Page 139 of Taming the Kraken

“Not indefinitely. And by no means does that mean I will share your bed.” Alexa watched as his lips curled up.

“Only willingly …” Erebus listened as Alexa snorted.

“No, Alexa, don’t!” Raine pleaded as she tried to twist free.

“You don’t have a say.” Erebus chuckled as he tightened his grip.

“Enough.” Alexa glared at him and licked her lips. “You have a deal. But get rid of the army now.” She looked at Raine and gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Raine. This is my decision. I just need you safe.” This was exactly what she wanted. She wanted to go back to Erebus’ place. It was cloaked and hidden away. This was the first step to getting rid of Erebus.

Erebus stared at her for a moment, then shrugged. “Fine.” He snickered as he walked back a few steps and stared at the army.

“There has been a change of plans. Witch! I know you can hear me. The army is to pull back.” Erebus waited a second and then added, “Especially if you want what I have.” The next moment, the cloaked army vanished in a poof of black smoke. The nycrops must have had them linked to a sister crystal in order to move a whole army like that.

Alexa saw the grass slowly returning to its original position. She slammed her hands on the ground and her icy magic raced toward the area, freezing everything. She wanted to make sure no one was left hidden. There was no one there. She straightened herself up and nodded at Erebus.

“You have my word,” Alexa said, and Erebus laughed loudly.

“Oh that is the most adorable thing ever,” he declared. “I can’t simply take your word for it. You will swear it.” A black crystal appeared in front of Alexa. “Put your hand on it and swear you will come with me willingly and stay with me. If you go back on your word …” The black crystal glowed. “Then your soul will belong to me.”

“How long? How long do I have to promise to stay willingly?” Alexa knew he was probably planning to keep her around until the nembrant glass was ready for her. She wasn’t stupid. But he was underestimating her right now. She had a plan. A plan that would bring about Erebus’ downfall.

“A month,” Erebus said casually.

Alexa nodded her head. It didn’t matter to her how long, since she didn’t plan on him living the full amount of time anyway. She reached out and placed her hands on the crystal. She swore upon it, contracting her soul in a binding agreement. Once she was done, she looked up, and Erebus released his hold on Raine.

Raine ran to Alexa and wrapped her arms around her. “Alexa.” She sniffled as Alexa hugged her back.

“Raine, go back inside the barrier. Everyone is worried about you. I’m going to be just fine. Tell them not to worry about me.”

“But Lex …”

“Go. Please.” Alexa looked at her cousin, whose eyes were watering. Raine nodded, reluctantly releasing her hold on Alexa and walking back toward the barrier.

“Alright.” Alexa watched as Erebus stepped up to her. He placed his arm around her, gripping her shoulder.

“Time to go to your new home,” Erebus said as black smoke engulfed them.

Alexa felt the cold smoke embrace her skin and she closed her eyes. This was just the first step of her plan. And she only promised to go and stay willingly. She never promised that she wouldn’t try to kill him …

As she felt herself being teleported away, an energy rippled inside her. A powerful light began to flicker in and out. She reached her hand up and gripped her chest as she vanished with Erebus.

The blue light engulfed the room and embraced Mikah. The energy swirled out of Levi and into Mikah, awakening an energy inside him. As the light faded, it revealed Mikah’s blue eyes.

“Levi!” Mikah choked out as he held onto the limp body against him.

“There … all is as it should be. You’re Alexa’s guardian again,” Levi coughed out.

“Levi …” Mikah cradled Levi’s body in his arms as he lowered him to the ground. “You’re going to be okay. It’s going to be okay.” He looked up frantically at Ken, who had a very solemn look on his face. “Heal yourself! Why aren’t you healing?!”

A loud explosion echoed through the chamber, and sparks flew across the room. Ken stepped through the shattered bars, having finally smashed through them. He came closer to examine Levi, and then his eyes traveled to Mikah.

Mikah gripped Levi’s bloodied hand, squeezing it. “You’re going to be alright … You’re going to be alright …” Levi was the closest thing to a father he’d ever had. He’d watched over him and guided him. He’d saved him. Levi had saved him from being a slave for the dark elves. He’d saved him from that hell when he was a child. Because of him, he had Alexa, who had saved him from the pain of being alone.

Levi squeezed Mikah’s hand and smiled at him. “It’s alright, Mikah,” Levi whispered weakly. “I’m proud of you … my son. I love … you …” That was the last thing Levi said before his hand went limp and his eyes closed.

“Levi,” Mikah whispered as he squeezed his lifeless hand. “LEVI! Don’t you dare die on me! Don’t leave me with that guilt! Levi!” Mikah yelled, shaking Levi’s shoulders.

Ken stared down at Levi’s still body, frowning as he raised his hands to cover his face. He took in deep, steadying breaths as he fought to hold his composure.