Chapter 166: Dark Twins
**Avery**
The air hums with ancient magic as we stand at the threshold of the Primordial realm, the exit a shimmering veil of light that beckons us forward. I feel this pull that pulses in time with the light. Altima is not far away. Answers and my hidden sibling await. Soon, I will know how I came to be so that I can better understand who I am and who I must become to save us all. But before we can step through, a figure emerges from the shadows, his presence commanding and enigmatic. It looks like Draven, his long black hair cascading like a midnight waterfall, his blue eyes piercing through the dim light. He holds something in his hand—a small, glowing artifact that pulses with an otherworldly energy.
Draven gasps. “Drake. It can’t be!”
A voice that is smooth and laced with malice says, “But it can be, brother.”
Draven shakes his head. “No, I was an only child.”
“This isn’t a trick. You had a twin. However, you consumed my soul shortly after our birth, sending me here where I have been waiting. I had thought that it was you who I was waiting for, but…” Drake turns to me. "Avery," he says, his voice smooth and laced with a hint of danger. "I have something that could change everything for you. But it comes at a cost."
My heart quickens as I step forward, the group—Cassius, Clint, Conner, James, Donn, and Vincent—forming a protective circle around me. Drake’s gaze sweeps over them, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Your guardians are loyal, but this is between you and me. The artifact I hold is the Eclipsed Amulet, a relic of immense power. It will amplify your magical abilities, grant you control over the Primal Flame, and unlock the secrets of your dragon heritage. But to wield it, you must surrender to a sensual sacrifice."
I frown, my mind racing. "What kind of sacrifice?"
Drake’s smirk deepens. "A night of submission. To me. Alone. Your mates will not be part of it. Only you and I. In return, the amulet will be yours, and with it, the power to shape your destiny."
The tension in the air thickens as the group exchanges uneasy glances. Cassius steps forward, his jaw clenched. "This is a trap. We don’t know what he’s truly asking of you."
Draven puts his hand on my shoulder. “Avery, you don’t need to do this. There is another way, there has to be. He could harm you because of me, and I can’t bear to lose you. You freed me and gifted me my mates. I won’t ever forget that. You shouldn’t have to endure anything because of me.”
Drake looks at Draven and me, “Aren’t you both precious?” He looks at Rory and Jace and says, “I wouldn’t have guessed that you both were his mates.” He looks at me, “Not when true power comes in such an attractive package.” “Cassius, it’s not a trap and there is no other way," Drake says, his tone calm but firm. "It’s a choice. The amulet is the key to your survival, Avery. Without it, the Primal Flame will consume you. With it, you can control it, and perhaps, even defeat the darkness that pursues you."
I feel the weight of his words settle in my chest. The Primal Flame is a force of destruction, and I’ve already felt its power threaten to overwhelm me. The amulet could be the answer—but at what cost? A night of submission to Drake, a man I don’t know, a warlock with motives as shadowy as his magic.
Vincent steps closer, his amber eyes locking with mine. "Avery, this is your decision. But remember, we are here for you. Whatever you choose, we will stand by you."
I take a deep breath, my gaze flickering to each of my mates. Their faces are a mix of concern and trust, their loyalty unwavering. But this is my burden to bear. My choice to make. "I’ll do it," I say, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside me. "But Drake, if you betray me, you’ll answer to all of us."
Drake’s smirk returns, and he holds out the amulet. "Wise choice, Queen of Dragons. Follow me."
He turns and walks deeper into the shadows, the amulet’s glow casting eerie patterns on the ground. I hesitate for a moment, my heart pounding, before taking a step forward. The group closes in around me, their hands brushing mine, their whispered assurances filling me with strength.
"We’ll be right here," Cassius murmurs, his grip tight on my hand.
"Whatever happens, we’re with you," Clint adds, his voice low and steady. The rest of my group chants for me to be safe and summon them if I need them. I love my group, and that is why I must do this. I have had fleeting visions of death, and if this can help me prevent those visions, then I will sacrifice anything.
I nod, taking a deep breath, and follow Drake into the unknown. The air grows colder as we move away from the group, the shadows deepening until I can barely see the exit behind us. Drake leads me to a secluded chamber, the walls lined with ancient runes that pulse faintly with magic. In the center of the room is a large, ornate bed, its sheets black as midnight, the air heavy with the scent of incense and something darker—anticipation.
"The amulet will be yours once the sacrifice is complete," Drake says, his voice low and hypnotic. "But first, you must surrender to me. Fully."
My heart races as I realize what he’s asking. Not just physical submission, but emotional, mental—a complete yielding of control. I’ve never done this before, never given myself so fully to someone outside my circle of mates. But the amulet is too important, the stakes too high.
"I’m ready," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
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