Page 41

Arianna

Arianna stood in an underground colosseum. It was the only way she could think to describe the large circular space with a high ceiling and rows upon rows of stone benches that lined the area above.

Before her, nearly a dozen of the creatures she’d just escaped were chained to the back wall with short leashes and thick collars holding them in place. Five Fae stood evenly disbursed between them, just out of reach of snapping teeth. Their hands were clasped neatly behind their backs and they stood with their shoulders squared as if awaiting instruction.

But it was the Fae male slightly above them that drew her attention. Not Vairik, the one hanging below the self-proclaimed High Lord.

His body hung from the wall, pinned there with swords, knives, a spear, and a thick spike of wood that had been driven straight through his heart.

Lacerations covered his body and shards of glass protruded from every inch of his flesh as if he’d been dragged across a mirror.

Conall.

His heart no longer beat and his body carried a scent that told her he’d been dead for a while. Her mouth gaped. Gods, how long had Vairik tortured him? How long had she been in captivity? Had Conall’s warriors been captured as well? Is that who the beast in the cell been—

Gods. Gods above.

Arianna’s gaze shifted with movement to her left. Her eyes misted when she spotted Talon. He was safe but judging from the blood on his clothes, he’d had his own battle on the way here. Had Vairik’s presence drawn them in as well?

Raevina stood beside him, weapon in hand, her furious gaze locked on the male above. Zylah had Saoirse’s arm draped across her shoulder. She looked like the only thing keeping Saoirse on her feet. Gavin’s face was paler than she’d ever seen it as he stared at Conall’s lifeless form. And beside Gavin—

Arianna’s breath hitched when a triumphant roar echoed down the hall accompanied by the sound of thundering feet. She spun around and her magic wrapped around her body, ready to defend herself no matter how futile. She should have grabbed weapons off the Fae she’d incapacitated. They would have done more than her magic.

A set of thick iron bars slammed down from the top of the open passageway and the creatures rammed right into them, the impact hard enough to shatter bone. They roared again in frustration biting and clawing at the iron. The sounds sent the other ones into a frenzy. They bucked and thrashed against their chains then Vairik’s voice rang out above the chaos.

“Enough.” A violent wind tore through the area. It hit the chained Dark Fae first and the massive creatures whimpered before cowering against the wall. The Fae between them didn’t move, as if they were statues guarding the invisible line separating the beasts from freedom.

The violent air kicked up mounds of dust and hit her so hard she stumbled back. Arianna shielded her eyes with one arm.

The biting air hit the creatures behind the bars next and they quickly backed away, lowering their heads but never taking their eyes off her.

Arianna’s gaze moved back to Talon, then snagged on the other male. His eyes were full of—something. Concern? Relief? His lips were parted and his gaze ran up and down her form as if counting every scrape across her skin.

Her magic jerked toward him, as if—

“Well, my son certainly didn’t do a good job at containing your lot.”

Arianna bared her teeth, but her face quickly fell slack as a lone figure ambled into view from the opening in the wall behind him.

She was dressed differently now, in brown leather instead of the black but her hair was still up in a braid that crowned her head. Arianna’s eyes scanned her little sister’s body. No chains. No marks.

“Ellie.” The name slipped from her like a plea.

Another figure limped behind her, the unmistakable sound of chains rattling with each step. Kirian’s face was haggard, his face hollow and worn. He kept his eyes on the floor until he caught sight of them. Arianna heard his heart jolt.

“Get out of here,” he screamed, his voice hoarse. Neither Ellie nor Vairik reacted. When Arianna didn’t move, Kirian yelled again. “She’s not right, you have to—”

Ellie spun and planted her elbow in Kirian’s solar plexus. The male gasped in pain and doubled over coughing, then sank to his knees on the cold stone balcony.

“How many times have I told you to keep your mouth shut?” Arianna blanched at her sister’s harsh words. Ellie just stood again, her lips curled up as if in disgust. She’d just—was it all an act? Was she being forced to serve Vairik in order to keep Kirian alive?

A wide smile spread across Vairik’s scarred face.

“Evelyn has quite a temper, as I’m sure you’re aware.” His hands wrapped around the railing, one finger tapping it in a slow repetitive motion. “Now what are we going to do with you? Every single one of you escaped, which leads me to believe my warriors are just as incompetent as they’ve always been.” He sighed. “I suppose I should have known better than to leave him in anyone else’s hands. He did escape once after all. It’s my own mistake for assuming it wouldn’t happen again.”

Arianna followed his gaze to the other male in the room. Sweat rolled down his face as he glared at Vairik, those fierce green eyes pinning him in place.

“And you,” Arianna refocused on Vairik when he addressed her. “I suppose you have her spirit. Laoise was always … unpredictable.” He said the words with pride, but Arianna’s magic surged and shot toward him, but it wasn’t Vairik who blocked the attack. Ellie held up one hand and her magic collided with Arianna’s, exploding in the center of the space. Shards of ice rained down over their heads.

The beasts growled as if the magic offended them and backed away. Saliva dripped from their massive teeth and their claws dug into the ground with impatience.

Ellie growled, her gaze darkening as she glared at Arianna. The magic within Arianna hesitated, pacing within her as if it hadn’t expected this outcome.

Was this just another of Vairik’s illusions? Was Ellie really in front of them or was it someone else?

No, this wasn’t an illusion, it couldn’t be. She’d been subjected to various glamours already. She’d felt Vairik in her mind, tearing through it as he pleased. This was real, which meant Ellie needed her help.

Arianna searched her sister’s gaze, hoping to find some hidden plea behind her eyes. Did she want them to run or fight? If they got Kirian to safety would she cease this facade or was there something else holding her back?

But Ellie’s hard stare was unflinching, filled with a darkness Arianna didn’t recognize.

“Let’s not drag this out,” Vairik said. “As you can plainly see, Evelyn is in good hands so be good little experiments and get back in your cages before something happens that you’ll regret.”

Vairik lifted one hand and the five Fae beneath him drew their weapons. Flames and shadows rose to surround Raevina. Ice materialized around Talon. Saoirse, despite her injured state, summoned the plant life from beneath the stone. Wind whipped around Gavin and Zylah. And that male, that strange male summoned the very stone at his feet. It rose up to circle his body, winding around him and her friends.

Earth. There was only one Fae said to be able to use that kind of magic. Only one cursed to wield nothing more than dirt and rock.

Arianna’s heart thundered in her chest, but Talon wasn’t running from him and neither were the others. Had they—she didn’t have time to finish her thought as the Fae rushed forward. More jumped from the balcony above with magic, steel, and iron in their grip.

The creature within her roared and Arianna let it burst free. It was angry, so very angry.

Water shot toward those still falling and wrapped around four, shifting to ice in an instant. They shattered like glass upon hitting the ground. The beasts lunged for any pieces that rolled in their path, crunching the frozen chunks of flesh between their teeth.

Sand and stone shot across the floor and grabbed the legs of six others, crushing them faster than she could blink. They screamed out in pain, grasping at the limbs that would never function again.

She turned her head to him again, studying the male. His gaze drifted her and it almost seemed as if an apology resided there. Their gazes broke as more Fae joined the fray.

Raevina surged forward, melting the skin from bones as she fought, stealing knives and launching them at opponents across the colosseum floor. She shifted into a small bird, diving around another body before shifting back and sinking a blade through his neck.

Talon followed her, hoarfrost coating everything he touched. He grabbed a Fae’s arm and ripped the water from his entire body, rendering him nothing more than a husk before reaching for the next.

Zylah was tracing runes over Saoirse’s leg, over and over again while constantly looking over her shoulder. Saoirse looked ready to explode, but she stood back, using her magic whenever one of the enemy came too close. Gavin stared up at Ellie as if seeing her for the first time, then collected himself and helped Saoirse keep their enemies at bay.

One of the chains broke and the beast charged straight for her. Arianna braced herself, her magic sinking deep into the floor, then deeper, as if it had an alternate agenda.

A rock jutted up suddenly from beneath the beast, impaling it straight through. The creature kicked its feet and howled in pain. Arianna’s gaze met The Demon’s. He nodded to her as if confirming he had her back.

But … why?

More chains broke and each of the Dark Fae focused on a target, almost as if they’d been directed. Fire bubbled in one’s mouth and fear flew through her as she remembered the Dark Fae that’d attacked the village. A brief glance at Vairik told her he was enjoying their distress. But Ellie—Ellie was smiling too.

Kirian had righted himself, but Arianna was forced to look away as she dove to the side, avoiding a stream of molten fire. She cringed from the heat that’d narrowly missed. Earth rose around her body and Arianna rolled, separating herself from the monstrous magic. She glanced up at the male, wondering if he were playing both sides. Or maybe he’d been working for Vairik all along.

Talon hadn’t turned, but he was also focused on Raevina and his own fight with two of the beasts who seemed immune to his magic as well.

The male stared back, his brow furrowed as if confused about her reaction. Then sorrow covered his face. Sorrow? No, that wasn’t right, a creature like him couldn’t experience such a complex emotion.

The Demon’s magic reached for more of the creatures, crushing their bodies in seconds. She did the same, shooting her magic at any that drew too close to her or her companions.

It was chaos. All of it. The Fae fighting, doing Vairik’s bidding. The Dark Fae from legend, breathing fire. The Demon, tearing everything apart as if he were their ally. Her sister enjoying the show at Vairik’s side.

Ellie jumped from the balcony and Arianna watched her sister’s rapid decent. One of the beasts turned on her when she landed and Arianna’s heart jolted. Ellie ducked then slid under the creature’s belly, dragging her blade along the entire length of it. It curled in on itself like a dying spider then thrashed, rolling across the floor in agony. Ellie stood without looking back, her attention fixated on Arianna.

“This is taking too long.”

Vairik didn’t stop her, but he said, “We must learn patience, dear Evelyn.” Ellie gave him a vulgar gesture over her shoulder.

A wicked smile Arianna didn’t recognize covered her sister’s face. Ellie adjusted the grip on her blade, then rushed forward.

Arianna barely had time to react to Ellie’s speed as she ducked around her sister’s blade and danced back. Ellie moved with her, step after step after step. It took every ounce of concentration to keep out of range.

“What are you doing?” Arianna demanded, but her sister leapt, closing the distance. Arianna summon a thickened spear of ice to block the blade aimed at her neck. It slipped off the ice, but Ellie brought it up again with lightning speed. Ellie’s magic zigzagged across the ground before suddenly spreading. Arianna slipped, then Ellie was on top of her, pressing her long knife down on Arianna’s spear of ice. Arianna thickened the blade.

“Submit,” Ellie demanded. “So we can all be free.”

Arianna grit her teeth, pushing against her sibling. “What are you talking about?”

Ellie cocked her head in a way that had a chill sweeping down Arianna’s spine. “Didn’t he explain the new world to you?”

Ellie pushed harder, but Arianna bucked her sister off and rolled to her feet. “What’s the matter with you?” Arianna lowered her voice. “Talon can grab Kirian, we can escape. You’re fr—”

Ellie shot forward, closing the space again, but instead of her sword swiping up, Ellie slammed her head into Arianna’s. Stars shot across her vision, then the ground yawned open between them. Ellie jumped back, as did Arianna, determined not to let that male’s magic catch her within its grip. Talon had warned her to avoid it at all costs.

“Get out of here!” Kirian’s voice rang out again. “You can’t win. He’s too strong. He has Ellie in—”

His air was cut off as Vairik snatched Kirian’s neck and lifted him from the ground. The world paused. Kirian kicked his feet, tugging at Vairik’s hand in vain. Then Vairik threw him over the edge of the railing.

Talon lunged for Kirian, his magic racing across the ground, but one of the creatures snapped their teeth too close to Talon’s arm, breaking his concentration. Talon pivoted around the beast and shot his magic out again.

It slowed Kirian’s fall, but not enough. The half-breed’s leg snapped when it hit the ground, the bone protruding at an awkward angle. Kirian howled from the pain. He braced against it, forcing himself up to meet Arianna’s gaze.

Ellie darted for him, jumping over the creatures and rubble.

“Knock her out,” Kirian bit out through gritted teeth, forcing himself to stand on one leg. “It’s the only way she’ll go. Distance will help and—”

His voice cut off again. Not due to Vairik or the creatures, or the remaining Fae but by Ellie.

Their entire world froze and Arianna’s mouth fell open as she stared at the blade that’d been plunged straight through Kirian’s gut.

Kirian grasped the long knife, staring at it as if he were trapped in a nightmare. He looked up at Ellie next, then Ellie drove it deeper, twisting the blade before yanking it straight up through the male’s torso.

Talon roared, Raevina and the others with him as they fought with renewed vigor, as if they might reach Kirian in time. But Arianna had frozen, staring at her sister and the absolute fury in her eyes.

Kirian’s arm shook as he raised a bloody hand to Ellie’s cheek and smiled at her. “I love you,” he whispered, breath ragged. “And when you wake from this nightmare,” his body jerked, “know I forgive you.”

Kirian leaned forward, as if he might kiss her. His body collapsed, his head hitting her chest instead. Ellie let the blade slip from her hands. Kirian’s body hit the ground, his heart stopping on impact.

Ellie stared at him, unmoving, but a single tear slipped down her cheek. She didn’t even bother wiping it away before she kicked his body into the reach of the Dark Fae.

Arianna watched in horror as the creatures tore Kirian’s limbs apart. She shuddered at the sound of his tearing flesh and clenched her teeth with the noise of crunching bone.

Kirian. Kirian was gone.

Ellie turned away, looking at them as if she hadn’t just killed the only male she’d ever loved.

“Release them all,” Ellie commanded.

The remaining Fae didn’t even bother confirming with Vairik before unlatching the rest of the chains.

Arianna stared at her sister, stared and wondered if this was all just a horrible nightmare. In a minute, she’d wake up and they’d all be back in Levea, surrounded by peaceful waterfalls and familiar faces. Arianna would walk out her door and see Ellie and Kirian hand in hand, laughing with one another as they walked down the estate halls.

Kirian would kiss the back of her sister’s and Ellie would blush before he moved her hair back and told her how beautiful she was. Arianna would find them in the library after lunch, pouring over books and documents that neither should have access too.

Then she’d find them under the waterfalls, resting in the grass as they watched the sun set below the horizon. They’d laugh and lie awake for half the night watching the stars.

The beasts lifted from their finished meal and stood behind Ellie, blood dripping from their stained maws.

Ellie’s eyes were vacant. She was devoid of everything. Everything aside from the strange anger brewing within those blue eyes. An anger that wasn’t her own.

The Demon stepped forward and his voice shook. “And you have the audacity to call me a monster.”

Vairik clicked his tongue. “What a rude thing to call our dear Evelyn.”

Another tear rolled down Ellie’s face, but she only adjusted the grip on her weapon again.

Arianna’s body shook as grief and anger flooded her heart. Tears spilled over, trailing down her cheeks.

She turned toward one of the fallen Fae. Her magic wrapped around the hilt of a blade and Arianna pulled it to her hand.

The iron gate lifted behind her and the creatures burst out, all charging at full speed.

Arianna twisted to face the new enemy, keeping an eye on her sister who looked ready to join the fray.

The Demon’s magic lifted too, then shot toward the beasts, capturing three of them in his grasp.

Arianna felt her magic resist her call as if it were too taunt. She focused on the surge that was still making its way underground, digging past the rock, creating an entrance where there was none.

A Dark Fae jumped past The Demon’s magic. He cursed, but she summoned her own magic and threw a handful of shards at the creature’s face. It howled and stumbled back, scratching its eyes. Arianna ran forward, blade in hand and sank the sword straight into the creature’s foreleg.

It stumbled back again but Arianna’s magic raced for the wound, entering the slit she’d just created. The water moved inside the creature, heating hotter and hotter until the beast’s very blood began to boil.

It fell on its side, thrashing and clawing at itself until Arianna sent her magic straight to its heart and squeezed tight.

The beast fell silent and though snapping teeth and clanging steal still surrounded her, Arianna glanced up at Vairik. Niall stood beside him, watching the events unfold as if they were some sort of entertainment.

The floor rumbled beneath her feet, nearly knocking her off balance. Arianna cursed, then dared a glance toward The Demon, wondering if he were the one responsible. His gaze was locked on Vairik. She’d never seen so much malice from a single person before.

Not allies then. Had Vairik brought The Demon here to experiment on him?

More iron grates lifted, the heavy chains creaking as if they hadn’t been moved in a few human lifetimes. Beasts and Fae trickled in and Arianna’s heart sank.

They were just going to keep coming. She was certain Vairik wouldn’t run out of Dark Fae or warriors anytime soon. Not with how many centuries he’d had to plan everything out. He’d watch them fight until their last breath, then clamp iron around their wrists and do as he pleased.

He’d make Talon watch as he tore Raevina apart. He’d kill Zylah for being a half-breed and Gavin for being a traitor. Saoirse would likely be used as a pawn against Brónach.

Arianna shot a glance toward the hall from where she’d come. If she combined her magic with The Demon’s they might have a chance at escape. Unlikely allies for a time, sure, but they were out of alternatives.

Arianna watched the creatures prowl in, one after another. But it wasn’t just the fire breathing beasts this time. These creatures possessed wings and elongated fangs. Barbed tails and deadly claws.

Ellie merely stood in center of them, uncaring about the danger that lurked right behind her. She was like a puppet on center stage.

Arianna’s gaze flicked back to The Demon. She might be able to rely on his need for survival, but Talon was the only one she could trust to get Ellie out alive.

Knock her out, Kirian had instructed.

She gritted her teeth, ready for the fight, but something below her was building, draining her energy against her will as magic kept pouring from her body.

Then the colosseum floor split in two.