Page 61 of The Malice of Moons and Mages (The Broken Bonds of Magic #1)

Sixty-One

Traq

T raq exchanged confused glances with Durin and Liasa as the Moon council members toppled to the floor. The room morphed into chilled chaos that pulled the Starlings away from their position along the back wall. The shiver that worked down Traq’s spine had nothing to do with the frigid atmosphere.

Well-dressed people knocked each other down in a panicked rush toward the doors. Soldiers sped toward the dais, but it was impossible to differentiate who was who. When the first council member fell, Xiang raced away from Traq and Liasa before they could question. The general slid through the scrambling attendants, cutting down those in his path with a terrifying focus.

The remaining Moon mages brought weakened gray or silver light to their hands. They’d still be vulnerable until the eclipse passed completely. Wren’s orders to her people had been absolute: no casting unless they were out of other options. A hint of gold would give the Moon tribes a common enemy, and there were powerful mages in the crowd just waiting for their magic to return. Only when they reached the dais should they consider casting to capture Audra .

Traq shoved through the throng, hauling people from the floor before they were trampled, while keeping his eyes on Audra. Donned in midnight robes with her face painted, Traq hadn’t recognized her at first. It was the way she moved that gave her away.

The reddish hue that encapsulated the throne was slowly transitioning to blue. Audra stood before the Oji, blocking him from view while she glared at the remaining council member. The small blade in her hand caught the light. But the tall woman who approached her looked unconcerned.

“Audra!” He called her name again, but he was too far away. Even if the mage lacked full strength, Audra was no match for a ten star. One touch would kill her, and Jayna said not even the bloodstone could prevent a siphoning.

He drew his sword and muscled through the crowd, ducking blades and fists of those still cast in shadow. It was impossible to tell enemies from allies but, other than their own soldiers, it didn’t matter. If they could capture Audra or incapacitate the Oji, they’d have enough leverage for when the Oja arrived.

“Traq!” Wren gripped his shoulder, holding him back. Her hood had fallen, darkened braid dangling over her shoulder. She panted, breath visible between them. “She doesn’t have it.”

“What?”

“They moved her before we could get to her.” She sucked in a breath as she shoved something hard into his hands. “Found this in Audra’s rooms.” Wren shouted over the escalating noise. “She’s not wearing the bloodstone.”

The rock was cold and flat. He looped the cord around his wrist and met her gaze.

“Go,” she said.

“Wren, I?—”

“Go! Before it’s too late.” She pointed at the dais.

Traq caught her arm. He kissed her.

Wren shoved him back. “Now? After everything? You’ve the absolute worst timing.”

“I didn’t want you to think?—”

“Go. That’s an order, Tresa. I’ll be right behind you. ”

Traq shouldered his way toward the dais. Song was nearly free of the eclipse. Silence would follow soon after. Then the Moon mages would have their power back, including the man still slumped on his dark throne.

Audra yelled at the council member, but her words were lost. The taller woman was more ornately dressed than the other mages were. She remained calm, holding her hands up in supplication as she approached the throne.

Xiang’s blade swung viciously through the air as he neared the platform. Though his expression was placid, his assault was nightmarish. Each hit connected with either block or blood. Every determined step carried him through those in his path. Audra and the Oji would die when Xiang reached them. And Traq was too far away to stop it.