Page 107 of Galen

Chapter Nineteen

Galen

The five of us stood outside the entrance to the underworld, shrouded in the darkness of the forest on the outskirts of the sleepy seaside town. There were very few ways to enter the realm of the undying without being noticed, but Lazarus had found a crack in the defenses that would allow us to discreetly slip inside.

I hadn’t set Wrath free yet, but I felt him slithering through my veins. Waiting. Sometimes I felt like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. When Wrath took over, I wasn’t me anymore. Not really.

“You don’t have to do this, Galen,” Alastair said, the worry in his tone tangible.

“We’ve already discussed this.”

“And what about when the fight is over?” he asked. “Lazarus was forced to throw you into a cage last time and almost killed you. I refuse to watch you die.”

The hurt lacing his voice caused a dull ache over my heart, but my decision was made. “Then look away.”

I held on to hope that I’d be able to take back control when the time came. Once Simon was safe and back in my arms, I believed Wrath would soothe, just like he did every time my human was nearby.

Was it a gamble? Definitely. But the frustrating truth was Wrath made me stronger. And I’d go to any length to save my destined mate.

“Kon will be here soon,” Bellamy said.

The vampire appeared moments later, stepping into the small clearing. His purple eyes faintly glowed in the dark night. “Sorry I’m late. I needed to think.”

“About what?” I asked.

“Well, if I come with you, it will be an act of war between my kind and the demons. You all know I care for you. But I think it’s best that I remain neutral in this fight. I can’t risk the safety of my people.”

I gritted my teeth. “It was one ofyourkind who sold out my brother to the demons. Is that not taking sides?”

“The vampire in question has been dealt with, I assure you,” Konnar said. “I pride myself in being a safe haven for all beings. My club is open to everyone. Demons included.”

“I thought you were our friend. But you—”

“He’s right,” Alastair said, placing a hand on my arm just as I stepped toward the vampire. “This isn’t his fight. We can’t ask such a thing of him.”

“Why did you come, then?” Daman asked in a venomous tone.

“To give you some information,” Konnar answered. “I questioned the vamp who betrayed your brother. ‘Questioned’ being a kind way to explain what I did to him. He told me the demons offered him certain assurances if he helped capture one of you.”

“What kind of assurances?” Alastair asked.

“That when the demons rise and take over the world, vampires will have free rein of the humans they will enslave.” Konnar shook his head. “You see, I like things the way they are. Demons ruling the earth, humans being conquered and treated like cattle… I don’t want that. So this is me indirectly interfering with your war to say you better stop it. And one other thing… I was told a ceremony is being held tonight to welcome the new king. It will take place outside the palace.” The center of his brow dipped. “Their defenses will be strong.”

“Yet, they’ll also be distracted,” Raiden said with a grin. “We’ll take ’em by surprise.”

“Good luck,” Konnar said before walking back toward the trees. He looked over his shoulder at us before he reached them. “I know I’m supposed to be neutral in this. But kick their asses, okay? Don’t get yourselves killed.”

“At least we know now where we need to go,” Bellamy said once Konnar was gone.

“Yes, because breaking into the heavily guarded fortress is a piece of cake.” Daman rolled his eyes.

We approached the rune-engraved stone hidden in the trees. It acted as a portal between realms. A onetime trip there and back. Before we placed our hands upon it, Raiden jerked upward.

“Wait,” he said, turning his head to the left. “I heard something.”

The leaves rustled, and I reached for my dagger. Alastair drew his sword, the fire inside the steel flickering as he took a defensive stance. More blades were hidden in his boots and another in his belt.

“Think Kon’s coming back?” Bellamy whispered.