Page 29

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

M y feet scamper silently over the broken cobblestones of the Lowers. There’s a sinister energy hanging in the air tonight. The streets are practically empty, which is unusual for the typically boisterous Dockside District. I noticed several businesses locking their doors early.

The only place that appears to be open is the pub. I peered through a window as I passed by and found a few scattered patrons silently sipping their ale, Calum, among them. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I register relief at his presence, but the feeling dissipates before I have a chance to dwell on it. Right now, I don’t have room for anything but determination.

Whatever price I have to pay, whatever I have to risk, I don’t care. The sword is mine. And the collar is coming off.

Tonight.

Streetlamps flicker overhead as they run low on the precious oil that fuels their flames, creating a pulsing darkness that beats in time with my pounding heart. Even with my heightened vison, the thick haze of fog permeating the air is making it difficult for me to navigate my path. I have to give it to Alice Darby, she picked a good night to lure someone into a trap.

The moment she gave me that note, I knew it was fake. Della’s paranoia may be annoying, but it also means she’s predictable. She’d never stray from our established methods and entrust someone she’d just met to deliver an incriminating letter to me. The only way for Alice to even know about the letters is if she’s been watching me.

Anger burns under my skin. I bet she was even listening outside the office door tonight. Since I’d surprised Della earlier, she didn’t have time to light the candle that usually keeps our voices from being overheard. I silently curse myself for the stupid mistake. I wasn’t behaving rationally.

Like right now?

I brush off the unhelpful thought, choosing instead to latch onto my anger. I tried to help Alice… I was sorry for her circumstances, for what was done to her. But it doesn’t matter. Without her betrayal, I wouldn’t have any chance of finding the sword tonight, so I suppose she did me a favor. Perhaps it’s irresponsible to knowingly walk into a trap, but I’m past the point of caring.

Alice clearly hasn’t mastered the art of moving silently. I’ve heard her shuffling steps trailing me since we left MASQ. Although, technically, I’m not the one she’s following. My eidolon … Rose… walks ahead of my invisible form. The name rankles, feeling awkward and uncomfortable, but Thorne was right. It does make me feel more connected to her. The problem is I’m not sure I want that.

I tuck my hair behind my ear for the tenth time tonight, scowling at the wind for constantly blowing the copper strands into my face. If I hadn’t been in such a hurry to sneak out of the palace earlier, I might have remembered to bring a ribbon to secure my braid. Instead, the thick waves hang freely down my back, eager to dance with the wind at a moment’s notice.

I constantly tell Alva and Morwen that I’m going to chop it all off, but I know I’ll never go through with it. Secretly, my hair is one of the few things I love about myself. When I was a child, Bellamy always told me it looked just like our mother’s.

A flash of red catches my eye, drawing my focus to a figure leaning against the wall of a building up ahead. As if they’ve noticed my attention, they dart into an alleyway, their blood-colored cloak billowing behind them. Wanting to get a closer peek, I hasten ahead of Rose and scurry after the mysterious figure.

My shoulder hugs the wall as I turn into the alley and scan the area for threats. The cloaked person has their back to me, pausing where the path extends behind the building. Warning senses tingle along my spine. No doubt there are more people around the corner, waiting to ambush me. I note the closed doors along the brick walls. I’d guess that once Rose reaches the curve in the alley, enemies will rush out of those doors. They’ll block the exit, leaving her trapped on both sides with her back against the wall.

I have to admit, it’s a good plan. Too bad I won’t be the one they have trapped.

Rose enters behind me and the cloaked figure turns their head at the sound of her footsteps, giving me a glimpse at the sharp chin that peeks out from the edges of the scarlet hood.

A second later, the figure disappears around the bend. Knowing it’s risky, I dart forward and tuck myself into the corner, so I have a view of both sides of the alley. Over a dozen mortals are crowded into the cramped space. Most of them hold crude weapons—rocks and bits of rusted pipe. Only a few carry actual blades, and from the looks of them, I doubt they know how to use them.

Like the old woman from the empty house, most of these people have seen better days. Pity sparks in the back of my mind as I scan their haggard faces, but it dries up immediately when I land on the man in the red cloak. The only familiar face in the bunch.

His name comes to me quickly. Taron. The one who sat with Lynal that night at the pub and encouraged him to threaten Calum. My lips curl in a sickening smile. I’m going to make his death hurt.

Rose reaches the curve, setting the rest of their plan into motion. Just as I predicted, more people rush out behind her, roughly doubling their numbers. Alice is among the newcomers and the crowd parts for her, telling me she’s in charge of this little group.

Interesting.

As she glances in Rose’s direction, something ugly and ancient flashes in her eyes. Something that wasn’t there when I visited her home. Alice Darby is a killer now. Brutal and unfeeling. Every trace of that sweet, overwhelmed young woman I met before has disappeared. An ugly thought occurs to me, sparking a trace of fear in my gut.

Will I have to end her life?

I’m assaulted by images of the frightened little girl who stood on the staircase that morning. Will I be the reason her mother never comes home? I’ve killed parents before, but this time it wouldn’t be the collar forcing my hand. It would be my choice. Sweat dampens my palms, making my blades slippery. I grip them tighter, forcing myself to focus.

“All these people just to capture little old me?” Rose says, following my command. I need to gain control of this situation before I let my emotions ruin everything. “I must admit I’m flattered.”

“Perhaps we overestimated your skill,” Alice replies in a patronizing tone. “You did fall for a rather obvious trap.”

Rose shrugs. “I guess I trusted the wrong person. Kind of like you.”

I position myself slightly behind Rose, using her as a shield in case any of these idiots decide to take matters into their own hands and toss one of their rocks at me. Though they’d be trying to hit Rose, I don’t trust their aim.

Alice laughs. “You still think you know me?” She shakes her head, giving Rose a pitying glance. “You think you understand me, pet , but you don’t. Only he understands. Only he knows what’s truly in our hearts.”

“Are you talking about your husband? Cause last I heard, he was a deadbeat.”

I need to keep her talking. If I give in too easily, they’ll be suspicious. Rose has to stall until they attack. Then I’ll follow behind as they lead her away, hopefully to wherever the sword is hidden. The plan has plenty of risks, but as long as I find the sword I don’t care what else happens.

She laughs again. “You really don’t know anything, do you? Just like the other rats. ”

My mind zeros in on the word, the same one the old woman used. I rack my brain, trying to remember anything else she said that day.

“Now, now,” a new voice cuts in. “No need for name calling.”

A soft breeze tickles my cheek as a body drops from the rooftop and lands right next to me. Griffen appears perfectly comfortable as he steps forward, positioning himself shoulder to shoulder with Rose.

“Miss me?” Griffen asks my eidolon , amusement shining in his eyes as if this precarious situation is of no concern to him.

My jaw drops open, and I’m grateful no one else can see the shocked expression on my face. What is he doing here? How did he find me? A new realization sets in, bringing a fiery anger with it. Did Thorne order him to watch me? Has he been following me this entire time?

“What are you doing here?” Rose whispers.

“Saving you, of course.” Griffen winks.

My eyes nearly roll back into my skull at that response.

“I don’t need your help,” Rose says, her voice clipped. “Leave. Now.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible, my lady,” he responds. “Bosses orders.”

I want to scream at the confirmation of Thorne’s interference. Who does he think he is? Just because he’s a God doesn’t give him the right to intervene in my life. I’m not one of his subjects. He has no authority here.

“Aren’t you going to introduce your friend?” Alice asks, pulling my attention back to our current situation.

Griffen thankfully follows my lead and stays silent.

“Well then,” Alice sighs when we don’t answer. “He can wait with us.”

My brows scrunch.

“Wait for what?” Rose asks.

A bright smile breaks across her face. “You’ll see.”

Fuck.

Griffen being here changes things. Continuing with my original plan means I’m no longer risking only my own life, I’m risking his too. And unlike me, Griffen doesn’t have an eidolon to take his place. Frustration tightens my muscles until they burn. This was my one chance at freedom.

But is your freedom worth more than his life?

My gaze flits toward Griffen, noticing the way he’s shifted his body slightly in front of Rose. We don’t know each other very well, but he jumped into a fight where he is severely outnumbered in order to help me. I steel myself as determination settles into my veins. I know what I have to do.

Moving to stand directly behind Griffen, I balance on my tiptoes to bring my mouth closer to his ear. If anyone else hears me, our chance at survival will be over before it begins.

“Don’t say anything,” I whisper, only loud enough for him to hear.

His body tenses, and his mouth opens to speak.

“I said to be quiet,” I remind him. “This is going to sound insane, but the person next to you isn’t me.”

“How?” he asks, barely moving his mouth.

“You remember my special trick?” I ask, referencing the time I disappeared before his eyes. “Let’s just say I have a few more of those.” Hopefully, he doesn’t ask for more details. “Listen, I’m going to provoke the one in red. As soon as he makes his move, I need you to take out the two big guys on the left. The ones holding the knives. See them?”

He nods subtly.

“After that, we make a run for that first door and try to lose the rest of them inside the buildings. Sound good?”

He dips his chin once more, pretending to glance at his feet. Taking a deep breath, I move around Rose and crouch down, ready to strike.

“Taron, isn’t it?” Rose breaks the silence.

His eyes snap to her, crinkling with confusion. “Do I know you?”

She shakes her head.

“Don’t engage,” Alice reminds him.

“How do you know my name?” he asks, ignoring her orders.

A sweet smile blooms across my eidolon’s face. “Because I killed your friend Lynal.”

Taron’s eyes go wide as he shuffles back a few steps.

“You remember, don’t you? You were in the pub getting drunk and flirting with barmaids while I was out back slaughtering your friend.”

“Stop talking!” Alice orders Rose as she steps forward, getting between the two of them. She focuses on the man in red, holding up a placating hand. “Don’t let her get to you. Remember his orders. He chose you for a reason, Taron. He saw something in you.”

“Did you know that Lynal peed his pants after I cut his hand off?” Rose announces. “It was actually kind of funny.”

Fury breaks across Taron’s face, turning his cheeks as red as his cloak. “I’m going to kill you, bitch.”

He lifts his blade, taking a step toward her.

“Taron, stop!” Alice cries, but it’s too late. The large man barrels forward, pushing her out of the way as he raises his knife toward my duplicate.

Alice’s head hits the wall with a startling crack right as my blade slices across the back of Taron’s calf, causing him to tumble to the ground. Glancing up, I find that Griffen has already slit the throat of one of his targets and is about the drive his blade into the other.

I’m moving to finish Taron off when Alice lifts her head, blood trailing down her smiling face. “He’s here.”

A sickening wave of nausea churns in my stomach as my collar grows warmer against my skin. In some unholy imitation of a God’s arrival, everyone in the alley drops to one knee and bows their heads. The only people left on their feet are Rose and Griffen, who stand back-to-back in the center of the group. Through the fog, a newcomer enters the alley. His face is familiar, despite the fact that I’ve never seen him in person. His likeness has been circulated constantly for the last few weeks, branding itself into my brain.

Grell Darby.

He’s different than I imagined. Calmer. More refined. The way he carries himself speaks of power and dominance I wouldn’t expect to find in someone like him. Darby’s features are cold, his gaze shrewd as he makes his way to Rose.

All at once, a scalding heat pulses against my neck, stronger than it was outside of the dilapidated house. I grit my teeth against the pain as I tuck myself into the corner.

“This is the infamous wraith ?” Darby asks, observing Rose with indifference. “I expected more.”

Ivy , a new voice whispers into my mind.

I close my eyes, trying to clear my head as Rose replies to Darby. “I could say the same.”

“Charming,” he says before turning his gaze on Griffen, who glares at the former guard. “And the spare?”

Listen to me, Ivy , the voice speaks again, tickling my brain with its seductive tone.

“Nothing to worry about,” Alice speaks up, still kneeling a few feet away.

“I find that to be offensive,” Griffen mutters under his breath.

I’ve seen the desires of your heart.

I pull against the collar as the world tilts on its axis, becoming blurry and unfocused.

I’ve seen the shame you seek to hide.

“It’s unfortunate things have to end this way,” Darby says to Rose. “But I’m afraid you’ve got something that doesn’t belong to you. Something that needs to be returned to him .”

Those intrinsic instincts I’ve learned to rely on are screaming at me to run, to fight, to do something.

Your shame can be erased. You need only give into me.

I try to push to my feet, but the pain turns searing. The heat from the collar is scorching as it burns my skin.

Let me in, Ivy. You know you’re nothing on your own. So weak. So unworthy.

The words echo inside my skull, reverberating against my bones. The voice is everywhere. It’s unescapable.

Let me in.

I cover my mouth with my hands, desperate to stop the screams rising in my throat. Blood drips from my nose and ears. My entire body convulses as I struggle to hold on to my illusions.

Let me in.

I no longer sense my eidolon , nor the prickle of invisibility against my skin. I can’t even feel my own body. Like some sort of ghostly figure, I’m floating on the wind, untethered to anything but that all-consuming voice.

LET ME IN.

Through the haze, something silver flashes above me. It gleams brightly as it cuts through the air, heading straight for my?—

The ground shakes as a large presence lands right in front of me, the force pulling my mind back from the ether. For a moment, I’m sure it must be a meteor, some righteous fury raining down on us from the stars.

But then I spot the wings.

Black feathered wings fully extended, shielding my view of the rest of the alley. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I recognize the curved blade peeking out from beneath those feathers. A scythe.

“Kill them all,” a dark voice growls.

Barely a second later, bloodcurdling screams fill the air as shadows descend upon the alley, blocking out any trace of moonlight.

Flee, the voice pounds through my mind again, louder than before. Run, you fools!

A flurry of footsteps race past me as our attackers try to escape the avenging angel of death who’s come to claim them. The wings disappear from my sight right before a sickening crunch comes from my left, telling me someone’s just had their bones broken.

“You thought you could hurt what’s mine?” Thorne’s voice tugs at the dark recesses of my mind, pushing me to fight through the fog clouding my thoughts. “You thought you could touch her ?”

The screaming continues all around me as the alley descends into utter chaos. I slowly become aware of the rest of my body, noting how my cheek presses against the bloodstained cobblestone. I push myself onto my forearms, but before I can rise to my feet, something heavy lands on my back, shoving me down again.

“You fucking bitch!” Taron shouts in my ear. “You’re going to pay for this.”

His hands grip my hair tight, tugging my head back before smashing it against the hard ground. Pain shoots through my skull, radiating down my spine. Moving on instinct, I reach for his wrist and drive my thumb into the tendon there, causing his grip to loosen. Before he can react, I pull his hand to my mouth and dig my teeth into one of his fingers, biting down until I hear that horrible snap.

New screams join the horrific symphony of cries filling the alley. Blood spews into my mouth, but I don’t give myself time to let the disgust set in. Instead, I use his distraction to my advantage and flip myself over.

“You’ve ruined everything!” Taron screams from above me as he pulls his bloody fist back.

Those words hit me harder than the blow that lands against the side of my face. They’re the same words I’ve forced myself to hold back again and again. Every time I see Baylor’s face, I want to scream and rage at how he’s destroyed everything that my life could have been. Whenever I see him, I’m forced to mask that same searing hatred that’s burning in Taron’s eyes right now.

Have I become the very thing I despise?

Another punch lands on my cheek, the impact making my body jolt. But still, I don’t block it. This pain is different from what came before—sharp and focused. Seductive. An indulgence I haven’t allowed myself to enjoy in far too long. I swore to Alva and Morwen that I would stop doing this, but what’s one more broken promise? One more failed oath. If I ruin everything I touch, let this pain be my punishment.

A cleansing.

Taron’s fist flies toward me once more, but it never connects. Instead, his body is suddenly thrown off mine, and he hits the wall with a force that likely snaps several bones. Before I can even blink, a new face is in front of mine. Blacked-out eyes search my features, cataloging every bruise and scrape. I do the same, noticing the drops of blood scattered across his face. Without asking, I already know it’s not his.

“Angel,” he breathes.

Shivers trail over my skin, mingling with pain and exhaustion. A reminder that I’m undeserving of the nickname. I’m not something good or pure.

“I’m fine,” the muffled words end on a wince as I force myself to sit up.

“You’re not.” His fists clench at his sides, as if he’s physically restraining himself from forcing me to lie back down. I bristle at his concern, hating the way it makes my skin feel too tight.

So weak , the voice whispered before.

Gathering all my strength, I push myself to my feet and try to take inventory of the damage. My head aches as if it’s cracked in half. A trail of fresh blood drips from my hairline, telling me a skull fracture might not be that far off. Using the edge of my sleeve, I wipe the evidence from my face as best I can, wincing every time I brush against a fresh bruise.

As I scan the alley, I find bodies everywhere. Some are piled on top of each other while others lie in pieces. Shame curdles in my stomach. Darrow tried to warn me, and I didn’t listen. He told me I wouldn’t be able to fight the sword, and he was right.

So unworthy.

Whatever the almanova truly is, it was able to see me more clearly than anyone else. It knew me, straight to my core, as if it weighed me in the balance and found me wanting.

“Leave those be,” Thorne says as I gently prod at the burns marring my throat.

Ignoring him, I continue tracing the edges as I try to see how far it extends.

“You’re going to make it worse if you keep?—”

“Just stop!” I snap. “Stop saving me. Stop trying to make things better.”

The words pour out of me, bubbling over before I can stop them.

“This?” I toss my arm out, gesturing to the massacre surrounding us. “I caused this. All of this suffering was my fault. Whatever pain I’m feeling right now is the least of what I deserve.”

His eyes rake over my face, shrewdly observing me. “You let him hit you.”

I open my mouth to respond, but movement at the other end of the alley catches my attention. Thorne stiffens, his body shifting to block mine once more. It’s moment’s such as these when I remember just how large he is. With his giant shoulder blocking my view, I’m cut off from the entire alley.

“Easy,” Griffen’s voice reaches us. “It’s only me.”

Thorne’s rigid posture softens as he scoots over, giving me a glimpse of the golden-haired fae. He appears slightly worse for wear, but overall, he fared well.

“Darby and his wife got away,” Griffen says. “And they took the sword with them.”

My head swings around, sending a shooting pain through my skull and neck as I search the nearby bodies for confirmation.

“See if you can catch their trail,” Thorne orders.

Griffen nods, darting back toward the mouth of the alley and leaving me alone with the God of Death. Not wanting to let him steer the conversation back to our previous discussion, I go on the offensive.

“You were having me followed,” I accuse him.

Thorne’s eyes flash to mine. “It’s a good thing I was.”

I scoff. “I could have handled this on my own. I had a plan.”

“Oh, I’m sure this is going to be good.” He rubs his hands together. “Please, enlighten me. What was your plan exactly?”

Anger builds in my veins, sending a fresh wave of adrenaline to dull the pain. “I was going to let them capture my eidolon and then follow them to their hideout.”

“And how would you avoid being seen while you followed them?”

I roll my eyes. “I’d be invisible.”

“See, you say that like it should be obvious, but when I arrived here, you weren’t invisible at all.” He shakes his head. “Instead, you were collapsed on the ground, pretty fucking visible.”

I bristle. “That wasn’t part of the plan.”

“Plans change,” he says, his tone flat.

“I would have come up with something.”

“Really?” he asks. “Or would you have lain there and let them beat you to death like you were doing earlier?”

Heat flames my cheeks. “I wasn’t?—”

The words cut off as something catches my eye. Moonlight glistens off a blade heading straight for me, but before it can reach its target, Thorne shifts his body. Hot blood splatters against my cheek as he hits the ground next to me.

Male screams erupt as the shadow snakes descend on the culprit, the sound of ripping flesh and hungry growls filling the air. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I recognize that it’s Taron screaming. He may have survived the injuries Thorne inflicted, but that certainly won’t be the case once the shadows are finished with him.

My hands shake as I roll Thorne onto his back, his body limp. Every bit of fire in my blood turns to ice the moment I see his neck. Blood spurts from the jagged slice along his throat, already soaking his shirt.

“No,” I gasp as everything in my mind comes to a screeching halt. I’m frozen with fear, unable to move or think.

Weak. Worthless.

No. No, I can help him. I have to help him.

“Pressure.” I nod my head as my trembling hands move to his neck. “I need to apply pressure to the wound.”

His skin is slippery under my fingers. There’s so much blood. How much can a person lose? I used to know that information, but it’s gone now. Everything’s gone.

“Please,” I beg the Fates. “Don’t let him die. Save him.”

As if my prayers have been answered, Thorne’s eyes drift open, finding mine instantly. His lips curve in a soft, content smile. He almost looks peaceful… At least until his gaze flits down, filling with horror as he spots my hands on his neck.

“What?” I ask, scanning the alley for a new threat. “What’s wrong?”

“Get away from me,” he insists, putting all his strength into the words. “Now!”

Hurt flares through me, potent and crushing, but it subsides quickly as a shocking realization sinks in. I stare at my hands, pressed firmly against his bare neck.

I’m touching Thorne.

I’m touching the God of Death.