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Chapter Thirty-Seven

VICTOR

The horse’s hooves pounded beneath me, driven by divine energy that urged my snow-white steed to an unnatural pace—so fast it felt as if we were soaring.

Power thrummed in my veins, Carcerem reaching out to me, prodding me faster.

My skin burned with a radiant light. Sunlight glinted off my golden chest plate and gauntlets.

The red cape fluttered from my shoulders like a flag, calling all I passed to make ready for battle.

Given my experience in the fallen trials, it was clear the best way to gain Carcerem’s attention was to dazzle them with plenty of pomp and circumstance.

Today, I planned to burn brighter than Carcerem’s sun.

“To arms!” I bellowed, using a pulse of magic to amplify my voice. “Tonight, the false king dies! Rise up, citizens of Carcerem, and take back your home!” The ground trembled at my command.

I’d managed to rest while sailing along one of Copia’s great rivers in the queen’s borrowed ship. The moment I hit land and traveled across the border between Copia and Carcerem, I’d unleashed the simmering energy that lurked inside of me.

Lightning cracked overhead, announcing my arrival as I blazed through the villages of Carcerem, a vengeful king on his way to battle.

“To Slyborn!” my command rang out. “Fight for your freedom, for your families. Avenge those who have fallen. Together, we will be victorious.”

Villagers emerged from their homes as I passed.

Voices were raised, shouts ringing out.

“It’s him, the lost king.”

“The prophecy is true.”

“He’s here to free us.”

Tears spilled. Fists shot into the air. Battle cries rang out.

Those who were able raced for weapons. Inspired mobs rallied in my wake.

My army, with their gaunt bodies, lack of armor, and pitchforks, was nothing compared to the trained soldiers I’d commanded previously.

But what they lacked in skills, they made up for in spirit.

This army would not abandon their king the moment the coins stopped flowing.

Word spread as I finished the tour of my kingdom. In the last village I entered, people lined the streets, awaiting my arrival, cheering as I flew past.

Chaos erupted behind me.

Chaos and rebellion.

Charging ahead, I left the seething villagers behind me. On the horizon, the castle loomed. My stallion’s thundering hooves ate up the distance, exploding against the earth.

As I drew closer, archers scrambled atop the castle walls. With the speed of my attack, I’d caught them unawares. Arrows whistled from the battlements, and I tossed a shield over myself and my steed. Armed foot soldiers raced to greet me. Too late.

I’d barely had any time to practice with my newfound skills, but it didn’t seem to matter. With my gods-given ability, my will became reality. With unpredictable results. Regardless, I didn’t need precision to destroy the false king, so long as he died.

I extended my glowing hand, launching a sharp punch of energy into the massive gates. They blew off their hinges, exploding into pieces. Shouts and screams rent the air. I galloped into the courtyard, hauling back on my reins.

Beneath me, the stallion quivered, stamping his feet. I dismounted and stormed up the walkway to the keep.

Milky-eyed soldiers rushed to form a barrier between me and the entrance. These miserable bastards would not keep me from my goal. Another blast of energy tore through them like a vengeful tornado, throwing broken bodies out of my path.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, I couldn’t help but grin at my success. Where had this power been all my life? It was positively delicious!

Finally, I set my hands on the massive doors. Finding it barred from the inside, I smirked. A small flick of my fingers blasted them inward.

To my surprise, the throne room was packed full of people.

So many they spilled into the aisles, cowering against the walls.

Unlike Idris’s usual audience, those gathered were simple folk.

Instead of silks and jewels, they wore the garments of their trade.

Aprons and dirt crusted boots. Britches with patches on the knees.

They huddled together like sheep in a stockade.

Mothers clutched their children to their bosoms. Their expressions were terrified.

Some stared at two fixed points on the wall.

I followed the direction of their horrified stares.

Suspended against the wall like some kind of macabre pieces of artwork were Drazen and Kronk.

I sucked a breath at the sight of them. Several feet above the ground, they rested spread-eagle with their arms and legs bound by golden bands of energy while their heads hung loose upon their shoulders.

Various wounds decorated their bodies, some seeping blood as though they’d recently been tortured .

Were they…?

No. Both of their chests rose and fell, their breathing pained and shallow. They were unconscious but alive. Thank the gods.

If Runa’s brothers were here, she couldn’t be far. I clenched my teeth, struggling to contain my worry. Where the hell was she?

“Greetings, Brother.”

Idris’s voice claimed my attention. Seated before me on the throne at the base of the sacred arbor was the false king.

Raelynn stood at his side, blackened hand on his shoulder.

Ready to lend him a burst of power should he require it.

I knew all too well what the pair of them were capable of.

It was like standing before a loaded gun.

Still, I didn’t hesitate to stride up the center aisle.

When last I was here, it was as a prisoner. Recently exiled from a world where I never truly belonged. Weakened and manacled. So full of my own importance, I failed to comprehend the danger I faced. Today, I was here, fully aware of who and what I was, as well as my purpose.

The heels of my boots clicked on the cool marble tiles. Once I reached the circle at the foot of Idris’s throne, he held up a hand. “That will do.”

“I believe you are expecting me.”

At my simple greeting, Idris raised a brow. Despite my aggressive entrance, his demeanor remained calm, confident. “You weren’t exactly quiet about your intention to charge the gates. I mean, a white steed and cape? Really? They are so last monarchy.”

I cast a glance at the cowering villagers. “Hiding behind innocents, are we?”

“I merely summoned a handful of my most devoted supporters to help celebrate this auspicious moment. Allow me to introduce to you the inhabitants of White Bridge, Runa’s childhood home. The ones she risked life and limb to protect. Did you know they are the reason she became a thief?”

Flark. If Runa loved these people, I could not risk them.

I masked my concern, saying in a pleasant voice, “And what, pray tell, are we celebrating?”

His lips spread into an approving grin as if he’d been anticipating my question. “Our reunion, of course.” Idris scanned my armored form with an appraising gaze. “You look like him. I see it now. Doesn’t he look like him?” he said to Raelynn.

The queen peered back at me, eyes darting, posture tense. She was unsettled, and rightly so. To defeat Idris, I’d need to separate her from her mate and the sacred arbor.

“Yes, my king,” she agreed, setting her lips into a disapproving line.

I shrugged. “I’m told I take after my mother.”

Idris’s eyes alighted. “Ah, yes. The whore who bore you, my bastard half-brother.”

I furrowed my brow. “Is this the part where we insult each other’s mothers? Apologies, as I am yet unfamiliar with the customs here.”

He smiled in return. “I have to admit, I admire the misplaced confidence that brought you to my door today. Then again, I wouldn’t expect anything less from one of his bastards.

Father was quite brash himself. He believed he could flaunt his whores beneath my mother’s nose and she wouldn’t retaliate. He paid for that miscalculation.”

If Idris thought to rile me, he didn’t succeed.

At the mention of my sire’s death, I felt nothing.

The former king’s failure to keep his affairs in order cost him his life and his throne, leaving his kingdom in disarray.

He’d also neglected to protect my mother and me from his vengeful mate. The male meant little to me.

At my lack of response, Idris stood, pacing with sharp, irritated strides, his veneer of control slipping. “You do understand there is nothing special about you. You’re not a lost king but a discarded wastrel. You don’t actually believe this prophecy nonsense, do you?” He coughed a mocking laugh.

“It doesn’t matter what I think. The people of Carcerem believe it. Believe in me.” Faith was an influential weapon. One I intended to wield.

Idris shook his head, his expression incredulous. “Aren’t you ambitious? Rallying the villagers, pitting them against me. Me . The firstborn son and true king of this kingdom. Do you honestly believe you can steal my throne?”

“Actually, I’m here for your head, but the throne will be a nice bonus.”

At my threat, Idris turned to face me, making patting motions with his hands. “Now. Now. There’s no reason for us to be enemies when we could be allies. In fact, when I heard you were coming, I prepared a gift for you.” He snapped his fingers, emitting a small burst of gold sparks.

Motion at the side of the room snared my attention.

To my horror, it was Runa who strolled into view. My breath caught as I took her in.

She was dressed much as her sister in a flowing gown trimmed with delicate jewels. Her dark hair flowed down her back with intricate braids drawing violet tendrils back from her face. Runa resembled the queen down to the white haze that covered her lavender eyes.

My mate was the false king’s slave.

Rage smoldered deep within my core, destroying my calm.

While studying my reaction, Idris settled into his throne and held out his hand.

As Runa drew beside him, she placed her palm in his.

A palm I knew she’d sooner spit in than touch.

While smirking at me, Idris kissed her blackened fingertips and placed them on his throne.

At the contact, Runa flinched, uttering a pain-filled moan.

The decaying roots that ran beneath the false king’s throne pulsed with a sickening light. Idris’s eyes rolled back, and he quivered before straightening. “Oh, that’s good. Two sisters. Two powerful gifts. United. The seers can burn. This is what fate looks like.”

I tensed to attack, stumbling a step before catching myself. No. Not yet. Stick to the plan.

“Look at you, ready to rip out my jugular. While I, being the generous brother that I am, have a proposition for you. In lieu of some messy battle where you will surely die, I propose a trade. Your mortal world for this one. Now that you’ve regained your strength, you have everything you need to conquer your former kingdom.

Runa will open a portal for you, sending you back where you belong.

Once you’ve conquered that pathetic place, we could become allies.

Together, we could rule both realms. Think of the possibilities.

All you’ve ever desired is yours for the taking. ”

I gritted my teeth, reluctant to ask. “And the sacrifice needed?”

Idris glanced at my mate. “I’ll admit. Runa was Raelynn’s first choice. Sibling rivalry. You understand. However, Runa has already proved to me she can benefit the throne, so I’ve arranged for another to take her place. Rest assured, the woman’s family will reap the benefits.”

Rage coursed through my veins, and I exhaled a long breath to slow my racing heart.

It seemed he’d thought of everything. Almost.

Idris drummed his fingers on the arm of the throne.

“So, what will it be?” he snapped. “I’m offering you your heart’s desire.

A chance to return to your world with gods-like power.

Runa claimed you’re quite mercenary when it comes to achieving your goals.

She assured me you’d accept this deal with little qualms.”

Regret ground my molars together. I’d given her no cause to believe otherwise .

“Tell him!” he ordered Runa, snapping his fingers.

“It’s a generous offer, Victor. There’s no place for you here. We both know you’ve no desire to stay. No reason to stay.”

Though I realized she was under Idris’s control, my mate’s words still stung. I had little doubt these were her thoughts.

Idris grimaced in false sympathy. “Runa resisted at first, but once we’d come to an understanding, she shared many things about you. How was that trip to the temple, by the way? I hear it’s grueling.”

Raelynn shifted restlessly, tapping her thigh. “Enough of this. I’m eager to see this done. Inform the sacrifice that we are ready.”

I scanned the mate I didn’t deserve and never thought I’d find. As it turned out, it was Runa who was the greatest threat to all that I’d achieved in the last thousand years. Not my nemesis, Magister Steele. Not the mortal Council. Not Idris.