Page 133 of A Blackened Bond

“…Zrael?”

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

SERIA’S POV

Igrit my teeth, frustration running through my veins as I make my way down the dark corridor.

“You’re late,” he states from the shadows. “You should know my time is not to be wasted, young one.”

I hold my tongue, knowing it would do me no good to annoy him. I needed help, and he was the only one willing to help me at asomewhatreasonable price.

“My apologies. I had to stay a little later than expected so no one would notice my disappearance.”

A gravelly grunt is all I get in reply, a dark-cloaked hand snaking out and waiting for hisprice.

I hand over the old archives that I had taken from Father’s study. Only the direct bloodline could access these, and I would soon be the heir. Except they weren’t of much use or help to me.

But, thankfully,healways had an interest in information and enjoyed dealing in it more than the others.

He flicks through the books, a small hum of appreciation leaving the shadows before he places them in his cloak and takes outmyprize.

I reach forward to take it from his hands, but he pulls it back just as quick. “You do know how this works, correct?”

“Of course—” I call before he cuts me off.

“Because you can’t make any mistakes with this one. It can cause a pain worse than death if not properly managed.” Murky-green eyes glow from the shadows as they flit my way. “It will drain the life from its barer if you’re not careful.”

Of course, I knew the risks. If my plans hadn’t been thrown so far off course, I wouldn’t have even thought to resort to this method. But I didn’t have any more time to find something else.

This old relic was dangerous, but it would put things back to the way they were before.And me back on top.

“I understand the risks and have learnt how to properly control it.”

I gaze back into his muddy green eyes, showing him how sure I am of my decision.

He sighs as I place my hand out again to receive my payment.

“Make sure you place it well. Spell it if necessary…and make sure it can’t be traced back.” He hands it to me, but just as I have it in my grasp, he grabs my arm, holding it with a bruising grip.

“Don’t be mistaken, child. I’ve gained something I want from this. And that is the only reason I have helped you. It won’t happen a second time.” His gravelly voice falls to a low rumble as he continues, annoyance clear in his tone. “Your actions have brought attention to you fromthem. And their attention you do not want. Do what you must, though keep this day and our transaction buried within you.”

He lets me go, his hand sliding beneath his cloak as his murky green eyes grow dimmer. “Make sure your plans fall in line with theirs. If not, they will have no need for you anymore. And what is not needed…isno more.”

With that, he shifts into the dark shadows, his presence gone in the blink of an eye and no trace of him left behind.

I clutch the small gold relic between my fingers, relief and excitement bubbling inside me before swiftly placing it in thespelled bag I’d brought. There was no time to inspect or check it properly, for staying here too long would only draw attention.

I grin down at the small spelled bag in my hands as I begin to make my way back. With this relic, I’ll get everything back on track.

Micai’s new personality switch has delayed my plans. Whatever was going on with her was jeopardizing my position.

I already felt Knox, Anders, Kane, and Xander slowly slipping away from me. I could see their eyes wandering toward her when she was near and them questioning my words and actions more after interacting with her. It was getting harder and harder to steer them back to me. Each time, their gazes grew more confused and less loving. They were already asking questions, ones that I would never give the answers to.

It would only be a matter of time before they pulled away completely. And I couldn’t let that happen.

Not when I had worked so hard to claim what was rightfully mine.

I close the old mahogany door behind me and creep into the mansion’s kitchen through its back door.

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