When we reached the Western Raven Courtyard, the vampire king, Andres was already waiting for Hera. Their eyes met and something fleeting passed between them. There was an odd sense of familiarity between them.
“King Andres,” She greeted with a mock bow. “You are already here.” Her lips lifted in a vicious smile, “Seems like my technique worked.”
He narrowed his eyes, his expression growing colder, “If anything happens to them, I swear I will rip you to so many shreds, you won't be able to count.”
Hera snorted, “I have already made the magical pact. Why are you still so worked up, King Andres?” She walked up to him and placed her hand on his shoulder, “This duel will be just between you and me.” The smile she gave him, sinister yet alluring. Damn! It made my skin crawl. When she fought with the monstrous wolf and the witches this smile had been absent. She seemed to have a different kind of feud with King Andres.
“I lost last time because you tricked me,” He said, taking a protective stance. “This time I am well prepared.” He added, flashing her a black ring.
F***! Hera had already defeated the vampire king once. This was insane. How in the world did Hera end up becoming so powerful? She could defeat the werewolves, witches, and even the Lycan King. If the mythical creatures from legends existed, she would have even been able to kill them.
Hera’s eyes twinkled and she burst out laughing. “You think that little ring can protect you.”
The next moment a large ball of blue light hit him. King Andres gasped and dropped to the ground. His face turned pallid. He looked like he wanted to run but he didn’t. My eyebrows furrowed and I let my werewolf sense take over.
I realized in horror that there were at least thirty vampires in the vicinity. They were probably keeping a watch on the duel. If Hera lost, I was doomed. They wouldn’t spare me; no matter what I told them.
I never thought I would do this but I was rooting for Hera’s victory. The Lycan King wouldn’t be pleased if vampires got all the credit after he put so much effort. That was the perfect excuse, I came up with later.
The Vampire King’s expression hardened and his eyes turned darker. He jumped to his feet swiftly and zipped around Hera with such fluidity that my head started spinning. I could see him everywhere at the same time.
Hera remained unperturbed by his movements; standing in the center, still like a statue. Her gaze however seemed to be following his movements. The vampire king made a sudden move. It was so fleeting that I couldn’t catch what he had done.
A hiss left Hera’s lips and her hand flew to her neck. Her eyes widened and she gasped, “The golden needle.”
The Vampire king stopped moving and moved closer to Hera; flashing her a mocking smirk, “Did you think you could defeat me so easily?”
My fingers clenched into tight fists as a small stream of blood trickled down her neck soaking her shirt. Andres gripped her collar and dragged her closer, “You are as alluring as ever.” He brought his lips closer to Hera but she turned her face to her side.
The Vampire’s king’s eyes turned bloodshot and he pushed her to the ground before crushing her under his right foot, “I have had enough of you, Little demon. Today I will unite you with your lover.” His gaze turned towards me, “Do you still remember him or….”
A strong gust of energy struck Andres and he staggered back. Hera got to her feet with a backflip. Pulling out the needle, she sent it zipping toward Andres. It all happened so fast that the king didn’t get time to react. The Golden needle pierced right through his heart.
He clasped the fabric close to his chest. With a pained gasp, he mocked, “The golden needle can do only so much damage. It isn’t enough to kill me, you know?”
Hera’s lips curved in a victorious smirk. She clasped her hands one over the other and closed her eyes. A small orb of golden light formed between her palms. When her eyes opened, they were ablaze with a darkness that could make anyone shudder. With a wave of her hand, she sent a ball of energy toward him.
It hit his chest making him gasp. Slowly, the wisps of magic entwined around the golden needle that was embedded in his chest. Hera’s smile grew wider, “Did you forget that I am part witch, King Andres? I can transform objects?”
The King’s eyes widened in horror and he tried to take out the golden needle but it was already too late. The Golden needle had been transformed into a wooden stake. It tore his heart from the inside, making him cough out a mouthful of blood.
With another ball of energy, she pinned him to the ground. Placing her foot on his abdomen, she spoke in a voice dripping with hatred, “Initially, I wanted to play with you a bit more, let you get a taste of living at the brink of life and death every day.” Her gaze met mine momentarily, “My priorities have changed.”
The vampire king’s face drained of all the color and his skin took on a papery texture. The veins bulged through his skin forming an ugly dendritic pattern. It crept along his neck, then his hands. His body took on a purplish shade and his eyes went dead cold.
The hair on the back of my neck bristled as I sensed the vampires drawing closer. Hera stood there, her gaze fixed on the lifeless form. I rushed to her and grabbed her hand, “I think we should leave now.”
A man stepped out of the shadows. He was dressed in a black suit and a deep blue cape was attached to his collar. His lips pressed in a thin line and he uttered a single word. “Why?” Hera squeezed my hand gently and held it up, “As I said, my priorities have changed.”
“It is such a shame. I was hoping for some more entertainment.” He clicked his tongue and called out as we walked away.
I wasn’t sure what that was all about. But, Hera’s gesture of holding my hand indicated that she had fallen into my honey trap. I just needed to wait a bit, letting her sink a bit deeper, and then, I could pull off my ultimate move.