Ch. 351..360

Chapter 351 - Innocent Bystander

Leon felt like his entire being had been frozen into solid ice. He could not seem to move his body nor breathe as his eyes slowly lifted to meet Zanya's sharp and piercing ones. His hand was still under her skirt and touching her thigh – frozen stiff. He knew he had to, no… needed to peel that offending limb off her deliciously silky thigh. But his hand was somehow not wired to his brain as it did not do as it was told.

"Err… Umm…" Even his vocal cords seem to have forgotten how to function. That blasted hand of his! In his mind, this situation that he had found himself in seemed to be worse than seeing death itself.

Zanya narrowed those alluring eyes at him.. "I can't believe you're this kind of man, vampire!" She bit out in anger, forcing her words through tightly clenched teeth. Hearing the censure in her voice, Leon finally managed to snap out of his frozen state.

But before he could make any movements or open his mouth to explain, Zanya suddenly yanked on his head with both hands, shoving his head straight into her bosom, before stretching out her hands and firing off a ball of light from her palms.

"…!!!" If possible, Leon had gone even stiffer and might as well turn into a block of wood. From his hearing and perception, he heard that her magic had hit the orc that was right behind him and realised that it had been about to strike him from behind.

Leon who had just snapped out of the shock was again feeling utterly flustered as well as guilty at what she had done. He figured that she did not have much time and had to react that way to deal with the orc behind him and the guilt filled him, knowing that he was the one who should be protecting her. However, Leon now found himself in a whole new awkward situation, an even worse one compared to the one from before. His face had been shoved into her soft mounds and his hand that was on her thigh just a while ago was now on her…

Within the next breath, Zanya's hands were fisted tightly in his collar as she turned and slammed his back against the wall. "You pervert! Where do you think you're touching?!" she snapped at him, her beautiful green eyes were flashing fiercely.

"I didn't mean to touch … there… you pulled… suddenly… it's… accident…" Leon was stuttering and could barely form a coherent sentence, not knowing what he should do next. The way he was behaving was as though this woman was scarier than any deadly opponents he had ever met. He could not even talk straight to explain himself.

"Ha! I pulled you? Accident? So, you're even putting the blame on me now –"

"No, I… I'm sorry… really –" Leon could not finish his line as he saw another orc launching itself at them. His arms wrapped around Zanya's slender waist, locking her against him and leapt to the side, avoiding the orc.

The moment he landed, Zolan's voice echoed. "Stop flirting in the middle of a battle you two! Get over here and help!!"

Zanya quickly pulled away from Leon, her face a little red with embarrassment at what she heard. "No one is flirting! This vampire is…" Zanya trailed off as she pointed at Leon, when she realized the long-haired blond was no longer listening.

She glared at Leon. "We are not done, vampire." She hissed at him. "Wait until all this is over. I'll make you pay for what you did, pervert." She threatened and turned her back on him.

Leon was speechless. He shook his head, sipping at his lower lip. He could not help but laugh in utter disbelief. Never had he ever encountered such embarrassing, awkward, and shameful situation where he did not even know how to react. His mother had always taught him about being respectful to every woman since he was young, and he had lived up to his mother's teaching his whole life. Even though almost all of the men he had been with in the imperial army back then, most especially his fellow half-bloods, were all treating women like they were toys for their sexual pleasures, he never found what they were doing as appealing. He had hated their blatant and excessive disrespect to the females. However, it was not his place to speak up during those times.

Yet now, he had actually gone and done it. Even though there was an explanation, what's done was done. It was just that being called a pervert for the first time in his life was a little unacceptable to him.

"Leon!" Samuel's voice sounded out and the man threw him Zanya's sword.

Leon easily caught it and he went on a rampage, trying to clear his mind for now. He would just think about how to clear things out with her after this war. Then he remembered that she said she will make him pay and he smiled again as he fought, wondering what she would do to him. He was surprised as he found himself smiling as if he was actually looking forward to it. What the hell is going on with him?

"Stop grinning there you, idiot, just because you touched heaven for a moment." Zolan teased him, raising a brow as the duo leaned against each other's back.

"I didn't know you are this type of a man Zolan." Leon retorted, annoyed that this all happened due to this irritating person. If he had not said anything, all these would not have happened,

"Hmm? What are you talking about?"

"You're like a gossiping mother hen."

"Haha. I object though. Maybe a gossiping hawk, yes. My eyes are just pretty observant. I just can see everything's that is going on… no matter how small the matter is. You can't hide anything from my eyes, haha."

"And you're actually proud of it?" Leon was flabbergasted.

"Of course. An observant eye is helpful. And I have not been called 'pervert' yet… so it's all good."

"Damn you. There is no dagger in her thigh."

"Oh… there's none?" Zolan's voice was suspiciously innocent sounding.

"You did that on purpose…!!" Leon's eyes narrowed as he caught on.

"Of course not. Why would I tarnish the ever so pure and clean reputation of the great Leon, the half-blood warrior?" Zolan widened his eyes at Leon, before blinking as though he was an innocent bystander who was viciously maligned.

"Cut the crap! You know you're guilty as charged. Your time will come Zolan." Leon muttered sourly.

"Haha. I'll look forward to that. Watch out, they're coming." Zolan's eyes twinkled merrily as he changed the topic.

"I know."

Chapter 352 - Darkness And Light

Back in the inside of the barrier.

After being slapped and yelled at by Evie, Gavrael had remained silent. He just stared at her and then, without a word, he turned his back from her and faced Thundrann.

Evie calmed down as she looked at his broad back. She had seen the shock reflected in his eyes, but he did not seem resentful nor angry that she had slapped him. However, his silence bothered her. She had fully expected him to retort with the way his temper was.

Staring hard at his broad and strong back, Evie was about to reach out when he spoke.

"I know, Evie…" his voice was low and controlled. She could see him clenching his fists and relaxing them intermittently. "I am aware that you are more than capable now.. I know you're strong and powerful even without you telling me that." He paused, still not facing her. "I know you're… you are not the Evie I used to know." His voice softened as he spoke that last sentence, as though he was speaking to himself.

Feeling like he still had more to say, Evie waited. But for some reason, he seemed to change his mind and held back. She saw his shoulders lift as he drew in a deep breath before his clenched fists loosened up.

"How did you break my barrier?" He asked, changing the topic suddenly. He sounded like he had finally given in.

"I had Onyx break it from the outside." She replied albeit a little absentmindedly, still wondering what was it that he had held back from saying to her.

"I see…" There was a hint of approval and pride in his voice.

"But the tree of light… someone else helped me break it."

Gavrael's form suddenly stilled. But he did not ask as Evie had expected him to.

"You don't want to know who?" Evie prompted him as she reached out and held his hand that had tightened into a fist again. "It's your –"

"I know." He cut her off stiffly. "No one should be able to break that other than him."

Evie moved to his side, holding his free hand as she looked up at him. "He –"

"I don't want to talk about him in this situation, Evie." He cut her off and he finally looked into her eyes again. His gaze sharp and piercing as he searched into her eyes. "Fine," he breathed after a while. "We'll do this together, Evie."

A smile bloomed on Evie's face. Her eyes twinkled with gladness before they shone with a passionate and formidable fighting spirit that seemed to be unbreakable. Her bearing suddenly went through a shift and Gavrael could sense a queenly aura radiating off her.

Gavrael lifted her clean hand with his filthy one and kissed the back of her palm. His intense eyes peering through the strands of his hair as he looked down at her. Then he spoke against her hand. "But…" he started, "if all things fail, please promise me you'll listen to what I will say."

Evie's smile slowly faded, then her expression became utterly serious. "We will not fail, Gav. We will win." Her back was pencil straight, head lifted with shoulders back, and eyes condensed with a positive light. Her entire demeanour was enough to scream her belief without her speaking a single word.

It was Gav's turn to smile, which was something so unexpected to Evie. "We will. Definitely." There was a promise in his eyes. "Still, I need you to promise me that one thing, love."

"Didn't you hate promises?" She raised one brow questioningly.

"I'd like to believe in it one more time." There was an irony in his smile, but she detected hope in his gentle tone. And that made Evie helplessly nod at him.

"Alright. I promise."

"Thank you." Gav breathed out as his whole person relaxed. Evie realised that he really took this to heart.

They just stood there, looking at each other, drinking in the sight of the other as though they had not seen one another for a very long time. Somehow, Evie felt a little uneasy as she looked into those eyes of his. Those strange colour of his eyes which was a combination of reddish and bluish hues. It was apparent that he still could not remember anything about his life as Gavriel.

However, the fact that his eyes had that colour change, Evie knew that his vampire side had also emerged. He had drunk her blood, so she was certain about that at least. She was also positive that his vampiric side might be the main reason on why his darkness still could not consume him even after all that had happened in this war. This was enough for now. After the war, she would spare no effort in helping him to remember those missing memories no matter how long it will take.

"Are you ready?" Gav turned and asked her as the barrier surrounding Thundrann began to melt, indicating that the nasty enemy had finally recuperated enough and is now back to its full vigour. His eyes were tender as he looked at her, his large hand wrapped warmly around hers as he exerted a gentle pressure to impart comfort to her.

Evie's eyes sharpened, and then it glowed as she looked at Gav. "I'm ready." She nodded firmly and then both of their bodies began to glow as they started to call forth their powers. As the light of their magic peaked, it blazed out and due to their close distance to each other, both their magic auras combined in an interesting manner, as if the darkness and light was trying to merge. The two normally opposing powers were now creating something that had never been seen before.

And the moment Thundrann's barrier dissolved, Evie and Gav's combined dark and light magic came hurling at him like a meteor.

Keep the Golden Tickets coming! I will give 10 chapters mass release if we keep our top 1 rank in golden ranking until the end of this month. ^^

Chapter 353 - Die!

The combination of Gavrael and Evie's powers was incredibly strong. It gave out a low humming roar like it had a life of its own as it left them and sped towards their target.

Upon contact with Thundrann, his body was flung against the walls. The potency of that combined magic must have been very powerful as Thundrann flew through the air effortlessly, not being able to resist nor use his own powers to reduce the impact. He had initially created a barrier to counter the attack but despite that, the combined power of Evie and Gav was just too overwhelming. It just dispersed Thundrann's magical barrier like a hand brushing away a spider's webbing, slamming him hard into the ancient stone wall in the blink of an eye.

Galleous's body inside the crystal then released an even darker and stronger dark magic. It leaked out from the base of the crystal and crawled around on the ground like a shifty and creepy miasma.

Evie and Gav knew that Galleous was angered now. Their last combined attack must have finally triggered him. They could feel he was now taking them seriously as it was obvious that he was not expecting that attack to be so strong.

"Let's not give him time to recuperate. We'll kill him now!" Gav said and he leapt forward, launching himself towards Thundrann. Evie lifted her arms towards Gavrael. Her magic coming from her palms were now enveloping Gavrael's entire body. His body no longer shrouded by dark magic alone, but by both light and dark magic. His sword was blazing, a black and amber fire licking along the edges of his dangerous looking blade, as he pointed it towards Thundrann. Looking at the fire that was coating the blade of his sword gave anyone looking the chills. The rippling fire seemed to promise a wealth of pain and agony if it touches the surface of anything living.

The man saw him coming as he was rising from the rubbles and his murky green eyes suddenly shifted. The black of his pupil rippled along the rims before spreading throughout the whites of his eyes in an instant and turned both orbs completely black. Gavrael knew that those pitch-black eyes should be belong to Galleous as dark faes who have been swallowed by their dark magic will have eyes as dark as the lightless abyss of hell. It was a literal reflection of the unilluminated regions of hell itself.

Galleous threw up a barrier a split second before Gavrael's sword was about to touch the tip of his head. The impact between Thundrann's erected barrier and Gav's sword was so intense it created a thundering blast. Still, Gavrael did not allow himself to get pushed back by the recoiling effect of that clash. He was in the air while Thundrann was on the ground. He refused to back off! However, the effort of holding his position and not allowing the recoil force to take effect, Gav could feel his fingers that were still tightly gripping the hilt of his sword become slightly numbed as his whole arm shook from the weight of going head to head with that powerful barrier.

Gavrael then felt an even stronger force – but one that only brought on a cool and soothing feel that flowed gently over him – and he instantly knew that Evie was the one who was increasing the amount of magic she was giving him. It streamed into him continuously like an endless spring. As he channelled it out of him, it pushed and shoved at their enemy, until Thundrann's barrier began to show minute cracks that were like spiderwebs all over. And as Gavrael continued to pour even more power out, those cracks grew larger and threatened to give way.

"Die!" Gavrael shouted as he called forth more power to finally deliver the finishing blow onto the barrier that was already so fragile.

Galleous on the other hand, only poured out more magic into his vessel. He refused to be defeated. With the insane amount of magic poured into him, the darkness that had enveloped Thundrann's body thickened to a degree like never before. Evie and Gav saw that the cracks that had been created on his barrier had started to mend!

Seeing the amount of dark magic literally flooding out from the dark crystal Galleous was in, Evie closed her eyes and when she opened them, the twin orbs shone with a radiance so bright, it could rival the noonday sun. She screamed and her magic surged out, surging powerfully into Gavrael.

The scene was heart stopping. No one was backing out.

With the amount of magic flowing out from Evie, Gavrael felt even more powerful. He felt invincible! Giving his all, he exerted his all and pushed on the barrier. The damage that had been mended on the surface of the barrier started to crack again, and this time the cracks ran even longer and deeper. He understood now that this battle was a battle of purely magic and how strong the magic was. And it was incredible that Evie's power could counter a mad dark fae's magic. It was his blessing and privilege to have her on his side.

However, he knew the source of Evie's magic might not be as infinite as Galleous'. She would get tired and weaken sooner or later. And that was why he was not going to waste any of her efforts now. There was no way he would put all of these to waste! This was his beloved's power, and he is going to make sure that none of it will be wasted!

With his renewed strength and power, added on by his determination, and heightened by Evie's incredibly strong magic, Gavrael gritted his teeth as he applied more pressure on Thundrann. He was giving his all.

Galleous tried to mend the growing cracks that were appearing everywhere, his eyes shifting from one crack to the next, starting to get a little nervous.

Gavrael could see blood starting to flow from Thundrann's eyes, nose, and mouth. This was evidence that the dark magic Galleous was forcing into Thundrann's body had already gone way past his limit. Galleous was desperate to save his vessel.

"DIE!!" Gavrael shouted again and at last his sword pierced through Thundrann's barrier. The sword then aimed straight to the middle of Thundrann's chest.

 

Chapter 354 - Second Heartbeat

Outside the barrier, everyone was frozen in the midst of their fight as their eyes were fixed onto the overwhelming happenings inside the barrier. They had been alerted to the changes between the fights of their leaders in the inside as they felt the fluctuations of magic that was pouring out of the barrier.

They had no idea what was going on but the bone-chilling wave of magic coming from the inside of the barrier was enough for them to realize the extent of the battle happening. It was absolutely something they could not even start to imagine. If the barrier preventing them from entering was not there, perhaps, all of them would have been forcefully pushed away from the scene. The amount of magic that was being generated inside and was pulsing out in waves was something none of them might be able to stand. They were suspecting that some who did not have a stronger constitution would even be killed by the outflow of magic.

Zanya was the first to make a move. She began to head towards the barrier, as if attempting to cross it when Leon grabbed at her wrist.

"Don't." Leon's voice was firm as he shook his head slowly when Zanya faced him.

"I am worried. This… this is the queen's magic… and this… the other one is a tremendous dark magic. I need to know if our queen is alright." There was fear and panic in Zanya's eyes. Sensing this magic had made Zanya's heart uneasy. Somehow, she recognised that this magic was something close to the one that their former queen had unleashed all her magic that thousands of years ago and had died after spending every bit of her magic.

She tried to pull her hand free from Leon's grasp, but he was not intending to let her go. In his mind, it would be nothing short of suicide on her part. "Don't worry, our prince is also in there with your queen. He's not going to let anything bad happen to her."?There was an unwavering faith in his eyes that made Zanya choke back her retort.

"We are worried too, so I understand your desire to help," Zolan's voice echoed, "but I think it's unwise for you or anyone of us to go in there right now. With the amount of strength we have, I don't think any of us can be of help anyway. Worse is that we might even cause unnecessary trouble being there. We don't want to distract them."

Samuel piped in, nodding in agreement. "Zolan is right. All of us can feel the intensity of the battle inside even from out here. It has already evolved into something far beyond our abilities to be involved in. Therefore, it's better for us to put our faith in them and hold onto our posts right here. Besides, I am certain the prince and the princess will not lose. They will be alright." Samuel's reasoning manged to cut through the anxiety that was coiling around Zanya's heart.

Zanya somehow relaxed. She was scared that they will lose their queen again. If that happens, there will be no hope left for the light faes. But everything the vampires said was right. She might cause even more trouble and distractions if she were just to go and jump inside this barrier. More so when she might not be of any help at all.

At that moment, the orcs that they had brought down earlier, rose again and the fight resumed. In fact, a new group of orcs arrived to join in the fray.

"Shit! Where are these buggers coming from? They seem to be the orcs we had killed on our way here. They have all been raised again!"

The battle outside the barrier became fiercer as well. The number of orcs started to push the vampires back, but before any of them could manage to cross the barrier, the reinforcements Zanya had called for finally arrived. The light faes had immediately aided them, healing the vampires and in no time at all, they were back on their feet.

"Damn! Magic really is an amazing thing!" Luc commented, feeling his body return to its full vigour once again. Then he approached the male light fae next to him. "That's some cool weapon you have there, mind if I borrow it?" Luc eyed the fae's glaive.

The fae was also appraising Luc's sword and then he spoke. "Alright, how about we exchange our weapons?"

Luc excitedly handed his sword over to the light fae and as soon as he got the glaive in his hands, he immediately went on to try it. His excitement was palpable to all who were looking on and was very much like a child who had just received a new toy to play with.

…

Back inside the barrier.

Gavrael relentlessly attacked Thundrann viciously even as Galleous continued forcing his already dying vessel to keep standing. The dark magic had taken full control of Thundrann's body, and it fought back as an entity by itself without any care for the wellbeing of the vessel. It did not care if the vessel will break over and over again. He would just use it as long as it could still move.

However, Gavrael was not going to let Galleous win. He knew what he would do to render Galleous' vessel useless. He could also feel Evie's magic reduce a little in quantity. It was already incredible how long she had been maintaining such strong powers to keep flowing like an endless river, pouring into him, filling him with so much strength.

In the seconds that followed, as Gavrael attacked like a mad man, Thundrann's hand flew, separating it from his body.

Gavrael's eyes blazed. Now that he had lost one hand, he would not be able to block and put another barrier to stop him from taking his head. But just as he had expected, even with one hand, Galleous still managed to put out such a strong barrier.

But Gavrael broke it again with the help of Evie's power. And as Gavrael was about to sever Thundrann's head from his body, Galleous voice suddenly echoed around them.

"Kill my vessel and you'll regret it." He threatened, smiling triumphantly at Gavrael.

"Shut up! You think you can still threaten me –"

"So, you don't mind me killing you and your lover's child?"

Gavrael's eyes widened as every fibre of his being seemed to have frozen into ice. Even Evie wavered for a moment. But neither of them dared to put their guard down. Gavrael's sword remain pointing at Thundrann's throat, with only a single move needed to topple his head.

"It seems that the both of you are clueless?" he smiled wickedly. "I can detect a second heartbeat from that lover of yours. My darkness can sense it. And I guess that the child inside her belongs to you, since it has a dark magic like ours. Why don't you confirm it yourself? Use your dark magic and see for yourself, Gavrael. Your lover is pregnant with your child." Galleous taunted.

Chapter 355 - All It Takes

"Killing me means killing your own child, Gavrael." Galleous continued taunting him. "Look around and see for yourself –"

"Shut up! Did you really think I would fall for your trick?" Gavrael narrowed his eyes, his hands were trembling with the hesitation on whether to slash this man's throat or not.

"Trick? You know I am not bluffing Gavrael." He countered in a sing-song voice.

"Even if you're not, what makes you think I will believe that you can do anything right now rather than spit out rubbish?"

Galleous laughed, causing Gavrael to gnash his teeth. His hands were now itching to just sever his head off and get this done and over with. "You are na?ve, young Gavrael. You should know better than anyone else what dark magic can actually do. Well, you can argue that your woman is strong. Sure, she is.. I would be more generous in saying that she's stronger than all the other queens I've met previously. And I can already tell that she's going to become even more formidable in the future. But Gavrael… what can a tiny little heartbeat do against dark magic? Can't you see that your woman is pretty vulnerable now? She's channelling all her magic to you, giving her strength to you, protecting you… now look at her…" he smiled sardonically as Thundrann, a vessel under his control, waved his hand towards where Evie was standing.

Gavrael felt his heartbeat stop at the things Galleous had thrown at him. It had taken all the willpower within himself, not to throw everything aside and turn around to look at his beloved Evie.

"Turn around and see Gavrael…" his voice came creeping into his ears, like the devil luring him to his doom. "See for yourself –"

"Shut up!!" Gavrael shouted and mercilessly, he grabbed Thundrann's hair and turned him around, not pulling his sword away from his neck. Then both of them turned, facing Evie.

And Gavrael felt his entire being freeze at the sight of Evie standing in the middle of a thick and dark miasma that fully covered the ground and had now crept up her legs until mid-calf. She was just standing there, and her body was no longer glowing as it had been previously as her magic was all centred onto her palms, so as to be able to send all her powers to him.

"I'm pretty sure you've experienced it before, when your own darkness does something on its own will even without the vessel doing anything. Of course, it won't be as powerful and effective as the attack inflicted by a vessel himself, however… if it's just a tiny little pulse…" he drawled and a small wisp of dark smoke coming from the miasma around her began to rise, swirling around, circling Evie's hip.

Gavrael found his breath catching in fear and panic. His eyes were wide and dilated as he looked at Evie.

"You must be wondering how I even found it out, right?" Galleous continued talking, his voice now filled with triumph even though Gavrael's sword that was pressed close on his throat did not even loosen up at all yet. "Well, it's pretty simple. While she's focused on you and you are focused on me, my dark magic was busy looking for a weak spot – the weakest link in the chain, if you will. But so far, this badass queen was almost flawless… yes, almost… had she not gotten pregnant. Could she be one awful woman who wouldn't care about losing such a tiny little thing that barely called a life yet? I don't think so… Hahaha."

Something pulsed in Gavrael's eyes as he stared into Evie's. And she minutely shook her head at him, as though she had understood what he was about to do.

But Gavrael simply stared back at her as he spoke to Galleous. "Tell me, what do you want me to do?"

Galleous' sardonic laugh echoed around them. "That's what I've been wanting to hear, Gavrael. You both are truly hilarious, such entertaining and powerful creatures. I can't believe this is all it takes to bring you both down." He drawled, though he still did not make any effort in freeing himself from Gavrael's hold.

Evie had quickly retracted her hands upon hearing what Gavrael said and the magic she had been pouring into Gavrael was then cut off.

"Oh, it's too late, young queen. You should think twice before trying to do something. The dark magic around your belly might do something you will regret." He smirked and Evie froze.

She could feel her heartbeat drumming in her ears. The news about her being pregnant – and coming from their enemy, more so – was such a shock she could not believe she was hearing such an overwhelming piece of news in a situation like this. News like this was something to be rejoiced over followed by a grand celebration. But in this situation, she was not sure if it would be a bliss or a bane to both her and Gav. And then there was the issue with Galleous saying that he was going to kill her child. Evie could barely hold herself from stumbling to the ground upon hearing that.

And now that she was seeing a dark wisp of smoke moving and curling around her lower body, her heart wavered. She could not help it. She knew this was not the time for her to waver and fear as this enemy might just be bluffing. But she had seen it in Gavrael's eyes, that the fact where she must really be pregnant was not a bluff. She did not know if Galleous was telling the truth, that she could take no other actions anymore and that if she only makes a single move, he really could kill her child. There was a possibility all that was just a bluff. But what if the things he said were all true? What if… something bad happens when she tries to fight off the darkness around her right now? Could she really take the risk and go all out in her fight?

Fear began to cloud her heart and mind and she knew Gav had to be experiencing the same.

"Now Gavrael…" Galleous' voice echoed once again. "Let's go back to the thing you had asked me… if you don't want me killing your child, give in… let your dark magic consume you Gavrael."

Chapter 356 - Chance

Evie's eyes flared open in shock at Galleous' words. She stared at Gav and when she saw him just staring back at her with eyes so intense, Evie's heart shuddered. The fear inside had grown even stronger, to the point that it is almost overwhelming her entire being. No, she must not let this happen! She came here all for the singular reason in helping him win this war. She wanted to fight with him so he would not let himself be consumed by his darkness! If he does this, then all their efforts would be for naught. This cannot be allowed to happen!

"No… Gav…" Evie's voice came out shaky and weak as she shook her head. She could see it in Gav's eyes, that he had contemplated on it and was going to do it.

"Fine, I will do what you want." Gav said to Galleous, while his eyes remained fixed on Evie. "But on one condition… get your darkness off her and let her go."

"Gav!" Evie exclaimed, shaking now.

"Sure, Gavrael." Galleous answered. It shocked Evie how fast he seemed to agree with Gav's condition. It even looked as though he could not wait to get rid of her.

"Wait! Gav! He must be bluffing!" panic started to flood through Evie. "I can't leave –"

"Evie!" Gav's voice thundered. However, it was not said in an angry tone, but it was loud like he was trying to wake her up from a nightmare. "Now is the time for you fulfil that promise you've made to me a while ago. Listen to me and go… please…"

For a few moments Evie found herself not able to breathe at all. After choking for a couple seconds, she finally managed to regulate her breathing again. She was letting out hard gasps as panic surged through her. How could he use that promise in this situation?

"I'll be alright." Gav added, his gaze pleading. He looked as though he would even fall to his knees and kneel just to urge her to go.

"Young queen, you should know how unwise it is for you to keep delaying while I'm still playing nice. Or do you not mind me killing the child inside your womb?" He was smiling as he said that. "I am not a very patient person, woman." His voice turned threatening at the end.

"Go!" Gav commanded, his jaws hardening. "Now!"

At the sight of the dark magic starting to dance around her, and after seeing that heart wrenching look in Gav's eyes, Evie could only force her feet to move.

She clenched her fists tight, moving slowly towards the barrier. The dark magic around her was still hovering over her torso.

The moment she reached the barrier, she looked over her shoulder and stared at Gav. Her eyes no longer filled with fear, it was filled with promise, as if telling him to hold on. And then her eyes became pleading as well, pleading him not to give in to his darkness and to wait for her, because she would definitely return.

He nodded at her, a slight smile curving across his mouth, as if he had understood everything that she wanted to convey to him. Did he really understand her looks?

Evie could only faithfully believe he did and that was why he had nodded and smiled like that at her. Then finally, she took the last step to bring herself across the barrier, the dark smoke seemingly filtered out automatically as though that dark magic could not leave the barrier along with her.

Upon seeing that the dark magic did not follow Evie outside of the barrier, Gavrael let out the breath he had been holding in relief. After releasing a heavy sigh, his eyes then flared before something dark pulsated in his eyes and dark magic surged from within him. He had created an even thicker barrier now. What he did was to erect a protection barrier that Evie could never break to get in. Knowing her, she would get out and brainstorm and come out with an idea before rushing back in here to help him. That was why he had to take this precautionary step. But right at that moment he used his dark magic, Thundrann's body fell to the ground, seemingly lifeless, and the darkness from him quickly seeped into Gavrael's body.

"Hahaha. That's it Gavrael, use your magic! Let it consume you! Take me in!" The voice had left Thundrann's body. The dark magic coming from the crystal now was currently directed towards Gavrael and he was absorbing them all.

That was the moment Galleous was waiting for. For Gavrael to use his pure dark magic without any reservation, without any other impurities involved like the light magic from that powerful young queen. This way he would easily help Gav's darkness win over himself. Galleous had truly underestimated him and that light fae queen. Had he known how extremely powerful they were, he should have done this right from the start, way before that queen's arrival.

If he had not found that particular weakness and if the two did not actually care, he would be done for! And also, if this man did not care that much about his woman, he would not actually unleash his dark magic to keep her out, he must have still failed!

Not letting this precious chance slip away, Galleous unleashed as much darkness he could on Gavrael. The miasma that was crawling on the ground all slithered towards him, entering his body, as though a swarm of wasps rushing into their nest.

Gavrael fell on his knees and his eyes now pulsating from blue to black, alternating as he grabbed onto the clothes over his chest.

"Give in Gavrael!!!" the voice echoed. "Let me take over!!!" the sinister voice continued and Gavrael screamed out, he spread out his arms and threw his head back as he knelt on the ground as his body kept on pulling in, devouring the endless dark magic from the ancient crystal.

"You're the one who should give in Galleous!!!" Gav's voice was like thunder in hell. "Give in to me!! I will take over all your dark magic, your darkness!!! Everything!! Since you are so willing to give up your powers, I will accept it! I will devour everything you have until there is nothing left but your skin and bones!!!"

Less than an hour left before reset guys! Vote using Golden Tickets. If we are rank 1 by reset, i will give 10 chapters mass release. Fighting spellbounders! ????

 

Chapter 357 - Chaos

"Princess!!!" Zolan was the first one who noticed when Evie stepped out from behind the barrier and got a shock. Why was she out alone? Where was His Highness? He immediately approached Evie the moment she took one step away from the barrier, fully intending to protect her. But Evie could not even look at him as she had immediately sensed another surge of dark magic right after she crossed the barrier. Gavrael!

She turned to face the barrier immediately, lifting her hands towards it. Her heart was beating ferociously. And when the barrier hardened immediately at her touch, blocking her way of entry, Evie stumbled as she gasped. No!!

Zolan who was already there behind her, quickly stretched out his arms to catch her, supporting her and preventing her from tumbling over.

"Princess!" He cried out, but Evie's eyes remained fixated on the barrier, as if she did not hear his call at all. She already knew what had happened. This barrier was definitely cast by Gav the moment she turned to leave in order to keep her from going back in there.

"Gav…" she could only call out with a weak voice.. Her palm landing gently on her still flat stomach. The way this whole situation had unravelled was still a shock to her. And she did not know what to do. She had sworn to herself that no matter what will happen, she would never let Gav fight alone again. Even if he ends up forcing her away, she had sworn to never give in. She would never back off even if she had to fight to her death, as long as she fights along with him.

But everything just fell apart and crumbled. Her will, her fighting spirit, her promise made to herself, all off that seemed to have evaporated when she heard the news that she was now pregnant. And hearing the threat that their enemy was going to kill their unborn child just threw her mind into chaos.

Now she can no longer fight fearlessly. There was now something else that is so precious inside of her that she must take into consideration and take extra good care of. The dilemma was getting to her, and her mind was thrown into disarray. What should she do now? What could she do now?

"Shit!" An angry voice sounded close to her ear before she felt herself being pulled away from the barrier to the side where it was safer.

When she snapped back to reality, Evie finally saw the chaos that was happening outside the barrier. Her elite men were fighting ferociously and dozens of light faes were also there. The savage orcs were going on a rampage.

"W-what's going on?" Evie finally asked. How in the world did these orcs end up here?

Zolan glanced at her before he stood before her, protecting her as their comrades created a strong barrier surrounding her, made of vampires and light faes.

"We don't actually know how this happened, princess. But it seems that these savage orcs are being summoned here. It is somehow that the dark magic from this barrier is calling out to them. So, these savage orcs are rushing over here. They're also pretty troublesome as they keep rising from the dead no matter how many times we kill them!" Zolan explained.

Evie stepped to the side and took a good look at the intense battle. She saw light faes that had fallen to the ground and were seemingly lifeless, and her heart throbbed.

"And for some reason, the moment you came out of the barrier they all suddenly began to attack like they've gone completely mad, or probably something is going on with the dark magic controlling them and now they're in their worse possible state." As Zolan was explaining, Evie could see that the orcs seemed to have lost whatever little intelligence that they had and now they were just there to slaughter everything in sight. And they were, obviously very strong. They seemed to have become even stronger now than before. It was as if they kept receiving more and more dark magic. Their bodies were even oozing with something that looks like black smoke.

Seeing these savage orcs in this condition, Evie immediately remembered how Thundrann's body was like when he was fighting against Gav. The same thing that was going on with Thundrann was now happening to these orcs as well, and Evie knew for sure that it was because these orcs were being forced to absorb dark magic more than their bodies could handle. They were now reduced to behaving like mad animals, with no minds of their own, in their very last rampage to desecrate and slaughter until their own death greets them. As savage orcs, they initially possessed a certain measure of intelligence and therefore, the way they fought reflected that intellect as well. However, looking at them going berserk and without a single trace of that shrewd fighting acumen they had used on Evie's men earlier before the arrival of their princess, all of them felt a shadow of pity for them. Though they were fighting for opposing sides, being made use of and then relegated to just cannon fodder truly was a disparaging thing for creatures such as them who were on a superior level compared to the common wild beasts of the Misty Forest in the Forbidden Lands.

"Look out!" Samuel's voice echoed out as an orc managed to get past the light faes and headed straight to where Evie was standing.

Zolan immediately moved to block the orc's attack, but he was completely overpowered. Despite that, he swung at the orc as fast as he could until his sword went slashing across its chest in a wide arc. But it was not enough, Zolan's next swing was blocked by the orc's strong and iron-like arms and was then thrown hard onto the ground.

Panic surged within him as he immediately lifted his head to look towards where the princess was.

 

Chapter 358 - Battle

To his relief, he saw her standing firm and proud, like the goddess that she was. Her hand was lifted, palms extended and facing the orc. Her magic was flowing out from her palms in a concentrated beam. The very next second, there was a bright flash that blinded everyone for a second and when the light faded, all they saw was the orc trapped within a dark crystal.

Evie saw that another orc had captured one of the light faes and he was about to smash him on the ground when Evie quickly moved to shoot the orc with a beam of her magic again. The orc that had been hit by Evie's magic was then slowly being swallowed and trapped within another dark crystal that formed around its massive body, freezing it for as long as Evie did not release it from its unique prison.

With Evie's help, the elite and the light faes began to regain their momentum. And all it took was a few moves from their queen – though they were very powerful moves. Their fighting spirit were quickly lifted up and all of them rallied cohesively as the fight continued. And what a relentless fight it was. If not for their queen aiding them with her formidable magical powers, they would have long since been overwhelmed and probably defeated soundly.

"Princess, that should be enough.. Please don't exhaust yourself too much." Zolan said as he stood next to Evie. He had noticed she was painfully distracted and he was worried if anything should happen to her. His Highness would skin him alive if any harm should come to her. He too, was worried for her well-being.

Zolan could tell that something was off and there must have been a major occurrence that certainly happened within the barrier that they did not know about. She did not seem to have that unwavering spirit from before anymore. Since she had stepped out of the barrier, Zolan could tell that she was fearful now. Something was holding her back and making her waver. Though she was trying her best to hide her troubled heart by aiding them with her tremendous power, helping them take back the upper hand, her real emotions did not escape Zolan's sharp and observant eyes.

"I'm fine." Was all she said, but Zolan could tell her mind was somewhere else. Then all of a sudden, her hand fell limply to her sides. It was as if she had finally figured out the solution to the problem that was bothering her so deeply. Her eyes that were initially filled with fear and worry just a little while ago, were now shining a little brighter again.

With a fierce gaze, she turned her eyes to Zolan. "I will call upon my dragon!" she told him and Zolan immediately understood what she wanted him to do.

The vampire relayed the message to his comrades, and everyone nodded. They will be guarding the princess' body with their lives, while she calls for her dragon.

Evie then closed her eyes to focus on her task at hand. She had finally come up with a solution, a way for her to keep fighting alongside him and continue helping him. She would call on Onyx. She decided that if she could not be the one to be there for him, her dragons can. She did not need to be there and risk their child if the dragons will aid her husband instead of her herself! That was right, and that was what she was going to do!

Thankfully, the dungeons were a large and massive underground cavern. It might not be easy for her dragon to enter through the narrow entrance, but she was sure her dragons could do something about it. Onyx was able to break a powerful barrier. It should not be a problem for them to break the ground if that was what is needed.

Her body began to glow. With deep concentration, she freed herself from all the tension and worries and thoughts. Until her mind was filled with nothing but darkness, as if she was looking into the starless and peaceful night sky.

She saw Silver and Vermillion first and they looked at her. "Come to me, I need you." she called for them and the dragons growled their assent. She saw them move to enter the ruins of the castle, breaking everything that was in their way to rubbles and when they stopped at the narrow entrance to the underground dungeon, the dragons began to spew fire and burn down the entrance until the ancient stone simply melted along the surface before bursting into tiny, fragmented pieces that littered the ground.

Evie looked for the other dragons. She called for them to come to aid her people and then at last, she called for Onyx. The pair of deep amber eyes looked straight back at her, and she called out his name. "Onyx… I need you. Come to me. Hurry…" she beckoned to him fondly and she saw the great dark dragon rose majestically and stepped out from his lair. He spread out his magnificent wings then catapulted that massive body from the ground effortlessly into the air.

While Evie was calling for her dragons, the orcs seemed to have sensed the great danger coming their way and they began to push even harder, desperate to kill the source of the oncoming danger.

Both the elite vampires and the light faes were suddenly put into a dire situation as they focused on defending mightily to protect their queen from coming to any hurt.

The battle became even fiercer, the thundering roar of the orcs, the shrill screams of the light faes, the sharp sounds of the weapons clashing against another, and the earth shaking as though something above them were smashing the ground… everything had become so intense within the last few minutes.

Both vampires and light faes could only keep on fighting, holding their grounds and never letting any orc touch even a strand of their princess and queen's hair.

And as time ticked by, second by second and minute by minute, the vampires and light faes were slowly being pushed back as their strength were waning. An orc had brought Zanya down who was trying to pull Kariza away from danger. She was then smashed to the ground and before she could lift her hands to stop the oncoming attack, Leon had appeared before her, blocking the savage orc's all-out attack. She knew that if he had not appeared there, she might have already…

But she could not even breath out her relief as she saw Leon's sword broke into two.

Zanya screamed out. But it was too late. The savage orc's sharp claw ripped through Leon's shoulder down to his abdomen, tearing his flesh as blood spurted out, filling the air with a heavy metallic tang. He fell back and Zanya who was half lying on the ground managed to catch him. She lifted her hands and her magic surged forth from her palms and hit the orc, sending it flying far back and slammed into the ancient stones as Leon's head rested on her bosom.

Quickly, she lowered her hand and placed it over Leon's large wound.

But the stubborn vampire still tried to sit up even with such a severe wound. "Stop! Stay still!"

"I can't. The fight is not over yet." Leon replied, sounding all breathless as his face paled even more.

"I said stay still, you pervert vampire or I'll knock you out!" Zanya's voice was shrill due to worry for him and she could feel her eyes becoming suspiciously wet. However, she pushed that thought for a later date and focussed on what was urgent at the moment.

Leon looked at her and he could not help but smile in disbelief and amusement. "I thought you hate me? I guess I was wrong, huh?" He then flashed a shaky grin at her.

"I hate you." Zanya glared at him, and he raised a brow at her.

"Really? Then why are you desperately trying to save me?" He was smiling as he asked her that.

"Don't get the wrong idea, vampire. I am desperate to save you because if you die, how the hell can I make you pay for what you did to me?! I'm not going to let you die, pervert. You'll have to pay for what you've done first!" She hissed at him, but Leon only chuckled in response.

He lifted his hand and touched her face, causing Zanya to freeze suddenly. "Don't worry, I'm not going to die over this. I'm looking forward for the payment you want too. So, I guess I need to stay alive." He smirked and then he pushed her hand off him and sat up.

"You! I told you to –"

Zanya could not finish her statement as everything suddenly seemed to stand still. Even Leon stilled before he could rise.

"Everyone, get behind me and stay there." A voice echoed. It was Evie. And she was shining like the noonday sun as she walked past them, heading towards the front line.

Then a roar of a dragon echoed next, causing the savage orcs to turn and look behind them.

In that short moment, Evie spread out her arms and when everyone was gathered behind her, she screamed out. "Burn them!" She called out her orders and fire came blasting forth. The vampires and light faes behind her were protected by her light shield as the savage orcs before them went up in flames and were incinerated into ashes within moments.

Chapter 359 - Purpose

Turning to the situation inside of the barrier, there it was like a completely different world from what was happening on the outside. Dark magic released by the two people in there was so strong that it collected and whirled around like a tornado as it escaped from the crystal, seemingly beyond eager to move into their new vessel.

Gavrael roared loudly as he continued to devour the dark magic that was being poured out by Galleous. He had no choice. This was the only way he could forge ahead. He needed to find a way to kill Galleous once and for all. Killing his vessel alone was not enough as it would only be a temporary solution because as long as Galleous himself remained alive inside the crystal, he would continue accumulating dark magic as time goes by and only the devil knows how much strength and magic would add up to his already overwhelming amount of magic if this continues. He would remain a threat to Evie. If he allowed Galleous to run free, he would then pose more than a threat to her. And that was what scared Gavrael more. And Gavrael would never let any danger that threatens the ones he loves – be it small or large – to keep existing like this. They needed to be eradicated. Completely and without mercy.

He was now certain on the hows and whys Evie was killed before he turned back time. It was all because of this evil doer. She was killed in order that her blood could flow to free Galleous from this crystal. Even if Evie was no longer the weak and fragile butterfly he knew from his past, Gavrael would never relax until this enemy has been eradicated and is gone forever from the face of this earth. As long as Galleous was still alive, Gavrael would keep on fearing that moment where he would find Evie's dead body would eventually arrive – sprawled in an awkward angle on the ground and skin cold and clammy to the touch. Just remembering how her skin, once pink and glowing with health had turned pale and almost paper white in death, brought on violent shivers wrecking his frame. He swore to himself again that never would he allow that scene to be repeated in this current timeline.

That was why he was going to do this. He had to do it! He had decided this was the sole purpose of his existence now. When he found out the whole truth about himself, about Gavriel, about what he did and the price he had to pay, and about the fact that he was someone who was no longer supposed to exist in this time and space anymore, Gavrael had decided on this one last thing. That he was going to disappear and let Gavriel and his memories return to this body once his purpose was finally accomplished.

At first, he was filled with hesitation and unwillingness. Especially when Evie came to him and made love with him. When she had held him that day and kissed him, greed bloomed and filled his heart. He wanted to be with her… to hold her… to be able to give her love and receive her love in return… forever. He did not want to disappear, only to be a part of her sweet memories and let Gavriel return to her. He had wanted her to be his, despite knowing this Evie belongs to Gavriel and that the Evie he had known and loved many years ago no longer existed in this time anymore. In fact, she never actually existed the moment he had turned back time.

No matter how his mind tells him she was still the same person, he knew clearly in his heart that it was not as simple as that. The Evie he had first met in that forest… his little timid butterfly… all their memories, they no longer exist in this timeline. He too, was not supposed to exist anymore and he knew it. That was why he was aware that he should not let his greed overpower him to desire and covet over this current Evie for himself now, much less forever. But it was not as easy as it appeared as planned in his mind. No matter who or what Evie would or had become, he would still fall impossibly and hopelessly in love with her. She will always be his one and only. She is his heart and his life.

He had even thought of never letting go anymore, telling himself that he fully deserved to be with her, and his darkness had even approved of his desire to take her for himself and to keep her with him forever. That was until Evie started to do her best to bring the memories of her Gavriel back. He had seen how desperate she was, how she longed for him to return to her. It had ripped his heart to shreds no matter how many times he told himself that Gavriel was still him and that his jealousy was ridiculous. But it was just impossible for him not to feel hurt and jealous to death.

Every time she tried something to make Gavriel return and then looked at him with so much hope and anticipation for the colours of his eyes to change, Gavrael felt utterly miserable. It was as though he were keeping her with him forcefully and was purposefully holding her back from the one that she truly loves. He realized then, how much Evie wanted her Gavriel back. How much she loves him, and he had seen to what extent she would go to do anything and everything for him.

He was seeing himself in her, as he was exactly the same. His desire to be with her and her desire to bring Gavriel back was the same. And it was that realization which had made him finally realise and decide to let her go. It was time for him to accept the cruel and hard fact that he does not belong in this timeline any longer. Whatever chance he did have had long since slipped past his fingers when he had reversed time back, so far to the point until when they were back as children. A wry and pain-filled smile hung across his lips.

Chapter 360 - Gavriel

Before he sent her back to Crescia, he had already made up his mind on this matter. He was going to end everything and make sure to completely eradicate any and all threats that could lead to Evie's death. And once all of that has been completed, he was going to back off and leave quietly.

Gavrael already had all these planned out. When he found out about Galleous' existence, he had already planned to kill him by devouring all his dark magic. This was the only way to defeat someone who was hiding inside an ancient crystal. In the Under Lands, devouring someone's magic was one of the forbidden spells that Gavrael had picked up and learned on his own. He had tried it out once before, back when he was still in training on one low levelled monster. He had managed to suck out all of the monster's magic and energy dry and when he had succeeded, the monster had turned into nothing but a pile of bones and hair. He was going to do just that to Galleous!

Claudius had told him that he had succeeded then without a problem because the monster was only at a very low level. However, he was warned that if he tried this out on his fellow dark fae, it would not be for free, most especially if he dared to devour someone that could be much more powerful than him. Gavrael was already aware about it since he always knew that forbidden magic always requires the user to pay a price in return for the benefits they got. So, he knew full well that what he was going to do with Galleous would definitely be costing him something.. And that something might be a really precious thing to him. But he was ready for whatever it was, and he had already figured out what he would give in return for using this forbidden spell.

"Come to me!!" Gavrael roared, summoning the dark magic that was swirling so thickly around him. There was no turning back now. He could see the tremendous dark magic coming out from the crystal. Galleous' voice could no longer be heard anymore over the hum of the magic within that cavern and what he was hearing now were the voices of the pure darkness that had consumed and lived within Galleous for the many thousands of years that he had been trapped.

When Gavrael had almost consumed all of it, his eye colour changed once again until there was no other colour but pure darkness.

Then he began to perceive within himself, the tremendous amount of raw and unbridled power. It was the kind of power he had never felt before. There was the feeling of utter triumph, knowing that this power he yields could change the course of nature itself. He felt that he was able to control the whole world now, even fate itself – it was as though everything was in the control of the palm of his hand. That sensation of superiority and potency truly lent him a giddiness in his mind that almost made him lose himself. It felt like he had almost become God himself.

His roars of pain as the dark magic sealed itself within him, claiming him, owning him, turned into a roar of villainous laugher booming out of him.

His entire body was shrouded in nothing but darkness and his consciousness was slowly getting swallowed as well. He forced his eyes to focus on the crystal that was no longer as majestic as before, all the shine and light totally drained dry from it. He could see cracks in it and to him, it was an indication as clear as day, that the person inside it had lost all his magic. He has been rendered useless and is now only an empty shell.

Gavrael then rose and with his now immense and impossible power, he smashed the already cracking dark crystal. The dark crystal broke into pieces and the moment Gavrael found Galleous' body exposed, he tore it apart mercilessly, and heartlessly, not giving him a single chance to retaliate or even open his mouth to speak.

His darkness laughed. The sinister laughter echoed in his head. But as Gavrael looked at the pieces of Galleous' body strewn about the area he was glad that he had finally managed to dispose of Galleous.

However, Gavrael knew his fight was not over yet. It was far from being over. In fact, it was only just starting. His darkness was laughing as it had a free and perfect vessel now. The huge amount of dark magic from Galleous had now merged with his very own darkness and now their power was something immeasurable, one that none have ever seen before.

The wings Gavrael had never had for being born a half vampire emerged majestically from his back and a pair of horns now appeared on his head as well. His hair had grown long until it fell down to his mid-back in a blink of an eye as his nails became pure black, long, and sharp.

Gavrael could feel himself getting lost in his own mind and he knew he would not stand a chance from this kind of power that was now owning him. There was only one thing he could do now before he descends completely into madness.

He shut his eyes and emptied his mind and let the small consciousness that was left in him fall deeper and deeper into the endless abyss that was within him.

And then as he had expected, he saw what he was looking for at the very bottom of it. Someone was trapped within him, a man with a pair of grey eyes, the man Evie had so desperately searched for and wanted him to return to her – Gavriel.

Their eyes met and the grey-eyed version of him spoke. "How's Evie?" was the very first thing that came out of his mouth. "She's alright, right?"