Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate By A E Randell Chapter 163
Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell
Chapter 163 The Daemon War
“Times were very different back then and I had been dumped on the doorstep of the
Moon Goddess’s Sanctuary that used to stand at the midpoint of our Kingdom.” He
continued with the slightest hint of regret as he sighed again, a little more softly this
time.
“I try not to dwell on it too much as I know it was done in an effort to give me a better
life than a n less Vampire and a rogue shifter could give me back then. Now, of
course, things are very much different. You can settle anywhere in the kingdom as
long as you register with the authorities, perhaps even join amunity if they are
willing, although being independent is certainly something to be admired…”
Bartholomew rambled a little before stopping and grimacing apologetically. “Ah, I’m
sorry, I appear to have wandered off on a tangent. It happens sometimes.”
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“It’s okay. But, Bartholomew, wasn’t the Sanctuary destroyed during the war though?”
Ann frowned.
So much of their history and monuments had been destroyed in that dark period of the
war between the Daemon Lords and their realm. Despite the efforts of so many good
people, parts of thend were still so badly tainted by the darkness that they had been
sealed and were guarded closely to ensure that no one wandered into them by
mistake.
“It was indeed.” Bartholomew nodded slowly at Ann.
“Then, you lived through the Daemon War?” Lexi asked curiously.
“I did indeed. I was evacuated with the other children and the priestesses when the
attacks first began. They knew the Sanctuary would be a main target and they wanted
to ensure that we survived. The Alpha King at the time, weed us and gave us
sanctuary, providing apprenticeships to the thousands of children that had suddenly
descended upon the city. I was ced as an a*s*sistant to an Elder in the lower ranks
of the Royal Enve at the time, he taught me a lot. As he ascended the ranks, I too
followed behind him.” Bartholomew said sadly, as his eyes clouded with nostalgia
“Even with your heritage though, didn’t you face prejudice here in the Enve at that
time? Wasn’t it hard?” Lexi asked, clearly struggling to wrap her head around
everything he had divulged as he nodded sagely.
“There was indeed a lot of prejudice from certain individuals and I fought hard to prove
that I was not what they painted me to be. But you have to remember Lexi, you cannot
judge one person for the crimes of their races, nor for the opinions of their ancestors.
It is far better to judge each individual on their own personalities and their own deeds
rather than reach false conclusions based on a small percentage of individuals. Do
you understand?”
Lexi nodded slowly, but the smallest hint of doubt still flickered in her eyes although
the fury and distrust that had flickered there previously had all but disappeared.
“This doesn’t mean that I won’t be guarded though,” Lexi grumbled quickly as
Bartholomew chuckled.
“That’s fair, but I hope that you won’t be permanently on the offensive with us. At least
give us a chance first, hmm?”
Lexi nodded again quietly and settled back in the chair with a thoughtful expression.
“Can you tell me anything else about my mother?” Lexi asked as Ann smiled softly to
herself and listened to Bartholomew regale her with anecdotes and tales of her
mother’s heroism and bravery during the Daemon Wars.
It was nice to see her friend so rxed and animated for a change, with a rare
expression of childlike joy on her face as she listened intently.
Identifying the creatures could wait for just a little while. This would do far more to win
Lexi’s trust and cooperation than any hollow words and empty promises ever could.
Lexi sighed heavily, a sound that radiated contentment, as if her soul had been
relieved of some burden somehow, and grinned widely.
“Wow. Thank you, Bartholomew. Honestly. I had no idea that she had lived such a
long and adventurous life.”
Bartholomew chuckled good-naturedly.
“It’s a pleasure to be able to recount these tales quite honestly. She certainly was a
spitfire, a lot like yourself actually, and as much as it pains me, I do believe we have
some very pressing matters to attend to.” He answered with a look full of meaning
directed towards Ann.
“Ah, yes. Are you escorting us to where they’re held?” Ann asked as Bartholomew
stood, smoothing down his robes absentmindedly as he did so.
“Yes, I was going to request that Commander Greyson meet us here, however, I
wanted to meet with Lexi first and clear up any misunderstandings that she may have
about working alongside us at the Enve.”
Lexi snorted.
“I’m pleased you were at least a little prepared for my initial misgivings anyway. Am I
really that obvious?”
“My dear, you are about as subtle as a brick. I hope I’ve managed to clear up any
doubts you had. At least for now.” Bartholomew chuckled.
Lexi shrugged nonchntly and grinned, an amused twinkle in her eye.
“Well, you’re all right. I’ll give you that.” She sniffed, “Seeing as how you were
respectful from the start with me, despite my brashness, I’ll listen to your advice and
try my best to reserve judgment on people until I have interacted with them enough to
form my own opinion.”
Ann suppressed the grin that threatened to break out on her face. As much as she
wanted to high-five Bartholomew for his genius in dampening her best friend’s quickto-re temper, she
didn’t. Instead, she smiled demurely and gestured towards the
door.
“Shall we make our way down then?” She said as casually as she could as Lexi
narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her.
Bartholomew led the way and as Lexi passed Ann on the way out of his study, she
paused and smiled slightly. “I know I’m a little difficult sometimes Ann, but thank you.”
Lexi smiled.
“Huh? For what?” Ann asked, genuinely confused.
“For allowing those conversations to y out instead of stopping either one of us from
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speaking our mind.” She said softly with a thoughtful expression on her face.
“I didn’t actually think the old geezer would have anything to say that could possibly
change my mind. I knew he would try, of course. I mean, he’s one of them, isn’t he?
So, I kind of expected it. But… you know, this was nice. I actually quite like the old
geezer.” She grinned as she turned and left, leaving Ann shaking her head in disbelief
as she followed them out of the office and shut the door behind her.