Primous Rising [Book 1 of The Unravelling series]

10. Celestiana

"A trusted man of ours is waiting there for you. Nik has paid him a fortune, so you won't be having financial problems," Pyriom instructed. "You literally have nothing to worry about," he huffed under his breath. Celest held back a smile.

She despised Lord Pyriom, but he too had helped them escape Lyonaurd, and for that she was grateful.

Elliot carefully descended the ladder and stepped into the boat.

She surveyed the area. There was no sign of pursuers.

They managed it. They were leaving Night's Blood empire's land. In a matter of minutes, she'll cross this kingdom's borderline.

She was going to be free.

However, there were no traces of happiness in her. She blamed the ache caused by using her magic.

Deep within her, trepidation was wreaking havoc in her.

She expected at this moment she'd be ecstatic that she's leaving everything behind, but now, she wasn't so sure.

The wind blew, gently caressing her skin. It surprised Celest her knees hadn't buckled. She was barely keeping herself upright. The breeze mixed with the sea's scent. It brushed through her purplish burgundy hair.

Elliot getting captured and then confronting Melckom had preoccupied her, causing her to forget her second thoughts over her decision. But the time to ponder was gone.

It was too late.

Celest pushed down her apprehension and pulled herself to reality. She looked at Pyriom. At least I won't need to see him again.

"I don't know how to thank you, Pyriom. What you did for us... I really appreciate it, and thank you," Celest spoke with sincerity, a small smile gracing her features.

His dark blue eyes met her hazel ones. They were colder than the black abyss of outer space as they bore into her. "Do a favour and never return. Stay away from all of us, especially Nik and Lyo."

His words jabbed her. Celest's smile faltered as she watched him. She never discovered the source of his hatred towards her. She had never done him wrong. It hurt her more than she liked to admit.

Perhaps it was standard vampire behaviour to hate the witches for no particular reason.

"Hurry on now. I have to check if they are coming," he urged her.

She rolled her eyes but regardless, nodded.

He began moving at vampire speed, but ten feet ahead he halted.

High Lord Nikolus along with Lord Melckom and the army of guards had reached them.

An eerie quietude fell over the shore. The occasional waves crashing on the rocks were the only interruptions.