Chapter Six

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"I trust you, brother. It is them that I do not trust. How sure are you that they weren't bored and fabricated some shit ass story to mess with us?"

It sounded far-fetched even to Zaros but the question had to be posed. They had to be sure.

"I was doubtful too. You know I never take anyone's word as Gospel without doing my own investigation. I believed them because I dreamt of this Apocalyptic event two decades ago. For a straight month, it haunted me, and I thought I was dreaming of the Old Wars, but this was different. This was a massacre. Besides that, for the first time in centuries, I sensed fear from them. They're scared and don't seem as glad that we are the only ones who seem to be able to prevent this future from coming to pass. I don't know how we are supposed to do that, but they would not have come to me if they had another solution."

Zaros mulled over this as he kept his anxiety at bay. Plans had to be formulated, a clearer understanding of who the enemy was had to be revealed. There was much to do if a war was looming in the horizon.

"And so, they asked you to marry the Elven Princess? How does she fit into all of this? Does it have to do with the Prophecy they made about the reclamation of Ikraseon?"

Lucien shrugged, his mind wandering back to his bride and the fire that burned bright in her eyes. Zaros' presumption about her may not be accurate...but only time will tell.

"They didn't say. You know how much they love speaking in fucking riddles. I read between the lines, though. They insisted that the reclamation of Ikraseon is the first step at preventing this 'end of the world' event. And, thereafter, the reward for saving the world would be our mortality."

Zaros sat up at the mention of that, truly interested now as he processed the words Lucien had spoken. The latter knew that his old friend would see the opportunity like he had. It was the only reason why he had agreed and began to learn more about his bride who had, somehow, found him before he found her on the night of the full moon.

"Now that sounds somewhat promising...You're taking the leap."

Lucien nodded, turning back to gaze at the stars and the full moons that imbued him with power that rushed through his veins even now, coupled with excitement and anticipation.

"This is the closest we have ever gotten to a solution, brother. I must follow this path, see where it takes me. Besides, it's not like there is much for me lose either way. A war with Ikraseon has been budding for a while now. The Dark Elves have been acting pretty shady lately. They want to expand their Empire into the Vontis Kingdom- Orc Territory. Once they do that, then they will declare war with the rest of us for sure and we will lay them bare. It's only a matter of time."

Lucien shrugged, earning a nod from Zaros. He had heard the same thread of intelligence through the grapevine. Invading a Kingdom ruled by an Immortal was a brazen and stupid move. It made the Vampire King question the sanity of the Leader of the Dark Elves. It was an unspoken fact that the Immortals always banded together to protect their territories.

We may not meet for tea and sandwiches, but we have each other's backs. Always...Despite everything, we have been through too much not to stand with each other... We are the only ones who understand each other on a visceral level...

"Have you spoken to Hok? If we know about this, then he must as well."

Zaros asked, mentioning the Orc King who also happened to be an Immortal and second most reclusive of them all. The first spot was reserved for the Demon King Immortal, but he was not a subject they liked to bring up or discuss.

Lucien shook his head, releasing a small sigh. Vontis was near his Kingdom which made Zaros' inquiry reasonable. If Hoknath was to reach out to anyone, it would be him. He is nearer to him than anyone else. But the Orc bastard was stubborn as hell. The two of them knew well enough that even if he were to come under siege, nothing would change that.

He hated the Elves and would definitely revel in their destruction.

"He's probably excited for a fight. You know how much he dislikes the Elves. He'll be fine."

Lucien stated, earning a shrug and nod from Zaros. Each of them were powerful enough to handle themselves easily but if the situation needed them to step in, they certainly would.

"Will you be okay? Marriage is no simple thing. We have managed to evade it for a long time and I know your Aristocrats must be excited that they will finally be getting a Queen- wait, scratch that. Some of them might not be as happy considering she is not a werewolf. And it doesn't help that she is Half- Human."

Zaros released a small sigh, knowing full well the prejudice awaiting the new Queen of Natus. Humans were considered to be the lowest of low when it came to relations with the other realms. There was a reason why the Witches protected Earth Realm and it was for that very reason.

They were balance keepers, protectors of the Mortals.

"Listen, I know you don't care about her apart from the fact that she is a steppingstone to getting what you've always wanted but don't completely shut her out. She's going to have a hard enough life as it is. Don't be your usual dickish self around her, otherwise she might shut herself in. She may offer more down the line. We don't know why the Seer Witches chose her. Also, she's already had her entire life disrupted. I know you are incapable of kindness so I'll as that you don't be an ass."

Lucien mulled over his friend's words, knowing full well that he was right. Calliope Rowenys deserved some grace. It wasn't exactly her fault that she had been put in this particular position. He didn't know if he was capable of any emotion other than his 'dickish self' but he was willing to somewhat...try?

He grunted a response to his waiting friend who simply chuckled before the two of them downed their last glasses of Whisky before stubbing out their cigars.

"The moon is at its peak. It is time for you to go meet your future. Do make sure you bring her around. I know my little pet will absolutely adore her."

Zaros granted his friend a wide grin despite the shiver of unease that travelled through the Beast Immortal's veins. It was moments like these that reminded him of just how dangerous and twisted the Vampire before him really was. He was glad that they had ended their conflict, otherwise he would be a troubling enemy to face.

"Oh, I don't doubt that since you'll have a hand in influencing that reaction. Shit, you're still really fucking psycho brother. I'm glad you never let me forget it. I was going to ask after...'your pet' but honestly, I don't think I want to know anymore."

Lucien responded as they watched through the halls of the massive castle and towards the Teleportation Area at the Castle Entrance. Zaros granted him a wide, almost deranged-like grin of excitement at the mention of his 'pet'.

"Yes, you don't. Now then, I expect an invitation to the wedding/coronation. Maybe then we can speak more about next steps. I'll look into everything we have discussed, see if some form of insurgence really is brewing in the background."

Lucien nodded, clapping his friend in the back. He knew he could always count on his old friend. It was why he had visited him. They would find a solution, together.

"Thank you, brother. I'll speak to you soon."

And then he was gone, leaving Zaros staring after the wisps of energy that always remained after a teleport.

He had much on his mind, much to process but other more nefarious thoughts clouded his mind and had him heading up the steps and towards the room he had left his defiant little pet waiting for her punishment.

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