The Beast And The Blessed

Eighty-Three: Killian

Killian's P.O.V

She didn't sleep last night, so I didn't sleep. I hated that she was scared, and I held her to my chest as her heart raced away with fear. Every few minutes, despite being in my arms, she would move her hands along my skin as if she were making sure I was still there and alive.

Once she settled, the slightest noise would set her off, and her magic would swirl around us violently. She was prepared for battle, one that she had to fight alone, which killed me. I wanted to fight it with her, for her, if I could.

Aurora had stated that if we touched Natalie while she was in or going to the other side, we would go with her and be trapped.

If her theory was correct, I didn't think my father would summon her to the veil again if he knew I would be trapped there with her. He wanted to send a message or deliver a warning, but he wouldn't risk my life or our family's position on the throne to do it.

I suspected that Charlie would not want to take over if something happened to me.

In the meantime, Natalie was going to be stuck with my neediness. I wanted to touch her as often as possible until we were sure it wouldn't happen again.

Her breathing evened out, and I sighed quietly as she fell asleep. The last time she had gotten any rest was the night before she was taken. She needed this.

Her little hand was shoved between two buttons on my shirt and pressed against the skin of my chest. I looked down at her in my lap. She was curled up in a ball with her head against my shoulder and her legs draped limply over the arm of the chair. It almost hurt to look at her and how perfect she was.

I had always been seen as a monster by most. Having Natalie in my arms only confirmed that for me. I would burn this world for her. Anyone who thought to cross her would have to face me, and I would show them just how vicious and evil I could be. She may have tamed my rage and bloodlust, but that didn't mean it wasn't still there, bubbling beneath my skin.

There was a knock on my office door before it cracked open, and Joselin peaked her head in with a smile. It was a sight to knock anyone off their axis and fill them with unease. Joselin rarely ever genuinely smiled. She grimaced, glowered, and glared.

in her white eyes sparkled even more when she pushed the door open the rest of the way, and the council

to threaten them, but Joselin cut

"We found Talia."

straighter in my chair, carefully keeping Natalie as still as

north of where the patrol was found, but we must move fast. How many witches she has working with her is unclear, but we know she is not alone. She's going to know we are coming. We thought we found her last night, but she has only grown stronger since then, and the masking was even harder to break through this morning. Several power sources surround her, but hers appears to be the strongest." Joselin reached forward, sliding my laptop to the side and unfolding the map

siphon from her before the attack?" Rona said as she placed both palms on my desk, focusing on the mountain range

she senses it, she

shifted in my arms, and I held her tighter. She let out a sweet sigh as she nuzzled her face

drain her without her knowing, but it takes a long time. I found a way to pull from another witch little by little until they didn't have enough left in their body to even get out of bed." Rona was still staring at the map, but the

made eye contact momentarily in silent agreement that once Talia was dealt with, Rona would have to

to say it for everyone in the room to know it was how she had killed her own mother. The

would it take?" I asked, pushing down my

have, but we may be able to speed up the process if we work together. It doesn't matter how little it is. Anything we can take from her would be helpful." Rona smiled at me, not bothering to lower her voice to prevent

and I saw her eyes open as she

back in my chair, listening to the witches formulate their plan,

"I don't know how, but I believe your little trip yesterday did something to expose our enemies. This war

men and women, and Natalie would have to fight, something I was still unhappy about. If Joselin's vision was still correct, Natalie would

up to stand, leaving her hand on my shoulder. I could see the wheels turning in

calling a meeting of my commanders in an hour. I want all of you in the conference room to participate. It's time we attack." I said, and I felt the pressure on my shoulder from Natalie's hand lift slightly before she

her. My hand shot out, and I grabbed hers, but she only squeezed