SPELLBOUND

Inside Gideon's castle. 

Evie was relieved and shocked at the same at what she found out from listening in to the conversations that were floating about from the vampires Gideon had imprisoned. All of the vampires that she and her men were looking for all this time were accounted for, not a single one was missing. The most surprising thing was that they were not actually inside a cell or in a place that was of poor condition. In fact, to Evie's surprise, it was the exact opposite. The hall that they were held in was actually a magnificent looking ballroom that was lit up with magical bluish lights everywhere. It created a somewhat calming and safe environment for those who were kept in here.

The vampires had since updated her on their situation without delay. They mentioned that since Gideon had them brought here and locked them within this castle, he did not allow other dark faes to even catch a glance of them. There were only two dark faes who were in contact with them consistently. One of them was a female and the other was a male who came at designated times just to send food to them and they were even allowed to cook for themselves and fend for themselves. 

They had told Evie that Gideon did not come to see them again after the first time, so they were not even sure what was the actual purpose of him bringing them back to this land. At first, they were terrified, thinking that they would be used as hostages or be killed. However, time passed and nothing of the sort happened they even began to let their guards down and relax. Some of them even attempted to escape from this prison hall, but it was all futile. They knew that the entire castle was protected by a strong barrier that was formed by dark magic. Moreover, they were also warned by the two dark faes who brought them their food that the outside of the castle was a very dangerous place. And that if they do not want to die or be violated, they must obediently remain within the castle walls. 

Evie could only fall silent as she listened to them. She even went to the extent of checking through all of them all to find if there were any signs of abuse, whether its physical or emotional. But no matter how she checked, she could not find a single trace of hurt on a single one of them. In fact, the children were even playing in the hall like they were not prisoners at all. 

All these made Evie felt confused again. And she could not help but remember how gently he had handled her. That man had only spouted threats and restricted her power, but he never actually did anything bad to her nor handled her recklessly so far. What exactly was his intention then? Was it really true that his only purpose in bringing these vampires here was to test the portal? If he was a villain, why was he treating his prisoners so nicely like this? Could it be that he was merely treating them like this and trying to make them feel safe so he could easily gain their trust when the time comes? 

Despite being relieved that Gideon did not harm any of these vampires – especially the children, Evie still did not dare drop her guard. She could not forget that fear inducing look in his eyes just a while ago. Gideon… that man was no doubt a very dangerous person and she was more than certain of that. Therefore, she would not be letting her guard down and take it for granted that he was a kind and benevolent person just because no one was hurt.

…

Meanwhile, at the castle's spacious entrance, three men covered in black garments stood facing each other. Gideon was one of them. 

The other two were tall, handsome, and bronze-skinned as well. Though their faces were not like Gideon's exotic and unnatural striking beauty, the other two men's feature still screamed with handsomeness. 

"I honestly think you shouldn't go to the surface again, Gideon." The one dressed impeccably and perfectly groomed spoke. There was just a slight crease of his brows as he said that.

"Stop doing that Kione, you know he'll never listen." Said the man with thick short black hair and Kione just threw a sharp look at him. 

"I know that Azrael. But I will still tell him my opinion regardless of him listening to me or not." Kione responded and Azrael, the extraordinarily fit man with a powerful physique and the tallest among the three could only shrugged. He had done his part and it was up to them to listen or not.

"I'm leaving my sister-in-law in your care for now, Kione." Gideon finally spoke, completely ignoring what Kione had just said. "Do not leave the castle until I return." He added and Kione knew from that tone alone that it was a serious command. 

"I know. But you should return as soon as possible. You said it yourself, she's powerful. I might not be able to contain her if she decides to put up a fight and tries to leave the castle." Kione warned but Gideon remained unfazed. 

"If she tries to do that, just threaten her. Like I said, she's powerful but she has a weakness she would never compromise on for now." Gideon looked so sure as he said it that Kione could only nod, knowing that Gideon would almost never go wrong with his judgement when it comes to a person's weakness. 

Gideon then turned and headed towards the door. 

When he was out of the large door, Kione faced Azrael. 

"Try to stop his plan." Kione said, his gaze now serious and the large man sighed again.

"I will try."

"Do everything you can. I'll do my job here. Just don't let him go to the vampire's land."

"I know.." Azrael then followed dutifully after Gideon even though he was against it, until the two of them were out of the portal and had once again reached the surface.