Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son Chapter 782: Evanthe And Erebus

Erebus reached the spot where he had constructed his nest, the dwelling meant for both his mate and himself.

A lovely cottage stood at the far edge of expansive terrain stretching toward the valley beyond. Lush greenery blanketed the wide expanse, featuring verdant grass, countless plants alive with vibrant blossoms in full display.

Towering peaks capped in snow rose on the valley's opposite side, offering a stunning vista visible from the cottage's front door, which faced directly toward the valley and those icy mountains.

With Seren in his arms, he entered the freshly constructed snug cottage, complete with a single drawing room, a kitchen, and an expansive bedroom dominated by a massive bed in its midst, flanked by large windows at the rear that framed the majestic snowy mountain view.

Gently, he laid her in the bed's center, his intense dark eyes refusing to leave his mate's lovely features. He joined her on the bed, wrapping his arms around her form and drawing her nearer, as though lulling her into restful slumber. Her petite frame molded against his powerful build, her fragile visage nestled snugly into his chest.

His lips brushed her forehead as he breathed in her alluring aroma, now intensified since he had marked her. His eyes drifted shut too, cradling her in a shield against all peril.

Beasts remained ever vigilant during the phase when their newly marked mate lay unconscious and vulnerable, her spirit battling the bond's imprint. Enemies of such a beast might seize the chance to slay his mate, inflicting agony on the male and paving the way for his downfall.

Even without nearby dangers, Erebus's primal urges compelled him to safeguard her fiercely. Should any intruder dare approach his nest, death would swiftly follow.

The winged creatures tasked with aerial patrols had received strict orders to avoid this zone, lest they perish under a Dragon's wrath.

As late afternoon approached, Erebus's eyes shot open upon detecting an intruder's aura nearby. Overwhelmed by fierce guardianship, his senses failed to identify the visitor.

His stare darkened with murderous intent as he exited the cottage, shadows beginning to coil around him. Poised to unleash a torrent of darkness across the cottage's perimeter to eradicate the unseen threat, a known voice halted him.

"Erebus, it's me. Your mother."

His gaze shifted to the woman he knew, positioned wisely off to his right. She had cleverly avoided standing in his direct path, allowing him time to identify her before launching an assault on the nest's trespasser.

A spark of recognition lit his shadowy eyes. Gradually, he drew back the encroaching darkness and observed his mother drawing near.

Evanthe advanced toward him, unable to suppress her thoughts. 'The sheer force of his darkness rivals his father's might. Should he fully master it, he could shatter all three realms. Fortunately, Drayce stays level-headed and has never pushed his powers that far. In a way, it's beneficial that Drayce has reined in his darkness, preventing it from consuming him.

Without his reason intact, Erebus could prove utterly perilous, yet Seren may serve as his anchor. I must do everything to conceal his full strength, keeping the deities ignorant of his presence. Discovery would lead them to repeat their cruelty toward his father—or worse. The gods must never learn of my son's existence.'

Positioned before him, she studied his form intently, reunited after such a prolonged absence.

Erebus regarded her too, his feral presence vanishing upon beholding his mother.

Cautiously, she extended her hand toward his face, mindful not to force the contact. Any sign of resistance from him, and she would withdraw.

Yet he remained motionless, gazing at her steadily, permitting her palm to rest on his cheek.

Relief washed over Evanthe that he accepted her touch.

Particularly now, with his mate freshly marked and awaiting awakening, a beast's focus centered solely on her, intolerant of any outsiders—be they mother or sibling—much less physical contact. Erebus embodied the beast completely, his human traits residing in Drayce; she marveled at his restraint in permitting her proximity or caress.

With tender maternal affection, her fingers stroked his cheek, tears welling in her eyes. "I am glad you recognise me," she murmured gently, "It's been so long since I saw you, Erebus."

Her previous encounter with him occurred when he was merely four and a half years old. His presence began manifesting around Drayce's third birthday, as the boy developed intense feelings typical of children, anger foremost among them. At three, Drayce comprehended slights against him, triggering eruptions of his darkness.

She then instructed Drayce to resist his rage and shadowy nature, reminding him he dwelled as a human among humans and must refrain from wielding powers. Destined to rule Megaris as king, he ought not govern through terror inspired by his abilities.

She pondered whether her lessons and his vow—to employ powers only for protection—had prompted him to isolate his dark aspect and embrace a human existence, fostering his disdain for it.

'He will fulfill his fate in time, and this suppression until now surely serves his greater purpose.'

Silently, Erebus watched her, his obsidian gaze betraying no inner feelings.

As she began to pull her hand back, he covered it with his own, holding it to his cheek, and uttered, "Mother!"

His tone resonated deeper and weightier than Drayce's, laced with a raw edge.

The sentiments she had restrained surged forth, tears glistening in her eyes. Uncertain how to proceed, she yearned to embrace him but restrained herself. Tolerating her touch marked the beast's utmost limit.

Brushing away her tears, she said, "I would like to talk to you for longer, but at this moment I am here to help you with your mate. Would it be fine for me to check how she is doing?" She paused, seeking his consent, "Only if you allow me to."

He fixed her with a silent stare, seemingly pondering the request, before shifting aside to reveal the cottage entrance he had obscured.

Evanthe realized he had granted permission. Joy filled her, affirming that Drayce and Erebus cherished her equally.