Mated To Him

Forty Four

Chapter 44

The horses galloped through the forest as the rustling and whooshing of leaves were left behind. The braying sound and the strength of agility following their riders' command.

Upon reaching their location, Zaccheus jumped down off the horses and whipped his head to see Alec standing in position. He strongly ordered Alec to go with some mages and warriors to scout the area while—Zaccheus would come behind.

He looked at the beautiful castle and huffed; with a wave of his hand, the castle revealed its real crumbling self. It was an abandoned castle.

The castle where he was born, where he was bullied, where he was blessed or cursed with power, where his mother died and where he painted his father's blood with. Before he ordered to build another castle.

"Come out, whoever you are?" he said as the sky became cloudy, the thunder rumbling quietly.

A crackling noise came out of the door as it was bang opened by a dark energy force. "You've come," a snake-like hissed followed, "I've been waiting, brother."

A shocked gasp escaped Zaccheus's mouth, the familiar voice. He felt a big blow in his gut as he staggered back, which was noticeable by the man coming out of the castle.

"Surprise, brother," Zeke revealed his real self without any component of disguise.

"Why?" The word left Zaccheus' mouth. He wanted to understand why he betrayed him. He thought their bong was strong enough to waver anything but him—Zaccheus was wishing him good, but he— Zeke was hoping for his dismissal.

"You are asking me why?" he hissed, "ask your monstrous self some centuries ago," he responded, as he raised his hand and dropped it down. The roar of unliving boomed out as the corpses ran out to his command.

"You used dark magic without having a mana?" Zaccheus asked, "you know the price of using it is hefty," he seethed while Zeke grinned.

"I'm ready to pay the price as long as I see your end!" he yelled, "I don't need your pity!" he ran at full speed, slamming his palm on Zaccheus' chest.

Zaccheus winced and stepped back a little as he waved his hand away, "Where's my mate? I'll pardon all that you've done," he said. He didn't want to fight his cousin. He would rather banish him, knowing in the back of his mind that he was alive than kill him.

"Tsk," he clicked his tongue mockingly, "your mate?" he asked sarcastically.

"Just release her,"

"Release who?"

"Nadazhda,"

"A mate for a mate, no bargain," he whispered, jumping to the array draw, attacking Zaccheus. Zaccheus mostly defended all his attacks, staying the arm-length away from his claws.

"You killed mate without any mercy," Zeke snarled; his eyes were red as thrown a ball of magic at Zaccheus, which he swiftly dodged. Zaccheus quickly looked back to his comrade, seeing them fighting the corpses, yet there was no sign of defeating them. You can't kill a dead person except to break the bond between the waker and them.

"I didn't kill her!" Zaccheus responded, dodging all his attacks.

"I saw you!"

"It was a misunderstanding!" Zaccheus yelled as the rain started to downpour. He never killed his mate. She was taking her last breath when he arrived at the scene, but everything pointed to him, and he didn't think of explaining himself. People should believe what they want.