Clary let out a hiss at the sight of the witch.
— Something tells me you're responsible for this warm welcome,— I commented to the kitsune.
The smile that played on the fox's lips was downright wicked.
— We had a great time together, didn't we, witch?
Celeste spat at the fox's feet but said nothing, raising an eyebrow in silent doubt.
— Madison put a spell on her,— Jack said from beside me. — Apparently the witch's voice gave him severe headaches.
I walked over to Celeste and grabbed a fistful of her dark hair, yanking her head back, seeing—hissing in pain, cheeks red. I watched her cold face calmly, noting the sickly gleam in her empty, dead eyes. Celeste was just a living body but with her soul dead, there was nothing good inside the witch.
— Twelve years ago, you cursed my people and I swore that one day I would make you pay. And guess what? Your judgment has arrived, Celeste Deveraux and I am the executioner who will make you cry tears of blood.
The scent of magic filled the air as Madison descended into the underground basement and undid the spell cast on Celeste, the witch parted her purple lips, breaking into a deep sigh before uttering the following words:
— Nothing you do, you wolf bitch, can kill me. I am an immortal witch.
The canines ripped into my gums as I smiled, baring my sharp fangs in front of the witch's face, wanting to tear out her throat and bathe myself in her blood.
— I won't kill you, witch, but when I'm done with you, you'll wish for death. But immortality will be your greatest punishment, Celeste.
I felt my brother's approach from behind me. Celeste's face remained white as I visualized Aiden behind me, only reinforcing my theory that Celeste was dead inside, nothing would make her afraid and maybe that could become a problem since Celeste didn't fear for her life and we wouldn't be able to. to bargain to break the Crescent's curse.
— You're not going to make it easy, are you?— Aiden asked the witch in a dangerous growl.
Celeste flashed a grim smile that sent shivers down my spine.
— Is this when you're going to start begging me on your knees to save your pack of dogs?—
My brother clasped his hands behind his back.
— You will collaborate with us one way or another, Celeste.
The witch blinked for a long time.
— I'm a thousand— year— old immortal witch, if you think you can beat me, you're wrong, Aiden Labonair. Burn me to ashes if you like, but your wolves will never be free.
I could feel Jackson's presence in my mind.
Isaac called a council meeting in an hour. I need you and Aiden to accompany me.
I pressed my lips together as I saw the tension in my brother's shoulders.
Aiden will not give up the chance to get revenge on the witch, he has that right to claim justice for the curse.
Celeste is just the tip of the iceberg of our problems, a war between the clans has been declared and we must solve it as soon as possible.
I held the wolf's head pendant around my neck, biting my bottom lip, anxiety churning in my stomach.
She must pay for her sins, Jack, I will not rest until I destroy Celeste.
I could feel him smiling at me through the link.
I'm not crazy enough to curb your killer instinct, little wolf, but right now I need you to use your savagery to dominate the council, and I know you're capable. I've already talked to Aiden.
I held back a smile.
Will I be rewarded for this, Supreme?
What do you have in mind?
Jack's chuckle echoed in my mind as I showed him what I wanted. And his depraved thoughts sent heat consuming my face, Aiden turned his head, confusion in his eyes and I looked away, embarrassed that I couldn't control my body's reactions.
— We have to go,— Jack declared, clearing his throat.
— Did they give up so quickly?
Aiden licked his lips, flipping the last card up his sleeve.
— We're meeting with the council of factions, I imagine the witches are eager to hear from you.
And for the first time, I saw something like awe break the ice mask off Celeste's face. Interesting. We had scored a point after all, as Madison had suggested, she was absolutely right.
— Why did they meet with the witches?
— Afraid of something, Celeste?— my brother asked, his voice holding a triumphant note that we'd finally found a soft spot we could use against the witch.
— The clan is not to be trusted.
I clicked my tongue.
— Have you never heard that the enemy of my enemy is my friend? I know you've been hunted by the clans for years, Celeste and your freedom is in our hands.
Aiden grabbed the witch's face with sharp claws tearing her skin, a trickle of blood oozed.
— Perhaps we should hand you back to your clan, I'm sure a family reunion would be exciting.
Celeste squirmed, trying to break the chains, which drew an amused laugh from my brother.
— Don't worry, witch, we won't leave you alone.
Aiden went to the basement doors and opened them, letting in a dozen furious wolves thirsting for the witch's blood. Celeste turned pale as a corpse, if that was possible.
— The wolves you cursed will keep you company while we decide your future. I hope you'll reconsider your decision to refuse to help us through this time with the Crescents.
I stopped at the basement door and said:
— Have fun, but let her live.
When Celeste's screams filled my ears, a sense of accomplishment filled my chest, justice was finally being done after twelve years of persecution and suffering. That curse was close to being broken and my people free, I had been waiting for that moment for many years.
— I need to see Rebecca, we'll meet in the French Quarter,— Aiden said before disappearing into the woods, avoiding any questions.
Aiden knew I was worried about him and that's why he was running away from me in that way, I sighed, giving my brother the space he needed, we all had inner demons to deal with at that moment.
However, when Jack pulled me against his body, and I felt him hard against my back, the thoughts faded from my mind. He rested his warm mouth against my ear and I went limp in his arms as the wave of heat wobbled through my legs.
— You have a wicked mind, wild wolf.— He deposited a bite on my ear.
I leaned my body back, grinding against Jack and getting a grunt in response. Jack carried me as far as he could before pinning me against a tree, ripping my clothes off and taking me into the middle of the forest, I greeted him with relief and hugged him tightly. We were both bodies filled with desire for each other, our joining was fast and wild. I was sure all of New Orleans heard my scream as I reached the summit. But by the time we were done, the tension in my shoulders had eased and Jack seemed more relaxed. He whispered that he loved me before kissing me one last time before we left for the council meeting.
(....)
— Is the meeting taking place at St Louis Cathedral?
Of course I should have expected that acidic humor from the council in meeting in one of the oldest churches in the city, it was ironic the meeting of perverse supernatural creatures in a place considered pure and sacred. The creator had surprising creativity after all.
The doors of the cathedral opened slowly as we approached, I looked at my partner and my brother who accompanied me, the males I loved the most and I could feel confident and safe beside them. With Jack on my right, holding my hand, and Aiden on my left, we entered St Louis Cathedral together.
The interior of St Louis Cathedral was stunning, with gilded walls and antique accents strewn across the length of the empty space, if not for the creature next to the altar, staring at the image of Jesus Christ hanging from the cross. Just by the smell, I could recognize who was waiting for us and I prepared myself mentally for that encounter.
— St Louis Cathedral is definitely my favorite place in town.
— Do you always come here to ask God for forgiveness for the dry bodies you left on the way?— The question escaped my lips.
The man turned at last, a vampire, of an ancient bloodline that was identified by his bloodshot eyes. The skin pale as porcelain and the immortal and sensual beauty drew attention, similar to the human he kept on a leash at his side, his daily meal.
— I've heard of your temper, Hayley Blake. Or shall I call you Arabella Labonair?
I shrugged.
— Whatever you call me, the lost queen of wolves or the lone rebel, I remain your worst enemy.
The vampire smiled at me and it was a strange sight to see. Jack let out a menacing growl from beside me and the vamp quickly nodded.
— I don't want to disrespect your beautiful partner, Supreme, we heard about your union, congratulations.
Another woman, a vampire, physically similar to the man, emerged from one side of the cathedral with an open bag of blood between her teeth.
— You are a tedious diplomat, brother.
— Vampires have siblings?— I figured you sucked each other into the womb of the freak creature that put you in the world,— Aiden snarled.