Chapter 31 Deal and the price to pay

Calista gasped. Her instincts screamed, and before she could think, her hands flew up, gripping Ethan's wrist in a desperate attempt to stop him. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

"What the hell are you doing?!" she choked out.

Ethan's golden eyes remained unwavering, his grip firm, the blade still hovering over her heart. "Drawing blood from your heart," he said, as if he were discussing the weather.

She let out a breathless, disbelieving laugh. "Would it kill you to wait until I finish reading?" She forced a smile, though her hands still clung to his.

Ethan exhaled sharply, clearly unimpressed. "Hurry up," he muttered, tapping his foot impatiently.

Taking a steadying breath, she turned back to the ancient carvings. The words seemed to glow under her gaze, their meaning unraveling in her mind like an old memory.

"The act of drawing the blood must be willing," she read, her voice calmer now. "If forced, it would worsen the state of the betrayal."

A slow, triumphant smile spread across her lips.

She turned to Ethan, arching a brow. "Guess you're out of luck."

His expression darkened.

Ethan's jaw clenched, irritation flickering in his golden eyes. "Are you telling me you'll willingly cut into your own heart?" His voice almost sounded like a plea-though he'd probably rather swallow fire than admit it.

Calista folded her arms. "No." A smirk ghosted her lips. "Unless..."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Unless what?"

She circled him, slow and deliberate, like a wolf sizing up prey. "We make a deal."

Ethan scoffed. "A deal?"

"You heard me." She stopped just inches from him. "You give me a map to escape this place." Her gaze flickered, gauging his reaction. "And you make sure I have everything I need.

The air between them crackled with tension. For a moment, he just stared, unreadable.

Then, with a sharp exhale, he muttered, "Fine. I agree."

She held up a hand before he could hand her the knife. "Wait."

Ethan groaned. "What now?"

She met his gaze dead on. "King Alexander can't know about this." Her voice was firm, unwavering. "And I want it in writing."

His golden eyes darkened, but after a long pause, he grabbed a nearby scroll. With a flick of his wrist, he slit his own palm, letting his blood stain the paper as he signed.

" So this is how it feels to have the upper hand" she muttered to herself. A proudful smile gradually grew on her face.

" Now you have to honour the deal".

"Sure" her throat popped up and down, as realisation dawned on her " my heart blood?". Her hands were slightly shaken.

She took a deep breath, her shoulders shaking. She took the knife, aiming it to her chest.

"Ahhh" she stopped midway, cold sweat trickled down her face, she blew out air.

Ethan, who has been waiting in anticipation, pulled his hair in frustration and disbelief.

" Calista, man up" he tried to encourage her, but his voice did the opposite, it sounded more like a threat.

Calista couldn't help but glare at him " I'm trying and secondly I'm not a man" she refuted back.

" deep breath, deep breath, you can endure this," Ethan muttered to himself.

"Ahhhhh" her hands stopped midway, her hands become sweaty. 

" I can't, " she muttered, before dropping to the floor.

Ethan closed his eyes, his head tilt backward. After a while, he squatted beside her " you can do this Calista, remember you want to escape from this hell hole" he encouraged " this is your ticket" his voice soft but impatient.

Calista's eyes meet his, before a look of conviction crossed through it . " He is right, this is my only chance, and I will take it" she thought inwardly.

" Okay?" 

"Yes, I am ready" she gripped the blade , her fingers tightening around its hilt.

Ethan eyes filled with anticipation 

" Clank" she stopped midway, her curious eyes met with Ethan's fearful one.

They both turned around and behold, the great Lord Alexander standing, his chains shattered at his feet, black veins crawling up his arms, his chest rising and falling with an unnatural calm.

" what… the hell?" Ethan muttered, his pupils contracted into a golden slit.

His fangs and claws elongated, and he stepped in front of Calista, shielding her.

Alexander pitched eyes, locked onto Calista who was hiding behind Ethan. His chest rumbled in irritation.

He didn't like how close they were.

His eyes saw red " grrh" he growled before clashing with Ethan.

They threw blows and kicks. " Alexander" Ethan called out " come to your senses".

Ethan was sent flying by a blow. "Clash".

He stood up immediately, conjuring his flames " Come to your senses now before I beat the sh*t out of you" he warned, his face dripping with blood.

Calista hid behind a rock, she held onto her pendent, praying not to be found by him. She peeked at them occasionally.

She had to close her eyes, from the bright light of flames clashing here and there.

Ethan landed a blow on Alexander's face, Alexander paused from the impact. He hand reached out to his face, blood streaming down his cheeks.

" uh oh" Ethan was sent flying, he crashed through rocks, before landing on the floor, he coughed out blood.

Calista's heart limped to her throat, " stay still" she advises herself.

But before she knew, she was already beside Ethan, helping him stand up.

" Don't look at me like that" her voice sounded stern, " you are my ally, so I have to make sure, you survive the battle" she added, her voice laced with concern.

Alexander became angry, the black veins popping out more evidently, anger blazed in his eyes.

" Get away from him" he commanded.

He blurred towards her, reaching for her, but Ethan suddenly blocked him with his dragon sword.

Another bloody battle broke out between them, this time no one was holding back. Alexander summoned his hellfire sword. " clash" " clash" "clash".

Alexander's body was ablaze in hell fire flame, Ethan eyes shone with fear, but he wouldn't let him hurt Calista.

He transforms into a majestic white dragon, and he throws fire at Alexander. Alexander blocked his flames easily by his sword, walking closer to him.