CHAPTER 7
So, my mate is not dead?
Nevaeh
Unfortunately, I still didn’t remember the drink after Seiji made me one, but it was the best thing I’ve ever tasted, so there’s that. On my third cup, Angel suggests I slow down before I pump myself full of sugar.
I’ve been acting like a careless fool for the last two days. Staying in an unknown place, drinking what they make for me, but not once do I feel the need to protect myself.
Their presence eases the knots in my stomach, so I’m letting my instincts guide me for now.
“So, uh, there’s something important I need to tell you.” Angel nervously shifts beside me until we are face-to-face.
I’d noticed the four of them talking with their eyes and making faces at each other, but I wasn’t invested enough to ask, so I simply focused on the sweet drink.
‘I told you, they’re all dead.’
The voice I shoved to the back of my head wiggles to the front, forcing me to acknowledge it. It’s terrifying how every aspect of my life was once inhercontrol, and her words were the only reality I knew.
The queen of all evil said she ensured everyone I loved died in her attack. She said I had no one looking for me anymore. She said I was all alone in the world, but sitting in a room,very high off the ground,and surrounded by Horsemen, the reality she made me believe was starting to chip away.
I hope every word out of her mouth is as false as her promise never to lay a hand on my monkey.
I can’t dance around this topic forever. I need to know if what Visha did will force me to start my life again. I need to know if I have a reason to give up ultimately.
Taking a steadying breath, I ask, “Who’s dead?”
Angel pulls his head back like I just struck him. Maybe he didn’t expect me to know about the attack or how my kingdom didn’t survive, but I do. I wait for him to prove Visha right and crush my remaining will to survive, but he keeps staring at me with his eyebrows knitted.
“Why would you ask that? No one is dead.”
My head falls back on the couch, and my heart slowly crawls back from my throat. The relief doesn’t go unnoticed, which only makes them more confused.
Anxo is cautious and acting like he is about to reveal something that would make me spiral. He should know that I’ll take whatever it is with stride as long as no one is dead.
In a mess of broken sentences, Angel tries to pass the message, “We are—uh, I’m your… well, you know how—”
“Oh God.” Grace shakes her head disappointingly while trying to hide her teasing smile.
I’m about to tell her Horsemen can’t take sides before I remember Grace is human. The supernatural world might be divided into two about who they worship, but humans mostly lean towards God.
I have a feeling the group of four friends/family think I’m blind. Why else would they think I can’t see their secret eye conversations? It’s that, or they suck at being discreet.
“Nevaeh, do you know about mates?” Grace asks, seeing that Horseman Conquer is suddenly unable to form sentences.
“I know enough.”
I know the highlights, like how every species doesn’t appreciate destined mates chosen by The Fate sisters. While many under King Lucifer’s rule exchanged immortality for mates and procreation, some didn’t want to rely on the matchmaking abilities of the Fates.
Mythical creatures like werewolves, dragons, and centaurs consider mate bondssacred. Even the thought of rejecting mates is seen as disrespecting Fates.
Whereas vampires, demons, witches, and fairies think of mate bonds as more of asuggestionthan a lifelong oath. The second category chooses the modern art of courting their mates before making permanent decisions.
Some species, like banshees, djinns, and gargoyles, denied the concept of mates entirely and only opted for the ability to procreate. They still openly express their distaste for anyone who values babies over immortality.
Horsemen fall into the category of those who respect Fate’s chosen mates and wait their whole life for them.
“So, you know yours?” Seiji asks carefully.
