Chapter 13 alastor

I woke the next morning to the soft gray light of dawn filtering through the tall windows of my chamber. The air was cool, and the faint scent of pine from the forests surrounding the castle drifted in through the slightly open balcony doors. For a moment I simply lay there, listening to the quiet stillness of the early morning. The world felt peaceful, untouched by war or danger. Then I felt the warmth beside me. I turned my head slightly and smiled when I saw Lexie still sleeping next to me. The sheets were tangled loosely around our waists, and her dark hair spilled across the pillow like ink. A few strands rested against her cheek, rising and falling gently with her breathing. Carefully, I reached out and brushed her hair back from her face. Even in sleep she looked beautiful. Her small horns curved delicately from her head, still visible despite how much they had shrunk since the bond between us had strengthened. They were a mark of what she was—a demon—but to me they only made her more extraordinary. I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against her shoulder. She stirred slightly beneath the blankets. Her light purple eyes blinked open slowly, still heavy with sleep. For a moment she looked confused, then her gaze focused on me and a small smile spread across her face. “Hey, little deer,” I murmured softly. “Morning,” she said, her voice still rough with sleep. She stretched slightly before looking back at me with a playful smile. “Last night was… fun.” I chuckled quietly. “It definitely was.” She sat up slowly, pulling the sheets up with her as she moved. My eyes wandered before I could stop myself. The curve of her hips, the gentle rise of her chest, and the faint mark on her wrist that signified our bond—our mate mark. Every time I saw it, something inside my chest tightened with both pride and awe. She caught me staring and raised an eyebrow. “Enjoying the view?” she teased. “Very much,” I replied without hesitation. She laughed softly and pushed my shoulder. “You’re terrible.” “Only for you.” Eventually we both climbed out of bed and began getting dressed. I pulled on a dark shirt and trousers while Lexie slipped into a flowing dress the color of deep wine. The fabric moved softly around her as she tied the ribbon around her waist. Once we were ready, I held out my hand to her. “Come on,” I said. “The chef said we’re having French toast this morning.” Her eyes lit up. “Really?” “Really.” “Well then we definitely shouldn’t keep breakfast waiting.” We walked together through the castle halls toward the dining room. The stone corridors were already beginning to fill with movement as servants started their morning duties and soldiers changed shifts. When we entered the dining room, Destiny was already sitting at the long wooden table. She was leaning back comfortably in her chair with a mug of coffee in her hand. The moment she looked up and saw us, a smirk slowly spread across her face. “Well,” she said, lifting her cup. “You two were definitely loud last night.” Lexie froze instantly. Her face turned bright red. “Destiny!” she gasped. I couldn’t help laughing as I took Lexie’s hand. “My little demon,” I teased gently. She groaned and covered her face with her free hand. “I am never leaving my room again.” Destiny laughed and took another sip of her coffee. “Oh please. The entire hallway already knows.” “That is not helping,” Lexie muttered. Before the teasing could continue, the kitchen doors opened and the castle chef stepped inside carrying several plates. The smell of warm bread, cinnamon, and syrup filled the room instantly. Breakfast was served quickly. Golden slices of French toast were stacked high on each plate, dusted lightly with powdered sugar and drizzled with syrup. Bowls of fresh berries and warm tea were set out as well. Lexie brightened immediately. “This looks amazing.” We began eating while the morning sun slowly climbed higher in the sky outside the tall windows. For a while the three of us simply talked and enjoyed the calm. For the first time in days, everything felt normal. After breakfast Lexie decided to spend some time in the castle gardens. She loved the gardens. The quiet paths, the flowers, the peaceful fountains—it was one of the few places where she could truly relax. I watched her walk outside with a book tucked under her arm. She settled onto one of the stone benches beneath a blooming tree and began reading. For a while everything remained peaceful. Birds chirped softly in the branches overhead, and the warm sunlight filtered through the leaves. Then suddenly the castle doors burst open. Destiny ran inside the garden, her armor half fastened and her expression serious. “Lexie!” she shouted. Lexie looked up immediately, closing her book. “What’s wrong?” Destiny skidded to a stop in front of her. “We’re under attack,” she said urgently. “Demons are here.” Lexie stood up instantly. “What?” “There’s an army approaching the gates.” My chest tightened the moment I heard the news. I stepped forward quickly. “Lexie, go with Destiny,” I told her firmly. She hesitated. “But—” “Go,” I repeated. “You’ll be safer in the safe house.” Her purple eyes searched my face. She clearly didn’t want to leave. But finally she nodded. “Be careful,” she whispered. “I will.” Destiny grabbed her hand and began leading her away quickly. Several members of her family were already gathering nearby, preparing to head toward the hidden safe house beneath the city. I turned and ran back into the castle. The peaceful morning had vanished in seconds. Inside, the halls were now filled with urgency. Soldiers rushed past carrying weapons and armor as commanders shouted orders. I headed straight to the armory. Within minutes I had pulled on my armor and strapped my sword to my side. The familiar weight of the metal settled across my shoulders. A soldier handed me my cloak. “Your Highness, the army is assembling at the gates.” “Good,” I said. I stepped outside into the courtyard where dozens of soldiers were already gathering. Shields were raised, weapons drawn, and tension filled the air. I joined them and we moved quickly toward the main gate of the kingdom. As we reached the towering walls, I glanced back once. In the distance I could see Destiny leading Lexie and the others toward the hidden entrance that would take them underground to safety. Good. At least she would be protected. Then I turned back toward the battlefield. Beyond the gates, dark shapes moved across the horizon. Demons. Dozens of them. No… hundreds. At the front of their army stood a figure I recognized immediately. Olsen. He stepped forward slowly as we approached the gate. His black armor gleamed in the sunlight, and a cruel smile twisted across his face. “I told you to give your kingdom up,” he called out mockingly. I glared down at him from the gate. “Go away while you still can,” I replied coldly. He laughed. The sound echoed across the battlefield. Behind him, more demons began appearing, their weapons glinting in the rising sun. “Never,” Olsen said. Then he raised his sword. The demon army surged forward with a roar. And the battle began.