(Amaia)

(A week later)

We stand outside Istrale. All geared up with our forces, the army from Fudaria and Saratopia.

King Xamian is here but for now, I am avoiding him. He has requested to speak with me but I have no love to spare for him yet. Aziel, on the other hand, met him politely.

"Can we speak after?" He requests Aziel and my brother gives him a small nod.

"We will."

Wistfully his gaze travels towards me.

"Amaia, will you join us as well?"

"I don’t know." With that, I walk away towards my mates.

Hathial Kane is leading his army but Rigel hasn’t spoken to him yet.

For now, we are focused on this war and winning it. Everything else will come later.

I have my mother’s sword strapped to my back. My mates, my brother and my friends are beside me.

Alnitak and Mintaka have their battle axes. Rigel carries his chained weapon. Saiph will use his scythe, while Alnilam will use his hair, moulding it into different weapons.

King Orion is leading the unit of werewolves while General Bakshi is leading the warlocks and witches. Beta Diez, is in charge of the hybrids division.

Everyone with shield magic is evenly spread out, so they can create shields. Vampires are under King Hathial Kane and Queen Adrnia.

We are outside the huge wall Istrale has created for the protection of its kingdom from invasions and creatures. Every portal point has also been turned off so no one can portal inside the territory.

King Orion has chosen to don his silver war costume. His hair is held back in a long ponytail. His chosen weapon is a spear, which he holds in his right hand.

Determinedly facing us, his eyes waver over every single one of us. We have already discussed the battle plan but he is going to give a small speech.

"You all know how Istrale and its rulers have committed horrendous crimes against the supernatural world. Killed thousands of innocent Faes, captured them, experimented on them, and controlled them. No more." He shakes his head. Agreements are chanted all around.

"Today we have gathered to ensure that we end this tyrannical rule. End the people who have wronged us and heal this world as the Omnifae had envisioned." His determined eyes come to rest on me.

"We have one of our own now. Bringer of the new world order and justice for the supernatural world." He doesn’t use words like bringer of peace for me but justice and a new world. We all know there will be bloodshed before peace can prevail.

He raises his spear and a roar of approval follows. The whole army waves their weapons in the air.

A sense of pride descends in my heart. I know what I need to do.

"We believe in you. Let’s give them hell," my mates say through the mindlink.

The huge, patterned metallic gates in the wall open, and a delegation of Istrale emerges.

B-Twins lead it, wearing their uniforms and holding angry expressions. They don’t appear as smug as they usually do, especially seeing Saiph has them stopping in their tracks.

They believe he is dead. Bellatrix has her eyes blown wide as she ogles him.

My blood boils at the sight of her and I want to scoop her eyeballs out.

"Soon," Saiph smoothly whispers from beside me as if reading my mind. He is calm with his gaze fixed on that wretched woman.

I have to show every restraint I possess not to pulverise her on sight. No, I have bigger plans for her.

Alnilam stiffens beside me, seeing them. I can understand his feelings.

"What’s the meaning of this? We will obliterate all of you in mere seconds," Betelgeuse thunders at us. His eyes take in the large army we have gathered.

Bellatrix stands beside her brother.

"Why don’t you try and see who obliterates who," King Orion thunders back with all his authority. His heavy and commanding voice resonates loudly.

Alnitak boldly steps forward and stands beside his father, facing the twins. He says according to how we have planned. "I want to see her."

I follow him, placing my hand on his shoulder.

"You don’t have to, Ali."

"Yes, I do. I want to look directly into her eyes and ask why she did what she did. She owes me this much." His eyes sparkle with determination.

"Me too," Min joins us from the other side. We know she won’t resist seeing them.

B-Twins are about to refuse when a guard emerges from inside and whispers something in their ear. They nod and face us. Bellatrix sneers at me but I don’t entertain her.

"Our mother will speak to Alnitak and Mintaka. She is expecting them," Betelgeuse says. "Once the meeting is over we will deal with the lot of you." His hateful gaze lingers on our armies.

"You don’t have to go. I don’t trust that woman. This can be a trap," King Orion says to his sons.

"I will go with them." I step forward and so does Alnilam. This is all a show, we have pre-planned this.

"Me too." Saiph stands beside me.

"I will accompany my brothers." Rigel comes to stand on the other side. I tilt my head and observe my brave mate. After everything she did, standing up to her will help him heal. And if she tries to even lay a finger on him, I will end the bitch.

"Just these two." Bellatrix circles her finger towards my twin mates.

"You don’t make the rules anymore. We all go, or I can just flatten both of you and drag your bodies to your psychotic mother." I step in front of my mates and flick my fingers, letting the dark lighting dance on my fingertips.

A darkness engulfs my body and descends in my eyes—hatred clings to me like a second skin.

Both of them have their eyes widened as they take in my look and take a step back.

"Fine." Betelgeuse squeaks like a sewer rat.

King Hathial Kane gestures and two of his strongest vampires accompany us along with four of our sentinels.

"You harm a single hair on my children’s head and I will sink the whole Istrale in blood," King Orion forebodes. He already knows he has to attack once we go in so they get preoccupied.

They lead the way and we enter Istrale.

My shield erupts out and descends on our procession, shielding them from any harm that might be caused.

"Stay vigilant. I don’t trust them," Alnilam warns us.

We are focused and alert, weapons drawn and bodies ready to attack.

Bellatrix keeps turning her head and throwing stunned glances at Saiph. Only a few more moments before I can do whatever I please with her.

After walking for 15 minutes we reach an ugly grey castle. Lifeless and monotone, there is no warmth there and it perfectly depicts what Istrale is all about.

This is Natianu’s residence and I know that the shameless witch is inside, hiding.

A malevolence rises inside me, the darkness squirms ready to be unleashed on her and these two leading the way.