Page 93 of Taming the Kraken

“I see. What about what we already have? Will it work for the invasive species?”

“I believe so. There are no guarantees. But it almost worked on a demigod and she would be more powerful.” Meryl listened as the shadows hummed in acknowledgement.

“Do what is necessary. This must be done. This way we can work from the shadows undetected. We may not be able to fight in the apocalyptic war, but we will take control from the shadows. Preparations must be ready.” A dark chuckle sounded from the darkness. “That damn Moon Goddess won’t be able to stop what’s coming. Not this time. The world will taste terror.”

Meryl hesitated for a second before she finally voiced what was on her mind. “I’m not sure how much the nembrant glass can hold essence-wise. I would like to respectfully suggest a binding agreement. Someone who will agree to be the host for more power.”

“A suggestion? Do you think I don’t already know this? That is not what I want. A binding agreement leaves a trail.” The shadows scoffed as they moved in the breeze. “Or perhaps that is exactly what you wanted. Do what I demand. That is all.”

“Yes, my lord.”

The suffocating darkness vanished, leaving Meryl to finally lift her head. She looked at her fingers, then clenched them into fists. She knew better than to try to deceive him … that was the best she could do. Whatever happened, she wouldn’t regret it.

“I guess I need to visit the doctor again. I’ll see if she has more valuable information that will help my task, and hopefully some unique essences I can use.” Meryl was fully prepared to go down the spiraling path of darkness. From the moment she’d died, she scorned the world. There was only one existence that mattered, and that was her granddaughter Beryl. She would save her soul, no matter what she had to do. She tried what little she could, but to hell with it all. Beryl was all that mattered. She would do what she had to, even if it meant damning the world and handing it over to demons.

The demons were being clever this time. They wouldn’t act on it themselves but would be acting from the shadows. Winning a war without ever soiling their own hands.

Darkness. Was. Coming.

Ken and Alexa transported to Elysia, flashing into a garden near the castle. Ken looked lovingly down at Alexa as she took a deep breath and looked around.

“Lex.” Ken frowned slightly and sighed. “There are a lot of people up ahead.” He raised his hand and brushed his thumb over her cheek, his fingertips buzzing from the exciting tingles she brought him. She leaned her cheek into his touch, and he watched her close her eyes slightly. “Is it too much for you right now? I can—” His forehead creased as he pursed his lips together. “I can feel that you’re anxious. Why don’t I grab Mikah and take us somewhere quieter?”

Alexa smiled and leaned her forehead against his chest. “My family isn’t going to allow that. They’re going to want to see me.”

“I don’t care what your family wants. I only care about what you want. Let me protect you. I will shield you from your family.” Ken listened to her sweet giggle that he’d missed so much.

“This is my family you’re talking about. There is no shield that will protect me from them.” Alexa smiled up at Ken’s serious eyes. She watched as a smirk spread over his face.

“Well, today you’re in luck. Because I am that shield. My love, I will move mountains for you. I can easily shield you. Even from your family.” Ken wrapped his arms around her tightly, holding her body flush against his. He leaned his head down to rest on top of hers and slowly took in her scent.

“Ken …”

“Shh. Just let me hold you right now. I need to calm down.” Ken leaned into her and closed his eyes. He was so focused on bringing Alexa back that he hadn’t allowed himself to think about what could have happened. But now it was consuming his every thought. This was too close. Way too close. He could have lost her, and with her, his reason to live. There was no future for him without her. “Lex,” he whispered into her hair. “Come back with me to my home. It’s safe there. I want some time with you where we can forget about the world and our troubles for at least a few days. We can bring Mikah back with us. I need to pick up Terra too. I left her in the dragon kingdom.”

Alexa closed her eyes and leaned into his embrace. She felt her nose sting and her eyes burned as they watered. That actually sounded amazing and maybe just what she needed. She needed to think and clear her head. There were a lot of emotions swimming around inside her, but there was also something else bothering her.

You can’t keep it a secret.

Now you’re talkative, Yuki. Alexa laughed inwardly.

You’ll adjust. It isn’t as worrisome as you’re making it. And you’re stronger now. I’m always here for you to talk to.

But I’m … I’m different now. I’m not like the other fairy royals. We have dark fairies … kelpies are considered a dark fairy. But …

“We don’t have to… I’m sorry. It was selfish of me to ask.” Ken noticed Alexa’s tension. The last thing he wanted to do was add anything to her plate.

Alexa lifted her head up and bit her bottom lip. “It sounds wonderful.” She gave him a weak smile. “I’m just thinking is all …”

Alexa, you know you might as well just say it. The moment he marks you, he’ll know your thoughts anyway.

“I’m different now, Ken. The glass had demonic power injected into it. When I destroyed the glass, I absorbed its power. This isn’t dark fairy power. This is demonic. A fairy princess with demonic power … it’s unheard of. What am I now?”

“Hey now. You’re still you. You’re still Alexa. My love⁠—”

“Ken, the fairy princess is supposed to be everything that is good and pure in the world. I’m—I’m not pure anymore. I’ve been tainted.”

“Is Lucie also tainted?” Ken watched confusion fill her eyes. “She’s part vampire too, right? Vampires have never been known to be everything that is pure and good in the world. So do you think different of her?” Ken smiled as he cupped her cheek. “You don’t. Of course you don’t. Just like this doesn’t change anything about you either. Except it makes you stronger. Is this why you’re anxious right now?”