Chapter 189: A Chat With A Deity

Chapter 189: A Chat With A Deity

Nokti had many titles; deadly vampiress, mage prodigy, right-hand of the chieftain, commanding general of the Cairns armies, and more. These were the names she had attained through her own abilities.

Nokti never felt uncomfortable with the titles, because she knew she had worked hard for them. She was proud of her titles, they carried a certain weight to them, a reassurance of how far she had come, of what she was capable of.

Yet none of that mattered when a small blue freak had defied reality. His claws and fangs had somehow crushed through her yellow durability scales as if it were dry grass. All she felt was confusion, pain, and above all terror, as she laid there, blood spewing out of her torn neck. The world grew dark.

Noktis last thoughts were not of the Cairn she had sworn to fight for, nor of her parents she had sworn to avenge, it wasnt even of her beloved chieftain she had sworn to protect. The only thought swarming her mind was, Am I really going to die?

Everyone feared death, Nokti was no exception, but she was a warrior, she had come to grips with the possibility of her own death long ago. It wasnt death itself that terrified her, it was the feeling of unfulfillment. Had she made the right choice? Should she have dedicated her life to the Cairn, even if she disagreed with this war? She wasnt sure and the thought of that uncertainty soured her last breaths.

The world quieted around her. Her body felt numb and her vision blurred. Nokti felt afraid and so very alone. She didnt want to die, not like this. Her mind cried out to the gods, Bellum, Caligo, Stjerne, and Lunae. She begged them to save her, to give her one last chance; she would do anything if they gave her just one more chance. She pleaded to Bellum, the goddess of war and patron deity of vampires, to spare her life.

Noktis mind went dark, she knew no more.

~~~

Nokti opened her eyes, she found herself in a warm cot, in her own tent no less. Vaughn, the arch-mage hybrid, stood over her. A soft white glow emanated from his hands and seeped into her body.

Healing magic? Nokti thought numbly.

Did that mean she was alive? Had she made it?

She looked down, her upper body was naked, save for the bloodied bandages wrapped tightly around her.

She tried to sit up and grimaced, pain shot through her entire body.New novel chapters are published on

I wouldnt move just yet if I were you. Your wounds are still quite serious, Vaughn said without emotion.

As soon as he said the words, Nokti felt them, the injuries. Her chest and stomach burned as if someone was roasting her on a spit over a fire. Her neck felt constricted like a million tiny spiderlings were scratching at her throat.

With slow, cautious movements, she brushed her fingers across her throat. She could feel the bandages wrapped around her neck from where the blue monster had bit her.

Nokti took a slow, deep breath, it stung, but she was alive. She glanced at the bracelet hanging from her wrist, four small talismans dangled from the stone beads. The star, crescent, eye, and sword, the symbols of the four ebon gods. They had listened to her prayers. Bellum had saved her.

Nokti gripped the bracelet in her hand and smiled with relief, a tear slipped down her cheek. She wasnt alone, the gods had spared her life, they did care.

The tent flap pulled open. A man she had never expected to see in her own tent, walked in. The insufferable Crow sauntered over and looked down at her immobile body. Nokti couldnt see his eyes, let alone his face behind that mask, but she knew deep down that he was smirking. What she would give to smack that mask off him right then and there.

Whats Noktis condition? Crow asked.

Vaughn proceeded to explain her injuries. Nokti grew angry when Crow mentioned she had survived through luck. It wasnt luck, it was the will of the gods. But her anger quickly turned into panic when she heard Vaughn admit that he probably wouldnt be able to save her.

Crow ordered Vaughn to leave and much to Noktis surprise, the arch-mage listened. Suddenly, she found herself in the tent alone with the person she least wanted in her tent.

Crow sat down in the chair in front of her. He crossed his legs, rested his elbow on his knee, and his chin on his palm.

Hello, Nokti.

She stayed quiet and stared at him suspiciously. Why was he here? To gloat?

Crows shoulders shook as he tried not to laugh, Bellum? Do you think she will help you? If the goddess really exists I doubt she even knows your name and if she did, saving you would probably be the last thing on her mind.

Nokti scowled, You really are a presumptuous ass. What would an atheist know of the gods?

Crow pointed a finger at himself, Me? Nothing, not a single thing. But I know people and if Bellum was a person, instead of just some religious figment Well, I really dont think Bellum would care about one small, tiny vampiress in the middle of Dusk Valley, who, by the way, has really not accomplished anything of importance or significance. Do you believe the goddess of war herself would care if you lived? Hah, and you called me presumptuous.

...Why are you here? Nokti asked bitterly.

Crow tilted his head to the side, Isnt it obvious? Im terribly bored.

Nokti wrinkled her nose. She recalled the story of the sirens he told her the week prior. There was a particular phrase he had used, a warning.

...A bored sadistic predator is the most dangerous of all, she recited.

Crow clapped his hands leisurely, So you do remember our little late-night chat.

Nokti smirked, Are you serious? Im not afraid of you. Youre an ass, maybe a sadistic one, but youre no scary predator.

Crow yawned, Scary predator, hm? I have been called much worse, some have even called me a monster.

Nokti glanced around the empty tent warily, she wondered when Vaughn was coming back. Youre too weak to face me on regular terms, so you waited until I was bed-ridden to come face me? Have you forgotten the rules, idiot? Just like how Im not allowed to hurt you, Marek wont allow you to lay a finger on me.

Oh, Nokti, why would I want to hurt you?

She narrowed her eyes, What do you want exactly?

You asked me the same question last time. When you stopped by my tent, remember? I gave you my answer then and it still hasnt changed. Crow leaned towards her, I want you, Nokti. I want your loyalty, your devotion, your body, your mind, your love, your soul, I want every single part of you, and I want it all for myself.

Noktis brown cheeks turned a shade of bright red, anger practically oozing off her. Ill fucking kill you, you pig!

She gritted her teeth and tried sitting up. Pain rang through her body, but she didnt care. She was going to rip this mans mask off and beat him to death with it, damned be the consequences.

Crow sat back and laughed, That insatiable anger truly is your greatest quality, I really do love that most about you.

You cocky bastard, who do you think you are? Nokti sneered.

Crow snapped his fingers, Excellent question, but I already know exactly what I am. The question you should be asking, the only question that truly matters right now is, do you know who you are?

Im done with your stupid questions and your stupid games!

Crow raised his index finger, Many things in life are a game, its just that youre not always the player. And the question still stands.

He pointed his finger at her, Who are you, Nokti? Are you a brave Cairn warrior, fighting for her people? Or are you in it for the one and only Nokti? Are you hoping you can prove yourself worthy to the gods, maybe have Bellum shower her grace upon you? Or maybe you are just a coward, a vampire who would abandon her loyalty the moment she was truly tested?

What the fuck are you trying to insinuate, you bastard? Nokti growled.

I am simply asking a question and I want to know your honest answer. Hmm, perhaps this is too personal for you. Allow me to start over in a more interpersonal manner.

Crow slipped his thumbs underneath the jaw of his mask and lifted the mask up. Noktis eyes grew wide, she stiffened and fell back on the cot. She couldnt help but stare at the impossible sitting in front of her.