493 Cheese in a mousetrap (1/2)

In a blink of an eye, Zeke appeared only inches away from her, taking advantage of Alicia's short pause caused by her surprise. He bent forward and he whispered in her ear. ”Don't try to fight him seriously, Alicia.” His voice was filled with a serious warning, causing Alicia's brows to crease.

”Don't fight back and just go with the flow,” he added and before Alicia could react, Zeke took her sword from her. He then swiftly moved behind her and wrapped an arm around her, putting the blade of her sword near her throat.

Everything happened so fast. The green and silver glow of light slowly dispersed. Leaves began to fall slowly and the dancing trees stood still again.

The witches were shocked to see that their queen had been caught. What just happened? Their queen could have escaped easily. Why did she stop when she already had the upper hand?!

Confused with their queen's action, the witches could only circle around them on the perimeter. They couldn't attack anymore because their queen was held captive!

As their surroundings became calm again, Alicia didn't say a word and just glared at Zeres.

Zeres walked towards them, ignoring the witches. He tilted his head and looked at the man in the black cloak before he let out a helpless sigh. ”How did you even find me, huh? Kiel?” he asked, narrowing his eyes at him. ”Are you sure you're not a witch in disguise?”

The man in the cloak didn't respond, so Zeres just sighed again, averting his gaze to Alicia. ”You are quite powerful, queen. Previous queens weren't as powerful as you, you know?” he told her. His voice was still gentle and melodic, very pleasant and soothing to the ears, almost hypnotic. His seemingly kind eyes and genuine smile were a little disturbing for Alicia. How could he still look at her and smile at her like this after she slashed him without hesitation and even tried to unleash her full power to destroy him? No, he must be absolutely faking it. Damn, how was he so good at this? He was the absolute perfect bait of cheese in a mousetrap! No one would be able to resist him if he kept acting like this!

Alicia's frustration made her glare at him again. She was usually calm but this Zeres was just frustrating her. And it was not just Zeres. She was equally frustrated with this damn vampire behind her. How the hell did he know to come here? And this Zeres even called him Kiel? It seemed that both men already knew each other which meant that Ezekiel still didn't tell them the truth when he had the chance last night!

”Queen, I'm sorry, but I have to kidnap you,” Zeres said, looking regretful. ”I'll have to put a spell on you so you can't use your power, in case you try to escape.”

”No need. I won't escape. I will follow you.” Alicia's serious tone made Zeres pause in surprise.

Alicia had said those words out of frustration. She had decided to go with the flow as per this vampire's words. Alicia didn't know what Ezekiel was planning, but once again, she chose to believe in him. She was sure that this man was embroiled in another chess game and this time, she must be one of his sacrificial pawns again. Even though Alicia was a queen now, she couldn't protest because Alicia knew she wasn't the only one playing this game. She was certain that Abigail and Alexander were already a part of this and even this half-witch beside her. Alicia wasn't fond of Ezekiel's method, but if this was the only way to win the battle, she could only oblige because she was aware that their opponents were immortals. She knew power alone could not bring them down. Moreover, Alicia herself was curious about the kind of help this half-witch would ask of her. Will he ask her to become his ally and join that Dinah?

”Okay, let her go, Kiel.” Just like that, Zeres ordered the man in the black cloak to let go. However, the man didn't move. It seemed that just like Alicia, he was speechless too. ”Let her go. Don't worry, she will not escape,” he added, and the man in black cloak finally let her go.

Zeres even took the sword from the cloaked man and gave it back to Alicia, causing Alicia to look at him in disbelief.

”You're even giving my weapon back?” she asked.

”You already said you wouldn't escape so why not?”