Chapter 55 The Journey Home I see you didn't let me down, she holds out her hand for the soul crystal as Niklaus steps forward and hands it to her, its pulsing energy seeming to resonate with the goddess's power."Well, well, well," Erzulie Red-Eyes says, her voice dripping with excitement, "The soul crystal, is finally in my possession. You've done well, Niklaus." She turns to him, her eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity. "Now, let us proceed. Xibalba awaits.""Niklaus, come with me she motions to him, the rest of you will wait here." Erzulie Red-Eyes demands, after admiring the soul crystal. As he follows her, the darkness of the underworld appears to swallow them whole, leaving the others waiting in suspense.The sound of dripping water and distant whispers echoes through the cavern, making the waiting group uneasy. Kie's eyes narrow, his mind racing with concerns for his father's safety. "What's going on?" he whispers to Jorge, who shrugs, his expression equally worr
Chapter 56 Back HomeAs Niklaus walks into the clearing Raven is asleep in his arms, Kie rushes to Raven's side, concern etched on his face. "Niklaus, let me take her," he said, his voice laced with urgency. Niklaus not willing to give her up, says, "I've got her son, let's get out of here." By this time the tide was down and they could walk half of the way back Raven started to wake up just in time to suit up for the rest of the dive out...she was very confused and didn't know how she got in an underwater cave. They all agreed to just say Shade took her and he's dead now. "Where...where am I?" she whispered, her voice laced with disorientation.Niklaus's expression softened, his eyes filled with a deep understanding. "You're safe, Raven. You're with us. Shade took you, but he's dead now. It's over."Raven's gaze darted around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. "Shade...? I don't remember..." Raven allowed Niklaus to help her suit up for the dive out, No one but the two of the
Chapter 57 The LocketAfter checking out Lyra's room, and getting settled in, his feeder, who is also his maid from his palace, busily unpacks his things, Raven has cleared out the closet and dressers for him. Everyone is busy doing their own thing. Back in the kitchen, Niklaus's gaze turns to Raven, his eyes filled with affection. "Your safety is of utmost importance to me, you must know by now that there's nothing that I wouldn't do to keep you safe."Raven's cheeks flush, her heart racing. "Thank you, Niklaus...that means a lot to me, I'm really glad that you're here."Niklaus steps closer, his voice gentle. "You're family to me, Raven. I'll always be here for you, to keep you safe and happy."He takes her hand, his touch comforting. Raven feels a surge of love, gratitude, and warmth toward him, and she knows that she's got to keep her needs hidden. As they all settle in for the night she snuggles close to Kie, Both naked in bed, he smiles at her. Her eyes closed as he caresse
Chapter 58 Ballroom DancingNiklaus makes the reservations and turns to her. "It's formal my dear, Let's go shopping!" Raven's face lit up!! he's said the magic word!"I love shopping!" They head out the door, in search of a gown to match her locket.Brent and Sam are busy playing with Sarah on the floor, She waves bye to them. She says "Grand pa-pa!" as she points to Niklaus this stops him in his tracks! he turns to her with great love in his eyes as he picks her up "Yes, my lil bundle of joy, I am your Gandpa-pa his heart melts as she puts her tiny arms around his neck is the most tender hug he has ever had! Brent's eyes well up with tears, to see his father-in-law the King holding his lil girl like she was the most precious thing in the world, the whole house is in tears."It's formal and everyone is invited!" Niklaus says as he gives her back to her daddy Brent, but only after he's promised lil Sarah a surprise gift when they return.As everyone stares at each other, they hurr
Chapter 59 Call HomeRaven stumbles towards the kitchen for her morning coffee and finds Lucas already at the kitchen bar drinking his.. he smiles at her "Good morning sis!" she just waves, not willing to talk to anyone before her first cup of coffee.As she fixes her second cup adding sugar and milk, she asks Lucas what he meant by what he said last night...' vampires have a different way of looking at things' ??Lucas's expression turns thoughtful, his voice taking on a serious tone. "Vampires, see the world in a different light, Sis. They've lived for so long, and seen so much, that their perspective has changed over time. They prioritize differently, love differently, live differently." he continues after grabbing a cinnamon roll."Age is not a thing with them, and Love knows no boundaries. You are one of them now, you're caught between two worlds Sis, with major differences in what is normal, just remember that normal is set by the culture in which you live, like in some culture
Chapter 60 Kie's Tower office She was hoping to have a talk with him about all the changes she was going through and get his thoughts or even some suggestions, as she climbed into the limo to surprise him with a special meal she's prepared his favorite!Her thoughts swirl with confusion. She can't help but wonder about her growing feelings for Niklaus is it the result of their vampiric nature, or his immortal and stable presence in her life? She trusts him implicitly and knows that he'll always be there to protect and care for her, no matter what dangers or challenges lie ahead—something she can't do with Kie he destroyed her trust in him back in Italy.She recalls the way Niklaus saved her from Shade, the way he's always looked out for her, even before that and the way he makes her feel like she's the only person in the world. Her heart races at the thought of him, and she can't deny the strong connection they share. her talk with Lucas also brings up questions that she needs answ
Chapter 61 The Mate BondSophia has been quiet this whole time but she has something to tell them."Sam," she begins, "Remember when Papa Mojo got the artifacts? and what Loa told him?"He shakes his head no, "So much has happened since then.""I have a photographic memory. he said, 'Take the dagger, but be warned: its power comes at a steep price.' I think we need to talk with Papa Mojo, I think that price has something to do with what's going on here.""Wait," Sam says "Benoit is still here, in his room.!"Sam calls Benoit and asks him if he can answer some questions.. he says he'll be there in a minute. Raven is confused she does not know of any of this, but she listens carefully. As they all sit down Lucas walks in and joins the conversation as Sam fills him in on the events. Lucas is pissed. "I knew he'd fuck up again! I should have kicked his ass when she got back here, from Italy!" "Calm down Lucas. We are all disappointed in his actions but we think something else is going
Chapter 62 Pillow FightRaven wakes up the whole house seems different, as Scuttlebutt purs next to her wanting loves....*So you have finally found out about your mate?* scuttle asked her.*What do you mean?* Raven asked. *Don't be silly, hooman, I know things!* Scuttle says as he sharpens his claws on the bedpost.*Do you really think he's my mate?* Raven asked he just rolled over for belly rubs. *hoomans are weird, we just mate with any female* he smiles at her which looks deadly.*Lucas? you up?* Raven asks through their mind-link.*Yeah, what's up?* he says, lying, because she just woke him up, he searches for his grey sweatpants. *Scuttle just told me that Niklaus is my mate! I'm kinda freaking out that my cat knew this and I kinda knew it was true but what am I supposed to do now?* she asked.He walks into her room and gets in bed with her and Scuttle. "Ok sis, don't freak out! but we all had a long talk about this last night after you fell asleep" he reveals."What? you al