Atticus

"Paris is controlled by the demon king," I say in disgusted horror as I watch the news. The newswoman goes on about how last night; a red ward like wall appeared around Paris. The woman says the government is taking blame and saying it’s for protection purposes. What a load of bullshit.

What I don’t get is, why Paris? Why hasn’t he attacked the witches or us here? From what I’ve heard, the new fake queen has taken control of the city and killed all the light witches that opposed her. Now she has complete control and I know she was helping the vampire king, to open the portal for the demons to come through. She must have gotten some power boost to be able to kill my mother and control the city. All I want to do is fucking kill her.

"What’s in Paris that he needs?" Dabriel asks but he knows none of us know the answer. I glance around the room; Winter is sat close to Dabriel’s side, his arm around her shoulder and her hand on his knee. They look mated already; they are so close to each other. Winter looks gorgeous just wearing a long purple dress that sticks to her body and makes me wants to run my hands all over her. I have pushed Winter away, not because of anything she did but because I don’t want anyone close to me. Winter, especially, because her blue eyes see straight through me.

"I need to return to my city, we need an army to stop this. I need to sort my shit out," I say angrily. All I feel is anger recently. I should have been with my mother; I knew something was wrong the last time I saw her.

"The angels might help in the war, I’ll go to them after we take back your throne, Atti," Dabriel says and I nod.

"I'm staying here with the wolves and Winter," Dabriel tells us all and I agree silently. He needs to be close to Winter, he can heal her if the demon king attacks or he can fly her away.

"I'm going with Atti," Winter says. I snap my head to look at her and she stands up.

"No, don't even try to dissuade me from this," she says to me, her hands on her hips. 

"You know I like it when you get mad, love, but they’re right. I won't be welcomed back," I tell her. She needs to realise it’s going to be a fight from the start. The fake witch queen is fucking crazy if she thinks I'll just let her rule. I fucking wish I could get Wyatt to use his power on the witches and make them do what we want. If only Wyatt’s power actually worked on witches. They’re the only race he really struggles with, and he can’t convince me to do anything. I know he can’t convince Winter to do anything, and I’m hoping that’s her goddess side, not her demon side. It would be useful if he could control the demon king. I have a feeling the fake queen will be powerful. The throne is mine and the role of queen belongs to Winter. I'll die to make sure Winter gets to where she needs to be and is protected.

"So, I should be there, I'm not a damsel in distress. Don’t even try saying because I’m a girl I should stay home," she says, pulling out the sexist card. I can’t say anything. I was brought up around women and I know when not to talk. This would be one of those instances.

"I will come as well, as your protector so I can defend you," Leigha says coming into the room. She doesn’t even fucking look a little sorry that she was eavesdropping, again. Leigha is dressed in a full leather outfit, has daggers all over her and a big ass sword on her back. She looks ready to fight at a moment’s notice.

"I don't think this is a good idea," Leigha says to Winter and she raises her eyebrows at her.

“Ok army brat, your opinion has been registered,” she nods.
“I can’t wait to start your training again, this was only a temporary break,” Leigha says and Winter goes a little pale.

“I’m good,” Winter coughs out and Leigha walks out of the room with a laugh.

“Brat,” Winter mumbles under her breath, making both Dabriel and I laugh. She turns to me, a serious look in her eyes as she smiles gently.

"I have to do this with you. I’m at your side, always."  She says, her words meaning far more than she has to say. The tension stretches between us as I look at her gorgeous face. She walks up to me and places a hand on my chest.

"Fine, but I don't like it," I finally say, she leans up and kisses me.

“I know,” she says against my lips and moves away.

I sit on one side and she holds my hand as she rests her head on Dabriel’s shoulder. Dabriel switches the TV on and we watch a show about a big group of friends. It’s funny and I wish it could take my mind of the future to come.

It doesn’t.