The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 569: Old Enemies Face To Face

Chapter 569: Old Enemies Face To Face

Zaria materialized in a location far from the Verner residence. As soon as she arrived, a familiar voice rang out.

"Why are you seeking Evanthe?"

Turning, Zaria faced the silver-haired elf. "I see your penchant for eavesdropping hasn’t faded," she remarked.

"Nor has your knack for stirring up trouble," he retorted. "I’m holding back from attacking you right now, and that’s only out of respect for Oriana. So, make your point, quickly."

"You’re thinking of attacking me?" she laughed. "Remember, you nearly lost to me on the new moon night. You know I possess stronger power...."

"Which doesn’t belong to you,"he cut in sharply, "when did you ever fight using your own capabilities but the strength created by malicious ways." he sneered "And yet you dare to claim the title of the most powerful black witch. The only word that fits is ’black.’ You have a black heart."

"Tell me something I don’t know," she scoffed. "I’d rather embrace my black heart than deceive others by pretending to be pure and white, like you."

Yorian’s glare intensified. "People with dark souls like yours will never understand us," he said, bracing himself for a confrontation. "Will you get to the point, or shall we test our powers right now?"

She stepped back, her gaze mocking him as her hands hovered, poised for battle. "I wouldn’t mind another face-off with you. Maybe this time you’ll finally get your chance for revenge on behalf of your beloved."

Yorian’s expression darkened, a stark contrast to his usually playful demeanor. His blue eyes blazed with fury. "You dare mention her with your filthy mouth," he roared, launching himself at the witch without holding back.

Swish! Boom!

The air around them crackled, a fierce dance of divine power and dark magic, neither willing to yield.

"I never wanted her to die. She was perhaps the only one among you high elves I wished to spare," Zaria declared, her voice cutting through the chaos. "But by being in your place, she was destined to. She chose to die for you."

Fueled by her words, Yorian’s attacks grew even more ferocious, his mind seething with rage.

"You despicable witch," he hissed, unleashing a powerful blow that forced Zaria several steps back—a testament to its strength.

"You are truly formidable, Yorian," Zaria conceded with a twisted smile. "I only wish you had been this strong centuries ago; perhaps then you could have saved her. How tragic." With that, she launched a counterattack, more potent than before, pushing Yorian back, his boots screeching across the floor, leaving marks in their wake.

"I’m wielding my own powers this time, not those forged from divine blood," Zaria stated confidently. "How did that feel?"

Yorian responded instantly with another swift attack, but before it could reach her, Zaria countered, their powers colliding in a tumultuous clash of light and darkness.

"Enough!"

A commanding voice cut through the chaos, but neither combatant yielded. Finally, the owner of the voice intervened directly, using her own powers.

Boom!

With a thunderous collision of three forces, Yorian and Zaria were thrown back, but they quickly regained their footing and turned to face the newcomer.

"Evanthe," Zaria greeted with a smirk. "I knew you’d show up eventually. You never disappoint."

Evanthe, who had been hovering midair, landed gracefully and confronted Zaria. "Looking for me? Tired of your so-called freedom after a century? It must have been dull, hiding in holes like wild rats."

Zaria’s expression remained cool. "I’m quite enjoying my freedom, actually. You’re welcome to join me," she said, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "After all, you’ve already walked the path I laid out. How did it feel, using black magic to aid your cause, Evanthe?"

"It was enjoyable, especially when it thwarted your plans," Evanthe retorted.

"I’m surprised you haven’t succumbed to corruption yet. It’s disappointing to see you haven’t turned into what you despise the most."

"I’m afraid you’ll have to continue being disappointed," Evanthe responded crisply. "If you value your freedom, get to the point. Why are you looking for me? Otherwise, I’m more than ready to capture you and deliver you to Agartha for your punishment."

"You think you can capture me?" Zaria sneered dismissively. "But you’re right, let’s cut to the chase. This pointless banter wastes my precious time. I’m here to discuss something urgent concerning Oriana."

Evanthe and Yorian exchanged a glance. Their tolerance for the irritating witch was solely because they sensed she had come for a significant reason—something undoubtedly related to Oriana. Otherwise, Zaria wouldn’t dare to seek them out so boldly.

"What about Oriana?" Evanthe pressed, her attention sharpening as Sierra materialized alongside them.

"There’s someone... a person not from this realm who is looking for a particular woman. And I fear that woman is Oriana," Zaria revealed.

"So they approached you to find her," Sierra interjected, drawing the gaze of all present. "We need to know more about this. It doesn’t bode well for Oriana."

"First, you need to tell me more about Oriana," Zaria countered. "Explain who she really is, beyond what I already know."

"Why? So you can exploit her once you learn she’s more powerful than you previously thought?" Yorian retorted.

"You’re free to think what you like," Zaria replied icily. "What matters is that I don’t have much time. Sooner or later, that person will find Oriana. I need to understand what she truly is and why that person from other realm is looking for her so I can stop him and protect her."

"Protect her?" Yorian scoffed. "Are you so delusional that you think you’re capable of caring about anyone?"

"Yorian, I suggest you hold your tongue," Zaria snapped back. "Despite my deep-seated hatred for all of you and my eagerness to see you suffer, I must protect a Queen of witches. She is our Queen."

"Of course, it’s all part of your plan to use the Queen for your own ends. How could you stand the thought of someone else getting their hands on her?" Yorian countered sharply. "But remember, as long as we’re here, Oriana doesn’t need your so-called protection. She’s better off without your selfish care."

"You wish," Zaria mocked, her voice dripping with disdain. "If you were truly capable, would I be here, confronting those I detest most?" She took a deep breath to calm herself, then said, "Let me show you something—a reason for my concern."

With a flick of her wrist, Zaria chanted a spell. In response, a black rock materialized in midair, hovering before the group as they watched intently.

"This..." Sierra murmured, drawing attention from Evanthe and Yorian while Zaria concentrated fully on maintaining the rock’s position through her magic.

"What is it?" Evanthe inquired, peering at the suspended stone.