~(Raphael)"Yes, I'm here. Are you ok? What is going on?” Roxy stammered, and before I could say anything Haven grabbed her and yanked her away from me. A newfound sense of determination and purpose coursed through me, pushing aside the anguish and desolation that had threatened to consume me. The memories I'd recalled still lingered, but they no longer felt suffocating. Instead, my thoughts were filled with Roxy - her bright smile, her infectious laughter, and her unwavering spirit. She was my anchor, my beacon of hope, and with her at the forefront of my mind, I felt a sense of resolve wash over me. “Cute… I thought you were still asleep.” Haven snarled. I sprang to my feet, my eyes blazing with fury as I locked onto Haven. Her snide comment only fueled the inferno raging within me. "Haven, don't you fucking touch her," I growled, my voice low and menacing. My anger had reached a boiling point, and I was ready to unleash it. The thought of Haven laying a hand on Rox
Raziel's voice was a thunderous roar, echoing off the walls as he commanded the Shadows to drink. With a swift, savage motion, he raked his Wolf claw across the palm of his hand, opening up a deep gash. The blood welled up, a dark, crimson flow that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. The Shadows, those dark, ethereal tendrils, responded to Raziel's call, slithering out of the darkness like living, breathing serpents. The tendrils of darkness converged on Raziel's palm, lapping up the blood with an unnatural hunger, as if they were feeding on his very life force. The tendrils on the ground, meanwhile, soaked up the spilled blood, their dark, misty forms seeming to grow stronger and more substantial with each passing moment. Raziel's voice rang out, a command that was both fierce and imperative. "Restrain her!" he bellowed, and the tendrils responded with a speed and ferocity that was almost terrifying to behold. They swarmed Haven, wrapping around her like living chains
As the Shadows' dark tendrils wrapped around me, I felt myself being pulled down, my vision blurring as the memories of my Human life began to unravel. I struggled to maintain my balance, but it was no use, I collapsed onto my hands and knees, my mind reeling as the Shadows' power coursed through me. Slowly, agonizingly slowly, each memory I had of my life before Haven was ripped away, leaving me feeling hollow and bereft. The pain was like nothing I had ever experienced before - it was as if a part of me was being torn away, leaving a gaping void in its wake. The world around me grew darker and more distorted as the Shadows' tendrils continued their relentless assault. I strained to catch a glimpse of my brothers, but they were fading from view, their faces blurring into indistinct smudges. My hands and knees scraped against the ground as I struggled to maintain some semblance of balance, but it was a losing battle. The memories of my Human life, once so vivid and pre
I remained on my knees, my mind reeling as the floodgates of my memories burst open. The Shadows' dark energy coursed through me, restoring the fragments of my past, and I was bombarded with visions of a life I had long forgotten. I saw myself as a fragile, vulnerable child, growing up in a home torn apart by conflict and violence. My parents' faces, etched with anger and resentment, flashed before my eyes, their arguments and fights seared into my memory like scars. I recalled the sound of shattering glass, the splintering of wooden furniture, and the stinging pain of the belt that my father wielded with such frequency. The memories came rushing back, a torrent of pain and fear, and I felt the weight of my troubled childhood bearing down upon me once more. The memories poured in, a deluge of anguish and terror, as I relived the darkest moments of my childhood. I felt the sting of tears on my cheeks as I recalled the countless nights I cried myself to sleep, my small body s
I raised my hand, a swift and decisive gesture that commanded silence. My brothers' voices, filled with urgency and desperation, fell quiet as they realized their words would have no sway over me. I had long since passed the point of no return, my resolve forged in the depths of my conviction. Their pleas and protests were nothing more than a distant hum, a faint echo of a choice already made. It was done. “We acccept your condition, masssster!” The Shadows hissed in unison, but before anyone could utter another word, The Shadows erupted into a dark, swirling vortex that engulfed my brothers. I stood frozen, witnessing the anguish etched on their faces as the memories were ripped from their minds, one by one. Raphael crumpled to his hands and knees, his body shuddering with each lost recollection. Ramses fell to his knees, his eyes wide with a mixture of pain and confusion. Rowen, however, remained standing, his stance unwavering, though his eyes betrayed the turmoil brewing
~(Raphael)As I struggled to sit up, my head throbbing with a dull, persistent ache, I took stock of my surroundings. The familiar opulence of Blaze's room slowly came into focus, but something felt off. The air was heavy with an unsettling chill, and strangely opulent Shadows seemed to writhe and twist along the walls. I shivered, despite myself, as I gazed up at the black chandelier, its crystals glinting like cold, dead eyes in the dim light. A shiver ran down my spine as I wondered what had happened while I was out. Why was the room so dark, so cold? I scrambled to my feet, surveying the room with a growing sense of unease. That's when I saw them: The Shadows, still lingering, their dark presence seeming to seep from the very walls themselves. My gaze snapped to Raziel, lying motionless on the floor, surrounded by tendrils of Shadow that twisted and curled around him like living vines. My heart racing, I sprinted to his side, shouting his name: "Raziel!" The Shado
I raised my hand, a swift and decisive gesture that commanded silence. My brothers' voices, filled with urgency and desperation, fell quiet as they realized their words would have no sway over me. I had long since passed the point of no return, my resolve forged in the depths of my conviction. Their pleas and protests were nothing more than a distant hum, a faint echo of a choice already made. It was done. My gaze shifted to the door, and I was met with the sight of the Risen lying motionless on the ground. I felt a sense of certainty that they would not rise again, thanks to the potent magic of The Shadows. With the immediate threat neutralized, I turned my attention to my brothers, checking on their well-being. Ramses, ever the jokester, was already cracking wise, his quick wit and humor a welcome respite from the darkness we had just faced. Rowen, too, was laughing and trading barbs with Ramses, his spirits surprisingly high despite the ordeal we had endured. I coul
"Raphael?" Roxy's voice was tinged with a hint of trepidation, as if she feared my response to her next question. "This might sound crazy, but... can I stay here tonight?" I couldn't help but grin at her, my smirk conveying my amusement and pleasure at her request. "Of course you can, darling," I replied, my voice low and smooth. "You can stay here as long as you like." Roxy's face relaxed, and she exhaled a breath she'd been holding, a soft sigh of relief that spoke volumes about her state of mind. "I'm sorry to intrude," Roxy said, her voice barely above a whisper, "but I just don't feel like going home yet. I'm still really shaken up, and the thought of being alone right now is just too much." She spoke with her eyes cast downward, her gaze fixed on her feet, and I couldn't help but wonder what was behind her hesitant demeanor. Was she embarrassed to be admitting her vulnerability to me, or was she still harboring fears about my intentions? The uncertainty sparked a pang
e finally broke apart, gasping for air as we gazed into each other's eyes. I took a moment to simply drink in the beauty of the woman before me, my heart swelling with emotion. How did I, a creature of the night, deserve such a radiant and loving soul? I felt like the luckiest being alive. As I basked in the warmth of our connection, I knew this was the perfect moment to ask my next question. "Okay, one last question," I began, but before I could continue, Roxy's voice cut through the air, her words spilling out in a rush. "I actually have a question for you," Roxy said, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?" I replied, my curiosity piqued. Roxy's smile grew, and she asked, "When are you going to mark me?" I was taken aback, my mind reeling in surprise. This was the very question I had been about to ask her. I shouldn't have been shocked, though, Roxy had done her research, pouring over ancient texts and gathering knowledge for her com
I rowed us beneath the sweeping branches of the willow tree, the leaves whispering softly above us as we glided into a secluded, tranquil alcove. This was my sanctuary, a place where I often came to collect my thoughts and calm my mind. I let the boat drift, and we floated in silence, the only sound the gentle lapping of the water against the hull. The moment seemed suspended, and I knew it was now or never to ask the question that had been weighing on my mind. I gazed into Roxy's eyes, my tone solemn and sincere. "You know I would never pressure you into something you're not comfortable with, don't you?" I asked, seeking reassurance that she trusted me implicitly. Roxy's expression faltered, confusion etching her beautiful features as she searched my face for clues. "Of course, I know that," she replied, her voice steady and confident, dispelling any doubts I may have had. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "Given everything that's happened ov
As I mentioned Roxy's name, I caught a fleeting glimpse of Haven's expression hardening, her eyes flashing with a momentary glint of anger. But I didn't give it much thought, simply offering her a casual farewell. "Bye, Haven," I said, waving briefly before materializing back to Roxy's side. She was standing with Jerome, looking poised and ready to leave. I felt a flicker of confusion… I didn't remember bringing her here, but maybe I had done it out of caution? Yet, why would I have been worried about visiting Ramses with Roxy by my side? I pushed the uncertainty aside, focusing on Roxy's expectant gaze. She seemed ready to move, and I fell into step beside her, letting my concerns fade into the background. I turned to Jerome and the other warriors, offering them a nod of gratitude. "Thank you," I said, my gaze sweeping over the group. Jerome's expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I take it the threat has been neutralized?" he asked. I felt a jolt of conf
I watched in horror, frozen in place, as The Shadows enveloped Layna, their dark tendrils slicing through her body with ruthless efficiency. They drained her of every last drop of blood, their malevolent presence seeming to revel in her agony. Her screams echoed through the cell, a haunting, soul-shattering sound that left me feeling shattered and guilty. I had never witnessed The Shadows claim a life before, and the brutality of it was staggering. The sheer horror of what I was witnessing left me reeling, my mind struggling to comprehend the magnitude of Layna's sacrifice. She had chosen this path, had willingly offered herself up to The Shadows as a gesture of gratitude, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't deserve such a sacrifice. Her actions seemed to imply that I had done something worthy of such a profound thank you, but I knew better. I knew that I didn't merit this kind of devotion, and that realization only added to the weight of my guilt. Layna's words
A sense of foreboding settled in the pit of my stomach as I gazed at Haven's enraged form. It was clear that she was seething with a deep-seated anger, and I had a sinking feeling that I was, again, about to become the focal point of her ire. Haven's finger shot out, accusingly pointing at Roxy as she spat out her words. "Why, Raphael? Why her?" The venom in her voice was palpable, and I could feel the weight of her resentment bearing down upon me. I sighed inwardly, a sense of weary frustration washing over me. "Oh, my god, Haven, we are not doing this again," I retorted, my voice firm but laced with a hint of exasperation. Incredulity warred with annoyance within me as I struggled to comprehend the depths of Haven's petty jealousy. Could it really be that this entire, catastrophic mess had been spawned by her own insecurities? The thought was almost laughable, if it weren't so infuriating. Get the fuck over it, I mentally seethed, my frustration simmering just below the s
My gaze lingered on Roxy, and I knew that leaving her with Jerome would ensure her safety. I trusted him implicitly, and this was the most logical decision. Yet, as our eyes met, I sensed a flicker of understanding, as if she knew I was contemplating leaving her behind. Her silence was unnerving, and I couldn't discern whether it was the magic's influence or her own reservations. I gently cradled her face in my hand, my voice low and soothing. "If I take you with me, you'll witness things that will haunt you. I'm sorry, but I won't spare any of them. They can’t be allowed to live, not a single one." I watched as a maelstrom of emotions swirled in her brown eyes, a silent struggle between her Human sensibilities and the harsh realities of the Underworld. It was a battle she couldn't win, for in my world, the rules of mortality didn't apply. Her eyes seemed to plead with me, yet simultaneously acknowledge the inevitability of my actions. I wished for more time to explain the
I languished in my own despair, lost in a sea of regret and self-recrimination, until the passage of time became distorted, stretching into an eternity. It was only when I glanced down at Roxy's arm, noticing that the cut had vanished, leaving behind unblemished skin, that I was jolted back to reality. I focused my Vampire senses, straining to detect the faintest whisper of a heartbeat, but there was only silence. Yet, the fact that she was healing was a beacon of hope, a reassuring sign that her revival was imminent. A wave of relief washed over me, bringing with it a sense of tentative optimism. However, the prolonged duration of her revival puzzled me, sparking a nagging question: did the distance from the Land of the Dead impact the speed of the revival process? The uncertainty lingered, a persistent shadow in my mind. In hindsight, I probably should have returned her to the familiarity of our home, but I hesitated, fearing that the sudden change of environment might sta
The shock etched on Layna's face was almost comical, and I couldn't help but be amused by her reaction. With a final, lingering glance, I materialized outside her cell, leaving her to ponder our exchange. "I'll be back," I called out, my voice low and smooth. "As you're aware, I still require your... assistance. Let's just say it would be prudent for your intel to prove accurate, little Necromancer." My parting words were laced with a subtle warning, and I could sense a shiver run down her spine. With that, I vanished, rematerializing in Jerome's office. I instantly established a mental link with my men, conveying the details of my encounter with Layna and issuing orders to assemble our troops. We possessed various methods to disrupt magic, and we would employ every trick in the book to ensure our mission's success. I briefed Jerome and his men on the intel I'd gathered, and he swiftly relayed the information to his own team through a mental link. Our plan was taking shape:
~(Raphael)Roxy's demeanor this morning was off, a subdued quietude that seemed out of character. I attributed it to our passionate encounter the night before, wondering if perhaps I had pushed her too far, too fast. She hadn't complained, of course, her words still echoed in my mind, "that was Incredible," she had whispered. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I might have overwhelmed her. The bite, in particular, weighed on my conscience. I had acted on instinct, unable to restrain myself, but I knew it might have been too much for a Human to process. I longed to ask her about it, to gauge her emotions and reassure her, but I hesitated. Her newfound Risen state made her vulnerable, and I knew she struggled to express herself freely. I decided to wait, to give her space, and hope that she would open up to me when the time was right. Frustration simmered within me, a lingering resentment from my last encounter with the Necromancer. I had hoped she would yield some crucial