The morning of the tournament, I jolted awake before the alarm went off. Loki was startled by me, too. His arms were around my body, and it didn’t help that I gave off a light hue. I was wearing the brooch too.

So, I didn’t know what was going on. Though it was apparent I had a nightmare. One of the ones I couldn’t remember. It had been the first one since I saw Loki die in that god's hands. Eli wrapped around my waist, as I tried to get a hold of myself.

A chill had taken hold of me, one I couldn’t let go of. Turning to Loki, who held me tenderly, softly whispering comfort, I begged him not to go to the tournament. My vampire simpered, assuring me he didn’t want to go.

If it were up to him, he would spend the entire day with me. Sadly, he didn’t have a choice in the matter. Asher warned, that if Loki didn’t take part, there would be consequences for Alistair. Though, I feared it would be worse than that.

If anything, Andrea was the one to watch out for. The viper was more like a roach. Hard to pin down and to kill. A few kisses from my vampire quickly put me at ease, though. And those soon turned into much more. Trailing them down my neck, he lifted my gown, removing my underwear.

He fed off me last night. Though I still could feel the lasting effects of his venom on me. It appeared my body wouldn’t fully get used to it. Not that I minded, as long as it was him giving me pleasure.

“You’re beautiful, Vivian.” Loki purred close to my ear, trailing his hands on my breast, and down my belly.

It caused me to giggle a bit, something he enjoyed hearing. He cupped my lumps before going down on them. The sensation of his tongue on my nobs made me whine, shifting my gaze up to the ceiling.

His fangs scraping on my skin always caused me to get jittery. Eli opened the curtains, allowing the artificial light into the room. The shine allowed me to see what my vampire was doing better, too.

Unlike him, I had no night vision. Though, the clock caught my eyes. The tournament would start at nine and it was four. The alarm was set for seven, like always. Loki’s fangs brushed against my nipple, causing me to yelp a bit.

In response, he pulled away, chuckling. A small piercing was all I needed to feel warm again.

“Do you want more?" he asked, playing with my breast like I was a toy.

I couldn’t help but pout.

“Don’t I always want more?” I rolled my eyes.

He chuckled, gazing at me lovingly. It irritated me.

“Hurry and give it to me already!” I huffed, scowling at him.

A soft smile rose on his lips, trailing kisses down my belly and into my groin. After getting scolded by Thea, Eli usually strayed away from us when we did naughty things. Well, he always stuck close, though.

Holding my legs apart, Loki blew into my vulva, causing me to growl at him. His teases knew no bounds.

“If you’re going to lick me, then do it!” I seemed tough, but I was melting.

The playful expression on his face made me feel safe while with him. Perhaps everything would be fine. I probably was overthinking everything.

“I love you, Vivian.” He smirked, causing my heart to flutter.

“Geez… stop being so…” I mumbled, feeling embarrassed.

Though he wouldn’t let me feel this way for much longer. Eli slithered around my hair, wrapping around my right wrist. He was smaller than usual, too. Taking the opportunity his other half distracted me, I felt my vampire lap my slits.

A whine left my lips. Reaching down to his hair, I clasped onto it. I could feel a smirk form on his lips before his eyes met with mine.

“Do you like my touch, sweets?” he asked, drawing away from my intimate lips to see my reaction.

Though his fingers found their way into my walls, making me whine again. I didn’t know if it was saliva or my juices dripping down his chin. Though those eyes of his were stirring me up. Every breath was becoming warmer than my body responded to him.

Something about today told me to not fight him like I usually did.

“I… love it,” I grumbled, tugging on his hair a bit.

His silvery-white hair was as soft as always, though lately the tips of his hair were going gold too. Gerta was the second person to notice them. Even asked him about them, he quickly answered that he had me dye his hair.

Something that made the old woman ask me to do hers. It left me not knowing how to answer her. His fast response brought me heat. I didn’t know how to dye anyone’s hair, not even mine. Luckily, I dodged that bullet when Alistair came in looking for medicine for his migraine.

That was before he locked himself in his room. Trying to shake away those thoughts, I gazed at Loki’s expression, wanting to memorize it. A chuckle left his lips, making the rhythm of his fingers consistent.

“Where did that pretty head go this time?” he asked, noticing how I spaced out for a moment.

The scissoring sensation of his fingers was leaving me jittery. Though, my mind had been running scenarios since the start of this week. He knew I didn’t want the tournament to continue. And also, was aware that I thought something would happen during it.

Though, every time I wandered, he always brought me back to him, touching the places that made me squeal to his pleasure. How I wished the rift was behind us.

If it is… I’ll…

“Nowhere,” I mumbled, pushing his face into my groin.

In response to me, he sucked on my sensitive bell, causing me to gasp. Pushing his fingers into me, I couldn’t help but mewl when he caressed my walls. With every lick and push, I could feel myself get wetter and slipper.

Surely, though, there were still the remnants of what we had done the previous night. Not that he ever minded them. Lifting the little hood of my bell, he made me squeal when he rubbed it with his thumb. It was quickly replaced by his tongue, though.

The knot tightened to where I yanked on his hair to make him stop. Half an hour had already passed, making it four-thirty. We should’ve been sleeping, especially after the night he had spent with me.

Pulling away from my vulva, he gazed at me.

Those eyes…

I held his hair hostage, making him wince. The look of desire on his face made me smirk.

“Come, I want to dirty your dick instead of your little pretty face.” I bluntly stated, glancing at him in the same way.

Our desire was out of this world. His eyes glowed brightly, chuckling. By the gods, I loved his voice. His tone was always so soothing to me. Luckily, he loved it when I was rough around the edges. Then again, playing nice also rubbed him the right way, too.

I guess he liked both sides of my coin. Probably the only one who would ever deal with my flipping emotions. Then again, he could control them or knew how I truly felt.

A cheat…

“Nothing would please me more, my love.” He licked his lips, undoing his sweat pants.

Without letting go of his hair, he towered over me, pressing his heat into my entrance. A soft whine left my lips when he slipped into my core. Again, filling me to the brim, I clashed my lips against his.

My tongue invaded his cavity while his thrust became consistent. Usually, Eli would hold my legs apart, but they rested on Loki’s hips instead. Well, before I wrapped them around him. I had become the snake instead.

One of his arms held him above me, allowing the other to play with my breast. Separating from the kiss, only led to another one. And then another… I didn’t want to let him go. It was a desperate make-out, one he didn’t mind.

At one point, he shoved into me to concentrate on our lips clashing. My hips bucked instead, grinding on him. Though the feverous session was more important to me too. What I would give for time to stop at this instance.

Sadly, our need for fresh air was also there. So, even though I wanted to continue to kiss him, I had to pull away. When I did, he thrust himself into me again. There was barely any space between him and me.

Our sweat mixed with one another. He moaned into my ear, triggering me to bury my face in his neck. There I left a couple of love bites. Not that he minded them.

“You love to mark me, don’t you?” he chuckled, enjoying the feeling of me sucking on his skin.

I trailed down to his Adam's apple.

Licking on it, “you’re mine aren’t you?” I huffed.

Not like anyone else could claim him anymore. It wouldn’t matter, even if he wanted it.

“Careful, I might bite you.” He chuckled, licking my nape.

Picking up his pace, it was constant and alluring. We were a couple of bunnies in heat. Luckily, with my frozen uterus and ovaries, there was no reason for us to stop. Though, ever since the night with the warlock, I was feeling more sensitive every time his heat kissed my womb.

“Bite me,” I challenge with a smirk on my lips.

That bite would send me…

“Oi… You really don’t know how to control yourself.” Loki chuckled, pushing into me.

A small mewl left my lips, loving the feeling of having him fill me.

“Why should I? I say what I want. That’s all.” I huffed, biting onto my bottom lip.

Every sensation he was giving me was creating a tingly feeling. Without being able to hold on to myself, I clasped onto his bum. The feeling of his skin on my palms was too irresistible.

Unfair...

“Well, I can’t be with you all day today.” He scoffed, shoving into me again.

A second later, he was grinding on me, trying to make me reach my peak before him.

Such a cheat.

“You think someone’s going to fuck me instead?” I mewled, knowing he would get annoyed by it.

For a moment, he halted his rhythm, gazing at me.

Oops… I hit a nerve.

Precious moments to allow me to compose myself passed.

“Like I would ever let that happen.” He hissed, eyes twitching.

A breathless chuckle left my lips.

“I know, stupid vampire. Now… make me squeal. Or should I make you instead?” I teased, wrapping my arms around his neck.

A soft smile rose on his lips.

“You’re just…” he rolled his eyes, continuing to send pleasure through me.

It wasn’t long before his movements became sluggish. The knot had already reached its tipping point. Though I tried to hold it back as much as I could. This extended the tingly sensation that was coursing through my body.

Though the reason I did it was that I wanted to find my release with him. A few more thrusts from him ended in whitewashing over me. His heat twitched within me, sending me to convulse under him.

When a soft groan left his lips, it triggered me to crash into them with mine. Once again, my tongue invaded his mouth, traveling every nook and cranny. I didn’t fear the sharp fangs that threatened to impale my soft member.

Though his tongue surely and steadily found mine. They tangoed when he suddenly turned us. He was on the bed, and I was on top, straddling him. Without hesitation, I swayed my hips in search of more pleasure.

Pulling away from my lips, a saliva string connected us. He grabbed onto my hips, causing me to press my hands on his chest. Licking his lips, a soft chuckle left them, enjoying the view in front of him.

I lifted myself off him for a better look at my vampire too. Under me was a sight to behold. Cheeks rosy pink, I couldn’t help but lap my lips in anticipation of the meal I was about to consume.

Loki’s blueish purplish orbs gazed at me with an expression of pure desire and pleasure. At that moment, I picked up my movements, enjoying the feeling of his heat sliding in and out of me. His previous release made it even easier to go about it, though I felt warmer because of it, too.

Some couples loved to cuddle, others to talk. This was our way of making sure each other was still around. That we were alive, after all. He put it best when he said my body was more honest than my words.

Though, lately, I had been trying to do both. Sadly, I usually failed with the speech part. I even made Thea angry at one point. Though she quickly got back at me by pouncing on me like she usually did.

Oswald seemed to be the only one I could say things correctly to. Yet again, he also had a foul mouth. Though, since Emma, he seemed to be down. Not that I blamed him. She was still in my thoughts, too.

Sadly, I couldn’t allow myself to mourn her without distracting myself from what needed to be done. For the past month, I had been trying to contact my father, but he and Lilith were missing. Even the unstable memories from before continued, though most of the time I couldn’t even understand what happened.

And the trigger for them seemed to be a mystery too. Though, the seal on my memories was weaker. That much was obvious. Using his hands, Loki pushed me down into his heat, filling me to the brim.

A mewl left my lips because of it. Once again, he noticed my growing anxiety. His powers, ever since the Amor Aeternum link, had been growing. He had even started sprouting a second pair of wings, making them six.

Though, the new ones were still small, while his other ones had been growing. They were almost as big as his original ones.

“Don’t wander, focus on me.” He licked his lips, sitting up slightly to suckle on my nob.

The sensation of his tongue lapping at my sensitive nipples. It caused me to push him back down onto the bed. There, our bond markings shone a bit as my body glowed too, lightly. There was so much I didn’t know about this link. Only that it was illegal.

Sadly, Zephier remembered nothing else, either. Though her memory was better than Elias's. Yet it seemed something was blocking their full memories from coming back.

“So full of yourself. Do you think you have to account for every one of my waking moments?” I huffed, feeling jittery.

His heat felt like it was kissing my womb. Our connection was dripping onto him, too. I wished we could stay like this. Unable to help it, I ground myself against him, causing him to chuckle. He knew the reaction I had after he filled me to the brim like that.

I mean, we had done it so many times we already knew each other’s quirks.

“No, I just wanted you to smile.” He simpered, releasing a soft sigh from his lips.

His hips were bucking with me. When a mewl left me, he tugged me down to his chest, clasping into my bum before plunging himself into me. His grip on my bottom lumps tightened, thrusting into me repeatedly.

I whined into his ear as he leaned his head on me.

“I love you.” He purred lovingly.

The soft shimmer of our marks usually happened every time we had sex, but this time it seemed shinier than usual. Perhaps it was because I was finding comfort in his hold. Though I couldn’t stop myself from kissing him.

I loved him too, more than I ever thought I would love anyone. For the past month, I had been infusing my magic into him in small doses. He didn’t notice what I was up to since my body usually glowed whenever we were together.

Perhaps it was a mistake to not tell him my suspicions, but if he knew. He surely would’ve tried to stop me. I was determined to save him at all costs, and if he knew what I was planning. It would’ve caused problems.

With Alistair acting all weird, I couldn’t help but prepare myself for the worst, while hoping for the best. This was all in case of an emergency. One I hoped would never come, but if it did, I would not hesitate to destroy this world in my effort to save him.

If it was to survive, or because of my emotions toward him, there was no way for me to know anymore. These small injections of magic were too insignificant for anyone to notice, and I was storing them near the bond site, around his heart.

Call me paranoid, but that dream, where the god ripped his heart out, left me brittle. There was no way to know if it was a warning... a vision or a fucking dream. Part of me hoped I wouldn’t have to use it.

If anything, I wanted the prophecy to be wrong. Though what Edna said about the world turning on the older brother was new. If it was a memory to care about. It made me wonder if she hadn’t given the complete vision to anyone.

After all, if the gods were involved, then Cain wouldn’t have sent me there. No, she had to let people think it was a mortal problem. My human mother was beyond my comprehension, but at the same time, I could tell she cared about me.

Mommy needs to make sure it is safe for you.

Those words had been vivid in my mind since the memory.

Safe? Is that even possible? You placed me in the lion’s den mother. Unless this was the plan all along.

However, I had no way of knowing what she meant by them. All I could hope for was that nothing would happen. And if something did…

Can I eliminate Alistair?

This was a question I would have answered with no regrets before getting to know him. But did I really?

Is that fair to him? No… he’s innocent and kind. Though a bit of a douche towards anyone he doesn’t know.

Not that I could blame him for that. Ever since he was born, people who wanted to use him surrounded him. Well, until he met his brothers, who at first wanted nothing to do with him. Luckily, that came as a blessing to him.

Alistair needs to survive this for my sanity, but what if it means my doom? Can I give up my current life for him?

I didn’t know how to answer that. Pushing himself against me, Loki deepened the kiss by moving his hands away from my hips and into my hair. First, my vampire found his release within me, causing me to follow along.

His twitching member made me sway my hips until I also found it. Separating from the kiss, I mewled, pressing my hands on his chest. Bliss filled my mind. Lifting myself off his chest, I gazed up at the ceiling.

If this is the day where fates collide, there’s no stopping it. But... will we survive everything that comes after it?

“I love you, Elias.” I breathed, glancing back down at my vampire, who seemed out of breath, too.

I had tried to say his name the past month, but nothing more of his memory came back. There were millennia to unlock, yet he could only remember his end. Perhaps the few days before it. Though we knew he was killed before Midnight and after Valdios.

The reason Elias had gone into Yama’s territory was to find me. He wanted to identify me for Midnight. The idiot didn’t expect to feel life in the book.

Well, emotions...

He was the first one to hear me, too. I had always thought it was Edna, but he was the first to hear my voice. Something he hadn’t allowed Yama to know, even as he killed him.

“And we love you.” Loki chuckled, pulling me into another kiss.

Though instead of continuing to make love, we cuddled. Eli finally joined us, too. I always felt warmest in their embrace. So much that I didn’t notice when I slipped into sleep. However, the alarm never woke me.

No, what did was Loki trailing his fingers on my cheek. It would’ve been a sweet wake-up call if the clock didn’t say it was about to be eight. The troublesome prince had taken off the alarm. The culprit was probably Eli, though I couldn’t help but get angry with both.

Rem and Alijah would come to the tournament, too. Though they would arrive later, or so, that was the schedule. The tourney was from nine a.m. to eight p.m. Most of the royals were taking part, though none could actually beat Alistair or Loki.

There were places in Night city still being rebuilt, but the King and queen made sure the colosseum would be ready for the event. Certainly, it was the Queen. Gerta had said Andrea wanted the tournament to go on no matter what.

The vampires couldn’t show weakness to the world. It almost sounded like they were about to be invaded, but in reality, it was about the kingdom within. It was known that outside powers could not partake in the struggle for control within a nation.

If they did, it would lead to war. Sadly, this was something the nobles within Celnaer used. A kingdom without monetary power was nothing. Fenris was able to separate the elders from the politics in Lyari, but that happened because Cerberus already was the head of operations in Silverant.

The elders had already taken a back seat to the organization. He had been trying to make all the nations do the same, but power wasn’t something that was easily given up. So Lyari and the witchcraft users were the only ones who joined the rule fully, under Fenris and Lilith.

His wife was always his best supporter. Though the witchcraft users didn’t mind the change. It gave them more freedom. Sadly, this didn’t include our coven. If we were found we were eliminated.

There were only a few of us left either way. Nothing like the time my mortal mother was alive. Many of our members had defected. Though the inner families and those who had eternal witch qualities stayed loyal.

The couple’s son, Aiden, was going to continue their work in the hopes to gather every other nation within them. A silly wish. If I would’ve been Fenris, I would’ve taken over Astea and made it into Lycan tyranny.

Some people only listened to power, and thus should have been shown as much. Yet the stupid mutt wanted to leave liberty up to the people. It would’ve worked if the world was all rainbows and love.

Living within the Celnaer nation, I could see that freedom was a lie. Lexi, who survived the attack on the ball, was a thorn in our asses, too. She wouldn’t stop trying to get Loki to train. The girl who Andrea was picking for the winner of the tournament was her and another noble.

Their name slipped my mind since I could not care less about them. None of them would have my prince. Though Lexi was looking at me like I was a burden in her path. In her defense, she wasn’t interested romantically in the princes.

If anything, she saw them as a donor for climbing the ranks. However, if she ever tried to touch my vampire, I didn’t know if I could hold back. Luckily, with Rem, no one could force Loki to marry.

Though that didn’t mean they couldn’t convince him to. Fearing the bitch would come knocking to drag Loki to the tournament, I wanted to get ready. My prince didn’t make it easy on me, either.

I usually loved a steamy session in the bathroom, but today I was in a hurry. Lexi was annoying, being all high and mighty all the time. But the real reason I wanted to leave earlier than planned was to see if I could catch Alistair. He had become elusive the past two weeks.

However, that wasn’t something that Loki cared for. Not while we were alone. Before I knew it, my hands were on the wall as my vampire claimed me from behind. I had barely gotten out of the shower when he thrust himself into me.

If I hadn’t gone to pick up that towel, I probably wouldn’t have been in this situation. Profanities left my lips, something he didn’t mind. He knew I didn’t hate it, but I wasn’t nice while he held me.

Not that he ever minded that, either. Part of me thought he was sadistic, but he was also masochistic. Every thrust led me to lose my balance, triggering my knees to fall onto the floor. Not that he stopped.

His chest was on my back when I reached for the shower handle that was close by.

"Fuck! You’re so tight." Loki moaned into my ear, not paying attention to what I was doing.

His voice triggered shivers to run down my spine. The warmth was too much too.

"Jerk!" I mewled, enjoying the feeling of him in me.

I wanted more, but I also knew I needed to get ahead of this feeling. Something my vampire wasn’t allowing me to do. Pushing himself into me, he found his release. Feeling him twitch within me, I couldn’t help but follow the same path.

Preventing me from falling, he gripped onto me, licking my neck. His fangs grazed against my skin, leaving me trembling. I barely caught the handle before our release, allowing me to splash the vampire with cold water. The shock on his face was alluring.

Though, I escaped him because of it. Placing my clothes on, I stormed out of the bathroom. The whole time Eli was by the door seemly like a lost pup. Luckily, I scooped him up on my way out.

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“Come on, it wasn’t bad, and it isn’t even nine yet.” Loki chuckled, following me out.

I couldn’t help but glare at the boy, who seemed to not have enough. Neither did I, but… I could hide it better. Once again, though, my plans went to shit. A common occurrence when he was involved.

“You’re so full of yourself! It's already nine!” I growled, stomping to my side of the room, unaware we were not alone.

Luckily, I was dressed well enough. All staffers who weren’t working on the tournament had the day off. That meant I didn’t have to dress in the maid uniform. So, I had decided to wear a nice dress my father had gotten to me before I came to Celnaer.

It was a white dress that reached past my knees. It provided a cover for my chest and back. Though the stockings I had on, I had to replace them thanks to what my vampire had done. Something that left me huffing.

“Are you two fighting again?” Oswald questioned, sitting in his usual place.

His voice startled me, causing me to twirl to face him.

He didn’t hear anything, right?!

“Ozzy, why are you here?” Loki huffed, grabbing me by my waist.

He was still wet, causing me to want to yank away from him.

My dress!

It had survived his rough lovemaking, but it wouldn’t live through getting wet. Probably if his twin wasn’t in the same room, I would’ve been on the bed again.

“I thought about hanging out with my brother before the shitty tournament.” Oz rolled his eyes, tapping his hands on the desk.

My vampire let go of me, heading towards his brother. I took the chance to ready myself. Instead of going to Zephier, Eli stuck by me, but that didn’t mean the kitty wouldn’t come to us. She hopped on my bed where he was.

“Aw, you love me so much, don’t you?” Loki chuckled, leaning towards Oswald, who seemed to be in his usual grumpy mood.

Though the dark circles around his eyes were back. Zoe had been helping with the City along with Leo. Thus, he had gone back to his unhealthy routine. How the mighty had fallen. Surely, he had to realize that didn’t make Emma happy.

Though it wasn’t like she was alive to complain. Sadly…

“Of course, I do. Though those marks on you will make your opponent wary.” Oswald pointed out, dodging his brother, and walking towards me.

I couldn’t help but chuckle in response as Loki noticed all the love bites I had left him. I had done so before my legs gave out. All he had to do was drink blood to erase them.

“Oh fuck! Vivi… Do you have to mark me that much?” my vampire huffed, noticing them in a mirror nearby, grabbing a shirt from one of the shelves.

He already had his combat pants on. Though his vest was something new he had never worn. Usually, it was loose blouses, but today he had to wear formal clothes. The vest was black with golden laces for decoration.

Underneath it was his usual white blouse, though. Ignoring the flustered vampire, my eyes shifted to Oswald, who handed me a thermos.

“Your tea,” he noted with a soft smile.

I nodded, “Thank you.”

Eli, who was on my lap, snickered, alerting me that my vampire wasn’t pleased with how we were ignoring him.

“You two are no fun.” Loki scowled, leaning on the divider with arms crossed.

I quickly glanced away, huffing. “You’re too free-spirited.”

Oswald walked over to his brother, poking at his neck.

“So, you’re going to go into that with all those love bites?” Oswald teased the vampire.

I took a sip of my tea, trying to hold myself together.

Loki rolled his eyes, “I don’t care who sees that I’m taken.”

I almost choked on the rosy liquid that filled my senses.

This boy has no bounds! They aren’t things to show around with pride!

It seemed that was a mistake to have done that. One I couldn’t take back.

“Pfft, by who?” I scoffed, fixing my hair.

A second later, I was on the bed, pinned by him. That speed was unfair to counter.

“Oi, you still deny me. Even after, claiming me for yourself?” he questioned, hovering his lips over mine.

His messy, curly hair still needed to be rearranged too.

“You’re going to be late.” Oswald scowled at us, crossing his arms.

His words caused me to tap my vampire on his shoulders.

“Get off me, you brute! Don’t you see we are already going to be late!” I growled.

By now, Alistair was probably already at the coliseum. Meaning I missed my chance. My words caused a soft chuckle to leave his lips, crashing them with mine. The moment I opened my mouth to complain, he shoved his tongue into it.

“Oi,” Oswald voiced.

He wasn’t impressed by his brother’s affection towards me. Pulling away from my lips, my vampire glared at Oz.

“Can you leave? I need to teach her another lesson.” Loki huffed at his twin.

Eli slithered next to me, leaving me to scowl at the prince. But before I could say anything. Oswald appeared to have none of it.

“Ahm… No, if you don’t leave now. Mom will be the one coming to get you. You know she already wants Vivian gone.” He announced, triggering my vampire to pull away from me.

The expression in his eyes seemed to be one of annoyance. This entire time, he had been avoiding Rem’s calls. She had left her brother here to keep tabs on him. Luckily, Caden wasn’t as pushy as she was.

He was actually pretty relaxing to be around. Of course, I always kept my distance. Though his daughter kept wanting to make chatter with me. She was younger than Leo and it made me uncomfortable.

Though, I hid it as best as I could. Rem returning for the tournament was something I didn’t look forward to. It had been a month since the warlock.

Can I keep this going? Or will it all come crashing down?

“Wait, she’s here already?!” Loki huffed, grabbing his shoes.

I went for mine as well as I fixed my hair. He had made it a bit of a mess again.

“Yeah, she got here early. Thea has taken up distracting Alijah and her. Luckily, Caden’s actually helping too. He can’t stop talking about this restaurant he found.” Oswald chuckled, scrolling down his phone messages.

It appeared to be full of Thea complaining to him about it. Probably a favor she would come to claim later. It probably was a group chat since Loki winced when he gazed at his phone.

“Fuck!” he cursed loudly, gazing at me, slightly annoyed.

This was one moment I would keep quiet. The only reason he was under so much stress was because of me. I was lucky his brother and sister wanted to help me.

“You know, she wants to talk to you. Maybe you should listen to her.” Oz tried to sway his brother.

I finished fixing myself as Zephier climbed up my shoulder, along with Eli.

“If it’s about the same thing. I have nothing to talk to her about.” Loki sighed, grabbing onto my hand.

Oswald shook his head, opening the door. “Then we should go.”

Another sigh came from Loki, triggering me to grip his hand tightly. Even though I wanted to leave this room to catch a glimpse of Alistair. Something within me grew wary the moment I gazed towards the open door.

Every fiber in my being was telling me to keep Loki in there, yet I couldn’t listen to it. Fear wasn’t something that would rule me. If something were to happen today, then I would deal with it as it came.

With little commotion, we left the room and headed to the coliseum. On the way there, Lucas was by one of the food carts around. We had stopped by them for breakfast, though the look on their cousin was not one of pleasantry.

Of course, I couldn’t simply ask him what was wrong. We weren’t close, but it seemed he still hadn’t seen Alistair. I could tell by the look on his face. It didn’t help how Loki had been skipping on his training.

After a quick meal, we headed inside the building. It was packed unlike before when there were only royals practicing. There was someone of every race within the building. Much to my surprise, Lilith and Fenris were also there.

They were by Asher's and Andrea's sides. Aiden had stayed behind, though. He was one of Rem’s brothers. One I didn’t want to see after what had happened. Though I wasn’t looking forward to Rem or Alijah.

Caden also made me uncomfortable, but I could manage him. Unlike Rem and Alijah, this one was a mortal. A kind mortal at that. At one point, he even suggested a treat for me to try. Loki and Oswald appeared relaxed around him, too.

Though, I knew he was observing me, under that cheerful facade. In the coliseum, the matches had already started. It was a bracket tournament, so Loki and Alistair would have to fight others before their matches.

Well, if they made it to the finals. They were on opposite sides. There were sixteen contestants too. That was the first thing we met with when we came in. The giant board registering the matches.

It appeared Alistair's match was the very first one. They seemed to be on the third one. Lexi was waiting for the prince in the lobby, angered that he was late. Loki missed the entering ceremony, not that it mattered.

The first match had already begun. These battles weren’t to the death but close enough. The winning conditions were disarming or if the opponent was unable to fight anymore. Of course, this was only a sword match, so no magic or blood control abilities were allowed.

In fact, that would force disqualification. And it wasn’t like it was effective against other vampires. Another reason Fenris was listened to. Unlike vampires, his strength forced everyone to listen to him.

The only reason Loki didn’t allow himself to be disqualified was that it would cause problems for Alistair. All while, the older brother was fighting to free his little brother from the chains that bound him.

Well, that was from the last time we spoke.

“You're late.” Lexi hissed at Loki, who shrugged.

“I don’t care. My match isn’t until the afternoon.” My vampire rolled his eyes, setting them on me.

It was about time for him to leave my side for the first time in an entire month. I couldn’t help but feel lonely before he left. Something he had picked up on. His grip on my hand was tender.

“You think these idiots will keep fighting? That’s hilarious.” She shook her head, crossing her arms.

She was unimpressed by his excuse. The fun part was they proved her right as the match ended in an announcement. It was time for the third. His match was the fifth out of eight.

Well, if they made it there, and of course, they would. Loki was the only one who could beat his older brother. It only took three minutes before they announced the fourth match. At that point, Lexi raised her eyebrows at my prince, who grumbled under his breath.

“So, where the fuck do I have to wait?” he sighed, shaking his head in defeat.

“Follow me. And leave your familiar. He isn’t allowed.” Lexi pointed towards Eli.

This was already known to us. The royals had made it so, to make everything a fair play. Loki didn’t need Eli to win. Sadly, the other royals didn’t see it like that. So, to avoid any nobles from going crazy, Oswald was to keep Eli with him.

Though the slippery snake would surely come with me in the end.

“I know. You don’t need to repeat yourself.” Loki shook his head, shifting his gaze to me again.

Grabbing onto my hands, he pulled them up to his lips. Eli slithered to me using the connection his other half had formed.

“Will you cheer for me?” my vampire smirked, pressing his lips on my fingers.

He was too playful for his good.

A soft sigh left my lips. “You're too full of yourself. You don’t need any encouragement. I might cheer on Lucas, who needs it.”

His match was now, not that I would see it. It came out in a pout rather than a complaint. It showed that I didn’t want to be apart from him. Something that Lexi noted narrowing her eyes. She couldn’t care that the vampire was infatuated with me.

In fact, all she wanted was an heir and the throne, probably. The ambition was what got Andrea where she was. It seemed that was always the cause of the mayhem in Asher's life. Sometimes, it was best to be grateful for the things we had.

“Oi, why are you so stingy all the time?” he sighed with a soft smile on his lips.

Before I knew it, his lips clashed with mine for a quick kiss. It left me flustered, as there were people around us. Including Rem and Alijah, who had arrived behind us. I saw her from the corner of my eye, irritated by me.

Not that I blamed her. Thea was there too, I suspected Loki did that on purpose. Lexi rolled her eyes, shaking her head. I couldn’t deny I didn’t enjoy that kiss. The gentleness and care he treated me with were intoxicating.

Fuck it.

I didn’t want to be apart, even if an angry demon was behind me. He had probably done it to tease, but I followed his lips. There, I placed my kiss. One that he responded with, another. It was a quick one, though.

Tugging away from me, he gazed at Oswald.

“Take care of her for me, okay?” Loki simpered.

Instead of being met with Oz’s response, Eli snickered.

“I’ll be with her too.” The little snake pointed out.

Loki scowled at him, rolling his eyes.

“You think I don’t know that? I was talking to Ozzy. He and you both know what I mean.” He huffed, triggering his other half to chuckle.

That didn’t sound good. I felt like I was about to be babysat.

“Yeah, yeah. If I don’t pass out in the chair from this boredom.” Oswald waved his hands, sending off his brother.

“Oi, Zephier, make sure he keeps her safe.” Loki frowned at Oz, who chuckled.

He wouldn’t allow a thing to happen to me. Not when my fate was tied to Loki. In this past month, he had been watching me and had determined I had feelings for the prince. This began a nightmare of events to occur.

Thea called me her sister-in-law as a tease, too. It was far too early for marriage. Yet I bound us all the same. Though those were jokes and teases they used when we were alone. With Rem, Leo, Caden, Lola, Luna, and Alijah here, they would be nicer to me.

Right?

“Will do,” she smiled at him from Oswald’s shoulder.

Loki gazed at Rem before leaving with Lexi. It was too public for any nobles to do anything to me, so I was safe without him. After all, his family was around too. No one in their right mind would attack a defenseless girl in such a crowded area.

Well, Jin would’ve, but he wasn’t in his senses. I still carried Oliver’s damaged crystal around. Thea was quick to join us, as I avoided Rem and Alijah by hiding behind her and Oswald. I didn’t need a lecture from her.

Not that she would bother with me. If anything, I was something to get rid of, not care for. Sadly, we would sit close to one another. Oswald had arranged for me and Zoe to sit with them. It was the safest spot for us.

Sadly, for me, it was the most dangerous one too. If Rem touched me, chaos would break loose. Luckily, we found our way into the arena chairs without a fuzz. The hybrid stayed away from me, and I preferred it that way.

Though Lola seemed to want to befriend me again. And it didn’t help Luna wanted to be on me, too. Fortunately, Alijah kept her off me. Rem wouldn’t stop staring at me the entire time, though. It almost felt like I couldn’t breathe.

Zoe was by me, though. I leaned on her when I felt too pressured by Rem’s glare. It felt like she was watching me more than the matches themselves. My eyes wandered too. I couldn’t help but stare at the queen. If she were gone, it would put some relief on Alistair.

Yet she was too far away for Zoe or me to do anything. They had delayed the match thanks to Loki's tardiness. But, before we knew it, he came out, seemingly utterly uninterested in the entire thing.

Though, his opponent, who was another male vampire, was defeated in a blink of an eye. His opponent didn’t even realize what happened until his sword hit the floor. Taking a glance around, Loki quickly met my gaze.

A soft smile came to his lips, noticing me on the stands. Much to my horror, the kiss marks I left on him were visible. The vampire had picked up his hair in a tiny ponytail to keep it from flowing into his face.

I couldn’t stop myself from squishing Eli in my hands. He left them there for everyone to see. And that was irritating. Back at the entrance of the stadium, he had hidden them, but now, I could barely keep myself from screaming at him.

I knew he hated anyone else’s blood, but this was embarrassing. Though, I believe he did that because of what I said back in the room.

Payback’s a bitch.

Eli came up to my ear, whispering, “We’re showing everyone that we are taken. Do you like it?”

I grumbled under my breath, attempting to get a hold of my emotions. But it was no use. Not when he was my opponent. Luckily, my tease of a vampire left the arena to allow the next match to ensue.

That one lasted for a couple of minutes, though. The winner didn’t have a chance against my vampire. With that, the sixth ended. Then came the seventh, who also didn’t last long. Lexi had been right when she said these matches would fly by like the breeze.

Though… Much to my surprise, Lexi was also there to take part. She probably was the only female vampire in the tournament. And in the bracket, she was in, if she won she would have to verse Loki in the semifinals.

The seventh match began with her finishing her opponent within seconds of it starting too. Sixteen participants meant there were eight rounds in the first tier. Then it would be four. The semi-finals would be two.

Then the finals. Loki and Alistair were both obligated to fight to get there. After all, Asher had placed pressure on them. Though I doubted that was anything compared to what Andrea might have had for the boys.

Lexi also took down her opponent as quickly as Loki had. This girl was something to watch for. With her grace, she left, allowing the last match to take place. It was about noon. Rem’s gaze barely affected me anymore.

Though I wished Lola and Thea would back off a bit. Oswald appeared to have dozed off after Loki’s match, too. Luckily, Zoe was next to me for comfort. Eli was also my fiddling toy for the time.

I couldn’t stop pressing my fingers on his painted scales. Not that he minded it. I guess he knew how nervous I felt. This entire time I couldn’t chase the feeling away. Not even while I played with Eli’s cheeks like they were plush.

After an abrupt break, Lucas was the first to come out along with another male vampire. I was so used to seeing this man hit the floor when he sparred with Loki. But much to my surprise, I stood up in his match.

The way he moved differed completely from all those other times. He swiftly took down his opponent, causing me to fall in awe of him. That made me realize my vampire was on another level compared to any of these mortals.

I actually rooted for him, though. I didn’t realize that this meant he would have to fight Alistair in the semifinal. That was when I realized this was probably why he was being so serious about his match.

Lucas differed from what I imagined. He didn’t seem like his usual goofy self. Seeing him like that made my heart ache for him. Though, how he felt was a complete unknown to me. Then came Alistair’s match.

Even though he didn’t seem well at all, he took the vampire out with no mercy. His opponent's hand snapped in two with the strength he used. Gerta could be seen by the entrance where the troubled prince left.

She followed him, trying to help him, but he shoved her away. The medics took the opponent away, but not before he cursed the prince. Gerta mentioned Alistair wasn’t okay, but he was worse than I thought.

Part of me wanted to run to him. Though, something else worried me. The way Rem gazed at Alistair was also troublesome. Did she realize something was going to happen today? Or was it something else?

Alijah was also gazing at her, which meant he knew her mood wasn’t the best. He had always been her guardian for her temper. Luckily, Oswald seemed to have gotten up in that match. His expression wasn’t the best either.

Following Alistair came Loki’s match. Again, he wiped the floor with the opponent. Without hurting the other vampire, though. Once again, he gazed at me on the way out, which made me sigh. He was so full of himself.

With that came Lexi’s match, and she also finished her opponent quickly. The semifinals were next. There was another abrupt break before Alistair and Lucas came out. The prince appeared surprised to see his lover as his opponent.

It was almost as if he hadn’t been paying attention to what was happening around him. All while Lucas seemed pissed beyond belief. Before the matches, the referee always gave the challengers a moment to speak.

Usually, both parties would stay quiet. But the moment the referee said to speak, Lucas couldn’t keep his disdain in.

“So, this is what it takes to get in front of you? You hit and run. Is that it?!” the blond howled.

At one point, I thought his veins would burst. Then again, he never cared enough to get riled up like that.

“You don’t understand! I… just forfeit!” Alistair argued, holding onto his blade, hesitant to go after his lover.

Something that Lucas had no qualms about. After all, he was used to getting a beating. Though Ali had broken another man’s arm in the earlier matches. Nothing about his gentle nature remained. Yet, I couldn’t figure it out. Oswald had checked him. He was fine.

Is it the stress? Can it really make someone change this much?

Though there were parts of Alistair in there. After all, he cared to not harm Lucas. Perhaps it was an early sign of the disease that was claiming many purebred vampires. Then again, he wasn’t fully pure either.

There were too many unknowns, but something had ailed the elder brother. That much was for sure.

“No, because I won’t forfeit! If you lose to me, then you lose your chance at the crown! You’ll be a free man!” Lucas snapped back, gripping into his shirt.

His one goal was to defeat Alistair in freeing him.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about! I don’t want that freedom!” Ali confronted, gripping the handle tighter.

It almost seemed like it was about to shatter in his hand.

“I don’t care! Maybe you should’ve talked to me about it! Instead of shutting everyone out! Even Vivian’s worried about you! Do you even know what it takes to do that!? She’s colder than ice itself!” Lucas argued, riling even me up.

It was true. I had gone to ask him about Alistair on the days Loki went to practice, too. It seemed I gave off the impression of worrying over the older brother, which I was. Though, the way he portrayed it, it appeared like I had no heart.

I have one! Just… not one I allow people to see often.

If they did, it would be my end.

That snob of a vampire doesn’t need to go that far!

Eli snickered, noticing my reaction to Lucas's words. He wasn’t the only one, either. Oswald was also chuckling. My cheeks burned, leaving me pouting where I sat.

This family knows no bounds! I'm a goddess!

“Aw, don’t listen to him. I know you have a heart!” Thea tried to comfort me.

I couldn’t help but glare at her, feeling like she would hop on me at any moment. These damn mortals were too much of a hassle. Alistair stood there for a moment, shaking his head. His smile was gone.

“None of that matters! Prepare yourself!” he declared.

A second later, the match began. Of course, my eyes couldn’t keep up with their speed, but at the moments they clashed with one another, I caught glimpses. They were in different spots. Lucas was actually keeping up with the eldest prince.

The clash of blades even sparked. They were made of etanil to prevent them from breaking. Although flashy, it wasn’t long until Lucas fell onto the floor, with Alistair pointing his sword at the downed vampire.

The blond still had the sword in his hand. Sadly, he appeared out of breath. It was a good fight, one that had me on my feet again. I clasped my hands on my chest, hoping it would end there.

“Forfeit!” Alistair demanded; voice shaky.

Utter silence veiled the stadium. This had been the match with the most action, even comparing the other contestants who weren’t against the princes, Lucas, or Lexi.

A soft smile came to Lucas's lips. “Will you add another scar to my body?”

The moment that question left his mouth, Alistair’s eyes widened, stepping away from the downed vampire. A hand rose to his head. There I spotted something weird coming from him. It was a soft shimmer of light.

It was too quick to identify, though, and it could’ve come from the blaring lights from above. A second later, it appeared like the elder brother was in pain. Taking the chance, the prince seemed defenseless, Lucas went to disarm him.

It only took a second for the blood to splatter on the stadium. Alistair sliced the blond's arm clean off before he even realized what he did. I knew this because his expression after the fact was one of utter mortifying.

No, it horrified everyone. The prince retreated from the stage quicker than I could see. The medics took Lucas for urgent care. It was nothing that couldn’t be attached, but Alistair clearly didn’t mean to do that.

Lucas was too busy screaming in pain to notice the prince’s expression, though. Though I didn’t think he would blame him.

“It seems the pressure is being too much for Leonard’s eldest son.” Rem commented, glaring at where he had run to.

Of course, I bet Gerta was with him. But part of me wanted to run to him, too. Sadly, no one was allowed behind the stage while the tourney was running. Only the essential staffers were permitted in.

That old woman was part of it. And if I said anything at all, Rem would have heard me. Although her hearing wasn’t as good as a Lycan's, it was better than mine. The hybrid was being more of a bother.

And I suspected she wouldn’t stop being so. After cleaning up the stadium, the second semifinal match began. There Lexi was, Loki’s opponent. After the last match, it appeared the audience was quiet enough to hear the conversation between the two semifinalists.

“Ready to get your ass handed to you?” Lexi huffed, twirling the blade in her hand.

Loki chuckled, shaking his head.

“You think you can beat me, Alexandria?” he smirked, using her full name.

This was the first time I ever heard of it. From how she gazed at him, I could tell she preferred to be called otherwise.

“Of course, you’re nothing but child’s play. I’m a general in your grandfather’s army.” She replied, not fearing the prince.

It honestly didn’t seem like she was an opponent to trifle with.

“Winning the tourney won’t get you the crown. I hope you know that.” Loki scowled at her.

He wasn’t underestimating her, though. I didn’t know it at the time, but she was one of the best swordsmen in the nation. Everyone viewed her closely as what Leonard used to be. Though Loki, surely, was better.

He had to be.

“Seems you didn’t read the rewards for winning. They were changed last night when I joined. Otherwise, why would I be here?” she shrugged, shaking her head.

In her eyes, this was nothing but a means to an end.

“What?” Loki mumbled, surprised.

Last night he had spent it with me, fucking. Of course, he wasn’t paying attention to the tournament rules and changes. Not even Oswald knew them since he also seemed stunned. Though I bet he was grateful to be more human than a vampire at this moment.

“If the winner is a fertile female. She can pick to marry one of them. And that prince will be the king. Of course, no female could ever beat you or Alistair. Well, unless it’s me.” She smirked, pointing the sword at Loki.

“You're fucking crazy. If you think I'm going to fuck you.” My prince huffed, gripping tighter into his sword.

“Aw, it’s cute you think that. But Queen Andrea added that last night. It’ll be pretty to see you become my fertilizer. Maybe that lover of yours will be my morning wine.” She continued, attempting to instigate the prince.

With the flash of annoyance on my prince’s face, it worked. His nostrils flared, gazing at her menacing.

“Oi… You're making me angry.” Loki warned, glaring at the female vampire.

Her blue eyes appeared to enjoy his reaction. One that annoyed me, too. She was playing with him. He knew that too, but ever since my kidnapping, he would allow no one to come near me. It was why Oswald had to babysit me.

“Oh, am I? You know, I don’t care if you’re with her or even if you impregnate her. All I want is an heir from you. We don’t even have to have sex for it. Isn’t that a good deal for you?” she continued, smirking.

At one point, I squished Eli with my hands. This girl wanted to climb, no matter what. Not even if her husband hated her, and that was utterly revolting. This society where ranking was all that mattered was all wrong.

A second after those words left her, he clashed swords with her. He was obviously stronger than her, but her swift moments outpaced him. At one point, he had to go on the defensive. Unlike him, she had the experience of war behind her.

A war against my kind. She was a woman who hunted us for a living. All the races did. It united them. That was something Edna succeeded in. Lexi wasn’t scared of hurting Loki, and that much was obvious.

Outpaced by her, he could barely catch himself. With each clash of the swords, I could see he was tiring, unlike her, who had the training to endure long periods of battle. She was almost wiping the floor with my prince.

At one point, she shoved him to the floor, causing him to drag on it, before finding his feet. His shirt wasn’t as white as it used to be anymore.

She laughed at him, “Are you tired, prince? Perhaps you shouldn't have avoided your training. Instead, you courted that useless human maid.”

My heart was feeling something I had never felt before.

This isn't happening, right? He can't lose to her. He’s...

“You better not lose, Loki!” Rem screamed, waving her hands in the air.

I hadn’t noticed when the luma got up from her chair to shout his name. It appeared the fight had riled her up, too. It was almost as if she had stolen the words from me. Though, Thea grabbed onto my hand, urging me up too.

“I bet my brother wants to hear your voice. Cheer for him. It’ll give him the strength to overcome that bitch!” she smiled.

"Yeah, I bet he wants to see you too." Lola, a hybrid like Rem, grabbed onto my shoulder.

Her red eyes and silver hair caused me to shiver a bit. I still wasn’t used to this new girl being so friendly to me, but it seemed it was in her nature. Much like Caden was. He had gotten up to root for his nephew, too.

Oswald simpered, noticing his family cheering on his troublesome twin. Though he quickly joined them, too.

"You better not lose!" Oz shouted at Loki.

Alijah was the only one who stayed sitting down. Though he was glaring at Lexi.

Is he pouting?

That alone had to be terrifying, though. Not that the female vampire cared for it. No, she glanced at Loki, like her victory was in sight. A rush of fear coursed through me.

If she wins… Does that mean she can own Loki? There is no way Rem would allow that. No… She has to be lying yet...

My heart stung. She couldn’t win Loki. He was mine.

No one else can have him!

Even if my pride suffered because of it.

“You better not lose you, stupid horny idiotic vampire!” I let loose, triggering utter silence to come into the stadium.

Ah… fuck…

Eyes were piling up as Oswald, and Thea cackled beside me. Even Lexi was glancing at me, shocked by what I had said. After all, I always kept an appearance of grace around strangers. Though lately, it had been giggling, like that time in the hall when Loki kissed me.

A soft chuckle came from my vampire. Although I couldn’t hear it, I knew because of the way his body was quivering.

“I love you, Vivian. There’s no way we’ll lose to her. Not when your safety depends on it.” Eli whispered into my ear.

As if mine was the one that mattered. Though Lexi was distracted, allowing Loki to make his counter. It almost seemed like she dodge him, but with a kick, he sent her flying across the stadium and into the wall.

There a loud sound came from when she hit it. She landed on the floor out cold. He hadn’t held back at all.

“For a general, you surely get distracted easily. Though I don’t blame you for wanting to gaze at her beauty.” Loki snicked, obviously tired out too.

Yet he had one match left. He gazed at me, simpering. It was almost as if he was telling me how I was going to reward him. Relief washed over me, seeing him safe. Though, in his mind, he had saved me instead of himself.

It appeared we brought out each other’s power when pinned. Rem gazed at me while they prepared the stadium for the last match. Lola and Thea were both teasing me, though. It was almost unbearable.

Sadly, I walked into that one when I said the things I slipped. Eli was chuckling the entire time, too. I sat on that chair of shame until the next match started. Oswald had been texting my vampire, who wanted a picture of me, pouting.

Of course, he knows...

A soft sigh left my lips, shaking my head. Eli was a cheat, too. Luckily, the last match was announced soon after. At that point, everyone had their eyes on the stage, who had the two stars of the show.

Though Loki seemed tired from Lexi’s brawl. It appeared he had once again refused to drink any blood. Something that wasn’t out of character for him. Though Lexi had attacked him both physically and mentally.

Alistair seemed in terrible shape, too. The gaze of his eyes seemed absent-minded. Once again, silence filled the arena. The referee once again introduced everyone. Before asking if they had anything to say to one another.

“Big brother, you seem sickly. Are you okay?” Loki asked, the question on everyone’s mind.

Alistair seemed paler than when he was earlier. I could see Gerta arguing with Asher. She probably wanted to stop the tournament. But from the way Andrea was gazing at her, she quickly had to back off.

“Shut up, I don’t need anyone’s concern.” The elder brother huffed, gripping the sword’s handle tighter.

Loki appeared to mumble something, gazing at his brother in such a way that it seemed like it hurt him. They never got along because of the prophecy, but it was saddening to see his brother like that. They were family.

If they never knew about it, would they have been friends? Or... would Alistair still be alone? It probably was all my fault. If I had never been bonded. No, Loki would’ve still died by his hands. There was something else at play.

Something I had to figure out before it happened. Yet there was nothing to see.

“Shit… he doesn’t look good,” Oz muttered, getting up from his chair.

Alistair had always been a tough cookie to crack, but he wasn’t acting like his usual self. His gaze was completely different. It was almost as if he wasn’t there anymore. Yet all we could place this on was stress.

Unless… No… the living gods aren’t allowed to interfere in this world.

Yet Fenrir broke that rule himself. He broke it when he brought his brother’s soul out of the soul cairn. And he also broke it when he came down himself. Perhaps my theory of a god bent on getting even with Rem's former life was behind this.

Something intriguing, since Fenrir left his powers behind somewhere to keep the Lycans from losing it all. Where exactly was yet to be seen. Perhaps the shine I saw wasn’t the sun.

Yet there was no way to know. With the rifts' unknown status, I couldn’t do a thing.

Not that it would’ve been the best course of action with Rem there, either. She was already glaring at the poor eldest prince, too. Yet again, her baby was in the stadium. It was like a mother bear watching for her son.

And she was fully aware of the prophecy. Edna’s warning rushed through my mind, causing me to grip onto my shirt. The world will turn on Alistair. The prophecy was much more than Loki's death.

It was a tragedy all around.

“I’ve always been alone. It’ll always be that way even after I ascend.” Alistair smirked, reaching with his free hand to cover his left eye.

His words caused Loki to wince, shaking his head.

Clicking his tongue, he simpered at his brother, “Fuck! Here I thought I’d give you the damn crown.”

Alistair narrowed his eyes.

“I never wanted it. You know that. I still don’t. But I can’t let it kill you, brother.” My prince announced, staring at his ill sibling.

A soft laugh came from Alistair’s lips, “Well, let’s end this once and for all, little brother.”

Before I knew it, their swords clashed. Once again, the only thing my eyes caught was when they stopped. Sparks flew from their blades each time. Oswald was following them thanks to Zephier’s eyes.

Something I wished I could have. Eli was coiled around my hand, too. Following him up, I grabbed onto his shirt. Every fiber of me was telling me to stop this fight. My sudden touch triggered the twin’s orbs to shift towards me.

I shouldn’t have allowed Loki to leave our room. That would be my mortal mistake. This would be the day I learned to always listen to my gut. A second later, Alistair was on the floor, sword still in hand.

With one more moment, they would crown Loki as the successor to the crown. Something he didn’t want. Yet good leaders ever rarely wanted the power.

“Give up, big brother. I don’t want to hurt you. And I know you don’t want to hurt me.” Loki walked over to him, who struggled to sit up.

The color of his skin was fading. The exertion had been too much for Alistair.

“Shut up! You know nothing! Stay away from me!” Ali hissed, sitting up to find his younger brother in front of him.

The man who had always bested him. The one with who his father spent his last days. And the one who had left him an orphan. Leaving him to scorn by everyone around him, because of a prophecy he didn’t know about.

Even so, that boy was holding his arm out for him. Like the sun shining on his face. At least, that was what it appeared like to me. Alistair’s eyes were wide open, gazing at his younger brother.

“I’ll make sure you’re happy like I am.” Loki simpered.

Up to this point, my vampire always wished his brother was by his side, too. I knew that from the way he spoke. They were always so stubborn. One felt unwelcomed, while the other had to be careful because of a future that was yet to be seen.

Though if Loki wins the crown, what would that mean for us?

It was obvious he wouldn’t give me up. But the chaos would ensue after that. This stupid vampire of mine was kinder than most people I would have ever met. Although terribly full of himself.

Alistair grabbed onto Loki’s hand with a soft smile on his lips. I felt like relief washed over me, almost falling onto Oswald, who caught me when my legs gave out. The stress of it all was over. However, when I gazed at the twin next to me, his eyes were wide open.

A sharp gasp came from everyone around me. Though, it wasn’t a sight normally seen on the warlock next to me. It caused me to shift my sight back into the arena before I could, though. Eli fell limp in my hands.

Rem screeched, bolting towards the scene. That was where I finally saw Loki, who had a hole in his chest.

Alistair… had my vampire’s heart in his hands.