Chapter 53

HI LOVELIES,

Chapter 53 is out and it is dedicated to @RaAkshaya :D

The cover above done by @CharlesMegan . I love it C :D

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"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

-Helen Keller

AT EMPEROR PACK...

DARYA P.O.V

The trees were a blur to me as I sprinted through the thick brown forest. I could hear my heavy breaths and the thud of my feet on the ground. Dimly, I could also hear Quillon's footsteps following closely behind me.

Since I was faster than him, I was ahead of him!

I didn't know where Duncan and Sel were, but I did know Konrad was nearby and I couldn't let him see them. He would kill anyone know... anyone!

I harshly wiped the tear from my tears as I feared for Lorcan and Vincent's life. Both are very close to my heart and I swore to do everything I can to protect them.

As I was running, I stopped when I heard a loud ferocious growl. The growl sent a chill down the length of my spine and I gasped audibly while hearing it. The growl was followed by a loud piercing scream that made me close my eyes.

'It's coming from the right' Quillon said and I sprinted in that direction.

We were in a meadow, the land region which Emperor shares with Grier Pack. The land was covered with green grasses and surrounded by tall trees. It's a very peaceful place but today, bodies were lying on the green grasses, which were covered in blood!

I recognized them because they were all part of my former pack. Some of the best fighters, yet no match to the monster that killed them. Fox, Shane, my former guards, were lying on the ground with their body torn into half.

My claws came out and I glared at Konrad's monstrous wolf. The wolf which was twice my size and almost ten feet tall, growled savagely and rushed forward to attack Duncan, Sel and Vernon, who were still fighting with him.

He was in his monstrous wolf form and for the first time, I saw it. Half wolf, half human, the creature was not just scary to look but also very dangerous and powerful. It had its height and strength to its advantage and with that it would crush the opponents.

Sel, Duncan and Vernon were getting badly beaten by Konrad. Sel looked the worst because blood was oozing from one corner of her forehead and left arm. With one large hand, the beast slammed Duncan in the chest that sent him flying backwards.

"Duncan" I screamed my brother's name and Konrad turned his head to look at me. He looked like a rabid dog, with blood dripping from one corner of the mouth and long tongue, stuck out. His demonic claws dug the ground as he shoved Sel away and sprinted towards me.

I joined the monster half way and raising high in the air, I punched him in the chest. The punch was nowhere near as powerful as I thought because he just pulled back and then swatted me away with a furry arm, like I was a fly.

I hit the ground with a thud and saw Quillon rushing towards the monster.

Quillon used Konrad's chest as stairs and then kicking his jaws, he flipped and landed smoothly on his feet. Konrad's wolf stepped back a few steps and then regaining, its composure, it gave a thunderous growl and once moved to attack Quillon.

I went to his help and using my elemental gift of air, I forced a gush of wind towards Konrad. He flew back very easily and then crashed the ground, a few feet away from us.

I looked at Quillon once and he nodded. Together, we rushed towards Konrad. He was one and we were two. Unfair? Well, he was ten fucking feet tall, so I don't think it was unfair!

Konrad, who was on his fours, ran ahead to attack us. Since I was fast, I got him first and kicked his muzzle, while Quillon powerfully punched him below the jaw. Konrad fell on his back with a loud groan, but just as quickly, he flipped and snarled at us.

Quillon was already prepared and so, he twirled high in the air and wrapping an arm around the wolf's shoulders, he slammed his head to the ground. The groan that escaped from the monster this time was one of pain.

I used that opportunity, to use my gift to break a tough branch from a tree. Then holding it, I slammed Konrad in the spine, as hard as I could, breaking his bones. The branch broke into pieces and I closed my eyes as one piece pierced my cheek.

"Nice one" Quillon commented, pulling out a piece that was stuck near his neck.

Before I could reply, Konrad howled.

I never knew he could do that, but he did howl. The result of that howl was me being thrown away from Konrad.

I winced as my face hit the ground. Twirling, I was only able to notice Konrad's wolf running towards me with inane speed. I gritted my teeth and stood up, only to see another similar wolf fighting Quillon.

As I was distracted, I missed the wolf lunging at me and scraping the sensitive skin of my chest. Screaming, I fell on the ground.

"Darya" Quillon screamed and the next moment, he too fell on the ground.

Breathing heavily, I stood up and watched Duncan and Vernon leaping forward to help us. Duncan managed to throw a series of punches to Konrad's stomach and I used that opportunity to slam my elbows on his head.

On the other hand, Quillon was trying his best to break Konrad's neck while Vernon tried to make the monster lose his balance. I didn't know which one was clone and which one was real but I knew, I couldn't let his blood spill to the ground.

When Konrad's wolf stood up again, I used my gift of sky and directed course of electricity at him. He jolted back and trembled violently.

My eyes widened when I saw that.

"Do that again" Duncan whispered to me and gritting my teeth, I continued.

His cries earned the attention of his clone because it shoved Quillon aside and ran towards me. Confused, I turned and directed the current towards the other one.

The monster hit the nearest tree and panted heavily.

'We can kill him by current'

'Powerful current' Quillon filled in and I nodded. It takes more voltage than the one I just gave to kill Konrad without spilling his blood.

'I have a plan' Quillon said and I looked at him encouragingly.

However, before he could continue, both Konrad got up. While one was still in the beast form, other shifted back and settled spiteful dark eyes on me. His fangs were out and so were his demonic black claws as he stood shirtless in human form.

"You seem to forget Darya—" Konrad began and Quillon growled at him, "—That your brother's heir is with me."

"Please let him go" Sel cried.

"Where is he? Where is my son?" Duncan roared the same time I paled.

Sel, who was badly wounded, asked in a wobbly voice. "Please don't hurt him. Please" she begged and my clouded when I saw her like that... broken!

'Darya don't! Don't let him get to you' Quillon said through the link and my eyes widened. 'He is emotionally blackmailing you. Lorcan will be fine. Nothing is going to happen to him' Quillon assured me and I looked at him with hopeful eyes.

"Trying to change her emotions now, aren't you, Sanders?" Konrad sneered and Quillon glared at him. "Try all you can" Konrad said amusedly, "Because nothing you do is going to stop me from killing that boy."

"You bastard" Duncan snarled furiously.

"Careful Rhoades... I don't appreciate being insulted" Konrad remarked and Duncan painfully pursed his lips.

"Let him go" Sel, walked towards us, with shaky legs and tear stained face.

"If you want him alive, then you have to ask Quillon Sanders to give me what I want" Konrad stated flatly and my wolf growled furiously inside me.

He wanted Quillon to sacrifice himself and there is no way that is going to happen. I wouldn't allow that to happen.

Sound of sparks caught Konrad's attention and he sighed when he looked at my hands.

"You don't understand the seriousness of this situation, do you?" Konrad asked in an unbelievable tone and I grinded my teeth against each other.

"Look for yourself" he said gesturing to his right and my eyes widened when I saw Ekon.

However he wasn't alone. He was carrying Lorcan in his arms. They were very far from us. At least sixty feet away!

"Lorcan" Sel screamed and rushed to him, but she was pushed to the nearest tree by the clone. Duncan stopped in his tracks when he saw that.

"Look, but don't touch" Konrad said shaking his head and I growled.

"Let him go" Quillon spoke before me but Konrad didn't reply. When I made a move to go to Lorcan, the clone blocked my way. Furious, I raised my hand to punch, but the clone held my fist with a giant paw. His claws sank into my skin and I winced painfully, while he smirked.

Quillon came to my rescue when he threw a hard punch at the clone before kicking him and making him drop down on the ground.

But someone else dropped on the ground beside the clone and it was... Vernon!

My mouth dropped as I gasped loudly, when I saw Vernon with a hole in his chest. Before I could do or say anything, I glanced at Konrad who smirked triumphantly at me.

"Do not forget who I am and what I can do."

Having said that, Konrad, the sick, sadistic monster, chewed on Vernon's heart!

__

MEANWHILE AT SERENE PACK...

Sabine climbed out of the car she had borrowed from her friend and craned her neck to look at the big building.

DEVINE GRACE, the name of the building was engraved to the wall.

She remembered Quinton telling her that he had moved to the penthouse he has in this family building. She guessed he would be here because he wasn't at his home when she had gone there. Instead, his parents and few pack wolves had been there. When asked, one among them had informed her that Quinn was here.

Without thinking twice, Sabine walked through the entrance and entered the elevator. Once there, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through the messages to check the message in which Quinn had given her his apartment code.

He had told her and shared everything with her, but she had refused to acknowledge it.

Sabine sniffed and wiped her tears because she didn't want to waste time thinking about the past. She just wanted to be there for Quinn. Her mate!

When the elevator reached the top floor, Sabine quickly punched the codes and took a deep breath the very moment the elevator door opened.

__

Closing the door in a fluid movement, Quinton raced downstairs with inhumane speed. However, before he could find any weapon, he heard the bang of the door against the wall.

He lowered his body just in time for the knife to sprint ahead and hit the wall opposite him. Shocked, Quinn turned to look at Sanity, whose lips curled nastily at having missed the second time.

He knew Konrad would send someone after him. He had expected Ekon or even a hypnotized wolf, but he never thought Konrad would send his best after him.

And the bitch was really good, Quinn realized when he recalled the way he barely missed the first knife. A quick face-first dive to the floor had saved his life, when Sanity sneaked into his bedroom through the window.

Quinn didn't even want to know how she managed to get it. All he wanted to do right now was find a weapon to kill her. His baseball bat had been proved useless because she had kicked it right out of his hands. But only after he had slammed her against the nearest wall, Quinn recalled smugly.

When Sanity was about to pull out another knife, Quinn picked the vase from the coffee table and hurled it at her. He didn't bother to see if she got hit or not. Instead, he used that time to go hide behind the couch.

Resting his head against the soft material, Quinn took a deep breath. She wouldn't be able to catch his scent because he had already sprayed the moon flower scent around him. Now all he had to do was get a weapon and if he failed to do it, then he should get the hell out of his apartment.

When Quinn heard the familiar ping of the elevator door his eyes widened in horror. For a second he thought Sanity had brought reinforcements. However, he only heard sounds of soft footsteps.

"Quinton"

Quinn's eyes almost popped out when heard Sabine's voice. His wolf growled inside him and bristled, at the thought of his mate getting hurt.

"Shit" he breathed out and turned his head to look at her, through the edge roll of the couch, walking into his commodious apartment.

Sabine looked around and froze when she saw Quinn peeping at her from the brim of his couch. She blinked and saw him looking to his left.

When she followed his gaze, she saw Sanity hurtling a Kerambit in her direction.

"DUCK" Quinn shouted and Sabine leaned back and dropping to her knees, she skidded ahead and then held the foot of the round table to stop herself from hitting the wall.

Spinning, she looked at Quinn with her mouth wide open and eyes as wide as saucers.

Quinn nodded at her with a guilty expression while she struggled to breathe properly. Closing her mouth, she gulped as her heart hammered in her chest.

Oh God! What did I get myself into... she thought painfully as she tightened her grip on the wooden leg of the table.

Placing his index finger on his lips, Quinn signaled her to be quiet and Sabine nodded hurriedly.

On the other hand, Sanity smirked and pulled out two Kerambits from her jacket. Inserting her thumb fingers into the hole, she twirled the small knife a few times, before enclosing her fingers around the handle.

They were hiding behind the couch and she knew that. Konrad would be so happy to see this... she thought smugly.

Sanity walked, without a sound, like a tiger stalking his prey.

Sabine saw Sanity approaching and she used her index finger to signal the same to Quinn. He mouthed something and Sabine couldn't comprehend it.

"Table" he whispered softly and Sabine nodded. Using all her energy, she toppled the wooden dining table. It fell to its side breaking the glasses, jug and a fruit basket. However, Quinn quickly hurried and picked up as much forks as he could from the floor.

While Sanity threw the Kerambits, Quinn hurtled a fork at her leg. Both got injured. The Kerambit pierced Quinn's right shoulder and the fork dug itself into Sanity's thighs.

"QUINN" Sabine shouted and she helped him get behind the table with her. "Oh My God!" Sabine whimpered when she saw blood coming out of his cut. "What should I do?" she asked him as her eyes clouded.

She wanted to help him. He was hurt and she didn't know what to do to help him!

She made an attempt to pull out the knife but Quinn held her wrist and shook his head. They were both crouching behind the table, to shield themselves from the psychotic teenage girl attacking them.

"I am so sorry" Sabine cried and Quinn looked at her. Her gorgeous, angelic face was pink in anguish and her lower lip wobbled as she sniffed. Even though she was crying, she looked bloody spectacular, he noted in amazement. Hell, she was beautiful inside out!

"It's not your fault. You don't have—"

"For everything" Sabine whispered and placed her hand atop his. Electricity ran all over his body at that touch and his wolf sighed inside him, as he felt the pain of the wound receding. Her touch was comforting and he very much liked and appreciated it because this was the first time, she initiated something.

Belatedly, Quinn realized she was apologizing for her past behavior. A small smile curved on his face after hearing her apology.

"What do I do?" Sabine asked in a low voice, her eyes fixed on the knife pierced to his shoulder.

"It's fine. It's not hurting" Quinn said and peeped over the edge of his shoulder to see Sanity, gritting her teeth and pulling out the fork from her leg.

They could hear Sanity's loud growl and Sabine closed her eyes in fear. "I am scared" she mumbled.

Her eyes flew open, when Quinn entwined his fingers with her own. "I am here" he said, looking at her dark brown eyes and she nodded.

His eyes then flickered to the slight lump visible in her shorts pocket. He pulled out her phone and used it as mirror.

Sanity threw another Kerambit and both of them lowered their heads. While Sanity was about to pull out one more Kerambit, Quinn flung the remaining fork towards her.

Sanity lowered herself and rolled to hide behind a single couch. She growled angrily and tightened her hold on the Kerambit she was holding. Once, Quinton was done with his weapons, she would kill him, she swore viciously.

"What do we do?" Sabine asked him feebly.

"First we keep you safe" Quinn mumbled and rolled the round table. They used that as a shield to move closer to the sliding door, which led to the 360 degree view balcony.

"Go" he told Sabine and she shook her head. "Go" he urged.

"No. No. No. I am not leaving you"

Even though the situation wasn't appropriate, his wolf couldn't help but howl happily after hearing her words.

"I will join you soon. Just go towards the kitchen" he said and she shook her head. "Look at me" he commanded and Sabine looked at him through fretful eyes. "Trust me" he told her.

Sabine knew what he was asking of her and so, she nodded. She trusted him, with her life... with everything!

When they heard a growl coming from Sanity, Quinn quickly slid open the door and helped Sabine out.

She looked at him from the other side of the glass and he managed a shaky smile. With his hand, he motioned for her to go towards the kitchen from the balcony.

She didn't nod, instead her eyes widened and Quinn knew the lefty was about to attack him. Picking up the table, he stood up and then hurled it at lefty. Quinn preferred to call Sanity lefty after Darya had cut that ear of hers.

Sanity was unprepared for it and she covered her face in time just as she fell on the rug, with the table atop her. Throwing it off, she stood up only to have Quinton punch her in the stomach.

As she fell on the couch, she screeched and rushed to attack him. He was prepared for her because he threw one more punch at her. Sanity in return scraped his stomach with her sharp claws. As Quinn lowered his body and clutched his stomach, Sanity cruelly pulled out the Kerambit from his shoulders, which made him scream in pain.

Sabine covered her mouth with her hands while her wolf whimpered in pain. "Quinn" she said slamming her hands on the glass door.

Sanity aimed to stab his neck with the Kerambit , but Quinn held her wrist and enclosing his fingers around her pencil neck, he shoved her to the nearest wall.

"Bitch" he spat as the she-wolf bared her fangs. She aimed to slam her knees against his groin, nevertheless, Quinn managed to sidestep her and then tightening the hold on her wrist, he twisted her hand and pressed her against the wall.

"Not so good in hand to hand are you?" Quinn mocked.

"Maybe not" Sanity murmured and then dug pulling another sword from her back, she punctured it into Quinn's stomach. Placing it there, she twisted it cruelly.

Sabine entwined her fingers and prayed to the Goddess for her mate's safety.

Quinn let go off her and quickly spinning, Sanity kicked him. He fell on the ground and she smirked, "But good enough to kick your ass" she remarked and then pulled out another knife from her boots.

Quinn, who was lying on the ground, smartly raised his leg and kicked her on the stomach. Sanity, who didn't expect it, snarled at him while Quinn rolled on the floor, before finally standing on his feet.

While she made a move to attack him, he pulled out the very Kerambit from her stomach and stabbed her with it.

Sanity's eyes widened and her skin lost color as she panted heavily.

Quinn then pulled out the knife and punctured it in again. Sanity lost balance and she fell into the balcony. Quinn kicked her legs away and closed the door.

Sanity wasn't dead yet, Quinn conceded when he heard her breathing. But before she recouped, Quinn wanted Sabine gone. His place wasn't safe!

He helped Sabine get inside the apartment and she watched him with shaky eyes.

"You killed her" Sabine told him shakily and Quinn shook his head. "She isn't dead" he said breathing roughly. The wound Sanity had inflicted on his body was taking some time to heal. "Go" he told Sabine.

"No" Sabine said and shook her head. "I can help you. Tell me what to do" she begged and Quinn's wolf panicked when he watched Sanity trying to sit up.

"No. I cannot keep you safe here... just go to your home" He said and held her arms.

"I can help" Sabine cried and then placed a trembling hand on Quinn's wound. "I am so sorry" she sobbed as he winced in pain.

"I will be fine... please go"

Sanity growled again and they turned their head to see her standing upright.

"Fuck" Quinn said and holding Sabine's hand, he rushed and hid behind the kitchen counter.

"Oh my god! Oh my God! Oh My god!" Sabine repeatedly muttered, placing a hand on her chest.

"Shhhh" Quinn said and Sabine covered her mouth with her hands. "She can't get in... that's an unbreakable glass" he said proudly and Sabine nodded.

However, her eyes widened when they heard the tap-tap sound against the glass. Sanity was trying to break it and they both knew it.

"She cannot" Quinn assured when Sabine shot him a pained look. To ease her, he even smirked smugly.

Gulping, Sabine peeped from one end at Sabine and her eyes rounded in disbelief when Sabine pulled out a sword, that she had been hiding underneath her shirt.

"Or maybe she can" Quinn muttered with a shrug when Sanity aimed that sword at the glass.

Sabine stared at him with mouth open and Quinn shot her a sheepish smile, which made her pout.

Just then he wanted to kiss her, but he quickly shook his head to throw that thought away... Totally inappropriate!

"She is a bull's-eye" Sabine whispered pressing her knees closer to her chest and gulping, Quinn nodded. Sanity doesn't miss her target because her strength was her eagle eye. The few times he managed to escape it was because he distracted her.

Quinn's eyes sparkled as the realization hit him and he turned to look at his mate, who was repeatedly biting her lower lip.

"Being a bull's-eye is her strength, but she also has a weakness" Quinn informed softly and Sabine turned to look at him questioningly. "Q once told me that if her vision was taken from her, then she cannot hit the target."

"But the Alpha isn't here" Sabine whispered.

"I know" Quinn said and then smirked, "You are here."

Sabine pulled back and stared at him weirdly. "You can do this" Quinn said and Sabine cocked one perfect dark brow.

"Your gift..." he said.

"Man-magnet?" she said and flinched when she heard the first cracking sound of the glass.

"No" Quinn growled, making her jump. "That's not your gift... your gift is unique and beautiful" he said and looked at her eye, "You are light" he stated and Sabine's eyes widened, as her lips parted in surprise.

"Light?" she said and Quinn nodded, with a bright smile.

"Blinding light" he corrected and at that declaration, her wolf howled happily. Finally accepting her gift for what it truly was.

"When they see the light emitting from you, the wolves get blinded... they either see only it or they can't see anything else" he explained and Sabine took in all that information with a puzzled look.

However, slowly she began to understand her own gift. That day, Cable wasn't tempted by her beauty... he was following the light which emitted from her!

She was light...

I am blinding light! She thought proudly.

"Okay" Sabine breathed out and took a deep breath. "What do I do?" she asked him.

"You shine?" Quinn said unsurely and she furrowed her brows. "Light up" he said with a smile and she nodded.

Closing her eyes, she tried but failed. "What happened?" he asked her.

"Sshhhhh" she said and blinking, Quinn decided to keep his mouth shut. Meanwhile, he decided to look for a weapon. He placed his hand on the table top and pulled out a knife... a long and sharp chef's knife. Quinn's frowned when he realized it was the only knife here.

He needed two knives... a paring or a cleaver would work fine, but it wasn't here.

Quinn paled when he watched Sanity create a hole in his unbreakable glass.

Unfortunately, those knives were in the dining table on the other side of the room. If he goes to get it, then either he or Sabine could get killed.

No... he had to stay here, with Sabine. They had to be together to make his plan work.

"Shit" he cursed, sitting right beside Sabine. Her eyes flew open when she heard the curse and she frowned at him.

She was trying to concentrate, but she just couldn't lighten up! Literally!

"What happened?" she asked him and flinched when she heard Sanity's growls.

"I do not have a knife" he said and Sabine furrowed her brows.

"You are holding it" she observed, pointing to the chef's knife, he had in his hand.

"No. I need another one. They are on the other side of the room and I can't... Shit!" he cursed again.

"No knife? You don't have any mini knife? Swiss knife? Fork? Nothing in your kitchen?"

"Forgive me for just moving in and not owning much crockery's" he said sarcastically and Sabine rolled her eyes. "I do have a Swiss knife... but it is... Huh!" Quinn said and Sabine whipped her head to know what happened.

"I do have a knife" Quinn stated as realization dawned on him.

"Yay!" Sabine tried to be cheerful but she couldn't.

"It's in my pocket" he said and then pulled out his purse from the back pocket of his jeans. He then plucked out what looked for Sabine like a credit card.

"You are going to go shopping for knife now?" she asked him sarcastically and he shot her a blank look. "It's a credit card" she pointed out.

"No. It's a credit card surviving tool. Darya's gift for my birthday" he said proudly and Sabine blinked.

Before either of them could say anything, they heard the first piece of glass drop to the marble floor.

"Oh God! She is here... what do I do? I cannot shine... she is going to kill us. She is going to put the knife—"

"Sabine calm down" Quinn said.

"Calm down... I cannot do anything and she is going to kill me" Sabine argued as the glass broke further.

"You can. Just... just focus"

"I cannot. I am scared. I cannot do this"

"You light up when you are happy"

"I am going to get killed and you think that's going to make me happy?" Sabine spat.

"Right! Sorry... just chill... sorry again. Just take a deep bre—"

"Shut up" Sabine growled but still took deep breath. However, groaned when her skin didn't glow. "Why can't I do this?"

"Try to be calm"

"I cannot. My wolf isn't in sync with me and I..."

"Shh... Don't worry. Take your time, we still have time!"

"No we don't" Sabine said, when she peeped and saw a wide hole on the glass. One more hit and Sanity could come in through it.

"Shit again... This cannot work without you. Sabine, just focus" he begged and then to encourage her, he entwined his hand with hers.

Her wolf sighed softly at that and Sabine closed her eyes and parted her lips. When Quinn saw that, he realized just what he had to do to excite her.

"Sabine" he called and she slowly raised her lashes to reveal irises which were bright gold.

Quinn leaned closer and almost pulled back, but when he saw that she wasn't flinching, he closed the distance between them and kissed her.

Every nerve endings in Sabine's body came alive and sparks of electricity ran through her body. Her wolf jumped in excitement when she kissed him back. As her heart pounded, she felt heat engulf her heart and very soon, light emerged from every pore of her skin.

Quinn gently bit her bottom lip before pulling away and then opened his eyes to see his mate, who was glowing gold.

"Yay!" he said and Sabine opened her eyes. She smiled at him and grinning, Quinn pulled her close and pressed another lingering kiss to her mouth.

Just then Sanity made one final whole and then with her hand, she broke the rest of the glass door and stepped inside the apartment.

"Now" Quinn told her and Sabine nodded.

Quinn held the small knife from the tool kit and took a deep breath. "Now or never" he breathed out and both of them stood up at the same time.

When Sanity saw something glowing behind the kitchen counter, she furrowed her brows and aimed her knife at it. But before she could throw it, Sabine stood up.

The light emitting from her skin was so harsh that Sanity had to closer her eyes and cover them with her arms. Quinn used that opportunity to throw the small knife at her.

It pierced her arm and screaming, Sanity lowered her arm to pull it back and throw her knife. However, she couldn't see anything because the light had almost made her vision unclear.

At the same time, Quinn shot the chef's knife at her and she was pushed against the glass wall as it punctured her heart. Losing balance she stumbled in the balcony and tried to compose herself but was unable to find anything because of her temporary blindness.

She held something and by the time she realized it was a delicate branch of a flower plant, she had flipped over the edge of the balcony and fell to her death from the fifty sixth floor of the Devine Grace building.

Quinn and Sabine both watched the scene with wide eyes and dropped jaws.

__

"I didn't mean to do that" Quinn stated breaking the stunned silence of the room. "Well, actually, I did mean to kill her but not like that" he pointed out and Sabine nodded.

"Darya is going to be so angry when she sees the flower pot missing" Quinn said after sometime and Sabine chuckled because Sanity had taken that pot with her too.

Hearing her laugh for the first time, because of him made Quinn smile. He looked at her and saw the way her skin glowed. 'So beautiful' he thought in his mind as his wolf sighed.

Sabine blushed when she caught that lingering gaze and then lowered her head.

"So, you came here because...?" Quinn questioned teasingly and smirked when he saw the delicate skin of her ears turning bright pink because of her blush.

"To help you" Sabine said with a shrug and Quinn raised a brow. "I knew you wouldn't have been able to manage alone"

"Hey" Quinn said offended, "I was managing just fine"

"You were hiding behind a couch"

"I was plotting my next move" Quinn clarified and Sabine rolled her eyes. "I was"

"I believe you" Sabine said and Quinn scowled at the little missy in front of him. However, he later smiled because this was the first time she was behaving so normally around him.

So, this is how his mate really is... cute and cheeky. He liked it. He liked it a lot.

When Sabine caught that smile, she frowned at him.

"Do you?" Quinn asked taking a step forward and Sabine knew he was referring to something else. He was asking her if she believed him in enough to accept him as her mate.

"I do" Sabine answered honestly, taking one more step forward.

Quinn smiled a sincere smile and then closing the distance between her, he lowered his head. While Sabine held his jacket, to pull him close, Quinn winced and dimly realized the wounds in his skin hadn't healed yet.

"Oh God! I am so sorry. I totally forgot about this. Where is your first aid kit? Bathroom?" she asked and before Quinn could say anything she went there.

"Yes" Quinn said and then sat on the couch.

He will take that kiss later... he decided and winced once again.

__

AT EMPEROR PACK....

DARYA'S P.O.V

Gasping, I covered my mouth with my hands when I saw the sick monster feeding on Vernon's heart. Goosebumps appeared all over my skin as I shivered in fear.

How could I forget what he is? How?

Konrad licked the blood from his lips and smirked at us. "Delicous" he said and a sob escaped from my mouth while Quillon stared at him in disgust.

"It's that easy for me to kill him" he said pointing to Lorcan and Sel sobbed loudly when she heard that. "So don't test my patience... just give me what I want" He continued, his eyes fixed on Quillon.

"Stop it" I thundered in rage and Konrad cocked an eyebrow. "Stop it. Just stop this. You cannot win" I swore and Konrad smirked.

"Seems like you still don't believe me" he said and I scowled at him. "Ekon" Konrad said looking at him and I whirled to face him.

Quillon had already told me Ekon had joined Konrad again. However, I still believe he is going to help us.

"Ekon... please let Lorcan go. Give him to his mother" I said looking at Ekon's eyes. Hurt flashed in his eyes and he gulped. "Ekon" I called sharply. "Don't do this. You are not like him" I spat the last word in distaste.

"He is a child... please don't hurt him" Sel cried and to my utter relief, Ekon helped Lorcan stand on his feet.

Lorcan seemed unhurt except for his puffy eyes and tear stained face.

"Mama" Lorcan whispered when he saw Sel.

"I am here baby, I am here" Sel assured him and he sniffed audibly.

She got up to go to him when Lorcan ran towards her. However, my eyes widened in horror, as I saw Ekon holding the collar of Lorcan's uniform shirt and stopping him.

"EKON" I thundered his name in rage as my body shook in fury. The sky split into half by a powerful bolt of lightning and the thunder echoed around the area.

Ekon paled and let go of Lorcan's shirt, however, I was still glaring at him. Duncan and Quillon too were growling at him.

I trusted him and he...

"Step away Ekon" Konrad said as cool as cucumber that made me want to tear him into pieces.

Like a faithful dog, Ekon obeyed him and walked away from Lorcan to stand right beside Konrad.

"Last chance, are you going to give me what I want?" Konrad asked Quillon.

"The only thing I am going to give you is death" Quillon replied smoothly.

Konrad laughed.

He threw his head back and laughed. But then when he looked straight, his fangs were out and blood was dripping from them.

"THEN WATCH HIM DIE" Konrad snarled in an animalistic tone.

Before I knew it, he picked up a steel javelin and threw it towards Lorcan. My eyes widened in horror when I saw that.

All of us sprinted into action at the same time.

I used my gift of air and flung the javelin away the very moment, Quillon kicked it.

The clone had thrown a javelin from other direction and Duncan moved with inhumane speed and broke it into half, while Sel wrapped her arms around Lorcan and shielded him.

As my feet touched the ground, I looked at Lorcan, who was safe and resting his head against his mother's chest.

"Baby bear" Duncan sighed and then skidding towards them, he dropped on his knees and wrapped his arms around his mate and son.

They were safe. My family was safe and I was pleased to see it.

I closed my eyes and heaved a sigh. Then opening them, I turned to look at Konrad who smirked victoriously.

All the aggression got wiped from me as I turned to look at Duncan, Sel and Lorcan. Sel was peppering kisses on Lorcan's face and Duncan was running his hands on his son's and mate's back.

"You are safe. You are safe" Sel repeated as she wiped Lorcan's tears.

"Sel" I whispered her name, when I realized why Konrad was smirking so victoriously.

"Sel" Duncan called when he too saw the blood in his hands. "SEL" Duncan screamed as the color drained from her face and she fell on his chest.

"Mama" Lorcan screamed and I fell on my knees, when I saw the javelin pierced on her spine.

The third javelin.

It had come from an unexpected direction.

And in that unexpected direction, another monster was walking towards us.

Another clone!

****

What can I say? Two Konrad's weren't enough for me!

Anyway, I sincerely hope you liked this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Did you like Saquinn scene? Feeling bad for Sel.. I do too :'(

Next update on 20th March. I intend to complete this story before March 31st!

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I love you all :D