Unleashed Witch (The Primordial Queen #3)

6. Elzora

6

ELZORA

T he portal closes behind us, and Eirik immediately switches from concerned boyfriend to… well, I’m presuming the man I’m looking at is the leader of one of the most dangerous groups within the Black Coats.

His posture stiffens, magicae flowing through his veins like a surge of raw power, turning them from their usual blue-purple, to a swirling mix of red, blue, green, and yellow, as if every element he wields is ready to explode.

The royal prince is ready for a fight, but I don’t even know who the enemy is.

“What the fuck is going on?” Ciar demands. I flinch at his sudden arrival, and even the soothing energy from Zohar doesn’t calm my racing heart. My dark witch is almost encased in the darkness, and the magicae he’s holding feels raw, primal… feral, even.

I feel a sudden gust of wind and turn, expecting Ryes, but a grin lights up my face as my witchmea flies through the air.

“Hello, little friend.” My legs might be trembling, but the coo in my words is not.

It flutters up to my shoulder, balancing delicately. Despite the size of my witchmea, it doesn’t put much weight on me. It nuzzles my face, its breath warm, with a calming aura.

It’s a needed balm on my unsettled soul.

“What the fuck has happened?” Ciar demands when Eirik doesn’t yet move. “We were told this visit was safe . That Mr Downey himself vetted the fucking doctor.”

My magicae hums in response, frustration bubbling up. I try to calm it, but it refuses to settle, like a caged storm waiting to break free.

“No time to explain,” Eirik says, his voice sharp with urgency. “Zohar, man the house. Keep Zoe in your sight. Don’t hesitate to act if necessary.”

Hesitate to do what, I don’t know, but it makes me all the more terrified when Zohar gives a solemn nod.

“Breathe, dragonfly,” Zohar soothes, his magicae pouring over me. “You’ve done so fucking well, and now we’re going to relax and let Eirik handle it.”

But my legs wobble, the weight of everything too much to bear.

Ciar appears beside me, steadying me before Zohar can, his dark magicae wrapping around me like a protective shield as he holds me close, making sure I’m not hurt.

Zohar lets Ciar have his moment, moving to sit on the sofa. His fingers tap on the arm of the chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. My water witch has always needed intellection time, and I’m curious as to what he’s mulling over.

“Ciar, grab Etrix,” Eirik barks, turning to us. If I couldn’t feel how panicked he was, I’d mistake this frenzied energy for anger. “And Necos if you can. Don’t delay. Meet me at the healer’s office on campus.”

Ciar nods and presses a kiss to my temple. My anxiety is threatening to pull me under, and the soothing energy from Zohar isn’t enough to counteract it.

I feel a familiar pull in my navel before I’m sat in Zohar’s lap, and I know that Ciar used his shadow travelling abilities to do this before he leaves. My witchmea is hovering in the air, practically pouting that I left it behind.

I feel like I’m drowning. Frustration gnaws at me—I should be better than this. I should be stronger.

“Breathe through it,” Zohar urges, and I rest back against his chest, trying, for once in my life, to fight the weakness clawing at me.

“You are not weak, Zoe. You’re the strongest person I know,” Zohar murmurs, tightening his arms around me. I shrug, and he taps my forehead. “Not physically, although that, too, but mentally .”

I can’t argue, even though I don’t agree with him in the slightest.

Eirik opens a portal into Ryes’s bedroom and Jasper’s greenhouse. He calls their names, and they both respond immediately. Ryes steps through first, his eyes landing on me before turning to Eirik.

“What do you need?” my air witch asks, rubbing his hands together in glee. My eyes narrow, some of the anxiety fading at how obscene Ryes is reacting.

That’s the mentally fucked for you.

I don’t know which one of them said it, and my shocked gasp is ignored.

“Go to the healer’s clinic on campus. Dr Kunya. Find out everything he knows, and who else knows it.”

Ryes nods. He blows me a kiss and disappears through a portal without looking back. It makes me uneasy to know how comfortable and confident they are when headed into a situation where they barely know anything.

I should feel that sure, that steady.

“What’s going on?” Jasper asks, hovering in the doorway of the portal, eyeing me before turning to Eirik.

“I need you to find Mael and get him to campus,” Eirik says. “Then, I need you to track down Vexus?—”

I raise my hand, and Zohar snickers as Eirik turns to face me, his expression sharp, intense.

“What?” His tone is clipped, and I try not to flinch.

“I think it would be best if I was the one to get Vexus,” I say softly but with more confidence than I feel. “I can take Zohar, so I’m still safe… but their compound is less known about than this castle is. I’d be safer.”

“Definitely safer than here,” Zohar agrees. “We don’t know what’s coming, but they know she’s here now. Necos’s castle is vulnerable.”

Eirik debates it for a moment, then nods. “Fine. But get your anxiety under control first. Then find Vexus and fill him in.”

His words sting more than I’d ever admit. I know he’s just in drill sergeant mode and trying to do his best to get everyone on task so that he can handle this danger. Plus, it’s obvious that I’m a weakness right now.

But it still hurts.

Eirik’s expression softens slightly as he catches the hurt in my eyes. His icy gaze warms, and for a moment, I see the man behind the leader. He’s once again my anima nexum, and it shows.

He advances towards me, crouching down. He takes my hands in his, somehow making me feel dwarfed. Eirik brushes his lips against my knuckles.

“That was rude of me, and I’m sorry. I am so proud of how well you’ve done, Zoe, and I can’t emphasise that enough. You kept your cool, you did what was needed, and you never faltered.”

“Until now.”

He smiles, and Zohar’s breath on the back of my neck hitches.

“You’re home, now, though. You’re safe, and you know that you can have this time to feel . You’re naturally an emotional person, darling, and that’s something I would never change about you.”

Even if I’m weak?

Zohar grunts, adjusting me slightly. “If I have to?—”

“Even if you’re weak,” Eirik teases, cutting Zohar’s threat off. I giggle, and he grins, rising back to his feet. “We’ll handle damage control with Dr Kunya. Are you okay handling your end of things with Zohar?”

I nod my head, as Zohar presses a kiss to my temple.

“Good. Jasper, once you’re done…” Eirik trails off, clearly not sure how best to utilise my earth witch.

“Follow the bond to me,” I say softly. Jasper’s hazel eyes meet mine, and his lips quirk up ever so slightly.

I take a calming breath. Zohar’s magicae truly does wonders for my anxiety when I let it. But my own magicae is helping, too. No more does it try to explode out of me; instead, it soothes me, soothes my soul.

We’re slowly reuniting with my soul connections, and that’s the best medicine a soul witch could ever ask for.

“Okay, I’m leaving, but we’ll be back soon,” Eirik says, and he opens another portal without looking back.

“Are you okay, sunflower?” Jasper asks, stepping through the portal. It closes behind him, and he moves to sit down on the arm chair opposite Zohar and I.

“I am,” I say softly, reaching out through the bond to Mael. This time, I call for him with more control, not the panicked scream I gave during the last attack.

“What happened today?” Jasper asks, his voice steady and controlled.

I start to explain when a portal opens, and Mael strides through. His runes glow gold, but he’s calmer this time— no immediate need for a fight.

I’m getting better at that.

“Thanks for saving me the job, sunflower,” Jasper says with a grin.

“What’s happening?” Mael asks, his tone all business.

Zohar and I explain what happened with the doctor, my words more controlled now, though I can still feel the knot of fear in my stomach.

When Mael leaves to join Eirik, Jasper and Zohar exchange a look, their nervousness palpable. The weight of the unknown presses down on all of us.

“Call either for Vexus or Necos, and let them know that we’re on our—” Jasper says.

“No, just call for Vexus,” Zohar interjects, ignoring the dark look Jasper shoots his way. “Necos might already be with Eirik, and I don’t want to panic them if we’re attempting to pull Necos away.”

“Is this really the right move?” I ask, looking between the two men who are on edge.

Jasper shrugs. “No idea, but I’ve been interested in visiting ever since we heard about it. Waiting for Eirik to pull his head out of his ass these last few days has been annoying.”

“He’s agreed now,” I remind him.

Zohar snickers but smiles at me. “It’s the right move. Eirik agreed, and he never would’ve if he thought there was any threat to you there.”

“Okay,” I say softly. I can’t call for Vexus like I did when I called for Mael because he’s still not fully bonded with me. The magicae sharing we did is a healthy step, but it’s not enough.

So, instead, I murmur, “Show me his soul”, and use the true and tried method. My eyes flutter closed as the imagery in front of me changes.

“Little love?” Vexus asks, turning away from whoever he was with. I caught sight of bright blonde hair, but that’s it. It’s likely the boss. “What do you need?”

“You. We’re not sure if I’m safe where I am at Necos’s. The visit with Mr Downey and the forced health check didn’t go well… and, well, I need you to let me, Zohar, and Jasper come to you.”

“Give me ten minutes.”

“Can you make it five?” I ask softly. I’m nervous, and he can feel it across this mental connection.

“I’ll make it two.”

I’m evicted from his body and startle as the energy immediately changes. Zohar rubs my shoulders, and my eyes open to see a concerned Jasper sitting in front of me.

“He’ll be here in a couple of minutes,” I murmur, and my witchmea flies over to me once more. It looks at Jasper, and there’s a level of respect there, I think, before my dragon lands on my lap, nuzzling into me.

“I’ve got a few things to grab, just in case,” Zohar says, gently moving me onto the sofa cushion so that he can get up. “Don’t leave Jasper’s sight.”

“We should probably lock down the offices, too,” Jasper says, looking around as if people are going to just jump out of the walls and attack us. “Are we expecting a raid?”

“No?” I ask timidly when both men look to me for an answer. I have no answers. I feel useless.

A portal opens, and Vexus walks through, his expression wary. His dirty blonde hair is tied up into a bun, a few french plaits keeping it properly secured to his head.

He’s gorgeous, with sharp features and twinkling light blue eyes. He’s lean and tall, with defined muscles. He’s wearing a pair of black tracksuit pants and a black long-sleeved t-shirt that clings to his body. They seem to have dark spots in certain areas, and there’s an almost languish energy about him.

The dark spots are blood, for sure, even if I can’t see it properly.

“Assess him for injuries,” I demand, looking sternly at my soul witch anima nexum who opens his mouth to protest. Zohar does as I ask, and I see some of the tension fade out of Vexus’s body as my water witch heals him.

“Thanks, bro,” he says, grinning at Zohar. “It’s cleared for you guys to come through. What’s going on?”

I rise from the sofa as my earth witch takes the job of filling Vexus in.

“I think it’s best you don’t come with us,” I say to my witchmea. It tilts its head as if listening. “I don’t know how safe it will be for you. Can you hide?”

There’s a stubbornness from my little dragon, and I groan as it flies out of my hands and leaves the room. I don’t think it’s leaving the property, which gives me an idea.

Zohar leaves to grab whatever he needs, and I walk over to the wall. I press my hand to it, closing my eyes, as I connect with my primordium .

“ Protege ,” I say, imagining the wards and the house as a sentient being, as something that can respond to me. My intention is for it to listen, to work with us, to protect the secrets that are contained within these walls.

This castle is rich with magicae, Necos’s for sure, but even the generations of people that came before him. Ours, from the limited time we’ve spent here.

We constantly leak it or leave a trace, and the home absorbs it— the house utilises the magicae as its own.

I don’t know what information Necos has here, what any of us have here that needs protecting, but if there’s even a slight concern, I want it protected for as long as my magicae— the house’s magicae— can hold.

I feel my energy burst forward and trust in it as it goes past my initial commands. I strengthen the wards, hiding the soul of the house... hiding the castle completely from anyone who wishes to infiltrate.

Or at least, I think that’s what I’ve managed to do. The entrances to certain rooms are blocked off, the house responding to my call.

“What have you done?” Jasper asks, looking around the room. Nothing has changed in the physical appearance, but there’s an almost electric charged current in the air.

The castle is in protection mode.

“She’s protected the soul of your home,” Vexus replies. He grins at me. “I do this for our compound, too. It’s very smart of you, love.”

I hate that I get so much credit when all I really do is rely on instincts. None of this is my natural thought or my strategic thinking coming out to play… my magicae just knows what I need.

“It’s a magicael home, it makes sense,” Zohar says. I’m not sure when he got back, but it doesn’t look like he’s carrying anything on him.

“Are you two to be trusted?” Vexus asks, giving both Zohar and Jasper assessing looks. “This isn’t the time to mess around, and I’m happy to knock you out, should it be required.”

Jasper shrugs. “I don’t really care about the legalities of anything you’re doing. I’m interested in the things you do, but I’m not going to be a soldier who just lines up and follows your commands.”

Vexus and Zohar exchange looks and laugh. They clearly have a lot more knowledge of the rebels and the revolution that is building than Jasper does.

“If you say so, earth witch,” Vexus says. He turns to my water witch. “And you? As far as I’m aware, you originally sided with Eirik, who was not in favour of the rebel organisation.”

“Etonik is a cancer that is affecting this world, and I am very fond of anyone who is trying to take him out. My issue with the rebels has been the problems they’re causing—and as you said, that’s not you guys,” Zohar says with a shrug. “With that said, I want my mate protected, and I don’t know if I can trust your organisation has that as your primary goal when you’ve made her your involuntary mascot.”

Vexus nods. “That’s a fair point, and I hope that we can relieve you of those fears. Don’t kill anyone, and you’re welcome to come and explore properly whilst we wait for news.”

“I won’t kill anyone unless they pose a threat to Zoe,” Zohar says, and Vexus grins.

“You’ll have to fight me for that honour,” he says, opening up a portal.

I recognise the room as Vexus’s own personal library from the last time that we were here, although there are a few more books scattered across the table this time. I don’t recognise many of them, but Jasper is immediately intrigued.

“A special project?” Jasper asks, not even bothering to hide the fact that he’s snooping.

“He’s an earth witch, Zoe,” Zohar says with a smirk. “They’re less subtle than an earthquake.”

“The most special project,” Vexus says, winking at me. My tummy flutters, and I can feel my cheeks heating up at his flirting. “Now, do you want to have a walk around or do you just want to stay here?”

“Give us the welcome tour,” Zohar says. “It wouldn’t hurt to stay distracted.”

“I should’ve changed,” I murmur, looking down at my school uniform as I remember what Etrix said last time. I’m the only one wearing one, since I was on campus and the boys weren’t, and it makes me feel even worse.

“Um, if you want… I have a few things you could wear,” Vexus offers, his cheeks tinged pink when I look at him. “What? I knew you might come here eventually, and I like to be prepared.”

Jasper rolls his eyes, muttering something inaudible under his breath, but I move over to where Vexus is rifling through a wardrobe. He pulls out a pale pink, long-sleeved dress, and a hoodie dress, giving me the option.

Zohar laughs as I eagerly take the hoodie dress. Vexus directs me to his ensuite bathroom because, of course, there’s one attached to his personal library, and I quickly get myself changed.

I frown at the sight of the sink and mirror, something niggling me at how familiar this environment feels. I didn’t come in here last time, but something about it is as if I’ve seen it before. As if it’s important . I let my magicae assess the room, the wards, the spells attached, and other than Vexus’s energy, there’s nothing.

I brush off the feeling and go out to join the boys. I grin at them and clap my hands to stop their stare off. I can hear their silent argument, but the moment they see me, they come to a stop.

I’m comfortable, and other than the anxious niggles about the rest of my men, I’m relaxed and happy.

“Are we ready to go meet some rebels, then?” I ask, with a grin at Vexus. He rolls his eyes but returns my smile.

“Since Etrix gave you the tour last time, you probably didn’t really get to meet anyone fun,” Vexus says. “Not many like him, so he probably kept you to the boring places.”

“Unsurprising. He’s not the most personable. Do they even like you?” Jasper asks, and Zohar coughs ‘hypocrite’ into his fist. He misses my warning look, but I don’t push it.

“Are you kidding? I’m the life and soul of this place,” he says, waggling his brows as he leads us out of his room. Zohar’s quiet as we walk. There are a few rooms in this corridor, all with dark oak doors, and they’re closed.

It feels almost empty, devoid of life. It’s uncomfortable, but neither Jasper nor Zohar seem to feel the effects of it like I do.

“There’s only my room, my personal library, and another person’s room up here,” Vexus says to me as we pass another closed door. “Not very interesting. I promise, the rest of the compound is far more fun.”

Zohar hums under his breath, and I glance up at him, but he’s not looking my way. He seems contemplative, and I stay quiet, not wanting to influence him.

Vexus takes us out into another corridor, and immediately, I feel the difference in the energy of the place. The walls are lighter, and there’s an almost pleasant feel as Vexus pulls open a door.

“This is the main dining hall for those who are based here,” Vexus says, gesturing to what looks like a school cafeteria. There are numerous different types of food being served, only some recognisable to me, and there are a lot of people bustling around in here.

There are numerous tables dotted around the room. Some just enough for one or two people, some for small groups, and some large enough for up to twenty or so people.

The energy is bright, the people happy , and it smells delicious.

“It’s open twenty-four hours a day, although the menu is restricted during the off-peak hours,” Vexus says with a smile. “If any of you are hungry, you can grab?—”

“Princess Zoe,” Grius says, bowing his head to me. I flinch, not having expected him there, seconds before a flash of gold light alerts me to Lenvus’s arrival.

“Grius, hi,” I say with a tentative smile. I look up at Vexus, nervously, and I feel Zohar and Jasper move closer to me in response.

“Who is this?” Zohar demands.

“Is she here?” Grius asks instead, and I nod once, trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. He seems far more stable since we met on Friday, which doesn’t make much sense to me.

He was… well, he was ready to end his life, and now, he’s walking around the compound, unaccompanied, with an aura so bright and full of hope that I’m shocked.

“He’s okay,” Lenvus reassures me. “He’s working through his treatments, and he’s using the location of our third… of his anima nexum to ground him. He’s not whole, not yet, but he’s doing a lot better.”

“It’s only been two days,” I say with confusion.

“What’s going on, dragonfly?” Zohar asks.

“I met Zoe two days ago, where she helped save my life,” Grius says. “I owe your anima nexum my life, water witch.”

“You’ve done the work.” My words are a quiet reminder that he’s the one who has made this possible—not me.

“Magicae can do a lot for the mind, so much faster than humans can,” Vexus says, and I notice Jasper flinch. I reach for him, but he steps just out of touch, and I try to ignore the hurt it caused. “Grius is responding to his treatment, thanks to you.”

“I’ll get better for her,” he says, smiling at me. “I swear to you, I’m in a better place.”

Lenvus smiles, tears in her eyes. “Can you do me a favour? Can you tell him that I’m proud of him and all he’s done? That I’ll be here waiting until they cross, and we can be reunited again.”

She places her hand on my forearm, and it’s that strange feeling where I can’t actually touch her. A shiver races through me at her words.

“Lenvus told me she’s proud of you, and she’ll be waiting,” I say in a choked breath.

“Thank you, Princess.” He nods his head and smiles at my other two mates. “I’m Grius, an elemental witch.”

“Zohar, water witch,” Zohar says, not sharing his surname like he did when he met Vexus. I frown up at him.

“Jasper Defas, earth witch,” Jasper adds with a head nod.

“Two new recruits, and as you said, they’re Zoe’s mates,” Vexus adds. “I’m just giving them a tour of our facilities. I’m sure we’ll chat to you soon.”

I wave at Grius, who genuinely does seem more balanced, as he walks over to a table for one. Lenvus follows after him, and as I blink, she disappears from sight.

It doesn’t surprise me that she spends a lot of time hovering by, but my heart hurts for her, knowing that in her afterlife, she’s alone. She’s going to be watching Grius and their third live out their lives together without anyone there for her.

Tears fill my eyes, but Vex reacts so quickly, his magicae soothing the ache away.

“What happened with him?” Jasper asks quietly.

“His anima nexum died,” I say softly. “He went…” I trail off, unsure how to explain it when I still don’t fully understand.

“He lost control of his mind,” Zohar says quietly. “Of his magicae.”

“Part of his soul died that day,” Vexus adds, squeezing my hand as tears trail down my cheeks. No amount of magicael healing from Vexus can fix this right now. “Zoe saw his dead mate and helped calm him down whilst finding his third.”

“You’re a soul finder?” Zohar and Jasper ask in awed breaths, and I shrug but nod. To them, it’s some miracle thing, but to me, the entire world of magicae is a miracle and amazing.

There’s nothing exceptionally awe-inspiring about this when I literally own my own dragon, for crying out loud. A nameless little witchmea, at that.

I’m really failing in my… bonded duties? I have no idea of the right terminology, but I think he needs a name.

“Through here, we’re going to one of our training centres,” Vexus says with a grin. “I’ve been told it’s similar to the one you have at Whisperfelt, but ours is more superior.”

Fuck, yes! Jasper’s thoughts are full of excitement, and even Zohar’s mind is bristling with curiosity. I know they were discussing it earlier.

“I’m sure it is,” Zohar says dryly. I gape at him.

Jasper snorts. “Ours is pretty advanced at school, really.”

I don’t know what shocks me more—their blatant lies or the conspiratorial grin that Zohar and Jasper share.

I love that they’re bonding.

Vexus shrugs and opens the doors without even touching them. Both men at my sides gasp, and Zohar instantly enters the room.

“Trust me, little love,” Vexus says, as I look up at him. “There’s nothing better than letting men see the amount of other men they can beat up when they’re feeling antsy.”

I laugh lightly, but based on the way Zohar is reacting, Vexus is clearly telling the truth.

“You’re a smart man, Vex,” I say, squeezing his hand.

He moans, although his eyes twinkle. “I prefer when you call me gorgeous.”

“You’re that as well,” I reassure, giggling as he tugs me into the room with him.

I don’t recognise anyone in here, which doesn’t surprise me, but Jasper is chatting to an earth witch in the corner, and it’s clear they recognise each other. The man seems to be explaining the technology, or, I suppose, magicae, in the training pads, whereas Zohar’s scrutinising a duelling pair.

“The energy here feels so positive,” I mention, not just referring to this one room. Everywhere has felt so nice and lovely—except that first corridor.

Vexus shrugs, looking down at me. “Perks of having a soul witch on hand, Zoe. This is what we do. We soothe, we encourage, we inspire… soul witches are the purest form of magicae.”

I smile up at him, as he tucks my hair behind my ears.

“Do you understand?” I blush and shrug, as he leans in closer. “ You , little love, are the purest form of magicae.”