Page 15 of Imbalance
I pulled my clothes out from behind the tree where I’d stashed them, tugging on the pair of dark pants and keeping the shirt over my shoulder, still wanting Ama’s eyes on me. I hadn't realized how important my mate's opinion would be until I finally met her. Now, I very much wanted to know what she thought.
The Wraith—Adrien—and Dark Elf were staring at me as I approached, my mate wrapped up in the Hellhound's arms while I eyed the Reaper, Drayven. The Fallen was standing near Nico, who was stretched out on the ground. It wasn't the normal habit of pure-bloods of different species to hang out together like this, so I had to wonder what was bringing them together...orwhowas bringing them together.
"Let's just talk to him," Ama suggested softly, my ears picking up her soft words as I neared them. "We were looking for hybrids anyway. This works out well."
I made a soft humming noise, wondering what they were doing trying to find hybrids. More so, did I need to worry about their intentions? They clearly had no army, and my mate was obviously not being held captive. So, what was the dynamic here?
"You're looking for hybrids? Why?" I asked, narrowing my eyes suspiciously.
Ama looked at me before sighing, "That's a long story. But first...I'm Ama. I'm Mortem's heir, and these are the heirs to the other houses of the Kingdom of Pura."
Oh.
I let out a low growl, "The very people who wanted all of us hybrids fucking gone. So, what the hell are you doing out here? And better yet, what are you doing with pure-bloods?"
Ama frowned, "I mean...I don't know how to answer that. I was raised by one? I didn't even know other hybrids existed in large groups. Actually, I still don't know that—you're the only one I have met!"
I examined her face, finding only honesty, before tucking my hands into my pockets. "You didn't tell me why you were looking for hybrids."
Adrien spoke then, "The leaders of Peccatum and Tenebris staged a coup and attacked the other houses. We escaped, but they have infiltrated most of the capital, and probably most of the houses' hierarchies. We need help."
I nearly smiled at that. Hybrids helping pure-blood princes? Yeah right.
My eyes shifted to my mate again. If she was asking for help, though...shit. I had no idea what to do with this. But my parents would know, and considering this group didn't have much of an army with them, I figured it was safe to bring them into the Kingdom of Impurus. Mainly because, once Ama was there, she would realize where she really belonged. With her kind and her people. With me.
"I see," I nodded. "Well, I can take you there."
"You will?" Ama grinned. "Wait, what's your name?"
"Jace."
She nodded, turned to the Hellhound, and began to introduce the men. "This is Damien. Adrien. Finias. Drayven. Colt. And Nico is the one lying down." I had gathered some of the names, but as she pointed at each, it was nice to fill in the blanks.
"Well, little mate, I would be happy to show you where the kingdom is at," I walked around them towards the cliff before looking back.
"If he calls you that one more time, I am going to lose it," Drayven ground out, making me smile.
"So, where is this place?" Ama ignored him and walked ahead a bit as I motioned to the jagged cliff and cavernous void that followed after. It really did look fairly terrifying.
"Right..." Nico muttered. "Follow him off a cliff. Solid plan."
I rolled my eyes and took my hunting knife from my pocket, causing Damien to growl, before bringing it to my hand and slicing across the soft flesh of my palm. Immediately, my blood dripped into the void...until the drops hit the glamoured gate.
Ama made a surprised noise as my hybrid blood unlocked the illusion of the massive void, instead showcasing a grand set of stone stairs that led from our spot on the cliff down into a massive, grassy valley with a large river and metropolis filled with hybrids. I suppose to someone who wasn't used to seeing it, it really did look like a utopian oasis set amidst the depressing darklands. Unlike the darklands though, the Kingdom of Impurus wasn't dangerous. Well, at least not for hybrids.
I motioned for them to follow me down the wide stone pathway towards a large set of marble gates that led into the kingdom. Ama's footsteps were light behind me, and when I looked back, I saw she was examining the city with an open curiosity that made me smile. We were the only two smiling, though, because the assholes behind her looked pissed.
When we neared the gate, the guards immediately gathered to open it. They bowed their heads as I motioned for Ama to lead the way, but she stopped and looked at the men behind us.
"They have to come with me. I won’t go without them."
Now, how the hell had she known that I'd planned on locking them out?
Her eyes were wide, and she didn't seem angry at me—she just offered me a knowing look that had me feeling guilty. The woman was clearly exhausted, and as much as I hated the bastards, if separating her from them right now wasn't going to work, then I would wait. It wasn't like they would feel comfortable in a city full of hybrids for long, anyway.
I inhaled and then nodded, motioning for the men to go through as well, knowing I just had to bide my time until she realized she didn't need them. Besides being pure-blood and not understanding her, they couldn't protect her.
Who had saved her from the Umbra?Me.I had felt her panic from where I was hunting miles away and raced to find her. I had saved her. Not them.
