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“We can discuss that later, Mother,” Ronan said. “Another match is about to start.”

Chapter 29

VALEEN

Ebony mist rose up before her, shifting and moving like the surface of a dark ocean. It smelled of sulfur and burnt vegetation. If there were fires inside, she couldn’t see yet. Deep within waited her broken sword right where she left it.

Low growls and gurgling noises coming from beyond the darkness made the hair on the back of her neck stand. It wasn’t that she was afraid of the pale ones the way she’d been before. The thought of them attacking her wasn’t the problem. What had always scared her more was that they were drawn to her and that she could command them.

“Afraid, love?” Hel’s demeanor changed the moment they materialized here. His black cloak seemed to float around him on its own, his raven hair had fallen more on his face, partially covering his eyes. Playfulness danced at the corner of his mouth as he watched her, but he was the Black Mage now. Ready to command his legion of cursed monsters. “You know I won’t let them hurt you.”

“Afraid of your creatures who will kneel at my feet? They’ll be calling me master over you soon.”

He chuckled. “Really? And you’d like that?”

Damn, he called her out. “If it gets me what I want.”

“You sound like me.”

“Look, I just want this to be over, and if we must command these… things to win a war, then so be it. I’d rather have them under our control than have them fighting against us.”

“Now you’re thinking like a queen. True leaders don’t think in black and white. There are many shades of gray. Some people die so others can live. Do you remember who told me that?”

She smiled. “I did.”

“Yes. If all these elves had to turn and countless others die just so that you can live, I’ll take that. And if that makes me terrible, then I’ll take that too.” He held out his rune-covered hand and for the briefest moment she hesitated to take it. Watching Aldrich turn was still fresh in her mind. The old bite mark on her thigh tingled. His waiting stare met hers and he leaned closer, brushing his lips across her ear.You aren’t afraid of my serpent’s bite now, are you?

Never.This was Hel, her soulmate. Her hand closed around his and together they stepped through the wall of darkness. Bones scattered across the mushy, black ground. The acrid smell of sulfur intensified, making her stomach turn. Pools of tar bubbled in small puddles here and there. But more repulsive than the landscape were the thousands of pale ones. A group to the left fought over a deer carcass.

Growls and metal clinking against metal pulled her attention to the right. Ten or so fought each other with rusted weapons. Their white skin and hair were a stark contrast to the black armor they wore. The detail of their pointed ears had never stood out to her before, but these were elves once. Elves who’d been cursed. Could they turn back to what they once were when this was over?

Wind picked up, billowing her loose hair around her face.

Heads snapped in her direction. One of them lifted his nose in the air and inhaled.

Feeling more and more of their creepy stares, she leaned closer, pressing her shoulder against Hel’s side. There were so many…

“Master.” One of them stood from a crouch, a rabbit’s limp body in hand. Blood from the poor creature streaked down his chin. Valeen itched to pull out her sword. Her magic rose to the surface heating her skin beyond what was comfortable. It wanted to be unleashed, to destroy.

“Have you brought us a gift?” He licked his lips, trailing his gaze down her form.

Oh, she thought.That was a mistake.

“We’re getting hungry waitin’ in here.” Another stepped closer. Soon they would be surrounded. “Just a finger.” He reached for Valeen and faster than her eyes could track, Hel cut off the pale one’s arm at the elbow. It hit the ground with a thud. Black blood gushed. A gurgled scream tore from the monster’s throat as he held the stump. “Master, why?”

Then He cut off his head. It plopped and rolled to the toe of her boots. The waiting horde looked amongst one another, terrified and yet in awe.

“No one touches my wife.” He pulled Valeen in front of him and pressed his hand onto her shoulder. “This is your queen. She is not to be touched or harmed. You will defend her against anyone.” He pushed her directly in front of one of them and said softly in her ear, “Tell him to do something.”

“Hel, I?—”

“Do it.” This was the Hel from her lessons, relentless and cold.

“Step back.”

He did.

She turned to another. “Stand on one foot.” Then another, “Kneel.” Every command was followed, and she hadn’t used her power of persuasion. Another pale one drew her attention, the most menacing of the group, with a hunched back and shoulders, and a scar over one eye that left it permanently closed. “You. What is your name?”