Chapter 160

Adolph stood aside as Eden walked to the center of the room. A stone platform lifted him into the air. The air stirred as Adolph watched the thick, black pool ripple and flow through the cracks in the stone platform.

"What is he doing?"

"It's a blood cleansing ritual," Caedan said mistily. "It will release every spirit trapped in the pools and cleanse the reservoirs."

Adolph looked at the man, "Including you?"

He smiled and nodded, "Including me."

His voice turned to a whisper and his form vanished into a swirl of light that broke against the dark stone, clearing the darkness. More streaks of light jumped from the flowing liquid, blasting the darkness out of the stone until it turned a glowing silver like moonlight.

Adolph watched stone turn silver beneath his feet. The door gleamed behind him and opened. He followed the rushing light and silver back up the stairs until he reached a window and saw that dawn was breaking over the citadel. Had they been down there that long? It hadn't felt like hours.

The clouds parted and the first rays of sunlight broke across the land.

There was something in the air he couldn't describe as anything but magic

In the distance, a tower of golden light filled the sky. When he turned towards the werewolf kingdom, he saw another tower of silver light where Crystal Castle was.

He smirked wondering if Laurel could see the beams of light from where she was.

When he descended the stairs, he found Eden unconscious on the stone platform. He looked so young there, no older than Basil in his sleep.

Weeks ago, he would have tried to ram his sword through the man's chest as he lay sleeping, yet he had sworn to an allegiance of peace. He sheathed his sword and lifted Eden from the steps. The man stirred just so.

"... could have killed me."

Adolph hefted him onto his back, "I'm a man of my word I don't make unnecessary enemies."

Eden hummed, barely moving while Adolph carried him.

"Your father didn't deserve to die that way," Eden said. "I'm sorry for the havoc that woman caused you and your family."

Adolph swallowed. He hadn't allowed himself to think of his father dying in the middle of battle rather than losing himself to the madness of losing his mate.

"I'm sorry that I can't break it" Eden whispered.

"Break what?"

"The curse," Eden whispered. "I was so wrong No not wrong just unaware There's so much So much more than the blood at work."

Adolph listened to him go on as he carried Eden up the stairs, but nothing he was saying made any sense. He knew that it was important, but he couldn't make out what he was supposed to do with all the information Eden was giving him.

"Blood aura," Eden said, slipping into sleep. "I'll do my best"

"Get some sleep," Adolph said. "You'll need it if you want me to understand what you're talking about."

Eden mumbled something more as he reached the group of Wiccans they came with. Taliesin was there, happy to take Eden off his hands. People scurried around, vampires and Wiccans, to try and make up accommodations.

"You've been missing for several days," Taliesin said, "Is it Is it done?"

Adolph shook his head, laying on a cot with a sigh of exhaustion, "You'll have to ask him when he wakes"

He slipped into sleep, barely hearing Taliesin's grunt of complaint.

When he woke up, Chasel was at his side watching him carefully.

"What is it Chasel?"

Chasel's nose twitched, "You don't feel any different?"

Adolph frowned at him, "Should I?"

"The scent of blood has gotten worse."

Adolph's heart lurched, "What do you mean?"

Chasel shuddered, "It's It's more than before More oppressive than before What happened down there?"

Adolph sat up and looked to where Eden was barely awake. His eyes glowing amber and looking regretful.

"I tried to explain."

Adolph looked at him, "What do you mean?"

It was several days later when Adolph and his envoy were preparing to head home. When Eden was well enough to celebrate with the people and Adolph was satisfied with Eden's explanation, he planned to return to the capital city.

Eden hadn't been agreeable to the idea, but Adolph was firm. If he had such limited time, no matter what he did, he wanted to spend it with Laurel if it was possible.

Eden walked him to the gates of the city.

"I'll see you soon about the details," Adolph said, eyeing Eden. "Not too soon."

Eden chuckled, "The way I hear it, I've disrupted your married life enough for several lifetimes."

"Damn right," Adolph mounted his horse.

"Until then." Eden looked up at him. "I will search for an answer."

Adolph nodded, "Thank you for your help."

Eden nodded and bade him farewell. Adolph nudges his horse to head towards the border. The odd unease he'd been feeling subsided a bit as they passed the rebuilt temple to the goddess. Lunar flowers had begun to bloom and crawl up the silver stone.

The people looked so much more at peace. Their eyes sparkled and they cheered them as they left.

He'd have to tell Laurel all about this and the truth about the blood aura. He sighed and looked up at the sky wondering how much time he had. Days? Weeks? Months? Would he get to meet his unborn child? Would he be there when he or she shifted for the first time? Would he get the chance to be a father to them the way he hadn't been to Basil or would he lose his mind before the child could form any memories of him?

"Chasel."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Remember what I asked you years ago? Before Olivia."

Chasel hesitated, but he nodded, "I do."

"I still mean it Even if it hurts Even if Laurel is against it."

When they reached the border, the camp was alive with activity. The generals met him and looked a bit nervous. His heart lurched and he reached across his bond with Laurel to touch her mind. She didn't seem panicked, but she was irritated.

*Laurel, are you hurt?*

He heard her scoff. My back hurts and the water isn't cold enough. Lily and Sarah are about ten minutes from trying to carry me everywhere, and Raven finds it hilarious.

Adolph chuckled and his heart eased at her light tone as he dismounted.

*Why are my generals so nervous?*

She laughed, *I have a surprise for you when you get back.* *Don't spoil it.* *Come home soon.*

Adolph's lips twitched as he headed into camp. With a sigh, he prepared to spend the night at the camp before heading back. He took some time to watch the training and noticed that Basil wasn't among the newest recruits. He might have had gotten through training already, but it wasn't likely considering how far behind he was.

"General," Adolph called, "Where is my son?"

The man looked nervous and glanced around before clearing his throat, "Well Prince Basil returned to the capital city by order of the luna."

Adolph frowned, wondering what sort of present his lovely young wife had for him that required his son to return to the city.

His birthday wasn't that soon, and neither was Basil's. He was sure Laurel's birthday hadn't passed yet, and there was no reason to recall Basil.

He shook it off, deciding not to try and spoil it though he was quite curious.

In the morning, they headed back to the capital city, stopping at a few packs along the way. There was a strange sense of resignation among the nobles and terror. They seemed overly polite and respectful. People were missing from the noble packs.

As he reached the capital city, he smelled the lingering scent of smoke and bloodshed. He tried to keep calm and not rush towards the castle. Nothing seemed damaged. If anything, a lot of the buildings seemed to have new faces as if Laurel had finally managed to implement the usage of the city improvement funds she'd been trying to build up after discovering the embezzlement. Had she managed to trace and recover the funds or had she simply moved some of her budget around?

Standing on the steps were Laurel, Lily, Sarah, Sam, and Lynn to greet him. It was a bit strange not to see Raven and the others as well, but he supposed it had something to do with this surprise she had planned.

"Welcome home, husband," Laurel said brightly as he dismounted. He pulled her close to kiss her soundly. A bit of relief and dread filled him. How was he going to tell her?

"Thank you, dearest wife What is this about a surprise."

She beamed up at him, "Gavin Mirabelle and several other nobles are to be tried for treason."

What had his wife been doing while he was away?