SPELLBOUND

The men looked at each other. Everyone once again left the decision to the brain of their group. Zolan was sincerely torn. The plan about sending Levy and Luc was actually risky and would probably take a longer time. There were many humans in the capital but was there still a pure young girl out there? He was aware about the fact that virgin humans in this empire – especially young girls – were treated as rare diamonds. A highly sought-after commodity, greatly valued. Everyone wanted to have the first bite and taste of a virgin's blood. So, they were mentally prepared that it might take a long time for them to find one. And there is always that possibility that if they could not find one and the enemy returns…

Zolan looked at Evie again and he was unable to say a word to discourage her or even question her will. How could she be so sure? Moreover, when did she even become like this? They were all aware about the fact that she was yet to give herself to the prince. So how come she was acting like this now? Wait… could it be that she had finally fallen in love with the prince?

This realization made Zolan bite his lips. How could he miss this? He had kind of suspected this a few days ago. But now it was crystal clear. Her actions right now said a lot. The fact that she still wanted to help him after all that she saw also means only one thing. She cares deeply for him despite everything she knows and had seen.

This was probably the hardest decision he would ever make. If she dies in the prince's hand, they would be doomed. But… he had witnessed it himself, how the prince looked when he stared at the lifeless girl at his feet… and then the risk of the war…

"Fine." Zolan sighed heavily and walked towards the shelf himself, shocking the others and making Evie smile. "Do what you have to do, Princess." He added and the secret door opened.

"I will. Thank you." She said without any hint of doubt in her voice.

"I think I should go with you, Your Highness." Samuel spoke up.

Evie looked at him and was about to shake her head when she remembered the endless steps she had to travel to reach Gavriel. Her knees had weakened from all that walking, and it seems she was still tired from that exercise, so she refrained from rejecting the offer. In fact, she was thankful for the offer of help she would be gaining.

"He's right, Princess. Samuel must go with you." They agreed and thus Evie and Samuel entered the secret door. She had asked for another lamp and the men gave her one.

The men watched, a little tensed, until the two disappeared.

As Evie held onto Samuel, she took a few deep breaths. The vampire was incredibly slow this time compared to his impossible speed when he took her away.

The pitch darkness had slowly made Evie's heart start beating louder. She was relieved that there were no sounds of Gavriel's roar anymore.

It did not take long for them to descend to the bottom and Samuel halted at the end of the stairway. Evie looked over and nodded at him. Using hand signals, she urged him to stay hidden while she went on ahead and approached Gavriel slowly and cautiously.

The man nodded obediently. His gaze was worried but at the same time hopeful. And that made Evie feel even more determined to succeed in her attempt. Her amber eyes glimmered against the light of the lamp when she looked straight into the darkness ahead. The lamp she had left behind earlier… did he smash it?

Evie drew in a deep breath and calmed herself. She took a silent step towards the spot where she had seen him last. She had vowed in her heart that she would find a way to help him. Somehow. She must!

As she drew closer, the pace of her heartbeat quickened. But she realised that she was not fearful as before. She could still feel the same ominous presence filling the space but the effects that it had on her this time around was not the same anymore.

The moment she laid her eyes on him, slumped and slouching over on the ground with his head bowed down in a defeated position, a fierce protectiveness surged within and tightened her chest. This man had never showed any outward displays of weakness to her before. He had always been that almighty prince who was constantly regal and powerful even when he was tired or playing at being naughty.

Since the first time she saw him, she never thought she would one day see him in this state – being so vulnerable . Her urge to sprint over and throw herself onto him, to touch him and hold him in her arms and keep him enveloped in her embrace intensified that it surprised even herself.

Taking yet another deep breath, Evie continued on, very carefully. She was a little worried that any sudden movement on her part might startle the quiet and still man before her.

However, before she could reach him, a low growl echoed from deep within his chest. He then lifted his face and slightly turned it to where she was. The intense blue flames glowed in his eyes as he peeked through his dishevelled hair. Surprisingly, it was not bloodlust that Evie sensed pouring out from him right now. It was insane, uncontrollable hunger. HUNGER?!

"Gav…" Evie could not help but feel a wave of dread sweep through her, causing her heart to shake a little. But she fought the jerk reaction of turning tail and running away. She fought as hard as she could. Nothing about this man should cause this suffocating dread. This man was the same man who had cared for her since he married her.

"Gavriel… It's me. Evie." Her gentle voice echoed, coaxing and very careful. "I'm here to help you… you can recognize me, right? I –"

Evie could not even finish her words as she was suddenly yanked forward and before she knew it, Gavriel's hands were clutching her upper arms – like a drowning man grabbing onto a lifeline – his fangs bared as he was about to bury them in her very tempting neck.