Zedkiel
I frown, watching Dad sharply. What scriptures? What the hell is this? The whispers that run through the crowd are growing. The confusion and unrest irritate me.
Will you still not talk to me?Silence.
If this all points to me becoming King, then don't you have any input? Should I aim for the throne? Since you don't even have faith in me as it is? What do you want me to do?Nothing.
I need you, please… I have never begged anyone in my life, and I am now. I'm setting my pride aside and asking you for something. Give me anything.I close my eyes, feeling defeated.
No. It's your duty as King that will ruin us. What I care for is our mate. Only her, and if I have to, I will destroy you. I don't care about anything else.That stung. What have I done for him to hate me so much that he wants to kill me?
I care for her, too. I will never let harm come to her. She has become my greatest possession to protect. Why are you so adamant I'd hurt her?Franco's speaking, but I can't focus when I'm getting the chance to talk to my Lycan.
Because you always do. You put the world before her… every single time. And you fail… you fail her, you fail it all. You do what you need to for this corrupt planet. You will never choose her.He sounds exhausted, pained even, and broken. Doesn't he get I'm almost there, too? I want to do the best I can. I just wish I had my counterpart by my side.
I'll never put the world before her. I fucking promise you, on my life, I swear it.He chuckles darkly. You will swear upon your life? An oath you'll break if she asks it of you. You are a fool.Why do you think Evangeline will ask me to kill her? And you think that I would do that? No, I fucking wouldn't! There's no way that I would.Even if it means the end of our kind? The end of mankind and the end of this world? For the so-called greater good?No, I'm no hero.But a part of me doesn't like the sound of that.
He says nothing more, and I'm left in the depths of my mind, alone.
“Zedkiel Vilkas, come to the stand.”
I snap back to reality and glance at Evangeline, who is standing there, her arms crossed, concerned as she listens to the members of the Court.
I walk to the stand, oozing power and dominance. These people should know I'm not just anyone. I'm listening, and I'm giving them time… but no one can defeat me. I stride over to where Dad is standing, with Danciana standing beside him. She has remained impressively quiet in this matter, which is strange for her. Perhaps she's enjoying the show. Dad grips my shoulder in silent encouragement, but I think he's more nervous than I am.
My short discussion with my Lycan has shaken me a little, but I will not let it get in my way of this trial.
"Supreme Alpha Ambrose, you speak of the scriptures. Will you please share these so-called scriptures that none of us have come across?" Philip sneers.
My eyes flash, and I turn sharply.
"You may be part of the High Court, but you will remember that you are speaking to the King," I snarl, disliking his attitude.
He backs away, and I sneer at the fear that flashes across his face. He knows I can kill him in a flash.
"It's fine." Dad frowns, "I speak of the very scriptures that we all know of! The scriptures of our Goddess and our birth. Ones that may be forgotten to most or brushed upon, but they are there!"
The scriptures… I remember them vaguely. We were made to study them as children, but it's just an old story of how we were created… right? I'm certain they don't tie with me. I don't know what Dad is getting at.
"Explain to us, Supreme Alpha," Cole says calmly, motioning for Philip to stand down.
Wise move because after this shit is done, I won't forget his disrespect.
"The scriptures speak of the Lycan that the Goddess created on the full moon. Has anyone studied those? What is the story of Zerachiel!?"
Zerachiel.
I look at him sharply, and Dad smiles faintly, watching me.
"Does the name sound familiar, son?" he asks me quietly. I don't reply, turning away, my heart thundering.
Zerachiel… Why don't I remember it from the old texts?Because I never let you,