Chapter 66: Shut up, Grey.
~Raphael's POV~
It was stupid of me to think Grey would let me out of this room when our mate’s life was being snatched from her. Yet, I couldn't stay here any longer. I needed to know what was happening outside these walls.
‘ Grey, please. I promise nothing will happen to Ava. It’s a promise. I love her as much as you do.’ My jaw tightened as I spoke, the words spoken between gritted teeth, trying to endure the pain he was inflicting on me.
I wasn’t lying. I wouldn’t let anything happen to my mate. I just needed my stubborn wolf to understand that I meant no harm to her.
"If what you're saying is true, then why must you step out of this room?"
How do I explain to my own damn wolf that staying here won’t help Ava? Sometimes, Grey is more brawn than brains, and he's proving it again.
‘ If I leave this room, I’ll be able to think straight. We could also use this opportunity to get rid of the Netherlands kingdom.’
Grey has always been drawn to war, so mentioning the Netherlands was a deliberate taunt, to make him choose between his thirst for bloodlust or staying here, doing nothing.
"We are not leaving," he roared. His fury flared again, and the pounding against the walls separating us resumed.
‘For Goddess’ sake, stop this nonsense! Or I will fucking seal you away, and you won’t see her for a very long time,’ I snarled, my voice full with promises, I would keep if he continues pushing me.
I meant every damn word. I would seal him away. I wouldn't risk losing any more time when I could be out there searching for a way to save Ava. Since the people of this kingdom won’t help, maybe the Netherlands will.
The ministers might be the ones influencing the kingdom at the moment, stopping them from doing something. If that’s the case, then I need to seek help elsewhere while she’s still breathing. I should have thought of this sooner, but I had been too angry and guilt-ridden.
"You dare threaten me?" Grey’s voice darkened with rage. The walls between us trembled under his fury.
‘ It is our duty to protect her, Grey. The witches already have their claws sunk in her. We need to remove those threads spreading through her body before they reach her heart. You know what will happen if it reaches her heart, right?’
I didn’t need to say more. I felt his grip on me loosen. Finally!
"You better pray to the Goddess that nothing happens to her. If not…"
If not, I would destroy everything you love, your kingdom.
The splitting ache in my skull began to ease. He released his healing scent, the one Lycans use to soothe their vessels. Yeah, act like the good guy now, after almost tearing me apart.
Normally, I would have healed myself. After all, living for centuries has its perks, like my ability to control mana just like the mage clan. I can use spells as well, but unfortunately, I’m bound, I can't undo the spell Lara used.
After using my newfound knowledge two decades ago to wreak havoc on other kingdoms, I was cursed. Or rather, limited. I couldn't use most dark spells or research them. That’s why, even with all my power, I couldn’t recognize the spell Lara used.
Lost in thought, I made my way to the door. I needed to deal with those damn ministers.
"Kill them. They are useless."
It’s a shame I used to let such malicious intent control me.
‘ Hope you can bear the Goddess’ sentence, Grey?’
"Hmph! There is only so much Selene can do. Are you more afraid of Selene than me?"
No, I should be more afraid of you.
‘ Yes, I am. We are all under her control, Grey. That includes you. If not, you wouldn’t be tied down with me.’
"I am not under the control of any shining blue ball!"
He’s ridiculous. Completely.
I reached for the door handle, my fingers barely touching the wooden handle when, thud! A body crashes into my chest. A startle growl tumbles from my throat.
Grey was already rumbling, a sign that I was growling out loud as well. I hate being touched by any female. Especially when they reek of witch magic like this one did.
I lifted my gaze, ready to snap the fool in two, but I was met with wide, terrified green eyes filled with panic. She looked disheveled, just like Caleb had earlier.
"My-my king, my apologies," Gwendolyn stammered, bowing her head.
I waited for her to say more, but she didn’t. She just stood there, trembling, hands clasped tightly.
"You may lift your head."
Her eyes darted up to meet mine, but the second they did, she flinched. My expression must have been cold and frightening.
"What brings you here?" I asked, trying to ease the tension.
"I apologize, my king. I-I didn’t know you would be here. I will leave immediately."
She wasn’t listening. Besides, I had been here since that day. And she has seen me countless times in this room.
"No need," I said, my voice harsher than intended. Damn it.
"O-okay, my king."
She looked everywhere but at me. She was skittish. Well, she is Ava’s friend.
"And a witch," Grey chimed in.
‘ I know. Ava loves her, and she won’t be happy if anything happens to her.’ I silently warned.
Grey grumbled but didn’t argue.
Besides, she’s the future queen of the witch clan. She has my full support. She’s a better fit than her sister. With her, the witches might actually become great again.
"Yes, great enough to drug us, and almost have us killed, again.” Grey holds a grudge like no other.
Not that he’s wrong.
"So, what brings you here, Gwendolyn?"
She had been so bold when she asked me to let her and Anastasia marry. Why was she so scared now?
"I-I finally found the spell. No, the curse, rather. The one Lara cast on Ava. I came to check if it’s truly the same one."
Curse? These people are something else. We’ve been searching for them. But they were nowhere to be found.
Lara hasn't things through. The entire Croft’s family has been imprisoned and waiting for trial. I actually hate killing an entire family for one person's mistake but I know Grey won't be letting them go.
Plus, I had already issued a command to postpone the witches’ coronation, the one that was supposed to happen the day Ava was hurt, probably the reason why Ava was hurt until further notice.
"Curse, Gwen? Your people still practice curses, even after I banned them?" My brows arched in question.
The witch clan has always been known for their dark, demonic spells. They were even worse than the mage clan, which at least used mana. The witches were the worst of the worst, yet I knew there were some good ones.
I’ve encountered more evil witches than good ones, but the few good ones I have met are the only reason I kept their kind alive. I refused to wipe them out, even when the people cried for it.
Now, I’m regretting that decision.
I should have erased them from the surface of this world.
"Yes, you should have. Maybe then you wouldn’t have been deceived by Allasia."
‘Shut up, Grey.’
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