Darkness of Desire

Chapter 2

A few hours later, Gabriel went down the spiral stairs and through a corridor where at the end stood two large double doors. The doors opened and Gabriel walked in a window-less U-shaped wide room; at the sides of the room were three elevated rows of chairs and long tables.

On the right side of the bottom two rows, sat the strongest werewolf Alpha pack leaders. On the left side of the bottom two rows, were the remaining loyal vampire clan leaders.

On top, of course, sat the reigning kings and queens of the council. There was Shaylah, Queen of Fairies and Nymphs, Lucian, King of the Werewolves, Aldric, King of the Dragons, Amamion, King of the Elves, Vivienne, Queen of Witches, and Meridevera, Queen of Succubi.

The only seat that was empty in the council was in the middle of the top row. There stood the empty red and gold chair awaiting its next Queen.

“Why have you called this meeting together, Gabriel?” A blonde-headed, fair-skinned woman asked

“Of course it's in regard to the princess, Queen Shaylah. She has received her college letters.” Gabriel answered

A few groans were heard, “Don’t tell me she’s blaming us for any rejection letters received.” A dark-haired man with tan skin said

“No King-” Gabriel began

“Because we made her a deal we wouldn’t interfere.” The man continued

“No King Lucian, that’s not the reason.” Gabriel continued, “But she had a few rejections-”

“You bastards didn’t keep your end of the deal!” King Lucian shouted, pointing at the remaining council members.

“It wasn’t me.” A brunette-haired woman with dark brown skin said, “I would never do anything to discourage the little princess.” Queen Meridevera added.

“Neither would I.” King Aldric responded. “So it was obviously-”

Gabriel stood as he watched the council of the supernatural world’s kings, queens and clan leaders fight over a small matter about who refused the princess of her wish. No one would probably ever believe him, but of course, he would never mention this.

“Council leaders!” Gabriel shouted to get attention back to the topic at hand, “Regardless of how the Princess' college rejection letter came about, she was accepted to one so far.”

“Finally!” A red-headed woman with sun-kissed skin said, “Oh and which school finally accepted her?” Queen Vivienne asked.

Gabriel grimaced as he could already imagine the council’s reaction to his next words, “That would be the University of Oxford. Located in England.”

The room was silent for a moment before it erupted into chaos.

“ENGLAND?!”

“Gabriel!” Cassius, one of the vampire clan leaders, boomed, “I hope, for your sake, you meant New England!”

Gabriel shook his head. “How could you let this happen?” King Amamion asked calmly, which always unnerved Gabriel.

“The family didn’t consult me on which school the Princess applied to and obviously they encouraged her to apply to the U.K.” Gabriel explained.

King Lucian growled, “I knew we should’ve taken her away from her human parents, then we wouldn’t have these worries.”

“The reason why were didn’t take her from her human parents was because they provide something that we can not.” Queen Vivienne stated

“What could humans have that we don’t?” Queen Meridevera frowned.

“Compassion, it would seem” Queen Shaylah muttered, but Queen Meridevera heard her and frowned at her.

“To be honest, we can’t blame the parents.” Wyatt, one of the werewolf pack leaders, spoke up and immediately, King Lucian growled at him but he did not back down to his King, “They don’t know the dangers that lie in France.”

“And regardless if they did,” Silas, a vampire clan leader, added, “We cannot keep her hidden forever, especially not when we will need her in the fight.

Gabriel smiled appreciative of his vampire leader's words, “While our princess is just 18 and still a child in our eyes. She will grow to be a sheltered Queen, naive of the world and its underworld, if we continue shielding her from everything. She has already proven how strong she is.”

The council went silent. The vampire clan leaders and werewolf pack leaders seemed to agree with Gabriel's words, while the kings and Queen still seemed hesitant.

They then looked at each other before King Amamion spoke, “Your words are correct, Gabriel. The young Princess needs to go experience the world and its dangers so we will allow her to go to Oxford.”

Gabriel smiled and couldn’t wait to tell the good news to the family, “However.” King Amamion added, “Make sure to have enough protection detail to watch her and I’m sure all of us are happy to give you more people needed and they will be under your direction. Do not disappoint us Gabriel.”

Gabriel bowed before the council, “I promise as the princess safety has always been my top priority.”

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The next night, Gabriel returned to Gallagher’s Victorian-styled home. He entered the entryway and was immediately swarmed by the siblings and parents.

“Gabriel! You’re back!” exclaimed Kayden, the youngest one, his eyes sparkled with excitement. “Did you convince them? Is Celeste really going to Oxford?”

Gabriel chuckled softly, ruffling his hair. “Yes, Kayden, the council has agreed with conditions, of course, like a protection detail but that was to be expected.”

“Protection?” interjected Terrance, the eldest brother, his brow furrowing with his twin sister Tamara mimicking his facial expression. “What kind of dangers could she face at Oxford?”

“More than you realize,” Gabriel replied, his tone turning serious. “The world is filled with both human and supernatural threats. We must be cautious.”

They all sighed, understanding his words, “Regardless, Celeste will be happy to hear the news.” Karla said.

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway, and Celeste appeared with her long, silvery hair cascading over her shoulders. Her hair always changes during a full moon. “Gabriel! You’re back!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up with relief.

Gabriel felt a rush of warmth as he met her hazel eyes. “Yes, Your Highness. The council has agreed to let you go to Oxford.”

Her enthusiasm was palpable, but quickly tempered by a hint of concern. “But?”

“We’ll have a team with you at all times,” he replied. “I’ll be there as well. So you won’t always be alone.”

Celeste expression softened, a mixture of gratitude and determination shining through. “I want to see the world, Gabriel. I want to meet people who aren’t like us.”

“And you will,” he promised, his voice steady. “But there are rules, and we must follow them to keep you safe.”

Celeste sighed, “Well, I should have expected as much but hey, at least I get to go to Oxford!” She smiled.

“Exactly so celebrate,” Gabriel smiled. “I have much preparation before the fall semester and I’m sure do too.” He said and then he left leaving the family to celebrate for Celeste next new chapter of her life.

Gabriel went next door was greeted by his fellow vampire. At other house on the opposite side, housed the werewolf bodyguards. While there was peace between the two species, it was difficult for the two beings to live together, which is why the council purchased the two houses.

With his super-hearing, he overhead the family overall excitement as they were discussing what they need to prepare. Tamara and Terrance suggested researching the college activities and the area around while Kayden listened. Celeste and her parents were focusing on completing paperwork on her dorm and researching her classes.

As the night wore on, Gabriel felt a weight lift from his shoulders as he was finally giving her the freedom she always wanted. However, as he glanced out the window at the moonlit sky, a sense of foreboding crept in.