Page 24 of Immortal Origins (Chronicles of the Immortal Trials #1)

T he silver curve of the crescent moon was the only light that broke through the sky as Valdis stood in the window of the keep, leathery wings tucked behind him, as he considered the words that had just been relayed to him by his second in command.

His claw-like fingernails dug grooves into the stone as the rage inside of him knew no end. “Why isn’t the mage dead yet? And what of the royal who failed me?”

“My Lord, you know this is a… delicate matter. We must use the right discretion or we risk too much. Divine Law has been enacted which makes this situation… tenuous at best,” the being offered from a bent knee. “I beg you for patience.”

Valdis turned and grabbed his lesser’s face in his hands, claws digging into his skin. His wings burst from his sides and filled the high tower, deep-violet mist drowning the kneeling being in its acid coils. “Do not lecture me on Divine Law.”

“Of course not, My Lord. I didn’t mean to offend.

” Crimson coated his tongue as he breathed the purple plume.

“I simply mean to remind you how sensitive this can be.” He bowed his head further, blood sinking down the back of his throat.

“As far as anyone in the palace is concerned, she’s a mage who has shown no aptitude for any of the Elements and remains Unclassified.

I’ll make sure to silence anyone who witnesses her magick.

They won’t speak or I’ll cut out their tongues.

I’m keeping this contained while we find the right solution. ”

“And what of the one who let this happen? What will you do with him ?” Valdis seethed.

“He will be dealt with in time, My Lord. We will not allow anyone who puts the safety of the empire at risk. Foolishness will be his death sentence.” Head bowed, the being’s lungs continuing to heal as Valdis’s poison curled its way around his body.

The taste of iron would cling to his tongue for days after this encounter.

“And who will take his place?” Valdis barked.

“I’m working on finding a suitable replacement,” the creature promised.

“Good.” Valdis waved a hand towards the single wooden door to the keep and it flew open, revealing a crimson-cloaked figure who stepped into the room with quiet stealth. “In the meantime, we have other ways of dealing with our situation .”

The firelight revealed the tattoos that covered the figure’s hands and shaved head as the man dropped to his knee and bowed. “My Lords.”

“It’s time,” Valdis commanded. “Kill the mage. Find a way, I don’t care how it gets done. Do so, and you’ll be rewarded beyond what someone of your station could ever wish for.”

The cloaked man dipped his head, teeth shining behind his parted lips against his crimson hood and pale skin. “It will be done.”