CONFRONTATION

DAMIEN’S POV

I barely had time to catch my breath after the fight with Williams. I left the hall heading to my study, my hands still trembling from the adrenaline that hadn’t fully worn off. But there was no rest. Not for me, not while things were falling apart.

I have to figure out where Freda is, my mind wouldn’t rest until I find her and I am here, dealing with politics and power-hungry vampires. But now, I have another problem to deal with, one that might be even worse.

Once I settled down in my study I opened the first folder on my desk. Flipping through I could see pictures of the vampires that were dead.
More vampires that the number I was informed of had been found dead, and these weren't normal deaths. Burned skin, twisted limbs, and that lingering scent of black magic.
Witches, they definitely did this
And not just any witches. These were witches who practiced dark magic, the kind that left permanent scars, both on bodies and souls.
I slammed my fist against the stone window ledge, frustration bubbling up inside me. There was only one person capable of this. Only one witch who had the nerve to give witches who practice black magic such instructions. Elara.
The witches who practice black magic know they should not be crossing the boundaries with us Vampires.
My jaw clenched as I turned from the window, pacing the room. I couldn't ignore this any longer. If more of my people were being slaughtered because of her, I had to act.
“Elara,” I muttered under my breath. “What the hell are you playing at?”
Without wasting another second, I stormed out of the room, barking orders at the first guard I saw. "Prepare the car. Now.

The car ride to Elara's cabin wasn’t long, but it felt like an eternity with my thoughts swirling in frustration. How could she do this? I thought we had an understanding, but now I was heading straight into what felt like a betrayal. My people were being murdered, and the smell of black magic lingered on their bodies. It had to be her.

As soon as I arrived, I opened the car door and walked toward the entrance. The entrance of the cabin, filled with the scent of herbs and magic,became worse as I entered her cabin. I didn’t care to knock. I wasn’t here for pleasantries.

“Elara!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the dark stone halls. “Where are you?”

After a moment, she appeared before me. Her long dark hair falling over her shoulders, her fingers held up as drops of magical sparkles faded away gradually . There wasn’t even a hint of guilt on her face.

“King Damien,” she said smoothly, crossing her arms. “I was wondering when you’d come. What’s the rush?”

My anger flared. “You know exactly why I’m here, Elara. Vampires are being killed by witches. Witches that use black magic and I know you sent them . I thought we had a deal.”

Her lips twitched slightly, as if she found the whole situation amusing. “We do have a deal, King Damien. But I’m starting to think you’ve forgotten your end of it.”

I blinked, taken aback. “What the hell are you talking about? I’ve done everything you asked.”

“Have you?” she replied, raising an eyebrow. “The last time I checked the kingdom of Kyrax is still standing, the kingdom should have fallen apart”
“I’ve been looking for Freda,” I muttered, suddenly feeling guilty. “I’ve been trying to bring her back, but things have been complicated.”

Elara turned to look at me before speaking, removing her gaze from her fingers where she was still playing with her magic, “Complicated? Damien, you’re losing control of your kingdom, and now your people are dying. I trained Freda as we agreed, but you’ve neglected your part. I sent my witches to remind you of that, and it seems like they got your attention.”

I clenched my fists, this should not be the reason to kill innocent people. “You sent those witches to kill my people? *That* was your reminder?”

Elara shrugged, “They weren’t supposed to kill anyone important. Just enough to get you moving. You’ve been distracted, Damien. And if you don’t handle your part of the deal, things will only get worse.”

My mind raced. I couldn’t deny she had a point. I’d been so focused on the immediate troubles. I promised her and we had a deal. I should have done my part. I had the time to destroy the people of Kyrax even before Freda went missing but I didn't.

“Fine,” I said through gritted teeth. “You’ve made your point. I’ll do what needs to be done.”

Elara smiled at my words “Good” she said and paused before she continued speaking again.
“I heard that Freda has gone missing? You need to find her fast. But don’t just find her, King Damien. You need to rebuild the bond with her. She’s important, more than you realize. You can’t afford to let her slip away.”

I shouted, my anger getting the best of me. “How does this concern you?”

“You’re in love with her, aren’t you?” Elara asked, ignoring my question. “That connection between mates is very powerful, especially for vampires. Vampires hardly get the opportunity to be paired. She’s your mate, and if you want to win her back, you need to be honest with her. Show her that you’re not just a king, but someone she can trust again.”

Her words hit deep. I’d spent so long trying to manage everything around me that I’d almost forgotten why I needed Freda by my side. It wasn’t just about duty or power, it is because I loved her. But I had screwed up. She didn’t trust me, and it was on me to fix that.

“I’ll find her,” I said. “And I’ll make things right.”

Elara nodded at my answer before speaking. “You’d better do it quickly. She’s in more danger than you realize. If you don’t reach her soon, you might not get the chance.”

Fear gripped me. I can't imagine Freda getting hurt “What kind of danger?”

“I can’t say,” Elara replied, "I trust the witches to never answer with a straightforward answer.
I stood there, taking in her warning, my mind racing with possibilities. I had wasted enough time. Freda needs me, and I couldn’t afford any more distractions.
“I’ll find her,” I said again, more to myself than to Elara.


Elara nodded, satisfied. “And when you do, remember, *your enemies are always a step ahead of you , so be fast.*”

With that, I turned and headed for the exit.