Ch. 161..170

Chapter 161 - Only Chance

Zolan knew that he had to take Evie away the moment he saw the dark dragon approaching the watchtower. Even more so, it was because the figure riding on that dragon was Lucius, but yet… not Lucius! Currently, there is no predicting what could happen once Evie's 'father' come closer with that dragon he was riding on. Zolan is willing to bet his right arm that nothing good would come out of it, though.

He knew he could no longer delay. He must stop with his ridiculous blind faith in her that she would somehow be able to change something. He must take her away now before it is too late!

However, just as Zolan was about to make his move to grab her and leap away, he saw a glowing light coming from her chest. And it seemed as though that glow is slowly spreading from its source. The sight halted him in his tracks and hesitation gripped him hard. What is happening here?

Remembering that the glow was exactly the same as the glow coming from the necklace that Prince Gavriel had him investigate not too long ago, Zolan immediately realized she was wearing the necklace and had tucked it under her dress. But why was it glowing only now? Was there something nearby that triggered it to behave this way? Or was it something within her which is causing this phenomenon to occur again?

The vampire's eyes widened when he realized it glowed even brighter when the Dragon began to approach them. He whipped his head back and saw the dragon getting closer and closer, making him almost certain in his mind that it was truly aiming for the watchtower. The princess! He had been distracted from his aim in protecting Evie after seeing that glow coming from her necklace.

Panic filled his eyes and he had made a decision right there and then. He was going to take her away now. If something happens to her, even a single scratch… it would be over! To be more specific, his life would be over. His Highness Prince Gavriel would flay him alive.

Zolan finally moved, at that same moment the archer released an arrow to shoot at the approaching dragon. But then again, Zolan was unable to move his feet any further at the sight that welcomed him the second he looked back at the princess with the intention on taking her away.

The glow which was initially centred on her chest was not coming from just that area anymore. She was literally glowing! Her whole body was now shimmering so brightly that she suddenly looked like a real magical being right now! Her amber eyes had also started shining so intensely, Zolan could not help but freeze even when he knew they were in a critical moment right now.

He did not know what to do anymore. His mind was telling him not to take her away and watch what she could do. He reasoned to himself that this might be what he was waiting for. Since that night he saw the gem glowing at the mere touch of her skin, Zolan had somewhat confirmed within himself that the princess was no ordinary human being. On top of the matter of her and the special characteristics of her blood as well. He had realized now why she always made him feel strangely inferior since the first time he had met her. Zolan was certain, he was not the only one who felt that way towards her. It made no sense at first because on the outside, all that could be seen was just a human. How could a mere human – a fragile female to boot – make him feel inferior? He initially thought that it was perhaps because she was now the wife of their master. He knew that it was ridiculous thinking on his part. Because he, more than anyone else, knew that a person's social status barely made any difference to him. He chose to serve Gavriel even when he did not know that he was the true blood royal. He had decided to follow Gavriel because from the first time he met the prince, Gavriel's demeanour and strength was much superior to anyone else he have ever met.

Back then, there was no other explanation. But now, it was different. This woman was definitely not just a mere human. She was more than that. And now, she was finally beginning to show what or who she really was. If he takes her away now… they might never find out what she was truly capable of! This might be the only chance!

Rooting himself to the floor, Zolan braced himself. He decided to continue believing in her, knowing that at this rate, he might end up protecting her with the cost of his life here and now… if he ends up being wrong. Of course, there was that small possibility of him being right. But oh well, he had thought if he was meant to die here, it was something that could not be helped. This was war after all. Any of them could die at any moment.

Glancing at the glowing princess one more time, Zolan faced the dragon so he would see the moment it might breathe fire towards them. He saw the dragon wailing from the shot into its chest.

The archer immediately reloaded another huge arrow and that was when Zolan saw the guardian roar out in anger and the dragon's mouth opened.

"F*ck!" he cursed, and the dragon's fire came at them. Everything was way too fast!

Like a blur, Zolan reached Evie, but the fire was also as fast as him.

He covered Evie with his body, quite thankful that the princess had such a small frame. His body would be more than enough to shield her as he pushed her down the watchtower and the vampire he instructed a while ago who was now stationed at the spot where the princess would most likely fall waited to catch her there.

Without wasting a moment, Zolan stretched his hand to push her but before his hand could touch her, the princess screamed, and the glow that was surrounding her blasted outwards.

The amber lights zinged past Zolan in multiple bright rays and then collided against the dragon's fire.

Chapter 162 - Two Things

The moment the amber lights from Evie collided with the dragon's fire, something unthinkable happened. The fire was immediately extinguished in that very moment of collision! Moreover, the few rays of lights that travelled further and managed to touch the dragon, the effects were even more shocking than anyone could ever imagine. The dragon had started to roar as if it were the one being set on fire. Zolan and the vampire who was manning the dragon slaying arrow machine was looking on with mouths agape as though some kind of mind-blowing new magic was being performed.

Everyone, even the soldiers who were currently still fighting in the middle of the battlefield turned to look at the source of that strange amber light. All had the same questions reflected in their eyes. What had happened? What was that light?! Did a meteor just hit them?

While the ones who only sees the lights could only wonder and speculate, everyone who witnessed would still be unable to process in their minds what they had actually seen.

Zolan struggled to move and turn to his back. When he saw that the fire had disappeared and that the dragon was roaring, a forced quick laugh escaped his mouth. The princess had saved them all. His decision was right! And he was alive!!

The possessed Guardian had seen everything that had happened as well. His face was filled with nothing but shock at first but it was replaced quickly with pure malice and then his mouth curved up and he laughed hysterically in triumph. That triumphant look on his face seemed to hint as though he had finally found something incredible. Something that he once thought he would never ever be able to find. However, something that he must possess at all costs.

As the dragon flapped its wings sluggishly and struggled to stay in the air, the possessed guardian now pointed his blade towards the Princess with a wicked smile on his face, not caring one whit that the dragon he was riding seemed to be in much turmoil and pain.

But before the next command could leave his mouth, he suddenly swiped his blade behind him. His eyes narrowed a little at the sight of a vampire now standing before him. But too soon, he flashed a villainous smile.

"I must say you are pretty impressive, vampire prince." He said as he faced Gavriel. He then twirled his blade round and round as he rotated his wrist which was holding the blade.

Looking at his careless behaviour, Gavriel felt his blood boil even more. He had planned to lure the dragon to the watchtower so he could reach it. His plan was to leap towards the dragon as soon as it was shot so he could ride the dragon along with the possessed guardian and catch him. But the moment he leapt up to the walls, he had seen his wife about to be swallowed by the dragon's fire. He was still suspended in air at that moment, and he knew it was way too late for him to save her. He could literally feel his breath got cut off, his heart just stopped beating and his blood turn into ice as the dragon's fire approached Evie.

His heart and his whole world were about to crumble but then he saw her light blasting out in a majestic ray and then the dragon's fire was gone. He felt his heart start beating again at the sight of her now still standing there, without a single scratch. She was alive and she was alright!

But that barely extinguished the fear that had already been triggered in him. That was a fear that had shook him to his core and there was that uncontrollable rage that followed too. What the bloody hell was she still doing there?!! Was Zolan not supposed to get her out from the top of the watchtower the moment the first sign of danger appeared? Did he not give clear enough instructions? Or did Zolan disobeyed his orders?

Despite the incredible power she had shown, Gavriel could not feel any better, especially the moment he saw that look in the possessed guardian's face. His blood continued to boil at the very sight of the malicious desire in the man's serpent-like eyes. It was as if he had seen Evie as the rarest delicacy – an ultimate discovery that he had just found.

It fuelled Gavriel's rage and before he knew it, he had landed on the back of the dragon, with a promise of death in his eyes. He was going to kill this creature now, for the sake of his beloved wife. He was going to slaughter it until nothing recognisable was left. He could never let it get close to his wife ever again.

"What an incredible bloodlust," the possessed guardian laughed tauntingly, "are you going to kill this body? Your wife's beloved father?"

His words made Gavriel's jaw clench hard, and he continued cackling away, knowing that it would provoke Gavriel further.

"Well, I guess this might be a good thing. Once you kill this body, she'll start to hate you. And when that happens, it'll be easier for me to have her." He added spitefully. As quick as lightning, Gavriel's blade charged forward and almost slashed him. But the possessed guardian was just as fast. He was powerful!

The impact of their clashing blades was so strong, it created intense sparks and loud noises.

"Who the f*ck are you and what do you want?" Gavriel asked before they exchanged another strong blow that pushed both of them a few steps away from each other.

"Me?" he paused and smiled. "I am Thundran. The ancient prince of dark faes." He introduced himself with a serious voice before his smile turned malicious again. "And what do I want? I only want two things, dear vampire prince. And since you want to know, I guess I could humour you and let you know as a parting gift before you die. First…" he raised his forefinger. "I am wanting this entire land of Lirea and second…" he pointed towards the watchtower as his smile grew wider, "I want her."

Chapter 163 - Too Bad

In a blink of an eye, Gavriel's blade was right before Thundran's face. The dark fae leapt back but the moment he landed on the head of the dragon, blood gushed out from his forehead as though coming from a faucet spray. The vampire prince had inflicted such a wound on him in such a quick move!

The haughty smile on Thundran's face was finally gone. His face now contorted with disgrace and rage, as if he could not accept that a vampire had managed to wound him. Much less a younger vampire that was not even half his age.

"Listen to me you, coward!" Gavriel's voice thundered, his eyes blazing with nothing but pure bloodlust, "You will never have any of the two… most especially her!!! I will have you die first before you can even touch a strand of hair on her head!"

The next moment, Gavriel was attacking again. This time, his strikes were faster and more deadly. Why was it that everyone seems to be wanting her? He was done with people coveting what was his – his pretty wife, Evie. She belongs to him alone!!!

The dark fae was losing in strength and power as he blocked Gavriel's ferocious and merciless attacks.

"I see… so you're set to kill this body, huh, vampire prince?" Thundran scoffed. "Even if this guardian dies, just know that a mere vampire like you will never win against me. Do you know why? Because the moment this guardian dies, I'll possess you next! Hahaha!"

Gavriel's eyes widened for a moment and then with one last powerful clash, he leapt away from him. "You think a coward like you can scare me?" Gavriel asked, recovering his stance again. "If you can possess someone so easily, there shouldn't be a reason that you needed to wait for so long before possessing the guardian." He sneered at Thundran. That made the dark fae prince's face contort in rage at Gavriel's jab on his incompetencies.

"You are underestimating what dark faes can do, little vampire prince. I guess, this land has truly forgotten about who's truly the most superior race… but oh well, I shall make you all remember again... very soon… but first," he paused and smirked as he licked the blood dripping from the side of his face. "I shall educate you first!"

Thundran's eyes began to light up just as how Evie's eyes glowed like the sun a while ago. But the dark fae did not emit amber lights. Greenish hued lights that were the same shade as his serpent-like eyes enveloped him. There was also something dark combined within it.

He spread out his arms and slowly floated off the back of the dragon. "An ancient blue blooded dark fae can possess anyone weaker than him…" he said in a way as if educating an idiot. "Oh, you asked why I waited… I planned to make this guardian, what's his name again? Oh, Lucius? Yeah… I planned to make this Lucius become one of my test subjects, but he defied me when I ordered him to serve me. What a stupid man." Thundran scoffed.

"He is not a stupid man. He is a brave human warrior, unlike a coward like you." Gavriel replied calmly, "If you're so powerful as you claim you are, why don't you show your real self and fight me for real? Stop hiding in someone else's body like a bloody coward. Or could it be that you are nothing but an invisible dead fae who can do nothing else but possess someone?"

"I am not dead!!" Thundran suddenly burst out and he attacked Gavriel this time.

Gavriel had realized the dark fae was triggered when he said he was just an invisible dead fae. Could it be that this dark fae was actually still unable to materialize in his physical body? Gavriel grinned evilly to himself as he picked up on that hint. According to the myths, faeries were supposed to be able to disappear and materialize whenever they wanted. But for some reason, this fae chose to possess someone's body than to materialize. That in itself was a big giveaway clue.

Knowing this, Gavriel could only think of one conclusion. That this fae could not materialize as he wished, and the reason was what Gavriel wanted to know.

As the two of them clashed again, Gavriel felt the tremendous increase in the fae's power. He was even stronger now. Gavriel felt that the dark fae's power was being limited by what the guardian's body could withstand. Gavriel felt that if this dark fae could use his own body instead, he could not even imagine how strong the dark fae would be.

Gavriel was about to wound him again, but the dark fae used a strong and blinding magic to deflect Gavriel's sword, causing him to be pushed back he nearly fell from the dragon's back. He had to stab his dagger into the side of the dragon for him not to fall off. He leapt back on the back of the dragon immediately and faced the dark fae again.

He did not expect him to use his magic!

"Not bad," Thundran smirked, "But too bad, young vampire prince… you're going to have to die here before I awaken my real body fully. I'd love to play with you, but I must eliminate you now for me to get what I want."

His blade began to be enveloped with magical green and dark lights and Gavriel immediately felt the danger. This was the first time he was going to fight a magical creature. But he could not care less now because he understood fully well now why that dark fae prince wanted Evie. This creature wanted her to awaken him fully and that was why he said he wanted just two things. This damned dark fae wanted his Evie's blood for his double awakening!! Gavriel howled internally in utter fury, swearing that he would see the end of this despicable creature.

The realization made Gavriel's entire being feel a strange booming pulse. And in the instant his eyes burned completely blue, the dark fae's eyes circled round in shock.

Before he could even process the sight that shocked him, the blue-eyed vampire disappeared and Thundran was struck right in his chest. The next thing he knew, Thundran was falling to the ground.

Chapter 164 - Too High

Thundrann's expression contorted the moment he realized he had fallen from the dragon's back. Did he make a mistake in what he saw? Did his eyes see it right? That vampire prince's eyes… how could it be possible for a vampire to have those eyes?!

A glint of what seemed like fear flashed in Thundrann's eyes but the moment his eyes caught sight again of the silver-haired woman standing at the top of the watchtower as he fell to the ground, his lips curved up into a knowing evil smile.

His eyes turned hard and steely. He must ensure that he get his hands on that silver-haired woman no matter the cost. Once she is in his grasp, then his plans would be a huge step closer to being realised.

Just before he was about to crash into the ground in an unglorified heap, he flipped himself while still in the air and landed safely on the ground. The magical aura that was enveloping him that had waned a little upon Gavriel's ferocious strike immediately recovered and flared out even brighter.

The roar of the dragon echoed and when Thundrann looked up, he saw that Gavriel had stabbed one of the dragon's eye. The dragon was already in pain from the arrow that had plunged deep into its chest. Currently it was flapping and spinning about in the air with Gavriel hanging onto his sword that was firmly speared into its right eye.

Thundrann gritted his teeth in extreme annoyance and spread out his arms wide to both his sides. Just as Gavriel was about to stab the dragon's other eye, the dragon suddenly spiralled down, and it crashed itself into Dacria's formidable wall. The wall crumbled and the dragon was buried under the rubbles – bringing Gavriel along with it, since he was still hanging onto his sword.

"Gavriel!!!" Evie screamed. She had seen how her husband fell along with the dragon. Panic and dread gripped her heart as she finally moved from her spot that she was frozen at earlier, as if to run over to where her husband fell.

But Zolan was quick to block her. "It's fine princess! His Highness is alright! You can't go there." Zolan said. "I'm seeing him now, he's already gotten himself out of the rubble. And he's definitely alright! You need to be more confident in His Highness."

They both saw a blurry bluish light travelling like a meteor from the rubbles towards where the possessed guardian was standing, and within a split second, another mind-blowing battle began right where they clashed.

"See? His Highness will never be brought down so easily with just a simple fall like that." Zolan continued and Evie finally breathed again. Her knees trembled a little due to the fright of watching Gavriel fall. "I must take you away from here now, Princess. I have already defied His Highness by not taking you away immediately… if I delay any more, he'd definitely kill me. There will be no way His Highness would accept another excuse now."

Zolan had already held the princess' arms. He had heard the conversation between Prince Gavriel and the dark fae while they were on the dragon's back that was flying above them. The dark fae wanted the princess and that was why the prince was beginning to go berserk. Even though Zolan had seen her power, can that be enough to stand against the dark fae? He did not know what was going to happen next but the fact that this enemy was aiming for their princess was a really bad thing. So, he must hide her away now, while this dark fae was still preoccupied with the prince. He also knew that this was what the prince would have wanted him to do! There was no way the prince would risk the princess' safety, for that he was more than sure.

His mind was tempting him to stay a while longer and see if the princess could still do more, but it was too risky. The dark fae might suddenly seize her and use her as a bait on Prince Gavriel. He could not allow that to happen! It was a risk he is not willing to take. The stakes were too high!

So, before Evie could even respond and give him her consent, Zolan had already gathered her in his arms and leapt out of the watchtower.

"Wait, Zolan! What are you doing! We cannot leave…" she immediately protested. "Put me down!"

The moment Zolan landed, Evie struggled to get out of his hold. Facing the squirming and struggling princess in his arms, Zolan could only put her down. "Princess! This is His Highness' order." He said firmly.

"Y-you saw what had happened!" Evie retorted, "I… I think I can do something to help him. You saw it! The dragon's fire… the light coming from me extinguished it!"

She did not look any less confused compared to him about what had happened, but he could see that she was not taking no for an answer, and neither was she going to think about the whys and hows at the moment. All she was thinking about now was how to be of any help to the prince.

This made Zolan pressed his fingers to his temples. At this rate, she was going to win over him again. "I know, princess… I saw it with my own eyes. But what you showed is not enough guarantee that you can actually help." Zolan explained, "I mean even you don't have any idea how that… how did those lights appear and were disseminated, right?"

"I…" Evie could not continue her argument. Because he was totally right. She herself did not know how it even happened or if it was going to ever happen again. Could she protect herself again like that? She could not even control a single part of that happening. So how could she profess to go around trying to protect anyone… much less Gavriel?

Chapter 165 - Language

All she did was scream and then she felt her entire body heat up. The next thing she knew, the lights were being emitted by her body and that incredible thing happened.

"I am sorry Princess." Zolan grabbed her again. "No matter what, I must take you to a safe place now. Maybe, we'll figure out something on what happened with the lights… but first things first, I must take you away from here now!"?Zolan was adamant on it this time.

But before Zolan could leap and take her away, a loud roar halted him. It was the dragon that had fallen on the ground.

"Damn!" Zolan cursed as he looked at the dragon rising from the rubbles.

The soldiers who had approached it to deliver the final blow were standing before it, frozen in fear. They did not think that the dragon could still move after sustaining such injuries on its body. Those soldiers already knew how to kill the dragon as he had already instructed them before the enemy arrived, just in case a war with the dragon happens.

Their strategy was the same as the way Prince Gavriel and the rest of them had killed that dragon in the forbidden land in the past. The prince was going to take the dragon down by stabbing both the dragon's eyes. Once the dragon was on the ground, the soldiers will move to stab its heart with a huge spear, sharp and strong enough to pierce through the dragon's heart and shatter it. Of course, this would not be easy. Even back then, it was the prince himself who was the only one that managed to deliver the killing blow. But this time, their prince was fully occupied and fighting against something that was much more dangerous than a dragon. And Samuel and the others were fighting at the frontlines against Caius and his elites!

With another loud roar, the dragon opened its mouth.

Evie's eyes widened, knowing that the dragon was about to breathe out fire and burn all those soldiers. No, they were all going to die!

Her heartbeat thudded so hard inside her ribcage. Was she going to just watch? What should she do? What could she do? Those men… they were the fathers of those innocent children…

At that moment, Evie suddenly realized something. What did she utter that moment she screamed? That was right! She had said something!

Her eyes became wide as saucers, and she yelled at Zolan. "Bring me before the dragon, NOW!"

And Zolan did not know why he moved immediately, as if something had possessed him. He landed before the dragon and as its flames came shooting at them, the princess glowed again as she screamed something out loud this time.

"SKHEDAH!!!" she yelled hard and the light from her burst out. It happened all over again. The dragon's fire was extinguished from the lights shooting out from around her and the dragon wailed as if in pain.

The soldiers stood there frozen, including Zolan while Evie looked at her hands in utter disbelief. It happened again. She thought at first what happened in the watchtower was just her imagination. But it happened again. How? Why?

'Skhedah', she repeated the word in her mind. She had not the foggiest idea on why she suddenly blurted out that word in the watchtower. She did not even know about this word until she said it at that moment in the watchtower. She had the feeling that this unknown word was a part of that unknown language in their Ylvia's secret song. However, she understood what this word meant. It means 'STOP'. Could it be that this was a language the dragons could understand?

The dragon wailed again and when Evie looked at it, her heart squeezed a little. Why? Is she feeling pity for it now? But it was trying to kill them all. It even tried to kill her in the watchtower too. So why is she feel like this towards it?

No, this dragon had helped her father too and her ancestors. Realizing that it was just a poor creature being controlled and being used as nothing but a mere weapon, Evie could not explain how she felt.

She saw its bleeding eyes and the large arrow planted into its chest and she felt extremely bad. She did not want the dragon to be hurt this way. But she also did not want it to burn and kill their soldiers. When Evie looked at its one good eye that was left, she saw the greenish hue disappearing, and its eye colour was becoming just like hers… a vivid amber.

Suddenly, a thought came to her. What if this dragon can understand her? It had stopped when she told it to stop, right? What if… she can command it, like her father, even if she was a woman?

The thought made Evie swallow. If she can really command the dragon too… she could help Gavriel… and this dragon does not need to be killed.

"Put me down…" Evie said weakly and to her surprise, Zolan immediately did as she said.

Staring intently into the wailing dragon's eye, Evie took a step closer towards it. Nobody moved to stop her, but she thought everyone, including Zolan might just be quite terrified.

She paused and searched within herself again, looking for any signs of fear or any danger signs. But she felt nothing. She was not afraid of the dragon at all! This was the sign that she was doing the right thing, right? She could only hope that was the case.

Bravely, Evie took another step forward, thinking of what she should say. She brainstormed and she had remembered that the word dragon was in that Ylvia song. Recalling that word made her even strangely calmer.

Once she was standing right below its head, Evie looked up. "Ryuhz…" she called and the when the dragon immediately stopped wailing and became immobile.

The dragon's eye looked down at her and Evie held her breath.

Chapter 166 - Light

Unbeknownst to Evie, Zolan had been screaming within himself. He did not know what had happened, nor understood how it happened, but he knew that the princess' eyes were shining when she met his gaze right before she uttered her command. And what command was that? Was she speaking in another language? He did not recognise it.

Zolan had immediately protested. He could see that the dragon was about to shoot flames from its mouth, but the princess wants him to bring her before it?! Did she get too stressed out that she had completely lost her mind? Despite witnessing her powers that were displayed in the watchtower, Zolan was not going to just agree with her suicidal command! It was way too risky! If her powers were not able to be sparked again, that would basically be the end of the both of them! They would be scorched to death! It was not even sure that there would be any bodies left. Perhaps they might even be reduced to ashes.

But his body had somehow moved on its own despite his mind protesting against the princess' request. And then it was as though he did not own his body anymore, he leapt and brought the princess right before the dragon's fire. He could only mutter the words 'god help me' as he watched the dragon's hellfire come at them. But to his surprise, the princess did it again. She managed to somehow summon those golden lights from her body once more.

He could only watch on in awe. But in the next moment, he heard another order and his body immediately obeyed before his mind could even process what it was that he was obeying. What was happening to him? What was going on?! No! What the hell are you doing, Princess!?

Zolan could not even speak, nor move a single muscle as he watched the princess approach the dragon slowly and carefully. He tried everything that he could, but his body just would not listen to him at all. What did the princess do to him? Could it be that the princess was unknowingly controlling him?! Could she do that? Was she some sort of mage that had hidden powers within her? Many such thoughts were flying through his mind.

That was the only explanation Zolan could come up with, seeing that all the things which were happening to him. This princess, just what else she could do? What else was she capable of? She did not just single handedly stop a dragon's fire, but also somehow managed to control him? Could it be that she was planning to command the dragon next? Heavens!!!

The anticipation and anxiety surged within Zolan as he saw the dragon responded to her when she spoke. He could only pray that nothing bad would happen to her!

Everyone was holding their breaths when the dragon looked at the princess. What would it do? What was going to happen? Should they go grab the Princess and try running away now?! Was it still possible?

While the soldiers were still debating the idea within themselves, the dragon had already moved. The world seemed to halt in that very moment.

The next thing they knew, the dragon's head was right before the Princess and the princess was stretching out her hand to the dragon. Everyone held their breaths as her hand landed and touched its snout. No one moved. They could only look with their eyes wide open. All of them were shocked to their bones at the sight unfolding before their eyes.

"You poor thing…" Evie whispered as she caressed the dragon's dark scales. Her heart was so heavy as she looked at one of its bleeding eye. She still did not know what to do, all that she was certain of now was that the dragon could understand the language of the secret Ylvia song. But she could not think of any words to communicate with it anymore as there were no more appropriate word she could use.

Evie was expecting that she could utter another unknown word again to communicate with it, but nothing seemed to come to her mind. And now she was just standing and staring at the dragon helplessly. She was at a loss and just did not know what to do anymore.

Just as she wanted to take her hand off the dragon, it suddenly made a high-pitched sound and gently nudged its snout into her hand. It seemed to be wanting Evie to know that it was loving her touch. As Evie continued to caress it, the dragon slowly crouched down and settled onto the ground as though it had suddenly become her pet. Everyone who was looking on were completely floored. Who would have thought that a little human lady would be able to tame a mighty dragon? Were they witnessing a new era of something magical to come? Many of the soldiers looking on from both parties could feel goosebumps running up their arms.

But for Evie, what the dragon just did made her heart swell in compassion. And at that moment, she wished with all her heart that she could heal the poor dragon's wounds. It must be feeling so much pain right now.

Suddenly, Evie felt a familiar presence. She froze but she did not remove her hand off the dragon. This presence… this was that same presence she felt outside her room many times before! W-why was she feeling this now? She could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand due to her nervousness.

Her heart thudded hard as she swallowed. Then she lifted her face and looked at the source of that presence which had always been stalking her.

Evie froze on her spot at what she saw. A w-woman?

She could see a figure shrouded with lights akin to the glow of that black gem on her necklace when it was reflected against the moonlight. The light surrounding the figure was too bright that it was making it hard for her to see its face. Was this the thing that was actually stalking her and not the dark fae? Could this be a light fae and that was why it never did take any action or do anything to her back then?

The more Evie thought it out, the more it made sense. Just like back then, she could not feel any danger emanating from whatever this thing was. It was almost just like how she felt when she approached the dragon. However, when she remembered looking at the dark fae earlier, all she could feel was a creepy and cold slithery sensation. And that was nothing like how the presence felt all those times she noticed the presence outside her doors.

"W-who are you?" Evie asked.

 

Chapter 167 - Awakening

"W-who are you?" Evie asked, "are you the presence that I've been sensing in the past few days?"

"Yes…" The moment its voice reached Evie's ears, she was almost mesmerized by how mystical it sounded.

"You are… a light fae?" Evie hazarded a guess.

"Yes…" Came another breathy and light reply.

"What do you want from me? You are not an enemy, right?" Evie continued asking. "I have noticed you following me around but never coming close."

The light fae moved closer to her and Evie reflexively grabbed her dagger and held it in a defensive posture before her. Even though she felt no danger or threat from the light fae, Evie knew she still had to be careful. She moved closer to the dragon that was now as docile as a pet, as if her touch had lulled it to sleep.

"Do not be afraid, princess. I will not harm you, nor could I harm you even if I wanted to." The fae said as it stopped just a couple of steps before Evie and a ghost of a smile flitted past her lips. If Evie was not observing the light fae so closely, she would have missed it. "I need to tell you something, you have to listen to me as I don't have much time left." Her voice held a measure of haste and that had Evie becoming curious as to what is causing her to be in such a rush.

Evie creased her brows. "No time left? What do you mean? Didn't you say you were the presence who was wandering just outside my room for days? You had so much time then to approach me and show up in front me…" Evie did not understand why the light fae had to be rushing off now of all times. Now when she finally exposed her identity to Evie.

"It was because you cannot see nor hear me, princess. I was waiting for your powers to awaken for you to be able to hear and see me." The light fae explained patiently. "But now since you have awakened to your powers – those glowing golden lights that you released earlier – it is just natural that you would be able to both see and hear me."

"P-powers? You mean… magic?" Evie still could not quite process everything that had happened in just a matter of a few minutes. She had done impossible things and she was still unable to even understand the whys and hows. And now, she was even hearing from a magical being itself that she indeed possess magical powers!

"Yes, princess. What happened on the watchtower earlier was your awakening."

"Awakening?"

"I am sorry, but I do not have enough time to explain everything in detail to you. I am going to disappear very soon. There is a reason why I cannot stay for long anymore. So, for now, please listen to what I will say." The light fae said and without waiting for Evie's response, she immediately continued, "Princess, you have to come to the forbidden land. You must reach the heart of the land at all costs, and you must not delay. You must head for the forbidden land now before the Dark prince catches you. You must never let him catch you cause once he does, it will be over. So please, you must escape now! You cannot defeat the Dark Prince if…"

The light fae suddenly started disappearing as her voice was cut off.

"Wait! I cannot hear you anymore. Just let me ask one more thing –" Evie was anxious and jittery as she noticed the light fae disappearing and quickly becoming more transparent – as though she were evaporating.

"I am sorry princess, but my time is now over. You will get all the answers to your questions when…" and the soft voice of the light fae just vanished as though it were never there in the first place.

"Wait!" Evie yelled as she stretched out her arms but the light fae was gone. Evie could only blink in confusion and wondered to herself if all she had heard and seen was actually true. Or was it just a figment of her imagination? How was she even related to the light faes? Why did she have to travel into the heart of the forbidden land? What big secret was it that would be revealed to her when she arrives there? All these things were whirling in her head.

…

Meanwhile, at the other side of the wall, the war had been blazing to the extreme. Samuel and the others had managed to reach Caius but due to the three remaining half bloods who were on Caius' side, it was not so easy for Gavriel's men to reach the fake prince. Not only because of the half-bloods but also because Gavriel's men were severely outnumbered. They had to continuously help the Dacrians while fighting against the half-bloods.

Thankfully, the Dacrian army who was sent to the forbidden land with Caius had turned their back from the fake Prince and started fighting against the imperial army. What they did was a huge help to the already incredibly outnumbered Dacrians.

On the other hand, the fight between Gavriel and Thundrann had also escalated to an extreme degree. Gavriel was already blazing with that bluish aura while Thundrann was now enveloped within his own aura of dark magic.

The dark fae was bleeding all over. And the haughty look he was wearing a while ago was long gone.

"You think you are winning now, are you? Vampire?" Thundrann asked as he rose from his knees. He spat out blood and his serpentine eyes slitted venomously. "I admit you are indeed strong… yes… the strongest I ever found since I woke up again… but you're not strong enough to defeat me yet, vampire!! Not yet!!! Not even close!!!" he yelled at Gavriel and then dark and greenish lights began to burst out from his body.

Lightning and thunders roared as the rain fell heavier.

After the thunders, another sound filled the sky and when the soldiers looked up, they stood frozen at the sight of an even larger dragon emerging from the dark clouds.

 

Chapter 168 - Go

"As much as I wanted to keep fighting against you, this body might not be able to withstand any more damage. So I hate to say this but our fight must stop here," the dark fae declared in a very condescending manner. Gavriel immediately hissed and attacked but the dark fae was already floating high up in the air where Gavriel could not reach.

"Coward! Come down and fight if you dare." Gavriel growled in frustration but the dark fae simply smirked.

"This is not cowardice, my little vampire prince. This is called being wise." He tapped on his temple. The dark fae was finding much pleasure in aggravating Gavriel from his higher vantage point. "Moreover, you are not my priority right now. I admit you are strong and that's why I'm thrilled to get back my true body so by then, I would enjoy crushing you for real… that is if…" he paused, and the large dark dragon came to him. The dark fae then elegantly descended from the air and landed on the large dragon's back. "That is if you could survive, hahaha!"

With his command, the dark dragon breathed fire at Gavriel.

Gavriel was planning to lure the dark dragon away from the walls but the dark fae seemed to have decided to ignore him totally and the dragon headed off to the walls.

Cursing, Gavriel did not waste a moment any longer and ran towards the wall. Knowing that the creature was now going to find his wife. Evie should be in the dungeons by now, right? Zolan should have known to bring her away and keep her safe, right? He kept telling himself that as he finally landed on top of the castle walls.

The dark dragon breathed out fire and burned the soldiers on the walls who were shooting at it. Though it pained him, Gavriel had to steel himself. He could not even go and aid them as his main goal was to ensure that his wife was now in a safe place! That was his utmost priority.

However, the first thing that he saw the moment he followed the sight of the dark fae on the dragon's back was Evie. What in the world was she doing there?! His heart nearly burst in anger and worry as he leapt towards her as fast as he could. What the hell was Zolan doing?!!! This was his sole responsibility! Making sure that Evie was safe.

"EVIE!!!" he growled as he raced against the dragon to reach her. The dragon was not going to breath fire. It might be going to pick her with its claw!

The fear that grip Gavriel's heart was so strong that his body felt like it had burst into flame itself. His vision was going blurry. Damn! Damn it all to hell! There was no way he could outrun the dragon in its flight!!! That thought made his entire being pulse and something he could not quite explain happened.

And to his surprise, he suddenly had Evie in his arms already. What?! He reached her first?! How?

He did not have the luxury to think about it anymore as he wrapped Evie in his arms securely and they both fell on the ground, causing the dragon to miss her. However it happened, that can be investigated later on. Priorities need to be met first. He needs to bring Evie to safety first and foremost.

"G-gav!" Evie uttered in shock as she looked up at her. A while ago, she was sure that the approaching dragon was going to breath out fire, so she had faced it head on to stop it. But it appeared that she was wrong. And now, Gavriel had saved her.

"F*ck! Evie!!!" Gavriel growled. "Didn't I tell you to go to the dungeons!"

His eyes were blazing and filled with rage as he held her. But before she could say anything back, they heard screams and they saw the dragon burning everything in sight as it circled around, aiming for them. It was clear that the dark fae had no intentions on letting Evie go.

Gavriel cursed as he hid Evie behind him, calculating if he could still escape it if they make a run for it now. No, something must be done to the dragon first. Something must act as a bait to distract its attention until Evie could safely enter the dungeons. She must reach the dungeon before the dragon burns down the castle. Since the dungeons are situated below ground and constructed to withstand any natural disasters, it is sure that it would be able to survive the dragon's flames.

But goddamn it! Who could go against the dragon at this rate if not him?! Then who would bring Evie there?! He trusted no one but himself in delivering her there himself.

Gavriel had glanced at Zolan and the man had told him through their silent communication that he was under Evie's control. He too, did not know how it had happened, but the explanations would have to wait until later. Gavriel did not even have the time to be surprised or get angry for now as the dragon zoomed past them again, its claws outstretched and trying to snatch Evie out of Gavriel's arms.

"Evie! Release Zolan!" he said as he dodged the dragon again. "Now! Please!"

"W-what? I… I didn't do anything to him! I don't know how to release him…" Evie was nervous. She had no idea she had done that.

"Then, command him!" Gavriel replied. He immediately figured out that his wife was not even aware of her own doings. But if Zolan was under her control then, she could him. "Command him to come and get you. Tell him to bring you to the dungeons! Now! Evie! We have no time to lose!"

Evie felt her heart trembled as she looked at him. She felt awful… as if something bad was going to happen and she felt the strong urge to defy him.

"Now! Evie! Please, listen to me!" he urged and Evie could only relent in the face of his panic and obediently did as he said.

"Zolan, come and take me!" Evie said when Gavriel spoke again.

"Tell him to take you the dungeons!"

"T-take me to the dungeons."

As the dragon continued shooting out flames and burning everything on ground level while turning around, Zolan finally approached them. Gavriel gave Evie to him but Evie found herself unable to let go of him.

Gavriel peeled her off him and she started to feel her eyes burn hot. "H-how about you?" she asked and Gavriel momentarily calmed as he realized the look on Evie's face.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. I promise. Now go!"

Chapter 169 - Come

Back in the battlefield, the Dacrians and Gavriel's men could only look back in horror as they watched the new dragon starting to literally burn Dacria down to the ground.

They were winning the battle but what was the point of winning against the battle with the imperial army if the city they were protecting was now going up in flames?

"Damn it all!!! There was no way His Highness could handle a dark fae and a dragon by himself!!" Luc cursed.

"But even if we go to aid His Highness, could we even help him?" Reed replied as the men exchanged words while fighting.

"F*ck! But if something happens to him… what's the point of all that we're going through?! Even if we win and manage to kill all these imperial armies, the dragon will still come at us later!"

"Then what should we do?"

"I'll go." Samuel said. "His Highness must be fighting all by himself. And you are right, this battle will be worthless if something happens to His Highness and Dacria is ruined beyond repair."

"All of you must go aid your master!" the duke said, "leave this battle to us and we will do what we can do."

Gavriel's men looked at the duke and the duke smiled at them. "I am certain our wives and children are now in that safe place. We can die with ease as long as His Highness stays alive. I believe he will take care of our loved ones that will be left behind. So, all of you must go. You men are the only ones capable to aid him. Leave these small fries to us."

Samuel bowed to the duke with all the respect he had. "We promise to do everything to help the prince survive this, Your Grace. And if we could survive as well, we will promise to take care of the ones who will survive this war. But I believe we will see each other again, after this war is over."

The duke smiled. "Yes, of course. Now go on, men… there is no time left to lose. Go and aid our prince!"

The men bowed one last time and then they left the battlefield and headed back inside the castle walls. It was where the inferno was now blazing.

The soldiers who were left looked at the burning city one more time with blazing emotions in their eyes. The pain of watching their homes now slowly being on fire was unbearable. But the war was not over yet. They have not lost yet.

All they could do for now was to be firm in their minds and fight on bravely until their very last breath. They will fight until the end!

"Now Dacrians!!!" The duke roared. "It's time for us to fight with everything that we have! We will fight no matter what! We will destroy them all! We will make them pay for destroying our home!!!"

And the Dacrians roared out a spine-chilling battle cry as they clashed against the imperial army with vigour and desperation stronger than ever before.

…

Back at the castle grounds.

"Go!" Gavriel urged and Evie could only look at him longingly as Zolan began to leap away the same moment the dragon flew closer to them.

She saw Gavriel immediately grabbing on to the Dark Dragon. He was going to fight the dark fae again.

"Damned vampire! How stubborn! I told you to get out of the way!!! I have no time to play with you right now!" the dark fae roared out in infuriation and dark magic came shooting out of his hand like a fireball of dark energy and delivered it like a meteor towards Gavriel.

Gavriel tried to dodge but the dark energy came at him too fast. He could only lift his sword and defend himself against it. The shot was so strong he nearly fell. But he had managed to stab the dragon's body and clung to his dagger's hilt.

The dragon followed Evie and Zolan as they headed towards the castle while the dark fae continued fighting Gavriel, stopping him to reach the dragon's head, knowing that Gavriel was planning to blind it again as he did previously with the first dragon.

Evie could see the ferocious fight between Gavriel and the dark fae. Every time she saw the dark fae hit Gavriel with his summoned ball of fire, she died a little on the inside. The fight was unfair. Gavriel only had his strength and sword to depend on, but his opponent was using magic – dark magic at that. She could also see that Gavriel was so distracted, trying to defeat both the dragon and the fae. He was trying to let her escape. He was using himself as bait!

She must help him! She could not just watch him getting hit like this over and over again! Her gaze fell towards the dragon coming behind them and its eyes scared her. Its eyes were pure serpent-like and ice cold. Nevertheless, she still tried to see if her command used previously on the last dragon would work on it as well.

"SKHEDAH!!!" she yelled but the dragon did not even slow down. Why? This word means 'stop' and she was able to stop the dragon's fire previously by saying this. So why was it not working this time? Did this command only work if a dragon was spitting fire?

Evie yelled the word again, but nothing was working. Why? Please! My husband is fighting a powerful fae and a dragon all by himself! I need to do something to aid him!!

And then she saw Gavriel receive another ball of dark magic as he was about to stab the dragon's eyes. She screamed his name.

"GAVRIEL!!!"

But Gavriel did not fall. He dangled over as he held onto his sword that he stabbed on the dragon's head, missing its eye. He looked as though he was in pain and there were green and dark lights lingering around his body. They were the very same lights that were coming from the dark fae!

Evie suddenly thought of the possibility that the fae might be able to control Gavriel with his dark magic and her heart trembled. No! That cannot happen! No! She needed to find a way to stop that from happening.

As she was still screaming inside, she saw the dark fae stood and looked down at Gavriel. When he lifted his sword, Evie felt her heart stopped. Then she screamed again.

"RYUHZ!! VEZHI!!" Evie yelled with the top of her lungs. The second word was another word that came out of nowhere, but she understood its meaning. It meant 'Come'.

At that moment, as Gavriel fought against the dark fae in a very unfavourable and dangerous situation while dangling, a dragon suddenly emerged from behind the dark green-eyed dragon.

It was the wounded dragon who had stayed docile on the ground because of Evie's touch. Evie watched with her eyes widened, her heart seemed to have stopped. "Hurry… please… help him…" she prayed and as the Dragon Evie called crashed against the Dark Fae's dragon, the slash distracted the dark fae and Gavriel immediately slashed the dark fae before both dragons crashed on the ground.

Chapter 170 - Déjà Vu

The huge crash brought about by the two dragons caused that whole section of the outer part of the castle to crumble. Even Zolan and Evie were thrown off due to the intense impact of the crash.

Zolan had managed to protect Evie as the two of them tumbled onto the ground. However, she still suffered some minor bruising and small wounds on her arms and legs. Thankfully there was no major cuts or broken bones, or else Prince Gavriel would have his head for it.

Zolan immediately knew she was hurt because of the maddeningly delicious scent that had wafted at him.

To his relief, his body was still acting under orders of her control. If he was freed from whatever she did to him, Zolan was certain he would have lunged at her and bitten the princess at that very moment. The scent of her blood was that enticingly strong. Still, his situation had become even more torturous with the addition of this incredible thirst her blood had aroused in him! F*ck! Now this is bad, Zolan thought to himself. If he brought the princess to the dungeons now while still wounded, the vampires inside the dungeon all would… damn it all! Wait! That was right! Leon! The princess needed Leon! But how could he make her order him to go find Leon?

The two dragons on the ground rose from the rubbles and they continued breathing fire against each other. All the while, they were swiping at each other's necks with the viciously curved talons on their front paws, hoping to slice through the other's neck and draw blood.

In the midst of the dragon's fight, the dark dragon had smashed a pillar while swiping its majestic tail, causing a large mound of debris to be thrown towards Evie and Zolan's direction. Evie did not see the immediate danger as she was still focused on their own race towards the dungeons. However, Zolan was on full alert. A corner of his eyes was constantly kept on the clash between the two mighty dragons. He knew that it was possible for projectiles to suddenly come launching at unsuspecting victims as such huge creatures fought. It was only inevitable as each nudge and shove by either of the massive beasts would be equal to a mini earthquake going off.

Like a flash, Zolan grabbed Evie and they both landed at the top of the castle's watch tower. Zolan was planning to look for Leon before bringing the princess inside the castle and leave her inside the dungeon and that was why he brought her to the tower.

He immediately let go of her as his eyes, the only part of him he could control right now, burned red as he searched for his comrades.

Evie on the other hand stumbled towards the edge as she looked down. The dragons had begun to fight ferociously as their fire began to spread out everywhere, turning the once peaceful and snowy white city into a scene that could rival the burning in the depths of hell itself.

She could only watch on in shock. The destruction… this scene… she had seen all of this before. In her dream! The scenes were an exact match to the visions she had been having! And it has come true!

Her knees nearly gave way. The fire was spreading like an inferno below the watchtower and Evie began to frantically search around for Gavriel. Where was he? He had fallen along with the dark fae just now… but where was he now?

"Gavriel!" she began to call out. The déjà vu was so strong and accurate that she could not help but feel like breaking down. Why? Why did this have to happen? And now at all times! She thought she had managed to stop this from happening, but she was wrong. Why?

"Gavriel!!! Where are you?!" she yelled but Gavriel was nowhere to be found. Neither did he reply to her calls. Evie had a bad feeling about this. There was no way Gavriel would not respond to her, unless… No! She did not even want to continue that thought. She needed to be strong and continue to have trust in him!

The fae's dragon emerged from the fire and it flew past the watchtower. Then it circled around and crashed onto her dragon before it could fly high enough to regain its momentum.

Evie's heart was breaking. Her dragon was losing. It was because it had lost its one eye and was also wounded! Her heart ached so much, feeling sorry for her dragon, for Dacria and also worrying about Gavriel. What else could she do for now?

She forced herself to think. She must do something! But what?! She did not even know what to say or use whatever the power she actually had! If only she knew anything at all!

At that moment, the watch tower suddenly began to crumble and fall.

An arm immediately shot out and wrapped itself around her waist. And the next thing she knew she was up in the air.

Upon landing on the ground, Evie was surprised that the vampire holding her was not Zolan anymore. It was Leon. She also saw Samuel and the others following behind them.

"Gavriel! Find Gavriel! I saw him fell in there!" she yelled at them, and the men immediately nodded at her. They turned their backs upon landing and went towards the direction Evie had pointed at.

The men bravely crossed the burning inferno. They must find their prince! They were always confident in their prince's ability. They all knew he was the strongest vampire they had ever known but this dark fae was something they have never seen nor encountered before. He was a creature of the ancients. Those creatures dabble in magic, and this dark fae had even used black magic! What if the creature was far, far stronger than their prince? That question was not spoken but is ringing in every one of the men's minds.

But their greatest fear that their prince was now in very dire situation immediately evaporated the moment they found him. The men stood there, frozen as they looked at Gavriel.