1692

~Amolet

I'm not sure what I expected, but this isn't it.

For a moment I'm so surprised, so taken aback I'm convinced Cian has taken me to the wrong place. We are on the edge of another mountain, however this one is capped with snow, and isn't surrounded by a wonderful view of distant villages dotted with sparkling lights. Instead, right below the rocky outcrop we stand on, is a massive ravine, gorged into the mountain leading all the way out to the horizon.

Grabbing a hold of Cian's arm tightly, I push away from the edge of the cliff, wary of the slipping rocks that scatter down into the jagged bottom of the ravine.

"I haven't seen my brother in many years, but it's not easy to predict how he is going to react," Cian exclaims as I awkwardly let go of him. He gestures for me to follow him into the mouth of what appears to be a man made cave. Cloudy lanterns are etched into the walls, lighting the stony path we walk down. I hate to know what entices someone, especially an immortal to choose here to live.

"Where is Lev?"

Cian runs his hand back through his hair, his golden roots glistening as the only brightness in this entire place. "I left him at my place. Figured with Hale being so unpredictable, it would be easier to protect only one of you."

I sihver. "Comforting."

I'm not sure if I will be able to call on my magical ability again any time soon, so I'm more wary than ever to be stepping into this strange, dungeon like place with another powerful immortal. Sinful seemed to think Hale would like me, but I don't feel any comfort in his words. If this place reflects this man I am soon to see, then I'm convinced this entire encounter is going to go poorly.

"You know I would kill him if he even suggested anything..." Cian says lowly, meeting my gaze. My apprehension must be written all over my face, as Cian appears to be ready to take me away from here with just a single world.

"It's okay Cian," I assure him, knowing we need to do this, that we need to have as many people on our side as possible if we want to take down Noah and Stace. "This place is creepy."

The more we walk, the denser the air feels, smelling stale and earthy. The tunnels into the mountain weave in all sorts of directions, but continue to lead us toward one place, where Hale is going to be. I can feel it. He has done a great job of hiding himself away where no one can find him if that is his intention.

"I'm not sure why he chose this place," Cian mutters. "Something to do with him being Sloth."

"What does that even mean?" I question warily. Cian hasn't shown me much of his driving force, being Greed, nor am I scared to see it. But then Sinful has Lust drenching him, it makes up his very being...So I have no idea what to expect with Hale.

"He doesn't really feel much. He tires of people quickly, becomes bored and sardonic. After too long he's near insufferable." Cian already doesn't sound like Hale is one of his preferred brothers, but at this point, I'm convinced none of them like each other.

"Is there anything he likes?"

"Mortal women." I don't miss the edge to Cian's voice as he says that, nor the slight bow of his head as we walk, like he's internally conflicted on whether to bring me in any further or not. "He likes how reckless they are, how untamed and vibrant. It makes him feel something, for once."

"He doesn't sound very nice," I mutter. Once again, I hate that I am mortal amongst all these immortals. Cian looks at me as though I'm fragile, about to implode with the slightest resistance, whereas his brothers look at me like I'm an amusing toy they can laugh at and make fun of.

I realise suddenly that we are standing in front of a tall, solid oak door that is nestled into the rock, which Cian motions at. "You'll have to see that for yourself."

Cian opens the door, careful to ensure I'm half blocked by his shoulder, looking in.

It's dark inside, hardly any light, but regardless, Cian offers me his hand, quirking a wondering brow. Instead, I grip the fabric of his jacket, wary of his bare hands, letting him lead me into the space. Surprisingly, it doesn't smell like death or stale air anymore. In fact, the air is light and breathable, the rocky ceilings higher, the tangy scent of orange and rich scent of cloves touching the air.

"Hale," Cian calls out into the shadows. "Brother, where in this dim place are you?"

"Is there any chance we can turn back?" I ask, unsure of whether I am trying to make light of the situation or if I truly mean it.

My feet suddenly hit the edge of a golden rug, causing me to stumble forward. Cian grabs my arm, pulling me back up to standing, just as an orchestra of candles are cast alight by what must be magic, giving off a vague amount of light, and what must be Cian's brother, Hale.

He lounges back in what appears to be a throne made of black rock, and with him wearing black himself, his tall figure nearly melts into the shadows with it. The candle light flickers across his near Godly face, the typical sight of immortal perfection, created by the Moon to lure unsuspecting victims into their cruel clutches. He is both everything and absolutely nothing like what I thought he would be.

"Hale, it's good to see you," Cian greets, bowing his head with respect, while I remain staring, stunned.

"What are you doing here, Cian?" He questions, his voice deep and rough, as if he hasn't spoken in years, which wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility.

"We need to chat, since it's been awhile," Cian muses, trying to sound pleasant, although I can hear the dislike for his brother dripping into his words. "This is Amolet."

Hale's gaze slides to me, paralysing me to my spot. His eyes are the colour of burning silver, framed with dark, thick lashes. He bears little resemblance to Cian, being they are not brothers by blood, and admittedly, Cian is more handsome. Maybe I think that because he's my mate, or maybe it's because Hale is simply terrifying to look at, and his unique, yet perfectly symmetrical face is taking me a moment to get used to.

He stands swiftly from his throne, pulling his jacket around his slender build some more. Each deliberate step he makes down from his throne seems to be aimed at me.

"You're mortal," he murmurs, coming to stand on our level. He's as tall as Cian, looking down at me without a smile, ebony hair slightly too long, curling at the ends.

"Yes," I breathe, trying to muster up as much courage as possible. If he sees a weakness in me, he is only going to exploit it. "But recently I learnt I can strangle immortals with just my mind, so don't test me."

His full lips quirk up slightly, a prominent dimple etched into his left cheek. It compliments his raised cheek bones. My eyes linger downward, noting at the small amount of exposed skin at the top of his chest, a silvery tattoo is marked on his skin, similar to the colour of his eyes, and atop that, a small glass vial filled with a brillant blue liquid, like nothing my mortal eyes have seen before.

"Where did you find this one, brother?" Hale asks, looking now at Cian, who appears to be examining the situation unfolding between Hale and I.

Cian releases a long, slow breath. "She found me, it seems."

On instinct, I tear my gaze from his, trying not to let my cheeks flush. It wouldn't benefit me if Hale noted something was going on between us and assumed we were mates. I can't help it though, that every time I look in Cian's direction, my heart flutters in my chest.

Mercifully, Hale can't seem to be bothered to demand more information about me out of Cian. "Well then, what do you want with me?"

"I need your help."

"You've never needed my help before," Hale mutters, both sounding accusatory and apprehensive. While the two speak, I examine Hale, trying to see if I can determine any part of him to be the epitome of Sloth. He does sound awfully bored with our presence, like he can't wait for us to leave and give him some peace.

"We want to kill Stace. Sinful is going to help," Cian explains.

Hale rolls his eyes, stepping back. "I'm not helping where Sinful is involved."

"You hated nothing more than his people in our lands, threatening our people," Cian reminds him sternly, not letting him get out of this so quickly. I conceal my shock, having gone into this doubting Hale could feel anything at all past his own boredom for everything in life enough to care about his own people. "I know you want to help us."

"I was going to ask what a mortal girl has to do with this, but I suppose that question has already been answered," he muses, tapping his chin with a long finger. I shift on my feet, not wanting to explain how I came to be involved with all this to Hale.

"Do you agree to this Hale, or are we out?" Cian asks impatiently.

"Oh, I'm in," he exclaims. "But on one condition. Ira joins us."

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Sophie_Midika

Midikacrane

~Midika 💜🐼