Chapter Two

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Tabitha

An hour later, the four of us walk out the front door of the breeding center, and I breathe in the fresh air as I step to the side to avoid on-comers. This realm homes the most humans, meaning people tend to be quite rude. I spin to face the three men who tower over me, making me feel like a child. They are dressed in street clothing provided by Luparia, free of charge.

"Once we travel back to my realm, I will fill you in on why I purchased you in the first place. It won't be easy, so I hope you're up for the task."

"It is our duty to serve you, my lady," Raisi says. "With anything you need, no matter how big or small."

I smirk at him. "You do not have to call me that. My name is Tabitha."

He nods in response.

"Where are we traveling to?" Theodas asks as he tucks his long hair behind his ears. It's just past his shoulders, thick and shiny. A head of a hair a lot of women would be jealous of, no doubt. With thick hair of my own, I wish it was thinner.

"Belva. It's where I am staying for the time being. There is plenty of space for all of us, along with land too. Lots of space for you to hunt, if you need, though we won't be there long. We will travel."

The three of them nod and watch me with patient expressions. I turn to head down the steps. They follow without me having to say a word.

"We can grab something to eat before we leave. It's best to travel via portal on a full stomach, rather than get sick from an empty one, but we can't stay for long. I have to return as soon as possible to get things in order."

We make our way ten blocks down and get quite a few stares as we go. Purchasing Dravens is a common thing in the realms, though they're like driving a fancy car. Everyone stops to check out the view. Hell, even if they weren't Dravens, people would stop because they stand out and are nice to look at.

Once we reach the bakery, I push the door open and gesture for the three of them to go inside. Raisi presses his hand to the door and holds it open, waving for me to go ahead. I thank him as I go.

Tohr spots me right away and smiles. He's the man who owns this bakery, and many like it. I wouldn't call him a friend, but perhaps more of an acquaintance. Being Dahlia's uncle, we have trust and understanding for one another. He's a short man with a round belly and rosy cheeks. His hair is grey, most of it gone. His eyes are blue, and his mouth is mostly hidden by his full mustache. He is someone many don't take seriously, but that's because it's what he wants you to think. Tohr is a powerful warlock, though most assume he is useless with his magic because of how he looks. Many have referred to him as dopey.

"Leaving so soon?" he asks with a frown, sneaking a glance at the Dravens.

"We're going to eat first."

"Sit wherever you'd like. I'll be with you in a minute."

We are the only people in here but choose a table in the back corner. The bakery isn't big, only a handful of tables with not much room to walk around. Most people grab their food and go.

There is a menu on the table, so I gesture at it for the guys to look over. They take turns to decide on what they want before sliding it to me. I wave a hand at them and say, "I'm all set. I know what I want."

"Do you come here often?" Raisi asks as he looks around, settling his eyes on a painting of a loaf of bread.

"Tohr is one of the few people I trust with traveling."

"So, you stop here everywhere you go?" he continues.

I shake my head. "He is a warlock and has bakeries in ten realms. He mirrors himself, so he is able to be in all of them at once."

I share this with them because it is no secret. There aren't many people who have licenses to run portals, but Tohr is one of them.

"Magic is amazing," Raisi says, glancing around the room.

"It sure is," I comment, taking in the awe in his eyes.

Raisi nudges Kozzanth with his elbow. "Imagine being born a magical creature and having more abilities?"

Kozzanth grunts in response, then turns his attention to me and asks, "Which realm is he not in?"

I open my mouth to answer, but Theodas speaks.

"If I had to guess, I'd say Oedaeth."

I give him an appreciative smile. "You'd be correct."

Tohr comes over, smiling brightly at all of us. He takes us each in. "What can I get you?"

"I'll have my usual," I say. Each of the guys gives their orders, all choosing a sandwich of some sort.

"Will be out right away," Tohr says before heading to the back to work on our food.

"Are you okay?" Theodas asks after a moment.

"Fine, why?" I say, pinching the bridge of my nose. I do feel a headache coming on.

"Your leg is shaking. You seem nervous," he explains.

I hadn't realized I was showing signs of being nervous.

Though they haven't been around normal people, they are trained on social situations and reading cues. Socializing is one of the skills they work on most, so they come across as natural.

At the breeding center, I acted as if I knew little about Dravens, but it was all a show. I needed to play stupid to not make myself obvious. Anything I can do to keep my identity hidden needs to be done. I've done extensive research on Dravens, and probably know more about them than they know about themselves.

"I'm just ready to be home," I explain, and the three of them nod as if they understand, though I'm not sure they do. They have never had a home. Only the breeding center, and before that, the training center.

"Meet me in the office when you're done," Tohr tells me after placing down a red food basket with a wrapped sandwich in front of each of us.

We eat quickly and when we're finished, I lead them to the office where Tohr is already waiting. It's nothing more than a small room with a desk, chair, and one filing cabinet. Best to not have things get sucked into the portal along with the paying customers.

I close the door behind me and dig into my pants pocket to pull out four coins, then hand them to Tohr, who is getting up from his seat behind the desk.

"Is this enough?" I ask.

"More than."

I wink at him, then turn to face the men.

"The moment we go through this portal, you must be on guard. I will discuss your primary duties once we reach home, but for now, your goal is to keep me safe."

"We will always keep you safe," Raisi says. "You are our master now, so that is a given."

I nod once and turn to Tohr. "Whenever you're ready."

He moves to the corner of the room, draws some magical symbols in the air as he mumbles something. The low hum of magic buzzes around us, and soon enough, a dark blue portal appears.

"Allow me to go first," Kozzanth says as he steps forward and disappears through the portal. It's clear he is a man of few words, as he's hardly spoken.

Theodas goes next, then me, and I am certainly grateful for it. When I step through to the other side, Kozzanth is fighting one man, and another is running toward me. They are both in black combat clothing, with every inch of their skin covered. The only thing visible are their eyes through the slits in their masks. They're dark and pure evil.

Theodas stops the running man with a boot to the chest, and when Raisi comes through the portal next, a low growl sounds and he steps forward, ready to help the other two keep me safe. This isn't the first time I've been attacked coming through a portal, which is why I rarely travel alone.

My men fight the two assassins with great skill, and I'm impressed at how they handle the situation with such ease. Of course, it's what they're bred to do, but seeing it is different.

"They are demons," Theodas says once both have been killed. They lie on the ground with broken necks.

I move to one of the assassins and look down at the lifeless body with disgust. None of my three men are out of breath, which has me smiling internally.

"That isn't a surprise," I say, scowling at the demon. I look up at the three Dravens. "Great job." They smile as I pass. Dravens work for praise. It's all they need to be faithful. Their duty and laws force them to be loyal to their masters but feed them praise and you will get much more from them.

The men share quiet conversation about the things we pass as we head down the dirt road toward my home. They note how the trees are different here, and the color of the grass is slightly greener than back in Morden, which is where we just came from. Theodas, who seems to be the brains, gives them all sorts of information on why each realm has different foliage. He goes on about the weather, the soil, and many other things.

We pass an abandoned cottage and stop so they can take it in. Nature has overrun it, with vines covering most of the sides, branches popping out of windows, and bird nests along the roof. This amazes them, which I find to be endearing. They're in awe of something so serene as nature while having just killed two demon assassins.

"Whoa. This is where you live?" Theodas asks, when we reach my home an hour later. Looking up at it, I suppose I can understand his reaction.

I smirk at him over my shoulder. "That's right."

We stop at the wrought-iron gate that looks old and weak but is anything but. I am grateful for the friendship I have with Dahlia, or else who knows where I would be right now. She is a powerful witch and has helped me stay safe over the last three months while I plotted and planned.

I reach for the latch, find the small metal prick, and press my finger to it. It takes a moment for it to read my blood, and once it does, the latch flips up and the gate swings open. Without my offering, it would not open at all. It isn't foolproof, but blood magic is one of the strongest forms of magic.

"After you," I say, gesturing toward the winding stone path that leads up to my front porch.

They look at me with curious expressions as they pass. Seems they know something is up but won't ask. They must have an inkling there is magic at play here. I'm pretty sure they can feel it, as most of us do, but they aren't sure how strict I will be with them. They're taught not to speak out of turn and won't do so until I let them know I'm okay with it.

We walk up the slight hill to my cottage. It's made of grey brick with three different towers. It's spacious, but not very homey, as I knew I wouldn't be here forever.

When I reach the door, I press my hand to the handle and feel the zap at my fingertips as it reads my prints. When the lock clicks, I open the door.

I step in, and the men step in after me.

"In a day or two, my friend will be by to ensure you can come and go without my assistance. A piece of your hair will be needed for her. Since she keeps odd hours, it's likely she will come when I am asleep, which is typical. I'll require you to leave often, sometimes alone and sometimes together. Here in Belva, the rules for Dravens are pretty lax, and if you are stopped, telling them you are mine should suffice. Luparia ensured she would send the proper paperwork over as soon as it was finished so they are aware."

I hope Dahlia will get to them first and fix my name, as she said she would, considering she works in the registration office. Or else, these three Dravens will be registered to Jezza of Belva instead of Tabitha of Demtra.

"Anything you need of us," Kozzanth responds.

I smile, then nod and shake my hands out. They are going numb.

"How about I make us some tea, and then we can talk? I have a lot to explain. Make yourself comfortable in the living room. It's just over there."

I point to the room to the right, and they go that way while I go the opposite way to the kitchen to put on a pot of tea.

I'm not concerned over telling them why I bought them, as that makes no difference to them, and they are sworn to secrecy according to the Draven laws. These laws are something they are bound to follow by the strongest magic. There have been Dravens who have bypassed the laws, but only with help from others. It's doubtful these three could manage it on their own. I don't intend to help them do such things because it is illegal. And also, there is no need for it.

My concern lies in whether they will be able to complete the tasks needed. I also may be wary about admitting my weaknesses. The only person who knows of my truths is Dahlia, and of course, my father. I'll admit it will be nice to have more people to talk to, as it gets rather lonely here. Dahlia hardly comes by unless needed, and as I explained to the Dravens, usually I am asleep when she does, so we get little socializing.

It is wonderful that my Dravens can help with many of my issues, and not just the killing and feeding part. To be honest, I'm tired of getting myself off with my own hands. Bringing men here is out of the question, and going to other's homes is dangerous. Anyone could be working for my father. At least now, I won't have to worry about any of that, as I have three men here to fulfill my every need. Considering I have vampire blood, my sexual appetite is higher than most. And once I start feeding again, it'll be near impossible to control for some time.

I grab the silver serving tray from the cupboard above the refrigerator, place four mugs, the sugar bowl, and the milk dish on it. I put a tea bag in each mug and fill it with water when the kettle whistles, and I carefully bring it to the living room, placing it down on the coffee table in front of the three men who have squished together on my sofa. It's almost laughable the way they hardly fit there.

"I wasn't sure how you took your tea, so I didn't prepare them."

"You are better off telling us how you like yours, so we can make it for you," Raisi says, his grey eyes shining with delight.

"Perhaps," I comment, then put two scoops of sugar into my tea, stir it, and pick it up. "It is that simple."

He nods and picks up a mug without adding milk or sugar.

"There is a lot I must tell you about me and why you are needed. I'd also like to lay out my expectations." They each nod, so I continue. "Firstly, once Dahlia makes her way here, and the house is set up for you to come and go, you can do as you please as long as it doesn't interfere with any plans I have. I don't want to keep you prisoners. Secondly, there are bedrooms for all three of you, if you choose, though you can choose to share one. It is entirely up to you. However, there are nights I am hoping we can share a bed." I say the words without an ounce of embarrassment, as they are aware this is a common part of what they are made for. It's no secret Dravens are good in bed.

They do smirk, though, and I can tell there won't be any issue there. Dravens are made to please. Anything I want, they will give me.

"You can go anywhere in the house, eat as you please, do what you need. I have nothing to hide. Does that sound fair?"

I get a round of yeses.

"Now, for the difficult part. Well, I suppose it won't be so difficult for you, but it is the most important reason I need you three." I put down my cup of tea, noting it is still too hot to drink. I wipe my hands on my thighs and continue. "Have you heard of the Fallen Angel of Amarys?"

They nod, and Theodas says, "We learned of her in one of our books when being taught about reproduction and species."

I nod because that makes sense. It's rare for different species to have children together because it isn't easy. People are more likely to fall pregnant with their own kind.

"Well, that's me."

They look confused before their eyes widen.

"You are the Fallen Angel of Amarys?" Theodas questions carefully, almost like he doesn't believe me.

I nod. "Unfortunately, yes."

"What do you mean unfortunately? The Fallen Angel is to be queen of one of the largest realms, she is—"

I hold my hand up and cut Theodas off. It's clear he has held onto the history knowledge they were taught. I appreciate that, but what is written in books isn't always the truth. It is just the truth the author wants you to know.

"That was all true, but it is no longer. You see, this is why I need you. My father turned out to be a wretched man. No one believes it, but I know he killed my mother."

"The queen is dead?" Theodas asks in a low whisper.

I nod. "Yes, my mother is dead by the hand of my father, though the realms think she is only ill because that is what he has told them. I know the truth, and it's why he kept me locked away for three years in the dungeons. He has decided that only a king shall rule the realm. He has taken many women to bed in hopes they will give him a male heir, but they've only given him daughters. Because of that, he has killed them all. Both the women and their daughters. Once one of these women gives him a son, he will announce the death of my mother."

"Scum," Kozzanth mutters.

"Yes, that is accurate," I say with a nod, trying to keep all emotion out of my words. I've had my time to be sad about this. Now, there is only time for revenge. "My plan is to overthrow my father and take the position that is rightfully mine. There are plenty of people in the realm who will side with me, but there is a list of people we must take out first. They work directly with my father, and have been bringing more followers into Demtra, which will only make it harder for me to take over after his death."

"That seems simple enough," Raisi says. "We are trained killers."

"Precisely. And I have a clear plan written out already. See, you were the last part of this plan. However, there is one more thing that I need help with before we can get to that." I reach for the mug and take a small sip. It burns my tongue, so I put it back down.

"Anything, my queen. Just tell us." I see the sincerity in Raisi's eyes and can't bear to tell him not to call me that. I'd already told them once, and maybe in their own time they will get comfortable enough to use my name.

"I need food," I say simply.

"You want us to go to the market for you?" Kozzanth asks with disappointment in his tone. No doubt he was hoping to murder right away. It's a humorous thought.

It's Theodas who shakes his head, an intense look on his face as we make eye contact.

"No, she doesn't need us to go to the market. She needs us to bring her food. Live food. My question is why."

I give the smallest nod. "My father had my teeth… altered."

I run my tongue along my teeth again self-consciously.

"Teeth?" Raisi questions, frowning.

"Did neither of you pay attention?" Theodas scolds, and I hide my smirk. "The Fallen Angel of Amarys is half angel and half vampire. She must feed like a vampire would, but if she does not have the teeth to do so, then she needs us to do it for her."

Vampires have retractable fangs as Dravens do, only ours are the sharpest of all.

"He's right," I say. "I'm too weak to fight anyone into submission to cut them and drink. Bagged blood isn't the same—it's like not eating at all. Drinking blood from the dead would make me sick. It's quite embarrassing that I can't even feed myself."

Raisi reaches across the table to take my hand, giving me a sympathetic but determined look.

"We will make sure you are fed properly, my queen," Theodas swears. "You have certainly picked the right Dravens for this job."

"We will do everything you have asked of us, and will do it with pride," Kozzanth adds, lifting his chin. "I am grateful to have been chosen by you. It is an honor to complete such an important task."

"To think we are serving the Queen of Demtra?" Raisi says as he looks at Kozzanth and Theodas. When he looks back at me. "I am eager to give you anything you wish, my queen."

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