Ch. 691..700: [Finale]

Chapter 691 Ignorant

Riding on Onyx, Evie arrived at the vampire's capital. Onyx did not even blow any fire yet, but everyone was already cowering in fear as his massive shadow sped over them. r

The previous times Evie came to the vampire kingdom, she had been riding on Crimson as she was the smallest of all her dragons and the least intimidating. She had always wanted to show the vampires that she did not mean them any harm. She had not wanted to use the dragons to instill fear in them and force their cooperation. But this time, because of this rebellion, Evie had decided to finally be serious and reveal the might of her dragons. r

It seemed that there was no other choice but to do this. Since they were not taking her seriously when she was trying to be a good and kind to them, then she would use her power and instill fear. If that would stop them from trying to fight and cause any more bloodshed, then she would be willing to take that approach. She had decided to be a tyrant for them if that was what it takes to make the vampires drop their weapons and stop the fighting. r

She had just wanted the vampires to hold and be patient with her until their King's return. And that was why she had been patient with them despite all their refusal and disdain and disobedience. But this time, they had crossed the line and the opposing factions they had created killed their fellow vampires just because they had been obedient to her wishes. r

As the majestic Black dragon hover menacingly over the capital where several areas have already been on fire, Evie watched as the vampires looked up, forgetting momentarily they were in the middle of a battle. r

When Onyx landed on the top of Royal Palace, the dragon gave a chilling loud shriek that had everyone, even those who were fighting on the inside, to halt in their actions. That warning bellow from Onyx had instinctively caused their survival reactions to go full on and they cowered where they stood.r

All of them immediately felt fear as they could still remember that time when the dragons came and fought in their city and destroyed and crumbled parts of this palace to dust. r

Another loud shriek echoed a few minutes following the first. It made the vampires wonder if that was a warning before the Light Queen decided to burn them all into ashes. r

"Let's... let's run!" one of the vampire soldiers shouted in fear. "That monster is going to incinerate us all! I'm not going to just sit still and die here! And not by fire!"r

When the third chilling shriek echoed close on the heels of the second one, the vampires began to scurry around and leave the insides of the palace. Fearing that they would be scorched to death within the palace if they did not get out as soon as possible. They did not care any longer for their fight and rushed out in the hopes of getting as far away as they can from the Royal Palace. r

And just like that, chaos quickly ensued as the rebels began to flee helter skelter. r

However, little did they know that Queen Evie had long ordered the formation of a barrier that was already in place around the palace, stopping anyone and everyone from fleeing. The light faes who had come along with her had placed the barrier right outside the castle grounds and the vampires with them caught the rebels. r

With the involvement of magic and dragons and the insane abilities of the elite vampires under the Light Queen's command, the rebels were brought to their knees quicker than anyone would ever imagine. r

Upon hearing from Zolan that everyone had already been gathered and sent back to the palace's massive inner bailey, Evie asked Onyx to land right before the few hundreds of men kneeling on the ground. r

Majestically, the massive dragon made his daunting landing. Onyx's wide wingspan and powerful downward flaps created a strong wind that literally caused everyone to take a step back from the air pressure. And then Onyx opened his mouth at them. r

Some of the vampires started to scream out bloody murder while the others were too stunned to even react and stood rooted to the spot, faces as white as paper. When Onyx shrieked at them and let his scorching breath sweep pass all over them, they all thought that it was their end. Some lesser vampires even peed their pants from fear of being either eaten or burnt alive. r

But surprisingly even after a few breaths, they did not die. The dragon merely let out a gust of hot air, not fire. r

When they lifted their fearful faces again, they saw that the Light Queen was now standing like the goddess of Light on the head of the dragon. They were struck at how she was a vision of beauty, power and also threateningly frightful at the same time.

Almost all of them started to tremble against their will. However, they could not help it. Her terrrifying dark dragon and the pressure of her power and majestic aura was just too physically compelling that they could only submit to it. r

"Watch our Queen, you idiots!" Luc's yell echoed proudly. "That's the same queen you idiots were disrespecting. You f**king dared to challenge her? How idiotic! Now where are your f**king bravery, now? Huh?!" r

"Look at them, pissing themselves just because a dragon just breathed out before them." Reed shook his head before scoffing. "And it was only one small puff! Tsk tsk tsk..."r

"They are all ignorant." Samuel butted in, nodding sagely. "These poor fellow vampires of ours still think that they are the most superior creatures in the whole of Lirea. And their overinflated pride can't bear to accept that there is someone who is stronger than us. If they only knew what kind of creatures are still out there in places they never knew existed." r

Chapter 692 There Are

"It's sad that they have to force the queen to show them this side of her. But I guess, it's better this way. Fear is sometimes necessary for those who are too stupid for their own good." Leon also commented sarcastically when Zolan, who was at the front and standing next to Onyx's side, signaled them.

The four of them then picked out four vampires and shoved them to the ground, just several steps away from the queen. Falling to their faces, they scrambled to pick themselves up and looked fearfully at Queen Evie.

Looking down at the four men who were apparently the heads of this rebellion, Evie did not show them any emotion. Her eyes then settled on the two men in the middle. They were among the few Dukes of the vampires who are the heads of the most powerful houses.

"Forgive us! Queen Evielyn. Forgive us! I am telling the truth, Your Majesty, we are fighting not to overthrow you. We are only fighting for our rights â€"" One of the two in the middle still dared to spout lies when he was already at this point. He truly was an idiot for thinking that the Queen was as easily fooled as he thought.

"Rights..." Evie's sharp and chilly voice cut the pleading duke off. "When ever did the vampires consider drinking blood from humans a right?" Her eyes then narrowed with a dangerous glint in them as she stared unblinkingly at him.

Before the duke could respond, Evie glared dangerously. "If you claim that it is your right to drink human blood, the human also has the same right to refuse from being taken as your drinking source. The rule of the vampires is that they can drink only from a willing individual. I have ordered the closure and demolition of all the human livestock cities vampires like you have created since long ago because of a simple reason, Duke Abner... it's all because those humans have the right to be free and live as a human and not as a livestock. Now... you tell me you are fighting because of that? Because you can't accept that I ordered the end of the human livestocking business you are doing? I've reminded you of this before, Duke Abner. The vampires' tyranny is long over. We are now entering a new age. Humans were never meant to be the vampires' food. Just because humans are the weaker race, doesn't mean you can treat them like a mere livestock. So, if you men cannot even control your gluttony and addiction to human blood, then I guess... I don't have a choice but to turn you all into ashes, right here, right now." Evie gave them an ultimatum as though asking them to make a choice on something trivial.

That vampire and the others began to wail and beg again but Evie ignored them. Her gaze fell to the other Duke beside Duke Abner. The man among the four who have yet to utter a single word yet. Duke Henrys was the only one who didn't beg.

"And Duke Henrys..." Evie focused her attention on him, "are you going to stay silent until the end?"

"I will never bow my head to a ruler who does not even have a single drop of vampire blood in their veins. I would rather die than do that! I will never acknowledge you as the ruler of the vampire land! Never!" the ancient vampire hissed. The will in his eyes burned wild and strong.

"Whoever told you that I am going to sit in the vampire's throne?" Evie's cold gaze pierced at him like ice.

Everyone was surprised and confused at her words. The rebels had thought that this non-vampire queen was trying to take over the throne and rule over them. That was why they were rebelling, thinking that they would then be ruled by a foreigner forever.

"Listen here, Duke Henrys and listen well. I am not going to be the one who will take the throne of the vampires. Someone else is going to take the vampire's crown because my throne isn't here." She told him with regal calmness.

"W-what are you... then who? Who's going to sit on the throne? Don't tell me... don't tell me you're going to choose just any vampire who is loyal to you since there is no longer any surviving vampire blue blood! And don't tell us King Gavriel will return! Because we won't believe your lies. If he was truly still alive, he would have been here a long time ago. Just admit that he's already dead â€"" Duke Henrys sneered.

Luc gave a sharp kick to the duke, causing him to cough up blood. "Shut your f**king mouth. His Majesty is not dead!"

"Then why isn't he here?!" Duke Henrys exclaimed with a taunting look in his eyes, challenging Luc's statement. "Do you think you can fool us â€""

Another kick flew out from Luc, and this time to the Duke's face. It did not just tick Luc off so much how the man was spouting nonsense that their King was dead, but also because he just could no longer stand how disrespectful this man was to their queen.

Evie lifted her hand to Luc and the man immediately stepped back.

"My husband is not going to sit in the vampire's throne because he's going to rule Lirea alongside me once he returns." Evie declared, causing everyone's eyes to widen in shock. "And no, the vampire's throne would not be given to just anyone who isn't of vampire blue blood."

"W-what are you... saying? Are you telling me... there are still other surviving blue-blooded vampires?" Duke Henrys stammered when a beautiful female voice echoed.

"There are..." the alluring voice answered his and the others' questions and when they looked for the source of that voice, they saw a woman with long black hair and grey eyes. In her arms, there was a boy with the same black hair and grey eyes as hers.

Chapter 693 Royal Bloodline

Everyone could not believe their eyes. How? How did this happen?

Duke Henrys slowly rose from the ground. His body started trembling.

"P-p-princess Beatrice?!" the duke stammered out when he recognised that beautiful face that seemed to be untouched by time.

"It's been a long time, Henrys." Beatrice's cool voice sounded as she stared down at the duke with a tinge of nostalgia in her eyes. The duke fell to his knees and started to cry at Beatrice's foot.

"Y-you're really... alive... Your Highness!" The duke cried out, completely shaken. "Please tell me this is real, that you're indeed real and alive, princess."

"I am real, Henrys." Beatrice declared and the edges of her lips curled up in a smile.

Carlan Henrys, the current duke of Galemore used to be one of Beatrice's teachers. And House Henrys was the most loyal house to the vampire royal family for generations. Thus, when the princess went missing, their house was the one that had sorrowed the most among all the noble houses.

"Thank heavens!" the duke's cry turned louder that all the vampires present began to become emotional as well. They had not expected to ever see their princess alive ever again.

Beatrice bent forward and placed her hand over the duke's head. "Rise, Henrys." She ordered gently. "I came back here because of my daughter-in-law's request. Yes... Queen Evielyn is my daughter-in-law." She confirmed when the duke whipped his head up, eyes wide from being visibly shocked at what Beatrice had said. Blinking his eyes, he had a strong feeling that there was some deeper relation between these two women.

"Gavriel is my son." Beatrice continued, not surprised anymore at the shock and disbelief flashing across their eyes. "Queen Evielyn is the one who made it possible for me to come back to this land again. However, I can't stay here for long. Because I am now the queen of the Dark Faes. I came back to make it clear to everyone that the vampire royals aren't dead. Far from it, in fact. Me and Gavriel are still here and also..." she looked lovingly and proudly at the toddler in her arms. "This little prince with me, Gavriel and Queen Evielyn's son, is the newest addition to the members of the vampire royal family."

The men on the ground gaped at her. Their gazes finally moving towards the toddler in the queen's arms. They could not believe the Light Fae queen had given birth to their little prince! The news that not only Princess Beatrice was alive, but also that there was another prince that had the vampire blue blood running through his veins was more good news than what any of them could ever imagine.

Many of them, most especially the ancient vampires, broke down in tears once more from being so overwhelmed by the double good news.

Beatrice did not leave the Vampire land until the young prince was declared as the recognised heir to the vampire throne. The vampires had vowed their loyalty to him and that they would protect him. They also had sworn to finally submit themselves fully to the reigning queen Evielyn until their little prince was grown enough to take over the throne.

When it was time for Queen Beatrice to leave, Henrys came to her.

"Why must you leave, Your Highness? Why would you abandon us again?" the ancient vampire asked, eyes teary as his voice held a tone of abandonment.

Though Beatrice knew that the vampire did not mean any harm and had just wished for the royal family to be together once more, Beatrice did not like that he had used the word 'abandon'. She had never abandoned the vampires.

"Abandon? Whenever did I abandon this land, Henrys? I didn't abandon the vampires nor this land. If I had stayed behind back then, the royal bloodline would've been gone forever since long ago. Belial... my husband, the king of the dark faes had saved me. He was the one who saved the royal bloodline from being annihilated. If he had not taken me away that fateful night, I would've long been dead in the hands of my fellow vampires who were supposed to be protecting me." Beatrice's words had Henrys dropping his head low. He knew that she was only stating the truth. If the princess had not been taken that night, she would have been massacred along with the rest of the royal family.

"This land is no longer my home." Beatrice told him as she looked over the place, the city she once vowed to protect and rule. There was no more lingering desire left in her to do that. And she finally realized now that she had come to love the Underlands more than this place now.

A smile curved across her lips as she shut her eyes closed. She quietly savored this rare moment on the surface. The gentle breeze that carried hints of floral scents blew across her face, lightly lifting the edges of her hair in soft waves. Breathing in the refreshing scene, Queen Beatrice allowed herself to enjoy this moment. It has been so many years since she had laid eyes on the familiar yet at the same time unfamiliar scene on the surface.

When she opened her eyes, her expression became serious. "Worry no more Henrys, the royal bloodline will continue ruling this land. And nothing could ever destroy and betray them again."

"I vow with my life to never let the same mistakes of the past repeat, Your Highness." Henrys dropped to one knee and made his vow.

"Please rise, Henrys. You don't need to bow to me anymore. Bow to your queen, Evie."

Henrys smiled and nodded in understanding.

"Queen Evielyn is more like a goddess now than a queen. She's too powerful. Too bright... that she feels so far and unreachable. I believe this was why the vampires could not fully connect and draw near to her."

"Well, I can understand your sentiment." Beatrice looked proud. "With the immense power she is welding now, it is indeed befitting to refer to Evie as a goddess now. But I assure you Henrys, Evie is still a down to earth queen. You just need to trust her like those vampire knights who are completely loyal to her."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Chapter 694 Hopefully

After the problem with the vampires were finally dealt with by Beatrice and Evie, harmony at last reigned in the entire land of Lirea.

Though the vampires and humans were still unable to fully get comfortable with each other right off the bat, there have however, been improvements in the months that had passed since the day Princess Beatrice, now Queen of dark faes had reappeared and made her presence known in the vampire land.

Evie knew of course that they needed time, perhaps a very long time in fact, for both vampires and humans to finally accept each other fully on the base level before they even start to mingle with each other without boundaries. Time and patience were needed. A lot of it. But for now, the vampires were focusing on changing their lifestyle. To no longer depend on human blood to live.

During the time Gavriel took the throne, he had released most of the human prisoners. However, many humans had chosen to stay in the vampire land. They had their families in the vampire land and there were also many of them who sincerely wanted to stay back as well. They have lived their whole lives there and had adapted and acclimatized, and had no wish to move and needed to readjust to that new place. Many humans also expressed their desire that they actually did not mind giving the vampires their blood, as long as there was no abuse occurring. They could look at it as giving it as a blood donation. Hence, the vampires who were in positions of leadership were also working on new laws to prevent the abuse of humans who were willing to give their blood.

Everything was going on smoothly. Peacefully. One would even think Evie's campaign in reuniting the land of Lirea as a united kingdom had gone way too easily. Easier than anyone could have ever imagined. It was like Queen Evie had done it with magic. Or perhaps, the absence of bloodbath was what made it look easy in the eyes of some.

...

"Mother!" Evie, who was standing by the veranda of the Lightfall castle, the newly built castle that was oozing with elegance and magic towering in the heart of the Middle Land, heard her bundle of joy's voice calling out for her. His young and exuberant tone was like a gust of fresh air, lifting her spirits and soothing her soul.

"Yes, my son?" a soft smile bloomed on Evie's face as she bent down and stretched her hands out towards her son, waiting for him to run into her embrace as he usually does.

But the little boy did not rush over into Evie's arms as expected, causing her to raise a brow at his peculiar behaviour.

"I'm a big boy now, mother. I don't need to be carried in your arms anymore." The little prince tilted his chin ever so lightly before telling his mother with his face set into what he perceived was a serious and stern mien, his voice full of conviction. His blue and grey eyes were gleaming with willpower that made Evie's smile widen even more at her son's insistence.

"But your mother still wants to carry you, my little prince. Are you going to deny your mother the joy of holding you in her arms?" Evie played the pitiful card, her eyes blinking as she wiggled all her fingers in her outstretched hands at him, her actions telling him wordlessly to come to her.

He cocked his head to the side and blinked at her a few times while standing still. His brows furrowed a little, as though he was thinking through this particular problem and how to best arrive at a middle-ground solution before he finally walked forward into his mother's arms. However, once enveloped in his mother's embrace, the little boy snuggled closer to his mother as he enjoyed breathing in the unique scent that only belonged to her - a light fragrance of spring mixed in with the sharp and pure scent of light and power.

"Are you going to take me with you when you go visit grandpa and grandma in the Underlands?" the little prince asked as the mother and son stood by the veranda, looking over at the beautiful view of Crescia.

"I'm sorry, but I can't take you with me, darling." Evie replied softly, "There is something very important your mother needs to deal with there this time around. So, I'll need to have you stay here in the castle and wait for my return. Don't worry. As always, mother will return to be with you as soon as possible."

The prince stared at her. His large, adorable eyes seemed to be observing and contemplating on things deeper than what was on the surface. But then, he smiled and nodded. "I'll be a good boy as always and watch over the castle while you're away, Mother."

Evie chuckled at her son's cuteness. "That's my amazing little prince." She kissed her son's head and hugged him tight, feeling her heart overflowing with gratefulness and love for this little bundle of joy in her life.

The last several years had been so busy, Evie felt that time had come and gone so fast. But she was more than thankful for it for one simple reason. Because it was finally time for her to return to that place. To the place where she left her beloved husband. Gav.

She had badly wanted to take their son along with her to welcome his father. Wanting him to be one of the first who will see Gav, his father, once he was out of the crystal.

But after much deliberation, Evie had decided to leave her son here on the surface. Though she knew she was more powerful now ever since that day, she also knew that with his entrapment, Gav's power definitely would have also changed as well.

Even she could not tell what the outcome would be once she lets him out. No one knows what will happen. Because after almost five years, Evie had never had any other dreams or visions that could allow her to see even a glimpse of what will happen in the future.

Missing Gav had been a torture. She was thankful because aside from having their son, she was also very occupied with everything else that had been happening - from the governing of Crescia, to overseeing the running of the united kingdom of Lirea and also involving herself in the talks and efforts in having more collaboration between the races - her time was never idle nor dull. However, it had made it easier for her to cope with Gav's absence.

Finally now was the time she had been waiting for.

It was finally time for her to release him from his entrapment and only hope for the better.

And hopefully after this, she could finally be with him again.

Chapter 695 Familiar Stranger

In Ferber...

Everyone was now gathered near the massive amber crystal that was exuding a light glow all around its surface.

King Belial and Queen Beatrice were right behind Evie while the rest, including Gideon and Vera as well as Luc and Reed, were standing a little farther away. Luc and Reed were the only ones among Evie's elite knights that went along with her to the Underlands as Evie had the rest, including Zanya, staying back in Crescia with her son. Though it was already a time of unity and peace in the Kingdom of Lirea, she still could not let down her guard and take any chances, lest her little precious one might be harmed in any way.

The general atmosphere all around was tense. They knew the risks that were involved and what could be the worst-case scenario that might happen the moment Gavrael was freed from his entrapment. All of them knew that.

Everyone had chosen to believe in Evie. And all of them would be right there to support and help her. All of them would do anything and everything to make things go as smoothly as possible.

Evie's plan had included Onyx and an ancient spell she had learnt in certain ancient ruins in Crescia. For the last five years after the war in the abyss, Evie had been searching for a way to deal with Gav's power once he was freed from the crystal. She had been digging and researching tirelessly, never giving up even when she hit a dead end from time to time. That only pushed her on to dig deeper and further to search for that perfect - or at least something close to it - solution for this problem.

When she had disclosed everything she had learnt and planned to her family, everyone had been more than supportive. They all could see Evie's longing to finally free her husband from his entrapment and they could also see the unbreakable will the Light Queen had been exuding. They could see how Evie truly believed that she could do it. And that was something no one could argue about. Most especially since everyone was also aware of how powerful she had grown to be since the war.

Evie was now the real queen of light. She was the most powerful in the entire land of Lirea. So they believed that no matter how powerful Gavrael had become, the Light Queen would be able to handle him.

However, there were few who had secretly been feeling uneasy. They felt that this move was going to be a gamble. A make it or break it kind of move. It was true that the Light Queen was far more powerful now than she was before, but... they did not really have any idea about the extent of the power the king of darkness possesses.

But despite whatever they were feeling, none of them ever voiced anything out. They knew this was now or never. If they leave Gavrael to stay trapped in that crystal any longer, he would only become even more powerful. There truly was no better choice than this point in time to let him out.

So, all they could do now was to brace themselves for what is to come and believe that the Light Queen's plan would succeed.

Once Onyx settled at the exact spot where Evie had wanted him to be, Evie finally moved her feet and approached the crystal.

"Gav..." she whispered his name, smiling gently at him before she slowly closed her eyes.

Every time Evie sees her husband trapped and unmoving in the massive crystal, the ache in her heart never ceases to grip her entire being. It worsens every time, in fact. And her longing for him... was getting more unbearable every time she saw him.

But the day had finally arrived. She can finally free him from her own spell. Five years of waiting was done. And now, it is time at last. It is the moment to allow Gav to step back into the flow of time and not just remain frozen, alienated from everyone else.

All preparations had been done. The only thing left was the blood spell.

When she opened her eyes, lights shone in them. A dagger made of light appeared in her opened palm that she then gripped and held at her side, before she extended her other arm towards the crystal, palm facing Gav's figure.

One last time, she turned to look at everyone over her shoulder and nodded at them. Her gaze then settled on Onyx last and the dragon made a low and soft rumbling sound, as if telling her he was ready.

Returning her gaze before her, Evie drew in a deep breath and shut her eyes closed again. Her lips parted and she started to mutter a spell.

Amber lights rose from her body and swirled upwards, increasing in intensity until the powerful lights enveloped the entire massive crystal. The magic was so powerful that amber colored lightning were appearing all over the crystal and an extreme pressure was threatening to push everyone and everything away.

Evie's eyes snapped open as soon as her lips stopped moving. She lifted the dagger to slash at her own flesh.

Faster than a blink of an eye, she threw the dagger upwards before the blade could cut her skin. It flew up powerfully and fast as lightning.

Everyone was shocked the moment they realized that the dagger had been aimed at a target and had not been just thrown out recklessly and without thought.

The dagger was blocked mid-flight, and light and dark magic collided in a shower of sparks. The wave of dark magic was so familiar that it gave everyone goosebumps when they sensed it. Even Evie had her eyes widening. Because the crystal had not even shattered yet. Gavrael was still on the inside! So, who...?!

Before anyone could react, Evie was about to divert her power from the crystal to her target when a voice echoed.

"I'm not here to fight, Light Queen." He said and Evie was shocked at the sight of the man that had appeared a few steps from her. Dark hair... grey eyes... who...

"W-who are you?" she managed to ask, still not dropping her guard and fully prepared to strike him at any time if she felt the threat from this seemingly familiar stranger.

The grey eyed stranger met Evie's eyes and replied. "I'm Ezekiel."

Chapter 696 The Truth

Evie narrowed her eyes at the stranger. That was a name she had never heard before. However, she noticed that this Ezekiel's eyes and hair color, even to his dark magic - all of these characteristics were just like Gav. A half vampire. That dark hair and grey eyes were supposed to only be possessed by only three individuals in the entire land of Lirea - her son, Gav and Queen Beatrice. So, who was this man then? How was he related to Gav? Where did he come from and how is it that he too possesses the power of darkness?

"What do you want?" Evie asked calmly, despite the burning questions that were raging to burst out from within her. This man was suspicious and... powerful. Very powerful, in fact. Whoever he was, he was definitely someone extremely dangerous.

Approaching closer with a relaxed and regal stance, the man glanced behind Evie and his eyes settled for a moment on Queen Beatrice who was currently the one who looked the most shocked among them all.

He halted when Evie made a slight but defensive movement and returned his gaze to her.

"I already said I'm not your enemy â€"" Ezekiel reiterated, speaking slowly and in a low tone.

"Are you really expecting us to believe you, just because you say so?" Evie cut him off as she preferred to err on the side of caution instead of having something to regret later on. The man's face was expressionless. So mysterious. It might be impossible for anyone to even tell whatever emotion he must be having. And that was all the more reason why such a man could not be trusted.

"I am here because of your husband, Gavriel." He responded. The way he mentioned Gavriel's name seemed casual and natural, as though he truly knew Gav and was really close to him. However, that alone was the reason for Evie to consider raising the red flag. When was it that Ezekiel had the chance to get to know and befriend Gav?

Evie could not stop herself from frowning hard at him. But he did not let her speak and he continued. "I'm talking about his soul. Gavriel's soul is in the Underworld. And it was there that I got acquainted with him. I am here to take his body because his soul needs to reunite with his real body at all cost and as soon as possible." Though there was no change in his facial expression nor his tone, Evie somehow felt that he was more serious as he was briefly explaining Gav's situation.

His words made everyone speechless. Doubt and disbelief flashed severely across their eyes as they stared at the man, each of them having their own thoughts running a mile a minute in their minds.

"What... what in the world are you... saying?" Evie broke the silence.

He glanced at someone behind them and everyone followed his line of sight, wondering who it was that he could be searching for. Only for them to find that he was looking at Gideon.

"I don't like to waste my breath on explaining things when there are chances you will still refuse to believe me. So, I'll be asking him... Gideon, Gavriel's brother to reveal the truth. Gavriel said you will be the one to prove I am not deceiving anyone." Ezekiel's voice was as flat and emotionless as it was. However, everyone who heard his words were completely taken aback. Now he even knew Gideon?! And apparently, Gideon knew something about this?

Gideon slowly let go of Vera's hand and after glancing reassuringly at her, he stepped closer to where Evie and Ezekiel were.

"I believe this man is telling the truth." Gideon started. "Back then... during the explosion of the abyss, I believe I saw Gavrael." He faced Evie and looked at her a little apologetically. "Forgive me for hiding this matter from you for such a long time up till now. I was in that state... and even though I truly felt that it was him who had showed up in front of me at that time, I don't have any proof. And I thought there was also the chance that what I saw might not be real. I had asked myself what if the things that I saw were something created by the darkness to confuse everyone through me. So, I... I decided not to say a thing about it."

"What... what exactly did you see over there?" Evie asked Gideon. Her voice was now starting to waver a little.

"I saw him standing there all by himself while I was still fighting against the darkness. And then afterwards, I saw him left. He jumped into the abyss right before it was sealed up again. I also believed that he had also done something in forcing me to overcome my darkness at that time. No one is supposed to know that, aside from me. The fact that this man knew about all these is... he must really be telling the truth."

For a short stretch of time, no one could make a single sound. Even Evie was being reduced to speechlessness. Everyone was trying to consolidate the information revealed by both Ezekiel and Gideon about the situation Gav was in while he was in the darkness.

"Gavriel told me that he had managed to leave his body before the entrapment completely sealed his body down." Ezekiel broke the silence once more, causing everyone's attention to return to him.

Evie parted her lips that felt as though they weighed a thousand pounds, and spoke softly. "So, my husband is... his soul has been moving around on the other side of the abyss all these times?"

"That's correct." Ezekiel confirmed.

"And... now..." Evie swallowed that large lump that had seemed to grow and had gotten stuck in her throat. When suddenly, a sword made of light appeared in her hand. "Now you are here to take his body to the Underworld too?" Evie added in a chilling voice before she pointed her light sword at Ezekiel.

Chapter 697 Decision

The man did not even react, much less blink or even a flinch at her threatening pose.

His complete absence of reaction was more than enough to tell everyone, including Evie how this man was completely unfazed before the current most powerful being in the entire land of Lirea. How powerful was he, to be so nonchalant at her attacking stance? Or was it that he so relaxed like this because he believes that the Light Queen will not actually harm him?

"If you think I will hand my husband over to anyone, then you are mistaken. I will never let anyone take him away from me." Evie's eyes blazed so intensely as she aimed her sword at the man as the glow around her sword intensified in proportion to the magic that she was releasing. "I will go and take his soul back myself. I will go to the other side of that portal if that's what it takes. I won't hand him to anybody else."

A small smile appeared across his handsome face. But it was not a mocking smile. It was the exact opposite in fact and his reaction made Evie soften up oh so slightly. The emotionless face of this man seemed capable of emotion after all.

"What are you smiling for?" Evie narrowed her eyes.

"You just reminded me of someone dear to me, Light Queen." He replied and then his expression was instantly back to being unreadable. "However, Gavriel doesn't want you to do that, Queen Evielyn. He was the one who asked me to tell you that."

Ezekiel nonchalantly turned and looked up at Gav's body that was still held within the crystal. "If you release him now, without his soul... it will be catastrophic. Gavriel knew that and that's why I'm here."

His words had everyone's eyes widening in surprise.

"I can see that you have prepared quite extensively, Light Queen." Ezekiel continued and then turned around to face her. "But your preparation is not enough. He is a soulless king of the darkness right now. Once he's out of that crystal, you and him will end up fighting to the death."

Evie could not speak for a long while after hearing his explanation. She just stared at the man.

After a long while, she finally lowered her sword. Her fists clenched at her sides. "Tell me... why did he... why did he leave his body? Why did he go to the other side?" Evie's voice was weak and emotional. She couldn't understand why Gav had done that.

"Because there had been no other choice. He knew he could never escape his fate."

Those words sounded so cold and unfeeling that it chilled Evie's heart. She shook her head in disbelief. Refusing to believe what Ezekiel has just uttered.

"I need to speak to you in private. I have important and confidential matters I need you to know." He continued when the vampires, including King Belial moved to step in. They were very doubtful about this person's sudden appearance and telling them things about Gavrael.

Obviously, all of them were still skeptical about leaving their queen alone with a stranger. They would not have minded at all if it was anyone else other than this man. This person was just too dangerous!

But Evie stopped them. "It's fine." She said decisively. "Please everyone, step back."

Everyone could only force themselves to listen to the queen.

"I'm not going to send anyone away from this place. I'll just put up a barrier around the both of us to maintain the confidentiality of our conversation." Evie told him.

"That's more than enough." He nodded and with that, Evie's magic created a shimmery dome-like shield that rose from the ground to encompass the both of them. Their faces were not visible enough for anyone to read their lips but everyone outside could see their silhouette.

"Even if you refuse to give me Gavriel's body and decide to personally go to the Underworld to take back his soul from there, nothing will change, Queen Evielyn." He immediately started speaking the moment he felt the magic enclosed them. "No matter how much you try to change the outcome, you will not succeed. Gavriel had already told me everything and he and I both believe the same. Because even with his entrapment, the prophecy never changed at all. We came to the conclusion that him becoming the King is a fate that is set in stone. However, what happens after that could be changed."

"How did you even know that? That what happens after Gav becomes King could be changed?" Evie asked, her eyes brimming with so many emotions fighting fiercely within her. She was clearly reluctant to immediately accept what Ezekiel told her about not being able to change the outcome even if she took action personally.

"We have a comrade who is capable of seeing into the future. In every changes we made, he saw the future changing. Except for one thing that remained unchanging no matter what we did. That Gavriel would still end up being the King." Ezekiel's gaze gleamed bright as he stared at Evie with a look so serious. "I can assure you that this is more than certain. I will give you my word on this, Queen Evielyn."

Evie did not know why, but after hearing him say that, no matter how her mind tries to tell her to keep doubting this even for a little, her heart just caved in and believed that he was telling her nothing but the truth. Was it because of those familiar grey eyes that seemed to be automatically compelling her to believe his words?

"I also want to tell you that Gavriel has decided to not fight against his fate anymore and instead... he decided to fulfill it. He and I believe that it is the best choice that he can make." He continued. "And I need you to understand that Gavriel... your husband, truly made this decision all by himself. None of us had forced him on his decision. He wanted to become the King of Darkness and rule the Underworld to change the future."

Chapter 698 Family

It took Evie a long while to form a response. This was something she had never even imagined among all the scenarios she had thought through when wanting to release Gav from his entrapment. Gav really sent that message to her through this man Ezekiel? He had decided to become the King of the Darkness and rule the world of the monsters?

She could hardly imagine it. This was something none of them had ever thought of before. Or had Gav already been thinking about this even from before? Perhaps he had been contemplating on it and just did not voice it out to anyone yet. That could explain how he had acted so fast and managed to make his soul leave his body even before his entrapment. There should not be enough time for him to do that. And yet he had done it.

"The world where his soul is right now..." Evie began.

"It's called Underworld. Or Hell." Ezekiel understood what Evie wanted to ask and offered the information even before she could finish asking.

"This Underworld is the very same place where the monsters invading the Underlands are coming from, right?"

"Correct."

"So, if Gav puts on the mantle of the King of Darkness, he will rule their world and become their ruler? Ruler of those monsters?"

When Ezekiel nodded, Evie could not help but crack a disbelieving smile. "But isn't that the very same future we are trying to avoid? How would that even make any difference?"

"He's going to learn to control the darkness. The Gavriel you saw in the future had been overcome by his darkness. He waged a war with the future you because that Gavriel was not really the King of Darkness. He's just a vessel of the darkness. It's the darkness that is controlling his physical body. This time, he's not going to let that happen. He aims to become the real King of Darkness. Where he rules and has complete control over the darkness... not the other way around. Once he achieves that... the future will definitely change."

Evie felt her heartbeat thud hard within her at those words. An inexplicable feeling washed over her. It was as though the perpetually gloomy sky had cracked open and the light of hope began to shine through those cracks and bathe her in a warm and encouraging light. At that moment, she knew she did not need anymore words to convince herself. Her heart and soul already fully believed that this was the answer she had been searching for. And with all her heart, she believed that her beloved husband would be able to pull through. Gav would certainly do it!

"He is asking you to believe in him and wait for him, Queen Evielyn." Ezekiel continued and then he brought out something from his pocket.

It was a necklace. "He asked me to give this to you."

Evie had to steel herself not to tear up in front of this man as she took the necklace. A faint tremble shook her hand for a second as she lifted her arm to accept the item, but Evie regained control of herself immediately and the trembling ceased. As Ezekiel placed the necklace into her open palm, Evie observed it closely.

"From Gavriel." Ezekiel said simply and when Evie wordlessly took and placed it in her hand, she fought hard to keep her emotions in check. With this, though she could already not make herself doubt this man, this necklace had solidified the trust she had in him. Because there was no way a stranger like him would ever know about this necklace. It could only be Gav who would know every detail of it. This was a token of love that only the two of them knew about.

It was the exact same onyx necklace that she owned. The necklace which Gav had bought for her back in Dacria.

Remembering back on those days made Evie's heart warm up and ache at the same time. Such bittersweet emotions rose within her and a gentle yet sad forlorn smile curled her lips. It had been so long ago that it felt as though it was an entire lifetime away. So many things have changed since then.

As she stared at the onyx gem in her palm, Evie suddenly felt it. She could clearly feel Gav's touch on it. His comforting warmth. His faint scent that she had missed so much. Her extreme longing for him surged and crashed within her so hard that she felt the physical hurt in her heart.

But Evie remained outwardly composed as she lifted her gaze back to this enigmatic man before her.

"You sounded so confident that my husband will succeed... just who are you to Gav?" Evie asked him firmly. She needed to know who exactly this man was. "You are powerful. You might even be as powerful as Gav. Perhaps even stronger. I can't fathom why such a man like you would willingly become Gav's... messenger."

"Messenger..." he repeated. There was no change in his expression but he sounded kind of amused that he was being labelled as a 'messenger'. That was really a first.

Evie waited for his response as she observed his facial reactions - or the lack of it. 'Or... maybe not?' She thought to herself. She could not quite tell with that kind of expression he had on his face.

"I'm the same as Gavriel. A half vampire prince with demonic blood running in my veins. But I'm not from this world. Just like him, I have a place and... family I must return to." His voice unfroze a little when he mentioned the word 'family'.

Evie caught it as she did not look away from his face. That look in his eyes as he uttered that last line of his was more than enough for her to tell that this man was truly clear. He held no bad intentions or danger towards Gav. That look proved that her intuition was right. This powerful man was not an enemy. And he was just like Gav, just like her. She knew that look of longing all too well.

Even though he hid it almost instantly without any trace, Evie could never mistake it.

"Gavriel and I are working together to defeat the darkness for good." He started again. He obviously was a man who was not fond of dragging a talk longer. She was not sure why, but she felt like he might not even be fond of talking. Maybe due to how he sounded as though he was only talking because there was no other choice. "Gavriel needs his real body now as it's time for our plan to commence. That's why I need you to give him to me. I believe that I no longer need to prove anything else to you. Am I right, Light Queen?"

Chapter 699 Necklace

Everyone was still a little worried about Evie's decision to trust in that man and go along with his requests. But they could only choose to believe in her. After all, they knew how much the queen loves her husband. Thus, it would make no sense for her to do something that is detrimental to his health and safety. They would trust in her person and the wisdom she held as the Light Queen.

They would follow her and put their trust in this man and hope for a better outcome. It was obvious that Evie did not spill everything that she and the stranger named Ezekiel had talked about. But they understood her reasons for doing so. Right now, they all felt deep in their hearts and truly believed that trusting Evie's decision and this Ezekiel was the best move for them. Most especially when the other choices they had were equally just as risky.

After their talk and everyone gave Evie their support on her decision, she finally allowed Ezekiel to move the massive amber crystal Gav was in from Ferber to the Well of Darkness.

Ezekiel had wanted them to transport Gav over to the well first before Evie released him. It was due to his plan to immediately drag Gav into the well and across to the Underworld as soon as he was released. Ezekiel said that they needed to arrange it that way so as to eliminate any other battles that were not necessary. 'It's foolish to risk the possibility of us needing to fight him and waste magic and time and perhaps even life, just to drag him through the portal when we can simply do it this way. It's the fastest and safest method.' He had given his reasoning and none of them can refute him.

Evie somehow also kind of felt that Ezekiel was doing things with a subtle urgency underlying his moves. There were no signs of him rushing or being desperate. Nothing at all. But it was in the way he had dealt with things that made Evie just feel it in her gut. That he was not here to waste even a Looking up at him, Evie smiled and brought something out from her pocket. It was the original onyx necklace she owned.

second more than was necessary. In fact, if he could even shorten any of the steps, he would.

And she found herself cooperating with him seamlessly. Since the war years ago, Evie had learned a lot in dealing with the humans and vampires back on the surface. She had learned exactly where and when to make herself a little harder, or colder – just with the right timing that she had it down to an art. Because it was necessary. So, she was no longer as easily convinced. She always made sure to put her emotions last when making decisions. And she always avoids making decisions in a rush as it is known, haste makes waste.

But today, it was totally different. Even though this involves her beloved, she was letting everything flow and go along really quickly. Yes, everything was just moving too fast. And she was aware that it was because of Ezekiel.

With just himself and his obvious tremendous dark magic, he had transported Gav in that massive crystal, just in the blink of an eye and positioned the crystal right next to the now opened portal.

When everyone saw that the seal of the well was broken, they looked over at Ezekiel. The soldiers watching the Well had already reported that the Well had reopened. But none of them ever noticed that there had been someone who had come out at all, even though the Well was literally circled by special guards literally all the time.

None of them asked anything anymore though, because with the man's amount of power, it was obvious that he could do things that were deemed impossible to them.

Very soon, the new set-up for the ritual was done.

Evie was now ready to begin when Ezekiel approached her.

"Any words you wish for me to pass onto him?" he asked, his tone quite kind and understanding at her plight.

Looking up at him, Evie smiled and brought something out from her pocket. It was the original onyx necklace she owned.

"Please deliver this to him." She gave him the necklace that made Ezekiel's expressionless face change a little. His brow lifted slightly after looking at it, but he took it without another word and put it into his pocket. Then after nodding at her, Ezekiel walked back to his spot. That was an indication that she must begin now because Ezekiel was probably running out of time. Though he had not said anything, somehow, just his silence was enough to tell her so.

Glancing at him once more after she took a deep breath, she noticed him staring at someone. And she knew that look. He was communicating with someone through his eyes. A fellow vampire.

Evie turned and saw that it was her mother-in-law. What could they be talking about?

Taking another deep breath, Evie prepared herself and started the ritual.

Amber lights shone again and when it was about time for her to execute the final step, she looked up at Gav's frozen body so tenderly, so lovingly… so longingly. She wished that she could at least hug him, even if it was just his soulless body, just one last time before he was to be taken away to the Underworld. She had missed him so badly over these many years just waiting and biding her time to undo the spell that had kept him trapped in her crystal. She had thought that once the spell was undone, she would be reunited with him and they would no longer need to be separated. But looking again at the spell formation that was in effect to release Gav from his frozen state, she understood she could not even do something as simple as that. Much less a hug, she could not even touch him. Because the moment the crystal breaks, he immediately would be gone. Ezekiel was on standby to grab him and move through the portal to get them both back into the Underworld.

So, she stared and stared, committing every single detail of him into her memory. She literally burned his image into her mind that it would be impossible for her to forget anything about him. Not that she had not already done so. Just that she was doing this for the last time until she could see him again. She continued doing that until time was up.

Chapter 700 Always And Forever

Evie glanced over at Ezekiel and found that the man was now looking over at her. And he was already ready. Evie had to admit that his preparations were quick and flawless. In just a short time, he had already completed what he had to do. His dark magic was already swirling menacingly â€" thick and powerful â€" around him.

She took a few seconds to observe his dark magic and just from that short few moments, Evie could already confirm that this man was truly very powerful. More powerful than he had let on. What little power he was showing right now could only be considered the tip of the iceberg. She could not imagine the rest of that power â€" like the other 90 percent of the iceberg below the surface, hidden within himself. From the effortless way he was wielding his power, and how the winds that looked really dangerous and sharp that spun around him but he was completely unaffected by it â€" even still having that usual poker face that Evie was recognizing as his normal expression â€" even Evie marveled at it. She was already considered the most powerful being in their world right now. But even so, she could not see through the extent of the power held by this man, Ezekiel. His seemingly limitless power caused an inner shudder within her. She was suddenly thankful that his powerful person was on their side, on Gav's side, instead of being the opposition.

Evie nodded back, acknowledging him and with one last wordless communication with their eyes, she formed a small but extremely sharp dagger, formed by her light energy, and slashed it across her skin. She skillfully made that cut, only going along the muscle fibres and avoiding cutting across muscle and touching any tendons, ensuring that healing later on would be swift. And as soon as her blood dropped on the crystal, it shattered with a loud crack. As though someone had swung down a heavy-duty hammer onto glass.

A storm of powerful dark magic in the form of pitch-black smoke exploded from within the crystal, sending the shattered crystals flying all over. It was a good thing that they had all taken precaution and did not allow anyone other than Evie, Ezekiel and Gav in the crystal to be on site. They had expected some kind of explosion of power as Gav who was the embodiment of darkness in this world was being trapped and suppressed by the light crystal from Evie who was the embodiment of the light here. However, they did not expect the backlash to be this great.

It was so powerful that even Evie herself was caught a little off-guard. Because the power was indeed stronger than what she had anticipated.

She could not see Gav. Nor Ezekiel. The tornado of darkness had swallowed and wrapped them both within its centre and they could not even tell what was happening right now.

Evie's wings spread, ready to do anything to help Ezekiel even though he had told her firmly a while ago not to. She just could not help but feel uneasy and worried. Can Ezekiel handle this? Evie was still concerned even though she knew how powerful he was.

So she moved to jump into the dark tornado. But she only managed to flap her wings once before stopping because the darkness suddenly started to subside, as though something was sucking at it so impossibly fast.

Then as suddenly as it had happened, it was already gone. Gav was gone. Ezekiel was gone. And the Well... it was once again powerfully sealed up, preventing anyone or anything from going into or coming out of it.

Silence reigned for a long while as everyone recovered from the trance they were thrown in. Everything happened way too fast that it was just unbelievable. In fact, it was somewhat anticlimactic. The only trace left of what had happened within the area were the shards of amber crystals that were now slowly evaporating into a glittery golden smoke.

It was over. Ezekiel had indeed succeeded as he had planned.

"Such a powerful being..." Evie mumbled and shook her head slightly as her wings slowly closed and disappeared from her back.

A soft, sad smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Her heart ached that all of Gav was gone. He was no longer in this world anymore. But her smile slowly turned hopeful. She would endure anything and everything because she knew that one day, Gav would definitely return to her.

She opened her tightly clenched palm and stared at the onyx necklace that was still in her hand. Lifting it to her lips, Evie kissed it. The necklace glowed the moment it touched her lips. And she felt it... Gav hugging her. She knew this was magic, but she reveled in this ethereal embrace. No matter what, it was from Gav. Anything from him was treasure and precious to her.

"Gav..." she whispered and his voice echoed back.

"Wait for me, my love." It was Gav's real voice stored by magic in the crystal! Evie's heart leapt for joy in hearing her beloved's voice after so long.

"I will, my love. No matter how long it takes. I'll wait!" She replied, closing her eyes, imagining him to be holding her, repeating the words she had magicked on the necklace she had given to Ezekiel.

"I'll come back to you and our child no matter what. I'll conquer the darkness and bring this world to its knees if that's what it takes to get back to you again. Wait for me a little bit more, Evie, my love. I will return to you. I love you."

A lone tear silently fell from her eyes as she smiled and brought the necklace close to her chest. The presence hugging her slowly disappeared. "Always and forever, Gav... I'll wait for you even if it takes eternity. I love you!"

~ End of Season 1 ~