It begins with us.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Yaakov's POV

I let out an audible groan once I sat my tense body down in one of the leather lounges that were arranged in the center of the library. The large floor to ceiling windows that looked out to parts of the estate were covered up with black-out curtains that brushed against the hard wood floor. This meeting wouldn't allow for any light and warmth to penetrate it, this meeting was meant to be taken place in the shadows and darkness, where the evilest of topics were discussed. Mama had informed me that she would be heading up the meeting alongside myself, not wanting my obvious mindset to distract me any further than it already had, and that had left a bitter taste to swell in my mouth. I had let my family down with my absent judgment and lack of concentration that I had allowed the enemy to breach our defenses, able to openly mock us by using Ava to show just how weak she made me. But that's where they were wrong, because Ava was not my weakness, but my strength and determination. She filled me with her light, pushing me to be better, to be something that I hadn't thought I was capable of being. She had made me up my game when it came to her, and I would show everyone that falling in love was nothing but strength.

"They are here my King."

I let out a deep breath before standing up from the lounge, buttoning up my jacket as Mr Abergil's walked into the room. His bright blue eyes finding mine as I greet him with a nod before he extends a hand for Mama to take.

"Sofia, always an absolute pleasure to see you."

His smile is genuine while his lips lightly kiss the back of her hand. Mama tilts her head with a smile before he lets go of her.

"Ben, it's been too long. How is Sofina?"

Mr Abergil's eyes shine with admiration at the mention of his wife, a grin pulling at his lips as he shakes his head.

"Keeping me on my toes as always."

"As she should. It is hard work to keep our men in check."

Ben's laughter echoes around the large library, bouncing off the books as his brother, nephew and general stop just a few steps behind him. Ben was a tall man, standing at six foot one with black hair and a nicely trimmed beard covering his hard jaw. His ice blue eyes sent a fear indued shiver to run down your spine whenever his gaze met theirs, pinning you to your spot as his photographic memory took you in. The man screamed confidence and fear, which is a must in this world if you want your families to remain in power. His twin brother Soloman was an exact copy of his brother but without the beard. Soloman's wife Martha had passed away some time ago from liver cancer, and Soloman had taken a straight razor to it days after her death. He had grown it for his wife who loved it but held too many painful memories looking at it every morning. He has kept his jaw cleanly shaven ever since. His son Dan was also a copy of his father and uncle but had inherited his mother's brown eyes instead of their icy blue ones. But he was as deadly and cold as the rest of them. Ben and Sofina only had a daughter, Mary who was nineteen years old and currently in France at culinary school. Being the only child of a Captain, Mary would have been able to take over her father's title once she turned eighteen, but even though Mary was a well skilled fighter and had inherited her father's photographic memory, she had refused the role in favor of her cousin Dan so that she could follow her love of cooking.

"Soloman, Dan. It pleases me that you could join us today."

I nod while extending a hand out to each of them.

"Of course, my King."

"The matter must be urgent if all the families are to meet under one roof."

Ben stated with a small frown, eyes darting between Mama, myself and Danial who was greeting Dan opposite me.