The next morning, I woke up thanks to an alarm I had placed. It caused Loki to grumble, holding on to me tighter. A chuckle left my lips, reminding him that this was what he wanted. My minor argument didn’t help, though.

Especially since he just buried his face into my bosom. Today would be the day when they would come install a bed in this room. It was big enough to contain a mini library. One that Oswald would take back to his room if Zoe and Emma got him up.

Eli once again helped me get away from the sleepy vampire’s grip. I picked up the dress I had yesterday, and some stockings Loki bought for me on the way back. Then I ran into the bathroom.

I still didn’t have my clothes in here. The last thing I needed was for someone to come in to see me in Loki’s shirt. It wasn’t long before the vampire joined me. Of course, the teases got a little out of hand.

I quickly found myself pinned in between a wall and the vampire who craved for me so intensely. The sex was the one thing that would get him up earlier than usual. Peeling off his shirt, off my body, I felt his hands roam me before squeezing my bum.

“See… I’m not killing you for waking me up early.” Loki smirked, brushing his lips against my neck.

It caused me to shiver lightly. We didn’t have time for this, but...

“Pretty close.” I huffed before kissing him.

Though, I quickly stopped by pulling on his hair shortly after.

“They’ll be here soon. And this isn’t even the time I need to get up when I have to go to Gerta.” I added.

He frowned, rolling his eyes.

“Well, I’ll speak to her. So, you don’t have to go report to her. After all, you work for me.” Loki countered.

A soft chuckle left me when he slowly let me down from the wall. At least he saw reason. It would have been something if he fucked me before these people came. Or worse, if they came while we were in the middle of it.

I only took a few steps away before I gazed back at him, who was eyeing me down like he regretted letting me go.

“Hm… do I?” I asked teasingly.

It prompted the vampire to grab me by my hips, pulling me into him. There he pushed his clothed length against my bum. I couldn’t help but gaze at him with hungry eyes. He smirked, leaning into my ear.

“You’re so lucky. We’re short in time.” Loki breathed.

I hesitantly pulled away from him, trying to steady my heart, before turning to face him.

“Nice try! Unlike you, I have self-control.” I stuck my tongue out at him.

His lips rose in a playful smirk, tracing his hand on my cheek.

“I have it too, you know.” Loki sighed before gazing to the side, leaving me to get ready.

He went to pick out his clothes for the day. Tomorrow, everything would go back to how it used to be. Once we were ready, it wasn’t long until the workers that were going to redesign the room came in.

Loki had removed the barricade from the door to Oswald’s room, allowing the ill-tempered twin to get his books. From the moment, I was in his room. It appeared as he slept in a library. I couldn’t help but apologize for the inconvenience.

Though he stopped in his tracks, gazing at me.

“Having vampires hunt after you because your blood’s a little special is more concerning. Don’t worry about it.” Oswald sighed, glaring at his brother, continuing to move his books.

This twin was so distrusting of everyone. He hadn’t allowed the elven medics to heal his wound.

“Leave it to nature,” he decided.

Though I could see the ill-tempered warlock struggling with his injury. He would wince while Emma and Zoe help him bring everything. Zephier and Eli were both gazing at everyone's work from the bed.

Emma avoided me like the plague. Though Zoe pulled me aside to ask me if something had happened between us. It appeared Emma was acting off since last night. I couldn’t bring myself to tell her I walked in on her having sex with Oz.

I felt like if anyone would tell her, that would be Emma. But it seemed she even refused to make eye contact with me. It also appeared that the girls were moving to a room across from the princes. It used to be a guest room, but Gerta renovated it for the maids that would serve the twins.

While the ones who cared for Alistair would stay in a room in front of his room. The only reason I couldn’t do that was that my blood had suddenly become a priced commodity. One that Loki wouldn’t allow anyone to have.

Oz, even without knowing what I was, and that I was linked to him, was ready to protect me too, or so it seemed. By the time they set everything, there was a bed where the bookcases used to be. They even installed a wooden wall to divide the room a bit.

Though there were no doors to separate us, the bathroom was shared. Not that Loki minded. If it were up to him. Nothing would separate us. Not even a bed. Gerta was there during the beginning, but had to leave to serve Asher and his wife.

She wasn’t angered by the developments, but did seem rather interested in how everything came to be. Though she didn’t push for it yet. No, she would wait until she got me alone, like always. My morning routines would change, too.

Instead of having to walk up at dawn to meet Gerta, I would stay in Loki’s room until I had to wake him. Somehow, the vampire's silver tongue convinced her of what he wanted. Of course, he presented this as a precaution since vampires were known to not keep their teeth to themselves.

And by now every royal in Night city had heard of my heroic moment, which in reality was the most foolish thing I ever did. If Dad ever knew about it, which he probably did. He would be ashamed of me.

Luckily, he wouldn’t come for me unless I called for it.

And everything’s under control, right? I mean… I slept with the prince. There were traitors within my father’s coven. And now half of Night city wants to try my blood. But everything’s fine.

What else can go wrong? Nothing.

Everything would be peachy until I stopped everything else from going into mayhem. Once everything was done, we headed out with Oz and the other girls to eat. Leo, who was helping in town, met with us there too.

It seemed everything was ready to open the next day. From staring at the two lovers we had caught the night prior. They still bickered, getting on each other’s nerves.

Did I hallucinate it? No… it was real.

At brief moments, I could see her get flustered whenever he got too close to her. It was actually pretty cute. Her past wasn’t the best. So, seeing her happy was a relief. Loki didn’t stay behind though, since his teases kept on coming too.

In this case, he saw me so entranced by the two that he blew in my ear. It caused me almost to snap at him like I usually did when we were alone. But we weren’t. Instead, I bit my tongue, grabbing onto the playful vampire’s groin while we sat in the Café.

He was sitting next to me. And there was a cloth covering every table. No one saw what I did as he shuddered because of it before breathing somewhat heavily. Leo, with his Lycan hearing, was the only one who noticed his brother’s distress.

Though he didn’t know why. Luckily, he had no supervision.

“Are you okay?” the pup asked, tilting his head, causing everyone’s eyes to fall on the vampire.

His cheeks turned pink. He grabbed onto my hand when I pulled away from him. The sudden touch caused me to gaze at him, too.

“I’m fine.” Loki sighed before glaring at me.

I rolled my eyes at him, speaking to Zoe, who was quick to answer back. Eli snickered because of the entire event. Though Emma still avoided me like the plague. Luckily, we went shopping for clothes with the princes, which granted me an opportunity.

There was an almost empty clothing store nearby when I grabbed onto her, pulling her inside. Luckily, the boys were paying attention elsewhere. I took the chance to clear the air between us.

For a moment, she gazed at me like she did something wrong before sinking her head. It wasn’t long until Eli found me, though. I felt him by my feet, which meant Loki was probably paying attention to this too.

Not that it mattered, it wasn’t like I was going to discuss something the vampire didn’t know. I was never one for interactions like this. So, I didn’t know how this would go, but I would try to be honest with her.

“Vivian…” Emma avoided my gaze.

I grabbed onto her hands. Her body tensed up when I felt Eli slither up my leg.

If these two break another pair of stockings, I’ll throw them both into the fire.

“I’m—” I began only to clear my throat, stomping on the leg Eli was trying to climb to stop him.

“I’m fucking, Loki. And he found out about us and me. Obviously…” I bluntly stated, causing Emma’s eyes to widen wider than I thought they could go.

The shock that washed over her was reassuring. I knew this was insane already, to begin with.

Good, I’m the only one.

“What?!” she blurted out loud enough to catch the workers' eyes for a moment.

That moment she covered her mouth, gazing at me like I was crazy. She didn’t have to. I already knew I was insane for even saying that to her. Luckily, in public rarely people cared what others said.

Unless they were looking for it. And since it seemed we weren’t fighting, the prying eyes eventually went away.

“So, please stop trying to avoid me,” I added.

She shook her head to remove the shock. But before she could speak, I carried on.

“Oh… and there’s a traitor in the coven.” I continued.

She seemed to snap again.

“What?!” Emma yelped, unable to process.

But I wasn’t breaking out in laughter for it to be a joke. No, my expression was serious. She soon narrowed her eyes, nodding when I smiled politely at her. She was one of the most loyal members of our coven.

That much I knew since our past met once, long ago. Not that I ever allowed myself to be influenced by it.

“Tell Zoe when you can,” I sighed, pulling away from her.

But before I could, she grabbed onto my hand. The sudden jerk caused me to gaze back at her. Her expression changed so many times that she didn’t even know how to look anymore. However, the moment she went to speak about Oswald.

It changed again. The care in her eyes when she gazed at me was nice to see.

“Wait, Vivian, about Oswald…” she began worrying about how I would react.

I shook my head. It wasn’t my place to judge their relationship. It was also the same if Loki ever found someone else to fuck. I didn’t have a say in it. Even so, I found myself happy for her.

Though, of course, I wouldn’t allow her to know that either. To her, I would remain as her boss. Or at least that was what I wanted.

Did I?

“Be happy, Emma. And be good to each other. Just don’t forget my link’s more than just flesh.” I stopped her from continuing.

She nodded before letting me go. From there, I walked over to some brackets in the store, grabbing Eli from my leg.

“You are so annoying. You know that?!” I grumbled.

Part of me wanted to strangle the adorable snake for being so noisy. But at the same time, he probably stuck to me because I was the one in most danger, even in public areas. I was taking precautions, though.

Drinking that nasty rose tea was a necessary evil. I hadn’t thought of it before. But even if they bit me, if I wanted to stay near the prince, I couldn’t just kill them. And if he was to be believed, my blood barely tasted any different from the tea's effects on me.

When I stepped outside, I noticed the overprotective vampire standing by the store’s doors. I couldn’t help but scowl at him. Emma joined us, only to glare at the prince, too. From there, she would receive a shock because of her following actions.

Oswald and Leo were by another store when she stormed to Loki before pointing at him.

“I don’t and won’t accept you for my idol!” she declared firmly.

My prince raised his eyebrows, facing her head-on. She didn’t scare him at all. He knew she wouldn’t harm him, even if it was the last thing she could do in this world.

“Oh? And what will you do?” he urged her on.

She seemed to blow a fuse, throwing profanities at him. A yelp from the shock soon followed it. The sudden commotion caused a lot of the eyes to fall on us. She appeared to get teary-eyed.

That was when she turned to him again, standing her ground.

“If you hurt her… I’ll never forgive you.” Emma glared, not fearing what could happen even after receiving a shock.

She also faced the deadliest vampire ever to walk. Yet in her eyes, if he ever hurt me. She would try to castrate him. A silly thought since we weren’t serious about one another. We couldn’t be.

“Hm…” Loki hummed, leaning to her, whispering something in her ear.

I felt my hands squeeze Eli, that was on my hands. Seeing him get so close to another girl, even if it was Emma, made my heart hurt.

Shit… How… will I…

In response, she scowled.

“I really won’t forgive you if you hurt her. She saved me.” Emma remained hostile to the vampire, who chuckled.

Saved... I did nothing of the sort... In fact, I...

“Is this when I say don’t hurt Oz? Oh, wait, you can’t. If anything, he’ll ruin you if you aren’t careful. So, don't worry, she can handle herself.” Loki chided.

Emma scowled at him in return. He was a different person towards others, but his words rang loud in my ears. Oz would ruin her, and I would ruin him, surely. Though she didn’t have the dilemma of her powers running wild because of her emotions.

I had to control everything, even though I lost it every time we had sex. My body would give off hues of energy. And that didn’t scare him. That alone was worrisome.

After that brief confrontation, Emma continued to glare at the vampire. He didn’t care if she did, though. However, he minded how she would stick to me like glue. Zoe soon mimicked Emma, fearing the vampire did something to me to make her act like that.

Though by the end of the day, it didn’t matter. I would go into Loki’s room. When it came to saying goodbye for the night, Emma refused to leave me. That was when I told her I was fine, reminding her needed to speak with Zoe.

Hesitantly, she let me go before I headed inside the room with the prince, who shot her a snarky smirk when he closed the door. After coming inside, though, it wasn’t a second later when he grabbed onto my hand.

It caused me to gaze at him, but before he could say a word, Oswald busted into the room with a book in his hand. If he wanted to come in, a simple chair wouldn’t stop him. He had used a spell to make it shrink before unshrinking it.

The ill-tempered brother strolled in with a cup of coffee in his hands before shrugging. The expression on Loki’s face, though, was one of pure annoyance. Especially since Oz ignored him. The warlock picked up the chair, pulling it to the desk before he sat on it.

Zephier soon joined Eli on the bed. I was saved from Loki, who wanted revenge for my earlier attack.

“Why are you here?” my prince asked angrily.

I took the chance to gather the clothes that I had stored away in the morning hours. Upon hearing the question, Oz placed his cup of coffee to his lips, taking a sip, watching his brother's reactions. After a gulp, he placed the cup down hard enough to startle me from where I was.

“Well, if I can’t have fun tonight, why should you? You two are fucking, right? I mean that bruise I saw in your collar bone a day ago. Surely, wouldn’t be there otherwise.” Oswald smirked at Loki.

The prince seemed about to break when he said that. I froze where I stood in front of the bathroom, slowly turning to Oz, who studied me carefully. His eyes were icy. I couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed at Loki, who hadn’t healed the love bites I left him.

Well… that was my fault, too. Still... he’s guilty!

“Oi… don’t say that like that in front of her.” The vampire huffed, walking over to his brother.

Oswald shrugged, standing up from the chair. He was taking no prisoners today. If anything, he would go straight for the neck. It didn’t help that it seemed like he was having one of the most awful headaches.

Then again, this twin always appeared on the verge of having an aneurism. And the caffeine in his system didn’t help.

“Well, you both strolled on me yesterday. So, I think pleasantries are out of the question. Don't you think so, brother?” Oz stared at Loki before tapping his fingers on the table.

“Even knowing our situation, you bedded a random girl you barely know. It’s quite worrisome, Loki,” he questioned the vampire head-on.

My prince winced at Oswald’s harsh tone. They would bicker, but this appeared like a fight because of his secrets.

“She… isn’t going to hurt me, Oz.” Loki sighed, not wanting a confrontation.

Oswald wasn’t on board with that. He needed to make sure that I wouldn’t harm his twin. After the attack, everything was dangerous to him. And I didn’t blame him for thinking like that. Though I wished he wouldn’t lose his head over it.

“There’s where you’re wrong, dear brother. They’re all going to hurt you.” Oz announced before using a small knife to cut his thumb.

In an instant, chains that came from the ground surrounded me. They wrapped around my body in such a way it would be impossible for me to escape. Well, unless I undid the spell. Something I could do in an instant, but…

“Sorry, love, but I can’t afford to be nice.” He added.

The chains tightly wrapped around my body. Loki appeared, surprised by the turn of events.

“Point taken,” I sighed, feeling ticked off.

Was this what was planned all along? Or is it something else? Loki seems taken aback by it.

He even appeared irritated at Oswald for binding me.

Eli... also seems ticked off.

He was the one who usually bound me.

“Oz! She saved me!” my prince pointed out, seemly alarmed by the entire thing.

I closed my eyes, shaking my head.

He didn’t tell Oswald a thing. No, this all came from Loki not healing his… Well… it’s my fault too.

This was more than just that. Oz's voice had a hint of pain in all that rage.

“I know. It’s what placed her in this current living situation. The video they took while they were hiding like cowards under the rubble was something to see. It shows how brave and devoted this human girl was.” Oz sighed, shifting his gaze back onto me.

“I can’t help but think that her rash actions were more than devotion to you, Loki,” he continued to assess the situation.

I tried to stay calm. My other link wasn’t as open-minded as my prince, that much I could tell.

“How everything adds up, I... Vivian’s such a wonderful name. It means life… I can’t help but wonder if you were named after a certain ominous god. Have you heard of the book of life?” Oswald questioned.

It caused me to stiffen up while I tried to stay calm.

Is he fishing? How much does he know? Is it over? Will this be it? Or… can I… somehow move past it?

Though hearing him call me evil was something else. Even though he wasn’t Loki. He wore a similar face and tone of voice. It stung more than I wanted to admit.

“Oz…” Loki tried to keep the peace, but his twin was out for blood.

His life was in peril once, and he wasn’t ready for it to happen again. Unfortunately, he had every right to be paranoid and protective of his brother. Zephier and Eli both watched from Loki’s bed.

This was one thing Eli couldn’t intervene without giving me away. Oz had already noticed the snake was a little too friendly with me.

“Damn, Loki! I’m just wondering how much this girl knows. I mean, her blood’s special. And she’s a female. Did you even check on her before you bedded her? Do you even know?! Oh, shit... You know!” Oswald snapped at Loki, shooting a glare at him before landing back on me.

Any gesture or motion I did, he wanted to know about it. I knew I was in no danger from him since he couldn’t kill me because of the bond. But I wasn’t appreciating this treatment. The hostility in his tone was alluring.

It was what I had expected from Loki when he found out about me. Though what the brother said next. It would cause me to crash and burn from the horse I was on the whole time.

“Fucking shit! Do entertain me with this silly thought your crazy brother just had! It’s fucking hilarious to think you’re fucking the being that destroyed our family, right?! I know you wouldn’t be stupid enough to do that. Right, Loki?” Oswald snarled.

Loki didn’t even know how to answer his brother. In response to his harsh questions to his brother, I shank there for a moment.

Shit… I was right… I knew it… This love’s poison.

Even though it wasn’t Loki who said that. It stung much more than I thought it would.

I… We… were just a moment.

“Oswald, no, I…” my prince tried to speak only to be interrupted by an angered Oz.

He wouldn’t stop until he knew the truth. He was as sharp as his twin. From the attack alone, he guessed the coven was involved. The only time gates opened like this was when Nene tried to use them to save us.

Because of the news of my blood, he knew there was something off about me. Then again, it wasn’t unusual for humans to have special blood within their veins. These donors had high-quality blood.

They were highly sought after by the vampires, too. This precious red liquid could make the power of the vampires reach exponential limits. However, mine was beyond that. Of course, they didn’t know unless they tested it or tried it.

This was something I couldn’t allow. The only one who could have my blood was my link. That was all we could ever be.

Links…

“Fuck it, doesn't matter. If she’s fucking you and staying here. There isn’t any use in hiding anything from her. Because if she isn’t part of the fucking danger, then she surely will be in it.” Oswald confronted his twin.

It caused him to bite his tongue. Oz turned to me again, walking a few steps towards me. His eyes were cold and calculated.

“My brother’s life here is in peril. A fucking book said he was going to die at our half-brother’s hands. And that I’ll go to jail because of it. Now that second part is a little sketchy, since mother dearest linked our lives to that book.” He began.

“So that means I’ll die too when—” he continued to rant, only to stop when Loki grabbed onto his shoulder.

“Oswald that’s enough,” he tried to stop the entire thing that was happening.

Unlike Oz, he knew everything. And probably knew I was about to break. However, this silly vampire didn’t know that I could endure worse. His kindness was something that shattered me, but the icy glare from Oswald only empowered me.

I wouldn’t back down. If Loki wouldn’t give me away, then I would fight to stay, even if it would end up killing me inside later.

Compartmentalize… Endure… Close up… Everything doesn’t matter. The only important thing was that I survive!

“It isn’t enough! We don’t know if that fucking cult caused that attack! If anything, I’ll just erase her memories from this!” Oswald growled at his twin’s intervention.

I took a deep breath, wondering if I could get away somehow. Letting him erase my memory was obviously a no. His magic could mistakenly cross with mine, making a synergetic effect that could turn me into a toddler.

Luckily, superficial spells weren’t as chaotic. I didn’t have any energy pulsing out of me. Everything was safe for now.

Endure…

I placed the lids on everything I had allowed to escape. My opponent today wasn’t Loki, but Oswald. And his hatred for my coven and my being were present in his eyes. Something that had been missing in Loki. Or perhaps just hidden well.

Don’t think… Just speak.

“That won’t be necessary. I’m from the coven that worships the book.” I announced, triggering all eyes to fall back on me.

Loki appeared like there was something he wanted to let loose, while Oswald’s hatred solidified.

“Is Emma also part of it?” was the first question that came out of the warlock’s mouth.

I sighed, closing my eyes.

Sorry… Emma…

I couldn’t deny it since he knew it would’ve been a lie. He had seen how close she was to me. It was obvious how much I mattered to her. In his eyes, we were friends.

“She is. We came here to make sure that you both will be safe because of the tensions within the castle. Or so the intel said. So, I would like for you to think of us as temporary allies.” I answered honestly, voiding some of the truth from him.

This… has to…

“You got to be shitting me! Allies?! Your people will never be our allies!” Oswald snapped.

I chuckled, shaking my head. By the gods, how I wanted to rip from my binds and show him his place. This warlock was testing my patience. If it wasn’t for Loki standing next to him and the two shadow demons.

I might have tried to do something stupid. But my desire to stay near Loki reigned supreme this time.

“I’ll confess that the attack that happened almost a week ago was because of the coven. There are traitors within it that want to harm anyone related to Rem. Not everyone knows about the book’s links, only the oldest families do.” I informed, pausing.

What can I…?

“Emma and Zoe are part of them, but their magic’s weak. All of our time magic is pathetic.” I took another moment to recollect my thoughts.

Luckily, the twins listened to me. Loki had never asked me about my past, but I guess he was getting this version of the events. Instead of being a passerby, I was the center of the organization.

That was all he had to change. I was the strongest being to have ever existed. Loki knew it all, yet accepted me into his bed. And now his brother might turn on him because of his obvious hatred towards me.

I couldn’t allow that to happen. After all, I was a passerby in his story. I would never be the main girl in his life. Well, not the way I wished it, at least.

“I won’t deny we’ve killed many people, but we only did it because we had to! No one cares for us, eternal witches. Well, I should say partly because we can barely cast any time magic.” I growled.

Is this of any use?

“Yet we’re hunted just because we can freeze a moment in a plant’s life. Pathetic of…” I stopped myself before I said, mortals.

Shit… how much would Loki let me get away with lying to his brother?

I didn’t take the chance to glance at him. No, my attention was on Oswald. Even the slightest moment to peek at my prince would’ve been noted by Oz. I had to avoid it.

“So, what? Your mistress, Edna, destroyed my family and gave birth to a worse monster that’s hiding in flesh. For that alone, your entire clan should just rot.” He argued back.

I knew it wasn’t easy to justify everything we did. Though I had no memories of everything I did to them. Of anything I was guilty of. I knew nothing. The only thing that I was aware of was the lives I took while on this earth in this body.

“I can’t… No, I won’t apologize for what Edna did to your family. She did what she thought was best with the tools that were given to her. Did your half-breed of a mother ever tell you how she killed her?” I asked, trying to hide the smirk on my lips, but it was no use.

Oswald's eyes narrowed, surprised by that.

“What?” he mumbled under his breath.

“Wow. For being so smart. You didn’t think it amazing how suddenly Edna, a witch that had lived thousands of years, was offed by a half-breed of a god. One who was only twenty-one years old at the time?” I sneered.

It caused anger to reflect his eyes. I insulted the woman who had raised them, but at the same time, he was insulting the woman who gave me a body. She gave me the life I needed to cherish at all costs.

“Oi, watch what you say next,” Oswald warned face warped in anger.

His headache would get worse if this carried on.

Poor… warlock. Poor fool, just let me protect you.

“I’m not afraid of you. Nor of the truth that you fear. Try to kill me if you want. The cult you hate so much will just send another one until the vampire’s safe.” I continued to demean his actions.

If he tried to kill me, it would’ve blown who I was, but Oswald was no murderer. I could see in his eyes that his bark had no bite behind it. Not like mine. Loki was another one who wasn’t a killer. Although Eli and Zephier were another matter. If anything, Oswald would capture me. And that was something I couldn’t allow.

“You little bitch,” the warlock scowled at me.

I snickered, trying to stay calm.

Endure… Don’t look at Loki.

“I care not of what you see me as Oswald. The only reason you’re allowed to run your mouth is that you’re the link to the book. And your brother already knows about me. When I offered my blood to save him from those beasts that wanted to take him into the soul cairn!” I informed, feeling a little angered by the thought of those demons had.

However, Oz's gloomy look continued.

Did he buy it? Shit…

I wouldn’t know until much later. Even so, I couldn’t stop.

“I won’t harm your brother even though we fuck. It’s something that started because his bite was about to drive me insane. We don’t have any emotions for one another. If anything, it’s for fun.” I added, hoping he would leave it at that.

Yet Loki’s gaze on me felt heavy. I couldn’t allow myself to feel anything at this moment. For a second Oswald seemed quiet, collecting his thoughts. It wouldn’t be long until he spoke up again, though.

“Then why the fuck would the cult attack me?” he questioned, tapping his hands on his pants before glaring at me with the same hostility again.

It seemed one twin knew how to react to danger.

I guess Loki’s insane. Much like I am.

“I already told you it’s because of what the half-breed did. She’s the one who raised you, right? Well, not everyone is happy with the way everything went down. If the lower-ranking families figured out the way, their mistresses died. Surely…” I paused, shaking my head.

Fools…

“They’ll seek revenge,” I informed, gazing at Oswald with little to no emotion.

He couldn’t know my connection.

“I can’t care how that murderous bitch died.” He snapped at me.

I snickered, triggering his glare to intensify. The boy thought he was being scary, which to any other person he was. But to me, he was a harmless mortal. The bond would never allow him to do that much damage.

“Yeah, I know she took your mother from you. But I hope you know that action was the same one that linked your lives together. It’s the only thing that’ll save your brother’s life.” I pointed out, not holding back.

I couldn’t stop.

“Your mother knew very well how everything would play out in the end. She traded her life for your beloved twin. Any good parent would do that in a blink of an eye!” I snapped heartlessly, not caring for his emotions.

He didn’t care for mine. Of course, I stopped before I said only a god could change a destiny intertwined with death.

“You sure know a lot,” Oswald noted.

I smirked.

Here we go... Here it’s the second half of this... make him buy it.

“Of course. I’m closely related to Cain.” I clarified my involvement.

He took jabs at my story.

“Yet you have no grimoire?” the twin asked about me.

I continued to answer him. It was like walking on eggshells. A deadly dance of information with the twin that surely hated me with a passion. One wrong step and I would have to take them with me.

“I was born without one,” I answered truthfully.

It prompted him to tilt his head before taking another step towards me.

“And what use are you without it?” he continued to query.

When he took my bait, I relaxed. I wanted to seem like a normal human. I needed to be.

“I have my skill sets, dear prince. One’s my blood. The others, well, with time, you’ll know more.” I smirked.

It triggered Oswald to narrow his eyes, biting into his lip. Before I knew it, the chains had dissipated. I hesitated to take a sigh of relief. There was no doubt I was still under his magnifying glass.

Without an apology, he gazed at me when I faced him head-on.

“So… how did Edna die?” he continued his quest for information.

For him, knowing the reason his family was being targeted would be of use.

“On the day everything happened, the familiar known as Ruzgard had a pact with Edna from before Vera died. They plotted this entire thing. Ruzgard was to lead Rem to where Edna was after she had recovered somewhat from giving birth.” I recalled.

There were events told by my father. I knew nothing about it personally.

“There Edna allowed herself to be killed by the half-breed.” I sighed.

For some reason, my heart ached whenever I remembered this.

“Allowed?” Oswald echoed that word, unable to understand.

Of course, Rem wouldn’t tell them the full story. After all, she killed a defenseless woman. Easily she could have captured the witch, but instead, the half-breed ended her. All because she could.

Violence always brings about destruction.

Then again, it was what Edna wanted to. She was finally free of me.

“Yes, Edna allowed Rem to kill her with the sword crafted by the goddess of rebirth, Midnight. Unknown to the half-breed, the killing blow was the last thing needed to seal the book's past life away.” I couldn’t help but feel hollow as those words left my mouth.

Inside of me reigned chaos that couldn’t be quenched. Even though my mother had blocked my memories of my former self. They still tormented my dreams. Well, until I slept next to my link. That was something no one needed to know.

“Seal the book's past life?” Loki this time mumbled.

It prompted me finally to gaze towards the vampire I was trying to not look at. The instant I did, I felt a hole in my chest. Not because he gazed at me the way Oswald did, but because he didn’t.

I couldn’t understand it.

Is it because we are so similar that our souls call for one another? Ah… it doesn’t matter.

In his eyes were regret and pain. For what I wouldn’t know.

“Yes, the girl has no memories of what happened before she was born. So, you’re hunting someone who doesn’t know what they did wrong. Well, the half-breed is at least.” I answered the vampire, who gazed at me with a painful expression.

I tore my eyes away from him and towards the real threat in the room. Oswald wasn’t as pleased to hear that. Not that my prince was, but at least he didn’t appear like he was about to blow up.

“What a coincidence! So, that monster’s living life like a normal girl out there! That’s just lovely!” Oswald snarled at me.

I smirked at him. If only he knew the truth. The day the half-breed came into that village, she took my innocence away.

Though she left me behind with the will of a survivor. Because I’ll survive... even if...

“Yes, she is. Her life’s full of wonderful things and peaceful.” I chided the warlock who was about to snap again, only for Loki to get in between us.

He had enough. He knew everything I was saying was lies just to spite the warlock, but he couldn’t call me out on them. Not while his brother was here.

“Oz… I think that’s enough.” The vampire sighed, trying to calm the situation.

His brother glared at him.

“Fuck no, this girl will tell me everything! I don’t give a fuck that she’s your fucking bitch at the moment! And especially if you trust her, I don’t give an utter damn about it! If I’m going to allow her and her sisters to stay anywhere near you! She better come clean!” Oswald condemned.

It almost seemed like Loki was about to snap when I intervened. The last thing that was needed was for these two brothers to go against each other. If anyone was going to be an enemy. It would be me.

However, the way he worded it. Rubbed me the wrong way.

“You say that after forming a relationship with Emma? You would just throw her away or doom her to exile?” I questioned, hoping that any feelings that lingered between the two would allow Oswald to see reason.

But in anger, mortals usually were short-fused. They usually thought little of what they said. In an instant, all of Oswald’s frustration turned towards me. I could see the pain in his eyes when his brother didn’t tell him about me.

So… This is where it stems from.

However, what came out of Oz’s mouth next would make me see red.

“Relationship? Please… That girl’s nothing but an outlet!” he snapped at me like Emma was nothing to him.

My mind replayed when I confronted her about everything that had occurred. The appearance in her eyes was one of pure worry. And it was all over what I thought of her being with the warlock.

Is all he sees her as a tool for satisfaction?

“Outlet?” I mumbled.

Loki grabbed onto his brother. Even though I didn’t care. No, I shouldn’t have cared. Emma deserved better. No one was...

“Okay, this is enough. Let’—” Loki began.

I stomped towards the two before slapping Oswald as hard as I could. The blow made him take a few steps back. My hand radiated pain more than I thought it would. It stung, but in my chest was something that made me go forward.

Emma had been so kind to me too, even if I was their goddess. She had gone out of her way to treat me like a normal girl. I didn’t know if this came from a request from my father. But she took the time to even fix my hairstyle whenever it got messed up.

No one from the coven before these two girls dared to touch me.

My idol can’t go around looking like that! Emma usually would always say with a giant smile on her lips.

By the gods, I missed her. Her smile, her annoying affection. All of it… Shit.. when did they...

Back when I was at my home with my father, he gave me the reports of the girls that were coming with me. I read over them, but I never knew how much it would’ve affected the way I saw Oswald right now.

It angered me. If he wasn’t my link, I… No, I was worse than him.

“What the fuck?!” Oswald hissed.

Loki didn’t let him take a step towards me. I held onto my hand, that pained me more than it should have. I gave it my all when I hit him.

“What a pity. If that’s how you see Emma, then I can’t allow her to see you.” I started, unable to hold my emotions of contempt against the warlock.

I knew he had experienced pain, but so had we. We had been through our fair share of agony.

And Emma… I can’t believe I tried to overlook it so many times.

I tried to ignore it ever happened. It was easier for me that way. Because then I wouldn’t have to feel the anger I felt.

“Why the fuck would you care about her?” Oswald snapped, trying to take a step towards me, only to be stopped by Loki.

Does he think we are evil force alone?

Well, perhaps towards outsiders, but within our coven, we took care of each other. We had our rules to uphold, too. Of course, our punishments were harsher for treason because our entire lives depended on it.

Much like the traitor, Edna sent to deliver the message to Rem on the fated day. That witch had sold out another girl to the hunters, all because she wanted to get closer to my mother.

“Because we’re sisters. We’re a coven or cult, as you say. And we look out for each other no matter what! It’s what keeps our vows together!” I chided the warlock, who seemed surprised by the hostility in my voice.

Is my face warped in anger like he was previously? Is he surprised that we also have emotions? That we treat each other as family? Pity I can’t hold back anymore. This is why I never wanted to care again.

Because then I would feel.

It’s easier not to understand!

“Gerta told me about your past. So, I think it’s only fair I share what I know of Emma’s. Since you’re so vile as to use her for your pleasure!” I snapped, trying to control the rage that was behind it.

Luckily, I had my brooch, or else I would have been lighting up the entire room.

“Why the fuck does—” Oswald began only to be stopped by me interrupting him.

His words meant nothing to me now. Not until I was done.

“You think you know pain because you lost a child and were molested by a teacher?! Emma was raped by her father for years! No one knew… until…” I stopped for a moment, attempting to understand what I was going to say.

In her records, everything had been so descriptive that it made me shiver. She knew I knew everything about her. And even so, she said I saved her earlier.

No, I forgot about you completely until Cain handed me those files!

I erased her as a nobody. Because that was all they were supposed to be.

Why... are you so kind to me, even though I left you behind?

Even though I never cared about Emma. I was there the day my father found her. He used it as a chance to teach me what men could do to women. Of course, her father was killed the moment everything came to light.

For violating our sacred vows, our coven put traitors to death. There was never an escape from that.

“What?” Oswald appeared shocked by the entire revelation.

I removed myself from the situation. Back when I read her file, I didn’t care that she was the girl we had found on that snowy morning almost at the brink of death. To me, all I remembered was seeing a bloodied girl, holding a deformed piece of flesh near her bosom.

She was faceless to me.

Why does Oswald make me care? Is it because she’s being used as a tool? Or is it... the way she treats me?

“Cain found Emma covered in blood after giving birth to a stillborn baby. That’s the girl you’re trying to satisfy yourself with. Do you think your pain’s greater than hers?! At least they didn’t leave you for dead!” I snapped, pausing for a moment.

We were lucky to be as we were. There were so many worst off.

“At least you had someone who cared for your wellbeing!” I continued, clenching my hands into fists.

I hadn’t even noticed how my hands were trembling in anger for the sake of another girl. One that day I hadn’t given a second thought about. I was fourteen when she was fifteen. She was clinging to that piece of flesh like it was her life.

Even though it had been placed in there by a monster, she didn’t blame it.

How did I save you?

Vivian, men can be horrible creatures. That goes for the gods and every mortal alive. Of course, women can be vipers in disguise too. In this case, though, she’s a victim. Dad informed.

Lilith walked over to the poor girl that was laying in the cold snow for a couple of hours. In those moments, I nodded, clasping Dad’s hand. The elf tried to save the girl’s life. Luckily, the cold saved her from bleeding out.

So, all Lilith could do was save her limbs. Well, all but a pinkie on her foot. A reminder of the scar from her parent. Emma was picked for this trip because she was utterly loyal to Cain and me, who found her on our nightly walk.

Her father had dropped her there, thinking she was dead. She wasn’t originally from the old families, but she was adopted into one, thanks to my father’s influence. He took pity on the broken girl.

I guess he saw himself in her. He had also suffered similar abuse from his family and everyone that surrounded him. Well, until his power awakened, and Edna found him when he was twelve.

“I didn’t…” Oswald grabbed onto his chest.

It was like it stung when I took a step back, turning around.

“The traitors have a shadow warlock, much like Cain is. I don’t know what they’re planning, but I’ll find out. It’s my duty to keep you both safe. I hope you can trust in that at least. And don’t make my life a living hell to do so.” I added.

I took a deep breath to keep my emotions in check. Not even a single tear. I was heartless, even though it hurt to speak about Emma's past.

“I—” Oz began.

I didn’t want to hear it. If it was an apology, it wasn’t meant for me. I had no reason to forgive him since he did nothing wrong.

“I’m going to take a shower. If you’ll excuse me, we can speak later. As long as you don’t report me, I’m not going anywhere.” I concluded, walking into the bathroom, locking the door behind me.

In that instant, I turned on the sigil for the bathroom, quickly falling onto my knees.

How… can I… look at Emma again?

I told a story that wasn’t mine to tell, but he enraged me in such a way that I couldn’t keep it to myself. No one deserved to be a tool. No matter what their past was. Especially a girl who was here only to keep him safe.

 A simple girl who was hunted because of what she was.

How… why is that a thing? They aren’t scary!

That wasn’t where my lesson ended that night. No, father made me kill the man who did that to Emma. He was the first life I ever took. The first life I enjoyed taking. Yet I was a monster to push her aside as I did.

I was so self-centered in everything. I was a goddess!

Why wouldn’t I be? But…

Their warmth was corrupting me.

Is this a test? Did my father do all of this to test my will? To see if I really can do it. If I can survive? It hurt. Loki… Will you hate me if you know all of my past? Will I hate myself? Surely… I’m not a benevolent goddess.

No, I was malevolent, like Oswald said. I was the sole reason that the soul cairn was created. The cause that made the gods go crazy. I was nothing more than a monster.

Oswald, vile? No… he’s just a hurt boy lashing out.

I was the only wicked piece in this entire mess. I had no reason to live. No one would ever really love me. Yet I wanted to live. Just to spite everything. I chose to live. I didn’t need to know my past life to know it was an utter mess.

Slowly, I got up from the floor. I took off my clothes, going to shower in the hopes to wash away all my sorrows.

As if that ever works.