Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son Chapter 789: Fun With Erebus

The crimson dragon touched down upon the snow-blanketed section at the mountain's base.

Employing his abilities, Erebus allowed Seren to set foot on the earth.

"Whoa! Snow," she knelt swiftly and scooped up some snow into her palms, sensing its icy chill and delicate fluffiness. "I've always wondered about two things—the sea and snow. Both my dreams came true right after leaving Abetha. I'm so delighted."

The dragon dipped its head toward the snow, nostrils widening as it sniffed deeply with eyes shut. Afterward, it gazed at Seren.

Understanding his intent, she drew in a breath from the snow cradled in her hands. "It carries a scent like fresh rain, or rather the earth itself, yet far colder. Rain feels warm by contrast. It's lovely."

A satisfied rumble emanated from his chest as Seren added, "I know. Drayce mentioned you adore this aroma, and you detect the same snowy fragrance from me."

Erebus eyed her before scanning the surroundings. Spotting his target—bushes bearing white blossoms—he wielded his powers to gather some flowers and offered them to Seren. She released the snow and accepted the blooms.

Seren recognized them instantly. "I know these flowers. This is the other scent you sense from me," she inhaled their fragrance, a grin lighting her face. "I'm pleased to carry the smell of snow and these flowers to you. Seems I smell enchanting."

Gazing skyward, she remarked, "I wish snow were falling now. No matter, I'll savor it regardless." Kneeling once more, she gathered snow, blended it with petals, and shaped a snowball.

Suddenly, she hurled it at Erebus. The missile struck squarely on his enormous head, bursting apart.

Seren let out a merry giggle. "Don't take it personally. I simply wanted to frolic like the children in my storybooks."

In reply, Erebus summoned his powers, causing a snowball to form mid-air.

"You're not going to throw that at me, are you?" Seren retreated a step, noting it dwarfed her own creation and kept expanding. A direct hit would bury her completely.

At last, he ceased, his scarlet form scrutinizing her.

"You're joking, right?" Seren felt a twinge of fear. With Drayce, she'd trust he wouldn't; but this beast's playful nature remained unpredictable.

The snowball advanced. Seren shrieked loudly, squeezing her eyes shut in anticipation of impact. Yet…

Gentle snowflakes began drifting down upon her. Blinking her eyes open, she saw no massive orb. Looking up, she realized it had dispersed overhead, showering her lightly.

"You nearly frightened me," she muttered. "I love this," her hands reaching to catch the descending flakes.

Snow intensified soon after, and Seren glanced at him. "You can conjure falling snow with your powers? Incredible. Let's recreate it in our chamber back in Agartha. What do you say?"

A soft growl from Erebus signaled his agreement to her every desire.

—

That night, Seren perched on a wooden bench outdoors, admiring the starlit heavens. The sight evoked memories of Drayce, with whom she'd shared such splendor often.

'I wonder if Drayce witnesses it all, how attuned Erebus remains to both him and me. Or has Erebus shielded himself from Drayce's gaze, as always, concealing all knowledge of himself,' she pondered. 'What occupies his mind now? What stirs in Drayce's thoughts?'

Suddenly, a cozy wrap enveloped her shoulders as Erebus settled beside her.

"Thank you," she expressed, relishing the comfort—until abruptly lifted like a feather and placed upon his lap.

A yawn escaped her as she leaned her head against his chest. "I feel weary and drowsy."

His arms clamped tighter around her, only to scoop her up moments later and bear her indoors. He tucked her into bed and joined her there.

Through half-lidded eyes, she regarded him. "You're not thinking of mating right now, are you?"

Instantly, the room's lamps extinguished, drawing her into strong arms against a firm torso.

"Sleep." A gravelly voice rumbled above her.

Relieved he'd permit rest this night, she sighed contentedly. "Thank you," she whispered against his chest, drifting off.

He embodied the savage beast within, yet undeniably cherished his mate.

—

Come morning, Seren awoke alone in the bed. Fully restored from deep slumber, she rose in search of her mate. Kitchen noises drew her there.

A towering silhouette, facing away, busied itself with breakfast preparations.

"Good morning, Erebus," she greeted, approaching. "No powers for cooking today? You actually know how…"

He pivoted to confront her. Seren stiffened—it clearly wasn't Erebus.

"Dray?" she uttered.

"Disappointed he's gone?" Drayce probed, locking eyes as if peering into her essence.

"No… I mean…" Exasperated, she sighed and embraced him. "Please, avoid questions whose answers could wound him or you. Saying no hurts him; yes hurts you. Just know, whoever faces me, brings me joy. To me, you're one being, alright?"

"Forgive me for such torment," Drayce stroked her back. "But I yearned for you endlessly, as if ages had passed without you."

Meeting his gaze, she queried, "Did you notice the mark?"

His eyes drifted to her neck. "I spotted it while you slept. Stunning."

She hummed affirmatively. "I'm famished."

"All set," he led her to the table.

Over breakfast, Drayce shared, "Arlan and Oriana await for the marking ceremony."

Savoring a delicious morsel, she inquired, "When did they get here, and when's the event?"

"Yesterday's arrival, ceremony today. Once prepared, we'll depart to join them."

She nodded. "But I lack suitable attire here. Those dresses from Erebus are merely…"

"I know that beast's lustful ways," Drayce laughed.

She chuckled lightly too. "As if you differ from that beast."

"No denial here," he conceded. "Relax. I've fetched all you require—fresh gowns and jewels."

"Coming like that? Just a magical loincloth?"

"I brought my regular attire too."

Post-meal, they dressed and teleported to King Draven's palace.

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Author's note—To continue the tale from here, please follow all instructions below completely to avoid missing details.

1) Upcoming: Arlan and Oriana's marking ceremony, followed by the three Dragons' journey to the Demon realm. Read chapters 667-695 in "The Devil's Betrothed".

2) Next, the three Dragons and mates venture to the Heaven realm, battling the story's chief antagonist. Seren escapes hellfire's grip, and you encounter the true Devil—Drayce's father.

For this, read chapters 773-824 from "The Devil's Betrothed".

3) Subsequent chapters here resume with Drayce and Seren's return to Megaris. Evanthe rejoins Theron.