Page 300 of Fated to be Enemies

“Why are you afraid of witches?”

He arched an eyebrow. “Even I can’t fight thousands of witches with magic on their side. Now, a large group of you on the other hand wouldn’t be difficult.”

“Is that what happened?” I pursed my lips. “When they imprisoned you? Was it hundreds of us?”

He nodded. “It was your coven actually. Well, back then, keepers were simply witches with dark magic, and there were a lot more of you. It was they who created the realms with Freya’s help, and the keys which kept us in there. Your coven was created to guard those keys, then it turned into something else over time, I see. To guard all dangerous objects.”

I blinked in disbelief. “I had no idea.”

“I doubt many do. You’ll find some things are eradicated from the history books when it doesn’t suit their needs. Your council was formed after the kings and queens of Istinia fell. The monarchy nor the council after wanted the grizzly details of the once-revered gods remembered, but they couldn’t stop the stories.”

I arched an eyebrow.

He continued. “Stories passed down through generations, of the deadly gods who sacrificed people. The tales twisted as they did, into all sorts of fables. All the while, we remained rotting away in prisons, helpless to stop the lies from spreading.” His fingers flexed. “My brother and sister still are.”

I swallowed thickly. “I’m sorry.”

His jaw clenched. “Why would you be sorry? You already think I’m awful, remember? Pure darkness, wasn’t it?”

“You could have killed us, and you didn’t. You protected us from Freya. I’m not an idiot. I can see you’re trying.”

He slammed his fist on the dresser, sending a crack through the wood top to the standing mirror. “And where did that get me?”

“Calm down.” I inhaled sharply, sitting down on the edge of his bed.

He closed his eyes. “I forget my strength. I don’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s okay.”

“I can’t lose my family, Elle.”

“I know, but I can’t steal the keys. I need to talk to Edmund first.”

He shook his head and stood. “If you won’t help me, then you leave me no choice.”

“What are you going to do? Kill us?”

He paused.

My shoulders tightened. “Freya said you’re trying to be good. Killing us would just prove her right when she said you couldn’t be good.”

“Trying got me nowhere.”

“Not true.”

“Hasn’t it? Even you hate me. I tried to do this the right way.” He walked to the door.

“Don’t.” I hurried to him and grabbed his hand before he could open the door. “Let me just think, at least.”

“I’m not going to hurt your coven,” he growled, pulling his hand from mine. “If that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Wait. Raiden, please.” I tried instead to hook my finger around his belt. He turned to face me.

“What, Elle?” His tortured gaze never left mine. “You’ve made it clear the other night was a one time thing. So don’t get too close,” he warned, his eyes drifting to my lips. “It’s torture.”

I swallowed hard, wanting nothing more than to feel his lips against mine. But I was aware of what he really was, and becoming entangled with him was a dangerous thing. Besides, it was only sex and I wasn’t about to ruin my life over lust.

“I’ll try to help you,” I relented.

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