really¡­"

    "If you are alright with it, why don''t you tell us about it?" Allias said and Theseus nodded.

    "We could help you." The general added and Aya looked at her husband. They seemed to be perplexed but what else could they do? At the moment the elves seemed to be their only means of help.

    "I don''t know where to beging. Hara wasn''t always like this, so fixated on Achlys. He was a good and dependable leader. He was the one who took many steps into fixing many problems in our tribe, making us more respected by the people in the Veil. She took the position of the demon representative. At first Hara was against it, against her like all of us but one day she visited our swamp and after that he was always by her side, he did everything she told him. Just before he died, a few days before the council visit we held a meeting. We told him that this needed to end. That he needed to stop being her lap dog. We never liked the demons, no one in their right minds would. He said he would end it. He promised us and after that he was found dead and now that bitch denies to being his body back. She is investigating. That''s what she said. For how long? I do not know myself but I just don''t like her." Skof said with a skeptic look. He had revealed everything to them. Allias felt slightly guilty for killing Hara for the first time but he had no other option back then. It was either him or all of them getting punished by the council.

    The king sighed and rubbed his temples. He had just thought of something. A very good idea that he would share with Theseus.

    "It sounds horrible." The general said. "Achlys seems to want not only a seat in the council but to rule it. It is quite scary, he would never want such authority on her hands. She has hurt us gravely too in more ways than one." He said and his eyes darkened. That girl, alone and forgotten. Achlys had something to do with it too, she had sold her to the hunters. She was doing everything she can so Allias won''t have a day of peace and with his silence Theseus was helping her. He was scared though, scared of what would happen the moment he revealed everything. Allias would be furious and he would be right. He had kept such an important secret for so long and the truth was he wasn''t planning of revealing anything soon. He couldn''t. He wish he was brave enough but sadly he wasn''t.

    "Do you have any ideas? Something we could do? I know her claws will return and she will try to get us too." Aya said and touched her stomach. She looked at it with a worried expression and Skof took her hand in his. He smiled at her, truing to reassure her and Allias looked at them. They had a family, they were expecting a child. He was jealous of how they got married, how their people accepted them and now they would get to have a little baby. It was beautiful. Allias wanted that too, that acceptance, that peace.

    "It''s okay." He told them kindly. "Do not worry. We will do everything we can to help you. We want her to stop as much as you do and I hope that we will achieve it." Allias told them and took a sip from his wine. His cheeks were flushed, red and Theseus stared at his glass. The servants kept filling it up and now he had lost count on how many glasses his lover had. He was smiling, faintly and Theseus interrupted their talk.

    "We will, but for now would it be alright if we excused ourselves? If we think of something we will let you know but we are tired and...."

    "Oh no, I mean yes. I am so glad we had this talk and please do take your time to rest." Skof told them with a smile and Theseus stood up first, grabbing his lover''s arm.

    "Come on Allias, let''s go." He told him quietly and the king stood up with a small stumble and followed him without saying anything. Theseus smiled, looking at him and realizing how coute he was with that innocent smile on his face and his dazed look. The servants took them into their own tree house. Made of wood with a simple big bed in the middle and many round windows that shone light everywhere.

    He brought the king inside and he chuckled taking a little turn inside the room before he landed on the bed, giggling.

    "You seem...joyful" Theseus teased him and sat next to him. Allias turned on his side so he would be able to see him.

    "I have an ideaaa." He sang playfully and Theseus raised an eyebrow. "But I won''t tell you know. Let me sleep first I am tired and sad."

    "Sad for what? Did something sadden you?" Theseus asked him with worry in his voice. "Did someone do anything bad to you?"

    "No and no. I just. I just saw these two." He said with mumbled words. "No one seemed to look at them weirdly like they do with us. They were a perfectly normal couple. Normal" he mumbled with a sad expression.

    "Allias..." Theseus called out but the elf didn''t hear him. He kept mumbling on his own..

    "I don''t want you to be sad. I want everyone to respect you, see how great you are. You are all that I want. I just...I just...they were going to have a baby. I want a family too. Maybe one day." He said with a faint smile before he fell asleep.

 Chapter 301 - 301

    "No and no. I just. I just saw these two." He said with mumbled words. "No one seemed to look at them weirdly like they do with us. They were a perfectly normal couple. Normal" he mumbled with a sad expression.

    "Allias..." Theseus called out but the elf didn''t hear him. He kept mumbling on his own..

    "I don''t want you to be sad. I want everyone to respect you, see how great you are. You are all that I want. I just...I just...they were going to have a baby. I want a family too. Maybe one day." He said with a faint smile before he fell asleep.

    Theseus felt a sting on his chest like someone was piercing his heart with a needle. He caressed Allias'' brunette locks, playing with them in his fingers and removed some from his eyes. He had a bittersweet smile on his face as he admired his lover. He knew it wasn''t his fault. He knew how much Allias loved him, every day and every moment he was thinking of him, he had given his life to protect him but he couldn''t stop thinking about it. A baby, a normal family. Those are things Theseus could never give him and even though the king denied them in his sobriety or acted like they were nothing, some things that are simply not for them, right now, drowsy by the sweet wine he expressed himself perfectly.

    "What will I do with you?" Theseus wondered and laid on the bed, resting his head on Allias'' chest, hearing his heartbeat. Rythmic like a luluby. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, wrapping his arms around him and sighed. Allias was so warm. So beautiful, so kind and he, he would always be flawed, in many ways. In ways he would never be able to fix. "After everything is over should I leave you? Give you the chance of a human life?" He wondered loudly and instantly regretted it. Tears swelled in his eyes. "Why am I so selfish, why? I love you but I can''t leave you Allias. I''m sorry." He cried silently, sniffling on Allias'' chest when he felt a palm land on the back of his head in a very strong slap.

    "Theseus." Allias mumbled in his sleep. "Shut up and sleep. You will get bad skin if you don''t sleep well and I will have to see your ugly face every day" he told the general and Theseus raised an eyebrow.

    "You''re not sleeping are you?" He asked him and Allias'' chuckled.

    "I tried but I have to hear you and your whining. Come here." He said and brought him in his embrace. He kissed the top of his head. "I don''t want children of I can''t raise them with you. You should know that." He mumbled and the general nodded. "Also about my plan. I know how we can blame Alice." He said and Theseus raised his head to look at him.

    "How?" He asked.

    "And don''t ever let me hear about this nonsense. You really thought I would let you leave me? Ha! You''re too funny today Theseus a comedian indeed. There is no way getting away from me I''m like a fucking plague." He said and Theseus chuckled.

    "Tell me about the plan."

    "Tell me you love me first." Allias told him and kissed his head again and again. "Say ittt."

    "Are you still drunk?"

    "Am I? I wonder."

    "I am not wondering, I am actually sure my king." Theseus said.

    "So what? Does that stop you of telling me how much you love me? Betrayal? I am quite sure this is it. Say you love me you filthy worm." Allias exclaimed and headbumbed him, making the general frown.

    "Tell me about the plan Allias. I need to know too."

    "Give and take jerkface." The king said with a bright smile.

    "Are you going to swear more from now on or is that an attribute you gain when you''re drunk? Was the wine so heavy?" Theseus wondered but realized that he had never finished his first glass to begin with so it never got refilled. "You were too excited to talk with the trolls and now this."

    "Tell me you love me!" Allias shouted and jumped up. "Say it." He repeated and his hands landed on his stomach.

    "Allias." Theseus called out his name in a warning tone. "Allias don''t."

    "Shit." The elf swore and gagged.

    "Not on me! Not on me!" Theseus shouted and stood up from the bed with a disgusted expression. He took Allias, dragging him to one of the windows and pushed his head outside. "Bird here." He said but nothing came out.

    "I''m fine. I am fine." Allias repeated and pushed back inside his head. He smiled at his lover who was still examining him with his eyes and hugged him. "I am fine so tell me that you love me." He said again.

    "Come on you need to lie down." He told him but Allias denied to move. He took a step back and stared at Theseus blankly for a second before he threw up on him. He took out everything, landing on the general''s shirt. Theseus gasped and bit his lip, trying not to tell at him. Allias stared at the general''s shirt then his pretty purple eyes and smiled.

    "Oops." He said playfully. "Tell me that you love me." He said but didn''t manage to hear it. The next minute he had dropped on the floor this time almost dropping dead. Theseus looked at Allias and then his shirt as he sighed loudly.

    "I love you, you idiot." He said with an angered expression and took off his shirt. He grabbed Allias, taking him in his arms and laid him on their bed. He wiped his lips and looked at him. "I love you so much that I can''t be angry that you liked on me you idiot." He mumbled.

 Chapter 302 - 302

    "Someone please explain to me why did we leave one of our carriages and told the driver to return?" Ares asked with a disappointed expression. They were incredibly cramped at the moment. They had just left the troll swamp a few hours ago greeting their new allies. Unfortunately, Allias had given the other for the one of the three carriages to leave and return to the palace. Right now, Ea, Allias, Theseus and Ares were cramped inside the carriage two three big elves each of them almost two meters tall hovering over the small Ea. The short haired elf sighed and he couldn''t see the ceiling of the carriage anymore and closed his eyes, knowing that soon they would start to bitter.

    "Because I don''t want us to draw the eyes. Two carriages are enough as it is. It would be even better if we only had one." Allias explained and the Disee prince scoffed.

    "Of course. Bring another big demon in here but let''s not forget the dead body we are carrying, we will even light a bonfire and roast marshmallows." He joked and Theseus looked at him confused.

    "What are marshmallows?" he asked.

    "Didn''t you learn anything from the human world? They are those little fluffy candy that they roast in the fire. Seriously Theseus you can''t be always late to the trends." He told his brother and crossed his arms over his chest with a mocking gaze. Theseus frowned.

    "Trends?" he whispered, staring at Allias and the king laughed. Not only it was funny that he was confused but it was hilarious that he was trying to whisper when they were literally on top of each other. Allias caressed his thigh and shook his head, telling him that it wasn''t really necessary for him to know and the white haired general pouted.

    "Where did you learn all that anyways?" the king asked.

    "Well when we were in all these hotels Ea still didn''t want to have sex with me so I watched TV all night. It was fun. Can we get one of those boxes in the palace too? With the click of a tiny button¡­" Ares said showing with his fingertips the size of the buttons a remote control had. "¡­you have a whole play with humans. Quite powerful magic indeed." He continued and scratched his cheek.

    "It''s not magic it''s electricity." Ea said. He was resting on his seat, his eyes still closed as he talked and Ares turned to face him, practically wondering where he had ended up knowing something like that. "While you watched TV I read books. It''s clear who has the brains in this couple." He mumbled with a faint smile and Ares gasped dramatically.

    "I am very disappointed in you." He said and faked that he was crying, turning his body to the opposite side and Ea chuckled. "My husband doesn''t love me." He whined and pretended to wipe his bitter tears.

    "I don''t blame him." Theseus said with a grin and Allias shook his head. He always liked to throw oil into the fire.

    "You too brother?"

    "Yes, yes. But let''s talk about something more important. What are we going to do with the chaos witches?" Theseus asked and looked at Allias. These women were truly terrifying, no one that had seen them had come out alive and they were more of a legend rather than true people. Necromancy was one of the worst types of magic someone could face, it was rotten and distorted, changing people from their core. It was natural for them to approach them with extreme cautiousness.

    "I honestly don''t know much about them. Our books were vague." Ea said finally opening his eyes since he was finally interested in their conversation. He had tried to do some research while they were in the palace but the small elf hadn''t found anything valuable. All the stories were horrid, filled with distraction but that only made him worry more rather than find some comfort.

    "Yes, I mean we can go to them. Be respectful and not say anything stupid." Theseus said staring at his younger brother with a warning expression and Ares mimicked his words in squeaky voice, wanting to make fun of him. Theseus though remained stern and silent, making the younger prince retrieve. "Then we will talk to them. They seem to do what you ask if you''re willing to pay the price they set."

    "The true question is, are we really willing to pay? We have no idea what they could ask of us." Ea told them, once more being the voice of reason.

    "I will, you won''t have to do anything. I will pay the price. No matter what it is. Mark is my friend and I see myself partially responsible for what happened. I will do everything." Allias told them and the general sighed.

    "Allias¡­"

    "Why not make the demon do their bidding?" Ares interrupted them.

    "I do not trust him. I can see that he loves Mark. He feels bad about what happened, it''s obvious but I can''t have a demon trying to outwit them. The worst case is that we all end up curse or something and I really don''t want that to happen."

    When they had left the troll swamp it was early in the morning, the breeze was blowing pleasantly and they could hear the singing of birds as they traveled. Now it was noon the sun was right above their heads heating the carriage and Ares had many times complained about it. He was ready to do it again as he wiped some sweat from his face when suddenly the sky darkened as if a sudden night had come. All of them seemed to be alarmed, wanting to look outside. Theseus pulled the curtain and all of them peeked curiously outside. They were entering the Valley of Fear where the sister''s lived. Allias scanned the area with his eyes. He had never seen anything like it before.

    "Now everyone stop talking. We have reached the Valley of Fear." He told them and it wasn''t just a proposal. It was an order.

 Chapter 303 - 303

    The valley seemed endless with a small forest surrounding it. It was in the shape of a perfect circle. The leaves of the trees had a very dark green color, Allias had never seen trees like that. They grew tall, hiding the sky and every source of light. Even the grass of the valley was dark too, looking almost black and shadows seemed to dance everywhere in a very peculiar and chilling dance. In the middle of the valley was a small cottage, looking as if it barely had two or three rooms with a chimney that smoked purple smoke. The bricks were black and dull, the building looking completely solid and cold while on the side of the house, surrounded by an old run down fence made of wire and wooden blacks existed a lake, or more like a huge poodle in the ground filled with water. It wasn''t blue or greenish though, it was a bright red color. Looking almost as if it was blood.

    The elves looked around, scanning the whole area in surprise. They knew that the place wouldn''t be just like any other part of the Veil but it almost seemed as if this little part of the map was placed there, right in the borders of the end of the troll swamp and the demonic capital. Ea shivered and averted his eyes, sneakily taking Ares'' hand in his and squeezing it. The Disee prince looked at him with an encouraging smile but the worry was obvious in his eyes. He couldn''t hide it.

    "Why can''t we talk?" Ares asked and Allias brought his finger to his lips signaling him to be quiet.

    "It is said that they had eyes everywhere in the valley. Don''t say anything that could bring us at a disadvantage or be used as leverage. We never know what could actually happen." Allias explain when the carriage came to a sudden stop, pushing the people who were sitting in the opposite side of their direction fall forward. Allias sighed and knocked on the carriage with his fist.

    "Driver, driver. What is going on?" he asked but there was no answer. He knocked again but things still remained the same. There was chilling silence in the carriage as the elves stared at each other, their worry growing like a weed.

    "Stay in here." Theseus said and looked at Allias and Ea. "Let''s go Ares" he asked his brother to come with him and the younger elf pouted.

    "I am fragile too, you know" he said as he opened the carriage door and stepped out. Theseus followed, jumping down and Allias mimicked him with Ea following after. The general stared at the two elves with a disappointed expression.

    "I guess you didn''t hear me" he mumbled and Allias smirked.

    "Honey, I don''t take orders from you. You take from me." He told him with a cocky expression and the general rolled his eyes as he walked forward.

    "Shit." The elves heard the general swear and Allias rushed to his side only to gasp at the horrible sight.

    Their driver was dead, an expression of complete horror in his face as he looked at the sky. His stomach was completely ripped open and a crow was sitting on his lap, eating his insides, his beak completely red while intestines hanged out from it. Allias looked further away noticing that Asmodeus'' carriage had stopped too. The demon appeared for the first time in days, a tired expression on his face and walked forward, taking a peek at his own driver. He turned around and found the elves looking at him.

    "The driver is dead" he shouted and Allias nodded. He walked towards the other carriage to look for himself and the scene was completely the same. They were only a few meters away from the cottage, the could see the light inside it and the smoke that left the chimney and flew away only to disappear in the leaves and meet the hidden blue sky. The kings sighed and rubbed his temples.

    "What the hell is this?" he asked, looking the crow in the eyes filled with hatred. "How the fuck did two of your elite soldiers died like this Theseus?" he told him and stared at the general. Theseus shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea. He had chosen those two because of their extremely good skills, he couldn''t imagine how they died so easily, without even making a warning sound.

    "What do we do now?" Ea asked and touched with his fingertip one of the dead bodies. The soldier fell to the side, his body completely lifeless and the crow flew away angrily, targeting Ea''s face. The elf screeched and shoed it away with his hands, giving it a very strong slap until it flew away.

    "Crows know how to hold grudges." Ares told him and Ea exhaled.

    "I figured." He said and stared at the crow that landed on the window at the front of the small cottage.

    "Should we like go there and knock?'' Ares asked and scratched the back of his head. Asmodeus decided it was time to finally approach them, curious as to what had happened and joined them too.

    "Do we know what happened?" he asked and Allias shook his head in a negative manner as he kept thinking.

    "We have two brutally murdered bodies here I am not so sure it''s a good idea to just knock on their door." Theseus said.

    Allias parted his lips, ready to say something when he frowned and fell on his knees. A scream escaped his lips and Theseus looked at him in utter shock. He clenched his fist on the grass, biting his bottom lip as tears gathered in the corners of his eyes.

    "Allias? Allias what''s wrong?" Theseus asked him terrified and placed his palm on his back.

    "Find them. Find the witches and make it stop. Please, my head." He screamed in utter pain and Theseus stared at the cottage with a furious expression.

    "Oh don''t worry I will. Ea and Ares watch out Allias and Mark''s body. Demon you come with me." He said.

 Chapter 304 - 304

    "We have two brutally murdered bodies here I am not so sure it''s a good idea to just knock on their door." Theseus said.

    Allias parted his lips, ready to say something when he frowned and fell on his knees. A scream escaped his lips and Theseus looked at him in utter shock. He clenched his fist on the grass, biting his bottom lip as tears gathered in the corners of his eyes.

    "Allias? Allias what''s wrong?" Theseus asked him terrified and placed his palm on his back.

    "Find them. Find the witches and make it stop. Please, my head." He screamed in utter pain and Theseus stared at the cottage with a furious expression.

    "Oh don''t worry I will. Ea and Ares watch out Allias and Mark''s body. Demon you come with me." He said.

    The Valley of Fear was small, you could actually see the whole of it with one turn of your head. The power it emitted though it was terrifying to the point that even Theseus, who was usually unfazed about things like that shivered. As he rushed out in the open with his brother following close behind he stopped just before he reached the dark cottage. The shadows playing in the trees, the weird plays of the nonexistent light that made them see as if they were dancing. At first he had thought it were simply dark reflections of the grass, the trees and the flowers but he had been wrong. There were no flowers and almost no light to cast such vivid shadows. They were not just illusions of the light, they were souls. Tortured souls that remained trapped in this place, dancing aimlessly with the muted tune as they tried to find a way out.

    Theseus realized those shadows were more than what everyone thought when he felt one slither between his feet. He felt it, cold and desperate touch the thin fabric of his pants and he shivered, his lilac eyes staring at it as it slipped away and mingled with the rest of the shadows as if nothing had happened. They were hundreds, in this endless sea of dark grass and tall trees. Those had all been people that died here, unable to move on.

    "Theseus what are you doing?" Asmodeus asked him as he caught up with him. "We need to get to those witches.

    "Demon, be careful." The general mumbled as he stared blankly at the cottage. For a second he was sure he saw a figure on that window, staring outside, right at them, waiting but once he blinked the shape of the body was instantly gone.

    "What is it?" Asmodeus asked confused and looked back, the ones who had stayed behind, waiting. Mark''s body was left in the carriage. He wanted them to be as fast as they could, he didn''t want to leave him alone for too long, he got worried. With his eyes he could also easily spot Allias too. He was still on the ground, his hand in his hair as he pulled it anxiously. He seemed to suffer from a piercing pain in his skull of unknown source. Not actually that unknown but they hadn''t verified it yet that it was the witches'' doing. "Theseus what are you doing?" He repeated the same question as the elf general seemed unable to move. He was as if he had frozen, his eyes stick on that cottage and he whispered again to be careful. Asmodeus saighed and stood on front of him, covering his vision. The elf blinked, as if he was being weaken by some kind of dream and looked at the demon.

    "What?" He asked him rudely and Asmodeus rolled his eyes.

    "You tell me. You said we need to be careful" he reminded him and Theseus took a second to think. It was as if his mind had turned blank for a minute.

    "I think we need to turn back." Theseus said and the demon frowned. He looked so shocked back there when Allias was in pain that he rushed here without thinking. Why would he tell him to get back so easily? Whenever it came to Allias he didn''t mind the danger, why run away now?

    "Why? What''s wrong? Allias seems to be suffering." He reminded him and Theseus bit his bottom lip skeptical.

    "These shadows..." Theseus said and Asmodeus traced one with his eyes. "They are souls. They are dead people that have been trapped here. I don''t think we should risk going in like this. I think I saw a woman on the window waiting. There must be some other way. Something about this feels completely wrong." He told Asmodeus. The demon stared at the cottage. He did not feel anything, to him it was just a huge black cube and nothing more bit to Theseus it was suspicious. It stirred emotions in him that made him have that worried expression. The elf general took in a deep breath as his eyes traveled to Allias. He couldn''t go back now could he? He wondered as he saw his lover. He was on the ground, Ea sitting next to him holding his hand, hoping that he would comfort him somehow. He needed to help him, that was clearly a scheme of the witches but why, why did he feel so terrified by looking at a brick wall? Why did he feel that pressure on his chest? It was as if his feet had become heavy, made him unable to take light steps and get fast to his destination.

    "What about Allias though?" Asmodeus asked. He could see how perplexed he was. "I don''t feel anything by looking at that place. Could it be that you''re maybe, scared?" He asked him and Theseus raised an eyebrow.

    "Do you have any idea what I''ve seen in my life? Obviously I wouldn''t get scared by a cottage or some twin human witches. There is something else." He said avoiding the building with his eyes. "I can''t leave Allias like that though." He said, feeling guilty for even thinking about leaving. He couldn''t do this to him. "Come on, let''s go." He said and signaled Asmodeus to begin walking again. After all sooner or later they would have to meet them, it would be better to just do it now and get rid of it. At least Allias was at a safe distance and he would be able to check the place first. That way when the elf king came here he would feel a bit safer and the general wouldn''t worry that much about him or what could happen. Yes, he was simply getting an unwanted task out of the way and dealing with those mischevoous witches so they would stop playing with his lover''s head.

    "Do you smell something?" Asmodeus asked and sniffed the air. Theseus soon mocked him, truing to catch some kind of scent but a strong wind blew taking any smell that was lingering away. Little rocks and grass flew in his face as the wind continued and he had to cover his eyes. Suddenly just a three hundred meter walk had turned into a dangerous andevnture. "What the hell?" Asmodeus mumbled as he too seemed to find it difficult to move with that strong air. "Can''t we just teleport there?" He asked, fed up with those mind games but Theseus denied it strictly.

    "No. I never teleport to placed I do not know and I won''t just aplear in their doorstep. Witches can be cunning and those ones are necromancers. We shouldn''t risk anything. Let''s just go. We''re halfway there." He shouted, trying to have his voice reach Asmodeus. The air seemed to get stronger when it instantly stopped.

    "I have a feeling those ladies don''t want us here." Asmodeus mumbled when a thick fog started to spread around. It was dull grey color and it smelled like smoke, as if a fire had been lit close by. Theseus struggled to see and stepped closer to the demon afraid that he would lose him as their vision got restrained.

    "What the hell is happening?" Theseus asked as he coughed. It really wasn''t fog, it was smoke. It got into his lungs and he began coughing, desperately asking for air.

    "Theseus?" Asmodeus called out his name but he sounded so far away. The general''s eyes widened as he realized and he looked around facing only endless grey.

    "Where are you?" Theseus called out only to hear a loud scream as a response.

    He instantly recognized that voice, it was a piercing yell and his head snapped back, his eyes almost popping off his sockets. His heart began racing.

    "Help! The king!" Theseus heard Ea scream and the general started running. He didn''t know where he was heading to or if he was right. Maybe this was another mind game, maybe it was a trick the witches had thought so he wouldn''t reach them but he couldn''t stop. He had heard Allias scream clearly, he would always recognize his voice.

    "Allias!" He called out when the fog finally began to clear. Theseus found himself in the same spot he originally was, staring the small cottage, stuck right in the middle and in some peculiar way Asmodeus was standing next to him the demon looked around confused, making the general understand that he wasn''t the only one who believed they had been separated. He turned around desperately wa red to see his lover and make sure if he was okay only to face emptiness.

    Allias was no longer there, the only people he could see were Ea and Ares searching desperately with their Eyes for Allias.

    "Theseus!" Ares shouted. "Allias disappeared!"

 Chapter 305 - 305

    "Allias!" He called out when the fog finally began to clear. Theseus found himself in the same spot he originally was, staring the small cottage, stuck right in the middle and in some peculiar way Asmodeus was standing next to him the demon looked around confused, making the general understand that he wasn''t the only one who believed they had been separated. He turned around desperately wa red to see his lover and make sure if he was okay only to face emptiness.

    Allias was no longer there, the only people he could see were Ea and Ares searching desperately with their Eyes for Allias.

    "Theseus!" Ares shouted. "Allias disappeared!"

    The general rushed towards them, his breath stuck in his lungs as his eyes scanned the area desperately. How could he simply disappear? A two meter tall man did not just disappear without a trace, especially in the state Allias was in he couldn''t have gone anywhere. It would be impossible for him to even stand with the way his head was hurting.

    "Where did he go?" Theseus asked the two elves and they looked at each other. They didn''t know. The deep fog had covered everything up making it hard for them to see. It was the same as with Thsesu and Asmodeus. They felt like the had been stuck in a deep cloud of thick smoke.

    "We don''t know." Ares responded. "Everything happened so fast and we couldn''t really see clearly. We just heard a scream and then he was gone." He explained to his brother. The white haired general sighed, his hands diving into his hair as he messed them up frustrated. He was right. That anxiousness he felt was a sign. He shouldn''t have gone there, he shouldn''t have left Allias. Every step that he took was wrong he was an idiot for not trusting his gut.

    "What could have happened?" Ea mumbled confused and Asmodeus'' eyes were pinned on the other carriage. Who was looking after Mark''s body? He wondered and took a few hasty steps towards there. He grabbed the door and opened it slowly only to face a completely empty vehicle. His eyes widened, his muscles tensing as he realized that Mark''s body had disappeared in the same way Allias'' did.

    "What''s wrong?" Ares asked him, noticing the change in his expression. The demon rushed towards them, shocked.

    "His body is gone. Mark''s body has disappeared too." He stated. Theseus took a deep breath, his eyes gazing the little cottage filled with hostility. He didn''t have to wonder where they were, it wasn''t even a mystery. He was almost sure that Mark''s body and Allias were in there with the two evil witches. "What are we going to do now? What will happen to Mark?" Asmodeus asked distressed. He felt the exact same guilt as Theseus did, thinking that he shouldn''t have left him, that he should have stayed there and protected him. He had made a huge mistake by following the general. His top priority was Mark and now he couldn''t help it but blame himself.

    "I don''t know." Theseus mumbled. "It''s obvious that those fucking witches took them. That''s why they stopped us at the valley. They didn''t want us there, they wanted us unable to help. That only means they are are scared of us too and they don''t think much about Ea and Ares. They would have done something about them if they felt threatened. The question is how did they know? How did they know about what we wanted? We hadn''t talked about it while we reached this place. No one else knows it either. I don''t like this. We need to get Allias out of there." He said.

    "Wait. Theseus wait." Ea told him and stood up. All this time he had been sitting in the dark grass. "I believe we should think this through. We can''t just repeat the same mistake. They won''t hurt Allias, it''s obvious these women are not stupid since they managed to take him away that easily and Allias'' is not powerless. Yes, we have to go in there but we can''t make them mad." He noted making sure that Theseus realized the rages of a witch was something to be feared of, especially when it came to necromancy.

    "You know they''re probably listening to all of this right? Allias said it back then. They can hear everything we are talking about." Ares reminded him.

    "They won''t hurt Allias but what about Mark? What if they use his body in a wrong way? I do not trust them. I never did." Asmodeus said, phrasing his worry about Mark''s disappearance. Ea nodded, agreeing with how shady these witches seemed and they hadn''t even looked at them yet.

    "Hey!" Ares sbegan shouting suddenly. "Can you hear me? Yes, you evil sisters that took the elf king and his dead beast friend away. Let us come. We want to be with them. We won''t do anything bad, we promise." He shouted, his voice being swept away by the air. The rest of the group looked at him in shock, their eyes stuck on him, their lips parted slightly. "What? There is nothing really we can do. We can''t be sneaky when they are listening to everything we are saying. The only way is to ask them to let us in." He explained and Ea shook his head. It did make sense, it wasn''t really that bad of an idea but the fact that it was coming from Ares'' mouth made them feel incredibly insecure about the success of this plan.

    Nonetheless Theseus decided he would give it a try. He would try to be civil and if he did get rejected he was planing on bringing this creepy cottage down and get to Allias one way or the other.

    "Please let us in. I swear we won''t do anything." Theseus said with a desperate sigh.

    "I don''t think this..." Ea mumbled wanting to tell them that their approach didn''t seem to be a good idea when the ground began to shake. Everyone gasped, surprised and they fell down. The earth was shaking so hard they couldn''t stand and they looked at each other dumbfounded. "What''s happening? " Ea asked confused.

    "Did we make them mad?" Asmodeus said but no one had an answer.

    Soon the sound of cracking invaded their ears as if something big like a rock was breaking in two. Their guess wasn''t that far off. Indeed something was breaking in two but it wasn''t a huge rock. It was the earth beneath their feet. Ares looked down, seeing enormous cracks spreading everywhere and shrieked. He tried to get up and run away but he couldn''t. The shaking simply would stop and with every try he fell down again and again.

    "Shit" Theseus swore then everything crumbled and all of them fell into and endless black hole. Where they were going? No one could answer that.

 Chapter 306 - 306

    "Please let us in. I swear we won''t do anything." Theseus said with a desperate sigh.

    "I don''t think this..." Ea mumbled wanting to tell them that their approach didn''t seem to be a good idea when the ground began to shake. Everyone gasped, surprised and they fell down. The earth was shaking so hard they couldn''t stand and they looked at each other dumbfounded. "What''s happening? " Ea asked confused.

    "Did we make them mad?" Asmodeus said but no one had an answer.

    Soon the sound of cracking invaded their ears as if something big like a rock was breaking in two. Their guess wasn''t that far off. Indeed something was breaking in two but it wasn''t a huge rock. It was the earth beneath their feet. Ares looked down, seeing enormous cracks spreading everywhere and shrieked. He tried to get up and run away but he couldn''t. The shaking simply would stop and with every try he fell down again and again.

    "Shit" Theseus swore then everything crumbled and all of them fell into and endless black hole. Where were they going? No one could answer that.

    Down the rabbit hole, that was the peculiar situation they were in, falling into an endless darkness. Ares somehow managed to grab Ea and bring him close, hugging the small elf so he wouldn''t be scared. Rather than scared though Ea was simply shocked. The earth had literally split in two underneath their feet and swallowed them up as if they were nothing. How could someone do that? All of them were looking up, noticing that the crack above their heads, the only source of light was beginning to close. Ares'' eyes widened as the light got lesser and lesser.

    "Theseus" Ares called out and the general stared up, seeing the same thing. "What the hell is happening?" he asked but his brother did not have an answer.

    "This is a black hole." Asmodeus said and Ares looked at him with a frown.

    "Well no shit." He commented.

    "No you idiot, this is a black hole. A magic spell. We will keep falling and falling until its caster decides to stop it and we land on the floor with so much force we turn into a pile of guts and bones." He explained with a disgusted expression, imagining how long it would take for him to reassemble himself after that.

    "What?" Ea screamed. "How¡­How will we get out of this?" he wondered.

    "We can''t. Only if Allias defeats those witches we will be set free. They are controlling the spell. Only if they die or stop it we will get out." Asmodeus said as the last ray of lights seemed to disappear. Soon they were falling in an endless pit, their hearts pounding at the thought of being turned into goo at any second. Ea clenched Ares shirt tighter, hiding his face at the crook of his neck while the prince hugged him. He could feel Ea''s heart beating loudly, the rhythm frantic, filled with worry.

    "It''s okay Ea. Allias will manage. He is strong. We will get out of this fine. Don''t worry." He said.

    "There is no way Allias would lose from two witches. No matter how scary they are." Theseus stated showing how blindly he trusted him. "He is the golden king."

    Allias felt his whole body heavy. As if someone had landed rocks on his torso and his limbs. He slowly opened his eyes to face a dark ceiling, a red chandelier hanging from it with many candles lighting up the room. The melted candle often fell and landed on the wooden floor, creating small drops or red. The excruciating pain had stopped, he didn''t feel as if someone was piercing his head with needles anymore and for once after a while he seemed to be able to think straight. His green eyes traveled around as his body was too numb for him to move freely. As he turned his head to his right on another bed he managed to spot Mark''s body. He was laying there, his eyes closed.

    He couldn''t remember clearly what had happened. All he did know what that for a split second he had managed to see a figure, the shadow of a very tall and lean woman before those shadows spread and enveloped him in a very cold and hostile darkness. That was the moment he lost conscious completely. He didn''t know where he was, he could imagine though. From the decorations and the shape of the building. He was in the small cottage in a room with two beds. All of the decorations around him were black or deep shades of green and purple.

    "What''s going on?" he wondered loudly, staring at the little totems resting on the shelves and the books with the pentagrams on the covers. "This is exactly like a horror movie." He stated and attempted to sit up. He was not restrained so with a bit of dedication he managed to command his sluggish body to be able to move. He looked around again, spotting a small door. It was opened and on the doorstep stood a small black cat with vibrant blue eyes. It meowed when they met eyes and stood up, walking away while wagging slowly its tail. Allias stepped on the wooden floor, hearing the thumping and followed it curious.

    He found himself in an endless hallway, a red carpet underneath his feet while portraits of many men were hanged on the walls. Others were black and white some had color in them. Allias stopped a few times to examine them. Their eyes were void of life, their expressions dull and he shivered. This place seemed so unreal, filled with a very ominous feeling. While he stopped to observe his surroundings the cat stopped too. When he took a while the cat would meow and signal him to move.

    They kept walking straight ignoring the rest of the doors on their sides until they finally reached the end of the hallway. Allias stood right in front of a bright red door. The cat looked at him for one last time before with a loud hiss it turned into nothing. Its body crumbled, becoming a white pile of  bones. The king looked at it surprised before his attention was drawn once more. He heard whispers behind the door. Two women.

    "He is here sister."

    "I know, I know. Quiet."

    "Is he handsome? You saw him didn''t you?"

 Chapter 307 - 307

    "What''s going on?" he wondered loudly, staring at the little totems resting on the shelves and the books with the pentagrams on the covers. "This is exactly like a horror movie." He stated and attempted to sit up. He was not restrained so with a bit of dedication he managed to command his sluggish body to be able to move. He looked around again, spotting a small door. It was opened and on the doorstep stood a small black cat with vibrant blue eyes. It meowed when they met eyes and stood up, walking away while wagging slowly its tail. Allias stepped on the wooden floor, hearing the thumping and followed it curious.

    He found himself in an endless hallway, a red carpet underneath his feet while portraits of many men were hanged on the walls. Others were black and white some had color in them. Allias stopped a few times to examine them. Their eyes were void of life, their expressions dull and he shivered. This place seemed so unreal, filled with a very ominous feeling. While he stopped to observe his surroundings the cat stopped too. When he took a while the cat would meow and signal him to move.

    They kept walking straight ignoring the rest of the doors on their sides until they finally reached the end of the hallway. Allias stood right in front of a bright red door. The cat looked at him for one last time before with a loud hiss it turned into nothing. Its body crumbled, becoming a white pile of  bones. The king looked at it surprised before his attention was drawn once more. He heard whispers behind the door. Two women.

    "He is here sister."

    "I know, I know. Quiet."

    "Is he handsome? You saw him didn''t you?"

    Their voices sounded dry, as if they hadn''t had any water in days. Whispering, the sound of their words reaching his ears and making him shiver. It was a very disturbing sound, thousands of years old, filled with secrets and mischief. Allias shook his body, trying to get that feeling out of him, realizing that the numbness on his limbs remained. Not as powerful as before but still prominent. As it seemed the witches were already aware that he was here, standing outside the door, listening to their every word so he didn''t think that knocking was necessary, not that he really cared anyways. He grabbed the old handle and twisted it, hearing the door click and he pushed in forward, slowly revealing the room the sisters were resting.

    Allias scanned it with his eyes, at first ignoring them since he found himself in such a place for the first time. The room was round with a huge window right in front of him. The view was exactly where they had been resting, he could see clearly the spot and realized that the rest of the elves were not there anymore. He took in a deep breath, not wanting to show how anxious he immediately felt and his green eyes examined the decorations. The walls were covered by bookcases. Old and made from dark wood, filled to the brim with books. All of them black with secretive scribbles and pentagrams on them. In the middle a small round table made of glass while on top of it sat a huge pitch black cube. Quite the weird decoration, Allias thought and for the first time he looked at the sisters. Each one of them rested on a deep red armchair on the sides of the square window. One of them was holding a book while the other seemed to hold a little doll.

    "Well sister, he is quite handsome indeed. Look at those eyes. You just want to pull them out and wear them as jewels." One of them said with a creepy smile and Allias gasped. Don''t be afraid, don''t be scared. They can''t harm you. He repeated in his head many times but the more he looked at the sisters the more unsure he was. Allias was restrained, he couldn''t even use the full capacity of his powers if something happened and the rest of his group was gone, Theseus was nowhere to be found.

    "Now, now, sister. Don''t scare our guest." The other said and let go of the book, placing it on the table right next to the cube. "Hello there, elf king." She greeted him with a bright smile. She was short and chubby, her legs tiny not even reaching the floor. Her hair was snowy white and long, falling messily around her, the same with her eyes. Cold as ice. For a second Allias wondered if she was blind. "I am Silak this is my sister Kalis. I believe you want something from us." She said and Allias'' eyes traveled to the second sister. She was the exact opposite of Silak. Her hair was short and black matching her pitch black eyes. Her skin had a greyish tone. Tall and incredibly skinny the woman looked as if she was dying, or better as if she was already dead.

    "Yes." Allias said when he thought he heard a sound. His eyes moved, trying to realize where it came from but it soon went silent. He was sure for a second that he had heard a small shout, from far away but when he focused, hoping to find the source everything was quiet again. "I came here to ask you for a favor. I heard that you can do almost anything"

    "Oh, that''s so sweet." Silak said and clapped. "We can, can''t we sister?" the woman said looking at her sister. Silak did not look as terrifying as her sister. Kalis was simply as if she came out of a nightmare. Her voice, the slight hissing in it as if she was a snake, her blank stare and her words all seemed to be filled with malice. While her witch sister looked kinder, softer. Allias knew that he shouldn''t trust any of them but somehow he found it easier to look at Silak. So he fixed his stare on her face.

    "Yes, indeed. But nothing in this life is free." The tall woman hissed.

    "Oh, my, I really thought today we were feeling generous but I guess that''s not really it." The other giggled, hiding her smile with her palm. "Tell us handsome king. What is it that you wish? Even though I think I have a pretty good idea about the sorrow in your heart." She told him. Allias hadn''t realized it but the other witch had stood up, silently walking towards him when he felt a boney palm rest on his shoulder, long fingers caressing his neck. He shivered and gulped, his head slowly turning to look at her and when their eyes met she smiled.

    "So much sadness. So much sorrow. Oh and guilt. Your soul is delicious. Will you let me have a bite?" she asked him. Allias took a step away from her, seeing her disappointed reaction and stared at her strictly.

    "Don''t touch me again" he told her in a cold tone. "And no, you can''t have a bite of my soul. There is not much of it left anyways." He stated, making Silak laugh.

    The woman signaled to her sister to sit back down. She followed the instruction with a disappointed expression and Allias started to ignore her once more. His eyes focused on the sister that seemed to resemble a human just a bit more.

    "Sister, no scarring off or eating our guests. This one is special. Do you remember that book? The one with the elf couple and the little prince? He is the one." She explained and Allias was a bit surprised that they knew about him, a romance adventure did not seem to fit their¡­preferences. Hearing that Kalis looked at him, tilting her head to the side and she smiled creepily again, annoying Allias.

    "He has no more light left." She commented. "In the book you were a fire now you are just a mere spark." She told him and Allias rolled his eyes. It was hard, really hard to keep a straight face with the things this witch said. Even the fact that she was breathing seemed to annoy him.

    "Well thanks for letting me know." He told her rudely.

    "You''re rude." Kalis said

    "You are rude too."

    "Yes but I don''t need you. You need me." Kalis told him, making his blood boil.

    "About my favor." Allias said, returning his gaze to the other sister. "What do you want from me to make fulfill it?" he asked and again, just for s split second he thought he heard a cry. She shook his head again, surprised and his eyes searched through the room but the sound had disappeared again. Silak grabbed her book and smacked it on the table, staring at Allias with a smile.

    "Oh, nothing much" she responded. "Just a drop of your royal blood, your highness."

    ....

    Hello everyone! Please let me know what you think of the book this far! I''d love to hear your thoughts. Also let me see if you know what will happen...why do they ask for his blood?

    Thank you for reading! if you liked please leave a nice comment, a vote and a good review. thank you!

 Chapter 308 - 308

    "You''re rude." Kalis said

    "You are rude too."

    "Yes but I don''t need you. You need me." Kalis told him, making his blood boil.

    "About my favor." Allias said, returning his gaze to the other sister. "What do you want from me to make fulfill it?" he asked and again, just for s split second he thought he heard a cry. She shook his head again, surprised and his eyes searched through the room but the sound had disappeared again. Silak grabbed her book and smacked it on the table, staring at Allias with a smile.

    "Oh, nothing much" she responded. "Just a drop of your royal blood, your highness."

    Allias looked at her filled with confusion. His blood? What they could possibly use it for? The tall witch was expressionless staring right into his eyes, making the hairs at the back of his neck rise. Suddenly he felt incredibly cold and his eyes wondered at the window, looking at where his friends and lover were supposed to be. Something was terribly wrong, he simply couldn''t get that out of his head.

    "My blood? For what?" He asked.

    "We have a collection you see. We gather the blood of many important people." Silak told him. It was as if her white eyes came to life, a shimmer on them. "We collect the blood of important people. Powerful creatures and you were a specimen we wanted to keep." She told him. He doubted that. He didn''t believe a word these women told him, it was as if their tongues were dipped in lies. Nothing seemed natural in this place. A collection? Who would believe that?

    "I don''t really believe you." Allias stated, looking at both of them warily. He couldn''t simply give out his blood, it could be used as a very powerful magic tool or even a means to harm him from far away.

    "Oh, we promise."Kalis hissed. "We won''t be using it. A witch''s word is unbreakable." She explained and the king swallowed a lump on his throat. Once again he heard that faint sound. A scream coming out of nowhere. He believed he could recognize the tone but it was so low he didn''t know if he actually heard it at all or if it was just his anxious mind playing tricks on him.

    "Alright then." He agreed ignoring the sound. He wanted to get out of there as soon as he could with Mark and find the others. The more he remained in the dark cottage the more lost and insecure he felt. "I want you to bring my dead friend back. You''ve taken his body, so I think you already knew about it. I want you to bring him back to life and I will give you my blood." He said and Kalis stood up, almost seeming excited.

    She headed outside, the king could hear her footsteps in the corridor, as she was walking away and the creaking sound of an old door opening. He didn''t turn back, he was scared to so he simply looked at the other sister who was sitting on her armchair humming an old song.

    "You know, death is tricky. Sometimes we think we want to defy it and we do it with...different means just to realize what we got back was not what we asked for." Silak said. She had a faint smile on herips, her fingert entwined, resting on her lap as she spoke. Allias immediately realized what she meant, he wasn''t stupid after all. That what one thing he had been worrying about, the fact that Mark would return and they would get something else.

    "You''re telling me that my friend won''t be the same." Allias stated and she nodded.

    "I can''t really guarantee how things go but that is a possibility." She told him when he heard Kalis return. She walked in front of him holding a long sharp black dagger with a blue gem on its handle. It sparkled as a small ray of light landed on it and she, without a warning grabbed his hand, forcing him to open his palm. "Sister, you''re scaring him again." She said but the tall woman ignored her. She placed the knife on his skin, opening a big rip where she drew blood from. Crimson and warm, Allias'' life essence spilled from his body and landed right into a small vile the witch had with her. The drops of blood landed fast and the king had hissed when the cold blade had ripped his skin. She closed his hand, forming a fist so the blood would leave faster. After a while the vile was almost full and the witch sealed it with a green lid, letting the rest of his blood fall to the ground.

    "You can take your friends body." Silak instructed him. "Go back to the palace and place this..." She said and opened his palm. She was holding the doll her sister previously had in her hands. It was small not even the size of his whole hand and rough, made from old fabric, like they one they used on sacks and hey. Small edges prottruded from every side. The doll had red hair and brown eyes, just like Mark, he noticed while he examined it with his eyes. "....on food of his heart. It will take from one to three days. He will wake up then and be human once more." She told him.

    "So I just put it on top of his heart? Nothing else?" He asked just to make sure he didn''t miss anything important about the procedure. Silak nodded with a smile and her sister finally decided to sit down, letting the blood vile on the table, next to the big cube.

    "You are correct. That is all you need to do. Quite an easy trick to bring back the dead. Don''t ask us how it''s done though, I bet you don''t want to know." She told him with a sneaky grin and Allias frowned. Yes, he really did not wish to know how they did it. It looked simple that was true but he was sure something disgusting his behind it.

    "Leave now. We are done" Kalis said rudely and Allias'' honestly couldn''t wait to get out of there. He had stayed in long enough, he would go back to the room and pick up Mark. Then he would looked for Theseus and the others. That was his plan.

    "Thank you." He said, not really meaning it and turned around, walking towards the door when happened to hear that scream again. His hand was on the handle when he froze. This time he could hear it clearly, the sound of someone calling his name. It wasn''t just anybody though, it was Theseus. His green eyes widened and he gripped the handle so tightly it broke, turning into dust. He turned around, his eyes filled with hatred as he spoke.

    "Where are my companions?" He asked the witches.

 Chapter 309 - 309

    "Leave now. We are done" Kalis said rudely and Allias'' honestly couldn''t wait to get out of there. He had stayed in long enough, he would go back to the room and pick up Mark. Then he would looked for Theseus and the others. That was his plan.

    "Thank you." He said, not really meaning it and turned around, walking towards the door when happened to hear that scream again. His hand was on the handle when he froze. This time he could hear it clearly, the sound of someone calling his name. It wasn''t just anybody though, it was Theseus. His green eyes widened and he gripped the handle so tightly it broke, turning into dust. He turned around, his eyes filled with hatred as he spoke.

    "Where are my companions?" He asked the witches.

    "You didn''t come here for your companions did you? You came here for your friend. Am I right? So why bother with them?" Silak told him with a smile. Allias'' eyes widened. There was no point in him leaving this place to look, he would never find them. The witches had them and as it seemed they were not willing to let them leave.

    "I want them back. Return them." Allias said.

    "No." Kalis told him. "What are you going to do about it?" she asked him as she stood up from her armchair. She slowly approached him, her hot breath on his neck as she whispered. "Nothing."

    Allias kept ignoring her. He had realized by now that this woman simply wanted to see him angry. That was why she had been commenting about him all this time. He tried to focus, remember who he was and why he was here. Yes, his soul had been damaged, like she had said. His light had turned dim but that did not mean that if he decided to he could turn this whole place into dust. The witches believed he did not have the guts to disobey the council. When it came to his family though, he would do anything. Even if it meant being locked up or punished.

    "Do you know who you''re talking to?" he asked them and Silak giggled. The tall witch was still standing on his side, looking at him hungrily, her boney hands tempted to touch him. He took a deep breath, trying to relax.

    "We do. The elf king. A king who used to have everything. Power, beauty, innocence but he lost it all. You''ve lost your kingdom, you''ve lost your authority and even you, the golden king, are restrained by the council. You can''t use your powers on us. Meaning that unfortunately for you. Your companions will be left with us." She said. She had a cocky expression on her face, she was emitting a baseless dominance as she thought that Allias would not harm them.

    "Where are they?" he asked once more.

    "Right here." Kalis hissed and showed with her greyish finger the big cube on the table. "They are inside a black hole and at any minute we will drop them. They will turn into squash. We will let them return to their original form, since they are immortal and then we will drop them again." She said excited. Her pitch black eyes were glowing at the thought of causing despair and Allias felt his stomach turn.

    "Release them." He told them

    "Take your friend King and leave." Silak said, her smile disappearing. "This is your last warning."

    "Are you both needed to break the spell?" he asked and the white haired with looked at him with curiosity.  The king smiled, seeing her silence and disappeared. The tow witches looked at each other confused as they only faced a cloud of golden dust where he stood. The dust didn''t manage to settle on the floor and the king had reappeared. He was standing behind Kalis, right in front of the window. The tall witch noticed him first.

    "Sister!" She screamed but the shorter woman was too slow. Allias grabbed her from her hair and raised her in the air as if she was a feather. The witch groaned, feeling as if her hair was going to get ripped from her scalp and her sister tried to attack him. A black wave of shadows formed around her and as if it was an angry ocean she released it on him. The attack landed on a golden shield, pulsing with every shadows that it destroyed. "Let her go." Kalis screamed.

    "I''ll be dammed if I leave two humans tell me what to do. Listen here ladies. I don''t give a damn about the stupid council or its rules. I have died once believe me it does not shock me. Now release the fucking spell before I kill your sister." He shouted at her and Kalis looked at her sister distressed.

    "Don''t do it! He won''t dare to disobey the council." She said and Allias laughed loudly, filled with confidence. He let go of the woman and she messily fell on the ground. The shield around him, stopping Kalis from doing anything. Since he had only one arm he had to grab her again. The witch, scared now for her life tried to slither away but she didn''t make it. Allias grabbed her from her throat, a bright light emitting from his palm, burning her flesh and she screamed as she felt he excruciating pain.

    "My way is the way of negotiating. That does not mean that I won''t fucking murder you on the spot if you threaten any of my own. Now release the spell!" he repeated, his voice strong and loud. It would be easier for him to catch Kalis, it was obvious though that Silak was the stronger sister, the one in charge. Kalis was already distressed, thinking about what she should do. "Come on dear do it before your sister turns into burned witch. Oh, does that remind you of something? I guess history repeats itself." He mocked her and Kalis screamed.

    Silak was unable to speak anymore, her melting flesh spreading and she looked at her sister. The short witch raised her hand and grabbed his arm, a pitch black mark appearing and Allias looked at it. He chuckled.

    "Poor you. I am not scared of your curses. I don''t even feel it. Do it!" She said and Kalis grabbed the cube. She placed her palm on top of it, releasing black smoke and threw it to the floor, the cube breaking into a thousand pieces. "Is it over?" he asked her and the tall sister nodded eagerly. "Good. Goodbye now." He told them with a smile and the witch in his grip screamed in agony. Her whole body simply disappeared into a bright light, only dust remaining where she was.

    "Sister!" the witch screamed. "You¡­you said."

    "She cursed me. She had to pay." Allias said with a smirk and the witch looked at him filled with hate.

    "You will pay." She yelled at him and grabbed the vile of blood in a hurry before she disappeared. He was finally alone. He realized and looked at the black curse mark on his arm. He had killed Silak but it was not disappearing. Perfect, he thought and grabbed the doll from his pocket. Thankfully it was still there. He turned around, spotting everyone sitting on the grass looking around disoriented.

    "So I used my powers to eliminate someone and now I am cursed." He mumbled to himself. "Worth it." He said with a naughty smile as he whistled. "That felt good." He said as he headed towards the room he had left Mark. The boy was still there, still dead. Allias looked at him with a gentle smile. "Soon, you will be back."

 Chapter 310 - 310

    "Sister!" the witch screamed. "You¡­you said."

    "She cursed me. She had to pay." Allias said with a smirk and the witch looked at him filled with hate.

    "You will pay." She yelled at him and grabbed the vile of blood in a hurry before she disappeared. He was finally alone. He realized and looked at the black curse mark on his arm. He had killed Silak but it was not disappearing. Perfect, he thought and grabbed the doll from his pocket. Thankfully it was still there. He turned around, spotting everyone sitting on the grass looking around disoriented.

    "So I used my powers to eliminate someone and now I am cursed." He mumbled to himself. "Worth it." He said with a naughty smile as he whistled. "That felt good." He said as he headed towards the room he had left Mark. The boy was still there, still dead. Allias looked at him with a gentle smile. "Soon, you will be back."

    It could seem as if it was nothing but to kill a powerful creature you needed a very big amount of magic. The stronger your opponent the more you exerted yourself. The witches were obviously strong so for Allias to simply make that woman evaporate he had to send out a huge amount of power. Under different circumstances this would be nothing but the truth was that he was really rusty. He couldn''t believe that he had actually managed to pull that off so easily. He would have to also think of the consequences soon and check that curse mark but he didn''t care for now. He was too happy that he had a way to bring his best friend back that the Council seemed only like a small obstacle in his bright future.

    He got inside, where Mark had been left and took his friend in his arms. Rasing him up gently as he left the cottage. He looked back one last time, observing the horrid decorations, the darkness of the hallways and the feeling of decay he got from everything. As he walked out the front door he got to see the rest of the elves clearly. Theseus had been pacing back and forth, a worried expression on his face and the king couldn''t help but chuckle. He looked at his arm, he had somehow managed to hold Mark with only one, even he was impressed with himself. He bit the edge of his sleeve with his teeth and brought it down, hiding the curse so none of them could see it. There was no reason for them to know at this moment.

    Theseus was the first one to notice him. His lilac eyes widened and a relieved expression covered his worry. He ran towards him and stopped just a few meters away, scanning him carefully with his eyes. From head to top he looked carefully, wanting to make sure that Allias was perfectly fine. The king smiled, making the general''s heart flutter.

    "Can you please hold Mark. It''s kind of difficult for me." He said and Theseus immediately moved, taking the red haired away from him. Asmodeus had followed him, seeing the body of his old lover he too needed to make sure everything was fine. He took Mark from Theseus and walked away not really interested in Allias.

    The moment they were left alone Theseus rushed forward and hugged him, squeezing him in his arms and the king giggled as he tried to breath. He wouldn''t let go of him and Allias could feel his rapid heartbeat as their chests touched.

    "I am fine, Theseus. Theseus. I can''t breathe." He said and smacked his back a few times, signaling the general to let go of him. "Someone looks worried." He teased him and Theseus rolled his eyes.

    "I was worried sick. I didn''t know where you were, you disappeared and we kept calling into that endless black pit. All I wanted to do was find you and make sure you were okay." He told Allias. The king caressed his cheek, leaving a light kiss on his lips as compensation for his worry and Theseus pulled him closer, kissing him passionately. Allias'' eyes widened from the surprise before he allowed the general to eat him up. When Theseus let go of him both of them were panting. "I''m so glad you''re okay." He mumbled.

    "I feel kind of offended that you were so worried. We''re talking about me here. What''s the worst thing that could happen?" Allias asked him with a cheeky smile. "Is everyone else okay?"

    "Yes, they are all fine. Ea is a bit shaken up. He had never been trapped in a magic spell like that before so he is quite shocked." He said and Allias'' stole a glance towards them. Ea and Ares we''re talking, sitting on the grass while the king seemed to be deep in thought. Theseus noticed it, a frown forming on his face. "What''s wrong?" He asked but Allias shook his head and wore another smile.

    "No, nothing. I was just checking up on them. He couldn''t tell Theseus about using his powers nor the curse. He would go insane with worry. They had so much going on already. This would simply throw him off the edge. He couldn''t do that to him, he had to find out a away and deal with it himself.

    "Allias, what did the witches ask of you? Is everything alright?" He asked the king, curious about what happened.

    "Yeah, it wasn''t really that big of a deal after all. They just wanted to play. They took some of my blood and then released you."

    "Your blood? Why would you give them your blood?" Theseus asked. Allias was right, he as already upset about this, he couldn''t add more to his worries. He should stop being selfish now and face his responsibilities. He was king and he had to bear the troubles on his own. It was about time he stopped using his lover as his support, to solve all his problems. He wouldn''t move forward like that.

    "I don''t know. I guess we never will...How about we go back and...."

    "Allias giving them your blood is dangerous! Why would you accept that?" He asked.

    "Don''t worry. I don''t think they will use it for anything." He said. The leader sister was dead and the other one was probably to scared of him now to attempt anything, at least not in the real future.

    "How are you so sure of that?"

    "I just am. Come on now. Let''s go meet the others. I want to go home and rest. I am exhausted." He told him and Theseus took his hand. The moment the general touched him he felt a piercing pain, as if needles were traveling in his blood. The mark was pulsing. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath trying to hide his pain. Theseus hadn''t noticed it, he was walking and looking straight forward. Allias relieved looked at him, admired him hoping that Theseus'' beauty would take his mind of the pain. All he had to do was trave the lines of his face, get lost in the color of his eyes and everything would be fine. He could do this, no one would realize. Once he was back at the palace he would visit a doctor and get this solved. He had to hide the tracings of his magic though. Soon Silak''s death would become known. He needed to cover his tracks.

    "My king you''re fine!" Ea exclaimed happily and Allias smiled.

    "Yes I am glad you''re alright."

    "Took you a while to free us didn''t it? I mean my stomach was turning. Falling in that endless darkness for so long. I still feel dizzy." Ares commented with a pout and Ea smacked his arm. "Glad you''re okay though." The Disse prince mumbled.

    "Did you place Mark''s body on the other carriage?" Allias asked Asmodeus and the demon nodded.

    "Good. I think we all want to go home. Why don''t we get back to the carriages? Ares you will drive." He told the young elf and he gasped.

    "Me? Why me? I hate driving."

    "It''s fine, I will do it " Ea said and Ares looked at him. He sighed, remembering how the elf said he was exhausted.

    "No, I will do it. Hurry up and get in." He said as he hopped on the driver''s seat.

    "Asmodeus come with me for a second I want to show you something about Mark." Allias said and Theseus stared at him with a questioning look. Allias simply smiled and followed the demon. "It will take just a second.

    They stood a bit further and Asmodeus smirked at him.

    "Lying to your liver is not a good thing." He told him "Shut up."

    "What is it that you want from me Allias?"

    "Once our carriege starts I want you to stay for a while and...and destroy this whole valley."

    "What?" Asmodeus asked surprised.

    "I used my powers. I killed one of those witches so I need you to cover my track. Please just ruin everything. I know you can. That way your demonic aura will cover mine."

    "What''s in it for me?"

    "What do you want?"

    "I want you to let me say goodbye to Mark. Once he wakes up."

    "I don''t trust you."

    "I swear I will leave afterwards."

    "Okay then. Just make sure to cover every bit of my magic."

 Chapter 311 - 311

    Asmodeus come with me for a second I want to show you something about Mark." Allias said and Theseus stared at him with a questioning look. Allias simply smiled and followed the demon. "It will take just a second.

    They stood a bit further and Asmodeus smirked at him.

    "Lying to your liver is not a good thing." He told him "Shut up."

    "What is it that you want from me Allias?"

    "Once our carriege starts I want you to stay for a while and...and destroy this whole valley."

    "What?" Asmodeus asked surprised.

    "I used my powers. I killed one of those witches so I need you to cover my track. Please just ruin everything. I know you can. That way your demonic aura will cover mine."

    "What''s in it for me?"

    "What do you want?"

    "I want you to let me say goodbye to Mark. Once he wakes up."

    "I don''t trust you."

    "I swear I will leave afterwards."

    "Okay then. Just make sure to cover every bit of my magic."

    They had been on the road for quite some time. Cramped inside the carriage moving with the turns of the rocky roads. Allias for the most part of their journey felt like he would throw up, a pulsing pain spread from his hand to his body. Ares'' driving was the least horrid and many times the elves inside the carriage believed it would flip over. Having about enough the elf king knocked on the wall, making the young elf take a sudden stop. He was the one who jumped off first, taking deep breaths. He felt like his lungs were closing. He stepped further away wanting to make sure that no one would notice his little panic attack. He supported himself on a tree and looked at it''s trunk trying to find a way to focus on something else.

    "Let''s just rest for a few hours!" He shouted at the wondering elves. "I need to pee." He told them and stepped further into the deep forest. Obviously he didn''t need to pee. He just needed to breathe. The pain from his mark and the horrible driving of Theseus'' brother made the journey a lot harder than it already was.

    "Imagine if I''ll have to cut this arm off too. I would be completely useless." He mumbled to himself. He was sweating, feeling his clothes dumpen as an invisible rock landed on his chest. , "Fucking witches." He swore and bit his lip. He sat on the ground, his hand diving on the dirt as he gripped it hard. "I should have killed the other too." He groaned as his head rested on the trees trunk. He took in a few deep breaths. His vision getting blurry from the pain. He just wanted to rest. From the beginning of everything he just wished to rest, close his eyes for a split second and not feel anxious or worried about something. He just wanted to have his lover by his side, see his face, be with him. "Theseus..." He called out weakly when he heard someone call his name in the distance.

    .....

    "I don''t understand why my brother always follows Allias around like that. The man said he needed to pee." Ares said with a frown as he stared into the distance. Ea had gotten off the carriage too and had climbed at the driver''s spot sitting next to his husband.

    "He didn''t look that well though" the smaller elf said with a worried expression. "I bet your driving made him nauseous." He said and Ares gasped dramatically.

    "What do you mean? My driving was perfect." He said and Ea chuckled. He looked at the Disse prince, his bright brown eyes honest and said.

    "No." That was all he needed to say. Ares hopped off the carriage and ran off somewhere annoyed. Ea started laughing so hard that he felt his stomach tense. He got off the carriage and followed the angry elf. Once he reached him he grabbed his arm, wanting for Ares to turn around. "You can fix your driving skills you know, it''s just needs a bit of practice." He said.

    "No." Ares mimicked his tone, answering without meeting his eyes and Ea laughed again. He was a bit offended hearing him say that, he had been driving for hours and it was really hard to keep that strong headed horse in the right track. He drove because he didn''t want Ea to do it so he would appreciate a thank you but when he heard his laughter, something so rare as finding gold underneath your pillow he couldn''t stay mad. He turned around and looked at him. His small for an elf frame, his honest and clear eyes, his shy smile and his heart simply flew off his chest. He had been such a fool, staying away from him for so long. He would be able to enjoy this sight so much more if he had t been a coward, if he had been a bit more honest. At least now, he could get to have eternity with him, a beginning with no end. He smiled, surprising Ea.

    "Have you finally gone mad?" He asked him cheekily.

    "Because of you, yes." He flirted with him and brought him closer. Ea gasped, and stared around hoping that no one would see them. He allowed himself to relax in Ares'' arms. His embrace was warm and he smelled good. He breathed in, reminding of himself of Ares'' scent. He had connected it with comfort, peace and some times with anger issues. He thought and smiled. "Ea, I love you. You have no idea how much. I am sorry, so sorry I wasted all this time. We could have done so manyt things, lived together but I...."

    "It''s alright." Ea told him. "It doesn''t matter any more. We don''t have to worry about the past. We have tomorrow and the day after, the next month and the next centuries too. We can do whatever we want to. I was silly too."

    "Do you love me?" Ares asked him.

    "I love you. I love you so much I can''t describe it." He said and the elf squeezed him in his embrace.

    "Oh gods you''re too adorable I can''t." Ares mumbled.

    .....

    Asmodeus had not left the carriage. He had left the driver''s seat the moment they stopped and entered the carriage sitting next to where they had carefully placed Mark''s body. He took in a deep breath, looking at the sleeping man. He would always call it sleeping on his mind, calling him dead hurt too much and he didn''t want to think about it, even though he was the cause of this he was avoiding everything, he thought with a bitter smile.

    He caressed his cheek and touched his hair. His body was cold, reminding him of the hard truth. He was not sleeping. He was simply dead, lifeless and he had been the one who killed him. Asmodeus never really cried in his life, even when he was sentenced to that horrible imprisonment he didn''t think much of it. He was immortal after all, three hundred years would pass in the blink of an eye. When he found himself in front of Mark again he was weak and vulnerable. Even worse than a human. He was simply at his mercy and his hurtful words, they stung so much like poisoned needles that he simply couldn''t stop. He was a disgrace. He thought as his eyes watered.

    "I''m sorry Mark." He said. During their journey he had said that sentence so many times. He had said it with pain, anger, sorrow. Again and again hoping that he would hear him, hoping that he would know "you will hate me when you wake up, won''t you?" He mumbled. "I wouldn''t blame you to be honest. I have been such an idiot. I ruined everything. I was so desperate to hear that you hadn''t betrayed me. Someone murdered you, while you serached for me. I am going to find them, not that this will change anything but since I will be gone I have to do something. Something to ease the pain I feel. I am always smiling, scaring people, being mischevious. I always tricked you and made you shy but oh I would do anything for you to smile at me one more time. I think I would be able to die then, pay for my sins. You didn''t do anything wrong Mark, it was all me. All my fault" he said and his tears landed on the wooden floor of the carriage. "I''m telling you this now because I know, during our goodby I would be too scared to say it. I love you. I love you so much. You''re the only person I''ve said those words to. I was called a fool back home. A prince of hell fell in love with an exorcist and ended up being sealed by him. Everyone laughed but why was it that I could never hate you? I only kept loving you not really knowing what it meant. I read books, many of them reading the word love and whenever I thought about it it was your face I saw. You were, you are love for me Mark and I ruined everything" Asmodeus said

 Chapter 312 - 312

    Is there a possibility to love someone more than yourself? To kneel in front of them and give your everything just to earn a gaze from a pair of a seductive eyes? To Theseus this was his reality. Every step, every single thought reminded him that he existed to serve, he had been given a life and a purpose from a man, a king that shone so brightly, smiled so purely and spoke of peace with such passion that his own darkness somehow seemed to disappear. Theseus couldn''t even breathe at the thought of losing him and when it happened, when that nightmare became true his whole world crumble, it got destroyed, as if it was a sandcastle hit by the raging waves.

    From the moment he had seen Allias, from the very first second he knew he would never be able to take his eyes away. Not in that obsessive, destructive way. In the way of always being worried, afraid of losing his only love. Theseus sometimes wished he could look away, find peace for a second and not be tortured by the distance that he felt between them. His eyes, purple, like an amethyst always followed him, always looked out for him just to make sure he wouldn''t disappear again. But even now, that he could follow the powerful king with his eyes, now that he was always on his side, slept and woke up with him he still felt that there was something missing. No matter how many times he talked about it, no matter what he did Allias to him was getting further and further away.

    His love, the one bearing a bloody crown, the one with a broken nation resting in his palm wished to bear his pain all alone. Hidden away in some kind of dark corner of his smile while he gifted him hidden smiles. That was why Theseus couldn''t find peace, because he was aware that behind his back, behind the I''m alright Allias was melting, like an old candle. Once he would be happy, a fleeting moment of joy while the next he would whither like a forgotten flower and no matter what he did he wouldn''t come to life, only momentarily just to ease the general''s pain, short as the lifespan of a butterfly.

    The king right now was withering. Right in front of his eyes, laid on the dirty forest. Sweating and panting he groaned, mumbling something and Theseus could only run towards him as his heart fluttered with immense worry. His love, once again had hidden himself just so he could feel this pain all alone, a pain Theseus wasn''t even aware of.

    "Allias!" he called out and the man looked at him. He smiled faintly, his eyes half opened. That smile hurt him, the lie that created it was poisonous, darkening his heart. "What happened?" he asked him.

    "I am fine, it''s just that I am a bit exhausted, Ares'' driving did not help much." He mumbled, his voice coming out almost like a whisper.

    "Allias, exhaustion does not do this, tell me. What''s wrong? What happened?" he asked again, hoping that the more he pressured him the more he could reach to getting an answer. He watched his lover like this, placing his palm on his forehead to realize he was burning up in a high fever and he couldn''t help but feel angry. Talk to me! He screamed on his mind, please, count on me. I want to support you. It was the same issue all over again.

    "I''m not lying my love. Just sit here, next to me and let''s rest for a bit. We will have to leave soon. I can''t wait to have Mark back." He said and patted the ground next to him. Theseus did not obey though. He simply remained crouching in front of him, examining him with his eyes, trying to find out what''s wrong with him.

    "Allias please, tell me what''s causing this? If I don''t know I can''t help you. Elves don''t get sick like this. Be honest with me. We''ve talked about this so many times, I¡­I can''t do anything if you don''t tell me." He said and Allias smiled. He slowly raised his arm and caressed his cheek.

    The king wished to hide it. Everything. Every bit that could worry his tired lover. He looked at him, realizing somehow he had ended up keeping so many secrets, unaware of the ones Theseus kept. He had used his powers, he had asked Asmodeus to ruin the valley, he had killed one of the sisters and he had ended up being cursed. Which one of these could he say to worry Theseus the least?

    "I am telling you the truth" he said and the general sighed. He had a frown on his face. Wrinkles forming in between his eyebrows, his eyes fell in front of his forehead, covering up the anger in his eyes. "But now that I am thinking about it, I suppose I might have eaten something bad back at the troll camp. One of the foods had a weird taste." He blatantly lied and Theseus stared at him filled with disappointment.

    "Really? Is this where we''ve come to? Lying in front of each other''s faces like this? Food poisoning?  Was that the best thing you could tell me to get rid of me?" Theseus told him, raising his tone as he stood up. Allias looked at him, trying to think of something to ease his anger, slowly the pain on his hand seemed to subside and his senses returned. It came like a wave, a crushing pain only to leave him after he had suffered enough. He didn''t feel the dryness in his throat for now and his vision improved slowly. He could see his lover clearly, the disappointment and the pain in his eyes. He was aware he was being lied to.  His heart felt the truth and Allias knew the pain he was causing. It was still better though, he knew Theseus very well, so well that he could predict his reaction. The chaos and the anger, he could see it.

    "It''s not like that Theseus. I am already feeling better." He said and supported himself on his arm. He got up slowly, wanting to show him that now he was fine but that made the elf general even more suspicious, even more angry. "I am telling you. It was just exhaustion. I am still not perfectly used to my old body, and my powers are slightly weird, there is a lot."

    "Allias. This doesn''t make sense. You know that right? One second you''re perfectly fine then you look like you''re dying to be fine immediately. I am not stupid dammit. Have you not realized that I am always looking at you? I have eyes only for you. I know when there is something fucking wrong. Get it through you thick skull. I know. I know that you are lying to me like I am some kind of idiot!" he said angrily and punched the tree trunk behind him. Allias sighed, his chest rising witnessing his behavior. This was exactly what he didn''t want to experience but as it seemed he had to no matter what happened, no matter what he said Theseus would always get angry with him.

    "You know what? How do you expect me to tell you things when the first thing you do is get angry at me?" Allias asked him, raising his tone too. "I don''t want to burden you? Is that such a bad thing? I don''t know anymore. Everything is getting shittier by the day and I want you for once to be happy and not think about me! Is that so stupid of me? But no, no matter what you will get furious and start punching things because it is not going your way. I can do it too!" Allias shouted and kicked the tree he used for rest. The round of the trunk cracking was heard and slowly the tree was cut in half, falling to the ground with a loud bang. "Do I feel better now? Hell no."

    "I am always getting mad? Are you insane? Allias I have supported you through everything. Every stupid thing you''ve done, all your depressive episodes, the killing oh and do not let me start about you cheating on me!" Theseus exploded. "I have showed so much patience to your childish tantrums, your soul searching and every shit you had on your mind that I will not sit here and listen to you judge me like that. I have always, always tried to be next to you, to lessen your burden but you keep rejecting me. I am calm, I am always calm!" he shouted and Allias laughed, watching how calm he was right now.

    "You''re calm? You''re calm? Then be calm at this. I used my powers." He said and Theseus'' eyes widened in shock. "Not only that but I also killed one of the sisters, yes I turned that bitch to dust and it felt good. Then she cursed me" he revealed and ripped the sleeve of his shirt, showing him the curse mark on his arm. "How calm are you from one to ten right now?" he asked him but Theseus didn''t answer.

    "You idiotic fucker¡­" the general mumbled and rushed towards him aggressively.

 Chapter 313 - 313

    "It has been quite a while, what are they doing in the forest?" Ea wondered looking towards the endless rows of old trees. Ares followed his gaze and shrugged his shoulders.

    "Having sex maybe?" He said and Ea coughed, drowning with his own saliva.

    "Why do you always have to talk about sex?" The smaller elf asked him and the prince smirked.

    "I don''t always talk about sex. It''s just that I know my brother and Allias. They always try to find even a second to be alone and rip each other''s clothes."

    "Yes but the king did not look that well." Ea commented and his husband exhaled, bored.

    "Who cares what..." They began saying when they heard a very loud noise coming from the forest. Soon a flock of birds appeared, flying away in the sky scared. After that they noticed multiple trees landing on the ground. "Oh shit. Ea let''s go." He said and hopped off the carriage, rushing to where the ruckus was.

    "Are they fighting?" The elf asked as they ran.

    "No they''re having a very heated dance battle, of course theyret fighting Ea, come on." He ushered him to hurry and after a while they came face to face with absolute chaos. Burned ground, shadows swirling everywhere, broken trees and pieces of clothing. Bloody pathced on the dirt and in the middle of this frantic disaster stood Allias, or more appropriately laid, on the ground with Theseus on top of him.

    The King had a cut lip, swollen and bloody while his left cheekbone had been cut. The general on the other hand had a bloody nose and a purple red eyes. They kept swearing and screaming at each other. Theseus punched Allias and the king shook underneath him..ever since he lost his arm his abilities to fight hand to hand had become dull. He didn''t have the time to adapt his fighting skills to his new condition so the moment Theseus found an opening he pinned him down, making it impossible for him to free himself.

    Ea was ready to get in between them and interrupt their fight but he was stopped by Ares who whispered.

    "Wait this is interesting." He told his husband and the small elf rolled his eyes.

    "You did all this shit for what Allias?" Theseus asked him loudly. "You put yourself in so much danger for nothing, just to satisfy yourself." He scolded him with an angered look and Allias spat on his face, agitated that he couldn''t move.

    "Yes!" He shouted. "Is that such a bad thing? I wanted to do something for myself once. Feel like the old me. Where is the wrong in that?" He asked him and the general sighed, wiping with his hand Allias'' saliva. The moved his was slightly freed the elf king wrigles his body and found the chance to grasp the general in between his leg. He pushed him to the side changing their positions and placing his arm on his neck making sure he wouldn''t go anywhere. "Answer me."

    "The wrong in that is that times have changed. We are being pressured by everyone, our home is slowly dying and you want to run around and play boss. What will happen if they go after you huh? Will you leave the place without a ruler again?"

    "You know why I went off and died don''t you? I did it for you! To save you, you ungrateful bastard. To protect you because I couldn''t bear the thought of losing you." He screamed in his face. Theseus stared at him with a cold expression, his eyes dull as he spoke to him. He was trulky angry with the king, about the risks he made, about the decisions he took. One wrong step and everything they have tried so hard to obtain would be gone.

    "I never asked you to do that." He told him coldly and the king''s eyes widened. He had shock written all over his face and piercing pain numbed his whole body. His anger slowly disappeared when an even greater wave of sadness took over.

    "What?" Allias mumbled, tears gathering in his eyes.

    "Allias...." Theseus mumbled realizing immediately his mistake. The elf king shot up, letting go of the general and tried to run away but Theseus grabbed his wrist, stopping him. "Allias wait...I ...."

    "I know I make risky decisions, I know sometimes I want to emit dominance and it looks like I don''t know what I''m doing or I am putting too much on the line. But I am sick of being restrained Theseus, sick and tired of always having to be afraid, cautious. I am strong, stronger that most of the council but every night I sleep and wonder if they''re planning to harm me. It shouldn''t be like this. I miss my old self, I miss my confidence. I know the times have changed, I know it very well but trust me one thing I know is how to be king. So please stop criticizing me and follow me. Like you used to do. I don''t need you to question me, I need you to kneel and follow my orders." Allias told him, looking at him with the corner his eyes. They spelled, the light of the sun making the small teardrops shine like diamonds. "You promised me, you swore that you would follow me. So have a little bit of faith in me." He said. Theseus was muted once more, he didn''t know what he should say or if he should even speak at all. He had been trying so hard to be there for Allias but maybe he had been doing it the wrong way. Maybe his anxiousness, his worry and his scolding only led to him being even more restrained. He had always loved seeing Allias be himself, free, wild, caring and powerful, he believed that his confident smile was the most beautiful expression in the world but why, why was he so cautious, so scared this time?

    "I saw you die." Theseus said, gaining his attention. "I saw you die right before my eyes. I held your body as everything around me seemed to crumble. I love seeing you free, happy but...but I can''t just get that moment out of my head. That moment when I had your blood in my hands, your eyes slowly losing focus and your smile freezing in time. Allias I lost you when you were right in front of me. I am terrified that something like this will happen again, that somehow you will disappear."

    "Trust me Theseus please. That''s all I need you to do. Be by my side. My shield and sword like the old times and I swear nothing will happen. Just let me, give me the chance to show you that I can do this. It''s you and me against the world, it has always been. You have to be with me, not against me." He said as the tears he was holding in for so long were set free. He crouched, sitting in front of Theseus and hugged the general, feeling his body close to him. Smelling his scent. Theseus brought the king in his embrace, letting him rest on his chest as he heard his heartbeat. The rythmic sound kept going on and on, making his muscles relax, his mind to calm down.

    Allias is here, Theseus thought as he felt his flesh underneath his skin. He won''t go anywhere. He will be with me. He tried to soothe himself and as if the king sensed it he raised his head and stared at him.

    "I won''t go anywhere. I won''t leave you again. I promise."

    "You promise?" He asked him and he nodded, making Theseus give him a little smile. "I am sorry Allias."

    "I am sorry too. We''ve just been so caught up in our own thoughts that sometimes we forget what worries the other. I should have been more careful too. I know." He admitted.

    "I am sorry for telling you that I didn''t ask you to sacrifice yourself for me. You know I didn''t mean it." Theseus said, guilt emitting from his beautiful eyes. "I am a true asshole sometimes" he said and the king giggled, hearing him say that about himself. "You can do whatever you want, act any way you want. You are my king and I swore to follow you. I won''t doubt you again. I am sure. I know how intelligent and strong you are. I should have reminded myself that instead of fearing that you will disappear all the time. I am weak in that way. My love for you turns me into a fool." He told him and kisses his forehead.

    "Theseus, let''s see this whole situation as one of our old adventures. I don''t want to take things so seriously anymore, I want to live my life and be satisfied with the decisions that I am making. I don''t want that darkness to swallow up my soul." Allias confessed and Theseus nodded, agreeing with him. "And believe me, sacrificing myself was the most rational and truthful decision I''ve ever made. I would do it again and again. Because you deserved to be saved and I deserved to be able to see you again one day. I love you Theseus."

    "I love you too, my King."

 Chapter 314 - 314

    Their journey back home after that big fight that ended up in tears was quiet. Even though they all shared the same carriage it was one of those times that exhaustion took over them and no one was in the mood to chat. Allias was happy about that, he didn''t want to answer any questions about what happened in that house or about the curse. For now he only wanted to focus on the fact that Mark was going to return in just a few days and he would be able to get his friend back. He looked outside the carriage''s window when they passed through the main village and Ares drive towards the palace. There were a few people out on the streets but their faces were tired, blank as they walked around, making Allias'' heart heavy.

    "Have I neglected the kingdom?" He asked, mostly himself but he ended up saying it out loud.

    "Yes" Ea answered, being brutally honest. "Both of you have. I think you should focus more on what''s happening here before we all just go out on a new adventure again. The people need help, they need to see that their aid is back. We can''t simply be away all the time. You need to also hold a hearing for them to visit you and talk to you." Ea told him and the king frowned as he rubbed his temple.

    "I hate hearings. Can''t we avoid that? I mean how will I be able to solve that the baker is sleeping with the shoemaker''s wife?" He said and Theseus laughed. Having done Allias'' job for almost a century he too knew the difficulty of holding a hearing. It was exhausting and it could even last a few days.

    "No you can''t. The people need to have contact with the king. Also the body of that pervert has been sent to the palace. You can decide what you want to do with it after we arrive." Ea informed him and the king smirked.

    "I told you, I am going to turn it into an invitation. I will hold a ball. A masquerade one actually." He said and raised his eyebrows playfully.

    Ea''s eyes widened and his lips turned into a thin line as he heard the king''s words.

    "You''re kidding." He stated and Allias shook his head negatively.

    "I am certainly not."

    "You can''t do that. All the lord''s will immediately turn against you. We need to be more careful about..."

    "Let them then. Ea do you think they have the luxury to turn against me? They have always hated me, from the moment I was born because I reminded them of my father. That will never change there is not even one possibility for me to become friendly with them. So what is another option? For them to fear me and I know how to do that the best. Get it?" He asked him with a bright smile but the small advisor simply sighed, falling back on his seat. He waved his hand, meaning that he wanted this conversation to be over and closed his eyes.

    "What are you smiling about?" Allias asked when he noticed that Theseus was looking at him, smiling. The general shrugged his shoulders.

    "I don''t know, your idea it was very....creative." he described it and Allias couldn''t help but laugh with his adjective of choice.

    "Creative. Yes I would like to call it art." He joked and Theseus entiwned their fingers.

    "It won''t be easy you know." He reminded him and Allias'' shook his head. He already knew that, unfortunately he was very wary of it. Nothing have been easy from the very first moment he had met eyes with Luke just a few months ago. Everything had happened so fast it seemed like years had passed but that wasn''t the case.

    "I know. What has been easy with us?" Allias asked and Theseus gave him a dirty look combined with a very charming smirk. "Except that."

    "Killing, bathing in blood, ruining lives, you know. We''re good at that." He said.

    "Theseus..." The king called out with a concerned expression and his lover met his anxious eyes. "Are we the villains in this story?" He asked him and the general was taken aback by his question.

    "People dying, suffering. Everything has started front he moment I returned. So maybe....we are not as good as we thought." He mumbled, lost deep in thought when Theseus turned his body towards him.

    "We are the villains? That''s ridiculous Allias. How could we be the villains after everything we''ve gone through. The people out there, monsters like Achlys, these are the villains. We are just sick of being oppressed. Morally grey, yes. I wouldn''t mind killing someone in the blink of an eyes if you asked me but no I don''t think we''re the villains here."

    "You would kill for me?" Allias asked him.

    "What do you mean? I''ve done it plenty of times" he told him.

    "No, I mean if you didn''t know why and I told you to kill someone, even without explaining you the reason would you kill them for me?" He asked Theseus.

    "Yes." He stated with no hesitating.

    "What? Why? Don''t you think that''s obsurd? What if I...I don''t know, I am wrong?"

    "I trust you. I always did. And that''s because I know you''re good Allias. That''s why I know there would never be a chance of you ordering me to kill someone without a reason.

    Allias stared at Theseus and smirked.

    "What if I told you to kill Ares?" He asked and Theseus started laughing.

    "Oh, about that you don''t have to asked me I am planning to do it one day anyways." He told Allias.

    "I can hear you, you bitches. Say you''re sorry or else you''re driving." Ares shouted from the driver''s seat and the two older elves began giggling.

    "Sorry, sorry dear brother." Theseus said while laughing.

    "With honesty and emotion!" Ares screamed.

    "Oh, my amazing brother I am so incredibly sorry." He repeated.

    ....

    After a while they finally reached the palace. Maids and attendants were waiting for them at the gates and the king walked out last making his graceful appereance. Immediately his eyes traveled to Mark''s body which was being moved by some soldiers.

    "Take his body to the gallery" he ordered. The gallery was a very big round room with tear shaped windows, designed of pretty stained glass and Allias kept there gifts that he had been given from people that were of the artistic kind. Paintings, statues and books were kept there creating the perfect art observation space.

    "Will we do it now?" Theseus asked but Asmodeus answered instead of Allias.

    "Yes we will let''s go." He told them and rushed inside the palace first. His appereance scared a lot of the worked in the palace. Elves were known for their delicate and elegant beauty while Asmodeus was a moving storm. From his wild hair to his agressive exterior to his horns and fangs everyone looked at him from the sides and the few elves that stood on his way simply jumped to the sides not wanting to agitate him.

    "You don''t know where we''re going so why are you ahead?" Allias asked him and Asmodeus'' stopped, realizing that indeed he was walking with no actual direction. He was just incredibly impatient. He couldn''t stop now, there only a few seconds left before the final phase of the plan and he needed to make sure that nothing will stop them. Mark had to come back.

    "Sorry, sorry" he said and moved to the side so Allias could lead them. "Please let''s just go."

    "I would really enjoy stalling this just so you could suffer more. You''re lucky I want Mark back too." Allias said and Asmodeus sighed. He expected everyone to be hostile towards him, he was hostile towards his own self too, he deserved it after all. He didn''t really care though, he was never in need of being liked. All he wanted was Mark to return, to see him one more time and disappear.

    "The witches, they said Mark may not return the same." Allias told them, informing them about what he had been told as they stood in front of the door. The king grabbed the small doll from his pocket and Theseus pushed the door open.

    Mark''s body had been placed on a big bed. They had placed it there beforehand and now Mark was there, sleeping. Allias looked at him with a suddened expression and approached his bed. H placed the doll on the spot he was told, exactly like he was instructed and smiled. "Please work" he begged.

    "Is that it?" Asmodeus asked and the king nodded.

    "Yes, nothing else. We will just have to wait for him to wake up. Come on let''s go." He said and headed towards the door with Theseus following him close behind but the demon did not move.

    "I will remain here until he wakes up." He stated and Allias was ready to object but Theseus stopped him.

    "Fine. We will be watching you. Don''t do anything." He warned him and Asmodeus nodded. He was left alone with Mark. He paced towards his body and took his hand in his. It wascold but the elves had managed to preserve his body perfectly with their magic.

    "Please come back." Asmodeus begged.

 Chapter 315 - 315

    A day passed, then two. Asmodeus met with two moons and two Suns, heard the chirping of the birds twice as he sat silent in that room, waiting with no sleep. He was scared that if he closed his eyes he would miss it, he wouldn''t be able to see Mark wake up.

    A fear was creeping inside him as he looked at the red haired boy who laid there emotionless, lifeless. Mark would wake up and look at him only to frown in disgust and run away. He considered that very possible and terrifying. He didn''t know how he would react and even this thought, this possibly upcoming reality was hurtful, so much that his heart shivered.

    As he sat in the room, during the third day around noon the door opened and Allias entered. He always visited during this time. The king had told him that he was very busy, he was organizing a ball, with guest all over his elf kingdom and he couldn''t spend so much time in here. Nonetheless he never avoided visiting Mark and checking up on him. He always looked at his best friend with a sorrowful expression, his eyes probably in the verge of tears as he looked down on him. They usually did not talk, Asmodeus was aware he wasn''t his favorite person and honestly he couldn''t blame him but this time while the elf king caressed his friend''s hand he spoke.

    "You know, sometimes I do believe it''s my fault." Allias said and the demon prince stared at him, confused.

    "Your fault?" The demon asked.

    "Yes, my fault that he died. Mark wouldn''t have this life if it wasn''t for me. I was the one who brought him here, the one who changed his world. If that day I hadn''t asked for his help things would possibly be different now, he would be happy back at school" he said, never taking his eyes away from him. "But I''m selfish. I''ve always been and I couldn''t part ways with him. My human life was a mess, not that this one isn''t but back then my parents seemed to be the biggest problem in the world. He accepted me, trusted me and became my friend. I took advantage of his love for me and forced him into this life and things ended up with him....gone."he said. The elf king felt guilty. He always did. He wanted Mark to be with him, remain in the kingdom with him but seeing him in this state, trapped somewhere, away from his body as all of them awaited to return he couldn''t stop thinking that it would be better if they had never met.

    "Allias..." Asmodeus said, bringing him back from his dreadful thinking. "I know you don''t really like me and probably my words won''t mean much but it''s obvious that it wasn''t your fault. It was me and everyone knows it. Mark loves you, he sees you as family maybe even more than that so I am pretty sure even if you told him to stay away from you he would hunt you to the end of the world." The demon told Allias with a faint smile. "That''s how he is. Stubborn and loving. So even when he returns I know he won''t leave your side. Also you can never know. Maybe this was his destiny. He wasn''t a normal human back then, maybe it wasn''t writen in the stars for him to be like that now." He continued and Allias looked at him as he talked. It was probably the first time he didn''t give him a deadly stare or called him a murderer. He was listening to him with care and his eyes were gentle as he asked him.

    "Do you really love Mark?"

    "I didn''t know what love was before I met him. So you could say not only I love him but I learned to love because of him, even though at the end of the day I am still a monster."

    "That''s true." Allias said with a strict expression and Asmodeus smiled. His kindness wouldn''t last long as it seemed. "But I shouldn''t judge you. We are all monsters. We''ve all done horrible things. I just hope that you understand why I don''t want you close to Mark, at least not now, with how you are." He said and the demon nodded .

    "I don''t want me close to Mark either." He answered with a scoff and looked at the shiny floor. "I don''t deserve it" he continued when a loud groan was heard. Both of their head snapped, eyes instantly focusing on Mark.

    His chest was moving, up and down, it was rising steadily. He was breathing. Both of them realized and rushed around him filled with anticipation.

    "I think he is waking up" he told Asmodeus and the demon shook his head, a genuine smile spreading on his handsome face. He took Mark''s hand and squeezed it. He felt him squeeze back and he released as relieved exhale.

    "He is. He is finally back." He told Allias.

    The elf king couldn''t describe the happiness he felt at that moment. He way his heart raced and this joy that spread like electricity through his body. Mark slowly blinked, revealing the color of his soft brown eyes. The orbs moved around a bit as he examined the space around him and his eyes instantly focused on Allias'' face. His long eyelashes fluttered and his lips moved forming the letters of his best friend''s name. He couldn''t speak yet, he realized and shocked the red haired boy sat up, rising instanlty. He instinctively removed his hand from Asmodeus'' and touched his neck worried why he couldn''t speak.

    "It''s fine " Allias said and placed his palm on his shoulder. "Breathe, give it a bit of time." The king instructed him and did as he was told. He breathed slowly and soon after a few minutes he tried talking again. His voice was rough, as if he hadn''t drunk water in years, his throat completely dry but they could still understand him.

    "What happened?" He whispered and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "You don''t remember?" Asmodeus asked and for the first time Mark looked at him. He frowned, meeting his eyes and tilted his head to the side.

    "Who are you?" He asked the demon and Asmodeus mimicked Allias'' surprised expression. Mark though couldn''t speak any longer. He felt a sudden pain in his stomach and he instantly wrapped his arms around his belly, a pained expression on his face.

    "Mark? What''s wrong are you okay?" Allias asked him worried. The red haired did not answer. He pushed the elf king away from where he was standing and turned his head, puking on the floor. It wasn''t food though, it a black goo mixed with blood.

    "What the heck?" Allias asked seeing the unknown fluids on the floor.

    .....

    Hello! Hope you liked this chapter. Please vote and comment.

    I am sorry I did not update yesterday. I got vaccinated and I feel pretty horrible T.T

 Chapter 316 - 316

    "Who are you?" He asked the demon and Asmodeus mimicked Allias'' surprised expression. Mark though couldn''t speak any longer. He felt a sudden pain in his stomach and he instantly wrapped his arms around his belly, a pained expression on his face.

    "Mark? What''s wrong are you okay?" Allias asked him worried. The red haired did not answer. He pushed the elf king away from where he was standing and turned his head, puking on the floor. It wasn''t food though, it a black goo mixed with blood.

    "What the heck?" Allias asked seeing the unknown fluids on the floor.

    Asmodeus did not know what had shocked him the most. The fact that Mark had asked him who he was or the pile of blood and black goo the man had just thrown up. He placed his palm on his back, wanting to support him somehow but the red haired boy simply shook his hand off, raising his arm and breaking their body contact. The demon remained silent, observing the scene as Allias tried to understand what had happened.

    "Mark? Are you alright?" he asked confused after the man seemed to have stopped throwing up. He wiped his mouth with his hand and looked at his best friend with a pained expression.

    "What the hell happened? Who is that guy?" Mark asked him and looked at Asmodeus with a questioning look.

    Allias stared at him for a second not knowing what to say. Mark didn''t seem to have recollection of anything that happened. Asmodeus looked at the elf king, a small hope growing inside him. What if Allias did not tell him the truth? What if he pitied him and gave him another chance? Just one more time to be with Mark, try to make him love him again with no restraints. His colorful eyes were pleading, showing clearly that silent plead and Allias sighed. He closed his eyes, showing how perplexed he was. Mark, still in shock grabbed his hand, wanting his attention.

    "Allias, what happened to me?" he asked him again and the elf king opened his eyes.

    "Mark, you died." Allias said and his brown eyes widened. Mark''s lips formed a silent oh, as he heard something he had never imaged he would get to hear. When you die you remain dead, there is zero possibility of coming back to hear someone tell you how you have been dead all this time.

    "I did?"

    "Yes, you died. Your familiars tried to protect you but they failed. It was an attack; we still don''t know who did it." He said, lying to his best friend''s face. Mark looked at his hands, noticing the black markings that had remained.

    "Are my familiars alright?" he asked when a tall man appeared at the corner of the room. It was Ignis, he had been brought back the moment Mark''s heart began beating. Asmodeus felt anxious as he stared at the demon spirit. What if he revealed the painful truth of Mark''s death? What would he do then? He wondered and stared at the demon. Ignis looked at him too, his eyes feel with hatred as he stepped out the shadows. To Mark everything seemed like a very intense staring contest and he couldn''t help but wonder why. "Ignis!" he exclaimed and the fire spirit approached him. He smiled kindly, relieved that his master had successfully been brought back to life and hugged him. Soon the other too joined them. Kage and Arpaia. The girl rushed to Mark and hugged him so tightly he began coughing. Kage had to grab her and remove her from Mark, like a leech that was stuck on someone''s body.

    "Be discrete will you?" The dark spirit scolded her and she snorted.

    "I guess I am the only one who is happy our master is back." The woman said with a frown, crossing her arms above her chest.

    "We are all happy." Asmodeus mumbled and Mark looked at him again. Remembering he was here too.

    "Who is he?" Mark asked once more and Allias opened his lips to answer.

    "He is¡­"

    "I am Asmodeus. I am a demon prince." He introduced himself again, the same way he had done three hundred years ago and Mark''s eyes widened as he looked at him astonished.

    "Why is a demon here?" Mark exclaimed looking at his best friend and Allias smiled awkwardly.

    "He¡­well you see, he, he is my friend. He helped us bring you back. He is a nice guy." He told Mark and the red haired man frowned.

    "How can a demon be a good guy." He mumbled looking at the handsome prince with the corner of his eye, full with suspicion. Even though it kind of hurt Asmodeus hearing that from him he still smiled, bitterly, thinking how he just had to exist to make a bad impression. At least for now he would get some time. A chance to fix things with the man he loved. If Mark remembered later he had every right to swear at him, hate him for what he had done but for now he decided to delude himself with this distorted hope. A hope that Mark would accept him, come to like him and maybe even love him again, despite the fact he was a demon, despite the fact he was lying.

    "He will be staying with us for a while so be nice I guess." Allias told his friend, realizing that everyone in this room had agreed to keep a very important truth from the young exorcist and actually nurture a very hurtful lie. He shook his head, disappointed in his own self but tried to keep his composure as his green eyes met with his best friends. He looked pale, a little weak but he was breathing, he was talking and most importantly he was here, alive with him. "Mark we need to have a doctor check up on you. Once you feel a bit better I will tell you everything you missed, alright?" he asked him and the man nodded. He attempted to get off the place he had been laid, Ignis rushing in to help him but again another coughing fit began and once more, this black liquid mixed with his own blood escaped his purplish lips.

    "Asmodeus, go get the doctor. Now!" Allias shouted as he watched his friend cough non stop.

 Chapter 317 - 317

    Mark had been moved to his room. Soldiers had carefully carried him back with Allias'' order and laid him on his bed. The doctor had rushed in when he was called and after giving him some kind of remedy, one that strongly smelled of cumin and had a very vibrant orange color, he had managed to get him to sleep with a relaxing herbal tea. Mark when he realized that something has been terribly wrong with him he had begun crying, wailing, asking Allias what was happening.

    The elf king felt powerless. He had no idea what was happening with his friend, why he was throwing up these kind of things and why he didn''t seem to remember Asmodeus. Everything had once more turned into a bloody mess with the difference that mark''s life was on the line once more. Allias always lost it every time his best friend was concerned, his worry grew, like a well fed monster torturing him and that what was happening to him right now, as he paced anxiously in the meeting room waiting for the doctor to return from his check up on Mark and answer their questions.

    Everyone had joined the meeting. The familiars stood on a corner of the room, denying to mingle with them something about demon world rules and etiquette that Allias didn''t really pay attention too and everyone else, the usual group was sitting in the comfortable seats around the long table.

    "Allias, please, sit down. The doctor won''t come earlies if you make us all dizzy" Ares commented and the king gave him a deadly glare.

    "Shut up Ares." He scoffed and the Disee prince sighed. He fell back on his chair, slowly getting used to being told to shut up and placed his arms behind his head, averting his gaze from the anxious prince and looking at the ceiling.

    "I am sure mark will be fine, there is no need to worry. Maybe it''s because of the resurrection. There might be a slight problem or something. Let''s just wait and see." Ea said, attempting to comfort him but nothing seemed to calm the king. He was restless and tense, his jaw clenched as he sighed.

    He had resurrected Mark once, he doubted he could do it once more if things went terribly wrong. He needed answers, he needed a plan and he needed them now. He looked at the door, cursing inside his head about how old the doctor was. It seemed like ages had passed from the moment he had been told to patiently wait for him in the meeting room. Did he die of old age on the way? He wondered angrily when finally, the double doors seemed to move. The white haired doctor with the round glasses on the bridge of his nose entered the room quietly but still managed to catch everyone''s attention. Allias rushed towards him, standing right in front of him and began asking him questions, one after the other, with no end giving him not even a split second to reply.

    "Say something!" Allias said agitated but the doctor didn''t seem to react badly. He just bypassed the frantic king and sat on a chair, leaving his little leather suitcase on the shiny floor.

    "My king calm down first and sit down. There is a lot we need to talk about." He told him and Allias in a hurry sat on the head of the table.

    "I am sorry." He apologized realizing how rude he must have been and he felt guilty for a moment about the mean thoughts he had. That was until his worry about Mark managed to overcome everything and make him feel like he was being electrocuted once more. "Please tell me what''s wrong." He begged him and the doctor nodded. He opened his little suitcase as he rested it on the floor and took out a few papers. His notes. He coughed a few times clearing his throat and finally decided to speak.

    "I am not aware of the spell the witches used but it is a very dark one. The thing is they brought his spirit back to his body but what they didn''t do was make his body alive again. I don''t if what I am saying makes any sense but your friend my king is rotting from the inside out. He is inhabiting a dead body at the moment" The doctor explained and everyone stared at him dumbfounded. "About his memory loss, that is a whole different case. Some times our brains seem to seal away our hurtful memories. That is why the human decided to completely forget the demon, probably because he had caused him a great amount of pain. It is a simple way to cope with things." He explained but no one seemed to care about something so insignificant as his memory loss at the moment.

    "What are we supposed to do then?" Allias asked with tears in his eyes. "Is he going to die?"

    "I¡­about that I am sorry but I don''t know. The most possible outcome is that he will die in a few days, maybe a week at best. I am sorry." The doctor told him with a saddened expression and Allias collapsed. His body fell on the table as he smacked his fist on the hard wood making it shutter.

    "Allias¡­" Theseus called out his name but he couldn''t say anything else. Everything they did was in vein. All the troubles, all the thinking. Mark had returned just so he could relive a more painful death. He was rotting, Theseus realized and wondered how horrible it could be, the pain he felt.

    "There is a way!" Asmodeus said loudly, making Allias focus on him.

    "What way?" he asked.

    "Mark must make a contract with me." He announced and Ignis spoke up for the first time.

    "You must be completely insane. This is not a simple matter. How could you purpose something like that? A contract must be at the person''s full will and he doesn''t remember you! How will you succeed that in a few days?" he asked him.

    "Will that let Mark live?" Allias asked, looking at Asmodeus.

    "Yes."

    "Then you must do it. No matter what." He announced.

 Chapter 318 - 318

    "Mark must make a contract with me." He announced and Ignis spoke up for the first time.

    "You must be completely insane. This is not a simple matter. How could you purpose something like that? A contract must be at the person''s full will and he doesn''t remember you! How will you succeed that in a few days?" he asked him.

    "Will that let Mark live?" Allias asked, looking at Asmodeus.

    "Yes."

    "Then you must do it. No matter what." He announced.

    "No!" Ignis interrupted them again. "Have you any idea what you''re talking about here? You''re a king shouldn''t you be thinking about things like these with more reason?" The demon asked and Theseus stared at him with a threatening look.

    "I don''t think you have the right to judge the king. Sit quietly in the corner like you did before." The general said strictly.

    "We can sit in the corner but you seem so eager to meddle with demon problems don''t you? Do you know what will happen when they form a contract?" Arpaia asked him with a grin. She wasn''t as respectful or aware of the etiquette as Ignis was. Basically she didn''t give a damn about it and what she hated the most was being looked down on because she was a spirit. "Why don''t you tell them?" she told Asmodeus.

    "I think we should know a bit more about this whole thing before we jump in blindly. What if we get ourselves to even deeper trouble?" Ea said wanting to be the sound of reason. Allias sighed, falling back to his chair and moved his fingers through his thick hair, trying to do something about the upcoming headache that would strike soon. What was there to think? What could possibly be worse than Mark dying again but not from something so called simple but from literally rotting. Allias had been used to trouble by now.

    "Explain then" the king said, accepting that he had to be a bit more reasonable indeed.

    "Well the process is kind of the same as forming a contact with a demon spirit. I will become Mark''s familiar in a way and share my life force with him. The thing is that he has to be fully willing to do this. He can''t sign the contract any other way. It must be his own decision to do it." Asmodeus explained.

    "Say everything." Kage added and the demon prince looked at him aggressively.

    "Is there more?" Ares asked and Ignis took it upon himself to explain further.

    "Asmodeus is a demon king. He will cause a huge uproar in the demon world.  No one has ever done that before. He may even get punished or be cast out. That''s not the problem though, the thing is that their lives will be tied together. If Asmodeus dies, Mark will too and the other way around. It''s reckless to tie him to someone who has so many enemies, hates the demonic system and everyone hates him, Mark got murdered once because of you, then you murdered him, what will be next?" he asked.

    "Because of me?" He asked, unaware of that little but important information in mark''s story as he went to hell to free him. He didn''t know who had killed his lover but he had sworn that he would find them and kill them. At first he had believed that it was by accident. Killings happen every day in the demonic world. Mark must had been the victim of bandits or gotten into a fight with a demon, that was what he had thought but Ignis was openly implying that he was the cause of his murder.

    "This is not what''s important right now." Allias said. He didn''t need more matters surfacing, all he wanted was Mark to be safe and well, have a life. "So a contract with you, a higher demon means that you will be bound to him, you will have to be by his side and protect him forever. I bet some of your enemies will think of Mark as an easy target and try to kill him. Are you confident that you can keep him alive?" Allias asked. He was deadly serious at the moment. He was trying to put his worries aside, the dislike he had for Asmodeus too just to make sure that Mark would be fine. He couldn''t baby him forever; he couldn''t keep an eye out for him at all times. That was why he was asking Asmodeus this question, he needed to be sure that Mark would be in good hands, no matter what.

    "Mark is not weak!" Ignis exclaimed. "You believe that any human could survive for two years in the Demonic Capital? He was one of the most powerful exorcists out there, one of the few who could control more than one familiar. He doesn''t need Asmodeus to protect him, he has us." He told them and Allias turned to look at them.

    "I do not know you, I do not know the extent of your powers nor Mark''s at this point to me he is like an actual human." He stated coldly and the woman with wing scoffed, giving him a grin.

    "You claim he is your best friend but you don''t even remember him. How funny. Who helped you on your trip to the demon realm to control your powers. Wasn''t an exorcist? You had traveled from far away hoping to find him because you were scared of your own self. Am I right?" she asked him and Allias'' green eyes widened. His memories were fade of that time. The excruciating training, the pain, he had pushed everything on the back of his head and the exorcist who had helped him had faded in his memories. "Mark will be fine, you just have to form a contract with him and leave him alone. We will protect him." She stated and Asmodeus stood up, angry. He smacked his palm on the table making Kage flinched and looked at the two familiars.

    "I had decided on my own to leave Mark. But things are different now, he will need my help. Believe me I know how strong he is. He exorcised me in the blink of an eye. But he will need me, the contract needs for the master and the familiar to be together. Contracts with higher demons are a lot stricter. I won''t leave Mark. Not this time." He told them, they exchanged hateful glares but Allias honestly did not care. He shook his head and found Theseus, desperately asking with his eyes for his opinion. The general nodded, telling him he trusted him and the king exhaled relieved.

    "Asmodeus¡­" he said as he stood up. "You have three days to convince mark to form a contract with you. You three do not get in the way or I''ll crush you, Mark''s familiars or not, do not make me angry. If in three days you haven''t succeeded we will find another way, if one exists that is. Now excuse me, I have to sign some ball invitations." He said and looked at the three demons, warning them that if they did one wrong move they were done.

 Chapter 319 - 319

    Day one

    Asmodeus had spent the whole night yesterday thinking, plotting of a way to get close to Mark and make him trust him. That way he would manage him easier and propose a contract with him. He was the demon of lust, he was an actual demon, a very powerful trickster but even the thought of plotting against him, or tricking him made him feel disgusted. If Mark remembered him, if he still loved him things would be a lot easier but now it was as if he was starting from point zero.

    He hadn''t realized when morning came and only when he heard the bird''s annoying chirping he got off his bed. He headed towards his window intending to close it and try to get some sleep when he noticed someone in the garden. It was barely dawn but Mark was out there, wrapped with a woolen blanket around him, taking a stroll. Asmodeus decided he should grasp this chance and talk to him. The demon placed his palms on the window frame and swiftly jumped outside, landing right in front of the human like an enormous cat.

    Mark, suddenly seeing him in front of him gasped and took a step back. His blanket fell on the dump grass and the demon king grabbed it in a hurry so it wouldn''t get wet. The young exorcist stared at him with a very suspicious look and Asmodeus froze.

    "I¡­"

    "What do you want?" Mark asked him aggressively and the demon blinked. What did he want? He wondered, trying to think of an excuse but nothing came to his mind. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery, the demon would easily find a way to woo him, make him blush but ever since he lost him, it seemed he had lost his touch, or he was simply too guilty to pursue him. "Hello?" Mark called out, waving his hand in front of him and Asmodeus smiled awkwardly.

    "It''s cold out, what are you doing here?" The demon asked him and the human cocked an eyebrow. Wondering this person was talking to him. "Are you feeling any better? In your condition it would be best to rest."

    "Thanks for your concern but I don''t really need it" Mark told him with a cheeky smile and Asmodeus'' heart fluttered. Why was he so perfect? Even like this, pale and weak he had still a very strong and fierce personality. He wasn''t scared of him, he didn''t mind his presence and he didn''t treat him differently just because he was scary. Asmodeus couldn''t help but grin.

    "You know; I am your caretaker. Allias is busy organizing a ball so I will be taking care of you. Being around you twenty-four seven." He said and Mark scoffed.

    "No thanks." He told him and turned around, intending to leave but Asmodeus stopped him. He placed the blanket gently on his shoulders, wrapping his arms around him together with the soft material and approached his ear, whispering.

    "I wasn''t offering. Sorry but you can''t run away from me." He said, his hot breath landing on Mark''s neck. He shivered but decided not to comment on the Demon''s words. He freed himself from his arms and grabbed the comfortable blanket before he started walking again. Asmodeus remained quiet, he followed him though, walking behind him, his hands resting lazily in the pockets of his jeans.

    Mark was walking around for a while, he rounded the garden two or three times and by the time he was bored the sun was already up and elves began to appear as they attended their daily chores. The exorcist had noticed Asmodeus, he was aware of him all this time and he couldn''t help but feel agitated. He could hear his footsteps on the grass, the breaking of the twigs underneath his feet and he felt like he was being watched constantly, which he was and he definitely did not like it. After he had enough he turned around, angry.

    "Are you going to keep this up?" He asked him loudly and noticed that Asmodeus was gone. He looked around, frowning being sure that the demon was here a few seconds ago when he heard rustling. It was coming from the tree above him and Mark raised his hand only to be surprised once more.

    Asmodeus popped off the thick leaves, landing upside down in front of him, his legs his only support on the tree''s branch. He looked at him with wide eyes as their faces were centimeters apart and for the first time he observed his characteristics. His slanted eyes, different colors and his horns, protruding from his forehead. His plump lips and his sharp fangs. Pointy ears and long messy black hair he looked so¡­outworldy. Mark thought and realized he was actually really fond of the view of his face. Blushing by the realization he turned his face to the side and Asmodeus giggled.

    "Twenty-four seven." He repeated and a crack was heard. Both of them looked up, the demon''s eyes widening as the branch seemed to break. "Oh, shit" he mumbled and soon he was messily falling and landing on the dump grass. Mark looked at the pile of legs and arms for a second. All of Asmodeus'' hair had fallen in front of his hair making him look like some kind of terrifying ghost and he blew on them, making the hairs rise and reveal his big frown.

    So this was a very strong and mighty demon? Mark wondered and started laughing loudly. Asmodeus heard him, as he tried to detangle himself and smiled, bitterly, hiding his expression from the human. That laugh, he loved it but at the same time it made his heart ache. The last time he had seen Mark, the last time the human remembered him it was horrible. Crying and pleading, begging and the sound of his last breath. Hearing him laugh now and him being the cause of it was a blessing and a curse, since it made him relive his guilt.

    "Maybe I will keep you around. You''re entertaining." Mark said as Asmodeus stood up and the charming demon took a step towards him.

    "And hot." He added making mark gasp and take a step back. He turned his back on him.

    "I am hungry." He mumbled, flustered and Asmodeus found himself walking to his side.

    "How about I make you some breakfast?"

    ....

    Hello everyone! Follow me on insta! There I post book content and many sketches, aesthetics based on the book. There are also sketches of the characters. Hope you will like them! @yaminoyosei

 Chapter 320 - 320

    "You''ve lived for a thousand years and this is the best you could make?" mark asked him while munching on a piece of bread. "You scared off all staff away." He continued.

    He had taken Asmodeus to the kitchen, accepting his proposal for breakfast but unfortunately the moment they entered the room and the maid laid eyes on the scary demon they all ran off, leaving the two of them all alone. So Mark had ended up sitting in one of those tall wooden stools they had at the kitchen island and watched the demon as he roamed around in the kitchen searching for the ingredients to create his masterpiece as he had said. In the end Asmodeus had burned an omelet and overboiled a few vegetables only to decide that this was not one of his exquisite skills and force Mark to eat bread with butter and honey.

    "Well, it''s because I am not used to this kitchen" he said and Mark almost drowned with his bread because he wanted to laugh. "What? It''s the truth." He told him with a pout. Before he sat down he poured himself a glass of water, deciding to sit opposite of the red haired human.

    Mark had been starving, death really did that to you, he had guess and ate everything. Almost five slices of bread and a huge glass of milk. The truth was that he had expected something more fancy and meal like but the effort was adorable enough. He couldn''t help but wonder why this demon he had never seen before seemed to be so concerned with him, from the moment he had awakened he had noticed that. If Allias really did tell him to look out for him he could do it from a distance, minding his own business or he could not do it at all since he did look strong and scary enough to say no to the elf king.

    "Also, I did not want to scare away the maids." He mumbled embarrassed and with his hands he moved his hair in front of his face, attempting to hide his horns. Mark observed him as he tried to see through the long strands of wild hair and a very familiar warmth surrounded him. Without realizing it he moved his arm and placed the hair back, revealing Asmodeus'' handsome face.

    "It''s fine" the red haired boy told him. "You don''t have to hide your face, those horns are actually pretty cool." The young man commented with a gentle smile. Asmodeus smiled back. That was it, the feeling that made him love Mark. He accepted everything the way they were, he was a monster indeed, with his rough appearance, he had never seen himself as nothing more than that. His wings only cast big shadows of death upon the world, his eyes were creepy and filled with madness while his horns showed his ugly nature. The fangs that he could never get rid of, only caused fear and were painted in blood.

    Mark did not see him like that though. He saw his wings as a mean to explore the endless sky, a way to feel the night chill caressing his skin. His horns were simply one more of his characteristics and his fangs made his smile even more attractive. The red haired man did not look in his eyes and saw madness, he did not think of his demonic nature, he just looked at him the way he wanted to be.

    "I look cool don''t I?" he asked him with a cheeky grin and Mark took another bite from his bread as he scoffed.

    "Don''t take pity compliments as the truth because you¡­" he began saying meaning to tease him when he gagged. He brought his hands in front of his mouth and in a hurry he jumped off the stool and ran towards the sink. It was happening again, he realized. He was vomiting. That stupid black thing escaped his lips, burning his throat and fell into the sink like a huge blob. Mark looked at it, his eyes wide as his heart sped up. What the hell was that? He wondered when he felt Asmodeus'' palm rest on his shoulder.

    "Are you alright?" he asked him and the exorcist met his eyes. There it was again, that worry, that sadness. His whole expression had changed. The cocky smile was gone while his eyes did not ooze with confidence. He was scared. Asmodeus'' eyes stared at the puke in the sink for a second but he couldn''t stand it any longer, his chest hurt.

    "Disgusting, I know." Mark commented seeing how fast he looked away and wiped the black liquid from his lips. "Allias said this will keep happening for a while, since I was dead and all." He said, quoting the lies his best friend had told him and the demon forced himself to smile.

    "Well, not many people can say they''ve died and come back to life." Asmodeus told him and the red haired man nodded.

    "From now on you can call me Jesus." He joked and Asmodeus frowned.

    "No need to swear in front of me." He said and Mark stared at him confused. After a while his lips opened slightly as he understood. He blinked a few times before he started laughing loudly.

    "Really now? Was the Jesus reference a no because you''re a demon?" he asked him, tears forming in his eyes.

    "No, but it make you laugh didn''t it?" Asmodeus asked him back and the red haired man froze. It was this feeling again, that gut feeling that Asmodeus cared in a way he shouldn''t. Not because he was a demon or a bad person but because he simply didn''t have to. This whole idea had been stuck to Mark''s brain and he couldn''t stop making weird assumptions as to why he was here making him laugh after he had puked his guts out¡­literally.

    "Asmodeus¡­" Mark called out his name and the demon hummed in response. "Why do you care so much?" he asked him.

 Chapter 321 - 321

    "No, but it make you laugh didn''t it?" Asmodeus asked him back and the red haired man froze. It was this feeling again, that gut feeling that Asmodeus cared in a way he shouldn''t. Not because he was a demon or a bad person but because he simply didn''t have to. This whole idea had been stuck to Mark''s brain and he couldn''t stop making weird assumptions as to why he was here making him laugh after he had puked his guts out¡­literally.

    "Asmodeus¡­" Mark called out his name and the demon hummed in response. "Why do you care so much?" he asked him.

    "Who? Me?" he asked with an awkward laugh and Mark rolled his eyes.

    "You, you are the one called Asmodeus right?" he told him with a frown and the demon brought his glass close to his full lips. He swallowed it all down with one gulp as he tried to think what he should do. "Thirsty aren''t we?" Mark asked him and fixed his eyes on him.

    Asmodeus kept the empty glass on his lips, looking Mark through it with his colorful eyes as he thought hard. What would be the most proper thing to say? Every word that came to his mind, every excuse would simply drown him into a pool of more lies, invisible hands pulling him in and slowly killing him. If one-day mark remembered, he didn''t want him to think of him as a liar. The demon had gathered so many bad qualities that if being a liar was added to the pile everything would crumble and this thin balance would be lost.

    He had three days, three days to do anything he could and keep mark alive. This was simply all on him. He had to find a way to achieve his mission and no one said he should lie. Asmodeus loved him, he loved him so much that it hurt. He had never felt emotional pain in his life until he had met Mark and like a sweet addiction he couldn''t let go of the man that awakened his senses. From his beauty to his wonderful soul Asmodeus was addicted and if his drug was gone he would end up returning to his old, miserable self.

    While he had been restrained in that castle on the demonic capital, his brother his one and only company he had gotten a glimpse of the true monster within. All of them were hideous, power hid blood and disgust and he knew it better than anyone else. As he gazed down on the bloody rivers of hell he could smell the bloodlust in the air. He could see his old self returning and he hated it. That was why he couldn''t punish Mark, that was why he couldn''t let go of him. Because Mark was his only way of being more, being more than a monster. He didn''t want to be like that anymore, he simply wanted to be with him and lying, lying would be something a king of hell would do without even blinking. When it came to Mark though, he didn''t want to be a king anymore.

    "Well you see¡­" The demon said and let go of the glass. He entwined his fingers in front of him, his elbows resting on the island and he smiled. "You''re too pretty for me not to care." He told him and Mark gasped.

    Definitely this was not the answer he was expecting. He was waiting to hear about some kind of profit. Money, gems or even a deal but this? This had not even passed the roads of his mind. That was why Mark had stayed frozen, blinking while the demon found the chance to move closer.  Asmodeus moved his body forward and approached him, the tips of their noses touching.

    "Do you know who I am little human?" he asked him with a cocky expression and Mark gulped, remaining quiet. "I will take that as a no. I am Asmodeus, one of the Kings of hell and you have been honored by peaking my interest." He said with lethal confidence and mark''s face turned a bright red. He suddenly moved back, his stool losing balance and making him fall messily on the floor.

    "Ouch." He exclaimed and Asmodeus giggled. He stood up, walking slowly around the island to meet the careless man when mark''s scream made him rush. He stood next to him, looking at him while he sat on the cold floor with wide eyes.

    Mark was holding his hand. Literally he was holding his hand from the wrist downwards on his right hand. From his arm a bone was protruding and blood was sprayed everywhere. The fascinating thing was that the fingers in Mark''s cut arm were still moving. The red haired man raised his head and looked at the demon expecting for some answers.

    Unfortunately for him Theseus did not have any. He simply stared at the man when Mark suddenly started laughing. He raised the cut arm in the air and showed it to him, giving him a better view of the gruesome sight and he spoke.

    "Do you still think I am pretty?" he asked him with a smirk and Asmodeus smiled.

    "Not really the reaction I was expecting." He said and offered his hand so mark could get up. The man took it and looked at the hand.

    "This is simply weird. I don''t really feel anything. Like no pain. I am holding my own hand!" he said loudly with a terrified expression. "Do something!"

    "Are you bipolar?" Asmodeus asked him and Mark looked at him as if he was intending to kill him.

    "Considering the fact that I am turning into a freaking zombie I can be whatever the fuck I want. Am I clear?" he asked him shaking his cut arm in front of his face. When he noticed it he whined and stared at it again in disgust. "Get me to a doctor. Now!"

    "Okay mister Zombie." Asmodeus teased him.

    "If you utter one more word I will stick this so far up your ass you will be crying for days." He said.

 Chapter 322 - 322

    He simply stared at the man when Mark suddenly started laughing. He raised the cut arm in the air and showed it to him, giving him a better view of the gruesome sight and he spoke.

    "Do you still think I am pretty?" he asked him with a smirk and Asmodeus smiled.

    "Not really the reaction I was expecting." He said and offered his hand so mark could get up. The man took it and looked at the hand.

    "This is simply weird. I don''t really feel anything. Like no pain. I am holding my own hand!" he said loudly with a terrified expression. "Do something!"

    "Are you bipolar?" Asmodeus asked him and Mark looked at him as if he was intending to kill him.

    "Considering the fact that I am turning into a freaking zombie I can be whatever the fuck I want. Am I clear?" he asked him shaking his cut arm in front of his face. When he noticed it he whined and stared at it again in disgust. "Get me to a doctor. Now!"

    "Okay mister Zombie." Asmodeus teased him.

    "If you utter one more word I will stick this so far up your ass you will be crying for days." He said.

    Asmodeus took Mark to Allias first. He was sure the king would want to know what was happening with his best friend. After asking a few very terrified maids that shivered lightly when he met their eyes they were informed that Allias was hiding Theseus'' study.

    The two men headed there immediately. They knocked on the wooden door twice but they got no answer. Mark was ready to knock again but the demon stopped him. He pushed lightly the door and opened it facing a warm, small and comfortable room. At first sight no one seemed to be in there, until they looked better.

    Allias was laid on the couch, in Theseus'' arms and both of them were sleeping. Asmodeus approached them seeing the frown in the king''s face as he breathed deeply.

    "Don''t wake him up." Mark said. He didn''t want to worry his best friend again. Allias had so much going on at the moment that seeing his decapitated hand would only make him worry more. He didn''t want to be a burden. Allias had gone through so much to bring him back.

    "What?" He heard a whisper and the two men looked at the couch. "What the hell are you doing here?" He asked them again. It was Theseus. He had woken up, his eyes a bit puffy and he was looking at them with his eyebrows furrowed.

    Mark gave him an awkward smile and raised his hand in silence. He waved it and Theseus'' eyes widened showing their bright purple color. "What the fuck happened to you." He mumbled and tried to get up without waking up Allias. He actually let the man fall gently on the couch while he climb on the back and tumbled on the floor on the other side. He felt slightly dizzy not being fully woken up but still he stood up and fixed his shirt before he told them to get out and wait there.

    After a few minutes Theseus appeared in front of him, pulling the door lightly so he wouldn''t do any noise. He pushed back his hair and eyed the hand one more time finding it hard to believe that the sight was real.

    "As you can see, we have a slight problem." He said and the general sighed loudly. When was the last time that they didn''t have a problem? He wondered.

    "Let''s go. I will put it back for you." He said and Mark frowned.

    "You can do that?" He asked him and Theseus smiled.

    "I''ve fought in war. I know how to remove and put a heart back in its place if I have to. Going to the doctor''s means Allias will hear about it and believe me he was too busy looking at body parts just a while ago." He commented and began walking.

    "Go to my room." He said and headed towards another corridor. Theseus was planning on sneaking in the doctor''s office to get what he needed and then take care of Mark in there. At this time he didn''t expect anyone to occupy the place but Ea was actually inside, searching through the cupboards filled with medicine.

    "Hello." He said and grabbed a small yellow vile. "Headache." He said and pointed at it. Theseus was troubled, should he say the reason he was there or remain silent. "You know, everyone knows of it already. I mean the maids would comment on the fact that someone is running around holding his own wrist." He said and Theseus looked at the small elf, the worry of wondering what he had to say disappeared easily.

    "I don''t want Allias to know, he has enough on his mind already."

    "I don''t think Allias is the person who should know the truth here but Mark. It is not fair for him. He needs to know and decide what he wants to do, you can''t take that right away from him." Ea said. Theseus seemed to be thinking deeply about it.

    "I know, I don''t want Allias to think that I am not trusting him though."

    "It''s not really about trust." Ea said when the door of the office was busted open. Allias was standing in front of them, panting with his hair an utter mess, his clothes wrinkled.

    "Where is Mark?" He asked. "Why did I get to know this from one of the maids that rushed terrified into the study room to wake me up and tell me that a literal zombie is running around the castle!?" He shouted.

    "Allias you were sleeping." Theseus stared and the king scoffed.

    "So what? Sleep is not important in front of what''s happening." He told them.

    "Look I know that you care about your friend. We know what''s going on with him, there is nothing more you can do for now." Theseus told him and Allias'' face saddened as he heard his lover say that. He grabbed the chair behind the desk and sat down, hiding his face in between his palms.

    "You think I don''t know that? Still I want to do something for him, at least be by his side. When I am thinking that he might be gone again my heart aches so much Theseus. I want to at least be by his side, no matter what, no matter what he needs."he told them and Theseus caressed his back.

    "Okay, but don''t get out of your mind. Let''s just go there and be calm. I believe Asmodeus'' plan might succeed. Let''s have faith." Theseus said and the king nodded sexing to follow his lover''s advice. He stood up still looking at the floor as he walked towards the door when Ea''s voice stopped him.

    "Mark deserved to know what''s going on. Remember my king, lies never end well. You''ve lived that too so you should know." He told him making the king turn pale. He knew, he was aware of that but in all honesty he hated to admit it.

    "What truth?" A voice asked, questioning and their eyes met. Allias gasped. "What do I deserved to know?" Another question followed and the king simply wanted to disappear. He knew one day he would be exposed but not so soon, at least not until they had saved him.

    "I am sorry Mark." The elf king told him with tears in his eyes.

 Chapter 323 - 323

    "Mark deserved to know what''s going on. Remember my king, lies never end well. You''ve lived that too so you should know." He told him making the king turn pale. He knew, he was aware of that but in all honesty he hated to admit it.

    "What truth?" A voice asked, questioning and their eyes met. Allias gasped. "What do I deserved to know?" Another question followed and the king simply wanted to disappear. He knew one day he would be exposed but not so soon, at least not until they had saved him.

    "I am sorry Mark." The elf king told him with tears in his eyes.

    He was indeed sorry; his heart was breaking because in all honesty he didn''t want to be the one that would tell him the bad news. He couldn''t bear seeing his saddened face, the disappointment and sorrow. They could tell him to form a contract now, to present this idea as the only way but Allias didn''t want Mark to be forced in such a decision.

    "You took a while to return so I thought I should come here." Mark stated and his eyes landed on the elf king. "What should I know?" he asked. "Why are you crying?"

    "Mark, I think there is something you need to know." Theseus said, taking away the burden from Allias. The elf king was barely holding his tears in, there was no way he would be able to explain things properly. "Come in, sit down." He told him and showed the doctor''s chair. Mark entered the room and sat, making himself comfortable. Asmodeus followed him inside and stood behind him, his heart was beating frantically, how much would they reveal? What would they say? The demon was afraid he would lose his chance.

    "Tell me now, there is no reason to stall. I suppose it''s not really good anyways. Haven''t heard good news in a while." He stated. Allias had turned his back on them, for him to be so dramatic the red haired man knew that something had gone terribly wrong, he was trying to prepare himself but Theseus'' words were so unexpected he froze.

    "Something went wrong when we brought you back. In result your spirit returned to your body. The problem is that your physical body remained dead. It simply means that you are alive but in a dead body. You are rotting from the inside out, that''s why your keep throwing up that thing and that''s also why your hand got off but you didn''t feel much." He explained. Mark blinked, his breath stopped and he tried to think.

    "So what you''re saying is that I will die, again." He said, trying more to convince himself rather than ask for a definition. Theseus nodded, his face serious and the red haired men stood up. He approached his best friend, placing his hand on his back and looked at him. Allias was indeed crying, biting his lip as he didn''t want to make any noise. "Are you alright?" he asked.

    "You shouldn''t be asking me that." Allias said and Mark chuckled.

    "Dude, you look horrible, there is snot on your face." He said and Allias turned around. He grabbed mark and hugged him. Mark hugged him back, resting his chin on his shoulder with a bitter smile. "Come on, you''re magical powerful beings. I am sure there will be something. And even if there isn''t, I mean I''ve lived quite the life, not many could say that in their twenty years."  He told Allias and the king stopped holding him, he took a step back and observed his friend. Thin, pale and weak, looking exhausted with purple bags underneath his eyes, a hand missing. "Oh, Allias now we kind of match!" he joked and the king laughed loudly. It was a mixture of unbearable sadness and the acknowledgement of the irony all around them. The two friends laughed, trying to push their sadness away when Asmodeus cut in.

    "What if I could save you?" he asked him and Mark blinked. He tilted his head to the side while a frown appeared on his face.

    "How?"

    "Form a contract with me, I will share my life and power with you. Forever." Asmodeus said and Mark''s eyes widened. He gasped, shocked. He was an exorcist, he was very knowledgeable in the ways of demons and forming a contract with such a powerful demon would be suicide for Asmodeus. He would be a laughingstock at the demonic capital and many people would feel that they could kill him. Why would he put himself in such danger?

    "Why? Do you know what you''re proposing means? Why would you want to do something like this?" Mark kept asking him and Asmodeus took in a deep breath. He was scared, terrified and anxious. He was so afraid of rejection, the hardness in his eyes, the cold in his voice. There was no turning back now, he had already exposed himself, he had already become vulnerable so what else was there? He had to risk everything to receive everything. Mark was that for him, his everything, his world.

    "Because I love you. I always did." Asmodeus announced bravely and Mark shook his head, shivering as if he had seen a ghost.

    "You are insane" Mark mumbled, his brown orbs avoiding Asmodeus'' eyes and he turned around. He felt like he was suffocating, he desperately wanted to leave. There was no room for him here and the demon''s sad eyes felt like a rock on his chest. "I want to go." He said and pushed gently Allias to the side. "I¡­"

    "Mark wait." Allias called out. "You should listen. There is a way to keep you alive so¡­"

    "I am sorry." Asmodeus said, making him stop on his track. He had his back turned on him, Mark didn''t want to meet his eyes, he didn''t wish to see his expression. It hurt him too much. "I know this might shock you, it sounds horrible but I am not lying. I swear. I want to help you."

    "How can you say that?" Mark asked him and turned around filled with anger. "How can yous ay that when you murdered me!" he shouted at the demon.

    ...

    Hello! How are you? Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that you will keep reading.

    Please tell me in the comments how you like the story so far. Also vote and write a nice review if you are able to, it would help the book and me a lot.

    Thank you for reading, have a nice day!

 Chapter 324 - 324

    "Mark wait." Allias called out. "You should listen. There is a way to keep you alive so¡­"

    "I am sorry." Asmodeus said, making him stop on his track. He had his back turned on him, Mark didn''t want to meet his eyes, he didn''t wish to see his expression. It hurt him too much. "I know this might shock you, it sounds horrible but I am not lying. I swear. I want to help you."

    "How can you say that?" Mark asked him and turned around filled with anger. "How can yous ay that when you murdered me!" he shouted at the demon.

    Asmodeus had felt it, somehow he was expecting this happen. Mark was looking at him like a pure enemy, as if he wanted to rip him to shreds. He didn''t mind if he did it, the demon did not wish to live without him.

    "You knew." Asmodeus stated. He was suspiciously calm while on the other hand Mark was shaking with rage, his pale face had turned a vibrant red and he was panting.

    "Of course I knew! You fucking idiot! I knew. I always did. The reason I lied was for all this to be over, for you to leave so we can move on but you chose to stay! Why would you do that? You were the one who took my life away from me so why, why are you trying so hard to keep now?" He shouted.

    Asmodeus felt his heart rip. Mark had decided to push him away, he wanted him to disappear. He had lied just so they could be separated.

    "While I was begging for my life, while I struggled not to die you simply looked at me as if I was nothing more than an object, something you wanted out of the way. I died. I fucking died."

    "You lied to me too." Asmodeus interrupted his rampage and Mark stared at him wide eyed. "I had waited for you, I believed in you and when I found you I tried so hard for you, why did you treat me like this? Were you mocking me? Was that it?"

    "Are you trying to put the blame on me?" Mark asked. He was obviously upset.

    When he had woken up Mark had seen Asmodeus first. His bright eyes, his worried expression and his handsome face. His heart instantly fluttered and for a second he simply wished to dive into his hands. Then the memory of his dying crushed into him like a tidal wave and everything inside him screamed to get away. The red haired knew he had been wrong too, he was aware of that but deep inside back then he had believed that Asmodeus wouldn''t do it, he wouldn''t hurt him. He knew he was contradicting himself. He sounded stupid even in his own mind and that annoyed him even more. The fact that the demon king had ended up killing him though would never change and he had found himself in this situation because of him.

    "No I am not. I simply want to know why did you do that? Why didn''t you want to accept me? Was it maybe because you didn''t love me anymore?" Asmodeus said. His assumptions hurt and he felt extremely embarrassed while they talked. The elves in the room seemed to be observing the scene quiet, barely breathing as the two do them continued their argument.

    Surprisingly the demon was calm, he didn''t wish to hit anything or shout. Somehow after Mark had awakened every ounce of anger or rage in him had disappeared. He just wanted to know, how did they end up in such a miserable mess? Was he the only one who should apologize.

    "It was because I felt guilty." Mark mumbled, his voice sounding almost like a whisper now. He want screaming anymore.

    "Guilty about what?"

    "About what I did to you." He stated and Asmodeus sighed.

    "Form the contract with me Mark. Cut the bullshit and live. If you don''t want me on your side after it I can still leave. I am sure Allias and everyone here can keep an eye on you" he told him. The demon had decided there was no way to meddle with the past anymore. His goal here was not to make Mark want to be with him again, his true purpose was to keep him alive, make sure he would live.

    "Is that all you want to tell me?" Mark asked him and the demon nodded. He was expecting an apology, a plead to be forgiven but he knew it wouldn''t matter now. He did want to say he was sorry, he felt it after all, a deep sorrow but in here, in front of everyone he believed like it would lack feeling. He might have sounded immature but still he wished for this to be a moment for the two of them, even if he was terrified that Mark would not forgive him. "I will never, ever, ever form that stupid contract with you, honestly I prefer to die!" The red haired man shouted before he stepped off the room. Allias was fast on his track always wary of his possible running away and immediately went after him,making sure that he would get to talk to him. He had to change his mind, the elf king thought and followed him.

    "That was eventful" Ea commented feeling the tension in the room. Theseus stared at him strictly. "Sorry, being too much with Ares has affected me. Sorry." He repeated twice and left the room too embarrassed.

    The high general had been left alone with the demon who was standing frozen in the middle.of the room. His eyes were locked on the ground, slightly expanded as he tried to process this whole mess.

    "This wasn''t just eventful it was disastrous." Asmodeus said and Theseus sat on the doctor''s chairs. He looked at the demon with pity in his eyes, trying to think of something to say. "Why are things so complicated?" He asked the general.

    "I''ve wondered about that myself a few times actually." Theseus responded with a sad smile.

    "I can''t let him die." He said.

    "Well there is no way to force him into a contract."

    "Actually, maybe there is."

 Chapter 325 - 325

    Mark couldn''t really go that far. He felt tired and soon just from pacing fast he was panting. The red haired was annoyed with himself, annoyed with his situation. He was really dying, he thought and realized he was such an idiot for not noticing it earlier. He was throwing up his intestines and his hand just got cut off of his arm. Obviously he was dying, those were not signs of safely returning to the world.

    Since he couldn''t run away any longer he settled with hiding in his room. It was slightly untidy with clothes everywhere and a forgotten bowl of soup. He didn''t care that much though, the first thought in his mind was to simply lay on the bed after all and block everyone out until he dropped dead.

    There was no way he would form a contract with Asmodeus. That man had killed him and he was now proposing to him to bound their lives together forever in some kind of demonic marriage. He would definitely not do that. His memories of the event were clear and vibrant, his info Al strength and the pressure on his neck, his pleading and the fear he felt in his heart. Mark had been feeling guilty for everything he had done, he didn''t believe he deserved to be with him but still he could never really believe that Asmodeus would kill him. He had done it. He had really taken his life though and now there was a raging fear that devoured Mark. He tried, he had tried so hard to look away from it, not let this event make his fear stronger but it wasn''t so easy. Every time he was looking at him, locking eyes with the handsome demon his heart would shiver with fear. How could he overlook that and simply be bound to him for eternity, even if it meant he would get to live?

    Mark''s plan was simple. He wanted to lock himself in his room and simply hide away until his final moments. He had died already once he could do it again. The endless darkness didn''t scare him as much as the demon he loved. He preferred to be with death, hand in hand rather than relive dying or being hurt by someone he loves. The disappointment and the burn in his heart, he would never forget that even if he wanted to.

    His comfortable plan was easily ruined though because he soon noticed that he wasn''t alone in the room. The elf king was sitting on one of the armchairs in the small lounge, his legs crossed.

    "You forgot this." Allias said and waved his hand in the air. The red haired man looked at it with a frown,realizing that he had actually dropped his hand on the way here. Perfect, he wasn''t even good enough to be a zombie. "Let''s talk." He said and Mark sighed, getting into the lounge and deciding to stand close to the doorframe.

    "I wanted to be alone but I forgot you can simply pop up everywhere." Mark stated and Allias smiled. This was no time for smiling but still the king seemed to be completely different in comparison to before. "You look fine, you were crying like a baby before."

    "Yes, but I am not letting you die so there is no reason for me to cry is it now?" He said with a cunning smile and Mark raised one eyebrow. He crossed his arms over his chest and looked at his best friend, waiting for him to continue. "Form the contract with Asmodeus." He simply said and the man in front of him scoffed.

    "I thought you were going to say something more interesting." He told him and the green eyed elf sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose and got up, approaching his best friend. He looked tired, as if he had been awake for days and Mark felt a pinch of guilt in his dying heart, he was making everything even more difficult than it already was.

    "Why don''t you want to form the contract with Asmodeus? You loved him didn''t you?"

    "Well I don''t know...could it maybe be the fact that he killed me in the first place!" Mark said upset. "I mean it might be normal in your world for lovers to kill each other and magically bring them back to life but I...as a simply humble human do not get turned on by danger." He said ironically.

    "It''s not a good thing, what Asmodeus did was horrible and I first was the one who wanted to kill him for it. But I won''t care about him anymore. All I care is you. I want you to live. There is a way so we should take advantage of it. Mark you can''t let go of such a chance." He advised him. Allias desperately wanted to convince the young human. He couldn''t simply let him die, wither away. There was a way to solve things, they should have already done it not keep thinking about Asmodeus.

    "I am scared Allias." Mark revealed. "I love him, I will always do and I feel it but at the same time I am really scared of him. After what he did I am having a hard time looking at him, all I could think is what if he gets mad again? What if he hurts me?" He asked and Allias hugged his friend, trying to comfort him.

    "He won''t. I will look out for you and believe me Mark he won''t be able to. Your lives will be linked. He won''t be able to lay a finger for you because no matter what happens to you it will affect him to form the contract and then let''s kick him away if you want to. It doesn''t matter as long as you''re alive." The elf king tried to explain. He wouldn''t let down his best friend again, he wouldn''t let him get hurt. Allias would do anything to protect him.

    "I...I don''t want him to leave, I think." He mumbled. He was divided between a mix of feelings he couldn''t really identify. He felt as if he reached a decision only for something exfrea to pop in his mind and destroy his thinking up to now.

    "If you form the contract you will be safe, alive and then you will be able to decide whatever you want. Asmodeus would not dare to harm you. Remember Mark you were a powerful exorcist. A demon''s greatest enemy. He should be scared of you. Remember that." The king told him. The red haired boy nodded, realizing how right his best friend was. He couldn''t just let himself die like that. He still didn''t know what he wanted. He still hasn''t made that important decision. He had to stay alive and fight this fear. He was not the kind of person who would simply back down just because he was scared. He would force himself to look the demon in the eyes,he would force himself to accept a date he had never imagined and much more. In reality Mark didn''t want to die, he didn''t want to be alone again. He felt grateful to Allias for going through all of this to bring him back.

    "Allias, thank you. I know you didn''t have to do this. I know you love me and that''s why you wanted to bring me back. I am sorry if I made you worry, if I made things harder for you." He thanked him and the same time apologized. He couldn''t imagine how Allias felt at the moment. Anxious, worried, scared, the same as him but he was a bystander. He could make the decisions for him, he couldn''t be sure that Mark would choose to live and that was a kind of torture Mark did not feel.

    "Don''t be sorry. I would do anything for you. You are my family. None of this has much meaning if you''re not here. You were the one that helped me to reach to this spot, to find myself and get back my throne. I would never forget that, I owe you a lot more than you think. I would even go to he to bring you back if I had to." He told him and Mark scoffed.

    "Why aren''t we assuming that I would go to heaven?" He asked his best friend and Allias laughed. This was much better. Smiling and laughing together. He wished that could go on for a while.

    "So will you do it? Will you form the contract?" Allias asked filled with anticipation.

    "Yes, I will..." Mark began saying when the door of his room was opened loudly. It smacked the wall the fragile wood vibrating as the high general entered without asking. "People in this castle and their manners." Mark mumbled.

    "We have no times for jokes." Theseus said and Mark blushed embarrassed realizing that he had been heard. "Asmodeus, he disappeared. I think it he is planning to force you to sign. He asked me about your parents." He told Mark and the red haired boy looked at him with wide eyes.

    "Let''s go." Mark said. "I will sign the fucking contract and then kill him myself!" He shouted.

 Chapter 326 - 326

    "Let''s calm down." Ea said shaking his arms downwards, trying to help everyone. There was a sudden state of emergency in the meeting room as everyone seemed to blurt out everything they were thinking. Loud noises, table smacking and everything anyone could imagine.

    "How can I call down when we don''t even have a cellphone in here so I can warn my parents. I can''t go like this to them. I am a fucking zombie!" Mark screamed and smacked his palm on the table. Everyone stopped speaking after they heard the loud sound and saw with their own eyes his index finger just jumping off his hand. Mark stared at it as it laid on the table and sighed. "I...Really. This is hell. Not the demonic capital. This!" He screamed was he retrieved his finger with a very obvious frown.

    "It''s fine. I am sure that he won''t do anything to your parents. He just wants to scare you it''s okay. We will find a way to call him back and tell him that you are willing to form the contract and everything will be fine" Allias told him as he tried to comfort him. Mark did not seem to be convinced by the king''s words but still he decided it was best to remain silent. He let out a loud sigh and his eyes were focused on Theseus.

    "Can''t you send your shadows or something?" He asked him.

    "My shadows are not errand boys. They are killing machines that...."

    "Send them Theseus." Allias interrupted him and stared at his lover with a threatening glare. Theseus stopped talking for a second and shook his head, forcing a smile on his face.

    "I will." He reluctantly agreed and soon a thick most gathered around him. Shadows swirling all around his body and Allias shivered. When he looked at him like that he seemed completely different, embraced by an unknown danger. The high general shook his head, as if he was listening to them speak and his lips moved, whispering something. He moved his hand, waving them to disappear and in a few seconds all the shadows had scattered. Crawling in the walls, getting underneath the walls and leaving the room completely empty.

    "Does anyone else get the shivers when he does that or is it just me?" Ares asked and shivered slightly to emphasize his feelings. So it wasn''t only Allias that felt it. The elf king seemed to be slightly relieved at that. His brother shrugged his shoulders with a grin.

    "What will happen to my parents?" Mark asked with a saddened expression. "When my mother sees him she will get into shock." He commented.

    "Asmodeus is not really ugly." Ares said.

    "No but his fashion sense is horrible." Mark announced and Allias bit his bottom lip hard, trying not to laugh with Mark''s comment. He had met his mother once and yes it was very true that she could go into shock from a bad outfit. That was why Mark was dressed with the latest trending clothes when they used to visit. Once he had paired pink with red and his mother started a whole scene about how she would disown him. Mark had grown red and was desperately trying to hide while he was laughing from a corner close to their dorm.

    "Mark." He called out his best friend''s name. "Asmodeus loves you. He would never hurt your family. I am sure about that. He just feels cornered. He felt guilty for what he did and he just can''t let you die again. He doesn''t want to lose you." He explained and Mark shook his head. He was getting a very strong headache from all this thinking.

    "Don''t make him sound as if he was some kind of innocent man." He told him.

    "No that''s not what I''m trying to do. It''s just that, I understand him. The fear of your lover dying, the guilt of being his misfortune. I know it very well. I just can''t look away." He said with a bittersweet smile.

    "It''s going to be fine. But tell me why do we have to gather here all the time. I was in the middle of having a bath and you came in like the whole palace was on fire. I have my own life you know. Sorry Mark but you know. I fell into an endless black hole to get you back. That''s where I draw the line." Ares said and raised his arms in defeat. Theseus shook his head, he smiled as he got up and approached the chair his brother was sitting in. He patted his shoulder until he grabbed the sensitive skin and squeezed it hard making the young elf schreech in pain.

    "Tell us then what does your own life consists of? I am very intrigued to hear. Eating, shitting, bathing...anything else?" He asked and Ares grabbed the wrist that was hurting his shoulder with. A black force, like small lighting surrounded the general''s wrist and zapped him, making him take a step back and free him.

    "Don''t be a fucking bitch." He said and Theseus laughed, as he headed back to his chair.

    "Why do you always like to provoke people?" Ea, who was sitting next to him asked and Ares grinned, placing his arms behind his head.

    "I just don''t hide behind my fingers. I hate hypocrisy." He said.

    "Tact is not hypocrisy it''s basic manners." The elf told him and Ares chuckled. He turned towards him and kissed his nose playfully making him gasp and cover his face.

    "You like me this way though." He told his husband and Ea blushed seeing the satisfied look on the Disee''s prince face. He took his hand in his and rested his back on the chair, deciding not to speak anymore. The amount of upset he had cause Ea today was satisfactory for now, he thought and winked at him. He just couldn''t stop looking at his flushed and embarrassed expression.

    "Why are they taking so long?" Mark asked impatiently and tapped his foot on the polished floor. His leg was moving fast his one and only way to let out his frustration. Theseus was ready to answer when suddenly the shadows started stroking in. Through the walls and windows, under the doors the same way they had gotten out they came in and embraced the high general once more. He seemed to be focused on what they were entrusting him. Allias and the rest could hear nothing but Theseus was gently nodding his head as if he was having a very interested conversation. Once they were over he waved his hand once again and told them they could leave. This time they disappeared, evaporating and leaving no trails of their existence behind.

    "What happened? What did they say?" Mark asked the elf.

    "Asmodeus never left, he is the castle. St the gazebo." Theseus said and the red haired man looked at him confused. "Go and find him" he instructed him and Mark stood up. He walked as fast as he could trying to overcome his exhaustion. The gazebo was not really that far but to him it seemed as if it was on another country. He felt cold and slow, stuck in winter and when he stepped outside the warm sun blinded him.

    The demon was indeed there, sitting with a skeptical expression on his handsome face. He was troubled by something, it was very obvious and as Mark approached him slowly he wondered what could it be. He was sitting on the white bench, his dark aura and shadow like presence surrounded by blooming flowers and vibrant green grass. He seemed to not fit in with the scenery but somehow that made Mark think he was even more attractive. Surrounded by place blue, pink and yellow he could see the peculiar shades of his eyes in the flowers.

    He walked up the small white stairs and joined him in the shade. Asmodeus raised his head noticing him for the first time. He didn''t react in a seocific way, he just locked eyes with the red haired and remained quiet. He didn''t have something to say.

    "I thought you were going to force me to form a contact with you by using my parents." He told him.

    "I was going to but then I change my mind." Asmodeus said. Mark tilted his head to the side. He was still standing, looking at the demon from above, cornering him in a way but Asmodeus didn''t mind. He felt satisfied even with the fact that the red haired exorcist wasn''t trying to run away from him.

    "Why did you change your mind?" He asked him and the demon king sighed before he parted his lips, ready to explain.

    "Everything that has to do with you hurts." He began saying, making Mark''s eyes widen. "The thought of losing you hurts, the thought of killing you hurts, the thought of emotionally hurting you hurts, your saddened or hateful expression hurts. I feel like I''m walking on broken glass with you. I want you to live, I am begging you to survive because I don''t know what will happen to me if you don''t. It sounds selfish I know but please. This pain, I can''t stand it so no matter what you want. If you want me to disappear, never show my fave to this world again I will do it so please live. Do not die just because you despise me. I know what I did was horrible, I know I could never be forgiven but don''t let yourself go because I am a monster." Asmodeus said.

    "I don''t hate you. I don''t despise you." Mark immediately corrected him. "I love you, still and that''s the worst and most frightening part." He confessed.

 Chapter 327 - 327

    "I thought you were going to force me to form a contact with you by using my parents." He told him.

    "I was going to but then I change my mind." Asmodeus said. Mark tilted his head to the side. He was still standing, looking at the demon from above, cornering him in a way but Asmodeus didn''t mind. He felt satisfied even with the fact that the red haired exorcist wasn''t trying to run away from him.

    "Why did you change your mind?" He asked him and the demon king sighed before he parted his lips, ready to explain.

    "Everything that has to do with you hurts." He began saying, making Mark''s eyes widen. "The thought of losing you hurts, the thought of killing you hurts, the thought of emotionally hurting you hurts, your saddened or hateful expression hurts. I feel like I''m walking on broken glass with you. I want you to live, I am begging you to survive because I don''t know what will happen to me if you don''t. It sounds selfish I know but please. This pain, I can''t stand it so no matter what you want. If you want me to disappear, never show my fave to this world again I will do it so please live. Do not die just because you despise me. I know what I did was horrible, I know I could never be forgiven but don''t let yourself go because I am a monster." Asmodeus said.

    "I don''t hate you. I don''t despise you." Mark immediately corrected him. "I love you, still and that''s the worst and most frightening part." He confessed.

    "What does that mean?" Asmodeus asked him, almost in awe. He couldn''t really believe his ears. Had Mark just said he loved him or was his just wishful thinking? His desperate mind trying to create a less hurtful result.

    "It means that from the first moment I met you I knew of the darkness in you, I could see it, sense it in a way but still I loved you. The way your soul seemed to soothe when I was around you. I liked people, I can say I even considered loving some before I got my memories back but you¡­what I felt to you always paled in comparison and that''s scary. It''s so scary Asmodeus. Am I insane? Sometimes I thought I could be, loving someone who can kill me with the snap of his fingers, someone who did it just because he lost his composure. Why? I don''t want this." Mark confessed. Tears had gathered in his tired eyes. His body was in pain, every inch of it and his heart too. Why loving had to be so terrifying? Why did he have to look into this demon''s eyes and feel so perplexed? He wanted to jump in his embrace, shower him with kisses but at the same times his body would freeze, his mind would alarm him and stop him from doing anything. Because he was dangerous. He could hurt him again.

    "I am sorry Mark." Asmodeus said as he stood up. He took a step forwards, wanting to approach the red head but he instinctively stepped back, making him feel disappointed. "I know it''s not enough, me saying that I am sorry. I swear if I could go back in time I would erase everything, I would never hurt you like this. I love you, you have no idea how I feel about you, how hard it is for me to describe this¡­this mess in my heart." He told him with a sigh and his eyes traveled on the flowers. His gaze was stuck on one of them, a pretty yellow one, vibrant and oozing with life. He walked towards it and cut it. For a second Mark thought he was planning to give it to him but he was wrong. Asmodeus held it in his hand and started talking again. "If I let go, everything around me decays." He said and slowly the flower began to wither, as if someone had poisoned it. "I never knew how pleasant life could be, I never had imagined how things would be if I let go and someone didn''t just wither around me. Mark you didn''t wither, you accepted me and I hate myself for making you fear me. You, the only person who never shivered in my presence but please, live. Form this contract with me and give me another chance, for as long as it takes."

    Mark could see clearly his sincerity. The remorse in his eyes that was slowly suffocating him to the point that his eyes became teary and droplets of salty water trailed paths on his pale skin. Asmodeus was trully a mess. No more confident, no more thinking that he could do anything he wanted but weak and begging. Mark sighed as he wrapped his arms around himself. He felt cold, as if he has been surrounded by cold ice all this time.

    "I will do it." He stated and Asmodeus stared at him with wide eyes. "I will form the contract with you. But Asmodeus remember this, I don''t hate you for killing me." He said, tears gathering in his eyes. "I hate you for ruining my love. For filling me with dear and taking away that security I felt with you. You took everything good that I felt and now I am just in pain." He said as he cried. "I know you didn''t want any of this but you still did it. We will be bound together for eternity but I don''t even know if that''s enough for me to see you the same way again. I am sorry." The red haired man said and turned around. He didn''t want to be seen as sensitive and weak, he didn''t want his tears to match the demon''s. Asmodeus did not attempt to face him. He just stood behind him as he placed his want palm on his shoulder.

    "It''s alright. I can wait, I will wait and believe me Mark I will accept everything that will happen. Even if one day you find someone you love more I will accept that too. All I want is for you to live, to smile again. That would be enough for me. We can form the contract tonight. I will notify the others" he told him.

    When Mark turned around the demon had already disappeared, only a black feather was left alone on the white wooden floor of the gazebo. The red haired human picked it up carefully, feeling how soft it was to the touch. He kept it close to his heart and then examined it with his eyes underneath the sunlight. He used to love flying with Asmodeus but now all he could think of was, what if he dropped me? It was such a depressing and destructive way of thinking. He was aware of that but he felt like he couldn''t really do anything else. He couldn''t forget and even if he was immature or a coward he couldn''t let go. All he could do was simply hide in a corner and wait. Wonder if one day he would get to feel the way he felt before. Secure, happy and excited around him.

    He left the pretty garden after he admired the beautiful flowers for one last time. His steps were slow and tired and when he reached his room he instantly laid on his bed. The sheets smelled nice, like orange blossoms and his face was hurried deep in the pillow. It was a silk pillowcase and it was stuffed with feathers. Soft and comfortable the red haired man wished he could stay there longer. Enjoy the feeling of relaxing on this bed but he knew that in a few hours his life once more would drastically change. Had it been one year or maybe even less ever since he got into that taxi with Allias, Alex at the time. Everything had happened so fast. He had met werewolves, witches, demons, gods, angels and elves. He had fallen in love and fallen out of love just to realize he wasn''t so simple himself.

    "Master." He heard a timid voice and his eyes followed the source. It was Ignis, standing at the corner of the room, looking at him with a worried expression. "How are you feeling?" He asked him.

    "Horrible but soon I will be fine."

    "So you will form the contract with him? It''s going to be dangerous. Please... We are all worried."

    "It''s alright Ignis. Don''t worry. He won''t be able to harm me. He will automatically be harming himself too." Mark explained but still the familiar did not seem to be satisfied.

    "People will come after you. He doesn''t know...about the man who murdered you. If that horrible man finds out that you are bound to Asmodeus bad things will happen." He wanted him and Mark smiled, trying to calm the demon spirit down.

    "It''s alright. The past is in the past. I doubt that this monster would like to bother with me again and I am planning to form the contract in secret. No one has to know about it."

    "But master. It is impossible to keep a contract secret. Especially in Asmodeus'' case." Ignis said.

 Chapter 328 - 328

    "What are they talking about?" Allias asked his lover. He felt anxious. He knew Mark was talking with Asmodeus at the moment, he had eyes and ears everywhere in the castle but still he couldn''t stop thinking about what would happen, what could the possible outcome be and that made him pace in his room.

    Theseus was laid on the bed, his arms behind his head, resting on the pillow and his legs were crossed. It had been about an hour since the elf king started this little episode of his and at some point he had stopped paying so much attention to his rumbling. Now he was observing the elaborate ceiling, the little crystals and the sparkles. It was indeed very pretty to look at and he praised himself for thinking about it.

    "Theseus. Theseus. I am talking to you!" Allias exclaimed annoyed and the elf general raised his head. He blinked a few times before he smiled innocently and sat up. Crossing his legs again and focusing his pretty eyes on the handsome king.

    "What were you saying my love?" He asked and Allias clenched his jaw. He jumped on the bed, with his shoes still on and landed on top of Theseus. His lips had turned into a very thin line as he thought very seriously of mimicking the demon and murdering his lover. "Aggressive. I like it." Theseus joked and Allias head bumped him. It wasn''t really a strong hit but the elf general still faked being in pain. He closed shut his eyes and pouted, rubbing the spot Allias had hit. "Why?" he asked, faking a whine and Allias scoffed.

    "Don''t ignore me when I am talking." He said while squeezing his eyes, a threatening expression on his face as he spoke slowly.

    "Well, I did not ignore you at first but after I realized you keep saying the same thing over and over again I realized there was no reason for me to listen." He said with an innocent smile and Allias gasped, his eyes widening with the general''s obvious insult.

    "Are you saying I am repeating myself?" he asked him.

    "Probably." Theseus replied with confidence. The next second somehow he had been pushed off the bed. He landed harshly on the ground his back smacking on the wood and making his bounce slightly. He coughed feeling the impact on his spine before he raised his head and looked at the king who was standing on the bed, looking down on his from above. "Your shoes will dirty the sheets." He said and Allias looked down for one second when he realized he was indeed still wearing them.

    At that moment, the one that lasted like the blink of an eye, Theseus wrapped his long fingers around Allias'' ankle and brought him down, throwing him brutally right next to him. The king landed on his face, his nose breaking with a loud crack and Allias shot up as he started swearing at his lover.

    "You fucking idiot!" He screamed as he tried to put his nose back into its original place but he couldn''t. He needed two hands to do that and well he was missing one. He looked at Theseus who was trying not to laugh. "Fix my nose." He ordered him and the general shrugged his shoulders.

    "I am not a doctor, sorry love."

    "Fix it" he said strictly.

    "Will you stop talking all the time about Asmodeus and Mark? He will form the contract. Stop worrying so much, it''s over. I will fix your nose if you chill and take a bath with me. Those are my terms." He announced with a proud smile and Allias raised his eyebrows.

    "You don''t get to have terms. I am the king" he told him and Theseus giggled.

    "A king with a crooked nose. If it heals like this, we will have to break it again. So how is it going to be¡­King?" he asked him again. Allias knew he had to give up but he didn''t want to. He hated surrendering to Theseus and now that he had lost his arm he believed it was some kind of inner battle to prove he could do everything on his own. He smiled at his lover who seemed to enjoy the situation very much and stood up. "What are you doing?" Theseus asked him with furrowed eyebrows as he watched him head to the door. He opened it widely and positioned his nose on the outer part of the frame while he placed his fingertips on the other side. He shook his head and a loud crack was heard as his nose was put back into place.

    The king wanted to scream from the pain since it wasn''t done so neatly and his eyes accidentally landed on a maid who was passing by. She had stopped and the towers he held in her arms had been dropped to the floor. He smiled at her kindly and waved.

    "I am fine." He said. "Move along." He instructed her before he closed the door. Theseus was looking at him astonished, his mouth agape as he stared at the king. He was trying to say something but he was actually too shocked to make any actual sense.

    "Fuck you. That''s my term." He said with a devilish grin as he flipped him off. Theseus stood up and rushed towards him. He cupped his still pained face and kissed him passionately. Allias had barely managed to breathe before Theseus decided it was time to devour him. He was pushed back, taking small steps until he reached the wall. The cold material touching his skin and making him shiver as Theseus was entering his mouth. "What has gotten into you? Do you get turned on by bloody noises?" he asked him once their kiss was over and Theseus smiled. Allias could feel that his lips were swollen and his chest was rising fast. He could finally breathe but at the same time he instantly missed the taste of his lips.

    "Not quite. Is that attitude of yours" he revealed with a grin and caressed his cheek, his palm traveling all the way to the back of his head and grasping a handful of the silky brown locks. He pulled his head back and kissed his neck before he whispered in his ear. "It makes me want to break you." He told him and Allias laughed loudly, as if what he had said was a very good joke he had never heard before. He pushed Theseus back, freeing himself from his prison while putting a bit more force than it was necessary just to make him stumble.

    "You''re funny Theseus. Very funny. Thinking that you could break me." He said with an ironic smile. "The only thing you get to break is my nose and that''s because I am nice to you." He told the general. Theseus scoffed and jumped on the bed again.

    "At least you still have that spark in you. I mean, I thought you would even get wrinkles from being so worried all the time. What is going to worry you next? That the sun rose one minute later than usual?" he asked with a smirk.

    "Some of us have jobs to do, you see. But it''s okay. You can stand behind be and be pretty while I use my brain. I bet that way you won''t have to worry about a thing." He told him sweetly, his tongue dripping with poison. He placed his fingertips on Theseus'' broad chest, staring at him seductively as he traced small paths, barely touching him. "You qualify for it after all, I won''t lie."

    "I am retired. I did your job while you were taking a no return trip to heaven. If you remember well." He said and Allias laughed. He laid down, settling his head on Theseus'' arm and rested his face on the crook of his neck, breathing in his scent. His heart beat faster, beating so close to him even after all this time. Theseus'' arm wrapped around him, sheltering and bringing him closer. He kissed the top of his head.

    "I''m sorry. I know worrying is boring. I want to go on adventured too, care free with no problems." He said and Theseus smiled.

    "We will do that too, when the time is right. But for now please shut up. My ears keep buzzing from you whining." He said and Allias rolled his eyes.

    "Way to go. Ruin the romantic moment."

    "You smacked me onto the floor and I broke your nose a few minutes ago. There is no romance."

    "There is."

    "No there isn''t"

    "There is!"

    "Nope."

    "Buy me dinner then. A date. Be romantic."

    "Sure, how about pork belly?"

    "I said romantic!"

    ....

    Hello everyone. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! If you did please leave a vote and a nice comment!

    Also just to let you know that this book will probably end this month, or in the middle of September. Only two arks left so please let''s boost it a bit with coins, comments and reviews since these are its last days! Thank you all for the support you''ve shown this far!

    Also don''t worry. I am prepering something else and it''s quite amazing. If you loved this book you will adore the next one.

 Chapter 329 - 329

    He left the pretty garden after he admired the beautiful flowers for one last time. His steps were slow and tired and when he reached his room he instantly laid on his bed. The sheets smelled nice, like orange blossoms and his face was hurried deep in the pillow. It was a silk pillowcase and it was stuffed with feathers. Soft and comfortable the red haired man wished he could stay there longer. Enjoy the feeling of relaxing on this bed but he knew that in a few hours his life once more would drastically change. Had it been one year or maybe even less ever since he got into that taxi with Allias, Alex at the time. Everything had happened so fast. He had met werewolves, witches, demons, gods, angels and elves. He had fallen in love and fallen out of love just to realize he wasn''t so simple himself.

    "Master." He heard a timid voice and his eyes followed the source. It was Ignis, standing at the corner of the room, looking at him with a worried expression. "How are you feeling?" He asked him.

    "Horrible but soon I will be fine."

    "So you will form the contract with him? It''s going to be dangerous. Please... We are all worried."

    "It''s alright Ignis. Don''t worry. He won''t be able to harm me. He will automatically be harming himself too." Mark explained but still the familiar did not seem to be satisfied.

    "People will come after you. He doesn''t know...about the man who murdered you. If that horrible man finds out that you are bound to Asmodeus bad things will happen." He wanted him and Mark smiled, trying to calm the demon spirit down.

    "It''s alright. The past is in the past. I doubt that this monster would like to bother with me again and I am planning to form the contract in secret. No one has to know about it."

    "But master. It is impossible to keep a contract secret. Especially in Asmodeus'' case." Ignis said.

    "Why do you say that?" Mark asked confused. Ignis had a very concerned look on his face as he talked. He was aware that after what happened the demonic spirit wasn''t so find of the man but this time it was slightly different, as if he was trying to hide something but warn him at the same time.

    "Asmodeus is a very known and powerful demon. You already know that. He could be in Achlys'' position and even rule over the demonic capital if he wanted to." Ignis stated. Mark knew he was powerful, he also had heard of his title as the king of hell but he had never thought that Asmodeus was actual royalty. He blinked a few times, the gears in his mind spinning as he was trying to find the hidden truth behind his aids words.

    "What he wants to say is that all eyes will be on you master." Arpaia said, appearing out of nowhere. She walked towards the bed and sat on the edge, taking off her shoes and crossing her legs elegantly. "usually demons hate humans, exorcists even more if someone of such high status, royalty does it will be in let''s say...the demonic news and you will be put through the test." The woman told him. A test? What could that mean? He wondered and suddenly he too began to feel worried. "Asmodeus doesn''t know about this roule though, do not worry. He didn''t try to trick you this time. It was something that Achlys decided while he was locked away and since no one really formed contracts from the higher ups it was never brought up but now things will be different." She explained.

    "There is a book..." Another familiar voice was heard and Kage emitted from the shadow in the corner of the room. Somehow everyone had gathered here, making him even more anxious than before. The young spirit sat on an armchair, he too crossing his legs and he placed his chin lazily on his palm while with his pitch black eyes he observed the room. "A book that whenever a bond is formed it appears there. That is why you can''t keep it a secret. They will find out and Achlys will know first. Then Asmodeus will be summoned back to the demonic capital and you will have to go too."

    "Well, that''s fine I guess. Allias was already planning to visit after the ball. We can go all together." Mark said and smiled faintly. He was trying to calm himself, find comfort in a way and present this trip to hell like a small vacation. What could it be? He would have to greet a few people, say hello probe he was worthy and such. The red haired man was sure that Allias would show him all he needed to know. Etiquette and anything else. He was very aware on how to kill demons, mingling with them was a whole different story though.

    "You could." Arpaia announced but her sly smile showed there was more. Mark looked at her with a strict expression, examining her pretty face. The way she had raised her eyebrows and how her long fingernails scratched the soft sheets indicated that she was barely stopping herself from spilling everything. Mark sighed and rubbed his temples. His stomach was upset again and he looked around. He had lost sight of his arm, he realized and Kage raised his cut hand in the air, showing it to him. Everything was so surreal. He couldn''t get used to it, no matter what he did no matter the fact that he remembered his past seeing someone hold his on hand was unthinkable.

    "Keep going Arpaia. I know you want to tell me everything so just do it." Mark told her but the woman did not look at him, she stared at Ignis. The fiery lion didn''t say anything. He simply nodded his head. As it seemed even the rebellious bird needed some form of affirmation. Maybe it was trully something important.

    "You see master. You could go all together. But there is some things you and Amsodeus will have to do. On your own and together. It will be a trial." She said and Mark frowned. A trial? Like exams? Would he have to study because he was so beyond that. Dying, being hunted by werewolves and almost killed at many circumstances made him rethink a lot of things about his life and studying was definitely not in his future plans. So if he had to answer questions, or learn demonic history he already was not very happy about it.

    "What kind of trials?" He asked her and the woman smiled brightly. As it seemed this was getting to the part she wanted. The interesting one. Arpaia raised her hand and showed him the number three with her fingers.

    "Three trials. One for Asmodeus, one of the kings of hell. One for you, the last exorcist and one that you will have to go through together." She said.

    "And do we know what those three trials are exactly?"

    "We kind of do." She told him. "Asmodeus'' trial will be the one thousand pains. He will be tortured and asked to break the bond. If he backs down from the pain and anguish means your contract was not strong enough." She said and Mark''s eyes widened. For a second he thought of himself. What of he had to got through something like that? Asmodeus was a freaking beast he was no more stronger and than a daisy at this point of his life. What if he was the one that backed down?

    "What about my trial?"

    "Your trial will be a bit different. You will be put into a deep sleep and then you will be presented the sweetest dream of your entire life. Everything you''ve ever wanted will be yours and the chance to escape will only come twice. If you actually choose to remain in the dream that again means your bond with Asmodeus was not that strong. They will wake you up afterwards of course but the contract will be forced into annihilation. Both of you will die of course." She explained with a polite smile and Mark gulped. A huge lump had been forming on his neck while Arpaia explained everything in detail. He was scared to ask about the third trial. He couldn''t imagine anything worse than this and honestly he was starting to lose faith in himself.

    "The third trial?" He asked.

    "Oh, that we don''t know. No contract survived the two first stages to reach the third actually. All of them broke. Some demons backed down, some humans wanted to remain in their dreams, at the end of the day both of them ended up dying. So if you make it through the first two you and Asmodeus will write history." She said excited and clapped her hands.

    "I''m not very interested in writing history. I just want to live." Mark mumbled with a worried expression.

    "After you''ve heard of what''s about to follow, do you really want to keep going with this?" Ignis asked him. Mark took a second to think about it. Did he want this? Yes he did want to live and actually what was there to lose? He would die anyways if he did nothing at least now he would have a chance.

    "Yes. I will do it and let''s hope I can win Achlys'' game." He said and tried to smile.

 Chapter 330 - 330

    When the night fell everyone gathered at the throne room. Mark hadn''t seen any of them before their meeting. Now all stood there while Allias sat on his throne waiting. He felt anxious, his mind would travel I to so many different things, so many different worries that he felt an upcoming headache smiling devilishly at him. It was time, there was no turning back now.

    Once he entered the spacious room he noticed Asmodeus standing in the middle of a demonic seal. It had a round shape with a boldly drawn pentagram in the middle. Runes all around the circle made of bright red paint. His brown eyes landed on the demon''s bandaged palm. So it wasn''t paint, it was his blood.

    "Are you ready?" Theseus asked him with a faint smile. The red haired nodded, knowing very well that there was no other option for him. Even if he wasn''t ready death would be what awaited him and he didn''t wish that. "You will need to stand here, in the middle with Asmodeus. He will tell you what you need to do." He explained and Mark began walking.

    His footsteps echoed as his feet landed heavily on the polished floor. He looked at Allias, worried, hoping that the king would say something. His best friend met his eyes and smiled, waving him to go and do it. Mark looked at him, afraid to meet with Asmodeus'' anxious gaze. He would get even more worried this way, he knew it.

    When he stepped into the pentagram a very strong wind blew and Mark was almost pushed out. His body, exhausted and in this horrible state was weak so he couldn''t resist the powerful force. Asmodeus with quick reflexes caught him, his arm around his waist as he pulled him close.

    "Thanks" Mark mumbled when Ares'' voice broke the awkward silence.

    "So is this like a wedding? Will there be a buffett afterwards?" He asked and his husband gasped, his eyes wideneing like two perfect circles.

    "Shut up!" He shouted and stuffed the man''s mouth with flowers. He had instinctively grabbed them from a vase on his right and pushed them right into the prince''s mouth. Ares spat them out loudly and looked at Ea. "Not now" the small elf said between gritted teeth. "Sorry, please continue." He said with an embarrassed expression.

    "So do we begin?" Mark asked the demon. Asmodeus remained quiet for a while, thinking from where he should start, what he should do or say. He was worried that Mark would get frightened at the last minutes and walk away, cancel their plan and accept his doom just because he didn''t wish to be around him. He had to be very careful with his words.

    "Yes. Well...I need you to open your palm. I will cut a small wound and your blood will flow. It will mix with mine on the design on the floor and you will hear me chant. Once I start returning to my natural form I will need you to step back. The rest will happen on their own." He said.

    "Step back? Why? Will you be fine?" Mark asked him, filled with concern. Asmodeus smiled, feeling relieved for a second. Maybe he really did love him, even with all that fear haunting his heart. A fear he had caused.

    "I will be perfectly fine". He told him playfully and winked at him. "Now if you''ll excuse me little human." He said and searched inside his pocket. He took out a small knife with a red handle. It was made from some kind of gem and shone red underneath the moonlight that sneaked in from the tall windows. Mark could see his reflection on the fine sharpened blade. He looked utterly horrible, the eyebags, his hollowed cheeks and the paleness of his skin showed very clearly that he hadn''t much time left. He was already a candle that was slowly melting.

    The red haired opened his palm, averting his gaze as the cold tip of the blade touched his skin. Asmodeus was fast, moving gently but at the same time harsh enough to tear up his skin. He didn''t feel much, just as if he had been cut by a paper. When his warm eyes though landed on the wound he panicked for a second. Seeing the blood slip out so fast, so much.

    "Close it" Asmodeus advised him and made him close his fist. The blood dripped on the floor and soon it started moving. It was as if the small drops we''re being summoned by the demon''s blood, needing to mix in with him. Mark''s eyes widened at the unusual sight. He kept looking down at the traveling liquid when suddenly it was all set on fire. He flinched and through the chirping of the flames he could hear Asmodeus chant, fast and in a low tone. He couldn''t make out his words, it was almost as if he was talking in his sleep.

    The human raised his head and looked at him, seeing his horns grow. He knew this was his que to go. He stepped back, afraid of the fire only to realize that it didn''t burn. He sighed relieved as he escaped the circle but still he decided to stand close.

    Asmodeus'' wings spurred from his back, wide and majestic. Their opening brought a great wind and Mark closed his eyes for a second before he was drawn in by the sight. The demon fell on his knees as his fangs grew so much they pierced his lips. He looked at Mark, his monstrous form in it''s peek and smiled looking like the devil himself. The red haired man was once more fascinated. He always was by Amsodeus rough beauty, no matter the consequences. He took a step closer when he heard a strange sound. Chains, the sound of chains on the being dragged on the ground was heard from far away, making Mark stop in his track. Asmodeus seemed to be completely calm as the fire started to move towards him. It got stuck on his wrists, around his neck and on his ankles and soon formed fiery parts of chains. Heavy and burning. The demon screamed in agony and Mark observed how the fire melted his skin, it looked as if it was trying to get underneath it, reach his bones.

    He parted his lips, ready to say something when the fire, moving fast left Asmodeus and like a spear flew towards him. It hit him right in the middle of his chest but he didn''t feel anything. He just stood there frozen as he watched the demon faint from the pain. He looked at the places in Asmodeus'' body that the fire had touched, there was no melting skin anymore, no blood, no more gore. There were though markings, like tattoos that showed chains surround his neck, his wrists and his wrists. Mark felt a sudden warmth in his chest were that fiery spear had hit him and he looked down, underneath his shirt. He had a mark too, a black tattoo in the shape of a melting crown. A thought suddlenly popped into his mind.

    One of the kings of hell finally submitted. His crown is melting off his head.

    So it had happened, he realized. Now Mark and Asmodeus were united.

    Forever.

    ....

    I''m really sorry I did not update yesterday. At the moment my country is in a state of emergency. There are fires put by arsonists everywhere and all of us are ready to evacuate at any moment. Just yesterday 158 fires began. So for a while I don''t know if I will be able to update daily but I will try my best. I hope you are all well.

 Chapter 331 - 331

    Mark blinked realizing what had just happened. Asmodeus was on the floor and Allias was jumping off his throne and running towards him. The elf king stood in front of him, grabbing his shoulder and investigated him from head to toe to see if he was alright. A sigh of relief escaped his pink lips as he met eyes with his best friend and smiled.

    "You''re okay." He stated and Mark nodded slowly. He still couldn''t fully believe it. The fact that he and Asmodeus shared such a serious bond from now. Mark moved his head to the side, looking at the unconscious demon with a questioning expression. His demonic characteristics had all disappeared, he looked like he always did, laid on the ground, sleeping.

    "It looked like it hurt him." Mark said and Allias shrugged his shoulders.

    "I don''t really care." The elf king said with a bright smile. "Ea, have someone pick the demon up and take him to his room. Let the doctor check up on him." He ordered the small elf and he immediately disappeared. Ares stared his unconscious body with a frown.

    "The guy agreed to commit eternally with Mark to save him, become a laughingstock in the demon world and you Allias don''t care if he is hurt. Nice" The young prince said. He started walking, ready to exit the room, his hands lazily resting on his pockets. "And you human, don''t be like the elf king okay?" he told Mark with a cute smile. "Say a thank you at least."

    "Ares¡­" Allias called him out. "he killed him in the first place."

    "And you ran your arm through Theseus'' abdomen and killed someone''s father by chopping their head off. I think we are past the point of judging others aren''t we?" he asked and the king sighed.

    "Different occasions." Allias said between gritted teeth and the young prince laughed before he left the room. At the moment Mark was left with Theseus and Allias. Asmodeus was still unconscious so he didn''t count really as present. "So how do you feel?" The elf king asked his friend, pure concern showing on his gem like eyes. Mark took a second to think about it. No upset stomach, no pain anywhere he actually felt good. His eyes accidentally glanced down and he realized that his hand was somehow back to its original state somehow. His eyes widened as he raised it and commanded his fingers to move. It obeyed perfectly and he smiled.

    "I feel fine" he answered and Allias immediately hugged him. It was over, finally Mark was alright.

    "You actually look fine too." Theseus said noticing how his complexion had stopped being deathly pale. The eye bags and dark circles had also disappeared. "Take him to his room" Theseus said. Mark hadn''t noticed but there were too guards standing shyly at the entrance waiting for their orders. The young male elves walked in and carefully approached the demon''s body.

    "It''s fine, he is unconscious but even if he wakes up he won''t hurt you." Allias told them, wanting to make them feel anxious but the expression on their faces did not change much. Nonetheless, they followed their general''s orders and grabbed the demon from his feet and his shoulders raising him up and taking him away.  "So now I can plant my little ball in peace. The invitations have already been sent. We need to find ourselves some really good costumes. The elf king must come back with a bang!" he exclaimed happily and Theseus rolled his eyes. He was smiling though, seeing the glow in his lover''s eyes return.

    "Yeah, about that¡­" Mark said and the brunette raised an eyebrow. "My familiars informed me of something, called the three trials or whatever? I will probably have to go to the demonic capital and have my contract with Asmodeus confirmed." He told them and Allias frowned.

    "Has a letter come from the demonic capital?" The king asked Theseus and the wide haired man moved his head in denial. Nothing had appeared. "Well, then don''t worry. We will have to go to the demonic capital eventually so it would be better if we were all together. For now, take some time to rest, you''ve been through a lot." Allias said with a gentle smile. "Theseus!" he called loudly the general''s name even though he was standing almost right next to him.

    "What?" he asked.

    "We are going shopping! In two days we have a ball. Let''s go." He said with an excited expression and Theseus'' eyes widened.

    "You want to go out? To the village? We have maids who¡­"

    "We are going out Theseus. It''s time. And we will also¡­head to the ruins. I think it''s time I return home." He said with a bittersweet smile.

    "Are you sure?" Theseus asked him surprised. A ping of guilt marked his heart. He was still hiding a very important secret, delaying it. He always told himself he would let Allias know, today. Then today became tomorrow and tomorrow the day after. He didn''t have the courage to reveal to him this information. He just couldn''t.

    "Yes. I want to see for myself. Up close what the Avgee tribe has come to and remember. Remember the greatness of my people, the teachings of my mother and my father''s warmth before I meet them. These so called royals who are not so pleased with my return. I won''t let my parents down."

    "You never have Allias. They are proud of you." Theseus told him. "I am sure of it."

    "Can I come too? I''ve never seen the village!" mark said, clapping his hands. A shopping spree would be perfect after everything that had happened. He would get to relax with his best friend and do some sightseeing.

    "Nope." Allias told him cheekily.

    "But why?"

    "You stay here and rest. Talk with Asmodeus. Let him know of these trials or whatever. Don''t worry though, I will get you something green, to much your hair" Allias said.

    ....

    WE ARE OFF SCHEDULE. I am so sorry for not updating. Hope you haven''t forgotten of the book. The situation here is still bad but I am trying, hope you are enjoying the chapters. Thank you for reading.

 Chapter 332 - 332

    The carriage was driving slowly, getting closer and closer to the main village as time went by. Allias had asked that they drove slow so he could see everything. The trees, the green grass and endless nature surrounding his flourishing kingdom. With all the mess in his hectic life the moments were he could just stand still and admire his home were few, scarce but now, as his green eyes gazed the place he called home a warmth surrounded his heart. Was it really possible to love the trees, the sky, the birds, everything that surrounded you just because you thought of it as your home? Was it possible just the image of a few houses to make you smile? The sight of people going around, smiling and laughing make you feel proud? This was his kingdom, his home and he loved it from the bottom of his heart.

    "You look excited" Theseus commented, seeing how Allias'' face was stuck on the window of the carriage, fogging it with his breathing.

    "I was trying to be, back then. I don''t want to be moody and depressed anymore so I decided to try. Now that I am outside though, now that I can see my home and breathe freely it''s slowly becoming a reality, this excitement." Allias explained without taking his eyes from the scenery.

    "I am glad you feel this way. I know that Disee does not compare with the light and beauty of Avgee but I hope you will feel at ease here, with your people and me." He said with a faint smile on his lips as he admired his lover. "Allias, you are so beautiful." he complimented him. Allias'' head snapped to the side, locking eyes with Theseus as he pouted.

    "Handsome." he stated with squeezed eyes.

    "It''s the same thing." Theseus said with a giggle and Allias shook his head, stating strong denial.

    "No, it''s not. You know it."

    "You shouldn''t bother yourself with such stereotypical matters. The result is one, I can''t stop looking at you. When you smile it''s as if you''ve charmed me." he told him gently and rested his palm on his cheek. "Please smile more, for me" he asked him and the king smiled brightly making the general feel incredibly happy.

    They conversed for a while longer, talking about weird looking trees. It was actually nothing in particular, just silly stuff but Theseus realized this was the first time in years he was enjoying himself so much. Sitting in this small carriage with Allias, listen to his laughter and excited eyes as he observed everything around him happily.

    After a while the carriage stopped, exactly at the entrance of the village and many elves that were passing by at this time, it was still quite early in the morning, stopped to observe the extravagant means of transport. They focused their eyes, trying to see who was inside the carriage and soon the mystery was solved. Theseus stepped out first, making everyone around gasp. The general during his rule, rarely visited the villages and he was known as a cold hearted and distant king. For the people to actually catch a glimpse of him was actually terrifying. Many of them stepped back but still they remained at the scene since it seemed that the general was accompanying someone.

    Theseus stared at the villagers with an indifferent expression and his naturally strict face came to effect instantly. Well, now it was perfectly obvious why they were all so terrified of him and a giggle was heard from the inside of the carriage as a man dressed in white took a hold of Theseus'' extended arm and got out of the carriage, stepping into the morning light.

    "You are scaring them" he whispered at his lover and Theseus shrugged his shoulders. He didn''t really care about how other viewed him. As long as he didn''t hurt Allias'' reputation he was fine with being considered as cold and unapproachable. He was planning to make friends anyways.

    To his people Allias looked like he had been born by pure sunlight. The elves of the Disee tribe, some of them raised in the endless winter stared at the myth that had come to life with wide and innocent eyes. He was so different from them, a lot...brighter in a way. Since many of them had never seen an Avgee elf up close in their lives they were instantly stunned as if they had been hit by a a shinning ray of light, a magic spell came over them and all they could do was stare in awe.

    "Won''t you bow?" Theseus asked the small crowed and some of them flinched as if the magic spell had been broken by the roughness in the general''s voice. They bowed deeply, losing eye contact with the captivating elf and Allias smiled.

    "It''s alright. May I ask you a question?" he said and the elves hastily raised their heads. "Where can I find I good tailor?" he asked remembering that he wanted to get some clothes for the ball. "Oh, and a good tavern." he completed. The elves looked at each other surprised, they couldn''t really understand why the king would be out and about asking such things.

    "Won''t any of you answer?" Theseus told them.

    "Stop scaring them" Allias said out loud and one of the elves giggled, seeing the disappointed expression in the general''s face the moment he got scolded.

    "There is a good tailor two block from here, she has a cute little store with a pink door. You can also get some food a bit further from there. They...They also serve Avgee recipes." the elf proposed and Allias smiled. His eyes were slightly sad though, the green turning a bit darker.

    "Thank you. Shall we go Theseus?" the king asked and the general nodded. He followed close next to him, looking angrily to whoever dared to stare for too long like a watchdog. "Come on now. They have never seen me before." he said and Theseus scoffed.

    "It''s because of your beauty. They have never seen how beautiful Avgee elves are and you''re the epitome of that." he explained and Allias laughed.

    "I think Disee elves are beautiful too." he said and Theseus raised his eyebrows, showing him that he didn''t really believe him. "I do. Your pale complexions, like the distant moon, your black hair and dark eyes. They look very charming and mysterious. Distant but captivating at the same time. That''s how I saw you. When you looked at me with that cold expression, that strictness. Then you suddenly turned playful, a whole different person. You were like a hidden treasure."

    "A treasure hidden in a pile of shit." Theseus said, quoting something very important from their first meeting. Allias rolled his eyes, but he was still smiling.

    "You had to bring that up didn''t you?"

    "Well, you don''t see a king rolling in...poop every day. It scarred me, deeply."

    "I bet it did" Allias commented and his eyes spotted the small tailor shop/ It had indeed a very pretty pink door while the glass window showed a lot of different mannequins, female and male, wearing extravagant hats and dark clothes. Disee fashion was quite far from the Avgee one. His tribe used light materials, white and gold, pale colors like beige and pastel blue, also they wore a lot less than what they wore in here. Allias found that simplicity quite elegant. Disee elves on the other hand always dressed heavily in dark clothes, black, purple and silver. Their bodies were covered most of the times and the designs, like the patterns and the lace on their clothes was always crafted beautifully.

    Theseus pushed the door and the sound of a melodic chime, signaling their entrance echoed in the shop. The distant voice of a young woman was heard telling them she was coming right away alarmed them and they stood at the door frame patiently waiting.

    Soon the young seamstress appeared, surrounded by needles and fabric. She was shocked, stopping in her tracks as she recognized the famous couple that had just stepped into her small shop. Her expression though was not the usual. She frowned immediately and her eyes turned cold.

    "I will not be able to help you." she told them with hatred spilling from her tongue.

    This woman obviously did not seem to like them. Allias tilted his head to the side, ignoring Theseus upcoming anger and asked with a composed tone, as he was filled with curiosity.

    "Why is that? Did we do something wrong or offended you in a way?" he asked her and the woman instantly locked eyes with the general.

    "I will not be of any help to the destroyer of our Tribe." She said and the king easily realized she meant Theseus. The white haired man looked at her back, as if he didn''t care about what she just said. He took Allias'' hand in his and said.

    "Let''s go. We can find someone else."

 Chapter 333 - 333

    Soon the young seamstress appeared, surrounded by needles and fabric. She was shocked, stopping in her tracks as she recognized the famous couple that had just stepped into her small shop. Her expression though was not the usual. She frowned immediately and her eyes turned cold.

    "I will not be able to help you." she told them with hatred spilling from her tongue.

    This woman obviously did not seem to like them. Allias tilted his head to the side, ignoring Theseus upcoming anger and asked with a composed tone, as he was filled with curiosity.

    "Why is that? Did we do something wrong or offended you in a way?" he asked her and the woman instantly locked eyes with the general.

    "I will not be of any help to the destroyer of our Tribe." She said and the king easily realized she meant Theseus. The white haired man looked at her back, as if he didn''t care about what she just said. He took Allias'' hand in his and said.

    "Let''s go. We can find someone else."

    "No wait." Allias said and stopped the general. Allias knew that this expression was simply a mask, a means of showing that he didn''t mind. The truth though was that he cared and it pained him deeply. "I''m sorry if I sound somewhat intrusive but please tell me why you wouldn''t want us as your customers?" He asked her. The woman did not seem to hate Allias, she was just very wary of him. He was her king after all and everyone knew that Theseus was his lover. Not many people would have the courage to insult him in that way in front of him.

    "When you died my king, he didn''t do anything. He left us to starve and didn''t care at all about us. He simply spent his days in the palace enjoying your riches. He was a disgrace of a king and ruined your name." The woman said, her voice loud and clear as if she didn''t mind at all that either of the two men could simply snap their fingers and kill her.

    " I see, that must have been very disappointing to you. But believe me he did not enjoy my riches nor was it that he did not care. Theseus was not meant to be king, he wasn''t trained for it, I was and for my lack of presence I trully am sorry. I apologize." Allias said and Theseus started at him with wide eyes, the same gaze mimicked the woman. Stunned by his words and by the bow of his head, he was so respectful, his way of speaking so refined and his voice soft and soothing filled with confidence.

    "My king no I did not mean...."

    "It''s alright. But believe me Theseus is very kind and caring, for all of his people. Seeing other elves insult him like this does sadden me. He kept you alive through the harsh winter did he not? Secured our location, kept the demons out. I do think that he did a lot more than you realize. Well, thank you for letting me know. We will find someone else. Have a nice day." He told her with a bright smile and exited the shop as if nothing had happened. Theseus followed him, looking at the seamstress one more time. She was standing there, looking at the door and hearing the rythmic chime. He closed the door behind him and found himself being looked at by his lover.

    "That bitch really." He said with a frown and Theseus giggled.

    "That''s quite a change in attitude." Theseus commented with a smirk and the king shrugged his shoulders.

    "Come let''s go. I won''t have my mood ruined because of her." Allias said and they started walking in the main road again. The word had already spread that the king had visited the village by now. They received a lot of stares, some of them filled with excitement and other curious. No one bothered them though, they kept their distance as if Allias was something they couldn''t approach, shielded by some kind of force. They spotted another shop, it was close to the main square and Allias looked at the pretty fountain in the middle. Carriages were passing by in a circular motion, horse galloping rhythmically.

    The easygoing pace of the quiet moment though was instantly ruined by an unexpected event. There was a loud scream flowing in the air. It reached Allias'' pointy ears from behind and both of them turned around.

    "My son!" The seamstress from before yelled and their eyes once more landed at the square, in the exact spot she was looking at.

    Indeed there was a young boy in the square, around seven years old. He was sitting down, on the paved ground. He was crying and his knee seemed to be scrapped. Some blood was taintig the fare skin. The problem though was not the boy''s simple fall. It was the fact that he had crushed right in the middle of traffic. Many people had tried to help but scared to be hit by the enormous horses they had all stepped back. The mother was in the verge of tears as she was running towards her little boy. He was facing an upcoming carriage with two horses. Theseus looked at his king.

    "Go," he simply ordered him and the shadowcaster disappeared. The next second he reappeared right next to the boy. He grabbed him and turned into thick smoke once again before he faced his mother.

    "Here" he told her in his usual cold tone and passed her her child. The boy had stopped crying now, he was clinging onto his mother''s embrace and looking at the general with stars in his eyes. Allias giggled with his expression. The white haired man noticed that Theseus was trying to avoid his eyes. He was feeling uncomfortable, he realized and he had to bit his bottom lip so he wouldn''t laugh. "He is fine." Theseus stated the obvious.

    "I...thank you." The woman said looking at the floor.

    "Theseus come on, we are busy." Allias called out to him and the general instantly turned around. The woman grabbed his sleeve, stopping him.

    "You can come at my shop. I will help you."

    "We are fine " Theseus said when the boy grabbed him. His hands were so little compared to his, barely managing to reach him and touch his shirt.

    "Come to the shop please." He told him and the general sighed.

    "Let''s go then" Allias said happily. And took Theseus'' hand in his. They returned back to the shop were the lady told them to sit one of her couches. She asked them a few questions about what they were looking for and after Allias'' answered she disappeared into a back door. They were left alone with the child.

    "Thank you" the child said. He was sitting on the counter, at the entrance and was tangling his feet back and forth. His eyes were a very beautiful dark blue color while he had a little scar on his chin, from probably some kind of fall during playtime. Allias couldn''t help but smile.

    "What''s your name?" He asked the kid. The boy did not answer though. He just stared at Allias for a second before he announced in a very serious tone.

    "You can''t be the king." He said.

    "And why is that?" Allias asked him intrigued.

    "You''re too pretty to be the king. King''s have scars from battle." He said and the elf laughed. He looked at Theseus happily.

    "I have scars too you know. It''s just that you can''t see them." He revealed. The little elf jumped down, excited.

    "Where, where?" He asked.

    "You can''t ask people things like that." Theseus told him and stared at him strictly.

    "Why?" The little boy asked with a frown.

    "If you tell me your name I will show you." Allias said with a smile.

    "My name is Pior." He told him. "Now show me!" He exclaimed with a clap.

    Allias nodded and slowly began undoing his shirt. Theseus looked at him surprised.

    "Are you really going to show him?"

    "Why not?" Allias asked and took off his shirt. He turned his back on him. Showing him his scars. Onhis whole back, on his ripped arms and abdoment. Almost every piece of his body was marked and those were new ones he had acquired his previous scars were even worse, considering his imprisonment.

    "Wow" Pior said loudly. "Wait you don''t have a hand!" He said. "You are a king! You can fight!" He said and Allias laughed. Before the king could say anything the seamstress returned and and gasped from the door.

    "Pior what did you do?" She asked him, as she held many piles of fabric.

    "Nothing" the boy said. "Bye king and other king!" He told them as he ran away trying to escape his mother''s scolding.

    "I''m sorry about that."

    "It''s nothing really." Allias said. The woman turned her back on the for a second and the king took the chance to wear his clothes. He looked at his lover. "I want one." He whispered and Theseus raised an eyebrow.

    "A shop, a pile of fabric?"

    "A child. I want a child." Allias said.

    "This is not the time for children Allias." Theseus scolded him and the king gifted him a pout in return.

 Chapter 334 - 334

    He was asleep. He had been like that for a while now. Silently laying on that bed, frowning from time to time as if he was having a bad dream. It was probably the first time he visited his room. It was simple, big but with a few stuff. A big bed with a beautiful carved sky, a round bathtub made of rose quartz and a corner couch, colored in a very light beige.

    Mark was standing on the side of the bed, his eyes examining carefully the new markings on Asmodeus'' body. Chains, restraints. That''s what they were and those led to Mark, the one who somehow had all the power in their relationship right now. The demon moved and slowly opened his eyes revealing his heterochromia. Black and yellow, both colors beautiful staring right into his face. He smiled gently and sat up, rubbing them for a bit so he could wake up.

    "Hey" Asmodeus said, his voice low and raspy. "What are you doing here?" He asked.

    "Just making sure you were alright. You know, it seemed like you were in pain." Mark told him. Asmodeus nodded.

    "Believe me little human I definitely was." He smiled playfully "so how do you feel, having a new pet?" He asked him and Mark rolled his eyes. His familiars were not pets and he definitely couldn''t think of Asmodeus following his every word.

    "I don''t think you are a pet."

    "In the literal sense obviously not. But I am forced to do whatever you say. Contracts for higher demons are stricter than the ones for demon spirits."he explained and Mark''s eyes widened.

    "Wait, so what you''re telling me is that you will do as I say? No matter what?" He asked the demon.

    "You look a bit too excited but yes." Asmodeus admitted and it was as if Mark''s eyes turned into perfectly round circles. His jaw dropped and he looked like an actual cartoon. "So basically if you order me to jump off a window, remain on the ground without healing myself for all eternity I would be forced to do that." He explained in a very gruesome and detailed way. Mark frowned, imagining for a while the sight.

    "That''s not exactly what I and in mind." He said and Asmodeus giggled.

    "I can always be your sex slave." He told him playfully as he moved towards him. Mark took a sudden step back making the demon fall forward with his face right into the silk sheets. The red haired man stared at him for a second before he bursted out laughing with the sight.

    "Very seductive indeed." He commented as Asmodeus resumed his former position. He scratched the back of his head and smiled slightly embarrassed. "I was thinking more of you doing my laundry and chores, you know."

    "You want to turn me into a maid?" Amsodeus asked faking being insulted. He placed his hand over his chest, right on top of his heart. "I am one of the kings of hell. How could you."

    "Isn''t it simply because you don''t know how to do it?" Mark asked him with a giggle.

    "You taught me, I definitely can."

    "Believe me a lot has changed in three hundred years." Mark said and Asmodeus stared at him, silent. His face was still the same, his beauty never changing in all that time. He couldn''t help but look at him and think of how much he loved him, especially when he laughed or smiled. His happiness was so attractive, the way his eyes creased, his perfect teeth and the sound of his laughter.

    "Has your love changed?" Asmodeus asked him boldly and the aura of the room suddenly had turned serious. Mark stopped laughing and blinked, surprised by the question. He took in a deep breath, biting his bottom lip as he though of an appropriate answer.

    "I don''t know." He stated. "I''m sorry Asmodeus." He told him.

    "Don''t be sorry." The demon said but his sadness was obvious through his eyes. It was better than nothing, the demon told himself, trying to find some comfort. At least he didn''t say his love had ended. That was something positive, wasn''t it? "After everything that happened it''s only natural. I didn''t mean to make you feel cornered."

    "You didn''t but Asmodeus..." Mark said but stopped. He was troubled, thinking if he should actually say what he was thinking. "I don''t want to be walking around on eggshells with you. Also I don''t want you to change. Be yourself. The man I met, I am trying really hard to not be scared. So you too, you can be yourself...the shelf I ....I came to love."

    "Myself would grab you and push you into that bed. Do you really want that?" Asmodeus asked with a sneaky smile. The red haired boy shook his head in a negative manner and the demon chuckled. He raised his strong arm and patted his head. "Do not worry little human." He told him. "But I do want to ask you something. Something I have been thinking for a while."

    "What is it?"

    "Mark, tell me. Who was the one who killed you?"

    Mark almost stopped breathing. He knew this topic would be brought back at some point but he didn''t believe it would happen so soon. He wanted to avoid it but from Asmodeus'' expression he was aware that something like that was not an option. The demon wanted to know, his curiosity, his need were emitting from his stance and by his arm which was ready to grab and stop him in case he decided to run away. "Who killed you Mark? Back then when you decided to come and release me from the demonic capital. Tell me" he told him again as if he was intending to remind him of his question.

    He would be hurt, he knew it. Mark was one hundred percent sure that the demon would feel bad and betrayed if he knew who was the person that stopped him from finding him, that killed him "Asmodeus..."

    "No matter what it is. I can handle it." The demon stated.

    "Your brother. The one who killed me was your twin brother." Mark revealed.

 Chapter 335 - 335

    Two days passed pretty peacefully, something quite unusual for the group of individuals who always seemed to get into trouble. Mark had revealed a very big secret to Asmodeus, one that had been buried with his death for three hundred years. When the demon heard it was obviously stunned, Asmodeus seemed to be quite close with his brother but he never questioned if Mark was telling him the truth or not. The red haired man did not lie but for a second he wished that he had, revealed someone else as his killer. That way he wouldn''t have to face Asmodeus'' disappointed expression every time they met. It was as if something inside him had snapped, turning him completely numb to the happenings around him. Mark, every time their eyes met felt o burn on his chest as if he could share a part of his pain and he was the reason for it, making it worse.

    Surprisingly the demon hadn''t done anything. He had simply remained silent and waited for the ball to come. No letters back home, no tantrums, no nothing. All he wanted was to be left alone. Allias and Theseus were busy, talking all the time about the details of the ball, the last things they had to deal with to make sure that everything was perfect. Running around, sweating, small arguing and planning made the day, the hours, pass by pretty fast and now they were all in their rooms, getting ready.

    "Can you help me with this?" Allias asked his lover and Theseus smiled. He approached him and began buttoning his shirt. The king looked simply stunning and it was quite obvious he was dressed to impress. He was wearing white, from head to toe with delicate golden details. A white shirt with golden buttons, a white cape with golden flowers sewed on the end and white pants. He also wore a silk waistcoat and a jacket. He did not like to be overdressed not covered in many layers but today the situation was too formal for him to simply do whatever he wanted. He had his crown placed on the bed and he stared at it with his eyes. "Want to put it on me?" Allias asked Theseus and the general grabbed gently the fragile accessory. It stood heavy on Allias'' head, the big green gems shone, matching his eyes and Theseus stopped to admire him.

    "You are perfect." He complimented him and the king blushed.

    "You do so yourself. Mister dark and edgy." Allias teased him as he noticed the way he was dressed. In black from head to toe, Allias'' complete opposite. A black waistcoat on top of a black shirt. The waistcoat had elaborate designs of silver vines, with leaves and small buds. He also wore a pair of black pants and a black cape which had grey fur on top. He had his sword hanging from his leather belt, even though he rarely used it. It was mostly because of formality since he was the high general.

    "Well, thank you. It''s an honor to hear that from you." He said and bowed playfully. Once he raised his head Allias cupped his cheeks and kissed him. He hugged him tightly as he breathed in, remembering how comforting was his scent. "What are you doing? You creep." He teased him.

    "I am charging. I won''t be able to do that out there." Allias confessed and Theseus patted his head.

    "Come on, let''s go. We have a few royals to scare." He said and passed Allias'' his mask. It was a very elegant golden mask and it looked like lace. It covered half of his face in a beautiful crescent shape that fit his characteristics perfectly. After he had helped Allias to put his mask on he wore his too. It was a lot simpler than Allias''. It was in the shape of a fox''s face and had very small red gems decorating the shape of the slanted eyes.

    "I am ready." Allias said as he walked outside the room. Everyone had gathered at the throne room already and he could hear the music clearly even from where he was. A playful tone, violins and piano. He smiled as he stood in front of the double doors. Two guards on each side, bowing at his presence. After two seconds Ea appeared. He was dressed in a cute beige costume while his mask resembled one on a cute dog. He looked quite adorable. Allias smiled waiting for him to announce their arrival.

    Ea opened the door slightly and sneaked in. The usual procedure was that he would draw everyone''s attention, he would announce the arrival of the king and the people would move to the sides. The double doors would open widely and he would step in with Theseus behind him, close. They would bow their heads and keep them like this until he reached his throne and was settled. Then Allias would begin with his speech. He had spent hours thinking about it. Something strong and strict that showed he was in charge. The king should look superior and definitely not soft at all.

    "It''s taking him a while, isn''t it?" Allias mumbled and looked at Theseus.

    "I am pretty sure that there are a few people who are already drunk so he is probably trying to get everything in order. It was a good choice to choose purple arrangements by the way. You will stick out more that way." He stated.

    "Thanks, actually I wanted to signal death." Allias revealed and Theseus laughed. "Like¡­you are all getting bruised out of here if you go against me?" the king joked. They talked casually for a while, a while more than usual and after the king realized it he looked at the door with a frown.

    "Yeah, now it''s late." Theseus stated.

    At that moment Ea slipped out. Allias'' eyes widened as he noticed him. His clothes were disheveled and his mask was barely standing on his face. The small elf was panting and his face was painted a very vibrant red.

    "Ea, what happened?" Allias asked

    "The royals, they started to fight." The elf said and Allias instantly got angry.

    "These bastards." He groaned and in the same second he kicked the door, wide open.

 Chapter 336 - 336

    "Ea, what happened?" Allias asked

    "The royals, they started to fight." The elf said and Allias instantly got angry.

    "These bastards." He groaned and in the same second he kicked the door, wide open.

    Was it the drinks? Was it that so many confronting fronts had gathered in the same place after a while? Was it that they were simply jerks and had zero respect for the fact that their king had invited them to their palace? All of the above were possible and actually could happen at the same time. Allias though would not stand it. He actually hated it when things did not go his way especially when it came to the respect he didn''t seem to get lately.

    That was why he kicked the double doors. The sturdy wood smashed into the walls and crashed turning into pieces. The loud banging echoed in the rowdy room making everyone stop as if they were in some kind of comedic movie. Old men and younger, women and kids turned their heads towards the source.  He looked at them one by one, his expression showing pure disgust. He could actually recognize some of them while others looked young, probably succeeding their families.

    "What''s¡­happening here?" he asked them with a low and collected tone but no one answered, some of them had the audacity to start arguing again and the angry king scoffed. A spear appeared in his hand, his beloved weapon, that sadly he rarely got to show off. The golden object touched the ground and the earth shook. A strong vibration spread into the room and the surprised men fell messily on the ground like domino pieces. A young royal looked at him, he stood up and straightened his clothes. He wore a hideous orange suit and Allias frowned.

    "What do you think you''re doing?" He scolded him and Allias'' eyes widened. "Who do you think you are to interrupt us like this? Father let me go¡­" The young elf told his father. An older man was tugging at his sleeve with an anxious expression and Allias smirked. This whole scene was quite ridiculous. The royals of this palace, the feudal lords, his subject did not know what he looked like.

    He took a step forward and decided to stand right in front of the younger elf but pay him no mind. The king looked downwards, to his father with a very charming smile. He took off his mask gently and threw it on the polished floor, it was a shame. He did enjoy masquerade balls but now everything had been ruined. His spear reappeared and he held it with his hand while he addressed the man''s father.

    "Should I have your son killed?" he asked him and the man''s eyes widened.

    "How dare you¡­" The young elf began saying but his father pulled him down, he pushed his head, almost making him hit it on the floor and Allias chuckled.

    "I am so sorry your highness please forgive me. He is still young; he doesn''t know¡­he¡­"

    "Fine, fine" he said and looked at the ground, he didn''t want to spend any more time on such silly matters. He turned his head, meeting Theseus'' eyes and he nodded. The general moved, his footsteps heavy and stood in front of the fallen men. All of them were too embarrassed and afraid to stand up.

    "Aren''t you going to make way for your king?" he shouted at them and they crawled to the sides with their heads down, looking like pitiful snails. As Allias walked he clicked his tongue, this was what his nation had come to, an utter circus, a gathering of charlatans who only cared about food, money and power, power they definitely did not have and didn''t deserve. He sat on his throne, higher than anyone else and crossed his legs. A smile lingered on his face as he rested his elbow on the armrest. His temple touched his fist and he stared at them with his head tilted, shaking his foot in a rhythmic motion he spoke.

    "You all look pitiful." He told them "Stand up you fools." He commanded and the men stood up, raising their heads. "Did I tell you to look at me?" he asked and their heads instantly dropped. "Better. You see, I was anticipating this ball. I wanted to celebrate my return, meet the people that kept the kingdom going and I come back and see this?!" he shouted and his palm smacked the armrest of the throne hard. "Answer, someone, say something if you dare?" he told them.

    A man raised his head, one that Allias could barely remember but still he let him speak. He was curious about what he had to say.

    "Did you really killed the lord in the north? Your invitation, it must be some kind of twisted joke." He told him and the king laughed.

    "Twisted joke? You people are the joke. That man had been killing his wives. He tortured the villagers and took their daughters. Of course I killed him and had him chopped up prettily and sent to you as a warning. A reminder that I have returned and I will be¡­a hundred times worse than my mother because you and this disaster you have created is forcing me to." He said. "I am sure you all knew about it, who were his neighbors? The villages close to him. You don''t dare to step up?"

    "Your highness!" A short old man with a huge belly called him. "T-this matter, we¡­how could we rule the kingdom and appoint punishments. That''s, that''s your replacements job. Do you know how useless your general was all these years? Brooding in your castle? What could we humble royal subjects do?" he said and Allias'' eyes widened. A few voices were heard from the ground, shouting in agreement, thinking that they had found an escape route.

    "You dare insult Theseus?" Allias asked, his tone low as his eyes darkened.

 Chapter 337 - 337

    "Your highness!" A short old man with a huge belly called him. "T-this matter, we¡­how could we rule the kingdom and appoint punishments. That''s, that''s your replacements job. Do you know how useless your general was all these years? Brooding in your castle? What could we humble royal subjects do?" he said and Allias'' eyes widened. A few voices were heard from the ground, shouting in agreement, thinking that they had found an escape route.

    "You dare insult Theseus?" Allias asked, his tone low as his eyes darkened.

    "I-i-t''s not an insult it''s just a¡­a¡­fact" the man stuttered realizing he had just made a lethal mistake." He said and Allias scoffed. He rubbed his forehead as he exhaled loudly. His hand was grabbing on the armrest, tightly as he was trying very hard to control himself.

    "Okay then." He told them. His expression completely changed. He smiled brightly and met the man''s eyes. Kindness pouring from his every look towards the crowd. Allias at the moment looked approachable and happy, as if he wasn''t on the verge of losing it a second ago. His eyes traveled in the room and he found Ares and Ea. Both of them were standing silently in two corners of the room. He nodded happily at his brother in law and his husband before he returned to his previous conversation. "I think that there has been some¡­. resentment towards my general. I am very sorry to hear that he did not fulfill his duties the way he had to. I mean, yes, you are right what were you supposed to do? So please let me see how many of you do you agree that Theseus was an incapable leader and that it was his fault the fact that the kingdom is going downhill?" he asked them with a bright smile. The men looked at each other nervous. "Oh, do not worry. I will make sure the one who is at fault will be punished." He said with a cunning smile. "Now, the ones who say yes please move to the left and the ones who say no to the right. Thank you." He told them.

    People were hesitant at first but in their minds this was a very good opportunity to let go of the blame they didn''t want to face. There were around twenty men in that room except their wives and children. Allias had silently counted them himself and watched carefully how eleven of them walked proudly to the left.

    "Anyone else?" he asked but the numbers did not change. Eleven people wanted Theseus punished for what he did. "Alright." Allias said and the smile immediately disappeared from his face. "Theseus, kill them." He said. "All eleven of them. Now." He said and suddenly chaos began spreading in the room. Men pushing each other, wanting to run towards the gates only to face Ea and Ares cutting their way. Theseus did not move; it was not worth it to get his hands dirty with their worthless blood. He released his shadows, scary monsters were set free into the room and killed the ones the general ordered them. Some tried to put up a fight inside the endless darkness that surrounded them but it was pointless.

    No one could escape. Their throats got slashes, their legs and hands fell to the ground and mixed screams filled the air. The smell of blood had Allias frown and once he saw a man crawl on the stairs of his throne, touching him with his bloody hands begging to be forgiven he frowned and kicked him in the head. It only took a few minutes but to the people in the room it felt like a century. When the shadows retrieved the floor filled with dead bodies appeared and Allias sighed.

    "The pretty decorations are ruined now." He mumbled and looked at the nine lords that remained. The families of the dead were crying and he felt bad for a second that the children had to witness this, it was possible he had created many future enemies but he would have to worry about that later. "Listen here." He called them all out. "Just to be clear, the lords were not killed because they insulted my partner, even though I can''t believe how foolish you must be to actually do that but anyways. It is your responsibility to take care of your land. Your people. I hope now you understand that and that you will start to act like royals and not idiotic bums who only know how to get drunk and fight! Am I clear?" he shouted. "new lords will be assigned for the areas that will be chosen by me. Also always remember this." Allias said and looked at all the remaining men one by one. "The land you step on, the air you breathe, the beds you sleep on and the food you eat. The gold your wives wear and the toys your children play with are all mine. Do not force me to take them all back. New rules will be announced soon. Penalties will be applied to the one who abuse their powers." He said and stood up. "I really wanted this to go differently. I mean I had desert prepared but you had to go and ruin it. The ball is over. Get the hell out of my house." He said strictly. "Now!" he screamed and the people ran off afraid. Once there was no one else left in the room Allias collapsed on his throne, letting out a huge sigh.

    "That was eventful" Allias said.

    "That was clownery. These idiots daring to put the blame on you and¡­ugh I am so angry." He said and waved his hand. He raised one of the dead bodies and smacked it on the wall, agitated.

    "What the hell?" he heard a familiar voice and he looked at the gates. Mark was standing there all dressed up looking at the bloodbath with shocked eyes. "I thought this was supposed to be a party."

    "Well you missed the main attraction." Allias said with a frown.

    "Are these¡­really dead?" he said and kicked faintly one of the men with his foot.

    "No they''re party decorations of course they are dead Mark." Allias said. "I am tired. I am going to sleep." He said and got up.

    "You''re going to leave this here?" Mark asked.

    "Ea!" Allias shouted.

    "I know, I know."

 Chapter 338 - 338

    "Allias, there is something I need to tell you. There is an Avgee girl, still alive." Theseus said, his voice trembling as he phrased out his thoughts. "I am sorry I kept it from you for so long but I...no, not like this you idiot." He mumbled.

    The general grasped the sink as his head fell. He had been practicing this stupid speech for hours trying to find an appropriate way to tell Allias the truth. He couldn''t utter these words to himself in front of the huge bathroom mirror how would he ever be able to look Allias in the eyes and honestly tell him that he was hiding something so important?

    He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Focus, focus. He repeated that word in his head many times but whenever he tried to imagine this scene, how it would play out, Allias'' reaction to the news something else would instantly occupy his mind.

    A few days ago Allias and him had visited the main village. They had strolled the city and had outfits for the ball designed for them. They are at a small local tavern and then for the first time after his return Allias visited the ruins.

    Theseus had teleported them there, his heard heavy as he found himself in between the obvious destruction of war. The once tall palace, with the sturdy white columns and the golden decorations was gone, only a few parts of it remained. Some walls, some pieces of the tiles while all of the furniture, the gold and any familiar objects had been destroyed or stollen.

    The king had wandered through the trees, he had touched with his delicate fingertips the moss and the vines that were growing on the once expensive marble.

    As he walked his footsteps echoed, the crunching of the leaves, the twigs breaking underneath his feet. He did not speak, there was a very heavy silence between them as the general observed him carefully. He didn''t really know what to expect so he simply waited.

    Allias stopped right in the middle, where the throne room once was a d his green eyes traveled up as his memories rebuilt the palace in his mind. A few floors up was his room, the study and on top the beautiful glass room. Not very far from here the Avgee villages had been turned to ashes, nothing remaining from their old glory and elegance. His eyes traveled everywhere from ruin to ruin and still he hadn''t said anything.

    "Allias..." Theseus called out his name as he began to feel anxious. He needed to get a response from him, anger, sorrow, anything was fine. That expressionless face was terrifying. He couldn''t tell what he was thinking.

    Allias had heard him. The general had called him out so hastily as if he wasn''t sure if he should do it. The king smiled, bitterly like he was trying to hide the taste of something disgusting in his mouth.

    "Are you okay?" Theseus asked him. It was a silly question obviously. How could he be okay? How would anyone be okay with seeing the ruins of their own home? A home they didn''t even have the chance to defend, save because they had sacrificed their precious life for something else.

    "I..." Allias said. He simply said the word I, nothing else and it looked like his breath was cut. He stood still, his eyes hungrily scanning the place. "I..." He repeated.

    "We can leave if you want. You didn''t have to pressure yourself to be here." Theseus said and took a step towards him, then another one and another one until at some point he was forced to stop. He didn''t reach him, there was still some space left between them but the general couldn''t move any longer.

    "I..." Allias said again. His green eyes were glistening, his voice shaking as he desperately tried to get her his thoughts. Tears left his eyes, gently rolling down his cheeks. "My home." He said and Theseus nodded.

    "Yes, this is what''s left of it." The general said.

    "Can we fix it?" Allias asked, he sounded like a young child holding his broken toy.

    "Even if we do, no one will live here anymore Allias." Theseus told him. Allias smiled.

    "Yeah, you''re right. It''s not only the home but the people too. Everyone is gone, dead." He said. "Everyone is dead!" He repeated and his crying got more intense. He fell on his knees, his hand diving in the dirt as he cried. "There is nothing left Theseus. Not even a room....nothing" he said with a loud voice and the white haired elf approached him.

    He placed his palm on his back, forming soothing circles.

    "I am so sorry everyone." The king cried, feeling guilty. All of this was his fault, he wasn''t there to protect them, that''s what he had believed.

    His poisonous tears fell to the ground, the salty water landing and being obsorbed by the dirt and leaves. Soon small sprouts appeared from the deepest sides of the earth and flowers began to bloom everywhere. It was a white flower, poisonous to everyone but them. Theseus looked around surprised. He did not believe he would even be able to witness this sight again.

    "Allias, it''s not your fault." The general whispered gently in his ear. The elf had fallen in his embrace, crying and crying for hours until he fell asleep, exhausted right there.

    They hadn''t said anything about it afterwards, they treated this incident as if it never happened and Allias was smiling once more. Theseus though couldn''t forget it. He couldn''t get the sound of his crying out of his head and his red and ready eyes haunted him in his dreams. He was horrible for keeping such a secret, lowest of all the villains they had met but still even though he was fully aware of that he couldn''t find the courage to tell him.

    "Allias, I need to talk to you." He said again to the mirror.

    "About what?" The king asked and the general flinched surprised, he had heard him.

 Chapter 339 - 339

    "What do you want to talk to me about?" Allias asked him while he stood at the doorframe looking at him. "Is everything alright?" The king said as he realized that Theseus didn''t look like his usual self. He seemed as if he had been caught red handed doing something bad. Allias frowned and stepped inside the bath, looking around to maybe find some kind of evidence of what he was troubling him but everything seemed to be normal. He sat at the edge of the bathtub, crossing his legs and staring at his lover.

    "No, no it''s nothing really. We can talk about it later. I heard a letter has arrived. Ea told me before." He said.

    "What letter?" Allias asked. After the ball ended he had turned into a small ball of sadness. Things didn''t go as planned and he hated the fact that he had gone through all those preparations so everything could end ten minutes after they began. The pretty clothes, the masks, the decorations, everything had been painted red and the smell of blood was everywhere. So much for the festive mood. So all Allias had done in the two days that followed was pout in his bed like a sixteen-year-old with a ruined birthday party. Immature? Yes. Did he care about it? Not the slightest bit and no one dared to tell him anything because well, being a king had sometimes his perks. That''s why Theseus attended his meeting for those two days and had more contact with Ea and the rest of his assistants.

    "A letter from Achlys. I didn''t open it, I thought it would be better to do it together. Since it was addressed to Mark and Asmodeus too, even though it was a bit weird." Theseus said and Allias sighed loudly. He stood up and headed towards the sink, turning it on and filling it to the brim with cold freezing water. Once he was satisfied with the quantity he turned it off and instantly dived his head under the water. Theseus observed him kind of weirded out by what he was doing. Allias after he realized he couldn''t keep his breath for any longer he removed his head from the sink and shook his head like a wet dog. "What was that my love?" he asked him.

    "Me trying to connect with the world again. You don''t have to read it. I know already what it says. She is inviting us over, and she wants Asmodeus and Mark to go through the trials. It''s a thing to prove that contracts with higher demons are valid or something. Honestly, please dear universe please let me rest in my own home for a week. That''s all I am asking, a week." He said looking at the ceiling.

    "I don''t think it can hear you." Theseus said. His lips formed a thin line as he tried hard to restrain himself from laughing. Allias groaned loudly and very obvious frown distorted his handsome face.

    "We need to pack my crown, my spear, take your sword too. Oh, gods, why? Where is the letter?" he asked Theseus.

    "Didn''t you say you didn''t want to read it?" he asked him and Allias blinked.

    "I need to know the details." The king said and Theseus left the bathroom first. He walked towards to one of their drawers in the nightstand and opened it to pick up a letter written in bright red ink. The moment he handed it to Allias the king felt the intense urge to rip it to shreds and then burn it. Gather its ashes and dance on top of it as he cursed Achlys again and again. He hated that bitch. From the bottom of his heart. Nonetheless, he opened the envelope and scanned the red piece of paper, the calligraphic letters written with black ink, very carefully. "That bitch!" he shouted annoyed and crumbled the paper only to open it again and reread it. "I swear if I could I would¡­.I would¡­."

    "Kill her?" Theseus asked and the king snorted.

    "That''s too kind Theseus. I would spray her with holly water and¡­"

    "She is not a Christian demon."

    "What is she?"

    "Ancient Greek."

    "How do you torture a Greek demon?" Allias asked and Theseus shrugged his shoulders. "Anyways, back to the point. Read this. Read this abomination!" he said and shoved the letter on his chest. Theseus grabbed the paper, straightening it since Allias had made it almost too hard to read it easily and read the well written lines. The more he got deeper into the letter the more his eyes widened.

    Greetings King of the Elves,

    Excuse my sudden calling to you but due to some recent events the Council thinks you should visit the Demonic Capital, please do so with Asmodeus and your human friend since they have to go through the trial. As it seems some concerning evidence have come up about Hara''s death that involve you. Please come as soon as you can. A trial will be held; you are considered one of the main suspects for the troll leader''s death. If you do not appear you will instantly be considered guilty, hunted down and killed.

    With respect,

    Achlys.

    "She said with respect!" Allias said and laughed. "You mean to tell me that this letter is oozing with respect. I am the king of all elves. I was supposed to rule nations not be dragged to the demonic capital on a whim just because this¡­.this¡­bitch wants me to. She wants to set me up, I am tired. Just let me kill them all!" He shouted and Theseus took his hand.

    "Even if you killed her, what would you do about the angels? They are strong too you know." Theseus reminded him.

    "I am strong too." Allias whined.

    "With one hand? You literally gave yourself a handicap you idiot."

    "It doesn''t matter! Call your godparents. Aren''t they supposed to be gods? Your family liked them a lot." He said. "I want to kill her. Don''t you want to? Come on Theseus? I just need to snap my fingers and¡­"

    "Enough Allias." Theseus said strictly and cupped his face. "You are saying all that now that you''re angry but we all know you don''t want to do it. You''re more diplomatic than this. I know you''re tired; we all are but this is our chance. If we get Achlys out of the council now all of our problems will be solved. Think about it." He advised him. "Take a deep breath." He told his lover and Allias obeyed. "Now kiss me." Theseus said with a smirk.

    "I thought we were trying to get me to calm down." Allias said but Theseus kissed him anyway. The king relaxed in his embrace, letting himself slowly melt away by the passionate kiss.

    "This will be the last trouble, the last worry. I promise you." Theseus said.

    "I hope so. Because if it''s not I might really lose it and start killing people who bother me. So be careful." He warned him teasingly.

    "I bother you?" Theseus asked dramatically

    "All the time."

    ...

    Hello everyone. Sorry I haven''t posted very regularly but I will start again from now on. I would really appreciate it if some of you could spare a golden ticket for this book to help boost it. It would be really good since it hasn''t been doing that great this month. Still, I hope you are enjoying the chapters. We are on the finish line! Thank you so much for reading.

 Chapter 340 - 340

    It''s not just disappointment. It definitely starts from there but slowly it turns into something bigger, darker. An emotion that slowly conquers all of your other thoughts. A certain kind of emotion that feeds an insecurity, a fear that has always been there, a monster that was simply put to sleep a long time ago but now it awakens ready to devour its pray. Long sharp nails, fangs that could easily rip flesh and eyes with no emotion. That monster, that abomination was him. As he looked himself in the mirror his darkest fears had worn his face, mocking him because no matter what he did he couldn''t ignore his nature, no matter how hard he tried something would always come up and remind him a harsh reality he tried to avoid. He was a monster, he came from monsters and the people he loved one say would see it too.

    That''s what Asmodeus thought every night ever since he heard the news about his brother trying to kill Mark. He hadn''t gotten angry, furious as he expected to, he simply had died inside. He was close to his brother. He was the only person that he wasn''t embarrassed to share his fears with and now, while he listened to Mark explain everything that had happened three hundred years ago he realized that his nature, the nature of his brother was not something he could avoid.

    The demon king touched his horns. They were cold and rough to the touch, unnatural, ugly. A sigh escaped his lips and he closed his eyes, just for a second, disgusted with his own image. Mirrors scared him, they made him feel uncomfortable and the more he looked into them, the more he found a self he didn''t like seeing. He walked out the bathroom and laid on his bed, his chest rising slowly up and down. He allowed himself to relax in this comfortable silence as the pain in his chest, the one cause by his family''s own betrayal was slowly beginning to become one with his own being. At first it was excruciating, it almost brought him to tears but then as the hours and the days passed it turned into a sting, like the one of a needle. He heard a knock on his door but he didn''t move. He already knew who was waiting at his doorstep. He had knocked yesterday and the day before that too. He kept knocking, asking him if he was okay but the demon did not have the courage to answer.

    "Asmodeus please. It''s me, are you alright? Come out, let''s talk about this." A pleading voice was heard. He sounds hurt, worried even, the demon thought but still he didn''t allow the human to enter, he remained on his bed, silent as he felt the pulsing of his heart in his veins. He remained still, like a statue.

    Behind the heavy wooden door mark was waiting. He had waited yesterday too and the day before that. He had found a comfortable spot in a corner, right in front of Asmodeus'' door and every day after his usual knocking he would sit down and wait, patiently, not bothered by the elves that passed by and looked at him, wondering if he was alright. Mark would get up after a while and knock again only to receive a deadly silence. The red haired human knocked again, three times, rhythmically.

    "Open the door please. I want to see you." He told him.

    "Master there is no point." He heard Ignis say and the spirit appeared next to him. Mark looked at him with a sad expression. He knew that already, Asmodeus was stubborn and at the moment sad, meaning Mark would have almost no chance at convincing him.

    "I know but I don''t want him to be in there, all alone, sad. I need to talk to him." He said.

    "And what will you tell him?" he asked. "That it''s alright? That you have forgiven his brother for killing you? Will you lie to him?" The spirit asked him, being brutally honest. "It is not alright and I doubt you will ever forgive him so why are you standing out here? There is nothing you can tell him to make him feel better. He is not supposed to feel better."

    "Ignis, I think you are too harsh on him. I¡­"

    "You care about him. I know but sometimes we need to face the harsh reality. We can''t have someone patting our head all the time." He said and mark smiled.

    "Look at you, all grown up. I can still remember the day Asmodeus brought you, you kept purring like a little kitten." He teased him and Ignis'' golden eyes widened. He looked away embarrassed. "I know you''re right. I just want to be by his side, that''s the right thing to do. Maybe our relationship is not at its best right now but still I don''t like knowing he is sad. But he just won''t come out." Mark said.

    "Force him then" Ignis said.

    "How?"

    "Order him to come and open the door. You can do that." Ignis said and disappeared. Mark looked at the door as realization hit him. He could do that! He could order Asmodeus to open the door because of the contract. He parted his lips ready to voice the order but he stopped. He felt guilty, forcing him like this wasn''t ethically right and he would hate it if he did it to him. His forehead landed on the door, making a light smacking sound as he realized he was at a dead end. He touched the door, tracing with his finger a few designs.

    "Listen, I know you can hear me. Please, I don''t want to order you to open the door. I want you to do it because you want to. Let me in and we can talk or we can simply sit and stare at each other, I don''t mind. Whatever you want. I simply want to be next to you." He said. Mark waited for a while, hoping that this time his attempt would be successful but soon all hope was lost. No footsteps, no sounds and again this heavy silence followed the express of his feelings.

    He left the door ready to retrieve once more when he heard the creaking of wood. That was it, the first sound he had heard in days. His head snapped to the side as the door opened enough to barely fit a person. Asmodeus'' face appeared and his hand grabbed his wrist bringing Mark inside. He was finally in; he had let him in.

    "There you go. Now what?" Asmodeus asked him. "Will you try to comfort me? Tell me it''s fine?" Asmodeus asked the exorcist as he sat on his bed. Mark looked at him, tilting his head to the side as he thought of the appropriate things to say. Was it really alright? Definitely not, he had died but was it Asmodeus'' fault? Should he blame himself for it? No.

    "It''s not alright." Mark began saying as he sat next to him on the bed. "I died how could it be alright? That dude tortured me and¡­.well he did things. But that doesn''t mean it''s your fault. I decided to go down there, I exorcised you in the first place, I know you love your brother, dearly and it must hurt to know what he did but this does not involve you. And I don''t mean it in a bad way. You had nothing to do with how I died." Mark said. Asmodeus did not seem to be convinced. He shook his head, rejecting everything the red haired had said.

    "It does have to do with me. It does have to do with the fact that I am a demon. Nothing good comes out from me being around you because I am made in a way that draws evil, can''t you see it? I am not beautiful or elegant like and elf, I do not look pure like an angel. I am rough and¡­and dark because I was made to do evil things. It is clear, simply by the way I look. All I do is bring you despair, even when I don''t know it." Asmodeus said and his face fell. He looked at his lap unable to look Mark in the eyes. All the things he felt, all the insecurities about his kind, of who he was were making him feel like trash, like someone who did not have a rightful place next to him.

    "Listen to me Asmodeus¡­" Mark said. He waited for the demon to look at him but nothing happened. So he used his hand, he gently grabbed his chin and raised his head, now they were both looking at each other. Their eyes meeting for the first time in days. "Good, now pay close attention to what I am about to say¡­"

    ...

    Thank you for reading! Please remember, don''t be a silent reader. Write a nice comment, vote or gift! Also get the chance to win 100 coins by writing a good review. I will contact you through it. Thank you for reading, hope you liked the chapter!

 Chapter 341 - 341

    "Listen to me Asmodeus¡­" Mark said. He waited for the demon to look at him but nothing happened. So he used his hand, he gently grabbed his chin and raised his head, now they were both looking at each other. Their eyes meeting for the first time in days. "Good, now pay close attention to what I am about to say. You are not a monster. Stop believing this. Where we are born, the people we get raised by, our friends, those things do not make us a monster. We turn into monsters when we choose that life, when we decide to stay in the darkness and not do anything about it. You could never be a monster with that smile. You could never be a monster when you smile at me so kindly, when your eyes are filled with so much emotion, regret, sorrow, happiness, love. What kind of monster would show me all this with such a glance?" Mark asked him. The red haired removed the dark strands of hair that usually hid the demon''s face, he revealed his beautiful eyes, once more conquered by a feeling of regret and remorse. Yellow and black they looked so unique, so special and it was so obvious to him that those eyes showed the love he possessed, the love he held in his heart so dearly. Why couldn''t he see it?

    "Mark please don''t try to comfort me." Asmodeus said and removed his palms from his face. The human though did not stop.

    "I am not trying to comfort you. I am not lying to you. All I am doing is telling you what I see and what I am looking at right now, the person that I am facing is so different from the monster you say you''re seeing. What I am seeing, what comes to my mind when I think of you is that charming smile of yours that can so easily make my heart melt. Your fangs, are not a sign of you being a monster, nor your horns or your wings. How can you give me the chance to fly, feel the clouds and see the stars and think of yourself as a monster? When you took me form that prison, when you saved me your embrace was so warm, your body shielding me made me feel so safe so how Asmodeus, tell me how could I feel that way for you if you were a monster?" Mark asked him, intensity in his voice as he kept going. "You literally did as I told you, you got attacked by a werewolf for me! I am starting to get angry. What do I have to do? Tell me, to be able to show you how I see you." He said. Asmodeus didn''t say anything. He just blankly stared at him as he felt like there were no words to say. He couldn''t believe what he was hearing and the intensity in Mark''s voice. The demon had heard him say something similar before but this time, this time it somehow felt different.

    Mark stood up, standing right in front of Asmodeus who stared at him with a dumbfounded expression. The young human looked furious as he raised his arms in the air. The way he talked expressed that he was somehow fed up? No, Asmodeus could not understand it. He had never witnessed something like it before.

    "Mark what¡­"

    "No, no listen to me. When I decided to come find you I was a lot calmer but you know what? Nothing will be fixed with me being calm. Because you can''t let it go. You can''t let go of that stupid belief that you are a monster and you know what? It hurts, it makes my chest burn every time I hear you talk like that about yourself. Even back then, at the village you would talk about yourself as if you didn''t matter, as if you were created just to bring sorrow but why can''t you see? You matter to me! You are my happiness not my sorrow. Even after everything that happened, even after I tried so hard to be mad at you I couldn''t, how could I when I know the pain you''re going through? When I look at you Asmodeus a monster is the last thing I would see. All I see is my¡­love." He told him and his cheeks burned. He looked shyly at the demon realizing all the embarrassing things he had just said but he didn''t stop. Asmodeus needed to know everything, he needed to understand. "I don''t care about your brother or who he is. I don''t really care about what happened three hundred years ago, even if it''s scary I don''t want to think about it. All I care about now is you, you being with me and I am sorry. I am sorry for being mean and distant. I am sorry that I didn''t let you know how important you are to me and how much I love you from the moment that I came back. I am sorry that I was so scared even if there was no reason to be. I am sorry Asmodeus so please, please don''t hate yourself, but even if you do, even if you can''t let go of the past, even if you can''t overlook your nature I will do it. I will do all that for you and I, I will love you enough for the both of us. So every time you look at that mirror and you think that you''re a monster remember I would never love a monster." Mark said and caressed his cheek again. He was smiling, his warm brown eyes looking at him with such warmth. "I would fall in love with someone kind, someone who doesn''t care what people think of him, someone who has beautiful eyes, horns and fangs, someone who can fly me to the sky with his soft wings, someone who decided his own path. So Asmodeus, if you want to forgive your brother do it, if you want to hate your brother do it, if you want to kill him do it. I know who you are and one decision won''t change that."

    The human stopped talking. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes trying to ignore how embarrassed he felt. When he opened them again he faced Asmodeus'' tears, slowly dripping down his face. Small teardrops landing on his lap. The red haired smiled and sat next to him.

    "Why are you crying?" He asked him and gently wiped his tears.

    "Because I don''t get it." The demon said.

    "I went on and gave a full speech just to say that you don''t get it?" Mark asked him and raised an eyebrow. Asmodeus shook his head in denial. That wasn''t it, what he meant.

    "I don''t get how you can see something so different than what I see. I don''t get how you can soothe the pain in my chest while I never could. I don''t get how you can affect me so much. I don''t get how you can be so kind to me after everything I did to you."

    "Well exorcising you for three hundred years is not really the definition of kind" Mark said with a smile and Asmodeus scoffed.

    "Don''t play dumb, you know what I mean."

    "You don''t have to get it. Just accept it. This is how love works. It''s complicated, troublesome and annoying. I don''t get a lot of stuff like how when you talked to me back then, at the dusty warehouse, beaten up and chained instead of running away I remained there. I don''t get it but I never questioned it. Could it be fate? I don''t know." He said.

    "Do you believe in fate?" Asmodeus asked him.

    "Well, I didn''t but I also didn''t believe in demons, elves and me liking men so for now I think I will keep my options open on what I believe and what I don''t" he said with a chuckle and Asmodeus smiled for the first time.

    "Mark, what if I lose it again? What one day I can''t fight my nature anymore? What will you do?" Asmodeus asked him, his eyes filled with worry.

    "That''s a tough question." Mark said. "I don''t know. I think I would try to bring you back, if that didn''t work I would kill you and I would die with you." He said and Asmodeus'' eyes widened.

    "Don''t ever say such a thing. Don''t say that you will die with me."

    "The you shouldn''t have asked me such a stupid question."

    "It''s not stupid, I am just¡­worried."

    "I am too but you know what? I already died once, I mean¡­"

    "No Mark." The demon scolded him and the red haired human started laughing, making his heart flutter. It was so easy, just a few words and Mark could fix everything, just one look. That''s all the demon needed to remember who was keeping him sane, who was helping him be what he wanted. "I love you. I love you so much it''s ridiculous."

    "Well you can always love me more. Like love me enough to take me flying again?" The red haired asked excitedly.

    "Mark, even after everything, will you be with me? Is that what you want?"

    "So me talking nonstop about your eyes, your smile, how hot you are, were not enough."

    "You didn''t say I am hot." Asmodeus said with a smirk.

    "Well, I said it now. Got a problem with that?" Mark asked him as a blush began to spread on his face. "Take me flying. Now." He told him with a strict look and the demon smiled.

    "As you wish."

 Chapter 342 - 342

    There was always something. Some kind of event that had Ea always preparing a suitcase. There was always a thought at the back of his mind whenever they returned home telling him not to settle because he would be running out of here soon again.

    As far as he was concerned this thought had always been right. It hadn''t been that long since they returned from those wicked witches and that letter arrived. The small elf didn''t have to read it, seeing the sender was enough on the corner of the red envelope to know that they would have to leave soon. That was why he was already packing. He had opened up his suitcase and was carefully choosing his clothes for the demonic capital. The room as a result had turned into a small mess and Ares noticed it the moment he stepped in.

    His red eyes scanned the place with a faint frown as he was trying to think what could possibly cause this ruckus.

    "Are we going on our honeymoon?" He asked him teasingly.

    "If you consider going to a place with rivers of blood to meet our worst enemy a honeymoon then yes. We are." Ea answered him while folding a few pairs of pants and placing them neatly inside the suitcase. Ares'' eyes widened, realizing that the next stop of their journey would be the Demonic Capital.

    "I am banned there you know." He told him and Ea shrugged his shoulders.

    "Then get unbanned. There is no way I will be leaving our king to go alone in there." He said as he closed the finally full suitcase. Some clothes were protrudict from the safety pins and he tried with a small groan to push them back before he jumped up and sat on it.

    "Ea he won''t be alone. Theseus will be with him and Amsodeus, Mark too. He has three familiars now, he is the demon''s natural enemy." He said

    "I thought the angels were their natural enemy." Ea said as he got the suitcase closed.

    "Them too. I think we should skip this one. The Demonic Capital is creepy and I have a bad feeling."

    "That''s exactly why we should go. If you have a bad feeling about it how can you leave your brother like that? Also remember they are kidnapping hhuman children. While they keep Achlys busy we can go and investigate that." Ea proposed. Ares didn''t seem pleased with his ideas. He had a very concerned expression on his face as he listened to his husband talk. Ares walked around the room, quiet with his hands behind behind his back as he kept thinking. Usually he didn''t act like this so Ea couldn''t help but feel curious. "Is there something wrong, it''s actually rads for you to think" he told him, half joking and Ares smiled.

    "Well, on that you''re right but now I have to think a lot more than before." He said and Ea cocked an eyebrow.

    "Why is that?" He asked him.

    "Because now I have to protect you. I can''t be reckless and do whatever I want. There is someone I want to return home to." Ares said with a kind smile. His eyes were looking right into Ea''s as he revealed to him that everything he did, his worries, his unusual thinking all came from the fact that he wanted to keep being with him. Dying was never scary, the thrill of the adventure was all that got him going but now, now that when he returned to his room Ea would be there, smiling he couldn''t risk himself dying.

    "What you''re saying is very sweet. But we have to do everything on our power to protect our king and our Kingdom. I know how great your sense of justice is. That''s one of the things I love about you. So let''s go." Ea urged him. He was standing right in front of him, his palms placed on his chest as he raised his head to look at him. In Ares'' eyes he was so beautiful, delicate and he could never risk taking him to a place like this. Ea though was thinking otherwise.

    "There is something else." The Disee prince said with an awkward smile and Ea squeezed his eyes, examining him.

    "So now we''re going to the true reason why you don''t want to go there!" Ea exclaimed and took a step back. "Spill it. You said all these romantic things to make me think you wanted to protect me to hide the real truth." He claimed and pointed his index finger at him. Ares smiled and scratched the back of his head as he found himself cornered and pressured to speak.

    "Well you see. Back in the day, this whole thing about cheating..."

    "The cheating you said you never did?" Ea asked raising his eyebrow. He had crossed his arms over his chest and was looking at his husband strictly.

    "Yes, about that we...we were not really a couple back then were we? And ..."

    "Just spill it don''t stall you''re making it worse elf boy." Ea said.

    "Okay. So back then I went to the demonic capital and I met a demon. He was hot okay? He was also rich so we kinda slept together but I didn''t know he was an actual psycho. He became obsessed with me and wouldn''t let me leave. He saw me as some kind of exotic specimen and I had to run away like a prisoner. That''s why I don''t want to go back there. What if he''s here?" Ares said. This whole sentence was let out by one breath. He kept talking fast hoping that Ea would miss enough details to not get furiously mad. Unfortunately the small elf had heard and understood aeverything very clearly.

    "What''s his name?" Ea asked as he tapped his foot on the floor. "Tell me the name."

    "Vines." He said and Ea''s eyes widened. He turned his back on him and rubbed his forehead. He sighed as he moved to the wooded pillar of the bed and started hitting his forehead on it. "Ea, Ea are you alright? Come on now, let''s not do this stop hitting your head I feel bad." Ares whined. The moment the prince finished his sentence Ea stopped. He turned around and looked at his husband, his eyes wide, his hands forming fists .

    "Let''s overlook the fact that you did cheat on me. Let''s, let''s just not think about it for now. You have to do it with a Demon Prince? One of the kings of hell?!" Ea shouted. "And a psycho at that? Seriously Ares you need to buy a freaking book and learn some history because you, yes you have gotten yourself in deep shit. Hope that he won''t be there because I for sure am going to the Demonic Capital to help Allias. There is no way I will be sitting back at home just because my own husband couldn''t keep his dick in his pants! Understood?" The small elf screamed making Ares flinch. A lump had formed in his throat and all he could do was nod. Ea seemed very upset at the moment and he knew he wouldn''t be in his right mind if he tried to argue. "You will come to the demonic capital. Am I clear?" He asked him.

    "Yes, yes I will come. No need to worry. I will just pretend I don''t know him if he''s here, everything is fine." He said, finally accepting the fact that he had to go there.

    "Now, let''s talk about that thing we overlooked before....you cheated on me!" He screamed, his face bright red as he looked at the young elf. "You dare to say all this romantic things about needing to protect me while in reality you wanted to hide the fact that you were fucking a demon? You....you....you have five seconds to run away before I stab you to death with my daggers" he shouted and in his hands a set of daggers appeared. Ares'' eyes widened as he looked at the dangerous tools.

    "Come on now, you''re not serious, are you?" Ares asked him taking a step back, he had his hands in the air in a defensive stance as he found himself cornered in the nearest wall.

    "Five...four...three..."

    "I''m sorry!" Ares shouted and he started to run away. He went towards the door opening it messily and stepped outside gaining a lot of weird gazes by the staff. He kept running, soon ojt of breath. He took a small stop, supporting himself on his knees as he panted and with his keen hearing he heard Ea. He was close! The next thing he saw was a dagger flying exactly right next to his left ear. A little bit closer and it would have cut him. Ares looked back meeting with a furious elf that was actually after him and resumed his running. "Come on now Ea please" ares begged.

    "Shut up and come here! I will kill you you won''t have to even meet your fuck buddy that way." Ea shouted , making sure he was heard throught the whole castle.

 Chapter 343 - 343

    "Isn''t it a bit hot in here?" Ares asked as they got off the carriage. They had been traveling for hours, seated in those uncomfortable wooden seats and he wanted badly to get off. Now that he was facing a very warm heat wave caress his face though he didn''t mind being uncomfortable in the carriage and getting out of here.

    "We are in hell, or some kind of version of it. Isn''t it logical to be hot? You''ve been here before haven''t you?" Allias asked him as he took ahold of Theseus'' hand and got down too. They were standing in front of the entrance of the demonic capital. A very tall iron gate was before them, with elegant designs that reminded the king of vines with thorns. They surrounded the bars of the bullet shaped entrance with much detail and for a second he was tempted to touch them. After the gate was where the true hell began. Barren and chapped ground, with many rips and no signs of grass. It almost looked like as if it had been burned, is color a deep black while the sky shone red from a huge bloody moon above the city. The demonic palace was right ahead, in the back like usual with castles. It was made of black colored materials, with many pointy towers and few windows. Narrow balconies and red colored windows. Everything around them was surrounded by a very chaotic energy. Screams, people running and shouting here there some bathed in blood. There was also a river, wide and big overflowing with blood as it passed through the city.

    "The river has overflowed again! Call someone!" A woman with a horn in the middle of her head shouted.

    "Ea, look a unicorn." Ares joked and his husband sighed.

    "I doubt that''s a unicorn. But good try. Shall we go in? I don''t think they will send someone to get us." Ea commented.

    "They won''t, this is their area, they will do everything they can to humiliate you. Achlys does not like Allias, that means no one here likes Allias. Come on, I will lead you to the palace." Asmodeus offered and moved first. He stood in front of the closed gates and touched them with his hand. A red light emitted and the heavy iron moved, opening their way for them. The elves followed quietly as their eyes scanned the area.

    "It looks¡­"

    "Disgusting." Asmodeus commented. It was dirty and overpopulated, run down homes made of poor quality wood and patched hay roofs. This place looked as it could get destroyed at any minute. "I know, what will surprise you more is what will come up ahead." He told them and Allias blinked curious.

    The demon was right. What he witnessed was indeed quite surprising. The more they were getting close to the palace the more the scenery changed. First it was the quality of the housing, then the roads seemed to be a bit clearer. It was the final part which was the most stunning though. The city was being split in half by a river. Big wooden bridges united the two sides and guards were standing on the entrance from their sides. Demons, dressed in black, the official guard uniform of Achlys'' palace. Once they attempted to pass the two guards crossed their spears, cutting off their way and looking at them suspiciously.

    "Open up." Asmodeus commanded. He looked a bit different. His usual calm behavior, his playfulness had disappeared and he was now tense and aggressive. His voice had an edge to it that signaled he didn''t want anyone to mess with him. The demons at the entrance examined him for a while. "Open the fuck up before I kill you" he groaned.

    "Let him in." Another voice was heard at the other side of the bridge. "He is Asmodeus, one of the kings of hell." The stranger said with a grin and the guards obviously shaken up moved to the side, their heads bowing as he passed by.

    Mark this whole time had been hiding behind Asmodeus. This place was only the host of his worst memories and that was why he had kept his head down all this time, looking at the rips in the ground and the roaches that emitted from it. He was scared to face the kingdom of his tortures, even if a lot of time had passed, the fear in his heart unfortunately remained the same and it was strong.

    They passed the bridge, hearing their footsteps echo and finally reached the person who had allowed them to get in. Allias observed him carefully, he was tall, almost as tall as Asmodeus and he stood proudly with his head up. He had a grin on his face as his brown cat eyes met with each one of them. He looked at some longer than others as if his interest was piqued. His hair was red, almost as bright as a fire and long. He had them in a very strict and high ponytail but still the ends of the hairs touched his waist. A scar was obvious at the bottom left side of his chin, probably a knife cut and he had some very peculiar characteristics. When he smiled Allias noticed that he had fangs, not the ones Asmodeus had though, they reminded him the front teeth of a serpent, thin and long while he also had lion ears on his head and a tail. As it seemed he was strongly associated with felines.

    "They didn''t recognize me. That''s a problem." Asmodeus commented and the man laughed.

    "Well you were locked up in that tower back there for three hundred years and the moment you were released you left. You shouldn''t blame them, should you brother?" the man said. "Hello everyone. My name is Vines and I am Asmodeus'' twin brother." He introduced himself.

    "Shit, shit, shit Ea we need to run" The small elf heard his husband whisper in his ear while he pulled on his sleeve.

    "Shut up and play dumb. He won''t create any problems in an official visit."

 Chapter 344 - 344

    "Well you were locked up in that tower back there for three hundred years and the moment you were released you left. You shouldn''t blame them, should you brother?" the man said. "Hello everyone. My name is Vines and I am Asmodeus'' twin brother." He introduced himself.

    "Shit, shit, shit Ea we need to run" The small elf heard his husband whisper in his ear while he pulled on his sleeve.

    "Shut up and play dumb. He won''t create any problems in an official visit."

    Mark recognized his voice, he had heard many sides of it, mostly the sadistic one that loved to torture him. He hadn''t died so prettily back then. Coming back as a zombie paled in comparison to the things he had gone through, maybe that was one of the reasons why he had been so calm about that. Maybe once you visit hell everything seems less.

    Things though were different right now, his own Satan himself was standing right in front of him and he couldn''t help but wither behind Asmodeus'' tall figure. He was scared, no matter how much he wanted to convince himself that he would be fine he was too afraid to step forward and show that oh well, Vines had failed. He was alive and well, with his brother.

    "Brother you seem a bit grumpy." The demon said and after a while he noticed Mark. His eyes widened and his smile broadened the moment their eyes met. He looked insane, right from the start and he didn''t care about hiding it. "Oh, I see. Well you seem to be alive. Did he tell you brother? About how I killed him?" he asked, his tone easygoing and Allias for the first time made a sound. He had gasped as he realized that the person in front of him was the murderer who had killed his best friend years ago. Vines noticed his reaction and shook his head. "Excuse me. You''re not here for that are you? You have a trial soon and my beloved brother has to go through his own little¡­test with you, human. I have to say these chains brother don''t look good on you." He commented and the other demon scoffed.

    "Petty doesn''t look good on you brother but as it seems you don''t care that much. Take us inside. Achlys is waiting for us." He said. Asmodeus did not wish to continue this conversation any longer. He just wanted to find some time and be alone with Mark so they could talk. He really had been wishing that his brother wouldn''t be there.

    "Let''s go then. I will show you to your rooms, Achlys will accept you tonight. You see, we have other guest coming too. Your trial is a very big event." The demon said as they walked through the last part of the city. Huge mansions were everywhere, with wide yards and very luxurious carriages were on the roads right next to them. The gap between the rich and the poor was so big in this city they didn''t even care hiding it.

    "Who will be there?" Allias asked when they finally reached the palace. The doors opened on their own, revealing a very luxurious grand entrance. It was dark, with only some dim light from a few candles. A chandelier hanged above their heads, made from shining gold while their feet stepped on a very soft red carpet. The stairs that led to the many floors were made from black marble while in the walls the tapestry showed fights. Demons killing angels, taking over and burning cities. It was very disturbing to watch but at the same time the elf king noticed how well made they were. Art, in all of its cruelty and rawness, right in front of his eyes.

    "Well, the angel representative will be here, sadly. Then we have Dionysus and Suijin, I am sure you are familiar with them and he said he wanted to bring more of the pantheon here, the reason why, I do not know. Ah, there will also be a witch. We are expecting them." They went up a few floors, passing by narrow and dark corridors. The first that were led to their rooms were the elf king and the general. Allias and Theseus disappeared instantly into their bedroom not wanting to spend another moment with the crazy demon.

    "I don''t want us to be staying high up." Asmodeus commented as they walked. They had remained silent for a while, the mood was too heavy for any chit chat and Allias had only asked questions when he needed to know the answers, not really caring about etiquette or manners. Asmodeus did not blame him, Vines had that aura around him. One of certain hostility.

    "Why? I thought you would love to stay in your own room? Or the place you were confined too stuffy now? Does it scare you? Maybe it''s because it will be harder to escape if you fail your test¡­"

    "We will stay in his old room" Mark stated. It took so much strength to voice out this sentence. Just a few words and he already felt exhausted, as if that was the best he could do for now. Vines'' eyes widened as he looked at him, his smile revealing his teeth.

    "Did I ask you?'' the demon told him.

    "We will be staying there then. Also, I want to see my men later." He said. "My legions."

    "Well then I will have them notified. You know the way to your own room don''t you?" he asked his brother. "Don''t make me go this high up, it''s out of my way" he said. Asmodeus was glad, he was finally getting rid of him. He grabbed Mark''s hand and they went further up, leaving the demon alone with Ares and Ea.

    The two younger elves were stiff, following him the unknown man always in a safe distance. He didn''t say anything nor tried to do something and after a few turns they had finally arrived to their room. Vines opened the door for them, holding it and Ea was the first one to step in. The moment the younger elf was fully inside the room he pulled it, closing it and he kept his hand on the handle.

    "What are you doing?" Ares asked him.

    "There is no way you have forgotten me" The demon said with a grin.

    "Yeah, it''s impossible to forget such a psycho."

    "You ran away from me Ares." He told him. He released the door handle but the door remained closed. All Ares could hear was the knocking as Ea tried to be let out. The demon approached him and he took steps back. One for one until he reached the edge of the stairs.

    "I did, didn''t I? There must be a reason for that" he told him and Vines laughed.

    "Probably. But look, I am sure this is fate."

    "No fate, just here on an official meeting. Also I am married now. Happily so. That''s why you need to let me go." He said and smiled awkwardly. He knew Vines. He had spent time with him and for a while he had though he was happy. Deluding himself, running away from his responsibilities the demon did everything he had asked, showed him a life of lust and luxury and made him believe he could live like that forever as long as he remained with him. Had he loved him? He never knew, he never even thought about it. Sometimes he missed his easygoing attitude, the full acceptance of himself. Sometimes until he managed to be with Ea, he had him now and he would never let him go, Vines was simply a part of his past. One filled with horrors and excitement. A reminder of all the things he didn''t want to be again.

    "Married? You?" Vines asked him and he laughed hysterically. "With that thing?"

    "Don''t call him a thing. He is my husband." He told him while looking at him with an angry stare.

    "Well, I wonder for how long. I missed you, I have always been thinking of you and our¡­adventures." He said and caressed his cheek. Ares shivered.

    "What do you mean with that?"

    "What? The fact that I missed you? Isn''t it perfectly normal to miss of an old lover you didn''t want to let go of?"

    "Not that Vines. You said for how long. Don''t do anything, if you do I swear that¡­"

    "Did I say that? Poor me, I must be getting old. Forgive me. Now, rest, while it''s possible." He told him.

 Chapter 345 - 345

    Hours passed and everyone remained in their rooms, not really wanting to go out and explore the castle. Many things happened while they were safely but anxiously sitting inside those four walls. Not enjoying the luxury of their rooms the slightest bit. Allias and Theseus were talking, planning about the time of the trial and trying to think what could Achlys possibly have to feel so confident about accusing him so openly. Mark and Asmodeus were talking too. About how scared the human was and the demon was desperately trying to make him feel safe by telling him that soon everything would be over.

    The most energetic room though was, as always the one Ares and Ea were occupying. The moment Vines had left Ares had burst through the room. He had found Ea sitting on the bed crying while he looked at the entrance. The moment their eyes met the smaller elf jumped up and fell on top of him, making both of them land on the ground.

    "What did he do to you?" Ea cried as he examined him with his teary eyes. He wanted to make sure that Ares was alright, that the demon hadn''t done anything to him. The prince smiled as he wiped his tears. He kissed his forehead and urged him to get up.

    "I am fine; he didn''t do anything to me. Don''t worry. I want you to be careful though. I am worried that he might try do harm you." Ares warned him.

    "Me? Why?" the elf asked.

    "Because we are married. He was being very cryptic while he talked, I don''t know he gave me the chills. I think he might try to harm you to get me to stay with him. I mean I know I am a catch but he should have given up already, really being this attractive is sooo tiring." Ares said. He wanted to lighten Ea''s mood and joking by being cocky was his specialty. The truth was that he was scared too, his heart trembled in fear the moment their eyes met. Yes, the elf prince was strong. He had a whole family to back him up but going against someone who didn''t care about what he would lose was what terrified him the most. These individuals were the ones that tended to be the most extreme.

    "Oh, please. I think that demons are generally ugly and that''s why he liked you so much. It could have been anyone really." Ea said and Ares gasped, placing his palm on his heart as if he had been hurt.

    "Is this the right way to talk about you husband? I am so disappointed in you."

    "Yeah, yeah. But tell me. Did you really date this guy?" Ea asked and Ares frowned while he remembered the time he spent at the Capital.

    "Well, dating is a term you could use but at the same time it''s far from what was actually happening?" he said with an awkward smile. He laid on the bed, pushing his shoes off and yawned as he finally had the time to stretch his arms and legs. Even though he had answered Ea didn''t seem to be satisfied with what he had given him. The elf followed him and sat on the bed, right next to him, the mattress dived slightly and Ares raised his head, wondering what else could he want.

    "That''s not enough. I want to know how was it possible to be with that kind of person. Tell me. I want to know everything." He said.

    "No Ea. These stories are not nice and I don''t want to share them. You''re my husband. It''s not nice and you won''t like them." Ares said, sounding very serious but the smaller elf didn''t look willing to give up. Somehow his interest had been piqued, he wanted to know what Ares was doing while he wasn''t in the palace, at his dark times. He wanted to see how he was before he returned back home. He hated the thought that there was missing piece he didn''t know about.

    "Please, I won''t judge you." Ea said and looked at him with pleading eyes. Ares sighed and turned to the side, feeling weakened by how beautiful his eyes were.

    "No. It''s not about you judging what I did. It''s about you seeing who I was. I¡­I am not that person anymore so why does it matter?" he asked him.

    "It matters to me! I want to know all of you. We''ve wasted so much time. Years just went by with us being married while looking at each other like we are strangers. Years of me wondering if the person I married out of just a simple deal was alright, what he was doing traveling all the time. I felt like I wasted so much time, time I could use getting to know you, be next to you. Ares please."

    "No Ea. The person I was has nothing to do with how I am now. Believe me. It''s not worth knowing because I am not like that anymore."

    "Share your memories with me."

    "No."

    "Through the link Ares, don''t make me force you."

    "I said no."

    "Fine then." Ea said. That fine though did not signal his retreat. It simply signaled that he didn''t care anymore. He raised his palm and touched the top of Ares head. The elf groaned as he felt someone enter his head. He couldn''t move though; he couldn''t stop Ea because he too was being sucked into his one memories.

    Ea had decided to discard what Ares had asked. He used their soul link to enter Ares'' head and snoop around his memories, curious about the things the elf wanted to hide. After they were done though, he would wish he had never done it.

    ...

    Hello! Thank for reading, please leave a comment and tell me how the story looks so far, it owuld help a lot. We are close to the end and I feel slightly sad but there is another good book comming!

    Also the next two to three chapters will contain strong graphic content.

    Thank you for reading!

 Chapter 346 - 346

    Being in someone''s head was definitely weird. An observer in some kind of realistic cinema. Ea was just an existence, he was floating, just a big eye that could see and hear everything. That was what it felt like for him being in Ares'' head. For the other elf though it was very different, reliving those moments was torturing and that''s why he had kept them a secret. He felt embarrassed for who he was and how he was going to get exposed, in the cruelest and more vivid way.

    "I heard someone was causing a ruckus. I guess it was you, bloody elf." A voice was heard.

    It was the first day of Ares'' visit to the demonic capital. He had traveled almost everywhere on the veil and this was one of the few spots he had missed. He was restless while traveling, searching for something, a way of leaving that would take the pain away from him. The was had ended just a few years ago, but to him his abduction and the death of his parents, Allias'' death were like it happened yesterday. His brother had shut himself in that palace brooding while Ea who was supposed to be his husband was avoiding at every chance he got. That was why he had run away. He had packed his things and as much money he could carry and he had left the palace on a cold winter night.

    At the moment he was at a tavern located on the lower and poorest part of the capital, dead drunk. So drunk he actually saw double. Someone had bumped into him on his way out and as clich¨¦ as that sounded he lashed out at him nearly killing him. Many other demons came, not because they wanted to save the man but because they were pissed off that their night was ruined just to be left unconscious on the floor. Ares spit on the floor, blood landing on the wood and looked at the person who was talking to him. He smiled lazily as he stepped on someone''s hand.

    "What?" he asked.

    "You did this?" the unknown man asked him.

    "What if I did?"

    "I would have to restrain you." The demon said and Ares took a few steps closer. His vision was blurry and he was curious, who would be stupid enough to come and threaten him after such a showcase of power. He stumbled and fell on his arms. The demon held him and Ares looked up, finding out that he was indeed very attractive. He wore a charming smile as he balanced himself and with his bloody lips approached his ear.

    "Restrain me how?" he asked and he felt the man''s grip tighten around him.

    "Well, you will have to follow me to find that out." He told him and Ares nodded. He had nothing to lose after all and this handsome stranger seemed to be interested in him. If he spent the night where he lived maybe, he would be able to save some money too. Thankfully the rest of the night was a blur Ares'' mind. A very distant image of him being pushed to a bed, groaning and moaning for hours until he had dropped almost bed in Vine''s bed.

    The next morning, he woke up finding himself in the stranger''s embrace. He didn''t even know his name and a raging headache attacked him the moment he opened his eyes. He looked around realizing that he was in a very luxurious room. A king sized bed with dark red sheets, it also had a very beautiful carved roof and curtains around it. Being suddenly curious he sat up and quietly explored the place. In front of the bed was a couch, big enough for two people to comfortably sleep on it made by soft black velvet. The room had low lights, candles actually placed in the walls in the corners of the room which were painted a very deep green color. In the middle of the room stood a white marble bathtub. It was round and simply enormous. Everything in this room seemed to be oversized and his eyes lastly landed on the wooden bar on the side. It even had stools and drinks on top of it. Just one room had everything.

    "You''re a prince. You''ve seen a lot more than that, why are you surprised?" he asked himself when he felt a chill. His gaze focused at the source of the cold and he realized that there was a balcony. Its windows wide open while the curtains danced happily with the wind. Ares was completely naked but that did not stop him the slightest bit from stepping outside. As he faced the whole demonic capital his eyes widened and it didn''t take him even a second to realize that the person he had slept the night was not just a random demon.

    "That''s a good sight to see so early in the morning." He heard the familiar voice from yesterday and turned around. It was the same demon, but now his face and body were much clearer. He had lion ears and a tail! Ares realized as he watched him move his tail behind his back. His body was not fully exposed since he wore a purple robe but it was enough so Ares could notice how well build his body was. The young elf gulped as their eyes met. Had he been that lucky?

    "It is actually." He said and smiled proudly, making the demon laugh. "Thanks for last night. I better get going." He told him as he walked inside. The demon though stopped him as he grabbed his arm.

    "Why is an elf like you here?" he asked. He looked intrigued and his eyes couldn''t get enough of him.

    "Running away from demons." Ares answered.

    "You''re on the wrong place then"

    "Am I?" Ares asked him as he watched him get closer. He grabbed him from his waist and brought him close, kissing him passionately. "You don''t even know my name and dare to kiss me?" he asked and the man in front of him grinned.

    "Well, excuse me. I am Vines. May I know your name?" he asked.

    "Ares. My name is Ares."

    "Good." Vines said and pushed him onto the bed surprising him. "Now that I know your name I can do much more to you." He said seductively and Ares'' heart fluttered. Finally, after all this time he was feeling something and it wasn''t just pain.

 Chapter 347 - 347

    Vines was just good at everything. Having sex, making him forget the rest of the world existed, giving him everything he wanted. He slowly showed him a new world, one that wasn''t filled with nightmares and negativity, one that he did not hate himself for surviving the war and somehow the demon, while they were on his bed could make him tell him anything he asked. It was only the third day with him, after Vines had casually offered to let him stay with him that Ares let him know about everything, about all of his weaknesses and then it was when everything truly started.

    "So tell me little elf, why are you truly here?" Vines asked him as they laid on the bed. Both of them had the bad habit of smoking and the room was filled with a thin layer of smoke, like a mist surrounding them.

    "Because if I was at home I would feel like I should be dead." Ares said and stared at the carvings on the bed.

    "That''s very cryptic of you." Vines told him with a smirk. He playfully rolled to the side, hovering over him, his muscular hands at both sides of his head as he entered his field of vision. It was the first time Ares had seen someone with such fascinating beauty, almost intoxicating. "Why would someone so pretty like you would be dead?"

    "Pretty and a prince actually." Ares told him and Vines cocked an eyebrow. "I survived the war, none of the people I loved did." He said, not even mentioning his brother. The way he was the Disee prince was just a walking corpse.

    "You mean I have been fucking a prince all this time?" Vines asked with an excited smile and Ares chuckled.

    "From what I told you this was what you decided to comment on?" The lf asked him. Ares gasped. Vines had been sitting on his lap now and one of his hands slowly found its way to his naked member. He caressed it slowly before he moved in and kissed him again.

    "That''s the sexiest part." Vines said as he heard Ares moan. "But tell me more. Why are you sad?"

    "I am not sad you little fuck. Do I look sad to you?" he moaned and grabbed Vines'' red hair.

    "All the time. Your eyes are sad." He commented and slowly with his knees he opened Ares'' legs and aligned himself with his entrance. Slowly he moved making his body tense. His hands found a resting place on his strong shoulders and he scratched hard as he felt him move. "Should I make you happy? Tell me little prince, do you want to stop being sad?" he asked him with a vicious grin and Ares laughed.

    "You know I am also married."

    "If you keep telling me facts like these I might finish right now." He whispered and Ares laughed. He didn''t know why. He honestly couldn''t think of a reason why he had decided to stay when it was so obvious that Vines was simply purely evil, someone who thought only of himself. He covered that up so prettily though, with gifts, drugs, passionate nights that the depressed elf had forgotten what actual love was like.

    "Can you make me happy?" Ares asked him as the man thrusted inside him.

    "Is happy what you want? Happy is boring little prince." Vines said as he flipped him around. He grabbed his hair, moving his whole body backwards. "I can make you cry in pleasure, I can make you feel so high, I can give you all the riches in the world, all the men, all the women. I can make you forget you weren''t supposed to be alive and I can show you how to live as a new and reborn man. So what do you say little elf? All you have to do is stay with me." Vines said.

    He couldn''t think, in all of his days in that room, in that bed, in the demonic capital in general he couldn''t think of anything. Was it the drugs? It could be but at that moment the pleasure he felt, the sound of Vines'' voice was too soothing, too intense and he hungrily wished for more.

    "Yes." He moaned as he closed his eyes and landed on the bed.

    "Well then¡­" Vines said and left the bed. He wore his usual robe and pulled the curtains of the bed, exposing the naked elf to the enormous room. He walked slowly, making sure he would draw Ares'' attention as he stopped in front of the door until the elf was looking at him intrigued. He met his eyes for a second and smiled, his tail wagging happily before he opened the door and revealed demons. Ares'' eyes widened but he felt no need to hide, he was in a haze he couldn''t describe. So he just stood there looking. Men and women entered the room, dressed with little to no clothes. "Choose your first playthings." Vines told him.

    Every day there would be a new person, sometimes two or even three. Men, women Ares didn''t care, he chose the ones he found the prettiest and enjoyed their hands on his body. Again he couldn''t help but not feel excited with this rush Vines offered him. He did everything he asked him, even gave him that little dust he had gotten from the humans that made the world seem so pretty.

    "Do you like it little prince?" Vines asked him while he was holding a very beautiful young woman.

    Ares did not answer, he just stood there, looking with a smirk on his face before he approached his newfound lover and kissed him passionately. He found himself kissing the woman''s body while he watched and a fire started burning inside him.

    A fire that soon would burn everything

    ...

    Hello! I know I gave you a rning for graphic content and these chapters are actually kind fo mild but I didn''t know how would you feel with Ares being with a villain.

    So what do you think? Should I reveal some more?

 Chapter 348 - 348

    "Fuck, yes" Ares moaned as he felt Vines finish inside him. He relaxed his body and fell in his embrace, feeling the warm water of the bathtub surround him.

    "You are so pretty Ares." Vines complimented him as he washed gently his back. Th elf prince smiled lazily, feeling his hands roam on his body. He had been there for quite a while now, was it one month? Maybe two? He had lost count but honestly he didn''t care. Vines was simply his everything by now since he had the power to soothe the pain he felt in his heart, he made him forget it even existed. "You know, they say demons cannot feel love, my brother did though and now he is paying for it because his lover betrayed him. Demons hate of love, maybe because that was one of god''s teachings? To love everyone. Love is thought of something we should avoid so we indulge in those feelings of lust until we become completely insane. You know, all demons are insane, except the ones who have learned to love." He told him.

    "So you''re insane too." Ares joked.

    "Am I? I don''t know, maybe. I think I love you though" He said and felt Ares'' body get tense. The elf looked back, meeting his eyes, searching for some kind of evidence that he was lying. Ares smiled.

    "You don''t love me Vines. You simply love the idea of me. My appearance, the fact that I look so pure but at the same time I moan under you. You love the fact that I suck you off every morning that''s for sure and you love when I do everything you ask but you don''t love me" he said as he stood up.

    "I don''t get it." Vines said making him giggle.

    "It''s alright. Come on now, get out. The water is getting cold anyways and I need to wash off your¡­remains. You said you will take me out for dinner tonight." He told him and the demon stood up and got off the big bathtub. Ares sat back inside and grabbed the soap, beginning to wash himself more carefully. "Won''t you leave?" he asked as he realized that Vines had no intention of moving. He had sat down on the couch observing him, watching how he washed himself with an excited look.

    "I like the view." He said.

    "Well good for you but I am not doing it again. My back is sore." He told him. The demon chuckled, hearing him talk so blatantly and he stood up, approaching the bathtub again. Ares looked at him wearily but didn''t try to avoid him. Vines stood in front of him and undid his robe without taking it fully off showing him how hard he was. The elf looked up at him and felt his hand caress his chin.

    "Your back is sore and we definitely don''t want that so why not use that pretty mouth of yours?" he asked him, his voice low and seductive. Ares smirked as he brought his lips closer and licked him slowly. The demon closed his eyes, his head falling back while his hand traveled on his hair. "Good" he moaned as he felt Ares'' warm tongue.

    "I bet it was" The elf said with a cocky smirk when he was done and stood up. "Now you will take me for food because I am starving."

    "You just had something to eat though" Vines said and Ares frowned.

    "I didn''t bite it so it doesn''t count."

    "Oh, please do not do that. I will give you food." The demon told him.

    After their little fun they got dressed and headed into town. There were many demons that looked at them. By now Ares knew who Vines was. He was one of the kings of this place and everyone seemed to be scared of him. Having an elf on his side might have seemed even more intriguing. That was the reason why Ares preferred to stay in. He didn''t like people looking at him. Their eyes showed that he wasn''t supposed to be there and that instantly made him think of home. Home was a banned thought the last few months.

    "Pay them no mind. They''re all busybodies with nothing better to do with their lives." He said and Ares scoffed.

    "It''s not like we are doing much with ours" he said and Vines stopped walking. He shook his head as he looked at his lover with a disappointed expression.

    "There you go again with all that duty and negative thinking. Have you not been having fun?" he asked him.

    "Do I look bored to you?" Ares asked him back and the man exhaled dramatically as a sign of relief.

    "Being boring is one of my worst nightmares you know."

    "Oh my, you do fear some scary things" Ares teased him. They had resumed walking and right now they were passing by a very narrow alley. The elf prince could hear many different sounds, from the galloping of horses to the laughter of women to the¡­screams of children. When that sound reached his ears he stopped and looked around confused.

    "What''s wrong?" Vines asked him noticing his concerned expression.

    "That sound, is that children screaming?" he asked as he tried to locate the source of the sound.

    "Oh, that. Yes. A new brothel started in this area. It''s for the ones with special tastes. They are human. Not really children, some of them but not all." He told him and Ares eyes widened.

    "Humans? Children? Wait. Did you guys abduct them and sell their bodies?" He asked surprised.

    "Yes, why?"

    "Vines how can you ask me why? That''s horrible. We need to do something we can''t just¡­"

    "Oh, come on. Where would there be fun in that?" he asked him and approached him. Vines wrapped his hands around him and kissed him. For a second Ares resisted, he couldn''t just let this go. He had to do something but as Vines kept kissing him his body relaxed, feeling comfort with the familiar sensation. "We said no duty and stuff. This does not concern you. Right?" Vines asked him and his tone was similar to the one someone would talk to a child. Ares already forgetting slightly why he was upset he nodded, making the demon smile.

    "Enough!" Another voice was suddenly heard. One that did not fit into this memory, one that did not belong there. At the sound Ares was woken up, thrown out from this endless play of memories and found Ea right in front of him, staring at him disgusted. "You''re despicable." He told him.

    That was what he was scared of.

 Chapter 349 - 349

    When he opened his eyes he found himself in the guest room again. His vision was blurry at first, Ea''s figure just a faded image in front of him, his expression censored. Soon though he faced the hard truth. His husband was looking at him disgusted, standing away. Ares sat up, getting off the bed and tried to approach him. Ea took a step back, not wanting to be near him.

    "Ea, listen to me¡­" Ares said.

    "Listen to you about what? How could overlook something like that Ares? How could you? They were children!" Ea screamed at him.

    "I was wasted most of the day, I was also drugged most of the time, in some occasions without me knowing it. I would say something and then forget it the next second. It wasn''t that I didn''t want to do anything, I was being manipulated." He said and heard Ea scoff. He was looking at him as if he was a living piece of trash.

    "Is that your excuse? You were drinking too much? Having too much sex? You were drugged? Well excuse you but you chose that life, you chose to run away from your problems and you went and found shelter in that psycho! You thought that was love?" Ea asked him. Ares exhaled, pushing his hair back in distress. He didn''t know how to explain to Ea what had been happening to him at that time. He had no idea how he felt and the things that had been going through his head. His memories of that time were not even that clear.

    "I told you not to look. I asked you not to but you did it anyways. Is that your way of respecting my boundaries?" Ares told him, angry at him.

    "Is that your way of trying to pin this on me and make me forget of what you did?" The elf shouted.

    "No! But you have no idea what had been happening at that time. I was a mess. I never tried to excuse myself or say that what I did was wrong but soon after that I woke up, that''s why I got banned from the demonic capital. Under normal circumstances I would be killed the moment I stepped here." He explained.

    "How did you wake up Ares?" Ea asked him with a suspicious look.

    "Ea... please"

    "Tell me! How did you wake up?" he repeated his question. His usually warm eyes, filled with kindness towards him had turned icy, blocking every plead the prince was sending him.

    "I woke up when Vines brought a teen to our room. I couldn''t stand it and I tried to run away. I freed the child. Then I tried to free the rest but they caught me and kicked me out. The only reason I wasn''t killed at that time was because I was a prince." Ares explained.

    "They brought one to your room?" Ea asked, his expression showing pure disgust and the elf prince nodded.

    "You have to understand something though. I didn''t do anything. Once I realized what was happening I tried to fix it. I really did but I was weakened and still in a very weird state. It took me months to come back to my senses completely and by then it was too¡­"

    "¡­late." Ea completed his sentence. He couldn''t believe Ares'' story. Somehow the image he had of him had been completely destroyed. A huge crack formed in his heart and now every time their eyes happened to meet he felt uncomfortable, as if the person he had married had been a complete lie. "I don''t know what to say. Really I thought I knew you, I believed in you and I get to see this?" Ea told him with tears in his eyes. "How do you expect me to get over this?" he asked him.

    "Ea, please don''t cry." Ares said and tried to approach him but once more he had gotten the same reaction from the small elf. He moved away, turning his back on him. Ea heard Ares sigh and his heart broke, the sound was so sad, desperate. "I didn''t want of any of this to happen. It was just a dark time in my life. I don''t want to remember it either."

    "You don''t want to remember it because it was something bad or because it was a time you enjoyed and you''re afraid that you would get tempted again?" Ea told him coldly and Ares looked at him stunned. These words had hurt him, a lot more than the small elf would have thought.

    "How can you ask me that?"

    "I don''t know. I am not the one who got turned on by being a cheater"

    "Ea!" Ares called him out. He knew he had been mistaken, he was very well aware of that and that was why he had kept this part of his life a secret. Because he was embarrassed and ashamed but Ea was taking a bit too far, his words were too hurtful and Ares didn''t think he would be able to take it.

    "I don''t think I can look at you the same way anymore." The elf told him as he looked at him in the eyes. "When we get back home I think it''s time we start the process of breaking the soul link."

    "What?" Ares couldn''t stand being in that room any longer. The more he stared at Ea and his cold expression he more his heart ached. He felt as if he would bleed out soon. "you can''t be serious about this." He said.

    "I am. I don''t want to be with you any longer. Not after what I have seen and what I know." He told him. Ares ran away. He didn''t want to hear him anymore. He had understood enough; he had heard enough. Their relationship was over and it was all his fault. Ea would never forgive him.

    ...

    breaking the soul link basically means getting a divorce.

 Chapter 350 - 350

    There was a very weird and heavy aura at the dinner table. All of the elves had summoned, together with the guests that had just arrived to attend a dinner the night before Allias'' trial. The king found it very ironic how Achlys wanted to offer him food and hospitality while at the same time she was plotting his demise there was something¡­two faced and twisted about that and he hated it.

    The dining room was dark too, the only lights just the dim candles on the room that were stuck on the walls. Also the red light from the moon right above their heads entered the room giving the place a very mystical feeling. The walls were red, with black lace like designs while the table was deep brown color. The silverware was all made form gold, so clear that showed their reflections in perfect detail. The chairs were comfortable matching the color of the heavy table while their back had a very soft purple cushion made of velvet. Everything had a very gothic appearance and at a different circumstance Theseus would have complimented the design which matched very well his style. This was Achlys'' house though and he preferred to drown in the bloody river rather than say anything nice.

    "You are all very quiet and that scares me." Allias told the rest of the group while they were waiting for the guests to join them.

    "His brother killed me."

    "I am getting a divorce." Ea and Mark announced in unison. Allias didn''t know which piece of information to process first. He looked once at the elf and then the human a very exhausted expression on his face. He shook his head, his lips forming a thin line as he breathed in from his nose.

    "Get back to being quiet. I don''t want to hear another word. Zip it, don''t even dare to breathe. I can''t handle you people anymore I think I will collapse. Theseus do something." Allias whined and the general looked at him.

    "I am sorry, there is nothing I can do about that but please refrain from showing any weaknesses when the guests come, especially when Achlys joins us. We will talk about everything later. Especially about that divorce." Theseus said and looked at his brother in a threatening manner. Ares frowned, crossing his arms over his chest and very carefully he flipped him off. "I saw that."

    "I wasn''t intending to hide it." He said. Theseus was actually ready to argue. He was sure his brother was the one who made Ea take such a serious decision and he couldn''t help but wonder what had happened. He was stopped though by the entrance opening. The guests had finally arrived and Vines, the psycho demon was the one who walked in first, that slimy smile stuck on his face.

    "Sorry to make you wait. The guests have finally arrived. Shall we sit down and enjoy our dinner?" He asked and the people slowly came in. There were many questions in Theseus'' head at the moment as he saw the guests one by one. Firstly, why were two angels here and why was almost half of the Greek pantheon here too? They hated the council and responsibilities. When all of them had gotten inside he locked eyes with the twin gods.

    "So here you are. You had the audacity to not answer to any of our letters and we have to leave Olympus to see you? Is that the way you should treat to your parents'' closest friends?" he heard a woman and he gulped. He wore a polite smile as he watched her approach him. Soon he was under a very strong headlock, pleading to be allowed to breathe.

    "Artemis, Artemis don''t." Theseus heard her brother Apollo scold her. "Let him go, he was busy. Come on now don''t create problems. Sit" he said and the woman sighed.

    "I see that some of you already know each other." Vines commented. "But still the polite act would be to introduce everyone. This is Allias, the king of the elves, his high general and partner Theseus. His brother Ares and his¡­husband Ea and Asmodeus, my brother with ¡­Mark." He let them know of everyone''s names.

    "So you''re a human?" The sweet voice of a woman was heard and Mark realized she was talking to him. He looked at her shyly, not knowing who she was. She had brown wavy hair and tanned skin. Her eyes were beautiful, almond shaped and in the color of chestnuts. Her smile was kind and on her head she wore a flower crown of roses. A man was sitting next to her looking like her complete opposite. He was pale, almost as if he rarely saw the sun while his hair was long and black. His eyes were a deep blue color that reminded him of a rowdy ocean while on his head he wore a crown, made of shiny silver with withered roses.

    "I¡­yes. An exorcist." He answered and the woman''s eyes widened.

    "Oh my, I thought they had been extinct." She stated and mark smiled awkwardly.

    "How about I finish the introductions. You are making the human uncomfortable." Vines told her and the woman nodded, the smile not disappearing her face.

    "So the guests of the council are Rafael with Samael from the angel''s side" Vines introduced them and the two men nodded. They looked so elegant but at the same time so cold and distant. The new angel that had appeared looked younger than Rafael with long light brown hair and crystal blue eyes while they both had a beautiful pair of white wings on their backs. "And from the gods, since Dionysus thought it was necessary to invite his whole family as if we are having some kind of party we have Artemis and Apollo and Persephone with Hades. Oh, and Suijin but I am sure you know him."

    "It was very kind of Achlys to invite me to dinner the night before she tries to get me persecuted. Very high of her" Allias said, not caring much about the introductions.

    "Right to the chase, well that was her decision. Sadly, she won''t be joining us tonight. She is catering a very special guest." Vines said and Allias looked at him filled with suspicion.

    "And what kind of guest is that?" he asked the demon but he simply shrugged his shoulders.

    "I do not know." He told him and Allias grinned.

    "I am sure you don''t."

    "My esteemed guests" Vines announced and stood up. "Please enjoy your dinner. For some of you it may be your last. Tomorrow morning a new era will begin. I hope you will all be prepared. Now if you excuse me." He told them with a gleeful expression as he disappeared, leaving the elves alone with the rest in the room.

    "Well, he is¡­unique." Hades commented.

    "Unique, don''t be scared to say it love, he is a psycho." Persephone said.

    "And with no manners." Apollo added.

    "I don''t think is our job to judge." Rafael interrupted them.

    "Yeah your job is to simply stand there and flutter your wings." Dionysus teased him and the blond angel looked at him aggressively.

 Chapter 351 - 351

    "Do you think it was a good thing so many of us came here? I mean Achlys will definitely suspect something" Artemis said.

    They had finished their dinner a while ago, all of the guests had taken their separate ways but the gods had decided to stick together and visit a small lounge they had left open for them in case they wanted to stay together and converse a bit longer. It wasn''t really anything that fancy, it paled in comparison with the rooms and the beautiful dining room but the couches and the small tea table were enough for them. They hadn''t really come her on vacation after all.

    "Maybe we shouldn''t be talking about this in the open." Suijin said as he looked around, concerned that someone would be looking.

    "It''s okay. Hades is out, he is keeping watch" Persephone said.

    "Isn''t it just that he doesn''t like small spaces?" Apollo asked and the woman smiled.

    "He is doing us a favor so why not be thankful?" She told him and he smiled.

    "Sure."

    "Back to the main point." Dionysus said. "I am sure all of us don''t want this bitch to get on top of the Council. If I could I would have killed her by now but unfortunately Athena wants desperately to abide by the rules and I am tired of arguing with her."

    "Get to the point Dionysus. You talk too much." Artemis told him and he frowned.

    "Well the point is that tomorrow during the vote you have to vote that Allias is innocent. We can''t have him out of the game. He is the only one who doesn''t care at all about what others will think, he also doesn''t have anything to lose. So we need him to go against her."

    "He could lose his life." Persephone stated.

    "I don''t think this is something we should be concerned at the moment. I mean think of what would happen if Achlys takes over. Is one elf life that important when many others will suffer?" Dionysus asked and the goddess who sat at the corner of the room sighed loudly. It was Artemis.

    "I don''t see you risking your life though. Also he is Theseus'' lover." She announced and Apollo nodded in agreement.

    "We should look out for the kid too." The god of light suggested. "I mean, we are not really that heartless are we? I will vote for his innocence but I am sure Achlys will not let it go at that." He said.

    "I agree with you. Dionysus we shouldn''t be this cruel towards him. He is a nice kid." Suijin told him and the god rolled his eyes.

    "No one said he would die for sure but alright. Let''s protect him."

    "The actual problem will be what will Achlys do after that?" Artemis said and rubbed her chin, deep in thought. "I mean fine we gathered all here but our hands are tied. We can''t acasue any problems back home, father will...."

    "My brother will probably be too busy fucking some poor woman than actually caring." The deep sound of Hades'' voice filled the room. "Don''t worry there is no one outside. "But still I don''t want to mess with Hera. Let''s just leave them do their thing after the vote. If things done go well I will reserve them a good place back home." He said half joking. Persephone frowned.

    "You''re not really serious are you?" She asked him and he shrugged his shoulders.

    "I believe one thing is what should trouble us before everything." Suijin interrupted them. "Achlys'' secret guest." He told them.

    ...

    "What if I die tomorrow?" Allias said as he was lying on his bed. Theseus was right next to him caressing his hair, playing with the twisted locks as the king spoke.

    "With half of the pantheon here voting for you I don''t think you will lose this trial Allias. Achlys is stupid." Theseus stated wanting to make him feel better. The king chuckled, his body slightly moving so he could turn around and face him. He didn''t say anything, he just stared at him intensively. "What are you doing?" Theseus asked as he cocked an eyebrow.

    "Look at my face, very well." He said.

    "What? Why?"

    "In case I die tomorrow. Keep my fave in your mind. So you won''t forget me so easily. This time I won''t be coming back" he said and Theseus looked at him, his face expressionless. "This time, I don''t know if she will just let it go with a vote. I am scared, I won''t lie to you. She is cunning and hates me for no clear reason. She wants power desperately. I just...."

    "You will live Allias. I would never allow it for you to die. Look at me. Never again. I will never let you disappear in front of my eyes again. This is just a silly thing Achlys thought. Nobody cares, nobody likes her. My love, I will kill her if I have to." Theseus said and traced the details on Allias'' face with his fingertips. The king closed his eyes, enjoying the touch and smiled faintly.

    "You know you can''t do that." He told him. "I have a bad feeling about this Theseus. I don''t like this place. I don''t like her." Allias said and tears gathered at the corners of his eyes. "I want to be brave but what if things go worng again. I got tortured once, it hurt so much that I could endure but...I don''t want to die. I don''t want to leave you again. I want to have a family." He said, sniffling as he tried to keep his tears in. Theseus hugged him tightly, letting his head rest on his shoulder

    "You won''t die. Tomorrow everything will be over and we will go home. I promise you. I swear. I will not let anything bad happen to you." The general said. He felt Allias tighten his grip around him. Holding him.

    "Thank you." The king said and closed his eyes. He tried really hard. He tried to stop this fear inside of him, this tremble in his heart but he couldn''t.

    He had a bad feeling about tomorrow. He was almost sure that something would go wrong.

 Chapter 352 - 352

    "Someone looks unhappy." A voice was heard. Ares turned his head to meet the most unwanted person of the year, it was possible that he hated him more than Achlys, a lot more actually. T

    The younger elf couldn''t stand being in the same room with Ea. He kept looking at him with that judgmental expression as if he had murdered his whole family. Ares knew, he was very well aware of the mistakes that haunted him. He still got nightmares about it, he was still afraid when he got out of the elf kingdom that he would meet someone from those days and get exposed and in the end it did happen, ruining his life.

    He had found shelter in one of the small balconies that existed in almost every window of the castle. Some of them had their glass doors opened wide, the curtains dancing with the strong flow of wind. The raven haired man had stepped outside in desperate need of some air. The moment though Vines'' voice reached his ears everything seemed to crumble, as if someone had put a leash on his neck he felt it tighten around him, restricting him, making it hard to breathe again. The smirk the demon had on his face was pure proof of how satisfied he was with the obvious misery on Ares'' face.

    "Can you please leave me alone?" Ares asked him and the man laughed.

    "This is my house." He said.

    "I am a guest."

    "If I remember correctly you were banned. In other circumstances you would already be dead. I think I am too kind after all." He stated and this time it was Ares'' turn to laugh. He was avoiding his eyes. His red orbs facing hell right in front of him. The endless black ground, reminding him ashes and volcanoes. The rivers overflowing with blood and the smell of death everywhere. As he was right now, he really couldn''t believe how it was possible for him to have stayed there for so long. How did he not see this disaster, the pain and torture?

    "You? Kind? Come on, don''t try to fool yourself" Ares told him and the demon took a step towards him. Ares had placed his palm on the cold railings of the balcony. He felt Vines'' warm hand cover his and as if he had been burned he pulled it, not wanting to feel his touch.

    "I can be kind." Vines said overlooking the fact that Ares had once more blatantly rejected him. "if you want me to. You know, I believed I would never see you again. I thought you and I had something but after you left I wasn''t so sure. Maybe you were like the others, maybe the attraction I felt for you was just momentarily but as the days went by, as my partners changed again and again I could never find someone who loved pleasure as much as you. Someone who was made to be tortured because he loved the rush. Tell me Ares, the fact that you are here again, with my usual bedroom just a few meters away, how could it not be fate?" He asked him, wearing his most seductive smile.

    Ares took a step back. The way he towered over him, his smile and that glimpse in his eyes. Every inch of him screamed a suppressed madness. The way he spoke, the way he acted it was so obvious this man had lost it and the elf was starting to get disgusted with himself. Disgusted at how much of a fool he was and believed those fake sweet words.

    "You look scared" Vines stated with a smirk. Ares gulped. He knew that showing his fear was the biggest mistake he could make. That way the demon would find some kind of loophole and trap him, like a cat that was after a tiny mouse.

    He pushed him back, trying to gather all of his remaining courage. He had changed. He wasn''t the same person anymore. He had become brave and could recognize responsibilities, Ares also knew the extent of his powers, the situation he was in right now and that scared him. The demon in front of him was cunning and despicable, willing to do anything to get what he wanted.

    "I am not scared of you nor will I ever be. I am not a child." He told him and Vines laughed.

    "Not a child indeed. You have grown, a lot more handsome if you ask me. Such a shame that I don''t get to enjoy a body like yours anymore. I am quite sad but I am sure things will change soon." He told Ares, boasting with confidence. He raised his right arm and attempted to touch him, caress his cheek but the young elf grabbed his wrist midair, stopping him.

    "Don''t touch me. We are not together anymore. I am married." Ares told him and looked at him with a threatening stare.

    "You didn''t use to mind. When we were together, in my room, fucking. You didn''t seem to mind the fact that you were married. You were even turned on by that. Or am I wrong?" he asked him, his voice low, almost like a whispered that brought chills all over his spine. Ares scoffed and pushed his arm down.

    "That was when. I am not that stupid anymore and I love my husband. You can''t get in between us by lurking me in with sex. I get plenty of that anyways." He told him and tried to walk away. His words seemed to have agitated Vines. The demon grabbed him, putting all of his force and threw him on the railings almost making him fall off the balcony. He trapped him by placing his hands around him.

    "I think that''s enough? For how long do you think I will be so lenient about all this? It was your choice to come here even though you knew¡­I will not let you¡­"

    "I don''t want you near me, close to me, around me. How can I make it more clear? You disgust me." Ares told him and pushed him away angrily. In a hurry he rushed away, trying to get far from him.

    "Fine Ares, but remember this. I don''t like sharing my things, I prefer to break them if I have no other choice." He said grinning.

    Ares sighed as he met his eyes. He raised his hand and flipped him off finally away from him and more confident.

    He did not pay his words any mind.

 Chapter 353 - 353

    Nightmares, torturing him from the second he closed his eyes, a very horrible gut feeling and shivers as he felt his own blood boild underneath his freezing cold skin. He screamed in his sleep, his eyes closed shut as if someone had glued his eyelids together.

    It hurt. This constant struggle of trying to wake up from this endless nightmare was like a beast clawing his skin, a monster trying to rip out his heart. And while Allias screamed in his sleep Theseus held his hand, hoping that the king would soon wake up, free himself from this subconscious torture.

    A sorrowful expression, a gentle caress and a sigh, slow and heavy escaped from the general''s lips as he could only watch his beloved get destroyed even in his own sleep.

    The pillows and the sheets had become dump from his sweat. His body was tense, as he laid frozen with an unbearable expression of agony.

    "Allias..." The general called out. "Please" he pleaded. Who was he pleading to though? The gods? The king himself? Who would be the one that would stop this horror that was playing out like a grotesque play in his mind. Who would hear him as he whispered his lover''s name into the night and asked of some invisible power to soothe his pained soul? "Please" he repeated again as he removed a few wet, stray locks away from his eyes. The king began to calm down. His fast breathing slowed and his muscles relaxed. The groans were silenced and his eyelids were not moving like crazy anymore.

    The general exhaled, relieved for now, finding some short lived comfort as he began thinking of the events that would follow. A few hours had remained, less than a day and the crimson sun would shine above their heads signaling the beginning of a battle. Not a physical one, a battle simply based on whose mentality was stronger, a war between the devil and the golden king as they stared at each other with cold stares.

    For how long? For how long would Allias be able to withstand this facade? For how long would the king seemed unfazed only to simply crumble in the comfort of his own room? For how long would his exquisite beauty be able to hide the haunting of his soul? Theseus looked outside his window as morning soon arrived at the demonic capital.

    Oh how he wished this day wouldn''t come. He hoped that someone would stop time. He had hoped for this invisible power to grant one of his wishes but nothing happened. The current of time continued as always, unbofhered by the sorrow and terror that was overtaking them and when Theseus looked at Allias, knowing that he had to wake him up he felt a piercing pain on his chest. Was he waking him up to lead him straight to his doom? He wondered as he gently kissed his lips.

    The king''s eyes fluttered and for a second, still disoriented by the brief peaceful sleep he smiled, thinking that he was still in their room back in the palace. The red light though, rudely invading their room from the half drawn curtains shook him up and he immediately sat up.

    "It''s time." Theseus told him and the king nodded.

    For a whole day he had been treated like a proper guest. He had been given food and a very luxurious room. No one had bothered him nor was anyone hostile towards him. For a whole day in the Demonic Capital he was treated as who he was a king. Allias though was sure that things would now change. That Achlys simply gave him a taste of what he could have had, a simple glimspe of how he should have been treated just to shock him afterwards. The king was not expecting her to be kind nor compassionate. He did not expect his trial to be a smooth process either and the more he thought about it, the more he feared.

    Theseus helped him get dressed. He handed him his snow white clothing and the shiny hold cuffs that wrapped beautifully around his sculptured arms. He helped him tie his belt and wear his sandals. He was dressed the way he did back home. Freely, with light colors and shiny gold. Reminding himself of who he was. Remembering his mother and father, capable leaders, powerful elves and deep inside him be hoped he could mimick them even just a bit, hide how small and scared he felt.

    Theseus placed his crown on his head. It was cold and for the first time it felt incredibly heavy. He walwaus wore it with pride, holding his head high but now he felt as if it was impossible. The cold gold felt as if it weighted a ton and his shoulders slumbled, his face fell and the crown simply slipped off his head falling onto the floor. It made a hollow sound, e hoping in the quiet room and Allias looked at it, his eyes wide, his lips closed as his heart trembled.

    The general cruched and grabbed it. Holding it tightly as he placed his fingers underneath his chin and raised Allias'' face.

    "Wear it. It''s yours." He told him.

    "I don''t deserve it. I am scared. I am an embarrassment to my people, my parents. What kind of king gets scared?"

    "You are not just a king Allias. You''re a person too. You can be scared. That''s not what''s important. What really matters is that you overcome your fears, fight them head on show everyone how worthy you are of being king. A king who does not get afraid does not value the meaning of life, he does not value the life of his people he does not value nature and it''s gifts. You Allias are more fitting to be king than anyone else." He encouraged him as he placed the crown on his head one more time. The king smiled faintly, gazing at the white haired man with such love in his eyes.

    "How could I be so lucky? Some times I can''t believe it. You are and always be the one who makes me better. Thank you and no matter what happens today I want you to know..."

    "I don''t need to know." Theseus said, interrupting him. "We will leave that room together anyways." He told him and headed towards the door. "Now let''s go. We will be late. I am sure you want to doom Achlys as soon as possible." He said and Allias'' nodded smiling. He took his hand, not caring about proper etiquette anymore and walked towards the room they had instructed them to go yesterday.

    Allias could already hear voices from the outside even though the big double doors were closed. The guards pushed them open to him to reveal a crowd. It was a square room, with few furniture. It mostly had chairs from the middle of the room and back while in the middle the space was empty. On the other end of the room stood a few of the council members with Achlys sitting in the middle, smiling cunningly.

    The king walked in, scanning with his eyes familiar and unfamiliar faces. Many people, demons actually had come to spectate his trial. He found Asmodeus, Mark, Ares and Ea mixed up with them as his bright eyes traveled from face to face.

    There was one particular figure though thag surprised him and not pleasantly. He frowned a deep wrinkle forming between his eyebrows as he stared at her. Theseus realizing that something was wrong looked at him and then the direction he was looking at. He too couldn''t understand who he was looking at.

    "What''s wrong?" He asked the king.

    "This woman. That one" he said and pointed at her with his head. "She is the one that lived from the Chaos Sisters." He whispered and now Theseus was frowning with him too. They didn''t manage to exchange any more words, because Achlys'' voice echoed in the room, making everyone fall silent.

    "Shall we begin? Since the guest of honor is here..." She said, that hideous smile never fading off her face.

 Chapter 354 - 354

    I have seen your summoning pens and I have returned! We are going to return to our regular every day releases! I am so thankfull for all of you.

    Sometimes your heart beats too loud and your anxiety screams louder. Then everything turns blurry, meaningless as the voices and the stares turn numb. You are slowly starting to lose yourself, you keep falling in an endless pit of despair and no matter what''s happening you stay stuck, trapped in your own body the images still fades because no matter how hard you have tried your fears have won.

    That person was Allias. He had stood up walked in front of the so called magical court, the feared council and he had placed his palm on the wooden stand. He had been called there, Achlys'' voice cold and filled with confidence had made him shiver and the wonder of why was that woman there had made him even more worried. So as the demon began talking, while she explained while the council had been summoned and why she was in the unfortunate place to accuse of Allias for such a crime Allias remained frozen.

    "What do you have to say for yourself?" The woman asked him. She was looking down upon him and he could feel everyone''s eyes on him. He blinked a few times trying to regain his full focus and parted his lips.

    "I did not kill Hara." He stated. He was stupid, incredibly so. That was not the way he should approach things and he knew it. All mad men, all convicts would yell and scream that they didn''t do it but somehow that made them look even guiltier. In his case he was one of them, he was the one who ordered his death, he had indeed killed him but he would never allow himself to be punished by her. He would not allow himself to die until she was gone.

    Achlys chuckled, showing him clearly that he paid him zero respect. Allias clenched his fist, trying to remained composed. He could hear people whispering behind him, demon talking about him and he desperately wished to turn his head and steal a glance of Theseus. Look at him for just a minute, manage to get some comfort, look into his purple eyes and find peace. Somehow Allias felt even worse than when he was at the battlefield and for once more he realized how times had changed. How different he was from back then, how powerless. He had fallen, he had been wounded and weakened and right now he was forced to stand in front of this woman and be judged when there was a time no one would dare to even look at him.

    Where had his confidence gone? Where was the pride that made him always keep his head high? No matter how many times he had tried to restore this person, this shinning golden prince he would fail. Epically so. Where are you? He asked himself, trapped in his head while his crown suddenly began to feel heavier and heavier. Where are you? He wondered again.

    "Such a pity. Once a very promising prince, all powerful, leader of nations and now? Standing in front of us like a criminal. Is that all you have to say for yourself Allias? That you didn''t do it?" Achlys asked him. He was aware of what she was trying to do, she wanted to corner him, pressure him, make him feel so badly about himself that he simply gave up. I might do that, he thought for a second.

    "Allias¡­" he heard a whisper, his muscles tensing as he fought the urge to turn around. His voice, soft, a whisper that traveled to his ears. The sound of his name coming from his lips. "You are a king." He told him and his heart raced. Achlys looked at the crowd with a threatening stare.

    "Silence!" she said, not wanting Theseus getting involved in this.

    A king. What was a king anyways? A defender? An attacker? A ruler? A person or a myth? What should he be to be a king? So many questions troubling at the worst of times. Mum, father, how does one become a king? He wondered. Was it the lies, the scheming and the blood that made you a king or the faith, the trust and the hopes of the people that supported you? Allias didn''t know, he couldn''t guess. All he wanted as a prince and not a king was to slit her throat, he wanted to release himself from these shackles that he wore for so long. Today, today he had that chance. He could free himself and get rid of her. Release himself but not with blood, with his words. He couldn''t be a king, not right now but he could be himself.

    "I am not just a promising prince Achlys. I am a king of nations still. But I don''t think that you called me here to simply put me down with your words. So what is it that you really want?" he asked her and the woman coughed.

    "What I want? For criminals to be punished of course. That''s what I want. You killed my dear friend Hara. I had been studying his case for months and now it is time for your trial." She said and Allias smiled brightly.

    "Is that so? Your dear friend? Is that how we call our puppets now?" he asked her and she flinched. "Everyone here knows about your relationship with him and how the new troll leaders want to cut ties with you. I wonder why they would want that, especially if you were such good friends with their leader." He told her, his head raised high as he spoke and Achlys bit her lip, her mocking expression disappearing. "With what kind of evidence are you going to trial me?" he asked her. "You have nothing on me."

    "Well¡­" Achlys said returning his smile. She was vicious and as it seemed Allias had just asked her the question she needed. "As I said I have been investigating. I may not have something on you but she does." She said and her black painted nails showed the woman, the witch that sat in the crowd as she stood up. "Kalis, please approach us. Let''s show the council the truth."

    "What do you mean?" Allias asked confused. His eyes widening as the witch approached them slowly, her eyes filled with hate the moment she stood next to the king.

    "Your blood." Achlys stated.

 Chapter 355 - 355

    "Is that so? Your dear friend? Is that how we call our puppets now?" he asked her and she flinched. "Everyone here knows about your relationship with him and how the new troll leaders want to cut ties with you. I wonder why they would want that, especially if you were such good friends with their leader." He told her, his head raised high as he spoke and Achlys bit her lip, her mocking expression disappearing. "With what kind of evidence are you going to trial me?" he asked her. "You have nothing on me."

    "Well¡­" Achlys said returning his smile. She was vicious and as it seemed Allias had just asked her the question she needed. "As I said I have been investigating. I may not have something on you but she does." She said and her black painted nails showed the woman, the witch that sat in the crowd as she stood up. "Kalis, please approach us. Let''s show the council the truth."

    "What do you mean?" Allias asked confused. His eyes widening as the witch approached them slowly, her eyes filled with hate the moment she stood next to the king.

    "Your blood." Achlys stated.

    The crazy sisters had asked for his blood so they could bring Mark back, the king had felt that something had gone wrong but he could actually never imagine that Achlys would have such a well-planned scheme. He couldn''t understand how she had found out about him going there in the first place. It was supposed to be kept a secret.

    Allias in the chaos and confusion that had seemed to start suddenly he tried to think, find a way out of this. He wasn''t really sure what Achlys wanted to prove with his blood but he still wanted to calculate every excuse possible. As he kept pressuring himself to think, remember if he had missed out anything important his eyes widened.

    Asmodeus, he had sent a letter to his brother, probably simply wanting to inform him. He had to be the one who revealed their destination by accident and that was when Achlys found out about their visit to the Chaos sisters. Why was it his blood? How could she use it exactly against him? He wondered as he rubbed his temples.

    "Quiet! All of you!" Dionysus'' loud voice echoed in the room and a very strong wind scared easily the lesser demons, shutting their mouths.

    "What would his blood do? Why is that even evidence?" Rafael asked her, he had a strict expression on his face, observing the whole scene quietly as he stood at the edge of their long table. No one had said a word from the beginning of this so called trial but now all the gods and angels seemed to be in distress. The demon woman had dropped something to the table none of them expected.

    "I will explain everything but first let''s hear the witch, tell us everything." Achlys instructed her.

    "The elf king came to our Valley." Kalis began saying. Allias bit his lips anxiously looking back and forth between the demon and the scary looking witch. Necromancy was illegal. He was going to get in trouble for that too. "He dared to ask us what many have not tried to. He wanted us to bring his friend back from the dead." She told them and a unanimous gasp spread in the room.

    "He did what?" Hades asked and Achlys smiled brightly.

    "You heard her but keep talking dear."

    "He came to us and since we have been informed before by lady Achlys we accepted asking for his blood. You see the demon lady knew that he wouldn''t give his blood willingly to her. For the evidence to be valid the ones taken from the possible criminal had to be by his own will. So we offered him a deal. His blood for his friend''s return. He killed my sister!" The woman seemed to lose it in the end and angrily she turned towards him, pointing at him with her boney hand as she screamed in his face. "He killed her! He used his powers."

    "So as it seems dear elf king, you are not being charged just for murder. You also used illegal ways of magic and even released your own, even though you know there is a restriction put on you." She said.

    Allias gulped everything had turned into an utter mess and the confidence he had managed to gather with so much effort was fading away fast. He had to think of something. He definitely wouldn''t be able to get away from every single one of these charges so he had to evaluate the situation. Necromancy and using his powers were obviously bad but killing a tribe leader was the worst one of all. He would get some time in prison or maybe get whipped for the others but in Hara''s case the kindest punishment for him would end up with him losing his crown and his powers. He couldn''t risk trying to find a way out of everything. He had to though, stop them from prosecuting him for his murder.

    "First of all¡­" Allias began saying as he kept searching in the dusty corners of his mind for a solution. "You tricked me. You should have started an official investigation asking for the normal procedures. Obviously you did not do that because you were scared, about what I wonder. Maybe getting to close with council official who would check your every move would be a problem to your plan¡­"

    "How dare you say something like that about me?" Achlys said and slammed her hand on the table "Are you trying to imply that I am trying to frame you for something you didn''t? That''s ridiculous, what would I ever get out of anything like¡­"

    "Let the king speak Achlys. You might not like it and he might be trialed right now but he is still above you in class. You should respect that." Suijin told her without even finding it necessary to spare her a glance and the woman closed her lips, making them turn into a thin line.

    "Thank you. Second of all, why would you even need my blood?"

    "Hara had blood on him!" she exclaimed. "I am betting everything that it was your blood from when you killed him. We will compare it either you want it or not."

    Allias stopped talking. He looked at the demon who was smiling, thinking she was victorious. Yes, indeed it was his blood, it probably had splattered from that time he got whipped by him, when he covered up for Mark. He couldn''t reveal that though; he was going to put another crime on his back.

    "Check it then." He told her, a smirk appearing on his face. "Do it and let''s see if it''s really my blood."

 Chapter 356 - 356

    "Hara had blood on him!" she exclaimed. "I am betting everything that it was your blood from when you killed him. We will compare it either you want it or not."

    Allias stopped talking. He looked at the demon who was smiling, thinking she was victorious. Yes, indeed it was his blood, it probably had splattered from that time he got whipped by him, when he covered up for Mark. He couldn''t reveal that though; he was going to put another crime on his back.

    "Check it then." He told her, a smirk appearing on his face. "Do it and let''s see if it''s really my blood."

    Allias seemed overly confident as he locked eyes with the demon. Was it a bluff? No one could know. Everyone was aware of the mood swings the elf king had, the sudden changes in attitude. He was a total mystery to them and most of the times they tried to guess his next move only to fail epically. Allias was now standing at the stand, his head raised high as he denied himself from breaking that excruciating eye contact.

    "Well then we will." She said. "I have summoned a specialist from the Angelic Capital. I do believe that all of you agree that angels are the ones who can be trusted the most. They cannot lie after all." She announced and looked at the rest of the council members, waiting if someone would object. No one said anything and she nodded satisfied. She raised her arm and swiftly waved her fingers so the doors of the room would open.

    A very beautiful blonde woman with light brown eyes entered the room. She had her hair in braids, strictly resting on her back as she walked inside. In her hands she was holding a black box. The people stared at her, admiring her divine beauty but she would only look ahead. Her footsteps elegant her eyes cold as she approached the king.

    "Please step back." She told Allias, her voice as smooth as a lullaby and the king took a few steps away. He did as he was told but still stood close enough to be able to see with his own eyes what would happen.

    The angel placed the box on the wooden stand and opened it, revealing to the council its insides. There was a small vial, an object Allias easily recognized as the blood the Chaos sisters had stolen from him. He sighed as he watched the angel touch it gently and place it on the table. The next object that was hidden inside the small box was a piece of fabric. It was old and roughly cut, a huge bloody spot right in the middle of it. The angel put it down right next to the vial and looked at Achlys.

    "She will check the blood. This is a piece of Hara''s clothing. There was blood in them. Blood that shouldn''t be there showing clearly that it''s the murderer''s. The vial contains the elf king''s blood. She will cast a spell on them and we will see if they are the same. If they are, I demand that the elf king is executed!" She said, shouting the last few words with passion and the demons in crowd cheered gleefully. Dionysus slapped his hand on the table, staring at all of them with cold eyes.

    "And what if you''re wrong?" Allias asked tilting his head to the side.

    "What do you mean?" Achlys asked him. "You will be freed of charges." She said.

    "So, you summon me here, the elf king. Accuse me of murder and so many other crimes tarnishing my family''s name and you think that it would be enough for me to be simply freed as you say?"

    "This is truly ridiculous; this is a trial not a childish bet you should know better than¡­"

    "I think the king is right." Artemis interrupted the demon.

    "Falsely accusing someone is a crime too, so what''s it going to be dear demon lady?" Apollo asked her with a charming smile on his handsome face. Achlys seemed taken aback by their words. She looked around at all the members once again. All of them had chosen to remain silent. They were still afraid of Allias, she realized. They were thinking about his wrath in case she had been wrong. Achlys smiled. She wasn''t wrong, there was no way she would be.

    "Fine then, what is it that you want demon king?"

    "You will stop cooperating with the hunters. You will expose all of your crimes and you and your people will remain restrained in your area. No demon would be able to travel in or out the demonic capital without a permit." Allias purposed and her eyes widened. He smiled at her. "Are you sure you want to keep accusing me?" he asked her. She couldn''t back down. She would seem weak and cowardice but his confidence really seemed off putting. She clenched her hands in fists, her long nails ripping the skin of her palm and she said between gritted teeth.

    "Do it, check the damn blood." She ordered the angel and she nodded obediently.

    The woman placed both of her hands above the object and looked at the council.

    "If the color of the light is the same it means that the blood belongs to the same person." She explained and closed her eyes. Her lips moved slowly as she whispered something in an old angelic dialect. Suddenly the blood was removed from the cloth and the vial, floating in little drops until it was absorbed fast by her palms. First shone the left hand, the one that was above the cloth. It shone a bright white color, cold and foreign. The crowd and the council, all of them, were looking at her intrigued by her actions. Soon another light started to shimmer underneath her right hand, Allias'' blood. The angel opened her eyes widely as a beam of light exploded from her palm making her screech and step back, stumbling. It was warm, hot even and it exploded underneath her palm like a firework burning the wooden stand.

    "I don''t think I need to state this." She said as she tried to get her balance back "but these two belong to two different people." She stated and Achlys'' eyes widened in shock.

    "How?" She screamed as she stood up.

    How?

 Chapter 357 - 357

    "I don''t think I need to state this." She said as she tried to get her balance back "but these two belong to two different people." She stated and Achlys'' eyes widened in shock.

    "How?" She screamed as she stood up.

    "I will tell you how, it''s simply because I am not the murderer." Allias said with a cunning smile on his face. Achlys stared at him, biting her lip annoyed as she looked around hoping to find something, think what could have gone wrong to her perfectly calculated plan.

    "You are a liar!" She said completely losing her composure. She attempted to get down of the higher place their table had been placed. She wanted to get to the elf king, struggle him with her own hands. Her rage was bubbling, like a cauldron filled with poison she was ready to explode. As she walked ready to attack him Hades stood in front of her, taller by a lot than her, looking down at the woman with his cold eyes.

    "You brought me all the way here from my kingdom just for a fraud? What is this?" he asked her, his voice so loud that for a second Allias felt like he needed to cover his ears. The demon shriveled, almost taking a step back scared and Achlys tried really hard to smile at him.

    "Excuse me your highness. This trial was not a fraud I swear he really killed him! He is trying to trap me." She said.

    "I am trying to trap you? You were the one who took my blood without me knowing. I thought your plan was perfect Achlys. Tell me, did you get confused by your own lies?" he asked her. It was amazing how Allias had managed to catch her in her own trap. He couldn''t stop smiling and that was probably what annoyed her the most. Achlys couldn''t take her eyes off him once again and it wasn''t because of his undeniable beauty. It was simply because she was envisioning ripping his head off.

    "You fucking¡­"

    "Enough with these games. Achlys you have disappointed us all." Rafael was heard. "Please excuse us elf king. We are very sorry for this inconvenience." The angel told him, bowing deeply in front of him. Allias shook his head, signaling him to stand up.

    "It''s a shame. All of you had been fooled by this woman. Such a shame. I hope she gets punished properly." She told Rafael and without waiting for a reply, which he didn''t need he turned around, looking at his people and ordering them to get out of this horrific room. When he reached the room the king spared her one last glance, winking playfully at Achlys while everyone else was focused on her. "You lose." He mouthed happily and the woman screamed as she tried to get to him.

    The moment they were finally alone, no demon''s around listening to them Theseus grabbed Allias by his arm and brought him in his embrace. His heart was racing. Beating so fast Allias could easily hear it underneath his ribcage. He smiled and raised his head, meeting with his worried purple eyes as he spoke.

    "It''s over. Don''t worry." He tried to comfort him.

    "But how, what happened?" Ares asked him and the king chuckled.

    "Explain everything." Mark said. "I am really curious about this whole fiasco. Simply because that woman seemed so confident but you were suddenly smiles and all. For a second I believed you had lost it because you were going to die."

    "It''s actually very simple." Allias said, smiling proudly. He felt like a genius while he watched everyone hanging from his lips, anticipating his every word. "Achlys found out about us resurrecting Mark through Vines and the letter Asmodeus sent him by the way." He revealed and the red haired looked at the demon who took a step back while smiling awkwardly.

    "Did you? Really?" Mark asked as he exhaled.

    "Honest mistake." Asmodeus accepted and raised his arms up in defeat.

    "Yes, but what happened with the blood?" Ea asked. He seemed really confused and Allias couldn''t help but chuckle. "Was it really your blood?"

    "It was but at the same time it wasn''t?" he told them making his answer sound like a riddle. "The blood on Hara''s clothes was indeed mine, it had probably been splattered there while I was being tortured. The blood on the vial was also mine but there is a crucial difference to it. The stages of my awakening." He revealed.

    "What the heck?" Mark asked, seeming even more confused than before. "I thought you were already you know, the elf king and all."

    "I am, now. The awakening did happen a long time ago but it takes a while for me to return to my full potential and power. Meaning that back then I still had a bit of human in me all while not having all my magic back my own blood did not seem like my own. Do you get it?" Allias asked mark but the red haired boy scratched the back of his head.

    "I will simply say yes and be happy that you will leave." Mark stated.

    "When I realized it, or maybe when I figured it out I was too excited." Allias said "I trapped her in her own trap, or more like my mother did." He said, thanking his mother. If she hadn''t done all that for him he wouldn''t be able to escape let alone be here. The king would be dead.

    "So that means we are finally free of her." Ea said with a shy smile.

    "I think so." Allias answered.

    ¡­..

    "How could you do something like this just because of your personal grudge. You doomed your own people Achlys." Rafael told her, talking to her like a strict teacher and she shook her head, her hands in the air as she fiercely kept denying that she lied.

    "I am telling you it was him! Him!" she repeated and the angel sighed, fed up with her.

    "Enough! Stop with this nonsense. You have spoiled the council''s reputation enough. I will be waiting for you at the Angelic capital in a few days. We will go through with the procedures of your punishment. Consider yourself lucky the king didn''t ask for you to be killed."

    "Wait, Rafael wait I¡­"

    "Shut up. Really your voice is so annoying." Dionysus sounded from behind her. He couldn''t really hide his happiness. The outcome had been perfect and he didn''t have to lift a finger for it. "Such a shame Achlys. If I were you I would hide, once your people find out on what your agreed they might kill you themselves. Allias won''t have to do anything."

    The demon was left alone into the huge room. The chairs empty, her whole play had been a disaster and somehow she had been the one that had lost. She looked around, her face painted a bright red that signaled very obviously her anger.

    "Vines!" She screamed and the lion like demon appeared.

    "Well that was a failure." He told her with a bored expression on his face.

    "Do something. Do something!" She said like a stubborn child. "At this point I simply want the king and his little cocky lover to suffer. That''s all I need. Do something."

    "I can''t do what you''re asking me dear¡­wait, I can do anything?" he asked her, suddenly intrigued by her words. A spark lit up his soulless eyes and he hungrily stared at her. A smile forming on his face, wide and creepy.

    "Anything, just make them suffer." She said.

    "Anything!" The demon exclaimed in a singing tone, filled with glee before he disappeared.

 Chapter 358 - 358

    Trigger warning.

    This chapter had been closed. Achlys and all of her bad deeds would finally put to a stop and Ares'' burdened heart would get just a bit lighter. He had tried so hard to forget, he did his best to help the people he met afterwards and love by his rule of always being honest and kind. Even though he was aware that changing his attitude wouldn''t simply erase his past mistakes he had tried it. He had pretended he never met Vines, he had lied to himself that he didn''t just turn a blind eye to one of the biggest atrocities he had ever witnessed. He had turned into a completely different person with the hope that no one would search for his old self.

    Right now though he had been exposed. His flaws and the damage he had done had been simply put out in the open for the person that had stolen his heart to see. Ea knew everything, all the small details of the black pages in the book of his life and his usually warm eyes were filled with pain and disgust. He was the one causing these negative feelings, he was aware that he should just disappear but he couldn''t. He couldn''t just say yes to being separated from him.

    Being with Ea had shown him a different world. A place where he didn''t sleep just to ease his pain. A home that was filled with warmth and laughter. Ea had shown him that he could live not just survive. His guilt had made him hostile, forget that maybe he too deserved to find some kind of happiness.

    All Ares believed he could do was simply fall to his knees, beg for his lover to not leave him and maybe think of forgiving him. He knew that what he had done was wrong, he knew he was a despicable and flawed person but Ea, he made his better. His smile made him hope again and he wasn''t ready to give that up.

    That''s why after Allias'' explained everything he gave Ea some time on his own in their room as he walked around alone, his only company his depressing thoughts. Memory after memory a bitter taste had ended up lingering in the back of his mouth. As he recalled on his bad deeds he hated himself more and more, hands clenched in fists on his sides he breathed in. He should confront himself, he should man up and look Ea in the eyes. He couldn''t use excuses anymore. Ea loved him, he knew it he could feel and maybe he would be willing to give him another chance.

    He headed towards their room, frozen for a while outside the door as he heard the small elf pace here and there, the rythmic sound of his walking almost too familiar. He raised his arm ready to knock and ask to be let in when the door opened and the smaller elf stood before him with a displeased expression.

    "What?" He asked him coldly and Ares took a deep breath.

    "I want to talk to you." He stated and the small elf scoffed. He grabbed the door and was ready to smack it in his face but Ares placed his foot in between the strong wood and the frame groaning when he felt the sudden pain. "Please, I am begging you. Hear me out. One last time. I will never bother you again if you haven''t changed your mind." He said and heard Ea sigh. He seemed to be thinking for a second before he took a step back and opened the door, allowing him to come inside. Ares smiled seeing how he took a few steps back and stood still with his usual judgemental look. He didn''t know why but he felt that this was better, much better than the silence and the hate. He didn''t mind being judged, he didn''t mind being called names. Being hated though and abandoned, he simply couldn''t handle it.

    "You have five minutes. Start talking." He said and Ares nodded.

    "I know there are no excuses for what I did. I am immature and spoiled. I am a brat that doesn''t think before he acts. Yes, I know. I tend to lose myself when I am sad and start fights without a reason. I am a total mess but Ea... you''re not. You''re smart and kind. You''re nice and polite, so focused and good at what you do. You are the only one who can help me. I need you, I need you to be the better version of me. A version that would be worthy to be by your side. I know that what I did will never be erased. I know that even of I committed thousands acts of kindness still that moment would keep haunting me but when I finally got to be with you something changed. Life didn''t seem so pointless anymore and my pride, my arrogance, those things did not matter anymore. All I could see, all I can see...it''s you. I love you and I couldn''t stand being away from you. I...I am sorry for everything, not just because you found out but because it happened, because I let it happen." Ares told him, tears making his red eyes glisten as he tried not to start sobbing like a small baby. Ea had been standing still all this time. His expression unreadable as he breathed slowly. He licked his lips and took a step forward. He raised his arm and slapped him, his right palm landing right in the middle of Ares'' cheek, leaving a huge red print.

    "You have made a huge mistake. You hid something so horrible, you tried to erase it and now that you''re caught you..."

    "No, that''s not it! I didn''t try to hide it and I am not apologizing because you found out. I didn''t let anyone know because I was ashamed, ashamed of how lowly and disgusting I was. Ashamed of how I couldn''t be enough for you. Ea please believe me." Ares said and grabbed his husband''s hands. "I will do anything to fix this. No matter what you ask." He stated and a faint smile appeared on Ea''s face. Ares'' frantic heartbeat began to calm down, he was smiling.

    "Anything?" He asked tilting his head to the side.

    "Anything." Ares repeated and watched how Ea approached him. He stood close to him, his palms resting on his chest before he hugged him tightly. At first the prince was surprised with this reaction. He didn''t expect Ea to be so easily swayed and he had a lot more to say but he allowed himself to relax for a moment and feel his warmth. The slow beating of his heart.

    "Then die for me, will you?" Ea whispered and Ares'' eyes widened. He tried to move but he couldn''t. Suddenly Ea seemed to be a lot stronger than usual, so much that he couldn''t release himself from his grip when he felt it.

    A knife ripping the skin of his back. The hand that was holding him stabbed him and dragged the lethal object downwards splitting in half his back. Ares'' screamed, tears gathering in his eyes. It wasn''t just the stab. It was the burn that came with it. The metal object had been poisoned.

    The elf prince felt his mouth get filled with blood and began coughing. He was set free from his attacker''s embrace and fell to his knees, barely able to breathe. Tears escaped his eyes, as his vision slowly turned blurry. He couldn''t move, he couldn''t see, he couldn''t breathe. He was dying.

    "Ea..." He whispered before he fell onto the floor, his whole body getting numb.

    "You should really be careful when you say anything, you never know who''s listening" A familiar voice was heard and the man who had been pretending to be Ea showed his true form. "No one likes disobedient pets. Goodbye my little lover." He said and threw the knife on the ground.

    It was Vines, he was the one who had killed Ares.

    ....

    I am trully sorry. Please don''t hate me.

 Chapter 359 - 359

    A few hours earlier.

    "I am simply glad that everything is over" Allias said with a smile and Ea nodded eagerly. The small elf couldn''t believe what had just happened. Allias seemed devestated at first, scared of the hateful eyes but slowly his expression had changed, showing unbelievable confidence. That''s why Ea admired him. He was strong, trully strong. Even though his mentality sometimes brought him down he always found a way to pull through. Allias couldn''t see it but all of the elves couldn''t think of a better person to be king.

    "Yes. Now if you''ll excuse me I will be taking a walk." Ares said and Ea looked at him with a frown.

    "Yes, go meet your best friend." He stated and everyone looked at them with a questioning look.

    "What has been going on here? Don''t think I forgot what you said about separating. You have a soul link, what could be so bad for you to break it?" Theseus asked them, his eyes focusing on his brother. He seemed uncomfortable by the way everyone looked at them and for the first time in quite a while he had chosen to remain silent.

    "I want to break the link. I don''t want to be married to a liar. I think that it would be better for us to go our separate ways." Ea stated and Ares looked at him, letting out an annoyed scoffed before he began walking.

    "Fuck it." He mumbled as he walked away, not wanting to be there any longer.

    "Ea, what happened?" Allias asked him, looking concerned about the young couple. The elf stared at them, thinking if he should confess what he had found out. Everyone seemed to be waiting eagerly to hear the reason and the king''s eyes were glued on him. He couldn''t bear to watch him like that. He looked like a concerned mother that was trying to find out why her child was in trouble. Ea sighed loudly, not really thinking about the fact that this was Ares'' story and that he should be the one to tell everyone.

    "I found out something about Ares and it''s simply horrible." He commented before he started his story telling. Ea confessed everything, all of the details and the attrocities the elf had done in his time of despair. As he explained everything he felt shivers, the hairs all over his body raising. The images from Ares'' memories were popping in his mind and he frowned as he remembered.

    "I see" Theseus said crossing his hands over his arms. "What he did, well it''s horrible." He agreed.

    "Yes but, is it really enough for you to seoerate with him?" Allias asked him and Ea looked at him in shock. Hadn''t he be sharing the story all this time? Did the king not listen to what the Disse prince had done. "Oh, don''t look at me like that" Allias said with a gentle smile.

    "I''m sorry but...did you hear what he did? It was horrible, the mess, his mind, I still thing about it and get disgusted." Ea commented and Allias sighed.

    "Look between all of us, you''re the one who has never done a bad thing, someone who never hurt anyone. Ea you''re very kind and noble. That I think we all know..."

    "Wait, I''ve never done anything bad either." Mark commented, interrupting Allias'' speech. The tall elf looked at him, raising his eyebrows.

    "You sentenced your lover to three hundred years of solitude in hell, what do you mean?" Allias asked him.

    "Oh, yes. Please continue then" Mark said embarrassed.

    "As I was saying, Ea you are trully a good elf. One of the best that I''ve met in my life. You''re honorable and disciplined and you have a very kind heart. And because you are like that and so honest it''s easy for everyone to see how much you love Ares. I know you must be disappointed in him, believe me I am shocked too but I don''t think he is that person anymore. I don''t think he ever was actually. Demons can be tricky, no offense Asmodeus...."

    "It''s true" the demon agreed shrugging his shoulders.

    "...and I am sure Ares deeply regrets his actions and that''s why he has changed so much. Ea, he was lost. He lost his parents, his home, he went through something a lot of you will never understand being kidnapped and tortured, unable to help and when the war was over he was left with nothing. He believed he had no one. When he came back you helped him stay. I think that''s amazing. He loves you so much that he didn''t run away again."

    "He stayed because you had returned." Ea said and Allias chuckled.

    "I really doubt that. Maybe you haven''t noticed the way he is looking at you. His eyes are filled with so much adoration some times it''s to much to handle. Ares trully loves you, that''s why he always tries to make you smile. What he did was trully horrible but I have done horrible things too, Theseus too. Do you hate us or think that we are bad?" He asked him and Ea''s eyes widened.

    "What? Of course not!" The younger elf exclaimed and Allias patted his head.

    "Then why is it so different for the man you love? All of us sometimes have found ourselves doing wrong things and yes, maybe salvation for us is long gone but don''t you think we at least deserve one person by our side? I don''t want Ares to be all alone again because of his past mistakes, especially when he has tried so much. The final decision will be yours but maybe, just maybe you can show him a lot more, help him a lot more by being by his side rather than leaving him. That''s my opinion at least."

    "I...I just felt like I was being deceived. Like he had been lying all this time." Ea said, his face facing the floor.

    "I don''t think that''s it" Theseus stepped in. "You know I am quick to scold my brother when he does something stupid. Ares though is very prideful. I just think he was ashamed. Maybe scared too, that you will hate him" the general said. "Believe me, there is nothing worse than looking the person you love most in the world and seeing hate and disgust in their eyes."

    "I don''t know." Ea said after hearing everything they had told him. "I am still confused."

    "Why don''t you have a talk with him?" Allias asked. "Right now." He said and grabbed Ea''s hand. The young elf was surprised at first but followed the king quietly. He probably needed that small push, he knew himself and sometimes he was too cowardly to take the first step. He was thankful that Allias was willing to help him. They went up the wide staircase and the younger elf diligently led them to the corridor where his room was. He could clearly see the half opened door but his eyes focused on something different, something that didn''t much the scene well. It seemed out of place.

    He stopped walking, focusing to see clearer when he heard Allias gasp next to him. As he slowly realized what he was looking at his heartbeat began to race, going wild.

    There was a half opened door, showing an emtpy room but through the small slit between the ground and the floor blood was oozing out, creating a crimson pool.

    Ea was frozen, the only thing functioning in his body was his heart because his mind seemed to have completely shut down. He took a dazed step, feeling Allias'' grip around his wrist in an attempt to stop him but the small elf for the first time disobeyed him. He shook his hand off and slowly he reached to his room. He pushed the door open completely with his finger tips and his eyes scanned the floor.

    There he was. Lying on the cold floor on his stomach. His eyes wide open, red matching the blood that had escaped his lips. His back was ripped open, like he had been attacked by some kind of wild beast and a knife had been dropped to the floor right next to him. The scent of spider Lily was prominent in the air. Ea heard footsteps behind him. He expected to hear a scream but silence followed. A silence so heavy that Ea felt like he couldn''t breathe.

    He couldn''t take his eyes away. He couldn''t move either he just stood there like a blank piece of paper staring like a fool.

    "Ea..." He heard Allias'' shaking voice. He wanted to reply. Say something to the king but his body didn''t seem to want to obey. He just looked and looked until his eyes watered. He burned that image into his mind. The ripped skin, the pool of blood, his wide with shock eyes. Even now that his vision was blurry he could still see it. He could still see him dead on the floor. "Ea..." Allias repeated and finally the elf managed to turn around. It was as if his limps had turned rusty, as of he was a robot controlled by someone else and with tears in his expressionless face he spoke.

    "He is dead." He stated, seeing how Allias too was crying. "He is dead." He repeated. "Dead. Dead. How? How can he be dead? What? No..." He Mumbled confused and turned again around. He fell to his knees, drenching himself with his lover''s blood. "He can''t be dead!" Ea screamed, shouting at the top of his lungs. "Wake up." He screamed and shook Ares'' lifeless body again and again. "Wake up! Wake up!" He said again and again but obviously he received no answer. Ea heard footsteps again but he didn''t bother turning around. He was only focused on him. "You can''t die!" He screamed "not like this...I...was planning to forgive you...I..." He mumbled, his throat hurting from the screaming.

    "Allias, take Ea away." He heard Theseus'' familiar voice and his eyes widened.

    "No, no." He said when he felt Allias touch his shoulder. "He will wake up." He said looking at Allias with a twisted smile, tears staining his face. "He is immortal, we are immortal. He can''t die, this is a joke, a sick joke."

    "Ea, come on. Just for a little bit, get up. We need to ....clean up....We have to ....call someone." Allias said trying not to collapse too.

    "No." Ea mumbled again. "Wake up!" He screamed and pushed Ares again. He wouldn''t move, his body was cold and his eyes had lost their usual fire, he was empty, completely gone. "he is dead" Ea said before he felt his head ringing. "A corpse." He whispered and suddenly he fell unconscious to the floor.

 Chapter 360 - 360

    The summoning pens...oh god, ty though. Okay guys I see you, sorry for the wait I was a bit unwell.

    Could it be his smile or the way his eyes lit up the moment their gazes met? Could it be how caring was his touch or how his laughter echoed like a hymn in the empty room? The way he held him, swiveled him around under the dim candlelight. The loud music of violins and the shadows on his handsome face as the candles trembled all around them. It could be all that and many more, the reasons why Ea had fallen in love with Ares. He couldn''t count them nor he would say the same five or six or seven things every time. If someone would ask him his reasons always would be different because they were so many that it was impossible to keep a standard.

    His confidence, his honesty and his sass. His body and his soft hair, the sweetness of his kisses and the warmth he provided the small elf with. Again and again, second after second Ea would find out about something new, another small reason why the childish and spoiled Disee prince was actually the most adorable and caring person he had ever met. As if he had jumped out of the pages of a book Ea remembered clearly the first day he had met him. A dark crown on his raven colored hair and a dull expression as he scanned a room full of people. This was the official first time these two had met and Ea trembling filled with anxiety had tried to hide as to avoid him.

    The truth was though his eyes had always been following him. From his lazy posture on the throne and his father''s scolding to his loud laughter while he drank wine with his friends Ares was a complete sight to behold. A true prince of darkness and as he had stepped out that night, in need of some air, standing underneath the star lit sky Ea realized that no one else fitted the darkness of the endless sky like him. No one could stand in between the stars and be as if he was at home. No one stood so proudly, obnoxiously almost, but at the same time looked so ethereal.

    Back then the small elf wished he could freeze time. Keep his figure in a frame on his mind and then carefully place it in the locker of his heart. Such beauty and pride, such cold and unwelcoming eyes and such a wide mystery that Ea couldn''t help but be intrigued. He was scared though, young and cowardice and because of that he had lost time, because of misunderstandings and his lack of courage, because of Ares'' childishness time slipped through their fingers like sand. Ea wasn''t worried though, they were immortals, they had forever, infinity. Their days would never end and Ares'' smile would keep accompanying him hour after hour.

    Time though is tricky and no one could reign on him. The threads of fate had a different story written for them and the certainty the small elf had been feeling shattered into million pieces while he watched his lover laid on the cold ground, brutally murdered. An end? Why had he never thought of that? An end with no goodbye, an end that simply left a bitter heart and the acidic aftertaste of a fight. There was no more time. Ea had used up all his time with Ares and suddenly, he felt completely empty, as if his heart had died along with him. There was no way his lover was dead, the man that had promised him forever could not have died, he couldn''t have broken his word so easily.

    "Ea, Ea¡­" Someone whispered and the young elf woke up, panting and frantically looking around. He wasn''t in his room and the one calling his name was Allias, staring at him with a cornered expression.

    "I¡­I just had a terrible nightmare." He said and wiped the sweat off his forehead. His whole body was drenched, his skin burning up while his mind was occupied with images of his nightmare, bright red and guts, wide open eyes and horror, pain. "Where is Ares? I need to speak with him." He said but Allias didn''t answer him.

    Allias'' eyes teared up and he grabbed his hand. He couldn''t speak, he couldn''t tell him that it wasn''t just a nightmare. He couldn''t reveal to him that his reality was not a dream, the horror was simply beginning.

    "No, there is no way¡­It was just a bad dream." Ea mumbled, his eyes overflowing with tears. He was reliving Ares'' death and somehow he was sure he would go through this torture every day. Every morning when he would wake up and see his spot empty next to him. His death would simply be an endless cycle for him, again and again until he lost his mind.

    "I am sorry, I am so sorry Ea." Allias cried and hugged him tightly. He didn''t know what to say, the small elf simply screamed again, everything repeating itself as he bowled his eyes out. He gripped on Allias'' silk shirt as if he was begging for dear life. Someone please stop this pain please. He screamed in his head.

    "I can''t breathe, I can''t breathe¡­" Ea said while he pushed Allias away, panting. The king looked at him, pain written on the wrinkles of his face. "I¡­who¡­"

    "We don''t know." Allias said. "We don''t know who did it Ea." He said and the small elf stopped moving. His eyes widened as he realized. Ares wasn''t simply dead, he didn''t die of old age, the prince had been murdered. Someone had gone into his room, holding that dagger and had brutally murdered him.

    "Where is his body?" He asked, his face turning completely expressionless in an instant.

    "He is being kept in a special room. Theseus is talking with the gods for an official investigation we¡­" Allias explained.

    "There won''t be any need for that." Ea said. "I am going to see. I am going to see who did it." He said and stood up. Allias stared at him in shock, unable to understand how he felt. He walked towards the door, his steps steady as he grabbed the doorknob and took a deep breath. His hands were shaking but still he didn''t turn back. "I will see who did it and I will gut him alive." Ea said as he opened the door not daring to face the king.

 Chapter 361 - 361

    Ea had never wished for someone to fall to harm, he had also never wished for his hands to be painted red by the blood of his enemies. He didn''t even know if he had enemies. He was always quiet and composed. Self-disciplined and he never put himself first. He was a soldier made to follow orders. He had no needs or wishes of his own and if sometimes they happened to surface he knew very well how to conceal them and keep a straight face.

    This time though, for the first time the elf felt as if his emotions were too strong to simply bottle them up, hide them behind his mask. This time the anger that was making his blood boil had finally managed to possess him and while he walked in the narrow corridors he wasn''t really seeing anything. He was simply following Allias'' figure waiting to reach his lover. Waiting to see once more his dead body.

    Ea had told himself that he would not collapse again. He would enter the room, place his hand on his cold and bloody face and see everything because it was too late. Using the soul link to enter someone''s mind was not considered one of the most noble acts someone could do, especially if that someone was dead. Ea had done it once before without thinking of the violation he had committed. He would never be able to say he was sorry for that, he thought and for a second, the moment they stood in front of the closed door he stopped. He needed to see, he couldn''t waste any more time. Ea reminded himself as he pushed the heavy wood and entered this special room as Allias had called it.

    No special at all. Nothing unique about it. Simply four walls, no windows nor door rather than one simple exit and in the middle an iron bed where Ares had been placed. The rip on his back had been sewn and in one of the dark corners of the room Theseus was standing, with his back on his wall his hands bloody as he stared the floor.

    "Hey." He simply told them, his voice cold and distant.

    "I will see who did it." Ea said and Ares'' older brother looked at him.

    "No, I can''t have you fainting in here while I look for my brother''s murderer."

    "I won''t faint." Ea stated and the general scoffed. Without waiting for a reply from him he approached the dead body and raised his shaking hand. Cold as ice and stiff, a pale grey tone could be described as the color of his complexion and the small of the poison still lingered around him disgustingly. He touched him, closing his eyes as he waited to be sucked in, witness a brutal scene but all he did see was himself and all he could hear was Ares'' voice.

    "I know there are no excuses for what I did. I am immature and spoiled. I am a brat that doesn''t think before he acts. Yes, I know. I tend to lose myself when I am sad and start fights without a reason. I am a total mess but Ea... you''re not. You''re smart and kind. You''re nice and polite, so focused and good at what you do. You are the only one who can help me. I need you, I need you to be the better version of me. A version that would be worthy to be by your side¡­.All I could see, all I can see...it''s you. I love you and I couldn''t stand being away from you."

    His words, his kind eyes, his soft lips. Oh how Ea wished he could simply extend his hand and touch him, pull him out, save him from this trickster that had taken his life. He felt a lump forming in his throat as he heard him say he loved him.

    I love you too, he wanted to scream. He tried to, hoping that Ares would hear him but memories had no soul and the person in front of him was simply a hologram. I am sorry. Ea mumbled. I am so sorry. And he was, he felt horrible. The small elf kept observing the horrid scene, disgusted by how someone had used their love to bring such disaster. How was it even possible such noble and kind feelings to be turned into a weapon? How was it possible the regret and the need for forgiveness to end up being someone''s doom? Ea was young and maybe that was the reason why he didn''t understand. He couldn''t stop his stomach from turning though at the thought that someone had disrespected Ares'' love in such a way.

    The person disguised as him fell in his arms. He had taken Ares'' last embrace and it wasn''t even genuine. He had given him a fleeting moment of happiness before he ruined his world. The dagger had been dug deep into his body, the blood oozing like an angry river and Ea couldn''t stop watching. He had to keep watching because the moment he took his eyes away he would lose the memory.

    His eyes widened as he met with Ares'' killer. The psychopath who had ruined his life just in a few seconds. He had seen his face, he knew who he was but his eyes, saddened watched his lover. He heard him whisper his name as his last word was exhaled together with his last breath. How he sounded, how he fought to keep his eyes open, how he called him but he was away, away and angry at him, away and thinking of leaving him.

    Such a fool, such an immature fool he had been and now he was paying it with everything he had.

    The memory was gone and Ea found himself back, surrounded by the king and the general. Tears were staining his cheeks as he had been crying al this time and his hand moved from his forehead where he was resting. He caressed his cheek and touched his face for one last time.

    "I am sorry too and I love you." He whispered before he turned to the two men. "It was Vines, he was the one that killed him." He confessed.

    "Allias, take Mark and Asmodeus away. All of our people that are here too, find a way to kick out the gods and the angels." Theseus told him.

    "Theseus¡­" Allias called him, seeing the harsh expression on his face. He wasn''t planning on stopping him. "I will and I will return." He said and looked at Ea. "Do you want to leave or will you stay?" he asked him.

    "I will stay."

 Chapter 362 - 362

    Theseus was beautiful, when he talked, when he smiled, when he frowned. Every single movement, every change in his expression showed clearly the beauty his charactersitics held. The straight and long nose, the lilac vibrant eyes, cold and distant, the snow white hair that fell lazily in front of his face and that little scar horizontally on his nose, pinkish and small, seen only if someone paid close attention. Theseus was beautiful, even when he simply stood expressionless he shone and Allias always admired that beauty of his, the coldness and elegance in his stance. The spark in his eyes, as he seemed to be wary of everything.

    That spark. Allias always searched for it, a comfort that his lover was still there, a reassurance that he was well. It was a small shine in the endless purple he loved so much. When Theseus faced the dead body of his brother, when he spent hours locked in that room looking at it the spark disappeared. The king had noticed it immediately and his heart ached suddenly. This was a sign, a very obvious omen, maybe others couldn''t see it while he stood in the corner , his hands crossed over his chest while he breathed calmly but Allias could see everything clearly. Theseus was suffering.

    As he had left the room, his expression still fresh on his mind his heart trembled, worried and anxious of what was about to follow Ares'' childish and kind smile passed through his mind. He was indeed gone, so fast like a summer storm. Allias was sick of seeing his people die. He was sick of being a bystander while everything around him crumbled and he desperately tried to save a few pieces at the last moment.

    So when he entered the room all of the council members were gathered, after he securely led Amsodeus and Mark out he knew, there was no chances of going back. As the huge double doors opened wide, smacking the walls and gaining everyone''s attention Allias knew he was t doing this for him, for his throne or his crown. He would risk everything, even causing the displeasure of the gods just to satisfy Theseus.

    A king never received orders from anyone,but when it came to Theseus he was willing to burn the whole world. Turn into a beggar, melt the gold crown and shatter the enormous palace. If Theseus had ordered it, of the spark in his eyes would returned by that he would do it.

    That''s why he didn''t feel any fear as their eyes looked at him confused. He didn''t feel weak or cornered as he scanned the beautiful faces of the all mighty gods and he wasn''t planning on backing down, he would fight even if it meant fighting them. He had stood still long enough, obeying their stupid rules and now Ares was dead. Revenge was the least he could do and somehow he was done being the bigger person.

    "What is it Allias? You didn''t even announce yourself." Rafael scolded him but he didn''t mind.

    "Ares is dead." The king told them and Dionysus instantly stood up. His olive green eyes landed on the king, a wrinkle forming between his brows as he processed the news.

    "What do you mean he is dead?" He repeated his tone low.

    "I mean that he was murdered. By the demon''s your council wishes to keep allies so much. I did not come here to ask for your help. I came here to warn you. You need to leave. My people will get revenge."

    "Wait a second." The angel said. "I am trully sorry about the lost of one of your own but this is completely out of order. You shall not act so recklessly and ...."

    "Does it look like I am asking you?" Allias asked him raising his tone. Rafael flinched, not expecting his intense reaction. His angel companion stood up, keeping a defensive stance. "You had the audacity to bring me here, accuse me of murder. You wanted to whip my human friend and retarined my power. You sat still as my kingdom burned and you pretended you didn''t know what Achlys was doing all this time and you dare to try and stop me? For how long do you think I will remain silent? For how long do you believe I will stand this before I burn you all?" Allias asked him, his eyes wide, his hand forming a fist on his side, his nails so deep into the skin that soon he would draw blood. He wanted to scream, attack them, blame them for everything. He wanted to end Achlys and them too.

    "Are you threatening us?" Hades asked, a serious expression on his face as he examined Allias from head to toe. He didn''t seem like the man that would pay attention to details. Aloof and strange he always looked as if he was lost in his own world. Allias stared back at him.

    "I am warning you. I am letting you know that I will burn this place to the ground with you or without you in it and if any of you dare to appear at my doorstep one day to blame me I will kill everyone you love." He told him and a laughter was heard from the back of the room. Apollo, the beautiful god of light was standing right next to his sister, his broad back touching the wall while his lose clothing rested on his ripped body.

    "He is threatening us. I think that is clear enough. But what shall we do? Should we just go back home?" He asked, almost in a playful tone.

    "Of course not!" Rafael shouted. "The rules...."

    "Who killed my godson?" Dionysus asked, IG oring the angel completely.

    "Vines. Probably with Achlys'' order" Allias told him. It was the first time the god looked actually serious and the king couldn''t help but wonder if he cared about the boy he had sworn to protect. His parents were his friends once after all.

    "My oath..." The god mumbled and Allias noticed that Suijin placed his palm gently on his arm. "We shall return to Olympus." He announced and the white feathered angels screeched.

    "No you won''t. We can''t leave him destroy...the consequences"

    "Shut up you big white chicken" Artemis said and looked at him with a disgusted expression. "You''re just the minions of gods how dare you try and defy our decisions. Men, always believing they have a word in things" she mumbled annoyed and rubbed her temples as her brother''s chickel echoed in the quiet room.

    "Come on now sister. Why hate men?"

    "Because they are disgusting and hateful, stupid, egotistical...."

    "I think that''s enough Artemis dear " Persephone said with a gentle smile and turned to look at Allias.

    "We shall leave. But beware, actions have consequences." She warned him, her smile warm and kind. Allias nodded. He had prepared himself of what might follow, he couldn''t think about it now though. He just needed these people out as he allowed Ea and Theseus to feast on their revenge.

    The angels left the room first, moody and with huge frowns on their faces. The gods followed one by one with the twins of Olympus staying last. Artemis with her beautiful deer like eyes looked at the king and stopped, placing her palm on his shoulder.

    "Theseus...look after him. He is one of the few men I do not hate." She said and Allias'' couldn''t help but smile. He would always look after him even if that cost him his life. Another sunrise didn''t matter if Theseus was not sleeping by his side.

    "I will, always." He said and the goddess nodded satisfied. Apollo smiled at him and winked playfully making Allias blush slightly. He was left alone, an empty room, with empty seats. Big and dark, surrounded by nothing but his thoughts. He took a deep breath and decided to head out too, walk back towards Theseus and accompany him, help him with his revenge.

    He had talked big back there, threatened and pretended he had everything figured out. Now though that he had a few minutes to breathe he was surprised with himself. It was so easy to put on a mask, so simple to hide one''s true intentions, true fears and worries. As it seemed he was slowly mastering the technique.

    He turned around and faced the opened door, recognizing a familiar figure standing at the doorframe. He hadn''t heard a thing, no footsteps, no breathing, nothing that would signal her arrival. He stood still, expressionless as their eyes met and she smiled.

    "So you want to kill me in my own house." She stated.

    "That''s the plan" Allias replied and got ready for a fight.

    ....

    Hello! Please if you find my book in any illegal site repost it. You have no idea how badly this affects us. I would be thankful if you could help. Thank you for reading.

 Chapter 363 - 363

    "Kill me? Is that what you really want?" Achlys asked him. She didn''t seem to be scared of him, her eyes showed amusement while her boney shoulder touched lazily the doorframe. She didn''t care about Allias'' anger, about the murder or the destruction she had brought. All she did care about was power and having the means to aquire it.

    Allias didn''t want to play any games. He was tired of twisted words and fake smiles. Passive agressiveness and the silence that followed and insulting comment. He didn''t want to hide behind his finger anymore, restrain himself as everyone around him used this as an excuse to hurt the people he loved.

    That was the reason why the king did not answer her, that was the reason why Allias, even though weakened by the lack of his arm, a punishment he had decided to inflict to himself, he launched forward, gritting his teeth and approaching her with unbelievable speed.

    Achlys, actually surprised by his courage stepped back and dodged his upcoming attack. They fought for a while, fist meeting fist and her long nails scratched his handsome face, right underneath his cheekbone, blood trailing down his tanned skin. He stopped, panting as he wiped it off, getting his white clothes dirty. The demon laughed, the horrid sound echoing in the room.

    "Is that it? A king with one hand...a king with no power that gets tired for fighting a lowly demon. I bet your family would be embarrassed. Especially that father of yours you so much adored or that mother who did everything for you. Tell me Allias how would you face them?" She asked him, a smirk on her face. Allias'' heart was racing, beating so loudly inside his ribcage that he felt as if it was going to leave his body. His anger was raw, almost alive like a separate being who desperately wanted to take control of his body.

    "It doesn''t matter. They are dead" he mumbled before he decided he wanted to fight again. "My mother is dead, my father, my friends. Ares. I''ve had enough" he shouted in her face as he tried to punch her. Achlys dodged once again, her body agile while her eyes showed no sign of kindness or remorse. It was a very sloppy fight and it was true indeed that the king had turned rusty. He had been gone for so long and now he had a significant handicap. That did not stop him though. Not even when he felt Achlys kick him in the stomach, blood leaving his lips, did he stop. He stood down, taking a few deep breaths as he tried to regain his strength. He heard her footsteps as she approached and raised his head. Like a flash he extended his hand and grabbed her from her ankle bringing her brutally down. She groaned as her back hit the harsh floor.

    Allias stood up and kicked her before he looked at her, she was struggling to get away but Allias had placed his foot on her neck, keeping her down, suffocating.

    "You know. Your lack of power won''t be your doom. Your ego will. You''ve underestimated me. Even with one hand Achlys I am still better than you, smarter than you, stronger. So look at me now." He told her as he grabbed her from her neck and threw her into the wall. The woman coughed, her arm seeming to be broken. Allias smiled and walked slowly. Approaching her with the same confidence she had. She grabbed his leg, clawing him but he didn''t care, not even when he saw his own blood. He kneed her in the face, her head being pushed back like a rubber band and creating a hole on the wall once more. She hissed, obviously weakened and tried to get up, stumbling.

    With difficulty she stood on her feet, trying to land a blow on the king. Allias dodged, eager to see what she would do next. Achlys tried to use her powers. It was a very unpleasant feeling, something like a dark and cold veil but too weak to trully affect him. Was this the enemy everyone was so scared of? Why? He wondered as he grabbed her from her neck. The woman hissed reaving a pair of sharp fangs and he chuckled.

    "What are you going to do now?" He asked her and she spat on his face.

    "I know I am going to die." Achlys stated. "But believe me, I don''t care because I know that your doom will come sooner or later. You will feel so betrayed you won''t be able to move on. It''s a shame I won''t be able to see it. The expression on your face. " She told him and Allias'' eyes widened. He tightened his grip on her neck making her gasp for air as she shook her feet.

    "What are you talking about?" He asked her between gritted teeth and she laughed. A dry laugh, spiteful as the satisfaction showed in her evil eyes. She was lying, tricking him. She wanted to make him insecure, scared but still, her words kept making him think. "Tell me!" He shouted and shook her body as if she was some kind of plastic doll. She closed her lips, enjoying his angusih. "Tell me. Don''t make me kill you horribly." He wanted her.

    "Do you really want to know?" She asked and Allias loosened his grip allowing her to breathe the slightest bit just so she could talk. "Will you believe me?" She asked him and he scoffed.

    "I will be the judge of that. By now I know that every words that comes out of your mouth is a lie." He told her and she frowned.

    "So what is the point of me telling you great king?" She asked.

    "Just say it."

    "Well, I guess I will have the pleasure of seeing your expression after all. So let me tell you. Your lover, the one you cherish the most. He will betray you, more than anyone else." She said

    "You are lying." He mumbled. Struck by her words. He shouldn''t have asked her.

    "Yes, yes that is the kind of expression I was waiting for. Theseus, the man you trust above all. He is hiding something from you. Or more like someone. He is hiding the last survivor of your tribe. An Avgee girl. Yes!" She said hysterically. "He has been hiding her from you, cooperating with that little hunter friend of yours. And you knew nothing about it as you cried about the doom of your people" she said laughing mockingly. "The man you have loved the most gifted you the worse betrayal." She stated.

    Allias had stopped breathing. His grip tightened and Achlys felt an unbearable warmth, hot as the sun he skin began to melt. Soon with a loud scream she was turned to ash while a bright light emitted from the king''s hand. Dust everywhere and that blinding ray of warm light that shot from his palm melting the floor.

    "No." He mumbled as he stood still in shock. "That''s a lie. Theseus, he..."

 Chapter 364 - [Bonus ] 364

    Ea and Theseus had a different path. They had been running around the whole palace, unlucky anoyone who stood in their way as they met a very dark and painful fate. The small elf had stolen glimpses of the high general a few times by now but every time his expression was a blank sheet. From the very first moment he met eyes with him after Ares'' death up to now Theseus, not even once had he shown any sign of emotion.

    After some time they stopped, resting a bit, calming their panting chests as they looked at each other. Vines had gone into hiding or he was simply waiting for them. The castle was so tall with so many floors that the two elves had only managed to search through half of them by now.

    "Are you alright?" Theseus asked Ea. The small elf blinked a few times as he seriously thought of his answer. Was he alright? Of course not, every moment was pure torture and if he allowed his mind to wonder off even just for a second Ares'' slaughtered body would come to his mind and haunt him. For now though he was able to function, the burning hatred he had so easily allowed to take control of himself was his only force, after everything was over Ea couldn''t imagine how his life would be like.

    "For now." The smaller elf said, his voice low and wary. For now. Just for the next few hours, he thought as his warm eyes landed on the floor. Specs of dust, footprints. This place was dirtier than he had thought. He couldn''t see his vision on the tiles nor the wood. It wasn''t polished to perfection like the one back home. It was simply dirty and Ea couldn''t help but feel even more mad that Ares ended up in such a disgusting place. He took a deep breath, trying to lock his thoughts away once more, find that lingering flame inside of him that burned simply for the purprose of killing his murderer. He stared at Theseus, standing tall and unphased. "What about you?" he asked the person he considered his only friend.

    "What about me?" Theseus repeated his question.

    "Your brother is dead." Ea stated kind of rudely and Theseus smirked. He ddn''t answer nor did he show any sign of emotion as he turned his back and looked at the start of one of the many staircases.

    "Let''s go up. I am sure Vines is somewhere around here" The general said and the small elf looked at the darkness at the top of the staircase. It was narrow, made of dark wood, with carvings of ross on the railings. There was a deep red carpet covering the stairs and in the end of the road a deep pitch black darkness extended before them. Such coldness, such hostility. Ea could feel all that by just looking at one thing. It was almost incredible how the hairs in the back of his neck rose and all of his insticts alarmed him to step back. He almost did, scared about what was expecting them at the top but seeing Theseus walk confidently and stepping on the carpeted stairs as if it was nothing gave him courage. He had decided to do this, he had decided that he was going to be the one to avenge his lover''s death. No one else. he would be the one to strike the final blow as he loked into the murderers eyes filled with satisfaction. He really wished that Vines begged for his life.

    Through the cold darkness a very bright red door stood in front of them, almost mocking them with its vibrant color. Ea gulped as his insticts kept screaming at him to run away. Theseus took the final step and his wide palm touched the cold doorknob. He twisted it both of them hearing a very high pitched sound. The door opened revealing a spacious room. It was lit so brightly that their eyes had to adjust for a while. Huge chandeliers were hanging above their heads with crystals of many colors, casting colorful shadows everywhere. Theseus looked around trying to spot the wanted figure. He ould see velvet couches, placed in a circle with a big table in the middle. Empty drinks on it, stains from lipstick on the brim. He frowned with the dropped sheets and the messy bed. It was huge, able to fit more than six people in it. He didn''t have to think much to realize that this room wasn''t simply a bedroom.

    "He is not here." Ea stated, appalled from the horrible sight. He attempted t turn back and leave when he felt Theseus grip his wrist.

    "He is here." he said and with his head he signaled him to look through the open window. Indeed Vines was standing outside, on the balcony staring at them with an amused smile. Ea met with his eyes, seeing for the first time the madness in them clearly and he froze.

    "Took you a while to find me. I thought you were the ones that killed Achlys but it turns out it was your king. He took the easy task. She wasn''t really that strong anyways." he commented. carefree with no signs of care. It almost looked like he was talking to a few of his friends about gossip he had heard.

    "You killed him." Ea said between gritted teeth.

    "You''re good at stating the obvious. I see. Very well." Vines mocked him.

    "Is it obvious that I am planning to kill you?" Ea asked him.

    "I figured that much but can you do it? I am one of the kings of hell so tell me. You general with your little lackey can you really kill me?" he asked them.

    "We will try and see." Ea said and disappeared right in front of their eyes. The next secind he was seen trying to launch at Vines but the demon only laughed. He held a dagger in his hand and stepped forward, ready to slit his throat. The demon though dodged his attack with ease and grabbed him from his neck.

    "Kind of diappointing if you ask me." He commented on Ea''s attempted when he noticed that something was wrapped around his legs. They were squeezing him, sharp like blades and he frowned slightly. Turning his cat like eyes downwards. "Oh, so these are your popular shadows. I''ve heard they listen to you" he told Theseus while still holding Ea.

    "Finish him!" Ea screamed as he stabbed Vines in the arm with his dagger. The demon graned and dropped him on the floor. The small elf stood up, dashing forward again with his bare hands and wrapped his fingers around his neck. Theseus'' shadows were moving upwards but he made no attempt to release himself, making his previous words sound amost as baseless bragging.

    "If you kill me how are you going to get Ares back?" The demon asked them with a cocky smile and both of the elves froze. "Is he really dead?" he asked them one more question and Ea confused losened his grip.

    "What¡­"

    Ea didn''t manage to finish his question. Suddenly the earth started to shake and the sounds of clashing and breaking came from everywhere. All of them looked around confused as they stumbled back and forth.

    "What is this?" Vines asked confused as he frantically tried to find a way and get away.

    Theseus noticed that the walls were cracking, the whole castle was going to collapse soon and it was going to kill them. He grabbed Ea, making the elf struggle to get back to the demon.

    "Wait! Didn''t you hear what he said?" he shouted as he fought with Theseus.

    "The castle is crumbling, we need to leave we will die here!" Theseus screamed at his face as he tried to think why was this happening? Who could do such a thing? This was not simple magic, it was much more.

    "Your king seems to be angry, I wonder why" Vines told them with a grin before he disappeared.

    "We need to run" Theseus stated.

    ...

    So people we have reached a crucial point.

    Do you want Ares back? I will let you decide. I want you to comment yes or no and maybe leave a  gift to support your opinion(if u are able to of course I don''t want to pressure anyone.) I will take everything into consideration, from votes to comments to gifts and reviews. So it''s up to you to decide, will we resurrect Ares or not? (Also take note that if you vote for Ares to come back the story will have to last a bit longer.) Thank you for reading, I am waiting to see the results!

 Chapter 365 - 365

    Theseus did not wait or listen to Ea as he screamed at him to stop. He simply grabbed him and overpowered him easily so they could run away. Once he found himself in a familiar place he closed his eyes and teleported out of there trying to imagine a spot close to the palace so he could find Allias.

    He landed at the start of the bridge staring as the enormous castle fell to the ground as if it was made by sand. Dust and loud noises everywhere, screams by the ones who couldn''t make it out filled the air and suddenly the whole capital seemed to be in chaos. Disoriented and confused the demon''s ran around frantic asking pedestrians what had happened. As if anyone would know.

    Through all of this chaos Allias appeared, walking outside with his white clothes bloody. His handsome face too had spots of blood as if someone had slapped him with a paintbrush. His eyes were hollow, his steps slow and Theseus'' heart suddenly started to race. Something was wrong, terribly so he thought as he let go of Ea who hadn''t stopped talking for a while now.

    "Why did you do that?" The small elf asked. "didn''t you hear what Vines said...Ares...he" Ea kept saying until the moment he too noticed Allias. He froze, his eyes glued on the king. He was sweaty, his hair sticking to his forehead and his temples, his shirt was ripped and he raised a few of the broken down walls that were in his way, using only one of his hands. The blood was not unusual, nor his ratchet state. It was his shine, the glow he rarely allowed people to witness. That gold veil, bright as the sun that surrounded his slow movement. His eyes unwelcoming, his face just an expressionless mask and Ea gasped. "what''s wrong?" He asked whispering, scared that the king would hear him.

    "Allias" the general called out his name and approached him. The man stopped and smiled, but Theseus felt shivers down his spine. "Allias what''s wrong?" He asked him and the king chuckled.

    "Nothing, nothing''s worng. Is Vines dead? Did you avenge Ares'' death?" He asked them, acting like Theseus hadn''t already realized that something was off with him.

    "We couldn''t because for some unexpected reason you decided to bring this whole place down." Ea told him in a judgemental tone. "That does not matter though. Vines, he said something about Ares not being really dead. We shouldn''t have let him go." Ea said .

    "He''s probably lying Ea. Just to mess with your head." Theseus said.

    "How do you know that?" Allias asked, surprising the general.

    "What do you mean how do I know? He is a demon all demons do is lie." Theseus said.

    "Ea, go find Ares'' body. If it''s still in the ruins it means he was lying. If it''s gone it means that the psychotic bastard is planning something. Let''s just check to make sure at least. Maybe sometimes even demons can tell the truth." He said and Ea did not wait another second. He disappeared, finding hismelf in the ruins leaving Theseus alone with Allias.

    "Do you think that love makes us blind?" Allias asked Theseus. The general blinked a few times, thinking that the question was a bit out of context but still answered him.

    "Maybe, sometimes." He said honestly and Allias smiled bitterly.

    "Do you think that others should take advantage of that? The trust and the love one nurtures for the other?" Allias asked him another question that Theseus didn''t know where was coming from. The he eral took a few seconds to think before he answered.

    "No, I think that would be horrible. Is it true love of you''re simply taking advantage of the other?" Theseus asked the king and Allias scoffed silently. He hadn''t met his eyes all this time and their conversation felt some how awkward. Theseus took a step forward and took Allias'' hand in his, feeling the warmth of his skin. He stood in front of him, forcing those crystal like green orbs to look at him as he smiled gently.

    "What is it my love?" He asked him and Allias'' smiled back. He freed his hand from his grip and caressed the general''s cheek, his fingertips tracing his characteristics until they found their way into the snow white hair. Silk like locks, sleeping slowly through his lean fingers and Allias would very easily remember his scent, the color of his eyes, the sound of his laughter even if he had been blind for a hundred years. He let out a sigh, the disappointment almost choking him to death and that excruciating ache would not leave the place it had made a nest in his heart.

    "I love you. I love you so much it almost killed me." Allias stated. "I love you so much that even the thought of hurting you hurts me beforehand. I have adored you like a god for centuries so why..." He said, mumbling the last few words with tears in his eyes. Theseus froze, shaken up by the sudden confession.

    "Why? What''s wrong my love...tell me" Theseus told him, worried almost anxious about the king''s behavior.

    Allias remained quiet, he kept admiring his beauty, the roughness of his voice and how gentle he always sounded when he spoke to him. His love was obvious, from the very first look he would give him to the last goodnight of the day. Every touch and every kiss was pure adoration, that''s what Allias had always felt so why, why did he have to face such betrayal? As he cried, as he suffered because of the perishing of his people Theseus hadkept something so important from him it was almost torturing to think about it. I have only loved you, I have only trusted you blindly so why? Why did you take advantage of me? He wondered as he stared into his worried eyes. He couldn''t bring himself to ask him that though, he was scared of the answer, he was afraid that he would never be able to forgive him.

    "Theseus..." Allias called out his name, the tears he had been holding in for so long finally being set free, trailing hot paths on his dirty and bloody cheeks. His eyes sparkled glazed by the diamond like tears and Theseus was almost hesitant to touch him. He was confused, in shock almost as he didn''t know what was going on. He tried to think, recall of something that had happened thay would sadden the king so much but he couldn''t think of something.

    "Allias please you''re worrying me. I don''t understand what is going on. I am begging you please say something." The king though remained silent once more. He grabbed Theseus'' shirt and hugged him, hiding his shaking body in his embrace as he cried. Theseus didn''t know what to do at first but like always he welcomed him in his arms, tightening them around him. Even if he couldn''t talk to him now maybe a bit later, maybe when he felt a little better, maybe when they were away from this dreadful place. Theseus took in a deep breath and patted his back, kissing the top of his head and tasting the dust that had gathered from the ruins but completely ignoring it. He could be like this because of Ares, he told himself Ashe tried to think of a reason on his own when after a few seconds rumble was heard from the ruins and Ea appeared. He was coughing, dusting off his clothes and he had acquired a new scratch on his left cheek that bled slightly.

    He saw the king and the general and stood still, for a second feeling like he was intruding but when Allias noticed him he moved away from his lover slowly, wiping his tears off his face and looked at the small elf who was waiting for his turn to speak.

    "So, what did you see? You don''t have Ares'' body so I assume it wasn''t there?" Allias asked him, knowing already that he had been right about his speculation. Ea nodded, a troubled look on his face.

    "You were right. The body was gone. I searched in the few other rooms that remained just in case I could find it but as you said there was no sign of it. Someone stole Ares'' body."

    "Someone, I think it''s obvious it was Vines" Theseus stated and Ea looked at him aggressively.

    "And you didn''t believe him at first. We could have left and known nothing. How many days would had it take for our people to get his body out? What if it was too late by then?" Ea asked.

    "I know, I am sorry. You were right what''s important now is figuring out what he wanted to do. Is Ares really dead? That''s what he had said, maybe that''s a sign." Theseus told them accepting his defeat.

    "We need to get back to the palace first and then we will see." Allias said. "Asmodeus would be useful in this."

 Chapter 366 - 366

    The palace seemed cold and unwelcoming. The moment Allias stepped inside his thoughts ran wild once again. His disheveled appereance shocked everyone, the staff and Mark who had been waiting for him for hours. They had gathered around him concerned and kept asking him questions. If he needed anything, if he was alright, if they had succeeded. All Allias needed was a moment of peace. Just a second where everything would simply get silenced and the worries that occupied his mind would disappear.

    Theseus was standing right beside him, his eyes like hawks kept watching him all the way back, silent and unwavering he didn''t dare to speak. It was better that way Allias thought. He looked at his hands. Blood, dried and sticking on him. How many did he kill after Achlys had told him the truth? How many lives his anger had taken, how long would it take for that castle to get rebuild again? Vengeance? Revenge? Yes, they had gotten that but why did his mouth taste bitter as if a very disgusting medicine had been forced on him.

    He did not reply and the elves that surrounded him kept asking, repeating the same question again and again, their voices sounding distant and foreign. He began walking, bumping onto the people and leaving everyone behind stunned and worried. Theseus this time did not follow him, at least not at first.

    He allowed him to enter their shared room, sit on his bed with his disrty clothing and feel the chill of the cold sheets ho through his tired body. He rubbed his face with his hand, seeing dust and specs of dried blood fall on the polished floor. His expression was too obvious, the tired king showed his emotions so easily. Even the floor that was being mopped everyday could mirror him perfectly. Exhausted, his eyes red from crying while his whole figure seemed to shrink. He let out a sigh, his breathing coming out heavy and long and he closed his eyes.

    "What do I do now?" He mumbled to himself.

    He loved him, he loved him so much that he never doubted him. He loved him so much that the news felt like a spear was passing through his heart. A spear held by him. After all this time, after all those days and after all the sorrow Theseus still chose to hide a part of him. Out of fear? Out of insecurity? How could Allias know.

    He had to confront him, he had stand in front of him and let him know he knew about this grave lie he had been keeping from him. Even the thought was painful, imagining the scene, a vision of despair and tears. He could hear their voices shaking, their tones getting heated, their arms in the air as they argued as they took ten steps back again and Allias felt as if he was suffocating, something was stuck on his throat. He couldn''t breathe and he kept heaving, his chest rising in desperate need of air. He sat up, shaking he headed towards the window, opening it and letting the wamr air enter their room. He could smeel the flowers. So strong that they were almost intoxicating. He needed air, he needed someone to help him.

    He clawed his neck gently with his fingertips. Tracing lines as he tried to find what the thing that made him feel like he would die soon. It began from this horrible sensation on his chest, that weight that seemed to crush him, make it unable to get off of the bed. Then his hands began to shake and the more he realized it the harder it became for him to breathe.

    He heard the sound of the door opening. The snow white haired man entered the room, lingering for a while on the doorstep as his worried eyes searched for his king. They met, green into purple, worry into sorrow and a clash of souls happened. Theseus rushed to him, his expression showing anguish at the sight of his tortured lover and Allias felt like an utter fool.

    You betrayed me but somehow still your presence calms me. He told himself as he felt Theseus caress his back. For now they were silent. Simple gestures and wary looks, that was their communication and for the first time both of them were terrified to speak.

    Allias soon calmed down, his breathing returning to normal and Theseus'' worry was eased even just by a little bit. His palm remained on his back, the general seemed to wish for their contact to continue. It was some sort of silent affirmation that Allias was not rejecting him. Both of them were seated on the ground, the king looking at his laps as thoughts troubled him again. His hand was warm, still on his body and without even noticing it he knew he loved it. It was comforting, faint but loving. Everything that Theseus did showed love but this kind of betrayal? How was it supposed to be excused. What kind of action coulb be called an act of love to forgive this?

    "How about you take a bath? Then you can lie down and rest a little bit." Theseus whispered gently. He didn''t want his voice to be too loud, he didn''t want to startle him.

    "Do you love me?" Allias asked him with no actual intention of getting up. He was just sitting there looking at him with his big eyes waiting on his reply as if he had never heard Theseus tell him he loved him again. The he eral smiled, lines of his happiness forming on his face as he answered him with no doubt at all.

    "I''ve always loved you and I always will." He stared, every word oozing with confidence as their eyes met. For a second Allias wished that time would stop now, that the seconds would simply freeze and that smile would remain forever. The echo of his words would linher and calm his beating heart. The warmth of his touch and the sincerity he could so obviously spot would simply get stuck in time, an endless limbo.

    "Theseus why did you betray me then? If you loved me?" Allias asked him and Theseus blinked, still not realizing fully the severity of the situation.

    "What are you talking about? Me betray you? I would never do that" the general told him and he heard the king sigh. He had given him the wrong answer.

    "I know, I Know about the last Avgee elf Theseus, about the last of my people. Where is the elf?" He asked him and Theseus instantly turned tensed.

    "She is in a cabin protected by Joe." Theseus explained knowing that there was no reasong to argue with him. He had been trying to tell him for so long after all, maybe now things would be better even though Allias didn''t hear it from him.

    "She is a girl." Allias mumbled, both of them knew what that meant. His gaze traveled in the room, Theseus was now anxious, the king was not saying anything.

    "Allias I am sorry. I tried many times to tell you"

    "Then why didn''t you?" Allias asked.

    "Because there was so much going on that I..."

    "So much going on. So from all the nights we spent laying next to each other, all the baths we took together and all the morning we woke up side by side you couldn''t spare me five minutes and share this information with me? Please Theseus, don''t treat me like a fool." Allias said. The general expected him to be mad, to get up and shoit, argue swear at him but he did none of that. He simply kept sitting on the floor, looking at him and talking calmly something that the general was not used to, that scared him even more.

    "I do not treat you like a fool." Theseus said.

    "Then tell me. Tell me why even though you say you love me so much, even though you know how important my people were for me you thought hiding this was a good idea? I want to listen." He said.

    Theseus gulped. He felt like the actual fool. He was so embarrassed at the thought of sharing this ridiculous fear that his face turned red. He looked away, gathering his thoughts before he spoke.

    "She is a woman Allias. We both know what that means. Things were different back then, people wouldn''t judge us, there were plenty of us after all. Now though the Avgee tribe is practically extinct. That means no heir to keep the nation going. But suddenly a woman appears. A woman that could give you a child. A woman that the royals would as you to marry and then I would simply turn into a general, a secret lover at best. But you''re too righteous. You would never cheat or treat her poorly. That''s why I didn''t tell you." Theseus said and stood up, preparing himself for the upcoming chaos. He could already hear Allias'' screaming but once again none of what he expected happened.

    Allias did not change his stance, nor did he look at him. He was looking down a sad smile forming on his face.

    "So you think that little of me." The king said and Theseus'' eyes widened.

    "What?"

    "You think that I, the man who gave my life in a heartbeat to keep you alive would simply toss you aside to produce an heir? Am I really that...."

    "No, no wait. This is not what I meant. Allias..."

    "That''s enough." The king told him and he finally decided to get up. "I think I''ve heard enough. I am sorry Theseus. As it seems I must have done something terribly wrong to make you think I would act like that. Please send someone to bring the girl here and...let''s focus on your brother''s matter for now."

    "Can we please talk?" Theseus asked him.

    "I am tired, really really tired. Let''s just...stay quiet for once." He said and headed towards the bathroom. Theseus stood back, frozen.

 Chapter 367 - 367

    As Allias had ordered a party of elves had been sent out to meet the young hunter and receive the last Avgee elf. Theseus hadn''t talked about it more; he hadn''t even dared to look at the king after what he told him. The general had never been so shocked before when it came to them. They would always fight, shout at each other and sometimes even throw hands but in the end he always knew deep inside him that everything would be fine. They were soulmates after all, made for each other. This time Allias had seemed too cold, too distant and too disappointed to even pay any attention to him, to even get mad. A silence surrounded the two of them, so cold that Theseus felt he would end up freezing to death.

    He didn''t have the time to talk to him. After his orders the king had gathered everyone in the throne room. He sat at his throne, gazing all of them, his eyes focusing on Ea. Theseus had been devastated when he saw his brother, suddenly all the things he never told him, all the love he hadn''t shown him became a spear made of pure guilt and stabbed him. Later he had heard that there was a chance for him to come back. He wanted to find him, bring him home. Maybe even that was a part of Allias'' kindness. He showed no emotion, he chose not to fight knowing how hurt he was, he simply focused on fighting his brother.

    The general took a deep breath, standing a bit further from the rest as his sorrow about Ares and his worry about the king were getting mixed up. This awful mix was spreading through his veins like some kind of poison. He wanted to speak, say something while everyone else conversed but he couldn''t. Just the exhausted sound of Allias'' voice was enough to paralyze him. So he simply stood there, his hands behind his back, fingers interlocked and listened.

    "So, we know that Vines has Ares'' body. We are sure of that." Allias stated and Asmodeus nodded. "What we don''t know is why he asked Ea if he was actually dead. Some kind of spell maybe?" he asked rubbing his chin as he wondered.

    "I think¡­" Asmodeus mumbled, his eyes moving as he gathered his thoughts. "I think it could be a spell. But this kind of magic is performed by very old and knowledgeable witches. Honestly I don''t even think the Chaos Sisters would be able to do it." He stated.

    "How is it called? I am sure we could find a witch who could help." Ea said, a small hoping lighting up his delicate face.

    "Tempus Mortis, basically it''s called the time of death. A witch must have charmed Ares'' body in a way that he could be lethally hurt but not die, something like a fake death. I think my brother simply wanted to trick you into thinking he is dead and then run away with his body. If I know him well, we don''t really have that much time. He is going to alter his memories. He is really good at doing that." Asmodeus explained and Ea bit his nails nervously. He was pacing back and forth trying to find something, a clue or an idea as to how they would continue.

    "I think it would be better to find a witch first. Bring her here though. That way we won''t have any suspicious eyes looking at us. It is better to stay in a safe place with a maniac demon on the run. Also about the council¡­" Mark proposed at first and then he got ready to ask him a question.

    "I won''t be able to bother with the council anymore. Let them deal with everything on their own. I am tired of them. Once I have finished with Ares'' case and¡­something else I am planning to go there myself and clear things out but until then I don''t really want to hear about them. Mark you''re right. I think we should bring a witch here." Allias agreed and all of them remained quiet for a second, thinking of possible candidates. All of them except Mark of course.

    "I don''t think we have that many friends out there at the moment." Ea said with a frown. It was true, their allies could easily be counted in the palm of one hand. The old glory of the elves has been long gone, faded and traveled with the wind together with Allias'' memory. The moment their golden king died the shine of the elf nation had faded, flickered and diminished.

    Allias sighed, his face resting in his palm as the gears of his mind began to turn. Faces and names from hundreds of years back started appearing in his mind but none of them would help them. They were never really allies; they were just¡­people he knew. Someone would introduce themselves on a ball or at a war meeting. Another would shake his hand at a visit. All of them looked at him and admired him from afar but none of them were his friend.

    "Ea, go and write a letter to Amelia." Allias ordered.

    "I don''t really think Amelia would be willing to help us after everything." Ea told him.

    "We don''t have another choice. Write her a letter, offer her gold, jewels, whatever she wants but make her come here no matter what. In two days. If she doesn''t come until then we will have a problem. The sooner the better." Allias said.

    "Alright then." Ea said and disappeared. Rushing instantly out ready to carry out the orders. Ready to start the plan to bring his husband back.

    "Allias¡­" Mark called out his name and the king looked at his best friend. "Are you alright?'' he asked and the elf smiled.

    "I am fine. Just a bit tired that''s all."

    "You don''t¡­"

    "Come on, let''s go." Asmodeus told the red head and took his hand in his. His friend had a frown on his face and was looking at the king with squeezed eyes, making really obvious that no matter what he couldn''t hide from him. Allias shrugged his shoulders as the exorcist was being forced out and smiled.

    They were once more left alone. The king sitting on his throne while the general stood far away, his gaze wary and hesitant as their eyes met. Allias stood up and straightened his pants elegantly before he stepped down the small steps. He didn''t say anything, silence spreading in the lonely room once more and Theseus couldn''t stand it. Seeing him walk away as if he didn''t acknowledge his presence. As the king walked past him Theseus grabbed his wrist, stopping him abruptly.

    "What is it?" The golden king asked calmly. A ray of light was landing gently on his face, escaping from the curtains. It lit up his green eyes, making Theseus lose his breath for a moment. Green, like endless valleys and like the fresh leaves of blossoming trees in spring. His never ending winter, the soft and constant white of the snow, these two eyes simply broke them, those two eyes were the bearers of spring, of life, his life.

    "Allias, I am sorry, please can we talk?" Theseus asked him, his tone pleading as he spoke to him.

    "I don''t want to talk right now." Allias said and pulled his hand away.

    "You don''t? Why? We always fought but we would also always talk about it so tell me why not talk about it now?'' The general asked him.

    "Theseus¡­"

    "I need to know. I am aware that what I did was horrible. Idiotic. But why is your attitude so different now? Why treat me like I don''t exist? Swear at me, hit me, shout at me. Why can''t you do that?" he asked, tension in his eyes.

    "I can''t" The king stated.

    "Why? Why can''t you?" Theseus asked him again, raising his tone

    "Because your brother is gone Theseus! He was dead and now he is gone! I saw your eyes, the pain in them while you looked at his body and no matter how angry I am, no matter how much I want to swear at you and fucking murder you I love you too much and I am stupid for saying it! You are in pain and I¡­I can''t cause you more but I can''t simply stand by your side like nothing happened¡­" Allias told him, tears gathering in his eyes. "I want to be mature, I want to be smart and responsible but I¡­I simply didn''t want to hurt you more so I decided to remain silent. Even if it hurts, even if I am hurting too. Because I love you, like the enormous fool I am. I didn''t want to add another fight. I am also too tired"

    "I am sorry, I am so sorry." Theseus said. How could Allias be so kind, so gentle and he¡­how could he be so careless, so impulsive? His head fell, his fists closed shut at his sides as he realized how selfish he had been. "I, Allias, I¡­"

    "We call ourselves soulmates but we don''t seem to see eye to eye, do we?" Allias said and Theseus raised his head. He faced a bitter smile, his heart breaking at the sight.

    "Marry me then." The general stated and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "W-what are you talking about?"

    "Marry me, now, right this instant. Be my soul link." He proposed.

 Chapter 368 - 368

    "We call ourselves soulmates but we don''t seem to see eye to eye don''t we?" Allias said and Theseus raised his head. He faced a bitter smile, his heart breaking at the sight.

    "Marry me then." The general stated and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "W-what are you talking about?"

    "Marry me, now, right this instant. Be my soul link." He proposed.

    Allias took a step back, stunned by Theseus'' words. He couldn''t believe that what was his answer. It was unthinkable. They had been together for centuries and this topic had never come up so what was the reason why? Yes, Allias obviously wanted to marry him, he loved him like crazy but was this the right way to do things? Just because of desperation?

    "What are you talking about?" The king asked him, his eyes filled with disappointment and confusion.

    "We should get married. We have been together¡­"

    "What is the reason you want to get married Theseus?" The king asked him, interrupting him.

    "Because I love you." He told him and Allias'' jaw dropped.

    This man, this elf right in front of him wasn''t Theseus. He wasn''t the man he had gone to war with, the person he had loved instantly. He had changed, he had changed so much that Allias sometimes couldn''t help but wonder if he did something, if he was the reason the general he had loved so dearly had become so insecure. He used to be a warrior, mad and beautiful, framed by the intriguing colors of mystery but now why, why was he like a shriveled paper? A piece of art that had been ripped and thrown away.

    "You want to marry me because you feel insecure. Because you are still scared after everything that when this girl arrives here I will leave you, push you to the side. Why? Why? I love you. All my life, thousands of years I have only loved you, I have only looked at you, adored you like a god so why? Why don''t you believe in me?"

    "It''s not that I don''t believe in you Allias." Theseus said and looked at him. A very sad smile was forming on his face and his chest rose as he breathed in heavily. "It''s me, I don''t believe in me." The general told him.

    "You need to start loving yourself." Allias said and stepped forward. He cupped Theseus'' face, made him look at him right in the eyes as he spoke to him. "You need to see what I see in you. The intelligence, the kindness, the beauty, the warmth. You need to love yourself to be able to see how much I love you. I freaking I adore you, so much that it hurts me. You need to love yourself too, or else our relationship will be a tangled mess of shouting and misunderstanding. You deserve to be with me, if you''re asking me you deserve this whole world and I wish I could give it to you." He told him and Theseus closed his eyes, resting his cheek on Allias'' palm.

    "You died for me. The pain I felt back then. The years I spent siting on that throne looking at completely nothing. I am scared, petrified. I have turned into a coward and while back then I found your emotional decisions, your recklessness and you being spontaneous so attractive, charming now they scare me. They frighten because I have lived with the consequences and the nightmares and the pain. If I lose you this time I know, I know it very well I won''t be getting you back." Theseus stated and the king felt his warm tears trail paths on his hand, following the blue veins on his skin. His lips were slightly parted, slowly turning into a thin line as he thought.

    Sometimes there was no time for thinking. He moved in and kissed Theseus, surprising him at first. The lilac eyes shot wide open but soon his arms were already wrapped around his waist. Strong, a firm grip that almost took his breath away but he loved it. The familiar sensation of his hair between his long fingers and the wetness of his lips, the salty aftertaste of the tears that had coated them.

    There was no way back once you had fallen in love, there was no selfishness. Simply fear, that anxious feeling that if you lost the person you loved the most in the world your whole world would crumble. Theseus had been through of that, his monsters still lingering around his healing heart trying to find a way and sneak in.

    The elf king stepped back, a small smile on his lips as his forehead rested on Theseus''

    "I won''t leave you alone, never again. I swear. I will always be by your side, even if get tired of me, even if you don''t want me anymore I will stick to you like a disgusting leech so help me help you. See what I see. Your beautiful eyes, your, oh, so kissable lips¡­" he said with a giggle that made Theseus smile "¡­ your kind heart. Love yourself again and have faith in me. Because I have faith in you. Okay?" he asked him.

    "I could never get tired of you. I must be mad if I even thought about it." Theseus said and Allias cocked an eyebrow.

    "Have you thought about it?"

    "Maybe. When I first met you. You were a prince and all. I had my fair share of royals after all." Theseus confessed and Allias gasped dramatically.

    "That''s stereotypical to say the least." The king told him and Theseus laughed.

    "Allias, thank you. You have always been so kind with me, through all of my mistakes. I am sorry. We can get married though, if you want." He joked and felt the king''s fist land on his abdomen.

    "Shut up."

    ....

    Hello everyone! just wanted to let you know that in a few days my new book will be uploaded! It''s a vampire, werewolf book with a bit of royal touches to it. Obviously lgbtq. I really hope that you will show some support! I will let you know when it''s out through here.

 Chapter 369 - 369

    The tension seemed to be resolved a bit. Still both of them were a bit tense, the remnants of their emotions faint in their hearts but Allias hoped this would be the last time. Both of them had decided it would be best if they put all of their focus in Ares'' case, that was the right thing and it would reassure them, even the slightest lead was going to be progress. Theseus was heading towards Ea''s room, he wanted to ask him if he sent out the letter and if he had received an answer or not but he didn''t have to, he met the young elf right at the moment he was getting in his room.

    "Hey." He called out and Ea, startled since he was occupied by his own thoughts jumped a bit. "Sorry didn''t mean to scare you." He said.

    "It''s fine." Ea answered and opened the door. He held it open for Theseus to walk in and closed it right after he had entered. The general looked around a bit, realizing that his room had never really changed from the moment he met him. "is there anything you need?" he asked, surprised as to why Theseus had found himself in his room.

    "No, no. I just wanted to know if you sent the message to Amelia." The white haired man said, playing awkwardly with his fingertips.

    "Yes, I did. We just have to wait for a reply. Honestly I hope she answers soon. We don''t have that much time." He stated and Theseus nodded, agreeing with him. There was a slight silence that followed, lasting for two whole minutes before the small elf spoke again. "Was that all?"

    "I¡­I wanted to see how you feel. With everything. Are you alright?" Theseus asked him. Such a foolish question. How could someone be alright after what he had been through. The thought of losing the love of your life, the fear of being alone forever, the uncertainty and that piercing pain in your chest, numbing your whole mind and body, Theseus knew it very well. That''s why he was worried about Ea.

    "Thanks, but there is nothing really to say." Ea said as he started to settle a few papers on top of his desk. He tried to keep himself busy, do something because waiting was simply too torturing. He expected Theseus to leave, his intent of not sharing his thoughts with him was obvious but the general for some unknown reason had chosen to stay. When Ea turned around, holding a few papers that were intended to be thrown in the trash Theseus was sitting on his bed looking at him. "What?"

    "We are friends, right?" Theseus asked him, surprising him.

    "Why are you asking me that out of the blue?" Ea told him.

    "As a friend I should be with you. If you want to talk to me, tell me about your feelings¡­"

    "You and I both know you don''t do feelings the best way." Ea told him and the general smirk.

    "True." He agreed shrugging his shoulders. "I believe though that I might understand your pain. Even a little bit I think that if you wanted to talk to me I could lessen your burden." Theseus said. Ea looked at him for a while. In all honesty for a second he had believed he was joking but the white haired elf seemed completely serious. Ea wasn''t really the type that could express his feelings well, especially feelings like the one he was having right now. He walked slowly, sitting on the bed next to the general and looked at his shoes.

    "I¡­it''s not really that I don''t want to talk about it. I just, don''t know how." Ea mumbled. He felt Theseus'' hand resting on his back and turned his head to the side to meet the eyes of the only person he had ever considered a friend.

    "You know. I held Allias in my hands as he died, a screamed his name, begged the gods to bring him back and as I watched him disappear I hoped that I could disappear with him too. But that wasn''t the hardest part. It was the pain that followed, the endless loneliness and all of the things that I had been used to doing, naturally had turned into nightmares. Waking up next to him, back then I would extend my arm and the spot would be empty, an overwhelming feeling of sadness would come over me and I would start crying, just because of that. I would sit on his throne, see the same things he saw from that gold chair and feel like I wasn''t supposed to be there. For a while I felt his face fade from my memory and I was terrified, I trashed my room that night, wanting to rip my brain out just at the thought of forgetting him¡­" Theseus was talking about his experience, hoping that the small elf would want to share his feeling with him. He was going to speak a bit more but he heard Ea sniffling, he turned to the side to see him cry and wipe eagerly his eyes with the ends of his sleeves.

    "What if he never comes back?" He cried, his sorrowful expression hidden by his long sleeves. "What if I am left here, all alone and the only thing I have of him, our last memory is with us fighting, with us ending things so horribly? I can''t bear it, even the thought of a morning without him burns my chest and I¡­I can''t deal with it. There are so many things I need to tell him. So many I love you that I never said because I am an idiot. I¡­I just wished I could have been more honest with myself because when I saw his body, when I felt his blood on my hands and when I watched him die through our link I regretted everything. All of my decisions, all of my harsh words. It really took just one second, just a look in his regretful eyes for me to realize that it doesn''t matter. Nothing else does as long as I get to have him by my side. I don''t care what he did before, I don''t care who he was, none of that matters if I can''t have him as he is now." He told Theseus, his tears flowing like small waterfalls, damping his sleeves. "he called out my name, his last word was my name and I¡­ I had been such an idiot. I wasted so much time, I took everything for granted and ruined it. What if I don''t get him back? What if I am being punished? Ares was so kind, honest and I¡­what am I? A coward. I had never imagined a life without him, I always believed he would be there and now, now I want to rip my skin off, I want to simply disappear. I want to scream and cry and cry but I can''t. I have to stand on my feet, I have to do something, move search for him because if I am left alone with my thoughts, even for a second I will collapse."

    "Ea, look at me." Theseus said and cupped his face. Forcing him to stop rubbing his face with his sleeves which had turned a bright red. The area around his eyes had been swollen and agitated. "We will find him. We will find my brother. I swear. No matter what he will come back to you." He told him and the small elf cried loudly, like a child. Theseus hugged him, squeezing him in his arms.

    "I¡­I won''t be able to live if he doesn''t come back. Theseus I¡­" Ea cried, his words muffled.

    "Don''t say that. Don''t think like that. I will help you, all of us will and Ares will return, I promise you." He whispered as he caressed his back when a knock was heard on the door. Ea jumped slightly, startled once more and Theseus giggled as he stood up.  He opened the door and faced a soldier. He was surprised at first since he was looking for Ea but Theseus'' strict look made him speak.

    "There is a woman in the palace''s gates, she is looking for you. A witch." The soldier said.

 Chapter 370 - 370

    "To be honest, I was surprised. I did not expect to come so soon or really accept our invitation." Allias said. They had gathered at the meeting room. Amelia had arrived almost instantly after he had received the letter, standing in the palace''s gates with a long skirt that moved with the wind. It was a deep green color matching perfectly her golden bracelets and lockets around her neck.

    "It was not really an invitation was it? More like a plea for help." She said with a faint grin on her face and Allias mimicked her expression. She was right, they were desperate and needed her help. Hiding could easily turn her away from them. "So, what is it that you need me for?" she asked them, her long fingers taking a hold of the tea cup. She smelled it first, satisfied with the delicate fragrant before her full lips touched the white porcelain.

    "Ares, my brother. He has been kidnapped, by a demon called Vines." Theseus said and the witch laughed.

    "You really do have a tendency of picking the wrong enemies. But tell me how could I help you with this?"

    "We need you to help us track Vines." Allias explained. "And, we will need you on what''s about to follow with Ares. A spell has been cast on him. One that helped Vine fake his death. It''s called¡­"

    "Tempus Mortis." Amelia said. She didn''t need to hear more. It was clear enough what they needed her for. A very ancient spell, complicated magic that dwelled in the deepest parts of the source. She looked at her reflection through the small tea cup. A frown was forming on her beautiful face as she kept thinking about the spell.

    "Yes, you are right. This is the spell and we know that is really hard to remove it. We will need you to help us with it. Of course we will give you everything you desire." Allias told her. "Gold, jewels, whatever you want."

    "I really shouldn''t have come here. I was curious you see. But this, this spell is old. Really old and honestly I don''t know how to help you." She told them while shaking her head. It was almost ridiculous. She couldn''t really understand why she had found herself in the first place there.

    "I think you are strong enough." Mark stepped in. "I mean you did leave an open portal in my brain for this guy to get in." the red haired said and pointed at Asmodeus. He was standing on the far back of the room, curled in a corner while he heard everyone else talk. Amelia''s eyes landed on him and a surprised gasped escaped her lips. He met her eyes with a cheeky smile, showing his sharp fangs before he talked to her.

    "Thank you for that by the way. I had been searching for soooo long." He told her.

    "Back to the point." Allias ordered, not wanting any distractions. "Can you help us spot him? The demon. Then once Ares is back home we can look into it. What''s important for us now is to be able to secure his body." The king explained.

    If it was something as easy as tracking someone she could definitely do it. It was what came afterwards that worried her. If she actually helped them that would mean she was clearly stating her alliance with the elves. Would she want to side with them, a crumbling nation that was nothing compared to its old glory or would she prefer to stay out of it and possibly get the help of the demons if she needed it?

    "What about Achlys? What is she saying about all this?" Amelia asked, wanting to know a bit better about the situation.

    "Achlys is dead. I turned her into dust." Allias said. "Her, about two hundred other demons too. I also brought her castle to the ground." He announced and Amelia''s brown eyes widened in shock as she heard the news. She had been making sure to stay informed about everything that went on in the Veil but as it seemed this was a piece of information that the Council didn''t want getting out. "You shouldn''t be afraid of the demons. I will protect you in case anything happens." He told her and the witch scoffed, staring at the elf with a judgmental look.

    "A king of a ruined nation with one hand will protect me against hordes of demons that might come after me after I help you." She told him and Allias laughed.

    "So, look at me." The elf king told her. "Look at me and tell me, I know for sure your intuition is great, you''re a witch after all. Could I protect you against a horde of demons? Me, the king with one hand and a ruined nation behind me. Look at the men in this room, do you dare to tell them they are weak?" he asked her with a cocked eyebrow and Amelia looked at them one by one.

    "You can call me weak I don''t get insulted. No offense taken." Mark said with a kind smile and Asmodeus tried to hold his laughter in.

    "So? What will it be? Will you help us?" Theseus asked her. His voice was cold, like it always was when he met people he wasn''t really familiar with. The woman crossed her arms over her chest, a sigh escaping her lips as she took a few seconds to think.

    "I want Queen Atalanti''s grimoire in exchange for my help" she stated and Allias stood up.

    "You must have gone mad!" He exclaimed.

    ...

    I just want to say that I was really planning on keeping Ares dead but y all were sad about it so now I have to think of a whole new Arc to write about and I am stressed. Because we are 370 chapters in and my braincells are slowly ending. I''ve used them all.

    But do tell me in the comments please, how does the book look so far? Some encouraging words would be helpful. Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 371 - 371

    "There is no way you will be getting my mother''s spell book. This is not witch magic. It elven you wouldn''t be able to use it anyways." Allias told her, his eyes showing a very obvious hostility. Amelia smiled and tapped her green colored fingernails on the wooden table. She didn''t say anything as she tilted her head to the side and looked at the angered king.

    "You need me" she simply stated. Allias gritted his teeth, his fist curling on top of the cold wood as he stared at her.

    "You can''t have it. It''s magic is sacred. It''s used by my people to change the seasons, heal and many other things. I can''t give it to you." He told her. There was no way he would let her have such a valuable pieve of information. It was simply impossible because it was vital to his people. The spell it contained were powerful, passed by elf to elf as they sat at the higher throne. Even if he did give it to her she wouldn''t be able to perform the spells in it.

    "Well then I guess that''s my que to leave" she said and pushed back her chair. She walked towards the door when Asmodeus appeared right in front of her closing her way. He brought his arm over his shoulders and turned her around, the witch frozen, intimidated by him.

    "Come on now dear. Let''s talk about it. Tell me what could you possibly do with an old book that you couldn''t even use. Hmmm, something, something is not right." He said and with a swift move he placed his palm around her neck sticking her to the wall.

    "Asmodeus" Mark exclaimed, surprised at his behaviour. Amelia coughted, her jeweled arms reaching to her neck as she tried to free herself. The demon turned around, facing his lover as he smiled.

    "Wait a second Mark." He told him and blew him a kiss before his eyes returned to the woman. "I''ve been thinking and thinking why would you come here so easily. Why would you be willing to help and ask for something you can''t even use. That simply means someone else will use it for you, oh don''t tell me you wanted the book for your collection" he said and tightened his grip. Amelia was shaking slapping his hand. "Will you tell us the truth?" He asked her and the woman nodded frantically. He let go of her. Amelia took a few deep breaths before she locked eyes with the elf king. He was going to kill her if she made another mistake. It was obvious in the way he stared at her that he did not want to hear any more lies.

    "I came here on my own. No one sent me. I just...I wanted the book because I''ve heard there is a spell. A spell that can summon the power of the sun and destroy even a city from far away. I found an elf who said they were going to perform it for me." Amelia explained and Allias raised an eyebrow.

    "Who do you want to ruin?" He asked her but she didn''t answer. Her face was turned towards the floor. "Luke, you wanted to destroy the WhiteFangs." Allias mumbled.

    "They killed my sister! I let them off so easily her soul will be tortured in the after life." She said raising her tone. "I had been planning this for a while. I was going to steal it. But since I got this chance I took it." She said and Allias'' started laughing. He had returned into sitting on his chair as he heard her shamelessly say that she was going to steal something from him.

    "You are really courageous or maybe dumb. You wouldn''t be able to step foot in her not let alone steal my mother grimoire. Because simply this place has a barrier, anyone with trully evil intends won''t be able to pass. Also even if you managed somehow to steal it, and took it to that elf friend of yours who will be executed shortly he wouldn''t be able to do it. Basically you''ve been scammed. Only I am powerful enough to cast that spell." He told her and her eyes widened. She had been cooled, something witch was surprising for such a young woman. She sat back on her chair devestated.

    "If you really want to take revenge for your sister. I can help you. I would love to beat Mikael up. Especially now that he is searching for his long lost soulmate." Mark mumbled with a frown.

    "Then this, do this for me!" Amelia said and looked at them. "Help me scare him, help him show him how I felt."

    "We are not killing Mikael''s mate." Theseus stated.

    "No, it''s okay. Do not kill her. She didn''t so anything to me after all. Simply scare him. Pretend that you will kill her, or something. If he feels this pain maybe then..."

    "Your sister wouldn''t be happy with such childish behavior." Allias stated. "I didn''t know her for long but it was obvious she was a very kind person. She always wanted to help even if it was to her own disadvantage. Seeing her sister stuck like this, not able to move on. This would upset her in the after life, not the fact that Mikael is alive. You need to move on."

    "Easy for you to say. Do you know how it feels to lose everything? She was the only family I have." Amelia told him while feeling insulted. Then her eyes landed on him, the king who sat a few meters away from her and realized what she had just said. Allias was smiling, his back on his chair as he shook his head.

    "Well, you could say I have my own fair experience. Anyways. I won''t help you with this. The wolves are my only allies at the moment. Also there is no way I will let you near the grimoire. So think of something else or leave my palace this instant." He told her, his tone almost coming out like a command. Amelia remained silent, she was thinking. She was never going to get what she wanted. Allias had states that clearly.

    "I want protection. For the years to come and I want gold and all of your medicine archivesin copies." She told them and the king smiled triumphant.

    "You have a deal."

 Chapter 372 - 372

    Darkness, that was simply all. Freezing cold, as if he was naked. That was exactly like he felt. He wished to open his eyes, he wished to move but he couldn''t, frozen and still he simply waited, stuck in his own body for someone to come and help him, someone to free him from this torture.

    "Why hasn''t he woken up!" A familiar voice screamed and the deep tone reached easily Ares'' ears. He knew very well who was frantically spitting insults and swears. "He is obviously alive so why wasn''t he woken up?" Vines asked again and if Ares could smile he would. Even like this, stuck somewhere between his physical body and nothingness he felt happy, satisfied that things didn''t go his way.

    "How am I supposed to know what happened?" An old and wrinkly voice followed. "You asked me to perform such a difficult spell and then take it back. I did it." The woman stated. Her voice was familiar too, he was sure he had heard it somewhere but at the same time he wasn''t very sure about it. He focused, wanting to hear better what they were talking about. Ares had believed that his life would end, back there in that room in the horrible tower but as he waited for his soul to move on, go somewhere he didn''t really know how or where it would happen he realized that nothing changed. His body had completely shut down but his should was still trapped in his flesh. Basically that meant he wasn''t dead. Someone had cast a spell on him to prevent him from dying and now he knew it was Vines.

    He wanted to move, get up and kill him with his own hands. Not so much because he tried to kill him but because he had the audacity to take Ea''s form and trick him. He had said all he wanted to the wrong person and had been taken away with Ea not knowing anything. Was he looking for him, was he worried? He couldn''t help but think about those things as his smile flashed before his closed eyes. He needed to find a way and get out of here but how, how could he do it when he was only a voice in his own dead mind.

    "Look, a tear." The woman said and Ares'' heard footsteps. Was he crying? He hadn''t even felt it. He couldn''t feel anything. Vines was probably close by now, touching his still body with his filthy hands and if he could he would frown. If being captured meant that he had to be with him he preferred to stay like this forever until Vines got bored of him and threw him away. Somewhere far away, maybe in the sea if he was lucky. He always loved the sea, the golden color of the sand and the saltiness in the air. Maybe Vines would get rid of him in a pretty scenery like that. In such a pretty place he wanted to take Ea, sit with him on the sore and feel the tingling waves touch their feet. He wanted to see him laugh, framed by the bright summer sun and grab him sweetly in his arms while they swam on the beach. He wanted¡­he wanted to do so many things but was there any point in him thinking about it? Did his family even know he was taken? The rest would probably really busy with Allias'' trial and what would follow. Ea wanted to divorce him and he was sure that they would probably think he had just run away again after his secret was exposed.

    "So you are alive indeed" Vines said. His voice sounded really loud, as if he was standing right in front of his face and Ares swore. He swore to himself that if he managed to get out of this messed up situation one day he would be the one to kill him, make him beg as he cried but for now he was simply stuck, hearing his nightmare like voice echo through the walls of his mind. "Kalis, I did not save you from the wrath of the elf king to mess up. Speak up, do something and fix him." Vines told her angrily. Ares couldn''t see it nor feel it but the demon had just kicked his leg, looking at him filled with disgust as he waked away from his doll like body.

    "I do not know how to fix him!" She screamed. That was good, Ares thought. Don''t fix me. I don''t want to be normal if that means being around someone like you people. Yes, he would prepare to die than actually keep being close to Vines.

    Death sounded too tempting. He didn''t really have anything to lose after all. Ea, he had rejected him and now he would believe that he was dead. There was no turning back, no convincing him of his love in this state if anyone cared about him in the first place. Mark had Asmodeus, his brother had Allias and he used to have Ea. The small elf had rejected him though, brutally so even requesting to break off their soul link. Really, there was nothing to be done. He thought and another tear escaped from his closed eyes.

    "Do something and do it fast. I won''t be living with a mummy. Wake him up and erase his memories! Everything about this little slut of an elf he is married to." Vines told her.

    No, no. Ares shouted, anything but that he begged but no one would be able to hear him. No matter what his memories of Ea had to stay intact, there was no way he would be able to be his self if the memories of the one who fixed him were gone. He couldn''t, he wouldn''t allow it. Ares had to find a way and get out of there, break the spell, call for someone do something before it was too late!

    "I think there is something¡­" Kalis mumbled.

 Chapter 373 - 373

    Ea was laying on his bed, the covers messily surrounding his body as he sighed I''m his sleep. They had made a deal with Amelia and she had asked them one night to be able and prepare. Allias had so graciously given her the time she needed while the small elf like he was going to die out of worry. He didn''t want to go to sleep, he wanted to stand outside Amelia''s room all night just to be ready the exact moment she was done. Time was precious and he was not planning on wasting it any longer. He had made that mistake once. Never again.

    Just before he fell asleep he couldn''t help but wonder, was this how Theseus had felt? This pain, this worry. You know that your love will return but you don''t know when or if he is going to be alright. That alone was painful but those images, those horribly detailed memories of the blood and his expression were to realistic for Ea to simply push them away as a scheme, a trick of this disgusting demon. He had sighed many times that night, staring at his ceiling imagining a star filled sky and counting the bright dots. This little habit of his helped him calm down during the nights he was stressed about work. He counted and counted until he reached the thousands and his eyelids slowly start getting heavy.

    As the warmth darkness of sleep surrounded him though something strange happened. He felt a pain on his chest, piercing but not the kind that you connect with muscles or the heart. It was emotional pain, he realized. His eyes remained closed and while he tried to understand what exactly was happening he heard muffled voices. Far away from him, almost like whispered but he was sure they were voices, people talking and the hairs on his body rose. Was he hallucinating? Yes, he hadn''t been eating very well and maybe he had lacked some sleep but the affects would come so soon? He doubted it. He decided he wanted to wake up, open his eyes and jump off his bed. Maybe his mind was punishing him because he tried to sleep while Ares was gone. Maybe it was his guilt. Nothing happened though, Ea remained stuck in this peculiar dream. An endless darkness, a very realistic pain on his chest and the sound of voices. They became a little louder as their conversation began to get heated.

    "Kalis" he heard someone shout and he gasped. This couldn''t be real, he thought when he felt a tear trail paths on his cheek. He was crying? But why? He wondered when suddenly he was brought back. He opened his eyes and breathed in heavily. He sat up, looking around his room trying to spot the source of the sound. Everything had turned quiet though and the pain on his chest was slowly fading. He wiped his face, feeling the wetness of his tears and frowned. What had just happened he wondered.

    He knew that name, he had heard it before. Kalis, Kalis, he mumbled as he got up. He was pacing now back and forth his arms behind his back as he was trying to search his memories. Where had he heard that name? He asked himself and an image popped on his mind. At the trial, the witch. It was her, the one of the two sisters that was working with the demons, he realized and his eyes widened. Why would he hear his name though and who was she talking to? He wondered as he frantically looked around the room, his mind raving for an answer. The pain, the tears and the voices, the witch that had a connection with the demons. Slowly everything began to make sense, the more he repeated it the more he managed to connect the dots.

    "It can''t be..." He mumbled as he reached to his final result. "It can''t be..." He repeated as he rushed towards his door. He messily grabbed the knob and opened it, finding himself in the dark corridor in the middle of the night. He started running, the wind from the opened windows landing on his face, whipping him gently and he turned, got up the wide staircases until he reached Theseus'' and Allias'' room. He bursted inside without even thinking of knocking. There was no time for that, he thought as the door opened wide and smacked the wall.

    Both of the elves shot up and Theseus was immediately off the bed and behind him. His arm was wrapped around Ea''s neck bringing him in a very uncomfortable and painful headlock. Allias looked at them with wide eyes.

    "Theseus it''s Ea. Stop." He said and the general released his grip instantly, dropping him on the floor. The elf gasped and coughed a few times trying to catch his breath. In the mean time Allias had gotten up and rushed towards him, crouching down and reaching his eye level. "What''s wrong Ea?" The king asked him. His green eyes, still bright in the darkness of the night were showing pure concern as the elf couched trying to find his voice.

    "Sorry about that." Theseus said with a yawn as he scratched the back of his head lazily. Ea looked at him with a frown before he was looking again at Allias.

    "Something happened." He told them at first and the two older elves looked at him confused.

    "Something as in what?" Allias asked his eyes wary as he waited for his answer.

    "I was trying to sleep. No, I had barely fallen asleep when something happened to me. I thought it was a dream and I heard voices, I first I thought I was hallucinating but then the pain on my chest and everything. It was so realistic and, and..." Ea began saying. He was speaking too fast his words coming out muffled and weird and Allias blinked a few times, his face a pure question mark as he tried to understand.

    "Wait, wait. Calm down and tell us slowly." Theseus interrupted him and Ea noticed that none of them had realized what he was talking about.

    "The details don''t matter" he said shaking his head. "Tonight, I think I felt Ares through our link. It can happen right?" He asked and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "Oh gods" he said with a short breath. "Get up we can find Ares" he told them and Ea jumped up, a small smile forming on his face.

 Chapter 374 - 374

    The next few hours were a complete mess. It could be described as an utter chaos but still that wouldn''t be enough to properly characterize what was happening at the palace.

    The moment Ea had told them there was something wrong with him and that he could actually sense Ares Allias had grabbed him and had brought him to Amelia. They did not remain in her guest room though as she too was forced to step out. The poor woman gathered her tools and papers in a hurry, messily placing them underneath her armpits and rushed outside following the three elves. Ea could still hear clearly the jiggling of her bracelets as her long skirt wiped elegantly the floor.

    Allias took them all to the throne room. It was actually quite spooking at that time of night. Barely any light, the only source the moon that sneaked in through the tall windows, showing parts of the spacious room. Mark and Asmodeus had been awakened too since the matter involved his brother. The red haired had entered the room, dragging his feet dressed in a loose pair of shorts with teddy bears on them and a black t shirt. Asmodeus was following behind him, dressed as if he hadn''t actually slept at all.

    "What''s wrong?" Mark had asked them with a yawn and Allias explained to him the situation in a hurry.

    At the moment Ea was sitting on a chair a guard bad brought in and Amelia was looking at him. Yes, plainly staring at him making him blush from embarrassment. Such intense eye contact and for that long made him feel awkward.

    While they were engaging this is peculiar staring contest Allias had ordered Theseus to gather a few men, the whole castle had woken up curious as to what was happening. Already a few heads were popping from the sides of the huge entrance but the king did not bother to kick them out. Everyone had been really worried when they found out that Ares was missing so this time he was going to let them watch. If Amelia wanted them to be gone he would tell them but for now as long as he was only an observer too he wouldn''t intervene.

    "So you''re telling me he can feel Ares through this soul link?" Mark asked , scratching the back of his head still half asleep.

    "Yes. It can happen in moments of intense emotion. Some times you can feel the pain of your partner, their fear, their happiness. It''s complicated though, it doesn''t happen all the time." Allias said as he paitiently waited for Amelia to say something

    "I''ve never seen it happen to you and Theseus." Mark commented and Allias smiled, it didn''t look to be a hapoy smile though, more like a form of pouting.

    "That''s because Theseus and I are not...married, in human terms. We are not soul links."

    "You must be kidding me. How long have you guys been together?" Mark asked and Allias shrugged his shoulders. It had been so long he had actually lost count of the years. He rembered it all so clearly though.

    "I don''t remember. More than four hundred years though." He said and Mark gasped.

    "That''s a long time" Mark mumbled supriesd and Allias chuckled.

    "Sure is" he said and nodded his head.

    "Do you feel anything now?" Amelia''s voice was heard. She was talking to Ea and this was probably the tenth time she had asked him this question. The small elf shook his head negatively, the same answer as all of the times before.

    "I don''t think this is the right approach." Ea stated and Amelia sighed, her fingers dibing into her thick hair as she tried to think.

    "We can''t do anything until the connection returns. It''s that moment we need. Once he feels Ares I can touch him and connect with them I will be able to find the place I ssnsed with my magic." She said and Allias nodded.

    "When was it that you felt the connection?" Asmodeus asked Ea.

    "When I fell asleep." The elf replied.

    "Then maybe you should try to sleep." Asmodeus suggested. "Or maybe you could make him fall asleep. A small spell or something." The demon told Amelia. She was standing away from him, always standing at the opposite direction. It was pretty obvious that she was scared of him. Asmodeus had noticed it of course and it prickled. A small pain in his chest like a thorn. All thag just because he was a demon. He couldn''t blame her though.

    "A sleeping potion takes some time to make. Also I don''t have all the right ingredients so it will take longer. Can''t you just fall asleep?" She asked him.

    "I am not going to fall asleep when I am this anxious." Ea stated. He felt kind of insulted by that. Who would be able to fall asleep after what they had experienced, after the hope of finding their lover had returned.

    "Okay then. I think I can help" Mark said and everyone looked at him surprised. He frowned and raised an eyebrow, crossing his hands over his chest and tapping his bare foot on the cold tiles. "What? You think I can''t help? Maybe I should keep my mouth shut." He told them and Ea''s eyes widened.

    "No, no, please forgive us. We would love to have your help. What is it that you''re suggesting?" He asked and Mark scoffed.

    "I don''t know maybe..."

    "Spill it orelse I will fucking slap you. And you don''t want to be slapped by me believe me." Allias told him with a threatening glare and Mark coughed.

    "Fine." He said. "Arpaia, come here" he called out and the demonic spirit appeared in front of them. The beautiful woman was wearing a very long velvet dress with her back exposed and stared at them. She smiled at Mark and rushed towards him, hugging him. "Okay, okay." He said and puslled her arms away. She pouted but didn''t complain, as it seemed it was actually something normal between them.

    "What will she do?" Amelia asked. Her tone was a bit agressive. She didn''t like the idea of having another demon in the room, even if she was of much lower rank. Arpaia looked at her, squeezing her eyes, realizing immediately that she was afraid and grinned .

    "You''re scared." She stated and in the blink of an eye she had appeared right in front of her, making her take a step back. "Why though?" She asked her as her smile grew bigger. Her long nails touched the edge of her chin and the sound of Mark clicking his tongue was heard.

    "That''s enough." He told her and closed his palm. In the nest second Arpaia had returned back to her original place. She had disappeared for a second, unwillingly returning to her spot.

    "That was not very nice." She commented looking at Mark with a frown.

    "I called you her because I have a job for you." Mark informed her and she tilted her head to the side.

    "That''s unexpected. What could you want from me master? I do not fight." She stated.

    "I know that. I need you to hypnotize him and make him fall asleep. Don''t do anything else. No nightmares, no crazy dreams just make him sleep." Mark ordered her and she walked towards Ea. The elf gulped,. intimidated by her smile but didn''t move. He allowed her to touch his head and after a few minutes and some aeird chanting he had fallen asleep. Arpaia had disappeared immediately after it, blowing Mark a kiss as she left and Amelia released a heavy breath.

    Ea''s mind was blank again. His body gone as he traveled through an endless darkness. He searched and searched desperately for Ares when his mind suddenly stopped him. There it was again, that piercing pain on his chest, burning him. This time though he managed to see something else too. Something that surpsided him.

    In the darkness a light glowed. Like a spotlight offering him view of a cage. It almost reminded him that of a birds, a golden color, shiny, polished to perfection and inside it a person was sitting. His knees brought to his chest, his face hidden.

    Ea took a step closer, wanting to see better when Vines'' voice was heard again. Far away from them but still crystal clear.

    "Wake up!" He screamed and the man in the cage flinched. He raised his head slowly tears in his eyes and for a second Ea couldn''t believe what he was seeing right in front of him.

    "Ares!" He shouted at the top of his lungs and suddenly the elves eyes widened. Their eyes met, a shocked expression on the prince''s fave as he parted his lips. He tried to speak but no words came out it was as if his voice was gone. He moved forward, his palms wrapping around the thick bars of the cage and extended his arm, hoping that Ea would take it. The elf tried to reach him but now he felt like he was stuck.

    "Ares!" He shouted again and again tears gathering in his eyes as he watched him shake the cage, trying to get out. He couldn''t speak. "I will find you. I promise!" Ea cried when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around, seeing Amelia look towards the same direction as him. She looked at Ea with a smile.

    "I found him"

 Chapter 375 - 375

    Ea returned back to consciousness slowly, his eyelids blinking, his vision slightly blurry. The first fave he came to recognize, see it''s characteristics clearly was the one of the beautiful king. Allias was standing close to him, so close he could feel his breath landing on his cheek and was inspecting him with those bright green eyes of his that were filled with worry.

    He wasn''t really used to being so close to him. He took a second though, still in a daze and half asleep to observe him better. No wrinkles, no signs of aging even though he was thousands years old. He was breathing slowly, his lips slightly parted a very beautiful pink color, like a rose and his skin was a bit tanned. All Avgee elves had a golden shimmer to their skin in comparison with the Disee ones that were deadly pale. Maybe because they had such a strong connection to the sun.

    "So pretty." Ea mumbled with a foolish smile and heard Allias'' refreshing chuckle.

    "He is fine." The king said and took a step back with a faint smile on his face and Ea as he started gaining consciousness he blushed, embarrassed about what he had said. His eyes immediately landed on Theseus who was staring at him with a cocked eyebrow and smiled.

    "So what happened?" Mark asked and Ea completely returned to the present. Ares, he remembered it clearly. Mute, locked in that golden cage. Just the thought of it made his heart ache, he realized. He looked at Amelia, the woman was thinking. She had told him in that dream that she had found him so did she seem so concerned.

    "What''s wrong?" Ea asked "You told me you found him." The smell elf stated.

    "I thought I did. But the location, I think I might be mistaken. It is very absurd. " She said and Allias tilted her head to the side.

    "Where are they?" Theseus asked her.

    "They are...here." Amelia told them and all of them turned completely silent.

    "In the castle?" Mark asked dramatically and Asmodeus was heard sighon behind him. He placed his palm on Mark''s shoulder and forced him to turn around.

    "Not here dear, in the area. In the elf kingdom." The demon corrected him.

    "Why are you looking at me as if I am stupid?" Mark asked, crossong his arms over his chest with a suspicious glare landing right on Asmodeus. If looks could kill this would definitely be a strong slap.

    "I am not." The demon answered with a cheeky smile.

    "How about I order you to go burry yourself underneath some kind of tree. How would that sound?"

    "It sounds like abuse of power." Asmodeus told him and Mark smiled devilishly.

    "It is."

    "Excuse me, about Ares!" Ea exclaimed and all eyes were turned on him. "What do you mean he is here?"

    "As the demon said, he is in the elf kingdom. It is surprising though because didn''t you think it''s absurd?" Amelia asked, rubbing her chin. Allias didn''t have to think for long, he believed he already knew the answer.

    "He wanted to outsmart us. He probably believed we would search for Ares immediately and think that he was in the demonic capital. That Vines would be hiding somewhere there. That would give him time." Allias told them and Theseus nodded.

    "Well, the best hiding place it''s always the most obvious one." The general added, his voice cold as he realized that soon he would get to meet the one who took his brother away. His body tensed as his thoughts traveled to all the vicious things he would do that monster without a drop of guilt.

    "Did you get to see the exact location?" Ea asked Amelia and the woman nodded. She hesitated for a bit to say it, as her big eyes met with his.

    "The Avgee ruins. He is hiding there." She revealed and Allias'' fist was clenched on his side, his knuckles turning paler from the force, just a bit more and he would draw blood from the places his nails pierced brutally his skin.

    "How dare he..." He mumbled. The Avgee ruins were a sacred place for the elves. More than historical monuments it was the place where their brothers and sisters had died, when hallf of a nation had gone extinct. Someone needed to be a very lowly creature to get in there and do something like that. But well, this was Vines they were talking about, at the end of the day they shouldn''t be that surprised.

    "So now what do we do?" Mark asked.

    "We will first send a scouting troop. Access the danger..." Theseus began saying, laying out a solid stragedy for them to follow so they wouldn''t regret it later. He was interrupted though by a very angry king.

    "Get ready. We will go and kill him now." Allias said and Theseus looked at him with a frown.

    "Allias, I do not think that this is a good idea. I want to get Ares back too but Vines is strong. We are limited. We can''t go all out. You are forbidden and we can''t have the Avgee ruins getting destroyed."

    "I shall not have another elf get hurt there. I will not see elf blood get spilled there anymore. I will not allow Ares to suffer all alone in that place and Vines, he needs to pay for taking him away, for hurting all of us and for disrespecting our sacred land. Am I clear?" He asked him, staring at him strictly. His tone was cold and steady, a very obvious order as Theseus nodded. "Good, go get ready we will be leaving on an hour and you Amelia, please do some research about the spell. A maid will lead you to our library. There are many magic contexts you might find useful there." Allias said and nodded his head. A soldier immediately rushed in at his signal. "Get ready some weapons. Call a maid to lead our guest to the library. Always have three soldiers watch her at all times." He said not caring thag Amelia was listening. The woman looked at him her expression showing surprise.

    "Really? Do you think that''s needed?" She asked him.

    "I am not stupid and I do not trust anyone. No offense." He said "what are you waiting for? Go..." He told everyone and started walking heading to his room. Theseus followed close behind him, silent.

    "Allias, your people''s land..."

    "I don''t think we should be talking about it now." The king said as he opened the heavy door. He walked inside the warm room and headed towards one of the closets. He opened the double doors, they were made from wood, polished nicely with carvings of plants on the front, and in their view came a few weapons that they kept there just in case they needed them.

    He grabbed a sword, cold and heavy and threw it towards Theseus. The general grabbed it in the air with no difficulty at all, his reflexes at top state and watched as Allias took out his spear. It was a beautiful weapon, if someone looked at it he would be troubled about how something so delicate could bring so much death. He still remembered when he was teaching the king to throw it. His shyness, his fear to harm someone and his purity. Not though it was clasped tightly inside his grip, his muscles flexing as he stretched his arm in a throwing motion and as Theseus watched him he realized that so much time had passed since then. So many things had changed but Allias was still as beautiful in his eyes. He smiled faintly and took a few steps towards him.

    "We will punish him. For everything that he has done." Theseus told him as he stood behind him, shielding his back with his body and placing his palm on top of his closed fist. They were holding the spear together and Allias breathed in felling his body close. "I promise."

    "I don''t want the people I care about to be in pain anymore. You, Ea, Ares you are my family. I should be protecting you." Allias said. He had a very saddened expression on his face, Theseus though while he stood behind him he couldn''t see it. He kissed his neck gently, his lips grazing the soft skin.

    "You are, you always have been."

    "This is the second time Ares gets kidnapped. I think this will bring him down...I can''t stop thinking about it. Everything that will follow..."

    "It''s going to be alright. Ares is strong, he will get through this and all of us will help him. Also, about what happens next, we have the gods by our side. The royal Disee family had powerful friends." Theseus said with a smirk and Allias scoffed.

    "I''ve always been wondering, Ares is named after the war god but why is it that your parent''s friends were Apollo and Artemis?" He asked him.

    "Well, the truth is that Apollo lost a bet." He said and tried to hold in his laughter.

 Chapter 376 - 376

    The metal in Allias'' hand felt cold but he held it steadily. Theseus had teleported there while Mark and Asmodeus had flown. It was still very weird to the king, seeing his best friend so easily adapted to Asmodeus''....demonic nature. They had set a meeting point, just outside the entrance of the ruins, the beginning of the old Avgee capital. Theseus and Allias were the ones that arrived first, their eyes wary of their surroundings from the moment they landed, their legs hidden up to the knee from the tall grass.

    Allias took a deep breath. He couldn''t get used to being there yet. A tremor in his heart and the images of the brutal war were too intense sometimes, especially if his green eyes gazed at the broken marbles, the shuttered glass and the skeletons of once a great nation''s glory. He felt Theseus'' hand wrap around his wrist since they couldn''t entwine their fingers. He looked down at the pale hand surrounding his tanned skin and a smile formed on his frowned face.

    "Thank you." Allias whispered. "For everything."

    "I haven''t really done anything." Theseus answered with a smile and the king rolled his eyes. He always chose the most peculiar times to be humble.

    "You and I both know that this is utter bullshit." He said and Theseus gasped dramatically, his hand landing on his chest, gripping his shirt.

    "Did you just....oh gods" he cried, his hand moving from his chest to his forehead in a very theatrical act and Allias laughed. Soon the sound of wings flapping was heard and above their head a wind gathered. The morning sun was hidden for a moment as Asmodeus landed on the ground, his huge feathers casting a big shade over them.

    "We''re here." Mark said and Allias nodded. He shook his head, his eyes scanning the area in search of Ea but he couldn''t see him. He was supposed to teleport there so he should be there by now.

    "Where is Ea?" Allias asked.

    "Well, the last time I saw him he was getting his weapons ready. He had those cute little daggers and was wrapping them around his thigh. Very Lara croft of him" Mark said and Theseus looked at his lover with a question mark forming on his face.

    "Lara..." He mumbled and Allias chuckled.

    "It''s a movie. She is a character from a movie." He explained. Theseus'' lips formed a silent oh and nodded, not needing any further explanation. "I don''t like this, where is Ea." Allias said as he started to get anxious. "He should be here" he repeated.

    "Calm down, something must have happened at the palace. I am sure he will ..." Theseus began saying when a burning note appeared right in front of him. It was a magical letter. The general looked at him confused and once the fire settled and it started falling to the ground he grabbed it and unraveled it. As he read the few lines his eyes widened in shock.

    "What is it?" Allias asked as he heard Theseus groan. He shriveled the paper and threw it to the ground, clicking annoyed his tongue. "What?"

    "The letter is from Ea. It says I will be settling this. Amelia gave me the exact location" he said.

    "No, no. He can''t be doing this. We need to find him" Allias said. "Why would he do this?"

    "He probably wants to be the one to take revenge. Maybe he is scared you will get hurt too." Asmodeus suggested and Allias'' sigh was so heavy his whole chest moved up and down in a very depressing motion.

    "The stupidy of this group really amazes me sometimes." Mark mumbled "So what do we do now?"

    "We search and find him. Before it is too late." Theseus said.

    ....

    Ea didn''t want to be found. That''s why he waited a bit to be far away from them before he sent them the letter to let them know. He knew that if he survived this he would get a scolding from every single person in the palace but at the moment he didn''t care. With every step he was getting closer and closer to Ares and that was what mattered.

    Amelia had let him only know where Vines was exactly after he begged her. She was hesitant at first but the pleading in the warm eyes of his made her do everything the small elf asked.

    She was the reason why Ea had found himself on the entrance of the Avgee palace, his foot barely inside. He looked around, the ruined columns, the vines growing around the remaining walls and his memeory completed the picture perfectly. He hadn''t been there many times but like everyone who had the image of such greatness was too hard to forget. There was still some golden details shining underneath the sunlight of the chilly morning. Allias had been raised here, he used to run through those walls dressed all in white and gold like the rest of his people, his feet bare while his laughter echoed in the tall corridors.

    He was almost scared to step in, as if he was steppoing inside a sacred place. He felt like he would violate it in a way but in the end he pressured himself to do so. He had to get to Ares. Save him.

    Ea, even though he hated confrontation and fighting, after the war had been trained by Theseus. Not as a simple warrior though. Elves we''re usually really tall and strong while he not only lacked in height but also in physical strength. When he was younger he had considered this his doom as he hated standing out from the rest kids at his age. Later on, after Theseus decided to make him his pupil he realized those drawback could turn into his biggest advantages.

    He wasn''t strong but he was fast, incredibly so and agile. He could appear and disappear like smoke, his footsteps silent like a cat. That was the reason why Ea had been one of the few assassins of the elf nation. Killing silently in the dark wasn''t exactly how they used to do things but Theseus had found a way to make him useful. He couldn''t wield magic that well like Allias and Theseus and he definitely could hold huge weapons like the king''s enormous spear. Once he had tried to put it to the side to clean it up but he could move it an inch. After he had managed to do it he couldn''t keep holding it and it landed on his toes, breaking all of them. That was the reason why Ea used daggers. Theseus had them especially made for him and now, as he climbed through the viney walls, attempting to reach the remains of the last tower he had one between his teeth, ready to throw it at any second. His daggers were poisoned. Holy water was a bit cliche but the truth was that it definitely worked, especially in Christian based demons.

    He heard voices, the closer he managed to get to the top the words were getting clearer. He focused wanting to guess how many people were there. Vines'' voice was clear, he recognized it immediately while the other was the voice of the woman he had heard in his dream. He stood still for a second, silent to see if anyone else would talk.

    "You need to fix him" Vines screamed at her. His eyes widened, fix him? What had they down to him?

    "I don''t know how! I believed his soul was gone but his body actually is shit down. He doesn''t want to wake up. His soul is trapped somewhere in there but his body is simply almost like dead" the woman said. Ea could feel his heart begin to race. He couldn''t let his worry distract him. He had to fight for him, get him back, he reminded himself as he hopped finally leaving the wall. He landed perfectly at the remaining floor of the tower. It was open from the top, no ceiling while it shape was a circle. The floors used to be white but now they were muddy with bugs running around while the golden frames of the windows were still standing.

    Vines didn''t seem supposed to see him. It was only the witch that gasped. Scared she disappeared, leaving them immediately on their own and Ea looked at him, his eyes filled with hatred.

    "Well, you found us earlier than I expected." He told him and took a step to the side, revealinf Ares. He was seated on the floor, his back resting on a small piece of the wall that had remained and his eyes were closed shut.

    "Ares!" He shouted and tried to rush towards him when Vines cut his way. He grabbed him from the neck and pinned him down. A grin was growing on his face.

    "Pitty, he can''t hear you."

    "Let him go!"

    "No. Can you defeat me and get him back?" Vines asked him.

    "I can and I will." He said and disappeared, getting away from his tight grip and landing right behind him, a dagger in his hand.

 Chapter 377 - 377

    Fighting, everything came down to that in the end. Blood, guts and sweat all mixed up together in a tragic play of hatred. All of them had been forced or chosen to take a life at some point. The great golden leaders and the cold hearted generals, the young rebels and the bloodthirsty demons. Every single person he had met in one way or the other had taken a life, had made someone cry because they lost their loved ones. Did that made them evil? Did trying to save themselves and their people made them selfish and heartless? Ea had always been wondering about that, even though he was the only one in between the great figures that lived in the elf palace that hadn''t killed anyone. Ever. He was always away, away from battle during the war, away from confrontations as if he was being shielded by those older than him. Right now, he was alone, he stood before his enemy his heart racing while sweat dripped from every pore and panting.

    Punches and slashes, dashes and screams as he tried desperately to find an opening, as he thought in the middle of this bloody mess of how he could kill Vines. He had a big cut on his chest, blood flowing and painting his clothes red. It was a very hard blow, it slowed him down as he felt the burn of the split skin. He had managed to only land a punch on Vines'' face, a bruise was starting the spread underneath his eye and that gave him some strength, just a little bit that maybe not all hope was lost.

    "I can do this all day you know, it''s like playing with a baby." He said with a grin. "You''re already panting. You''re tired"

    "I will still kill you, tired or not." Ea said. Vines shook his tail, slashing him and the elf was thrown at the opposite side, landing almost at the edge of their made up battle ground. He tried to stand up but his arms gave in sore and in pain he looked up as Vines approached Ares. "Don''t touch him" Ea groaned as he watched him. A knife appeared in Vines'' hand and he crouched, caressing Ares'' handsome face with the cold blade. He drew blood and Ea bit his lips as he desperately tried to stand on his feet.

    "You know, he won''t wake up. I''ve tried spells and charms. He is practically dead. Should I take him out of his misery?" Vines asked and Ea stared at him with wide eyes. "I mean things definitely did not go the way I was intending and there is no way I will keep a doll by myside, I am not into that so why not kill him and make you all miserable. I will win something in the end." He told Ea. His voice was cheerful, carefree as if he wasn''t talking about murdering someone.

    Ea had never felt such strong hatred before, such burning desire to simply rip someone''s heart out. He placed his palms on the dirty ground, pushing as he tried to stand up. He found himself on his knees when Vines noticed him.

    "Oh, you''re trying to get up." The demon stated and took a few steps closer. "Even if you stand what will you do? Slap me? Oh my I am so scared." Vines mocked him. Ea scoffed, his eyes half closed as his exhaustion was trying to get control of his body. He extended his arms while he heard Vines spill more insulted and grabbed his leg, pulling as hard as he could and brought him down. The demon landed with a loud thump, a cough escaping his lips and Ea made sure to redtrsin him immediately. He sat on his lap, his arms wrapping around his neck as he tried to choke him.

    "I won''t let you hurt him anymore! No matter what it takes I am bringing Ares home!" He screamed in his face.

    "You little shit" Vines groaned as he felt the air leave his lungs. "You annoyed me from the first moment that I saw you." He told him and raised his head, he headbumped him hard, Ea shaking and almost falling back. Vines'' neck was freed and that psychotic smile returned on his face. There was blood on his forehead, a wound he had inflicted on himself to run away. He shook Ea off, it was easy, the small felt disoriented and lost because of the hard hit.

    Vines grabbed him, making him stand only to punch him and bring him down again. He kicked him in the stomach, a huge amount of blood escaping from Ea''s lips.

    "You are so arrogant. Who do you think you are to deserve to be with him? I gave him everything. Pleasure, passion, all he asked for and he ends up with someone like you? A freaking coward that can''t even draw a sword? You and him both deserve to die." He told him.

    "Ares doesn''t love you, he never will" Ea said with a faint smile, provoking him and Vines stepped on his head. He couldn''t hear very well nor see at this point. There was a constant ringing in his ears. Through his blurry vision though he managed to see Vines, a figure dressed in black approaching Ares. He was going to kill him, the small elf realized.

    No, no, no he mumbled. Please. He begged and tried to get up.

    "Just one time. One last time" he whispered and closed his eyes. With all of his remaining power he teleported where Ares was seated, using his body as a shield. As fast as he could he grabbed him and looked around. A few seconds before Vines reached them. Ares had tears on his face and Ea with shaking and bloody hands wiped them away. "It''s going to be alright" he whispered and pushed Ares'' body slightly to the side.

    He hugged him, tightly, with everything he got and then he simply pushed both of them off.

    He was holding Ares, feeling the air whip his face as he fel into the void.

 Chapter 378 - 378

    Falling didn''t feel that bad, the chilling breeze, the freedom and the excitement. Ea wasn''t that scared actually, he had been terrified right before the fall but as his body grew weaker so did his fear. All of his strength had gone into holding Ares close and finally feeling his body touch his was an instant relief. His eyes were closed as a small smile formed on his face. He preffered death rather than having Ares die by that demon''s hand. He preffered to turn into mush on the ground than see his love disappear, turn into dust. He wasn''t strong like Theseus, he would simply crumble, wither away in a room and die.

    He remembered the Beta of the pack. The moment Adam had died he had already decided it. There was nothing left there for him, he couldn''t move on without him. Some may found it pathetic, Ea though found it very heroic in a way, very Utopic. A love so strong, a love so rare that not even death scared it away. Maybe Ea wouldn''t have to courage to take his life like he did. He would simply spent an eternity tormenting himself, reminded that he had lost everything.

    So maybe this, a nasty fall while he didn''t have the strength to prevent it would be okay. If an elf took their own life they could die. It was some kind of loophole. He had never thought about it but it seemed that it would be handy. So he smiled, he heard Vines curse and he almost laughed. No matter what he wouldn''t let things go his way. Infinity, that''s what Ares had promised him, they could continue in the after life, if there was one for them.

    Ea had been falling for a while and he knew soon would be the time to land. He braced himself, closed eyes, breath clocked in his lungs and fists gripping his husband tightly. He didn''t meet his doom though, he didn''t feel his skull cracking open or his limbs breaking. None of that happened. He heard a voice.

    "Fucking idiot" he said and Ea instantly realized it. Theseus. He opened his eyes and met with the general, white strands of hair were falling on his forehead and his cheeks were flushed from running. He had caught them, both of them. "Once we get home I am firing you" he said and Ea chuckled.

    "Thanks" the elf told him, thanking him for saving him when his eyes were drawn by something or more like someone.

    It was Allias. He was standing behind Theseus his eyes strict as they met with him. Ea gulped, feeling the intense stare of the king. He felt as if he was being burned.

    "We will talk when we get back" Allias said. His voice showed that he was barely keeping it together before he disappeared completely, leaving behind him a golden dust. Ea looked up, knowing that he went to face Vines and then at Theseus.

    "You won''t go with him?" Ea asked.

    "Me? I would just be a burden. I have a feeling Allias wants to go all out. Wouldn''t want to get turned to dust in the process" Theseus said with a silly smile as he walked towards the top of the tower.

    Allias had chosen to teleport surprising Vines with his appearance. The demon hid it quickly with a vicious smirk.

    "Are they dead?" He asked.

    "Of course they are not dead. Like I would let you kill any of my people." He told him and smiled.

    "You do look stunning, the stories about you were true indeed. I will be saddened to kill such an eye candy" he told him and Allias felt like he was going to throw up. Every word that came out of his lips felt twisted.

    "Well we will see who will be the one that''s dying" he said and disappeared

    "Old truck your friend tried that already" Vines said and turned around meeting Allias again but this time a lot closer. He grabbed him by the neck but he didn''t seem to mind. He raised his arm and hit Vines'' with his elbow freeing himself easily.

    "My friend was a soldier. I am a King" he said and his palm turned gold. Vines took a few steps back knowing that he shouldn''t allow Allias to touch him. He swang his tail, slapping him in the face and a small cut opened under his eye. Allias clicked his tongue and mimicking his smike he rushed forward

    He tried to kick Vines at first but he skillfully dodged everything. The demon at some point grabbed his ankle bringing him down but Allias twisted his body and found himself getting up closer to him this time. So close that he managed to punch him in the nose. Vines hissed an angered expression on his face and Allias laughed. Another punch followed and another but the third didn''t land. Vines ducked and launched at him wrapping his arms aroubd his waist and bringing him to the floor. He restricted his movement and started punching him.

    "What is a king with one hand going to do?" Vines asked him.

    "I wonder" Allias said in the split second that he had between the punches he received. Soon Vines felt his body grow hot, as if he had an intense fever, as if someone was trying to lit him on fire. His eyes widebed as Allias'' veins seemed to shine golden.

    "You can''t. You''re restrained. The council." He mumbled as he stood up. Allias was back on his feet immediately and walked slowly towards him.

    "I can do, whatever I want." He stated and a small beam of light appeared. It was shaped like a sharp blade and he played with it with his fingers before he shot it at Vines. The demon jumped back and watched as the floor where the light had landed caught on fire. "Oh my is that fear in your eyes?" Allias sked him and another blade of light followed. He was playing with him, the moment his mask fell and his fear showed Allias was sure,Vines was going to lose. "Not that easy now that your oponent is not weak." He said.

    Vines frowned and without thinking he approached the king. Deciding that he could fight him. He punched Allias in the stomach. He had ran too fast and the king didn''t manage to guard but he did return the hit with a very strong uppercut that made Vines see stars and stumble.

    Vines realized he was at a tough spot. He looked around deciding he should run when he noticed where Theseus and Ea stood with Ares. He smiled and raised his arms a thick smoke surrounding them, limiting Allias'' vision. He heard footsteps get away and he knew that Vines was trying to escape. He rushed at the edge of the floor only to be met with a peculiar sight.

    Two Theseus. Both of them standing side by side. He groaned, knowing exactly what the demon was trying to do. He didn''t want to leave without achieving at least some level of misery. Allias summoned his spear, holding it tightly.

    "Allias ..." Both of them said at the same time and raised their arms in the air. "It''s not me you know it " they said like a very unusal vocal group. Allias didn''t answer, he simply targeted at one of them.

    "My love don''t!" The man he was targeting shouted but Allias was already moving his arm back ready to shoot. And he did. He hit the other Theseus. The one who didn''t expect it. He obviously hit his mark, the golden spear landing exactly in the middle of his chest. Blood escaped his lips and his magic disappeared. He had hit him, he had hit the right one.

    "How?" Vines asked while blood was oozing out from his lips. Allias appeared before him, a smile on his face .

    "Your eyes don''t worship me" he said right before the demon dropped dead.

 Chapter 379 - 379

    The returned at the palace. Some of them bloody all of them tired. The group had ran into the thick forest like kingdom. From Allias to Asmodeus the one with big interests and the ones with smaller had decided they would search for Ea. No one wished to see him die at the hands of the vicious demon and thankfully they had reached him in time.

    Theseus was holding his brother''s body carefully as they went through the palace''s gates. The servants were too scared to approach them. The king who walked in front of them looked angry, a mess once again, covered in blood and not even three days had passed since the last time. The image of the pure and golden king was slowly being shattered in their mind since this person in front of them did not shine, he didn''t glow with the light of life. His eyes were angry, his expression a deep frown and when they reached his throne room he sat on his throne his eyes landing on Ea.

    "You must be a big fucking idiot to go and do what you did." He said coldly and Ea looked at the floor, playing with his hands. He was embarrassed. He felt like an idiot indeed. He had ran away with the intention of killing him, if he had succeeded maybe he wouldn''t be getting scolded. "Look at me"

    "I''m sorry. I wasn''t thinking, all I wanted to do was find Ares and help him. You would have done the same. I know it." As he heard Ea''s reply Allias scoffed, the back of his palm swiping some sweat from his forehead. He hadn''t even gone to change his clothes.

    "Ea, you and I both there is a big difference. I am me and you are you." He said.

    "Come on now Allias there is no reason to be so mean. He..." Theseus said. They had taken Ares'' body away and kept it in the same room they had left Mark. Allias interrupted the general by raising his hand, signaling him to stop.

    "No. I am not being mean. I am being realistic. You would have died out there and you would have taken Ares with you. Was that what you wanted?"

    "No, of course not, it''s just that..."

    "Just that what Ea? Back there ...", He said and pointed intensively towards the ruins with his index finger. "Back there are the graces of my people. Back there thousands of elves we''re left unburied and forgotten. Were you planning to become one of them? I won''t have any more of my people add to the pile of the dead. I won''t allow it" Allias said with tears glistening in his eyes. "You have no idea how worried I was! For both of you."

    "I''m sorry. I really am." Ea said and he heard Allias'' sigh. The king shook his head.

    "From now on you will be training with Theseus. If you want to run away and fight on your own we have to make sure you will at least have a chance of winning" he said and Ea''s eyes widened.

    "Really?" The elf asked surprised.

    "Why me?" Theseus whined and Allias stared at him raising an eyebrow. The general coughed, shaking his body awkwardly. "We start at six in the morning" he told him and Ea smiled brightly.

    "Thank you" he told Allias and the king shook his hand.

    "Let''s go now. Amelia is with Ares. We need to fix him" he said as he walked down the stairs.

    "How about you take a shower first?" Mark asked.

    "How about no?"

    "You fucking stink" the red haired said waving his fingers in front of his nose. He jumped back when Allias rushed towards him raising his armpit

    "Smell!" He said with wide eyes and Mark pretended to barf.

    "He''s lost it." His best friend said and hid behind Asmodeus.

    "Let''s go." Allias said with a faint smile.

    Snow white, the sleeping beauty and now Ares. Princesses and a prince. He was laid on the harsh surface his eyes closed while his face had tear stains.

    Ea walked towards him, a hurt expression on his soft face and he caressed his cheek.

    Amelia was standing in the other side, examining him with her deer like eyes.

    "What can we do?" Ea asked. She was rubbing her chin again, something she obviously did while she was deep in thought. She didn''t answer immediately and that scared the small elf. "Is there anything?" He repeated his voice calm, coming out like a whisper.

    "The truth is that his soul is somehow locked in his body. They probably tried to undo the spell but since he didn''t want to wake up and be with his kidnapper he shut down his body completely. He can hear us, he always has. He probably can''t find a way to come back. Basically he is stuck." She said.

    "So what are we supposed to do then?" Theseus asked. He hated seeing his brother in this state. He was supposed to be protecting him but somehow he had ended up in such a scarring situation again.

    "There is not much you can do actually. It''s something he has to do for himself. I know it might sound cliche but the best thing you could do is talk to him." She proposed.

    "Talk to him?" Ea asked, confused.

    "Yes. The voice of the people he loves is possible to guide him back. At the moment it''s like Ares is stuck in a maze."

    "Can''t you get inside his head? Like you did with Mark?" Asmodeus asked her and she waved her head in a negative motion.

    "Sadly no, he is too strong for me to do that. Just talk to him. I think it could work, even if it takes a while."

    "Okay then" Allias said. "Who wants to be first?" He asked.

    "I know I probably shouldn''t be the one asking this but is it okay if I go?" Theseus asked and looked at Ea, waiting for his approval.

    "Yes. It''s fine" Ea told him with a small smile.

    "Good. Amelia let''s go. We will have to close the ends of our deal and you are free to go home. Thank you for your help." Allias said and motioned everyone to get out. Theseus was left alone, hearing the door behind him close.

    "Now....where do I start?" He mumbled and scratched the back of his head.

 Chapter 380 - 380

    He had grabbed a chair. It was old made from wood and the armrests where a bit discoloured from the friction. He didn''t mind as he sat down, right next to his brother. No one could see him but still he felt uncomfortable. As he looked the sleeping elf so many words, so many memories started tangling in his mind.

    He opened his lips, he wanted to say something, he had to since he was the one that asked to be first. He shouldn''t be wasting that much time but the truth was that it took him two hours to find the strength to start talking.

    "Ares, well, this is really uncomfortable for me but the witch said it might help. It''s kind of better actually than telling you when you''re awake. I mean your reactions are trully annoying ..." Theseus said and a chuckled escaped his lips. "We were never close, yes once I did use you as bait for one of my missions and probably I was never the kind of brother that showed...love. But to be brutally honest you were never find of me either. I know though that wasn''t your fault. Your mother and our dad, they made sure we wouldn''t get along and then I dated your crush and you were forced into an arranged marriage. I was never really there for you, I know that. Being a shitty brother is a very kind way to describe it. I was also mad at you angry that you had everything and I had nothing even if we shared the same blood. I was that immature that ended up blaming a child." He told him with a bitter smile. As the time went by he felt that talking was easier and easier. He took Ares'' hand in his and kept talking "During the war, something really horrible happened to you. I could never imagine how it felt and then your parents died. I could see you in that battlefield, trying to throw your life away because you felt like there was nothing left for you. I was mad then too, I was your brother, I was there but why didn''t you see me? Isn''t that completely foolish? I was pushing you away my whole life and had the audacity to feel insulted when you didn''t turn to me at you darkest time. Maybe that was a sign that I loved you. I didn''t know back then, I''d never felt love for family. but then the war was over, Allias was dead and you left. I was mad again, at the world and at you. I viewed you as irresponsible and immature. I completely forgot that you too had lost so many people in that war. Once again I had failed to be by your side. We always argue and fight. I know I am too strict but that''s simply because I believe in you. I know that you''re good and noble, you''re honest and have a kind heart. A much kinder heart than me. When I saw you there, on the floor, blood everywhere I realized it. After so long I knew it clearly. I love you. You''re my little brother and I should have taken care of you. I should have helped you because that''s what brother''s do. I am sorry Ares, I am sorry and I know it might be too late but please, wake up. Wake up and come back so I can fix it. So I can show you how much I love you." Theseus told him. His voice was shaking in the end, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes when the a knock was heard on the door

    The general sniffled surprised, trying to hide the fact that he had gotten emotional and turned around. Ea''s small head was peeking inside.

    "Are you...are you done? It''s been six hours" Ea told him and Theseus stared at him surprised for a second. Six hours? He wondered. He never believed that he had so many things to say to him. He stood up, dusting off his pants and smiled faintly.

    "Yes, yes. You can come in. Take your time." Theseus told him and this time it was Ea''s turn to be alone. He sat at the chair too, taking Ares'' hand in his. It was warm from Theseus'' touch and the small elf smiled. He had noticed the tears in the general''s eyes. He cared about his brother.

    As Amelia had told them about this Ea couldn''t help but be hesitant. She hadn''t proposed another way and this seemed too childish to him. Nonetheless he coouged, clearing his throat and began talking.

    "You idiot. You had the audacity to confuse me with that disgusting demon. How dare you?" He said with a frown. "The moment you wake up you''re dead and this time it could be final." He told him but he stopped. Was this the right approach? He asked himself. What if Ares was scared and decided to stay there. He coughed again, gripping his hand. "What I mean is...please come back. Wake up. I miss you and I am sorry. I heard everything you wanted to say to me and I forgive you. I shouldn''t have blamed you in the first place. I should have been more understanding. You''re so nice to everyone, you treat people with kindness and dignity and all we did most of the times was scold you for your honesty. I swear I will never punch you again and I swear I will sleep with you more often just come back okay? I know that I am bit the perfect partner. I am boring and strict and not exciting at all but you promised me. You promised me eternity and you can''t take back your word. Even the thought of you disappearing from my world creates a hell on my mind. I can''t stand the thought. So please Ares. I will do whatever you want, please come back. I miss your voice, I miss your laughter and your touch. I miss your kisses. I miss you being next to me. I can''t ...I simply can''t be here without you. I am begging you if you can hear me please, find a way to come to me. I will be waiting, I am right here like I''ve always had. I am waiting for you. Like I did all these years. I don''t mind waiting again but I...I just want to know you will open your eyes. I want to see you smiling at me again. It hurts Ares. It''s a constant burn in my chest and my eyes water before I vmeven realize it. See? I am crying again. I won''t be able to live like this. I can''t deal with this pain it feels like someone has set my body on fire and it hurts. I can''t brethe and I can''t sleep. I can''t do it. I can''t do this whole living thing if I don''t have you next to me...can you hear me? Please, I love you" Ea said as he kissed the back of his palm.

    No reaction. Until the sound of a deep breath was heard. Ea jumped and stared at him. Did he ....

 Chapter 381 - 381

    Is love really a good thing? Everyone around him seemed to be in pain, tortured by the endless heartbeats and nightmares. Scared that the bliss one day would end and they would end up all alone and empty. Ea was always scared of love, afraid of the unknown and simply terrified of hurting. So to some extent Ares avoiding him was a blessing. Yes, he liked him, he had liked him for a long time but he knew or at least he believed he wasn''t loved back. That was a separate kind of pain but still it didn''t seem that it was even close to the pain Theseus was feeling.

    He had grown up by his side, he had seen the death in his eyes and the depression. He had heard his screams into the deep night as he cried Allias'' name again and again. He had watched him as he tried one day to ruin all of the king''s stuff, get rid of every sign he had ever loved him. He was devestated and angry, he felt it was his fault and slowly he turned lifeless himself, walking around aimlessly, a shadow of his former self.

    Ea had witnessed all that and felt relieved that he wouldn''t get to experience such agony. But fate was always sneaky, he had realized that by now because not only he felt it he had gone to hell and back in just a few days. Without anyone trying to kill him he still felt like he would die, he felt that it would be fine if he simply stopped existing. In the void, in the endless darkness of death he would be with him, he wouldn''t be alone.

    As he held his hand though, as Ares was laid there, right in front of him alive he started feeling alive again. It was so peculiar. He was simply another elf, someone he loved but why did he have such power over him? Ares was his heart, it was that simple. He looked at him. His handsome face and his little beauty mark. His soft hair and strong arms. He could look at him forever without getting bored. Who would get bored of a face that was similar to a work of art, at least in his eyes.

    Allias'' beauty was simply blinding. He could warm up your heart with just a smile and his grace was unrivaled. Theseus on the other hand was like a full moon, beautiful but distant. Rough but at the same time he had a softness he showed every time Allias was around. Ares though was different. He had the beauty of a rebel. A cocky smirk, a messy appereance and s very unique way of showing his dominance. He walked like a god amongst men and that was simply attractive. That''s why Ea felt that this fate did not fit him, frozen and trapped. That''s why he kept talking and talking hoping that he would hear him.

    And he did. At some point after many hours, after countless words and sentences after so many pleadings Ares heard him. He breathed in deeply at first, inhaling the air around him hungrily and then Ea felt him squeeze his hand. His eyes widened as he stared at his face anticipating.

    His long eyelashes fluttered like spring butterflies and shadows were cast on his pale cheeks. His eyes, how he loved their vibrant color, the fire in them and those little yellow highlights you could only see if you looked at him very closely. Like a burning fire indeed he though as a smile started forming on his tired face.

    "Gods this place reeks and oh my you haven''t talked that much in like....forever." he said, his voice rough as he sat up and looked at him. "Hello", he told him sweetly and a charming smile made Ea''s heart flutter like crazy.

    "H-hi" Ea said. He was stuttering, his cheeks painted a bright pink. He had heard him, Amelia had been right, he thought and suddenly he felt really embarrassed. He had heard everything! Ea''s consciousness screamed and the small elf jumped up, startled.

    "Hi? Is that all you have to say?" The prince asked him, cocking his eyebrow.

    "I...um...good to have you back?", He asked, scratching the back of his head. Ares stared at him for a few seconds, his face completely blank before he burst out in a very loud laughter. His whole body was shaking overtaken by joy. He extended his arm, grabbing Ea''s shirt and pulled him closer. Their noses were touching and the elf could feel his breath land gently on his lips. He breathed in slowly, afraid to even blink.

    "You kept talking and talking begging me to come back, telling me you can''t live without me and now that you have me here you freeze. Oh my, that''s so typical of you that it''s kind of hilarious" he said with a cocky smirk and Ea scoffed.

    "Well I had to say something to lure you out. Don''t believe any of it, I didn''t mean anything" he told him with a pout. Ares looked at him gently, his eyes showing so much love as he caressed his cheek. Ea didn''t pull back, he let himself melt as he felt the warmth of his skin. Finally he wasn''t cold as ice anymore, he was here, with him.

    "Did you miss me?" Ares asked

    "What kind of stupid question is that?"

    "Well, I had to say something to lure even the slightest bit romantic out of you. Now that I am here and I can see you, feel you " Ares said and rested his forehead on Ea''s. He could feel his weight, his breathing, his eyes on him. This was real, it couldn''t be anything else. Just to be sure though Ea had to touch him. His fingertips landed on his cheekbones. Slowly they traced lined to his jawline, and tracing the shape of his lips.

    "You''re really here" he mumbled

    "Yes. I''m here." Ares told him and heard Ea sigh in relief. He seemed exhausted, his eyes showed so much struggling and Ares couldn''t help but feel responsible. "I''m sorry. I didn''t want to..."

    "Don''t apologize." Ea interrupted him. "You have apologized enough. It''s not your fault none of it is so don''t apologize" he told him and Ares smiled.

    "Thank you, for coming for me, for trying to save him."

    "I will always search for you. I am not good with words but you should know, I will never let anyone harm you. I swear." Ea told him and Ares chuckled. The small elf had a very serious expression on his face making him look adorable. The prince cupped his face and brought him closer, crushing them into a kiss. If he could stop everything around them and simply be with him he would. This kiss, this moment was everything he needed and suddenly his broken heart was fixed. The soft sensation of his lips, the taste of his mouth and his grip on his waist. This normality, this feeling, he wished for it to always remain like this

    "I don''t know how to express how much I love you.", Ea said. "I could never imagine that....I am crazy for you" he told him, giving up and Ares smiled. A small blush spread on the prince''s face as he heard his confession and Ea laughed. He touched his cheeks, bunting hot under his skin. "You''re blushing"

    "You confessed of course I am." Ares said. " I love you too. Don''t you ever dare to ask for a divorce." He told him pointing a finger at him.

    "I won''t. I swear." He said. Ares jumped off the hard bed and landed on his feet. For a few second he felt weak and almost fell on the floor but Ea held him. They stopped moving until he felt like he could walk and the prince took his hand in his.

    "I have an idea. I crazy idea" he said and Ea tensed. He looked at him with a wary expression as he waited for him to say something. His left hand was almost ready to land a punch in his stomach but he stopped himself. He was still weak, not yet. He told himself and forced a smile

    "Really? What is it?"

    "Let''s get married again.", Ares announced and Ea blinked, disoriented.

    "Have you gone mad? Why would I get married? Again?" He asked him.

    "I want to marry you because I love you not because I was forced to. I want to be with you because an eternity without you would be hell and not because my father told him. I want to sleep by your side, kiss you, touch you because I desire you and not because I have to. That''s why I want to marry you again and have a feast and watch you as you come towards me dressed with our traditional clothes and tell myself that this is it. This is the life that I want, with the person in front of me."

    Punch him? He no longer wanted to do that. He couldn''t do that because his eyes were teary, his heart was trembling and he was desperately trying to keep the snot in his nose in a very failed attempted. He opened his lips, a childish cry escaping them before he landed in Ares'' embrace

    "Okayyyy" he cried loudly. "We will get married."

    "Tomorrow."

    "What the hell?"

    .....

    There ya go I hope you are all happy with that!

    Also on the 2nd my new book will be coming out, I am sure you will like it so be readyyyy.

    Thank you for reading, please support this book with a ticket, a comment or maybe a nice review!

 Chapter 382 - 382

    Family. Every person has that word differently explained to themselves. Some of them have it deep in their hearts, some of them on their minds while others don''t feel anything for it. Family was a tie that you couldn''t just forget so easily and even if you never had anything to do with it context still it was quite shocking to lose a part of it.

    Maybe sometimes even if you knew that was the way things were supposed to be, you still hurt. Good or bad blood at the end of the day was blood and no matter the hate or the love death was irreversible. No turning back, no apologies nor make ups. It was the end and suddlenly the word family somehow in a very peculiar way seemed to have a meaning again.

    "How are you feeling?" The red haired man asked him. They were outside, bathed by the bright sun, hoping to escape for a while from the commotion of the busy palace.

    Mark was really fond of the gardens. He could stroll through the paved pathways for hours looking at the blossoming trees and flowers. The vibrant green grass and the blue of the lakes. The water was crystal clear, small fishes swimming merrily in it. Their backs shimmered once the sunlight hit them, orange, golden and silver. Even if the inside was a chaos, people running a d shouting, Allias in a frenzy most of the time the outside, the nature of the elf kingdom was always in a constant calmness. A calmness all of them seemed to need.

    The red haired exorcist had found a tree, it''s shade spreading wide and he had rushed underneath it, plopping on the dump grass and spreading his legs and his arms. Asmodeus as always had followed him, sitting beside him.

    "I am perfectly fine. He was a jerk." The demon stated.

    Mark stared at him with the corner of his eye. To most people he might have seemed fine, a grin spreading on his face as he looked at the entrance of the palace. His boyfriend knew better though, his stance and his movements. This stillness he felt at the moment signaled very clearly that he wasn''t perfectly fine. Asmodeus was always moving, talking or teasing. At the moment he was simply gazing and that made him anxious. He couldn''t help but wonder why everyone tried to hard to hide their emotions. Was feeling things conceived as a weakness?

    "He was your brother Asmodeus. How can you be fine?" Mark asked him.

    "I am a demon Mark. Things are not that simple like brother and sister, mum and dad. I don''t have a family. It''s just that....we got along." Asmodeus said.

    "You liked him. I knew that, you talked about him a lot. There is no reason to try and hide your sorrow. Especially from me." Mark said and his palm rested on his thigh. Asmodeus hadn''t looked at him in the eyes yet, he was focused on the delicate design of the gate.

    "You know, everything here is so beautiful. So elegant like everything would break if you touched it without care. My home was never like that, if you looked at something for too long you would get depressed. Scenes of bloodshed and guts. It was always like that. Some people found art in the horrid expressions, the wide eyes filled with fear but I never viewed it as art. It was simply doom, an unavoidable future and it scared me. Here all I can do is look and my soul seems to be at peace. It''s quite strange indeed." Asmodeus said.

    Mark frowned. This was obviously not the answer he was expecting and honestly he didn''t know how to reply. He tilted his head to the side, meeting the demon.

    "Did I ask you about art?" He asked him and Asmodeus started laughing. It was short and melodic, making the corners of his eyes wrinkle adorably and Mark smiled. His stupidity was funny at least, he thought.

    "No you certainly did not. It''s just that I think it would be really horrible of me to feel sad about someone who tried to hurt this place. Doesn''t that mean that I belong there? If I have feelings of frief inside me? I don''t want to be just another scene in their walls of terror." Amsodeus said and Mark breathed in.

    The demon was always scared of his nature, ever since he met him he was always trying to distance himself from it as if he wanted people to forget who he was. He didn''t want to be seen as Asmodeus, one if the kings of hell. Maybe that was the reason of his easy going attitude, his constant smiles. He was trying to make people feel comfortable but everyone, the moment they understood who he was felt terrified. He was like a gentle monster, hoping to make a friend. Mark felt instantly sad. He should be able to grief, he was a member of his family after all and the pain of losing the idea of that was painful. That didn''t mean he supported his brother in any of his actions so why did he think it was like that?

    "Asmodeus..."

    "The witch..." The demon said, interrupting him. He looked as if he was deep in thought, lost in his own mind and was voicing his concerns out loud. "The witch was scared of me. We''ve never even met you know, if you don''t count that time in your head. She was scared of me. Even though I was with all of you she still tried to stand as further away from me as she could and wouldn''t meet my eyes" he said and laughed bitterly. "I didn''t say anything you know but I noticed it. I wonder what do I have to do for people not to look at me like a monster " He mumbled.

    Mark had heard him loud and clear he couldn''t let him keep talking though. The meaning of his words was hurtful filled with so much self hatred it pained him too. He turned around, sitting face to face with him and sighed. His red hair glowed beautiful in the places the sun hit them and his warm eyes were looking at him with concern.

    "You''re so stupid." He said and Asmodeus seemed to be surprised for a second but in the end he smiled.

    "I know." He agreed. Mark took his hand in his, entwining their fingers.

    "You can still hurt for someone''s death and not agree with their actions. He was someone you cared about the fact that he chose the wrong oath would not change that. The memories you have with him, those were precious to you and you are feeling sorry for the fact that you won''t be able to have more of them anymore. That doesn''t mean you support him. We care about people even if they are bastards. Unfortunately we can''t stop our feelings so easily. You do not belong with them, that''s obvious. You are kind and caring. No person that knows you would think that a d for other people, fuck them. Who cares if some random witch was scared of you? You''re cool, like really cool and you should be proud of that. Not everyone is going to be open to something different and you don''t have to care about those people and their opinions because they are based on false facts. I love you and the guys like you even if they don''t want to admit it because they are too stuck up but even if they didn''t fuck them too my feelings wouldn''t change for you." Mark told him and caressed his cheek. "You are not a monster, you are simply you. Asmodeus a kind and sexy demon" he told him with a cheeky smile. Amsodeus blinked a few times, hearing him say all that was unexpected but still he appreciated it. He leaned in closer, slowly and kissed him on the lips.

    "Thank you. I just don''t want you to one day be embarrassed of being with me. I want to be better."

    "What are you talking about? Why would I be embarrassed? You are the hottest person, being, demon I don''t know that I have ever seen. I won''t be embarrassed I will fucking exhibit you like a prize." Mark told him and jumped in his arms, pushing him back and making him land on the ground.

    "That''s good to hear" Asmodeus said, his accent making him sound even sweeter. Mark kissed his cheek and hugged him, resting his head on his chest as he spoke.

    "It''s okay to feel sad. It''s okay to feel things and if you don''t want the whole world to know it''s okay too. Just tell me, I will help ease the pain. I promise. I will always be here for you. We are stuck together after all so do it."

    "Is that an order mister contract holder?" Asmodeus asked him

    "No, it''s a choice."

 Chapter 383 - 383

    A few hours passed and Ares kept talking During this whole time with Ea. The small elf hadn''t let him off his sight and even when he had hopped into the bath to wash off the stench and the blood from his body he had made sure Ares was there, waiting while sitting on the toilet seat.

    Ares had never seen him like that and at first he was very surprised. He was literally right next to him every second like some kind of boyfriend leech. Obviously he didn''t say anything since he knew how scared Ea had been but when the prince need to go pie and Ea actually followed him he decided it was about enough.

    "Will you stay here?" Ares asked him and turned around, his hands resting on the brim of his pants.

    "Is there a problem with that?" Ea asked him back.

    "Well I don''t know, do people piss unfazed when a pair of eyes is burning holes on the back of their head?"

    "Fine then I will turn around" Ea told him and turned his back on him with a frown. He was watching the wall, the shinny tiles stuck on. They had cinnamon colored waters in them with little flakes of gold and Ea while he waited counted them one by one on the tiles right in front of his eyes. After a few seconds though he heard Ares sigh and very slowly turned his head. "What''s wrong?" Ea asked him with a confused expression.

    "It won''t come out." Ares said

    "Why not?"

    "Because you''re here!" The prince exclaimed.

    "Could it be there is something wrong with you? I mean, I did turn around, I can''t even see anything. I think that''s a you problem." He told him. His eyes had returned back to staring at the tiles so he didn''t see Ares turn around. The prince approached him slowly and grabbed him from his shoulders, swirling him around so their eyes met.

    "Get the hell out of the bathroom, I need to pee." Ares said.

    "I can hide." The small elf proposed and he rolled his eyes. He couldn''t believe what he was hearing right now.

    "I won''t go anywhere Ea, I just need to pee in peace, please."

    "I''m nervous. That you will disappear." Ea said. Ares couldn''t help but feel bad for him. What he went through must have been horrible, now that he had him here he was scared he would lose him again. Ares hugged Ea, giving him a comforting but at the same time rather awkward oat on the back.

    "I will be right here peeing. There is noehere for me to go." He told him and pushed Ea outside the bathroom. He attempted to get in once more but the door was mercilessly slammed in his face. He stepped away from the door and sat on his bed, pinching the sheets with his fingers in a little game he played when he was bored. He was aware of how ridiculous he looked and he didn''t really want to be in there while Ares was peeing but that fire inside if him hadn''t subsided yet.

    As he was sitting there he heard two different sounds from different directions. One of them was Ares, turning on the sink and the sound of cold water spilling inside it. The other was a very soft knock on the door.

    "Come in" Ea answered. The door opened slowly revealing Theseus'' white head as he peeked inside.

    "Hi." He said and searched around with his eyes hoping to find his brother.

    "Are you here to see Ares?" Ea asked him as the general walked in.

    "Yeah. Is he here?"

    "He is the bathroom." Ea told him and stood up. "I will give you two some time."

    "Thanks." The general said with a faint smile and walked deeper into the room. He heard Ea close the door behind him and after a few seconds his brother appeared from the well lit bathroom. Their eyes met and a very heavy silence spread in the room.

    Theseus had told him everything back in that room. As he stared at his sleeping body he had entrusted him with his guilt and his brotherly love but now as he came to face him knowing Ares had heard all of it he couldn''t help but feel awkward. They weren''t the kind of brothers that talked about emotions.

    "Hey" Theseus said. "You''ve spent every moment since you woke up with Ea. Allias would be really happy to see you for a bit." He told him, remembering that all he had done was to let them know he was fine. They hadn''t exchanged many words, it was as simple as an announcement.

    Ares nodded, closing the bathroom door and walked inside. He looked at the two armchairs that existed in the small room and sat down in one of them.

    "Do you want to sit?" He asked his older brother and Theseus nodded, heading towards him with a skeptic expression on his face. After he sat down the prince started talking again. "I want to come and see Allias is just that from the second I woke up Ea hasn''t left my side. It was a struggle to even get him out the bathroom so I can pee." Ares announced and Theseus smiled, finding this kind of situation quite adorable.

    "He is scared, he probably feels that if he takes his eyes off you you''re going to disappear. He will get back to normal after a while.", Theseus advices him but his younger brother simply sighed.

    "I hope so. So, um, why are you here?" He asked him, crimson eyes looking at him with uncertainty.

    Theseus raised his arm, his fingers diving in the hairs on the back of his head and then moving towards his nape where he rubbed the skin for a second. It was a very obvious motion. It stated he was hesitant, not knowing what to say.

    "Well, isn''t it normal for siblings to check up on each other when something has happened?" Theseus asked and Ares raised his eyebrow.

    "We are not normal." He stated and Theseus scoffed. He definitely wasn''t wrong about that. The times Theseus agreed with his little brother were few but this, this was a fact and everyone in the palace knew about it.

    "About what I said back in the room, Ares I...."

    "It''s fine. You said what it needed to be said to bring me back. I didn''t put much meaning into it." His brother told him. Theseus'' violet eyes showed pure surprise as he realized that Ares hadn''t believed his words.

    "Wait, wait. You think that all those things I said weren''t true?" He asked him and Ares laughed.

    "Of course. I mean, I can easily imagine Allias pushing you in that room and forcing you to speak orelsss he would kill you. It is kind of funny if you think of it"

    Things did not go that way back then and now, the general thought, they were not going the way he wanted them too. He took a deep breath, his eyes landing on his shoes for a few seconds as he was trying to gather his thoughts. He should get this right, he had to. He didn''t want his brother to believe that he didn''t care about him no matter how cold and distant he was.

    "Listen, Ares. No one forced me to go into that room and talk to you and no Allias was not threatening to kill me. He has done so plenty of other times but this time he didn''t have to. All the things I told you, from the very beginning to the very end were true and they were how I felt. I am sorry, I feel guilty for blaming you for my bad childhood, I am sorry I kept ignoring you and was always cold, I am sorry that when you lost everything I couldn''t be a better support for you and I am sorry all I seem to do is scold you. My way of showing how I feel may be shitty but I do know I''ve made mistakes back then. That doesn''t mean I didn''t love you, I always did but for some reason I didn''t want to accept it." Theseus explained. Ares was quiet, staring at him his hands resting on his lap and the general felt like he was going through a trial.

    "Maybe because you were jealous I was richer, smarter and more handsome that you?" Ares asked him with a smile and Theseus exhaled relieved. He smiled, showing a perfect row of teeth before he spoke.

    "Yeah, it could be that. But I love you, you should know that."

    "Well I know so please stop telling me you love me it''s weird and I am not used to it. Also hearing it from you gives me shivers." The young prince said and stood up. "Thanks for coming to help and I know, I''ve always knew that you....loved me. It''s just that you''re an annoying prick." Ares said.

    "So, what about you?"

    "What about me?"

    "Do you love me?" Theseus asked looking at him with an expectant expression. Ares rolled his eyes and walked towards the door. He turned the knob and opened it showing a clear view of the empty hallway.

    "Don''t ask me" he said and showed the exit. "now go and plan me a wedding."

    "A what?" Theseus asked surprised.

    "A wedding, I am getting married tomorrow. Again"

    "You must be kidding me."

    "No. Now go tomorrow we have a celebration." Ares exclaimed dramatically as Theseus stood at the doorframe staring at him like he had grown a pair of horns out of the blue. "Oh, and I love you too." Ares said before he pushed him outside.

    "Let''s plan a wedding I guess." He mumbled as he walked away, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. His brother loved him.

    ...

    Hello! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please check out my new book The tears of a Prince and show some support.

    Also thank you for reading and always supporting this book.. It means a lot to have such amazing readers.

 Chapter 384 - 384

    "The flowers are wrong!" Allias exclaimed at the two guards that were standing on a very tall ladder. It reached the top of the ceiling in the throne room. One on each side on the wall behind the throne they were trying to stretch their bodies and manage to pin two huge bouquets with white roses in the middle of the wall.

    They looked down and with their eyes they begged the king to let them off the hook. They had been up there for two hours now, switching bouquets to try and find one that would match the decorations.

    Allias had been informed about Ea''s and Ares'' plan to remarry three hours ago and the moment that information reached his ears he had stood up filled with excitement, loving every little bit of romance he was given and started planning. They wanted to have a wedding tomorrow? This king was going to give it to them and it was going to be good. Invitations were send out, handwritten with Allias'' beautiful calligraphic handwriting. Beautiful beige squares with golden butterfly designs on the edges. He had a man bring them to him from the most famous shop in town. Everyone of course seemed to start running the moment his eyes laid on them. No one could deny him anything and that''s how he managed to get things going.

    He had startled the chefs by requesting a ten course meal for a hundred guests, he had made the maids sigh in desperation as they had to travel through the village with Mark as their boss to shop for wedding clothes and the guards had been assigned a new duty. That of the decoration crew.

    "Why are you looking at me like that? I am not letting you off the hook. Get down here pick these two up and go up. Let''s see if they much." He ordered them and pointed with his index finger at a bouquet of red toulips. The guards nodded getting down in a hurry and as fast as they could they grabbed the flowers and climbed back up.

    "Someone is having fun" Theseus'' familiar voice was heard as he stepped inside the throne room. "I still don''t understand why you want us to decorate the whole palace though." He told him as he kissed his cheek.

    "Your brother is getting married with Ea, it''s a big event." Allias said happily but frowned the moment his eyes landed on the decoration. "No, let''s go with the lilies." He said.

    "Remarried Allias."

    "I wasn''t there on their first marriage. I was dead, kaput, lost in the endless universe so we will be celebrating this." He told him and Theseus giggled.

    "Are you doing this for them or for you my love?" Theseus asked him with a raised eyebrow. Allias avoided his eyes, giving him already a clear answer.

    "It''s fifty - fifty okay? I want Ea and Ares to have a romantic new wedding but also we need a celebration too. Ever since I returned we''ve always been running and fighting and swearing. Let''s just have a peaceful event." He said "Good. Let''s keep the lilies ,they match Ea''s energy. Now get down and bring the rest of the bouquets to place on the floor. Also ask of the maids a white carpet" he said and without having to repeat himself the guards had disappeared leaving them alone.

    "Peaceful huh? I don''t think that matches us very well" Theseus said as he wrapped his arms around Allias.

    "Yes I know but I will try. You will try. All of us will because I do not want anyone to upset me during this wedding. I want peace and calmness and tomorrow it''s going to be my zen day. No fighting , no swearing, no nothing agressivene. Okay?" He asked him. His face was tense as if he knew his words were not going to be true. He really wanted them though. He wished to find some peace eventually and live his days happily with his people. Was it the time for that? Probably not but he was still going to delete himself that it was even for a day.

    "I...I will try, for sure" The general said with a cheeky smile, making fun of him.

    "Do you think this is funny? I am having a ten course meal for them, I won''t be seeing anyone throwing pig legs in anyone''s face. Am I clear?" He asked again and Theseus kissed his nose, squeezing him a bit

    "Why does it sound like a premonition? Pig legs...they would make a good weapon." He teased him and Allias'' eyes widened. He slapped him slightly on the chest and Theseus giggled.

    "Don''t make me ground you." The king said with a serious expression.

    "That''s scary" Theseus said as he laughed. "Okay, okay. I promise. Nothing bad will happen, you know it. We will maintain the peace. I will make sure of it and you will get your relaxing day and my brother will have his perfect romantic little wedding. How does that sound?" He asked him and Allias'' nodded excited.

    "Perfect. It sounds per....what is this?" He said, switching his words and stared at the entrance. He released himself from Theseus'' embrace and walked towards the two guards that had appeared on the doorframe. One of them was on the front and the other on the back holding a huge wrapped carpet.

    "The carpet" one of them said and Allias clicked his tongue.

    "What color is the carport then?" He asked the man who spoke and the elf swallowed hard. He had messed up

    "W-white?" He said, not sure with himself or his eyes anyonger

    "This is light beige not white. I want white, pure white. This is a wedding!" He told them strictly. "Go back and fix it." He continued between gritted teeth with a threatening stare. The two poor elves ran off holding their breaths.

    "You weren''t that strict during the war but you are with the color of the carpet. Oh how the times have changed." Theseus said. Allias snapped his head to the side meeting his playful eyes.

    "This. Is. Important" he said and the general raised his arms in the air, admitting surrender when a small framed girl stood before the king. He bowed, her cheeks a flushed red from running. "What''s wrong?" He asked her and she raised her head

    "Nothing''s wrong your highness. Just came to let you know that the tables for a hundred guests have been set and we want to ask you what kind of silverware you''d prefer. Silver or gold?" She asked him. Allias took a few seconds to think

    "Gold is fine. Now go. We need to hurry there is not much time until tomorrow night." He said and the girl bowed again before rushing off like her feet were on fire.

    "A hundred people? Allias who did you invite?" Theseus asked him surprised.

    "Some of Ares'' friends. He gave me a list. A few royals Ea said would be politically smart to invite. The wolves and..."

    "The wolves?" Theseus asked. "Why would you invite the dogs to my brother''s wedding you know I don''t like them." He said with a frown.

    "Well I like them. We could have some allies out there you know." The king said and Theseus crossed his arms over his chest.

    "Of course you like then. You were close and personal with one of them after all." He mumbled but Allias heard him very clearly.

    "Well that''s just simply rude. They''ve helped us a lot of time."

    "We''ve helped them too. No need to have further relationships with them." The general said, bitter that he would have to see Luke''s face again. He believed they were done with them a while ago but Allias had to go and invite them to the wedding. Mikael and Alexander were going to be there and Luke and who knows else. They smelled like dead dog, he disliked them, openly.

    "Theseus. The wolves will be attending. That is final. The invites have been sent and they have accepted them so you will nod and smile. Am I clear?" Allias asked him, tilting his head to the side with a very psychotic smile.

    Theseus squeezed his eyes, a sigh escaping his lips.

    "Fine, fine. I will be the better man once more" he said and Allias smiled. He took a step towards him, bringing his arms around his neck and kissing his lips. A reward of some short that Theseus didn''t miss out on taking advantage of. He brought the king closer, making their kiss more intense as he licked his lips with his tongue and explored his mouth carefully.

    "Thank you. You will see, you won''t even know they are her. I am sure of it. We are all mature adults. No need for conflict, right?" He asked him.

    "Yes, yes. Don''t blame me though if they''re the ones throwing pig legs around"

    "Oh, I am sure they wouldn''t." Allias said but his eyes were showing he was worried "would they?"

    Yes, yes they would.

 Chapter 385 - 385

    Allias was exhausted but for the first time he walked inside his room happy. It was the kind of exhaustion that made you feel accomoished and relaxed afterwards. He entered his room, plopping messily on his bed his limbs sprawled out like a starfish and he smiled, feeling the softness of the mattress beneath him.

    After so long he was putting effort is something that wasn''t lethal or destructive. He was not worried about his life or what would happen tomorrow in the sense of total destruction. For once after countless days he had a faint smile on his face that showed pure peace as he closed his eyes.

    Would his mother be proud of him, what about his father? He wondered recalling their beautiful faces in his mind. So may people flashed before him. His old friends back home, his teachers and his servants all of them smiling. Were they looking out for him from somewhere far away? He hoped so, he wished to see them again one day, tell them all the stories, the heartbreak , the love, the pain and the happiness. All of these messy feelings that came crushing in from that fateful day when he took the wrong path to the locker rooms. Who knew, maybe if he hadn''t made that little mistake he would still be miserable in his little dorm room, playing soccer with Mark.

    He heard the door open but his eyes remained closed since he already knew who it was. There was no sound, just the faint tapping of heavy boots and soon the mattress moved. He felt a cold hand caress his cheek and he shivered, recognizing Theseus'' touch easily. It was always gentle, as if he was touching glass, scared he would break. He smiled a bit brighter as he felt Theseus lay down next to him. He could smell him. His scent was the embodiment of home, sweet and heavy sometimes it was the only thing that could bring him comfort.

    Theseus hummed and Allias could imagine him, mimicking his stance, his lilac eyes closed too and a similar grin on his face. Theseus'' long fingers found his hand and held it. He could feel his skin warm up as it united with his. Allias'' eyes fluttered open landing on the star like ceiling. Theseus had made it for him, he had done everything for him, from keeping his stuff like new to surviving through the endless anguish. Allias didn''t know how he did it, if he was in his place he would have withered away, lost himself in the torturing sorrow but Theseus, from the first moment stood tall.

    Allias chuckled, drawing his attention and Theseus popped one eye open. The king noticed him and turned to the side, resting his head on his chest as he smiled and played with the hem of the general''s shirt. It was soft, made from the best fabric in the whole kingdom. Allias wished that Theseus would have only the finest things, even the world if he could give it to him.

    "What are you laughing about?" Theseus asked him.

    "I just remembered the first time I saw you " Allias said

    "In the alley?"

    "No, not that first time. Back then when I was a human. You had seemed so scary but at the same time so intriguing. You were sitting on that tree, your eyes so cold and I couldn''t stop staring. It was amazing. I think that no matter what happens, no matter who I am or how much time has passed I will always be drawn to you." The king told him and Theseus smiled. He played with Allias'' locks, massaging his skull and making him purr like a kitten. He nuzzled on his chest satisfied with Theseus'' affection.

    "Sometimes I feel like a fool." Theseus said and Allias raised his head, locking eyes with him in obvious wonder

    "Why?"

    "I feel like a fool because I did not recognize you from the very first second. When our eyes met, that electricity and my heartbeat. I should have known because that exact moment I felt like I could breathe again. But I had forgotten how living felt like so I didn''t notice." He said with a bitter smile and Allias kissed him gently on the lips, trying hard to erase it. He wanted to hear Theseus'' laugh, see his body shake and his eyes tear up from joy. The man in front of him had waited and waited to be with him, he had gone through such pain and the king had to somehow make him happy.

    "I want you to be happy." Allias said, staring into his eyes completely serious.

    "I am happy." Theseus stated with confidence. "As long as you are here I will always be happy. You are my happiness. It''s that simple really." The general said and his eyes looked at him with such sweetness Allias'' heart felt like it would explode. It was impossible, sometimes he couldn''t even fathom how he could fall in love with him just with the sound of his name coming from his lips. Just with a caring gaze and an intimate touch his heart trembled with excitement as if he was a young child. Theseus had called himself a fool but the truth was that Allias had been the stupid one. Bewitched.

    "You must want something." The king mumbled. "No matter what it is. Tell me and I will do anything to make it true, I promise you" he told him and Theseus laughed.

    "Gems?" Theseus asked him

    "Of course."

    "How about gold?"

    "That too."

    "And a castle?"

    "All yours."

    "And the best clothes."

    "For sure."

    "And the strongest weapons."

    "From the finest metals."

    "How about a child?"

    "Ye...what?" Allias asked, his eyes wide as for a second he couldn''t believe what he had just heard. "Theseus, you can''t joke with that, you know that I..."

    "I know, I know that you want a child. You always did. So what I am asking you is do you want to raise a child with me? Let''s have our own family. I am ready Allias", Theseus announced.

    Allias'' heart was beating loudly, like a loud drum it kept beating and beating clouding his thoughts. His eyes fluttered confused as his vision began to get blurry. He was crying, again. For some reason he had turned so emotional but this time he couldn''t stop it. Warm tears escaping his bright eyes as he replayed Theseus'' words on his mind. A child, really a little child. How he wanted that. To teach them like his father did, to have a family with Theseus, finally be complete. He couldn''t believe that Theseus was finally accepting it, after so long.

    "I...I...you really mean it?" Allias said, sniffling and Theseus hugged him, wrapping his arms around him.

    "I do, of course I do. I want us to have our own family. I want us to live happily and be together. I want us to be able to live like everyone else. You and I, I am sure we would make great parents, what do you think?" He asked him with an encouraging smile and the king giggled

    "I doubt that but I guess we can try" he said and Theseus laughed at his words. He wiped away Allias'' tears and kissed his nose tenderly, pushing back a few locks that were hiding his pretty eyes. He looked into them, slightly red from crying and smiled. He was perfect. There was nothing else or no one else that could fill the void in his heart if Allias left him. He wanted to live everything with him.

    "So what do you think?"

    "But how...how will we ...." Allias amumbled, realizing that there some ...difficulties.

    "We will find a way, I am sure of it. Once all of this is over, once we are finally free from the responsibilities and the anxiety we will find a way. I am sure it will be soon. I just wanted you to know that I am all in for this." The general announced.

    "Theseus." Allias told him with a strict look. "Do you really think we will ever get the chance to relax? Are you really that deluded?" He asked him and Theseus burst into loud laughter. Well Allias wasn''t really wrong about that, the events after all proved different.

    "Let''s just say it will lessen, even just a tiny bit. Let''s look into what we can do after Ares'' and Ea''s wedding. I am sure nothing could happen on such a short time to ruin our plans" Theseus said and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "No" he whined.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "You jinxed it. Oh gods I am sure that something will happen tomorrow. Why Theseus, why? You know how unlucky we are." Allias said with a disappointed expression.

    "Nothing will happen Allias. Relax." The general said and patted his head.

    The king wished for that. For once nothing to happen but he knew better. He knew better than think that fate would be with him and not against him for once.

    Tomorrow, he had to be alert.

 Chapter 386 - 386

    The next day was busy as expected and from very early in the morning Allias had to accept guests as the king. He had asked Ea and Ares if they wanted to do it since they were the ones getting married but both of the elves we''re happy to drop that burden on him. So for now he had been sitting on his throne for four hours, since six in the morning when the first guests decided to to arrive for who knew what reasons and his ass was critically numb.

    He turned to the side, his eyes landing on the general who had a very polite smile stuck on his face and kept staring at him until he gained his attention.

    "How many are there?" He mouthed just before the next guests came in. They were a small group of young elves, in Ares'' age and two to three girls. They were probably a few of the friends he had asked to be invited and Allias greeted them with a smile.

    "Welcome we hope you will enjoy the wedding. It will start this afternoon. The maids will lead you to your guest rooms. Please rest and enjoy your time before lunch. The palace gardens are wonderful this time of the year." He told them. He had said those lines around eighty times by now. He was sure he was going to have nightmares about them. The young elves bowed respectfully and walked out, their voices and cheerful laughter coming through the opened door.

    Allias wished he could be a cheerful little elf with nothing on his mind, causing mischief with Theseus like the old times. But for now he was stuck here playing host. It was his fault though, he got too invested in this wedding and now he had to do the boring stuff too.

    "Not many" Theseus answered him after some time and a couple of royals came in. The man was boasting about how loyal he was to the king and Allias kept nodding waiting for them to finally get their cue and leave. In the end his wife, realizing how much of a fool he made of himself dragged him outside by the arm.

    "Poor woman, being married to that" Allias mumbled and he heard Theseus giggle from where he stood. "After I greet the guests let''s go somewhere." He told him and Theseus looked at him with a questioning expression.

    "Go where?" He asked.

    "I don''t know somewhere. I want to spend some alone time with you." Told him and winked at the general. Theseus coughed knowing exactly what the king meant and nodded. There was no way in hell he would ever say no to that. He was already anticipating his little escape with Allias.

    Just a few more people, Allias thought every time someone left and tried to ignore the fact that he couldn''t feel his butt any longer. Just a few more people and he would be free. Free and ready to finally get Theseus and get out of here. With everything that was happening once more their private time had been reduced to zero once again and he thought it would be for the best if he reignited the spark between them. The last thing he wanted was the general to get bored of him because they were too busy. No.

    The last guests entered through the door and Allias smiled. For a second he had thought they wouldn''t come and actually felt a but sad but as his friends walked through the door he was relieved.

    Luke and Alexander were walking side by side their hands entwined. The small wolf had changed a lot during this time period. He was taller and his body seemed to be a bit more muscular, not anything excessive or even close to how Luke was but he didn''t have that sickly feeling to him any longer. They seemed happy. Luke had lost that storm from his grey eyes and Alexander had like always that kind expression, he stared at him as if he was his everything. It was very beautiful to see. What surprised him was the fact that Mikael was here and he was not alone. He had a woman with him. A young lady, probably around their age with beautiful big black eyes and black hair that reacher her shoulders. She had been hesitant to step inside the throne room but the blonde man had grabbed gently her wrist and led her in. Well, that would be interesting, Allias thought.

    "Well, hello. Arriving fashionably late I see." He teased them, feeling more comfortable with them than any of the other guests. "Welcome"

    "Thank you for inviting us." Luke said and smiled. He was a charmer, when he wasn''t being a venomous snake.

    "I kind of missed your chaos." Allias told them playfully and Alexander chuckled. "Mikael it''s a surprise to see you here, I thought you were going to travel." He said. Theseus stared at him, rolling his eyes. He was simply telling him to not go snooping on other people''s business but Allias wouldn''t forget this is the man who brutally rejected Mark.

    "I did but things did not go as planned. My research basically winked and I decided it would be best if I came back and helped this idiot rule out pack. Believe me it was for the best that I did. The place was close to being ruined." Mikael said as he looked at his best friend.

    "Hey, that is not what happened just because one time Alexander lost it and maybe he brought down some walls that doesn''t mean that..."

    "Your personal bickering outside my throne room. I''ve been sitting here not feeling my ass for four hours so no fighting. I am warning you." He told them staring at all of them with a threatening stare. His green eyes stopped at the girl. She was standing a bit further back, shyly behind Mikael and Allias smiled. "Hello, I''m Allias." He told her and she blushed.

    "I''m Kate. It''s an honor your majesty." She said. She had a sweet voice.

    "She''s my girlfriend. I met her on my traveling. She is human."

    "You brought a human, in my palace?" Allias asked, rasing an eyebrow.

    "Well Mark was a human wasnt he?" Mikael asked and Allias scoffed

    "Brave of you to be referring to Mark. I am glad to inform you that many things have changed since...."

    "Let''s not talk about tragic ex pasts okay? You said you didn''t want fighting." Luke interrupted him as he took a step closer. "Actually I wanted to talk to you about that. Mark."

    "What about him?" Allias asked, staring at him with a suspicious expression.

    "He is an exorcist right? The word has been spread and we know that exorcists are great at magic control. We want to talk to him about helping Alexander. He needs to control his powers. The last time we managed to cover it up but Dionysus knows and he was very clear that if they found out the Council was going to take him away."

    Allias sighed and met eyes with Alexander. He was such a kind little wolf. One of his favorites actually. He didn''t wish to see him in pain.

    "I know we should be asking this of you. You have helped us a lot and you were kind enough to invite us to the wedding but..." Alexander started saying and Allias smiled. He really was nice.

    "It''s fine. You know I like you so I''m not mad. We will schedule a meeting with Mark before lunch ..."

    "Allias wait we said..." Theseus said.

    "After that." The king told him. "Now go get settled and keep that human close. There are people here who aren''t very fond of humans." He warned Mikael and Kate stepped closer to her boyfriend, slightly intimidated.

    "Thank you." Luke said

    "Thank Mark, if he accepts.." The king said.

 Chapter 387 - 387

    When Allias was just a teen, when his castle still stood tall and the sun shone on his golden cuffs, wrapped around his strong forearms he used to bring Theseus in secret into the palace. He would grab his hand and they would run through the halls. Tangling with the dancing curtains and giggling. It was like a little game they had, they had to hide before anyone noticed them and after a while they had come to know all the corners and secrets spots of the Avgee palace.

    Allias'' youthful laughter was still vibrant in Theseus'' mind. It ringed like a soothing luluby and as they left the throne room his long fingers found his hand and wrapped around his wrist. For a second Allias was surprised, he wasn''t expecting the strict now general to start running. His heavy boots echoed in the halls and the stuff looked at them with a stunned expression.

    He followed him though remembering their little game and smiled as he let his love lead him outside the palace. He could smell the blooming flowers, he could feast his eyes on their vibrant colors and the trees with their cooling shades became their hideouts.

    He found his back resting on a rough trunk, his chest rising as he panted, his cheeks a very pretty pink as he looked up to meet Theseus'' eyes.

    "They saw us" he said, referring to their old game and Theseus smiled. He brought his arm up and caressed his cheek. He felt the burning and flushed skin, the curve of his lips and the soft touch of his breath landing on his hand. He could keep touching him, examining all of his little details like an artist examining his model. Theseus had never been into art that much, he always said he didn''t have an eye for it, he couldn''t see the emotions throught it. He could never be an artist, a painter, a sculptor, a musician or a poet but when Allias stood in front of him he could paint ten paintings just in an attempt to capture the slightest bits of his beauty. He could sculpt a hundred statues of the finest marble just to show the curves and the muscles of his body, he could write a thousand poems trying to describe the shine and the color of his eyes, the way his laughter was like a remedy or how his voice calmed his soul and above all he could sing him endless songs to express his love because simple words had never been enough.

    Theseus was never an artist, he was a warrior the bringer of death with a soul rough and darkened but when it came to him, the golden king of the elf nation he turned into one. A delicate soul filled with love and for that he was grateful, because that way he didn''t have to hate himself that much.

    "I love you." Theseus said and Allias smiled. Would he be selfish if he said he wanted to hear it more, again and again? Theseus'' deep voice and the love in his eyes, again and again he wished for it hungrily as he stood in front of him.

    "Say it again." He told him, wrapping his arm around his neck and Theseus came closer. His lips rested close to his ear as he wishpered the words Allias so desperately wished to hear .

    "I love you, I love you." He told him, again and again to the point that Allias was now laughing, satisfied, contempt with what he had heard. He released the general and took a step back.

    "I love you too. It''s ridiculous that I could love someone this much." He said and Theseus smirked.

    "I guess I am that awesome. I mean, I would love me too." He said and Allias scoffed, rolling his eyes with how confident he sounded, but even that was attractive. The way his lips curled, that smirk he wore as a sign of being sure of himself. Allias loved it.

    "You have a big idea about yourself sir." Allias stated and Theseus shrugged his shoulders. He rounded the tree, finding himself underneath a long and thick brunch and he jumped up, grabbing it with his hands before he pushed his body forward and circled it, landing skillfully on the branch and sitting there. Allias was looking at him from beneath. "Was that some kind of display?" He asked him and Theseus shrugged his shoulders again playfully. He extended his arm and felt Allias take it. He pulled the king up and the handsome man sat beside him, tangling his long feet in the air.

    "Allias..." The general called him and Allias'' hummed in response. "Do you think that soulmates really exist?" He asked him. Allias took a second to speak, knowing that this was a serious question.

    "There are soulmates in many kinds. Look at the wolves. They have mates and the vampires have destined partners. People they choose to be with all of their lives."

    "Is it really a soulmate if you choose to be with them?" Theseus asked and the king blinked. He wondered for a second, what did trully mean to be someone''s soulmate? Loving a person unconditionally, unable to escape? Was that really what a soulmate was?

    "I don''t know, I think that if you didn''t have a choice it would be really sad. What if your soulmate was a murderer? I guess I would prefer to choose rather than be forced to it." The king said not really answering his question.

    "But then how do you know it will be forever? When it''s not destined by simply a choice? Preferences change." Theseus told him and the king nodded. He was right about that, if fate did not meddle into this thing called love then how could you be sure someone could be your forever?

    "I don''t really know." The king admitted. "It is a very difficult question to answer. Love changes with the person. Wolves are different, vampires are different and elves too, even humans. And then it also depends on the person. Love can have so many different meanings."

    "Are you and I soulmates?" Theseus asked him. Allias turned his head meeting his eyes. "Because if we are then it''s not a choice, it''s not free will but if we aren''t then how do we know it will be forever?" He asked him and Allias'' chuckled. The general looked at him with a pout. "This is not funny. I am sharing my concern with you"

    "Sorry, sorry. I do not think it''s funny, I just think it''s cute. Soulmates or not Theseus one thing that I know is that I have always loved you, even when I didn''t know I loved you. That, should tell you a lot. Maybe we are soulmates, maybe we did choose to be with each other but I''ve never been so sure about anything in my life. The fact that you''re my forever though had always been certain, from the very first moment in that stinky alley, where I found this handsome, mysterious mad drenched in blood smirking at me I knew. Oh my I was in trouble." He said and his expression showed he was reminiscing that time.

    "That''s good." Theseus simply stated. "I accept your answer." He told him and Allias started laughing.

    "Was this kind of a test?" The king asked.

    "Maybe it was." The general told him.

    "I''m glad I passed" the king mumbled and felt Theseus kiss the back of his palm. His hear fluttered a bit and he turned his head to the side, wanting to kiss him but he was stopped.

    A loud sound came from the palace, as if something hude had been broken and both of their heads snapped towards the entrance. A few seconds later to maids in distress were running out, their eyes searching for the king.

    Allias jumped off the tree, landing perfectly on his feet like a cat and the girls sighed in relief as they noticed him. They bowed in a hurry before both of them started talking.

    "One at a time please" Allias said and both of them stopped. "You, tell me." He told one of them.

    "There is a huge wolf going wild in the guests'' wing." She said and Allias sighed.

    "I''m tired." He said with a frown. "Fucking clowns" he cursed as he started walking. The girls looked at each other, surprised to hear him swear but Theseus simply smiled as he followed him.

    "You did want a peaceful wedding right?" He teased him and Allias'' stared at him threateningly.

    "If I were you I would shut the fuck up" he told him and made him laugh.

    A mess had been created once more at the Disee palace and Allias was not really ready to clean it up but he would have to. They had to host a wedding in a few hours after all.

    "Murder, I''m going to commit murder" he mumbled.

    "Not that unusual." Theseus commented and felt Allias'' elbow land on his ribs.. "Gods" he coughed.

 Chapter 388 - 388

    Theseus'' life tended to be very chaotic. For many years now he had learned to live in a constant rush, a constant struggle to simply be on time, fix everything and do it right. The general had always a very clear view of the King''s back. Broad and tanned, most of the times dressed in white and he loved the way his muscles flexed every time he was angry or annoyed. He always stood behind him as the law ordered and observed him, wait for the doors to close and for them to be alone so he could take a few steps forward and see his handsome face.

    After many years Allias had grown taller, stronger and his back had gotten filled with scars. White lined spreading on his smooth skin showing very obviously the torturous times he had to go through. Theseus once loved to watched his back, know that he was right there in front of him but now when his eyes landed on the scars that peeked from his short sleeves or the collar of his shirts his heart felt heavy. Again as he followed him, a very upset king rushing through the halls, following the sounds of distressed he saw them. The whip marks, the claw marks and all the rest that signaled the pain of his battles. He sighed but he didn''t say anything, what could he tell him after all to fix this? Those scars would never heal, they would never leave his body now and forever they would be a reminder of how Theseus had failed to be his shield. Instead he was always shielded.

    The courters that were used for the visitors were very beautiful and when the general was young he would find himself many times sneaking in the empty mansions. They were a few of them, spacious with many windows they had a wide view of the gardens. They were made by small rooms that were connected in a circular shape while I''m the middle a house lounge was set up with couches, tables, bookshelves for the guests to entertain themselves. There was even a bar in case they wanted something to drink. The colors were neutral in comparison with the darkness of the rest of the palace. While where Theseus lived the walls were dark, many times of purple, dark red and dark green rulled together with a deep black here the couches were white with golden details. Fluffy cushions and light colored tables, sugary and shiny. Cute golden lamps and beige curtains. It reminded him of Allias'' home and soon he made the connection. They were maid for Avgee elves, for when they visited. Their people did not have any other visitors for many years after all.

    The general loved the light, how bright the sun seemed to be in these rooms and he realized he had always been attracted to the pureness of the golden light. That was why he had fallen for Allias so easily. He was so different from his own darkness, his clouded sky.

    The king busted the door open finding himself in front of a very angering scene.

    The whole place had been trashed, the fluffy cushions ripped, their feathers either flying in the air or laying dead on the ground. A few of the noble elf guests were pushed in the corners of the room, hiding one behind the other while Alexander, in his wolf form stood in the middle growling. Luke was standing in front of him, calling his name and trying to calm him down. He had his arms raised in the air, in an attempt to show him he was friendly. Allias scoffed, he was not planning to be friendly. He looked around once more. This time he also spotted Mikael, standing in another corner further away and shielding the human girl he had brought here with his body. Traumatizing, the king though as he looked into her eyes. The poor girl was shaking.

    "He is drroling on my carpet" Allias said and stared at Alexander and Luke. The moment the wolf noticed him he turned his huge head tot the side, he growled loudly, scratching the carpet with his nails. "He scratched my carpet." Allias stated with an angered expression.

    "Well no shit, don''t provoke him any longer. Can''t you bring Mark?" Luke whispered.

    Allias raised his eyebrow and stared right into Alexander''s eyes. The wolf began to feel threatened. He took a few steps back and the king recognized the fact that he was preparing to attack. In the few seconds that he had he turned to Luke

    "Please move to the side " he told him with a bright smile and Luke''s eyes widened.

    "Are you...sure?".he asked him, his grey eyes landing on his missing arm and Allias laughed. With his other hand he signaled Luke to move and stood in front of Alexander with no obstacles this time. The moment Luke freed his path Alexander jumped forward, going straight for Allias'' neck. He didn''t reach him and as he found himself in the air with his enormous body a loud whine was heard afterwards.

    The king had grabbed him. He had actuly managed with just one arm to grab him by the neck which was thick with fur and stop him. The wolf wiggled, getting suffocated and Luke took a step forward, wanting to stop Allias.

    "If you come one step closer I am going to fucking destroy you both." He threatened him.

    "Theseus open the window" Allias commanded and the general obeyed. He walked towards it and opened it, a cold breeze entering the room and Allias walked outside. He was still holding Alexander but now was dragging him by the back of his neck. The wolf was bitting the air, clawing at nothing trying to get away but to Allias it almost seemed like he was holding a puppy. "Turn back." Allias told him. "You won''t?" He asked, his voice angy and cold. "Turn back" he shouted and literally threw Alexander onto a tree. The wolf landed with it''s back on it, crying with the impact and slowly he returned to his human form. Luke ran outside, taking off his shirt and giving it to him to cover his naked body. After the young boy was dressed the king approached them, looking at them from above

    "This needs to be fixed. And you owe me a carpet."

    "I am sorry" Alexander said, remorse in his kind eyes.

    "What triggered this anyways?" He asked.

    "A girl, she, well..." Alexander said, stuttering

    "A girl hit on me" Luke said with a sigh and rubbed his eyes. "We want to fix this. All this time we have been trying but nothing seems to work. His emotional state is getting worse and worse and the changes get trigger more often now. We are desperate. That''s why we need Mark" Luke explained.

    Everyone was desperate, all the time. Someone, somewhere had to have a problem and they would have to go to him and ask for help, as if he didn''t have enough problems of his own. He turned his back on the wolves, his eyes landing on the elves that were still terrified on the lounge and he took a deep breath. While he talked with the wolves his face had been in a frown but as if he had been given a mask in a second he changed. He was smiling, his walk confident as he entered the trashed room.

    "Well, this has been an unfortunate event." He told them as he smiled charmingly at them. "I am very sorry and I understand that this must have been quite scary for you. We will have each of you a new room in the main palace and please do accept the gifts we will offer you as an apology." He told them. "The danger is over and you are all safe now. Believe me I would never let my people get hurt." He said and noticed that some of them were starting to relax. They moved away from the corners and that was when Allias'' expression changed once more. He turned strict and his eyes were ruthless and he looked each and one of them. "But if I hear that any of you spoke of this I will make sure to harm you myself am I clear?" He asked them his smile returning the minute he finished his sentence. "Obviously he did not expect to hear an answer. Everyone was frozen, even more scared of their own king who had grabbed the beast by one hand rather than the wolf. "Now, rest we have a wedding later and a feast." He said clapping his hands and walked once more outside. The wolves were in the same position as before, sitting on the green grass, Alexander wearing a very depressed expression.

    "Come on, we''re going to see Mark, right now." He told them and Luke looked at him relieved.

    "Thank you Allias, really."

 Chapter 389 - 389

    Messy red hair and a very big frown. That''s what Allias faced when his best friend appeared behind the door. He scratched the back of his head, his eyes half opened as he stared all of them one by one.

    "Shit" he mumbled, not really liking the idea of everyone standing at his door. "What do I owe the honor?" He asked them and stepped outside. Allias noticed that Asmodeus was laid on his bed, half naked and sleeping, breathing soundly. Mark closed the door behind him quietly, he didn''t want to wake him up.

    "You see our friends here actually need your help." The king announced and Mark raised his eyebrow. He seemed to be still half asleep. The yawn that escaped his lips confirmed Allias'' thought.

    "Let''s go to the kitchen, I need coffee" he said and he started walking dragging his feet on the polished ground. As he passed by the wolves, who had been quiet this whole time he noticed an unfamiliar face. He stopped right in front of her, his tattooed hands showing as he dived his fingertips in his hair again and tilted his head to the side. "Who are you?" He asked her and he heard Mikael cough. He looked at Mark with his blue eyes, feeling awkward.

    "My girlfriend. Kate" He announced. The atmosphere suddenly turned a bit chilly. Mark didn''t know what they expected him to do but his reaction was definitely not that.

    "Sweet" he said, not showing the slightest bit of interest. Mikael''s eyes widened for a second but he soon felt relieved. He followed everyone while Allias and Mark were walking, a bit further away from them. The king looked at his best friend with the corner of his eye and smirked.

    "Good one." Allias told him and Mark scoffed.

    "You could have warned me that he was bringing his girlfriend. All the fuss about finding his mate just to come back with a human girl. Wow, the hypocrisy." He commented and the king chuckled.

    "And here I was, surprised about the fact that you weren''t commenting on it." The king told him and the red head shrugged his shoulders.

    "I have a boyfriend now, can''t make them believe I''m jealous."

    "Are you though?" Allias asked him as they took their last turn before they reached the kitchen.

    "No, not really. I just feel wronged. I mean, I get it if you reject me for the kind of destined love, for someone you can''t let go of but, no offense to the girl, she is completely normal." He said before he pushed the door of the kitchen. People were running around, chefs with bowls in their hands and some kind of food was boiling in the fire. It smelled nice, like chicken with spices and Mark took a big sniff of the air. The rest of them had stayed a bit behind. The two friends were going a bit faster on purpose just so they could talk.

    A lady made some space on the wooden kitchen isle, freeing the surface from the bowls, the flour and the sugar so they could sit.

    "Can you make some coffee please?" Allias asked her and she nodded obediently. "So you don''t care?" He asked him.

    "I do, but not in the romantic sense. I simply feel like maybe I did something wrong, maybe I wasn''t enough or...I don''t know it''s weird. I''m not going to be bothered by it though."

    "Why didn''t you wake Asmodeus up then?"

    "He was tired." Mark said, shrugging his shoulders before he grabbed the hot mug the lady handed him. The coffee smelled nice, bitter and he poured some milk in, watching it change its color from a deep brown to a beige.

    "You''re lying." Allias said.

    "He would get mad that Mikael is here" Mark stated. The king was ready to say something when the door opened revealing the rest of them. Mark took a sip from his hot coffee burning slightly his tongue.

    "So, sit down and tell Mark what you need." Allias told them. One of the kitchen staff brought in a few more stools. All of the wolves sat on the opposite side of the exorcist and Allias while Theseus stood behind his lover in the corner. He wasn''t really invested in this matter and if someone asked him the truth would be that he didn''t care but since Allias was involved he wanted to help. Kate was left standing and Mark laid his eyes on her. She seemed to be scared, flinching every time a tall elf passed by her and he felt a bit sad for her. Before the wolves could start explaining the red haired asked

    "Why did you bring her here?" He told them, pointing at the girl with a nod and her eyes traveled between Mikael and Mark.

    "Why are you asking? Do you care?" Mikael asked Mark back and the exorcist smirked.

    "She looks like she wants to run away from here. She is scared." Mark said.

    "Yeah, I am sure you''re concerned" Mikael told him. This was going towards a very bad direction, Allias thought. Mark had asked about the girl, curious about her and a bit worried but Mikael interpreted it the wrong way. This is what happened when you had grown up thinking you were handsome, everyone was supposed to want you. "where is your little demon?" He asked.

    "I don''t think I need to tell you."

    "Yeah, first you go off with some psychopath demon and now..."

    "Be careful when you talk about him" Mark interrupted him with a threatening stare and the wolf grinned.

    "You''re very scary." Mikael made fun of him. Mark tilted his head to the side, his eyes squeezed. The wolf felt a palm on his shoulder, it was hot and as the seconds went by it turned even hotter, like a fire. He snapped his head back, meeting with a demon.

    "I can kill him if you want." Ignis said with a serious expression. Mikael jumped up, pushing Ignis'' hand away.

    "What the fuck?" He swore, kind of confused.

    "It would be better if you didn''t insult our Master." It was Arpaia this time. She had appeared out of nowhere, sitting on one of the cupboards, startling everyone around her. "Ignis has a thing for him" she joked and the demon rolled his eyes.

    "Go back, it''s fine. Thank you" Mark told them. Arpaia left first but Ignis lingered a bit, staring at Mark. He was overprotective sometimes. Mark smiled at him kindly and nodded his head. The demonic spirit left without saying anything.

    "That thing burned my shirt." Mikael said as he stared at the hole that was on his shoulder

    "That thing is my familiar."

    "Yeah, you got powers now and you''re no longer the little weak human, good for you." The wolf told him. Mark couldn''t really believe that this was the Mikael he knew. The man in front of him was the least annoying and a huge jerk. He had nothing to do with the funny and caring young man he had met.

    "You know what." Mark said with a cold smile and he stood up getting off the stool he was sitting. "You came to me, you woke me up and said you needed my help. I was very willing to hear you out but now all I have to say is fuck you Mikael" Mark said.

    "Mark! Wait please...." Luke called his name but the red haired didn''t even hesitate. He stormed out the room leaving everyone behind. "Fix it." Luke said at his best friend angrily. "Fucking fix it. Now!" He shouted and Mikael was forced to go after him.

    He hadn''t gone far, he wasn''t even running actually and Mikael managed to catch up to him very easily. He grabbed his wrist, making him stop right in front of a huge window. The sun was getting in, landing on Mark''s pale face, his hair a bright copper under the hot rays, his eyes warm and sweet like honey. He was very pretty, looking at his best during spring when the sun would shine on his face.

    "What do you want?" Mark asked him. He had pulled his hand away, not wanting to be touched by him.

    "I''m sorry." Mikael said.

    "I don''t think you mean it. There is no feeling in it." The red haired said, crossing his arms over his chest

    "I''m sorry okay? Things have been a bit shitty for me and I guess I kind of let it out on you" he said, looking at the ground.

    "I heard your search was a failure" Mark commented and the blond man smiled bitterly.

    "Yes, it was."

    "Where did she come from?"

    "I was lonely, she was nice and she liked me. Somehow she found herself involved in all of this" Mikael said. "I don''t want to be a jerk to her."

    "You don''t like her." Mark concluded. He didn''t need Mikael to tell him he was right, it was obvious the way he talked about her.

    "I''ve only ever liked two people. Scarlet and you. I lost them both."

    "Well being an idiot does that to you. You rejected me remember?" Mark told him.

    "Believe me I do. I was confused." The wolf told him and Mark laughed

    "Seems to be a werewolf thing then. That or you and Luke are complete idiots. Maybe that''s why you''re inseparable."

    "You''ve always enjoyed insulting me didn''t you?" Mikael said, a faint smile on his face as he said that.

    "Maybe. I guess you''re easy pray. Blondes are said to be stupid after all."

    "Gingers come from hell" Mikael told him.

    "Better than being dumb and....confused" he said, mimicking the depressed way the wolf had said it. "Don''t hurt that poor girl. Break up with her and spend some time with yourself. Figure things out. That''s the best thing you could do" he told him. He meant that as an advice. He didn''t hate Mikael, he had liked him, a lot and he had been hurt by him, a lot but still, he never thought of him as a bad person. Stupid, maybe but not bad, that''s why he wanted him to be happy.

    "I missed you" Mikael told him and Mark stared at him, quiet. The wolf took a step towards him, trying to close the distance between them and Mark gulped.

    "This is going towards the wrong direction." He said when he felt his back touch the cold wall. Mikael placed his palm right next to his head, their eyes meeting and his intentions were clear.

    "Is it?" He asked him and leaned in closer.. He was trying to kiss him.

 Chapter 390 - 390

    Kissing. Usually it was a very big deal. Not a peck on the cheek or a slight kiss on the forehead. Those were kisses you could receive everyday and from anyone. A kiss on the lips was different. It was special and usually it held some kind of meaning behind it. From simply attraction with the purpose of carnal pleasure to pure love, a kiss was a sign of emotion.

    Mark viewed kisses very highly, he enjoyed them and he liked to believe he was good at them. The problem was he wasn''t very good at rejevitng people. Just like his friend he was a pushover, plainly unable to read a situation when it came down to things like that.

    That was after all the reason he had found himself cornered, next to the window with Mikael''s broad figure towering over him. He had studied his face many times. The charming smile and the dark blue eyes. The sun kissed locks and the broad shoulders. If he closed his eyes he could easily picture his face, in full detail. He had liked him, for a long time he had been thinking of him and when he was rejected by him he had been hurt. His heart would ache and he wouldn''t be able to stop thinking about what he had done wrong.

    So naturally when someone found themselves in a situation where the person they desired for a long time wanted them they would happy. Mark''s heart was beating fast, drumming in an anxious beat behind his ribcage. As he felt Mikael''s breath land on his lips, the minty smell of his cologne he was sure that the wolf was indeed intending to kiss him. His eyes had widened and he wasn''t sure if he felt excited of utterly shocked as his body froze. In just a few seconds all of his whole life decisions that led to this moment had passed in front of his eyes. A kiss. A kiss from Mikael.

    Asmodeus. His face flashed right in front of him and he felt like the biggest idiot on this earth. He breathed in, trying to find a way and avoid this intense collision but it was too late. Mikael had kissed him and he was standing thereike an alive iceberg, his arms in the air, his eyes round like a shrimp''s thinking that this was the worst idea he had in his entire life. Actually it wasn''t even his idea!

    Once the shock began to subside Mark pushed Mikael back, making stumble. The blond man looked at him, wondering why he had been rejected but the red haired exorcist didn''t even bother to speak. Before the wolf could realize what was happening Mark''s leg was in the air and landing right in between Mikael''s legs. The wolf groaned, the air leaving his lungs as he turned into a ball of pain and surprise.

    There was no time to apologize. Mark was already running away, panting and embarrassed he stopped after he made sure Mikael wasn''t going after him. He had stopped at a dead end, a tall wall with a beautiful tapestry covering it. It was deep red with dark green vines drawn on it. His palms landed on the cold wall and he pulled back his head before he brought it forward, crushing his forehead with the wall.

    "You fucker!" He screamed at himself. "You big disgrace of the human race." He mumbled as he smacked himself on the wall once more, lighter this time. For a few seconds he stared in front of him, blankly feeling a throb on his forehead. After he realized there was nothing else there he turned around, his back sliding on the wall as he sat on the dusty floor. "There is a wedding happening and you turn into a cheater. Good good Mark, you, you really...what is it with wolves and kissing people in relationships. You rejected me you piece of shit! You!" He shouted angrily pointing at the air.

    "That was really bad." He heard a familiar voice say and Kage''s pitch black eyes landed on him judgementally.

    "Why are you here?" Mark asked him.

    "Had to comment on that act of infidelity." The young spirit said and Mark''s eyes widened.

    "It...it wasn''t infidelity. It was a mistake. I didn''t initiate it" Mark whispered realizing that someone could be hearing them talk.

    "You could have said no, or pushed him back. I think you''re completely capable of it" he told him. He was completely right, no one forced him to stand there like a complete idiot and he knew that. He rubbed his face aggressively, a sigh escaping his lips.

    "I know. I kicked him in the balls after though"

    "I don''t think Asmodeus will feel better with that."

    "Wait, wait. We are not telling the big demon daddy anything. Because he will start mass murdering people, or more like dogs and we do not like blood."

    "You don''t like blood. I don''t mind it. And I am quite fond of mass murders."

    Mark looked at the spirit completely silent. Should he sigh again? He didn''t even know how to react to his words. It was as if he was talking to the wall. He shook his arms in the air, a frown on his face.

    "Just keep it a secret, from everyone." He said.

    "Secrets do not end well."

    "Kage, you will not end well if you keep trying to teach me morals. I am quite aware of it and I am deciding to overlook it. We can''t have Asmodeus ruining the wedding and we can''t have any blood here. Allias will go berserk and turn us all into ash"

    "I just think you''re trying to find an excuse so you can...."

    "Kage, piss off. Now" he told him. The spirit shrugged his shoulders and disappeared, leaving him alone with his thoughts again. This little dead end was cute, it didn''t seem to get cold and it could actually fit him lying down. He could simply hide here, forever.

    He was hungry though, he thought and slowly stood up. He wiped some invisible dust from his pants and started walking. All he had to do was keep his mouth shut, he had played in a few plays at school, he could consider himself a very promising young actor.

    "Where have you been?" He heard Allias'' call him as he walked back into the kitchen. "We have been searching for you. Mikael said he looked everywhere and couldn''t find you." He said and Mark felt relieved. Good, he wanted to keep this whole fiasco a secret too.

    The king opened the door and they moved back inside, everyone seated in their previous spots. Mikael had Kate right next to him, the girl holding his hand and for the split second their eyes met the ginger felt like throwing up. There was something different though, one more person had been added in this little meeting in the kitchen.

    Tall, with messy long hair and colorful eyes. Looking right at him with a charming smile, resting his back on the wall while his strong arms were crossed over his chest. Asmodeus, he was so handsome, Mark thought and his heart started to race. How was it possible for him to even consider kissing someone else.

    He sat down, smiling half heartedly at him before he turned his attention to Luke.

    "So, what do you want from me?", He asked the couple.. He had to find something to occupy his mind, orelse his guilt would eat him alive.

 Chapter 391 - 391

    Betrayal came in many ways and Mark had witnessed most of them since he joined Allias in this crazy journey. He was rarely though the one that betrayed. He had done it once more, way back and the victim had been the same as today. Asmodeus was again betrayed by him and he was trying to keep it a secret. He focused everything he had into listening to Luke but his mind would travel.

    Would he cause him pain? Would he cry if he found out? He hated seeing Asmodeus cry, it was as if a part of his own heart was crying too. The tears that trailed down his face could be poisonous. He had caused them though, many times over and over again and now if he told him the truth history would simy repeat itself.

    "We just want you to help Alexander. He needs to control his power.", Luke finished saying. Mark hadn''t heard half of it but he could get the point. He pretended to think about it.

    "Sure, tomorrow I guess. After the wedding we will start." He told them, almost completely emotionless and he stood up. "Now let me go back to sleep." Mark said even though it was already noon by now. He just wanted to escape. The demon called his name, noticing that he wasn''t being himself but Mark chose to pretend he didn''t hear. The doorknob felt cold underneath his touch and as he left the room filled with people he tried not to think. It was just a kiss, a momentarily mistake but why did he feel so bad about it? He wasn''t the one who started it, he didn''t want it and it didn''t even feel that good so why did he feel like he had committed a sin?

    He shook his head, staring at his feet as he walked back to his room when five long fingers wrapped around his wrist. He recognized the grip and without turning back he released himself.

    "No." He said.

    "Mark, let''s talk. I''m sorry." The blond wolf told him. He didn''t want to stop. He didn''t want to turn back and face him. If he did his betreyal would become true. He could ignore it and move on. He could pretend Mikael didn''t exist. His voice sounded so sad though, he could hear his remorse as it traveled through the air and he took in a deep breath. Just for a minute. He turned around, facing his saddened expression.

    "This thing...it didn''t happen. It was a mistake. Let''s not mention it, ever again."

    "It did happen. I remember very vividly the pain between my legs." Mikael said.

    "I''m not sorry about that." The red haired said. "I am with Amsodeus. I have always been. He is my destiny. I won''t ruin this just because you might be confused and lonely. I love him and now I feel like shit" Mark said.

    As the time passed, as the ticking of the clock kept going and the pattern of the seconds got engraved in his head he came to realize more and more how bad he felt. Tears swelled into his eyes as the pain in his chest spread, reaching the palm of his left arm. It always hurt there, when he felt sad it always stinged at that specific part.

    "Mark, I am sorry. I didn''t mean to make you feel like this. Sometimes it''s hard for me to control my emotions. I..." Mikael tried to apologize. Mark didn''t care though he didn''t care about blaming him. He just couldn''t stop thinking about it

    "I am a shitty person" he cried and tears escaped his brown eyes. Mikael didn''t know what to do. Mark was right there in front of him crying because of their kiss.

    "I won''t tell anything. I promise. Asmodeus won''t find out" Mikael told him. "You''re not a shitty person. It was all me. I kissed you. Don''t feel bad okay?" The blond man said and patted his back. Mark was crying still, rubbing his eyes and turning them red. He couldn''t stop and he was fully aware how stupid he looked whining but he just couldn''t do anything about it. He felt horrible.

    "I am a the worst!" He exclaimed. "I should just go and die all alone." He kept crying and swearing at himself. Mikael sighed. He couldn''t hug him, that would definitely make things worse and his palm was simply in the air right above his head. Should he pat it? Should he just say sorry and leave? What the hell was he supposed to do?

    "Mark..." He called out his name and the red haired man looked at him. His eyes were swollen, tears escaping from the corners and landing on his lips. He sniffled, wiping his nose with his sleeve before he spoke.

    "What?" He asked him.

    "Let''s just pretend this whole thing never happened okay? I was confused and you were....shocked. There is no way to talk about it." Mikael was trying to make things better for him. He didn''t really feel bad about kissing him and he know how much of an asshole he was by admitting it to himself. His attraction to Mark had always been a complicated matter for him and he knew that it would always bother him. Seeing him like this though made him realize that he had been selfish. He took advantage of him and he shouldn''t have.

    Mark remained silent. His crying seemed to have come to an end while he thought about Mikael''s words. He wanted to do that, he wanted to ignore and forget this mistake. It had just happened a few hours ago and it hurt like an open wound. That was how much he loved Asmodeus. So much that even the slightest stupidity from his side felt like a grevious wound. He wanted to pretend, exactly like he had planned but as the pain in his chest grew like a malicious plant he knew it was impossible.

    "I wish I could. I wish I could pretend it didn''t happen but it did. We kissed. I betrayed Amsodeus and I..."

    "You did what?" A voice echoed in the long corridor and Mark''s head snapped.

    Torture, it''s torture to love someone and make mistakes. Because their hurt expression causes you more pain than actually getting hit by a bullet.

    I''m sorry, he thought again and again but no sound came out.

    ....

    Hello! If you follow my TikTok account yaminoyosei_new you can find a lot of book content! Thank you!

 Chapter 392 - 392

    The moment he looked at him he forgot that Mikael was here. He forgot where he was and what was happening around him. All he could see was Asmodeus, he could see him from head to toe, the blurriness from his tears had cleared out and the tall demon was right in front of him.

    "Wait." Mark told him. Asmodeus though was not moving, he had told him to wait for what? He didn''t seem like he was intending to leave, he simply stood there staring at Mark with a heartbroken expression. He had hurt him, again. Once more Mark had been the reason of his grief and the thought of that made his heart ache. He was horrible, everything was his fault. "Wait" he repeated. That was the only thing he could say, everything else was blurry and unclear. His lips could mouth only one word and each time he tried to tell him something else his throat would clog.

    Who would talk first and what would they say? It was like a game of guessing. Mark would speak or would the demon? They couldn''t possibly know since the truth was they had nothing to say. It was as if they were frozen in thime, stuck and none of them had the courage to utter a word. It was depressing to watch.

    "It was a mistake." Mikael said and Asmodeus'' eyes landed on the wolf who had the audacity to break their silence. His eyes showed pure hatred as they looked into Mikael''s. The wolf didn''t expect anything else. It was natural. "It was my fault. I kissed him he didn''t want to...." Mikael was trying to explain, fix the wrong he had done but no words managed to escape his lips further. Asmodeus was right in front of him, in the blink of an eye. A very skillful showcase of their gap in power. He grabbed Mikael by the neck and with his eyes examined his face.

    "What is it with you wolves and self restrain? I am a fucking demon and I can do better than that" he told him, his voice coming out cold and distant. Mikael was huffing, trying to breathe in some air while his face was slowly turning pale.

    "Asmodeus, wait. Don''t hurt him" Mark said. The demon turned his head to the side. His fangs, his horns, his eyes. All those things that made him different now seemed so obvious. He was a demon, Mark realized and for the first time in a while he was afraid.

    "Why do you care if I hurt him or not?" The demon asked and with a swift movement of his hand he threw Mikael at the end of the corridor. His body slammed on the wall, making it crack and a pile of dust to rise from the pieces that fell. The wolf immediately fell unconscious and Asmodeus turned his body completely so now they were standing right in front of the other.

    "Because that''s what''s normal. I care if an innocent person gets hurt." Mark told him.

    "Innocent? Innocent?" Asmodeus asked him. "He kissed you."

    "Yeah, that''s not enough for you to want to kill him!" The red haired exclaimed. He was feeling guilty, he felt horrible for what had happened but moments like this, moments where he had to explain to him the simplest of things, when he seemed to be so distant from the human ity he wanted so much to possess Mark could help but feel hopeless and that agitated him.

    "What?...Are you really going to defend him? I don''t get you ....what he did was wrong" Asmodeus said. Mark''s sigh was a very obvious sign that he was fed up. The demon recognized it instantly.

    "I am not defending him!" The red haired told him, raising his voice. "I am just telling you that what he did was not enough for you to want to physically hurt him"

    "I don''t want to hurt him. I want to kill him." The demon said with no signs of remorse showing on his face.

    "Asmodeus! Stop! This is not right. I''m sorry. I really am sorry because this could have been avoided. I was stupid too but you can''t say that...it makes you sound like a...monster" he told him and the demon looked at him stunned. He took a step back, confused. Was he upset? Was he annoyed? He couldn''t tell, it was something different. A heavy feeling on his chest, a numbness and a bitter taste on his tongue. As he looked at his boyfriend, as his voice calling him a monster echoed in the walls of his mind he realized he felt disappointed. With himself or with Mark? That, he didn''t know.

    "How could you say that to me?" Asmodeus asked him. Yes, he was disappointed with Mark. He took another step back, his boots making a sliding noise on the polished floor and his eyes landed to the floor. He could see his reflection, everything had been made up perfectly for the wedding, shining and clean but why did he feel so dirty? As if he had been stuck in a pile of trash, as if he was one of them. He looked at Mark, there was remorse on his expression. He felt even more guilty now but what was the point? He had said it there is no way to take it back.

    "Wait" Mark said. He had said it again. Asmodeus couldn''t help but wonder, wait for what? Wait for him to find the right words to say? Wait for this whole thing to be erased from their memories? Who knew? He definitely didn''t. "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have said that. I didn''t mean is Asmodeus. Really" he said and extended his hand. He wanted to touch him but to the demon that didn''t seem fair. If he allowed Mark to touch him, if he felt his soft skin on his, like an old charm Asmodeus knew he would be bewitched. That''s why he took another step back, careful as if he was walking on a tight rope right above a strong sea. He should fall, he couldn''t. Mark had called him a monster.

    There was a storm inside of him, scary and wild. He was trying to keep it in. But he could hear it. Again and again. Monster, monster. His hands formed fists on his sides and Mark spoke again.

    "I''m sorry. This was not your fault I''m the first place. I really am. I shouldn''t have called you that but you...you can''t just go around killing people when it comes to me. It''s not right"

    "I haven killed a person in years" Asmodeus said.

    "Yeah that''s because you were locked up, if you...shit" he swore the moment he realized what he had said. "I didn''t mean it that way. Wait, just..."

    "Wait for what Mark?" Asmodeus finally asked him "wait for you to find the right words to say? To hide the fact that deep inside you think that I am a monster? I''ve been trying, I''ve been trying so hard from the moment that I laid eyes on you. I read books and watched people. I tried to understand their thoughts. I really wanted to stop being a monster and I loved you. I thought that loving you was a good sign, I could feel something else rathen than rage. I could smile when you smiled and for the first time I felt anxious and happy and confused. I was trying and even now every fucking day I am trying again again to the point sometimes I am so exhausted. But you know what? You believed in me, you saw something in me. That''s what you kept telling me and I felt that this whole self hatred, this whole need to change was worth it as long as I could be with you. I''m an idiot, I am so stupid to think that a human would be able to see me difffently. I won''t wait, I won''t wait for you to filter your words just for you to make believe something you don''t. I am in constant pain. I am hurting so much because I know I can never fully be what you want. One part of me will always be a monster that doesn''t understand humans and I can''t do anything about it. All I''ve been doing...from the very first moment, it was for you."

    "I didn''t mean to call you a monster. I don''t think you are one!" Mark told him. "I''m telling you the truth. Sometimes people say things that they don''t mean. I am sorry"

    "If you do that, then how will I know what''s true or not Mark?"

    "You just know. You know that I love you."

    "Do you love all of me?" Asmodeus asked him.

    "What do you mean?"

    "I know you''re kind. You''re nice and you care about others. I know you would never be able to overlook that there is a dark part of me I can''t control all the time. So Mark, do you love all of me or just the part of me that tries to be human?" Asmodeus asked him and Mark stared at him in shock. "If we had taken the trial Mark, they would make you choose. I know they would and for some reason I think you wouldn''t have chosen me."

    "Asmodeus..." Mark called out his name. He was stuck. He had never thought of something like this, something so complicated. He couldn''t even believe that Asmodeus did. To Mark Asmodeus was simply Asmodeus and that was that. He didn''t care, he loved him. It was as simple but why couldn''t he tell him? The demon waited for a while and slowly a bitter smile formed on his face.

    "Loving you Mark, it''s torture." He told him and disappeared.

    ....

    Hello! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. How does the story seem so far? I wanted some Asmodeus and Mark time. They are my favorite couple! Also Asmodeus is so sweet like I can''t.. Shame on you Mark.

 Chapter 393 - [Bonus ] 393

    Mark had never been good with words. Especially with the kind of words that proved he was wrong, the kind of conversations that took him out of his comfort zone and all those things he believed. Some times he felt like a horse, one of those poor animals used in carriages, with their eyes covered so they were only able to look straight. Why couldn''t he simply be see the bigger picture? Why wasn''t he able to simply let go of his believes? He kept wondering and wondering, he had plenty of time to do that since Asmodeus had disappeared. He left, right after he told him all those things Mark had been left all alone sitting on his room, pacing and trying to talk to himself.

    It sounded very idiotic but he was trying to do that. He was standing in front of his bathroom mirror his face pale and anxious as he attempted to find the right words to say. But sadly he was stuck, like always he felt divided on what he wanted to say and what was actually what he felt. Sometimes people found themselves knowing what was the right thing, the most appropriate answer but still they were unable to phrase it, make the other person hear what they needed. The red haired had believed he was making progress, he had talked to Asmodeus many times about his fears, about his insecurities and how he didn''t view him as a monster but now, at such a critical moment he had teared everything down.

    He loved him, he loved him so much and every time he would be mad at him or even the slightest bit upset the image of him beaten up in his room and him appearing and saving him from his torture would erase everything. Asmodeus had saved him, he was the first person that talked to him, saw him as an individual and him, he had done exactly the opposite. He had told him he was acting like a monster, he doubted his self-restraint.. He pushed him once again to face this horrifying pain and for that he hated himself, like he should.

    He sighed, sick of his own reflection in the shiny mirror and walked away. He knew he could trace Asmodeus through their bond, call him back but he didn''t want to do that. He didn''t want to force him once more into something he probably didn''t like. Mark wished for him to return though. Walk through the door and simply sit there, on the bed so they could talk. But what good would talking do? Especially when Mark seemed to suck at that. Sucked at talking, sucked at expressing himself he felt as if he wasn''t done with his teenage years, or maybe he hadn''t found himself in such critical situations before. He was a rich spoiled young man, of course he didn''t have to think what to say or wonder about what the others would feel. At that moment Mark felt horrible.

    He was spoiled, and just now he was realizing it.

    The red haired scanned the room, it felt empty. Asmodeus'' big figure always made the room seem so small but now it was plainly normal. He felt like he didn''t fit in there. He wanted to cry but he knew he didn''t have the right to. Spoiled rich kid crying, for what exactly? Because he was wrong? Well, that would simply make the stereotype true.

    "You don''t seem that well." He heard Ignis. The spirit had appeared, silent like he always did and startled him

    "I am not. I just realized that I am a horrible spoiled person who can''t seem to understand many things about this world. And when I am trying to express myself I sound like an utter jerk."  Mark told him. He barely breathed during that sentence. Saying it slowly would only make him realize it more.

    "I mean¡­" Ignis started saying and Mark raised his arm. He knew, he was perfectly aware what the spirit was going to say.

    "I know Ignis. I know. But beyond that, I need to fix things. I have to. But I¡­"

    "You say you have problems talking, then don''t"

    "What do you mean?" Mark asked him, staring at him as if he spoke in another language.

    "Write to him. I will take the letter. Simply tell him what you want him to know." Ignis proposed.

    "What if he thinks this is a way of avoiding things?"

    "If you''re being sincere, if you truly show him what you feel. I think he will recognize it. Asmodeus, he is not all good but you need to remember that none of us are. Not even you. Now write him." Ignis said and a piece of paper and a black pen appeared in front of him.

    He stared at them like they were objects from some kind of imaginary kingdom. He took the pen in his hand and ruined many pieces of paper as he wrote and smudged. He crumbled them and threw them away, sighing again and again. After a few hours he was ready. It was long, very long and he was sure in some ways he was repeating himself but at the same time this is what he felt. He folded the little letter neatly and handed it to Ignis.

    "I¡­it''s ready," Mark told him and the demon nodded, no more words were needed, the demon disappeared and the next moment he was standing right in front of Asmodeus. He had come to the portal, resting underneath a tree close to the poisonous flowers. His eyes were closed but the moment he sensed another presence he opened them.

    "What do you want?" he asked Ignis but he answer. He simply rushed towards him and threw the letter at him. Asmodeus was frozen for a second looking at him simply evaporate after throwing some paper to him but still he took it from his chest where it had landed and read it. He could immediately recognize Mark''s handwriting, it was kind of shaky in a way and the letters seemed to hop in the lines.

    Dear Asmodeus.

    I am a jerk. I know it and you know it too. I am too stuck on what I believe it''s right. I always was. I am spoiled and still even though I remember everything now I feel like a don''t belong. I hope that one day I would be able to change that. I know that I hurt you with my words but I did not mean it. Obviously I didn''t, I mean, I love you. I love you so much. The problem is that sometimes I am scared. Ever since I joined Allias in this crazy journey the lines of what is right and what is wrong seem so blurry and I am scared. Terrified that I will end up being the bad guy, not you, me. I am stuck on the guidelines of being good that I tend to forget that none of us is just good, we are so much more, so complex and me trying to categorize everyone like this shows simply how immature and childish I mean. As I''ve been trying to talk to you, I know that I haven''t been completely good at it. It''s fine as long as it doesn''t involve me, that was how I thought. It''s always easy talking when you''re on the outside, it''s easy for me to advise you when I am not involved in it but when it concerns me I get scared. Scared not only that we will end up being bad, scared that even if you were bad I wouldn''t be able to get away from you.

    You asked me if I loved all of you. I love every piece of you. The dark and the light, the one that tries and the one that enjoys being crazy. I love you so much that it doesn''t matter and that''s what''s scary. If you decided to burn the world tomorrow I would still love you and that, that is wrong and I know it but I can''t fight it. That''s why I am so stuck on being right. I am sorry, it is all me and I am the childish and the spoiled and I am stuck in my ways. I''ve said that before I know but, but yeah that''s pretty much it.

    You told me that you wanted me to help you. You wanted me to help you how to be good but this time I think I should be the one that asks for your help. Asmodeus please help me get out of this loop, of being so stuck. Help me. Please.

    I am sorry and I love you. I hope that you can talk to me when you are ready. I want to change and you should know that for me, you were never a monster. You were my savior and no  matter what this will never change.

    ...

    Hello! I know some of the chapters may not be to your liking because they are sad and agitating but believe me this is all part of a greater plan, it is the plan of the universe and needed for character developement. Hope you enjoyed this chapter though! Back to the little elf wedding, yey.

    What color should the cake be?

 Chapter 394 - 394

    TW:sexual content

    The times he had felt happy in the thousand years that he lived had been few. From the beginning of the world to the creation of humans and his present all of his favourite moments had one particular face in them. Red hair, a lazy smile and warm brown eyes that shone when the sun hit them. It was the happiness in his eyes, the melodic laughter that escaped his lips and his whole body shaking as he was being overwhelmed by joy. It was everything that made him that made Asmodeus happy. The smile, the soft touch, the smart tongue. The kindness, the need for justice, everything.

    The same person though was the protagonist of his hardest moments. A turning page, the beginning of a new suffering that seemed to have no end. From betreyal to the fear of losing him, hurting him Asmodeus was being tortured. Every day as he thought again and again of everything. He had grown up a royal, respected and needed. No one dared to defy him, no one dared to look him in the eyes and tell him he was wrong.. It was simply how things were. As he grew older though, as he spent his time lonely and alone he wished for a sincere gaze. A soothing voice, a comfort. He wished for peace and the red color of blood to turn into roses. What he got though was a storm, a beat up man, hiding in the darkness of his solitude, a trembling body as it asked for help. Asmodeus had gotten a lot more than he could handle. And from the huge castle with the many servants he found himself in a cottage made from dirt. Instead of cutting arms he learned to cut carrots and make food. Instead of wishing to be alone and then hating it he found pleasure in his company and wanted more.

    Many times Asmodeus had felt confused, filled with disbelief as to why and how had he found himself so attached to a human. To this specific human. Maybe it was the pain in his eyes, the torture and then the change. The spark igniting in them. He had never seen such a beautiful change. He has come to life and then at that moment the demon realized that living was a lot more precious than he had believed.

    Mark was the protagonist of all that. He was the storm and the spark, he was the happiness and the torture, he was his sweet dreams and nightmares. He was and always would be all that, no matter what he did. It was foolish, it was undeniably idiotic to love someone so much but he had seen it happen, not only with himself but with everyone around him. Slowly, this kind of risky and reckless love started to seem natural, like this was what it was supposed to be from the start and the demon felt content. It hurt, a lot of times it was too much to bear the change in his world, the scars from his past but it was so easy for him to forget. It was simple enough. Mark''s voice calling his name was enough.

    He didn''t rush as he went to find him. He did want to worry him a bit, a little punishment for everything he did. He stood a few seconds outside their door, staring at it as if it was some kind of huge obstacle, breathing in heavily as he pushed it. The door creaked open like the scene of very ominous movie and half of their room came into sight.

    So many pieces of paper thrown on the floor, crumbled or angrily ripped. Asmodeus smiled. He could imagine Mark, standing there, frustrated making a mess and mumbling to himself. As the door opened fully the demon walked in, his boots heavy on the wood. He made noise, he wasn''t intending to be silent but there was no reaction. He looked around, a frown forming on his face, the thought of Mark not being here passing his mind.

    Thankfully he was wrong, the red haired man had not reacted simply because he was asleep. Yes, he had been sleeping. Laid on their bed in a fetus position his eyes were closed and swollen, trails of tears staining his face and a frown changing his pretty face as he slept. He was planning on getting mad, but after seeing him like this he knew, Mark was hurting as much as him.

    He flinched in his sleep, his eyes closed shut while his lips moved.

    "I''m sorry." He said sadly and Asmodeus sat next to him. He examined his face, carefully seeing his anxious expression before he pinched his nose. Mark''s lips were closed and after a few seconds he started shaking. Confused he opened his eyes, gasping for air

    "What the hell?" He shouted and Asmodeus raised his eyebrow.

    "We had a fight and you were...sleeping" he told him with a judgemental expression. "How... insensitive"

    "No, no wait a second. I...was not being insensitive. It''s that thing when you cry too much and then you suddenly feel tired and have a headache. I was asleep before I knew it. I wasn''t planning to. I''m sorry" he said with a pout.

    "Had you been crying?" Asmodeus asked him. He already knew the answer but he wished to hear him say it. Maybe it was slightly sadistic, to want to hear that someone had been crying for you but at that moment he didn''t care. Mark stared at him, his eyes sad as he nodded.

    "Yes." He stated. "I know though that''s not a reasong for you to forgive me. It''s just that I was sad. Not because of you. But because of what I did"

    "What did you do?"

    "You know what I did"

    "I want to hear you say it."

    "I let someone else kiss me" Mark mumbled embarrassed.

    "You did that, didn''t you? What else?"

    "Then I was acting like a jerk." He said. He was too embarrassed to look at Asmodeus. He was playing with the sheets and looking at the wrinkles he created. They smelled of levanter and felt soft in between his fingers as he slides it through them and pinched it. He felt Asmodeus touch his chin, he raised his head slowly so their eyes would meet and the red haired gulped, he didn''t know what to expect. Asmodeus stared at him for a while, his head tilted to the side while on his face he had a very peculiar expression. No he wasn''t angry. It was something else.

    "What should I do with you now?" He whispered. "You kinda got into my nerves. I hadn''t felt like ripping a head in a while. Not yours of course, you''re too pretty." He said. He had moved closer, his lips resting next to his ear. Mark shivered. This was not what he was expecting, definitely not.

    "Amsodeus." Mark called his name and the demon hummed in response. His hand was traveling on his chest, going upwards until it rested close to the start of his neck. Mark gulped, feeling his warm hand rest on his exposed skin. "Are you mad at me?" He asked.

    "I am. Furious. Agitated. Annoyed. All the bad things. Think of them and I feel it." He told him and his lips rested on the side of his neck. He was grinning. That was not being angry! Mark thought and his eyes widened. He pushed himself back, finding onece more his body in a corner. Asmodeus scoffed and then smiled seductively. His fangs were showing. Mark liked the way they grazed his skin. He thought about it for a while and his body began to feel hot.

    "This is not the vibe that I am getting here" the red haired said. The tall demon shrugged his shoulders and approached him once more. There was nowhere to run, he was like a little mouse in front of a cat, a tiger.

    "And what vibe are you getting exactly?" Asmodeus asked him. He was enjoying this. He liked pushing Mark with questions he was too embarrassed to answer.

    "I...I can''t say it." He stuttered

    "Ts ts. Such a prude" Asmodeus teased him. "We''ll have to fix that." He said. He dived in and kissed him, locking his lips with him. He kissed Mark passionately, his hand founding its way to his hair. He pulled, har and the young man had his neck exposed. His kisses felt hot, like burn marks on him. The sensation of his fangs, cold and pointy made him shiver. It was excitement. "So tell me. What is the vibe I am giving off. I am so so curious." Asmodeus told him in between of kissing his neck.

    "Having sex vibes?" Mark said and felt his whole face turn red from embarrassment. Asmodeus stopped and met his eyes. He licked his lips and took off his shirt, revealing a very beautiful body. Mark gulped, he hadn''t seen him like that in a while, a long long while. The demon grabbed him,by the neck and pushed him on the bed. Mark bit his lip, he wasn''t in pain. He liked it.

    "That''s what I''ve been wanting to hear. Good job babe"he told him and Mark''s heart began to race. This was happening. This was actually going to happen.

    ...

    I''ve decided. This will be my bdsm couple. You can thank me later. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reading.

 Chapter 395 - 395

    Hello! Please check out my new book The tears of a prince. It''s another fantasy bl! I''m sure you will love it. Thank you!

    TW: sexual content kind of rough

    ....

    Pain was not always something bad. Pain wasn''t always caused by someone you hated or someone who intended to hurt you. Pain could be pleasure and Mark loved it. The sensation, the thill. The way his body shivered underneath his touch, the red scratches his fangs would leave on his neck. He had been thrown on the bed, his head pushed back, his neck exposed for the demon to devour..

    Mark was breathing heavily, he had wrapped his legs around Asmodeus'' waist and was tightening his grip while his lips traced downwards. He ripped his shirt, the sound of the fabric being teared echoing in the silent room and his hot lips wrapped around his nipple. He bit hard and Mark exhaled, feeling the air leave his lungs. It hurt but the pain was too sweet to make him sad.

    The demon raised his head. He had a smile on his face, his eyes shining with desire as he scanned Mark''s flashed face. He loved it, how vaulnerable he was to his slightest touch. He hovered over him and cupped his face roughly. Mark could feel his fingertips press his skin, his eyes focused on him and his naked torso. He couldn''t stop staring. The muscles that flexed on his shoulders, the veins popping on his arms. Everything, all the small details that signaled how seductive Asmodeus could be.

    They kissed. The demon biting his bottom lip hard and Mark moaned. He was cornered in this small area of the bed, Asmodeus'' weight over him, his tongue on his mouth and he cried.

    "Impatient aren''t we?" Asmodeus asked him with a smirk. Mark looked away. When he talked he could feel the embarrassment burn his body. He felt exposed. His lover wouldn''t let it pass though. He turned his head, forcing him to meet his eyes. "if you look away once more you''re getting punished." He warned him. Did he want it? The red haired felt his heart speed up. The roughness of his voice and the tension of his stare. He looked away, just a little bit, without realizing and before he knew it he found himself in Asmodeus'' arms.

    "Wait, wait. I''m sorry, I''m sorry" the red haired exclaimed and Asmodeus laughed.

    "Too late now." He said. Mark felt so light in his arms. Fragile and that made him want to hurt him even more. See him crying and bruised begging. He licked his lips, thinking of what he should do to him. His eyes traveled on the room searching for a plan and after a few seconds he smiled brightly, satisfied with himself. He let go of Mark. His legs stepping softly on the ground. "Get undressed"

    "Now? Here?" He asked and Asmodeus tilted his head to the side.

    "You''re half way there anyways" he said, referring to his missing shirt. Mark breathed heavily, his chest rising as he stared at him. "You won''t do it?" Asmodeus asked him and the red head with trembling hands undid his pants. The soft fabric fell to the ground leaving him in his underwear. His excitement was obvious, tightening the piece of clothing, torturing on his body.

    He looked at him from head to toe, stopping on his underwear. He grinned seeing how horny he was and Mark attempted to cover himself.

    "I wouldn''t do that if I were you" he warned him and Mark immediately removed his hands. "Now this too. Take it off."

    "No" Mark said. He wanted to resist him. Show him he didn''t need him. Asmodeus remained silent, he simply kicked him, not hard enough to hurt him but hard enough for him to fall on his knees.

    His boot touched his thigh, moving inwards where it rested on the tent on his underwear. Mark breathed in, the breath getting stuck on his neck and his eyes widened.

    "Take it off" Asmodeus repeated and pressed the spot. Mark gasped and a moan escaped his lips. His palms landed on the floor, as a support and he tried so hard not to plead for him to do that again. More, roughly. He wanted to beg but he was embarrassed. "Is there something you want to tell me?" Asmodeus asked him, his voice cold. He could see it. Through Mark''s hazy eyes he could see clearly the need that was overflowing. "It''s now or never. Come on." He said and moved forward, he reached close to his lips and lingered there. His tongue locked Mark''s bottom lip, slowly. "I won''t do anything if you don''t say it"

    "Harder" Mark whispered.

    "Can''t hear you." The demon teased him with a victorious grin.

    "Harder, step on me harder" Mark told him, gathering all of his courage. He felt like he would melt. Asmodeus pressed on his member with his shiny boot and he moaned. His pleasure echoing in the walls and for a second he thought he was too loud. He bit his lip trying to restrain himself.

    Asmodeus caressed his cheek.

    "It''s bad if you''re the only one that''s having fun. Isn''t it?" He asked him and the young man nodded obediently. Asmodeus took off his pants and Mark removed slowly his underwear. He was hard, he wanted him too and just the idea of that made him want to do anything he wanted.

    He licked him, tasting him, and Asmodeus grabbed the back of his head. He pushed him hard. He felt his tip hit the back of his neck, tears gathering in his brown eyes and he moaned. Asmodeus'' fave fell back, his eyes closed in pleasure. He opened his eyes and stared at Mark. On his knees, sweaty and flushed, teary with him in his mouth, deep inside.

    "Fuck." He swore and pushed Mark back. "Now it''s time for your punishment." He said and raised him up. Mark had no idea what he was intending to. He led him away from the bed and took him to the window. It was long, almost in the shape of a balcony door and unfortunately on the ground floor. Mark stared at him with wide eyes

    "Someone could see" he told him, knowing very well that servants passed by there all the time. That was why he usually kept the curtains closed.

    "Well that''s why it''s fun Baby" he told him. Mark froze. He had called him baby, his voice, his smirk, his eyes. How could it not be fun when it was with him. He felt Asmodeus push him on the cold window. His back turned on him. Asmodeus caressed his ass, and then his touch stopped only for a slap to land. Mark moaned loudly, sounds he had never made before escaping his lips. "Look outside." Asmodeus whispered in his ear "look and think that if someone passes by they will see you like this. Pushed against the window, sweating and begging to be punished. How nice is that? Really just the thought of it makes me want to cum"

    "No" Mark said and Asmodeus raised an eyebrow. "Inside me, you can cum inside me" he whispered and Asmodeus laughed.

    "Who am I to let you down." He said and his fingers circled his entrance. One, two, three fingers and surely for Mark that wasn''t enough.

    "Hurry up" he whined.

    "That''s not the right way to ask for things"

    "P-please hurry"

    "Hurry with what?" Asmodeus asked and pushed his fingers further inside.

    "Put it in, please" Mark cried.

    "Oh look, someone''s coming." Asmodeus told him and the red haired gasped. At that moment he entered him, hard and in one go. "Just kidding" he said. One of his arms moved forward. It wrapped around Mark''s neck choking him as he started moving.

    It was pleasure mixed with fear and pain. It was perfect and Mark felt soon that he was reaching the edge. As he heard Asmodeus gaso behind, him. His voice call out his name in pleasure. He hit his spot so easily, filled him up and when he felt him release inside of him he couldn''t be more aroused. He finished too, everything splattering on the window.

    Asmodeus took a step back and poor Mark almost fell to the floor his legs not keeping him any longer. Asmodeus grabbed him, rasing him gently in his arms and took him to the bathroom. He filled the bathtub with warm water and helped him in. The whole room smelled of vanilla and rose and the red haired smiled happily as Asmodeus washed his hair.

    "I hate you" Mark said.

    "I don''t"

    "No you have to say you hate me back. It''s supposed to be romantic, saying the opposite of what we feel. They do it in the movies." He said when a bit of shampoo landed in his eye. "Ouch"

    "Sorry, sorry. You''re good at saying things you don''t mean"

    "Was that supposed to be some kind of secret message?" Mark asked him.

    "You''re smart enough aren''t you?" The demon said with a grin and Mark splashed him with some water. "Are you going to help that wolf kid?"

    "I guess. I mean situations like these define if you''re really good or bad."

    "You''ll always be good"

    "And you will always be you"

    "Yes" Asmodeus answered and Mark smiled.

    "I think that''s perfect."

    "I think so too."

 Chapter 396 - 396

    "I''m nervous." Ea mumbled as he looked at himself in the mirror. He could see his reflection. His face, his shaking hands and his worried eyes. He licked his lips and took in a deep breath. He hadn''t worn clothes like these in a while. The traditional Disee costume always seemed too dark and heavy for him but now, once again he had found himself surrounded by the darkness of his people. As he looked at himself now though it seemed better, he was not so intimidated by it, maybe because he was older.

    A pair of harsh black pants and tall boots that reached until the end of his knee. They were uncomfortable, the leather hadn''t been broken in yet and they felt stiff. He wore a yellow shirt, he had chosen the color wanting at least something bright. Its sleeves were wide and had golden tailored flowers at the ends. He had liked that, they were small roses. He couldn''t help but wonder how it was possible to have clothes like that made in only one day.. His jacket was short, barely reaching the start of his pants and inside it had fur. Everything was black there too. It had two pockets their buttons gems, the same colored as his shirt. His ears had been filled with piercings. Golden chains hanging from them. He felt out of place, that wouldn''t change but he knew Ares would look even more extravagant than that, he was a prince. He breathed in.

    "You don''t have to be nervous. It''s going to be fine. This time things are different." Allias was with him. He had offered to help him get read and the small elf had accepted it happily.

    "I know, I''ve done this before." He said with an awkward smile and Allias smiled kindly, he turned him around, releasing him from his lame expression.

    "This time it''s different Ea. Ares loves you and you know it. You love him too and you can be together. Forever, properly. I want to give you this" Allias said and took a small velvet box from his pocket. It was colored a very clear white color and simply by that he realized it wasn''t from here, it was something from the king''s home. He handed it to him and Ea took it carefully.

    It was a bit hard to get it to open. It was old and he didn''t want to break it. After a few tried he managed to get it down. The cap was removed revealing a bracelet. It was gold made from a very thin chain. It had charms on it. A sun, a flower and spear. It was so elegantly made that the elf thought that if he touched it would shutter. The details in the rays of the sun, the handle of the small spear and its shine underneath the light. This was probably more expensive than his life.

    "Wait. I...I can''t accept this." Ea stuttered.

    "Why not? I find it pretty. I think it would suit you" Allias said, his head tilted.

    "No, no it''s beautiful. Probably the most beautiful piece of jewelry I have seen but this, the sun and the spear. This must have been for you" he assumed.

    "It was. My mother had it made. It was for when I would get married." He explained and Ea''s eyes widened. He pushed the box back into Allias'' chest, looking almost terrified.

    "Gods no!" He exclaimed and Allias laughed.

    "I don''t know if I want to get married Ea." Allias said. "I have been thinking about it. I don''t think it really matters that much. Theseus had been and will always be my family. Link or not. I think it would be best for us to not be able and snoop into the other''s head." He said and chuckled at the end. "But even if I do get married I don''t want to wear it. I want you to have it. Look at those charms." He told him and took the bracelet from the safety of its box while Ea held it. "Look at this sun. It''s how your life and Ares'' becomes brighter when you have each other. The flower is how pure you can be, kind and beautiful you should always remember that and the spear, it shows your strength. The power you have in you to protect the ones you love. This is for you because you deserve it." Allias told him and Ea nodded. He had tears in his eyes. For many years the small elf had no mum nor dad. No one to look at him with a caring look, to encourage him the way they did. Allias had done that for him so many times and maybe it was insulting to think of the king like that but he couldn''t. Allias wiped his tears and patted his head. "Don''t cry. This is a hapoy day."

    "You sound like my parents" Ea cried and hugged him, shoving his face in his chest. Allias for a second froze, surprised by his reaction but then smiled, his heart warming up. He hugged Ea back, closing his eyes.

    "Thank you. You telling me that it''s an honor" the king told him.

    "That''s a lie" Ea said as he wiped his tears.

    "What? Why?"

    "Because I''m a nobody." Ea said and Allias looked at him strictly.

    "You''re family."

    "I am?"

    "Yes, Ea. You always have been. From the moment I met you when you were just a little child that didn''t want to leave my arms. Is it not obvious enough that you''re my favorite?"

    "Me?" Ea asked, his eyes shinning like a child that had just been rewarded and Allias laughed

    "Yes, you. Come on now. Ares must be waiting, let''s not make him worry that you have ran away" he joked and Ea smiled.

    "Let''s go."

    ...

    Hello! Hope you enjoyed this sweet little chapter. Please do check out and support my new book Tears of a prince. It''s in a contest and I would appreciate all the help I could get (since I want to pay my tuition with the prize *cough* lame I know *cough*) Thank you for reading and have a nice day!

 Chapter 397 - 397

    His feet felt numb. He didn''t know for how long he had been standing there. To him it definitely felt like centuries. He was trying to control his breathing, focus on a few ladybugs that were walking in front of him. Cute little bugs, red and black. He really liked them. He had decided it was better for this to happen outside. He felt like the inside was too stuffy too much like the previous time. The staff had gotten insane with his last minute change but this was were being a prince came in handy, no one had the courage to complain. He had promised himself to buy them something later on, he wasn''t that bad after all.

    Ares wished to get married again outside, under the stars and the night sky. He loved the slight chill and the wind that caressed his cheek, it was calming. The palace garden''s were beautiful after all. He stood underneath a willow tree, its branches dancing with the music of the wind.. Little lights had been attached to them, yellow and bright making the atmosphere very romantic. There was a pathway made of white flower petals. Nightflower. It smelled so sweet, the scent traveling everywhere. Elf wedding were never very grand, if you except the royal Avgee weddings that had to be. That''s why the guests dressed in beautiful clothing were standing all around each of them finding a spot that they liked. Some were chatting waiting for the same thing that he was.

    Theseus was standing close, he smiled as him as Ares exhaled. He could feel his crown slightly scratching his skin. Probably some kind of decoration had turned pointy. It was made out of silver. Thin lines interwoven with each other to create a circle. It had a gem in the middle, hanging from the tiniest loop. It was colored purple. He had liked that crown. It was the only one that didn''t feel that uncomfortable.

    His clothing was black. Like always. He didn''t like color, maybe because his whole tribe was like that. He always felt people like Allias fitted color the best. His pants were made from leather, his boots too, tied tightly around his culf. His shirt was made out of the finest silk, open on the front with silver starts in the hem of his sleeves. He wore a necklace too. That was the most uncomfortable one. A silver piece that was wrapped tightly around his neck, matching cuffs went to his wrists on both hands. Basically he felt like he would have gained a few kilos just by wearing these. His jacket was more like a long cape. Silver padded shoulder which he had to tell them to reduce so he wouldn''t look like a door. He wore gloves too. It was spring and honestly he was sweating.

    "Where is he?" Ares mumbled and stared intensively the spot where Ea should come from. One minute, two minutes, it was during the third that he started to hear something.

    Soon all eyes were turned to the entrance. He stood between two beautiful black columned that had been decorated with white roses. Ares the moment he laid eyes on him felt like he would lose his breath. He was so beautiful. Someone, probably Allias had painted underneath his eyes with golden makeup. It was so pretty, it made his eyes shine the way the lines spread underneath his eye.

    He blinked a few times, seeing him approach. He had done this before so why did he feel like this? Overwhelmed. His heart was beating so fast, his palms were sweaty and his eyes were glued on him. Why would he want to look anywhere else really?

    Ea finally reached him, standing next to him a small smile on his lips. He was looking down, at the grass, embarrassed. Ares raised his chin, smiling brightly.

    "You are the most handsome elf I''ve ever seen" he told him, loud enough for everyone to hear.

    "Thank you." Ea mumbled, his cheeks turning a vibrant red.

    They were looking at each other, standing underneath the dancing tree when Allias appeared. He stood behind them, seeming serious and composed.

    "Today, the gods have gothered for this ritual. Or the remake of this ritual" he said and a few people from the crowd giggled. "Your love may be strong to keep you alive through the burden of immortality. Your link unbreakable so you one day shall share one mind. The Disse tribe must be so proud to have you too as its children." Allias said and smiled at them. "You can take your oath now. Remember whatever you say, it will be forever."

    Ares placed his palm on top of Ea''s heart. The small elf did the same. That was a very usual movement when elves we''re getting married, touching each other''s heart. Listening to the raging heartbeat, feeling the love through the thumping. Ares smiled, Ea''s heart was going crazy. It was almost distracting. He looked at him and the words that he had prepared seemed too little for what he felt.

    "I love you. I always did but I was too much of a brat to let you know. You risked your life for me, hurt yourself for me, cried for me and that I will never forget it. You are beautiful, strong, smart, even if you scold me way too much. Every day that I get to see you I am sure that immortality can''t be that bad, especially when I am lucky enough to have someone like you on my side. I am nervous. I really am but at the same time I wouldn''t change a thing of this moment. Right now, listening to your heartbeat, having you close to me and seeing your shy smile. Oh, believe me I could relive such a moment again and again because all of the memories that have you are perfect." Ares told him. Ea was trying really hard not to cry, he knew he was next. When he parted his lips though a small tear escaped. "Don''t cry" Ares whispered to him sweetly and Ea sniffled

    "I know, I know sometimes things are difficult. We are very different and clash with each other all the time. But you being like that made me love you. You have everything that I miss and simply by standing next to you I get to feel complete. I love hearing your voice and cheeky remarks, even when I scold you for something I love the fact that you did it. Because you''re courageous and honest. You don''t want others to suppress you in their own thinking of what is right. That is is beautiful and you are beautiful. Inside and out. Being loved by you had been my most selfish desire but now that it''s true it almost feels like a dream. I hope that I get to spend more years with you and that I will never feel the pain of thinking you were dead again. Because Ares you, you are half of my life. If I lose you I am lost too." He said.

    Usually there were more to be done. A ritual for their link but that had happened already years ago. That was why Ares simply pulled Ea closer from his shirt and kissed him passionately, pushing him back into a dramatic kiss that made everyone clap.

    It was perfect, moments like this were perfect.

    .....

    The after partyyyyy yey, next chapter!!

 Chapter 398 - 398

    "This cake is really good." Mark mumbled as he took a huge bite from the cake. "I do like the purple and yellow in it. Matches Ares and Ea I think." He commented and Asmodeus smiled. He liked watching him basically everything that was served. Mark seemed to really like the elven cuisine.

    They were at the at the throne room. Sitting in different tables dressed in deep dark red color with sparkling candles in the middle. The whole room smelt like flowers again and the lit up trees from the outside shone happily. There was also band, playing a soft melody with their violins. Mark shook his head happily to the beat, his fork following the rythm. They had been placed in the same table as the wolves while Allias and Theseus were sitting with the couple at the back, close to the throne. The middle of the room had been left empty and Mark assumed that sooner or later dancing music would play..

    "I am really happy that they got married but why do we have to sit with the dogs?" Asmodeus said with a displeased expression and Mark slapped his hand.

    "Shush, they are coming let''s not cause any drama. You don''t want to see Allias lose it. Believe me. It''s not even the burning hot rays of light, or the stares, the broken furniture. It''s the swears. They are too creative for anyone to handle." Mark explained. "Also, Alexander is nice, I like him"

    "Yeah, he is nice because he is a coward." Asmodeus whispered when he noticed the three wolves approaching with Kate. The girl was looking around, her eyes wide in shock but she seemed a bit less scared for now. Mark smiled.

    "Hi" he greeted them and then everyone sat down. They dragged their chairs someone causing that screeching sound that made Asmodeus flinch.

    "Hey" Luke greeted them and Alexander smiled shyly. Mikael and Kate were talking about something, their voices whispers. They didn''t pay any attention to anyone else. Mark took a sip from his wine and looked at Alexander.

    "Tomorrow you and I, have things to do." He said and Alexander stared at him, excited.

    "Really? You mean it?"

    "Yeah, yeah. I will help you. Haven''t been on exorcist mood though in years"

    "Not a very good mood believe me" Asmodeus commented and winked at Mark when the red haired scoffed.

    "It doesn''t matter. Whatever I have to do I will do it." Alexander exclaimed. Luke was sitting next to him, holding his hand while hope shone through his stormy eyes. He seemed a lot more peaceful now, maybe he had trully found the person he was supposed to be. An idiot still but a less dangerous idiot, Mark thought.

    "Okay, okay. Don''t worry. It might be painful though, I have to warn you." Mark said. Soon a waitress appeared on their table. She set down a huge tray that had a silver lid. Porcelain black plates were handed to each one of them and silverware before the tray was opened and the steam of the kitchen spread everywhere. Mark felt his mouth watering, his nostrils opened and if he was alone he would have jumped in immediately. Pieces of chicken, with melted butter and herbs. He licked his lips and waited for someone to pick up the first piece but no one did so! They wanted to talk more.

    "So tell us, how will you do this whole thing. We want Alexander to learn how to control the wolf inside of him. Do you think it''s really possible?" Luke asked him.

    "Huh, what?" Mark said. He was preoccupied with staring at the food to process the question perfectly. He blinked as he heard Asmodeus try to contain his laughter. "Oh, yes! Well that...we will see. We will see. I mean there are a few things that need to be done and he has to work on it on his own too. I will show him how but if he makes it it''s up to him" Mark said.

    "I will, I will try really hard. Honestly. Thank you. I will never forget this help" he said. Mark nodded his head deciding that he wouldn''t wait any longer. He grabbed the new fork he was given and pinched on of the pieces. If no one wanted to eat then it was clearly better for him. He started cutting the soft meat with his knife, readying himself for this explosikn of flavour in his mouth when a loud bang was heard. He closed his eyes and sighed, dropping his silverware.

    "What the hell is it now? What?" He asked and noticed that everyone was looking towards the entrance of the throne room. Allias was standing , staring at the uninvited guests.

    "What brings you here? I thought you rejected the invitations." He told them. Mark couldn''t see well. A lot of people where around him so he stood up too, on his toes hoping for a better look.

    He had seen the man many times before. Glowing, his confident smile and playful eyes. His brown locks. It was Dionysus and Apollo was standing on his side. Mark hadn''t seen many of the other gods but he was sure, there two were probably the most beautiful.

    "Excuse us king" Dionysus said with a smile. "We really didn''t want to reject the invitation, the truth was I was ecstatic when I heard my godson would be getting married but unfortunately the Council had us take care of a small little task. Someone has been avoiding us" he said and with his olive colored eyes he scanned the room. "This someone." He told them pointing at Alexander. "You little wolf are a fugitive of the council." He said and the wolves shot up.

    "Alexander you need to run" Luke told him and the younger wolf started running the opposite direction. Suddenly a huge commotion was created. Alexander and Apollo started a chase the wolf jumping through the window to escape. Glass shuttered and before Mark knew it Mikael had grabbed the tray with the chicken and had thrown it at Apollo''s back.

    "My chicken!" He exclaimed and he almost felt like crying.

    "What the hell do you think you''re doing ruining the wedding?" Allias screamed. Everything froze for a second. Even the gods stopped and Alexander managed to escape properly. Allias'' eyes were wide staring at everyone in the room. He took a deep breath. "Everyone, sit down." He said bit at first no one seemed to listen. "Sit the fuck down!" He ordered them, making the earth shake in a very obvious threat and all of them, like a huge wave crushed into their chairs. "Now, have fun" he said with a smile. "The gods. The wolves, please come with me." He told them and teleported right in front of Luke''s face. He grabbed his ear and twisted it making him groan in pain as he dragged him away.

    "Allias, Allias calm down. You''re going to rip my ear off" Luke cried but the king didn''t seem to listen. The throne room was occupied so they were forced to go I tot he meeting room. Allias kicked the door open and pushed the wolf inside making him land on one of the comfortable chairs around the long table.

    "I asked for one thing and one thing only. For the little ones to have a pieceful wedding. That was all and I invited you because I hoped that you would listen." He said when he noticed that Mikael''s girlfriend was still standing outside. "What are you doing there? Get in. I need to close the door.", He told her frustrated and the girl rushed in.

    "Don''t be mean to her" Mikael said and Allias looked at him as if he was planning his assassination.

    "Shut up Mikael. I thought you were smart and funny when I met you. Don''t prove me wrong."

    "We didn''t mean to ruin the wedding." Apollo said. "We have sent you many notices and the council has been pressuring us. They need to have the wolf oreselse the next team they will send will be for murdering him"

    "What is going on?" Allias asked and took a sit. Everyone mimicked him, Dionysus closing the door of the spacious room.

    "The thing is dear elf king. That their littek wolf is out of control" Dionysus said.

    "That is not true!" Luke exclaimed and Dionysus raised his eyebrow.

    "Do you want to tell them how he exposed himself to the council all by himself when you thought it was a good idea to bring him into a meeting? The kid went mental when someone tried to insult you and killed three people. Not that I liked them or anything but really, how stupid can you be? Ever since he is wanted but they keep running around."

    "Are you serious? Are you serious?" Allias shouted in Luke''s face. "He is wanted? By the Council? The Council that hates me?"

    "I thought If we brought him here and Mark trained him then we could prove to the council that he is alright." Luke told them.

    "You are...you..." He didn''t know what to say anymore. "He is wanted. A fugitive." He repeated with a shocked expression.

 Chapter 399 - 399

    Hello, please spare a vote to my new book The Tears of a Prince. You don''t have to vote this book if you don''t have many votes. Just spare one for the new book sicne it''s really important for the contest. Thank you!

    ....

    He was running and so was his mind. It was quite peculiar, this sense of being hunted even though no one was behind him. The wounds on his skin were slowly healing from the glass shards that had scraped him. He was faster now, stronger but the weakness of his soul hadn''t been cured yet.

    He was scared of the Council, scared of the stories he had heard as a child about them and Dionysus with his mental eyes and his lack of interest in picking a side made him freeze.. He breathed in heavily as he jumped up, avoiding a tree root. His feet landed steadily on the mud and he felt his shoes dive in the soft ground.

    Alexander looked back for a second, sick of everything around him. He had ran to the back of the castle like a child that was playing hide and seek and was trying to escape through the thick garden. It was so big it almost reminded him of an actual forest. Once he realized that he wasn''t being followed anymore he stopped, wanting to catch his breath. Allias would be very mad, he was sure of it and the image of the angry king flashed in front of his eyes. That would be traumatizing. He mumbled as he rested underneath a tree.

    He had no idea what he was supposed to do now. Hide? Run? Return back to the palace? The last one sounded the most difficult and risky, the second was simply tiring so he decided on the first. He would just sit here like a five year old lost in the supoer market waiting for his mother to pick him up, in his case Luke.

    He wasn''t very fond of himself and that showed by the way of his thinking. He grabbed some grass that grew around the tree and ripped it from the ground angrily.

    "You always cause problems" he scolded himself staring at his lap. His hands were shaking faintly, a sign of how anxious he was. He flipped his hands, looking at his palms and sighed. They were rough, filled with scars and wounds. He had gotten them while he had been trying to control himself. He had thought of exhausting his body so he wouldn''t be able to turn, inflicting pain but nothing had worked. All he could feel was pain and the raging anger inside of him, this need to shred someone''s flesh. It was disgusting, he thought as the urges creeped in once more. The taste of flesh, the coldness of the blood and the skin underneath his nails. Every little detail that was always vivid in his mind. How he wished he could forget, get the beast to sleep inside of him once and for all. That would be for the best. Many times he had thought he had been wrong. Awfully wrong about waking him up but he had to. If he had to protect Luke he would do it again and again even if he ended up imprisoned in the end.

    "Well you look gloom and sad." He heard an unfamiliar voice and flinched. Right in front of him appeared a young boy, pale like the dead with dark eyes. He was hanging upside down, his eyes glued on Alexander.

    "What...who are you?" He asked him confused.

    "I am me" he answered. "But you, who are you?" He asked him back and the young wolf slowly stood up. He looked like a child but he obviously was not human. Suddenly he felt really wary and his eyes began scanning the place. Was he being ambushed by something.

    "What do you want?" Alexander asked, denying to answer.

    "What do I want? What could I want? I know though that you want something. Am I wrong?" He told him and jumped down. He landed on his feet perfectly like a black cat and tilted his head to the side. His eyes were void of any kind of emotion as he parted his pale lips. "So? What do you want?"

    "Stop scaring him Kage" the beautiful and soft voice of a woman echoed through the forest and soon she appeared. Tall and elegant with a sly smile on her face she circled Alexander, a playfully look in her eyes. "Well hello. I heard that you will be spending some time with us" she told him. "I am very excited. I always liked disfuctionsl things. The process of fixing them is very self satisfying.", She said and Alexander couldn''t help but frown. What was she talking about? He wondered. The way they stared at him, her smile, everything she said, the wolf had no idea if he should feel threatened or not. They hadn''t made any movements against him after all.

    Rustling was heard. Like someone was approaching and the two strangers looked towards the source of the sound. Loud panting began reaching closer and through some pushes a red head appeared. He pushed through the thin brunches and dark green leaves and made himself known. It was Mark.

    "How many times have I told you not to leave me behind!" He scolded the creatures and the woman laughed.

    "We found him though" the boy said, not faced the slightest bit by Mark''s words.

    "We could have done that together" he mumbled annoyed and landed on the ground, sitting on a huge grey stone that he found. During his first try he slipped a bit, almost finding himself burried in the mud but the woman helped him. He smiled at him and she smiled back, cunningly. The second time he found the right spot on the rock and sat properly, his eyes landing on Alexander.

    "Running away like that makes it hard for us to find you" Mark told him and Alexander raised his eyebrow.

    "What is going on here?" He asked.

    "Oh, these are my familiars. You probably have seen them before but don''t remember them. This is Kage and this is Arpaia. They are the demonic spirits I control together with Ignis and Asmodeus. Asmodeus is a full fledged demon though and an accident." He mumbled. Alexander''s eyes were wide with shock as he heard the number of spirits Mark controlled.

    He didn''t know many things about exorcists, not a lot of people did but he had read about the basics. The different categories and the energy control. Their powers and all these things. Four spirits an and an actual high ranked demon in between them. Mark had contracts with all of them, he realized as he stared at his marked hands.

    If he wanted to be honest he would have to admit that Mark didn''t look like it. He was always the kind of person that stood to the side, the human that needed to be protected so when Luke had proposed the plan of asking for his help he had been skeptical. How could he help? He was a nobody. He had told Luke and now he felt horrible about it. He had misjudged him.

    "Are you there?" Mark asked, waving his palm in front of his face.

    "I...yes. Why are you here?" Alexander asked.

    "I did say I was going to help you didn''t I?" Mark told him. "The Council will be looking for you. I don''t know the details but lucky for you Allias took them away.", He informed him and Alexander exhaled in relief. He had bought sometime. Now he had to think about what he should do.

    "Thanks."

    "It wasn''t me. It was Allias. So, now, what do you have in mind?"

    "What do you mean?"

    "Were you planning to simply sit here until...when?"

    "Well, kind of, I don''t know.", Alexander said and awkward scratched the back of his brunette head. Arpaia giggled and he noticed the young boy roll his eyes. He was being judged right now, he realized.

    "That is, excuse me for the expression a shitty plan." Mark stated and Alexander frowned. He crossed his arms over his chest and tapped his foot on the ground.

    "What do you think I should do then? My options are not really that many, considering the fact that I am a fugitive even back home. No matter where I go they will come after me. For that I am sure. They''d love to take me back so the Council could experiment on me."

    "I guess we will have to save him then" Arpaia said, unfazed as she stared at her long nails.

    "Sometimes I do wonder why our Master is so nice. It''s very annoying you see, helping all these people." Kage said and Alexander stared at them confused.

    "What are they talking about?" The wolf asked and Mark grinned.

    "You and I dear wolf. Will be running away together." He announced and Alexander stared at him in disbelief.

 Chapter 400 - 400

    Usually when Disee elves teleported they would leave behind either a black cloud, like smoke that spread and disappeared or black dust, as if something had been burnt. When Allias teleported a golden dust was left behind, shimmering under the light and when he appeared he came as light. Bright, blinding he made everyone blink before he was restored to his original shape.

    The king looked around, counting four people and smiled.

    "Good, good" he said locking eyes with his friend. Alexander seemed to be completely lost. Just a few minutes ago Mark had told him that they would run away. Luke was not here and he was worried about that, his heart beating fast while his mind was trying to understand everything. The two demonic spirits kept looking at him, their eyes glued on him as if he was some kind of specimen. He felt uncomfortable.

    "Took you a while." Mark commented and looked at his nails, still sitting on the huge rock..

    "Well, I had no idea where you were, also I had to convince Theseus to stay with the gods while I was gone. Do you know how hard was that?" He asked him and Mark scoffed.

    "I''m sorry, I am really sorry for asking this since you two seem to be perfectly in sync but I don''t understand shit." Alexander said. He looked once at Mark and then his confused eyes traveled to Allias. He was trying to avoid the other two as best as he could, even though he could feel their gazes on his back. What was wrong with them? He wondered while breathing in.

    "I told you what will happen. We will run away." Mark repeated. Obviously this did not dissolve at all the fog in Alexander''s mind. The young wolf sighed, scratching the back of his head, thinking which question was more appropriate to ask first.

    "Where is Luke?"

    "With Theseus" Allias answered him.

    "And this...did you have this planned? It doesn''t make sense. You left first." He said pointing at Allias. " I saw it before I left completely. So how did you two..."

    "I was searching for Mark and didn''t find him. After that his plan was pretty clear to me." Allias said and Mark nodded.

    "Wh-what?"

    "Do you have any friends Alexander?" Mark asked him, his head tilted to the side and the young man blinked.

    "How is that related with our matter?"

    "His my best friend." Allias explained. "I just know how he thinks."

    "There would be zero chance of me going all alone deeper into the Veil. Also, I am broke. I need him, or more like his title. I won''t be camping in the forest and shit. I know mud is your thing but it''s definitely not mine." Mark commented and Allias shook his head, disappointed.

    "I...Luke, does he know of this?"

    "Do you need your boyfriend to know everything?", Mark teased him

    "Well if I just disappear out of nowhere he should know!" Alexander exclaimed, taking him seriously and Allias giggled.

    "Calm down Alexander. It''s fine. Yes, he does know you will be gone for a while. He is together with Theseus as I told you and Asmodeus is with them. They will keep the Council and the gods preoccupied for a while. No one will be able to get deeper into the Veil through the portal here and not pass through the elf kingdom."

    "So what will we be doing?"

    "Traveling. Some vacationing. You know, a cruise maybe" Mark told him with a frown. "What are supposed to be doing? Helping you control your power!" He told him intensively and Alexander flinched.

    "Do we have to go away to do that?"

    "Do you want to stay here and get caught by the council? Come on now what kind of questions are those?" Mark asked. "Anyways it will be you, Allias and I, a fateful retreat into the Veil out final destination is...." Mark said and looked at Allias with the corner of his eye.

    "Kardia. My father''s land" he said with a smile. Close to the ocean of the Veil." He told them. "I''ve never been there but I think in their ruins we might find some very useful information about magic control, they were wise people" he informed them.

    "You''ve never been to your father''s land?" Alexander asked.

    "Yes, he died when I was really young. The truth is my father''s people blamed my mother. They broke all ties with the Avgee Tribe even though they were a part of it and during the war, like the rest of my people they perished." The king said and Alexander stared at him with a saddened expression. Allias smiled and patted his shoulder. "It''s fine. Do not worry."

    "It will be fun!" Mark told them and clapped, the two spirits clapping right after him, behind Alexander. He jumped a bit, surprised. He had almost forgotten that they were there.

    "You could describe it as that. I mean we have to go through Sinn Forest." Allias said and Mark gasped. He breathed out, annoyed.

    "Why? Why?" He asked.

    "It''s the fastest way" Allias informed him, shrugging his shoulders.

    "Can''t you just poof us there? Golden dust and all?"

    "I''ve never seen the place Mark, I don''t know where to go."

    "I''ve never seen the place Mark." The red haired mocked him making his voice very thin and shaking his head. "Almighty elf king can''t..."

    "I''m sorry but what is the Sinn Forest?" Alexander asked.

    "It''s a place" Allias stated.

    "And here I thought it was an ice cream flavor"

    "Why are you so cheeky all of a sudden"

    "Did you see it? Did you feel the pain I did? I saw my chicken flying through the air. I had plans with that chicken"

    "Yes, take it out to a nice date, give it flowers."

    "You should make sure not anyone can enter the palace, aren''t you supposed to be really strong?"

    "They were gods for fucks shake how do you expect me to..."

    "Excuse me"

    "...how do you expect me to be able to stop them, like this" he said and shook his cut off arm. The sleeve moved showing that there was nothing in there.

    "Then don''t be so stupid as to cut off your own arms you fucking emo edge lord."

    "Excuse me"

    "How did you just call me?"

    "Excuse me!" Alexander shouted and the first time he finally managed to get their attention and stop their childish bickering "What is the Sinn Forest?" He asked again.

    "It''s a place, not really a forest more like a prairie nowdays. We have to pass through it, it''s just that it''s a bit difficult."

    "Difficult in what way?"

    "Difficult in the way of having thick mist everywhere with crazy ass creatures jumping around and wanting to kill you" Mark informed him.

    "That is not pleasant." Alexander commented and Allias nodded. He had a smile on his face though, not concerned about it.

    "Good thing you have the son of the sun with you." He said proudly and winked at the young wolf. "Come on, somewhere around here it''s the wall, we will jump over and reach the village. We will get some supplies there and start our journey." He instructed them and started walking.

    "We will have to lay low, kind of difficult when we have a celebrity with us."

    "I will disguise myself" Allias said

    "What? You will wear a moustache?" Mark asked the king and for some reason Alexander was sure he was rolling his eyes at his best friend. He chuckled, finding their friendship very funny but he didn''t say anything. Their bickering through this whole journey would be quiet entertaining, he thought.

    "Here, here." Allias said and waved at them.

    They hadn''t walked for long, it could be around twenty minutes until they found themselves at a deadend. Behind the last trees stood a tall wall, probably around five times the size of Allias, who was the tallest. Made from heavy square rocks, one stacked above the other it acter as the border of the royal place with the rest of the village.

    "I will teleport on the other side after you." Allias said. Alexander didn''t face much difficulty. He was agile and easily climbed over, his long nails diving into the cracks in the rocks and his strong feet pushing him up. Both of them on the other side heard him thump on his feet. "Is everything alright?" Allias asked him.

    "Yes, yes. Everything is fine, hurry" Alexander told them.

    "Arpaia, fly me over" Mark said but no one answered. The spirits had disappeared. "Arpaia? Come out now!" Mark exclaimed.

    "Wow, your spirits are not listening to you. Guess you''ve lost your touch" Allias teased him with a chuckled and Mark flipped him off.

    "Just poof me to the other side with you."

    "What do we say when we want the almighty king to help us?" He asked him with a cheeky grin."

    "Fuck you Allias, take me to the other fucking side, fucking now" Mark said and Allias bursted into laughter.

    "Ah, the negatives of beating weak" he said and grabbed his hand, taking him with him to the other side.

 Chapter 401 - 401

    "Do you see that man?" Allias whispered and pointed carefully with his finger. Alexander and Mark followed his eyes and saw a young man that was wearing a black long cape. It also had a hoodie but he had it down, showing his face. "Go get it for me." He told them and Mark frowned.

    At the moment they were standing at the end of the village where one of the many forests began. The three of them had hid behind a tree, observing the people. Allias had told them to stay back since he wasn''t able to enter the small village. The moment he met eyes with one of the villagers he would be recognized then rumors would spread and eventually reach he palace.. Dionysus and Apollo were smart; it wouldn''t take them long to find out he was missing anyways.

    "What the hell are you talking about?" the red haired asked him, whispering.

    "Go get his cape for me. He is just about my height. His clothes too if you can." He said and as if he heard them the young man turned around, peeking through the forest for a while. All of them moved back, hiding behind the huge trunk, their breaths caught in their lungs. "Go." He repeated staring intensively his best friend. Thankfully they didn''t have to go. The man who had been standing close to a building, a tavern of some short had heard the absurd whispering and his attention had been drawn. He was walking slowly right now towards them.

    Alexander was the first one to realize, he could hear his footsteps clearly as he stepped on the soft grass, a tree branch breaking underneath his old and scrappy boots. While Mark and Allias were whispering at each other, commenting about the stupidity of the plan he calculated the distance and just when he was about to turn and see them he grabbed him. The young elf gasped, his eyes wide while Alexander held him from the shoulders.

    "Sorry." He mumbled and moved back his head, bringing it forward with force. He slammed his forehead on the strangers and after a few blinks the poor man had fallen unconscious. Mark and Allias stood to the side, partially frozen staring at him. "I mean, it worked." He told them and shrugged his shoulders. Allias smiled and shook his head in acknowledgement. "Help me drag him a bit further we could be seen here." He said and Mark had to grab him from his legs. They took him deeper into the forest, the sounds of the village turning quiet as they got further and further away.

    Alexander made sure to take all of them man''s clothes off except his underwear. He was dressed simply with a pair of black pants, an old worn out leather belt and boots. The right boot actually had a small hole to the side. Allias once he held his shirt he frowned, feeling the rough and dirty material.

    "I will be keeping my shirt" he mumbled and with his hand he took the clothes and walked behind a tree. Mark was tapping his foot on the ground, impatient and worried that the man would wake up.

    "Come on now princess, we don''t have that much time. We need to leave soon if we want to be at Sinn forest by noon." He teased him but got no answer from the king. He raised his eyebrow, suspicious. "Stay with the guy." He told Alexander and the wolf nodded while Mark walked away.

    The red haired man, walked silently, searching for the king with his eyes only to see him sit on the ground, underneath a thick tree. He was dressed, his eyes focused on his shoes. He had a weird expression on his face, one that Mark could not easily cypher. He appeared before him, the sound of scrunching leaves making him look up.

    "Taking your time getting ready?" he asked him with a cocky grin and Allias smiled.

    "I can''t tie my shoelaces you jerk." Allias replied, trying to show he wasn''t affected. Mark''s eyes widened and he coughed, feeling slightly embarrassed by his own comment. He walked closer and crouched, getting a hold of the thick laces. They were made of harsh rope, colored with die and dirt had turned them slightly brown. He didn''t mind though. He carefully tied them, his right leg first and then the left. Once he was done he stood up, wiping his palms and smiled.

    "Done, all fresh and peasant like." He said and Allias chuckled. He stood up and they started walking. "You know; you can always ask for my help. No matter what it is, even if you need your ass wiped." He joked and Allias burst into laughter.

    "Well thanks that''s a very compelling offer but for now I will have to deny." He answered as they returned back. Allias was holding his own clothes and let them go next to the unconscious man. "Hope that will be okay for him."

    "Your clothes probably cost more than his house." Mark said. "It will be more than fine. Now let''s go get the things we need and start traveling. I don''t want to risk people getting us." He said and Alexander nodded.

    "Is there anything you''d like me to do?" the little wolf asked and Allias smiled kindly.

    "No, it''s alright for now, if we need anything we will tell you. All we need to do for now is get the stuff and leave. Our journey will be quiet for the biggest part."

    "At least we hope." Mark added and Allias scoffed.

    ....

    Hello! I have to say I am very happy with this little Mark Allias retreat, it kind of reminds me the start of my book! I hope you are enjoying their friendship too. If you liked this chapter please leave a nice comment and a vote.

    Also if you have any votes to spare it would be really helpful if you voted my book The Tears of a Prince for the contest. I''ve seen some of you have actually voted and I want to tell you a huge thank you for the support. It really means a lot.

    Thank yo for reading!

 Chapter 402 - 402

    "So you''re telling me that Allias, the king who was here just a few minutes ago is suddenly busy and all of you simply gathered right here by accident." Dionysus said. He was sitting on a chair at the throne room, his legs crossed while his chin was being supported by his fist. He was grinning, entertained by the three men in front of him. They were all standing, straight as a ruler with their arms behind their back, looking overly cautious, weighting their every answer.

    "Yes." Theseus said and a chuckle was heard. Apollo was looking at him, one of his blonde eyebrows raised as he tapped his fingers on the wooden table.

    "Don''t make the Council send someone else. They are not as nice as us. Fetch the little wolf. He has to meet the council for an assessment." The god of light explained and Luke smiled..

    "He ran away, you saw it with your own eyes. I have my people searching for him all over the place. Believe me soon we will find." The Alpha said.

    "Yes, so why don''t you take some time to relax, enjoy the wedding, the feast. We will take care of everything. I wouldn''t want my godfather to be having a bad time at my palace." Theseus told them.

    Dionysus shook his head, he pushed back some of the stray locks that fell on his forehead, showing his beautiful eyes as he stood up. He fixed his tunic, straightening the fabric and sighed.

    "Fine, fine, stop looking so stiff. I know they all ran away together. There is no reason to hide it for me. You all look so creepy with those smiles on your faces. Honestly I do not understand at all how I still haven''t gotten fired from th Council. I''ve done everything. Broke every rule, I am even dating one of my coworkers, I helped you but still they just won''t kick me out, these old geezers." Dionysus started complaining and the three men stared at him with wide eyes.

    "So you''ve been trying to get fired all along?" Asmodeus asked, his eyes landing on the god as if he was seeing an alien for the first time.

    "Yes! All of my brother and sisters get to hang out in Olympus while I, the god of literally partying has to stay in the Angelic capital where the headquarters are and endure all that shit about rules and the paperwork. One day all I had to do was sign papers, again and again and again. I don''t care about your little wolf. Fuck it make him eat the whole council for what I care, just free me from this torture."

    "You''re over reacting Dionysus." Apollo told him and the two gods looked at each other.

    "I am? Then why did you reject the job huh? The offer was passed down to everyone else before me but all of you said no! Even Hermes did." He cried and rubbed his face in irritation.

    "Of course he would refuse. He is the messenger of the gods how did you expect us to get shit done without him? Also, everyone refused because well, torturing you is fun" Apollo said with a cunning smile and Dionysus'' eyes widened.

    "You''re dead. Fucking dead." He screamed and grabbed the god from his collar, bringing him up. Apollo started laughing, his laughter a melodic sound, spreading beautifully in the room, echoing like a song. The three men were standing there, stunned by this whole situation. It was pretty obvious the gods were not really interested in their affairs but at the same time they were being forced to act. Theseus sighed as he slapped his palm on the table, wanting to have their attention.

    "Let''s all calm the fuck down please. Listen. Just stay here. They will be back in a few days. Mark is planning to train Alexander so he can attend the assessment and show the Council that he is capable of living with his pack. Can''t you simply pretend that you''re looking for him? You''re gods. You can''t tell me that you will be leaving the Council do whatever they want with you." He said and raised his eyebrow. He was provoking them, hoping that their pride and ego would be hurt. Theseus did not get the reaction he was expecting though. Apollo and Dionysus stared at him for a second before both of them started laughing.

    "That is a very childish approach." Apollo commented.

    "You know we''ve been around for a while right? You can''t provoke us that easily dear elf general." Dionysus added. "The truth is though that I don''t enjoy in meddling in other people''s affairs either. I would love to be with Suijin at the moment somewhere far away but guess what I was forced to be here. It''s not the Council that is forcing us. Is keeping world order and a part of a pantheon we have to do it."

    "Well we could take a day or two to rest. How are the elf people?"

    "They are well." Theseus replied.

    "That''s not what I mean. Are they good looking?" he asked and Theseus tilted his head to the side, blinking. "Would they be fond of me? I haven''t taken a lover in a while." He mumbled.

    "Oh, yes yes! We can take you out."

    "We can?" Asmodeus asked with a frown.

    "We can!" The elf general said between gritted teeth.  "The best taverns with the best people. Many people will be impressed by you."

    "That doesn''t sound so bad." Apollo said looking at Dionysus. The god rolled his eyes.

    "At this point I do not care. Just bring me some good wine."

    ...

    Honestly I can not spot wondering how a night out with these men would be. That is exactly why I will be writing it! I want a lighter mood for now. You know the calm before the storm so enjoy as long as it gets to last. XD Hope you had fun reading this chapter. Have a nice day!

 Chapter 403 - 403

    They got the supplies they needed, hurrying through the busy village. Allias'' hoodie was kept down at all times while his bright eyes faced all kinds of different wooden floors. Ones with dust while others polished. He looked at the stoned pathways and the dirt of the roads surrounding the village until his eyes landed on roots and grass. They had finally left the village after a few hours, past midnight with the moon shining brightly above their tired heads.

    Allias looked up, tired of always staring down and pushed the rough fabric away from his head, revealing his handsome face. He exhaled, relieved as he turned back and watched the lot up village get further and further away. The forest thickened and slowly they were being eaten up by it. He hadn''t realized how fast the time had passed nor how for now all of their contact with his kind would be lost. From now on all that awaited them was endless trees, sthe misty smell of the morning and the crunching of the leaves underneath their boots.

    "That went pretty well considering how bad our luck usually is." Mark said. He had a bag on his back, made from cheap leather, a warned out brown color with two strings that closed it.. "We got some food, some medical supplies, even though I really hope we won''t need it but better be safe than sorry." He mumbled and Alexander nodded in agreement.

    "I''m sorry but, what exactly are you going to teach me there?" Alexander asked, looking at Mark who was walking at a lazy pace on his side.

    "I don''t know how to explain. Maybe the best way would be self restrain. I will teach you to control the part of you that you don''t know." He informed him

    "You will do that?" Alexander asked and instantly regretted it the moment Mark stopped on his heels. He turned around and faced him with squeezed eyes, his lips a thin line before he spoke.

    "Why is everyone underestimating me? Don''t I look strong? I mean okay I am not like the buffest person you could meet but I am smart, I do know a lot about magic and I get to keep four demons in check! Doesn''t that mean that I am strong?" He asked him. His eyes were threatening signaling pretty obviously that he wouldn''t accept another answer than yes. Alexander gulped, hastily nodding his head. "Good"

    "I''m tired." Allias stated. "Let''s rest here for tonight" he told them and pointed at a small clearing with his head. Mark followed him, letting out a loud yawn. It had been a very hectic day indeed. Everybody needed some rest.

    They had no tent but a few pieces of fabric that they set to the ground pretending they were mattresses. Alexander started a small fire, all of them laid down around it as they stared at the stars. The sound of the fire was loud into the endless silence of the night. Only an owl or maybe some kind of animal hopping through the bushes was heard from time to time.

    Allias enjoyed looking at the stars. It made him think that he wasn''t that far away from Theseus. As long as they existed under the same sky, as long as they could stargaze under the same stars they would be connected. He smiled faintly, considering himself a lovestruck fool and turned to his side, resting his head on his arm, his eyes traveling at his companions.

    "I''m nervous.", He said

    "About what? You''re not the one being trained?"

    "I don''t know if I will take it well, seeing the ruins of another elf nation. Back then, at the Avgee ruins I felt powerless, the king of nothing as I sit there." He told them. Alexander frowned, feeling sorry for the king. He had read his book many times, again and again focusing on the mighty tasks, the fateful love but there was this part, the dark part where everything crumbled. He had the person that went through all that right in front of him, seeing his saddened expression tightened his chest

    "It will be alright." Alexander said. "You are a strong king. I am sure you will get to build a new kingdom. Maybe even more powerful than the one before." He told him, trying in a way to cheer him up. Allias smiled.

    "Thank you. But it''s not power that I miss. It''s the people. My mother, my friends, my relatives. It''s the graves that I never got to build and the death k had no time to mourn. That''s what makes my chest heavy every time that I think about them. Of I was there, maybe I could have saved them. But to what cost? I know very well I could never let Theseus die and that makes me feel selfish."

    "You shouldn''t feel selfish." Mark said. "You shouldn''t feel anything at this point. What happened happened, rethinking of the past won''t change anything. It''s sad but true. Stop torturing yourself with the what ifs. Live your life now and try to be happy. Or else your mother''s struggles proved to be in vein"

    "I hate it when you sound like a teacher." Allias said and Mark shook his head. Alexander chuckled, closing his eyes as he felt sleep take over him. His muscles relaxed and soon he was completely asleep.

    "This is what you''ll be getting every time you start with the I am not good enough bullshit. I mean you''re an all mighty powerful King. You''re hot, you''re smart. What exactly is not good enough you idiot?"

    "Stop you''re making me blush" Allias joked. "Let''s go to sleep, tomorrow we will reach the Sinn Forest. You know it will be tough."

    "I do. Keep your eyes on the little wolf. We should be ready for what will happen." Mark added and Allias nodded before he returned to gazing the stars. He knew that counting them was bad luck but for some reason he could stop trying to find out how many they were exactly. One, two, three all up to a hundred he would could until his eyes would flutter and he would fall asleep.

    Sinn Forest awaited them. It was close, so close Allias just before he fell asleep he thought he heard their voices. The creatures of the night, living in the dark prairie waiting, knowing of their arrival. It reminded him their adventure with the Chaos Sisters, though now he wasn''t so confident. He breathed in, trying to stop the noise from reaching his ears.

    It was a whisper, piercing his ears as he breathed. He couldn''t understand what their voices were saying but it felt cold as ice and as if someone was dragging their nails to a chulk board. He frowned and sat up. His need for sleep disappearing as he stared around wary. He looked at Mark and Alexander wondering if they were hearing it too but they seemed to be sleeping heavily. The young wolf was even snoring. The king frowned, not knowing if he should feel scared or not. He remained seated for a while, waiting to see if the noises would stop. It was as if they were calling him.

    He didn''t know the words but he knew of their meaning. There was a plead in them, a summoning and if Allias chose to remain in the little camp fire they would keep torturing them, piercing his ears like drills. The king shook his head, as if he could get rid of them from his head that easily. The sound obviously did not stop. He breathed in,heavily as if he was trying to deboru all of the air in the world and stood up.

    As he stepped further away from the fire the night grew colder and his vision lessened. Darkness was surrounding him and the screeching noises in his head seemed to be his only partner. He walked a bit further reaching the border of the clearing. He looked down, seeing a thick mist emerge from the forest. Wary he raised instantly his head to meet endless pairs of red eyes, glowing in the dark. He turned around, wanting to warn everyone else when he realized that they were gone. He had been devoured by the forest.

    "Mark, Alexander!" He shouted, hoping that somehow they would hear him but he got no answer. His voice simply echoed endlessly until it stopped.

    The mist rose, surrounding his body, and he tried to get away from it stepping back, confused. The voice still kept whispering, sounding closer and closer and their endless chatting stopped him from being able to focus. He swore as he found himself getting in lost in the cold and white mist. Slowly his thoughts begun to turn blank and his eyes lost their shine. He could hear them perfectly now, the voice were clear, calling him to meet them.

    They wouldn''t arrive to Sinn Forest tomorrow, they already had and their trials had began.

    ....

    Hello! Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please vote "The Tears of a Prince"

 Chapter 404 - 404

    If it was a spell or some kind of charm Allias couldn''t really know. At that moment he had no knowledge of anything, the only thing that he could hear where the whispers. Whispering could be loud, so loud as if someone was shouting. He had realized that there. Also, a voice could not have an owner, there was no one, nobody around him. No faces nor bodies. Just this mist and the glowing red eyes that filled the place.

    The king didn''t seem to be scared, he couldn''t feel anything. He couldn''t do anything rather than listen, that was his only option.. He blinked a few times, his body incredibly light as it swayed with this sounds of the voices.

    Allias had heard of monsters, he had heard of creatures so scary that you could get a heart attack the moment you saw them. That was what he had expected, ugliness and disgust. Tears and claws, he was assuming. He was expecting to see something but there was nothing. Maybe that was the scariest part, the unknown. Not many people had survived this and the few who had sharedany different stories. Of monsters and beautiful women trying to lure them in. Some even said they saw their dead loved ones calling them in their embraces. Madmen all of them, that''s what Allias had thought at first but now with his mind blank and his body weak and frozen he reconsidered. Or he would, if he got out of there alive.

    "Change it." A voice said. Change what? He wondered as he heard it again and again repeat the same question. "Change it". The voices started to sound like snakes, hissing close to his ears and he frowned, he didn''t like that noise. He wished to cover his ears but his arm wouldn''t move. He was simply standing there, like a lifeless stick, listening. "Change the past, save your people" the voices said in unison and Allias'' eyes widened.

    The voices knew, they had heard him back there. His little regret, his worry and his pain, he had revealed everything in just a few seconds without knowing what would await him.

    Did they have a way he could change the past? Those mythical creatures no one knew of, were they powerful enough so he could save his people and keep Theseus alive? Maybe they could. They had managed to hypnotize him so easily and Allias was strong, his mind was always like a wall, tall almost high as the sky. Not many people had managed to get it.

    So the question was. Had Allias grown weak or were these creatures so strong that they could invade the mind of a king? He didn''t have time to think about it though, he didn''t have the strength now. Again the voices were heard.

    "Save them. You left them" they said and Allias felt an aching pain on his chest. He didn''t want to, he didn''t want to leave them behind, he didn''t wish for them to die. He was crying, tears escaping his hazy eyes when a light shone through the shadows. He stared at it, like a moth that was drawn to the fire and waited. It kept glistening, growing stronger and then weaker like a flame.

    "Touch it. Touch it and go back, fix this. Fix the disaster you caused." They told him, an order now. Something he couldn''t disobey. He walked slowly, his own feet felt unstable and weak as he followed the light.

    One step then another, soon he could see better. It was a rip, a rip in time that shone so beautiful. It was warm and from the other side Allias could see the battle, he could hear the clashing of swords. If he hopped inside the rip, if he went back in time he would fix things. These creatures were not bad, they were trying to help him, ease him from his pain, the weight he carried from the moment he had returned. It would be fine, he thought and jumped in.

    He landed, his feet finally feeling a bit steadier. He could hear the chirping of birds and the screams of death, he could smell flowers and then he could smell blood and sweat. He almost could taste it, the metallic taste of his injuries. The cuts in his mouth. He could feel his spear, heavy in his hand and warm from the long time he was holding it. It was beginning to slip, his sweat had drenched his body.

    Theseus. There he was fighting right by his side. This was the time, the moment he chose to die to let him live. He blinked and suddenly he was back into his body, back into battle. He was panting. He had his arm, his body was strong and his powers were unrivaled. He looked around, the arrow. He would die, of Allias'' didn''t move Theseus would die.

    "Let him die. Fix things" the voices were heard. Everything else was instantly silenced. It was just Allias and them. He was not acting, he had turned into a spectator of his own life. If he didn''t move Theseus would die, of he didn''t move he would lose him. This is not what he wanted. "Let him die!" The voices shouted making Allias'' head hurt. He screamed, wanting to free himself but he couldn''t. He heard the arrow ripping the wind, he found it traveling with his eyes. It was coming, Theseus was not aware of it. Theseus would die.

    "Allias No!" A loud scream was heard. He felt a warm palm land on his shoulder. He turned around and locked eyes with his best friend. The whole rip was shattering, like broken glass the images of the war disappeared. "You almost killed yourself." Mark exhaled and the king looked down.

    He was holding a knife, a weapon that wasn''t his and he was targeting right at his heart. He stared at it confused. He had ripped a bit of his skin, a thick bead of blood realesed from his body.

    "What...what happened?" He asked Mark while he threw the knife to the ground.

    "We need to get out of here first. Fast." Mark told him.

 Chapter 405 - 405

    They had run far away. Alias could feel Mark grasping his hand, tightly as if he was afraid he would leave, disappear again. He was panting and by the time they reached Alexander he was bowed, trying to calm his breathing. They hadn''t returned to the clearing, his best friend had led him elsewhere, somewhere the voices couldn''t reach him.

    Allias was still confused. He looked around him, trying to figure out where he was but the place didn''t seem familiar. The three of them were quiet, only Mark''s ratchet breathing was heard and Allias focused on that, staring at his best friend and he breathed in heavily one last time before he returned back to normal.

    "What happened?" Allias asked but again there were no words.. Mark locked eyes with him, dissatisfied and approached him. His footsteps loud. He raised his arm and slapped him. Allias felt a sting where his palm landed and with the corner of his eye he noticed Alexander flinch, surprised.

    "Are you completely insane? What were you doing back there? I woke up and you were nowhere to be found. We got lured into the forest without realizing it and you, and you simply turned into thin air, I was so scared you fucking jerk!" Mark shouted at him.

    "You didn''t hear it?" Allias asked and his friend blinked, not understanding what he was talking about. Allias meant the voices, those horrifying whispers that lured him away and tricked him. As it seemed he was the only one that had heard them.

    "The voices. There were whispers. They led me away, somehow they tricked me. They heard what I told you, about my regrets and my fears and used it against me, then they told me I could fix it, I had no idea that I was going to hurt myself. All I was seeing was the war, the moment I died. They were telling me to let Theseus die but I couldn''t, I tried to save him but I was frozen, then you came and pulled me out." Allias explained and Mark sighed loudly. He messed up his fuzzy, front he humidity hair as he was thinking. Somehow they had reached the Sinn Forest. They were in it right now. Had they calculated the distance wrong? Did someone try to do this to them? None of them knew and at this point it didn''t matter.

    "We need to stick together." Mark said with a strict tone. "There is no time for resting, we need to get out of this place." he stated and Alexander nodded eagerly. He had gotten so scared. For some reason he had believed that if something bad was going to happen Allias would protect him but the king was the only one to get lured by the voices so easily, had he been chosen because he was the weakest? There was no way, Alexander scolded himself and followed the two men.

    "Mark, they took me. They managed to trick me." Allias mumbled, quiet because he didn''t want Alexander to hear. They were walking deeper into the forest hoping to find the exit. Mark had called Arpaia, he instructed her to fly above the trees, find a path and lead them out.

    "Don''t think too much about it. There is no specific reason." The red haired told him. He knew what Allias was thinking.

    "We both know that is not true. They took me because I was the weakest. Mentally I was an easy prey." he told his best friend. Mark stopped walking and turned towards him. He seemed angry, his eyes focused on the king as he spoke.

    "So what? So what Allias? We all have times when we feel low. You need to stop trying to be perfect all the time. Maybe your mentality would get fixed that way. No one has to be perfect."

    "A king must be perfect."

    "Who told you that? Did your mother tell you? Your people? Theseus or is it something you have stuck in your head because you feel shitty about yourself?" Mark asked him aggressively. He pointed at him with his finger, pushing him slightly on the shoulder.

    "I...Mark, I am trying" he said, his face facing the ground.

    "Stop trying then, for fucks sake Allias just stop. Live your life, be yourself and stop thinking who is and who isn''t strong or how perfect you need to be. You have nothing to live up to except your own happiness. I miss seeing you smile, a true smile. The one that made me want to be your friend." he told him with a saddened expression and Allias nodded.

    "You''re right...Maybe I¡­" Allias didn''t manage to finish his sentence though. A loud scream echoed into the forest and their heads snapped towards the source. It was coming from behind them, they realized.

    Someone was missing, Alexander was gone.

    "I swear I am going to burn this fucking forest to the ground when we are out." Mark swore as he started running. He was heading towards where he heard the scream, a loud sound following, like a huge brunch breaking and half of a tree almost landed on him.

    Allias rushed towards him, grabbing him from his waist and pulling him back with ease.

    "See? You''re strong" Mark told him and the king shook his head, even though he had a faint smile on his face.

    "Come on, something tells me Alexander is shitting his pants right now." Allias told him as he hopped over the huge log that had been dropped in front of them.

    It felt rough underneath Allias'' palm, the little pieces of wood piercing his skin but he ignored it as he heard a second scream. Now that he was focused he could clearly recognize it as Alexander''s voice. He frowned, worried until he heard Mark talk to him from his side.

    "I save you, you save me and together we save the kid" he joked and Allias laughed.

    "Sure." he agreed.

    ...

    Hello! Please leave a nice comment telling me how you find the story so far. Thank you for reading I hope you enjoyed and please do vote The tears of a prince if you''re able to. Have a nice day!

    I wanted Allias and Mark to have some friendship time. I miss their old adventures kind of.

 Chapter 406 - 406

    There was a rush, a feeling that had been buried deep inside of him, a thrill he had long forgotten. As he ran through the thick forest, the light of the moonlight following him from up high he felt the night chill caress his cheek and a smile formed on his face. Mark was right beside him, catching up to his pace and for a second he remembered a field. Cheers and the adrenaline kicked in. Nothing else mattered, just the goal, just victory and he ran faster and faster following the sound, searching for Alexander.

    Maybe he was acting selfishly, maybe he was being arrogant but he couldn''t stop the rapid beating of his heart. Mark scoffed, seeing how eager he was and shook his head. He always found the worst of times to cheer him up, now he almost looked like a jerk, happy that the young wolf had been abducted. Of course he wasn''t. He cared about Alexander, he wanted to help him but it was moments like this he had realized he missed. Just him and his best friend, nothing around. It was just them against the world, just like when everything started.

    He watched his friend, running by his side, his wild red hair and the warmth in his brown eyes.. He had left everything behind, his life, his loving family just to follow him, just to help him. Such sacrifice, such faith in him, he never knew anyone who would have done that, especially during the time he was human. No matter what happened, no matter how their lives evolved and their paths formed to Allias Mark would always be his first family. The first person that appreciated him, the one who saw him for who he was and that was precious.

    "Stop!" Allias signaled him and he abruptly brought both of them to a stop. Mark looked at him confused while the king grabbed him and together they hid behind a thick tree log. He shook his head, showing him to their right.

    Mark''s eyes widened at the sight and he then frowned disgustedly. They weren''t expecting anything like that.

    "Are they going to eat him?" Mark whispered, his expression remaining the same as he observed the scene.

    A few meters away a group of disgusting monsters had gathered. They had dark blue sjin with huge moles on it, a deep green color like the one of a swamp. Some of them had a few strands of hair, black and oily while others were completely bald. Their arms were long while their legs short and at the edges of their hands and feet they had long black nails like those of a hawk. Their chins were protruding with fangs coming out from their bottom teeth, saliva drooling from them. Allias swallowed hard, trying to process the image.

    About ten of them, they had lit up a fire and on top of it a huge cauldron with some kind of soup was being boiled. Alexander was on the side, sitting on the ground, tied up in his wrists and ankles, a dirty piece of clothing in his mouth as an attempt to silence him. Allias could describe this situation as comical. Yes, Mark was right these creatures were really intending to eat him, they were seasoning the soup and everything. The king tried to keep his laughter in and felt Mark elbow him on the ribs.

    "This is not funny." his friend scolded him but it was obvious he too was trying to restrain himself.

    "Yeah, yeah" Allias said and popped out their little hiding place. The monsters froze, looking at the tall elf confused. "Good evening gentlemen." he told them with a smile. "This piece of meat is mine." he said and pointed at Alexander.

    "No.No. Meat is ours" one of them groaned. He seemed like their leader, the way he had stepped forward. The rest of the creatures started to circle him, examining the king with their eyes, probably trying to see if he was going to be tasty.

    "You stole it from us." Allias said and stared at him threateningly.

    "Yes they did!" Mark shouted, revealing his own location too. He pushed some of the creatures and reached the king. "Give him back."

    "No. No." The monster repeated and Mark scoffed.

    "These things are braindead."

    "No shit."

    "Just blow them up." Mark whispered.

    "Who knows what we will attract with the light." he said and his friend sighed.

    "Your powers are so inconvenient most of the time you know that?"

    "Shut up. Well, you need to give him back." Allias repeated and the circle the creatures had created had started to close in on them. Allias tilted his head to the side, dissatisfied. "Really now? Are you guys stupid? Stealing is bad."

    "We no stupid!" The monster leader shouted, clearly offended and rushed at him with a handmade dagger.

    Allias dodged his messy attack and punched him in the face, making him stumble back. The moment the rest of his men saw he was being threatened they jumped in, half of them going to the king and half going for Mark.

    "You had to call him stupid!" Mark shouted as he pushed back one of the monsters. "Ignis! Ignis come here right now! I need you! Kage!" he screamed in the air and soon the two demons appeared.

    "What in the hell¡­" Ignis mumbled confused as he found himself in the middle of a brawl.

    "Take care of them for me okay? I need to free the meat...I mean Alexander." he said and ran towards the tree Alexander was tied to.

    "Gosh you guys have icky skin" Allias said as he grabbed one of them by his dirty shirt. He raised him in the air and threw him at a tree, making the birds that rested in it fly away. The last man standing was obviously their little leader who seemed to have been hiding behind his people. Allias approached him, a cold smile on his lips as he cornered him. "Now, tell me. Will you let us take the meat?" he asked him.

    "Yes. Go. take. Leave." he told them and Allias smiled happily.

    "Thank you very much." he told them and he helped Mark raise Alexander. "Let''s go little meat." he said and they walked away. Once they had drawn a bit of a distance from them an explosion was suddenly heard and Mark with Alexander turned around in shock. A bright light blinded them as it flashed before their eyes. Once it stopped, dust spread everywhere around them, like ash by the night air.

    "Don''t tell me this is monster dust that is touching me" Mark said.

    "Maybe it is."

    "You told me you were not going to use your powers!" Mark exclaimed. "Why did I have to touch them if you could do that from the start. I even called my spirits."

    "Well, where would the fun be in that?" Allias asked, shrugging his shoulders. His eyes landed on Alexander who was staring at him in awe and he blinked. He could be cool too.

 Chapter 407 - 407

    After those little adventures their trip was rather smooth. Except for Mark''s whining that his feet hurt everything else seemed to go according to plan. They passed through the Sinn Forest, Allias freed by the voices and Alexander in no danger of being eaten by monsters again and met with the bright sun.

    The king could smell the sea, the place his father had always talked to him about. A beautiful land close by the sea where a part of the Avgee tribe used to live. His father had told him many stories about Kardia, about their enormous libraries and the fishing boats, the scorching sun and the golden sand underneath their feet. As the three men approached their destination the more impatient Allias would get, he wanted to see, even if the place was ruins due to the war he wanted to know where his father had grew up, where he was supposed to visit if things hadn''t gone completely wrong.

    "So why didn''t you turn and kill the monsters. You could have saved us a lot of trouble and a lot of slime" Mark said with a frown, remembering the icky feeling of the monsters'' skin.

    "I can turn on command." Alexander began explaining as they walked. "Also I usually turn when I am or feel that someone I care about is being threatened, it''s rarely about me.."

    "So you don''t care about yourself?" Allias asked him and the young wolf avoided him with his eyes.

    "It''s not that...I don''t know how to explain it"

    "It''s just that you love Luke more" Allias continued and Alexander nodded, knowing there was no reason for him to deny the truth. The king sighed as he rubbed his temples. "I am sick of love really." He stated and Mark stared at him with a raised eyebrow.

    "Said the one who literally undid himself to save their boyfriend."

    "Well at least I didn''t sent him into he deepest pita of hell for three hundred years."

    "It was for his own good!" Mark exclaimed annoyed

    "This is what all toxic parents say to excuse their horrible actions" Allias said with a smirk and Mark scoffed.

    "You would know about that wouldn''t you?" The red head attacked him back and for a second there was silence. Allias turned his head staring at him and for a second his best friend worried that he had passed the line between joke and bringing up very deep issues. The elf shrugged his shoulders unfazed.

    "True." He simply answered before he started walking and Mark breathed out relieved.

    "You scared me for a second."

    "I know, that was my intention" he said with a silly grin.

    "I think I can hear the waves" Alexander interrupted them and Allias'' eyes shone with anticipation. He kept walking a bit faster wanting to reach the place as soon as possible. Mark scolded him for going up ahead of them but at that moment he didn''t care. Alexander could hear the waves because his hearing was better than them but soon as he rushed to reach the end of the thick trees and deep green he could hear them room. Now it wasn''t just the salty smell of the ocean, it was the sound of the waves crushing the shore and the seagulls flying above their head. As he pushed the brunches and the bushes away he found his boots touching the golden sand and a crystal blue spreading in front of him.

    His eyes widened at the beauty he was witnessing. The wind blew making the sea foam a mix of blue and white.

    "This is really pretty" Mark commented in awe. "I can''t believe you''ve never been here" he told him staring at the endless sea to their side. "What is that mountain over there?" He asked pointing at a mountain hidden by white clouds at the end of the sea.

    "That''s the mountain the angels live. The angelic capital is there" Allias explained but his eyes didn''t seem to care about what was beyond. He was walking slowly along the shore, his shoes in his hands as he felt the sand burn slightly his feet and then the cold water as he stepped into the waves. "I can''t believe I am finally here." He said with a faint smile on his lips. "It would be perfect if my father was here with me." He mumbled feeling a bittersweet happiness. It was alright though, in the end he managed to get there, Mark was with him, Alexander too, he wasn''t alone.

    "It''s really pretty, your father''s homeland." Alexander said with a shy smile and Allias nodded cutely. He felt proud in a way. It was the first time after many years that his father was talked about so vividly. Dying so many years before the war simply meant his memory was beginning to fade while even some had never heard of his name. They didn''t know what an amazing man he was.

    "We should start searching for the ruins. They must have had a city or a village somewhere." Mark said and all of them began looking around.

    Unfortunately and unexpectedly they found nothing. Even after hours there was no sign of anyone living there. No ruins, no houses nothing. The king did not know what to think. He was sure Kardia was here, he couldn''t be mistaken about the location so why did it seem like they were at a dead end all of a sudden?

    "It almost looks like no one lived here." Alexander said.

    "Are you sure we''re at the right place Allias?" Mark asked and walked a bit further, towards a huge rock that looked like it cut off this side of the beach with the rest.

    "Yes, Mark I am very sure this is the place. Why would I..."

    "Allias!" Mark exclaimed interrupting him. The king and the wolf ran towards the red head their feet diving into the sand.

    "What?"

    "There is a barrier here. This is not a true rock." Mark explained and touched the object. It felt real, it was cold and wet, mold growing on it but Mark was able to see through the spell.

    "Barrier?" Allias mumbled as the red head touched the rock with both hands. He whispered something as suddenly a magical seal appeared on the rock, illuminating a golden color until it got destroyed. The rock began to fade away but before they could see what hid behind it Alexander heard a sound

    "Watch out!" He warned them and all of them jumped to the side.

    Arrows, someone was attacking them.

 Chapter 408 - 408

    Things were happening very fast. One second they were looking at the weird rock, trying to find out why would there be a barrier at a place no one lived at anymore and the next they were being shot at by arrows.

    With Alexander''s warning they had all managed to avoid getting hurt. They had stumbled to the side, landing on the warm sun as a few arrors we''re heading their way. They passed right through the rock, its barrier broken now by Mark''s spell.

    "We come in peace!" Mark shouted particularly to no one and Allias rolled his eyes as he stood up. As if something like that would work, he thought, anticipating the next arrow so he could trace it back to their attackers.

    Nothing happened though. It was as if they had left, no arrows flying towards them. Mark stood up, dusting off some sand from his pants and scoffed as he looked at Allias.

    "I knew what you were thinking but guess what, seems that I was right" he bragged with a victorious smile.. "We do not want to harm you" he repeated towards a huge pile of bushes opposite of them. The leaves rustled, as if someone had been hiding inside them. Allias was wary, his muscles tense as he stared at it, expecting something to jump out and attack them. After everything that had happened he did not think about the best way possible, his mind was always centered around the worst.

    What came out of the bush was safe to say that surprised all of them. It wasn''t some kind of monster like before or an enemy. It was a ctually a child. Two. Two children appeared, jumping outside the bush, one boy and one girl. They looked very similar. Probably twins, Allias thought and assumed their ages. Around ten or eleven years old. Both of them had long blonde hair that reached their waists, falling in perfectly shaped curls. Dark blue eyes and sun kissed skin, they were dressed in light white clothing, cuffs made of gold decorating their ankles.

    "What are you too doing here?" Mark asked them with a smile. The kids looked at each other, silent and the red head took a hazy step towards them. "We won''t hurt you, we just want to know, were you the ones throwing the arrows at us?" He asked them but Allias was already sure it weren''t them. None of the two children was holding a bow. They were also too small to throw at such a distance.

    "You shouldn''t be here, this place is hidden" the little girl told them and Allias'' tilted his head to the side. There was something different about these children, something he couldn''t exactly pinpoint but it was bothering him, he couldn''t take his eyes off of them.

    He walked forward, stepping in front of Mark and crouched, reaching their eye level.

    "Who shot us?" He asked them.

    "No one." The boy said and turned around. He raised his arm, pointing in between the trees showing Allias a made up mechanism that was shooting the arrows. "You broke the seal, so it tried to kill you." He explained.

    "What are your names?" Allias asked.

    "Naris" the girl said.

    "Maris" the boy added. Even their names had a similar sound to it.

    "So you two live behind the rock?" He asked and both of them nodded.

    "You have to leave though, before the elders arrive. They can sense danger" Naris said when footsteps were heard from behind them.

    Right through the rock three men appeared. They were tall with the same blonde hair and sunkissed skin as the children, their eyes though we''re a light brown. They had golden tattoos one their skin and held golden spears. Allias examined them with his eyes, unaware of what to feel. He had a suspicion, he was thinking about it but...what if he was wrong? The men pointed at each one of the with the spears, Alexander being the closest to the wall was the one intimidated the most.

    "Who are you and what do you want here?" One of them, the older asked and Allias stood up. He walked past Mark and closer so he could see them better.

    "Are you elves?" Allias asked ignoring their question. He couldn''t see well, he couldn''t find their ears underneath the rich and long hair. He was anxious, his heart beat racing as he waited for an answer. The older man looked at him, seconds of silence passed as he examined his face.

    "You''re his son" he simply stated and Allias'' eyes widened. "The king of elves."

    Allias was right. He couldn''t believe it. The man pushed back his hair, showing a pair of long and pointy ears. All of them were elves. From their clothing to their characteristics the elf king could be sure only of one thing. These people right there, the ones hidden behind the barrier were the people of his father.

    He had turned mute, shocked by the realization and no matter how hard he tried to think of something to say no words would come out of his lips. He just stood there parting them like a fish in the ocean.

    Mark had his eyes glued on his best friend. He had grasoed the situation, he was feeling the tension but still he was afraid to say anything. Nonetheless, he called Allias'' name.

    "Allias..."

    "You people, you, you are Avgee elves? Right? Am I right? You are a part of my father''s tribe" he exclaimed, filled with excitement. He was trying to hide it, he wanted to sound rational, like a king, serious and cold but he couldn''t. There was no denying it. These people were ooart of his Tribe. "There are actually some of you who are still alive."

    "Yes. We survived, hidden behind the barrier. You are his son and that''s why you are not welcomed here. You should leave, before we force you to." The older elf told him and suddenly Allias felt like he was crush landing into the ground. That was not how things supposed to go. He looked at them with wide eyes, disappointed.

    "No, wait please I..."

    "You need to leave. As Kardia people kicked out your father long ago. We will not accept him or you back"

    "My father is dead, everyone is dead" Allias told them.

    "What do you mean?"

 Chapter 409 - 409

    The Kardia elves felt like they were frozen in time. The moment Allias told them about what happened the three men seemed to be very confused. They looked at each other, shaken by the news of their people being dead.

    "The news of your father dying never reached us. Also we did know about the war but we hid in the barrier for years. We haven''t gotten out of it to protect ourselves." The elder said.

    "Why didn''t you come out? Why not come help the rest of us?" Allias asked him. He didn''t know how to feel, everything seemed so weird at the moment. One second he was ecstatic to see that a few of his people where still alive, his father''s people, the other he felt almost devestated. The things those elves we''re telling him were only heartbreaking to him.

    "We didn''t want anything to do with your father. We were against him leaving and marrying that woman. He wasn''t supposed to become king. We raise our children differently here. He decided to leave us all behind so we did the same."

    "That is not true, my father always spoke about you. He always missed his home and he was a great king, everyone loved him"

    "So great that apparently he ended up dying."  The man said. Allias'' hand had formed a tight fist, his knuckles turning white as he tried to control himself.

    "At least he didn''t stay hidden behind a fake rock like a coward." He said between gritted teeth before his eyes turned to Mark and Alexander. "Let''s go, there is no reason for us to be here."

    "Wait." The old man told him. "Why did you come here? What was your purpose?" He asked him.

    "Why does it concern you? You clearly told us we were not welcomed here" Allias said and heard the man sigh.

    "You are the king of elves. We can''t simply kick you out. Our leader will be furious if he finds out. No matter how much I want to see you gone I have to take you to him"

    "I don''t want to..."

    "Let''s go." Mark said and looked at Allias. "Remember we are doing this for Alexander. We wanted to visit their libraries. We need this information. I know it must be tough for you."

    Allias stood still, thinking for a second before he exhaled, his eyes showing how unwilling he was. He took a step back, scanning the elves with his eyes. No one seemed the slightest bit friendly. He was still curious though, about what he was going to see. Whou would be behind that barrier and if maybe there was another image to Kardia, one that did not fit these three hostile men, the one his father always talked to him about.

    "Fine, lead us to your leader as you say. We would like to visit your libraries. That''s why we are here" Allias announced and the three men nodded. They turned around and started walking, reaching the rock and going through it with ease. Allias and the other mimicked them easily and finally found themselves at their destinations.

    Beyond the barrier the shore continued, a crystal blue sea calm as if it was sleeping. The same golden sand and a very faint breeze that made the scent of the waves travel. This place was not empty though. In the back a huge castle was eminent. Painted white with gold. Many balconies and opened floors. It had a very peculiar shape, at first for a few floors it was like a column, simple but the it opened up like some kind of flower. Allias stood frozen, recognizing his people''s architecture. The last time he had seen buildings like these, people dressed and running around with clothing''s like his was before he died. When he came back everything was in ruins, a sad memory of what used to exist.

    He kept looking around as they walked. The small houses with the yards. The people sitting on the village''s square. The main village was a bit further, away from the sea at an area where there was plenty of green. Their corps were seen in the back, big fields with many different kinds, cabbages, corn, tomatoes. Allias'' heart fluttered as he found himself in front of a familiar image.

    "It is so much like my home" he mumbled and Mark looked at him with the corner of his eye. He seemed like a small child staring in awe at his new toy. He couldn''t help but not smile.

    The people around them kept staring. Alexander felt uncomfortable with it fidgeting every time his eyes met a curious stranger. He could do anything about it though, he found it natural since Allias was with them. They had never seen their king. He could also hear whispering, people gathered in small groups talking toe ach other asking questions like, who are they? Is that an elf? What are the others?, Were being repeated over and over again from friend group to friend group.

    "When will we reach your ruler?" Mark asked. "Is he at that palace?"

    "That is not a palace. That is the Kardia Library. Our ruler does not live in a castle, he is not a king." A man answered Mark and the red haired scoffed. None of them was satisfied with their attitude but sadly they couldn''t say anything. They were somewhat of guests so being impolite could easily kick them out.

    It was true though that the ruler did not live in a castle. It was simply a mansion like home at the back of the village with a big front yard. Painted white with many windows and balconies like most of the houses here. It seemed to have three floors and a man was standing at the entrance. He wore a white pair of pants and a light blue shirt. His hair caught in a high ponytail, blonde. He wore a thick gold necklace on his neck and when Mark saw him he chuckled.

    "He is not a king but he lives in a freaking mansion and has like a chunk of gold on his neck. Reasonable, I love hiding behind my little finger too sometimes." He told Allias with an ironic tone and he couldn''t help but let out a small laugh. He wasn''t wrong about that after all.

    "Kor, did you find out what was happening at the barrier? Who are these people?" He asked them once they were close enough to hear him. So Kor was the name of the older man, Allias realized and noted it mentally.

    "My Lord. They broke the seal on the barrier. This man" he said showing the king. "He is the king of all elves. The son of the exiled one."

    "You know, you can say my father''s name" Allias said in a cold tone. The so called ruler seemed to b shocked for a second. His eyes were stuck on Allias, observing him like some kind of specimen. He looked to be in his early thirties, handsome with a pair of light blue eyes and a body that was used to battle. Still Allias did not like to be watched like that, especially by people who hated his father. He raised an eyebrow, staring at him as if he was nothing. "Is there a problem?"

    "You''re missing a hand." The Kardia ruler exclaimed. "Who would have thought that the king would be a cripple" he told them as he started laughing.

    Allias smiled, cold and distant slowly he was reaching his limit. He blinked a few times before his eyes landed on Mark. Thankfully he was angry too, he could see it through the deep frown on his best friend''s name.

    "A cripple?" Allias asked.

    "Oh, well excuse me about that but you know, usually they say that the king of all elves is an all mighty powerful being and all that. Seeing how... incompletes you are definitely breaks the whole scare myth. No offense of course." He said and Allias laughed. He took a step closer noticing how the soldiers immediately turned wary. Their ruler though was care free, as if the fact that he was missing his hand maybe him his friend or even worse and not a king.

    "Do you want to tell me your name?" Allias asked him.

    "My name is Jun. But you can call me lord." He told him and everyone, even his own soldiers stiffened at his insolence.

    "My Lord maybe you should..." Kor said, probably wanting to warn him about his manners but Allias interrupted him. It was alright, he didn''t have to do it. The king himself would.

    "You want me to call you lord?"

    "Yes, that''s the title."

    "Well then tell me lord, how stupid can you be from one to ten?" He asked him.

    "Excuse me?"

    "I will overlook the fact that all of you had the nerve to talk about the previous king like that. I will be that kind but tell me, how did your tiny brain think that calling me a cripple and asking me to call you lord was a good idea? I can rebuild that myth you said was broken for you" he told him, his eyes cold the same with his tone as he stepped even closer to Jun. Allias wasn''t happy, he also wasn''t joking and for some reason his patience here was thinner than usual.

    "I..." The lord stuttered but he was not willing to hear it. Allias'' spear appeared on his hand, shining underneath the golden sand and with only one move he smacked it to the ground. Everything began shaking, from his mansion to the village to the mountains far away and the four elves we''re staring around in disbelief as they tried to stay on their feet.

    "Is that good enough of a myth for you?" He asked him but he did not wait for an answer. He hit the spear once more and now the ground was beginning to rip, opening huge death traps for anyone who stood at the wrong place. "Is that it? Then maybe I ...." He said and raised the spear for a third time.

    "I''m sorry" Jun said and fell to his knees. "Please forgive my insolence."

 Chapter 410 - 410

    Jun''s house was indeed a mansion. As they walked inside Allias found himself staring at a wide staircase made of the finest marble, the railings forged from shining gold. That was enough for him to realize that this lord right here enjoyed his luxury. Art work seemed to be appreciated too since there were many paintings of the scenery of Kardia on the walls. There was also one of the palace in Avgee capital. The king stood still for a while, observing it carefully. He hadn''t seen an image like that in so long. He wished to keep staring at it for a bit longer but Mark nudged him since everyone was forced to wait because of him.

    The uninvited guests were led to some kind of lounge. It was spacious with many windows that had a beautiful view of the beach and a very pleasant breeze was sneaking in from an opened one. The floors were bare, Allias imagined it was never really cold there, with white marbles. They had golden waters on them as a design and Mark nodded his head in approvement at the decorations. Quite simple: a light brown coffee table and two white couches with beige cushions on them. Allias noticed that in one of them sat the two children, Maris and Naris.. He nodded, greeting them with a small smile and both of them blushed, jumping off the couch and running away.

    "Excuse them, they are my children. Their manners are still a bit incomplete." he said and Allias scoffed as he sat down.

    "Well, I don''t mind kids. Arrogant idiots though, that''s another case."

    "Excuse my husband, your highness. I assure you he is not arrogant nor an idiot." The voice of a woman was heard. It was deep and smooth, traveling in the room and all eyes focused on the source. "I am Milia, Jun''s wife. It''s an honor to meet you." She said and bowed respectfully. "Honey, I think one of the children has something to show you, they have been waiting for you all day. Go to them for a while, I will keep company to our guests." she told him with a gentle smile and he stood up.

    She was truly beautiful. Tall with big dark blue eyes and long straight white hair. A small nose and well shaped lips. Her smile was kind but in her eyes there was a spark, she was intelligent. Allias could tell just by looking at her. She elegantly walked to the other couch, opposite of her guest and sat down, her white dress framing her beautifully.

    "Kor, please bring some refreshments. Honestly your treatment of the guests does not show the kindness of our kind" she told him and the man rushed outside in a hurry, the same way her husband did. As it seemed the so called lord was just a front.

    "It''s nice to meet you, Lady Milia." Allias said and she chuckled.

    "Oh, please. Just call me Milia. I am no lady." she told them. "I would like to apologize for my husband, sometimes he is not the brightest but he is pretty." she said with a smile on her face.

    "So you married your husband because he is pretty?" Mark asked her with a surprised expression and she shrugged her shoulders.

    "Men do it all the time. What''s wrong with a woman doing it too?" she asked them and Allias smiled. She seemed to be a very interesting individual. "He is kind too, that''s a plus I guess."

    "Yeah, I guess." Allias agreed. "So we came here expecting to find ruins but after all I see that you people are alive and well. I don''t know how to feel about it to be honest."

    "I understand your highness that you must have been through a lot. Thinking that all of your people are dead. We went into hiding a bit later after your father died. Some of the elders at the time believed that your father''s decision to become king was against the beliefs of our tribe. That''s why they decided to cut us off from the rest of the elves and keep us focused on our work. The war, it was just daily news to us. We had no idea of the severity or the fact that everyone died." She tried to explain but Allias was not satisfied with that answer.

    "No matter what, no matter the so called beliefs you might have here when you hear about a war the most reasonable thing is to actually help your own isn''t it?" He asked her.

    "Who said that our elders were reasonable? A bunch of old men stuck to the practices of ancient times. I would never expect help from them. About your father, I am truly sorry. He was my friend. I cherished him and your mother, she loved him dearly." she said. Queen Atalanti barely spoke about his father. Allias barely knew anything about how they met, their love or the story behind his father''s exile.

    "Excuse me." Mark said interrupting Allias'' thoughts about his parents. "But what exactly is your job?"

    "Oh, that. Yes, we are the keepers of knowledge. Every little magical knowledge of the elves is being kept safe here at the Kardia Library." Milia explained. "I take it that you have come here for that? I do sense some kind of disturbing magic. Someone seems to have a problem."

    "Your magical senses are keen." Allias flattered her and she smiled.

    "Well, I wouldn''t be the lady of this place if they weren''t. You can visit the library at any time. We won''t stop you of course. You are the king of all elves after all. But you should rest a bit first. Your clothes¡­" she said and looked at Allias'' stolen outfit. "You in general, don''t look at top condition." she said. "Girls." she called out with her sweet voice and two maids entered the room.  "They will take you to your rooms. Your highness, if you''d stay just a bit longer please" she told him and Mark looked at his best friend wary. Allias nodded, signaling him it was alright and the two boys left with the maids.

    "If you try anything the least suspicious I will make sure Kardia turns into the ruins it was supposed to be." Allias said, his voice turning cold and strict now that the rest were gone.

    "That does sound a bit hostile." the lady said.

    "It doesn''t just sound, It is. You exiled my father, you did not help in the war. I was excited to visit this place just because my father used to talk so highly about it but as it seems it''s not that great." Allias told her honestly. She stared at him, her eyes slightly sad with his words and sighed. Her long legs were crossed, not a very lady like manner and Kor walked in with a tray leaving two cups of steaming tea. He placed them on the table and when he was done Milia spoke again.

    "I am really sorry about all that. You have no reason to believe me I know but not me nor my husband were in charge at that time. I guess it''s our fault too for choosing to keep things that way. It seems that when you have been cut out of the rest for so long what you have turns out to be the whole world."

    "There is no need to apologize to me. That will not fix anything. All I want is to help my friend. We will stay here tonight and tomorrow we will leave after we visit the library and you will not see us ever again." he said and Milia shook her head.

    "This is not what I want. I want to open Kardia to the rest of the world. When I found out about everything I was shocked. We can help you."

    "I don''t know if I want your help." He told her. He was being honest with her. The disappointment he felt when he realized these people, his people, had turned a blind eye to the rest of them during the war was unbearable. How could he trust them after everything?

    "I understand. Trust is something that you gain with time. I did not expect you to want to be allies again after everything but we will try. If you accept us too."

    "I don''t know."

    "How about I do something for you. Not one thing but actually two" she said with a faint smile. "Not to gain your trust or your friendship but the possibility of that."

    "You can''t bribe me." Allias told her with a serious expression and she chuckled.

    "I wouldn''t dream of it. A king like you has everything. Or maybe almost everything?" she asked, her blue eyes focusing on his missing arm.

    "What do you mean?"

    "Kardia has the best magical healers. I  am one of them. The best actually. I will fix your arm and I will show you your parents" she suggested and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "My parents?"

 Chapter 411 - [Bonus ] 411

    The Kardia library was as magnificent on the inside as it was on the outside. Allias considered it one of the best pieces of architecture he had seen up to this day. The tall ceilings, the glass stained windows with the colorful designs of the sea and the mountains. The swiveling staircases that reached the top and the endless books. All of the walls had libraries on them, heavy dark colored wood with thick books. May different covers and small reading areas with desks and chairs. There were quite a few people inside, reading or organizing the enormous amount of books and Allias had been stared by all of them. He didn''t mind that much though, he was too preoccupied by his surroundings to pay attention.

    Their guide for today had been Milia and Kor.. They had led them from the mansion to the library and allowed access to all floors for them to study. Mark had explained the kind of books he needed for Alexander and one of the man librarians had given them directions as to which floor would have the most suitable information. They had reached the thirteenth floor and were a few more to go.

    "Someone should introduce the elevator to them." Mark mumbled. His face had turned slightly red from struggling to keep up their pace and he heard Alexander chuckle.

    "I don''t think they need it." He told the red head and he scoffed.

    "I do, I do need it." he said with a frown. Once they reached the fifteenth floor finally their guides stopped and the human exhaled satisfied. He took in a deep breath, slowly because he didn''t want anyone to know how out of breath he was and followed them as they strolled around the bookcases. Indeed just from a quick look at the book titles he could understand, those that were not written in some kind of ancient language he had never seen before, he knew that there  was some very interesting research material here. He stopped at the first bookcase wanting to look at them by order and with his fingertips he started tracing the books, choosing a few from each self.

    "I believe this floor will be suitable for you." Milia told them and Mark nodded absentminded, already occupied with the books. He was talking to Alexander at the same time, giving him instructions about the kind of books they needed and the young wolf had moved to the bookcase right next to him doing his own little research so he could help.

    "Pick this one too." They would hear Mark mumble from time to time and point at something that Alexander had missed. Once their arms filled with books they would drop them all to one of the little reading tables and move on to the next case, searching all over again.

    "Thank you." Allias said "This will be very helpful."

    "It was the least we could do. So tell me your highness, will we go up higher?" Milia asked him. Allias was still wary, not knowing if he should trust her. He looked around, thinking for a bit. Her offer, he couldn''t take it off his mind last night no matter how hard he tried. Not just because of his missing arm that seemed to pull him down most of the time but also because of the information on his parents. He had missed them, his heart still aches but at the same time this seems too good to be true. He had trusted people before and things did not end well. "I promise you, nothing bad will happen." the lady told him, wanting to reassure him. "Kor, stay here with the gentlemen. If they need anything help them. You work for them now." Milia said and the guard nodded, even though it was obvious he didn''t like the idea.

    "I don''t know if I can trust you." He told her as they returned to the staircase. He had told her that but he was still following her willingly, listening to the sound of her heels as she went up, a familiar ticking on the marble stairs.

    "I have no gain from making you sad nor your demise. Your father was really my friend." she told them as they reached the top floor. This was one of the most beautiful by far. It was open, with only a few columns that stood as support for the ceiling, the room was round and you could see the whole Kardia land from here, the beach, the central village and the mountains. All of them were perfectly visible.

    In the middle of the room stood two lonesome armchairs. They were made from beige silk while their armrests were from a light colored wood, carved to remind the curve of a wave. As they sat down Allias traced the polished material with interest and Milia smiled.

    "They are pretty right? This room is my favourite, I come here when I need to relax."

    "Yes, It is very peaceful but why have we come here?" Allias asked her.

    "Here is the place with the strongest magic pulse in the whole land. The middle. I will need a lot of magical energy to fix your arm so the location is important."

    "So you meant it when you said you were planning on fixing my arm?"

    "Why would I lie?"

    "People lie." Allias said with a serious expression and the white haired woman sighed. She seemed to be disappointed to hear his answer but she didn''t comment on it.

    "Your father, he believed in people."

    "Yes, he is also dead." Allias said.

    "That seems to be a very sad truth." Milia agreed, her face turning sad at the mention of Tallin''s death. "So do you want to know? About your parents?" she asked him.

    "I do. But if you try anything funny I swear to the gods I will kill you." he threatened her. She didn''t mind though, she nodded and clapped her hands. Once she opened them a book appeared in her palms. Small, with a golden cover and many pages. They could be a thousand or even maybe more, Allias speculated. As she opened it the pages shone, the writing in it with golden ink and the king frowned. "I heard from your wolf friend that there is a book out there, one that tells the story of you and  your beloved. It''s a best seller they said." She told him and Allias scoffed, slightly embarrassed.

    "Yes. There is one."

    "Well, this book is kind of similar. But it''s about Atalanti and Tallin. I guess dramatic love stories run in your family." she joked and Allias smiled. "Here." she said and extended the book towards him. "Simply look at the lines. You won''t have to read it. It''s magical." she told him and when Allias took it in his hand she winked. The king did as he was told, his green eyes landed on the elegant writing and suddenly images began to pop off right in front of his eyes, like a cinema. He instantly turned quiet, observing the scene. Milia did the same.

    .....

    "We shouldn''t be here! Tallin we were sent to the capital to study but all you do is go to the village!" He heard the voice of a girl in the first scene. He instantly recognized her as she was the one who was sitting in front of him. A lot younger and way more expressive right next to his father stood Milia while both of them were hiding behind a food stand at the market in the village square.

    Allias saw  his father. Young, barely twenty years old. His short brown hair, his green eyes, the same as his and that laid back beautiful smile. He was dressed in his Tribe''s clothes. Similar to the ones in Avgee but a bit more scholar-like in a sense. Just seeing him, moving and breathing  made the king want to cry. He raised his index finger to his lips, signaling his friend to stop.

    "Shh, she will be here at any second." he stated and Milia looked at him with a questioning expression.

    "Who? What have you been doing all this time? If the elders find out that you have been doing this, instead of studying we will be sent back home.!" She warned him but he didn''t pay any mind to her. His eyes were stuck at the fountain, staring at the people that passed by until he found what he was looking for, or more appropriately, who he was looking for.

    It was a young girl, around seventeen years old. Tall and incredibly beautiful. She had long and curly blonde hair, her eyes smartly looking around as she seemed she wanted to disguise herself. She wore a long red dress, one of her shoulders exposed and golden cuffs decorated her ankles. Tallin looked as if he had gotten bewitched, his eyes stuck on her. He had been looking for her, day after day from the first moment he had seen her he couldn''t get her out of his head. He took a walk once, wanting to release himself from stress and there she was, picking flowers and looking around as if she was hunted. He couldn''t ignore such beauty.

    "That''s her." Tallin whispered and jumped from his hiding spot, rushing towards her like an idiot. Once he reached her he grabbed her arm wanting to stop her. Her hoodie came and she looked at him with wide eyes. "You." he mumbled realising he had just made a huge mistake. The girl pulled her arm back and in the blink of an eye, she slapped him.

    ...

    Hello! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please vote my book "The tears of a prince" to support me in the contest. Thank you!

 Chapter 412 - 412

    How dare you touch me?" Her voice sounded like a melody to his ears and for a second he hadn''t realized he had been slapped. It was the faint stinging that spread on his cheek that made him aware of the situation.

    "I...I, wait!" He called out to her as he realized she was planning on leaving. "Please don''t go. I''ve been watching you and I¡­"

    "You''ve been stalking me?" She asked surprised and took a step back, looking as if she was suddenly scared of him.

    "Yes, no! I haven''t. I just....wait give me a second to gather my thoughts" he told her. The truth was Tallin was expecting her to leave. She had all the time to do so while he was trying to think of something but for some unknown reason she had decided to stay. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she was tapping impatiently her foot on the stoned path.

    "Your time is running out" she told him with squeezed eyes.

    "Yes." He said and readied himself by taking a deep breath. "I''m sorry if I scared you. I did not mean it. The truth is I saw you the other day, picking flowers from the shop and I thought I had to talk to you. Know your name." He told her and she raised her eyebrow.

    "You''re not from here are you?" She asked him. It was a question. Which surprised him quite a lot. Did he really look that out of place? For a second he looked down, checking his clothes but it didn''t seem to be that different from anyone else''s. Maybe the way he talked?

    "How did you know?" Tallin asked her and she laughed. The young elf felt his heart skip a bit, startling him for a second.

    "Well, everyone knows me. At least here." She said. "Can''t you see that everyone is looking at us?" She asked and Tallin looked around. The truth was that he could only see her and he hadn''t noticed the villager that gifted them with some very weird glances.

    "I am really sorry that my knowledge of the famous people here is lacking. I hope I haven''t insulted you."

    "I''m not famous in that kind of way" the young girl told him and she wore her hoodie once more. "thank you for wanting to talk to me. You really flatter me, you seem like a very nice guy but it would be best for you to get away from me. There are many pretty girls here with a much better reputation than mine''s" she said. She was intending to leave but Tallin didn''t want to let go of her yet. He began walking by her side, his feet light, his hands entwined behind his back.

    "I still want to know your name." He told her and she scoffed.

    "Don''t blame me later." She told him, shaking her head.

    "I won''t, so tell me your name."

    "Atalanti. My name is Atalanti."

    "That is a very beautiful name. I am Tallin. So tell me Atalanti." He told her, smiling as he pronounced her name. "Would you like to have lunch with me? I am starving."

    "You really don''t know what you''re getting yourself into, do you?" She told him. Atalanti had stopped walking and was now looking at him, a disatisfied expression on her beautiful face.

    "Why don''t you enlighten me then?" He asked her.

    "I''ve been to prison for trying to kill the king." She announced, her face expressionless while Tallin looked as if he had just gotten hit by lightning. He blinked a few times, his head tilted to the side.

    "I see." He said.

    "I see?"

    "You must have had your reasons." He said and Atalanti''s eyes widened in shock.

    "Are you really that horny?" She asked and for a second Tallin remained silent. He couldn''t restrain himself no matter how hard he tried. He bursted out laughing at her words, this was the first time he had heard someone talk like that.

    "No." He said while laughing. "It''s just your eyes, they''re too beautiful to be evil." He complimented her and the young girl blushed, not expecting his answer. "So how about it, will you let me buy you lunch?" He asked her again and she sighed.

    "Sure, let''s go. Follow me. I will show you a good place." She told him and they started walking again side by side. Tallin was itching to ask her about what she had revealed to him. He had seen that the people, no matter which part of the village they went to, kept staring at her, a hateful expression on their faces. Old and young walked the other side as she passed and a few even swore at her. She didn''t seem to be faced by it though, she walked proudly, her head high not even giving them the pleasure of looking at them. Even the way she moved around was magnificent, Tallin thought and found himself, subconsciously falling in love more and more with her.

    With every step, with every word they exchanged and every glance Tallin felt his heart start a riot. Sometimes he felt as if he would die right there, her affect on him was that serious.

    They spoke, Tallin mostly did actually. He told her where he came from, what he was doing here and about his home. She listened eagerly and from time to time she asked him a few questions.

    "And is your home beautiful?"

    "Yes, very. It''s by the seashore. You can hear the waves and smell the sea. The sand glows underneath the sun. I think it''s perfect."

    "I''ve never seen the sea. I''ve heard it smells like salt."

    "Yes but it''s a bit different too. I don''t know how to explain it. I think it smells nice. Some don''t"

    "I see."

    "I can take you to the sea. If you want to see it, of course."

    "You haven''t even taken me for lunch yet and now you invite me to your home? You might regret it later" she joked with a faint smile. When she was smiling she looked so beautiful, Tallin thought. It was the same thought again and again. She was beautiful. He simply couldn''t get it out of his head. He felt embarrassed as he sounded like a lovestruck teen.

    "I don''t think I will" he told her and she giggled. She had seemed so tough at first but now, she looked simply kind. He couldn''t understand why people would treat her so badly.

    "We are here." Atalanti told him and pointed at a small tavern with her index finger. It was just a few meters away when Tallin heard someone call for his name.

    He turned around, recognizing the strict tone of the owner and gulped as he met his eyes. It was his teacher, coming towards him in a hurry with two of his assistants. All of their faces seemed furious.

    "Tallin! Come here right this instant!" He screamed and his frown became bigger the moment he saw Atalanti. "You shouldn''t be out here especially with such low class company., you should be studying." He scolded him

    "Teacher!" Tallin exclaimed. "How could you speak like that."

    "Don''t lecture me!" He told him and grabbed him from the tip of his ear. "Come on. We are going back right now and you young lady. Don''t try to scam my students. Just because he is new here it doesn''t mean he will fall victim to your schemes" he told her. Atalanti did not answer while Tallin struggled to be set free. They dragged him away, his eyes stuck on her.

    "I will find you again" he told her.

    "Don''t" she replied, expressionless.

    ....

    Hello everyone! Please, please vote my new book The tears of a prince and check it out. I am sure you''re going to like it. Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed this chapter.

 Chapter 413 - 413

    He did find her again. He searched for her for days, waited at their usual spot and received many scoldings only to spot her in one of the most unexpected places. Tallin had heard her when she told him to stay away from her, she had but he clearly chose to ignore it and thankfully he found her. It wasn''t though during his search, it was at the moment he least expected it.

    His teacher was a very known professor at the Avgee capital. It was said that he had been the teacher of the previous king, sharing his endless knowledge about the universe. After he had retired though he chose only a few students to continue his legacy. Tallin and Milia had been two of them. Their village had felt great honor knowing that the two of them would end up being taught by him and had traveled far to meet him. The old elf lived in a big mansion, one that had more than twenty bedrooms and helped his students by providing them shelter when they traveled from afar. Tallin and his friend lived in a luxurious house.

    It was past midnight and Tallin tired from his endless search and skipping religiously his classes had laid down on his bed. His arms behind his head he stared at the ceiling, the breeze of the night entering his room from the half opened window.. He let out a long sigh, how could he be so unfortunate? He wondered. The first time he had taken a liking to a girl she seemed to be a greater mystery than the private rooms in the library of Kardia and he, no matter how smart he was, had a hard time ciphering it.

    It was at that time, while he drowned I''m self pity that he heard his window slap the wall. The glass trembled and he, shocked, jumped up staring at a pair of hands grabbing the frame.

    "What the¡­", he mumbled and stood up, walking towards it. He looked outside and the sight made him freeze instantly. "You!" He exclaimed happily and grabbed her hands, helping her get in.

    Atalanti jumped inside the room, an elf ball and landed messily onto the floor. She pushed back her hoodie and removed her golden hair that was falling in her eyes.

    "Thanks for that" she said.

    "What are you doing here? I''ve been looking everywhere for you"

    "I know, I''ve been hiding everywhere so you won''t be able to find me." She said with a smile and Tallin frowned.

    "Then why are you here?"

    "I need help. You are the only elf that actually speaks to me so help me. Please." She told him, her eyes serious. Tallin for a second almost felt as if she was pleading for his help but that couldn''t be true, she was too proud to do something like that.

    "Help with what?"

    "My sister. She is taken to the king. I need to help her escape." She said.

    "What? Why would you want her to escape? She is taken to the palace, that is a great honor. She should be ecstatic." Tallin told her and she scoffed. She stood up and fixed her dress, looking at him with contempt.

    "You really don''t know anything about the king do you? He is a monster. One of the worst. He chooses random girls and puts them into this horrible harem. I was one of them. I tried to kill him but I failed. The only reason why I am still alive is because I promised not to say anything. That didn''t stop them from letting me rot in prison for years. Now that my sister is of age that bastard is trying to get back at me." She explained and Tallin could feel her rage. It was clear, the hatred she nurtured for the king. She would go to help her sister even if Tallin didn''t offer his help and that was what worried him. She would end up dying if her rage took over.

    "Do you know how dangerous this is? We could both die." Tallin reminded her and she raised her eyebrows.

    "You have the body of a soldier and the heart of a coward"

    "What did you just say to me?"

    "All you''re good at is going after women but when they need your help you forget everything."

    "I''ve known you for two days!"

    "That didn''t stop you from stalking me did it?" Atalanti asked him with a grin on her face. Tallin had been defeated, it was obvious fromt the way he rubbed his temples.

    "Fine, fine. But we will just help you sister get out of the village. No trying to kill the king, no killing in general." He said. The woman took a second to think about it. She did want to kill that old bastard but she stepped back. Her sister was her first priority.

    "Fine. Thank you for the help"

    "You kinda forced me into it but okay."

    "Free will is a thing you know."

    "It is, isn''t it?" He told her with a silly smile.

    "Let''s go then" Atalanti said in a hurry and climbed on the window. Tallin watched her in shock as she jumped outside like a cat. He approached the window, looking at the distance as he gulped. "You can do it big man" she encouraged him and he scoffed. The next second he was on the ground, burried into one of the thick bushes. "Much better than I expected."

    "Come on. We don''t have much time before sunrise." He told her, dusting off some leaves from his pants and they started running.

    ...

    Hello everyone! This story is going to be small so don''t worry. Just wanted to show some of Allias'' past that hasn''t been seen. I hope you are enjoying it.

    Please vote for the book The tears of a prince for the contest!

    Also I will be opening an Instagram account and a Patreon especially for my books with amazing content that I have been gathering!

 Chapter 414 - 414

    Please read author''s note at the end!

    .....

    Their little adventure lasted a whole week. They had managed to escort his mother''s aunt out of the village in safety and during the whole time his mother had been an absolute typhoon. Allias was well aware of his mother''s dynamic personality, her charm and her unwilling spirit but as a child he always saw a more reserved, more royal-like side of her. In those memories Atalanti was simply wild and the funniest thing was how his father would react to it. In the king''s memory Tallin was silent, kind and patient but as a young man he was completely different.

    "Move your feet Tallin, we have no time to waste." Atalanti scolded him while holding her sister''s hand.. They had just gotten out of the main village and were entering the forest surrounding it.

    "Well we have been walking for a while now and it''s already dark so why don''t we¡­"

    "No." she said strictly, turning her head to look at him. "First we get to safety then we rest."

    "Who made you the boss?" Tallin asked her with a frown and she smiled.

    "Myself. If you disagree feel free to leave, you''ve served your purpose."

    "What am I to you anyways?" he asked her, stopping on his track, forcing the two girls to halt too. Atalanti turned around, pushing back a few strands of curly hair and scanned him with her judgemental eyes from head to toe.

    "My dog." she answered and the man''s eyes widened, his jaw dropping almost to the floor.

    "Your what?"

    "My dog but a cute dog." she mumbled, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink when Atalanti''s sister interrupted them.

    "She means she likes you, she really adores dogs." she informed Tallin and the man smiled., satisfied with what he had heard.

    "Is that so? All tough on the outside and melting on the inside, well I didn''t know I had that effect on you but¡­"

    "Shut up Tallin and you.." she said pointing at her sister. "Another word and I am sending you back." she told her but the girl giggled, knowing that something like that could never happen.

    It was moments like these that made Allias'' heart break. His father had died so early, his mother devastated by it never talked about it to the point that when he was young he wondered so many things. Now his mother was dead too and the precious image of him sitting on the food at the throne room, between his boots while his mother smiled was the only one he had. Allias wasn''t a part of those memories, he  was not even an idea back then but as he watched them unfold in front of him he tried to memorize them. Their movements and the tone of their voices, the way they looked at each other. He wanted to remember it all.

    The pages of the magical book kept being flipped on their own showing a very unexpected story. After they had returned Tallin confessed to his mother again and this time she had accepted. He took her back to Kardia but the people weren''t so pleased with them. She went through so many hardships there, having to deal with the fact that she wasn''t one of them. Kardia elves viewed themselves as better, since they had been entrusted with the honor of keeping all knowledge safe. His mother had not been raised there, she did not know their ways and they made sure to remind her all the time.

    That and the fact that he knew how corrupt their royal line was urged Tallin to run for the next king. Usually the throne was hereditary, no elf was powerful enough to be able to hold the kingdom going but his father and mother, they were something else. Tallin wished to change things, he wished to take Atalanti away from the blue shores and bring her to a place where no more young girls would feel threatened by the whims of powerful men and that was exactly what he did. He went through a huge amount of trials, he got exiled by his people and denied his name until he finally made it. He was strong, so much stronger and his mother, she was bright and intelligent, people slowly took a liking to them and the girl who had always been a pariah had turned into their queen.

    Atalanti loved him, even through her cold exterior Tallin was the only one she looked at as if he knew her. He was the only one she trusted and the only man who had seen her cry. His father adored her to the point of wanting to give her the moon, he had actually attempted it once, getting into a nasty fight with some moon gods. But some things sometimes were better left alone.

    Allias couldn''t help but wonder, had his mother cried? When she watched the end of their people, when everything came crashing down. Had she wept, had she looked for him, had she called out for his father? Allias wasn''t there, he hadn''t been by her side.

    After a while he decided that it was time for this beautiful story to end and by his own will he closed the book. He smiled, tracing his fingers on the cover noting to himself to never forget. Never forget his people, of his family and where he came from. The book had been placed on his lap when Milia stood up, a faint smile on her face.

    "What do you think?" she asked him and took the book back. "Here we keep everything, One day, your story will be stored too, for the later generations to see."

    "Well that would be very unfortunate." Allias told her.

    "Why is that your highness?"

    "Because I have screwed up many more times than my mother and father." he said and the woman laughed.

    "It would simply make a much more interesting story wouldn''t it?"

    "You could take it that way too, I guess."

    "So would you like your arm to get fixed?"

    "My arm. I did not lose it by accident. It was a punishment I must endure. There is nothing really that can be done about it." Allias said. He really wanted to get his arm back, that was the cruel truth but he also couldn''t allow himself too. Everyone had to pay a price for their actions, him too.

    "You know, sometimes I think that people forget. The greater the person, the bigger the mistakes." Milia told him. She was pacing, close to the edge of the room, looking down. "Maybe what you did was bad but would you be able to forgive yourself if something even worse happened if you weren''t strong enough?"

    "What do you mean?" Allias asked her, tilting his head to the side. He walked closer, standing by her side as  he tried to read her expression.

    "You are a king. I am sure you know that. Wallowing in self pity is not what you should be doing. You will make mistakes but your mistakes are always pardoned because at the end of the day your people will always need your power." she said.

    "I don''t really like this kind of point of view."

    "You might not like it but that''s how the world works. Strong people do make mistakes, the weak simply choose to overlook them so they can survive. You need to fix your arm."

    " Why are you so fixated on me getting healed?"

    "Because I need you to protect someone. I know she is coming to you." she said and looked at Allias right in the eyes.

    "What are you talking about?"

    "My daughter. She was stolen by demons a long time ago. I didn''t know about the war or their plan. She just disappeared one day out of nowhere. But a few weeks ago I sensed her magic again. She is traveling, she is coming to where you live." she said and Allias''s eyes widened.

    "Your daughter. She was the last Avgee woman they told me about." Allias said.

    "I...don''t know what that means."

    "Who is your daughter?"

    "My daughter is Rayla. Your fiance" Milia told him and Allias froze. The girl they were bringing. The elf that had been stolen was Rayla, the woman his mother had wanted him to marry a long time ago. Allias bit his lip, troubled by what he had just learned.

    "I will send her back to you." he told her but she suddenly seemed to get distressed.

    "No, no. You can''t. Rayla has been gone for a long time. The elders here are still cruel and old fashioned. They won''t accept her, they will think she changed, she has lost the ways of our kind. You have to keep her there. You have to marry her." she stated.

    "I...I can''t." Allias told her. Her eyes were filled with tears and the king felt a sting on his chest. "I already have someone, I can''t betray them like that."

    "Please, you have no idea the sorrow I went through. Thinking that my daughter was dead and then one day, I felt her magic. I could feel her alive again. You need to keep her there your highness. Here, her life will onlybe torture." she begged him.

    "I can''t marry your daughter."

 Chapter 415 - 415

    Allias never believed those grumpy people who always talked  on and on about hating the world, about the selfish nature of the beings on this earth or whatever other excuse they used to put down planet earth. It seemed the least weird to him that you could hate a whole planet with no exceptions. He considered these people just annoying and tried to avoid them at all costs.

    After though Allias returned, his insignificant life as a college student and a human being finally over he started to realize that these people, the ones who dissed on the world, were not actually that wrong. Especially the ones talking about greed. Allias as a human had never experienced true greed, truly being forced to satisfy someone''s  needs just because he had to. Once though he became someone, the moment he wore that heavy crown back on his head everyone needed something from him, expecting him to be someone else for them.

    The king felt bad about Milia, he felt even worse about her daughter who had been forced into imprisonment for so many years. He had her brought back, she was probably on her way as they spoke but he couldn''t marry her. Just as that time, when his mother wanted him to find a good girl, keep the family line moving, he had to deny. Allias couldn''t marry this woman, he didn''t want to marry her actually.

    He had found love,  he had found the one he needed to be by his side years ago and he would never give him up, even if it was so he could have a child.. Milia kept talking and talking trying to convince him to change his mind but Allias could think that these people were the ones that exiled his father. What if she had been his friend, what if those weren''t her beliefs? She the same way as her husband had let themselves obey those unreasonable commands. She had offered him something in exchange for his life. Literally that was what she was asking.

    "Your highness please." she said and grabbed his wrist. Allias stared at her, furious.

    "Another word and I swear I will kill you all. The audacity you have to be requesting something like this from me. You people were the ones that hated my mother. You exiled my father, you hid like cowards while the rest of us were dying. I don''t want to hear how those weren''t your own doings. Standing on the side while injustice happens sometimes makes you equally guilty. I won''t harm your daughter, I will look after her but don''t even dare to talk to me about marriage again. You and your people will remain in your little hole. I do not consider you mine anymore." he told her. Milia froze, her grip on him loosening, giving him the chance to walk away. Allias rushed down the stairs finding Mark and Alexander sitting at one of the library''s tables. Mark had a bunch of books open in front of him and Alexander had his eyes closed, as if he was meditating.

    "Now breathe and think of something that angers you. When that anger kicks in, visualize it and stop it." Mark advised him.

    The king''s angry footsteps were enough for them to stop. He could be heard from the staircase and both of them looked, waiting for him to appear in anticipation. The moment he stepped on their floor he stared at Kor coldly then them.

    "We''re leaving. Now." he told them.

    "What? I haven''t gone through half of the books here yet." Mark complained.

    "Does it look like I care? Take them with you. We are leaving." he repeated.

    "You can''t take the books. They belong to the Kardia library." Kor argued the moment he heard of the king''s suggestion. Allias turned towards him, taking slow steps until he was very close.

    "I can take the books, I can take the gold, I can take your fucking life if I want to and believe me no one will dare to come after me. You dare to request things from me but when I do you wish to stop me?" he asked, his eyes showing pure anger and Kor took a step back, cornered.

    Milia got down after a while, upset she approached them, trying to resolve the conflict and calm Allias down.

    "Your highness, I am sorry. I did not wish to insult you in any way. If we could talk then¡­"

    "There is nothing to talk about. I am done with this conversation and this place. I had the tiniest bit of hope that the place my father spoke so fondly of was not as horrible as it seemed but I was wrong. I do not plan to satisfy your needs. I think I have made myself clear."

    "What the hell is going on?" Mark asked, knowing that Allias usually did not speak so roughly.

    "She wants me to marry her daughter." Allias said with a soulless smile and Mark''s eyes widened.

    "Well, that will never happen, I can assure you of that." the red haired said. "Allias has someone."

    "Yes but you are not soul links yet are you? After all these years, that must mean something."

    "It does not mean what you want it to mean." Allias stated. "Take everything you need, Mark. We are leaving." He said but the red haired already had grabbed a few books, passing a lot more to Alexander who at some point was struggling to keep them.

    "You can''t leave this place with the books!" Kor said angrily, raising his tone. "There are guards everywhere, no one will let you pass. Even you have limits as to what you can do. Especially with a missing arm."

    "There they go again. Don''t you understand that provoking him only makes things worse?" Mark said and the woman placed her palm on Kor''s shoulder.

    "Excuse us. We¡­"

    "I can''t leave?" Allias asked the man, tilting his head to the side with a wicked smile. "Really? Well watch me." he said and grabbed Mark and Alexander. He moved so fast Kor did not have the time to react before Allias had disappeared right in front of their eyes.

    He chose the forest right before the beach that led to Kardia. Mark was ready to burf, the books landing on the dirty ground for Alexander to pick them up in a hurry.

    "Gosh that feels horrible."

    "Sorry." Allias said and sighed. His eyes were towards the beach. He had liked it so much when he visited. Its beauty, the calmness but now it looked like a hostile area, the border to where he should feel at home but he didn''t. "I, I can''t believe that there are Avgee elves that are alive and that I just denied them. I never thought I would be able to do that." he told them, surprised with himself.

    "I think¡­" Alexander said shyly. "Realising that family is not just a name, I think that means maturity. You got to see that sometimes family is the people that support us even if we are not connected to them by our Tribe, our species or our blood."

    "Wisely said little wolf." Mark exclaimed happily and slapped his back. Alexander flinched with the unexpected gesture, the books escaping his grip and landing once more on the dirt. He looked at them with a defeated expression before he picked them all up again.

    "Thank you." Allias said with a soft smile, making Alexander blush. "You''re right. I guess sometimes it''s hard for people to realize it. We get so caught up in our comfort zones and we forget that what we call family can end up being toxic."

    "I mean you should know about that already but somehow you got caught again." Mark mumbled. Allias turned towards him, one eyebrow raised. "Homophobia and all, you know. I mean you did try to kill your human father."

    "I think that it''s time to stop now, Mark, thank you." Allias told him with a threatening smile.

    "Alright, alright. So what do we do now?" the red haired asked.

    "I guess you will train here." Allias told them.

    "Oh that''s great you know how I love sleeping on dirt. It''s my favorite." Mark said with a frown.

    "I''m sorry." Alexander told them and both of them looked at him as if he was crazy.

    "Sorry about what?"

    "This is all my fault."

    "It''s not. We decided to help you. Do not worry, we will fix this." Allias said and patted gently his head. "Now come on, let''s head a bit deeper into the forest. We don''t want them following us to get their precious books back."

    "Now starts the fun part." Mark told Alexander with a grin.

    ....

    Hello! Please remember to tell me your favourite lines fromt the book for my new little project! Also if you like the book this far please leave a nice comment. Don''t be a silent reader.  If you''re able please vote my book The Tears of a Prince for the contest! Thank you!

 Chapter 416 - 416

    Three days. Actually three days and three nights to be completely precise. Mark had not let Alexander in peace. All these hours had gotten into training and Allias was actually enjoying it a lot because his job was special. He just sat there and kept insulting Like.

    "He is one of the biggest pieces of shit that I have ever seen. How does it make you feel that I''ve seen him naked before you?"

    "Ouch that must hurt Alexander. What are you gonna do about it?" Mark irked him even more. Allias was sitting underneath a tree, throwing up and down an apple as he kept talking before he stopped and took a bite. The crunching echoed in the silent forest and a drop of juice from the ripe fruit escaped from his parted lips. He wiped it with his arm and continued.

    "He made everyone''s lives worse.. It''s his fault his dad is dead. Wherever he goes there is chaos. He should be better off dead" the king said.

    "What are you going to do Alexander?" Mark asked him again.

    The boy was standing a bit further away from them. His hands in fists, his nails dipping in his skin, his knuckles white as he got angrier and angrier.

    "I''m going to be calm." Alexander mumbled, his teeth gritted as he tried to contain his anger. Even though deep inside him he knew that Allias did not mean it. He was aware of it; the beast inside didn''t seem to care. It was as if he was simply trying to find an excuse and ran loose. Alexander had to find a way to control it, to tame it and for three whole days he had been trying to do that.

    It had been exhausting. He had barely gotten any sleep because of Mark''s training. From dawn till the late hours of the night he heard insults again and again. Mentally he felt weakened, physically too since every time he lost control, something that happened a lot during the first day Allias would fight him, smack him on the trees to bring him back to his senses. He had broken his back countless times. The pain of the cracking bones is always a constant reminder of what was waiting for him if he failed.

    "You know he loved me first right? He wanted me even after he met you. He would kill everyone for me. He didn''t do that for you, did he?" Allias said with a grin and Alexander could feel it. The beast was scratching the walls of his body, it was trying to break free from his restraints but he shouldn''t let it.

    He took a deep breath, closing his eyes trying to find himself. Lies, everything was lies. Calm down. Calm down, he repeated again and again until his insides seemed to rest. He opened his green eyes staring at Allias right into the eyes.

    "I''m fine." Alexander stated and Allias smiled in acknowledgement.

    "I can see that. Should I keep going, teacher?" He asked Mark playfully and the redhead waved his head negatively.

    "I think that''s enough. Enough to show to the council. You will need to keep practicing. Again and again. This thing needs constant discipline. It''s not only about doing it once. People will always come at you, you need to learn and block them out. For your own good and Luke''s too." He advised him.

    "For my own good too because honestly I don''t have any time to deal with your messes anymore." Allias said and Alexander smiled. Sweat was dripping from his forehead, his breathing a bit unstable. He had never imagined the strength it took to control yourself. He had put everything into this, again and again only to fail but now, as he found himself able to resist he felt proud. Maybe he wasn''t perfect yet, maybe he never would be but at least he had a way, a means to keep it under control.

    "This is from me. Since you completed your training" Mark told him and approached him. Alexander looked at him confused as the exorcist took his hand. He opened his fist and with his fingertip he traced something on his palm. It was a circle, one that lit up and then turned dark, leaving a mark like a tattoo.

    "What''s that?" He asked, staring at his palm filled with curiosity.

    "That is a small magic circle. It will warn you about your mental state. When you are close to losing control you will feel a slight burn on your palm so you will be able to get back to your senses easily." Mark explained.

    "Thank you. Both of you for everything that you did. I will owe you"

    "The only thing that you owe me is some peace"

    "That''s probably one of the hardest things you could ask me." Alexander joked and both of them laughed. "Can we get back now?" He asked and Mark with Allias looked at each other.

    "I think we can. But answer me this. What will happen if your mate appears Alexander? Luke''s mate is practically dead but what about yours?"

    "I am not worried about that." The you sold said and his eyes darkened.

    "Why?"

    "Because he was my first kill. My mate is dead. At least for this lifetime. What will happen next, well I will see when I have to." He told them as he stared at the ground.

    "Let''s go home." Allias announced. "You have some bastards to prove wrong."

    They cleaned up the space they were occupying. Stored the many books they had stolen in a huge bag and began their way back home. This time it would be a lot easier since Allias knew the way. Once they were put the thick forest he would teleport them at the palace. The rest of them were expected to wait for them there, occupying the gods so they wouldn''t alert the council.

    Once they returned though the sight that expected him was very...concerning for the peace Allias asked so desperately.

 Chapter 417 - 417

    For all the time Allias, Mark and Alexander were gone Theseus and the rest were in charge of the palace. After the little uproar during their wedding Ea had requested some time off when he wouldn''t be forced to deal with crazy gods or psychotic demons so the rest of the men were left alone to deal with things for themselves.

    At first Theseus had been very positive about it. He had kept the palace in place before for seventy years actually, he was sure he could do it again. The problem in that whole assumption was that it wasn''t really Theseus who kept the palace in one place before, it was Ea and back then they didn''t have two very free spirited gods as guests.

    It took a while for the general to realize that but eventually did, during the third day of their stay. Asmodeus and him had decided that keeping the gods entertained was the best plan so they wouldn''t ask any unwanted questions. Indeed it worked, the happier the two gods were, the less they cared about the council, its rules and the fact that Alexander was away in hiding. Luke was also trying to help but most of the time he was in the corner having mini breakdowns, very worried about the fact that he had sent his innocent and pure boyfriend away with Allias and Mark.

    All in all after a few days the palace was in utter chaos. Theseus was trying to keep up with the gods but he was exhausted, Asmodeus was enjoying the whole thing a little bit too much, resulting in him making the whole situation worse and Luke was lost in his own world.

    "Where the hell did those two go again?" Theseus asked a maid. The woman held a bunch of sheets in her arms, her face barely visible but she still stopped to answer him. Those two were enough for the palace staff to understand what he meant.

    "One of them is in your room, the other one is resting on the garden" she explained and Theseus frowned.

    "Why would they be in my room?"

    "It''s Apollo sir. He said the room in his bed was not big enough to fit his partners so he decided to move in your own." Theseus took a deep breath trying to calm his nerves. There was no need for him to argue with a god. Just a few more days and Allias will be back, all of this will be over, he told himself.

    "When he is done, you burn the sheets that he used and you lock my room so no one can get in. Am I clear?" He instructed her and the woman nodded before she left to continue her own chores.

    He was not planning on going to Apollo of course. There was no reason to shock himself with what he was going to witness so he decided to restrain one of the wild animals first, the one who seemed to be slightly more calm.

    Dionysus was indeed outside, sitting at the white colored gazebo gazing at the flower arrangements all around him. He had a small daisy in his hands and played with the long petals, throwing them on the wooden ground. When Theseus stepped on the first step his head snapped up, startled.

    "Hello there." He said and Theseus nodded, responding to his greeting.

    "Can I sit with you?" He asked him

    "Of course, this is your palace after all." He told him with a faint smile. Theseus sat on the bench next to him, following his gaze and noticing how it was fixated on a blue flower.

    "That''s a pretty flower." He said and the god shook his head.

    "Yeah, it''s the same color as Suijin''s hair." Dionysus commented. "Really pretty, like the endless ocean. Very different from the seas I used to see."

    "He''s not with you this time." Dionysus smiled and then snorted, as if he was annoyed.

    "He didn''t want to come with me. We had a fight and he actually went back home. He hasn''t contacted me ever since. I think he broke up with me"

    "I don''t think he broke up with you. He seemed to like you a lot." Theseus told him.

    "He liked me? Sometimes I think I just dragged him along into this. He is always so serious I can''t tell what he feels."

    "I don''t think a god could be dragged into things he doesn''t want." Theseus told him and Dionysus shrugged his shoulders. He didn''t expect to be having this conversation with him. Dionysus always looked as if he didn''t mind anything. Seeing him now sit here troubled about his boyfriend somehow felt really foreign.

    "Anyways my brother has been quite a handful."

    "Yes. I will have to agree with that."

    "At least he is occupied and not thinking about the council."

    "That''s one way of putting it, yes. But about Suijin. Do you really...like him?"

    "Why wouldn''t I? I mean¡­.when you like someone you want to be with them right?"

    "Yes. I just didn''t take you as the person who would date someone" Theseus said and the god burst in loud laughter. He closed his pretty eyes and his smile formed wide, entertained with his words.

    "I think you''re confusing me with Zeus." He said and Theseus smiled. "I really like him. My family though is not very fond of foreign gods. They want us to be in Olympus. I thought being with Suijin in the human world would be fun but they had to interfere."

    "So that''s why you fought?"

    "Yes. He doesn''t get it though...Greek families are...hard to deal with" Dionysus mumbled. He seemed to be actually concerned with all of this and Theseus wanted to help. He had been a family friend for centuries after all but in the end he was a bit afraid to tell him his opinion.

    "I...well do you mind hearing what I think?"

    "Please do. I won''t turn you into a frog if I don''t like the answer." Dionysus said with a grin.

    "You should think about what Suijin means to you. Is it worth it goin against your family and if it is then do it. I''ve pulled away from the one I loved because I wasn''t so sure about things and I can assure you it can be torturing" Theseus said, thinking of all the times he had let Allias down. How he disappointed him and left him alone. Maybe Dionysus could skip making that mistake.

    "I see. You do sound pretty wise. Thank you. Maybe I should just...talk to him at first." Dionysus said.

    "Yes. That would be a great first step." Dionysus nodded, his spirit seemingly a bit higher and jumped up, fixing his shirt and throwing the remains of the daisy he held in his hands.

    "So now, where will we be drinking tonight?" He asked and Theseus sighed. That was not the result of his love counseling he wanted.

    Allias please come back quickly, he begged on his mind.

 Chapter 418 - 418

    Luke hadn''t stopped thinking these days. So many things tortured his mind, especially the future and what was about to come. He still wasn''t used to being an Alpha, he still couldn''t bear the burden his father did for so many years. He was a man buried in secrets and broken dreams. He had given up everything so he could rule, he had turned his back on the one he loved and in the end he ended up losing his mind. Luke didn''t have the time, he didn''t also care to learn from him. The father he had adored when he was young had turned into a monstrous figure in his heart, one he always tried to avoid and never understand until it was too late. Now Luke had been left alone with hundreds of people leaning on him, expecting help.

    He didn''t know himself well yet. He was immature and angry. He was cocky and many times he wasn''t able to act reasonably and that hurt not only him but others around him. He had to lose Allias to realize that. Only when Alexander was by his side though he saw himself as a better person. The young wolf managed to bring out a part of him he had forgotten he had.. A part that wished to protect, to evolve into a better man.

    That was why he couldn''t lose him. The thought of Alexander leaving, going to the council was too much to handle. It hurt his heart, clouded his thoughts and made him want to simply drop everything and leave with him. He was willing to do that. Give up everything and take him away. Maybe thoughts like these made him believe he would never be a worthy Alpha. As good as his father.

    Alexander''s return found him buried in thoughts like these. He sat on his bed, staring at the floor, thinking and sighing. It had become a habit of his, losing himself in these depressive thoughts until someone pulled him out. Or else he would simply remain there, trapped inside his own mind.

    The door of the room opened slowly, a pair of earthy green eyes gazing at him. Luke didn''t hear him at first. Only when he stepped inside and closed the door behind him did the wolf raise his head and meet his eyes.

    Luke released a short breath. It was ridiculous, certainly childish but by seeing him he instantly realized how much he had missed him. It was just a few days, just a few cold nights but as Alexander stood in front of him, wearing a tired smile Luke felt as if something that he had lost was simply put back into place. He stood up and walked towards him, silent.

    "Hey." Alexander said and Luke grabbed him, drowning him in his strong embrace and the wolf chuckled, wrapping his arms around him. He smelt like home. His body strong and warm, his shirt soft. He loved this familiar sensation, the feeling of his arms tightening around his body and his breathing landing on his shoulder. Alexander relaxed, his eyes closed as he found peace in his arms. "I missed you" he told him and Luke cupped his face. He still hasn''t said anything. He took a step back and inspected him from head to toe, a worried expression on his face. "What are you doing?" Alexander asked him.

    "Why do you look so tired? Are you hurt anywhere? Did they do anything to you? Tell me." He said and the young man smiled. He took Lukest hand in his, entwining their fingers.

    "I am perfectly fine. You won''t believe this but actually some kind of monsters tried to kidnap me to eat me. I was so shocked I couldn''t do anything." Alexander said with excitement. "Then we reached Allias homeland and you wouldn''t believe it but there are more elves like him there! He didn''t know either. But as it seems they are not so nice so Allias was a bit disappointed. I felt bad for him. I also trained with Mark, he taught me how to keep the wolf in check. I still have a long way to go but I think it will be enough for now. Just so the council will leave."

    "So you''re alright?" Luke asked him.

    "I''m more than alright. I had fun" Alexander said happily and Luke smiled. He caressed his cheek, kissing the tip of his nose.

    "I am glad. That means we will be able to go home. I...I want us to be finally free, move on." He told him.

    "And we will. This is the last time we will need help. The last time we will be afraid. I promise you."

    "Please don''t leave me." Luke told him, a pained expression on his face. Alexander shook his head.

    "That will never happen. I will never leave you. I will always stand by your side, I will always help you. Even if sometimes you''re too proud, or stupid to ask me." He teased him.

    "That''s good. I like that."

    "I like that too." Alexander agreed and moved closer. His breath was landing warm on Luke''s lips and the wolf leaned in closer. Their lips touched, gently at first, a slight peck until the raven haired wrapped his arm around Alexander''s waist and brought him closer. Such a sweet kiss, the knowledge that the other wanted you, that they needed your touch, your kiss was intoxicating. Alexander''s heart was beating fast, racing inside his ribcage as Luke''s tongue licked his bottom lip and a slight moan escaped him.

    He looked at Luke. His eyes had always been so beautiful. A stormy grey, like a restless sky. He was always restless, cloudy. In Luke''s heartbeats Alexander could hear the distant sound of rain and see the screams of thunder. The man in front of him was a storm, powerful but depressingly beautiful. Filled with sorrow and disaster but cleansing. In his heart and mind it always rained, it was always cold and hostile but Alexander didn''t mind. He loved standing underneath the rain, feeling the cold droplets land on his skin as he waited for the sun. He was sure one day, no matter how long it took Luke would be able to find peace. He would do everything to help him

    "Alexander." The man called his name, his voice rough, laced with adoration.

    "Yes?"

    "You''re so beautiful." He complimented him and the younger man blushed. Feeling his words reach his lovestruck heart. "I look at you and wonder. How is it possible for me to be with someone so beautiful. I can''t believe that I get to have someone like you by my side. After everything I''ve done. I keep being extremely lucky and I am scared, I am scared that my luck will eventually run out"

    "You make me look a lot better than I am, Luke" Alexander told him and the alpha stared at him, wearing a frown on his face.

    "You don''t see what I see. Your kind eyes. No matter what you look at you have such a gentle gaze. The softness of your voice. Even when you''re upset you''re filled with such genuine emotions. Your expressions, your cute blushing and the way you avert your eyes when your anxious because you''re simply too honest and can''t hide. Through my eyes you''re so much, so much you just can''t see. My heart flutters as if I am teen. Really, that smile of yours will be the death of me." He showered him with praise and Alexander took a step back, overwhelmed by the comments.

    "Y-you...I-I ¡­. that''s¡­" he stuttered and Luke laughed. He hugged him again, their hearts close to each other and Alexander could feel it on his chest. The mixing of beats was strangely calming. Like a melody only they knew. A masterpiece made just for them. "Thank you." Alexander finally managed to say.

    "I should be the one thanking you."

    "Luke, no matter what happens. Know that I will find you. Always. I will always come back to you" Alexander told him. They remained quiet, resting I''m each other''s arms when after a while a faint knock was heard on the door. Luke let go of him, unwilling and headed towards the door.

    He faced an elf soldier. Tall with a strict look.

    "Is there something wrong?" Luke asked him.

    "The gods have been informed about the werewolve''s return and they are demanding to see him." The soldier said. "You are expected in the meeting room. His majesty is there too. Please be quick."

    "Okay. We will be there. Thank you" Luke told him and the man nodded before he went back to his post. Luke turned around, locking eyes with Alexander.

    Suddenly both of them felt anxious. The happy and romantic mood from before slowly disappearing.

    "It''s time." Alexander said and Luke nodded. He extended his hand and their palms touched.

    "Let''s go." Luke told him.

    ....

    New game! Let me know of your favorite phrase in the book!

    Hello! Hope you liked this chapter. Please leave a nice comment and check out my new BL book The Tears of A Prince. Also remember to vote it and support me in the contest. Thank you!.

 Chapter 419 - 419

    The meeting room gave Alexander the chills. The enormous room seemed so serious and dark, making him as if he was being trialed. He stood at the entrance mastering up his courage but the moment he noticed the two gods sitting in the comfortable chairs he felt weak once more. Luke took his hand and urged him to get inside, him following slowly.

    Allias was really there together with Theseus, Mark and Asmodeus. He was sitting at the top of the table as a king would and Theseus stood back, hidden in the shadows, observing everything that happened. Alexander once wished to be like him. He always stood by Allias, protecting him. It was obvious that no matter the elf king asked Theseus would do it, without asking any questions. He had tried but he had comically failed. Being the dark and lonesome character that stood in the back was never his thing actually. Something like that helped him realize, he should help Luke in his own way. That would be enough.

    "You can sit." Allias told them and smiled at him, making him feel a bit more at ease. Alexander moved his chair as close to Luke as he could, wanting to know that no matter what happened he would be near. He probably seemed childish at that moment but he chose to ignore it. That thought in his mind that he wasn''t living up to everyone''s expectations. "The gods here have something to discuss with you. It''s about the council and the power you possess." Allias said. Alexander already knew all that but as it seemed it was part of the procedure.

    "Well¡­" Apollo said. He was the god that roamed the skies with his carriage. He looked young and carefree, his bright eyes sparkling as he spoke. Alexander immediately felt inferior. Standing in front of such beautiful beings, being judged by them. "As you may know there have been some serious events concerning you and the White wolf. It is common for the person who carries the wolf to actually be restrained¡­"

    "There is no way I am letting you do something like that." Luke interrupted him. Apollo and Dionysus smiled, they viewed the wolves as children, every time they tried to go against them it was just a childish tantrum, until they got on their nerves.

    "It doesn''t really matter what you want. People a lot stronger than you sit at the top of the council." Dionysus told him. "But that''s not what we meant to say¡­"

    "What we wanted to say is that you''re very lucky. I mean if you had listened to us you would have run away into some kind of self searching adventure." Apollo told them and everyone in the room was focused on him, staring with a confused expression.

    "What does that mean?" Luke asked.

    "It means that we had no intention of killing or restraining your little boyfriend right there"

    "Then what do you want from me?" Alexander asked him. He was wary of them, he was well aware of how cunning they could be, the secrets they carried and the enjoyment they took from messing with people. Even if they had been with them all this time nothing stopped them from turning against them because it would be a lot more fun.

    "We want to make sure that you won''t end up killing any more people." Dionysus said. "As much as I enjoy a good bloodbath, it is excused under very specific circumstances, let''s say how Allias brought down the whole demonic castle,and of course for very specific people. You are no one, obviously the council would not allow you to go and kill whoever insults your boyfriend. There is that thing we call cosmic balance."

    "Alexander has been training under me." Mark interrupted their conversation. "He is not perfect yet but he is a fast learner and has mastered the simple tasks. I am sure with a bit more practice he won''t be a problem."

    "Yes. We do not doubt that or the knowledge of the last exorcist alive." Apollo said. "What we want though is for him to come with us"

    "No!" Luke exclaimed and jumped up, his palm landing on the table. "There is no way Alexander will be going anywhere with you."

    "Calm down" Dionysus said, his eyes turning serious. "No one is intending to hurt your boyfriend. I think we made ourselves clear before. What we want is for him to come to the Angelic capital. There he will get proper training. He will learn to control his power and the council will keep an eye on him in the mean while. A week in the forest won''t fix things."

    "For how long?" Alexander asked. "How long will I have to be there?"

    "Alexander!" Luke called him out. "Why are you even asking that. There is now way you will be going with them. We can''t trust them."

    "That depends on you" Apollo answered Mark, completely ignoring Luke. "It will be around a year for sure. If you learn fast it could be only that. You will be able to communicate with Luke through letters. You won''t be a prisoner there. You will be sent to the angelic academy"

    "Not another academy." Mark mumbled in disgust.

    "It''s nothing like your academy, believe me. They eat with golden spoons there and the angels have taken an oath to respect everyone." Asmodeus said and the gods nodded in agreement.

    "It''s actually a good place. You will get to learn a lot of things. You won''t be scared of hurting the ones you love."

    "That and if you don''t come you will be declared an official fugitive, your pack will be removed from all alliances and announced as a public danger with a bounty. Not my choice, the higher ups" Dionysus said, pointing at the sky with his finger.

    "Alexander, listen to me." Luke said, turning towards him. "You don''t have to do this. You don''t have to go there. We can figure things out here. Nothing bad will happen"

    "Oh, believe me a ton of bad things will happen" Dionysus said.

    "Why don''t we give them some time? I am sure Alexander needs to think" Allias said. Everyone left the room willingly, allowing them to be alone. Luke stood up, filled with anger and kicked his chair to the other side of the room.

    "They are not giving us a choice." He said. "Still Alexander you can''t go."

    "I think we should process this a bit more rationally" Alexander announced and Luke stared at him as if he had gone completely mad.

    Alexander was right though. Their offer didn''t sound so bad. He always wanted to learn, control himself not just so he could be stronger but also to protect the ones he loved. The gods were offering that to him and he would just have to be gone for a year, maybe two if his learning skills were bad.

    "What do you mean?"

    "I mean that I don''t want the pack to get targeted because of me. This offer is ten times better than what we had imagined. What''s a year to the hundred of years we live? You won''t even realize that I am gone. You can work at improving the pack and I will be back before you know it." Alexander said.

    "You really think I wouldn''t mind you being gone? That''s ridiculous. I am scared, I don''t want them to harm you Alexander."

    "No one will harm me. I promise you. This will be good. Not just because I will get to control my powers but because I will be able to get mentally stronger. I can do this. I can go there and come back, believe me." Alexander said as he stood up. He hugged Luke, resting his head on his shoulder and felt him breathe in.

    "Is there anything I can do to make you stay. Please." He begged him and Alexander''s heart broke with the sound of his pained voice. He closed his eyes, felt him close and squeezed him in his arms.

    "No. I will do this. For me, for you and for the pack. One year. I swear." He said and Luke raised his chin, wanting to meet his eyes. That storm again, glazed by the shine of tears. Alexander bit his lip, he couldn''t go back now, he had decided it. Not even Luke''s poisonous tears would stop him. "I''m sorry. Please don''t cry" he said and with his thumb he gently siped the salty tears away.

    "I can''t laugh. That''s for sure" he said and Alexander smiled.

    "When I come back you will be shocked with how much stronger I will be. Don''t get scared" he teased him and Luke scoffed.

    "Yeah, that''s something that will never happen but you can always dream big I guess. It''s good for your mentality." He told him and Alexander chuckled. The wolf kissed him, placing his lips gently on him and Luke sighed, still pained by the decision.

    "Thank you." Alexander said.

    "One year. Not a day more."

    "I promise."

    ....

    And there we go with the wolves. Just wait to see how will Alexander be when he comes back. Oh, my the extras I have been planning. Chef''s kiss.

    Hope you like the book so far, if you do please let me know in the comments! Also vote The tears of a Prince! Thank you.

 Chapter 420 - 420

    One year and not a day more. That was what Alexander had promised Luke. It was almost like an oath to keep the wolf going during his absence. Allias had seen their expressions. Had noticed the pain in Luke''s eyes as Alexander decided it was his time to leave. He wanted to help, recommend something else, think of a way so Luke would not feel abandoned once more but he knew it was Alexander''s decision to leave.

    No matter how stupid he was, childish and immature the king always had a soft spot for the new Alpha. Maybe because of the old feelings he had, maybe because he too had gone through hell ever since he met him. He didn''t know why but seeing his face as he left the meeting room, Alexander still inside, Allias felt like his heart was breaking.

    He had been crying, he noticed staring at the bloodshot grey eyes.

    "You can go in." He told the gods. "He will come with you."

    That''s all he said before he walked away. He wanted to escape the tall walls, the air was leaving his body and his steps became rushed. As he walked outside he started breathing, his strong arm his only support on the wall, his eyes focused on the marbled entrance.

    "It''s going to be alright you know." Allias'' voice was heard as he approached him. Both of them were exposed to the spring sun, the air warm and Luke looked at him, his face showing grief.

    "I don''t want to hear that it will be alright. I''m sick of hearing that things will be alright. All I know is that I am being left alone, once again" he said.

    "It''s not like that Luke. Alexander is doing this to be with you. To be freely around you. Because he loves you. His love is so selfless that he wishes to change not for himself as the number one reason but for you."

    "I know." Luke said as he sat down on the cold stairs. Allias followed him sitting right next to him. "I know how kind he is, that he always thinks of me but I am worried. They are gods, they are tricky and all they do is scheme. How do I know they won''t take him away from me forever?" Luke asked.

    "You can''t know. That''s agonizing. We can never know if a decision we make, or one of their loved ones make is going to be good. We just have to trust ourselves or the ones we love. I think Alexander thought a lot about this, he sees it as something he can do to help that''s why you should support him."

    "Somehow I don''t like being scolded by you" Luke told him with a frown and Allias laughed.

    "I am not scolding you."

    "Yes you are. In a polite manner. Deep inside you''re telling me to stop being a kid and man up."

    "Am I?" Allias asked him playfully and Luke rolled his eyes. "I mean, you get the point one way or the other. Don''t stop him Luke, it''s what he wants." Allias said and the wolf sighed. His body heavy with the pain of having to step back. He wished to keep Alexander with him, at his side, start this new life with him but all he could think of was that something would go wrong and he would be gone forever.

    "What if something goes wrong?"

    "Then we will simply go and save him. Like we always do." Allias answered with a comforting smile.

    "It''s weird."

    "What''s weird?"

    "You are. Sometimes when I think of you I still see that guy in the locker room. The one who flipped me off from the very first day."

    "You deserved it."

    "I did, didn''t I?" Luke said with a bitter smile. "Allias" he called out the king and he hummed in response as he stared at the palace gates, shining under the sun. "I am sorry. For everything that I did to you. For being so stupid and immature. For causing you such pain."

    "You''ve apologized before."

    "And yet somehow I feel it''s still not enough."

    "It will never be enough Luke." Allias said as he stood up. "So you should simply try not to mess up your life again. Because if you do and hurt Alexander I will kill you." He said with a cold smile and Luke nodded, slightly intimidated. "Let''s go. I''m sure you want to say goodbye to Alexander. Don''t make him feel bad. He is sad already."

    "I know. I wouldn''t make him feel bad." Luke said, slightly offended but he knew Allias'' words sadly had context. He was good at making people feel bad. Even if sometimes he was not intending it.

    They returned to the room. Alexander was still talking with the gods but once he saw Luke he stopped, stood up from his chair and approached him, completely discarding their previous conversation. Allias left them, discreetly returning to Theseus'' side while his eyes were glued on Luke, a warning to not mess things up.

    "Are you okay?" Alexander asked him.

    "Yes, I am fine. Sorry if I worried you. I just needed some time to organize things in my head." He explained and Alexander nodded. "You should go. It''s your decision and I support it." Luke announced with a heavy heart.

    "Really?" The younger wolf told him surprised with his statement. He blinked a few times, his green eyes showing how shocked he was. The alpha seeing his reaction thought he was too adorable like that. He caressed his face and nodded, a lingering smile on his face.

    "Yes, no matter what you want to do I will be by your side."

    "Thank you." Alexander exclaimed. "I promise you everything will be better when I come back. It will only be a year, I will try my hardest."

    "I''m sure you''re going to master everything really fast. You''re so smart" he complimented him and Alexander blushed with his words. He took Luke''s hand, feeling his touch for the last time.

    "I am leaving. Now"

    "I figured."

    "I will miss you."

    "I will miss you too. So write me a lot of letters."

    "I will. All the time. So many letters that you''ll get sick of me"

    "I will never get sick of you." Luke reminded him and kissed him gently on the cheek.

    A year, not a day more. That was what Luke was willing to sacrifice. A year without the one he loved. All so he could be happy. Alexander. More than everything he wished for him to be happy, every day, even if he wasn''t by his side. So he was willing to wait.

    For a year but not a day more. Sometimes when you loved someone this much, just the thought of losing them was heartbreaking. When the actual time of separation comes the fear comes to life and everything seemed like it was against you. Luke felt like that at the moment. Even though he knew things were probably not that serious his mind was attacking him. It was telling him that history repeats itself and that he was going to end up alone once more. Alexander was going to leave him the same way Allias did.

    In his heart existed wounds that he thought he had gotten rid of but at the first threat his insecurities were there to remind him in how many different ways he was lacking. From his maturity to his kindness Luke considered himself the worst candidate to be loved but still he long for it. The love Alexander was giving him was perfect for him, he didn''t want to lose it. He didn''t want to lose him.

    "Remember me okay?" Luke said.

    "Of course I will,.it''s only a year Luke"

    "Still. Promise me. You won''t leave me, that you will come back." He begged him and the brunette smiled.

    "I will come back. I will always come back."

    Alexander left soon after. Luke teared up and had to stare at the ceiling so he wouldn''t end up crying like a baby in front of everyone. Again and again he repeated to himself to not look like an idiot. He tried to smile because Alexander was trying to smile too. He didn''t want the last day he saw him to end in tears. He wanted to see him smile, use it as comfort for the days that would come. He would have to wait and hopefully during that time they were apart not only Alexander would change but he too. He needed to grow up.

    .....

    Hello everyone! Hope you liked the wolf end for now. We will be seeing them at the extras though again!

    Please leave a nice comment and remember to tell me which phase from the book was the one you liked the most. I am starting a little project so your help is appreciated!

    Thank you!! Have a nice day.

 Chapter 421 - 421

    "No need to be so depressed about it. There is nothing you could have done." Asmodeus told Mark. The red haired exorcist was sitting outside, welcoming the warmth of the sun as it hit his face, his hair turning copper under the rays. Asmodeus had spotted him after he had left the meeting room, his expression disappointed.

    "I don''t know." He said and shrugged his shoulders. "If I had trained him better, if I had a bit more time. Maybe if I had intervened and asked for him to be evaluated he wouldn''t have to leave."

    Asmodeus sat down, placing his palm on Mark''s thigh and he looked up at the blue sky, mimicking his boyfriend. Asmodeus had never been very fond of the sun. His eyes were always sensitive and the bright light bothered him. When he sat by Mark though under the clear sky in the morning he felt as if he was being cleansed, the small discomfort an insignificant price to pay for such precious time.

    "You did your best." he simply told him and a faint smile appeared on Mark''s face.

    "Thank you. You''re always so supportive of me."

    "Because I believe in you.You''re amazing after all" the tall demon said and Mark''s face turned a slight shade of pink. He let his head rest on Asmodeus'' shoulder, closing his eyes for a bit, enjoying the singing of the birds and the sounds of the wind traveling through the leaves. He really liked this garden.

    "What if I told you that I have a dream?" Mark said.

    "A dream? What kind of dream?" The demon asked him back curiously. Mark turned to the side, removing his head from his shoulder and crossed his legs on top of the marble bench so he would sit better. He had an excited look on his face, his warm eyes filled with happiness as he was getting ready to speak his mind.

    During these moments Asmodeus regretted not having a camera. Those split seconds that he got to see Mark like this, excited and happy, framed by the sun, his hair shining, a subtle glow in his eyes as he breathed in ready to express himself. The little curling of his lips into a small smile. This perfect moment, this perfect image he wished to capture. That and many more but the star would always be Mark. As he sat there his freckles forming constellations on his face, as his happy tone reached Asmodeus ears he once more...fell in love.

    What a great joy he was, to be so fortunate. To be able to live in such a world, at the same time, under the same sky, right next to him and witness him glow and evolve. Mark was amazing, the most amazing of all and even if his dream was for Asmodeus to bring him the moon or gather the oceans in a drop he would try to do it. Just to be able to relive a moment like this, pure and filled with joy.

    "I want to build an Academy. Here." Mark announced.

    "An academy?"  Asmodeus asked.

    "Yes. I will accept creatures from the Veil and the human world. I will teach them about spirituality and the secrets of magic. They will learn to do good. To heal and protect. I want to make what the people who tortured me all these years back couldn''t. I loved teaching Alexander and even before that I thought I should share my knowledge. Create a space for those who need it." he explained. Asmodeus was quiet for a while, making Mark slightly worried, his smile fading a bit. "What do you think? Is it not a good idea?" he asked, playing with his sleeves as he tried to hide his nervousness.

    Asmodeus looked him in the eyes. Playing with him a bit but in the end he couldn''t restrain himself that well. He smiled brightly, removing a few of the wild hair that was hiding his handsome face showing all of his demonic sides. His eyes, his horns, his fangs and ears. Once he was ashamed of them, scared to show such an ugly side to the one he loved but how could he think like that now? At a moment when Mark was showing how all the kindness of the world could simply nest in his enormous heart.

    "That is an amazing idea Mark. You''re amazing." he told him and Mark clapped filled with excitement.

    "You think so? I could talk to Allias. It would take some time but I don''t think he will say no and you can be there with me! Only if you want it of course. We can show others too that what you are does not define you. We choose our own path and...and...well there are so many things I want to say." he said and chuckled. "Will you be with me?" he asked Asmodeus.

    The demon moved closer. He extended his arms and cupped Mark''s face, squeezing his cheeks and turning him into the most adorable fish. He kissed his lips, he kissed his nose and his forehead.

    "No matter what you want to do I will be there. You want an Academy? I will build it for you. You want a kingdom? I will make you king. Just ask me. No matter what it is." Asmodeus said and Mark smiled.

    "Let''s start with the Academy and we can talk about world domination later." he joked. "Asmodeus" he called him and the demon nodded eagerly. "I love you. I love you so much."

    "I love you too."

    ...

    I can create cute chapters too. Just letting you know. I love Mark and Asmodeus. I think this demon is one of the best characters I''ve created. Manifest a man like him people.

    Hope you liked this chapter. Please leave a nice comment to tell me what you think and vote The Tears of a Prince!

    Also tell me a few of your favorite phrases in the book!

 Chapter 422 - 422

    "There is no way I would be able to do that" Ares mumbled as he laid on their bed. His hands and feet sprawled out like a star. Ea stared at him, still standing and smacked his leg to the side so he could sit there.

    "Do what?" The small elf asked while staring at his yawning husband.

    "Didn''t you hear? Luke is sending Alexander away kind of school trip. For a year, maybe more." Ares explained and Ea frowned at the sound of the information.

    "Where did you hear that?

    "I have my sources."

    "And your sources are?"

    "Heard the maids chatting about it outside." He said proudly and gifted Ea a cheeky smile. His red eyes were closed, his limbs relaxed as he rested on the bed. He raised his arm and grabbed Ea, pulling him towards him and making him land on his chest. The raven haired elf screeched, surprised by the sudden movement and the prince chuckled, able to imagine his expression.

    "I said we will be taking a break"

    "This is not a break. It''s just an afternoon nap. A break would be in the Bahamas, or Greece, or Hawaii." Ea rolled his eyes at his response. "Don''t roll your eyes at me."

    "I did not." Ea said hastily and Ares grinned.

    "I know you"

    "I guess you do."

    "Ea, would you let me leave?" Ares asked his husband. The prince opened his eyes, raising his head slightly so he could meet Ea''s eyes.

    "Are you leaving?" Ea asked him back and Ares laughed. He always seemed to take everything so seriously. Even a hypothetical scenario seemed to stress him, Ares could see wrinkles forming in between his eyebrows, already concerned.

    "No, no" he said and kissed the top of his head. "Just wondering. If something like that happened to us. Would you let me leave?"

    "I don''t know" Ea said while thinking about it. "It depends"

    "It depends?" Ares exclaimed surprised and pushed him off his chest. The small elf turned in a hurry, trying to avoid landing on the floor in his butt. Sadly though he failed and the next second he was meeting with the floor in a very comical way.

    "Hey! You idiot. What was that for?" He asked him, rubbing his butt as he stood up.

    "I died. I literally died and you''re telling me you would let me go? Just like that? I am very disappointed in you." Ares said, pouting as he looked away from his husband.

    Ea shook his head, confused with what was happening right now and took a step closer, sitting down at the bed. This time a bit more wary for any unfortunate falls.

    "Did I answer wrong?" Ea asked him, his voice coming out as a hasty whisper. Ares turned towards him, locking eyes with him while his strong arms were crossed over his chest.

    "Are you really asking me that? I Would have never let go of you! That''s the right romantic thing to say"

    "Doesn''t it sound a bit obsessive though?" Ea asked with a frown and the prince scoffed. "Like, I should respect your decision. Of course I would miss you and be sad but if it''s for a good reason I have no right to keep you with me." Ea explained his thinking. Ares though seemed to still be dissatisfied. He turned around again and landed on the bed, hiding his face in the pillows and smacking his legs on the mattress.

    "You don''t love me!" He cried and Ea stared at him in shock. The small couldn''t believe he was having that conversation right now with him or the audacity the spoiled prince had to call him out and say he didn''t love him.

    Ea stood up grabbing one of the pillows that were used as Ares'' hiding placed and started smacking his but with it.

    "How dare you...say...that I did not love you¡­.when I literally fought with your psychotic ex for you!" Ea said, mercilessly smacking him with the soft pillow in between his words.

    "Ouch!" Ares exclaimed after a while and stood up, attempting to get his pillow. Ea dodged him at first, managing to keep his weapon for a few more attacks but in the end Ares won, stealing it from him and pushing him on the bed. He sat on top of him, keeping him pinned while holding his wrist and moved forward. He stood so close to the point their noses were touching. "Say you love me"

    "No" Ea denied with a devilish grin.

    "Say it you little prick. Say you love me and that you will never let me go"

    "You can go. The door is open no one is holding you back"

    "Eaaaa" Ares said and miserably fell to the side, kicking the air. Ea couldn''t stop himself by now, he started chuckling seeing his childish attitude. He looked so cute with that pout on his face..

    "Don''t be childish Ares. We are married."

    "So? Is love lost? That''s what you''re telling me?" He asked him. Ea smiled.

    "I love you." He stated and a small smile began to appear in Ares'' face.

    "I like the way it sounds when you say it." The prince told him excited. "Say it again."

    "I love you."

    "One more time?"

    "I love you" Ea repeated again again with a caring expression on his face.

    "I love you too Ea. Even if you piss me off."

    "If we''re talking about who''s pissing who off I would be careful if I were you." Ea joked.

    ....

    Ares and Ea are one of the sweetest couples ever. Fight me if you disagree.

    Hello! Hope you liked this chapter. Please leave a nice comment and vote The tears of a Prince. I need all the support I can get so I would really appreciate it!

    Thank you for reading!

    Also let me know of your favorite phrase in the book for my new little project. Thanks

 Chapter 423 - 423

    Theseus stood at the back of the room, hiding in the shadow the sun cast while it entered from the windows. He was always there, standing, waiting and listening. All of his life he had been in the background, a very faint detail that people usually missed or were scared of because he looked ominous and aggressive. Theseus always stood tall, his back touching the cold walls, hands crossed over his chest while he hid from the blinding lights. The prince was never meant to appear to the light, he never learnt how to not be bothered by the sun while the comfort of the shadows, his only friends, as time had passed was turning out to be more comforting as the years passed.

    He always looked Allias from the back as he stood and shone in front of the crowds, as his smile charmed thousands of people or how his powers made everyone before him tremble. Allias fitted the shine of the blinding light so well, making it seem almost as if the sun was made for him. It had always been like this. From the very start. Allias stood in the light while he lingered in the shadows, detached from this world, listening to the whispers of his magic, consumed by an unknown fear.

    Theseus could be funny, he could be smart and he could be charming too. He could be everything really, he was outstanding, especially in his king''s eyes but it seemed like that part of himself was always kept in, deep inside only for Allias to see. Some may think of it as romantic, as a very unique gesture of a fateful love but the harsh truth was that Theseus'' life had always been very lonesome. He was named the ice king, the mad shadowcaster and many more but none of his nicknames seemed to describe a good person, someone who was wanted. After Allias'' return he had retrieved in the darkness again, almost like a stone guard, he stood at the back, watching after him.

    The dark prince did not mind. He had never questioned the way he lived or why he had been that way all his life. It was just who he was. Someone outstanding and strong who always seemed to fade in the background. He was satisfied by seeing Allias thrive, his smile was his joy so even if the people detested him, even if Allias'' friends were afraid of him it didn''t matter. Allias knew and that was enough.Theseus had decided to keep his life like this, embraced by the familiar warmth of his shadows, happy in his little spot close to the wall, away from everyone and everything. Allias though had different plans.

    Once everyone was gone, Luke, Mikael and his human girlfriend, Alexander with the gods, the palace seemed to quiet down a bit. There was a stillness in the air, a moment of complete silence and Allias enjoyed it more than he believed he would. He wanted moments like these, where everything seemed to be okay, with no problems. One chapter closed peacefully while he as the writer of his own story prepared for the next one. As he stood at the gates of his palace, greeting every single one of his guests, bidding them goodbye as he should because he was the king, he realized that Theseus was not by his side. He had been preoccupied, dealing with the mess the wolves had brought to his home that he had little time to talk to him. After they were finally gone Allias returned to the meeting room, finding Theseus in the same spot he sat before, his face facing the floor, he looked like he was thinking of something.

    Allias coughed, trying to get his attention as he stood at the door frame, his palm resting on the cold wood. The general raised his head, his skeptical expression disappearing fast as he met his eyes and he smiled. His eyes were so beautiful, a unique shade of purple. Allias loved looking at them, observing how they changed when the light did. He wished Theseus would step into the light more often, just so he could see the color of his eyes clearly, so his smile would not look sinister at the darkened background.

    "Can you please come out of the shadows? You look like a criminal." Allias said and the man laughed. He stepped into the light, showing the king how handsome he was. Allias approached him, grabbing a chair and sitting down. "Sit." he said and the man did as he was told.

    "What is it? You look very serious all of a sudden" Theseus commented as he noticed that Allias had a frown on his face. The elf drew circles on the table with his fingers, thinking how he should phrase what he wanted to say.

    "Don''t you think it''s time?" Allias asked and the general blinked, confused.

    "Time for what?"

    "Time for you to step out of the shadows. Socialize, make people see you for who you are. You remember that seamstress. I don''t want people to hate you, especially when you''re such a good person." The king told him and took Theseus'' hand in his.

    "Me? Good? Wait...wait let''s just take it from the start." Theseus said with a faint grin. He didn''t seem to realize that Allias was being serious.  "I don''t know why it''s so bad that I like standing in the back. Also I do not care what they might think of me. I mean...as long as you know I am perfectly happy. Let them hate me. Also Allias, I am not really that good. I don''t have the sense of justice or honor that you have. All I want to do is support you, I would do that even if you were a villain."

    "These things you''re saying,  all of them are not true. You''re good and you do care what people think of you. I remember your face back then. You felt bad and you were embarrassed. Why don''t you try to step out, leave the insecurities behind and let people see you for who you really are. Outstanding and amazing and smart." Allias said with a comforting smile. "Come stand next to me, under the light, stop hiding because you''re scared."

    "I am not scared." Theseus stated with a childish tone that made Allias giggle. "I am simply not likeable and I have accepted that. There is no reason to try and change now."

    "But you don''t have to change, just be yourself. Theseus, do you have any friends?" Allias asked him in a scolding tone.

    "Do you?" Theseus asked him back with a smirk.

    "I have Mark. Also my situation is a bit different considering the fact that all of my friends are dead." he told him with a serious expression and Theseus nodded, realizing how insensitive his question was.

    "Sorry, sorry. But where is this coming from all of a sudden?"

    "I don''t want us to be stuck in the past. I want things to be better and I want both of us to do better. You need to overcome your fear and socialize. Not the kind of socializing you did when I met you though." Allias commented and Theseus laughed. "Make friends, make people like you. One day...one day we will get you know...married so you will be king number two and...you get my point." The king told him with a faint blush growing on his face. "But I don''t want you to do this for me, I want it to be for you. I don''t want you to feel lonely anymore. Dependant on me. I want you to have your own life, enjoy the things you like, have friends and be happy."

    "What if I am happy now?" The general asked. Allias sighed, moving his head.

    "Of course you''re happy. I was gone for years and now I am back. You can''t get enough of me. The thing is Theseus, this excitement will one day end. We will have to stop the crazy adventures and return to our lives. I want you to have a life of your own. Be your own person, not just my guard dog in the shadows." he said. "You want to make friends. I know it."

    "You always know everything." Theseus teased him.

    "Please, think about it. Isn''t it lonely to always watch others from afar? To stand in the back and listen to them talk? You are so smart, so beautiful and so kind. You won''t have a problem."

    "Tell me really, why are you telling me all these? Don''t get me wrong. I know that you care but this is a bit sudden isn''t it? There has to be something behind it." The general said. It was unusual for Allias to insist so much for something so seemingly small. He would find other ways to make him do it, more cunning.

    "I don''t know what you mean." Allias said, averting his green eyes from him and Theseus smiled.

    "Allias? What are you scheming?" he asked.

    "I just...I just wanted to prepare you psychologically. Because while I was at the gate a messenger came. We will have a youth day, in like two days and I will set you as the main speaker!" he told him.

    "You did what?" Theseus exclaimed.

    "You mean we will gather a bunch of teens here and I will have to look after them? Are you out of your mind? I always hated youth days? Why are we still doing them anyway?" the general asked.

    "Because we have to."

    "No, because you want to torture me into making friends and being social. Come on now. What am  I supposed to say? What am I supposed to do?" Theseus cried, being more worried than when he actually had to make a war plan. Kids, big kids. They were the worst.

    "I will be there too."

    "Yeah that''s so comforting to hear."

    "Oh, there is something else I did not tell you." The king said with a bright smile.

    "What?"

    "I met a few Avgee elves on my journey and oh, the girl who is coming is my fiance. What a small world right?"

    "Allias."

    "Yes?"

    "Get out please."

    "Come on."

    "Out, now."

    Allias'' strategy to overwhelm him with information so he would be too stunned to get mad, had epically failed.

 Chapter 424 - 424

    Theseus didn''t like it. He didn''t like it at all. He woke up early during the morning preparing himself in front of the mirror. He had rehearsed many times what he was trying to say but every time he imagined a bunch of teens and young adults staring at him intensively. He took a few deep breaths staring at his reflection before Allias woke up. Another pep talk followed with many reminders of how amazing he was. Allias was always good at cheering him up, he was honest and his eyes would sparkle every time he talked about it. Theseus found it adorable, the way he was looking at him, how he tried to cheer him up but once more he couldn''t stop feeling worried.

    They were standing at the palace''s entrance as many young elf faces started to gather at the gates. Allias took his hand in his, making him stand by his side and the white haired general sighed.

    "Show them how amazing you are" Allias whispered and he nodded trying desperately to remember the lines he had repeated so many times again and again.

    The elves were led inside by two guards. One stood at the front and one in the back. There were about fifteen people, boys and girls with excited faces.

    Everyone seemed so happy, especially when their eyes landed on Allias. Some of them exclaimed in admiration while many girls blushed as he smiled at them. They were walking quietly by their side. Theseus smiled at his lover with a suggestive look. It was really funny and knowing about Allias'' love for children it was obvious that the king was excited too, even if they were older.

    They were taken to the throne room where huge cushions made of fine dark purple silk had been laid on the ground. The dark haired little elves walked in and took their fluffy seats, quarrelling about who would sit on the front. Once everything was settled Allias stood up from his throne and approached them, standing close to them.

    "Welcome." He said with his most charming smile and the teens started clapping. "You can''t imagine how happy I am that you''re here. This is a perfect chance for me and for everyone in the palace to reconnect with the people, the ones who matter the most and for you to see how things work in the palace. Who knows, some of you may end up here some day." He announced. "But I will not be the one instructing you today. As you may have heard, I have a partner. His name is Theseus and he was the king before me, keeping everything alright in my absence. I want him to talk to you today."

    As he finished his sentence a hand rose in the air. It was a young boy around the age of sixteen with chubby cheeks and pulled back brown hair. Allias pointed at him, allowing him to speak.

    "He is the man our parents hate. I don''t understand why you would allow him to be here. We came here for you." The young boy said and the truth was Allias was surprised with his honesty. Nonetheless he smiled, ready to explain.

    "Why do your parents hate Theseus?" He asked the boy but he had no answer for him. "So you come here, ready to judge my decisions without even actually having a reason. If your parents said they don''t like your friends without ever meeting them would it be fair?" He told him while tilting his head to the side. "Theseus is a great man. Amazing even. He is one of the strongest fighters of our nation. Probably the strongest and even better than me. He is also really handsome." He joked and a few girls giggled. Theseus who was standing a few steps back shook his head, a smile formed though on his face. Faint but still there. "Theseus why don''t you talk to them?" He asked and the general moved forward.

    "Hello." He said, his deep voice echoing in the spacious room. Suddenly a silence spread and he coughed, as he seemed to feel a bit uncomfortable. He rubbed the back of his pale neck before he said. "Any questions? I am not good with speeches?" To his surprise many hands were raised. One by one he heard their questions.

    "What is your job here now that the king is here?"

    "Actually I am one of the two Disee princes. At the moment I am the high general and the king''s right hand. Or more like a left hand" he teased Allias and the children tried to hide their laughter.

    "Why is your hair white?"

    "This...it happened when Allias died. I was too sad and my hair turned like this" Theseus said.

    "Yes! I''ve read the book and the king created those poisonous flowers at the portal to protect you. It was so sweet" a girl said with excitement. Theseus nodded feeling slightly shy but Allias who was standing in the back was smiling brightly.

    "You have a scar on your nose."

    "Oh that. Allias did it to me years back when I tried to break into his room without his mum knowing" he said and the girls in the room gasped, their cheeks painted a red color

    "Are you really one of the best fighters?" One of the boys asked and Theseus smirked.

    "I have beaten up your king''s ass many times so yes.", He told him. "But Allias is better at magic than me."

    Theseus as more questions started to come in felt more at ease. Actually he sat down, picking a leftover pillow and started talking with them with much less restraint. Allias stood up too and walked towards them, sitting by his side.

    "So why do the grown ups hate you?" The boy from before asked and a sigh escaped from Theseus'' lips.

    "Because the truth is...I didn''t want to be king. I was not made for it and I was too devastated when Allias left. I tried though. It was just that no one knew how things truly were." The general said.

    "That is so sad. You lost your one and only love" a girl said with tears in her eyes.

    "Oh, don''t cry" Allias told her and gently wiped her tears away, making her freeze in her spot.

    "Theseus is amazing isn''t he?" Allias asked. "He is strong, smart and funny. I don''t think that what they''re doing to him is right."

    "You sound like his fan!" A girl exclaimed and the girls giggled.

    "I am. I am his biggest fan. I want him to know how great he is" Allias told them. After a little while of talking two guards walked in once again and gathered up the children for a final tour of the rest of the palace, leaving the two men alone.

    "So how did I do?"

    "You''re asking me that? They liked you so fast. Really you did great. I knew you could do it. Honestly Theseus you are the best." The king exclaimed and jumped in his embrace. The man laughed, squeezing him hard and kissed the top of his head.

    "It wasn''t that bad I guess." He said.

    "I am sorry if it seemed like I was pressuring you. It must be hard but I want you to see for yourself. People do like you, you don''t have to be a bad and broody character. You are amazing. I want everyone to see it. I want everyone to know how much I love you" Allias said and Theseus'' cheeks flushed a shade of pink, mimicking the young schoolgirls from before.

    "In one day you''ve complimented me so much that I feel weird."

    "You like it."

    "I do." The general said with a grin and moved closer. His lips lingered on Allias'', his arm breath landing steadily on them. He kissed him, landing a soft and gentle kiss on his lips. Allias closed his eyes, his hand traveling in Theseus'' soft hair. Every kiss, every time brought the same excitement. He could never get bored of kissing the mad shadowcaster.

    "I love you. You know that right? I will always stay by you. I will always support you. No matter what" the king told him. "And I am so proud of you. Whatever happens we will deal with it together. In the light"

    "Yes, but compliment me more okay? It makes me look sexy" Theseus joked and Allias playful punched his arm.

    "No"

    "You love me though"

    "Always."

    ....

    Hello everyone hoped you enjoyed socializing with Theseus. I love this couple to be honest. They are my first babies. And they love each other so much.

    If you did like the chapter please leave a nice comment and vote The tears of Prince.

    Also I want to address hate comments. Please be careful with what you say. Some times your words are really hurtful and it shows that you do not pay attention to the book and simply speak to make the authors mad, I just get sad to be honest. Any comments like that will be deleted. I hope you''ll understand.

    Thank you.

 Chapter 425 - 425

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1mkYWkoXyo

    Please listen to this while you read. Trust me!

    .....

    "Hiii" A cheerful voice was heard and Theseus'' eyes fluttered open. It was Allias, laid right by his side, his beautiful face illuminated by the morning sun. His eyes having happy creases on the edges as he smiled brightly, stray locks of soft brown hair landing on his face because of the way he slept.

    "Hello." Theseus said with his morning voice, deep and rough. He turned on his side and hugged Allias, bringing him in his arms. The king could hear his calm heartbeat, he could feel a relaxed smile forming as his lips touched the top of his face. "You smell like vanilla."

    "I went to the kitchen before you woke up and they were making some weird cake. I think the smell is stuck on me." The king explained and Theseus breathed in his sweet scent.

    "I like it." he whispered in his ear and Allias chuckled.

    They stayed like that for a while, hugging in their enormous bed. The truth was that it was too big for them. Allias had the habit of pushing himself always close to Theseus, asking for his body, his warmth even when he was asleep. So the bed was there just to take space. If Allias could buy one bed that was barely fitting the two he would do it just so Theseus wouldn''t push him to the side during the night because he was too hot.

    "Then maybe I should ask for a perfume to be made."

    "Maybe you should" he told him and the king felt Theseus'' fingertips travel in his hair. Silk like, so soft, slipping through his pale fingers, smelling of vanilla. Allias raised his head and looked at Theseus. He loved how he looked in the mornings, relaxed that lazy smile on his face. He was truly everything he would ever need. His eyes traveled once again on his face like lost ships in the endless ocean. He had come to know the paths though, from his rosy lips, to his nose and finally his eyes, filled with so much love. Then his snow white hair...snow white.

    "Oh gods Theseus!" Allias exclaimed and jumped up, his green eyes wide. Theseus mimicked him, startled by him and looked at his lover surprised.

    "What? What''s wrong?"

    "Theseus, your hair." Allias said and pointed at them.

    "Am I growing bald?" The general asked with an expression of pure horror. His hands fondled his hair but there was no patch of bare skin. "What is it?" he asked again, impatient.

    "Your hair. There is a black strand in it." Allias said. Theseus was terrified at the thought of getting bald but now, he simply stood frozen, in awe while Allias'' eyes were filled with tears. "Your hair will turn black again." he said and the general jumped off the bed and hurried to their bathroom. He stood in front of the huge mirror staring at himself. Allias was right. Just at the front of his hair a big black strand had appeared, the exact color his hair used to be. Allias had followed him, standing at the door  as the elf observed himself. He stared at his reflection as if he was someone else, his lips parted in awe and with a shaking right hand he gently touched the black hairs.

    "You''re right. It''s black." he told Allias and his purple eyes landed on the man he loved the most in the world. "It''s black. Allias. It''s black" he repeated, slowly getting more and more excited. Allias nodded, salty tears leaving his eyes as his lover rushed towards him and hugged him.

    Theseus'' hair had turned white in the moment of his biggest sorrow. It was a very clear sign of the torture. As he witnessed Allias disappear right in front of him, as a part of him died forever he slowly turned into the icy man he was known as. His white hair to him was evidence, showing how he was dead, his soul old and forgotten. There was no Theseus without Allias, there was no life inside of him.

    But now, out of the blue a spark of his life had returned. As he looked at himself the general couldn''t believe his eyes.

    "It''s you." Theseus told Allias. "It''s because of you, you have done so many great things, one of them bringing me back to life Allias."

    "Theseus." The king told him. "The fact that I have the honor of loving you is the greatest thing I''ve ever done." he said and the general stared at him, stunned by the sweetness of his words once more. "Not the power, not the victories on the battlefield, not the magic. All of those things are irrelevant. The fact that you let me love you, the fact that back then you did everything to be with me, overcoming your fears, wanting to become better. That is my best achievement. I would erase everything and if I ever die again I don''t want to be named the elf king, the warrior, the ruler. I want to be known as the man who loved Theseus. The man who was honored to be gifted such a great heart, your heart. So once again, look at me and promise me that you will live. Not for me, not for anyone else but  yourself. Because your smile, your excitement right now, the life returning to you, this right here is my happiest moment." Allias confessed.

    Theseus sighed, tears gathering in his eyes and he looked up, trying to keep it in. He bit the inside of his chin and tapped his foot on the floor. No matter what he didn''t want to cry but his try was fruitless. Soon tears were escaping, rushing down his pale face like waterfalls.

    "How do you do that?" he told him as he cried.

    "What?" Allias asked him, smiling and with his thumb he brushed away the warm tears.

    "Being so...poetic. Listen to my heart." he said and grabbed Allias'' palm, resting it on his chest. Theseus'' heart was racing. Like a young man who had just found love his face was flushed, his heart crazy with love and Allias smiled.

    "I guess our hearts are the same then." he told the general and Theseus rested his own palm on his chest. He smiled nodding as he felt Allias'' heart.

    "I guess so." he said. "I want to say pretty things like that too." He pouted and Allias laughed.

    "Are you trying to steal my only talent?" Allias asked him.

    "We can share."

    "No. It''s mine."

    "Come on now, don''t be so stingy. Teach me too."

    "I can''t teach you Theseus" Allias said and rolled his eyes. "You''ve said some pretty good things too."

    "Not as good as this"

    "Well not everyone can be as talented as me." Allias said with a cocky smile and Theseus scoffed. "It''s just my heart." The elf continued. "I...I am just sharing what''s in my heart. Every little detail, even if sometimes I sound too much. I love seeing you smile. That''s why if becoming an open book for you will do that I am willing to tell you again and again." he said with a bright smile and Theseus hugged him, resting his head on his shoulder.

    "I love your heart Allias. I love your face¡­"

    "See that''s nice."

    "And I love your dick too."

    "Oh, gods" Allias exclaimed and Theseus laughed.

    They stood once again still, united and Allias relaxed as he felt Theseus'' weight on him. This was nice. He loved it. He wanted to spend his day like this. Tomorrow too, again and again just touching Theseus, seeing him smile. That would be the best gift. The biggest honor. "Can we stay like this forever?" Allias asked but Theseus couldn''t answer. Once he parted his lips ready to speak a loud knock was heard on his door and both of them sighed at the same time. "I guess not." he mumbled as he felt Theseus let go of him.

    The king walked outside, slowly getting to the door with a very obvious frown on his face. He was sure that if someone was knocking on his door at this hour it couldn''t be because something good happened.

    As he opened the door a young soldier appeared, bowing as he faced him.

    "My king." he called him and Allias gave a hurried smile. The poor soldier didn''t really do anything. There was no reason to scare him right from the start.

    "Is there something wrong?" Allias asked.

    "I was sent here to notify you that the Avgee girl has arrived. She is waiting for you in the throne room." The soldier said and Allias felt his mood get ruined instantly. He clicked his tongue, remembering her mother and she had asked of him. Not caring if he scared the little soldier anymore he smacked the door in his face, dragging his feet back to where Theseus stood. He hugged his lover and hid his face on his chest, whining.

    "Did you hear?" Allias asked and Theseus nodded.

    "I did."

    "I don''t want this."

    "Me neither but you know what? We will get through this. Together, like we always do." Theseus told him and Allias raised his head, meeting an encouraging smile.

    "It''s a crime to be this perfect." Allias mumbled before he kissed him.

    ...

    Hello! Please let me know of your favorite line in the book (if you can pls refference the chapter too, if youc an''t it''s okay). The scenes will be made into little art panels once I make my patreon meaning you will get to see the characters from a pro artist! So tell me, what moment do you want to come to life? It can be more than one!

    Thank you for reading.. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

 Chapter 426 - 426

    Allias was holding Theseus'' hand tightly as they left their room. They had talked about it, talking actually was the new way of doing things, no matter how hard it was. Sometimes it is better to simply get all these burdens off your chest and focus on what''s ahead. They were always there for each other after all.

    Their footsteps echoed in the silent corridor while they were being led to the throne room by the same guard that Allias had smacked the door in his face. The young elf seemed to be a lot more wary now, a lot more respectful and Theseus had to suppress his smile a few times. Allias never had the intention of scaring his people but when things did not go his way he had one hell of a temper. It was funny to look from the side, especially how he would feel bad sometimes for not smiling back at a servant or for being rude.

    "Um, you¡­" Allias called him and the elf stopped on his tracks immediately. He turned around, his eyes cautious. "What''s your name?"

    "Dalin, your highness." he said. He was facing the floor, not knowing if he should look the king in the eyes or not.

    "I...Sorry for slamming the door in your face before." Allias apologized and the soldier''s face snapped up.

    "Oh, no. Don''t apologize. Who am I so you would apologize to me." He said, his eyes wide.

    "One of my people. I respect all of you, it has nothing to do with me being king." Allias announced. "So please accept my apology. I will be more careful from now on."

    "Of...of course!" He exclaimed and Allias smiled brightly, the young elf blushing at the sight of his smile. "Then, shall we go?" he asked and the king nodded. Dalin turned around and began walking again, this time less tense. Theseus moved closer to his lover and whispered in his ear.

    "Why does everyone blush when you smile?" he asked him and Allias chuckled.

    "Because I am hot" The king said and winked playfully at him. Theseus rolled his eyes, a smile on his face.

    They had already reached the meeting room, the door visible to them when Allias watched it open. His best friend rushed out and closed it behind him in a hurry, an indescribable expression on his face as he noticed Allias and Theseus. The moment their eyes met he exhaled and rushed towards them, making Allias tilt his head to the side in question.

    "What''s wrong?" he asked him. Mark breathed in loudly a few times, his cheeks flushed a bright red before he managed to speak.

    "In there...really." He mumbled.

    "What? What happened?" Allias asked again.

    "Well, you know I am a very curious person." Mark said suddenly in top form and ready to make a speech. He pushed back his ginger hair and started talking as fast as he could. "So I wanted to see that girl. I couldn''t wait, okay? So I sneaked in there waiting for the girl to be brought in. Actually she is not alone. I think that somehow word got out and a bunch of royals ambushed her at the gate. They are in there right now and they keep asking her questions and honestly I feel bad for the poor girl. Then I was found out and a small chaos was created. They tried to catch me thinking I am some kind of human, hunter spy. I don''t know these people, I am telling you they are all crazy." he said and once he was done he took a deep breath and a smile appeared on his face. "But as you can see, no one can catch me."

    "Are you alright?" Allias asked him filled with worry. He grabbed him and turned him around, scanning him from head to toe back and forth. "They didn''t hurt you? Are you sure? Did they say anything to you? Did they disrespect you in any way?" he asked as his eyes turned cloudy. "I am going to deal with old geezers and then¡­"

    "Calm down Allias." Mark told him. "I am perfectly fine. I am actually a big boy. You don''t have to look after me anymore." he said and the king looked at him with a sad expression.

    "But¡­"

    "I am okay." The red haired said.

    Even now that Mark knew of his past. Even now that he had his powers, his familiars always protecting him, the elf king couldn''t stop worrying about his best friend. He was well aware of all the things Mark had to go through because of him, he didn''t want him to be in pain anymore and that meant he would do horrible things to anyone who dared to touch him, even if he was fully capable to protect himself on his own now.

    "No matter what, if you need me, if you need any help. You come to me." Allias said. He wasn''t smiling, his expression was deadly serious as he looked his best friend in the eyes. The red haired scoffed, a cocky grin on his face.

    "Who knows. One day you might need me." He stated and Allias laughed.

    "Dream on ginger from hell." he said and started walking, intending to get to the throne room. Mark''s eyes widened and he followed them, a frown on his face.

    "Hey, you''ve needed me many times already. Don''t try to hide bitch." he said and Allias shrugged his shoulders.

    "I don''t remember anything. Theseus, do you remember anything?"

    "No, not really. Sorry." The general said as they stood in front of the door.

    "Double betrayal. Very well. And what happened to your hair, it''s very cruella like. I like it." He told Theseus the moment the young soldier opened the tall double doors and Theseus stared at the human confused.

    "Very what?" he asked him.

    "This is not the moment for this." Allias said between gritted teeth as they were exposed to an actual crowd of people.

    The king examined his throne room. He could see at least twenty men, circling a young woman, barely in her early twenties. Her hair was long and curly, golden locks with bright blue eyes, freckles sprawled on her tanned skin and her dress was a rare specimen of what was left from his people''s attires. A long white dress with a golden belt. See through soft fabric covering her exposed shoulders while golden cuffs surrounded her forearms. Sandals covered her feet, while her posture showed fear as her deer-like eyes traveled between the men who kept talking and talking. Allias was already annoyed by them. Always annoyed by them, actually. Old elves who believed that because he was gone they could run the place and do whatever they pleased. As it seemed his previous statement was not enough, getting the pieces of one of their friends wasn''t enough for them to realize their position.

    "What are you all doing at my palace?" Allias shouted, his voice echoing like thunder. The crowd stopped its talking, the man taking their eyes away from the pretty girl and all turned to their king, formally bowing. The girl, finding her only chance now that they were preoccupied, removed herself from the crowd and stood at the back of the room. The king noticed her and for a second he looked at Mark, instructing him to help her. The red haired man rushed at her, wall by wall and stood next to her offering her a warm smile. "I asked you something, didn''t I? Why are you uninvited in my house?"

    At first no one dared to speak. Only one man was pushed forward, probably the one who had initiated this whole thing. He was tall, looking as if he was around fifty years old. Wrinkles formed on his forehead and at the corners of his eyes, nonetheless he stood with pride, his black eyes staring right at Allias.

    "We had not been informed of this. My king, don''t you think that we should have known about her existence? Us, the leaders of the elf nation getting to know about such an important event by mere gossip?" the man asked him and Allias clicked his tongue. The whole phrasing of his sentence was wrong, from beginning to end.

    "Us what?" Allias asked him. "The leaders of what Nation. The last time I checked I was your king and your job is and will always be to be under me and obey me. Last time was not enough for you I guess. Should I keep making myself clear over and over again? I have to admit it is getting kind of tiring and your blood stinks." he told him with a cold expression. The man took a step back, surprised by his reaction.

    "Atalanti would be embarrassed to hear her son speak in such vulgar language." A whisper was heard from the crowd. The moment it reached their ears Theseus stepped forward, searching who had the audacity to say something like that. The crowd of men as if it was one moved backwards. They knew of him, of what he was willing to do.

    "Well thank the gods Atalanti is not here anymore right? But back to the point. Why are you all here? Since you stepped on the front,speak up, I am waiting. Don''t worry. I won''t chop you up if I don''t like your answer."

    "We...we came here because we thought this was a great chance."

    "A great chance for what?"

    "To talk about the possibility of an heir. You can have children now, an Avgee son that will be the next ruler. We need your powers for the nation to work. This silly loving a man thing has lasted for centuries but we all think it is time for you to realize your responsibilities. The elf nation needs an Avgee heir more than even at the moment and this woman can provide this for you. This is why we came. Because we knew you were going to hide her so you could keep this little affair of yours going."

    Allias was not a seer. He could not witness the moments of the future before they already happened but this time, even before he entered the room, even before he heard about them coming here he knew. He had predicted this. He had feared this and someone in his palace was going to die for being a traitor. He turned his head, wanting to look at Theseus. His eyes widened in shock.

    It was the first time the general looked like that.

    The mad shadowcaster.

    Yes, it was a very befitting name.

 Chapter 427 - 427

    Mark had watched a few horror movies in the past. In general he found them unpleasant and with no reason to exist, why make so many people anxious for nothing? That''s what he always used to say. He also described them as unrealistic and annoying.

    Realistic or not, what followed could certainly be one of the scariest scenes in a horror movie. The redhead watching from the sidelines gasped, his eyes trying to follow everything that happened.

    The room was getting darker and that alone made it difficult. What he witnessed at first was Theseus getting incredibly mad. His violet eyes had turned clouded, shadows in them as his hands had formed firsts on his sides. The older elf had chosen the worst words to say, it was obvious and now everyone was scared for their lives.

    Allias turning his head towards his lover was the last thing that Mark managed to see clearly. After that a black smoke started to emit from Theseus'' feet, dark black shadows sliding on the floor, surrounding him as they circled the men who were now standing back to back yelling for this to stop.

    Mark squeezed his eyes. He noticed Allias touch Theseus'' shoulder, he didn''t say anything though as one of the men was tossed high by one of the shadows that had turned like a huge hand. They shook him around, his screams spreading in the spacious room and Mark could hear the girl next to him whimper in fear. He didn''t know what to do, he wanted to comfort her but at the same time he was too drawn to the sight before him to do anything.

    The man that had been captured by the shadows was released, his body messily falling and crashing to the hard floor. His head was smacked open, blood flooding the shiny tiles and the screams started to become even louder. The men began pushing each other, stepping on the ones that had fallen down as they tried to escape but no one was allowed to get out.

    Theseus'' footsteps were heard. Heavy boots landed angrily on the ground and the smoke started lessening as he got to them. With his eyes he stared at the men''s faces, one by one until he found the one who had dared to talk like that. He grabbed him by the neck and raised him in the air, his face serious while the man was desperately gasping for air.

    "He does not want to get married. Is that clear?" He asked him, his voice cold like ice as his furious eyes met with the man''s. He obviously couldn''t answer, Theseus didn''t need him to either. He just wanted to torture him. He let go of him and instantly grabbed him again by his collar, removing him from the crowd and heading towards the throne. He got up the small stairs and his hand dived into the man''s hair. He smashed his face on the seat of the throne, blood splattering everywhere. "I don''t want any of you old pricks coming in here again and ruining my peace. This is the last time." Theseus told him as he hit his face one more.

    "Please, I''m sorry¡­" the man cried as he felt the taste of his own blood.

    "I was nice to you wasn''t I? I let you do whatever you wanted didn''t I? So tell me, why the fuck are you making things hard for me now?" Theseus said. He didn''t sound like himself, deranged and strange he kept feeling pleasure from hearing this cocky royal beg for his mercy. He liked the sound, it gave him chills and he grinned.

    "I''m sorry...we will leave...please" he said, barely conscious and the general three him back to his companions.

    "Leave? But why? The fun it''s just getting started. You remember what happened here before, right? I mean you must be fools to come here with such confidence"

    "Please, show some mercy" another one begged. He fell to his knees, tears in his eyes. "Our king please save us" he asked for help, his eyes searching for Allias.

    The king stood to the side, his back on the wall, legs crossed and observed the scene. All of them turned towards him, repeating again and again for him to spare them. Allias tilted his head to the side, brown locks moving with his head.

    "I do not like women." Allias told them as if he was not participating in the same conversation. "Repeat with me. I do not like women" he said. The crowd stopped, their eyes looking stunned at the sadistic king as he had fun with them. "Say it!"

    "I do not like women" the crowd said in unison with trembling voices.

    "Good. Now. We are all a bunch of idiotic fools. Come on if you say it Theseus might spare you" he told them with a gentle smile. It was a huge contradiction. That face, those eyes and his words were all like parts of different puzzles. The crowd nonetheless repeated after him. "Should we kill them, should we not? Tell me Theseus what do you think?" Allias asked and stared at his lover.

    "I think we should kill them" Theseus responded with a twisted grin.

    "No! Please stop!" The girl shouted, speaking up for the first time. "This is horrible." She continued while crying. Her eyes were red, her whole body was shaking and Mark turned to his side, noticing her. He had almost forgotten she was there. His eyes saddened and he took a step towards her, wanting to calm her down, feeling guilty but she stepped away. "You''re worse than them!" She shouted and ran away, her body slamming on the double doors, pushing them open.

    Allias sighed and rubbed his temples. He looked at the men and shook his head.

    "Get the fuck out. Also get that half corpse to a healer to restore him" he ordered a guard and two men picked up the man who had his head opened. The man rushed outside, running as if they were worried the king was going to change his mind.

    Once the room was empty Allias walked towards Theseus. The white haired general seemed to be tense still, his muscles hard as he faced the ground.

    "I don''t want them in here again. I know it''s your palace. I know you are the king but¡­"

    "This is your palace too." Allias said. "We will deal with them. I swear once and for all. When the time is right."

    "I hope the right time comes soon because Allias you know they will come again. They will find ways to pressure you. You should have let them die. I don''t care anymore." He said, his eyes filled with hate.

    "We can''t do that. Not again. I am sorry Theseus. But I promise I won''t let them ruin this. I won''t let them ruin us." He said and stood close. Their foreheads touched and Allias caressed his lover''s cheek. Soft and cold skin underneath his palm. Theseus relaxing into his touch he nodded.

    "I trust you." He said and the king smiled.

    "We have to start planning. I need to be one step ahead of them. Also, there is a traitor in the palace."

    "Can I kill them at least?" Theseus asked and the king giggled.

    "Sure. You can torture him even"

    "I think that will be necessary."

    "Not if he is a coward and confesses everything."

    "Well, let''s hope he is brave then. It won''t be satisfying if he isn''t" Theseus said as they walked out of the room.

    "Umm¡­" a faint voice was heard from the back of the room. "I''m still here." Mark said and rolled his eyes and he rushed outside catching up to them. "Hello! Thank God this time you didn''t forget me upside down. Like you know that other time" Mark said.

    "You were still there?" Allias asked.

    "Yes but you were too in love to notice me." The redhead said with a frown.

    "As you said dear friend, you are a big boy now. You don''t need mommy anymore."

    "I wasn''t a big boy when I was hanged upside down in a stinky room waiting for someone to unclip me from the fucking ceiling. No remorse whatsoever."

    "I said I was sorry!" Allias told him with a smile and Mark scoffed.

    "Sorry my ass."

    "How about I bring you some Chinese food here?"

    "You''re joking right? We can do that? I love Chinese food."

    "Don''t mention the room thing again and we can."

    "You sir have a deal."

    "Also help me find the traitor."

    "Chinese food and frozen yogurt then."

    "Deal"

    .....

    Hello! Hope you liked this chapter. If you did please leave a nice comment and vote for The tears of a prince to support this lovely writer in the contest. I would appreciate it.

    I also accept bets on the girl''s character.. Do we like her? Do we not? Let me hear you out.

 Chapter 428 - 428

    The king knew he had to. Even though he didn''t really want to, he had to. He needed to find the young elf girl who had run away from the throne room in shock and explain to her the whole situation. The truth was that he hadn''t thought about what he would do with her yet. He didn''t want to marry her, that was obvious but at the same time it was clear he couldn''t send her back home. Her mother had been awfully annoying but at the end of the day she had been thinking of her well being so sending her back there like a sheep ready for slaughter didn''t sit right with him.

    At the same time he didn''t wish for her to get the wrong idea. Just because he was planning on comforting her in a vulnerable state it didn''t really mean they would get married. That''s why he had convinced Theseus to stick with him as they searched the whole palace to find her. The general was unwilling at first, not wanting to meet with her after everything the royals had said but Allias explained to him that this way they would honestly show they were never going to separate so Allias would get married. The white haired man had agreed as a sigh escaped his lips and now they were completing one and a half hour of circling the palace.

    "I don''t think we will find her today. Let''s just stop." Theseus said.

    "We can''t do that. She is all alone hiding somewhere. She just came here." the king said.

    "Then send the guards."

    "That will make us look even more hostile."

    "Well, it''s not like I am friendly or peaceful. Hostile would be about right." The general said and a chuckle escaped from the king''s lips. He stopped himself, immediately feeling bad and smacked Theseus'' arm.

    "Come on. It''s not her fault that things happened like that. She had been imprisoned for so long. Let''s just try. She could be nice. I mean, she seemed to feel really bad about the men even though they were scum of the earth. So let''s be positive for once."

    "Have you met me? I don''t do positive. I already know that the worst is going to happen. I don''t even try to think about it after¡­" Theseus began talking but the king stopped him by bringing his index finger in his own lips and signaling him to be quiet. After Theseus stopped he followed his green eyes.

    Finally they had found her. She was laid on the grass underneath a tree in the back of the garden. Allias stared at her from the window, her eyes were closed, stained cheeks from the tears as she seemed to be sleeping.

    "Let''s go." the king said and they hurried outside, worried that if they were late she would slip away once again.

    Allias frowned as the bright sun hit his face and he placed his palm on top of his eyes to create some shade. He searched again for her, finding her easily and walked quietly towards the fruit bearing tree. It was a pear tree, green fruit on its branches, heavy and ripe ready to be collected. Pears were nice, he liked them, Allias thought as he cut one from a branch.

    The snapping of the separation of the pear from the branch caused her to awaken. Startled by the slightest sound as she seemed to be alarmed even during her sleep she sat up, taking a deep breath and looking around to spot potential enemies.

    "Hi" Allias said and smiled brightly at her. "Here, try this. You must be hungry." he told her and gently threw the fruit at her. The girl, still stunned by his appearance, didn''t catch it. It simply landed on her lap, left there.

    "You killed that man. You people took his life." She said, her face turning serious.

    "We didn''t really kill him, he is being sent to a healer. He will be fine. All of them will, unfortunately." the king said before he sat on the green grass. The girl stared at him, moving her body to get further away from him when she felt her back touch something. She turned around, her blue eyes landing on a tall man, dressed in black with an expressionless face. His violet eyes were stuck on her and she gasped, terrified. "It''s fine. We won''t hurt you. I promise." Allia said, wanting to calm her down. "I know what you saw might have shocked you but those people, they are not nice. They would do anything to meddle in the kingdom''s affairs. They are corrupted and against me." he explained.

    "Just because someone is bad becoming bad yourself does not excuse anything." She stated and she heard a scoff. The man behind her was grinning, his eyes still stuck on her. "Please stop looking at me like that. You''re making me anxious." she said and Allias laughed. He moved his hand, calling Theseus and the white haired general sat down on the ground right next to Allias. If someone didn''t know any better they would seem like three friends going on a picnic.

    The girl played with the pear that had been left alone in her lap. She touched the smooth peel and admired its vibrant color as she waited for someone to speak.

    "I am Allias and he is Theseus. He is my partner." Allias introduced them and the girl raised her head, dropping the pear. "You''re Rayla right?" he asked and she nodded.

    "You have a partner but you''re engaged to me." she said, seeming confused.

    "Yes. About that. I am really sorry but I can not marry you. I am with Theseus. I know the people want me to give them an heir but I can''t marry someone that I do not love. That doesn''t mean you will be kicked off the palace. I remember my mother telling me that you are a very skilled healer. We could give you a position here¡­."

    "I do not wish to stay in a palace where I will be looked at with pity every day. Everyone will know me as the woman the king rejected to be with a man. That will be too embarrassing." she said and Theseus scoffed.

    "I understand, but for now, until we at least solve the problem with the royal families it is important that you stay here. For your own safety too. No one will harm you or bother you. The people in the palace are nice."

    "Yes, I had a little preview of that kindness a while back." she told them with a frown. "Why can''t you just marry me and save me from embarrassment. I can give you an heir. You simply need to sleep with me a few times. Many kings had secret lovers. You will not be any different from them." she said.

    "Listen." Theseus said, talking to her for the first time. "He won''t be doing that."

    "Why? Are you jealous?"

    "No. He simply doesn''t like lying to himself. It is that simple. Marriage, having a soul link is sacred. Not everyone can simply do that. Allias loves me and I love him. We have been together for thousands of years and no, not even an agreement his late mother had will stop us." the general told her. Rayla stared at the general in silence, her innocent eyes focusing on his handsome face as she listened to him talk passionately about his love for Allias. Her cheeks turned a faint pink and she looked away, wanting to hide her distressed state.

    "I am sorry if this is hard for you. But you can always meet someone else. I am sure love is not impossible." Allias said.

    "I don''t want love. I want stability. I don''t want to be taken away and tortured again. I want to feel safe." She told them, pain flashing through her eyes. Allias and Theseus seemed to have forgotten that this girl had been imprisoned by the worst kind of people for almost a century. What she must have gone through would be so hard to imagine, the pain and the anguish. Allias would have lost all hope but she stood tall, proud. For at least that she deserved to be admired.

    "I can guarantee your protection. I will do everything I can to protect you but for that, I need you to stay in the palace." The king told her. Her eyebrows furrowed as she thought about his offer, her slender fingers teasing the fruit once more, a way to stop her anxiousness. She sighed, knowing that there wasn''t really any other option and nodded, agreeing to stay there.

    "But once this is all over I want you to let me leave. I do not wish to stay in the palace."

    "As you wish." Allias told her with a gentle smile.  The only thing the king could think of was that Theseus would be relieved that Rayla wasn''t interested in him. As it seemed for the first time in a while things seemed to go smoothly. He tried not to put so much thought into it though, that way he could avoid jinxing it. "We will have someone show you the palace tomorrow. So you can walk around freely. Today I bet that you wish to rest. I will send a maid." The king told her and stood up from where he sat, Theseus following suit.

    "About the tour¡­" Rayla said and stared at Theseus with a shy look. "I want you to take me." She told the general.

    Why did he have to think about it? Why?

    He had jinxed it.

    ...

    Hello! Did you like this chapter? Please let me know what you think? Thank you for reading!

 Chapter 429 - 429

    If Theseus could have one wish, only one he would wish that for a day the whole world would disappear. Everyone will simply vanish and it would just be him and Allias. The two of them in this vast endless universe. He would be able just to hold Allias'' hand, take him outside under the bright blue sky and lay down on the grass. They would look at the clouds, guess about their figures and talk. Simply talk about everything but at the same time about nothing. The king would have that peaceful smile on his face, his eyes a mix of the colors of nature and every time he spoke Theseus would feel happy. With every word while listening to his soothing voice his heart would tremble and as their fingers would graze each other he would feel like he used to again. Back then when no one bothered with them, at a time they would run and hide simply not to get scolded when living was one of the funniest games.

    The general would reminisce of those times, he would think and think, dream about them after a stressful day and he wouldn''t help but wonder, after all this ended, if it ever did what would happen? Would he be able to have his day with Allias? One day when no one would follow them with heartbreaking news, a day when they wouldn''t have to babysit his little brother and his introverted husband, a day when a demon would not kill Allias''s best friend. Theseus wished for that day to come, a peaceful morning when he wouldn''t care about getting up. His fingers would simply rest in Allias'' silk like hair and he would be able to admire his beauty without rushing. The captivating stillness the mere seconds before the king woke. Those few seconds were the essence of magic itself for Theseus, his life source, even. Allias'' face as his eyes fluttered open, the long eyeshadows casting shadows to his tanned cheeks and his smile, lazy and relaxed.

    He always moved his body closer in the morning, so close their noses would touch and he would be able to smell the scent of his shampoo, the oils that he used on his body. Allias had a very characteristic smell. If Theseus closed his eyes he could envision it even. A spring morning, a field filled with flowers and a light breeze that made the delicate flowers dance with the wind. A warm sun and the singing of birds. That was Allias, his form as the general thought of him as one of the most peaceful beings in this messy world. The golden king thrived under pressure, in the rush of battle, he thrived everywhere really, during a demanding game of chess or diplomatic meeting filled with traitors but in Theseus'' mind he thrived during those seconds in the morning. When he wasn''t a king, nor someone that had to bear the weight of the world in his shoulders, when he was simply him, Allias the man he adored.

    Sadly the general had missed that morning since he had to give a tour of the palace to Rayla. He got up early, before Allias so he wouldn''t wake him up and escorted the girl through the big palace. Their words were few and during the whole time Theseus could only think of getting to him, that had always been his only desire. So he didn''t really pay much attention to her words, she didn''t say anything that shocking after all.

    "You look like you''re daydreaming." Rayla had told him the moment their tour was over and he returned her to his room.

    "I just have a lot of stuff on my mind, that''s all. These are rocky times." Theseus said, hiding the fact that he had been blatantly ignoring her while he thought about his lover.

    "I wrote a letter yesterday." Rayla said and Theseus looked at her with a questioning expression, his eyes coming finally back to reality. "To the elders or the royal families, whatever you call them."

    "What? Why would you do that and how did you find out how to do all that in just one night?" Theseus asked her, not knowing if he should be worried about this so-called letter or impressed by her skills of getting what she wanted.

    "I asked around, there were some soldiers who would really sell even their mothers just to see your naked shoulder. You need to improve your staff if you ask me. No wonder someone actually spilled the beans about my whole arrival. So yes, I got some addresses, wrote what I wanted to say and simply gave them to one of the willing boys before you came to get me." Rayla explained. Theseus sighed, not really ready to ask his next question.

    "And what did you say in those letters?"

    "That I will not marry the King." She stated and Theseus blinked. He wasn''t expecting such a positive answer. As he had mentioned many times before he wasn''t really the optimistic type and he made himself ready to always hear the worst. Thankfully, his day wasn''t ruined, yet at least.

    "That does not sound as bad as I had expected" he told her with a small smile on his face and she chuckled.

    "I also said that¡­"

    "Theseus!" A familiar voice sounded and Allias'' best friend appeared from the corner of the hallway. Once again he was running, out of breath and the general couldn''t help but wonder if he was actually being chased or this was his way of doing things.

    Once he reached them he exhaled loudly, taking a few deep breaths before he landed his hand on Theseus'' shoulder for support.

    "What is it Mark?" Theseus asked while Rayla had been interrupted. She seemed to be bothered by it, a frown forming on her beautiful face but she didn''t say anything, she simply took a step back, getting closer to the door of her room. She didn''t want to reveal the content of her letter while Mark was here.

    "I found the traitor! Little old me did it in less than a day actually." Mark said with a cocky grin and Theseus nodded his head.

    "And the reason you''re telling me this and not Allias is because¡­"

    "Allias is not feeling that well, he told me to tell you. He said he wants to stay in bed today." Mark said and Theseus frowned, hearing that Allias was not well. Suddenly he was standing at a crossroad, fuck the traitor and simply visit him to see if he is well or do what Allias told him too. "I know what you''re thinking." The red haired said. "Allias wants to be done with this. You won''t really leave that guy thinking it''s fine. Come on, I have been asking people all night." he said.

    As it seemed two people had been around during the night asking for stuff. Once was with them while the other was still unknown. Time would only show.

    "Okay, where is he?"

    "He is in the throne room. He is waiting. Asmodeus was kind enough to tie him up." Mark said and Theseus scoffed.

    "Yes, I am sure he did not enjoy it at all. Well, Rayla I am sorry but our conversation will have to end here today. Thank you for the letter actually, them knowing that you won''t be willing to marry Allias will actually help us." he told her and she parted her pink lips, wanting to say something.

    "Theseus, I need to tell you about the rest of the letter too." She said, trying to hide her frustration but the general had already begun walking completely ignoring her words. She sighed as she opened her door. The sound of it closing brutally echoed in the whole hallways but the two men ignored it. They weren''t really concerned at the moment and the beginning of her letter had somehow put Theseus at peace for now.

    "So how did you find him?" Theseus asked.

    "I bribed them. They are all willing to talk so easily. I think that Allias is not really perceived as a king yet. Not the royals, not even the palace staff fears him or respects him enough to be loyal. I mean I was expecting it from the royals but¡­"

    "I know. This nation has been corrupted for many years, rotting. We will have to change a lot of things soon." The general said as he pushed open the doors that led to the throne room. Indeed there was a beaten up elf inside, fallen to his knees while his hands were tied behind his back. Asmdoeus was seated at the stairs in front of the throne, guarding him so he wouldn''t try to escape.

    "Well, hello there." Theseus said as he stood in front of him. His tall figure casting a dark shadow in front of his eyes and the soldier gulped.

    "My lord, I...I didn''t do anything bad. They simply asked me and I¡­"

    "No, no, no wait. This is not how we start." Theseus said and crouched, grabbing his bruised chin. "First of all, tell me. Don''t you know that what happens in the palace, it''s law that it stays here?" he asked him.

    "Yes, but they...they are royals¡­"

    "So you know. That is quite disappointing. Did you take an oath to serve the current king and no one else?" he asked him again as he stood up.

    "I did. I did."

    "So tell me then the fucking reason why you would open your mouth and speak to the worst people in our kingdom?" Theseus shouted and kicked him in the stomach. "I woke up okay today, no rain, no cold but obviously some of you fuckers have to annoy me to death. But guess what, I won''t be the one that''s dying."

    "No, no my lord please. I...I can tell you things. I swear. Please" The man cried, pleading for his life.

    "What could you possibly know that concerns me?" he asked him.

    "The letter, the letter that woman wrote. It should worry you more than the information I revealed." The soldier said and Theseus stared at him.

    "Speak and I may spare you."

 Chapter 430 - 430

    Theseus looked at the men as he sat on the floor. His body was shaking, his bloodied face and eyes expressed his immense horror as he tried to find a reason for the general to keep him alive. He parted his scuffed lips, trying to pick his words carefully but after the horrible news Theseus had become even more impatient. He grabbed the man from his collar, his eyes cold as they pierced his soul.

    "Speak. Don''t hide anything. Believe I will find out." he said.

    "The woman, the one you brought here. She wrote a letter last night right? She sent it to the rest of the royals. She said she didn''t want to marry our king, that she would never do that but she considered someone else as a candidate. She said she wants to marry you. She told them she would provide an heir to the throne that way, and an Avgee child even if it''s just half." Theseus'' eyes widened. As he had heard Rayla speak he had never thought that her letter would end in such a way. He threw the man back and rushed towards the entrance of the throne room. The usual guard was standing outside and the general pulled him in roughly.

    "Take him to the dungeons. Make sure he does not get out. Also put a guard, no not a guard, tell my brother to stand outside the woman''s room and Ea to keep watch outside, his eyes on her windows. I don''t care if they whine, I don''t care if they don''t want to simply make them do it." Theseus commanded and the guard with a sharp nod picked up his colleague from the ground and took him outside.

    Theseus moved towards Mark and Asmodeus. His boots stepped on the blood the soldier had left behind and he frowned, seeing how his steps left bloody prints behind. Mark was looking at the general with a stunned expression while Asmodeus had a grin on his face, this turn of events was definitely not one to laugh about but the irony, oh well, it was practically comedic.

    "That is¡­." Mark mumbled.

    "That is a disaster." Theseus said. "Do you have any idea what this means?"

    "I can guess." Asmodeus said. "There are a few possible outcomes. Either the royals agree with the woman and try to kill Allias to have her and you on the throne thinking they could manipulate you a lot more easily considering your bad ruling history or they think of all these as insolence. They believe you have an eye for the throne again and they try to take you out because you are a threat to the monarchy. Oh my, I love the royal status quo and the games in it." the demon exclaimed and Mark stared at him with a deadly gaze.

    "What do you think will happen?" Mark asked Theseus. The times he was left speechless were very few. He always had an idea, some kind of lead, a way to fix things but this time he was simply dumbfounded. Actually, his mind was blank. He never expected something like this to happen? Why would this woman want to marry him in the first place? It did not make any sense.

    "I have no idea. The truth is I can''t see any logic in this. She is here one day only and she has decided she wants to marry me? Does that make sense to you?"

    "No, not really, considering how unlikable you are" Asmodeus stated and Mark scoffed.

    "Like you should be the one to talk." The red haired teased him and the demon shrugged his shoulders, a cheeky smile on his lips, his sharp fangs showing under his pink lips.

    "We should let Allias know." Theseus said. "He is not feeling well though, this will be horrible." he mumbled as he rubbed his temples, his purple eyes stuck on the door. He knew the moment he passed by he would have to go to Allias and completely ruin his day. This was an important matter though, he couldn''t take care of it alone.

    "Yes, we need him. He will know what to do. After his usual mental breakdown he will be completely fine and ready to work." Mark stated and the general nodded agreeing with him.

    "I will go." He said. "Mark, please ask around a bit about the letter. Who was the one that took it to the royals, all that stuff that we might need to know. I would really appreciate it. We don''t have much time. I am sure they will act soon, if they haven''t started already" Theseus said. The red haired man smiled before he left, wanting to go and find Allias, wanting to let him know of all the details.

    "What are you waiting for? Start scaring people." Mark told Amsodeus when they were left alone.

    "As you wish." The man said with a devilish smile.

    The two of them terrorized the workers at the palace for some time. They had managed to get some information but nothing really that important and Mark was starting to lose hope. After the first hour passed he got tired of talking literally to the walls and decided to go to Allias too. Make sure he is alright, see how he is managing with the golden news.

    He knocked on his door a few times without getting an answer and he frowned. He knocked again this time a bit louder and with much more force until he heard Allias'' footsteps approach.

    "I get it! Shut up!" he shouted before he opened the door. "No one else would knock on my door with such vigor except you." he told his friend and Mark smiled. Allias was wrapped in a thick robe, his complexion slightly pale and he walked slowly inside getting back on his messy bed.

    "You don''t look that good."

    "That''s because I don''t feel good. I feel exhausted for some reason." the king said.

    "Well, I mean after you heard the news it would only get worse. Where is Theseus?"

    "What news? What do you mean?" Allias asked him.

    "Wait, Theseus didn''t tell you? He was coming to your room to let you know." Mark said and the elf looked at him with a frown on his face. He was confused since the whole day he had been in his room, laying on his bed with no visitors. If Theseus had visited him he would have definitely noticed.

    "Theseus never came to my room." Allias said.

    "Shit." Mark mumbled with a worried expression. "He was right after all."

    "Mark, what is going on?"

    ...

    Hello everyone! Thank you for reading. Just a quick and very improtant question.

    Do you want a dramatic and passionate arc for the ending or a more smooth and peaceful one? Comment what you want! It is your turn to decide the ending.

    Thank you!

 Chapter 431 - 431

    Allias had felt many different kinds of pain as he grew up. As a human and as an elf, as a simple mortal and as an immortal king. He had known physical and emotional pain. The struggle of losing your loved ones and the decay of the soul as you took a life with your own hands. The king knew all about pain and its different variations, about the different kinds of tears and the screams. Silent and loud ones. The breaking of the heart and the numbing of the body. Pain was always inside of him for many reasons. It had built a nest in his heart and was trying schemes and experimenting on his body.

    As he heard Mark, as his best friend explained to him the situation, the pain came alive again. It spread slowly on his scarred body, reopening the wounds and pouring salt in them. Pain was taking Allias'' tears and used it as a weapon to burn his teared skin. The king took a few steps back, his legs touching the side of the bed. The silk sheets, colored beige smelled like lavender and Theseus'' side had a sweet scent linger still. Suddenly his room was too bright, the sun coming in from the windows was brutally burning his skin, the silk sheets were rough like sandpaper and the walls that were dressed with beautiful tapestry were closing in. The sky Theseus had made for him, at the top of his head was being slowly ruined.

    Allias'' heart was pounding. Calm down, calm down, he told himself again and again. He had felt pain like this before, he had worried for Theseus so why couldn''t he master it? Why was he like a young child experiencing things for the first time?

    Because he loved him. The answer was so simple, a cliche as old as time but it was the somewhat embarrassing truth. He loved him more than he loved himself and the idea of him disappearing like this under those circumstances was a nightmare coming to life. He couldn''t be a levelheaded king, he couldn''t be rational and smart. He could only give up on himself because while Mark called out his name, asking him if he was okay all Allias could think was that people were going to die.

    He stood up, throwing  his fluffy robe on the floor, kind of a comical move but still the seriousness in his face did not allow Mark to laugh. He rushed outside, leaving the door of his room wide open as he stepped on the cold tiles of the palace. Their nation had been completely ruined years back, an endless winter followed leaving their kingdom lost while the rest of the world evolved. Many techniques were lost, academies were burned. The Avgee Tribe was the capital of their education, of the knowledge about the elf tribe and its techniques while the Disee were the ones lingering in the shadows, the people who fought and traded, the merchants and farmers. There was a balance, one filling out what the other missed but now that his home was lost many things had changed. One was that they thought life was better like this, buried in winter, where they could do whatever they wanted. Allias would not allow it. He would not sit by and watch another part of his home rot away and he would never allow them to touch Theseus.

    To Mark''s surprise Allias did not head to Rayla or anyone else. He led him to a room he had never seen before. Deep into the back of the palace where light was hard to reach, a metal door stood in front of them. It had no lock nor could you push it open. There was some kind of writing on it, elfen language, Mark realized, and then underneath the line of unknown words was a circle. The redhead stared at it confused, seeing Allias place his palm right in the middle and a bright light emitted from his hand. It spread into the insides of the door and the letters lit up as if they were on fire. He heard the sound of clogs and slowly the door disappeared as if it never existed.

    Allias walked inside, his friend following him in a hurry,keeping a close distance since the moment the king had walked inside the door behind them reappeared, sealing them inside. The room was dark, no windows letting the sun in and Mark bumped on something as he stepped forward. The sound of metal echoed in the quiet room and then something fell down. Mark''s eyes widened in shock, hoping it wasn''t something that expensive.

    "Mark. Stay still for a second." Allias scolded him and the red haired coughed, demanding from his hyper active body to not move.

    He had lost sight of Allias, the King walking away from his friend at the center of the room and walking towards the sides. He heard him slap his palm once more to the wall and suddenly the room was lit up. This place was some kind of armoire, Mark realized as he looked around with his brown eyes.

    The walls were painted the clearest white he had ever seen, flowers painted on them with golden ink, decorating them elegantly. The floor was shiny, showing the man his reflection perfectly while the white tiles too had golden lines in them, spreading like royal veins in the expensive material. On the walls there were bows and swords, shields and what Mark had come to knock on the floor was a piece of armor. Probably the most beautiful armor he had ever seen.  The weapons too, hanging on the walls or standing in their glass cases didn''t look like anything he had seen before.

    "Allias¡­"

    "Beautiful right? Means  of destruction looking like pieces of art." He commented as his fingers traced the fine line of a bowstring. It was gold, with grape designs carved on it on its ends, looking absolutely beautiful. The king was right, every weapon, every piece of armor was magnificent. "These were the only weapons that were left from my people." Allias mumbled as he paced around in the room.

    Mark''s eyes had never seen so much gold before, so much luxury in perfect balance with elegance. Thin swords decorated with gems, beautiful carvings on the blades of flowers while the armor he had thrown to the floor looked as if it was made out of porcelain. The head piece almost looked like a golden crown while the part that protected the hands were pairs of tight fitted gloves enhanced with metal on the inside. He couldn''t help but wonder, what would his friend look like if he wore it.

    The one object that could be described as the most magnificent though stood in the middle of the room, placed very carefully on a tall glass case as it shone under the only light source Allias had activated. It was an enormous spear, standing lonely away from everything else. That too golden with vines engraved in one part of the handle and blooming flowers. Small gems decorated the socket and the spearhead was so sharp you believed it would cut you if you even breathed close to it.

    Allias broke the glass case with his fist, the glass shuttering loudly and falling everywhere around them, making Mark flinch.

    "You have a spear." the redhead reminded him and Allias'' grinned.

    "That was simply for everyday use, while this...it carries a message." he said and grabbed the weapon, weighing it in his arm.

    Mark couldn''t help but be surprised with how easily he carried it. Not only the fact that he was missing one arm was the problem but that thing was literally huge. It looked like something that a god would wield, not a...whatever Allias was considered, Mark thought. He wasn''t a human anymore after all.

    "So, what are you intending to do with it? Play darts" Mark asked with a smile, kind of intimidated by him. He wasn''t scared of him of course but seeing him with that thing in his hands, one wrong move and he would be dead.

    "Revenge, Mark, revenge. I am also getting my boyfriend back."

    "Epic." Mark mumbled and started following him again. He mimicked the process of before and easily they were back at the palace. It was so different from that room they were before and maybe this was one of the few times Mark realized the difference between the tribes.

    The Disee castle was dark, dressed in black, deep purple and red. It''s walls are rough and the art that decorated the walls many times depicted scenes of sadness. The rooms too had little light most of the time, tight spaces and dark wood. Light and shadow, separated but coexisting.

    Allias was the only light that had remained. "Yes, epic but wait. We know nothing, we have no idea what is going on and I don''t think killing people right and left is the answer."

    "Oh, don''t worry. I will resolve everything. Where is that woman staying. Take me there. Now."

    "Should we leave the spear first and then¡­."

    "Now, Mark. Now."

    "Your mood swings really. Just a few seconds ago you were at the brim of a mental breakdown and now you wanna go on a rampage."

    "That is because the moment I leave my room, I am not Allias anymore. I am a King and I won''t be allowing people, especially potential enemies to see me like this, believe me...I want to cry."

    "Alright, let''s go I guess."

    ...

    Hello! Hope you liked this chapter. Please leave a nice comment and maybe a nice review. Also if you''re able check out my book The Tears of a Prince, it''s good I swear xD and give it a vote for the contest.

    Which Tribe do you think you would be in? Let me know! Thank you for reading.

 Chapter 432 - 432

    Allias had manners. He was usually polite and well behaved. There were rarely people who didn''t like him once they met him and some, many times got charmed by his talents. But at times like these the first thing Allias chose to forget were manners. Manners and proper language, also he stopped liking people in a way. Even the ones who were by his side. The king was a very fragile person, and it took only one thing to make him snap. That thing, or more like that one tall white haired and mysterious man named Theseus. The moment anyone dared to even refer to Theseus things changed. Allias was not all smiled any more, he preferred biting and scratching. Yes, that was a more appropriate way to describe his reaction and yes he had bitten someone before because they insulted Theseus. Childish actions of his old youth, now he was older, mature, a king so would he do it again? Absolutely yes.

    That was why the moment he reached Rayla''s room, spear held tightly in his hand he stopped, finding Ares in his path staring at him with a frown. The  young Disee prince had been not informed about anything and had been actually made to keep guard with no information at all. He stood in front of Allias with his hands crossed over his chest and tapping his foot on the polished floor.

    "Allias, why the hell do we have to¡­" he started saying but he couldn''t finish his sentence. Allias pointed at him with the enormous spear, making him gasp.

    "Move, ugly." Allias said, his face completely serious.

    "Excuse me what?" he asked and then Mark grabbed his arm pulling him to the side.

    "Let''s have a talk dear prince." He told Ares, removing him from Allias'' sight.

    The king stood in front of Rayla''s door and for a second he thought of his entrance. He of course wouldn''t knock but still, she was a lady what if she was undressed? He cleared his throat and shouted loudly.

    "I am coming in!" Then with his boot he kicked the wooden door breaking it into many large and sharp pieces.

    Rayla didn''t seem surprised. She was sitting on her bed with a closed book resting on her lap. The space did not have any sign of being lived in, even the bed was neatly made, the chair in the desk pushed inside and the bookcase was untouched except that little spot where her book used to be. Allias spotted with his eyes Ea sitting outside the small window.

    "That is quite an entrance." she said, pieces of wood fell all around her but the space surrounding her did not have anything, not even a splinter. She had probably shielded herself.

    "I know right. It''s almost like I am making a statement."

    "You''re mad." Rayla said and Allias laughed.

    "Well if you think about the fact that you got my boyfriend kidnapped with your stupidity!" he shouted, his green eyes filled with hatred. His face was actually beginning to turn red. He was restraining himself really hard from slitting her throat right at that moment but he remembered her crying mother and all she had been through. So he had decided he would listen to her first and then he would kill her.

    "What?" Rayla asked, surprised. "Why would he get kidnapped?"

    "The fact that you have no idea what you did is the most infuriating of all" Allias said between gritted teeth. He was shaking the enormous spear right and left, it''s sharp tip scratching the wall and leaving long lines on it. Rayle stared at it, recognizing the elegant design.

    "I wouldn''t wield that like a toothpick if I were you" she said.

    "Oh believe me if I was doing that you would already be dead." he told her with a psychotic smile. "Start talking, what did you do and most importantly why did you do it?"

    "How do I know you won''t kill me afterwards?" she asked. For a person that was being threatened by a king she didn''t seem to be phased by this at all. From her stance to her calm way of speaking everything pointed towards her being completely confident. Everything except the sweat that was gathering on her forehead.

    "I might kill you, I might not kill you. All depending on your answer and how honest I find you."

    "Still that is not any guarantee that¡­"

    "Speak!" Allias shouted at her and his spear touched the floor. The whole ground began to shake, his usual move when he wanted to intimidate someone. This time though it lasted longer, it was louder and more intense. Because he didn''t want to scare her, he didn''t care about that, he simply needed to release his nerves somehow. Time was ticking and Theseus was still nowhere to be found, he did not have time to negotiate here.

    "Alright, fine. I...I was being transferred here. The reason why it took me so long to arrive was because the moment we entered the palace a royal man waited for us. He took me into his house and told me that if I wanted to live I should not accept to marry you. He also said that there was no home anymore, I was the only Avgee girl remaining and that everyone else was dead. I know that my family is fine though,the Kardia elves are different, they hid but I didn''t tell him that. I can''t be sent home, they will kill me. So I told him I needed a place in the palace. I can''t be left alone. I have no one. He then told me that the current king was ruthless and evil, he would never support me and by marrying him I would put a target on my back because no one wants him as a ruler. I didn''t know what to do, all the soldiers and the staff agreed with him. So I asked for help. He suggested then that I ask to marry Theseus, he told me he was a general, he had high status and would be nice to me even if he didn''t love me. I was told that I would be killed if I married you, that you would try to trick me into thinking that you were  kind and¡­"

    "That''s enough." Allias said. He closed his eyes and tried to calm down, taking a deep breath. "You my dear were tricked, awfully so."

    "How can I believe you?"

    "I don''t know! Maybe because the man you asked to marry somehow disappeared the next day? Hmm I wonder what that could mean." Allias said.

    "I...I didn''t want to cause anyone any harm. I just wanted to be able to live...I didn''t want to die." she said. Rayla did not cry as she said that. The king looked into her eyes, the strength in them, the need to survive. That''s what had kept her alive all these years and she was not regretting it.

    "Listen here." Allias said. "By you saying that you want to marry Theseus you practically announce that yours and his child will be a candidate for the throne, meaning that Theseus would intend to take my throne. The royal who asked you to do that simply wanted Theseus out of the way because he can now present him as a threat to the monarchy and have all the other royals participate too. After he gets rid of him, oh gods they are planning to kill him, they will come for me. Because he knows that if we are together there is no way we will be defeated."

    "I...I did that?" Rayla asked in obvious shock.

    "No my dead aunt did it, yes you, you did it!" Allias exclaimed. "And if you don''t want to die you will help me. With everything that I will ask you."

    ...

    Hello everyone. Sorry I took a day or two to actually really think of the plot etc. Hope you like the big reveal of what is actually happening and that you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a nice comment and do check my other new book The Tears of a Prince, a bl one which is very nice, very romantic and dramatic as always! It also has vampires, werewolves and witches. Great right?

    It would mean a lot if you could leave a vote since I am on a contest and I need all the help I can get. Thank you for reading and  I hope you had fun!

 Chapter 433 - 433

    For some people life was easy, for others it could be described simply as a mess. Theseus never liked to take the easy road but that didn''t mean he didn''t want a few days of peace in between. Peace and he apparently had grown to be enemies, the kind of people who wished to gut each other out and that was apparent because the elf general was tied on a chair. He had woken up a while back but as he heard whispering in the room he pretended to be asleep. The white haired man was seated on a chair, with his hands tied behind his back and his ankles tied at the front legs of the chair. If his captors were ignorant fools he could have escaped so easily from such flimsy restraints. The thing was though they weren''t. They were elves also and were fully aware of his reputation and the precautions they had to take.

    The ropes that surrounded his pale skin were dipped in spider lily extract, the only thing that could weaken an elf''s power while the room had been filled with the sickening aroma of the plant, making his thoughts hazy and his stomach very upset. The people who had captured him were probably wearing masks or they weren''t elves, he concluded once he heard the door of his prison open and close. The room suddenly turned completely quiet and his eyelids flattered suspiciously as he tried to make sure no one had remained in the room.

    As he looked around he realized he was in some kind of peasant home. Made of dirt, stones and hay it was a small one room little house with a fireplace and a table that had been pushed to the side of the wall because he with his old chair had been moved right in the middle. There was also a worn out mattress on the other side of the room,  restless sheets laid on it, signs that someone had been recently living here.

    Theseus stared outside the window, trying to understand if he was in the main city or somewhere else. His eyes faced green. Tall trees with dark leaves, no roads, no other houses and he sighed. So they were in some kind of forest. They could be close to the border, or hidden in the forest at the other side of the village. He had to find a way and contact with Allias, he was sure his lover would be going insane by now and simply the thought of that was infuriating.

    He had to think of a plan and he had to do it fast because he could never know when his captors would return. His wrists and ankles burned though at the slightest move while his whole body felt numb from this horrible gas. His purple eyes scanned the room again, a small attempt to find where it came from. He didn''t have eyes on his back but he could clearly hear the chipping of fire, so the spider lily was probably being burned there. He sighed again, a frown forming on his handsome face as his clouded thoughts seemed to be at a deadend.

    All the general could do was stall, buy some time so Allias could find him. Even with his powers there was no way he would be able to rip through his ropes while the fumes were being released behind him. Theseus'' eyes widened as an idea popped in his mind. He had to force them to stop the fuels.

    "I am telling you we need to get rid of him." he heard a voice say and his eyes immediately closed shut.  The door opened, a characteristic creeking signaling the opening and closing every time. The wood was probably old and the screws had gotten rusty over time. It was a good alert though, even if it did make Theseus shiver.

    "No, we will use him as leverage. This way we can use the king." another man said and Theseus pretended that he was waking up. "He is awake." one announced and Theseus grinned.

    "Hi." he told them, his voice rough as he spoke for the first time in hours.

    Both of them were noblemen. He had seen them before he just couldn''t remember them clearly. They were people that stood in the background most of the time. Those who had profited the most from Allias'' death. They could do whatever they wanted, act how they wanted and no one bothered with them. They were not important enough.

    One of them, the one that proposed he should be killed, was the older looking one. He looked as if he was in his mid fifties, sleek grey hair pushed back and brown eyes. He wore his clothes very traditionally, a man of the Disee tribe, probably an ex-warrior? Theseus assumed from the sword that rested on the side of his belt.  The handle was made from silver and it had green gems as a decoration. Not a warrior, a general probably, he concluded. The other was younger, looking nearly over thirty he had a huge mustache and brown hair that reached his shoulders. His eyes were a dark blue and he seemed to be the one more intimidated by Theseus waking up. He held a small notebook in his hands and flinched as he heard his voice. This one was not the fighting type.

    "So you''re finally awake, it took you a while." the older one said.

    "I hadn''t had such a good sleep in a while, that''s why." The general said and the  younger one frowned.

    "You think this is funny?"

    "That''s why I told you we should kill him. The insolence of this man is infuriating."

    "No! The king will immediately turn against us then. We will negotiate with him, first make sure we take all the riches we want, make him drop from the throne then we kill them both."

    "Is it wise to talk about that in front of me?" Theseus asked them. Time he needed time, Allias would definitely find him and save him. He had to get out of here though, he couldn''t bring him right into danger. At times like this the elf regretted that they  hadn''t formed the link, even if they were separated they would still be able to sense each other in a way, now both of them were lost.

    "You won''t be surviving this anyway." the older elf told him and Theseus faked a frown, as if he was actually affected by what the man was telling him. A sigh escaped his lips.

    "I don''t really feel that well, why aren''t you affected by the spider lily? You''re not wearing any masks" he told them. His head seemed to be too heavy for his shoulders now, his eyes closing.

    "Protective spell. That girl Rayla taught us." he said and Theseus scoffed.

    The general started coughing, his face fell forward while his body started trembling. His coughs grew stronger and stronger, surprising the two men.

    "Help me." Theseus mumbled as a surprising amount of blood escaped from his lips. It looked as if he was dying.

    ..

    Hello! Hope you enjoyed this chapter with our smart Theseus. What do you think he did?

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 Chapter 434 - 434

    "I do really hope this is the last time you call me all of a sudden to simply help you with your business." Amelia said with a frown on her face. The woman was gorgeous like always, her eyes sharp, intelligence showing through her every gaze and Allias nodded.

    "Yes. We are sorry but you are the only witch that doesn''t hate us...a lot and we need your help. Theseus  has been kidnapped and I have to find a way and get him out safe."

    The king was fully aware that he would not be able to track Theseus on his own in a short time. Even if he got all the names from Rayla which he didn''t because all of the names the girl had told him were fake it would take days for his soldiers, the few ones who seemed okay to trust, to find him. That''s why he had asked Ea to go and bring Amelia, a woman who had actually helped them a few times even though he had played a big part in her sister''s death. Even if she tried to act tough and disinterested, Amelia was kind and always helped when needed.

    "So once again you have found yourself in a trap little king." she told him and Allias sighed. How could he deny the truth. Once more he had been tricked by the people around him. He had told himself he would do anything to bring his kingdom back to its old glory but this little spec of him that didn''t wish to kill was still leading him into endless pits of enemies. He had to stop being like that. He could live with the guilt, he could live with the nightmares of his bloodied hands but he could not live with the idea of losing Theseus or his kingdom because of them.

    He had gathered everyone in Theseus'' little study. The small room that was hidden from plain eyes, decorated by dark wood with a vibrant fire burning in the fireplace even though it was spring. Allias was feeling cold, so cold without him. Probably it was a psychological reaction but being in here, in his room and resting his palm on his desk, where he used to write and sometimes even sleep made him feel calmer, as if he hadn''t disappeared, he was just somewhere else and he would walk through that door at any moment.

    "Unfortunately yes. I will have to take even more serious measures this time. As it seems they don''t see me as a king yet."

    "And what will you do? Will you kill them?" Rayla asked. While everyone was surrounding Theseus'' desk, Mark, Asmodeus, Amelia, Ea and Ares she had chosen to stay a bit further back, sitting on the couch right in front of the fireplace. Even if she was actually sweating with this heat she still preferred it to being close to them, they all looked at her like she was a villain. She didn''t blame them but at the same time she didn''t really like it.

    "All of them. One by one I will kill them personally and clear up the kingdom from trash." Allias told her. His green eyes were piercing her, cold and merciless Rayla gasped, a shiver going down her spine.

    "Killing is never the right option!" She exclaimed and Amelia''s dark eyes landed on her. He hadn''t paid her much attention this whole time but it was obvious. The way she spoke, her angelic face and the disgust in her face as she talked about killing. This girl had gone through horrors and was still trying to keep herself. Maybe she could see a part of herself in Rayla, that''s why she chose to speak to her.

    "Little girl." Amelia called out. "When you are a king, when your loved ones are in the brim of death and everyone you know has died, nothing really is the right option. You''ve seen your share of bad stuff, am I right? Sorry for this but go back to it, if someone gave you a knife and told you you can free yourself what would you do? Stab them to death, rip their throats open, watch them die as you gain your freedom. No one wants to become the bad guy, at least not Allias but at the end of the day, when life forces you, you take the shit and do what you have to do."

    "Killing¡­"

    "Killing. What about it? Hiding behind the act of purity and kindness never helped anyone. We are all horrible people in your eyes, even the king who had you rescued because we have all taken a life. It''s difficult to understand and death, well, sucks but no one wants to be a hero, everyone simply wants to survive." Mark said and Asmodeus smiled, Rayla was surprised by his appearance. She was scared of him and the red haired noticed it. "You don''t have to be scared of him."

    "Look at you babe. You''re maturing." Asmodeus said with a cheeky smile.

    "He has to be scared of me though!" Mark exclaimed with a loud voice.

    "Back to the point please. I have no interest in making people understand me anymore. You''re free to do whatever you wish but don''t meddle in my business ever again. Avgee or not if this ever happens again I will make sure you die, painfully." Allias said as he stood up.

    For a second Rayla thought the king would come towards her but he chose to approach one of the huge bookshelves. A lot of the books, the ones with the thickest covers were covered in dirt and Allias frowned but he didn''t actually reach out for a book. He grabbed a piece of parchment that was rolled and tied with a golden string.

    He signaled for the people to move a bit, releasing the space their hands caught in the table and he broke the string, unraveling what seemed to be a map. It had the Disee palace, a panoramic view of the mountains and the rivers. It showed the portal and then the Avgee ruins. It was enormous, filling almost the whole surface of the desk and Allias himself moved to the side as he looked at Amelia.

    "Find him, please." he told her, his eyes turning softer as he looked at her. A silent but at the same time so loud plea. Amelia was always surprised about how such a prideful man, a king who could basically kill you with just a gaze, would turn so vulnerable and weak when it came to the man he loved. That unfamiliar love, that strong bond that seemed to be even beyond magical always intrigued her.

    She nodded her head as she stood in front of the map. The witch had a small pouch with her, made of dark green velvet and as she opened it a sweet fragrance filled the room. She grabbed a handful of herbs with her long fingers, painted a vibrant red and her golden bracelets jiggled as she waved her arm and spread them through the whole map. She closed her eyes and began chanting, words that none of the people in the room could understand but the herbs began to dissolve, a thick smoke coming from them that did not spread in the room, it traveled right into Amelia''s nose, entering like some kind of drug. The woman opened her eyes which had turned a pale white and her face fell. Without speaking anymore she faced the map, her fingertip trying to pinpoint Theseus'' location. It moved again and again without a chance to stop at a certain point and Allias was beginning to feel anxious. She couldn''t spot him, the spell wouldn''t work. That was all he could think about.

    After a few minutes the smoke disappeared and Amelia blinked. She shook her head, trying to gather her thoughts as she looked at the area her finger could not stop. She raised her head, meeting Allias'' eyes.

    "As it seems your little general is already on the run." She told him and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "He escaped?" the king asked while a small hope bloomed inside him.

    "Or he is being transferred somewhere." Ares added and Ea looked at him with a frown.

    "The best hope crusher out there. Now on your local market." he mumbled and Ares looked at him with a shocked expression.

    "I am just being realistic here, what the fuck?"

    "It could be one or the other." Allias said grounding himself. "Let''s hope it''s the first. For now though we will travel to the area Amelia was showing, even if we don''t have an actual location and you¡­" he said looking at Rayla. "You''re coming with us.

    ...

    Hello everyone! How do you like the book this far? Please let me know with a comment or a review. Hope you are liking it!

    Please leave a nice comment and a vote to my book The Tears of a Prince so it will do well on the contest. Thank you!

 Chapter 435 - 435

    Theseus was smart. There was no doubt about that. That''s why he would always use the most unthinkable measures when it came to finding a way to escape. Even before he had met Allias there were many times when he had found himself captive by his enemies. Seeing that he had managed to stay alive after all those times showed perfectly how cunning he could be. No matter what Theseus would escape, no matter what he had to do to achieve it.

    He started spitting blood, huge crimson beads landing on the dirty floor of the small house and the two elves looked at him with wide eyes unaware of what was happening.

    "Is it the spider lily?" The younger asked. "Could it be too much?" he wondered and the older elf shrugged his shoulders. They had no idea. Someone else had set up this whole thing, the white haired man realized as he watched them panic.

    "Stop it." The old man said to the younger man and he rushed towards the burning fireplace, putting it out as fast as he could. "If we''re going to use him he has to be alive." he mumbled.

    Theseus heard the fire dying. The moment it went silent his head fell forward, facing the ground. They couldn''t see his expression, the general was completely quiet and the only sound in the room was the blood dripping from his lips and landing on the floor. The younger man walked back, getting to his old position next to the older one. They were not talking, simply staring at him from far away as they tried to understand if he was alive or not.

    The air slowly was starting to get clearer. The house because it was poorly made even though it had all of its windows and the door closed had many small holes in the walls and the roof seemed to be like those ones that leaked profusely when it rained. Surely the venting could be better but even those little secret spots made it easier for the cunning general.

    "Is he dead?" he heard the grey haired one ask.

    "I...I don''t know." the other stuttered, confused.

    "Go check you big idiot." he scolded him and probably pushed him in the back because Theseus noticed him stumbling from looking at his feet. He walked closer, slowly and warily as if he was approaching a beast. He grabbed the general''s hair and raised his head. They were face to face for a second the young noble and Theseus.

    The blue eyed man witnessed probably the most horrifying scene in his life. Theseus was smiling brightly, his eyes wide, a dark purple that almost felt like it was piercing his entire being while his teeth were painted red. Lines from his own blood that had escaped from his crimson lips traced down his chin and neck. The elf general spat on the ground a  bloody thing coming from his mouth and his captor followed it with his eyes. He gasped, immediately letting go of Theseus'' head and stepped back.

    "He bit off his own tongue!" he screamed at the man behind him who couldn''t see clearly.

    The next few seconds were simply chaos. Theseus had broken off the restraints in his wrists, the skin melted and bleeding from the poison in the rough rope and grabbed the brunette in front of him. He head locked him, suffocating him and he screamed, terrified.

    "Let him go, you pig!" the older one said.

    "Oh I will. But you need to undo these for me first." he said, meaning the rope in his ankles. He couldn''t take any risks here and try to do it himself. "Also drop that little sword of yours" he told him.

    The noble seemed to be thinking about it. He was calculating if the life of the man he had held captive was worth it. For Theseus it would be better if he had caught the other one in a way. The younger seemed more of a coward, even though the older would have a lot more fight in him and he was still weak.

    "Please!" he cried as he felt the air leaving his lungs with no way back.

    "Fine." He said as he exhaled angrily. He walked towards Theseus, undoing the ropes and soon his feet were  free. The general threw the man to the side, making him land close to the old mattress. At that moment the man who had freed him was rushing towards his sword, meaning to attack him. He grabbed it from the ground and launched forward.

    Theseus stood up as fast as he could but still the blade ripped his left rib, creating a very long cut. He hissed and stared at the man who was ready to attack him again filled with hate. The blade was dashed forward once more by its wielder but Theseus was not planning on allowing him to hurt him again. He actually grabbed the edge of the sword, cutting his palm and looked at him.

    "You and I, are not the same." he groaned as he pulled the blade towards him and the man who was holding it tightly with him. He hit him right on the nose with his forehead, making his whole face get filled with blood. The man stumbled back, leaving the sword and Theseus felt something hit his back. He turned his head and noticed that the younger one had thrown a rock at him. "Cute." he said but it sounded more like an insult rather than a compliment. He grabbed his attacker by the collar locking eyes with his elder and smiled. "Find someone else to use as leverage you idiots." he told him and threw him right at his accomplice. Hands and feet tangling together, his head landing on the wall and him falling unconscious right on top of his cowardly friend.

    Theseus raised the sword that had fallen to the floor and weighted it with his hand. He placed his other side on his ripped rib and stared at the man who was still struggling to lift the unconscious body off him.

    "Next time¡­" Theseus called him, getting his attention. "Don''t rely only on magic." he told them.

    A few seconds later he heard footsteps. Guards, they had heard the commotion and now they were coming for him. The general looked around anxious, trying to find a way out. It would be very dangerous for him to teleport now. He was weakened, poisoned and his mind was still blurry from the fumes but he did it anyway.

    He landed on the ground, his body diving  in dirt and he exhaled loudly. He could still hear the soldiers searching for him a few meters away and he realized that he hadn''t made it very far. He opened his eyes, dizzy and lightheaded, feeling his body slowly weaken and smelling the dirt around him as he scoffed.

    "Shit." he mumbled while he looked at the bright blue sky showing in between the thick leaves of the tall trees.. "At least my tongue healed fast."

 Chapter 436 - 436

    "Of course it would be a huge forest. Because everything has to be at a forest, with bugs and, and vines and prickly bushes." Mark mumbled annoyed as he pushed a tree branch away from his face.

    "Hey! Watch when you let go of that thing." Ares exclaimed. Mark had moved forwards, letting go of the branch resulting in it coming right back in its initial position and smacking Ares'' face.

    "Are you alright?" Ea asked him and the prince turned around to face him with a pout.

    "No" he said dramatically and Ea, unnecessarily worried, cupped his face sweetly and moved closer to examine it. Ares smiled and moved his face forward, leaving a kiss on his nose. "I''m fine." He said and the small elf rolled his eyes. He let go of him and started walking only to see an angry Allias standing in front of them.

    "Do you think this is a camping trip or some kind of school outing?" He asked them and Ares shrugged his shoulders. "This is your brother we are looking for."

    "My brother is so annoying, so agitating that he would probably make his captors so mad with his infuriating comments that they would let him go willingly." Ares said eagerly.

    "Move ugly." Allias told him, making the Disee prince gasp in shock.

    "So it wasn''t something you said while you were mad."

    "This is serious!" Ea shouted right next to his husband, making him flinch. "Learn what timing means. Now start walking."

    "Mark, do you want me to carry you?" Asmodeus asked the redhead who had just jumped over a puddle of dirt. This was one of the biggest forests in the Disee area. The trees were thick and tall while the temperature was cold even during the spring and the start of summer. The ground was still mushy, probably because of the humidity from a nearby river that could be heard a few meters away.

    "No, thank you I''m alright." Mark said and smiled gently at him.

    "Why aren''t you people more worried?" Rayla asked. She was following close behind, her white dress in her hands in a very poor attempt to not get the end dirty. It was very pretty with delicate lace designs but as it seemed it would end up in the trash after this.

    "I will tell you why. Everyone has gotten kidnapped, imprisoned, killed and the list goes on and on. The weird thing would be for us to rest for more than two working days. I am married and I''ve never gone on my honeymoon, crazy right?" Ares told her.

    "The honeymoon thing is simply because you ran away!" Ea reminded him, elbowing him in the ribs.

    "Sorry, honey."

    Allias had realized something about this little group of his. They were inappropriate. Simple as that. Someone would die right next to them and they would be picking daisies by the dead body. Someone is hurt, oh well, shit happens. His boyfriend got kidnapped? Same old, same old! Just thinking of that got him very heated. He stopped walking and luckily he easily found a rock. It was round, a dark brown color with a few specs of dirt on it. He picked it up from the dirt and raised his arm, throwing it right at Ares and missing his head by so little the prince stood frozen for a few seconds later.

    "What was that for?"

    "I don''t want to hear about your honeymoon. I don''t want to hear your bickering. I want to find Theseus!" He said. "Now shut the fuck up and walk!"

    Ea looked at the prince with the corner of his eye, warning him not to say another word. They walked in silence for some time until they reached the wide river. Its water was cold and wild, rushing down so fast if you fell in there was no way you would be easily getting out.

    "We need to go through the river. I think the area Amelia told us was right after here." Mark said and pointed at a small clearing. Allias nodded agreeing with his friend and scanned the area with his green eyes to find a few big rocks that laid out a little path inside the river.

    "Over there." He pointed at it.

    "Why can''t we just teleport to the other side?" Ares asked.

    "Because if they have magic detectors they will spot us." His husband told him as they walked over.

    "Our powers don''t really come handy in anything anymore do they?"

    "You can''t even control your power, why are you talking?" Allias asked him.

    "Well at least I have two hands to fight with." He said and the king stopped. He didn''t have to turn around. Just that move was enough to indicate what would follow. "I''m sorry, I''m sorry. Please forgive me. I will shut up, I swear." Ares said.

    Mark with Asmodeus passed the river first. Then Ea followed with Ares close behind making sure he would hop over safely. The last two people that remained were Rayla and Allias.

    "Go. Don''t worry" he told her and the woman warily stepped on the first stone. It was slippery and she could feel the cold water droplets splashing on her exposed feet. She made it just fine until the middle and Allias was already on his way over when her sandal slipped and she almost fell into the water. Allias rushed over catching her and smoothly pushed her to the shore, Mark catching her so she wouldn''t land face first in the dirt.

    Such rapid movements though had a very bad effect in such small spaces. Obviously Allias'' boot slipped resulting in him twisting his ankle and falling right into the icy cold river.

    "Allias!" Mark exclaimed.

    "Do something you shits!" The king shouted as he was being taken away by the strong current of the river.

    "Asmodeus fly and catch him!" Mark told him.

    "I can''t fly with all these trees around my wings are huge." He said as they ran at the side of the river along with the drowning Allias.

    "Why is nobody helping me!" He screamed at them. It was really hard to swim with only one arm, especially when a freezing cold river seemed to be overpowering you. He kept landing underwater and then popping back up as he tried to swim.

    "Let''s just leave him and see where the river takes him. Relax, it''s just a cold bath. We will search for Theseus everything''s cool!" Ares shouted and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "You can''t be serious?" He shouted before his head was once more dived underwater.

    ....

    Just wanted to add a little comedy because drama can be a bit overwhelming at times.

    And for those who think it''s not logical for them to leave him like this, come on, we all know who we are talking about. Also he is immortal he will be fine.

    Hope you enjoyed this carefree chapter and had fun.. Please leave a nice comment and a review. Thank you!

 Chapter 437 - 437

    Nature was always stronger. The wilding and aggressive river was a very clear reminder of that. As Allias felt his whole body getting cold, his head once in and once out from the river he couldn''t stop swearing.

    What was happening to him was really unbelievable. He was drenched, his dump clothes were pulling him down and he was waiting for some magical force, a savior to actually appear.

    After a while of struggling he found salvation but it wasn''t in the face of someone. It was actually a rock. A huge black rock that stood in the middle of the river, protruding from the violent water like the iceberg that winked the titanic. The king''s eyes widened and the moment the current brought him close to it he grabbed it as if he was hugging Theseus.

    He found himself, gripping the slippery rock with only one hand and somehow climbing at the top of it.

    "Don''t slip, don''t slip" he whispered to himself as he turned his body so he could align it with the sore. He jumped up and wide, managing to finally step on land.

    He breathed in, looking at the unexpected object as if it was his most valuable possession and smiled.

    "Thank you." He exclaimed and dropped his tired body on the soft grass. His chest was moving frantically up and down as he tried to regain his own strength. His stamina had hit rock bottom by now and even moving a finger felt like a drag. He sighed, bothered by the wet hair that fell into his eyes, hiding his vision and pushed them back, lazily.

    "Now what?" He asked himself and sat up, staring around, trying to find something that would tell him where he was. Trees, grass, bushes again and again spreading endlessly. As a child he used to love running into the forest of the Avgee nation, he always knew his way back but now, lost in Disee territory he felt almost stupid.

    "You own this land, how could you not know about it." He scolded himself. There was a flower next to him, a blooming daisy and he cut it, holding it with his hand. Will I find Theseus? Will I not? He asked and because he didn''t have another arm to pluck the petals he mentally skipped them. "I will not." He said finally in frustration and threw the daisy on the river, seeing it get swallowed by the hungry water.

    He took another breath, thinking of what his next step should be. He was still a bit worried about using his magic, he didn''t know where he was and finding himself in between the enemy was definitely not something he wanted.

    His clothes were very uncomfortably sticking to his body and he felt like he weighed twenty kilos more than usual. He frowned and took off his shirt, unable to stand the feeling. He looked at his pants but he decided to keep them just in case he needed to run.

    His body was filled with scars, definitely not the body that befitted a king. Long white lines of healed skin, signs of hurtful memories and feelings. Another sigh escaped his lips as he traced them, creating patterns of sorrow on his own body. He remembered most of them, the pain he felt and that one, the arrow that took his life, the arrow that saved Theseus. The plank that kept Mark safe. He smiled, maybe not all of his scars were bad, maybe they were remains of what he achieved. He had helped those he loved, he had acted like a shield and maybe that was enough. Sometimes someone has to get hurt and maybe it was better this way, he could stand it.

    He stopped thinking about his scars. There were more important things he should be thinking about right now. Theseus. He needed to find him.

    He stood up, picking his shirt from the ground and searching for a path with his green eyes.

    "So, now we just need to find Theseus." He told himself when he heard a voice answer him from behind.

    "It''s alright. I found you first." He heard Theseus'' familiar voice. He turned immediately around, seeing at the other side of the river. His eyes widened as the state of his lover sinked in.

    He was dirty, patches of dirt everywhere on his body and he looked tired. He limped closer and Allias noticed that the skin on his wrist had melted as if it was on fire. He was holding his ribs, his fingers bloody as he covered a big stab wound.

    "Theseus!" Allias exclaimed. "Are you alright?" He asked, tears in his eyes. The genrt smiled, his eyes tired and hazy as he looked at him.

    "You look really beautiful." He told him and then he collapsed.

    Allias watched him fall, land on the ground as he heard footsteps.

    They were still after him. The king looked at the farm back, spotting soldiers running through the woods, spears, bows and swords in their hands. They wanted to get to him, capture him again.

    Allias wiped his tears and found himself in the other side of the river, trying to lift his lover with one arm. It was a lot more difficult than he thought and he groaned agitated.

    "Shit." He shouted as he watched them get closer. He heard their voices, shouting to get them. He took a deep breath and crouched. He touched Theseus'' back and with his mind he thought of Mark. "I''m sorry" Allias said as tears escaped his closed eyes. Soon Theseus'' body disappeared.

    A few more scars wouldn''t kill him. He had to put an end to this. Forever.

    ....

    Hello everyone. Please leave a nice comment and a good review. Also maybe check out my new book The Tears of a Prince and show some support? It''s really good, fantasy lgbtq, I promise.

    Thank you for reading and hope you liked this chapter! Have a nice day

 Chapter 438 - 438

    He knew that Theseus was going to feel very disappointed the moment he realized Allias had sent him back. The king, being one of the few elves able to do this if he put enough magic in it, had sent his lover to Mark, hoping they would find him and take care of his wounds. He had decided to do this alone, to not put him in any further danger. This was the last time he reminded himself as he watched the angry figures of the soldiers approaching.

    "This is the last time I am leaving you behind." he whispered.

    He didn''t count the man, he didn''t really find it necessary as he heard the roaring footsteps approaching. He was bare of his weapons and the only thing he had to keep himself from fretting in fear was the fact that he knew he was stronger. Stronger though for how long and by how many men? Ten, twenty? That was a good question.

    They held spears and bows and swords, polished and ready to attack him while he, well he had an actual handicap. Running wouldn''t do him any good. The raging river was closing his path and slowly he was being surrounded by them. All these men were ready to kill him and Allias wonder did they know who he was or had he been so deluded that he believed his figure as a king was untouchable? Well, it was too late to think about that stuff now, the present and the next few minutes in the future were going to decide everything.

    As they reached him the few ones who held swords dashed forward, aggressive and ready for a blood bath. Even with the way he was he still managed to push most of them off. Their movements were simple, not nearly as complicated to what he was used to from Theseus or his training when he was younger. He dodged a few slashes, he even managed to acquire a sword from one of the soldiers that were on the ground and took out a few more with it. The thing was, he was starting to get tired and the men, they seemed to have no end. Someone had put a lot of money into this. Allias thought and grinned.

    He could simply make all of them explode and get over with it but it would cause a huge explosion, the forest would get on fire and he didn''t know how his enemies would use the fact that the king killed so many people. At least now, their corpses showed clearly that they were soldiers and there was no actual sign of who killed them. If he did it the other way though it would scream Allias from miles away.

    He wished his mind wasn''t really that complicated as he fought, his breathing wild as his chest was rising up and down. A few arros came towards him, hidden from the trees and one scraped his arm. He hissed, seeing how his wound wasn''t healing it was enough. He didn''t have to deal with enough already, everything was poisoned.

    The king didn''t know for how long he was fighting. How many spears and arrows were hitting his body as he fought with the sword wielders.  He got hit in the nose by one, the blood reaching his mouth as he tried to breath heavily and he tasted the metallic liquid, he frowned and kicked him in the stomach pushing him back so far away that he landed on a three trunk.

    Just a few more scars, he had told himself but it seemed that his body had now acquired many new patterns. He was bathed in his own blood and the stench of the fight was everywhere. As the time went by he couldn''t move fast any longer. The people had lessened, he had taken out many of them and the king couldn''t help but feel a bit proud. He had to think of what he was going to do with the rest though, there was no time for relaxing while bodies were clashing and his muscles were getting more and more tense.

    He looked down at his missing hand. After all, it had been really a bad decision, he realized. His magic, it was light, that was a very easy way to interpret it. He could do many things with it and now the thing he had been thinking about for a while was to create. If he tried hard enough, if he put all of his energy in this maybe he could succeed. He took a deep breath, taking a few steps back, trying to find some space from all of these bloodied men that were after him. He ran away, his eyes wide as he felt his leg burn from exhaustion. They followed him, throwing spears and arrows to slow him down. One landed so close to his leg for a second he believed he had gotten hit.

    The relief he felt as he kept walking, was enough to boost him just a bit. He closed his eyes, trusting himself and put all of his magic into his arm, manifesting it, thinking of what he wanted to see and soon he felt it. He felt as if he had another arm again. He opened his green eyes and looked down, seeing a hand made of pure light, burning like hot fire and that was when he stopped running.

    The soldiers were shocked by the sight but the king didn''t care anymore. He had done it. Drowned by the exhaustion, aching from his poisonous wounds he had finally done it and now, he could fight like he used to. He pushed himself into their troops, a flawless fighter with a hand that acted like a lethal weapon. Whoever he touched even for a slight second would smell the disgusting stench of their rotting flesh, they would scream and try to retrieve seeing that the man in front of them had no reason to keep them alive.

    He still kept getting injured, he still heard the slashing of his flesh, punches and kicks coming his way. He dodged so many times to the point that he got dizzy but he didn''t stop. He didn''t want to stop now because he knew that if he did he would have to fight again. Once he stopped he wanted it to be for a long long time, even forever if it was possible.

    Only two men had remained byt the time the sun fell and the sky began turning purple. One of them escaped, Allias too tired to go after him but he grabbed the other by the neck, restraining him and staring at him in the eyes, seeing his fear make him shrivel and beg to live. You couldn''t see his tanned skin any longer. Just the anguish and the anger in his eyes, just the blood that painted him like a piece of war art.

    "Who sent you?" he asked him and watched the man cry. "Who was it?" he asked again, his tone harsher and louder.

    "Count Krono." the man said. "Please, please don''t kill me." he cried.

    "Thanks." Allias said and with a swift move he threw him into the river. "If you lived then it was meant to be" he mumbled as he stumbled towards a big three. He fell down, the back of his head touching the rough trunk and he sighed, his eyes hazily seeing the sky. So much blood, so much killing and hate just for the needs of one person. A person he didn''t even know, he thought and a bitter smile appeared on his exhausted face. "Maybe this time, the scars were a bit too many." he whispered as he felt his body getting weaker.. His eyelids turned heavy and soon he had lost consciousness.

 Chapter 439 - 439

    "I''m telling you he is fine!" Ares said as they walked deeper into the forest. By now the sun had set, everything had turned darker and the chill of the night had grown stronger. The group had kept searching for Theseus but slowly they realized all they did was run in circles.

    "All I''m saying is, it''s weird that he still hasn''t found us" Ea told his husband with a judgemental look. "We let him fall into the river. I can''t believe this, why do I even listen to you." He whined. Ea had been worried, a lot of time had passed but still there was no sign of the king they had left behind in a joking manner.

    "He is immortal!" Ares exclaimed and stopped walking. He looked at his husband, his crimson eyes squeezed while his expression was showing annoyance. "We need to find my brother, you know." He said and the small elf scoffed.

    "You''re so full of excuses." Ea said.

    "Just shut up so we can keep searching, this has taken too long already and my feet hurt." Mark screamed at them. He was walking a bit further ahead and stopped, turning around sick with their bickering.

    "I can carry you if you want." Asmodeus proposed again and Mark smiled.

    "Thanks I am good."

    "Why don''t you ask if I want to be carried?" Ares said and Ea''s brown eyes widened.

    "I am half your size, you should be asking me that!" Ea reminded him and the Disee prince snorted, turning his head to the side while he crossed his arms over his chest.

    "I guess." He mumbled.

    "Umm, excuse me but¡­" Rayla spoke for the first time. She was walking behind them, silently observing their very immature scenes. Asmodeus had almost forgotten that she had been with them. All eyes turned on her, surprised she was finally talking. The girl extended her thin finger, pointing at a spot close to Mark. "I think there''s a corpse." She told them. Mark turned his head immediately, running into the dark, heading towards the place she had pointed. She was right, partially.

    The red haired man looked down, seeing a dirty body with its face first buried into the grass. Mark scanned the body, seeing that his back was slowly moving meaning that he was breathing and he exhaled relieved.

    "He is not dead. Just stinky." He said and after giving him a better look, it was already hard to understand his figure and the details of it because it was night the dirt all over him made it even harder, he noticed that the man had white hair. He was tall with broad shoulders and a wide chest. "Theseus!" He exclaimed and the rest of the group moved closer.

    He flipped the man over, not so gently and his familiar face appeared, filled with scratches. His hands had wounds that resembled those you got in a terrible fire and his side, the spot where his ribs were, had a very nasty cut.

    "You" Asmodeus said, staring at Rayla. "Healer girl, fix him" he said.

    Rayla was hesitant at first but as everyone kept staring at her she sighed and approached them. She fell elegantly on her knees, her white dress getting green from the grass and examined his hurt body with her eyes. She didn''t like seeing people hurt, even if those were the ones who had hurt her and threatened her. She didn''t dislike Theseus nor Allias; she was aware that wasn''t the case for them though. Nonetheless, she placed her palms on his chest. A small silver light emitted from her palms and slowly it got absorbed by Theseus'' body. Soon his veins shone a bright red color as if someone was igniting his body from the inside. He groaned, a pained expression appearing on his face.

    "What are you doing?" Ares asked her.

    "He has been poisoned with spider Lily. That''s why he is not healing. I am cleansing the poison." She said and for a few more minutes Theseus kept groaning in pain. After she was done she removed her palms from his body and the light slowly died down.

    She had been right, everyone realized as they watched his wounds heal. The scars were closing and the melted skin was returning to its original state leaving the man simply a dirty mess. After a while everyone watched how Theseus'' eyelids popped open, the only sign of color on his were his purple eyes, everything else was faded and it...stinked.

    The elf looked around, confused by the many faces above his head and took a deep breath. Slowly everything kept coming back to him. How he had run away, how he found Allias at the other side of the river and how the soldiers followed him. Allias, he, he kept him away. Was he all alone? He wondered and his eyes widened as he shot up.

    "Where is Allias?" He asked them, his throat sore.

    "About that¡­" Ares said. "He fell into a river and¡­"

    "Where is he now?" He rephrased his question and Ares shrugged his shoulders.

    "We got seperated." The prince announced and his brother grabbed him by his collar.

    "He is being attacked you fucking morons." He said.

    "What do you mean he is being attacked?" Mark asked him, worry flashing in his eyes as he heard the angry general.

    "What you heard. I could hear the soldiers that were after me but I was too weak, I fainted and he teleported me to you. He is all alone!" Theseus said and stood up. "Whose idea was it to leave him in the river?" He asked but none spoke up. "I don''t even need to ask." Theseus said and looked at his brother.

    "I..."

    "You know, not all times are appropriate for your behavior"

    "What do you mean with that?" Ares asked him, a frown growing on his face.

    "What I mean is, that I am sure you were the one who said oh well leave him he will be fine. In a foreign enemy territory! Being carefree and funny is nice but not always!" He scolded him.

    "I''m sorry! I didn''t know something like this would happen."

    "Will sorry be enough if he does?" Theseus asked and suddenly everyone turned terribly quiet.. "He won''t be coming back this time."

 Chapter 440 - 440

    It was a horrible feeling. Uncertainty. The fear of the next moment, the next minute, the next second. It kept going and going, eating away your soul. Everything seemed hostile, unfamiliar and as the time passed, brutally slow, your mind schemed more,imagining horrible things about what was to come. Theseus was walking, he was traveling through the thick forest, his eyes looking straight ahead but his mind was lost.

    His thoughts were starting to rage again. He knew Alliass'' had no other choice, what good could an unconscious man be on the battlefield? It would only slow him down. Still if he had been a bit stronger, if he had lasted a bit longer maybe the king would not have to face all these soldiers alone. He was trying to navigate the rest, remember where he had been last but it was hard through the thick trees and covered pathways. This place seemed as if no one had visited it in years. The little and narrow stepped roads had been covered by roots that surfaced from the ground, fallen branches and bushes that had grown way too much.

    His outburst had made everyone go quiet. They didn''t know what he did. They hadn''t seen the soldiers and they hadn''t heard about their plans. All of them viewed Allias as invisible, someone that couldn''t be touched, a figure that could never die. Only him, Theseus had seen it, had felt the pain and watched as he disappeared into nothingness. They didn''t know and he wished they never had to know how it felt to lose him because he, the king of the elf nation had become an important part in all of them, he always was.

    Allias was heroic, knowing the meaning of self sacrifice more than anyone, he was honest and kind. Funny and smart, he glowed and everyone, even when he was at his lowest, was drawn to him, like bugs to the bright light. The pain of losing someone like him, the emptiness that followed could simply be devastating.

    Theseus knew he could also be fine. He could have defeated his opponents and now he would be strolling into the woods singing. The general hadn''t seen or heard any explosions though, no bursts of flaming light and none of them had. That was the scariest part.

    "Are you sure this is the right way?" Mark asked.

    "Yes. I am sure." The general answered and took a sharp turn to the left. Finally they could hear the sound of the river. Still angry, still raging as the waters smacked the polished rocks. This area was significantly colder and Ea shivered, rubbing his forearms with his palms. Ares noticed it so he took off his jacket and gave it to him. The small elf wore it and gave him a thankful smile but the prince did not speak. He was facing the ground, brooding as he kicked small rocks away. He hadn''t spoken ever since Theseus shouted at him.

    "He will be alright." Mark announced out of the blue. He didn''t know if he was saying that for the rest of them or for himself. His heart was beating faster and he could feel sweat forming on the sides of his forehead.

    "We will see." Theseus said. He wasn''t confident at all. He felt insecure and scared. He wasn''t angry anymore. He was simply afraid, afraid that he would have to lose him again without being able to do anything about it.

    "I...I think he will be fine. He is the king after all" Ea said, trying somehow to lighten the heavy mood between them.

    "Yeah, a king with a missing arm that hasn''t fought in over seventy years. He won''t be using his magic to make sure we won''t get spotted. I bet he is beaten to pulp somewhere." Ares said for the first time.

    Theseus stopped in his track, he turned around throwing daggers at his brother just with his purple eyes.

    "We were fine while you were silent."

    "That''s the truth and you know it" Ares told him, expressionless.

    Theseus couldn''t keep himself anymore. He rushed towards his brother and without the younger one even managing to make a move to avoid him he had punched him, making him land on the ground with his butt.

    "If that''s the truth why did you leave him alone then?" Theseus screamed. "If you know he can''t fight alone and he can''t use his powers why did you let him in that river? Was it funny? Tell me Ares. You are the one who knows the king the best after me. What he can and can''t do in battle, how far he will go to protect everyone. So why...why¡­" Theseus said with tears gathering in his eyes. "Why would you do that to me?" He asked him.

    His brother did not reply, he stood up and simply began walking while Theseus wiped away his tears.

    "Over here." Mark called. While they argued he had walked a bit further ahead, scanning the area close to the river. Theseus rushed to him, finally seeing the familiar spot. They were on the side of the river where Allias stood first. They could see the dead bodies, the soldiers. Theseus hungrily searched with his eyes for the king. He was nowhere to be found, just unfamiliar faces everywhere.

    "Where is he?" He shouted into the night. He should be here. He should be there, somewhere in between the people he defeated, smiling victorious but Theseus couldn''t see him, he couldn''t feel his magic.

    ....

    Hello everyone! How do we like this chapter? Hope you''re enjoying the final arc before the amazing specials I have been getting ready. I am not updating everyday and I am sorry about that but I need to think of the end a bit better.

    So please please since we are towards the end leave a nice review, a few good comments and support the book.

    Hope you had fun reading! Thank you.

 Chapter 441 - 441

    Hello everyone! I am posting the announcement first because I want to give you some very good news! But! First I want to thank you for following this  book all this time. Your support has been a great help for me.  Through your comments I have seen that you have come to love the side couples a lot and that''s why I decided to write a side book, a spin off, for the favorite couple the upcomming year witht heir own special story.

    So please comment which chapter you''d like to get its own story and after a few comments have gathered I will decide. Thank you for reading!

    ....

    "Well, your wounds look horrible, let''s see, how am I going to fix that¡­" Allias heard a voice. Faint with a sweet tone as he was unconscious. His eyelids fluttered, his green eyes facing the inside of a wooden roof. He groaned, feeling his whole body hurt just with him breathing and he tried to look around. His field of vision was very restrained since he couldn''t move. He caught up to a few things though easily, just from the few things that he could see around him.

    He was in a small cottage. Probably deep into the forest, he could hear owls and the flapping of bird wings, the shaking of the bushes from the night wind. There was a small wooden window that was opened at the wall right in front of him. The house was made from polished stones while the roof and the floor were wooden. He was laid in a small bed, his legs hanging from the edge, on top of a hay mattress while his head was resting on a very comfortable pillow. He could smell something like soup, and could hear the bubbling of a cauldron. It smelled nice and comforting. He could also hear footsteps, back and forth in the small room. He tried to turn his head more to the right, since the bed was stuck right next to the wall on his left but he couldn''t. He hissed loudly, signaling whoever was the owner of the house that he was awake.

    "You''re alive!" A female voice exclaimed with excitement as she rushed towards him. Above his face appeared an unknown woman. She had green eyes and her hair was long, a vibrant pink color. She wore big round golden glasses while on her neck she had a silver tattoo of twisting vines that traveled all the way down her right arm and hand. She had a very cute face, with round big eyes and a very honest smile. She clapped, as she watched Allias blink a few times. "Good, good. For a second I thought that the cream I put on you killed you. You see it was a bit of an experiment and I¡­"

    "Who are you?" Allias asked her, his voice hoarse. The woman stopped talking and smiled before she rushed off somewhere again and appeared with a glass of water. She left it on the nightstand right next to the bed and moved closer to Allias.

    "Want me to help you get up? So we can talk? I won''t touch you if you don''t want me to."

    "Please do." he told her, feeling completely helpless laying on the bed like that. She smiled and gently helped the king sit up, placing the soft pillow behind his back and offering a full view of the room and herself.

    It was pretty much like what he had assumed in his head. A small fireplace with a huge black steaming cauldron, a wooden table in the middle with two matching chairs and a vase with lilies on top. There was a tiny kitchen and a small door that probably led to a bathroom while on one of the walls stood a very old bookcase filled to the brim with heavy books in many different colors. There were shelves above the small kitchen, with vases and plants with wide green leaves and small flowers, yellow, red, blue. While on others stood a lot of small bottles, empty or filled, with labels and all kinds of shapes.  The king then looked at the unfamiliar woman, she was really short, probably that''s why her bed didn''t fit him. Dressed  in a short purple dress that had many flower designs on it, the sleeves covering her arms till her elbows. She was barefoot while the tattoo he had noticed continued all the way down to her right leg. What surprised him the most though was that she had wings.

    Yes, wings. A pair of see through, mint colored wings in the shape of that of a butterfly stuck on her back.

    "You''re a fairy?" he asked, surprised and she nodded.

    "What is a fairy doing here?"

    "I am a traveling fairy! I travel all around the kingdoms in search of medicine. I am a doctor." she said. "My name is Naila."

    "I''m¡­" Allias said, meaning to introduce himself but he stopped. There were people out there searching for him, offering a lot of money to the one who would hand him in, he was sure of it. Telling her his name was not the brightest idea, he thought. "Alex. I am Alex." she said.    "Thank you for your help."

    "Oh, don''t thank me yet!" she said happily. "I have kind of thought of a way to heal your wounds but my dear elf there is a bigger problem." she said and Allias stared at her with a frown.

    "What do you mean?"

    "Well, when I found you, you were badly hurt. I could see that you obviously had gone through something similar again, missing hand and scars and all but this time there is something...a bit different that is happening here."

    "Which is?"

    "Your head, Alex. It''s bleeding from the inside."

    "What do you mean it''s bleeding? I am fine aren''t I? Also...I am an elf, why is it not healing?" he asked, filled with confusion and worry.

    "You are fine because I made you drink a potion while you were sleeping. It slows down the bleeding. Probably while you fainted you hit your head. Your body is filled with spider lily poison and extracting it needs powerful healing magic. I brought you here and waited for you to wake up but I am sorry, I don''t know what else I can do."

    "So you''re telling me that I will die soon. From brain hemorrhage."

    "Yes. You really haven''t been taking care of your body have you? I don''t know what you''ve been doing but...do you even care about yourself at all?"

    "I¡­"

    "Even for immortals, the body weakens and the soul if you don''t treat them right."

    "How long do I have?" He asked her while he tried not to cry.

    "I have been working on something. Maybe¡­"

    "You think it will heal me?"

    "I don''t really know. It''s still in the testing phase and the side effects could be¡­"

    "Naila." Allias said. "I have someone to go back to, I need to live."

    "I...I can try. It''s a doctor''s duty to help people in need. I will start tomorrow and do as fast as I can. You have been sleeping for a week though, you must be starving." she told him and he stared at her with wide eyes.

    "A week?"

    ....

    Always take care of yourselves.

 Chapter 442 - 442

    It was the story of the sun, warm and bright and the cold moon. It was the story of the beautiful and green spring and of the endless cold winter. It was the story about a man, who only knew how to fight in dirty alleys and the love of his life, a glorious prince that shone so beautifully. It was the story of how two people loved each other more than their own selves and how the anguish of losing the other rotted their souls.

    It is the story of a lost king and of his general who keeps searching for him through time, endlessly, till the ends of the world. A story of a man buried in cold ice looking for his ray of light so he can feel again. The golden king had gone missing, the moon slowly lost its shine and it grew distant more and more, hiding behind the stormy clouds. The sun was missing and the moon got tired in the vast sky, it felt so alone but still every minute that passed it searched for him. With shouts and yells, teary nights and that pain in its body, screaming with anguish for him. He searched and searched and the days seemed like centuries because the trauma of before, made everything even worse.

    Theseus had turned into a statue. When they returned back home, defeated and with their king missing he had entered the throne room, dirty,his body overtaken by exhaustion and he had dragged his feet to the throne room. He sat down on Allias'' throne, staring right in front of him at completely nothing with empty violet eyes.

    "We will find him, he can''t be that far." Ea had said, trying to be optimistic. They pushed Theseus away from the throne, the man silent as he walked. He bathed and got dressed but once again, with no words escaping his closed lips he walked to the throne, sitting there while his elbow rested on the armrest.

    Days and nights passed. The sun came out and then followed the moon and the stars. Ea and Mark had sent people all over the kingdom to search for him, guards, soldiers, even the gardeners but there was no news of the golden king. Had he been abducted by their unknown enemy, had he been killed? No one knew.

    The general remained there, his eyes bloodshot from the lack of sleep, his muscles sore and his voice captured by some deep sorrow. As a week went by Mark walked inside the room, fed up with this peculiar behavior of his and went up the small stairs, reaching the throne.

    "It''s been a week already. When are you planning to help?" He asked him but got no answer. "Allias is out there, he needs you." He told him. At the sound of Allias'' name Theseus finally turned and looked at the man that stood in front of him.

    "I...I lost him again." Theseus said.

    Yes, that''s what had been torturing his mind. That once more, just so he would be saved Allias had disappeared. In a heartbeat the king was lost again, as if he had never come back. He had felt the pain of a thousand slashes. The punches of the strongest men and the cuts of the finest swords. This pain though, this fear and the lack of air, he only experienced it when it was about him. He couldn''t simply get up, he couldn''t order people around and he couldn''t call out his name.

    Every single one of those actions felt as if his bones were breaking. Every organ in his body was in pain and his mind, his mind was simply flooded by all these horrible thoughts, images of him being dead.

    "So what? Find him again! If he dies, if we really lose him then you''ll be regretting that you didn''t try to find him. For how long will you be standing here like a fucking statue looking at all of us?" Mark scolded him.

    The sound of the door opening drew the attention of the red haired man and his brown eyes noticed Ea. He was standing at the door, hesitant as his eyes landed on Theseus.

    "There is paperwork. Since Allias is not here you should sign it." He told the general and Theseus'' eyes widened.

    "No. I won''t be doing this again. I won''t." He stated.

    "You are crucial to this whole thing. Just get up and do your job so we can find my friend!" Mark said, pointing a finger at him. "Do you even love him? You''re always Allias this, Allias that but now that he truly needs you, you simply sit at the throne doing nothing!"

    Did you just ask me if I love him?" Theseus asked. He stood up, taking a step forward and forcing Mark to get down the stairs. He looked at the man with a cold stare, making him shrivel slightly before he spoke. "Do you have any idea how it feels to hold the dead body of your lover in your hands? To watch him disappear and feel like your heart is being torn in two? To wait and wait, praying that one day he will come back, that he will keep loving me after everything? I...I can''t bear this feeling now, you have no idea how¡­"

    "I know." Another voice sounded, interrupting Theseus. It was Asmodeus. He had walked in and was heading towards Mark. He pushed him gently behind him, turning his body into a shield as he started to talk to the general. "I know how it feels. How painful it is to hold your dead lover in your hands. To see, to know that they won''t move again, they won''t look at you again. I''ve felt all that. The guilt, the pain but I would never, never give up on saving them if I was able to! Allias is alive, you can see that just from the fact that winter hasn''t returned. Will you really sit here mourning someone who is alive?" Asmodeus asked him. "Allias is a great king, an even greater person but really, I have no idea why he would choose such a coward as you as his partner. In your mind, you have already killed him because you can''t bear the pain of the unknown. Really disgusting." The demon told him and grabbed Mark''s hand. "Let''s go, we will find him on our own. He can sit here and rot on the throne for all I care" he said and took Mark away, urging Ea to leave him alone too.

    He was once more left alone in the big room, the prestigious throne behind him, empty and Allias'' voice traveling through his ears, reaching his heart like a deadly arrow. His eyes watered, as he counted the days that passed and thought of the days that were about to come without him.

    His tears were released slowly and a horrific cry escaped his lips as he fell to his knees. He didn''t want to be like this, a coward that got scared by every little thing. He didn''t want to feel this pain so why? Why could he just get up and go search for him. He used to be so different, so alive but after everything he had lost a part of himself, a part Allias adored, a part he liked. He wanted his lover back, he needed him back but all he did all this time was simply sit on that throne he hated so much and try to get himself ready for the worst.

    "I''m sorry Allias." He mumbled in between his cries. "I''m sorry, I will come." He said.

    The general tried to breathe, his body shaking when he felt a palm on his shoulder. He looked back, his face a teary mess to notice Ea staring at him with sad eyes.

    "It''s alright. It will be alright." The small elf whispered as he caressed his back. " We will find him again. I promise." He told him and hugged the crying general.

    "I''m sorry." Theseus cried and repeated again and again.

    "Shh, I know. We all know. It''s alright. You''re here now.." He comforted him.

 Chapter 443 - 443

    "I can''t stay here any longer. I have to go back home." Allias said and attempted to get up from the small bed. His rash movements resulted in a piercing pain in his skull and the complaint of his muscles as he fell back down, helpless. Naila watched him as he tried again and again, feeling like his skull was beaten by a hammer. The king groaned, defeated by his own body and let himself rest on the pillow.

    "You are not really able to do anything at the moment Alex. I am really sorry, when morning comes I swear I will find a way to complete my potion." she told him. The man stared at her in the eyes, trying to realize if she was a friend or a foe. She seemed honest, her eyes laced with concern as she inspected his wounds. "I started preparing the potion the moment I brought you in just in case, give me some time." she said as she changed a few of the bandages on his arm.

    "Thank you, I really appreciate everything you''ve done for me. You didn''t have to do all this but you did. It''s just that I left in the middle of something very important. I need to get back home." He told her and she scoffed.

    "Yeah, in the middle of killing people. It''s amazing that you actually managed to take them all out on your own. Are you an elf knight or something?" she asked and Allias smiled.

    "Kind of." he told her, shaking his head.

    Naila was a very good doctor. Even though his knowledge about medicine was limited he could feel it. The way his body relaxed, how she numbed the pain of his poisoned wounds with her ointments. She was careful and paid attention to all the signs his body gave her. It was obvious she was infused in her work. Maybe later, the king thought, if she agreed to it he would invite her to the palace to educate the royal doctors.

    "Anyways. Even if you wanted to go back home or to the elf kingdom you wouldn''t make it. It''s three days away from here and without my drug the bleeding in your brain will kill you on the way there. I can''t simply supply you with it since it has a certain ingredient that gets bad if it''s not consumed right away. I am really sorry." she said.

    "Three days?" Allias asked her, surprised. "Are we out of the elf kingdom?"

    "Yes, we are at the border of the fairy nation and the Demonic capital. You can''t imagine how hard it was for me to fly you all the way here."

    "The demonic capital?" The king exclaimed.

    "Yes, is everything alright?"

    "No. Nothing is alright. Theseus...he must be going insane. A letter. Can I write a letter? I will magically send it where it needs to go."

    "No! You can''t use your magic. It will simply make the poison run deeper into your body. Sure write your letter, I will take it tomorrow morning to the messenger in the demonic capital. It will take a while to arrive but still it won''t bring you to the brim of death. Well you already are but let''s not make things worse." she mumbled as she stood up. She headed towards her little kitchen, on the cupboard above the sink and she opened it while  tiptoeing. It was honestly a mess in there, filled with crumbled papers, broken quills and all the kinds of stuff someone would need for writing. She took out a piece of yellowish paper and on its corner she tried one of the quills she had grabbed, dipping it in red ink to see if it worked well. Satisfied that her first try was a lucky one she grabbed all of the things and a cutting board that rested on the sink and brought them to him.

    She placed the board in Allias'' lap so he could write better. The elf could smell the mint and something else. A very strong spice that was probably unique to the Demonic capital. It was almost overwhelming as it reached his nostrils but he ignored it and began writing his letter. He didn''t know where to start and if he should actually mention the fact that he was dying. He had promised not to tell Theseus any more lies, he felt like he had to even though he was sure it was going to upset him. He sighed and noticed with the corner of his eye that Naila had decided to move a bit further away, sitting on the table and examining her papers giving him some space and privacy.

    He closed his eyes for a second, thinking and thinking how he should phrase things. He had to inform Theseus about the traitor. That lord who probably by now believed he had won. How could all this fit into a paper? How could he be sure they would reach him, especially if the letter was leaving from the Demonic Capital.

    "Naila?" he called her name and the girl hummed.

    "Can you send this from the messenger in the Fairy Nation?" he asked her and the girl frowned.

    "It will take longer to reach the elf kingdom like that."

    "I know. I just want to make sure it will reach, no matter what."

    "Alright then." she agreed with no second thought and then Allias began writing his letter.

    Dear Theseus,

    I hope you are well. For now I am fine too. I was found by a fairy who sheltered me and treated my wounds. Please don''t be too sad. I need you to fix things at the palace. I know you hate playing king, I know you don''t want this but right now I am too weak and coming there could put all of you in even more danger. The one who is behind all this is lord Krono. I don''t know who he is but surely if you clear out the guards in the palace things will come naturally. Kill them all. The time I was kind has ended. Make sure every single one of the traitors dies. Do whatever you want, burn them to the stake, decapitate them but make sure no one remains alive by the time I come back. It''s an order. I will give you my seat for now. This time, don''t give the people a reason to doubt you and don''t make them think they can act however they want.

    As for me, well come and find me when this is over. My wounds seem to be a bit more serious than what I had imagined. My doctor says I will be dying if the potion she''s working on doesn''t help. I know this must upset you, I thought really hard if I should tell you but we agreed to no more secrets. I also know that once you read this you will probably want to find me. Don''t. You will be followed and in your absence they will cease my throne. You have to hurry. Make them regret everything they''ve done to us and then come to find me.

    I will be waiting. I am somewhere in between the Demonic capital border and the Fairy Nation one.

    I will always love you,

    Allias.

    ....

    So visualize this with me, I will be making Theseus shine. Like I have such a great idea for this arc. I mean it will be HIS arc. I finally feel inspired again.

    Hope you like the story so far! Also don''t forget to leave a nice comment and check out my book The Tears of a Prince, anothe fantasy BL which you will love and offer a bit of support for the contest. It has lots of open chapters!

    Remember to comment your favorite side couple for their own story at the beginning of the new year!

 Chapter 444 - 444

    "So what have you been thinking about?" Ea asked his husband. The both of them had been scooped up in the palace''s archives, checking every file about the soldiers, the guards and the overall staff. Seeking where they came from, what their jobs were before they started working at the palace and most importantly if they were recommended into the palace by a very big noble house. Those were the most suspicious and possible traitors.

    The Archives were actually more like a storage closet than a room. The files of many years had been placed here, messily if Ea could describe it in a very polite manner, in endless piles that caught too much space. Some of the envelopes were from the time Queen Atalanti was alive and that made their work even harder. At the same time they couldn''t trust anyone to help them with this job because all of the staff could be holding a knife at their back without them knowing.

    It was horrible, Ea had thought, living in an endless masquerade. Surrounded by people without faces. Shiny porcelain with such detailed design all that so you could see it crack one day and behind it, a horrible face to appear, sinister with only evil intentions.

    There was still no news about Allias, a few days later of Theseus'' breakdown. The general was slowly getting back to work. Everyone could hear through his cries deep into the night. The small elf had stayed awake many times, concerned as he had lived this whole story before and the outcome scared him.

    As they sat on the dusty floor, reading through old and new files, Ea couldn''t help but notice that Ares hadn''t spoken a word during all these days they had been stuck in there. The prince had created a huge pile of possible suspects on his side and it got bigger and bigger as time went by. It was the first time that Ea had seen him so infused with his work.

    "I am not thinking about anything. Just doing my job." Ares mumbled as he closed another one of the files and threw it to the side, that one didn''t seem to be that important since it was tossed to a pile they had created that they would burn later on.

    "All this time you have not made one inappropriate comment, you haven''t said one joke and haven''t complained about the work not even once. This is as if you have been kidnapped and someone swapped you with a look alike." Ea told him and Ares sighed, letting go of the file he was holding. He raised his head and looked at him, expressionless for a bit before his eyes turned sad.

    "I wasn''t here the last time, Ea." Ares said and the small elf raised his eyebrow, not really understanding what the prince was saying at first. "I wasn''t here. I hadn''t seen my brother like...this. I am sure that it was even harder back then. Horrible even, and you had to go through all that alone, I hadn''t been here not for my brother and not for you. I always mess up and then...then I get hit by the aftereffect just to feel disgusted by myself." he said.

    "Ares¡­"

    "No, I don''t want you to comfort me. It was supposed to be something funny. Something I always do, silly carefree me without a zip on his mouth. Allias shouldn''t have been left there in that river. I am always unable to understand the seriousness of a situation and things always end up ruined." he told his husband.

    Ea moved closer, sitting next to him. Their knees touched and the elf placed his palm gently on his thigh, meeting his eyes with a faint smile. Well, he wasn''t wrong, that''s why Ares didn''t want his comfort. It would be as if Ea was lying in his face. That would hurt him even more.

    "I won''t comfort you but please remember, none of us really did anything to get him out of the river. I think that after everything we''ve all come to overestimate our abilities. We''ve tricked death, escaped so many times that we don''t actually believe that any of us could die. Maybe that''s why we view Theseus as dramatic. He is the only one of us who had to feel the pain of seeing death, having him take the person you loved the most and living so long without them. Ares, you are you. Unique in your own way. Do I think you should have a bit more tact? Yes, but that doesn''t mean that this whole thing is solely your fault. If you ask me it''s no one''s fault. Do I feel bad about it? Yes, it''s the kind of guilt we can''t avoid but believe me. You are wonderful and kind and a lot of other nice things. There is no reason to feel bad about what happened in the past or wonder what would happen if you were a completely different person. All that matters is that you see the mistakes and fix them. Then you move on. You have come really far, you know that?" his husband asked him and caressed his cheek, feeling Ares relax under his touch.

    "Do you think my brother will hate me?" Ares asked him and Ea laughed.

    "Theseus? Hate you? He loves you a lot more than you know. I mean, he let you off with lots of things."

    "Yeah." Ares agreed with a grin on his face. "I know."

    "But maybe it would be good to have a talk with him."

    "I know that too."

    "Do you know now that it is not your fault what happened?" Ea asked him and the prince scoffed.

    "I am trying to."

    "Then that''s enough. Now take this and start reading them, we''ve wasted too much precious time with your insecurities." Ea told him and tossed a pile of files right in front of him.

    "That was....tactless" the elf said and both of them laughed.

 Chapter 445 - 445

    "Mark, please. it''s obvious that every time you go into the bath you''re crying." Asmodeus said as he watched his red haired boyfriend step out the bath. He had his lower part wrapped with along white towel while he dried his hair. Small droplets of water landed everywhere, one of them getting right into Asmodeus'' yellow eye. The demons hissed and wiped his face, blinking a few times. "Wet dog." he whispered.

    "I heard you" Mark said between gritted teeth.

    "Oh, so you heard that while I was whispering but my obvious statement about you crying in secret simply passed by you." The demon said, crossing his legs while he sat on the soft bed. They had changed rooms. Mark had decided it was about time he lived together with Asmodeus and he was given a much bigger room now. The bed in particular was huge. He could lay like a starfish on it and still there would be much space for the demon to lay down comfortably next to him. It was also surrounded by dark red silk curtains which Mark loved because they gave off a very mystical magical vibe. The bathroom was also enormous with a bath covered in gold and lion legs like the ones he used to see in movies. So what if he cried in the bathtub? In a bathroom like that the mood was just right for him to vent. His best friend was missing after all, the only thing that was missing was a glass of wine and the mood would be perfect.

    "I choose to vent in my own way." Mark commented as he dropped his towel to the ground and headed towards the closet. He opened it wide, and searched through his clothes while Asmodeus was scanning his naked body with hungry eyes.

    "Can I vent my own way too?" He whispered to Mark as he approached him and hugged him from the back.

    "No." the redhead said strictly and and removed himself from his lewd grip. "We won''t be doing anything until Allias is found." he announced as he grabbed a shirt. It was colored light mint, with wide sleeves and golden strings on the front, helping to adjust how open the shirt would be. He wore a pair of brown pants after his underwear in a hurry, deciding it would be best for him not to tempt his demon any longer.

    "That is quite torturous." Asmodeus commented and Mark gifted him a cheeky smile as he waltzed towards his nightstand. He opened the first drawer and grabbed a piece of paper and a pen from inside of it. He still had this pen with him, from that hotel they had stayed in a while back. It was a deep purple color while the name of the hotel was carved with golden letters on the side. He had kind of snooped it from the reception while they were there. Now he uses it to write his monthly letters to his family. Yes, that was right, he still contacted his family,once every month.

    "Scoop over a bit." Mark said and the demon moved to the side, leaving the space that was close to the nightstand empty for him to sit. The red haired man started writing, and after a while he was done with a proud smile as he folded the piece of paper and dropped it on an envelope.

    "Do your parents still think you''re volunteering in Africa?" Asmodeus asked and the young man nodded.

    "I don''t really know what else to tell them. I disappeared without a clue, they were worried sick and of course here there is no electricity for me to contact them."

    "Have you ever thought of telling them the truth?" Asmodeus asked and his lover started laughing.

    "Yeah, hello mum and dad. Guess what, I am the last exorcist on this earth. Also guess what I am living in a fairy kingdom with my demon boyfriend. Oh, I am also gay now, even though that would be the last of their worries."

    "It''s an elf kingdom."

    "They don''t know the difference."

    "That''s racist." The demon said and bit his bottom lip hard as he tried not to laugh with the way Mark rolled his eyes at him.

    "You are ridiculous." The red haired said, smiling a bit.

    "But you love it."

    "Maybe I do. Do you think we will find Allias?" Mark asked, immediately his expression turning serious. "You might not know but he...he is very important to me. He is my best friend and he has saved me a lot of times. He is the reason I got to find you again. I don''t think I could stand it if he dies, Asmodeus." the man said.

    "We will find him. I promise." The demon told him, giving him a comforting hug. He ruffled his wet hair, making him smile before he gently kissed his forehead. "I will do everything in my power to make you happy. If you being happy means finding Allias I will do it."

    "Do you even care about other people?" Mark asked, his words coming out muffled since he was buried in Asmodeus'' chest, enjoying the warmth of his body.

    "No, not really."

    "Oh.Do you have any friends?"

    "I have my legion back home. I wanted to visit them actually but well¡­"

    "Shit happened."

    "Exactly."

    "Asmodeus?"

    "Hmm"

    "Please help me find Allias."

    "I would even if you didn''t ask me to."

    Asmodeus could be the most horrible person on earth, he could start famines and lead wars. He was the one that didn''t really care about earth, its people or what happened to it. All that until he met Mark. Suddenly he realised he had to protect it, keep everything in order because the man he loved was a part of it. No matter what mark asked, he would do it. Just so he will be able to see that smile in his face.. He didn''t want to hear him cry in the bath any longer, he only wanted to hear his laughter.

 Chapter 446 - 446

    "You know what? After all, I am not so sure about this" Naila told him.

    Another night had passed, painfully slow if anyone ever asked Allias. The girl had gotten his letter this morning and had set out to the magical messenger. He felt useless, unable to even send a basic letter but still he was also grateful for the help that the fairy was providing him. He hadn''t met that many good people lately, everyone seemed to want something from him, at least she tried to cure him out of her job''s duty, something very honorable in his opinion.

    It had taken Naila many hours until she returned, a straw basket wrapped on her back, filled with herbs and vegetables. At the moment it was after noon, the sun was barely up in the sky and Allias had asked about when she was going to attempt to make the potion she was talking about.

    "Why? I told you that I want to take it, no matter the consequences"

    "It''s because I don''t know the side effects. Alex, I don''t want to play with your life." she told him as she stored away the vegetables in small boxes underneath her sink on a small cupboard. She kept out a few potatoes and carrots, together with onions and sat on the table with a knife in her hand. She was peeling them skillfully preparing the ingredients for their dinner. It was probably going to be vegetable soup. Allias had missed the taste of meat, especially pork, he liked it a lot but from what he had anderstoon Naila was not a big fan of eating meat.

    "Then how is it going to be?" he asked her with a frown on his handsome face. "Will I simply wait to die? Relying on those little potions you give me everyday? What if you disappear, what if they stopped working? I need to go home Naila, people are waiting for me. I can''t live my life counting on drugs." he said.

    The girl sighed. She stood up and put all the pieces of the vegetables she had chopped into her apron and walked towards the fireplace. A cauldron was hung above the fire with water boiling loudly. She dropped the small pieces in and stirred the pot with a huge wooden spoon. She grabbed a few spices from a shelf next to the fireplace and dropped them in, counting the shakes from the bottles.

    Soon the whole house smelled wonderfully and Allias felt his stomach complain with hunger.

    "Alex. What will happen if you die?" she asked him.

    "If I die, I died. It is going to happen anyway one way or the other. I want to follow the method that could actually cure me. I won''t blame you. I never would. You have done so much for me. I will always be grateful and I promise one day I will repay you." he told her and she smiled at him, fixing her glasses to rest better on her tiny nose. Her markings glowed close to the fire, as the light hit them, the silver color shone very beautifully. Allias liked observing the changes in the tones.

    "Fine, Fine." she finally agreed. She let go of her wooden spoon, dropping it in the cauldron and headed back to her shelves where many bottles sat, unopened and catching dust. She chose one of them. It had a tall neck and its interior was pitch black. This bottle seemed to be one of the newer ones, it had no dust setting on it nor a yellowish label.

    Once she grabbed it she left it on the table, meeting the king''s eyes.

    "Is that it?" Allias asked her and she nodded.

    "I have actually been preparing it while you sleep. I knew from the start you were going to choose this." she said and Allias smiled, feeling relieved that she was willing to do this for him. "I just need to add one more thing." she mumbled and headed towards her pots. She placed her fingers in one of the vibrant plants and cut two perfectly shaped leaves. She opened the little bottle and threw them in. The liquid started to bubble and slowly it changed color. From black it turned into a lilac color and Allias smiled. It was the exact same color as Theseus'' eyes. That couldn''t be a bad sign, he told himself so he could feel a bit better. She shielded the bottle again and shook it hard with her hand before she walked over to the bed. The elf was still not strong enough to get up and walk. The trips to the bathroom had been his latest achievement but even those were hard to handle since his whole body felt as if it was on fire. If it hadn''t been for that poison he would be fine now.

    "There, I hope you live" she told him and passed him the battle, slapping it on his chest first. Allias giggled, catching it from his lap where it had fallen and opened the cap with his thumb. He brought it close to his nose, smelling it only for his whole face to wrinkle in disgust. "Bottoms up!" Naila told him in a singing tone and he closed his eyes as he brought the liquid close to his lips.

    It tasted horrible as it traveled down his neck. Like something had been rotten and blended into a liquid. He managed to drink it all though and for a few seconds nothing really happened. He looked at the bottle, shaking it and signaling that it was empty before he looked at the fairy.

    "Is it working?" he asked and the girl shrugged her shoulders, unaware.

    "I don''t know how you''re supposed to¡­" she started saying when Allias'' sharp scream spread in the small cottage. He dropped it, the bottle falling on the wooden floor and tumbling in the corner and with his hand he grabbed his hair. It felt as if his head was being split in two, his body was on fire and he started sweating. "Alex? Alex! Are you alright?" Naila asked him, worried obvious in her voice as she watched him suffer.

    "I...My head!" Allias shouted. He wanted to rip his skin off, do something to stop the pain. His heart was beating so fast he believed it would stop. He looked at naila with wide green eyes. "I will die." he told her and the girl cried, not knowing what to do. "I will die." he repeated again.

    He couldn''t stand the pain any longer. He fell back to the bed, his eyes closing as he fell immediately unconscious. Naila looked at him with wide eyes, how he didn''t move, he didn''t even seem like he was breathing.

    "Alex! Alex! Can you hear me?" she asked in panic.

 Chapter 447 - 447

    It had indeed been an endless search. Theseus had forgotten the meaning of the word sleep like most of Allias'' friends. Every single one of them had a duty they needed to complete just to find themselves a step closer to their beloved friend and king. The general felt like he would collapse many times, as if he wasn''t strong enough to endure everything that was happening around him. Last time he had been numb, existing just for his return, frozen in time, closed in his endless winter but now, it was different. Allias was out there and it was his duty to find him, bring him home.

    "So you''ve searched this area" Theseus mumbled as he looked at an old yellowish map. He was in his small study, sitting on his comfortable armchair, rubbing his forehead while his lilac eyes scanned the map Ea had opened right in front of him.

    Delicately painted mountains and rivers, the names of the villages and the ruines appeared clearly on the huge map and with black circles Ea had marked all of the places their soldiers had searched.

    The truth was that trying to find the king was difficult, they did not have many people they trusted and every day the faces of those in the palace seemed to get more hostile than before. Theseus could only think of respectful masks, see cracks in vicious disguises. He tried not to drive himself mad with these thoughts but he did recognize the danger, every day and every night he and his people were running around in a bear trap, unaware of when it would snap.

    "Yes, just one more area and we would have searched the whole kingdom. Could it be possible that he is not in the Elf Kingdom anymore?" Ea asked, wondering if the King had found himself somewhere else.

    Theseus sighed, pushing the map away, the thin piece of parchment falling to the ground.

    "We are getting nowhere." Theseus mumbled.

    "I am sure if we search for a bit longer¡­"

    "It''s already been two weeks. The people will start to suspect things, our enemies will catch on. I am expecting them soon to walk through the palace doors requesting for Allias'' throne and I won''t be able to do anything because I have no one backing me up. I don''t blame them for that, I mean I was a terrible king." he said and Ea frowned.

    "I wouldn''t call it terrible." he told him, trying to comfort him.

    "Yes, it was."

    "Yes." he finally agreed, shaking his head. "I think that maybe you should start fixing things. Allias won''t be able to do everything on his own when he gets back. Ares and I have sorted out a lot of the staff. To be honest the bad ones are a lot more than expected. Maybe you can show the people that you''re not just a mad shadowcaster."

    "All I want to do Ea is find Allias, I never wished to play king. I am not made for it. How many times do I have to say it? Honestly...I hate everyone. I am not even kidding." he said and pushed back his hair, taking a deep breath as he rested back on his chair. He closed his eyes trying not to overwhelm himself with everything when a knock was heard on the small door. Both of them looked at it surprised since it was known that when Theseus was there he didn''t want to be bothered. "What is it?" the general asked and through a small opening of the door a young elf woman appeared.

    She seemed hesitant as she stepped in, her green eyes traveling between Ea and Theseus. She held an envelope in her hands and took small steps towards the general.

    "This...this has come for you sir." She said, her voice shaking as she passed the letter to Theseus. He stared at it, seeing that it had been sent from the Fairy Nation and frowned, he didn''t actually know anyone there.

    "Thank you. You  can go." Ea told her since the general was too preoccupied with trying to guess who the sender was. He opened it slowly, making sure not to rip it and took out the letter from the envelope. It had a strong smell, of herbs and spices and he snorted, trying not to think of it

    As he opened the folded piece of paper without reading the lines he already knew who had sent it. He could recognize Allias'' handwriting everywhere. He blinked a few times, gripping the paper tightly and reading its interior loudly so Ea could hear. The small elf kept his breath, hearing the words with anticipation until Theseus reached the last part.

    "He is dying." Theseus whispered and turned the paper into a ball, throwing it with anger on the desk. "He is dying and I am wasting my time here."

    "Maybe you should go and¡­"Ea tried to propose that Theseus left the palace to find him, the general interrupted him by raising his arm.

    "No. Gather the staff, all of them. I will be cleaning up the trash." he said and stood up.

    "When I told you to do that you said you didn''t want to play king" Ea said with a frown and Theseus grinned.

    "You''re not Allias." he told him and the small elf rolled his eyes. As it seemed Theseus was going to bring the kingdom upside down, just because Allias asked him too.

    The general walked outside, walking steadily back to the throne. He sat down, his eyes scanning the empty room and he sighed.

    "Gotta follow the orders of my king." he mumbled. "Just wait for me, a bit longer. I will come." he said and it was a promise to himself. This time he was going to to this right. Allias would return to the palace and a kingdom he could call his.

    ....

    Hello everyone! To be honest the last few days the book hasn''t been doing that well. So please show your support by commenting and maybe purchase a chapter or two if you''re able. Thank you for reading this far and I hope you''re enjoying the story.

    My baby Theseus, time to shine.

 Chapter 448 - 448

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jfI-z__GY0  - music

    Theseus had given out an order and everyone around him, his group of trustworthy people had made sure that it had been executed perfectly. He had carefully explained to Ea that he wanted the staff separated into two groups. One that would come into the throne room where he was, the high ranked ones, generals, doctors, soldiers and more while the second group would be taken care of by Ares in the ballroom.

    He took a deep breath, standing behind the closed doors of the throne room and fixed his shirt. His clothes felt uncomfortable, he hadn''t worn his uniform in years. He used to be a high general after all, during the war and before that. It consisted of a pair of black pants and high leather black boots. Each one of them weighed almost like a ton, he thought looking down. He wore a silk black shirt with silver buttons and a long black jacket which had his epaulet on each shoulder. His hair had been pushed back strictly while on his leather belt a sword was hanging.

    He pushed the doors open and walked in, any kind of sound instantly stopping. Only his footsteps on the tiled floor could be heard, echoing sharply everywhere. He looked around him, noticing the men dressed with their military uniforms, standing at the front, doctors with their lab coats and women in their own outfits, cooks and many more. Theseus didn''t say anything as he got up the stairs that led to the throne. He sat down crossing his legs and tilting his head to the side he smiled. Everyone was tense in the room, everyone knew it wasn''t genuine, a storm was about to come.

    "Welcome. I am glad to be able to have you here, kind of." he said. "You might be wondering why so suddenly I have gathered you here and where is our nice and kind king Allias. Well I am here to ask all of your questions and I hope that you will be able to answer mine." he said, his voice sweet like poisoned honey.

    The door of the throne room opened, drawing the staff''s attention and Asmodeus walked in, not saying anything and followed by many pairs of eyes he walked to the back, standing at a corner, looking at the crowd from the back.

    "So, who will be willing to talk with me?" he asked and his eyes scanned everyone in the room. No one stepped forth as he expected and he scoffed. "I will choose then." he said and his finger randomly pointed at one of the men in the front row. Theseus remembered his face. He was Ea''s errand boy of some sort, he had carried many valuable information and he was also on their red list. The general had spent last night examining the documents Ea and Ares had prepared for him, memorizing all of their faces and why they were threats. The soldier stepped forward. He had curly blond hair and brown eyes, a young looking face, he was probably not older than a hundred years old. "Okay, so let the fun begin!" he exclaimed, his eyes showing a glint of madness. "Which one of you bastards betrayed the king?" he asked blatably, his expression turning lethal and a few gasps were heard from the crowd.

    "Sir" the young soldier said. He looked hesitant, thinking of what he should say. Theseus was obviously not in the mood to listen to stupid fairytales. "We work for the crown, it is insulting to say we would ever betray our king." he finally said and Theseus started laughing.

    "You would make a good jester." he told the soldier. "But you see, I am at my limit here. I am not as kind as Allias and I definitely do not give a shit about your lives, if I don''t find the people responsible, the traitors because I am sure you know what you did, I will make sure none of you gets out of here alive." he warned them. The soldier gulped, sweat appearing on his forehead and he stepped back, scared, blending in with the crowd. "No one? Oh my, you are all so faithful." he said, jokingly.

    Theseus stopped talking for a few seconds causing the tension to rise. The staff was looking at each other, waiting and hoping that they would not die by the hand of the general. From behind the mighty throne shadows began crawling, filling the room, circling their legs and a man screamed, terrified. After a while the floor could not be clearly seen.

    "One word, all I need is not even a word, just a thought and you will all be dead, so start talking!" he screamed at them and hit his right leg on the ground, making it shake. It was a little trick he had stolen from Allias.

    "He did it!" Someone shouted from the crowd.

    "No she did it!" Another screamed and then every elf was blaming the one next to them. Chaos soon started to spread and Theseus observed. So these were the people that he had let into Allias'' palace over the years. Cowards, liars and traitors, ready to blame the person next to them to be able to save themselves. The general sighed and averted his gaze from the crowd, his lilac eyes traveling outside the huge windows.

    For a second he didn''t notice, there was nothing wrong with the picture, just for an instant it almost seemed natural until he realized it.

    It was snowing. Theseus'' eyes widened as a sudden cold began to spread everywhere. He clenched the armchair of the throne, breaking the sensitive material and his eyes returned to the crowd. His expression deformed, showing hate and madness.

    The shadows that were on the floor rose like spikes piercing everyone around. Screams echoed in the room, pleads for help and half dead elves landed on the ground, painting the floor red with their blood.

    "That was not the plan." Asmodeus said, not particularly bothered but more like making an observation.

    "It''s snowing." Theseus said between gritted teeth.

    "So?"

    "It''s supposed to be spring!" Theseus shouted as he stood up.

    It was snowing, in spring.

    ...

    do not worry.....much.

 Chapter 449 - 449

    "Little ones. Let''s have a talk shall we?" Ares said playfully as he waltzed inside the ballroom. The crowd of young elves was looking at him with wide eyes, curious as to why they had all gathered there. Their friends, their superiors, anyone they knew from the palace had suddenly been dragged away and now, the staff had been separated. "You see, there are some people, not all of you of course, who seem to have betrayed our lovely king. We don''t want people doing that do we?" he asked them. Obviously no one answered, no one dared to. They were just looking at each other and occasionally a few whispers were heard but nothing more bold. "Do we?" Ares asked again, raising his voice and demanding them to answer.

    "No, your highness!" The crowd said in unison and the prince smiled proudly.

    "Good, good, you could be a part of the royal choir." he said, his lips dripping of irony as he walked inside the crowd, the people spreading with every step he took. He spotted a man, a gardener. He was on the red list. An older elf, looking at least three hundred years old, wearing a straw hat and boots that were dived in mud. His skin was tanned from being in the sun while around his eyes he had a few wrinkles. Ares placed his hand on his shoulder, feeling the roughness of his shirt and looked down. "Oh, what to do, you made a mess in the ballroom. Is that the appropriate behavior when you''re in the presence of a prince?" he asked him, a sweet smile on his face, while his eyes were almost soulless. He looked like a monster, ready to devour them all. A cat playing with mice.

    "Ares, get over with it, we need to do other things too." Ea''s voice was heard. The small elf was standing at the door, a pair of daggers around his waist. He was a clear sign that if anyone tried to run away they would be instantly dead. Ares looked at his husband with a sweet smile, showing off a perfect row of teeth before his eyes returned to the gardener.

    "You didn''t answer my question?" the Disee prince hissed like a poisonous snake and the man''s eyes widened.

    "I¡­I am very sorry your highness." the gardener said, facing the floor. Ares patted his shoulder, showing him it was okay before he began talking.

    "It''s okay. I don''t mind such trivial things. What I do mind is traitors." he whispered in his ear and the man tensed. His wide eyes met Ares'' crimson orbs and the prince laughed hysterically. "You look like you are scared, do you have anything to worry about?" he asked him.

    "I am sorry, your highness." The man said, breaking from fear. "It will never happen again. I will never do it again." he begged and fell on his knees.

    Ares smiled, seeing him on the ground and he took his hat off, throwing it on the floor. While the men begged the prince looked at the ground.

    "Can anyone guess what my job is?" he asked the people around him. "Anyone? Oh guys, you''re no fun." he told them. "I will say it. My job is to protect the king. My job also is to find those who betray the king because that is not Allias'' job. And guess what, I get to do whatever I want with those traitors. Our golden king is too kind, he would take pity on you and I do respect his decision." he said, seeing that some of the people in the crowd relaxed. Just by their expressions they were betraying their own selves. "But!" he exclaimed, "I am not very obedient you see." he said and crouched, meeting the man who had been murmuring apologies all this time. "I think the time for apologies is long gone." he told the man, his eyes glistening with satisfaction.

    He grabbed the gardener by the neck and raised him above the floor as if he was a feather. Ares did not use his powers very often, them being unstable and all but he knew very well that the one thing elves feared the most was magic. It was kind of an oxymore. One of the nations that once knew how to wield magic, use it to their benefit had come to fear it. With the fall of the Avgee many scrolls, books and knowledge was lost. Everything darkened and soon magic became something for the elite. Many young elves didn''t even know how to use magic so those who possessed it were above all else, scarier than all else.

    Ares'' body got surrounded by what seemed like electric currents, black lightnings that instantly moved to the gardener. His body began shaking as if he was being electrocuted and his veins turned a disgusting black color, forming hideous patterns on his body. His eyes flipped to the back of his head and after a few seconds he had stopped moving. The foul stench of something burning filled the room.

    "Now, let''s get to the next one!" he exclaimed when the sound of screams reached their ears. It was not from the ballroom though, it was from where Theseus was and Ares stared at Ea. So loud, coming from so many people, that was not the plan.

    The small elf was looking somewhere else though not offering him an answer. Ares found where he was looking, through the small window the elf was looking at the scenery outside with wide eyes.

    "Why is it snowing?" Ares shouted in utter shock.

    "Allias¡­" Ea mumbled, his eyes succumbing to an unmeasurable anxiety.

    ...

    Hello! Do not worry, we agreed on a good end.  I just want to add my last favorite trope to the story and it will be fine, I think you''ll like it though, I am planning for a very romantic end.

    Also please purchase the chapters if you''re able to show some support to the book.. The end is comming after all. Thank you for reading this far!

 Chapter 450 - 450

    Seeing the death of a loved one was painful, it tore you to shreds seeing them slowly wither away. Guessing the death of someone who was away though was brutal. Unaware if they were alive or not, scared, anxious, unable to function because you didn''t know.

    Theseus didn''t know, no one had told him what happened to Allias. No one knew and as he left the room filled with dead bodies, his boots painted by their blood he stepped outside, leaving bloody footsteps in the pure white snow. He looked up at the cloudy sky, he felt the cold snowflakes land on his skin and fell on his knees, his fists gathering the snow. He cried, and cried until his body turned cold. He pained and screamed, he bled for his love but no one could see it. He blamed fate, he blamed the world and he blamed himself. Allias, Allias, Allias he had mumbled again and again. Allias, he had screamed until his throat was sore and his vision blurry. Allias until his body couldn''t handle the cold any more, the snow piling up and him collapsing. Allias, he had whispered in his sleep while his fever went up and silent tears escaped his closed eyes.

    Allias, Allias, Allias. A silent prayer and a powerful wish. The name he loved to call, the face he loved to observe now sounded like a cacophony and his memory had been altered by a bloodied and screaming king, asking him where was he.

    Theseus jumped in his sleep, sweaty and anxious, his heart beating so fast it could escape his chest and he swore. He had been laid on the couch of his study, the fire burning warm right by his side. He stood up, dizzy and ripped the office to shreds, again and again, like he used to do. He fell to the floor, hiding his face in his palms as he cried. As he screamed.

    "Theseus." he heard his brother.  He was standing at the door, looking at the mess the general had made with wide eyes. "We don''t know if he is dead yet." he said. The general snapped his head up, his eyes wide, red from crying and a deforemd smile appeared on his face.

    "It''s snowing, Ares." he told him as he stood up. He rushed towards him and grabbed him by the shoulders. "It''s snowing. In spring. Do you know what that means?" he asked him. Looking as if he had gone completely insane. "He is dead. He is dead somewhere and this time I can''t even hold him! This time he ain''t coming back" he mumbled, his eyes looking everywhere, frantic. "This time he is not coming back." he whispered again and again.

    "We don''t know that! We don''t know what is going on!" Ares shouted at his brother. "We got rid of the snitches. Come on. Just a bit more. Then we can go look for him. He wrote you a letter didn''t he? He couldn''t have died, Theseus. Allias would not leave you behind." Ares told him.

    "Then what happened? Why? Why is it snowing again!" The general screamed, kicking a book front he floor and making it land right on the fire.

    "He was sick right? What if he lost his powers? He may be weakened. I really don''t think that he is dead Theseus. I am begging you. Just a bit more, just a day more and I swear then you''ll be free. You will be free to go and look for him. Search the whole Fairy nation. Every corner of the world. Just one more day. Stand on that throne one more day, please."

    "I don''t want to"

    "You have to! You have to do it, orelse Allias won''t be able to return. Will you let that man run free? That nobody who so easily  turned our lives upside down? Will you bring Allias back here to actually get killed?" Ares provoked him. Theseus felt like he would explode, every second that passed by, every thought that poisoned his mind had him thinking the worst of outcomes. If, if one in a million Allias was alive, he was wasting time here, he should be out there, searching for him, not trailing insignificant lords here.

    "Ares, do it for me." Theseus said. "Stand in my seat and kill that man. Give the order. Let me go to him." he said and his little brother sighed.

    "You know I can''t do that. He assigned you as the next king. I can''t take that seat. You will have to sit there. It won''t take long, we have people out there looking for him. Ea has gone too, Asmodeus. Everyone is out there. We will find him. I promise." Theseus sighed, he looked around him. Once again he had drowned himself in chaos, buried his existence under his self hate and once again he was unable to do what Allias had told him. He remembered that letter, he remembered those words, he knew what he should do but in this growing madness of his he found himself useless.

    "What if he is truly dead?" He asked his brother.

    "He is not. I am sure of it. He is still alive. The king wouldn''t die so easily. So please, please. We need you. Everyone needs you. Get out there and make this Allias'' kingdom again. He is counting on you." Ares told him.

    It was a burden, it had always been and it hurt. This huge crown, this title that Allias was always forced to carry. Back in the day he had chosen to ignore it but now, now he got it, he could understand why Allias seemed to be so lost all the time, swimming in an endless ocean of thoughts. Being a king, having to be a king even when you didn''t want to, it hurt.

    "Find that bastard." Theseus said and stepped out, closing the door loudly behind him. "Find him and make sure you bring him to me alive. I will deal with him." He said and Ares nodded eagerly. Theys stepped out into the throne room, Theseus getting back on the throne. He had fallen so many times, this seat had been unwelcoming a lot more but he would always make it, as long as he had Allias in his heart he knew he could it and now, if he had to do this to find him he would even though his heart was bleeding, the doubt of him being dead was a hungry monster, feeding off his insecurities.

    The double doors of the throne room opened, revealing a sweaty and scrawny soldier. He stood before Theseus and bowed respectfully, his brother on his side.

    "What happened?" Theseus asked him.

    "We have him. We found lord Kronos." The soldier announced.

    "Gods¡­" Theseus mumbled. "Thank you and¡­forgive me for what I am about to do." he said and stood up. "Where is he?"

    "In the dungeons."

 Chapter 451 - 451

    No person should be described as unimportant. After all, all creatures exist in this world for a reason, to some known and to others unknown. Life is precious and that is why it should be viewed highly. No one actually can live forever and for that reason life is valued. In Theseus'' case though life had no true meaning if it did not involve Allias in it. Meaningless days and nights, filled with lifeless words. Waking up was simply a chore. That was why Theseus wanted to search for him, he wanted to find him, bring him home and finally be able to live again. To do that though he had to get rid of all of the things that could hurt him.

    They had been reckless, many times. Always barely getting away with dying but this time, this time the general didn''t know, he couldn''t predict how Allias was or where he was. All he could do was hope, hope and try, wait for the moment he would leave the palace gates thinking of finding his love.

    That''s why the man that had just been captured was on his knees in front of him, restrained and beaten up. This insignificant elf, this backup character in his story had brought his world upside down. He ought to pay more attention to people, he thought as the man whimpered in front of him. Ea was by his side with Ares, explaining things he didn''t really pay attention to while he could  only look at this man, wondering how he actually managed to separate him so easily from Allias. A love that had lasted for thousands of years, a fate that could not be overwritten by anyone was almost ready to break by some unknown lord and a woman who had been tricked.

    Maybe the fates were cruel in such a way. Playing wicked games, making sure that the moment you feel you''re at the top of the world you crush land on top of sharp stakes. Whoever was deciding his fate, Theseus despised him. It was obvious they loved playing with him, fixing his broken heart just to break it again.

    Lord Kronos. That was the man''s name. He was old, looking like he was in his sixties meaning that he was at least four thousand years old. Elves could preserve their appearance but that needed a large amount of magical power, to keep the glow of youth was not an easy task. The one who could do it though always chose it. No one liked being wrinkly, with his hair falling off while everyone around him was beautiful. Lord Kronos looking that way meant that he was weak, with no real aptitude for magic. His eyes were pitch black, while his hair, gray with only a few black hairs in them, was at the base of his neck in a small ponytail. He had wrinkles around his eyes and  spots on his pale hands. He brought them close, uniting his palms and begged, his trembling voice grabbing Theseus'' attention.

    "Please your highness, forgive me." he  cried and Theseus clicked his tongue, fed up with people begging after they had made a mistake. He had planned to kill the king, was he really stupid enough to think that he would be able to get away with it if he said he was sorry or begged for his life?

    "Where is Allias?" The general asked and the old elf stared at him with wide eyes. His whole body was shaking, the sound of the chains moving with his trembling body.

    "I¡­I don''t know. Please, I am begging you to spare my life." he repeated and the man sighed.

    "I want to know what happened to the king!" Theseus shouted, scaring him and making him fall back. "How can you not know?" he asked him. "This was your plan all along."

    "Things did not go the way we wanted them to. We¡­we went after the king but he killed all of my men, you found their bodies, you must certainly know. After that I have no idea what happened. I had my men search for him but he is not in the elf kingdom." he said.

    Theseus knew all that already, he knew Allias was somewhere, with someone and that he was dying! That was all he got and now, now that he had the horrible man who caused all of this right in front of him he couldn''t really get any new information out of him because he too was an idiot.

    "Are you working alone?" Theseus asked him, his eyes strict, showing him that he shouldn''t lie. He shouldn''t even dare to think about it.

    "I¡­."

    "Are you working alone?" the general repeated.

    "There are more. Two of the lords in the south and one of them in the north. The two others you already know. They are the ones who you injured while they had you imprisoned." Theseus took in a deep breath, disturbed by all the foes that ran freely in Allias'' land. He needed them out, all of them orelse the king wouldn''t be able to return.

    "Ea take him away. You will tell him everything. Every little detail, their names, their hideouts. All of it. Then there will be a trial. Ares you will go out with your men today, tomorrow we will trial them. If you are being honest we will make sure you are not sentenced to death, if you are lying though¡­" Theseus warned him, meeting his eyes. "I will personally make sure you have a very unpleasant death." he said and moved his arm, signaling one of the guards to take the man away.

    He breathed out, sitting on the cold throne, rubbing his forehead as he tried to think.

    "A trial is a good idea." Ea announced. "They will see that you''re trying to be just, also that you''re active. That''s good." he complimented him and the general gifted him a bitter smile.

    "Nothing is really good Ea." he said as he sat back on the throne. He hated the view, the huge doors, the windows, the snowy scenery. Again he felt as if he was stuck in time.

    "I will get ready to leave." Ares said. "Don''t worry, we will find them all by tomorrow, I swear. Tomorrow you will be able to leave and look for Allias." his brother told him. The prince grabbed Ea and kissed him, making the small elf blush. "See you soon." he greeted him and hopped down the stairs, leaving the throne room.

    "Are we sure the people we have here are trustworthy?" Theseus asked.

    "Yes, after everything that happened, even if they weren''t they are too scared to actually do anything. The ones that were under Ares have been exiled and the ones you¡­well¡­"

    "I killed them." the general said, his expression cold.  "I should feel bad but I don''t. Every single one of them had done something, they played a role in this. Maybe I am truly a horrible person but I can''t feel bad, I can''t feel anything actually. I''ve put everything on hold."

    "I think that''s fine, for now. Just think that soon all will be over. That''s the most important thing. I will go to make the arrangements. We have to set up a proper trial and I need to study a bit. We don''t really have that much time." Ea explained and Theseus nodded, letting him leave.

    The general did not remain alone for long. He heard footsteps and his eyes turned towards the door that was slowly being opened. A red haired head appeared first, messy, looking like copper as the sun hit it and then Mark was fully into his view. He was the second person that had been affected by Allias disappearance the most. He hadn''t been looking that well and he would usually walk around during the night, unable to sleep.

    "Hey." Mark greeted him, getting close to the throne. He looked at the small stairs with his warm eyes and a few seconds later he was sitting on the floor, feeling the cold of the marble spreading on his tired body.

    "Hey." Theseus said back, as lifelessly as him.

    "Do we have any news from Allias?" he asked and Theseus shook his head negatively. No news, no words, no letters, nothing. Just emptiness and imaginary thoughts.

    "No, nothing. Tomorrow though I will be starting my journey. I will look for him." he said and Mark''s eyes widened.

    "I will come too." he announced.

    "No, it might be dangerous." the general said.

    "I don''t care. I talked about it with Asmodeus too. I want to look for Allias. He is my friend, I miss him and I am worried about him. After the letter¡­"

    "How do you know about the letter?" Theseus asked him.

    "Ea told me."

    "Of course he did."

    "I know how much you love Allias, I am sure you''re in a lot of pain right now but believe me, so am I. At the moment he is the only family I''ve got. He is my best friend and I¡­I¡­" Mark said, tears flooding his eyes, forcing him to stop talking. He wiped them with the edges of his sleeves, taking a deep breath to calm himself down before he continued. "I feel partially responsible for what happened. I too became accustomed to not fearing death, not thinking about it. I want to bring my friend back. Because I haven''t slept in days and I am so fucking tired. So you can say whatever you want but I¡­I will come." Mark announced, trying to sound as confident as he could.

    Theseus looked at him. He had never really bothered with mark. He knew him as the last exorcist, the man who was Allias'' friend. This was probably the first time that he was properly paying attention. He could see it in his eyes, the pain that sprung in his heart, how broken he felt and helpless, just like him. He missed the king, his only friend. He closed his eyes, giving up  as he spoke.

    "Fine, but I will not be babysitting you. We are leaving tomorrow night, no delays." he said and Mark smiled, shaking his head with confidence.

    "Yes!" He exclaimed.

 Chapter 452 - 452

    Both of them had kept their promise. Ea and Ares just in one night had made sure that everything was perfect for the king. The young Disee prince in just one night, like a skilled thief had grabbed with his men all those scums that drank in their mansions, satisfied with the fact that the king was missing. They didn''t even dare to put up a fight since the truth was that Ares was known, notoriously so and was bravely following the steps of his older brother. At some point after he had burned down the mansion of the first man he visited, the second and third lords almost gave in themselves, hoping they would get a kinder sentence. The third actually peed himself but that, well Ares didn''t make such a big deal out of it, even though he was desperately itching to. He thought of Ea, he had decided to be more mature and making fin of scared prisoners was not the look he was going for.

    The small elf on the other hand had remained buried in a book for the whole night, studying how the trial should be executed, making sure that there would be no mistakes made. No one should have the chance to badmouth Theseus and this whole thing should end with the bad guys in jail or even better¡­in hell.

    Theseus did his part too. Writing his speech and trying to calm himself down. If it was on his own hand they would all be dead by now but that would simply make him seem like a tyrant and that was the last thing he wanted. Allias could not return to a kingdom he was hated. He was actually holding on by a very thin string. His mentality was wrecked, days now he looked as if he had lost all hope and the light in him had fainted, turned off even. Allias'' disappearance had been like a gust of freezing cold wind, blowing off the candle that he called hope.

    Trials of such importance usually happened in the huge square of the village. There should have been at least one week''s announcement so the people would be able to attend but that was impossible. Still from early in the morning, while everything was being set up in the snowy village the word got around and by noon a huge crowd had gathered.

    The space had been carefully designed. It had been quite a while since they had such an event take place and the fact that Theseus would be in the center of attention did not make it easier for anyone. He wasn''t liked by the general public and that alone could jeopardize a lot.

    The main village had a beautiful square. A wide round place with stones on the ground and a magnificent fountain in the middle. Many shops and taverns surrounded it and kids usually played there during the spring and summer. It was also the place they chose to have most of their fairs and celebrations. This time though the square was filled with people not because of the music or the laughter but because a number of chained men stood in front of a stage. This stage was made of wood, standing right in front of the running fountain. It almost reminded them of the stages of a theater but in reality it was just a higher space. Behind the men who were facing the crowd had been placed a podium. That was where Theseus was preparing to stand.

    The lords were shivering, beaten by the cold weather and whispers spread through the crowd unaware of what was actually happening. The wooden stage was being surrounded by soldiers, trying to keep order. The families of the lords on the front rows, some women crying as they screamed that this whole thing was unfair and that their husbands were innocent. That was what disgusted Theseus the most. The lying. Everyone acting as if they hadn''t schemed and plotted to harm Allias. Everyone is trying to keep their lives.

    Ea got up to the stage, walking and drawing everyone''s attention as he stood in the middle. He coughed and opened a huge roll of paper. It was a royal announcement.

    "Today, the noble people of the Elf Kingdom have gathered here to witness the righteous trial of the lords that have been accused of scheming against the king. King Allias has been missing for almost a month now and it has come to the palace''s knowledge that the men here are responsible for it. Now we will greet the King''s substitute, Theseus, the High General." the small elf said.

    Theseus was once more forced to wear his military uniform, he was forced to walk with his head high and look at the crowd of commoners that hated him as if he didn''t know that all of them there wished to stone him. They weren''t wrong but still, they did get on his nerves. He walked proudly standing behind the podium and the chained men were forced to turn around and look at him.

    "Lord Kronos, Lord Flot, Lord Akis and Lord Brit. You are being judged for trying to kill the king, resulting in his disappearance. Do you acknowledge these accusations?" he asked them, trying to sound as calm as he could. He had to lock himself in his room last night just so he wouldn''t have to sprint down to the dungeons and kill them himself.

    "It was them!" Lord Kronos shouted. "They are the ones who got me into this! Please, I can explain everything." the old man said and Theseus squeezed his eyes. Obviously this old idiot was not being forced but nonetheless he allowed him to speak, after all he would expose them, let the people know.

    "Explain then." Theseus said.

    "These bastards!" Lord Kronos said. "They were unhappy that our golden king had returned. They had found comfort in the fact that they could do whatever they wanted while he was away. Rape, steal and kill with no consequences. They believed our King''s land was theirs. They wanted to take him out since his majesty couldn''t get manipulated." Kronos said. The other men began to shout. Call the old elf names and scream that they were lying. Soon the crowd got in too, they were whispering, booing and a mess began to occur. Theseus stared at the people, his eyes cold and emotionless as he smacked his palm on the podium, the sound echoing loudly. Magic, everyone realized and they shriveled. It was pitiful, the fact that the elves who were ones the most knowledgeable of people when it came to magic had come to fear it.

    "You have all participated in illegal actions against the royal crown. There has been evidence and we have each of your confessions. As you all may know the punishment for treason is the death p¡­" Theseus was trying to announce that all of these men were supposed to get the death penalty. Someone from the crowd interrupted him, it was one of the wives of the lords. He didn''t know though who she was married to. A young lady with long black hair and blue eyes, staring at him filled with rage.

    "And who are you to decide!" She screamed. "You''re nothing but the man the king sleeps with! Have you forgotten?" she asked, referring to the people. "All the misery we went through while he was in charge? Maybe we should have the lords rule. Where is our golden king now huh? Disappeared. Yeah right, he is hiding like the coward he is. What has he done ever since he came back?" she screamed at the top of her lungs. The crowd fell silent for a few seconds and Theseus scanned them, worried. Suddenly a few affirmative shouts were begging to echo in between the people.

    They were justifying the attempt against Allias'' life. The general realized and a storm began to waver inside of him. He looked at the woman, filled with anger, wanting to rip her to shreds.

    "We don''t need a king!" Another voice was heard. "What has the so-called king done for us?" he continued and with every word Theseus began getting angrier. He should be civil, he should follow the rules, he knew that and he took a deep breath.

    "Everyone!" he called. "We have to continue with the trial¡­" he said.

    "Maybe we should be happy that the king is dead!" Another voice was heard and Theseus'' eyes widened. He turned his head, his hands gripping the edges of the podium and met Ea and his little brother. His whole body was tense, veins popping on his neck.

    Ares seemed to be equally mad, as the shouts got louder more and more people seemed to gain courage. The two brothers looked at each other and Theseus watched his brother nod. Yes, he had been waiting for this moment, so desperately. Theseus grinned.

    The mad shadowcaster kicked the podium, making it land on the people, scattering them and making them shut up. He walked towards the prisoners and grabbed one by the neck, suffocating him until he was just a lifeless body. The crowd was frozen, their eyes stuck on the Disee prince, the high general who was looking at them as if he had gone insane.

    "What the king has done for you? Oh you ignorant fools. You low life scums." he shouted at them. "The king, that king you want dead killed more than a thousand men during the war just by dying! Allias breathed and suddenly spring came. You could grow your crops again, trade and not starve! Allias took down the demons who had been putting our Kingdom in danger and found allies in the hunters. Made friends with the wolves and you''re wondering why you need him just because some crazy lady who doesn''t want to see her man pay for his crimes started screaming?" He asked them and jumped on the crowd, the people scattering, too scared to stand close. "So listen to me, you brainless fuckers." he said and laughed. "I don''t give a damn if you have children, if you have a family or if you need to feed your crippled parents, the next sound I will hear coming from your mouths about Allias I will make sure to rip off your tongues and make you eat them before I snap your necks! Am I clear?" he asked them, locking eyes with a few of them. "I am not kind, I am not nice and I don''t care if this whole kingdom burns but if you think I will let you speak about the king like that, oh my, you have signed your death sentence!" he shouted and then leaped again back at the stage. "So I am listening loud and clear, who is against the death penalty for these men?" he asked the people, cupping his ears dramatically.

    Deadly silence, no one even dared to breathe in his presence and he smiled, devilishly before he scoffed.

    "I figured." he mumbled and his eyes rested on the soldiers standing to the side of the stage. "Kill them all.." he ordered without sparing them a second look.

 Chapter 453 - 453

    "Such a handsome young man working with Naila and you''re telling me that there is nothing going on with you?" An old fairy lady asked Alex and he smiled brightly.

    "Nothing is going on. She saved me so I am helping her out. Now granny here is your medicine. Remember Naila said to take it twice a day. Don''t forget it." Alex said and took from his bag a small leather pouch that was filled with an aromatic dust. He carefully handed it to the old lady, her hands shaking as she grasped it. She placed the pouch to the side and gave him two golden coins. "Thank you" he told her sweetly and she smiled.

    "You should come next time too. Seeing such handsome faces makes my day." she complimented him and he laughed.

    "Of course I will." he told her before he left, hearing her close the door of her little hut behind him.

    Alex tossed the coins in the air and grabbed them again before he shoved them in his pocket. He placed his little bag, that until a few hours ago was filled to the brim with medicine, better on his shoulder and followed the little fairy made path that led to the main village of the fairy nation.

    It had been over a year that the young elf had woken up. He spent a week with deep fevers, hallucinating and in horrible pain until Naila''s medicine helped him and cured the wound on his head completely. The only drawback had been that once Alex woke up he didn''t remember anything, not who he was or where he came from. He had asked Naila about it. The girl told him his name but as it seemed she had no idea either. Many times he had thought of getting back to the elf kingdom, searching about who he was but no one was looking for him. He had asked the travelers many times if an elf named Alex was missing, if they had heard anything but no one knew.

    So he had decided to spend some time there, feeling indebted to Naila for all that she did for him, the young elf chose to become her helper. He would make simple positions for her, help her with collecting herbs and deliver her medicine to her older customers in the village.

    He lived a peaceful life and got along with Naila pretty well. She was kind and funny, a very smart fairy and she too seemed to enjoy his company. She would always tell him that he was a great help and that he had made her life easier. Because of that and since no one ever came looking for him Alex slowly started to forget about his so-called home, a place he didn''t really remember anything about. He wanted to help Naila, after all she had saved his life.

    He was done with the work of the day, his feet a bit sore since he had to go towards the demon territory this time and the ground there was rough but thankfully not that many fairies lived close to that border. Alex had heard from Naila that the demons used to cause a lot of trouble, not only to the fairies but to other species too but since the elf king killed two of their biggest rulers they had calmed down quite a lot.

    "This king must be something." he mumbled, his thoughts traveling as he entered a small candy shop. The place smelled sweet, like melted sugar with a few hints of rose and he smiled. He really liked coming to this place, it was always filled with light and had the best caramels. He wanted to buy some for Naila, she always liked the cinnamon flavored ones while he preferred blueberry.

    The woman behind the counter raised her head, the chimes at the door signaling Alex''s arrival and she smiled.

    "Hello little elf." she told him. He was a regular customer there and also many people knew him because of his deliveries. No one called him by his name though. Everyone called him little elf, something that had made him angry at first but as the days went by he learned not to mind. The elf Kingdom was far away, he probably was one of the few elves that lived there.

    "Hello miss Anya. Can I get what I always do please?" he asked and a small yawn, surprisingly escaped his lips. The woman chuckled, seeing his cute expression as apologized embarrassed.

    "You look tired today. Bad day at work?" she asked him.

    "No, it''s just that sleeping is a bit hard sometimes." he told her as she took three silver coins from his pocket and left them on the counter, taking the little bag with blue and red colored caramels in his hand. "Thank you."

    "Thank you too and don''t work so hard, rest from time to time. Also get a haircut" she advised him and he smiled, opening the door.

    She was right on the haircut part. His hair had actually gotten pretty long, getting even further than his shoulders and the locks didn''t seem to get tamed that easily. Alex usually tied them with a hairband, having to worry only about those that fell to his eyes but today the band had snapped, freeing his hair. He had gotten many compliments about it but when they were free like that they were uncomfortable.

    The truth was that sleeping wasn''t hard sometimes. It was always hard. Alex, ever since he recuperated from his head injury, had difficulty sleeping. If he had to actually count the hours he managed to sleep peacefully on his bed wouldn''t be more than three every night. He had tried everything. Remedies, caramels, pills and magical potions made by Naila but nothing seemed to work. The reason why his sleep was so restless was because of his dreams.

    One dream in particular. He always had the same dream, for over a year now. It was a man, his face couldn''t be seen since his back was turned towards him. Tall with broad shoulders, his hair white as snow.

    Alex would stand there, behind him and look at him. He would be still too, his head moving from side to side as if he was searching for something. Then, the moment the unknown man would intend to move, turn around and face him Alex would hear the sound of an arrow, flashing right next to his ear and landing right at the man''s chest. He would fall down, a pull of blood spreading around him, a word escaping his lips but Alex did not know the meaning.

    In his dream, as if he was someone else, Alex would scream and shout. Cry and try to reach him but he wouldn''t be able to move. It was as if he would be stuck. He felt like his heart was getting ripped off his chest every night, waking up in tears, while the unknown word the man said would echo in his head for hours.

    Allias.

 Chapter 454 - 454

    "I''m done with deliveries." Alex said as he walked back into Naila''s cottage, throwing the little bag he carried around on the wooden floor. The girl was on her desk, reading an old book, its pages ready to fall off at any moment. "Here" he told her, letting go of the coins the customers had given him on the table. She simply hummed, not paying much attention nor showing any kind of excitement for the caramels that the little elf had brought her. She seemed to be immersed in that old book. "Hello?" He told her and shook his hand in front of her glasses.

    "What?" Naila asked, kind of irritated. "Oh, sorry. I was too focused on the book." She said. Alex drew the chair opposite of her, sitting down and eyed the book. It was upside down so he couldn''t read much, the letters were also a bit faded.

    "What book is it? It looks really old" he commented and the fairy nodded, turning it around for Alex to see.

    "It''s an old elf book. The truth is I can''t read the elf language that well so I have been looking at it for a while. A merchant passed by and it caught my eye, so I had to buy it." She explained.

    "Did he not tell you what it is about?"

    "No, actually I didn''t ask" she said with an embarrassed giggle following her words.

    "I am an elf, let me see." Alex said, rolling his eyes at how absentminded she could be. The girl gasped and her eyes were excited.

    "Of course you are. Take a look! There is the word gold quite a few times in there" she mumbled.

    "It could be an accounting log" Alex assumed before he laid eyes on the delicate scripture. At the thought of that Naila frowned, hoping she would get to see something better. The best option would be it it was a medicine book but her hopes were not that high.

    Alex''s eyes were a very beautiful green, vibrant that shone under the pure moonlight. When he cried his eyes would glisten as if they were gems. They were truly enchanting, a sight to behold and Naila was sure that those eyes and the perfect smile, the wild brown lock would have charmed many people in the past.

    Alex began reading. First there was a date, it was from three years ago and as it seemed this was not an accounting log, it was actually a diary. He turned to the first page, there weren''t that many there, some of them had been ripped by the writer or the carrier of the books.

    "It''s a diary" Alex said.

    "Oh my! That''s quite intriguing don''t you think? Come on. What is it saying? Let''s start from the first page." She urged him. Alex was reading at loud, translating the words in his mind.

    "It''s a wish." He informed Naila.

    "A wish? That''s weird." She mumbled but she didn''t keep talking, she let Alex read. "I hope someday this finds you. I hope it finds you even if I''m unable to. I''ve been writing and writing, scribbling useless words in pieces of paper hoping that one day you might get to see it. Wishing that it would reach you and you''d want to come home. I hope you''re alive and I hope you still love me. I hope you know how much I love you. I hope I can find you. That''s why I am starting this journey, away from everyone. I''ve pleaded to the gods, I''ve raged on the fates just so these useless pieces of paper find you just so I can find you because I am tired and I am in love and I keep having nightmares of seeing your dead body all over again. I wish this finds you and while you read it you come find me." Alex read. He suddenly felt uncomfortable. He cleared his throat, not turning to the next page.

    "What are you doing? Keep reading!" Naila said excited.

    "I don''t think this is something we should¡­"

    "Read little elf. I love a good romance. It''s probably a book anyways. I doubt it''s someone''s story. So come on" she said.

    Alex turned the page, the paper feeling like a sharp knife on his skin, the handwriting moving and acting as a chain that tightened around him. Nonetheless, since Naila wanted to, he kept reading.

    "It''s snowing again. Every day and every night. This has always been a bad sign, it always shows that you''re far away, out of reach and no matter what I do, no matter how loud I shout your name you won''t come. I miss your eyes, the ones that showed me the colors of the beautiful spring, I miss your smile and the softness of your hair. I miss those stray locks that fell on your face as you slept peacefully by my side. I miss all of you, your golden smile and the way my heart used to beat when I was with you. I miss you, I miss you, oh I miss you and I can''t stop crying. You''re the only person that made me cry this much. Made me feel this much and hurt this much. You''re selfish, disappearing like that, leaving me alone again. I want to hate you, I want to punch you when I see you and I want to kiss you. How I want to kiss you, it''s ridiculous. I am a mess but still...I miss you."

    "Naila¡­"

    "Next page, this author is pretty good" she said and Alex flipped another page. His heart was rushing, his body turning hot and a pain spread on his chest.

    "I could burn the world. I''ve told you that so many times before. I could burn every house and every tree if you''d asked me to. So why didn''t you ask me to? Why didn''t you tell me to kill your enemies? Why did you have to be this kind? This is what kindness got you. Us being apart, me being torn into thousands of pieces that desperately look for you. I would kill for you, I would do it all just to see you smile. The son of the golden sun, the golden king. The one who was pure and innocent. I can bury my hands in their flesh, I can paint my palms with their blood but still you didn''t want that. You were too kind and that kindness ruined me. You shine so bright and I try to hide, remain in the shadows, aching for you to look at me. Are you thinking of me? Where are you? Do you still love me?"

    "I think we will be reading this all night" the girl said excitedly. Alex couldn''t read more though he felt like he would cry. He closed the book loudly meeting her eyes.

    "Enough"

    "What? Why?" She asked, confused. It''s such a lovely read.

    "It''s heart tearing."

    "It''s fiction."

    "Come on, just a little bit more, please." She pushed him and opened the book to the next page. What Alex saw though was not another heartbreaking confession. It was one word, written all over again and again. His eyes widened. "This doesn''t look right."

    "It''s just one word again and again" Alex mumbled.

    "What word?"

    "Allias." He said, the word coming out like a whisper.

    "What the hell is an Allias?" She asked.

    "We need to find that merchant.. Where is he?" Alex asked Naila as he shot up from his chair.

 Chapter 455 - 455

    "We have been searching for three years now" Mark said and released a sigh. "Asmodeus is freaking out with all these elves back there" he told the white haired man and he laughed.

    It was past midnight. The breeze of the night moved slowly through their hair, creating music through the rustling leaves while their little fire accompanied the rhythm as it burned steadily. The general was looking at the stars, little spots in the midnight sky, the moon hidden. Allias loved the starry sky, he always smiled as his eyes mirrored the shine of the stars.

    "Time passes by fast." He whispered.

    "Tell me about it. Also when did you pick up smoking? What is this?" He asked him, seeing a cigarette resting between his fingers.

    "We have been traveling for three years together and you didn''t notice?" Theseus asked him and Mark scoffed. "It''s like the ones you have in the human world, a bit different though not so...broadly produced?" He said, questioning if he had phrased his words right.

    "I see. I don''t get it but oh well, you do you. Anyways, where will we be going tomorrow?" Mark asked the general. Theseus kept to his thoughts for a while, recalling Allias'' last letter. Once he believed that the veil was small, the kingdoms fitting in the palm of his hand but now, every territory, every village seemed so vast and his king, his lover was somewhere out there, hidden.

    "I think we should stay a bit more here. The elf nation is big. We could ask around in the main village." He told him.

    "Who will know though? We''ve asked almost everywhere. No one knows an elf with the name Allias. We''ve scattered everywhere your little sappy letters but nothing."

    "They are not sappy. They''re my feelings."

    "Sounds the same to me. Still, we should have hired a witch. It would be a lot better."

    "No it wouldn''t." Theseus argued. "The fact that it''s still snowing in the elf kingdom means that Allias'' magic has been suppressed. It would be almost impossible to spot him. The easy thing with Allias was that his magic was so strong you could sense it from miles." Theseus explained. Mark frowned, scratching the top of his head dissatisfied. They had to find him.

    "I''m not giving up" the red haired man said out of the blue. "I am not going back home until we find him."

    "I''m not giving up either. Even if it means I will have to camp in horrible villages for the next five years with you."

    "Hey! What''s wrong with us camping?"

    "You snore too loud, man." Theseus told him with a grin resting on his handsome face. He brought his cigarette close to his lips, releasing a cloud of thick white smoke as his lilac eyes focused on the sky again. "As long as we''re under the same sky, then I''m fine. I can hope."

    "He is not dead right?" Mark said, sadness lingering in his eyes.

    "No, he isn''t. He can''t be. He is Allias after all. He is just out there. Waiting. I am sure." Theseus said, making the exorcist smile when footsteps were heard. Mark turned his head seeing a familiar figure approach. It was Kage, one of his familiars.

    "Did you hear anything?" Mark asked the demon spirit. He looked as if he fitted perfectly in the scenery. The thick woods and the dark sky. His pale skin and bottomless eyes. It matched the night so well. Kage looked at his master, getting closer and sitting down on the damp grass before he spoke.

    "We have searched the most busy areas during the night. I talked to a lot of people, some were scared though since I was a demon. Still I heard something."

    "What did you hear?" Theseus asked, getting his eyes away from the midnight sky and focusing on the spirit.

    "You had given one of your diaries to a merchant that does business here. After he sold the diary to a woman and a man they went into town looking for him. They asked where he had gotten it, who gave it to him." Kage told them. Theseus was at the edge of his seat, waiting for the spirit to finish. "The merchant said he didn''t know where we lived, that we were travelers and the two people left shortly after. I asked him how they looked like"

    "And?" Theseus asked, urging him to speak faster. Get to the point and let them know if finally after three years of endlessly searching for him he had found him.

    "They said the woman was an elf, she was named Naila, she is a doctor. Her companion was a man, her helper. They say she saved his life from a head injury. The interesting thing is that he is an elf but his name is ¡­.Alex."

    Theseus took in a deep breath. Slowly a rose of hope began to bloom in the garden of his heart. For years it was a dried out field, forgotten and let go but now, as he heard the name Alex, as he listened to Kage he felt as if something inside him had woken up. Just by the sound of his name, he felt like he came back to life.

    "You think that he¡­" Mark mumbled, looking at Theseus hastily and the elf general shook his head in agreement.

    "Yes. It''s him. He can''t be anyone else. I am sure. Who else would be an elf called Alex?" He asked.

    "So...we found him?" He asked, his voice filled with excitement. A bright smile appeared on his face.

    "We found him!" Theseus exclaimed. "Tomorrow, we will go into town and search for that doctor."

    ....

    Hello! How do we feel about the ending? I will start the romantic stuff now...hehehe you guys deserve it. Thank you for all the support. It has been a long journey and some of you were here from the start.. I hope you will enjoy the final arc.

 Chapter 456 - 456

    Immediately the next day Alex set off to the fairy village together with Naila. Both of them were intrigued, the fairy not knowing as much as he did but she followed him, curious as to why the elf had seemed to want to find the merchant so badly. At first they went to all of the trading roads surrounding the village. One by one most of them were actually empty. It had been a bad season for them. The elf Kingdom, which was on the main road for merchants, had fallen on a tough winter again making it hard for them to pass. So trade has been slow lately, or more like for the last three years.

    "Excuse me, do you know where we can find a merchant? He was here yesterday. He sold old things, like antiques and books." Naila asked an old fairy man as he walked down the road. Farming tools on his back as he took each of his steps slowly. The man, his skin tanned by the harsh sun looked up, his straw hat hiding a part of his eyes.

    "Someone passed by. He was on a horse, he had many bags on it. The poor animal seemed exhausted." he told them and Naila nodded.

    "Do you know where he went?" she asked him.  The man took a few seconds to think, his eyes traveling at the crossroads as if he tried to place him in the image of his mind.

    "He asked me for an inn. He wanted for his horse to rest so I told him to head to the village." he informed them and Naila smiled at him. She grabbed her back and rummaged through it, taking out a small glass bottle filled with a green liquid. The fairy handed it to the man as a thank you for the help.

    "It''s a toner. Drink a drop of this once a day and you will feel ten years younger." she told him and the old man laughed, throwing the bottle in his old pocket.

    "Thank you young lady." he thanked her and as Alex moved away with Naila the elf smiled.

    "What?" she asked him.

    "You''re a good person." Alex commented and she started laughing. She had a very cheerful laughter, one that little kids liked. That was the reason why whenever a little fairy was sick their mothers would always bring them to Naila. Kids seemed to love her, even though she was a scary doctor with shots and bitter medicine.

    "He helped us so I helped him" she explained to the elf. "So let''s go and see a few inns. The first inn you meet in the village is the broken goblet. I am sure he wouldn''t have pushed his horse more to find something else." she said and Alex nodded, following her.

    The weather was warm, both of them dressed in light clothing and they felt the rays of the sun touch their skin. It was soothing, this little walk in the countryside, the green color of the fields and the sound of the birds tweeting. From time to time a farmer would pass by, greet the known doctor by grabbing their hats and walk off after they received a warm smile from her. It was peaceful, that was what Alex liked about this place, about Naila''s cottage. He could simply exist without being scared. He didn''t really know why he felt that way, why he had that kind of fear inside of him but he was sure it was something that had to do from his past. That was one of the reasons why he decided not to search about it. He felt anxious and trapped every time he thought of where he came from. It scared him. But as that book came in his hands he knew he couldn''t let it go. He had to search, the name Allias was a constant echo in his mind by now.

    While they walked in a comforting silence time passed by fast and the village appeared before they even realized it. Of course it was a lot livelier. Kids were running around, and the shop owners shouted about the new fresh and delicious products. Everything seemed to be so alive, like a constant heartbeat.

    Naila spotted with her kind eyes the broken goblet. A tall wooden building with many windows. Four of five in each floor and a door which was always open. At the ground floor there was a tavern, filled to the brim with people even though it was still fairly early for lunch. The two pretty waitresses moved cheerfully around the tables, their trays filled with glasses of ale.

    "Hello" Naila said politely to the innkeeper and the man with the rosy cheeks smiled.

    "Well hello Naila. What brings you here? You have the little elf here with ya too"

    "Hello" Kai said with a cute smile.

    "We are here because we are looking for a man, a merchant. He must have come here yesterday. He also has a horse." she said. The innkeeper scratched his mustache, thinking when his eyes widened.

    "Oh, yes yes. Two more people met with him today. He is over there, sitting by the window." he told Naila and both of them looked back, towards the place he was pointing. Indeed, the merchant that Naila had bought her book from was over there, sitting by the window with a half eaten plate of breakfast. The fairy smiled happily, thanking the man and grabbed Alex.

    "Let''s go ask." she said and Alex''s heart began to beat loudly.

    ...

    Hello! The reunion is finally here. Hope you liked this chapter. If you did please give this chapter a nice comment! Also since we are at the end please purchase the chapters if you can. That would help me a lot and motivate me to give the best stories!

    Thank you for reading.

    I can''t wait for when Theseus sees Allias. My heart is already shaking!

 Chapter 457 - 457

    The merchant actually remembered Naila, something that made things a lot easier for them. He offered them a seat and he was so polite that Alex felt bad for interrupting his breakfast. He hadn''t even finished his eggs but was sitting there and allowing two strangers to ask him weird questions. Naila on the other hand didn''t seem to really mind how the man felt.

    "Thank you for letting us ask you a few questions." Alex said and the man smiled. He was definitely handsome when he was younger. He had a kind and sophisticated air to him. Naila once had told him that merchants were always different. They had traveled so much, seen so much of the world that they were easy to spot from simple everyday people. He had doubted her back then but now he wasn''t so sure she was wrong.

    "It''s alright. I do remember that I sold you a book right?" He asked her and the fairy nodded, excited.

    "Yes, about that book. Could we ask you where you got it from?"

    "Hmm, I''ve had it for a while." The man said, grabbing his chin while he thought about it. "But I got it from an elf. A very beautiful one actually." He said with a chuckle, remembering Theseus'' charm. "He had snow white hair and vibrant purple eyes. In all my time I''ve rarely seen people with characteristics like his" he commented.

    "Oh" Naila said, not sure what she should answer next.

    "Did that man write that book?" Alex asked.

    "I believe so, yes. I actually happened to see him today. He was asking about you. Actually about who bought the book. Could he want to take it back?" The man assumed. " I read through it once. It did seem too personal to share. I told him and his companion that I had given it to you young lady. They might come to your house." He told her and Naila frowned.

    "Sir, you should be telling strangers about other people''s houses." She scolded him but her voice was still kind. The merchant looked at her, his expression showing guilt as he thought about it.

    "Excuse me about that, you''re right. They didn''t seem like bad people though. All they wanted was to know about who bought the book. They might even visit you" the merchant told them.

    "Thank you." Alex said and stood up instantly, as if he was in a hurry. "We should better get going. I am sorry for interrupting your breakfast." He told the man and grabbed Naila, rushing her outside.

    Before talking to the man his pace had been slow, leisurely as they walked towards the inn. Right now as they headed back home he was almost running. The merchant was right. They could visit them and Alex had to be there. He didn''t stop to enjoy the beauty of the fields nor the creek he loved. All he could do was stare forward, anticipating for the little cottage to appear.

    After a while it did. A small house with a window. A little garden on the front and back and a hay roof. It reminded you of those houses in the fairy tales. Decorated with pretty flowers while a swing was hanging from an old tree to the side of the house. Naila had recently planted some roses. A few yellow and white ones and Alex was anticipating to see them. He loved the smell of roses.

    The house always looked the same, inside and out. This time though there was a new addition. Two men were standing at the front porch. One stood in front of the door while the other was trying to peek inside from the window. They still hadn''t noticed Naila and Alex, too focused on getting whoever was inside out. The fairy parted her lips, ready to call them when Alex placed his palm on her lips and pulled her behind a wide tree trunk.

    "What?" She whispered confusedly. "These are the people you''re looking for."

    "I know, I know but I...I can''t go there" he whispered back. The moment he had seen them he suddenly felt anxious and surprisingly guilty. He didn''t know why and he thought it was utterly weird to feel guilty. Did he know these people? Had he done something bad to them? He wondered. What if they wanted to hurt him?" "Go out there, talk to them and find out what they want. If they''re okay I will come in." Alex told her. Naila rolled her eyes but accepted anyway. It was obvious how nervous she was. That was why she jumped out, leaving Alex with his back on the trunk looking toward the forest too scared to look at them. She heard them greet them and the two men talked to her. The door of the house opened and she closed it loudly signaling that they were gone.

    Alex exhaled, feeling his heart calm down a little bit when he heard an unexpected rustling from above. As if something was moving into the leaves of the tree.

    He raised his green eyes, looking through the thick leaves and spotting a few branches. Something seemed off, he couldn''t really spot what though. He blinked a few times, focusing when a figure suddenly formed. One of the two men, sitting on a branch and looking down at him. His eyes glued on Alex''s.

    "Hello there." The man said with a low voice and the little elf felt like he would faint.

    ....

    Finally! I swear I am going to make this perfect. I will create the most amazing moments. Also if you remember how Allias and Theseus met for the first time after he reincarnated you will know why he is on a tree...hehe.

    Hope you liked this chapter and if you did please leave a nice comment, a good review and maybe a little gift since it''s Christmas? *Coughs coughs*

    Thank you for reading and all the support you''ve shown this far! I hope you enjoyed reading!

 Chapter 458 - 458

    He was that man, the one the merchant had described. The man had said he had very peculiar characteristics, rare and well Alex couldn''t agree more. He hadn''t seen that kind of beauty anywhere, he had never locked eyes with such a beautiful gaze and he had never felt his heart flutter from such a charming smile.

    Framed by the leaves, the sun shining behind him as he sat there, the young elf couldn''t help but examine him, rooted to the soil. His eyes were purple staring at him and his hair had the color of the lonely snow, a single black strand in them. His characteristics were perfectly symmetrical and at the bridge of his nose he had a small horizontal cut.

    He was dressed lightly, matching the warm weather of the fairy nation. Black leather pants and a loose black shirt made from silk that slipped elegantly from one of his shoulders. The sleeves were short, revealing his tattooed arm. He wore big and heavy boots in a very lazy manner. One of his shoelaces actually was untied.

    "You''re hiding" the man said, his voice low and deep, reaching the core of Alex''s soul. As he looked at him he felt like he wanted to cry. It was a horrible feeling, a lonely embrace of sadness.

    At the sound of his voice he took a step back, showing how shocked he was and the elf parted his lips, finding something to say.

    "I¡­" he mumbled. "I am not hiding." He finally said and the white haired man scoffed.

    "Move" he told him and Alex took a hasty step back. He jumped down, landing skillfully on his feet like a cat and walked towards him, making him once more feel guilty. He hadn''t done anything but felt as if he had. While that man stared at him the only word that popped on his mind was¡­.I''m sorry. "I was looking for you." He told him.

    "You want your book back?" Alex asked. The man laughed, making him feel a bit silly, as if there was a very important piece he was missing from the conversation. He blinked, his green eyes filled with wonder.

    "I want you back. I want you to come home." The unknown elf told him and Alex''s eyes widened. He stood still, his heart racing while he processed the man''s words.

    "You know me?" He asked, pointing innocently at himself.

    "I do. I don''t know a lot of things but I definitely know you." He told him. The man did not seem happy. He looked hurt. He had a grin on his face, a means of covering his sorrow but his eyes were wide doors open to his soul, offering Alex a full view. He looked as if he was crying, deep inside, curled in a corner of his heart, screaming.

    "Don''t cry." Alex blurted out, not even realizing and the elf frowned. His cheeks turned red, embarrassed about the stupid thing he had said but the man in front of him simply smiled, bitterly.

    "Is it that obvious? Well, things like that were always obvious to you." He said. "My name is Theseus."

    "Nice to meet you." Alex said, once more feeling stupid for his stupid answer. Nice to meet you. Of course he would say something so idiotic. They knew each other! A little voice screamed in his head.

    "Your hair has gotten longer" Theseus sommented and moved his hand forward, intending to touch the curly locks but Alex didn''t let him. He moved back, avoiding the touch of a stranger and he could swear, he heard the sound of his heart crack as he did so. "Sorry. I must be making you feel uncomfortable." The white haired elf said.

    "I''m sorry. You said you know me but I¡­.you see I had a head injury, I don''t remember anything. I don''t know if you were someone important or not, everything is confusing. It''s been three years, I believed that no one was looking for me. I asked around, travelers, all kinds of people and no one said I was missing." Alex said. Theseus seemed to be taken aback by his words, an angry frown appereaning on his face.

    "What are you talking about? For three years, days and nights I''ve been searching for you. From nation to nation, from village to village. I haven''t set foot home in three years. Do you know how hard I tried? To do everything just so you could come back...no matter how much I wished to die" he whispered his last words and Alex felt a pinch on his chest. He didn''t wish to upset him, he didn''t like the image of him being saddened by his words.

    "I''m sorry. I didn''t know." Alex said, scratching the back of his head. He felt uncomfortable, he didn''t know what to do or what he was supposed to say. Everything was so messy, he wasn''t ready for it.

    "It''s fine. As long as I found you it''s fine. So please, will you come back home?" Theseus asked him, his eyes begging as he met Alex''s and the elf felt as if he had been pushed to a corner. He couldn''t run nor hide.

    "I...I won''t" he answered him, making him gasp in surprise. His purple eyes showed pure shock as he spoke.

    "What do you mean you won''t be coming home?" Theseus said, his tone upset, his voice raised.

    He had been searching for him for three years, every night wishing that he would be alive, that the king would return home. Now after all this struggle, after all the pain he had gone through he was standing before him, looking into his kind eyes again, seeing his beautiful face, asking him to come back.

    Allias had said no, he had denied returning and Theseus could only stand there, an unexplainable anger rising in him.

    "I don''t know you" Alex told him. His voice showing that he was suddenly alarmed, scared by the man before him. "I''m sorry. I''m so sorry" he said, in the verge of tears. He felt so bad, he felt so guilty and he didn''t even know why.

    "Didn''t you read my book? It was made for you.." Theseus asked him and Alex could only breathe, no even that was difficult. That book, these words that were filled with pain and adoration were written for him?

 Chapter 459 - 459

    Their conversation was cut short. There were so many things in Theseus'' mind, such horrors that began to haunt him. He had never thought that Allias wouldn''t want to come back. He had thought the possibility of him losing his memory with Mark, they had talked about it. How they were going to approach him slowly, help him if ever that happened but he was impatient, he rushed and now he had scared him. Why was it hard to control love? Why were these feelings so scary that he had to lock them in, making sure that the golden king wouldn''t see them yet. Theseus had spent endless nights thinking of this moment, endless days daydreaming about it but now, as it became reality he realized he had done nothing right.

    Allias'' head moved, his eyes focused on the little cottage as he heard the door open and he rushed towards Naila who was escorting Mark out. He didn''t even spare him a glance, he actually seemed relieved that this was all over. Theseus, taking a deep breath, trying to stop his anger since he knew nothing would come out of it, stepped back to the light, leaving the shadow of the old tree and standing next to Mark.

    "Thank you for helping us." Mark said and looked at his best friend. A smile formed on his face as he managed to see him for the first time. He  was so excited, he almost wanted to start jumping up and down. "Hi." he told him kindly.

    Alex turned his attention towards him, for a second forgetting Theseus'' words. He was a young man, a human. He had flaming red hair, looking auburn underneath the sun and his eyes were brown. A warm shade with honey colored details in them. His characteristics were cute, sweet and soft and as their eyes met Alex felt his heart calm down a bit.

    "Hello." He told him, smiling back at him without realizing it. The person in front of him was not like Theseus. Looking kind, his voice had a lingering sweetness to it. He felt at ease as he looked at him, in difference to the man who stood right beside him. Tense and angry.

    "Then, we will come again." Mark told Naila and the woman nodded.

    "Yes, please do. I am sure Alex would want it too." she agreed, looking at the young elf. Alex thought about it for a bit, his eyes traveling back and forth to the people that had suddenly seemed to pay him attention.

    "You can come." he said, staring right at Mark. His words made him happy, the young human nodding satisfied.

    "What about me?" Theseus asked. Allias turned his head, examining his expression for a while.

    "Do as you wish." he told him, blatantly showing him that he was not very pleased with their meeting. "Good day." he said and turned his back, getting in the small cottage and closing the door behind him.

    "He will come around." Naila said, wanting to soothe Theseus a bit. He seemed almost shocked by his reaction. "It''s just that¡­all this must be confusing to him. I hope that you will understand and that you will not be angry at him. When Alex¡­I mean Allias woke up he was a mess. He searched everywhere at first, asking if someone knew an elf named Alex but no one was looking for him, he believed that nobody cared about him. Also there was the origin of how I found him. It was a really messed up situation so I think he concluded that he was trying to get away from home." she explained.

    "It''s alright. We were expecting that it would be hard. I mean, he doesn''t remember anything. We will do our best slowly to make him remember. It''s just that some are more thickheaded than others and do their own shit without asking." Mark said, looking at Theseus with a judgemental expression. The redhead had caught on pretty fast. There was no way Alex wouldn''t want Theseus, no matter who he was. He probably scared him and pressured him because he couldn''t wait.

    "I¡­"Theseus said, hoping he could think of something to say to excuse himself but Mark didn''t allow him to. He raised his hand, making a stop signal while looking politely at Naila.

    "Anyways. We will come back tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding." Mark said and both of them greeted her before the exorcist dragged the elf away.

    Once they had made a good distance away from the house, returning to the village where they had decided to stay, Mark stopped on his track, surrounded by green fields, his foot that wore a worn out pair of shoes tapping the dry soil that served as path.

    "What did you do?" he asked, his eyebrow raised and Theseus scratched the back of his head. "We said we were going to take this whole thing slow. Didn''t we?"

    "I just¡­well¡­I tried. But he didn''t seem the tiniest bit interested in me! I didn''t like it." The general answered with a frown, making Mark scoff.

    "This is not about you. This is about making Allias remember." he said, his tone scolding as they talked.

    "I know." He exhaled. "But what if he doesn''t like me this time?" he asked, his eyes showing his insecurities. "I am not how I used to be. I don''t think I am that fun anymore."

    "What? He has literally fallen in love with you twice! Get your head in the game." Mark said, moving dramatically his hands in the air. "You make him love you! He will love you. You two are an item. So just do it."

    "I¡­"

    "How did you do it when you first met?" the red haired man asked.

    "Those were different times." Theseus answered, avoiding his question. "I am not that young anymore." he mumbled. Mark snorted. He took a step closer, grabbing him from his shoulders, even though he was taller and forced him to meet his eyes.

    "Then become young again. I do not care. Do what you did and make him remember. I want to see my boyfriend too!" he said. Theseus gulped, seeing the killing intend in Mark''s eyes.

    "I will. I got this." The general said.

    He didn''t seem so sure though.

 Chapter 460 - 460

    Naila hadn''t told him anything. It was as if she wanted to hide something when Alex asked her what she had talked about with the red haired man. She had just brushed it off with a wave of her hand, saying he just told her they knew him and that they wanted to visit again.

    He had seemed skeptical about it, he didn''t want to be that kind of person but he believed there was something more in this little talk they had. The fairy girl though denied everything as she decided to make a cake. Getting into something else was her way of avoiding conversation. That alone made her more suspicious.

    Unfortunately, Alex couldn''t do anything about it. Naila, like him, was very stubborn and if she decided not to speak then nothing would change. That night Alex had the same nightmare again, his body aching on the rough bed as he twisted and turned, hearing that excruciating scream.

    The morning found him tired. He had bags under his beautiful eyes and for a few minutes after he woke up he kept looking at the void. He felt as if he didn''t have the strength to do anything. Naila pushed him off the bed and asked him to go pick some herbs near the river creek. Alex raised an eyebrow, surprised by her request. She usually preferred to do that on her own since Alex didn''t know the herbs very well still.

    As he walked into the forest, hearing the refreshing sound of running water, he brought the images of the herbs she wanted in his mind. If he made any mistakes he didn''t really want to hear her nagging.

    His eyes were carefully scanning the ground, looking for dark green and wide leaves, roots and light pink petals. He found a few in his path and gently harvested them until he reached the creek. He liked how the clear water shimmered under the morning sun, the smell of the wild flowers and the little rustling from the small animals in the bushes.

    He liked how peaceful the forest was but at the same time so alive. He ignored for a while his little task and sat on the ground, letting his naked feet in the cold water of the river and he smiled.

    "Aren''t you cold?" He heard someone ask from behind him and turned his head. It was him again, Theseus, walking towards him. Everything seemed to make sense now. Naila had sent him here because of him. "That is a very obvious displeased frown." He commented, a grin on his face.

    "Sorry, didn''t mean to show it" Alex said, being ironic. "I''m leaving anyway." He continued and stood up, gathering his stuff ready to leave.

    "Pitty." Theseus told him as he sat down, a bit further from the river, under the shade of a huge tree, lazily resting on its trunk. "I thought you wanted to know about your past" he said, tempting him. Alex stared at him, his eyes squeezed as he tried to understand him. Was he lying? The green eyed elf couldn''t help but think.

    "Are you lying?" Alex asked him and the handsome man laughed. He looked different from yesterday. Theseus had appeared as desperate, pushy and that had scared him but now he was perfectly relaxed, a cocky grin on his face as he talked to him, seeming not to care if Alex left or not.

    "You can only sit here and find out" the general said and patted the soil next to him. The elf took a few seconds to think. He could be lying, did they really know him or was it some kind of scam? He couldn''t know but he was itching to learn about his past. Now that he was here would it be wise to lose a chance like that?

    He sighed and marched with confidence next to Theseus where he sat down. The white haired elf seemed to be pleased and smiled.

    "Good boy" he told Alex, his voice low and the brunet felt his heart flutter. He bit his lip and looked away, trying not to show those two little words affected him. Before he started talking Theseus took out a cigarette from his pocket, lighting up with a match and bringing it to his lips. "So what do you want to know?" He asked Alex as a huge cloud of smoke escaped from his perfectly shaped lips.

    "I...well¡­" Alex thought. "I want to know why Naila found me in that state? I was hurt badly."

    "You were fighting." Theseus said plainly. "Some people had captured me, so you wanted to save me. You ran into the woods and the moment we met I blacked out so you teleported me away. You fought all of them yourself."

    "Wait, I can do magic?" Alex asked with a frown on his face and Theseus chuckled.

    "You sure can." He answered, that grin that told Alex he had many secrets still plastered on his face.

    "Why can''t I do it now?"

    "Probably because of the accident" Theseus assumed. "Magic is fragile, you can lose it if you don''t handle it well." He explained. "So are you going to ask anything about me? I''m feeling left out." Theseus joked as he turned his face to meet his eyes.

    "I don''t want to know anything about you." Alex mumbled.

    "Really? You risked your life for me. Could it be that the new you is heartless. Oh my, how cold." He said dramatically and Alex scoffed. It was true though, he was curious, why would he go and fight all of these people, reach the edge of death for him?

    "I am perfectly fine the way I am, thank you." He said.

    "Hmm." Theseus hummed and moved closer. He was so close to Alex the poor elf froze, seeing his handsome face. His heart began to race while he noticed that his eyes were examining his face. Theseus raised his hand and pushed back his hair, wanting to have a full view before their gazes interlocked. Purple into green, it was a very good combination. "No, you''re still you" Theseus said, a smile appearing on his face.

    "W-what?" Alex asked, flustered by his words, the way his hand had rested on his cheek as if it was nothing. The warmth of his skin. He pushed his body back, his eyes anxious.

    "I could tell it''s you even if you had completely changed your appearance. I could tell it''s you even if you had changed your name and attitude." Theseus said and winked at him, bringing the cigarette back into his lips and blowing the smoke in Alex''s face. The elf, coughed, feeling suddenly exposed and stood up.

    "You''re insane." He told Theseus, his face red as a tomato. "I''m leaving, don''t follow me!" He exclaimed.

    "Oh, you should already know that I will, babe.." He told him with a cheeky grin and Alex whined as he rushed away.

 Chapter 461 - 461

    "Don''t follow me!" Alex exclaimed, turning back and looking at the handsome elf who walked a few meters away from him. He had his hands in his pockets, a relaxed smile on his face as he crushed branches and fallen leaves under his heavy boots.

    "I am not." Theseus said and smiled widely, making the green eyed man scoff and roll his eyes. "I am just going back to the cottage. Is that a bad thing?" he asked him.

    "Go back to where you came from." Alex told him.

    "From the cottage then." He responded, his eyes playful as he watched him get annoyed.

    "You know what I mean!"

    "I don''t though." Theseus whispered and shrugged his shoulders. Alex let out an annoyed sigh that was somehow mixed with a very loud groan before he turned his back on him again and started walking. He could hear the elf behind him, following him while he moved back to the cottage. Sometimes he would talk too, not to him in particular but he would comment about something that he saw, or a flower that was pretty. Alex was getting more and more annoyed by the second, this feeling of someone tailing you, his eyes always drilled to the back of his head. He turned around for one last time. "Hi" Theseus said with a stunning smile and his heart fluttered.

    What was this? He wondered. Just a second ago he was annoyed but now, now his heart was acting like a lonely puppy, jumping up and down just at the sight of a smile. He was ridiculous. Yes, Alex scolded himself, lost in his thoughts for a second. He took in a deep breath, trying to calm down, his heart and his mind. It was a clash actually. The thoughts of wanting to run away and the desire of simply standing there, admiring this suffocatingly annoying man.

    "You can''t do this to me." Alex finally stated and Theseus tilted his head to the side, curious.

    "What did I do that''s so bad? I am not bothering you. I am not even talking to you, I am just going on my way, nice and good." he said. "But tell me, why are you so bothered by me?" Theseus asked.

    "I wonder why? You appear before me, saying some shit about this book and then telling me to follow you home being all angry and stuff and then the next day you''re completely different. I do not understand your games and I do not like it." Alex explained. He was pointing a finger at him, a strand of hair falling right in front of his ace and the elf blew at it to make it move. Theseus started laughing, seeing how adorable he was and approached him.

    "Want me to explain to you what I am doing?" he asked him, not expecting an answer. "Well, it''s actually quite simple. I just want to be around you. When I am near you I can finally feel happy again. When I look at you, your eyes, when I hear your voice and see that adorable grumpy expression of yours I simply feel like things will go well. You might not remember me but I do. I remember you and every single detail about you. I won''t  pressure you, I won''t even try to take you home, even though there are people there who really miss you but at least, what I want is to be able to exist next to you. Nothing more, just be." Theseus said.

    Alex blinked, in awe by his words. He felt like his breath was stuck on his chest,  unable to get out. How could he say things like that? He wondered as Theseus stared at him with a gentle expression on his face. There it was, Alex noticed it. That sadness had returned in his eyes, like a ghost that''s haunting him, a trauma he didn''t know about. Alex couldn''t look into his eyes for too long, he felt guilty, as if he was the reason for that pain that hid behind the endless purple. He averted his gaze, turning his head and his cheeks turned red, the words still running around in his mind.

    "I want to remember." Alex said and Theseus nodded.

    "I am sure you will." he encouraged him and the green eyed elf looked at him shyly. "I will be here, to help you."

    "What if I can''t remember though?" he asked, a small insecurity being created inside of him, tugging on his chest. He was here because he was looking for the old Alex. The one he was supposed to be so what would happen if he¡­if he couldn''t remember? The man suddenly felt very scared.

    Would Theseus leave? Would he be disappointed? He couldn''t ask these questions. He wasn''t confident enough about the answer he would get and honestly he was perplexed. Why was he so afraid that he would leave? Didn''t he just ask him to return to where he came from? Alex''s mind was a battle, he could hear the swords colliding. He didn''t know what he wanted, he didn''t know who he was.

    "Are you scared?" Theseus asked him, catching on to his feelings easily.

    "N-no." he stuttered. "I just wanted to know, what would happen if I couldn''t remember?" he repeated his question, feeling like he needed an answer.

    "I don''t know." Theseus said. "I don''t know about the rest, I don''t know about back home. All I know is about me and I, I would still love you, even if I had to make you love all over again." he said.

    .....

    Hello everyone. Merry Christmas! I hope you are enjoying this book. Please leave a nice comment, a good review and a vote in favor of the Christmas spirit! Also it would be really helpful if you could purchase the chapters. Thank you for reading and I hope you all have happy holidays!

    I will try to update a bit more so by the start of January I can end the main plot and  bring you the exciting new stories with your favorite characters!

 Chapter 462 - 462

    That night Alex had a weird dream. For the first time in three years he didn''t see the figure of that man, he didn''t hear his excruciating scream that was filled with pain. For the first time he didn''t feel like his dreams were only a dreaming hell he couldn''t escape.

    Maybe it was because of his day, maybe because he had talked to Theseus, maybe because he had heard those words. Maybe, so many maybes were dancing around, like little devils on his body as he thought about his morning. After that they had walked back in silence, the elf flustered and shy didn''t have the courage to say anything. So him and Theseus were something, definitely. He realized. It  didn''t need much thought but he didn''t really have the guts to ask. Theseus had left after that, leaving him alone with Naila. Alex hadn''t managed to do anything the rest of the day. He just kept thinking and thinking, sighs escaping his lips from time to time until it was time to go to bed.

    Back to his dream though, it was confusing but it didn''t feel bad. It was kind of like he had traveled to another world, somewhere he knew he had  been before but didn''t know where it was or why he was there.

    He was walking around an empty palace, his feet crunching the soft snow underneath his feet. The palace had no ceiling and the snow falling from the sky landed soft and pure on everything, creating a lonely kingdom of ice. He didn''t feel cold even though he could see the snowflakes landing on his skin. He was barefoot and he was walking towards a door, without understanding why his body was leading him there.

    He stood before a pair of double doors, covered by ice. They were so tall, almost expanding to the sky and Alex gulped, feeling intimidated by the size of them. He touched the frozen surface, he felt his fingertips slip from the ice but he noticed something. As he looked to his side something was missing. He didn''t have an arm. He realized and his eyes widened. Why didn''t he have an arm? What had happened to him.

    "No¡­" he mumbled confusedly. "I was not supposed to have an arm." he whispered. So why and how had he gotten his arm back? It had been Naila. She did something. "Where did I lose it?" he said, almost mentioning his missing arm as if they were his missing keys.

    He tried to remember, frowning when the sound of the enormous doors opening removed him from his thoughts.

    Right in front of his own eyes a room appeared. Snowy and frozen in time, as if someone hadn''t stepped in there for years. He looked around at the tall walls, the wide windows that showed a beautiful winter garden and then the throne. Yes, there was an icy throne right in the back of the room, existing, standing there proud and empty with only one thing on its seat.

    Alex stepped in closer, his eyes trying to focus. He stepped on the small staircase, reaching to grab the thing on the seat. It was a crown, shining cold. It was made to mimic vines and had a beautiful green gem in the middle. The elf was familiar with the sensation, he had touched it before, he knew of his weight, of the blood it carried and how heavy it was on his head. He let it down, not wanting it in his hands but something inside him made him grab it again, hesitant.

    As he examined it, he heard a door click, he looked behind the throne, curious seeing a part of the wall opening. It was a hidden door. He realized and got off the throne''s stand, getting to the small door. Behind it there was light, it shone dimly, it reminded him of a fire. He opened it fully with his leg, since he held the crown in his hand and walked in.

    It was a study. It hadn''t been conquered by the freezing cold though. A fire was alive in the fireplace. Heavy wooden furniture and tall bookshelves filled with books surrounded him. A man was seated on an armchair behind a desk, papers surrounding him. He moved forward, getting closer and making some noise, kicking accidentally a crumbled paper that was on the floor. The man raised his head.

    It was Theseus. He looked exactly the same. His hair though was different. It was long and black, resembling the feathers of a raven. He actually looked a bit younger too, confusing Alex.

    "What are you doing here?" Theseus asked him.

    "I don''t know." Alex replied. He looked down, his arm had returned. He felt different. There was a mirror in the back of the room, he turned his head, seeing his reflection. He was younger too, wearing the crown that had disappeared from his hands, his clothes were white, loose on his body with golden elements and his hair was short, wild. It wasn''t him but somehow it was. He looked like a teen.

    "You don''t know?" Theseus asked him and chuckled. "You can just say that you missed me."

    The raven haired elf stood up and approached him. Alex''s body didn''t deny his touch as he took his hand in his, even if he wanted to, he couldn''t'' move at his own will, it was as if he was seeing a movie from the protagonist''s eyes.

    "I¡­Why am I here?" he mumbled and Theseus tilted his head to the side. He stared at him, examining him well before his eyes widened. In a sharp movement he had grabbed Alex, wrapping his fingers around his neck, suffocating him.

    "You''re not Allias." Theseus said. "What did you do? Who are you?" he asked him.

    "I¡­" Alex struggled to speak.

    "Where is Allias?" Theseus shouted. "Who are you?"

    "I don''t know who I am!" Alex xcreamed, pushing Theseus back with some kind of invisible force. Magic? He could do magic. Theseus landed on the bookcase, books falling everywhere around him as he raised his head, a grin on his face.

    "That''s better." he told him.

    Alex felt relieved.. He didn''t know why.

 Chapter 463 - 463

    "I am going insane!" Theseus shouted as he roamed back and forth in Mark''s bedroom at the inn. "I have been playing cool all this time. I have been doing the charming you know smile and all but Mark, listen to me I just want to¡­I just want to grab him and¡­."

    "Fuck his brains out." The redhead said with a poker face, expressionless as he stared at the general. Theseus stopped in his tracks, meeting his eyes, slightly stunned, a tiny bit disturbed.

    "That too but no." He said. "Also please don''t talk about fucking ever again in front fo me please."

    "It''s so obvious you have no friends." Mark commented and shook his head.

    "Hey!" Theseus said, wanting to think of something to argue that statement but he couldn''t. Well, he didn''t really have any close friends. Or more like friends he could talk about things like that.

    "Such a loser. Ts, ts, ts." The exorcist continued teasing him with an expressionless mask on, making the whole scene even more funny.

    "Do you want to fucking die?" He asked him between gritted teeth.

    "If you touch our master there will be a problem" A voice was heard behind the man and he jumped up, startled. He turned around to face Ignis who had just appeared.

    "He is joking, it''s okay." Mark told the spirit and he nodded, disappearing instantly after that.

    "I am not though." Theseus threatened him, crossing his hands over his chest and Mark smiled brightly.

    "Come on then. Kill me you bitch. Then you will have Asmodeus hunting you down and Allias hating you forever. I am waiting!" He said and opened his hands wide, exposing his chest. Stab me with your shadowy things. Right here, in the heart." he told him, hitting his chest and Theseus rolled his eyes.

    He took a step forward and grabbed his wrists, putting his hands down and staring him right into the eyes.

    "Don''t challenge me okay? I did not get the word mad in my nickname without a reason." He said and Mark gulped, seeing how serious he looked. Nodding slightly.

    "Back to the Allias thing" he said while coughing, wanting to push the tension away. "What do you think? How does he feel?" he asked him.

    "He likes me." Theseus said, a silly smile on his face as he remembered Allias'' expressions and reactions earlier at the river. "He likes me." he repeated in a dreamy tone and Mark sighed. At his pace they would have to stay there for another five years. He realized and stood up. He moved all the way to the other side of the wooden bed, getting to the simple nightstand and opening the first drawer. It didn''t move easily, it seemed to be stuck for a second but while pulling hard, accompanying his try with a loud groan he managed to open it. He placed his hand inside and grabbed a piece of paper and an old pencil. Theseus asked him what he was doing but the red head didn''t answer. He just kept scribbling on the paper, focused on what he was doing.

    "Arpaia!" he shouted and the gorgeous demon appeared. She literally fell from the ceiling, landing on Mark and hugging him, giving him a loud kiss on the cheek.

    "Master! How long has it been since you called me?" she said, whining. "I missed you. I was so lonely." she told him and Mark shook his head, removing her thin hands away from him. She stood up, fixing her dress and her hair, waiting for his order.

    "You should be happy I am not in danger." he reminded her and she laughed.

    "Oh, but a little danger can be fun. We will turn rusty, you know." She answered.

    "Good. I am so glad you want to work because I have a job for you!" Mark said with a wide smile.

    "Really? Who should I kill?" she asked him, excited.

    Mark grabbed the piece of paper that had fallen on the wooden floor of the room and folded it in two, stretching his arm and passing it to her.

    "What is this?"

    "That''s a letter. Your job is to deliver this to Ares and Ea." he told her and she frowned, dissatisfied with her mission. "I can always send someone else and you can go to your realm" Mark threatened her.

    "No, no. I will be so quick. You will see." she said and disappeared. Mark chuckled.

    "So, why are you sending a message to my brother?" Theseus asked and the exorcist looked at him with a cunning expression. It was obvious that Mark was scheming something. He smiled brightly.

    "Well, I think that you will mess up so I decided to bring here someone who has it in his nature to stir the waters. I am sure Allias will be so shaken by him that he will remember, either he wants it or not. I have a boyfriend too you know, I need to see him some day. I can''t be a part of this slow burn romance of yours. Speed things up!" he said as he clapped.

    "You didn''t" Theseus mumbled with an awestruck look and Mark nodded eagerly.

    "Oh I did. I called Ares here." he said.

    "No! He will turn everything into a mess." Theseus whined.

    "Exactly!" Mark said with excitement.

    That night Theseus had laid on his bed with a headache. He didn''t want to think how things would go if his brother visited here. Alex would literally want to run away, not come home if he met him. That guy never knew how to shut up. The general thought as he kept sighing. He had to do something, make Allias get closer to him before the devil himself arrived. It would be a thousand times more difficult then.

    "Gods, be good to me. Just this once and I swear I will visit you and even do offerings. Come on, you know me. I can be nice." he mumbled before he closed his eyes.

    Was there any point in praying?

 Chapter 464 - 464

    "I am going! Be careful. I heard yesterday from a few people in the village that slave traders from the demonic capital have been lurking in this area." Naila said as she grabbed her stuff from the table and threw them into her medical bag. Alex shook his head.

    "You should be careful, I am not going out." he reminded her as he munched on a cookie. "It''s my day off." he said happily and Naila waved goodbye before she left him alone in the small cottage.

    Alex didn''t feel that tired today. He had been able to get some sleep last night, since his dream hadn''t been that horrible. Troubling? Yes but a nightmare, definitely not. He could remember clearly the beautiful castle and the handsome Theseus. He looked so good with black long hair and the elf couldn''t help but wonder why he changed like that. Elves rarely showed signs of extreme aging early on, especially if they looked as young as Theseus.

    He laid on his bed, stretching his tall body and let out a groan when his eyes spotted a list that naila had left on the table. He eyed it carefully, able to read a few of the words from far away. It was a herb list that she had, those one could be only harvested in the forest. As bored as he was he stood up and grabbed it, reading it with much more care, thinking if he could find some of these. He remembered a few herbs and realized that he wanted to help. So he grabbed his small cutting knife from the kitchen and a small fabric bag and left the little cottage.

    Theseus had not appeared yet and without wanting to admit it he was kind of expecting him. That''s why he was weary of every little sound, his head snapping towards every direction hoping that it would be him. He had walked for about ten minutes deep into the forest but he still hadn''t shown up. Alex was getting a bit disappointed.

    "Yes, play hot and cold." he whispered as he grabbed a root from the ground. He pulled it a bit too hard though, making the dirt land on his face and he groaned, wiping it away disgusted.

    "What are you mumbling to yourself?" he heard a voice say and he jumped up.

    It wasn''t Theseus. It was that other guy, the one with the red hair who was approaching him, a smile on his face. "Need some help?" he offered.

    "Thanks but no." Alex said, kind of displeased that it wasn''t Theseus the one who appeared. "Are you two taking shifts or what?" he whispered to himself.

    "You can think of it as that" Mark answered him, having heard him and Alex coughed, embarrassed. "It''s good to see you." he told him and the elf stared at him.

    The feeling was exactly the same as the first time he saw him. He felt at peace and he felt safe. It was weird, even though he didn''t want to seem welcoming, he wanted to be suspicious and be on edge just in case he simply couldn''t. This person right in front of him, the way he looked at him and the kindness in his smile were too much.

    "Were we¡­friends?" Alex asked, not knowing how to define this feeling inside him.

    "Best friends!" Mark exclaimed happily. "We met at college. Then we went through this crazy adventure until we found ourselves here." told him, scratching the back of his head.

    "College?" the elf asked confused.

    "Oh, yeah. Something like a magic academy." he told him, not wanting to get into further detail about how Alex used to be a human. He was sure all that would simply make things more difficult for him.

    "I am sorry." He said, meeting with Mark''s questioning look.

    "About what?"

    "I am sorry that I don''t remember you. You''re supposed to be my best friend and I¡­"

    "Don''t be sad about that." Mark interrupted him. "Maybe if I had been a more responsible friend none of this would have happened." he spoke to himself, regret in his eyes. "But it''s good. I have been searching for three years with that idiot for you. I am relieved, I don''t care if you don''t remember me, I am just glad you''re alive." he told him and Alex gave him a small smile.

    It was that feeling, the one he couldn''t explain. This person, Mark, felt so comforting.

    "Thank you. I will try. I mean, I am trying to remember. It''s just a bit hard, I thought I was going to let my past behind and then you and¡­" he said but a loud sound interrupted him. Both of them had similar reactions. Their heads turning, eyes cautious as they scanned opposite sides of the forest.

    Alex noticed the bushes move, and moved towards Mark, grabbing his tattooed wrist.

    "Be careful." he whispered at him and Mark looked at him for a second with furrowed eyebrows.

    "Looks like we got a good catch." A hoarse voice was heard and slowly from the deepest parts of the forest demons began to appear, more than ten. They were slowly surrounding them.

    "What the heck?" Mark asked out loud.

    "They''re slave traders." Alex whined, remembering Naila''s words this morning.

    "They will catch a good price" One of them said, looking at his slimy friends and they all started laughing.

    "Ignis! Kage!" Mark shouted and two spirits suddenly appeared, startling Alex. "Deal with this. Come on." he told Alex and this time he was the one to grab him. Ignis made way for them, grabbing one of the demons and breaking the circle.

    The two young men started running, Mark holding Alex''s hand tightly. He turned back for a bit, locking eyes with him.

    "Don''t worry, my spirits will handle this. Let''s go back to the cott¡­" he said but his sentence was cut short. He bumped into something and both of them were forced to stop.

    "I don''t think your spirits got this." Alex said, seeing the enormous demon that stood before them. "We''re doomed."

    "Out of everything, a slave too?" Mark whined before the man grabbed him from his collar, raising him from the ground. "Hey! hey , let me down!" He screamed and started kicking the air. His fight didn''t last for long, the huge demon moved his head back and crushed his forehead on Mark knocking him out.

    "Can we talk about this?" Alex said, his heads raised. "I give up. Please don''t hit me.." he cried.

 Chapter 465 - 465

    Mark and Alex were tied from their hands and wrists, their mouths gagged with old fabric. Both of them had been tossed into a wooden cage and thrown on top of an old carriage. The red haired man kept whining, kicking the cage causing the demons to stop many times just to make him go quiet. One had actually slapped him once, warning them that if he kept this up both of them were going to get killed.

    Alex kicked him gently, wanting to get his attention and when their eyes met he shook his head in a negative manner, telling him to stop. They were just making things harder for them like that. He tried to pass that message to him mentally and noticed that Mark stopped after a few seconds, deciding to follow his advice. Alex wanted to smile but the gag on his mouth was annoying, he could barely breathe actually.

    "They will catch a really good price."  he heard one of them say and he frowned. He couldn''t help but wonder  why wasn''t Mark calling his familiars when his eyes landed on a rune that was carved on the cage. His head fell back in desperation, him slowly thinking they were doomed. If they passed the border and entered the cemonic capital then they were really lost. They would sell them in an instant and then it would be impossible for them to escape.

    He didn''t like it. The feeling of being restrained. The rough ropes on his hands, the narrow box he had been shoved into. He felt as if someone had dropped a rock on his chest. It felt oddly and horridly familiar, the sensation of losing your freedom. It made his chest hurt and he couldn''t help but panic. Not just because they had been captured but because there, in that cage he was living two moments.

    He didn''t know how to explain it properly but the more he remained there, the more he could feel the restraints tightening on his skin. Even though he was tied with rope he could hear the dragging of chains, he felt weak as if he had been beaten up, even though no one had touched his body, he had surrendered willingly. His eyes watered and this time he was the one that forced the demons to stop. He kept kicking at the door of the cage, desperately needing to get away. One of them rounded the carriage and looked at them. He was hideous, with a long black beard and two horns protruding from the side of his forehead. His eyes were like the ones of a lizard, colored a moldy green.

    "Take them out for a bit. They keep getting on my nerves." He said.

    "Let''s just beat them up." one of the proposed and Mark''s eyes widened. He had seen Alex''s reaction, he was aware where it came from and it broke his heart. The elf was not listening, he was lost in some kind of storm in his own mind, trying to escape the feelings that clashed inside him.

    "Don''t. They are pretty. We will sell them higher so don''t damage them. Just throw them there, a few of you come with me, there is a village close by. Some poor farmers will be willing to sell their daughters." he said and most of their gang followed him, leaving three of them there to guard the two prisoners.

    One of them approached them. Crouching in front of the teary Alex and taking his gag out. He clenched his cheeks with his finger, examining his beautiful face with his greedy eyes and smirked.

    "You will be a real crowd pleaser." he said. Alex stared at him, his eyes wide and filled with terror as the demon scanned the rest of his body. Alex felt like he would throw up, he moved his face, wanting to stop feeling his touch and the demon clicked his tongue before he slapped him.

    "Don''t touch me." Alex said between gritted teeth and he started laughing.

    "I can do more than that. And I swear, you will never forget it." He threatened him, his hand, ending with long black claws ripped his shirt, exposing his chest. Mark started moving, trying to kick the guy but he didn''t seem to be phazed. He just pushed him roughly, making him hit the back of his head on a tree trunk.

    "Get away." Alex said. Again, this disgusted feeling. This horrible pain. He couldn''t have this man any closer, he couldn''t bear seeing his face. His claws trailed a path on his exposed skin, leaving bleeding scratches that healed soon.

    "So you heal. No matter what I do to you then will disappear." he said with a victorious smile. He grabbed him and pushed him to the ground, damp grass underneath his scarred body and he screamed as the man ripped his shirt off completely.

    "No, no, not again." he cried out loud and his eyes widened. Again?

    "No need to cry, nothing will change anyways." The demon told him and Alex started shouting, trying to escape him but he couldn''t

    "You''re fucking dead!" A deep voice echoed through the thick forest.

    The birds flew away, all of them at once blackening the sky, terrified by the voice that was filled with rage. The ground shook and it almost felt as if the end of the world had arrived. The ground turned black, a thick mist surrounding them slowly while shadows crawled from the deepest corners. Then, lightning struck, black and fast like a traveling nightmare it spread everywhere, hurting everyone in its path.

    ...

    Let''s not make them angry please. Also merry christmas again! Hope you are having great holidays and enjoying the book. Please leave a nice comment or what you think about the book!

    I want to update a bit more but the numbers haven''t been that good, wondering if people have dropped the book.. T.T Anywyays for those that are reading, I hope you like it and thank you for the support!

 Chapter 466 - [Bonus ] 466

    Alex watched the scene unfold before him as it was a part of some kind of horror play. The darkness that overtook everything, the sounds and the blood. Just three people could make such horrible noises while they were dying. Theseus appeared first, grabbing the man that had him pinned to the ground by his back and throwing him to a tree. He coughed and stood up with difficulty only to see a shadow, shaped like a sharp knife traveling towards him. In just a second he was dead, his head falling off his neck, landing on the ground like a ball and Alex felt his breakfast travel all the way up.

    Then another man appeared. Handsome with a wicked smile and bright red eyes. He grabbed one of the men, punching him. His fist though wasn''t normal, it was surrounded by a black current leaving a huge burn mark on the man''s face. He was down, unconscious but the elf crouched and placed his palm on his back. His body suddenly began to shake and smoke emitted from his skin, he had literally fried him up.

    The last demon tried to run away, not intending to fight them. Theseus didn''t let go of him though, His shadows ran through the ground and grabbed him by his legs flipping him upside down, holding him in the air until the white haired man reached the terrified demon. He cried, begging for his life but all Theseus did was raise his arm and punch right through his chest, grabbing his black heart and throwing it to the ground before his shadows disappeared, letting the body land messily too.

    "I''m sorry but how the hell did you get caught by such small fries?" The unknown man asked and walked towards Mark. Alex heard him question that but he didn''t pay attention to anything else. He could only see Theseus rush towards him, lando on the ground and in a hurry cut the ropes that hurt his wrists and ankles.

    "Are you alright?" he asked him. His voice shaking, his eyes anxiously scanning him. He took off his jacket, placing it over his exposed upper body and helped him wear it. His wrists had bruises and cuts but soon they faded. The white haired elf had noticed though, looking at them bitterly until they didn''t exist anymore.

    "I am fine. Thank you. You save me." Alex stated and Theseus shook his head. He exhaled relieved and before he had realized it he was hugging him. His face was buried on the crook of his neck, he could smell him. His scent was nice, relaxing and it felt like home. Alex felt his racing heart calm down, he wasn''t scared anymore.

    "Please¡­" he heard Theseus say and for a second he believed the elf was crying. "I can''t¡­I was so scared." he mumbled and tightened his embrace. "I miss you." he said. Alex once again felt bad, guilty and he moved into his embrace, hugging him back. His eyes were focused on the trees behind Theseus as he felt his heartbeat match his. It was fast, racing with worry.

    "I''m sorry." Alex mumbled, his voice almost sounding like a whisper. He felt like crying again. He made this man miserable. He made him feel sad and tormented him because he wasn''t himself. His eyes were once more filled with tears, diamond teardrops escaping the green irises and landing on his shoulder.

    He closed them shut, trying to stop his crying as he heard Theseus talk. They were still hugging each other, the white haired man finding some sweet comfort on the comforting touch.

    "Don''t be sorry. None of this is your fault. You''re great. You''re doing great." Theseus told him and caressed the back of his head, his fingers delicately traveling through his hair. Alex couldn''t help but smile faintly. He hadn''t liked him at first, he had seemed pushy and aggressive but the truth was he was kind, he was gentle and in pain. Hurting because of him and the fact that he couldn''t do anything to fix it hurt Alex too. He opened his eyes again, removing himself slowly from his embrace so he could talk to him face to face when he caught something with the corner of his eye. Another demon, in the forest. He showed the shimmer of an arrow tip as it traveled through the air.

    "Watch out!" he shouted and pushed Theseus to the side, the arrow landing right on his right shoulder. He looked down, seeing the deadly weapon pierce his skin. It hurt, his skin was getting ripped, the bone was being attacked and the muscles were being torn. He hissed as the blood that surrounded his wound trailed a bloody path on his body.

    Theseus stood there, stupefied by what had just happened while the other man dealt with the demon. Alex looked at him, a smile forming on his face. He wasn''t going to die but the man before him had turned pale, his face showing pure horror.

    "It''s fine." he said and grabbed the arrow. Breaking it and leaving the tip only in. "I will be fine." he reassured him but Theseus didn''t say anything. He couldn''t really. Every single moment. The arrow, his words, his expression. Even if he didn''t remember, if he didn''t know who he was his actions still remained the same.

    He would always be willing to sacrifice his life for Theseus. No matter what. Even if he was living another life, even if he had another name, or another story. Even if they woke up tomorrow being two complete strangers, the urge to protect him, it would never die. Hopeless and weak he would still use his body as a shield.

    Theseus was crying, his eyes glued on Alex as he parted his lips, taking a small breath before he spoke. His palm rested on Alex''s cheek, surprising him but he didn''t push him away. His reaction was too much for him to reject him like that.

    "I love you." Theseus told him but he didn''t look happy. He wore a mourning expression. As if he believed his love was pointless. "I love you so much it hurts. You might not know me, you might never remember me but this¡­this has happened again so please, no matter what you feel about me don''t you ever put yourself in danger for me. If ever anything happens to you¡­I will die." Theseus said and Alex gasped. Electrocuted by Theseus'' words.

    "Don''t say that!" He shouted

 Chapter 467 - 467

    He couldn''t bear to hear it. It was like a spell filled with malice. Hearing Theseus tell him he would die, it hurt, it hurt more than the arrow on his shoulder, than the pain he had to go through that horrible week until his head healed. Just the thought of it was devastating.

    "Don''t say that!" Alex shouted, punching lightly Theseus'' chest. "You have to live. You have to." He told him, his voice weak. Why was he feeling like this? Petrified by images of him being gone, desperate to keep him alive. He barely knew him, he had talked to him twice so why? Why did he have such a huge impact on him? "I don''t know what''s going on." Alex mumbled, filled with confusion. "I don''t know why I feel this way" he said, his eyes staring at the soil, his fists dived deep into the dirt when he heard the stranger with the red eyes talk to him.

    "Isn''t it obvious?" The young elf said and Alex looked at him. "You love him, that''s why you don''t want him to die. That''s why you didn''t hesitate to jump in front of that arrow. I''m sure you felt like it had happened before, right? Maybe a faint feeling?" He asked him.

    "Ares!" Theseus scolded him but his brother ignored him. He walked slowly towards the confused king and sat down, placing his palm on his good shoulder, his eyes glued on the green orbs. "For how long are you going to keep running away?" He asked him and Alex''s eyes turned round, his lips parting as he inhaled slowly.

    He was running away? From what? He wondered.

    "I know you''ve been through a lot. I know living must hurt and I know that sometimes you feel so alone you''re desperate. I knew how you felt, we all did and I am sorry we couldn''t help you. But my brother, he almost went insane longing for you. If it''s not for you, if it''s not for your people or for us, then it''s for him. You have to remember for him. Your time is up, you need to come home." He said, his voice strict.

    "Ares, you don''t have to pressure him like that. He is confused." Theseus said as his brother stood up. The young prince scoffed, his eyes mockingly landing on his brother.

    "He is not confused. He is lying to himself. He is scared. He found an easy way out and he doesn''t want to come back. It''s not that he can''t. He didn''t want to be himself anymore. That''s why he lost his magic too. Isn''t that right?" Ares asked, a grin on his face as he looked at the stunned king.

    Alex stood up, taking a few steps away from everyone, feeling the sharp tip of the arrow deep into his skin move as he breathed.

    "Alex¡­" Theseus called out his name. "It''s fine. You can take your time, it will¡­"

    "No you can''t!" Ares shouted. "You can''t take your time and your name is not Alex, it''s Allias. You are the king of the elf nation and all of us are your subjects. There is a bloody kingdom once again drowned in snow waiting for you and Ea is ready to collapse while you two have been touring the Veil. Get your sit together, stop babying him"

    "Can you shut up for once!" Theseus screamed at his brother, grabbing him by the collar of his tailored shirt. Ares grabbed his hand, pulling it away and clicked his tongue.

    "It''s nice to see you after three years but honestly¡­" he told Allias. "I am disappointed in you. Hiding behind this whole I can''t remember facade when I know very well that if you wanted to remember with the power you have you could have done so. You''re one of the strongest creatures on the Veil and you''re telling me that for three years you were unable to even remember your lover? The one you actually died for before? It''s not that you can''t, it''s that you won''t and that is depressing." Ares said.

    "I¡­" Alex mumbled. He felt his head heavy, his heart was beating loudly between his ears and the world seemed to spin. "I''m sorry" he said, trying to avoid all of them.

    "He doesn''t know what he is talking about." Theseus said between gritted teeth.

    "I know very well what I am talking about. You almost went insane. Mark has been traveling for three years away from his partner, Ea is exhausted, doing what was supposed to be his job and I...I can''t stop feeling fucking guilty for everything!" Ares screamed. "You called me here for what? To pat his head? Every single day for three years I prayed that he was alive, I hoped that I wasn''t the reason he died. All of us, I wish we could have helped him, I wish we were better, less selfish, I wish I understood back then what he went through, how hard it was but now...when he is like this...how are we going to fix anything when he reached the point of not wanting to come back?"

    "I think that''s enough" Mark said,not sharing their aggression.

    "No it''s not enough" Ares said, unable to stop their heated argument and Theseus started swearing at him.

    "He ran away" The red head told them, looking at them with an expression that showed clearly that from now on he considered them as idiots.

    "What?" Both brothers said at the same time and their heads snapped towards where Alex was supposed to be.

    He had disappeared.

    "You guys really¡­.it would be nice if you could get along just for once. You know, so you won''t forget that the point here is to make the king remember and not your childish fighting!" Mark shouted in their faces before he sighed loudly. "Go, go find him" he said, waving his hand.

    "I won''t be letting Ares search alone for Allias, he will start attacking him again" Theseus said with a frown.

    "Was I wrong though?" The red eyed elf asked, raising an eyebrow and his brother found himself unable to answer.

    "Just go before I fucking kill you.." Mark threatened them between gritted teeth.

 Chapter 468 - 468

    He had run away. Just like that guy had said. Alex had found himself running into the forest, his feet messily landing on the dirt until he found himself lost deep into the endless trees. He stopped at a small lake, seeing its crystal clear waters and approaching it.

    His reflection was not happy, he thought as he sat down, seeing an image of himself.

    "Who are you?" He asked the lake but unfortunately he got no answer. "Did you really create all that mess?" He asked again. From what Ares had said it was obvious his disappearance had made a lot of people unhappy. He was loved, even by him who had been shouting at him, pressuring him to face himself. A sled he couldn''t see.

    How many people had cried while he was gone. How many people wished for him to return while he lived happily, deciding to give up on his life? He was really a coward.

    "Who are you?" He asked again but his reflection simply stared at him blankly, leaving him empty and angry.

    He punched the water, for a second ruining the perfect image but the pieces soon assembled again, showing his depressed face, as if nothing had changed.

    He liked swimming. That thought popped into his head and he saw himself swimming at another lake, away from here, outside from the Veil. He liked swimming and he liked soccer. He liked reading books underneath the apple tree in his garden and he liked looking at the ceiling of his bedroom that looked like a starry sky.

    He stood up, taking off his worn out shoes and his shirt. He felt the cold wind caress his back, he felt the pain of his injury and he remembered the view of his scarred body. He used to be ashamed of it. The scars, the slashes, the cuts. His back was a work of art, showing the wounds of war, the pain of hatred. He took in a deep breath and stepped into the cold lake, feeling his body freeze as he walked deeper.

    Alex found himself swimming to a point where his feet couldn''t touch the ground anymore. He found himself surrounded by cold water and his body numbing. He dived under, seeing the blue of the lake surrounding him as he shut off the rest of the world.

    He didn''t want to disappoint anyone else. He didn''t want people to be sad because of him. He wanted to know who he was. He didn''t want to give up. He kept thinking about that, his breath imprisoned in his lungs as he closed his eyes. His ears began to ring, he felt as if he would faint but he didn''t attempt to reach the surface. Behind his closed eyes, something flashed.

    "I don''t want you to leave" he heard himself say. "Can''t you stay?" He asked him.

    Theseus stood before him, younger but still incredibly handsome. Both of them were panting, unconscious bodies surrounding them and a slash of blood was on the elf''s pale skin, like war paint.

    Theseus grinned turning around for a second, his eyes having caught the last enemy. He started running while the opponent braced himself. He jumped up, making Allias gasped with how he moved and landed right on his chest, pinning him down.

    Allias felt someone grab him from behind. This enemy was the last one, he thought as he felt him threaten his life with a sharp knife.

    "If you move, I will kill him." He said, his voice shaking as he stared at Theseus.

    "I wouldn''t do that if I were you" the Disee elf said. Allias moved his head back, hitting him and making him stumble before he grabbed him by the neck, his palms illuminated by the magic in his veins.

    Their last opponent was dead. Allias dropped him to the ground, turning his attention to the man.

    "Back to what I was saying...can''t you please stay?" Allias asked him, watching how Theseus approached him. He placed his sword back into its case, his hand landing gently on the prince''s chest and he smiled. His purple eyes searched for a reaction before he leaned in and kissed him, taking him in his embrace, feeling his fluttering heartbeat on his chest.

    "We did good today. Thank you for helping me on my mission." He said and Allias frowned. Theseus attempted to leave but the prince stopped him, grabbing his arm, his hands sore from fighting.

    "Why are you not answering me? Is this how we''re going to be? Meeting for a few days, a week at best and then you disappearing? How long has this lasted? I am being pressured, they''re asking me if I will be accepting marriage candidates."

    "Oh the little prince has grown up." Theseus joked, agitating Allias.

    "You think this is funny? All the times you told me you loved me were funny to you?" He asked him.

    "I can''t come to the palace with you". Theseus said, once more not answering his question.

    "Why not?" The young elf shouted. He was in pain. Every day he would wonder when he would see him, every time he appeared he would worry that he would leave into the night, without a clue and once he left he was scared that he would never come back. No matter how many times Theseus had told him he loved him Allias could never truly believe him, he never stayed. He never chose him.

    "Because I am not made to live this life. I don''t want to be locked in a palace with you" he said, breaking Allias'' heart.

    "Is that what you think? That you would be locked in a palace? What about me? Me being there...does it matter?" He asked him.

    "You''re here now."

    "You think I''ll be going after you all of my life?" The prince asked him. Theseus grinned, provoking him.

    He was lying, hiding his fear behind his cruel words. He had had this conversation with Allias many times before, his answer always remaining the same. No, he wouldn''t stay with him. Because if he did everyone would know, everyone would see he wasn''t good enough for him. They were going to be disappointed, Allias would hate him, he would get bored of him.

    "You love me." Theseus stated.

    "But you love me not. That''s why you don''t want a life with me." Allias told him.

    "You''re overthinking things again." The Disee prince said as he looked up at the sky. The sun was setting and night was approaching soon. It was his time to leave. "It''s getting late, I have to leave." He told him and attempted to kiss him but Allias turned his head.

    "You''re running away." Allias told him and Theseus laughed. He started walking away backwards so he could see the prince.

    "I am not."

    "Yes you are you coward. You are running away from something and I will figure it out!" He shouted. "I won''t be always here. Then you will regret, you will feel like I do about all the list time" he warned him.

    "We have eternity to meet again and again" he had said

    Theseus waved at him, carefree before he teleported away, a second early just he could avoid seeing his tears.

    Theseus back then didn''t know that one he would come to regret it. All the times he had said no, all the tears Allias had shed, feeling alone and dumped. Only when he had held him in his arms, lifeless, begging for him to come back would he realize that even eternity could be fragile.

    That the days, the seconds, everything counted.

    Alex found himself struggling for air, getting over the water, panting, his hair getting into his face. He opened his eyes, wide.

    "Once more" he told himself and breathed in before diving again.

 Chapter 469 - 469

    The water was comforting. Alex did not mind the cold, he didn''t care about his numbing body or his suffocated lungs. All he wanted was something, even fragments of what he had lost. If he had to sink, then he would, if he had to simply lay at the bottom of the lake, forgotten he would. He needed to see, he needed to know and if this was his only chance he wasn''t going to waste it. Just one memory, right after the other, that familiar sensation of losing everything and then getting it back. His fate was a vicious circle, giving him the same struggles again and again. Every time he survived, he would lose a part of him. He would sacrifice it to gain something else but not this time. Right now, as he stood at the finish line he wanted it all. The happiness, the memories, the people. Alex wanted to have everything for once and not give nothing. He wanted to be selfish, reckless.

    He screamed underwater, his green eyes hidden by his closed eyelids as one more image wrapped him into oblivion. A spectator of his own life, having to be informed of the events. He was pitiful, an outside between his own people, just a figure with no past.

    "I think it''s time to stop looking at the stars." Theseus whispered to him and Allias groaned, furrowing his eyebrows. "We need to leave, what if someone sees us?" The Disee elf asked him.

    They were peacefully sitting in the gardens of the Avgee palace. Laid on the soft grass, feeling the summer breeze in each other''s hands while looking at the starry sky the prince loved so much. They just wouldn''t stop sparkling. Sprayed out on the night sky like jewels, valuable and distant. There was something about the stars, something that made Allias feel incredibly lonely but at the same time as if he was being surrounded by people. He turned on his side, facing his lover with a sleepy look.

    "You haven''t been looking at the stars" he told him and Theseus smiled.

    "I have been looking at you, it''s pretty much the same for me." He fluttered him and the young elf blushed at his words.

    "You see me almost every day."

    "I do."

    "You will get bored of my face soon. Then you will tell me all the time to come and see the stars." Allias said with a pout, making the general laugh.

    "Is that what you think?"

    "That''s what''s natural after all."

    "So you will get bored of seeing me too?" Theseus asked him and Allias'' beautiful eyes widened in shock.

    "Never!" He exclaimed. Theseus caressed his cheek, playing with the curls that fell in front of the prince''s face. He seemed happy, moments like these, when it was just him and Allias, when the world was silent and there was no judgment Theseus found himself wanting to stop time.

    "Then it''s the same for me. No matter what happens, no matter how old we get or how often we see each other. Your beautiful eyes, your cheerful smile and your pink lips. I would never get bored of them. All of these are simply small details to you being yourself. I adore you, how could I get bored of what makes you¡­you"

    "Theseus¡­" Allias called his name, silently like a secret prayer and his eyes showed a sadness. A beast that the elf knew he couldn''t battle, no matter  how hard he tried to fight all of Allias'' fears. It nested deep into his heart, in places so dark it was hard to see. It would appear from time to time, behind that vast green and make Theseus wonder, worry and hurt as he watched his expression change.

    "Tell me my love." Theseus answered, giving him a small smile.

    "I am scared."

    "Of what?"

    "Of myself. Of how selfish I am. I want everything. I want you, I want my crown and the beautiful palace, I think that maybe¡­me being like this will only cause disaster and I will end up losing you."

    "You won''t lose me. You could never lose me Allias. I am a part of you. I belong to you. I will be your shield and your sword. So look at me, my most beautiful man, the kindest and smartest king in this nation." he told him, cupping his face and smiling brightly. "You and I will always find each other. Even if we forget each other, even if we can''t see each other anymore, even if we are lost. You and I stick like glue, even if it can be annoying sometimes. I will make sure you get everything. I will make sure you can have the world, because you deserve it and because you want it." Theseus had told him that night. And he would try, the elf would try so hard but in the end, he wouldn''t succeed.

    ¡­.

    The battlefield was a wretched place. Haunted by the souls of those who had given their last breath to an unfair fight. The soil drowned in blood, dump and crying crimson tears as the soldiers cried and screamed, begging for this to end, cursing the fates that brought them there to die for someone else''s cause.

    Allias despised the battlefield. No matter how much he shone, no matter how far he could throw his spear, no matter if his fighting looked like the most elegant dance he still hated it. One stepped into it and he wished everything would just stop. He stepped on a dead soldier, running away from others who were after him, panting and sweaty, filled with dirt.

    He had just stepped on someone''s dead body, disrespected their soul but sadly, he had no time to think about it. There were no seconds for remorse, no time to look back and grieve while you tried to not be the next.

    The prince''s heartbeat was silenced by the fighting screams, the clashing of the lethal blades and the groans of the defeated. Such a gruesome scene. People falling like burned matches, stopping to exist so easily. He was immortal, he had lived for so long but why was he scared of death? Why did he find life suddenly so valuable when he had tried to end it once?

    His eyes wondered, scanning through the tired faces of the soldiers. He was searching, searching for something, for someone. Theseus. He was the reason why he was afraid. He was afraid that he wouldn''t have time with him. If he died there, if an enemy pierced through his heart then there wouldn''t be any more time left.

    He heard him scream at him, his eyes wide, his sword clasped in his fist.

    "Concentrate!" He screamed as he ran towards him.

    Focus. Allias scolded himself and threw his spear again, piercing two people this time. He summoned it back, feeling their blood drip on the delicate weapon and he frowned. Theseus had disappeared from his eyes once again.

    He didn''t look for him this time. He had to concentrate, make sure he wasn''t going to die. A few hours, a few days. No one knew how long this battle would last before he dragged his feet back to his tent, exhausted, filled with bruises and cuts. For now, all he had to do was fight.

    "Are you insane?" Theseus had shouted at him back at their tent. They were both tired, buried in dirt, dried blood on their clothes and skin. They looked uncivilized, they looked as if they thrived on the battlefield. He hated that image. Allias just wanted to wash off all of the death, all of the murdering off him.

    "I''m sorry." Allias mumbled.

    "You''re sorry? You can''t just be absentminded like that on the battlefield. You could die Allias! What the heck were you thinking?" Theseus asked him, his eyes landing on him judgmentally. The prince was sitting at a stool, worn out from the use and his feet dangled impatiently as he looked at the ground. "Answer me." The general told him and he raised his head, staring at him with tears in his eyes.

    "We won''t have time, Theseus." he cried. "I don''t feel good about this. Something is not right. I will die." he said, feeling like someone was pressing on his heart. Theseus'' eyes widened, staring at him stunned.

    "Don''t you ever say that again" he said between gritted teeth.

    "It doesn''t matter if I say it or not. I feel it, something is wrong." he mumbled.

    Theseus walked towards him, grabbing him by his collar and raising him from his chair.

    "Don''t you dare even think about it." He told him, filled with anger and pain. His eyes were now glistening too. "You won''t die. You will never die, we have so many things to do. I am not letting you die!" He shouted and let go of him. Allias felt bad, he had made Theseus cry with his stupid worries. He hugged the general, hearing him sob in his arms as he cried silently.

    "I''m sorry. I will never say that again. I promise. Hey, look at me." he said, trying to fake a smile.

    "We''re immortal, we have all the time in the world. This will be nothing but a stupid memory one day."

    They were immortal, they were supposed to live forever and that knowledge alone took so much away from them. Theseus didn''t want to stay even when Allias begged, the prince was reckless and devoured by his dark thoughts. Allias gave his life away without a second thought just to make sure that Theseus would live. Their lives were supposed to never end but for some reason that wasn''t comforting. Ares and Ea, they always relied on tomorrow until the fear that tomorrow would never come crushed on their shoulders.

    Immortality wasn''t a blessing. It was simply oblivion.

    Alex found himself at the water surface, looking around him as he panted.

    "I don''t have time." he whispered as he swam out of the water. Stumbling as he ran back to where he came from. His clothes were wet, weighing him down but he didn''t mind. He returned to the spot he had left everyone else but no one was there. Angry he kicked a stone rubbing his face. "Is it the gods? Who is it? The fates? Why is everyone enjoying making me go through the same shit again and again." he cried. "Where did you go?" he asked, just a small person in this huge forest when he heard a voice talk to him.

    "I didn''t go anywhere, I will always wait for you."

 Chapter 470 - 470

    "I didn''t go anywhere, I will always wait for you."

    "That is a good line." Allias said, meeting Theseus'' eyes. They were all alone in the forest. No sounds could be heard, their breathing the only sign of them actually being alive. They were frozen, stopped by something none of the two could explain as they hungrily looked at each other.

    "You need to stop forgetting me." The general said, taking a few steps towards the king.

    "Where would be the fun in that?" Allias asked him, a grin on his face. "That way you won''t take me for granted." he joked.

    "That sounds¡­"

    "Very stupid. I know." Allias said and Theseus chuckled. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking shyly at Allias.

    It had been three years. Actually, he didn''t know what he was supposed to do. He was scared. How could he make this a perfect reunion, a perfect kiss or a perfect hug? He stood away from him, admiring him, drenched in the lake''s waters and parted his lips, thinking of what to say. Nothing came out though, no words, just a shallow breath. In his mind this meeting was going to be epic, a scene as if it had been taken out of a romance book. Fireworks and embraces, tears and all that came with it but none of that happened. They were just the two of them, standing right in front of each other, talking. He was finally talking to him, after three years of searching, sleeping on hard soil. After so many winters and summers praying to the gods to get his lover back he had him right in front of him, beautiful, in all his grace.

    Theseus placed his hands behind his back, he didn''t want Allias to notice that they were shaking. He should appear strong. He didn''t want to crumble after everything, he had managed to get to this far, this was the finish line. He wasn''t going to bend now.

    "Why are you always so reckless?" Theseus asked, remembering the day Allias sent him back, deciding that he should fight all on his own by that river. Allias'' clothes were drenched and Theseus took his jacket, attempting to give it to him again. He approached him, his eyes catching a glimpse of the scarred back and he sighed, seeing every little line, every slash, all of the wounds of the past, gathering into his lover''s body.

    The king grabbed the jacket and wore it, hiding his depressing body and he raised his head, his green eyes meeting Theseus'' behind his wet brown locks.

    "Is this the first thing you thought of telling me after three years?" he asked and the general shook his head.

    "There are so many things I want to tell you. They simply won''t come out."

    "So you decided the best thing you could do was scold me. For saving your life, again. Wow, good choice mister high general." Allias said and the white haired man rolled his eyes.

    "Do you want to fight?" He asked him.

    Yes, maybe it was a bad idea to say that. But he wasn''t good at things like this. He had one line, one line at a time. At the moment he was probably like a log, brainles. Enchanted by the fact that he finally had him back, he couldn''t think of anything else.

    He looked so beautiful, just like he always did but for Theseus every single time was a surprise. The thought of someone being so perfect, even at a state like this, as magnificent. Allias was more than an elf, more than the kind of a nation. He was beauty and magic itself. He frowned, how great would he be if he said all of that out loud. The general would definitely make the elf''s heart flutter.

    "Why are you frowning? Are we really fighting?" Allias asked him and Theseus'' eyes widened.

    "No, no I was just thinking of something else." he said.

    "Perfect. You see after all this time and you think of something else"

    "You must really want to fight." Theseus repeated and Allias smiled.

    "I don''t want to fight. I want to kiss you." he told him and Theseus felt his heart race, trapped inside his chest. He blinked. He was really here, he thought. "I said, I want to kiss you!" Allias exclaimed but Theseus once more stood there, rooted to the ground like one of the forest''s trees. "Oh, fuck it." the king mumbled and grabbed the general from his shirt, bringing him closer and kissing him.

    The white haired elf closed his eyes, grabbing his lover and pulling him closer. He kissed him, letting out all the fears that had found a way to crawl into his heart after all this time. He felt the king in his embrace. His lips on him and suddenly the world once again seemed to exist around him. It would be fine. Allias was here. He thought as he tasted his lips, they were soft and moist, a kiss so familiar but so wanted. Theseus didn''t want to stop, he wanted to keep kissing him forever.

    "I''m sorry." Allias told him after their kiss ended. He had tears in his eyes, his nose red as he looked at the general. "I am so sorry for leaving you alone again." he apologized and Theseus hugged him, bringing him closer.

    The king felt like he had returned home. Not back at the palace, not at the Avgee ruins. Theseus'' embrace was the most familiar image of home. The most comforting feeling, something he had missed for so long without even knowing. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to rest, hear his heart that was beating like crazy and he smiled.

    "You sound like you''re about to have a heart attack." he said, his face buried in his chest.

    "I am actually." Theseus said while playing with his locks. He kissed the top of his head, a smile lingering on his face as he breathed in Allias'' scent. "You know, in my mind this would have been an epic reunion. I was kind of lame though."

    "You could never be lame." Allias told him. "You searching for me, finding me, that on its own it''s more than epic." The king said, meeting his eyes. "Thank you for not giving up on me." he said.

    "I would never. I could never give up on you Allias. I love you. More than my own self."

    "I love you too. More than my own self."

    "I¡­I want to ask you something." Theseus said, his voice coming out shaky.

    "What?"

    "Will you be my soul link? Let''s have a family together. After all this time. I''m sorry for all my mistakes. I am sorry I couldn''t support you most of the time. I am sorry for thinking I knew what was best for you and I¡­"

    "Stop saying you''re sorry. You have nothing to apologize about. You have saved me, over and over again."

    "So does that mean¡­"

    "Yeah, I think it''s time we do it." Allias told him, an excited smile appearing on his face. Theseus hugged him, kissing his forehead gently, spinning him around.

    "I still owe you an epic moment."

    "Well¡­"

 Chapter 471 - 471

    "You know what? I am tired of this shit. When and if this is all over I will be taking my husband and gout to Hawaii or something. You will never see us again. I swear." Ares whined.

    He had been stuck with Mark, searching the whole forest to find Allias. He had been mumbling, saying nonsense like that from the moment they got separated from Theseus and the red haired human had had about enough up to this point.

    "Can you please shut it for a second?" He exclaimed. "And why the hell Hawaii? That''s in the human world." he said, a frown on his face.

    "Exactly. Far away from all of you lunatics." the prince said and Mark scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

    "Yeah, because the man who almost got killed by his psychotic demonic ex should be the one who''s talking." the redhead said when a pair of footsteps interrupted their little argument. Both of them looked towards the source of the sound and saw Allias walking side by side with Theseus.

    Mark stood for a while, staring at the couple and trying to understand what had happened. What was the situation now? Had they made any progress.

    "Finally!" Ares shouted, ruining his plans and Mark licked his lips, annoyed.

    Theseus and Allias noticed them, the king''s green eyes landing immediately on his best friend.

    "Hey" he greeted him and Mark immediately started crying. "Don''t cry!" Allias shouted and started running towards his friend, giving him a strong hug. "Don''t cry" he said again.

    "Three years. Three years I had to put up with your grumpy boyfriend. He is such a crybaby. He is always whining. Man, really the things I do for you and you come and say hey? Fall on your knees and tell me you''re sorry for leaving me alone with them. Nutjobs all of them, I will hear Theseus'' nagging in my nightmares from now on." Mark said while bawling his eyes out.

    "So you''re happy that you''ll get rid of Theseus? Not because you found me?" Allias asked in shock, pushing Mark away.

    The red head wiped his eyes, flashing the elf a smile.

    "Both. The first one a bit more though." he joked and Allias smacked his arm. "I am glad you''re back. I missed you."

    "I missed you too."

    "You didn''t even remember me, you filthy liar."

    "I missed you as something that was missing." Allias said and Mark frowned, dissatisfied with his answer.

    "You don''t make any sense."

    "I do, you just can''t get it."

    "So you''re telling me I am stupid?"

    "Maybe I am."

    "Someone hit this man with a pan and make him forget everything again. You and I are done sir."  He said with a dramatic expression, pointing at Allias with his index finger.

    "I did miss you though." Allias said, a pout forming on his face. "Just not as in Mark the person, a part of my heart was missing." he said and Mark looked at him, his eyes watering again. He cried loudly and Allias hugged him again.

    "That sounded so nice." he said and wiped his nose with Theseus''s jacket.

    "Hey! That''s¡­"

    "Shush." Allias told him, placing his finger in front of his lips and patted Mark''s back. "Hello Ares." Allias greeted the younger prince once Mark was done with crying. The red eyed elf stared at him with a snobbish expression, his arms crossed over his chest.

    "Can we go home now?" he asked and Allias giggled, seeing how he didn''t want to seem excited.

    "We should. I just want to talk to Naila. Thank her and greet her properly. Also I need to get changed. But¡­is that all that you want to tell me?" he asked, raising his eyebrows and the younger man scoffed, turning his head to the side.

    "Ares¡­" Theseus said, a warning tone in his voice. He rolled his eyes, finally giving in.

    "I am sorry. Fine?" he asked and Allias frowned, blinking a few times confused as to why he was apologizing.

    "Why are you saying you''re sorry?" the king asked him back.

    "Because I was the one who thought it would be funny to leave you there." he mumbled, his eyes facing the soil, too embarrassed to look at Allias.

    "You''re sorry about that? No one could know what would happen. I didn''t want you to tell me that you''re sorry. I am not blaming anyone. It''s over now after all." he told him, a gentle smile on his face.

    "Then¡­what?"

    "I don''t know. You could greet me."

    "Hi."

    "Hi." Allias said back with a giggle.

    "It''s nice to have you back." Ares continued. "I missed you too. I was really worried, you know. Ea kept mumbling all the time about you and that made it even worse. I also had a nightmare once and then I started crying. To Ea and I¡­you''re kind of the older brother we never had¡­''

    "You have an older brother!" Theseus said and Ares coughed.

    "As I was saying. I am glad you''re back."

    "Thank you."  Allias said, trying not to laugh with Theseus'' expression as his little brother completely erased his existence. "Now, should we go back? I think you must be tired¡­doing my job all this time."

    "Yes!" Ares exclaimed.

    He was finally home. It was hard to believe but everyhting was over. All of the struggles, all of the pain and the torture was done. He could now walk back to his palace, see his people, be with the ones he loves, be with Theseus and no one would stop him. It was finally his time, after so long him and everyone around him would be able to live.

    While Mark and Ares set off first, finding their way outside the thick forest Allias took Theseus'' hand in his, giving him an encouraging smile.

    "I love you." Allias said and Theseus smiled.

    "I love you too."

    "We''re still getting married, right?"

    "Of course."

    "Do not regret it like last time."

    "I won''t."

    "I also want a child." Allias said and Theseus stopped in his tracks.

    "What?"

    "Let''s get one of those too." the king announced.

    "Allias we don''t get children we have to...."

    "I said that we should have a child too."

    "We will talk about it."

    "When?"

    "One day"

    "When will it be one day?"

    "You''re rushing"

    "You''re just going too slow."

    ....

    Hello everyone! Happy new year. That was a pretty happy ending right? I want about two chapters more to close this beautifully and then we will go on with the stories about everyone else.

    We will have special stories about...

    Allias and Theseus

    Mark and Asmodeus

    Ea and Ares

    Adam and Daniel (yes you heard that right)

    Luke and Alexander

    Dionysus and Suijin yeyy

    So please comment which one you would like to read first!

 Chapter 472 - 472

    Goodbyes were never easy. Especially when you had to leave the person that saved your life. Naila had been his friend all this time, accepted him and helped him and now that he remembered she seemed to be filled with joy about it. She congratulated him and hugged him tightly, patting his back.

    The king had proposed to her to come to the elf kingdom, train the doctors there but she had kindly declined, saying now that Allias was leaving she would start traveling again, making sure that people all over the Veil were getting the help they needed. She never asked the king for anything, she was selfless and in general a kind person. Allias had come to like her so much that he even tried to bribe her into coming with him.

    The fairy had laughed, patting his shoulder but once more she had denied. Money meant nothing to her, not even the gold he promised her.

    And just like that that huge chapter in his life had ended. He followed Theseus and the rest back home, feeling finally relieved from everything. There was no weight on his chest any longer, no torturing nightmares during the long nights of spring. He could lay down next to his lover and simply enjoy being with him. That was enough for now. He got to joke with Mark and listen to Ares'' complaints about the poor accommodation. After three whole years he had finally returned to where he was supposed to be, with his people.

    Theseus wouldn''t stop looking at him, as they walked through thick forests, as their feet dived in the golden sands of the shores and as they climbed one or two rocky mountains his eyes would always find him, a faint smile on his face. He wouldn''t say anything, just look at him and the king would feel his whole body warm up.

    It was such a weird sensation. After so long he could finally feel his heartbeat rush out of joy, excitement and as he touched Theseus'' hand, their fingers intertwined he felt desire again.

    "You will trip if you keep looking at me." The elf joked while they walked back.

    "Well, it''s fine even if I trip. I can''t stop looking at you."

    "That''s plainly creepy." Ares commented and Allias laughed loudly, seeing the angry frown in the general''s face. The elf kingdom was beautifully seen at the end of their journey. The tall towers in the Disee palace and the little houses of the village. Allias pushed his long hair back searching his wrists for his hair tie and he sighed.

    "When I get home I am getting a haircut." He mumbled.

    "No you''re not." Theseus said and the king looked at him, raising an eyebrow.

    "Why?"

    "Long hair suits you. You look sexy" Theseus said. His voice was deep, reaching Allias'' ears and making him blush. He turned his head, avoiding his gaze, the locks bouncing around him and Theseus giggled. "We need some alone time." He whispered in Theseus'' ear and now the king not only had a red face but a red neck too, his pointy ears twitching together with his fluttering heart.

    He coughed, fixing his shirt and nodded, unable to really think of a sexy line to respond with.

    "We do." He said and the general winked at him, the purple eyes hungrily scanning him from head to toe.

    "So...after this very disturbing conversation." Ares said and stopped walking. They were just a few meters away from the kingdom''s entrance, the sounds of the lively village reaching their ears. Allias stared beyond the Disee prince, catching a glimpse of the melting ice and the people passing by. With the return of his powers everything seemed to have gone back to normal, he realized letting out a relieved sigh. "How are we going to approach this whole thing? Are we like going to get in there, stroll around with the missing king?" He asked.

    "We will teleport right at the palace of course." Theseus stated like there was no other option about it.

    "But I would like to see the village. I have no connection with my people, no wonder they didn''t mind that I was missing." Allias said. He needed to work getting their favor back, it was going to be difficult but he had to do it. Theseus had told him everything that had happened while he was gone. The main danger had disappeared for now but he did need the support of the people.

    "I think we can organize a celebration. On the village, not something proper and royal. We can announce your return there, you will have a speech and¡­"

    "And we will announce our wedding and the fact that we want to adopt" Theseus continued Ares'' sentence. Mark and the prince looked at the couple with wide eyes, shocked by the news.

    "A child? I''m going to be an uncle?" Mark exclaimed happily and Allias nodded.

    "You''re getting married? Wait. What about an heir? Have you thought of it? Adopting? Who will continue your legacy?" Ares asked, breaking the bubble they had created. Theseus snorted, glaring at his brother. "What? Is it because I''ve suddenly become the voice of reason here? You''re a man and Theseus is well...something. You can''t reproduce and you do need an Avgee child." He reminded them.

    "I know that but...all of them are dead." Allias said

    "There is always that healer."

    "I can''t sleep with women Ares" Allias said with a strict look. "But even if I could, I think you skipped the part of me getting married!"

    "I know." Mark said, his voice almost a whisper as his eyes showed he was thinking. "I know what we can do for you to have an Avgee child!" He exclaimed, hands in the air and a bright smile on his face.

    "What?" The rest of them asked in unison.

    ....

    Hello hello! I think things are wrapping up nicely don''t you think ?

    I''m listening ideas on what Allias will be doing to get a child. Let''s see who gets it right!

    Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. We are slowly finishing this part and then we will get to the exciting stories of your favorites. I have so much prepared.. It will be great! I''m so glad to bring some of them back.

 Chapter 473 - 473

    "Have them wait in the throne room, I know they want to ask about the king. After a while just tell them we''re busy and that we will inform them the minute we get any news from our people outside." The small elf said as he rubbed his forehead. A long sigh escaped his lips and he fell back on his chair.

    His little office was comfortable, not comfortable enough though for him to deal with the swarms of letters and the visitors he received every day, asking where the king was. He scratched his chin, seeing the soldier who had just received his command leave, silent thinking about his words.

    Ea looked at the piles of papers that had gathered in the wooden desk. He grabbed his feather, a very nice gift from Ares. It was beautiful, taken from a red bird with golden details. It reminded him of a passionate flame, maybe not a very fitting image for him but still, it also looked like his husband''s eyes.

    He dipped the feather into deep black ink and slowly with care he signed the first paper. He had read all of them once before, trade agreements, requests from other leaders and economic catalogs. The million numbers he saw every day kept making him dizzy and for once he had missed his trusted broomstick. Cleaning up Theseus'' mess wasn''t as tiring as this, he told himself and a bitter smile appeared on his face as he finished his second signature.

    It had been three years, three years that he got to know what true loneliness felt like. Even though Ares was here they were so busy, trying to balance Allias'' responsibilities, learning and hoping to keep up with every rushing day that they didn''t have time for each other. When they lay in their bed at night, only a few words could be exchanged before they fell deeply asleep.

    It wasn''t only because of Ares'' though. He had missed Allias, his kind gaze and nurturing touch. Theseus with his commenting and bickering with his brother. He had even missed Mark with his smart remarks. Asmodeus seemed to be very on edge lately, as if he was at his limit, tired of waiting patiently, staring outside the huge windows of the palace, everyday with only one thought. When would they come back?

    The small elf felt as if they had been stuck in time. Looking outside invisible windows, chanting lost names as they waited for someone to appear. From the forest, from the entrance of the palace, even from the kitchen door. Many times Ea had seen elves with brown hair and for a second he thought that maybe his king had returned. It was silly of course, seeing someone with just the same hair color and thinking the one you missed was back but slowly he was getting more impatient. Maybe that was the reason.

    He carefully placed the signed papers on a new pile, making sure his signature had dried before he stacked them one on top of the other. He looked at the files remaining, his eyes filled with gloom. They never seemed to end.

    "I miss my broom." he mumbled but gripped his feather tighter. "Just for a while longer, Ea, you can do it." he told himself and shook his head with determination, speeding up the process by blowing hard on the papers once he had signed them. "Allias will be proud when he comes back." he reminded himself with a small chuckle and his kind eyes focused again on the pile when a soft knock was heard on the door.

    Ea rolled his eyes, being sure that someone, a soldier or a maid was about to announce the arrival of another royal or citizen that wanted to ask for land, someone to be captured or question him about the king. He thought of faking his absence, staring hard at the door but when his visitor knocked again, this time harder he decided to speak.

    "Come in." he said, dissatisfaction obvious in his voice and the door of the little study room opened, letting the light in from the hallway. At first, no one was there, just the floor and the wall and Ea frowned, getting up and walking towards the door confused. He looked outside, left and right but the place was empty. The elf decided to close the door, and turned around, stunned by the sight before him.

    He blinked a few times, even rubbing his eyes to make sure he wasn''t wrong about what he was seeing. Yes, he couldn''t be mistaken, he told himself as he observed the king sitting on his desk, dressed in white clothing. He had grabbed a piece of paper, reading it carefully with his green eyes, a smirk on his face, and a stray curl falling in his eyes.

    "You shouldn''t have signed this, you know. We will lose from such a deal." he said, his voice so familiar.

    Ea felt like his heart would explode, his small body shaking as his eyes began to sting. He was going to turn into a pitiful waterful, unable to even step forward.

    "I am back, Ea"  Allias announced and hopped off the desk, letting go of the paper and standing right in front of him. "You did so good." he complimented him, his smile resembling that of a proud parent. Ea sniffled, trying to hold in his tears as he felt Allias pat his head. "I am proud of you." Allias said, a genuine smile on his face. "I am sorry I was gone for so long." he apologized and then was where Ea bent.

    He started crying, loudly, tears falling like rain from his eyes and Allias smiled, bringing him closer and hugging him tightly. The elf buried his face on his body, warm as the sun and breathed in his scent, spring reincarnated, the smell of flowers and grass. His arms were strong, shielding him and he cried to his heart''s content, loud and messy.

    "I am sorry we left you!" he said, almost shouting, the burden of his guilt suddenly being released. "I am so sorry it took so long to find you. I¡­I¡­"

    "It''s fine." Allias said, caressing his back. "It''s fine." he whispered and took a step back, looking at Ea into his glistening eyes. He was so beautiful, his face painted by the purest of angels. His bright eyes, his kind smile and that shine, the gold in his aura, the gold on his skin, everything about him was warm and kind and felt like¡­home. "I am here now, so it''s fine. I missed you little one." he said, a chuckle escaping his pink lips.

    "I missed you too."

    "I wanted to surprise you. Sorry I made you cry." he apologized and Ea shook his head.

    "No, these are the happiest tears I''ve ever shed." he told him, a serious look on his face and Allias laughed, the sound soothing his soul.

    "Want to come with me and meet the others? I have an announcement to make, one that might surprise you." he informed him and Ea blinked before he shyly shook his head.

    ....

    Hope you thought this was a sweet chapter because I definitely did. Please leave a comment and let me know how you feel about the story.

    Also tell me which couple''s special story you want to see first!

    Thank you for reading.

 Chapter 474 - 474

    Asmodeus was just trying to take a walk outside. This morning had been very frustrating for him. Manic maids had woken him up by running around, a garder had tripped and his freaking pot landed on his chest, all of the soil spreading on his white shirt. In general, this morning was even more shitty than the mornings during these three years.

    Wanting to avoid all this unknown commotion he rushed outside. He preferred the gardens, sitting at the gazebo and staring at completely nothing while he swore at Mark for disappearing for three years and leaving him with a bunch of elves who stuttered when they tried to talk to him. He let out a sigh, seeing his breathing turn into a cloud and the crunching of the soft snow was heard underneath his feet.

    Pushing back his pitch black hair and allowing the cold wind to land on his pale face he goton the little slippery staircase of the gazebo, whipping off some stray snow from the seats and sitting down, his eyes gazing at the endless white.

    All of his days had been the same, buried in a colorless white, cold and silent. He didn''t like to mingle with elves, he didn''t really want to participate in this whole substitute king thing and in the end all he could do was wait. The truth was he had thought about leaving and getting to Mark a lot of times. It wouldn''t even take a day, no matter where in the world he was he could just fly to him, he would make the circle of the world if he had to in the blink of an eye just to have him in his arms. He had promised though, right before Mark left he had promised him that he wouldn''t follow him, he would allow him to search for his friend in peace and that he would wait. All he had to do was wait but why did it sound so hard, now after three years the days seemed to get longer and longer and his patience was running out.

    He rubbed his temples, his eyes landing on his freezing palms and he breathed in, letting the cold air invade his hot body. He didn''t have anything to say, he barely spoke by now, his throat rough. He didn''t want to talk to anyone, he would only converse when necessary. It was as if when Mark left the cheerful part of him departed with him. In the deadly silence of this constant winter he heard footsteps. Slow and steady, similar to his while he walked on the snow he realized someone was approaching him.

    Asmodeus raised his head, displeased by the fact that someone was going to bug him again but he found himself exposed to a sight he wasn''t expecting.

    Framed by the falling snow, snowflakes landing on his vibrant red hair and pinkish nose, breathing into his chilling hands he looked at him, a bright smile appearing on his face while their eyes met. Asmodeus noticed he looked a bit thinner, his eyes glowing, reminding him of the warmth of a fire and he stood up. His legs were shaking, seeing Mark right in front of him all of a sudden. He landed back on his seat, the red haired man rushed towards him, getting on the slippery stair and tripping almost landing face first on the snow.

    The demon, without even thinking twice about it, grabbed him, wrapping his arm around his waist and holding him into a very romantic grip. Mark realized how close he was, his face suddenly turning red and the demon blinked.

    "Hey." he said, still in his embrace and Asmodeus smiled, his fangs showing in a very seductive way.

    How Mark had missed him. He couldn''t describe the way he felt at the moment. His heart was racing, he was almost buried in the snow but his body was burning up and Asmodeus, he had never seemed more handsome, he was practically perfection itself in his eyes at the moment, the demon glowed. He blinked a few times, believing that there was something wrong with him. Nothing changed. He was as lovestruck as he was a second ago.

    "Hey." Asmodeus said back, his voice rough, like sandpaper, deep. He helped him stand to his feet, his arm remaining around his waist as they stood in a semi hug. "It took you a while."

    "Sorry." Mark said, his face dropping and Asmodeus chuckled.

    "I missed you."

    "I missed you too." The human said.

    "So many times I''ve thought about coming to you. I wanted to swear at you for leaving me behind. Bug you, ruin your trip. I wanted to simply destroy eve¡­"

    "Yeah, I get it, you were mad." Mark said, stopping his rant but Asmodeus didn''t mind. He was smiling at him, his eyes glued to his face, hungrily engraving every little detail about him all over again.

    "I am mad. Very mad." he whispered as he moved closer. His lips landed softly on Mark''s cheek, leaving a gentle kiss as he whispered again. "Furious." he told him and kissed his nose, his hand resting on his hot face. "Exasperated."

    "That''s a big word right there." Mark said, raising his eyebrows.

    "You''re talking with an educated man." The demon said with a cocky grin.

    "You missed me." Mark stated and Asmodeus nodded. "Did you miss me enough to give me a proper kiss?" he asked him, his eyes shyly averting from him when he finished his question and the demon laughed.

    "Not only a proper kiss. A lot more." he said and leaned in, kissing Mark passionately. He brought him close to his body, devouring him as he thought of how long he wanted to do this. Feel his lips on his, let his warmth travel on his body. He bit his bottom lip, Mark letting him explore all of his mouth and his cold fingers explored the long hair. He had missed him, he had missed kissing him, hearing his voice, everything about him.

    Both of them wished that the melting kiss would last forever, sadly though it didn''t. It ended leaving them both panting and flushed, eyes glistening as they smiled at each other.

    "That''s better." Mark said. "Come on, you have to greet the king, he has an announcement to make." Mark said, holding Asmodeus'' hand.

    "I''ve already met my king.." The demon answered, winking at Mark, making his heart flutter.

 Chapter 475 - 475 (End Of The Main Story)

    It was a sweet gathering. The people he loved the most were around him, three years later in the only place he could call home. He looked at their faces, one by one, their characteristics so familiar and so beautiful to him. He was lucky to have them, he was lucky to still be alive after everything and the memories of his journey seemed so distant at the moment.

    As he sat in his chair, his most trusted people chatting, small laughter traveling from ear to ear for the first time in a while he felt contempt. It was peaceful, the atmosphere, their eyes and their voices, everything was peaceful and filled with happiness.

    He turned his head to the side, his green eyes landing on the man he had loved the most, the only man he had ever loved actually and his heart fluttered as crazily as the first day he had seen him in that dirty alley. It had been such a long time ago but his words, their first exchanged gazes were still vibrant like a photograph hanging on the wall of his room.

    Allias was finally back home and everyone was alright. He wished to stay silent for a bit longer, enjoy the simple scene before him that filled him with so much joy. He didn''t have to speak, he didn''t want to actually, being like this was fine.

    Theseus'' hand slithered and found his resting on the armrest of his chair. Their fingers entwined naturally and their eyes met, a smile appearing on the general''s face. Oh, that smile, if he wanted he could charm the whole world but he didn''t. Allias felt as if he was blessed, a smile like that so lethal was only for him and he was pleased to die from love every time he received it.

    Soon though the chatting stopped and his friends turned towards him. He was sitting at the head of the long table, everyone in the room viewed clearly from where he sat. Theseus, Mark, Ea, Ares and Asmodeus. Everyone was here with a little unexpected guest, not for Allias of course but for the person itself.

    "Why am I here?" The beautiful woman asked and everyone looked at her. She was still a bit stern, not fully herself when she was surrounded by the men of this kingdom.

    "The fact that you have the audacity to speak after everything you did." Mark told her, looking at her with big eyes and she averted her gaze. The unexpected guest was Rayla, the healer elf known as the last Avgee elf, which was not really true, but no one wanted to comment on that, yet. She felt guilty, Allias could see it from the way she looked at him but he didn''t say anything. He hadn''t really forgiven her but at the same time he couldn''t fully blame her. She didn''t know.

    "I...I...didn''t really want anyone to get hurt."

    "Yes, you were just selfish and stupid. We get it, we all have been there." Ares said.

    "Some of us are still there." Ea added, looking at his husband and Ares gasped dramatically.

    "Was that intended for me?" The red eyed elf asked and Ea shrugged his shoulders.

    "Could be, could be not. I guess we''ll never know." He answered him and heard his husband click his tongue disatisfied.

    "How about you let Allias talk?" Theseus asked, his eyes looking strictly at the young couple and Ea nodded.

    Allias didn''t mind. He found everything enjoyable ever since he had returned. Even the classic bickering, he had missed it, even though he didn''t fully remember it.

    "I called you here because I wanted to ask something of you. Consider it as you amending for everything that happened. I won''t force you but do know if you accept you will be rewarded handsomely." The king began saying and the woman looked at him with a curious expression, choosing though not to interrupt him. "I want you to help us have a child." Allias announced and everyone in the room looked at him in shock.

    "I will not sleep with you." Rayla said.

    "No, you don''t get it. I won''t sleep with you." He said. "I wouldn''t desire a woman if I was the last man in the world and had to procreate. Sorry."

    "Then how do you expect to have a child?" Rayla asked him. Mark looked at his best friend, a small smirk appearing on his face. He knew what Allias wanted, it was a good idea, that way he would get an heir and everything would be fine. He wouldn''t have to sleep with her too.

    "We will go to the human world and we will do it in a way the human''s do. There is a procedure that will help you get pregnant without us sleeping together."

    "What kind of magic could that be?" She asked him and he giggled.

    "Science really" he answered her.

    "So...that will be it. I won''t have to sleep with you and be a mother to the child?"

    "Yes. You won''t have any responsibilities. Also I will give you a mansion in the village and you can even open your own healer shop. I will find you for everything. So what do you think, will you accept?" He asked her.

    They had a long talk, talking about this and that, Allias explaining everything and in the end Rayla decided she wanted some time to think about it. Everyone left, leaving the king with the general alone in the room. Theseus looked at Allias, a skeptic look on his face.

    "What is it?" Allias asked.

    "Are you sure about it? This is a big step...a child"

    "Are you sure about it?" Allias asked him back. "I don''t want to force you to do anything. You need to want this too. I can wait if you¡­"

    "You don''t have to wait." Theseus answered him before he even managed to finish his sentence. He pushed back a stray hair of his brown hair, the lock not managing to sit behind his ear and falling again in front of his eyes. The man smiled, caressing his cheek gently and Allias closed his eyes. "It''s a big step, a scary one indeed but I think that we could do alright." He said.

    "Alright? We would be amazing parents." Allias exclaimed with a proud smile and Theseus nodded.

    "We can try"

    "I know you will be awesome." Allias reassured him. Theseus moved closer, hugging the king, wrapping him tightly in his arms, so much that the elf coughed in his embrace, barely managing to breathe.

    "I think it''s impossible to actually express just how much I love you. You just exist and I feel like I will melt." Theseus confessed and Allias chuckled.

    "That is a bit too much" he told him and Theseus shook eagerly his head in a negative motion.

    "It is not. It is exactly how I feel. I love you Allias. From the bottom of my heart. I want to be with you. Forever, as long as we are alive." He confessed and Allias leaned in. He kissed him, uniting their lips beautifully in a passionate kiss. Just from such a gesture he could feel it, the king knew he was being honest.

    "I love you too." Allias answered. "To the moon and back, forever and ever until this world is destroyed. I love you, I love you, I love you." The king said, culling his face with an adorable smile.

    "So, is this the start of a new story?" Theseus asked him.

    "Yes. A more peaceful story I hope." He joked and Theseus raised his eyebrows.

    "That...we will see."

    It had been a long journey, from the start to the end. It had been a road filled with tears, blood and thorns but at the same time Allias would never forget the laughter, the jokes and the love he received. It was painful but also rewarding. He was back home where he belonged with the people he belonged with. He looked at Theseus, seeing in his purple eyes a whole new world opening up to him. A feature, endless mornings and beautiful days. He could see all that in his face, nesting in his soul.

    He loved him, so much.

    Forever.

    ...

    Hello everyone! The main story has come to an end and our sweet couple is so fluffy and happy. I am so excited for them and what you''re about to read next but first I want to thank all of you for the support you''ve shown. I never imagined I would get to have so many amazing people reading my book and showing me their love for my work. So thank you all very much. I hope you enjoyed this long ride!

    Also the couples that are about to come are...

    Dionysus x Suijin

    Adam x his amazing Beta (let''s see how that story will go)

    Mark x Asmodeus

    Ea x Ares

    Allias x Theseus

    Aaaaaand Their son x whoooo?

    Please keep reading for these amazing little arcs that you will definitely love.

 Chapter 476 - A Young And Angry Prince Named Ardreth (side Story)

    After many years...

    There was a young man in Allias'' garden. Not fully a man but still definitely not a boy. He was seventeen years old, tall with a sculptured tanned body, golden curls that fell lazily on his forehead and rested on his shoulders while his eyes behind the shone a vibrant green. He was dressed in withe he wore golden cuffs on his arms and ankles. His right hand was raised in the air, his steady hand gripping a long and heavy spear. He took a deep breath, facing the sun behind the tree that stood hundred of meters away and then he let go.

    The sharp object traveled, slitting the air and landed right in the middle of the tree trunk. A cocky grin appeared on the teens face, as he wiped his hands, ready to head towards his spear. He wanted to take it out of the tree trunk and shoot again but he was stopped by an annoyed voice that belonged to a familiar girl.

    "Ardreth, you said this was the last shot. Let''s go. We are late for the Academy. Come on.!" The girl said and the young man looked at her with an annoyed expression. She was a Disee elf, tall and lean with pale skiing and long black hair, matching her pitch black eyes. She stared at him, her hands crossed over her chest impatiently. This girl was his best friend, Veilis.

    "I don''t want to go." he said and her eyes widened.

    "Are you insane? Your uncles own the Academy and your fathers are the kings. You are literally the prince of the elven kingdom and you think that they will overlook you skipping magic classes? Especially the day the king will visit? Come on, you promised you wouldn''t create more trouble for your parents. They are so nice." she said and the prince scoffed, kicking a peddle he found on the ground.

    "Yeah to you maybe, little miss trained by the famous Theseus because she can control the shadows. One of my dads likes you more than he likes me. Well, I am not really his son anyways." he mumbled. Veilis rushed towards him, looking at him dead in the eye before she slapped him. He gasped, bringing his fingers on his cheek. "What was that for?" he screeched annoyed.

    "Theseus adores you and he is your father. He raised you. That''s what matters." she said. "Your mother she¡­"

    "My mother decided to leave, yes. I know, I was an experiment for the continuation of the Avgee legacy." he said, a bitter expression on his face.

    "Ardreth, your parents are legends, they¡­"

    "They are annoying men who spend all of their time signing papers and arguing about trade matters, Veilis. Come on, don''t tell me you believe all those fairytales about the son of the sun and the golden king and the mad shadowcaster. Those are just children''s stories, you''ve met my parents."

    Ardreth was a teen and it showed from every word that left his mouth. Moody and unapproachable his relationship with his parents, Allias and Theseus had always been a little rocky, he didn''t have the most normal of childhoods after all but ever since he hit puberty the young prince couldn''t even stand to look at them, it was a very weird situation and Veilis as his best friend and Theseus'' chosen student to be the next leader of the royal guard was trying to help, even though most of the times it felt like it was hopeless.

    "Alright, alright. Let''s not talk about that, let''s just go to class, another lecture from your uncle is the last thing I want, please." she said, putting her hands together as she begged.

    "Fine, fine." the young elf agreed. He looked back at his spear, saddened. "Goodbye my love." he said and Veilis shook her head. Even though he tried to deny it, Ardreth was the spitting image of his father when he was young, the only difference was the color of his hair. He was beautiful like he had been born from the pure golden rays of the sun and as he walked everyone''s heads turned. The sad truth was though that he wasn''t as popular as his father, not in the noble and elegant way. He was more known as the aggressive prince, a free spirit that didn''t like rules, something that he had clearly inherited from another white haired rebel.

    It was a shame, Veilis thought, they were alike but he couldn''t see it. All Ardreth could see was two kings, away from him, their backs turned.

    The Crescent Moon Academy was a magic school created by none other than Allias'' best friend and his demonic partner, Mark and Amsodeus. Years ago the red haired exorcist build a place at the border of the elf kingdom, a huge school that reminded Ardreth of a palace like the one he lived in. Creatures from all over the Veil traveled there to learn about magic, from young kids to young adults, some of them also living there in the dorms.

    Ardreth passed the iron gate with his head looking down, it was already past the time for them to gather and Veilis ran into the front building wanting to get to their class as soon as possible. The walls were high, made from light colored stone while bullet shaped windows let in plenty of light. The classes were filled with people and his green eyes spotted his uncle. Unfortunately he was in his class, holding a big book.

    He looked to be in his late twenties, his red hair long to his shoulders while his hands were filled with the markings of his familiars.  He was one of the girls'' favorite teachers while Asmodeus on the other hand was the idol of the boys. Somehow Veilis had managed to enter before him, sitting already in her seat while he had to knock on the door.

    "Come in." Mark said, placing the book on his desk. Ardreth opened the door, showing up and smiling awkwardly as he heard his uncle sigh. "How many times have you been late?" he asked him

    "Eight?" the prince asked.

    "And how many days ago did classes start?"

    "Nine days ago?" he said.

    "You''re lucky your parents are not here yet because they would be very¡­." Mark began saying when his eyes moved from the young prince to the two people behind him. Immediately the students stood up and Ardreth moved to the side.

    "Disappointed" Allias said, looking at him with a sharp look. "Get to your seat." he said and Ardreth walked away, annoyed.

    Allias and Theseus entered the class. Two tall elves, one dressed in white and the other dressed in black stood in front of them. Ardreth noticed how everyone looked at them in awe. The young elf did not bother to get up, he simply observed how his parents were being worshiped. He couldn''t understand why, yes they were good looking but if these people spent one day in the palace they would know how boring they were.

    "Goodmorning." Allias said and smiled kindly at them. "Please, sit down, we won''t interrupt your lesson for too long."

    "Please do. I was bored to teach today anyways" Mark said with a bright smile and Allias rolled his eyes, hearing a few giggles here and there.

    "As you know, every year when the school year starts we would like to visit and answer questions. We know you must have a lot you want to know, about magic and everything else in the elven kingdom since you are not all from here so¡­" Allias said when he noticed a hand being raised, he looked back, noticing that it was his son. "Yes, Ardreth." he told him.

    "Will this take long?" he asked.

    "Why? Do you have somewhere to be?" Theseus asked him. "Sorry if we are taking your precious time."

    "Well I will accept your apology but please do make it quick." the elf said boldly and Theseus frowned.

    "Let''s not do this now. Questions. Does anyone have any questions?" Allias asked when Ardreth''s hand appeared once more before anyone else could take their turn. "Yes, tell me."

    "When are you going to tell us the truth?"

    "The truth? The truth about what?" Allias asked him, wrinkling his nose, trying to understand what his son was talking about.

    "The truth behind all these stories. You know Veilis called you legends today. But seeing how you are I can''t help it but feel that all of the things that are being said are lies. Why? What do you earn from being a liar, father?" Ardreth asked, leaving the kind with wide eyes.

    ...

    Hello everyone! Sorry it took me a while, I was organizing the stories.. Are you ready? Because what is comming is great! Hope you liked this chapter and that you''ll keep reading. Please leave a nice comment to tell me what you thought and a vote!

 Chapter 477 - A Young And Angry Prince Named Ardreth

    Allias had experienced horrors, sorrows but also joy in his long life but nothing could amount to the joy he had felt when he held Ardreth in his arms together with Theseus, the excitement he felt when he watched him laugh or when he heard him call his name for the first time. It was a different kind of joy, engraved in his heart, vivid forever. The pain he felt when he watched his son call him a liar, yes that too was a different kind of pain, deeper, like an open wound that wouldn''t close.

    He spent days awake, thinking, wondering what he had done so wrong. Could he have possibly said something, had Theseus acted in a way that he shouldn''t? Why did his own son seem to despise him?

    There was a deadly silence in the room, the air almost felt cold while none of the students dared to speak. Ardreth was looking at his parents, shameless, his green eyes, identical to Allias'' going side to side from Theseus to the king and the white haired elf sighed.

    "What kind of nonsense are you talking about now?" Theseus asked him.

    "Nonsense? I am simply stating that I don''t understand why so many people would worship you too. It''s kind of¡­weird" he stated.

    "Ardreth, do you really have to cause a scene?" The general asked him.

    "You asked if we had any questions. I raised my hand, and my father allowed me to speak. I don''t understand where the problem is. So I want to ask, let me make it a bit clearer. Why everyone loves you and keep saying these stupid stories again and again when all you actually do is bicker about taxes. I am waiting. Is this some kind of facade to keep the people interested so they won''t overthrone you? Because all I have been seeing is two men who lock themselves in their offices day in and day out and¡­"

    "Enough." Allias said, stopping him. His hands were in fists on his sides, his eyes meeting with his son''s in complete anger and the hairs in the back of Ardreth''s neck rose, unwillingly. "This whole rebellion of yours has gone way too far. Think about your classmates, your friends, is this how you want to be known?"

    "Better than being a liar."

    "Ardreth." Mark interrupted them, stepping forward. "Gather your stuff and get the fuck out of my class. Enough is enough. Get your ass into my office and don''t dare to step out even if the building gets on fire. Am I clear?" Mark asked him strictly.

    "Uncle don''t try¡­"

    "I am not your uncle here!" The red haired man shouted, making the students flinch. He rarely shouted and only when it was something concerning their safety. As it seemed Ardreth had taken things too far today. "Get out. I can''t stand to see you right now." he told him and the young elf stood up, rushing angrily outside the room.

    "Can you¡­" Allias said and Theseus shook his head in agreement. The king followed his son, waiting for him to get into Mark''s room before he entered too. Ardreth was seated in Mark''s armchair, looking at his father with an annoyed expression when he stepped inside.

    "What do you want?" he asked him.

    "Ardreth. What is going on?" Allias asked him, concerned. "You know you can talk to us. We are your parents. You can come to us with whatever you want. Why would you call us liars? We never intended to lie to you, we have never¡­"

    "Stop. Let me stop you right there. First of all, no, I can''t come to you when you are always locked in your offices. I can''t even see you let alone speak to you. Second of all, all I have been hearing are stories about battles and epic adventures from others. I know nothing about you, about the things that you''ve done, you and I are complete strangers and third of all, you are my father and that''s it¡­Theseus is just your partner." Ardreth said and Allias'' eyes widened.

    "What did you just say?" he asked him, his voice void of all emotion.

    "You heard me¡­Theseus, he is nothing to me." Ardreth repeated. He didn''t know how fast Allias was, he couldn''t even see him before he stood right in front of him, it was as if he had disappeared in the blink of an eye and then he was there again. His son took a step back startled when he felt Allias slap him. His eyes widened, seeing such a reaction from his father for the first time and he stood frozen.

    "I did not go through a war, I did not lose everyone I''ve ever loved just so I can bring you into this world so you could be a prick do you hear me? Get your shit together. Theseus is not your father? Are we boring? We are liars? I am sorry that you didn''t get to go through the war, that you didn''t get to see me die just so you could feel the excitement. I am sorry your father and I worked our asses off so you could be raised in a peaceful kingdom. Theseus¡­he¡­you have no idea how much he loves you¡­"

    "It''s fine Allias." The voice of the general was heard. He stood quietly, supporting himself on the doorframe. "It''s fine." he repeated and the king knew how hurt he was from the sound of his voice.

    Ardreth looked at the general, his heart speeding up as his words replayed in his mind. He had said something horrible and he knew it. His blood was boiling from embarrassment and he wished he could simply just disappear. The prince couldn''t stop looking at the white haired elf, the expression of pain on his face, the disappointment in his eyes. He wanted to leave, he wanted to leave. He screamed in his head and it happened.

    Without realizing it, Ardreth for the first time had teleported himself away, in a place he had never been before.

 Chapter 478 - A Young And Angry Prince Named Ardreth

    All he was thinking at that moment was that he desperately wished to get away. He couldn''t face his father after what he had said. Yes, everyone was right, he acted like a spoiled brat, he didn''t know how to express himself and all those feelings of discomfort were slowly bottling up and he felt like he would explode.

    Everyone worshiped Allias and Theseus. Perfect leaders, perfect parents, perfect soldiers. Ardreth could never understand why. Why were they perfect, why were hymns written for them, what did they do? No one, his parents were never there, he was always alone, hearing their stories from others and every single person in this kingdom whenever he tried to tell them things were not really that perfect would scold him, tell him he was ungrateful.

    He wasn''t ungrateful, he was angry, agitated and all he wanted was to escape, stuck in that office, Theseus'' disappointed expression while Allias looked at him filled with anger for the first time. It was too much, he was being hated by everyone while no one bothered to understand him. That was probably the reason he had teleported himself away, into a forest somewhere he had never been before.

    Ardreth was actually quite sheltered, he wasn''t allowed to explore or leave away from the main village so now, as he stood in this forest he had no idea where he was or how to teleport himself back to the palace. He was all alone just like he had wished but well, he didn''t like it.

    "Fuck." he swore, kicking a small pebble that was in front of his feet before he started walking, in search of a way out. "Theseus and Allias, the saviors of our nation." he said in a mocking voice as he headed deeper into the forest without even realizing it, for a while the sounds of the branches breaking underneath his sandals was the only sound.  "Pity they don''t know their oh so perfect king can''t drink his tea if it does not have exactly two teaspoons of sugar. Perfect my ass, they can''t even be parents how can they be warriors and kings." he kept dissing them, losing sense of where he was.

    After a while though he noticed something was wrong, he looked around, realizing he was nowhere near to an exit and sighed, pushing back his wild curls as he tried to think of something.

    "Is anyone here!" he shouted, cupping his hands around his full lips but there was no answer. No one would be here, of course, he was simply unlucky. He told himself as he began walking with a frown sculpted on his handsome face.

    "Did you call?" A voice sounded out of nowhere and Ardreth jumped, turning back with wide eyes seeing a group of men look at him. They were not elves, they had horns and snake like eyes, their skin a vibrant red color while they held badly made weapons in their hands. The young prince could count at least ten of them and he gulped, an awkward smile appearing on his face.

    "No, I did not. I think you''re mistaken." he said "Good day." he told them and turned around, wanting to leave when one of the men appeared before him, a devilish smile on his face. He looked at him, an excited expression on his face.

    "An elf like him would get us some serious gold." he told his companions who were now beginning to circle over him. Ardreth''s eyes widened, his heart speeding as he felt the danger and he took a step away from him.

    They were slave capturers, from the demonic capital, he had heard once about them. They took hostage of people and then sold them in slave markets in the deomic part of the Veil. This couldn''t be happening to him, how could he have teleported so far away? He had never been there anyways. He did not have his spear, his magic was well¡­mediocre because he had been skipping his classes, in general Ardreth knew very clearly he was doomed.

    "Please, let''s really not do this. You wouldn''t want to make my parents angry." he told them, raising his hands in the air. One of the men behind him laughed, and he felt someone grab him by the back of his head and pull on his hair.

    "Does it look like we care?" someone creepily whispered in his ear and Ardreth shivered in disgust.

    "Let go of me." he groaned and pushed himself forward, escaping the man''s grip and punching the one that stood in front of him. He was definitely not going to give them an easy capture, he thought. He oughted that to his pride.

    As the man before him stumbled a small opening had been created in the circle of demons and Ardreth started running.

    "Get that elf shit!" One of them screamed and Ardreth looked back for a mere second, wanting to see how close they were. He could escape, as it seemed he was faster than them, he would just get lost in the thick forest, once he was far enough he would climb on a tree and then they would pass him by, they didn''t seem that smart after all.

    One problem though was the fact that they could use their magic, something that the elf prince didn''t really calculate. As he was running, a small victorious smile on his face he crushed with a body, falling on the ground and seeing the demon he had punched in front of him.

    "You will not get very far just by running, shitty elf." the man told him and grabbed him from his hair again, raising his head and kicking him in the face. He landed on the ground roughly, his back hitting on a thick tree root and making him hiss in pain. Soon the rest of the demons caught up with them.

    "Now what should we do with him?" one of them asked.

    "Beat him enough to teach him a lesson but don''t damage his face." their leader announced and all of them approached him, viscous smiles on their ugly faces.

    He was doomed.

    The elf prince was doomed.