Page 21
Shiri
T hankfully, my aunt wasn’t in her bathtub this time. I didn’t want Blaze to see her “toy” collection or, Goddess forbid, her playing with one of her penises. My aunt was so depraved, I wouldn’t put it past her, especially since Helian was gone. If she thought to direct her advances on Blaze, I wouldn’t hesitate to turn her to ash.
A servant brought us through her sitting room, which had been cleaned of all dirty dishes and clutter, and to her garden area. She’d doubled the guard, and more clusters of firemages flew above us, warming the air with their flames while practicing aerial battles.
Malvolia was sitting by a pretty fountain with colorful fish in the pond below. She wore a modest black dress that actually fell to her ankles and a matching black robe. Her crown of thorns was missing, and she wore no face paints. Odd.
Though I refused to show my aunt any deference, Blaze bowed when we approached. “Your Highness.”
Ignoring him, she gave me a pointed look. “Where have you been?”
I stiffened under the weight of her stare. “Waiting for Tari to return with my mates.”
“I see one of them is with you.” She motioned toward Blaze. “Where’s the other?”
One of them? Grr. She knew their names. I clasped Blaze’s hand. “Yes, Blaze is with me,” I corrected. “Nikkos will be here soon.”
“Good.” She turned her gaze to a cluster of firemages that fought almost directly above us, sparks from their confrontation landing near our feet. Clearing her throat, she looked at me again, her eyes softening. “And your twin?”
I tensed at the mention of Tari. “She and the rest of our family are in Cyrene.” Far away from you , I wanted to add.
She nodded, her lips pressed together in a firm line. “Any news from Caldaria?”
“An evil is spreading across Caldaria.” I smoothed trembling hands down my skirts, afraid that by voicing the news aloud, it became more real. It was a foolish fear. The demons were here, whether I wanted to acknowledge them or not. “They believe demonic spiders are obliterating the villages. Also, the older satyrs remember Thorin attacking them years ago, which means the demon mistress has killed him and taken his powers for herself.”
She stared in the direction of a group of firemages that streaked across the sky like falling comets. “I dreamed about the day Thorin spun my mind, turning me against my sister.” Her voice took on a dreamy air as her eyes glossed over. “I fought him, but it wasn’t enough. I had the chance to kill him when we were younger, but Flora stopped me. She always had a soft heart. It was why she could never be queen.” She let out bitter-sounding laughter, then looked at me as if she was staring into my soul. “Though, I suppose her heart has hardened, hasn’t it?”
I smiled at Blaze when he squeezed my hand. “I suppose it has.”
“Gadea has sent a missive.” She pulled a rolled parchment out of her robe, tossing it onto a nearby bench. “She’s finally rebuilt her mists and has seen some disturbing images.”
“What images?”
“You know how frustrating gray witches are.” Malvolia rolled her eyes. “She says the attacks will come from sky, sea, and land.”
“Did she say how?”
“She cannot see the creatures from the sea.” Standing, she wrapped her arms around herself, reminding me of a vulnerable child. “She only senses a dark presence.”
“And the sky?”
All the air seemed to be sucked from the area as her eyes hardened. “She saw a flying troll in her mists.”
“Trolls can’t fly,” Blaze blurted.
She glared at him as if he was a child who’d spoken out of turn. “This one can, and he has the strength of a dozen dragons.”
I swallowed at that. “And the attack from land?”
She grimaced. “Demon-touched giants and undead humans.”
“Great Goddess.” I was so thankful when Blaze wrapped a wing around my shoulders. Demon-touched giants and undead humans? I thought of that undead taurus who’d been immune to my siren’s call. And demon-touched giants? Would I be able to control them like the giants who’d attacked Nikkos? Or would I need to harness my dark magic to defeat them? I didn’t think I had enough strength to take down a giant army. Then what?
Arms wrapped around herself, Malvolia paced the gravel. “But there’s something else, a demon more powerful than all of them, the one they call The Darkness.”
“Go on.” I had the sickening feeling I knew exactly where to find this demon called The Darkness—inside Drae.
Malvolia stopped pacing. “She cannot tell if he is friend or foe, but he has the powers of a white witch, which explains why the Elements made two white witches. Your sister will need to return.”
I swore under my breath. “She knows, but she can’t battle demons when she’s fighting an enemy within our family too.”
“When Thorin spun my mind, he made me forget not just my memories, but the love I felt for my unborn nieces. Before Thorin’s spell, I would place my hand upon your mother’s belly, feeling you both kick and thinking how much I’d love you as if you were my own children.” She paused, her cheeks flushing crimson. “Seeing you with Ember and Aurora, I know you understand the feeling. Thorin didn’t just change my mind. He poisoned my heart.” She looked away, a single tear sliding down her cheek. “I’m ashamed of how I’ve treated Tarianya and her mate.”
I shared a shocked look with Blaze . Do you believe her? I projected to him through thought.
I do , he answered with a soft smile.
I trusted Blaze’s judgement. So why did I still doubt my aunt’s sincerity? Maybe because I’d been let down by her so many times before. “So you won’t make any more advances on Helian.”
She vehemently shook her head. “I won’t.”
“I will be sure to tell Tari when next I see her.” Not that I had hopes it would do much good. Malvolia had already done too much irreparable damage, and not just to Tari, but to all of Delfi.
“Tell her we need her back.” Malvolia’s voice broke on a plea, reminding me of the girls begging for another sweet tart. “And the dragons and wyverns, if she can rally them.”
“Between Tari and Helian, I have faith they can.” I eyed her suspiciously, wondering if she truly felt remorse for the way she’d behaved with Helian or if she finally realized she needed them to win this war. Either way, I hoped she was sincere.
I gave a start, and Blaze jerked me out of the way with lightning speed when two mages collided midair above us. Then he jumped, catching a mage who spiraled through the air, helping him land with one broken wing. Other mages landed and helped remove the injured mages while apologizing to Malvolia.
“No bother. Carry on.” She waved them away with a flick of the wrist.
Wow. Perhaps she had changed. Or else she was being possessed by a demon with better manners than her.
“Tell them to hurry.” She turned back toward me, her expression grim. “We’ll need the help of every living Fae if we’re to survive the coming war.”
* * *
Blaze
W ELL, THAT WENT BETTER than I expected , I projected to my mate, holding her hand as we left Malvolia’s suite. We walked through the castle’s long hall as firemages practiced their maneuvers outside, their fires reflecting prisms of light through the many tall leaded windows that lined the hall.
Shiri bent her head toward mine, as if the nearby servants and firemages could hear our mental dialogue . I hope she’s being sincere.
I pulled her closer to my side, wrapping a protective wing around her while nodding to two of Malvolia’s guards who passed us. She made advances on Helian?
Oh, you have no idea. I thought she and Tari were going to kill each other.
I gritted my teeth, remembering the coy looks Malvolia had given Helian when we’d first arrived in Thebes. I feared this would happen. I hope she’s sincere in her apology. Though, knowing our queen, I had my doubts.
Me too.
I squeezed her hand. Take me to see Drae.
She stopped, facing me. Okay, but first, you should know something.
The spark of fear in her eyes was enough to make my heart skip a beat. What?
The demon inside him is powerful. Her eyes welled with tears as she averted her gaze. He’s completely taken over.
My world came to a slow halt, the sounds of the war games outside fading into the background as my vision tunneled on my mate. This couldn’t be good. You’re not able to talk to Drae at all?
No , she answered, turning her gaze to the floor. I think the demon inside him is The Darkness, the one Malvolia warned us about.
I felt her depression in the marrow of my bones. For some reason, I got the feeling Shiri blamed herself for this. Cupping her chin, I forced her to look at me. Shiri, none of this is your fault.
She swiped tears from her eyes. I should’ve checked Wolfy.
I squeezed her shoulders. How could you have known? I didn’t even know hounds could become infected.
She shrugged. I should’ve recognized the smell.
We all should have , I said, though it’s too late for regrets. Now we need to concentrate on saving Drae. Tell me about his demon.
His familiar name is Mephis, and he says I won’t be able to learn the siren song. Her chest caved inward as she heaved a shaky breath. That my heart is impure.
I gritted my teeth, knowing that we’d come to the crux of the problem. Shiri had lost faith in herself. He’s lying. He wants you to believe it so he’ll win. No Fae has a purer heart than you.
The hopelessness in her eyes was enough to shatter my heart to dust. He says he will discard Drae’s soul. She looked away again . He may have already.
“Shiri, look at me,” I said aloud, startling her. “He’s lying.”
“I was using my siren voice on him,” she blurted. “I-I don’t think he was lying.”
“Come on.” I squeezed her hand, my wings fluttering as I pulled her down the hall. “We’re going to confront him.”
Did you not hear he’s a white witch, too? Her panicked thought rang in my head like a gong.
I spun on her, my tone softening. “Tari is a white witch. You disabled her with your siren, did you not?”
She frowned, biting her lip. “Well, yes.”
Damn that demon for rattling my mate’s confidence, for making her doubt her amazing and powerful magic. “You are in control, Shiri. You can overpower this demon. You will save Drae.” Cupping her face, I planted the tenderest of kisses on her lips, letting my love infuse her with strength. When I pressed my forehead to hers, she rewarded me with a sigh as she fell against my chest. I rubbed warmth into her back, reminding her that she was no longer alone. “Let’s go show that demon just how powerful you are.”
* * *
Shiri
E VEN THOUGH I WAS GRATEFUL to have Blaze by my side, my stomach churned at the thought of facing Mephis again. I still couldn’t believe my mate was possessed and possibly even lost to me forever.
Blaze held my hand as we navigated the dark stone stairs into the castle dungeon. The farther we descended into the pit, the more my stomach dropped. It felt as if I was walking into my own crypt.
He squeezed my hand, projecting to me. I can feel you trembling, Shiri. Don’t worry. I’m here.
I returned the squeeze. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you.
You would , he answered. You’re stronger than you realize.
I tensed when we reached the bottom step, nearly colliding with my mother, who was coming from the dungeon, an empty food tray in her hands. “Shirina!” Her eyes widened as she glanced from me to Blaze.
Lady Cassandra followed my mother, carrying a large pitcher and a shallow, soapy bowl. I suspected she’d been assisting my parents with taking care of Father Derrick.
“Finn and Nikkos?” Cassandra blurted, the pitcher rattling in her hands.
“Finn was unharmed,” I answered. “Tari is in Cyrene, healing Nikkos.”
Cassandra’s shoulders fell as tears streamed down her face. “Thank the Elements.”
I motioned toward the door behind them, guarded by two stoic firemages. “Blaze and I are here to see Drae.”
“Do you want to try the siren song again?” Cassandra asked.
I shot Blaze a questioning look. “I-I don’t know.”
“We will try on Wolfy again,” Cassandra said. “Now that you have one of your mates with you, I’m confident you’ll succeed.”
I swallowed back a lump of panic, praying I didn’t let everyone down. “Okay.”
“And then you can heal Derrick,” my mother blurted.
Cassandra turned to my mother with a scowl while setting the pitcher and dish at her feet. “Shirina has work to do, Flora. Please don’t disturb her.”
The look my mother gave Cassandra would’ve made a lesser woman cower. “I won’t.” Then she faced me with a frozen smile. “If there’s anything you need, darling, please tell me. I’m here for you.”
Darling? She’d never called me that before. Was it for show, or did she mean it? “I don’t need anything, Mother.” The more I thought about her unexpected use of that endearment, the more I was unable to hide the bitterness in my voice. “Blaze is here now.”
“Very well.” Mother set the tray at her feet and wrung her hands. “Thank you for looking after my daughter,” she said to Blaze.
Blaze gave my mother a funny look while wrapping a wing around my shoulder. “I don’t need to be thanked for loving my mate.”
“Flora, Shirina needs to concentrate.” Cassandra made a shooing motion, as if my mother was a stray dog begging for scraps. “Please give her space.”
My mother spluttered and glared as Cassandra took my arm, leading me toward the door that opened to the hallway of cells. “Better she take her anger out on me,” Cassandra whispered while we waited for the guards to open the door.
“I appreciate it,” I whispered back, not daring to search out my mother behind us. “But I don’t want her taking out her frustrations on you, either.”
Cassandra laughed. “I survived being married to King Fachnan. I can endure anything.”
I swallowed at that. Tari had told me a little about Cassandra’s ordeal as Queen of Caldaria. Her king had tried to kill her for infidelity, despite the fact that he’d been an unfaithful and cruel husband. Yet, she’d escaped his wrath and had built a new life in isolation, not even permitted to see her sons. If she could survive such an ordeal, I could get through this too.
My heart pounded a drum in my ears, picking up tempo as we strode through the long, dark hall toward Drae’s cell. We passed Arabella, who was curled up on a modest bed, staring at the wall with a blank expression. Her hands were still swollen sausages, but she appeared otherwise unchanged. Wolfy was curled up in a pile of straw and whimpered when he saw me. The poor hound must’ve been so confused and frightened. We passed Ash, who gave us a nod of acknowledgement. He was still in a state of limbo, half shifter and half Fae, though his eyes glowed silver, not red. He’d been lucky enough not to be infected by a powerful demon. If only I could say the same for Drae.
I was aware of Cassandra hanging back, refusing to follow us to Mephis’s cell, as if she, too, was terrified of the demon.
The pounding of my heart sounded like a thunderstorm in my ears when we stopped in front of Drae’s cell, or what was left of Drae, anyway. The creature smiling at us was not my mate, and I despised him with the heat of a thousand suns. He hung suspended from short chains against the back wall, his trousers and the floor beneath him stained with piss. No doubt, he couldn’t be trusted with chains long enough to reach the chamber pot. He must’ve stirred up trouble with the guards. I didn’t want Drae to be uncomfortable, too, but the alternative was that his soul was too far gone for him to feel it. I didn’t want that, either.
Blaze kissed the side of my head. I’m here for you , he projected to me.
Thank you, darling. I need you now more than ever. Swallowing back my fear, I lifted my chin, forcing myself to be brave. “Blaze, this is Mephis.”
The demon inside my mate flashed his fangs and rattled his bindings that were embedded with Tau stones to prevent him from shifting or using magic. “Hello, brother.”
“You are not my brother.” Blaze’s voice was as taut as a newly strung bow.
“But we can be if you’d let me.” His smile widened as red flashed in his eyes. “I have all his memories.”
Blaze bared his teeth. “Let me speak to my brother.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Mephis flashed an exaggerated pout. “He’s in hiding and refuses to come out.”
Shiri , Blaze projected to me.
I clenched my fists until nails broke skin. I tried to summon him before, and it didn’t work , I replied through thought.
Try again.
I glared at the demon, refusing to let him intimidate me when his gaze raked over my body as he licked his lips like a starving dragon. “Draevyn Inferni,” I said, my siren voice echoing across the low cell walls. “I command you to speak to me.” My breath hitched as I waited and waited.
I bit my lip, willing back my tears when Drae didn’t answer. Blaze laced his fingers through mine, his touch the only thing preventing me from falling into a pit of despair. I cleared my throat. “Demon known as Mephis, why doesn’t Drae speak to me?”
The flames of hell flashed in his eyes. “He can’t find you. His soul is lost in the abyss.”
Clutching my chest, I cried out when a blade of despair pierced my heart.
Blaze cupped my cheek, forcing me to face him while projecting a thought into my head. Listen to me, Shiri. Your sister brought Helian back from the dead. You will get that demon out of Drae, and she will retrieve his soul. Nod if you understand.
My breath caught at the glint of steel in his eyes, at the confidence he exuded. Blaze’s faith in me was exactly what I needed.
Blaze cupped the back of my neck and kissed the top of my head. “Your days are numbered, demon,” he rumbled while pulling me closer to him.
I tensed when Mephis’s laughter echoed behind me. “Second born. Insignificant Fae. You were always jealous of your older brother. You would love it if he perished. Your mate loves him more.”
With a gasp, I spun around, facing the demon. “How dare—"
Blaze’s laughter startled me. “Nice try, demon. Your mind games don’t work on me.” He smiled down at me, his eyes feral and gleaming as he traced my lower lip with the pad of his thumb. “Let’s go see Wolfy.”
Desire for my assertive mate flooded my veins like molten lava as I got caught in his mesmerizing gaze. “Okay,” I breathed, letting him lead me back down the hall, his warm hand encompassing mine.
Cassandra was waiting for us with a smile. She held the book of demon spells away from her, as if it was infected with the plague.
You know I don’t love Drae more , I said to Blaze through thought. I love all my mates equally.
Shiri, I know. Blaze’s chuckle echoed in my head. The demon was just trying to get under my skin.
I blinked up at him when we stopped in front of Wolfy’s cell. And you didn’t let him.
He shrugged. I survived spy training in Malvolia’s army. This is nothing.
Oh. I felt foolish for letting Mephis rattle me, but I hadn’t been through spy training, whatever that entailed. I couldn’t imagine getting through this without Blaze and thanked the Elements for my amazing mate.
Darling, he won’t win , he added as he tenderly brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. You are a powerful goddess with a pure, loving heart. Don’t listen to that demon.
I melted against him with a sigh when he wrapped his arms and wings around me. Thank you.
He pressed his lips to my temple. I love you.
I love you. I held him tighter. I’m so glad you’re here. A shiver coursed through me at the idea of having to do this alone.
I’m your strength if you need it , he said while rubbing warmth into my back, but you can do this with or without me.
I nodded while clinging to him. I didn’t want to do this without Blaze.
“What’s that smell?” he asked aloud.
I pulled back, laughing at his scrunched face. “Wolfy.”
His wings fluttered as he stepped away from Wolfy’s cell, pulling me with him. “He smells even worse than before, like a week-old corpse.”
I was suddenly hit by a stench so foul, it took all my willpower not to vomit. “I know.”
Blaze plugged his nose while holding my hand. “What do you need from me?”
I plugged my nose too. “Your love.”
“Come here.” His eyes softened as he pulled me into another hug, his feathers tickling my back. “Are you ready?”
I recalled Mephis’s words. I can see the darkness that clings to you like a cloak. I can smell the bitterness that rots your heart. You feel rejected, unworthy, and now that you have no one to love you, you will not learn the song in time to save Faedom.
He was wrong, though. He only said that in hopes that I wouldn’t expel him from Drae’s body, but I would heal my mate—and the rest of my family too. I bade the guard open Wolfy’s cell, and then Blaze led me inside while Cassandra followed close behind.
I knelt beside Wolfy, and Blaze followed while still holding tightly to my hand. My heart twisted when our old hound whimpered, his scraggly tail slapping the hay. I looked up at Cassandra. “The spell?”
“ Vadeo in domum tomun ,” she said.
I reached toward Wolfy, gently resting my hand on a big paw while letting my magic build up in my chest. I squeezed Blaze’s hand as the words flowed from my mouth in a strange melody. “ Vadeo in domum tomun .”
Wolfy let out a keening whimper while struggling to stand, his chains clanking with the movement.
“Keep going.” Blaze squeezed my hand. “It’s working.”
“ Vadeo in domum tomun ,” I sang again, putting more force behind my words as my siren flowed through me, echoing across the walls and shaking the ground beneath my feet. “ Vadeo in domum tomun , vadeo in domum tomun .”
Wolfy flopped onto the ground with a howl, shaking like a fish out of water.
“You’re doing it, Shiri,” Blaze said, excitement ringing in his words.
My siren voice swelled my chest. “ Vadeo in domum tomun , vadeo in domum tomun .”
Wolfy howled so loud, I resisted the urge to shield my ears.
“ Vadeo in domum tomun , vadeo in domum tomun .”
The ground shook like giants were pounding on the walls.
“ Vadeo in domum tomun , vadeo in domum tomun .”
Cassandra cried out, and Blaze jerked me out of the cell when a giant black hole opened where the hearth had been.
I clutched my throat as the hole began to pulsate and move like a fleshy throat, sucking a clawed shadow out of Wolfy before sealing shut with a shudder. The hole disappeared in a flash, and the hearth appeared once more. None of the soot-stained bricks were out of place, and for a moment, I thought the experience had been a dream.
“Great Goddess!” I blurted. “What in Elements’ name was that?”
“The portal to hell,” Cassandra whispered behind me.
I looked at her over my shoulder. She was as pale as a winter’s frost.
A loud canine whimper brought me back to reality. Wolfy was lying on the floor, his tongue lolling to one side as drool pooled around his mouth.
“Guards!” Blaze called over his shoulder. “Summon a healer for the dog.”
Two guards nodded and then bolted as if the flames of hell were at their heels.
I couldn’t control the trembling in my limbs as I slumped against Blaze, my legs feeling like deadweights. I’d done it! I’d driven the demon out of Wolfy. At least, I hoped I had.
Blaze rubbed the tension from my shoulders, whispering in my ear. “I knew you could do it.”
Tears of relief and joy stung my eyes. I turned toward him when he brushed his lips across my temple. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Somehow, I found the strength to trudge back through the cell and kneel beside Wolfy. As I stroked his fur, I noticed most of the awful stench was gone. That meant the demon was gone, too, right?
“It’s okay, boy. Don’t cry.” I turned to Blaze with a plea. “We need to get these chains off him, so he can come back upstairs with us.”
Blaze frowned. “I don’t think that’s a good idea yet.”
“I’d like Gadea to check him for demons,” Cassandra said. “To make sure there’s no evil lurking.”
Wolfy whimpered again, his tail slapping the floor, even though he didn’t have the strength to lift his head.
Tears welled in my eyes. He must’ve been so confused. “I can’t leave him down here all alone.”
“He won’t be alone. He can stay in our cell. We have a warm hearth.”
I peered up at my mother through a sheen of tears as she rested against the cell bars. I didn’t know she’d been standing there.
I wiped my eyes with the backs of my hands. “Really? Thank you.”
She looked away while smoothing the folds of her dress. “I knew you could do it, Shirina.”
Emotion tightened my chest. Was that pride in her voice?
Blaze knelt beside me, draping a protective arm around my shoulder. “Shiri needs to rest before she heals Derrick. She’s used a lot of energy.”
Mother’s eyes flashed with indignation as she glared at Blaze. “Yes, I assumed that.” Her eyes softened as she turned them on me. “I wasn’t trying to pressure you.”
I wasn’t sure I believed her. As fatigue turned my limbs to limp noodles, I cleared my throat. “I’ll attend to Father Derrick this evening after I rest.”
“That would be wonderful.” She flashed a tight smile. “Thank you, darling.”
I don’t know why I flinched when she called me darling . I wasn’t used to her using such endearments.
Blaze took my hand and led me out of the dungeon. Just as we were about to exit, I caught Mephis’s angry glare. His nostrils flared, his chest heaved, and his hands and eyes glowed like hot coals.
“You think you can get rid of me so easily?” He flailed against his chains. “I am a lot more powerful than a dog!”
Blaze laughed out loud. “It wasn’t the dog she expelled. It was the demon in the dog. Your days are numbered, demon.”
I wanted to agree with Blaze, but I couldn’t find my voice as fatigue overpowered me. Blaze swept me into his arms and called to the guards, hauling me upstairs and far away from the dank, depressing dungeon. I welcomed the reprieve, though I knew I’d have to go back and face my nightmares soon.