Page 14 of Demon Valley Marked

“Then the strong will fight until they deem who is the strongest of the bunch and the cycle will continue until there are only leaders of power and nobody left to use,” Gaia confessed. It was as if she could see the same vision Lex was—her eyes projecting immense sadness as they flowed with wisdom far past our time. “With that, the world as we know it will end, and only when the world is filled with forests and wildlife will the women in hiding return to their precious world.”

“To start over,” Wallas whispered.

“Correct,” Lex approved. “That is what’s written in the stars. It’s up to the Empires to determine if they wish to watch this transpire or not. No matter what we choose, it won’t affect our lands or world. If the Empires form alliances, they will be protected from all of this. Like gods who sit upon thrones to watch the chaos the world will fall into. Do I care about what happens? Yes, even though it’s unnecessary when this world never really gave a shit about me. No matter what is awaiting the shifter world, all I wish is for Alpha Malifer to lay his vengeance on those who are most deserving and to witness the showdown of it all. If that somehow stops the apocalypse of our world, so be it.”

She left it at that before returning to the prime question that brought all of this to light.

“No matter if I wanted children or not, I would never bring an innocent being into this world to be but a tool for some cynical bastard to manipulate and ruin. No child deserves such suffering. I knew the consequences of not being able to conceive could risk my position as my mate’s sole lover, but once again, it’s a sacrifice I was willing to accept at the time and I’ll never regret it.”

I was sure the others were glancing my way, but my eyes were solely on Lex’s before I muttered, “I’d like a moment alone with Lexianne.”

I could hear Felix and Fynn gulp while the tension in the room spiked once more. I bet they were assuming the worst—as expected with the conversation—but none of them questioned my request as they bowed and proceeded to head to the door.

“We’ll ensure everything runs smoothly here, Alpha,” Felix and Fynn said in unison as they departed from the room.

“We’ll make haste in doing our research,” Wallas added though he cautiously looked between Lexi and me. “If you need us, however, don’t hesitate to summon our presence.”

My demon chuckled at that statement.

Poor familiar fears we’ll hurt our mate out of pettiness. Cute.

I didn’t say anything, but he was right in regard to Wallas's true intentions behind the statement. He wished to ensure Lexianne knew she’d earned his support and protection.

Even from me.

Gaia didn’t say anything, but instead of walking to the door, she headed straight for me. Standing right in front of me, she eyed me carefully.

“This is your chance to prove which side of your parents influenced you the most. The one who blessed you with life, or the one willing to do anything to steal life away.”

With that, she was out the door and Wallas followed her lead.

Traitor…

His chuckle hummed against the walls of my mind, but I knew he wouldn’t comment any further for his duties were more important with all this new information.

I attempted to take a step forward, but the pinch of something sharp came from my toe. With a pout, I lowered my intense gaze to see Zasper and the rest of the voodoo fleet.

“VIVIVO!” Zasper declared and pulled out his needle from my toe and lifted it in the air.

“VIVIVO!” the others replied in unison as they lifted their needles and shields to conduct their special chant. I rolled my eyes, tempted to use the side of my feet to sweep them out of the damn room, but I wouldn’t let my annoyance get to me.

They were simply protecting the woman who’d given them a sense of purpose that was outside of paperwork and other tedious tasks I gave them to keep them busy.

“I vow to not physically harm her during our discussion,” I huffed.

To think I, the Creator of Demon Valley, was being forced to negotiate with a bunch of voodoo dolls that I wouldn’t physically harm their crush’s mistress.

Fucking pathetic. What am I becoming? A pet to this woman all because we were now marked.

My internal frustration really stemmed from the masculine pride I felt was bruised and abused thanks to this intense conversation.

“Vivi?” Zasper hissed and narrowed those beaded eyes of his.

I groaned and proceeded to pinch my nose to give me a speck of fucking patience.

“I vow to not physically or mentally harm her during our discussion,” I elaborated. “Don’t attempt to ask for emotionally, for I can’t control her emotions and I’m sure she’d shed a single tear just to enjoy watching you lot stick me with thousands of forks and needles for shits and giggles.”

“Vivivivivi,” Zasper laughed at the idea, and his comrades joined in because they clearly approved of such tactics.

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