SPELLBOUND

The reason why he wanted to insist on this plan was because he knew what kind of person the emperor was. He was not a man easily fooled. And that was why they needed to take drastic measures to kill off any major doubt that might arise.

However, when Evie told him about her plan and after seeing the confidence and strong will shining fiercely in her eyes, Zolan could not respond. It was happening again. Zolan was feeling that same thing he felt towards her when she was insisting to enter the dungeon. This seemingly frail woman just had an indescribable power to overpower others with her sheer will and determination. Zolan had thought how terrifying would this woman be if she were not just a mere human?

…

Zolan could only sigh as he faced Gavriel. "Does this mean you already approved of Her Highness' plan?" he asked, and it was Evie who answered him.

"Yes. We already talked about this." Her voice was firm as she tightened her hold on Gavriel's hand.

"I see." He then relented and they finally entered the throne hall together.

As they walked in, the atmosphere was a little tense. Gavriel walked to the front with Evie and sat down before raising his hand, indicating that all should be silent as he was going to speak. When Gavriel revealed everything, everyone was shocked to their bones. But as Gavriel continued to elaborate on the plan, their reactions immediately changed. Everyone was ardently determined to support the plan as they knew they do not have a choice at this point. If they mess this up, Dacria might be wiped out from the map soon. They cannot bear even the thought of their home being destroyed.

By the time Gavriel told them about Evie, the vampires were all a little worried. Feeling their anxiousness, Evie suddenly rose from her seat and spoke.

"Please be rest assured that I will do everything I can. I am not only doing this for my husband. You might not believe me, but I truly adore this place. For me, Dacria is a magical place, and I will never want it to fall into ruins." She said with that same confidence and strong will she showed to Zolan earlier, that everyone was silenced.

The corner of Gavriel's lips pulled up at the sight of his wife becoming braver and more courageous. It was almost hard to believe that she was that same trembling little bunny he had brought here to the land of the vampires. Yet look at her now. None of them ever expected Evie to speak up in front of so many vampires.

Gavriel could not help but feel so much pride surging within him. Despite the fact that he was still in a terrible condition, seeing Evie standing so bravely in front of his people gave him a little reassurance that she would be fine. Because it appears she was not the same trembling little bunny that he was so worried about anymore. She was stronger now. And somehow, he felt like this wife of his still have so much room to grow.

…

"You were so amazing just now Princess." Zolan mumbled, grinning at her, as everyone finally left the throne hall to be prepared for what was going to befall them very soon.

"What are you trying to say? Huh? Zolan? Isn't my wife always amazing?" Gavriel was the one who responded as he wrapped his arms around Evie's waist and raised a brow at Zolan.

Zolan nearly rolled his eyes at that, but he let out a sigh instead and relented. "Right, Her Highness is always amazing." Somehow, Zolan was glad that the prince was still able to act normally like this. He expected him in his worse mood right now, so he was thankful that he was calmer than expected.

The group then headed back to the walls. They were in a serious discussion for a while in Gavriel's command quarters until Leon spoke.

"I am… going to stay here too?" Leon asked, pointing at himself as though he was a little confused.

"Yes, you will stay." Gavriel said. "You will tell them I tried to recruit you to my side, and you faked your loyalty to me. But since your real master is coming, you didn't escape with us."

"Oh, I see… I understand Your Highness." He nodded, though he looked as though he did not quite understand why they were leaving him behind.

"You will stay with my wife. She would be your sole responsibility now." Gavriel ordered him. "Evie will talk to her father and Lorcan that he wanted you to guard her. Since you are half-human, it would make more sense to the emperor in the reason why she wanted you to guard her. Since Evie is supposed to be wary of vampires like she used to."

"I see… I understand." Leon seemed relieved with the explanation. Everyone understood his hesitance because his expression alone told them that the poor half-blood thought that he was being abandoned by his Lord. All because Gavriel did not intend to take him along with them.

"You will keep my wife safe while I'm away Leon." Gavriel told him, his gaze burning dangerously as he stared at Leon. But he was not looking at him with threat in his eyes. Gavriel was giving him a command more important to Gavriel than his own life. "Once I come to take her back, I want you to be there because you will be coming back with us as you're already one of us."

Leon fell on his knee and bowed.

"I will protect the princess with my life, Your Highness!" He vowed and Gavriel heaved another quiet sigh of relief.

"Rise, Leon." Gavriel approached him and clapped his hand on his shoulder, "I am putting my trust in you." He added and gave Leon's shoulder a squeeze. Leon only nodded at him determinedly.

Once everything was finally settled, everyone was about to head out when Zolan made them halt.

"I almost forgot, Your Highness. About the necklace…" Zolan said and brought out the necklace from his pocket.