CHAPTER 245: TRULY LOVE THIS BOY

Raegar watched as Zahara finished casting magic; her Aether ran low, prompting him to grab the blonde. She beamed just as groans echoed throughout the room, compelling Griffin to rush toward the bed in shock. He watched the older man drop to his knees, grabbing his wife’s hand.

Elysia Vaelthorne groaned once more before turning to them, her blue eyes connected with his only for a look of horror to appear on her face. His grandmother tried to get up, speaking in a croaky voice. ’’What happened to you, my dear? Who damaged your face like that?’’

When Raegar heard this, he stiffened just as his grandfather turned to him, his red eyes glowed only for his face to go pale seconds later. The older man waved his hand, only for Selene to fly into the room. ’’Take my granddaughter-in-law outside to rest, I will come talk to you girls when we’re finished with her,’’ the older man revealed.

The Demoness, momentarily puzzled, quickly hoisted Zahara over her shoulder and strode out of the bedroom like an old cartoon. Elysia couldn’t help but giggle at the sight, her amusement drawing a troubled look from Griffin. He hurried to the older woman’s side, his concerned voice rang out. ’’My love, you’re awake! The entire empire will rejoice at your recovery.’’

’’Get out the way Griff,’’ the older woman barked. ’’I want to heal my grandson!’’

He was shocked at the whole situation and was still processing everything, but when his grandfather helped her over. Moments later, her soft hand touched his cheek as a stream of Aether flowed into his body. Just as this happened, a horrible pain shot through his body, it felt like lava flowing through every vein. When Elysia sensed this, her eyebrow shot up in anger.

’’You had Devil poison in you the whole time!’’ she exclaimed. ’’The pain must’ve been horrible.’’

When Raegar heard this, a chuckle escaped his lips as he revealed. ’’Yes, but I grew used to it after the first few months,’’ he said, taking out a bottle of sake. ’’Plus I had these, this helped out alot, especially the hard nights.

After saying that, he remembered every night in Drakenwood Academy where he had to down half a bottle just to get some sleep, months after the Devil’s attack. While losing himself in his thoughts, the pain tripled in intensity, prompting him to black out as his grandmother still healed him.

***

Griffin watched his grandson flop to the ground. It was so fast that none of them could catch him. He quickly scooped the boy up as his wife continued healing him. ’’What happened, Lysia? Why did he collapse?’’

The blonde woman’s blue eyes narrowed, and a bead of sweat dripped down his forehead as she answered. ’’Looks like the Devil Poison is buried deep inside him, it has been some time since it invaded his body.’’

’’Can it be healed?’’ he questioned, a worried expression appearing on his weathered face.

Elysia nodded, her expression softening despite the exhaustion in her eyes. ’’Of course, it’s a simple task, but I need time to regain my strength first,’’ she said tiredly. ’’For now, let’s get him settled in his room to rest.’’

Griffin’s gaze lingered on his wife, a mix of concern and adoration etched into his rugged features. ’’You need rest too, love. Get back to bed,’’ he urged gently. ’’I’ll handle the girls and explain everything.’’

A smile appeared on her face, warm and knowing. ’’Thank you, my lion,’’ she murmured, her affectionate nickname for him carrying a quiet strength that eased the tension in the room.

Moments later, Griffin stepped out into the corridor, holding Raegar’s body. The boy’s shallow breaths were a reminder of the ordeal he’d endured.

As he emerged, five pairs of eyes snapped to him, the girls’ faces a mix of worry and suspicion. The air grew thick with unease, but it was Drusilla who reacted with the fiercest intensity. Her petite frame shot up from her seat, her face flushed a deep crimson as tendrils of dark Aether crackled around her.

’’What did you do to him, you old fool?’’ she shouted, her voice sharp and accusing, her dark eyes blazing with protective rage.

Seconds later, the other girls flinched, stepping back as the raw power of Drusilla’s Aether pulsed in the air. Griffin watched as the D’Ambrose girl turned toward Drusilla, her hands raised in a calming gesture, but it was too late. Drusilla, her blonde curls bouncing with the force of her movement, lunged forward, her fist aimed squarely at him.

’This Dark Fairy must truly love this boy,’ he thought, smiling.

Griffin sidestepped the strike, his reflexes honed despite his age. Holding Raegar securely with one arm, he fixed Drusilla with a steady gaze. ’’Dru, enough!’’ his tone was firm, cutting through the chaos. ’’It’s the Devils’ doing, not mine. I would sooner die than harm this boy. Raegar is my pride, my joy, the only Vaelthorne boy who carries the weight of our name with true worth.’’

He watched as the fiery blonde calmed down when hearing his words, her breaths slowing. Her piercing blue eyes met his, shimmering with a mix of regret and worry. When she spoke, her voice was softer. ’’I’m sorry, Griffin. I thought you’d hurt him because of our bond. All I felt was this sharp, searing pain; it hit me instantly, like a blade through my heart.’’

Griffin’s heart ached at the Fairy’s words, tightening his chest. He glanced down at Raegar, his youngest grandson, nestled in his arms, and a tender smile softened his weathered features. ’’This boy’s stronger than most. He’ll pull through, but let’s get him to a bed to rest. After that, I need to speak with you girls.’’

’’Of course,’’ Selene replied, while Zahara, visibly drained, nodded.

Dominique, Alice, and Drusilla exchanged glances and also agreed. Together, the group moved toward a nearby door, their footsteps quiet but purposeful. As they walked, he started speaking. ’’We set up a room for Raegar when he left for Drakenwood. He promised he’d stop by before... well, before all this happened. And now, here he is, bringing with him the help we so desperately needed.’’

Zahara’s exhausted face brightened, a spark of hope igniting in her tired eyes as Griffin continued. ’’I’ll make it known across the empire that you five are his fiancées. As my granddaughters know, no one will dare trouble you. You’re under my protection, and that carries weight.’’

’’And that goes for your father Dominque,’’ the older man said, smirking. ’’He’s always wanted to tie our families together, and looks like his youngest daughter captured my grandson’s heart, but you better look after him.’’

When the grey-skinned girl heard this, she shook her head in panic. ’’Of course I will, I care for Rae. He always helped me and didn’t shun me because of my family, and to be honest, I think he finds me being a Vampire something special.’’

Griffin chuckled at her response, his red eyes glinting. ’’I was just teasing, but it’s good to know you’re looking out for this reckless little goblin.’’

The group’s laughter filled the air as they approached the bedroom. He eased the door open and carefully tucked the sleeping young man into bed. The girls quietly slipped inside, clustering around his grandson, their affection drawing an even wider smile from the dozing child. ’Looks like you’ve found some great girls,’ he thought, grinning.

Moments later, Griffin paused at the bedroom door, speaking. ’’Come along, ladies, let’s have a proper chat over tea. Raegar’s parents will be here soon; they know he’s arrived at the mansion, but they’ve no idea how dire things have been.’’

The five young women exchanged glances, their concern for the boy still lingering, but they nodded and followed Griffin down the hallway. The soft clink of their footsteps echoed against the floors as they made their way to his office, a cozy room lined with bookshelves and adorned with a large, arched window that let in streams of golden afternoon light.

Griffin gestured for them to take seats around a polished mahogany table, its surface gleaming under the chandelier’s soft glow. Once everyone was settled, he rang a small silver bell, its chime crisp and clear. Moments later, an older woman appeared in the doorway, her presence striking.

Her blue hair was tied up in a ponytail but still came down in gentle waves, matching the color of her eyes and the faint shimmer of her light blue skin. She carried an air of quiet dignity, her expression one of mild surprise as she took in the group of young women before her. With a bow, she addressed Griffin. ’’You summoned me, my lord?’’

’’Can you bring some tea, please, Mimi?’’ he asked.

The maid bowed her head before leaving the room and completing her duties, but this prompted the ever-curious Selene to question. ’’Why was she blue, Grandfather?’’

When Griffin heard this, a big smile appeared. ’’Mimi is from the sea tribes in the far south. Elysia and I met her on our journey when we were your age, she’s been with us ever since.’’