Trusting the Devil

Chapter 10: Sage

Sage

My face twisted with rage and confusion as I took in the woman in front of me. My aunt. With the black magic no longer in my blood, I looked at her. I saw her for the first time. Her features unmistakenly looked like a Raines. Her high rosy cheekbones– a contrast on her porcelain skin– her translucent green eyes, her full red lips, her wild dark brown hair. She shied away from my gaze like she was ashamed that she was related to her. To me. My blood was drumming in my ears. I was infuriated by the feeling of danger that washed over me. I wasn't supposed to reveal my secrets to a bitch like her. To the Raines. She was part of the vampire hunters and I didn't want to mess with her. She already knew about Helia and could report to my mother with that information. It could cost us a lot. Her mouth snapped shut as she looked me in the eyes, emotions swelling in them.

Your sister is a vampire hunter too.

Yes, Helia but she didn't betray me.

I feel like we can trust her.

Helia. My warning tone grazed my phoenix's feathers as it rang through my whole body. My beautiful beast didn't get affected by my warning and I internally sighed.

At least not yet. Let's see what she has to say.

Joy and happiness coated Helia's expression but I didn't understand why. I broke our little chat and focused on Mary.

Before I asked any questions, I remembered that Choufu was here, with me, behind me. But, he strangely didn't make any move to protect me from her.

I looked back at him, remembering that I was on the verge of killing him. Heat crept up my neck, but if he was disappointed with me, he didn't show it as he tore his gaze from Mary and looked at me. He inclined his head, the silent message clear: hear her out before killing her. I rolled my eyes but did just that.

"Talk. Explain before I burn you in hell." I demanded, too eager to know this woman's history.

"Right. I am of royal blood. Just like you–"

I cut her off, "Royal blood my ass. All your and my parent's interest is killing. Blood. I am ashamed to call you my family."

"Hear me out, Princess." She mocked.

Rage reached my chest but I pushed it down so I could listen to her.

She continued, "I fled the castle the instant I realized that my mate was a vampire." She looked at Choufu but returned her gaze to me, so fast I almost missed it, had I not had my hightenened vision, "Unfortunately, my mate rejected me. I was the first ever mate to be rejected in history. When I returned home after the rejection, I figured out my sister's and her husband's –your parents' – actions and I didn't want to be part of it."

"Oh, so you betrayed my parents by fleeing and then almost betrayed the vampires. Nice. No surprises there." I accused her shamelessly.

"Can you just stop accusing her and putting the blame on her? She realized– just like you did– that your family is corrupted. Yes, you were forced to lead a whole world but don't you dare deny that you love it. You love the power that comes with it. Stop acting like a victim and a shit-ass leader because your people need you. Time to move on and accept the fact that people can change. She has enough on her plate already. She doesn't need a new adult to boss her around."

I turned around to the source of the shouting. Choufu. He stood up for my aunt. Why? I didn't even want to know. Rage was pumping through me but no one had to know that this fury came from the fact that he hurt me. He, out of everyone, should know that what I went through wasn't easy.