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“I did. I know all my enemies. But like the many previous failed attempts conjured by The Ordinary Realm, I didn’t consider his presence worthy.”
“And I fell right into his trap,” I said.
“However your history teacher planned to manipulate you, it didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things,” Gabriel said. “The information you gave them could only be used if they were able to find me. Not only is our location erased from all GPS maps, but it is also in the most remote part of the Transylvanian woods. Plus, the entire trail is festered with wild animals orstrigoi,and one wrong move would either send trespassers over a cliff or into a fast river. On top of it all, there are multiple protective spells to maintain our recluse status quo. The only one we lost, albeit the strongest, was Vedoma’s spell.”
“If it’s so difficult to reach you, then someone had to guide them.”
Gabriel nodded.
“Vedoma did so?”
“I’m not sure how she did it, as she abhors Ordinary Realm governments and would never come in contact with them. She either led them using a spell or a bird. It is unclear. But the ease with how they found us could only be traced down to her.”
“It did seem weird she agreed to sever ties with you after so many years. She probably had this plan since I arrived at the castle.”
“Most likely. And I believe now she’s planning an attack of her own.”
“Out of all our enemies, Vedoma stands in front of them all,” I said.
Gabriel stayed silent. Even mentioning the evil sorceress’ powers tugged at his scars. I cupped his face and looked straight into his eyes. “For this very reason, we should continue with the plan we discussed earlier. Let’s talk with Kira and Troy. We’ve already worked as a team before with Solomonarul, Anca, and Marius.”
He tried to avert his gaze.
“I know Solomonarul died from one of your subject’s swords. You didn’t have a choice.”
“I could’ve done it differently. But every time I tried to release my undead soul, I couldn’t die. I couldn’t let go. Of you.” Gabriel’s gaze dripped with agony.
“I know,” I said and embraced him.
At first, he answered with a deep exhale. Then I heard the words: “You were the hardest and easiest decision I ever made.”
I looked at him. “It’s the decision I’m most grateful for.”
He hugged me desperately. We stayed motionless for a long time until I said, “We must defeat her even if you can’t help. Your knowledge of her will help us.” I expected a verbal response, but the serenity in his demeanor told me he agreed.
∞∞∞
Gabriel requested the four of us to gather in his study. When I entered, the room resembled a librarian’s nightmare. Most of the first-edition books were missing or burned to a crisp. My heart bled from the loss, but Gabriel’s comforting look made me feel better. “We can recuperate some of them, though others are lost forever. But most importantly, you are safe and alive, Milady. Also, do not go into your museum. I prefer to be the only one to bear the brunt of seeing the disaster. We’ll go there together later when things settle.”
Kira and Troy entered together, looking relaxed as if they had gone on a trip rather than lay on the brink of death not a day ago. They exchanged glances, and I could tell something new brewed between them.
“I summoned you here for a special mission,” said Gabriel, oblivious of a new blooming love. “Milady and I consider you perfect for the assignment and hope you can keep it between these walls.”
“Yes, Sire,” they both responded.
“As you may very well know, Vedoma’s crows have been hovering above our territory since yesterday. From what I gathered, she intends to either seek intel about yesterday’s incident or plans on a similar attack. I believe we must act first and invite her to the castle. Once inside, Troy will apprehend her, and Kira will strike the final blow. Unfortunately, I cannot aid the mission as Vedoma has several spells wrapped around my neck, but I can ward off her people,” Gabriel said somberly.
“What about me?” I asked, genuinely curious, but they chuckled.
“You, Milady,” said Gabriel, “make sure to stay safe and as far as possible from the scene of action.”
“What? But it was my idea,” I retorted.
“It is dignified for the queen’s subjects to fulfill her pursuits,” said Kira, and Troy nodded in agreement.
“Well, if you put it this way,” I mumbled while crossing my arms.
Gabriel wrapped an arm around me and said, “Just relish in the image of what would happen after we defeat our enemy. We will finally reach the bliss we always wanted with Athena close to us.”
