ZARAMANNI (BOOK ONE)
PART TWO: CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

Ezeman wore a huge smile on his lips as his wings fluttered with delight. His crystal-like wings had finally healed from the disastrous injury they had suffered the day the half-fairy crashed the entire sacred room.

But, when his wings rushed into their confinement to take a rest and wait till they were needed, Ezeman remembered why his hurried flight led him to the secret spot where Lord Haggard hosted the elders who wished to ruin the five kingdoms in their realm.

Sending away the thought of reaching out to Alisha who he had not seen in a while, he pushed open the entrance to the room whose surface felt as rough as that of an uncut rock.

He was greeted by carnal sounds which echoed through the room whose cave-like features radiated thanks to the numerous cylindrical lamps placed at strategic points.

Taking a further look at the mess created by the horny creatures, Ezeman saw that they had turned the center table into something else. The round, lengthy furniture now housed naked men and women who gave away their bodies, becoming playthings of the wrinkly elder fairies whose eyes glinted with joy.

While he cleared his throat, Ezeman chose to ignore the moans and grunts. He chose to act like he wasn’t staring at something that could make him break his promise to Alisha.

Instead, he searched for Lord Haggard whom he had urgent news for.

Ezeman found the old fairy glued to a comfy couch positioned in the poorly lighted section of the large room that was starting to reek of pungent ginger red wine.

Lord Haggard was receiving steady sensual exploration of his manhood and apart from the robe jumping off his body, he was wearing a lewd expression.

Ezeman wore a face of disgust at that sight. He doubted his master’s cock would be pleasant to look at any time of day.

As he watched the young woman on her knees bob her head to give Lord Haggard the time of his life, Ezeman wished to turn back and pretend he never saw a thing. If possible, he would have preferred to wash his eyes and wipe his memory.

But, the information he had to pass was very important.

So, he walked toward Lord Haggard, his hands fisting to prevent him from falling prey to the erotic session in the room.

“My Lord,” Ezeman calmly said, his head bowed in courtesy.

“Oh, Eze… Oh, yes!” Lord Haggard’s sensual groan ruined his response to Ezeman. He grabbed the woman’s hair quite roughly and began to guide his dick in and out of her mouth. “Ezeman…” But, Lord Haggard didn’t let that moment ruin his conversation with his servant. “What is it?”

“Our informant in Zenrada has sent word,” he replied, still trying to keep his mind from giving in to the temptation around him. The women in the room sure had bodies that could enchant a man.

“Oh, really?” Surprisingly, the old one asked the woman to stop. A quick kiss was shared and the next thing he did after adjusting his silk robe was make the lady sit close to his side. “Is it good news?”

“I would like to think so. The Overlord of Skullis recently journeyed to Zenrada.”

“What? Is he hoping to ruin the alliance he has with us?” The frown on Lord Haggard’s face was deep.

“We can never know. He was poisoned and now he is dead.”

A huge smile crept onto Lord Haggard’s thin lips and he reached for his staff which had been resting against the wall, looking innocent, unlike its owner. Instantly, Lord Haggard ordered the erotic party to cease. With the joy on his face growing bigger, he faced Ezeman and asked, “Are you certain about what you told me?”

The servant bowed his head in reverence. “Our informant works closely with the high powers of Zenrada, so he is certain.”

“What if our informant is the murderer?” Lord Haggard asked but he waited for no response. “Who cares? This is the opportunity we have been waiting for.” He stared ahead and his raspy voice paused for some seconds before continuing. “I don’t know whether I should call the Overlord a fool or thank him for this wonderful chance. Even as a dead creature, he has proven that he was worthy to be our ally.”

“My Lord, what do we do now?” Ezeman asked.

But, within his heart, he knew that the time for him to take action was closer than he thought. If his intention to make sure he doesn’t get caught in the whole drama was to be fulfilled, he had to make haste and secure his safety.

“We send word to Skullis,” the old one responded as he excitedly stamped his staff against the floor. “They need to be informed that their leader has been murdered by the Alpha King of Zenrada.” Ezeman noted how devious his master’s smile became. “I trust that they will take things from there and start a war.”

“In that case,” a voice contributed from behind, “Zenrada will suffer another attack.”

“And, the King will become weaker,” another said.

“The Vampires can be ruthless. They won’t have mercy on Zenrada.”

“Then,” another elder contributed his voice to the discussion, “we won’t need to lift a finger. All we need to do is watch.”

“Yes,” Lord Haggard stroked his beard, “the King and the half-fairy will finally become ours, then our initial plan will finally get to be executed. Ezeman…”

“My Lord.”

“Ensure that our informant is well rewarded. Our gratitude to him should be displayed adequately for he has given us a way to conquer this universe.”

“I will make necessary arrangements, My Lord.”

Ezeman heard the feet of the elders behind him move with haste. He didn’t have to turn and see what they were doing because the moans and tensed groans from earlier continued.

“You should join us,” his master said when Ezeman made to walk out of the room and leave them to their doings. “I have always imagined what it would be like to have fun with you. So, join us.”

His mind racing with more disgust, Ezeman chuckled dismissively. Why would Lord Haggard think that he would want to be in the same room as him, having sex like a starved soul? “ I have quite a lot to do, My Lord. I’ll have to pass on your humble invitation.”

“Very well then, go on and work on what I have asked of you.”

Soon, Ezeman walked out of the room and as he did that, he began to plot his scheme.

Taking long strides out of the bushes that shielded the meeting room from unsuspecting eyes, Ezeman figured out two things that he could do.

But, those things were dangerous thoughts that Ezeman was willing to bring to life to ensure that he doesn’t become bait in the entire game just like the half-fairy was.

~

Zaramanni quickly hid her right hand behind her when Zoey’s approach became inevitable.

And she hoped that she wouldn’t see the Red Thread that seemingly connected her to Alpha King Darren the next time she looked at her hand.

But then… How could that be? How could she be mates with King Darren?

It was absolutely ridiculous.

True, according to Lord Elias, the ritual had joined her and King Darren in the worst way possible. But the witty man made no mention of being mates with the King.

So, Zara preferred to hope that she saw wrong.

Zaramanni’s thoughts soon became nothing when Zoey hugged her to his chest. Every time she was that close to him, she always felt certain tranquility coursing through her entire body.

Closing her eyes, her arms returning his embrace, she let Zoey’s presence assure her that she was okay, that she was finally where she wished to be.

A few seconds later and the Beta broke the soothing hug.

“Are you okay, Zaramanni?” Zoey asked, his fingers gently lifting her chin.

Zara’s lips found a small smile as her eyes delved into the worry in his eyes.

Zaramanni found herself fortunate that she always got to see the side of Zoey that displayed emotions. She could never forget how cold his presence was the first time they met.

But then, thinking about it, the first time they met, he did show a little excitement especially when he said he was interested in her. Perhaps he knew then that she was his mate.

“I am fine, Zoey,” she responded.

“What happened? I couldn’t replace you anywhere,” he asked, his fingers picking at her long hair which Zaramanni saw was a deeper shade of blue thanks to her reflection in the window.

“Oh, I suddenly disappeared, and…” Zara caught herself. Zoey was not aware of her situation and true identity.

“I know, Zaramanni,” Zoey said.

Her brows twitched. “Know what?”

“He knows who you are,” King Darren finally talked.

When Zara looked in his direction, she whipped him with her eyes before turning her attention to Zoey who still looked worried.

“Are you saying that you know…? You know about… You know…” Zara’s chest felt heavy. She wanted to be the one to tell Zoey about her true self.

Zoey nodded. “I know you are a half-fairy, Zaramanni. They told me everything.”

“They…” Zara’s voice hitched as she stared at the King again. Eyes widened, she asked with a tender voice, “Everything?”

King Darren butted in again. “He forced us to talk, we had no choice.”

“Zoey, I didn’t want you to replace out like this. I really…”

“Shh…” Zoey hushed her gently as the frown on her face deepened. “You need to rest. You must be feeling tired.”

“Zoey, I didn’t mean to…” Zara had the desire to explain herself to Zoey. She felt that if she didn’t do that, she wouldn’t feel at peace with herself.

But, Zoey didn’t wish for her to speak at all. His gaze fell upon the Alpha King and he said, “I will take her to her room. I will meet you later, Alpha Darren.”

“Zoey…” Zara’s words were cut short as the tall man carried her bridal style. “I need to…”

“You need to sleep,” he said calmly.

“I didn’t mean for you to replace out this way. I was going to tell you, but I never found the right timing.”

Zoey, who had begun to walk down the corridor suddenly halted his steps. “Zaramanni…” Apart from his voice which was low and coarse, Zara noticed how disheveled his hair was. His eyes which still wore concern were sunken with dark spots which she had not noticed earlier. “I do not mind that you are a half-fairy.”

“You don’t?” Zara asked, her arms wrapped around his thick neck more securely.

“Do you know how scared I was when you were nowhere to be found? I felt fear I had never felt before as I searched room after room with a single prayer in my mind.” The sigh that followed was deep and significant. It made sorrow swim in Zara’s heart. “I didn’t want to lose you. I was scared you had left for the place you came from.”

“Zoey, I-”

“Then I heard the whole truth. I heard about your journey so far and your real identity.” Their eyes met. “I felt more scared, Zaramanni. What if your powers make you disappear and I never see you again? What if your powers attract the powerful and evil ones? What if I am not able to protect you to the end?”

Zara failed to replace a response as she watched the sad look in Zoey’s eyes grow. Her hand rested against his cheek, she felt the warmth he had to give, and her heart felt a stir.

And, it suddenly felt like things could fly in her heart.

His heated words which he uttered with a low voice, his gentle touch which held her, the look in his eyes… They all made her heart fly.

“Zoey, I am…”

The man cleared his throat, looked ahead, and began to walk. “We should get you to your bed, you need to rest. Sleep for as long as you want. I will make sure the celebrations hardly disturb you.” He took a left turn. “When you are fully rested, take a walk in the garden. I will replace you there, then we can talk.”

Zaramanni didn’t need a translator to decipher that their conversation had come to an end. Besides, he was right. She needed the rest.

She had no idea how long she slept on the hard floor during her brief visit to Earth.

So, she nestled into his hold. As she did that, she recalled how she yearned to go back to Zenrada when she found herself on Earth. That thought made her smile.