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TableofContents MadnessofHerMages|CourtofFaeandFirelightBookFour
MyGiantPenisMap!
Dedications
PartOne|Demons,Deception,andtheTidesofDestruction|ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
PartTwo|Spells,Secrets,andBondsofBlood|ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
PartThree|Witches,Weapons,andtheCostofWar|ChapterTwenty
ChapterTwenty-One
ChapterTwenty-Two
ChapterTwenty-Three
ChapterTwenty-Four
ChapterTwenty-Five
ChapterTwenty-Six
ChapterTwenty-Seven
Epilogue
TheFaeQueen’sWarriorsSample
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
BooksbyTaraWest
AboutTaraWest
CourtofFaeandFirelightGlossary
MadnessofHerMages CourtofFaeandFirelightBookFour Copyright©2024byTaraWest
PublishedbyShiftingSandsPublishing Firstedition,publishedFebruary2024
Allrightsreserved
ThisbookisprotectedunderthecopyrightlawsoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica.Anyreproductionorotherunauthorizeduseof thematerialorartworkhereinisprohibited Thisisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialogueareproductsoftheauthor’simaginationandarenottobe construedasreal
ArtworkbyTrifbookdesign.com
EditsbyJadeTaggart
The truth is an illusion. Our allies are our enemies. We must trust onlyin our hearts. Leftwithnochoicebuttoserveinmyaunt’sarmy,mymatesandIareforcedtonavigatetheperilsofherdemon-infestedcourt whilekeepingmyyoungniecessafe. Beforewebecomepuppetsinamadmage’sschemeofvengeance,ImustconvinceQueenMalvoliathatshe’sabouttowage warbasedonanillusion.Thatalmosttwenty-fiveyearsagoanevilmagehadtrickedthesorceressqueenintosettingher countryablazeandhuntingmymother,herdeartwinsister Thatdeceptionandparanoiahadledtomyfather’sunjustexecution
Andherrealenemyisfarmorevengefulanddeadlythanherimaginedone. Warislooming,andifwecan’tfindawaytostopit,wewillbeforcedtobattleKingFachnan’sthousand-dragonarmyandhis powerfulwhitewitchally,myownbelovedtwin.Evenworse,wecouldallbecomedemonfodder.
MyGiantPenisMap! IcommissionedanartisttoturnmyCourt of Fae and Firelight worldintoamap OnlyIdidn'trealizeuntilthefinalproduct camebackthatmyfantasyworldisinfact,onebiggiantpenis.It'smyfault.Igavetheartistasketch.ShedidexactlylikeI asked Sonowallmyreaderscanseemygiantsubconsciousfantasypenispresentedinmapform MuchthankstoJadeoverat APlusAuthorsformygiantpenismap!
Dedications ToSophia,forsupportingme Jade,I’msogladIfoundyou.Thankyouformakingmybookbetter! Amanda,Cary,Cheryl,Jessica,Joy,Sheri,thankyouforyourfeedbackandfindingmyoopsies! Susan,thankyouforalwaysbeingtherewithyouramazingobservations!
PartOne Demons,Deception,andtheTidesofDestruction ChapterOne Malvolia Avias
60 years earlier
Pressingmyhandsagainstthecold,dampstones,Inavigatedthroughthedarktunnel,tryingnottogagontheputridgasthat filledmylungsasIsloshedthroughtherottensewagethatwentuptomyknees Istilled,dreadcoursingupmyspinewhen thepitter-patterofscurryingratsechoedsomewhereabovemyhead.Oh,howIwishedIcouldsmokeeveryscurrilous creatureoutofthishovel,butI’dlearnedthefirstnightinthesewerswhatgasdidtoflameaftersettingmyrobesonfireand singingoffmyeyebrows.IsighedinreliefafterreachingthealcovewhereI’dhiddenawaymytwin.Iheavedmyselfontothe stoneplatform,crawlingthroughthelowtunneltowardher,wincingwhilechafingmyshinsonthejaggedstones
Flickeringcandlelightspilledfromthegratesabove.Weweresomewherebeneaththealchemychamber.Icouldtellbythe pungentsmellsofherbswaftingintoourcrampedspacethatthankfullydulledsomeofthesmellsofthesewer.Wehadyetto hearorseethegreenwitchwho’dlivedinthealchemychamber,andIfearedshe’dbeenkilledalongwiththerestofmy grandmother’scourt.IgrittedmyteethtocontainmyragewhenIthoughtofthewicked,power-hungrymage,Djall,who’d murderedmyfamily Darkmagicswirledinmyveins VerysoonIwouldmakesurehepaidforhiscrimes
Mysisterwasattheendofthealcove,shiveringagainstthewallwhilewrappedupinmustyblankets.Heronce-rosy cheekswereanalarmingshadeofgray,concavedfromafortnightofstarvationafterrefusingtoeatthemoldybreadandscraps I’dcollected.Ihadtogetheroutofheresoon.
Ipulledabladderofwaterandaloafofmoldybreadfrommypocket,holdingthemouttoher.“Sister,I’vebroughtus somefood”
Shewavedmeawaywithagroan.“I’mnothungry.”
Shewaswastingaway Ifshedidn’teatsoon,Ifearedshe’dsuccumbtosickness I’dalreadylostsomuch Icouldn’tlose mybelovedtwin,too.“Butyoumusteat.”
Sheleanedherheadbackagainstthewall,asolitarytearcuttingthroughthegrimeonhercheek.“ImissMama.”
Ifoughtbackthedarknessthattrickledintomyveinsatthementionofourdearmother.Iheavedashakysigh.“Metoo.”
Sheblinkedatmethroughglossyeyes.“AndauntiesandGrandmama.”
“Iknow,darling,”Isoothed,pushingawaywardstrandofhairoutofhereyes IletoutahisswhenIfeltherforehead I flattenedmypalmagainstherheatedskin.“You’reburningup.”
“Iknow”Hereyesflutteredshutassheheavedaraggedbreath “Theelementswilltakemetoourfamilysoon Icanfeel it.”
Panicicedmyveinsandthreatenedtocutoffmywords.No,notFlora.Icouldn’tloseher!“Flora,please.”Mythroat constrictedasIforcedoutthewords.“Ican’tlivewithoutyou.”
Hershouldersfellasshemurmuredsomethingincoherent,herheadlollingtooneside.Ipressedakisstoherwarmcheek, tellingherhowmuchIlovedher,beforecrawlingbackoutofthealcove Fearandragefueledmyveins,propellingmeback throughthesewer.IhadtofindSelignow.Iknewitwasariskleavingthesewers,butIdidn’tlooklikePrincessMalvoliaat themoment Mysisterhadtransformedbothofourfacessothatwelookedlikehybridservants Djalldidn’tknowabout Flora’sskin-shiftingmagic,theonlyreasonwewerebothstillalive.
Chestheaving,Ipushedmyselfupthelong,slipperyslidetowardthetopofthesewers,forcingopenthegratewithan angrygrowl Ifellintothedirt,backarchinglikeacatwhileIheavedvomitandbile BythetimeIfinished,myheadspunwith sickness.Closingmyeyes,Ireleasedalongbreaththeninhaledthecool,brinyoceanair.Icouldn’taffordtobesick.Notnow whenmysisterneededme Afterthelastwaveofdizzinesssubsided,Islowlyopenedmyeyes Nighthadfallen,andthecastle keepwaseerilyquietwiththeexceptionofthesoundofthepowerfulnorthernwaveshittingtheseawall.Iwasnearthe compostdumpbehindthestables Anangryhorse’sneighrangout SomewhereinthedistanceIheardthebeatingofwings,and musicandscreechinglaughterfiltereddownfromabove.
Snarling,Iturnedmygazetotheloomingtower,lookinginthedirectionofmygrandmother’sbedchamber.Silhouettesof nakedwomendancedinthecandlelight Bastard.
Djallwouldpay
Darkenergyleachedfrommyfingertips.Ilookeddownatmymagicasifitwasaforeignthing.Iwasstilllearninghowto wieldmypowers Iwasn’ttrainedtogoupagainstamageaspowerfulasDjall,butIhadnochoice Iwouldsimplyhaveto outsmarthim.
“YourHighness,whatareyoudoinghere?”
Gasping,Iarchedback I’dbeensoconsumedbyworry,Ihadn’tnoticedSeligapproach Seligwasonlyaboutthirty-five yearsold,twentyyearsolderthanme,andstillyoungforamage.He’dbeenassignedasmymagefiveyearsagowhenmy grandmotherhadfirstnoticedmystrengtheningpowers He’dnotbeenaparticularlygiftedmage,buthe’dbeenkindandloyal
morethanIcouldsayforhisuncle
AsunkindasDjallhadbeentoothers,hiscrueltypaledincomparisontothewayhe’dberatedandbeatenhisnephews, whichwasonereasonwhyIsuspectedSeligwaswillingtohelpme I’dheardthewhisperingsatcourtthatDjallwasintruth SeligandThorin’sfather,thatthey’dbeenbornoutofanaffairwithahumanwhore,whichwaswhytheirmagicwasn’tas powerfulandwhySelig’swingsweretwouselessappendageshangingdownhisbackandThorin’swingsweren’tmuch stronger.
PerhapsitwasSelig’stumultuouschildhoodthatenabledhimtotakepityonmysisterandmenow Selighadhiddenusin thesewerswhenDjallhadfirstturnedonmyfamily.Ifnotforhim,wewould’vestarvedtodeathorworse.Together,Seligand Ihadbeenplottinghisuncle’sdemise,aplanthatIrealizedwouldtakefartoolong.Wehadtoactnow.
“Ihadtocome”Istumbledtomyfeet “Floraisgettingworse”
Hesteppedback,hisnosewrinkling.“Youmustbepatient.Myunclewilllethisguarddownsoon.Ijustneedafewmore weeks”
Iturnedupmychin,remindingmyselfIwasafuturequeenwhilerefusingtofeelashamedformysmellandappearance.“I don’thaveafewmoreweeks FlorawilldieifIdon’tgetheroutofthere”
Hecastfurtiveglancesoverhisshoulders,thenspokeonahiss.“Iknowyoudon’twantmetoinvolveThorin,buthe wouldhelpifheknewFlorawasill.”
Iflinchedatthementionofhisyoungerbrother I’dneverlikedThorin HeremindedmetoomuchofDjall,andnotjust becauseofhisoilysmileandsaccharinewords,butIdidn’tlikethewayheobsessedoverFlora.Hegavemeaqueasyfeeling wheneverhewasnear,andIalwaysfelttheneedtoshieldmysisterfromhispenetratingstare
“Whatishewillingtodo?”Ifinallyasked,poisondrippingintomyveinsatthementionofhisname.
“Hewillchangemyuncle’smemories,”hesaidwhilechewingonhisbottomlip,“justforafewhours.”
Myheartskippedabeatasmagicpooledinmyfingertips.WasinvolvingThorinworththerisk?“Ionlyneedafewhours.” Hearchedabushy,darkbrow.“ThenshouldIaskhim?”
Therewasadulledgeinhisvoicethatgavemepause “Whatwillheaskinreturn?”
Seligavertedhisgaze,butnotbeforeIsawthewarinessinhiseyes.“Foryoutoallowhimbackatcourt.” “Sohecantrytomanipulateusagain,”Ispat
“Hesayshe’slearnedhislesson.”Seligturnedhisgazebacktowardme,thoughhecouldn’tholditformorethanafew heartbeats.
“Mygrandmother’scourtisterrifiedofhim.”Thorin’smind-changingmagicwasthereasonthewomenatcourtworeblack veilsandthemenshieldedtheireyeswiththeirwings.GoodthingThorin’sspellsonlylastedafewhours.Icouldn’timagine thechaoshe’dcreateifhecouldalterourmindsfordaysorlonger
“Yourgrandmotherisdead,asismostofhercourt,”Seligadmonished,nohintofsympathyinhisvoice.“Ifyouwishto saveyoursisternow,he’souronlychance”
Iheavedafrustratedbreath.Hewasright,damnhim.“Verywell,butifhetriestoalteranyofourmemories,he’sback out.”
“Thankyou,YourHighness”Heclaspedhishandsinaprayerpose “Ipromisemybrotherwillbeonhisbestbehavior” Isnortedatthat.IdoubtedThorin’s‘best’behaviorwouldlastlong,thoughIdidn’thaveachoicebuttorelyonhim. “Go Tellhimtomakehaste,”Isaid,shooingSeligawaylikehewasastraymongrel “Wedon’thaveamomenttospare” “Yes,YourHighness.”Hebowedandquicklydisappearedintothekeep’sshadows.
Iblewoutashakybreath,fearingI’ddamnedwhatwasleftofmygrandmother’scourtbyallowingthatsneakymageto return.Oh,thechaoshecouldcreate.
Ilookeddownattheholeinthegroundthathadbecomethebaneofmyexistence.Myveinssolidifiedwithdreadatthe thoughtofreturningtothesewer ButIcouldn’tforsakeFloranow Isuckedinonemorebreathofcrisp,freshairbefore climbingbackintotheabyss.
Followingthesoundsofmysister’sphlegmycough,Imovedthroughthesludgewithpurposeinmystride,ignoringthat forebodingfeelingthatIwasmakingaterriblemistakebyinvolvingThorin.IcrawledthroughthetunneltowardFlora,no longercaringaboutthepaininmyknees
OnceIreachedher,Iclaspedherfaceinmyhands,alarmedattheheatradiatingoffherskin.Sheneededahealertonight. “Sister,”Ipleaded,desperatelysearchingherfoggyeyes.“Ineedyoutochangemeback.”
“No”Tearswelledinhereyes “Thebadmagewillkillyou”
“Iwon’tlethim.Ipromise.”Itookherhandsinmine,myvoicebreakingonaplea.“Changemeback,dearest,soIcan avengeourfamily,andyouwillneverbeforcedtoliveinsqualoragain”
ALONESERVANTGASPEDasIstrodethroughthehall,myheadheldhigh.Shebackedaway,clutchingherblood-soaked spongewhilelookingatmeasifIwasaphantomresurrectedfromthegrave.Iswallowedmyfear,staringstraightaheadwhen Inoticedthedriedbloodthatpaintedthewalls Thebloodwaseverywhere,asifthecastleitselfhadbathedinit Thebloodof myfamily.Thebloodofmyfriends.Burningmagiccoursedthroughmyveins.
I will kill him for what he’s done
Ifollowedthesoundofmusic,passingthebedraggledmusiciansoutsidemygrandmother’sbedchamber,theirheadsbent toofarforwardwhiletheypluckedattheirinstrumentswithblisteredfingers Theydidn’tbothertolookatme Infact,other thanthatoneservant,everyoneelsehadkepttheirheadsdown.ItwashowIwasabletoeasilymoveaboutthecastlewithout beingnoticed.Thedarkmagehadmadethemterrifiedtomakeeyecontactwithanyone.
Ipushedopenthedoortomygrandmother’sbedchamber,immediatelystruckbytheoverwhelmingstenchofpissand vomit,notmuchbetterthanthesmellsofthesewer.Myheartsankattheconditionofmygrandmother’sthingsasIpassedfrom hersittingroomintoherbedchamber Chairswereoverturnedandshattered,cushionsrippedopen,anddrapeswereshredded Thecarpetswerelitteredwithfeathers,foodcrumbs,andbrokenglass.
Thebedwasinshambles,theframebroken,themattressinpieces IttookallmyeffortnottolashoutatDjallwhenIfound himsprawledacrossthefursbythehearthwithtwosleeping,nudewomen.Ididn’trecognizethem,thoughtheircloying perfumepermeatedtheair,smackingmysenseslikeanirontothehead.Nodoubtthey’dcomefromoneofThebe’sbrothels. Djallwasn’tfocusedonmeashetriedtonoavailtowakeoneofthesleepingwomenwhileslappingherchinwithhis shriveled,flaccidmember.
Magiccrackledinmypalms,andIeyedhimcuriouslyasIcautiouslyapproached ThoughhehadwingslikeallfullbloodedRavinimales,hisskinhadalwaysbeenasicklywanshade,remindingmeofacorpse,aresultofspendingtoomuch timeindoors.Hispaleeyesalwayshaddarkcirclesframingthem,nodoubtaneffectofhisloveforliquorandsmoke.Though hewasaboutthesameageasmymother,helookedfarolder,hiseyesalreadywrinkling,hisfacepruning,hisscragglybeard anashengray.Ifithadn’tbeenfortheherbalsmygrandmother’sgreenwitchmadehim,hewould’veprobablysuccumbedto thepoisonhewasalwaysimbibing Toobadshehadn’tlethimdie Toobadnoneofmygrandmother’sothermageshadthe foresighttoseehisbetrayalcoming.
SparkscrackledinmypalmsasIwatchedhimshakehislover’sshoulder ThoughIwastemptedtostrikewhilehewas preoccupied,Ididn’twanttoriskhimturninghismagiconme,forIknewIwasn’tstrongenoughtotakehimface-to-face.I’d havetogethimwhenhisbackwasturned.Buthow?Ifoughttheurgetofleewhenheturnedfromhiswhoreandstaredstraight atme.Wouldherecognizeme?No,hehadthatglazedlookinhiseyes,thesamelookIrecognizedwheneverThorinhadspun themindofoneofhisvictims.
Afterextricatinghimselffromatangleoflimbs,Djallsatup,eyeingmewithraisedbrows,hisblack,featheredwings drapedbehindhimliketwinsails.“DoIknowyou?”
Hemorethanknewme Djallwasmygrandmother’smage I’dseenhimeverydayatcourtsinceIcouldwalk Ifearedthat heaskedifheknewmebecauseThorin’smindspellwaswearingoff.IhadtokillDjallbeforehismemoriesreturned.
Islowlyinchedcloser,flamesofragepulsingthroughmyveinsasIpassedabloodstainonthecarpet.“Youdo.”
AndthenIwasstandingbeforehim,chestheaving,mymagicstrainingtobreakfree HowbadlyIwantedtostrike,butnot whilehewasfacingme.
Wrinklinghisnose,hearchedaway “Yousmelllikeasewer” Ihadtoworkhardtounclenchmyteeth.“Iknow.”
Heleanedbackonhispalms,eyeingmelikeIwasaprizedsowatthemarketashisflaccidmemberbegantoriseand expand.“You’llhavetobathefirstifyou’vecometopleasureme.” Holyelements!Bileprojectedintomythroat.“Pleasureyou?”
Heslowlystood,rufflinghiswingswhilecrossingovertothebuffetserverandpouringhimselfagobletofwine “How oldareyou?”
Ilickedmyparchedlipswhilewatchinghimtakeseveralgulps “Fifteen”
Heleanedagainsttheserver,hismembernowpointingatmychestlikeaspear.Hiswrinkled,shrivelednutsacklooked liketwopetrifiedacorns “You’retoothin Stripdownfirst,andI’llseeifyou’reworththeeffort” “W-what?”Istammered.
Histoplippulledbackinaferalsnarl,deadlywhitemagicflaringinhiseyes.“Youheardme,wench.”
Iclenchedmyteethtocontrolmyfear Allthemeninhisfamilylinehadsometypeofmindmagic WhereasSeligcould readmindsandhisbrotherThorincouldaltermemories,theirunclehadanentirelydifferentkindoflethalmagic.Onecross look,andhecouldmelthisvictims’minds,renderingthemdumbandconfused,toofeebletowalkorfeedthemselves IfDjall knewtherealreasonIwashere,he’dmeltmymindandthenslitmythroat,eliminatingthethreattohisstolenthrone justlike he’ddonetotherestofmyfamily.Icouldn’tattackhimunlesshisbackwasturned,whichmeantI’dhavetoplayalongwithhis sickseductionuntilhetrustedme.
Removingmysewage-soakedgownwasthehardestthingI’deverdone,andnotbecauseIhadtoworkhardtopeelaway
thecrustedfabric,butbecauseIwassickenedbyhishungry,greedygazedevouringmybody.Ittookallmyeffortnottovomit onmygrandmother’sblood-stainedcarpetwhenIfinallyslippedoutofmytatteredgown.
“Hmm”Hetookanotherslowsipofwine “Notgreat Notbad,either”Ifoughttheurgetocovermybodywhenhe scowledatmybreasts,hiseyesboringholesthroughmythinchemise.“Isupposeit’stoomuchformetohopeyou’reavirgin.” Ifoughtbackthemagicthatburnedmyfingers “Iam avirgin”
Hesetthegobletdownandpushedofffromthetable.“Icantellifyou’relying.”
Hisrebukestokedtheflamesofragethatwerealreadyburningbrightinmychest I Will Kill Him “I’mnotlying” “Thenmaybeyou’reworthit.”Hewavedmeoffwithaflickofthewrist.“Takeabathfirst.”Hemotionedtowardthe whiteporcelaintubwithbrassclawedfeetbehindhim,thesametubmysisterandIhadbathedinmanyeveningswhileour grandmotherrefreshedourbubbles “Ican’tstandthesmellofyou”
Irefusedtolookatthetub,glaringathiminstead.“WhereamIsupposedtobathe?”
“Areyouasimpleton?”hesnarled,thumbingbehindhim “Doyounotseethebathbehindme?” Iblinked,playingdumb.“Whatbath?”
Hecursed,turninghisbacktome “Thatbath!”
Iseizedmychanceandstruckhimhard,blackmagicexplodingoutofmyfingertipsandwrappingaroundhischest,his throat,dragginghimface-firstintothewater.Hisarmsandlegsflailed,hiswingsflapped,butIrefusedtoletgo,throwing everyounceofmagicalenergyintoholdinghisbonyframeunderthewater
Let me go now, little whore, and I’ll make your death painless. Igasped,nearlybreakingholdofmymagicwhenhisvoiceechoedinmyskull “Never!”Iscreamedlikeaninjureddragon whiletighteningmyholdonthemagicalbondsthatstrangledhisneck.“Youkilledmyfamily!” Hestoppedflailing. Princess Malvolia?
“Good,”Iseethed,tighteningthecoilsaroundhim.“Youremember.Beforeyoudie,Iwantyoutoknowwhathappenswhen youcrossanAvias.”
I had to do it to prevent the darkness that is coming “Youare thedarkness!”Iroared. No, hewhimpered,hisdenialsearingthroughmymindlikeflamingarrows “Youdestroyedmyfamily,”Icriedout,“butyouwillnotbreakme!”MytwinandIhadsurvivedafortnightinasewer whilebloodraineddownonourheadsandratsthreatenedtognawoffourtoes.Thescreamsofourfamilyechoedthroughmy mind,shatteringmyheart,reverberatingmysoul,andstillIrosefromthedevastationanddestruction.Ilethimbreakmeonce. Nobodywouldbreakmeagain.
Hecontinuedtoflailandkick You think your court is shattered now? This is nothing compared to what’s coming Witharoar,Ilaunchedtendrilsofburningmagicintothewater,boilinghimalive.
Hisagonizedscreamsechoedinmyhead,butIheldtighttomymagic,refusingtoletgoevenwhensteamandsmokerose fromthewater,andafterhewenteerilystillandthefleshseparatedfromhisbones.
HE’S DEAD!HE’S DEAD!The dark mage is dead! How?
Princess Malvolia killed him!
Princess Malvolia? She’s not dead? No, and she’s Queen Malvolia now.
Heavingashudderingbreath,Isummonedthelastofmystrengthandpushedmyselfupfromthefloor Ihadn’tremembered falling.Servantshelpedmeintoachair,givingmebreadandwine.Iatewithouttasting,drycrumbsstickingtotheroofofmy mouthnomatterhowmuchwineIdrank ItwasthenIrealizedthebreadwasstale,andIwonderedifthecookshadallbeen killedinDjall’spurge.Nomatter.Icontinuedtoshovethebreadintomymouth,knowingIneedednourishmentafterusingso muchmagic.
Somuchmagic.
Ilookedatmyburnedandblisteredfingertips,hardlyregisteringthepain.
I killed him I killed Djall
Ileanedbackinthechair,recognizingtheredsatinembroideryonthecushions.Mygrandmother’sfavoritechair.Ithad survivedthedestruction!AtearslippedovermyeyelidasIdrewcirclesalongthewoodenrosesinlaidintothearmrests An auspicioussignthatthechairhadsurvived.Iwouldputitinourthroneroom,alwayshavingapieceofourgrandmotherwithus whileFloraandIruledtogether.
Servantsbustledabouttheroom,sweepingupglass,shovingthecryingwhoresintothehall,carryingawaytheentiretub
withDjall’scookedfleshandbones.
ImindlesslychewedwhilehardlybelievingI’dsurvived.
I killed him I survived a battle with the dark mage
Theservantsgasped,partingandlookingatmeforprotectionwhentwohoodedmageswalkedintotheroom. Selig’seyeswereeclipsedinshadowashescowleddownatme “Isitdone?” Iabsentlynodded.“Itis.”
“Thanktheelements”Selig’sshoulderssagged Hisbrotherpulleddownhishood,hisgazedartingabouttheroom.“Where’sFlora?” Iheavedatremblingbreath.“Stillinthesewersinanalcovebeneaththegreenwitch’schamber.”
“Iwillsendsoldierstofetchher,”Seligsaid
Myshoulderssaggedinreliefasmoretearsthreatenedatthebacksofmyeyes.“Andyoumustfindagreenwitchtoheal her She’sverysick”
Thorinpuffeduphischest.“IwillpersonallyseetoFlora’scare.”
Iclearedmythroatasthemindspinnerturnedtogo “Thankyou,Thorin,foryourhelp”IowedhimmineandFlora’slives Iwouldn’thavebeenabletodrawcloseenoughtoDjallifThorinhadn’talteredhismemories.
“You’reverywelcome,”Thorinsaidwithasweepingbow.“Thankyouforacceptingmyproposal.Ipromisetobea devotedandlovinghusbandtoFlora”
Ijerkedbackasifhe’dsplashedacoldbucketofwaterinmyface.Iglaredatmymage.“Selig,whatishetalkingabout?”
Selig’smouthfellopen “I-I ”
“Didyoupromisehimmysister’shand?”Ispat.
“I-Imighthave.”Seligscratchedthebackofhishead,causinghishoodtofallback.That’swhenIsawthefoginhiseyes. DamnthatThorin!
MystrengthreturnedasIpushedmyselffrommychair.“FloraisbetrothedtoPrinceFachnan.Youknowthat.”
“Iknow”Seliglookedatmewithadazedexpression “I’mnotsurewhyIwould’vepromisedhimthat” Iscowledatthemindspinner.“Thorin,Isaidthatifyouhelpedus,youwouldbeallowedbackatcourt,andthatI’dbanish youagainifyoutriedtochangeourmemories Whydoesyourbrotherhavethatglazedlookinhiseyes?”
“Idon’tknow.”Thorinavertedhisgazeforaheartbeat,longenoughtoknowhewaslying.
Magicfloodedmyveinslikearushofvenomasmyfingersthrobbedandburned.“Youmistakemyyouthforignorance.I don’ttolerateliarsinmycourt.”
Whenhiseyessparkedwhite,Ishieldedmyfacewhilethrowingoutbandsofmagic,wrappingblackstrandsaroundhis face,mutingtheflareinhiseyes Thorinfelltohiskneeswithacry,andItwistedmymagicaroundhisneckagainandagain “GivemeonereasonwhyIshouldn’tkillyounow,”Iseethed.
“Please,MyQueen,”Seligbegged,claspinghishandsinaprayerpose “SpareThorin Lovemadehimactafool Please Hesavedyourlifebybetrayingouruncle.HesavedFlora.”
Thorinfellontohisback,clutchingatmychokingmagicandflailingaroundlikeafishoutofwater.
Igrittedmyteethinanger Ishould’veknownbetterthantotrusthim “Butforaprice There’salwaysaprice”Andthis timethepricewasfartoogreat.Iwouldneverforcemydearsistertomarrythismanipulator,notwhenIknewshewas destinedforsomethingbetter
“MyQueen!”Seligcalledout,hisvoicesoundingstrangelyfaraway.“Wemustgetyoursistertoahealer.”
Ignoringhim,IwrappedmoredarkmagicaroundThorin Hewasnobetterthanhisuncle,usingdeceitandmanipulationto gethisway.
“Iwillarrangeeverything,MyQueen,”Seligpleaded,hisvoicebreakingonaraspycry.“Please,justsparemybrother. Please!”
Thorinwrithedonthefloor,makingoddchokingsoundswhiletryinginvaintobreakthebandsaroundhisface.Afew moreseconds,andhewouldbedead Thenwewouldn’tneedtoworryabouthismindtrickseveragain
“Please!”Seligcriedagain.“ThinkofFlora!Thorinisherfriend!Nomoredeath!Nomore!”
Iblinkedatmymageandbrokeholdofmymagic,stumblingbackandfallingintomygrandmother’schair Thorincoughed andsputteredonthegroundbeforeme.Selig’seyeswateredasheheldhisbrotherinhisarms.
Igapedatthem,wonderingifI’dmadetherightdecisiontoletThorinlive.Ittookmealongmomenttofindmyvoice. “YouarebanishedfromThebes,Thorin IfIeverseeyourfaceinmycity,Iwillkillyou Understood?” Thorinnodded,smearingsnotandtearsacrosshisface.
Whentwoarmedfiremagescameintotheroom,ImotionedtowardThorin “Dumphimoutsidethecitywalls Tellthe guardstokillhimifhetriestocomeback.”
ChapterTwo Thorin
39 years later
The human lands
beneath the Periculian Mountains
Backhunchedsoasnottobumphishead,Thorinwalkedthroughthelow,narrowundergroundtunnelleadingtohis mistress’schamberswhiledodgingdrippingcandlewaxfromtheoverheadsconces Hefingeredthemissiveinhispocket deliveredbythespiderlingshe’dpersonallytrained.Afteryearsofsilence,he’dfinallyheardfromFlora.Alas,theletter spokenothingoftheirfriendship Shedidn’tinquireabouthishealthorhappiness Theletterwassimplyapleaforhelp Would heerasethememoriesofherdaughter,afledglingwhitewitch?
Why do you help her, you old fool? Samael,hisdemon,whispered. Shut up, heansweredback
Somedayshetrulyresentedthiscursedcreaturethatpossessedhisbody.Samaelwasnothinglikehisolddemon,so volatileandstubborn
Andtothink,he’dallowedSamaeltopossesshisbodyforFlora.He’dburnedtheworlddownforher.Wherewashis reward?Wherewasherappreciation?No,shewastoobusymooningoverherfatedmate Thorinshould’vekilledLord Derrickwhenhe’dhadthechance.NodoubtDerrickwasthereasonshedidn’twrite.Derrickhadneverbeenkindtohim, lookingdownhisnoseatThorinasifhewasn’tfittolickhisboot.HeprobablyforbadeFlorafromtalkingtoothermen. Bastard
ButDerrickwasn’ttooproudtoaskforhelpwhentheyneededThorin’sskills.Andrightnow,Floraneededhim.Andfool thathewas,hecouldn’trefusetheonlywomanhe’deverloved Nowhehadtoconvincehismistresstolethimgo Ifonlyhe knewherdemonname,hewouldbetheonecontrollingher,nottheotherwayaround.He’dsecretlybeentryingforyearsto discoverittonoavail.Allhe’dlearnedwasthatshewasalamashtu,arareformofpowerfuldemon,adevourerofbodiesand soulsandcreatorofotherdemons.
ShehadsomehowsurvivedthegoddessMaiadra’spurgeahalfamillenniumagobyhidingdeepunderground.Thenafter Maiadra’spassing,shebegancreatingherdemonarmybypossessinghumansandFaewithdemonspirits,thesamewayshe’d madeThorin.ShenowhadanetworkofdemonsworkingforherinthehumanandFaelands.Thorinwasn’tsurewhatshe hopedtoachieve,buthesuspectedhismistresswouldsettlefornothinglessthanworlddomination Thenwhatwouldhappen tohim?WhatwouldhappentoFlora?
Releasingaslowbreath,hetappedonhismistress’sbedchamberdoor,thenslowlyswungitopen,cringingwhenheheard watersplashing.Ignoringthetremblingslaves/mealschainedtoherwalls,hecrossedthethresholdofherbedchamber,the bonesofhismistress’spreviousmealscrunchingbeneathhisfeet.Despitethecrudecoveringsonthefloor,hismistresshadan eyeforfinefurnishings,mostlythingsThorinhadstolenforher,fromthefour-postermahoganybedandthesilktapestries hangingfromthecavernwallstotheirondresserwiththegildedmirror.
Hestoppedatthepartitionthatdividedthetubandhearthfromtherestoftheroom,summoningthenervetospeak Her cacklingvoicewaslikeabludgeontohisskullasshesangawickedtune.
“Amother’s womb
Achild’s feet
So many good parts to eat
Afarmer’s hands
Amaiden’s eyes
Makes delicious human pies
Atrollop’s breasts
Asailor’s cock
Tender meat to fill my pot”
Mm, now I’m hungry, Samaelwhispered.
Thorinignoredhisdemon Despitehismistress’sgratingvoice,shehadabitofaliltinhertone Nodoubttheyoung pregnantmothershe’dfedonhadputhismistressinagoodmood.Still,he’dkeephisrequestbriefandtothepoint.Nouse invokinghertemper Heswallowedbackbilebeforesteppingaroundthepartition,lookingatthebackofherhunched shouldersandblack,featheredwingsthathungoverthesideofthetub.“Mistress?”
Asplashandthenacurse.“Whogoesthere?”
“ItisI,Thorin”Hefoughttheurgetorunwhensheturnedaround Crimsonliquiddrippedoffhersaggy,shriveledbreasts andclungtoherbeastlysnoutandfurrythroat.He’dseenhernakedtoomanytimeswhenhe’dbeenforcedtopleasureher,but hestillfoughttheurgetocryoutinterroratthesightofhismistressbathinginblood
Shebaredsharpfangs.“Whatisitthatyoumustdisturbmybath?”
Hetriednottolookintoherthreecrimsoneyesorstareoverlylongatheruglyface.“Floracallsforme.”
Sheletoutagratinglaugh “Yourdemonisnotready”
“Sheneedsme.”Hewincedatthenoteofdesperationthatslippedintohisvoice.
Samael’slaughterechoedinhisskull
Heavertedhisgazewhenshestaredathimalongmoment.“Whatspelldoesshecastoveryouthatyoucomerunninglike herdogwhenevershecalls?”
“Itisnotaspell.”Hisangerflared,tighteninghischestashefoughttokeephistoneeven.“It’slove.”
Shedismissedhimwithawavelikeshewasshooingafly.“Idonotpretendtounderstandthisconceptoflove,butIdo believethatwhatyoufeelisanobsession,notlove”
“Please,Mistress.”Hedidn’tcarewhenhisvoicecracked.Hewasthatdesperate.Whatwouldhedoifshedidn’tlethim go?
“Whatdoesshewant?”sheslurredwhilesinkinglowinthetub.
Hehesitatedforamoment,wonderingifheshouldtellherthetruth,butshealwayshadawayoffindingoutwhenhewas lying.“Formetotakeherdaughter.”
“Thewhitewitch?”Sheshotupwithagasp,splashingbloodeverywhere,herflappybreastsjigglinglikedanglingworms. “Hasshegrownintoherpowers?”
“I-Ibelieveso,”hestammered,wishinghehadn’ttoldher.
Too late now, you old fool, Samaeltaunted “Good.”Shelickedherthinlipswithalong,forkedtongue.“Bringhertome.” Hisbloodturnedtoice.“Whatwillyoudowithher?”
Hereyesflaredbright,demonicred.“Doesitmatter?”
Heclenchedhishandsintofists.“SheisFlora’sdaughter.”
“ThenIwillsendanothertodoit”Hereyesshonewithmalice,herwickedgrinthereincarnationofSatanhimself “PerhapsIwillunleashmyberchta.”
Atremorshotthroughhim “No!”
Sheslowlyrosefromthetub,rivuletsofbloodrunningdownhershriveled,furrybody.“Bringhertome,Thorin.” Hiskneesweakened.“Willitbeapainlessdeath?”
“Thatalldependsonhowlongshefightsmebeforeshe’swillingtorelinquishhermagic.Go,now.”Shejuttedacrooked talontowardthedoor.“Fetchthegirl.”
Afogofdepressionshroudedhissoul “Yes,Mistress”
“And,Thorin,donotdefyme.”Shepickedfleshfromherfangs.“Youwouldn’twanttomakemeangry.”
“ISSHEALRIGHT?”
Thorindidn’tbotherlookingatFlorahoveringbehindhimlikeamotherdragonguardingheregg.“Ofcoursesheis,”he snapped,annoyedwithFloraforasking Whatdidshethinkhe’dbeendoingallthistime?He’dbeenlearningtomasterhis magic.Allforher.Hehadn’thurtthegirl,thoughhecouldhavehadhewanted takenallhermemoriessothatshewasjusta shell Butno,hehadn’ttakenthem He’dlockedthemaway,anditwouldtakepowerfulmagictoopenthem “Whyisn’tshewaking?”Flora’svoicebrokeandcrackedlikeshatteredglass. Thorincringed.HadFloraalwayssoundedsoshrill?“Shewill.”HelookeddownatFlora’ssleepingchildwithfondness, abeamofmoonlightcuttingthroughthetreebranchesandsettingherskinaglow Shelookedtoomuchlikehermother,onlyshe stillhadayouthfulsheentoherskin,whereasFlora’sskinwaswanand,darehesay,alittlesallow.HewonderedifTarianya wasaskindashermotherhadbeen Hehadafeelingshewas She’dbeenbornagreenwitch,afterall Samael’schucklereverberatedlowanddeepinhisskull. Don’t fall for the child, you old fool, hescolded. Our mistress plans to eat her
Shut up, hesnapped,butsaidnothingmore.Damnthedemonforbeingright.ButwhatifThorindidn’tbringhertohis mistress?Whatifhehidherawayfromhismistress’sspies?
Then you ’ re an even bigger fool than I imagined, thedemonhissed DerricksworeandFloragaspedwhenawolfhowledsomewhereinthedistance.Theshifterswouldnotbehappyifthey learnedwhatThorinhaddonetotheirwitch Andthemoonwasfulltonight,whichmeanttheshifterswouldbemoreferal, moredeadly.
Thorinscannedtheforest’sshadows,thebirdsandothercreaturesgoingeerilyquietasachillsweptuphisspine.He scowledatFloraandDerrick.“Weneedtogo.”
Derrickfrowneddownathim,hiswingsspreadwidelikeimposingblacksails,andThorinwaspainfullyremindedofhis feeblewings.PerhapsthathadbeenDerrick’sintention.Thorinwouldn’tputitpastthepreeningpeacock.“Howwillyouget herback?”
HebristledattheskepticisminDerrick’stone.“ThesamewayIcame.”
Derrickcrossedbeefyarmsoverhischest “I’llfollowyouandcarryher” Indignationflushedhisface.“YouthinkIcan’tcarryher?”
ThehintofasmirktuggedatDerrick’smouth “Iknow youcan’t” Thorinclenchedhisfistsbyhissidesasheslowlystood,hiskneescrackingwiththemovement.Howbadlyhewantedto blastDerrick’sminduntilhewasnothingbutanemptyshell,butcursethebastard,hewasright.Thorinwasn’tstrongenoughto carryherallthewaytohismistress
Hisgazewasdrawntothegirlwhensheletoutasoftmoanandrolledontoherside,pressingacheekintothedampearth.
ThesweetcurveofherfaceremindedhimtoomuchofayoungerFlora,herchestnutcurlsspreadoutacrosstheforestfloor, herlong,darkeyelashesfanningherface.Herbeautyrenderedhimmomentarilyspeechless.Hisstomachsouredatthethought ofhismistresspluckingoutthoseprettyeyes,slicingopenherslenderneck,andcuttingoffherlarge,firmbreasts Howcould heletherharmthissweetchild?
You’re a fool, Thorin, Samaeltaunted. Our mistress will find you and eat you both. And then you’ll be sent back to hell with no host, Thorinremindedhim Our mistress will find me a new host. Are you sure? Thorinteased Maybe I’ll tell her keeping the witch from her was your idea SamaelgaspedandThorin’sbloodheated,butthedemonwentsilent.
“Maybethisisabadidea.”
ThoringlaredatFloraasshewrungherhandstogether.“Thiswas your idea.”Hadshealwaysbeensoinfuriating?Hewas startingtowonderwhyhe’deverlovedher.
ShechewedonherbottomlipwhilecastingDerrickapleadinglook “Iknow,butI’mhavingsecondthoughts Thehuman landsaresofarawayanddangerous.”
Hestalkeduptoher,hiskneescreakinglikeoldfloorboards “Asdangerousaswagingwaragainstathousanddragon army?”
Shebackedupastep,herfrightenedgazeshiftingfromThorintoherdaughter.“Shiriandthechildrenwillbedevastated.”
“Theywillbemoredevastatedifthedragonskillyourdaughter,”hewarned.“Nottomention,Fachnanwon’tstopwithher. He’lldestroyyourentirefamily.”
“Hewon’t,”shesaidonarasp,thelookinhereyesremindinghimofalambattheslaughter “Hewasmyfriend”
“Listentome,Flora.”Thorinsnickered,shakinghishead.Andtothink,he’doncethoughtFloraclever.“Fachnanisn’tthe samemanyouknewfiftyyearsago Ifhecandestroyanentireshiftertown,includingwomenandchildren,doyouhonestly thinkhe’llspareyourfamily?Yourshiftergranddaughters?”
Florashookherhead,hereyeswellingwithtears.“Shedoesn’thavetogonowthatyou’vetakenhermemories.”
“Whatdoyouthinkthelycankingwilldowhenhediscovershissecretweaponlikethis?”ThorinwavedtowardTarianya withacurse.“Shehastogo,Flora.”
“Butshe’smybaby”Hervoicesplinteredasshebitdownonherknuckles
“Don’tworry,mylove.”DerrickclutchedFlora’sshoulders,desperatelysearchinghereyesasifhewasabouttogooffto war Thesetwotrulyweredramatic “Afteryouchangeherfeatures,I’llaccompanythemandseetoitshegetstosafety” “Yes,mylove.Pleasegowithher.”Floradriedhereyesbeforecastingherdaughteralingeringlook.“Letmepackher thingsfirst,ahairbrushandribbons,andasparedress.”
ThoringrowledunderhisbreathatthethoughtofflyingwithDerrick Nodoubtthemagewouldwanttocarrybothhimand thegirl.Howhumiliating.Theydidn’tknowhe’dplannedontravelingthroughtheundergrounddemontunnels.Thesame tunnelsthatwouldleadthemstraighttohismistress HelookeddownatFlora’ssleepingdaughteroncemore Shelookedtoo muchlikehermother.Shehadthesamepoutylips,thesamethickeyelashes.
HerememberedwithfondnesshowFlorahadbeentheonlymemberofhergrandmother’scourttoofferhimakindword,a sweetsmile.HowcouldhehandoverFlora’spreciouschildtohismistress?PerhapshewouldletDerrickcarrythegirlover thePericulianMountainsandtheWerewoodForest.Far,farawayfromhismistress’swatchfuleye.Thorin’swingsweren’t verypowerful,buthecouldflyinshortspurts Hewouldforcehimselftokeepupwiththem Hehadnochoice,forheknewhis mistresswouldsenddemonsforthemsoon.
You cannot hide from her forever, Samaelhissed Heignoredhisdemon.Samaelhadalwaysbeentooloyaltotheirmistress.
Whenthegirlcriedoutinhersleep,hefoughttheurgetostrokeherfaceassomethingstirreddeepwithinhissoul.For Flora’ssake,hewouldkeepthegirlsafe.Andperhapshecouldteachthegirltolovehiminawayhermotherneverwould.
Tarianya EMBER. AURORA. I’M sorry I failed you.
Iawoketoapoundinginmyskull,myeyesslowlyadjustingtothedimlight Islowlysatupasthatpoundingturnedtoa dullthrob.IrubbedgritfrommyeyesthatburnedasifI’dstaredtoolongatthesun.
Mygazewanderedtoacracklingcampfireinthemiddleofaclearingsurroundedbytall,narrow,baldingtrees,hardly morethanafewleavesontheirbranches.Thisplaceseemedforeign,odd.Ashiverstoleupmyspine,andIpulledathin blanketovermylegs,wrappingmyarmsaroundmyself.Ididn’tbelonghere.ButwheredidIbelong?
Iarchedback,fearnumbingmyveinswhenoneofthebaldtreesmoved But,no,itwasn’tatree Itwasaman Atall, stoopedmaninbrownrobes,ascraggly,graybeardcominghalfwaydownhischest.
“Howdoyoufeel,Anya?”therobedmanasked
Anya, who is she? “W-whathappened?”Irasped,mythroatfeelingalmostasgrittyasmyeyes.
Theoldmankneltbesideme,hisbonescreakingwiththemovement Heheldoutatincupofwhatlookedlikewater,his dulleyescrinklingashesmiled.“Youdon’tremember?”
Itookthetinfromhim,takingahesitantsipandthenseveralmoregulpsofthecoolwater.“No,”Ifinallysaidafter finishingthetin
“Youfellandhityourhead.”Hecluckedhistonguewhilepattingmyknee.“Don’tworry,daughter.You’resafenow.” Ihandedthetinbacktohim,alarmbellsblaringinmyskull Myfather?Thatcouldn’tberight “Y-you’remyfather?” Hesatbesidemewithagrunt,stretchinghisbonylegsbythefire.“Iam.”
“Oh”Iscratchedmyhead,trying,andfailing,torememberanythingaboutthismanclaimingtobemyfather Thenagain,I couldn’trememberanythingaboutmyself.Washeright?HadIhitmyhead?Ifso,howmuchdamagehadIdonethatIcouldn’t rememberanythingaboutmylife?Memoriesofmydreamslowlyfilteredintomymind.Twotoddlergirlswithsilver-blueeyes cryinginmyarms Irockedthemandwhisperedsoothingwordsintotheirears,buttheycontinuedtosob Sostrange “Father?”Thewordfeltheavy,foreignonmytongue.ThoughIwantedtobelievethisoldmanwiththekind,smilingeyes wasmyfather,someotherpartofmefearedthiswasalladeception Heleanedintome,soclose,Icouldsmellthestaletangofhisbreath.“Yes?”
Iscratchedthebackofmyhead,tryingtorecallanythingotherthanthetoddlers’strikingeyes.“Ihadanightmare.” Hefrowned,holdingouthisarmstome.“Comehere,child.”
Ifoughttheurgetorecoil.Ididn’twanthimtoholdme.Iwantedtorunfaraway.Ilookedaroundforanysortofescapebut wasmetwithoddglowingeyesblinkingbackatmefromtheshadows Thecloudsoverheadmutedthelightfromthetwinkling stars,andIfearedIwouldn’tmakeitfarifIescapedthisstrangeplace.Whenhegavemeanexpectantlook,Ifeltcompelledto obeyandlethimtakemeinhisarms
“Tellmeaboutyourdream.”Hisbreathinmyearwastoohotandheavy,andhisbearditchedmyfaceasheclutchedmy back.Itensedwhenhekissedmycheek,thenfrozewhenhishandwanderedtomykneebeforetravelingbackupmythigh. Istruggledtobreakfreeofhisgrasptonoavail.HowstrangethatIfeltsoweak.WhyhadIthoughtIwasstronger?“Ihad twindaughters,”Isaid,wonderingwhyIwasconfessingmydreamtohimwhenIwasn’tsureifhewouldusemysecrets againstme “NomatterhowmuchIheldthem,theywouldn’tstopcrying”
“Strange,”heslurred,notsoundingtheslightestbitinterested.
“Yes,”Imumbled Afternearlychokingonhissourbreath,Iturnedmyheadaway Hesqueezedmetighter.“Well,itwasjustadream.Youhavenochildren,mylove.” My love? Ipressedmyhandsagainsthischest,tryingtopushhimaway.“Itfeltsoreal.” Hewouldn’tletgo “Itwasn’t” Ifrozewhenhishandmovedbetweenmythighs.
“Father,”Igroundout,pushingharderagainsthim,“letgoofme” “Why?”Heslidhishanddangerouslyclosetothatjuncturebetweenmythighs.“Don’tyouwantmetogiveyoucomfort?” “No”
“I’mtryingtosootheyou.”Hishandswereallovermelikeaseacreature’stentacles. “Father,stop.”
“ButIloveyou,Flora,”hewhispered Flora? WhyhadhecalledmeAnyabefore?Imanagedtobreakfreeofhim,slappinghishandsaway.Bileroseintomy throatwhenIlookedintohisfoggyeyesassweatbeadedonhisbrow Iscrambledaway,pointinganaccusatoryfingerathischest.“You’renotmyfather!” Hisdulleyessharpenedthennarrowed
Chestheaving,Islowlystoodandtookastepback.Ihadtogetoutofhere.ButwherewouldIgo?Whatnewthreatswould
Imeetinthatdarkforest?
“Wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing, girl?”heaskedwithasneerwhilerisinguplikeaphantomemergingfromacrypt. No,hedefinitelywasn’tmyfather Igrittedmyteeth,andastrangesensationfloodedmyfingersasifmyhandswerebeing swarmedbyathousandbuzzinginsects. Magic, aninnervoicewhisperedtome. Use it. “Farawayfromyou.”
Hislow,darkchucklewrappedaroundmychestlikeavise,andIwassuddenlystruckbyablindingwhitelight I screamed,fallingtomykneesbeforesinkingintooblivion.
Thorin Two years later
The human lands
Beneath the Periculian Mountains THORINFELLTOHISknees,discardedskullsbreakingbeneathhisweight.Thechainsaroundhisanklesrattledaspain lancedthroughhisboneswhilehismistressheldhimtrappedunderherbindingspell.Onedropofblood.That’sallithadtaken allthoseyearsagotobindhimtoher.He’dbeenfightingitthesepasttwoyears,havinghissweetAnyamakehimpotionsto dullthepainoftheverybloodboilinghisveins Thosepotionshadworkedwellenough,forThorin’spowerfulmagic protectedhimfromtheworstofthepoison,unlikeweakermageswhoeasilysuccumbedanddiedfromthebindingspell. TogetherThorinandAnyahadbeenhappy,content Thoughshe’dfoughthimwhenhe’dtriedtotakehertobed,he’dfound otherwomentosatehislust.
Butthenafewnightsagohe’dtakenanolderwitchtobed,notrealizingshewasaspyforhismistress.She’dcoercedhim totravelwithhertothenorthernmostoutpostofthehumanrealm,dangerouslyclosetotheWerewoodForest.Heshould’ve knownbetterthantotrusther,butfoolthathewas,he’dbeentooaddictedtothatthingshedidwithhermouth.Thenshe’d druggedhimtoloosenhistongue,andhe’drevealeddarksecretsthatherealizedAnyahadheardwhenhethoughtshe’dbeen sleepingbythefire.Thosesecretsweren’texactlytruths,though.Theywerejustfancierliespackagedwithneatlittlebows.
Butthedamagehadbeendone Anyahadheardhim Therewasnootherexplanationforwhyshe’drunstraightintothe WerewoodForest,takinghisheartandhappinesswithher.HelovedAnya,moresothanFlora.Morethananyone.Eventhough shebalkedathiskissesandfoughthistouch,she’dbecomelikeadaughtertohim.
Andnowherehewas,feelingasifhewasbeingsuffocatedbythelow,darkcavernwalls,chainedupinhismistress’s chamberalongsideherotherprisoners.Justanotheroneofhermeals.Herotherprisonershadgoneeerilyquietwhenshe’d approached,onlyremindingThorinoftheirpresencewiththeirraggedgaspsandrattlingchains Hecriedoutwhenshetwistedanooseofmagicaroundhisribcage.
“Youbetrayedme,Thorin!”
Candlelightflickeredbehindher,bathingherhideous,furryfaceinanorangeglow.Shejuttedafootforward,givinghima glimpseofcrusty,curledtoenailsstickingoutfrombeneathherrobe.He’dhadthedispleasureofseeinghernakedbefore,her feetcurledupintheairwhilehewasforcedtofuckher Cakedinfilth,hertoeslookedpartavian,parthuman Shehadwings likeabird,thoughherfacelookedmorelikeademoncanine,atwisted,wickedsnoutandjagged,rottingteeth,andathirdeye inthecenterofherforehead Shehadsaggy,humanbreaststhatdrippedpoisonousmilkandadistendedstomachasifshewas withchild.Butheknewtheonlychildrenshecarriedinhergutweretheonesshe’deaten.Shewasthemosthideous,terrifying creaturehe’deverknown,andshewasabouttomakehimhernextmeal
Sheletoutalow,deepsnarl,likeadragonabouttopounceonagoat.“Fortwoyearsyou’vealludedmewhilekeepingthe whitewitchtoyourself,”shehissed.“GivemeonereasonwhyIshouldn’tpluckoutyoureyesandsliceoffyourgenitals.”
“Iwassavingherforyou,fortherighttime,”Thorinlied Truthfully,he’dratherdieathousanddeathsthansurrenderhis sweetAnyatothismonster.“Thegirl’swhitemagichasn’tfullymanifested.”Thatpartwastrue.Hermagicwasonthecuspof greatness,thoughbyhidingherinthehumanlandshewasabletomutesomeofherpower Awitch’smagicwasalways strongernorthofthePericulianMountains.
Hismistress’sred,glowingeyesnarrowed.“Youlie.”
“Idon’tlie.”Heswallowedbackgritandblood,hisinnardsquakingwhenshepointedacrustytalonathim.
“PerhapsIshouldaskyourdemon,Samael.”Sheflashedafangedgrin.“Samael,Isummonyoutotellmethetruth.” Lie, hetoldhisdemon, or she will destroy us both
Fuck off, old fool, hisdemonretorted.“Itistruethatshehasn’treachedherfullpowers,”Samaelanswered,usingThorin’s tonguetospeak Howheloathedthismonsterinsidehim Hislastdemonwasfarlessvolatile,farlessstubborn
Theirmistresskneltbesidethem,herrancidbreathhittingThorinlikeapoisonousfog.“Howcloseisshe?”
“Shewasclosewhenwelastsawher,”Samaelanswered,notbotheringtotrytoprotectAnya.Bastard.
Theirmistresslickedherlipswithalong,forkedtongue.“Whereisshe?”
“Sheescapedaftersheoverheardtheoldfoolspillingtwistedsecretstohiswhore,”SamaelblurtedwhileThorinfought forcontrolofhisvoice.
“MyspiessawawitchandaFaeflyoutoftheWerewoodForestonthebackofadragon,afterthedragonatemyberchta” Theirmistressstood,lettingoutawailthatshookthemarrowofThorin’sbones.“Andnowallislost.”
Now you ’ ve done it, Thoringrumbledtohisdemon You couldn’t keep your mouth shut
“Allisnotlost,Mistress,”Samaelsaidwithaserpentinehiss,“forwehavesomethingthatwillhelpyoufindthewhite witch,hersister,hermother,andhertwindaughters”
Thorintriedtoslamhishandoverhismouth,butSamaelfoughthim. Stop!hecried. I’m begging you!Have mercy on sweet Anya!
Theirmistress’seyeswidenedasshecuppedhersaggingbreast “Twindaughters?”
“Children,”Samaelsaidinasing-songvoice.“Youngchildren.”
Thorin’sheartshattered Anya’schildren Flora’sgrandchildren Whyhadheagreedtosubmittothesemonsters?
“Witchchildrenaresotasty!”Lickingherlips,sherubbedherclawedhandstogether.“Dotheyhavemagic?”
Noo!Thorin’svoicesurgedthroughhisskulllikewaterbreakingfromadamashetried,andfailed,tosilencehisdemon “Notasstrongastheirmother,”Samaeltaunted,“butstrongenough.” Shejuttedaclawedfoottowardthem.“Whatdoyouhave?”
“TuckeddeepinsidethesidepocketofThorin’sbag,”Samaelsaid,thewordsspillingpasthistraitoroustonguedespite Thorin’sstruggletoregainpoweroverhisbody.“Shedroppeditwhensheescaped.”
TheirmistresslungedforthebagthatThorinhadbeenwearingwhenhe’dbeencaughtbyherdemons Lettingoutseveral curses,shedugaroundthebagbeforelosingpatienceandrippingopenthebottomwithhertalons.
Withasqueal,shehelduptherustysilverobject.“Ahairbrush.” Thorincriedout,hisshouldersslumpingindefeat. I hate you, hesaidtohisdemon. The feeling is mutual, you useless old man,Samaelhissed,thenheforcedThorin’smouthtocurveupwardinawicked grin “UsedbyalltheAviaswomen Thepalehairwasfromthewitchafteramaskingspell Usethedarkerstrandsbeneath”
Theirmistress’suglyeyesbulgedasshepluckedstrandsofdarkhairfromthebrush.“AlloftheAviaswitches?” “WiththeexceptionofQueenMalvolia,”Samaelanswered Why would you give her that? Thorinchided. Shut up, you old fool Theirmistressletoutawickedcackle.“Iwillusetheirhairtoconjureatrackingspell.” “Todowhat,Mistress?”Thorinblurted.
Hernostrilsflaredasshescowleddownathim “Neveryoumind,Thorin” “No.Iwon’tletyouharmFlora’sfamily.”Thorinfoughtagainsthisrestraints,puttingeveryounceofstrengthintohis magic Thoughhisbloodboiledandsoured,hestillmanifestedenoughpowertostrikehismistresswithablindingballof light.Shefellbackwithasqueal,hittingthewallbeforedisappearinginaflash,takingthebrushwithher.Hecollapsedtothe floor,hervenomousmagicboilinghimalive.Butthenhesawit,thekeytohischains.Ithadfallenbeforeshe’ddisappeared.
Don’t do it, Samaelwarned
Fuck off, Thorinseethedignoringthefirethatracedthroughhimbeforelungingforthekeys.Ifhecouldgetaway,hemight justsurvivehismistress’swickedmagic Theotherprisonerscriedout,begginghimtofreethemafterheunlockedhischains Heignoredthem.Hedidn’thavetimeforthemtoslowhimdown.HehadtogettoFloraandAnyabeforehismistressdid.
ChapterThree Princess Shirina Avias Present day
Abyssus Castle, Southern Delfi
“I sAuntMalvoliagoingtokillus?”
MyhearttwistedasifithadbeenstrungupinanooseasIkneltbesidemyfour-year-oldniece,Aurora,takingher smallhandinmine “No,darling,butyoubothneedtolistencarefullytome”IlookedfromAuroratoheridenticaltwin, Ember.Bothhadthesamesilver-blueeyesandslightlysharpenedcanines(thankstotheirshifterblood)andslickchestnuthair, thoughEmber’shairwaslonger,usuallyworninbraidsdownherback “Youmuststayinyournurserytonight,”Isaidtothem, givingAuroraasternlookwhilerecallingjustafewdaysagothey’dbothnearlybeenkilledbydemonswhenAurora teleportedthemoutsidethecastle.“Noleavingunlessyourlivesareindanger.”
Ember’seyeswerewidewithfear “Willourlivesbeindanger?”
Drae,theoldestofmythreematesandLordoftheCastle,kneltbesideme,hislongblackwingsdrapedbehindhim.“We willdowhateverwecantokeepyousafe,”hesaidashestrokedEmber’scheekwiththebackofhishand,“butwehaven’t foundthosebaddemonmagesyet.”
Emberleanedagainsthiskneeasifitwasthemostnaturalthingintheworld Andtothink,aweekagomynieceswere terrifiedofhim.Myheartwarmedtoseehowaffectionatemymatewaswiththegirls,andIcouldn’tstopthinkingofallkinds ofnaughtywaystorewardhim.
“Ember,haveyouoryourfriendsseenanymoredemons?”
Ilookedovermyshoulderasmyothermate,Blaze,hoveredbehindus,hisarmsfoldedoverhischest,hiscroppeddark hairlookingwindsweptasusual By‘friends’hemeanttheghoststhatvisitedEmber Myyoungniecewasaspirittalker Istill hadn’tdecidedifherunusualmagicwasablessingoracurse.
EmberblinkedupatBlaze.“No,Uncle.”
“Wemustbevigilant,”Blazesaid,hisdarkgazesweepingtheroombeforeheglaredatthedoubledoorsthatledtothe outsidebalcony.“SolandBertramwillbeback.”
Blazewasthesecondoldestofmythreemates,allbrotherswithwarmcomplexionsandimpossiblybroadchestsand backstosupporttheirwidewings.Allofmymateshadgoldeneyesthatturneddarkwhentheywereangry,crimsonwhenthey wereusingtheirfiremagic Iwassofortunatetobebondedtonotonebutthreehandsomebrothers IjusthopedmymatesandI survivedlongenoughtocherishournewfoundlove.
“Sonobodyelseisdemonpossessed?”Nikkos,myyoungestmateaskedashekneltdownbesideme.Nikkoswasthe sweetestofmythreemates,withboyishcheeksandaninfectioussmile.“NottheothermagesorMalvolia?” Embershookherhead.“No,Uncle.”
Mykneesweakenedwithrelief “Thanktheelements”Ididn’tknowwhatwewouldhavedonehadMalvoliabeendemon possessed.
“Willyoustaywithusforsupper?”Auroraasked,lookingfrommetomymateswithapleainhereyesandapoutybottom lip.
“No,sorry.”Icuppedhercheek.“WemustdinewithAuntMalvolia.”Icouldhardlybelievethewordsthathadcomeoutof mymouth ThatIwasnowservingthesorceressqueenI’dbeentaughttofearmyentirelife Thesamequeenwho’dputaprice onmineandmysister’sheadswhenwewerestillinthewomb.
“Mayweeatwithyou?”Emberpleaded,tradingDrae’skneeformine “Tonight’ssupperisjustforadults.It’simportantyoustayherewithMrs.Euphemia.”Ipulledback,graspingbothoftheir hands “CanIcountonyoutobegood?”
“Yes,Auntie,”theysaidinunison.
Itookbothoftheminmyarms,kissingeachoftheircheekswhileItriednottothinkoverlylongonthedangerweallfaced ifAuntMalvoliaturnedonus “Iloveyoubothsomuch,”Imurmuredwhilesqueezingthem Theywrappedtheirarmsaroundmyneckandkissedmycheek.“Weloveyou,Auntie.” IbreathedoutaraggedbreathwhilelookingovertheirheadsatDrae,apleainmyeyes I will do everything to keep you and the girls safe, Shiri,hesaidtomethroughthought. Inoddedasaknotformedinmythroat Ionlyprayedeverythingwasenough
ICOULDN’TBREATHE,andnotjustbecausethisitchycorsetwasfartootightandtheairtoostifling.Iwasseatedbythe
sorceressqueeninaroomwithherfiremagearmy Onewronglook,onewrongword,andthisentiredininghallcouldgoupin flames.
IwasgratefulforNikkoswhosatbesidemeandBlazewhosatacrossfromusasmyauntsatbetweenusattheheadofthe table.ButitfeltasiftherewasacanyonbetweenusandDraeattheotherendofthetable,severalotherfiremagesandafew witchesbetweenhimandus Ihatedtheformalitiesthatcamewithdiningwithroyalty Iwould’vebeenfarmorecomfortable diningonabalconyoreveninthenursery.
“Wherearethechildren?”Malvoliaaskedwhileeyeingmeovertherimofherwinegoblet Iclearedmythroat,tryingnottochokeonbreadcrumbsthatfeltlikegrittysandinmymouth.“Withtheirnursemaid.” Malvoliasetdownhergoblet,givingmealonglook.“Theyclingtoyoulikeyou’retheirmother.”Icouldn’ttellbyher toneifshewasimpressedorannoyedbymydedicationtomynieces Ishrugged.“InawayIam.”
Shefoldedherhandsinfrontofherwhileaservanttookawayherplate “Howlonghaveyoubeencaringforthem?” “Sincetheywereborn,”Isaid,momentarilydistractedasaservanttookmyplate.Iwasstillnotusedtobeingwaitedonby anyone Evenworsewasthatnoneofthelineofservantsstandingbehinduslookedfamiliar,andtheyallworecrimsonjackets andgoldsashes.Hadthequeenbroughtherownservants?
“Theirmotherdidn’tcareforthem?”Malvoliaaskedasanotherdishwasplacedinfrontofher.
Istruggledtorememberwhatcoursewewereonorwhatthefoodtastedlikeasdishesclankedbehindus “Shedid”Ifelt likeaflowerwiltingbeneaththenoondaysunasMalvoliagavemealookofdisbelief.“Shewasoftentimespreoccupied,”I added
Malvolialeanedforward,herdarkeyesnarrowing.“Withwhat?”
Itookafortifyingsipofwine.Myexplanationwasabouttogetawkward.IonlyhopedMalvoliabelievedme.“Plotting Fachnan’sdemise.”
Hereyespracticallybulgedoutofherskull.“Why?”
Blazeclearedhisthroat “HermateswerethesonsoftheLupinekings” MalvolialookedfromBlazetome.“Killedintheattack?” “Presumably,”Blazeansweredforme
Thank you, Isaidtohimthroughthought,relievedIdidn’thavetolietothesorceressqueen,forIcouldn’tbesureifthey weredeadoralive.
“SoshewasplottingwiththesurvivinglycanstokillFachnan?”Malvoliaasked. Ipushedparsnipsandpeasswimminginacreamysaucearoundonmyplate.“Yes.” Malvoliagavemealonglook “Buttheyneverfollowedthrough”Itwasastatementmorethanaquestion Isetdownmyspoon,smoothingtremblinghandsdownthefoldsofmysatingown.Herewasmyopportunitytotalkabout Thorin,butIwouldfeedherinformationaboutthemindspinnerinsmalldoses Eventually,maybeshe’dbelievemewhenI toldherThorinhadalteredhermemories,too.Thathe’dalteredeveryone’smemories.“MyparentstoldmeTarihadbeen killedbyabear,butIlaterfoundouttheyhadThorinerasehermemoriesandtakeher.”
Not too much, Draewarnedmethroughthought I know, Ianswered.
“Ofcoursetheydid”Malvolia’slipstwistedintoasnarl,fireflashinginhereyes “Theyhadtoensureshefulfilledthe prophecytohelpFachnankillme.AndyousaidyesterdaythatThorin’sspellslastlongernow?”
“Yes”IdarednotlookinDrae’sdirection,thoughIcouldfeeltheheatfromhisstareuponme Malvoliatwirledthestemofherwinegobletinherhand.“Howlong?”sheaskedcasuallyasifwewerediscussingthe changingoftheseasons.
“Days Weeks Years”Itookanothersipofwinewhileavertingmygaze
“I’mnotsure”Ahalf-truth,foritwasobvious hisspellslastedyearsifMalvoliastillthoughtmyparentshadtriedtooverthrowher.ButwhatIdidn’tknowwasiftherewas anywaytoreversethosespells Iftheylastedmorethanyears Centuries Ifoughtthepanicsearingthroughmyveins Forever Malvoliasetdownhergoblet,herdarkgazesweepingthetable.“Themindspinnerwasnothingmorethananannoyance whenIknewhimdecadesago,butwiththatkindofpower,he’sfarmoredangerous”
Theothersatthetablemumbledtheiragreement,thoughmymateshadgoneeerilyquiet,allofthemlookingatmelikestag caughtinahunter’scrosshairs.
“Heis,”Isaidtomyaunt,wonderingwhereI’dfoundthecouragetospeak “Yourmagesshouldn’thesitatetokillhim” “Theywon’t,”shesaidwhilesharinglookswithafewofthemagesclosesttous.
Themagesletoutlow,deepchucklesthatshookthemarrowofmybones Oneinparticular,withrussethairandwings, unnervedmethewayhesoboldlylookedatMalvoliaasifhewasmentallyundressingher.Thenagain,manymageswere lookingatherthatway,andIsuddenlyrealizedtheseweren’tjustmyaunt’smages theywereherlovers,too.Shesmiled coylybackathim.Perhapshergoodmoodwasanauspicioussign.
I could tell her now, IprojectedtoDrae. She already doesn’t like Thorin, and I think she’d be open to hearing it.
Too soon, heanswered,hisgazeavertedwhilehelaughedwithafewmagesclosetohim. Let’s see if she reaches her own conclusion first
Iwrungmynapkininmylap Wewereplayingadangerousgame,andIwasn’tsurewewouldwinnomatterwhatmovewe made.
“Itakeityoudispatchedofthegiants?”
“W-what?”Istammered,lookingbackatmyaunt.
“Yes,”Blazeansweredher “Shiridid”
How does she know about the giants? Iprojectedtoallofmymates.
I don’t know, Draeanswered.Hewasnolongerlaughingwiththeothermages,butlookingdownthelongtableatus,the overheadcandlelightreflectinginhiseyes
She could’ve come to the conclusion after seeing all the flattened trees outside the castle, Nikkossaid. Possibly, Draeanswered,thoughIcouldsensedoubtinhisvoice Malvolia’sgazecenteredonme.“Youusedyoursirenvoice?”
Ivisiblyswallowed “Yes”
Shearchedathinbrow.“Andtheyobeyedwithoutafight?”
Iwasalltooawarethattheroomhadgonesilentandalleyeswereuponme.Myguttwistedwithunease,butthenNikkos squeezedmyknee Justthatonesimpleactgroundedmeandgavemecourage Iofferedhimanappreciativesmile “Theydid,” Ianswered,keepingmygazecenteredonMalvolia.
Sheleanedforward,clutchingthesidesofthetable,sparksflaringinhereyes “Howmanygiantswerethere?” IlookedtoDrae.I’dbeensoconsumedinsearchingformymateandniecesandsendingthegiantsawaytocounttheir numbers.
“Aboutfiftytosixty,”Draeanswered.
“Elements!”MalvolialetoutashrillburstoflaughterbeforelookingdownthetableatDrae.“Iwonderwhyyousentfor me,LordInferni,whenyourmatesoeasilydispatchedofthegiants”
Did you send for her? Iprojectedtomymate,unabletokeepthenoteofaccusationfrommyvoice.
No Draevisiblytensed,theveinsonhisneckprotrudingwhileheclutchedhiswinegoblet Who did? Blazeasked.
Later, DraeansweredbeforefacingMalvoliawithaserenesmile.“IflewaheadofmybrothersandShirinaandarriveda dayearlier.”Helookedatmewithaflashofprideinhiseyes.“Ihadnoideaourmatecoulddispatchanentirearmyofgiants.” Malvoliarubbedherchin,herpiercingstarelikethesun’sharshraysboringholesintome.“Isee.”
“Ididn’tknowIcoulddothat,either,”Iansweredtruthfully
“Youdon’thavemuchexperienceusingyourmagic,”shesaid,ahardlookinhereyesasifshewaswaitingformeto crack
Elements,sheunnervedme.Iknewmymagicwasprobablystrongerthanhers,yetIstillfearedher.“NotwhenIwas forcedtohideitfrommyparents,”Isaidonanexhale.
Somethinginherhardgazesoftened,andthelookofpityshegavememademewanttocrawlbeneaththetable Itfelt wrongbondingwithheroveramutualdistrustofmyparents.SomepartofmestillfeltlikeIshouldbeloyaltothem,likeIwas aterribledaughterforaligningwithMalvolia
“Youneedatutor,Niece,”Malvoliasaidtome.“Someonetohelpyourefineyourmagic.”
Mystomachsoured,forIhadthefeelingMalvoliawouldwanttobethattutor “I’msureIcanmanageonmyownover time.”
“Wedon’thavetime.”Sheleanedbackinherchair,herdarkgazesweepingoverthetable.“Wariscomingtothecontinent. MyspiessayDukeViggoandFachnanwillformanalliancesoon Withyoursistercomingintoherpowers,it’sonlyamatter oftimebeforetheylaunchanattack,whichmeanswemustattackfirst.”
ItensedatthementionofTari,feelingtheneedtodefendher “Mysisterwon’t ” “You’reallreturningwithmetoThebestomorrow,”Malvoliainterrupted,herwordsclippedandstern,leavingmeno roomforargument “Iwillpersonallyseetoyourtraining,andImustpresentmynieceatcourt”Sheflashedatightsmile,one thatdidn’tmatchthesteelinhereyes.“Wewillhaveagrandcelebration.”
Iswallowedalumpthathadwedgedinmythroat.Iwasfullyentangledwiththesorceressqueennow,andIwasn’tsure howIwouldfindmywayoutofit Ibowedmyhead “You’retookind,YourMajesty” “Pleasedispatchwiththeformalities,Niece.”Shewavedmeawaylikeshewasswattingabug.Thenthatglintinhereyes softenedoncemore,andforamomentIfeltasifIwaslookingintomymother’seyes “Wearefamily” Family. Ifonlyourbloodtieswouldassuremysafetyinhercourt.“Yes,AuntMalvolia.” “Muchbetter.”Herthinsmileflattenedintoagrimlineasshepushedofffromherchairandstood.Chairsclamoredaround us,andNikkosgrabbedmyelbow,pullingmetomyfeetaseveryoneelserapidlystood,theirwingsslackened,theireyes vacantastheywentasstillasstatues.
“Ifyou’dexcuseme,”Malvoliasaid,hereyesonDraeattheotherendofthetable,“I’vehadalongjourney.” “Ofcourse.”Draebowedstiffly,hiswingsrufflingbehindhim.“Theservantshavepreparedmymother’sbedchamberfor you”
“Excellent.”Shewavedtotherestofus.“Asyouwere.”
Everyonefellbackintotheirchairswhileexhalingraggedbreaths,theirshouldersslumpinginrelief
What the hell was that about? IprojectedtoNikkosasIsatbackdownbesidehim.
Court protocol, heansweredwithawinkwhilesqueezingmyhand
Myparentshadnevertaughtmeanythingaboutcourtprotocol.We’dneverhadtogetupfromourchairswhenmymom excusedherselffromthetable.Ihadalottolearn,andIfearedIwouldn’tbeuptothetask.Howwouldmyaunthavereacted ifNikkoshadn’tpulledmetomyfeet?
IstiffenedwhenmyauntstoppedbetweenNikkosandme.
“You’vehardlytouchedyourfood,Niece”
Ittookallmyeffortnottoflinchwhenshetouchedmycheek,herfingersunusuallywarm.Itensedwhensheleanedover me
“Isensenomaliceinyou,”shewhisperedinmyear.
Ididn’tknowifIshould’vefeltpanicorrelief.“Thereisnone,”Iwhisperedback.
“Good,becauseyouknowwhatIdotofamilywhobetrayme,”shehissed,thewordslikeflamingarrowsbetweenus She kissedmycheek,hercoldlipsastarkcontrasttohersearingtouch.“Goodnight,Niece.”
“Goodnight,Aunt,”Irasped,shockedIwasabletofindanywords,muchlessvoicethem Shereleasedmeandstood,noddingtowardDraeandthenBlazeandNikkos.“LordInferni,younglords.”
“Goodnight,YourMajesty,”theysaidinunison,theirvoicessoundingsopolished,soatease,astarkcontrasttothe spinningvortexofemotionsinsideme.
Shestoodatthethreshold,holdingoutbothhandsbehindher.Heatflushedmyfacewhentwobeefyfiremagesflankedher, theonewiththerussethairandanotherwithhairasblackasaraven’swing,takingherhands ThoughFae-kindcouldlive hundredsofyearsandagedslowerthanhumans,thesetwomageslookedparticularlyyoung.Theybothhadsoftfaceslike Nikkos Shegiggledlikeachildwhenthemagewithrussethairsweptherintohisarmsandflewhertotheupperlevels,the othermagefollowingcloselybehind.
Her lovers? Iprojectedtomymates.
Her current lovers, Draeemphasized. She only keeps them a few months at a time She rotates them with each new season, Blazesaid.
And she doesn’t favor one over the other? Iasked She hasn’t found one to marry? She rotated Mantus every few years, but otherwise, no. Nikkosgrimaced. Mantus Irememberedmymatestellingmemysisterhadkilledhim OnemorestrikeagainstTari AsifMalvolianeeded anymorereasonstohateher.
Queen Malvolia has declared she’ll never marry, Draeadded. Why? Ipressedwhilepushingfoodaroundonmyplate
We suspect she doesn’t want a husband trying to take the throne from her, Nikkosanswered. Iworriedmylip,myguttwistingtoomuchformetoenjoytheplatteroffoodbeforeme My aunt has trust issues Blaze’slaughterechoedinmyhead. You’re just now figuring it out?
AFTERSUPPER,DRAEusheredusintohisbedchamber,lockingthedoorsbehindhim Mymouthwateredandmystomach grumbledwhenIsawservantshadleftatrayofdrinksandsweetbiscuits,evencolorfultarts.I’dbeentoonervoustoeat supper,andnowmyhungerwascatchingupwithme
Blazepacedinfrontofthehearth,tensionlinesframinghiseyes.“Fuck.Whosentforher?”
“Romulus,”Draesaidashecrossedovertotheserver,uncorkingajugofwineandpouringitintoagoblet.“Hedidn’t agreewithmydecisionnottoalertheraboutthegiants.”
Whenheheldthegobletouttome,Ishookmyhead.“Noneforme.”Isatatthetableandpouredacupoffrothymilk.“My head’sstillswimmingfromthewineatsupper”
Nikkossatoppositemeandpiledtwotrayswithbiscuitsandtarts,handingonetome.Ithankedhimwithakiss. “Whatareyougoingtodo?”Blazepressedwhileresuminghispacing “Ican’tpunishhim.”Draecrossedovertohimandhandedhimagobletofwine.“She’llknow.”
Blazetossedbackhisdrinkinafewlargeswallowsbeforeplacingtheemptygobletonthemantel.Legsbracedapart,he crossedhisarms,levelingDraewithadarklook.“Thiscouldplayinourfavor.Shewon’tquestionyourloyaltyifshethinks
yousentforher.”
“Otherwise,”Nikkosaddedwhileshovingabiscuitintohismouth.“SolandBertramwould’vealertedherfirst.”
BlazenoddedhisagreementbeforegivingDraeapointedlook “Sheneedstoknowshecantrustyou” Draestoodinfrontofthehearth,clutchinghiswinegobletwhilestaringintothecracklingflames.Finally,heheavedalong sigh “AsmuchasRomulus’sbetrayalburns,you’reright”
“Youneedtoeat,mylove.”Nikkospointedtotheplatterofbiscuits.“Foodwillfuelyourmagic.”
So will vigorous lovemaking, Ithought,thenberatedmyselfforthinkingofsexatatimelikethis Itookabiteofbiscuit, moaningwhenwarmbutterandsugarexplodedinmymouth.Elements,Iwashungry.Ifinishedoffthatbiscuitandthenate anotherandanother.
AfterIhadmyfill,Ilookedaroundtheroomatmymates “WhereshallIsleepnowthatMalvoliahasmybedchamber?” Blazewaggledhisbrowswhilelookingatmelikeastarvingwolfwithabone.“There’splentyofroominmybed.” “YoumaysleepinmybedchamberwithNikkos,”Draesaid “BlazeandIhavemuchtodobeforethemorrow” Blaze’sfeaturesfellbeforeheplasteredonatightsmile.
Icouldn’tdenyIsharedhisdisappointment I’dbeenlookingforwardtosharingabedwithallthreeofmymates Then again,therewasalsothematterofwherethegirlswouldsleep.DidItrustMrs.Euphemiatokeepthemsafe?WhatifSoland Bertramreturned?OrwhatifMalvoliadecidedshenolongertrustedus?
“You’llneedrestbeforethejourney,”Isaidtothem Draecrossedovertome,kissingthetopofmyhead.“We’llfindyoulatertonight,”hemurmured,hiswarmhandacrossmy backmakingmewanttomeltintohim “Doyouneedhelp?”Nikkosasked.
“OneofusmuststaywithShiriandthegirls.”Draevisiblyswallowed,hiseyesflaring.“SolandBertrammightreturn.” Ishudderedasatremorcoursedthroughme.Malvolia’smagesornot,Iwouldn’thesitatetokillthem.
Nikkoslickedhislips,agleaminhiseyes. What shall I do with you all to myself? heprojectedthroughthought. “Beforeyougetanyideas,thegirlsaresleepingwithus,”Iwarned “Iwon’tbeabletosleepwithoutthemnear” I understand. Heflashedamischievousgrin. That doesn’t mean we can’t sneak off to the bathing chamber together. MyfaceflushedasIrememberedthelasttimewe’dsnuckoffintoabathingchamberafterhe’dhealedfromatraumatic headinjury.Funnyhowthatnighthadfeltlikeweeksago,yetonlyafewdayshadpassed.Ifearedtimewouldpassmuchtoo quicklywhilewetraveledbacktoThebeswithMalvolia.Alltoosoon,andIwouldbeforcedtofacedownmysisterasfate propelledusfastertowardanunavoidablewar.
ChapterFour Lord Draevyn Inferni
Thenightwasespeciallycloudy,blottingoutmostofthestarsaboveasIflewuptothebattlements.Iwasnotlooking forwardtothisconfrontationwiththecaptainofmyguard,butithadtobedone.Ihadtoknowhowmuchhe’dalready saidtoMalvoliaandhowmuchmoreheplannedontellingher ThenI’ddecidewhattodowithhim I’dleftBlazein chargeofthecastle’sservants.Iwantedhimtofindoutmoreaboutthosenurses.I’dalreadyinterrogatedtheheadhousekeeper who’dhiredthemandhadyieldedlittleresults Blazehadthegiftofpersuasionandcouldcharmthescalesoffadragon If anyonecouldfindoutmoreaboutthosenurses,hecould.
Romuluswascrouchedonthetopmostturret,hispalewingsastarkcontrasttothenightskyashewhittledadragonoutof wood.Iwonderedwhyhe’dchosentoisolatehimselfonthisturret.Whenhedidn’tlookupatme,Ihadmyanswer.He’dbeen waitingforthisconfrontation.TilesshiftedbeneathmyfeetasIfoundmyfootingafewpacesabovehim,knowingImightneed theadvantageshouldthingsgetphysical He’dalreadyprovenhecouldn’tbetrusted Iclearedmythroat.“Romulus.”
Heblewdustoffthesculpturethencastmeacursoryglance,hisbottomlipbulgingwithtobacco,hisbushywhite eyebrowslifting.“MyLord.”
Ifoldedmyarms,growingmoreagitatedbyhisinsolence “Anythingyou’dliketosay?”
Hepocketedhisbladeandsculptureandslowlystood,astrandofhislongwhitehairblowingacrosshisface.“Ihaveno regrets,MyLord.”Heruffledhispalewingsandprotrudedhischest.“IhavebeenloyaltotheInfernifamilyforthreehundred years,andIwillcontinuetobeso”Hepaused,eyeingmethroughslits “Evenifyourdefinitionofloyaltyvariesfrommine” Igrittedmyteeth.Itwasn’tasbadasI’dfeared,butbadenough.“Isee.”
“Doyou?”Hesoundedtoomuchlikeafatherscoldingachild,remindingmethathewasthreecenturiesold,andoneof,if nottheoldest,RavinitohavesurvivedtheCrimsonTidealmostaquartercenturyago.MosteveryRaviniovertheageof twentyhadperishedduringtheCrimsonTide.“IfIhadn’tsentforMalvolia,SolandBertramwouldhave.Howwouldthat havemadeyoulook?”
Iswallowedatthat,myconfidencefaltering.“Shebelievesitwasmewhosentforher?”
“Shedoes”Hespitawadoftobaccooverthesideoftheturretbeforesquattingbackdown “AndIhavenoreasontotell herotherwise.”
HowwasIsupposedtorespondtothat?“IsupposeIshouldthankyou,then”
Hepulledoutthedragonstatue,whittlingthewoodonceagain.“Isentforheroncebeforeagainstyourfather’swishes,but bythetimeherarmyarriveditwastoolate.FloraandDerrickhadalreadykilledyourparents.”
Hedisobeyedorderstwicenotoutofdisloyalty,butbecausehethoughtheknewbetterthanhislords.Ididn’tknowifI wantedtofloghimorthankhim.“Whydoyouthinkmyfatherdidn’twantyoutosendforherthen?”
“HetrustedFloraandDerrick”Hepausedhiswhittlingtolookupatme,linestighteninghispaleeyes “Hedidn’tknow they’dbetrayhim.”
AsmuchasRomulusbelievedheknewbetterthanhislords,hewasmissingonekeydetail Thorinhadalteredhis memories,too.NowIwonderedhowmuchhadhismindbeenalteredandcouldIevertrusthimagain?
“Thatnightmyparentswerekilled.”Iforcedanoteofcasualnessintomyvoice.“Doyourememberseeingthemagenamed Thorin?”
“Themindspinner?”Hearchedabrow,hisbladesuspendedoverthedragon’swing.“Yes,Ibelievehewasthere.” IsworeIsawafogsettleinhiseyes themindspinner’sspell “You’renotsure?”
Hescratchedthebackofhishead.“Mymemoriesareabitfuzzy.”
“Whydoyouthinkthatis?”Ipressed,hopingIcouldstiranemberoftruthinhismemories
“Therewasalotgoingonthatnight,FloraandDerrickmurderingyourparents,thefirethatalmostkilledyourbrothers.” Helookedatmethrougheyessoblurred,itwaslikestaringthroughrain-foggedwindows.“Whydoyouask?”
Thatspellhadbeencastalmosttwenty-fiveyearsagoandwasstillholdingstrong Therealizationofthemindspinner’s immensepowerwaslikeashotofvenomtomyblood.
“DoyouknowwhywebroughtShiriandthegirlshere?”Ifinallyasked,tryingmyhardesttokeepthenoteoffearfrommy voice.
Romulussquintedupatmeasmostofthefogclearedfromhiseyes,leavingbehindathinsheen “Justwhatyoutoldme, thatherparentshadturnedonher,andshehadtoescape.”
Inodded.“FloraandDerrickweregoingtouseThorintoeraseShirinaandthegirls’memoriesandtakethemaway.” “How,”heasked,“whenhisspellsonlylastafewhours?”
Afew hours. Ididn’tknowifIwantedtolaughorcry.Icautiouslyeyedhimforanysignsofrecognition.“Shiribelieves hismagichasstrengthenedandhisspellslastyearsnow”
Hiseyeswidened.“Years?”
“It’spossiblehecouldbedemonpossessed,”Iadded,thenflappedmywingsandadjustedmystancewhenatileshifted beneathmyfoot
“Demonpossessed?”Romuluschuckled.“Maiadrawipedoutthedemonsduringthedemonwars.”
“That’swhatIthought,buttherehavebeensigns,Romulus”Ileveledhimadarklook “ThenurseswhopoisonedNikkos werepossessed.SolandBertramaredemonpossessed,too.”
“What?”Romulusjumpedtohisfeet,hiseyeswidewithalarm “Didyoutellourqueen?”
“No,”Ianswered.“I’mnotsureshe’llbelieveme.”
“Imustconfess,”hesaidwhileshiftinghisfeet.“I’mhavingahardtimebelievingitmyself.”
AndherewaswhereRomuluswouldprovehisloyalty Imightbeabletoforgivehimifhethoughthewascallingthequeen heretoprotectAbyssus,butIwouldn’thesitatetoturnhimtoashifIsuspectedhe’dbetraymenow.
“Iknowyouare,andIdon’tblameyoufordoubtingme,”Ianswered “Iwouldn’thavebelieveditmyselfhadn’tIseenthe unnaturalglowinSolandBertram’seyesortheunusualstrengthoftheirfires.”
HelookedatmeasifIwasadragonpoisedtostrike “DoyouplanontellingMalvolia?”
“Ofcourse.”Ipaused,watchinghisexpressionforanysignsofdisloyalty.“AssoonasIhaveconcreteevidence.”
Thetensionthathadcoiledaroundmyspineloosenedafractionwhenhenoddedhisagreement.
“MybrothersandIareleavingwithShiriandourqueen’sarmytomorrow”Iclosedthedistancebetweenus,graspinghis shoulderwhilecontinuingtostareintohiseyes.“CanIdependonyoutokeepAbyssussafefromallenemies?”
Hestiffenedbeneathmytouch,butheheldmygazewithoutfaltering “YouknowIwill”
Expellingabreathofrelief,Ireleasedhimandsteppedback.“IfSolandBertramreturn,killthemifyouhavenoother choice,butI’dlikethemalivetointerrogate.”
Hevisiblyswallowed.“Yes,MyLord.”
“IfyouseethemageThorin,”Iadded,“killhimatonce,andwhateveryoudo,don’tlookintohiseyes.”
Helookedatmeasifhewasseeingmeforthefirsttime,aswhatwasleftofthefogclearedfromhiseyes “Youreally believethis,don’tyou?”
Repressingacurse,Iclenchedmyfistsbymysides “Ido AndifFloraandDerrickcomehere,donotkillthem Lockthem upinthetowerandsendforme.”
Thecolordrainedfromhisruddycheeks.“Theytriedtokillourqueen.”
“Ourqueenwouldwantthemaliveforquestioning.”Iheavedafrustratedgroan.“Whateveryouthinkofme,knowthis. QueenMalvoliahasbeenlikemysurrogatemother.Forthat,Iwillalwaysbeindebtedtoherandloveherlikefamily,butthere aredarkforcesatplayhere”Ipaused,wonderinghowmuchIshouldtellhim,butthenIrealizedIhadnochoice Ourcountry wasabouttodescendintowar.ThousandsofFaewereabouttoflytoourdeaths,andweweremerelypuppetstonefarious demonswhowerepullingourstrings Iblewoutalongbreath “DemonshavebeenmanipulatingMalvolia,andtheentire country,fordecades.”
“B-butMaiadra ”hesputtered.
“Didnoteradicatealldemons,”Icuthimoff “You’vegonebehindmybackalready Thisisyourchancetoredeem yourself.DoasIorder.KeepAbyssussafe.”
Tomysurprise,hebowedhishead “Yes,MyLord”
IflewawayfeelingmoreconfidentinRomulusthanbeforeourmeeting,thoughwitheachflapofmywingsIfeltlesssure ofourfuture Therehadn’tbeenawhitewitchbornintotheFaerealminoverfourcenturies Nowthereweretwo Hadthe elementscreatedShiriandhersisterbecausetheyknewwe’dneedthestrengthoftwowhitewitchestofacetheeviltocome? Ifso,wouldmybrothersandIbestrongenoughtoprotectourmate?
Shiri
“WHYCAN’TWESLEEPinournursery?”EmberaskedasItuckedherbeneaththeblanketsofDrae’sbigbed.
“BecauseIneedtohaveyounearmetonight,”Iwhispered,kissingeachofthegirls’cheeks. “Why?”Aurorablinkedupatme.“AreyouafraidAuntMalvoliawillkillus?”
IgaveNikkosahopelesslookashesatbesidemeonthebed,hislong,wethairslickedback,hiswingsstilldrippingfrom hisbath.Hesmelledlikefreshpineandsage,andittookallmywillpowernottolickthestraydropsofwaterfromhis glisteningchest
These girls are clever, hesaidtomethroughthought.
Too clever, Ianswered.Iclearedmythroat,brushingAurora’shairoutofhereyes.“Ihavemanyreasonstokeepyounear.” “Youthinkthebaddemonswillcomeback?”Emberasked.
