A very long chapter ahead ❤️ please vote and comment to increase the engagement. 🙌

Also it would be a great favour if someone could make a couple of reels on this book so I could post it on my social media.

I really wanna make few reels on this book but I really don't have time 🥺

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Haven's body stiffened in Aerius's arms, her fingers curling into tight fists against his chest as she attempted to push him away.

"Let go of me," she hissed, her voice low and trembling with both fury and fear.

But Aerius's grip only tightened, his lips brushing against her ear as he muttered, "Stay still, Snow. You're not in a position to fight me."

Her breath hitched at his words.

"You think you're free?" he whispered, his voice low and taunting. "Aezvan is still my hostage. These people"—he gestured subtly at the gathered Sinisters—"are my allies. They've saved you, protected you. So I suggest you stay silent, and I'll handle the rest."

Haven froze, her mind spinning. Aerius's words stung like venom, but she composed herself for Aezwan. His continuous blackmailing made her blood boil.

From across the room, Michael rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall. "He's scaring her," he muttered to Gabriel who was also Annoyed at Aerius.

Rafael cleared his throat, cutting through the tension. "Aerius," he called sharply.

Aerius didn't even flinch, he pulled apart from haven but his hold on Haven was still unwavering.

But Izrael did. His cold, calculating gaze locked onto Aerius's hand gripping Haven. His eyes darkened, and the room seemed to grow colder with each step he took toward them.

Izrael stopped directly in front of Aerius, his piercing gaze never leaving the man's face. His presence was suffocating, his quiet rage palpable. Without a word, he reached out, taking Haven's trembling hand in his own.

His touch was startlingly gentle, yet firm enough to convey control. He pried her hand away from Aerius's fist and pulled her back, his body subtly shielding her from Aerius as though she were something fragile.

"Enough," Izrael said simply, his voice devoid of emotion, yet the threat lingered heavy in the air.

Aerius's lips twitched in irritation, but he didn't resist as Izrael took Haven's hand and guided her toward the couch.

She stumbled slightly, her legs weak beneath her, but Izrael steadied her effortlessly, seating her as if she were a delicate porcelain doll.

Haven glanced at him, her distrust evident in her wary gaze. Izrael seemed to notice, his sharp eyes softening just enough. He reached for the jug on the nearby table and poured a glass of water.

Haven's eyes flickered between him and the glass, her suspicion clear.

Izrael sighed quietly, lifting another glass for himself. He poured water from the same jug and took a slow sip, his eyes never leaving hers, silently proving his intent.

Then, without a word, he poured another glass and extended it to her.

Haven hesitated, staring at the offered glass before finally taking it. She sipped cautiously, only to realize how parched she was. She downed the water quickly, feeling a small sense of relief for the first time since waking up.

Across the room, Lucifer's sharp gaze was fixed on Aerius. "It's late," he said curtly. "We'll discuss everything tomorrow."

Aerius's eyes narrowed, but he inclined his head. "Of course," he replied, his tone deceptively calm.

"I'll take Snow to her room," Aerius announced, stepping forward with a possessive air. "She's overwhelmed, not used to having so many people around her."

Haven flinched ever so slightly at his words, her body instinctively recoiling. It was subtle, a fleeting tremor in her stance, but Izrael noticed.

Izrael's sharp eyes narrowed, honing in on her reaction with precision. The smallest things rarely escaped his notice, and this was no exception. His mind processed it in a heartbeat—her fear wasn't just of Aerius's words. It was of Aerius himself.

Aerius tried to get hold of her wrist but Izrael's hand shot out, gripping Aerius's wrist firmly before he could reach for her.

"It's Haven," Izrael corrected icily. "And no. Mike will take her back to her room. You and I have things to discuss."

Aerius's jaw clenched, but he masked his frustration quickly.

And why not?" he challenged, though his voice lacked the usual confidence.

Izrael stopped directly in front of Aerius, his imposing presence radiating quiet danger. His cold gaze shifted to Haven for a fleeting moment, softening slightly before returning to Aerius with a renewed intensity.

"You're scaring her," Izrael said bluntly, his tone devoid of warmth. "And I don't think you understand what happens to those who scare her."

Haven bit her inner cheeks.

Why is this man concerned is this another game? another trap? What In the hell was going on now? She thought confused but decided to act completely dumb before taking any other step now.

Aerius stiffened, his jaw clenching. "I'm the one who's kept her safe. I've protected her. You don't know—"

Izrael cut him off with a quiet laugh, but there was no humor in it. "Protected her?" he repeated mockingly. "I'm sure that's what she thinks every time she flinches at the sound of your voice."

Who are these men? This man is Aerius allies right then what's with him defending me. Haven thought. She had an endless list of questions but she realised she needed to be very very patient.

The words hit their mark, and for a moment, Aerius's mask slipped. That flicker of fear returned, clawing its way back into his chest as he realized how much power Izrael wielded in the room—not just physically, but emotionally.

Before Aerius could retort, Izrael's hand shot out, gripping Haven's wrist gently yet firmly. His touch was nothing like Aerius's—there was no possessiveness, only a sense of control and silent reassurance.

"Mike will take her to her room. You and I have things to discuss" Izrael said, his voice low but carrying an undeniable authority.

Haven hesitated, glancing between Izrael and Aerius. The faintest hint of uncertainty lingered in her eyes, but there was no denying the relief that washed over her when Izrael stepped between them stopped him from taking her.

Aerius's lips curled into a bitter smile, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. "Careful, Mr. Romanov," he said, his tone a poor attempt at mockery. "You wouldn't want to start something you can't finish."

Izrael's gaze darkened, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Oh, I always finish what I start," he replied coldly.

Aerius's confidence faltered once more, and for the briefest moment, that hated feeling—fear—resurfaced. He hated how powerless it made him feel, especially in front of the Sinisters.

Izrael's expression darkened further at the sight. "Go, little one," he said, his voice softer now. "Mike will take you back. We'll talk tomorrow."

Lucifer's commanding voice broke the silence. "Mike, Gabe. Take Haven to her room. She needs rest."

Michael stepped forward, ready to guide her, but Haven didn't move right away. Her eyes darted toward Aerius, seeking his reaction. It wasn't something she meant to do, but the years spent under his control had made it instinctive.

Aerius noticed immediately. His lips curled into a smug smile, his confidence growing. He straightened his shoulders, enjoying the power he still held over her. "See?" he said with a mocking edge. "She knows who's always looked out for her."

Izrael's sharp eyes caught the subtle flinch in Haven's body. She wasn't looking to Aerius because she trusted him—it was fear, a habit that must have formed by years of control. That realization sent a cold wave of anger through Izrael.

But he didn't let it show. His little sister didn't need more fear or chaos around her. Izrael kept his face calm, his voice gentle as he spoke to her. "Little one," he said softly, "you don't need anyone's permission to leave. Mike will take you to your room."

Haven hesitated, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her dress. For a moment, her eyes flicked back to Aerius. Izrael felt a pang of frustration but forced himself to stay composed.

Aerius leaned back, his smug smile growing wider. "She understands," he said, his tone dripping with arrogance. "She knows I've always been there for her."

Izrael's icy gaze locked onto Aerius, but he kept his voice steady for Haven's sake. He stepped closer to her, his movements slow and reassuring. "Haven," he said again, "you're safe here. You don't have to look to him anymore."

Haven turned to Izrael, her eyes searching his face. His expression was calm and kind, with no sign of anger or mockery. Slowly, she nodded, her grip on her dress loosening as she stood.

Michael and Gabriel moved to her side, ready to escort her. She glanced back once more at Aerius, her uncertainty still lingering.

"Goodnight, Snow," Aerius said, his voice laced with a confidence that made Izrael's jaw tighten.

The two brothers escorted her out, leaving the three remaining Sinisters alone with Aerius.

Izrael stayed silent, watching as Haven left the room with Michael and Gabriel. Only when they gone did his calm mask begin to crack.

The air in the room shifted instantly, the softness Izrael had shown vanishing completely.

Mike thinks Hayden (Aerius) beats her or something.

Gabriel's words echoed in his head. It shot up his anger ten folds.

"It would be better for you," Izrael said, his voice dangerously calm as he now stood in front of Aerius looking him dead in his eyes, "that you maintain your distance from her. Unless, of course, you'd prefer to find out what it feels like to have your body parts detached—permanently."

Aerius's mouth opened, but he thought better of replying, his face darkening as Izrael turned and left the room without another word.

Lucifer stepped forward followed by Rafael, his presence as imposing as ever. "Your father, Ammon, helped us when we needed it most. That's the only reason you're standing here. But let me make this clear—any claim you think you have over Haven ends now."

Aerius's fists clenched.

Lucifer smirked. "You must have raised your hand against her because you thought she was your sister and that it was your right. Now you know whose blood runs in her veins. Keep your hands—and your voice—to yourself. We will tell her the truth tomorrow. Once the Salvatores are out of the picture, you can also take over the French mafia again. Consider that as the payment of taking care of our sister so far" Lucifer said.

Aerius stayed silent making Lucifer raise his eyebrow at him as if daring him to go against him.

Aerius's teeth ground together. "Yes," he bit out. "I understand."

"Good boy," Lucifer mocked, patting his cheek with a cruel smile filling Aerius with unlimited humiliation.

Rafael's quiet chuckle rumbled behind him. "Let me add one thing here. Don't mistake our generosity for weakness. You dare go against us and I'll make sure death itself turns its back to you . Even the reaper won't dare touch after looking at your dead body"

He leaned in slightly, his gaze dark and unyielding. "The ground will refuse to take your body, Castillion. You'll be nothing but a reminder of what happens when someone crosses us."

He turned on his heel, leaving Aerius alone in silence, his nails digging into his palms so hard that blood dripped to the floor.

His voice was a quiet growl, venomous and seething.

"I'll make sure the one you're trying to protect becomes your ultimate downfall. You just destroy Vincent and I will eventually destroy you" Aerius smirked.

I TELL YOU AERIUS IS SO DELULU 🙄

I mean no body gonna know about the truth if he leaves silently and without even doing anything he can get his territory back but Ego I tell you guyzzzz.

He thinks he stands a chance against The Sinisters lol 💀💀