110. Jayce

CHAPTER 110

Jayce

As I observe my comrades slip beneath the murky surface, a wave of revulsion washes over me at the thought of plunging into the stagnant depths. The air is heavy with the scent of decay, and I can practically taste the musty, earthy odor that emanates from the water.

With a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, I watch as Aurora stands at the mouth of the tunnel, her gaze fixed on Klaus as he disappears beneath the surface. A shiver runs down her spine, visible even from a distance, as she contemplates the dark, forbidding waters before her.

In the dim light filtering through the trees, the water takes on an ominous hue, its surface rippling with unseen currents. It's a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath, hidden from view but ever-present in the depths below.

"Need me to go first, my love?" I speak softly as I approach Aurora. She pivots to face me and smiles.

"I'm good, Jayce. I've just got a lot on my mind. My gut tells me Vladimir is in a tower watching everything. But for the lack of a better reason, we need to clear the castle out. I can't stand to think that those leeches have infested my mother's home all these years." Aurora's beast makes itself known to punctuate her agitation.

"Then that's what we shall do." Gently, I caress her shoulder then pull her in close for a hug. My Queen, my love, my life, I would move heaven and hell for this woman in my arms. I may not be the warrior my brother is, but I'm deadly in my own rights.

Aurora looks up to me, and a smile slowly creeps its way across her crimson lips. Her eyes are that of her beast and slowly fade to their human steel-grey. "I love you, Jayce. Thank you for being my rock and my comfort." I watch her raise up onto her tippy toes and place a feather-light kiss on my lips. I sigh softly at the emotionally tender moment and smile at her. "Let's get going, love, time to fuck some shit up!" Aurora says as she starts to bounce her way over to the tunnel. There's the take-no-prisoners mate I know and love.

As I watch Aurora gracefully slip beneath the surface of the water, a surge of adrenaline courses through my veins. With a deep breath, I steel myself for what lies ahead and plunge into the cold embrace of the water below.

The sensation is jarring, the icy chill seeping into my bones as I begin to descend into the murky depths. My senses come alive as I immerse myself in this underwater world, my eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering through the water.

Around me, the underwater landscape unfolds in a mesmerizing display of color and movement. Algae-covered walls line the tunnel, swaying gently in the current like ethereal dancers. Delicate underwater plants reach out with tendrils, their forms twisting and undulating in the water.

Amidst the foliage, tiny fish dart and weave, their shimmering scales catching the faint light. Their movements are swift and graceful, a testament to the vibrant life that thrives beneath the surface.

As we navigate the twisting tunnel, each bend revealing a new vista, I can't help but marvel at the beauty that surrounds us. Despite the darkness and the chill of the water, there is a sense of serenity in this hidden world beneath the waves.

Eventually, we reach a small chamber, a sanctuary of sorts in the midst of our journey. With a sigh of relief, we surface, our lungs grateful for the precious air above.

As we hover in the cool night air, a sense of tranquility washes over us, a welcome respite from the tension that has gripped us for so long. Each breath we take is crisp and invigorating, the night air tinged with the scent of pine and earth. In the darkness, we can hear the faint rustle of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

Amidst the calm, we check in with our bond mates, the connection between us strong and reassuring. Arnulf's voice cuts through the stillness, his words carrying a weight of authority and urgency. He confirms Aurora's suspicions, informing us that Vladimir has indeed taken refuge in the eastern tower of the castle.

The news sends a shiver down my spine, a palpable sense of unease settling over me. But amidst the apprehension, there is also a glimmer of hope. Desi's small group of Merlin Falcons have provided invaluable intel, their keen eyes spotting the figure of an aged man in the solitary tower.

As we digest this information, a sense of determination settles over us, driving us forward in our mission. With each passing moment, we draw closer to the confrontation that will determine the fate of our loved ones and our pack.

Aurora's eyes flicker and glow; the crackle of purple energy races over her skin as well as a light sheen of frost. Aurora slowly turns and looks at all of us as she's embraced by the ethereal glow. "The Wyvern has been removed from the equation, as well as most of the Lycan force. Our only remaining hurdle is how many Strigoi are left roaming the grounds." Aurora steeples her fingers in front of her, closes her eyes for a moment, and then opens them quickly.

"Once the castle is empty, I will raze the majority of the courtyard and outer towers to the ground with the help of the dragons. When it's time, Jayce, love, I need you to summon all the venom-bearing wolves and Dom. We won't leave Vladimir any possible escape route." Aurora breathes in a slow, measured breath then smiles. Her beast's vicious teeth have descended. "Vladimir is mine." Our team nods slowly, agreeing with Aurora before we start to swim again.

As we navigate through the murky waters and navigate the labyrinthine caverns, the air grows thick with the scent of damp earth and mildew. The sound of our splashing footsteps echoes off of the stone walls, creating an eerie symphony that reverberates through the cavern.

Finally, we reach our destination: an old armory hidden deep within the depths of the cave. The air is heavy with the musty aroma of rust and decay, mingling with the metallic tang of old weapons. With each step, the water laps at our legs, sending ripples cascading through the dimly lit chamber.

Aurora's movements are deliberate and purposeful as she surveys the remnants of the armory. The dim light casts long shadows across the room, adding to the sense of foreboding that hangs in the air. Despite the destruction wrought by years of neglect and moisture, the remnants of the armory still hold a haunting beauty.

As Aurora reaches under a ragged cloth, a glimmer of excitement dances in her eyes. With a sense of reverence, she retrieves two large maces from their resting place. The weight of the weapons feels solid and reassuring in my hands as she passes one to Klaus and the other to me.

In this moment, surrounded by the relics of a bygone era, I can't help but feel a surge of determination. Armed with these ancient weapons, we stand ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, united in our quest for justice and redemption.

"Arnulf, love, can you take a quick flight through the lower level and let us know what we're dealing with down here?" Arnulf simply nods and starts to strip. I can't get over the lithe planes of his body—he's defined and sleek like most flight shifters. His skin is sun-kissed and bears very few visible scars. I hear Aurora giggle and realize that I'm busted; she's caught me staring at Arnulf. Klaus also looks quite sheepish as he tries to act like he wasn't looking either.

Out of all of us, I believe that Arnulf has the most beautiful shift. His bird seems to just emerge into existence, unlike the rest of us where our beasts break our bodies. Aurora is left holding Arnulf's belongings while he goes and scouts ahead for us. We remain still standing in the knee-deep water. Every movement sends out ripples, traveling who knows how far through the water.

It seems like forever before Arnulf returns and shifts back to his human form. Aurora helps him dress before he starts speaking, "For the most part, we are alone down here. I did, however, find a mass grave in one of the chambers. It appears it's one of the burial sites for the Strigoi. Light covers the entire room so they cannot rise if they wanted to. Unfortunately, for our teams outside, the trees provide enough cover for the leeches to move about." Arnulf digs in his bag and pulls out herbs and bottles. "We need to fill these bottles with water and put the herbs in. The herbs are blessed and will kill the Strigoi in their slumber. We will sanctify the earth, thus killing them in the process." Arnulf nods, sure of his statements.

"You heard the man." I say, then look toward the door and make a sweeping motion. "Lead the way, Arnulf. You're in charge."

Arnulf looks at me, shocked, and then begins to move forward. Klaus quickly grabs him by the shoulder and stops him. Klaus makes the shh motion with his index finger to his lips. My eyes fall to the water, and I watch the ripples moving toward us. Someone, or something, is walking around down here, and it's not one of ours.

Aurora reaches out through the bond to me, Klaus, and Arnulf. Draw your swords slowly and quietly, just in case. Stay clear of the door. If I have to, I will use my breath weapon on whatever is trying to get in here. We nod and motion to the others to get ready.

We can hear the faint click of Aurora's ignitor fire, and her eyes blaze with the power of the ancient. She is one hundred percent in seek and destroy mode. Gradually, the door opens; whoever is pushing on it is quite hesitant. When the door is three-quarters of the way open, a teenage boy sticks his head into the room. Aurora immediately freezes him in his place and covers his mouth with ice so he can't scream.

The young male is frightened, and his scent screams Lycan. Aurora growls deep in her chest. Her oppressive Alpha power fills the small room, making those not in our bond start to whine. She moves with an unearthly grace and gets right in the face of the young Lycan. She uses the wolves pack link to speak directly into the mind of the pup. Klaus and I can hear her clear as day. Who sent you? She growls out as she stares at him.

The young male starts to cry and pisses himself from fear. Vladimir. My entire family has died today. I don't want to die in his war. Please tell me you're the ghost-wolf sent to kill him." His eyes convey all the pain and anguish he is feeling. Aurora smirks and frees the boy.

"Gus, take the boy back through the tunnels to safety. Give him to Dominik." Aurora reaches into her hair and cuts free a small white braid. She reaches out and fastens the braid to the boy's wrist. "Show this to my mate, Dominik, and to my dragon mate, Alaric. You are safe now, pup." In an uncharacteristic move, Aurora grips the boy behind his neck and presses her forehead to his. "Go" is the last word spoken to the boy and to Gus.

"That was odd," I say softly, thinking I wasn't heard.

Aurora smirks and looks at me. "He's of my grandfather's bloodline, diluted but related to me. One of his parents was probably a product of one of the old king's flings with the help." Aurora shrugs her shoulders then starts through the door into the lower chambers.

Room by room, we clear them, ensuring nothing that isn't part of our team lived. Twenty-some odd rooms later, we come to the chamber in question. We take every precaution in securing the room. So far, no hidden passages or other ways in and out have been found. Arnulf gathers his herbs, and we all take turns filling the flasks up with water for him to bless and sanctify the ground. As the last grave receives the blessed herbs, screams and howls start to rise from the soil below. Arnulf continues with the blessing ritual with Aurora at his side as his personal guard.

Several Strigoi attempt to rise, and we decapitate them immediately. Aurora stands like a sentinel over Arnulf. She's watching over him, making sure nothing interferes with the important work he's trying to accomplish. I can feel it in my very being when Aurora starts reaching out to every mate in our bond. I feel her tug on the threads that bind us, making sure each one of us is okay. Her breathing hitches when she senses what has occurred with Dimitri.

A twisted smile plays upon her angelic lips. I want her head , is all Aurora says through the bond before we hear the answering roar of Dimitri's bear.

It shall be done. The link fades quickly after that, and Aurora's determination to end this war is doubled.

"We are done here, my love," Arnulf speaks softly as he looks up to Aurora from where he is kneeling on the ground before her.

Aurora slowly turns and looks at Arnulf with so much love and adoration, it makes my heart swell. She extends her hands to him, offering assistance to stand. Hesitantly, Arnulf accepts her help and stands, and she promptly kisses him then sets him loose. "Okay, now that the leeches are under control and the lower level is secure, let's head upstairs and clear out the next level," Aurora states, leaving no room for argument or questions. The Aurora we all know and love is back with a vengeance, and she seems ready to rain hell on earth.

We watch her walk out of the room with Arnulf reluctantly in tow behind her. We stand there collectively watching her walk out; she's a woman on a mission with a beast out for blood. On to the next level, I suppose. Here we go again.