Page 126 of A Warrior's Heart

“For true harmony,” Ezra answered. “James ruling the land while I rule the sea. I can’t do that while you still breathe. But first.” He pointed the weapon at Triton. “I take your head.”

King Triton looked every bit of a god as he held his head high, his silver hair falling over his golden armor, his shoulders broad. He exuded power and strength.

“A weapon is only as strong as the man who wields it,” Triton said, drawing his sword. “You want my head? I will not make it easy for you.”

“Good. I like a challenge.”

Sparks flew as sword and trident collided in the air. The two of them fought hard, moving so fast their bodies blurred. Malik stepped toward them.

“No interference,” James said, aiming a sword at his chest.

Malik straightened to his full height. “Lower your sword and I’ll consider allowing your head to remain on your shoulders. For now.”

“Ezra is manipulating you,” I said, stepping toward James. “Do you think he will stop once he has control of the sea? He hates humans almost as much as he hates King Triton. He won’t stop until the world is at his feet. He’ll probably even kill you next.”

Doubt clouded in James’ expression.

Malik snarled at the king. “Don’t waste your breath, young one. He is vile and too far gone to save.”

“You’ve sensed his deception,” I continued, shrugging out of Malik’s hold when he tried to stop me from taking another step toward James. “I know you have. You weren’t pleased with how Ezra treated me. You even told him to stop once you learned he’d been beating me. No matter how much evil you’ve done in the past, I know there’s some good in you. It’s never too late to do the right thing.”

James looked around at the armies clashing with each other, soldiers falling on both sides.

“Ezra lied to you,” I said, walking until I was inches from the end of his raised sword. “There is no prophecy about Triton killing a human king and enslaving his people. He fed you lies in order to get you to go along with his plan. He used you.”

“I…” James lowered his sword and stumbled back a step. “I thought this was the only way.”

I went to speak but a scream escaped my lips instead. Fire shot through my veins, boiling my blood.

“Troy?” Malik’s arms came around me.

James pressed his sword to the back of Ezra’s neck. “Release him from your spell.”

I sucked in a breath as the fire dissipated. Malik kissed my temple and held my weight as I slumped against his chest.

“You dare raise your sword to me, James?” Ezra turned his head to the side, glaring at the king from the corner of his eye.

King Triton lay at his feet, blood smeared across his face and down his neck. None of the injuries looked fatal, but he seemed weaker than I’d ever seen him.

“This ends now,” James said. “You have the trident. Kill the king and let’s leave.”

“I have a better idea.”

Ezra’s eyes flashed purple, and James flew backward into the swarm of battling men. I didn’t see what became of him before Ezra drew my attention. Roaring, he reared his arm back, weapon firm in his grip, and brought it down toward Triton.

“No!” A young man dove in front of the king. The three prongs of the trident jammed into his chest, going all the way through him.

“Zander!” King Triton caught the servant as he collapsed.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Lorcan sent one of his throwing knives toward Ezra.

Ezra jerked as it pierced the side of his neck. He lifted a shaking hand to where the blade stuck out of his skin. Blood bubbled from his lips as he fell to the ground, his body twitching before going still.

He was dead.

Lorcan hadn’t hesitated whatsoever before killing him.

Although Ezra had tortured me and played with my head, a part of me pitied him. He had only been so evil because of his upbringing. His mother had fed him lies and fueled his hatred. Then, Ezra found solace in the dark mage Haman where his soul was twisted even further. Perhaps his soul had been too corrupted to ever save… yet, I felt pity nonetheless.