The Prince's Gift

Chapter 57.

*A/N: Hello my lovelies! I'm so sorry for the longer delay, but I wanted to be sure and write the lead-up and the actual events of the battle just right. So I wanted to take my time working through it. I've also just started a new job, so please be patient with me. I will be sure to give this story the time and attention it deserves as it comes to a close, but it will be a little slower as I work through the updates. And I have to thank all of you amazing people for getting this story to 20k reads! I can't believe it and I'm so so happy you all are loving it as much as I have been loving writing it! It's beginning to wrap up but I promise I will try and continue to give each chapter as much love and attention as the rest of them! Thank y'all and I love my readers!

Zane's POV

Chaos.

Blood.

Death.

Mangled bodies lay strewn all over the field and courtyard as I made my way outside to the Talentati and our warriors. My nose was immediately hit with the overwhelming scent of metallic iron rich blood as it soaked into the ground and my stomach knotted tightly as I searched for Ana.

The first wave had come on strong, colliding into the initial group of Talentati as they tried to protect those behind them. But they'd failed. There were just too many newborns. The warriors were holding the rest of them off while Ana and a large group began to join hands throughout the circle. Even Ehren and Kora were within the circle with Ana facing the thrashing newborns head on.

They each closed their eyes, as did she, while they began to chant something loudly. I didn't recognize the wording, except that it was their ancient language from years long past. The group of attackers still consisted of thousands of newborns and their creators as they all stormed toward the castle, attempting to tear through the warriors protecting Ana's circle as they stood ahead of them.

Suddenly, her eyes snapped open, glowing the most vibrant green I've ever seen as she looked directly at them, her eyes piercing the darkening environment around her. Her lips parted and she spoke so softly, but her voice could be heard clear as day, and I was amazed at what I saw.

"Be still." She said quietly. Her voice spoke so smoothly, as if soothing each one individually as her melodic voice rang through the group ahead of her.

Each vampire, including our warriors, halted their fighting as they looked back at her, completely mesmerized by her as she spoke.

"You will fight each other no more. You will fight only to aid the castle and those who fight for it. Do you understand?" She asked.

I watched as thousands of heads nodded in unison before they turned back to face the tree line, watching the forest for potential threats. Ana broke the circle first, releasing Ehren and Kora's hands as the rest followed her lead, stunned by what they'd just witnessed. I was in shock myself. She was stronger than I could have ever imagined.

I slowly made my way to her, watching those around her cautiously until I finally reached out for her arm. She whipped around in shock, but immediately began to relax as she saw me. Her wide eyes filled with raw emotion while she held onto my hand as if it was the only thing holding her up. My breath hitched slightly at the contact as she stood frozen in front of me, my eyes dropping to her stomach involuntarily as I breathed in her intoxicating and now more potent scent.