Alpha Nocturne's Contracted Mate

Chapter 163

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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 clan

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 a community 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.”

Title of the document

“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 the land 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.

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They knew the Sanctuary would be a main target and they wanted to ensure that we survived. The

Alpha King at the time, welcomed us and gave us sanctuary, providing apprenticeships to the

thousands of children that had suddenly descended upon the city. I was placed as an a*s*sistant to an

Elder in the lower ranks of the Royal Enclave 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 Enclave 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 relaxed 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

Enclave.”

Lexi snorted.

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“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 nonchalantly 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 quick-to-flare 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 play out instead of stopping either one of us from 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.

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