Chapter 12

Wilhelmina had been looking for Theran everywhere. There was only one place to go, The Mark's Building. Her heart was racing trying to explode out of her chest. As she approached his office, she heard a voice that she could not recognized. A sinister, dark voice that sent shivers through her body. There was a terrifying edge to it. The room was on fire. She could barely breathe.

Theran was conversing with the unknown male. His face, protected by a powerful illusion spell, concealed his dark identity but not the Black of his jewels. It could not be, she thought. Why Daemon would mask his face like this? Everyone knows he wears the Black. It only took her a second to figure out that this was someone else. Daemon turned a room cold and this room was a living inferno. She listened carefully, seeking some answers.

"By now Wilhelmina has been informed of her stupidity. A horny witch will do just about anything when she rides a good cock." Argon continued. "You've served me well, Theran. I doubted you at times but you have proven worthy of serving me. You should be rewarded in time. I trust you had a good time bedding that bitch. Beautiful witch indeed, it's a pity she sold herself short". Theran just stood there in complete silence.

Wilhelmina could not hold it together anymore and hastily entered the room. "You used me". She accused Theran. "All the times you made love to me, you just used me. How could you do this to me? I trusted you. I gave you everything. I told you everything and what for, for a stupid vengeance? I hope it is worth it". She slapped him hard and rushed out of the room.

"Wilhelmina", Theran whispered. Speechless, unable to react, he just stared at the doorway. Argon studied his reaction. He cocked his head to one side.

"What is this? Don't tell me you fell for the bitch?" He laughed cynically. "All you had to do was numbed her with your cock. Was that too much to asked? Didn't you learn your lesson? I thought you were smarter than this. Loves makes you stupid and weak. You won't betray me. I will end your life without hesitation. What is it going to be?" He hissed at him.

Theran looked at him and stared straight into his eyes. He then turned from him and decided to follow Wilhelmina. "So be it", Argon said. With a swift move, Argon poisoned Theran with his snake tooth. He delivered just enough venom to guarantee a painful and slow death. He could follow the witch but would not last longer than a few minutes. Theran would not waste his precious time selling him out. The fool had fallen and would definitely want to cherish her precious sight one last time. Argon smiled a wicked smile. The cruelty of that image gave him infinite pleasure.

"Wilhelmina", Theran called for her and she turned to look at him. "Why?" That was all she managed to say before he dropped to his knees. He was dying in front of her. She wanted to help him but this was beyond her powers. Theran's eyes, mouth and ears were gushing blood. He wanted to speak but the blood was choking him. "Hush now", she said and called for the power of her jewel and finished the kill. That was the only thing she could do for him now. Otherwise, Jaenelle would make sure that Saetan executed his demon-dead body in Hell with his signature merciless fashion.

His eyes did not lie. He loved her as she loved him. Devastated, she kneeled in her garden, realizing their love was doomed from the beginning. It was poisoned by treason and revenge, just like the venom that killed Theran. There were just two things to do before disappearing into the Darkness forever:

1. Jaenelle

2. The Land

Jaenelle was in her garden talking to the Kindred and The Land. Suddenly, it was there; that feeling of despair and sorrow. She heard her sister's voice calling her name. The voice was windy, weak and far. There was no time for thinking. Her sister needed her now.

"Kaelas and Ladvarian, I need your help. I need you to take me to Chaillot."

"Lady, the Lady's mate said Kindred not take you there. You always cry when you go there. Bad people and bad smells there". Ladvarian said on a psychic line.

"I need to go there. Would you deny your Lady her wish? Both of you are my loyal companions and I trust that you will protect me."

"Lady, the he-kitten is restless." Kaelas asked the Lady on the way to Chaillot.

"I can feel him, Prince. I am very distressed. I don't need a web to know that something is terribly wrong". Jaenelle broke down. "Oh Kaelas, I knew something would happened. I felt it last time I was here. I could not shake the feeling that the next time I came to Chaillot; my heart would be shattered to a thousand pieces".

There was Wilhelmina, laying down on a sea of blood. Somehow, she slipped through her fingers, the one person she tried to saved all her life. Had she been able to use craft, she may have foreseen this and prevent it. Consumed by guilt and regret, she rocked her sister's body on her chest. The Kindred bowed their heads in honor of the fallen Queen. She had taken her own life so she would not be demon-dead. Her jewel was broken and she deliberately bled herself.

A magical bubble appeared across the room. Wilhelmina's spell was designed to recognize Jaenelle's scent. Wilhelmina's image appeared, looking lost and destroyed. Jaenelle braced herself for the inevitable sorrow. She would listen to her sister's last words.

"Here in the last moment of my life, I wanted you to know that I could only think of you. You have been everything that I wish I could have been, a magnificent Queen and the best sister. I must confess that I wish I knew how to loved you better. You were born to rule the territory and I should've served you. Only now I comprehend what you did for me. How much you sacrificed. You've given me so much. It only fits that I give you back what by right is yours. The territory of Chaillot surrenders to the Queen of Ebon Askavi. This Land gave you life and only now did I listen to it. The Land needs and claims you. All the strength of my jewels was given to the Land. That will pay the debt and allow the glory to reach Chaillot. All I ask is that you accept my gift. Do it for me and for your family. I leave in peace because I know you will protect the territory. My first circle has been informed and will follow your command. One last thing, I was the instrument of a vengeance. He wears the Black and is after you. I couldn't see him nor did I recognize him. He hurt me deeply, Jaenelle. I trust you will collect this debt. I want you to be happy, my sister. Be happy for both of us."

Inside the Keep, Saetan and Daemon argued passionately.

"Father, where in the name of Hell is she? She wouldn't leave without telling me." Daemon shouted and was clearly out of control. He had looked for his wife desperately. "She took Kaelas and Ladvarian. I contacted everyone but no one knows her whereabouts".

"Old Son, Jaenelle knows very well what she does and would not put herself in danger, not while she is carrying a child". Saetan responded with an equally aggressive tone. He was the only one strong enough to try to control his mirror.

"There is only one place she would go without telling me and that is Chaillot. Father, you know her well. Tell me if I am wrong. Otherwise, I will go there and bring my wife back and she better be unharmed or I will burn them all". The entire Keep was trembling.

"Leash it Prince. You forget your place. This is a sanctuary. Control your temper. I am sure no one will dare to touch Jaenelle in Chaillot. They would not risk your wrath and mine". Daemon came back to his senses. He had never seen his father this angry in a long time.

In that moment, Ladvarian entered the room. Daemon could not control his rage and growled at the Kindred.

"You better tell me where my wife is. In the name of the Darkness, tell me she is unharmed or I will kill you right here. Sanctuary or not, it won't make a difference".

Ladvarian snarled. "The Lady is with Kaelas in Chaillot. Wilhelmina bled herself dry'.

"Mother Night", Saetan instinctively sat down. He was utterly shocked.

Daemon had vanished. It was as if he had never been there.

"You must excuse my son, Prince Ladvarian. He loses his control when it comes to Jaenelle. The Lady is his life and now she is giving him a son. His anger comes from his fear. Come my brother, you must tell me everything". Ladvarian stepped out of the killing edge.