Page 93 of Where Darkness Falls

“Does the daft thing speak?” Queen Orla’s shrill voice rings out.

She’s just as terrifyingly beautiful as her husband. Her long straight coral hair cascades down her shoulders to her waist. Her cheekbones are severe, and her eyes are the most vibrant shade of lavender, matching her dress that is the most stunning creation I’ve ever seen. Her arched eyebrows and contemptuous smile make her appear menacing rather than welcoming. Her signet tattoo is strange though, as it’s half of the black horse of the Galrosans, and half of the blue trident of the Briezians.

I’ve never seen anyone possess half of two signets in one, even with a mixed heritage. This makes me think she’s quite a unique case.

Which half is more dominant?

Very little is known about the abilities the Briezians possess, so she could wield any number of abilities.

“Now, now, Orla,” the king scolds. “There’s no need to be cross with our new guest.” The king’s dazzling white smile allows the dimples on his cheeks to appear as he solely focuses on me. “What’s your name, darling?” he asks. His voice is mellifluous, as if coated in honey. His accent is unmistakably Galrosan, but his voice feels like a seduction. Yet it’s the manner in which he speaks that reveals he’s lived for a few centuries. His eyes drift to where the pendant lays against my chest, causing me to instinctively touch it.

“I’m Maeva Cale, Your Highness,” I reply, hoping my voice doesn’t sound as weak as I feel.

“Maeva Cale,” his voice lilts slowly. “I’ve waited quite some time for your arrival. After all, you’re a rare phenomenon: keeper of the Dragon’s Flame. It’s said that you alone will usher in the reign of the Na Fíréin.” He leans forward on his throne, his smile growing larger, if that’s even possible.

“I-I believe so, Your Highness,” I reply.

“Indeed,” he says, allowing each sound to roll off his tongue unhurriedly. “That is, if you believe the prophecy to be true. Do you, Miss Cale?”

“I only believe in what I can see, Your Majesty,” I reply. “I’ve only recently heard bits of the prophecy. Whether it’s about me, or someone else entirely, is still up for debate.”

He arches a curious eyebrow at me. “You possess the Dragon’s Flame, Miss Cale,” he states. “Regardless of what you believe, it is about you. What an honor it is to have beenchosen.”He says the last word as if there’s venom hidden within each syllable.

“It’s only an honor if you seek glory, my king,” I reply.

The king’s melodic laugh fills the space as he assesses me.

“You’re quite a curious little thing,” he says, his eyes greedily staring at the pendant once more. “May I see it?”

“I don-”

A strange feeling washes over me, making me forget what I was saying. His amber eyes are glowing now, making it impossible to look away from him. “Give it to me, my darling,” he whispers, holding out a hand toward me.

I don’t know what propels me forward, but I find myself walking closer to him. I can’t resist what he’s asking of me because I only wish to please him. I’m almost to the dais when Saoirse’s low growl reverberates through my mind, snapping me from whatever daze I was in.

I shake my head slowly, backing up two steps.

Over my decaying body will you give that pendant to him. Siorai entrusted it to you alone,Saoirse growls.That Demon King shall never possess something so sacred.

Why would it be a bad thing, Saoirse? It’s just a pendant,I reply.

It’s a part of you, as much as you’re a part of it! You’re quite precious, my dear. Look at him, and you’ll see the truth,she spits.

I force my gaze back up to the king, and I notice his eyes aren’t just glowing, but his ring is too. As soon as my eyes connect with his once more, I feel that pull to obey. However, this time, it feels twisted and almost like a violation of my inner peace.

Is he trying to force me to give it to him?

That’s impossible because it would mean he can control minds.

It doesn’t make sense because he’s Galrosan royalty.

They can only control the abilities of the shadows and creatures of the Abyss.

Yet the mind-warping ability is Malvorian.

How is that possible?

The ability of another feeds the depraved ruler. No matter what he says to you, you can’t part with that pendant. Do you understand?”Saoirse bellows.