Could something have happened to my sister? Quinn immediately stepped closer, tense and worriedjust like the rest of us.
By now, Celine should have found Beof and contacted us.
I hada bad feeling too.
T cant reach her; I cant activate the small magic seal I left on her body.
But, Quinn, maybe it's because I dont know how to do it properly.
Im still learning a lot of things...
TI help you.
But, Mother...
I saw Gabrielle rise from the couch and walk hesitantly toward me.
I stepped forward to take her hand and guide her.
I glanced at Aldric standing nearby in the corner, his usual frown even deeper than usual.
Come on, lets try together, she smiled, taking both my hands and squeezing them.
hesitated a little, then looked at Quinn, who was also staring at her intently.
Those two seemed to have had some recent romantic troubles.
Sighing, I finally accepted, my hands sweating and my nerves on edge.
Summon Brielle, order her to create a power circle to enhance the communication.
Come on, do it like I taught you, she instructed, and my gaze traveled over the long sleeves of her dress, her neck, and the exposed part of her chest.
Scars remained; she wasnt the flawless woman she once was, but at ---- least she didnt look as vulnerable as before.
The worst part was her blindness.
I did as she instructed, closing my eyes and guiding my magic.
Hand in hand, we began reciting enchantments that poured into my mind.
It was incredibleI could feel our magic merging, hers a deep red and mine a dark black, entwining, dancing between our hands and around our bodies, making our clothes and hair swirl, combining to create something even more powerful.
It felt as if my mind traveled for miles and miles over the blue ocean, through fluffy clouds in the skyI could almost feel the forest breeze, the scent of the earth, the scent of Celine...
Celine? I saw her inside a small tent, lying on a cot.
Voices murmured nearby, and outside, I could hear the bustle of people and animals...
Valeria? Valeria, is that you? She sat up instantly, touching her shoulder where the activation of the spell must have burned.
Celine, its me! Where are you? Are you in danger? I asked quickly, feeling that I didnt have much time.
My mothers hands trembled, and something within Celine resisted me.
No, no.
Tell Quinn not to worry...
my mate.
What?! Celine, talk fast! 1...
[found my mate! I...
managed to enter the castle...
I understood bits and pieces of what she was saying when suddenly, a sharp pain overwhelmed my head, like thousands of needles stabbing into my brain a direct attack on my spell.
Something shoved me hard in the chest, abruptly severing the connection.
Istumbled back, opening my eyes in shock and fear, trying to regain my balance, but I felt myself losing it.
Strong arms caught me, my back colliding with a firm chest, preventing my fall.
Yet, I didnt have time to recover.
Gabrielle! Quinns roar echoed, and I saw, as if in slow motion, how he held my mothers nearly unconscious body.
Blood trickled from her nose and lips, her skin as pale as a corpse.
Mom! I tried to get up.
Wait, baby, Valeria, do you feel anything? The baby? Aldric immediately embraced me, his face filled with deep concern as he touched my belly.
What happened? Tm fine, love, Im fine.
Mom...
she took the attack for me.
I pulled away from his arms to run toward Quinn, who was laying her down on the couch cushions.
Tm fine, Quinn...
Im fine, she whispered weakly, wiping the blood from the corner of her mouth with a trembling hand.
Wait, let me clean you up.
I took out a handkerchief from the pocket of my dress and leaned over her, gently wiping her face.
My ears buzzed, and my brain felt like it had received a small electric shock, leaving me a bit dizzymy mother must be feeling much worse.
Why did you take the full attack? Mom, it was dangerous...
Thats exactly whyI couldnt let anything happen to you or the baby, she responded, breathing heavily.
Whats going on, Valeria? Whats happening with Celine? Quinns ---- serious, intimidating voice sounded beside me.
Aldric helped me to my feet, holding my shoulders.
With my face filled with worry, I explained what I had seen and more or less what I understood from what Celine had managed to tell me.
Your sister is in danger, Gabrielle concluded after a moment of silence.
Shes in the vampire camp and says one of them is her mate.
But all I could see in her mind was confusion and her wolfs instinct.
Something is wrong...
she mused, despite having most of her power drained.
Tf she can enter the castle now, it only means one thingZarek is letting her in, and that ancient being doesnt care about anything in this world unless...
Unless what? I repeated, everyone waiting for her conclusion.
The tension in the air was palpable.
Unless Celine is truly Zareks mate, and that puts her right in the crosshairs of the rebellion leaders.
Its not hard to figure outif they saw her enter the forbidden lands...
Theyre using and enchanting her to help them take control of the Realm.
Once shes served her purpose, they I either kill her or use her to control that powerful vampire, Quinn concluded, his voice filled with urgency.
T have to go find her.
I should never have let her leave alone.
His eyes shifted from my mother to Aldric, emotions warring in his mind.
We'll all go.
We cant stay here passively anymore.
The women are in better condition now.
I understand your point, Gabrielle, but I wont let any of those bastards take control of the Dark Realm.
Now theyve dared to mess with my people.
Prepare the shiptraveling by land would be ---- too hard for the women...
ll go by land.
Its faster than by ship.
I trust my mate, sir...
Wait, Quinn, dont rush, Gabrielle placed a hand on his shoulder.
Tf she is Zareks mate, they wont harm her.
They need her to blackmail himyou have no idea how powerful that man is.
Tm not going to bet on a maybe, Gabrielle.
Its my sisters life.
If it were Valeria, wouldnt you be just as desperate?