Ch. 551..560

Chapter 551 - Only Chance

"What's up my dear pervert?"

These words were like a potent spell as it rang out in Leon's ears, sending delicious shivers all over his entire being. His body stilled as though the sight of her and those words that had left her mouth were lethal weapons which had rendered him utterly harmless. In front of her, he was currently like a little white rabbit.

He could not even open his mouth to speak nor move his fingers. All he could do was just to stand there, looking at her. His purple eyes were dilated, darkening as his heartbeat stopped for one long moment. Never did he expect that he would be reunited with her in this manner. The vision of her just struck him dumb but his blood was gushing in his ears as his body was trembling, reacting to the breath-taking view she provided. He did not know whether to jump in excitement or fall into his knees.

Then she moved, running both her hands from her forehead to the back of her hair. It seemed to Leon that the movement was done in slow motion and every second felt so torturous at the same time heavenly. Then she licked her lips in a very erotic way, looking at him through her thick lashes as though he was her delicious meal – her ambrosia – and not the other way around.

"Come, Leon." She called out in that same spine-tingling voice of hers, "join me."

Abruptly, Leon jerked and turned around, causing Zanya to let out a soft giggle as if she had fully expected him to do that. She saw him rub the back of his neck nervously as the backs of his ears reddened to the point as though blood would seep through his skin.

"Fi… finish your bath. I'll wait." He then replied stiffly, and Zanya found his little stammer utterly adorable. She barely could keep in a girlish squeal seeing him behaving so cutely.

Since Zirrus had left, Zanya had already calculated that if nothing went wrong, their queen would definitely be sending people over to fetch them, and they should be arriving at this very moment. Knowing Queen Evie, she would surely send her vampire men to come and escort them back to the camps. Zanya had absolutely no doubt that one of the men who would come for them would be Leon. And because of her complete assurance of his arrival, that is the reason why she was doing this.

She really could not wait to see him again. It had been weeks since they got separated. And as the time passed, she had started to dream of him, of those purplish orbs gazing adoringly at her, of those strong calloused hands touching her bare skin. Since the night that she had made love with him, something seemed to have awakened within her. Her heart which was like a dead tree, had suddenly started blooming. She did not know when it even started. All she knew was that he had already unknowingly given her sufficient water and sunlight and that was why that night when they had made love, she felt her heart starting to bloom.

Now she was just like a tree at full bloom, so alive and vibrant. Their separation had only served to make her realize just how much she had come to adore this man. She had been thinking of him every day, and every night. And thoughts of him not only popped up in her mind during her leisure time, but at random times along the day when she was getting things done too! It was like her every day was no longer that mundane anymore.

For so long, she had felt as though she was merely existing, not really living. She existed only for one purpose and that was to serve Evie, her queen. And she thought that her life would have that sole purpose forever. It was not like she hated the idea that her purpose was to serve the queen. In fact, she was contented and happy that she had been able to live long enough to witness the arrival of the light faes' fated queen. She was prepared to dedicate the rest of her life to serve Evie and she was totally fine with that.

Until this man with those tantalizing and rare purple eyes appeared before her. Now she was no longer contented with just serving her queen. For the first time in countless years of merely existing, she is now starting to want more out of this life. And this something more was none other than him. This vampire. This delicious man.

She eyed his broad back hungrily, and she could still tell how stiff he was. Licking her moist lips again in anticipation, Zanya moved swiftly. She had set this stage to be alone with him because somehow, she knew that this might be her only chance to solo him.

Since Lord Cairus had allowed them to cross the portal, she had immediately felt the looming danger in the air around them. Not just her instincts were telling her so, but also her light magic had sensed a huge trouble coming very soon. There was a big chance that trouble will break out any time now and once that happens, she might not even be given the luxury to kiss him, much less do anything more frisky together. Therefore, she would not be wasting this perfect chance!

She was going to seize this golden opportunity now, even if it was just for a short hour. She will not be letting him go not only because she missed him so badly, but because she knew that she would not be able to contain her overwhelming desires for him anymore. A hug or a kiss would not be enough for her to make up for the weeks that she had longed to touch him and to be one with him.

Climbing out of the water, Zanya sashayed towards him, still fully naked and dripping wet.

She saw him catch his breath as she neared him as he could sense her approaching, but he still stubbornly did not turn around. 'Such a stubborn but sweet little cinnamon roll,' she smirked and licked her lips before slipping her arms around his waist.

"You can turn around to look now, my gorgeous innocent perv," she whispered hotly into his ears and Leon turned to face her, only to freeze again at the sight of her still completely naked body.

 

Chapter 552 - Heavens!

Leon swallowed hard as his eyes registered what he was seeing before his very eyes. His purple eyes had turned so dark and intense now. But he bit down on his lip hard and quickly closed his eyes.

"Get… get dressed, Zanya." He choked out with much difficulty. "They're all still waiting for us. They might come over to look for us if we delay any longer…"

He trailed off at the tinkling sound of her chuckle and swallowed hard again. Why was it that even her laughter sounded so utterly seductive? Heavens! He was about to go crazy very soon! But this woman still had to push at his limits?!

His facial muscles clenched and unclenched as he spoke again. "Get dressed, Zanya," he repeated, "… please!"

The plea came out almost as a gasp as Leon shut his eyes tighter. He knew that if he opened his eyes again and she was still naked, there was no way in hell he would be able to hold himself back anymore! He would ravage her on the spot!

"Are you sure?" she asked teasingly, and he jolted at the sudden cool touch of her fingertips along his jaw.

Leon easily caught her slender wrist despite his eyes still closed.

"Don't… we need to go now. They're wait –" he spoke through clenched teeth as he tried to hold back. Even that little contact of her satiny skin in his grasp was throwing him off balance.

"But this little Leon right here does not seem to want to go right now." She cut him off as he felt her fingers lightly brush against his bulge and Leon's eyes automatically flew open.

The next thing Zanya knew, she was grabbed at her shoulders and being pinned against the trunk of a nearby tree. Then both her hands were held down by him as he pinned them above her head with one hand. His other hand was a burning brand that was clutching at her waist, with the thumb making circling motions on her flat tummy.

Zanya's seductive smile widened while Leon was gasping now.

"You're so… just so…" his jaw worked as he looked like he did not even know what to say.

"So what, hmm… my hot perv?" she teased, lifting her leg and using her knee to gently nudge and rub against his groin.

A low and hoarse groan escape from Leon's mouth and Zanya smiled triumphantly again. She wanted to know how long this innocent perv of hers could resist her. Moreover, she just loved teasing him.

"So damn naughty… I am doing this for you. If someone comes over and... I don't want that… your reputation…" he still persisted in trying to hold back despite him already groaning with pleasure as she continued putting pressure against his already rock hard length.

"Reputation…?" she echoed then she chuckled mirthfully again. Why is this man so adorable right now? Never in her life had she ever thought that someone would worry about her reputation when he was already in a situation like this. "What if I tell you that I'm fine even if my reputation is being ruined, as long as it is you who ruined it?" she whispered, and Leon's eyes widened again. He was just shocked and utterly speechless at her teasing.

He moved as if to seize her mouth and Zanya rejoiced. But he stopped right before their lips collided. Ugh! How stubborn!

"No. I don't want anyone to see you… in this state." He breathed and Zanya could not help but blush at his possessiveness. "Don't want anyone to see you naked so… ugh, don't stop!"

Zanya raised her elegant brows at him at his plea when she put her leg down and stopped nudging him there. She felt her heart swell after hearing his reason for holding back. Of course, it was not completely true that she did not care about her reputation. After all, she was still one of the last light fae noble and the queen's own right hand person. It was her duty to stay dignified especially in the eyes of all the younger light faes who were looking up to her. She only said those words to tease him and also because she knew that no one else will be coming to search for them anymore.

Looking at the beads of sweat that had already drenched Leon's gorgeous face, Zanya moved her face closer to his. She just loved to tease him more and torture him for being such a stubborn mule. But she had a time limit for this. "Then stop resisting, Leon, and just come at me." She whispered seriously, "don't worry, I have already told Kariza not to wait for us. I knew you'd come for me… so I had actually prepared in advance. You think just a kiss and a hug would be enough to satisfy me after you left me alone for weeks? I miss you… and want you… so badly… and I don't think we'd have another chance to be alone like this again once we reach the Great City. So take me now Leon. Don't waste any more -"

He cursed before slamming his mouth down against hers. They kissed passionately, like two hungry beasts starved to death for each other. His earlier hesitancy and reservation was utterly thrown into the wind and there was only his wild passion meeting hers.

"Zanya…" he moaned out her name as he fumbled in haste to free himself from his trousers.

"Leon…" She reached out and tangled her fingers through his hair all the while kissing him harder, fiercer, like she wanted to devour him. He just tasted so good… so crazy good.

Once their lips parted from their wet and intense kiss, Zanya turned and placed her palms against the tree trunk, lifting her bottom against him.

"Take me now, Leon. I can't wait anymore. Now! Give it to me now!" she panted at him as she looked over her shoulder and Leon's eyes stretched wide. His eyes travelled from her beautiful and seductive face down to her perfect curves to her… Heavens!

With a loud and guttural moan, Leon grabbed her waist and in one hard thrust, he buried himself deep inside her.

 

Chapter 553 - Unrestrained

Due to the glowing crystals nearby, Leon could see her inviting and bewitching sex all moist and wet as he stood behind her, even without using the supernatural powers of his vampire eyes. She was so ready for him now and that sight of her, the unique scent which only belongs to her, casted an enchanting spell over him, over his maleness. And he completely lost it after that.

He had moved at lightning speed and encircled her slender waist in his large hands and roughly impaled his hardness into her softness in one swift thrust. He growled out low and wild at the same time. The feel of her insides clutching and clinging at him as he moved within her was just… it was just… he had no words for it.

And he could no longer stop himself from being taken over by his feral side. He knew that this would happen the moment he gave into his urges. And his mind brought him back to that night. Their first night together was something he would never be able to forget in his entire life. It was one utterly mind-blowing night for him. But never did he expect that the maddening desire and passionate pleasure he had felt for her was all due to the effects of the bond that was formed between them.

Now he had finally proven it. He had found the blue pearl and even though he refused to be freed from the bond, Leon had clearly felt right at the moment when the blue pearl had worked its magic on him and successfully set him free from the bond.

At first, Leon was a bit anxious on what would happen to his feelings and desires for Zanya after the magic of the blue pearl has taken effect. But as soon as he came out of the water that dawn and started looking for her, he realized that nothing seemed to have change at all. And as time went by, his feelings for her only grew deeper and stronger. And he had even started to feel that their separation was getting to be more unbearable.

Leon knew that the next time he becomes one with her, he would not be able to hold back at all. That night, she had restrained him, and he was in such a state, but not now. Now, he is at his full vigour and without any restraints to hold him back. Not to mention the many long nights that he had been spending only thinking of her, dreaming of her, but could in no way or form touch her. Those nights, this naughty woman had teased him and tortured him even in his dreams … the sexual hunger and yearning for her had accumulated to a degree that he could no longer even imagine.

And now, this woman had the audacity to seduce him like this… heavens help her because nothing could hold him back anymore. He had thought about this before when she rode him that night. In his mind, the next time they got intimate, he was going to punish her nicely and make her scream for him due to so much pleasure that she would not be able to bear it.

And now it is finally happening. And he felt like even if he did want to be gentle, his extreme hunger for her would not let him do it.

"Heavens! Zanya…" he called her name with a primal growl as he pulled and then push hard back into her again and again. The collision of their sexes was creating scandalous sounds along with Zanya's moans that was getting louder and louder. The friction that was building up between them only seem to ignite that fire between them to become an inferno, waiting to burn them up together.

"Oh… ah… god… my god…!!" was all Zanya's response. She never would have thought that this innocent perv of hers would actually come at her this hard at the get go. The way he thrusted his hot rod inside of her… gods… she could no longer think straight anymore. She thought… she was quite convinced that she would need to be telling him words such as 'don't hold back, faster, deeper,' but oh, was she wrong. Was she ever so wrong!

"Zanya…" he groaned again as he picked up his pace. More and more, still diving and stabbing into her wet and dripping core, Leon was tormenting her even harder until she was all tensed up, her whole body – even her fingers and toes – were stiff and unable to relax. Her mind seemed to be so stunned and in a state of bewilderment that she was even unable to call out his name in response.

"Oh, yes! God! Yes… ah!" she was starting to scream out now, wiggling her behind and pushing herself against him. She just could not help it. The scandalous sounds were escaping from her mouth on their own with wild abandonment. She had not even realized that her mouth was gaping open as he continued pounding into her from behind, furiously and excitedly. Her moans just cascaded deliciously into the dark as she lost herself completely from the extreme pleasure that he was introducing to her.

"I'm… close… Zan… ya…" his voice was deep and hoarse. However, it was a very pleasing kind that sent delicious little shivers over Zanya's skin. The voice he obviously forced out with so much difficulty was echoing into her ear while his prodding continued repeatedly into her, sparking more shivers and trembling to spiral out from her core. Not that she was complaining.

"Yes… me too… give it to me… together… Leon…" she finally managed to string those words together. "Give me now! Deep… into me!"

Leon stared at her then his eyes drifted to where they were joined together currently. His dazed eyes seemed to be capturing this very moment and trying to burn it into his mind as a beautiful memory. And when her tender place started squeezing him tighter, Leon could no longer take this delicious torture on his manhood. He threw his head back and his eyes rolling back into his skull due to the immense pleasure crashing over him as his lids were tightly closed.

In the next moment, he gave her one last thrust at full force and sent himself burrowing deep into her secret place.. And the absolute, unrestrained and extreme sensation gripped them both as they merged together as one and shivered in their wondrous, all-consuming, and intense orgasms.

 

Chapter 554 - Reins

They were panting so heavily as Leon's other hand braced again the tree trunk and he let his body press down against her back. His other hand wrapped around her waist, holding her to him so she would not fall after all that intense shaking. He could feel her legs which were wobbling as she could not fully hold herself up and he felt a sense of pride in that, seeing how he had loved her so strongly that her energy had been depleted to this extent.

"Heavens…" he breathed between his hard pants after a few minutes, "look at what you made me do… Zanya."

Zanya clicked her mouth, still heaving, as she laughed breathlessly and leaned back comfortably into his embrace. "Said the beast in disguise… you're such a beast all along who was acting so innocently, aren't you?" she accused while still laughing and bumped the back of her head on his chest.

"I… I never… did something like that before, believe me." He whispered into her ears, "I think you're the one who… made me… turned me into a… beast. I have never… desired anyone the way I desired you, Zanya. As soon as I'm inside of you I just could not stop myself… I…" though he started out with a teasing tone, at the end, his voice was soft and serious. He did not want Zanya to mistake him for a flirt and someone who does this simply with other women.

Turning her head over her shoulder to look at him, Zanya reached out and tangled her fingers through his dark hair that was now damp from sweat. Her eyes were soft and glowing as she looked at him and a small smile curled naturally at the edges of her lips. His purple eyes were dark and gleaming as he looked at her with overflowing emotions as he struggled to share his innermost feelings.

"I love you… I really love you, Zanya." He continued and Zanya who had opened her mouth to speak and was smiling, stilled in her movements. Her smile faded, and her mouth gaped as her green eyes widened slowly. "Tell me you're mine, Zanya…"

Zanya kissed his mouth hard and when their lips parted, she whispered, "I'm yours now, my not so innocent perv, Leon," she gave a soft laugh before smiling and kissed him again.

And before she knew it, she was turned around and positioned sideways by him. One of her hands was resting against the tree while the other was wrapped around Leon's back for support.

Their eyes locked, intense dark purple against beautiful forest green ones.

"This perv of yours wants one last round," he said with a hint of mischief in his purple eyes and before Zanya could react, he had already grabbed one of her legs high, putting her legs into a split position.

"Oh god, you perv!"

"You keep calling me perv, so I might as well live up to your expectations and try being one, no?" he cocked his head adorably and Zanya could not help but be rendered speechless for a moment. "Once more, Zanya… the last one… after this we'll go… please?" he purred, and Zanya could not believe that she was helpless in resisting him.

She had planned to have just one quick session and they had to go catch up with their comrades!

"Just once more, I promise…" he whispered again and nuzzled into her ear, and she bit down on her lips hard. She was still a bit numb there due to their extreme session earlier and his hardness was already teasing her there. Oh gods… it seemed as though she had really awakened a hibernating beast disguised as a cinnamon roll.

"Zanya… we don't have much time… say yes, please…" Leon kept pestering her.

"Oh god! I can't believe you were the same perv resisting so stubbornly a while ago!" she huffed and rolled her eyes at him.

"Your fault… you seduced me and turn me into this. Little Leon still don't want to leave unless… we go for one more round… you're the one who –"

"Fine, fine –" she bit her lip the moment she said that, but it was too late. "Just one more… ah!"

Zanya gasped as he pushed his raging rod inside her again without waiting for her to finish her sentence. She was still so sensitive down there that she immediately started moaning hard with each thrust.

And he stabbed deeper into her, and harder, until she was screaming with so much pleasure again. After another blur of intense love making, she felt him tangle his long and strong fingers through her dark silvery locks and devoured her mouth until she swayed in ecstatic pleasure, and he ended up finishing inside of her again.

Leon pulled away and leaned against the tree. He slid down and sat on the ground with her cradled in his arms. They stayed still, just gasping for air until their breathing slowly settled and returned to normal.

"Prepare yourself next time, you perv." Zanya murmured, "I won't let you monopolize the reins like that again."

But Leon just chuckled happily, gently kissing her cheek, rendering Zanya speechless at the sight of his heart-warming laugh. "I don't mind, Zanya. I love it when you take over the reins too. I'm absolutely okay if we do it on an alternate basis. Little Leon loves it when you take control." He whispered naughtily and Zanya could not help but blush.

Zanya pulled away and looked at him, pursing her lips as though she was annoyed with him. But she ended up chuckling after a while, not able to keep up the pretence of being angry at him.

He cradled her face and caressed her cheek with his thumbs. "After this trouble ends… I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Zanya."

Again, she found herself dumbfounded and unable to speak. She could see it, the promise in his purple orbs. He was serious, more than serious. And her heart was dancing… floating in a space filled with sweet colourful petals. The happiness his heartfelt confession stirred within her was so unbelievable, it was almost scary.

Despite knowing that this might all be only due to his heart only beating for her now since he had drunk her blood, Zanya still could not help but feel so incredibly happy hearing those words spoken to her.. If only… if only he was so madly in love with her like this for real and not because of the bond that had cursed him to fall only for her.

 

Chapter 555 - Never Mind

Another long and lingering kiss was Zanya's response to his words. He wanted to hear a positive answer to his question, but he held back his comments and just kissed her in return. Not only because he could not resist responding to her kiss, but also because he thought that this was more than enough for now. However, it was only for now. Later on, he would revisit this matter with her again.

He would always be willing to wait for her to voice her answer out, no matter how long he would have to wait.

When their kiss deepened again, she struggled a little before pulling away and glared at him. "You promised, you perv!" she reminded him, and Leon pressed his lips tight together, pulling his head away from her while giving her an injured look. His wounded look caused Zanya to suffer a pang of guilt in her heart as she could see how much he enjoyed sharing the kiss with her.

"You kissed me first… I thought that was you asking for another round –" Leon muttered out his excuse, looking all cute and adorable in Zanya's eyes.

Zanya pinched Leon's cheeks and pulled at it sideways until his gorgeous face was contorted to end up looking funny. "Gods, you're really becoming one real perv now."

"But you're loving it..." a sneaky smile spread across his face and Zanya face palmed. The thought 'I'm in deep shit' crossed her mind upon seeing that look.

Abruptly, she stood and pointed at him while narrowing her eyes a little. "Behave now, Leon. Or else…" the look in her eyes changed and there was now a dangerous warning that sparked in them, "you'll regret it. I promise you."

Leon found himself swallowing hard at her warning. His heart skipped a beat at her words and the way she was looking at him now. Warning bells also echoed at the back of his head – delicious and dangerous warning bells. His fingers itched and tickled to reach out and catch her – to have his way with her and to see what kind of 'regret' that she had in mind for him.

But he cleared his throat and averted his gaze away from her perfections before he could lose all his composure and control. "Yes, my lady." He then said, smiling in surrender and Zanya flashed him a smirk before turning and jumping fluidly back into the water.

Sighing, Leon followed her and soaked himself into the water as well. He just wanted to sit there and watch her but… he needed to wash up too and… cool down. Thankfully, the queen had the foresight not to send Levy along with them, or else that annoying guy would keep pestering him as soon as he returns.

Zanya was the first to get out of the water and get dressed. She had also dried herself with magic before turning to fully face Leon who was still half soaking in the water.

Just as Zanya was about to speak, they heard a loud sound, causing Leon to immediately jump out of the water and landed right before her as her protection.

"Seems as though a fight is going on?" Zanya muttered and Leon looked at her. After one nod, the two were then moving at full speed towards the direction of the loud sounds, with Leon running and Zanya flying over him.

They halted in unison when they sensed that they have reached the fighting scene. A body of a massive monster was already down.

A woman dressed in warrior's clothing was standing on top of it. Her sword had pierced right into the monster's mouth. Her long hair that was tied back high on her head was cascading behind her as she pulled her sword out of the monster with ease.

When she turned around, a triumphant smirk was gracing her face. "How is it, my lord? You believe me now? I told you, their most vulnerable spot isn't their eyes, it's actually the inside of their mouth. Once you pierce them through their throats, they will fall immediately. If it's their eyes, we need to hit all four of their eyeballs before they die." She explained, still looking so proud of what she had found out, as her blue eyes were blazing with excitement.

"Interesting indeed…" a deep voice echoed from the side and both Leon and Zanya already recognized the owner of the voice – Lord Cairus. "When did you find out about the monsters' weakness, Riz?"

"I don't think you should be questioning me about that first and foremost, my lord. First, I want my reward for this discovery now. You can't deny that this discovery of mine is more than a huge breakthrough. With this, our chances of winning against the monsters are now greater than ever. We can now kill them in one strike!" the lady called Riz crowed with pride at her achievement.

"Alright, state the price that you want. But first…" the lord turned over his shoulders and his eyes fell to where Zanya and Leon were standing. "Why are the two of you still here?"

Zanya and Leon could only step forward and greet the lord with respect. It was not long since Zanya had encountered this man with her people, but she had already formed a deep respect for him. This dark fae lord was such an amazing man. In fact, if not for him, Zanya was certain that there would have been a fight between the two groups of light and dark faes the moment the light faes attempted to cross the portal.

This man was intelligent and calm and very good at dealing with conflicts despite him reeking with danger and dark magic. She had immediately sensed that he was very strong the moment she met him. If a fight had broken out that time, this man could have easily killed off more than half of the light faes by himself. And not to mention that he was quite a good looking specimen too. So much so that even the young female light faes in their group could not help but be mesmerized by him.

"Never mind…" Lord Cairus averted his gaze and looked at the dark fae woman again, "you both can go now, your comrades had already left quite a while ago."

 

Chapter 556 - New Friend

"Wait a moment." The woman named Rizah stopped Zanya and Leon just as they were about to leave. "I think these two can stay back as witnesses, my lord. I'm afraid you'll change your mind later on, so…" Rizah's bright eyes twinkled as she stated her conditions to her lord and grinned cheerily at them.

The lord frowned and grunted before he pinched the skin between his brows. "Fine, young woman. Just state your price and do it quick. We have more important things to see to. These two need to catch up with their comrades quick. Hurry up and don't delay any longer."

"Make me your general." She declared quickly and Zanya widened her eyes and nearly whistled, not expecting that request from Riz at all. Zanya had befriended Rizah in the short time that she had encountered her. This lady is one gutsy girl! And Zanya could only grin in approval of her style – straightforward and firm.

This female dark fae was so outgoing and interesting. Zanya could already tell that she was dedicated to being a warrior and she was quite strong as well. Rizah had told her earlier on that she had been with Lord Cairus' army as the head healer. But it seems that this warrior lady did not want to just heal her comrades but fight alongside them as well… and she wanted to be a general at that! Zanya smiled at the sight of her beautiful eyes. It was obvious to her that this beautiful dark fae was not born to be a healer, but a warrior and she herself knew that.

However, the lord did not look at all pleased with what she had just requested. Zanya could feel the change in his aura.

"You promised me you'll grant me anything my lord," Rizah stated, obviously already sensing her lord's displeasure.

A long silence reigned as the two dark faes simply stared at each other, neither of them was backing down. It was amazing how Rizah could stand her ground against a powerful man with such strong aura. Who would win?

"You know I always desired to fight. You know I joined your army with that as my aim! But you made me a healer instead despite the fact that I'm a stronger fighter compared to most of your generals. I'm not going to back down on this. I have already showed you my end of the bargain, it's your turn to keep your promise and grant my wish." She looked so deadly serious as she uttered those words, so serious that she looked very intimidating.

Zanya observed the lord's reaction to her requests, and she was shocked that the lord was clenching his fist tight, and his jaw was gritting down on his teeth. 'Oh… interesting… I think you'll win this Rizah!' Zanya thought gleefully.

"Fine." Lord Cairus hissed out in utter displeasure. "Do whatever you want!"

And just like that, he disappeared into smoke while Rizah began jumping around in excitement. She even ran towards Zanya and hugged her.

"You heard that right? He said 'fine'!" she exclaimed, still jumping around excitedly. Her beautiful smile was plastered all over her face and she just looked so attractive when she was so happy like that. This woman looked intimidating when she was serious but when she smiles like this, she would turn into the sweetest and cutest looking goddess of the dark!

"Congratulations, Rizah!" Zanya told her, smiling back at the very first dark fae she had befriended.

"Yes, thank you! I can finally fight along with that dumbass lord of mine – opps!" she covered her mouth as she looked at Leon, giggling at her accidental blurting out of some not so appropriate words. "Purple… ah! Your lover!"

Rizah pointed at Leon with wide eyes as she enthusiastically bounced on the spot.

"Yes. I'm Zanya's lover." Leon said before Zanya could even say a word.

His introduction made both Zanya and Rizah fall speechless. Then Rizah pressed her lips tight to keep herself from bursting out into laughter. "Oh, nice to meet you, Zanya's lover." She teased but she could not hold back her laughter anymore when Leon did not even bother to correct her and just nodded saying, "thank you. Nice to meet you Zanya's… friend?"

"Oh, yes. I'm Zanya's friend." Rizah just laughed again but changed the topic all too soon, "Alright, I think I took up enough of your precious time. I'll bring you guys to the Great City then or at least until you have caught up with your comrades. It'd be quicker this way."

"Are you sure, Rizah?" Zanya asked. "Lord Cairus might look for you."

"It's fine. Didn't you hear? He said I can do whatever I want. And I'm going to be general now!" she grinned and then she grabbed Zanya and Leon's wrists without warning.

The next second, a screen of smoke swallowed them. They then materialized in a certain place and then disappeared again in the next second. Rizah did that for three more times until they finally caught up with the rest of the light faes.

"Oh, there they are." Rizah said as they caught sight of the light faes travelling through the air. "I'm going back now Zanya, or I might get scolded." Rizah chuckled and waved at them both.

"Be careful on your way back."

"Don't worry, monsters are very docile lately and most of them just disappear somewhere in the deep forest. Also, we will probably leave the camp soon and join the forces near the Abyss, so I think I'll go visit you in the Great City very soon."

And with that, Rizah disappeared, leaving Leon and Zanya standing there blinking at her sudden disappearance. Leon quickly held Zanya's hand and entwined his fingers with hers. "It's good to know you had found a new friend here." he commented as they began to walk.

"She's an interesting lady. Quite energetic too. She's actually the one who pestered me first." Zanya smiled as she remembered their first encounter. "And yes, she's really a beauty inside out and a really cool warrior too. You should've seen her fight. And now that she's going to be a general, I'm starting to imagine her being like some goddess of war. Also, she somehow just gives off a different vibe … unlike most of the other dark faes who are strong mostly because of their dark magic. Rizah is different. I could sense from within her, a raw kind of strength. That it wasn't all dark magic that she's got. It was like she has something more… You felt it too, right?" she looked at him as she paused, causing Leon to turn and face her.

"Hmm?" Leon blinked. "Par…don?"

"You're not listening…" Zanya narrowed her eyes at him.

Leon rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Sorry. When you start talking about your friend, my mind just drifted away and started thinking about when we will be able to have another chance to be together like this again." he confessed to her honestly and Zanya immediately felt as though an invisible and fluffy arrow had pierced through her heart.

Chapter 557 - Advise

"Let's not delay anymore and catch up with them." Zanya said after a long while of them just walking leisurely and holding each other's hands. Though she was loath in letting go of his hands and cutting their sweet time short, she knew that their duties await them.

"Yes. I have noticed that they're moving a bit slowly. They might be doing that purposely to wait for us."

"That's definitely the reason why. And that's why we can't keep them waiting any longer. Or it will be really too selfish of us."

Leon nodded in agreement as well while squeezing her hands that were still held within his grasp. Though he had nodded, it was hard for him to let her hand go and continued to hang onto it.

"Alright, I'll go first." Zanya finally exhaled and let go of his hand and spread her wings decisively, but Leon suddenly grabbed at her wrist again and without warning, he pulled her towards him and kissed her deep and long.

"One last kiss, for the trip." he whispered breathily into her ears then he devoured her mouth hungrily until Zanya's knees felt as though it had become a little weak. "Alright, you can go now," he then breathed out when their lips parted after a long while.

The corner of his lips lifted up as he saw how she was still standing there, a little dazedly. "Go now, Zanya. If you don't, this perv will grab–"

He gasped and his eyes widened as he looked at her. She had snapped out of her daze and was smiling now, wickedly and her hand… was grabbing him. "You will grab what hmm? My little perv?"

When she felt his rod swelling quickly at her touch, she licked her lips and then abruptly flew away, not giving him the satisfaction of returning the 'favour'. She turned around while she was above and stuck out her tongue at Leon before flying off, laughing out in amusement.

Leon could only rub the back of his neck and fight back the flames that had been ignited within him as he watched his naughty little butterfly flew away.

It did not take long before the both of them finally caught up with the rest of their comrades. And as expected, Leon was welcomed by Samuel and Reed's knowing eyes. It was like they already knew the reason why he was late in coming.

"I hope you won't become the next Zolan, Leon… oh well, as long as you know your limit, it's not a problem." Samuel said as he shrugged his broad shoulders and they continued running.

"Apologies for my delay, Leader," Leon gave a sincere apology and Samuel just nodded, as if this was a common occurrence to him. "I'm surprised though that you compared me with Zolan. I thought you'd mention Levy." Leon really did think that Levy was the flirty one amongst them all.

"Levy's always hitting on the girls, but he seldom gets any further than that. Zolan is the exact opposite. Girls just hits on him constantly and he just disappears sometimes. Or should I say, almost every time when we pass by a village or cities. Then he come back, telling us that a female had pulled on him and would not let go of him and that he didn't want to break the poor female's heart for refusing her. Well, we don't have any complaints since he always magically returns when it's time for us to move on or when he's needed. If you have plan to sneak out and meet your lover, you might need to ask that guy on how he even does that – appearing at the right time as if he knows exactly when it's time for him to return every single time." Samuel advised seriously, causing Leon to fall speechless.

…

The countless crystals that were stuck into the incredibly high ceiling of the Great City started glowing again, lighting the city with a soft and bright bluish colour, a bit similar to the brightness of the sky on the surface.

Evie was already awake. She was staring at her husband with a somewhat complicated look on her face. She was glad that Gav seemed to be having a really good sleep, but at the same time she could not help but feel worried because it was so unusual for Gav to sleep for such a long period of time that she actually woke up earlier than him despite the fact that he slept way earlier than her last night. Did the spell take such a toll on him?

Shaking her head, Evie gently laid her hand on his chest. Concentrating for a while, she could feel his magic rolling right below his skin. He had not been weakened or anything of the sort. Then why is he not waking up? Is he experiencing some form of side effect?

Evie decided to leave the bed and get herself ready, thinking that if he was still asleep once she is done getting ready, she would then try to wake him up.

But to her surprise, the man was still asleep even after all the time she deliberately spent puttering around. Bending over, Evie reached out to touch him when she paused and whispered instead. "Gav? It's time to wake up."

His brows creased a little, but he did not wake up. His breathing still as steady as ever, indicating that he was still deep asleep. Looking at how peacefully asleep he was, Evie pulled away and sighed. She did not have the heart to wake him up when he was in such deep slumber. She thought that perhaps it was because it had been really a long while since he had had a good sleep and he must be making up for all the times that he had been sleep deprived.

"Alright, I'll go meet my people first." She continued whispering to him. "I'll come back for you later." Then she kissed his forehead and left the room as quietly as she could.

After a while, Gav opened his eyes.. His orbs blazing with blue flames.

 

Chapter 558 - Bow

Seeing that the space next to him was already empty, a long sigh escaped his mouth before he pulled himself up and sat on the bed. "I can't even kiss her," he complained sullenly but he rose and immediately left the room as well.

He had been with Gavriel the entire time he was 'asleep'. They were both busy going through the books, trying to find the answers about Evie's pregnancy and then talking about the bow that the queen had given to Evie yesterday.

With the help of the books, Gavriel had confidently concluded that Evie would not suffer the same fate as Queen Ellia. He managed to come to that conclusion because Evie did not get pregnant with the help of her partner's dark magic. She was able to conceive because of the power of the light magic that was present in that lake and most likely also due to the light magic that was being suppressed within herself.

The fact that none of the recorded symptoms happened to Evie proved that their conclusion was right. And their findings had made the both of them finally release that long sigh of great relief and grinned widely at each other, both looking proud that Evie was such a strong and powerful woman to defy the rules of dark magic and carve her very own fate without her even realizing that she was doing it.

Now they can finally relax about this matter and move on to the next problem. The golden bow and also about Evie's ever increasing powers.

When Gavriel brought this up to Gavrael, Gavrael remembered that he had found the bow accidentally after clearing up a spot that was once filled with monsters. After getting rid of many of those vicious creatures, he had found the golden bow half buried in the ground. It looked as though the bow had been there for countless of years and for some reason, Gavrael could not leave it alone. So he had taken it back with him and had tried to look for the matching arrows while fighting monsters to grow stronger. But he had failed to find any arrows until he left the Under Lands.

"Evie had a point. The bow might be trying to tell her something. Perhaps an answer on how to stop the tragedy she keeps seeing in her dreams," Gavriel had told him, "that's why I won't disagree anymore. It's not like she'll listen to me if I keep telling her no. However, I want you to be the one who's present when she holds the bow. Just in case something does happen."

And thus, here he was. Though Gavrael felt like Gavriel was sending him away so he could continue thinking, Gavrael did not bother to ask anymore, despite the curiosity and a tinge of suspicion that crossed his eyes. Whatever it was that Gavriel would need to think about, he was perfectly certain that it was for the better and that was enough for him.

Gavrael materialized in the hall where the bow was kept. As per Gavriel's instruction, he needed to check on the bow again before Evie touches it. He wanted to ensure that nothing bad will happen to Evie and Gavrael could not agree more with this plan.

So he approached the bow and picked it up. Seeing it up close made him remember the past and a small smile flashed across his handsome face. It felt like it had been hundreds of years since then, since he was just a boy aiming to kill more monsters and become stronger – stronger than anyone else in the Under Lands, so no one would ever look down on him anymore for being a halfling.

His magic swirled, like a snake made of pitch black smoke, crawling and circling the slim but intricate body of the bow up to its string.

When Gavrael felt that the bow was completely safe, he let out a soft sigh of relief and let go of it.

…

Meanwhile, after finally seeing Zanya and the rest of the light faes, Evie was so relieved that all of her people were here now and none of them were missing. After checking in on them, it seemed that everyone was alright. She had addressed everyone in the camp that the dark fae king had allocated to them and discussed with them about the troubles they may face soon.

Evie also informed them about her dream and explained to them the reason why they, the light faes, were not exempted from this war and why they had to take an active stance in this. This war that might break out very soon and it was not the just the war of the dark faes but theirs as well. She made the light faes understand why they were a part of this war as well and that they needed to work closely with the dark faes and the vampires to save not just the Under Lands but the entire continent of Lirea.

The light faes were stunned at everything they had heard but their queen's words made them immediately force aside whatever lingering resentment they still felt towards the dark faes. The idea that they were fighting one common enemy and that they have no choice right now made the acceptance easier. They were going to fight alongside them and work with them to save this entire land.

Seeing the positive reaction from the light faes, Evie smiled. She knew that her people would be able to understand so long as she explained properly and give them some time to take it all in. She wanted to remove all unnecessary resentment and doubts in their hearts so they could all focus themselves and fight with all that they have, and her plan worked.

"Well done, my queen. Terrific as always." Zanya praised Evie.

"Thank you." Evie replied then she spoke to Zirrus before she and Zanya left the camp to head into the palace.

The dark fae king and queen were already waiting for her and they all headed towards the hall where the bow was kept in. Evie had planned to wake her husband, but Queen Beatrice had informed her that Gav's already waiting in the hall. So all of them headed there without further delay.

Once everyone was gathered around the bow, Evie had Zanya take a look at it. Everyone stared at Zanya as she held the bow and her expression alone made them realise that she recognised and knew it.

"You've seen this bow before?" Evie asked and Zanya nodded, her green eyes wide with both wonder and disbelief.

 

Chapter 559 - Tale

"You've seen this bow before?" Evie asked Zanya, shocked and excited at Zanya's claims.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Zanya replied. "This was the ultimate weapon and treasure the previous queens had been searching for so long. In fact, from the looks of it, this seems to be the very same bow that was mentioned in many books in Crescia before the city's destruction. It is stated in those books that this bow is as old as the tree of light. History has stated that this was the very first weapon of the first ruler of the light faes."

"First ever… the very first queen…" Evie echoed and Zanya nodded.

"The records had stated too that this bow was forged with pure light magic. And it's said to be the most powerful weapon ever existed. There was even a tale that a light fae queen named Raila single-handedly defeated legions of monsters with the help of this bow." Zanya continued. "As to how she even did that or how a single person could even defeat legions of monsters with just the help of a bow and arrow… the tale did not have the details of it. Or perhaps, since the story was passed on from generation to generation without the actual records of Queen Raila's battle, I think the details or even the truth of it had been lost in time. But even though no records of the battles involving this bow existed, the book that mentioned the origin and existence of this bow still existed. Well, it was only until Crescia was destroyed."

"Did it state there in that book what exactly is the purpose of this bow?" Evie asked. Her interest with this bow was increasing more than ever now. She did not know why but every time she looked at it, she felt a peculiar feeling she could not even recognize nor put into words. And she wanted to know more about it, everything about it if that was possible.

"It is said that this bow is created for one purpose and it's to defeat the darkness. This bow was made to make sure that light will always prevail over darkness."

Zanya's answer made everyone fall silent. "There was also one ancient song with lyrics that told a story where once upon a time, the entire land of Lirea was swallowed by the darkness. The name of the queen who was reigning at this time wasn't mentioned. But she was just simply referred to as the Light Queen. That song also had mentions of this bow as the ultimate weapon used to end the darkness and brought back the light. The song had said that the entire sky and even the land were enveloped in darkness and chaos and destruction painted the lands a bloody red. It was the Light Queen wielding a golden bow who had emerged and defeated the darkness and made the light prevail over all once again."

When Zanya mentioned that song, Evie remembered the prophetic song Zanya had sung for her back in Crescia. And there was only one thought in her mind now. This could only mean… that the story in that song must be true.

"You know ancient songs aren't just simple songs, right Your Majesty?" Zanya asked and Evie nodded. "That's why we firmly believe that this song had been telling the story of what had actually happened during that time. All light faes believes in the power of this bow… even all current light faes before the Queendom's destruction. And that's also the reason why during that last war, we had tried searching for this bow. The late queen did her best to search for it because we all believed that it'll be our last resort to win the war at that time. However, we couldn't find it. The bow had been missing for an immeasurable amount of time and we had no clue on even knowing when it even went missing. When I spoke with the late queen about this, she told me that she believed the bow had gone missing after that event in the song about the Light Queen. To think that this treasured weapon had all the while been here in the Under Lands! It is no wonder that we couldn't detect it at all."

"Gav had mentioned that he found this bow in the Abyss of Darkness," Evie told Zanya in a soft voice. Then she looked at Gav and at the dark fae King and Queen.

Her expression was a bit severe at the thought that came to her. "Could it be that the darkness the Light Queen had defeated was the same thing living in that Abyss? And that was why this bow had ended up there?"

Everyone looked at each other. Now it is all starting to make sense to them, the reason why such a bow that belongs to a light fae Queen could even be found in such a place.

"That's a very probable reason. In fact, it could be the best explanation we have right now on why the bow was even there in the first place." The king commented. "If the story in that song indeed happened in the past, I also think that it should be the same darkness we are going up against anytime now."

"I have a strong belief that the events of the story did happen." Evie said, "and I think that if I touch this bow now, I will be able to see what had happened back then. And this will help us understand more about what sort of enemy is coming at us. And I strongly believe that this will be the way to stop that disaster I keep seeing in my dream."

Silence reigned. Evie stared at Gavrael, waiting for him to say something. But he remained silent for quite a while looking downwards and pondered. Eventually, he looked up again at Evie and gave her a slight nod, signifying his agreement to her suggestion.

Relieved, Evie flashed him a slight smile. She thought this Gav would stop her again. However, she sighed helplessly at the sight of the obvious worry that was blazing in his stormy blue eyes. The way he tensed up when she mentioned she would touch the bow was enough to make Evie feel his palpable hesitance and reluctance to it. But she understood why he was feeling that way.. Of course, he would worry… but she needed to do this… and honestly, she would not listen even if he ended up saying no.

 

Chapter 560 - Light Queen

"It's okay, don't worry. I'll be fine." she reassured Gav with a smile and then she stepped closer to the bow again. "I think that with this, we might also be able to find out where the location of the arrow is." She added and she finally reached out her hands.

Gavrael held his breath and Beatrice reached out to touch her son's hand supportively. Seeing the anxiety that he was going through at the moment, she wanted to alleviate it however little if possible.

She squeezed his hand and Gavrael relaxed a little. The familiar warmth of his mother's touch really helped to calm him down.

Heaving a deep breath, Evie closed her eyes and prepared herself. She did not want to be caught off guard like what had happened yesterday.

When she felt that she was ready, Evie kept her eyes closed and then she touched the bow. The bow glowed impossibly bright the moment she gripped it, that Gav, Beatrice and Belial had to cover their eyes from the intense and blinding light.

Darkness. That was all she could see at first and then something Red. Fire. Blood. Then there was smoke.

Evie opened her eyes, and it was as if she was in the sky, the blurry images that flashed in her mind that first time she touched the bow was now clearer. So clear and vivid that it was as if she was really there, flying in the sky and watching the scenery down below.

What she saw made her heart stop. She was no longer seeing war, unlike the ones in her dreams. What she was looking at was the aftermath of a bloody war. No, a bloody war was even an understatement. This… this was just plain slaughter… pure madness…

The gore was too much that she wanted to stop looking. There were no living humans, vampires, light or dark faes left. She could only see fire, darkness, blood and monsters that were still ripping flesh from the bodies that were strewn all about on the ground. She looked ahead, around, desperately hoping to find someone who might be still alive. There was no one. The place, she could not even recognize which place was this. All she could be sure of was that this place was somewhere on the surface, and not in the Under Lands. She had thought at first that it was night time. But she then saw the outline of the sun shining above. It was then that she realised that it was covered with a thick darkness.

Despite knowing this was a scene from the far long and forgotten past, Evie still could not help but feel anger, dread and utter hopelessness filling her entire being. What was this? Was she watching the end of Lirea? Did the light not prevail like what that song had said? This was… this certainly looked like the war was already over and the darkness had already won! The entire land was already destroyed and beyond saving! No one was even alive anymore! Where was the Light Queen?

Evie did her best to calm down and constantly told herself that this was just memories from long ago. She kept reminding herself that the Light Queen must be somewhere, hiding out with her allies. She shut her eyes tightly, wanting this scene to move on now. She no longer wanted to see any more of this nightmarish hell.

But she remained stuck in that scene. Why? Did she need to let go of the bow and then touch it again to see another scene?

Just as she was about to try and let go of the bow, Evie heard a sound. A spine-chilling shriek pierced her ears. This was… a dragon's shriek!

Evie was right, a massive dark dragon appeared within her sight. It was Onyx! She yelled but as the dragon came closer, Evie then realized that it was not her Onyx. This dragon has blue eyes, was larger and there was darkness akin to the smoke like dark magic of the dark faes which was swirling so strongly around it.

The majestic dragon blew fire and scorched everyone and everything. Both the dead and the monsters were not spared. More dragons came, little and smaller ones. All were coming from the South.

The vast ground that was once painted with red had now turned black as everything had been reduced into coal. As the dragons flew in circles into the sky Evie saw something else coming.

Her heart began to beat wildly. She was finally seeing living people now and there were many of them. They were… marching… no one was flying or running at impossible speed… humans? No…

Evie found herself gasp at she began to observe them closely.

The entire army marching consisted of… all the races! She could see humans in their knight attires mounted proudly on their horses, vampires were also there and there were light and dark faes too… It was a united army!

The sight baffled Evie to her core. All races… they were marching as one, like they were one. It was a sight Evie had never imagined nor heard of. These races… for so many years they were only known even in legends and stories to be fighting against each other. But here they were, together, and they were not even segregated into groups. One look and she could say that no one seemed to care which race was stronger or more superior. All of them have one similar look on their faces, a warrior's face.

It was… this was making her cry… she could not help but tear up as she looked at them, her heart swelling up with so many emotions. It was especially so when her eyes finally fell on a woman walking at the very front of the untied army. She was dressed in a white cloak and a very familiar looking golden bow was slung across her back.

Evie swallowed hard at the sight of this powerful lady. Light Queen… she uttered under her breath and the woman in white cloak lifted her hand. The entire army consisting of thousands halted.

Then she lifted her hood back over her head.