Of Dragons & Vampires

Chapter Twenty Three

A little chapter today I'm afraid! I had to split this into two and so here you have the soft, sweet, emotional section while the next update will focus predominantly on the upcoming war, etc, with a heap loads of drama and a little bit of cuteness and healing mixed in! :) 

Thank you for your patience with my upating, I've been ill the past few weeks (praying it's not the corona!) so haven't had much energy to write x 

Anyway, enjoy!!

                                                             OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOOoOOoO

Abel felt Evander grip his shirt, his head buried in his shoulder as sobs raked his body. Abel held him closer, protectively, as they tumbled through the portal, landing in a heap on the floor of the Drake living room. Evander didn't bother getting up, instead he just lay with his cheek to the carpet, his head buried in his arms as he cried.

"Evander!" Amber rushed forwards, her hands on his shoulders, "Evander, it's okay! You're safe!"

Abel knelt by his side, running his fingers through Evander's golden-brown hair. "It's not just that Amb...his brother...he..."

Evander wailed.

Abel looked up with tortured eyes as Danae and Damien rushed forwards, gathering their younger brother up. Evander just cried and cried until he was hoarse, his head resting against Damien's chest. The siblings glanced at each other and then the portal, Danae's heart racing.

"Pericles, where is he?" Abel couldn't meet her eyes, the eyes that reminded him so much of Evander.

"He...he killed Constantine...but Atlas...Atlas killed him. I'm so sorry," he looked up, watching as Danae's face paled before crumbling, she buried her face in Evander's hair, her own raven locks concealing her from view. Damien was the only one who remained stoic, but his eyes glistened. He wrapped an arm around his little brother and older sister, gathering them close as he looked around the room.

It was eerily silent. Charvi, Brae and Jack stood the closest to the Aetos siblings, their eyes downcast. Jamie had Reagan wrapped in his arms while Amber kneeled next to the vampires, Wyatt's hand resting on her shoulder.

"Thank you," Danae suddenly said, her eyes rimmed red and voice hoarse. "Thank you for helping us save our brother, we owe you a debt we couldn't possibly repay."

Amber smiled sadly, "You owe us nothing, and you're welcome to stay here for as long as you need. We have plenty of bedrooms, please, take your time. We know what losing family feels like." She glanced knowingly at Abel, a painful pang resonating in his chest at the thought of their parents and grandfather.

Damien sniffed, wiping his face before standing, taking Evander with him. Evander didn't move, he had yet to look up at the room, he remained nestled in Damien's arms while Danae stood protectively next to him. It warmed Abel's heart to see them together, their similarity and their comfort in each other's presence.

"I'll show you to Evander's room while someone prepares you your own," Abel stepped forward, his heart lurching as he caught Evander flinch.

"We'll stay with our brother tonight but thank you." Danae rose her elegant chin, a grateful smile adorning her face that didn't quite reach her eyes. Abel nodded, his gaze never leaving Evander's who had still screwed his eyes shut, half of his face hidden in Damien's shoulder.

Abel nodded, nodding his head for them to follow, his heart wrenching as Evander turned away from him.

OOoOoOoOoOoOoOO

Colette watched Evander sit snuggled close to his brother's side. She had been more than surprised to find her house occupied by an additional five vampires, but as soon as she saw them surrounding Evander with protective determination, she knew she could trust them. She had spent too long distrusting Evander, and she wasn't going to make the same mistake with his siblings and friends.