Page 19 of House of Demons and Bones (Shades of Ruin and Magic #5)

18

Barbie

K illian, the rest of the heirs, Bea, and I trekked to the leyline in the Valley of Mist. I’d insisted on bringing Bea as I trusted her with my life, and it was time to let her in on my secrets. After the battle, we’d all hit our houses to clean up before regrouping to sketch out a plan. Better to figure shit out before our kings and queens summoned us to their courts.

My eyes caught on the mist ahead. It felt like another lifetime when Rowan and I had our “date” here. Everything had flipped so fast. Now Sy was Rowan’s mate, and I belonged to Killian.

The leyline—reserved strictly for royals—branched off to different destinations. Bea’s eyes went wide with awe. She stuck close to me, still nervous around the heirs, though whenever I landed in a shitstorm, she’d transform into a fierce bulldog ready to throw down for me.

“There’re more wonders to see, Bea.” I smiled at her. “You can shut your mouth now unless you’re trying to catch flies.”

She smiled back and nodded, her cheeks going pink.

“Last time you brought a pumpkin carriage, Prince Rowan,” I said. “Will we ride in style again?”

“Of course,” he said before sticking two fingers in his mouth and whistling. “No need for formality now that you know Sy’s my mate.”

In a flash, a massive open carriage burst through the mist, powered by seven stallions—three black ones leading, four white ones following.

My sugar’s got some moves, Sy shrieked in delight.

The heirs motioned for me to hop in first, but Rowan stepped in my path.

“You’ve had your turn in the fairy carriage, Barbie,” he said. “How about letting Sy have a go?”

Sy perked up and nudged me. Let me experience it!

“No way,” Killian cut in. “Barbie rides the carriage. She earned it today!”

I held up a hand. “Sy can ride, but we’ll shift inside the carriage discreetly.”

Rowan stepped aside to offer his hand, but Killian shoved him away.

“You don’t hold Barbie’s hand; I will,” Killian said.

He stepped in first to check things out before extending his hand to me.

I shook my head at the alpha male drama but took Killian’s hand and ducked inside. Rowan slid in right after, boxing me between them. Bea climbed in next, the other heirs joining her in the back seat.

The carriage could easily fit a dozen people with room to spare.

Come on, let’s shift! Sy bounced with impatience.

I rolled my eyes and gave up the reins. As Sy pushed to the surface, Killian wrapped us in darkness, hiding the transformation. Sy materialized in a pink cardigan and dress pants, pure modern chic. Rowan yanked her close and kissed the crown of her white hair. She could switch up her hair color on a whim.

She leaned into her lover but twisted around to flash a grin at every heir. Killian was the only one immune to her charm. He straight-up ignored her, clearly annoyed she’d gotten my spot. He’d wanted to spend more time with me, even in a carriage shared with the other heirs.

“Princelings, hello,” Sy purred, living for the spotlight.

The heirs lurched forward, caught in her web of charm and sex appeal.

“Sy, great to see you,” Silas said.

“You look stunning, Sy,” Louis said.

Cade shook his head, fiddling with his designer scarf. “It’s going to take some getting used to, seeing them swap bodies like that.”

Bea gawked at Sy. It was her first time seeing us shift, even though I’d warned her about the whole Sy situation before we’d met up with the heirs.

“Barbie?” Her voice came out small and unsure. “You in there?”

“She’s here,” Sy answered for me. “Hey there, little witch.”

She’s a high mage now, I corrected.

“Uh, hi, Sy, nice to meet you,” Bea said with a shy wave.

The horses launched forward, the carriage flying at high speed. We plunged into the mist. One blink, and we were gliding over an endless desert under a starlit sky. Next blink, the stallions were trotting across a bridge spanning a crystal lake, stopping at the foot of broad stone stairs that climbed to a glass mansion.

We were in the fae realm. This villa was Rowan’s safe lair, just like the dragon realm was Killian and Tyson’s sanctuary.

The group climbed the stairs flanked with exotic trees, shrubs, and blossoms, then entered the mansion. In no time, they all gathered on the terrace overlooking the lake. The air tasted of wine and spring.

The outdoor setup was the same. Plush chairs circled a long handcrafted wooden table laden with cheese soufflés, tarts, and cream puffs. My mouth watered, but I held back from taking control. This was Sy’s moment—her time to savor it.

Sy was beside herself, her eyes darting everywhere to drink in the view. She’d tagged along last time, but experiencing it firsthand hit on a different level.

Everyone settled around the table, Killian and Rowan flanking Sy while the heirs lined the other side. Bea perched at the end, taking it all in.

Rowan poured champagne for Sy before telling the heirs to help themselves. Sy grabbed a cream puff, fighting back tears of joy. She’d never dreamed of having a life like this, of being accepted this way.

That was all she wanted.

I want more, Barbie, she said. I want us to have a real future with children one day.

I swallowed, and my chest tightened. That future wasn’t for me, but I’d fight to give her that. Sy could live for both of us. My heart ached for Killian and Tyson, but they’d have to learn to go on without me. The oracle’s words were branded into my skull, and I knew that piece of dark prophecy was coming for me.

Sy took a big bite of a soufflé and moaned in pleasure. I remembered how rich and fresh it tasted. Funny how this worked—I could tap into her lust energy, but watching her enjoy food was like pressing my face against glass. Hunger clawed at me, but I shoved it down.

“So, a goddess, aren’t you, Sy?” Louis asked and swirled his crystal champagne glass. “No wonder when I first tasted your blood, I tasted nectar and a piece of heaven.” He threw his blond head back and laughed. “Now it all makes sense. I drank from a goddess—the only goddess in existence.”

Sy snatched his champagne glass and downed the golden liquid.

“I’m not a goddess, princeling. Barbie is,” she said with a sly smile. “You drank from her. I enjoyed it, but she wasn’t thrilled.”

Killian shot Louis a harsh look. “I don’t care if you’re my brother—you’ll never drink from her again.”

“It’s about time we had a goddess among us,” Cade said.

“I knew Barbie and Sy were extraordinary from the moment I welcomed them into my house,” Silas said. “And I recognized right away that Barbie was a special shifter.”

Yeah, right. He’d pegged me as some low shifter, and when he’d been drawn to my power, he’d been pissed, thinking I wasn’t good enough for him, and backhanded me.

But I let it go. After all he’d done for me, it was water under the bridge.

“If you aren’t a goddess like Barbie, then what are you, Sy?” Cade asked. “And how does this work—the two of you share a body like twins?”

“They aren’t twins,” Rowan snapped, sounding every bit the irritated expert.

I figured I was best qualified to answer that question, so while Sy was mid-bite into an almond cookie, I took over. Sy sank within me, stumbling and hissing in displeasure as the cookie tumbled onto the plate.

Everyone at the table jumped except Killian. The other heirs would need time to adjust to seeing Sy and me shift back and forth. Bea pressed her hand to her heart, trying to steady herself.

“Next time, give us some warning, would you, Barbie?” Silas said with a smile.

“Couldn’t you at least let Sy finish the cookie?” Rowan scolded.

The dragon in Killian growled, a trail of fire departing his lips. Rowan didn’t seem impressed.

“If you want answers, that’s how it works,” Killian said. “Like it or not, my mate is the primary. She fought the battle and she’s drained. She needs to feed more than Sy.” He ignored Rowan’s scowl. “Eventually, we’ll need to solve this body-swapping situation.”

“I’m working on a way for Sy and me to separate,” I revealed, letting out an unsteady breath. “I need to find Moirai—she knows how to get it done.”

Killian and Rowan straightened, hope and joy lighting their eyes at the possibility. They had no idea what it would cost me.

The oracle’s warning echoed in my head. “A separation is coming. It will bring you the greatest pain, worse than the worst labor pain…When you’re in the pit of the darkest place where all lights go out and you think no one will ever come for you, and when you walk through the valley of death, utterly alone, and evil touches your soul…”

I’d fled before hearing the rest of her prophecy, too terrified to face the truth it held. The inevitable weighed on me, but I’d bear this terrible fate and find a way to separate from Sy, no matter the cost.

Sy stiffened, her emotions churning—hope, fear, and sorrow all tangled together. She yearned for her own life, dreaming of waking in her mate’s arms. Our separation was her only path forward, though part of her ached to stay with me.

We’d shared a soul-bond since the beginning, but that connection had to end soon, and I kept my final destiny hidden from her.

“I once thought I created Sy to help me survive the terrors I was subjected to under the thumb of the God of Ruin,” I said, sucking in a shaky breath as emotions rioted within me. “I even thought she was my other persona, not knowing that—” I paused to gather my thoughts and get my emotions under control. I’d been carrying all these lethal secrets, but now I was letting it all out and trusting my friends. “I’ve been carrying the last drop of the oldest magic since I was born. Sy is that last drop of old magic becoming flesh. The Maiden confirmed it.”

Pure shock painted everyone’s faces—even Killian’s. The entire realm’s hope clung to the prophecy of the One bringing back old magic. The Brides Selection existed based solely on that promise. And now the last drop of living magic made flesh was right in front of them.

The heirs gaped as the magnitude of this revelation sank in, clearly struggling to process that their salvation wore a pink cardigan and liked bubble tea.

They stared at me, but none of them questioned my truth. They’d witnessed Sy nearly single-handedly extract the Fury curse from Cade, and they could feel her magic, drawn to her more than they were to me.

Sy remained deathly quiet within me. All these years, she’d thought she was my protector, yet I’d been shielding her, hiding her within me to preserve her.

“No one else could carry such magic except me since I’m at least three-quarters goddess,” I continued, my voice soft and low. “But don’t ask about my mother—I don’t know who the fuck she is. I can assure you, no good woman would mate with Ruin, but she was powerful enough to mate with an ancient god. Now that you know what Sy is, I need you to protect her at all costs. She’s more important than me. I’m disposable, but she’s not.”

Killian growled. “You’re not disposable. Never!”

Tyson growled too, fire escaping Killian’s lips.

Sy hissed at me. Don’t you dare say that. You and I are together forever.

I placed my shaking hand on Killian’s as I fought back tears, knowing that one day I’d have to break his heart and the dragon’s too. He cupped my hand in his palm and kissed my lips. “My dragon and I will protect you with our last breaths. All my brothers will protect you and Sy.” He stared down at the heirs, waiting for their promises as well.

“Everything will be okay,” I said softly. “I have my duties too—to protect the realm at all costs.” I scanned the heirs. “She’s the one thing all of you have been searching for. I’ve carried her and brought her here. After our separation, it’ll be your duty to take over the torch and guard her and her secret.”

“I’ll give up my life for you and Sy,” Cade said. “I already owe you a life debt.”

“I won’t let anything happen to you and my Sy,” Rowan vowed.

“You can count on all of us,” Louis said, nodding at me. “As for who is Sy’s real mate, that has to be decided. May the best man win.”

Whoever mated Sy might become the High King.

“May the best man win,” Silas echoed the vampire prince, ignoring Rowan’s growl.

Silas and Louis had stopped courting me, but they wouldn’t give up on Sy. She sat straighter within me, curling her clawed toes while beaming and scheming.

“Let’s put aside this stupid competition,” Killian said, “and focus on winning a war against a god. If we lose, nothing else matters. Our priority is to protect Barbie, Sy, and the realm.”

“That will be our new pact as gentlemen,” Louis said.

“Hello? Three ladies present!” I protested.

Hello! Sy shouted too.

“Let’s make it a Covenant,” Cade said, waving his wand. “We protect Barbie and Sy at all costs. We’ll rally all five kingdoms to wage war against the God of Ruin.”

“Hell yes, let’s take on the fucking god,” Silas said, grinning. “With the five of us plus Barbie and Sy? We can take down anything that fucking moves.”

“Bea is a high mage,” I added. “She’ll contribute greatly too, especially with spells and runes. We need weapons that can kill the Shriekers. Otherwise, we’ll be done for when Ruin comes in the flesh and brings his biggest army. Today, we learned that besides my evil blade, weapons forged in Hell’s inferno can also kill my father’s creatures.”

You’ve stepped into your role, Barbie, Sy said.

I stretched out my hand, and Deathsong fell into it. Runes glowed on its ebony blade, and it giggled eerily in the heirs’ heads, Hello, princelings. I’m the famous evil blade.

The heirs blinked.

“What the fuck?” Silas jumped.

“As it said,” I shrugged, “it’s the evil blade, but it can kill Shriekers. Better to be useful than nice. And it’s loyal to me, even though it was forged by my father.”

You’re more fun than that old god, mistress, Deathsong said in my head. And I love to betray him. I’m an amazing evil blade.

“May I?” Cade asked, stretching out his hand. I passed Deathsong to him.

Good to see you up and about now that the evil Fury’s gone, Prince Cade, said Deathsong.

“How did it learn my name?” Cade asked in a tense voice.

I know all about you, all of you, Deathsong said. And before you went to rescue my mistress, she had a very low opinion of all you princelings, her mate included.

Don’t overshare, I commanded the blade while stuffing cakes into my mouth at rapid speed, washing them down with champagne from two glasses.

“Slow down, little scorpion. Don’t choke yourself,” Killian murmured, kissing my frosting-coated lips. “There’s enough. There’ll always be enough for you.”

I smiled at him. “I won’t choke myself.”

Cade studied the evil blade while Louis and Silas leaned in to examine it too. Deathsong preened at the attention. Look your fill, princes, it said. Take your sweet time.

Bea scooted over to join Cade. “I think we can use Deathsong as a model to forge more weapons like it, but we’ll need Barbie’s blood for the runes on the blade.”

I nodded.

“No!” Killian and Rowan shouted in unison.

“We’ll trade with Queen Lilith for a supply of weapons,” Killian said.

“Your betrothed and her demon army aided us,” Silas said, pushing on despite my snarl at him calling her Killian’s betrothed, “but it doesn’t mean they’re our friends. You know that, right, Killian? Queen Lilith still wants to sit upon the High Queen’s throne.”

“It’s not a good idea to have so many demons roaming our realm,” Cade said, worry creasing his brow.

“And what are you going to do about Queen Lilith?” Rowan pressed. “She’s still officially your betrothed, isn’t she? You need to do right by Barbie.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Killian growled. “Right now, we need to focus on bigger issues than my love life.”

I shot him a hard look. For me, his relationship status was a big issue, but then again, I couldn’t offer him a future. Soon, I’d leave him behind. So as long as he stayed true to me while I was around, I wouldn’t push for anything official. But if she came near him again…well, I was just as territorial and dominant as him and his dragon.

“Queen Lilith knew I was the daughter of the God of Ruin,” I said. “She’s been targeting me, and I’m certain she’s allied with Ruin.”

“None of us trust her,” Cade said, his jaw clenched. “But she came through today while our own armies left us hanging.”

“Every kingdom sent mere hundreds of warriors,” Rowan said, disgust dripping from his words. “They’re all hoarding their main forces to guard their own territories. Face it—they’re just waiting for Shades Academy to fall.”

“We’ll get to that later,” Killian said. “If things keep going this way, we’ll have to take the thrones from our parents.”

“That’s treason!” Silas exclaimed.

I didn’t want them diving into politics, as the debates would drag on forever.

“I have every reason to believe Queen Lilith is the mastermind behind kidnapping me,” I said loudly. “Remember my duel with her ward and how Grace struck me down in the first round?”

“That was a brilliant strategy.” Louis smirked. “You let her think she defeated you, and then you lured her into a trap.”

I shook my head. “I was down, but none of you saw her use the knuckle guards made of the same dark material as the chains and torque the CrimsonTide kidnappers used on me. That’s how I put two and two together and connected Queen Lilith with the kidnappers.”

“Lilith did hijack my mate’s mind after the druid poisoned her with the Seed of Heaven,” Killian said, his voice tight. “And how else would a druid get his hands on a heavenly weapon? Only one being has a connection to the celestial realm—someone who was once a star.”

We all knew who he meant.

“Speaking of which,” I said, “Moirai said I must venture into the Underworld to find a golden arrow Lilith brought from Heaven.”

Killian’s eyes flared with fire, clearly hating the idea of me going to the Underworld.

“You aren’t going there, little scorpion,” he said. “I forbid it.”

“I don’t want to go there either,” I said, shuddering. “But the oracle said the fate of the realm relies on it. I don’t think she lied.”

“What’s the golden arrow for?” Silas asked, and the other heirs paid rapt attention too.

“It’s called Heaven’s Arrow,” I said. “The oracle told me I’d know it when I saw it. Here’s my plan: we need intel on this weapon before I waltz into enemy territory. Since you’re throwing this masquerade ball anyway, you can keep Lilith and her ward busy while I sneak into the sixth house to hunt for clues. She’s got to keep important stuff there—she is a queen, after all. Most importantly, I need a map of the Underworld.”

“Killian should have a detailed map of the Underworld,” Louis said. “You’ve been engaged to Queen Lilith for a long time, right? Even without a map, you must be able to sketch one from your visits to her realm.”

Killian glared at Louis. “Never set foot in the Underworld.”

All the heirs stared at him; their brows furrowed in judgment.

“How was I supposed to know we’d need a map?” he snapped. “I spent all my time dodging Lilith’s advances and pushing back the wedding date. She’s got the strongest mental powers in the realm. If I’d gone down there, I’d have been a goner.”

“Aren’t you Hades’s heir?” Silas snapped. “You should be able to shake off her control.”

“Wasn’t about to risk it, okay?” Killian growled. “Fine. I’ll set up a meeting with Lilith and check out this Heaven’s Arrow business in the Underworld myself.”

“No, you’re not making any appointments, and you’re definitely not going with her,” I said firmly, my chest tight at the thought of him taking that risk.

A spark lit his eyes. “Worried about me, little scorpion?”

“Don’t get cocky,” I said. “As I said, let me sneak into her house first.”

I can go, Sy chimed in eagerly. Everyone knows your face, but I’m still a mystery. I can even glamour myself to look like a demoness. I’m magic in the flesh!

That might actually be a better plan. Sy could be surprisingly capable when she set her mind to something.

“Sy’s offering to handle the spy work,” I said.

“Then I’ll be her backup,” Rowan jumped in.

As the heirs started hammering out the details and assigning roles, I stuffed more cakes in my mouth before letting Sy take over and enjoy herself. Rowan even broke out the last bottle of 1666 from his treasured cellar.