Omen of War

Chapter 18

April Patrick (P.O.V)

"April!"

I stumbled back as Zackery tackled me. I was glad I wasn't holding Amy or Melody. Vivien and the werewolf named Dwyn had my daughters in their arms. I laughed and hugged Zackery. I missed the kid. The poor kid lost so much because of me as it was. The least I could do for his parents, his uncle, and his cousin was make sure he didn't fall to the same fate as them.

"I missed you, kid." I chuckled.

It took Zackery a nanosecond to spot Amy and Melody. He quickly got to his feet and rushed to them, looking as excited as any kid would be. He reached up towards Dwyn who handed him Melody. Melody seemed fine with Zackery holding her as she giggled. She just seemed full of laughter and happiness.

"April, what did you name your daughters?" Zackery asked as he turned to look at me, beaming with happiness.

"The daughter you're holding is Melody. The other one is Amy." I said with a smile as I sat up and rubbed the back of my head.

Zackery handed Melody back to Dwyn and walked over to me. His expression had changed to one of seriousness. He sat down beside me and sighed. He didn't look so happy anymore.

"April, I have something to tell you that will not make you happy. Alex wanted me to come find you to tell you about what has been going on back at home with your people." Zackery said hesitantly.

"Alex wanted you to come find me? Why was he sure you would be able to find me, Zackery? What's going on that you're not telling me?" I asked as I looked at the kid.

"April... I know you love the man, but I don't think he's in his right mind anymore..." Zackery said, still hesitant to tell me.

"Zackery, tell me. Please." I pressed.

"Luke... Luke uh... H-He attacked the griffins and my people. He's gone off the rails. Before I left, I checked with Lady Augusta, and it turns out her daughters were brutally murdered. Luke tried to hold Autumn as a hostage and when I got close to Arilis, I noticed that Luke was demolishing the graves of Alexander, Robert, Mary, and Mabel. There were also witches roaming around inside and I couldn't see any of your people who had not previously died." Zackery said as he looked away from me.

My eyes widened at the news, and I sat there in shock for a few minutes. My husband, who had died and was brought back to me with a pearl that the witches had tried to control him with had taken over in my stead? I would want him to if I was gone, but this? I never wanted anything like this. Luke was destroying everything I built, and I had left, allowing him to do this.

I was a fool for leaving. I should have sent someone to get Vivien instead of running off like a child. I should have been there to protect my people from the man I thought I loved.

"April... there's something else you should know..." Zackery said hesitantly.

"What? There's more that Luke has done?" I asked as I stared at him.

"Um... W-When he came to attack my people... H-He sort of admitted to killing Alexander and Robert. I think he killed them to get you and in turn finish his and the witches' plans." Zackery said as he stared down at the ground.

The entire world shifted under me, and anger sprouted through me. It felt like fire was burning through my veins as I stood up. That man killed people to get to me and go about completing his plans? How could I have fallen for such a venomous snake hiding in plain sight? What if he was working with Blake this entire time?

"Everyone, pack up. We're going to gather Kevin and his people before heading for Alina Island. I'm going to deal with my husband myself." I growled as I stepped out of the hotel room.