Chapter 58 - Alone Against The Enemy

Adam’s POV

I didn’t think that werewolves were capable of handling missions in such a stealthy and delicate manner but it was always such a pleasant surprise to be proven wrong by Devin and his men.

The once-abandoned mining city of Belfast became breeding grounds for me to harness unlimited power. After siphoning life energy from the Realm of Wandering Souls proved to be inefficient and ineffective, I had to result in something even more taboo.

The Moon Goddess had few rules for us vampires since she didn’t want to interfere too much in our affairs. However, her main rule was that we were not allowed to feed on our own kind.

In doing so, she willed a consequence to be nothing short of a curse—an inescapable road leading to madness and depravity.

One I was willing to travel.

The pains I suffered as a consequence of my forbidden feeding rituals didn’t bother me nearly as much. If anything, I welcomed the pain.

Because I knew that the world would soon know what it was like to have everything you were promised ripped from your hands. I would make everyone feel the darkness and pain I’ve endured for too long.

Douglas would know that my kind wasn’t meant to be fodder in his little expansion wars.

Xavier would pay for taking Eloise from me.

And Eloise… she wouldn’t dare to break my heart again.

Nothing was going to get in my way. Either people would do the smart thing and succumb to my will or… Well, they’d simply be eradicated.

Eloise’s POV

I woke up to knocking on my door. I rubbed my eyes, still feeling groggy from yesterday, but I got up and answered whoever was on the other side.

My mom was at the door with a worried expression.

“Hi…” I gave them a small smile.

“Is everything alright?” My mom was the first one to speak. “You came home yesterday in such a rush.”

A part of me wanted to break down and tell her everything, I wanted to tell her the things Xavier accused me of, the things he did to me, and how we broke up. But then that also meant telling her about how complicated everything about him was.

It would also mean telling her how nice he could be. It would mean telling her that I knew he was a man capable of kindness and warmth but he was still too stuck in the past to move forward.

Instead of doing any of that, I nodded my head. “Yes, everything’s fine. Xavier has been planning another assault against Douglas after taking Gray. I took it as another opportunity to come home so I wouldn’t be alone while he worked.”

She let out a sigh of relief. “You know it’s always good to have you home, my dear. I just wanted to make sure that nothing happened between you and Xavier.”

I gave her a warm smile. “I know. Everything’s fine, I promise.” I lied to her.

She hugged me. “I’m glad. Well, I also came here to inform you that you have a visitor. He’s a rather handsome man so I wanted to let you know so you could make yourself a little more presentable.”

I rolled my eyes. “Okay, mom. Thank you.”

She gave me a wide grin before I closed the door. I changed my outfit, brushed my teeth, and combed my hair until I heard another knock beckon for me.

When I opened the door for the second time, I was surprised to see Liam on the other side. My eyes widened.

“Liam, what are you—”

He pushed me back and stepped into my room as he closed the door.

“I’m sorry for being so forward but I don’t know how else to tell you this.”

My stomach began to turn. “Tell me what?”

He took a deep breath. “King Douglas knows about your relationship ending with Lord Xavier. He plans to attack Witches Land in three days.”

This was just like last time except now, I didn’t have Xavier to lean on.

“After his loss of Gray, Douglas declared that he needed to make up for the power that he lost. He wanted to regain his strength but needed a new source of power…” Liam explained.

My heart pounded in my chest and I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat. Although I knew that standing up to Douglas would mean death for my family, there was no use in running.

I would make sure that our defenses and weapons were put to good use. I would make Douglas pull teeth and nails to bring us down.

I nodded my head at Liam. “If it’s a war he wants, then it’s a war he’ll get.”

Liam and I made haste to the meeting chambers where my mom and dad were, and we told them of the grave news. Shock quickly turned to action as all of the battlemages and medics were summoned to the castle. All able-bodied men were also rallied to help fight in the battle.

When we arrived at the castle’s barracks, Liam took me aside before we went inside to start preparing.

“Eloise,” he got down on one knee. “Please, take my sword and shield. Allow me to aid you in the upcoming battle against Douglas. I will do everything in my power to ensure the safety of you and your people.”

“I…” I hesitated. “I don’t know.” His gesture made my cheeks heat up.

“I know that what I did back in Noah was wrong. By now, it should be no secret that I was… well, still am, in love with you.”

I nodded my head, speechless with honesty.

“I’ve accepted that we’re not meant to be. I know your heart is with another. But because I love you, I want to protect you no matter what. Your people deserve to live free and happy lives, and I know Douglas will not provide that.” His words were so sure and strong.

“Please…” He held out his hand to me.

Liam’s determination and dedication gave me courage. Even though I wanted it to be Xavier at my side, I took Liam’s hand and gladly accepted his oath.

“Okay, Liam. I accept you and the help you have to offer my family. On behalf of the Wisdom family—thank you.”

We shared a smile and entered the barracks together.

Xavier’s POV

I stared at the marriage contract Eloise and I signed almost a year ago. I wanted to rip it to shreds and throw it into the fireplace. A symbolism of the rage and anger I felt.

Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

Thoughts of our arguments rushed to my mind and once again, I made a fool of myself and betrayed Eloise.

I picked straws for arguments. At that moment, I just wanted to give her a reason to not think anything of the plan I wasn’t going to actually go through with.

Instead of communicating with her the truth, I let my pride and past grievances cloud my judgment. I allowed my impulses to rule my actions… again.

Even if she was my mate, even though I truly did love her, maybe it was for the best that we weren’t together. Maybe Liam was right, Eloise needed someone who could reciprocate the love and kindness she showed to everyone.

Destined mate or not, you deserve better, Eloise. And even though you can’t feel our mate bond for whatever reason, do know that I’ll still dedicate myself to you until my dying breath—as a husband should.

I took the red pamphlet that Adrian gave me. His damn plan was what got me into the mess in the first place.

I sighed knowing that it was my fault for keeping it anyway. I threw it into the fireplace and sat back down in my chair to prepare to take another city from Douglas.

Instead, Adrian had barged into my study. He was out of breath.

“My Lord, I’m sorry, but you need to know that Douglas plans to attack Witches Land!”

I rose from my seat. “What?!”

“Three days, my Lord.”

I grabbed my coat and stormed out of my study towards the barracks.

“Adrian!” I commanded. “Ride for Gray and gather Captain Oliver and his men.”

He nodded at me and went towards the stables.

I took the anger, sadness, and despair from ruining my relationship with Eloise and channeled it into determination. Even if she didn’t want my help, I would give it to her.

I was ready to lay my life down for hers.

I gathered all of my men from the barracks and training grounds and made haste for Witches Land.

Blessed Moon Goddess, please bestow strength on my men so that they may protect Eloise and her family.

It was the first time that I had ever wished safety upon the Wisdoms and felt honest about it. The waves of impending battle washed away my hypocrisy, and it was then I understood how much Eloise meant to me.

We will come out of this together, Eloise. And when we do, I’ll give you the world and my life.