As Israel melded into the darkness, shielding himself from prying eyes, he wove intricate protection spells around Donovan and Allegra, fortifying them against potential harm. Allegra, her eyes now a fierce yellow, gripped the tether of fire within her mind, preparing herself for the impending confrontation. She sought to stoke her anger, knowing her abilities were heightened in such a state.
Donovan, adopting a defensive stance, layered additional protective enchantments to guard against both wolf's bane and vampire bane, shielding Allegra from witnessing the darker facets of his nature. The night hung still, devoid of even a whisper of wind, as they braced for the inevitable.
Moments later, the eerie cackling of the witches pierced the silence as they materialized from the shadows, their expressions momentarily surprised at the sight of their formidable adversary standing resolute before them.
"Hm, the boy wonder. We thought you gave up," the lead witch sneered, her voice dripping with derision.
Donovan maintained his silence, his gaze locked on the witches before him.
"And who might you be?" The lead witch turned her attention to Allegra, who met her with steely resolve but chose not to respond.
"You two are so not fun to talk with," the witch lamented mockingly. "Well, as you can see, you two are outnumbered times twenty. Now back off." She snarled, exuding arrogance.
Allegra and Donovan exchanged a knowing glance, their determination unwavering. With synchronized resolve, they took a step forward. "Stay away from my territory," they declared in unison, their voices carrying an air of authority that visibly irked the witch.
"Finish them off," she commanded her minions, her voice laced with venomous intent. The witches rushed forward, eager to carry out their leader's bidding.
As the witches closed in, Allegra's latent powers surged to life. Tendrils of fiery energy coiled around her, dancing along her skin until they extended to her fingertips, ready to unleash devastation.
"Kill them," Allegra ordered, her tone commanding. Without hesitation, Allegra's unleashed her power, the tendrils of fire surged forward and engulfing the witches in a blazing inferno, silencing them instantly.
Meanwhile, Donovan's own dark tendrils sprang into action, swiftly dispatching several witches on his side with lethal precision. The tides of the battle shifted as the number of witches dwindled rapidly under their combined onslaught.
In a matter of moments, the once overwhelming force of witches had been significantly reduced, their ranks decimated by the fierce and coordinated onslaught of Allegra and Donovan.
The lead witch screamed in frustration, attempting to unleash the potent wolfsbane and vampirebane spells, but to no avail. Her powers fizzled against the protective enchantments woven by Israel and Donovan. Realizing her imminent defeat and demise, she resorted to desperate measures, casting spells in a futile attempt to harm Allegra and Donovan, only to find her magic ineffective against their defenses.
"P-please, I won't come again. Just let me live," she pleaded, her voice tinged with fear and desperation.
"You will go to your master and tell him he will never get what he wants, do you understand?" Donovan's voice rang out with commanding authority, causing the witch to tremble uncontrollably before fleeing in terror. The battlefield was now silent, save for the crackling of flames consuming the witches' bodies, courtesy of Allegra's decisive actions to prevent their regeneration.
After ensuring no traces of the defeated witches remained, Israel emerged from the shadows, his presence a comforting reassurance. With a spell, he masked their scents and transported them back to Donovan's house atop the hill.
Entering the foyer, Allegra felt a wave of weakness wash over her, her fingers instinctively pressing against her temples. Concerned, Donovan rushed to her side, his voice filled with worry. "What's wrong?"
"I just feel weak. I think I used too much power," Allegra admitted as Donovan guided her to the couch. Swiftly, Israel conjured a glass of blood, offering it to Allegra.
Taking a few sips, Allegra felt a slight improvement, but still, she remained fatigued. Donovan's brows furrowed in confusion and concern. "What do we do?" he asked, turning to Israel for guidance.
"I'm not sure… perhaps more blood?" Israel suggested, conjuring another cup of blood for Allegra. As she drank, her strength gradually returned, easing Donovan's worry.
"Get well soon. I should leave before anyone notices my absence. I'll return in three days' time," Israel announced, preparing to depart. With a final spell to erase any trace of their presence, he left through a portal back to the underworld.
Donovan closed the door behind him, and with a snap of his fingers, Allegra was back in her familiar white shirt while he returned to his casual attire. Concern etched on his features, Donovan checked on Allegra once more. "Do you feel better?"
"Yes," she nodded, seeking solace in his arms as they settled on the couch. Fatigue weighed heavily on them, and soon they drifted into a peaceful slumber, finding comfort and security in each other's embrace.
The night transitioned into day, accompanied by the cheerful melodies of chirping birds. Donovan's gaze lingered on Allegra's peaceful sleeping visage, and he tenderly placed a kiss on her forehead before settling beside her.
Just as he was about to drift into slumber, Declan's urgent voice echoed in his mind. "Have you seen Allegra?" Declan's concern was palpable.
Reluctantly interrupting his moment with Allegra, Donovan responded through their mental link, "There's something you need to know." With gentle care, he carried Allegra to their room, ensuring she was comfortable. Donovan prepared a meal for her and left a full jar of blood to satiate her needs before penning a note informing her of his brief absence.
After bathing and changing into formal attire, Donovan teleported to Declan's manor. He found Declan in a disheveled state, frantically searching for Allegra but to no avail.
Upon spotting Donovan, Declan rushed forward and embraced his brother, desperation evident in his eyes. "I don't know where she is," Declan lamented.
"She's with me," Donovan stated matter-of-factly, devoid of emotion. "She is my mate." He revealed his mating mark, a silent testament to their bond. "You should stop searching for her, Declan. She's fine with me."
Declan's expression shifted from confusion to disbelief. "What?" he exclaimed, pushing Donovan away slightly. "You liar! How come you didn't claim her the day I brought her home?!"
"She claimed me," Donovan clarified, tilting his head back to display the mark more prominently. "And it's complicated. You should stop searching for her, Declan. She's safe and happy with me."
Declan shook his head, struggling to process the revelation. "But..." His voice trailed off, grappling with the conflicting emotions.
"Thank you for helping her overcome her fears and episodes. I'm truly grateful, Brother," Donovan expressed genuine gratitude, embracing Declan once more. "I'm sorry you had to find out like this," he added before bidding farewell and departing from the manor.
Declan stood stunned, torn between happiness for his brother and his own feelings for Allegra. He retreated to his room, overwhelmed with emotion, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability as he processed the news.
Meanwhile, Donovan, having walked away to a distant location, returned to his private house through a teleportation spell, his mind filled with conflicting emotions but resolute in his decision.
Allegra was already awake, having just finished her meal when Donovan returned. Sensing his somber mood, she hugged him tightly.
"Where were you?" she inquired, concern evident in her voice.
Donovan looked into her eyes, captivated by her beauty and endearing nature. "If I don't survive, don't stop living," he said, his words carrying a weight of seriousness.
Her brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked, searching his eyes for answers.
He took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers. "Promise me that no matter what happens, you will keep on living and not let sadness consume you," he reiterated, his tone earnest.
Allegra placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You are not going anywhere," she asserted firmly, trying to reassure him.
With a sigh, Donovan accepted her embrace, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within him.
"I promise," she whispered softly, her words filled with determination and love.