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.
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Leticia's eyes flew wide, and she quickly looked away, pink rising up her cheeks. 'He did not just say that!' She thought, not daring to look up at him. Devon's smirk broadened as he grazed his thumb over his own bottom lip. He did feel like kissing her... maybe more than that, in fact.
The blue scarf around her neck blew gently, and her neck came into view. Devon stared... then looked away. There was another moment of silence and he looked at the space behind her, "Leticia... " He called gently, "You should go in. It's midnight."
Leticia nodded, "Right." She stood up and Devon took few steps backwards. Then, they made their way to her room. Honestly, she was scared to go in and sleep. The dream was abnormal and frightenly familiar. She'd entered a room and met a tall man wearing a mask. She couldn't see his face nor hear his voice, but he felt familiar. He held a sword and beheaded another man. Then she screamed, caused deadly wind, and made the grounds shake... So very abnormal.
Yet, she felt as though it's happened before. It's scary. "Good night. Sweet dreams" Devon said to Leticia as they reached her door. She nodded, her heart racing at his smile. "Night" She smiled and entered her room, waving before closing the door.
She ran to her wide bed and fell on it with a scream, her long hair falling everywhere around her. 'Did he seriously mean it? He wanted to kiss me right? He didn't say it though, but it's the same, right? ' Her head was filled with these thoughts as she laid properly on the soft bed. Then she frowned, a blush rising up her cheeks, "Why am I excited? It's not like I want him to." She murmured to herself.
Embarrassment filled her for a moment. She didn't like Devon one bit, not even platonically, but then, it was like he had this invisible magnet slowing pulling her to himself.
She shook her head," You're just delusional, Leticia." and with that, she closed her eyes. She'd totally forgotten about the nightmare and she slept in a matter of minutes.
***
"I talked to Uncle Ethan... He's so reluctant ." Alisha said, her voice laced with frustration.
Devon scoffed, "His daughter is dying. She's had three near-death experiences at my place, yet he's reluctant?" Devon was calmly speaking, but anyone would notice he's boiling with annoyance. They were in his luxurious living room, he and Alisha.
"I'll have to persuade him again. He's just scared it'll be too much for her to handle and he won't be around to control her." Alisha said, hoping Devon would understand.
"I am here" Devon said coolly, his red eyes gleaming in the light. Alisha said nothing, knowing better than to argue with him but then, what did he mean by that?
"Tell him to be at my house in three days, else I'll make him come the hard way." Alisha nodded, her long, honey blonde hair bobbing up and down. Even Although she is, she dares not disobey Devon. In fact, her father doesn't dare disobey him.
"I want to see Leticia." Alisha said, her voice softening. She's been here twice, hoping Devon would invite Leticia so she can see her but he never did.
"Come with Declan." Devon said nonchalantly, his gaze never leaving Alisha's face.
"Really? Okay! "Alisha beamed excitedly, gratitude in her eyes. Devon raised a brow and she smiled. He smirked at her.
***
Leticia felt bored sitting alone in her room, the four walls seeming to close in on her. Cecil and Luis were out, and it was only Quynn and Devon around. She decided to go to Devon, hoping to find some excitement.
She saw him in the living room with Seraphim, who looked all perky and sweet, and Devon sat with his usual uncaring and devious expression,his eyes fixed on the phone in his hand.
Seraphim was clinging to his arm, her face close to his as she whined on. Leticia felt irritated all of a sudden, wondering why Seraphim was shamelessly throwing herself at Devon.
She turned to leave, only to hear her name, "Leticia! Come here." It was Devon. How did he notice her?!
She froze before turning back, "I shouldn't disturb..." she said, noting the glare Sera sent her.
"Come here" He repeated, his voice commanding. She knows that means 'it's a command, not a request.' She sighed and walked to them, her long, golden blonde hair swaying gently as she moved.
Despite the hateful glare Seraphim threw her, Leticia smiled, "Hi."
"Hi." Seraphim smiled back, her hateful red eyes contradicting the sweet smile. She turned to Devon almost immediately, "Brother Devon, you said you'll take me to the kennel next time I come here. Come on, let's go."
Leticia didn't know when she asked Devon, "You have dogs!?" A tint of excitement crossed her opal eyes.
Seraphim scoffed, but Devon grinned creepily up at her, "Do you want to see?"
Leticia beamed, "Absolutely!"
Devon stood up, his tall, lean frame towering over her. Seraphim did the same, a deep frown on her beautiful face.
Mischievousness crossed Devon's dark red eyes as he walked away, his black medium length hair shinning. Seraphim was annoyed Leticia had to follow them, making her hit Leticia as she ran to catch up with Devon, but Leticia just frowned and kept going.
The three made their way to the kennel or Den, as Devon likes to call it. It was sectioned from the main mansion, like a mini-quarters, with its own separate entrance and guards. Three guys guarded the place, their faces stern and unyielding.
Leticia was quite excited, expecting to see cute, fluffy big dogs barking excitedly. But the sight before her shocked her. Of course, they barked. But they weren't dogs! Startled, she took a step back. Seriously, is Devon crazy?!
Seraphim noticed and smirked, "I'd you are really scared, you should go back." wishing Leticia would just vanish!
Before Leticia could even react to Seraphim, she felt something wrap around her hand: Devon's hand. It was smooth and strangely cold, thick yet soft. Immediately she was held, she felt better but still...
Her heart picked up its abnormal race as she looked up at Devon, who stared down at her with a sly smile, "I'm here, kitten. Don't be scared." He said.
Leticia couldn't help but smile, a blush staining her cheeks as he smiled back at her. He'd just called her kitten! Must have been a mistake yet it made her heart skip.
Seraphim was turning red from anger, "Can we go in now?!" She asked, eyeing Leticia. "Hmm." Devon simply hummed before pulling Leticia in as the guards opened the glass doors after bowing deeply.
No doubt, Devon is crazy. He had to be because she saw definitely no reason why a normal and sane person would keep wolves in his house!
The room was wide and neat. Just two or three skulls decorated it, and a few bones laid around. Leticia gaped, trying to convince herself they were animal bones and not otherwise.
The wolves obviously noticed their entrance but probably chose not to react. They just stared.
Seraphim smiled and walked over to one like wanted to show Leticia she's not a stranger but the mistress of around here. "Aww. Gary. You look just as cute as ever..." But as she neared the animal, it growled angrily, its teeth baring at Seraphim.
She took a subconscious step back, then glared at it. Devon held Leticia close. So close they could inhale each other's scent. He loves how she smells. Like Lotus. It's so calming and fresh. Leticia ignored the warming up of her body, trying to block out his scent from her senses.
It's so unusual for she's never came across anyone who smells like spices. Yes. Like the mixture of all spices. It was spicy and sharp, yet it calmed her nerves. 'Weird.'
"That is Gary." Devon began, pointing at a brown wolf. The one that snapped at Seraphim. "Kelly" he pointed to the black-furred animal chewing lazily on a piece of bone. "Max" He gestured at the beige-colored one lying lazily beside Gary.
The last one was pure white. "And this is Sky." Devon smiled at the animal. Leticia let out a yelp, noticing Sky was already at their feet. She gripped Devon's hand hard. Devon then squatted, making Leticia come down with him.
She looked scared but felt safe.' Devon is here, he's here.'
Devon patted Sky's head, and it growled approvingly, "He's my bias." He whispered, smiling fondly.
"Why...why would you keep wolves in your house? These are wild animals." Leticia gulped, noticing the intent glare from Gary.
Devon said, "They are better and more effective than guards or dogs. They can't go wild. I had them since they were pups."
Leticia just stared at him. His eyes had a different tinge as he spoke about his wolves. "Want to pet?" Devon asked, but Leticia quickly shook her head, "No!"
"It's okay. They won't attack. They are well-trained and listen obediently. Right, guys?" Max howled lazily, and Gary growled irritatedly.
Seraphim must have pissed him off. Leticia shuddered, looking at Sky. Its eyes were blue, and as Leticia stared, it growled at her. She sprang up, turning pale, "Let's go back!" She doesn't like this place a bit.
Devon looked up with a smirk, "I had no idea you fear wolves" He gave the other three fond pats before walking back to Leticia. "Come on. Let's go. You're white." He said as they walked out.
They've both forgotten about Seraphim, who was trying to keep up with them. "Cute, aren't they?" Devon grinned. Leticia just shook her head.
Suddenly, a phone rang. It was Seraphim's. Looking at the screen, she immediately terminated it, then said, "Brother Devon. Excuse me. I have somewhere to be" Hoping he won't ask.
Devon, not caring, just nodded. Seraphim smiled at him and glared at Leticia before walking out. Devon said to Leticia, "You should really spend more time in the Den. Familiarizing yourself with them, especially Sky, is good."
"Familiarizing myself with wild animals?!" She exclaimed, convinced he's actually crazy.
Devon frowned, "Hey! Don't call them wild animals! Tch. I should have taken you to the Lion's den instead..." He spat, grabbing her hand as if to pull her there.
"NO! PLEASE! DON'T!" She begged quickly.
Devon chuckled cheekily, "Just kidding."
Leticia frowned hard and yanked her hand off his before storming away
****
Devon leaned against the windowsill in his room, gazing out. A sly smile spread across his face as he recalled he and Leticia's last encounter. He had enjoyed scaring her, watching her eyes widen with fear. It was almost... thrilling.
His eyes gleamed with mischief as he pushed away from the window and strode towards the door. He knew exactly where to find her.
Devon's smile grew wider as he made his way to the library, his footsteps silent on the marble floor. He to see her again, to toy with her a little more. After all, it was so entertaining.
The maids and servants bowed as he walked regally past them but he just ignored them. They were petty human servants after all. Although some of his maids were not.
As he entered the library, his eyes locked onto Leticia, her nose buried in a book. He could sense her sudden tension her awareness of his presence yet she didn't react.
"Leticia." He called, walking up to her buy ignored him entirely. The joke he'd made yesterday gave her a fright, and she had a nightmare. Lions were chasing after her and since then, she'd just wished she was home.
All her life, she's never had a nightmare but ever since she stepped her feet into this mansion, her life had turned into one. First it was torture and near death experiences, then Seraphim and her cruel behaviour and now Devon's crude and scary jokes. Nightmare after nightmare.
"Are you mad at me?" He smiled, sitting beside her.
She said, not looking away from her book,"Yes."
"Hmm. Fair enough. I gave you quite a fright, didn't I?" When Leticia didn't respond, he smirked, "Fine. How about I compensate you? Anything you want." Then the first thing that snapped into Leticia's head. OUT!!
"Really? Anything?" She asked, doubt and excitement filling her voice as she stared at him. He's not joking again, is he?
"Seriously, anything." He said.
Leticia wasn't sure if he's serious or not because he looks devious as usual. She sighed, knowing exactly what she wants. He will definitely say no. But she was willing to try.
"I... I want to go home." She was very sure that gold spark crossed his red eyes. Her heart jumped at that. Staying here much longer would definitely result into her having heart problems.
His expression darkened, "That is not..."
"You said anything!" She quickly said. 'It's futile. He won't allow me.' she thought and was about to tell him not to mind when she noticed his eyes got impossibly darker and his face turned cold.
He looked unfathomable at the moment. Leticia watched as Devon's frown changed to a scowl. Then his face became blank like he wasn't scowling a minute ago.
"Follow me"
Do you guys really think Devon is going to let her go???
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