Chapter 16: Fate

He'd been walking for hours, his feet silent on the damp earth. The trees towered and he could smell the aroma of fresh blood wafting through the air, indicating there was a prey nearby.

His red eyes narrowed and almost immediately, his canines grew inches longer and sharper. He was about to speed over to attack his prey and finally feed, when...

Suddenly, a pack of snarling creatures emerged from the underbrush, their crazy black eyes fixed on him. Their skin was grey and bloody, their animalistic teeth barring at him. They were known as ghouls, creatures that roamed the deep forests in search of flesh to devour.

His eyes narrowed, his fangs bared in a growl . He'd only come out to feed, not to be fed on. Annoyed that these creatures were being an hindrance to his quest, he lunged at them with a lighting-fast speed.

The ghouls were no match for his strength and speed. He snapped their necks with ease, their bodies crumpling to the ground.

As the last ghoul fell, his red eyes scanned the forest once more. His prey was still there and not hesitating, he sped off.

****

Much more deeper into the forest, where the moon wasn't even shining, a single cottage blended seamlessly into the night, its thick trees making it hard to spot.

Inside, an old woman sat, her hair white and her skin folded in wrinkles. Her frightening yellow eyes gleamed, and her long black nails seemed to grasp her fingers like claws.

"What exactly is happening? Things aren't going as planned," Someone asked from behind her. The person was dressed in a flowing black robe, their face covered with a veil but then from the voice, one would recognise it's a woman behind the veil.

The old woman gazed intently at the crystal ball before her, its pitch-black surface reflecting her concentration.

"It's very hard to bring down a demigod and you know that. You just have to be patient," she tched, "I can't even watch him from here. A strong barrier surrounds his house, and the only way we can break in is through help from one of the insiders."

The veiled person frowned, then smirked, "I think I know exactly who." A wicked chuckle escaped her mouth. "Then how is the concoction preparation?" She asked, walking away from the old lady.

"We have a few ingredients left. You are yet to get The Astral Acid. It's essential you know! "

The veiled woman groaned, standing in front of a black shelf filled with old books, "I am on that. It's not easy to get a god's tears, Hecuba."

"And the black roses from his garden?" Hecuba asked, finally dropping the black crystal ball and standing crookedly on her feet.

"The person I choose among his companions will do that for me. Anything else?"

Hecuba's hands glowed and an old brown scroll with a burnt edge appeared on her hand. She scanned the page and said, "We still have a few more left but it's almost complete.

The veiled person nodded, "I'll come back for that. I must go. Expect me anytime." With that, she walked out of the cottage.

*****

Devon walked up the path surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery, leading to a little house. It was a sunny day but that didn't affect him.

As he approached the door, it swung open with a soft creak, revealing a cozy interior with plush cushions, soft rugs, and the sweet scent of incense. The Seer, Nerine stood before him, her teal eyes shining pleasantly.

"Ah, Devon," she said, her voice like a gentle breeze. "I've been expecting you. Please, come in." Devon stepped inside, almost rolling his eyes at her.

Nerine gestured to a cushion, inviting Devon to sit and she sat facing him. "It's a beautiful morning. Would you like tea?"

Devon smirked slyly, raising a brow at Nerine, "You know what I prefer."

Nerine sent him a glare, "Why are you even here?"

"You know why. Even you said you've been expecting me."

She nodded, "Yes, yes. I knew you were coming but I have no idea what's on your mind."

Slience fell between the two for a minute before Devon spoke up, "It's her, isn't it?"

"Her? Her who?" Nerine smiled teasingly but since it only made Devon frown at her, she nodded, "Yes. It's Leticia."

"She's not my kind."He knew it was a flimsy excuse but he just couldn't help." Also, she's weak and pathetic. "

" Are you going to reject her? "Nerine scoffed at him. Devon didn't answer to that. He asked," No repercussions? "

Nerine paused for a moment and Devon noticed the apprehensive flash that crossed her eyes before she said," It's not a forbidden bond for you two Devon, it's just dangerous. " Very dangerous.

Devon let out a groan and all the aroma candles died. The air surrounding him simmered down causing Nerine to frown disapprovingly. She snapped her fingers and the candles came on again before she stood up and walked over to the dinning, which was sectioned from the living room.

Devon rose to his feet, "Visiting Elyria soon?" He asked. Elyria was where the gods resided, also known as realm of the gods. Nerine wasn't a goddess but she was a citizen of Elyria and so is Devon.

Nerine shrugged, "Most likely. Do you need anything?"

"Not at all. I'll get going now."

"My greetings to Luis. It's been forever." She chuckled.

"You know where he lives. Have a good day, Nerine."

"You too, Devon." and with that, he vanished into thin air. Nerine blinked before sighing. She couldn't bring herself to tell Devon the dangers ahead because it was vague to her still.

She picked up an apple from the table. She took a bite, her expression still worried,

"Fate."

***

It was late at night and the moon was a crescent in the dark sky.

Leticia sat on a swing in Devon's garden, enjoying the gentle breeze on her skin. She gazed up at the stars, trying to connect them, a habit she shared with her father and little sister. The memory brought a pang of longing but she quickly set it aside.

"Hello," a deep masculine voice came all of a sudden and Leticia almost screeched in shock. He took a step forward, making it seem like he'd stepped into the night.

Leticia blinked, "Hi."

"Why aren't you asleep? It's cold out here," Devon asked, settling beside her. Leticia stared up at his alluring face holding a cold expression. "It's a lovely night so I decided to get some air... Outside."

Although that wasn't the truth. She'd actually had a terrifying dream and feared sleeping again.

Devon hummed silently, his eyes piercing. "Why do I feel like you're lying?" Leticia's heart skipped a beat. Was it his captivating face, his deep voice, or because he knows she's actually lying. He sounded as if he knows what she's thinking. As if he knows more about her than she herself does.

She decided not to argue so they sat in silence. It's been two days she's seen him though. It was like he vanished. She then concluded the residents of this mansion had a thing for vanishing.

The garden was even more beautiful at night, with the fairy lights hung around and the fireflies, the sound of rushing water in the background.

The wind began to get harsher, sweeping Leticia's hair all over her face.

She groaned, internally scolding herself for not securing it in a ponytail. She was about to put her it back in place but Devon was faster. He stood up and was suddenly in front of her, reaching down to tuck it behind her reddened ears. It was like he didn't move at all and that awed Leticia. But his towering figure before her made her heart race more.

He suddenly smirked down at her, "It's not bad to want to kiss you right now, or is it?"

Leticia froze.