- Wow, this is just incredible. - Sean perked up, like a child who has been shown a new toy.

All male werewolves were so surprised by what they saw that they could not help but feel awe before the invention of elves. It was obvious that in addition to the rare metal alloy, there was also magic in it, otherwise it would be difficult to explain such a light slip and total defeat to the enemy.

And yet, Klaus was the only one who was now experiencing not only delight, but also discomfort, since being in the shape of a werewolf on the territory of Eriad responded with flames on his feet, as if he was walking on hot coals.

- It wasn’t bad. - Ivrim nodded approvingly. – Perhaps this is something you should practice with. Artemis?

The Elf King frowned when he noticed the girl who was pulling a thundercloud of her own uncontrollable emotions.

Adeline involuntarily glanced at Klaus, who was still in the form of a wolf. Goosebumps ran down her spine from Artemis’s superior and oppressive aura. It was uncomfortable, as if this external storm does not reflect even a small fraction of what it carries inside.

- I want to leave this place right now. - Artemis demanded, lifting her chin.

- Has something happened that I should know about? - Ivrim asked inquisitively, looking puzzled at the girl.

- Nothing special, in principle. I just decided that instead of having fun, wouldn’t it be time for us to get busy? I’ve decided to accept your words. I agree. – on the last words, her voice trembled noticeably, as if she herself was not completely sure about it, but something was pushing her to make this decision.

Ivrim stared at her in silence for a moment longer, completely oblivious to the oppressive atmosphere behind him.

Unlike the others, who were tense, Ivrim was extremely calm and only a little melancholy sad, but this was noticed only by Artemis, to whom he was turned to face.

- OK. - he nodded. – As I said, this is the only right decision, and whatever happened there that pushed you to make it, I’m sure you will cope with everything. You’re a strong girl.

She grinned and looked away, feeling her eyelashes moisten. She blinked deeply a couple of times to dry her eyes.

- How...

- Interesting conversations you have here. - Raphael’s booming voice rang out as he casually kicked the door open with his foot before entering the training ground. - No matter how much I think about it, I can’t figure out what secrets are between the two of you? Do you want to let me in on this?

- Your hearing is too exceptional. - Ivrim stated. – But there are no secrets here, everything is very clear. Artemis decided to go to Abion, as we discussed earlier.

- Why do I have such a strange feeling that you’re lying to me? - the vampire grinned.

Raphael was still in a depressed mood and a thin line separated him from not breaking down.

- Maybe because you’ve been too hypochondriac lately. - The elf declared. - And since Artemis has finally made that decision, you should also go to Riliya.

- How interesting, and who said that I would obediently obey your orders? - he spread his arms to the sides, igniting a dark haze around him. – Either you tell me what the fuck you’re up to, or I can’t vouch for myself.

The elf sighed heavily and smoothed the silver hair on his temple.

- It’s because you’re so impulsive that they don’t want to have anything to do with you, Raphael. Have you ever heard of such a word as "trust"? Of course, now you will once again start to remember the past, but until you leave it behind, you will not be able to move on. - Ivrim replied firmly.- I have no intention of harming any of you, and the only thing I want is to pacify Lillian. I am ready to do everything that is required of me for this, but in return I ask only not to put a stick in the wheels.

- Okay, let’s put the past aside ... – the vampire quipped. - You interfered with Thea’s consciousness, did something because of which I can’t reach her, you gave her body to my late wife so that what? What kind of games are you playing? Why would I trust you, elf?

- Teanna is too weak, she needed Artemis. I know it’s hard for you to understand, but you’ll have to come to terms with this fact.

- And then what? Will you just send Temi into oblivion when it’s over? So you’re using her? - he burst out laughing. – Temi, baby, do you agree with that yourself?

Artemis, like a wild whirlwind, turned around on her heels, with a stony face, completely devoid of any emotions.

- You know, Raphael, given recent events, I realized that I trust Ivrim more than my own husband. I’m sorry, but I don’t care about your suffering, the decision has already been made. You can do whatever you want, but still, it would be better if you were of some use.

- What grandiloquent words, it’s so heartwarming, very touching. – Raphael threw a mockery in her direction.

They still felt angry at each other after the incident in the baths and it was difficult to have a constructive dialogue, but no matter how Rafael behaved, Artemis no longer intended to let him get too close to her so as not to feel heartache.

She finally put an end to their relationship, to their dependence on each other. There were no "them" anymore. She allowed the knife to remain in her chest and forever remind her of what once was and what will never be again.

Artemis knew this initially, but she wanted to believe that something else could be changed, maybe some tiny chance, but there was none.... There never was.

- I’m grateful to you. – suddenly she said. - For showing me the right way to get you to act the way we need to.

- Be careful! - Raphael kneaded his fist until it crunched, piercing the girl with a bloody look.

- Blackmail. - she was beaming with her own superiority. – You do understand that one wrong move and you will never see the princess again. Never, Raphael. Be a good boy.

- I didn’t know you were a rare bitch. – he hissed, raging. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

- Thank you, dear husband, it was you who made me like this. – she wasn’t offended by his words at all, rejoicing at the reaction she caused in him.