Ch. 591..600

Chapter 591 - Reunion

Before the King could ask on what was the commotion all about, Queen Beatrice quickly whispered to her husband and subtly informed him on what had just happened.

The king immediately looked at Evie and to the girl who was still fully clad in the black cloak. He was about to open his mouth to say something when Gideon suddenly grabbed Vera around the waist and pulled her flush against his sturdy chest.

Gideon’s abrupt action surprised everyone. "What the hell are you saying?" Gideon asked Evie in an almost harsh tone. His eyes were narrowed and trained on Evie.

Gavrael also suddenly appeared right before Evie, blocking her from Gideon’s view.

"You don’t get to talk to my queen like that, older brother." Gavrael hissed and the king pinched the skin between his brows. He had already quickly erected a barrier to conceal them all from the eyes of the rest of the dark faes around them as soon as he saw Gideon bristling and grabbing the girl in dark cloak.

"You two! Enough!" Queen Beatrice’s voice thundered. "These little rascals... stop that or else..." though Queen Beatrice’s threat was left hanging, neither Gideon not Gavrael dared to continue on with their posturing in the face of their mother.

The two somehow quickly averted their gazes and ended the glaring contest as soon as the queen’s voice became threatening.

"Goodness... I can’t believe you both are still like this after all this time. You’ve each got wives now, for goodness’ sakes! Stop fighting like you both didn’t grow up at all!" Beatrice scolded her sons. "Your wives are watching you!"

"Apologies, mother." Gideon was the first to back off and mellowed down. "I was shocked on what my sister-in-law was talking about."

"Everyone, come to my tent... NOW." King Belial spoke. He really could not believe his two grown up sons were still squabbling like six-year-olds. His expression filled with authority now that the two brothers simply nodded.

And thus, in a matter of seconds, the entire royal family disappeared from the midst of the soldiers and materialized inside the king’s tent.

King Belial pulled out the chair on his left and helped Queen Beatrice sit down first before he sat himself down at the head of the table. After which, he looked up and stared at the group of young people without saying anything for a few seconds.

"Take your seats everyone." The king finally said and Gideon and Gavrael moved without any delay, holding their women’s hands in theirs as they walked towards their chairs. Then they did for their wives, what the king had done for his wife. They pulled their women’s chairs out and helped Vera and Evie sit first before they themselves did.

"First of all," the king let out a soft sigh and his strict face softened as he looked at the girl who was still covered with a cloak, "you must be Vera, right?"

Upon hearing the King call out her name, Vera stood from her chair. She lifted her hands and pulled her hood down before she bowed low towards the king.

"Y...yes, I am, Your Majesty." She said nervously and Gideon reached out his hand to hold onto her slightly clammy ones. He smiled helplessly as he knew that she was nervous in officially meeting with her father-in-law for the first time.

The King smiled at her. "My wife had already told me a lot about you. It is my pleasure to meet you, Vera." He greeted her warmly, his amicable behaviour contributing much in reducing her nervousness.

"The... pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty."

"Ah... both our sons really are such lucky rascals, aren’t they?" King Belial stage whispered to Beatrice and the couple giggled, causing the tensed atmosphere to instantly lighten up.

Vera, who was feeling so nervous and tensed up, relaxed as well at the sight of the King and Queen looking really happy and laughing with each other now. Her eyes then glanced at Evie and when Evie winked at her as she smiled, she felt even better.

"It’s really great that all of us are finally together like this." The king said and Beatrice nodded, becoming a little emotional now.

"It is... I can’t believe we even have two additional daughters now." Beatrice uttered, smiling from ear to ear.

Everyone fell silent and Evie felt Gavrael’s grip on her hand tightened a little, maybe without him even realizing he was doing so. Evie had realized that this was the first time that this family was complete like this. Maybe ever since Gav had left the Under Lands many years ago, they had never come together to gather under one roof. Or maybe even before that, since Gideon had started distancing himself from his family.

At that moment, Evie could not help but feel emotional as well at the look in the king and queen’s eyes. They both looked really, really happy right now.

Looking at Gav, Evie noticed he seemed to avoid looking at Gideon’s way. But Evie caught Gideon glancing over at him. Somehow, Evie began to really feel the rift between the two brothers now. This was something she had never quite felt between them when they were still back in Yryzia.

However, Evie was not actually that worried about this for now because she felt that whatever it was between them was not actually that bad. Their relationship was just a bit sour. But Evie was confident that the brothers were not actually that hostile against each other. This was probably the main reason why the king and queen looked like they too were not very bothered about it and allowed the brothers to bicker and disagree with one another. They must have known that the surface animosity that seemed to exist between these two brothers must not really be that deep, and perhaps they were just going through the motions as both were not willing to be the person to take the first step to full reconciliation.

Chapter 592 - Just The Two Of Us

After some time, the king finally shifted his attention to Evie.

"Alright, I know we all just finally had our most awaited family reunion but... I need to know what is going on, Queen Evielyn. It seems even Gideon and Vera themselves know nothing about this at all." As the king said these words, Gideon’s expression hardened a little.

He did not like what was going at all. And he just could not accept the fact that Evie just did that without even letting them both know what was going on first. Gideon felt that whatever the reason, Evie was overstepping her boundaries.

"I understand I just did something a little too inconsiderate, and I sincerely apologize for that." Evie said, lowering her gaze at the king then to Gideon and Vera as she apologized gracefully. "However, I hope you all will also try understand the reason behind my actions. Doing that was the best option I have right now."

"Reason?" Gideon narrowed his eyes a little. "You need to tell us about this reason, my dear little-sister-in-law –"

"The reason is because she had seen the future." Gavrael was the one who spoke up, cutting Gideon’s words off. He was still upset at how Gideon was behaving so affronted.

"W-what?" Gideon and Vera had the same expression. Both of them looked at Evie with shock.

"She had seen the future, but she is not allowed to reveal everything she had seen so directly. She had to find a way to convey what she wanted to tell without spelling it out in black and white." Gavrael continued answering for Evie, staring at Gideon with a very serious gaze now. "She can’t say many things out loud and that was why she’s trying her best to find a way to communicate with us. To tell us about the important things she had seen. She’s also trying to do everything so she can to find a way to change the bleak future awaiting us all. She’s doing her best to help us! So even if you don’t understand what she’s doing, just try not to come at her so fiercely like that, even if you think she was doing something a little ridiculous."

Gavrael stated with so much conviction that Evie herself fell utterly speechless as she looked and listened to her husband explaining all of that on her behalf. "Evie already has a lot on her plate. All of us might not even have an idea on what she’s going through right now because she can’t share even if she wanted to. She’s carrying a lot all by herself right now. So I’m asking everyone not to push her any more than this. Just... put your trust in her... no, I’m asking you all to just put your trust in her instead of questioning her every action like this when she can’t even answer."

The tent became absolutely silent. Evie felt the corners of her eyes became hot at the words Gav had said. She never... she never had expected him to say all these things. She could hear the sympathy for her in his voice, and she felt her throat hurt a little. It was like he was hurting for her even as he said that. And it made Evie feel like crying. She never would have thought that Gav had truly felt her struggles. It almost felt like... he really knows everything she was going through... as if he knew the horrors that she had gone through... but that was not possible, right?

"Son..." The King finally spoke as well. "I apologize if I am being too inconsiderate of Evie, sometimes. You were right, we should be as patient as possible to her, knowing the fact that she can’t even answer whenever she was questioned about these matters." He then looked at Evie with an apologetic look in his eyes. "Evie... forgive us if we’re lacking. Please know that we acknowledge and appreciate that you are trying your hardest. Rest assured that from here on, I will make sure to support you as much as I can."

Feeling emotional, Evie smiled at the king and queen brightly. "Thank you!" she told them, letting them know how thankful she was hearing those words of support. This was what she needed the most right now. Her loved ones’ undying and unconditional support. This alone was enough to raise her flagging motivation.

"This matter about the ice-dragon-keeper..." The King then looked at Gideon. "Evie couldn’t say the exact name of the person involved. So she probably had to do it this way to let everyone know that Vera’s the ice dragon keeper she’s talking about. Am I right Evie?"

Evie just stared at them with that gleam in her eyes that the others have come to recognise as her ’yes’ look whenever it is related to the vision of the future.

"That was a yes," Queen Beatrice told Gideon and Gideon leaned back, still looking at her a bit in disbelief.

"She can’t even answer ’yes’ or ’no’?" Gideon asked.

"She can’t. And that’s why she constantly looks for other ways to tell us what she wants to say about matters related to the future events." Gavrael then replied for her and Gideon did not even know what to say anymore.

"I know you have so many questions about this." Evie spoke up this time, then her gaze fell to Vera. "I know you are very confused right now too, Vera." At that, her friend could only nod as a lopsided smile spread across her face.

Evie reached out and held Vera’s hands in hers. "But I want you to trust me, Vera. I will find a way to tell you more about this matter. Alright?"

As the two stared at each other, Evie felt Vera’s hands tremble a little and she saw something strange in her eyes for a brief moment. When Evie let go of her hand, Vera grabbed onto hers and did not want to let go.

"Evie..." Vera swallowed hard. "Can I... can I speak with you for a moment? Just the two of us?"

Chapter 593 - Since When?

Everyone had already headed outside the tent and were only waiting for Evie and Vera to finish their conversation in there.

King Belial had to leave for some other important matters, so queen Beatrice was the only one who was left with Gideon and Gavrael.

The two brothers did not speak to each other at all until Beatrice could no longer take their silence and spoke up.

"Both of you..." Beatrice stood before her sons, her voice tinged with warning. "You two are not seriously planning to continue being like this forever towards each other are you?" she asked sternly but then, her face softened and she reached out and took one of each of her sons’ hands into her own. She then looked down at both the hands that were clasped within hers and a small smile curved at the corners of her lips.

Beatrice’s smile was one that showed that she was remembering something blissful and nostalgic from the past. "I missed those times when you two were the closest of brothers I’ve ever known." She told them, looking up again at them with a longing look in her eyes. Both brothers could see that though her smile was soft and gentle, there was a hint of sadness that shone deep within her eyes.

"Isn’t it about time for the two of you to finally reconcile? The conflict between you two brothers have lasted long enough, don’t you think so?" Beatrice added as she pressed down on their hands. She would never forget how Gavrael had adored his brother so much to the point of idolising his older brother, and how Gideon loved his little brother as much, if not more. It was until Gideon started to distance himself from them, only then did it make Gavrael hate him in turn.

Beatrice could still remember the look in Gavrael’s eyes when Gideon had suddenly stopped talking to him, and when Gidoen did not even want to spare him a single glance. Gavrael was so heart-broken that despite Beatrice’ effort in telling him that his older brother was just going through something serious and that was why he seemed to have changed, Gavrael still could not understand it.

Gavvy was still very young at that point back then, so Beatrice knew that it would not be easy for him to understand his brother’s behaviour and decision in doing such things, especially when they could not quite tell him what exactly was going on. Gavvy had grown up since then, believing that Gideon had come to hate and despise him and as the years went by, he had developed a deeply rooted resentment towards his older brother as well.

Beatrice could not really blame her youngest as she had also found out how Gideon had completely ignored his younger brother when he was being bullied for being weak and without strength at one point. She had found out how Gideon had acted like he had cut off all ties with him and had even once left Gavvy in the Abyss all by himself. They had finally found the young and helpless Gavvy covered all over in wounds and blood and even with some broken ribs after a long search was carried out.

That was one of the saddest day in Beatrice’s life. Because she honestly never would have thought that Gideon would really abandon Gavvy in the Abyss that was full of monsters back then. She had cried so much when she found out about what Gideon had done to his younger brother.

Gavvy however, had never told them that it was Gideon who had left him there. It was Gideon himself who had later on confessed to both his parents on what he had done. He owned up that it was him who had brought Gavvy into the Abyss and had purposely left him there alone. And thus, that same day, Belial had punished Gideon really severely for what he had done to his younger brother. Gideon never answered the king’s questions as well on why he had done that, causing the king to punish him even more.

Since that day, Gavvy had stopped chasing after Gideon. And the brothers’ initially close relationship had only grown colder ever since then.

The truth was that this was the first time the two of them were staying this close within each other’s proximity without Gavvy being obviously hostile towards his older brother. Somehow, the air around them had changed a lot since the last time they were together, and Beatrice felt really relieved. She thought that maybe, this was now the perfect time for them to forget about what had happened between them in the past and start to forgive each other and move on.

"My dearest sons... I know that you both know we’re in a dire situation right now. So I’m really hoping that you both will finally reconcile and be able to work together again." Beatrice continued speaking softly to her sons, trying her best to patch their rocky relationship, "this is the time for us all to fight together as one. To stick to each other and help each other... so.... Giddy... Gavvy... my dearest sons, please let go of the past now, okay?"

Seeing their mother becoming so emotional that tears had started to gather at the corners of her eyes, Gideon and Gavrael looked at each other.

"Gavvy..." Beatrice looked at Gavrael and caressed his cheek. "I know that it’s hard for you, but I hope you can forgive your brother for what he had done back then. Hmm?"

Gavrael pressed his lips tightly together as he shot a glance at Gideon. Then he cupped his mother’s hand that was on his face in his own large ones before nodding slightly.

"I... I have already forgiven him long ago, mother." Gavrael said, his voice calm and gentle. Hearing what Gavrael said had surprised both Beatrice and Gideon as well.

"What?! R-really? Since when?" Beatrice could not believe what she had just heard.

Gavrael looked over to Gideon again. "Way before I left the Under Lands, I’ve already forgiven you. Since I had actually understood in the end on why you had left me there, alone in the abyss that day. No... to put it more accurately, you didn’t leave me at all, didn’t you? You were still there, watching over me but hidden from my view.. You didn’t stop the monster from attacking me and hurting me but... you made sure that they would not be able to kill me. Am I right, older brother?"

 

Chapter 594 - Explanation

Gavrael held Gideon’s eyes. He could see that his brother was shocked at what he had just revealed. Well, of course he would be. He had not given any indication that he was any different since he stepped back into the Under Lands.

Gideon had hidden himself so damned well back then that Gavrael took years to realize that his brother did not actually leave him that time, hoping that he would die. He was actually hidden and was still protecting him, making sure he would not get killed by those monsters.

But Gavrael thought that it was a bit too late when he had finally realized it. He had already hated Gideon for such a long time that it was already hard for the two of them to even look at each other, much less speak. And Gideon also did not try to even do anything to reconcile their relationship. Instead, he continued distancing himself farther and farther away that Gavrael did not have the chance to ask him why he had told his parents that he had abandoned him when actually did not.

"I had long found out that you actually never abandoned me." Gavrael repeated when Gideon remained silent. "I am still not certain why you had to lie like that and get yourself punished so badly though."

Gavrael tilted his head, and his tone became a lot more relaxed now, even sounding like he was starting to tease his older brother about it. "But I’m assuming you felt so bad for watching me get beaten up right before your face into a pulp that you let father punished you as hard as I had suffered to make up for it. Am I right?"

Gideon’s brows creased really deep now.

"Seems that I am right." Gavrael mumbled and Gideon turned away, unable to say anything at all, causing Beatrice who was still silent in utter disbelief at what she had been hearing to become even more surprised at Gideon’s reaction.

She knew this son very well. This reaction of his only meant one thing. That whatever Gavrael was saying is the truth, and both her and Gavvy knew this about Gideon so well!

"W-wait..." Beatrice quickly held onto Gideon. Because she remembered that just like in the past, when he was younger, whenever Gideon could not speak during certain confrontations, most especially when the one who made him react that way was his brother or her or Belial, Gideon usually ended up walking away or disappearing and escaping instead of talking back or defending himself.

And that was why Beatrice subconsciously came at him to make sure he could not escape this time around.

"You really didn’t abandon your brother?!" Beatrice’s eyes were a little hot as she questioned her son. These two boys did not know how heartbroken she had been feeling all this time about this incident. Knowing that your eldest son could even do that to his own younger brother was just something so unacceptable, so incredibly heart-breaking that just hearing it was not true even after so many years had made Beatrice feel like breaking down and crying out in loud wails with so much relief.

"Then why? Why did you tell your father that you abandoned him?" Beatrice wanted to know. "Why did you watch your brother get hurt to that extent when you were there all along?"

Gideon dropped his head and still remained silent.

"I believed that he did that to force me to awaken my dark fae abilities." Gavrael answered and Beatrice’s head snap at Gavrael. "Before I collapsed that time, I was finally able to use magic for the very first time out of utter determination and desperation to stay alive. My anger and hate at him was also a big part of it, I believe. My hate for what he did blinded me for quite a long time though, that I didn’t realize that I had started becoming stronger since that day." Gavrael explained to Beatrice while Gideon just stood there, utterly mute as he stared at his younger brother blankly.

"I think that brother knew all along that my abilities will awaken only if I am on the brink of death or something of that sort, and that’s why he didn’t help me and only watched me. I’m not sure how he knew about that and also why he had to do it at that time though. There’s still a lot of things that I don’t understand yet, and I am still hoping he’d give me more explanations about it. But for now, it can wait. After all, I’ve already been waiting so long." He added with a shrug, glancing at Gideon again.

Beatrice was utterly speechless. Never did she expect to hear this as an explanation. And to think that Gavvy was the one to be saying all this. She could tell that Gavvy really no longer resented Gideon.

"Oh my..." Beatrice’s hands flew over her mouth. Only the gods knew how happy she was right now! "This means... this means you had long stopped resenting your brother as well, right? Gavvy?" Beatrice had to make sure she was not hearing things. She still could not help it because she knew that even before Gavvy left the Under Lands, their relationship did not get any better at all. If he had long stopped resenting his brother way before that, why did Gavvy never say anything or do anything make their relationship better?

Gavrael nodded. "I had long thought about talking to brother again, but... he didn’t give me the chance. And he just continued doing things that made me feel that he didn’t want to even see me or talk to me at all. I also had the feeling he had deliberately done all those things to make me hate him and he had been determined to continue doing that. I always wanted to know why but he just kept hiding away until I eventually left the Under Lands."

Beatrice looked at Gideon this time. She cupped his face with both her hands to make him look at her.

"Gideon... please say something, son." She urged him. "It’s your turn to explain now please. Tell us your side too, Gideon."

Chapter 595 - Every Little Detail

The tent was protected by Evie’s barrier so no one could hear a single word coming from the inside. Evie was surprised that Vera would insist on this level of confidentiality.

"Alright, what is it?" Evie asked Vera gently as the ladies held onto each other’s hands. Curiosity was brimming in Evie’s eyes as she looked expectantly at Vera. She wanted to know the reason why Vera did not want anyone else to hear this conversation apart from her, not even her own mate.

"Evie..." Vera’s expression was a bit severe now. "I... I actually saw the future too."

"...!!!" Her words made Evie’s eyes grow wide and her mouth dropped open in surprise. "You saw... how?" Evie’s heart was beating furiously within her, and she squeezed Vera’s hands that were in hers. Vera squeezed back and nodded slightly, confirming what she heard was true.

"During the mating ritual." Vera answered and Evie immediately remembered what her mother-in-law had told her about the mating bond. That during the ritual, the couple might see each other’s past. But apparently, for Vera, things went in the opposite direction.

"You and Gideon saw the future instead of your pasts!"

"Actually, I think Gideon saw the past. Only I was shown the future." Vera murmured softly to Evie.

"And... you seem to be able to say it out without any restrictions, right?" Evie’s heartbeat hastened a little. This news was so huge that she could hardly believe it. However, she needed to know first if Vera could speak about it freely before she starts celebrating. "Please tell me you can talk about it without any problems." Evie added, hoping so badly that Vera’s case would be different from hers as the way they saw the future was completely different.

"I think I can make mention of it... I..." Vera’s lips began to tremble, causing Evie to feel worried now that they were the same. "I saw my future with Gideon... and... and..." a tear began to fall from Vera’s eyes no matter how much she tried to hold back and not cry. "I saw him leaving me... behind... he... Gideon is going to leave me, Evie!" Vera wailed and she broke down and threw herself into Evie’s arms for support.

And she wept. And as fat tears fell like raindrops from her eyes, Evie instantly remembered the look on her future self’s face when Gav took his last breath.

Evie quickly pulled Vera closer into her arms and hugged her tight, hoping that her embrace would help comfort Vera a little. It dawned upon Evie that Vera must have held these tears within herself for so long. She could tell that since that mating ritual had started, Vera had never shed a single tear despite the things she had seen in her vision just so she could hide it from Gideon. How agonising it must have been for her!

For a while, Evie just let Vera cry her despair out as she shook with loud sobs that broke Evie’s heart. She knew her friend was in turmoil right now, but Evie was just so glad that it seems unlike her, Vera could share everything that she had seen in the future without restrictions with her. Perhaps because of the mating ritual, though rare, was like a more natural way for someone to have a glimpse into the future.

After patiently rubbing comforting circles into Vera’s back, she finally managed to calm down enough to speak again. "Vera..." Evie called her name gently. "Could you tell me more about this? What happened? I need you to share everything you had witnessed with me." she cupped Vera’s face and wiped her tear tracks away. "Trust me... I know exactly how you feel about all the anguish you’re feeling right now. But fortunately, what you saw is still in the future... it has yet to happen. I believe... that just like me... you were shown the future instead of the past for an important reason. You know what that means right? It means that we are still able to change it. This bleak future ahead of us... we can still do something about it, Vera." Evie’s voice started to become more excited. She had thought that only she alone had to bear this burden of seeing into the future and doing something to help change the unfortunate events that led to so much death and despair. But now she had Vera! The both of them could work together on this!

The words Evie said seemed to have quickly seeped into Vera. She pulled away and wiped her tears away determinedly. "You... you’re right." she said and Evie smiled at her.

"Yes, Vera. We still have time. Though we cannot afford to waste time, it’s not too late yet. We will find a way to change the future and save... our loved ones. But in order for us to do that, we need more information. I want you to tell me everything Vera. Don’t leave a single thing out. Every little detail is crucial."

Vera nodded. She took a deep breath, and she finally began to recount every single one of the details of what she had seen in her vision.

"The scenarios are a bit messy, but I think the future I saw happening is not too far from now. I saw that Gideon and I lived together in peace here in the Under Lands... I don’t for how long though... as some scenes were like images passing through in my head at a very fast pace. There were also some gaps in the timing, I think. Like the memories right after the ritual until now and I think the future coming days too were skipped. After the fast-paced flashes of blissful memories... the flashes slowed. And that was when I started seeing the chaos. The Under Lands were being attacked by monsters. I saw fighting everywhere... and... then and I saw Gideon started becoming weird." Vera’s voice began to shake. "I saw him start screaming then his darkness blazed all around him. After a few more fast-paced flashes... I saw him taking me with him towards the Abyss. The monsters were not touching us at all. Then I saw myself fighting him, trying to wake him up from his weird behaviour. I also saw a glimpse of you... I know that bright light belongs to you.. But I couldn’t tell what you were doing as my memories seemed to be focussed only on Gideon and I alone."

 

Chapter 596 - After That

"So you’re saying you couldn’t see anything about us... I mean what is going on around?" Evie asked.

"I can only see flashes like they were some kind of background. However, if it was related to me and Gideon... then the pictures were very clear."

"I see..." Evie looked at her with understanding, her focus so intense. She felt like these would be very important, even if she could not tell anyone about them, the matter with Gideon was something she must know at all costs.

Because Evie still believed that the future which she saw was a result of this future Vera had seen. Evie also already realized that the future Vera saw must be way earlier than the far future that was shown to her.

"What happened after that?" Evie questioned Vera again. "Did he bring you all the way to the heart of the Abyss?"

Vera shook her head.

"I managed to awaken him somehow before we got in too deep into that darkness." Vera answered. A silent tear fell from her eyes again, but she tried her very best this time not to shed more than that. "I saw him snap out of it, and then the next thing I knew, I was somehow inside a castle... he broke down at the sight of my wounds which was a result of my struggle to bring him back to his senses. He was so angry, and I could do nothing but watch him as he started loathing himself. I think at that moment... I saw your husband. Just a glimpse of him. I also can’t quite tell what he was doing. I don’t know what was going on outside that place as all my eyes could only see clearly was Gideon. Just us both. I also can’t tell how long the time has passed but I think Gideon had confined me within that place. He had distanced himself from me for fear that he would end up hurting me again. I watched him as he tried to fight the darkness that was taking over him for I don’t know how long. Until I saw me finally freeing myself from his restriction. I went to him because I wanted to help him... to touch him... I think I just couldn’t watch him fight his darkness all by himself anymore. Somehow, I managed to get him to take over full control of himself again. He was alright again after that. And he finally let me out of that place. I think he was wanting to bring me somewhere again when I saw a mountain of ice. We both stopped there because I think I asked him a question. But I can’t quite remember what it was for now. And it was there that we saw frozen dragons within that mountain."

Evie started to swallow in anticipation.

"There were flashes again and the next scene I saw was me touching the ice and watching it melt under my palms. I don’t know what happened after that as something seemed to have happened once again. I think I saw flashes of the abyss reaching all the way to that mountain of ice. It was like something within it was chasing after us and the closer that dark abyss got to us, Gideon seemed to get crazier and lose himself all over again." Vera clutched on her cloak so tightly as she continued. Her voice getting more and more pained as her story went on.

She wiped away another silent tear that fell from her eyes before she spoke again. "Gideon started to push me away from him. But I didn’t let go. He started begging me to leave him after he had accidentally hurt me again. I think he end up bringing me to another castle. I saw glimpses of dragons in the sky and intense fighting happening again."

"Dragons? Were they ice dragons that you saw?" Evie asked in a soft and patient voice.

Vera shook her head. "I don’t know, but I think I saw them breathing out fire." She answered and Evie creased her brows a little. This means in the future Vera saw, she did not manage to free the frozen ice dragons?

"The place Gideon brought you to... is it still within the Under lands?" Evie asked again and Vera nodded.

"I think... all the scenes that I saw in my vision happened here in the Under Lands. I don’t remember that my vision ever showed anywhere outside of the Under Lands." She said contemplatively and Evie did not ask anymore and just waited for Vera to continue on her story.

"After that..." her voice cracked a little. "I think Gideon had brought me to meet his parents. I think I saw a glimpse of you again at that time. I think you were having a fight with your husband. Both of us were fighting against them, I think... as they seem to be trying to send us out of the Under Lands for our safety. However, the both of us were arguing back as we did not want to leave and have them fight the battles on their own. It was bad enough that we could not contribute much during that war, but to send us off was the bottom line that neither you or I were willing to accept. I don’t know how much time had passed again after that, but I think you seemed to be teaching me something during that time."

"Did you happen to see dragons again?" Evie could not help but keep wandering back to this issue. She needed to know more on what happened with Vera and the ice dragons!

"I think so... yes. I did see glimpses of them here and there." Vera answered in the affirmative and then she continued narrating again. "I think everything was better for a short time after that. Gideon had kept himself under strict control as well and I think it’s because of your husband’s contribution."

Evie creased her brows. "Because of Gav? Why do you think it’s because of him?"

Chapter 597 - Powerless

"Why do you think it’s because of my husband?" Evie asked Vera. She did not know why but this made her heart jumped and shivered a little.

"I’m seeing him always with Gideon since we came in that place," Vera replied. "I couldn’t tell what he was doing, but Gideon looked quite fine whenever your husband is close to him. The black smoke-like thing lingering around his body also seemed to disappear only when Gideon is right next to him."

Vera’s answer silenced Evie. Somehow, she felt a really bad premonition after hearing this information from Vera.

"Do you see any other details about this, Vera? Like maybe if my husband is being surrounded by that smoke-like thing or something that seems off?"

"I’m sorry... I wish I could tell you more details about this, but I could hardly even see other faces except Gideon’s. Much less any other details about them." Vera replied apologetically and Evie pressed on her palm. She knew she was pushing Vera for something that was not in her capabilities to help. But she could not help it. She was feeling too nervous about this matter involving Gav and Gideon.

"It’s alright. At least we have some leads to follow up on now. If in case you suddenly remember something else about this, please don’t hesitate to tell me, okay? I believe that this is one of the crucial matters we need to deal with." Evie told her and after Vera nodded, she continued on her narration again.

"I think days or even months passed after that. I think Gideon and everyone keep leaving the castle we’re staying at and that’s why there were lots of gaps in my memories during this time. It was that way until the temporary peace seemed to be broken again. I saw Gideon coming at me then grabbing me and pulling me away. There was chaos everywhere. I think that castle was now under attack too. We somehow managed to escape and I watched that castle get swallowed by a wall of darkness too. The next thing I saw was we were inside another castle again for another while before the darkness reached us yet again. This time..." Vera’s voice began to crack and her grip on Evie’s hand tightened so much.

"Gideon lost it again and he left me. I was struggling from someone’s hold as I watch him walk off towards the wall of darkness. I was screaming at him, telling him not to go there, but he didn’t listen. Or he couldn’t listen... I am not sure. Then I don’t how, but I ended up chasing after him as he stepped into the darkness. I managed to hug him tight and was about to pull him back... but he pushed me away before I could do anything. He... apologized to me and then... he said goodbye." Vera’s tear dropped silently. "I think he called for a dragon, and it took me away from him by force. As I looked down, I saw him enter the black wall and the monsters that were wreaking havoc in the castle seemed to have followed him there."

Vera wiped her tears as she took one deep breath. The things she saw during that moment was still breaking her heart to pieces. Because during that time, Vera saw it in Gideon’s eyes, that he knew that moment was their very last goodbye. That they will never see each other again. She had begged and begged him not to go. She even asked him to take her with him that if he was going to die, that he must bring her along with him. But Gideon did not listen. He kissed her and said ’sorry’ over and over again before he told her ’goodbye’ and forcefully sent her away.

"The memories stopped there... because I think... our future had ended there." Vera uttered as she tried her best to stop her tears. She slumped over on Evie as though she had lost all strength to hold herself up. Her body was wrecked with silent sobs as she agonised over that bleak and sorrowful future that had been shown to her.

Evie supported and hugged the drained Vera and did not speak for a while. She just comforted Vera with her presence and continuously patted or rubbed circles into her back. Evie knew that there was no point for words at the moment when Vera was still caught up in the possibility of losing her love in the future. The pain in Vera’s eyes broke her heart too, knowing what exactly she was going through right now after experiencing it beforehand. Evie had a lot of things to ask and say right now but she refrained from doing so at the moment. She needed to give her friend a moment to breath and calm down. But...

"Evie..." Vera was the first to break the silence. "I was so powerless... so useless... there was nothing I could do! All I could do during those times was to beg and cry and cling unto him... I couldn’t do anything else..." her body shook. "I want to do something. I don’t want to be powerless anymore. If only I have some power too, I could’ve been more helpful to him. Maybe I could even stop him from leaving me. Or I could fight alongside him rather than allowing him to do it alone."

She cried in agony and helplessness and Evie could only hug her tighter. She tried to tell her about the future and that she would not be that powerless person, but she could not say it out.

However, Evie had realized that there was no point in telling Vera about the version of her that she had seen in the future. Vera was powerful then, but Evie saw how she had gone about no different from a living dead. Evie realized that perhaps in that future, it was already way too late when Vera had finally awakened her latent powers and learned that she was actually an ice-dragon guardian. She had only learned about her abilities when Gideon was already gone.

"I don’t want to be powerless anymore, Evie." Vera said again and then suddenly, she pulled away and there was a fierce and determined look flashing in her eyes. "I will... I am going to take away Gideon’s power.. I think if I do that, something will change... no, I can change the sequence of events that lead to that disaster."

Chapter 598 - Powerful

After Vera explained to Evie about the offer Gideon had made to her, Evie's eyes widened, utterly shocked. She did not know that such things were possible.

"Tell me, Evie. That's the best decision I could do right now, right? If I take his power, I will be able to control him. Then he won't be able to leave me again." Desperation was brimming in Vera's eyes as she said those words. "I think that disaster happened because I didn't accept his offer! This time I'm really going to accept his offer."

Evie stared deeply into her friend's eyes, then she reached out and held her face.

"Vera… I understand your desperation right now. But I want you to calm down. We must think hard about this first before making a decision."

"But Evie, this is definitely the best decision I can think of. I didn't accept his offer and that was why all of that happened."

"You might be right, Vera. But what if something worse happens if you decide to accept his offer?" Evie prompted Vera.

"What… what do you mean?" Vera jerked before going still in shock. Things could get worse?

"We don't know for sure what will happen if you accept that offer Vera. You might be able to control him and become powerful but… have you ever thought that what if the darkness is able to take over you next? Since you are the one controlling Gideon. By then, do you think you are able to resist the influences of the darkness?"

What Evie said silenced Vera. Her lips trembled as she tried to say something, but nothing came out, so she eventually gave up and bit on her lip.

"The offer seems really beneficial, but… I think Gideon had intended to give you his power with the sole purpose of protecting you from himself. I think he might not have even considered that there is a larger risk that the darkness might change its target and try to take over you instead."

The fierceness and determination that was brimming in Vera's eyes just a while ago were completely gone now. She looked like the hope she was clinging onto was taken away from her. Vera looked deflated, like a balloon that had lost all its air.

"Vera… listen… don't lose hope yet. Did you forget what we were discussing with everyone else before this?" Evie smiled at her, and Vera blinked at her, trying to recall what it was that Evie was referring to. Then her eyes widened as she sat up straighter.

"That I'm an ice-dragon… keeper?" Vera stammered.

"That mountain you saw in those memories. And that the ice melted when you touched it… I think you will be able to melt that ice again, Vera, and take control of all those ice dragons." Evie told her with much enthusiasm. She was so glad that she could reveal these matters to Vera. It seems that she could say it out if she worded it in a way that it was just an opinion? "You can be powerful without taking someone's power. I also think that this method is much better. Gideon's offer is just filled with too many unknown risks, and we really can't afford to make matters worse right now."

"But… are you really sure that I'm the…" Vera looked down at her hands. She suddenly felt the inferiority crashing onto her again - the same feeling she got when she was still being abused by her mother.

"You saw it. The ice melted when you touched the ice. Perhaps, something interrupted you that time and you had left immediately before the ice could completely melt and the dragons were freed. And that's why you didn't find out that you were the one who freed them." Evie was even looking more excited now as she held Vera's hands. Her words encouraged Vera and snapped her out of that self-pity and self-mockery mode she was in. "Alright. There is only one more thing to do to prove that this is true. We will go to that mountain so you can try it out for yourself." Evie smiled confidently at Vera, more than certain about what she had said.

"But if that's true… then how? How did I even ended up being someone like that?"

"Vera… I think it's time for you and Gideon to tell each other what you both saw during your mating bond. I'm sure you will find out the answer to your questions once you do that. However, I am not forcing you to dig into it, okay? It will still be totally up to you if you wanted to know. What I am insisting right now is that since you are free to speak of the future that you saw… I believe that it is best that you tell Gideon about it. Everything…"

"Is it really okay for me to tell him?"

"I know it would be hard for him to hear it all, but I believe this is for the better. I also think that if you tell him, he might be able to understand some things that we couldn't. There's a big possibility that he can come up with a better conclusion and discover more detailed information from it than us. So you go ahead and tell him Vera. I wish I could tell everything that I had seen in my vision, but I am not allowed to. So you say it, okay? King Belial and my husband are very good in analysing things from the bare information that is provided to them. So I believe if they hear this, they'd be able to solve something. Even if not a lot of things, whatever little is better than nothing and that will help us with this disaster coming to us."

Vera nodded and Evie sighed in relief. She was so glad Vera was putting her trust in her as well.

"Alright, we'll go back to them now." Evie stood and as she waved her hand to disperse the barrier, Vera lunged towards her and hugged her.

"Thank you for being here, Evie." She whispered gratefully. "I really wouldn't know what to do without you."

"Thank you for putting your trust in me as well, Vera. Don't worry, we will change the future! You won't be powerless as well. Trust me, you will become someone very formidable very soon. In fact, I want us to go and search for that mountain together, right now if possible…" Evie told her with an unwavering confidence that sparkled in her beautiful amber eyes, as she pulled Vera towards the exit to meet up with their loved ones who were still wating patiently outside the tent.

Chapter 599 - Orders

Outside the tent, the atmosphere between this small group of a mother and her two sons were almost eerily silent. It had already been quite a while, but Gideon still refused to say anything and relent to speak to his younger brother. The atmosphere between them were so stifled that Beatrice was about to break the silence again but it was then that she spied Evie and Vera appearing. They were finally stepping out from the tent.

"Seems that their private talk is over." Beatrice said as she smiled towards her two beautiful daughters-in-law. Although they were her daughters-in-law, she viewed them as her own daughters.

Just as Evie and Vera joined the group, the king arrived as well. Evie had immediately noticed that something was going on between Gav and Gideon. Something must have happened between them while she and Vera were talking in the tent. But her attention quickly shifted to the king as they all felt that something must have happened just by the feel of the king's fluctuating aura.

"Something happened?" Queen Beatrice asked as she walked towards him and held her husband's arms.

The king nodded then he looked around at the rest of them.

"The Abyss has been acting strange lately. I don't think it's safe for anyone to approach it right now. I am also sounding the alarm for high alert after making the announcements soon. So all of you must go back to the castle for now." the king said with haste before his gaze fell onto Evie. "I'm afraid we can only go see the Abyss next time, Queen Evielyn."

Evie pressed her lips tightly together. She wanted to protest but she held back. She told herself not to be too rushed and be patient as well especially now since she knew that her father-in-law was just so concerned about all their safety. That was something she must understand and not push everyone and everything too much just because of her own worries and plans for the future.

And besides, maybe this was a good decision for now. Because somehow, her gut did not seem to be protesting against King Belial's call to retreat for now.

"You both must leave as well." King Belial told his two sons in an absolute voice and a firm look within his eyes that did not brook any protest. Then he kissed Beatrice's forehead, whispered something into her ears, then left quickly.

Queen Beatrice watched her husband leave and as soon as he was gone from her sight, she took a deep breath and turned towards them.

"Alright, let us go." The queen said. She looked as though she was there to make sure that the four of them listened to her husband and heed his order. And it made Evie smile at how Queen Beatrice was so supportive of her husband.

"Are we going back as well, Your Majesty?" Zanya asked Evie. Samuel was also looking at her and waiting for her orders and Evie could tell that the big guy wanted to stay back as well.

Evie fell silent for a moment. She thought that maybe she must allow half of the vampires and half of the light faes to stay back. She wanted to train her men and people too and the best way to do that was to make them mingle around with the dark faes and fight with them. Though Evie did not think that a big fight was about to break out, Evie still wanted her men and people to keep familiarizing themselves with the matters of this Abyss of Darkness.

She would do anything to make them grow stronger. Because she would never forget that only just a few of these amazing men and women had survived in that future that she saw.

"Samuel, Leon, Zolan…" Evie called.

"Your Majesty. What are your orders?" They quickly responded.

"I want the three of you to stay back." She told them then moved closer to Zolan. "I need you to observe the Abyss carefully Zolan. Then I want you to report every detail that you observe to me tonight."

"Yes, my queen." Zolan said and she spoke to Zanya next. Evie had wanted Zirrus to stay back but she had caught Zanya giving her an almost pleading look to stay so Evie could only relent and give in. Evie also somehow felt that it was better for Zanya to be there. Zirrus was a reliable leader no doubt about it, but Zanya was the best support. She has what it takes to adapt and change according to the situation as it evolves. Evie wanted someone like her to watch over the vampire's backs just in case something unexpected happens.

"I want everyone to be careful and watch over each other's backs." Evie said and after that Evie approached the three vampires and placed her palms over their chests, quickly casting a protection spell over them. She did that to protect them.

"I know that the three of you are still stronger than most others, but I want you to never forget that you don't wield magic. If a fight breaks out, don't rush out there mindlessly. If any of you get hurt, I will not let you stay in the frontlines again." Evie warned them sternly with a threatening look and the three men rubbed the back of their necks. Their queen really knows them well, as they usually end up doing that.

Zolan laughed quietly. "Your threats will definitely make these two be extra careful before taking any actions in future." He mumbled.

"And how about you?" Evie raised her brow at Zolan.

"Well, aren't I always careful, Your Majesty?" he grinned playfully.

"I still need you to be extra careful, understood?"

"Understood, my queen!"

And thus, everyone finally turned to leave.

Evie held onto Gav's hand as they were going to travel by air this time to familiarize themselves with the locations.

As they flew, Evie looked back towards the Abyss of Darkness, and she wondered if the Abyss had acted up strangely because Gideon was close.

Chapter 600 - Wiser

As soon as they arrived in the Great City, Evie, Gav, Gideon and Vera went straight to the castle. Queen Beatrice on the other hand had left them to attend to some other important matters.

Evie thought that it was time for Vera to tell everything to Gideon so the moment they arrived inside the castle, Evie nodded discreetly at Vera. Vera quickly understood what Evie was trying to tell her with that nod, and after she nodded back to Evie, Evie grabbed Gav’s hand and pulled him in the opposite direction to leave the couple to have some time alone.

"Can you bring me to a quiet place where you loved hiding at back when you were still living here?" Evie asked Gav as she led him out to the veranda. "I want us to talk Gav. And no, I’m not going to bring you into our room. I’m afraid you’d just sleep on me again, so bring me somewhere else that we can spend some time together."

Gav bit down on his lips as if to stop himself from smiling.

"Now let’s go." Evie offered him her hand and Gav took it before he gently scooped her up in his arms.

That put a wide smile on Evie’s face, and she immediately leaned her head on his shoulder.

Gav spread his wings out and the two of them spiralled up to the highest peak of the castle. He landed there and stood there holding Evie in his arms without moving for a while.

"The view is even more beautiful up here." Evie whispered out, amazed at the scenery that greeted her eyes.

Just as Evie thought Gav was going to put her down, Gav’s wings spread open majestically again before flapping powerfully a few times, bringing them higher up into the ’sky’.

Evie’s eyes widened when she realized where Gav might be bringing her. He is bringing me up into those crystals in the ceiling?!

Gav’s pace increased and after a few moments, and they finally reached the ceiling.

The seemingly tiny glowing crystals that they see below were actually so massive up close, and just breathtaking. The crystals looked like they were planted into the ceiling, so Evie thought that Gav must have just taken a detour to purposely show this beautiful view to her first before bringing her to the place where they could comfortably sit and talk. However, to her surprise, Evie saw an L shaped massive and transparent coloured crystal before them. It has a wide and flat surface where they could even land!

Gav did land onto it and finally put Evie down.

Evie just gaped as she looked around. The place was just... she had no word for it. It was like they were in the under lands heaven!

"My god, Gav..." Evie could not help but feel emotional as she looked around. The wide and flat crystal beneath her feet looked like a mirror, reflecting the colourful smaller crystals above and everywhere. When she looked down over the edge of the flat crystal, she could see the beauty of the Under Lands down below.

"This is your quiet place!" Evie exclaimed to him as she was still not over this incredible place.

"I found this place by accident back then when I was younger." Gav said. "No one ever comes over here so..." he trailed off and looked up. "Well... I think I always come here back then because this might be the only place that was closest to the surface. I had always wondered how it looked like up there whenever I come here."

Evie smiled gently at him, and she suddenly wrapped her hands around his waist and squeezed him, feeling her love for this person overwhelm her heart. He might look all tough and firm, but he possesses such a gentle and warm heart.

"This is just so beautiful... this might be the most beautiful place I’ve seen so far – even comparing to places on the surface! I really have no words for it."

"I knew you’d love this place. I have always wanted to bring you here back then but..." he took a long pause until Evie looked up.

"But the portal was still not passable during those times yet, right?" she completed his sentence at the realization that Gav suddenly hesitated to continue what he was saying.

He nodded and just stared at her.

Evie met his fiery blue eyes and when he did not speak anymore, she reached out and caressed his face with a soft smile on her face.

"Thank you, Gav." She said and he blinked then abruptly looked away.

"This is... I am the one who’s thankful, Evie."

Evie made him look at her, smiling at him with so much adoration and gratitude.

"Not just for this Gav. I’m also thankful for your support a while ago at the tent." Evie explained to him further. "Your words really surprised me. And I was... so touched. You don’t know how much those words of yours comforted me, Gav. I can’t thank you enough..."

As Evie’s eyes gleamed, Gavrael cupped the sides of her face and pulled her closer to him. He landed a kiss on her forehead as he closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath, his nostrils filling with the unique floral scent that only belonged to Evie, his wife.

"I’m glad I was able to comfort you." he whispered then he dropped his head and his forehead landed lightly on her shoulder. "Though that was... actually... all thanks to Gavriel. He prepared me to speak up for you... he... really knows you so well, Evie..."

Evie pulled him closer and squeezed him tighter.

"You are him Gav..." Evie whispered gently, reminding him of this point.

"I know..." he answered, causing Evie to look up at him. This was the first time he acknowledged this. "He’s my present self and he’s wiser than I am... his old version."

Evie was about to worry for him again, but she quickly noticed that the way he speaks right now about this topic seemed to have changed somewhat. She could no longer hear the sadness nor the jealousy that used to be so sharp in his voice anymore.

He hid his face by dropping his head down into the crook of her shoulders. "I am really thankful of him now... that he exists..." his voice weakened. "Without him... I wouldn’t know how to support you. I would not have known how to be helpful to you... he told me there must be a reason why this has happened to us, our past and present selves or our vampire and dark fae sides splitting like this. When he said that, I don’t know why, but even though I don’t have any idea on what this reason is, I just believed him. And I do think that he’s right. That there must be a good reason for this. He also told me that one reason must be because you needed us both, separately, right now..."