Chapter 44
Valeria's POV
The forest was a dark expanse around me, thick with shadows as I slipped through its depths, cloaked from prying eyes. Nyx was clever, but I wasn't about to let him sense even a whisper of my plans. His obsession had become a storm on the horizon—dangerous, unyielding. He was watching me too closely, and his desperation had crossed boundaries I'd once thought he wouldn't dare breach.
Tonight, I'd summoned my allies—the ones powerful enough to keep Nyx from pushing further. My only defense against his growing madness would be forces just as ancient, just as relentless. And if Nyx turned his wrath on Adrian, I would need them close, ready to act.
I reached the hidden estate deep within the forest, a fortress masked from all mortal and supernatural eyes, then slipped past its gates, knowing my presence here was undetected. Myra, a sorceress older than most civilizations, and the first to arrive, greeted me with a knowing nod as I stepped inside.
"Cloaking yourself from Nyx—bold move," she murmured. "He must be spiraling if you're resorting to secrecy."
"You have no idea," I replied, scanning the room as more of my allies appeared, one by one. They were formidable, each of them an embodiment of raw power, their forms as varied as their realms. They were my insurance against Nyx's obsession, my contingency if he pushed too far.
Once they'd all gathered, I laid out my plan. "Nyx's fixation with me has turned… dangerous. He's crossed lines and I fear he may try to go after Adrian to force my hand. I need you to watch over Adrian, protect him from Nyx's influence if he tries anything."
A murmur of understanding rippled through them. They knew Nyx's reputation, knew that his love often turned violent when thwarted. They each pledged to stay unseen, to keep close to Adrian, guarding him without Nyx ever suspecting they were there. A brief relief settled over me, though it was bitter. Even with all my precautions, I knew there was no guarantee Nyx wouldn't find some way to slip through.
"If he suspects I've gathered you here, he'll only grow more desperate," I warned. "This stays between us."
They agreed, vanishing into the night like shadows, leaving me alone in the empty hall. I could only hope that their presence would be enough to keep Nyx from making any sudden moves.
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Nyx's POV
She thought she was being clever, thought she could scheme without me knowing. But Valeria didn't understand—my love for her was the very air I breathed, woven into every part of me. I knew her too well to be outmaneuvered by simple tricks. Every move she made was a spark against my instincts, and I could feel her pulling away, barricading herself behind her precious human. As if Adrian could protect her from what she'd awakened in me.
I smiled darkly, the shadows around me thickening with anticipation. If Valeria was trying to keep me at bay, then I would force her hand in another way. I'd spent years searching, learning the loopholes in the laws that governed her kind. And now, I finally had one.
A Siren's bond with a human was absolute—so long as they were faithful. But if that human broke the bond… it would sever, leaving them no choice but to abandon each other. And I had just the weapon to make sure Adrian's loyalty didn't last.
In the dim light of my realm, I called forth another Siren. "Callista," I whispered.
She emerged from the shadows, her beauty as predatory as her reputation. Midnight waves of hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes, the color of storm-tossed seas, gleamed with interest. She was a rare beauty, her allure legendary even among Sirens, and her own vendetta against Valeria only made her more willing to accept the task.
"Nyx," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "Summoning me for such… delicate work? You must be desperate."
I didn't bother to hide my smirk. "I need Adrian tempted. If he gives in, their bond will shatter. She will be mine again."
Callista's lips curled into a wicked smile, her eyes glittering. "And you're certain he'll fall?"
I nodded. "You're a Siren, Callista. You understand what it takes to break a mortal." I took a step closer, letting the chill of my intentions soak into my words. "Make him fall. Make him forget all sense of loyalty, just for a moment."
She gave a slight bow, that dark gleam of malice in her eyes never wavering. "Consider it done, Nyx."
With a snap of her fingers, Callista's form dissipated into a wisp of shadow, reappearing on the mortal plane. I watched her go, knowing that by the time Valeria realized what I'd set into motion, it would be too late. Adrian would betray her, whether he meant to or not, and that bond would break like shattering glass.
The anticipation curled around me like a vice. Soon, Valeria would be mine. And when her human lover lay broken and lost, she would have nowhere else to turn.
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Valeria's POV
After my allies departed, I returned to Adrian, my mind heavy with the weight of my plan. I knew Nyx well enough to sense he wouldn't back down quietly, that he'd try anything to force me to his side. But tonight, the protection I'd put in place would be enough. At least, that's what I kept telling myself.
When I found Adrian, he was by the window, his silhouette painted in the glow of city lights. His gaze was distant, a slight frown marking his brow.
"Everything alright?" he asked, his voice warm as I slipped my hand into his.
"Yes," I murmured, feeling the reassurance of his touch. But as I looked at him, a new wave of unease rolled through me. If Nyx ever discovered my plan, I didn't know how far he'd go to unravel it. And tonight, I felt as if I were balancing on the edge of a blade, with shadows waiting to close in.
For now, I held onto the fragile peace between us, hoping it would last, even as I sensed the storm drawing closer.