Ch. 531..540

Chapter 531 - Silly

Evie was dumbfounded. Did Gav not said that only when she called out his name would he appear before her? He could actually come out at his own will?!

She could only stare at those sinfully smouldering blue orbs of his. And she realized that the two of them seemed to have been caught off guard. Did the switch happen out of the blue for him as well?

But before Evie could say a word, he had already reached out to seize her into his arms and gripped her hard, so hard, that she could feel his body trembling a little.

"Evie…" his voice was hoarse as he called out her name and Evie managed to return his embrace after recovering from her initial shock. She could not believe what was happening and she was not quite sure on how to react. But right now, all that she was feeling within her was just the most immense form of relief. She was so glad that he had not truly disappeared as what she really thought happened and that everything about him as Gavrael was still here and had not been lost forever.

"Gav…" she uttered his name and Gavrael tightened his embrace around her as his aura darkened. The all brooding air around him seeping out as he gritted his teeth, causing Evie to pull away and look up at him. "What's wrong? Are you alright?" he did not seem to be pleased for some reason. She could feel how volatile his emotions were at this point.

He looked away, his face as dark as a stormy night, but his arms were still holding her, nonetheless. "I just came out and now you're already calling for him…" he murmured darkly, there was pain in his voice too.

Swiftly, Evie caught his face. Her palms lightly slapping against both his cheeks – she had done that intentionally – and that caused him to widen his eyes a little as he looked down at her, shocked at that tiny sting on his cheeks.

"I called for Gav, didn't I? Or did you hear me say Gavriel!" she scolded him but her gentle tone belied her actions. "And from now on I am going to use only 'Gav'. I want you to stop talking like Gavriel and Gavrael are two different persons, do you understand?" Evie made sure her tone was firm when she mentioned this. It was not something that she would be willing to compromise on. There was no point in having both personalities being hurt by misunderstandings that could be easily clarified. All she wanted to do was to love him.

He blinked at her, looking surprised at her words.

"I can't believe you'll get all this broody and jealous the very instant you're back, you silly, childish man." Evie continued on lecturing, "if you have already forgotten about how you have made me bawl and cry that last time when you said goodbye, then I'm telling you, I still remember it so vividly. So don't you dare act like this when you have hurt me so much the last time you were out." Evie reminded him sharply.

Gavrael was rendered speechless. He looked as though he totally had not expected this, her, scolding him this way. But her words… it immediately melted whatever dark emotions that had risen within him. And the memory of that moment, when she told him that she loves him, whatever side of him as she cried for him, struck a gong within his heart that continued ringing for quite some time.

Quietly, Gavrael moved and buried his face into her shoulders, hugging her tight. He was so incredibly happy, so happy that he thought that he might die. He truly never would have thought that Gavriel would have allow him to come out voluntarily and without certain conditions. He thought that Gavriel would only allow him to take over only when he needed him again like always. It was always when Gavriel was in extreme danger and could not resolve the problems with his own vampiric strength that he would summon him out. But this time, he actually…

"I'm sorry for hurting you…" he whispered weakly, but still not loosening his grip. "Forgive me for making you cry. I'll do anything for you… only if you promise you'd forgive me. Punish me all you want if that is what you need to make you feel better…" Gav desperately asked, suddenly afraid that she would not forgive him.

Her mouth dropped open. And his last line just made her remember what she had promised that time before the war with Galleous. She remembered how she had been so mad at him for imprisoning her in Crescia behind all those barriers that she had sworn she would punish him the next time she sees him.

This would be the perfect chance for her now, right? But… Evie could still feel the fear and reluctance oozing from him and she could not help but soften her stance for him. She sighed softly and started to caress his hair. How could she punish him when he is behaving like this? He is like soft cinnamon roll right now who could do nothing wrong but cling stickily onto her like this!

Of course, she would not be forgetting anytime soon on what kind of ferocious beast he was when he was provoked. But… right now, she could tell that he was still in an emotional mess. He was still fearful and reluctant or probably having a hard time believing the reality that is before him right now. Perhaps it was just too good to be true for him that he had the impression that he might be hallucinating.

And suddenly, a sudden mischievous idea popped into her head that made her ears turned red. Good gods, Gav was such a naughty god of seduction who always, always loved teasing her, that she could not even have the chance to tease him at all. In fact, she was always so powerless against Gav's teasing that Evie thought that even if she tries to tease him, he will definitely just turn the tables on her without her even realizing it had happened and ends up teasing her again until she explodes.. She always thought that it was impossible to tease Gav, but this version of him… Hmm… she chuckled internally.

Chapter 532 - Your Other Idiotic Self

One look at how he was behaving right now, and she could already imagine how he would react once she teases him. The thought made her blush and yes… hella excited when she thinks that this is now her chance to tease him too… and since he wanted her to punish him, so… oh gods, what was she thinking, right now?

"Don't say such thing. You might end up regretting your words," Evie's eyes wandered around. Thank god, he was not looking at her right now. "I might really punish you hard –"

"I don't mind." He cut her off. "I know I deserve it for hurting you. I know words alone isn't enough to make up for the tears you have shed and for the pain that I have caused you."

He pulled away and looked into her eyes deeply. Those blazing blue eyes looked so dangerous yet so vulnerable right now. "So don't hold back, Evie. Don't worry, whatever you do I will gladly take it. I will not defend myself and will never hate it, I promise." He spoke so seriously that Evie could hardly keep her stern gaze and wanted to laugh out loud.

Evie suddenly covered his eyes with her palms as she blushed hard. She could not believe what she was thinking as she listened to him speak and looked into his eyes like that. Gods… why did she feel that Gav is trying to bring out something wild from inside of her?

"Are you sure you won't regret it?" she found herself asking and she bit her lip.

"I won't. I swear."

"Fine," Evie pulled away from him. "You better be ready now," she told him in a warning tone, and he looked at her with slightly widened eyes.

"Now?" he questioned, taken aback as he did not expect it to be so quick.

"Yes, now." Evie replied calmly as she nodded and looked at Gav without much expression on her face.

"Not now, Evie." Gav shook his head quickly, rejecting the idea immediately.

Raising her brow at him, Evie questioned. "And why not now? Did you not just told me that you would not resist nor defend against my punishment? Why are you resisting now?"

"You need to rest." He replied to her questioning simply, as though it was something of a given fact. She could not carry out something tiring like a punishment if she was tired out. "You can punish me once you have rested sufficiently."

"… =_=!!" Evie was speechless as she stared at Gav for a couple of seconds, not sure if she should laugh or cry. She then pinched the skin between her brows and let out a helpless sigh. She could not believe this Gav too was trying to put her to bed. What is with these two and them trying to get her to sleep?! She understood but…

"No." A response finally fell from her lips.

"Yes, Evie. You must rest." He insisted in all seriousness. And there it goes, his mood swing. "I made a promise, yes. But I never did say we could do it 'now'." He defended himself and explained his actions.

Evie was about to roll her eyes when they suddenly fell on his groin. The sight that greeted her caused her to throw him a look with a raised brow. There was a very clear tent that was raised in his pants at the junction of his legs.

Gav cleared his throat a little and looked away. "Ignore it." he said with some measure of embarrassment and Evie could not help but burst out laughing. She remembered that he had told her that exact same line before.

He looked at her with a complicated expression on his face. Seeing her still laughing, he then frowned slightly.

"I'm serious this time, Evie." He sounded displeased and all broody again. "That idiot did leave me with one warning."

Evie's chuckle stopped. "That idiot… Gav gave you a warning?!" Evie perked up her ears as she was curious as to what Gav had warned him about. This should be interesting.

"Yes. We didn't meet. But as we switched places, I heard his voice loud and clear. 'Let her rest tonight, she's spent. Or else…' And that was what that idiot said." Gav honestly recalled and told Evie everything. However, she could see there was a slight poutiness to his attitude as he told her that.

Seeing that, Evie again pressed her lips tight as she chuckled silently. Why was this just so funny to her?

"And you're going to listen and obediently follow the instructions of your other idiotic self? Hmm…?" Evie asked him, feeling so amused. And Gavrael averted his gaze again, glaring at the space outside the window now, feeling as though he was being wronged by his other self.

"Yes. Because I am powerless over him. He'll force me back into my cage any time he wants." He muttered with displeasure.

"Both of you couldn't see or know what's happening outside when the other takes over, is it not?" Evie checked with Gav on this.

"Yes. But that idiot will certainly know if you didn't get any rest once he takes over. And I do believe you really need the rest too, Evie." His face was so serious and sincere as he said that that Evie could only sigh out helplessly.

"Are you really sure, Gav?" she asked, teasingly as her gaze fell back to the tent in his pants. The tent seemed to only have gotten 'taller' and Evie smiled to herself.

Suddenly, he grabbed her and the next thing Evie knew, he was already wrapping her up with a furry blanket. He then rolled her gently and embraced her in his arms as they both lay on the bed. Evie was still trying to process what had happened when finally, she realised that she had already been neutralised. This man…!!

"Don't provoke me, Evie. You know how bad I can get if you continue doing naughty things like this." He whispered hotly into her ear. "I am trying my best to be good to you for even for a little while."

Chapter 533 - Little Beast

"So this is you being good, hm? Gav –"

"Hush now, please," Gavrael cut her off again, his overbearing voice now sounded a little pleading, "You need to sleep."

And Evie could only sigh a little petulantly. He was cuddling her so closely to him that she could still see his face but somehow, she was glad he could not see her face right now. Honestly speaking, she was actually more than a little disappointed with how things turned out. She had initially thought that the moment she saw Gav's blue eyes, the two personalities would have finally merged. She thought they had finally become one and were now sharing the same memories and experiences as they should be.

She thought that the fact that Gavriel accepting Gavrael's existence and coming to terms with his other self would be the key to solving their dual identities. But it seems that that alone, was still not enough. What then would it take to finally solve this? Though she was doing her best to act as though everything was alright, and somehow she was able to keep a neutral stance between them, she was still actually very much troubled over this issue. And she knew that despite all the acceptance, this situation would always be complicated as long as the two of them keep having two different sets of memories and experiences. It would always, always feel as though something was not quite right as long as they continue to keep switching places like this.

Shutting her eyes close, Evie felt his grip on her tighten again so she too tightened her own hold on his hand and rubbed little circles into the back of his hand with her thumb. He loosened up a little when she did that. She could even feel his whole body relaxed from its initially tighter hold on her.

With a slight smile lingering on her face, she opened her eyes again. She just could not bring herself to go to sleep. Despite the long distance of travelling and their intense love making session just a while ago, it was strange how she still felt so energetic and not even a hint of tiredness at all. Lately, since she had arrived in the Under Lands, she began to feel as though her energy was overflowing. And she had taken note that the longer she stays here, this energy just seem to keep growing more and more. It was as if her energy reserves are being expanded and getting larger over time.

She did not pay much attention to it at first and just thought that it must be because she had not been using her magic at all, since she had arrived here. It has been a while since the last time she had used her magic. Also, on top of that, her thoughts were occupied not only by her husband's situation and this upcoming war but with other matters as well.

Since the moment she had heard about mating bond, that the dark faes actually do have mates, she could not help but keep thinking about it. Her mind kept dwelling on that particular topic specifically. She had tried to stop herself from thinking about it, but she just could not. King Belial and Queen Beatrice were mates. Gideon and Vera too… how about Gav and her?

Gav was a half dark fae too, that means he would also have his destined mate, right? Yet nothing of that sort had happened to them. Does this mean… Gav had yet to meet his fated mate and… it was not her? When her train of thought arrived at this possibility, she felt her heart wrench in such a way that it was even more painful than a physical cut being made on her own flesh.

Her eyes closed tightly, wanting to shut it out of her mind. She really hated it when that thought came to her. Because she could not explain what she felt every time she thought about that. She could not … accept even the mere thought of it. How was it possible that she was actually not even Gav's mate? No! There was no way this could be true… she would not accept that!

"Evie?" Gav's voice echoed next to her, and Evie realized that he had already rolled her over again and now his gorgeous face was hovering over hers. His intense blue eyes staring down at her with a worried look. "What is it?" he asked seriously.

Evie blinked. Oh no… Did Gav realise what was on her mind? Her mood must have plunged so low that he was even alerted to her behaviour.

"I… nothing… I was just reflecting and thinking about something." Evie tried to force a natural smile, but Gav's expression did not change at all as he scrutinised her without speaking. He did not move to coax her to speak. He just stared at her with that dark, dejected expression. And somehow, Evie could already tell what he was probably thinking and feeling right now.

"I'm going then," he said sullenly. His bright blue eyes dimmed a little before lowering it from her face.

As expected… this man!! Evie truly was torn in between wanting to scream out in exasperation or laughing out loud at how this man was behaving so childishly at the moment.

"No, wait a moment. I'm –" she quickly started explaining, trying to avoid the misunderstanding from getting worse.

"He's the one you need right now. I have no idea what to do to help make you feel better except..." he trailed off and quickly looked away, his jaws clenching a little.

Suddenly, Evie pushed him down and he fell back on the bed. His eyes were wide as he looked up at her, shocked at how she had knocked him back so forcefully.

"You, silly, silly little beast." She sighed and Gav's eyes widened even more, not understanding what she meant.

Did she just call him 'silly LITTLE beast'? What the hell was LITTLE about him? This woman…

Chapter 534 - Circumstances

"Fine, I'll tell you what's troubling me right now. And no, I had no chance to talk to him about this matter as of yet." Evie told him. "Also, because I knew you're the one who can answer my questions regarding this." Her voice weakened a little at the end of her last sentence.

She was not sure if it was the right thing for her to ask. But she really needed to deal with this matter too. It really was driving her nuts! She would not be able to hide this any longer from Gavriel, knowing how perceptive he was. He would definitely notice her troubled condition sooner or later and begin to probe about it. Moreover, she knew that this talk should be done with Gavrael as he is the one who has the dark fae side.

"Uhm… Gideon… your brother, had recently completed forming the mating bond with his mate, Vera." she told him, and Gav's brows creased, confused at the mention of Gideon. "I am just curious Gav…" she paused. And there was hesitance in her voice now. "When… when we were together in the past… did anything got triggered between us? What I meant to say was… back then, did our… mating bond… got triggered at any point when I was with you? And that… was I your… mate then?" her question came out so broken and with intermittent stops that she was afraid Gav would not be able to catch her meaning.

Evie did not even realize that she was holding her breath as she waited for his response eagerly, but at the same time, with trepidation as well. He looked surprised at her question, much more shocked than expected. And she could not help but bite down on her lips and fake a smile.

"Looks like you've never once thought of our mating bond before." She said quietly, voice full of dejection as she let herself fall on top of him and rested her face on his shoulder. "Don't worry about the question, I was just being curious. I just can't help but wonder… what if… one day you end up meeting your destined mate and… and it wasn't me?" Her heart trembled violently within the confines of her chest as she said that. Gav then wrapped his arms around her so tight.

"Do not worry about that, Evie." He said firmly, as though he was sure of the matter. "Yes, I'm a dark fae but I think that because of my vampire half, I won't be like all the other dark faes who have their destined mates."

"But that's not something you should be so sure about, Gav." She murmured weakly and Gavrael rose, making her look at him.

"I don't care about mating bonds. You're the only woman for me. No one else, mate or not, can compare to your value in my life… never doubt that." He said firmly, like there was nothing in this world that he was more certain about but that.

Evie smiled at him, and she exhaled as she rested her face on his shoulder. "Thank you." she uttered before she allowed her eyes to flutter close. "But I still can't sleep Gav, could you use your magic to put me to sleep? Since you have been insisting for me to rest, you might as well help me in this." She requested and Gavrael stilled. But eventually, he casted the spell and Evie slowly dozed off in his embrace.

He held her like that for a long while before laying her down on the bed and watched her angelic sleeping face. He would never get tired of watching her beautiful face be it when she was awake or in sleep. Staring at her beautifully curved cheeks that were so fair curved down to that slender neck only made him want to nip and lick along that line.

After watching her for hours, Gavrael hugged her tight and he descended deep within himself. He wanted to speak with his other idiot self. Since Gavriel had caged him that day, he had never reached out and spoken to him again. That moment was the first and last time they had faced each other.

The moment Gavriel saw him, he lifted his brow in question. This idiot would willingly return to this place? Something must have happened.

"Something's troubling her." Gavrael immediately shot out. But Gavriel remained calm, not looking surprised at all.

"Well… she'll continue feeling a bit troubled so long as the two of us are going about exchanging places like this. Our situation is very weird no matter how much we all try to understand the circumstances. And the only thing we can do right now is accept it – no matter how hard it seems to be. I thought something will change once I accepted you. But it turns out that I'm wrong." Gavriel said, sighing.

"It's too late for you to regret not letting me disappear –"

"I need you." Gavriel cut him off. "You and I both know that. And don't behave as though you really wanted to go. You and I both know you were dying to stay. This war is also another huge trouble that is brewing, and I am more than certain you have a huge role to play in this." he paused, and his calm grey eyes gleamed as he looked at Gavrael.

The calmness in his eyes then suddenly wavered and Gavrael saw a hint of fear in them. He thought at first Gavriel would talk about the mating bond. But by the look of him right now, he felt like he's being troubled by something much more serious than that, even more serious than the war.

"About Evie's pregnancy…" he started and Gavrael slightly frowned, never expecting that topic at all. "I heard that a woman who died before was not supposed to… ever get pregnant… So, tell me… Evie's circumstance is completely different from… from King Sarion's wife, right? Evie… indeed died once. But what you did was to turn back time instead of reviving her. That's why it's going to be a totally different situation, right? Gavrael?" and his slate grey eyes lifted to look into Gavrael's electric blue ones, full of worry and fear.

Thank you for the birthday wishes spellbounders! And for those who came and supported my comic on tapas, i can't thank you guys enough.. Again, thank you. You guys are the best! ♡♡♡

Chapter 535 - Less Complicated

The shock in Gavrael's eyes made Gavriel feel the fear grow even more in his heart. It was obvious that Gavrael never had thought about this possibility at all until now when he brought it up. Well, he could understand. Gavrael never had the luxury to think about his actions or even the consequences of his decisions.

When he came out, there was a war and he had forgotten about what he did, that he had turned back time to save Evie. Of course, he would be shocked as hell now.

Still Gavriel wanted him to say something. That this issue about Evie and her pregnancy, and their child, was a completely different matter altogether.

Disoriented, Gavrael nodded. "Yes. It's definitely different in her case. You… have already said it. I turned back time. But for Queen Ellia's case… it was totally different for her. It's not the same. Evie will be just fine." He said but the both of them knew that those words were not rock solid facts. He was only saying what he believed or what he desperately wanted to believe for it to be true. And Gavriel was the same as well. He had told himself those exact same words many times since the very moment he had heard about the story of Queen Ellia and King Sarion.

But they could not just sit there, keep their fingers crossed and just helplessly hope that they were right. No way in hell! He was not going to allow even a possibility of Evie being put in danger… no way in hell! He needed to try and do something… whatever it takes.

"Listen," Gavriel's steely grey eyes gleamed as he looked at the blue eyed version of himself. "We need to deal with this. Immediately! We need to make sure that nothing will happen, and Evie will be just fine. And no way in hell are we going to sit on our asses and just wait. So, we'll have to think of a plan or a solution and come up with something right now." His tone was serious and sounded as hard as flint.

Gavrael stared back at Gavriel. "I'll go seek for help." He said immediately, "Those ancient dark faes who taught me all those forbidden dark magic, they most probably are our best bet for now. If anyone knows anything on how to fix this, it's probably them. I can get every information that is needed –"

"No! It's imperative that we carry this out in utmost secrecy." Gavriel cut him off. "If you go around asking everyone or anyone about this, I'm certain it will eventually leak out. By then, it would be just a matter of time. I don't want Evie to know about this. We can't give her anymore things to worry about at this point in time."

"You're right," Gavrael immediately agreed. "She should not find out about this as well. She's already so troubled as it is now about us and that mating bond too." He gritted his teeth as his darkness began to blaze and swirl around him.

"Mating bond? What do you…" Gavriel's eyes slowly widened at the thought that suddenly came to him.

"Evie… she's very troubled about this. She asked me if… if the mating bond was triggered between me and her past self when we were together back then, before I turned back time." Gavrael brought Gavriel up to speed on this issue as his fists clenched. "She was thinking that… she might not be my mate. And she had tried to brush it off as though it did not really matter after asking me about it. But I could see very clearly that she is definitely troubled by it."

A heavy, dangerous silence reigned between them. Gavriel also found himself clenching his fists tight. When they were watching the mating ritual of Gideon and Vera, Gavriel had already felt a peculiar emotion coming from Evie. However, he had never thought she was thinking and worrying about such a thing!

"I told her I am different from the other dark faes because I am not a pure blood. I have you, my vampire side, so I might not even have a mate. But from her response… I know that she's still troubled over it." Gavrael continued.

Gavriel ran his fingers through his hair distractedly. Of course she would feel troubled. Terribly troubled, in fact. He could already predict on how Evie's line of thought about this and he could only clench his jaws hard. He knew that no matter how they explain to her that they do not care about this mating bond, it will always haunt her. The thought that she might not be the fated mate for them would constantly be at the back of her mind, nagging at her and causing her innumerable heartaches.

He rested his head again at the invisible wall behind him and shut his eyes closed. Damn it all to hell! Why is it that it had to happen now? Problems were just bombarding them one after another!

"If we have a mate, it would only be Evie, no one else." Gavriel muttered firmly, then his lids slowly lifted, and his grey eyes were dangerously calm again. "I always believe that it could only be her and no one else. She's already fated for us. She's always destined to be with us. I don't have even a tiny doubt about that. It is a fact that is carved in stone. I have always believed that she is our mate. But no matter what you or I believe, the only way to make her feel at ease and stop being troubled about this right now is for our mating bond to be triggered and commence."

"Why are you so certain about that? That I will be like the other dark faes with mates?" Gavrael questioned.

"Stop using 'I', you, idiot. It's irking me. Use 'we' instead, at least that sounds less complicated." Gavriel could not help but frown at him.

They stared at each other. Gavrael glared at him but eventually he relented.

"Fine, now answer me. And stop calling me an 'idiot'. That would mean you are an idiot too." His blue orbs blazed with warning, but Gavriel simply smirked darkly at him before his expression turned serious again.

"No reason. I just believe that. And isn't it pretty obvious? If she's not our destined mate, we wouldn't have fallen in love with each other again after being separated like that. Even after all the things that had happened in the past, Evie still ended up in our arms in the end did she not? I refuse to believe that it was due to some coincidence. To me, that's nothing but fate." Gavriel answered and Gavrael looked like he instantly began agreeing with Gavriel's explanation. "I believe that the reason our mating bond is not triggered yet is because something that could trigger the mating bond is yet to happen. I always believe everything happens for a reason and that there's always a way to deal with things that are seemingly impossible to deal with. For this too… I know we can deal with this.. One step at a time."

Chapter 536 - Plans

"How?" Gavrael asked. As he looked at Gavriel, there was a hint of awe in his eyes that disappeared all too soon before Gavriel returned his gaze to him. "State it. I will do everything in my power to make it happen." He declared and the wisps of darkness surrounding him started swirling determinedly again, seemingly affected by his gung-ho mood.

"Knowledge. We need more knowledge about this mating bond first. I can clearly tell how you were never interested in this matter before this. So I know you don't have much of knowledge about this as well. Am I right?"

"You're right. But, the good news is that I can get any information I need in a blink of an eye. I can force anyone to spill out information I need –"

"There is no need for us to go that far," Gavriel waved his hand. "Even if you did all that, the information you receive might end up being unreliable and useless to us. Remember, mating bonds are unique to each and every couple. Therefore, the last thing we want now is having misleading information that would lead us astray from the main goal."

"Then what the hell is the other way you've been thinking about to gain this knowledge that we need?"

"The forbidden library."

Gavrael's eyes stretched a little. "How did you know about that?"

"Mother… Queen Beatrice mentioned it." Gavriel answered. Since he had heard about this library, Gavriel had been deeply intrigued even by the mention of this place. He was so fascinated when he heard that Leah found a way to save her soul by going to that library to look for information. That incident made Gavriel think that that library might actually have all the answers to anything that was related to dark magic. The mating bond only happens to dark faes. Therefore, in other words, it happens because of the presence of dark magic.

Gavriel believe that as long as there was a connection with dark magic, they could always find an answer in that place. Perhaps, not all answers would be found, but at least it will give some sort of a clue or a lead to solve every problem about dark magic. Gavriel was also confident that they could find an answer or even a clue to the matter that was worrying them about Evie's pregnancy.

That place, that forbidden library, had been in existence for a reason. And this was definitely its purpose. Since only kings can access it, Gavriel could tell that none of those kings, even King Belial had managed to read through all or even half of the books that were in there.

And what mystified Gavriel the most was the fact that Leah knew how to find for the exact book where the information she had wanted was. How did she know about the forbidden library and that answers could be found in the books in the first place? Gavriel had thought hard and long about it, and he could only come up with one conclusion. Perhaps, the dark fae spirits were given all this knowledge about the existence of the forbidden library and what was found in there. And this only meant one thing to Gavriel, his theory that all answers could be found in that place must be a fact.

If a dying spirit like Leah managed to find a way to be saved, then there would be no excuse for them who are currently living not to find a way too!

"We must go there in secret. That place will give us all the answers that we need." Gavriel then said decisively and Gavrael fell silent for a while, just staring back at him.

"Fine," he said eventually, despite the tight knot that had formed on his brows. "Just call me out when I'm needed."

"No. I'll stay. You will go out." Gavriel shook his head and rejected Gav's switch.

"What?!" Gavrael frowned now.

"Don't you want to meet up with the king and queen?"

"That can wait. You need to go to the library to find answers first and foremost. I'll stay here. You know I hate planning and thinking hard about things. You can use me all you want when I'm needed in fights. But this… this, I don't think I'm fitted for such matters." Gav scrunched up his face in a grimace.

"No, don't argue with me about this and just listen. I can't wield magic, don't forget that. It would take me forever to find what I'm looking for without using magic. Asking someone's help is out of the question here as we're trying to keep this a secret. So, you need to be the one to do this. Meet your family and then find a way to talk to the king to let you enter the forbidden place. Also, if it is you, Evie won't be too suspicious of your actions. If you disappear out of nowhere, she won't think much about it, unlike if it was me."

Gavrael fell silent again as if processing everything Gavriel was reasoning out.

"Stop thinking and just agree. Didn't you say you hate thinking hard?" Gavriel smirked at him.

A sharp stare was Gavrael's reply.

"Don't worry, this decision is not made on a whim. I've already thought hard about this. You said you'd do anything, didn't you? So, now here we go. I will not come out until we find an answer or a lead so you should only come in and talk to me only when Evie's asleep to show me all the information you've gathered."

Gavrael's gaze now narrowed slightly. "You're willingly letting me to be with Evie and everyone without switching? You do realise that this could take a few days or even more, right?"

"I know. Don't worry, I'm not an idiot to be so petty about this anymore. It's really useless and stupid to just keep feeling jealous of each other now. What matters now is our goal to find answers. This is for Evie's sake and that's the most important thing. Now go, we don't have much time to waste because of this looming trouble."

Silently, Gavrael held Gavriel's eyes until he finally turned around to hide the look that flashed in his eyes. It was just weird for him to feel amazed at this other version of himself. Gavrael knew that if it is just him, he would never have thought of all these methods and be able to come up with such plans to solve these problems.

One last time, he looked at Gavriel over his shoulder and saw him already closing his eyes and sitting lazily as he leaned his head back against the floor. He looked like he was already back to thinking again.

He waited for him to say something more, but no other words came until he is finally out again. As his lashes fluttered open, he heard that sweetest voice he loves so much.

"You're finally awake," Evie said, smiling at him as she brushed his hair off his forehead. "I bet mother and father-in-law will be shocked once we go over to greet them and they see the colour of your eyes." She grinned wider, looking excited. "Now let's rise, Gav and get ready. They're already waiting for us outside right now.. You need to meet them before King Belial sets out to go to the Abyss of Darkness again."

 

Chapter 537 - Cold And Gloomy

Evie was all smiles, holding onto Gavrael's hand as they unhurriedly walked towards the terrace where the dark fae King and Queen were having their morning tea. She just could not wait to surprise the King and Queen!

But as they were about to enter through the last door that would lead them to their destination, Gavrael suddenly halted, causing Evie to turn to face him, wondering what the matter was.

Gavrael looked away to avoid directly meeting Evie's eyes. But she did not need to look directly into his eyes to realize that the man was getting a bit tense. She could tell from the way his hand was tightening itself around hers. Evie smiled softly at him and squeezed his hand back in a reassuring manner.

"Gav?" she called out softly and he took a shallow breath before lifting his eyes to meet her gaze. Then she tiptoed and kissed his mouth, catching him by surprise.

The man froze and Evie pulled away, chuckling. "It's okay, Gav. They are your parents, remember? You don't have to be nervous."

He frowned slightly and averted his gaze again. "I'm not."

Evie just smiled again. "That's good then, now come. Don't worry, your parents aren't going to gang up on you. And I seriously doubt that they would eat you up too." She then chuckled at her own words.

Then she pulled him in without giving Gav another chance to retort as they both finally walked through the door.

It led them into a spacious terrace which was overlooking the scenic beauty of the Great City and the shimmering crystals that were sparkling above. The view was just breathtaking, like another paradise in the dark.

King Belial and Queen Beatrice turned their heads as they saw their son and daughter-in-law walking in. However, their smile turned to surprise as their sights landed and focussed on Gavrael.

The queen was the first to rise and she ran towards her son, covering her mouth. "Gav… your eyes!" Beatrice exclaimed, her gaze flying back and forth between Evie and Gavrael, looking for an explanation but too overwhelmed to voice her thoughts out.

"What happened?! Wait…!! This means… you remember us now, right? Son?!" Beatrice probed excitedly and as soon as Gavrael gave a tiny nod, Beatrice hugged him. "Oh my, Gavy…" she muttered and Gavrael wrapped his arms around her too, albeit a little slower in response.

He did not say a word, but his head was bent over as if to hide his face. Beatrice immediately felt the emotions he was silently exuding. He was hugging her so tightly and Beatrice could not help but feel emotional as well.

She rubbed Gavrael's back. "I'm so happy that you can remember us again, my dearest son. I'm so glad." Her voice shook as her eyes teared up slightly. And after a long while, with just the mother and son, hugging each other, Gavrael finally pulled away and let go of his mother. He had missed her terribly too.

"How about me, son? No hug for me?" King Belial raised a brow at Gavrael. Despite the mischief in his smile, the gladness was also shining clearly in his blue blazing eyes. The king was not shy to express how he had missed his son.

Gavrael did not move. "Good to see you again, father." Was all he said and that caused Evie to blink at him.

King Belial faked a disappointed sigh. "Your memories are indeed back Gavrael, my prodigal son." There was a hint of mischief in his smile as he said those words.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Gavrael replied, and King Belial chuckled, leaning over to Evie.

"This is how your husband used to speak to his father when he was still living here in the Under Lands. He's quite the cold and gloomy boy to everyone including me except to his mother." The king told Evie in a stage whisper. Of course, Gavrael heard it, but he did not bother to react. "He's very unfair to his old man, isn't he? I am his father and yet it seems as though he didn't miss me at all for those long years that we were apart." The King continued and Evie pressed her lips tight together and controlled her facial expressions, knowing what the king was up to.

"Well, yes." Evie agreed. "He's indeed…" she trailed off, pressing her lips tight again the moment Gavrael moved and moved to hug King Belial. She found the look in Gav's face really funny, and a wide grin spread across her face.

The king's smile was as wide, if not wider, as he patted Gavrael's back firmly. "Alright, I guess I need to take back what I just said earlier." he chuckled but eventually, his expression turned serious as the father and son pulled away from each other. "Your magic…" the king started, stepping back as if to take a good look at Gavrael. His eyes narrowed a little as he scrutinized him. "When did your magic start leaking out and lingering around you like this, son?"

Gavrael frowned a little. "I can't recall exactly when." He answered and the king touched his own chin.

"Hmm… so you're saying that your magic has been like this for a long while now?"

"Yes, I think so." Gav was also frowning as he tried to think back as to when this phenomenon had been occurring.

"Can you try suppressing them now, son?"

"Why?" The furrow lines on Gavrael's forehead deepened.

"It's riling my magic up, I think. It's like your magic is trying to provoke mine. Now mine is clamouring to be released out of their containment as well." King Belial said. He sounded calm as a placid lake, but Evie saw the curiosity and intrigue swirling about in his deep eyes.

"I can't," Gavrael answered in the next second, causing the King's eyes to stretch a little.

"You can't? You're not going to tell me that you are not in control of it are you, son?" King Belial's voice held a tinge of concern.

When Gavrael could not answer, King Belial's calm eyes changed. "Are you telling me that your magic is all over the place like this, all the time whenever your memories as Gavrael return and your eyes turn blue?"

The moment Gavrael nodded, the King looked speechless for a moment. Then he turned to look at Evie. "You've been staying close to Gavrael's side all these while when his dark magic is acting in this manner?"

Evie met the king's gaze. "Yes, but… when we are together, his dark magic usually settles down and stops leaking. I also notice that when he's closer to me, his magic stops behaving like this." She explained and she pulled Gavrael next to her to show both King Belial and Queen Beatrice what she meant. She then held his hand and pressed her body against him.

The king watched intently as Gavrael's magic slowly disappears, causing both the king and queen to fall speechless at the sight.

"But there are a few times," Evie added, "when I noticed Gav's magic will still leak out like that even when we're together.. And that usually occurs when something angers him."

Chapter 538 - Permission

"I see…" King Belial said, looking more intrigued now. "I think I need you to come along with me to the Abyss after our breakfast, son." The king's expression was very serious. "I feel this magic of yours to be the same as the miasma that is coming out from the abyss. I am not a hundred percent certain, so I need you to come along, and we will investigate."

Gavrael did not even hesitate to agree. He immediately thought that that would be his chance to speak with his father about the forbidden library once they were alone.

"I want to come too," Evie quipped, and the father and son's heads immediately swung to look at her.

"No way, Evie. You will stay here," Gavrael's tone was firm.

"My dear daughter," the King butted in as he saw Evie's expression souring at Gav's overbearing tone, "I know you're eager to see the abyss. But I think it's best for you to stay with Beatrice here in the palace for now. Do not worry, once we are done making sure everything is safe, if things look all good today, we'll be taking the both of you along with us tomorrow. Is that alright?"

With the king's smooth coaxing, Evie could only reluctantly agree. Somehow, this father-in-law of hers sounded so much like Gavriel. He is just so good at persuading people! She sighed and thought that it was no doubt that these two were father and son!

Evie did not insist any longer because even though she really wanted to go see the abyss, she realized it was only wise of her to exercise extra precaution. Especially for the sake of their child. Moreover, she too has her own agenda for today as well. She wanted to speak with her queen mother about the dark faes' mating bond. She could not help but still be disturbed by it. She wanted to know more, if possible, everything about it.

After their breakfast, King Belial and Gavrael finally set out to go to the Abyss.

Once they reached the Abyss of Darkness, Gavrael began to feel as though he was more and more disturbed. He started to notice that his magic was swirling deep inside, as though a storm was brewing within him.

"Are you alright, son?" the king asked as they both stood at the edge of the massive hole. They have not even jumped down into the pit yet to see the well-like hole located in its very depths.

"Yes." Gavrael said after a deep breath.

"I don't think so. Your magic's blazing out of control." King Belial looked at him with concern. Then he cast a very strong barrier around the two of them to keep the dark miasma from touching Gavrael. He had noticed Gav's dark magic began to blaze out of control as soon as the miasma made contact with his leaking magic.

When the barrier had surrounded them both, Gavrael began to feel better. His magic settled down again, causing the King look at Gavrael like he is a puzzle waiting to be solved.

"I'm certain now that I am right." King Belial declared and Gav looked at him.

"About what?"

"That this miasma and your dark magic has some sort of connection to each other. This miasma had always been harmless, powerless even. But the moment it touched your magic, it began to move like your magic had breathed life into it."

Gavrael creased his brows, even more confused now.

"Let's back off for now, son." The king said and the two of them disappeared from the edges of the abyss. They materialized back in the military camp situated a little farther off from the abyss.

"Don't you think…" Gavrael started once the two of them sat across each other inside the king's tent. "Don't you think I still should try to expose myself to the miasma there to see what will happen?"

"No, that's too risky. We don't need to make a risky move right now." the king shook his head. "We'll try again tomorrow. I am planning to take your wife along with us and see if something changes. I have a theory I want to test out. For now, I'll return there alone to survey the abyss once more. If all is good, we'll bring Evie and Beatrice here as well."

"I understand." Gavrael said, surprising the king with his obedience. He thought that this son of his would insist and try to go ahead with that risky plan of his. "But father," his gaze on him became more intense. "I want to go to the forbidden library. Please grant me the permission to enter."

The King was speechless before narrowing his eyes. "Why?"

"I have something I need to find there," he answered truthfully but not giving out the details. "Don't worry, I am not going there to learn forbidden magic. I only need answers."

King Belial stared at his son for a long while before a soft sigh escaped his mouth. "Alright," he uttered, causing Gavrael to look at him with surprise. He never had expected the king to agree this easily and quickly. In fact, he had expected his father to say no. With his record of learning forbidden spells in the past, Gavrael was almost certain that the king will refuse his request. "I'm giving you permission, Gavrael. You can visit the library all you want."

Before Gavrael could open his mouth to react, the king stood. "You can go back to the palace now, son. Once I'm done here, I think I'll join you there as well. I have something I'd like to find out from the forbidden library too."

And with that said, the king left him.

Once Gavrael came out of the tent, he saw the king now heading back towards the abyss. Three of the ten lords and a few more generals were headed there with him as well.

Gavrael stared at the abyss from where he was, before he flew off and headed back to the Great City. Now he understood the unease he had seen in Gavriel's eyes when they had spoken about the possible upcoming war in the Under Lands.

He could clearly feel it when he was standing at the edge. Something is in that abyss. And it is something dangerous. He needed to hasten now and solve this matter with Evie. Because he had a feeling that whatever it was that was about to happen, they are now running out of time.

Chapter 539 - Item

A while ago, just after Gavrael and King Belial left the palace, Evie did not waste a moment longer before she turned around to speak with her mother-in-law. However, before Evie could bring up the topic about mating bonds, the ancient dark fae, Claudius, arrived with a knock at their door.

The dark fae was apparently asked by Queen Beatrice to bring something over to her.

"Did you bring it? Claudius?" the queen asked eagerly.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Claudius then used magic and something that was wrapped with white silk suddenly seemed to just appear in his hands. He laid it down carefully on the table that was between them. Evie was curious as to what was this item that even had Claudius handling it so carefully.

"I've been really wanting to show you this, my dear." Beatrice told Evie excitedly, "I don't know why, but I kept thinking about this ever since I met you back in Yryzia. It felt as though I needed to let see it."

Beatrice then moved to uncover it. Her every movement though enthusiastic, was careful and full of caution. Evie felt her heartbeat quicken with anticipation. What was it that Beatrice wanted to show her? What was it that was so important to this extent?

The moment it was uncovered, Evie blinked. It was a bow. A golden and beautifully arched bow with intricate designs of two snake-like dragons were carved into the body of that bow. Evie instinctively felt that it was not a normal bow as she could feel a sense of resonance with it.

It was strange but Evie began to get that feeling again. She remembered that she had felt something like this happening as well when she first saw her necklace, back in Dacria. It was like just the sight of it was enough to be able to evoke something to resonate within her and she could not bear to take her eyes of it.

"This bow is actually found by Gavrael when he was younger." Beatrice informed her, causing Evie to look at her with intrigue.

A small smile curved on Beatrice's lips. "I remember him coming to me and telling me that he had found a strange but beautiful treasure." But then, her smile faded. "That boy didn't tell me one thing at that time though. He conveniently forgot to mention to me that he had found this bow in the abyss."

"In the abyss?!" Evie echoed out in shock, her eyes now widening.

"Yes. I only found out that he discovered it in the abyss later on when he let his tongue slip that one time when he was complaining that he couldn't find any arrows that should go along with it." the queen shook her head exasperatedly as she thought back on how her son was so mischievous in his younger years. "I couldn't believe that he had secretly gone to that risky place looking for arrows next." Queen Beatrice huffed and rolled her eyes.

"Why? Why was he looking for it?" Evie asked, curiosity flashing in her eyes.

"I asked him that too, but he couldn't answer. He had that funny face like he didn't know exactly why he was looking for that as well. Eventually, I think he'd given up looking for the matching arrows and until now, no one had managed to find any golden arrows in there. This bow certainly doesn't belong to any dark fae, as you can clearly see. And I feel like this bow is obviously forged with light magic instead of dark magic. You can feel it right? Evie?" At this, Queen Beatrice raised her sparkling eyes to Evie.

Evie just nodded as she returned her gaze to the bow again. Her mother-in-law was right, one glance and she could unmistakably feel how this bow does not belong to this land of dark magics. It belongs to the light faes and somehow, she had a feeling that it does not belong to just any light fae as well.

"Why is it there? I mean… in the abyss, of all places? How did it even end up there?" Evie questioned.

"That's my question too. According to historical records, light faes hadn't been allowed to enter into the Under Lands for such a long time, much less to reach the Abyss. The most intriguing thing was that this bow seemed to be already in the abyss for an immeasurable amount of time."

The intrigue kept rising as Evie stared at the mysterious golden bow. Who originally owned this? One of the previous light fae queen in the ancient times, perhaps? But… is that all there was to this? That this bow was just probably a relic left behind by an ancient light fae queen?

Slowly, Evie started approaching it. Her heartbeat raced as she reached her hand out to touch the bow.

Suddenly feeling like her heart was hanging in her throat, Evie pulled her hand away and took a few deep breaths to steady herself.

"Are you okay?" Beatrice worriedly asked as she touched her shoulder. "If you feel something dangerous, please don't touch it yet. Sometimes, harmful dark magic that can't be detected might be in it."

"No, it's… I don't feel any danger," Evie explained, forcing a smile. "I think I'm just feeling suddenly nervous for no particular reason."

Beatrice creased her brows. "I hope it's not the bad kind of nervousness. If it is, don't touch it. I can't let you get harmed."

"It's okay, mother. I don't feel any danger coming from it and I can feel it's not harmful. I might just be thrilled…" she said, omitting the continuation of her thoughts which was 'or this thing has something to do with me like the necklace Gav bought for me'.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, mother." Evie smiled more relaxedly this time and she reached out again. There was no way she could stop herself from touching it or it will just continue to haunt her thoughts until she finally did.

And the moment her fingertips touched the bow, it started to glow. And it was the exact same amber glow of her magic.

Claudius and Queen Beatrice looked on with awe while Evie suddenly felt something warm seeping into her body. To her, the feeling was comfortable and welcoming.

But the instant she wrapped her hands around it and picked it up, Evie's head throbbed, and she staggered back, dropping the bow on the floor in her shock.

Beatrice panicked a little as she rushed forward to catch her. "Evie!"

Chapter 540 - Issue

"Evie!" Beatrice exclaimed worriedly.

"I'm alright, mother." Evie quickly straightened at the sight of Beatrice's worried face.

"No, you're not, dear. Please take a seat. Claudius! Take the bow for now –"

"No! Don't take it away…" Evie immediately protested, causing the queen to look at her with questioning eyes now on top of the worry that was reflected in them. "It didn't harm me. I think I just… I just saw something. When I touched it, I saw images flashed in my head. And that took me by surprise."

Beatrice and Claudius glanced at each other, and they both finally calmed down. "Images? What kind of images?"

"It's blurry and the images doesn't seem to make sense. But I believe I'll understand or see more of it better if I hold on to the bow again." Evie explained as she kept staring at the bow. She felt that this bow should belong to her. And the feeling was getting stronger. She had the feeling that this item would be crucial in dealing with the Abyss of Darkness.

"Alright, but Evie dear, maybe, we should speak with Gavy first about this and your father-in-law too. I'd like them to be around if you want to touch it again. I'm sorry… but this is just for extra precautions, okay? My dear?" Beatrice was holding Evie's hand tightly as she said that. And Evie saw a hint of fear in her eyes. It was like she was too afraid to do anything that would cause Evie any harm. She had noticed this before, but Beatrice was being too over-protective of her. "It's not that I don't trust you and your abilities. But it's still best for us to be extra cautious right? Especially during this tense times."

Evie nodded, flashing a soft smile. "I understand mother. Alright, we will wait for them before trying it out again." She agreed and Beatrice let out a relieved smile. Somehow, Evie realized that Beatrice must have had some kind of trauma related to this for her to behave so strongly in this manner. After thinking for a few minutes, Evie realised that she must have been traumatized during the time when Gideon had lost Leah. And that is why she was being so over-protective of her. Or… could it be that… she had never mentioned it to the queen about this before, but…

"Mother… do you know that I'm pregnant?" Evie asked, realizing that of course, the queen must have realized it. Gavriel had noticed that she was pregnant by saying that he could hear the second heartbeat due the vampire's heightened hearing.

Beatrice nodded, smiling sweetly at Evie. "Yes, child. I know that you're a very strong woman, a powerful light fae queen at that. But I guess, I am still unable to help myself but worry. I am just beyond ecstatic to think that I'll be having my very first grandchild soon!" She grinned wide but her eyes saddened in the next minute. "I wish for whatever that is coming to us to be dealt with immediately. I don't want you to go to war pregnant, Evie. You should be relaxing at home during these times..."

"I understand your worries mother, but rest assured I'll be fine. And…" Evie touched her still flat belly with a soft smile. "I believe that out little angel here isn't weak."

"Right. I believe so too," Beatrice agreed, "his or her heartbeat is pretty strong already!"

And the mother and daughter duo's chat went directly into pregnancy topics. With Beatrice telling Evie some stories when she was still pregnant with Gav.

Until the topic changed again and finally Evie managed to lead the topic back to her original aim. The mating bond between her and Gav.

"I've been… curious about this… Mother, does Gav not have a mate because he's a half dark fae?" Evie asked and Beatrice fell silent, blinking at Evie for a while.

"That, I'm not certain, my dear. Mating bonds aren't a topic dark faes are fond of but from all that I have learned so far, I have only read about an ancient half dark fae who had a mate. However, this halfling's half isn't a vampire but a light fae. Gavy is the only known half-dark fae, half-vampire up till now so far. So, I am not certain if he would be destined to have mate." Beatrice explained in a careful tone.

The queen could feel the air around Evie stifling up as she discussed on this topic. And Beatrice immediately realized what Evie must be thinking of right now.

"If we base it to that information you have read, half dark faes are the same as the full-blooded ones. They also do have mates." Evie said with much conviction and Beatrice heard the emotions vibrating in her voice.

She reached out and grasp onto Evie's hand gently. "Evie… dearest, you're wondering as to why there is no mating bond between you and Gavy, aren't you?" she asked softly. And when Evie bit on her lower lip, Queen Beatrice could feel her heart clench in pain for her daughter-in-law. She could sympathise with Evie's worries.

"Yes, mother." Evie honestly admitted. "And I can't help but wonder if I am not actually the mate destined for Gav and that's why…" her voice quavered, and she could not continue her sentence.

The queen squeezed her hand. "Oh, my dearest child… listen to me. Mating bonds are triggered differently for each couple. Many dark faes don't even meet their mates in their whole lifetime. If Gavy indeed has a mate, I am a hundred percent certain that it would be you. Personally, I just think it might only be taking quite a while longer to be triggered."

"But… what if…" Evie nibbled the inside of her lips. "Is there… no way to trigger the bond… instead of just waiting for it to be triggered naturally?"

Her question made the queen go silent again. But her eyes were looking at Evie with understanding. Belial had told her that since the moment he laid eyes on her, their mating bond had been triggered that very moment itself. So Beatrice had not even thought of this question before. But this truly worried her as well. She could not even begin to imagine how awful the feeling would be for Evie, wondering if she was actually Gavy's mate. More so now that she is pregnant with his child. The mere possibility that some other woman might appear as Gavy's mate was enough to send Queen Beatrice into a slight frenzy, much less for Evie herself. She can't let Evie worrying about this issue at times like this!

"Claudius?" Beatrice called for Claudius who had left them a while ago and the ancient dark fae came towards to them. "I have a question. Is there any way to trigger the mating bond between two people?" she asked curiously, and Claudius stilled, looking at the two queens with a neutral gaze.

"There is, Your Majesty." He said with a nod.