Page 5

Shirina

A fter dropping off the dragons and our demon-possessed prisoners, we finally teleported back to my parents’ bedchamber, landing on the outside veranda, the cool northern air billowing my skirts around me and whipping my hair in my face. I inhaled the pungent smells of the sea. The briny air wasn’t as comforting as the woodsy smell of Abyssus, and I already missed our southern home.

Ash quickly crossed over to us, taking Aurora from Drae while mouthing his “thanks” to us. Tari rushed to Ash, pulling Aurora into her arms and plastering her with kisses, despite Aurora’s protests.

“You have welts on your arms!” she said to Aurora.

Aurora tried to hide them from her mother, even as she furiously scratched her raw skin.

Tari smoothed her hands down Aurora’s arms, pale magic coating her skin like a salve.

Aurora giggled when she held up her smooth arms.

Helian stood off to the side, shifting from foot to foot and looking ten shades of awkward while my sister and Ash fawned over Aurora. I empathized with Helian, for I, too, knew what it was like to be part of a family and yet also not.

My mother and Marius sat beside Derrick’s bed, too focused on him to notice that we’d come back. Lady Cassandra, Helian’s mother, seemed to have left as well.

I held tightly to Wolfy’s collar, even though he threatened to pull my arm out of its socket as he barked at Ember, who stood at the threshold to the veranda. Wolfy finally broke free, clomping toward my little niece like a horse. Ember let out an excited squeal before falling on top of the old hound. I cringed, realizing the girls would need the strongest lye in their baths tonight. Giggling, Aurora squirmed out of her mother’s arms and joined her sister in feeding Wolfy meats and cheeses off the buffet. The old hound barked his delight, scarfing down the food without even chewing.

“I remember him.” Tari nudged my side, a smile in her voice. “I didn’t think he could get any scragglier, but he’s proven me wrong.”

It was true. Our poor old hound looked more worn than our leathery soles with the holes in the bottoms of the feet. And he smelled equally bad. I had to breathe through a wheeze when he was near.

“Don’t feed him too much,” Tari admonished the girls when they set a platter of pickled fish on the floor in front of the dog. “He’s not used to so much food.”

She was right. If it wasn’t for his mangy coat of fur, I was certain we would be able to see his rib cage. He was so tall and lean, he appeared in danger of toppling at the slightest breeze.

Our mother crossed over to us with a scowl. “What’s he doing here?”

“You tell me, Mother.” I didn’t bother hiding the accusation in my voice as I leered at her. “Why did you leave him?”

She couldn’t hold my stare for long. “We left him with a nearby farmer.”

It took all my willpower not to activate my siren. “Which farmer?”

She twisted the sash of her gown around a finger, her cheeks coloring. “Old one-eyed Robbie.”

I threw my hands in the air, frustration hammering a nail into my skull. “Everyone knows Robbie eats dogs!”

She rolled her eyes. “An unfounded rumor, though it doesn’t matter, since Wolfy didn’t stay.”

“He probably ran away because the crazy old human tried to eat him,” I scolded.

“He missed us.” Ember’s bottom lip hung down while she rubbed his side. “Poor Wolfy.”

“Careful,” I warned her. “He’s covered in fleas and goddess knows what else.”

Our mother made a gasp of protest.

One of the firemage guards stepped out of the shadows, clearing his throat. “Our queen doesn’t allow mongrels in her castle.”

“Oh, doesn’t she?” Our mother jutted both hands on her hips, her expression defiant. “Too bad. He’s staying.”

Our mother never cared for our hound. Now, suddenly, she was protective of him? No doubt her desire to aggravate her sister outweighed her repulsion to fleas.

Ignoring her scowl, I walked past her and sat beside our father Derrick, taking his warm hand in mine. He still slept, though I saw the slightest movement beneath his eyelids.

“How is he?” I asked Marius as he sat beside me.

“Still sleeping,” Marius answered, “though he’s stirring a little.”

I frowned at the chains binding his wrists, remembering that Helian had even thicker chains when he’d been demon possessed.

Helian stood at the end of the bed, one hand on the hilt of his sword. “Do you think those chains are enough?” I asked him.

He shrugged. “It depends on what demon is inside him.”

That wasn’t reassuring.

Drae stood over us, frowning down at my father. “We should move him to a cell.”

“Absolutely not,” my mother snapped while shoving in front of Drae. “My mate won’t hurt us.” She plopped onto the bed beside me, brushing a strand of hair out of Derrick’s eyes while lovingly smiling down at him.

Helian cleared his throat, his cheeks turning a deep crimson. “Demons can completely take over their host’s body. I should know.”

My mother glared up at Helian, her eyes flaring. “Or maybe you were just weak.”

“Mother!” Tari stomped up to the edge of the bed, wagging a finger at our mother. “Helian is not weak. Don’t underestimate these demons.”

Our mother turned up her chin in challenge. “We will double the guards.”

Helian let out a bitter-sounding laugh. “Do you think a few extra firemages will be able to stop him if he can shift into a dragon or worse?”

Drae crossed his arms, pinning his wings behind him. “He must go into the dungeon, at least until he wakes and we can assess the threat.”

Our mother gasped, a hand clutching her throat. “The dark, cold dungeon, where he can die from fever?”

Tari shook her head. “I’ll heal him if he gets sick.”

“And I’m sure we can find a way to make him comfortable,” I added, then scooted back when my mother turned her angry glare on me.

Hands clenched by her sides, she stood, her stony gaze sweeping the room. “No.”

Tari let out an exasperated sigh. “Mother—”

“I said no!” Mother’s face contorted into several different Fae until returning to her original form. For a moment, I’d thought she’d been demon possessed. But, no, she was a rare shape shifter who could take on any Fae or human form, and she sometimes lost control of her magic when she was upset.

“What are you angry about now, Flora?” a familiar smoky voice drawled from the other end of the room.

Wolfy let out a whimper before diving beneath a table, his tail tucked between his legs. The girls crawled under the table with him, offering him comfort while staring up at their frightening great-aunt.

Mumbling a string of curses, Helian pressed into the curtains at his back.

I tensed, slowly rising while making eye contact with my aunt standing in the threshold.

My mother stiffened beside me. “None of your business.”

“Everything is my business,” Malvolia said as she approached us, a trail of black smoke in her wake, “or have you forgotten I’m queen?” She stopped in front of us, pushing back her cape to reveal a tight black gown with a slit up the side, exposing one shapely leg. There was no mistaking the hunger in her gaze as she eyed Helian.

Averting his gaze, he backed farther into the drapes. Tari’s cheeks flushed crimson as she directed eye daggers at our aunt.

My mother made a spluttering noise, but Malvolia ignored her, giving me a pointed look. “I see you’ve brought the dragons, Shirina.”

I refused to be intimidated by her cold stare. “Yes, and a demon-possessed wyvern and Lady Arabella Viggo, who is also demon possessed.”

She arched a thin brow. “Why didn’t you kill them?”

“Because we’re going to get the demons out of them,” I answered matter-of-factly, as if we were discussing something inane like the supper menu.

Black smoke leached from her fingertips and spilled onto the floor. “Why?”

I motioned toward my twin. “For one, we made a promise that we will not break.” Lifting my chin, I reminded myself my magic was stronger than Malvolia’s, that I was a white witch with the siren’s call. So why did my knees still quake like porridge? “And another, it will be good practice.” I nodded toward Derrick. “Since we also need to expel a demon from our father.”

Malvolia’s features pinched as she kept her focus on me, refusing to look in my mother’s direction. “Now that his injury is healed, he must be moved to the dungeon before he wakes.”

“Derrick stays here,” my mother spat, her voice unwavering as she fixed her twin with a murderous glare.

“No, sister.” Malvolia turned on my mother with a snarl. “I’m no longer accommodating your ridiculous demands, when the safety of my nieces is at stake.”

My mother’s face paled, then turned as red as the lava flowing through the Fallax Islands. “As if you’ve ever cared about them.”

Malvolia wagged a smoky finger in my mother’s face. “Don’t lecture me about caring, after the way you treated your children.”

“How dare you!” She bowed up to her sister, seemingly unfazed by the deadly magic that poured from Malvolia like smoke rising off a cauldron. “I love my children!”

I shared a look with Drae while wondering how much of that love extended to me.

“Enough to change their memories and send them with a demon!” Malvolia waved in my direction. “Enough to accuse Shirina of turning evil!”

Rage flashed in my mother’s eyes and shame colored her cheeks. “The mindspinner tricked me, just as he did you.” She wagged a fist at Malvolia. “The only difference is, you murdered thousands of innocents!”

“You can hurl insults and accusations all you want. It won’t change my mind.” Malvolia crossed her arms, flashing a smug smile. “My servants will see to Derrick’s comfort. He will be kept warm, but from behind reinforced walls.” She snapped her fingers, and four firemages appeared in the doorway. They carried a wide stretcher with straps attached.

My mother backed up, pressing against Derrick’s bed, as if she could stop Malvolia’s mages from taking him. “I’m not parting from my mate.”

Malvolia tossed back her head with a laugh. “Then, by all means, join him. We could all use a reprieve from your sulking.”

The firemages pushed past my mother, unhooking Derrick’s chains from the wall.

“Marius!” My mother spun on her heel, calling out to my hapless father, who looked at her and then my aunt like a gnome caught in a fox’s paws.

Marius visibly swallowed, holding up both hands in a defensive gesture. “My love, we must think of our children, and especially our grandchildren.”

My mother gaped at him as if he’d thrust a blade through her heart before turning to me, her eyes wild with desperation. “Shirina, your father has always kept us safe and warm. Is this how you wish to repay him?”

I felt like a flower wilting beneath the noonday sun when she focused her iron-eyed glare on me. Fearing she’d loathe me if I didn’t agree with her, I almost capitulated to her demands. For a moment, I was a small child again, hoping she’d love me if I was obedient.

Shiri . Drae’s voice echoed in my skull. It’s okay to disagree with her. You don’t need her approval.

I flashed my mate a watery smile. He had no idea what those words meant to me. I cleared my throat, forcing myself to be brave, though I still feared my mother’s reaction. “I-I know my father, and I know this is what he would want too.”

The look she gave me made me want to duck beneath the covers of my father’s bed and never come back out.

“Shiri is right, Mother,” Tari added while squeezing my arm. “Father would never forgive himself if he accidentally hurt us.”

Our mother clutched her heart in an overly dramatic gesture. Then she turned her back on me, spine stiffening. “Fine.” She smoothed her hands down her skirts. “I’ll go to the dungeon with him.”

Malvolia shrugged a shoulder, her mouth hitched in a triumphant grin. “Suit yourself.” Then my aunt beckoned me toward her with the crook of a finger. “Shirina, with the growing threat of demons trying to infiltrate Delfi, I must insist you test my staff and soldiers.”

“Of course, Aunt.” Who was I to refuse her, especially since I didn’t want any more demons sneaking into our midst?

“To the gardens.” Malvolia pulled back her shoulders, protruding her generous cleavage while giving Helian another sly smile. “We’ll check the staff there and then move to the beach like last time.”

“Of course,” I answered. “Tari should come too.”

“We don’t need her.” Malvolia waved Tari away with a sneer. “Your siren should be enough.”

“It’s okay.” Tari’s smile appeared plastered to her face. “We promised the children we’d take them to visit their nursery.”

I squeezed her arm, speaking to her through thought. I’m sorry, sister. Though I wondered why I needed to apologize. It’s not like Tari needed Malvolia’s approval. At least she had our mother’s undying love.

Don’t be. She bared her teeth. I couldn’t care less if our bitch aunt likes me.

I cringed at the way she emphasized “bitch,” and I feared the tension between them would only worsen.

* * *

Shiri

T WO TIMID MAIDS DRESSED me in fighting leathers. They were afraid to cinch my laces too tight, acting as if I’d turn them to dust while sharing nervous glances and refusing to answer when I asked them what had happened to Daminica. I’d much prefer my aunt’s green witch, and my lady-in-waiting, to them. I would have to insist she replace the frightened maids. I only hoped Daminica hadn’t fled to the country, like so many of my aunt’s court.

I’d received a summons from my aunt to meet her along the castle battlements, and Drae’s general sent him a summons too. He flew me to the battlements, where we reluctantly parted ways. I would have to talk to my aunt about separating us. I’d already lost Blaze and Nikkos. It was unfair her general kept calling away my last mate.

The castle servants lined up along the bridge, their knees knocking together, their brows dotted with sweat. Sunlight reflecting off her golden scales, Isa perched on the tallest battlement turret, her long, spiky tail winding around the tower while she snarled down at the servants.

Squinting against the sun’s glare, I caught her eye, then looked over her shoulder in search of her mate and child. Where are Radnor and Triss?

She nodded in the direction of the barrier wall that divided the city of Ventus from monster ocean waves. He’s teaching her how to fish for sharks.

Sharks? Holy Elements! I spied two winged shadows sailing in the distance that could’ve been nearby birds or faraway dragons.

Isa hung over my shoulder, blowing her hot breath down my back as I tested terrified castle servants and soldiers for demons. I was relieved to have found none among their numbers, though I feared it was only a matter of time.

After the servants left, Malvolia beckoned me toward her at the other end of the ramparts. Isa jumped from her perch with a growl. I approached my aunt, the long neck of my dragon’s shadow following closely while she shook the ground beneath me with each step.

You don’t have to follow me everywhere , I projected to Isa, though I appreciated her protectiveness.

Her dark voice rang in my skull. I don’t trust the bitch.

I knew she spoke of my aunt and was afraid my dragon and Malvolia would have a confrontation. Then what? Despite Isa’s size, she was no match for the sorceress queen, who’d taken out an entire army of demon spiders.

Don’t worry. I can handle myself , I said to her.

Isa’s huff of air in response wasn’t reassuring.

My aunt turned up her chin, her polished crown of thorns gleaming in the midday sun. “Is your dragon going to follow you everywhere?” she asked before tossing a sneer in Isa’s direction.

When Isa snarled at Malvolia, smoke pouring from her snout, I knew I’d have to separate them quickly before one of them killed the other.

I turned into my dragon, placing a hand on her warm scales. Go join Radnor and Triss. I’ve got this.

But I don’t trust her , she repeated.

I forced a smile. Neither do I, which is why I’ll be okay.

Have it your way. She jumped from the battlements with a roar and flew off.

Ugh. I’d have to apologize to Isa later, though for what, I wasn’t sure. Dragons were so temperamental. I appreciated that she felt obligated to protect me, but it was safest for me to deal with Malvolia alone. That way, I wouldn’t have to worry about Malvolia turning me and my dragon to dust.

I followed my aunt’s long strides as we walked off the castle grounds and toward the beachy area beneath the shadow of the massive wall, as tall as five dragons, that shielded the city of Thebes from the worst of the northern waves.

It dawned on me that this was my first time alone with Malvolia since I’d deserted her army to save my sister. Her guards and servants followed several paces behind us. I didn’t see any of her coven. At the very least, I’d expected Lady Veronica to join us. None of my aunt’s usual lovers were here, either. She changed lovers every season, which meant her three new lovers should still be hanging around for another few months. What had happened to everyone? Then I remembered Drae’s warning, that Malvolia would be more unhinged without her winged horse familiar, Mortimus. Had my aunt’s depression and rage driven everyone away?

I didn’t say anything as I followed the sorceress queen across the sand, fine particles finding their way inside my socks and slippers, chafing the soles of my feet. Despite the barrier between us and the frigid northern wind, the chill still found a way to burrow beneath my leather tights and gown, making me miss the warmth from my firemage mates as I clung to my cloak. As I wordlessly followed my aunt up the same platform she’d made me stand on almost a month earlier, I took a chance and looked into her eyes, though I saw only iron reflecting back at me. I worried her emotionless eyes mirrored the fathomless pit in her soul.

I cleared my throat, summoning the nerve to speak. “Aunt Malvolia.”

A deep horn sounded around us, and hundreds of Ravini mages took to the sky like an inky geyser bursting from the ground.

She kept her gaze on the mages, her face as taut as a bowstring. “Yes, Shirina?”

“I’d like to offer my condolences on losing Mortimus.” The wheels in my brain spun, and the words poured out of my mouth like vomit. I hoped I sounded sincere, though I was too terrified to gauge my performance. “I know how much he meant to you.”

I tensed, then inwardly berated myself when she didn’t speak. She kept her gaze fixed on the mages as they landed on the beach before us, shaking the ground beneath my feet and spraying us with sand from the heavy beating of their wings. There were about a thousand of them. Her personal army. I recognized a few faces. Drae was among them, though I couldn’t make out his face through the plume of dust. I swiped sweat from my brow, the heat from the firemage army radiating toward me like a solar flare.

I rubbed the grit from my eyes. “If there’s anything I can do—”

“Kill the demons, Shirina.” Her glare turned to molten iron as she faced me. “Every last one. But first, I want you to make them suffer.”

“Aunt?”

“You heard me,” she snapped, thunderstorms brewing in her eyes. “Make them writhe in pain from the blood that boils in their veins. Shatter their bones. Liquify their skin. Make every last one suffer an agonizing death. Even then, it won’t compare to the pain in my heart.” She clutched her chest, her voice turning to a feverish pitch. “To the shattering in my soul every waking minute of every single day.”

I swallowed at that, remembering my sister’s mate was once demon possessed. And though the demon had control of his body, Helian had still felt pain. Her personal army stood at attention after forming several symmetrical square formations. Dressed in their fighting leathers, they tucked their wings behind their broad backs, not a feather out of place, their gazes lovingly fixed on their queen. No doubt they dreamed of gaining her favor and becoming her next seasonal lovers. And she wanted me to torture and kill any of them who were demon possessed.

“Aunt.” I tried hard to keep my tone neutral, though an edge of panic slipped into my voice. “These demons are living in Fae bodies.”

She arched a thin brow. “So?”

“So if I torture the demon, I’m torturing the Fae too,” I argued. “Besides, once we figure out the spell for expelling demons, I can save the Fae they have possessed.”

She made a snort of disgust. “And we are doing that for your father and for your sister’s pet prisoners, but these Fae are just common soldiers.”

Pet prisoners? Enso and Lady Arabella? Why were their lives more valuable than the lives of these Ravini soldiers? Common or not, they were loyal to their queen. Didn’t that mean anything to Malvolia? My mates were Malvolia’s soldiers too. Would she order their execution if she suspected they were demon touched?

“A-and they don’t deserve to be saved?” I stammered, shocked by her callousness.

“How many dungeons do you think I have?” She cocked her head, glaring at me as if I was an errant child. “Cell space is limited after Helian’s dragon destroyed my tower.”

I refused to back down. “I think we should find the room and try to save them.”

Her lips twisted, as if she’d eaten rancid food. “I didn’t ask what you thought.”

“I know you didn’t,” I said, forcing a note of calm into my voice, “but we will need as many soldiers as possible when the demon army invades.”

“Your heart is too soft, Shirina.” She shook her head while looking me up and down like I carried the plague. “You must harden it if you are to rule Delfi when I’m gone.”

The breath expelled from my lungs. Had Malvolia just named me her heir? “I’m not going to rule Delfi, and you’re not going anywhere.”

“You are my heir, niece.” She averted her gaze, narrowing her eyes as her soldiers patiently waited. “And losing Mortimus has reminded me that my own demise looms near.”

“Aunt, no offense,” I blurted, “but I don’t want to be your heir.” I hated it here. Abyssus was my home, and no way could I spend the rest of my life navigating court politics. I’d lose my mind. Besides, how could my aunt expect me to inherit her throne after all the animosity and heartache coveting it had caused our family?

Her nostrils flared as she spun on me, ink rings spreading from her eyes. “I didn’t ask what you wanted.”

I pulled back my shoulders, refusing to let her bully me. “After this war, my mates and I are returning to Abyssus.”

The ink rings retreated, and she waved me away as if she was shooing a fly. “I’m sure you can spare one mate to rule Abyssus, but your place is in Thebes by my side.”

My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. No. No. No. “Aunt—"

“Do you think your feather-brained mother could rule a country?” she interrupted, her nostrils flaring. “And your sister will be queen of Caldaria, which leaves only you. I never wanted to rule Delfi, either, but the wicked mage, Djall, made that choice for me when I was just fifteen. You at least have mates who will help you. I had only my flighty sister, who was too busy chasing after suitors to help me.” She waved toward the crowd of awaiting mages. “Now, call forth the demons.”

I swallowed back a lump of apprehension while facing the crowd. I managed a wobbly smile for Drae, who stood at the head of the crowd, clearly visible after the dust had settled, his dark hair slicked back in a queue, a glint of steel in his eyes.

Everything okay? he projected to me.

Terror solidified my veins. She’s making me her heir.

Oh , was his response, his voice deflating. He sounded as disappointed as I felt. What did you say?

I tried to reject it , I answered, but she insisted.

“Call them, Shirina!” I gave a start at my aunt’s screech in my ear, which sounded like a dragon in heat.

Focusing on the firemages, I swallowed back my fear while calling forth my siren. Magic flooded my veins and swelled my chest. “Firemages!” My inner siren took over my voice and made it reverberate like a clap of thunder. “Come to the front of the line if you are demon possessed!”

My knees wobbled in relief when no mages came forward. At least her personal army was safe, but Malvolia had nine thousand other mages who had yet to be tested.

I looked at my aunt’s hard features, disappointed when I saw no relief reflected in her eyes, only that familiar coldness as a horn blew again and they dispersed, displacing the air around me and giving me a break from the sweltering heat. I was relieved when Drae didn’t go with them. Instead, he flew to our platform, winking at me before taking a position opposite Malvolia and behind me.

I reached toward him, pleased when he laced his warm fingers through mine. Magic raced through my veins. His touch always refilled my magical well.

A horn sounded again, and a battalion of about three thousand mages took to the air, exploding from somewhere in the center of the city like a kicked hornet’s nest. This time, Drae shielded me from the spray of sand with his wings, while Malvolia made a temporary curse chamber just for herself.

This battalion was much bigger than the first one, made up of mages who hadn’t made the cut to be in Malvolia’s personal army. Many were youthful, with eager looks in their eyes, though they weren’t as tall and muscular as those in her personal army. I wasn’t surprised, since Malvolia selected her seasonal lovers from her best mages.

Drae rubbed warmth into my hand, infusing me with more magic, and at Malvolia’s signal, I again commanded demons to reveal themselves.

My heart just about fell out of my chest when two firemages rushed toward us.

“On your knees, demons, and hold your fire!” I yelled, my siren voice slicing through the air like a blade.

The other firemages broke formation, forming an angry mob as they circled the demons, flames sprouting from their hands.

Malvolia jumped from the dais, stalking toward the mages. Drae tugged my hand, and we followed.

Black smoke exploded from Malvolia’s fingers. “Out of my way!”

The crowd parted, dousing their fires as we walked through them. I swallowed a knot of panic when the mages closed in around us, pressing on each other to get a closer look.

The demon-possessed Fae struggled, as if they were tied up with invisible bindings, their hands on their legs like they were trying to get them to work. It was no use. My siren magic was too powerful. Red flashed in their eyes, and they hissed like snakes when we approached.

I sucked in a gasp when I noticed these Fae closely resembled my mates. One was like Nikkos, with long, dark hair, pouty lips, and a youthful face. The other mage looked like Blaze, with tousled, shorter hair, concaved cheeks, and a feral smile. It was no coincidence they looked like my mates. The demons had personally selected them to send me a message.

Do you notice their familiarities? I projected to Drae.

Yeah , he answered. I see it.

These demon-possessed Fae could’ve been distant cousins to my mates. I hoped not. It would only make me feel worse for what I was about to do.

“Torture them!” Malvolia screeched. “Make them suffer!”

I cringed when the mages trembled, for I knew the Fae were somewhere inside their bodies, begging to be released.

“Don’t you want me to question them first?” I asked my aunt.

Her upper lip pulled back in a sneer. “Make it quick.”

“Why did the mistress send you?” I asked the demons, knowing full well the demon mistress who had kidnapped my nieces had sent them here.

“To infiltrate your army and turn them all to demons,” they answered in unison, their words coming out like searing arrows of fire as blood dripped from their noses.

“How are you infiltrating the army?” I demanded, my siren echoing through the crowd like a gong.

“Ssssexxx and blood,” they hissed.

We already knew that, but I was hoping for more insight into stopping them.

“How do we stop you from infiltrating our army?” I commanded.

They answered with gurgles as blood poured from their throats and eyes.

Just great. Any moment and they’d explode. I certainly didn’t want to risk possession, with their blood getting on me or any of the other mages, though I suspected the blood would have to go into our mouths or through an open wound for demons to possess us.

“Back away, mages!” I commanded to the army as they pressed in closer.

They obeyed, moving as one and widening the gap around us.

“Punish them, Shirina! Make them suffer!” Malvolia looked like a volcano about to burst, her cheeks flaming red as she jutted a finger toward the demon mages.

I stepped back, taking Drae with me. “We can’t get their blood on us, Aunt.”

Malvolia released a roar that sounded like a dying dragon and struck both mages with tendrils of black smoke. The demons gagged, scratching at their necks when the smoke looped around them like nooses.

“Aunt!” I pleaded, thinking of the hapless mages who looked like my mates suffering at her hands. “They have Fae inside them! Please show them mercy!”

The audible snap of their necks filled my brain like a giant’s fist slamming into a wall. Both mages toppled to the ground, their lifeless eyes staring up at the sky before Malvolia turned them both to dust.

Malvolia spun on me with a sneer. “Harden your heart, niece, or you’ll be next.”

Drae pulled me to his side, wrapping a wing around me as I resisted the urge to clutch my throat.

Next to be demon possessed or next to be turned to ash by her? I asked him.

Probably both, he answered.

That’s what I feared.

Hands curled into claws, Malvolia faced her army. “Listen to me, soldiers. Demons can take possession of your body through blood and through sex. Remember to practice abstinence until every last demon has been eradicated.”

Wait a minute—had my horny aunt just ordered her entire army to practice abstinence?

“Trust no one,” she continued. “Not your friends. Not your family. Understood?”

“Yes, my queen,” they answered in unison.

“Good!” She jutted a finger toward them. “Because if I learn that any of you are having sex, I will personally turn you to ash.”

* * *

Tari

I PACED THE FLOOR, chewing my nails to the quick while waiting for my sister to return. We had so many things to do, starting with questioning the girls about their time with the demons. We also had to find that book, so we could learn how to banish demons to hell without killing their hosts.

My mother and Marius had moved out, choosing to reside in the dungeon with Derrick. I wasn’t sure where Ash, Helian, the girls, and I were supposed to sleep tonight. Wherever the servants put us, I’d have to sleep with one eye open, in case my aunt snuck in and turned me to ash, seduced Helian, or both.

Cassandra had joined us again, mostly to spend time with the girls. I was happy to see she and Helian had formed a sort of truce, though my mate still needed to make amends with his mother. Cassandra sat with the children on the balcony, watching with interest while they tried to get Wolfy to play fetch. The hound wanted to curl up in the sun after coming from a steaming bath that had done little to get rid of the stench, a smell that reminded me too much of demon decay. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought our dog was possessed. But no. I would’ve seen a dark aura around him and red in his eyes, and even in the sunlight, his eyes were the same deep brown. And what demon would want to possess a mangy old hound with one foot already in the grave?

I was being paranoid, but I couldn’t help it. This place had me on edge, starting with the bitch queen who ruled here. I couldn’t believe the audacity of my aunt to blatantly flirt with my mate in front of me. Was she truly that much of a whore, or was she just trying to provoke me? And to what end? She’d already made it clear she didn’t like me, though I’d never done anything to her. Then again, Shiri and I hadn’t done anything to provoke Malvolia when we’d been in our mother’s womb, but that hadn’t stopped the bitch queen from issuing a warrant for our deaths. I worried that my sister seemed eager to appease our aunt. I hoped she saw through Malvolia’s deceptive smoke and realized that she was still an evil bitch.

After hours away, my sister and Drae finally returned to us, landing softly on the balcony. Drae carried Shiri as she rested her head against his chest. She looked exhausted, with heavy circles under her eyes. What had Malvolia done to her? Drae tucked his wings behind him and quickly crossed over to the sitting room, laying Shiri on a sofa.

I sat beside my sister, taking her hand as she lay back with a groan.

Drae helped her sit up, placing pillows behind her back, and then handed her a goblet of juice.

She thanked him with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. After downing several sips, she handed the goblet back to him and turned to me. “Our mother and fathers?”

“In a dungeon below the castle,” I answered.

She nodded her understanding. “Did Derrick wake?”

“Not that I’m aware.” I gave her a long look. “How did it go with Malvolia?”

A hush fell about the room as Ash and Helian hovered nearby, their features frozen, as if they were afraid Malvolia would materialize if they uttered a sound.

“She refused to save the possessed firemages.” Shiri’s features fell, and I could feel depression and desperation pulsing off her as she spoke in an urgent whisper. “She turned them to dust, and then she told her entire army that they must practice abstinence, or she’d kill them.”

“Holy Elements,” Ash blurted. “She’s definitely lost her mind.”

I placed a finger to my lips, and Ash mouthed a silent apology. There were no servants in our rooms, but they were always popping in unannounced. And then there were the castle guards that flew suspiciously close to our balcony, plus at least two more stationed in the garden below. No doubt they were reporting all they heard and saw to the bitch queen.

Helian glanced over his shoulder as though the queen would creep out of the shadows behind him. He turned back toward us, the color having drained from his face. “Do you think the abstinence law applies to us?”

I pulled back my shoulders, a steaming kettle of anger threatening to split open my skull. “I dare her to try.”

“I don’t,” Helian said darkly. “We don’t want to cross her.”

“Is Malvolia practicing abstinence?” Ash asked.

“It appears so.” Shiri glared sideways at Helian. “Though I’m sure she’d make an exception for him.”

I couldn’t contain the bitterness in my voice. “No doubt she would.”

Helian jumped to his feet, his ashen cheeks turning crimson. “I’d rather swallow my sword.”

“It won’t come to that,” I said, summoning a confidence I didn’t feel. “The bitch knows better than to cross me.”

“I’m afraid she’s lost her reason since Mortimus died.” Shiri squeezed my hand, her eyes flaring with fear. “Be cautious around her, sister.”

“I will.”

Why were we still here? Perhaps we should return to the Fallax Islands, far away from both demons and Malvolia. But the demons had reached my daughters there. Was nowhere safe for us? The only way we’d be safe again was if we sent the demons back to hell, but first, I’d need to discover their weaknesses.

I jumped from the sofa and smoothed out my skirts. “We need to question the girls about their captivity,” I said to my twin, “but I wanted to wait until you returned.”

She sat up with a grimace. “Good idea.”

I walked to the edge of the room, watching the girls from behind the sheer curtain. Cassandra was giving directions to servants that walked up the balcony stairs carrying platters of tarts and tea. Aurora was still trying to coax Wolfy to fetch a stick, but Ember was in the corner, talking to a tall plant. My child was talking to a plant? That couldn’t be right.

“I don’t believe you.” She wagged a finger up at the top of the foliage. “You’re just being jealous.”

I stepped aside as the servants walked past me and placed the platters on a buffet by the fireplace. Ash immediately attacked the food like it was his last meal. Hopefully not.

“Ember, Aurora, come here, please.” I held my arms open, smiling when both children ran to me. I knelt in front of them, my nose wrinkling at the smell radiating off their clothes. I’d already bathed them after they’d helped the servants wash Wolfy, and they needed another bath. Whatever the hound had rolled in was still clinging to his fur. We would need stronger lye and oils to combat it.

I cupped Ember’s soft cheek. “Who were you talking to, darling?”

She shrugged. “My friends.”

Of course. The ghosts. I was still getting used to the idea that my child was a spirit talker. “Oh? What were they saying?”

She bit her bottom lip, her cheeks flushing. “Nonsense.”

“Nonsense?”

I wasn’t reassured when she looked away. “They were making up stories.”

“Darlings,” Cassandra called from the doorway. “Come eat some tarts with Grandma.”

I took the girls’ hands and stood, walking with them to the bathing room, where Cassandra and Shiri helped me change their frocks and thoroughly wash their hands. Then we sat at a table beside the fireplace that had enough places for all of us, plus three empty seats, no doubt for our parents who wouldn’t be joining us.

When my sister turned to me, expectant, I projected to her. Let them finish eating.

So we ate in silence, though Helian barely touched his food.

What’s wrong? I asked him.

I hate it here , he responded while crumbling tart crumbs between his fingers.

My heart ached at seeing him so uncomfortable, and I resented my aunt even more, because I knew her flirtations made him uneasy. Me too.

After we finished lunch, Shiri and I washed the girls’ hands and faces, then took them to the sitting room. Ash, Helian, and Drae stood casually by the hearth, murmuring to each other while casting furtive glances in our direction. Cassandra sat alone at the dining table, sipping tea while eyeing us over the rim of her cup.

Do you need my help? Ash projected to me, his deep wolf’s rumble echoing in my skull.

I’ll let you know , I answered. I don’t want too many of us overwhelming them.

The plaits I’d made in Ember’s hair were already coming loose, so my more competent sister brushed and braided her hair on the sofa. I reminded myself I was still learning how to be a mother, while Shiri had been doing it for the past four years.

I combed Aurora’s much shorter hair while she wriggled in my lap. Luckily, it only took a few swipes of my brush. She wouldn’t sit still for much more than that. After I released her, she slid off my lap and played with her toy dragons on the fur rug in front of the hearth.

“Can we talk about your time with the bad demon?” Shiri asked casually while tying ribbons at the bottom of Ember’s braids.

Ember pouted. “I don’t want to talk about her.”

“But, darling,” I pleaded, “we need to know everything, so we can make sure she never tries to harm you again.”

“Megaera is the mistress of all the demons and very powerful,” Aurora said softly while continuing to play.

I scooted off the sofa and sat beside her, smoothing my fingers across the soft fur rug. “Tell me more.”

She paused her toy dragon mid-flight to look at me. “She was the demon witch with three eyes and ugly hands.”

“A lamatsu.” Shiri sat beside me. “I remember from Malvolia’s book of demons.”

“She is the sister to the demon inside Arabella,” Ember said as she crawled into my lap while dragging her doll.

I wrapped my arms around my child, cherishing having her so close. My children acted more feline than wolf, choosing when to snuggle me and then pushing away when they’d had enough. “Does she care for her sister?”

Ember vehemently nodded.

Shiri and I shared a look.

Interesting , my sister projected to me. Now we have leverage.

Did I want to use the demon inside Arabella as leverage? That would put Arabella in the crossfire too. Though I loathed the bitch, I also owed her a life debt after she’d saved my children.

Aurora crawled over to me and made her dragon land on my knee. “We saw Thorin there too.”

“The mindspinner?” Shiri blurted.

Ember blinked up at me. “The old mage who was looking for Yaya.”

“He’s her prisoner?” I asked. After watching him being abducted by demon spiders, I doubted he was an honored guest.

Aurora sat in my lap, too, clinging to me as if she had seen a ghost. “The demon witch took his eyes and tongue.”

When both girls shuddered, I clung to them. “My poor darlings,” I whispered while rocking them in my arms. I feared they’d have nightmares for years after what they’d endured.

And the demon cut out Thorin’s eyes and tongue! A tremor rolled through me. Though I resented and loathed the mindspinner for everything he’d done to my family and the Fae, a blade of pity pierced my heart. I clutched my chest, my breaths coming in shallow gasps. If Megaera could so easily pluck out the old mage’s eyes and tongue, there was no telling what she would’ve done to my children.

Ash sat beside us, and Aurora crawled into his lap, burying her face against his chest.

This is too much for them , I projected to him, knowing my sister could hear our telepathic conversation.

The wolf flashed in his eyes. I know, but we need to prepare.

“Megaera is going to use Thorin’s powers for herself,” Shiri said aloud.

Drae cleared his throat and ruffled his wings. “If you thought Thorin’s mindspinning was dangerous before, I fear his power will be far more lethal in her hands.”

Ash stroked Aurora’s hair. “What other magic does she have?”

She pulled back long enough to peer up at him, her silvery blue eyes matching his while she bared her sharp canines. “All the magic.”

Dread iced over my veins. How would we be able to defeat her?

“What spell did she use to capture you?” Shiri asked.

Aurora spun in Ash’s lap, sharing a look with her sister before answering. “We don’t know.” She wiped moisture from her eyes with the backs of her hands. “We were hugging Triss, and then we were falling through a dark hole.”

Cassandra knelt beside Ash, dabbing Aurora’s eyes with a handkerchief while smiling lovingly at her grandchild.

“Cassandra,” I asked her, “does Gadea know?”

“I’m sorry.” She frowned while pocketing her handkerchief. “She doesn’t.”

“You and Tari will need to drink the retinea tea,” Drae said while leveling Shiri with a dark look. “We can’t risk this demon changing your memories.”

Shiri answered him with a scowl. “I’m not drinking it.”

“Retinea tea?” Cassandra asked as she sat on the sofa behind us.

“It protects our memories,” Shiri answered, “though it slows our magic.”

She leaned forward, eyeing us with curiosity. “Where did you hear about this tea?”

“The satyrs on the Fallax Islands use it,” I answered.

She jerked back, as if she’d been slapped. “The Fallax Islands have satyrs?”

Shiri grunted when Ember crawled out of her lap and climbed onto the sofa beside Cassandra.

“They’ve been living there since the time of Maiadra,” Shiri answered as Drae helped her stand. “Didn’t you see them when you had the vision of Finn?”

Cassandra shook her head. “I saw only Finn and a Ravini mage with him. The satyrs must have wards to hide them, similar to the ones the demons are using.” She took Ember in her arms, kissing the top of her head. “Tell me more about the tea. How can you be sure it works?”

“My memories came back after I drank it.” I shuddered when recalling the nightmarish two years I’d spent dodging Thorin’s advances while believing him to be my father.

Cassandra rubbed Ember’s back while my child went limp in her arms. “But it slows your magic?”

“Yes,” I said. “It takes a few extra seconds to manifest.”

Shiri’s lips twisted. “Those seconds could mean the difference between life and death.”

“We can’t risk having our memories altered.” I gave my sister a warning look. “Believe me, you don’t want to go through the nightmare I suffered.”

Helian paced the floor in front of us, his hand on the hilt of his sword. “I don’t think it’s wise for you both to drink it. At least one of you should be able to instantly access your magic.”

Shiri threw her hands in the air. “That’s what I’ve been saying.”

“It helps with morning sickness, too, so I should drink it.” It made sense, since I’d already been drinking it, though it made me more susceptible to Malvolia, should she try to kill me—a very real possibility, given the state of her mind.

Helian stopped pacing long enough to say to me, “Shiri can use her siren to stop the demons. Then you can turn them to ash after your magic comes in.”

I shared a worried look with my sister. “It could work.”

Ash let out a low wolf’s growl. “If the demon mistress doesn’t wipe Shiri’s memories first.”