Fated Enemies

Chapter 26 - The Sphere and the Vow

The land was covered in snow, making Alexa shiver in cold, but they needed to walk until they reached the White Castle, or they would arouse suspicion, a wolf was a rare animal in these parts, as Edwin had explained to her, so she had to maintain the human form. As they decided, they would be entering the castle from the dungeons and walk through the corridors until they reached Lucius with one little stop in the library to ask the Scholar if he knew anything about the cure that was needed for Lucius. Here is laid the biggest problem, Alexa wasn't a vampire, and that would create tension with the Scholar, they had agreed that she would stay quiet and if anyone asked, she was a mere human girl servant that Edwin had picked on the journey.

Alexa kept her head low as they crossed the little wooden door that led to the dungeons inside, she tried hot to look up, but the smell of blood, sex, and torture filled her nostrils she took a peek and wished she hadn't done it, the wall was covered in blood, there were bits of flesh everywhere, chains hanged from the ceiling, the walls and in the ground, there were machines that she never had seen before, meant to torture, Edwin closed the difference between them and squeezed her in her hand, whispering into her hear he reassured her:

- Don't look! You will be safe with me! This isn't all of us! Lucius is cruel and enjoys the brutality! One day, I'll take it to my home, you'll see the difference!
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- I believe you! - Alexa told him, closing her eyes and letting Edwin guide her.

Even without seeing it, she could sense when they left the dungeons, it smelled different, the iron smell of blood diminished and it was possible to smell some flowers, she opened her eyes and found herself in a corridor much like the ones in her Castle, but with more tapestry hanging on the walls, some sculptures laying in the corners and decorating that sculptures there were gold and gemstones, showing riches she never thought possible.

Edwin let go of her hand, looking into her eyes, making sure she was alright without saying a word, Alexa nodded and he continued the path, to the northern tower where the Library was.

After stairs upon stairs and corridors, they finally reached the tower, Edwin entered without knocking, and Alexa was surprised, different from her library, this one had enormous windows that allowed the sun to lighten the room when in daylight it wasn't needed a candle to read, The books were neatly organized into three floors, with wooden stairs leading up to each one of the floors.

In the center of the library stood a table with ink, feathers, and parchment paper, and a candlestick, but what draws Alexa's attention was a big sphere made of glass, that was positioned in front of the middle window, markings and measurement were made in the floor with white chalk, leading to the window.

- Gabriel! - Edwin called up.

Steps on the wooden floor were heard, and a man of dark skin tone with robes draping around him, red lips and strong hands came into sight, from behind one of the shelves holding a book:

- Yes Master Edwin. I expected you who'd come to see me.

- Yes Gabriel, I need your help. - Edwin said.

- Master Edwin, you should know by now, that is of no use for you to lie to me. - Gabriel said smirking. - I know you both need my help, Queen Alexa, is a pleasure to meet you!

Edwin and Alexa, we're open-mouthed surprised as to how the Scholar knew them.

- How... - Edwin begun to ask.

- Let me stop you master Edwin, I have a secret very few know about and that must remain a secret. Do you see the sphere?

- Of course, I see it!

- In the past, scholars that came here to learn and to archive, only could see what was happening in Elatre or to some people of the vampire realm, and every time just after the events occur. I mastered the Sphere of Nagling and she reveals to me what important things are occurring in this world and as it is happening. So I saw when you two mated, I saw the Nymph prophecy and I know what has been happening in this castle. What I ask of you is simple, keep this a secret, or my life, and the Sphere would be at risk.