Devour Me

Chapter XVII : You Did What?

"Maxwell, you did what?" my mother's voice cracked through the room like thunder.

I looked up to see Queen Genevieve staring at me in wide-eyed disbelief, her delicate hands frozen mid-gesture.

My father, King Adonis, sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair. "Max, I have to agree with your mother on this one. So let me get this straight... you, a demonic vampire prince, proposed to a being whose power could obliterate us all? And her magic—Maxwell, it's not just volatile, it's dangerous."

He pinched the bridge of his nose like he always did when I tested his patience. Which, let's be honest, was often.

I didn't flinch. I leaned back in my chair, keeping my voice even. "You've been on my back for years about marriage. You wanted me to take things seriously, settle down. Well, I did. And yeah, it's my choice. But this isn't just about love. I have a plan. Trust me."

My parents exchanged a look, silent but loud in judgment. My mother raised her hands in surrender, clearly done with this conversation.

"He's your son, Adonis," she muttered, already walking away. "You deal with this... disaster. I'll start preparing for this monstrosity of a wedding."

The doors groaned as they shut behind her, her scent of white roses fading with each step. My father tapped his fingers on the armrest, the tension thick in the air between us.

"What's this plan of yours, Maxwell?" he finally asked.

I didn't hesitate. "I'm going to help her. Teach her to control her power. Train her, so she's not just stable—but an asset. We're at war, and we need more than brute strength. We need her. All supernaturals do."

He sat back, running his fingers through his silver beard. I could see the war inside him—old traditions clashing against the potential for something new.

"We've never allied with beings like her," he said softly. "Not humans. And never someone like Nyx."

"I know," I said. "That's why it'll work. No one expects it."

Adonis looked me in the eyes. "If this fails—"

"It won't." I cut him off.

There was a pause. Then a nod.

He stood, offered his hand, and I took it. His grip was firm—warning and approval rolled into one. And then he was gone, leaving only the scent of teakwood and old power behind.

I leaned back in my chair, the weight of my choice sinking in. I've never been the type to bet everything on one person... and yet, here I was. Putting the fate of our kingdom in her hands.

Later, as I stepped out into the hallway, a familiar scent flooded my senses—Nyx. And Xuriella. And Silver. I could smell the shopping bags before I even saw them. The front doors swung open. There they were.

Silver grinned like she knew a secret. "I hear congratulations are in order, King," she teased, dropping the bags on the couch.

"You told them?" I asked Nyx, arching a brow.

She shot back, "You told Zexion and Princeton?"

I shrugged and lifted my hands. "Touché. My parents know too."

Nyx groaned and tossed her head back. "Jesus. Your mama already hates me. You just gave her more ammo."

"Don't worry about it," I said, stepping closer. "She knows her place. And she knows there's more to this than love." I clapped my hands. "Anyway, party tonight. Everyone's invited. Tell your parents to come too—we'll break the news there."