Beyond His Evil

FIFTY-FIVE.

THIRD-PERSON POV

Rya stood back as the vampire female pressed the needle into Kira’s vein.

The reaction was immediate. Kira arched violently against the chains, a scream tearing from her throat as the gethum flooded her system. The restraints tightened in response, biting into her wrists and shoulders until her struggle slowed, then stopped altogether. Her head fell forward as she fell unconscious.

The vampire withdrew the syringe calmly.

“How many more times are you planning to do that?” Rya asked, her voice tight.

The vampire glanced at the empty syringe. “As many as it takes to keep her unconscious until the half demigod arrives.”

The half demigod.

Rya had only ever heard stories. Even Zethar spoke of him carefully. He had said the half demigod would come to see Kira himself. But four days had passed, and there had been no sign of him.

“Won’t this affect her powers?” Rya pressed. “I’ve never seen any creature survive this many doses.”

“She isn’t just any creature,” the vampire replied. “She’s the most powerful being on this planet.”

“That doesn’t make her invincible.”

The vampire turned fully to her now. “Her body is different. The gethum weakens her, suppresses her abilities, but it doesn’t destroy them. Given time, she recovers. Most would be dead by now. She’s still breathing.”

Rya frowned. “She hasn’t even awakened her powers fully yet. What if...”

“You brought her here,” the vampire cut in coldly. “You knew exactly what this place was.”
She stepped past Rya. “Excuse me. I have duties to attend to.”

Rya watched her leave, then looked back at Kira’s limp form. Something tight curled in her chest, an emotion she did not welcome.

She turned away.

***

Zethar paced the length of his chamber, his movements sharp with irritation.
He had sent word across all seven packs. Again. Still nothing.

The half demigod should have been here by now.

He exhaled slowly. The half demigod was Zalas’s son, born of an immortal and a demigod. Power ran in his blood in ways few could comprehend. And with the healer, the ritual would be complete. Heaven itself would not be able to interfere with their plans.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Enter,” Zethar said.

Nicholas stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. His gaze flicked to Zethar’s restless movements.

“My lord,” he said carefully. “Is something amiss?”

“No word from the half demigod,” Zethar replied. “I don’t know how long the healer can be kept sedated.”

Nicholas hesitated. “Can she not summon Zalas alone?”

Zethar’s eyes snapped to him. “Do not ask questions beyond your place.”

Nicholas bowed. “Forgive me. There is unrest at the borders. I sought permission to act.”

“Handle it as you see fit. My concern is elsewhere,” Zethar said, already dismissing him.

Nicholas bowed again and left.

Zethar returned to his seat, memories stirring against his will.

Years ago, he had searched for the half demigod himself, through mountains, ruins, and forgotten lands. He didn't find him, of course, but he came to him. The half demigod listened, then warned him that the plan would fail.