The Half Blood Book 2

In the mortal world, in the land of the hybrids, Daphne came home to her humble wooden abode. It was a simple two-room structure with a single bathroom, a tiny kitchen, and a living room.

The decor was minimalistic. There was no warmth to it, no signs that it was a family home.

She didn’t bother to decorate a place that didn’t feel like her own, a place she barely inhabited.

Her brother, James, cared even less, not out of indifference, but because he was a man fascinated by all that the mortal world had to offer.

James’s age had frozen in time the year she made that pact. But now, instead of appearing sickly, James radiated vitality.

Despite her emotional fatigue and the cold exterior she wore to mask it, she was content because she had him.

After all, she was a being willing to sacrifice everything for love. And she never expected anything in return.

Daphne stripped off her damp clothes, filling the tub with hot water and soap, creating a frothy white veil that hid her body.

She rested her hands on the edge of the tub and closed her eyes, just for a moment.

“Well, well.” The feminine voice startled Daphne, causing her to splash water from the tub.

“Maret, it’s not okay for you to just pop in.” Daphne glared at her, livid. She despised unannounced visits the most.

Demons, like Maret, believed that a being as insignificant as she didn’t deserve the privilege of privacy.

“I don’t take orders from mortals,” Maret reiterated.

Her green eyes, braided red hair, black leather pants, and corset that held her long-sleeved blouse made her look formidable.

Maret wasn’t a stunning woman, but she was easy on the eyes.

“Why are you here?”

“Rothvaln wants you to wear this to the ball.” Maret tossed the dress onto an old wooden chair near the sink.

Daphne knew that Maret despised her not only for being a mortal, but also because she believed Rothvaln favored Daphne over his own kind.

“Thank you.”

Maret scoffed at the word and vanished, leaving Daphne alone once again.

James came back after a while, clad in light blue jeans and a white shirt, moving with an air of confidence.

Despite his nearly eighteen-year-old appearance, he carried a maturity that often left simple mortals in awe when he spoke.

A whistling tea kettle drew James to the kitchen, where his sister stood. She was dressed in a satin robe adorned with white flowers and hints of green.

She made a cup of tea with milk and took an open packet of sweet cookies from the cupboard.

“Oh, you’re finally back. Want some tea?”

“No, thanks. How did it go this time?” James asked her, following her to the small square table with two chairs that took up a little space in the living room near a window.

James was privy to all of his sister’s missions. That was their pact.

Even if he couldn’t rush to her aid if something happened, at least he would know where to start looking if she needed help.

“Same as always,” Daphne replied nonchalantly, taking a bite of a cookie and lifting the white cup with yellow flowers to her lips to sip the hot, delicious liquid.

“Are you okay?” Her brother picked up a cookie, looking into her eyes as she chewed. The late summer sun lit up the table’s surface.

“Yes.”

“You sure?”

“Mmm,” Daphne managed to say, leaning back in her chair, staring at her cup, lost in thought.

“Has Rothvaln said anything else to you?” James was well aware of Rothvaln’s interest in his sister.

He was the one who noticed it from the very beginning when Rothvaln showed up at their house looking for her, under the pretense of taking her to a demonic feast.

What king would personally seek out his servant to take her to a party?

“Yes, but not in the way you’re thinking.”

“Another task then?”

“Yes, but this time, I have to go to the Land of the Lycans.”

“Eve told me that Darious and Elenor’s daughter is the luna queen.”

“Oh, really? Which one? Nala or Maeve?”

“I think it’s the younger one, Nala. What are you supposed to do there this time?”

“I have to meet the luna.” Daphne took another sip. “Deliver a message to Nala,” she emphasized.

“Proceed with caution. You’ll be dealing with the Lycan King and her father. Plus, from what Eve’s been saying, Queen Luna is now the Master of Shadows.”

“I’m aware. Don’t fret. I’ll just pop in and extend Rothvaln’s greetings. Where’s Eve, by the way?”

“She took off again last night. Said she’d be back in five days.”

“Where’s she off to this time?”

“The usual spot.”

Daphne let out a sigh. While she enjoyed James’ company, Eve was her closest confidant. Eve had a zest for life that Daphne had long forgotten.

It wasn’t that Daphne was weary of her long life.

No, it was more that when you’ve taken so many lives, your perspective on existence shifts. Life loses its mystery; curiosity fades. Dreams cease to be dreamt.

Life becomes a mirror, where you only see the other side with one goal: to erase it.

Eve was the only one privy to her inner turmoil and worries.

But true to her nature, her friend would vanish for days, even months, in search of answers she’d been seeking for so long but hadn’t found yet.

Daphne rose from her chair and planted a kiss on her brother’s cheek. “It’s good to be home again. I think I’ll rest for a bit.”

“Rest well.”

***

The following day, Daphne spent her time at home with James, playing cards and reminiscing about the changing times.

She pondered what life might have been like if Agate or Rothvaln had never crossed her path. Speaking of Agate, they both wondered where the witch had ended up.

After Daphne and her brother started their new life, the old woman vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a grotesque stone ring and a note with Daphne’s name on it.

That evening, Daphne sat on her front porch. The full, silvery moon cast a soft glow around her. She closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh.

She hoped to find the peace her soul craved, a peace that was denied to her. She never lied to herself.

In a way, she was content, grateful for her brother, for the years they’d spent together.

But she knew those years were borrowed, they weren’t eternal, and one day James wouldn’t be there anymore.

And while her brother accepted this, he was thankful. Daphne was too, but deep down, she yearned for more.

She longed to love, to love a man the way a woman does. To feel the passion she’d seen in others. Was that too much to ask?

Was she greedy for wanting to truly live, to know what it felt like to be in love? She’d never know because she knew it wouldn’t happen.

In this world, what man would want a woman like her? A woman without a soul, a life-taker. A woman who’d lost her connection to the world over time.

A woman who, despite appearing graceful and confident, was nothing more than an empty shell inside.

***

The night of the ball came. Daphne looked stunning in the gray and silver embroidered dress with a dramatic off-the-shoulder neckline and long open sleeves.

The dress featured a fitted bodice, a zip closure at the back, and a trumpet skirt with a sweep train finish.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she had no doubt that Rothvaln had personally chosen this dress for her.

He’d been envisioning her for years, yearning for her from afar.

With the power Rothvaln had given her, Daphne was transported to the Lycan Kingdom. She entered the main entrance, unnoticed by the carefree crowd.

Daphne looked around. There were no guards at the main door. Instead, she saw shadows moving everywhere.

Must be Queen Luna’s, she thought briefly. Without wasting another second, she followed the guests inside.

The castle was undeniably grand; not just its structure, but the decorations added a certain charm. She had now reached the hall where the festivities were taking place.

Daphne couldn’t help but feel out of place amidst the joyous crowd, celebrating their rulers’ impending parenthood. And her?

She was here for another mission, the nature of which she was clueless about.

To greet the queen? She didn’t buy for a second that that was the reason she was here. There was something brewing between Luna and Rothvaln.

Soon, King Alaric and his queen, Nala, made their entrance to kick off the ball. Their happiness was evident to all.

The affection the lycan held for his wife was undeniable, his gaze filled with profound admiration.

Nala reciprocated with an equally radiant smile, her eyes mirroring his love.

Daphne lingered, observing the glowing couple. The music was fitting, and the dance floor was filled with twirling pairs.

She waited for the queen to finish her dance. Then, she began to approach, sidestepping the lustful glances of some attendees. Nala noticed her immediately, holding her gaze.

“Queen Luna, Master of Shadows, congratulations,” she gestured towards Nala’s swollen belly, her smile genuine.

“Thank you. And you are?” Nala’s brow furrowed in confusion. She didn’t recognize this woman.

“I’m Daphne Brooks. I’m here at Rothvaln’s request.”

A growl startled Daphne. King Alaric materialized, his arm protectively encircling Nala’s waist.

“What does that bastard want now?” Alaric’s voice was laced with hostility. Daphne tried to steady her nerves.

This man was undeniably powerful. She doubted she’d survive a confrontation with him.

“Let’s discuss this privately,” Nala suggested, her voice soothing. Shadows enveloped them, transporting them to the king’s study.

“Please, have a seat,” Nala offered, her expression stern. “Now, what message do you bring?”

“I don’t have a specific message. Rothvaln simply asked me to extend his regards,” Daphne replied honestly. There was no need for deception.

“That’s all?” Alaric’s tone was calmer, but his face remained tense.

“Yes. I apologize for interrupting your celebration. I’m here solely because Rothvaln requested it.”

Nala and Alaric exchanged a glance. Aware of Rothvaln’s true intentions, Nala turned back to Daphne.

“Thank you for delivering the message. I’d invite you to stay, but as you can see, King Lycan isn’t thrilled with your presence.

And frankly, I’d prefer you leave before things escalate.” Daphne detected a hint of regret in Nala’s eyes, a stark contrast to Alaric’s hostility.

Without another word, Daphne rose and exited. There was nothing more to say.

Clearly, her presence was an inconvenience, and the last thing she wanted was to provoke the King of the Lycans and the Master of Shadows.

Nala’s words didn’t offend her. She understood her concern. If their roles were reversed, she would have done the same.